bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrokinetic and antibacterial properties of needle like‐TiO2/polyrhodanine core/shell hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Ozkan Seyma , Unal H. Ibrahim , Yılmaz Ebru , Suludere Zekiye
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to fabricate needle like‐TiO2/polyrhodanine nanostructures by polymerizing rhodanine monomer on the TiO2 nanoparticles' surfaces and investigate their antibacterial activities. The structural, thermal, morphological, surface and electrical properties of non‐covalently functionalized nanoparticles were characterized by using FTIR, XPS, elemental analysis, TGA, XRD, SEM‐EDX, TEM, contact angle, and conductivity measurements. Characterization results confirmed the formation of needle like‐TiO2/polyrhodanine (PRh) core/shell hybrid nanostructures. Alterations on the surface and electrokinetic properties of the materials were characterized by zeta (ζ)‐potential measurements with the presence of various salts and surfactants. The ζ‐potential of needle like‐TiO2 was observed to increase from −7.6 mV to +28.4 mV after forming a core/shell needle like‐TiO2/PRh nanocomposite structure and with the presence of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant. Thereby colloidally more stable dispersions were formed. Antibacterial properties of needle like‐TiO2/PRh were also tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli by various methods and they showed good antibacterial activity. The highest killing efficiency was determined for needle like‐TiO2/PRh against E. coli by colony‐counting method as 0.95. TEM experiments also showed the immobilizations of the nanoparticles on E. coli and revealed the interactions between E. coli and the nanoparticles. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41554.
CHANGES IN THE HEMOLYMPH PROTEIN PROFILES IN Galleria mellonella INFECTED WITH Bacillus thuringiensis INVOLVE APOLIPOPHORIN III. THE EFFECT OF HEAT SHOCK
Authors: Taszłow Paulina , Wojda Iwona
Published: October 2014

This report concerns the effect of heat shock on host–pathogen interaction in Galleria mellonella infected with Bacillus thuringiensis. We show enhanced activity against Gram‐positive bacteria in the hemolymph of larvae pre‐exposed to heat shock before infection with B. thuringiensis. Heat shock influenced the protein pattern in the hemolymph of infected larvae: more peptides with a molecular weight below 10 kDa were detected in comparison with nonshocked animals. Additionally, we noticed that the amount of apolipophorin III (apoLp‐III) in the hemolymph decreased transiently following infection, which was considerably higher in larvae pre‐exposed to heat shock. On the other hand, its expression in the fat body showed a consequent infection‐induced decline, observed equally in shocked and nonshocked animals. This suggests that the amount of apoLp‐III in the hemolymph of G. mellonella larvae is regulated at multiple levels. We also report that this protein is more resistant to degradation in the hemolymph of larvae pre‐exposed to heat shock in comparison to nonshocked larvae. Two‐dimensional analysis revealed the presence of three isoforms of apoLp‐III, all susceptible to proteolytic degradation. However, one of them was the most abundant, both in the protease‐treated and untreated hemolymph. Taking into consideration that, in general, apoLp‐III has a stimulative effect on different immune‐related hemolymph proteins and peptides, the reported findings bring us closer to understanding the effect of heat shock on the resistance of G. mellonella to infection.
Nonlinear gating control for urban road traffic network using the network fundamental diagram
Authors: Csikós Alfréd , Tettamanti Tamás , Varga István
Published: October 2014

This work proposes a nonlinear model predictive controller for the urban gating problem. The system model is formalized based on a research on existing models of the network fundamental diagram and the perimeter control systems. For the existing models, modifications are suggested: additional state variables are allocated to describe the queue dynamics at the network gates. Using the extended model, a nonlinear model predictive controller is designed offering a ‘non‐greedy’ policy compared with previous, ‘greedy’ gating control designs. The greedy and non‐greedy nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) controllers are compared with a greedy linear feedback proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller in different traffic situations. The proposed non‐greedy NMPC controller outperforms the other two approaches in terms of travel distance performance and queue lengths. The performance results justify the consideration of queue lengths in dynamic modeling, and the use of NMPC approach for controller design. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein design and engineering of a de novo pathway for microbial production of 1,3‐propanediol from glucose
Authors: Chen Zhen , Geng Feng , Zeng An‐Ping
Published: October 2014

Protein engineering to expand the substrate spectrum of native enzymes opens new possibilities for bioproduction of valuable chemicals from non‐natural pathways. No natural microorganism can directly use sugars to produce 1,3‐propanediol (PDO). Here, we present a de novo route for the biosynthesis of PDO from sugar, which may overcome the mentioned limitations by expanding the homoserine synthesis pathway. The accomplishment of pathway from homoserine to PDO is achieved by protein engineering of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and pyruvate decarboxylase to sequentially convert homoserine to 4‐hydroxy‐2‐ketobutyrate and 3‐hydroxypropionaldehyde. The latter is finally converted to PDO by using a native alcohol dehydrogenase. In this work, we report on experimental accomplishment of this non‐natural pathway, especially by protein engineering of GDH for the key step of converting homoserine to 4‐hydroxy‐2‐ketobutyrate. These results show the feasibility and significance of protein engineering for de novo pathway design and overproduction of desired industrial products.
Intracellular Thiols and Photo‐Illumination Sequentially Activate Doubly Locked Molecular Probes for Long‐Term Cell Highlighting and Tracking with Precise Spatial Accuracy
Authors: Lin Qiuning , Du Zengmin , Yang Yunlong , Fang Qian , Bao Chunyan , Yang Yi , Zhu Linyong
Published: October 2014

A novel photoconvertible fluorescent probe, which can be activated by intracellular thiols, has been synthesized. Such a molecular probe comprises three parts: a 7‐aminocoumarin phototrigger, a thiol‐removable energy acceptor, and a caged fluorescein scaffold with intracellular thiols reactivity as the fluorescent reporter. Extracellularly, the energy acceptor blocks the emission of the coumarin that regulates the photocleavage and photoactivation of the fluorescein. Intracelluarly, the high concentration of thiols releases the energy acceptor, thus activating the S1 state of the phototrigger, which emits coumarin blue fluorescence for pre‐visualization and liberates the caged green‐fluorescent fluorescein to highlight the specific cell upon illumination. Compared to traditional photoactivated organic dyes, the intracellular thiols activated probe requires double activations: one by intracellular thiols and the other by light activation. The dual activations restrict fluorescence precisely inside live cells and at the particular spatial region of light activation, thus a probe with precise spatial accuracy in live cells.
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 in an aqueous electrolyte employing an iridium/ruthenium‐oxide electrode
Authors: Ullah Nehar , Ali Irshad , Jansen Maëlle , Omanovic Sasha
Published: October 2014

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 in an aqueous electrolyte (Briton Robinson buffer, pH = 5.82) was investigated using an Ir/Ru‐oxide coating deposited on a titanium substrate, as a function of electrode potential and temperature. The results demonstrated that the Ir/Ru‐oxide electrode can efficiently be used for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into different valuable organic molecules at high faradaic efficiency, 85 % and 96 % at 295 K and 277 K, respectively. Ethanol was found to be the major electrochemical reduction product remained in the liquid phase, with a minor contribution of methanol, acetone and acetaldehyde. The amount of formed products and the corresponding faradaic efficiency were found to be strongly dependent on electrode potential. A maximum in both was obtained at −1.7 V (vs. MSE). At this potential, lowering the reaction temperature from 295 K to 277 K was found to increase the CO2 reduction kinetics only at short electrolysis times, while the corresponding faradaic efficiency increased significantly. The presented work demonstrates that the Ir/Ru‐oxide electrode can be considered as a good electrode candidate for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into usable organic molecules at atmospheric pressure and in aqueous electrolytes.
Eighteen species new to the flora of Iraq
Authors: Ahmad Saman A.
Published: October 2014

The following 18 species are reported for the first time from Iraq: Heracleum persicum Desf. and Trigonosciadium brachytaenium (Boiss.) Alava (Apiaceae), Arum dioscoridis Sibth. & Sm. (Araceae), Filago eriocephala Guss. (Asteraceae), Alkanna orientalis Boiss. and Nonea ventricosa (Sm.) Griseb. (Boraginaceae), Silene coniflora Nees ex Otth (Caryophyllaceae), Schoenoplectus lacustris (L.) Palla (Cyperaceae), Centaurium meyeri (Bunge) Druce (Gentianaceae), Marrubium parviflorum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. and Nepeta nuda L. (Lamiaceae), Fritillaria straussii Bornm. and Tulipa clusiana DC. (Liliaceae), Linaria simplex (Willd.) DC. (Plantaginaceae), Bromus intermedius Guss. (Poaceae), Polygonum convolvulus L. and P. hydropiper L. (Polygonaceae), and Prunus lycioides (Spach) C.K.Schneid. (Rosaceae). Brief notes on habitat and distribution are given. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photosynthesis and growth in diverse willow genotypes
Authors: Andralojc P. John , Bencze Szilvia , Madgwick Pippa J. , Philippe Hélène , Powers Stephen J. , Shield Ian , Karp Angela , Parry Martin A. J.
Published: October 2014

During a study of the contribution of photosynthetic traits to biomass yield among 11 diverse species of willow, the light and CO2 dependence of photosynthesis were found to differ, with absolute rates at ambient and saturating CO2, together with maximum rates of Rubsico‐limited and electron‐transport‐limited photosynthesis (Vcmax and J, respectively) varying by factors in excess of 2 between the extremes of performance. In spite of this, the ratio, J/Vcmax – indicative of the relative investment of resource into RuBP regeneration and RuBP carboxylation – was found to fall within a narrow range (1.9–2.5) for all genotypes over two successive years. Photosynthetic rate (μmol CO2 fixed m−2 sec−1) showed a strong, inverse correlation with total leaf area per plant. Photosynthetic capacity, expressed on a leaf area basis, showed a strong, positive correlation with yield among some of the species, but when expressed on a whole plant basis all species indicated a positive correlation with yield. Thus, both leaf area per plant and photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area contribute to this relationship. The abundance and kinetic characteristics of Rubisco play a pivotal role in determining photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area and so were determined for the chosen willow species, in parallel with Rubisco large subunit (LSU) gene sequencing. Significant differences in the rate constants for carboxylation and oxygenation as well as the affinity for CO2 were identified, and rationalized in terms of LSU sequence polymorphism. Those LSU sequences with isoleucine instead of methionine at residue 309 had up to 29% higher carboxylase rate constants. Furthermore, the A/Ci curves predicted from each distinct set of Rubisco kinetic parameters under otherwise identical conditions indicated substantial differences in photosynthetic performance. Thus, genetic traits relating specifically to Rubisco and by implication to photosynthetic performance were also identified.
Signage Versus Environmental Affordances: Is the Explicit Information Strong Enough to Guide Human Behavior During a Wayfinding Task?
Authors: Vilar Elisângela , Rebelo Francisco , Noriega Paulo , Teles Júlia , Mayhorn Christopher
Published: October 2014

This study aims to explore how people behave when they have to find a location within a complex building and are confronted with situations where directional signage (i.e., explicit information) is in opposition to environmental affordances that naturally direct users towards a specific path, creating a situation with conflicting information (e.g., a brighter corridor vs. a darker corridor but with a directional sign indicating to follow the darker one). A virtual reality–based methodology was used and a between‐subject design was considered. Thus, participants were given the tasks of finding three publicly accessible central points in a virtual hotel and confronted with a two forced‐choice task of local scenes in which environmental variables (i.e., corridor width and brightness) and signage varied systematically, in two experimental conditions (i.e., neutral and signage). For the signage condition, signs were inserted to explicitly point in the opposite direction than that implicitly suggested by the environmental affordances, creating situations with conflicting information. Results indicate that environmental variables were able to direct people indoors acting as environmental affordances. Users preferred to follow the wider and brighter paths. However, when directional signage pointed in the opposite direction of the paths preferred by the participants, most of them complied with signage.
Dynamic 18F‐FET PET in suspected WHO grade II gliomas defines distinct biological subgroups with different clinical courses
Authors: Thon Niklas , Kunz Mathias , Lemke Lena , Jansen Nathalie L. , Eigenbrod Sabina , Kreth Simone , Lutz Jürgen , Egensperger Rupert , Giese Armin , Herms Jochen , Weller Michael , Kretzschmar Hans , Tonn Jörg‐Christian , la Fougère Christian , Kreth Friedrich‐Wilhelm
Published: October 2014

In suspected grade II gliomas, three distinct patterns of time–activity curves (TAC) on O‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethyl)‐1‐tyrosine (18F‐FET) positron emission tomography (PET) have been delineated (i) increasing TAC homogeneously throughout the tumor, and decreasing TAC, (ii) either homogeneously throughout the tumor or (iii) only focally within otherwise increasing TAC patterns. Increasing TAC was associated with low‐grade histology and decreasing TAC with high‐grade histology. This prospective study analyzed whether these patterns correlate with distinct biological tumor subtypes and differential outcome. 18F‐FET PET‐guided biopsies were used for stepwise histopathological evaluation. Molecular‐genetic evaluation included O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1/2) mutational and 1p/19q codeletion status. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was estimated with the Kaplan‐Meier method. Prognostic factors were obtained from multivariate regression models. 98 adult patients were included. Homogeneous increasing, focal decreasing and homogeneous decreasing TAC were seen in 51, 19 and 28 patients. The corresponding 1‐year (2‐years) PFS were 92% (85%), 89% (51%) and 50% (28%; p = 0.002). IDH1/2 mutations were more frequent in tumors with homogeneous increasing (90%) and focal decreasing (79%) TAC, but were rare in those exhibiting homogeneous decreasing TAC (25%; p < 0.001). Overall, TAC patterns, IDH1/2 mutational and 1p/19q codeletion status were powerful and independent prognostic factors. Dynamic 18F‐FET PET might be an important and independent imaging biomarker for patients with suspected WHO grade II gliomas and offers perspectives for stratified diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Tumors with focal decreasing TAC need highly targeted surgical interventions to avoid undergrading and undertreatment.
A validated algorithm to ascertain colorectal cancer recurrence using registry resources in Denmark
Authors: Lash Timothy L. , Riis Anders H. , Ostenfeld Eva B. , Erichsen Rune , Vyberg Mogens , Thorlacius‐Ussing Ole
Published: October 2014

Colorectal cancer recurrences are difficult to ascertain accurately and efficiently. We developed and validated an algorithm to identify recurrences that uses Danish medical registries. The algorithm uses metastasis and chemotherapy codes in the Danish National Patient Registry and codes indicating cancer recurrence in the Danish Pathology Registry. We applied the algorithm to a cohort (n = 21,246) of colorectal cancer patients diagnosed 2001–2011 and followed through 2012. In a cohort (n = 355) of two groups of actively followed patients, we compared the imputed recurrence data with recurrences diagnosed by regular follow‐up. We compared cumulative incidence curves of imputed recurrence in local and regional stage patients from the large cohort, and of imputed and diagnosed recurrences in the actively followed cohort. In the 355 members of the actively followed cohort, our algorithm correctly identified 60 of 63 recurrences [sensitivity = 95%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 87–99%] and misclassified only 10 of 292 without recurrence (specificity = 97%; 95% CI 94–98%). Cumulative incidence curves showed that members of the large cohort with regional disease had much higher incidence of imputed recurrence than those with local disease. In the actively followed cohort, the cumulative incidence of recurrence overlapped substantially when recurrence was imputed by our algorithm or using the follow‐up data. Despite some limitations regarding ambiguous pathology codes, our algorithm showed excellent performance against actively followed recurrence data, and the expected relation between recurrence risk and cancer stage. It can be used in the Danish registries and adapted to similar registries elsewhere.
A MDM2‐dependent positive‐feedback loop is involved in inhibition of miR‐375 and miR‐106b induced by Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Ye Feng , Tang Chunli , Shi Weijia , Qian Juan , Xiao Shuping , Gu Min , Dang Yini , Liu Jianping , Chen Yan , Shi Ruihua , Zhang Guoxin
Published: October 2014

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been linked to virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori and shown to contribute to the progression of gastric cancer. However, the mechanisms of these processes remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a virulence factor of H. pylori, regulates miR‐375 and miR‐106b expression in gastric epithelial cells. The results show that LPS from H. pylori 26695 downregulated the expression of miR‐375 and miR‐106b in gastric epithelial cells, and low levels of Dicer were also observed. Downregulation of miR‐375 was found to increase expression of MDM2 with SP1 activation. Overexpression of MDM2 inhibited Dicer by repressing p63 to create a positive‐feedback loop involving SP1/MDM2/p63/Dicer that leads to inhibition of miR‐375 and miR‐106b expression. In addition, we demonstrated that JAK1 and STAT3 were downstream target genes of miR‐106b. H. pylori LPS also enhanced the tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK1, JAK2 and STAT3. Together, these results provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms of MDM2 on H. pylori LPS‐induced specific miRNAs, and furthermore, suggest that gastric epithelial cells treated with H. pylori LPS may be susceptible to JAK/STAT3 signal pathway activation via inhibition of miR‐375 and miR‐106b.
Novel genipin‐collagen immobilization of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers for use as tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Tambe Nisarg , Di Jin , Zhang Ze , Bernacki Susan , El‐Shafei Ahmed , King Martin W.
Published: October 2014

The material surface plays an important role in the case of biomaterials used as tissue engineering scaffolds. On exposure to a biological environment, extra cellular matrix (ECM) proteins are adsorbed non‐specifically onto the surface and cells interact indirectly with the surface through the adsorbed proteins. Most synthetic polymeric biomaterials lack the desirable surface properties for cells as well as have poor cellular adhesion due to their hydrophobic nature. The main objective of this study was to harness surface functionalization technologies to fabricate scaffolds that would be biocompatible and support the adhesion and proliferation of fibroblast cells. The collagen was immobilized on the surface of functionalized PLA via a novel natural cross‐linking molecule genipin which resulted in improved cell proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts as compared to the PLA surface coated with collagen without genipin. It is believed that genipin helps reduce steric problems between the functional groups and large protein molecules, and enables immobilized peptide to move more freely in a biological environment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1188–1197, 2015.
Kinetic modelling for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol by using TiO2‐coated glass raschig rings under simulated solar light
Authors: Sampaio Maria J , Silva Cláudia G , Silva Adrián M T , Faria Joaquim L
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Immobilisation of TiO2 photocatalysts has proven to be an efficient technological approach concerning both practical and economical aspects. The efficiency of photocatalytic phenol degradation using glass raschig rings coated with TiO2 Aeroxide®P25 was evaluated in a recirculation reactor operating under simulated solar light irradiation, by comparing the first order reaction rate (r) as a function of several operation conditions.

RESULTS

The reaction rate increases with the initial phenol concentration ([PhOH]0), the irradiation intensity (I), the number of TiO2‐coated rings (N), and the hydrogen peroxide concentration [H2O2], and is minimally affected by the solution's flow rate (Q). A kinetic model was developed for the determination of the r as a function of the operating parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The empirical model allows the prediction of the efficiency of the photocatalytic degradation process in a wide range of operation conditions, which can be considered a useful tool for the scaling‐up of the water treatment process. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Private Investigations of White‐Collar Crime Suspicions: A Qualitative Study of the Blame Game Hypothesis
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: October 2014

The activity of private investigations by fraud examiners is a business of lawyers, auditors, and other professionals who investigate suspicions of financial crime by white‐collar criminals. This paper presents results from an empirical study of investigation reports. The available sample consists of 28 reports written mostly by auditing firms such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and PwC. The blame game can occur at two stages in a private investigation. First, the mandate formulated by a client may point investigators in a specific direction. Next, investigators sometimes suffer from a tunnel view of predetermined opinions. In the sample of 28 investigations reports, more than half of them involve potential blame game victims. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcription factor Mohawk controls tenogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Otabe Koji , Nakahara Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Akihiko , Matsukawa Tetsuya , Ayabe Fumiaki , Onizuka Naoko , Inui Masafumi , Takada Shuji , Ito Yoshiaki , Sekiya Ichiro , Muneta Takeshi , Lotz Martin , Asahara Hiroshi
Published: October 2014

Mohawk homeobox (MKX) has been demonstrated as a tendon/ligament specific transcription factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MKX in ligament/tenogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Human BMMSCs were treated with 50 ng/ml BMP‐12 or transduced with MKX or scleraxis (SCX) adenoviral vector. Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Rat BMMSCs were seeded in a collagen scaffold and transplanted into a rat Achilles tendon defect model. Tenogenesis related gene expressions and histological features were analyzed. BMP‐12 induced tenogenesis in BMMSCs as indicated by increased COL1a1, TNXB, DCN and SCX mRNA, and MKX expression increased simultaneously. Rat BMMSCs enhanced defect repair and were still detectable 3 weeks after transplantation. Increased expressions of COL1a1, TNC and TNMD in vivo were also correlated with upregulated MKX. Adenoviral MKX promoted expression of COL1a1, TNXB, and TNMD in BMMSCs. This study demonstrated that MKX gene expression is enhanced during the tenogenic differentiation of BMMSCs in vitro and in vivo, and the adenoviral overexpression of MKX increases tendon extracellular matrix gene expression and protein production. Thus, MKX is a key factor for tenogenic differentiation of MSCs. 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1–8, 2015.
The expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of rats exposed to high‐fructose diet in the period from weaning to adulthood
Authors: Glban Alhadi M , Vasiljević Ana , Veličković Nataša , Nikolić‐Kokić Aleksandra , Blagojević Duško , Matić Gordana , Nestorov Jelena
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Increased fructose consumption correlates with rising prevalence of various metabolic disorders, some of which were linked to oxidative stress. The relationship between fructose consumption and oxidative stress is complex and effects of a fructose‐rich diet on the young population have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether high‐fructose diet applied in the period from weaning to adulthood induces oxidative stress in the liver, thus contributing to induction or aggravation of metabolic disturbances in later adulthood. To that end we examined the effects of high‐fructose diet on expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, markers of lipid peroxidation and protein damage in the liver as the main fructose metabolizing tissue.

RESULTS

High‐fructose diet increased only SOD2 (mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase) activity, with no effect on other antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation or accumulation of damaged proteins in the liver.

CONCLUSION

The results show that fructose‐induced metabolic disturbances could not be attributed to oxidative stress, at least not at young age. The absence of oxidative stress in the liver observed herein implies that young organisms are capable of maintaining redox homeostasis when challenged by fructose‐derived energy overload. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality changes of fresh‐cut pomegranate arils during shelf life as affected by deficit irrigation and postharvest vapour treatments
Authors: Peña‐Estévez María E , Gómez Perla A , Artés Francisco , Aguayo Encarna , Martínez‐Hernández Ginés Benito , Otón Mariano , Galindo Alejandro , Artés‐Hernández Francisco
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

The effect of two sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies, compared to a control, on postharvest physicochemical, microbial, sensory quality attributes and anthocyanin content of fresh‐cut pomegranates arils throughout 18 days at 5 °C was studied. Furthermore, the effect of vapour treatments (4, 7 and 10 s) compared to a conventional sanitizing treatment with NaClO on such quality parameters in combination with the preharvest treatments was also studied.

RESULTS

According to sensory analyses, the shelf life of arils from control and SDI‐irrigated fruit was established in 14 and 18 days at 5 °C, respectively, showing 4 and 7 s vapour treatment time the best sensory quality. No significant change was observed in physicochemical quality attributes, across all treatments during storage, while low microbial loads were registered (<3 log CFU g−1) after shelf life. Postharvest treatments that had least effect on anthocyanin content on processing day were 7 and 10 s.

CONCLUSION

Vapour treatments of 7–10 s applied to pomegranate arils led to an extended shelf life up to 18 days at 5 °C with better results in SDI‐irrigated samples with a water saving of 6–11%. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent Advances in Glycerol Polymers: Chemistry and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zhang Heng , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: October 2014

Glycerol polymers are attracting increased attention due to the diversity of polymer compositions and architectures available. This article provides a brief chronological review on the current status of these polymers along with representative examples of their use for biomedical applications. First, the underlying chemistry of glycerol that provides access to a range of monomers for subsequent polymerizations is described. Then, the various synthetic methodologies to prepare glycerol‐based polymers including polyethers, polycarbonates, polyesters, and so forth are reviewed. Next, several biomedical applications where glycerol polymers are being investigated including carriers for drug delivery, sealants or coatings for tissue repair, and agents possessing antibacterial activity are described. Fourth, the growing market opportunity for the use of polymers in medicine is described. Finally, the findings are concluded and summarized, as well as the potential opportunities for continued research efforts are discussed.

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Influence of Vitamin C on Morphological and Thermal Behaviour of Biomedical UHMWPE
Authors: Souza Vanessa Castro , Oliveira Juliano Elvis , Lima Severino J. Guedes , Silva Lucineide Balbino
Published: October 2014

Biomedical Ultra‐High‐Molecular‐Weight Polyethylene (B‐UHMWPE) is widely used in orthopaedics as a biomaterial because of its mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However the adding of vitamin antioxidants can influence the inflammatory process. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of adding ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at different concentrations to the B‐UHMWPE matrix, using for this purpose the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The vitamin C was mixed with B‐UHMWPE in concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%wt and the molding was performed with a 10MPa load at 160 °C for 6min.The fracture surface of cross‐sectional area of B‐UHMWPE modified with vitamin C showed that the vitamin is present in the polymer matrix in the form of small agglomerates, being an indication that there was no fusion of the vitamin C during the processing step. Using the technique of differential scanning calorimetry it was observed that the melting temperature remained constant as well as the crystallisation temperature, but there was a small variation in crystallinity with the addition of vitamin C. From this study, we conclude that the presence of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) did not alter the thermal properties of crystallisation and melting of B‐UHMWPE.
Synthesis of Nanoparticles Loaded with Tamoxifen by in Situ Miniemulsion RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Moreira Tailane Sant'Anna , de Oliveira Marco Antônio Monteiro , da Rocha e Lima Luis Mauricio Trambaioli , de Souza Márcio Nele , da Silva Pinto José Carlos Costa
Published: October 2014

Tamoxifen (TXF) is a drug used as a hormonal agent for treatment of breast cancer. Due to its low solubility/bioavailability, the effectiveness of TXF can be improved when the drug is combined with drug delivery systems (DDS). For this reason, the in situ incorporation of TXF in polymer particles produced through miniemulsion polymerizations is studied here. Reactions were performed through standard free radical (FR) and RAFT polymerizations, using methyl methacrylate (MMA) as monomer and 2,2'‐azobisisobutironitrila (AIBN) as initiator. It is shown that TXF can be incorporated successfully into the final polymer particles through miniemulsion polymerizations and that the presence of TXF in the reaction medium does not affect significantly the reaction rates, the particle size distribution and the molar mass distribution of the final polymer, even when the monomer feed contains 10 wt% of drug. Therefore, it is shown that DDS containing TXF can be produced by in situ miniemulsion FR and RAFT MMA polymerizations.
Measuring symptoms and diagnosing mental disorders in the elderly community: the test–retest reliability of the CIDI65+
Authors: Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Strehle Jens , Gerschler Anja , Volkert Jana , Dehoust Maria Christina , Sehner Susanne , Wegscheider Karl , Ausìn Berta , Canuto Alessandra , Crawford Mike , Da Ronch Chiara , Grassi Luigi , Hershkovitz Yael , Munoz Manuel , Quirk Alan , Rotenstein Ora , Santos‐Olmo Ana Belén , Shalev Arieh , Weber Kerstin , Schulz Holger , Härter Martin , Andreas Sylke
Published: October 2014

Prevalence findings for the elderly are artificially low, most likely due to insufficient consideration of age‐related cognitive abilities in diagnostic interviews.

Aims

(1) To describe the rationale for the development of an age‐adapted Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI65+) for use in a European project (MentDis_ICF65+). (2) To examine its test–retest reliability.

Methods

Based on substantive pilot work the CIDI standard questions were shortened, broken down into shorter subsets and combined with sensitization questions and dimensional measures. Test–retest was determined in N = 68 subjects aged 60–79 years via two independent examinations by clinical interviewers using kappa (sensitivity, specificity) for categorical and intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients for dimensional measures.

Results

Test–retest reliability was good for any mental disorder (κ = 0.63), major depression (κ = 0.55), anxiety (κ = 0.62, range = 0.30–0.78), substance (κ = 0.77, range = 0.71–0.82), obsessive‐compulsive disorder (κ = 1.00) and most core symptoms/syndromes (κ range = 0.48–1.00). Agreement for some disorders (i.e. somatoform/pain) attenuated, partly due to time lapse effects. ICC for age of onset, recency, quantity, frequency and duration questions ranged between κ = 0.60–0.90. Dimensional agreement measures were not consistently higher.

Conclusion

The age‐adapted CIDI65+ is reliable for assessing most mental disorders, distress, impairment and time‐related information in the elderly, prompting the need to examine validity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender, Occupation, and Promotion to Management in the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Damman Marleen , Heyse Liesbet , Mills Melinda
Published: October 2014

Although one can assume the work values within nonprofit organizations promote gender equality in promotion decisions, there is preliminary evidence that in the nonprofit sector women are underrepresented in higher management positions. Whereas the mechanisms resulting in underrepresentation of women in management have been studied extensively in for‐profit organizations, little is known about these mechanisms in nonprofit organizations. Is gender in nonprofit organizations—even given the underlying values of these organizations—an impediment to attaining a management position? This article presents a case study of employment patterns within the Dutch section of the humanitarianINGOMédecins Sans Frontières and focuses particularly on the effects of gender and occupation on transitions to management. The case study organization represents a “critical case” because the nature of this organization's work environment can be expected to result in a relatively high percentage of women in management. Employee records (N = 2,247) were analyzed using event history models. We found that women made the transition to management less rapidly than men, even when controlling for factors like age, previous work experience, and nationality. However, gender differences were completely explained by occupation. Those employees in female‐dominated occupations (in this case, medical personnel such as nurses) had a lower promotion‐to‐management rate than those in male‐dominated occupations (in this case, nonmedical personnel such as financial officers), irrespective of their gender. This case study highlights the importance to nonprofit management research of studying the effects of occupational sex segregation on promotion.
Influence of hydrophobic mismatch on the catalytic activity of Escherichia coliGlpG rhomboid protease
Authors: Foo Alexander C. Y. , Harvey Brandon G. R. , Metz Jeff J. , Goto Natalie K.
Published: October 2014

Rhomboids comprise a broad family of intramembrane serine proteases that are found in a wide range of organisms and participate in a diverse array of biological processes. High‐resolution structures of the catalytic transmembrane domain of the Escherichia coli GlpG rhomboid have provided numerous insights that help explain how hydrolytic cleavage can be achieved below the membrane surface. Key to this are observations that GlpG hydrophobic domain dimensions may not be sufficient to completely span the native lipid bilayer. This formed the basis for a model where hydrophobic mismatch Induces thinning of the local membrane environment to promote access to transmembrane substrates. However, hydrophobic mismatch also has the potential to alter the functional properties of the rhomboid, a possibility we explore in the current work. For this purpose, we purified the catalytic transmembrane domain of GlpG into phosphocholine or maltoside detergent micelles of varying alkyl chain lengths, and assessed proteolytic function with a model water‐soluble substrate. Catalytic turnover numbers were found to depend on detergent alkyl chain length, with saturated chains containing 10–12 carbon atoms supporting maximal activity. Similar results were obtained in phospholipid bicelles, with no proteolytic activity being detected in longer‐chain lipids. Although differences in thermal stability and GlpG oligomerization could not explain these activity differences, circular dichroism spectra suggest that mismatch gives rise to a small change in structure. Overall, these results demonstrate that hydrophobic mismatch can exert an inhibitory effect on rhomboid activity, with the potential for changes in local membrane environment to regulate activity in vivo.
Is there any prognostic impact of intraductal carcinoma of prostate in initial diagnosed aggressively metastatic prostate cancer?
Authors: Zhao Tao , Liao Banghua , Yao Jin , Liu Jiyan , Huang Rui , Shen Pengfei , Peng Zhufeng , Gui Haojun , Chen Xueqin , Zhang Peng , Zhu Yuchun , Li Xiang , Wei Qiang , Zhou Qiao , Zeng Hao , Chen Ni
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Intraductal carcinoma of prostate (IDC‐P) was usually found to be co‐exist with conventional aggressive prostate adenocarcinoma. The presence of IDC‐P was considered as an adverse pathological factor, which was associated with high Gleason score, large prostate volume and accelerated disease progression. However, no any information is available on the presence of IDC‐P diagnosed by needle biopsy in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. We investigated the incidence and prognostic value of intraductal carcinoma of prostate (IDC‐P) in initial diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer.

METHODS

We included 278 patients with initial diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer treated between 2008 and 2011, all the pathological diagnosis were from ultrasonic‐guided transperineal needle biopsy. IDC‐P was strictly defined according to Epstein's criteria. Analyzed factors included age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, clinical T staging, Gleason scores, baseline prostate specific antigen (PSA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hemoglobin (HGB), PSA normalization, and the presence of IDC‐P.

RESULTS

Totally, IDC‐P was found in 57/278 (20.5%) cases. Univariate analysis showed that, compared with cases without IDC‐P, cases with IDC‐P was definitely associated with much shorter CRPC‐free survival (CFS) time (46.05 ± 1.39 vs. 22.98 ± 1.80 months, P = 0.000) and OS time (50.38 ± 1.18 vs. 36.43 ± 2.10 months, P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of IDC‐P was the only independent prognostic factor associated with poor CFS (HR = 4.886, P = 0.011) and OS (HR = 1.945, P = 0.020). Further sub‐analysis showed, even among patients with higher Gleason score (≥8) (n = 158), IDC‐P was still significantly and inversely associated with CFS and OS (the median CFS time: 40 versus 22 months; P = 0.000; the median OS time: 54 vs. 36 months, P = 0.000). Again, Cox's regression model confirmed that only the presence of IDC‐P was still not only an independent prognostic factor predicting shorter time of CRPC (HR = 4.031, P = 0.035), but also for poorer OS (HR = 2.499, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of IDC‐P in initial diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer, even among patients with more aggressive pattern, was firstly found to be significantly and independently associated with earlier occurrence of CRPC and poorer OS. We recommended the presence of IDC‐P should be a routine record in pathological report of clinical diagnosis and other potential therapeutic regimen might be added to intervene in the integrated therapy as early as possible. Prostate 75:225–232, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soluble expression of pullulanase from Bacillus acidopullulyticus in Escherichia coli by tightly controlling basal expression
Authors: Chen Ana , Li Yamei , Liu Xiuxia , Long Quan , Yang Yankun , Bai Zhonghu
Published: October 2014

Bacillus acidopullulyticus pullulanase (BaPul13A) is a widely used debranching enzyme in the starch industry. A few details have been reported on the heterologous expression of BaPul13A in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study compares different E. coli expression systems to improve the soluble expression level of BaPul13A. When pET22b(+)/pET28a(+) was used as the expression vector, the soluble expression of BaPul13A can be achieved by tightly controlling basal expression, whereas pET-20b(+)/pGEX4T2 leads to insoluble inclusion bodies. An efficient process control strategy aimed at minimizing the formation of inclusion bodies and enhancing the production of pullulanase was developed by a step decrease of the temperature in a 5-L fermentor. The highest total enzyme activity of BaPul13A reached 1,156.32 U/mL. This work reveals that the T7 promoter with lac operator and lacI gene collectively contribute to the soluble expression of BaPul13A, whereas either a T7 promoter alone or combined with the lac operator and lacI gene results in poor solubility. Basal expression in the initial growth phase of the host significantly affects the solubility of BaPul13A in E. coli.
Des formes éditoriales composites: les revues françaises de chimie
Authors: Dalbin Sylvie
Published: October 2014

Une étude menée sur un corpus de revues françaises de chimie entre 1800 et 2010 rend compte de la pertinence de la revue comme mode de communication privilégié, confortant les résultats de l'enquête générale présentée dans ce numéro. La revue dans le cas d'espèce apparaît comme un support matériel regroupant dans un « pot commun» une grande variété d'informations, transférées au fil du temps vers des plateformes numériques en développement depuis la fin du xxe siècle.
TRIB2 inhibits Wnt/β‐Catenin/TCF4 signaling through its associated ubiquitin E3 ligases, β‐TrCP, COP1 and Smurf1, in liver cancer cells
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Tong Minghong , Huang Jingqin , Zhang Yue , Qiao Yongxia , Weng Wenhao , Liu Weiwei , Wang Jiayi , Sun Fenyong
Published: October 2014

Tribbles homolog 2 (TRIB2) is specifically regulated by Wnt signaling in liver cancer cells but not in colon cancer cells. However, whether and how TRIB2 regulates Wnt signaling in liver cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we report that TRIB2 negatively regulates Wnt activity through a reduction in protein stability of TCF4 and β‐Catenin. Mechanistically, TRIB2 associated‐ubiquitin E3 ligases beta‐transducin repeat‐containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (β‐TrCP), COP1 and Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 1 (Smurf1) reduced TCF4/β‐Catenin expression, and these effects could be enhanced by TRIB2. Moreover, deletion of the binding regions of these E3‐ligases within the TRIB2 protein decreased ubiquitination of TCF4/β‐Catenin and reduced nuclear accumulation of β‐TrCP, COP1 and Smurf1, which suggested that TRIB2 regulated‐Wnt activity is closely correlated with its associated E3 ligases.
Zinc finger protein ZBTB20 promotes cell proliferation in non‐small cell lung cancer through repression of FoxO1
Authors: Zhao Jun-gang , Ren Kai-ming , Tang Jun
Published: October 2014

In the present study, we found that ZBTB20, a member of the POK (POZ and Krüppel) family of transcriptional repressors, was significantly up‐regulated in lung cancer tissues, compared with adjacent normal tissues. Our in vitro studies further found that ZBTB20 overexpression promoted, while its inhibition using small interfering RNA suppressed cell proliferation. Consistently, key regulators in cell‐cycle progression, such as Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, P21 and P27, were also regulated by ZBTB20. At the molecular level, we further revealed that FoxO1, a tumor suppressor in multiple human cancers, was transcriptionally repressed by ZBTB20. Therefore, our results highlight an important role for ZBTB20 in controlling NSCLC development, which might be helpful to identify potential therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ashmore Philippa , Patel Moosa , Vaughan Jenifer , Wiggill Tracey , Willem Pascale , van den Berg Eunice , Philip Vinitha , Lakha Atul
Published: October 2014

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), grouped under the mature or peripheral T-cell lymphomas. It is characterised by extranodal infiltration and proliferation of malignant T-cells within the sinusoids of the liver, sinuses and red pulp of the spleen, and the bone marrow. The tumour cells express CD2 and CD3, but are CD4, CD5 and CD8 negative and express a clonally restricted gamma-delta (or less commonly alpha-beta) T-cell receptor. The disease has an aggressive clinical course associated with a poor prognosis. We highlight and report three patients from South Africa with HSTCL, all of whom had hepatosplenomegaly and cytopaenias, and despite being HIV seronegative and immunocompetent, had a poor outcome, with a mean survival of 7.5 months in the two evaluable patients. This rare entity has not previously been reported from South Africa and as yet needs to be adequately characterised in a population where lymphoma is the most common haematological malignancy in adults, and where approximately two thirds of the adult lymphoma population are HIV seropositive.
Disrespect and abuse during facility‐based childbirth in a low‐income country
Authors: Okafor Innocent I. , Ugwu Emmanuel O. , Obi Samuel N.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To determine the prevalence and pattern of disrespectful and abusive care during facility‐based childbirth in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional study was undertaken at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital between May 1 and August 31, 2012. Women accessing immunization services for their newborns were eligible when they had delivered in the previous 6 weeks and had received prenatal care and delivery services at the hospital. The main outcome was the proportion of women who had experienced disrespectful and abusive care during their last childbirth.

Results

In total, 437 (98.0%) of 446 respondents reported at least one form of disrespectful and abusive care during their last childbirth. Non‐consented services and physical abuse were the most common types of disrespectful and abusive care during facility‐based childbirth, affecting 243 (54.5%) and 159 (35.7%) respondents, respectively. Non‐dignified care was reported by 132 (29.6%) women, abandonment/neglect during childbirth by 130 (29.1%), non‐confidential care by 116 (26.0%), detention in the health facility by 98 (22.0%), and discrimination by 89 (20.0%).

Conclusion

Disrespect and abuse during childbirth are highly prevalent in Enugu. The findings indicate the size of the issue of disrespectful and abusive care during childbirth in low‐income countries.