bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the activation and nucleation steps in the precipitation of a calcium phosphate primer layer on electrospun poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)
Authors: Luickx Nathalie , Van den Vreken Natasja , D'Oosterlinck Willem , Van der Schueren Lien , Declercq Heidi , De Clerck Karen , Cornelissen Maria , Verbeeck Ronald 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe present study aimed to optimize the procedure for coating electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) fibers with a calcium phosphate (CP) layer in order to improve their potential as bone tissue engineering scaffold. In particular, attention was paid to the reproducibility of the procedure, the morphology of the coating, and the preservation of the porous structure of the scaffold. Ethanol dipping followed by an ultrasonic assisted hydrolysis of the fiber surface with sodium hydroxide solution efficiently activated the surface. The resulting reactive groups served as nucleation points for CP precipitation, induced by alternate dipping of the samples in calcium and phosphate rich solutions. By controlling the deposition, a reproducible thin layer of CP was grown onto the fiber surface. The deposited CP was identified as calcium‐deficient apatite (CDHAp). Analysis of the cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 cells on untreated and CDHAp coated PCL scaffolds showed that the CDHAp coating enhanced the cell response, as the number of attached cells was higher in comparison to the untreated PCL and cells on the CDHAp coated samples showed similar morphologies as the ones found in the positive control. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 511–524, 2015.
The cell‐engineered construct of cartilage on the basis of biopolymer hydrogel matrix and human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (in vitro study)
Authors: Surguchenko Valentina A. , Ponomareva Anna S. , Kirsanova Ljudmila A. , Skaleckij Nikolaj N. , Sevastianov Viktor I. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe study results ofin vitroformation of tissue‐engineered cartilage construct on the basis of cell‐engineered construct composed of biopolymer hydrogel matrix and human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hADSCs) are presented. It was revealed that hADSCs in biopolymer hydrogel matrixSphero®GEL under chondrogenic conditions generate three‐dimensional structures and produce cartilaginous extracellular matrix components: collagen type II and glycosaminoglycans. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 463–470, 2015.
MiR‐124 Inhibits Myogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via Targeting Dlx5
Authors: Qadir Abdul S. , Woo Kyung Mi , Ryoo Hyun‐Mo , Yi TacGhee , Song Sun U. , Baek Jeong‐Hwa 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTMicroRNAs (miRNAs), including miR‐1, miR‐133, and miR‐206, play a crucial role in muscle development by regulating muscle cell proliferation and differentiation. The aim of the present study was to define the effect of miR‐124 on myogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The expression level of miR‐124 in skeletal muscles was much lower than those in primary cultured bone marrow‐derived MSCs and the bone, fat and brain tissues obtained from C57BL/6 mice. Myogenic stimuli significantly decreased the expression levels of miR‐124 in mouse bone marrow‐derived MSCs and C2C12 cells. Forced expression of miR‐124 suppressed the expression of myogenic marker genes such as Myf5, Myod1, myogenin and myosin heavy chain and multinucleated myotube formation. Blockade of endogenous miR‐124 with a hairpin inhibitor enhanced myogenic marker gene expression and myotube formation. During myogenic differentiation of MSCs and C2C12 cells, the levels of Dlx5, a known target of miR‐124, were inversely regulated with those of miR‐124. Furthermore, overexpression of Dlx5 increased myogenic differentiation, whereas knockdown of Dlx5 using siRNA inhibited myogenesis in C2C12 cells. These results suggest that miR‐124 is a negative regulator of myogenic differentiation of MSCs and that upregulation of Dlx5 accompanied with downregulation of miR‐124 by myogenic stimuli is necessary for the proper progression of myogenic differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1572–1581, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Lipogenesis: Regulation by Natural Xanthone through Inhibition of ERK and NF‐κB
Authors: Mahali Sidhartha K. , Verma Neeharika , Manna Sunil K. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTAdvanced glycation end products (AGE) accumulate in diabetic patients and aged persons due to high amounts of 3‐ or 4‐carbon derivatives of glucose. Understanding the mechanism of AGE‐mediated signaling leading to these consequences, like oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, etc. and its regulation would be a viable strategy to control diabetic complication and age‐related diseases. We have detected the probable mechanism by which AGE increases lipogenesis, the cause of fatty liver in diabetic patients. AGE increased lipid accumulation in different cells as shown by Oil Red O staining. AGE‐mediated regulation of several transcription factors was determined by gel shift assay. Antioxidants like NAC, PDTC, and vitamin C, except mangiferin, were unable to protect AGE‐induced activation of SREBP and subsequent lipid accumulation. AGE increased the phosphorylation of ERK, and IKK and also DNA binding ability of SREBP, thereby its dependent gene transcription. AGE induces NF‐κB which might suppress PPARγ activity, in turn reducing lipid breakdown and mobilization. Mangiferin not only inhibits AGE‐mediated ROI generation that requires NF‐κB activation, but also inhibits ERK and IKK activity, thereby suppression of SREBP activity and lipogenesis. Mangiferin has shown a double‐edged sword effect to suppress AGE‐mediated ailments by reducing ROI‐mediated responses as antioxidant and inhibiting SREBP activation thereby lipogenesis, suggesting its potential efficacy against diabetes and obesity‐related diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1972–1980, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical education using a multi‐viewpoint and multi‐layer three‐dimensional atlas of surgical anatomy (with video)
Authors: Nobuoka Daisuke , Fuji Tomokazu , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Takagi Kosei , Kuise Takashi , Utsumi Masashi , Yoshida Ryuichi , Umeda Yuzo , Shinoura Susumu , Takeda Yoshimasa , Ohtsuka Aiji 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundTrainee surgeons must have a good understanding of surgical anatomy. Especially in the hepatobiliary‐pancreatic field, beginning surgeons often find it difficult to recognize the three‐dimensional structure of the target organ and its complex anatomical correlation with surrounding organs. Conventional anatomy textbooks are not written with the aim of teaching these three‐dimensional structures and complex correlations. We developed a novel teaching atlas of surgical anatomy using a multi‐viewpoint and multi‐layer three‐dimensional camera system.MethodsLayer‐by‐layer dissection of the upper abdominal organs of a cadaver was performed by expert surgeons. A stereoscopic camera system was used to capture a series of anatomical views. The images were remodeled in a multi‐viewpoint and multi‐layer manner.ResultsImages of each dissection layer could be viewed serially from the appropriate angle, which was tilted up to 90° along the anteroposterior axis. The clinical anatomy specific to the surgical procedure could thus be learned using this atlas system.ConclusionsRotatable three‐dimensional panoramic views of local dissection of the upper abdominal organs of a cadaver were developed for educational purposes. Trainee surgeons could use these anatomical images instead of conventional anatomical atlases to learn how to perform surgical procedures such as pancreaticoduodenectomy and major hepatectomy.
Mechanical ventilation in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A review of new strategies for the practicing hospitalist
Authors: Wilson Jennifer G. , Matthay Michael A. 
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUNDThe goal of mechanical ventilation in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is to support adequate gas exchange without harming the lungs. How patients are mechanically ventilated can significantly impact their ultimate outcomes.METHODSThis review focuses on emerging evidence regarding strategies for mechanical ventilation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure including: low tidal volume ventilation in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), novel ventilator modes as alternatives to low tidal volume ventilation, adjunctive strategies that may enhance recovery in ARDS, the use of lung‐protective strategies in patients without ARDS, rescue therapies in refractory hypoxemia, and an evidence‐based approach to weaning from mechanical ventilation.RESULTSOnce a patient is intubated and mechanically ventilated, low tidal volume ventilation remains the best strategy in ARDS. Adjunctive therapies in ARDS include a conservative fluid management strategy, as well as neuromuscular blockade and prone positioning in moderate‐to‐severe disease. There is also emerging evidence that a lung‐protective strategy may benefit non‐ARDS patients. For patients with refractory hypoxemia, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be considered. Once the patient demonstrates signs of recovery, the best approach to liberation from mechanical ventilation involves daily spontaneous breathing trials and protocolized assessment of readiness for extubation.CONCLUSIONSPrompt recognition of ARDS and use of lung‐protective ventilation, as well as evidence‐based adjunctive therapies, remain the cornerstones of caring for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. In the absence of contraindications, it is reasonable to consider lung‐protective ventilation in non‐ARDS patients as well, though the evidence supporting this practice is less conclusive. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:469–475. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Decoupling of seasonal temperature and precipitation over the western Pacific during the early mid‐Holocene
Authors: Deng Wenfeng , Wei Gangjian 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper considers seasonal patterns of temperature and precipitation over the western Pacific during the early mid‐Holocene through an analysis of seasonal variations in sea surface temperature (SST, reconstructed from coral Sr/Ca ratios) and seawater δ18O (δ18Osw, generated from coral Sr/Ca and δ18O ratios) in both modern corals and fossil corals from the early mid‐Holocene (ca. 6.7–6.5 ka Before Present (BP)). The modern coral, from the northern South China Sea (SCS) in the northwest Pacific, shows relatively negative δ18Osw values during the warmer seasons (May–December), but relatively positive values during the colder seasons (January–April). In contrast, the fossil coral shows relatively negative δ18Osw values during the cold seasons (February–May), but relatively positive values during the warm seasons (June–October). This contrast is also evident in the Vanuatu corals from the southwest Pacific. In detail, the modern coral record shows low δ18Osw values during most of the year, but with a positive δ18Osw peak in October (cold season), while the two early mid‐Holocene corals record a positive δ18Osw peak in February (summer) and a negative peak in August (winter). Seasonal patterns preserved in coral δ18Osw series reflect seasonal variations in precipitation, both in the northern SCS and Vanuatu; consequently, their contrasting seasonal coral δ18Osw variations during the early mid‐Holocene and at present indicate that the configuration of temperature and precipitation during the early mid‐Holocene differed to the present‐day situation. This decoupling of seasonal temperature and precipitation variations occurred over the western Pacific, which means that it was a regional, rather than simply a local climate phenomenon. This seasonal decoupling may have resulted from the synchronous northward shift of both the Intertropical Convergence Zone and South Pacific Convergence Zone during the early mid‐Holocene, which seems to be controlled by orbital forcing.
The climatological relationship between tropical cyclones in the southwest pacific and the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Diamond H. J. , Renwick J. A. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe focus of this study is the climatological relationship between southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone (TC) activity and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) on the interannual time‐scale. It investigates TC seasonal characteristics (e.g. cyclogenesis, track morphology, ex‐tropical transition, and intensity) as modulated by the phase and intensity of the MJO. The approach is novel as in addition to the focus on the intraseasonal variability of TCs there is also a focus on the interannual variability of TCs even though the MJO is an intraseasonal phenomenon. Links between the MJO, the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and TC variability are also investigated. Using the MJO phases defined by Wheeler and Hendon (2004), southwest Pacific TC frequency exhibited a statistically significant decrease during MJO phases 2 and 3, and an increase during phases 6 and 7; and during the positive phase of the SAM, an increased frequency of TCs undergoing extratropical transition was observed. In summary, the results show a clear intraseasonal climatological relationship between specific phases of the MJO with respect to a decreased (increased) frequency of TCs during the paired MJO phases 2–3 (6–7); as well as the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the MJO and SAM with respect to the extratropical transition (ETT) of TCs. During positive phases of the SAM, coincident with weak interannual MJO phases 4–5 and 6–7, there are statistically significant greater frequency percentages of TCs undergoing ETT.
Can Creativity Predict Cognitive Reserve?
Authors: Palmiero Massimiliano , Di Giacomo Dina , Passafiume Domenico 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCognitive reserve relies on the ability to effectively cope with aging and brain damage by using alternate processes to approach tasks when standard approaches are no longer available. In this study, the issue if creativity can predict cognitive reserve has been explored. Forty participants (mean age: 61 years) filled out: the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire, the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking in visual and verbal form, Raven's Progressive Matrices (PM38), and the Verbal Judgments Test. The analysis revealed that all indices of verbal creativity were positively correlated with indices of cognitive reserve, except with cognitive reserve related to working activity. However, using the composite score of verbal creativity, all indices of cognitive reserve were predicted, including the index related to working activity. These results show that verbal creativity could be considered as another proxy indicator of cognitive reserve, and open to the hypothesis that verbal creativity enhances cognitive reserve and sustains active aging.
Auto‐amplification system for prostaglandin F2α in bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Kumagai Asuka , Yoshioka Shin , Sakumoto Ryosuke , Okuda Kiyoshi 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe bovine corpus luteum (CL) is hypothesized to utilize a local auto‐amplification system for prostaglandin (PG) F2α production. The objective of the present study was to determine if such a PGF2α auto‐amplification system exists in the bovine CL, and if so, which factors regulate it. PGF2α significantly stimulated intra‐luteal PGF2α production in all luteal phases, but did not affect PGE2 production. The stimulatory effect of exogenous PGF2α on CL PGF2α production was lower at the early luteal phase. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase (PTGS), significantly suppressed the PGF2α‐stimulated PGF2α production by luteal tissue, indicating that the PGF2α in the medium was of luteal origin. Consistent with these secreted‐PGF2α profiles, PGF2α receptor (PTGFR) protein expression was higher during the mid and late luteal phases than at early and developing luteal phases. Treatment of cultured bovine luteal cells obtained from the mid‐luteal phase with PGF2α (1 µM) significantly increased the expressions of PTGS2, PGF synthase (PGFS), and carbonyl reductase1 (CBR1) at 24 hr post‐treatment. Together, these results suggest the presence of a local auto‐amplification system for PGF2α mediated by PTGS2, PGFS, and CBR1 in the bovine CL, which may play an important role in luteolysis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 646–654, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using the oaxaca–blinder decomposition as an empirical tool to analyze racial disparities in obesity
Authors: Sen Bisakha 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveRacial disparities in obesity in the US are often assumed to reflect racial disparities in socio‐economic status, diet and physical‐activity. We present an econometric method that helps examine this by “decomposing” the racial gap in body‐mass index (BMI) into how much can be explained by racial differences in “standard” predictors of BMI, and how much remains unexplained.MethodsThe Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition is widely used in other fields, but remains under‐utilized in the obesity literature. We provide algebraic and graphical illustrations of the decomposition, and further illustrate it with an example using data for white and black respondents in Mississippi and Alabama. BMI is the outcome of interest. Predictor variables include income, education, age, marital status, children, mental health indicators, diet and exercise.ResultsThe mean predicted gap in BMI between white and black men is small, statistically insignificant, and can be attributed to racial differences in the predictor variables. The mean predicted gap for women is larger, statistically significant, and <10% of it can be explained by differences in predictor variables. Implications of the findings are discussed.ConclusionWider application of this method is advocated in the obesity literature, to better understand racial disparities in obesity.
A case control study of use of the Failed Access Score for determination of failed access to structured diabetes care: the WICKED project
Authors: Gillani SMR , Holland MR , Sidhu M , Singh BM 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFailure of access to structured diabetes care is associated with adverse outcome. There is no known validated data tool to identify access failure and thus we have developed a Failed Access Score (FAS) and have examined its associations.The FAS is part of the WICKED project (Wolverhampton Interface Care, Knowledge Empowered Diabetes), and consists of three key care processes in diabetes: namely HbA1c, urinary albumin:creatinine ratio and retinal screening. A retrospective case control study in a single GP practice was undertaken on all the patients (n=478) failing two or more parameters over 15 months. They were compared to those with no access failure matched for age, gender, ethnicity and type of diabetes.Among the 51 cases with a FAS ≥2, two or three process measures were absent in 84% and 16% respectively. Excluding service failure, this was due to non‐attendance in 35% but otherwise associated with other clinical constraints in 41% (mental health, house bound, palliative care, multi‐morbidity) and their deprivation index was significantly higher (p<0.01). Extrapolating to the whole health economy (n=16 644), 2362 (14%) would have a FAS of ≥2 of whom 968 (6%) would have failed access in association with these constraints.In conclusion, it is possible to identify people who are failing access to structured diabetes care using readily available data calculated as the FAS score. Failed access is not usually due to patient default or disengagement but rather, in almost 65%, either due to significant clinical disadvantage or pure failure of service. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Adults with type 1 diabetes: what factors are associated with disengagement from health services?
Authors: Elders Vera , Keen Andrew , Gold Ann 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to establish the characteristics of adults with type 1 diabetes who disengaged entirely from diabetes care provision.Those who were classified as disengaged had no recorded HbA1c value in either primary or secondary care during the preceding 15 months. A clinical database was used to identify patients with type 1 diabetes who were disengaged and to generate comparative data on those patients who had at least one HbA1c value recorded in the previous 15 months (classified as engaged). Of 2772 adults with type 1 diabetes in Grampian, there was no recorded HbA1c value for 229 (8.3%) in the previous 15 months. Those who were disengaged were significantly younger (p<0.001), more commonly experienced clinical levels of anxiety (Fisher's exact test, p=0.0442) and depression (Fisher's exact test, p=0.0474), and at their most recent diabetes appointment had higher recorded HbA1c values (p=0.007). Significantly more males than females were disengaged (9.2% versus 7.0%; Fisher's exact test, p=0.037), and those disengaged more frequently came from the two most deprived categories of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (24.8% versus 18.1%; Fisher's exact test, p=0.005).A proportion of those disengaged from diabetes care are markedly struggling to self‐manage their condition, and it is difficult to see how they will get the support they need. Innovative methods and systems are required to keep vulnerable adults with type 1 diabetes engaged in services and to re‐engage them if they drop out. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
How system changes improve inpatient diabetes care beyond education alone
Authors: Lockett HA , Courtney T , Hinton N , Dougal‐Johnson M , Warren RE 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMost hospitals have implemented Think Glucose but, despite this, the National Inpatient Diabetes Audit continues to demonstrate that further improvement in inpatient diabetes care is required. We show how process changes through the use of IT systems and audit can improve outcomes beyond health care professional education alone. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Hyperbranched aliphatic polyether esters by ring‐opening polymerization of epoxidized 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate
Authors: Huang Xinhua , Heo Min Seon , Yoo Jin‐Wook , Choi Jin‐Seok , Kim Il 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTA series of biocompatible and degradable hyperbranched polyether esters, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl 2‐methyloxirane‐2‐carboxylate) (pHEMOC) with controlled molecular weight (MW) and polydispersity (PD), have been synthesized via oxyanionic ring‐opening polymerization of HEMOC that was prepared by the epoxidation of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate. pHEMOCs of their MWs ranging from about 500 to 20,000 with their PD values less than 1.5 are obtained simply by controlling 1,1,1‐tris‐hydroxymethylpropane initiator to HEMOC ratio. The pHEMOCs comprised of ether and ester backbones and multiple hydroxyl groups on the core and periphery results in materials that exhibit good degradability and low cytotoxicity, enabling them to be an ideal candidate material for biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1643–1651