bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Molecular Genetic Linkage Maps of Cultivated Peanut
Authors: Guo Baozhu , Pandey Manish K. , He Guohao , Zhang Xinyou , Liao Boshou , Culbreath Albert , Varshney Rajeev K. , Nwosu Victor , Wilson Richard F. , Stalker H. Thomas
Published: February 2014

The competitiveness of peanuts in domestic and global markets has been threatened by losses in productivity and quality that are attributed to diseases, pests, environmental stresses and allergy or food safety issues. Narrow genetic diversity and a deficiency of polymorphic DNA markers severely hindered construction of dense genetic maps and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in order to deploy linked markers in marker-assisted peanut improvement. The U.S. Peanut Genome Initiative (PGI) was launched in 2004, and expanded to a global effort in 2006 to address these issues through coordination of international efforts in genome research beginning with molecular marker development and improvement of map resolution and coverage. Ultimately, a peanut genome sequencing project was launched in 2012 by the Peanut Genome Consortium (PGC). We reviewed the progress for accelerated development of peanut genomic resources in peanut, such as generation of expressed sequenced tags (ESTs) (252,832 ESTs as December 2012 in the public NCBI EST database), development of molecular markers (over 15,518 SSRs), and construction of peanut genetic linkage maps, in particular for cultivated peanut. Several consensus genetic maps have been constructed, and there are examples of recent international efforts to develop high density maps. An international reference consensus genetic map was developed recently with 897 marker loci based on 11 published mapping populations. Furthermore, a high-density integrated consensus map of cultivated peanut and wild diploid relatives also has been developed, which was enriched further with 3693 marker loci on a single map by adding information from five new genetic mapping populations to the published reference consensus map.
The Orphan Legume Genome Whose Time Has Come: Symposium Highlights from the American Peanut Research & Education Society Annual Meeting
Authors: Ozias-Akins P.
Published: February 2014

The Peanut Genome Project was launched in 2012 and a genomics symposium was held at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Peanut Research and Education Society. Seven speakers presented a spectrum of topics covering peanut molecular tools and materials to which they have been applied, along with the challenges and benefits of a genome sequence to prebreeding and breeding of cultivated peanut. Highlights of the symposium are presented and are accompanied by three in-depth reviews of population development, utilization of wild species, and genetic mapping in Arachis.
Evolution of cranial epilepsy surgery complication rates: a 32-year systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tebo Collin C. , Evins Alexander I. , Christos Paul J. , Kwon Jennifer , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: February 2014

Object

Surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy are effective in selected patients, but they are underutilized. There remains a lack of pooled data on complication rates and their changes over a period of multiple decades. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported complications from intracranial epilepsy surgery from 1980 to 2012.

Methods

A literature search was performed to find articles published between 1980 and 2012 that contained at least 2 patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the procedure they underwent: A) temporal lobectomy with or without amygdalohippocampectomy, B) extratemporal lobar or multilobar resections, or C) invasive electrode placement. Articles were divided into 2 time periods, 1980–1995 and 1996–2012.

Results

Sixty-one articles with a total of 5623 patients met the study's eligibility criteria. Based on the 2 time periods, neurological deficits decreased dramatically from 41.8% to 5.2% in Group A and from 30.2% to 19.5% in Group B. Persistent neurological deficits in these 2 groups decreased from 9.7% to 0.8% and from 9.0% to 3.2%, respectively. Wound infections/meningitis decreased from 2.5% to 1.1% in Group A and from 5.3% to 1.9% in Group B. Persistent neurological deficits were uncommon in Group C, although wound infections/meningitis and hemorrhage/hematoma increased over time from 2.3% to 4.3% and from 1.9% to 4.2%, respectively. These complication rates are additive in patients undergoing implantation followed by resection.

Conclusions

Complication rates have decreased dramatically over the last 30 years, particularly for temporal lobectomy, but they remain an unavoidable consequence of epilepsy surgery. Permanent neurological deficits are rare following epilepsy surgery compared with the long-term risks of intractable epilepsy.
Superiority of tympanic ball electrodes over mastoid needle electrodes for intraoperative monitoring of hearing function
Authors: Krieg Sandro M. , Kempf Lisa , Droese Doris , Rosahl Steffen K. , Meyer Bernhard , Lehmberg Jens
Published: February 2014

Object

Recording the auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a common method for monitoring the integrity of auditory pathways during surgery in the cerebellopontine angle. Electrocochleography (ECochG) is an alternative means of intraoperative neuromonitoring. In the present study the authors compared the practicability and prognostic significance of these two methods by performing simultaneous recordings in the operating room.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2011, 125 patients (mean age 55 years) underwent surgery in the cerebellopontine angle. Seventy-one percent of the patients presented with a hearing deficit, and 37% had useful hearing but with slight functional impairment. Auditory brainstem response was recorded with a subdermal needle electrode at the mastoid. For ECochG recording, a noninvasive ball electrode was attached to the tympanic membrane. Amplitudes obtained from both ECochG and ABR audiometry were compared and correlated to pre- and postoperative hearing deficits.

Results

Simultaneous intraoperative monitoring via ABR and ECochG was possible in 114 cases (91%). Postoperatively, 42% of patients showed some degree of new hearing deficit, whereas 4% had improvement. The mean amplitudes in ECochG monitoring were significantly higher (0.18 ± 0.04 μV) than the ABR potentials (0.08 ± 0.006 μV; p < 0.05). All waves recorded at the mastoid needle electrode could be recognized in the potentials of the tympanic ball electrode. Hearing outcome correlated more reliably with the relative amplitude changes in Waves III and V in ECochG (III: p = 0.0008, V: p = 0.0015) than in ABR monitoring (III: p = 0.2075, V: p = 0.0398).

Conclusions

Intraoperative monitoring of the auditory system by recording with noninvasive tympanic ball electrodes is more practicable than with subcutaneous needle electrodes at the tragus. Since there is also a reliable correlation between ECochG and clinical outcome, the method can replace common ABR recording during surgery in the cerebellopontine angle.
High-grade spondylolisthesis treated using a modified Bohlman technique: results among multiple surgeons
Authors: Hart Robert A. , Domes Christopher M. , Goodwin Brady , D'Amato Charles R. , Yoo Jung U. , Turker Ronald J. , Halsey Matthew F.
Published: February 2014

Object

The ideal surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis remains unclear. Concerns regarding the original Bohlman transsacral interbody fusion technique with stand-alone autologous fibular strut include late graft fracture and incomplete reduction of lumbosacral kyphosis. The authors' goal was to evaluate the radiographic and surgical outcomes of patients treated for high-grade spondylolisthesis with either transsacral S-1 screws or standard pedicle screw fixation augmenting the Bohlman posterior transsacral interbody fusion technique.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent fusion for high-grade spondylolisthesis in which a Bohlman oblique posterior interbody fusion augmented with either transsacral or standard pedicle screw fixation was performed by 4 spine surgeons was completed. Estimated blood loss, operating time, perioperative complications, and need for revision surgery were evaluated. Upright pre- and postsurgical lumbar spine radiographs were compared for slip percent and slip angle.

Results

Sixteen patients (12 female and 4 male) with an average age of 29 years (range 9–66 years) were evaluated. The average clinical follow-up was 78 months (range 5–137 months) and the average radiographic follow-up was 48 months (range 5–108 months). Ten L4–S1 and 6 L5–S1 fusions were performed. Five fibular struts and 11 titanium mesh cages were used for interbody fusion. Six patients had isolated transsacral screws placed, with 2 (33%) of the 6 requiring revision surgery for nonunion. No nonunions were observed in patients undergoing spanning pedicle screw fixation augmenting the interbody graft. Six patients experienced perioperative complications including 3 iliac crest site infections, 1 L-5 radiculopathy without motor involvement, 1 deep vein thrombosis, and 1 epidural hematoma requiring irrigation and debridement. The average estimated blood loss and operating times were 763 ml and 360 minutes, respectively. Slip percent improved from an average of 62% to 37% (n = 16; p < 0.01) and slip angle improved from an average of 18° to 8° (n = 16; p < 0.01). No patient experienced L-5 or other motor deficit postoperatively.

Conclusions

The modified Bohlman technique for treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis has reproducible outcomes among multiple surgeons and results in significant improvements in slip percent and slip angle. Fusion rates were high (14 of 16; 88%), especially with spanning instrumentation augmenting the oblique interbody fusion. Rates of L-5 motor deficit were low in comparison with techniques involving reduction of the anterolisthesis.
Assessing and Mapping Spatial Associations among Oral Cancer Mortality Rates, Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Soil, and Land Use Types Based on Multiple Scale Data
Authors: Lin Wei-Chih , Lin Yu-Pin , Wang Yung-Chieh , Chang Tsun-Kuo , Chiang Li-Chi
Published: February 2014

In this study, a deconvolution procedure was used to create a variogram of oral cancer (OC) rates. Based on the variogram, area-to-point (ATP) Poisson kriging and p-field simulation were used to downscale and simulate, respectively, the OC rate data for Taiwan from the district scale to a 1 km × 1 km grid scale. Local cluster analysis (LCA) of OC mortality rates was then performed to identify OC mortality rate hot spots based on the downscaled and the p-field-simulated OC mortality maps. The relationship between OC mortality and land use was studied by overlapping the maps of the downscaled OC mortality, the LCA results, and the land uses. One thousand simulations were performed to quantify local and spatial uncertainties in the LCA to identify OC mortality hot spots. The scatter plots and Spearman’s rank correlation yielded the relationship between OC mortality and concentrations of the seven metals in the 1 km cell grid. The correlation analysis results for the 1 km scale revealed a weak correlation between OC mortality rate and concentrations of the seven studied heavy metals in soil. Accordingly, the heavy metal concentrations in soil are not major determinants of OC mortality rates at the 1 km scale at which soils were sampled. The LCA statistical results for local indicator of spatial association (LISA) revealed that the sites with high probability of high-high (high value surrounded by high values) OC mortality at the 1 km grid scale were clustered in southern, eastern, and mid-western Taiwan. The number of such sites was also significantly higher on agricultural land and in urban regions than on land with other uses. The proposed approach can be used to downscale and evaluate uncertainty in mortality data from a coarse scale to a fine scale at which useful additional information can be obtained for assessing and managing land use and risk.
Risk Factors of CVD Mortality among the Elderly in Beijing, 1992 – 2009: An 18-year Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Tao , Li Xia , Tang Zhe , Xie Changchun , Tao Lixin , Pan Lei , Huo Da , Sun Fei , Luo Yanxia , Wang Wei , Yan Aoshuang , Guo Xiuhua
Published: February 2014

Few researchers have examined the effects of multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality simultaneously. This study was to determine the associations of combined lifestyle and other factors with CVD mortality among the elderly (n = 3,257), in Beijing, China, through data mining of the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). BLSA is a representative cohort study from 1992 to 2009, hosted by Xuan Wu Hospital. Competing risk survival analysis was conducted to explore the association between risk factors and CVD mortality. The factors focused mainly on lifestyle, physical condition, and the model was adjusted for age and gender. There were 273 of the 1,068 recorded deaths caused by CVD among the 2010 participants. Living in a suburban area (HR = 0.614, 95% CI: 0.410-0.921) was associated with lower CVD mortality. Increasing age (66–75: HR = 1.511, 95% CI: 1.111–2.055; ≥76: HR = 1.847, 95% CI: 1.256–2.717), high blood pressure (HR = 1.407, 95% CI: 1.031–1.920), frequent consumption of meat (HR = 1.559, 95% CI: 1.079–2.254) and physical inactivity (p = 0.046) were associated with higher CVD mortality. The study provides an instructional foundation for the control and prevention of CVD in Beijing, China.
Indicators for Tracking European Vulnerabilities to the Risks of Infectious Disease Transmission due to Climate Change
Authors: Suk Jonathan , Ebi Kristie , Vose David , Wint Willy , Alexander Neil , Mintiens Koen , Semenza Jan
Published: February 2014

A wide range of infectious diseases may change their geographic range, seasonality and incidence due to climate change, but there is limited research exploring health vulnerabilities to climate change. In order to address this gap, pan-European vulnerability indices were developed for 2035 and 2055, based upon the definition vulnerability = impact/adaptive capacity. Future impacts were projected based upon changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, whilst adaptive capacity was developed from the results of a previous pan-European study. The results were plotted via ArcGISTM to EU regional (NUTS2) levels for 2035 and 2055 and ranked according to quintiles. The models demonstrate regional variations with respect to projected climate-related infectious disease challenges that they will face, and with respect to projected vulnerabilities after accounting for regional adaptive capacities. Regions with higher adaptive capacities, such as in Scandinavia and central Europe, will likely be better able to offset any climate change impacts and are thus generally less vulnerable than areas with lower adaptive capacities. The indices developed here provide public health planners with information to guide prioritisation of activities aimed at strengthening regional preparedness for the health impacts of climate change. There are, however, many limitations and uncertainties when modeling health vulnerabilities. To further advance the field, the importance of variables such as coping capacity and governance should be better accounted for, and there is the need to systematically collect and analyse the interlinkages between the numerous and ever-expanding environmental, socioeconomic, demographic and epidemiologic datasets so as to promote the public health capacity to detect, forecast, and prepare for the health threats due to climate change.
Exploring Powered Wheelchair Users and Their Caregivers’ Perspectives on Potential Intelligent Power Wheelchair Use: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kairy Dahlia , Rushton Paula , Archambault Philippe , Pituch Evelina , Torkia Caryne , El Fathi Anas , Stone Paula , Routhier François , Forget Robert , Demers Louise , Pineau Joelle , Gourdeau Richard
Published: February 2014

Power wheelchairs (PWCs) can have a positive impact on user well-being, self-esteem, pain, activity and participation. Newly developed intelligent power wheelchairs (IPWs), allowing autonomous or collaboratively-controlled navigation, could enhance mobility of individuals not able to use, or having difficulty using, standard PWCs. The objective of this study was to explore the perspectives of PWC users (PWUs) and their caregivers regarding if and how IPWs could impact on current challenges faced by PWUs, as well as inform current development of IPWs. A qualitative exploratory study using individual interviews was conducted with PWUs (n = 12) and caregivers (n = 4). A semi-structured interview guide and video were used to facilitate informed discussion regarding IPWs. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) “challenging situations that may be overcome by an IPW” described how the IPW features of obstacle avoidance, path following, and target following could alleviate PWUs’ identified mobility difficulties; (2) “cautious optimism concerning IPW use revealed participants” addresses concerns regarding using an IPW as well as technological suggestions; (3) “defining the potential IPW user” revealed characteristics of PWUs that would benefit from IPW use. Findings indicate how IPW use may help overcome PWC difficulties and confirm the importance of user input in the ongoing development of IPWs.
Monitoring the Transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in Potential Risk Regions of China, 2008 – 2012
Authors: Dang Hui , Xu Jing , Li Shi-Zhu , Cao Zhi-Guo , Huang Yi-Xin , Wu Cheng-Guo , Tu Zu-Wu , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: February 2014

Schistosomiasis japonica, caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection, remains a major public health concern in China, and the geographical distribution of this neglected tropical disease is limited to regions where Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of the causative parasite, is detected. The purpose of this study was to monitor the transmission of S. japonicum in potential risk regions of China during the period from 2008 through 2012. To monitor the transmission, 10 fixed surveillance sites and 30 mobile sentinel sites were selected in 10 counties of four provinces, namely Anhui, Jiangsu, Chongqing and Hubei. There were 8, 9, 6, 2 and 3 cases infected with S. japonicum detected in the 30 mobile sentinel sites during the 5-year study period, while 27 subjects were positive for the antibody-based serum test in the 10 fixed sentinel sites; however, no infection was found. In addition, neither local nor imported livestock were found to be infected. No O. hupensis snails were detected in either the fixed surveillance or the mobile sentinel sites; however, the snail host was found to survive and reproduce at Chaohu Lake, inferring the potential of transmission of the disease. It is suggested that the continuous surveillance of schistosomiasis japonica should be carried out in both the endemic foci and potential risk regions of China, and an active, sensitive system to respond the potential risk of transmission seems justified.
The Relation between Scores on Noise Annoyance and Noise Disturbed Sleep in a Public Health Survey
Authors: Van den Berg Frits , Verhagen Claudia , Uitenbroek Daan
Published: February 2014

The relation between responses to survey questions on noise annoyance and self-reported sleep disturbance has been analysed to gain insight in its dependency on noise source or noise type and on individual characteristics. The results show a high correlation between responses (scores 0–10) with Pearson’s correlation coefficient close to 0.8 for respondents who report hearing the source. At the same level of annoyance, scooters and neighbours are associated with more sleep disturbance, air and road traffic with less. The relation between Annoyance (A) and Sleep Disturbance (SD) is also significantly related to age, the use of sleeping drugs, and living alone. However, the differences in the A-SD relations with respect to source and characteristic are small. Noise-related sleep disturbance is associated more strongly to noise annoyance than it is to noise exposure. For transportation noise both scores are more often equal when the annoyance score is 7 or higher; this change in scoring behaviour could be an indication for a change to severe annoyance.
Potential for Improved Glycemic Control with Dietary Momordica charantia in Patients with Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes
Authors: Efird Jimmy , Choi Yuk , Davies Stephen , Mehra Sanjay , Anderson Ethan , Katunga Lalage
Published: February 2014

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is a widely used traditional remedy for hyperglycemia. While the medicinal properties of this plant have been studied extensively using in vitro and animal models, the clinical efficacy and safety in humans is largely unknown. This review discusses the benefits and limitations of bitter melon supplementation in the context of epidemic levels of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes throughout the world.
Prediction of Protein–Protein Interaction with Pairwise Kernel Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhang Shao-Wu , Hao Li-Yang , Zhang Ting-He
Published: February 2014

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) play a key role in many cellular processes. Unfortunately, the experimental methods currently used to identify PPIs are both time-consuming and expensive. These obstacles could be overcome by developing computational approaches to predict PPIs. Here, we report two methods of amino acids feature extraction: (i) distance frequency with PCA reducing the dimension (DFPCA) and (ii) amino acid index distribution (AAID) representing the protein sequences. In order to obtain the most robust and reliable results for PPI prediction, pairwise kernel function and support vector machines (SVM) were employed to avoid the concatenation order of two feature vectors generated with two proteins. The highest prediction accuracies of AAID and DFPCA were 94% and 93.96%, respectively, using the 10 CV test, and the results of pairwise radial basis kernel function are considerably improved over those based on radial basis kernel function. Overall, the PPI prediction tool, termed PPI-PKSVM, which is freely available at http://159.226.118.31/PPI/index.html, promises to become useful in such areas as bio-analysis and drug development.
Rationalization of Activity Cliffs of a Sulfonamide Inhibitor of DNA Methyltransferases with Induced-Fit Docking
Authors: Medina-Franco José , Méndez-Lucio Oscar , Yoo Jakyung
Published: February 2014

Inhibitors of human DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) are of increasing interest to develop novel epi-drugs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. As the number of compounds with reported DNMT inhibition is increasing, molecular docking is shedding light to elucidate their mechanism of action and further interpret structure–activity relationships. Herein, we present a structure-based rationalization of the activity of SW155246, a distinct sulfonamide compound recently reported as an inhibitor of human DNMT1 obtained from high-throughput screening. We used flexible and induce-fit docking to develop a binding model of SW155246 with a crystallographic structure of human DNMT1. Results were in excellent agreement with experimental information providing a three-dimensional structural interpretation of ‘activity cliffs’, e.g., analogues of SW155246 with a high structural similarity to the sulfonamide compound, but with no activity in the enzymatic assay.
Characterization of Bactrocera dorsalis Serine Proteases and Evidence for Their Indirect Role in Insecticide Tolerance
Authors: Hou Ming-Zhe , Shen Guang-Mao , Wei Dong , Li Ya-Li , Dou Wei , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: February 2014

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) causes devastating losses to agricultural crops world-wide and is considered to be an economically important pest. Little is known about the digestive enzymes such as serine proteases (SPs) in B. dorsalis, which are important both for energy supply and mitigation of fitness cost associated with insecticide tolerance. In this study, we identified five SP genes in the midgut of B. dorsalis, and the alignments of their deduced amino acid sequences revealed the presence of motifs conserved in the SP superfamily. Phylogenetic analyses with known SPs from other insect species suggested that three of them were trypsin-like proteases. Analyses of the expression profiles among the different developmental stages showed that all five genes were most abundant in larvae than in other stages. When larvae were continuously fed on diet containing 0.33 μg/g β-Cypermethrin, expression of all five genes were upregulated in the midgut but the larval development was delayed. Biochemical assays were consistent with the increased protease activity exhibited by SPs in the midgut after treatment with β-Cypermethrin. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for the hypothesis that enhanced SP activity may play an indirect role in relieving the toxicity stress of insecticide in B. dorsalis.
Novel Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of the Immunomodulator Organotellurium Compound Ammonium Trichloro(dioxoethylene-O,O')tellurate (AS101)
Authors: Vázquez-Tato M. , Mena-Menéndez Alberto , Feás Xesús , Seijas Julio
Published: February 2014

Ammonium trichloro[1,2-ethanediolato-O,O']-tellurate (AS101) is the most important synthetic Te compound from the standpoint of its biological activity. It is a potent immunomodulator with a variety of potential therapeutic applications and antitumoral action in several preclinical and clinical studies. An experimental design has been used to develop and optimize a novel microwave-assisted synthesis (MAOS) of the AS101. In comparison to the results observed in the literature, refluxing Te(IV) chloride and ethylene glycol in acetonitrile (Method A), or by refluxing Te(IV) chloride and ammonium chloride in ethylene glycol (Method B), it was found that the developed methods in the present work are an effective alternative, because although performance slightly decreases compared to conventional procedures (75% vs. 79% by Method A, and 45% vs. 51% by Method B), reaction times decreased from 4 h to 30 min and from 4 h to 10 min, by Methods A and B respectively. MAOS is proving to be of value in the rapid synthesis of compounds with new and improved biological activities, specially based on the benefit of its shorter reaction times.
On the Response of Halophilic Archaea to Space Conditions
Authors: Leuko Stefan , Rettberg Petra , Pontifex Ashleigh , Burns Brendan
Published: February 2014

Microorganisms are ubiquitous and can be found in almost every habitat and ecological niche on Earth. They thrive and survive in a broad spectrum of environments and adapt to rapidly changing external conditions. It is of great interest to investigate how microbes adapt to different extreme environments and with modern human space travel, we added a new extreme environment: outer space. Within the last 50 years, technology has provided tools for transporting microbial life beyond Earth’s protective shield in order to study in situ responses to selected conditions of space. This review will focus on halophilic archaea, as, due to their ability to survive in extremes, they are often considered a model group of organisms to study responses to the harsh conditions associated with space. We discuss ground-based simulations, as well as space experiments, utilizing archaea, examining responses and/or resistance to the effects of microgravity and UV in particular. Several halophilic archaea (e.g., Halorubrum chaoviator) have been exposed to simulated and actual space conditions and their survival has been determined as well as the protective effects of halite shown. Finally, the intriguing potential of archaea to survive on other planets or embedded in a meteorite is postulated.
Krempfielins N–P, New Anti-Inflammatory Eunicellins from a Taiwanese Soft Coral Cladiella krempfi
Authors: Lee Yan-Ning , Tai Chi-Jen , Hwang Tsong-Long , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: February 2014

Three new eunicellin-type diterpenoids, krempfielins N–P (1–3), were isolated from a Taiwanese soft coral Cladiella krempfi. The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with spectroscopic data of related known compounds. Compound 3 exhibited activity to inhibit superoxide anion generation. Both 1 and 3, in particular 1, were shown to display significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the elastase release in FMLP/CB-induced human neutrophils.
Two New Bidesmoside Triterpenoid Saponins from the Seeds of Momordica charantia L.
Authors: Ma Lin , Yu Ai-Hua , Sun Li-Li , Gao Wan , Zhang Meng-Meng , Su Ya-Lun , Liu Hua , Ji Tengfei
Published: February 2014

Two new bidesmoside triterpenoid saponins which were identifed as 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-[α-L-rhamno-pyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-fucopyranosyl gypsogenin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (C1) and 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-fucopyranosyl gypsogenin 3-O-β-D-gluco-pyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (C2) were isolated together with two known compounds from the seeds of Momordica charantia L. Their structures were elucidated by the combination of mass spectrometry (MS), one and two-dimensional NMR experiments and chemical reactions.
On Tuning the Fluorescence Emission of Porphyrin Free Bases Bonded to the Pore Walls of Organo-Modified Silica
Authors: Quiroz-Segoviano Rosa , Serratos Iris , Rojas-González Fernando , Tello-Solís Salvador , Sosa-Fonseca Rebeca , Medina-Juárez Obdulia , Menchaca-Campos Carmina , García-Sánchez Miguel
Published: February 2014

A sol-gel methodology has been duly developed in order to perform a controlled covalent coupling of tetrapyrrole macrocycles (e.g., porphyrins, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, chlorophyll, etc.) to the pores of metal oxide networks. The resulting absorption and emission spectra intensities in the UV-VIS-NIR range have been found to depend on the polarity existing inside the pores of the network; in turn, this polarization can be tuned through the attachment of organic substituents to the tetrapyrrrole macrocycles before bonding them to the pore network. The paper shows clear evidence of the real possibility of maximizing fluorescence emissions from metal-free bases of substituted tetraphenylporphyrins, especially when these molecules are bonded to the walls of functionalized silica surfaces via the attachment of alkyl or aryl groups arising from the addition of organo-modified alkoxides.
Addition of Bases to the 5'-end of Human Telomeric DNA: Influences on Thermal Stability and Energetics of Unfolding
Authors: Hayden Katherine , Graves David
Published: February 2014

Telomeric DNA has been intensely investigated for its role in chromosome protection, aging, cell death, and disease. In humans the telomeric tandem repeat (TTAGGG)n is found at the ends of chromosomes and provides a novel target for the development of new drugs in the treatment of age related diseases such as cancer. These telomeric sequences show slight sequence variations from species to species; however, each contains repeats of 3 to 4 guanines allowing the G-rich strands to fold into compact and stable nuclease resistant conformations referred to as G-quadruplexes. The focus of this manuscript is to examine the effects of 5'-nucleotides flanking the human telomeric core sequence 5'-AGGG(TTAGGG) 3-3' (h-Tel22). Our studies reveal that the addition of the 5'-flanking nucleotides (5'-T, and 5'-TT) results in significant changes to the thermodynamic stability of the G-quadruplex structure. Our data indicate that the observed changes in stability are associated with changes in the number of bound waters resulting from the addition of 5'-flanking nucleotides to the h-Tel22 sequence as well as possible intermolecular interactions of the 5' overhang with the core structure.
Endotoxin Molecule Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Zebrafish Inflammation Model: A Novel Screening Method for Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Yang Li-Ling , Wang Guo-Quan , Yang Li-Mei , Huang Zhi-Bing , Zhang Wen-Qing , Yu Lin-Zhong
Published: February 2014

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin molecule, has been used to induce inflammatory responses. In this study, LPS was used to establish an in vivo inflammation model in zebrafish for drug screening. We present an experimental method that conveniently and rapidly assesses the anti-inflammatory properties of drugs. The yolks of 3-day post-fertilization (dpf) larvae were injected with 0.5 mg/mL LPS to induce fatal inflammation. After LPS stimulation, macrophages were tracked by NR and SB staining and neutrophil migration was observed using the MPO:GFP line. Larval mortality was used as the primary end-point. Expression levels of key cytokines involved in the inflammatory response including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Macrophages and neutrophils were both recruited to the LPS-injected site during the inflammatory response. Mortality was increased by LPS in a dose-dependent manner within 48 h. Analyses of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression levels revealed the upregulation of the inflammatory response in the LPS-injected larvae. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of chlorogenic acid (CA) was evaluated in this zebrafish model to screen for anti-inflammatory drugs. A preliminary result showed that CA revealed a similar effect as the corticosteroid dexamethasone (DEX), which was used as a positive control, by inhibiting macrophage and neutrophil recruitment to the LPS site and improving survival. Our results suggest that this zebrafish screening model could be applied to study inflammation-mediated diseases. Moreover, the Traditional Chinese Medicine CA displays potential anti-inflammatory activity.
Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Modified Curcumin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers
Authors: Chu Yang , Li Dan , Luo Yi-Fan , He Xiao-Jin , Jiang Ming-Yan
Published: February 2014

Curcumin, a phenolic antioxidant compound derived from the rhizome of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa, has proven to be a modulator of intracellular signaling pathways that control cancer cell growth, inflammation, invasion and apoptosis, revealing its anticancer potential. In this study, a Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Modified Curcumin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (Cur-GA-PEG-NLC) was prepared by the film ultrasound method to improve the tumor-targeting ability. The drug content was detected by an UV spectrophotometry method. The encapsulation efficiency of curcumin in the nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) was determined using a mini-column centrifugation method. The encapsulation efficiency for various Cur-GA-PEG-NLC was within the range of 90.06%–95.31% and particle size was between 123.1 nm and 132.7 nm. An in vitro MTT assay showed that Cur-GA10%-PEG-NLC had significantly high cellular uptake and cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells compared with other groups.
Meat Consumption as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Barnard Neal , Levin Susan , Trapp Caroline
Published: February 2014

Disease risk factors identified in epidemiological studies serve as important public health tools, helping clinicians identify individuals who may benefit from more aggressive screening or risk-modification procedures, allowing policymakers to prioritize intervention programs, and encouraging at-risk individuals to modify behavior and improve their health. These factors have been based primarily on evidence from cross-sectional and prospective studies, as most do not lend themselves to randomized trials. While some risk factors are not modifiable, eating habits are subject to change through both individual action and broader policy initiatives. Meat consumption has been frequently investigated as a variable associated with diabetes risk, but it has not yet been described as a diabetes risk factor. In this article, we evaluate the evidence supporting the use of meat consumption as a clinically useful risk factor for type 2 diabetes, based on studies evaluating the risks associated with meat consumption as a categorical dietary characteristic (i.e., meat consumption versus no meat consumption), as a scalar variable (i.e., gradations of meat consumption), or as part of a broader dietary pattern.
Supplement Timing of Cranberry Extract Plays a Key Role in Promoting Caenorhabditis elegans Healthspan
Authors: Guha Sujay , Natarajan Ojas , Murbach Cole , Dinh Jessica , Wilson Ethan , Cao Min , Zou Sige , Dong Yuqing
Published: February 2014

Consumption of nutraceuticals is a major and potent dietary intervention for delaying aging. As the timing of administration is critical for the efficacy of bioactive compounds in medicine, the effectiveness of nutraceuticals may also be dramatically affected by the timing of supplementation. Cranberry exact (CBE), rich in polyphenols, is consumed as a nutraceutical, and possesses anti-aging properties. Here, we examined the influence of timing on the beneficial effects of CBE supplementation in C. elegans. The prolongevity effect of CBE in different aged worms, young adults, middle-age adults, and aged adults, was determined. Early-start intervention with CBE prolonged the remaining lifespan of worms of different ages more robustly than late-start intervention. The effectiveness of CBE on stress responses and physiological behaviors in different aged worms was also investigated. The early-start intervention prominently promoted motility and resistance to heat shocks and V. cholera infection, especially in aged worms. Together, these findings suggest that the timing of CBE supplementation critically influences its beneficial effects on C. elegans lifespan and healthspan. It is of interest to further investigate whether the similar results would occur in humans.
Synthesis of Narrow Molecular Weight Distribution Norbornene-Lactone Functionalized Polymers by Nitroxide-Mediated Polymerization: Candidates for 193-nm Photoresist Materials
Authors: Wang Zi , Maric Milan
Published: February 2014

One hundred ninety three-nanometer candidate photoresist materials were synthesized by nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP). Statistical copolymerizations of 5-methacryloyloxy-2,6-norboranecarbolactone (NLAM) with 5–10 mol% of controlling co-monomers (which are necessary for controlled polymerizations of methacrylates by NMP with the initiator used) in the feed, such as styrene (ST), p-acetoxystyrene (AcOST), 2-vinyl naphthalene (VN) and pentafluorostyrene (PFS), using the unimolecular BlocBuilder® initiator in 35 wt% dioxane solution at 90 °C were performed. As little as 5 mol% controlling comonomer in the feed was demonstrated to be sufficient to lead to linear evolution of number average molecular weight with respect to conversion up to 50%, and the resulting copolymers had dispersities of ~1.3 in most cases, an attractive feature for reducing line width roughness (LWR) in photoresists. The copolymers generally showed relatively low absorbance at 193 nm, comparable to other 193-nm candidate photoresists reported previously, despite the inclusion of a small amount of the styrenic co-monomers in the copolymer.
Institutionalizing Strong Sustainability: A Rawlsian Perspective
Authors: Ott Konrad
Published: February 2014

The article aims to provide some ethical orientation on how sustainability might be actualized by institutions. Since institutionalization is about rules and organization, it presupposes ideas and concepts by which institutions can be substantiated. After outlining terminology, the article deals with underlying ethical and conceptual problems which are highly relevant for any suggestions concerning institutionalization. These problems are: (a) the ethical scope of the sustainability perspective (natural capital, poverty, sentient animals), (b) the theory of justice on which ideas about sustainability are built (capability approach, Rawlsianism), and (c) the favored concept of sustainability (weak, intermediate, and strong sustainability). These problems are analyzed in turn. As a result, a Rawlsian concept of rule-based strong sustainability is proposed. The specific problems of institutionalization are addressed by applying Rawls’s concept of branches. The article concludes with arguments in favor of three transnational duties which hold for states that have adopted Rawlsian strong sustainability.
Oil Consumption, CO2 Emission, and Economic Growth: Evidence from the Philippines
Authors: Lim Kyoung-Min , Lim Seul-Ye , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: February 2014

This paper attempts to investigate the short- and long-run causality issues among oil consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic growth in the Philippines by using time series techniques and annual data for the period 1965–2012. Tests for unit root, co-integration, and Granger-causality tests based on an error-correction model are presented. Three important findings emerge from the investigation. First, there is bi-directional causality between oil consumption and economic growth, which suggests that the Philippines should endeavor to overcome the constraints on oil consumption to achieve economic growth. Second, bi-directional causality between oil consumption and CO2 emissions is found, which implies that the Philippines needs to improve efficiency in oil consumption in order not to increase CO2 emissions. Third, uni-directional causality running from CO2 emissions to economic growth is detected, which means that growth can continue without increasing CO2 emissions.
The Built Environment and Walking Activity of the Elderly: An Empirical Analysis in the Zhongshan Metropolitan Area, China
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Yuan , Liu Qixing , Li Chaoyang
Published: February 2014

Policies and interventions involving the built environment have become a promising opportunity for the promotion of walking as a sustainable transportation mode. Among voluminous literature, few studies were found that examined the association between the built environment and walking among the elderly in China. This study investigated the relationship between the built environment and the walking activity of the elderly based on data collected in Zhongshan Metropolitan Area, China. The results suggest that abundant sidewalks, dense bus stops, easily accessible commercial establishments, and ample green land space are potentially effective to enhance walking among the elderly, albeit to varied degrees. The compact urban form, which is considered as walkability in the western context, may not necessarily play a positive role in Zhongshan’s context. The findings provide insights into the policy-making to promote sustainable transportation modes and the design of interventions on health promotion of the elderly in China.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Antiviral Activity of the Synthetic Epigallocatechin Gallate Analog-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Palmitate against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Zhao Chunjian , Liu Shuaihua , Li Chunying , Yang Lei , Zu Yuangang
Published: February 2014

In this study, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) palmitate was synthesized and its anti-porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) activity was studied. Specifically, EGCG palmitate was evaluated for its ability to inhibit PRRSV infection in MARC-145 cells when administered as pre-, post-, or co-treatment. EGCG and ribavirin were used as controls. The results showed that a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of EGCG, EGCG palmitate, and ribavirin was achieved at 2,359.71, 431.42, and 94.06 μM, respectively. All three drugs inhibited PRRSV in a dose-dependent manner regardless of the treatment protocol. EGCG palmitate exhibited higher cytotoxicity than EGCG, but lower cytotoxicity than ribavirin. EGCG palmitate anti-PRRSV activity was significantly higher than that of EGCG and ribavirin, both as pre-treatment and post-treatment. Under the former conditions and a tissue culture infectious dose of 10 and 100, the selectivity index (SI) of EGCG palmitate in the inhibition of PRRSV was 3.8 and 2.9 times higher than that of ribavirin when administered as a pre-treatment, while the SI of EGCG palmitate in the inhibition of PRRSV was 3.0 and 1.9 times higher than ribavirin when administered as a post-treatment. Therefore, EGCG palmitate is potentially effective as an anti-PRRSV agent and thus of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
A catalyst-free multicomponent domino sequence for the diastereoselective synthesis of (E)-3-[2-arylcarbonyl-3-(arylamino)allyl]chromen-4-ones
Authors: Prasanna Pitchaimani , Gunasekaran Pethaiah , Perumal Subbu , Menéndez J Carlos
Published: February 2014

The three-component domino reactions of (E)-3-(dimethylamino)-1-arylprop-2-en-1-ones, 3-formylchromone and anilines under catalyst-free conditions afforded a library of novel (E)-3-(2-arylcarbonyl-3-(arylamino)allyl)-4H-chromen-4-ones in good to excellent yields and in a diastereoselective transformation. This transformation generates one C–C and one C–N bond and presumably proceeds via a reaction sequence comprising a Michael-type addition–elimination reaction, a nucleophilic attack of an enamine to a carbonyl reminiscent of one of the steps of the Bayllis–Hilman condensation, and a final deoxygenation. The deoxygenation is assumed to be induced by carbon monoxide resulting from the thermal decomposition of the dimethylformamide solvent.
Standardizing Scavenger Receptor Nomenclature
Authors: PrabhuDas Mercy , Bowdish Dawn , Drickamer Kurt , Febbraio Maria , Herz Joachim , Kobzik Lester , Krieger Monty , Loike John , Means Terry K. , Moestrup Soren K. , Post Steven , Sawamura Tatsuya , Silverstein Samuel , Wang Xiang-Yang , El Khoury Joseph
Published: February 2014

Scavenger receptors constitute a large family of proteins that are structurally diverse and participate in a wide range of biological functions. These receptors are expressed predominantly by myeloid cells and recognize a variety of ligands, including endogenous and modified host-derived molecules and microbial pathogens. There are currently eight classes of scavenger receptors, many of which have multiple names, leading to inconsistencies and confusion in the literature. To address this problem, a workshop was organized by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health to help develop a clear definition of scavenger receptors and a standardized nomenclature based on that definition. Fifteen experts in the scavenger receptor field attended the workshop and, after extensive discussion, reached a consensus regarding the definition of scavenger receptors and a proposed scavenger receptor nomenclature. Scavenger receptors were defined as cell surface receptors that typically bind multiple ligands and promote the removal of non-self or altered-self targets. They often function by mechanisms that include endocytosis, phagocytosis, adhesion, and signaling that ultimately lead to the elimination of degraded or harmful substances. Based on this definition, nomenclature and classification of these receptors into 10 classes were proposed. The discussion and nomenclature recommendations described in this report only refer to mammalian scavenger receptors. The purpose of this article is to describe the proposed mammalian nomenclature and classification developed at the workshop and to solicit additional feedback from the broader research community.
The practical guidelines on the impact of mahadi [bride price] on the young Basotho couples prior to marriage
Authors: Semenya David K.
Published: February 2014

This article investigates and provides guidelines to the negative impact of mahadi on the Basotho youth before they may marry. It is important to note that marriage is one of the main parts of the life cycle amongst the Basotho and not only joins a man and a woman together, but is also considered to unite the members of the respective families of the married couple into one family. This union of two families comes into effect when the process of negotiation of the mahadi is initiated. The negotiation for mahadi is, in other words, the first stage of bonding two families together. In the hope of gaining a better understanding and results, the writer searched for a qualitative method to conduct the research.