Suppressive effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) upon various cancers have been reported. Glioblastoma multiforme has poor prognosis and new therapies are desired. This work investigated the effects of a saline-soluble fraction of urinary bladder ECM (ECM-SF) upon glioma cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomaterials composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) provide both mechanical support and a reservoir of constructive signaling molecules that promote functional tissue repair. Recently, matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBVs) have been reported as an integral component of ECM bioscaffolds. Although liquid-phase extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been the subject of intense investigation, their similarity to MBV is limited to size and shape.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mediate many interactions, and the function of common VOCs is especially likely to depend on ecological context. We used a genetic mapping population of wild tobacco, , originating from a cross of 2 natural accessions from Arizona and Utah, separated by the Grand Canyon, to dissect genetic variation controlling VOCs. Herbivory-induced leaf terpenoid emissions varied substantially, while green leaf volatile emissions were similar.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study developed and characterized human testis extracellular matrix (htECM) and porcine testis ECM (ptECM) for testing in human spermatogonial stem cell (hSSC) culture. Results confirmed the hypothesis that ECM from the homologous species (human) and homologous tissue (testis) is optimal for maintaining hSSCs. We describe a simplified feeder-free, serum-free condition for future iterative testing to achieve the long-term goal of stable hSSC cultures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: The present study compared physical, mechanical, and biologic characteristics of 4 clinically available surgical sealants for cardiovascular repair.
Methods: BioGlue (Cryolife Inc, Kennesaw, Ga), PreveLeak (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, St Louis, Mo), Tridyne VS (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ), and Coseal (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Westlake Village, Calif) were compared for the following properties: hydrated swelling, cytocompatibility, burst strength, biaxial stretching (elasticity), and in vitro degradation.
Results: Sealants showed a wide range of swelling upon hydration.
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFStaphylococcus aureus (SA) is a commensal bacterium and opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with humans and is capable of causing serious disease and death including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) isolates are typically resistant to many available antibiotics with the common exception of vancomycin. The presence of vancomycin resistance in some SA isolates combined with the current heavy use of vancomycin to treat MRSA infections indicates that MRSA may achieve broad resistance to vancomycin in the near future.
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