bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and validation of a good manufacturing practice grade human fibroblast line for supporting human embryonic stem cell derivation and culture
Authors: Prathalingam Nilendran , Ferguson Linda , Young Lesley , Lietz Georg , Oldershaw Rachel , Healy Lyn , Craig Albert , Lister Helen , Binaykia Rakesh , Sheth Radhika , Murdoch Alison , Herbert Mary 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The development of reproducible methods for deriving human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines in compliance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) is essential for the development of hESC-based therapies. Although significant progress has been made toward the development of chemically defined conditions for the maintenance and differentiation of hESCs, efficient derivation of new hESCs requires the use of fibroblast feeder cells. However, GMP-grade feeder cell lines validated for hESC derivation are not readily available.

Methods
We derived a fibroblast cell line (NclFed1A) from human foreskin in compliance with GMP standards. Consent was obtained to use the cells for the production of hESCs and to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We compared the line with a variety of other cell lines for its ability to support derivation and self-renewal of hESCs.

Results
NclFed1A supports efficient rates (33%) of hESC colony formation after explantation of the inner cell mass (ICM) of human blastocysts. This compared favorably with two mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell lines. NclFed1A also compared favorably with commercially available foreskin fibroblasts and MEFs in promoting proliferation and pluripotency of a number of existing and widely used hESCs. The ability of NclFed1A to maintain self-renewal remained undiminished for up to 28 population doublings from the master cell bank.

Conclusions
The human fibroblast line Ncl1Fed1A, produced in compliance with GMP standards and qualified for derivation and maintenance of hESCs, is a useful resource for the advancement of progress toward hESC-based therapies in regenerative medicine.
Phase III Trial of Cetuximab With Continuous or Intermittent Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin (Nordic FLOX) Versus FLOX Alone in First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The NORDIC-VII Study
Authors: Tveit Kjell Magne , Guren Tormod , Glimelius Bengt , Pfeiffer Per , Sorbye Halfdan , Pyrhonen Seppo , Sigurdsson Fridbjorn , Kure Elin , Ikdahl Tone , Skovlund Eva , Fokstuen Tone , Hansen Flemming , Hofsli Eva , Birkemeyer Elke , Johnsson Anders , Starkhammar Hans , Yilmaz Mette Karen , Keldsen Nina , Erdal Anne Berit , Dajani Olav , Dahl Olav , Christoffersen Thoralf 
Published: April 2012

Purpose The NORDIC-VII multicenter phase III trial investigated the efficacy of cetuximab when added to bolus fluorouracil/folinic acid and oxaliplatin (Nordic FLOX), administered continuously or intermittently, in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The influence of KRAS mutation status on treatment outcome was also investigated. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard Nordic FLOX (arm A), cetuximab and FLOX (arm B), or cetuximab combined with intermittent FLOX (arm C). Primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Overall survival (OS), response rate, R0 resection rate, and safety were secondary end points. Results Of the 571 patients randomly assigned, 566 were evaluable in intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. KRAS and BRAF mutation analyses were obtained in 498 (88%) and 457 patients (81%), respectively. KRAS mutations were present in 39% of the tumors; 12% of tumors had BRAF mutations. The presence of BRAF mutations was a strong negative prognostic factor. In the ITT population, median PFS was 7.9, 8.3, and 7.3 months for the three arms, respectively (not significantly different). OS was almost identical for the three groups (20.4, 19.7, 20.3 months, respectively), and confirmed response rates were 41%, 49%, and 47%, respectively. In patients with KRAS wild-type tumors, cetuximab did not provide any additional benefit compared with FLOX alone. In patients with KRAS mutations, no significant difference was detected, although a trend toward improved PFS was observed in arm B. The regimens were well tolerated. Conclusion Cetuximab did not add significant benefit to the Nordic FLOX regimen in first-line treatment of mCRC.
Hepatocarcinogenesis in FXR−/− Mice Mimics Human HCC Progression That Operates through HNF1α Regulation of FXR Expression
Authors: Liu Nian , Meng Zhipeng , Lou Guiyu , Zhou Weiping , Wang Xiaoqiong , Zhang Yunfeng , Zhang Lisheng , Liu Xiyong , Yen Yun , Lai Lily , Forman Barry M. , Xu Zhonggao , Xu Rongzhen , Huang Wendong 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) (nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 4) is a member of nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, which plays essential roles in metabolism of bile acids, lipid, and glucose. We previously showed spontaneously hepatocarcinogenesis in aged FXR−/− mice, but its relevance to human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Here, we report a systematical analysis of hepatocarcinogenesis in FXR−/− mice and FXR expression in human liver cancer. In this study, liver tissues obtained from FXR−/− and wild-type mice at different ages were compared by microarray gene profiling, histological staining, chemical analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR. Primary hepatic stellate cells and primary hepatocytes isolated from FXR−/− and wild-type mice were also analyzed and compared. The results showed that the altered genes in FXR−/− livers were mainly related to metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis, which suggest that hepatocarcinogenesis in FXR−/− mice recapitulated the progression of human liver cancer. Indeed, FXR expression in human HCC was down-regulated compared with normal liver tissues. Furthermore, the proinflammatory cytokines, which were up-regulated in human HCC microenvironment, decreased FXR expression by inhibiting the transactivity of hepatic nuclear factor 1α on FXR gene promoter. Our study thereby demonstrates that the down-regulation of FXR has an important role in human hepatocarcinogenesis and FXR−/− mice provide a unique animal model for HCC study.
Periodontal Status and Hyperlipidemia: Statin Users Versus Non‐Users
Authors: Sangwan Aditi , Tewari Shikha , Singh Harpreet , Sharma Rajinder K. , Narula Satish C. 
Published: April 2012

Background: The association between serum lipids and periodontal disease has been studied predominantly in patients with chronic periodontitis with limited data available regarding periodontal status of patients with hyperlipidemia. Meanwhile, the impact of statins on the periodontal health of the population also remains largely underexplored. This study aims to assess the periodontal status among patients with hyperlipidemia and users of statins.Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 94 patients with hyperlipidemia (50 receiving statins and 44 receiving non‐pharmacologic therapy) and 46 control individuals who were normolipidemic underwent periodontal examination (plaque index, gingival index [GI], probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]). Biochemical parameters measured included serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.Results: PD and GI were significantly higher in patients with hyperlipidemia who were non‐statin users compared with the normolipidemic individuals (P <0.001 [PD] and P <0.05 [GI]) and the statin group (P = 0.001 [PD] and P <0.05 [GI]). Periodontal parameters between statin users and the normolipidemic group did not differ significantly. After adjusting for confounders, positive and significant correlations were observed between PD and TG, and TC and LDL, whereas CAL shared correlation with TC and LDL. GI was correlated with TG and TC. Regression analyses revealed that whereas TC was associated significantly with PD (P <0.001), LDL showed significant association with CAL (P = 0.013). TG showed significant association with GI (P = 0.020).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that relative to the general population, patients with hyperlipidemia are more prone to periodontal disease. Also, within the limits of this study, statins have a positive impact on periodontal health.
Comparison of the effects of xylazine bolus versus medetomidine constant rate infusion on the stress response, urine production, and anesthetic recovery characteristics in horses anesthetized with isoflurane
Authors: Creighton Catherine M. , Lemke Kip A. , Lamont Leigh A. , Horney Barbara S. , Doyle Aimie J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective—To compare the effect of xylazine bolus versus medetomidine constant rate infusion (MCRI) on serum cortisol and glucose concentrations, urine production, and anesthetic recovery characteristics in dorsally recumbent, spontaneously breathing, isoflurane-anesthetized horses.
Design—Prospective, randomized crossover study.
Animals—10 healthy Standardbreds.
Procedures—Horses were premedicated with xylazine or medetomidine IV. Anesthesia was induced with diazepam and ketamine and maintained with isoflurane for 150 minutes. For the xylazine treatment, end-tidal isoflurane concentration was maintained at 1.7% and xylazine (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb]), IV) was administered as a bolus at the end of anesthesia. For the MCRI treatment, end-tidal isoflurane concentration was maintained at 1.4% and medetomidine (0.005 mg/kg/h [0.0023 mg/lb/h], IV) was infused throughout anesthesia. Serum cortisol and glucose concentrations were measured before, during, and after anesthesia. Urine specific gravity and volume were measured during anesthesia. Unassisted anesthetic recoveries were recorded by a digital video camera for later evaluation by 2 observers who were blinded to treatment.
Results—Serum cortisol concentration was lower and serum glucose concentration was higher with MCRI treatment, compared with xylazine treatment. Time to sternal recumbency was longer with MCRI treatment, but no difference was seen between treatments for times to extubation, first movement, or standing. Objective (mean attempt interval) and subjective (visual analog score) recovery scores were significantly better with MCRI treatment, compared with xylazine treatment.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In isoflurane-anesthetized horses, premedication and administration of medetomidine as a constant rate infusion resulted in decreased serum cortisol concentration, increased serum glucose concentration, and superior anesthetic recovery characteristics, compared with conventional treatment with xylazine.
Evidence of reduced arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in multiple lines of Bt maize
Authors: Cheeke Tanya E. , Rosenstiel Todd N. , Cruzan Mitchell B. 
Published: April 2012

• Premise of the study: Insect‐resistant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize is widely cultivated, yet few studies have examined the interaction of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with different lines of Bt maize. As obligate symbionts, AMF may be sensitive to genetic changes within a plant host. Previous evaluations of the impact of Bt crops on AMF have been inconsistent, and because most studies were conducted under disparate experimental conditions, the results are difficult to compare.• Methods: We evaluate AMF colonization in nine Bt maize lines, differing in number and type of engineered trait, and five corresponding near‐isogenic parental (P) base hybrids in greenhouse microcosms. Plants were grown in 50% local agricultural soil with low levels of fertilization, and AMF colonization was evaluated at 60 and 100 d. Nontarget effects of Bt cultivation on AMF colonization were tested in a subsequently planted crop, Glycine max, which was seeded into soil that had been preconditioned for 60 d with Bt or P maize.• Key results: We found that Bt maize had lower levels of AMF colonization in their roots than did the non‐Bt parental lines. However, reductions in AMF colonization were not related to the expression of a particular Bt protein. There was no difference in AMF colonization in G. max grown in the Bt‐ or P‐preconditioned soil.• Conclusions: These findings are the first demonstration of a reduction in AMF colonization in multiple Bt maize lines grown under the same experimental conditions and contribute to the growing body of knowledge examining the unanticipated effects of Bt crop cultivation on nontarget soil organisms.
Time Course of Peritoneal Function in Automated and Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Michels Wieneke M. , Verduijn Marion , Parikova Alena , Boeschoten Elisabeth W. , Struijk Dirk G. , Dekker Friedo W. , Krediet Raymond T. 
Published: April 2012

♦ Background and Objectives In automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), a patient's peritoneal membrane is more intensively exposed to fresh dialysate than it is in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our aim was to study, in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, the influence of APD—compared with that of CAPD—on peritoneal transport over 4 years. ♦ Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements Patients were included if at least 2 annual standard permeability analyses (SPAs) performed with 3.86% glucose were available while the patient was using the same modality with which they had started PD (APD or CAPD). Patients were followed until their first modality switch. Differences in the pattern of SPA outcomes over time were tested using repeated-measures models adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, primary kidney disease, and year of PD start. ♦ Results The 59 CAPD patients enrolled were older than the 47 APD patients enrolled (mean age: 58 ± 14 years vs 49 ± 14 years; p < 0.01), and they had started PD earlier (mean start year: 2000 vs 2002). Over time, no differences in solute ( p > 0.19) or fluid transport ( p > 0.13) were observed. Similarly, free water transport ( p = 0.43) and small-pore transport ( p = 0.31) were not different between the modalities. Over time, patients on APD showed a faster decline in effective lymphatic absorption rate (ELAR: p = 0.02) and in transcapillary ultrafiltration (TCUF: p = 0.07, adjusted p = 0.05). Further adjustment did not change the results. ♦ Conclusions Compared with patients starting on CAPD, those starting on APD experienced a faster decline in ELAR and TCUF. Other transport parameters were not different over time between the groups.
Vieillir en beauté ? Transformations et pratiques corporelles des femmes
Authors: Macia Enguerran , Chevé Dominique 
Published: April 2012

L’objectif de cet article est de décrire et de comprendre le vécu des transformations corporelles d’ordre esthétique chez les femmes âgées de 65 à 75 ans. Pour aborder cette problématique, 29 entretiens compréhensifs ont été réalisés à Marseille en 2011. Après un bref rappel des normes esthétiques occidentales contemporaines, nous détaillerons les marques du temps perçues comme stigmatisantes par les femmes et analyserons les pratiques corporelles destinées à les dissimuler ou à les réparer. La dernière partie de cet article sera consacrée au corps esthétique vécu et montrera notamment que le vieillissement peut, paradoxalement, avoir un effet bénéfique pour certaines femmes.
Neuropeptide Signaling Activates Dendritic Cell-Mediated Type 1 Immune Responses through Neurokinin-2 Receptor
Authors: Kitamura Hidemitsu , Kobayashi Minoru , Wakita Daiko , Nishimura Takashi 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Neurokinin A (NKA), a neurotransmitter distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system, strictly controls vital responses, such as airway contraction, by intracellular signaling through neurokinin-2 receptor (NK2R). However, the function of NKA–NK2R signaling on involvement in immune responses is less-well defined. We demonstrate that NK2R-mediated neuropeptide signaling activates dendritic cell (DC)-mediated type 1 immune responses. IFN-γ stimulation significantly induced NK2R mRNA and remarkably enhanced surface protein expression levels of bone marrow-derived DCs. In addition, the DC-mediated NKA production level was significantly elevated after IFN-γ stimulation in vivo and in vitro. We found that NKA treatment induced type 1 IFN mRNA expressions in DCs. Transduction of NK2R into DCs augmented the expression level of surface MHC class II and promoted Ag-specific IL-2 production by CD4+ T cells after NKA stimulation. Furthermore, blockade of NK2R by an antagonist significantly suppressed IFN-γ production by both CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells stimulated with the Ag-loaded DCs. Finally, we confirmed that stimulation with IFN-γ or TLR3 ligand (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) significantly induced both NK2R mRNA and surface protein expression of human PBMC-derived DCs, as well as enhanced human TAC1 mRNA, which encodes NKA and Substance P. Thus, these findings indicate that NK2R-dependent neuropeptide signaling regulates Ag-specific T cell responses via activation of DC function, suggesting that the NKA–NK2R cascade would be a promising target in chronic inflammation caused by excessive type 1-dominant immunity.
Robust adaptive fuzzy control of nonaffine systems guaranteeing transient and steady state error bounds
Authors: Bechlioulis Charalampos P. , Rovithakis George A. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYWe consider the prescribed performance tracking problem of single‐input single‐output, unknown, nonaffine systems in the presence of exogenous disturbances. By prescribed performance, we mean that the tracking error should converge to a predefined arbitrarily small residual set, with convergence rate no less than a prespecified value, exhibiting maximum overshoot less than a sufficiently small preassigned constant. The aforementioned goal is obtained via an output error transformation, which incorporates the desired performance characteristics, and whose boundedness is proven a sufficient condition. Fuzzy systems are utilized to approximate the system uncertainties, and consequently, a smooth robust adaptive fuzzy controller is designed to achieve the target. Simulation studies clarify and verify the approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Stretchable Polymer–Carbon Nanotube Composite Electrode for Flexible Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Porosity Engineering by Controlled Phase Separation
Authors: Lee Hojun , Yoo Jung‐Keun , Park Jong‐Hyun , Kim Jin Ho , Kang Kisuk , Jung Yeon Sik 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFlexible energy‐storage devices have attracted growing attention with the fast development of bendable electronic systems. However, it still remains a challenge to find reliable electrode materials with both high mechanical flexibility/toughness and excellent electron and lithium‐ion conductivity. This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of highly porous, stretchable, and conductive polymer nanocomposites embedded with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for application in flexible lithium‐ion batteries. The systematic optimization of the porous morphology is performed by controllably inducing the phase separation of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and removing PMMA, in order to generate well‐controlled pore networks. It is demonstrated that the porous CNT‐embedded PDMS nanocomposites are capable of good electrochemical performance with mechanical flexibility, suggesting these nanocomposites could be outstanding anode candidates for use in flexible lithium‐ion batteries. The optimization of the pore size and the volume fraction provides higher capacity by nearly seven‐fold compared to a nonporous nanocomposite.
Characteristics of biodegradable polylactide/gelatinized starch films: Effects of starch, plasticizer, and compatibilizer
Authors: Phetwarotai Worasak , Potiyaraj Pranut , Aht‐Ong Duangdao 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPolylactide (PLA) blends with 0–40 wt % gelatinized starches (GSs) in the presence of plasticizers and compatibilizer for improving interfacial bonding between two phases were prepared. The effects of compatibilizer, type and amount of starch, including type and concentration of plasticizer on the physical, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of these films were investigated. Two types of starch (corn and tapioca) were added as fillers, whereas the glycerol amount was varied from 0 to 35 wt % based on starch content. Polyethylene glycol (PEG400) and propylene glycol (PG) were added as plasticizers at four different amounts (5–20 wt %) based on PLA content, while methylenediphenyl diisocyanate was used as a compatibilizer at 1.25 wt % of GS. The results indicated that the presence of glycerol had no effect on the thermal degradation of GS. For PLA plasticization, the plasticized PLA with PEG400 had better properties than that with PG. Water absorption isotherm of the blend films increased as the amount of starches increased; in contrast, the tensile properties decreased progressively with the addition of the GS content. The blend films with gelatinized corn starch had higher tensile properties than those with gelatinized tapioca starch. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and properties of cured diallyl phthalate resin modified with dimeric acid polyamide derivatives
Authors: Ohtsuka Keiko , Kimura Hajime , Matsumoto Akihiro , Saito Masanori , Yamano Koji 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe allyl ester of dimeric acid polyamide, a compound which has a flexible unit in the main chain and reacts with the diallyl phthalate (DAP) resin to have an allyl group, was synthesized by the reaction of dimeric acid polyamide with allyl glycidyl ether. The allyl ester of dimeric acid polyamide was blended with DAP resin to improve the adhesive properties to metal. These blends were cured with dicumyl peroxide. By modification with allyl ester of dimeric acid polyamide, the T‐peel adhesive strength to copper improved. This result is due to the increase in flexibility generated by introducing the unit of dimeric acid polyamide and subsequent increase in interfacial adhesive strength due to the amide bond being located in the surface of the copper plate. On the other hand, the lap‐shear adhesive strength did not improve significantly because of the decrease in rigidity. On increasing concentration of allyl ester of dimeric acid polyamide, the glass‐transition temperature slightly decreased, but there was little decrease of the thermal decomposition temperature. From scanning electron microscope observations, it was found that the DAP resin modified with allyl ester of dimeric acid polyamide formed a microphase‐separated structure consisting of small dimeric acid polyamide particles dispersed in the DAP resin matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Adsorptive removal of arsenic(III) ions from industry wastewaters using a weak anion exchanger prepared from banana stem
Authors: Fernandez Noeline B. , Mullassery Manohar D. , Anirudhan Thayyath S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe performance of an anion exchanger prepared from banana stem (BS), a lignocellulosic residue for the removal of As(III) from aqueous solutions has been evaluated in this study. The adsorbent (BS‐DMAHP) containing dimethylaminohydroxypropyl (DMAHP) functionality was prepared by the reaction of BS with epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine followed by treatment with hydrochloric acid to convert it into the chloride form of the anion exchanger. The adsorbent characterization was done with the surface area analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and potentiometric titrations. Adsorption equilibrium study was conducted with a concentration range of 10–300 mg/L, for As(III). The Langmuir isotherm model was found to be the best fit model. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 65.11 mg/g. Adsorption has been found to be endothermic and follows second‐order reversible kinetics. The removal efficiency of BS‐DMAHP was also compared with commercially available amine functionalized weak base anion exchanger, Duolite A‐7. Regeneration studies were also conducted to evaluate the reusability of the adsorbent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012