bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Odor processing in multiple chemical sensitivity
Authors: Hillert Lena , Musabasic Vildana , Berglund Hans , Ciumas Carolina , Savic Ivanka 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by somatic distress upon exposure to odors. As in other idiopathic environmental intolerances, the mechanisms behind the reported hypersensitivity are unknown. Using the advantage of the well‐defined trigger (odor), we investigated whether subjects with MCS could have an increased odor‐signal response in the odor‐processing neuronal circuits. Positron emission tomography (PET) activation studies with several different odorants were carried out in 12 MCS females and 12 female controls. Activation was defined as a significant increase in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during smelling of the respective odorant compared to smelling of odorless air. The study also included online measurements of respiratory frequency and amplitude and heart rate variations by recording of R wave intervals (RR) on the surface electrocardiogram. The MCS subjects activated odor‐processing brain regions less than controls, despite the reported, and physiologically indicated (decreased RR interval) distress. In parallel, they showed an odorant‐related increase in activation of the anterior cingulate cortex and cuneus‐precuneus. Notably, the baseline rCBF was normal. Thus, the abnormal patterns were observed only in response to odor signals. Subjects with MCS process odors differently from controls, however, without signs of neuronal sensitization. One possible explanation for the observed pattern of activation in MCS is a top‐down regulation of odor‐response via cingulate cortex. Hum. Brain Mapp, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the elasticity and cytophilicity of biodegradable polyurethane by changing chain extender
Authors: Zhang Changhong , Zhang Ning , Wen Xuejun 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTwo types of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) were synthesized from methylene di‐p‐phenyl‐diisocyanate (MDI), polycaprolactone diol (PCL‐diol), and chain extenders of either butanediol (BD) or 2,2′‐(methylimino)diethanol (MIDE). The effects of two types of chain extenders on the degradation, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and cytophilicity of PUs were evaluated. In vitro degradation studies showed that PU containing MIDE has a higher degradation rate than PU synthesized using BD as a chain extender. Mechanical testing on dry and wet samples demonstrated that PU containing MIDE has a much higher elongation in the elastic region than PU containing BD. PU containing MIDE is more hydrophilic and retains more liquid during in vitro culture. Furthermore, preliminary cytocompatibility studies showed that both types of degradable PU are nontoxic, and fibroblasts adhere better and proliferate faster on MIDE containing PU than BD containing PU. To compare the cytocompatibility and degradation behaviors of the synthesized PU with existing FDA approved biocompatible material, polylactide (PLA), with a similar degradation rate, was used as negative control. Two types of PU were shown to have similar cytocompatibility and degradation behaviors as those of the PLA material. To verify the effectiveness of the cytotoxicity assay, latex was used as a positive control. Latex samples showed toxicity to cultured cells as expected. In conclusion, by changing the type of chain extender used during the synthesis of degradable PUs, the degradation rate, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and cytophilicity can be adjusted for different tissue engineering applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Comparison of osteoblast‐like cell responses to calcium silicate and tricalcium phosphate ceramics in vitro
Authors: Ni Siyu , Chang Jiang , Chou Lee , Zhai Wanyin 
Published: June 2006

AbstractCalcium silicate ceramics have been proposed as new bone repair biomaterials, since they have proved to be bioactive, degradable, and biocompatible. β‐tricalcium phosphate ceramic is a well‐known degradable material for bone repair. This study compared the effects of CaSiO3 (α‐, and β‐CaSiO3) and β‐Ca3(PO4)2 (β‐TCP) ceramics on the early stages of rat osteoblast‐like cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Osteoblast‐like cells were cultured directly on CaSiO3 (α‐, and β‐CaSiO3) and β‐TCP ceramics. Attachment of a greater number of cells was observed on CaSiO3 (α‐, and β‐CaSiO3) ceramics compared with β‐TCP ceramics after incubation for 6 h. SEM observations showed an intimate contact between cells and the substrates, significant cells adhesion, and that the cells spread and grew on the surfaces of all the materials. In addition, the proliferation rate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the cells on the CaSiO3 (α‐, and β‐CaSiO3) ceramics were improved when compared with the β‐TCP ceramics. In the presence of CaSiO3, elevated levels of calcium and silicon in the culture medium were observed throughout the 7‐day culture period. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that CaSiO3 ceramics showed greater ability to support cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation than β‐TCP ceramic. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Development of a polymeric matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor as a bioactive stent coating material for prevention of restenosis
Authors: Nakayama Yasuhide , Masuda Takeshi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractDrug‐eluting stents have been developed to prevent restenosis derived from excessive growth of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) after stenting. In almost every case, however, less‐ or non–biocompatible polymers were selected for the platform material for impregnating drugs on the stent strut. Consideration was given principally to the physical properties of the polymers, such as their adhesion to the strut and the drug dispersibility in the polymeric matrix. In this study, we designed a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI)‐derivatized hydrophobic polymer (PMMPI) for use as a bioactive material for stent coating. This was a copolymer of n‐butylmethacrylate and a vinyl monomer of synthetic MMPI (N‐Hydroxy‐5‐carboxyethylcarbonyloxy‐2(S)‐methy‐4(S)‐(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)amino‐pentanamide: ONO‐M11–335) with a molecular weight of about 32,000 and MMPI content of 45 per molecule. The precursor of the MMPI monomer produced significant activity in temporally inhibiting SMC proliferation without any cellular damage. After coating with the PMMPI, adhesion and proliferation of SMCs were manifestly prevented even when a small amount of MMPI was released from the polymer. The MMPI‐immobilized surface may thus be effective for inhibiting both adhesion and proliferation of SMCs, which is the first step toward in vivo experimentation. It is very much expected that coating stent struts with PMMPI containing an appropriate combination of impregnated drugs will provide a powerful tool for prevention of restenosis with little cytotoxicity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Modulation of peritendinous adhesion formation by alginate solution in a rabbit flexor tendon model
Authors: Namba Jiro , Shimada Kozo , Saito Masanobu , Murase Tsuyoshi , Yamada Hideaki , Yoshikawa Hideki 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTo examine the antiadhesive effect of an alginate solution following tendon surgery, unilateral subtotal laceration of the flexor digitorum communis tendon was created in one hind limb while the other side was left intact in 32 Japanese white rabbits. The lesion was coated with alginate solution in 16 animals and not coated in the other 16. Degree of adhesion formation was assessed histologically and biomechanically by measuring the flexion angle of the first toe when the flexor digitorum tendon was pulled with a specified force at 4 weeks postoperatively. When compared with the control group, the alginate‐treated group demonstrated significantly greater toe flexion, with less scar tissue formation at the repair site. Histologically, complete tendon healing with longitudinal remodeling of collagen fibers was observed in the alginate‐treated group, while a random pattern of fibers was observed in the control group. Reduction in adhesion formation using alginate solution represents a novel strategy for the management of tendon injury and repair in the clinical setting. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Bonding characteristics of newly developed all‐in‐one adhesives
Authors: Sidhu S. K. , Omata Y. , Tanaka T. , Koshiro K. , Spreafico D. , Semeraro S. , Mezzanzanica D. , Sano H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis study evaluated the microtensile bond strength and the interfacial morphology of newer adhesives. The occlusal surfaces of extracted teeth were ground flat for random allocation to four equal groups. Resin composite was bonded to each surface using either Clearfil SE Bond [SEB], Clearfil Protect Bond [PB], G‐Bond [GB], or an experimental adhesive, SSB‐200 [SSB]. After storage for 24 h in water at 37°C, they were sectioned into beams (cross‐sectional area 1 mm2) for microtensile bond strength testing (μTBS) at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The load at failure of each was recorded; the data were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA and Games Howell tests. The surfaces of the fractured specimens were observed using SEM. For the ultra‐morphology of the interface, the occlusal surfaces of four more teeth were prepared as before and a thin layer of flowable resin composite was bonded to each surface using one of the four adhesives.The mean μTBS ranged from 39.68 MPa (GB) to 64.97 MPa (SEB). There were no statistical differences between SEB and SSB, or between PB and GB (p > 0.05). The μTBS of SEB and SSB were significantly greater than that of PB and GB (p < 0.05). SEMs of the fractured surfaces revealed a mixed (cohesive/interfacial) failure. TEM examination highlighted differences in the hybrid layer; SEB had a thicker layer than the others. In conclusion, the newer all‐in‐one adhesives produced a thin hybrid layer but varied in their bond strengths. The 2‐step self‐etching adhesives do not necessarily produce higher bond strengths than that of the all‐in‐one systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
A new rhenanite (β‐NaCaPO4) and hydroxyapatite biphasic biomaterial for skeletal repair
Authors: Jalota Sahil , Bhaduri Sarit B. , Tas A. Cuneyt 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBiphasic β‐rhenanite (β‐NaCaPO4)–hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) biomaterials were prepared by using a one‐pot, solution‐based synthesis procedure at the physiological pH of 7.4, followed by low‐temperature (300–600°C) calcination in air for 6 h. Calcination was for the sole purpose of crystallization. An aqueous solution of Ca(NO3)2· 4H2O was rapidly added to a solution of Na2HPO4 and NaHCO3, followed by immediate removal of gel‐like, poorly‐crystallized precursor precipitates from the mother liquors of pH 7.4. Freeze‐dried precursors were found to be nanosize with an average particle size of 45 nm and a surface area of 128 m2/g. Upon calcination in air, precursor powders crystallized into biphasic (60% HA–40% rhenanite) biomaterials, while retaining their submicron particle sizes and high surface areas. β‐rhenanite is a high solubility sodium calcium phosphate phase. Samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, ICP‐AES, TG, DTA, DSC, and surface area measurements. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Gene therapy for lung cancer
Authors: Toloza Eric M. , Morse Michael A. , Lyerly H. Kim 
Published: June 2006

AbstractLung cancer patients suffer a 15% overall survival despite advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. This unacceptably low survival rate is due to the usual finding of advanced disease at diagnosis. However, multimodality strategies using conventional therapies only minimally improve survival rates even in early stages of lung cancer. Attempts to improve survival in advanced disease using various combinations of platinum‐based chemotherapy have demonstrated that no regimen is superior, suggesting a therapeutic plateau and the need for novel, more specific, and less toxic therapeutic strategies. Over the past three decades, the genetic etiology of cancer has been gradually delineated, albeit not yet completely. Understanding the molecular events that occur during the multistep process of bronchogenic carcinogenesis may make these tasks more surmountable. During these same three decades, techniques have been developed which allow transfer of functional genes into mammalian cells. For example, blockade of activated tumor‐promoting oncogenes or replacement of inactivated tumor‐suppressing or apoptosis‐promoting genes can be achieved by gene therapy. This article will discuss the therapeutic implications of these molecular changes associated with bronchogenic carcinomas and will then review the status of gene therapies for treatment of lung cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in motility, gene expression and actin dynamics: Cdk6‐induced cytoskeletal changes associated with differentiation in mouse astrocytes
Authors: Slomiany Peter , Baker Thomas , Elliott Emily R. , Grossel Martha J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractCyclin dependent kinase (cdk) 4 and cdk6 have historically been understood to be D‐cyclin kinases that phosphorylate pRb in the nucleus to regulate G1 phase of the cell cycle. In conflict with this understood redundancy are several studies that have demonstrated a novel role for cdk6 in differentiation. Cdk6 expression must be reduced to allow proper osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation, enforced cdk6 expression blocked differentiation of mouse embryo fibroblasts, and cdk6 expression in primary astrocytes favored the expression of progenitor cell markers (Ericson et al. [2003] Mol Cancer Res 1:654–664; Matushansky et al. [2003] Oncogene 22:4143–4149; Ogasawara et al. [2004a] J Bone Miner Res 19:1128–1136; Ogasawara et al. [2004b] Mol Cell Biol 24:6560–6568). Experiments shown here investigate novel cytoplasmic and nuclear functions of cdk6. These data demonstrate that cdk6 expression in mouse astrocytes results in changes in patterns of gene expression, changes in the actin cytoskeleton including loss of stress fibers, and enhanced motility. These changes in cdk6‐infected cells are associated with the process of cellular differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 635–646, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparing real‐world advantages for the clinical neuroradiologist between a high field (3 T), a phased array (1.5 T) vs. a single‐channel 1.5‐T MR system
Authors: Orbach Darren B. , Wu Chris , Law Meng , Babb James S. , Lee Ray , Padua Abraham , Knopp Edmond A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and neuroradiologists' subjective assessments of image quality in 3‐Tesla (3‐T) or phased‐array MR systems that are now available for clinical neuroimaging.Materials and MethodsBrain MR images of six normal volunteers were obtained on each of three scanners: a 1.5‐T single‐channel system, a 12‐channel, phased‐array system, and a 3‐T single‐channel system. Additionally, clinically optimized images acquired from 28 patients who underwent imaging in more than one of these systems were analyzed. SNRs were measured and image quality and artifact conspicuity were graded by two blinded readers.ResultsThe phased‐array system produced higher SNR than either the 1.5‐T or the 3‐T single‐channel systems, and in no instance was it outperformed. Both blinded readers judged the phased‐array images to be of higher quality than those produced by the single‐channel systems, with significantly less artifact. The 3‐T magnet produced images with high SNR, but with increased artifact conspicuity. The phased‐array system markedly decreased acquisition times without introduction of artifacts.ConclusionBoth quantitatively and qualitatively, the phased‐array system provided image quality superior to that of the 1.5‐T and 3‐T single‐channel systems. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the magnetization transfer ratio and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery imaging signal intensity in differentiation of various cystic intracranial mass lesions and its correlation with biological parameters
Authors: Mishra Asht M. , Reddy Sangala J. , Husain Mazhar , Behari Sanjay , Husain Nuzhat , Prasad Kashi N. , Kumar Sunil , Gupta Rakesh K. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPurposeTo compare the signal intensity on the fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence and magnetization transfer ratios (MTRs) for the differentiation of abscesses from non‐abscess cystic brain lesions, and to correlate these MR parameters with the viscosity, viable cell density and total protein concentration of the cystic fluid.Materials and MethodsSignal intensity on FLAIR and MTRs from the cystic cavity of lesions were calculated from 33 patients (brain abscess (N = 12) and non‐abscess (N = 21)). The fluid from the lesion was aspirated at the time of surgery, and the viscosity, viable cell density, and total protein concentration were measured.ResultsSignal intensity on FLAIR correlated significantly with the total protein concentration in abscess (r = 0.60, P < 0.05) and non‐abscess lesions (r = 0.41, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the FLAIR signal intensity of the abscess (318.8 ± 75) and non‐abscess group (258 ± 47). The MTR of the brain abscesses (13 ± 0.95) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the non‐abscess group (3.5 ± 0.3). A significant correlation was observed between MTR and viscosity (r = 0.75, P < 0.05), total protein concentration (r = 0.60, P < 0.05), and cell density (r = 0.70, P < 0.05) in brain abscess, and viscosity (r = 0.81, P < 0.05) and total protein concentration (r = 0.41, P < 0.05) in non‐abscess lesions.ConclusionIt is possible to differentiate brain abscesses from non‐abscess cystic lesions using MT imaging. The MTR correlates significantly with the viscosity, viable cell density, and total protein concentration in brain abscess, and with viscosity and total protein concentration in non‐abscess lesions. FLAIR signal intensity correlates significantly only with the total protein concentration in abscess and non‐abscess lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo DTI evaluation of white matter tracts in rat spinal cord
Authors: Gullapalli Jayaroop , Krejza Jaroslaw , Schwartz Eric D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether differences in specific spinal cord white matter (WM) tracts can be detected with in vivo DTI.Materials and MethodsIn vivo DTI was performed on six rats at the lower thoracic region using a 4.7T magnet. Axial diffusion images were obtained with diffusion gradients applied in six independent directions, with low and high b‐values equal to 0 and 692 seconds/mm2, respectively. Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected corresponding to the major spinal cord tracts, including the dorsal cortical spinal tract (dCST), fasciculus gracilis (FG), rubrospinal tract (RST), vestibulospinal tract (VST), and reticulospinal tract (ReST).ResultsANOVA demonstrated overall differences between tracts for all of the DTI parameters, including fractional anisotropy (FA), trace diffusion (Tr), longitudinal diffusivity (EL = λ1), and transverse diffusivity (ET = (λ2 + λ3)/2). Similarly to previous ex vivo analyses, the spinal cord tract with the largest and most widely spaced axons (VST) had the largest EL and ET.ConclusionThe principal diffusivities appear to reflect axon morphologic differences between the WM tracts that are not as well appreciated with FA and Tr. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In silico predictability of allergenicity: From amino acid sequence via 3‐D structure to allergenicity
Authors: Aalberse Rob C. , Stadler Beda M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn relation to the prediction of allergenicity three aspects have to be discussed: IgE immunogenicity, IgE cross‐reactivity, and T‐cell cross‐reactivity. IgE immunogenicity depends largely on factors other than the protein itself: the context and dose and “history” of the protein by the time it reaches the immune system. It is, therefore, not fully predictable from structural information. In contrast, IgE cross‐reactivity can be much more reliably assessed by in‐silico homology searches in combination with in vitro IgE antibody assays. The in‐silico homology search is unlikely to miss potential cross‐reactivity with sequenced allergens. So far, no biologically relevant cross‐reactivity at the antibody level has been demonstrated between proteins without easily demonstrable homology. T‐cell cross‐reactivity is much more difficult to predict than B‐cell cross‐reactivity. Moreover, its effects are more diverse. Yet, pre‐existing cross‐reactive T‐cell activity is likely to influence the outcome not only of the immune response, but also of the effect phase of the allergic reaction. The question of whether any antigen can be allergenic is still a matter of debate.
Evaluation of available IgE‐binding epitope data and its utility in bioinformatics
Authors: Bannon Gary A. , Ogawa Tadashi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper reviews the role played by IgE‐binding epitopes in eliciting clinical symptoms, the types of IgE‐binding epitopes in allergenic proteins, the methods used to identify IgE‐binding epitopes, and the availability of IgE‐binding epitopes in allergenic sources. Finally, bioinformatics methods to assess protein allergenicity using knowledge of IgE‐binding epitopes are discussed.
32‐channel 3 Tesla receive‐only phased‐array head coil with soccer‐ball element geometry
Authors: Wiggins G.C. , Triantafyllou C. , Potthast A. , Reykowski A. , Nittka M. , Wald L.L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA 32‐channel 3T receive‐only phased‐array head coil was developed for human brain imaging. The helmet‐shaped array was designed to closely fit the head with individual overlapping circular elements arranged in patterns of hexagonal and pentagonal symmetry similar to that of a soccer ball. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and noise amplification (g‐factor) in accelerated imaging applications were quantitatively evaluated in phantom and human images and compared with commercially available head coils. The 32‐channel coil showed SNR gains of up to 3.5‐fold in the cortex and 1.4‐fold in the corpus callosum compared to a (larger) commercial eight‐channel head coil. The experimentally measured g‐factor performance of the helmet array showed significant improvement compared to the eight‐channel array (peak g‐factor 59% and 26% of the eight‐channel values for four‐ and fivefold acceleration). The performance of the arrays is demonstrated in high‐resolution and highly accelerated brain images. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Real‐time RF pulse adjustment for B0 drift correction
Authors: Benner Thomas , van der Kouwe André J.W. , Kirsch John E. , Sorensen A. Gregory 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAlthough the magnetic field of an MR scanner is very stable under little or no load, it can become less stable under heavy‐duty cycle conditions, such as in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Uncorrected, such field drifts lead to an apparent image shift along the phase‐encoding direction and decreasing effectiveness of fat saturation pulses. A method is presented to adjust the center frequency of all RF pulses and the receiver in real time during the acquisition. No data postprocessing or changes to the sequence timing are necessary. In vivo acquisitions were performed to assess the prolonged effectiveness of fat saturation. Field drifts of approximately 2.5 Hz/min were measured and corrected during DTI acquisitions at b‐values of up to 3000 s/mm2. The effectiveness of fat saturation diminished over the duration of an 18‐min acquisition when the drift was left uncorrected. The proposed method corrects for apparent image shift and ensures continuously effective fat saturation over the duration of an acquisition. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.