bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of oxygen levels on chondrogenesis of porcine mesenchymal stem cells cultured in polycaprolactone scaffolds
Authors: Rodenas‐Rochina Joaquin , Kelly Daniel J. , Gómez Ribelles Jose Luis , Lebourg Myriam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractChondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is known to be regulated by a number of environmental factors, including local oxygen levels. The hypothesis of this study is that the response of MSCs to hypoxia is dependent on the physical and chemical characteristics of the substrate used. The objective of this study was to explore how different modifications to polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds influenced the response of MSCs to hypoxia. PCL, PCL‐hyaluronic acid (HA), and PCL‐Bioglass®(BG) scaffolds were seeded with MSCs derived from bone marrow and cultured for 35 days under normoxic or low oxygen conditions, and the resulting biochemical properties of the MSC laden construct were assessed. Low oxygen tension has a positive effect over cell proliferation and macromolecules biosynthesis. Furthermore, hypoxia enhanced the distribution of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) deposition through the scaffold. On the other hand, MSCs displayed certain material dependent responses to hypoxia. Low oxygen tension had a positive effect on cell proliferation in BG and HA scaffolds, but only a positive effect on GAGs synthesis in PCL and HA scaffolds. In conclusion, hypoxia increased cell viability and expression of chondrogenic markers but the cell response was modulated by the type of scaffold used. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1684–1691, 2017.
Osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells on non‐stoichiometric calcium phosphate and titanium surfaces
Authors: Winning Lewis , Robinson Leanne , Boyd Adrian R. , El Karim Ikhlas A. , Lundy Fionnuala T. , Meenan Brian J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBioactive materials offer particular clinical benefits in the field of dental implantology, where differentiation of stem cells towards an osteoblastic lineage is required for osseointegration and appropriate function of implants in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteoblastic response of Stro‐1 +ve periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) to three well‐characterized biomaterial surfaces: an abraded titanium surface (cpTi) control; a polycrystalline titanium surface, with both micro and nanotopography produced by radio frequency magnetron sputtering (TiTi); and the same surface incorporating a sputter deposited calcium phosphate coating (CaP‐TiTi). The CaP‐TiTi surfaces were nonstoichiometric, carbonated, and calcium rich with a Ca/P ratio of 1.74. PDLSCs were grown on each surface in the absence of supplementary osteogneic‐inducing agents. Osteoblastic responses were assessed for up to 21 days in culture by measuring gene expression using real time q‐PCR and via assessment of intracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Gene expression analysis for the CaP‐TiTi surfaces showed a significant late stage up‐regulation of Secreted Phosphoprotein 1. Additionally, there was a significant up‐regulation of the Wnt signaling genes β‐catenin and Wnt Family Member 5 A on days 14 and 21, respectively for the CaP‐TiTi surface. A significant increase in intracellular ALP at day 21 for the CaP‐TiTi surface was also observed. These data suggest that the CaP‐TiTi surfaces provide the bioactive conditions required for direct osteoblastic differentiation of PDLSCs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1692–1702, 2017.
Mechanism of capsaicin inhibition of aldose reductase activity
Authors: Alim Zuhal , Kilinc Namık , Sengul Bulent , Beydemir Sukru 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAldose reductase (AR) inhibitors play a vital importance as a potential therapeutic and preventive medicine when it comes to hyperglycemia associated diabetic complications. Additionally, capsaicin is used as a food additive and a drug in a number of diverse clinical trials. The aim of this study is to determine the in vitro inhibition behavior of capsaicin on AR enzyme activity, which was obtained from different rat tissues (heart, kidney, liver, and brain). We showed that AR was inhibited by capsaicin in the micromolar range and noncompetitive manner in all of the tissues. Ki values of capsaicin were found to be 8.87, 264, 535, and 597, respectively, in heart AR, kidney AR, liver AR, and brain AR. In conclusion, capsaicin may be an effective molecule when used in low concentrations to prevent diabetic complications associated with the polyol pathway.
Cellular Evidence of Exosomes in the Reproductive Tract of Chinese Soft‐Shelled Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis
Authors: Waqas Muhammad Yasir , Zhang Qian , Ahmed Nisar , Yang Ping , Xing Guipei , Akhtar Masood , Basit Abdul , Liu Tengfei , Hong Chen , Arshad Muhammad , Rahman Hafiz Muhammad Saif‐Ur , Chen Qiusheng 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTThe oviduct is a location of egg production, fertilization, and sperm storage. While its secretions have broadly attributes toward different physiological functions. We examined the ultrastructure of oviduct epithelium and glands in relation to the secretions, particularly with exosomes origin in Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The ciliated epithelial and gland cells were involved in the release of exosomes and secretions into lumen throughout the year. The exosomes were either released directly from epithelium or in relation with multivesicular body (MVB). The average size of the particles varies between 50 and 130 nm. These exosomes were also widely distributed in the epithelial ciliated cells and pericytoplasm of glands lumen. Intracellular MVB was characterized by membrane‐bounded exosomes of different sizes. Exosomes were also found in close contact with the cilia and sperm membrane in the lumen, which is suggestive of their fusogenic properties. Immunohistochemistry results showed strong to moderate positive expression of exosomes, in ciliated and gland cells, during January, September, and December, as it is the time of sperm storage in this turtle, whereas they showed moderate to weak level of expression during breeding season (May). This is first study about identification of the exosomes in female turtles. Epithelial and glandular exosomes, intracellular MVB, secretions, and secretory vesicles give this turtle specie a unique secretory morphology and a potential model for investigating the secretory nature of the oviduct.
Generation of Cubic Graphs and Snarks with Large Girth
Authors: Brinkmann Gunnar , Goedgebeur Jan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe describe two new algorithms for the generation of all non‐isomorphic cubic graphs with girth at least that are very efficient for and show how these algorithms can be restricted to generate snarks with girth at least k.Our implementation of these algorithms is more than 30, respectively 40 times faster than the previously fastest generator for cubic graphs with girth at least six and seven, respectively.Using these generators we have also generated all nonisomorphic snarks with girth at least six up to 38 vertices and show that there are no snarks with girth at least seven up to 42 vertices. We present and analyze the new list of snarks with girth 6.
Quaternary evolution of the northern North Sea margin through glacigenic debris‐flow and contourite deposition
Authors: Batchelor Christine L. , Ottesen Dag , Dowdeswell Julian A. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTThe Norwegian Channel Ice Stream of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet extended across the northern North Sea margin during the mid‐ to late Quaternary, eroding older sediment from the continental shelf. Consequently, little is known about early Quaternary sedimentation on this margin. We use two‐ and three‐dimensional seismic‐reflection data to investigate changing sediment volumes and sources in the northern North Sea through the Quaternary. The northern North Sea Basin was infilled during the early Quaternary by intercalated glacigenic debris‐flows and contourites, which provide a record of the delivery of glacigenic sediment to the slope and the intensity of North Atlantic thermohaline circulation during early Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles. The infilling of the basin reduced accommodation and led to the deflection of mid‐ to late Quaternary sediments into the Norwegian Sea, forming the North Sea Fan. Close to the onset of the mid‐Quaternary, the south‐western Scandinavian Ice Sheet margin was drained by an ice stream located beneath Måløy Plateau, 60 km east of the Last Glacial Maximum Norwegian Channel Ice Stream. The southward‐flowing Norwegian Sea Bottom Water current was directed into the partially filled northern North Sea Basin during the early Quaternary, and deflected progressively northwards as the basin became infilled.
Aminosilanized magnetic carbon microspheres for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of bisphenol A, bisphenol AF, and tetrabromobisphenol A from environmental water samples
Authors: Gong Sheng‐Xiang , Wang Xiao‐Li , Liu Wei , Wang Ming‐Lin , Wang Xia , Wang Zheng‐Wu , Zhao Ru‐Song 
Published: February 2017

Aminosilanized magnetic carbon microspheres as a novel adsorbent were designed and fabricated. The adsorbent was used for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of bisphenols at trace levels from environmental water samples before liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The structure, surface, and magnetic behavior of the as‐prepared aminosilanized magnetic carbon microspheres were characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The effects of the experimental parameters were investigated by the Plackett–Burman design, and then the parameters that were significant to the extraction efficiencies were optimized through a response surface methodology. The aminosilanized magnetic carbon microspheres exhibited high adsorption efficiency and selectivity for bisphenols. Under optimal conditions, low limits of detection (0.011–2.22 ng/L), and a wide linear range (2–3 orders of magnitude), good repeatability (4.7–7.8%, n = 5), and reproducibility (6.0–8.3%, n = 3) were achieved. The results demonstrate that the novel adsorbent possesses great potentials in the determination of trace levels of bisphenols in environmental water samples.
Effects of Underground Pore Fissures on Soil Erosion and Sediment Yield on Karst Slopes
Authors: Dai Quanhou , Peng Xudong , Zhao Longshan , Shao Hongbo , Yang Zhi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUnderground pore fissure is one of common ways of soil leakage, and the soil loss in underground pore fissure would aggravate the development of rocky desertification in karst areas. A designed steel tank with varied underground pore fissure degrees was used to measure how underground pore fissure affected soil erosion and sediment yield on karst bare slope. We found that sediment yield rates and its distribution ratios obviously differed between the surface and underground. Surface sediment yield rate greatly responded to rainfall intensity conditions, while underground sediment yield rate rarely changed. Both bed rock bareness and underground pore fissure degree had an insignificant effect on both surface and underground sediment yield rate, but the former greatly influenced sediment distribution between the surface and underground. With increasing of bed rock bareness rate, both the average surface and underground sediment yield rates first increased and then decreased. The later posed an effect on underground sediment yield rate, which increased with increase of underground pore fissure degree. With increase of underground pore fissure degree, critical rainfall intensity for producing surface sediment would increase from 0.8–1.3 mm min−1 to 1.3–2.0 mm min−1. The results provide a mechanistic understanding of how underground pore fissure affects soil erosion and sediment production. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing the Use of 210Pbex to Study Sediment Connectivity in a Mediterranean Mountain Basin with Badlands
Authors: Moreno‐de las Heras Mariano , Gallart Francesc , Latron Jérôme , Martínez‐Carreras Núria , Ferrer Laura , Estrany Joan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBasin management demands a sound understanding of sediment dynamics, particularly in Mediterranean mountain catchments with badlands, which affect water bodies and freshwater ecosystems. Connectivity has emerged as a framework for understanding how sediments move between geomorphic zones. We analyse the feasibility of excess lead‐210 (210Pbex) to study sediment connectivity in a 4‐km2 Mediterranean mountain basin with badlands (Vallcebre research catchments, Eastern Pyrenees) by applying mass‐balance models for hypothesis generation and experimental testing. Badlands in the area are weathered by freezing during the winter and are eroded in summer by high‐intensity showers. The eroded sediments may remain deposited within the streams from months to years. Application of 210Pbex balance models in our basin suggests: (i) a saw‐tooth seasonal pattern of badland surface 210Pbex activities (increasing from October to May, and depleted in summer) and (ii) a downstream increase in sediment activity due to fallout lead‐210 accumulation in stream‐bed sediment deposits. Our experimental results (obtained during 2013 and 2014) showed low sediment 210Pbex concentrations, illustrating the fresh‐rock origin of sediments, but also hampering their study due to high measurement uncertainty (especially for sediments with d50 > 20 μm) and dependence on sampling methods. Suspended sediment 210Pbex activity reproduced the simulated seasonal activity patterns for the badland surfaces. However, sediment activity decreased downstream, suggesting that flushing of fine sediments by flooding prevents fallout lead‐210 accumulation on the stream bed. Overall, high sediment connectivity was revealed between the badlands, streams and outlet of the basin, as well as the fast transmission of 210Pbex by the finest sediment fraction. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Introduction of Woody Plants for Freshwater Wetland Restoration Alters the Archaeal Community Structure in Soil
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yan , Tao Kai‐Yun , Sun Jing , He Chi‐Quan , Cui Jun , Chen Xue‐Ping 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDue to the severe degradation of wetland ecosystems in China, great efforts, such as the reconstruction of forested wetlands, have been devoted to restore the damaged and degraded wetlands to support species diversity and ecosystem services. However, less attention has been given to the diversity and ecological significance of prokaryotes of the domain Archaea compared with prokaryotes of the domain Bacteria during the reconstruction of forested wetlands. Here, the effects of introduced woody plants (Taxodium distichumandAlnus trabeculosa) on the archaeal community in a freshwater wetland in the Yangtze estuary were investigated. The results showed that Thaumarchaeota obviously predominated at three studied sites in the freshwater wetland, the relative abundance of which decreased with increasing depth, ranging from 93.9% (0–10 cm) to 1.9% (30–40 cm) in mudflats, from 100% (0–10 cm) to 64.8% (30–40 cm) inT. distichumsediment and from 100% (0–10 cm) to 66.7% (40–50 cm) inA. trabeculosasediment. The abundances of the archaealamoAgene in woody plant sediments, ranging from 3.27 × 107to 2.45 × 108copies g−1dry soil, were significantly higher than those in bare mudflat, ranging from 9.23 × 106to 1.35 × 107copies g−1dry soil. The archaeal community, which was significantly affected by pH, microbial carbon and SO42−contents according to a canonical correspondence analysis, was significantly altered by plants and soil depth (p< 0.05). These results indicated that the introduction of woody plants stimulates the proliferation of Thaumarchaeota, especially ammonia‐oxidizing archaea, which could be important contributors to the N cycle in forested wetland ecosystems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The choice of the DNA extraction method may influence the outcome of the soil microbial community structure analysis
Authors: Zielińska Sylwia , Radkowski Piotr , Blendowska Aleksandra , Ludwig‐Gałęzowska Agnieszka , Łoś Joanna M. , Łoś Marcin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMetagenomics approaches and recent improvements in the next‐generation sequencing methods, have become a method of choice in establishing a microbial population structure. Many commercial soil DNA extraction kits are available and due to their efficiency they are replacing traditional extraction protocols. However, differences in the physicochemical properties of soil samples require optimization of DNA extraction techniques for each sample separately. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency, quality, and diversity of genetic material extracted with the use of commonly used kits. The comparative analysis of microbial community composition, displayed differences in microbial community structure depending on which kit was used. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in recovery of the genetic material for 24 out of 32 analyzed phyla, and the most pronounced differences were seen for Actinobacteria. Also, diversity indexes and reproducibility of DNA extraction with the use of a given kit, varied among the tested methods. As the extraction protocol may influence the apparent structure of a microbial population, at the beginning of each project many extraction kits should be tested in order to choose one that would yield the most representative results and present the closest view to the actual structure of microbial population.
Minimal clinically important differences for the experiences of daily living parts of movement disorder society–sponsored unified Parkinson's disease rating scale
Authors: Horváth Krisztina , Aschermann Zsuzsanna , Kovács Márton , Makkos Attila , Harmat Márk , Janszky József , Komoly Sámuel , Karádi Kázmér , Kovács Norbert 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground: The minimal clinically important difference is the smallest change of scores clinically meaningful to patients.Objectives: We aimed to calculate these threshold values in association with the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society UPDRS (MDS‐UPDRS) Parts I and II and to evaluate the feasibility of the composite score of Part I and II (MDS‐UPDRS I+II) as an outcome.Methods: Nine hundred eighty‐five paired investigations of 365 patients were reviewed, implementing three different techniques simultaneously.Results: Based on the ordinal regression modeling, the MDS‐UPDRS I+II score is an applicable outcome measure. Any improvement greater than 2.64 points or any worsening more than 2.45 points on MDS‐UPDRS Part I represent a minimal, yet clinically meaningful change. In reference to Part II, the smallest changes considered clinically relevant were 3.05 and 2.51 points for improvement and deterioration, respectively. The thresholds for MDS‐UPDRS I+II were 5.73 points for improvement and 4.70 points for worsening.Conclusions: Our minimal clinically important difference thresholds can be utilized in clinical practice in judging clinical relevance. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Nationwide genetic analysis for molecularly unresolved cystic fibrosis patients in a multiethnic society: implications for preconception carrier screening
Authors: Behar Doron M. , Inbar Ori , Shteinberg Michal , Gur Michal , Mussaffi Huda , Shoseyov David , Ashkenazi Moshe , Alkrinawi Soliman , Bormans Concetta , Hakim Fahed , Mei‐Zahav Meir , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena , Dagan Adi , Prais Dario , Sarouk Ifat , Stafler Patrick , Bar Aluma Bat El , Akler Gidon , Picard Elie , Aviram Micha , Efrati Ori , Livnat Galit , Rivlin Joseph , Bentur Lea , Blau Hannah , Kerem Eitan , Singer Amihood 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundPreconception carrier screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) is usually performed using ethnically targeted panels of selected mutations. This has been recently challenged by the use of expanded, ethnically indifferent, pan‐population panels. Israel is characterized by genetically heterogeneous populations carrying a wide range of CFTR mutations. To assess the potential of expanding the current Israeli preconception screening program, we sought the subset of molecularly unresolved CF patients listed in the Israeli CF data registry comprising ~650 patients.MethodsAn Israeli nationwide genotyping of 152 CF cases, representing 176 patients lacking molecular diagnosis, was conducted. Molecular analysis included Sanger sequencing for all exons and splice sites, multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA), and next‐generation sequencing of the poly‐T/TG tracts.ResultsWe identified 54 different mutations, of which only 16 overlapped the 22 mutations included in the Israeli preconception screening program. A total of 29/54 (53.7%) mutations were already listed as CF causing by the CFTR2 database, and only 4/54 (7.4%) were novel. Molecular diagnosis was reached in 78/152 (51.3%) cases. Prenatal diagnosis of 24/78 (30.8%) cases could have been achieved by including all CFTR2‐causing mutations in the Israeli panel.ConclusionsOur data reveal an overwhelming hidden abundance of CFTR gene mutations suggesting that expanded preconception carrier screening might achieve higher preconception detection rates.
The effects of exogenous fatty acids and niacin on human monocyte‐macrophage plasticity
Authors: Montserrat‐de la Paz Sergio , Rodriguez Dolores , Cardelo Magdalena P. , Naranjo Maria C. , Bermudez Beatriz , Abia Rocio , Muriana Francisco J.G. , Lopez Sergio 
Published: February 2017

ScopeMacrophage plasticity allows adapting to different environments, having a dual activity in inflammatory‐related diseases. Our hypothesis is that the type of dietary fatty acids into human postprandial triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRLs), alone or in combination with niacin (vitamin B3), could modulate the plasticity of monocytes‐macrophages.Methods and resultsWe isolated TRLs at the postprandial peak from blood samples of healthy volunteers after the ingestion of a meal rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or MUFAs plus omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs). Autologous monocytes isolated at fasting were first induced to differentiate into naïve macrophages. We observed that postprandial TRL‐MUFAs, particularly in combination with niacin, enhance competence to monocytes to differentiate and polarise into M2 macrophages. Postprandial TRL‐SFAs made polarised macrophages prone to an M1 phenotype. In contrast to dietary SFAs, dietary MUFAs in the meals plus immediate‐release niacin primed circulating monocytes for a reduced postprandial pro‐inflammatory profile.ConclusionOur study underlines a role of postprandial TRLs as a metabolic entity in regulating the plasticity of the monocyte‐macrophage lineage and also brings an understanding of the mechanisms by which dietary fatty acids are environmental factors fostering the innate immune responsiveness in humans.