bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Monodispersed Cu Nanoparticles by Microwave-Assisted Alcohol Reduction
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Tsukahara Yasunori , Sakata Takao , Mori Hirotaro , Kanbe Yumi , Bessho Hisami , Wada Yuji 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Copper (Cu) nanoparticles were prepared via a microwave-assisted alcohol reduction process. We have succeeded in selectively preparing monodispersed Cu nanoparticles with or without surface plasmon absorption. Monodispersed Cu nanoparticles with average sizes of 5–6 nm (with the surface plasmon absorption) and 2–3 nm (without the surface plasmon absorption) were prepared using copper(II) octanoate and copper(II) myristate, respectively, as the copper precursors by reduction with alcohols under microwave-heating at 443 K for 20 min. Noteworthy, Cu2O and CuO were not observed in the electron diffraction patterns of the prepared Cu nanoparticles, demonstrating chemical stability of the nanoparticles against oxidation in air. When using a long-chain carboxylate as an organic moiety bearing a short alkyl chain (copper(II) octanoate), the rate of the reduction was faster than long one (copper(II) myristate). The activation energies for the reduction of Cu2+ using copper(II) octanoate and copper(II) myristate were estimated to be 115 and 124 kJ mol−1, respectively. We have shown that the length of the alkyl chain contained in the copper precursors, heating temperature, and microwave-irradiation time are important for rapidly preparing monodispersed Cu nanoparticles.
An IGF-I gene polymorphism modifies the risk of developing persistent microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hovind Peter , Lamberts Steven , Hop Wim , Deinum Jaap , Tarnow Lise , Parving Hans-Henrik , Janssen Joop A M J L 
Published: January 2007

Objective: Derangements of the GH–IGF-I axis have been associated with microalbuminuria (MA) in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anIGF-Igene promoter polymorphism influenced the development of persistent MA in type 1 diabetes.Design: A prospective follow-up study of a cohort of 277 patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes consecutively enrolled between September 1979 and August 1984.Methods: Urinary albumin excretion rate over 24 h was measured in each patient at least once a year. Persistent MA was defined as a urinary albumin excretion rate between 30 and 300 mg/24 h.Results: During a median follow-up of 18.0 years (range 1.0–21.5), 79 of 277 patients developed persistent MA.IGF-Igene genotype was available for 216 subjects; in 73% of the subjects, the wild-type genotype of this IGF-I gene polymorphism was present, while 27% had the variant type. At baseline, there were no differences in IGF-I levels and HbA1cvalues between subjects with the wild type and subjects with variant type. By Kaplan–Meier analysis, subjects with the variant type of this polymorphism had during follow-up a higher risk of development of MA compared subjects with the wild type (P= 0.03).Conclusions: Subjects with the variant type of anIGF-Igene polymorphism had a significantly increased risk of developing MA. This risk was not mediated through changes in circulating IGF-I levels. Our study suggests that in type 1 diabetes, thisIGF-Igene polymorphism is a risk factor of MA.
Bone mineral density and hip structural analysis in type 1 diabetic men
Authors: Miazgowski Tomasz , Pynka Slawomir , Noworyta-Ziętara Marzena , Krzyzanowska-Świniarska Barbara , Pikul Robert 
Published: January 2007

Objective: The risk of non-vertebral fractures is increased in men with type 1 diabetes (DM1) but studies have shown only moderately decreased or normal bone mineral density (BMD) in these patients. No previous studies have evaluated hip strength and geometry indices in DM1 patients. This study was therefore designed to characterize associations between BMD, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based hip strength indices, metabolic control, and DM1chronic complications.Design and methods: The study was performed on 36 males aged 43.6 ± 5.1 years with long-lasting DM1 and 36 healthy males matched for age, weight, and height. BMD in lumbar spine, total hip, upper and lower part of the femoral neck, hip axis length, cross-sectional area and moment of inertia (CSMI), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured.Results: DM1 men had decreased spine BMD (P< 0.05) and normal total hip BMD in comparison with controls. Hip geometry and strength indices were comparable in both groups. However, M1 men had decreased CSMI and upper femur BMD but these differences did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.06). BMD changes and hip strength parameters did not correlate with HbA1c.Conclusions: Middle-aged DM1 men have decreased lumbar spine BMD, normal hip BMD and normal hip strength indices. These changes are not influenced by metabolic control and presence of chronic microvascular complications.
Ten-year GH replacement increases bone mineral density in hypopituitary patients with adult onset GH deficiency
Authors: Götherström G , Bengtsson B-Å , Bosæus I , Johannsson G , Svensson J 
Published: January 2007

There are few studies that have determined the effects of long-term GH replacement on bone mineral density (BMD) in GH-deficient (GHD) adults. In this study, the effects of 10 years of GH replacement on BMD were assessed in 87 GHD adults using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The results show that GH replacement induced a sustained increase in BMD at all the skeletal sites measured.
Introduction: Little is known of the effect of more than 5 years of GH replacement therapy on bone metabolism in GHD adults.
Patients and methods: In this prospective, open-label, single-center study, which included 87 consecutive adults (52 men and 35 women; mean age of 44.1 (range 22–74) years) with adulthood onset GHD, the effect of 10 years of GH replacement on BMD was determined.
Results: The mean initial dose of GH was 0.98 mg/day. The dose was gradually lowered and after 10 years the mean dose was 0.47 mg/day. The mean insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) SDS increased from 1.81 at baseline to 1.29 at study end. The GH replacement induced a sustained increase in total, lumbar (L2–L4) and femur neck BMD, and bone mineral content (BMC) as measured by DEXA. The treatment response in IGF-I SDS was more marked in men, whereas women had a more marked increase in the total body BMC and the total body z-score. There was a tendency for women on estrogen treatment to have a larger increase in bone mass and density compared with women without estrogen replacement.
Conclusions: Ten years of GH replacement in hypopituitary adults induced a sustained, and in some variables even a progressive, increase in bone mass and bone density. The study results also suggest that adequate estrogen replacement is needed in order to have an optimal response in BMD in GHD women.
Biochemical severity of thyroid ectopia in congenital hypothyroidism demonstrates sexual dimorphism
Authors: Ng S M , Wong S C , Isherwood D M , Didi M 
Published: January 2007

Background: A recent study suggested that sexual dimorphism affects initial thyroid function in congenital hypothyroidism (CH) but differs according to aetiology of CH.
Aims: To determine if sexual dimorphism was associated with biochemical severity of CH and its aetiology in our large British population.
Methods: We examined retrospectively the initial thyroid function tests of 140 infants diagnosed with CH from screening. All infants underwent Tc-pertechnetate radionuclide scans at diagnosis to establish the aetiology of CH prior to commencement of treatment. Patients were classified into athyreosis, ectopia and presumed dyshormonogenesis on the basis of thyroid scans. A comparison of males and females were made within the three aetiological groups for gestational age, birth weight, initial dose of levothyroxine (LT4), screening TSH, confirmatory plasma thyroxine (T4), confirmatory plasma TSH and age of TSH suppression.
Results: There was no significant difference between sexes for gestation, birth weight and initial treatment dose in all aetiological subgroups. In thyroid ectopia, screening TSH and confirmatory plasma TSH were significantly higher in females compared with males (P < 0.01), while confirmatory plasma T4 were significantly lower in females (P < 0.05). No difference was detected between males and females in athyreosis and dyshormonogenesis subgroups for screening TSH, confirmatory plasma TSH and total T4.
Conclusion: Sexual dimorphism influenced the biochemical severity of thyroid ectopia in congenital hypothyroidism in our British population. However, this effect was not apparent in patients with athyreosis or dyshormonogenesis. Further advances in the molecular genetics of CH are essential to evaluate this phenomenon further.
Increased preoperative glucose levels are associated with perioperative mortality in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonvascular surgery
Authors: Noordzij Peter G , Boersma Eric , Schreiner Frodo , Kertai Miklos D , Feringa Harm H H , Dunkelgrun Martin , Bax Jeroen J , Klein Jan , Poldermans Don 
Published: January 2007

Objective: To determine the relationship between preoperative glucose levels and perioperative mortality in noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.
Research design and methods: We performed a case–control study in a cohort of 108 593 patients who underwent noncardiac surgery at the Erasmus MC during 1991–2001. Cases were 989 patients who underwent elective noncardiac, nonvascular surgery and died within 30 days during hospital stay. From the remaining patients, 1879 matched controls (age, sex, calendar year, and type of surgery) were selected. Information was obtained regarding the presence of cardiac risk factors, medication, and preoperative laboratory results. Preoperative random glucose levels <5.6 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) were normal. Impaired glucose levels in the range of 5.6–11.1 mmol/l were prediabetes. Glucose levels ≥11.1 mmol/l (200 mg/dl) were diabetes.
Results: Preoperative glucose levels were available in 904 cases and 1247 controls. A cardiovascular complication was the primary cause of death in 207 (23%) cases. Prediabetes glucose levels were associated with a 1.7-fold increased mortality risk compared with normoglycemic levels (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.7 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–2.1; P<0.001). Diabetes glucose levels were associated with a 2.1-fold increased risk (adjusted OR 2.1 and 95% CI 1.3–3.5; P<0.001). In cases with cardiovascular death, prediabetes glucose levels had a threefold increased cardiovascular mortality risk (adjusted OR 3.0 and 95% CI 1.7–5.1) and diabetes glucose levels had a fourfold increased cardiovascular mortality risk (OR 4.0 and 95% CI 1.3–12).
Conclusions: Preoperative hyperglycemia is associated with increased (cardiovascular) mortality in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.
Gamma knife radiosurgery is a successful adjunctive treatment in Cushing’s disease
Authors: Castinetti F , Nagai M , Dufour H , Kuhn J-M , Morange I , Jaquet P , Conte-Devolx B , Regis J , Brue T 
Published: January 2007

Objective: Though transsphenoidal surgery remains the first-line treatment of Cushing’s disease, recurrence occurs frequently. Conventional radiotherapy and anticortisolic drugs both have adverse effects. Stereotactic radiosurgery needs to be evaluated more precisely. The aim of this study was to determine long-term hormonal effects and tolerance of gamma knife (GK) radiosurgery in Cushing’s disease.
Design: Forty patients with Cushing’s disease treated by GK were prospectively studied over a decade, with a mean follow-up of 54.7 months. Eleven of them were treated with GK as a primary treatment.
Methods: Radiosurgery was performed at the Department of Functional Neurosurgery of Marseille, France, using the Leksell Gamma Unit B and C models. Median margin dose was 29.5 Gy. Patients were considered in remission if they had normalized 24-h free urinary cortisol and suppression of plasma cortisol after low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Results: Seventeen patients (42.5%) were in remission after a mean of 22 months (range 12–48 months). The two groups did not differ in terms of initial hormonal levels. Target volume was significantly higher in uncured than in remission group (909.8 vs 443 mm3, P = 0.038). We found a significant difference between patients who were on or off anticortisolic drugs at the time of GK (20 vs 48% patients in remission respectively, P = 0.02).
Conclusion: With 42% of patients in remission after a median follow-up of 54 months, GK stereotactic radiosurgery, especially as an adjunctive treatment to surgery, may represent an alternative to other therapeutic options in view of their adverse effects.
Treatment of Graves’ disease and associated ophthalmopathy with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab: an open study
Authors: Salvi Mario , Vannucchi Guia , Campi Irene , Currò Nicola , Dazzi Davide , Simonetta Simona , Bonara Paola , Rossi Stefania , Sina Clara , Guastella Claudio , Ratiglia Roberto , Beck-Peccoz Paolo 
Published: January 2007

Introduction: Hyperthyroid Graves’ disease (GD) is a B-cell-mediated condition caused by TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), which decline when GD remits. Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) induces transient B-cell depletion that may potentially modify the active inflammatory phase of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
Methods: Nine patients with GD, (seven with active TAO, two with mild lid signs) were studied. The trial was only approved as an open pilot study; thus we compared the effect of RTX therapy to that of i.v. glucocorticoids (IVGC) in 20 consecutive patients. Patients were treated with RTX (1000 mg i.v. twice at 2-week interval) or with IVGC (500 mg i.v. for 16 weeks). TAO was assessed by the clinical activity score (CAS) and severity was classified using NOSPECS (No signs or symptoms; Only signs (lid); Soft tissue involvement; Proptosis, Extraocular muscle involvement; Corneal involvement; Sight loss). Thyroid function and lymphocyte count were measured by standardized methods.
Results: All patients attained peripheral B-cell depletion with the first RTX infusion. Minor side effects were reported in three patients. Thyroid function was not affected by RTX therapy and hyperthyroid patients required therapy with methimazole. After RTX, the changes in the levels of thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroperoxidase antibodies and TRAb were neither significant nor correlated with CD20+ depletion (P = NS). CAS values before RTX were 4.7 ± 0.5 and decreased to 1.8 ± 0.8 at the end of follow-up (P < 0.0001) and more significantly compared with IVGC (P < 0.05). Proptosis decreased significantly after RTX both in patients with active TAO (ANOVA; P < 0.0001) and those with lid signs (ANOVA; P < 0.003). The degree of inflammation (class 2) decreased significantly in response to RTX (ANOVA; P < 0.001). Relapse of active TAO was not observed in patients treated with RTX, but occurred in 10% of those treated with IVGC, who also experienced adverse effects more frequently (45 vs 33% of patients).
Conclusions: RTX positively affects the clinical course of TAO, independently of either thyroid function or circulating antithyroid antibodies, including TRAb. If our findings are confirmed in large controlled studies, RTX may represent a useful therapeutic tool in patients with active TAO.
Two Distinct Stem Cell Lineages in Murine Bone Marrow
Authors: Koide Yoko , Morikawa Satoru , Mabuchi Yo , Muguruma Yukari , Hiratsu Emi , Hasegawa Kohji , Kobayashi Makoto , Ando Kiyoshi , Kinjo Kentaro , Okano Hideyuki , Matsuzaki Yumi 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), a distinct type of adult stem cell, are easy to isolate, culture, and manipulate in ex vivo culture. These cells have great plasticity and potential for therapeutic application, but their properties are poorly understood because of their low frequency and the lack of knowledge on cell surface markers and their location of origin. The present study was designed to address the undefined lineage relationship of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. Genetically marked, highly purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were transplanted into wild-type animals and, after bone marrow repopulation, the progeny were rigorously investigated for differentiation potential into mesenchymal tissues by analyzing in vitro differentiation into mesenchymal tissues. None/very little of the hematopoietic cells contributed to colony-forming units fibroblast activity and mesenchymal cell differentiation; however, unfractionated bone marrow cells resulted in extensive replacement of not only hematopoietic cells but also mesenchymal cells, including MSCs. As a result, we concluded that purified HSCs have no significant potency to differentiate into mesenchymal lineage. The data strongly suggest that hematopoietic cells and mesenchymal lineage cells are derived from individual lineage-specific stem cells. In addition, we succeeded in visualizing mesenchymal lineage cells using in vivo microimaging and immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometric analysis revealed CD140b (PDGFRβ) could be a specific marker for mesenchymal lineage cells. The results may reinforce the urgent need for a more comprehensive view of the mesenchymal stem cell identity and characteristics.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Effects of Culture Conditions and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 on Extent of Chondrogenesis from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Toh Wei Seong , Yang Zheng , Liu Hua , Heng Boon Chin , Lee Eng Hin , Cao Tong 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The study of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can provide invaluable insights into the development of numerous human cell and tissue types in vitro. In this study, we addressed the potential of hESCs to undergo chondrogenesis and demonstrated the potential of hESC-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) to undergo a well-defined full-span chondrogenesis from chondrogenic induction to hypertrophic maturation. We compared chondrogenic differentiation of hESCs through EB direct-plating outgrowth system and EB-derived high-density micromass systems under defined serumfree chondrogenic conditions and demonstrated that cell-tocell contact and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) treatment enhanced chondrocyte differentiation, resulting in the formation of cartilaginous matrix rich in collagens and proteoglycans. Provision of a high-density three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment at the beginning of differentiation is critical in driving chondrogenesis because increasing EB seeding numbers in the EB-outgrowth system was unable to enhance chondrogenesis. Temporal order of chondrogenic differentiation and hypertrophic maturation indicated by the gene expression profiles of Col 1, Col 2, and Col 10, and the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, proteoglycans, and collagen II and X demonstrated that the in vivo progression of chondrocyte maturation is recapitulated in the hESC-derived EB model system established in this study. Furthermore, we also showed that BMP2 can influence EB differentiation to multiple cell fates, including that of extraembryonic endodermal and mesenchymal lineages in the EB-outgrowth system, but was more committed to driving the chondrogenic cell fate in the EB micromass system. Overall, our findings provide a potential 3D model system using hESCs to delineate gene function in lineage commitment and restriction of chondrogenesis during embryonic cartilage development.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
A Population of Myogenic Stem Cells That Survives Skeletal Muscle Aging
Authors: Collins Charlotte A. , Zammit Peter S. , Ruiz Ana Pérez , Morgan Jennifer E. , Partridge Terence A. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Age-related decline in integrity and function of differentiated adult tissues is widely attributed to reduction in number or regenerative potential of resident stem cells. The satellite cell, resident beneath the basal lamina of skeletal muscle myofibers, is the principal myogenic stem cell. Here we have explored the capacity of satellite cells within aged mouse muscle to regenerate skeletal muscle and to self-renew using isolated myofibers in tissue culture and in vivo. Satellite cells expressing Pax7 were depleted from aged muscles, and when aged myofibers were placed in culture, satellite cell myogenic progression resulted in apoptosis and fewer total differentiated progeny. However, a minority of cultured aged satellite cells generated large clusters of progeny containing both differentiated cells and new cells of a quiescent satellite-cell-like phenotype characteristic of self-renewal. Parallel in vivo engraftment assays showed that, despite the reduction in Pax7+ cells, the satellite cell population associated with individual aged myofibers could regenerate muscle and self-renew as effectively as the larger population of satellite cells associated with young myofibers. We conclude that a minority of satellite cells is responsible for adult muscle regeneration, and that these stem cells survive the effects of aging to retain their intrinsic potential throughout life. Thus, the effectiveness of stem-cell-mediated muscle regeneration is determined by both extrinsic environmental influences and diversity in intrinsic potential of the stem cells themselves.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Long-Term Culture of Postnatal Mouse Hepatic Stem/Progenitor Cells and Their Relative Developmental Hierarchy
Authors: Tsuchiya Atsunori , Heike Toshio , Baba Shiro , Fujino Hisanori , Umeda Katsutsugu , Matsuda Yasunobu , Nomoto Minoru , Ichida Takafumi , Aoyagi Yutaka , Nakahata Tatsutoshi 
Published: January 2007

AbstractFew studies on the long-term culture of postnatal mouse hepatic stem/progenitor cells have been reported. We successfully adapted a serum-free culture system that we employed previously to expand fetal mouse hepatic stem/progenitor cells and maintained them in culture over long periods. The expanded postnatal cells contained immature α-fetoprotein-positive cells along with hepatocytic and cholangiocytic lineage-committed cells. These cells expressed CD49f but not CD45, CD34, Thy-1, c-kit, CD31, or flk-1, and oncostatin M induced their differentiation. This heterogeneous population contained side population (SP) cells, which express the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG2, and sca-1+ cells. As mice aged, the frequency of SP and sca-1+ cells decreased along with the ability of cultured cells to expand. Approximately 20%–40% of the SP cells expressed sca-1, but only a few sca-1+ cells were also SP cells. Analysis of colonies derived from single SP or sca-1+ cells revealed that, although both cells had dual differentiation potential and self-renewal ability, SP cells formed colonies more efficiently and gave rise to SP and sca-1+ cells, whereas sca-1+ cells generated only sca-1+ progeny. Thus, SP cells are more characteristic of stem cells than are sca-1+ cells. In regenerating livers, ABCG2+ cells and sca-1+ cells were detected around or in the portal area (the putative hepatic stem cell niche). The expanded cells share many features of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells or oval cells and may be useful in determining the mechanisms whereby hepatic stem cells self-renew and differentiate.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.