bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of gallbladder cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Gu Jun , Yan Shiyan , Wang Baochan , Shen Feng , Cao Haixia , Fan Jiangao , Wang Yuqin
Published: June 2015

Aims

Increasing evidence suggests that a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) may be involved in the development of various sites of cancer. However, the association with risk of gallbladder cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We identified studies by a literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE through 31 August 2014 and by searching the reference lists of pertinent articles. All data were independently extracted by two investigators using a standardized data abstraction tool. Summary relative risks (SRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random effects model.

Results

A total of 20 studies (eight case‐control studies and 12 cohort studies) were included in this meta‐analysis. Analysis of these 20 studies found that compared with non‐diabetic individuals, diabetic individuals had an increased risk of gallbladder cancer (SRR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.36–1.79). There was evidence of moderate heterogeneity among these studies (p = 0.010 and I2 = 43.5%). This increased risk relationship is independent of smoking, body mass index and a history of gallstones. However, whether or not controlled for, alcohol use may be one of the potential confounders that significantly affect the association between type 2 DM and the risk of gallbladder cancer. Diabetic women and men had a similarly increased risk of gallbladder cancer associated with type 2 DM.

Conclusions

These findings of this systematic review indicate that compared with non‐diabetic individuals, both men and women with type 2 DM had an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parasitic helminths and their beneficial impact on type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Berbudi Afiat , Ajendra Jesuthas , Wardani Ajeng P.F. , Hoerauf Achim , Hübner Marc P.
Published: June 2015

It is estimated that by the year 2035 almost 600 million people will suffer from diabetes. In the case of type 2 diabetes, the strongest increase of diabetes incidence occurs in developing and newly industrialized countries. This increase correlates not only with a progressing sedentary lifestyle and nutritional changes, but also environmental changes. Similarly, the increase of type 1 diabetes incidence in industrialized countries over the past decades cannot be explained by genetic factors alone, suggesting that environmental changes are also involved. One such environmental change is a reduced exposure to pathogens because of improved hygiene. Parasitic helminths modulate the immune system of their hosts and induce type 2 as well as regulatory immune responses. As pro‐inflammatory immune responses are crucial for the onset of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, helminth‐induced immunomodulation may prevent diabetes onset and ameliorate insulin sensitivity. Several epidemiological studies in human and experimental animal models support such a protective effect of helminths for autoimmune diabetes. Recent studies further suggest that helminths may also provide such a beneficial effect for type 2 diabetes. In this review we summarize studies that investigated parasitic helminths and helminth‐derived products and their impact on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes highlighting potential protective mechanisms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of deforestation and weather on diurnal frost heave processes on the steep mountain slopes in south central Japan
Authors: Ueno Kenichi , Kurobe Kousei , Imaizumi Fumitoshi , Nishii Ryoko
Published: June 2015

Freezing and thawing processes play an important role for the gravitational transport of surface materials on steep mountain slopes in Japan. The effects of deforestation on frost heave activity were observed through the 2012/2013 winter season in Ikawa University Forest, a southern mountainous area in central Japan (1180–1310 m above sea level). During periods without snow cover, needle ice development prevailed at a clear‐cut site, and the downslope sediment movement of upper soil was 10 to 15 cm through the winter season. At a non‐cut site, rise and fall in the ground surface level prevailed on a weekly scale, with no evident downslope movements at the surface; ice lens formation in the soil layer is assumed. Abrupt changes in the radiation budget, such as the strengthening of nighttime radiative cooling and increases in daytime direct insolation, induced frequent development/deformation of needle ice at the clear‐cut site. In snow‐free periods, the day‐to‐day variability in needle ice growth length and in nighttime averaged net radiation showed significant correlations; cloudy weather with warmer and moist air intrusion associated with synoptic disturbances prevented the occurrence of needle ice. Namely, day‐to‐day weather changes directly affected the mass movement of the upper soil after deforestation. Shallow snow cover occurred discontinuously through the winter and is likely an important factor in keeping the soil moisture sufficiently high in the upper soil layer for initiating needle ice during snow‐free periods. We also discuss contributions of coastal extratropical cyclone activities providing both snow cover and cloudy weather in the southern mountain areas of central Japan to the intra‐seasonal variability in frost heave and its indirect effect on soil creep and landslides on the deforested steep slopes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of sulfate on selenate bioaccumulation in two freshwater primary producers: A duckweed (Lemna minor) and a green alga (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata)
Authors: Lo Bonnie P. , Elphick James R. , Bailey Howard C. , Baker Josh A. , Kennedy Christopher J.
Published: June 2015

Predicting selenium bioaccumulation is complicated because site-specific conditions, including the ionic composition of water, affect the bioconcentration of inorganic selenium into the food web. Selenium tissue concentrations were measured in Lemna minor and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata following exposure to selenate and sulfate. Selenium accumulation differed between species, and sulfate reduced selenium uptake in both species, indicating that ionic constituents, in particular sulfate, are important in modifying selenium uptake by primary producers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2841–2845. © 2015 SETAC
Modeling the transport of organic chemicals between polyethylene passive samplers and water in finite and infinite bath conditions
Authors: Tcaciuc A. Patricia , Apell Jennifer N. , Gschwend Philip M.
Published: June 2015

Understanding the transfer of chemicals between passive samplers and water is essential for their use as monitoring devices of organic contaminants in surface waters. By applying Fick's second law to diffusion through the polymer and an aqueous boundary layer, the authors derived a mathematical model for the uptake of chemicals into a passive sampler from water, in finite and infinite bath conditions. The finite bath model performed well when applied to laboratory observations of sorption into polyethylene (PE) sheets for various chemicals (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT]) and at varying turbulence levels. The authors used the infinite bath model to infer fractional equilibration of PCB and DDT analytes in field-deployed PE, and the results were nearly identical to those obtained using the sampling rate model. However, further comparison of the model and the sampling rate model revealed that the exchange of chemicals was inconsistent with the sampling rate model for partially or fully membrane-controlled transfer, which would be expected in turbulent conditions or when targeting compounds with small polymer diffusivities and small partition coefficients (e.g., phenols, some pesticides, and others). The model can be applied to other polymers besides PE as well as other chemicals and in any transfer regime (membrane, mixed, or water boundary layer–controlled). Lastly, the authors illustrate practical applications of this model such as improving passive sampler design and understanding the kinetics of passive dosing experiments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2739–2749. © 2015 SETAC
It is time to develop ecological thresholds of toxicological concern to assist environmental hazard assessment
Authors: Belanger Scott E. , Sanderson Hans , Embry Michelle R. , Coady Katie , DeZwart Dick , Farr Brianna A. , Gutsell Steve , Halder Marlies , Sternberg Robin , Wilson Peter
Published: June 2015

The threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept is well established for assessing human safety of food-contact substances and has been reapplied for a variety of endpoints, including carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. The TTC establishes an exposure level for chemicals below which no appreciable risk to human health or the environment is expected, based on a de minimis value for toxicity identified for many chemicals. Threshold of toxicological concern approaches have benefits for screening-level risk assessments, including the potential for rapid decision-making, fully utilizing existing knowledge, reasonable conservativeness for chemicals used in lower volumes (low production volume chemicals (e.g., < 1 t/yr), and reduction or elimination of unnecessary animal tests. Higher production volume chemicals (>1 t/yr) would in principle always require specific information because of the presumed higher exposure potential. The TTC approach has found particular favor in the assessment of chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products, as well as other chemicals traditionally used in low volumes. Use of the TTC in environmental safety is just beginning, and initial attempts are being published. Key questions focus on hazard extrapolation of diverse taxa across trophic levels, importance of mode of action, and whether safe concentrations for ecosystems estimated from acute or chronic toxicity data are equally useful and in what contexts. The present study provides an overview of the theoretical basis for developing an ecological (eco)-TTC, with an initial exploration of chemical assessment and boundary conditions for use. An international collaboration under the International Life Sciences Institute Health and Environmental Sciences Institute has been established to address challenges related to developing and applying useful eco-TTC concepts. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2864–2869. © 2015 SETAC
Initial recommendations for higher-tier risk assessment protocols for bumble bees, Bombus spp. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Cabrera Ana R , Almanza Maria Teresa , Cutler G Christopher , Fischer David L , Hinarejos Silvia , Lewis Gavin , Nigro Daniel , Olmstead Allen , Overmyer Jay , Potter Daniel A , Raine Nigel E , Stanley-Stahr Cory , Thompson Helen , van der Steen Jozef
Published: June 2015

Global declines of bumble bees and other pollinator populations are of concern because of their critical role for crop production and maintenance of wild plant biodiversity. Although the consensus among scientists is that the interaction of many factors, including habitat loss, forage scarcity, diseases, parasites, and pesticides, potentially plays a role in causing these declines, pesticides have received considerable attention and scrutiny. In response, regulatory agencies have introduced more stringent pollinator testing requirements for registration and reregistration of pesticides, to ensure that the risks to pollinators are minimized. In this context, guidelines for testing bumble bees (Bombus spp.) in regulatory studies are not yet available, and a pressing need exists to develop suitable protocols for routine higher-tier studies with these non-Apis sp., social bees. To meet this need, Bayer CropScience LP, Syngenta Crop Protection LLC US, and Valent USA. Corporation organized a workshop bringing together a group of global experts on bumble bee behavior, ecology, and ecotoxicology to discuss and develop draft protocols for both semi-field (Tier II) and field (Tier III) studies. The workshop was held May 8–9, 2014, at the Bayer Bee Care Center, North Carolina, USA. The participants represented academic, consulting, and industry scientists from Europe, Canada, the United States, and Brazil. The workshop identified a clear protection goal and generated proposals for basic experimental designs, relevant measurements, and endpoints for both semifield (tunnel) and field tests. These initial recommendations are intended to form the basis of discussions to help advance the development of appropriate protocol guidelines. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:222–229. © 2015 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by SETAC

Key Points

Initial recommendations for semifield and field studies with bumble bees based on expert opinions. Identification of a protection goal and relevant endpoints for risk assessment of pesticides to bumble bees. Identification of research needs to advance the development of guidelines for bumble bee regulatory testing.
L1CAM in human cancer
Authors: Altevogt Peter , Doberstein Kai , Fogel Mina
Published: June 2015

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is one of the first neural adhesion molecules described with important functions in the development of the nervous system. Subsequent work discovered that L1CAM is expressed in many human cancers and is often associated with bad prognosis. This is most likely due to the motility and invasion promoting function of L1CAM. Here, we describe the path L1CAM has taken from a neural adhesion molecule to a recognized tumor antigen. We summarize the literature on L1CAM expression in cancers and pre‐cancerous lesions. We focus on the genetic elements required for its re‐expression and highlight preclinical studies for targeted therapy. The data suggest that L1CAM is a valuable diagnostic/prognostic marker and an attractive target for the therapy of several human cancers.
Electrospinning of PVA/chitosan nanocomposite nanofibers containing gelatin nanoparticles as a dual drug delivery system
Authors: Fathollahipour Shahrzad , Abouei Mehrizi Ali , Ghaee Azadeh , Koosha Mojtaba
Published: June 2015

Nanofibrous core‐sheath nanocomposite dual drug delivery system based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan/lidocaine hydrochloride loaded with gelatin nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the electrospinning method. Gelatin nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation and were then loaded with erythromycin antibiotic agent with the average particle size of ∼175 nm. The morphology of gelatin nanoparticles observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) was shown to be optimal at the concentration of 1.25 wt % of gelatin in aqueous phase by addition of 20 µL of glutaraldehyde 5% as the crosslinking agent. The nanoparticles were also characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The best bead free morphology for the PVA/chitosan nanofibrous mats were obtained at the solution weight ratio of 96/4. The nanofibrous mats were analyzed by swelling studies, FTIR and antibacterial tests. In vitro dual release profile of the core‐sheath nanofibers was also studied within 72 h and showed the release efficiency equal to 84.69 and 75.13% for lidocaine hydrochloride and erythromycin, respectively. According to release exponent n, the release of lidocaine hydrochloride from the sheath part of the matrix is quasi‐Fickian diffusion mechanism, while the release of erythromycin is based on anomalous or non‐Fickian mechanisms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3852–3862, 2015.
Disturbances in Bone Largely Predict Aortic Calcification in an Alternative Rat Model Developed to Study Both Vascular and Bone Pathology in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Neven Ellen , Bashir-Dar Rida , Dams Geert , Behets Geert J , Verhulst Anja , Elseviers Monique , D'Haese Patrick C
Published: June 2015

Because current rat models used to study chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related vascular calcification show consistent but excessive vascular calcification and chaotic, immeasurable, bone mineralization due to excessive bone turnover, they are not suited to study the bone-vascular axis in one and the same animal. Because vascular calcification and bone mineralization are closely related to each other, an animal model in which both pathologies can be studied concomitantly is highly needed. CKD-related vascular calcification in rats was induced by a 0.25% adenine/low vitamin K diet. To follow vascular calcification and bone pathology over time, rats were killed at weeks 4, 8, 10, 11, and 12. Both static and dynamic bone parameters were measured. Vascular calcification was quantified by histomorphometry and measurement of the arterial calcium content. Stable, severe CKD was induced along with hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia as well as increased serum PTH and FGF23. Calcification in the aorta and peripheral arteries was present from week 8 of CKD onward. Four and 8 weeks after CKD, static and dynamic bone parameters were measurable in all animals, thereby presenting typical features of hyperparathyroid bone disease. Multiple regression analysis showed that the eroded perimeter and mineral apposition rate in the bone were strong predictors for aortic calcification. This rat model presents a stable CKD, moderate vascular calcification, and quantifiable bone pathology after 8 weeks of CKD and is the first model that lends itself to study these main complications simultaneously in CKD in mechanistic and intervention studies. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osteoclast TGF-β Receptor Signaling Induces Wnt1 Secretion and Couples Bone Resorption to Bone Formation
Authors: Weivoda Megan M , Ruan Ming , Pederson Larry , Hachfeld Christine , Davey Rachel A , Zajac Jeffrey D , Westendorf Jennifer J , Khosla Sundeep , Oursler Merry Jo
Published: June 2015

Osteoblast-mediated bone formation is coupled to osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. These processes become uncoupled with age, leading to increased risk for debilitating fractures. Therefore, understanding how osteoblasts are recruited to sites of resorption is vital to treating age-related bone loss. Osteoclasts release and activate TGF-β from the bone matrix. Here we show that osteoclast-specific inhibition of TGF-β receptor signaling in mice results in osteopenia due to reduced osteoblast numbers with no significant impact on osteoclast numbers or activity. TGF-β induced osteoclast expression of Wnt1, a protein crucial to normal bone formation, and this response was blocked by impaired TGF-β receptor signaling. Osteoclasts in aged murine bones had lower TGF-β signaling and Wnt1 expression in vivo. Ex vivo stimulation of osteoclasts derived from young or old mouse bone marrow macrophages showed no difference in TGF-β–induced Wnt1 expression. However, young osteoclasts expressed reduced Wnt1 when cultured on aged mouse bone chips compared to young mouse bone chips, consistent with decreased skeletal TGF-β availability with age. Therefore, osteoclast responses to TGF-β are essential for coupling bone resorption to bone formation, and modulating this pathway may provide opportunities to treat age-related bone loss. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
PTH(1-84) Administration in Hypoparathyroidism Transiently Reduces Bone Matrix Mineralization
Authors: Misof Barbara M , Roschger Paul , Dempster David W , Zhou Hua , Bilezikian John P , Klaushofer Klaus , Rubin Mishaela R
Published: June 2015

Patients with hypoparathyroidism have low circulating parathyroid (PTH) levels and higher cancellous bone volume and trabecular thickness. Treatment with PTH(1-84) was shown to increase abnormally low bone remodeling dynamics. In this work, we studied the effect of 1-year or 2-year PTH(1-84) treatment on cancellous and cortical bone mineralization density distribution (Cn.BMDD and Ct.BMDD) based on quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) in paired transiliac bone biopsy samples. The study cohort comprised 30 adult hypoparathyroid patients (14 treated for 1 year; 16 treated for 2 years). At baseline, Cn.BMDD was shifted to higher mineralization densities in both treatment groups (average degree of mineralization Cn.CaMean +3.9% and +2.7%, p < 0.001) compared to reference BMDD. After 1-year PTH(1-84), Cn.CaMean was significantly lower than that at baseline (–6.3%, p < 0.001), whereas in the 2-year PTH(1-84) group Cn.CaMean did not differ from baseline. Significant changes of Ct.BMDD were observed in the 1-year treatment group only. The change in histomorphometric bone formation (mineralizing surface) was predictive for Cn.BMDD outcomes in the 1-year PTH(1-84) group, but not in the 2-year PTH(1-84) group. Our findings suggest higher baseline bone matrix mineralization consistent with the decreased bone turnover in hypoparathyroidism. PTH(1-84) treatment caused differential effects dependent on treatment duration that were consistent with the histomorphometric bone formation outcomes. The greater increase in bone formation during the first year of treatment was associated with a decrease in bone matrix mineralization, suggesting that PTH(1-84) exposure to the hypoparathyroid skeleton has the greatest effects on BMDD early in treatment. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Stimulation of Cell Migration by Flagellin Through the p38 MAP Kinase Pathway in Cultured Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Higa‐Nakamine Sayomi , Maeda Noriko , Toku Seikichi , Kakinohana Manabu , Sugahara Kazuhiro , Kukita Ichiro , Yamamoto Hideyuki
Published: June 2015

Toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5) is a receptor for flagellin and is present on the basolateral surface of intestinal epithelial cells. However, the pathological roles of TLR5 in intestinal epithelial cells are not clear at present. In previous reports, we demonstrated that treatment of cultured alveolar epithelial cells with flagellin activated the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and enhanced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1). In translating our findings in alveolar epithelial cells to intestinal epithelial cells, we found that both flagellin and TGF‐β1 activated p38 MAPK and its downstream protein kinase, MAPK‐activated protein kinase‐2 (MAPKAPK‐2) in an IEC‐6 intestinal epithelial cell line. The phosphorylation of HSP27, one of the substrates for MAPKAPK‐2, was also increased. TGF‐β1 increased the protein level of α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and flagellin enhanced the effect of TGF‐β1. A wound healing assay revealed that flagellin and TGF‐β1 stimulated the migration of cells. SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, and an inhibitor of MAPKAPK‐2 inhibited flagellin‐stimulated migration. These results suggested that TLR5 is involved in the migration of intestinal epithelial cells through activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 247–258, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated analysis protocol for high resolution BOLD‐fMRI mapping of the fingertip somatotopy in brodmann area 3b
Authors: Pfannmöller Jörg P. , Schweizer Renate , Lotze Martin
Published: June 2015

Background

To introduce a standardized and automatized method for functional MRI (fMRI) examinations of the cortical sensory somatotopy in large samples for investigations of the fingertip somatotopy in the primary somatosensory cortex.

Methods

At 3 Tesla, T2* (spin‐spin relaxation time) weighted images (gradient‐echo echo planar imaging, voxel size 1.5 × 1.5 × 2 mm3) were acquired during stimulation of the finger tips for thumb, index and middle finger on both hands, in a group of 18 healthy participants. In addition, structural T1 weighted (magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo, isotropic voxel size 1 mm) and MR‐angiography (time of flight, voxel size 0.26 × 0.26 × 0.5 mm3) images were recorded. Boundary based register served to combine movement correction and registration in FreeSurfer Functional analysis stream (FS‐Fast), resulting in fine scale corrections, as revealed with FSL Possum (FSL FMRIB Software Library Physics‐Oriented Simulated Scanner for Understanding MRI) simulations. Automated data analysis was achieved by inclusion of cytoarchitectonic probability maps for calculation of functional activation in Brodmann area 3b. Draining vessel artifacts were identified using the peak value approach and the MR‐angiography. Distances were computed as the shortest connection within the gray matter.

Results

The fMRI somatotopic maps agreed with the expected fingertip somatotopy in 63% of the investigated subjects, an improvement of 34% compared with FS‐Fast. Artifacts have been removed completely. Adjacent fingertips showed average distances of 8 ± 4.3 mm, and between thumb and middle finger 13.4 ± 4.8 mm was found. Distances for both hands were similar as expected from the characteristics of the fingertip spatial tactile resolution.

Conclusion

The introduced evaluation procedure allowed automated analysis of the fingertip representation in excellent agreement with preceding results. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:479–486.
Growth, yield, and yield components of canola as affected by nitrogen, sulfur, and boron application
Authors: Ma Bao‐Luo , Biswas Dilip K. , Herath Aruna W. , Whalen Joann K. , Ruan S. Qianying , Caldwell Claude , Earl Hugh , Vanasse Anne , Scott Peter , Smith Donald L.
Published: June 2015

Developing efficient nutrient management regimes is a prerequisite for promoting canola (Brassica napus L.) as a viable cash crop in eastern Canada. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the growth, yield, and yield components of canola in response to various combinations of preplant and sidedress nitrogen (N) with soil‐applied sulfur (S) and soil and foliar‐applied boron (B). Canola yield and all its yield components were strongly correlated (r2 = 0.99) with the amount of N applied, as was the above‐ground biomass at 20% flowering and the leaf area index. Sidedress N was more efficiently utilized by the crop, leading to greater yields than preplant N application. On average, canola yields increased by 9.7 kg ha−1 for preplant N application and by 13.7 kg ha−1 for sidedress N application, for every kg N ha−1 applied, in 6 of the 10 site‐years. Soil‐applied S also increased canola yields by 3–31% in 7 of the 10 site‐years, but had no effect on yield components. While there was no change in yield from soil‐applied B, the foliar B application at early flowering increased yields up to 10%, indicating that canola plants absorb B efficiently through their leaves. In summary, canola yields were improved by fertilization with N (8 of 10 site‐years), S (7 of 10 site‐years) and B (4 of 10 site‐years). Yield gains were also noted with split N‐fertilizer application that involved sidedressing N between the rosette and early flowering stage. Following these fertilizer practices could improve the yield and quality of canola crop grown in rainfed humid regions similar to those in eastern Canada.
Influence of carbon‐coated iron nanoparticles on the Raman spectrum of liquid ethanol
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Toni Franziska , Wirth Karl‐Ernst
Published: June 2015

Raman spectroscopy is applied to study the interactions between carbon‐coated iron nanoparticles and ethanol. The spectra reveal changes in the vibrational structure of ethanol, despite dispersion of only a very small amount of nanoparticles. The hydrogen bonding network of ethanol is significantly affected in the presence of the particles. This is revealed by frequency shifts throughout the spectrum as well as the modification of the OH stretching band of the alcohol. The carbon shell of the nanoparticles does not exhibit polar groups, and hence the non‐polar interactions in the system are strengthened and the hydrogen bonding is weakened. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phospholipids in foods: prooxidants or antioxidants?
Authors: Cui Leqi , Decker Eric A
Published: June 2015

Lipid oxidation is one of the major causes of quality deterioration in natural and processed foods and thus a large economic concern in the food industry. Phospholipids, especially lecithins, are already widely used as natural emulsifiers and have been gaining increasing interest as natural antioxidants to control lipid oxidation. This review summarizes the fatty acid composition and content of phospholipids naturally occurring in several foods. The role of phospholipids as substrates for lipid oxidation is discussed, with a focus on meats and dairy products. Prooxidant and antioxidant mechanisms of phospholipids are also discussed to get a better understanding of the possible opportunities for using phospholipids as food antioxidants. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Mapping Extent and Change in Surface Mines Within the United States for 2001 to 2006
Authors: Soulard Christopher E. , Acevedo William , Stehman Stephen V. , Parker Owen P.
Published: June 2015

A complete, spatially explicit dataset illustrating the 21st century mining footprint for the conterminous United States does not exist. To address this need, we developed a semi‐automated procedure to map the country's mining footprint (30‐m pixel) and establish a baseline to monitor changes in mine extent over time. The process uses mine seed points derived from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS), and USGS National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD) and recodes patches of barren land that meet a “distance to seed” requirement and a patch area requirement before mapping a pixel as mining. Seed points derived from EIA coal points, an edited MRDS point file, and 1992 NLCD mine points were used in three separate efforts using different distance and patch area parameters for each. The three products were then merged to create a 2001 map of moderate‐to‐large mines in the United States, which was subsequently manually edited to reduce omission and commission errors. This process was replicated using NLCD 2006 barren pixels as a base layer to create a 2006 mine map and a 2001–2006 mine change map focusing on areas with surface mine expansion. In 2001, 8,324 km2 of surface mines were mapped. The footprint increased to 9,181 km2 in 2006, representing a 10·3% increase over 5 years. These methods exhibit merit as a timely approach to generate wall‐to‐wall, spatially explicit maps representing the recent extent of a wide range of surface mining activities across the country. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can macroalgae contribute to blue carbon? An Australian perspective
Authors: Hill Ross , Bellgrove Alecia , Macreadie Peter I. , Petrou Katherina , Beardall John , Steven Andy , Ralph Peter J.
Published: June 2015

Macroalgal communities in Australia and around the world store vast quantities of carbon in their living biomass, but their prevalence of growing on hard substrata means that they have limited capacity to act as long‐term carbon sinks. Unlike other coastal blue carbon habitats such as seagrasses, saltmarshes and mangroves, they do not develop their own organic‐rich sediments, but may instead act as a rich carbon source and make significant contributions in the form of detritus to sedimentary habitats by acting as a “carbon donor” to “receiver sites” where organic material accumulates. The potential for storage of this donated carbon however, is dependent on the decay rate during transport and the burial efficiency at receiver sites. To better understand the potential contribution of macroalgal communities to coastal blue carbon budgets, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using key words, including carbon sequestration, macroalgal distribution, abundance and productivity to provide an estimation of the total amount of carbon stored in temperate Australian macroalgae. Our most conservative calculations estimate 109.9 Tg C is stored in living macroalgal biomass of temperate Australia, using a coastal area covering 249,697 km2. Estimates derived for tropical and subtropical regions contributed an additional 23.2 Tg C. By extending the search to include global studies we provide a broader context and rationale for the study, contributing to the global aspects of the review. In addition, we discuss the potential role of calcium carbonate‐containing macroalgae, consider the dynamic nature of macroalgal populations in the context of climate change, and identify the knowledge gaps that once addressed will enable robust quantification of macroalgae in marine biogeochemical cycling of carbon. We conclude that macroalgal communities have the potential to make ecologically meaningful contributions toward global blue carbon sequestration, as donors, but given that the fate of detached macroalgal biomass remains unclear, further research is needed to quantify this contribution.
Potential Clinical Uses of CDK Inhibitors: Lessons from Synthetic Lethality Screens
Authors: Vymětalová Ladislava , Kryštof Vladimír
Published: June 2015

Developments in genetic and genomic technology have produced vast quantities of data that are gradually yielding new insights into fundamental cellular and molecular processes. In particular, they have revealed some differences between normal and transformed cells that could potentially be exploited to develop targeted, personalized cancer therapies with unprecedented efficiencies. This review summarizes recent findings from synthetic lethality (SL) screens against cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) that can be targeted with small molecule kinase inhibitors. SL screens can be used to identify cancers sensitive to CDK inhibitors. Several SL partners of specific CDKs have been identified, including MYC, K‐Ras, VHL, PI3K, and PARP, all of which are discussed in the review. CDK inhibitors have been in clinical trials for nearly 20 years and it has become clear that effective therapy using these compounds will require careful selection of patients with respect to the specific molecular phenotype of their disease.
Repetitive nerve stimulation and single‐fiber electromyography in the evaluation of patients with suspected myasthenia gravis or Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome: Review of recent literature
Authors: Chiou‐Tan Faye Y. , Gilchrist James M.
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Our aim in this study was to provide an updated literature review of electrodiagnostic testing in myasthenia gravis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Methods: A systematic review of the recent literature was performed using the following key words: myasthenia gravis (MG); Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS); electromyography (EMG); repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS); single‐fiber electromyography (SFEMG); nerve conduction study; and normative values. Results: Several articles supported testing of facial, bulbar, and respiratory muscles in the diagnosis of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders, including muscle‐specific kinase antibody (MuSK)‐seropositive MG. Several articles supported use of concentric needle EMG as an alternative to SFEMG jitter in disorders of neuromuscular transmission. A limited number of articles addressed measurement of area (vs. amplitude) decrement in RNS and decreasing the threshold of post‐exercise facilitation. Conclusions: Electrodiagnostic testing continues to be useful for diagnosis of MG and LEMS, although the quality of the evidence is not great. This literature review summarizes RNS and jitter measurement of facial and respiratory muscles and use of concentric needle EMG for SFEMG. Muscle Nerve 52:455–462, 2015
A novel therapeutic approach for LPIN1 mutation–associated rhabdomyolysis—The Austrian experience
Authors: Pichler Karin , Scholl‐Buergi Sabine , Birnbacher Robert , Freilinger Michael , Straub Simon , Brunner Jürgen , Zschocke Johannes , Bittner Reginald E. , Karall Daniela
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Lipin 1 gene (LPIN1) mutations lead to cellular energy deficiency and cause up to 50% of the rhabdomyolysis episodes seen in pediatric patients. These episodes are associated with poor prognosis, as treatment options have been limited. We propose a novel therapeutic strategy based on prevention and early treatment of catabolism. Methods: Five patients were diagnosed with LPIN1 mutations. They were instructed to maintain high caloric intake in situations possibly leading to catabolism such as viral infections or excessive physical activity. When an episode of rhabdomyolysis occurred, patients were treated with intravenous high‐concentration glucose at first symptoms. Results: The therapeutic strategies described limited the number of rhabdomyolyis episodes, and the duration of episodes was reduced from 7–10 days, as reported in the literature, to 5 days. Conclusion: In this small series, patients with LPIN1 mutations appear to have benefited from prevention and early treatment of catabolism. Muscle Nerve 52:437–439, 2015
Reference values for jitter recorded by concentric needle electrodes in healthy controls: A multicenter study
Authors: Stålberg Erik , Sanders Donald B. , Ali Sajjad , Cooray Gerald , Leonardis Lea , Löseth Sissel , Machado Flavia , Maldonado Antonio , Martinez‐Aparicio Carmen , Sandberg Arne , Smith Benn , Widenfalk Johan , Aris Kouyoumdjian João
Published: June 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to create reference values for jitter measured with concentric needle electrodes. Methods: Operators worldwide contributed recordings from orbicularis oculi (OO), frontalis (FR), and extensor digitorum (ED) muscles in healthy controls. Criteria for acceptable signal quality were agreed upon in advance. Fifteen or 20 recordings of acceptable quality from each muscle were required for voluntary and electrical stimulation recordings, respectively. Results: Recordings from 59 to 92 subjects were obtained for each muscle and activation type. Outlier limits for mean consecutive difference and individual jitter data for voluntary activation were: OO, 31 and 45 µs; FR, 28 and 38 µs; ED, 30 and 43 µs; and for electrical stimulation they were: OO, 27 and 36 µs; FR, 21 and 28 µs; ED, 24 and 35 µs. Conclusion: Reference jitter values from concentric needle electrode recordings were developed from signals of defined quality while seeking to avoid creating supernormal values. Muscle Nerve 53: 351–362, 2016
Sparse solution of nonnegative least squares problems with applications in the construction of probabilistic Boolean networks
Authors: Wen You‐Wei , Wang Man , Cao Zhiying , Cheng Xiaoqing , Ching Wai‐Ki , Vassiliadis Vassilios S.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we consider finding a sparse solution of nonnegative least squares problems with a linear equality constraint. We propose a projection‐based gradient descent method for solving huge size constrained least squares problems. Traditional Newton‐based methods require solving a linear system. However, when the matrix is huge, it is neither practical to store it nor possible to solve it in a reasonable time. We therefore propose a matrix‐free iterative scheme for solving the minimizer of the captured problem. This iterative scheme can be explained as a projection‐based gradient descent method. In each iteration, a projection operation is performed to ensure the solution is feasible. The projection operation is equivalent to a shrinkage operator, which can guarantee the sparseness of the solution obtained. We show that the objective function is decreasing. We then apply the proposed method to the inverse problem of constructing a probabilistic Boolean network. Numerical examples are then given to illustrate both the efficiency and effectiveness of our proposed method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamics of Self‐Assembly of Dicarboxylate Ions with Binuclear Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Sørensen Thomas Just , Hill Leila R. , Faulkner Stephen
Published: June 2015

Self‐assembly of a range of carboxylic acids (benzoic acid, dinicotinic acid, nicotinic acid, and isophthalic acid) with the europium complex of 5‐nitro‐α,α′‐bis(DO3Ayl)‐m‐xylene (where DO3A is 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid) has been explored to establish the thermodynamics of binding in a range of solvent systems and in a range of aqueous buffer solutions. In this system, profound effects are observed as a consequence of competition by the hydroxide ion, which outcompetes even dinicotinate at high pH. In the case of isophthalate, which binds most strongly, and dinicotinate, both enthalpic and entropic contributions to binding have been identified. The europium complex with 5‐nitro‐α,α′‐bis(DO3Ayl)‐m‐xylene is found to have a solution structure significantly different from the related europium complex of 5‐amino‐α,α′‐bis(DO3Ayl)‐m‐xylene. It is found that phosphate binds strongly to the europium complex of the nitro derivate but not to the europium complex of amino derivative. Lactate, citrate, and pyruvate also bind strongly to 5‐nitro‐α,α′‐bis(Eu⋅DO3Ayl)‐m‐xylene, and it is concluded that the solution structure of this binuclear lanthanide complex is significantly different from that of the amino‐substituted complex.
Expandable graphite's versatility and synergy with carbon black and ammonium polyphosphate in improving antistatic and fire‐retardant properties of wood flour/polypropylene composites
Authors: Yu Fulei , Xu Fengjiao , Song Yongming , Fang Yiqun , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Qingwen , Wang Fengqiang
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the antistatic and fire‐retardant properties of wood flour/polypropylene composites consisting of carbon black (CB), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and expandable graphite (EG) through resistance meter measurement, cone calorimetry (CONE), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy. Antistatic property testing confirmed a positive effect between CB and EG on discharging electrostatic charge. Electrostatic charge was thus considered able to be conducted between CB particles through EG, which acted as a bridge in the CB/EG ‐ treated composites. The results of CONE tests showed that EG significantly reduced the smoke release of the wood plastic composites (WPCs), including total smoke release (TSR), average specific extinction area (SEA), and production of carbon monoxide. During the WPCs burning process, a compound of EG and APP showed synergistic effects which decreased heat release and fixed the residual char. TGA results demonstrated that combining EG with APP, as opposed to using EG only, effectively increased the residual mass and decreases the initial thermal decomposition temperature of the WPCs. Addition of APP caused the wood flour char by catalyzing at a lower temperature, moreover, EG and APP displayed good synergistic effects on fire inhibition and smoke suppression. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:767–773, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optimizing the affinity and specificity of ligand binding with the inclusion of solvation effect
Authors: Yan Zhiqiang , Wang Jin
Published: June 2015

Solvation effect is an important factor for protein–ligand binding in aqueous water. Previous scoring function of protein–ligand interactions rarely incorporates the solvation model into the quantification of protein–ligand interactions, mainly due to the immense computational cost, especially in the structure‐based virtual screening, and nontransferable application of independently optimized atomic solvation parameters. In order to overcome these barriers, we effectively combine knowledge‐based atom–pair potentials and the atomic solvation energy of charge‐independent implicit solvent model in the optimization of binding affinity and specificity. The resulting scoring functions with optimized atomic solvation parameters is named as specificity and affinity with solvation effect (SPA‐SE). The performance of SPA‐SE is evaluated and compared to 20 other scoring functions, as well as SPA. The comparative results show that SPA‐SE outperforms all other scoring functions in binding affinity prediction and “native” pose identification. Our optimization validates that solvation effect is an important regulator to the stability and specificity of protein–ligand binding. The development strategy of SPA‐SE sets an example for other scoring function to account for the solvation effect in biomolecular recognitions. Proteins 2015; 83:1632–1642. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards Single Biomolecule Imaging via Optical Nanoscale Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Boretti Alberto , Rosa Lorenzo , Castelletto Stefania
Published: June 2015

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a physical marvel in which electromagnetic radiation is charged and discharged by nuclei in a magnetic field. In conventional NMR, the specific nuclei resonance frequency depends on the strength of the magnetic field and the magnetic properties of the isotope of the atoms. NMR is routinely utilized in clinical tests by converting nuclear spectroscopy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and providing 3D, noninvasive biological imaging. While this technique has revolutionized biomedical science, measuring the magnetic resonance spectrum of single biomolecules is still an intangible aspiration, due to MRI resolution being limited to tens of micrometers. MRI and NMR have, however, recently greatly advanced, with many breakthroughs in nano‐NMR and nano‐MRI spurred by using spin sensors based on an atomic impurities in diamond. These techniques rely on magnetic dipole–dipole interactions rather than inductive detection. Here, novel nano‐MRI methods based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond are highlighted, that provide a solution to the imaging of single biomolecules with nanoscale resolution in‐vivo and in ambient conditions.
Alternative Routes to Induce Naïve Pluripotency in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Duggal Galbha , Warrier Sharat , Ghimire Sabitri , Broekaert Dorien , Van der Jeught Margot , Lierman Sylvie , Deroo Tom , Peelman Luc , Van Soom Ann , Cornelissen Ria , Menten Björn , Mestdagh Pieter , Vandesompele Jo , Roost Matthias , Slieker Roderick C. , Heijmans Bastiaan T. , Deforce Dieter , De Sutter Petra , De Sousa Lopes Susana Chuva , Heindryckx Björn
Published: June 2015

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) closely resemble mouse epiblast stem cells exhibiting primed pluripotency unlike mouse ESCs (mESCs), which acquire a naïve pluripotent state. Efforts have been made to trigger naïve pluripotency in hESCs for subsequent unbiased lineage-specific differentiation, a common conundrum faced by primed pluripotent hESCs due to heterogeneity in gene expression existing within and between hESC lines. This required either ectopic expression of naïve genes such as NANOG and KLF2 or inclusion of multiple pluripotency-associated factors. We report here a novel combination of small molecules and growth factors in culture medium (2i/LIF/basic fibroblast growth factor + Ascorbic Acid + Forskolin) facilitating rapid induction of transgene-free naïve pluripotency in hESCs, as well as in mESCs, which has not been shown earlier. The converted naïve hESCs survived long-term single-cell passaging, maintained a normal karyotype, upregulated naïve pluripotency genes, and exhibited dependence on signaling pathways similar to naïve mESCs. Moreover, they undergo global DNA demethylation and show a distinctive long noncoding RNA profile. We propose that in our medium, the FGF signaling pathway via PI3K/AKT/mTORC induced the conversion of primed hESCs toward naïve pluripotency. Collectively, we demonstrate an alternate route to capture naïve pluripotency in hESCs that is fast, reproducible, supports naïve mESC derivation, and allows efficient differentiation. Stem Cells  2015;33:2686–2698