Expression of the candidate fat taste receptors in human fungiform papillae and the association with fat taste function.

Significant experimental evidence supports fat as a taste modality; however, the associated peripheral mechanisms are not well established. Several candidate taste receptors have been identified, but their expression pattern and potential functions in human fungiform papillae remain unknown. The aim of this study is to identify the fat taste candidate receptors and ion channels that were expressed in human fungiform taste buds and their association with oral sensory of fatty acids.

Biomineralization of osteoblasts on DLC coated surfaces for bone implants.

Diamond like carbon (DLC) films were deposited onto Ti6Al4V and Si wafer substrates by RF plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The influence of dopants such as fluorine (F), silicon (Si), and nitrogen (N) on composition, structure, and biocompatibility was investigated. Ion scattering spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of dopant atoms in the outer-most layers of the films.

Grafting of Bioactive Polymers with Various Architectures: A Versatile Tool for Preparing Antibacterial Infection and Biocompatible Surfaces.

The aim of this Research Article is to present three different techniques of poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (polyNaSS) covalent grafting onto titanium (Ti) surfaces and study the influence of their architecture on biological response. Two of them are "grafting from" techniques requiring an activation step either by thermal or UV irradiation. The third method is a "grafting to" technique involving an anchorage molecule onto which polyNaSS synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is clicked.

Co-encapsulation and co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells reduces pericapsular fibrosis and improves encapsulated islet survival and function when allografted.

Pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth (PFO) is associated with poor survival of encapsulated islets. A strategy to combat PFO is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). MSC have anti-inflammatory properties and their potential can be enhanced by stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines.

Grafting of architecture controlled poly(styrene sodium sulfonate) onto titanium surfaces using bio-adhesive molecules: Surface characterization and biological properties.

This contribution reports on grafting of bioactive polymers such as poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (polyNaSS) onto titanium (Ti) surfaces. This grafting process uses a modified dopamine as an anchor molecule to link polyNaSS to the Ti surface. The grafting process combines reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, postpolymerization modification, and thiol-ene chemistry.

Biomineralisation with Saos-2 bone cells on TiSiN sputtered Ti alloys.

Surface modifications of metallic implants are important in order to protect the underlying metals from the harsh corrosive environment inside the human body and to minimize the losses caused by wear. Recently, researches are carried out in developing bioactive surfaces on metallic implants, which supports the growth and proliferation of cells on to these surfaces. Titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN) hard nanocomposites thin films were fabricated on Ti alloys (Ti-6Al-4V) by pulsed direct current (DC) reactive magnetron sputtering.

Bone tissue response induced by bioactive polymer functionalized Ti6Al4V surfaces: In vitro and in vivo study.

Ti6Al4V is commonly used for orthopedic applications. This study was designed to test the potentially added benefit of Ti6Al4V functionalized with a bioactive polymer poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) both in vitro and in vivo. Cell-based assays with MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were used to measure the cell adhesion strength, cell spreading, focal contact formation, cell differentiation and the mineralization of extracellular matrix on grafted and ungrafted Ti6Al4V discs in combination with FBS and collagen type I.

Contributions of adhesive proteins to the cellular and bacterial response to surfaces treated with bioactive polymers: case of poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) grafted titanium surfaces.

The research developed on functionalized model or prosthetic surfaces with bioactive polymers has raised the possibility to modulate and/or control the biological in vitro and in vivo responses to synthetic biomaterials. The mechanisms underlying the bioactivity exhibited by sulfonated groups on surfaces involves both selective adsorption and conformational changes of adsorbed proteins. Indeed, surfaces functionalized by grafting poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) [poly(NaSS)] modulate the cellular and bacterial response by inducing specific interactions with fibronectin (Fn).

Contribution of fibronectin and vitronectin to the adhesion and morphology of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells to poly(NaSS) grafted Ti6Al4V.

Unlabelled: This study is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the improved in vitro and in vivo responses of osteoblasts on poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (poly(NaSS)) functionalized Ti6Al4V surfaces. We probed the contribution of cell-adhesive glycoproteins fibronectin (Fn) and vitronectin (Vn) in the initial adhesion of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells to poly(NaSS) functionalized and control Ti6Al4V surfaces. Firstly, culture media containing serum depleted of Fn and Vn (DD) were used to establish the contribution of Fn and Vn in the adhesion and spreading of cells on poly(NaSS) grafted and control surfaces.

Coencapsulation of Target Effector Cells With Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduces Pericapsular Fibrosis and Improves Graft Survival in a Xenotransplanted Animal Model.

Pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth (PFO) is a problem that thwarts full implementation of cellular replacement therapies involving encapsulation in an immunoprotective material, such as for the treatment of diabetes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have inherent anti-inflammatory properties. We postulated that coencapsulation of MSCs with the target cells would reduce PFO.

Self-assembled gold coating enhances X-ray imaging of alginate microcapsules.

Therapeutic biomolecules produced from cells encapsulated within alginate microcapsules (MCs) offer a potential treatment for a number of diseases. However the fate of such MCs once implanted into the body is difficult to establish. Labelling the MCs with medical imaging contrast agents may aid their detection and give researchers the ability to track them over time thus aiding the development of such cellular therapies.

Atmospheric pressure gas plasma-induced colorectal cancer cell death is mediated by Nox2-ASK1 apoptosis pathways and oxidative stress is mitigated by Srx-Nrf2 anti-oxidant system.

Atmospheric pressure gas plasma (AGP) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce apoptosis in cultured cancer cells. The majority of cancer cells develop a ROS-scavenging anti-oxidant system regulated by Nrf2, which confers resistance to ROS-mediated cancer cell death. Generation of ROS is involved in the AGP-induced cancer cell death of several colorectal cancer cells (Caco2, HCT116 and SW480) by activation of ASK1-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway without affecting control cells (human colonic sub-epithelial myofibroblasts; CO18, human fetal lung fibroblast; MRC5 and fetal human colon; FHC).

Atmospheric gas plasma-induced ROS production activates TNF-ASK1 pathway for the induction of melanoma cancer cell apoptosis.

Atmospheric gas plasmas (AGPs) are able to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies that have unwanted side effects such as drug resistance and toxicity. However, the mechanism of AGP-induced cancer cell death is unknown. In this study, AGP is shown to up-regulate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and induce apoptosis in melanoma but not normal melanocyte cells.

Contributions of ocular surface components to matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in feline tears following corneal epithelial wounding.

Purpose: This study investigated ocular surface components that contribute to matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 found in tears following corneal epithelial wounding.

Methods: Laboratory short-haired cats underwent corneal epithelial debridement in one randomly chosen eye (n = 18). Eye-flush tears were collected at baseline and during various healing stages.

Encapsulated pancreatic progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells as a therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes.

Background: Cellular-based therapies for insulin-dependent diabetes are potential means of achieving and maintaining normal blood glucose levels (BGL) without the need for insulin administration. Islets isolated from donor pancreases have been the most common tissue used to date, but supply is a limiting factor. The use of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) as a therapy became a possibility with the report that these cells could be differentiated to pancreatic progenitors (PP) over 12 days in vitro.

A preliminary study of changes in tear film proteins in the feline eye following nictitating membrane removal.

Objective: To investigate the influence of nictitating membrane (third eyelid) removal on selected proteins in feline tears.

Animal Studied: Domestic short-haired cats (7-17 months; 2.6-5.

The influence of surface topography of a porous perfluoropolyether polymer on corneal epithelial tissue growth and adhesion.

Design principles for corneal implants are challenging and include permeability which inherently involves pore openings on the polymer surface. These topographical cues can be significant to a successful clinical outcome where a stratified epithelium is needed over the device surface, such as with a corneal onlay or corneal repair material. The impact of polymer surface topography on the growth and adhesion of corneal epithelial tissue was assessed using porous perfluoropolyether membranes with a range of surface topography.

A perfluoropolyether corneal inlay for the correction of refractive error.

This study assessed the long-term biological response of a perfluoropolyether-based polymer developed as a corneal inlay to correct refractive error. The polymer formulation met chemical and physical specifications and was non-cytotoxic when tested using standard in vitro techniques. It was cast into small microporous membranes that were implanted as inlays into corneas of rabbits (n = 5) and unsighted humans (n = 5 + 1 surgical control) which were monitored for up to 23 and 48 months respectively.

A comparison of basal and eye-flush tears for the analysis of cat tear proteins.

Purpose: To identify a rapid and effective tear collection method providing sufficient tear volume and total protein content (TPC) for analysis of individual proteins in cats.

Methods: Domestic adult short-haired cats (12-37 months; 2.7-6.

Biocompatibility and modification of the protein-based adhesive secreted by the Australian frog Notaden bennetti.

When provoked, Notaden bennetti frogs secrete a proteinaceous exudate, which rapidly forms a tacky and elastic glue. This material has potential in biomedical applications. Cultured cells attached and proliferated well on glue-coated tissue culture polystyrene, but migrated somewhat slower than on uncoated surfaces.

Vitronectin is present in epithelial cells of the intact lens and promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition in lens epithelial explants.

Purpose: Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulates during the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Vitronectin, an ECM component that is generally prominent in wound healing, has been detected in PCO specimens. Here we set out to investigate the distribution of vitronectin in the lens and determine how it, and other ECM components, influence the lens epithelial phenotype.

Two-year preclinical testing of perfluoropolyether polymer as a corneal inlay.

Purpose: To assess the long-term biocompatibility and optical clarity of a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer as a corneal inlay.

Methods: A 4-mm-diameter PFPE inlay was implanted under a microkeratome flap in the corneas of rabbits (n = 16) and maintained for predetermined time points of 6, 12, or 24 months. These were compared with normal (n = 3) and time-matched sham-wounded rabbit corneas (n = 8).

Vitronectin is significant in the adhesion of lens epithelial cells to PMMA polymers.

A major complication of intraocular lens surgery is diminished visual acuity caused by the regrowth of lens epithelial cells (secondary cataract). Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a commonly used intraocular lens material. This study addresses the mechanisms underlying the initial adhesion of lens epithelial cells to PMMA and a functionalized PMMA-based terpolymer known to inhibit cell proliferation.

A comparison of biological coatings for the promotion of corneal epithelialization of synthetic surface in vivo.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a range of biological coatings on corneal epithelialization of a synthetic polymer surface in vivo.

Methods: Eight diverse biological factors (collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin, endothelial extracellular matrix, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate) were coated individually onto the surface of polycarbonate membranes with a pore size of 0.1 micro m.

Alternative intracellular signaling mechanism involved in the inhibitory biological response of functionalized PMMA-based polymers.

A PMMA-based polymer previously shown to inhibit cell proliferation was compared to untreated PMMA. Conformation of adsorbed proteins, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton formation, and integrin activation were examined. Fibronectin adsorbed in a different conformation on the PMMA-based polymer exposing a different balance of the heparin-binding domains.