bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carvedilol Attenuates Inflammatory Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Fatani Amal J. , Al‐Hosaini Khaled A. , Ahmed Mohammed M. , Abuohashish Hatem M. , Parmar Mihir Y. , Al‐Rejaie Salim S.
Published: June 2015

Preclinical Research

This study evaluated the effects of the carvedilol, a nonselective β‐adrenoceptor anatgonist with α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist activity, in a rat model of experimentally induced ulcerative colitis (UC). UC was produced using acetic acid (AA) in animals previously treated with carvedilol (30 mg/kg po, qd) for seven days. Mucus content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, sulfhydryl groups, antioxidant enzyme activities, proinflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide levels were measured in colonic tissues and histopathological changes were assessed. LPO and proinflammatory biomarkers were markedly increased, while mucus content, sulfhydryl groups and enzymatic activities were inhibited in animals administered AA. Pretreatment with carvedilol attenuated LPO elevation, mucus content and sulfhydryl group inhibitions. Antioxidant enzymatic activity and proinflammatory biomarker levels were also restored in carvedilol‐pretreated animals. Colonic protection associated with carvedilol pretreatment was further confirmed by histopathological assessment and found to be similar to the standard therapy of mesalazine (100 mg/kg po qd), suggesting that the effects of carvedilol action may be attributable to its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Drug Dev Res 76 : 204–214, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioprotective Carnitinoids: Lipoic Acid, Butyrate, and Mitochondria‐Targeting to Treat Radiation Injury: Mitochondrial Drugs Come of Age
Authors: Steliou Kosta , Faller Douglas V. , Pinkert Carl A. , Irwin Michael H. , Moos Walter H.
Published: June 2015

Preclinical Research

Given nuclear‐power‐plant incidents such as the 2011 Japanese Fukushima‐Daiichi disaster, an urgent need for effective medicines to protect against and treat the harmful biological effects of radiation is evident. To address such a challenge, we describe potential strategies herein including mitochondrial and epigenetic‐driven methods using lipoic and butyric acid ester conjugates of carnitine. The antioxidant and other therapeutically beneficial properties of this class of agents may protect against ionizing radiation and resultant mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent studies of the compounds described herein reveal the potential—although further research and development is required to prove the effectiveness of this approach—to provide field‐ready radiation‐protective drugs. Drug Dev Res 76 : 167–175, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimized extraction of 2‐arachidonyl glycerol and anandamide from aortic tissue and plasma for quantification by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Garst Christopher , Fulmer Makenzie , Thewke Doug , Brown Stacy
Published: June 2015

Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by plaque formation due to an accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and immune cells in the walls of arteries. If a plaque ruptures, an occlusive thrombosis may form that causes either a heart attack or stroke. Macrophages express CB‐2 receptors, and are one type of immune cell that plays a role in plaque destabilization and rupture. Endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonyl glycerol (2‐AG) have been found to have activity on CB‐1 and CB‐2 receptors throughout the body and immune system. In this study, we investigated several sample preparation options for the LC‐MS quantification of AEA and 2‐AG from plasma and aortic tissue. The extractions considered included liquid–liquid (LLE), solid‐phase (SPE), and supported liquid (SLE). Some extraction protocols yielded high analyte recovery and prevention of 1‐AG/2‐AG isomerization. Our results indicate that a liquid‐liquid extraction using toluene yields the highest recovery for both analytes, coupled with low ionization suppression in the mass spectrometer. This extraction and corresponding LC‐MS/MS assay provides a simple, high throughput mechanism for the quantification of 2‐AG and AEA in matrices relevant to the study of endocannabinoids' role in atherosclerosis.

Practical applications: We developed an extraction method for AEA and 2‐AG from plasma and aortic tissue samples and an LC‐MS/MS assay for quantification of these compounds to help understand the role of endocannabinoids and CB‐2 receptors in atherosclerosis. This assay can be applied toward the measurement of endocannabinoids, AEA and 2AG, in aortic tissue and plasma.

Mass chromatogram of AEA and 2‐AG extracted from spiked aortic tissue (10 mcg/mL) using toluene LLE protocol and analyzed by LC‐MS/MS running in +ESI mode.
Three‐Component C1 Alkynylation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines Catalyzed by Silver Acetate
Authors: Shao Guang , He Yanjian , Xu Ying , Chen Jian , Yu Huijuan , Cao Rihui
Published: June 2015

A highly efficient method to fulfil the three‐component C1 alkynylation of tetrahydroisoquinolines catalyzed by silver acetate was developed. This method features excellent regioselectivity and mild reaction conditions, is oxidant free, and can be performed in air. The power of this methodology was demonstrated by the rapid construction of the core structure of the natural product (tetrahydroberberine).
Synthesis optimization and fluoride uptake properties of high capacity composite adsorbent for defluoridation of drinking water
Authors: Thakre Dilip , Dixit Priyadarshini , Waghmare Sanghratna , Manwar Nilesh , Labhsetwar Nitin , Rayalu Sadhana S.
Published: June 2015

A novel low cost composite adsorbent has been successfully synthesized from waste eggshell (ES), alum, and chitin for removal of excess fluoride from drinking water. Synthesis of chitin based adsorbent (CBA) was optimized by varying different synthesis parameters such as alumina loading, ES:chitin ratio, calcination temperature, calcination time, shaking time, drying temperature, and washing time. CBA is a composite type material having heterogeneous phases of Ca(OH)2, Al(OH)3, Al2O3 encapsulated with carbon, Al(OH)3 and Al2O3 deposited on carbon and Al2O3. Presence of multiple phases with prominent presence of crystalline as well as amorphous phases of alumina has been substantiated by using XRD and SEM analysis. The elemental composition of material and EDX also suggests composite nature of material with different phases. The SEM image of CBA reveals the presence of both coarse and fine particles with irregularly shaped particles of alumina agglomerates adhering to calcite particles of ES. Defluoridation performance was systematically studied for CBA, which has outperformed several reported adsorbents with its higher adsorption capacity of 30.3 mg g−1. No significant influence on the percent fluoride removal was observed in presence of Cl−,
and
ions, whereas the fluoride removal decreases significantly by 36, 24.84 and 24% in presence of
,
and
ions, respectively. CBA follows pseudo second order kinetic and fluoride adsorption mechanism was rather complex one, wherein both intraparticle diffusion and surface diffusion are involved in the rate‐limiting step. Negligible leaching of Al+3 ions was observed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1576–1585, 2015
Human pharmaceuticals in the marine environment: Focus on exposure and biological effects in animal species
Authors: Fabbri Elena , Franzellitti Silvia
Published: June 2015

Marine waters have been poorly investigated for the occurrence of pharmaceutical contamination. Recent data confirm that pharmaceuticals occur widely in marine and coastal environments; therefore, assessment of potential risk to marine species needs further efforts. The present study represents the first extensive review of pharmaceutical contamination in marine environments addressing the effects on the marine biota analyzed at the molecular, cellular, and individual levels. Because pharmaceuticals differ from conventional pollutants, being designed to interact with specific physiological pathways at low doses, the most recent evidence on modes of action and physiological alterations on marine animal species are discussed. Data on spatial distributions of pharmaceuticals in waters and sediments, as well as bioaccumulation rates, are also presented. The present review also seeks to expand knowledge of how the quality of coastal and marine environments could be efficiently monitored to anticipate possible health and environmental risks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:799–812. © 2015 SETAC
Attenuation of dendritic spine density in the perirhinal cortex following 17β‐Estradiol replacement in the rat
Authors: Gervais Nicole J. , Mumby Dave G. , Brake Wayne G.
Published: June 2015

Intraperirhinal cortex infusion of 17‐β estradiol (E2) impairs object‐recognition memory. However, it is not currently known whether this hormone modulates synaptic plasticity in this structure. Most excitatory synapses in the central nervous system are located on dendritic spines, and elevated E2 levels influence the density of these spines in several brain areas. The goal of the present study was to determine whether differences in dendritic spine density in the perirhinal cortex are observed following high E2 replacement in ovariectomized rats. The density of total spines, and mushroom‐shaped (i.e. mature) spines were compared between a high E2 replacement (10 µg/kg/day, s.c.) and a no replacement condition. The perirhinal cortex is subdivided into Broadmann's area 35 and 36 and so group comparisons were made within each sub‐region separately. High E2 replacement resulted in lower density of mushroom‐shaped spines in area 35 relative to no replacement. There was no effect of high E2 replacement on dendritic spine density in area 36. These findings are consistent with the idea that higher E2 levels reduce dendritic spine density in area 35, which may result from spine shrinkage, or reduced synapse formation. This study provides preliminary evidence for a mechanism through which E2 may impair object‐recognition memory. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Groundwater and surface water influences on streamflow in a mesoscale Precambrian Shield catchment
Authors: Mountain Nathan , James April Lynda , Chutko Krystopher
Published: June 2015

Hydrologic research has increasingly recognized the importance of mesoscale studies to provide a fundamental understanding of how processes combine at scales relevant to water resource management. At the mesoscale, the influence of landscape heterogeneity including both natural and human‐altered conditions on streamflow generation is an open question, one to which analysis of stable water isotopes (SWI) is increasingly being applied. In this study, SWI surveys are used to better understand spatial and temporal patterns of source‐water contributions to streamflow in the Wistiwasing watershed (235 km2) located near Callander Bay, Ontario, Canada, a Precambrian Shield headwater with mixed landuse (e.g. agriculture, forest). Biweekly surveys of surface water, groundwater and precipitation were conducted during May to September 2012, and samples were analysed for SWI (δ18O and δ2H) using a Picarro L2120‐i. Maps of point‐scale surface water SWI were generated for each of the nine surveys, and an SWI isoscape, an interpolated contour map, was generated from groundwater observations. Based on a comparison of surface and groundwater SWI maps, regions of strong groundwater influence on streamflow were particularly identifiable during low‐flow, late‐summer conditions and corresponded with coarse‐textured glaciolacustrine deposits. Higher‐flow, early‐period conditions featured small SWI variation with values resembling long‐term groundwater recharge, a mix of snowmelt and spring/fall rains. Late‐period, low‐flow conditions indicated large spatial variability due to changing influences of groundwater and upstream surface water undergoing summertime evaporative enrichment of heavier isotopes. In this case study, SWI observations provide important insight into source‐water dynamics across a mesoscale watershed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional relations and cognitive psychology: Lessons from human performance and animal research
Authors: Proctor Robert W. , Urcuioli Peter J.
Published: June 2015

We consider requirements for effective interdisciplinary communication and explore alternative interpretations of “building bridges between functional and cognitive psychology.” If the bridges are intended to connect radical behaviourism and cognitive psychology, or functional contextualism and cognitive psychology, the efforts are unlikely to be successful. But if the bridges are intended to connect functional relationships and cognitive theory, no construction is needed because the bridges already exist within cognitive psychology. We use human performance and animal research to illustrate the latter point and to counter the claim that the functional approach is unique in offering a close relationship between science and practice. Effective communication will be enhanced and, indeed, may only occur if the goal of functional contextualism extends beyond just “the advancement of functional contextual cognitive and behavioral science and practice” to “the advancement of cognitive and behavioral science and practice” without restriction.
Professional Resources
Authors: Haddix Marcelle M.
Published: June 2015

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult professional resources and is a valuable resource for professional resource selection within and outside of the classroom.
Interaction of intraocular lenses with fibronectin and human lens epithelial cells: Effect of chemical composition and aging
Authors: Tortolano Lionel , Serrano Carole , Jubeli Emile , Saunier Johanna , Yagoubi Najet
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate in vitro interactions between hydrophobic acrylate intraocular lenses (IOLs) and their biological environment. The influence of lens chemical composition and aging on fibronectin (FN) adsorption and on IOLs cytotoxicity on human lens epithelial cells was examined. Cytotoxicity of acrylate monomers used in IOLs manufacture was also investigated. Four different IOLs were included in the study: Acrysof®, Tecnis®, EnVista®, and iSert®. Implants were artificially aged in a xenon arc chamber to simulate 2 years of light exposure. Fibronectin adsorption on IOL surface was quantified using ELISA and correlated to surface roughness determined with AFM. Direct contact cytotoxicity was determined with the MTT assay and cell morphology was observed with light microscopy. Results showed that fibronectin adsorption did not differ significantly among IOLs, whatever their chemical composition. Moreover, aging conditions did not impact fibronectin adsorption. All IOLs were biocompatible even after applying 2‐year aging conditions, with cell viability higher than 70%. Five acrylate monomers appeared to be toxic in the range of concentrations tested, but no monomer release from the IOLs could be detected during accelerated 2‐year incubation with saline solution. This study did not reveal an influence of chemical composition and aging on protein adsorption and on biocompatibility. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3843–3851, 2015.
The Paradoxical Effects of AMPK on Insulin Gene Expression and Glucose‐Induced Insulin Secretion
Authors: Kim Ji‐Won , You Young‐Hye , Ham Dong‐Sik , Yang Hae Kyung , Yoon Kun‐Ho
Published: June 2015

The activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to repress the expression of the insulin gene and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). However, the mechanisms by which this occurs, as well as the effects of AMPK activation on glucolipotoxicity‐induced β‐cell dysfunction, have not been elucidated. To investigate the effects of 5‐amino‐4‐imidazolecarboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ‐coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) on β‐cell‐specific genes under glucolipotoxic conditions, we performed real‐time PCR and measured insulin secretion by primary islets. To study these effects in vivo, we administered AICAR for 10 days (1 mg/g body weight) to 90% pancreatectomized hyperglycemic mice. The exposure of isolated rat and human islets to glucolipotoxic conditions and the overexpression of PGC‐1α suppressed insulin and NEUROD1 mRNA expression. However, the expression of these genes was preserved by AICAR treatment and by PGC‐1α inhibition. Exposure of isolated islets to glucolipotoxic conditions for 3 days decreased GSIS, which was also well maintained by AICAR treatment and by PGC‐1α inhibition. The administration of AICAR to 90% pancreatectomized hyperglycemic mice improved glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. These results indicate that treatment of islets with an AMPK agonist under glucolipotoxic conditions protects against glucolipotoxicity‐induced β‐cell dysfunction. A better understanding of the functions of molecules such as PGC‐1α and AMPK, which play key roles in intracellular fuel regulation, could herald a new era for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by providing protection against glucolipotoxicity. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 239–246, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real‐time and on‐line monitoring of morphological cell parameters using electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Sarró Enric , Lecina Martí , Fontova Andreu , Gòdia Francesc , Bragós Ramon , Cairó Jordi J
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Acquisition of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements enables one to obtain information about the features of cell cultures, which can be applied for real‐time and on‐line monitoring purposes.

RESULTS

Impedance measurements were carried out in three different cell specimens with different sizes and shapes (Vero cells, hybridoma and Escherichia coli) at different stages of cell culture, as well as during a controlled detachment process of an adherent animal cell line. The relaxation spectra obtained were fitted to a Cole impedance model and the corresponding parameters analyzed. The use of a four‐electrodes measurement system decreased the dependency on the electrode interface's impedance, and thus resulted in a system more sensitive to the cell features. The EIS monitoring of different cultures expansion showed the expected inverse proportional relationship between the central relaxation frequency and the cell cross‐sectional area. The morphological changes of fibroblast cells during the detachment processes were also studied. Interestingly, EIS displayed the proportional relationship between the α parameter of the Cole impedance model and the cell shape dispersion from spherical morphology (considering spherical shape ideality).

CONCLUSION

The results obtained reveal the potential for developing a real‐time monitoring tool for cell morphology features such as cell size and shape, which are involved in many cellular processes like cell expansion, differentiation, cell attachment or cell death. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Furoxans (1,2,5‐oxadiazole 2‐oxides) from Styrenes and Nitrosonium Tetrafluoroborate in Non‐Acidic Media and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Matsubara Ryosuke , Ando Akihiro , Saeki Yuta , Eda Kazuo , Asada Naoki , Tsutsumi Tomoaki , Shin Yong Soon , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: June 2015

Diverse furoxans (1,2,5‐oxadiazole 2‐oxides) were synthesized from the corresponding styrenes using nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate as the nitrosation reagent in pyridine (basic media) or dichloromethane (neutral media). Acid‐sensitive functional groups were tolerated under these conditions. The probable reaction mechanism was elucidated. The experimental results support an ionic reaction pathway in contrast to the conventional acidic conditions with a radical mechanism.
Herd immunity and fatal cases of influenza among the population exposed to poultry and wild birds in Russian Asia in 2013–2014
Authors: Ilyicheva Tatyana , Abdurashitov Murat , Durymanov Alexander , Susloparov Ivan , Goncharova Natalya , Kolosova Natalya , Mikheev Valery , Ryzhikov Alexander
Published: June 2015

In total 1,525 blood serum samples were collected in October, 2013 in Russian Asia from people who reside in territories that are at high risk for emergence of influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Presence of antibodies to influenza viruses in the sera was tested in hemagglutination inhibition test. None of the samples produced positive results with the antigens A/H5 and A/H7. Twelve strains of influenza A(H1N1pdm09) virus were isolated from people who died presumably from influenza during 2013–2014 epidemic season. All strains were similar to vaccine strain A/California/07/09 according to their antigenic properties and sensitivity to anti‐neuraminidase drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir). Genetic analysis revealed that all strains belong to group 6, subgroup 6B of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. Substitutions in HA1: S164F add E235K as well as E47G, A86V, K331R, N386K, N397K in NA, and K131E, N29S in NS1, and N29S, R34Q in NEP separate investigated strains into two groups: 1st group—A/Chita/1114/2014, A/Chita/1115/2014, A/Chita/853/2014, A/Barnaul/269/2014 and 2nd group—A/Chita/655/2014, A/Chita/656/2014, A/Chita/709/2014, A/Chita/873/2014. Mutation D222G in HA1, which is often associated with high morbidity of the illness, was present in strain A/Novosibirsk/114/2014. Substitution N386K in NA removes a potential N‐glycosylation site in neuraminidases of A/Chita/1114/2014, A/Chita/1115/2014, A/Chita/853/2014, A/Barnaul/269/2014, A/Novosibirsk/114/2014, and A/Blagoveshensk/252/2014. J. Med. Virol. 88:35–44, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimum predictors of therapeutic outcome in HCV patients in Pakistan
Authors: Aziz Hafsa , Raza Abida , Irfan Javaid
Published: June 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) constitutes a major public health issue in Pakistan. Interferon α and ribavirin is used widely in routine practice in HCV infected patients in Pakistan.Treatment prediction is an important tool in therapy management. The present study aims to evaluate trends of predictive variables of treatment outcome in patients with different genotypes. The analysis comprised of 921 patients infected with different HCV genotypes. All the patients received IFN α‐2b combined with ribavirin for 24 weeks. Overall, 60.2% patients achieved Sustained virologic response (SVR). In females sustained virologic response (SVR) was higher in age group <40 years (77.2%) than ≥40–50years (60%) but in male SVR was almost equal in both age groups. We also found higher SVR with low pretreatment viral load (72.4%, P < 0.0001). Sustained Virologic Response in genotype 3a was 63.1%, 3b was 55%, 1a was 36.3% and 1b was 35% 3a +3b was 55.0% and 1a+3a was 42.9%. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis age < 40 years (2.0; 95%CI, 1.49–2.84; P = 0.0001), low pretreatment RNA level<800,000 IU/ml (4.0; 95%CI, 2.64–6.17; P = 0.0001), early virologic response at week 12 (12.3; 95%CI, 8.18–18.58; P < 0.0001) and non‐fatty liver (2.5; 95%CI, 3.6–6.2; P = 0.005) showed significance for SVR. Nucleotide substitution in 5′UTR before treatment failed to show any characteristic pattern that has correlation with sustained response. Subtype 3a showed 95% presence among patients with age <40 years while older patients showed 79.9%. J. Med. Virol. 88:100–108, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shifting hepatitis B virus genotypes of acute hepatitis B patients in northeast Japan
Authors: Inoue Jun , Kondo Yasuteru , Umetsu Teruyuki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Miura Masahito , Mano Yutaka , Kobayashi Tomoo , Obara Noriyuki , Niitsuma Hirofumi , Kogure Takayuki , Nakagome Yu , Kimura Osamu , Iwata Tomoaki , Morosawa Tatsuki , Fujisaka Yasuyuki , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: June 2015

It has been reported that acute hepatitis B (AHB) patients with genotype A HBV (HBV/A) have been increasing since the 1990s in metropolitan areas in Japan. However, little is known about the trends of HBV genotypes in AHB patients in northeast Japan where genotype B HBV (HBV/B) prevails more than in other areas. In this study, we aimed to clarify the changes in the HBV genotypes and clinical characteristics of AHB patients in this area. HBV genotypes were determined by direct sequencing (n = 125) or enzyme immunoassay (n = 9) using serum samples from AHB patients including fulminant hepatitis in 1987–2014. Among 134 patients, 26 (19%), 33 (25%), and 75 (56%) patients were infected with HBV of genotypes A, B, and C, respectively. HBV/A emerged from 2001 and the percentage was increased gradually up to 48% in 2010–2014, whereas HBV/B was reduced from 40% in 1987–1994 to 10% in 2010–2014. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three major subgenotype A2 strains had come into this area serially. The levels of HBV DNA and prothrombin time were higher in HBV/A patients than other genotypes. This study could not show significant difference in the HBsAg‐positive period among genotypes nor the effect of nucleoside analogues to shorten the HBsAg‐positive period. A higher level of initial HBV DNA was associated with late disappearance of HBsAg. In conclusion, the percentage of HBV/A in AHB patients has been increasing in northeast Japan since 2001, which is later than metropolitan areas, whereas that of HBV/B is decreasing. J. Med. Virol. 88:69–78, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Creative Pathways of Everyday Life
Authors: Tanggaard Lene
Published: June 2015

This paper presents two studies of how the conduct of life in itself can be a creative act. Very often, creativity research is concerned with the study of what enables people to express themselves creatively or aesthetically or to produce creative ideas and products. Creativity as it arises in the mundane processes of everyday life is, however, seldom highlighted by researchers working explicitly on creativity. The premise of the present paper is that a focus on everyday life can help us understand creative processes in broader terms. I “creative pathways” may serve as a useful term for researchers interested in the simultaneous development of persons and social practices. Pathways are created in ordinary life; their formation may involve creativity and the improvisational co‐creation of opportunities for action. Studying pathways may therefore direct creativity researchers toward the potentials of creativity in daily life and shed light of the processes of creativity. Creative pathways are present in existing ways of moving and doing things; they are also created in the here‐and‐now by persons acting in correspondence with the affordances in social practices. A focus on creative pathways is consistent with recent research calling for more process orientation and an explicit focus on materiality and social practices.
An assessment of various measures of soil phosphorus and the net accumulation of phosphorus in fertilized soils under pasture
Authors: McLaren Timothy I. , Simpson Richard J. , McLaughlin Michael J. , Smernik Ronald J. , McBeath Therese M. , Guppy Christopher N. , Richardson Alan E.
Published: June 2015

Phosphorus fertilizer use efficiency of pastures is often low because P accumulates in soils as sparingly‐available forms of inorganic and organic P. The aim of this study was to use sequential chemical fractionation to identify which forms of P have accumulated in soil under permanent pasture from a medium‐term (13 y) field experiment. Treatments included an unfertilized pasture (P0), and treatments designed to maintain soil P fertility at near ‘optimum' (P1) and ‘supra‐optimum' (P2) levels for pasture growth; all levels of soil P fertility were continuously grazed with either a moderate or high stocking rate (SR09 and SR18). Summed concentrations of extractable inorganic and organic P, and residual P (i.e., non‐extractable P) accounted for 20, 31, and 49% of total soil P (as determined by laboratory X‐ray fluorescence), respectively, across all surface (0–10 cm) and subsurface (10–20 cm) soil layers. A large proportion of extractable inorganic and organic P was contained in the NaHCO3 and NaOH soluble fractions across all surface soil layers, and these fractions were also the most important sinks for fertilizer P. The accumulation of organic P appeared to plateau with increasing fertilizer addition, whereas inorganic P continued to increase. The majority of the P that had been applied as fertilizer (70%) was recovered in the surface soil layer (0–10 cm). Approx. 31 and 30% of the added P was recovered in the summed concentrations of extractable inorganic and organic P, respectively, of the surface soil layer at the optimum (P1) agronomic level of soil P fertility.
Kinetics of inorganic and organic phosphorus release influenced by low molecular weight organic acids in calcareous, neutral and acidic soils
Authors: Wang Yongzhuang , Chen Xin , Whalen Joann K. , Cao Yanhong , Quan Zhi , Lu Caiyan , Shi Yi
Published: June 2015

Low molecular weight organic acids exuded by plants roots enhance inorganic Pi release into soil solution and thereby increases plant‐available Pi in soils. Low molecular weight organic acids may also induce organic P (Po) release into soil solution, but kinetics of both Pi and Po displacement from the soil matrix into soil solution of agricultural soils is poorly understood, and the mechanism for Po release is not well explained. This study used kinetic experiments to determine the concentrations and release rates of Pi and Po induced by oxalic acid, citric acid, and malic acid in calcareous, neutral and acidic soils. Kinetic data were well described by Elovich (r2 = 0.801–0.993, P < 0.001) and power functions models (r2 = 0.721–0.977, P < 0.001). Low molecular weight organic acids at 10 mmol kg−1 soil induced the exponential release of both Pi and Po, which reached a plateau approx. 480– 2,880 min after the start of the experiment. Cumulative Po release induced by low molecular weight organic acids was ranked as oxalic acid (0.63–3.17 mg kg−1) > citric acid (0.61–2.82 mg kg−1) > malic acid (0.52–1.76 mg kg−1) and mainly resulted from the release of labile Po (NaHCO3‐Po) regardless of soil type. By contrast, oxalic acid was most effective in enhancing Pi release from the HCl‐Pi (Ca‐Pi) fraction of the calcareous soil, and citric acid was most effective in releasing Pi from the NaOH‐Pi (Fe/Al‐Pi) fraction of the neutral and acidic soils. Therefore, the mechanism for the kinetics of Po release induced by low molecular weight organic acids is ascribed to their ability to mobilize the labile Po (NaHCO3‐Po) rather than their ability to chelate cations (i.e., Fe3+, Al3+) bound to Po in soil.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) behavior of substituted propenoic acids used in heterogeneous catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation
Authors: Firkala Tamás , Tálas Emília , Kristyán Sándor , Szöllősi György , Drotár Eszter , Mink János , Mihály Judith
Published: June 2015

The strength and geometry of adsorption of substituted propenoic acids on silver surface were studied by means of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using silver sol. Based on their SERS behavior, two classes of phenylpropenoic acids studied were distinguished. The first class of propenoic acids (atropic acid, (E)‐2,3‐diphenylpropenoic acid, (E)‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐phenylpropenoic acid, (E)‐2,3‐di‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)phenylpropenoic acid and (E)‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)propenoic acid) has shown strong charge transfer (CT) effect. We suggest bidentate carboxyl bonded species based on the SERS enhanced bands of νCOO− around 1394 cm−1 and νC―C of the ―C―COO− moiety at 951 cm−1. In these series the plane of the α‐phenyl group (γCH out‐of‐plane vibrations at 850–700 cm−1) is almost parallel to the silver surface, while the β‐phenyl group is in tilted position depending on the type and the position of substituent(s) showing strong SERS enhanced bands of νCC + βCH (in‐plane mode) at 1075 cm−1, νCC (ring breathing mode, in‐plane) at 1000 cm−1 and γCCC (out‐of‐plane mode) around 401 cm−1. The other class of propenoic acids (cinnamic acid, (E)‐2‐phenyl‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)propenoic acid) has shown weak electromagnetic (EM) enhancement (CC bands is enhanced in cinnamic acid). In this case no significant carboxyl enhancement was observed, so we suggest that adsorbed species lie parallel to the surface. The two types of adsorption can be related to the dissociation ability of the carboxylic group. In the first case the carboxylic H dissociates, while in the second case it does not, as indicated also by the characteristic νCO band at 1686 cm−1 in the FT‐Raman spectra of methanolic solutions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracellular synthesis of glutamic acid in Bacillus methylotrophicusSK19.001, a glutamate‐independent poly(γ‐glutamic acid)‐producing strain
Authors: Peng Yingyun , Zhang Tao , Mu Wanmeng , Miao Ming , Jiang Bo
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Bacillus methylotrophicus SK19.001 is a glutamate‐independent strain that produces poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA), a polymer of d‐ and l‐glutamic acids that possesses applications in food, the environment, agriculture, etc. This study was undertaken to explore the synthetic pathway of intracellular l‐ and d‐glutamic acid in SK19.001 by investigating the effects of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and different amino acids as metabolic precursors on the production of γ‐PGA and analyzing the activities of the enzymes involved in the synthesis of l‐ and d‐glutamate.

RESULTS

Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and amino acids could participate in the synthesis of γ‐PGA via independent pathways in SK19.001. l‐Aspartate aminotransferase, l‐glutaminase and l‐glutamate synthase were the enzymatic sources of l‐glutamate. Glutamate racemase was responsible for the formation of d‐glutamate for the synthesis of γ‐PGA, and the synthetase had stereoselectivity for glutamate substrate.

CONCLUSION

The enzymatic sources of l‐glutamate were investigated for the first time in the glutamate‐independent γ‐PGA‐producing strain, and multiple enzymatic sources of l‐glutamate were verified in SK19.001, which will benefit efforts to improve production of γ‐PGA with metabolic engineering strategies. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential use of microwave treatment on fresh‐cut carrots: physical, chemical and microbiological aspects
Authors: Martínez‐Hernández Ginés Benito , Amodio Maria Luisa , Colelli Giancarlo
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The effect of microwave treatments (900 and 750 W for 45 and 60 s) on the microbial, physicochemical and sensory properties of fresh‐cut carrot slices and the contents of several bioactive compounds was studied. Carrot samples were stored for 7 days at 5 °C.

RESULTS

The microwaving of fresh‐cut carrots reduced the initial respiration rate (8.6 CO2 mL kg−1 h−1) by 55–74% compared with untreated samples, although the rates then increased during storage. The initial pH (6.7), titratable acidity (0.036%), soluble solid content (8.2 °Brix) and shelf‐life of the samples did not differ greatly from those of the untreated samples. Microwaving prevented the incipient whitening and surface dryness during storage. In general, no significant changes in phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity (5.5 µmol t‐cinnamic acid kg−1 h−1), total phenolics (TP, 81.3 mg chlorogenic acid equivalent kg−1 fresh weight (FW)) or total antioxidant capacity (TAC, 74.2 µmol Trolox equivalent kg−1 FW) were observed on the processing day or over storage. However, the mildest treatment (750 W for 45 s) caused TP and TAC enhancements of 118 and 394% respectively after 7 days of shelf‐life. Microwave treatments reduced the initial microbial loads of the samples by up to 1.8 log units, although their microbial growth was greater than that of the untreated samples throughout storage.

CONCLUSION

Mild microwave treatments such as 750 W/45 s and 750 W/60 s are a good sustainable alternative to the use of NaOCl; however, combining them with other sanitizing techniques is needed to control microbial growth throughout the shelf‐life of fresh‐cut carrot slices. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Migraine features in patients with Meniere's disease
Authors: Ghavami Yaser , Mahboubi Hossein , Yau Amy Y. , Maducdoc Marlon , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: June 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To better understand the features of migraine in Meniere's disease (MD).

Study Design

Retrospective review of prospectively obtained surveys in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary medical center.

Methods

Detailed questionnaires on headaches and dizziness were given to consecutive patients presenting with dizziness. The responses were verified by the clinician with the patient. The data, in addition to the clinical history and audiogram, were used to diagnose patients with migraine headaches and MD using criteria set by the International Headache Society (IHS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, respectively. The prevalence of migraine‐like symptoms in those patients with MD, who did not fit the diagnostic criteria for migraine, was evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients with definite MD were included. There was a predominance of females (female/male:26/11). Mean age of patients was 52 ± 14 years. Nineteen patients (51%) had migraine headaches. Fifteen patients fulfilled the criteria for definite vestibular migraine. Of those who did not fulfill the IHS migraine criteria, a majority had characteristics such as a family history of migraine, visual motion sensitivity, or lifelong motion sickness that were highly suggestive of a migraine disorder.

Conclusions

A majority of patients with MD have migraine headaches as defined by the IHS. Sensitivity to visual motion, light and sound, head motion, smells, weather changes, or medication was present in 95% of all patients with definite MD and 82% of non‐IHS migraine MD patients. This may suggest that MD may be an atypical variant of migraine.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:163–168, 2016
Evidence‐based management of the thyroid gland during a total laryngectomy
Authors: Gorphe Philippe , Ben Lakhdar Aïcha , Tao Yungan , Breuskin Ingrid , Janot François , Temam Stéphane
Published: June 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To propose an original experience‐based reference framework for the management of the thyroid gland during a total laryngectomy in our institution. The steps were based on 1) the incidence and patterns of thyroid gland invasion (TGI), 2) preoperative and pathologic factors associated with TGI, and 3) the relationship between TGI and oncologic efficacy endpoints after treatment.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 182 patients who had undergone a total laryngectomy with a total thyroidectomy or loboisthmectomy in our center.

Results

Among 23 patients (12.6%), the thyroid gland was directly invaded by disease in 22 and by metastasis in one. Subglottic primary site was the only preoperative factor associated (P =.03). TGI was associated with pathological signs of anterior extralaryngeal invasive disease (thyroid cartilage transfixion, P = .002; cricothyroid membrane invasion, P < .0001; and prelaryngeal soft tissue infiltration, P < .0001) and ipsilateral VIb lymph node metastasis (P = .004). As expected, disease‐free survival was significantly lower in patients with TGI (P = .04) and peristomal control was significantly reduced in patients with TGI (P = .038).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the largest monocentric series of TGI specimens after a total laryngectomy for laryngeal neoplasms described to date. Focus must be placed on anteroinferior spread, which is likely to invade the cricothyroid membrane, because TGI is part of the extension of extralaryngeal cancer. We propose original experience‐based management of thyroid management during a total laryngectomy to improve the level of accuracy of decision making during the surgical procedure whenever possible.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:2317–2322, 2015
Secondary posterior interosseous nerve lesions associated with humeral fractures
Authors: Erra Carmen , De Franco Paola , Granata Giuseppe , Coraci Daniele , Briani Chiara , Paolasso Ilaria , Padua Luca
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Radial nerve lesions associated with humeral shaft fractures are the most common traumatic nerve lesions observed with long bone fractures. Secondary indirect posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) lesions can be associated with traumatic radial nerve palsy. The aim of this study was to identify cases of traumatic double‐site radial nerve involvement through ultrasound (US).

Methods

Patients with traumatic radial nerve lesions referred to our laboratory from January 2010 to January 2014 were evaluated.

Results

Of the 35 patients, 18 had US evidence of a radial nerve lesion at the fracture site associated with secondary PIN involvement at the arcade of Frohse.

Conclusions

Multiple‐site nerve lesions are difficult to demonstrate through electrodiagnostic tests. In our case series, half of the patients with traumatic radial nerve damage had US evidence of PIN injury. Prospective studies with follow‐up are needed to determine the clinical and prognostic relevance of this finding and the best therapeutic approach. Muscle Nerve 53: 375–378, 2016
Polymeric ionic liquid modified silica for CO2 adsorption and diffusivity
Authors: Sun Yachai , Zhu Jiamei , Huang Junhua , Xin Feng , Liu Jingxia
Published: June 2015

Two types of polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) modified porous silica for CO2 sorption were synthesized by the polymerization of dialkylphosphate di‐butyl phosphate [VYIM][Bu2PO4] and 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [AMIM][BF4] with alkoxyl‐modified silica. The PILs‐modified silica (SiO2‐P[VYIM][Bu2PO4] and SiO2‐P[AMIM][BF4]) were evaluated by CO2 adsorption isotherms at 273 K for investigating the porous structures. The adsorption and desorption behaviors of CO2 (at 298, 313, and 333 K) and N2 (at 313 K) up to 0.2 MPa were also investigated using a gravimetric method. In comparison with bare silica, the grafting of PILs on the support surface leads to a loss of microporosity, resulting in a slight decrease in CO2 sorption capacity. The difference of CO2 sorption capacity between SiO2‐P[VYIM][Bu2PO4] and SiO2‐P[AMIM][BF4] is little, especially under 0.1 MPa. CO2/N2 selectivity is however notably improved, and especially [AMIM][BF4] modified silica shows the best performance. The homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) was used to estimate the diffusivities and good agreement between experimental values and fitting curves was obtained. The diffusion coefficients of CO2 in the PILs‐modified silica are level with that of bare silica at level of 10−7−10−8 m2/s, about two to three orders of magnitude faster than that of reported [BMIM][BF4]. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:759–766, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and properties of high viscosity modified asphalt
Authors: Zhang Feng , Hu Changbin
Published: June 2015

High viscosity modified (HVM) asphalt was prepared by the addition of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS), plasticizer, crosslinker. The effect and proportion of each modifier in the preparation of HVM asphalt were studied. SBS was the major modifier and determined the basic properties of HVM asphalt. Plasticizer (furfural exact oil) and crosslinker (sulfur) as additional modifiers were necessary in improving the workability, stability, and aging resistance of modifier. The effect of aging and additional modifiers on the structure and rheological behavior of SBS modified (SM) asphalt was displayed by adopting various rheological tests. Plasticizer declined the rutting resistance of SM asphalt and increased the viscous behavior of SM asphalt after aging. The use of crosslinker led to the formation of polymer network and improved the aging resistance of SM asphalt. The morphology observation shows crosslinker led to the formation of polymer network and improved the compatibility between SBS and asphalt. Plasticizer prompted the swelling and dispersion of SBS in asphalt and improved the effect of crosslinker further. Aging destroyed the polymer phase seriously and there was still residual polymer phase in asphalt. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:936–946, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Direct infusion ESI‐IT‐MSn alkaloid profile and isolation of tetrahydroharman and other alkaloids from Bocageopsis pleiosperma maas (Annonaceae)
Authors: Soares Elzalina R. , da Silva Felipe M. A. , de Almeida Richardson A. , de Lima Bruna R. , da Silva Filho Francinaldo A. , Barison Andersson , Koolen Hector H. F. , Pinheiro Maria Lúcia B. , de Souza Afonso D. L.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The Annonaceae family is known as a promising abundant source of secondary metabolites, especially annonaceous acetogenins, terpenoids and isoquinoline‐derived alkaloids. Although widely investigated from the phytochemical viewpoint, this family still presents some largely unexplored genera, e.g. the Bocageopsis.

Objective

To investigate the alkaloid content of Bocageopsis pleiosperma Maas using direct infusion electrospray ionisation ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐IT‐MSn) analysis.

Methodology

Dichloromethane extracts of aerial parts were subjected to acid–base partitioning to yield the alkaloidal fractions. These fractions were analysed by direct infusion into a (+)ESI‐IT‐MSn system. The alkaloidal fraction from the leaves was also obtained on a large scale and subjected to chromatographic separation.

Results

The tentative MSn‐based identification of alkaloids in leaves, twigs and trunk bark showed that aporphine alkaloids were restricted to the leaves and twigs, tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids were only found in the twigs and trunk bark while benzylisoquinoline alkaloids were found in the leaves, twigs and trunk bark. Chromatographic separation of the leaf alkaloidal fraction yielded the aporphine alkaloids nornuciferine, asimilobine and isoboldine, the β‐carboline alkaloid tetrahydroharman and some mixtures containing benzylisoquinoline and aporphine alkaloids, all described for the first time in the Bocageopsis genus. Furthermore, tetrahydroharman has not previously been reported in the Magnoliales order.

Conclusion

Direct infusion ESI‐IT‐MSn analysis of alkaloids allowed fast recognition of alkaloidal classes previously reported in the Annonaceae family, aiding the chromatographic step and allowing a selective isolation of compounds previously not identified in the Bocageopsis genus. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moderating effect of perceived partner empathy on body image and depression among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Fang Su‐Ying , Chang Hong‐Tai , Shu Bih‐Ching
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The aims of the study were the following: (1) to understand the relationship between women's perceptions of empathy from their partners and their depressive symptoms and body image and (2) to examine the moderating effects of women's perceptions of empathy from their partners on the relationship between body image and depressive symptoms.

Methods

A cross‐sectional and correlational design was used, in which a convenience sample of 151 women who completed surgery and the necessary chemotherapy/radiotherapy were recruited from southern Taiwan. A structured questionnaire including the Other Dyadic Perspective‐Taking Scale, the Body Image Scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale were administered. Hierarchical regression was used to examine the moderating effects of empathy from partners between the women's body image and their level of depressive symptoms.

Results

The results showed significant relationships between empathy from a partner and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between empathy from a partner and body image (p > 0.05). The moderating effect of empathy from a partner on the relationship between body image and depressive symptoms was also significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The more empathy women perceived from partners, the fewer depressive symptoms women reported. Empathy from a partner could moderate the impact of body image changes on depressive symptoms. Women's depressive symptoms, resulting from a change in body image after breast cancer surgery, might be minimized if they perceived greater empathy from their partners. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.