bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cartilage repair by local delivery of transforming growth factor‐β1 or bone morphogenetic protein‐2 from a novel, segmented polyurethane/polylactic‐co‐glycolic bilayered scaffold
Authors: Reyes Ricardo , Delgado Araceli , Solis Raul , Sanchez Esther , Hernandez Antonio , Roman Julio San , Evora Carmen 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the in vitro and in vivo release kinetics and evaluate the grades of repair induced by either the release of 50 ng of transforming growth factor‐β1 or 2.5 or 5 μg of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) from a bilayer scaffold of segmented polyurethane/polylactic‐co‐glycolic (SPU/PLGA) in osteochondral defects, in a rabbit model. The scaffold consisted of a porous, bone‐directed PLGA layer, overlaid with a cartilage‐directed layer of growth factor (GF)‐loaded PLGA microspheres, dispersed in a matrix of SPU. The PLGA porous layer was fabricated by gas foaming. Microspheres were prepared by a double emulsion method. SPU was synthesized by following the two‐step method. GF release kinetics were assessed using iodinated (125I) GFs. The in vivo release profiles of both GFs fitted to zero‐order kinetics, demonstrating a consistently good control of their release rates by SPU. Cartilage‐like tissue, characterized by histological analysis, scoring, and immunolabeling of chondrogenic differentiation markers, was observed only after 12 weeks, maintaining integrity up to at least 24 weeks, independently of the GF and the dose of BMP‐2. The biocompatibility and the resulting good quality, hyaline repair cartilage convert this system into a promising candidate for future applications in osteochondral lesions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1110–1120, 2014.
Blood Type B antigen modulates cell migration through regulating cdc42 expression and activity in HaCaT cells
Authors: Jung Ji‐Yong , Oh Jang‐Hee , Lee Dong Hun , Lee Serah , Chung Jin Ho 
Published: April 2013

AbstractABO blood group is determined by carbohydrate antigens, called ABH antigens. It has been known that the change of carbohydrate antigen expression, including ABH antigens, has correlation with the tumor metastasis and survival; however, the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. ABH antigens are expressed not only in blood cells but also in several tissues. In epidermis, ABH antigen is expressed in the uppermost spinous and granular layer. We investigated the role of ABH antigens on the cell migration of HaCaT keratinocytes, which express B antigen. Knock‐down of B antigen expression by small interference RNA of FUT1 inhibited HaCaT cell migration. At that time, we found that lamellipodia and actin fiber were also reduced by knock‐down of B antigen expression. The transcription of cdc42, a kind of Rho GTPase which plays a key role in actin polymerization, was reduced by down‐regulated B antigen expression. Furthermore, the reduced B antigen expression also inhibited the interaction of cdc42 and N‐WASP. Collectively, our data provide a clue how ABH antigens regulate the cell migration mechanism. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2243–2251, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐302a sensitizes testicular embryonal carcinoma cells to cisplatin‐induced cell death
Authors: Liu Lin , Lian Jie , Zhang Huijuan , Tian Hui , Liang Meng , Yin Mianmian , Sun Fei 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of several human malignancies, such as testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). The toxic effects persist and those that are present long after chemotherapy affect the overall quality of life of patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the responses of cancer cells to chemotherapy and have been shown to modulate cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the relationship between miRNA expression and cisplatin sensitivity of TGCT has not been fully explored. In this study, the effects of miR‐302a on cisplatin cytotoxicity in TGCT‐derived cell line NTERA‐2 (NT2) were evaluated. We found that expression levels of miR‐302a were increased in cisplatin‐treated NT2 cells. Up‐regulation of miR‐302a significantly increased the sensitivity of NT2 cells to cisplatin by enhancing cisplatin‐induced G2/M phase arrest and the subsequent progression to apoptosis. MiR‐302a also increased the killing effects of cisplatin by lowering the apoptotic threshold; the same result was also observed in another TGCT‐derived cell line, NCCIT. Furthermore, miR‐302a‐enhanced cisplatin sensitivity was partially mediated through the down‐regulation of p21 in NT2 cells. MiR‐302a induced apoptosis was further enhanced by silencing of p53 in NT2 cells. p53 levels were inversely associated with the expression of Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog in response to cisplatin. Thus, targeting miR‐302a may offer new therapeutic interventions in TGCT. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2294–2304, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FUS/TLS assembles into stress granules and is a prosurvival factor during hyperosmolar stress
Authors: Sama Reddy Ranjith K. , Ward Catherine L. , Kaushansky Laura J. , Lemay Nathan , Ishigaki Shinsuke , Urano Fumihiko , Bosco Daryl A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFUsed in Sarcoma/Translocated in LipoSarcoma (FUS/TLS or FUS) has been linked to several biological processes involving DNA and RNA processing, and has been associated with multiple diseases, including myxoid liposarcoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS‐associated mutations cause FUS to associate with stalled translational complexes called stress granules under conditions of stress. However, little is known regarding the normal role of endogenous (non‐disease linked) FUS in cellular stress response. Here, we demonstrate that endogenous FUS exerts a robust response to hyperosmolar stress induced by sorbitol. Hyperosmolar stress causes an immediate re‐distribution of nuclear FUS to the cytoplasm, where it incorporates into stress granules. The redistribution of FUS to the cytoplasm is modulated by methyltransferase activity, whereas the inhibition of methyltransferase activity does not affect the incorporation of FUS into stress granules. The response to hyperosmolar stress is specific, since endogenous FUS does not redistribute to the cytoplasm in response to sodium arsenite, hydrogen peroxide, thapsigargin, or heat shock, all of which induce stress granule assembly. Intriguingly, cells with reduced expression of FUS exhibit a loss of cell viability in response to sorbitol, indicating a prosurvival role for endogenous FUS in the cellular response to hyperosmolar stress. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2222–2231, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional role of Runx3 in the regulation of aggrecan expression during cartilage development
Authors: Wigner Nathan A. , Soung Do Y. , Einhorn Thomas A. , Drissi Hicham , Gerstenfeld Louis C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRunx2 and Runx3 are known to be expressed in the growth plate during endochondral bone formation. Here we addressed the functional role of Runx3 as distinct from Runx2 by using two models of postnatal bone repair: fracture healing that proceeds by an endochondral process and marrow ablation that proceeds by only an intramembranous process. Both Runx2 and Runx3 mRNAs were differentially up regulated during fracture healing. In contrast, only Runx2 showed increased expression after marrow ablation. During fracture healing, Runx3 was expressed earlier than Runx2, was concurrent with the period of chondrogenesis, and coincident with maximal aggrecan expression a protein associated with proliferating and permanent cartilage. Immunohistological analysis showed Runx3 protein was also expressed by chondrocytes in vivo. In contrast, Runx2 was expressed later during chondrocyte hypertrophy, and primary bone formation. The functional activities of Runx3 during chondrocyte differentiation were assessed by examining its regulatory actions on aggrecan gene expression. Aggrecan mRNA levels and aggrecan promoter activity were enhanced in response to the over‐expression of either Runx2 and Runx3 in ATDC5 chondrogenic cell line, while sh‐RNA knocked down of each Runx protein showed that only Runx3 knock down specifically suppressed aggrecan mRNA expression and promoter activity. ChIP assay demonstrated that Runx3 interactions were selective to sites within the aggrecan promoter and were only observed during early periods of chondrogenesis before hypertrophy. Our studies suggest that Runx3 positively regulates aggrecan expression and suggest that its function is more limited to cartilage development than to bone. In aggregate these data further suggest that the various members of the Runx transcription factors are involved in the coordination of chondrocyte development, maturation, and hypertrophy during endochondral bone formation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2232–2242, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Storm time meridional wind perturbations in the equatorial upper thermosphere
Authors: Haaser R. A. , Davidson R. , Heelis R. A. , Earle G. D. , Venkatraman S. , Klenzing J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe present observations from the Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI) of storm time meridional winds in the neutral atmosphere near the magnetic equator at 400 km altitude. Observations near the magnetic equator in the southern geographic hemisphere are dominated by energy inputs from the southern Polar Regions that produce south to north (equatorward) wind perturbations to accompany perturbations in the neutral density and temperature. In one exceptional case, when observations are made near midnight and the north magnetic pole rotates through the midnight sector, north to south (poleward) meridional wind perturbations are observed just south of the magnetic equator. Accompanying perturbations in the neutral density on the dayside and the nightside are consistent with observed increases in the ion temperature and inferred increases in the neutral temperature in accord with hydrostatic equilibrium.
Operculum ultrastructure in leech cocoons
Authors: Rossi Anthony M. , Saidel William M. , Marotta Roberto , Saglam Naim , Shain Daniel H. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTClitellate annelids (i.e., oligochaetes including leeches) secrete cocoons as part of their normal reproductive cycle. Typically, the cocoon sheath is passed over the head of the leech and sealed at both ends by opercula (i.e., glue‐like material secreted by the clitellum). Both the fibrous cocoon wall (CW) and opercula are chemically‐related biomaterials that share unusual physiochemical properties, including thermal and chemical resiliency. To explore the underlying morphology of the operculum, we examined cocoons from four leech species (i.e., Myzobdella lugubris, Theromyzon tessulatum, Erpobdella obscura, and Erpobdella punctata) by transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron micrographs of all opercula revealed a common, ultrastructural pattern comprising an electron‐dense mosaic of ordered polygons that surrounded interspersed cavities. The long axes of cavities were often oriented directionally, suggesting that operculum material is pliable prior to solidification and distorted as a consequence of cocoon deposition. Concomitantly, the operculum permeates jagged edges of the cocoon sheath sealing the cocoon, which provides a mechanically strong CW/operculum boundary. SEM of leech opercula revealed globular nanoparticles comparable to that observed in bioadhesives from disparate animal phyla (e.g., mussel, barnacle, sea star), suggesting a convergent mechanism of bioadhesion among animals. J. Morphol. 274:940–946, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term changes in total and extreme precipitation over China and the United States and their links to oceanic–atmospheric features
Authors: Wang Fang , Yang Song , Higgins Wayne , Li Qiaoping , Zuo Zhiyan 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWe investigate the variations of total and extreme precipitations over China and the United States, focusing on long‐term changes. We also explain the features of precipitation by changes in sea surface temperature (SST) and atmospheric circulation. Features of total precipitation and the ratio of extreme to total precipitation are different between China and the United States, and differences occur in both annual and seasonal means. Both total precipitation and precipitation ratio show large seasonal and regional variations over China, but change modestly over the United States Annually, China total precipitation changes insignificantly and the ratio shows only a slight positive trend. However, the US annual total precipitation increases significantly, although the ratio decreases moderately. In China, the ratio exhibits positive trends in all seasons and total precipitation shows small positive trends except a negative trend in fall. The US total precipitation increases remarkably in all seasons except winter when a slight decrease occurs, and the ratio decreases in winter and summer but increases in spring and fall. The change in China precipitation ratio has a strong link to SSTs around the Indian Ocean and the South and East China Seas, and the change in US total precipitation is associated with changes in the Indian Ocean and eastern Pacific SSTs. These relationships become weaker when the trend of total precipitation or precipitation ratio is removed, indicating an impact of SST on the long‐term change in precipitation. The trends of US total precipitation and China precipitation ratio are also linked to the long‐term changes inatmospheric circulation including the trade wind, the North Pacific anticyclone, and the circulation patternsover Asia. In most cases, the total and extreme precipitations are associated with similar SST and atmospheric patterns, except in China where the annual extreme precipitation is associated with SST and circulation features as is the precipitation ratio.
Shifting of frozen ground boundary in response to temperature variations at northern China and Mongolia, 2000–2007
Authors: Han Lijian , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Tsubo Mitsuru 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the shifts of frozen ground boundary in response to temperature variations in the East Asia. We therefore examined the relationship between changes of frozen ground boundary and temperature at northern China and Mongolia. Significant relationships were found between the boundaries' shifting and monthly average air temperature in northeast of China and in the northeast of Mongolia, where the higher temperature resulted in the more northward boundary of frozen ground. However, no significant relationship was found in northwest of Mongolia, in west of China, and in the west of Tibetan Plateau. These results indicate that the temperature is not the major factor in driving the boundary of seasonally frozen ground shifting at typical mid‐latitude areas in Asia. This research demonstrates seasonally frozen ground dynamic response to climatic change at some mid‐latitude areas where seasonally frozen ground boundary shifting would be utilized as an additional factor for tracking climatic change. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Optimization of programmed‐temperature vaporization injection preparative capillary GC for compound specific radiocarbon analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhao Liang , Wang Yexin , Xu Yunping , Zhou Liping 
Published: April 2013

Preparative capillary GC (PCGC) is a powerful tool for the separation and purification of compounds from any complex matrix, which can be used for compound‐specific radiocarbon analysis. However, the effect of PCGC parameters on the trapping efficiency is not well understood. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the optimization of parameters based on 11 reference compounds with different physicochemical properties. Under the optimum conditions, the trapping efficiencies of these 11 compounds (including high‐boiling‐point n‐hentriacontane and methyl lignocerate) are about 80% (60–89%). The isolation of target compounds from standard solutions, plant and soil samples demonstrates that our optimized method is applicable for different classes of compounds including n‐alkanes, fatty acid esters, long‐chain fatty alcohol esters, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and steranes. By injecting 25 μL in large volume injection mode, over 100 μg, high purity (>90%) target compounds are harvested within 24 h. The recovery ranges of two real samples are about 70% (59.9–83.8%) and about 83% (77.2–88.5%), respectively. Compared to previous studies, our study makes significant improvement in the recovery of PCGC, which is important for its wide application in biogeochemistry, environmental sciences, and archaeology.
The Ah receptor regulates growth factor expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: John Kaarthik , Lahoti Tejas S. , Wagner Kelly , Hughes Jarod M. , Perdew Gary H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPrevious studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines have revealed that the Ah receptor (AHR) plays a significant role in mediating the “aggressive” phenotype of these cells, which includes enhanced inflammatory signaling (e.g., IL6) and migratory potential. Here we sought to identify putative novel targets of the AHR associated with enhanced tumor invasiveness. Global gene expression analysis identified a number of genes that are repressed upon treatment of OSC‐19 or HN30 cells with an AHR antagonist. Three growth factors were targets of AHR activity; amphiregulin (AREG), epiregulin (EREG), and platelet‐derived growth factor A (PDGFA) were repressed by an AHR antagonist and further examined. Quantitative PCR analysis, ELISA, and siRNA‐mediated knock down of AHR revealed an attenuation of basal and/or induced levels of expression of these growth factors in two HNSCC lines, following AHR antagonism. In silico analysis revealed that these growth factors possess dioxin‐like response elements. Two other AHR ligands, 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole and benzo(a)pyrene (BP) also elicited similar responses. In conclusion, this study identified AREG, EREG, and PDGFA as growth factor targets of AHR activity associated with metastatic phenotype of HNSCC cells, suggesting that attenuation of AHR activity may be a therapeutic strategy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Downregulation of MED23 promoted the tumorigenecity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Jianxin , Han Qingqi , Zhao Heng , Zhong Chenxi , Yao Feng 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common tumors in the world. It is very urgent to develop new therapeutic strategies. MED23, a component of the mediator complex, is known as a hub to integrate various signaling pathways. However, the function of MED23 in ESCC remains unknown. Here, we found that the expression of MED23 was downregulated in the clinical ESCC samples and the expression of MED23 reversely correlated with tumor size and clinical stage. Moreover, overexpression of MED23 in ESCC cells inhibited cell growth dramatically, while downregulation of MED23 promoted the tumorigenecity of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, knockdown the expression of MED23 inhibited cell apoptosis by downregulation of Bax, activated Caspase 3, activated Caspase 9 and upregulation of cyclinD1 and Bcl2. Taken together, our study revealed the suppressive role of MED23 in ESCC and MED23 might be an important therapeutic target in ESCC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indole‐3‐carbinol protects against pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling via activating AMPK‐α
Authors: Deng Wei , Zong Jing , Bian Zhouyan , Zhou Heng , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Rui , Guo Haipeng , Zhang Yan , Shen Difei , Li Hongliang , Tang Qizhu 
Published: April 2013

ScopeIndole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), a monomer component extracted from leaves and stems of cruciferous vegetables, has inhibitory effects on tumors, obesity, and liver fibrosis, but its effects on the development of cardiac remodeling remain completely unknown. We determined the effects of I3C on cardiac remodeling and heart function using an aortic banding (AB) mouse model.Methods and resultsMale 8‐ to10‐wk‐old wild‐type and 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐α2 knockout mice fed with or without I3C were subjected to AB or a sham operation and were phenotyped, accordingly. I3C both prevented and reversed cardiac remodeling induced by AB, as assessed by heart weight/body weight, lung weight/body weight, and heart weight/tibia length ratios, echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters, histological analysis, and gene expression of hypertrophic and fibrotic markers. The inhibitory effect of I3C on cardiac remodeling was mediated by AMPK‐α and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Moreover, AMPK‐α2 gene deficiency completely blocked the inhibitory effects of I3C on cardiac remodeling, preventing the improvements in heart weight/body weight, lung weight/body weight, heart weight/tibia length, cardiac function, gene expression of hypertrophic and fibrotic markers, and phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and ERK1/2 signaling components.ConclusionI3C both prevents and reverses cardiac remodeling by activating AMPK‐α signaling. I3C is a potential therapeutic drug for heart failure.
Epicatechin regulation of mitochondrial structure and function is opioid receptor dependent
Authors: Panneerselvam Mathivadhani , Ali Sameh S. , Finley J. Cameron , Kellerhals Sarah E. , Migita Michael Y. , Head Brian P. , Patel Piyush M. , Roth David M. , Patel Hemal H. 
Published: April 2013

ScopeThe flavanol (–)‐epicatechin (Epi), a component of cacao, has cardiac protective benefits in humans. Our previous study demonstrated Epi has δ‐opioid receptor (DOR) binding activity and promotes cardiac protection. Here we examined the effects of 10 days of Epi treatment on: cardiac mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species production, calcium swelling, and mitochondrial membrane fluidity.Methods and resultsMice were randomized into four groups: (i) control (saline), (ii) naltrindole (Nalt; DOR antagonist), (iii) Epi, and (iv) Epi + Nalt and received 1 mg/kg Epi or water via oral gavage. Nalt groups received 5 mg/kg ip per day for 10 days. Significant increases in mitochondrial respiration and enhanced free radical production during state 3 respiration were observed with Epi. Additionally, we observed significant increases in rigidity of mitochondrial membranes and resistance to calcium‐induced mitochondrial swelling with Epi treatment. Blocking the DOR with Nalt resulted in decreases in all of the observed parameters by Epi treatment.ConclusionThese findings indicate that Epi induces an integrated response that includes metabolic and structural changes in cardiac mitochondria resulting in greater functional capacity via DOR. Mitochondrial targeted effects of epicatechin may explain the physiologic benefit observed on cardiac protection and support epicatechin's potential clinical application as a cardiac protective mimetic.