bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of gelatin sponge scaffolds and PLGA scaffolds transplanted to completely transected spinal cord of rat
Authors: Du Bao‐ling , Zeng Chen‐guang , Zhang Wei , Quan Da‐ping , Ling Eng‐ang , Zeng Yuan‐shan 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study sought to investigate whether gelatin sponge (GS) scaffold would produce less acidic medium in injured spinal cord, as compared with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold, to determine which of the two scaffolds as the biomaterial is more suitable for transplantation into spinal cord. GS scaffold or PLGA scaffold was transplanted into a transected spinal cord in this study. Two months after transplantation of scaffolds, acid sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) positive cells expressing microtubule associated protein 2 (Map2) were observed as well as expressing adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) in spinal cord. GFAP positive cells were distributed at the rostral and caudal of the injury/graft area in the GS and PLGA groups. Western blot showed ASIC1a and GFAP expression of injured spinal cord was downregulated in the GS group. The number of CD68 positive cells was fewer and NF nerve fibers were more in the GS group. Nissl staining and cell counting showed that the number of survival neurons was comparable between the GS and PLGA groups in the pyramidal layer of sensorimotor cortex and the red nucleus of midbrain. However, in the Clarke's nucleus at L1 spinal segment, the surviving neurons in the GS group were more numerous than that in the PLGA group. H&E staining showed that the tissue cavities in the GS group were smaller in size than that in the PLGA group. The results suggest that GS scaffold is more suitable for transplantation to promote the recovery of spinal cord injury compared with PLGA scaffold. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1715–1725, 2014.
Synthesis of SiO2 system via sol–gel process: Biocompatibility tests with a fibroblast strain and release kinetics
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Bollino Flavia , Papale Ferdinando 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSiO2 glass has been synthesized via sol–gel process and enriched with 5 wt % sodium ampicillin. To verify the biocompatibility of the obtained biomaterial, fibroblasts have been grown on a glass surface and were tested for viability after 24 h. The results of the Water‐Soluble Tetrazolium (WST)‐8 analysis suggest that SiO2 glass has an adequate biocompatibility. The amorphous nature of the gels has been ascertained by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Release kinetics have been subsequently investigated in a simulated body fluid. The amount of sodium ampicillin released has been detected by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The release kinetics seems to occur in more than one stage. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis has also been carried out to ensure the integrity of ampicillin after the synthesis treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1677–1680, 2014.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate)/dopamine‐coated electrodes for dopamine delivery
Authors: Sui L. , Song X. J. , Ren J. , Cai W. J. , Ju L. H. , Wang Y. , Wang L. Y. , Chen M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPoly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) has a variety of chemical and biomedical applications. The application of PEDOT/PSS polymers in drug delivery has attracted attention. However, whether conducting polymers of PEDOT/PSS could be used for dopamine delivery has not clear. In the present study, the PEDOT/PSS coatings incorporated with dopamine were fabricated on 0.5 mm diameter platinum electrodes, electrochemical properties, and dopamine delivery capacities of these electrodes were evaluated in vitro and in vivo through implanting these electrodes into brain striatum area. The findings demonstrated that the PEDOT/PSS/dopamine coatings on platinum electrodes could reduce electrodes impedances, increase charge storage capacities, and release significant levels of dopamine upon electrical stimulation of these electrodes. These results indicated that polymers of PEDOT/PSS/dopamine could be used for dopamine delivery, implicating potential application of PEDOT/PSS/dopamine‐coated implantable electrodes in the treatment of some diseases associated with dopamine deficits, such as, electrodes for the treatment of Parkinson's disease during deep brain stimulation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1681–1696, 2014.
Effects of mesoporous SiO2, Fe3O4, and TiO2 nanoparticles on the biological functions of endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Hou Yanhua , Lai Min , Chen Xiuyong , Li Jinghua , Hu Yan , Luo Zhong , Ding Xingwei , Cai Kaiyong 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTo comparatively investigate the cytotoxicities of nanomaterials in circulation, in this study, three different types of nanoparticles (NPs; mesoporous SiO2, Fe3O4, and TiO2) with diameters of around 100 nm were synthesized. The morphologies, crystalline phases, and zeta potentials of those NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and zeta potential measurement, respectively. Then, we investigated the influences of different NPs on the biological functions of endothelial cells, in particular of the organelle of cells. The results indicated that different types of NPs had cytotoxic effects in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, and there was no significant difference in cytotoxicity between SiO2 and Fe3O4 at concentrations <0.20 mg/mL. The shape and surface charges of NPs greatly affected cellular internalization. We found that cytoskeleton and integrity of cells were destroyed by different NPs. Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species damaged the mitochondria of cells, in turn leading to cells apoptosis and death. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1726–1736, 2014.
Biomimetic composites by surface‐initiated polymerization of cyclic lactones at anorganic bone: Preparation and in vitro evaluation of osteoblast and osteoclast competence
Authors: Wiegand Troy , Hiebner Kris , Gauza Lukasz , Schwartz Chris , Song Zheng , Miller Steve , Zacharias Nora , Wooley Paul H. , Redepenning Jody 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBiomimetic composites were constructed using anorganic bone to initiate the polymerization of cyclic lactones. The resulting anorganic bone/polylactone composites preserve the inorganic structure and the mechanical properties of the original bone. Thermal conditions used to prepare the anorganic bone were shown to control the surface functionalities, surface area, and crystallinity, all of which influence the rates of subsequent polymerizations. Thermal pretreatment of anorganic bone was examined as a function of time and temperature, ranging from 400°C to 800°C. Polymerization rates of different monomers were also compared. Additionally, in vitro evaluations of anorganic bone/poly‐l‐lactide and anorganic bone/polyglycolide composites for osteoblast and osteoclast competence suggest that these composites are good candidates for potential in vivo use, since both composites promoted osteoblast differentiation. The anorganic bone/poly‐l‐lactide composite also promoted osteoclast differentiation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1755–1766, 2014.
Fibronectin adsorption on functionalized electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds: Experimental and molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Regis Shawn , Youssefian Sina , Jassal Manisha , Phaneuf Matthew D. , Rahbar Nima , Bhowmick Sankha 
Published: June 2013

AbstractDesigning scaffolds to modulate protein adsorption is a key to building advanced scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Protein adsorption to tissue engineering scaffolds is critical in early cell attachment, survival, and eventual proliferation. The goal of this study is to examine the effect of functionalization on fibronectin adsorption to electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds through experimentation using fluorescently labeled fibronectin and to couple this experimental data with analysis of interaction energies obtained through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to develop a better understanding of the adsorption process. This study is the first to analyze and compare experimental and MD simulation results of fibronectin adsorption on functionalized electrospun PCL scaffolds. Electrospun nanofiber PCL scaffolds were treated with either 1 N NaOH (hydrolyzed) or 46% hexamethylenediamine (HMD) (aminated) solution to be compared with untreated (control) scaffolds. We found that aminated PCL scaffolds experimentally adsorbed more fibronectin than control scaffolds, whereas hydrolyzed scaffolds showed decreased adsorption. MD simulations carried out with NVT ensemble at a temperature of 310 K indicated a higher work of adhesion for both functionalized scaffolds over control. Also, the simulations revealed different conformations of fibronectin on each scaffold type after adsorption, with the arginine–glycine–aspartic acid sequence appearing most accessible on the aminated scaffolds. This suggests that functionalization affects not only the quantity of protein that will adsorb on a scaffold but how it attaches as well, which could affect subsequent cell attachment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1697–1706, 2014.
Relationship between activity of silica thin films and density of cells occupation
Authors: Jokanović V. , Čolović B. , Jokanović B. , Rudolf R. , Trajković V. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe SiO2 thin films (STFs) were deposited on the surfaces of stainless steel tapes and their activity was particularly investigated from the aspect of the number density of hydroxyl groups on their surfaces. The calculation procedure of density of active OH groups includes determination of average length of silica chains that constitute silica sol particles with almost uniform size, on the base of thermogravimetric analysis. The size of SiO2 particles is analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering method. Fibroblast (L929) cell densities on the surfaces of these films were investigated using phase contrast microcopy. It was shown that there is a relationship between OH group densities and density of attached cells. Besides, the cytotoxicity effect was studied and compared for various thermally treated STFs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1707–1714, 2014.
3D Assessment of Cortical Bone Porosity and Tissue Mineral Density Using High-Resolution µCT: Effects of Resolution and Threshold Method
Authors: Palacio-Mancheno Paolo E , Larriera Adriana I , Doty Stephen B , Cardoso Luis , Fritton Susannah P 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Current micro–computed tomography (µCT) systems allow scanning bone at resolutions capable of three-dimensional (3D) characterization of intracortical vascular porosity and osteocyte lacunae. However, the scanning and reconstruction parameters along with the image segmentation method affect the accuracy of the measurements. In this study, the effects of scanning resolution and image threshold method in quantifying small features of cortical bone (vascular porosity, vascular canal diameter and separation, lacunar porosity and density, and tissue mineral density) were analyzed. Cortical bone from the tibia of Sprague-Dawley rats was scanned at 1-µm and 4-µm resolution, reconstructions were density-calibrated, and volumes of interest were segmented using approaches based on edge-detection or histogram analysis. In 1-µm resolution scans, the osteocyte lacunar spaces could be visualized, and it was possible to separate the lacunar porosity from the vascular porosity. At 4-µm resolution, the vascular porosity and vascular canal diameter were underestimated, and osteocyte lacunae were not effectively detected, whereas the vascular canal separation and tissue mineral density were overestimated compared to 1-µm resolution. Resolution had a much greater effect on the measurements than did threshold method, showing partial volume effects at resolutions coarser than 2 µm in two separate analyses, one of which assessed the effect of resolution on an object of known size with similar architecture to a vascular pore. Although there was little difference when using the edge-detection versus histogram-based threshold approaches, edge-detection was somewhat more effective in delineating canal architecture at finer resolutions (1–2 µm). In addition, use of a high-resolution (1 µm) density-based threshold on lower resolution (4 µm) density-calibrated images was not effective in improving the lower-resolution measurements. In conclusion, if measuring cortical vascular microarchitecture, especially in small animals, a µCT resolution of 1 to 2 µm is appropriate, whereas a resolution of at least 1 µm is necessary when assessing osteocyte lacunar porosity. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of High-Impact Training on Bone and Articular Cartilage: 12-Month Randomized Controlled Quantitative MRI Study
Authors: Multanen Juhani , Nieminen Miika T , Häkkinen Arja , Kujala Urho M , Jämsä Timo , Kautiainen Hannu , Lammentausta Eveliina , Ahola Riikka , Selänne Harri , Ojala Risto , Kiviranta Ilkka , Heinonen Ari 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis often coexist in postmenopausal women. The simultaneous effect of bone-favorable high-impact training on these diseases is not well understood and is a topic of controversy. We evaluated the effects of high-impact exercise on bone mineral content (BMC) and the estimated biochemical composition of knee cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis. Eighty women aged 50 to 66 years with mild knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to undergo supervised progressive exercise three times a week for 12 months (n = 40) or to a nonintervention control group (n = 40). BMC of the femoral neck, trochanter, and lumbar spine was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The biochemical composition of cartilage was estimated using delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cartilage (dGEMRIC), sensitive to cartilage glycosaminoglycan content, and transverse relaxation time (T2) mapping that is sensitive to the properties of the collagen network. In addition, we evaluated clinically important symptoms and physical performance–related risk factors of falling: cardiorespiratory fitness, dynamic balance, maximal isometric knee extension and flexion forces, and leg power. Thirty-six trainees and 40 controls completed the study. The mean gain in femoral neck BMC in the exercise group was 0.6% (95% CI, –0.2% to 1.4%) and the mean loss in the control group was –1.2% (95% CI, –2.1% to –0.4%). The change in baseline, body mass, and adjusted body mass change in BMC between the groups was significant (p = 0.005), whereas no changes occurred in the biochemical composition of the cartilage, as investigated by MRI. Balance, muscle force, and cardiorespiratory fitness improved significantly more (3% to 11%) in the exercise group than in the control group. Progressively implemented high-impact training, which increased bone mass, did not affect the biochemical composition of cartilage and may be feasible in the prevention of osteoporosis and physical performance–related risk factors of falling in postmenopausal women. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Serum pancreastatin: The next predictive neuroendocrine tumor marker
Authors: Rustagi Sapna , Warner Richard R.P. , Divino Celia M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPancreastatin is a derived peptide of chromogranin A (CgA). Pancreastatin has the potential to be a diagnostic and predictive tumor marker in detecting NETs.MethodsRadioimmunoassay tests of pancreastatin and CgA were performed on 103 patient specimens collected at Mount Sinai Medical Center between 1/2010 and 7/2012. Patient demographics, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, pathologic findings, adjuvant treatments, and survival were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS v20 software.ResultsMean pancreastatin levels were significantly higher in the 92 NETs patients than in the 11 non‐NETs patients (227.261 vs. 59.727, P < 0.05). Twenty‐seven of the 92 patients with elevated pancreastatin levels (mean = 240.67), had normal CgA levels (mean = 4.65). Pancreastatin had sensitivity and specificity of 64% (59/92), and 100% (11/11). CgA had lower sensitivity and specificity of 43% (40/92), and 64% (7/11). In all 27 instances the pancreastatin concentration was found to be sole indicator of NET disease. When controlling for the level of CgA for the entire sample, a statistically significant difference was not found in the mean pancreastatin levels between both patient groups (P = 0.139, R = 0.484).ConclusionPancreastatin has greater sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing NETs than CgA. Further investigation of pancreastatin's diagnostic and predictive value is warranted J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:126–128. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biostimulation of Soil Microbial Activity Through Organic Fertilizer and Almond tree Association
Authors: Macci Cristina , Doni Serena , Peruzzi Eleonora , Mennone Carmelo , Masciandaro Grazia 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMany studies have confirmed the validity of plant cover and organic farming in ameliorating soil quality. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficiency of rehabilitation practices in a degraded soil ecosystem consisting of: (i) organic or inorganic fertilization; and (ii) presence or absence of almond trees. The experiments were carried out for 2 years in the South of Italy in three fields characterized by different slope (0%, 2%, and 6%). Each field was split up into two parts, one assigned to organic fertilization and the other assigned to mineral fertilization, and planted with almond trees using GF677 or Franco rootstocks. The results showed that the organic fertilization, particularly in the presence of the Franco rootstock, resulted more effective in increasing soil organic matter content and microbial activity especially in the 0% and 2% slopes. However, in the 6% slope, where a lower soil metabolism was observed, an improvement of chemical and biochemical soil properties was generally evident for both fertilization systems. The Franco rootstock improved soil quality and maintaining a good production, whereas the GF677 has exploited more soil resources, resulting in a higher growth and yield; therefore, the use of almond tree with Franco rootstock associated with organic matter application is a useful practice in order to preserve soil quality and to rehabilitate degraded soils. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploitation of Annual and Perennial Herbaceous Species for the Rehabilitation of a Sand Quarry in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Porqueddu Claudio , Re Giovanni Antonio , Sanna Federico , Piluzza Giovanna , Sulas Leonardo , Franca Antonio , Bullitta Simonetta 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCommercial seeds are widely used for re‐vegetation interventions in Mediterranean areas. These seeds mostly consist of species and varieties of non‐local provenance. The current practice relies mainly on forage or turf and fast growing species, even if it is often inefficient. Twenty‐two local populations or commercial varieties of annual and perennial species belonging to the botanical families Leguminosae, Graminaceae and Compositae were evaluated in a 4‐year field experiment in order to investigate their potential in terms of establishment and persistence in the re‐vegetation of an inactive sand quarry. Native species showed better performances than commercial varieties and encouraged further actions for the valorisation of local plant biodiversity. Among legumes, the best adapted species was the perennial Lotus cytisoides that showed high persistence in combination with other positive traits. A few annual species, that is, Melilotus indica, Trifolium subterraneum and Ornithopus sativus performed well and persisted until the end of the experiment. Among perennial grasses, Cynodon dactylon survived to drought and low soil nutrients. Both native annual grasses Lolium rigidum and Aegilops geniculata performed very well during the first 2 years of experiments. Both forbs, the perennial Cichorium intybus and the annual Chrysanthemum coronarium did not guarantee a satisfactory persistence. Some native species were evidenced, which may play an important role in the re‐vegetation of sand quarries and have good potential to be further characterized before introduction in the seed market. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategies of airway management for head and neck photo‐dynamic therapy
Authors: Story William , Sultan Ahmed A. , Bottini Gian , Vaz Francis , Lee Gene , Hopper Colin 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIntroductionPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment modality which has great clinical implications, especially in head and neck oncology. Post‐operative swelling is a well‐documented consequence of PDT. It is paramount the airway remains patent for these patients. A tracheostomy remains the gold standard treatment modality for base of tongue tumours susceptible to post operative PDT inflammation, which can lead to a compromised airway. We have carried out a retrospective study to outline the airway management strategies employed for head and neck cancer patients treated with PDT and suggest recommendations for future management.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective clinical study utilises 88 patients (53 males and 35 females) treated at the UCLH Head and Neck Center, London (between 2006 and 2013), for treatment of various lesions with superficial and/or interstitial PDT, when the airway could potentially be compromised.ResultsOf the 88 patients selected 60 had interstitial PDT (iPDT) and 13 had superficial PDT (sPDT). Fifteen patients were treated with both iPDT and sPDT. Among the iPDT patients 19 had a trachestomy; two patients a Quicktrach; four a Cook Airway Exchange Catheter (CEAC); one a percutaneous tracheostomy; one a needle tracheostomy and 33 patients did not receive any temporary airway pathways. Among the sPDT patients two had a trachestomy.Although the majority of patients did not suffer any major incidents, one sPDT patient required an emergency tracheostomy two days post‐operatively.ConclusionAirway management is vital when planning PDT treatment for tongue based tumours. Consider a more conventional approach when the lesion being targeted is located at a higher risk site: Floor of mouth/posterior tongue/tongue base or when multiple oral sites are being treated. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:370–376, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.