bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cytolytic neutrophil activation in vitro by amorphous hydrated calcium phosphate as a model of biomaterial inflammation
Authors: Edwards Felicity C. , Taheri Amir , Dann Sophie C. , Dye Julian F. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractCalcium ions are utilized in biomolecular biomaterial design for osteomimetic scaffolds and as divalent cross‐linking agents, typically for gelation of alginates, stabilisation of protein structure (e.g., fibrinogen) and enzyme activation (e.g., thrombin). Biological interactions with defined calcium phosphates (e.g., hydroxyapatite) are exploited for osteogenesis, although crystalline calcium phosphates (e.g., calcium pyrophosphate) stimulate inflammation. We found that the calcium concentration used in the manufacture of prototype dermal scaffolds made from fibrin/alginate composite was related to the inflammatory infiltration during in vivo integration. In investigating a cause for this inflammatory response, we have identified and characterized a cytolytic inflammatory effect of amorphous calcium phosphate (CaP) formed in physiological solutions, relevant to biomaterial biocompatibility. Isolated human neutrophils (Nφ) were incubated in phosphate‐buffered saline with CaCl2 ranging 2.5–20 mM total calcium. Nφ activation was assessed by morphology and integrin‐β2 (CD18a) expression. Mediator release (Nφ‐elastase, IL‐8, and TNFα) was measured from both Nφ and whole blood cultures plus CaCl2. CaP exposure increased CD18a expression over 1 h (maximal at 10 mM calcium/ phosphate) with concurrent phagocytosis, cytolysis, and Nφ‐elastase release. CaCl2 induced expression of IL‐8 and TNFα in whole blood cultures. These results suggest that CaP formed from the resorption of calcium‐containing biomaterials could induce inflammation and accelerate biomaterial degradation, driving further CaP release. This demonstrates a novel mechanism for biomaterial‐induced inflammation. The in vitro system described could aid preclinical evaluation of novel biomaterial inflammatory potential. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Controlling the porosity of fibrous scaffolds by modulating the fiber diameter and packing density
Authors: Soliman Sherif , Sant Shilpa , Nichol Jason W. , Khabiry Masoud , Traversa Enrico , Khademhosseini Ali 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPorosity has been shown to be a key determinant of the success of tissue engineered scaffolds. A high degree of porosity and an appropriate pore size are necessary to provide adequate space for cell spreading and migration as well as to allow for proper exchange of nutrients and waste between the scaffold and the surrounding environment. Electrospun scaffolds offer an attractive approach for mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) for tissue engineering applications. The efficacy of electrospinning is likely to depend on the interaction between cells and the geometric features and physicochemical composition of the scaffold. A major problem in electrospinning is the tendency of fibers to accumulate densely, resulting in poor porosity and small pore size. The porosity and pore sizes in the electrospun scaffolds are mainly dependent on the fiber diameter and their packing density. Here we report a method of modulating porosity in three dimensional (3D) scaffolds by simultaneously tuning the fiber diameter and the fiber packing density. Nonwoven poly(ε‐caprolactone) mats were formed by electrospinning under various conditions to generate sparse or highly dense micro‐ and nanofibrous scaffolds and characterized for their physicochemical and biological properties. We found that microfibers with low packing density resulted in improved cell viability, proliferation and infiltration compared to tightly packed scaffolds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Hyaluronic acid stimulates neovascularization during the regeneration of bone marrow after ablation
Authors: Raines Andrew L. , Sunwoo MoonHae , Gertzman Arthur A. , Thacker Kipling , Guldberg Robert E. , Schwartz Zvi , Boyan Barbara D. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRestoration of vasculature is a critical component for successful integration of implants in musculoskeletal tissue. Sodium hyaluronate (NaHY) has been used as a carrier for demineralized bone matrix (DBM). DBM is osteoinductive and osteoconductive, but whether NaHY by itself has an effect is not known. NaHY has been reported to promote neovascularization, suggesting it may increase neovasculature when used with DBM as well. To test this, we used a rat tibial marrow ablation model to assess neovascularization during bone formation and regeneration of marrow with different combinations of NaHY alone and NaHY+DBM. To assess neovascularization during normal healing, animals were euthanized at 3‐, 6‐, 14‐, 21‐, and 28‐days post‐ablation, and the vasculature perfused using a radio‐opaque contrast agent. Vascular morphology was assessed using μCT and histology. Peak vessel volume within the marrow cavity was observed on day‐14 post‐ablation. Test materials were injected into the ablated marrow space as follows: (A) empty defect controls; (B) high MW (700–800 kDa) NaHY + heat inactivated DBM; (C) DBM in PBS; (D) low MW NaHY (35 kDa) + DBM; (E) high MW NaHY + DBM; (F) D:E 50:50; (G) low MW NaHY; (H) high MW NaHY; and (I) G:H 50:50. Neovascularization varied with bone substitute formulation. μCT results revealed that addition of NaHY resulted in an increase in vessel number compared to empty defects. Total blood vessel volume in all NaHY only groups were similar to DBM alone. Histomorphometry of sagittal sections showed that all three formulations of NaHY increased blood vessel number within the marrow cavity, confirming that NaHY promotes neovascularization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Best predictors of grayscale ultrasound combined with color doppler in the diagnosis of retained products of conception
Authors: Atri M. , Rao A. , Boylan C. , Rasty G. , Gerber D. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives:To determine the best predictors of the presence of retained products of conception (RPOC) on grayscale and color Doppler transvaginal sonographic examination.Methods:This was a retrospective study of 91 consecutive patients who underwent transvaginal sonography (TVS) with color Doppler to evaluate for the presence of RPOC. The images of TVS studies were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus blinded to the final outcome. Data on a number of variables including endometrial measurable mass and focal increased color vascularity were collected as predictors of RPOC. The patients' ages ranged from 17 to 48 years (mean, 31.8 ± 6.8) and gestational age from 5 to 24 weeks (mean, 9.2 ± 3.8). Thirty‐six were confirmed as RPOC by dilatation and curettage (D&C) and pathology. Fifty‐five were considered negative, 9 based on D&C results and 46 on clinical grounds.Results:Sensitivity, specificity, negative‐ and positive‐predictive and accuracy values were 81% (CI: 68%–94%), 71% (CI: 59%–83%), 85% (CI: 74%–95%), 64% (CI: 50%–78%), and 75% (CI: 66%–84%) to detect RPOC when a mass was present. The corresponding numbers for the presence of focal color vascularity were 94% (CI: 87%–100%) (p = 0.07), 67% (CI: 55%–80%) (p > 0.05), 95% (CI: 88%–100%) (p = 0.1), 65% (CI: 52%–78%) (p > 0.05), and 78% (CI: 70%–87%) (p > 0.05). Of the patients with confirmed RPOC on pathology, five had focal increased vascularity and no massand none had a mass without focal increased vascularity.Conclusion:An area of focal increased vascularity with or without a mass is the best predictor of the presence of RPOC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Prenatal diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos in a down syndrome fetus
Authors: Dosedla Erik , Kacerovsky Marian , Calda Pavel 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe report the prenatal sonographic diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos caused by an imperforate hymen in a Down syndrome fetus, with spontaneous evacuation on the third day of life. In this case, sonographic evaluation in the 37th week revealed a large retrovesical, sharply marginated, heterogeneous, unilocular cystic structure within the fetal abdomen extending to the left side of the umbilicus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Intra‐ and interobserver reliability of quantitative ultrasound measurement of the plantar fascia
Authors: Skovdal Rathleff Michael , Moelgaard Carsten , Lykkegaard Olesen Jens 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPurpose.To determine intra‐ and interobserver reliability and measurement precision of sonographic assessment of plantar fascia thickness when using one, the mean of two, or the mean of three measurements.Methods.Two experienced observers scanned 20 healthy subjects twice with 60 minutes between test and retest. A GE LOGIQe ultrasound scanner was used in the study. The built‐in software in the scanner was used to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia (PF). Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LOA).Results.Intraobserver reliability (ICC) using one measurement was 0.50 for one observer and 0.52 for the other, and using the mean of three measurements intraobserver reliability increased up to 0.77 and 0.67, respectively. Interobserver reliability (ICC) when using one measurement was 0.62 and increased to 0.82 when using the average of three measurements. LOA showed that when using the average of three measurements, LOA decreased to 0.6 mm, corresponding to 17.5% of the mean thickness of the PF.Conclusions.The results showed that reliability increases when using the mean of three measurements compared with one. Limits of agreement based on intratester reliability shows that changes in thickness that are larger than 0.6 mm can be considered actual changes in thickness and not a result of measurement error. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Transitioning antimicrobial stewardship beyond the hospital: The cleveland clinic's community‐based parenteral anti‐infective therapy (CoPAT) program
Authors: Gordon Steven M. , Shrestha Nabin K. , Rehm Susan J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractOne of the tenets of value‐based health care is a focus on providing benefits to patients, as measured by better health outcomes per dollar spent rather than minimizing costs. In fact, proponents of value‐based health care argue that the best way to reduce health care costs is through a focused approach to improving health outcomes. Associated with this approach is the need to measure outcomes over the full cycle of care, not simply for services rendered while an inpatient. This article examines the community‐based parenteral anti‐infective therapy program at the Cleveland Clinic as a model for antimicrobial stewardship for patients requiring parenteral antimicrobial therapy at the time of discharge from the inpatient setting. The program is a patient needs‐focused, coordinated team effort that mandates inpatient infectious disease consultation for patients requiring community‐based parenteral anti‐infective therapy. An examination of some of the features of the Cleveland Clinic program should provide guidance for other institutions seeking to improve the care of their patients requiring parenteral anti‐infectives when transitioning care from the acute setting. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:S24‐S30. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Novel GLP‐1 mimetics developed to treat type 2 diabetes promote progenitor cell proliferation in the brain
Authors: Hamilton A. , Patterson S. , Porter D. , Gault V.A. , Holscher C. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractOne of the symptoms of diabetes is the progressive development of neuropathies. One mechanism to replace neurons in the CNS is through the activation of stem cells and neuronal progenitor cells. We have tested the effects of the novel GLP‐1 mimetics exenatide (exendin‐4; Byetta) and liraglutide (NN2211; Victoza), which are already on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes, on the proliferation rate of progenitor cells and differentiation into neurons in the dentate gyrus of brains of mouse models of diabetes. GLP‐1 analogues were injected subcutaneously for 4, 6, or 10 weeks once daily in three mouse models of diabetes: ob/ob mice, db/db mice, or high‐fat‐diet‐fed mice. Twenty‐four hours before perfusion, animals were injected with 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) to mark dividing progenitor cells. By using immunohistochemistry and stereological methods, the number of progenitor cells or doublecortin‐positive young neurons in the dentate gyrus was estimated. We found that, in all three mouse models, progenitor cell division was enhanced compared with nondiabetic controls after chronic i.p. injection of either liraglutide or exendin‐4 by 100–150% (P < 0.001). We also found an increase in young neurons in the DG of high‐fat‐diet‐fed mice after drug treatment (P < 0.001). The GLP‐1 receptor antagonist exendin(9–36) reduced progenitor cell proliferation in these mice. The results demonstrate that GLP‐1 mimetics show promise as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, because these novel drugs cross the blood–brain barrier and increase neuroneogenesis. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD: Pilot results from a community sample
Authors: Monson Candice M. , Fredman Steffany J. , Adair Kathryn C. , Stevens Susan P. , Resick Patricia A. , Schnurr Paula P. , MacDonald Helen Z. , Macdonald Alexandra 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSeven couples participated in an uncontrolled trial of cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the 6 couples who completed treatment, 5 of the patients no longer met criteria for PTSD and there were across‐treatment effect size improvements in patients' total PTSD symptoms according to independent clinician assessment, patient report, and partner report (d = 1.32–1.69). Three of the 4 couples relationally distressed at pretreatment were satisfied at posttreatment. Partners reported statistically significant and large effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction; patients reported nonsignificant moderate to large improvements in relationship satisfaction. Patients also reported nonsignificant, but large effect size improvements in depression and state anger symptoms. Future directions for research and treatment of traumatized individuals and close others are offered.
Risk factors of lung, head and neck, esophageal, and kidney and urinary tract carcinomas after liver transplantation
Authors: Herrero Ignacio J. , Pardo Fernando , D'Avola Delia , Alegre Félix , Rotellar Fernando , Iñarrairaegui Mercedes , Martí Pablo , Sangro Bruno , Quiroga Jorge 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Liver transplant recipients have an increased risk of malignancy. Smoking is related to some of the most frequent causes of posttransplant malignancy. The incidence and risk factors for the development of neoplasia related to smoking (head and neck, lung, esophageal, and kidney and urinary tract carcinomas) were studied in 339 liver transplant recipients. Risk factors for the development of smoking-related neoplasia were also studied in 135 patients who had a history of smoking so that it could be determined whether smoking withdrawal was associated with a lower risk of malignancy. After a mean follow-up of 7.5 years, 26 patients were diagnosed with 29 smoking-related malignancies. The 5- and 10-year actuarial rates were 5% and 13%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, smoking and older age were independently associated with a higher risk of malignancy. In the smoker subgroup, the variables related to a higher risk of malignancy were active smoking and older age. In conclusion, smoking withdrawal after liver transplantation may have a protective effect against the development of neoplasia.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Arterial blood flow predicts graft survival in liver transplant patients a
Authors: Pratschke Sebastian , Meimarakis Georgios , Mayr Stephan , Graeb Christian , Rentsch Markus , Zachoval Reinhard , Bruns Christiane Josephine , Kleespies Axel , Jauch Karl-Walter , Loehe Florian , Angele Martin Kurt 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Proper liver perfusion is essential for sufficient organ function after liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of portal and arterial blood flow on liver function and organ survival after liver transplantation. The arterial and portal venous blood flow was measured intraoperatively by transit time flow measurement after reperfusion for 290 consecutive liver transplants. The graft survival, hepatic cell damage (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), and liver function (prothrombin ratio and bilirubin) were determined. Grafts were stratified into groups according to arterial blood flow measurements [<100 mL/minute for arterial blood flow group I (ART I), 100-240 mL/minute for ART II, and ≥240 mL/minute for ART III] and portal venous blood flow measurements (<1300 mL/minute for portal venous blood flow group I and ≥1300 mL/minute for portal venous blood flow group II). With multivariate analysis, the impact of blood flow on graft survival was determined, and potential confounders were considered. Decreased portal venous blood flow was associated with significantly less organ survival in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. In contrast, the arterial blood flow was significantly correlated with organ survival after liver transplantation in univariate and multivariate analyses [hazard rate ratio = 2.5, confidence interval = 1.6-4.1, P < 0.001, median survival = 56.6 (ART I), 82.7 (ART II), or 100.7 months (ART III)]. Moreover, low arterial blood flow resulted in impaired postoperative organ function and higher rates of primary nonfunction. Biliary complications were not affected by blood flow. Other risk factors for graft failure that were identified by multivariate analysis included retransplantation, histidine tryptophan ketoglutarate solution versus University of Wisconsin solution, and donor treatment with epinephrine. Impaired arterial blood flow after reperfusion represents a significant predictor of primary graft nonfunction and is associated with impaired graft survival. Whether the intraoperative measurement of hepatic arterial flow is predictive of graft survival should be evaluated in a prospective trial.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Posttransplant biliary complications in the pre- and post-model for end-stage liver disease era
Authors: Sundaram Vinay , Jones Deborah T. , Shah Nilesh H. , de Vera Michael E. , Fontes Paulo , Marsh Wallis J. , Humar Abhinav , Ahmad Jawad 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Biliary complications remain a cause of morbidity after liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in clinical practice in the era of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) has affected biliary complications after liver transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed all deceased donor liver transplants at a single center. Patients were categorized as pre- or post-MELD (transplant before or after February 28, 2002). A total of 1798 recipients underwent deceased donor liver transplants. Biliary stricture was more common in the post-MELD era (15.4% versus 6.4%, P < 0.001). The strongest risk factors for stricture development were donor age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01), presence of a prior bile leak (OR = 2.24), use of choledochocholedochostomy (OR = 2.22), and the post-MELD era (OR = 2.30). Bile leak was more common in the pre-MELD era (7.5% versus 4.9%, P = 0.02), with use of a T-tube as the strongest risk factor (OR = 3.38). Surgical factors did not influence the biliary complication rate. In conclusion, even when employing multivariate analysis to allow for factors that may influence biliary strictures, transplant in the post-MELD era was an independent predictor for stricture development. Further studies are warranted to determine the etiology of this increase.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Modification of Chlorinated Poly(propylene) via Atom Transfer Radical Graft Copolymerization of 2‐Ethylhexyl Acrylate: A Brush‐like Graft Copolymer
Authors: Haloi Dhruba J. , Naskar Kinsuk , Singha Nikhil K. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe modification of chlorinated poly(propylene) (CPP) via graft copolymerization of EHA using ATRgP is reported. The kinetic plot of monomer conversion versus reaction time was found to be linear, which is the typical characteristic of a living controlled polymerization. The grafted copolymers were characterized by means of FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, GPC, DSC, and TGA. Mechanical properties were also studied by means of UTM and DMA. The stress/strain plot and the tension set properties indicate that the brush‐type graft copolymer (CPP‐g‐PEHA) behaves as a thermoplastic elastomer. magnified image
Citrus flavonoid 5‐demethylnobiletin suppresses scavenger receptor expression in THP‐1 cells and alters lipid homeostasis in HepG2 liver cells
Authors: Yen Jui‐Hung , Weng Ching‐Yi , Li Shiming , Lo Ya‐Hsuan , Pan Min‐Hsiung , Fu Shih‐Hang , Ho Chi‐Tang , Wu Ming‐Jiuan 
Published: January 2011

AbstractScope: Nobiletin, a polymethoxyflavone from the peel of citrus fruits, has been reported to inhibit modified LDL uptake in macrophages and enhance hepatic LDL receptor expression and activity. We report the anti‐atherogenic effect and mechanism of 5‐demethylnobiletin, an auto‐hydrolysis product of nobiletin.Methods and results: 5‐Demethylnobiletin significantly attenuated phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐induced gene expression and activity of scavenger receptors, CD36, scavenger receptor‐A and lectin‐like oxidized LDL receptor‐1. The inhibitory effect is partly associated with the inhibition of protein‐kinase C activity and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting the activation of activator protein‐1 and nuclear factor‐κB. 5‐Demethylnobiletin treatment also led to reduction of oxidized LDL‐induced CD36 mRNA expression and blockade of 1,1′‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindocarbocyanide perchlorate‐modified LDL uptake in THP‐1‐derived macrophages. In the human hepatoma cell line HepG2, 5‐demethylnobiletin significantly induced LDL receptor activity and transcription, at least in part, through steroid‐response element‐binding protein‐2 activation. 5‐Demethylnobiletin also decreased the mRNA expression of acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, the key enzyme involved in the hepatic triacylglycerol biosyntheses.Conclusion: Current results suggest that 5‐demethylnobiletin has diverse anti‐atherogenic bioactivities. It is more potent in inhibiting monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation and foam cell formation than its permethoxylated counterpart, nobiletin. It exhibits similar hypolipidemic activity as nobiletin and both can enhance LDL receptor gene expression and activity and decreased acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 expression.