bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of progesterone on oligodendrocyte progenitors, oligodendrocyte transcription factors, and myelin proteins following spinal cord injury
Authors: Labombarda Florencia , González Susana L. , Lima Analia , Roig Paulina , Guennoun Rachida , Schumacher Michael , de Nicola Alejandro F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractProgesterone is emerging as a myelinizing factor for central nervous system injury. Successful remyelination requires proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC) into myelinating oligodendrocytes, but this process is incomplete following injury. To study progesterone actions on remyelination, we administered progesterone (16 mg/kg/day) to rats with complete spinal cord injury. Rats were euthanized 3 or 21 days after steroid treatment. Short progesterone treatment (a) increased the number of OPC without effect on the injury‐induced reduction of mature oligodendrocytes, (b) increased mRNA and protein expression for the myelin basic protein (MBP) without effects on proteolipid protein (PLP) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), and (c) increased the mRNA for Olig2 and Nkx2.2 transcription factors involved in specification and differentiation of the oligodendrocyte lineage. Furthermore, long progesterone treatment (a) reduced OPC with a concomitant increase of oligodendrocytes; (b) promoted differentiation of cells that incorporated bromodeoxyuridine, early after injury, into mature oligodendrocytes; (c) increased mRNA and protein expression of PLP without effects on MBP or MOG; and (d) increased mRNA for the Olig1 transcription factor involved in myelin repair. These results suggest that early progesterone treatment enhanced the density of OPC and induced their differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes by increasing the expression of Olig2 and Nkx2.2. Twenty‐one days after injury, progesterone favors remyelination by increasing Olig1 (involved in repair of demyelinated lesions), PLP expression, and enhancing oligodendrocytes maturation. Thus, progesterone effects on oligodendrogenesis and myelin proteins may constitute fundamental steps for repairing traumatic injury inflicted to the spinal cord. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐antagonistic relationship between mitogenic factors and cAMP in adult Schwann cell re‐differentiation
Authors: Monje Paula V. , Rendon Sayuri , Athauda Gagani , Bates Margaret , Wood Patrick M. , Bunge Mary Bartlett 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe expression of myelination‐associated genes (MGs) can be induced by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) elevation in isolated Schwann cells (SCs). To further understand the effect of known SC mitogens in the regulation of SC differentiation, we studied the response of SCs isolated from adult nerves to combined cAMP, growth factors, including neuregulin, and serum. In adult SCs, the induction of MGs by cAMP coincided with the loss of genes expressed in non‐myelin‐forming SCs and with a change in cell morphology from a bipolar to an expanded epithelial‐like shape. Prolonged treatment with high doses of cAMP‐stimulating agents, as well as low cell density, was required for the induction of SC differentiation. Stimulation with serum, neuregulin alone, or other growth factors including PDGF, IGF and FGF, increased SC proliferation but did not induce the expression of MGs or the associated morphological change. Most importantly, when these factors were administered in combination with cAMP‐stimulating agents, SC proliferation was synergistically increased without reducing the differentiating activity of cAMP. Even though the initiation of DNA synthesis and the induction of differentiation were mostly incompatible events in individual cells, SCs were able to differentiate under conditions that also supported active proliferation. Overall, the results indicate that in the absence of neurons, cAMP can trigger SC re‐differentiation concurrently with, but independently of, growth factor signaling. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel biomimetic polymer scaffold design enhances bone ingrowth
Authors: Geffre Chris P. , Margolis David S. , Ruth John T. , DeYoung Donald W. , Tellis Brandi C. , Szivek John A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThere has been recent interest in treating large bone defects with polymer scaffolds because current modalities such as autographs and allographs have limitations. Additionally, polymer scaffolds are utilized in tissue engineering applications to implant and anchor tissues in place, promoting integration with surrounding native tissue. In both applications, rapid and increased bone growth is crucial to the success of the implant. Recent studies have shown that mimicking native bone tissue morphology leads to increased osteoblastic phenotype and more rapid mineralization. The purpose of this study was to compare bone ingrowth into polymer scaffolds created with a biomimetic porous architecture to those with a simple porous design. The biomimetic architecture was designed from the inverse structure of native trabecular bone and manufactured using solid free form fabrication. Histology and μCT analysis demonstrated a 500–600% increase in bone growth into and adjacent to the biomimetic scaffold at five months post‐op. This is in agreement with previous studies in which biomimetic approaches accelerated bone formation. It also supports the applicability of polymer scaffolds for the treatment of large tissue defects when implanting tissue‐engineering constructs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Controlled release of FGF‐2 using fragmin/protamine microparticles and effect on neovascularization
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Kishimoto Satoko , Nakamura Shin‐ichiro , Ohno Chizuko , Horio Takuya , Masanori Fujita , Hattori Hidemi , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Kiyosawa Tomoharu , Maehara Tadaaki , Ishihara Masayuki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWater‐insoluble fragmin/protamine microparticles of about 0.5–1 μm in diameter were prepared by simple mixing of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (fragmin) with protamine. We investigated the capability of these microparticles to immobilize fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2, to protect FGF‐2 against degradation, to enhance FGF‐2 activity, and to facilitate controlled release of FGF‐2. FGF‐2 bound to the fragmin/protamine microparticles with high affinity (Kd = 2.08 × 10−9 M) and the half‐life of FGF‐2‐activity was prolonged substantially through binding of FGF‐2 to the microparticles, by protection of FGF‐2 from inactivation by heat and proteolysis. After subcutaneous injection into the back of mice, the fragmin/protamine microparticles underwent biodegradation and disappeared in about 2 weeks. A similar injection of FGF‐2‐containing microparticles resulted in significant neovascularization and fibrous tissue formation near the injection site after 1 week. These results indicate that controlled release of biologically active FGF‐2 occurs through both slow diffusion and biodegradation of the microparticles, with subsequent induction of neovascularization. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Degradation studies on biodegradable nanocomposite based on polycaprolactone/polycarbonate (80:20%) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Raghunath Joanne , Georgiou George , Armitage David , Nazhat Showan N. , Sales Kevin M. , Butler Peter E. , Seifalian Alexander M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe development of biocompatible polymers has greatly advanced the field of tissue engineering. Some tissues can be propagated on a nondegradable scaffold. Tissue such as cartilage, however, is a complex tissue in which the chondrocytes require their own synthesized extracellular matrix (ECM) to function. Suitable scaffolds for tissue engineering cartilage should provide mechanical strength and degrade at a similar rate to that of cell growth and ECM production. We have developed a biodegradable nanocomposite based on polycaprolactone and polycarbonate polyurethane (PCU) with an incorporated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) (POSS modified Poly(caprolactone/carbonate) urethane/urea). Previous work on POSS incorporated into PCU (POSS‐PCU) has been shown to possess good mechanical strength, elasticity and resistance to degradation. This series of experiments involved exposing this polymer to a selection of accelerated degradative solutions for up to 8 weeks. The samples were analyzed by infra‐red spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray microanalysis, contact angle analysis, and stress‐strain mechanical analysis. Degradation of hard and soft segments of the nanocomposite was evident by infra‐red spectroscopy in all conditioned samples. POSS nanocage degradation was evident in some oxidative/peroxidative systems accompanied by gross changes in surface topography and significant changes in mechanical properties. The hydrophobic polymer became more hydrophilic in all conditions. This biodegradable nanocomposite demonstrated steady degradation with protection of mechanical properties when exposed to hydrolytic enzymes and plasma protein fractions and exhibited more dramatic degradation by oxidation.This pattern may be potentially employed in tissue engineering scaffolds where controlled degradation and retained structural stability of the scaffold is required. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Development and validation of a new figural drawing scale for body‐image assessment: the BIAS‐BD
Authors: Gardner Rick M. , Jappe Leah M. , Gardner Lisa 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study describes the development and validation of a new and improved body‐image assessment tool, the BIAS‐BD, based on known body dimensions. The scale's construction consisted of 17 male and 17 female contour‐line drawings that used known anthropometric body dimensions of shoulder, chest, waist, hip breadth, thigh breadth, and upper leg breadth. The figural drawings correspond to a series of body weights ranging from 60% below the known average to 140% above average. Differences between figural drawings represented a 5% change in body weight. Participants were 207 undergraduates, including 66 men and 141 women, who selected drawings that reflected their perceived size and their ideal size. Retesting occurred after a 2‐week interval and resulted in test–retest reliability values of r=.86 for actual perceived size, r=.72 for ideal size, and r=.76 for body dissatisfaction (p<.005). There were no significant differences in reliability values between genders. Mean differences in perceived size, ideal size, and body dissatisfaction between the two test administrations were small. Concurrent validity, measured as the correspondence between perceived and reported size, was r=.76 (p<.005). Participants slightly overestimated their perceived body size, with women overestimating significantly more. Unlike existing scales, the present scale uses figural drawings based on known body dimensions and has better reliability and validity. It avoids several problems inherent in existing scales, including scale coarseness, the presence of ethnic facial and body features, and the lack of documented reliability and validity values. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:113–122, 2009.
A meta‐analysis of the effects of internet‐ and computer‐based cognitive‐behavioral treatments for anxiety
Authors: Reger Mark A. , Gahm Gregory A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractInternet‐and computer‐based cognitive‐behavioral treatments have been introduced as novel approaches to deliver standard, quality treatment that may reduce barriers to care. The purpose of this review is to quantitatively summarize the literature examining the treatment effects of Internet‐ or computer‐based treatment (ICT) on anxiety. Nineteen randomized controlled ICT trials were identified and subjected to fixed and random effects meta‐analytic techniques. Weighted mean effect sizes (Cohen's d) showed that ICT was superior to waitlist and placebo assignment across outcome measures (ds=.49–1.14). The effects of ICT also were equal to therapist‐delivered treatment across anxiety disorders. However, conclusions were limited by small sample sizes, the rare use of placebo controls, and other methodological problems. In addition, the number of available studies limited the opportunity to conduct analyses by diagnostic group; there was preliminary support for the use of ICT for panic disorder and phobia. Large, well‐designed, placebo‐controlled trials are needed to confirm and extend the results of this meta‐analysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–21, 2009.
Clinically significant symptom change in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: does it correspond with reliable improvement in functioning?
Authors: Karpenko Veronika , Owens Julie Sarno , Evangelista Nicole M. , Dodds Cassandra 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study examined the relation between clinically significant (CS) change in symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and reliable change in multiple domains of functioning in children who participated in the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD. Children with CS change in symptoms were significantly more likely than children without CS change to have reliable change across five domains of functioning. Interestingly, however, depending on the measure of functioning, 14 to 52% of children who did not achieve CS change in symptoms showed reliable improvement in functional domains. The results have implications for the definition and measurement of CS change in child treatment‐outcome studies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–18, 2009.
Hypoxia response element‐driven cytosine deaminase/5‐fluorocytosine gene therapy system: a highly effective approach to overcome the dynamics of tumour hypoxia and enhance the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cellsin vitro
Authors: Marignol Laure , Foley Ruth , Southgate Thomas D. , Coffey Mary , Hollywood Donal , Lawler Mark 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundWe proposed to exploit hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α overexpression in prostate tumours and use this transcriptional machinery to control the expression of the suicide gene cytosine deaminase (CD) through binding of HIF‐1α to arrangements of hypoxia response elements. CD is a prodrug activation enzyme, which converts inactive 5‐fluorocytosine to active 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), allowing selective killing of vector containing cells.MethodsWe developed a pair of vectors, containing either five or eight copies of the hypoxia response element (HRE) isolated from the vascular endothelial growth factor (pH5VCD) or glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (pH8GCD) gene, respectively. The kinetics of the hypoxic induction of the vectors and sensitization effects were evaluated in 22Rv1 and DU145 cellsin vitro.ResultsThe CD protein as selectively detected in lysates of transiently transfected 22Rv1 and DU145 cells following hypoxic exposure. This is the first evidence of GAPDH HREs being used to control a suicide gene therapy strategy. Detectable CD levels were sustained upon reoxygenation and prolonged hypoxic exposures. Hypoxia‐induced chemoresistance to 5‐FU was overcome in both cell lines treated with this suicide gene therapy approach. Hypoxic transfectants were sensitized to prodrug concentrations that were ten‐fold lower than those that are clinically relevant. Moreover, the surviving fraction of reoxygenated transfectants could be further reduced with the concomitant delivery of clinically relevant single radiation doses.ConclusionsThis strategy thus has the potential to sensitize the hypoxic compartment of prostate tumours and improve the outcome of current therapies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Religious actors, civil society and the development agenda: The dynamics of inclusion and exclusion
Authors: McDuie‐Ra Duncan , Rees John A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article uses the World Bank's engagement with religious actors to analyse their differentiated role in setting the development agenda raising three key issues. First, engagements between international financial institutions (IFIs) and religious actors are formalised thus excluding many of the actors embedded within communities in the South. Secondly, the varied politics of religious actors in development are rarely articulated and a single position is often presented. Thirdly, the potential for development alternatives from religious actors excluded from these engagements is overlooked, due in part to misrecognition of the mutually constitutive relationship between secular and sacral elements in local contexts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled release of vancomycin from thin sol‐gel films on implant surfaces successfully controls osteomyelitis
Authors: Adams Christopher S. , Antoci Valentin , Harrison Gerald , Patal Payal , Freeman Terry A. , Shapiro Irving M. , Parvizi Javad , Hickok Noreen J. , Radin Shula , Ducheyne Paul 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPeri‐prosthetic infection remains a serious complication of joint replacement surgery. Herein, we demonstrate that a vancomycin‐containing sol‐gel film on Ti alloy rods can successfully treat bacterial infections in an animal model. The vancomycin‐containing sol‐gel films exhibited predictable release kinetics, while significantly inhibiting S. aureus adhesion. When evaluated in a rat osteomyelitis model, microbiological analysis indicated that the vancomycin‐containing sol‐gel film caused a profound decrease in S. aureus number. Radiologically, while the control side showed extensive bone degradation, including abscesses and an extensive periosteal reaction, rods coated with the vancomycin‐containing sol‐gel film resulted in minimal signs of infection. µCT analysis confirmed the radiological results, while demonstrating that the vancomycin‐containing sol‐gel film significantly protected dense bone from resorption and minimized remodeling. These results clearly demonstrate that this novel thin sol‐gel technology can be used for the targeted delivery of antibiotics for the treatment of periprosthetic as well as other bone infections. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 701–709, 2009
Mobile phase additives for enhancing the chromatographic performance of astaxanthin on nonendcapped polymeric C30‐bonded stationary phases
Authors: Kaiser Philipp , Surmann Peter , Fuhrmann Herbert 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAstaxanthin shows peak deformation and reduced peak area response when eluted with methanol and methyl tert‐butyl ether on nonendcapped polymeric C30‐bonded HPLC phases. The present study tested different column manufacturers, column batches, and ten mobile phase additives including acids, bases, buffers, complexing and antioxidant agents for improvement of peak shape and peak area response. Concerning chromatographic benefits and feasibility, ammonium acetate was found to be the best additive followed by triethylamine for all columns tested. Variation of the mobile phase pH equivalent and the column temperature showed no synergistic effects on peak shape and peak area response. Results indicate that peak tailing and variation of peak area response are due to different on‐column effects. Possible mechanisms of the observed phenomenon will be discussed.
Extensive fractionation and identification of proteins within nasal lavage fluids from allergic rhinitis and asthmatic chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Benson Linda M. , Mason Christopher J. , Friedman Oren , Kita Hirohito , Bergen III Harold Robert , Plager Douglas A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAllergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and asthma are prevalent airway diseases that can have a substantial impact on a patient's quality of life. MS analyses of biological fluids can effectively screen for proteins associated with disease processes, however, initial detection of diagnostic proteins is difficult due to protein complexity and dynamic range. To enhance the detection of lower abundance proteins, intact nasal lavage fluid (NLF) proteins from nonpolypoid AR and from asthmatic CRS patients were extensively fractionated prior to LC/MS/MS analysis. Pooled NLF samples were processed to remove low molecular weight molecules and high abundance plasma proteins. Anion exchange (AX) chromatography followed by RP‐LC further separated the remaining intact NLF proteins. The resulting fractions were digested with trypsin and the peptides analyzed by LC/MS/MS. Spectra were searched with MASCOT, SEQUEST, and X!Tandem to obtain peptide identifications and subsequently analyzed by Scaffold software to identify parent proteins with at least 99% confidence. The 197 identified proteins are compared to those previously cited in the literature and the workflow evaluated to determine the usefulness for the detection of lower abundance proteins. This is the first extensive list of NLF proteins generated from CRS patients with coexisting asthma.
Binary Reactive/Inert Non‐Fouling Polymeric Surfaces
Authors: Liu Zhilu , Khan Neelam , Hu Haiyuan , Yu Bo , Liu Jianxi , Chen Miao , Zhou Feng 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBinary reactive/inert antifouling polymer brushes were grafted via a two step surface initiated polymerization from printed initiator monolayer and provided robust, effective polymeric surfaces for bioattachment with distinguishably reduced non‐specific adsorption. This synthetic strategy can be harnessed to build complex binary polymeric structures on substrate surfaces and the polymer brush surfaces reported in the present paper can be widely used for versatile biological study.magnified image
Cancer chemoprevention and mitochondria: Targeting apoptosis in transformed cells via the disruption of mitochondrial bioenergetics/redox state
Authors: Hail Numsen , Lotan Reuben 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCancer chemoprevention employs agents that block, hinder, or reverse tumorigenesis to prevent malignancy. Several putative cancer chemopreventive agents promote apoptosis in transformed cells initiated in animal carcinogenesis models or identified in human subjects, and/or in tumor cells cultured in vitro. Consequently, apoptosis induction is increasingly valued as a biologically significant anticancer mechanism in the arena of chemoprevention. In vitro studies suggest that the permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes is an important mechanistic determinant associated with the apoptosis induced by these agents. Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) may occur via the control of proapoptotic Bcl‐2 family members, and/or by the induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition. Both of these cell death‐inducing regulatory mechanisms are ultimately responsive to the bioenergetic status/redox state of mitochondria. Interestingly, in addition to inducing MMP, various chemopreventive agents can directly modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics and/or redox tone in transformed cells. This review will examine prospective mechanisms associated with the disruption of mitochondrial function by chemopreventive agents that affect MMP and apoptosis. In doing so, we will construct a paradigm supporting the notion that the bioenergetic and/or redox characteristics of the mitochondria in transformed cells are important targets in the chemoprevention of cancer.