bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF KANGAROO MOTHER CARE ON MATERNAL MOOD AND INTERACTION PATTERNS BETWEEN PARENTS AND THEIR PRETERM, LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Athanasopoulou Eirini , Fox John R.E. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe birth of a premature infant can have adverse effects on the mood of mothers and on the interaction patterns between parents and their preterm babies. The aim of the present systematic review was to examine whether the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) intervention can attenuate these adverse psychological effects of a premature birth by ameliorating negative maternal mood and/or promoting more positive interactions between preterm infants and their parents. The results showed that although findings of studies were inconclusive, there is some evidence to suggest that KMC can make a positive difference on these areas. Specifically, it was found that KMC can improve negative maternal mood (e.g., anxiety or depression) and promote more positive parent–child interactions. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Increased Calcium Absorption From Synthetic Stable Amorphous Calcium Carbonate: Double-Blind Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Vaisman Nachum , Shaltiel Galit , Daniely Michal , Meiron Oren E , Shechter Assaf , Abrams Steven A , Niv Eva , Shapira Yami , Sagi Amir 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Calcium supplementation is a widely recognized strategy for achieving adequate calcium intake. We designed this blinded, randomized, crossover interventional trial to compare the bioavailability of a new stable synthetic amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) with that of crystalline calcium carbonate (CCC) using the dual stable isotope technique. The study was conducted in the Unit of Clinical Nutrition, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel. The study population included 15 early postmenopausal women aged 54.9 ± 2.8 (mean ± SD) years with no history of major medical illness or metabolic bone disorder, excess calcium intake, or vitamin D deficiency. Standardized breakfast was followed by randomly provided CCC or ACC capsules containing 192 mg elemental calcium labeled with 44Ca at intervals of at least 3 weeks. After swallowing the capsules, intravenous CaCl2 labeled with 42Ca on was administered on each occasion. Fractional calcium absorption (FCA) of ACC and CCC was calculated from the 24-hour urine collection following calcium administration. The results indicated that FCA of ACC was doubled (± 0.96 SD) on average compared to that of CCC (p &lt; 0.02). The higher absorption of the synthetic stable ACC may serve as a more efficacious way of calcium supplementation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Epiphyseal Chondrocyte Secondary Ossification Centers Require Thyroid Hormone Activation of Indian Hedgehog and Osterix Signaling
Authors: Xing Weirong , Cheng Shaohong , Wergedal Jon , Mohan Subburaman 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Thyroid hormones (THs) are known to regulate endochondral ossification during skeletal development via acting directly in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. In this study, we focused on TH effects on the secondary ossification center (SOC) because the time of appearance of SOCs in several species coincides with the time when peak levels of TH are attained. Accordingly, micro–computed tomography (µCT) evaluation of femurs and tibias at day 21 in TH-deficient and control mice revealed that endochondral ossification of SOCs is severely compromised owing to TH deficiency and that TH treatment for 10 days completely rescued this phenotype. Staining of cartilage and bone in the epiphysis revealed that whereas all of the cartilage is converted into bone in the prepubertal control mice, this conversion failed to occur in the TH-deficient mice. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that TH treatment of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor mutant (Tshr−/−) mice induced expression of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and Osx in type 2 collagen (Col2)-expressing chondrocytes in the SOC at day 7, which subsequently differentiate into type 10 collagen (Col10)/osteocalcin-expressing chondro/osteoblasts at day 10. Consistent with these data, treatment of tibia cultures from 3-day-old mice with 10 ng/mL TH increased expression of Osx, Col10, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin in the epiphysis by sixfold to 60-fold. Furthermore, knockdown of the TH-induced increase in Osx expression using lentiviral small hairpin RNA (shRNA) significantly blocked TH-induced ALP and osteocalcin expression in chondrocytes. Treatment of chondrogenic cells with an Ihh inhibitor abolished chondro/osteoblast differentiation and SOC formation. Our findings indicate that TH regulates the SOC initiation and progression via differentiating chondrocytes into bone matrix–producing osteoblasts by stimulating Ihh and Osx expression in chondrocytes. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diminished Bone Strength Is Observed in Adult Women and Men Who Sustained a Mild Trauma Distal Forearm Fracture During Childhood
Authors: Farr Joshua N , Khosla Sundeep , Achenbach Sara J , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Kirmani Salman , McCready Louise K , Melton L Joseph , Amin Shreyasee 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Children and adolescents who sustain a distal forearm fracture (DFF) owing to mild, but not moderate, trauma have reduced bone strength and cortical thinning at the distal radius and tibia. Whether these skeletal deficits track into adulthood is unknown. Therefore, we studied 75 women and 75 men (age range, 20 to 40 years) with a childhood (age &lt;18 years) DFF and 150 sex-matched controls with no history of fracture using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) to examine bone strength (ie, failure load) by micro–finite element (µFE) analysis, as well as cortical and trabecular bone parameters at the distal radius and tibia. Level of trauma (mild versus moderate) was assigned using a validated classification scheme, blind to imaging results. When compared to sex-matched, nonfracture controls, women and men with a mild trauma childhood DFF (eg, fall from standing height) had significant reductions in failure load (p &lt; 0.05) of the distal radius, whereas women and men with a moderate trauma childhood DFF (eg, fall while riding a bicycle) had values similar to controls. Consistent findings were observed at the distal tibia. Furthermore, women and men with a mild trauma childhood DFF had significant deficits in distal radius cortical area (p &lt; 0.05), and significantly lower dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived bone density at the radius, hip, and total body regions compared to controls (all p &lt; 0.05). By contrast, women and men with a moderate trauma childhood DFF had bone density, structure, and strength that did not differ significantly from controls. These findings in young adults are consistent with our observations in children/adolescents with DFF, and they suggest that a mild trauma childhood DFF may presage suboptimal peak bone density, structure, and strength in young adulthood. Children and adolescents who suffer mild trauma DFFs may need to be targeted for lifestyle interventions to help achieve improved skeletal health. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sclerostin Deficiency Is Linked to Altered Bone Composition
Authors: Hassler Norbert , Roschger Andreas , Gamsjaeger Sonja , Kramer Ina , Lueger Sonja , van Lierop Antoon , Roschger Paul , Klaushofer Klaus , Paschalis Eleftherios P , Kneissel Michaela , Papapoulos Socrates 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

High bone mass in animals and humans with sclerostin deficiency is associated with increased bone strength, which is not the case for all disorders with high bone mineral density, some of which are even associated with fragility fractures owing to unfavorable bone composition. In the current study we investigated whether alterations in bone composition may contribute to the bone strength characteristics associated with lack of sclerostin. We examined cortical bone of Sost-knockout (KO) mice (n = 9, 16 weeks old) and sclerosteosis patients (young [4 to 14 years], n = 4 and adults [24 and 43 years], n = 2) by quantitative backscattered electron imaging and Raman microspectroscopy and compared it to bone from wild-type mice and healthy subjects, respectively. In Sost-KO mice endocortical bone exhibited altered bone composition, whereas subperiosteal bone was unchanged. When comparing endocortical bone tissue of identical tissue age as defined by sequential dual fluorochrome labeling the average bone matrix mineralization was reduced −1.9% (p &lt; 0.0001, younger tissue age) and −1.5% (p &lt; 0.05, older tissue age), and the relative proteoglycan content was significantly increased. Similarly, bone matrix mineralization density distribution was also shifted toward lower matrix mineralization in surgical samples of compact bone of sclerosteosis patients. This was associated with an increase in mineralization heterogeneity in the young population. In addition, and consistently, the relative proteoglycan content was increased. In conclusion, we observed decreased matrix mineralization and increased relative proteoglycan content in bone subcompartments of Sost-KO mice—a finding that translated into sclerosteosis patients. We hypothesize that the altered bone composition contributes to the increased bone strength of patients with sclerostin deficiency. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ossification defects detected in CT scans represent early osteochondrosis in the distal femur of piglets
Authors: Olstad Kristin , Kongsro Jørgen , Grindflek Eli , Dolvik Nils Ivar 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the current study was to validate the use of CT for selection against osteochondrosis in pigs by calculating positive predictive value and comparing it to the positive predictive value of macroscopic evaluation, using histological examination as the reference standard. Eighteen male, hereditarily osteochondrosis‐predisposed piglets underwent terminal examination at biweekly intervals from the ages of 82–180 days old, including CT scanning, macroscopic, and histological evaluation of the left distal femur. Areas of ischemic chondronecrosis (osteochondrosis) were confirmed in histological sections from 44/56 macroscopically suspected lesions, resulting in a positive predictive value of 79% (95% CI: 67–84%). Suspected lesions, that is; focal, radiolucent defects in the ossification front in CT scans corresponded to areas of ischemic chondronecrosis in 36/36 histologically examined lesions, resulting in a positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI: 90–100%). CT was superior to macroscopic evaluation for diagnosis of early stages of osteochondrosis in the distal femur of piglets. The current histologically validated observations can potentially be extrapolated to diagnostic monitoring of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans in children, or to animal models of human juvenile articular cartilage injury and repair. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1014–1023, 2014.
Sequential pH‐Dependent Adsorption of Ionic Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Micelles and Choline Oxidase Onto Conductive Substrates: Toward the Design of Biosensors
Authors: Sigolaeva Larisa V. , Günther Ulrike , Pergushov Dmitry V. , Gladyr Snezhana Yu. , Kurochkin Ilya N. , Schacher Felix H. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis work examines the fabrication regime and the properties of polymer–enzyme thin‐films adsorbed onto conductive substrates (graphite or gold). The films are formed via two‐steps, sequential adsorption of poly(n‐butylmethacrylate)‐block‐poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PnBMA‐b‐PDMAEMA) diblock copolymer micelles (1st step of adsorption), followed by the enzyme choline oxidase (ChO) (2nd step of adsorption). The solution properties of both adsorbed components are studied and the pH‐dependent step‐by‐step fabrication of polymer–enzyme biosensor coatings reveals rather drastic differences in their enzymatic activities in dependence on the pH of both adsorption steps. The resulting hybrid thin‐films represent highly active biosensors for choline with a low detection limit of 30 nM and a good linearity in a range between 30 nM and 100 μM. The sensitivity is found to be 175 μA mM−1 cm−2 and the operational stability of the polymer–enzyme thin‐films can be additionally improved via enzyme‐to‐enzyme crosslinking with glutaraldehyde.
Effect of Particle Size and Shape on the Reinforcing Efficiency of Nanoparticles in Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Hassanabadi Hojjat Mahi , Rodrigue Denis 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe effect of particle characteristics such as size and shape on the reinforcing efficiency of nano‐particles is investigated. Nanocomposites based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer containing five different nano‐particles including clay, multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT), CaCO3, talc, and nano‐crystalline cellulose (NCC) were produced. The analyses are performed in the melt and solid states. The highest property changes were obtained for clay and CNT, followed by talc, NCC, and CaCO3. By using morphological analyses, mechanical properties, and rheological data, the results were correlated to the amount of available surface area between the particles and polymer. Finally, the particles were compared using a material cost over mechanical performance ratio where the optimum was obtained for talc followed by clay, NCC, CNT and CaCO3.
Spatial Control over Brush Growth through Sunlight‐Induced Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Using Dye‐Sensitized TiO2 as a Photocatalyst
Authors: Li Bin , Yu Bo , Zhou Feng 
Published: April 2014

Simulated‐sunlight induced atom transfer radical polymerization is used for spatial control over polymer brush growth by in situ photo‐generation of the CuI/L activator complex from its higher oxidation state CuII/L deactivator complex using dye sensitized titanium dioxide nano­particles. The polymerization is well controlled under sunlight irradiation. Another attractive feature of this method is the possibility of creating various patterned surfaces of brushes using photomasks. When a nanoporous alumina oxide membrane is used as the template for confinement diffusion of photogenerated CuI/L catalyst, patterns with sub‐50 nm resolution are obtained.
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Conjugated Polymer Patterning through Photooxidative Backbone Cleavage
Authors: Johnson Ross S. , Haworth Jacob J. , Finnegan Patrick S. , Wheeler David R. , Dirk Shawn M. 
Published: April 2014

Photolithographic patterning of a xanthate precursor to poly(3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐thienylene vinylene) is described. Unlike xanthate precursors to poly(p‐phenylene vinylene), the thienylene vinylene analogue patterns as a positive tone resist. Characterization of irradiated films reveals photooxidative cleavage of the vinylene linker decreases the molecular weight of the polymer (increasing the solubility of the UV‐exposed areas). As a result of the mechanism, the developed pattern sees no UV light exposure, which is a significant advantage compared with negative‐tone‐conjugated polymer resists. Single micron resolution of a low‐bandgap polymer is achieved in an efficient and scalable process.
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Surface structure influences contact killing of bacteria by copper
Authors: Zeiger Marco , Solioz Marc , Edongué Hervais , Arzt Eduard , Schneider Andreas S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCopper kills bacteria rapidly by a mechanism that is not yet fully resolved. The antibacterial property of copper has raised interest in its use in hospitals, in place of plastic or stainless steel. On the latter surfaces, bacteria can survive for days or even weeks. Copper surfaces could thus provide a powerful accessory measure to curb nosocomial infections. We here investigated the effect of the copper surface structure on the efficiency of contact killing of Escherichia coli, an aspect which so far has received very little attention. It was shown that electroplated copper surfaces killed bacteria more rapidly than either polished copper or native rolled copper. The release of ionic copper was also more rapid from electroplated copper compared to the other materials. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the bacteria nudged into the grooves between the copper grains of deposited copper. The findings suggest that, in terms of contact killing, more efficient copper surfaces can be engineered.
Virus transcript levels and cell growth rates after naturally occurring HPV16 integration events in basal cervical keratinocytes
Authors: Scarpini Cinzia G , Groves Ian J , Pett Mark R , Ward Dawn , Coleman Nicholas 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCervical carcinogenesis is characterized by a clonal selection process in which the high‐risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) genome usually changes from the extra‐chromosomal (episomal) state seen in productive infections to DNA that is integrated into host chromosomes. However, it is not clear whether all HRHPV integration events provide cells with a selective growth advantage compared with the episome‐containing cells from which they originate. It is also unclear whether selection of cells containing a particular integrant from a mixed population simply reflects the highest levels of virus oncogene expression or has additional determinants. These early events in cervical carcinogenesis cannot readily be addressed by cross‐sectional studies of clinical samples. We used the W12 model system to generate a panel of cervical squamous cell clones that were derived from an identical background under non‐competitive conditions and differed only by the genomic site of HPV16 integration. Compared with the ‘baseline’ episome‐containing cells from which they were isolated, only 9/17 clones (53%) showed significantly greater growth rates and only 7/17 (41%) showed significantly greater expression of the major virus oncogenes E7/E6. There were significant variations in levels of HPV16 transcription per DNA template, changes that were associated with histone modifications in the integrated virus chromatin. Cell growth rates showed only weak and non‐significant associations with protein and mRNA levels for E7, E6, and the mean E7/E6 values. We conclude that HPV16 integration in basal cervical cells does not necessarily lead to increased levels of virus oncogenes, or to a competitive growth advantage, when compared with the initiating episome‐containing cells. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Neutrophil extracellular traps promote differentiation and function of fibroblasts
Authors: Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Mitroulis Ioannis , Apostolidou Eirini , Arelaki Stella , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Konstantinidis Theocharis , Sivridis Efthimios , Koffa Maria , Giatromanolaki Alexandra , Boumpas Dimitrios T , Ritis Konstantinos , Kambas Konstantinos 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNeutrophil activation by inflammatory stimuli and the release of extracellular chromatin structures (neutrophil extracellular traps – NETs) have been implicated in inflammatory disorders. Herein, we demonstrate that NETs released by neutrophils treated either with fibrosis‐related agents, such as cigarette smoke, magnesium silicate, bleomycin, or with generic NET inducers, such as phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, induced activation of lung fibroblasts (LFs) and differentiation into myofibroblast (MF) phenotype. Interestingly, the aforementioned agents or IL‐17 (a primary initiator of inflammation/fibrosis) had no direct effect on LF activation and differentiation. MFs treated with NETs demonstrated increased connective tissue growth factor expression, collagen production, and proliferation/migration. These fibrotic effects were significantly decreased after degradation of NETs with DNase1, heparin or myeloperoxidase inhibitor, indicating the key role of NET‐derived components in LF differentiation and function. Furthermore, IL‐17 was expressed in NETs and promoted the fibrotic activity of differentiated LFs but not their differentiation, suggesting that priming by DNA and histones is essential for IL‐17‐driven fibrosis. Additionally, autophagy was identified as the orchestrator of NET formation, as shown by inhibition studies using bafilomycin A1 or wortmannin. The above findings were further supported by the detection of NETs in close proximity to alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)‐expressing fibroblasts in biopsies from patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease or from skin scar tissue. Together, these data suggest that both autophagy and NETs are involved not only in inflammation but also in the ensuing fibrosis and thus may represent potential therapeutic targets in human fibrotic diseases. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The effect of baroclinicity on the wind in the planetary boundary layer
Authors: Floors R. , Peña A. , Gryning S‐E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe influence of baroclinicity on wind within the planetary boundary layer was investigated using two years of wind lidar measurements collected at a suburban site in northern Germany (Hamburg) and a rural‐coastal site in western Denmark (Høvsøre). Measurements were made up to a height of 950 m. The surface geostrophic wind, the surface gradient wind and the gradient wind were estimated using the pressure and geopotential fields from a mesoscale model. At both sites the atmospheric flow was typically baroclinic. The distribution of the geostrophic wind shear was approximately Gaussian with a mean close to zero and a standard deviation of approximately 3 m s−1km−1. The geostrophic wind shear had a strong seasonal dependence because of temperature differences between land and sea. The mean wind profile in Hamburg, observed during an intensive campaign using radio sounding and during the whole year using the wind lidar, was influenced by baroclinicity. For easterly winds at Høvsøre, the estimated gradient wind decreased rapidly with height, resulting in a mean low‐level jet. The turning of the wind in the boundary layer, the boundary‐layer height and the empirical constants in the geostrophic drag law were found to be dependent on baroclinicity for neutral conditions.