bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Membrane transport enhancement of chlorin e6‐polyvinylpyrrolidone and its photodynamic efficacy on the chick chorioallantoic model
Authors: Chin William Wei Lim , Heng Paul Wan Sia , Lim Pei Li , Lau Weber Kam On , Olivo Malini 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe have determined the influences of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the topical delivery of chlorin e6 (Ce6) in malignant bladder cells. The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was used to model the tumor spheroids that resemble small residual bladder tumors prior to vascularization. Macroscopic fluorescence imaging showed that Ce6‐PVP‐induced fluorescence had a higher sensitivity and specificity for delineating tumor from the adjacent normal CAM compared to Ce6 alone. Nonlinear regression analyses have shown that Ce6‐PVP has a longer half‐life in the tumor compared to Ce6. The uptake ratio of Ce6‐PVP was found to have a 2‐fold increase across the CAM when compared to that of Ce6, indicating that PVP was able to facilitate diffusion of Ce6 across the membrane. Confocal laser scanning microscopy further confirmed that Ce6‐PVP has better penetration in the CAM as well as in the tumor cells compared to Ce6. The present work contributes to our understanding of the Ce6‐PVP drug–polymer system by demonstrating for the first time that the presence of PVP facilitates the transport of Ce6 across the chorioallantoic membrane. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural stability of green fluorescent proteins entrapped in polyelectrolyte nanocapsules
Authors: Krol Silke , Cannone Fabio , Caccia Michele , Sironi Laura , Bianchini Paolo , Campanini Barbara , Collini Maddalena , Chirico Giuseppe , Diaspro Alberto 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMolecules of a green fluorescent protein mutant, GFPmut2, have been immobilized in nanocapsules, assemblies of charged polyelectrolyte multilayers, with the aim to study the effect of protein‐polyelectrolyte interactions on the protein stability against chemical denaturation. GFPmut2 proteins turn out to be stabilized and protected against the denaturating action of small chemical compounds. The nanocapsule protective effect on GFPmut2 is likely due to protein interactions with the negatively charged polymers, that induce an increase in the local rigidity of the protein nano‐environment. This suggestion is supported by Fluorescence Polarization measurements on GFPmut2 proteins bound to the NC layers. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Postpartum plasma exchange as adjunctive therapy for severe acute fatty liver of pregnancy
Authors: Martin James N. , Briery Christian M. , Rose Carl H. , Owens Michelle T. , Bofill James A. , Files Joe C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAcute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare disease of progressive hepatic insufficiency and secondary systemic compromise that poses significant fetal‐maternal risk. Plasma exchange (PEX) is an effective bridge therapy to sustain liver function and enable hepatocellular regeneration to occur in nonpregnant patients following acute decompensation of a chronic liver disease or while awaiting liver transplantation. The application of PEX for patients with AFLP is a novel concept; since 1988 we have utilized postpartum PEX (PPEX) as adjunctive medical therapy for six patients with severe AFLP. Before PPEX initiation, four patients had signs and symptoms of encephalopathy, three required ventilatory support, five had advanced liver insufficiency, and all six were developing renal failure. PPEX was initiated 2–8 days following delivery and repeated (two to four times, mean = 3) at 24–48‐h intervals thereafter. All patients responded with composite clinical (symptoms/signs) and laboratory improvement; the average length of hospitalization following final PPEX for five of six patients was 7 days. No significant PPEX‐related complications occurred. PPEX utilization in patients with severe AFLP may enhance maternal recovery by preventing secondary sequelae from hepatic insufficiency until spontaneous healing can occur. Further study appears to be indicated to validate a role for PPEX as supportive therapy for puerperal patients with AFLP suffering multiorgan failure. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 on fracture healing: An experimental study
Authors: Sarahrudi Kambiz , Mousavi Mehdi , Grossschmidt Karl , Sela Nezir , König Franz , Vécsei Vilmos , Aharinejad Seyedhossein 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe role of colony stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1) in the regulation of osteoclasts and bone remodeling suggests that CSF‐1 may also be involved in regulation of bone healing. The ability of CSF‐1 to promote healing of bone defects was tested in a rabbit model. Twenty‐four New Zeeland rabbits were included in the study. Animals were assigned to two groups: the control group (n = 12) was treated by plate fixation. The animals in the second group (n = 12) were also stabilized by conventional plating and received additionally CSF‐1 for 2 weeks systemically. Histologic, histomorphometric, and radiologic examinations were performed to evaluate the healing process at 4, 8, and 12 weeks following surgery. Animals that were treated by CSF‐1 produced a significantly higher amount of mineralized bone over the first 8 weeks after fracture compared to the control animals. Furthermore, a higher number of osteoclasts was found in CSF‐1‐treated animals within the first 8 weeks, compared to the controls. The present data emphasize for the first time the importance of CSF‐1 in the bone healing. The use of CSF‐1 in addition to conventional fixation might be a novel approach for the treatment of bone defects. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:36–41, 2009
Autologous nucleus pulposus primes T cells to develop into interleukin‐4‐producing effector cells: An experimental study on the autoimmune properties of nucleus pulposus
Authors: Geiss Andrea , Larsson Karin , Junevik Katarina , Rydevik Björn , Olmarker Kjell 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAn autoimmune response to herniated nucleus pulposus has been proposed to constitute a pathophysiologic mechanism for inducing sciatica based on the fact that nucleus pulposus under normal conditions is excluded from the development of immunological tolerance. The manifestation of an autoimmune response comprises different steps starting with antigen capture, continuing with activation of T helper (TH) cells and ending with production of autoantibodies. Activated TH cells differentiate into either TH1 cells, predominately producing proinflammatory cytokines such as interferon γ (IFNγ) or a TH2 subset mainly producing anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). The aim of the present study was to examine if exposure of autologous nucleus pulposus (NP) to the immune system for 3 weeks is potent enough to prime TH cells to differentiate into TH2 cells. The study was performed in a pig model allowing the exposure of NP to the immune system. To assess the polarization of TH cells the intracellular production of IFNγ and IL‐4 was measured in T cells by using flow cytometry. The revealed predominant production of IL‐4 together with low production of IFNγ in T cells after NP exposure to the immune system indicates that nucleus pulposus may prime TH cells to develop into IL‐4‐producing TH2 cells after being exposed to the immune system, for example, in association with disc herniation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:97–103, 2009
Protective effects of preconditioned local somatothermal stimulation on neuromuscular plasticity against ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Pan Po‐Jung , Chan Rai‐Chi , Yang An‐Hang , Chou Chen‐Liang , Cheng Ya‐Fang , Chiu Jen‐Hwey 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether preconditioned local somatotheral stimulation (LSTS) protects the muscle and nerve against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injuries. Male rats were randomly assigned to normal, preconditioned LSTS only, and I/R‐injured groups with or without LSTS preconditioning. I/R injuries of the lower limb were induced by rubber band wrapping, followed by measurements of gait function and nerve conduction, muscle pathology, serum enzymatic activity, and the expression of heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP‐70) in the gastrocnemius muscles. No significant change of neuromuscular function was found between LSTS (−) and LSTS (+) groups on the first day after I/R injury. In contrast, gait stride length, compound motor action potential, and serum creatine phosphokinase MM isoenzyme were significantly improved on the eighth day after one or two doses of preconditioned LSTS and subsequent I/R injury. Western blot analysis disclosed no significant change of HSP‐70 expression in the muscle of I/R injured limbs between LSTS (−) and LSTS (+) groups. We conclude that preconditioned LSTS is a safe modality that improves the neuromuscular plasticity against I/R injured limbs, which provides a new strategy for I/R injury in clinical applications, such as intraoperative use of tourniquets. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Serum ion levels after ceramic‐on‐ceramic and metal‐on‐metal total hip arthroplasty: 8‐year minimum follow‐up
Authors: Savarino Lucia , Padovani Giovanni , Ferretti Massimo , Greco Michelina , Cenni Elisabetta , Perrone Giorgio , Greco Francesco , Baldini Nicola , Giunti Armando 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAlternative bearing surfaces for total hip arthroplasty, such as metal‐on‐metal and ceramic‐on‐ceramic, offer the potential to reduce mechanical wear and osteolysis. In the short and medium term, the second generation of metal‐on‐metal bearings demonstrated high systemic metal ion levels, whereas ceramic‐on‐ceramic bearings showed the lowest ones. We aimed to verify whether the long‐term ion release in metal‐on‐metal subjects was still relevant at a median 10‐year follow‐up, and whether a fretting process at the modular junctions occurred in ceramic‐on‐ceramic patients and induced an ion dissemination. Serum levels were measured in 32 patients with alumina‐on‐alumina implants (group A), in 16 subjects with metal‐on‐metal implants (group B), and in 47 healthy subjects (group C). Group B results were compared with medium‐term findings. Cobalt and chromium levels were significantly higher in metal‐on‐metal implants than in ceramic‐on‐ceramic ones and controls. Nevertheless, ion levels showed a tendency to decrease in comparison with medium‐term content. In ceramic‐on‐ceramic implants, ion values were not significantly different from controls. Both in groups A and B, aluminum and titanium release were not significantly different from controls. In conclusion, negligible serum metal ion content was revealed in ceramic‐on‐ceramic patients. On the contrary, due to the higher ion release, metal‐on‐metal coupling must be prudently considered, especially in young patients, in order to obtain definitive conclusions. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Controlled release of GDNF reduces nerve root‐mediated behavioral hypersensitivity
Authors: Hubbard Raymond D. , Martínez Joan J. , Burdick Jason A. , Winkelstein Beth A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNerve root compression produces persistent behavioral sensitivity in models of painful neck injury. This study utilized degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels to deliver glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to an injured nerve root. Hydrogels delivered ∼98% of encapsulated GDNF over 7 days in an in vitro release assay without the presence of neurons and produced enhanced outgrowth of processes in cortical neural cell primary cultures. The efficacy of a GDNF hydrogel placed on the root immediately after injury was assessed in a rat pain model of C7 dorsal root compression. Control groups included painful injury followed by: (1) vehicle hydrogel treatment (no GDNF), (2) a bolus injection of GDNF, or (3) no treatment. After injury, mechanical allodynia (n = 6/group) was significantly decreased with GDNF delivered by the hydrogel compared to the three injury control groups (p < 0.03). The bolus GDNF treatment did not reduce allodynia at any time point. The GDNF receptor (GFRα‐1) decreased in small, nociceptive neurons of the affected dorsal root ganglion, suggesting a decrease in receptor expression following injury. GDNF receptor immunoreactivity was significantly greater in these neurons following GDNF hydrogel treatment relative to GDNF bolus treated and untreated rats (p < 0.05). These data suggest efficacy for degradable hydrogel delivery of GDNF and support this treatment approach for nerve root‐mediated pain. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:120–127, 2009
Three‐state model for femtosecond broadband stimulated Raman scattering
Authors: Sun Z. , Qiu Xue Q. , Lu J. , Zhang Dong H. , Lee Soo‐Y. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractStimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is analyzed with a three‐state model. Using a diagrammatic density‐matrix formalism, SRS by a pair of Raman pump and probe pulses, with observation along the probe direction, is described principally by eight terms. The eight terms can be grouped into four sets, which are labeled as SRS or IRS (inverse Raman scattering): SRS(I), SRS(II), IRS(I), and IRS(II). Specializing to the case of femtosecond SRS (FSRS) by a picosecond (ps) Raman pump pulse and a femtosecond (fs) probe pulse, the spectra for the four sets of terms under off‐resonance and resonance conditions were calculated. The results obtained can explain the FSRS experimental observations from a (decaying) stationary vibrational state, such as (1) high wavenumber resolution (determined by the narrow bandwidth Raman pump pulse) and high time resolution (determined by the fs probe pulse), (2) Stokes gain vs anti‐Stokes loss in off‐resonance FSRS, and (3) dispersive lineshapes in resonance FSRS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent effects on the spectrokinetic studies on the molecular complexes of dextromethorphan and atenolol drugs with DDQ
Authors: Pandeeswaran M. , Elango K. P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe kinetics and mechanism of the interaction between 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) and dextromethorphan and atenolol drugs has been investigated spectroscopically. In the presence of large excess of donor drug, the 1:1 charge transfer (CT) complex is transformed into a final product, which has been isolated and characterized by using FT‐IR and GC‐MS techniques. The rate of formation of product has been measured as a function of time in different solvents at three temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters, viz. activation energy, enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of activation were computed from temperature dependence of rate constants. On the basis of the spectrokinetic results, a plausible mechanism for the formation of the CT complex and its transformation into final product is presented and discussed. Cyclic voltammetric study supports the observed solvent effect on the extent of CT complexation and the rate with which it is converted into the product. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 559–568, 2008
The role of symplectic integrators in optimal control
Authors: Chyba Monique , Hairer Ernst , Vilmart Gilles 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFor general optimal control problems, Pontryagin's maximum principle gives necessary optimality conditions, which are in the form of a Hamiltonian differential equation. For its numerical integration, symplectic methods are a natural choice. This article investigates to which extent the excellent performance of symplectic integrators for long‐time integrations in astronomy and molecular dynamics carries over to problems in optimal control.Numerical experiments supported by a backward error analysis show that for problems in low dimension close to a critical value of the Hamiltonian, symplectic integrators have a clear advantage. This is illustrated using the Martinet case in sub‐Riemannian geometry. For problems like the orbital transfer of a spacecraft or the control of a submerged rigid body, such an advantage cannot be observed. The Hamiltonian system is a boundary value problem and the time interval is in general not large enough so that symplectic integrators could benefit from their structure preservation of the flow. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of pharmacological treatments for people with personality disorder: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Duggan Conor , Huband Nick , Smailagic Nadja , Ferriter Michael , Adams Clive 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground This is a companion paper to our earlier review of psychological treatments for people with personality disorder that examined the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Here, we report on the evidence of pharmacological treatments from RCTs for people with personality disorder. As in the previous report, this paper incorporates information from an earlier review that examined the evidence to 2002, and extends it to December 2006. As in the previous paper, this review restricts itself to the findings from RCTs, and excludes evidence from other study designs; however, details of these other studies will be posted in the National Personality Disorder Institute Website (http://www.pdinstitute.org.uk).Aim This study aimed to examine the evidence from RCTs to justify intervening with pharmacological treatments in people with personality disorder.Method Fifteen electronic databases (including MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO) were searched to the end of December 2006 for any RCT of a pharmacological intervention for participants meeting DSM or ICD criteria for personality disorder. Outcomes were grouped using a similar symptomological categorization to that suggested by Soloff in 1998.Results This methodology identified 35 trials for inclusion. The main positive findings were those favouring the use of anticonvulsants to reduce aggression, and of anti‐psychotics to reduce cognitive perceptual and mental state disturbance. However, there were major methodological deficiencies in the trial designs, including small numbers of participants and limited duration of treatment and follow‐up.Conclusion This review identifies a very limited evidence base to justify intervening with drugs in this group. Reasons why this should be so are examined that relate to fundamentally differing conceptualizations of how any intervention might impact in an individual with personality disorder. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The NHS forensic mental health R&D programme: Developing new talent or maintaining a stage army?
Authors: Soothill Keith , Harney Kathryn , Maggs Adele , Chilvers Clair 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper considers the successful recipients of the 79 project awards made during the 12‐year ‘life’ (1996–2007) of the NHS Forensic Mental Health (FMH) R&D programme. The focus is on whether the 213 persons (principal investigators (PIs) and/or co‐investigators (CIs)) represent new talent or existing academic entrepreneurs in the FMH field. Amongst PIs, awards were almost without exception given to researchers with an established research track record. Forensic psychiatrists continue to be the main players, but other research groupings are emerging as PIs. In contrast, CIs range more widely in terms of previous research experience and professional background. 38.5 percent had no apparent experience of previous funded research projects apart from grants funded by the FMH programme. Hence, CIs are the source of new talent amongst the programme's project awards. The authors warn of the dangers of losing the benefits of this investment as policy priorities shift. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of ethylene polymerization reactions with chromium oxide catalysts
Authors: Kissin Yury V. , Brandolini Anita J. , Garlick Joyce L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPrincipal kinetic data are presented for ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization reactions with two types of chromium oxide catalyst. The reaction rate of the homopolymerization reaction is first order with respect to ethylene concentration (both for gas‐phase and slurry reactions); its effective activation energy is 10.2 kcal/mol (42.8 kJ/mol). The r1 value for ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization reactions with the catalysts is ∼30, which places these catalysts in terms of efficiency of α‐olefin copolymerization with ethylene between metallocene catalysts (r1 ∼ 20) and Ti‐based Ziegler‐Natta catalysts (r1 in the 80–120 range). GPC, DSC, and Crystaf data for ethylene/1‐hexene copolymers of different compositions produced with the catalysts show that the reaction products have broad molecular weight and compositional distributions. A combination of kinetic data and structural data for the copolymers provided detailed information about the frequency of chain transfer reactions for several types of active centers present in the catalysts, their copolymerization efficiency, and stability. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5315–5329, 2008
Hybrid linear dendritic macromolecules: From synthesis to applications
Authors: Gitsov Ivan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractLinear‐dendritic copolymers are intriguing macromolecules, which offer challenge and fascination as purely synthetic objects at the crossroad of organic and polymer chemistry and as promising materials for diverse advanced applications. This review traces their discovery and highlights the synthetic strategies used for their construction. The ambivalent character of the linear‐dendritic architecture opens numerous avenues towards emerging and potential applications. Specific solution properties enable the construction of nanometer‐sized nanoreactors for reactions in environmentally friendly media, and the creation of “nanosponges” for selective passive binding of fluorescent pH‐indicators for environmental or biomonitoring. Another structure–property relationship is used for noncovalent and site‐specific modification of glycoproteins, which leads to the formation of “semiartificial” enzymes with enhanced and broadened catalytic activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5295–5314, 2008
A novel and versatile potassium‐based catalyst for the ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters
Authors: Lemmouchi Yahia , Perry Michael C. , Amass Allan J. , Chakraborty Khirud , Schacht Etienne 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPoly(lactide) (PLA), poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) homopolymers of high molecular weight were prepared using potassium‐based catalyst. Polymerizations were carried out in toluene at room temperature. The chemical structure of the polymers was investigated by 1H and 13C NMR. The physical properties investigated by GPC and DSC for the polymers obtained are similar to those prepared using tin octanoate based catalyst. Using a sequential polymerization procedure, PLA‐b‐PCL, PLA‐b‐PTMC, and PCL‐b‐PTMC diblock copolymers were synthesized and characterized in terms of their composition and physical properties. The formation of diblock copolymers was confirmed by NMR and DSC measurements. In vitro cytotoxicity tests have been carried out using MTS assay and the results show the biocompatibility of these polymers in the presence of the fibroblast cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5348–5362, 2008