bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C Stigma and Empowerment Through Positive Speaking in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Cama Elena J. , Wilson Hannah , Mackenzie Althea , Brener Loren 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAlthough the adverse impacts of health‐related stigma are well established, there is growing evidence to suggest that some people reject stigma and become empowered through involvement in education and advocacy. C‐een and Heard (C&H) is a positive speaking programme in Sydney, Australia, using educational presentations by people living with hepatitis C to increase understanding of the illness among health and community workers. This study explored C&H speakers' experiences of and responses to stigma, as well as their motivations to participate in the C&H programme. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine C&H positive speakers. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Experiences of discrimination were common especially in healthcare and were linked to misinformation and negative attitudes towards injecting drug use. Although discriminatory experiences were distressing, many participants reacted with anger and challenged their stigmatised identity, ultimately leading participants to take part in positive speaking. Speakers reported feeling empowered by participation in the C&H programme and by the support received from audience members, peers and programme organisers. Findings highlight the potential benefits of positive speaking programmes for people with chronic illness in relation to overcoming stigma and experiencing empowerment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current Progresses in Phytase Research: Three‐Dimensional Structure and Protein Engineering
Authors: Chen Chun‐Chi , Cheng Kuo‐Joan , Ko Tzu‐Ping , Guo Rey‐Ting 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPhytase is one of the most important feed additive enzymes for monogastric animal, because it hydrolyzes the indigestible phytate in the cereal‐based feedstock to release phosphate as an essential nutrient. To understand its molecular machinery, the three‐dimensional structures of various types of phytases and complexes have been studied extensively. For commercial applications, important properties such as higher catalytic efficiency and higher thermostability are desired. Since a phytase with both beneficial characteristics is hardly found in nature, various protein engineering strategies are popular in modifying the existing enzymes with enhanced performance. In this review, the up‐to‐date status of phytase structural and engineering studies is summarized. In addition, structural perspectives of some engineered phytases with improved properties are also provided. These results broaden the understanding of phytases and will be important for phytase applications in the future.
Computational and Biochemical Design of a Nanopore Cleavable by a Cancer‐Secreted Enzyme
Authors: Pittel Ilya , Alper Naomi , Yonai Shiran , Basch Shani , Blum Leah , Bachur Ayelet , Paas Yoav 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMany proteinaceous macromolecules selectively transport substrates across lipid bilayers and effectively serve as gated nanopores. Here, we engineered cleavage‐site motifs for human matrix metalloprotease 7 (MMP‐7) into the extracellular and pore‐constricting loops of OprD, a bacterial substrate‐specific transmembrane channel. Concurrent removal of two extracellular loops allowed MMP‐7 to access and hydrolyze a cleavage‐site motif engineered within the pore's major constricting loop, in both membrane‐incorporated and detergent‐solubilized OprDs. Import of antibiotics by the engineered OprDs into living bacteria pointed to their proper folding and integration in biological membranes. Purified engineered OprDs were also found to be properly folded in detergent. Hence, this study demonstrates the design of nanopores with a constriction cleavable by tumor‐secreted enzymes (like MMP‐7) for their potential incorporation in lipid‐based nanoparticles to accelerate drug release at the tumor site.
Ultrastructural maturation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells‐derived cardiomyocytes under alternative induction of 5‐azacytidine
Authors: Piryaei Abbas , Soleimani Masoud , Heidari Mohammad Hassan , Saheli Mona , Rohani Razieh , Almasieh Mohammadali 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAdult cardiomyocytes lack the ability to proliferate and are unable to repair damaged heart tissue, therefore differentiation of stem cells to cardiomyocytes represents an exceptional opportunity to study cardiomyocytes in vitro and potentially provides a valuable source for replacing damaged tissue. However, characteristic maturity of the in vitro differentiated cardiomyocytes and methods to achieve it are yet to be optimized. In this study, differentiation of human bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs) into cardiomyocytes is accomplished and the process investigated ultrastructurally. The hBM‐MSCs were alternatively treated with 5 μM of 5‐azacytidine (5‐aza) for 8 weeks resulting in differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Expressions of cardiomyocyte‐specific genes [cardiac α‐actinin, cardiac β‐myosin heavy chain (MHC) and connexin‐43] and proteins (cardiac α‐actinin, cardiac troponin and connexin‐43) were confirmed in a time‐dependent manner from the first to the fifth weeks post‐induction. Ultrastructural maturation of hBM‐MSCs‐derived cardiomyocyte (MSCs‐CM) corresponded with increase in number and organization of myofilaments in cells over time. Starting from week five, organized myofibrils along with developing sarcomeres were detectable. Later on, MSCs‐CM were characterized by the presence of sarcoplasmic reticulum, T‐tubules and diads as cardiomyocytes connected to each other by intercalated disc‐like structures. Here, we showed the potential of hBM‐MSCs as a source for the production of cardiomyocytes and confirmed mature ultrastructural characteristics of these cells using our alternative incubation method.
Role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activation in apoptosis induced by removal of the growth factors
Authors: Ning Yue‐Bao , Du Zhi‐Qiang 
Published: January 2015

AbstractApoptosis plays a crucial role for generation of lymphocyte repertoire, clonal contraction, and elimination of virus‐infected cells. Since IL‐3‐dependent pro‐B cell line Baf‐3 resulted in rapid induction of apoptotic cell death upon IL‐3 withdrawal, it would by very valuable for analysis of apoptosis induction by growth factor deprivation. First, we confirmed that Baf‐3 cells underwent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis in a time‐dependent manner when they were cultured in the RPMI‐1640 medium without IL‐3. Induction of apoptosis and loss of ΔΨm was determined by DiOC6 and annexin V staining method using flow cytometer, respectively. Deprivation of IL‐3 induced upregulation of proapoptotic molecule Bax, in conjunction with slight down‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic molecule Bcl‐xL, which was assessed by Western blotting. Since Bcl‐xL‐overexpressing Baf‐3 cells showed some resistance to IL‐3‐deprivation, Bcl‐xL prevents apoptosis induced by IL‐3 withdrawal. Finally, a sustained JNK1 activation was observed prior to induction of apoptosis upon IL‐3 deprivation. Dominat‐negative form of JNK1 and JNK inhibitor sp600125 partially inhibit the apoptosis upon IL‐3 deprivation, suggesting that a sustained JNK1 activation was involved in the induction of apoptosis. Together, IL‐3 deprivation of IL‐3‐dependent cell line Baf‐3 induces a sustained JNK1 activation, followed by a decline of the ratio of Bcl‐xL to Bax, leading to loss of ΔΨm, and finally apoptosis.
Isolation and identification of ovarian theca‐interstitial cells and granulose cells of immature female mice
Authors: Tian Yong , Shen Wei , Lai Zhiwen , Shi Liangyan , Yang Shuhong , Ding Ting , Wang Shixuan , Luo Aiyue 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTheca‐interstitial cells (TICs) and granulosa cells (GCs) are important components of follicles that support follicle development and hormone secretion, and are considered to be important cell models for basic research. However, no method currently exists for simultaneously isolating TICs and GCs from a single ovary of the immature mouse. Here, we sought to develop such a protocol using mechanical dissection combined with brief collagenase‐DNase digestion. Morphological characteristics and molecular markers were detected to identify TICs and GCs. In isolated TICs, cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc) was expressed abundantly, but anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) was expressed only at very low levels. This expression profile was reversed in GCs. In addition, TICs secreted large amounts of testosterone (T) and minimal amounts of estradiol (E2), while the converse was found in GCs. T concentrations rose gradually in TIC culture media as the concentration of added luteinizing hormone (LH) was increased. In GCs, E2 secretion increased as the follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration increased. Thus, mechanical dissection combined with collagenase‐DNase digestion is a simple, effective and reproducible method for obtaining large numbers of highly purified and hormonally stimulated TICs and GCs from one ovary.
Fndc5 overexpression facilitated neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Forouzanfar Mahboobeh , Rabiee Farzaneh , Ghaedi Kamran , Beheshti Siamak , Tanhaei Somayeh , Shoaraye Nejati Alireza , Jodeiri Farshbaf Mohammad , Baharvand Hossein , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFndc5 has been recently recognized as a myokine which could be cleaved and secreted into blood stream. It is termed as irisin with an important role in thermogenesis and energy homeostasis. Increased expression of Fndc5 has been reported upon retinoic acid treatment during neural differentiation and its knockdown decreased neural differentiation and neurite outgrowth. This study tries to evaluate the effect of Fndc5 overexpression on rate of neural differentiation in mouse. (Thus, transduced cell line of mouse embryonic stem cell with ability to express Fndc5 under Doxycycline treatment was established. Subsequently, the effect of overexpression of Fndc5 on different stages of neural differentiation was studied). Our study showed an increase enhancement in neuronal precursor markers and mature neuron markers upon overexpression of Fndc5, concluding that Fndc5 facilitates neural differentiation. This effect might be related to increased expression of BDNF following overexpression of Fndc5. Our findings are consistent with recent studies reporting a similar role for Fndc5 in proliferation of neural cells and increase in the expression of neurotrophins like BDNF.
Differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes is inhibited under a modified ceiling culture
Authors: Song Ziyi , Cheng Jia , Yang Hao , Li Yuefeng , Gao Qian , Shi Xin'e , Yang Gongshe 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCeiling culture is an inverted and closed cell culture system which represents a novel method for exploring adipocyte characteristics and function. Although the role of ceiling culture in mature adipocyte dedifferentiation has been extensively studied, its potential effects on preadipocyte differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we established a simplified dish ceiling culture method for 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and showed that our novel ceiling culture method could reproduce the function of the traditional flask ceiling culture. Then, we investigated the effects of ceiling culture on 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation by Oil red O staining and RT‐qPCR. The results showed that ceiling culture significantly impaired triglyceride accumulation and adipogenic marker genes expression in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. These findings suggest that ceiling culture inhibited 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation while inducing mature adipocytes dedifferentiation. Taken together, our data facilitate the understanding of the property of ceiling culture and promote the study of revealing the underlying mechanisms of mature adipocytes dedifferenatiation.
Lineage specific expression of Polycomb Group Proteins in human embryonic stem cells in vitro
Authors: Pethe Prasad , Pursani Varsha , Bhartiya Deepa 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHuman embryonic (hES) stem cells are an excellent model to study lineage specification and differentiation into various cell types. Differentiation necessitates repression of specific genes not required for a particular lineage. Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are key histone modifiers, whose primary function is gene repression. PcG proteins form complexes called Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRCs), which catalyze histone modifications such as H2AK119ub1, H3K27me3, and H3K9me3. PcG proteins play a crucial role during differentiation of stem cells. The expression of PcG transcripts during differentiation of hES cells into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineage is yet to be shown. In‐house derived hES cell line KIND1 was differentiated into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineages; followed by characterization using RT‐PCR for HNF4A, CDX2, MEF2C, TBX5, SOX1, and MAP2. qRT‐PCR and western blotting was performed to compare expression of PcG transcripts and proteins across all the three lineages. We observed that cells differentiated into endoderm showed upregulation of RING1B, BMI1, EZH2, and EED transcripts. Mesoderm differentiation was characterized by significant downregulation of all PcG transcripts during later stages. BMI1 and RING1B were upregulated while EZH2, SUZ12, and EED remained low during ectoderm differentiation. Western blotting also showed distinct expression of BMI1 and EZH2 during differentiation into three germ layers. Our study shows that hES cells differentiating into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineages show distinct PcG expression profile at transcript and protein level.
Outcomes following pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with CoreValve® devices: Results from the FRANCE 2 Registry
Authors: Mouillet Gauthier , Lellouche Nicolas , Yamamoto Masanori , Oguri Atsushi , Dubois‐Rande Jean‐Luc , Van Belle Eric , Gilard Martine , Laskar Marc , Teiger Emmanuel 
Published: January 2015

AimsPermanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation following high‐degree atrioventricular block is frequently required after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using CoreValve®. Recent improvement of the delivery system (CoreValve Accutrak®) aimed to ease delivery and reduce the PPM rate. Our study evaluated the incidences of PPM implantation following use of CoreValve® or CoreValve Accutrak®and the clinical outcome of these patients.Methods and resultsA total of 883 patients (82 ± 7 years; 41.3% female) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and self‐expanding bioprosthesis implantation were included between January 2010 and October 2011 in 29 centers from the FRANCE 2 Registry. Follow‐up data were available in 833 patients. CoreValve® and CoreValve Accutrak® were used in 343 (41.2%) and 490 (58.8%) patients, respectively. During a mean follow‐up of 242 ± 179 days, all‐cause mortality was similar in patients with versus without PPM implantation (16.3 vs. 16.9%, P = 0.832).There was no significant difference in the PPM incidence in CoreValve® and CoreValve Accutrak®patients (30.4% vs. 27.5%, P = 0.846).ConclusionPPM implantation remained frequent after TAVI using CoreValve Accutrak®. All‐cause mortality was similar in patients with or without PPM implantation. The new device failed to show a significant decrease in PPM implantation incidence after TAVI. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous closure of a hemodynamically significant connection between the inferior vena cava and the left atrium
Authors: Wiebe Jens , Rixe Johannes , Nef Holger 
Published: January 2015

Objective and BackgroundA connection between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the left atrium (LA) can occur as a rare complication after surgical atrial septum defect (ASD) repair. We demonstrate the first case of a percutaneous closure of this connection.Methods and ResultsA 67‐year‐old female was admitted to hospital due to exertional dyspnea. A history of a surgical ASD repair in 1960 and 1966 with a residual shunt was already known. Transesophageal echocardiography and a CT scan revealed a hemodynamically significant drainage of the IVC into the LA. This connection was successfully closed percutaneously with an AMPLATEZR Duct Occluder I (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN). Post‐procedural CT‐scan and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a stable position and there was also no evidence of a residual shunt. The patient reported a significant reduction of exertional dyspnea.ConclusionPercutaneous closure of an IVC to LA connection in this case was safe and feasible. The decision about which device is optimal must be made on an individual basis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transradial approach for coronary chronic total occlusion interventions: Insights from a contemporary multicenter registry
Authors: Alaswad Khaldoon , Menon Rohan V. , Christopoulos Georgios , Lombardi William L. , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Grantham J. Aaron , Marso Steven P. , Wyman Michael R. , Pokala Nagendra R. , Patel Siddharth M. , Kotsia Anna P. , Rangan Bavana V. , Lembo Nicholas , Kandzari David , Lee James , Kalynych Anna , Carlson Harold , Garcia Santiago A. , Thompson Craig A. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the impact of transradial access on the procedural outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).BackgroundThe efficacy and safety of transradial access in CTO PCI has received limited study.MethodsWe compared the technique and outcomes of transradial vs. transfemoral access among 650 CTO PCI cases performed between January 2012 and March 2014 at 6 US centers.ResultsMost patients were men (87%) with high frequency of diabetes mellitus (42%) and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (36%). The CTO target vessel was the right coronary (59%), left anterior descending (20%), or circumflex (17%) artery. TR access was used in 110 (17%) of the 650 cases, as follows: bilateral radial access (63%); bilateral radial access plus unilateral or bilateral femoral access (7%); unilateral radial access plus unilateral or bilateral femoral access (26%); and unilateral radial access (4%). Six and eight French guide catheters were used through the radial and femoral artery, respectively. Compared to transfemoral, transradial cases had similar technical (92.6% vs. 93.0%, P = 0.87) and procedural (91.1% vs. 90.0%, P = 0.95) success and major complication rates (1.7% vs 1.8%, P = 0.99). However, transradial access was associated with higher mean procedure (142 ± 83 vs. 120 ± 60 min, P = 0.008) and fluoroscopy (58 ± 40 vs. 49 ± 31 min, P <0.026) time, and number of crossing approach changes (0.7 ± 1.0 vs. 0.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.008).ConclusionTransradial CTO PCI can be performed with similar success and complication rates with transfemoral CTO PCI, but is associated with longer procedural and fluoroscopy times. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of multislice computed tomography findings between bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Chevalier Bernard , Hayashida Kentaro , Leong Tora , Bouvier Erik , Arai Takahide , Farge Arnaud , Hovasse Thomas , Garot Philippe , Cormier Bertrand , Morice Marie‐Claude , Lefèvre Thierry 
Published: January 2015

AimsThis study sought to compare the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) characteristics of bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) before and after implantation of the CoreValve (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, California) or the Edwards SapienXT (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA).Methods and ResultsFrom March 2009 to March 2013, a total of 67 TAVI patients who had both pre‐ and post‐procedural MSCT were studied. Eleven patients underwent TAVI in BAV with the CoreValve (n = 6) or SapienXT (n = 5) and 56 patients underwent TAVI in TAV with the CoreValve (n = 38) or SapienXT (n = 18). The BAV group was similar to the TAV group except for a higher pre‐procedural mean pressure gradient (53.1 ± 17.4 vs. 48.8 ± 20.4 mm Hg, P = 0.03), a larger annulus perimeter (89.3 ± 9.0 vs. 81.8 ± 8.1 mm, P = 0.03) and a higher aortic valve calcium volume (1262.7 ± 396.0 vs. 556.4 ± 461.9 mm3, P < 0.01). In the CoreValve group, post‐procedural mean pressure gradient was significantly higher in the BAV group (11.0 ± 2.6 vs. 8.2 ± 2.8 mm Hg, P = 0.04) and a smaller valve area/pre‐annulus area ratio was observed at each level of the prosthesis (base of the stent frame 81.7% ± 14.9% vs. 94.7% ± 15.0%, P = 0.06, annulus level 74.3% ± 16.7% vs. 89.9% ± 10.5%, P = 0.03, leaflet level 64.6% ± 13.1% vs. 81.2% ± 13.2%, P < 0.01). This was not observed in the Edwards group.ConclusionsCompared to TAV, patients with BAV have higher gradients, larger annulus perimeters and more calcified valves. Higher post procedural gradient and valve underexpansion were frequently observed after CoreValve implantation. Further MSCT study is required to demonstrate the efficacy of TAVI in BAV. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Surface Iron/Cobalt‐Containing Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Aerogels as Non‐Precious Advanced Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Elumeeva Karina , Ren Jiawen , Antonietti Markus , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick 
Published: January 2015

AbstractNitrogen‐doped carbon‐based catalysts are promising candidates to substitute expensive and moderately durable platinum‐based catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Condensation of ionic liquids (ILs) in salt melts enables the formation of hierarchically porous nitrogen‐doped carbons with very high surface areas. Here we present synthesis and the employment of high‐nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels modified with iron and cobalt for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the relevant half‐cell reaction for all fuel cells, using rotating disk/ring‐disk electrode measurements. We show favorable performances compared to the current Pt/C standard. TEM analysis of the iron composites gave an amorphous, quasi‐atomic distribution of the metal, while iron/cobalt composites form very small, well‐supported nanoparticles.
A pH‐Responsive Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)–Phthalocyanine Nanohybrid for Efficient Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Xing‐Shu , Ke Mei‐Rong , Huang Wei , Ye Chun‐Hong , Huang Jian‐Dong 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA pH‐responsive nanohybrid (LDH–ZnPcPS4), in which a highly hydrophilic zinc(II) phthalocyanine tetra‐α‐substituted with 4‐sulfonatophenoxy groups (ZnPcPS4) is incorporated with a cationic layered double hydroxide (LDH) based on electrostatic interaction, has been specially designed and prepared through a facile co‐precipitation approach. ZnPcPS4 is an excellent singlet‐oxygen generator with strong absorption at the near‐infrared region (692 nm) in cellular culture media, whereas the photoactivities of ZnPcPS4 were remarkably inhibited after incorporation with the LDH. The nanohybrid is essentially stable in aqueous media at pH 7.4; nevertheless, in slightly acidic media of pH 6.5 or 5.0, ZnPcPS4 can be efficiently released from the LDH matrix, thus leading to restoration of the photoactivities. The nanohybrid shows a high photocytotoxicity against HepG2 cells as a result of much more efficient cellular uptake and preferential accumulation in lysosomes, whereby the acidic environment leads to the release of ZnPcPS4. The IC50 value of LDH–ZnPcPS4 is as low as 0.053 μM, which is 24‐fold lower than that of ZnPcPS4. This work provides a facile approach for the fabrication of photosensitizers with high photocytotoxicity, potential tumor selectivity, and rapid clearance character.