Single cell long read whole genome sequencing reveals somatic transposon activity in human brain.

The advent of single cell DNA sequencing revealed astonishing dynamics of genomic variability, but failed at characterizing smaller to mid size variants that on the germline level have a profound impact. In this work we discover novel dynamics in three brains utilizing single cell long-read sequencing. This provides key insights into the dynamic of the genomes of individual cells and further highlights brain specific activity of transposable elements.

Dual Delivery of Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel by Wet-Spun Coaxial Fibers Induces Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Death, Reduces Tumor Volume, and Sensitizes Cells to Radiation.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis, with surgical resection of the tumor in conjunction with systemic chemotherapy the only potential curative therapy. Up to 80% of diagnosed cases are deemed unresectable, prompting the need for alternative treatment approaches. Herein, coaxial polymeric fibers loaded with two chemotherapeutic agents, gemcitabine (Gem) and paclitaxel (Ptx), are fabricated to investigate the effect of local drug delivery on PDAC cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

Knock-Out Serum Replacement and Melatonin Effects on Germ Cell Differentiation in Murine Testicular Explant Cultures.

Finding robust culture conditions for in vitro maturation (IVM) of male germ cells is still a challenge. Recently, a testis organ culture method, using Knockout Serum Replacement (KSR), was suggested as a promising approach. However, the efficiency of that model is still not optimal.

Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway decreases retinoic acid stimulated gene 8 expression in adult mouse testis.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway molecules in mouse spermatogenesis and as well as its role during proliferation and meiotic initiation of spermatogenic cells.

Design: Experimental animal study.

Setting: University.

The expression pattern of PARP-1 and PARP-2 in the developing and adult mouse testis.

Although the importance of the PARP family members in the adult testis has already been acknowledged, their expression in the developing testis has not been addressed. We performed immunohistochemistry by using PARP-1 and PARP-2 antibodies on the developing mouse testis at embryonic day (E) 15.5, E17.

Protective effect of zoledronic acid on corticosteroid-induced chondrocyte apoptosis in rat articular cartilage.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the apoptotic effects of systemic corticosteroid application on the articular cartilage chondrocytes in vivo and to investigate the potential effects of zoledronic acid on corticosteroid-induced apoptosis.

Methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the control group, intramuscular isotonic salt solution was injected weekly.

Characterization of colony-forming cells in adult human articular cartilage.

Recent studies have shown that adult human articular cartilage contains stem-like cells within the native structure. In this study, we aimed to determine the localization of putative stem cell markers such as CD90, STRO-1, OCT-3/4, CD105 and CD166 in adult human articular cartilage tissue sections and demonstrate the expression of these markers within the expanded surface zone colony-forming (CF) cells and evaluate their differentiation potential. Biopsy samples were either fixed immediately for immunohistochemical analyses or processed for in vitro cell culture.

Comparison of the effects of desflurane and bupivacaine on Th1 and Th2 responses.

Background: Anesthesia and surgical trauma are known to affect various functions of the immune system. Alterations reported in the immune system, such as imbalance of Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4, 5, 10) cytokines, may result from a number of factors, including pre-medication, type of anesthetic drug, and modality of anesthesia. In this study, we investigated the effects of spinal and general anesthesia with desflurane and bupivakain, respecttively, on Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines, absolute lymphocyte and natural regulatory T cell numbers (Treg).

Distribution of CD105 and CD166 positive cells in the proximal epiphysis of developing rat humerus.

The expression of cell surface receptors, CD105 and CD166, are characteristic of mesenchymal stem cells in cartilage. However, there is limited data regarding their immunolocalization in the cartilage of developing rat epiphysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of CD105 and CD 166 positive cells in the proximal epiphysis of developing rat humerus and specify their zonal distribution with age.

Distribution of Notch family proteins in intrauterine growth restriction and hypertension complicated human term placentas.

Members of the Notch family have been detected in many developmental and cell specification processes during placental development. However, Notch protein expression in Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is not clear. In this study we aimed to clarify the immunolocalization of Notch proteins in full-term placentas after IUGR and PIH in comparison with normal placentas.

Regulated production of SnoN2 is a feature of testicular differentiation.

Transforming growth factor betas (TGF beta s) and activins are key regulators of male fertility, affecting somatic and germ cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing and adult testis. Several studies have shown that these ligands influence discrete developmental stages, suggesting that temporal expression of modifying factors may determine their specific signaling outcomes. Upon binding to cell surface receptors, TGFbeta and activin signals are transduced intracellularly by the phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 transcription factors.

The effect of systemic corticosteroid treatment on the immunolocalisation of Notch-1, Delta, CD105 and CD166 in rat articular cartilage.

We studied the immunolocalisation of the stem cell-specific markers Notch-1, Delta, CD105 and CD166 in rat articular cartilage and analysed the effect of systemic corticosteroid treatment on the patterns of distribution of cells labelling for these markers. Female Wistar rats were separated randomly into two groups: the control group (n=8) was injected with isotonic salt solution and the corticosteroid group (n=8) was injected with 10 mg/kg intramuscular corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) once a week for a period of 8 weeks. Femoral head specimens from each group were obtained at the end of the treatment and processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Effects of formaldehyde inhalation on the junctional proteins of nasal respiratory mucosa of rats.

Exposure to formaldehyde, which is an organic compound, disturbs the integrity of nasal mucosa. In this study, we aimed to clarify the protein changes in the junctional complex of nasal mucosa of Wistar rats exposed to formaldehyde inhalation. The study was performed in 20 female Wistar rats.

Is there a relationship between PCNA expression and diabetic placental development during pregnancy?

We aimed to investigate the distribution pattern of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in placentas of control and diabetic rats at different stages of pregnancy. It is still not clear how proliferation is coordinated and how this coordination is affected by diabetes in the placenta. Diabetes was induced by streptozocin on the first day of pregnancy.

Melatonin is as effective as testosterone in the prevention of soleus muscle atrophy induced by castration in rats.

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the weight, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) expression, and ultrastructure of the soleus muscle in growing castrated rats treated with testosterone or melatonin. In this study, adult male Wistar albino rats were used. The groups were arranged as sham, castrated, and testosterone- or melatonin-injected groups after castration.

The immunohistochemical localization of notch receptors and ligands in human articular cartilage, chondroprogenitor culture and ultrastructural characteristics of these progenitor cells.

The presence of progenitor/stem cells in human articular cartilage remains controversial. Therefore, we attempted to isolate and culture progenitor/stem cells and to investigate their phenotypic characteristics. Biopsies were obtained (with consent) from patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery.

Increased expression of interleukin-1alpha and interleukin-1beta is associated with experimental varicocele.

Objective: To describe the effect of varicocele, in an experimental rat model, on the levels of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta proteins in testis tissue.

Design: Comparative and controlled study.

Setting: Experimental research.

The Fas system may have a role in male reproduction.

Objective: To assess what the distributions of Fas system proteins are in normal rat testicular tissue; to assess whether there is a change in these distributions and in expression levels with experimentally-induced varicocele of 9, 11, and 13 weeks; and to assess whether there is a relationship between apoptosis and the Fas system in varicocele-induced rat testis.

Design: Comparative and controlled study.

Setting: University animal care and operation unit.

Effect of experimental varicocele on the expressions of Notch 1, 2, and 3 in rat testes: an immunohistochemical study.

Objective: To study expressions of Notch receptor isoforms (Notch 1, 2, and 3) in normal and varicocele-induced rat testes to examine their possible functions in cell fate.

Design: Comparative and controlled study.

Setting: Animal Care and Operation Unit, Akdeniz University.

Immunohistochemical distribution patterns of collagen type II, chondroitin 4-sulfate, laminin and fibronectin in human nasal septal cartilage.

Collagen type II, chondroitin 4-sulfate, laminin and fibronectin are major components of cartilage matrix. It is important to know their distribution patterns to evaluate relationships between cartilage cells and surrounding cartilage matrix. In the present study, we investigated localization patterns of these macromolecules in human nasal septal cartilage by immunohistochemical methods.