bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adipose‐derived stem cell adhesion on laminin‐coated microcarriers improves commitment toward the cardiomyogenic lineage
Authors: Karam Jean‐Pierre , Bonafè Francesca , Sindji Laurence , Muscari Claudio , Montero‐Menei Claudia N. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractFor tissue‐engineering studies of the infarcted heart it is essential to identify a source of cells that may provide cardiomyocyte progenitors, which is easy to amplify, accessible in adults, and allowing autologous grafts. Preclinical studies have shown that human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) can differentiate into cardiomyocyte‐like cells and improve heart function in myocardial infarction. We have developed pharmacologically active microcarriers (PAMs) which are biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric microspheres conveying cells on their biomimetic surface, therefore providing an adequate three‐dimensional (3D) microenvironment. Moreover, they can release a growth factor in a prolonged manner. In order to implement ADSCs and PAMs for cardiac tissue engineering we first defined the biomimetic surface by studying the influence of matrix molecules laminin (LM) and fibronectin (FN), in combination with growth factors present in the cardiogenic niche, to further enhance the in vitro cardiac differentiation of ADSCs. We demonstrated that LM increased the expression of cardiac markers (Nkx2.5, GATA4, MEF2C) by ADSCs after 2 weeks in vitro. Interestingly, our results suggest that the 3D support provided by PAMs with a LM biomimetic surface (LM‐PAMs) further enhanced the expression of cardiac markers and induced the expression of a more mature contractile protein, cardiac troponin I, compared with the 2D differentiating conditions after only 1 week in culture. The enrichment of the growth‐factor cocktail with TGF‐β1 potentiated the cardiomyogenic differentiation. These results suggest that PAMs offering a LM biomimetic surface may be efficiently used for applications combining adult stem cells in tissue‐engineering strategies of the ischemic heart. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1828–1839, 2015.
Progeny From Irradiated Colorectal Cancer Cells Acquire an EMT‐Like Phenotype and Activate Wnt/β‐Catenin Pathway
Authors: Bastos Lilian Gonçalves dos Reis , de Marcondes Priscila Guimarães , de‐Freitas‐Junior Julio Cesar Madureira , Leve Fernanda , Mencalha André Luiz , de Souza Waldemir Fernandes , de Araujo Wallace Martins , Tanaka Marcelo Neves , Abdelhay Eliana Saul Furquim Werneck , Morgado‐Díaz José Andrés 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTRadiotherapy remains a major approach to adjuvant therapy for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, however, the fractionation schedules frequently allow for the repopulation of surviving tumors cells, neoplastic progression, and subsequent metastasis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the transgenerational effects induced by radiation and evaluate whether it could increase the malignant features on the progeny derived from irradiated parental colorectal cancer cells, Caco‐2, HT‐29, and HCT‐116. The progeny of these cells displayed a differential radioresistance as seen by clonogenic and caspase activation assay and had a direct correlation with survivin expression as observed by immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence showed that the most radioresistant progenies had an aberrant morphology, disturbance of the cell–cell adhesion contacts, disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and vimentin filaments. Only the progeny derived from intermediary radioresistant cells, HT‐29, reduced the E‐cadherin expression and overexpressed β‐catenin and vimentin with increased cell migration, invasion, and metalloprotease activation as seen by immunoblotting, wound healing, invasion, and metalloprotease activity assay. We also observed that this most aggressive progeny increased the Wnt/β‐catenin‐dependent TCF/LEF activity and underwent an upregulation of mesenchymal markers and downregulation of E‐cadherin, as determined by qRT‐PCR. Our results showed that the intermediate radioresistant cells can generate more aggressive cellular progeny with the EMT‐like phenotype. The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway may constitute an important target for new adjuvant treatment schedules with radiotherapy, with the goal of reducing the migratory and invasive potential of the remaining cells after treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2175–2187, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) Activation Is Essential for Osteocyte Survival Induced by Mechanotransduction
Authors: de Castro Luis F. , Maycas Marta , Bravo Beatriz , Esbrit Pedro , Gortazar Arancha 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMechanical loading plays a key role in bone formation and maintenance. While unloading induces osteocyte apoptosis and bone loss in vivo, mechanical stimuli prevents osteocyte death through a mechanism involving β‐catenin accumulation and ERK nuclear translocation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a crucial role in bone formation, but its interaction with osteocytes is not completely understood. Of interest, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) has recently been shown to mediate the mechanical response of endothelial cells. The present study aimed to evaluate the putative role of the VEGF system in osteocyte mechanosensing. We show that either short (10 min) mechanical stimulus by pulsatile fluid flow (FF) (10 dyn/cm2, 8 Hz) or exogenous VEGF165 (6 ng/ml) similarly stimulated cell viability, ERK phosphorylation, and β‐catenin membrane translocation. A VEGFR2 antagonist (SU5416) or transfection with specific VEGFR2 siRNAs (siVEGFR2) decreased these events. FF for 10 min increased VEGFR2 phosphorylation at both Tyr‐1059 and Tyr‐1175; an effect that was mimicked by VEGF165 but was unaffected by a VEGF neutralizing antibody. Subsequently (at 6 h), this mechanical stimulus induced VEGF gene overexpression, which was prevented by siVEGFR2 transfection. Depletion of the structural protein caveolin‐1 by using siRNA technology impaired FF‐induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, these in vitro findings point to caveolin‐1‐dependent VEGFR2 activation as an important mechanism whereby mechanical stimuli promote osteocyte viability. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 278–285, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved quantitative myocardial T2 mapping: Impact of the fitting model
Authors: Akçakaya Mehmet , Basha Tamer A. , Weingärtner Sebastian , Roujol Sébastien , Berg Sophie , Nezafat Reza 
Published: August 2014

PurposeTo develop an improved T2 prepared (T2prep) balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) sequence and signal relaxation curve fitting method for myocardial T2 mapping.MethodsMyocardial T2 mapping is commonly performed by acquisition of multiple T2prep bSSFP images and estimating the voxel‐wise T2 values using a two‐parameter fit for relaxation. However, a two‐parameter fit model does not take into account the effect of imaging pulses in a bSSFP sequence or other imperfections in T2prep RF pulses, which may decrease the robustness of T2 mapping. Therefore, we propose a novel T2 mapping sequence that incorporates an additional image acquired with saturation preparation, simulating a very long T2prep echo time. This enables the robust estimation of T2 maps using a 3‐parameter fit model, which captures the effect of imaging pulses and other imperfections. Phantom imaging is performed to compare the T2 maps generated using the proposed 3‐parameter model with the conventional two‐parameter model, as well as a spin echo reference. In vivo imaging is performed on eight healthy subjects to compare the different fitting models.ResultsPhantom and in vivo data show that the T2 values generated by the proposed 3‐parameter model fitting do not change with different choices of the T2prep echo times, and are not statistically different than the reference values for the phantom (P = 0.10 with three T2prep echoes). The two‐parameter model exhibits dependence on the choice of T2prep echo times and are significantly different than the reference values (P = 0.01 with three T2prep echoes).ConclusionThe proposed imaging sequence in combination with a three‐parameter model allows accurate measurement of myocardial T2 values, which is independent of number and duration of T2prep echo times. Magn Reson Med 74:93–105, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiparametric MRI assessment of human articular cartilage degeneration: Correlation with quantitative histology and mechanical properties
Authors: Rautiainen Jari , Nissi Mikko J. , Salo Elli‐Noora , Tiitu Virpi , Finnilä Mikko A.J. , Aho Olli‐Matti , Saarakkala Simo , Lehenkari Petri , Ellermann Jutta , Nieminen Miika T. 
Published: August 2014

PurposeTo evaluate the sensitivity of quantitative MRI techniques (T1, T1,Gd, T2, continous wave (CW) T1ρ dispersion, adiabatic T1ρ, adiabatic T2ρ, RAFF and inversion‐prepared magnetization transfer (MT)) for assessment of human articular cartilage with varying degrees of natural degeneration.MethodsOsteochondral samples (n = 14) were obtained from the tibial plateaus of patients undergoing total knee replacement. MRI of the specimens was performed at 9.4T and the relaxation time maps were evaluated in the cartilage zones. For reference, quantitative histology, OARSI grading and biomechanical measurements were performed and correlated with MRI findings.ResultsAll MRI parameters, except T1,Gd, showed statistically significant differences in tangential and full‐thickness regions of interest (ROIs) between early and advanced osteoarthritis (OA) groups, as classified by OARSI grading. CW‐T1ρ showed significant dispersion in all ROIs and featured classical laminar structure of cartilage with spin‐lock powers below 1000 Hz. Adiabatic T1ρ, T2ρ, CW‐T1ρ, MT, and RAFF correlated strongly with OARSI grade and biomechanical parameters.ConclusionMRI parameters were able to differentiate between early and advanced OA. Furthermore, rotating frame methods, namely adiabatic T1ρ, adiabatic T2ρ, CW‐T1ρ, and RAFF, as well as MT experiment correlated strongly with biomechanical parameters and OARSI grade, suggesting high sensitivity of the parameters for cartilage degeneration. Magn Reson Med 74:249–259, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response of Fish Communities to Hydrological and Morphological Alterations in Hydropeaking Rivers of Austria
Authors: Schmutz S. , Bakken T. H. , Friedrich T. , Greimel F. , Harby A. , Jungwirth M. , Melcher A. , Unfer G. , Zeiringer B. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractClimate change asks for the reduction in the consumption of fossil‐based fuels and an increased share of non‐regulated renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. In order to back up a larger share of these intermittent sources, ‘battery services’ are needed, currently provided only in large scale by hydropower, leading to more rapid and frequent changes in flows (hydropeaking) in the downstream rivers. Increased knowledge about the ecosystem response to such operations and design of cost‐effective measures is needed.We analysed the response of fish communities to hydropeaking (frequency, magnitude, ramping rate and timing) and the interaction with the habitat conditions in Austrian rivers. An index of biotic integrity (Fish Index Austria) was used to compare river sections with varying degrees of flow fluctuations under near‐natural and channelized habitat conditions. The results showed that habitat conditions, peak frequency (number of peaks per year), ramping rate (water level variation) and interaction between habitat and ramping rate explained most of the variation of the Fish Index Austria. In addition, peaking during the night seems to harm fish more than peaking during the day. Fish communities in hyporhithral and epipotamal types of rivers are more affected by hydropeaking than those in metarhithral type of rivers. The results support the findings of other studies that fish stranding caused by ramping rates >15 cm h−1 are likely to be the main cause of fish community degradation when occurring more often than 20 times a year. While the ecological status degrades with increasing ramping rate in nature‐like rivers, fish communities are heavily degraded in channelized rivers regardless of the ramping rate. The mitigation of hydropeaking, therefore, requires an integrative approach considering the combined effects of hydrological and morphological alterations on fish. © 2014 The Authors. River Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Google Earth, A Virtual‐Globe Imaging Platform, for Ecosystem Services‐Based River Assessment
Authors: Large A. R. G. , Gilvear D. J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA methodology for reach‐based river ecosystem service assessment of eight ecosystem functions using remote sensing via Google Earth is presented. The number of publications addressing Google Earth and ecosystem services has grown significantly since 2005, yet this powerful remote sensing platform remains under‐used in river science. Theoretical linkages between 18 riverscape fluvial features, attributes and land cover types, observable and measurable on Google Earth, and resultant river ecosystem service delivery are central to the methodology. Using this framework, we build on earlier ecosystem service conceptual models to develop a rules‐based scoring approach and apply it to three rivers of differing size and character from source to mouth. The aim was to devise a robust ecosystem service assessment tool applicable to any ecoregion and to rivers of any size, degree of human modification and character. Reach or sector scales are river length dependent. The minimum reach scale recommended is 500 m, and a 10 km sector length was used on the longest of our three rivers. Two key metrics, the individual ecosystem service score and the total ecosystems service score, are derived at the river reach scale from source to mouth. Scoring is on a 0–3 scale with 0 representing an absent or virtually no ecosystem service value and 3 an optimal or maximum value. Output is best expressed in score per kilometre of river length. The exercise showed the tool to be applicable across two ecoregions and to rivers of varying size, level of human modification and character. While requiring further refinement, the approach shows that ecosystem service assessments based on virtual globes can be universally applied providing valuable information on riverscape ecosystem service delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Maintain Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity by Inhibiting Aquaporin-4 Upregulation After Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Tang Guanghui , Liu Yanqun , Zhang Zhijun , Lu Yifan , Wang Yang , Huang Jun , Li Yaning , Chen Xiaoyan , Gu Xiang , Wang Yongting , Yang Guo-Yuan 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Rationale: Cerebral ischemia upregulates aquaporin-4 expression, increases blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and induces brain edema. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repress inflammatory cytokines and show great potential for ischemic stroke therapy. However, the effect of MSCs regarding the protection of ischemia-induced BBB break down is unknown. Objective: We test whether MSCs therapy protects BBB integrity and explore the molecular mechanisms of aquaporin-4 on BBB integrity. Methods and Results: Two hundred and twenty-eight adult CD1 male mice underwent 90 minutes transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and received 2 × 105 MSCs intracranial transplantation. The neurological severity score was improved and both ischemia-induced brain edema and BBB leakage were reduced in MSC-treated mice. MSCs therapy reduced astrocyte apoptosis and inhibited ischemia-induced aquaporin-4 upregulation. In addition, small-interfering RNA knockdown of aquaporin-4 after cerebral ischemia effectively reduced aquaporin-4 expression, brain edema, BBB leakage, and astrocyte apoptosis. Conditional medium from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia enhanced aquaporin-4 expression, p38 and JNK phosphorylation, and apoptosis of cultured astrocytes. MSC treatment reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-activated microglia, and subsequently reduced aquaporin-4 expression and apoptosis of astrocytes. Knockdown of aquaporin-4 in cultured astrocytes also reduced apoptosis. Treatment with p38 and JNK inhibitors showed that p38, but not the JNK signaling pathway, was responsible for the aquaporin-4 upregulation. Conclusion: MSCs protected BBB integrity by reducing the apoptosis of astrocytes after ischemic attack, which was due to the attenuation of inflammatory response and downregulation of aquaporin-4 expression via p38 signaling pathway. Stem Cells 2014;32:3150–3162
Standard as Interface
Authors: Suematsu Chihiro 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe concept of fixing interfaces strongly relates to the one of a standard. In order to gain higher ROI of an interface, fixing alone is not sufficient enough. The recognition and full use by every related person (effectively the standardization) is indispensable. If the number of users is small, the ROI decreases, which prevents compensating the cost for fixing the interface. Such valueless developments frequently occur in companies, amounting to huge losses.
Cloud Point‐Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction for Extraction of Organic Acids from Biological Samples
Authors: Daneshfar Ali , Khezeli Tahere 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA new method combining cloud point extraction (CPE) with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) named “cloud point‐dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (CP‐DLLME)” was presented in this work for the first time for the determination of organic acids as model compounds in biological samples using high performance liquid chromatography and UV detection (HPLC–UV). Water (disperser solvent) containing tert‐octylphenol ethoxylate (7.5EO) as extraction solvent, was rapidly injected into a warmed sample solution and cloudy state formed immediately. After that, phase separation was performed by centrifugation. The surfactant‐rich phase was diluted with acetonitrile and injected into a HPLC–UV apparatus. The influence of several important parameters on the extraction efficiencies was evaluated. Under optimized experimental conditions, the calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.06–1,500 µg L−1 for target analytes. Coefficient of determination (r2) ranged from 0.9985 to 0.9994. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.05–17.1 µg L−1. The new method was successfully applied with satisfactory results for analysis of target analytes in spiked samples. The relative mean recoveries of the spiked samples ranged from 91.8 to 107.1 % with relative standard deviations in the range of 2.1 to 4.3 %.
Ultrahigh-resolution Cerenkov-light imaging system for positron radionuclides: potential applications and limitations
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Watabe Tadashi , Ikeda Hayato , Kanai Yasukazu , Watabe Hiroshi , Ogata Yoshimune , Kato Katsuhiko , Hatazawa Jun 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Objective
Cerenkov-light imaging provides inherently high resolution because the light is emitted near the positron radionuclide. However, the magnitude for the high spatial resolution of Cerenkov-light imaging is unclear. Its potential molecular imaging applications also remain unclear. We developed an ultrahigh-resolution Cerenkov-light imaging system, measured its spatial resolution, and explored its applications to molecular imaging research.

Methods
Our Cerenkov-light imaging system consists of a high-sensitivity charged-coupled device camera (Hamamatsu Photonics ORCA2-ER) and a bright lens (Xenon 0.95/25). An extension ring was inserted between them to magnify the subject. A ~100-μm-diameter 22Na point source was made and imaged by the system. For applications of Cerenkov-light imaging, we conducted 18F-FDG administered in vivo, ex vivo whole brain, and sliced brain imaging of rats.

Results
We obtained spatial resolution of ~220 μm for a 22Na point source with our developed imaging system. The 18F-FDG rat head images showed high light intensity in the eyes for the Cerenkov-light images, although there was no accumulation in these parts in the PET images. The sliced rat brain showed much higher spatial resolution for the Cerenkov-light images compared with CdWO4 scintillator-based autoradiography, although some contrast decrease was observed for them.

Conclusion
Even though the Cerenkov-light images showed ultrahigh resolution of ~220 μm, their distribution and contrast were sometimes different from the actual positron accumulation in the subjects. Care must be taken when evaluating positron distribution from Cerenkov-light images. However, the ultrahigh resolution of Cerenkov-light imaging will be useful for transparent subjects including phantom studies.
Visualizing radiofrequency lesions using delayed‐enhancement magnetic resonance imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation: A modification of the method used by the University of Utah group
Authors: Kiuchi Kunihiko , Okajima Katsunori , Shimane Akira , Yokoi Kiminobu , Teranishi Jin , Aoki Kousuke , Chimura Misato , Tsubata Hideo , Miyata Taishi , Matsuoka Yuuki , Toba Takayoshi , Ohishi Shogo , Sawada Takahiro , Tsukishiro Yasue , Onishi Tetsuari , Kobayashi Seiichi , Yamada Shinichiro , Taniguchi Yasuyo , Yasaka Yoshinori , Kawai Hiroya , Ikeuchi Kazushi , Shigenaga Yutaka , Ikeda Takayuki 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundAtrial tissue fibrosis has previously been identified using delayed‐enhancement MRI (DE‐MRI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although the clinical importance of DE‐MRI is well recognized, the visualization of atrial fibrosis and radiofrequency (RF) lesions has still not been achieved in Japan, primarily because of the differences in contrast agents, volume‐rendering tools, and technical experience. The objective of this study was to visualize RF lesions by using commercially available tools.MethodsDE‐MRI was performed in 15 patients who had undergone AF ablation (age, 59±4 years, left atrium diameter, 40±2 mm). Specific parameters for MR scanning obtained from previous reports were modified.ResultsOf the 15 images, the images of three patients were uninterpretable owing to low image quality. RF lesions could be visualized in 8 (67%) of the 12 patients.ConclusionsIn the current study, we successfully demonstrated that RF lesions could be visualized in Japanese patients using DE‐MRI, although only commercially available tools were used.