bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing neuronal growth from human endometrial stem cells derived neuron‐like cells in three‐dimensional fibrin gel for nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Navaei‐Nigjeh Mona , Amoabedini Ghasem , Noroozi Abbas , Azami Mahmoud , Asmani Mohammad N. , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Saberi Hooshang , Ai Armin , Ai Jafar 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNerve tissue engineering (NTE) is one of the most promising methods to restore central nerve systems in human health care. Three‐dimensional (3D) distribution and growth of cells within the porous scaffold composed of nanofibers are of clinical significance for NTE. In this study, an attempt was made to develop and characterize the use of fibrin gel and human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs)‐derived neuron‐like cells simultaneously to support cell behavior especially neuron outgrowth. The structural and mechanical characteristics of fibrin gel scaffold were examined with SEM and rheometer. Also, hEnSCs‐derived neuron‐like cells were cultured in fibrin gel and were subsequently analyzed with immunofluorescent staining against neuronal markers. In parallel, the survival and growth rates of the cells were determined by MTT assay and neurite extension. At the end, cell–matrix interactions were investigated with SEM and TEM micrographs. Mechanical properties of fabricated scaffold were studied and results indicated appropriate choice of material, SEM and TEM showed excellent integration of cells with nanofibers regarding the relation between cells and fibrin gel. Immunofluorescent staining of fibrin gel after 6 days of cell seeding and culture demonstrated well expanded and incorporated network of neurons. In addition, viability, proliferation, and neuronal growth of seeded cells were analyzed at days 1, 3, and 6. Comparing those results with 2D culture of seeded cells showed positive effect of 3D culture. Taken together, the results suggest that fibrin can provide a suitable, three‐dimensional scaffold for neuronal survival and outgrowth for regeneration of the central nervous system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2533–2543, 2014.
Aligned SF/P(LLA‐CL)‐blended nanofibers encapsulating nerve growth factor for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Kuihua Zhang , Chunyang Wang , Cunyi Fan , Xiumei Mo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractArtificial nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) containing bioactive neurotrophic factors and topographical structure to biomimic native tissues are essential for efficient regeneration of nerve gaps. In this study, aligned SF/P(LLA‐CL) nanofibers encapsulating nerve growth factor (NGF), which was stabilized by SF in core, were fabricated via a coaxial electrospinning technique. The controlled release of NGF from the nanofibers was evaluated using enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and PC12 cell‐based bioassay over a 60‐day time period. The results demonstrated that NGF presented a sustained release and remained biological activity over 60 days. Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) were fabricated by reeling the aligned SF/P(LLA‐CL) nanofibrous scaffolds encapsulating NGF and then used as a bridge implanted across a 15‐mm defect in the sciatic nerve of rats to promote nerve regeneration. The outcome in terms of regenerated nerve at 12 weeks was evaluated by a combination of electrophysiological assessment, histochemistry, and electron microscopy. All results clarified that the NGF‐encapsulated‐aligned SF/P(LLA‐CL) NGCs promoted peripheral nerve regeneration significantly better than the aligned SF/P(LLA‐CL) NGCs, suggesting that the released NGF from nanofibers could effectively promote the regeneration of peripheral nerve. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2680–2691, 2014.
The effect of glycation on arterial microstructure and mechanical response
Authors: Stephen Elizabeth A. , Venkatasubramaniam Arundhathi , Good Theresa A. , Topoleski L. D. T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLike engineered materials, an artery's biomechanical behavior and function depend on its microstructure. Glycation is associated with both normal aging and diabetes and has been shown to increase arterial stiffness. In this study we examined the direct effect of glycation on the mechanical response of intact arteries and on the mechanical response and structure of elastin isolated from the arteries. Samples of intact arteries and isolated elastin were prepared from porcine aortas and glycated. The mechanical response of all samples was completed using a uniaxial material test system. Glycation levels were measured using ELISA. A confocal microscope was used to image differences in the structure of the glycated and untreated elastin fibers. We found that, under the conditions used in this study, glycation led to decreased stiffness of elastin isolated from arteries, which was associated with a thinning of elastin fibers as imaged by confocal microscopy. We observed no effect of glycation on collagen fibers under our treatment conditions. These results suggest that glycation leads to weakening of the elastin component of arteries that could contribute to vascular defects seen in diabetes and aging. Prevention of glycation reactions may be an important consideration for vascular health later in life. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2565–2572, 2014.
Bone‐derived titanium coating improves in vivo implant osseointegration in an experimental animal model
Authors: Cecconi Stefano , Mattioli‐Belmonte Monica , Manzotti Sandra , Orciani Monia , Piccioli Andrea , Gigante Antonio 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCoating of orthopaedic or dental Titanium (Ti) implants with extracellular bone matrix components (e.g., Type I collagen or hydroxyapatite) is usually performed to enhance their osseointegration. Aim of the present research is the evaluation of an innovative bone‐derived Ti coating, containing bone apatite and Type I bone collagen preserved, in an experimental model. Coated and uncoated titanium implants were inserted into the extra‐articular bone of the distal femur of twelve New Zealand White Rabbits. Labelling of bone formation was performed by sequential intraperitoneal administration of three stains. After 45 and 90 days animals were sacrificed. Bone specimens were embedded in a glycol methacrylate resin and sectioned along a plane parallel to the long axis of the implants for histomorphometric, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analyses. Bone implant contact (BIC), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and calcium–phosphorus ratio were measured. Data were subjected to nonparametric Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and Student's t test. All implants healed without adverse reactions. After 45 days from implant, significant (p < 0.05) differences in BIC (55.6 ± 17.1% vs. 29.2 ± 20.1%) and Tb.Th (108.7 ± 67.1 µm vs. 66.6 ± 48.6 µm) were observed between coated and uncoated implants. Significant (p < 0.05) differences in BIC (61.3 ± 2.1% vs. 35.7 ± 16.4%) and Tb.Th (211.4 ± 80.8 µm vs. 150.9 ± 61.5 µm) between coated and uncoated implants were also detected after 90 days. No differences were measured in calcium–phosphorous ratio. Our data indicate that Ti integration can be enhanced by the proposed surface coating. This could accelerate stable implant fixation and early or immediate loading of the device. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 303–310, 2014.
A simple surrogate test method to rank the wear performance of prospective ceramic materials under hip prosthesis edge‐loading conditions
Authors: Sanders Anthony P. , Brannon Rebecca M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis research has developed a novel test method for evaluating the wear resistance of ceramic materials under severe contact stresses simulating edge loading in prosthetic hip bearings. Simply shaped test specimens – a cylinder and a spheroid – were designed as surrogates for an edge‐loaded, head/liner implant pair. Equivalency of the simpler specimens was assured in the sense that their theoretical contact dimensions and pressures were identical, according to Hertzian contact theory, to those of the head/liner pair. The surrogates were fabricated in three ceramic materials: Al2O3, zirconia‐toughened alumina (ZTA), and ZrO2. They were mated in three different material pairs and reciprocated under a 200 N normal contact force for 1000–2000 cycles, which created small (<1 mm2) wear scars. The three material pairs were ranked by their wear resistance, quantified by the volume of abraded material measured using an interferometer. Similar tests were performed on edge‐loaded hip implants in the same material pairs. The surrogates replicated the wear rankings of their full‐scale implant counterparts and mimicked their friction force trends. The results show that a proxy test using simple test specimens can validly rank the wear performance of ceramic materials under severe, edge‐loading contact stresses, while replicating the beginning stage of edge‐loading wear. This simple wear test is therefore potentially useful for screening and ranking new, prospective materials early in their development, to produce optimized candidates for more complicated full‐scale hip simulator wear tests. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 311–321, 2014.
Visualization of Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor 1α‐p300 Interactions in Live Cells by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Kim So Yeon , Lee Myong Jin , Na Yu‐Ran , Kim Sang Yoon , Yang Eun Gyeong 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTHypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α mediates the hypoxia response signaling pathway essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis in low oxygen environments through its complex formation with CBP/p300 in the nucleus. Employing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we devised a live‐cell interaction assay based on reporter proteins by tagging fluorescent proteins onto the carboxy termini of HIF‐1α and p300. The nature of the constructed reporter protein was verified by observing localized distribution, degradation, and stabilization kinetics in cells transfected with the HIF‐1α containing plasmid. A mutant HIF‐1α incapable of binding to p300 was then utilized to demonstrate insignificant FRET efficiency, thereby confirming that our constructs could effectively probe the direct interaction between HIF‐1α and p300. We further examined the effects of small molecules known to modulate the HIF‐1α‐p300 interaction and transcriptional activity on FRET. Finally, by inhibiting activities of two HIF‐specific hydroxylases, HIF‐specific prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) 2 and factor inhibiting HIF‐1 (FIH‐1) with their specific siRNAs, we explored how these HIF‐specific hydroxylases contribute to the HIF‐1α‐p300 interaction by FRET measurements along with HIF‐1 mediated transcriptional activation. Therefore, this technique would provide a way to study selective inhibition of either PHD2 or FIH‐1 within living cells, and to screen specific inhibitors of HIF‐mediated transcription activity for therapeutic applications. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 271–280, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology and expression status investigations of specific surface markers on B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Niu Suli , Chan Ryan , Berini Pierre , Wang Chen , Zou Shan 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe morphology of cells and expression status of specific surface markers [cluster of differentiation (CD)], such as CD5, CD19, CD20, CD38, and CD45, have long been considered as the essential indicators for the diagnosis and prognosis of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL). Clinically, it is difficult to simultaneously obtain cell morphology and distribution of surface markers with flow cytometry, especially for some surrogate markers such as CD38. Here, as an alternative and complementary prognostic method, fluorescence microscopy and image processing method are introduced to directly visualize the cells from patients and to quantitatively determine the expression status of surface markers. In this study, the morphological parameters of B‐CLL cells were measured to establish the correlation between the cellular morphology and the surface marker expression. It was clear that the CD38+ and CD38− B‐CLL cells from the same CD38+ patients had hardly any size differences; however, an increase in perimeter was observed for CD38− patients. Moreover, the expression level of the receptors on the cell was independent of the cell size. There was no evidence showing that the expression intensities of CD19 and CD38 were related to each other for the CD38+ B‐CLL cells. On the same cells, CD5 was more selectively expressed on the cell membrane; however, the expression patterns suggested that the cell membrane of CD38− B‐CLL cells contained the least expression level of CD19. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:1147–1153, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Choosability with Separation of Complete Multipartite Graphs and Hypergraphs
Authors: Füredi Zoltán , Kostochka Alexandr , Kumbhat Mohit 
Published: August 2013

AbstractFor a hypergraph G and a positive integer s, let be the minimum value of l such that G is L‐colorable from every list L with for each and for all . This parameter was studied by Kratochvíl, Tuza, and Voigt for various kinds of graphs. Using randomized constructions we find the asymptotics of for balanced complete multipartite graphs and for complete k‐partite k‐uniform hypergraphs.
What is the most adapted indication of prophylactic pancreatic duct stent within the high‐risk group of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis? Using the propensity score analysis
Authors: Takenaka Mamoru , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Sugiyama Daisuke , Masuda Atsuhiro , Shiomi Hideyuki , Sugimoto Maki , Sanuki Tsuyoshi , Hayakumo Takanobu , Azuma Takeshi , Kutsumi Hiromu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundConducting randomized controlled trial (RCT) for each of the risk factors associated with prophylactic pancreatic duct stent (PPDS) for post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is difficult owing to the volume of cases and ethical considerations. In this study, we tried to reveal the degree of preventive effects of PPDS for each individual risk factor within the high‐risk group of PEP using the propensity score analysis.MethodsThe clinical data of 1131 ERCP practices performed at Kobe University Hospital from April 2006 to February 2009 were collected prospectively. We investigated their clinical characteristics including the risk factors of PEP, the use of PPDS and complications of ERCP. We conducted the stratification analysis using the propensity score matching analysis.ResultsIn 210 propensity score‐matched ERCPs, PPDS proved to be effective in preventing PEP in patients with a history of pancreatitis (odds ratio 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.76, P = 0.01) and cases of difficult cannulation (requiring more than 30 min) (odds ratio 0.13, 95% CI 0.01–1.14, P = 0.08).ConclusionsPatients with a history of pancreatitis and cases of difficult cannulation are strongly recommended for PPDS placement. The propensity score analysis can be adapted to the ERCP‐related analysis with many procedure‐related factors with using retrospective data, and may be adapted to investigate the matters that are unsuitable for RCT by volume and ethical issue.
Social cognition in leader–follower relationships: Applying insights from relationship science to understanding relationship‐based approaches to leadership
Authors: Thomas Geoff , Martin Robin , Epitropaki Olga , Guillaume Yves , Lee Allan 
Published: August 2013

SummaryRelationship‐based approaches to leadership (e.g., Leader–Member Exchange theory) currently represent one of the most popular approaches to understanding workplace leadership. Although the concept of “relationship” is central to these approaches, generally this has not been well articulated and is often conceptualized simply in terms of relationship quality between the leader and the follower. In contrast, research in the wider relationship science domain provides a more detailed exposition of relationships and how they form and develop. We propose that research and methodology developed in relationship science (i.e., close relationships) can enhance understanding of the leader–follower relationship and therefore advance theory in this area. To address this issue, we organize our review in two areas. First, we examine how a social cognitive approach to close relationships can benefit an understanding of the leader–follower relationship (in terms of structure, content, and processes). Second, we show how the research designs and methodologies that have been developed in relationship science can be applied to understand better the leader–follower relationship. The cross‐fertilization of research from the close relationships literature to understanding the leader–follower relationship provides new insights into leadership processes and potential avenues for further research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manganese in substrate clays—harmful for plants?
Authors: Binner Inga , Schenk Manfred K. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMixtures of peat and substrate clays are commonly used as growth media for horticultural plant production. A quality protocol for substrate clays defines a threshold value of active manganese (Mnact = sum of exchangeable and easily reducible Mn) in substrate clays of < 500 mg kg–1 to prevent toxic reactions of plants. This threshold value was tested in experiments with peat‐clay blends under various growth conditions, and nutrient solution experiments were additionally conducted to investigate the effects of silicic acid and dissolved organic matter on the occurrence of Mn toxicity. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) plants were cultivated in different peat‐clay substrates and in peat under different moisture and pH levels. The clays varied in their Mnact content from 4–2354 mg kg–1. The results of the substrate experiments reveal that a threshold value for Mn in substrate clays is not justified, as plants grown in all peat‐clay substrates did not develop any Mn toxicity even at high substrate moisture or low pH conditions which are known to increase the Mn availability. The extraction of active Mn did not well reflect the Mn concentrations in plant dry matter and substrate solution. As plants tolerated high Mn concentrations in the substrate solution compared to the nutrient solution without toxicity symptoms, the influence of silicic acid and dissolved organic matter (DOM) on Mn toxicity was characterized in a nutrient‐solution experiment. Manganese toxicity was clearly diminished by silicic acid application, but not by DOM. The former effect probably explains the tolerance of bean plants in peat substrates where high silicon concentrations in the substrate solution were observed. Peat‐clay blends even provided up to five times more silicon to plants than pure peat.
Soil Water Repellency Dynamics in Pine and Eucalypt Plantations in Portugal – A High‐resolution Time Series
Authors: Santos Juliana M. , Verheijen Frank G. A. , Tavares Wahren Filipa , Wahren Andreas , Feger Karl‐Heinz , Bernard‐Jannin Léonard , Rial‐Rivas María E. , Keizer Jacob J. , Nunes Joao P. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDuring the 20th century, afforestation resulted in plantations of Pine and Eucalypt becoming the main crops in north‐central Portugal with associated and well‐known soil water repellency (SWR). The aim of this study was to improve the insights in the temporal dynamics and abrupt transitions in water repellency of the topsoil and the mechanism that determine the behaviour of SWR. Topsoil water repellency was monitored in the Caramulo Mountains (north‐central Portugal) between July 2011 and June 2012. The intensity of SWR was measured in situ at soil depths of 0, 2.5 and 7.5 cm using the ‘molarity of an ethanol droplet’ test. Volumetric soil moisture content was monitored in situ using a Decagon ECH2O EC‐5 probe. SWR behaviour broadly followed five alternating dry and wet periods during the 12‐month period, with more pronounced differences in the Pine site than in the Eucalypt site. SWR under Eucalypt was substantially more temporally dynamic than under Pine, with double the number of moderate and large SWR changes at the 7.5 cm depth. Soil moisture content and antecedent rainfall were better correlated to SWR under Pine than under Eucalypt, although in both cases insufficient to predict the temporal variations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure of breastfed infants to quercetin after consumption of a single meal rich in quercetin by their mothers
Authors: Romaszko Ewa , Wiczkowski Wiesław , Romaszko Jerzy , Honke Joanna , Piskula Mariusz K. 
Published: August 2013

ScopeThe exposure to quercetin (Q) has not been studied in breastfed infants whose mothers were consuming a Q‐rich diet. The objective of the study was to determine whether plant‐origin antioxidant‐Q passes from the mother's diet to her milk and to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of this phenomenon.Methods and resultsEleven breastfeeding women were included in this controlled case study. Volunteers followed a Q‐restricted diet for 5 consecutive days with the exception of the 3rd day when they received a single meal providing 1 mg of Q per kg of body weight. Urine analysis showed the presence of Q already in the first collected samples after the test (1.5–4 h), which indicated its rapid absorption from the meal. The Cmax = 68 ± 8.44 nmol/L concentration of Q in the milk was calculated for Tmax = 11.89 ± 3.37 h. It was significantly different (p = 0.007) from 40 nmol/L and (p = 0.016) from 42 nmol/L of Q concentration before and 48 h after the test, respectively.ConclusionsQ was shown to be a component of human milk at the nmol/L level. Infants breastfed by mothers consuming a diet rich in Q are exposed to a dose of approximately 0.01 mg of Q daily.
Role of standardized grape polyphenol preparation as a novel treatment to improve synaptic plasticity through attenuation of features of metabolic syndrome in a mouse model
Authors: Wang Jun , Tang Cheuk , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Gong Bing , Song Brian J. , Janle Elsa M. , Chen Tzu‐Ying , Cooper Bruce , Varghese Merina , Cheng Alice , Freire Daniel , Bilski Amanda , Roman Jessica , Nguyen Tuyen , Ho Lap , Talcott Stephen T. , Simon James E. , Wu Qingli , Pasinetti Giulio M. 
Published: August 2013

ScopeMetabolic syndrome has become an epidemic and poses tremendous burden on the health system. People with metabolic syndrome are more likely to experience cognitive decline. As obesity and sedentary lifestyles become more common, the development of early prevention strategies is critical. In this study, we explore the potential beneficial effects of a combinatory polyphenol preparation composed of grape seed extract, Concord purple grape juice extract, and resveratrol, referred to as standardized grape polyphenol preparation (SGP), on peripheral as well as brain dysfunction induced by metabolic syndrome.Methods and resultsWe found dietary fat content had minimal effect on absorption of metabolites of major polyphenols derived from SGP. Using a diet‐induced animal model of metabolic syndrome (DIM), we found that brain functional connectivity and synaptic plasticity are compromised in the DIM mice. Treatment with SGP not only prevented peripheral metabolic abnormality but also improved brain synaptic plasticity.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that SGP, comprised of multiple bioavailable and bioactive components targeting a wide range of metabolic syndrome related pathological features, provides greater global protection against peripheral and central nervous system dysfunctions and can be potentially developed as a novel prevention/treatment for improving brain connectivity and synaptic plasticity important for learning and memory.