bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of three‐dimensional spheroids of hepatocyte‐derived reporter cells to study the effects of intracellular fat accumulation and subsequent cytokine exposure
Authors: Janorkar Amol V. , Harris Lacey M. , Murphey Beau S. , Sowell Brittany L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a family of liver diseases associated with obesity. Initial stage of NAFLD is characterized by a fatty liver, referred to as steatosis, which progresses in some individuals to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver failure. In order to study and treat the many liver diseases such as NAFLD, an improved in vitro cellular model is needed. Several studies in the past have attempted to elucidate these mechanisms using primary hepatocytes or relevant hepatoma cell lines in two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer in vitro cultures. These 2D planar culture systems, unfortunately, do not represent the complex architecture of hepatic tissue in vivo. Therefore, we have engineered an elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP)–polyethyleneimine (PEI) copolymer and shown that ELP–PEI coated surfaces influenced H35 rat hepatoma cell morphology to create 3D spheroids. Our reporter cell model recapitulates many cellular features of the human disease, including fatty acid uptake, intracellular triglyceride accumulation, decreased proliferation, decreased liver‐specific function, and increased reactive oxygen species accumulation. Finally, to demonstrate the utility of the reporter cells for studying transcriptional regulation, we compared the transcriptional dynamics of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) in response to its classical inducer (tumor necrosis factor‐α, TNF‐α) under lean and fatty conditions in both 2D and 3D culture configurations. We found that, in 3D spheroids, linoleic acid treatment activated NFκB at earlier time points during the development of steatosis, but suppressed the TNF‐mediated NFκB activation at later time points. These studies therefore provide a good starting point to evaluate such relationships observed during NAFLD in a 3D in vitro cell culture. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1171–1180. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biodiesel‐Like Biofuels from Simultaneous Transesterification/Esterification of Waste Oils with a Biomass‐Derived Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Luque Rafael , Clark James H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBiodiesel is a nontoxic, sulfur‐free and biodegradable petrol‐fuel replacement that can be used in unmodified diesel engines pure or as a blend. Vegetable oils are the main feedstocks employed for its preparation but used vegetable oil and animal fats are currently considered one of the most attractive feedstocks for biodiesel production due to their lower market value in comparison with virgin oils alongside the fact that the material can be recycled from other industrial sectors. In this study, biodiesel‐like biofuels are prepared from waste oils containing high concentrations of fatty acids, by using a family of acidic mesoporous carbonaceous materials denoted as starbon acids under both conventional heating and microwave irradiation. The solid acids are found to catalyze both the esterification of the free fatty acids in the waste oil with methanol and the transesterification of the triglycerides in the oil to give biodiesel and glycerol. starbonSO3H is found to be the most active catalyst under the investigated reaction conditions from a range of solid acids including zeolites and similar sulfonated carbonaceous materials. Conversions to fatty acid methyl esters were remarkably increased under microwave irradiation compared to the conventionally heated process.
Presentation, patterns of care, and survival in patients with brain metastases
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Spanne Oddvar , Mehta Minesh P. , Grosu Anca L. , Geinitz Hans 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:It is largely unknown to what extent new oncologic treatment options have improved survival of patients with brain metastasis in recent decades. Therefore, a multi‐institutional time‐staggered analysis was performed.METHODS:Two cohorts of 103 patients each were analyzed, one treated between 2005 and 2009 and the other between 1983 and 1989, ie, approximately 20 years earlier. Stratified analyses by prognostic groups were also performed (graded prognostic assessment [GPA] and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis [RTOG‐RPA]).RESULTS:Patterns of care have changed significantly. Contemporary patients received focal treatments such as stereotactic radiosurgery and surgical resection far more frequently. Furthermore, systemic treatment was used more often in contemporary patients, both before and after diagnosis of brain metastasis. Improved survival was observed in the contemporary cohort (P = .03). The 1‐year survival rate increased from 15% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7%‐25%) to 34% (95% CI, 25%‐44%). However, this improvement was largely driven by patients with favorable prognostic features. More than 40% of the patients still belong to unfavorable prognostic groups with limited median survival and little improvement.CONCLUSIONS:Contemporary patients were managed on a much more individualized basis, requiring multidisciplinary case discussion and thorough assessment of prognostic features. Progress has been made, but the overall outcome needs to be improved further. Avoiding overtreatment in patients with poor prognosis is as important as aggressive treatment in patients who might survive for several years. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Novel approach using antimicrobial catheters to improve the management of central line‐associated bloodstream infections in cancer patients
Authors: Chaftari Anne‐Marie , Kassis Christelle , El Issa Hiba , Al Wohoush Iba , Jiang Ying , Rangaraj Gopikishan , Caillouet Brenda , Pravinkumar S. Egbert , Hachem Ray Y. , Raad Issam I. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Central venous catheter (CVC) removal has often been recommended for the treatment of central line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). However, CVC removal is not always practical in patients with cancer, and changing CVCs with noncoated CVCs over guidewire may result in cross‐infection of the new CVC. Therefore, the current matched retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of exchanging infected CVCs for minocycline‐ and rifampin (MR)‐coated CVCs in cancer patients with CLABSIs.METHODS:The authors identified all cancer patients with CLABSIs who had undergone either CVC exchange with MR‐coated CVCs or CVC removal at the study institution. All patients were treated with appropriate systemic antibiotics. The exchange group was matched in a 1:2 ratio with the removal group by organism, underlying disease, and neutropenia. The demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcome were compared. Overall response was defined as the resolution of clinical signs and symptoms and eradication of bacteremia within 72 hours after CVC exchange or removal, without disease recurrence or infection‐related death.RESULTS:A total of 120 cancer patients were included (40 in the exchange group and 80 in the removal group). Overall response rates were 95% in the exchange group and 76% in the removal group (P = .011). No disease recurrences or infection‐related deaths occurred in the exchange group; 8 disease recurrences or deaths (11%) occurred in the removal group (P = .05). Patients in the exchange group also experienced lower rates of mechanical failure (3% vs 15%; P = .049).CONCLUSIONS:Exchanging CVCs for MR‐coated CVCs in cancer patients with CLABSIs may improve the overall response rate and decrease the risk of mechanical failure, disease recurrence, and infection‐related mortality. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Variation in quality of care among older men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Jayadevappa Ravishankar , Chhatre Sumedha , Johnson Jerry C. , Malkowicz S. Bruce 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:The objective of this study was to assess the racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes and their association with process‐of‐care measures for elderly Medicare recipients with localized prostate cancer.METHODS:The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare databases for the period from 1995 to 2003 were used to identify African‐American men, non‐Hispanic white men, and Hispanic men with localized prostate cancer, and data were obtained for the 1‐year period before the diagnosis of prostate cancer and up to 8 years postdiagnosis. The short‐term outcomes of interest were complications, emergency room visits, readmissions, and mortality; the long‐term outcomes of interest were prostate cancer‐specific mortality and all‐cause mortality; and process‐of‐care measures of interest were treatment and time to treatment. Cox proportional hazards regression, logistic regression, and Poisson regression were used to study the racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes and their association with process‐of‐care measures.RESULTS:Compared with non‐Hispanic white patients, African‐American patients (Hazard ration [HR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CE], 1.19‐1.86) and Hispanic patients (HR=1.39; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.84) had greater hazard of long term prostate specific mortality. African‐American patients also had greater odds of emergency room visits (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2‐1.7) and greater all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.3‐1.5) compared with white patients. The time to treatment was longer for African‐American patients and was indicative of a greater hazard of all‐cause, long‐term mortality. Hispanic patients who underwent surgery or received radiation had a greater hazard of long‐term prostate‐specific mortality compared with white patients who received hormone therapy.CONCLUSIONS:Racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes were associated with process‐of‐care measures (the type and time to treatment). The current results indicated that there is an opportunity to reduce these disparities by addressing these process‐of‐care measures. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Disparities in the application of adjuvant radiotherapy after breast‐conserving surgery for early stage breast cancer
Authors: Dragun Anthony E. , Huang Bin , Tucker Thomas C. , Spanos William J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Definitive local therapy of early stage breast cancer includes adjuvant radiotherapy after breast‐conserving surgery (BCS). The authors analyzed factors that influence the receipt of radiotherapy therapy and their resultant impact on outcome.METHODS:Using data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry, the authors analyzed the rate of adjuvant radiotherapy for 11,914 women who underwent BCS as a primary surgical treatment for stage 0, I, or II breast cancer between 1998 and 2007. The authors assessed the probability of receiving radiotherapy by using multivariate logistic regression and measured impact on outcome by using Cox survival analysis.RESULTS:Overall, 66.2% of women received adjuvant radiotherapy for BCS over a 10‐year period (annual rate range, 60.9%‐70.1%). On multivariate analysis, the rate of receiving radiotherapy was drastically lower for women aged older than 70 years (vs younger) and rural Appalachian (vs non‐Appalachian) populations. The rate was modestly lower for African American (vs white) women, those with in situ (vs invasive) disease, and uninsured (vs insured) patients. Lack of radiotherapy was associated with an increased hazard ratio for death of 1.67 (95% CI, 1.508‐1.851) on Cox survival analysis when age, stage, tumor size, grade, hormone receptors, smoking, and insurance were factored into the analysis. The 10‐year overall survival for patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy versus BCS alone was 79.7% versus 67.6% (P < .0001).CONCLUSIONS:Despite widespread knowledge of the benefit of RT after BCS, the rate of undertreatment remains high, with significant disparities for elderly, rural, minority, and uninsured women. Multidisciplinary management strategies, including accelerated and hypofractionated radiation regimens, are needed to eliminate disparities and improve outcomes. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Monitoring of intracellular nitric oxide in leishmaniasis: Its applicability in patients with visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Sarkar Avijit , Saha Piu , Mandal Goutam , Mukhopadhyay Debanjan , Roy Susmita , Singh Sunny Kumar , Das Sukhen , Goswami R. P. , Saha Bibhuti , Kumar Deepak , Das Padma , Chatterjee Mitali 
Published: December 2010

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) has been demonstrated to be a principal effector molecule responsible for mediating intracellular killing ofLeishmaniaparasites, the causative organism of leishmaniasis. As measurement of intracellular NO remains a challenge to biologists, we have developed a flow cytometric approach to perform real time biological detection of NO withinLeishmaniaparasites and parasitized macrophages using a membrane permeable derivative of diaminofluorescein [4,5‐diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF‐2DA)]. Initially, assay optimization was performed inLeishmania donovanipromastigotes, assay specificity being confirmed using both a NO donor [S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐penicillamine (SNAP)] and a NO scavenger [2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide, C‐PTIO]. Using 40 μM DAF‐2DA, basal levels of intracellular NO were measured which varied in differentLeishmaniaspecies; addition of conventional anti‐leishmanial drugs, antimony and miltefosine translated into a dramatic increase in DAF‐2T fluorescence. Furthermore, the assay also measured levels of NO in macrophages, but needed a 20 fold lower concentration of DAF‐2DA, being 2 μM. Following parasitization, levels of NO decreased which was normalized following treatment with anti‐leishmanial drugs. Similarly monocytes of patients with visceral leishmaniasis at disease presentation showed decreased levels of NO which too reverted on completion of treatment. Taken together, this study opens new perspectives of research regarding monocyte function and provides a real time approach for monitoring the effect of anti‐leishmanial compounds. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Collective cell migration of the cephalic neural crest: The art of integrating information
Authors: Theveneau Eric , Mayor Roberto 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe cephalic neural crest (NC) cells delaminate from the neuroepithelium in large numbers and undergo collective cell migration under the influence of multiple factors including positive and negative taxis, cell–cell interactions mediating cell sorting, cell cooperation, and Contact‐Inhibition of Locomotion. The migration has to be tightly regulated to allow NC cells to reach precise locations in order to contribute to various craniofacial structures such as the skeletal and peripheral nervous systems. Several birth defects, syndromes, and malformations are due to improper cephalic NC (CNC) migration, and NC cell migration bears important similarities to cancer cell invasion and metastasis dissemination. Therefore, understanding how CNC cells interpret multiple inputs to achieve directional collective cell migration will shed light on pathological situations where cell migration is involved. genesis 49:164–176, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A One‐Component Iron Catalyst for Cyclic Propylene Carbonate Synthesis
Authors: Dengler Joachim E. , Lehenmeier Maximilian W. , Klaus Stephan , Anderson Carly E. , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Rieger Bernhard 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe development of a new tetraamine–iron complex as a catalyst for the cyclization of propylene oxide with carbon dioxide to form propylene carbonate is reported. The structure of the complex was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The molecule exhibited an exceptionally long iron–chlorine bond and a high catalytic activity even without the addition of an activator. However, kinetic studies showed a second‐order dependence on catalyst concentration. By using iron, we provide an ecologically as well as economically favourable alternative to the preferentially used toxic metals cobalt and chromium. On the basis of the kinetics and other experimental data, the catalytic cycle deduced as well as an understanding of the high activities.
The First Syntheses of (±)‐SDEF 678 Metabolite and (±)‐Speciosins A–C
Authors: Hookins Daniel R. , Burns Alan R. , Taylor Richard J. K. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe epoxyquinone natural products SDEF 678 metabolite, speciosin A, speciosin B and speciosin C have been prepared for the first time via a short synthetic route based around the palladium‐catalysed coupling of a halogen‐substituted 1,4‐benzoquinone monoketal, a Diels–Alder/retro‐Diels–Alder sequence and a diastereoselective epoxidation process.
Vegetation succession prevents dry lake beds from becoming dust sources in the semi‐arid steppe region of China
Authors: Zhao Fengjun , Liu Hongyan , Yin Yi , Hu Guozheng , Wu Xiuchen 
Published: December 2010

AbstractEast Asian dust storms have become increasingly intense over the last two decades, and the arid inland regions of northern China have been recognized as the main dust source areas. Numerous lakes in this region have recently become desiccated, leaving large areas of bare ground prone to becoming potential dust sources. Vegetation cover characteristics and vegetation succession following lake desiccation remain unclear. Here we chose eight inland dry lakes, one outflow lake and one river on the southeast edge of the Inner Mongolian Plateau to investigate vegetation patterns along transects from lake bed to lake shore, and determine the relationships between vegetation patterns and environmental factors. The results show that dry lake bed soils do indeed have high contents of fine particles. Also, soil salt content is the most critical control on vegetation succession on desiccated lake beds, and vegetation is unlikely to colonize areas with soil salt content ≥5%. Soil texture additionally influenced vegetation patterns by affecting soil salt content. The likely vegetation succession on dry like beds is Nitraria tangutorum community > Suaeda corniculata and Suaeda glauca communities > Achnatherum splendens and Elymus sibiricus communities, and finally Carex duriuscula community as the probable climax. When vegetation is at the later stages of succession, for example with Achnatherum splendens communities, Elymus sibiricus communities and Carex duriuscula communities, soil may be protected from wind erosion because of their high vegetation cover and high proportion of perennials. We suggest grazing should be avoided around lake shores, especially in Achnatherum splendens communities, because high vegetation cover and biomass not only protect soil from erosion, but also promote the deposition of fine particles blown from upwind regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loss of transforming growth factor β adaptor protein β-2 spectrin leads to delayed liver regeneration in mice
Authors: Thenappan Arun , Shukla Vivek , Khalek Feras J. Abdul , Li Ying , Shetty Kirti , Liu Pu , Li Lu , Johnson Randy L. , Johnson Lynt , Mishra Lopa 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Liver regeneration, following partial hepatectomy (PHx), occurs through precisely controlled and synchronized cell proliferation, in which quiescent hepatocytes undergo one to two rounds of replication, with restoration of liver mass and function. We previously demonstrated that loss of the Smad3/4 adaptor protein β-2 spectrin (β2SP) is associated with faster entry into S phase, and hepatocellular cancer formation. These observations led us to further pursue the role of β2SP in cell cycle progression

in vivo

. Liver regeneration studies with PHx in β2SP+/− mice reveal a surprising and significant decrease in liver/body weight ratio at 48 hours after PHx in β2SP+/− mice in comparison to wildtype mice. At 48 hours after PHx we also observe decreased levels of cyclin E (2.4-fold,

P

< 0.05), Cdk1 (7.2-fold,

P

< 0.05), cyclin A, pRb (Ser249/Thr252), proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1 with elevated levels of pCdk1 (Thr14) (3.6-fold,

P

< 0.05). Strikingly, at 24 hours elevated levels of p53 (4-fold,

P

< 0.05), phospho-p53 (ser15 and ser20), and p21 (200-fold,

P

< 0.05) persisting to 48 hours after PHx further correlated with raised expression of the DNA damage markers pChk2 (Thr68) and γH2AX (S139). However, compromised cell cycle progression with loss of β2SP is not rescued by inhibiting p53 function, and that G2/M phase arrest observed is independent and upstream of p53.

Conclusion

: β2SP deficiency results in dysfunctional hepatocyte cell cycle progression and delayed liver regeneration at 48 hours after PHx, which is p53-independent. β2SP loss may increase susceptibility to DNA damage, impair cell cycle progression, and ultimately lead to hepatocellular cancer. (Hepatology 2011;)
Septum Transversum-Derived Mesothelium Gives Rise to Hepatic Stellate Cells and Perivascular Mesenchymal Cells in Developing Mouse Liver §Δ
Authors: Asahina Kinji , Zhou Bin , Pu William T. , Tsukamoto Hidekazu 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

The septum transversum mesenchyme (STM) signals to induce hepatogenesis from the foregut endoderm. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are sinusoidal pericytes assumed to originate from the STM and participate in mesenchymal-epithelial interaction in embryonic and adult livers. However, the developmental origin of HSCs remains elusive due to the lack of markers for STM and HSCs. We previously identified submesothelial cells (SubMCs) beneath mesothelial cells (MCs) as a potential precursor for HSCs in developing livers. In the present study, we reveal that both STM in embryonic day (E) 9.5 and MC/SubMCs in E12.5 share the expression of activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (Alcam), desmin, and Wilms tumor 1 homolog (Wt1). A cell lineage analysis using MesP1Cre/Rosa26lacZflox mice identifies the mesodermal origin of the STM, HSCs, and perivascular mesenchymal cells (PMCs). A conditional cell lineage analysis using the Wt1CreERT2 mice demonstrates that Wt1+ STM gives rise to MCs, SubMCs, HSCs, and PMCs during liver development. Furthermore, we find that Wt1+ MC/SubMCs migrate inward from the liver surface to generate HSCs and PMCs including portal fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts around the central veins. On the other hand, the Wt1+ STM and MC/SubMCs do not contribute to sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatoblasts.

Conclusion

: our results demonstrate that HSCs and PMCs are derived from MC/SubMCs, which are traced back to mesodermal STM during liver development. (Hepatology 2011;.)
Fibrin microthreads support mesenchymal stem cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential
Authors: Proulx Megan K. , Carey Shawn P. , DiTroia Lisa M. , Jones Craig M. , Fakharzadeh Michael , Guyette Jacques P. , Clement Amanda L. , Orr Robert G. , Rolle Marsha W. , Pins George D. , Gaudette Glenn R. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe developed a method to produce discrete fibrin microthreads, which can be seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and used as a suture to enhance the efficiency and localization of cell delivery. To assess the efficacy of fibrin microthreads to support hMSC attachment, proliferation, and survival, microthreads (100 μm diameter per microthread) were bundled together, seeded with 50,000 hMSCs for 2 h, and cultured for 5 days. Cell density on microthread bundles increased over time in culture to a maximum average density of 731 ± 101 cells/mm2 after 5 days. A LIVE/DEAD assay confirmed that the cells were viable, and Ki‐67 staining verified hMSC proliferation. In addition, functional differentiation assays demonstrated that hMSCs cultured on microthreads retained their ability to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes. The results of this study demonstrate that fibrin microthreads support hMSC viability and proliferation, while maintaining their multipotency. We anticipate that these cell‐seeded fibrin microthreads will serve as a platform technology to improve localized delivery and engraftment of viable cells to damaged tissue. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.