bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nano Grape Formation by isotactic‐Poly(methacrylic acid)‐block‐Poly(butyl acrylate)
Authors: Ajiro Hiroharu , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA novel approach is employed to produce core–corona nanospheres, which introduces a stereoregular hydrophilic part to an amphiphilic block copolymer. The resultant morphology is reported using isotactic‐poly(methacrylic acid)‐block‐poly(butyl acrylate). Infrared spectroscopy revealed a supramolecular interaction, and X ray diffraction revealed the crystallization of the outer isotactic‐poly(methacrylic acid) part. The nanostructure, which looks like a nanosized ‘grape’, was formed when nanospheres and nanofibers coexisted simultaneously and partially fused.magnified image
Ursolic acid induces PC‐3 cell apoptosis via activation of JNK and inhibition of Akt pathways in vitro
Authors: Zhang Yuxi , Kong Chuize , Zeng Yu , Wang Linhui , Li Zhenhua , Wang Huiqing , Xu Chuanliang , Sun Yinghao 
Published: February 2010

AbstractUrsolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has been demonstrated to have an antiproliferative effect in various tumors. We investigated the cell killing effects of UA in the human hormone refractory prostate cancer cell line, PC‐3 cells. Also, the molecular mechanisms underlying its antigrowth effect were explored. We found that UA treatment in vitro can effectively inhibit PC‐3 cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner by inducing apoptosis, demonstrated by annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide staining. Both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways appear to be triggered by UA treatment, because inhibiting activation of both caspase‐8 and ‐9 could prevent UA‐induced apoptosis in PC‐3 cells. The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) was found to be activated, followed by Bcl‐2 phosphorylation and activation of caspase‐9. On the other hand, UA inhibited the Akt pathway, subsequently upregulating the expression of Fas ligand (FasL), which initiates death receptor‐mediated apoptosis in PC‐3 cells. Importantly, experimentally lowering FasL expression by siRNA significantly inhibited UA‐induced caspase‐8 activation and at least partly attenuated the consequent apoptosis, suggesting an involvement of FasL and its regulating pathway in the cell killing effect of UA. UA also inhibited cell invasion by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase‐9 via inhibition of Akt in PC‐3 cells. Although further evaluation of the UA effects in vivo is needed, the present results suggest the potential utility of UA as a novel therapeutic agent in advanced prostate cancer. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grape seed proanthocyanidin suppression of breast cell carcinogenesis induced by chronic exposure to combined 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone and benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Song Xiaoyu , Siriwardhana Nalin , Rathore Kusum , Lin Degui , Wang Hwa‐Chain Robert 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in northern America and northern Europe; dietary prevention is a cost‐efficient strategy to reduce the risk of this disease. To identify dietary components for the prevention of human breast cancer associated with long‐term exposure to environmental carcinogens, we studied the activity of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in suppression of cellular carcinogenesis induced by repeated exposures to low doses of environmental carcinogens. We used combined carcinogens 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), at picomolar concentrations, to repeatedly treat noncancerous, human breast epithelial MCF10A cells to induce cellular acquisition of cancer‐related properties of reduced dependence on growth factors, anchorage‐independent growth, and acinar‐conformational disruption. Using these properties as biological target endpoints, we verified the ability of GSPE to suppress combined NNK‐ and B[a]P‐induced precancerous cellular carcinogenesis and identified the minimal, noncytotoxic concentration of GSPE required for suppressing precancerous cellular carcinogenesis. We also identified that hydroxysteroid‐11‐beta‐dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2) may play a role in NNK‐ and B[a]P‐induced precancerous cellular carcinogenesis, and its expression may act as a molecular target endpoint in GSPE's suppression of precancerous cellular carcinogenesis. And, the ability of GSPE to reduce gene expression of cytochrome‐P450 enzymes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, which can bioactivate NNK and B[a]P, possibly contributes to the preventive mechanism for GSPE in suppression of precancerous cellular carcinogenesis. Our model system with biological and molecular target endpoints verified the value of GSPE for the prevention of human breast cell carcinogenesis induced by repeated exposures to low doses of multiple environmental carcinogens. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of c‐myc on stem cell fate influences skin tumor phenotype
Authors: Honeycutt Kimberly A. , Waikel Rebekah L. , Koster Maranke I. , Wang Xiao‐Jing , Roop Dennis R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractNonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) consist of a variety of tumor types including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, a variety of hair follicle tumors, and sebaceous gland tumors. Genetic alterations that alter the fate of multipotent stem cells are believed to influence NMSC phenotype. We previously generated a transgenic mouse line which constitutively expressed c‐myc under the control of the K14 promoter (K14.MYC2). These mice exhibited an increase in size and number of sebaceous glands, suggesting that c‐myc diverted multipotential stem cells to a sebaceous lineage. Our goal in the current study was to determine if alterations in the commitment of multipotent stem cells to different cell fates would influence tumor phenotype. To this end, we exposed K14.MYC2 mice to a chemical carcinogenesis protocol and discovered that these mice were predisposed to develop sebaceous adenomas. Our data demonstrate that genetic alterations that alter the fate of multipotent stem cells during embryonic development can markedly influence the phenotype of NMSC that develop following exposure to carcinogens. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cold ischemia in microvascular breast reconstruction
Authors: Lee David T. , Lee Gordon 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroduction: A major drawback to microvascular free flap breast reconstruction is the length of operation—up to 9 hours or more for bilateral reconstruction. This takes a significant mental and physical toll on the surgical team, producing fatigue that may compromise surgical outcome. To facilitate the operation we have incorporated a period of cold ischemia of the flaps such that members of the surgical team can alternate a brief respite during the operation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our series of microvascular free flap breast reconstructions performed over a four‐year period in which cold ischemia of the flaps were induced. Results: Seventy patients underwent free flap breast reconstruction with 104 flaps. Mean cold ischemia time for all flaps was 2 hours 36 min. Average rest time per surgeon per case was 35 min. Complications included two total flap losses (1.9%), one partial flap loss (1.0%), one anastomotic thrombosis (1.0%), two hematomas (1.9%), three fat necrosis (2.9%), and two delayed healing (1.9%). Statistical analysis revealed that the probability of complications is inversely related to cold ischemia time (P = 0.0163). Conclusion: Cold ischemia facilitates breast reconstruction by allowing the surgical team to alternate breaks during the operation. This helps reduce surgeon fatigue and is well tolerated by the flap. Thus, we believe that the use of cold ischemia is safe and advantageous in microvascular breast reconstruction. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:361–367, 2010.
Collagen nerve protector in rat sciatic nerve repair: A morphometric and histological analysis
Authors: Kim Paul D. , Hayes Austin , Amin Faiq , Akelina Yelena , Hays Arthur P. , Rosenwasser Melvin P. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPeripheral nerve repair is often complicated by fibroblastic scar formation, nerve dysfunction, and traumatic neuroma formation. Use of bio‐absorbable protective wraps may improve outcomes of these repairs. This study histologically compared the incidence of neuroma formation, connective tissue proliferation, and axonal regrowth in transected rat sciatic nerves repaired with and without tubular collagen nerve sleeves. Twenty Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent unilateral sharp sciatic nerve transection and microscopic nerve repair with four epineural sutures and were randomly treated with or without an encircling collagen nerve sleeve. Normal nerves from the contralateral sciatic nerve were also examined. At sacrifice three months later, the nerves were evaluated for traumatic neuroma formation, perineural scar formation, and morphometric analysis. Histological examination of normal and repaired nerves by a neuropathologist demonstrated healing, minimal Wallerian degeneration and no traumatic neuroma formation. Distal section analysis (nine nonwrapped, 10 wrapped), revealed no significant differences in total fascicular area, myelinated fibers per nerve, fiber density, myelin area per nerve, myelinated fiber diameter, axon diameter, myelin thickness, or G‐ratio. Significantly greater (P = 0.005) inner epineural connective tissue formation was observed in nonwrapped nerves (0.62 mm2 ± 0.2) versus wrapped nerves (0.35 mm2 ± 0.16). The ratio of connective tissue to fascicular area was larger in nonwrapped (1.08 ± 0.26) versus wrapped nerves (0.63 ± 0.22) (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated decreased inner epineural connective tissue formation with use of a collagen nerve wrap during primary repair of peripheral nerve transection in a rat sciatic nerve model. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:392–396, 2010.
Heat‐solubilized curry spice curcumin inhibits antibody–antigen interaction in in vitro studies: A possible therapy to alleviate autoimmune disorders
Authors: Kurien Biji T. , D'Souza Anil , Scofield R. Hal 
Published: February 2010

AbstractChronic and complex autoimmune diseases, currently treated palliatively with immunosuppressives, require multi‐targeted therapy for greater effectiveness. The naturally occurring polyphenol curcumin has emerged as a powerful “nutraceutical” that interacts with multiple targets to regress diseases safely and inexpensively. Up to 8 g/day of curcumin for 18 months was non‐toxic to humans. However, curcumin's utility is limited by its aqueous insolubility. We have demonstrated a heat‐mediated 12‐fold increase in curcumin's aqueous solubility. Here, we show by SDS‐PAGE and surface plasmon resonance that heat‐solubilized curcumin binds to proteins. Based on this binding we hypothesized that heat‐solubilized curcumin or turmeric would prevent autoantibody targeting of cognate autoantigens. Heat‐solubilized curcumin/turmeric significantly decreased binding of autoantibodies from Sjögren's syndrome (up to 43/70%, respectively) and systemic lupus erythematosus (up to 52/70%, respectively) patients as well as an animal model of Sjögren's syndrome (up to 50/60%, respectively) to their cognate antigens. However, inhibition was not specific to autoimmunity. Heat‐solubilized curcumin/turmeric also inhibited binding of commercial polyclonal anti‐spectrin to spectrin (50/56%, respectively). Thus, we suggest that the multifaceted heat‐solubilized curcumin can ameliorate autoimmune disorders. In addition, the non‐toxic curcumin could serve as a new protein stain in SDS‐PAGE even though it is less sensitive than the Coomassie system which involves toxic chemicals.
New multigrid smoothers for the Oseen problem
Authors: Hamilton Steven , Benzi Michele , Haber Eldad 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe investigate the performance of smoothers based on the Hermitian/skew‐Hermitian (HSS) and augmented Lagrangian (AL) splittings applied to the Marker‐and‐Cell (MAC) discretization of the Oseen problem. Both steady and unsteady flows are considered. Local Fourier analysis and numerical experiments on a two‐dimensional lid‐driven cavity problem indicate that the proposed smoothers result inh‐independent convergence and are fairly robust with respect to the Reynolds number. A direct comparison shows that the new smoothers compare favorably to coupled smoothers of Braess–Sarazin type, especially in terms of scaling for increasing Reynolds number. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of Hall current and heat transfer on the flow of a fourth grade fluid
Authors: Hayat T. , Maqbool Khadija , Asghar S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this article, a mathematical model is analyzed to investigate the effects of Hall current and heat transfer on the flow of a fourth grade fluid between two heated and rotating disks. The corresponding problem of velocity and temperature are solved analytically by homotopy analysis method. Comparison is given between the results of velocity in fourth grade, third grade, second grade, and viscous fluids. The variation of pertinent parameters are graphed and discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010
Non‐cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET): Summary of the Milan consensus and state of the art workshop on marrow ablative chemotherapy with hematopoietic cell rescue for malignant brain tumors of childhood and adolescents
Authors: Fangusaro Jason , Massimino Maura , Rutkowski Stefan , Gururangan Sridharan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCNS non‐cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) represent <5% of all childhood brain tumors. Despite similar therapies, these patients have had significantly worse outcomes compared to patients with medulloblastoma. Although these tumors have historically been considered analogous to medulloblastoma, there is growing evidence that they are biologically distinct. Since these tumors are relatively rare, there are few large series in the literature. Here we present the international experience treating these patients with a variety of therapies, including marrow ablative chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell rescue. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:638–640. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in treatment of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs)
Authors: Garrè Maria Luisa , Tekautz Tanya 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAtypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) of the CNS have been recently characterized as a distinct clinicopathologic entity with an unusually poor prognosis and with the highest incidence in the first 2 years of life. It often arises in the posterior fossa and its distinctive immunohistochemical (negative stain for INI‐1) and cytogenetic features (monosomy or deletion of chromosome 22) permit an adequate diagnosis in most of cases. AT/RT of the CNS is a usually fatal disease virtually unresponsive to chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT). Rapid progression and CNS dissemination are commonly reported. Whether combined regimens including high‐dose CT are able to prolong survival or change the natural history of this tumor are under evaluation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:647–648. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of high‐dose chemotherapy for recurrent medulloblastoma and other CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumors
Authors: Gajjar Amar , Pizer Barry 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe summarize data presented on the use of high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with stem cell rescue for patients with recurrent medulloblastoma and other primitive neuroectodermal tumors as presented at an international consensus and state of the art workshop held in Milan in 2006. Eight, mainly institutional, studies were presented that included 159 patients who received HDCT of whom 22% were disease‐free survivors at the time of reporting. Of those receiving HDCT and who relapsed having received previous radiotherapy, 17.3% were disease‐free survivors at the time of reporting. However, from the two national studies that reported results from the time of relapse, only 4.2% were event free survivors. The outlook for previously irradiated patients with recurrent PNETs remains extremely poor and more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:649–651. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The challenges of high‐dose chemotherapy in CNS tumors
Authors: Butturini Anna , Frappaz Didier 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHigh‐dose, myeloablative chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell rescue is used in children and young adults with brain tumors for which conventional therapy is either excessively toxic (e.g., radiotherapy in infants) or ineffective. Thus, the aims of such strategies are to improve both quantity and quality of life. Whether high‐dose chemotherapy is less neurotoxic and more effective than other therapeutic approaches is still controversial. We will consider the difficulties in analyzing published data and the challenges of designing effective clinical trials that test high‐dose chemotherapy in patients with brain tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:652–653. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in voriconazole trough plasma concentrations per oral dosages between children younger and older than 3 years of age
Authors: Shima Haruko , Miharu Masashi , Osumi Tomoo , Takahashi Takao , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe relationship between trough plasma concentrations and daily doses of voriconazole was retrospectively analyzed in ≤18‐year‐old children because optimal oral voriconazole dosages for children, especially <2 years of age, is unknown. We demonstrated that the relationship changed around the age of 3 years, and that children <3 years of age required higher optimal daily doses with greater variations compared with those for older children, resulting in complicated optimal dose adjustments. Therefore, plasma concentration monitoring and individual dose adjustments are recommended for optimal and less toxic voriconazole treatments, especially for <3‐year‐old children, although additional studies are needed to validate this approach. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1050–1052 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of the nonlinear phase‐separation behavior of a polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blend using small‐angle light scattering
Authors: Zuo Min , Shangguan Yonggang , Zheng Qiang 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe thermally induced phase‐separation behavior of a polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PS/PVME) blend was studied mainly using time‐resolved small‐angle light scattering, as a function of temperature and heating rate. Under a non‐isothermal field, the dependence of the critical temperature on heating rate deviated obviously from linearity, even at very low heating rates. Such a nonlinear dependence was consistent with the deviation from linearity of the temperature dependence of the isothermal phase‐separation behavior in a wider temperature range from 100 to 140 °C. It was also found that a Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF)‐like equation could be employed to describe the temperature dependence of the apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp) and the relaxation time (τ) of normalized scattering intensity at the early stage of spinodal decomposition (SD), as well as τ of phase behavior at the late stage of SD for the PS/PVME blend. The equilibrium phase‐separation temperature could hardly be established through the conventional linear extrapolation of heating rate or Dapp to zero at the early stage of SD. The successful use of the WLF‐like function for PS/PVME blends extends the applicability of the time–temperature superposition principle for describing the phase‐separation behavior of binary polymer mixtures over a relatively large temperature range. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Reversible airway obstruction in children with ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Berkun Yackov , Vilozni Daphna , Levi Yonit , Borik Sheron , Waldman Dalia , Somech Raz , Nissenkorn Andreea , Efrati Ori 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroductionLung disease is a significant cause of the short life span of ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T) patients. Objective lung function measurements are difficult to achieve in A‐T.AimTo assess lung function by spirometry in relation to the clinical characteristics of A‐T patients followed up at the Israeli Ataxia Telangiectasia National Clinic.Patients and MethodsMedical and spirometry data were collected from 27 A‐T patients during 2004–2007. Laboratory, nutritional condition, mode of treatment, pulmonary status, and malignancies were assessed. The spirometry values FVC, FEV1, FEV0.5, FEF25–75, PEF and time rise to peak flow were analyzed individually and values were compared to those of healthy age‐matched children.ResultsEleven patients (40.7%) were found to suffer from asthma according to clinical symptoms and response to bronchodilators. We found significant reduction in FEV1 and FEV0.5 (z‐scores: −0.84 ± 0.7 SD, −0.7 ± 0.6 SD; P = 0.0014 and P = 0.003, respectively), in relation to healthy predicted values. FEF25–75 was significantly lower than that in healthy children in 5 of 11 asthmatic patients. All 27 patients showed higher than healthy FEV1/FVC and FEV0.5/FVC ratios (z‐scores 0.68 ± 0.99 SD, P < 0.0015, and 2.12 ± 1.50 SD, P < 0.0015, respectively). The rise time to peak flow was three‐fold longer than that of healthy children.ConclusionObstructive lung disease is common among A‐T patients. Maximal peak flow reduction and prolonged rise time to peak flow may be the first signs of pulmonary involvement in these patients. Early treatment with anti‐asthma therapy, bronchodilators, and steroids, may prevent further pulmonary deterioration and improve the prognosis of A‐T patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:230–235. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motivational interviewing for adherence problems in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Duff Alistair J.A. , Latchford Gary J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis review focuses on adherence in cystic fibrosis (CF), and the factors known to influence it. In particular, it discusses the importance of effective communication in clinical settings and considers the evidence for the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI), to increase adaptation and adherence in physical health and CF. The review also contains an overview of the key concepts of MI, its' practice in medical settings and recommendations on how to adopt MI techniques in the routine care of people with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:211–220. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.