bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mueller matrix decomposition for polarized light assessment of biological tissues
Authors: Ghosh Nirmalya , Wood Michael F. G. , Li Shu‐hong , Weisel Richard D. , Wilson Brian C. , Li Ren‐Ke , Vitkin I. Alex 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe Mueller matrix represents the transfer function of an optical system in its interactions with polarized light and its elements relate to specific biologically or clinically relevant properties. However, when many optical polarization effects occur simultaneously, the resulting matrix elements represent several “lumped” effects, thus hindering their unique interpretation. Currently, no methods exist to extract these individual properties in turbid media. Here, we present a novel application of a Mueller matrix decomposition methodology that achieves this objective. The methodology is validated theoretically via a novel polarized‐light propagation model, and experimentally in tissue simulating phantoms. The potential of the approach is explored for two specific biomedical applications: monitoring of changes in myocardial tissues following regenerative stem cell therapy, through birefringence‐induced retardation of the light's linear and circular polarizations, and non‐invasive blood glucose measurements through chirality‐induced rotation of the light's linear polarization. Results demonstrate potential for both applications. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Assessing the risk of skin damage due to femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Fischer Frank , Volkmer Beate , Puschmann Stefan , Greinert Rüdiger , Breitbart Eckhard , Kiefer Jürgen , Wepf Roger 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe irradiated freshly excised skin biopsies with four irradiation regimes usually taken for multiphoton imaging. If there is any skin damaging, it is mainly an effect similar to the damaging effects of UV‐irradiation. Using fluorescent antibodies against cyclobutane‐pyrimidin‐dimers (CPDs) in combination with immuno‐fluorescence image analysis we quantitatively compared fs‐irradiation effects with UV‐irradiation (solar simulator). Based on these results we are giving a risk assessment. The results show that multi photon imaging using the parameters described here is in the ballpark of damaging occurring from every day sun exposure. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Radiolabelling with short‐lived PET (positron emission tomography) isotopes using microfluidic reactors
Authors: Miller Philip W 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis mini‐review covers the issues concerning the application of microfluidics towards radiolabelling with short‐lived isotopes used for PET (positron emission tomography), and surveys the literature in this area. The application of microfluidic reactors to radiolabelling reactions is currently receiving a great deal of interest because of the potential advantages they have over conventional labelling systems. The volume and variety of radiolabelling reactions for PET is expected to grow markedly over the coming years due to increased demands for PET scanning. High demands and expectations for radiolabelled compounds will have to be met by exploiting new types of chemistry and technologies, such as microfluidics, to improve the production and development of PET tracers. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Fermentation of enzymatic hydrolysates from olive stones by Pachysolen tannophilus
Authors: Cuevas Manuel , Sánchez Sebastián , Bravo Vicente , Cruz Nicolás , García Juan F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Olive stones were pretreated with liquid hot water (LHW or autohydrolysis) at maximum temperatures between 175 and 225 °C (severity factors, logR0, between 2.73 and 4.39) to be subjected (both liquid and solid components) afterwards to enzymatic hydrolysis with cellulases from Trichoderma viride. Ethanol fermentation of hydrolysates was performed with the non‐traditional yeast Pachysolen tannophilus ATCC 32691.RESULTS: After the enzymatic step, yields of hemicellulose solubilization reached 100%, while the cellulose was only partially hydrolysed (23%, logR0 = 4.39). The maximum yields in total reducing sugars and acetic acid, at the upper end of the severity range, was close to 0.25 and 0.04 g g−1 dry stone, respectively. During the fermentation stage, the increase in R0 reduced the maximum specific growth rate, biomass productivity, and overall biomass yield. The overall yields of ethanol and xylitol ranged, respectively, from 0.18 to 0.25 g g−1 and from 0.01 to 0.13 g g−1.CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the possibility of producing ethanol from olive stones, making use of the cellulose and hemicellulose fraction of the waste. It was confirmed that the overall yield in xylitol strongly depended on severity factor, while the overall yield in ethanol remained practically constant for all the pretreatment conditions tested. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of hypoxia on glucose transport in primary equine chondrocytes in vitro and evidence of reduced GLUT1 gene expression in pathologic cartilage in vivo
Authors: Peansukmanee Siriporn , Vaughan‐Thomas Anne , Carter Stuart D. , Clegg Peter D. , Taylor Sarah , Redmond Colette , Mobasheri Ali 
Published: October 2008

AbstractArticular chondrocytes exist in an environment lacking in oxygen and nutrients due to the avascular nature of cartilage. The main source of metabolic energy is glucose, which is taken up by glucose transporters (GLUTs). In diseased joints, oxygen tensions and glucose availability alter as a result of inflammation and changes in vascularisation. Accordingly, in this study we examined the effects of hypoxia and the hypoxia mimetic cobalt chloride (CoCl2) on glucose transport in equine chondrocytes and compared expression of the hypoxia responsive GLUT1 gene in normal and diseased cartilage. Monolayers of equine chondrocytes were exposed to 20% O2, 1% O2, CoCl2 (75 µM), or a combination of 1% O2 and CoCl2. Glucose uptake was measured using 2‐deoxy‐D‐[2,6‐3H] glucose. GLUT1 protein and mRNA expression were determined by FACS analysis and qPCR, respectively. GLUT1 mRNA expression in normal and diseased cartilage was analyzed using explants derived from normal, OA, and OCD cartilage. Chondrocytes under hypoxic conditions exhibited a significantly increased glucose uptake as well as upregulated GLUT1 protein expression. GLUT1 mRNA expression significantly increased in combined hypoxia‐CoCl2 treatment. Analysis of clinical samples indicated a significant reduction in GLUT1 mRNA in OA samples. In OCD samples GLUT1 expression also decreased but did not reach statistical significance. The increase in glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression under hypoxic conditions confirms that hypoxia alters the metabolic requirements of chondrocytes. The altered GLUT1 mRNA expression in diseased cartilage with significance in OA suggests that reduced GLUT1 may contribute to the failure of OA cartilage repair. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 529–535, 2009
Systemic human minidystrophin gene transfer improves functions and life span of dystrophin and dystrophin/utrophin‐deficient mice
Authors: Wang Bing , Li Juan , Fu Freddie H. , Xiao Xiao 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and lethal genetic muscle disease, caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. No efficacious treatment is currently available. Here we report AAV vector systemic delivery and therapeutic benefits of the functional human minidystrophin gene in a severe and more reliable DMD mouse model, the dystrophin/utrophin double deficiency mouse (dys−/−:utrn−/−, dKO). These mice show many pathologic and phenotypic signs typical of DMD in humans including kyphosis and shorter life span, all of which are not seen in the mdx mice due to their utrophin upregulation that partially compensates the loss of dystrophin functions and leads to mild phenotypes. The therapeutic value of this new approach was demonstrated in both mdx and dKO murine models, in which we observed highly efficient minidystrophin gene expression, ameliorated muscle pathologies, improvement in growth and motility, inhibition of spine and limb deformation, and prolongation of life span. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 421–426, 2009
Novel application of HA‐TCP biomaterials in distraction osteogenesis shortened the lengthening time and promoted bone consolidation
Authors: Wang Yan , Ni Ming , Tang Pei‐Fu , Li Gang 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis that use of biomaterials in distraction osteogenesis (DO) would reduce the treatment time and enhance bone formation quality. A 1.0‐cm tibial shaft was removed in the left tibia of 36 rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: group A, the defect gap was reduced with the tibia shortened for 1.0‐cm; group B, the defect gap was filled with 1.0‐cm restorable porous hydroxyapatite and Tri‐calcium phosphates cylindrical block (HA/TCP block, diameter is 0.5‐cm); group C, The 1.0‐cm defect gap was reduced 0.5 cm and the remaining 0.5‐cm defect gap was filled with the 0.5‐cm HA/TCP block. The tibia was then fixed with unilateral lengthener; for groups A and C; lengthening started 7 days after surgery at a rate of 1.0 mm/day, in two steps. Group A received lengthening for 10 days and group C for 5 days, there was no lengthening for group B. All animals were terminated at day 37 following surgery. The excised bone specimens were subject to microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), mechanical testing, and histological examinations. Bone mineral density and content and tissue mineral density and content, as well as the mechanical properties of the regenerates were significantly higher in group C compared to groups A and B. Micro‐CT and histological examinations also confirmed that the regenerates in Group C had most advanced bone formation, consolidation, and remodeling compared to other groups. In conclusion, the combined use of biomaterials and DO technique can reduce the treatment time and enhance bone consolidation in bone defect management. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 477–482, 2009
Mesenchymal stem cells derived from synovium, meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, and articular chondrocytes share similar gene expression profiles
Authors: Segawa Yuko , Muneta Takeshi , Makino Hatsune , Nimura Akimoto , Mochizuki Tomoyuki , Ju Young‐Jin , Ezura Yoichi , Umezawa Akihiro , Sekiya Ichiro 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be obtained from various tissues, and contain common features. However, an increasing number of reports have described variant properties dependent of cell sources. We examined (1) whether MSCs existed in several intraarticular tissues, (2) whether gene expression profiles in intraarticular tissue MSCs closely resembled each other, and (3) whether identified genes were specific to intraarticular tissue MSCs. Human synovium, meniscus, intraarticular ligament, muscle, adipose tissue, and bone marrow were harvested, and colony‐forming cells were analyzed. All these cells showed multipotentiality and surface markers typical of MSCs. Gene profiles of intraarticular tissue MSCs and chondrocytes were closer to each other than those of extraarticular tissues MSCs. Among three characteristic genes specific for intraarticular tissue MSCs, we focused on proline arginine‐rich end leucine‐rich repeat protein (PRELP). Higher expression of PRELP was confirmed in chondrocytes and intraarticular tissue MSCs among three elderly and three young donors. Synovium MSCs stably expressed PRELP, contrarily, bone marrow MSCs increased PRELP expression during in vitro chondrogenesis. In conclusion, MSCs could be isolated from various intraarticular tissues including meniscus and ligament, gene expression profiles of intraarticular tissue MSCs closely resembled each other, and the higher expression of PRELP was characteristic of intraarticular tissue MSCs. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 435–441, 2009
What is the attraction for exchange students: the host destination or host university? Empirical evidence from a study of an Australian university
Authors: Llewellyn‐Smith Catherine , McCabe Vivienne S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper presents findings from an exploratory study of students who completed an international exchange programme at an Australian university. Through the use of the push–pull typology and a structured questionnaire, the student motivations and factors in their selection of a university exchange programme are explored. Results indicate that students' desire to travel and the opportunity for fun and excitement are the primary motivators for undertaking an educational exchange, along with the host country's weather, natural environment and tourist attractions. Factors that influence selection of a host university are outlined, as well as students' levels of satisfaction with the experience. The findings have implications for destination and university managers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Participatory monitoring of biodiversity in East African grazing lands
Authors: Oba G. , Byakagaba P. , Angassa A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThere are disagreements on the use of standard biodiversity monitoring methods to promote community participation. This study combined three methods to investigate questions why monitor biodiversity, what biodiversity to monitor and how participatory biodiversity monitoring can be promoted in central Uganda in East Africa. The question of why biodiversity should be monitored concerns the justification for monitoring, while the question of what to monitor concerns the choice of biodiversity variables, and the question of how to monitor biodiversity concerns the links between the data generated from monitoring and problems associated particularly with regard to community participation. The study selected landscape and sampling scales (i.e. plots) for participatory monitoring of biodiversity. Herders identified main landscape patches and plant species. Herder value‐weighted indicators, such as invasive species and range condition scores (i.e. composite indicators representing species palatability, composition, cover, density and richness) were used for measuring biodiversity in their grazing lands. To understand what biodiversity to monitor, we interpreted the correlation between biodiversity indicators and herder value‐weighted range conditions. Herders defined biodiversity from a utilitarian perspective, which is inconsistent with the conventional scientific goals of biodiversity conservation which focus on preservation of the total species pool. To address the question of how to monitor biodiversity, evidence from the folk taxonomy of sampled plant species and other proxy biodiversity indicators, including herder value‐weighted range condition scores, were compared to understand scale dependence. We inferred that the landscape scale monitoring was more sensitive to measuring biodiversity than the conventional scales of plots. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry as a powerful tool in biomarker discovery and clinical diagnosis: An update of recent developments
Authors: Mischak Harald , Coon Joshua J. , Novak Jan , Weissinger Eva M. , Schanstra Joost P. , Dominiczak Anna F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractProteome analysis has emerged as a powerful technology to decipher biological processes. One of the main goals is to discover biomarkers for diseases from tissues and body fluids. However, the complexity and wide dynamic range of protein expression present an enormous challenge to separation technologies and mass spectrometry (MS). In this review, we examine the limitations of proteomics, and aim towards the definition of the current key prerequisites. We focus on capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE–MS), because this technique continues to show great promise. We discuss CE–MS from an application point of view, and evaluate its merits and vices for biomarker discovery and clinical applications. Finally, we present several examples on the use of CE–MS to determine urinary biomarkers and implications for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy evaluation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:703–724, 2009
Polyporenic acid C induces caspase‐8‐mediated apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells
Authors: Ling Hui , Zhou Liang , Jia Xiaobin , Gapter Leslie A. , Agarwal Rajesh , Ng Ka‐yun 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. This warrants the search for new and effective agents against lung cancer. We and others have recently shown that lanostane‐type triterpenoids isolated from the fungal species Poria cocos (P. cocos) can inhibit cancer growth. However, the mechanisms responsible for the anticancer effects of these triterpenoids remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of polyporenic acid C (PPAC), a lanostane‐type triterpenoid from P. cocos, on the growth of A549 nonsmall cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). The results demonstrate that PPAC significantly reduced cell proliferation via induction of apoptosis as evidenced by sub‐G1 analysis, annexin V‐FITC staining, and increase in cleavage of procaspase‐8, ‐3, and poly(ADP‐ribose)‐polymerase (PARP). However, unlike our previously reported lanostane‐type triterpenoid, pachymic acid, treatment of cells with PPAC was not accompanied by disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in cleavage of procaspase‐9. Further, PPC‐induced apoptosis was inhibited by caspase‐8 and pan caspase inhibitors but not by a caspase‐9 inhibitor. Taken together, the results suggest that PPAC induces apoptosis through the death receptor‐mediated apoptotic pathway where the activation of caspase‐8 leads to the direct cleavage of execution caspases without the involvement of the mitochondria. Furthermore, suppressed PI3‐kinase/Akt signal pathway and enhanced p53 activation after PPAC treatment suggests this to be an additional mechanism for apoptosis induction. Together, these results encourage further studies of PPAC as a promising candidate for lung cancer therapy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonin and dopamine transporter genes do not influence depression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dissanayaka Nadeeka N.W. , Silburn Peter A. , O'Sullivan John D. , Mellick George D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAltered levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are observed in both Parkinson's disease (PD) and depression. Therefore, the neurotransmitter transporter genes, SLC6A3 (dopamine) and SLC6A4 (serotonin) are candidates for depression in PD. We genotyped 24 tagging SNPs together with VNTRs and the SLC6A4 LPR polymorphism in 190 PD patients categorised according to lifetime history of depression. Log‐additive, dominant and recessive statistical models were constructed. No significant genotype or haplotype associations were observed suggesting that common genetic variables around the dopamine and serotonin transporter genes do not play a significant role in the etiology of depression in PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Gait and balance disorders in Parkinson's disease: Impaired active braking of the fall of centre of gravity
Authors: Chastan Nathalie , Do Manh Cuong , Bonneville Fabrice , Torny Frédéric , Bloch Frédéric , Westby G. W. Max , Dormont Didier , Agid Yves , Welter Marie‐Laure 
Published: October 2008

AbstractGait and balance disorders are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Step length, antero‐posterior, and vertical velocities of the center of gravity (CG) during gait initiation were analyzed in 32 controls and 32 PD patients, with and without levodopa, using a force platform. Brain volumes and mesencephalic surface area were measured in PD patients. During the swing limb period, controls showed a fall in the CG, which was reversed before foot‐contact indicating active braking of the CG fall. In PD patients, without levodopa, step length and velocity were significantly reduced and no braking occurred before foot‐contact in 22 patients. With levodopa, step length and velocity increased in all patients and 7 patients improved their braking capacity. PD patients with normal braking (n = 17) had significantly lower gait and balance disorder scores and higher normalized‐mesencephalic surface areas compared to patients with impaired braking (n = 15). The decreased step length and velocity, characteristic of PD, mainly result from degeneration of central dopaminergic systems. The markedly decreased braking capacity observed in half the PD patients contributes to their gait disorders and postural instability, perhaps as a result of nondopaminergic lesions, possibly at the mesencephalic level. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in a rural community in Japan
Authors: Nomura Takashi , Inoue Yuichi , Kusumi Masayoshi , Uemura Yusuke , Nakashima Kenji 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTo assess the prevalence and clinical significance of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a Japanese population, we carried out a community‐based survey in a rural area of Japan. We sent questionnaires requesting information on demographics, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, the Short Form‐8, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the National Institutes of Health/International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus questionnaire, and the IRLSSG severity scale for RLS (IRLS) to 5,528 eligible adult residents in the town of Daisen in the Tottori prefecture of Japan. Next, we performed telephone interviews to identify subjects with probable RLS. Of the 2,812 subjects (51.1%) who gave complete answers on the IRLSSG questionnaire, 50 (1.8%) were judged as RLS positive. The prevalence of RLS was significantly higher in women than in men, and significantly lower in individuals 60 years of age or older. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the existence of RLS was significantly associated with depression, lowered mental quality of life, and sleep disturbances. The prevalence of RLS in adult Japanese populations may be lower than that reported in Caucasian populations. However, in a group of Japanese subjects, RLS had a significant impact on daytime functioning as well as subjective sleep quality. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Walking stability using harmonic ratios in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lowry Kristin A. , Smiley‐Oyen Ann L. , Carrel Andrew J. , Kerr John P. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractKinematic changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) gait are well documented; however, upper body dynamics are less understood. Harmonic ratios (HRs) measure the rhythm of trunk accelerations and can be examined in the vertical, anterior‐posterior, and mediolateral planes, providing an indication of global walking stability (lower HR indicates poorer stability). We examined differences in HRs between persons with PD and healthy older adults and relationships between HRs and stride parameters. Eleven people with PD and 11 older adults walked over ground at their preferred pace. A triaxial accelerometer measured trunk accelerations. HRs and spatiotemporal parameters were calculated and standardized to remove the influence of gait velocity. The PD group exhibited lower HRs in all three planes, with the most pronounced differences in the mediolateral and anterior‐posterior planes. Greater stride time variability was most closely associated with a lower anterior‐posterior HR in PD and the presence of disease with the mediolateral HR. By demonstrating decreased walking stability in medial‐lateral and anterior‐posterior planes, we conclude that HRs offer unique information beyond that of typical stride parameters, and stride time variability is most closely associated with these direct measures of global walking stability. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society