bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Curcumin inhibits telomerase and induces telomere shortening and apoptosis in brain tumour cells
Authors: Khaw Aik Kia , Hande M. Pradeepa , Kalthur Guruprasad , Hande M. Prakash 
Published: November 2012

AbstractCurcumin, a polyphenolic compound isolated from Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its potential therapeutic effects on a variety of diseases have long been known. Though anti‐tumour effects of curcumin have been reported earlier, its mode of action and telomerase inhibitory effects are not clearly determined in brain tumour cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that curcumin binds to cell surface membrane and infiltrates into cytoplasm to initiate apoptotic events. Curcumin treatment has resulted in higher cytotoxicity in the cells that express telomerase enzyme, highlighting its potential as an anticancer agent. Curcumin induced growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in the glioblastoma and medulloblastoma cells used in the study. Gene and protein expression analyses revealed that curcumin down‐regulated CCNE1, E2F1 and CDK2 and up‐regulated the expression of PTEN genes resulting in growth arrest at G2/M phase. Curcumin‐induced apoptosis is found to be associated with increased caspase‐3/7 activity and overexpression of Bax. In addition, down‐regulation of Bcl2 and survivin was observed in curcumin‐treated cells. Besides these effects, we found curcumin to be inhibiting telomerase activity and down‐regulating hTERT mRNA expression leading to telomere shortening. We conclude that telomerase inhibitory effects of curcumin underscore its use in adjuvant cancer therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1257–1270, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unraveling amyloid toxicity pathway in NIH3T3 cells by a combined proteomic and1H‐NMR metabonomic approach
Authors: Vilasi Annalisa , Vilasi Silvia , Romano Rocco , Acernese Fausto , Barone Fabrizio , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Maritato Rosa , Irace Gaetano , Sirangelo Ivana 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA range of debilitating human diseases is known to be associated with the formation of stable highly organized protein aggregates known as amyloid fibrils. The early prefibrillar aggregates behave as cytotoxic agents and their toxicity appears to result from an intrinsic ability to impair fundamental cellular processes by interacting with cellular membranes, causing oxidative stress and increase in free Ca2+that lead to apoptotic or necrotic cell death. However, specific signaling pathways that underlie amyloid pathogenicity remain still unclear. This work aimed to clarify cell impairment induced by amyloid aggregated. To this end, we used a combined proteomic and one‐dimensional1H‐NMR approach on NIH‐3T3 cells exposed to prefibrillar aggregates from the amyloidogenic apomyoglobin mutant W7FW14F. The results indicated that cell exposure to prefibrillar aggregates induces changes of the expression level of proteins and metabolites involved in stress response. The majority of the proteins and metabolites detected are reported to be related to oxidative stress, perturbation of calcium homeostasis, apoptotic and survival pathways, and membrane damage. In conclusion, the combined proteomic and1H‐NMR metabonomic approach, described in this study, contributes to unveil novel proteins and metabolites that could take part to the general framework of the toxicity induced by amyloid aggregates. These findings offer new insights in therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1359–1367, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Degradable natural polymer hydrogels for articular cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Zhao Wen , Jin Xing , Cong Yang , Liu Yuying , Fu Jun 
Published: November 2012

AbstractArticular cartilage has poor ability to heal once damaged. Tissue engineering with scaffolds of polymer hydrogels is promising for cartilage regeneration and repair. Polymer hydrogels composed of highly hydrated crosslinked networks mimic the collagen networks of the cartilage extracellular matrix and thus are employed as inserts at cartilage defects not only to temporarily relieve the pain but also to support chondrocyte proliferation and neocartilage regeneration. The biocompatibility, biofunctionality, mechanical properties, and degradation of the polymer hydrogels are the most important parameters for hydrogel‐based cartilage tissue engineering. Degradable biopolymers with natural origin have been widely used as biomaterials for tissue engineering because of their outstanding biocompatibility, low immunological response, low cytotoxicity, and excellent capability to promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and regeneration of new tissues. This review covers several important natural proteins (collagen, gelatin, fibroin, and fibrin) and polysaccharides (chitosan, hyaluronan, alginate and agarose) widely used as hydrogels for articular cartilage tissue engineering. The mechanical properties, structures, modification, and structure–performance relationship of these hydrogels are discussed since the chemical structures and physical properties dictate the in vivo performance and applications of polymer hydrogels for articular cartilage regeneration and repair. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphology and SSU rRNA gene‐based phylogeny of two Diophrys‐like ciliates from northern china, with notes on morphogenesis of Pseudodiophrys nigricans (Protozoa, Ciliophora)
Authors: Fan Yangbo , Warren Alan , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Chen Xumiao , Shao Chen 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTwo free‐living marine euplotid ciliates, Pseudodiophrys nigricans and Diophrys japonica, collected from the coastal waters off Qingdao, northern China, were investigated using live observations and protargol impregnation methods. The cortical development of P. nigricans was observed during binary division. Although its general pattern of morphogenesis is similar to that of other Diophrys‐like species, three unusual features are noteworthy: 1) the frontoventral transverse cirral anlagen develop in the secondary mode, similar to that of Euplotes; 2) the undulating membrane anlage migrates far from the cytostome and does not split into two membranes; and 3) the parental adoral zone of membranelles remains nearly intact throughout the entire morphogenetic process. Diophrys japonica is redescribed based on a Chinese population and can be recognized by having one left marginal cirrus, densely arranged cortical granules, and a fragment kinety with three dikinetids. Phylogenetic analyses based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence data indicate that D. japonica is placed within the Diophrys clade and is most closely related to the well‐known D. apoligothrix. © J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Similar growth plate morphology in stapling and tension band plating hemiepiphysiodesis: A porcine experimental histomorphometric study
Authors: Gottliebsen Martin , Rahbek Ole , Poulsen Hanne Damgaard , Møller‐Madsen Bjarne 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe tension band plating technique for hemiepiphysiodesis is new and advocated because it is believed to reduce the risk of premature closure of the growth plate compared to stapling. The benefit of the tension band plating technique has not yet been proven in experimental or randomized clinical studies. Ten weeks old domestic pigs in two randomized, paired studies were used. Right proximal tibia was randomized to medial epiphysiodesis by either stapling or tension band plating. Left side received the opposite treatment. Study A (n = 10): 9 weeks treatment. Study B (n = 8): implant removal after 9 weeks of treatment and 5 weeks of housing. Fractions of the chondrocyte layers were determined using quantitative histomorphometry. Mean heights of the growth plates were measured. No significant changes were observed between histomorphometric parameters in neither study A or B. Areas with disorganized cartilage tissue were abundant in 13/16 samples from study B and observed after both treatment with tension band plating and staples. Chondrocyte zone fractions did not differ between tension band plating and staple treatment in this randomized, paired animal study. The growth plate responded to release of hemiepiphysiodesis with abundant disorganized cartilage tissue in both groups. The histological response to hemiepiphysiodesis by tension band plating and staples appear to be similar. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 574–579, 2013
Ectomycorrhizal‐fungal colonization induces physio‐morphological changes in Quercus serrata leaves and roots
Authors: Makita Naoki , Hirano Yasuhiro , Yamanaka Takashi , Yoshimura Kenichi , Kosugi Yoshiko 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTo determine how colonization by different ectomycorrhizal (ECM)‐fungal species affects the physiology and morphology of Quercus serrata seedlings, we assessed the net photosynthetic rate, the respiration rate of the lateral roots, leaf and root nitrogen (N) concentrations, specific leaf area, and specific root length in 9‐month‐old Q. serrata seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius, Scleroderma citrinum, Laccaria amethystea, and Astraeus hygrometricus. While uninoculated control plants showed no colonization, the percentage of ECM colonization of root tips attained 35% with P. tinctorius and about 86% with the other three ECM species. Similar to ECM root colonization, the photosynthetic as well as the root‐respiration rates were higher in seedlings with S. citrinum, L. amethystea, and A. hygrometricus than that in the control and those with P. tinctorius. Both the photosynthetic and root‐respiration rates were positively correlated with ECM‐fungal colonization. Similar trends were observed for the N concentration, specific leaf area, and specific root length, which differed significantly among ECM‐fungal species and were related with ECM‐fungal colonization. The results suggest that both physiological and morphological traits are specific to ECM‐fungal species. As Q. serrata seedlings with high colonization can exhibit better resource‐acquisition ability, the identification of strongly colonizing ECM‐fungal species is essential. Comparisons with high‐ and low‐colonizing ECM‐fungal species improve our understanding of source–sink relationships in carbon allocation of forest tree species.
Classification of rice genotypes based on their mechanisms of adaptation to iron toxicity
Authors: Engel Katrin , Asch Folkard , Becker Mathias 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIron (Fe) toxicity is a nutritional disorder that affects lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). The occurrence of excessive amounts of reduced Fe(II) in the soil solution, its uptake by the rice roots, and its transpiration‐driven transport result in elevated Fe(II) concentrations in leaf cells that catalyze the formation of reactive oxygen species. The oxidative stress causes rusty brown spots on leaves (bronzing) and the reduction of biomass and yield. While the use of resistant genotypes is the most promising approach to address the problem, the stress appears to differentially affect rice plants as a function of plant age, climatic conditions, stress intensity and duration, and the prevailing adaptation mechanism. We comparatively assessed 21 contrasting 6‐week‐old rice genotypes regarding their response (symptom score, biomass, Fe concentrations and uptake) to a 6 d iron pulse of 1500 mg L–1 Fe(II). Eight selected genotypes were further compared at different stress intensities (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg L–1 Fe(II)) and at different developmental stages (4‐, 6‐, and 8‐week‐old plants). Based on Fe‐induced biomass reduction and leaf‐bronzing score, the tested spectrum was grouped in resistant and sensitive genotypes. Linking bronzing scores to leaf iron concentrations allowed further differentiation into includer and excluder types. Iron precipitation on roots and organ‐specific iron partitioning permitted to classify the adaptation strategies into root exclusion, stem and leaf sheath retention, and leaf blade tissue tolerance. The effectiveness of these strategies differed with stress intensity and developmental stage. The reported findings improve the understanding of Fe‐stress response and provide a basis for future genotype selection or breeding for enhancing Fe‐toxicity resistance in rice.
Yield promotion and phosphorus solubilization by plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria in extensive wheat production in Turkey
Authors: Turan Metin , Gulluce Medine , von Wirén Nicolaus , Sahin Fikrettin 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPlant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been reported to stimulate the growth and yield of grain crops, particularly when nutrient supply is poor. However, the mechanisms underlying stimulation of plant growth may vary depending not only on growth conditions and crop management but also on plant and bacterial species. The present study assessed the effect of an inoculation with single or multiple PGPR strains on phosphorus (P)‐solubilization processes in the soil and on grain yield in wheat. Single inoculation with Bacillus subtilis OSU‐142, Bacillus megaterium M3, or Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 increased grain yield by 24%, 19%, and 19%, respectively, while a mixed inoculation with OSU‐142, M3, and Sp245 increased grain yield by 33% relative to noninoculated plants. Single inoculations with Paenibacillus polymyxa RC05 or Bacillus megaterium RC07 were less effective. Single or mixed treatments with OSU‐142, M3, and Sp245 increased the concentrations of the labile and moderately labile P fractions in rhizosphere soil. The growth‐stimulating effect of OSU‐142, M3, and Sp245 was also reflected by higher P concentrations in most plant organs. Among all inocula tested, the highest plant P acquisition was obtained in the presence of M3 and accompanied by the highest microbial P levels and the highest phosphatase activities in the rhizosphere soil. In conclusion, seed inoculation with mixed PGPR strains may effectively substitute for a part of P‐fertilizer application in extensive wheat production, and in particular M3 appears to improve the solubilization of inorganic soil P.
Changes in fatty acid profile of feta cheese including conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Laskaridis Kostas , Serafeimidou Amalia , Zlatanos Spiros , Gylou Evgenia , Kontorepanidou Evdokia , Sagredos Angelos 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundDuring the last two decades much attention has been given to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) because of its potentially beneficial biological effects. Cheese is one of the major dietary sources of CLA. However, the CLA content of Greek cheeses is variable and affected by many factors. Fatty acid analysis of feta cheese, made of sheep's milk, was conducted at different stages of the manufacturing process in order to monitor and explain fatty acid and especially CLA changes.ResultsCLA content in fresh milk and during the early stages of manufacture was 0.66 ± 0.02 g 100 g−1 fatty acids; it increased during the ripening process (0.75 ± 0.06 g 100 g−1 fatty acids) and decreased during storage (0.52 ± 0.15 g 100 g−1 fatty acids). Saturated fatty acids (SFA), increased after 37 and 48 days of aging, while monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), showed the opposite tendency.ConclusionCLA content significantly increased during the ripening stages and decreased during aging (P ≤ 0.05). CLA is not stable during manufacture and storage of feta cheese, a fact which should be resolved, since this biologically active substance can be obtained from the diet.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of starch phosphorylases in barley grains
Authors: Higgins Jody E , Kosar‐Hashemi Behjat , Li Zhongyi , Howitt Crispin A , Larroque Oscar , Flanagan Bernadine , Morell Matthew K , Rahman Sadequr 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundStarch is synthesized in both leaves and storage tissues of plants. The role of starch syntheses and branching enzymes is well understood; however, the role of starch phosphorylase is not clear.ResultsA gene encoding Pho1 from barley was characterized and starch phosphorylases from both developing and germinating grain were characterized and purified. Two activities were detected: one with a molecular mass of 110 kDa and the other of 95 kDa. It was demonstrated through the use of antisera that the 110 kDa activity was located in the amyloplast and could correspond to the polypeptide encoded by the Pho1 gene cloned. The 95 kDa activity was localized to the cytoplasm, most strongly expressed in germinating grain, and was classified as a Pho2‐type sequence. Using RNAi technology to reduce the content of Pho1 in the grain to less than 30% of wild type did not lead to any visible phenotype, and no dramatic alterations in the structure of the starch were observed.ConclusionTwo starch phosphorylase activities were identified and characterized in barley grains, and shown to be present during starch synthesis. However, their role in starch synthesis still remains to be elucidated.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Ammonium as sole N source improves grain quality in wheat
Authors: Fuertes‐Mendizábal Teresa , González‐Torralba Jon , Arregui Luis M , González‐Murua Carmen , González‐Moro M Begoña , Estavillo José M 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe skilful handling of N fertilizer, including N source type and its timing, is necessary to obtain maximum profitability in wheat crops in terms of production and quality. Studies on grain yield and quality with ammonium as sole N source have not yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N source management (nitrate vs. ammonium), and splitting it into two or three amendments during the wheat life cycle, on grain yield and quality under irrigated conditions.ResultsThis experiment demonstrates that Cezanne wheat plants growing with ammonium as exclusive N source are able to achieve the same yield as plants growing with nitrate and that individual wheat plants grown in irrigated pots can efficiently use late N applied in GS37. Ammonium nutrition increased both types of grain reserve proteins (gliadins and glutenins) and also increased the ratio gli/glu with respect to nitrate nutrition. The splitting of the N rate enhanced the ammonium effect on grain protein composition.ConclusionsThe application of ammonium N source, especially when split into three amendments, has an analogous effect on grain protein content and composition to applications at a higher N rate, leading to higher N use efficiency. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical Vapor Deposition for Solvent‐Free Polymerization at Surfaces
Authors: Yagüe Jose Luis , Coclite Anna Maria , Petruczok Christy , Gleason Karen K. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractChemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods are a powerful technology for engineering surfaces. When CVD is combined with the richness of organic chemistry, the resulting polymeric coatings, deposited without solvents, represent an enabling technology in many different fields of application. This article focuses on initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), a new technique that utilizes benign reaction conditions to yield conformal and functional polymer thin films. The latest achievements in coating surfaces and 3D substrates with functional materials, and the use of the technique for biotechnology and selective permeation applications are reviewed, and future directions for iCVD technology are discussed.
A probabilistic approach to the maximal diameter theorem
Authors: Kuwada Kazumasa 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUnder a positive curvature and a finite dimension in terms of the Bakry‐Émery tensor on a Riemannian manifold, the Bonnet‐Myers type diameter bound and the rigidity theorem are extended. The corresponding second order generator need not be symmetrizable. The proof is based on the Laplacian comparison theorem and stochastic analysis of radial processes.
New Trends for Utilization of Rubber Wastes
Authors: Yehia A. , Abdelbary E. M. , Mull M. , Ismail M. N. , Hefny Y. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSummary: The scrape rubber is difficult to recycle, since it is not thermoplastic material. Consequently, it must be converted into a powder. The scrape rubber powder can be reused via different ways: a‐ Reclamation The reclamation process was studied. This process converts the rubber powder into elastic‐plastic materials. The obtained reclaims were introduced into NR formulations. The obtained data reveal that, 10–30% reclaimed rubber can replace virgin NR without scarifying the basic properties of the rubber vulcanizates. In such way we can gain cost reduction. b‐ Reuse as filler‐extender The rubber powder was treated with some oxidizing agents and namely HNO3 and H2O2 to modify its surface. The result of such treatment creates some functional groups such as carbonyl groups. The treated rubber powder was used as filler‐extender in NR formulations. The treated rubber powder improves the tensile strength of the vulcanizates to some extent (62%). On the other hand, the treated powder was used in combinations with the classical reinforcing carbon black (HAF). The obtained results showed that, 20–40% of HAF can be replaced by the treated powder in NR mixes. The obtained vulcanizates have good physico‐mechanical properties. In such way the production cost can be reduced. c‐ Utilization of sulfonated rubber powder as ion exchanger The rubber powder was sulfonated with Sulfuric and chlorosulfonic acids. The sulfonated product was evaluated as ion exchange resin to clear the industrial wastewater from heavy metals. The data showed that the Sodium salt form is more efficient ion exchanger than the acid form. d‐ Utilization in pavement The rubber powder is mixed with asphalt used in road pavement. The performance of asphalt concrete greatly depends on the particle size of the rubber powder used. The fine powder greatly improves the mechanical performance of the road pavement. The rubber powder was chemically modified. It was found that such modification had greatly improved the performance road pavement.
Fabrication of Bioactive Polyoxymethylene Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Replacement
Authors: Jose Ajith James , Alagar M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSummary: Stearic acid modified nano hydroxyapatite (n‐SHA) filled polyoxymethylene (POM) nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing method for bone tissue replacement and regeneration applications. Contact angle measurements of POM nanocomposites were carried out to understand the effect of n‐SHA addition on the hydrophobicity of nanocomposites. The mechanical properties like tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break were found to be increased significantly by the incorporation of n‐SHA into the POM matrix. The bone‐bonding ability of the nanocomposites was evaluated by examining the apatite formation on their surface after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) and apatite formation was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The protein adhesion studies revealed the enhanced biocompatibility of the nanocomposites due to the presence of n‐SHA nanofillers on the surface and it provides favorable binding sites for protein adsorption. The significant improvement in the biocompatibility as well as mechanical, thermal and hydrophobic properties of the POM nanocomposites makes it a potential future material for bone implantation.