bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Mycophenolic Acid and Glucuronide Metabolite in Human Serum by HPLC-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Annesley Thomas M , Clayton Larry T 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackground: The potent immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid (MPA) is metabolized to an inactive glucuronide (MPAG). The extent of metabolism varies among individuals, and the MPAG formed can be hydrolyzed to MPA and can displace MPA from serum albumin, creating a potential need to monitor both MPA and MPAG.Methods: After addition of the carboxybutoxy ether of MPA (MPAC) as internal standard, MPA and MPAG were isolated from serum by acidification followed by solid-phase extraction. Gradient chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Atlantis reversed-phase liquid chromatography (HPLC) column, and the compounds were quantified by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the multiple-reaction monitoring mode. Results obtained by HPLC-MS/MS were compared with an HPLC assay using ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) performed at a reference laboratory.Results: MPAG, MPA, and MPAC were fully separated during a 7.0-min run time. Precision at both low and high concentrations of MPA ad MPAG met the suggested method validation criteria from a consensus panel report on MPA. The extraction efficiencies were 99% for MPA and MPAG. The assay was linear to 16 mg/L for MPA and 200 mg/L for MPAG. Limits of quantification were 0.1 mg/L for MPA and 1 mg/L for MPAG. Regression analysis gave the following results: HPLC-MS/MS = 1.03(HPLC-UV) − 0.03 mg/L (R2 = 0.982) for MPA; and HPLC-MS/MS = 0.93(HPLC-UV) + 0.89 mg/L (R2 = 0.967) for MPAG.Conclusion: This HPLC-MS/MS assay can be used to reproducibly quantify MPA and MPAG across a large analytical range in serum from organ transplant patients.
Membrane fluidity and the ability of domestic bird spermatozoa to survive cryopreservation
Authors: Blesbois E , Grasseau I , Seigneurin F 
Published: March 2005

The ability to survive cryopreservation varies in spermatozoa from different bird species. Among the biological factors potentially responsible for such differences, species variations in membrane fluidity have a role in the restoration of the physiological state after freezing. Membrane fluidity may be assessed by measuring fluorescence polarization anisotropy with a fluorescent dye. Anistropy values are proportional to membrane rigidity and consequently inversely proportional to membrane fluidity. In the present study, polarization anisotropy of spermatozoa originating from species differing in the freezability of their semen (chicken, turkey and guinea fowl) was measured in addition to lipid composition (cholesterol/phospholipid ratio), sperm viability (membrane permeability to eosine) and morphological integrity before and after cryopreservation.
The percentages of viable and normal spermatozoa in fresh sperm were highest in the chicken (87%), lowest in guinea fowl (64%), and intermediate in turkeys (69%). Anisotropy values were highest in guinea fowl (0.205), lowest in chickens (0.155), and intermediate in turkeys (0.180). As a consequence, membrane fluidity was highest in chickens and lowest in guinea fowl. Cryopreservation significantly decreased sperm viability and morphological integrity and increased anisotropy in all species but did not change the inter species hierarchy. Initial cholesterol/phospholipid ratios were lower in chickens than in guinea fowl, and intermediate in turkeys (0.25, 0.26 and 0.29, respectively). Cryopreservation induced a severe decrease in cholesterol/phospholipid ratios in turkeys and guinea fowl.
Sperm membrane fluidity in chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl behaves as an indicator of sperm freezability in these species. Inter species differences for this parameter may be partly explained by differences in initial cholesterol/phospholipids content of spermatozoa. On the other hand, the rigidifying process induced by cryopreservation is not related to lipid damage by the same mechanisms.
Methods of Assessment of Cleft-Related Facial Deformity: A Review
Authors: Al-Omari I. , Millett D. T. , Ayoub A. F. 
Published: March 2005

Objective To review the stimulus media, measurements and scoring system, rater's characteristics, and facial region used in assessment of the appearance of cleft-related deformity. Methods A review of the literature was conducted using MedLine from January 1966 to June 2003. Key orthodontic journals and The Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal were hand searched as well. Results Most studies used a static two-dimensional means of assessment. Direct clinical assessment, three-dimensional media, or both have been used to a lesser extent. Only one study utilized all three assessment media. Three studies, however, attempted to compare the direct clinical assessment with that obtained using two-dimensional media. Most of the studies demonstrated that appearance of the cleft-related deformity could be measured by a variety of judges. The reliability and validity of the three different media as methods of assessment have received limited attention. The facial area assessed has varied from the full face, nasolabial area, or specific features of the lip or nose. Conclusions Wide variation exists in the study design related to assessment of cleft-related deformity. An internationally agreed objective method of assessment for this facial deformity is required. A three-dimensional, rather than a two-dimensional, means of assessment should be adopted.
Pacifier Sucking in a Child with Cleft Palate: Occlusal Consequences
Authors: Romero Martin , Bravo Luis A. , Romero Pilar 
Published: March 2005

Objective The case of a child with a repaired cleft palate and a pacifier habit is presented. The influence of both the cleft and the habit on the malocclusion is discussed. The malocclusion disappeared as the habit ceased.
Infant Orthopedics in UCLP: Effect on Feeding, Weight, and Length: A Randomized Clinical Trial (Dutchcleft)
Authors: Prahl Charlotte , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne M. , Van't Hof Martin A. , Prahl-Andersen Birte 
Published: March 2005

Objective To study the effects of infant orthopedics (IO) on feeding, weight, and length. Design Prospective two-arm randomized controlled trial in three academic Cleft Palate Centers. Treatment allocation was concealed and performed by means of a computerized balanced allocation method. Setting Cleft Palate Centers of Amsterdam, Nijmegen, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Patients Infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), no other malformations. Interventions One group (IO+) wore passive maxillary plates during the first year of life, but the other group (IO−) did not. All other interventions were the same for both groups. Main Outcome Measures Bottle feeding velocity (mL/min) at intake, 3, 6, 15, and 24 weeks (T0 to T24); weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length using z scores; reference values from the Netherlands’ third nationwide survey on growth. Results Feeding velocity increased with time from 2.9 to 13.2 mL/min in the IO− group and from 2.6 to 13.8 mL/min in the IO+ group; no significant differences were found between groups. Weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length (z scores) did not differ significantly between groups, but overall the infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate in both groups had significantly lower mean z scores for weight-for-age and height-for-age than the reference during the first 14 months, and had lower mean values for weight-for-length after soft palate closure. Conclusion Infant orthopedics with the aim of improving feeding and consequent nutritional status in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate can be abandoned.
Comparison of Plaster Casting with Three-Dimensional Cranial Imaging
Authors: Littlefield Timothy R. , Cherney Jennifer C. , Luisi Jerry N. , Beals Stephen P. , Kelly Kevin M. , Pomatto Jeanne K. 
Published: March 2005

Objective The development of a new cranial imaging system to capture a three-dimensional (3D) model of an infant's head has been previously reported. The accuracy of this new system has been independently established. However, before replacing the traditional plaster casting technique, the two methods require a comparison to ensure that the models they produce are equivalent. Methods Ten sequential infants were digitized by the 3D imaging system and the plaster casting technique following previously reported protocols. The cast models were also digitized so they could be compared with the digitized images. The two models (3dImage and Cast) were then imported into dimensional analysis software and aligned and registered with well-established registration algorithms. Difference maps that identified the variation between the two surfaces were generated for each pair, and descriptive statistics of these differences were recorded. Results The mean difference between the cast and the digitized models was 0.052 mm (standard deviation = 0.988), with a root mean square (RMS) difference of 1.028 mm. Two-dimensional slices obtained from the registered 3D surfaces demonstrated excellent agreement between the cranial contours. Conclusions In this investigation, the 3D models created by the new imaging system were found to be within 1.0 mm RMS of the models created by the plaster casting technique. Two-dimensional cranial contours demonstrated excellent agreement between the two methods. The results of this investigation confirmed that the new cranial imaging system and the traditional plaster casting technique yield equivalent models.
Neurons Derived From Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Show Synaptic Transmission and Can Be Induced to Produce the Neurotransmitter Substance P by Interleukin-1α
Authors: Cho Kyung Jin , Trzaska Katarzyna A. , Greco Steven J. , McArdle Joseph , Wang Fu Shun , Ye Jiang-Hong , Rameshwar Pranela 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immune-suppressive properties, follow a pattern of multilineage differentiation, and exhibit transdifferentiation potential. Ease in expansion from adult bone marrow, as well as its separation from ethical issues, makes MSCs appealing for clinical application. MSCs treated with retinoic acid resulted in synaptic transmission, based on immunostaining of synaptophysin and electrophysiological studies. In situ hybridization indicated that the neurotransmitter gene preprotachykinin-I was expressed in these cells. However, translation of this gene only occurred after stimulation with interleukin (IL)-1α. This effect was blunted by costimulation with IL-1 receptor antagonist. This study reports on the ability of MSCs to be transdifferentiated into neurons with functional synapses with the potential to become polarized towards producing specific neurotransmitters.
Finite‐element modeling of the anthropoid mandible: The effects of altered boundary conditions
Authors: Marinescu Ruxandra , Daegling David J. , Rapoff Andrew J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractFinite‐element modeling provides a full‐field method for describing the stress environment of the skull. The utility of finite‐element models, however, remains uncertain given our ignorance of whether such models validly portray states of stress and strain. For example, the effects of boundary conditions that are chosen to represent the mechanical environment in vivo are largely unknown. We conducted an in vitro strain gauge experiment on a fresh, fully dentate adult mandible of Macaca fascicularis to model a simplified loading regime by finite‐element analysis for purposes of model validation. Under various conditions of material and structural complexity, we constructed dentate and edentulous models to measure the effects of changing boundary conditions (force orientation and nodal constraints) on strain values predicted at the gauge location. Our results offer a prospective assessment of the difficulties encountered when attempting to validate finite‐element models from in vivo strain data. Small errors in the direction of load application produce significant changes in predicted strains. An isotropic model, although convenient, shows poor agreement with experimental strains, while a heterogeneous orthotropic model predicts strains that are more congruent with these data. Most significantly, we find that an edentulous model performs better than a dentate one in recreating the experimental strains. While this result is undoubtedly tied to our failure to model the periodontal ligament, we interpret the finding to mean that in the absence of occlusal loads, teeth within alveoli do not contribute significantly to the structural stiffness of the mandible. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using finite‐element analysis to investigate suture morphology: A case study using large carnivorous dinosaurs
Authors: Rayfield Emily J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractFinite‐element analysis (FEA) can be used to investigate the mechanical significance of sutures and regions of intracranial flexibility in skulls. By modeling the stress response to feeding forces in a finite‐element skull model (with appropriate boundary conditions), one can compare the axis of distortion and orientation of stress and strain in the model to the degree of movement at actual sutural contacts in the real skull. Hypotheses detailing the effect of introducing patency or flexibility on mechanical performance can be constructed and subsequently tested. In this study, the correlation between stress environment, cranial strength, and sutural morphology and mobility is investigated in the cranium of the large theropod dinosaurAllosaurus fragilis. Theropods are an especially interesting model system as their skulls were massive (over 100 cm in some cases), may have generated extremely large bite forces, yet patent sutures persisted between many of the facial bones. In this analysis, it was discovered thatAllosauruscranial sutures appear generally capable of accommodating stress and strain patterns generated during biting. This study highlights the potential of FEA in devising and testing hypotheses of form and function and argues that useful information can be obtained from finite‐element models of extinct animals, providing that adequate assumptions are made and appropriate questions asked. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical behavior and quantitative morphology of the equine laminar junction
Authors: Thomason Jeffrey J. , McClinchey Heather L. , Faramarzi Babak , Jofriet Jan C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe horse's hoof is structurally modified for its mechanical functions, but studying the functional design of internal structures is hampered by the external keratinous capsule. Finite‐element analysis offers one method for evaluating mechanical function of components within the capsule, such as the laminar junction. This is the epidermodermal connection that binds the hoof wall strongly to the distal phalanx. Primary epidermal laminae (PEL), projecting inward from the wall, vary in morphology and are remodeled despite being keratinous. The aim of this study is to investigate the suggestion that remodeling of PEL is influenced by mechanical stress. Circumferential and proximodistal stress distribution and relative displacement in the laminar junction are assessed by finite‐element analysis (FEA) of nine hoof models. Spacing, orientation, and curvature of PEL are assessed from sections through 47 other hooves and compared with the stress and displacement data. Significant correlations are found between laminar spacing and seven displacement and stress variables, supporting the link between stresses and remodeling. Differences in external hoof shape cause regional variation in stress magnitudes around the laminar junction. This finding is in accord with previous observations that laminar morphology is individually regionally variable. This work provides the first concrete link between mechanical behavior and laminar morphology. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite‐element model construction for the virtual synthesis of the skulls in vertebrates: Case study of Diplodocus
Authors: Witzel Ulrich , Preuschoft Holger 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe measurement of strains in real skulls is an inductive method that yields information about the stresses occurring in the a priori existing shape. In contrast, the approach taken here to determine the relationship between skull function and skull shape applies Wolff's law through a deductive technique of structure synthesis. This article describes the application of this method in the exact virtual synthesis of a sauropod skull, e.g., Diplodocus longus Marsh from Wyoming. An unspecific homogeneous solid is first constructed, giving the stresses ample volume to spread between points of force application and constraint. ANSYS 7.0 is used to form 10‐noded tetrahedral finite elements with a maximum of 130,000 nodes. The initial conditions are the functional spaces for the eye openings, muscle forces, and the placement of the dental arcade, including assumed bite forces. Enforcing equilibrium of forces, the primary 3D stress flows in each load case are summarized by a physiological superposition, which accumulates the highest value of stress in each finite element. If the stress free parts are eliminated and the summarized stress flows are maintained, a reduced model appears, which is very similar to the real skull. This reduction of shape can be repeated iteratively and leads to a more exact form. Changes in the form of the dental arcade, its position relative to the braincase, the origins of muscles, or the height of the face lead to models that clearly resemble morphological differences between genera. The synthesis of a skull in this way demonstrates the direct correlation between functional loading and the biological structure and shape and can be used to test hypotheses regarding the relationship between structure and function during skull evolution. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rosiglitazone induces interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist in interleukin‐1β–stimulated rat synovial fibroblasts via a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor β/δ–dependent mechanism
Authors: Moulin David , Bianchi Arnaud , Boyault Sandrine , Sebillaud Sylvie , Koufany Meriem , Francois Mathias , Netter Patrick , Jouzeau Jean‐Yves , Terlain Bernard 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo study the potency of 2 peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists, 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15‐deoxy‐PGJ2) and rosiglitazone, to modulate the expression of interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) in rat synovial fibroblasts.MethodsLevels of messenger RNA for IL‐1Ra and PPAR isotypes (α, β/δ, γ) were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in rat synovial fibroblasts exposed to 10 ng/ml of IL‐1β. PPAR levels were assessed by Western blotting and secreted IL‐1Ra levels by immunoassay. The potency of PPARγ agonists and the PPARβ/δ agonist GW‐501516 on IL‐1Ra levels was tested in the range of 1–10 μM and at 100 pM, respectively. The contribution of PPARγ to the effects of rosiglitazone on IL‐1Ra secretion was examined either by its overexpression or by inhibition using wild‐type or dominant‐negative constructs and the antagonist GW‐9662 (10 μM), respectively. The dominant‐negative strategy was also performed to investigate the possible contribution of PPARβ/δ and NF‐κB activation.ResultsIL‐1β–induced IL‐1Ra production was increased by 10 μM rosiglitazone but was reduced dose‐dependently by 15‐deoxy‐PGJ2. Both agonists lowered IL‐1β secretion, but rosiglitazone alone reduced the imbalance of IL‐1β/IL‐1Ra toward basal levels. Enhancement of IL‐1β–induced IL‐1Ra production by rosiglitazone was not affected by PPARγ overexpression or by its inhibition with dominant‐negative PPARγ or GW‐9662. Inhibition of NF‐κB was also ineffective against rosiglitazone but abolished the stimulating effect of IL‐1β on IL‐1Ra. All PPAR isotypes were expressed constitutively in rat synoviocytes, but PPARγ decreased dramatically upon IL‐1β exposure, whereas PPARβ/δ remained stable. Dominant‐negative PPARβ/δ abolished the enhancement of IL‐1Ra by rosiglitazone, whereas GW‐501516 reproduced the effect of rosiglitazone on IL‐1Ra secretion.ConclusionRosiglitazone stimulates IL‐1Ra production by a PPARβ/δ mechanism in activated rat synovial fibroblasts, further contributing to its potential antiarthritic properties and opening new perspectives for the modulation of inflammatory genes by specific PPAR agonists in articular cells.
Classification analysis of the transcriptosome of nonlesional cultured dermal fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients with early disease
Authors: Tan Filemon K. , Hildebrand Bernard August , Lester Malisa S. , Stivers David N. , Pounds Stanley , Zhou Xiaodong , Wallis Debra D. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Reveille John D. , Mayes Maureen D. , Jin Li , Arnett Frank C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the transcriptosome of early‐passage nonlesional dermal fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with diffuse disease and matched normal controls in order to gain further understanding of the gene activation patterns that occur in early disease.MethodsTotal RNA was isolated from early‐passage fibroblasts obtained from nonlesional skin biopsy specimens from 21 patients with diffuse SSc (disease duration <5 years in all but 1) and 18 healthy controls who were matched to the cases by age (±5 years), sex, and race. Array experiments were performed on a 16,659‐oligonucleotide microarray utilizing a reference experimental design. Supervised methods were used to select differentially expressed genes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to independently validate the array results.ResultsOf the 8,324 genes that passed filtering criteria, classification analysis revealed that <5% were differentially expressed between SSc and normal fibroblasts. Individually, differentially expressed genes included COL7A1, COL18A1 (endostatin), DAF, COMP, and VEGFB. Using the panel of genes discovered through classification analysis, a set of model predictors that achieved reasonably high predictive accuracy was developed. Analysis of 1,297 gene ontology (GO) classes revealed 35 classes that were significantly dysregulated in SSc fibroblasts. These GO classes included anchoring collagen (30934), extracellular matrix structural constituent (5201), and complement activation (6958, 6956). Validation by quantitative PCR demonstrated that 7 of 7 genes selected were concordant with the array results.ConclusionFibroblasts cultured from nonlesional skin of patients with SSc already have detectable abnormalities in a variety of genes and cellular processes, including those involved in extracellular matrix formation, fibrillogenesis, complement activation, and angiogenesis.