bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐level laser irradiation enhances BMP‐induced osteoblast differentiation by stimulating the BMP/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Hirata Shizu , Kitamura Chiaki , Fukushima Hidefumi , Nakamichi Ikuo , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Terashita Masamichi , Jimi Eijiro 
Published: September 2010

AbstractLow‐level laser irradiation (LLLI) has been shown to induce bone formation and osteoblast differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. However, the molecular mechanism by which LLLI stimulates osteoblast differentiation is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine whether Ga‐Al‐As laser irradiation could enhance BMP2‐induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in C2C12 cells. Laser irradiation at 0.5 W for 20 min enhanced BMP2‐induced ALP activity. Laser treatment alone did not affect ALP activity. To exclude the effect of pH or temperature changes during irradiation, we shortened the exposure time to 2 min, with various levels of laser power. At 2.5 W, irradiation stimulated BMP2‐induced ALP activity but not cell proliferation, whereas 1 or 5 W laser power did not induce any significant effects. Irradiation stimulated BMP2‐induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and BMP2 expression, but had no effect on the expression of inhibitory Smads 6 and 7, BMP4, or insulin‐like growth factor 1. Laser irradiation enhanced Smad‐induced Id1 reporter activity as well as expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐induced transcription factors such as Id1, Osterix, and Runx2. Laser irradiation also stimulated BMP‐induced expressions of type I collagen, osteonectin, and osteocalcin mRNA, markers of osteoblasts. This enhancement of BMP2‐induced ALP activity and Smad phosphorylation by laser irradiation was also observed in primary osteoblasts. These results suggest that LLLI accelerates the differentiation of BMP‐induced osteoblasts by stimulating the BMP/Smad signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1445–1452, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐fibrotic effect of chorionic plate‐derived mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human placenta in a rat model of CCl4‐injured liver: Potential application to the treatment of hepatic diseases
Authors: Lee Min‐Jae , Jung Jieun , Na Kyu‐Hwan , Moon Ji Suk , Lee Hey‐Jin , Kim Jae‐Hwan , Kim Gwang Il , Kwon Sung‐Won , Hwang Seong‐Gyu , Kim Gi Jin 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTranslational studies have explored the therapeutic effects of stem cells, raising hopes for the treatment of numerous diseases. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of chorionic plate‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (CP‐MSCs) isolated from human placenta and transplanted into rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐injured livers. CP‐MSCs were analyzed for hepatocyte‐specific gene expression, indocyanine green (ICG) uptake, glycogen storage, and urea production following hepatogenic differentiation. PKH26‐labeled CP‐MSCs were directly transplanted into the livers of rats that had been exposed to CCl4 (1.6 g/kg, twice per week for 9 weeks). Blood and liver tissue were analyzed at 1, 2, and 3 weeks post‐transplantation. The expression of type I collagen (Col I) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was analyzed in rat T‐HSC/Cl‐6 hepatic stellate cells co‐cultured with CP‐MSCs following exposure to TGF‐β. The expression levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Col I were lower in transplanted (TP) rats than in non‐transplanted (Non‐TP) animals (P < 0.05), whereas the expression levels of albumin and MMP‐9 were increased. TP rats exhibited significantly higher uptake/excretion of ICG than non‐TP rats (P < 0.005). In addition, collagen synthesis in T‐HSC/Cl‐6 cells exposed to TGF‐β was decreased by co‐culture with CP‐MSCs, which triggered the activation of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. These results contribute to our understanding of the potential pathophysiological roles of CP‐MSCs, including anti‐fibrotic effects in liver disease, and provide a foundation for the development of new cell therapy‐based strategies for the treatment of difficult‐to‐treat liver diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1453–1463, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sorting nexin 6 interacts with breast cancer metastasis suppressor‐1 and promotes transcriptional repression
Authors: Rivera José , Megías Diego , Bravo Jerónimo 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSorting nexin 6 (SNX6), a predominantly cytoplasmic protein involved in intracellular trafficking of membrane receptors, was identified as a TGF‐β family interactor. However, apart from being a component of the Retromer, little is known about SNX6 cellular functions. Pim‐1‐dependent SNX6 nuclear translocation has been reported suggesting a putative nuclear role for SNX6. Here, we describe a previously non‐reported association of SNX6 with breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) protein detected by a yeast two‐hybrid screening. The interaction can be reconstituted in vitro and further FRET analysis confirmed the novel interaction. Additionally, we identified their coiled‐coil domains as the minimal binding motives required for interaction. Since BRMS1 has been shown to repress transcription, we sought the ability of SNX6 to interfere with this nuclear activity. Using a standard gene reporter assay, we observed that SNX6 increases BRMS1‐dependent transcriptional repression. Moreover, over‐expression of SNX6 was capable of diminishing trans‐activation in a dose‐dependent manner. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1464–1472, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ionic liquid enables simple and rapid sample preparation of human culturing cells for scanning electron microscope analysis
Authors: Ishigaki Yasuhito , Nakamura Yuka , Takehara Teruaki , Nemoto Noriko , Kurihara Takayuki , Koga Hironori , Nakagawa Hideaki , Takegami Tsutomu , Tomosugi Naohisa , Miyazawa Shichiro , Kuwabata Susumu 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIonic liquid is a kind of salt that stays in a molten state even at room temperature. It does not vaporize at all in vacuum and facilitates electrical conductivity to the sample surfaces for observations with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In this study, we used an ionic liquid in SEM for the first time to observe fixed human culture cells. The condition for the cell culture using wrapping sheets and SEM settings were varied to elucidate the optimized protocol. Compared to samples prepared by the conventional way, the ionic liquid‐treatment of samples gave SEM images of the cellular ultra structures in more detail, enabling observation of microvilli that made bridges between separated cells. In addition, the ionic liquid treatment is less time consuming as well as less laborious compared with the conventional way that includes dehydration, drying, and conductivity treatments. Totally, we concluded the ionic liquid is a useful reagent for SEM sample preparation. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Freeze substitution followed by low melting point wax embedding preserves histomorphology and allows protein and mRNA localization techniques
Authors: Durán Iván , Marí‐Beffa Manuel , Santamaría Jesús A. , Becerra José , Santos‐Ruiz Leonor 
Published: September 2010

AbstractFixation and embedding are major steps in tissue preservation for histological analysis. However, conventional fixatives like aldehyde‐based solutions usually mask tissular epitopes preventing their immunolocalization. Alternative fixation methods used to avoid this drawback, such as cryopreservation, alcohol‐ or zinc salts‐based fixatives do not efficiently preserve tissue and cell morphology. Likewise, paraffin and resin embedding, commonly used for thin sectioning, frequently damage epitopes due to the clearing agents and high temperatures needed along the embedding procedure. Alternatives like cryosectioning avoid the embedding steps but yield sections of poorer quality and are not suitable for all kinds of samples. To overcome these handicaps, we have developed a method that preserves histoarchitecture as well as tissue antigenic properties. This method, which we have named CryoWax, involves freeze substitution of the samples in isopentane and methanol, followed by embedding in low melting point polyester wax. CryoWax has proven efficient in obtaining thin sections of embryos and adult tissues from different species, including amphioxus, zebrafish, and mouse. CryoWax sections displayed optimal preservation of tissue morphology and were successfully immunostained for fixation‐ and temperature‐sensitive antigens. Furthermore, CryoWax has been tested for in situ hybridization application, obtaining positive results. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A selective synthesis of enamines versus aziridines
Authors: Belei Dalila , Bicu Elena , Jones Peter G. , Birsa M. Lucian 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The reaction of 10‐azidoacetyl‐10H‐phenothiazine with olefinic dipolarophiles depends on the reaction temperature. In refluxing toluene, a mixture of enamine and aziridine is formed in 3:1 ratio. The reaction mechanism appears to involve a Michael‐type addition of the nucleophilic N1 azide atom to the olefinic double bond. In chloroform, a cycloaddition reaction takes place with the formation of a 4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,3‐triazole. The heating of dihydrotriazoles in toluene is accompanied by nitrogen elimination leading to a mixture of enamine and aziridine in 1:3 ratio. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Comparison of patellar bone strain in the natural and implanted knee during simulated deep flexion
Authors: Fitzpatrick Clare K. , Baldwin Mark A. , Ali Azhar A. , Laz Peter J. , Rullkoetter Paul J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractInstances of anterior knee pain and patellar fracture are significant complications following total knee replacement (TKR). Bone strain measured in the patella can provide an indication of patellar fracture risk and may also be related to anterior knee pain. The objective of this study was to develop subject‐specific finite element models of the patellofemoral (PF) joint including density‐mapped material properties to gain insight into the patellar bone strain distribution in the natural and implanted knee. In eight subjects, the volume of bone experiencing strains >0.5% in the implanted condition was ∼200% larger, on average, than the natural condition. An inverse relationship with a correlation of −0.74 was established between postoperative bone volume and strain in the implanted specimens, suggesting that patellar geometry may be a useful indicator of postoperative strain. Comparing strains between regions (superior, inferior, medial, and lateral), it was found that although highly strained bone was evenly distributed between medial and lateral regions in the natural case, the implanted specimens demonstrated significantly larger volumes of highly strained bone medially as a result of substantially lower modulus bone in the medial compartment. Understanding distributions of PF strain may aid in preoperative identification of those patients at risk for patellar fracture or anterior knee pain, guidance regarding altered component placement for at‐risk patients, and design of components considering the implications of PF load transfer and patellar strain distribution. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:232–239, 2011
Effects of smoking on taste: Assessment with contact endoscopy and taste strips
Authors: Konstantinidis Iordanis , Chatziavramidis Angelos , Printza Athanasia , Metaxas Spyros , Constantinidis Jannis 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjectives:This study aims to compare the taste function between smokers and nonsmokers with clinical testing, subjective ratings, and contact endoscopy of the tongue.Study Design:Cross‐sectional survey.Methods:Data were collected from 38 smokers (mean age 37 years; 25 female, 23 male) and 34 nonsmokers (mean age 33.5 years; 18 female, 16 male). The parameters assessed were the number of fungiform papillae per square centimeter in a noncontact way and their morphology (surface, capillary vessels) by contact endoscopy. The morphology of the filiform papillae has also been assessed. In addition, clinical testing of gustatory function was performed by means of taste strips and subjective intensity ratings of natural taste stimuli.Results:No significant difference was found in clinical testing and intensity ratings between the two study groups. A trend toward significance was found in taste strip results for decreased bitter taste in heavy smokers (P = .06). The number and the size of fungiform papillae did not significantly differ between the study groups. No sex‐related differences were observed. Smokers exhibited significantly more keratin structures on the fungiform papillae surface, less tortuous capillary vessels, and a significant distortion of their filiform papillae.Conclusions:Taste function presents significant resistance to smoking, although changes in morphology of fungiform and filiform papillae have been observed especially in heavy smokers. Laryngoscope, 2010
Laser stimulation of single auditory nerve fibers
Authors: Littlefield Philip D. , Vujanovic Irena , Mundi Jagmeet , Matic Agnella Izzo , Richter Claus‐Peter 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:One limitation with cochlear implants is the difficulty stimulating spatially discrete spiral ganglion cell groups because of electrode interactions. Multipolar electrodes have improved on this some, but also at the cost of much higher device power consumption. Recently, it has been shown that spatially selective stimulation of the auditory nerve is possible with a mid‐infrared laser aimed at the spiral ganglion via the round window. However, these neurons must be driven at adequate rates for optical radiation to be useful in cochlear implants. We herein use single‐fiber recordings to characterize the responses of auditory neurons to optical radiation.Study Design:In vivo study using normal‐hearing adult gerbils.Methods:Two diode lasers were used for stimulation of the auditory nerve. They operated between 1.844 μm and 1.873 μm, with pulse durations of 35 μs to 1,000 μs, and at repetition rates up to 1,000 pulses per second (pps). The laser outputs were coupled to a 200‐μm‐diameter optical fiber placed against the round window membrane and oriented toward the spiral ganglion. The auditory nerve was exposed through a craniotomy, and recordings were taken from single fibers during acoustic and laser stimulation.Results:Action potentials occurred 2.5 ms to 4.0 ms after the laser pulse. The latency jitter was up to 3 ms. Maximum rates of discharge averaged 97 ± 52.5 action potentials per second. The neurons did not strictly respond to the laser at stimulation rates over 100 pps.Conclusions:Auditory neurons can be stimulated by a laser beam passing through the round window membrane and driven at rates sufficient for useful auditory information. Optical stimulation and electrical stimulation have different characteristics; which could be selectively exploited in future cochlear implants. Laryngoscope, 2010
A Nanosegregant Approach to Superwettable and Water‐Attracting Surfaces
Authors: Xie Xian Ning , Lim Sharon Xiaodai , Wang Yuzhan , Gao Xingyu , Lee Kian Keat , Sow Chorng Haur , Chen Xiaohong , Loh Kian Ping , Wee Andrew Thye Shen 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA simple and economical approach to the preparation of superhydrophilic and water‐capturing surfaces is reported. In this method, a common polymer aqueous blend is drop‐cast onto a substrate, and the natural drying of the aqueous drop allows for the formation of phase‐segregated nanosegregants between the bulk film and substrate surface. The nanosegregant is then exposed by dissolving the bulk film using water. The nanosegregant is stable, water‐insoluble and optically transparent, and exhibits superhydrophilicity with a minimum contact angle below 10°. It also displays strong water‐attracting ability. The mechanism of superwettability and water‐capturing behavior is discussed in terms of the self‐organization and functional group of the nanosegregant.magnified image
Enhanced in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Tumors by PEGylated Iron‐Oxide–Gold Core–Shell Nanoparticles with Prolonged Blood Circulation Properties
Authors: Kumagai Michiaki , Sarma Tridib Kumar , Cabral Horacio , Kaida Sachiko , Sekino Masaki , Herlambang Nicholas , Osada Kensuke , Kano Mitsunobu R. , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Kataoka Kazunori 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHigh‐density poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐coated iron‐oxide–gold core–shell nanoparticles (AuIONs) were developed as T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for cancer imaging. The PEG‐coated iron‐oxide–gold core–shell nanoparticles (PEG‐AuIONs) were approximately 25 nm in diameter with a narrow distribution. Biodistribution experiments in mice bearing a subcutaneous colon cancer model prepared with C26 murine colon adenocarcinoma cells showed high accumulation of the PEG‐AuIONs within the tumor mass and low nonspecific accumulation in the liver and spleen, resulting in high specificity to solid tumors. T2‐weighted MR images following intravenous injection of PEG‐AuIONs showed selective negative enhancement of tumor tissue in an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model prepared with MiaPaCa‐2 human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. These results indicate that PEG‐AuIONs are a promising MRI contrast agent for diagnosis of malignant tumors, including pancreatic cancer.magnified image
Role of AMPK throughout meiotic maturation in the mouse oocyte: Evidence for promotion of polar body formation and suppression of premature activation
Authors: Downs Stephen M. , Ya Ru , Davis Christopher C. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis study was conducted to assess the role of AMPK in regulating meiosis in mouse oocytes from the germinal vesicle stage to metaphase II. Exposure of mouse cumulus cell‐enclosed oocytes (CEO) and denuded oocytes (DO) during spontaneous maturation in vitro to AMPK‐activating agents resulted in augmentation of the rate and frequency of polar body formation. Inhibitors of AMPK had an opposite, inhibitory effect. In addition, the AMPK inhibitor, compound C (Cmpd C) increased the frequency of oocyte activation. The stimulatory action of the AMPK‐activating agent, AICAR, and the inhibitory action of Cmpd C were diminished if exposure was delayed, indicating an early action of AMPK on polar body formation. The frequency of spontaneous and Cmpd C‐induced activation in CEO was reduced as the period of hormonal priming was increased, and AMPK stimulation eliminated the activation response. Immunostaining of oocytes with antibody to active AMPK revealed an association of active kinase with chromatin, spindle poles, and midbody during maturation. Immunolocalization of the α1 catalytic subunit of AMPK showed an association with condensed chromatin and the meiotic spindle but not in the spindle poles or midbody; α2 stained only diffusely throughout the oocyte. These data suggest that AMPK is involved in a regulatory capacity throughout maturation and helps promote the completion of meiosis while suppressing premature activation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77:888–899, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic modifiers of HbF and response to hydroxyurea in sickle cell disease
Authors: Green Nancy S. , Barral Sandra 
Published: September 2010

AbstractFetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels are generally inversely proportional to severity of sickle cell disease (SCD) for given sickle phenotypes. Molecular regulation of HbF occurs through complex interactions cis and trans to the beta globin gene locus. Novel insights made through population‐based genetic epidemiologic studies of non‐anemic populations were replicated in SCD groups, despite large differences in HbF levels. Identification of the lymphoid transcription factor BCL11A as a key suppressor of HbF expression validates approaches using population genetics to study HbF expression. We review these methods and findings, and speculate on applying pharmaco‐genetics to optimize hydroxyurea therapy aimed at increasing HbF. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:177–181. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolated extracranial recurrence of anaplastic ependymoma
Authors: Chao Mwe Mwe , Packer Roger J. , Myseros John S. , Rood Brian R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAnaplastic ependymoma is a malignant glial tumor thought to arise from radial glial cells of the ventricular zone. Because ependymoma is frequently encountered within ventricular spaces, they are prone to leptomeningeal dissemination. Metastatic extracranial ependymoma has been reported, but in the context of progressive intracranial disease. We report on a boy who developed isolated extracranial recurrence of his anaplastic ependymoma, initially at the scalp and later metastases to cervical lymph nodes. The location of tumor recurrence proximate to the surgical site suggested surgical seeding. This case demonstrates an unusual site of recurrence of anaplastic ependymoma and highlights a previously underappreciated surgical complication. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:317–318. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thyroid and hepatic function after high‐dose 131I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I‐MIBG) therapy for neuroblastoma
Authors: Quach Alekist , Ji Lingyun , Mishra Vikash , Sznewajs Aimee , Veatch Janet , Huberty John , Franc Benjamin , Sposto Richard , Groshen Susan , Wei Denice , Fitzgerald Paul , Maris John M. , Yanik Gregory , Hawkins Randall A. , Villablanca Judith G. , Matthay Katherine K. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground131I‐Metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I‐MIBG) provides targeted radiotherapy for children with neuroblastoma, a malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system. Dissociated radioactive iodide may concentrate in the thyroid, and 131I‐MIBG is concentrated in the liver after 131I‐MIBG therapy. The aim of our study was to analyze the effects of 131I‐MIBG therapy on thyroid and liver function.ProcedurePre‐ and post‐therapy thyroid and liver functions were reviewed in a total of 194 neuroblastoma patients treated with 131I‐MIBG therapy. The cumulative incidence over time was estimated for both thyroid and liver toxicities. The relationship to cumulative dose/kg, number of treatments, time from treatment to follow‐up, sex, and patient age was examined.ResultsIn patients who presented with Grade 0 or 1 thyroid toxicity at baseline, 12 ± 4% experienced onset of or worsening to Grade 2 hypothyroidism and one patient developed Grade 2 hyperthyroidism by 2 years after 131I‐MIBG therapy. At 2 years post‐131I‐MIBG therapy, 76 ± 4% patients experienced onset or worsening of hepatic toxicity to any grade, and 23 ± 5% experienced onset of or worsening to Grade 3 or 4 liver toxicity. Liver toxicity was usually transient asymptomatic transaminase elevation, frequently confounded by disease progression and other therapies.ConclusionThe prophylactic regimen of potassium iodide and potassium perchlorate with 131I‐MIBG therapy resulted in a low rate of significant hypothyroidism. Liver abnormalities following 131I‐MIBG therapy were primarily reversible and did not result in late toxicity. 131I‐MIBG therapy is a promising treatment for children with relapsed neuroblastoma with a relatively low rate of symptomatic thyroid or hepatic dysfunction. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:191–201. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.