bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes occurring in the volatile composition of Greek virgin olive oils during storage: Oil variety influences stability
Authors: Kotsiou Kali , Tasioula‐Margari Maria
Published: October 2014

The present paper reports on the changes in the volatile composition of virgin olive oils (VOO) stored for 18 months. VOO samples of five Greek olive varieties were stored in dark glass bottles (headspace 0.5%) in a basement without central heating. Even after 18 months of storage, the basic quality characteristics of the samples, such as free acidity, K232, K270, and peroxide values, did not exceed the upper limits set by European Community Regulations for VOO. Regarding the lipoxygenase pathway products, responsible for the positive sensory notes, it was shown that their total amount remained stable during the storage period. Even though the physicochemical characteristics did not exceed the upper limits, high rates of formation of volatile oxidation products, which are responsible for the off‐flavors, were observed. Among the volatile oxidation products, the highest rates of formation were monitored for heptanal, 2‐heptenal, and pentanal followed by hexanal and nonanal. The formation rate of volatile oxidation products was higher in VOO from Lianolia and Asprolia compared to VOO from Koroneiki, Native from Zakynthos and Thiaki varieties. Finally, stepwise linear regression analysis (SLRA) selected linoleic acid and total phenol/ortho‐diphenols ratio as having the maximum correlation with the formation rate of 2‐heptenal.

Practical applications: This research reports on the changes in the quality characteristics of VOO, stored for 18 months, of the main olive varieties cultivated in the western Greece. Furthermore, it provides information on the changes in volatile composition, which is responsible for positive and negative flavor attributes. Results from this study may contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between minor and/or major components and the autoxidation process. Moreover, results could be useful to VOO packagers and marketers in order to estimate the shelf‐life of individual varieties. VOO from Koroneiki, Native from Zakynthos and Thiaki varieties, which are characterized by low linoleic acid contents, can be preserved for a longer period compared to VOO from Lianolia and Asprolia varieties, which are characterized by high linoleic acid contents.

During storage of virgin olive oil (VOO) for 18 months, lipoxygenase pathway products, responsible for the positive sensory notes, remained stable. Among the volatile oxidation products, the highest rates of formation were monitored for heptanal, 2‐heptenal, and pentanal, followed by hexanal and nonanal. 2‐heptenal was correlated with VOO unsaturation and has been suggested as oxidation marker during storage.
Changes of the lipid fraction during fruit development in hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) grown in Poland
Authors: Ciemniewska‐Żytkiewicz Hanna , Pasini Federica , Verardo Vito , Bryś Joanna , Koczoń Piotr , Caboni Maria Fiorenza
Published: October 2014

Detailed changes in composition of fatty acids, as well as alterations in the content of triacylglycerols and tocopherols during the maturation of Kataloński hazelnuts grown in Jankowice, Poland were studied. Samples with different maturity levels were collected at weekly intervals between August and September 2013. Nineteen different fatty acids were identified. The amount of oleic acid (n9) was the greatest in all samples, the amount of linoleic acid (n6) acid was second greatest, while the amount of palmitic acid was third greatest in all samples, except during the very first stage of maturation. A decreasing trend in the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was observed from early developed to completely maturated hazelnuts (from 30.09 to 10.28 g 100 g−1 of oil). On the other hand, the amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in hazelnuts increased from early to harvest stage (from 22.03 to 79.17 g 100 g−1 of oil). Linoleic acid and oleic acid were the most abundant fatty acids located in sn‐2 position of triacylglycerols. Different distributions of both acids were reported during maturation. Oleic acid reported a constant distribution in an internal position, whereas linoleic acid content in sn‐2 position increased during maturation. Finally, the tocopherol content increased from early to harvest stage and the amount of α‐tocopherol was observed to be the highest among tocols.

Practical applications: The composition of hazelnuts changes during maturation. Harvest timing has a strong effect on both oil yield and quality factors, such as fatty acid composition and tocopherol content. The distinguishing features mentioned have a significant impact on the hazelnut's final oxidative stability, which is an important parameter from the grower's and distributor's practical perspective. The results obtained may be applied to the specific set up of harvesting time, when the nuts contain the highest amount of desired fatty acid. At the beginning of the maturation period, hazelnut kernels are an abundant source of both MUFA and PUFA (especially essential ones) and can be perceived as beneficial additive compounds to be applied in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

The composition of the hazelnuts' lipid fraction changes during maturation. This includes the tocopherol content, fatty acid composition and fatty acid distribution in TAG molecules. Upon the ripening of hazelnuts, the content of monounsaturated fatty acids was increased, the content of saturated fatty acids was constant and polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The α‐tocopherol concentration increased during the kernel growing season, while the content of γ‐ and β‐homologues decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Additionally, highly significant positive correlations were found between the amount of α‐tocopherol and oleic acid and between the amount of γ‐tocopherol and linoleic acid.
Synthetic Strategies for the Synthesis and Transformation of Substituted Pyrrolinones as Advanced Intermediates for Rhazinilam Analogues
Authors: Kholod Inga , Vallat Olivier , Buciumas Ana‐Maria , Neels Antonia , Neier Reinhard
Published: October 2014

The biaryl core structure of rhazinilam with its fixed dihedral angle is a pivotal element for its unique in vitro cytotoxic activity. Most of the related natural products are oxidized versions of rhazinilam. Replacing the sensitive pyrrole ring by a pyrrolinone ring is the basis of our initial strategy towards rhazinilam analogues. With this goal, variants of the sequence crossed Mukaiyama aldol reaction followed by the Staudinger reaction were studied. Reacting a suitably substituted acetophenone withO‐methylO‐trimethylsilyl ketene acetal gave pyrrolinones8aand8bin good to excellent yields. These intermediates could be transformed in four high‐yielding steps into the pyrrolic precursors7a–ccontaining all the atoms necessary for the construction of rings A, B, and C of rhazinilam. Our studies illustrate a lack of stability of these intermediates. Alternative synthetic approaches towards this central biaryl core structure are described.
ATF2 contributes to cisplatin resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer and celastrol induces cisplatin resensitization through inhibition of JNK/ATF2 pathway
Authors: Lo Iacono Marco , Monica Valentina , Vavalà Tiziana , Gisabella Mara , Saviozzi Silvia , Bracco Enrico , Novello Silvia , Papotti Mauro , Scagliotti Giorgio Vittorio
Published: October 2014

ATF2 is a transcription factor involved in stress and DNA damage. A correlation between ATF2 JNK‐mediated activation and resistance to damaging agents has already been reported. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether ATF2 may have a role in acquired resistance to cisplatin in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). mRNA and protein analysis on matched cancer and corresponding normal tissues from surgically resected NSCLC have been performed. Furthermore, in NSCLC cell lines, ATF2 expression levels were evaluated and correlated to platinum (CDDP) resistance. Celastrol‐mediated ATF2/cJUN activity was measured. High expression levels of both ATF2 transcript and proteins were observed in lung cancer specimens (p << 0.01, Log2(FC) = +4.7). CDDP‐resistant NSCLC cell lines expressed high levels of ATF2 protein. By contrast, Celastrol‐mediated ATF2/cJUN functional inhibition restored the response to CDDP. Moreover, ATF2 protein activation correlates with worse outcome in advanced CDDP‐treated patients. For the first time, it has been shown NSCLC ATF2 upregulation at both mRNA/protein levels in NSCLC. In addition, we reported that in NSCLC cell lines a correlation between ATF2 protein expression and CDDP resistance occurs. Altogether, our results indicate a potential increase in CDDP sensitivity, on Celastrol‐mediated ATF2/cJUN inhibition. These data suggest a possible involvement of ATF2 in NSCLC CDDP‐resistance.
Androgen receptor‐interacting protein HSPBAP1 facilitates growth of prostate cancer cells in androgen‐deficient conditions
Authors: Saeed Khalid , Östling Päivi , Björkman Mari , Mirtti Tuomas , Alanen Kalle , Vesterinen Tiina , Sankila Anna , Lundin Johan , Lundin Mikael , Rannikko Antti , Nordling Stig , Mpindi John‐Patrick , Kohonen Pekka , Iljin Kristiina , Kallioniemi Olli , Rantala Juha K.
Published: October 2014

Hormonal therapies targeting androgen receptor (AR) are effective in prostate cancer (PCa), but often the cancers progress to fatal castrate‐resistant disease. Improved understanding of the cellular events during androgen deprivation would help to identify survival and stress pathways whose inhibition could synergize with androgen deprivation. Toward this aim, we performed an RNAi screen on 2,068 genes, including kinases, phosphatases, epigenetic enzymes and other druggable gene targets. High‐content cell spot microarray (CSMA) screen was performed in VCaP cells in the presence and absence of androgens with detection of Ki67 and cleaved ADP‐ribose polymerase (cPARP) as assays for cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thirty‐nine candidate genes were identified, whose silencing inhibited proliferation or induced apoptosis of VCaP cells exclusively under androgen‐deprived conditions. One of the candidates, HSPB (heat shock 27 kDa)‐associated protein 1 (HSPBAP1), was confirmed to be highly expressed in tumor samples and its mRNA expression levels increased with the Gleason grade. We found that strong HSPBAP1 immunohistochemical staining (IHC) was associated with shorter disease‐specific survival of PCa patients compared with negative to moderate staining. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HSPBAP1 interacts with AR in the nucleus of PCa cells specifically during androgen‐deprived conditions, occupies chromatin at PSA/klk3 and TMPRSS2/tmprss2 enhancers and regulates their expression. In conclusion, we suggest that HSPBAP1 aids in sustaining cell viability by maintaining AR signaling during androgen‐deprived conditions.
EphB4 Forward‐Signaling Regulates Cardiac Progenitor Development in Mouse ES Cells
Authors: Chen Kang , Bai Hao , Liu Yanfeng , Hoyle Dixie L. , Shen Wei‐Feng , Wu Li‐Qun , Wang Zack Z.
Published: October 2014

Eph receptor (Eph)‐ephrin signaling plays an important role in organ development and tissue regeneration. Bidirectional signaling of EphB4–ephrinB2 regulates cardiovascular development. To assess the role of EphB4–ephrinB2 signaling in cardiac lineage development, we utilized two GFP reporter systems in embryonic stem (ES) cells, in which the GFP transgenes were expressed in Nkx2.5+ cardiac progenitor cells and in α‐MHC+ cardiomyocytes, respectively. We found that both EphB4 and ephrinB2 were expressed in Nkx2.5‐GFP+ cardiac progenitor cells, but not in α‐MHC‐GFP+ cardiomyocytes during cardiac lineage differentiation of ES cells. An antagonist of EphB4, TNYL‐RAW peptides, that block the binding of EphB4 and ephrinB2, impaired cardiac lineage development in ES cells. Inhibition of EphB4–ephrinB2 signaling at different time points during ES cell differentiation demonstrated that the interaction of EphB4 and ephrinB2 was required for the early stage of cardiac lineage development. Forced expression of human full‐length EphB4 or intracellular domain‐truncated EphB4 in EphB4‐null ES cells was established to investigate the role of EphB4‐forward signaling in ES cells. Interestingly, while full‐length EphB4 was able to restore the cardiac lineage development in EphB4‐null ES cells, the truncated EphB4 that lacks the intracellular domain of tyrosine kinase and PDZ motif failed to rescue the defect of cardiomyocyte development, suggesting that EphB4 intracellular domain is essential for the development of cardiomyocytes. Our study provides evidence that receptor‐kinase‐dependent EphB4‐forward signaling plays a crucial role in the development of cardiac progenitor cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 467–475, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetic Modifications, Chromatin Distribution and TP53 Transcription in a Model of Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Santos Gilson C. , da Silva Ana P. A. , Feldman Lucas , Ventura Grasiella M. , Vassetzky Yegor , de Moura Gallo Claudia V.
Published: October 2014

In the present paper we aimed to characterize epigenetic aspects and analyze TP53 transcription in the 21 T series, composed of breast cell lines: non‐cancerous H16N2; Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia 21PT; Ductal Carcinoma in situ 21NT and Invasive Metastatic Carcinoma 21MT1. We detected a global genomic hypomethylation in 21NT and 21MT1. The histone modification markers analysis showed an important global decrease of the active chromatin mark H4Ac in 21MT1 relative to the other cell lines while the repressive mark H3K9Me3 were not significantly altered. The mRNA levels of DNA methylation and histone modification key enzymes are consistent with the observed genomic hypomethylation and histone hypoacetylation. The expression of DNMT3A/B increased at the initial stages of oncogenesis and the expression of DNMT1 and HAT1 decreased at the advanced stages of breast cancer. Using a confocal immunofluorescent assay, we observed that H4Ac was mostly located at the periphery and the repressive mark H3K9Me3, at the center of 21NT and 21MT1 cells nuclei. TP53 P1 promoter was found to be in an open chromatin state, with a relatively high enrichment of H4Ac and similar TP53 transcription levels in all 21 T cell lines. In conclusion, we observed epigenetic alterations (global genome hypomethylation, global hypoacetylation and accumulation of pericentric heterochromatin) in metastatic breast cancer cells of the 21 T series. These alterations may act at later stages of breast cancer progression and may not affect TP53 transcription at the P1 promoter. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 533–541, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Down‐Regulated Long Non‐Coding RNA MEG3 and its Effect on Promoting Apoptosis and Suppressing Migration of Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Zou Yanfen , Wang Wenqi , Zuo Qing , Jiang Ziyan , Sun Ming , De Wei , Sun Lizhou
Published: October 2014

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria twenty weeks into pregnancy. Failure of uterine spiral artery remodeling contributes to preeclampsia's development. The development might be associated with trophoblast cells functioning abnormally. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in many diseases. Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), one of these lncRNAs, might function as a tumor suppressor. Aberrant expression of MEG3 induces prenatal death, and little is known of MEG3's role in preeclampsia. This study aims to identify the role of lncRNA MEG3 on apoptosis and the migration of human trophoblast cells, and to investigate the involvement of lncRNA MEG3 in pathogenic mechanisms underlying preeclampsia. In this study, we found MEG3 levels were down‐regulated by approximately 80% in placental samples collected from preeclamptic patients (n = 30) compared to samples collected from normotensive patients (n = 30) by qRT‐PCR analysis. By designing RNA interference species to suppress MEG3 and specific plasmids designed to over‐express MEG3, we explored the role of MEG3 on the functions of two trophoblast cell‐lines, HTR‐8/SVneo and JEG3 cells. Over‐expression of MEG3 reduced apoptosis and promoted migration of HTR‐8/SVneo and JEG3 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of endogenous MEG3 increased apoptosis and decreased migration of HTR‐8/SVneo and JEG3 cells. Additionally, lncRNA MEG3 influenced expression of NF‐κB, Caspase‐3, and Bax protein expressions in trophoblast cells. Our findings highlight that abnormal levels of lncRNA MEG3 might lead to aberrant conditions in HTR‐8/SVneo and JEG3 trophoblast cells, which might be associated with uterine spiral artery remodeling failure and its contribution to preeclampsia. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 542–550, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TGFβ3 Regulates Periderm Removal Through ΔNp63 in the Developing Palate
Authors: Hu Lihua , Liu Jingpeng , Li Zhi , Ozturk Ferhat , Gurumurthy Channabasavaiah , Romano Rose‐Anne , Sinha Satrajit , Nawshad Ali
Published: October 2014

The periderm is a flat layer of epithelium created during embryonic development. During palatogenesis, the periderm forms a protective layer against premature adhesion of the oral epithelia, including the palate. However, the periderm must be removed in order for the medial edge epithelia (MEE) to properly adhere and form a palatal seam. Improper periderm removal results in a cleft palate. Although the timing of transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3) expression in the MEE coincides with periderm degeneration, its role in periderm desquamation is not known. Interestingly, murine models of knockout (−/−) TGFβ3, interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) (−/−), and truncated p63 (ΔNp63) (−/−) are born with palatal clefts because of failure of the palatal shelves to adhere, suggesting that these genes regulate palatal epithelial differentiation. However, despite having similar phenotypes in null mouse models, no studies have analyzed the possible association between the TGFβ3 signaling cascade and the IRF6/ΔNp63 genes during palate development. Recent studies indicate that regulation of ΔNp63, which depends on IRF6, facilitates epithelial differentiation. We performed biochemical analysis, gene activity and protein expression assays with palatal sections of TGFβ3 (−/−), ΔNp63 (−/−), and wild‐type (WT) embryos, and primary MEE cells from WT palates to analyze the association between TGFβ3 and IRF6/ΔNp63. Our results suggest that periderm degeneration depends on functional TGFβ3 signaling to repress ΔNp63, thereby coordinating periderm desquamation. Cleft palate occurs in TGFβ3 (−/−) because of inadequate periderm removal that impedes palatal seam formation, while cleft palate occurs in ΔNp63 (−/−) palates because of premature fusion. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1212–1225, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Multiassay analysis of the toxic potential of hydrogen peroxide on cultured neurons
Authors: Hohnholt Michaela C. , Blumrich Eva M. , Dringen Ralf
Published: October 2014

To clarify discrepancies in the literature on the adverse effects of hydrogen peroxide on neurons, this study investigated the application of this peroxide to cultured cerebellar granule neurons with six assays frequently used to test for viability. Cultured neurons efficiently cleared exogenous H2O2. Although viability was not affected by exposure to 10 µM hydrogen peroxide, an exposure to the peroxide in higher concentrations rapidly lowered, within 15 min, the cellular 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltertrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction capacity to 53% ± 1% (100 µM) and 31% ± 1% (1,000 µM) and the 3‐amino‐7‐dimethylamino‐2‐methyl‐phenazine hydrochloride (neutral red; NR) uptake to 84% ± 6% (100 µM) and 33% ± 1% (1,000 µM) of control cells. The release of glycolytically generated lactate was stopped within 30 min in neurons treated with 1,000 µM peroxide. In contrast, even hours after peroxide application, the cell morphology, the number of propidium iodide‐positive cells, and the extracellular activity of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were not significantly altered. The rapid loss in MTT reduction and NR uptake after exposure of neurons to H2O2 for 5 or 15 min correlated well with a strongly compromised MTT reduction and a very high extracellular LDH activity observed after further incubation in peroxide‐free medium for a total incubation period of 24 hr. These data demonstrate that cultured neurons do not recover from damage that is inflicted by a short exposure to H2O2 and that the rapid losses in the capacities of neurons for MTT reduction and NR uptake are good predictors of delayed cell damage. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lower urinary tract function in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
Authors: Tateno Fuyuki , Sakakibara Ryuji , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Kishi Masahiko , Tsuyusaki Yohei , Takahashi Osamu , Sugiyama Megumi , Tateno Akihiko
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common degenerative cause of dementia, whereas lower urinary tract (LUT) function in DLB patients has not been fully delineated. We investigated LUT function in DLB by clinical‐urodynamic observations.

Methods

We examined 32 patients with DLB (23 men, 9 women; aged 59‐86 [mean, 75.9] years; disease duration, 0.2‐17 [3.3] years). All patients underwent an electromyography‐cystometry, and 21 patients underwent the sphincter motor unit potential analysis.

Results

Ninety‐one percent of patients had LUT symptoms: nighttime frequency (>8 times), 84%, and urinary incontinence (>1 per week), 50%. Detrusor overactivity was revealed in 87.1%, whereas postvoid residual was minimal. Neurogenic changes were shown in 50%.

Conclusion

LUT dysfunction is a common feature in DLB, attributable not only to dementia and immobility, but also to central and peripheral types of somato‐autonomic dysfunction. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Inhibin alpha gene expression in human trophoblasts is regulated by interactions between TFAP2 and cAMP signaling pathways
Authors: Depoix Christophe L. , Debiève Frédéric , Hubinont Corinne
Published: October 2014

Inhibin α (Inha) gene expression is regulated, in rat granulosa cells, via a cyclic 3′,5′‐adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐response element (CRE) found in a region of the promoter that is homologous to the human INHA promoter. We previously found that during in vitro cytotrophoblast differentiation, human INHA gene expression was regulated by TFAP2A via association with an AP‐2 site located upstream of this CRE. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the human INHA gene was also regulated by cAMP in trophoblasts, and to investigate the possible crosstalk between TFAP2 and cAMP signaling pathways in the regulation of INHA gene expression. Treatment with cAMP or forskolin increased INHA mRNA expression by 7‐ and 2‐fold in primary cytotrophoblasts and choriocarcinoma‐derived BeWo cells, respectively. Treatment with the protein kinase A inhibitor H‐89 reduced forskolin‐induced luciferase activity by ∼40% in BeWo cells transfected with an INHA promoter‐driven luciferase reporter vector. TFAP2 overexpression increased basal luciferase activity, whereas the dominant repressor KCREB abolished it. Surprisingly, mutation of the CRE also eliminated the TFAP2‐induced transcription, although TFAP2 overexpression was still able to increase forskolin‐induced luciferase activity when the AP‐2 binding site, but not the CRE site, was mutated. Thus, INHA gene expression is upregulated by cAMP via CRE in human trophoblasts, and TFAP2 regulates this expression by interacting with CRE. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 1009–1018, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mating decreases plasma levels of TGFβ1 and regulates myosalpinx expression of TGFβ1/TGFBR3 in the rat
Authors: Oróstica María L. , López John , Zuñiga Lidia M. , Utz Daniella , Díaz Patricia , Reuquen Patricia , Parada‐Bustamante Alexis , Cardenas Hugo , Orihuela Pedro A.
Published: October 2014

Mating shuts down a 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME)‐dependent, non‐genomic activity that is responsible for accelerating egg transport in the rat oviduct. The aims of this work were to investigate the role of TGFβ1 in this 2ME‐reduced activity and to determine the effect of mating on the expression and distribution of TGFβ1 and its receptor TGFBR3 in the rat oviduct. We determined the level of TGFβ1 in the plasma and oviductal fluid at 1, 3, or 6 hr during Day 1 of the oestrous cycle in unmated or mated animals. We then examined if 2ME accelerates oviductal egg transport in unmated rats that were previously treated with a neutralizing TGFβ1 antibody. The expression of Tgfb1 and Tgfbr3 mRNA and the level and distribution of TGFBR3 protein in the oviduct were also determined at these time points. Mating decreased TGFβ1 in the plasma, but not in the oviductal fluid, whereas antibody neutralization of circulating TGFβ1 did not prevent the effect of 2ME on egg transport. Mating decreased Tgfb1 and hastened the increase in TGFBR3 abundance in the myosalpinx. These results indicate that mating decreased circulating levels of TGFβ1 without shutting down the non‐genomic 2ME response that normally accelerates egg transport. Levels of Tgfb1 transcript and TGFBR3 protein, however, changed in the myosalpinx of mated rats, suggesting a role for mating‐associated factors in the autocrine and paracrine effects of TGFβ in the oviduct. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 1053–1061, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of urinary incontinence and its association with multimorbidity in women aged 50 years or older: A population‐based study
Authors: Reigota Renata B. , Pedro Adriana Orcesi , de Souza Santos Machado Vanessa , Costa‐Paiva Lúcia , Pinto‐Neto Aarão M.
Published: October 2014

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors for urinary incontinence, as well as its association with multimorbidity among Brazilian women aged 50 or over.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional population‐based study including 622 women 50 years or older, conducted in the city of Campinas‐SP‐Brazil. The dependent variable was Urinary Incontinence (UI), defined as any complaint of urine loss. The independent variables were sociodemographic data, health‐related habits, self‐perception of health and functional capacity evaluation. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Chi‐square test and Poisson regression.

Results

The mean age of the women was 64. UI was prevalent in 52.3% of these women: Mixed UI (26.6%), Urge UI (13.2%) and Stress UI (12.4%). Factors associated with a higher prevalence of UI were hypertension (OR 1.21, CI 1:01–1:47, P = 0.004), osteoarthritis (OR 1.24, CI 1:03–1:50, P = 0.022), physical activity ≥3 days/week (OR 1.21, CI 1:01–1:44, P = 0.039), BMI ≥ 25 at the time of the interview (OR 1.25, CI 1:04–1:49, P = 0.018), negative self‐perception of health (OR 1.23, CI 1:06–1:44 P = 0.007) and limitations in daily living activities (PR 1:56 CI 1:16–2:10, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The prevalence of UI was high. Mixed incontinence was the most frequent type of UI. Many associated factors can be prevented or improved. Thus, health policies targeted at these combined factors could reduce their prevalence rate and possibly decrease the prevalence of UI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:62–68, 2016. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differences in Identity Style and Process: Can Less Be More
Authors: Reio Thomas G. , Portes Pedro R. , Nixon Casey B.
Published: October 2014

This study examines relationships between identity status and process measure scores that advance our understanding of methodological characteristics in the context of gender and age. A sample of 391 adolescents and adults (215 males, 176 females) completed the Identity Style Inventory (ISI; Berzonsky, 1992) and Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ; Balisteri, Busch‐Rossnagel, & Geisinger, 1995). Two of three identity processing styles were related significantly with age; moderated by gender and status. Exploration and commitment were significantly associated with informational and normative style, respectively. The two commitment measure scores were significantly related. Informational identity style and the exploration and commitment measures increased with age. Identity diffused orientation decreased over time and was more prevalent among males. Support was limited for the stability of identity style over time. These findings, founded on a broad age range, help test assumptions regarding the role of maturation and the identity style model in particular.
Statistical analysis of relation between plasma methotrexate concentration and toxicity in high‐dose methotrexate therapy of childhood nonHodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Tsurusawa Masahito , Gosho Masahiko , Mori Tetsuya , Mitsui Tetsuo , Sunami Shosuke , Kobayashi Ryoji , Fukano Reiji , Tanaka Fumiko , Fujita Naoto , Inada Hiroko , Koh Katsuyoshi , Takimoto Tetsuya , Saito Akiko , Fujimoto Junichiro , Nakazawa Atsuko , Horibe Keizo ,   for the lymphoma committee of the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/lymphoma Study Group
Published: October 2014

Background

Plasma monitoring of Methotrexate (MTX) levels is a standard approach to predict MTX‐related toxicities in a high‐dose (HD) MTX monotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, it is uncertain whether plasma MTX levels can predict MTX‐related toxicity in the HDMTX plus additional chemotherapy for childhood B‐cell nonHodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL).

Procedures

To statistically analyze the relationship between MTX pharmacokinetic parameters and MTX‐related toxicities, we collected data from patients with delayed MTX elimination (≥1 µM at 48 hr and/or ≥0.5 µM at 72 hr) in the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group (JPLSG) BNHL 03 study. Blood MTX levels were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hr after 3 or 5 g/m2 HD‐MTX administration for 24 hr.

Results

Three hundred and four patients received 2–4 courses of the HDMTX plus additional chemotherapy, and delayed MTX elimination was observed in 165 courses of 127 patients. In those, nephrotoxicity was significantly correlated with plasma MTX levels for each patient (P = 0.03), and also for each course (P = 0.009), but no other toxicities were correlated. Another analysis according to HDMTX courses showed no significant correlation between the first high plasma MTX levels and subsequent MTX levels in later course. It also showed that incidence of liver and gastrointestinal toxicities was most frequent in the first HDMTX course, and then sharply decreased in later courses (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that plasma MTX level is not a reliable predictor for adverse events except for nephrotoxicity in multiple HDMTX therapy courses in childhood B‐NHL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:279–284. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the prepolymer and gel of biocompatible poly(xylitol sebacate) in comparison with poly(glycerol sebacate) using a combination of mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Moorhoff Cornelis , Li Yuan , Cook Wayne D , Braybrook Carl , Chen Qi‐Zhi
Published: October 2014

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (negative ion) and electrospray ionization (positive and negative ion) mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) were used to characterize the prepolymer (i.e. uncrosslinked) poly(xylitol sebacate) (PXS), prepared by condensation of xylitol [X] and sebacic acid [S], and this was compared with poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), prepared by condensation of glycerol [G] and [S]. The PXS prepolymer, prepared at 118 °C/24 h, gave predominantly 1‐acyl‐[XS] and 1,5‐diacyl‐[SXS] species and smaller amounts of 2‐acyl substitutions. At 130 °C/24 h an increase of the amount of the 1‐acyl and 1,5‐diacyl substitutions in the [(SX)n], [S(XS)n] and [(XS)nX] series was identified, as was found for the analogous PGS prepolymer ([(SG)n], [S(GS)n] and [(GS)nG] series). Novel tetrahydrofuranyl species were found in the PXS prepolymer. Further polymerization of the PXS prepolymer gave a gel which when analysed using 13C NMR was shown to mainly contain 1‐acyl and 1,5‐diacyl substitutions. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Recommended assessment and management of vitamin deficiency
Authors: Lolin Yvette
Published: October 2014

Testing for vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D are frequently justified and there is a case for increased awareness and the testing of populations and individuals at high risk. Our Drug review discusses the causes of deficiency, atrisk groups, assessment and recommended management.
Modelling influence of Botnet features on effectiveness of DDoS attacks
Authors: Ramanauskaitė Simona , Goranin Nikolaj , Čenys Antanas , Juknius Jonas
Published: October 2014

The number of coordinated and targeted Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks in the world used both as information warfare and as economic racket is increasing. It demonstrates the importance of DDoS attack modelling in order to increase understanding of DDoS nature success factors and to refine the protection mechanisms. Existing models concentrate on DDoS attack and victim properties and do not pay attention to Botnet properties, while Botnets become the major DDoS organization and management technology. We propose the DDoS attack model, which allows estimation of influence of Botnet size and agent allocation strategies on attack success probability. Modelling results of different Botnet agent allocation strategies have shown the dependence of DDoS success on attack power dynamics. The proposed DDoS attack model can be used for analysing probability of victim resistance to DDoS attack by modelling situations with different victim, attack and Botnet properties and by applying these results for optimal countermeasure planning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentially private client‐side data deduplication protocol for cloud storage services
Authors: Shin Youngjoo , Kim Kwangjo
Published: October 2014

Cloud storage service providers apply data client‐side deduplication across multiple users to achieve cost savings of network bandwidth and disk storage. However, deduplication can be used as a side channel by attackers who try to obtain sensitive information of other users' data. We propose a differentially private client‐side deduplication protocol. A storage gateway allows efficient data deduplication while reducing the risk of information leakage. Its security can be strongly guaranteed according to the definition of differential privacy. We evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed protocol through experiments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perovskite Solar Cells: From Materials to Devices
Authors: Jung Hyun Suk , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: October 2014

Perovskite solar cells based on organometal halide light absorbers have been considered a promising photovoltaic technology due to their superb power conversion efficiency (PCE) along with very low material costs. Since the first report on a long‐term durable solid‐state perovskite solar cell with a PCE of 9.7% in 2012, a PCE as high as 19.3% was demonstrated in 2014, and a certified PCE of 17.9% was shown in 2014. Such a high photovoltaic performance is attributed to optically high absorption characteristics and balanced charge transport properties with long diffusion lengths. Nevertheless, there are lots of puzzles to unravel the basis for such high photovoltaic performances. The working principle of perovskite solar cells has not been well established by far, which is the most important thing for understanding perovksite solar cells. In this review, basic fundamentals of perovskite materials including opto‐electronic and dielectric properties are described to give a better understanding and insight into high‐performing perovskite solar cells. In addition, various fabrication techniques and device structures are described toward the further improvement of perovskite solar cells.
Fenofibrate reduces amyloidogenic processing of APP in APP/PS1 transgenic mice via PPAR‐α/PI3‐K pathway
Authors: Zhang Hua , Gao Ying , Qiao Pei‐feng , Zhao Feng‐li , Yan Yong
Published: October 2014

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPAR‐α), a member of the family of ligand‐activated nuclear hormone receptors, plays a relevant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To better understand the role of PPAR‐α in AD, we examined the ability of fenofibrate (a PPAR‐α agonist) to regulate amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. After intragastric administration of fenofibrate into 3‐month‐old APP/PS1 transgenic mice for 6 months, and the levels of relative proteins were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. We found that fenofibrate increased the expression of PPAR‐α, and decreased beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE‐1) mRNA and protein levels, and also reduced soluble APPβ (sAPPβ) and amyloid‐β 42 (Aβ42) releases. However. fenofibrate did not modify the levels of APP and presenilin 1 (PS1). Furthermore, LY294002, the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) inhibitor, suppressed the effects of fenofibrate on BACE‐1, sAPPβ, and Aβ42, but not PPAR‐α. Our data suggest that fenofibrate may reduce the amyloidogenic processing of APP in APP/PS1 transgenic mice via PPAR‐α/PI3‐K pathway.
Failure of communication and capture: The perils of temporary unipolar pacing system
Authors: Sahinoglu Efe , Wool Thomas J. , Wool Kenneth J.
Published: October 2014

We present a case of a patient with pacemaker dependence secondary to complete heart block who developed loss of capture of her temporary pacemaker. Patient developed torsades de pointes then ventricular fibrillation, requiring CPR and external cardioversion. After patient was stabilized, it was noticed that loss of capture of pacemaker corresponded with nursing care, when the pulse generator was lifted off patient's chest wall, and that patient's temporary pacing system had been programmed to unipolar mode without knowledge of attending cardiologist. This case highlights the importance of communication ensuring all caregivers are aware of mode of the temporary pacing system.
Nonlinear collisionless damping of Weibel turbulence in relativistic blast waves
Authors: Lemoine Martin
Published: October 2014

The Weibel/filamentation instability is known to play a key role in the physics of weakly magnetized collisionless shock waves. From the point of view of high energy astrophysics, this instability also plays a crucial role because its development in the shock precursor populates the downstream with a small-scale magneto-static turbulence which shapes the acceleration and radiative processes of suprathermal particles. The present work discusses the physics of the dissipation of this Weibel-generated turbulence downstream of relativistic collisionless shock waves. It calculates explicitly the first-order nonlinear terms associated to the diffusive nature of the particle trajectories. These corrections are found to systematically increase the damping rate, assuming that the scattering length remains larger than the coherence length of the magnetic fluctuations. The relevance of such corrections is discussed in a broader astrophysical perspective, in particular regarding the physics of the external relativistic shock wave of a gamma-ray burst.
Nonlinear structure of electromagnetic field, electron temperature and electron density in interaction of relativistic laser and plasma with density ripple
Authors: Xia Xiongping
Published: October 2014

In the paper, nonlinear structure of electromagnetic field, electron temperature, and electron density in interaction with relativistic laser and collisional underdense rippled plasma are investigated. The results are shown that due to the combination influence of relativistic effect, ohmic heating and plasma density ripple, electromagnetic field profile presents obvious asynchronism, which the peak of electric field run ahead of the peak of magnetic field. Furthermore, the electromagnetic field profiles show obvious non-sinusoidal, and the profile of electron temperature and density become highly peaked. Especially, compared with the previous work, due to the added influence of plasma density ripple, electromagnetic field, electron temperature and electron density present obvious oscillation along plasma length rather than stabilization amplitude, and their peak are out of sync.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of wetted soils across a polar desert landscape
Authors: Langford Zachary L. , Gooseff Michael N. , Lampkin Derrick J.
Published: October 2014

Liquid water is scarce across the landscape of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica, a 3800 km2ice-free region, and is chiefly associated with soils that are adjacent to streams and lakes (i.e. wetted margins) during the annual thaw season. However, isolated wetted soils have been observed at locations distal from water bodies. The source of water for the isolated patches of wet soil is potentially generated by a combination of infiltration from melting snowpacks, melting of pore ice at the ice table, and melting of buried segregation ice formed during winter freezing. High resolution remote sensing data gathered several times per summer in the MDV region were used to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of wet soils. The spatial consistency with which the wet soils occurred was assessed for the 2009–10 to 2011–12 summers. The remote sensing analyses reveal that cumulative area and number of wet soil patches varies among summers. The 2010–11 summer provided the most wetted soil area (10.21 km2) and 2009–10 covered the least (5.38 km2). These data suggest that wet soils are a significant component of the MDV cold desert land system and may become more prevalent as regional climate changes.
Dosimetric properties of fluoroscopic EPID for transit dosimetry
Authors: Anvari Akbar , Aghamiri Seyed Mahmoud Reza , Mahdavi Seyed Rabi , Alaei Parham , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: October 2014

The aim of this work was to evaluate dose response of fluoroscopic EPID for transit dosimetry applications. Properties studied included warm up time, build-up thickness evaluation, dose history, linearity, stability, and short and long-term reproducibility of EPID response, as well as field size dependence.

Pixel value matrices of electronic portal images in DICOM format were analysed in central and 8 off axis points using customised written codes in Matlab. In order to do this, nine 26×26 pixel matrices were selected as regions of interest, the regions represented by these arrays were 1×1 and 0·65×0·65 cm2 at the EPID and isocentre level, respectively.

Necessary warm up time for stable operation of EPID is 30 minutes, and there is no need for extra build-up layer to increase the dose response. Linearity tests indicate charged coupled device camera of EPID saturates at 50 cGy level, and does not have linear relationship with dose. Reproducibility and stability of the measurements were excellent and the detector showed same signal with a maximum deviation of <0·3% both in short and long terms. Results of dosimetric evaluation have shown the TheraView fluoroscopic EPID can be used for transit dosimetry purposes.
The Principle of Equality in the Estonian Constitution: A Systematic Perspective
Authors: Ernits Madis
Published: October 2014

Summary of relevant Estonian Supreme Court jurisprudence – The equality principle as an enforceable subjective right which is binding on the legislature – Legal, not factual, equality – No requirement of unequal treatment of non-equals – Simple statutory reservation – Incomparability as a non-suitable criterion for determining the scope of the right to equality – Formation of comparison groups according to the most apparent violation – Special equality rights? – Original and ancillary equality application – Three different intensities of judicial review – Coherence.
Co-expression of POU4F2/Brn-3b with p53 may be important for controlling expression of pro-apoptotic genes in cardiomyocytes following ischaemic/hypoxic insults
Authors: Budhram-Mahadeo V , Fujita R , Bitsi S , Sicard P , Heads R
Published: October 2014

Cardiomyocyte death following ischaemic/hypoxic injury causes irreversible damage to cardiac function and contributes to chronic diseases such as heart failure. Understanding the mechanisms associated with myocyte loss under these conditions can help to identify strategies to minimise/abrogate such detrimental effects. The p53 protein can induce apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, but effects on cell fate depend on interactions with other regulators such as POU4F2/Brn-3b (Brn-3b), which co-operates with p53 to increase the expression of pro-apoptotic genes. In contrast, the related POU4F1/Brn-3a (Brn-3a) blocks p53-mediated apoptosis but co-operates with p53 to enhance cell cycle arrest. In this study, we showed that permanent coronary artery ligation in mouse hearts, which induced apoptotic markers, activated caspase-3 and -8 and necroptosis markers; RIP-1 and -3 also increased Brn-3b and Brn-3a expression. However, Brn-3a was only detected in uninjured myocardium but not at the site of injury, whereas Brn-3b showed generalised increase, including within the infarct zone. Conversely, p53 was detected in the infarct zone and in some cells adjacent to the site of injury but not in uninjured myocardium. Co-localisation studies showed Brn-3a co-expression with p53 in cardiomyocytes adjacent to the infarct zone, whereas Brn-3b was co-localised with p53 in the infarct zone only. Increased Brn-3b and p53 correlated with elevated expression of pro-apoptotic target genes, Bax, Noxa and PUMA, whereas cleaved caspase-3 confirmed the presence of apoptotic cells within this region of the injured heart. Similarly, simulated ischaemia/reoxygenation (sI/R) injury in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVM) and heart derived H9c2 myoblasts increased Brn-3b, p53 as well as apoptotic genes, and this was associated with enhanced apoptosis. Furthermore, targeted reduction of Brn-3b using shRNA caused reduction in pro-apoptotic Bax and Noxa proteins, even though p53 expression remained intact, suggesting that Brn-3b is important for controlling the fate of the myocardium in the injured heart.
An eIF4E-interacting peptide induces cell death in cancer cell lines
Authors: Masse M , Glippa V , Saad H , Le Bloas R , Gauffeny I , Berthou C , Czjzek M , Cormier P , Cosson B
Published: October 2014

The eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E is essential for cap-dependent initiation of translation in eukaryotes. Abnormal regulation of eIF4E has been implicated in oncogenic transformation. We developed an eIF4E-binding peptide derived from Angel1, a partner of eIF4E that we recently identified. We show here that this peptide fused to a penetratin motif causes drastic and rapid cell death in several epithelial cancer cell lines. This necrotic cell death was characterized by a drop in ATP levels with F-actin network injury being a key step in extensive plasma membrane blebbing and membrane permeabilization. This synthetic eIF4E-binding peptide provides a candidate pharmacophore for a promising new cancer therapy strategy.
Ultratrace determination of cadmium(ii) ions in water samples using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after separation and preconcentration using magnetic activated carbon nanocomposites
Authors: Mohajer Samira , Chamsaz Mahmoud , Entezari Mohammad H.
Published: October 2014

This work has studied the sorption/preconcentration of trace amounts of cadmium using a magnetic activated carbon nanocomposite (MAC) in water samples using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
The sulfur-bubble template-mediated synthesis of uniform porous g-C3N4 with superior photocatalytic performance
Authors: He Fang , Chen Gang , Yu Yaoguang , Zhou Yansong , Zheng Yi , Hao Sue
Published: October 2014

Uniform porous sulfur-mediated g-C3N4 has been obtained using a facile sulfur-bubble template-mediated approach and exhibits superior photocatalytic performance.