bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Utero Exposure to Phthalate Downregulates Critical Genes in Leydig Cells of F1 Male Progeny
Authors: Sekaran Suganya , Jagadeesan Arunakaran 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTPhthalates are the largest group of environmental pollutants and are considered toxicant to the endocrine system. The present study was aimed to test the effect of in utero exposure of di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) on Leydig cell steroidogenesis in F1 male offspring's. Pregnant dams were oral gavaged with different doses (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg/day) of DEHP or olive oil during gestational Day 9–21. Serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels were significantly reduced in male offspring at 60 days of age. Our results also demonstrate a coordinate, dose‐dependent disruption of genes involved in steroidogenesis. The gene expression of StAR, Cyp11a1, 3β‐HSD, 17β‐HSD, 5α‐reductase and cytochrome P450 19a1 (or) aromatase (Cyp‐19) were significantly decreased. The transcription factors like steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF‐1) and specific protein‐1 (Sp‐1) showed a significant decrease in 10 and 100 mg DEHP treatment group. DNA methylation analysis using bisulfite specific‐methylation PCR shows hypermethylation in the SF‐1 and Sp‐1 promoter regions. Further to determine whether the DEHP‐induced methylation changes were associated with increased DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) levels, we measured the expression levels of Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmt1, and Dnmt3l using real‐time PCR and Western blot method. The mRNA and protein expressions of Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, and Dnmt1 were stimulated in 10 and 100 mg DEHP treatment groups, whereas no significant change was seen in Dnmt3l expression, suggesting that increased Dnmt3a/b, Dnmt1 may cause DNA hypermethylation in testicular Leydig cells. Overall, these data suggest that gestational exposure to DEHP affects adult testicular function via altered methylation patterns. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1466–1477, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upregulation of miR‐362‐3p Modulates Proliferation and Anchorage‐Independent Growth by Directly Targeting Tob2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Hongxing , Li Wenjuan , Tian Yuan , Xu Peng , Wang Hui , Zhang Jinxiang , Li Youjun 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThe dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the pathogenesis of human malignancies, and miRNA expression can be affected by genetic and epigenetic changes, such as methylation of the CpG islands of their promoters. To identify miRNAs regulated by DNA methylation, the global miRNA expression profile was analyzed in two hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and two normal immortalized cell lines treated with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (DAC, an inhibitor of DNA methylation) plus TSA (Trichostatin A, histone deacetylase inhibitor). Results revealed that these epigenetic drugs differentially affect miRNA expression that is dependent or independent of cell type, especially miR‐362‐3p. miR‐362‐3p expression increased while methylation of its promoter significantly decreased in human HCC cells and tissues compared with normal cells and adjacent noncancerous tissues. Ectopic expression of miR‐362‐3p increased proliferation and anchorage‐independent soft agar growth and its expression inhibition had opposing effects that were associated with regulation of its direct target—Tob2 in HCC cells. Inhibition of Tob2 recapitulated the effects of miR‐362‐3p overexpression, whereas enforced Tob2 expression reversed the promoting effects of miR‐362‐3p. Tob2 expression was reduced in human primary HCCs compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. Our findings suggest that dysregulation of miR‐362‐3p and Tob2 may contribute to HCC malignancy. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1563–1573, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NS5ATP9 Promotes Beclin 1‐Dependent Starvation‐Induced Autophagy of Hepatoblastoma Cells
Authors: Quan Min , Liu Shunai , Wang Qi , Li Guoli , Zhang Yu , Feng Shenghu , Liang Jinqiu , Cheng Jun 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTNS5ATP9, a gene up‐regulated by NS5A, plays a crucial oncogenic role in several types of human tumours. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process, maintains cellular homeostasis under stress conditions, such as starvation, and plays a crucial role in tumour initiation and progression. Here, we report that NS5ATP9 mRNA and protein expression was up‐regulated in starved HepG2 cells and that the up‐regulated NS5ATP9 played a functional role in starvation‐induced autophagy. Overexpression or silencing of this gene showed contrasting effects on Beclin 1 and on starvation‐induced autophagy. Furthermore, NS5ATP9‐mediated autophagy is required for promotion of tumour cell growth, and this effect could be inhibited with 3‐methyladenine, chloroquine or by Beclin 1‐silencing. Thus, the mechanism for NS5ATP9‐promoted autophagy is Beclin 1‐dependent in the condition of starvation, and for hepatoblastoma cell growth is also Beclin 1‐dependent. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1574–1582, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional and Clinical Evidence That TAZ is a Candidate Oncogene in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Yan , Pan Qiao , Zhang Jing , Xu Xinyuan , Liu Xiping , Wang Qinhao , Yi Ru , Xie Xiaobo , Yao Libo , Liu Wenchao , Shen Lan 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTTranscriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) has been reported to be associated with carcinogenesis. However, the cellular function of TAZ in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. In this study, an immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the expression of TAZ in cancer tissue samples from 180 HCC patients was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues. In addition, TAZ overexpression was significantly correlated with aggressive tumor characteristics such as tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node or distant metastasis, histological differentiation, and recurrent HCC (P < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier test showed that TAZ‐positive expression was related to a poor prognosis compared to TAZ‐negative expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression level of TAZ was generally correlated with the invasiveness of cancer cells. The overexpression of TAZ in the Huh7 cell line, which endogenously expresses TAZ at low levels, significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibited apoptosis, whereas RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of TAZ in the highly invasive cell line MHCC‐97H significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2465–2475, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RETRACTED: FV‐429 Induced Apoptosis Through ROS‐Mediated ERK2 Nuclear Translocation and p53 Activation in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Yuxin , Wei Libin , Zhang Haiwei , Dai Qinsheng , Li Zhiyu , Yu Boyang , Guo Qinglong , Lu Na 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTFollowing our previous finding which revealed that FV‐429 induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, in this study, we found that FV‐429 could also induce apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. Firstly, FV‐429 inhibited the viability of BGC‐823 and MGC‐803 cells with IC50 values in the range of 38.10 ± 6.28 and 31.53 ± 6.84 µM for 24 h treatment by MTT‐assay. Secondly, FV‐429 induced apoptosis in BGC‐823 and MGC‐803 cells through the mitochondrial‐mediated pathway, showing an increase in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratios, and caspase‐9 activation, without change in caspase‐8. Further research revealed that the mitogen‐activated protein kinases, including c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, extracellular regulated kinase, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, could be activated by FV‐429‐induced high level ROS. Moreover, FV‐429 also promoted the ERK2 nuclear translocation, resulting in the co‐translocation of p53 to the nucleus and increased transcription of p53‐regulated proapoptotic genes. FV‐429 significantly inhibited the nude mice xenograft tumors growth of BGC‐823 or MGC‐803 cells in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1624–1637, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of laterite characteristics on fluoride removal from water
Authors: Osei Juliet , Gawu Simon KY , Schäfer Andrea I , Atipoka Faustina A , Momade Francis WY 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe presence of high concentrations of fluoride in groundwater is a threat to the provision of potable water especially to rural communities. Various substances have been suggested for the removal of fluoride from water. This work investigates the characteristics of laterite, which makes it an adsorbent applicable to fluoride removal.RESULTSChemical and mineralogical analyses of the laterite using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques showed varying amounts of iron oxide/hydroxide (goethite/hematite), silica (quartz) and kaolinite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis revealed intimate association of all minerals. Isoelectronic point (IEP) value was largely influenced by the mineralogical composition with higher values for higher iron oxide/hydroxide content.CONCLUSIONWhile variation in the initial pH of fluoride solution had an effect on fluoride adsorption, the impact of IEP (and hence indirectly pHpzc) was not significant in adsorption. Samples heat treated at 400 °C performed better in fluoride adsorption. The mechanism for fluoride adsorption in this study was attributed to two processes: (i) ion exchange between hydroxide ion of the laterite surface and fluoride ion in solution; and (ii) fluoride uptake by specific surface reactions involving H3O+F− which leads to the release of hydroxonium (H3O+) ions in solution. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Expanding the indications for MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer: what is best practice?
Authors: Saunders Christobel , Taylor Donna 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBreast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now has an accepted place in screening younger women at high risk of breast cancer, and is increasingly used in a number of other settings including assessment of response to neo‐adjuvant therapy and local staging of cancer. Although the evidence for its general use in these settings is very limited, in highly selected patients, especially where discordance with conventional measurements occurs, MRI can have a place in assessing extent of disease, both whether operable and how operable, and guiding surgery. These scenarios and future indications and alternative technologies are explored in this paper.
Assessing drought variability since 1650 AD from tree‐rings on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, southwest China
Authors: Bi Yingfeng , Xu Jianchu , Gebrekirstos Aster , Guo Liang , Zhao Mingxu , Liang Eryuan , Yang Xuefei 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTSouthwest China has experienced significant drought during the past few years. To better understand the tendency of drought changes over time, this study applies dendroclimatological techniques to assess drought variations in Lijiang Prefecture, southwest China. So far, the longest chronology (387 years) of Picea likiangensis on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was constructed, and the relationships between the tree‐ring width and climate variables were analysed. The spring season Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) was reconstructed based on a standard chronology. Tree‐ring width is positively related to precipitation and relative humidity from February to March and the PDSI from January to May. Conversely, tree‐ring width is also negatively related with mean temperature from January to May, suggesting that growth of P. likiangensis is affected both by temperature and precipitation. The reconstructed PDSI showed that the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has experienced considerable variations in spring drought conditions during the past 361 years. Four distinct periods were recognized: (1) 1650–1730, a relatively humid period with an average PDSI value above zero; (2) 1730–1860, a period with greatly fluctuating PDSI and intermittent wet periods (1746–1755, 1782–1800, and 1820–1830) and several dry periods (1735–1745, 1756–1780, 1810–1820, and 1830–1860); (3) 1870–1945, a humid period, with the highest PDSI value during 1930–1945; and (4) 1945–2011, a period with decreasing humidity. The results are consistent with hydrological studies in nearby regions and related species, as well as historical records of natural disasters. The recently observed spring drought follows a trend of decreasing humidity over the past 60 years, suggesting that a sound strategy for management and land‐use planning is required to secure ecosystem and human well‐being.
Three‐dimensional bone‐implant movements in trochanteric hip fractures: Precision and accuracy of radiostereometric analysis in a phantom model
Authors: Bojan Alicja J. , Bragdon Charles , Jönsson Anders , Ekholm Carl , Kärrholm Johan 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe accuracy and precision of RSA were evaluated in the experimental study of screw cut‐out complication after fixation of trochanteric fractures. A plastic bone model of a two‐part trochanteric fracture was constructed with a Gamma nail implant incorporating RSA markers. The femoral head fragment was attached to a separate rotational table and the femoral shaft was mounted on the micrometer. Three main motions were simulated: Femoral head translation and rotation along the axis of the lag screw and fracture fragment translation along anatomical axes. Accuracy and precision were determined according to ISO 16,087 and ASTM standard F2385‐04. Translations along the lag screw axis were measured with a precision within  ±0.14 mm and an accuracy within ±0.03 mm. With simultaneous translations along all three anatomical axes, lowest precision was measured for the x‐axis (±0.29, 0.07 mm, respectively), but improved when analyzed as a vector (±0.08, 0.03 mm). The precision and accuracy of femoral head rotations were within 0.5° and 0.18°, respectively. The resolution of the RSA method tested in this model was high, though it varied depending on the type of analyzed motion. This information is valuable when selecting and interpreting outcome parameters evaluating implant migration and osteosynthesis stability in future clinical RSA studies. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:705–711, 2015.
Use of high resolution dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry‐region free analysis (DXA‐RFA) to detect local periprosthetic bone remodeling events
Authors: Wilkinson J. Mark , Morris Richard M. , Martin‐Fernandez Miguel A. , Pozo Jose M. , Frangi Alejandro F. , Maheson Marci , Yang Lang 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTDual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard method for measuring periprosthetic bone remodeling, but relies on a region of interest (ROI) analysis approach. While this addresses issues of anatomic variability, it is insensitive to bone remodeling events at the sub‐ROI level. We have validated a high‐spatial resolution tool, termed DXA‐region free analysis (DXA‐RFA) that uses advanced image processing approaches to allow quantitation of bone mineral density (BMD) at the individual pixel (data‐point) level. Here we compared the resolution of bone remodeling measurements made around a stemless femoral prosthesis in 18 subjects over 24 months using ROI‐based analysis versus that made using DXA‐RFA. Using the ROI approach the regional pattern of BMD change varied by region, with greatest loss in ROI5 (20%, p < 0.001), and largest gain in ROI4 (6%, p < 0.05). Analysis using DXA‐RFA showed a focal zone of increased BMD localized to the prosthesis–bone interface (30–40%, p < 0.001) that was not resolved using conventional DXA analysis. The 20% bone loss observed in ROI5 with conventional DXA was resolved to a focal area adjacent to the cut surface of the infero‐medial femoral neck (up to 40%, p < 0.0001). DXA‐RFA enables high resolution analysis of DXA datasets without the limitations incurred using ROI‐based approaches. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:712–716, 2015.
Ten weeks of treadmill running decreases stiffness and increases collagen turnover in tendons of old mice
Authors: Wood Lauren K. , Brooks Susan V. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTIncreased tendon stiffness in response to mechanical loading is well established in young animals. Given that tendons stiffen with aging, we aimed to determine the effect of increased loading on tendons of old animals. We subjected 28‐month‐old mice to 10 weeks of uphill treadmill running; sedentary 8‐ and 28‐month‐old mice served as controls. Following training, plantaris tendon stiffness and modulus were reduced by approximately half, such that the values were not different from those of tendons from adult sedentary animals. The decrease in plantaris tendon stiffness was accompanied by a similar reduction in the levels of advanced glycation end‐product protein adducts in tibialis anterior tendons of trained compared with sedentary old mice. In Achilles tendons, elevated mRNA levels for collagen type 1, matrix‐metalloproteinase‐8, and lysyl oxidase following training suggest that collagen turnover was likely also increased. The dramatic mechanical and structural changes induced by training occurred independent of changes in cell density or tendon morphology. Finally, Achilles tendon calcification was significantly reduced following exercise. These results demonstrate that, in response to exercise, tendons from old animals are capable of replacing damaged and dysfunctional components of extracellular matrix with tissue that is mechanically and structurally comparable to adult tissue. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:346–353, 2016.
Enhancement of osteogenesis post‐splenectomy does not attenuate bone loss in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Sun Dawei , Zheng Xiaochen , Chen Yuhui , Jia Chunhong , Xu Song , Lin Chuangxin , Zhang Pei , Zhang Zhongmin , Cai Daozhang , Jin Dadi , Zhang Baiyu , Bai Xiaochun 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe roles of different immune cell populations and cytokines in bone metabolism have been extensively investigated. However, the influence of whole immune organ removal on osteopathology remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the effects of splenectomy on bone metabolism and microarchitecture in rats with or without concurrent ovariectomy. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were used as osteoporosis model. Sixty 12‐week‐old female rats were randomized into 4 groups (n = 15): sham, splenectomized (SP), ovariectomized, as well as ovariectomized and splenectomized (OVX + SP). Bone microarchitecture was assessed by micro CT analysis at 4 week and 12 week post‐operation, respectively. Bone pathology and metabolism were evaluated via immunohistochemical staining. The serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (Tracp5b), and C‐terminal telopeptide (CTx) were analyzed at 4 and 12 weeks post‐operation. Removal of the spleen led to alterations in the homeostasis of bone metabolism and increased bone formation in rats. In this study, our findings indicate that the spleen is involved in skeletal metabolism. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1356–1363, 2015.
Three‐dimensional imaging and analysis of human cartilage degeneration using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Nebelung Sven , Brill Nicolai , Marx Ulrich , Quack Valentin , Tingart Markus , Schmitt Robert , Rath Björn , Jahr Holger 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTOptical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an evolving imaging technology allowing non‐destructive imaging of cartilage tissue at near‐histological resolution. This study investigated the diagnostic value of real time 3‐D OCT in comparison to conventional 2‐D OCT in the comprehensive grading of human cartilage degeneration. Fifty‐three human osteochondral samples were obtained from eight total knee arthroplasties. OCT imaging was performed by either obtaining a single two‐dimensional cross‐sectional image (2‐D OCT) or by collecting 100 consecutive parallel 2‐D OCT images to generate a volumetric data set of 8 × 8 mm (3‐D OCT). OCT images were assessed qualitatively according to a modified version of the DJD classification and quantitatively by algorithm‐based evaluation of surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, and signal attenuation. Samples were graded according to the Outerbridge classification and statistically analyzed by one‐way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and Tukey's or Dunn's post‐hoc tests. Overall, the generation of 3‐D volumetric datasets and their multiple reconstructions such as rendering, surface topography, parametric, and cross‐sectional views proved to be of potential diagnostic value. With increasing distance to the mid‐sagittal plane and increasing degeneration, score deviations increased, too. In conclusion, 3‐D imaging of cartilage with image analysis algorithms adds considerable potential diagnostic value to conventional OCT diagnostics. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:651–659, 2015.
Effects of processing conditions and formulation on spray drying of sour cherry juice concentrate
Authors: Can Karaca Asli , Guzel Onder , Ak Mehmet M 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDSour cherries are rich in phenolic compounds possessing several health‐promoting effects. Processing of sour cherry juice into powder form offers additional advantages such as increased utilization, reduced volume, easier handling and transportation. However, spray drying of fruit juices is difficult owing to their low glass transition temperatures (Tg). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inlet temperature (130–150 °C), feed flow rate in terms of pump setting (30–50%), sour cherry content (25–50% of total dry matter) and carrier type (maltodextrin DE6, maltodextrin DE12, gum arabic) on yield, Tg and total phenolic content (TPC) of spray‐dried sour cherry powder.RESULTSFeed flow rate, sour cherry content and carrier type significantly affected yield and Tg, whereas TPC was affected by sour cherry content and carrier type. The effect of sour cherry content on yield depended on the carrier type. Although gum arabic provided better protection of phenolic content than maltodextrins, it resulted in lower average yield.CONCLUSIONSpray‐dried sour cherry powder with high yield (>85%) and high Tg (60 °C) was obtained using the following conditions: 150 °C inlet temperature, 30% pump setting, 25% sour cherry content and maltodextrin DE12 as carrier. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry