bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepwise Sequential Extraction of As‐, Cu‐, and Pb‐Contaminated Paddy Soil
Authors: Kim Woo‐Seung , Yoo Jong‐Chan , Jeon Eun‐Ki , Yang Jung‐Seok , Baek Kitae
Published: October 2013

In this study, we carried out sequential soil washing to investigate removal and fractionation change of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) contaminated soil. Stepwise extraction enhanced the extractability of metals compared to a single extraction. EDTA and basic conditions increased the extraction of As, while Cu and Pb were extracted more by acidic condition and EDTA. Alternate application of EDTA and NaOH was most effective and extracted 76% of As, 73% of Cu, and 83% of Pb. Fractionation analysis shows that the iron/manganese (Fe/Mn) oxyhydroxide fraction decreased in all metals. Especially, EDTA significantly decreased the fractionation of metals bound to Fe/Mn oxyhydroxide because of strong complexation of Fe‐EDTA. Stepwise application of EDTA and NaOH can be used to simultaneously and significantly extract As, Cu, and Pb.
Global view of the functional molecular organization of the avian cerebrum: mirror images and functional columns
Authors: Jarvis Erich D. , Yu Jing , Rivas Miriam V. , Horita Haruhito , Feenders Gesa , Whitney Osceola , Jarvis Syrus C. , Jarvis Electra R. , Kubikova Lubica , Puck Ana E.P. , Siang‐Bakshi Connie , Martin Suzanne , McElroy Michael , Hara Erina , Howard Jason , Pfenning Andreas , Mouritsen Henrik , Chen Chun‐Chun , Wada Kazuhiro
Published: October 2013

Based on quantitative cluster analyses of 52 constitutively expressed or behaviorally regulated genes in 23 brain regions, we present a global view of telencephalic organization of birds. The patterns of constitutively expressed genes revealed a partial mirror image organization of three major cell populations that wrap above, around, and below the ventricle and adjacent lamina through the mesopallium. The patterns of behaviorally regulated genes revealed functional columns of activation across boundaries of these cell populations, reminiscent of columns through layers of the mammalian cortex. The avian functionally regulated columns were of two types: those above the ventricle and associated mesopallial lamina, formed by our revised dorsal mesopallium, hyperpallium, and intercalated hyperpallium; and those below the ventricle, formed by our revised ventral mesopallium, nidopallium, and intercalated nidopallium. Based on these findings and known connectivity, we propose that the avian pallium has four major cell populations similar to those in mammalian cortex and some parts of the amygdala: 1) a primary sensory input population (intercalated pallium); 2) a secondary intrapallial population (nidopallium/hyperpallium); 3) a tertiary intrapallial population (mesopallium); and 4) a quaternary output population (the arcopallium). Each population contributes portions to columns that control different sensory or motor systems. We suggest that this organization of cell groups forms by expansion of contiguous developmental cell domains that wrap around the lateral ventricle and its extension through the middle of the mesopallium. We believe that the position of the lateral ventricle and its associated mesopallium lamina has resulted in a conceptual barrier to recognizing related cell groups across its border, thereby confounding our understanding of homologies with mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3614–3665, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time to Improve and Recover from Depressive Symptoms and Interpersonal Problems in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Lopes Rodrigo T. , Gonçalves Miguel M. , Fassnacht Daniel , Machado Paulo P. P. , Sousa Inês
Published: October 2013

Results from an earlier clinical trial comparing narrative therapy with cognitive–behavioural therapy (Lopes et al., 2013) suggested that narrative therapy is efficacious for depression. However, there were significant differences in symptom reduction on the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, favouring cognitive–behavioural therapy, if dropouts were included in the analysis, suggesting that time to recovery or improvement would differ in both treatments. Contrarily, results showed that treatment assignment was not a predictor for differential effect. Using a survival analytic approach, it was found that four sessions were necessary for 50% improvement and 16 sessions for 50% recovery. Additionally, depressive symptoms changes occurred significantly faster than interpersonal changes, again regardless of treatment assignment. These results support previous findings of the dose–response literature and of the phase model of change, with the advantage of being specific to psychotherapy with depressive clients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

For 50% of clients with major depressive disorder, it takes four sessions to improve and 16 sessions to recover, regardless of whether they were treated with narrative therapy or cognitive–behavioural therapy. For those clients who recover, they do so by session 11.

Clients change depressive symptoms more consistently and much faster than they change interpersonal problems. For clients who will not recover during brief interventions and especially for clients who present strong interpersonal problems at onset, long‐term treatment plans should be considered.

More emphasis should be laid on symptomatic relief in the early stages of treatment and on interpersonal issues at later stages.
Within‐person coupling of changes in cortisol, testosterone, and DHEA across the day in adolescents
Authors: Marceau Kristine , Ruttle Paula L. , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Hastings Paul D. , Klimes‐Dougan Bonnie , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn
Published: October 2013

We comprehensively examined within‐person and between‐person associations between cortisol and DHEA and cortisol and testosterone across the day. Data are from a sample of 213 adolescents aged 11–16 (M = 13.7, SD = 1.5 years) from the Northeastern US who were oversampled for psychopathology symptoms. Six repeated measures of hormone levels across 3 days were used to test three specific questions of cortisol‐DHEA and cortisol‐testosterone associations within individuals (coupling) across the day, and one question of cortisol‐DHEA and cortisol‐testosterone diurnal slopes were associated between adolescents. Results consistently revealed positive cortisol‐DHEA and cortisol‐testosterone coupling across the day, often more pronounced in girls relative to boys. Cortisol and DHEA slopes were positively associated, whereas cortisol and testosterone were negatively associated between‐adolescents. Findings suggest multiple mechanisms and highlight the multifaceted nature of associations of hormone changes during adolescence and importance of considering both axes for between‐ and within‐person aspects of neuroendocrine development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 654–669, 2015.
RUSH and CRUSH: A rapid and conditional RNA interference method in mice
Authors: Brown Juliana R. , Zetsche Bernd , Jackson‐Grusby Laurie
Published: October 2013

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful approach to phenocopy mutations in many organisms. Gold standard conventional knock‐out mouse technology is labor‐ and time‐intensive; however, off‐target effects may confound transgenic RNAi approaches. Here, we describe a rapid method for conditional and reversible gene silencing in RNAi transgenic mouse models and embryonic stem (ES) cells. RUSH and CRUSH RNAi vectors were designed for reversible or conditional knockdown, respectively, demonstrated using targeted replacement in an engineered ROSA26lacZ ES cell line and wildtype V6.5 ES cells. RUSH was validated by reversible knockdown of Dnmt1 in vitro. Conditional mouse model production using CRUSH was expedited by deriving ES cell lines from Cre transgenic mouse strains (nestin, cTnnT, and Isl1) and generating all‐ES G0 transgenic founders by tetraploid complementation. A control CRUSHGFP RNAi mouse strain showed quantitative knockdown of GFP fluorescence as observed in compound CRUSHGFP, Ds‐Red Cre‐reporter transgenic mice, and confirmed by Western blotting. The capability to turn RUSH and CRUSH alleles off or on using Cre recombinase enables this method to rapidly address questions of tissue‐specificity and cell autonomy of gene function in development. genesis 52:39–48, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative study of children and adolescents referred for eating disorder treatment at a specialist tertiary setting
Authors: Walker Tara , Watson Hunna J. , Leach David J. , McCormack Julie , Tobias Karin , Hamilton Matthew J. , Forbes David A.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To examine child and adolescent differences in the clinical presentation of eating disorders (EDs) at referral to a specialist pediatric program.

Method

This study compared cognitive, behavioral, and physical and medical features of children (≤12 years) and adolescents (13–18 years) with EDs presenting to a state‐wide specialist pediatric ED service over two decades (N = 656; 8–18 years; 94% female).

Results

Significant differences were found between the groups. Children were more commonly male (p < .001), had lower eating pathology scores (p < .001), were less likely to binge eat (p = .02), purge (p < .001) or exercise for shape and weight control (p < .001), and lost weight at a faster rate than adolescents (p = .009), whereas adolescents were more likely to present with bulimia nervosa spectrum disorders (p = .004). Children and adolescents did not differ significantly on mean body mass index z‐score, percentage of body weight lost, or indicators of medical compromise (p > .05).

Discussion

The clinical presentation of EDs differs among children and adolescents, with eating pathology and behavioral symptoms less prominent among children. Frontline health professionals require knowledge of these differences to assist with early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:47–53)
The sorting test of the D‐KEFS in current and weight restored anorexia nervosa patients
Authors: Heled Eyal , Hoofien Dan , Bachner‐Melman Rachel , Bachar Eytan , Ebstein Richard P.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Efforts have been made to characterize executive functions (EF) in anorexia nervosa (AN) both in the acute stage of the illness and after weight gain, yet many questions remain. The question of verbal versus visuo‐perceptual stimuli in this regard has not been adequately addressed. The aim of this study is to further examine EF in women with past and present AN and to compare their performances in verbal and visual modalities with women who have never suffered from an eating disorder.

Method

Thirty‐five underweight AN patients, 33 weight‐restored patients symptom‐free for at least 2 years, and 48 healthy female controls completed the Delis‐Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test, so as to evaluate their EF.

Results

No differences were observed between the scores of women with current and past AN. Both groups scored lower than controls on most test variables. However, while in the visuo‐perceptual domain the performance of the AN groups was worse than that of controls, in the verbal domain they performed similarly to them.

Discussion

Women with a past or present diagnosis of AN show difficulties in visuo‐perceptual EF, whereas verbal EF seem to be preserved. There may be a dissociation between verbal and visuo‐perceptual EF that persists after weight restoration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:92–98)
Training cognitive flexibility in patients with anorexia nervosa: A pilot randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation therapy
Authors: Brockmeyer Timo , Ingenerf Katrin , Walther Stephan , Wild Beate , Hartmann Mechthild , Herzog Wolfgang , Bents Hinrich , Friederich Hans‐Christoph
Published: October 2013

Objective

Inefficient cognitive flexibility is considered a neurocognitive trait marker involved in the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is a specific treatment targeting this cognitive style. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy (by estimating the effect size) of specifically tailored CRT for AN, compared to non‐specific cognitive training.

Method

A prospective, randomized controlled, superiority pilot trial was conducted. Forty women with AN receiving treatment as usual (TAU) were randomized to receive either CRT or non‐specific neurocognitive therapy (NNT) as an add‐on. Both conditions comprised 30 sessions of computer‐assisted (21 sessions) and face‐to‐face (9 sessions) training over a 3‐week period. CRT focused specifically on cognitive flexibility. NNT was comprised of tasks designed to improve attention and memory. The primary outcome was performance on a neuropsychological post‐treatment assessment of cognitive set‐shifting.

Results

Data available from 25 treatment completers were analyzed. Participants in the CRT condition outperformed participants in the NNT condition in cognitive set‐shifting at the end of the treatment (p = 0.027; between‐groups effect size d = 0.62). Participants in both conditions showed high treatment acceptance.

Discussion

This study confirms the feasibility of CRT for AN, and provides a first estimate of the effect size that can be achieved using CRT for AN. Furthermore, the present findings corroborate that neurocognitive training for AN should be tailored to the specific cognitive inefficiencies of this patient group. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:24–31)
Environmental factors influence both abundance and genetic diversity in a widespread bird species
Authors: Liu Yang , Webber Simone , Bowgen Katharine , Schmaltz Lucie , Bradley Katharine , Halvarsson Peter , Abdelgadir Mohanad , Griesser Michael
Published: October 2013

Genetic diversity is one of the key evolutionary variables that correlate with population size, being of critical importance for population viability and the persistence of species. Genetic diversity can also have important ecological consequences within populations, and in turn, ecological factors may drive patterns of genetic diversity. However, the relationship between the genetic diversity of a population and how this interacts with ecological processes has so far only been investigated in a few studies. Here, we investigate the link between ecological factors, local population size, and allelic diversity, using a field study of a common bird species, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). We studied sparrows outside the breeding season in a confined small valley dominated by dispersed farms and small‐scale agriculture in southern France. Population surveys at 36 locations revealed that sparrows were more abundant in locations with high food availability. We then captured and genotyped 891 house sparrows at 10 microsatellite loci from a subset of these locations (N = 12). Population genetic analyses revealed weak genetic structure, where each locality represented a distinct substructure within the study area. We found that food availability was the main factor among others tested to influence the genetic structure between locations. These results suggest that ecological factors can have strong impacts on both population size per se and intrapopulation genetic variation even at a small scale. On a more general level, our data indicate that a patchy environment and low dispersal rate can result in fine‐scale patterns of genetic diversity. Given the importance of genetic diversity for population viability, combining ecological and genetic data can help to identify factors limiting population size and determine the conservation potential of populations.
Asthma: The importance of dysregulated barrier immunity
Authors: Lambrecht Bart N. , Hammad Hamida
Published: October 2013

Chronic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airway wall that leads to bronchial smooth muscle hyperreactivity and airway obstruction, caused by inflammation, goblet cell metaplasia, and airway wall remodeling. In response to allergen presentation by airway DCs, T‐helper lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system control many aspects of the disease through secretion of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17, and IL‐22, and these are counterbalanced by cytokines produced by Treg cells. Many cells of the innate immune system such as mast cells, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, and innate lymphoid cells also play an important role in disease pathogenesis. Barrier epithelial cells are being ever more implicated in disease pathogenesis than previously thought, as these cells have in recent years been shown to sense exposure to allergens via pattern recognition receptors and to activate conventional and inflammatory‐type DCs and other innate immune cells through the secretion of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor, IL‐1, IL‐33, and IL‐25. Understanding this cytokine crosstalk between barrier epithelial cells, DCs, and immune cells provides important insights into the mechanisms of allergic sensitization and asthma progression as discussed in this review.
Secretory lysosomes of mouse mast cells store and exocytose active caspase‐3 in a strictly granzyme B dependent manner
Authors: Zorn Carolin N. , Pardo Julian , Martin Praxedis , Kuhny Marcel , Simon Markus M. , Huber Michael
Published: October 2013

In this study, we report that cytoplasmic granules from in vivo and in vitro derived mouse mast cells (MCs) contain active granzyme B (gzmB) and caspase‐3, which is consistent with recent findings. Studying WT and gzmB‐deficient mice, we observed that BM‐derived MCs (BMMCs) from both strains contain cytosolic pro‐caspase‐3, but only WT BMMCs expressed active caspase‐3 limited to their secretory lysosomes. Confocal microscopy revealed colocalization of active caspase‐3 and gzmB in these cytoplasmic granules. The combined data demonstrate that the generation and storage of active caspase‐3 is gzmB‐dependent. The finding that BMMCs secrete caspase‐3 and gzmB after Ag stimulation suggests that both proteases contribute to extracellular MC‐mediated proteolytic events. Although the extracellular function of MC‐derived caspase‐3 remains unclear, we show that BMMC‐secreted caspase‐3 cleaves IL‐33, a cytokine that contributes to the development of asthma and arthritis. We also show that an in vitro propagated cytolytic T‐lymphocyte line constitutively expresses gzmB together with active caspase‐3, suggesting a novel interaction of these proteases in the execution of multiple innate and adaptive immune responses.
Joule heating effects on reservoir‐based dielectrophoresis
Authors: Kale Akshay , Patel Saurin , Qian Shizhi , Hu Guoqing , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: October 2013

Reservoir‐based dielectrophoresis (rDEP) is a recently developed technique that exploits the inherent electric field gradients at a reservoir‐microchannel junction to focus, trap, and sort particles. However, the locally amplified electric field at the junction is likely to induce significant Joule heating effects that are not considered in previous studies. This work investigates experimentally and numerically these effects on particle transport and control in rDEP processes in PDMS/PDMS microchips. It is found that Joule heating effects can reduce rDEP focusing considerably and may even disable rDEP trapping. This is caused by the fluid temperature rise at the reservoir‐microchannel junction, which significantly increases the local particle velocity due to fluid flow and particle electrophoresis while has a weak impact on the particle velocity due to rDEP. The numerical predictions of particle stream width and electric current, which are the respective indicators of rDEP manipulation and fluid temperature, are demonstrated to both match the experimental measurements with a good accuracy.
Nondestructive Determination of Climate‐Specific Degradation Patterns for Photovoltaic‐Module Encapsulation
Authors: Peike Cornelia , Hoffmann S. , Heck M. , Kaltenbach T. , Weiß K.‐A. , Köhl M.
Published: October 2013

During the service life of a PV module, various different degradation mechanisms can be induced. Polymer degradation depends strongly on the external conditions, which are determined by the climate and the specific conditions of the module. Nondestructive measurements of the degradation behavior of the PV‐module encapsulation material ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) were performed. We present results of Raman spectroscopic measurements on full‐sized PV modules from several different PV module manufacturers, which were exposed outdoors in different climates for up to three years. This way, the different degradation mechanisms that are induced under the influence of different climatic conditions during outdoor exposure could be investigated. It was found that the degradation pattern, detected by Raman spectroscopy, was rather similar for the investigated climates, but the extent of polymer degradation was found to be higher for tropic and arid climates than for moderate or mountain climates.
Leaching of palladium and rhodium from spent automobile catalysts by microwave roasting
Authors: Wang Shixing , Chen Anran , Zhang Zebiao , Peng Jinhui
Published: October 2013

Leaching of palladium and rhodium from spent automobile catalysts by microwave roasting was investigated. The results indicated that leaching efficiency was obviously improved, the roasting temperature was remarkably reduced and the leaching time was shortened by microwave roasting. Microwave destroys the coatings on platinum group metals and increases the effective contact area of the solid–liquid reaction. The leaching rate was accelerated at low microwave roasting temperatures. The leaching ratio of Pd and Rh was about 99.74 and 94.79%, respectively. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 913–917, 2014
The emerging role of miR‐375 in cancer
Authors: Yan Jun‐Wei , Lin Ju‐Sheng , He Xing‐Xing
Published: October 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, small noncoding RNAs that are believed to play fundamental roles in various biological processes through regulation of gene expression at the level of posttranscription. MiR‐375 was first identified as a pancreatic islet‐specific miRNA regulating insulin secretion. However, further study revealed that miR‐375 is a multifunctional miRNA participating in pancreatic islet development, glucose homeostasis, mucosal immunity, lung surfactant secretion and more importantly, tumorigenesis. Recently, miR‐375 has been found significantly downregulated in multiple types of cancer, and suppresses core hallmarks of cancer by targeting several important oncogenes like AEG‐1, YAP1, IGF1R and PDK1. The alteration of miR‐375 in cancer is caused by a variety of mechanisms, including the dysregulation of transcription factors, aberrant promoter methylation and so on. Reduced expression of miR‐375 in tissue or circulation may indicate the presence of neoplasia as well as a poor prognosis of many malignant cancers. Moreover, miR‐375 stands for a promising direction for developing targeted therapies due to its capacity to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Here, we summarize the present understanding of the tumor suppressive role of miR‐375 in cancer progression; the mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of miR‐375; the potential use of miR‐375 in prognosis and diagnosis and the therapeutic prospects of miR‐375 in cancer.
Healthy food products at the point of purchase: An in‐store experimental analysis
Authors: Sigurdsson Valdimar , Larsen Nils Magne , Gunnarsson Didrik
Published: October 2013

The present study examined how product placement and in‐store advertisement affect food selections of approximately 100,000 customers across 2 different stores using an alternating treatments design embedded in a multiple baseline design. Our results documented a substantial increase in the sales of healthy food products and a concurrent decrease in the sales of less healthy items via simple environmental modifications. These data suggest an effective means of altering unhealthy food choices at store checkouts.
DNA‐PKcs Associates With PLK1 and Is Involved in Proper Chromosome Segregation and Cytokinesis
Authors: Huang Bo , Shang Zeng‐Fu , Li Bing , Wang Yu , Liu Xiao‐Dan , Zhang Shi‐Meng , Guan Hua , Rang Wei‐Qing , Hu Jian‐An , Zhou Ping‐Kun
Published: October 2013

Accurate mitotic regulation is as important as intrinsic DNA repair for maintaining genomic stability. It is believed that these two cellular mechanisms are interconnected with DNA damage. DNA‐PKcs is a critical component of the non‐homologous end‐joining pathway of DNA double‐stranded break repair, and it was recently discovered to be involved in mitotic processing. However, the underlying mechanism of DNA‐PKcs action in mitotic control is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that depletion of DNA‐PKcs led to the dysregulation of mitotic progression in response to DNA damage, which eventually resulted in multiple failures, including failure to segregate sister chromatids and failure to complete cytokinesis, with daughter cells becoming fused again. The depletion of DNA‐PKcs resulted in a notable failure of cytokinesis, with a high incidence of multinucleated cells. There were also cytoplasmic bridges containing DNA that continuously connected the daughter cells after DNA damage was induced. Phosphorylated DNA‐PKcs (T2609) colocalizes with PLK1 throughout mitosis, including at the centrosomes from prophase to anaphase and at the kinetochores from prometaphase to metaphase, with accumulation at the midbody during cytokinesis. Importantly, DNA‐PKcs was found to associate with PLK1 in the mitotic phase, and the depletion of DNA‐PKcs resulted in the overexpression of PLK1 due to increased protein stability. However, deficiency in DNA‐PKcs attenuated the recruitment of phosphorylated PLK1 to the midbody but not to the kinetochores and centrosomes. Our results demonstrate the functional association of DNA‐PKcs with PLK1, especially in chromosomal segregation and cytokinesis control. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1077–1088, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Small molecule‐mediated control of hydroxyapatite growth: Free energy calculations benchmarked to density functional theory
Authors: Xu Zhijun , Yang Yang , Wang Ziqiu , Mkhonto Donald , Shang Cheng , Liu Zhi‐Pan , Cui Qiang , Sahai Nita
Published: October 2013

The unique, plate‐like morphology of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanocrystals in bone lends to the hierarchical structure and functions of bone. Proteins enriched in phosphoserine (Ser‐OPO3) and glutamic acid (Glu) residues have been proposed to regulate crystal morphology; however, the atomic‐level mechanisms remain unclear. Previous molecular dynamics studies addressing biomineralization have used force fields with limited benchmarking, especially at the water/mineral interface, and often limited sampling for the binding free energy profile. Here, we use the umbrella sampling/weighted histogram analysis method to obtain the adsorption free energy of Ser‐OPO3 and Glu on HAP (100) and (001) surfaces to understand organic‐mediated crystal growth. The calculated organic‐water–mineral interfacial energies are carefully benchmarked to density functional theory calculations, with explicit inclusion of solvating water molecules around the adsorbate plus the Poisson–Boltzmann continuum model for long‐range solvation effects. Both amino acids adsorb more strongly on the HAP (100) face than the (001) face. Growth rate along the [100] direction should then be slower than in the [001] direction, resulting in plate‐like crystal morphology with greater surface area for the (100) than the (001) face, consistent with bone HAP crystal morphology. Thus, even small molecules are capable of regulating bone crystal growth by preferential adsorption in specific directions. Furthermore, Ser‐OPO3 is a more effective growth modifier by adsorbing more strongly than Glu on the (100) face, providing one possible explanation for the energetically expensive process of phosphorylation of some proteins involved in bone biomineralization. The current results have broader implications for designing routes for biomimetic crystal synthesis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of yellow bacterial laccase SmLac/role of redox mediators in azo dye decolorization
Authors: Galai Said , Korri‐Youssoufi Hafsa , Marzouki M. Nejib
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

The bacterial Stenotrophomonas maltophilia AAP56 laccase (SmLac) has been purified from cell extracts and its spectral and kinetic properties studied. It shows a high decolorization rate (99%) of the diazoic dye Reactive Black 5 (RB5) in the presence of redox mediators such as ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid), ASGN (Acetosyringone), SGA (Syringaldehyde) and HOBT (1‐Hydroxy‐Benzotriazole). The optimal pH has been determined as neutral or basic compatible with textile wastewater pH for further treatment application.

RESULTS

This paper reports the characterization of the catalytic center of purified SmLac as not a classic blue laccase but a yellow one. Its redox potential has been determined at 638 mV, which indicates that the enzyme is a versatile laccase able to oxidase a wide range of substrates. Performance of the enzyme as catalyst for RB5 decolorization in association with a redox mediator has been demonstrated to be a promising bioremediation process since it presents high degradation ability (almost 99% in 1 h reaction time). The study also demonstrated, by electrochemical studies of redox potential of both mediators/protein and following the driving electron force, the importance of the choice of redox mediator and the limiting step in the laccase mediated reaction in azo dye decolorization.

CONCLUSION

It was demonstrated that the bacterial laccase SmLac has great potential for biotechnological applications (such as azo dye decolorization) compared with Trametes versicolor laccase. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative efficacy, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic activity, and interferon stimulated gene expression of different interferon formulations in HIV/HCV genotype‐1 infected patients
Authors: Osinusi Anu , Bon Dimitra , Nelson Amy , Lee Yu‐Jin , Poonia Seerat , Shivakumar Bhavana , Cai Shu Yi , Wood Brad , Haagmans Bart , Lempicki Richard , Herrmann Eva , Sneller Michael , Polis Michael , Masur Henry , Kottilil Shyam
Published: October 2013

The effect of different formulations of interferon on therapeutic response in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV is unclear. In this study, the safety, tolerability, viral kinetics (VK) modeling and host responses among HIV/HCV coinfected patients treated with pegylated‐IFN or albinterferon alfa‐2b (AlbIFN) with weight‐based ribavirin were compared. Three trials treated 57 HIV/HCV coinfected genotype‐1 patients with PegIFN alfa‐2b (1.5 µg/kg/week) (n = 30), PegIFN alfa‐2a (180 µg/week) (n = 10), and AlbIFN (900 µg/q2week) (n = 17) in combination with weight‐based ribavirin (RBV). HCV RNA, safety labs, and interferon stimulated gene expression (ISG) was evaluated. Adverse events were documented at all study visits. HCV viral kinetics using a full pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was also evaluated. Baseline patient characteristics were similar across the three studies. All three formulations exhibited comparable safety and tolerability profiles and efficacy. VK/PK/PD parameters for all three studies as measured by mean efficiency and rate of infected cell loss were similar between the three groups. Host responses (ISG expression and immune activation markers) were similar among the three groups. All three regimens induced significant ISG at week 4 (P < 0.05) and ISG expression strongly correlated with therapeutic response (r = 0.65; P < 0.01). In summary, a comprehensive analysis of responses to three different interferon formulations in HIV/HCV coinfected patients demonstrated similar effects. Notably, interferon‐based therapy results in a blunted host response followed by modest antiviral effect in HIV/HCV coinfected patients. This suggests that future treatment options that do not rely on host immune responses such as direct antiviral agents would be particularly beneficial in these difficult to treat patients. J. Med. Virol. 86:177–185, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transmission of hepatitis C from a midwife to a patient through non‐exposure prone procedures
Authors: Muir David , Chow Yimmy , Tedder Richard , Smith Donald , Harrison John , Holmes Alison
Published: October 2013

A woman developed acute hepatitis C (HCV) infection 2 months after delivering her baby at a London Hospital. The other patients who had been on the unit at the same time all had negative HCV serology antenatally. Testing of the healthcare workers who had been involved in this patient's care revealed that one of the midwives who only worked on the postnatal unit was chronically infected with the same viral genotype. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed close identity between the viruses from the two individuals. Although, the midwife had only performed non‐exposure prone procedures including venepuncture and cannulation, our findings indicate that transmission of the virus had occurred from the healthcare worker to the patient. The potential implications of this case within the setting of national policy on blood borne viruses and healthcare workers are discussed. J. Med. Virol. 86:235–240, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunity and the burden of herpes zoster
Authors: Choi Won Suk , Kwon Soon Sun , Lee Jacob , Choi Su‐Mi , Lee Jin Soo , Eom Joong Sik , Sohn Jang Wook , Choeng Hee Jin
Published: October 2013

The burden of herpes zoster may be related to patients' immunity, although this has not been studied extensively. This hypothesis was tested in a matched case‐control study of patients with herpes zoster who sought treatment at one of seven university hospitals in Korea from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2010. Patients diagnosed with herpes zoster were placed into three groups based on their immune status: severely immunocompromised, mild‐to‐moderately immunocompromised, and normal immunity. Each patient in the severely immunocompromised group was matched with one patient in the mild‐to‐moderately immunocompromised group and one patient in the normal immunity group in the same hospital based on age, sex, and date of herpes zoster onset. A total of 582 patients with herpes zoster were included in the analysis: 194 in each of the three groups. Patients in the severely immunocompromised group had the highest herpes zoster‐related hospitalization rate as compared to patients in the mild‐to‐moderately immunocompromised and normal immune groups (P < 0.01). The length of hospital stay and herpes zoster‐related medical cost increased significantly with the deterioration of patients' immunity (P < 0.01, respectively). Cutaneous complications occurred more frequently in the severely immunocompromised group than in the other two groups (P < 0.01). An increase in herpes zoster burden was observed as the patients' immunity decreased. Therefore, effective measures are necessary to prevent herpes zoster and reduce its burden in severely immunocompromised patients. J. Med. Virol. 86:525–530, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Baicalein attenuates astroglial activation in the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyridine‐induced Parkinson's disease model by downregulating the activations of nuclear factor‐κB, ERK, and JNK
Authors: Lee Eunjin , Park Hee Ra , Ji Seung Taek , Lee Yujeong , Lee Jaewon
Published: October 2013

In Parkinson's disease (PD), neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the neurodegenerative process. Furthermore, activated microglia and astrocytes, responsible for activated immune response in the central nervous system, are found in regions associated with dopaminergic neuronal death. The flavonoid baicalein is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antiinflammatory activities. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of baicalein were examined in a murine 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD. Low doses of baicalein improved motor ability and prevented dopaminergic neuron loss caused by MPTP. In addition, microglial and astrocyte activations were reduced in PD mice pretreated with baicalein. Further study of primary astrocytes revealed that baicalein suppressed the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridine‐induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB and reduced the activations of JNK and ERK, suggesting that the neuroprotective effects of baicalein in our PD model were due to attenuated astrocyte activation. The findings of this study indicate that baicalein could be useful for the treatment of PD and other neuroinflammation‐related neurodegenerative diseases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of factors affecting the residual tumor size diagnosed by MRI following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in comparison to pathology
Authors: Chen Jeon‐Hor , Bahri Shadfar , Mehta Rita S. , Carpenter Philip M. , McLaren Christine E. , Chen Wen‐Pin , Fwu Peter T. , Hsiang David J. B. , Lane Karen T. , Butler John A. , Su Min‐Ying
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

To investigate accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for measuring residual tumor size in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods

Ninety‐eight patients were studied. Several MRI were performed during NAC for response monitoring, and the residual tumor size was measured on last MRI after completing NAC. Covariates, including age, tumor characteristics, biomarkers, NAC regimens, MRI scanners, and time from last MRI to operation, were analyzed. Univariate and Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the predictive value of these covariates for MRI‐pathology size discrepancy as the outcome measure.

Results

The mean (±SD) of the absolute difference between MRI and pathological residual tumor size was 1.0 ± 2.0 cm (range, 0–14 cm). Univariate regression analysis showed tumor type, morphology, HR status, HER2 status, and MRI scanner (1.5 T or 3.0 T) were significantly associated with MRI‐pathology size discrepancy (all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that only tumor type, tumor morphology, and biomarker status considering both HR and HER‐2 were independent predictors (P = 0.0014, 0.0032, and 0.0286, respectively).

Conclusion

The accuracy of MRI in evaluating residual tumor size depends on tumor type, morphology, and biomarker status. The information may be considered in surgical planning for NAC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:158–167. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spontaneous Cerebrospinal fluid effusion of the temporal bone: Repair, audiological outcomes, and obesity
Authors: Son Hwa J. , Karkas Alexandre , Buchanan Patrick , Giurintano Jonathan P. , Theodosopoulos Philip , Pensak Myles L. , Samy Ravi N.
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Spontaneous occurrence of otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) effusion is now far more prevalent than causes related to infections, prior surgeries, or trauma—trends that may be increasing because of higher rates of obesity and improved diagnostic awareness. In our patient cohort with spontaneous CSF effusion, we report its association with obesity and audiological findings before and after surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

In our 45 patients (46 ears) with CSF effusion (with or without lateral skull base meningoencephaloceles), we report clinical data, imaging studies, audiogram results, operative techniques, and recurrence rates. Causes included 33 spontaneous, 10 due to chronic otitis media, one iatrogenic, and one traumatic.

Results

Body mass index (BMI) averaged 35 overall (37 for spontaneous type and 32 for nonspontaneous type). Surgical repair of skull base defect was performed using three middle fossa approaches, 24 combined transmastoid/middle fossa, and 19 transmastoid alone. Overall recurrence of CSF leaks was 6.5%. Thirty patients had audiograms available. Sensorineural hearing loss occurred in 10% of patients. Air‐bone gap improved by ≥ 15 dB in 20% of patients and worsened by ≥ 15 dB in 6.7% of patients.

Conclusion

Patients with spontaneous CSF effusion had a BMI higher than in the nonspontaneous group, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the dramatic trend toward spontaneous CSF effusion heightens the need for clinician's acumen for diagnosis, particularly in overweight/obese patients. Our audiological outcomes confirm the efficacy of surgical approaches in correcting conductive hearing loss and preserving bone conduction, although hearing loss is a risk during surgical repair.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1204–1208, 2014
Pressure Dependence of Iron‐Mediated Methyl Methacrylate ATRP in Different Solvent Environments
Authors: Schroeder Hendrik , Buback Michael , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: October 2013

Iron‐mediated atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in N‐methylpyrrolidin‐2‐one (NMP) solution is investigated via online VIS/NIR spectroscopy up to 2500 bar. The activation–deactivation equilibrium constant, KATRP, decreases towards higher NMP content due to the formation of catalytically less active FeII/NMP species. The reaction volume increases from 1 to 15 cm3 mol−1 in passing from 16 to 92 mol% NMP. The same effects are observed for monomer‐free model systems with poly(MMA)–Br as the initiator. Investigations into iron‐catalyzed ATRP of MMA in less polar solvents or even without an additional solvent (i.e., for bulk ATRP) yield KATRP values, which are by two to three orders of magnitude higher than in the presence of NMP.

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Genetic variant rs16430 6bp > 0bp at the microRNA‐binding site in TYMS and risk of sporadic breast cancer risk in non‐hispanic white women aged ≤55 years
Authors: Guan Xiaoxiang , Liu Hongliang , Ju Jingfang , Li Yangkai , Li Peng , Wang Li‐E , Brewster Abenaa M. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Arun Banu K. , Wei Qingyi , Liu Zhensheng
Published: October 2013

Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is involved in the folate metabolism and provision of nucleotides needed for DNA synthesis and repair. Thus, functional genetic variants in TYMS may alter cancer risk. In the study, we evaluated associations of three germline variants (rs2790 A > G, rs16430 6 bp > 0 bp, and rs1059394 C > T) in the predicted miRNA‐binding sites of TYMS with risk of sporadic breast cancer in non‐Hispanic white women aged ≤55. We found that carriers of the rs16430 0 bp variant allele had an increased risk of breast cancer [adjusted odd ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.73; P = 0.010], compared with carriers of the 6 bp/6 bp genotype. This increased risk was more evident in older subjects (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.06–2.03, P = 0.022), never smokers (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.23–2.25, P < 0.001), never drinkers (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01–2.05, P = 0.043), and estrogen receptor‐positive patients (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.11–1.92, P = 0.006), regardless of tumor stages. The results are consistent with the functional analyses of rs16430 as previously reported, which showed that the 0bp allele had a decrease in both luciferase activity by ∼70% and mRNA levels by ∼50% compared with the 6bp allele. Additionally, the rs16430 variant was predicted to influence the binding activity of miR‐561. Taken together, these findings indicate that the TYMS rs16430 may contribute to the etiology of sporadic breast cancer in non‐Hispanic white women aged ≤55 yr. Further validation in large population‐based or cohort studies is needed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fat signal suppression for coronary MRA at 3T using a water‐selective adiabatic T2‐preparation technique
Authors: Coristine Andrew J. , van Heeswijk Ruud B. , Stuber Matthias
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To improve fat saturation in coronary MRA at 3T by using a spectrally selective adiabatic T2‐Prep (WSA‐T2‐Prep).

Methods

A conventional adiabatic T2‐Prep (CA‐T2‐Prep) was modified, such that the excitation and restoration pulses were of differing bandwidths. On‐resonance spins are T2‐Prepared, whereas off‐resonance spins, such as fat, are spoiled. This approach was combined with a CHEmically Selective Saturation (CHESS) pulse to achieve even greater fat suppression. Numerical simulations were followed by phantom validation and in vivo coronary MRA.

Results

Numerical simulations demonstrated that augmenting a CHESS pulse with a WSA‐T2‐Prep improved robustness to B1 inhomogeneities and that this combined fat suppression was effective over a broader spectral range than that of a CHESS pulse in a conventional T2‐Prepared sequence. Phantom studies also demonstrated that the WSA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination produced greater fat suppression across a range of B1 values than did a CA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination. Lastly, in vivo measurements demonstrated that the contrast‐to‐noise ratio between blood and myocardium was not adversely affected by using a WSA‐T2‐Prep, despite the improved abdominal and epicardial fat suppression. Additionally, vessel sharpness improved.

Conclusion

The proposed WSA‐T2‐Prep method was shown to improve fat suppression and vessel sharpness as compared to a CA‐T2‐Prep technique, and to also increase fat suppression when combined with a CHESS pulse. Magn Reson Med 72:763–769, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Properties and process ability of long fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites
Authors: Zhao Ziwei , Zhang Na , Hoie Yunior , Lee L. James , Castro Jose M.
Published: October 2013

The addition of nanoparticles to polymeric matrices has shown great promise for improving mechanical and thermal properties; however, this improvement comes with a decrease of processability. In this study, two different glass fabrics were used. One of them was Windstrand, a stitched equally‐biaxial R‐glass fabric the other was Advantex, a unidirectional glass fiber mat. Both of them are provided by Owens Corning. The mats were sprayed with carbon nanofibers (CNF) on both sides. Mechanical properties of composites manufactured via vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding were obtained. Permeability, as a measure of processability, of the sprayed glass mats was measured. Mechanical properties are improved, whereas permeability decreases with the addition of CNF. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:655–664, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The structure and electro‐mechanical properties of novel hybrid CNT/PANI nanocomposites
Authors: Brook Irena , Mechrez Guy , Suckeveriene Ran Y. , Tchoudakov Roza , Lupo Shiran , Narkis Moshe
Published: October 2013

Electrically conductive elastomeric nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polyaniline (PANI) are reported in the present investigation. The synthesis procedure included an in situ inverse emulsion polymerization of aniline doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) in the presence of CNT and dissolved styrene‐isoprene‐styrene (SIS) block copolymer. The PANI synthesis step was carried out by applying ultrasonic energy. The dispersions obtained were processed by two methods: a recently developed precipitation‐filtration procedure, and a conventional drop‐cast procedure. The techniques developed resulted in homogeneous exfoliated PANI coated nanotubes within the elastomeric matrix. The presence of CNT/PANI in the SIS elastomeric matrix affects thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. The formation of continuous three‐dimensional CNT/PANI networks prepared via the precipitation‐filtration method enhances the nanocomposite properties. Contrarily, the intermittent three‐dimensional network prepared by conventional drop‐cast method leads to inferior properties. Nanocomposites produced by both techniques are observed by HRSEM. The two processing techniques result in different structures, which affect the physical properties of the materials produced. A relatively low percolation threshold for both methods was determined. The Young's modulus of the SIS/CNT/PANI significantly increased in the presence of CNT. The precipitation‐filtration technique yields an improved nanocomposite product compared to the drop‐cast route. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:788–794, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers