bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age‐related changes in brain hemodynamics; A calibrated MRI study
Authors: De Vis J.B. , Hendrikse J. , Bhogal A. , Adams A. , Kappelle L.J. , Petersen E.T.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Blood oxygenation‐level dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging signal changes in response to stimuli have been used to evaluate age‐related changes in neuronal activity. Contradictory results from these types of experiments have been attributed to differences in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2). To clarify the effects of these physiological parameters, we investigated the effect of age on baseline CBF and CMRO2.

Materials and Methods

Twenty young (mean ± sd age, 28 ± 3 years), and 45 older subjects (66 ± 4 years) were investigated. A dual‐echo pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequence was performed during normocapnic, hypercapnic, and hyperoxic breathing challenges. Whole brain and regional gray matter values of CBF, ASL cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), BOLD CVR, oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and CMRO2 were calculated.

Results

Whole brain CBF was 49 ± 14 and 40 ± 9 ml/100 g/min in young and older subjects respectively (P < 0.05). Age‐related differences in CBF decreased to the point of nonsignificance (B=−4.1, SE=3.8) when EtCO2 was added as a confounder. BOLD CVR was lower in the whole brain, in the frontal, in the temporal, and in the occipital of the older subjects (P<0.05). Whole brain OEF was 43 ± 8% in the young and 39 ± 6% in the older subjects (P = 0.066). Whole brain CMRO2 was 181 ± 60 and 133 ± 43 µmol/100 g/min in young and older subjects, respectively (P<0.01).

Discussion

Age‐related differences in CBF could potentially be explained by differences in EtCO2. Regional CMRO2 was lower in older subjects. BOLD studies should take this into account when investigating age‐related changes in neuronal activity. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3973–3987, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beat and metaphoric gestures are differentially associated with regional cerebellar and cortical volumes
Authors: Bernard Jessica A. , B. Millman Zachary , Mittal Vijay A.
Published: July 2015

Gestures represent an integral aspect of interpersonal communication, and they are closely linked with language and thought. Brain regions for language processing overlap with those for gesture processing. Two types of gesticulation, beat gestures and metaphoric gestures are particularly important for understanding the taxonomy of co‐speech gestures. Here, we investigated gesture production during taped interviews with respect to regional brain volume. First, we were interested in whether beat gesture production is associated with similar regions as metaphoric gesture. Second, we investigated whether cortical regions associated with metaphoric gesture processing are linked to gesture production based on correlations with brain volumes. We found that beat gestures are uniquely related to regional volume in cerebellar regions previously implicated in discrete motor timing. We suggest that these gestures may be an artifact of the timing processes of the cerebellum that are important for the timing of vocalizations. Second, our findings indicate that brain volumes in regions of the left hemisphere previously implicated in metaphoric gesture processing are positively correlated with metaphoric gesture production. Together, this novel work extends our understanding of left hemisphere regions associated with gesture to indicate their importance in gesture production, and also suggests that beat gestures may be especially unique. This provides important insight into the taxonomy of co‐speech gestures, and also further insight into the general role of the cerebellum in language. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4016–4030, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward a more accurate estimate of the prevalence of hepatitis C in the United States
Authors: Edlin Brian R. , Eckhardt Benjamin J. , Shu Marla A. , Holmberg Scott D. , Swan Tracy
Published: July 2015

Data from the 2003‐2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that about 3.6 million people in the United States have antibodies to the hepatitis C virus, of whom 2.7 million are currently infected. NHANES, however, excludes several high‐risk populations from its sampling frame, including people who are incarcerated, homeless, or hospitalized; nursing home residents; active‐duty military personnel; and people living on Indian reservations. We undertook a systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature and sought out unpublished presentations and data to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C in these excluded populations and in turn improve the estimate of the number of people with hepatitis C in the United States. The available data do not support a precise result, but we estimated that 1.0 million (range 0.4 million‐1.8 million) persons excluded from the NHANES sampling frame have hepatitis C virus antibody, including 500,000 incarcerated people, 220,000 homeless people, 120,000 people living on Indian reservations, and 75,000 people in hospitals. Most are men. An estimated 0.8 million (range 0.3 million‐1.5 million) are currently infected. Several additional sources of underestimation, including nonresponse bias and the underrepresentation of other groups at increased risk of hepatitis C that are not excluded from the NHANES sampling frame, were not addressed in this study. Conclusion: The number of US residents who have been infected with hepatitis C is unknown but is probably at least 4.6 million (range 3.4 million‐6.0 million), and of these, at least 3.5 million (range 2.5 million‐4.7 million) are currently infected; additional sources of potential underestimation suggest that the true prevalence could well be higher. (Hepatology 2015;62:1353–1363)
The Forgotten Carbonyl Reaction: Chloroacetylation and Bromoacetylation of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus
Published: July 2015

Halomethyl acetates (3) could be prepared from aliphatic, α,β‐unsaturated and aromatic aldehydes, as well as from alicyclic ketones with high yields in simple one‐pot reactions. Very often, the products didn't have to be purified and could directly be used for synthetic purposes after evaporation of the solvent. Obviously, the ‘bad reputation’ of the reaction in the literature stemed from the fact that the reactions didn't take place under the best conditions.

Carbonyl compounds (1) and acyl halides (2) form equilibria which are completely on the side of the halomethyl acetates (3) at room temperature (starting with aliphatic and most aromatic aldehydes) and which can be strongly influenced by the reaction parameters. It is crucial to work at low temperature in apolar solvents and to remove (or deactivate) the catalyst before workup.

Reactions may be realized with or without solvents. Side reactions were observed with formaldehyde and acetaldehyde but, with exception of formaldehyde, could be reduced close to zero (see Fig. 5). By‐products were essentially avoided if the reaction took place in apolar solvents and with a local excess of acetyl chloride. In many cases clean products were available which could directly be used for synthetic purposes.

Halomethyl acetates (3) are bifunctional carbonyl derivatives with two different leaving groups, whose preparative advantages have been useful for the synthesis of various pentafulvenes, but were especially important for preparing unstable parent fulvenes and fulvalenes.
Alkyne‐Mediated Approach to the Synthesis of (4R,5R)‐5‐Hydroxy‐4‐decanolide and (−)‐Muricatacin
Authors: Raji Reddy Chada , Suman Devatha , Narsimha Rao Nagavaram
Published: July 2015

The asymmetric synthesis of two naturally occurring 5‐hydroxy‐γ‐butyrolactones, (4R,5R)‐5‐hydroxy‐4‐decanolide (1a) and (−)‐muricatacin (2), is described using a general alkyne‐mediated strategy. The key steps involved are Sonogashira coupling for the desired carbon‐chain extension followed by Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation to construct the hydroxy‐lactone framework.
Two 2,6‐Dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐3‐ones from Phragmanthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle (Loranthaceae)
Authors: Lenta Bruno N. , Ateba Joél T. , Chouna Jean R. , Aminake Makoah N. , Nardella Flore , Pradel Gabriele , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans Georg , Vonthron‐Sénécheau Catherine , Ngouela Silvère , Sewald Norbert
Published: July 2015

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Phragmanthera capitata collected on Cassia spectabilis tree led to the isolation of two natural lactones, rel‐(1R,5S,7S)‐7‐[2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]‐2,6‐dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐3‐one (1) and 4‐{2‐[rel‐(1R,3R,5S)‐7‐oxo‐2,6‐dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]non‐3‐yl]ethyl}phenyl 3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoate (2) together with the known compounds betulinic acid (3), dodoneine (4), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (5), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐arabinofuranoside (6), quercetin (7), betulin (8), lupeol (9), and sitosterol (10). Their structures were established by means of modern spectroscopic techniques, and the relative configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by X‐ray analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested in vitro for their antiplasmodial activity against the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine sensitive‐strains NF54 and 3D7. Compound 2 exhibited good antiplasmodial activity against both strains with IC50 of 2.4 and 4.9 μM, respectively, while compound 1 was inactive.
Quantifying and modelling urban stream temperature: a central US watershed study
Authors: Zeiger Sean , Hubbart Jason A. , Anderson Stephen H. , Stambaugh Michael C.
Published: July 2015

Hydrologic models that rely on site specific linear and non‐linear regression water temperature (Tw) subroutines forced solely with observed air temperature (Ta) may not accurately estimate Tw in mixed‐use urbanizing watersheds where hydrogeological and land use complexity may confound common Tw regime assumptions. A nested‐scale experimental watershed study design was used to test Tw model predictions in a representative mixed‐use urbanizing watershed of the central USA. The linear regression Tw model used in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a non‐linear regression Tw model, and a process‐based Tw model that accounts for watershed hydrology were evaluated. The non‐linear regression Tw model tested at a daily time step performed significantly (P < 0.01) better than the linear Tw model currently used in SWAT. Both regression Tw models overestimated Tw in lower temperature ranges (Tw < 10.0 °C) with percent bias (PBIAS) values ranging from −28.2% (non‐linear Tw model) to −66.1% (linear regression Tw model) and underestimated Tw in the higher temperature range (Tw > 25.0 °C) by 3.2%, and 7.2%, respectively. Conversely, the process‐based Tw model closely estimated Tw in lower temperature ranges (PBIAS = 4.5%) and only slightly underestimated Tw in the higher temperature range (PBIAS = 1.7%). Findings illustrate the benefit of integrating process‐based Tw models with hydrologic models to improve model transferability and Tw predictive confidence in urban mixed‐land use watersheds. The findings in this work are distinct geographically and in terms of mixed‐land use complexity and are therefore of immediate value to land‐use managers in similarly urbanizing watersheds globally. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allosteric control of transcription in GntR family of transcription regulators: A structural overview
Authors: Jain Deepti
Published: July 2015

The GntR family of transcription regulators constitutes one of the most abundant family of transcription factors. These modulators are involved in a variety of mechanisms controlling various metabolic processes. GntR family members are typically two domain proteins with a smaller N‐terminus domain (NTD) with conserved architecture of winged‐helix‐turn‐helix (wHTH) for DNA binding and a larger C‐terminus domain (CTD) or the effector binding domain which is also involved in oligomerization. Interestingly, the CTD shows structural heterogeneity depending upon the type of effector molecule that it binds and displays structural homology to various classes of proteins. Binding of the effector molecule to the CTD brings about a conformational change in the transcription factor such that its affinity for its cognate DNA sequence is altered. This review summarizes the structural information available on the members of GntR family and discusses the common features of the DNA binding and operator recognition within the family. The variation in the allosteric mechanism employed by the members of this family is also discussed. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(7):556–563, 2015
Splitting the cell, building the organism: Mechanisms of cell division in metazoan embryos
Authors: Kumar Megha , Pushpa Kumari , Mylavarapu Sivaram V. S.
Published: July 2015

The unicellular metazoan zygote undergoes a series of cell divisions that are central to its development into an embryo. Differentiation of embryonic cells leads eventually to the development of a functional adult. Fate specification of pluripotent embryonic cells occurs during the early embryonic cleavage divisions in several animals. Early development is characterized by well‐known stages of embryogenesis documented across animals—morulation, blastulation, and morphogenetic processes such as gastrulation, all of which contribute to differentiation and tissue specification. Despite this broad conservation, there exist clearly discernible morphological and functional differences across early embryonic stages in metazoans. Variations in the mitotic mechanisms of early embryonic cell divisions play key roles in governing these gross differences that eventually encode developmental patterns. In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms of both karyokinesis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic separation) during early embryonic divisions. We outline the broadly conserved molecular pathways that operate in these two stages in early embryonic mitoses. In addition, we highlight mechanistic variations in these two stages across different organisms. We finally discuss outstanding questions of interest, answers to which would illuminate the role of divergent mitotic mechanisms in shaping early animal embryogenesis. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(7):575–587, 2015
Reconceptualizing Self and Other Through Critical Media Engagement
Authors: Huang Shin‐ying
Published: July 2015

This research explores how critical media literacy transforms ways of engaging with media texts and expands the understanding and practice of literacy. In this qualitative teacher inquiry, even though the teacher researcher had envisioned for the students an identity as academic‐language learners who engage with competing ideologies of masculinity through critical analysis of its construction in a media text, the students chose to enact the subjectivity of masculinity as a lived experience rather than merely an academic deconstruction, and the subjectivity of themselves as having a critical voice in relation to the social construction of discrimination. These findings prompted the teacher researcher to consider the reflective nature of teacher inquiry and its potential for building relations between identity and subjectivity.
A comparison of video modeling, text‐based instruction, and no instruction for creating multiple baseline graphs in Microsoft Excel
Authors: Tyner Bryan C. , Fienup Daniel M.
Published: July 2015

Graphing is socially significant for behavior analysts; however, graphing can be difficult to learn. Video modeling (VM) may be a useful instructional method but lacks evidence for effective teaching of computer skills. A between‐groups design compared the effects of VM, text‐based instruction, and no instruction on graphing performance. Participants who used VM constructed graphs significantly faster and with fewer errors than those who used text‐based instruction or no instruction. Implications for instruction are discussed.
Investigating the effect of excess caffeine exposure on placental angiogenesis using chicken ’functional‘ placental blood vessel network
Authors: Ma Zheng‐lai , Wang Guang , Lu Wen‐hui , Cheng Xin , Chuai Manli , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho , Yang Xuesong
Published: July 2015

It is now known that over‐consumption of caffeine by pregnant mothers could have detrimental effects on normal fetal development. However, it remains obscure how caffeine's harmful effect impacts directly or indirectly on the developing embryo/fetus through damaging placenta development. In this study, we demonstrated the morphological similarities between the yolk sac and chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) of chick embryos and the villi of the mammalian placenta. Using the chick yolk sac and the CAM as a model, we found that 5–15 µmol per egg of caffeine exposure inhibited angiogenesis. Under the same condition, cell proliferation in extraembryonic mesoderm was reduced while apoptosis was enhanced. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR analysis revealed that caffeine treatment down‐regulated VEGF, VEGFR2, PIGF, IGF2 and NRP1 expression, but up‐regulated Ang1 and Ang2 expression. We performed in situ hybridization to show VE‐cadherin expression and as to demonstrate the blood vessels in the CAM and yolk sac membranes. This distribution of the VE‐cadherin+ blood vessels was determined to be reduced after caffeine treatment. Furthermore, MDA activity was induced after caffeine exposure, but GSH‐PX activity was inhibited after caffeine exposure; SOD activity was unchanged as compared with the control. In summary, our results suggest that caffeine exposure could negatively impact on angiogenesis in the chick yolk sac and CAM by targeting angiogenesis‐related genes. Some of these genes are also involved in regulating excess ROS generation. The results implied that the negative impact of caffeine on fetal development was partly attributed to impaired placental angiogenesis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of urban particulate matter with high glucose on human monocytes U937
Authors: Zhang Yue , Mo Yiqun , Gu Aihua , Wan Rong , Zhang Qunwei , Tollerud David J.
Published: July 2015

Epidemiological studies and animal experiments have shown that individuals with preexisting diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), are more susceptible to particulate matter (PM)‐related cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We hypothesized that PM and high glucose combined would cause enhanced effects on activation of monocytes and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) by inducing oxidative stress, which would further activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Human monocytes U937 were used to test the effects of urban particulate matter (U‐PM) and high glucose. The results showed that exposure of monocytes to non‐toxic doses of U‐PM alone caused generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased phosphorylation of p38, and activation of monocytes which was reflected by up‐regulation of MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐8 expression and increased activity of pro‐MMP‐2 and pro‐MMP‐9. These effects were enhanced significantly when cells were exposed to U‐PM in a high‐glucose environment. Our results also showed that pre‐treatment of cells with ROS scavengers or inhibitors abolished U‐PM and high glucose‐induced increased phosphorylation of p38. Up‐regulation of pro‐MMP‐2 and pro‐MMP‐9 activity by U‐PM in the setting of high glucose level was dramatically attenuated by treatment of cells with the p38‐specific inhibitor, SB203580. These results suggest that activation of MMPs by U‐PM with high glucose is partly through p38 phosphorylation that is induced by oxidative stress. Our findings may have important implications in understanding the potential health effects of PM on susceptible populations such as those with DM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An assay to determine the sensitive window of embryos to chemical exposure using Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Hu Lingling , Wu Lijiao , Xue Yingang , Zhu Jingmin , Shi Huahong
Published: July 2015

The frog embryo teratogenesis assay‐Xenopus (FETAX) is an established method to evaluate the developmental toxicity of chemicals. In FETAX, a 48 h continuous exposure is usually conducted when the X. tropicalis embryo is used as the test model. In the present study, we exposed X. tropicalis embryos to nine known teratogens for four separate 12‐h periods. The embryos showed great variations in response to nine tested compounds during different exposure periods. Based on the value of the score of malformations, the most sensitive 12 h exposure periods of embryos were significantly distinguished for all the compounds with the exception of NiCl2. The embryos were the most sensitive to retinols (e.g. all‐trans‐retinoic acid and 9‐cis‐retinoic acid) during 0–12 h and to metal compounds (e.g. triphenlytin and CdCl2) during a 24 to 36 h exposure period. In the further 3 h exposure experiment, the most sensitive period could only be determined for one of three tested compounds. Based on the present results, we proposed an assay to determine a 12 h sensitive window of embryos to chemical exposure using Xenopus tropicalis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angiogenesis is repressed by ethanol exposure during chick embryonic development
Authors: Wang Guang , Zhong Shan , Zhang Shi‐yao , Ma Zheng‐lai , Chen Jian‐long , Lu Wen‐hui , Cheng Xin , Chuai Manli , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho , Lu Da‐xiang , Yang Xuesong
Published: July 2015

It is now known that excess alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome to develop. However, it is not known whether excess ethanol exposure could directly affect angiogenesis in the embryo or angiogenesis being indirectly affected because of ethanol‐induced fetal alcohol syndrome. Using the chick yolk sac membrane (YSM) model, we demonstrated that ethanol exposure dramatically inhibited angiogenesis in the YSM of 9‐day‐old chick embryos, in a dose‐dependent manner. Likewise, the anti‐angiogenesis effect of ethanol could be seen in the developing vessel plexus (at the same extra‐embryonic regions) during earlier stages of embryo development. The anti‐angiogenic effect of ethanol was found associated with excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; as glutathione peroxidase activity increased while superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 activities decreased in the YSMs. We further validated this observation by exposing chick embryos to 2,2′‐azobis‐amidinopropane dihydrochloride (a ROS inducer) and obtained a similar anti‐angiogenesis effect as ethanol treatment. Semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis of the experimental YSMs revealed that expression of angiogenesis‐related genes, vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor 2 and hypoxia‐inducible factor, were all repressed following ethanol and 2,2′‐azobis‐amidinopropane dihydrochloride treatment. In summary, our results suggest that excess ethanol exposure inhibits embryonic angiogenesis through promoting superfluous ROS production during embryo development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kupffer cell‐mediated exacerbation of methimazole‐induced acute liver injury in rats
Authors: Akai Sho , Uematsu Yasuaki , Tsuneyama Koichi , Oda Shingo , Yokoi Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2015

Methimazole (MTZ), an anti‐thyroid drug, is known to cause liver injury in humans. It has been demonstrated that MTZ‐induced liver injury in Balb/c mice is accompanied by T helper (Th) 2 cytokine‐mediated immune responses; however, there is little evidence for immune responses associated with MTZ‐induced liver injury in rats. To investigate species differences in MTZ‐induced liver injury, we administered MTZ with a glutathione biosynthesis inhibitor, L‐buthionine‐S,R‐sulfoximine (BSO), to F344 rats and subsequently observed an increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which are associated with hepatic lesions. The hepatic mRNA expression of innate immune‐related genes significantly increased in BSO‐ and MTZ‐treated rats, but the change in Th2‐related genes was not much greater than the change observed in the previous mouse study. Moreover, an increase in Kupffer cells and an induction of the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) proteins were accompanied by an increase in Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, indicating that Kupffer cell activation occurs through HMGB1‐TLR4 signaling. To elucidate the mechanism of liver injury in rats, gadolinium chloride, which inactivates the function of Kupffer cells, was administered before BSO and MTZ administration. The gadolinium chloride treatment significantly suppressed the increased ALT, which was accompanied by decreased hepatic mRNA expression related to innate immune responses and ERK/JNK phosphorylation. In conclusion, Kupffer cell‐mediated immune responses are crucial factors for the exacerbation of MTZ‐induced liver injury in rats, indicating apparent species differences in the immune‐mediated exacerbation of liver injury between mice and rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of sulpiride and ethylene glycol monomethyl ether on endometrial carcinogenicity in Donryu rats
Authors: Taketa Yoshikazu , Inoue Kaoru , Takahashi Miwa , Sakamoto Yohei , Watanabe Gen , Taya Kazuyoshi , Yoshida Midori
Published: July 2015

Sulpiride and ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) are known ovarian toxicants that stimulate prolactin (PRL) secretion, resulting in hypertrophy of the corpora lutea and increased progesterone (P4) production. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how the PRL stimulatory agents affected uterine carcinogenesis and to clarify the effects of PRL on endometrial adenocarcinoma progression in rats. Ten‐week‐old female Donryu rats were treated once with N‐ethyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (20 mg kg−1), followed by treatment with sulpiride (200 ppm) or EGME (1250 ppm) from 11 weeks of age to 12 months of age. Sulpiride treatment inhibited the incidence of uterine adenocarcinoma and precancerous lesions of atypical endometrial hyperplasia, whereas EGME had no effect on uterine carcinogenesis. Sulpiride markedly prevented the onset of persistent estrus throughout the study period, and EGME delayed and inhibited the onset of persistent estrus. Moreover, sulpiride‐treated animals showed high PRL and P4 serum levels without changes in the levels of estradiol‐17β, low uterine weights and histological luteal cell hypertrophy. EGME did not affect serum PRL and P4 levels. These results suggest that the prolonged low estradiol‐17β to P4 ratio accompanied by persistent estrous cycle abnormalities secondary to the luteal stimulatory effects of PRL may explain the inhibitory effects of sulpiride on uterine carcinogenesis in rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of Quadriceps Weakness to Fragility Fracture: A Prospective Study
Authors: Pham Hanh M , Nguyen Nguyen D , Center Jacqueline R , Eisman John A , Nguyen Tuan V
Published: July 2015

The association between muscle weakness and fracture is not well understood. This study sought to examine the contribution of muscle strength at baseline and change in muscle strength to the observed risk of fragility fracture in older people. The study involved 595 men and 1066 women aged 60+ years (median 69 years) who had been followed for a median of 11 years (range, 4 to 22 years). Quadriceps isometric muscle strength (MS) measured at baseline and biennially was adjusted for height. Femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD) was measured by DXA. Low-trauma fracture was ascertained from X-ray reports and interview. The relationship between baseline MS and serial MS and fracture assessed by time-invariant and time-variant Cox's regression models was expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). During the follow-up period, 282 (26%) women and 89 (15%) men sustained a fragility fracture. From age 60 years, women lost 0.28 kg/m (1.6%) of MS per year, whereas men lost 0.39 kg/m (1.5%) of MS per year. In the time-variant model, using serial MS, each 1 SD (4.7 kg/m) lower MS was associated with a 27% increase in the risk of fracture in women (HR 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.43); and 46% increase in men (HR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.75). After adjusting for FNBMD, age and prior fracture, history of fall and smoking, HR per SD of lower MS was 1.13 (95% CI, 0.99 to 1.28) for women and 1.35 (95% CI, 1.18 to 1.64) for men. These data indicate that muscle weakness is an independent determinant of fracture risk in men, but not in women. This sex difference suggests that apart from mechanical load effect of muscle on bone, there are other muscle-bone interactions that need to be investigated in future studies. The accuracy of fracture risk prediction for men may be improved by incorporating muscle strength. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Incidence and Predictors of Multiple Fractures Despite High Adherence to Oral Bisphosphonates: A Binational Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Hawley Samuel , Javaid M Kassim , Rubin Katrine H , Judge Andrew , Arden Nigel K , Vestergaard Peter , Eastell Richard , Diez-Perez Adolfo , Cooper Cyrus , Abrahamsen Bo , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel
Published: July 2015

Oral bisphosphonates (BPs) are highly effective in preventing fractures and are recommended first-line therapies for patients with osteoporosis. We identified the incidence and predictors of oral BP treatment failure, defined as the incidence of two or more fractures while on treatment (≥2 FWOT) among users with high adherence. Fractures were considered from 6 months after treatment initiation and up to 6 months after discontinuation. Data from computerized records and pharmacy invoices were obtained from Sistema d‘Informació per al Desenvolupament de l‘Investigació en Atenció Primària (SIDIAP; Catalonia, Spain) and Danish Health Registries (Denmark) for all incident users of oral BPs in 2006-2007 and 2000-2001, respectively. Fine and Gray survival models using backward-stepwise selection (p-entry 0.049; p- exit 0.10) and accounting for the competing risk of therapy cessation were used to identify predictors of ≥2 FWOT among patients having persisted with treatment ≥6 months with overall medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥80%. Incidence of ≥2 FWOT was 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 3.2) and 1.7 (95% CI, 1.2 to 2.2) per 1000 patient-years (PYs) within Catalonia and Denmark, respectively. Older age was predictive of ≥2 FWOT in both Catalonian and Danish cohorts: subhazard ratio (SHR) = 2.28 (95% CI, 1.11 to 4.68) and SHR = 2.61 (95% CI, 0.98 to 6.95), respectively, for 65 to <80 years; and SHR = 3.19 (95% CI, 1.33 to 7.69) and SHR = 4.88 (95% CI, 1.74 to 13.7), respectively, for ≥80 years. Further significant predictors of ≥2 FWOT identified within only one cohort were dementia, SHR = 4.46 (95% CI, 1.02 to 19.4) (SIDIAP); and history of recent or older fracture, SHR = 3.40 (95% CI, 1.50 to 7.68) and SHR = 2.08 (95% CI: 1.04-4.15), respectively (Denmark). Even among highly adherent users of oral BP therapy, a minority sustain multiple fractures while on treatment. Older age was predictive of increased risk within both study populations, as was history of recent/old fracture and dementia within one but not both populations. Additional and/or alternative strategies should be investigated for these patients. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Fat and Sucrose Intake Induces Obesity-Related Bone Metabolism Disturbances: Kinetic and Reversibility Studies in Growing and Adult Rats
Authors: Lavet Cédric , Martin Aline , Linossier Marie-Thérèse , Bossche Arnaud Vanden , Laroche Norbert , Thomas Mireille , Gerbaix Maude , Ammann Patrick , Fraissenon Antoine , Lafage-Proust Marie-Hélène , Courteix Daniel , Vico Laurence
Published: July 2015

Metabolic and bone effects were investigated in growing (G, n = 45) and mature (M, n = 45) rats fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFS) isocaloric to the chow diet of controls (C, n = 30 per group). At week 19, a subset of 15 rats in each group (HFS or C, at both ages) was analyzed. Then one-half of the remaining 30 HFS rats in each groups continued HFS and one-half were shifted to C until week 27. Although no serum or bone marrow inflammation was seen, HFS increased visceral fat, serum leptin and insulin at week 19 and induced further alterations in lipid profile, serum adiponectin, and TGFβ1, TIMP1, MMP2, and MMP9, suggesting a prediabetic phenotype and cardiovascular dysfunction at week 27 more pronounced in M than G. These events were associated with dramatic reduction of osteoclastic and osteoid surfaces with accelerated mineralizing surfaces in both HFS age groups. Mineral metabolism and its major regulators were disturbed, leading to hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia. These changes were associated with bone alterations in the weight-bearing tibia, not in the non-weight-bearing vertebra. Indeed in fat rats, tibia trabecular bone accrual increased in G whereas loss of trabecular bone in M was alleviated. At diaphysis cortical porosity increased in G and even more in M at week 27. After the diet switch, metabolic and bone cellular disturbances fully reversed in G, but not in M. Trabecular benefit of the obese was preserved in both age groups and in M the age-related bone loss was even lighter after the diet switch than in prolonged HFS. At the diaphysis, cortical porosity normalized in G but not in M. Hypocalcemia in G and M was irreversible. Thus, the mild metabolic syndrome induced by isocaloric HFS is able to alter bone cellular activities and mineral metabolism, reinforce trabecular bone, and affect cortical bone porosity in an irreversible manner in older rats. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Noncatalytic bromination of benzene: A combined computational and experimental study
Authors: Shernyukov Andrey V. , Genaev Alexander M. , Salnikov George E. , Rzepa Henry S. , Shubin Vyacheslav G.
Published: July 2015

The noncatalytic bromination of benzene is shown experimentally to require high 5–14 M concentrations of bromine to proceed at ambient temperatures to form predominantly bromobenzene, along with detectable (<2%) amounts of addition products such as tetra and hexabromocyclohexanes. The kinetic order in bromine at these high concentrations is 4.8 ± 0.06 at 298 K and 5.6 ± 0.11 at 273 K with a small measured inverse deuterium isotope effect using D6‐benzene of 0.97 ± 0.03 at 298 K. These results are rationalized using computed transition states models at the B3LYP+D3/6‐311++G(2d,2p) level with an essential continuum solvent field for benzene applied. The model with the lowest predicted activation free energies agrees with the high experimental kinetic order in bromine and involves formation of an ionic, concerted, and asynchronous transition state with a Br8cluster resembling the structure of the known Br9−. This cluster plays three roles; as a Br+donor, as a proton base, and as a stabilizing arm forming weak interactions with two adjacent benzene CH hydrogens, these aspects together combining to overcome the lack of reactivity of benzene induced by its aromaticity. The computed inverse kinetic isotope effect of 0.95 agrees with experiment, and arises because CBr bond formation is essentially complete, whereas CH cleavage has not yet commenced. The computed free energy barriers for the reaction with 4Br2and 5Br2for a standard state of 14.3 M in bromine are reasonable for an ambient temperature reaction, unlike previously reported theoretical models involving only one or two bromines. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EFFECTS OF A CHANGING ORGANIZATIONAL ECOLOGY ON RACIAL DISPARITIES IN INFANT MORTALITY
Authors: Sparks Shannon M. A. , Faust Victoria , Christens Brian D. , Hilgendorf Amy E.
Published: July 2015

For a seven‐year period, the disparity in birth outcomes between Blacks and non‐Hispanic Whites in one Wisconsin county closed for reasons not epidemiologically explainable. Examination of the ecology of organizations offered promise for considering the environmental factors influencing African American mothers and birth outcomes during this time. Qualitative analysis of interview data from representatives of health, social service, and advocacy organizations in the county focused on three themes: organizational and network change, organizational philosophies and orientations, and organizational coordination and competition. Results suggest that organizations collaborated variably during this time as adaptations to a changing ecology of funding, political influence, and dominant philosophical orientations. Peak levels of organizational collaborations fostered systems‐level orientations to relational, community‐centered work and coordinated, holistic service provision for underserved mothers and families. Ecological factors promoting collaboration among organizations, and the development of an interorganizational collaborative in particular, influenced further system changes with implications for birth outcomes. Additional analyses discuss systems‐level implications for interorganizational endeavors from the lens of organizational ecology.
LEARNING FROM ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY TO BUILD ORGANIZATIONAL EMPOWERMENT
Authors: Francescato Donata , Aber Mark S.
Published: July 2015

This paper aims to spark interest among community psychologists to become more involved in promoting organizational empowerment (OE) and to recognize that interdisciplinary efforts are required to reach this goal. In this spirit, first we identify for community psychologists OE theory and constructs drawn from the organizational studies literature that we believe provide useful adjuncts to the OE work emerging in community psychology. We find several OE key constructs that are particularly valuable for community psychologists wanting to promote empowering organizations.
Second, we describe OE intervention strategies developed by European community
psychologists, specifically Francescato and colleagues’ (PMOA) Participatory Multi‐faceted Organizational Assessment. PMOA integrates theoretical concepts from several disciplines stressing particularly those taken from organizational psychology, to develop theoretically driven methodological interventions to promote empowered and empowering organizations. We conclude by presenting some ideas on why it is particularly important in this era of globalization that more community psychologist get involved in understanding and promoting organizational empowerment.
EXPLORING USE OF RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT THEORY FOR CROSS‐BORDER RELATIONSHIPS TO BUILD CAPACITY IN HIV PREVENTION
Authors: Aldoory Linda , Bellows Denise , Boekeloo Bradley O. , Randolph Suzanne M.
Published: July 2015

This study examines cross‐border collaboration among community‐based organizations, health departments and practitioners in a city and neighboring county that provide HIV prevention services. Relationship management theory was used to assess trust, reciprocity, control mutuality, commitment, satisfaction, mutual understanding and mutual legitimacy for purposes of HIV prevention. Relationship management theory used here is uniquely suited to inform community psychology because it offers characteristics of relationships that may be used to understand the ability of myriad types of organizations to work together toward a common goal. Findings from in‐depth interviews and focus groups revealed a framework for understanding collaboration via the lens of inter‐organizational relationship management, where jurisdictional borders had influence on collaboration efforts, and resource disparity guided goal attainment.
THE TRANSFORMATION TEAM: AN ENABLING STRUCTURE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING IN ACTION
Authors: Evans Scotney D. , Kivell Natalie
Published: July 2015

The majority of work occurring in human service organizations (HSOs) today, is ameliorative in nature, leaving the original sources of problems in our communities or society unchanged. The current tendency is to unreflectively reproduce these ameliorative practices that at best are superficially addressing a problem, and at worst are perpetuating the issues our communities face. In this paper we bring in two key concepts from Organizational Theory to inform Community Psychology theory and practice: reflective practice and organizational learning. We demonstrate the necessity of critically reflective practice in HSOs to promote learning, critical consciousness and critical community practice, in order to create more transformative rather than ameliorative practices. Utilizing our learning from three case studies, we propose the use of a Transformation‐team (T‐team) model as an enabling structure for reflective practice and organizational learning. Outlining benefits as well as eight necessary conditions of a successful T‐team, we delve into the possibilities that such an organizational structure can offer our HSOs.
S‐Adenosylmethionine Affects ERK1/2 and Stat3 Pathways and Induces Apotosis in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Ilisso Concetta Paola , Sapio Luigi , Delle Cave Donatella , Illiano Michela , Spina Annamaria , Cacciapuoti Giovanna , Naviglio Silvio , Porcelli Marina
Published: July 2015

Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive bone tumor. Its clinical outcome remains discouraging despite intensive surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches are demanded. S‐Adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) is a naturally occurring molecule that is synthesized in our body by methionine adenosyltransferase isoenzymes and is also available as a nutritional supplement. AdoMet is the principal methyl donor in numerous methylation reactions and is involved in many biological functions. Interestingly, AdoMet has been shown to exert antiproliferative action in various cancer cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are just starting to be studied. Here, we investigated the effects of AdoMet on the proliferation of osteosarcoma U2OS cells and the underlying mechanisms. We carried out direct cell number counting, MTT and flow cytometry‐based assays, and immunoblotting experiments in response to AdoMet treatment. We found that AdoMet strongly inhibits proliferation of U2OS cells by slowing‐down cell cycle progression and by inducing apoptosis. We also report that AdoMet consistently causes an increase of p53 and p21 cell‐cycle inhibitor, a decrease of cyclin A and cyclin E protein levels, and a marked increase of pro‐apoptotic Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, with caspase‐3 activation and PARP cleavage. Moreover, the AdoMet‐induced antiproliferative effects were dynamically accompanied by profound changes in ERK1/2 and STAT3 protein and phosphorylation levels. Altogether, our data enforce the evidence of AdoMet acting as a biomolecule with antiproliferative action in osteosarcoma cells, capable of down‐regulating ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways leading to cell cycle inhibition and apoptosis, and provide a rationale for the possible use of AdoMet in osteosarcoma therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 428–435, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ANFIS modeling for bacteria detection based on GNR biosensor
Authors: Akbari Elnaz , Buntat Zolkafle , Shahraki Elmira , Zeinalinezhad Alireza , Nilashi Mehrbakhsh
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Graphene is an allotrope of carbon with two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer honeycombs. A larger detection area and higher sensitivity can be provided by a graphene based nanosenor because of its two‐dimensional structure. In addition, owing to its special characteristics including electrical, optical and physical properties, graphene is a known more suitable candidate than other materials for use in sensor applications.

RESULT

In this research, a set of novel models employing field effect transistor (FET) structures using graphene has been proposed and the current–voltage (I‐V) characteristics of graphene have been employed to model the sensing mechanism. An adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) algorithm has been used to provide another model for the current–voltage (I‐V) characteristic.

CONCLUSION

It has been observed that the graphene device experiences a large increase in conductance when exposed to Escherichia coli bacteria at 0–104 cfu mL−1 concentrations. Accordingly, the proposed model exhibits satisfactory agreement with the experimental data and this biosensor can detect E. coli bacteria providing high levels of sensitivity. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Energy recovery from winery wastewater using a dual chamber microbial fuel cell
Authors: Penteado Eduardo D , Fernandez‐Marchante Carmen M , Zaiat Marcelo , Cañizares Pablo , Gonzalez Ernesto R , Rodrigo Manuel AR
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can treat agro‐industrial wastewater, but only a few studies have reported the treatment of winery waste and much work is needed in order to develop this interesting application of MFC technology, in particular in evaluating how the unfavorable COD/N and COD/P ratios may affect the MFC performance. In this work, a dual chamber MFC was used to treat real effluents from wine processing factories.

RESULTS

The MFC was not efficient in terms of COD removal, even when nutrients concentration was increased and daily removals which oscillated around 1000 mg L‐1 d‐1 were observed during the complete experimental period, with COD removals around 17%. Increases in the phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations positively influenced the production of electricity. By increasing the concentration of phosphorus and nitrogen, Coulombic efficiency was increased from 2% to almost 15%, and maximum power density from 105 to 465 mW m‐2.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate that electricity can be produced efficiently and that the unbalanced nutrients/COD ratio is a major challenge in the treatment of winery wastewater, in spite of the very high organic load contained in this type of wastewater. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Using cell recycling batch fermentations to validate a setup for cellulosic ethanol production
Authors: Silva Vinícius FN , Nakanishi Simone C , Dionísio Suzane R , Rossell Carlos EV , Ienczak Jaciane L , Gonçalves Adilson R , Rocha George JM
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Although cells recycling has been recognized as an important technology in obtaining first generation ethanol, there are few studies using this technology to obtain second generation ethanol, limited only to the fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysate and molasses mixture. The present work evaluated the use of cell recycle batch fermentation to validate a setup for cellulosic ethanol production. Setup considered a diluted phosphoric acid pretreatment followed by alkaline delignification, enzymatic hydrolysis, hexoses concentration, and finally, cell recycle batch fermentations. After the concentration step of cellulosic hydrolysate, performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae recycling was evaluated from parameters related to the alcoholic fermentation, such as productivity and ethanol yield.

RESULTS

Global productivity values of 1.94, 4.19, 5.62, 5.68 and 5.81 g L−1 h−1 were obtained for all batch fermentations, respectively. Fermentation reaction was performed for 8 h in the 3rd, 4th and 5th batches. The medium yield of 87.4% and ethanol titer of 47.0 g L−1 were obtained in nearly all batches.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed good performance of the yeast with consumption of almost all glucose present in cellulosic hydrolysate without sterilization and supplied with molasses. In this context, the setup proposed can be a possible design for second generation ethanol production. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry