bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radioimmunotherapy With Astatine‐211 Using Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody U36 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Junping , Ekberg Tomas , Engström Mats , Nestor Marika , Jensen Holger J. , Tolmachev Vladimir , Anniko Matti 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectives: In advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), there is a need for an adjuvant treatment. We aim to evaluate the biodistribution and therapeutic effect of radioimmunotherapy using the alpha emitting, astatine‐211‐labeled, chimeric monoclonal antibody U36 (U36) on the HNSCC cell line UT‐SCC7 in vivo.Study Design: Xenograft tumors were inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice. Astatine‐211‐labeled U36 was injected intravenously with or without blocking of target with nonlabeled U36.Methods: In the biodistribution experiments, radioactivity was measured in tumors and various organs at set time points. In the therapeutic experiments, two groups (with or without blocking) received therapy, and the tumor growth was compared with that of controls. In addition, one group received nonlabeled U36 only.Results: The biodistribution experiments demonstrated that astatine‐211‐labeled U36 could target UT‐SCC7 xenografts in nude mice. With time, uptake increased in tumors and decreased in normal organs. Nonlabeled U36 did not influence tumor growth. In the two therapy groups, 18 of 20 tumors responded to therapy by decreasing or stabilizing their volumes. Significant difference was seen between the treated groups and the controls (P < .05).Conclusion: The study illustrates the specific binding of astatine‐211‐labeled U36 to HNSCC and suggests radioimmunotherapy with the alpha emitting radionuclide to be a useful treatment modality.
Important Clinical Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ling Francis T. K. , Kountakis Stilianos E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of individual Rhinosinusitis Task Force (RSTF) symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in 201 patients treated with FESS. The prevalence and severity of individual RSTF major and minor symptom scores graded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared. Correlation between absolute improvement in individual symptom scores at 1‐year postoperative was performed.Results: One‐hundred fifty‐eight of 201 patients met inclusion criteria giving a response rate of 78%. The average age was 49.4 (range 18–80) with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.1:1. The preoperative leading mean symptom scores were postnasal drip (5.8 ± 0.3), nasal obstruction (5.7 ± 0.3), and facial congestion (5.1 ± 0.3). These symptoms were also the most prevalent with 82%, 84%, and 79% of patients reporting these symptoms, respectively. Postoperative symptom improvements were significant (P < .0001) across all RSTF domains except fever. The highest percentage improvement was seen with facial congestion (93%), nasal obstruction (92%), and postnasal drip (85%). Multivariate analysis revealed significant (P < .0001) high correlation between improvements of facial pain/pressure with facial congestion (R = 0.72), facial congestion with nasal obstruction (R = 0.65), and facial pain/pressure with headache (R = 0.72).Conclusion: The top three RSTF symptoms were postnasal drip, nasal obstruction, and facial congestion in terms of prevalence and severity. Symptom scores improved after FESS. Of these symptoms, the degree of improvement of facial pain/pressure, facial congestion, nasal obstruction, and headache are highly correlated.
Tacrolimus: A New Option in Therapy‐Resistant Chronic External Otitis
Authors: Caffier Philipp P. , Harth Wolfgang , Mayelzadeh Babak , Haupt Heidemarie , Sedlmaier Benedikt 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the efficacy of the novel topical immune modulator tacrolimus in chronic uninfectious otherwise therapy‐resistant external otitis (EO).Study Design: Prospective clinical study.Patients and Methods: There were 53 patients aged 5 to 83 years. An ear wick containing 0.1% tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) was inserted into the external auditory canal every 2nd to 3rd day. Altogether, the wick was changed three times. The pre‐, intra‐ and posttherapeutic state of the clinical parameters otalgia, edema, otorrhea, erythema, pruritus, and desquamation was rated by means of a 6‐point score system. Treatment efficiency was evaluated on the basis of follow‐up investigations at 3‐month intervals, a standardized findings sheet, and photograph documentation.Results: The short‐term results showed a clear improvement in 85% of the patients and significant reductions of the severity levels for all clinical parameters investigated (P < .001). Concerning the long‐term results, a one‐time treatment cycle led to complete healing in 46% of the patients throughout a follow‐up of 10 to 22 months. Of the patients, 54% had recurrent EO events with significantly extended mean symptom‐free intervals. Reapplied tacrolimus treatment patterns attenuated the relapsing course of disease and significantly reduced the number of EO episodes. Within the observation period, no relevant side effects were observed, except for a local feeling of heat, occasional skin burning, and itching.Conclusions: The topical application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment in the outer ear canal appears to be an effective and well‐tolerated new option in corticosteroid‐free treatment of chronic therapy‐resistant EO.
Multiscale image analysis of microcellular solids: application to hybrid silica xerogels
Authors: GOMMES CÉDRIC J. , PIRARD JEAN‐PAUL , BLACHER SILVIA 
Published: April 2007

SummaryA general methodology is proposed to characterize microcellular solids, the structure of which consists of a three‐dimensional network of filamentary structures. The analysis is based on transmission electron microscopy observation of the filaments individually and of their spatial arrangement. The micrographs are analyzed with grey‐tone digital image analysis techniques, such as opening granulometry and correlation analysis. The methodology is applied to hybrid organic–inorganic low‐density silica solids synthesized by the sol–gel method with an organically modified co‐reactant. The quantitative impact of the co‐reactant on each structural level of the structure is assessed quantitatively.
Method for determination of the displacement field in patterned nanostructures by TEM/CBED analysis of split high‐order Laue zone line profiles
Authors: SPESSOT A. , FRABBONI S. , BALBONI R. , ARMIGLIATO A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryA method to extract accurate information on the displacement field distribution from split high‐order Laue zones lines in a convergent‐beam electron diffraction pattern of nanostructures has been developed. Starting from two‐dimensional many beam dynamical simulation of HOLZ patterns, we assembled a recursive procedure to reconstruct the displacement field in the investigated regions of the sample, based on the best fit of a parametrized model. This recursive procedure minimizes the differences between simulated and experimental patterns, taken in strained regions, by comparing the corresponding rocking curves of a number of high‐order Laue zone reflections. Due to its sensitivity to small displacement variations along the electron beam direction, this method is able to discriminate between different models, and can be also used to map a strain field component in the specimen. We tested this method in a series of experimental convergent‐beam electron diffraction patterns, taken in a shallow trench isolation structure. The method presented here is of general validity and, in principle, it can be applied to any sample where not negligible strain gradients along the beam direction are present.
High‐resolution compact X‐ray microscopy
Authors: TAKMAN P. A. C. , STOLLBERG H. , JOHANSSON G. A. , HOLMBERG A. , LINDBLOM M. , HERTZ H. M. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryWe demonstrate compact full‐field soft X‐ray transmission microscopy with sub 60‐nm resolution operating at λ= 2.48 nm. The microscope is based on a 100‐Hz regenerative liquid‐nitrogen‐jet laser‐plasma source in combination with a condenser zone plate and a micro‐zone plate objective for high‐resolution imaging onto a 2048 × 2048 pixel CCD detector. The sample holder is mounted in a helium atmosphere and allows imaging of both dry and wet specimens. The microscope design enables fast sample switching and the sample can be pre‐aligned using a visible‐light microscope. High‐quality images can be acquired with exposure times of less than 5 min. We demonstrate the performance of the microscope using both dry and wet samples.
Scanning probe microscopies applied to the study of the domain wall in a ferroelectric crystal
Authors: CANET‐FERRER J. , MARTÍN‐CARRÓN L. , MARTÍNEZ‐PASTOR J. , VALDÉS J. L. , PEÑA A. , CARVAJAL J. J. , DIAZ F. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryScanning near‐field optical microscopy is capable of measuring the topography and optical signals at the same time. This fact makes this technique a valuable tool in the study of materials at nanometric scale and, in particular, of ferroelectric materials, as it permits the study of their domains structure without the need of chemical etching and, therefore, not damaging the surface (as will be demonstrated later). We have measured the scanning near‐field optical microscopy transmission, as well as the topography, of an RbTiOPO4 single crystalline slab, which exhibits two different of macroscopic ferroelectric domains. A chemical selective etching has been performed to distinguish between them, obtaining areas with a noticeable roughness (C− domain) in comparison with the original flat aspect of the other ones (C+ domain). The effects of the selective chemical etching have been quantified in topographic images obtained by means of our fibre tip probe, and have been compared to topographic images obtained by Atomic Force Microscopy, with a better resolution. The near‐field optical transmission images recorded have been obtained under different excitation wavelengths. These images are modulated by the light scattering due to the grains at the rough surface, which depends on the excitation wavelength used. In addition, they show a significant optical contrast due to the variations of the dielectric constant on the proximity of the ferroelectric domain wall.
Natural disasters, climate change and mental health considerations for rural Australia
Authors: Morrissey Shirley A. , Reser Joseph P. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract This paper addresses a very salient feature of rural life and landscapes in Australia, natural disasters, and offers a psychological perspective on individual and community perceptions, responses, preparedness and planning. The convergent perspective offered reflects research and practice findings and insights from social and environmental psychology, as well as clinical, health and community psychology. The objective is to briefly characterise how these psychological approaches frame the psychological and social reality of these threats and events, and to canvas what insights and evidence‐based best practice psychology have to offer allied professionals and paraprofessionals, and rural communities, as they experience and come to terms with the vagaries and extremes of the Australian environment.
SHORT WAVES‐INDUCED ENHANCEMENT OF PROLIFERATION OF HUMAN CHONDROCYTES: INVOLVEMENT OF EXTRACELLULAR SIGNAL‐REGULATED MAP‐KINASE (ERK)
Authors: Wang Jue‐Long , Chan Rai‐Chi , Cheng He‐Hsiung , Huang Chun‐Jen , Lu Yih‐Chau , Chen I‐Shu , Liu Shiuh‐Inn , Hsu Shu‐Shong , Chang Hong‐Tai , Huang Jong‐Khing , Chen Jin‐Shyr , Ho Chin‐Man , Jan Chung‐Ren 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARY

Short‐wave diathermy (SWD) is a form of radiofrequency radiation that is used therapeutically by physiotherapists. The cellular mechanisms of SWD are unclear. The present study was performed to explore the effect of different conditions of short‐wave exposure on the proliferation of cultured human chondrocytes.
Cells exposed to short waves once per day for seven consecutive days exhibited a significant increase in proliferation by 42% compared with the control cells. In cells that were treated with short waves twice per day for seven consecutive days, or only once on Day 1 and then examined for proliferation on Day 7, cell proliferation was greater than the control cells by 40% and 30%, respectively.
Given the importance of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the proliferation of different cell types, efforts were extended to explore the role of three major types of MAPK; that is, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun NH2‐terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38.4. It was found that the level of phosphorylated ERK (phospho‐ERK 1 and ERK 2) increased significantly within 5–120 min following consecutive exposure to short waves for 7 days. Exposure to short waves failed to alter the intensity of phosphorylated JNK and p38 within 0–240 min.
Cells were exposed to short waves once for seven consecutive days in the presence of 0, 10 µmol/L, 20 µmol/L or 50 µmol/L PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor). PD98059 totally inhibited short waves‐induced enhancement of proliferation without altering normal control viability. In the presence of short waves and PD98059, the cell viability was lower than the normal control. Together, the data suggest that short waves could increase proliferation in human chondrocytes through activation of the ERK pathway, which is also involved in maintaining normal cell proliferation under physiological conditions.
HIGH‐DOSE TAURINE SUPPLEMENTATION INCREASES SERUM PARAOXONASE AND ARYLESTERASE ACTIVITIES IN EXPERIMENTAL HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: Dirican Melahat , Taş Sibel , Sarandöl Emre 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARY

Hypothyroidism is accompanied by hyperlipidaemia and oxidative stress and is associated with several complications, such as atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase activity has been reported to decrease in several situations associated with atherosclerosis and oxidative stress. In the present study, the effects of different doses of taurine on serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, as well as on the serum lipid profile, were investigated in hypothyroid rats.
Forty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: Group 1, rats received normal rat chow and tap water; Group 2, rats received standard rat chow + 0.05% propylthiouracil (PTU) in the drinking water; and Groups 3–5, taurine‐supplemented PTU groups (standard rat chow + 0.5, 2 or 3% taurine in the drinking water, respectively, in addition to PTU). Paraoxon or phenylacetate were used as substrates to measure paraoxonase and arylesterase activity, respectively. Plasma and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicators of lipid peroxidation, were determined using the thiobarbituric‐acid reactive substances method. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (following precipitation with dextran sulphate–magnesium chloride) were determined using enzymatic methods.
Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were increased and plasma and tissue MDA levels and serum triglyceride levels were reduced in a dose‐dependent manner in taurine‐treated hypothyroid rats. Taurine concentrations were positively correlated with enzyme activities and negatively correlated with MDA and triglyceride levels.
Further studies are needed to investigate the role of taurine supplementation in hypothyroidism in human subjects.
NARIRUTIN INHIBITS AIRWAY INFLAMMATION IN AN ALLERGIC MOUSE MODEL
Authors: Funaguchi Norihiko , Ohno Yasushi , La Bu Lin Bai , Asai Toshihiro , Yuhgetsu Hideyuki , Sawada Masahiro , Takemura Genzou , Minatoguchi Shinya , Fujiwara Takako , Fujiwara Hisayoshi 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARY

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds that possess anti‐allergic, anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative and anti‐oxidant properties. In the present study, we investigated whether the flavonoid narirutin could reduce airway inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized/challenged NC/Nga mice, a model of allergic eosinophilic airway inflammation.
Mice were initially immunized intraperitoneally with OVA on Days 0 and 7 and then challenged with inhaled OVA on Days 14, 15 and 16. In addition, some mice received narirutin orally at doses of 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/kg bodyweight daily on Days 7–16.
At 10 mg/kg, but not 0.1 or 1 mg/kg, narirutin significantly diminished OVA‐induced airway inflammation caused by infiltration of lung tissue with inflammatory and mucus‐producing cells, as well as reduced eosinophil counts in the peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), interleukin (IL)‐4 levels in BALF and IgE levels in serum.
The mechanism of the anti‐inflammatory effect of narirutin are likely to be associated with a reduction in the OVA‐induced increases of IL‐4 and IgE in a murine model of allergic eosinophilic airway inflammation. These findings suggest that narirutin may be an effective new tool in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
ARGINASE: A CRITICAL REGULATOR OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHESIS AND VASCULAR FUNCTION
Authors: Durante William , Johnson Fruzsina K , Johnson Robert A 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARY

Arginase is the focal enzyme of the urea cycle hydrolysing l‐arginine to urea and l‐ornithine. Emerging studies have identified arginase in the vasculature and have implicated this enzyme in the regulation of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and the development of vascular disease.
Arginase inhibits the production of NO via several potential mechanisms, including competition with NO synthase (NOS) for the substrate l‐arginine, uncoupling of NOS resulting in the generation of the NO scavenger, superoxide and peroxynitrite, repression of the translation and stability of inducible NOS protein, inhibition of inducible NOS activity via the generation of urea and by sensitization of NOS to its endogenous inhibitor asymmetric dimethyl‐l‐arginine.
Upregulation of arginase inhibits endothelial NOS‐mediated NO synthesis and may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in hypertension, ageing, ischaemia–reperfusion and diabetes.
Arginase also redirects the metabolism of l‐arginine to l‐ornithine and the formation of polyamines and l‐proline, which are essential for smooth muscle cell growth and collagen synthesis. Therefore, the induction of arginase may also promote aberrant vessel wall remodelling and neointima formation.
Arginase represents a promising novel therapeutic target that may reverse endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction and prevent vascular disease.
SICKLE CELL DISEASE: ROLE OF REACTIVE OXYGEN AND NITROGEN METABOLITES
Authors: Wood Katherine C , Granger D Neil 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARY

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of haemoglobin synthesis that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to sequelae of episodic vaso‐occlusive events: pain crises and multiorgan damage. The microvascular responses to the initiation, progression and resolution of vaso‐occlusive events are consistent with an inflammatory phenotype as suggested by activation of multiple cell types, an oxidatively stressed environment and endothelial cell dysfunction.
Decreased anti‐oxidant defences in SCD patients and mice are accompanied by activation of enzymatic (NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase) and non‐enzymatic (sickle haemoglobin auto‐oxidation) sources of reactive oxygen species. The resultant oxidative stress leads to dysfunction/activation of arteriolar and venular endothelial cells, resulting in impaired vasomotor function and blood cell–endothelial cell adhesion.
Changes in substrate and cofactor availability for endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase may underlie reactive oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐induced events that contribute to SCD‐induced vasculopathy.
The emerging role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the pathogenesis of SCD provides a platform for the development of novel agents to treat this painful and lethal disease.
IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY FROM GOAT CERVICAL EPITHELIUM
Authors: Rana Manish , Mittal Deepak , Pereira Ben MJ 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYIn mammals, antimicrobial peptides are present in epithelial cells of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinogenital tracts. In the present study, we report the identification and partial characterization of an antimicrobial peptide in extracts prepared from goat cervical epithelial tissue.The bioactivity, as determined by radial and disc diffusion assays, was identified in a peptide of molecular mass 4.5 kDa purified by cation exchange and gel filtration techniques. The purified peptide exhibited antibacterial activity againstEscherichia coli(Gram‐negative) as well asBacillus subtilis(Gram‐positive) bacteria.The minimum inhibitory concentration of the peptide estimated by liquid broth assay forE. coliandB. subtilissuspensions was 31 and 50 µg/mL, respectively, a result implying that the peptide is more efficient in inhibiting Gram‐negative than Gram‐positive bacteria.Because the peptide has no spermicidal activity, we propose that it is responsible for protecting the female genital tract against bacteria.Whether the peptide has potentials for use in the cryopreservation, storage and transport of semen remains to be determined.
RENOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF TROLOX AGAINST ISCHAEMIA–REPERFUSION INJURY IN RATS
Authors: Wongmekiat Orawan , Thamprasert Kamthorn , Lumlertgul Dusit 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARY

Although α‐tocopherol has been shown to improve renal function following ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury, its clinical use is not common because α‐tocopherol requires several days of pretreatment to exhibit anti‐oxidative benefits. The advent of trolox, a water‐soluble analogue of α‐tocopherol, has raised the possibility that this compound may function more rapidly during acute oxidative stress than the conventional α‐tocopherol.
The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of the short‐term administration of trolox on renal excretory function following I/R in rats.
Male Wistar rats were subjected to 45 min unilateral renal artery occlusion followed by 120 min reperfusion. The control I/R group was subjected to I/R and received saline as an intravenous bolus (2 mL/kg) followed by a continuous infusion of 2 mL/kg per h starting 30 min before ischaemia, whereas the three trolox‐treated I/R groups were given an i.v. bolus of trolox (2.5 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (12 mg/kg per h) starting at 30 min before ischaemia, 5 min before reperfusion and 5 min after reperfusion, respectively. Renal function, malondialdehyde, glutathione and histopathology were evaluated.
Ischaemia–reperfusion produced a significant deterioration of renal function, which was accompanied by an elevated malondialdehyde and depleted glutathione content. Kidneys from control I/R rats demonstrated tubular cell transformation, brush border loss, vacuolation, cast formation and tubular obstruction. These changes were attenuated by trolox treatment, with the best improvement achieved when trolox was delivered 5 min before reperfusion.
The results demonstrate the renoprotective effects of the short‐term administration of trolox on I/R injury. These findings indicate the ability of trolox to overcome a major drawback of using α‐tocopherol and suggest that trolox may offer a therapeutic advantage over α‐tocopherol in acute ischaemic renal failure settings.