bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals prepared by one pot route
Authors: Wang Tingting , Chen Qinmiao , Chen Jin , Zhou Fangfang , Jia Zhen , Dou Xiaoming , Zhuang Songlin
Published: September 2014

Quaternary compound Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) is one of the most promising absorber layer materials for thin film solar cells. In present work, the CZTSe nanocrystals were successfully synthesized via one pot route, and the influences of reaction temperature on the structural, compositional, morphological and optical properties of as‐synthesized CZTSe nanocrystals were investigated in detail via X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV‐Vis spectrophotometry, respectively. The characterization results of as‐synthesized nanocrystals, under optimal synthesis condition (250 °C, 1 h), indicated that the nanocrystals was monodispersed with polycrystalline, the size was in the range of 10–15 nm, and the band gap energy was around 1.44 eV which is very closed to the best band gap energy for the solar cell. All results suggested that the as‐synthesized CZTSe nanocrystals were good light absorber layer material for thin film solar cell.
Mid‐regional pro‐adrenomedullin: an indicator of the failing Fontan circuit in patients with univentricular hearts?
Authors: Kaiser Ralf , Abdul‐Khaliq Hashim , Wilkens Heinrike , Herrmann Eva , Raedle‐Hurst Tanja M.
Published: September 2014

Aims

In patients after the Fontan procedure, assessment of a failing Fontan circuit is difficult. Natriuretic peptides failed to be reliable markers of functional status or systemic ventricular function in this patient cohort. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical utility of mid‐regional pro‐adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) in patients after the Fontan procedure.

Methods and results

Plasma MR‐proADM levels were measured in 53 patients after the Fontan procedure and compared with clinical status, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters including NT‐proBNP. Median MR‐proADM levels were 0.668 nmol/L in patients with a failing Fontan circuit as compared with 0.357 nmol/L in those without Fontan failure (P = 0.001). Levels of MR‐proADM were significantly related to the presence of Fontan failure (r = 0.444, P = 0.001), NYHA class (r = 0.434, P < 0.001), and γ‐glutamyltransferase levels (r = 0.554, P < 0.001). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Fontan failure was best predicted by MR‐proADM [area under the curve (AUC) 0.985, P = 0.001], NT‐proBNP (AUC 0.947, P = 0.003), NYHA class (AUC 0.962, P = 0.002), and the inspiratory/expiratory ratio of the inferior vena cava diameter (AUC 0.973, P = 0.007). The optimal cut‐off of MR‐proADM for the prediction of Fontan failure was 0.520 nmol/L with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.9%, positive predictive value of 57.1%, negative predictive value of 100%, and overall accuracy of 94.3%. However, the data should also be validated in a larger cohort of patients.

Conclusion

Serial measurements of MR‐proADM levels may help identify patients at risk for a failing Fontan circulation especially when exceeding 0.520 nmol/L. In these patients, intensified medical care should be considered to prevent further clinical deterioration.
Furan‐Modified Spherosilicates as Building Blocks for Self‐Healing Materials
Authors: Engel Tom , Kickelbick Guido
Published: September 2014

Octafunctional spherosilicates were used to prepare self‐healing hybrid materials. The hydrosilation of the octakis(hydridodimethylsiloxy)‐substituted spherosilicate with furfuryl allyl ether generates an inorganic nano‐building‐block that is used to formulate various self‐healing hybrid materials based on a reversible Diels–Alder reaction. Curing with a molecular bismaleimide results in a hard, glassy but reversibly cross‐linkable hybrid material. The reversibility of the curing mechanism allows the preparation of films with a heated press, which also opens the possibility to process the materials by injection molding. Substitution of the molecular cross‐linker with an oligomeric poly(dimethylsiloxane) bismaleimide results in an elastomeric material. The kinetics of the Diels–Alder reaction upon cooling after a retro‐Diels–Alder reaction are mainly controlled by the mobility of the cross‐linker within the system.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Desulfitative Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of N,N‐Disulfonylmethylamines and Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Chen Liangshun , Lang Hongyue , Fang Lei , Yu Jianjun , Wang Limin
Published: September 2014

A nickel‐catalyzed approach for the synthesis of biaryl compounds from N,N‐disulfonylmethylamines and arylboronic acids has been developed. Instead of arenesulfonyl chlorides, various N,N‐disulfonylmethylamines were used as the aryl source through extrusion of SO2 to give cross‐coupling products in moderate to good yields.
Deracemization of Quinolonecarboxamides by Dynamic Crystalline Salt Formation and Asymmetric Photoreaction by Using the Frozen Chirality
Authors: Yagishita Fumitoshi , Takagishi Naoya , Ishikawa Hiroki , Kasashima Yoshio , Mino Takashi , Sakamoto Masami
Published: September 2014

An asymmetric photoreaction by using chirality provided by dynamic chiral salt formation was demonstrated. Crystallization of racemic 2‐quinolone‐3‐carboxamide and 2‐quinolone‐4‐carboxamide with enantiopure L‐dibenzoyltartaric acid led to deracemization and gave high diastereomeric excess values of the crystalline salts in almost quantitative yield. The axial chirality was retained for a long period of time after the salts were dissolved in cooled solvent. The frozen chirality derived from the chiral salts was effectively transferred to the products by using a typical [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction with alkenes.
A survey of metal profiles in some traditional alcoholic beverages in Nigeria
Authors: Iwegbue Chukwujindu M. A. , Ojelum Anwuli L. , Bassey Francisca I.
Published: September 2014

The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg, Ca, K, and Na were determined in some traditional alcoholic beverages (oil palm wine, raphia palm wine, burukutu, pito, ogogoro) consumed in southern Nigeria, with a view to providing information on the dietary intakes of essential metals and exposure of humans to toxic metals. The concentrations of these 13 elements were determined by atomic spectrometry after nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide digestion. The mean concentrations of the metals (mg/L) in the samples ranged from 0.02 to 0.05 for Cd; 0.01 to 0.19 for Pb; nd to 0.11 for Ni, nd to 0.15 for Cr; 0.09 to 0.60 for Cu; 0.01–0.08 for Co; 0.30 to 10.3 for Fe; 0.02 to 3.97 for Mn; 0.12 to 3.84 for Zn; 2.08 to 301.3 for Mg; 2.21 to 49.2 for Ca; 35.05 to 926.1 for K; 6.30–58.1 for Na. The mean concentrations of metals in these alcoholic beverages were below statutory limits for the metals in alcoholic beverages and were similar to concentrations found in other alcoholic beverages in the literature. The estimated daily intakes of metals from the consumption of these alcoholic beverages were less than 2% of the recommended dietary allowance values except for Cd and Pb. The individual and combined metals target hazard quotient values were less than 1 except for raphia palm wine and burukutu. From the estimated target hazard, no long life health concerns of metals are associated with the consumption of these alcoholic beverages.
K–Ar dating of authigenic minerals in siliciclastic sequences: an example from the south Sanfranciscana Basin (Western Minas Gerais, Brazil)
Authors: Maraschin Anderson J. , Mizusaki Ana Maria , Zwingmann Horst , Sgarbi Geraldo Norberto C.
Published: September 2014

K–Ar dating was applied on authigenic potassic minerals which are abundant in sandstones from the south of the Sanfranciscana Basin, Western Minas Gerais State, central Brazil. The Quintinos Member fluvial sandstones (Três Barras Formation, Areado Group) contain significant amounts of authigenic K‐feldspar as microcrystals of adularia and sanidine habits. The ages of these microcrystals cluster into three groups: 106.1 ± 2.2, 89.9 ± 1.9 and 88.8 ± 1.8 Ma (from Albian to Coniacian). The older age of 106.1 ± 2.2 Ma was obtained from the coarse fraction analysed (10–20 µm) that can contain a mixture of detrital potassic minerals (K‐feldspar, muscovite, biotite and illite) and different authigenesis of K‐feldspar (overgrowths and microcrystals). Thus, only the younger ages were interpreted as precipitation of K‐feldspar microcrystals during the Late Cretaceous into the Quintinos Member sandstones. Moreover, these ages can document the formation of microcrystals within a few million years after deposition of the sandstones. The ages of authigenic illite from the Capacete Formation epiclastic sandstones (Mata da Corda Group) range from 88.5 ± 1.9 to 71.5 ± 1.9 Ma (Coniacian–Campanian). These results suggest the timing of the illitization event in these sandstones as well as a synchrony with K‐feldspar authigenesis in the Quintinos Member sandstones. These results are well constrained and are in agreement with stratigraphic, biostratigraphic and radiometric ages previously reported for the Sanfranciscana Basin. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Side‐Arm Effect of a Methyl α‐d‐Glucopyranoside Based Lariat Ether Catalysts in Asymmetric Syntheses
Authors: Rapi Zsolt , Bakó Péter , Drahos László , Keglevich György
Published: September 2014

Methyl α‐d‐glucopyranoside based monoaza‐15‐crown‐5 type lariat ethers with different heteroatom‐containing side arm attached to the nitrogen of the macrocyclic ring have been synthesized. These compounds were used as chiral phase transfer catalysts in a few asymmetric reactions, such as Michael additions, Darzens condensation, and epoxidation of chalcone. The side arms of the macrocycles had a significant impact on the chemical yields and the enantioselectivity. The effect of the lariat ethers with side arms having heteroatom (O, N, and S) was compared with the effect of the analogues having substituents without a heteroatom. The terminal allyl group also generated a significant enantioselectivity (79% enantiomeric excess) in one of the Michael additions. The application of crown ethers with substituents (CH2)3OH or (CH2)3OCH3 leads to the best enantioselectivities 85% and 99%, respectively.
Self‐renewal of hepatoblasts under chemically defined conditions by iterative growth factor and chemical screening
Authors: Lv Linjie , Han Qingwang , Chu Yinghao , Zhang Muzi , Sun Lin , Wei Wanguo , Jin Caixia , Li Wenlin
Published: September 2014

Tissue‐specific stem/progenitor cells are essential to mediate organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. In addition, these cells have attracted significant interest for their therapeutic potential. However, it remains challenging to expand most types of these cells in vitro. In this study we devised a screening strategy aimed at identifying growth factors and small molecules that can sustain self‐renewal of mouse hepatoblasts. This approach began with a defined basal condition, on top of which collections of growth factors and bioactive small molecules were screened for maintaining self‐renewal of primary hepatoblasts. The initially identified proteins and small molecules were then combined in the basal media for subsequent screening to identify additional molecules that can synergistically promote hepatoblast self‐renewal. This strategy was performed iteratively to eventually define a small molecule and growth factor cocktail, including epidermal growth factor, glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor, transforming growth factor β receptor inhibitor, lysophosphatidic acid, and sphingosine 1‐phosphate, which was sufficient to sustain long‐term self‐renewal of the murine hepatoblasts under chemically defined conditions. These expanded hepatoblasts retain the ability to respond to liver developmental cues and produce functional hepatocytes and form bile duct‐like structures. Conclusion: Our work established a chemically defined condition that allows long‐term expansion of hepatoblasts, improved our understanding of hepatoblast self‐renewal, and highlights the power of phenotypic screening to enable self‐renewal of somatic stem/progenitor cells. (Hepatology 2015;61:337–347)
Climate‐informed low‐flow frequency analysis using nonstationary modelling
Authors: Liu Dedi , Guo Shenglian , Lian Yanqing , Xiong Lihua , Chen Xiaohong
Published: September 2014

Stationarity is often assumed for frequency analysis of low flows in water resources management and planning. However, many studies have shown that flow characteristics, particularly the frequency spectrum of extreme hydrologic events, were modified by climate change and human activities. Thus, the conventional frequency analysis that fails to consider the nonstationary characteristics may lead to costly design. The analysis presented in this paper was based on the more than 100 years of daily flow data from the Yichang gauging station 44 km downstream of the Three Gorges Dam. The Mann–Kendall trend test under the scaling hypothesis showed that the annual low flows had a significant monotonic trend, whereas an abrupt change point was identified in 1936 by the Pettitt test. The climate‐informed low‐flow frequency analysis and the divided and combined method were employed to account for the impacts from related climate variables and nonstationarities in annual low flows. Without prior knowledge of the probability density function for the gauging station, six distribution functions including the generalized extreme values (GEV), Pearson Type III, Gumbel, Gamma, Lognormal and Weibull distributions have been tested to find the best fit, in which the local likelihood method is used to estimate the parameters. Analyses show that GEV had the best fit for the observed low flows. This study has also shown that the climate‐informed low‐flow frequency analysis is able to exploit the link between climate indices and low flows, which would account for the dynamic feature for reservoir management and provide more accurate and reliable designs for infrastructure and water supply. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Divergence(s) in nodal signaling between aggressive melanoma and embryonic stem cells
Authors: Khalkhali‐Ellis Zhila , Kirschmann Dawn A. , Seftor Elisabeth A. , Gilgur Alina , Bodenstine Thomas M. , Hinck Andrew P. , Hendrix Mary J.C.
Published: September 2014

The significant role of the embryonic morphogen Nodal in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells is well documented. Interestingly, the recent discovery of Nodal's re‐expression in several aggressive and metastatic cancers has highlighted its critical role in self renewal and maintenance of the stem cell‐like characteristics of tumor cells, such as melanoma. However, the key TGFβ/Nodal signaling component(s) governing Nodal's effects in metastatic melanoma remain mostly unknown. By employing receptor profiling at the mRNA and protein level(s), we made the novel discovery that embryonic stem cells and metastatic melanoma cells share a similar repertoire of Type I serine/threonine kinase receptors, but diverge in their Type II receptor expression. Ligand:receptor crosslinking and native gel binding assays indicate that metastatic melanoma cells employ the heterodimeric TGFβ receptor I/TGFβ receptor II (TGFβRI/TGFβRII) for signal transduction, whereas embryonic stem cells use the Activin receptors I and II (ACTRI/ACTRII). This unexpected receptor usage by tumor cells was tested by: neutralizing antibody to block its function; and transfecting the dominant negative receptor to compete with the endogenous receptor for ligand binding. Furthermore, a direct biological role for TGFβRII was found to underlie vasculogenic mimicry (VM), an endothelial phenotype contributing to vascular perfusion and associated with the functional plasticity of aggressive melanoma. Collectively, these findings reveal the divergence in Nodal signaling between embryonic stem cells and metastatic melanoma that can impact new therapeutic strategies targeting the re‐emergence of embryonic pathways.
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: Recent Advances and Current Trends
Authors: Jones John‐Paul , Prakash G. K. Surya , Olah George A.
Published: September 2014

With rising levels of CO2 in our atmosphere, technologies capable of converting CO2 into useful products have become more valuable. The field of electrochemical CO2 reduction is reviewed here, with sections on mechanism, formate (formic acid) production, carbon monoxide production, reduction to higher products (methanol, methane, etc.), use of flow cells, high pressure approaches, molecular catalysts, non‐aqueous electrolytes, and solid oxide electrolysis cells. These diverse approaches to electrochemical CO2 reduction are compared and contrasted, emphasizing potential processes that would be feasible for large‐scale use. Although the focus is on recent reports, highlights of older reports are also included due to their important contributions to the field, particularly for high‐rate electrolysis.
Stability of Buffered Benzylpenicillin Solutions for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: McDougall David AJ , McWhinney Brett C
Published: September 2014

Background

The stability of benzylpenicillin infusions are temperature and pH dependent. Unbuffered benzylpenicillin solutions lack the stability required for continuous infusions in the outpatient setting.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the stability of a buffered solution of benzylpenicillin at various temperatures for the purpose of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy.

Method

Benzylpenicillin was reconstituted with either sodium citrate or water for injection and diluted with sodium chloride 0.9% so as to contain a final concentration of 30–60 mg/mL. The solutions were stored at 3–5°C for 7 days, followed by either 31°C or 37°C for 24 h to replicate the infusion process. The solutions were samples at timed intervals and the benzylpenicillin concentrations were analysed by HPLC.

Results

The degradation of benzylpenicillin was not dependent upon the initial concentration of the solution in the concentration range studied (P = 0.8), but was dependent on the storage temperature (P = 0.006) and the diluent used (P = 0.01). The results indicate that benzylpenicillin (30–60 mg/mL) buffered with sodium citrate retains approximately 93% (95% confidence interval 91–96) of the original concentration after 7 days storage in a refrigerator (3–5°C) and 24 h at 37°C.

Conclusion

Using sodium citrate in the reconstitution process enables the safe and efficacious use of benzylpenicillin for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy.
Bisphosphonate‐Associated Atypical Femur Fracture
Authors: Nguyen Van T , Sinnollareddy Mahipal G
Published: September 2014

Background

Bisphosphonate therapies have long been reported to decrease the risk of typical low trauma fractures in the elderly population and are commonly prescribed for this indication. In recent literature, case reports of atypical sub‐trochanteric and femoral shaft fractures have been documented in patients treated with bisphosphonates.

Clinical details

Herein we report on an 81‐year‐old woman with postmenopausal osteoporosis who presented with an atypical femoral sub‐trochanteric fracture on plain film X‐ray following approximately 5 months for query left hip bursitis after having received risedronate and alendronate therapy for >5 years.

Outcomes

The patient was transferred to a hospital closer to home for further rehabilitation 10 days after surgery. Her bisphosphonate therapy was ceased with advice for her general practitioner (GP) to undertake annual bone mineral density testing, as well as regular calcium and vitamin D levels. It was also recommended that the patient be referred to a bone health clinic.

Conclusion

The burden of atypical fractures is significant both for the healthcare system and, more importantly, patients. There are now clear radiological changes to bone scans that give rise to the possibility of bisphosphonate‐associated atypical fractures; therefore, it is recommended that patients on long‐term bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis be reviewed every 5 years. In addition, GPs should be informed of the need for surveillance for prodromal symptoms and the possibility of atypical and minimal trauma fractures associated with long‐term bisphosphonate use.
Medication Safety Series
Authors: Thornton Penny
Published: September 2014

This series brings you up‐to‐date information about medication safety issues and strategies to prevent medication errors. It draws on Australian incidents and US experience, including (with permission) material from ISMP Medication Safety Alert! a bulletin published by the US Institute for Safe Medication Practices www.ismp.org. This series is coordinated via the Committee of Specialty Practice in Medication Safety (Chair, Rosemary Burke, Director of Pharmacy, Concord Hospital, NSW). Australian incidents are collated and editorial recommendations made by Penny Thornton (Consultant, Quality Assurance in Medication Safety; medsafety@shpa.org.au).
DrugScan Series
Authors: Eaton Vaughn
Published: September 2014

This review updates you on the international literature on therapeutics. Specialist pharmacy practitioners scan major peer‐reviewed journals in areas relevant to Australian pharmacy practice and present precis on major clinical trials, important pharmacoepidemiology studies and pharmacoeconomic research. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the original publications in greater detail.
Magnetic nanoparticles‐loaded PLA/PEG microspheres as drug carriers
Authors: Frounchi Masoud , Shamshiri Soodeh
Published: September 2014

Surface‐modified magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with an average size of 22 nm were prepared. The nanoparticles had a saturation magnetization of 50.7 emu g−1. Then magnetite and drug‐loaded microspheres of poly (lactic acid)/poly (ethylene glycol) were prepared at various compositions. The microspheres were spherical in shape and had smooth surface. The diameter size of the microspheres ranged between about 0.2 and 4 μm. Doxorubicin hydrochloride for cancer treatment was the drug that loaded into the microspheres. The prepared microspheres were characterized by FTIR, XRD, VSM, SEM and drug‐release measurements. It was found that the drug cumulative release percentage was proportional to (time) n where 0.61 < n < 0.75 depending on PEG and Fe3O4 contents. The drug release was controlled through a combination of diffusion and PLA hydrolysis and obeyed a non‐fickian mechanism. The drug release was facilitated by presence of poly (ethylene glycol) as PLA plasticizer and was higher under applied external magnetic field. The obtained magnetic microspheres could be used as drug carriers for targeted drug delivery purposes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1893–1898, 2015.
Use of polycaprolactone (PCL) as scaffolds for the regeneration of nerve tissue
Authors: Barbarisi Manlio , Marino Gerardo , Armenia Emilia , Vincenzo Quagliariello , Rosso Francesco , Porcelli Marina , Barbarisi Alfonso
Published: September 2014

Adipose tissue is an easily accessible source of stem cells for use in tissue regenerative medicine. In the literature, different methods have been used to stimulate acquisition of neuronal characteristics by adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSC). Herein we study the growth and neuronal differentiation potential of ADSC seeded onto a porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that PCL can be used as a scaffold to support reconstruction of new nervous tissue using adipose stem cells. We have previously shown that undifferentiated ADSC adhere and grow on PCL. Herein we show that, after culture on PCL in neuronal differentiation medium, ADSC expressed molecular markers characteristic of neuronal cells (β‐tubulin‐III, Neuron‐Specific Enolase (NSE), Nestin) and secrete brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). This study suggests that PCL can be used as a scaffold to generate nervous tissue in vitro. PLC has excellent mechanical properties and a slow degradation rate. Moreover, on the basis of our results, we propose that PCL could be used for to make in vitro, scaffold coated with neuronal cells derived from Adipose stem cells (ADSC). Neuronal cells‐coated PCL could find several applications to replace damaged area of ​​the body; for example, a possible use could be the generation of nerves. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1755–1760, 2015.
Development of porous polyurethane/strontium‐substituted hydroxyapatite composites for bone regeneration
Authors: Sariibrahimoglu Kemal , Yang Wanxun , Leeuwenburgh Sander C. G. , Yang Fang , Wolke Joop G. C. , Zuo Yi , Li Yubao , Jansen John A.
Published: September 2014

Polyurethane (PU) has been widely used for the biomedical applications but its potential for bone regeneration is limited due to its lack of osteoconductive properties. Strontium substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHA) particles, on the other hand, are known to exhibit a positive effect on bone formation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to (i) develop porous polyurethane scaffolds containing strontium SrHA nanoparticles (PU/SrHA) and (ii) compare their in vitro biological performance for applications in bone regeneration to PU scaffolds. SrHA and HA was synthesized using a conventional wet‐chemical neutralization reaction at temperatures of 25, 50, and 80°C. Chemical analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry. Synthesizing temperatures at 25 and at 50°C were selected for the composite preparation (abbreviated as HA‐25, SrHA‐25, HA‐50, and SrHA‐50, respectively). PU was synthesized from isophorone diisocyanate, polytetramethylene ether glycol, and 1,4‐butanediol. Composite scaffolds were prepared by addition of HA or SrHA nanoparticles into PU scaffolds during polymer preparation. The results showed that the Sr content in HA nanoparticles increased with increasing synthesis temperature. The addition of nanoparticles decreased the elongation‐at‐break and tensile strength, but significantly increased the surface wettability of the PU scaffolds. In vitro degradation tests demonstrated that release of cations was significantly higher from PU/SrHA‐50 composite scaffolds. Cell culture tests indicated that PU composites containing either HA or SrHA nanoparticles increased proliferation of bone marrow stem cells as compared to plain PU scaffolds, whereas osteogenic differentiation was not affected by the incorporation of HA nanoparticles irrespective of the incorporation of Sr. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1930–1939, 2015.
Protective Effects of Pterostilbene against Acetaminophen‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: El‐Sayed El‐Sayed M. , Mansour Ahmed M. , Nady Mohamed E.
Published: September 2014

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of pterostilbene against acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin was used as a standard hepatoprotective agent. A single dose of acetaminophen (800 mg/kg i.p.), injected to male rats, caused significant increases in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and hepatic contents of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, caspase‐3, hydroxyproline, with significant decreases in serum HDL‐cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and hepatic activities of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase as compared with the control group. On the other hand, administration of each of pterostilbene (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 15 days before acetaminophen ameliorated liver function and oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological evidence confirmed the protection offered by pterostilbene from the tissue damage caused by acetaminophen. In conclusion, pterostilbene possesses multimechanistic hepatoprotective activity that can be attributed to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Transition Metal Complexes of 1,3‐Bis(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxapropane
Authors: Tavman Aydin , Çinarli Adem , Gürbüz Demet , Tan A. Seher Birteksöz , Öksüzömer M. A. Faruk , Tüysüz Mayram , Gürkaynak Mehmet Ali , Yalçin Bahattin
Published: September 2014

1,3‐Bis(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxapropane (L) complexes with Fe(NO3)3, CoCl2, Co(NO3)2, Ni(NO3)2, CuCl2, Cu(ClO4)2, PdCl2, CdI2, Hg(NO3)2 were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic moment, TGA, FT‐IR, NMR, ESI‐MS, fluorescence spectroscopy. Also, the crystal structure of 1,3‐bis(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxapropane]dichlorocobalt(II), [Co(L)Cl2], complex is reported that it has distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Antibacterial activities of the compounds were evaluated using the disk diffusion method against six bacteria and Candida albicans. The Hg(II) complex shows superior activity toward S. epidermidis and E. coli whereas the other complexes are ineffective except the Co(NO3)2 complex: it showed weak activity toward all of the microorganisms.
Application of Nanosized Cu0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 Spinel Ferrite as a Nanocatalyst in the Synthesis of 14‐Aryl‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthene Derivatives under Solvent‐free Conditions
Authors: Fareghi‐Alamdari Reza , Golestanzadeh Mohsen , Zekri Negar
Published: September 2014

Copper and cobalt substituted spinel ferrites Cu1‐xCoxFe2O4 (0≤X≤1) have been synthesized by using hydrothermal method. The resultant spinel ferrites were systematically characterized by different techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). It was indicated that all the resultant spinel ferrites obtained by the hydrothermal method had the single‐phase crystalline. The resultant spinel ferrites were employed in the synthesis of 14‐aryl‐14‐H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthene derivatives. It was found that the nanocatalyst Cu0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 displays the best performance in the synthesis of 14‐aryl‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes. The catalyst was reused several times without significant loss of its activity for the preparation of desired product. In addition high yields of the products, solvent‐free conditions and reusability of the catalyst are other worthwhile advantages of the present study.
Syntheses, Structures and Anticancer Activity of NNO‐Tridentate Schiff Base Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Lin Rong‐Kai , Hsu Cho‐Han , Chiu Chin‐I , Lai Ying‐Ju , Lai a Feng‐Jie , Chien Ching‐Ming , Lin Chu‐Chieh
Published: September 2014

A series of heteroleptic copper(II) complexes [Cu(RQYMP)(Py]] (1a‐4d) supported on NNO‐tridentate Schiff base (RQYMP‐H) and bipyridine (Py=bpy, a; phen, b; dpq, c; dppz, d) co‐ligands have been synthesized and characterized. X‐ray crystal structural studies of complexes 1b, 2c, 3d and 4a displays that these complexes are mononuclear with a distorted square pyramidal geometry around the copper center. Cytotoxicity results indicate that all of these complexes have much higher activity against HeLa, SCC15, BCC and Ca9‐22 cancer cell lines as compared to cisplatin. Further, copper complex bearing suitable bulky group Schiff base ligands with dppz co‐ligand could be considered in designing efficient metalbased anticancer agents.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Binuclear Mixed‐Ligand (Salicylate and N,N‐diethylnicotinamide) Nickel(II) Complex, Its Magnetic Properties. [Ni2(µ‐Sal)4(Dena)2]H2O
Authors: Köse Dursun Ali , Akkurt Fatih , Şahin Onur , Büyükgüngör Orhan
Published: September 2014

The title complex of [Ni2(µ‐Sal)4(Dena)2]H2O, [(µ‐tetrakissalicylato‐κ‐O,O)(bis‐N,N‐diethylnicotinamide‐κ‐N)(binickel(II))]hydrate, C48H52Ni2N4O16, has been synthesized and explained as structural using some elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectra, UV‐Vis reflectance, magnetic measurements, thermal analysis and x‐ray diffraction methods. The analysis results showed that the unit cell of complex includes two molecules NiII cation, four molecules salicylates as bridge and two molecules N,N‐diethylnicotinamide ligands, also there is one molecule hydrated aqua. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with the following unit‐cell parameters: a=13.6776(6) Å, b=10.5238(3) Å, c=21.8165(9), α=90.00°, β=126.546(3)°, γ=90.00º and Z=2. The compound [Ni2(µ‐Sal)4(Dena)2]H2O is a typical paddle‐wheel complex structure. Two NiII ions are bridged by four salicylate ligands (O2, O2i, O3, O3i, O5, O5i, O6 and O6i) using a µ‐COO− coordination mode [symmetry code: (i) 1‐x, 1‐y, 1‐z]. Each NiII also coordinates to one nitrogen atom (N1 and N1i) from one N,N‐diethylnicotinamide ligand molecule in the axial position. The complex has strong paramagnetic properties.
Roles of SATB2 in Site‐Specific Stemness, Autophagy and Senescence of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Dong Weijie , Zhang Ping , Fu Yu , Ge Jie , Cheng Jie , Yuan Hua , Jiang Hongbing
Published: September 2014

Craniofacial bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) display some site‐specific properties that differ from those of BMSCs derived from the trunk and appendicular skeleton, but the characteristics of craniofacial BMSCs and the mechanisms that underlie their properties are not completely understood. Previous studies indicated that special AT‐rich binding protein 2 (SATB2) may be a potential regulator of craniofacial skeletal patterning and site‐specific osteogenic capacity. Here, we investigated the stemness, autophagy, and anti‐aging capacity of mandible‐derived BMSCs (M‐BMSCs) and tibia‐derived BMSCs (T‐BMSCs) and explored the role of SATB2 in regulating these properties. M‐BMSCs not only possessed stronger expression of SATB2 and stemness markers (pluripotency genes, such as Nanog, OCT‐4, Sox2, and Nestin) but also exhibited stronger autophagy and anti‐aging capacities under normal or hypoxia/serum deprivation conditions compared to T‐BMSCs. Exogenous expression of SATB2 in T‐BMSCs significantly enhanced the expression of pluripotency genes as well as autophagy and anti‐aging capacity. Moreover, SATB2 markedly enhanced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro, and promoted bone defect regeneration and the survival of BMSCs that were transplanted into mandibles with critical size defects. Mechanistically, SATB2 upregulates pluripotency genes and autophagy‐related genes, which in turn activate the mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that site‐specific BMSCs have distinct biological properties and suggest that SATB2 plays a potential role in regulating the stemness, autophagy, and anti‐aging properties of craniofacial BMSCs. The application of SATB2 to manipulate stem cells for the reconstruction of bone defects might represent a new approach. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 680–690, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
microRNA‐151–3p Regulates Slow Muscle Gene Expression by Targeting ATP2a2 in Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Wei Huan , Li Zhongwen , Wang Xiaobin , Wang Jie , Pang Weijun , Yang Gongshe , Shen Qingwu W.
Published: September 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs that regulate the stability or translation of cognate mRNAs at the post‐transcriptional level. Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs play important roles in many aspects of muscle function, including muscle growth and development, regeneration, contractility, and muscle fiber type plasticity. In the current study, we examined the function of miR‐151–3p in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Results show that overexpression of miR‐151–3p not only upregulates myoblast proliferation, but also decreases slow muscle gene expression (such as MHC‐β/slow and slow muscle troponin I) in both C2C12 myotubes and in primary cultures. Alternatively, inhibition of miR‐151–3p by antisense RNA was found to upregulate MHC‐β/slow expression, indicating that miR‐151–3p plays a role in muscle fiber type determination. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms revealed for the first time that miR‐151–3p directly targets ATP2a2, a gene encoding for a slow skeletal and cardiac muscle specific Ca2+ ATPase, SERCA2 thus downregulating slow muscle gene expression. Mechanisms by which the alteration in SERCA2 expression induces changes in other slow muscle gene expression levels needs to be defined in future research. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1003–1012, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
GATA‐1 Deficiency Rescues Trabecular but not Cortical Bone in OPG Deficient Mice
Authors: Meijome Tomas E. , Hooker R. Adam , Cheng Ying‐Hua , Walker Whitney , Horowitz Mark C. , Fuchs Robyn K. , Kacena Melissa A.
Published: September 2014

GATA‐1low/low mice have an increase in megakaryocytes (MKs) and trabecular bone. The latter is thought to result from MKs directly stimulating osteoblastic bone formation while simultaneously inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is known to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and OPG−/− mice have reduced trabecular and cortical bone due to increased osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, GATA‐1low/low mice have increased OPG levels. Here, we sought to determine whether GATA‐1 knockdown in OPG−/− mice could rescue the observed osteoporotic bone phenotype. GATA‐1low/low mice were bred with OPG−/− mice and bone phenotype assessed. GATA‐1low/low × OPG−/− mice have increased cortical bone porosity, similar to OPG−/− mice. Both OPG−/− and GATA‐1low/low × OPG−/− mice, were found to have increased osteoclasts localized to cortical bone, possibly producing the observed elevated porosity. Biomechanical assessment indicates that OPG−/− and GATA‐1low/low × OPG−/− femurs are weaker and less stiff than C57BL/6 or GATA‐1low/low femurs. Notably, GATA‐1low/low × OPG−/− mice had trabecular bone parameters that were not different from C57BL/6 values, suggesting that GATA‐1 deficiency can partially rescue the trabecular bone loss observed with OPG deficiency. The fact that GATA‐1 deficiency appears to be able to partially rescue the trabecular, but not the cortical bone phenotype suggests that MKs can locally enhance trabecular bone volume, but that MK secreted factors cannot access cortical bone sufficiently to inhibit osteoclastogenesis or that OPG itself is required to inhibit osteoclastogenesis in cortical bone. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 783–790, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
pRb2/p130 Localizes to the Cytoplasm in Diffuse Gastric Cancer
Authors: Cito Letizia , Indovina Paola , Forte Iris Maria , Pentimalli Francesca , Di Marzo Domenico , Somma Pasquale , Barone Daniela , Penon Antonella , Penon Danila , Ceccherini Elisa , Micheli Pietro , Saragoni Luca , Di Domenico Marina , Feola Antonia , Roviello Franco , Mattioli Eliseo , Giordano Giovan Giacomo , Giordano Antonio
Published: September 2014

pRb2/p130 is a key tumor suppressor, whose oncosuppressive activity has mainly been attributed to its ability to negatively regulate cell cycle by interacting with the E2F4 and E2F5 transcription factors. Indeed, pRb2/p130 has been found altered in various cancer types in which it functions as a valuable prognostic marker. Here, we analyzed pRb2/p130 expression in gastric cancer tissue samples of diffuse histotype, in comparison with their normal counterparts. We found a cytoplasmic localization of pRb2/p130 in cancer tissue samples, whereas, in normal counterparts, we observed the expected nuclear localization. pRb2/p130 cytoplasmic delocalization can lead to cell cycle deregulation, but considering the emerging involvement of pRb2/p130 in other key cellular processes, it could contribute to gastric tumorigenesis also through other mechanisms. Our data support the necessity of further investigations to verify the possibility of using pRb2/p130 as a biomarker or potential therapeutic target for diffuse gastric cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 802–805, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gene Expression Changes in Progression of Cervical Neoplasia Revealed by Microarray Analysis of Cervical Neoplastic Keratinocytes
Authors: Rotondo John Charles , Bosi Silvia , Bassi Cristian , Ferracin Manuela , Lanza Giovanni , Gafà Roberta , Magri Eros , Selvatici Rita , Torresani Stefania , Marci Roberto , Garutti Paola , Negrini Massimo , Tognon Mauro , Martini Fernanda
Published: September 2014

To evaluate the gene expression changes involved in neoplastic progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Using microarray analysis, large‐scale gene expression profile was carried out on HPV16‐CIN2, HPV16‐CIN3, and normal cervical keratinocytes derived from two HPV16‐CIN2, two HPV‐CIN3 lesions, and two corresponding normal cervical tissues, respectively. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed in normal cervical keratinocytes compared with HPV16‐CIN2 keratinocytes and in HPV16‐CIN2 keratinocytes compared with HPV16‐CIN3 keratinocytes; 37 candidate genes with continuously increasing or decreasing expression during CIN progression were identified. One of these genes, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, was chosen for further characterization. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that expression of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase consistently increases during progression of CIN toward cancer. Gene expression changes occurring during CIN progression were investigated using microarray analysis, for the first time, in CIN2 and CIN3 keratinocytes naturally infected with HPV16. Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase is likely to be associated with tumorigenesis and may be a potential prognostic marker for CIN progression. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 806–812, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Group of Novel HIF‐1α Inhibitors, Glyceollins, Blocks HIF‐1α Synthesis and Decreases Its Stability via Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Hsp90 Binding
Authors: Lee Sun‐Hee , Jee Jun‐Goo , Bae Jong‐Sup , Liu Kwang‐Hyoen , Lee You Mie
Published: September 2014

Glyceollins, a group of phytoalexins isolated from soybean, are known to exhibit anticancer, antiestrogenic, and antiangiogenic activities. However, whether glyceollins regulate tumor growth through regulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α has not been investigated. We determined whether and how glyceollins regulate the synthesis and stability of HIF‐1α. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that glyceollins inhibited the expression of HIF‐1‐induced genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer cells. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and reporter luciferase assay showed that glyceollins decreased VEGF secretion and its promoter activity, respectively. Treatment of various cancer cells with 0.5–100 µM glyceollins under hypoxic conditions reduced the expression of HIF‐1α. Glyceollins blocked translation of HIF‐1α by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway under hypoxic conditions. Glyceollins decreased the stability of HIF‐1α after treatment with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, and increased the ubiquitination of HIF‐1α after treatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Glyceollins blocked the interaction of Hsp90 with HIF‐1α, as shown by immunoprecipitation assay. Chemical binding of Hsp90 with glyceollins, as confirmed by computational docking analysis, was stronger than that with geldanamycin at the HSP90 ATP‐binding pocket. We found that glyceollins decreased microvessel density, as well as expression of phosphorylated AKT/mTOR and the Hsp90 client protein CDK4, in solid tumor tissues. Glyceollins potently inhibited HIF‐1α synthesis and decreased its stability by blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and HSP90 binding activity, respectively. These results may provide new perspectives into potential therapeutic application of glyceollins for the prevention and treatment of hypervascularized diseases and into the mechanism of their anticancer activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 853–862, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LEADING YOUR COMPANY TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Authors: Cohen Simon
Published: September 2014

Cohen believes that one of today's most pressing problems is the need for companies to differentiate themselves from the competition. This may seem straightforward but it is not. He is the leader of a Mexico‐based shipping company, with many larger multinational companies as his competitors. He uses personalized service, backed by strong, conscientious leadership, as his differentiator. He outlines five principles: (1) Get Serious About Leading, (2) Provide Unequaled Service, (3) Unleash Happiness, (4) Maintain a Start‐up Mentality, and (5) Get Your Team to Play As One. “If you don't keep raising the bar,” Cohen writes, “the company will stagnate.”
Assessing Computer Network Efficiency Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Multicriteria Decision Analysis Techniques
Authors: Ploskas Nikolaos , Stiakakis Emmanouil , Fouliras Panayotis
Published: September 2014

Measuring computer network efficiency is of great importance for a network manager. When a detailed picture of the current state of the network is available, we can use analytical and simulated‐based methods. Instead, it is more difficult to measure network efficiency, when the details of network topologies and internal characteristics are not available. In this paper, we present operations research techniques, which have been used in measuring the efficiency of economic systems, namely data envelopment analysis (DEA), stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE). We investigate whether these techniques can be used to assess network efficiency and provide the network manager with a complete set of quantitative suggestions towards relative efficiency improvement of the networks determined as inefficient. The average efficiencies extracted in our benchmark from DEA and SFA are almost equal. Furthermore, the decision maker can adjust the weights of the criteria in PROMETHEE in order to build different scenarios. Consequently, we claim that these methods can be used for measuring computer network efficiency, when networks' internal characteristics are not available. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upstream Foreclosure Decisions under Successive Monopoly Structure
Authors: Chongvilaivan Aekapol
Published: September 2014

This article models the upstream foreclosure decisions using the successive monopoly structure, whereby production requires two types of inputs, exclusive materials, and commonly available labor. An opportunity for upstream foreclosure arises when a downstream firm strategically merges with the material supplier, thereby foreclosing its rival's access to the exclusive input. The model shows that upstream foreclosure is not always optimal. A downstream firm opts for upstream foreclosure only when its relative positions in the labor‐management and material‐procurement negotiations are sufficiently strong. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.