bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of blastocyst culture of discarded embryos and its significance for establishing human embryonic stem cell lines
Authors: Wang Fang , Kong Hui‐Juan , Kan Quan‐Cheng , Liang Ju‐Yan , Zhao Fang , Bai Ai‐Hong , Li Peng‐Fen , Sun Ying‐Pu 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn recent years, applications of stem cells have already involved in all domains of life science and biomedicine. People try to establish human embryonic stem cell lines (hESCs) in order to carry out hESC‐related studies. In this study, we explored what embryos are conducive to the establishment of hESCs. The discarded embryos from in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF–ET) cycles were sequentially incubated into blastocysts, and then the inner cell mass (ICM) was isolated and incubated in the mixed feeder layer. The cell lines which underwent serial passage were identified. After a total of 1,725 discarded embryos from 754 patients were incubated, 448 blastocysts were formed with 123 high‐quality blastocysts. The blastulation rate was significantly higher in the discarded embryos with non‐pronucleus (0PN) or 1PN than in the discarded embryos with 2PN or ≥3PN. The blastulation rate of the D3 embryos with 7–9 blastomeres was higher. Among the originally incubated 389 ICMs, 22 hESCs with normal karyotype were established, and identified to be ESCs. Therefore, in establishing hESCs with discarded embryos, D3 0PN or 1PN embryos with 7–9 blastomeres should be first selected, because they can improve high‐quality blastulation rate which can increase the efficiency of hESC establishment. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3835–3842, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MEK1‐induced physiological hypertrophy inhibits chronic post‐myocardial infarction remodeling in mice
Authors: Yeh Che‐Chung , Malhotra Deepak , Yang Yi‐Lin , Xu Yanchun , Fan Yanying , Li Hongzhe , Mann Michael J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAlthough activation of MEK‐ERK signaling is known to be cardioprotective during acute reperfusion injury, the effect of MEK activation on chronic changes in ventricular structure and function during the more complex process of remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) with or without reperfusion remains uncertain. Four weeks after permanent coronary ligation, LV fractional shorting, preload recruitable stroke work, and end‐systolic elastance were all preserved in transgenic mice with CM‐specific upregulation of the MEK1‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway (MEK1 Tg) compared to wildtype (WT) controls (5.8% decline vs. 17.3%, P < 0.01; 603 ± 98 mmHg vs. 335 ± 98, P < 0.05; 6.14 ± 0.57 mmHg/µl vs. 3.92 ± 0.60, P < 0.05, respectively). Despite similar initial infarct sizes, post‐MI remodeling was significantly reduced in MEK1 Tg, demonstrated by reductions in chronic infarct size (28.5 ± 3.1% vs. 47.8 ± 3.2%), myocardial fibrosis (3.98 ± 0.74% vs. 9.27 ± 1.97%) and apoptosis (0.66 ± 0.11% vs. 1.60 ± 0.34%). Higher phosphorylation (i.e., activation) of pro‐survival transcription factor STAT3, higher expression of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl2, and higher phosphorylation (i.e., inactivation) of pro‐apoptotic BAD were observed in the post‐MI remote myocardium of MEK1 Tg. MMP2 activity was higher in MEK1 Tg, while expression of TIMP3 and MMP9 activity were lower in transgenic mice. Beyond any immediate cardioprotective effect, therapeutic activation of MEK1‐ERK1/2 signaling during the chronic post‐MI period may preserve LV function by increasing the expression of pro‐survival factors and by suppressing factors, such as the balance between matrix modulating proteins, that promote pathological remodeling in the remote myocardium. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 47–55, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of anaerobic membrane bioreactors for the treatment of protein‐containing wastewaters under saline conditions
Authors: Hemmelmann Alberto , Torres Alvaro , Vergara Christian , Azocar Laura , Jeison David 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Anaerobic treatment of saline wastewaters may be hindered by problems related with biomass retention, since at high salt concentrations formation of biofilms and granules may not proceed well. This research studied the use of anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) as a way to promote complete biomass retention. A lab scale AnMBR fitted with a ceramic tubular membrane was operated for 2 years.RESULTS: Results showed that enhanced biomass retention produces conditions enabling anaerobic treatment of saline wastewaters. Despite the high resulting sludge retention time, no accumulation of a high proportion of dead cells was observed. Protein degradation and not methanogenesis was shown to be the rate limiting step for organic matter degradation, a fact that is relevant for protein‐containing wastewaters such as those from seafood processing industries. Only low levels of flux could be applied, in the region of 5 L m−2 h−1 due to reversible cake formation promoted by single cell growth.CONCLUSION: Biomass retention provided by membrane filtration promotes conditions suitable for efficient treatment of saline wastewaters. However, operation may be restricted to low values of flux due to biomass development as single cells. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrate removal from water by quaternized pine bark using choline based ionic liquid analogue
Authors: Karachalios Antonis , Wazne Mahmoud 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to quaternize pine bark (PB) wood residues using green chemistry and to use the quaternized PB to remove nitrate (NO3−) from water. The quaternization process was achieved by reacting the wood residues with an ionic liquid analogue comprised of a choline chloride derivative and urea. Batch adsorption tests were used to delineate the NO3− uptake by the modified pine bark (MPB). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and Zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the changes at the surface of the PB due to quaternization and NO3− uptake.RESULTS: The MPB has a maximum NO3− uptake capacity of 2.91 mmol g−1. The NO3− uptake kinetics indicated that diffusion through the boundary layer of the MPB was the rate limiting step. The Langmuir adsorption model provided a better fit for the uptake data than the Freundlich model, indicating monolayer adsorption. The uptake process was found dependent on concentration, pH and ionic strength, and was also spontaneous and exothermic. The desorption–regeneration experimental results indicated a 95% efficiency after five consecutive regeneration cycles.CONCLUSIONS: The quaternization technique was found very effective for developing effective and green anion exchange resins to remove NO3− from water. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Low molecular weight liquid media development for Lactobacilli producing bacteriocins
Authors: Zacharof Myrto‐Panagiota , Lovitt Robert W. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDContemporary purification techniques of Lactobacilli bacteriocins include chemical precipitation and separation through solvents to obtain highly potent semi‐purified bacteriocins. These methods are laborious and bacteriocin yields are low. To address this problem a set of new, efficient, cost effective media, was created, containing low molecular weight nutrient sources (LMWM). Using these media future separation and concentration of the desired metabolic products, using ultra‐ and nano‐filtration from the cultured broth was possible.RESULTSThe LMWM were made through serial filtration (filters varying in pore size 30 kDa, 4 kDa and 1 kDa MWCO) of a modified optimum liquid medium for Lactobacilli growth. The developed media were tested for bacteriocin production and biomass growth, using three known bacteriocin‐producing Lactobacilli strains, Lactobacillus casei NCIMB 11970, Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8014, Lactobacillus lactis NCIMB 8586. All were successfully grown (µmax 0.16 to 0.18 h−1) on the LMWM and produced a significant amount of bacteriocins in the range 110 to 130 IU mL−1.CONCLUSIONSLMWM do support Lactobacilli growth and bacteriocin production, establishing an alternative to the current production nutrient media. The uptake of the nutrient sources is facilitated as nitrogen sources, which were primarily responsible for growth, were supported in less complex forms. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression of Calcium Transport Proteins in the Extraembryonic Membranes of a Viviparous Snake, virginia striatula
Authors: FREGOSO SANTIAGO P. , STEWART JAMES R. , ECAY TOM W. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTYolk is the primary source of calcium for embryonic growth and development for most squamates, irrespective of mode of parity. The calcified eggshell is a secondary source for embryonic calcium in all oviparous eggs, but this structure is lost in viviparous lineages. Virginia striatula is a viviparous snake in which embryos obtain calcium from both yolk and placental transport of uterine calcium secretions. The developmental pattern of embryonic calcium acquisition in V. striatula is similar to that for oviparous snakes. Calbindin‐D28K is a marker for epithelial calcium transport activity and plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA) provides the energy to catalyze the final step in calcium transport. Expression of calbindin‐D28K and PMCA was measured by immunoblotting in yolk sac splanchnopleure and chorioallantois of a developmental series of V. striatula to test the hypothesis that these proteins mediate calcium transport to embryos. In addition, we compared the expression of calbindin‐D28K in extraembryonic membranes of V. striatula throughout development to a previously published expression pattern in an oviparous snake to test the hypothesis that the ontogeny of calcium transport function is independent of reproductive mode. Expression of calbindin‐D28K increased in yolk sac splanchnopleure and chorioallantois coincident with calcium mobilization from yolk and uterine sources and with embryonic growth. The amount of PMCA in the chorioallantois did not change through development suggesting its expression is not rate limiting for calcium transport. The pattern of expression of calbindin‐D28K and PMCA confirms our initial hypothesis that these proteins mediate embryonic calcium uptake. In addition, the developmental pattern of calbindin‐D28K expression in V. striatula is similar to that of an oviparous snake, which suggests that calcium transport mechanisms and their regulation are independent of reproductive mode. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:250–256, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The “Eyes absent” (eya) Gene in the Eye‐Bearing Hydrozoan Jellyfish Cladonema radiatum: Conservation of the Retinal Determination Network
Authors: GRAZIUSSI DARIA FEDERICA , SUGA HIROSHI , SCHMID VOLKER , GEHRING WALTER JAKOB 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTEyes absent (Eya) is a member of the Retinal Determination Gene Network (RDGN), a set of genes responsible for eye specification in Drosophila. Eya is a dual function protein, working as a transcription factor in the nucleus and as a tyrosine phosphatase in the cytoplasm. It had been shown that Pax and Six family genes, main components of the RDGN, are present in the hydrozoan Cladonema radiatum and that they are expressed in the eye. However, nothing had been known about the Eya family in hydrozoan jellyfish. Here we report the presence of an Eya homologue (CrEya) in Cladonema. Real‐time PCR analysis and in situ hybridization showed that CrEya is expressed in the eye. Furthermore, the comprehensive survey of eukaryote genomes revealed that the acquisition of the N‐terminal transactivation domain, including the EYA Domain 2 and its adjacent sequence shared by all eumetazoans, happened early in evolution, before the separation of Cnidaria and Bilateria. Our results uncover the evolution of the two domains and show a conservation of the expression pattern of the Eya gene between Cnidaria and Bilateria, which, together with previous data, supports the hypothesis of the monophyletic origin of metazoans eyes. We additionally show that CrEya is also expressed in the oocytes, where two other members of the RDGN, CrPaxB, and Six4/5‐Cr, are known to be expressed. These data suggest that several members of the RDGN have begun to be localized also into the different context of egg development early in the course of metazoan evolution. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:257–267, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Père David's Deer MHC Class I Genes Show Unexpected Diversity Patterns, With Monomorphic Classical Genes but Polymorphic Nonclassical Genes and Pseudogenes
Authors: Zhang Pei , Kuang Ye‐ye , Wu Hai‐long , Li Ling , Ge Yun‐fa , Wan Qiu‐hong , Fang Sheng‐GUO 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTPère David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is a highly inbred species that arose from 11 founders but now comprises a population of about 3,000 individuals, making it interesting to investigate the adaptive variation of this species from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) perspective. In this study, we isolated Elda‐MHC class I loci using magnetic bead‐based cDNA hybridization, and examined the molecular variations of these loci using single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequence analysis. We obtained seven MHC class I genes, which we designated F1, F12, G2, I7, AF, I8, and C1. Our analyses of stop codons, phylogenetic trees, amino acid conservation, and G+C content revealed that F1, F12, G2, and I7 were classical genes, AF was a nonclassical gene, and I8 and C1 were pseudogenes. Our subsequent molecular examinations showed that the diversity pattern in the Père David's deer was unusual. Most mammals have more polymorphic classical class I loci vs. the nonclassical and neutral genes. In contrast, the Père David's deer was found to be monomorphic at classical genes F1, F12, G2, and I7, dimorphic at the nonclassical AF gene, dimorphic at pseudogene I8, and tetramorphic at pseudogene C1. The adverse polymorphism patterns of Elda‐I genes might provide evidence for selection too faster deplete MHC variation than drift in the bottlenecked populations, while the postbottleneck tetramorphism of the C1 pseudogene appears to be evidence of strong historical balancing selection. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:294–307, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ovarian follicular development in the hawksbill turtle (Cheloniidae: Eretmochelys imbricata L.)
Authors: Pérez‐Bermúdez Emir , Ruiz‐Urquiola Ariel , Lee‐González Idania , Petric Benjamin , Almaguer‐Cuenca Nilda , Sanz‐Ochotorena Ana , Espinosa–López Georgina 
Published: July 2012

AbstractOvarian follicular development is an essential process in the determination of maturation stages associated with size. This association acquires importance when managing populations of threatened species. We histologically processed 11 prepubescent ovaries, four pubescent ovaries, and one breeding adult ovary with vitellogenic follicles using specific staining techniques to identify the follicular stages of Eretmochelys imbricata. Follicular stages were compared with maturation stages [including straight carapace length (SCL)]. The ovary presented several germinal beds and a lacunar system less histochemically and morphologically heterogeneous than that of crocodiles. During previtellogenesis (four stages), the oocyte grows rapidly due to the strong transcriptional activity of lampbrush chromosomes and numerous nucleoli, and the strong metabolism associated with lipid synthesis. The Stage III ooplasm showed a Sudan positive band. This stage was the most frequent in all ovarian sections and it was independent of maximal follicular stage. Stage IV, more frequent in pubescent and adult ovaries, presented a lipid vacuole‐rich ooplasm and a broadening of the zona pellucida and the theca. The vitellogenesis begins with the penetration and accumulation of spherical glycoprotein yolk platelets and chemically neutral lipid droplets which are observed to be mixed, but spatially and chemically segregated. Both the yolk platelets and lipid droplets increase in size, density, and proximity to the periphery of the oocyte due to their coalescence. The SCL of the immature females did not determine the maximal follicular stage nor its frequency in the ovaries. Straight carapace length turned out to be an imprecise measure in identifying the presence of follicular stages in females larger than the minimum legal size limit in Cuba. Consequently, for a national conservation program to be successful, it must emphasize the critically endangered status of E. imbricata, as well as the maturity of the most frequent hawksbill sizes encountered in the Cuban archipelago fishery. J. Morphol. , 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of chitosan coating on maintenance of aril quality, microbial population and PPO activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Tarom) at cold storage temperature
Authors: Ghasemnezhad Mahmood , Zareh Somayeh , Rassa Mehdi , Sajedi Reza H. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Chitosan edible coating was used in an attempt to extend the storage life of pomegranate arils during 12 days at 4 °C. Prior to storage, treated arils were dipped in 0.25, 0.5 and 1% (w/v) chitosan aqueous solutions and 1% (v/v) acetic acid for 1 min, while control arils were dipped in distilled water with 1% (v/v) acetic acid.RESULTS: Chitosan coating inhibited bacterial and fungal growth on the surface of arils. The water content of arils coated with 0.5 and 1% chitosan was maintained during 12 days of storage. Chitosan reduced the increase in total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) of arils during storage. The lowest TSS and TA were detected in arils coated with 0.5 and 1% chitosan, which maintained the highest TSS/TA ratio after 12 days of storage. In contrast, application of chitosan delayed the decrease in total phenolics, total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity during storage. The results also showed that chitosan coating suppressed the monophenolase activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) with pyrogallol substrate and the diphenolase activity of PPO with dopamine hydrochloride substrate, but the diphenolase activity of PPO with pyrocatechol substrate increased during storage.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that chitosan coating has the potential to extend the storage life of pomegranate arils by reducing the microbial population on their surface. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of potential fumonisin‐producing Fusarium species in corn products from three main maize‐producing areas in eastern China
Authors: Zhang Liping , Wang Jiansheng , Zhang Chulong , Wang Qiaomei 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Fusarium species are common fungal contaminants of maize and a number of them can produce mycotoxin fumonisins. China is one of the largest maize producers in the world. This study investigated the contamination of maize samples from three areas in eastern China by Fusarium and fumonisin‐producing fungi as well as their fumonisin‐producing potential.RESULTS: A total of 22 Fusarium strains were isolated, 19 of which were able to produce fumonisin. Among the 19 strains, 16 belonged to F. verticillioides, two to F. subglutinans and one to F. proliferatum. The majority (17/19) of the fumonisin‐forming strains were high FB1 producers, which is a potential health risk for the population in these areas. Fusarium contamination in samples from the mideastern area was the most serious (11 Fusarium strains, with nine producing fumonisin, isolated from 24 samples), followed by the northeastern area (nine Fusarium strains, with all nine producing fumonisin, isolated from 21 samples) and the southeastern area (two Fusarium strains, with one producing fumonisin, isolated from 19 samples).CONCLUSION: Although the overall levels of FBs and contamination by fumonisin‐producing fungi in corn samples were not serious, the contaminating Fusarium strains possessed fairly strong toxicogenic ability and potential risk for food safety. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
1‐Methylcyclopropene effects on temporal changes of aroma volatiles and phytochemicals of fresh‐cut cantaloupe
Authors: Amaro Ana L , Fundo Joana F , Oliveira Ana , Beaulieu John C , Fernández‐Trujillo Juan Pablo , Almeida Domingos PF 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Orange‐fleshed cantaloupe melons have intense aroma and flavor but are very perishable during storage life. Fresh‐cut processing enhances ethylene‐mediated quality losses. Post‐cutting 1‐methylcyclopene (1‐MCP) application to fresh‐cut cantaloupe was evaluated for its effects on quality attributes, phytochemical content and aroma volatiles.RESULTS: Fresh‐cut cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis ‘Fiesta’) cubes treated with 1.0 µL L−1 of 1‐MCP for 24 h at 5 °C, packaged in vented plastic clamshells and stored under normal atmosphere at 5 °C for 9 days, preserved their soluble solids, total phenolics, total carotenoids and β‐carotene contents, but significant softening occurred. A significant increase of non‐acetate esters and a decrease of aldehydes occurred during storage. Most quality attributes of fresh‐cut cantaloupe were unaffected by the treatment with 1‐MCP. 1‐MCP‐treated fresh‐cut cantaloupe accumulated higher levels of propyl acetate, 2‐methylbutyl acetate, methyl butanoate, methyl 2‐methyl butanoate, methyl hexanoate, 2‐methylbutyl alcohol and phenethyl alcohol, and lower levels of benzyl alcohol and heptanal than untreated controls.CONCLUSION: Post‐cutting treatment with 1‐MCP affected nine of the flavor‐important volatiles, particularly those derived from the amino acids isoleucine and phenylalanine, but had no practical effect on phytochemicals or other quality attributes. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement in antioxidant activity, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity and in vitro cellular properties of fermented pepino milk by Lactobacillus strains containing the glutamate decarboxylase gene
Authors: Tsai‐Hsin Chiu , Shwu‐Jene Tsai , Tsung‐Yen Wu , Szu‐Chieh Fu , Yi‐Ting Hwang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional potential of fermented pepino extract (PE) milk by Lactobacillus strains containing the glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) gene. Three Lactobacillus strains were selected, including L. brevis BCRC 12310, L. casei BCRC 14082 and L. salivarius subsp. salivarius BCRC 14759. The contents of free amino acids, total phenolics content, total carotenoids and the associated functional and antioxidant abilities were analyzed, including angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging ability and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Cell proliferation of fermented PE milk was also evaluated by MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.RESULTS: Compared to the unfermented PE, fermented PE milk from Lactobacillus strains with the GAD gene showed higher levels of total phenolics, γ‐aminobutyric acid, ACE inhibitory activity, DPPH, and ORAC. The viability of human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL‐60) determined by the MTT method decreased significantly when the cells were incubated with the PE and the fermented PE milk extracts.CONCLUSION: The consumption of fermented PE milk from Lactobacillus strains with the GAD gene is expected to benefit health. Further application as a health food is worthy of investigation. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry