bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous optical biomarkers of normal and human papillomavirus immortalized epithelial cells
Authors: Mujat Claudia , Greiner Cherry , Baldwin Amy , Levitt Jonathan M. , Tian Fenghua , Stucenski Lee A. , Hunter Martin , Kim Young L. , Backman Vadim , Feld Michael , Münger Karl , Georgakoudi Irene 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCellular transformation is associated with a number of phenotypic, cell biological, biochemical and metabolic alterations. The detection and classification of morphological cellular abnormalities represents the foundation of classical histopathology and remains an important mainstay in the clinic. More recently, significant effort is being expended towards the development of noninvasive modalities for the detection of cancer at an early stage, when therapeutic interventions are highly successful. Methods that rely on the detection of optical signatures represent one class of such approaches that have yielded promising results. In our study, we have applied two spectroscopic imaging approaches to systematically identify in a quantitative manner the fluorescence and light scattering signatures of subcellular abnormalities that are associated with cellular transformation. Notably, we find that tryptophan images reveal not only intensity but also localization differences between normal and human papillomavirus immortalized cells, possibly originating from changes in the expression, 3D packing and organization of proteins and protein‐rich subcellular organelles. Additionally, we detect alterations in cellular metabolism through quantitative evaluation of the NADH, FAD fluorescence and the corresponding redox ratio. Finally, we use light scattering spectroscopy to identify differences in nuclear morphology and subcellular organization that occur from the nanometer to the micrometer scale. Thus, these optical approaches provide complementary biomarkers based on endogenous fluorescence and scattering cellular changes that occur at the molecular, biochemical and morphological level. Since they obviate the need for staining and tissue removal and can be easily combined, they provide desirable options for further clinical development and assessment. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A small interfering RNA targeting proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 is effective in suppression of tumor growth in a Panc1 xenograft model
Authors: Iwaki Kentaro , Shibata Kohei , Ohta Masayuki , Endo Yuichi , Uchida Hiroki , Tominaga Masayuki , Okunaga Ryoki , Kai Seiichiro , Kitano Seigo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractProteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2), which is a G protein‐coupled receptor, is activated in inflammatory processes and cell proliferation. We previously demonstrated that an anti‐PAR‐2 antibody suppresses proliferation of human pancreatic cellsin vitro. However, there have been no studies of PAR‐2 signaling pathwaysin vivo. The aim of this study was to determine whether blockade of PAR‐2 by RNA interference influences pancreatic tumor growth. We originally constructed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting humanPAR‐2, and performed cell proliferation assays of Panc1 human pancreatic cancer cell line with these siRNAs. Intratumoral treatment with these PAR‐2 siRNAs and atelocollagen was also performed in a xenograft model with nude mice and Panc1 cells. siRNAs against humanPAR‐2inhibited proliferation of Panc1 cells, whereas control scramble siRNAs had no effect on proliferation. The PAR‐2 siRNAs dramatically suppressed tumor growth in the xenograft model. PAR‐2‐specific siRNA inhibited growth of human pancreatic cancer cells bothin vitroandin vivo. Blockade of PAR‐2 signaling by siRNA may be a novel strategy to treat pancreatic cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Joining characteristics of β‐titanium wires with electrical resistance welding
Authors: Iijima Masahiro , Brantley William A. , Yuasa Toshihiro , Kawashima Isao , Mizoguchi Itaru 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe goal of this research was to investigate the effects of different conditions for electrical resistance welding of β‐titanium orthodontic wires. Three electrode types were used with a range of power settings on an electrical resistance welding machine to join β‐titanium wires (Resolve, GAC International). Forces that caused bond failures for joined specimens were obtained with tensile loading, and the values were compared using one‐way ANOVA and the Tukey test (α = 0.05). Metallurgical phases in the joint region were determined by micro‐X‐ray diffraction. Mean tensile forces for bond failure ranged from 5 to 20 kgf for the eight specimen groups and were dependent on electrode type and power setting. All X‐ray diffraction peaks in the joint region were indexed to β‐titanium. Superior bond strength was achieved with the use of wide electrodes. The absence of phases other than β‐titanium in the joint area suggests that the electrical resistance welding may not adversely affect clinically important mechanical properties. Scanning microscope observations indicated that the localized permanent deformation and the formation of an undesirable equiaxed grain structure occurred with the use of narrow electrodes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Aerated membrane‐attached biofilm reactor as an effective tool for partial nitrification in pretreatment of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) process
Authors: Feng Yu‐Jou , Tseng Szu‐Kung , Hsia Tsung‐Hui , Ho Chun‐Ming , Chou Wen‐Po 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: A laboratory‐scale membrane aeration bioreactor was employed to treat synthetic ammonium‐rich wastewater to yield an appropriate NH4+/NO2− ratio for anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX). The main objectives of this study were to steadily obtain 50% partial nitrification in batch experiments, to evaluate the effects of aeration and to identify the dominant bacterial community of the biofilm for partial nitrification.RESULTS: Some of the ammonium in the synthetic wastewater was partially nitrified. A suitable NH4+/NO2− ratio (1:1 to 1:1.3) for the ANAMMOX process was obtained after 24 h. The dissolved oxygen (DO) level in the treated water was very low (below 0.6 mg L−1). Both the appropriate NH4+/NO2− ratio and the low DO level make this bioreactor an ideal pretreatment system for ANAMMOX. In addition, a molecular biotechnology method was applied to prove that the ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria dominated the biofilm.CONCLUSION: This system achieved surprising cost savings in the aeration process compared with traditional aeration systems. The combination of this system with the subsequent ANAMMOX process has great potential as a favorable short‐cut in the treatment of ammonium‐rich wastewater. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Does diagnostic sonography alter thyroid and parathyroid hormone levels?
Authors: Serin Erdinc , Gurel Kamil , Kiyan Aysu , Caglayan Murat , Karavas Erdal 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPurposeTo investigate possible alterations in the levels of thyroid and parathyroid hormones (PTHs) and thyroglobulin (TG) in healthy individuals following diagnostic sonographic examination of the thyroid gland.MethodsThirty healthy women with no pathologic findings underwent sonographic examination, followed 6 weeks later by a second examination involving a probe‐only application (PA) with the ultrasound scanner switched off. Duration times were identical for both examinations. Blood was drawn before and after the 2 applications. Thyroid hormone, PTH, and TG levels before and after the 2 applications were compared, and the difference between the variations for each parameter in the first and second applications was assessed. Blood samples were taken before and after the sonographic examination and the PA, and the serum concentrations of sensitive thyrotropin, total and free thyroxine, total and free tri‐iodothyronine, TG, and PTH were measured. The pre‐ and post‐examination levels of the hormones for the 2 applications were then compared and the difference between the variations for each parameter in the first and second application was then assessed.ResultsThe only significant variations observed were in the TG levels after PA and PTH levels after both sonographic examination and PA. The comparison between the 2 difference values revealed no significant difference except for PTH.ConclusionThis preliminary report on the possible influence of sonographic examination of the thyroid on the serum levels of thyroid and parathyroid hormones suggests that gland secretions such as PTH may be affected by external factors, including ultrasound. Clinicians should be aware of alterations in hormone levels by external factors. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the remodeling of the systemic vasculature in early pig embryos
Authors: Cornillie Pieter , Van Den Broeck Wim , Simoens Paul 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCurrent research on angiogenesis and vascular regression is mainly focused on pathological conditions such as tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy, while a suitable physiological model to study the controlling factors in these processes is still lacking. The remodeling pattern of the embryonic vasculature into the adult configuration, such as the branchial arch arterial system developing into the aorta or the early embryonic veins building the caudal vena cava can potentially serve as a model. However, practical applications of the embryonic vascular patterning are impeded by the current controversy over the exact development of the caudal vena cava in mammals. To elucidate these ambiguities, specific developmental stages of vascular development in pig embryos were mapped by means of computer‐assisted 3D reconstructions starting from histological serial sections of Bouin's fixed embryos. Special attention was given to venous segments in the lumbar region, as their origin and fate are equivocally described in literature. Here we demonstrate that these venous segments originate from the caudal cardinal veins which are forced to migrate during development into a more dorsal position due to the expansion of the developing metanephroi and the more dorsal relocation of the umbilical arteries. These findings are in contrast with the generally accepted theory that the venous segments in the lumbar region arise from newly formed veins that are located dorsal to the early caudal cardinal system. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hospital discharge information and older patients: Do they get what they need?
Authors: Flacker Jonathan , Park Wansoo , Sims Addie 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDIneffective communication of hospital discharge instructions may have important implications for future health, function, and quality of life.OBJECTIVETo describe patient recall of predischarge communication of discharge instructions by hospital staff, and to demonstrate the feasibility a posthospitalization survey in this urban, public hospital population.METHODSCross‐sectional telephone survey of 269 patients age 70 years or older who were discharged from an academically affiliated urban public hospital between September 7, 2004, and January 19, 2005.RESULTSThe mean length of stay of the respondents was 5.6 days (range, 0–56 days), and the mean number of admissions over the study period was 1.6 (range, 1–7 times). The respondents were interviewed a average of 3 days after discharge (range, 1–10 days). Only 43.7% of the respondents replied yes when asked, “Did anyone talk with you about how to care for yourself at home after this hospitalization?” Among those who recalled how they received care instructions (n = 103), approximately 66.0% (n = 68) reported receiving instructions “verbally,” 10.7% (n = 11) reported receiving written instructions, and 23.3% (n = 24) reported receiving both. More than half the respondents (54.2%) did not recall anyone talking with them about how to care for themselves after hospitalization. Other significant gaps in important patient information were identified.CONCLUSIONSWe found that a posthospitalization survey was both feasible and revealing in this urban, public hospital population. Furthermore, interviewee recall of predischarge communication of discharge instructions by hospital staff demonstrated significant gaps in communication between these patients and the hospital care team at time of discharge. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:291–296. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
SynopSIS: Integrating physician sign‐out with the electronic medical record
Authors: Sarkar Urmimala , Carter Jonathan T. , Omachi Theodore A. , Vidyarthi Arpana R. , Cucina Russell , Bokser Seth , van Eaton Erik , Blum Michael 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDSafe delivery of care depends on effective communication among all health care providers, especially during transfers of care. The traditional medical chart does not adequately support such communication. We designed a patient‐tracking tool that enhances provider communication and supports clinical decision making.AIMTo develop a problem‐based patient‐tracking tool, called Sign‐out, Information Retrieval, and Summary (SynopSIS), in order to support patient tracking, transfers of care (ie, sign‐outs), and daily rounds.SETTINGTertiary‐care, university‐based teaching hospital.PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONSynopSIS compiles and organizes information from the electronic medical record to support hospital discharge and disposition decisions, daily provider decisions, and overnight or cross‐coverage decisions. It reflects the provider's patient‐care and daily work‐flow needs.PROGRAM EVALUATIONWe plan to use Web‐based surveys, audits of daily use, and interdisciplinary focus groups to evaluate SynopSIS's impact on communication between providers, quality of sign‐out, patient continuity of care, and rounding efficiency.CONCLUSIONSWe expect SynopSIS to improve care by facilitating communication between care teams, standardizing sign‐out, and automating daily review of clinical and laboratory trends. SynopSIS redesigns the clinical chart to better serve provider and patient needs. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:336–342. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Atomic force microscopy imaging and single molecule recognition force spectroscopy of coat proteins on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spore
Authors: Tang Jilin , Krajcikova Daniela , Zhu Rong , Ebner Andreas , Cutting Simon , Gruber Hermann J. , Barak Imrich , Hinterdorfer Peter 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCoat assembly in Bacillus subtilis serves as a tractable model for the study of the self‐assembly process of biological structures and has a significant potential for use in nano‐biotechnological applications. In the present study, the morphology of B. subtilis spores was investigated by magnetically driven dynamic force microscopy (MAC mode atomic force microscopy) under physiological conditions. B. subtilis spores appeared as prolate structures, with a length of 0.6–3 µm and a width of about 0.5–2 µm. The spore surface was mainly covered with bump‐like structures with diameters ranging from 8 to 70 nm. Besides topographical explorations, single molecule recognition force spectroscopy (SMRFS) was used to characterize the spore coat protein CotA. This protein was specifically recognized by a polyclonal antibody directed against CotA (anti‐CotA), the antibody being covalently tethered to the AFM tip via a polyethylene glycol linker. The unbinding force between CotA and anti‐CotA was determined as 55 ± 2 pN. From the high‐binding probability of more than 20% in force–distance cycles it is concluded that CotA locates in the outer surface of B. subtilis spores. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specificity enhancement with LC‐positive ESI‐MS/MS for the measurement of nucleotides: application to the quantitative determination of carbovir triphosphate, lamivudine triphosphate and tenofovir diphosphate in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Pruvost Alain , Théodoro Frédéric , Agrofoglio Luigi , Negredo Eugenia , Bénech Henri 
Published: October 2007

AbstractOur previous negative ESI‐LC‐MS/MS method developed for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) triphosphate (‐TP) measurements in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) encountered some specificity problems for several NRTI‐TP and simultaneous endogenous nucleotide triphosphates analysis. As LC‐MS/MS offers several possibilities to circumvent such problems, we have investigated the contribution of the positive electrospray ionization mode in enhancing the specificity of the intracellular analyses of triphosphate metabolites of lamivudine, abacavir, and tenofovir. For intracellular NRTI‐TP analysis, after disruption of PBMCs, concentrated supernatants were directly injected into the LC‐MS/MS system, dimethylhexylamine being used as ion‐pairing agent to resolve NRTI‐TP. MS/MS detection was performed after positive electrospray ionization. Total run time was 12 min instead of 26 min for NRTI‐TP analysis. The validation parameters of the method met the international requirements, and endogenous chromatographic interferences were eliminated. The use of positive ESI, offering a better specificity and a slightly better sensitivity than the negative ESI mode for these compounds, resulted in specificity enhancement and more robust assay methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection and quantitation of HCV RNA using real‐time PCR after automated sample processing
Authors: Sandres‐Sauné K. , Abravanel F. , Nicot F. , Peron J.M. , Alric L. , Boineau J. , Pasquier C. , Izopet J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThere is considerable evidence that the loss of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA during the first 3 months of treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is a prognostic marker of response to therapy. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for quantifying HCV RNA in plasma or serum are now commercially available. The extraction of HCV RNA can also be automated. This report analyses the performance of the COBAS Ampliprep‐COBAS Taqman 48 (CAP/CTM) real‐time PCR assay and compares this new test with the COBAS Amplicor HCV Monitor v 2.0 assay (CAM). CAP/CTM was 100% specific. The assay was linear across a wide range of HCV RNA concentrations without sample dilution. The intra‐assay variation was 0.3–3.3% and the interassay variation was 1.5–6.7%. A total of 118 clinical samples with different HCV genotypes were assayed using both methods. The results obtained using the two methods were well correlated (r = 0.89,P < 0.001). The mean difference [CAP/CTM‐CAM] was 0.17 log IU/ml and it was not influenced by the HCV genotype or by the subtype. It is concluded that the new CAP/CTM system is adequate for quantifying HCV RNA in clinical practice. J. Med. Virol. 79:1821–1826, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of replacement blood donors to study the epidemiology of major blood‐borne viruses in the general population of Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Cunha Lina , Plouzeau Chloé , Ingrand Pierre , Gudo Joël Paulo Samo , Ingrand Isabelle , Mondlane José , Beauchant Michel , Agius Gérard 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe seroprevalence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Mozambique are poorly documented. The epidemiology of these infections was studied in the Maputo region. All donors attending the blood bank during the study period were interviewed and underwent serological and molecular tests for markers of virus exposure. Thus, 1,578 consecutive replacement blood donors were investigated, as they undergo no selection (other than their relation with a patient needing a transfusion), and may thus provide reliable estimates of the prevalence rates in the general population. The age‐standardized prevalence rates among 15‐ to 49‐year‐old men and women were, respectively, 12.3 and 15.4% for HIV and 0.9 and 1.2% for HTLV. Low educational status (P = 0.014) and tattooing/scarification (P = 0.023) were predictive of HIV infection in multivariate analysis. The age‐adjusted prevalence rates of markers of hepatotropic virus among men and women were, respectively, 10.6 and 4.5% for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 1.2 and 1.0% for anti‐HCV, and 0 and 0% for anti‐HDV. Two percent of donors had viral co‐infections, involving most frequently the combination of HIV and HBsAg +. A significant association was found between anti‐HIV and anti‐HBc (P = 0.012). HBsAg was associated with the place of birth (P = 0.011) and a history of transfusion (P = 0.069). Smokers had higher seroprevalence rates than nonsmokers for HIV (P < 0.0001) and HBsAg (P = 0.045). Genotype A was the most frequent HBV genotype (86.3%) followed by E and D. HCV genotypes were 1a, 1b, 3a, and 5a. These results show that HBV vaccination and HIV‐preventive measures need to be reinforced in Mozambique. J. Med. Virol. 79:1832–1840, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amino acid changes in the attachment g glycoprotein of human respiratory syncytial viruses (subgroup A) isolated in Italy over several epidemics (1997–2006)
Authors: Montieri S. , Puzelli S. , Ciccozzi M. , Calzoletti L. , Di Martino A. , Milia M.G. , Rossi A. , Piro F. , Rezza G. , Donatelli I. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the most important cause of admission to hospital for acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children worldwide. Only few studies have investigated the molecular evolution of HRSV, and none has been conduct ed in Italy. The genetic diversity of the G glycoprotein of 59 subgroup A strains obtained from two clinical centers located in Northern and Central Italy was studied, during seven nonconsecutive epidemic seasons (1997–2006). The nucleotide sequences encompassing 624 bp, at the carboxy terminus of the G glycoprotein gene, were compared to sequences representative of previously defined HRSV genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that most Italian group A isolates clustered into two different lineages (GA2 and GA5), whereas only few isolates grouped into the other known lineages. Eight positively selected sites were found and it was predicted that serine and threonine of positively selected sites 117 and 262 (respectively) are O‐glycosilated. The presence of multiple identical sequences in three lineages (GA1, GA5, and BE/A1) suggests that certain strains are predominant in a given epidemic season. Although most of the sites of the G glycoprotein gene of HRSV‐A strains seem invariable because of strong purifying selection, some evolutionary “hot spots” may be present. Since the G glycoprotein is a major target (together with the F glycoprotein) of the HRSV humoral immune response, it is important to provide information about its genetic heterogeneity in order to address better both therapeutic and vaccine strategy. J. Med. Virol. 79:1935–1942, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.