bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of weight lifting on bone mineral density in premenopausal women
Authors: Gleeson Peggy Blake , Protas Elizabeth J. , Leblanc Adrian D. , Schneider Victor S. , Evans Harlan J.
Published: February 2010

A group of 68 premenopausal women participated in a controlled 12 month exercise program. Two groups were matched according to age, body size (body mass index), and typical activity level. Data collection included bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine with dual-photon absorptiometry and of the os calcis with single-photon absorptiometry, lean body mass, urinary calcium/creatinine, and urinary gammacarboxyglutamic acid (Gla). Subjects wer given a daily 500 mg supplement of elemental calcium.

There was no significant difference between groups in terms of diet, in urinary calcium/creatinine or Gla, or in lean body mass. The weight lifting group had a nonsignificant increase in mean lumbar BMD of 0.81% and the control group exhibited a nonsignificant decrease of 0.5%. However, a paired t-test revealed a significant difference between the matched pairs in percentage change in lumbar BMD. The os calcis showed no significant change in the means in either group or as matched pairs. The relatively small change seen as a result of this modified Nautilus exercise program may prevent moderate weight lifting from being a practical answer for osteoporosis, even in a highly motivated population
Transfection of calcitonin gene regulatory elements into a cell culture model of the C cell
Authors: Cote Gilbert J. , Abruzzese Ronald V. , Gagel Robert F. , Lips CEES J. M.
Published: February 2010

Calcitonin gene expression in the TT cell line can be regulated by phorbol esters, cAMP, glucocorticoids, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. To further study the regulation of this gene we have sequenced 1460 bases 5′ to the start of calcitonin gene transcription. This DNA sequence contains cis consensus elements for both phorbol ester- and cAMP-responsive elements. To study the role of these elements, calcitonin 5′ flanking DNA was coupled to the human growth hormone gene as a reporter and transiently transfected into TT cells, a human thyroid C cell line. Treatment of transfected TT cells stimulated a two- to fivefold increase in reported gene product expression, confirming the existence of functional cAMP- and phorbol ester-dependent enhancers within the calcitonin 5′ flanking sequence
Plasma 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in x-linked hypophosphatemic mice: Studies using mass fragmentographic and radioreceptor assays
Authors: Cunningham John , Coldwell Ruth D. , Trafford David J. H. , Makin Hugh L. J. , Jones Glenville , Tenenhouse Harriet S.
Published: February 2010

Previous studies have suggested that both plasma 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25-(OH)2D] concentrations and renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase activity are increased in mice with X-linked hypophosphatemia (Hypmice). However, because the plasma levels of 24,25-(OH)2D seemed surprisingly high, we repeated these assays using two different techniques. Mass fragmentographic and radioreceptor assays were employed to compare the plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and 24,25-(OH)2D in normal mice with those inHypmice. These assays yielded 24,25-(OH)2D concentrations much lower than previously reported in mice (both normal andHyp). The concentrations of 25-OHD3, and 24,25-(OH)2D3, determined by mass fragmentography, were lower inHypmice than in controls [25-OHD3, 9.7 ± 0.4 versus 14.6 ± 0.6 ng/ml, p < 0.01; 24,25-(OH)2D3, 7.1 ± 0.3 versus 10.4 ± 0.4 ng/ml, p < 0.01]. Plasma 25-OHD concentration was the main determinant of plasma 24,25-(OH)2D, and the ratio of 25-OHD3 to 24,25-(OH)2D3 obtained from mass fragmentographic measurements did not differ between the two groups (1.40 ± 0.05 versus 1.36 ± 0.03 ng/ml, NS in normal andHypgroups, respectively). Separate measurement of plasma 25-OHD, 24,25-(OH)2D, and 25-OHD3-26,23-lactone by radioreceptor assay showed no difference between either plasma 24,25-(OH)2D, or the ratio of 25-OHD concentration to 24,25-(OH)2D concentration amongHypand control animals. In neither study was plasma phosphate concentration related to the 25-OHD3: 24,25-(OH)2D3 ratio. We conclude that previous estimations of plasma 24,25-(OH)2D3 concentrations in mice were erroneously high and, further, that in fact this metabolite is not present in increased concentration inHyp mice
Skeletal growth factor and other growth factors known to be present in bone matrix stimulate proliferation and protein synthesis in human bone cells
Authors: Wergedal Jon E. , Mohan Subburaman , Lundy Mark , Baylink David J.
Published: February 2010

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of skeletal growth factor/insulinlike growth factor II and other growth factors known to be present in bone matrix on the proliferation and differentiation of human bone cells. Cells were isolated by collagenase digestion from femoral heads obtained during hip replacement operations. Cells were cultured in DMEM medium with 10% calf serum. Third to fifth passage cells were plated in multiwell plates and the medium changed to low serum (0.1%) for 2 days. The medium was changed to serum-free medium prior to addition of growth factors. Cell proliferation was measured by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA and by the percentage of cells that incorporate bromodeoxyuridine. Protein synthesis was measured by the incorporation of [3H]proline into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable material. Skeletal growth factor/insulinlike growth factor II and insulinlike growth factor I stimulated cell proliferation and protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Alkaline phosphatase-specific activity was not increased by these factors. Transforming growth factor ß1 did not affect cell proliferation but stimulated protein synthesis and increased the specific activity of alkaline phosphatase. Fibroblast growth factor did not affect any of the cell parameters. These studies suggest that skeletal growth factor/insulinlike growth factor II, insulinlike growth factor I, and transforming growth factor ß1 may play a role in the local control of the proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblasts
Regulation of calbindin-D28K gene expression by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in chick kidney
Authors: Hall Alan K. , Professor Norman Anthony W.
Published: February 2010

We report here the use of a cloned cDNA for the avian calbindin-D28K (28 kD, vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein, CaBP) to investigate the expression of the chick calbindin gene in the kidney. All three calbindin-D28K mRNA species (2000, 2600, and 3100 nucleotide transcripts) were present in the kidney tissue of chronically vitamin D-deficient (-D) chicks; this basal constitutive level of expression was, however, enhanced by administration of the vitamin D3 metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] in both a time- and dose-dependent manner. D-deficient chick renal calbindin-D28K protein levels (measured by ELISA) were maximally (twofold) stimulated by 6.5 nmole per animal of 1,25-(OH)2D3 when measured 48 h later; a concomitant level of augmentation of calbindin-D28K mRNA accumulation was also observed at this time. Time course experiments showed that enhanced renal calbindin-D28K mRNA accumulation (in −D chicks) was significantly stimulated as early as 8 h and were maximal 12 h after a single pharmacologic dose of 1,25-(OH)2D3; this elevated level of gene expression was maintained for at least 72 h.

Renal calbindin-D28K protein levels (constitutively expressed in the −D chick) were significantly stimulated (twofold) as early as 12 h following the single dose of steroid hormone; the level of calbindin-D28K also remained elevated for a minimum of 72 h. Collectively, these data indicate that 1,25-(OH)2D3 acts upon the renal calbindin-D28K gene in a manner similar to that operable in the intestine. However, significant differences exist in the responses of these two tissues, and other (tissue-specific) vitamin D-independent factors also seem to regulate the expression of the chick renal calbindin-D28K gene.
Influence of experimental conditions on osteoblast activity in human primary bone cell cultures
Authors: Chavassieux Pascale M. , Chenu Chantal , Valentin-Opran Alexandre , Merle Blandine , Delmas Pierre D. , Meunier Pierre J. , Hartmann Daniel J. , Saez Simone
Published: February 2010

Primary bone cell cultures were derived from human bone explants. Cellular activity was characterized by the alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, osteocalcin, and type I and III collagen secretions in the supernatant. The determination of bone cell activity was performed in three different wells. No significant difference was noted between wells: the coefficient of variation was 8.0 + 2.9% for AP activity, 18.3 + 1.9% for osteocalcin secretion, and 22.5 + 14.3% for collagen. The AP activity and osteocalcin secretion significantly decreased with the number of passages: they were the highest after the first passage. Between each subject, the coefficient of variation was 85% for AP activity and osteocalcin secretion and 63 and 57% for type I and III collagen secretion, respectively. The AP activity did not differ with the age or sex of the donor. In contrast, osteocalcin secretion was significantly lower in females than in males. In males, osteocalcin significantly decreased with the age of the donor (r = −0.61; p <0.05). Cellular activity did not depend on the site of the biopsy. When bone explants from one donor were cultured in two different petri dishes, the activity of cells was similar in both dishes, except in one case. Primary cell cultures derived from human bone explants are the only model providing untransformed osteoblastlike cells of human origin. Because of the experimental conditions, some factors may have influenced the cellular activity and they must be taken into account to validate further in vitro studies.
Effect of age on variables relating to calcium and phosphorus metabolism in women
Authors: Kotowicz Mark A. , Riggs B. Lawrence , Melton L. Joseph , Cedel Sandra L. , O'Fallon W. Michael
Published: February 2010

Lack of adequate data concerning the effect of age on biochemical variables relating to bone and mineral metabolism hampers research on age-related bone loss in women. Furthermore, to detect disease and to monitor therapy, clinical laboratories require reference values derived from an appropriate population sample. Therefore, we determined the age-specific distribution of values for serum concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, bone Gla protein, and parathyroid hormone; for creatinine clearance; for fasting urinary calcium:creatinine ratio; and for 24 h urinary excretion of calcium, hydroxyproline, and cyclic AMP in a population-based sample of 301 white women. From this sample, a healthy subgroup of 181 women was identified by medical record review. Age-related effects were seen in all variables except serum calcium and phosphorus. Moreover, substantial differences between the population sample and the healthy subgroup were noted in values for creatinine clearance, serum alkaline phosphatase, and 24 h urinary calcium excretion. These observations may prove useful for assessment of normality in other populations of aging white women.
Effect of season on physical activity score, back extensor muscle strength, and lumbar bone mineral density
Authors: Bergstralh Erik J. , Offord Kenneth P. , Sinaki Mehrsheed , Wahner Heinz W. , Melton L. Joseph
Published: February 2010

Seasonal variation in physical activity, back extensor muscle strength (BES), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine was studied in 65 healthy postmenopausal women. Physical activity score (PAS) was assessed with an ordinal scale (0-18); this score and the BES were obtained monthly for 2 years (25 readings). BMD values were obtained semiannually (5 readings). A periodic (cosine) regression model was fit to each subject's PAS and BES data to obtain individual estimates of the annual peak day d and the average annual range due to seasonality. There was a strong (P < 0.001) seasonal pattern in physical activity; August 3 was the average peak day, and the seasonal range was 2.0 PAS units. There was modest (P = 0.047) seasonality in BES; June 6 was the estimated peak day, and the seasonal range was 8.22 pounds (about 7% of the mean). BMD averaged 0.015 g/cm2 higher in August through November than February through May (P = 0.002), and the highest monthly average BMD was in August. This seasonal range of 1.4% is larger than the average annual decline with age in BMD observed in longitudinal studies of postmenopausal women. The results of this study have important implications for the planning of longitudinal studies involving changes in physical activity or bone mass in geographic areas with diverse seasons.
Correlation of an osteoclast antigen and ruffled border on giant cells formed in response to resorbable substrates
Authors: Webber David , DR. OSDOBY Philip , Krukowski Marilyn , Hauschka Peter
Published: February 2010

The osteoclast is the specialized multinucleated cell primarily responsible for the degradation of the organic and inorganic components of bone matrix. The functional and developmental relationship between osteoclasts and foreign body giant cells is unclear. The osteoclast plasma membrane ruffled border juxtaposed to the bone surface is a unique morphologic characteristic of active osteoclasts. In the studies reported here giant cell formation was induced in response to a variety of materials implanted onto the richly vascularized chick chorioallantoic membrane. Light and electron microscopic techniques were used to examine the morphologic characteristics of the giant cells. In addition, immunohistochemical methods were used to demonstrate the appearance of a 150 kD cell surface antigen on chicken osteoclasts recognized by monoclonal antibody 121F. Giant cells that formed in response to mineralized bone particles exhibited ruffled borders and stained positively with the 121F antibody. Many giant cells that formed in response to hydroxyapatite possessed ruffled borders similar to but not as extensive as those observed on giant cells formed on bone. Immunohistochemical localization of the 121F antigen on these cells suggested that the antigen was present, but staining intensity was reduced compared to that of bone-associated giant cells. The formation of mineral matrix complexes by the adsorption to hydroxyapatite of bone extract or osteocalcin enhanced ruffled borders and the presence of the 121F antigen on elicited giant cells. In contrast, giant cells that formed on non-resorbable materials, such as Sepharose beads, mica, and methacrylate, lacked ruffled borders and were negative for the 121F antigen. It appears that expression of the 121F osteoclast antigen correlates with the appearance and extent of ruffled membranes on giant cells. Furthermore, it appears that giant cell ruffled membrane development and the presence of the 121F osteoclast antigen are related to giant cell formation in response to resorbable materials that are subject to extracellular dissolution. Expression of this antigen may be indicative of the developmental and/or functional state of giant cells (osteoclasts) that form on resorbable substrates. In addition, components of the bone matrix, including osteocalcin, in association with bone mineral, lead to elevated levels of this osteoclast antigen.
Sex steroid hormone receptors in normal and dysplastic bone disorders in children
Authors: Pensler Jay M. , Langman Craig B. , Radosevich James A. , Maminta M. Leia , Mangkornkanok Marayart , Molteni Agostino , Higbee Russell
Published: February 2010

Children with monostotic and polyostotic bone dysplasias often exhibit localized bone overgrowth. We investigated the presence of nuclear estrogen and nuclear progesterone receptors by solid-phase radioimmunoassay, immunocytochemistry, and radioligand binding in osteoblast cell cultures derived from the areas of overgrowth of membranous bone, noninvolved membranous bone, and normal membranous bone from children undergoing elective craniotomy. Membranous bone of normal children had demonstrable levels of nuclear estrogen and progesterone receptors identified by radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemical assay. Two- to threefold increased levels of these receptors (p < 0.001 versus normals) were found in cultures derived from the involved bone of two children with monostotic fibrous dysplasia and in one patient with polyostotic dysplasia (McCune-Albright syndrome). The noninvolved bone in our patients with fibrous dysplasia exhibited nuclear sex steroid hormone receptor levels similar to those in the normal children. Radioligand binding studies demonstrated increased sex steroid hormone receptors in cultures derived from involved osteoblasts. The presence of an increased level of sex steroid hormone receptor was accompanied by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and increased production of osteocalcin in vitro compared to normal or noninvolved bone. The mechanisms by which sex steroid hormone receptor levels are increased in the ostotic dysplasias remain to be established.
The presence of a polymorphism at the translation initiation site of the vitamin D receptor gene is associated with low bone mineral density in postmenopausal mexican-American women
Authors: Gross Coleman , Eccleshall T. Ross , Malloy Peter J. , Villa Marie Luz , Marcus Robert , Feldman David
Published: February 2010

We examined the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with a polymorphism in the gene encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR) that causes a change in the predicted protein sequence. The polymorphism results from a C-to-T transition and creates an initiation codon (ATG) three codons proximal to a downstream start site. The polymorphism can be defined by a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the restriction endonuclease FokI. The presence of a FokI site, designated f, allows protein translation to initiate from the first ATG. The allele lacking the site (designated F), initiates from a second ATG site. Thus, translation products from these alleles are predicted to differ by three amino acids with the f variant elongated. In a group of 100 postmenopausal Mexican-American Caucasian women, subjects with the ff genotype (15% of the study population) had a 12.8% lower BMD at the lumbar spine than FF subjects (37% of the population) (p = 0.01). Heterozygote (Ff) subjects (48% of the population) had an intermediate BMD. This association between BMD and genotype was not apparent at the femoral neck or forearm. Over a 2-year follow-up period, a decrease in BMD at the femoral neck was greater in ff compared with FF subjects (−4.7% vs. −0.5%, p = 0.005). This trend was not apparent at the lumbar spine or forearm. There were no differences between genotype groups in measurements of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), calcitriol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, or urinary pyridinolines. We conclude that the FokI polymorphism of the VDR gene correlates significantly with decreased BMD at the lumbar spine and with an increased rate of bone loss at the hip in ff subjects. We emphasize that these initial data should be interpreted with caution but that the utility of this polymorphism as a genetic marker to determine BMD and osteoporosis risk warrants further study in larger populations with subjects of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
An acute intake of phosphate increases parathyroid hormone secretion and inhibits bone formation in young women
Authors: Kärkkäinen M. , Lamberg-Allardt C.
Published: February 2010

We studied the effects of a single oral phosphate (Pi) dose as well as those of three consecutive oral phosphate doses on calcium and bone metabolism. In the first part of the study (P1 study) 10 female volunteers were given orally 1500 mg of Pi in water, as a single dose, or plain water in randomized order at two different sessions. In the second part of the study (P3 study), 10 female volunteers were given orally 1500 mg of Pi, as three separate 500 mg doses in water, or plain water in randomized order. Calcium and bone metabolism was monitored for 24 h by measuring the concentrations of serum ionized calcium (S-iCa), urinary calcium, serum phosphate (S-P), urinary P, serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum carbon-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PICP), serum osteocalcin (BGP), serum carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity (B-ALP). The S-P increased (p = 0.00005 and p = 0.0005, in the P1 and P3 studies, respectively), the S-iCa concentration declined significantly only in the P1 study (p = 0.0014), the urinary calcium excretion decreased (p = 0.02 and 0.013, in the P1 and P3 studies, respectively), and the PTH concentration rose (p = 0.0083 and p = 0.014, in the P1 and P3 studies, respectively) during the phosphate experiment as compared with the control session. Of the three markers of bone formation studied, PICP declined in the P1 study (p = 0.04), and B-ALP declined in both parts of the study (p = 0.027, p = 0.026, in the P1 and P3 studies, respectively) after phosphate administration, whereas there was no significant change in BGP in either of the studies. The markers of bone resorption, ICTP and DPD, were unaffected by the phosphate load in both studies. In conclusion, acute ingestion of phosphate leads to an increase in S-P, a decrease in S-iCa, and an increase in intact PTH secretion. Our results indicate that these events may lead to an acute inactivation of the early phases of bone formation. In this setting, there was no indication of enhanced bone resorption despite the increase in PTH secretion, which could be due to the combined effect of phosphate and PTH on bone resorption.
A prospective study on socioeconomic aspects of fracture of the proximal femur
Authors: Schürch M.-A. , Rizzoli R. , Mermillod B. , Vasey H. , Michel J.P. , Bonjour J.-P.
Published: February 2010

A prospective survey of hip fracture incidence and outcome was conducted to evaluate their socioeconomic impact. Over the course of 1 year, 404 hip fractures were recorded in 339 women and 65 men following minor or moderate trauma. The subjects' ages were 82.8 + 10.0 years (mean + SD): 84.1 + 9.2 in female and 76.4 + 13.7 in male subjects. The overall annual incidence was 104.4/100,000; the incidence in women was 167.1 versus 35.3 in men, with a crude female-to-male ratio of 4.7. However, when adjusted for age, this ratio was 2.7. When adjusted to the 1985 U.S.A. population, the incidence rates were 68.6 overall, 108.8 female, and 26.3 male, and were, respectively, 119.1, 188.8, and 46.1 when adjusted to the 1992 Swiss population. As compared with 105 age-matched non-hipfracture fallers studied in the same emergency ward, fracture subjects lived more often in nursing homes and took cardiovascular drugs (p < 0.001). The mean length of stay in the orthopedic ward was 16.3 + 12.0 days (median 14; range 2–193 days), for a total of 6566 bed-days representing 19.8% of available bed-days. The mean length of stay in rehabilitation hospitals was 63.6 + 52.6 days (median 50; range 2–349 days), for a total of 17,099 bed-days, representing 5.2% of available bed-days. For patients who where independent before fracture, the greater length of stay was associated with advanced age and consumption of cardiovascular drugs. The total cost of hospital stay amounted to approximately $44,000 per patient. Mortality was 3.2% in the orthopedic ward and 10.8% in rehabilitation hospitals, for an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 10.4%. Overall, the 1-year mortality was 23.8% (21.5% for women and 35.4% for men), and it was significantly higher than in the general population (p < 0.001). Prognostic factors for mortality were age, sex, consumption of cardiovascular drugs, and previous living circumstances. One year after fracture, 62.6% of the fracture patients had returned to their previous living circumstances, but 17.9% needed a more care-intensive environment. The likelihood of returning to autonomous living circumstances 1 year after fracture was higher in younger subjects, in females, in those living with a partner, and in those in overall better health before the fracture. This prospective survey highlights the high socioeconomic impact and burden of osteoporotic fractures of the proximal femur.
Correcting calcium nutritional deficiency prevents spine fractures in elderly women
Authors: Recker Robert R. , Hinders Sharilyn , Davies K. Michael , Heaney Robert P. , Stegman Mary Ruth , Lappe Joan M. , Kimmel Donald B.
Published: February 2010

We tested the spine antifracture and bone sparing efficacy of 1.2 g/day of oral calcium as carbonate in two groups of elderly women, one with prevalent fractures (PF, n = 94) on entry and the other without (NPF, n = 103). It was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in mostly rural communities in women over age 60 who were living independently and were consuming <1 g/day of calcium. We obtained annual lateral spine radiographs and semiannual forearm bone density over 4.3 + 1.1 years and determined vertebral fractures by radiographic morphometry augmented by physician assessment. In the PF group, 15 of 53 subjects on calcium had incident fractures, compared with 21 of 41 on placebo (p = 0.023, cH2). Calcium did not reduce the rate of incident fractures in the NPF group. Those with a prevalent fracture on entry and not treated with calcium were 2.8 times more likely to experience an incident fracture than all others. Change in the forearm bone mass on placebo in the PF group was −1.24 + 2.41%/year compared with +0.31 + 1.80%/year on calcium (p < 0.001). In the NPF group, the difference was less: −0.39 + 2.08%/year versus 0.00 + 1.64%/year (p = 0.2). We conclude that in elderly postmenopausal women with spine fractures and selfselected calcium intakes of <1 g/day, a calcium supplement of 1.2 g/day reduces the incidence of spine fractures and halts measurable bone loss.
Effect of ethnicity and age or menopause on the structure and geometry of iliac bone
Authors: Han Z.-H. , Palnitkar S. , Rao D. Sudhaker , Parfitt A.M. , Nelson D.
Published: February 2010

We measured indices of bone volume (cancellous, cortical) and bone surface (cancellous, endocortical, and intracortical) in intact full-thickness transiliac bone biopsies obtained from 144 healthy women aged 20–74 (35 black and 109 white, 62 premenopausal and 82 postmenopausal). The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance of the four groups defined by age/menopause and ethnicity and by linear regression of major variables on age. None of the interaction terms was significant, and none of the regression slopes on age differed between blacks and whites, indicating that the effects of ethnicity and of age/menopause were independent. Accordingly, the data were also analyzed separately for the effects of ethnicity (pre- and postmenopausal combined) and age/menopause (blacks and whites combined). The analyses led to the following conclusions. (1) Blacks have more cancellous and cortical bone than whites in the ilium; the difference was due to thicker trabeculae and thicker cortices with no difference in trabecular number or cortical porosity. (2) The magnitude of the black/white differences was the same throughout the age range covered by the study, indicating differences in peak adult values, not in rates of loss with age. (3) As the result of age/menopause, there were significant reductions in all indices of the amount and structure of bone except for trabecular thickness; the magnitude of the reductions was the same in blacks and whites. (4) Cancellous bone loss was mainly the result of the complete removal of some trabecular elements with increased separation between remaining elements. Cortical bone loss was due to thinning from the endocortical surface with a small but significant contribution from increased cortical porosity, due to an increased number of intracortical canals. These patterns of bone loss were the same in blacks and whites. (5) Although the percentage losses of bone with age/menopause were higher for cancellous than for cortical bone, the absolute amounts of bone lost were about the same for cortical as for cancellous bone. (6) The ratio of surface to tissue volume decreased with age/menopause in cancellous bone but increased in cortical bone; rates of bone loss would change in the same manner if the loss per unit of surface remained constant. (7) The total extent of bone surface in the ilium did not change with age/menopause, so that the surface/volume ratio for the entire bone increased; volumetric bone turnover would increase and bone age decrease if remodeling activity per unit of surface remained constant.
Phenotypic flexibility and thermoregulatory behavior in the eastern red‐spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)
Authors: Berner Nancy J. , Puckett Rosemary E.
Published: February 2010

Eastern red‐spotted newts are ectotherms, aquatic as adults, and active year‐round, breeding even during winter under ice. Earlier research, with field‐captured newts, showed a correlation between seasonal changes in the activity of some muscle metabolic enzymes and in the behavior of the newts in a thermal gradient. This study was undertaken to further characterize acclimatory responses in the newts in a more controlled laboratory environment. Newts were obtained during fall, and maintained at 15°C with 12:12 LD for 4 weeks for SMR (at 8 and 26°C) and temperature preference experiments. Subsequently, half the newts were exposed to summer conditions (26°C, 14:10 LD) and half to winter conditions (8°C, 10:14 LD). After 12 weeks, SMR and temperature preference experiments were repeated, and enzyme assays for cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), citrate synthase (CS), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were performed on muscle tissue homogenates, also at 8 and 26°C. Newts changed all three parameters in the laboratory. SMRs were highest in winter‐acclimated newts and lowest in summer‐acclimated newts, whereas temperature preference was lowest in winter‐acclimated newts and highest in summer‐acclimated newts. Finally, CCO activity was completely compensated in winter‐acclimated newts, CS activity was partially compensated, and LDH activity was not seasonally sensitive. These results indicate a connection or relationship between changes in seasonal environmental conditions, and some aspects of the muscle biochemistry, SMR, and thermoregulatory behavior of these ectotherms. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:231–239, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Mezhir James J. , Tang Laura H. , Coit Daniel G.
Published: February 2010

Treatment of gastric cancer has evolved with the advent of randomized trials demonstrating chemotherapeutic agents with efficacy in advanced disease. Level I evidence supports delivering chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting; the data shows improvement in progression‐free and overall survival. A clinical response to therapy is associated with improved R0 resection rates, pathologic response, and outcome in patients with locally advanced disease. Early assessment of metabolic response to therapy can potentially be utilized to tailor treatment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:305–314. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retention of functional polymers in liquid adsorption chromatography: Effect of the end groups in PEGs and their methyl ethers in different mobile phases
Authors: Cuong Nguyen V. , Trathnigg Bernd
Published: February 2010

It is shown that the end group parameter, which describes the influence of the end group on retention, can be determined in RP chromatography from two chromatograms of a nonfunctional and a monofunctional sample, if a sufficient number of peaks with the same number of repeat units in each sample can be reasonably resolved and identified. The same procedure can also be applied for pairs of di‐ and monofunctional polymers. End group parameters have been determined in three different mobile phases: acetonitrile–water, acetone–water and methanol–water of different compositions. The temperature dependence of the interaction parameter of the repeat unit and the end group parameter has been found to be different, which allows a fine‐tuning of retention.
Evaluation of hybrid hydrophilic interaction chromatography stationary phases for ultra‐HPLC in analysis of polar pteridines
Authors: Nováková Lucie , Kaufmannová Iva , Jánská Radka
Published: February 2010

Retention characteristics of ultra‐HPLC (UHPLC) hybrid stationary phases (bridged ethyl hybrid (BEH) and BEH Amide) were studied in hydrophilic interaction chromatography system in the group of polar basic pteridines (neopterin, biopterin, dihydroneopterin and dihydrobiopterin). The effect of mobile phase composition, buffer type, pH and concentration on retention of pteridines were examined in detail under UHPLC‐fluorescence detection and UHPLC‐MS conditions. The selectivity, retention properties and column performance were examined. BEH HILIC did not provide sufficient retention and selectivity for the separation of four pteridines under any tested conditions. BEH Amide provided strong retention for all pteridines especially at high pH values such as 9.8. However, at pH 9.8 the selectivity of separation for the pairs neopterin‐dihydroneopterin and biopterin‐dihydrobiopterin substantially decreased and resulted in very long analysis time. The best separation of four pteridine derivatives was obtained in the pH range 4.8–7.8 within a reasonable analysis time up to 8 min for UHPLC‐fluorescence detection using higher concentrations of ammonium acetate buffer and up to 4 min for UHPLC‐MS using lower concentrations of ammonium acetate.
Rigidities and inflation persistence of services and regulated prices
Authors: Lünnemann Patrick , Mathä Thomas Y.
Published: February 2010

This paper studies price level rigidity and inflation persistence for EU15 member states using data on more than 1500 HICP sub‐indices. Services and HICP sub‐indices subject to price regulation exhibit a higher degree of price rigidity, with less frequent but larger index changes and a stronger asymmetry between increases and decreases. For most countries as well as for the EU15 and the euro area aggregates, excluding services from the HICP leads to a lower measured degree of inflation persistence; a similar though smaller effect is obtained by removing regulated indices from the HICP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Searching for valid psychiatric phenotypes: discrete latent variable models
Authors: Leoutsakos Jeannie‐Marie S. , Zandi Peter P. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Lyketsos Constantine G.
Published: February 2010

Introduction: A primary challenge in psychiatric genetics is the lack of a completely validated system of classification for mental disorders. Appropriate statistical methods are needed to empirically derive more homogenous disorder subtypes.

Methods: Using the framework of Robins and Guze's (‘Establishment of diagnostic validity in psychiatric illness: its application to schizophrenia’,American Journal of Psychiatry, 1970, 126(7), 983–987) five phases, latent variable models to derive and validate diagnostic groups are described. A process of iterative validation is proposed through which refined phenotypes would facilitate research on genetics, pathogenesis, and treatment, which would in turn aid further refinement of disorder definitions.

Conclusions: Latent variable methods are useful tools for defining and validating psychiatric phenotypes. Further methodological research should address sample size issues and application to iterative validation.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of PEO‐PPO‐PEO copolymer on the mechanical and thermal properties and morphological behavior of biodegradable poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly (butylene succinate‐co‐L‐lactate) (PBSL) blends
Authors: Vilay V. , Mariatti M. , Ahmad Zulkifli , Pasomsouk K. , Todo Mitsugu
Published: February 2010

A blend of two biodegradable and semi‐crystalline polymers, poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA; 70 wt%) and poly (butylene succinate‐co‐L‐lactate) (PBSL; 30 wt%), was prepared in the presence of various polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene oxide‐polyethylene oxide (PEO‐PPO‐PEO) triblock copolymer contents (0.5, 1, 2 wt%). Mechanical, thermal properties, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the blends were investigated. It was found that the addition of copolymer to PLLA/PBSL improved the fracture toughness of the blends as shown by mode I fracture energies. It was supported by morphological analysis where the brittle deformation behavior of PLLA changed to ductile deformation with the presence of elongated fibril structure in the blend with copolymer system. The glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm) of PLLA, and PBSL shift‐closed together indicated that some compatibility exists in the blends. In short, PEO‐PPO‐PEO could be used as compatibilizer to improve the toughness and compatibility of the PLLA/PBSL blends. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human herpes simplex viruses in benign and malignant thyroid tumours
Authors: Jensen Kirk , Patel Aneeta , Larin Alexander , Hoperia Victoria , Saji Motoyasu , Bauer Andrew , Yim Kevin , Hemming Val , Vasko Vasyl
Published: February 2010

To test the hypothesis that herpes viruses may have a role in thyroid neoplasia, we analysed thyroid tissues from patients with benign (44) and malignant (65) lesions for HSV1 and HSV2 DNA. Confirmatory studies included direct sequencing, analysis of viral gene expression, and activation of viral‐inducible signalling pathways. Expression of viral entry receptor nectin‐1 was examined in human samples and in cancer cell lines. In vitro experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying thyroid cancer cell susceptibility to HSV. HSV DNA was detected in 43/109 (39.4%) examined samples. HSV capsid protein expression correlated with HSV DNA status. HSV‐positive tumours were characterized by activation of virus‐inducible signalling such as interferon‐beta expression and nuclear NFκB expression. Lymphocyte infiltration and oncocytic cellular features were common in HSV‐positive tumours. HSV1 was detected with the same frequency in benign and malignant thyroid tumours. HSV2 was significantly associated with papillary thyroid cancer and the presence of lymph node metastases. The expression of HSV entry receptor nectin‐1 was increased in thyroid tumours compared to normal thyroid tissue and further increased in papillary thyroid cancer. Nectin‐1 expression was detected in all examined thyroid cancer cell lines. Nectin‐1 expression in cancer cells correlated with their susceptibility to HSV. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT or MAPK/ERK signalling did not affect the level of nectin‐1 expression but decreased thyroid cancer cell susceptibility to HSV. These findings showed that HSV is frequently detected in thyroid cancer. During tumour progression, thyroid cells acquire increased susceptibility to HSV due to increased expression of viral entry mediator nectin‐1 and activation of mitogenic signalling in cancer cells. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of sonographic prediction of fetal weight and weight discordance in twin pregnancies
Authors: Diaz‐Garcia C. , Bernard J. P. , Ville Y. , Salomon L. J.
Published: February 2010

Objectives

The aims of this study were (1) to assess the accuracy of estimated fetal weight (EFW) in twins and (2) to assess the accuracy of sonographic examination to predict birth weight discordance (BWD).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed collected data on twin pregnancies between 2004 and 2007. All twin pregnancies with at least one ultrasound (US) examination within 15 days of delivery were included in this study. EFW was calculated according to Hadlock1, Hadlock2, Ong, Shepard and Warsof formulas. Mean and SD of the standardized errors and percentage of newborns with birth weight (BW) within 10% of EFW were calculated.

Results

Two hundred eighty‐three twin pregnancies were included. Mean and SD (%) of the standardized errors were 1.54 ± 12.19, 0.19 ± 11.87, 10.93 ± 15.55, − 1.91 ± 14.93 and 5.37 ± 14.91 for Hadlock1, Hadlock2, Shepard, Ong and Warsof formulas, respectively. Hadlock2's formula allowed for the highest proportion of newborns with BW within 10% of EFW and it also performed best to predict discordance of more than 25% as assessed by area under the ROC curve.

Conclusions

Sonographic prediction of inter‐twin BWD within 15 days of delivery seems to be accurate enough for routine clinical use. Performance and predictive values depend on the threshold chosen to define EFW and BW discordance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased risk of abdominal wall hernia associated with combination anti‐retroviral therapy in HIV‐infected patients—results from a Swedish cohort‐study
Authors: Sundström Anders , Mortimer Örjan , Åkerlund Börje , Karlsson Anders , Flamholc Leo , Håkangård Camilla , Granholm Helena , Persson Ingemar , Morfeldt Linda
Published: February 2010

Purpose

To determine if anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) in HIV‐infected patients is associated with an increased risk for development of abdominal wall hernia.

Methods

A cohort study of 1072 HIV‐infected patients in Sweden. Information was collected by questionnaires to patients and treating physicians, chart reviews by study physicians and regular blood tests for metabolic disorders. Adjusted relative risks were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Sixty‐three patients (5.9%) developed abdominal wall hernia during the study period, 34 inguinal and 29 midline. Compared to the male general population, inguinal hernia was twice as common in the male study population, standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–2.8). An increased incidence rate of abdominal wall hernia was found in patients exposed to ART, 11.3 per 1000 person‐years (PY) compared with therapy naïves, 2.1 per 1000 PY. When adjusting for confounding risk‐factors, ART containing protease inhibitors (PIs) during the 2nd and 3rd year of treatment was associated with the development of midline hernia with a hazard ratio (HR) of 10.7 (95%CI 1.3–85.7), and of inguinal hernia with an HR of 4.4 (95%CI 1.1–16.6). Other independent risk factors were age and diabetes/impaired fasting glucose for midline hernia, and age and a previous diagnosis of AIDS for inguinal hernia.

Conclusions

We found an increased risk of developing abdominal wall hernia associated with PI‐containing ART. The size of the study‐population did not permit any conclusions regarding non‐PI‐containing ART. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of plasma treatment and electron beam radiations on the strength of nanofilled adhesive‐bonded joints
Authors: Iqbal H.M.S. , Bhowmik S. , Poulis J.A. , Benedictus R.
Published: February 2010

This investigation highlights the adhesion performance of carbon fiber‐ and glass fiber‐reinforced polyphenylene sulfide when joined by high‐performance neat epoxy adhesive and nanofilled epoxy adhesive. A significant increase in the surface energy of these materials is observed after the surface modification with atmospheric plasma treatment. An increase in surface roughness is observed after exposing the surface to plasma. Lap shear testing of untreated and plasma‐treated joints is carried out to correlate the improvement in adhesion properties with the joint strength. A considerable increase in joint strength is observed when the surfaces of these materials are modified by atmospheric pressure plasma. There is a further increase in joint strength when the composites are joined by nanofilled epoxy adhesive, and subsequent exposure to electron beam radiations results in minor increase in the joint strength. Finally, the fractured surfaces of the joints are examined and the analysis is performed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1505–1511, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modeling and prediction of morphology and crystallinity for cylindrical‐shaped crystals during polymer processing
Authors: Zhou Ying‐Guo , Turng Lih‐Sheng , Shen Chang‐Yu
Published: February 2010

To describe and predict the crystallization and morphology evolution of semicrystalline polymers, the shape of crystals is often modeled as spheres and/or cylinders. The Kolmogoroff–Avrami model, which is often used to model the crystallinity and spherulite growth of polymer materials under isothermal and nonisothermal conditions, has shortcomings in dealing with conditions when spherulites and cylindrical crystals form simultaneously. This study adopted the Monte Carlo method, a method based on the random theory, to model and predict the morphological evolution of crystallization and the degree of crystallinity for polymers that exhibit concurrently growing spherulites and cylindrical crystals. A case study on predicting the morphology and crystallinity of a solidifying polymer melt with the memory effect (self‐seeding) from prior stretching is presented. The effectiveness of this Monte Carlo approach vs. the original Kolmogoroff–Avrami model was demonstrated when compared with experimental results. In addition, for the ideal cylindrical growth of crystals, a modified Kolmogoroff–Avrami model based on the Monte Carlo method solutions is proposed to predict the crystallinity without intensive computation. The results showed that the modified expression performs better than the original Avrami prediction. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Charge density wave in Sr14−xCaxCu24O41
Authors: Wohlfeld Krzysztof , Oleś Andrzej M. , Sawatzky George A.
Published: February 2010

Recent experimental results 1,2 revealed the stability of a peculiar charge density wave (CDW) with odd period (λ = 3,5) in the coupled Cu2O5 spin ladders in Sr14−xCaxCu24O41, while the CDW with even period is unstable. Here we resolve this contradiction by solving the effective t−J model for the two coupled chains supplemented by the intersite interaction term V.

Crucial to this finding is the novel interaction term V (responsible for the interladder repulsion between nearest neighbor holes), which is derived from the on‐site Hubbard‐like repulsion between electrons on the same oxygen sites but within two distinct orbitals which belong to two neighboring Cu2O5 ladders in the charge transfer model 3.
CeCu3Al2: Incoherent Kondo, or non‐Fermi liquid?
Authors: Strydom A. M.
Published: February 2010

CeCu5 is a Kondo lattice in which antiferromagnetic ordering occurs at 3.9 K. Substituting Cu with Al to achieve CeCu3Al2 results in amplifying the Kondo interaction through addition of conduction electrons, and simultaneously driving the magnetic order down to beyond detection. We present results of specific heat and electrical resistivity that argue for the existence of non‐Fermi‐liquid behavior founded in a magnetic quantum critical point in CeCu3Al2.