bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Particle Size, Surface Coating, and PEGylation Influence the Biodistribution of Quantum Dots in Living Mice
Authors: Schipper Meike L. , Iyer Gopal , Koh Ai Leen , Cheng Zhen , Ebenstein Yuval , Aharoni Assaf , Keren Shay , Bentolila Laurent A. , Li Jianquing , Rao Jianghong , Chen Xiaoyuan , Banin Uri , Wu Anna M. , Sinclair Robert , Weiss Shimon , Gambhir Sanjiv S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study evaluates the influence of particle size, PEGylation, and surface coating on the quantitative biodistribution of near‐infrared‐emitting quantum dots (QDs) in mice. Polymer‐ or peptide‐coated64Cu‐labeled QDs 2 or 12 nm in diameter, with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG) of molecular weight 2000, are studied by serial micropositron emission tomography imaging and region‐of‐interest analysis, as well as transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. PEGylation and peptide coating slow QD uptake into the organs of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), liver and spleen, by a factor of 6–9 and 2–3, respectively. Small particles are in part renally excreted. Peptide‐coated particles are cleared from liver faster than physical decay alone would suggest. Renal excretion of small QDs and slowing of RES clearance by PEGylation or peptide surface coating are encouraging steps toward the use of modified QDs for imaging living subjects.
Comparative mechanisms of zearalenone and ochratoxin A toxicities on cultured HepG2 cells: Is oxidative stress a common process?
Authors: El Golli Bennour Emna , Bouaziz Chayma , Ladjimi Moncef , Renaud Flore , Bacha Hassen 
Published: December 2008

AbstractZearalenone (ZEN) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) are structurally diverse fungal metabolites that can contaminate feed and foodstuff and can cause serious health problems for animals as well as for humans. In this study, we get further insight of the molecular aspects of ZEN and OTA toxicities in cultured human HepG2 hepatocytes. In this context, we have monitored the effects of ZEN and OTA on (i) cell viability, (ii) heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 and Hsp 27 gene expressions as a parameter of protective and adaptive response, (iii) oxidative damage, and (iv) cell death pathways. Our results clearly showed that both ZEN and OTA inhibit cell proliferation. For ZEN, a significant induction of Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 was observed. In the same conditions, ZEN generated an important amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant supplements restored the major part of cell mortality induced by ZEN. However, OTA treatment downregulated Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 protein and mRNA levels and did not induce ROS generation. Antioxidant supplements did not have a significant effect on OTA‐induced cell mortality. Using another cell system (Vero monkey kidney cells), we demonstrated that OTA downregulates three members of HSP 70 family: Hsp 70, Hsp 75, and Hsp 78. Our findings showed that oxidative damage seemed to be the predominant toxic effect for ZEN, while OTA toxicity seemed to be rather because of the absence of Hsps protective response. Furthermore, the two mycotoxins induced an apoptotic cell death. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Malathion‐induced alteration of the antioxidant defence system in kidney, gill, and intestine of Carassius auratus gibelio
Authors: Huculeci Radu , Dinu Diana , Staicu Andreea Cristina , Munteanu Maria Cristina , Costache Marieta , Dinischiotu Anca 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPesticides such as malathion, commonly used in agriculture and households, are toxic substances that lead to reactive oxygen species generation, which harms organisms. Ecotoxicological consequences of malathion, particularly its effects on antioxidants in fish, are not well understood. Thus, we investigated the effects of malathion (0.05 mg/L) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in Carassius auratus gibelio kidney, intestine, and gills following exposure times of 1, 2, 3, and 6 days. The lipid peroxidation and antioxidative defense mechanisms display different responses in investigated tissues. The lipid peroxidation was increased in all investigated tissues, especially after 1 day of malathion administration. Changes in reduced glutathione levels have been registered, mainly after 6 days of pesticide exposure. The modulation in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase, gluthatione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase was time and tissue specific. The investigated parameters can be used as biomarkers of fish exposure to malathion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Ultimobranchial gland of a freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis, in response to cadmium treatment
Authors: Rai Rubi , Mishra Diwakar , Srivastav Sunil Kumar , Srivastav Ajai Kumar 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHeteropneustes fossilis were subjected to 288 mg/L (0.8 of 96 h LC50) and 72 mg/L (0.2 of 96 h LC50) of cadmium chloride for short‐term and long‐term experiments, respectively. After sacrificing the fish, the blood was collected on 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in short‐term and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in long‐term experiment and analyzed for plasma calcium levels. Also, ultimobranchial glands were fixed on these intervals. The plasma calcium levels of short‐term cadmium‐exposed fish remain unchanged after 24 h. The levels exhibit a progressive decrease from 48 h onwards. The fish exposed to cadmium for 7 days exhibit a decrease in the plasma calcium level. Thereafter, the levels progressively decrease till the end of the experiment (28 days). Up to 72 h exposure of the fish to cadmium, the ultimobranchial gland exhibits no histological change. After 96 h, a decrease in the staining response of the cytoplasm of ultimobranchial cells has been noticed. The nuclear volume of these cells records a slight decrease. Up to 14 days of cadmium exposure, there is no change in the histological structure of ultimobranchial gland. After 21 days following the exposure, the ultimobranchial cells exhibit a slight decrease in the staining response of the cytoplasm and the nuclear volume of these cells records a decrease. Following 28 days cadmium exposure the nuclear volume exhibits a further decrease, and degeneration and vacuolization sets in. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Calponin gene expression inChironomus ripariusexposed to di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate
Authors: Park Kiyun , Kwak Inn‐Sil 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDi(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, which is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant because of its extensive use as a plasticizer, is a potential nongenotoxic carcinogen. To assess the effects of DEHP exposure on the cytoskeleton ofChironomus, we characterized full‐length cDNA sequences of the calponin gene fromChironomus riparius. The expression of the calponin gene was analyzed during different life‐history stages and under various DEHP concentrations for short and long periods. A phylogenetic investigation was then conducted to compare different orders of insects using sequence database analysis. The complete cDNA sequence of the calponin gene was found to be 555 bp in length. The results of phylogenetic analysis revealed thatC. ripariuscalponin is most closely related to that of beetles. The basal level of calponin mRNA was highly expressed during different life‐history stages. In addition, calponin gene expression decreased within 1 h of short‐term exposure to DEHP, regardless of the concentration. We also investigated expression of the calponin gene following long‐term exposure (10 days). Calponin gene expression was found to decrease significantly inC. ripariusthat were exposed to a low dose of DEHP, and this response was found to occur in a dose‐dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that DEHP affects the functions of Ca2+binding muscle proteins such as calponin inChironomusspecies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Myomectomy through the uterine cervix using forceps under sonographic guidance
Authors: Lin C. ‐C. , Ou M. ‐C. , Hsiao S. ‐M. , Lin H. ‐H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of a novel method of forceps myomectomy under sonographic guidance.MethodsBetween June 2005 and August 2006, we performed a prospective study to evaluate the feasibility of forceps myomectomy under sonographic guidance in patients with submucosal myomas. Patients were enrolled into the study if, on transvaginal sonographic or hysteroscopic examination, their myomas were found to have an intramural extension < 75%, absence of ‘sinking’ and a mean diameter < 8 cm.ResultsThere were 28 patients with submucosal myomas including Types 0 (n = 18), 1 (n = 6) and 2 (n = 4). In 26/28 (92.8%; 95% CI, 82.6–100) patients the myomas were removed completely. The mean operating time and intraoperative blood loss were 27.3 min and 33.5 mL, respectively. The median follow‐up time was 15 months. There were no perioperative complications. No patient subsequently underwent myomectomy or hysterectomy.ConclusionsIn our experience, this novel method of forceps myomectomy is feasible for the removal of Type 0 and Type 1 submucosal myomas as well as selected Type 2 myomas. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TV white‐space sensing prototype
Authors: Oh S. W. , Le T. P. Cuong , Zhang W. , Ahmed S. N. Altaf , Zeng Y. , Kua K. J. M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMeasurements performed at several locations clearly show that frequency spectrum is under‐utilized. Cognitive radio (CR) is a strong candidate to ensure better spectrum utilization by providing access in an opportunistic manner, i.e., when the spectrum is temporary or spatially unutilized (a.k.a. white‐space). The key enabling technology for realizing better frequency spectrum utilization in CR system is spectrum sensing. In particular, spectrum sensing in television (TV) bands is of great interest due to the potential availability of spectrum as a result of the planned migration of analog TV broadcasting to digital TV broadcasting. In this paper, we present the TV white‐space prototype that we developed to detect vacant spectrum in TV bands. The prototype is implemented on a real‐time platform and tested in practical environments. Results show that our prototype is able to detect vacant channels up to sensitivities from −116 to −120 dBm under realistic conditions. This confirmation will give the much needed confidence in the capability of CR systems to detect the operation of primary users and protect their use of spectrum. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot Postoperative Ileus Study of Escin in Cancer Patients After Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Xie Qiwei , Zong Xianglong , Ge Baoming , Wang Shan , Ji Jiafu , Ye Yingjiang , Pan Lili 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative ileus, a common complication in patients after abdominal surgery, brings no benefit to the recovery of postoperative patients, and treatment targeted at restoring gastrointestinal motility may shorten the hospital stay. Studies have shown that escin accelerates gastrointestinal transit in mice and improves gastrointestinal motility in patients after abdominal surgery. A pilot study of escin’s effect on the recovery of gastrointestinal motility was conducted in colorectal cancer patients in anticipation of a multiple‐center randomized controlled trial.MethodsA total of 72 postoperative colorectal cancer patients were randomly assigned to four parallel groups on the basis of sealed envelopes—escin 5 mg group (E5 mg), escin 15 mg group (E15 mg), escin 25 mg group (E25 mg), and placebo group—with 18 patients in each group. Escin or placebo was diluted in 500 ml 5% dextrose injection, which was given once daily through the subclavian vein. The first injection took place 6 h after completion of the surgery. The treatment continued for 7 days or stopped at the time of the patient’s first bowel movement. Time to recovery of passage of gas (TRPG), time to recovery of gastrointestinal sounds (TRGS), and time to recovery of bowel movements (TRBM) were recorded to evaluate the efficacy of escin.ResultsThe TRPGs of the three escin treatment groups were 76.78 + 28.81 h (E5 mg), 72.06 + 14.65 h (E15 mg), and 65.50 + 26.70 h (E25 mg), respectively, with differences of 6.03 ± 7.64 h (p = 0.436; E5 mg), 10.75 ± 4.92 h (p = 0.036; E15 mg), and 17.31 ± 7.20 h (p = 0.022; E25 mg) compared with the placebo group. The TRGSs of the three escin treatment groups were 45.28 ± 26.15 h (E5 mg), 41.22 ± 16.98 h (E15 mg), and 40.33 ± 14.09 h (E25 mg), respectively, with differences of 4.33 ± 7.12 h (p = 0.547; E5 mg), 8.39 ± 5.36 h (p = 0.127; E15 mg), and 9.28 ± 4.87 h (p = 0.065; E25 mg) compared with the placebo group. The TRBMs of the three escin treatment groups were 89.25 ± 23.77 h (E5 mg), 84.83 ± 27.91 h (E15 mg), and 84.44 ± 19.74 h (E25 mg), respectively, with differences of 19.03 ± 10.13 h (p = 0.069; E5 mg), 23.44 ± 10.70 h (p = 0.035; E15 mg), and 23.83 ± 9.63 h (p = 0.019; E25 mg) compared with the placebo group.ConclusionThe results of this pilot Postoperative Ileus Study of Escin (PISE) showed that escin can shorten the time to recovery of gastrointestinal motility in cancer patients after colorectal surgery.
Fecal Urge Incontinence After Stapled Anopexia for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Schmidt Johannes , Dogan Nevzat , Langenbach Ralf , Zirngibl Hubert 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundStapled anopexia was introduced as a surgical method in 1993. Long‐term data with special interest in functional results and relapse symptoms are rarely presented. Urinary discomfort and problems with fecal urge incontinence are addressed as severe side effects. We present our long‐term results (using data from a high‐volume center) with this technique and two surgeons’ experience.MethodsDuring 4 years, a total of 546 patients entered the study. For long‐term evaluation, 452 patients (237 women and 215 men) were available (82.9%). Patients with recurrent hemorrhoidal prolapse and fecal incontinence were excluded. Postoperative reevaluation with physical condition was performed after 1, 6, and 24 months by means of manometry, rectoscopy, and SF‐36 Health Survey Test.ResultsEarly postoperative urinary impairment was 7.3%. Early fecal urge incontinence rate was 3.3%. Overall perioperative complication rate was 11.1%. Within 1 month, the rate of fecal urge incontinence increased to 13.5% and decreased to 4% and 2.9% after a period of 6 and 24 months. Overall recurrence rate was 3.3%. Reoperation rate according to the primary indication was 2.9% after 24 months. The SF‐36 data showed a return to normal 1 month after the procedure was performed. Overall satisfaction rate was 95.4%.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that stapled anopexia is a safe and secure procedure for treatment of hemorrhoidal prolapse. Fecal urge incontinence is a self‐limiting side effect that with which patients need to be made familiar.
Value of Nonpalliative Resection as a Therapeutic and Pre‐Emptive Operation for Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Park Seong‐Heum , Kim Jong‐Han , Park Joong‐Min , Park Sung‐Soo , Kim Seung‐Joo , Kim Chong‐Suk , Mok Young‐Jae 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntroductionThe value of nonpalliative resection in metastatic gastric cancer has not been clearly defined.MethodsThe survival and incidence of subsequent palliative interventions in 72 patients with metastatic gastric cancer who underwent nonpalliative resection were retrospectively compared with those of 56 patients that did not undergo resection.ResultsThe median survival of patients who underwent resection was greater than that of patients who did not (12.0 months versus 4.8 months; p = 0.000). However, more patients in the resection group had a good performance status, no neighboring organ invasion, and only one metastatic site, and this might have caused the survival difference. Adjuvant chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of survival after resection. Incidences of subsequent palliative procedures were not significantly different in the two study groups (43.1% in resection group versus 39.3% in the nonresection group; p = 0.668). However, the mean interval between operation and the first procedure was significantly different in the two groups (287.3 days in the resection group versus 164.1 days in the nonresection group; p = 0.032).ConclusionsThe survival of the patients that underwent nonpalliative resection was poor, and nonpalliative gastrectomy did not decrease requirements for subsequent palliative procedures. Only a few patients with a favorable response to adjuvant chemotherapy survived longer after resection and benefited from a longer symptom‐free period until the subsequent palliative procedures were required. Nonpalliative resection should be reserved for selected patients based on performance status, resection feasibilities and metastatic tumor loads, and adjuvant chemotherapy should be combined as part of multimodality therapy.
Ultrafast Carrier Relaxation in InN Nanowires Grown by Reactive Vapor Transport
Authors: Othonos Andreas , Zervos Matthew , Pervolaraki Maria 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We have studied femtosecond carrier dynamics in InN nanowires grown by reactive vapor transport. Transient differential absorption measurements have been employed to investigate the relaxation dynamics of photogenerated carriers near and above the optical absorption edge of InN NWs where an interplay of state filling, photoinduced absorption, and band-gap renormalization have been observed. The interface between states filled by free carriers intrinsic to the InN NWs and empty states has been determined to be at 1.35 eV using CW optical transmission measurements. Transient absorption measurements determined the absorption edge at higher energy due to the additional injected photogenerated carriers following femtosecond pulse excitation. The non-degenerate white light pump-probe measurements revealed that relaxation of the photogenerated carriers occurs on a single picosecond timescale which appears to be carrier density dependent. This fast relaxation is attributed to the capture of the photogenerated carriers by defect/surface related states. Furthermore, intensity dependent measurements revealed fast energy transfer from the hot photogenerated carriers to the lattice with the onset of increased temperature occurring at approximately 2 ps after pulse excitation.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Titania Nanocubes, Nanospheres and Nanorods for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
Authors: Suprabha T , Roy Haizel G , Thomas Jesty , Praveen Kumar K , Mathew Suresh 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
TiO2nanostructures with fascinating morphologies like cubes, spheres, and rods were synthesized by a simple microwave irradiation technique. Tuning of different morphologies was achieved by changing the pH and the nature of the medium or the precipitating agent. As-synthesized titania nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (IR), BET surface area, photoluminescence (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Photocatalytic dye degradation studies were conducted using methylene blue under ultraviolet light irradiation. Dye degradation ability for nanocubes was found to be superior to the spheres and the rods and can be attributed to the observed high surface area of nanocubes. As-synthesized titania nanostructures have shown higher photocatalytic activity than the commercial photocatalyst Degussa P25 TiO2.
Super Light Car—lightweight construction thanks to a multi-material design and function integration
Authors: Goede Martin , Stehlin Marc , Rafflenbeul Lukas , Kopp Gundolf , Beeh Elmar 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The Super Light Car (SLC) project is one of the most important research projects in the European Community for automotive lightweight construction with a multi-material approach. The paper shows the motivation and objective for a front structure designed with a light multi-material-mix.
Developmental exposure to methylmercury elicits early cell death in the cerebral cortex and long‐term memory deficits in the rat
Authors: Ferraro Luca , Tomasini Maria Cristina , Tanganelli Sergio , Mazza Roberta , Coluccia Addolorata , Carratù Maria Rosaria , Gaetani Silvana , Cuomo Vincenzo , Antonelli Tiziana 
Published: December 2008

AbstractExperiments were performed to assess the neurotoxic effects induced by prenatal acute treatment with methylmercury on cortical neurons. To this purpose, primary neuronal cultures were obtained from cerebral cortex of neonatal rats born to dams treated with methylmercury (4 and 8 mg/kg by gavage) on gestational day 15, the developmental stage critical for cortical neuron proliferation. Prenatal exposure to methylmercury 8 mg/kg significantly reduced cell viability and caused either apoptotic or necrotic neuronal death. Moreover, this exposure level resulted in abnormal neurite outgrowth and retraction or collapse of some neurites, caused by a dissolution of microtubules. The severe and early cortical neuron damage induced by methylmercury 8 mg/kg treatment correlated with long term memory impairment, since adult rats (90 days of age) born to dams treated with this dose level showed a significant deficit in the retention performance when subjected to a passive avoidance task. Prenatal exposure to methylmercury 4 mg/kg significantly increased the neuronal vulnerability to a neurotoxic insult. This was determined by measuring the increment of chromatin condensation induced by glutamate, at a concentration (30 μM) able to induce an excitotoxic damage. This exposure level eliciting apoptotic death did not result in cognitive dysfunctions. In conclusion, the methylmercury‐induced disruption of glutamate pathway during critical windows of brain development may interfere with cell fate and proliferation resulting in a more or less severe cortical lesions associated or not with loss of function later in life, depending on the exposure levels. Therefore, the early biochemical effects and long‐term behavioral changes elicited by high methylmercury levels suggest that the developing brain is impaired in its ability to recover following toxic insult, and the initial effects on cortical neurons may lead to permanent cognitive dysfunctions.
Magnetic resonance imaging to identify risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Undurraga Manuela , Petignat Patrick , Pelte Marie‐Françoise , Jacob Sandrine , Dubuisson Jean‐Bernard , Loubeyre Pierre 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify endometrial cancer patients at risk of lymph node metastasis.MethodsRetrospective review of data from 108 patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative MRI and were treated surgically. Patients at risk of lymph node metastasis were defined as those who had more than 50% myometrial infiltration or cervical invasion. Preoperative MRI reports were compared with final pathologic results.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 69.5 years and most patients had endometrioid cancer. On final pathologic analysis, 59 patients had deep myometrial infiltration or cervical invasion. For diagnosis of deep myometrial infiltration, cervical invasion, or both, MRI sensitivity and specificity were 56% and 85%; 47% and 83%; and 67% and 77%, respectively.ConclusionMRI has limited value in identifying patients with endometrial cancer who are at risk of lymph node metastasis. Minimally invasive laparoscopic lymph node staging should be undertaken when it is feasible.