bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immobilized thermolysin for highly efficient production of low‐molecular‐weight protamine—An attractive cell‐penetrating peptide for macromolecular drug delivery applications
Authors: David Allan E. , Gong Junbo , Chertok Beata , Domszy Roman C. , Moon Cheol , Park Yoon Shin , Wang Nam Sun , Yang Arthur J. , Yang Victor C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMacromolecules present a remarkable potential as future therapeutics. However, their translation into clinical practice has been hampered by an inherently low bioavailability. Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPP) have been recently shown to significantly improve on the bioavailability of macromolecules. Yet, the high cost associated with development and production of these peptides is a major factor hindering their rapid deployment beyond the laboratory. Here, we describe a facile and robust methodology for efficient and large‐scale production of low‐molecular‐weight protamine—a potent CPP of great clinical potential. Our methodology is based on the immobilization of thermolysin, an enzyme catalyzing digestion of native protamine, on chemically surface‐modified gels produced by silica sol–gel chemistry. Thermolysin was immobilized at extremely high matrix loading of 733 mg/g matrix and exhibited good thermal and pH stability, indicating robustness with respect to processing conditions. The mechanical properties of the silica matrix further allowed utilization of the immobilized thermolysin in both batch and packed‐bed reactor systems to produce the LMWP peptide in high yields. Results presented here are of high significance as this efficient and cost‐effective production of high purity LMWP could enable clinical translation of many potential macromolecular drugs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
In vitro differentiation and biocompatibility of mesenchymal stem cells on a novel platelet releasate‐containing injectable composite
Authors: McCanless Jonathan D. , Jennings Lisa K. , Cole Judith A. , Bumgardner Joel D. , Haggard Warren O. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractUnderlying changes in subchondral and cancellous bone precede joint degeneration in spinal discs, knees, hips, and other joints. We hypothesize that an early bone remodeling intervention therapy may alleviate or postpone the later manifestation of joint failure. Utilization of a novel biomaterial for injection deliverability to the underlying subchondral and cancellous bone during the onset of osseous changes, before severe cartilaginous damage, is proposed. In this preliminary study, we introduced novel platelet releasate‐containing alginate/calcium phosphate composites for this intervention therapy and evaluated them in vitro through mesenchymal stem cell biocompatibility and induction of osteochondral differentiation. DNA quantification and gene expression profiles suggested mesenchymal stem cells were directed along an osteochondral differentiation pathway, more specifically, to the immature nonhypertrophic chondrocyte phenotype. These conclusions were based on reduced mitogenic activity, a rapid upregulation followed by suppression of Runx2 transcription factor mRNA, sustained upregulation of Sox9 transcription factor mRNA and the absence of late marker expressions for both mature articular chondrocytes and osteoblasts over the course of 14 days. Initial findings in regard to the use of these materials for bone remodeling were positive and support the execution of future studies evaluating the inflammatory and angiogenic aspects of the materials. In this study, we have considered one of the many aspects of the endochondral ossification process; neovascularization and resorption of bone with an irregular physiology need to be evaluated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
The association between deployment‐related posttraumatic growth among U.S. army soldiers and negative behavioral health conditions
Authors: Gallaway M. Shayne , Millikan Amy M. , Bell Michael R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectives: This study assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of U.S. Army Soldiers using the Post‐Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and the relationship between PTG and negative behavioral health (BH) conditions. Design: A sample of Soldiers with prior combat deployment experience (n = 1,834) completed an anonymous survey including demographics, the PTGI, and negative BH conditions. Results: Among previously deployed Soldiers, those reporting the highest number of combat experiences also reported significantly higher overall PTG. A significant inverse relationship was observed between PTG and recent suicidal ideation, whereby Soldiers reporting recent suicidal ideation reported significantly lower overall PTG. Conclusions: This study quantified PTG resulting from deployment and demonstrated the degree to which combat experiences might result in PTG. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–10, 2011.
Comparing the pulmonary embolism severity index and the prognosis in pulmonary embolism scores as risk stratification tools
Authors: Chan Chee M. , Woods Christian J. , Shorr Andrew F. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Multiple risk stratification scoring systems exist to forecast outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).OBJECTIVE:We evaluated the comparative validity of the PE severity index (PESI) and the prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PREP) scores to predict mortality in acute PE.DESIGN:Retrospective observational cohort study.SETTING:Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.PATIENTS:Consecutive adults (aged >18 years) diagnosed with acute PE.INTERVENTION:The PESI and PREP scores were calculated.MEASUREMENTS:Raw PESI scores were segregated into risk class (I‐V) and then dichotomized into low (I‐II) versus high (III‐V) risk groups; the raw PREP scores were divided into low (0‐7) versus high (>7) risk groups. The primary endpoint was 30‐day and 90‐day mortality. We determined the negative predictive value and computed the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves to compare the ability of these scoring tools.RESULTS:The cohort consisted of 302 subjects. Thirty‐day mortality was 3.0%, and 4.0% died within 90 days. The PESI and the PREP performed similarly (PESI AUROC: 0.858 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.773‐0.943] vs 0.719 [95% CI, 0.563‐0.875] for PREP). Segregating these scores into risk categories did not affect their discriminatory power (AUROC: 0.684 [95% CI, 0.559‐0.810] for PESI and 0.790 [95% CI, 0.679‐0.903] for PREP). The negative predictive value for death of being classified as low risk by the PESI or PREP was 100% and 99%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS:The PREP score performed comparably to the PESI score for identifying PE patients at low risk for short‐term and intermediate‐term mortality. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Inpatient insulin orders: Are patients getting what is prescribed?
Authors: Deal Eli N. , Liu Aiqun , Wise Laura L. , Honick Kathy A. , Tobin Garry S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:In‐hospital insulin administration is associated with many medication errors, but the frequency and reasons for insulin administration errors are poorly described. To document types and frequency of errors related to insulin administration, an examination of 4 units was conducted.METHODS:Using snapshot methodology, 4 non‐intensive care unit (ICU) areas (medicine, cardiology, transplant, and surgery) were examined in an observational, prospective manner for 4 weeks. Each patient on insulin on the first day was followed for 7 days. Definitions and error categories were defined prior to data collection. Error types and numbers were collected and quantified on per‐day or per‐patient basis.RESULTS:A total of 116 patient audit periods covering a total of 378 inpatient hospital days were examined. Inpatient insulin regimens on day 1 included correctional insulin only (51.7% of cases), neutral protamine Hagedorn ([NPH] 12%), and glargine (28.4%). A total of 199 administration errors occurred at a rate of 1.72 errors/patient‐period and 0.53 errors/patient day. Missing documentation of doses (15.5% of all patients) and insulin being held without an order (25% of patients) were the most frequently occurring events. Other errors include transcription (7.5%), timing errors (22.7%), and lack of documentation of physician notification of hypoglycemia (12.6%).CONCLUSIONS:Errors associated with insulin in the hospital are common and reveal a number of system errors that should be addressed. These data provide a foundation for future performance improvement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Development of a pediatric hospitalist sedation service: Training and implementation
Authors: Turmelle Michael , Moscoso Lisa M. , Hamlin Kim P. , Daud Yasmeen N. , Carlson Douglas W. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractOBJECTIVE:There is growing demand for safe and effective procedural sedation in pediatric facilities nationally. Currently, these needs are being met by a variety of providers and sedation techniques, including anesthesiologists, pediatric intensivists, emergency medicine physicians, and pediatric hospitalists. There is currently no consensus regarding the training required by non‐anesthesiologists to provide safe sedation. We will outline the training method developed at St. Louis Children's Hospital.METHODS:In 2003, the Division of Pediatric Anesthesia at St. Louis Children's Hospital approached the Division of Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine as a resource to provide pediatric sedation outside of the operating room. Over the last seven years, Pediatric Hospitalist Sedation services have evolved into a three‐tiered system of sedation providers. The first tier provides sedation services in the emergency unit (EU) and the Center for After Hours Referral for Emergency Services (CARES). The second tier provides sedation throughout the hospital including the EU, CARES, inpatient units, Ambulatory Procedure Center (APC), and Pediatric Acute Wound Service (PAWS); it also provides night/weekend sedation call for urgent needs. The third tier provides sedation in all of the second‐tier locations, as well as utilizing propofol in the APC.RESULTS:This training program has resulted in a successful pediatric hospitalist sedation service. Based on fiscal year 2009 billing data, the division performed 2,471 sedations. We currently have 43 hospitalists providing Tier‐One sedation, 18 Tier‐Two providers, and six Tier‐Three providers.CONCLUSIONS:A pediatric hospitalist sedation service with proper training and oversight can successfully augment sedation provided by anesthesiologists. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Contarini's syndrome: Bilateral pleural effusion, each side from different causes
Authors: Porcel José M. , Civit M. Carmen , Bielsa Silvia , Light Richard W. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBilateral pleural effusions usually have a single causative factor, such as heart failure or malignancy. Contarini's syndrome refers to the occurrence of bilateral pleural fluid accumulation which can be explained by a different cause for each side. Literature search finds, along with 5 new descriptions from our center, totaled 12 cases. A frequent combination is that of a parapneumonic effusion that triggers heart failure, which in turn produces a contralateral transudate. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Regulation by lipocalin‐2 of neuronal cell death, migration, and morphology
Authors: Lee Shinrye , Lee Won‐Ha , Lee Myung‐Shik , Mori Kiyoshi , Suk Kyoungho 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA secreted protein, lipocalin‐2 (LCN2), has been previously shown to regulate a variety of cellular phenotypes such as cell death, migration, and morphology. The role of LCN2, however, appears to be different depending on the cellular context. Here, we investigated how LCN2 influences neuronal phenotypes by using primary cortical neuronal cell cultures and neuroblastoma cell lines as a model. When exposed to LCN2 protein, neurons and neuroblastoma cells were sensitized to cell death evoked by nitric oxide, oxidative stress, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). A forced expression of lcn2 in glia enhanced neuronal cell death in cocultures of glia and neurons, indicating that both exogenous protein addition and endogenous expression of lcn2 give rise to similar results. Iron and BCL2‐interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) protein were involved in LCN2‐induced cell death sensitization, based on the studies using iron donor, chelator, siderophore, and short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‐mediated knockdown of bim expression. Furthermore, cell migration assay and immunofluorescence microscopic observation revealed that LCN2 accelerated neuronal motility and process extension, suggesting multiple roles for LCN2 in the regulation of neuronal cell death, migration, and morphology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A numerical study of the Urban Heat Island over Madrid during the DESIREX (2008) campaign with WRF and an evaluation of simple mitigation strategies
Authors: Salamanca Francisco , Martilli Alberto , Yagüe Carlos 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNowadays, mesoscale meteorological models coupled to Urban Canopy Parameterizations (UCP) can be used to complement and interpret the information gathered from intensive meteorological campaigns on the behaviour of the Urban Boundary Layer (UBL). Moreover, the impact of the air conditioning (AC) systems on the air temperature, the relationships existing between energy consumption (EC) and meteorological conditions, and the evaluation of strategies to mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon can be evaluated using detailed UCP. In this work, a new UCP implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (version V3.2) has been tested over the city of Madrid using two different turbulent parameterisations of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) under atmospheric conditions that were favourable for a large UHI. Two selected days were analysed coinciding with the Dual‐use European Security IR Experiment (DESIREX) campaign that took place in the summer of 2008, and focused on Urban Heat Island (UHI) and Urban Thermography (UT) monitoring and assessment. For the two simulated days (30 June and 1 July) a high UHI intensity (5‐6 °C) was observed and modelled. Numerical results for the surface air temperature and wind speed were compared against measurements showing a global satisfactory performance of the model. Some differences in the air temperature predictions were observed within the two turbulent schemes. Subsequently, the impact of the AC systems and the EC were evaluated for the simulated period. The heat fluxes coming from AC systems were responsible of an increase in the air temperature up to 1.5–2 °C in some dense urban areas. Effects of modifications in the roof albedo and building material properties reduced the total EC by 4.8 and 3.6%, respectively, affecting the intensity of the UHI. When AC systems were not ejecting the heat fluxes out in the atmosphere, the EC was reduced to 2.5%. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Biomechanical properties of the transverse carpal ligament under biaxial strain
Authors: Holmes Michael W.R. , Howarth Samuel J. , Callaghan Jack P. , Keir Peter J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe transverse carpal ligament (TCL) influences carpal stability and carpal tunnel mechanics, yet little is known about its mechanical properties. We investigated the tissue properties of TCLs extracted from eight cadaver arms and divided into six tissue samples from the distal radial, distal middle, distal ulnar, proximal radial, proximal middle, and proximal ulnar regions. The 5% and 15% strains were applied biaxially to each sample at rates of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1%/s. Ligament thickness ranged from 1.22 to 2.90 mm. Samples from the middle of the TCL were thicker proximally than distally (p < 0.013). Tissue location significantly affected elastic modulus (p < 0.001). Modulus was greatest in the proximal radial samples (mean 2.8 MPa), which were 64% and 44% greater than the distal radial and proximal ulnar samples, respectively. Samples from the middle had a modulus that was 20–39% greater in the proximal versus more distal samples. The TCL exhibited different properties within different locations and in particular greater moduli were found near the carpal bone attachments. These properties contribute to the understanding of carpal tunnel mechanics that is critical to understanding disorders of the wrist. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:757–763, 2012
Investigation of factors affecting loosening of ilizarov ring‐wire external fixator systems at the bone‐wire interface
Authors: Donaldson Finn E. , Pankaj Pankaj , Simpson A. Hamish R.W. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe potential for peri‐implant bone yielding and subsequent loosening of Ilizarov ring‐wire external fixation systems was investigated using non‐linear finite element (FE) analyses. A strain‐based plasticity model was employed to simulate bone yielding. FE models also incorporated contact behavior at the wire‐bone interface, orthotropic elasticity, and periosteal‐endosteal variation of bone properties. These simulations were used to determine the extent and location of yielding with change in age‐related bone structure and properties for the bone‐Ilizarov construct at the tibial midshaft. At critical wire‐bone interfaces, the predicted volume of yielded bone with four wires (on either side of the fracture) was ∼40% of that with two wires. Old‐aged cases showed considerably greater bone yielding at the wire‐bone interface than young cases (1.7–2.2 times greater volumes of yielded bone). The volume of yielded bone at all wire‐bone interfaces decreased with an increase in wire pre‐tension. The absence of continuous through‐thickness yielding offers an explanation for the clinical observation that Ilizarov ring‐wire fixation can provide stable fracture fixation even in bone with high porosity. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:726–732, 2012
Graft copolymer composed of cationic backbone and bottle brush‐like side chains as a physically adsorbed coating for protein separation by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhou Dan , Xiang Lina , Zeng Rongju , Cao Fuhu , Zhu Xiaoxi , Wang Yanmei 
Published: October 2011

AbstractTo stabilize electroosmotic flow (EOF) and suppress protein adsorption onto the silica capillary inner wall, a cationic hydroxyethylcellulose‐graft‐poly (poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (cat‐HEC‐g‐PPEGMA) graft copolymer composed of cationic backbone and bottle brush‐like side chains was synthesized for the first time and used as a novel physically adsorbed coating for protein separation by capillary electrophoresis. Reversed (anodal) and very stable EOF was obtained in cat‐HEC‐g‐PPEGMA‐coated capillary at pH 2.2–7.8. The effects of degree of cationization, PEGMA grafting ratio, PEGMA molecular mass, and buffer pH on the separation of basic proteins were investigated. A systematic comparative study of protein separation in bare and HEC‐coated capillaries and in cat‐HEC‐g‐PPEGMA‐coated capillary was also performed. The basic proteins can be well separated in cat‐HEC‐g‐PPEGMA‐coated capillary over the pH range of 2.8–6.8 with good repeatability and high separation efficiency, because the coating combines good protein‐resistant property of bottle brush‐like PPEGMA side chains with excellent coating ability of cat‐HEC backbone. Besides its success in separation of basic proteins, the cat‐HEC‐g‐PPEGMA coating was also superior in the fast separation of other protein samples, such as protein mixture, egg white, and saliva, which indicates that it is a promising coating for further proteomics analysis.
Determination of some organophosphorus pesticides in water and watermelon samples by microextraction prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wang Chun , Wu Qiuhua , Wu Chunxia , Wang Zhi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA novel method based on simultaneous liquid–liquid microextraction and carbon nanotube reinforced hollow fiber microporous membrane solid–liquid phase microextraction has been developed for the determination of six organophosphorus pesticides, i.e. isocarbophos, phosmet, parathion‐methyl, triazophos, fonofos and phoxim, in water and watermelon samples prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Under the optimum conditions, the method shows a good linearity within a range of 1–200 ng/mL for water samples and 5–200 ng/g for watermelon samples, with the correlation coefficients (r) varying from 0.9990 to 0.9997 and 0.9986 to 0.9995, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) were in the range between 0.1 and 0.3 ng/mL for water samples and between 1.0 and 1.5 ng/g for watermelon samples. The recoveries of the method at spiking levels of 5.0 and 50.0 ng/mL for water samples were between 85.4 and 100.8%, and at spiking levels of 5.0 and 50.0 ng/g for watermelon samples, they were between 82.6 and 92.4%, with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) varying from 4.5–6.9% and 5.2–7.4%, respectively. The results suggested that the developed method represents a simple, low‐cost, high analytes preconcentration and excellent sample cleanup procedure for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides in water and watermelon samples.
Compound CVT‐E002 attenuates allergen‐induced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, in vivo
Authors: Ebeling Cory , Wu Yingqi , Skappak Christopher , Gordon John R. , Ilarraza Ramses , Adamko Darryl J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractImmune modulation has been a sought after means of therapy for atopic diseases. CVT‐E002 is an extract derived from North American Ginseng shown to promote T‐helper‐1‐like responses. We determined what effect CVT‐E002 could have in a mouse model of atopic asthma. We report that oral CVT‐E002 inhibited the development of allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. This correlated with an increased presence of interferon‐γ in the lung, and also increased regulatory T cells and IL‐10. The ability of CVT‐E002 to induce regulatory T‐cell development was also seen in human in vitro co‐cultures.
Beneficial effects of mangiferin on hyperlipidemia in high‐fat‐fed hamsters
Authors: Guo Fuchuan , Huang Conghui , Liao Xilu , Wang Yemei , He Ying , Feng Rennan , Li Ying , Sun Changhao 
Published: October 2011

AbstractScope: Mangiferin, a natural polyphenol, has been shown to have hypolipidemic effect in rat and mouse. However, the mechanism of action is not well understood. This study was conducted to determine the effect and mechanism of action of mangiferin on hyperlipidemia induced in hamsters by a high‐fat diet.Methods and results: Forty male hamsters were randomly assigned to normal control, high‐fat control, and high fat with mangiferin (50 and 150 mg/kg BW) groups. Mangiferin treatment significantly decreased final body weight, liver weight and visceral fat‐pad weight, serum triglyceride (TG) and total free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations, hepatic TG levels and hepatic and muscle total FFA contents. Mangiferin upregulated mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α), fatty acid translocase (CD36) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT‐1), but downregulated mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT‐2) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) in liver. Mangiferin also stimulated mRNA expression of PPAR‐α, CD36, CPT‐1 and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in muscle.Conclusions: The results suggest that mangiferin may ameliorate hypertriglyceridemia partly by modulating the expression levels of genes involved in lipid oxidation and lipogenesis.