bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
18Fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography in assessing tumor response to preoperative chemoradiation therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Hur Hyuk , Kim Nam Kyu , Yun Mijin , Min Byung Soh , Lee Kang Young , Keum Ki Chang , Ahn Jung Bai , Kim Hoguen 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 18F‐FDG PET in assessing tumor response after preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for rectal cancer.MethodsMaximum standardized uptake value (SUV) was measured for 37 patients who underwent 18F‐FDG PET before and 4 weeks after completion of preoperative CRT. Pre‐SUV, post‐SUV, the difference between pre‐ and post‐SUV (ΔSUV), and reduction rate (RR) were correlated with tumor response.ResultsA lower mean post‐SUV and a higher mean RR were shown in good tumor response (T‐downstaging(+) and tumor regression grade 1, 2). Considering pathologic complete response (pCR), the mean post‐SUV and the mean RR were significantly different between pCR (+) patients (N = 13) and pCR (−) patients (N = 24) (2.7 vs. 4.8, P < 0.001, 73.9% vs. 58.7%, P = 0.009). With a 3.35 cut‐off value for the post‐SUV by receiver operating characteristic analysis, 84.6% sensitivity, 79.2% specificity, and 81.2% overall accuracy were obtained for discriminating between pCR (+) and pCR (−) (area under the curve = 0.885, P < 0.001).Conclusions18F‐FDG PET is potentially useful as a method for assessing tumor response after preoperative CRT for rectal cancer. Post‐SUV and RR were significantly associated with pathological treatment response, especially in pCR. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:17–24. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical implication of CD166 expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Ishigami Sumiya , Ueno Shinichi , Arigami Takaaki , Arima Hideo , Uchikado Yasuto , Kita Yoshiaki , Sasaki Ken , Nishizono Yuka , Omoto Itaru , Kurahara Hiroshi , Matsumoto Masataka , Kijima Yuko , Natsugoe Shoji 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundCD166 is one of the cell‐surface immunoglobulins, and is well known to regulate leukocyte mobility. Its expression is associated with aggressive tumor behavior. CD166 expression is a prognostic marker in several cancers, but the predictive value of CD166 expression in gastric cancer has not been clarified yet.Patients and MethodsA total of 142 gastric cancer patients who consecutively received curative gastrectomy in Kagoshima University Hospital were enrolled in the current study. The patients were composed of 99 men and 43 women, ranging in age from 42 to 84 years (mean 63 years). Cancerous CD166 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically.ResultsCancerous CD166 expression was identified in not only cellular membrane but also cytoplasm. The rates of membranous and cytoplasmic CD166 positivities were 25.4% and 34.4%, respectively. Cytoplasmic and membranous CD166 positivities were significantly correlated with nodal involvement and vascular invasion. Survival analysis of the 142 gastric cancer patients revealed that membranous CD166‐positive group (median survival 18.6 months, range 0.3–104.5 months) had a significantly poorer outcome than CD166‐negative group (median 25.7 months range 1.4–106 months) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMembranous CD166‐positivity may contribute to one of the promising prognostic markers in gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:57–61. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of histidine, 1‐methylhistidine and 3‐methylhistidine in plasma and urine by capillary electrophoresis UV‐detection
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore , Pisanu Elisabetta , Scanu Bastianina , Sanna Manuela , Deiana Luca , Carru Ciriaco 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe describe a new CE method with UV‐detection for the quantification of histidine (His) and its methylated forms 1‐methylhistidine and 3‐methylhistidine, both in plasma and urine. Analytes were basically resolved using a 60 mmol/L Tris‐phosphate run buffer pH 2.2 in less than 12 min. The use of a mixture of ACN/ammonia (80:20) for protein precipitation allows the quantitative recovery of all His from plasma. The optimization of the sample volume injection permits to reach an LOD of 20 nmol/L, thus improving the sensitivity of about hundred times in comparison to the previous described assays. Moreover, the opportunity to also measure creatinine in the same run makes it possible to evaluate the renal function contemporarily, thus avoiding further dosages with significant time saving. The application method has been proved by measuring His, 1‐methylhistidine and 3‐methylhistidine in 44 healthy subjects. In conclusion, our new method seems to be an inexpensive, fast and specific tool to assess large numbers of patients for routine analysis both in clinical and research laboratories.
Flow field‐flow fractionation and multiangle light scattering for ultrahigh molecular weight sodium hyaluronate characterization
Authors: Moon Myeong Hee 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis review describes the utility of flow field‐flow fractionation coupled with multiangle light scattering and differential refractive index (FlFFF‐MALS‐DRI) detection methods for the separation of ultrahigh molecular weight sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) materials and for the characterization of molecular weight distribution as well as structural determination. The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (HA), NaHA, is a water‐soluble polysaccharide with a broad range of molecular weights (105–108) found in various naturally occurring fluids and tissues. Basic principles of FlFFF‐MALS using field programming for the separation of the degraded products of NaHA prepared by treating raw materials with depolymerization or degradation processes such as membrane filtration, enzymatic degradation, ultrasonic degradation, alkaline reaction, irradiation by γ‐rays, and thermal treatment for the development of pharmaceutical applications are introduced. Changes in molecular weight distribution and conformation of NaHA materials due to external stimuli are also discussed.
Extraction of hyaluronic acid (HA) from rooster comb and characterization using flow field‐flow fractionation (FlFFF) coupled with multiangle light scattering (MALS)
Authors: Kang Dong Young , Kim Won‐Suk , Heo In Sook , Park Young Hun , Lee Seungho 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHyaluronic acid (HA) was extracted in a relatively large scale from rooster comb using a method similar to that reported previously. The extraction method was modified to simplify and to reduce time and cost in order to accommodate a large‐scale extraction. Five hundred grams of frozen rooster combs yielded about 500 mg of dried HA. Extracted HA was characterized using asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation (AsFlFFF) coupled online to a multiangle light scattering detector and a refractive index detector to determine the molecular size, molecular weight (MW) distribution, and molecular conformation of HA. For characterization of HA, AsFlFFF was operated by a simplified two‐step procedure, instead of the conventional three‐step procedure, where the first two steps (sample loading and focusing) were combined into one to avoid the adsorption of viscous HA onto the channel membrane. The simplified two‐step AsFlFFF yielded reasonably good separations of HA molecules based on their MWs. The weight average MW (Mw) and the average root‐mean‐square (RMS) radius of HA extracted from rooster comb were 1.20×106 and 94.7 nm, respectively. When the sample solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm disposable syringe filter, they were reduced down to 3.8×105 and 50.1 nm, respectively.
Determination of antioxidants in polyolefins using total dissolution methodology followed by RPLC
Authors: Green Shayne , Bai Snow , Cheatham Mike , Cong Rongjuan , Yau Wallace 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAntioxidants are added to polyolefins to improve the stability of the resin from oxidation and degradation during processing of the finished article and to increase product lifetime. Without antioxidants, polyolefins would quickly degrade during and after the extrusion or thermoforming process, which would cause inferior appearance and physical properties. The proper level must be added to protect the polymer and to minimize cost. Antioxidants are usually extracted from the resin and the extract is analyzed by RPLC, GC, or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Unfortunately, many of these procedures require significant manual labor, time, and solvent, rendering them impractical for high‐throughput work processes. In addition, they may not provide complete extraction of the additives depending upon the type of resin. A validated analytical method was needed for the determination of three common antioxidants, Irganox®1010, Irganox®1076, and Irgafos®168 in polyolefin resins. This paper shows the determination of these antioxidants using dissolution followed by precipitation witho‐xylene and methanol. Direct analysis of the solution is achieved in 8 min using RPLC.
Hydrodynamic chromatography of latex blends
Authors: Brewer Amandaa K. , Striegel André M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe ability to characterize the size and shape distributions of broadly polydisperse analytes is a driving force in particle size analysis. Multi‐detector hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC), which has previously shown promise in its ability to characterize the size and shape of monodisperse, spherical polystyrene latex standards, is applied here to include the characterization of bi‐, tri‐, and tetramodal latex blends and their constituents varying in size, chemistry, and compactness. The ability of multi‐detector HDC to distinguish between similar‐sized particles of different chemistry is realized by the coupling of a concentration‐sensitive detector and two different types of light scattering detectors. The use of both multi‐angle static and quasi‐elastic light scattering permits for determination of two different size parameters across the elution profiles of the blends. Combining the size information obtained from both light scattering methods provides a measure of how particle compactness changes as a function of size in a latex blend. Multi‐detector HDC was shown to be a rapid and precise method for characterizing particle size, shape, and their distributions of broadly polydisperse analytes.
Release Kinetics and in vitro Bioactivity of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor: Effect of the Thickness of Fibrous Matrices
Authors: Kim Min Sup , Shin Young Min , Lee Ji‐hye , Kim Sun I. , Nam Young Soo , Shin Choongsoo S. , Shin Heungsoo 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this study, we fabricated non‐woven matrices using blends of polycaprolactone and gelatin with various spinning volumes to control the immobilized heparin content, which was ultimately intended to increase the immobilization efficiency of bFGF. The amount of bFGF on the heparin conjugated fibrous matrices depended on the thicknesses of the swollen matrices ranging from 35.4 ± 6.5 to 162.3 ± 14.0 ng and ≈90% of the bFGF was gradually released over a period of up to 56 d. The released bFGF enhanced the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, our heparin‐conjugated fibrous matrices have the potential to be used as a growth factor delivery system in tissue engineering applications. magnified image
Novel Vesicles Self‐Assembled From Amphiphilic Star‐Armed PEG/Polypeptide Hybrid Copolymers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Kang , Dong Hai‐Qing , Wen Hui‐Yun , Xu Meng , Li Cao , Li Yong‐Yong , Jones Helen N. , Shi Dong‐Lu , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA novel amphiphilic four‐armed [poly(ε‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐L‐lysine)]2‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐[poly(ε‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐L‐lysine)]2 hybrid copolymer has been prepared. The cytotoxicity study shows that the copolymer has good biocompatibility with no obvious inhibition effect on cell growth. The amphiphilic copolymers could self‐assemble to form vesicles in aqueous solution. DOX · HCl, as a hydrophilic drug, can be loaded into the vesicles, and then successfully internalized by human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. Importantly, the DOX‐loaded vesicles show a greatly improved drug release behavior with a zero‐order release at the initial stage, suggesting a great potential as the carrier of hydrophilic drugs for controlled drug delivery. magnified image
Miniemulsion Polymerizations Using Static Mixers: Towards High Biocompatible Hydrophobe Contents
Authors: Rahme Roland , Graillat Christian , Farzi Gholamali , McKenna Timothy F. L. , Hamaide Thierry 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSimple static mixers have been used as homogenization devices to perform polymerizable miniemulsion dispersions with negligible heat generation from mixtures containing vinyl acetate as the monomer and high amounts of biocompatible viscous oils (Miglyol and vitamin E acetate) as the hydrophobic components. A triblock non‐ionic copolymer was used as surfactant. The size of the initial droplets was in the 100–300 nm range, increasing with the amount of the hydrophobe oil. These droplets have successfully been polymerized by using lauroyl peroxide or H2O2/ascorbic acid as initiators in order to get non‐charged primary radicals. Stable nanoparticles with sizes around 300 nm have been obtained that display colloidal stabilization at 4 and 25 °C upon a long storage time. magnified image
Photoinduced Controlled Radical Polymerization in Methanol
Authors: Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Uygun Mustafa , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPhotoinduced CRP of methyl methacrylate initiated by in situ generation of copper (I) complex from higher oxidation state species in methanol was investigated. The polymerizations proceeded in a well‐controlled manner under UV light at room temperature as evidenced by kinetic and chain extension studies. The evolution of molecular weight with conversion showed good correlation between experimental and theoretical molecular weights, which confirmed good control over polymerization and ensured a narrow MWD. The effect of the methanol on the polymerization was also investigated, and a better agreement between experimental and theoretical molecular weights with a quite narrow MWD was obtained by using methanol as solvent. magnified image
Self‐Assembly Behavior of Bis(terpyridine) and Metallo‐bis(terpyridine) Pluronics in Dilute Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Chiper Manuela , Hoeppener Stephanie , Schubert Ulrich S. , Fustin Charles‐André , Gohy Jean‐François 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBis(terpyridine) and metallo‐bis(terpyridine) Pluronics have been synthesized starting from commercially available P105 and P123 hydroxytelechelic Pluronics. The grafting of terpyridine ligands at the extremity of the Pluronic chains results in the further association of the Pluronic micelles in water. Increasing temperature decreases the solubility of the Pluronics, but also increases the solubility of the terpyridine groups. The addition of 0.5 equiv. nickel(II) ions compared to terpyridine groups induces the formation of bis(terpyridine) nickel(II) complexes and disrupts the initial hydrophobic terpyridine aggregates. In that case, formation of flower‐like micelles in which the coronal chains form loops due to the terpyridine nickel(II) complexes is observed in the dilute regime. magnified image
Effective Static Dissipation of Bilayer Thermoplastic Nanocomposites at Low Nanofiber Loadings
Authors: Li Bin , Zhong Wei‐Hong 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA bilayer‐structured PEI/CNF composite fabricated by a facile solution casting method is described, showing dramatically improved static dissipation properties at a rather low loading level. Compared to the conventional monolayer nanocomposite with high static dissipation rate, the bilayer‐structured composite exhibited a 91.4 wt.‐% reduction in CNF loading, while it is volumetric and surface static dissipation rates were ca. 1 000 and 20 times higher, respectively. The interface region in the bilayer structure accounts for such a remarkable improvement. It is believed that this design could significantly benefit the applications requiring high antistatic capability of polymeric materials. magnified image
Overexpression of both TFPIα and TFPIβ induces apoptosis and expression of genes involved in the death receptor pathway in breast cancer cells
Authors: Stavik Benedicte , Skretting Grethe , Sletten Marit , Sandset Per Morten , Iversen Nina 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThrombosis is a major complication and an important cause of death in cancer patients. Tumor cells may trigger coagulation and induce a prothrombotic phenotype, which in return may enhance angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) has been reported to reduce tumor growth and metastasis in vivo and to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in normal cells in vitro. However, no effect has so far been observed in cancer cells. We therefore aimed to characterize the functional effects of ectopic overexpression and endogenous downregulation of TFPI in cancer cells, and to elucidate possible mechanisms involved. The tumor derived breast cancer cells SK‐BR‐3 and Sum102 were used to construct stable cell lines overexpressing TFPIα and TFPIβ, and with TFPI knocked down, respectively. Effects of altered TFPI expression were evaluated by measuring apoptosis and proliferation of the cells, and gene expressions were analyzed using PCR arrays. Increased DNA fragmentation and Caspase 3 activity was observed in SK‐BR‐3 cells overexpressing TFPIα and TFPIβ, while a decrease in apoptosis was seen in Sum102 cells with TFPI expression knocked down. An increase and reduction in expression of pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic genes, respectively, were seen in TFPI overexpressing cells, and the majority of the upregulated genes encoded proteins involved in the death receptor pathway, among them the death receptor ligand TNF‐α. In conclusion, TFPIα and TFPIβ induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and increased expression of apoptotic genes indicating a possible involvement of the death receptor pathway. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The oviduct as a complex mediator of mammalian sperm function and selection
Authors: Holt William V. , Fazeli Alireza 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe fallopian tube, or oviduct, is no longer considered merely a conduit that joins the uterine horns and the ovaries, being recognised as a venue for the capacitation of spermatozoa and fertilisation. However, recent evidence has implicated the oviduct in the stringent selection of spermatozoa prior to fertilisation, sperm storage prior to fertilisation, the regulation of sperm motility and possibly the guidance of spermatozoa towards the egg. Moreover, the arrival of spermatozoa within the oviduct is now known to regulate gene expression in oviductal epithelial cells with the consequent up‐ and downregulation of various proteins. In this review, we examine the emerging significance of sperm–oviduct interactions, as they relate to both physiological functions and the likelihood that the oviduct has a role in post‐copulatory sperm selection by females (cryptic female choice) under conditions of sperm competition. The mechanisms by which sperm selection might operate still remain a mystery, especially when the underlying rationale for such mechanism appears to require the recognition by the female tract of sperm qualities related to the intrinsic integrity and information content of the sperm DNA. The oviduct not only selects against spermatozoa containing fragmented DNA but also imposes selection related to the fitness or quality of individual males. This implies the existence of, as yet unrecognised, mechanisms for the detection and interpretation of sperm‐surface markers that link phenotypic and genotypic qualities of each individual cell. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77:934–943, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of stimulus pulse width on M‐waves, H‐reflexes, and torque during tetanic low‐intensity neuromuscular stimulation
Authors: Lagerquist Olle , Collins David F. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNeuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to generate contractions that include a central recruitment of motoneurons; however, the effect of pulse width on electromyographic (EMG) and torque responses during NMES are not well documented. Soleus EMG and isometric plantarflexion torque were recorded from 14 subjects with NMES delivered to the tibial nerve using 50, 200, 500, and 1000 μs pulse widths. M‐waves were significantly smaller during 20 HZ NMES compared with responses evoked by single pulses of 200, 500, and 1000 μs, but not 50 μs pulse widths. At all pulse widths, stimulation at 20 HZ depressed soleus H‐reflexes compared with single pulses. Two seconds of 100 HZ NMES significantly increased H‐reflexes and torque during the subsequent 20 HZ NMES with 200, 500, and 1000 μs, but not 50 μs, pulse widths. NMES delivered using wide pulses generated larger contractions with a relatively greater central contribution than narrow pulses. This may help reduce atrophy and produce fatigue‐resistant contractions for rehabilitation. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Application of angiotensin ii to healthy rat sciatic nerve can produce neuropathy without associated vasculopathy
Authors: Kasselman Lora J. , Rutkove Seward B. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractElevated angiotensin II (AII) levels have been associated with hypertension, diabetes, and polyneuropathy. It is unknown whether AII applied to healthy nerve can be used to model a confined neuronal injury by producing localized vasculopathy and associated neuropathy. In this study, angiotensin II (2.2 μg/ml) or saline was infused constantly via osmotic pump onto the sciatic nerve of 20 rats for 12 weeks. Nerve conduction studies were repeated every 4 weeks, and sciatic nerve was collected for pathological analysis at 12 weeks. Animals infused with AII showed a significant decrease in nerve fiber diameter (P< 0.001), axon diameter (P< 0.001), and myelin thickness (P< 0.001), despite the absence of electrophysiological changes. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in vessel diameter or wall thickness. AII can cause structural alterations in healthy nerve without associated changes in vasculature, implying the existence of additional previously unrecognized mechanisms of AII‐induced neuronal injury. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Two children with “dropped head” syndrome due to lamin A/C mutations
Authors: Chemla Jeremy C. , Kanter Ronald J. , Carboni Michael P. , Smith Edward C. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractLMNA‐related congenital muscular dystrophy (L‐CMD) is a recently described disorder characterized by infantile‐onset myopathy due to mutations in the lamin A/C (LMNA) gene. We report the genetic and clinical characteristics of two unrelated L‐CMD patients. Patient 1 harbored a novel, L35P mutation and patient 2 a previously reported R249W mutation. The striking phenotype associated with L‐CMD is important to recognize, as molecular diagnostic testing can spare patients unnecessary procedures and prompt the physician to monitor for associated cardiac arrhythmias. Muscle Nerve, 2010