bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteoblasts responses to three‐dimensional nanofibrous gelatin scaffolds
Authors: Sachar Ashneet , Strom T. Amanda , Serrano Maria J. , Benson M. Douglas , Opperman Lynne A. , Svoboda Kathy K. H. , Liu Xiaohua 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe development of suitable scaffolds for bone tissue engineering requires an in‐depth understanding of the interactions between osteoblasts and scaffolding biomaterials. Although there have been a large amount of knowledge accumulated on the cell–material interactions on two‐dimensional (2D) planar substrates, our understanding of how osteoblasts respond to a biomimetic nanostructured three‐dimensional (3D) scaffold is very limited. In this work, we developed an approach to use confocal microscopy as an effective tool for visualizing, analyzing, and quantifying osteoblast‐matrix interactions and bone tissue formation on 3D nanofibrous gelatin scaffolds (3D‐NF‐GS). Integrin β1, phosphor‐paxillin, and vinculin were used to detect osteoblasts responses to the nanofibrous architecture of 3D‐NF‐GS. Unlike osteoblasts cultured on 2D substrates, osteoblasts seeded on 3D‐NF‐GS showed less focal adhesions for phospho‐paxillin and vinculin, and the integrin β1 was difficult to detect after the first 5 days. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression on the 3D‐NF‐GS was present mainly in the cell cytoplasm at 5 days and inside secretory vesicles at 2 weeks, whereas most of the BSP on the 2D gelatin substrates was concentrated either in cell interface toward the periphery or at focal adhesion sites. Confocal images showed that osteoblasts were able to migrate throughout the 3D matrix within 5 days. By 14 days, osteoblasts were organized as nodular aggregations inside the scaffold pores and a large amount of collagen and other cell secretions covered and remodeled the surfaces of the 3D‐NF‐GS. These nodules were mineralized and were uniformly distributed inside the entire 3D‐NF‐GS after being cultured for 2 weeks. Taken together, these results give insight into osteoblast‐matrix interactions in biomimetic nanofibrous 3D scaffolds and will guide the development of optimal scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3029–3041, 2012.
Structural characterization, mechanical properties, and in vitro cytocompatibility evaluation of fibrous polycarbonate urethane membranes for biomedical applications
Authors: Arjun G. N. , Ramesh P. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis paper reports the electrospinning of a series of oxidatively stable polycarbonate urethanes (PCU) [carbothane (ECT), bionate (EBN), and chronoflex (ECF)] using N,N‐dimethyl formamide and tetrahydrofuran as the mixed solvent. The nonwoven membranes were characterized for their structure, performance, and compatibility with cells. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to study the structural morphology and fiber diameter. Microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) was used to characterize the 3D architecture, pore size distribution, and percentage porosity. All the membranes displayed a porous architecture with average fiber diameter in the range of 1.5–2 μm. Static mechanical tests on the membranes revealed that the tensile strength was greater than 7 MPa and the dynamic mechanical tests showed that the average storage modulus (Ei) is 2 MPa at 37°C. PCU membranes were subjected to accelerated in vitro degradation for 90 days in 20% hydrogen peroxide/0.1M cobalt chloride solution. Mechanical characterization of the membranes postdegradation confirmed a 64% reduction in tensile strength for EBN at the end of 90 days where as ECF and ECT did not show any significant mechanical property deterioration in the oxidative medium. Cytotoxicity of the membranes was evaluated using L929 fibroblast cells and the results indicated that all the PCU membranes were cytocompatible and showed good adherence to L929 cells. Accordingly, these results highlight the potential of these fibrous PCU membranes for biomedical applications but further in vivo correlation studies are required for better understanding of the biodegradation and biological efficacy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3042–3050, 2012.
A tissue‐engineered aneurysm model for evaluation of endovascular devices
Authors: Touroo Jeremy S. , Williams Stuart K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractEndovascular stent grafts used for treatment of arterial aneurysms require preclinical testing for investigation of biological responses following implantation. The preclinical evaluation process related to the safety and efficacy of these devices is limited by the absence of an in vitro aneurysmal blood vessel equivalent capable of providing high‐throughput, cost‐effective assessments. With this in mind, the focus of this work was to develop an aneurysm model consisting of human blood vessel cells. To create aneurysmal scaffolds, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts were dilated utilizing an angioplasty balloon. Stromal vascular fraction cells isolated from human adipose tissue were integrated with the scaffolds, and luminal flow of nutrient medium was executed for 14 days in a vascular bioreactor. Following bioreactor perfusion, histology verified that a neointimal lining of human tissue had formed. Immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy revealed a flow‐contacting layer of smooth muscle cells, characterizing the model as a representation of neointimal formation in an injured or diseased vessel. This study has demonstrated the engineering of a vascular construct containing an aneurysmal dilation. A tissue‐engineered aneurysm model could provide an alternative to current nonbiological in vitro aneurysm models and serve as a practical tool in the progression of new devices toward in vivo studies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3189–3196, 2012.
The impact of grafted modification of silicone surfaces with quantum‐sized materials on protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion
Authors: Nune C. , Xu W. , Misra R. D. K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe majority of the infections associated with the biomedical devices including cardiovascular implants and catheters are instigated by the adhesion of bacteria including staphylococcus aureus, which is subsequently followed by biofilm formation. Keeping in mind the detrimental effect of bacterial adhesion, the objective of the study is to probe the impact of grafted modification of silicone surfaces with quantum‐sized carbon on biofilm formation. Also, explored is the effect of protein adsorption on modified surface and its subsequent influence on bacterial adhesion. We compare and contrast the architecture and foot print of protein adsorption on unmodified and modified model silicone surfaces on bacterial adhesion. The study underscores that protein adsorption on quantum‐sized carbon‐grafted surface acts as a repellant for bacterial adhesion because of steric repulsion between the negatively charged protein and bacteria. Thus, we establish here the efficacy of modified surfaces in preventing biofilm formation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:100A: 3197–3204, 2012.
Autophagy: A new player in skeletal maintenance?
Authors: Hocking Lynne J , Whitehouse Caroline , Helfrich Miep H 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Imbalances between bone resorption and formation lie at the root of disorders such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone (PDB), and osteopetrosis. Recently, genetic and functional studies have implicated proteins involved in autophagic protein degradation as important mediators of bone cell function in normal physiology and in pathology. Autophagy is the conserved process whereby aggregated proteins, intracellular pathogens, and damaged organelles are degraded and recycled. This process is important both for normal cellular quality control and in response to environmental or internal stressors, particularly in terminally-differentiated cells. Autophagic structures can also act as hubs for the spatial organization of recycling and synthetic process in secretory cells. Alterations to autophagy (reduction, hyperactivation, or impairment) are associated with a number of disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers, and are now being implicated in maintenance of skeletal homoeostasis. Here, we introduce the topic of autophagy, describe the new findings that are starting to emerge from the bone field, and consider the therapeutic potential of modifying this pathway for the treatment of age-related bone disorders. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Active delivery cable tuned to device deployment state: Enhanced visibility of nitinol occluders during preclinical interventional MRI
Authors: Bell Jamie A. , Saikus Christina E. , Ratnayaka Kanishka , Barbash Israel M. , Faranesh Anthony Z. , Franson Dominique N. , Sonmez Merdim , Slack Michael C. , Lederman Robert J. , Kocaturk Ozgur 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPurpose:To develop an active delivery system that enhances visualization of nitinol cardiac occluder devices during deployment under real‐time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and Methods:We constructed an active delivery cable incorporating a loopless antenna and a custom titanium microscrew to secure the occluder devices. The delivery cable was tuned and matched to 50Ω at 64 MHz with the occluder device attached. We used real‐time balanced steady state free precession in a wide‐bore 1.5T scanner. Device‐related images were reconstructed separately and combined with surface‐coil images. The delivery cable was tested in vitro in a phantom and in vivo in swine using a variety of nitinol cardiac occluder devices.Results:In vitro, the active delivery cable provided little signal when the occluder device was detached and maximal signal with the device attached. In vivo, signal from the active delivery cable enabled clear visualization of occluder device during positioning and deployment. Device release resulted in decreased signal from the active cable. Postmortem examination confirmed proper device placement.Conclusion:The active delivery cable enhanced the MRI depiction of nitinol cardiac occluder devices during positioning and deployment, both in conventional and novel applications. We expect enhanced visibility to contribute to the effectiveness and safety of new and emerging MRI‐guided treatments. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:972–978. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of molecularly imprinted hydrogel for the preparation of lactose‐free milk
Authors: Hadizadeh Farzin , Hassanpour Moghadam Maryam , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: A variety of lactose imprinted hydrogels were prepared and their binding properties were studied in comparison with blank non‐imprinted hydrogel. Methacrylamide and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were used as functional monomer and cross‐linker, respectively. Dimethylsulfoxide was also applied as polymerisation solvent.RESULTS: Different template/monomer ratios were studied and the optimised imprinted hydrogel (MIP2), with a lactose/methacrylamide ratio of 1:8, was selected in a rebinding test. In Scatchard analysis of MIP2‐lactose interactions, the dissociation constant and maximum binding sites were 0.33 mmol L−1 and 67.76 µmol g−1 hydrogel, respectively. The selectivity of MIP2 for lactose in aqueous media was also evaluated in comparison with different mono‐ and disaccharides. The data showed that the affinity of MIP2 for lactose is significantly higher than other saccharides. The imprinted hydrogel was finally used as a sorbent for separation of lactose from milk.CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that MIP2, as an optimised imprinted hydrogel, can effectively bind lactose and decrease its concentration in milk. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary saturated fatty acids prime the NLRP3 inflammasome via TLR4 in dendritic cells—implications for diet‐induced insulin resistance
Authors: Reynolds Clare M. , McGillicuddy Fiona C. , Harford Karen A. , Finucane Orla M. , Mills Kingston H. G. , Roche Helen M. 
Published: June 2012

ScopeInflammasome‐mediated inflammation is a critical regulator of obesity‐induced insulin resistance (IR). We hypothesized that saturated fatty acids (SFA) directly prime the NLRP3 inflammasome via TLR4 concurrent with IR. We focused on dendritic cells (DCs) (CD11c+CD11b+F4/80−), which are recruited into obese adipose tissue following high‐fat diet (HFD) challenge and are a key cell in inflammasome biology.Methods and resultsC57BL/6 mice were fed HFD for 16 weeks (45% kcal palm oil), glucose homeostasis was monitored by glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were isolated from adipose and analyzed for CD11c+CD11b+F480− DC. Following coculture with bone marrow derived DC (BMDC) insulin‐stimulated 3H‐glucose transport into adipocytes, IL‐1β secretion and caspase‐1 activation was monitored. BMDCs primed with LPS (100 ng/mL), linoleic acid (LA; 200 μM), or palmitic acid (PA; 200 μM) were used to monitor inflammasome activation. We demonstrated significant infiltration of DCs into adipose after HFD. HFD‐derived DCs reduce adipocyte insulin sensitivity upon coculture co‐incident with enhanced adipocyte caspase‐1 activation/IL‐1β secretion. HFD‐derived DCs are skewed toward a pro‐inflammatory phenotype with increased IL‐1β secretion, IL‐1R1, TLR4, and caspase‐1 expression. Complementary in vitro experiments demonstrate that TLR4 is critical in propagating SFA‐mediated inflammasome activation.ConclusionSFA represent metabolic triggers priming the inflammasome, promoting adipocyte inflammation/IR, suggesting direct effects of SFA on inflammasome activation via TLR4.
Partial Fourier transform reconstruction for single‐shot MRI with linear frequency‐swept excitation
Authors: Chen Ying , Li Jing , Qu Xiaobo , Chen Lin , Cai Congbo , Cai Shuhui , Zhong Jianhui , Chen Zhong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel image encoding approach based on linear frequency‐swept excitation has been recently proposed to overcome artifacts induced by various field perturbations in single‐shot echo planar imaging. In this article, we develop a new super‐resolved reconstruction method for it using the concepts of local k‐space and partial Fourier transform. This method is superior to the originally developed conjugate gradient algorithm in convenience, image quality, and stability of solution. Reduced field‐of‐view is applied to the phase encoding direction to further enhance the spatial resolution and field perturbation immunity of the image obtained. Effectiveness of this new combined reconstruction method is demonstrated with a series of experiments on biological samples. Two single‐shot sequences with different encoding features are tested. The results show that this reconstruction method maintains excellent field perturbation immunity and improves fidelity of the images. In vivo experiments on rat indicate that this solution is favorable for ultrafast imaging applications in which severe susceptibility heterogeneities around the tissue–air or tissue–bone interfaces, motion and oblique plane effects usually compromise the echo planar imaging image quality. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pediatric brainstem gangliogliomas show overexpression of neuropeptide prepronociceptin (PNOC) by microarray and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Chan Michael H. , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters B.K. , Donson Andrew M. , Birks Diane K. , Foreman Nicholas K. , Rush Sarah Z. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundGangliogliomas (GGs) primary to brainstem are rare, with the overwhelming majority of GGs occurring in supratentorial, especially temporal lobe, locations. A less favorable prognosis exists for brainstem GGs, despite their usually identical WHO grade I status. Few large clinical series, and limited biological information, exists on these tumors, especially gene expression.ProcedureSeven pediatric brainstem GGs, all with classic histological features, seen at our institution since 2000 were identified. Frozen section material was available for gene expression microarray profiling from five of seven brainstem GGs and compared with that from three non‐brainstem pediatric GGs.ResultsSignificant upregulation of a number of genes was identified, most of which were involved in pathways of neural signaling, embryonic development, and pattern specification in pediatric brainstem GGs compared to non‐brainstem. The single largest upregulated gene was a 256‐fold increase in the expression of the neuropeptide prepronociceptin (PNOC); the protein product of this gene has been implicated in neuronal growth. Overexpression was validated by Western blot and by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Strong IHC expression of PNOC was seen in neoplastic neurons of 7/7 brainstem GGs, but was significantly weaker in non‐brainstem GGs, and completely negative in normal pediatric autopsy brainstem controls.ConclusionsPNOC IHC was often superior to IHC for NeuN, synaptophysin, or neurofilament for highlighting neoplastic neurons. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1173–1179. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimisation of an Ultrasound‐assisted Extraction Followed by RP‐HPLC Separation for the Simultaneous Determination of Oleanolic Acid, Ursolic Acid and Oridonin Content in Rabdosia rubescens
Authors: Yang Yu‐Chiao , Wei Ming‐Chi , Huang Ting‐Chia 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionRabdosia rubescens is a commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine and contains diterpenoids, triterpenoids and various other compounds. Among these components, oridonin, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid have gained considerable interest concerning anti‐cancer activities. However, there is no suitable currently available method for the simultaneous evaluation of these three bioactive compounds in R. rubescens.ObjectiveTo develop an optimised ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) method and an efficient HPLC method for the simultaneous evaluation of the three bioactive compounds in R. rubescens.MethodologyVarious parameters that can potentially affect the UAE process were investigated and optimised. HPLC operating conditions were also optimised, and the chromatographic separation was performed on a C18‐column with an acetonitrile–water gradient as the mobile phase.ResultsValidation of the HPLC technique developed showed that the method has good linearity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy. The combined UAE–HPLC method was applied to quantitate the amount of oridonin, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid in the plant sample and exhibited good repeatability (RSD (%) < 3.9), reproducibility (RSD (%) < 5.9), stability (RE (%) < 1.4) and recovery (mean (%) > 92.4). Furthermore, the combined UAE–HPLC method was applied successfully to the extraction and determination of oridonin, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid content in samples obtained from different geographical regions, which is the first time that this comparison has been investigated.ConclusionThe combined UAE–HPLC process is a fast, convenient and appropriate method for the quantitative analysis of these three compounds in R. rubescens. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative NMR: An Applicable Method for Quantitative Analysis of Medicinal Plant Extracts and Herbal Products
Authors: Chauthe Siddheshwar K. , Sharma Ram Jee , Aqil Farrukh , Gupta Ramesh C. , Singh Inder Pal 
Published: June 2012

IntroductionQuantitative analysis and standardisation of plant extracts or herbal products is a tedious process requiring time‐consuming sample preparation and analytical method development for the resolution of analyte peaks from the complex natural extract. Quantitative analysis by HPLC requires a pure authentic standard of the compound being quantified. We report here a quantitative NMR (qNMR) method for quantitative analysis of three medicinal plant extracts and their herbal products without the need of authentic standards. Quantitation can be done by using any commercially available pure sample as an internal reference standard.ObjectiveTo develop a reliable method for standardisation and quantitative analysis of extracts from medicinal plants Eugenia jambolana, Withania somnifera and Aegle marmelos and their herbal products using qNMR.MethodologyThe 1H‐NMR spectra of known amounts of crude plant extracts with internal standards were recorded in deuterated solvents and quantitation was performed by calculating the relative ratio of the peak area of selected proton signals of the target compounds and the internal reference standard. Anthocyanins [delphinidin‐3,5‐diglucoside (1), petunidin‐3,5‐diglucoside (2) and malvidin‐3,5‐diglucoside (3)] for E. jambolana fruit extract and imperatorin (4) for A. marmelos fruit extract were selected as marker constituents for quantitation and 1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene (TMB) was used as an internal reference standard. Total withanolide content was determined for W. somnifera using 2,4‐diformyl phloroglucinol as an internal reference standard.ResultsThe 1H‐NMR gave a linear response for the marker constituents, anthocyanins, withaferin A and imperatorin. Using the described method, the amount of anthocyanins in AmberliteRXAD7HP and Sephadex enriched extracts of E. jambolana was 3.77% and 9.57% (delphinidin‐3,5‐diglucoside), 4.72% and 12.0% (petunidin‐3,5‐diglucoside), 6.55% and 15.70% (malvidin‐3,5‐diglucoside), respectively. The imperatorin content was 0.424% in A. marmelos fruit and 0.090 % and 0.114% in sharbat and candies. Total withanolides content was 0.191% in the chloroform extract and 0.234% in the capsule extract. These values are in accordance with HPLC results.ConclusionThis qNMR technique could be used for NMR fingerprinting and quantitation for the purpose of quality control and standardisation of many plant‐based herbal products and medicines and has certain advantages over HPLC. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A SWOT Analysis of the Physiotherapy Profession in Kuwait
Authors: MacPherson Meghan M. , MacArthur Lauren , Jadan Patrick , Glassman Leah , Bouzubar Fawzi F. , Hamdan Elham , Landry Michel D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground and PurposeSince the end of the Gulf War in 1991, Kuwait has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world and one that has a highly socialized health‐care system. This rapid growth and socio‐economic development appears to have had a negative impact on the health of its people. As such, the profession of physiotherapy may be in a unique position to address this issue by providing health behaviour interventions and promoting healthy lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to explore the current state of physiotherapy in Kuwait and provide recommendations for future development and growth.MethodUsing a qualitative research approach, we conducted 17 key informant interviews (clinicians, administrators and other key stakeholders) in Kuwait. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats framework was then used to categorize the emerging themes and provide a basis for a strategic direction for the profession.ResultsInformants reported that strengths included funding for services and motivation of professionals. Weaknesses included education and professional resources, marketing/advocacy, standardization and regulation of practice. Opportunities discussed were untapped demand for physiotherapy services, internal development and evolution of the physiotherapy association, along with professional collaboration. Threats addressed included low public awareness of physiotherapy, challenges with inter‐professional practice/communication, and cultural perspectives of healthy lifestyles.ConclusionsOur research indicates that many unique opportunities exist for physiotherapists in Kuwait. Further development and evolution of Kuwait's physiotherapy professional association could facilitate efforts to advocate for the profession, initiate standards of practice and provide enhanced opportunities for professional collaboration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.