bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanog promotes osteogenic differentiation of the mouse mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 by modulating bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling
Authors: Ogasawara Toru , Ohba Shinsuke , Yano Fumiko , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Chung Ung‐il , Saito Tadahito , Yonehara Yoshiyuki , Nakatsuka Takashi , Mori Yoshiyuki , Takato Tsuyoshi , Hoshi Kazuto 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHow the pluripotency of stem cells is maintained and the role of transcription factors in this maintenance remain major questions. In the present study, in order to clarify the mechanism underlying the pluripotency of stem cells for the advancement of regenerative medicine, we examined the effect of forced Nanog expression in mesenchymal cells, with a particular focus on osteogenic differentiation. The human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) or mouse mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 cells were transduced with the Nanog gene or control green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene by using retrovirus vectors. Short‐term, forced Nanog gene expression had few effects on the terminal osteogenic differentiation of either hMSCs or C3H10T1/2 cells. To determine its long‐term effects, we established C3H10T1/2 cells expressing Nanog constitutively. Constitutive Nanog expression strongly induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. In regard to cell proliferation, constitutive Nanog expression only repressed the proliferation of the cells treated with rhBMP‐2. Moreover, Nanog also had the potential to promote the proliferation of C3H10T1/2 cells in the absence of rhBMP‐2. Constitutive Nanog expression enhanced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and suppressed Cdk4 and cyclinD1. The promoter activities of both the osteocalcin and Id‐1 genes were activated in cells expressing Nanog constitutively. To identify downstream molecules of Nanog involved in the promotion of osteogenic differentiation, we performed a DNA microarray analysis and discovered that NFATc1 was one of the downstream effectors of Nanog. These results indicate that Nanog functions as a modulator of BMP signaling in C3H10T1/2 cells probably through a genome reprogramming process. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 163–171, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prostaglandin F2α: A bone remodeling mediator
Authors: Agas Dimitrios , Marchetti Luigi , Hurley Marja M. , Sabbieti Maria Giovanna 
Published: May 2012

AbstractProstaglandin F2α (PGF2α) plays multiple roles on bone metabolism by regulating a wide range of signaling pathways. PGF2α, via activation of PKC, stimulates Na‐dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport system in osteoblasts; up‐regulates interleukin (IL)‐6 synthesis; increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, PGF2α acts as a strong mitogenic and survival agent on osteoblasts, and these effects are, at least in part, mediated by the binding of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) to the specific receptor FGFR1. The understanding of PGF2α intracellular network, albeit complex to clarify, provides molecular bases useful to identify the players of osteoblast proliferation, apoptosis, and the associated angiogenic processes. Indeed, the molecular mechanism that underline PGF2α‐regulated bone metabolism may be a promising platform for the development of novel targeted therapies in the treatment of bone disorders and disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 25–29, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autophagy and ionizing radiation in tumors: The “survive or not survive” dilemma
Authors: Palumbo Silvia , Comincini Sergio 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAutophagy is a so‐called “self‐eating” system responsible for degrading long‐lived proteins and cytoplasmic organelles, whose products are recycled to maintain cellular homeostasis. This ability makes autophagy a good candidate for a survival mechanism in response to several stresses, including the tumor cell transformation. In particular, recent studies suggested that autophagy functions as a pro‐death mechanism within different tumor contexts. It is, however, widely reported that autophagy represents both a survival mechanism or contributes directly to cell death fate. This interplay of the autophagy functions has been observed in many types of cancers and, in some cases, autophagy has been demonstrated to both promote and inhibit antitumor drug resistance. From a therapeutical point of view, the effects of the modulation of the tumor cell autophagic status, in response to ionizing radiations, are presently of particular relevance in oncology. Accordingly, this review also provides a perspective view on future works for exploring the modulation of autophagic indices in tumor cells as a novel molecular‐based adjuvant strategy, in order to improve radiotherapy and chemotherapy effects in cancer patients. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1–8, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acrosome Reaction in the Epididymal Sperm of Chinchilla lanigera. Effect of Progesterone, A23187 and Stimulation of a GABAA‐Like Receptor
Authors: GRAMAJO‐BÜHLER MARÍA CECILIA , ZELARAYÁN LILIANA , LÓPEZ LUIS ALBERTO , SÁNCHEZ‐TORANZO GRACIELA 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the reproductive biology of Chinchilla lanigera in captivity. Currently there are no parameters to evaluate the quality of the semen of males that are sold as breeding stock, so they are selected according to their phenotypic characteristics, which cannot guarantee their reproductive efficiency. We worked with sexually mature males; the sperm were collected from the cauda epididymis by puncture. Capacitated sperm were incubated at 37 °C with different concentrations of progesterone. The results showed a biphasic behavior, where the increase in the percentage of the acrosome reaction (AR) was significant between 2.5–5 μM, and a maximum response with a dose of 20 μM. Also the suspension of sperm incubated with different concentrations of ionophore A23187 inducing response is obtained with a concentration of 10 μM. Stimulation of the Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A‐like receptor by treating the sperm with different concentrations of muscimol, a specific receptor agonist, also induce acrosome reaction. The dose‐response curve showed a biphasic effect with a maximum response at a concentration of 2.5 μM. The pretreatment of sperm suspension with a specific receptor antagonist, picrotoxin, a decrease was observed in the percentage of reacted perm. These studies represent a first step towards the establishment of standard parameters to determine the functionality and fertilizing capacity of Chinchilla sperm. In addition, our results indicate that the Chinchilla spermatozoa can undergo the AR when treated with A23187 or progesterone at high percentages. It also shows a clear involvement of GABAA‐like receptors in acrosome exocytosis in sperm obtained by epididymal cauda. J. Exp. Zool.317:259–265, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
David and Goliath: A Mitochondrial Coupling Problem?
Authors: SALIN KARINE , ROUSSEL DAMIEN , REY BENJAMIN , VOITURON YANN 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTAn organism's size, known to affect biological structures and processes from cellular metabolism to population dynamics, depends upon the duration and rate of growth. However, it is still poorly understood how mitochondrial function affects the energetic basis of growth, especially in ectotherms, which represent a huge majority of animal biodiversity. Here, we present an intraspecies comparison of neighboring populations of frogs (Rana temporaria) that have large differences in body mass even at the same age. By investigating liver mitochondrial bioenergetics, we find that frogs with high growth rates and large body sizes exhibit higher ATP synthesis rates and more efficient oxidative phosphorylation compared to the smaller frogs with low growth rates. This higher energy transduction efficiency is not associated with significant increased oxidative capacity or membrane potential values, but instead may rely on a higher mitochondrial phosphorylation system activity in combination with a lower inner membrane proton leakage. Overall, the present study introduces the mitochondrial energy transduction system as an important mechanism for balancing physiological and ecological trade‐offs associated with body size. Whether phenotype differences in mitochondrial function result from local ecological constraints or reflect a natural genetic variability within wild populations of common frogs remains an open question. However, our findings highlight the need for closer consideration of all aspects of mitochondrial metabolism for a better understanding of the physiological basis of the link between size, metabolism, and energy production in wild‐dwelling organisms. J. Exp. Zool.317:283–293, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Involvement of p38MAPKin the Induction ofHsp70 During Acute Thermal Stress in Red Blood Cells of the Gilthead Sea Bream,Sparus aurata
Authors: FEIDANTSIS KONSTANTINOS , PÖRTNER HANS O. , MARKOU THOMAIS , LAZOU ANTIGONE , MICHAELIDIS BASILE 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to examine the expression and activation ofMAPKs (p38MAPK,ERK1/2, andJNKs) in red blood cells (RBCs) of the gilthead sea bream,Sparus aurata,during thermal stress and investigate their involvement in the expression of heat shock proteins. The data showed that only p38MAPKis detected inRBCs ofSparus aurataand it is phosphorylated and activated during exposure to increased temperature. Induction ofHsp70 in thermally stressedRBCs was abolished in the presence of the p38MAPKinhibitor,SB203580, suggesting the involvement of the kinase in this response. This mechanism might play a cytoprotective role in theRBCs of the gilthead sea bream.J. Exp. Zool.317:303–310, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supraphysiological Cortisol Elevation Alters the Response of Wild Bluegill Sunfish to Subsequent Stressors
Authors: McCONNACHIE SARAH H. , O'CONNOR CONSTANCE M. , GILMOUR KATHLEEN M. , IWAMA GEORGE K. , COOKE STEVEN J. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTWild fish are frequently exposed to multiple stressors, but the influence of previous or ongoing stress on an animal's subsequent response is poorly understood. Using wild‐caught bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) as a model, we used exogenous hormone implants to experimentally raise circulating cortisol in a group of fish for ∼10 days. We also maintained sham‐treated and control groups of fish. We subjected all animals to a secondary stressor in the form of either a heat challenge or fasting challenge. We compared survival, body condition, and plasma‐borne indicators of physiological status among cortisol‐treated, sham‐treated, and control groups following the secondary stressor. In order to compare short‐ and long‐term effects of cortisol treatment, we initiated the secondary stressor either 4 or 30 days following initial cortisol treatment. Cortisol‐treated fish succumbed to the fasting challenge sooner than sham‐treated and control fish at both 4 and 30 days. Interestingly, cortisol‐treated fish lost equilibrium sooner than sham‐treated and control fish during the heat challenge when conducted at 30 days, but not at 4 days. These results demonstrate that multiple simultaneous stressors have cumulative effects on bluegill sunfish. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that supraphysiological cortisol doses alter the long‐term responses of bluegill sunfish to additional challenges, even after apparent recovery. Such cumulative and long‐term effects may be an important factor in mediating the response of wild animals to natural and anthropogenic stressors, and should be considered in ecological studies. J. Exp. Zool.317:321–332, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
The viral etiology of an influenza‐like illness during the 2009 pandemic
Authors: Thiberville S.D. , Ninove L. , Hai V. Vu. , Botelho‐Nevers E. , Gazin C. , Thirion L. , Salez N. , de Lamballerie X. , Charrel R. , Brouqui P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMany viruses are known to cause influenza‐like illness (ILI); however, in nearly 50% of patients, the etiologic agent remains unknown. The distribution of viruses in patients with ILI was investigated during the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic (A/H1N1p). From June 2009 to January 2010, 660 patients with suspected influenza were questioned and examined, and nasal swabs were collected. All patient samples were tested for influenza virus, and 286 negative nasal swabs were tested further for 18 other respiratory viruses using real‐time RT‐PCR. Two waves of ILI were observed in the epidemic curve (weeks 35–42 and 42–49). At least eight viruses co‐circulated during this period: human rhinovirus (HRV) (58), parainfluenza 1–4 viruses (PIV) (9), human Coronavirus (hCoV) OC43 (9), enterovirus (5), adenovirus (AdV) (4), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) (2); however, 204 samples remained negative for all viruses tested. ILI symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for ILI definition, were reported in 75% of cases. These patients had positive swabs for A/H1N1p, HRV, hCoV‐OC43, PIV, AdV, and hMPV without significant difference with non‐ILI patients. This study found that many respiratory viruses circulated during this period and that the A/H1N1p did not impact on the kinetics of other respiratory viruses. The proportion of non‐documented cases remains high. ILI could not distinguish A/H1N1p infection from that due to other respiratory viruses. However, in multivariate anlaysis, cough, chills, hyperemia, and dyspnea were associated significantly with influenza virus versus other respiratory viruses. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1071–1079, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of HIV‐1 subtypes and drug resistance mutations among individuals infected with HIV in Georgia
Authors: Dvali Natia , Parker Monica M. , Chkhartishvili Nikoloz , Sharvadze Lali , Gochitashvili Nino , Abutidze Akaki , Karchava Marine , DeHovitz Jack A. , Tsertsvadze Tengiz 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn order to describe HIV‐1 subtypes and drug resistance mutations in Georgia, blood samples from 153 patients infected with HIV‐1 collected from 2006 to 2008 were genotyped. Of these, 126 samples were from newly diagnosed, antiretroviral (ARV)‐naïve patients and 27 from ARV‐treated patients. Partial pol region sequences were used to identify drug resistance mutations and to conduct phylogenetic analysis for subtype determination. The results indicated that 138 (90.2%) patients harbored subtype A viruses, 11 (7.2%) carried subtype B virus, two subtype G (1.3%), one (0.6%) subtype F and one (0.6%) 03_AB recombinant. All subtype A strains clustered with the Former Soviet Union A (A FSU) subtype. Among patients with no prior exposure to ARVs, mutations associated with resistance were detected in five patients: three (2.4%) patients had reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor mutations and two other patients had the protease (PI) inhibitor associated mutation M46I. PI mutation V77I was found in 42 of subtype A isolates. Of 27 ARV‐treated patients, 22 (81.5%) harbored at least one nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), a non‐NRTI (NNRTI) and/or a PI mutation. The most common NRTI resistance mutation was M184V/I (74.1%). Frequency of thymidine analog mutations was relatively low (25.9%). With regard to NNRTI mutations, G190S/A was the most frequent mutation, which might be a preferred mutations for subtype A. Georgia's HIV epidemic continues to be dominated by Subtype A FSU. The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance is low, but has the potential to increase with increasing use of ARVs. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1002–1008, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ITPA gene polymorphisms significantly affect hemoglobin decline and treatment outcomes in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV
Authors: Osinusi Anu , Naggie Susanna , Poonia Seerat , Trippler Martin , Hu Zonghui , Funk Emily , Schlaak Joerg , Fishbein Dawn , Masur Henry , Polis Michael , Kottilil Shyam 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPublished studies have described a strong association with a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) gene and ribavirin (RBV)‐induced hemolytic anemia in HCV‐infected patients receiving pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and RBV. This study sought to evaluate the effect of these polymorphisms on anemia, hemoglobin reduction, HCV kinetics, and treatment outcomes. Sixty‐three patients coinfected with HIV and HCV and 58 patients infected with HCV only were treated with pegIFN/RBV were genotyped using the ABI TaqMan allelic discrimination kit for the 2 ITPA SNP variants rs1127354 and rs7270101. A composite variable of ITPA deficiency using both SNPs was created as previously reported. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann‐Whitney test or Chi square/Fishers exact test for categorical data and mixed model analysis for multiple variables. Thirty‐five patients (30%) were predicted to have reduced ITPA activity. ITPA deficiency was found to be protective against the development of hemoglobin reduction >3 g/dl over the course of treatment. The rates of hemoglobin reduction >3 g/dl decreased in correlation with the severity of ITPA deficiency. ITPA deficiency was associated with slower hemoglobin decline early in treatment (week 4, P = 0.020) and rapid virologic response (RVR) at week 4 (P = 0.017) in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV. ITPA polymorphisms are associated with hemoglobin decline and in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV it is also associated with early virologic outcomes. Determination of ITPA polymorphisms may allow prediction of RBV‐induced anemia and earlier initiation of supportive care to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1106–1114, 2012. Published 2012. This is a US Government work and as such is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Type 1 diabetes associated and tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies in patients without type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease with confirmed viral infections
Authors: Sarmiento Luis , Galvan José A , Cabrera‐Rode Eduardo , Aira Lazaro , Correa Consuelo , Sariego Susel , Fonseca Magile , Cubas‐Dueñas Ileana , Hung Lai Heng , Resik Sonia , Cilio Corrado M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCoeliac disease and type 1 diabetes are autoimmune diseases that may share the same initiating environmental factors. In this study, the occurrence of type 1 diabetes associated autoantibodies (GADA and IA‐2A) and tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (TGA) was determined in patients with confirmed viral infections and no signs of type 1 diabetes or coeliac disease. Serum samples from 82 Cuban patients tested positive for PCR and IgG specific to enterovirus (HEV, serotype echovirus 16, 20 samples), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV, 20 samples), cytomegalovirus (CMV, 21 samples), and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 21 samples); and sera from 164 controls negative serologically to EBV, CMV, HCV, and echovirus 16 were enrolled in the study. All subjects were screened for GADA, IA‐2A, and TGA. The prevalence of TGA in patients infected with HEV, EBV, CMV, or HCV was 55% (11/20), 25% (5/20), 9.5% (2/21), and 9.5% (2/21), respectively. GADA and IA‐2A were found in 15% (3/20) and 25% (5/20) of patients infected with HEV. None of the patients infected by EBV, CMV, and HCV had GADA or IA‐2A. All children infected with HEV who were positive for type 1 diabetes‐associated autoantibodies were also TGA‐positive. None of the sera from uninfected subjects were positive for GADA, IA‐2A or TGA. In conclusion, TGA can develop during infection with HEV, EBV, CMV, or HCV, while the emergence of islet cell related autoantibodies is restricted to HEV infections. The findings suggest that HEV may be a shared environmental factor for the development of islet and gut‐related autoimmunity. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1049–1053, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human T‐lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV‐I)‐specific CD8+ cells accumulate in the lungs of patients infected with HTLV‐I with pulmonary involvement
Authors: Kawabata Takashi , Higashimoto Ikkou , Takashima Hiroshi , Izumo Shuji , Kubota Ryuji 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPulmonary involvement has been identified in human T‐lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV‐I) carriers and patients with HTLV‐I‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). However, the relationship between HTLV‐I infection and lung disease is poorly understood. The occurrence of HTLV‐I‐specific immune responses in the lungs of patients infected with HTLV‐I with pulmonary involvement was investigated. The frequency of HTLV‐I‐specific CD8+ cells and the amount of HTLV‐I proviral DNA were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from five patients with HAM/TSP and one HTLV‐I carrier who had pulmonary involvement. HTLV‐I‐specific CD8+ cells were detected by flow cytometry using human leukocyte antigen/antigen complex multimers. The analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed lymphocytosis in five of six patients. HTLV‐I provirus was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells of all patients, and the proviral load in these cells was comparable to that in PBMCs. The frequency of HTLV‐I‐specific CD8+ cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells was 5.1 times higher than that in PBMCs. Immunohistochemically, clusters formed by HTLV‐I‐specific CD8+ cells were detected in lung tissue by in situ tetramer staining. No samples were available from patients infected with HTLV‐I without lung disorders. Whether accumulation of CD8+ cells is specific to patients with pulmonary involvement remains unclear. These results indicate that HTLV‐I‐specific CD8+ cells accumulate and HTLV‐I‐infected cells exist in the lungs of patients infected with HTLV‐I with pulmonary involvement. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1120–1127, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fe protein over‐expression can enhance the nitrogenase activity of Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Nag Papri , Pal Subrata 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe effects of over‐expression of NifH (Fe protein) on nitrogenase activity in Azotobacter vinelandii UW cells were studied by expressing an extra nifH gene under the control of the inducible meta‐toluic acid pathway promoter Pm. The total amount of protein in UW/pJB654‐N reacting to anti‐NifH antibody was 2–3 fold of that in control UW when both the strains were grown to exponential phase in the presence of 4 μM m‐toluic acid. As a consequence UW/pJB654‐N showed two‐fold higher acetylene reduction activity and released 70% higher amounts of ammonium into the growth medium than the control. Concomitant changes were observed also in the cellular levels of siderophores and iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD). Thus, our results indicating that increased level of Fe protein in the cell can enhance nitrogen fixation activity of A. vinelandii may have biotechnological significance.
Biodegradation of keratinous waste by Chryseobacterium sp. RBT isolated from soil contaminated with poultry waste
Authors: Gurav Ranjit G. , Jadhav Jyoti P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn the present study, a feather degrading bacterial strain was isolated from poultry waste disposal site, Kolhapur, India. The bacterium was identified as Chryseobacterium sp. RBT using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Chryseobacterium sp. RBT showed rapid hydrolysis of native feathers within 30 h and produced the highest level of keratinase activity (98.3 U/ml). Keratin containing wastes viz. silk, human hair, wool and chicken feathers were tested for keratin degrading ability of the bacterium. Amongst the tested substrates, the Chryseobacterium sp. RBT showed more specificity towards chicken feathers (98.6% degradation) with maximum keratinase activity (98.3 U/ml) and solubilized protein concentration (3.84 mg/ml). Effect of various physico‐chemical parameters (temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources) on keratinase production was monitored. The maximum keratinase activity was observed at pH (8.6) and temperature (50 °C). Molasses (1.0% w/v) acted as an inducer and enhanced the keratinolytic activity by two fold, while starch worked as an inhibitor. The goat skin when treated with crude keratinase enzyme (2% v/v), showed complete dehairing within 12 h. Hence, Chryseobacterium sp. RBT shows potential as a candidate for treating the keratinous waste in an ecofriendly manner.