bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Changes of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Antioxidant Enzymes During Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Chen Chien-Tsun , Shih Yu-Ru V. , Kuo Tom K. , Lee Oscar K. , Wei Yau-Huei 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
The multidifferentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells holds great promise for cell therapy. Numerous studies have focused on the establishment of differentiation protocols, whereas little attention has been paid to the metabolic changes during the differentiation process. Mitochondria, the powerhouse of mammalian cells, vary in their number and function in different cell types with different energy demands, but how these variations are associated with cell differentiation remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the changes of mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetic function using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) because of their well-defined differentiation potentials. Upon osteogenic induction, the copy number of mitochondrial DNA, protein subunits of the respiratory enzymes, oxygen consumption rate, and intracellular ATP content were increased, indicating the upregulation of aerobic mitochondrial metabolism. On the other hand, undifferentiated hMSCs showed higher levels of glycolytic enzymes and lactate production rate, suggesting that hMSCs rely more on glycolysis for energy supply in comparison with hMSC-differentiated osteoblasts. In addition, we observed a dramatic decrease of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a consequence of upregulation of two antioxidant enzymes, manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase and catalase. Finally, we found that exogenous H2O2 and mitochondrial inhibitors could retard the osteogenic differentiation. These findings suggested an energy production transition from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation in hMSCs upon osteogenic induction. Meanwhile, antioxidant enzymes were concurrently upregulated to prevent the accumulation of intracellular ROS. Together, our findings suggest that coordinated regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant enzymes occurs synergistically during osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Comparison of Reporter Gene and Iron Particle Labeling for Tracking Fate of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Differentiated Endothelial Cells in Living Subjects
Authors: Li Zongjin , Suzuki Yoriyasu , Huang Mei , Cao Feng , Xie Xiaoyan , Connolly Andrew J. , Yang Phillip C. , Wu Joseph C. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are pluripotent stem cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into virtually all cell types. Thus, they hold tremendous potential as cell sources for regenerative therapies. The concurrent development of accurate, sensitive, and noninvasive technologies capable of monitoring hES cells engraftment in vivo can greatly expedite basic research prior to future clinical translation. In this study, hES cells were stably transduced with a lentiviral vector carrying a novel double-fusion reporter gene that consists of firefly luciferase and enhanced green fluorescence protein. Reporter gene expression had no adverse effects on cell viability, proliferation, or differentiation to endothelial cells (human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells [hESC-ECs]). To compare the two popular imaging modalities, hES cells and hESC-ECs were then colabeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles before transplantation into murine hind limbs. Longitudinal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed persistent MR signals in both cell populations that lasted up to 4 weeks. By contrast, bioluminescence imaging indicated divergent signal patterns for hES cells and hESC-ECs. In particular, hESC-ECs showed significant bioluminescence signals at day 2, which decreased progressively over the following 4 weeks, whereas bioluminescence signals from undifferentiated hES cells increased dramatically during the same period. Post-mortem histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed teratoma formation after injection of undifferentiated hES cells but not hESC-ECs. From these data taken together, we concluded that reporter gene is a better marker for monitoring cell viability, whereas iron particle labeling is a better marker for high-resolution detection of cell location by MR. Furthermore, transplantation of predifferentiated rather than undifferentiated hES cells would be more suited for avoiding teratoma formation.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Therapeutic Effect of an Implantable Peroneal Nerve Stimulator in Subjects With Chronic Stroke and Footdrop: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kottink Anke IR , Hermens Hermie J , Nene Anand V , Tenniglo Martin J , Groothuis-Oudshoorn Catharina G , IJzerman Maarten J 
Published: January 2008

Background and Purpose
Footdrop, characterized by a person's inability to raise the foot at the ankle, is a common problem in patients with stroke. A randomized controlled trial was performed to determine the therapeutic effect of using a new implantable, 2-channel peroneal nerve stimulator for 6 months versus an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).

Subjects
Twenty-nine patients with chronic stroke and footdrop participated in the study. The mean time from stroke was 7.3 years (SD=7.3), and all subjects were community ambulators.

Methods
The study used a randomized controlled trial design. The functional electrical stimulation (FES) group received the implantable stimulation system for correction of their footdrop. The control group continued using their conventional walking device (ie, AFO, orthopedic shoes, or no walking device). All subjects were measured at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 26 in the gait laboratory. The therapeutic effect of FES on the maximum value of the root mean square (RMSmax) of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle with both flexed and extended knees and walking speed were selected as the primary outcome measures. The RMSmax of the peroneus longus (PL), gastrocnemius (GS), and soleus (SL) muscles with both flexed and extended knees and muscle activity of the TA muscle of the affected leg during the swing phase of gait were selected as secondary outcome measures.

Results
A significantly higher RMSmax of the TA muscle with extended knee was found after using FES. No change in walking speed was found when the stimulator was not switched on. A significantly increased RMSmax of the GS muscle with both flexed and extended knees was found after using FES.

Discussion and Conclusion
Functionally, no therapeutic effect of implantable peroneal nerve stimulation was found. However, the significantly increased voluntary muscle output of the TA and GS muscles after the use of FES suggests that there was a certain extent of plasticity in the subjects in this study.
Reflection and penetration depth of millimeter waves in murine skin
Authors: Alekseev S.I. , Gordiienko O.V. , Ziskin M.C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMillimeter (mm) wave reflectivity was used to determine murine skin permittivity. Reflection was measured in anesthetized Swiss Webster and SKH1‐hairless mice in the 37–74 GHz frequency range. Two skin models were tested. Model 1 was a single homogeneous skin layer. Model 2 included four skin layers: (1) the stratum corneum, (2) the viable epidermis plus dermis, (3) fat layer, and (4) muscle which had infinite thickness. We accepted that the permittivity of skin in the mm wave frequency range results from the permittivity of cutaneous free water which is described by the Debye equation. Using Fresnel equations for reflection we determined the skin parameters best fitting to the reflection data and derived the permittivity of skin layers. The permittivity data were further used to calculate the power density and specific absorption rate profiles, and the penetration depth of mm waves in the skin. In both murine models, mm waves penetrate deep enough into tissue to reach muscle. In human skin, mm waves are mostly absorbed within the skin. Therefore, when extrapolating the effects of mm waves found in animals to humans, it is important to take into account the possible involvement of muscle in animal effects. Bioelectromagnetics 29:340–344, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sporadic Paraganglioma
Authors: Lee James A. , Duh Quan‐Yang 
Published: January 2008

AbstractParaganglioma are rare chromaffin cell tumors that develop from the neural crest cells. Parasympathetic ganglia‐derived tumors are found almost exclusively in the neck and skull base and typically do not secrete catecholamines. In contrast, most sympathetic ganglia‐derived tumors are found in the abdomen and produce an excess of catecholamines. Those grow within the adrenal medulla and are known as pheochromocytoma. Other sympathetic paragangliomas are also known as extra‐adrenal pheochromocytomas. They arise outside of the adrenal gland and can be found anywhere along the sympathetic chain from the base of the skull and neck (5% of cases) to the bladder and prostate gland (10%). We use the term paraganglioma to refer to extra‐adrenal tumors and pheochromocytoma to refer to intra‐adrenal tumors. The majority of sympathetic paragangliomas are familial, commonly associated with the SDHB and SDHD gene mutations. Many are malignant. Medical management of catecholamine‐secreting paraganglioma is the same as for pheochromocytoma. Favorably located abdominal paragangliomas can be safely resected laparoscopically, but the operation is technically more challenging than that for adrenalectomy.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Poor Differentiation and Tall Cell Variant in Papillary Carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Inoue Hiroyuki , Yabuta Tomonori , Uruno Takashi , Kihara Minoru , Higashiyama Takuya , Takamura Yuuki , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Matsuzuka Fumio , Miyauchi Akira 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn the 1980s, histology of a poorly differentiated carcinoma showing an aggressive behavior was proposed by Sakamoto et al. and other pathologists. This was adopted as an independent entity by the World Health Organization (WHO) and in the General Rules for the Description of Thyroid Cancer by The Japanese Society of Thyroid Surgery (JSTS). Furthermore, the Turin classification was recently proposed as the newest classification system for poorly differentiated carcinoma. Furthermore, although tall cell variant is not included in poorly differentiated carcinoma, it is thought to show aggressive characteristics. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of three types of poorly differentiated carcinoma defined by the WHO classification system (poorly differentiated carcinoma [WHO]), Turin proposal (poorly differentiated carcinoma [Turin]), and JSTS (poorly differentiated carcinoma [Sakamoto]), and tall cell variant in papillary carcinoma.MethodsWe investigated the prevalence and prognostic significance of these three histological types in 1707 papillary carcinomas.ResultsIn our series, 189 (11.1%), 15 (0.8%), 5 (0.3%), and 62 (3.6%) patients were diagnosed as having poorly differentiated carcinoma (Sakamoto), poorly differentiated carcinoma (WHO), poorly differentiated carcinoma (Turin), and tall cell variant, respectively. Poorly differentiated carcinoma (WHO) and tall cell variant independently affected cause‐specific survival (CSS) of patients, but poorly differentiated carcinoma (Sakamoto) predicted only worse disease‐free survival (DFS) of patients on multivariate analysis. Poorly differentiated carcinoma (Turin) showed the worst DFS and CSS rates of patients but was not confirmed as an independent prognostic factor probably because of the small number of patients.ConclusionsPoorly differentiated carcinoma (WHO) and tall cell variant significantly affected patient prognosis. Poorly differentiated carcinoma (Turin) accounts only for 0.3% but showed the worst survival rates. Although poorly differentiated carcinoma (Sakamoto) predicted the likelihood of carcinoma recurrence, it is more appropriate to define this lesion as one of the histological subtypes of papillary carcinoma rather than as an independent histological entity.
A Novel Technique for Risk Calculation of Anastomotic Leakage after Thoracoscopic Repair for Esophageal Atresia with Distal Fistula
Authors: van der Zee David C. , Vieirra‐Travassos Daisy , de Jong Justin R. , Tytgat Stefaan H. A. J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPurposeThis study was designed to determine the risk of anastomotic leakage after thoracoscopic repair for esophageal atresia by digitally measuring the length of the proximal esophagus and distance of carina to proximal esophagus.MethodsWith the use of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), the length of the proximal esophagus from the top of the first thoracic vertebra was measured on the preoperative chest x‐ray, as well as the distance from the carina to the proximal esophagus. The chest x‐rays of 27 neonates, born with esophageal atresia with distal fistula, were examined. Furthermore, the tapes from the procedures were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed with the t test for equality of means by using SPSS® 12.0.1 for Windows.ResultsBoth groups were comparable, and there was a statistical significant difference in both length of the proximal esophagus (p < 0.023) and distance of carina to proximal esophagus (p < 0.022) in patients who did and did not leak postoperatively. There seems to be a tendency toward a shorter proximal esophagus in recent years that was not obvious earlier.ConclusionsThe digital measurement of the length of the proximal esophagus (M < 7 mm) and distance of carina to proximal esophagus (M > 13.5 mm) with the use of PACS gives a good risk calculation for postoperative leakage.
Use and linkage of source and output repositories: interviews with chemistry researchers
Authors: Polydoratou Panayiota 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report research findings from interviews with chemistry researchers about the use and linkage of source and output repositories and the expectations of the chemistry research community about their use.Design/methodology/approachA total of 17 face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with members of academic staff and postgraduate research students (PGRs), in chemistry departments at a number of UK universities.FindingsAs part of the StORe project (http://jiscstore.jot.com/WikiHome), which sought to develop new ways of linking academic publications with repositories of research data, 38 members of academic and research staff from institutions across the UK provided valuable feedback regarding the nature of their research, the type of data that they produce, the sharing and availability of research data and the use and expectations of source and output repositories.Research limitations/implicationsInterpretation of the results must recognise that the majority of the interviewees worked in the area of theoretical/computational chemistry and therefore their views may not be representative of other chemistry research fields.Originality/valueStudies about the workflows and the norms in the use of source and output repositories are limited in the literature.
Triggers and processes of value creation in Australia's chicken meat industry
Authors: Insch Andrea 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and explain the triggers and processes of value creation in Australia's chicken meat supply chains. This industry was chosen as the critical case due to the rapid rise in poultry meat consumption in western markets. This study addresses the lack of understanding about the transformation of agri‐food supply chains to provide a chronological and historical explanation of patterns of value creation in this industry.Design/methodology/approachA historical case study approach was chosen. Multiple primary and secondary sources were collated and analysed to describe events in narrative form.FindingsAnalysis of the patterns of value creation revealed four major phases in the evolution of Australia's chicken meat supply chains. In each phase a dominant form of value creation was identified and the triggers that facilitated the transition between phases are described.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study is confined to a single industry, further research in other settings is needed to verify the patterns described. Since agri‐food supply chains are dynamic they should be continuously monitored to identify trends that resemble previous triggers and processes, or manifest as novel ones.Originality/valueThis study takes a historical perspective to identify the triggers and patterns of value creation in Australia's chicken meat supply chains. A schema of phases of value creation is offered that can potentially be applied by practitioners in other industries to diagnose the possible outcomes of prior events and actions by supply chain members.
Differentiation strategies in vertical channels
Authors: Hingley Martin , Sodano Valeria , Lindgreen Adam 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is twofold: first, to review the literature in order to assess the opportunities and the possible welfare effects of differentiation strategies in the food market; and second, to analyse the current structure and organisation of the fresh produce market (fruit, vegetable, and salad) in the light of new product procurement, innovation, and differentiation policies carried out by retailers at the global level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used a single dyadic case study across two countries (Italy and the UK): the primary producer is engaged in “partner” supply to a principal category management intermediary for channel leading multiple retailers.FindingsFirst, equilibrium in differentiated markets is not stable, and a welfare assessment is difficult. Second, a differentiation strategy in the market for fresh produce might benefit retailers more than in other sectors, which seem to be consistent with the theoretical findings. Third, when retailers engage in product differentiation it is more likely that channel relationships shift from collaborative to competitive types, with the power imbalance becoming the disciplinary means by which vertical coordination is achieved and maintained.Research limitations/implicationsThis article was based on a single case study.Practical implicationsFor suppliers it could be wise to agree to some inequity as the cost of doing business, especially when smart large retailers carry out successfully competitive strategies with positive spill‐over effects on the upstream firms.Originality/valueUsing the industrial economic literature on the effects of differentiation strategies (horizontal and vertical differentiation) on market structure, firms' performance, and welfare effects, this paper analyses case findings from a study in the fresh produce industry and will be of interest to those within the field.
The impact of income‐contingent provisions on students' loan‐taking behaviour
Authors: Rose Birch Elisa , Miller Paul W. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the determinants of taking out government‐funded student loans for university study in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an ordered probit model to quantify the influence of the various factors which affect students' decisions on funding their tertiary study using student loans or through other means.FindingsThe study finds that the probability of taking out student loans for the full cost of university is largely influenced by students' socioeconomic status. Other major influences on this decision include students' demographic and university enrolment characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the work is that only a neighbourhood (rather than an individual‐level) measure of socioeconomic status was available, and future research should seek to address this.Practical implicationsThe research shows that the parameters of loan schemes do not seem to be able to over‐ride the influence that family background has on loan taking behaviour. That is, poor students use loans regardless of the parameters of the loans scheme in order to overcome short‐term credit constraints. In other words, these student loan schemes channel funds to those without other means of funding their higher education.Originality/valueBy showing the impact that income contingent provisions have on loan taking behaviour, the paper informs policy makers of potential impacts from modifying loans schemes to reflect this characteristic.
The role of computer usage in the availability of credit for small businesses
Authors: Singh Chaitanya , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive analysis of the role of computer usage in determining the credit score for small business owners.Design/methodology/approachBitler, Robb, and Wolken report over three‐quarters of all small business use computerized systems. Since such systems are faster, more accurate, and less fallible than manual systems, we investigate whether increased use of computers leads to better credit ratings and leads to access to larger credit lines.FindingsThe results suggest that computer usage has virtually no effect in the determination of credit by financial service providers. Credit analysis and risk measures dominate the decision‐making process.Research limitations/implicationsThe 3,561 surveyed firms are skewed toward very small firms with approximately 64 per cent having less than five employees and an 20 per cent having less than ten employees. Forty per cent of the firms have annual sales of less than $100,000 while only 1.8 per cent of the firms have sales in excess of $10 million.Practical implicationsComputerization is an operational necessity but credit worthiness is a function of the overall management characteristics of the firm and not the tools employed by the management team.Originality/valueA minority of small businesses do not use computerization and these tend to be among the smallest in size and with the lowest levels of credit‐worthiness. Nonetheless, credit worthiness is determined by standard credit analysis and risk measures rather than operational efficiency.