bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progastrin overexpression imparts tumorigenic/metastatic potential to embryonic epithelial cells: Phenotypic differences between transformed and nontransformed stem cells
Authors: Sarkar Shubhashish , Kantara Carla , Ortiz Ixiu , Swiercz Rafal , Kuo Joyce , Davey Robert , Escobar Kenneth , Ullrich Robert , Singh Pomila 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe recently reported that overexpression of progastrin (PG) in embryonic epithelial cells (HEKmGAS cells) increased proliferation of the cells compared to that of control HEKC cells. Here, we report the novel finding that tumorigenic and metastatic potential of HEKmGAS cells is also increased significantly compared to that of HEKC cells. Cell surface‐associated annexinA2 (CS‐ANXA2) binds PG and is overexpressed on cancer cells, allowing us to successfully use fluorescently labeled PG peptide for enumerating metastatic lesions of transformed/cancer cells in vivo. Next, we examined the hypothesis that increased tumorigenic/metastatic potential of isogenic HEKmGAS versus HEKC cells maybe due to transformed phenotype of stem cells. FACSorting/FACScanning of cells demonstrated significant increases in percent doublecortin‐CAM‐kinase‐like1 (DCLK1)/Lgr5‐positive stem cells, coexpressing cluster of differentiation44 (CD44)/CS‐ANXA2, in HEKmGAS versus HEKC cells. Distinct differences were noted in the morphology of HEKC versus HEKmGAS spheroidal growths on nonadherent cultures (selective for stem cells). HEKC spheroids were rounded with distinct perimeters (e.g., basement membranes), whereas HEKmGAS spheroids were amorphous with no perimeters. Relative levels of DCLK1/Lgr5/CD44 and ANXA2/β‐catenin/pNFκBp65/metalloproteinases were significantly increased in HEKmGAS versus HEKC cells, growing as monolayer cultures, 3D spheroids (in vitro), or xenografts (in vivo). Interestingly, HEKC cells enriched for CS‐ANXA2 developed amorphous spheroids, whereas downregulation of ANXA2 in HEKmGAS clones resulted in loss of matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs) and re‐formation of rounded spheroids, suggesting that high levels of CS‐ANXA2/MMPs may impact spheroid morphology. Downregulation of DCLK1 significantly attenuated activation of β‐catenin, with loss of proliferation of HEKmGAS and HEKC cells, suggesting that DCLK1 is required for maintaining proliferation of cells. Our results suggest the novel possibility that transformed stem cells, unlike nontransformed stem cells, coexpress stem cell markers DCLK1 and CD44 with CS‐ANXA2.
Can I help you? Physicians' expectations as predictor for treatment outcome
Authors: Witt C.M. , Martins F. , Willich S.N. , Schützler L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients' expectations of acupuncture treatment have widely been investigated; however, little focus has been on the physicians' expectations. We aimed to investigate (1) which patient characteristics lead to different expectations of physicians, and (2) whether physicians' expectations predict pain reduction and physical functioning in acupuncture and usual care treatment for chronic pain.MethodsIn four large multi‐centre, randomized trials patients with chronic pain were randomized to receive usual care alone or 10 additional acupuncture treatments. Data were pooled. Baseline characteristics of the three expectation groups were compared, and the physicians' expectation and its interaction with the treatment group were included in two linear regression models predicting pain reduction and change in physical functioning. Other patient characteristics were included for adjustment.Results9900 patients treated by 2781 physicians were analysed. Age, education and disease‐related variables differed in the expectation groups. There was no interaction between treatment group and expectation. Patients, for whom the physicians had expected substantial improvement, showed more pain reduction (p < 0.001) and better physical functioning (p < 0.001) than patients for whom moderate improvement was expected. No significant differences were found between expected moderate and expected lack of success. However, the proportion of explained variance that was due to physicians' expectations was small considering total explained variance.ConclusionsPhysicians' high expectations at baseline predict better outcome, independent of the treatment. Since we adjusted for several patient variables including duration and severity of disease, this cannot be explained by prognostic factors only. Other explanations are discussed and recommended for future research.
In vitro assessment of poly(methylmethacrylate)‐based bone cement containing magnetite nanoparticles for hyperthermia treatment of bone tumor
Authors: Li Zhixia , Kawamura Koki , Kawashita Masakazu , Kudo Tada‐aki , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Hiraoka Masahiro 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPoly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA)‐based cements containing magnetite (C‐PMMA/Fe3O4) is useful in hyperthermia treatment for bone tumor. We have prepared C‐PMMA/Fe3O4 by incorporating Fe3O4 powders of different diameters (means of 300, 35, and 11 nm) into the polymerization reaction of methyl methacrylate monomer to develop a new bone cement with high heating efficiencies in alternating current (AC) magnetic fields. Further, we have investigated the in vitro heating capability of the cements in different AC magnetic fields. The mechanical strength and biocompatibility of the resultant cements were also assessed. Their heat generation strongly depends on the magnetite nanoparticle sizes and applied magnetic fields. The cement containing Fe3O4 with mean diameter around 35 nm exhibited the highest heating capability in AC magnetic fields of 120 and 300 Oe at 100 kHz while that with mean diameter around 11 nm exhibited optimum heating capability in AC magnetic fields of 40 Oe at 600 kHz. The incorporation of Fe3O4 into cement—30 wt % of the total amount of cement—did not significantly change the compressive strength of cement, and the proliferation of rat fibroblast Rat‐1 cells on cement discs was not inhibited. Our investigations are useful for designing new PMMA/Fe3O4 bone cement with high heating efficiencies and biocompatibilities for bone tumor treatments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2537–2545, 2012.
On the biocompatibility between TiO2 nanotubes layer and human osteoblasts
Authors: Portan Diana V. , Kroustalli Anthi A. , Deligianni Despina D. , Papanicolaou George C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTitanium and its alloys are the most popular biomaterials replacing hard tissues in implant surgeries. Clinicians are generally pleased by titanium mechanical properties and non‐toxicity performances; on the other hand, there have been reported several cases of titanium implantation failure, phenomenon explained sometimes as “non adherence of human tissue to the metallic surface.” Yet, researchers reported that titanium surfaces are favorable for osteoblasts adhesion. Therefore, titanium integration into the human body remains an unsolved problem. In the present study, biocompatibility tests were performed on titanium and TiO2 nanotubes substrates, involving human bone marrow cells. The combination of a newly developed analytical model based on the hybrid interphase concept, applicable to systems consisting of inert materials when in contact with living tissues, together with experimental results, confirmed previous research studies and lead to the conclusion that osteoblasts adhere efficiently to titanium surfaces. However, the present results suggest that osteoblasts strong anchorage at the very first moment of their contact with the metallic material leads to their apoptosis. It is most probable that in several cases this is the reason of failed implantation surgeries involving titanium. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2546–2553, 2012.
Tubular perfusion system culture of human mesenchymal stem cells on poly‐L‐lactic acid scaffolds produced using a supercritical carbon dioxide‐assisted process
Authors: Pisanti Paola , Yeatts Andrew B. , Cardea Stefano , Fisher John P. , Reverchon Ernesto 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn vitro human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) proliferation and differentiation is dependent on scaffold design parameters and specific culture conditions. In this study, we investigate how scaffold microstructure influences hMSC behavior in a perfusion bioreactor system. Poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds are fabricated using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) gel drying. This production method results in scaffolds fabricated with nanostructure. To introduce a microporous structure, porogen leaching was used in addition to this technique to produce scaffolds of average pore size of 100, 250, and 500 μm. These scaffolds were then cultured in static culture in well plates or dynamic culture in the tubular perfusion system (TPS) bioreactor. Results indicated that hMSCs were able to attach and maintain viability on all scaffolds with higher proliferation in the 250 μm and 500 μm pore sizes of bioreactor cultured scaffolds and 100 μm pore size of statically cultured scaffolds. Osteoblastic differentiation was enhanced in TPS culture as compared to static culture with the highest alkaline phosphatase expression observed in the 250 μm pore size group. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 was also analyzed and expression levels were highest in the 250 μm and 500 μm pore size bioreactor cultured samples. These results demonstrate cellular response to pore size as well as the ability of dynamic culture to enhance these effects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2563–2572, 2012.
Liquid‐phase laser process for simple and area‐specific calcium phosphate coating
Authors: Oyane Ayako , Sakamaki Ikuko , Shimizu Yoshiki , Kawaguchi Kenji , Koshizaki Naoto 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSimple, mild, and area‐specific calcium phosphate (CaP) coating techniques are useful for the production and surface modification of biomaterials. In this study, an area‐specific CaP coating technique for polymer substrates was successfully developed using a liquid‐phase laser process. In the proposed method, Nd–YAG laser light (355 nm, 30 Hz, and 1–3 W) irradiated an ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) substrate immersed in a supersaturated CaP solution for various periods of time (up to 30 min). The CaP‐forming ability increased with an increase in the laser power and irradiation period. At the optimal laser power (3 W), a continuous CaP layer formed within 30 min on the laser‐irradiated surface of the EVOH substrate. The formation of CaP was attributed to laser absorption by the EVOH substrate, which promoted the surface modification of EVOH and an increase in the temperature of the solution near the surface of the substrate. The resulting CaP coating showed better cell adhesion property than the naked EVOH substrate. The proposed CaP coating technique is simple (quick and single step) and area specific. Furthermore, the present process is carried out under mild conditions, that is, at normal pressures and temperatures in a safe aqueous medium. These are significant advantages of the proposed CaP coating technique. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2573–2580, 2012.
Vacuum‐assisted infiltration of chitosan or polycaprolactone as a structural reinforcement for sintered cancellous bovine bone graft
Authors: Laird Dougal F. , Mucalo Michael R. , Dias George J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSintered cancellous bovine bone (SCBB) offers numerous advantages as a bone graft substitute material; however, its mechanical properties require improvement. In this study, SCBB was infiltrated with ε‐polycaprolactone (PCL) or chitosan/monetite to improve mechanical properties while retaining valuable SCBB structure. Organic infiltrating solutions consisted of (i) chitosan and monetite (CaHPO4) dissolved in hydrochloric acid; (ii) chitosan, monetite (CaHPO4), and genipin dissolved in hydrochloric acid; or (iii) PCL polymer dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Porous SCBB materials were infiltrated with one of the three solutions using vacuum‐assisted infiltration. Chitosan and CaHPO4 were immobilized in the SCBB structure by reprecipitation following a pH increase in an ammonia atmosphere. Genipin was used in one sample group to immobilize chitosan via crosslinking. PCL was immobilized by evaporating the THF carrier solvent. Mechanical compression testing showed an improvement in ultimate stress for the SCBB with chitosan/CaHPO4 infiltrates, whereas PCL samples showed an increase in modulus. All SCBB samples were found to demonstrate favorable in vitro biocompatibility when subjected to L929 mouse fibroblast cells but required a vigorous washing regime to eradicate toxic ammonia residue. In conclusion, infiltration of SCBB with a polymeric or organic/mineral composite matrix positively modifies SCBB mechanical properties in favor of bone grafting applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2581–2592, 2012.
Blood banking and transfusion medicine for the apheresis medicine practitioner
Authors: Jeffus Susanne , Wehrli Gay 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article provides a concise overview of blood banking and transfusion medicine (BBTM) for the therapeutic apheresis medicine practitioner. It addresses the complete pathway from blood donor qualification to blood collection, to processing and storing blood components, to patient testing, to ordering blood components for therapeutic apheresis (TA) procedures, to preparing the component for transfusion, and finally to transfusion. The nurses, technologists, and physicians orchestrate these activities in concert to best serve patients undergoing TA procedures. Enhancing knowledge of these processes may improve the quality of patient care and the utilization of blood products. J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrastructural alterations in colon absorptive cells of alloxan‐induced diabetic rats submitted to long‐term physical training
Authors: Remedio Rafael N. , Barbosa Rodrigo A. , Castellar Alexandre , Gomes Ricardo J. , Caetano Flávio H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAbsorptive cells have notable importance for proper function of the colon, absorbing water and nutrients. In type I diabetes, hyperglycemia leads to remarkable alterations in cell structure. In absorptive cells, such changes may impair the function of the organ as a whole. Also, the effects of physical training, which plays crucial role in the treatment of diabetes, are not yet known in these cells. For this reason, to analyze the changes in colon epithelial absorptive cells of diabetic rats and the effects of physical training, Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary control (SC), trained control (TC), sedentary diabetic (SD), and trained diabetic (TD). The training protocol consisted of swimming for 60 min a day, 5 days per week, during 8 weeks. Colon samples were collected, processed, and evaluated by histochemical and ultrastructural techniques. Although histochemical analysis did not reveal major differences, significant morphological differences were ultrastructurally observed among groups, especially related to the structure of tight junctions, interdigitations, and microvilli, which became longer in diabetics, and whose length was reduced after physical training, as proved by statistical analysis. There were no relevant changes in organelles. Thus, the development of type I diabetes can lead to changes at ultrastructural level that, even subtle, may cause important alterations in cell function. The practice of physical training, in turn, proved to be an important ally in the treatment of such changes. However, it cannot be used singly for treating this disease, requiring the combined practice of other methods. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of Network Activities in Geoparks as Geotourism Destinations
Authors: Farsani Neda T. , Coelho Celeste O. A. , Costa Carlos M. M. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTGeoparks as an innovation for the protection of natural and geological heritage play an important role in the development of geotourism and knowledge exchange. The European Geopark Network and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network have introduced geotourism as one of the main target for geoparks in parallel with conservation and education. For that purpose, it is crucial to apply the network concept to geotourism activities. This paper is aimed at analysing network activity between geoparks and evaluating the connectivity rate of the Global Geoparks Network and the European Geoparks Network. It was concluded that UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and European Geoparks Network have concentrated their network activities on the areas of meetings, conferences and exchange of knowledge. Moreover, the authorities of geoparks have attempted a development of tourism marketing in their territory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human papillomavirus DNA strongly correlates with a poorer prognosis in oral cavity carcinoma
Authors: Duray Anaëlle , Descamps Géraldine , Decaestecker Christine , Remmelink Myriam , Sirtaine Nicolas , Lechien Jérôme , Ernoux‐Neufcoeur Perle , Bletard Noëlla , Somja Joan , Depuydt Christophe E. , Delvenne Philippe , Saussez Sven 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in a clinical series of 162 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was studied. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between the immunohistochemical expression of p16, p53, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and HPV status to predict survival in OSCC patients.Study Design:Retrospective study.Methods:Paraffin‐embedded samples from OSCC patients (n = 162) were evaluated for the presence of HPV DNA using both GP5+/GP6+ consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and type‐specific E6/E7 PCR to detect HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 67, and 68. Immunohistochemical staining for p16, p53, and EGFR was also performed.Results:The type‐specific E6/E7 PCR demonstrated that 65 of the 147 OSCC patients (44%) presented with high‐risk (hr) HPV types and that 38 of the 147 OSCC patients (26%) presented with low‐risk (lr) HPV types. Comparable p53 and EGFR expression levels were observed in the hr HPV+ group (41.5% p53+, 92% EGFR+) and the lr HPV+ group (57% p53+, 92% EGFR+). Conversely, a slight increase in the proportion of p16+ tumors was observed in the hr HPV+ group (65%) compared with the lr HPV+ group (44%). In regard to patient outcome, the presence of HPV was correlated with a worse prognosis (P = .007).Conclusions:A high prevalence of hr and lr HPV infections was detected in the OSCC patients included in the study. Moreover, hr HPV positivity was correlated with a decreased 5‐year disease‐free survival rate compared with HPV− and lr HPV+.
Dynamic and Transient Shear Start‐Up Flow Experiments for Analyzing Nanoclay Localization in PP/PET Blends: Correlation with Microstructure
Authors: Entezam Mehdi , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Yousefi Ali Akbar , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Wagenknecht Udo , Heinrich Gert 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDynamic and transient shear start‐up flow experiments along with TEM, WAXS, and SEM analyses are performed on PP/PET blends and nanocomposites. The TEM results along with a theoretical analysis based on a thermodynamic model reveal that the clay particles are mainly localized in the PET phase. The localization of nanoclay in PET as the matrix phase leads to a refinement of morphology. The localization of clay is also studied by analyzing changes in complex viscosity and storage modulus in oscillation mode as well as the changes in power law index obtained from steady‐state and transient shear start‐up flow experiments. The changes in the rheological behavior of the blends are attributed to formation of clay network‐like structures.magnified image
Diffusion sensitivity of turbo spin echo sequences
Authors: Weigel Matthias , Hennig Jürgen 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article introduces an effective b‐factor bTSE for turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences to quantify their inherent diffusion sensitivity. bTSE is investigated for a broad variety of two‐dimensional‐ and three‐dimensional‐TSE sequences using constant and varying flip angles (transitions between pseudo steady states, SPACE, VISTA, Cube, etc.). The inherent TSE diffusion sensitivity becomes important for high‐resolution protocols, which can lead to subtle contrast modifications or even fluid suppressions in a clinical setting or animal imaging regime. The bTSE values obtained considerably depend on the relaxation times and diffusion coefficient and, thus, on the tissue under observation. The fractional bTSE contributions per TSE imaging encoding axis are highly anisotropic. Further noteworthy effects such as decreasing b‐factors along a TSE train are pointed out and explained. The results are also discussed in combination with recent findings regarding contrast properties and possible diffusion sensitivity of TSE sequences. Identical but well more pronounced bTSE effects are observed in the animal imaging regime due to smaller field of view and higher resolutions. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors and outcome of ventilator associated tracheitis (VAT) in pediatric trauma patients
Authors: Mhanna Maroun J. , Elsheikh Ibrahim S. , Super Dennis M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe sought to investigate the risk factors and outcome of Ventilator Associated Tracheitis (VAT) according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) definition in pediatric trauma patients who were ventilated for ≥48 hr. In a retrospective cohort study, medical records of all pediatric trauma patients admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) between April 2002 and April 2007 were reviewed. Medical records were reviewed for patients' demographics, Trauma Injury Severity Score (TISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), type of trauma, and other potential risk factors prior to the development of VAT (such as hyperglycemia, rate of re‐intubation and tracheotomy, presence of chest tubes and central lines, urinary tract infection, seizures, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of total parental nutrition, transfusion, use of H2 blockers, steroids, and pressors/inotropes). Medical records were also reviewed for days of mechanical ventilation, PICU length of stay, and PICU mortality. During the study period, 217 trauma patients were admitted to the PICU, 113 patients met our inclusion criteria and 21.2% (24/113) developed VAT. On average patients with VAT (in comparison to patients without VAT), had a higher TISS score on admission [38.6 ± 16.9 vs. 24.2 ± 10.6; respectively (P < 0.01)], longer days of ventilation and PICU length of stay [11.5 ± 6.2 vs. 3.7 ± 2.3 days (P < 0.001) and 16.4 ± 8.3 vs. 5.4 ± 2.8 days (P < 0.001), respectively]. There was no difference in mortality between the two groups. In a logistic regression model adjusting for possible confounders, the TISS score (adjusted OR 7.53; CI: 2.01–28.14; P = 0.03 and use of pressors/inotropes (adjusted OR 4.64; CI: 1.28–16.86; P = 0.01) were the only independent risk factors associated with VAT. We conclude that the severity of illness and use of pressors/inotropes are associated with VAT in pediatric trauma patients. We also conclude that VAT is associated with an increase in days of mechanical ventilation and PICU length of stay in pediatric trauma patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:176–181. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.