bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemoprevention of a flavonoid fraction from Rhus verniciflua Stokes on aflatoxin B1‐induced hepatic damage in mice
Authors: Choi Ki‐Choon , Chung Wan‐Tae , Kwon Jung‐Kee , Jang Yong‐Suk , Yu Ji‐Yeon , Park Seung‐Moon , Lee Jeong‐Chae
Published: August 2010

Since aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)‐mediated hepatic damage is related to the production of AFB1‐8,9‐epoxide and reactive oxygen species, bioactive compounds having antioxidant potentials are suggested to be capable of reducing AFB1‐induced toxicity. We previously purified a mixture of flavonoids that we named RCMF (Rhus verniciflua Stokes chloroform–methanol fraction), from a traditional Korean food additive and herbal medicine. RCMF exhibited various biological effects, including antioxidant and antitumor activities. In this study, we examined whether RCMF protects against AFB1‐induced liver injury using in vitro and in vivo systems. Pretreatment of HepG2 cells with RCMF significantly reduced AFB1‐stimulated production of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) to the control levels. RCMF also prevented the reduction in HepG2 cell viability caused by AFB1. Oral administration of RCMF to mice significantly suppressed an AFB1‐induced increase in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. It also prevented MDA formation and blocked decreases in glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activities in the livers of AFB1‐treated mice. In addition, RCMF supplementation prevented an AFB1‐induced decrease in serum titers of IgA and IgG1. Collectively, these results suggest that RCMF attenuates AFB1‐mediated damage to the liver, and that this effect is at least partially related to the restoration of antioxidant defense systems and an increase in AFB1–GSH conjugate formation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental toxicity of dextromethorphan in zebrafish embryos/larvae
Authors: Xu Zheng , Williams Frederick E. , Liu Ming‐Cheh
Published: August 2010

Dextromethorphan is widely used in over‐the‐counter cough and cold medications. Its efficacy and safety for infants and young children remains to be clarified. The present study was designed to use zebrafish as a model to investigate the potential toxicity of dextromethorphan during embryonic and larval development. Three sets of zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to dextromethorphan at 24, 48 and 72 h post fertilization (hpf), respectively, during the embryonic/larval development. Compared with the 48 and 72 hpf exposure sets, the embryos/larvae in the 24 hpf exposure set showed much higher mortality rates which increased in a dose‐dependent manner. Bradycardia and reduced blood flow were observed for the embryos/larvae treated with increasing concentrations of dextromethorphan. Morphological effects of dextromethorphan exposure, including yolk sac and cardiac edema, craniofacial malformation, lordosis, non‐inflated swim bladder and missing gill, were also more frequent and severe among zebrafish embryos/larvae exposed to dextromethorphan at 24 hpf. Whether the more frequent and severe developmental toxicity of dextromethorphan observed among the embryos/larvae in the 24 hpf exposure set, as compared with the 48 and 72 hpf exposure sets, is due to the developmental expression of the phase I and phase II enzymes involved in the metabolism of dextromethorphan remains to be clarified. A reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, nevertheless, revealed developmental stage‐dependent expression of mRNAs encoding SULT3 ST1 and SULT3 ST3, two enzymes previously shown to be capable of sulfating dextrorphan, an active metabolite of dextromethorphan. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether interact directly with thyroid receptor?
Authors: Suvorov Alexander , Bissonnette Cyntia , Takser Larissa , Langlois Marie‐France
Published: August 2010

2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl Ether (BDE‐47) is a flame‐retardant chemical appearing at increasing concentrations and frequency in the environment and human samples. A number of health effects of exposure to BDE‐47 have been observed, thyroid disruption being the most sensitive. Our objective was to examine BDE‐47 interaction with thyroid receptor beta (TRβ). We used a variety of approaches, including in vitro binding assays, luciferase reporter‐gene transcriptional assays, and analysis of expression of thyroid responsive genes in rat offspring exposed perinatally to BDE‐47. We found that BDE‐47 alone or in mixture with 2,2′,4,4′,5‐pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐99), 2,2′,4,4′,6‐pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐100), and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐153) does not compete with [125I]T3 for TRβ‐binding even at 4000 fold higher concentrations. Also, BDE‐47 does not affect thyroid responsive genes through TRβ in in vitro studies of transcription regulation. A subset of thyroid responsive genes were significantly differentially expressed in liver and frontal lobe brain samples of exposed pups, however, the action of BDE‐47 was neither agonistic or antagonistic to that of thyroid hormone. We conclude that BDE‐47 does not interact directly with TRβ1 nor does it influence its transcriptional activity. Developmental exposure of rats to BDE‐47 leads to differential expression of thyroid responsive genes in liver and brain due to unknown mechanism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of light scattering from human breast tissue using a custom dual‐optical scanning near‐field optical microscope
Authors: Kyle Jennifer Reiber , Kyle Michael D. , Raghavan Ravi , Budak Gurer , Ozkan Cengiz S. , Ozkan Mihrimah
Published: August 2010

In this paper we introduce a custom scanning near‐field optical microscope (SNOM) that simultaneously collects reflection and transmission near‐field images along with topography. This dual‐optical SNOM uses a bent probe, which allows for axial reflection imaging, accurate surface scanning, and easy identification of topographic artifacts. Using this novel dual‐optical SNOM, we image desiccated and non‐desiccated human breast epithelial tissue. By comparing the simultaneous SNOM images, we isolate the effects of tissue morphology and variations in refractive indices on the forward‐ and back‐scattering of light from the tissue. We find that the reduction in back‐scattering from tissue, relative to the glass slide, is caused by dense packing of the scattering sites in the cytoplasm (morphology) in the desiccated tissue and a thin‐film of water adhering to the glass slide (refractive index) in the non‐desiccated tissue sample. Our work demonstrates the potential of our customized dual‐optical SNOM system for label‐free tissue diagnostics. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Retrieval analysis and in vitro assessment of strength, durability, and distraction of a modular total hip replacement
Authors: Nganbe Michel , Louati Hakim , Khan Usman , Speirs Andrew , Beaulé Paul E.
Published: August 2010

We investigated a commercial Co–Cr‐alloy head—Ti6Al4V alloy neck and Ti6Al4V stem modular total hip replacement. We assessed the distraction forces after in vitro cycling in bovine serum, fatigue durability, fretting corrosion damage, and load bearing capacity of new implants using fatigue‐corrosion, pull‐off, scanning electron microscopy, fatigue and compression investigations. In addition, we studied corrosion, fretting damage, and distraction forces on retrievals. For both retrievals and in vitro test samples, the neck–stem interface required the higher distraction force as compared with the head–neck interface. One of 12 retrievals showed strong fretting corrosion at the neck–stem interface which resulted in a high disassembly force of about 16 kN. For in vitro test samples, the neck–stem pull‐off force initially increased during cycling and showed a maximum value of 5.704 kN at ∼100,000 cycles, which is equivalent to gait cycles performed in approximately 36 days. Overall, assembly force, initial component settling, and interface corrosion primarily determine the force required to distract the modular components. One million cycles fatigue failure of the neck can be expected at a maximum compression load of −6.5 kN. No component failure was observed during quasistatic compression; rather the neck deformed plastically and the ultimate compression load‐bearing capacity was −13 kN. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Does stem preheating have a beneficial effect on PMMA bulk porosity in cemented THA?
Authors: Madrala A. , Nuño N. , Bureau M. N.
Published: August 2010

In cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA), porosity plays a major role in the fatigue failure of bone cement. Stem preheating procedure is known to reduce the stem/cement interfacial porosity. In the literature, no information is available about the effect of such procedure on cement bulk porosity. This study helps to find out if stem preheating can have a beneficial effect on bulk porosity, thus enhancing long‐term bone cement integrity. A simplified experimental model of a stem/cement/bone construct of a cemented THA is designed to reproduce the mechanical boundary conditions of polymerizing cement. Effect of stem preheating and polymethylmethacrylate prechilling and mixing method (hand mixed and vacuum mixed) on cement porosity are investigated. Bulk porosity is analysed within three zones across the cement mantle in terms of pore number, pore area, and mean pore size. The results demonstrate that bulk cement porosity is strongly influenced by stem preheating, cement precooling as well as cement composition and mixing method. Stem preheating procedure displaces the porosity away from stem/cement interface toward bone; consequently reducing the pore area within the zone near the stem and increasing it in the middle and bone/cement zone. The most pronounced beneficial effect of stem preheating before implantation is visible for vacuum mixed procedure as the cement contains few pores of very small size (<100 μm). However, if stem is preheated, cement precooling should be avoided as it could counteract the beneficial effect of reduced porosity inside cement mantle. Published 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Deposition of substituted apatites with anticolonizing properties onto titanium surfaces using a novel blasting process
Authors: O'Sullivan C. , O'Hare P. , O'Leary N. D. , Crean A. M. , Ryan K. , Dobson A. D. W. , O'Neill L.
Published: August 2010

A series of doped apatites have been deposited onto titanium (V) substrates using a novel ambient temperature blasting process. The potential of these deposited doped apatites as non‐colonizing osteoconductive coatings has been evaluated in vitro. XPS, EDX, and gravimetric analysis demonstrated that a high degree of coating incorporation was observed for each material. The modified surfaces were found to produce osteoblast proliferation comparable to, or better than, a hydroxyapatite finish. Promising levels of initial microbial inhibition were observed from the Sr‐ and Ag‐doped surfaces, with the strontium showing prolonged ability to reduce bacteria numbers over a 30‐day period. Ion elution profiles have been characterized and linked to the microbial response and based on the results obtained, mechanisms of kill have been suggested. In this study, the direct contact of coated substrate surfaces with microbes was observed to be a significant contributing factor to the antimicrobial performance and the anticolonizing activity. The silver substituted apatite was observed to out‐perform both the SrA and ZnA in terms of biofilm inhibition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor‐coated polylactic‐polyglycolic acid chitosan nerve conduit promotes peripheral nerve regeneration in canine tibial nerve defect repair
Authors: Shen Hua , Shen Zun‐Li , Zhang Pei‐Hua , Chen Nan‐Liang , Wang Yong‐Chun , Zhang Zhao‐Feng , Jin Yu‐Qing
Published: August 2010

A variety of nerve conduits incorporated with chemical and biological factors have been developed to further stimulate nerve regeneration. Although most of the nerve guides in studies are basically limited to bridge a short gap of nerve defect in rat models, it is vital to evaluate effects of conduits on nerve regeneration over distance greater than 20 mm, or more clinically relevant nerve gap lengths in higher mammals. In this study, a poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nerve conduit, treated with pulsed plasma and coated with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) as well as chitosan, was used to repair 25‐mm‐long canine tibial nerve defects in eighteen cross‐bred dogs. The canines were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6), a 25‐mm segment of the tibial nerve was removed and replaced by a PLGA/chitosan‐CNTF nerve conduit, PLGA/chitoson conduit and autologous nerve grafts were performed as the control. The results were evaluated by general observation, eletromyogram testing, S‐100 histological immunostaining, and image analysis at 3 months after operation. The histological results demonstrated that the PLGA/chitosan‐CNTF conduits and PLGA/chitosan conduits were capable of leading the damaged axons through the lesioned area. Through the comparation of the three groups, the results in PLGA/chitosan‐CNTF conduits group were better than that of PLGA/chitosan conduits group, while they were similar to autologous nerve grafts group. Therefore, CNTF‐coated PLGA/chitosan nerve conduits could be an alternative artificial nerve conduit for nerve regeneration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Clinical device‐related article surface characterization of explanted endovascular stents: Evidence of in vivo corrosion
Authors: Halwani Dina O. , Anderson Peter G. , Brott Brigitta C. , Anayiotos Andreas S. , Lemons Jack E.
Published: August 2010

Limited information exists regarding the in vivo stability of endovascular stents. Nine excised human vascular segments with implanted stents (n = 16) manufactured from stainless steel, nickel‐titanium, tantalum, and cobalt‐based alloys were analyzed. The stent/tissue components were separated using an established tissue dissolution protocol and control and explanted stents were evaluated by digital optical and electron microscopy. Metallic content in surrounding tissues was measured by mass spectroscopy. Surface alterations, consistent with corrosion mediated by electrochemical and mechanical factors, were observed in 9 of the 16 explanted stents and were absent from control stents. Tissue dissolved from around corroded stents corresponded with a higher metallic content. The effect of these changes in the microtopography of stents on their mechanical properties (fatigue strength and fracture limit) in addition to the potential for released metallic debris contributing to the biological mechanisms of in‐stent restenosis supports the need for further investigations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Simple immersion of filter devices into an urokinase solution prevents fibrin net formation during carotid artery stenting
Authors: Hamada Kazuhide , Matsushima Satoshi , Toma Naoki , Totani Takahiko , Toda Mitsuaki , Ogawa Satoru , Asakura Fumio , Sakaida Hiroshi , Iwata Hiroo , Taki Waro
Published: August 2010

Slow‐flow phenomenon is frequently observed during carotid artery stenting (CAS) with a filter embolic protection device. It results in technical difficulties and can lead to adverse neurological events. Flow impairment is thought to be caused by plaque entrapped by the filter and/or blood coagulation on the filter. Characteristics of heparin‐ or urokinase‐treated polyurethanes were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance, and the fibrinolytic activity of the urokinase‐treated filter of Angioguard XP was estimated by the fibrin plate assay. A filter membrane of Angioguard XP protection device was treated with a heparin or urokinase solution. In clinical studies, six and nine patients were treated by CAS using Angioguard XP modified with heparin and urokinase, respectively. Filter membranes were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From in vitro studies, it appeared that urokinase adsorbed and remained on the Angioguard XP filter, and its fibrinolytic activity was demonstrated even after washing with saline; heparin, however, was easily washed out from the surface. From clinical study, some filter pores were obstructed in all six patients in the heparin group and in three patients in the urokinase group. Fibrin net was found on the filter in five of six patients in the heparin group and in one of nine patients in the urokinase group. Treatment of an Angioguard XP filter with a urokinase solution is effective in preventing pore occlusion and may reduce occurrence of the slow‐flow phenomenon. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Cytocompatibility of bio‐inspired silicon carbide ceramics
Authors: López‐Álvarez M. , de Carlos A. , González P. , Serra J. , León B.
Published: August 2010

Due to its good mechanical and biochemical properties and, also, because of its unique interconnected porosity, bio‐inspired silicon carbide (bioSiC) can be considered as a promising material for biomedical applications, including controlled drug delivery devices and tissue engineering scaffolds. This innovative material is produced by molten‐Si infiltration of carbon templates, obtained by controlled pyrolysis of vegetable precursors. The final SiC ceramic presents a porous‐interconnected microstructure that mimics the natural hierarchical structure of bone tissue and allows the internal growth of tissue, as well as favors angiogenesis. In the present work, the in vitro cytocompatibility of the bio‐inspired SiC ceramics obtained, in this case, from the tree sapelli (Entandrophragma cylindricum) was evaluated. The attachment, spreading, cytoskeleton organization, proliferation, and mineralization of the preosteoblastic cell line MC3T3‐E1 were analyzed for up to 28 days of incubation by scanning electron microscopy, interferometric profilometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, MTT assay, as well as red alizarin staining and quantification. Cells seeded onto these ceramics were able to attach, spread, and proliferate properly with the maintenance of the typical preosteoblastic morphology throughout the time of culture. A certain level of mineralization on the surface of the sapelli‐based SiC ceramics is observed. These results demonstrated the cytocompatibility of this porous and hierarchical material. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin nanofiber composites and evaluation of their material properties
Authors: Linh Nguyen Thuy Ba , Min Young Ki , Song Ho‐Yeon , Lee Byong‐Taek
Published: August 2010

Electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin (GE), and a PVA/GE blend was conducted with the aim of fabricating biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering. The process parameters including the concentration of GE in PVA/GE blends, electrical field, and tip‐to‐collector distance (TCD) were investigated. Electrospinning processes were conducted at three different GE concentrations (PVA/GE = 2/8, 6/4, and 8/2), and the voltage and TCD were varied from 18 to 24 kV and 7 to 20 cm, respectively. The average diameter of the electrospun PVA, GE, and PVA/GE blend fibers ranged from 50 to 150 nm. The TCD had significant effects on the average diameter of the PVA/GE nanofiber, while changes in the voltage did not significantly affect the diameter of the PVA/GE nanofiber. The miscibility of the PVA/GE blend fibers was examined by differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction was used to determine the crystallinity of the membrane. Tensile strength was measured to evaluate the physical properties of the membrane. Based on the combined results of this study, the PVA/GE membrane holds great promise for use in tissue engineering applications, especially in bone or drug delivery systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Human bone marrow‐derived stromal cells cultured with a plasma sprayed CaO‐ZrO2‐SiO2 coating
Authors: Yang Fei , Xie Youtao , Li Huiwu , Tang Tingting , Zhang Xiaoling , Gan Yaokai , Zheng Xuebin , Dai Kerong
Published: August 2010

The CaO‐ZrO2‐SiO2 (CZS) coating was prepared by plasma‐spraying chemically synthesized CZS powder onto a Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate. This CZS coating has been demonstrated to have good bioactivity, high bonding strength with the substrate and a low degradation rate. However, the effect of CZS coating on the osseointegration of bone‐implant is still unknown. In this study, human bone marrow‐derived stromal cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on CZS coating in vitro, and cell behavior was investigated, with the classical hydroxyapatite (HA) coating as a control. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence studies showed that the hBMSCs on the CZS coating spread well with organized cytoskeleton structure at 24 h following cell seeding. The MTT assay and the Alamar Blue assay indicated that CZS coating promoted the attachment and proliferation of hBMSCs. The results of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test and the expression of osteogenic marker genes, such as ALP, collagen I (COLI), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN), demonstrated that the osteoblastic differentiation of hBMSCs was enhanced more by CZS coating than by HA coating. These results suggest that CZS coating possess excellent biological properties and may have potential in biomedical applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Subcritical crack growth behavior of dispersion oxide ceramics
Authors: Kirsten Armin , Begand Sabine , Oberbach Thomas , Telle Rainer , Fischer Horst
Published: August 2010

Zirconia (Y‐TZP) is used as material for components of implants and prostheses because of its high short‐term strength. The mechanical long‐term reliability, however, is limited for Y‐TZP because of hydrothermal aging effects and a pronounced tendency for subcritical crack growth. The hypothesis of this study was that a substantial amount of alumina in a zirconia matrix can help to significantly suppress subcritical crack growth and thereby improve the mechanical long‐term reliability. The Weibull parameters as well as the parameters of the subcritical crack growth were determined for Alumina, Y‐TZP, and two dispersion ceramics, that is Alumina Toughened Zirconia (ATZ, 20% alumina/80% Y‐TZP), and Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA, 75% alumina/25% Y‐TZP). The long‐term failure probability as a function of service time was predicted for the four ceramics. The parameter n of the subcritical crack growth was approx. 80% higher for ATZ compared to Y‐TZP. In consequence, the estimated lifetime revealed a significant better mechanical long‐term reliability for ATZ. It can be concluded that tailored dispersion oxide ceramics can address the aging problem of monolithic zirconia. This makes ATZ very interesting for components of joint replacement as well as for dental prostheses and implants. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Characteristics and biocompatibility of a biodegradable genipin‐cross‐linked gelatin/β‐tricalcium phosphate reinforced nerve guide conduit
Authors: Yang Yi‐Chin , Shen Chiung‐Chyi , Huang Tsung‐Bin , Chang Shun‐Hsung , Cheng Hsu‐Chen , Liu Bai‐Shuan
Published: August 2010

To modulate the mechanical properties of nerve guide conduit for surgical manipulation, this study develops a biodegradable composite containing genipin cross‐linked gelatin annexed with β‐tricalcium phosphate ceramic particles as a nerve guide material. The conduit was dark bluish and round with a rough and compact outer surface compared to the genipin cross‐linked gelatin conduit (without β‐tricalcium phosphate). Water uptake and swelling tests indicate that the conduit noticeably increases the stability in water, and the hydrated conduit does not collapse and stenose. The conduit has a sufficiently high level of mechanical properties to serve as a nerve guide. After subcutaneous implantation on the dorsal side of a rat, the degraded conduit only evokes a mild tissue response, and the formation of a very thin fibrous capsule surrounds the conduit. This paper assesses the effectiveness of the conduit as a guidance channel when we use it to repair a 10 mm gap in the rat's sciatic nerve. The experimental results show no gross inflammatory reactions of the peripheral nerve tissues at the implantation site in either group. In overall gross examination, the diameter of the intratubular and newly formed nerve fibers in the conduits exceeds that of the silicone tubes during the implantation period. The quantitative results indicate the superiority of the conduits over the silicone tubes. This study microscopically observes the nerve regeneration in the tissue section at the middle region of all implanted conduits. Therefore, the histomorphometric assessment demonstrates that the conduit could be a candidate for peripheral nerve repair. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
GPR30 deficiency causes increased bone mass, mineralization, and growth plate proliferative activity in male mice
Authors: Ford Jeffery , Hajibeigi Asghar , Long Michael , Hahner Lisa , Gore Crystal , Hsieh Jer-Tseng , Clegg Deborah , Zerwekh Joseph , Öz Orhan K
Published: August 2010

Estrogen regulation of the male skeleton was first clearly demonstrated in patients with aromatase deficiency or a mutation in the ERα gene. Estrogen action on the skeleton is thought to occur mainly through the action of the nuclear receptors ERα and ERβ. Recently, in vitro studies have shown that the G protein–coupled receptor GPR30 is a functional estrogen receptor (ER). GPR30-deficient mouse models have been generated to study the in vivo function of this protein; however, its in vivo role in the male skeleton remains underexplored. We have characterized size, body composition, and bone mass in adult male Gpr30 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. Gpr30 KO mice weighed more and had greater nasal-anal length (p < .001). Both lean mass and percent body fat were increased in the KO mice. Femur length was greater in Gpr30 KO mice, as was whole-body, spine, and femoral areal bone mineral density (p < .01). Gpr30 KO mice showed increased trabecular bone volume (p < .01) and cortical thickness (p < .001). Mineralized surface was increased in Gpr30 KO mice (p < .05). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling showed greater proliferation in the growth plate of Gpr30 KO mice (p < .05). Under osteogenic culture conditions, Gpr30 KO femoral bone marrow cells produced fewer alkaline phosphatase–positive colonies in early differentiating osteoblast cultures but showed increased mineralized nodule deposition in mature osteoblast cultures. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were not different. These data suggest that in male mice, GPR30 action contributes to regulation of bone mass, size, and microarchitecture by a mechanism that does not require changes in circulating IGF-1. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cathepsin K inhibitors prevent bone loss in estrogen-deficient rabbits
Authors: Pennypacker Brenda L , Duong Le T , Cusick Tara E , Masarachia Patricia J , Gentile Michael A , Gauthier Jacques-Yves , Black W Cameron , Scott Boyd B , Samadfam Rana , Smith Susan Y , Kimmel Donald B
Published: August 2010

Two cathepsin K inhibitors (CatKIs) were compared with alendronate (ALN) for their effects on bone resorption and formation in ovariectomized (OVX) rabbits. The OVX model was validated by demonstrating significant loss (9.8% to 12.8%) in lumbar vertebral bone mineral density (LV BMD) in rabbits at 13-weeks after surgery, which was prevented by estrogen or ALN. A potent CatKI, L-006235 (L-235), dosed at 10 mg/kg per day for 27 weeks, significantly decreased LV BMD loss (p < .01) versus OVX-vehicle control. ALN reduced spine cancellous mineralizing surface by 70%, whereas L-235 had no effect. Similarly, endocortical bone-formation rate and the number of double-labeled Haversian canals in the femoral diaphysis were not affected by L-235. To confirm the sparing effects of CatKI on bone formation, odanacatib (ODN) was dosed in food to achieve steady-state exposures of 4 or 9 µM/day in OVX rabbits for 27 weeks. ODN at both doses prevented LV BMD loss (p < .05 and p < .001, respectively) versus OVX-vehicle control to levels comparable with sham or ALN. ODN also dose-dependently increased BMD at the proximal femur, femoral neck, and trochanter. Similar to L-235, ODN did not reduce bone formation at any bone sites studied. The positive and highly correlative relationship of peak load to bone mineral content in the central femur and spine suggested that ODN treatment preserved normal biomechanical properties of relevant skeletal sites. Although CatKIs had similar efficacy to ALN in preventing bone loss in adult OVX rabbits, this novel class of antiresorptives differs from ALN by sparing bone formation, potentially via uncoupling bone formation from resorption. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Long-term cadmium exposure and the association with bone mineral density and fractures in a population-based study among women
Authors: Engström Annette , Michaëlsson Karl , Suwazono Yasushi , Wolk Alicja , Vahter Marie , Åkesson Agneta
Published: August 2010

All people are exposed to cadmium (Cd) via food; smokers are additionally exposed. High Cd exposure is associated with severe bone damage, but the public health impact in relation to osteoporosis and fractures at low environmental exposure remains to be clarified. Within the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort, we assessed urinary Cd [U-Cd, µg/g of creatinine (cr)] as a marker of lifetime exposure and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) among 2688 women. Register-based information on fractures was retrieved from 1997 to 2009. Associations were evaluated by multivariable regression analyses. In linear regression, U-Cd was inversely associated with BMD at the total body (p < .001), femoral neck (p = .025), total hip (p = .004), lumbar spine (p = .088), and volumetric femoral neck (p = .013). In comparison with women with U-Cd < 0.50 µg/g of cr, those with U-Cd ≥ 0.75 µg/g of cr had odds ratios (ORs) of 2.45 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–3.97] and 1.97 (95% CI 1.24–3.14) for osteoporosis at the femoral neck and lumbar spine, respectively. Among never-smokers, the corresponding ORs were 3.47 (95% CI 1.46–8.23) and 3.26 (95% CI 1.44–7.38). For any first fracture (n = 395), the OR was 1.16 (95% CI 0.89–1.50) comparing U-Cd ≥ 0.50 µg/g of cr with lower levels. Among never-smokers, the ORs (95% CIs) were 2.03 (1.33–3.09) for any first fracture, 2.06 (1.28–3.32) for first osteoporotic fracture, 2.18 (1.20–3.94) for first distal forearm fracture, and 1.89 (1.25–2.85) for multiple incident fractures. U-Cd at low environmental exposure from food in a general population of women showed modest but significant association with both BMD and fractures, especially in never-smokers, indicating a larger concern than previously known. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
An essential role of discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation via modulation of Runx2 activation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Su Jin , Yu Jiangtian , Bu Xin , Ren Tingting , Liu Xinping , Yao Libo
Published: August 2010

Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) belongs to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family and is activated by collagen binding. Although the bone defects in Ddr2 null mice have been reported for a decade, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study sought to investigate the function and detailed mechanism of DDR2 in osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Herein we found that in preosteoblastic cells, DDR2 activation was enhanced by osteogenic induction but was not paralleled with the alteration of DDR2 expression. Under differentiated condition, downregulation of endogenous DDR2 through specific shRNA dramatically repressed osteoblastic marker gene expression and osteogenic differentiation. Enforced expression of constitutively activated DDR2 increased the expression of bone markers in both undifferentiated and differentiated osteoblasts. Importantly, molecular evidence showed that DDR2 regulated the transactivity of Runx2, a master transcription factor involved in skeletal development, by modulating its phosphorylation. Analysis of candidate protein kinases indicated that extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) activation is responsive to DDR2 signaling and involved in DDR2 regulation of Runx2 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. Notably, a gain-of-function mutant of Runx2 with enhanced ERK-independent phosphorylation rescued the impaired osteogenic phenotypes observed in Ddr2-silenced cells, whereas a Runx2 mutant devoid of phosphorylation regulation by ERK inhibited DDR2 induction of osteogenesis. In addition, DDR2 facilitated Runx2 transactivation and type X collagen expression in hypertrophic chondrocytes. Thus this study reveals for the first time that DDR2 plays an essential role in osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation. The mechanism disclosure may provide therapeutic targets for human genetic disorders caused by DDR2 deficiency. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The biological function of DMP-1 in osteocyte maturation is mediated by its 57-kDa c-terminal fragment
Authors: Lu Yongbo , Yuan Baozhi , Qin Chunlin , Cao Zhengguo , Xie Yixia , Dallas Sarah L , McKee Marc D , Drezner Marc K , Bonewald Lynda F , Feng Jian Q
Published: August 2010

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) is a key molecule in controlling osteocyte formation and phosphate homeostasis. Based on observations that full-length DMP-1 is not found in bone, but only cleaved fragments of 37 and 57 kDa are present, and in view of the finding that mutations in the 57-kDa fragment result in disease, we hypothesized that the 57-kDa C-terminal fragment is the functional domain of DMP-1. To test this hypothesis, a 3.6-kb type I collagen promoter was used to express this 57-kDa C-terminal fragment for comparison with full-length DMP-1 in Dmp1 null osteoblasts/osteocytes. Not only did expression of the full-length DMP-1 in bone cells fully rescue the skeletal abnormalities of Dmp1 null mice, but the 57-kDa fragment also had similar results. This included rescue of growth plate defects, osteomalacia, abnormal osteocyte maturation, and the abnormal osteocyte lacunocanalicular system. In addition, the abnormal fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) expression in osteocytes, elevated circulating FGF-23 levels, and hypophosphatemia were rescued. These results show that the 57-kDa C-terminal fragment is the functional domain of DMP-1 that controls osteocyte maturation and phosphate metabolism. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ward's area location, physical activity, and body composition in 8- and 9-year-old boys and girls
Authors: Cardadeiro Graça , Baptista Fátima , Zymbal Vera , Rodrigues Luís A , Sardinha Luís B
Published: August 2010

Bone strength is the result of its material composition and structural design, particularly bone mass distribution. The purpose of this study was to analyze femoral neck bone mass distribution by Ward's area location and its relationship with physical activity (PA) and body composition in children 8 and 9 years of age. The proximal femur shape was defined by geometric morphometric analysis in 88 participants (48 boys and 40 girls). Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images, 18 landmarks were digitized to define the proximal femur shape and to identify Ward's area position. Body weight, lean and fat mass, and bone mineral were assessed by DXA, PA by accelerometry, and bone age by the Tanner-Whitehouse III method. Warps analysis with Thin-Plate Spline software showed that the first axis explained 63% of proximal femur shape variation in boys and 58% in girls. Most of this variation was associated with differences in Ward's area location, from the central zone to the superior aspect of the femoral neck in both genders. Regression analysis demonstrated that body composition explained 4% to 7% of the proximal femur shape variation in girls. In boys, body composition variables explained a similar amount of variance, but moderate plus vigorous PA (MVPA) also accounted for 6% of proximal femur shape variation. In conclusion, proximal femur shape variation in children ages 8 and 9 was due mainly to differences in Ward's area position determined, in part, by body composition in both genders and by MVPA in boys. These variables were positively associated with a central Ward's area and thus with a more balanced femoral neck bone mass distribution. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Systematic benchmarking of large molecular dynamics simulations employing GROMACS on massive multiprocessing facilities
Authors: Gruber Christian C. , Pleiss Jürgen
Published: September 2010

The influence of the total number of cores, the number of cores dedicated to Particle mesh Ewald (PME) calculation and the choice of single vs. double precision on the performance of molecular dynamic (MD) simulations in the size of 70,000 to 1.7 million of atoms was analyzed on three different high‐performance computing facilities employing GROMACS 4 by running about 6000 benchmark simulations. Small and medium sized systems scaled linear up to 64 and 128 cores, respectively. Systems with half a million to 1.2 million atoms scaled linear up to 256 cores. The best performance was achieved by dedicating 25% of the total number of cores to PME calculation. Double precision calculations lowered the performance by 30–50%. A database for collecting information about MD simulations and the achieved performance was created and is freely available online and allows the fast estimation of the performance that can be expected in similar environments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Loneliness and negative life events as predictors of hopelessness and suicidal behaviors in hispanics: evidence for a diathesis‐stress model
Authors: Chang Edward C. , Sanna Lawrence J. , Hirsch Jameson K. , Jeglic Elizabeth L.
Published: August 2010

In the present study, we examined loneliness and negative life events as predictors of suicide risk (viz., hopelessness and suicidal behaviors) in a sample of 160 Hispanic adults. Consistent with expectations, we found loneliness and negative life events to be positively associated with both hopelessness and suicidal behaviors. In addition, results of conducting hierarchical regression analyses indicated that loneliness accounted for significant amounts of variance in both measures of suicide risk, ranging from 24% to 29% of the variance. The inclusion of negative life events as a predictor was found to account for additional unique variance in hopelessness (3%), but not in suicidal behaviors, beyond what was predicted by loneliness. Finally, consistent with a diathesis‐stress model, the Loneliness × Negative Life Events interaction was found to account for an additional 3% of the variance in both suicide risk measures. Implications of the present findings for future research on suicide risk in Hispanics are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66:1–12, 2010.
A critical review of objective personality inventories with sex offenders
Authors: Davis Karen M. , Archer Robert P.
Published: August 2010

This review provides a critical analysis of the ability of multiscale inventories to distinguish between sex offender and nonoffender control groups, as well as to discriminate sex offenders from other types of offenders. In addition to expanding upon previous reviews that examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) with this population (e.g., Levin & Stava, 1987), the current review included studies that utilized other multiscale inventories commonly used in forensic practice (i.e., MMPI‐2, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory‐III [MCMI‐III], Personality Assessment Inventory) and, when possible, provides effect sizes to evaluate group differences. Based on the review, the various forms of the MMPI and MCMI are clearly the most widely used instruments in sex offender populations. The MMPI Pd scale has shown moderate to large effect sizes when distinguishing between sex offender and nonsex offender groups, but this relationship may be reflective of antisocial behavior in general rather than traits specific to sex offenders. Recommendations to standardize future research classification strategies and more effectively utilize these instruments when assessing sex offenders are also provided. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66:1–27, 2010.
Conductive‐diamond electrochemical advanced oxidation of naproxen in aqueous solution: optimizing the process
Authors: González Teresa , Domínguez Joaquín R. , Palo Patricia , Sánchez‐Martín Jesús
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: Electrochemical advanced oxidation treatment using boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is a promising technology to treat small amounts of toxic and biorefractory pollutants in water. This process has been tested on the degradation of naproxen, a common pollutant drug present in surface waters. To optimize the process a series of experiments have been designed to study the interaction between four variables: pH (over the range 5–11); current (0–320 mA cm−2); supporting Na2SO4 electrolyte concentration (0–0.375 mol L−1); and solution flow rate (Qv) between 3.64 and 10.8 cm3 min−1.

RESULTS: Among these variables the influence of current was the greatest, the second was the salt concentration, the third flow rate, and the fourth pH. An ANOVA test reported significance for seven of the fourteen variables involved and the degradation of naproxen was optimized using response surface methodology.

CONCLUSIONS: Optimum conditions for naproxen removal (100%) were found to be pH = 10.70, Qv = 4.10 cm3 min−1, current density = 194 mA cm−2 using a supporting electrolyte concentration of 0.392 mol L−1. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Precipitation of barium carbonate from alkanolamine solution—study of CO2 absorption from landfill gas (LFG)
Authors: Gaur Ankur , Park Jin‐Won , Jang Jung‐Hwa , Song Ho‐Jun
Published: August 2010

Addition of barium chloride (BaCl2.2H2O) to alknolamine aids formation of barium carbonates when landfill gas (LFG) is passed through the alkanolamine solution. The process is an economical and efficient way of removing large amounts of CO2. Supersaturation plays an important role in this interesting process. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Transmission X‐ray microscopy for full‐field nano imaging of biomaterials
Authors: Andrews Joy C. , Meirer Florian , Liu Yijin , Mester Zoltan , Pianetta Piero
Published: August 2010

Imaging of cellular structure and extended tissue in biological materials requires nanometer resolution and good sample penetration, which can be provided by current full‐field transmission X‐ray microscopic techniques in the soft and hard X‐ray regions. The various capabilities of full‐field transmission X‐ray microscopy (TXM) include 3D tomography, Zernike phase contrast, quantification of absorption, and chemical identification via X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray absorption near edge structure imaging. These techniques are discussed and compared in light of results from the imaging of biological materials including microorganisms, bone and mineralized tissue, and plants, with a focus on hard X‐ray TXM at ≤ 40‐nm resolution. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bimodal magnetic–fluorescent probes for bioimaging
Authors: Jańczewski Dominik , Zhang Yan , Das Gautom Kumar , Yi Dong Kee , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Bhakoo Kishore K. , Tan Timothy Thatt Yang , Selvan Subramanian Tamil
Published: August 2010

Fluorescent optical probes have been intensively used in the area of bio‐imaging. In this review article, we describe the recent advancements in the synthesis and application of bimodal magnetic–fluorescent probes for bioimaging. The bimodal probes consist of fluorescent [semiconducting quantum dots (e.g., CdSe/ZnS) or rare‐earth doped (e.g., NaYF4:Yb,Er)] nanoparticles (NPs) and magnetic (iron oxide or gadolinium based) NPs for optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Description of the immatures of workers of the ant Linepithema micans forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Nondillo Aline , Solis Daniel Russ , Fox Eduardo Gonçalves Paterson , Rossi Mônica Lanzoni , Botton Marcos , Bueno Odair Correa
Published: August 2010

Linepithema micans Forel is a poorly studied species that is now considered a pest in vineyards in South Brazil. Larval characters have been used in a few phylogenetic studies, and their importance greatly depends in the amount of available information on different species. This study presents a complete panorama on the external morphology of the immatures of L. micans based on observations by light and scanning electron microscopy. The number of larval instars was estimated as three based on the frequency distribution of head widths of 965 larvae. Larvae of L. micans were similar to other Linepithema Mayr in the general format of body and mandibles, presenting a dorsal abdominal protuberance, nine pairs of spiracle, and unbranched hairs. On the other hand, L. micans was unique for having shorter hairs, predominantly denticulate, intraspecific variation in the number of antennal sensilla and in the types of sensilla on the labial palps were reported. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental changes in the expression of sox2 in the zebrafish brain
Authors: GermanÀ Antonino , Montalbano Giuseppe , Guerrera M. Cristina , Amato Valentina , LaurÀ Rosaria , Magnoli Domenico , Campo Salvatore , Suarez‐Fernandez Elda , Ciriaco Emilia , Vega JosÈ A.
Published: August 2010

The family of B1 Sox transcription factors plays critical roles in the early stages of development, including the central nervous system. It was demonstrated that Sox2 is expressed in repressed neural stem cells. Therefore, we decided to investigate the expression of Sox2 in the brain of zebrafish at different ages to identify potential neurogenic areas, and to establish the developmental changes they undergo. The brains were assessed by qRT‐PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The maximal expression of Sox2 was found at 15 dpf progressively decreases up to 30 dpf, then increases up to 40 dpf and remains unchanged up to 180 dpf. By western blot three protein bands of 28 kDa, 34 kDa (main band), and 38 kDa were detected in the brain of 180 dpf animals. The immunolocalization of Sox2 revealed that by 15 dpf Sox2 was detected in cells of the olfactory bulb, the walls of the telencephalic and diencephalic ventricles, several nucleus in the diencephalons, and the tectum opticum; by 25–50 dpf the Sox2 positive areas were the same as above, and in the rhombencephalic ventricle and cerebellum. In adult animals Sox2 was restricted to the olfactory bulb and to cells of the telencephalic ventricle walls. Taken together present results demonstrate that the potential neurogenic areas in the brain of zebrafish are widespread than in mammals and change with development, but they are primarily concentrated around the ventricles and olfactory bulb in adults, following a similar localization as in mammals. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.