bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of shear stress on nitric oxide and matrix protein gene expression in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes in vitro
Authors: Lee Mel S. , Trindade Michael C. D. , Ikenoue Takashi , Schurman David J. , Goodman Stuart B. , Smith R. Lane 
Published: October 2002

AbstractMechanical loading alters articular cartilage metabolism. However, mechanisms underlying intracellular signaling and communication between cells in response to mechanical stresses remain enigmatic. This study tested the hypothesis that shear stress‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production participates in the regulation of matrix protein gene expression. The data presented here demonstrate that exposure of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes to a continuously applied shear stress (1.64 Pa) upregulated NO synthase gene expression and increased NO release by 1.8‐, 2.4‐, and 3.5‐fold at 2, 6, and 24 h, respectively. Exposure of chondrocytes to a short duration of shear stress for 2 h resulted in the release of accumulation of NO in the culture medium. Exposure of chondrocytes to shear stress for 2, 6, and 24 h inhibited type II collagen mRNA signal levels by 27%, 18% and 20% after a constant post‐shear incubation period of 24 h. Aggrecan mRNA signal levels were inhibited by 30%, 32% and 41% under identical conditions. Addition of an NO antagonist increased type II collagen mRNA signal levels by an average of 1.8‐fold (137% of the un‐sheared control) and reestablished the aggrecan mRNA signal levels by an average of 1.4‐fold after shear stress (92% of the un‐sheared control) (ANOVA p < 0.05). These data support the hypothesis that shear stress‐induced NO release may influence the development of degenerative joint diseases by inhibiting matrix macromolecule synthesis. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Early nerve regeneration after Achilles tendon rupture — a prerequisite for healing? A study in the rat
Authors: Ackermann Paul W. , Ahmed Mahmood , Kreicbergs Andris 
Published: October 2002

AbstractNerve regeneration during healing of Achilles tendon rupture in the rat was studied by immunohistochemistry including semiquantitative assessment. Neuronal markers for regenerating and mature fibers, ie., growth associated protein 43 (GAP‐43) and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), respectively, were analyzed at different time points (1–16 weeks) post‐rupture. In the paratenon, both the ruptured and intact contralateral tendon (control) consistently exhibited immunoreactivity to the two neuronal markers. However, in the proper tendinous tissue only the ruptured tendon showed immunoreactivity to GAP‐43 and PGP 9.5. This expression was seen already at week 1 post‐rupture to reach a peak at week 6 followed by a successive drop till week 16. Also the occurrence of sensory and autonomic fibers according to immunoreactivity for calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), respectively, was analyzed. CGRP‐positivity was abundantly seen from weeks 2–6 in both perivascular and sprouting free nerve endings in the proper tendon tissue undergoing healing. NPY appeared later, at weeks 6–8 post‐rupture around blood vessels mainly located in the surrounding loose connective tissue. Apart from a role in vasoaction (CGRP, vasodilatory; NPY, vasoconstrictory), both neuropeptides have been implicated in fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation required for angiogenesis. The present study shows that early healing of ruptured tendons is characterized by an orchestrated, temporal appearance of nerve fibers expressing peptides with different actions. The observed pattern of neuronal regeneration and neuropeptide expression may prove to be important for normal connective tissue healing. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Anisotropic properties of human tibial cortical bone as measured by nanoindentation
Authors: Fan Z. , Swadener J. G. , Rho J. Y. , Roy M. E. , Pharr G. M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of elastic anisotropy on nanoindentation measurements in human tibial cortical bone. Nanoindentation was conducted in 12 different directions in three principal planes for both osteonic and interstitial lamellae. The experimental indentation modulus was found to vary with indentation direction and showed obvious anisotropy (oneway analysis of variance test, P < 0.0001). Because experimental indentation modulus in a specific direction is determined by all of the elastic constants of cortical bone, a complex theoretical model is required to analyze the experimental results. A recently developed analysis of indentation for the properties of anisotropic materials was used to quantitatively predict indentation modulus by using the stiffness matrix of human tibial cortical bone, which was obtained from previous ultrasound studies. After allowing for the effects of specimen preparation (dehydrated specimens in nanoindentation tests vs. moist specimens in ultrasound tests) and the structural properties of bone (different microcomponents with different mechanical properties), there were no statistically significant differences between the corrected experimental indentation modulus (Mexp) values and corresponding predicted indentation modulus (Mpre) values (two‐tailed unpaired t‐test, P < 0.5). The variation of Mpre values was found to exhibit the same trends as the corrected Mexp data. These results show that the effects of anisotropy on nanoindentation measurements can be quantitatively evaluated. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Longstanding atrial fibrillation causes depletion of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with advanced congestive heart failure
Authors: van den Berg Maarten P. , Tjeerdsma Geert , de Kam Pieter Jan , Boomsma Frans , Crijns Harry J.G.M. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackground:Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by neurohormonal activation, including increased plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and N‐terminal ANP (N‐ANP). Onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) further increases these peptides, but it may be hypothesized that concentrations decrease during longstanding AF due to inherent atrial degeneration.Aim:We sought to investigate the relation between neurohormonal activation in patients with CHF and the duration of concomitant AF.Methods:The study group comprised 60 patients (age 70±8 years) with advanced CHF due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <0.35) and chronic AF (duration 21 (1–340) months). Plasma neurohormone concentrations were measured, and multiple regression analysis was performed to identify their clinical predictors.Results:Median plasma neurohormone concentrations were: ANP 113 pmol/l, N‐ANP 1187 pmol/l, norepinephrine 496 pg/ml, renin 127 μunits/l, aldosterone 128 pg/ml and endothelin 8.1 pg/ml. Norepinephrine, renin, aldosterone and endothelin were not significantly related to the duration of AF. In contrast, ANP decreased along with the duration of AF (P‐0.03), while the same trend was observed for N‐ANP (P‐0.10). However, for these peptides a first order interaction with LVEF was present, which was not observed in the other neurohormones. In patients with LVEF >0.25 ANP and N‐ANP increased along with the duration of AF, whereas in patients with LVEF≤0.25 an inverse relation between ANP (P‐0.02) and N‐ANP (P‐0.04) and the duration of AF was present, longer‐standing AF being associated with lower concentrations.Conclusion:In patients with advanced CHF with low LVEF plasma ANP and N‐ANP concentrations decrease during longstanding AF. This finding agrees with the concept that longstanding AF leads to impaired ability of the atria to produce these neurohormones due to inherent degenerative changes.
Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stallibrass C , Sissons P , Chalmers C 
Published: October 2002

Objective: To determine whether the Alexander Technique, alongside normal treatment, is of benefit to people disabled by idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Design: A randomized controlled trial with three groups, one receiving lessons in the Alexander Technique, another receiving massage and one with no additional intervention. Measures were taken pre and post-intervention, and at follow-up, six months later. Setting: The Polyclinic at the University of Westminster, Central London. Subjects: Ninety-three people with clinically confirmed idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Interventions: The Alexander Technique group received 24 lessons in the Alexander Technique and the massage group received 24 sessions of massage. Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures were the Self-assessment Parkinson's Disease Disability Scale (SPDDS) at best and at worst times of day. Secondary measures included the Beck Depression Inventory and an Attitudes to Self Scale. Results: The Alexander Technique group improved compared with the no additional intervention group, pre-intervention to post-intervention, both on the SPDDS at best, p = 0.04 (confidence interval (CI) –6.4 to 0.0) and on the SPDDS at worst, p = 0.01 (CI –11.5 to –1.8). The comparative improvement was maintained at six-month follow-up: on the SPDDS at best, p = 0.04 (CI –7.7 to 0.0) and on the SPDDS at worst, p = 0.01 (CI –11.8 to –0.9). The Alexander Technique group was comparatively less depressed post-intervention, p = 0.03 (CI –3.8 to 0.0) on the Beck Depression Inventory, and at six-month follow-up had improved on the Attitudes to Self Scale, p = 0.04 (CI –13.9 to 0.0). Conclusions: There is evidence that lessons in the Alexander Technique are likely to lead to sustained benefit for people with Parkinson's disease.
A self-administered pain severity scale for patellofemoral pain syndrome
Authors: Laprade J A , Culham E G 
Published: October 2002

Objective: To develop a scale for estimating the severity of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and to determine its reliability and validity. Design: The PFPS Severity Scale (PSS) was developed following a literature search, input from clinicians, and pilot testing in people with PFPS. The final version of the instrument encompasses 10 statements regarding PFPS pain in a visual analogue format. Reliability and validity of the new scale were determined in a PFPS population. Setting: All testing was performed at the Canadian Forces Base Kingston, Physiotherapy Department. Subjects: Twenty-nine military subjects (7 female) between the ages of 20 and 48 (32 years ± 8.9) with subjective and objective findings consistent with PFPS were recruited. Twenty-four of the participants (6 female, 31.8 years ± 9.4) participated in the reliability phase of the study. Methods: Reliability of the PSS was determined by comparing the scores obtained on two test days (24 hours apart). Convergent validity of the PSS was determined by comparing data from the PSS with two established knee scales: the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) Osteoarthritis Index and the Hughston Foundation subjective knee scale. Results: Test–retest reliability was excellent (Spearman's rho = 0.95, p < 0.0001). The correlations between the PSS and the WOMAC and Hughston scales were strong (rho = 0.72 and 0.83, p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusions: The PSS is reliable and has demonstrated convergent validity making it a useful tool for monitoring rehabilitative or surgical outcomes in clients with PFPS.
The effect of a first vaginal delivery on the integrity of the pelvic ‘ oor musculature
Authors: Marshall K , Walsh D M , Baxter G D 
Published: October 2002

Objective: To assess the specific effect of delivery of the first child on the integrity of the pelvic floor musculature. Design: A prospective study of two groups of females with no symptoms of urinary incontinence. Setting: Physiotherapy Department, Rotunda Lying In Hospital, Dublin. Subjects: Two groups of healthy female physiotherapists (age range 20–28 years) were recruited for the study: group 1 consisted of nulliparous females ( n = 10) and group 2 consisted of primiparous females who were 9–10 months post delivery ( n = 10). Intervention and main outcome measures: Assessment of the pelvic floor musculature was performed by digital assessment, electromyography and perineometry. Results: For all data, the nulliparous group showed evidence of greater pelvic floor strength and endurance. Analysis of anterior and posterior electromyography data showed significantly stronger contractions in the nulliparous group ( p = 0.0001 and 0.044). During a maximum contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, the anterior resting EMG activity increased by 9 ± 6 µV (mean ± SD) in the primiparous group compared with an increment of 22.3 ± 4.74 µV in the nulliparous group. Posterior EMG resting activity increased by 19.7 ± 7.65 µV (mean ± SD) in the nulliparous group compared with 13.8 ± 8.19 µV in the primiparous group. There were significant differences between the two groups for the four types of digital muscle assessment ( p < 0.0013). In addition, there was a greater increase in perineometry readings in the nulliparous group (increment = 5.6 ± 2.5, mean ± SD) compared with the primiparous group (increment = 3.1 ± 0.9; mean ± SD). Conclusions: This study suggests that irrespective of lack of symptoms of urinary incontinence, it would appear advisable that all women should undertake a prescribed programme of pelvic floor rehabilitation exercises after childbirth.
The influence of aggregate microenvironment on the dissolution of oxazepam in ternary surfactant interactive mixtures
Authors: Stewart Peter J , Liu Julie 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
The purpose of this research was to test the hypothesis that the dissolution rate of oxazepam in interactive mixtures was dependent on the influence of surfactant within the microenvironment of mixed oxazepam-surfactant aggegrates produced during dissolution. The studies utilised both powder and intrinsic dissolution methodology; spectrophotometric assays were developed and validated and dissolution data were modelled using multi-exponential equations and dissolution rate constants estimated using non-linear least squares algorithms. For a series of water-soluble ternary additives to the oxazepam interactive mixture, sodium lauryl sulfate and cetrimide were shown not only to decrease aggregation through enhanced dispersion, but also to increase the dissolution rate constant. Such an increase in dissolution rate constant was observed in the intrinsic dissolution studies when surfactant concentrations exceeded the critical micelle concentration and the oxazepam solubility increased. Laser diffraction particle sizing during the dissolution process confirmed the presence of dispersed particles and aggregates and demonstrated that the presence of surfactant improved the state of dispersion. The results of studies using different rotational speeds produced unexpected increases in aggregation and decreases in dissolution rate constants at about 150 rev min−1, consistent with the transient formation of loose aggregates containing dissolved surfactant.
Intranasal administration of plasmid DNA-coated nanoparticles results in enhanced immune responses
Authors: Cui Zhengrong , Mumper Russell J 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
Intranasal immunization offers potential for the elicitation of effective mucosal and systemic immune responses. In this study, a previously reported novel cationic nanoparticle engineered from a microemulsion precursor was further modified, optimized and applied intranasally to mice to explore its potential as a plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccine delivery system. To this end, more uniform nanoparticles (around 100 nm) containing less cationic surfactant were developed. The pDNA-coated nanoparticles significantly enhanced the specific serum IgG and IgA titres to an expressed model antigen, β-galactosidase, by 18–28 and 25–30 fold, respectively, when compared with naked pDNA alone. An enhanced splenocyte proliferative response was also observed after immunization with the pDNA-coated nanoparticles. It was concluded that these plasmid DNA-coated nanoparticles may have potential for immunization via the nasal route.
Synthesis of a psilocin hapten and a protein-hapten conjugate
Authors: Albers Christian , Lehr Matthias , Beike Justus , Köhler Helga , Brinkmann Bernd 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
Derivatives of psilocin with ω-functionalized alkyl spacers in position 1 of the indole ring were synthesized as haptens for use in a radioimmunoassay. Whereas the psilocin analogues with a 3-aminopropyl and a 4-aminobutyl moiety at the indole nitrogen decomposed during synthesis, the analogous 3-carboxypropyl psilocin derivative proved to be stable. This compound was coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) using the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester-mediated conjugation. The protein–hapten conjugate was characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometry data indicated an average incorporation ratio of 4–5 molecules of psilocin hapten per molecule of BSA.
Byakangelicol, isolated from Angelica dahurica, inhibits both the activity and induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in human pulmonary epithelial cells
Authors: Lin C H , Chang C W , Wang C C , Chang M S , Yang L L 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
We examined the inhibitory mechanism of byakangelicol, isolated from Angelica dahurica, on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in human pulmonary epithelial cell line (A549). Byakangelicol (10–50 μm) concentration-dependently attenuated IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 release. The selective COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398 (0.01–1 μm), and byakangelicol (10–50 μm) both concentration-dependently inhibited the activity of the COX-2 enzyme. Byakangelicol, at a concentration up to 200 μm, did not affect the activity and expression of COX-1 enzyme. IL-1β-induced p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was inhibited by the MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD 98059 (30 μm), while byakangelicol (50 μm) had no effect. Treatment of cells with byakangelicol (50 μm) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC; 50 μm) partially inhibited IL-1β-induced degradation of 1κB-α in the cytosol, translocation of p65 NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus and the NF-κB-specific DNA-protein complex formation. Taken together, we have demonstrated that byakangelicol inhibits IL-1β-induced PGE2 release in A549 cells; this inhibition may be mediated by suppression of COX-2 expression and the activity of COX-2 enzyme. The inhibitory mechanism of byakangelicol on IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression may be, at least in part, through suppression of NF-κB activity. Therefore, byakangelicol may have therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory drug on airway inflammation.
Analysis of glucose and lactate in dialysate from hypothalamus of rats after exhausting swimming using microdialysis
Authors: Wang L. , Dong Y. , Yu X. , Shangguan D. H. , Zhao R. , Han H. W. , Liu G. Q. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA microbore flow injection analysis–immobilized enzyme reactor–electrochemical detection (FIA‐IMER‐ECD) system for glucose and lactate detection was built up. The assays were precise, sensitive and practicable for determination of glucose and lactate levels in hypothalamic dialysate. The method had been used to detect the dynamic changes of glucose and lactate levels during rat exhausting swimming and recovery. The data showed that after exhausting swimming, the concentration of glucose in hypothalamic dialysate that reflected the concentration in the hypothalamic extracellular fluid decreased. The level fell to its nadir at day 1 after the exercise and then went back to the basal level at day 3 after the swimming. However, lactate levels increased to a maximum at day 3 and went back to the basal level at day 5 after the swimming. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD44v10 interaction with Rho‐kinase (ROK) activates inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate (IP3) receptor‐mediated Ca2+ signaling during hyaluronan (HA)‐induced endothelial cell migration
Authors: Singleton Patrick A. , Bourguignon Lilly Y.W. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractAortic endothelial cells (GM7372A) express a major cell adhesion molecule, CD44v10, which binds the extracellular matrix component, hyaluronan (HA), at its external domain and interacts with various signaling molecules at its cytoplasmic domain. In this study, we have determined that CD44v10 and Rho‐Kinase (ROK) are physically associated as a complex in vivo. Using a recombinant fragment of ROK (in particular, the pleckstrin homology [PH] domain) and in vitro binding assays, we have detected a specific binding interaction between the PH domain of ROK and the cytoplasmic domain of CD44. Scatchard plot analysis indicates that there is a single high‐affinity CD44 binding site in the PH domain of ROK with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.76 nM, which is comparable to CD44 binding (Kd ∼1.56 nM) to intact ROK. These findings suggest that the PH domain is the primary ROK binding region for CD44. Furthermore, HA binding to GM7372A cells promotes RhoA‐mediated ROK activity, which, in turn, increases phosphorylation of three different inositol 1, 4, 5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) [in particular, subtype 1 (IP3R1), and to a lesser extent subtype 2 (IP3R2) and subtype 3 (IP3R3)] all known as IP3‐gated Ca2+ channels. The phosphorylated IP3R1 (but not IP3R2 or IP3R3) is enhanced in its binding to IP3 which subsequently stimulates IP3‐mediated Ca2+ flux. Transfection of the endothelial cells with ROK's PH cDNA significantly reduces ROK association with CD44v10, and effectively inhibits ROK‐mediated phosphorylation of IP3Rs and IP3R‐mediated Ca2+ flux in vitro. The PH domain of ROK also functions as a dominant‐negative mutant in vivo to block HA‐dependent, CD44v10‐specific intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and endothelial cell migration. Taken together, we believe that CD44v10 interaction with ROK plays a pivotal role in IP3R‐mediated Ca2+ signaling during HA‐mediated endothelial cell migration. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 53:293–316, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual diversity combining and decision feedback equalizer in indoor millimetre‐wave channel
Authors: Chiu Chien‐Ching , Hung Shi‐Cheng , Chen Chien‐Hung 
Published: October 2002

AbstractWideband communication characteristics of wireless indoor millimetre‐wave channel for arched and rectangular buildings are investigated. The impulse responses of arched and rectangular buildings for any transmitter–receiver location are computed by shooting and bouncing ray/image (SBR/Image) techniques. By using the impulse responses of these multipath channels, the impact of shapes of building is presented and the bit error rate performance of binary phase shift keying (BPSK) system with phase and timing recovery circuits are also calculated. Moreover, dual space antenna diversity technique and decision feedback equalizer (DFE) with four forward and three feedback taps are used to combat the multipath fading. Numerical results show that the mean root mean square (rms) delay spread for the arched building is smaller than that for the rectangular building. In addition, it is also found that the transmission rate can be up to 20 Mbps for indoor millimetre‐wave channel of these two buildings by using dual space diversity and DFE. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.