bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Literacy as a Translocal Practice
Authors: Omerbašić Delila
Published: January 2015

Situated in critical sociocultural theory of literacy with a particular focus on literacy in relation to space and displacement, this qualitative study considers how nine teenage girls who were resettled as refugees from Thailand engage in productions of translocality through multimodal literacy practices in digital spaces. The girls are ethnically Karen, Burmese Muslim, Poe Karen, and Burmese, and they bridge histories of displacement, resettlement, and belonging in their translocal productions in digital spaces. Data was gathered over eight months through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, multimodal interviews, document collection, and participant observation, and was analyzed thematically. This research adds to the growing understanding of language and literacy practices as global, as well as local, by offering a perspective on how newly resettled youth learn, use, and develop their multimodal literacy practices in digital social spaces.
Intestinal Calcium Absorption Decreases Dramatically After Gastric Bypass Surgery Despite Optimization of Vitamin D Status
Authors: Schafer Anne L , Weaver Connie M , Black Dennis M , Wheeler Amber L , Chang Hanling , Szefc Gina V , Stewart Lygia , Rogers Stanley J , Carter Jonathan T , Posselt Andrew M , Shoback Dolores M , Sellmeyer Deborah E
Published: January 2015

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery has negative effects on bone, mediated in part by effects on nutrient absorption. Not only can RYGB result in vitamin D malabsorption, but the bypassed duodenum and proximal jejunum are also the predominant sites of active, transcellular, 1,25(OH)2D-mediated calcium (Ca) uptake. However, Ca absorption occurs throughout the intestine, and those who undergo RYGB might maintain sufficient Ca absorption, particularly if vitamin D status and Ca intake are robust. We determined the effects of RYGB on intestinal fractional Ca absorption (FCA) while maintaining ample 25OHD levels (goal ≥30 ng/mL) and Ca intake (1200 mg daily) in a prospective cohort of 33 obese adults (BMI 44.7 ± 7.4 kg/m2). FCA was measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively with a dual stable isotope method. Other measures included calciotropic hormones, bone turnover markers, and BMD by DXA and QCT. Mean 6-month weight loss was 32.5 ± 8.4 kg (25.8% ± 5.2% of preoperative weight). FCA decreased from 32.7% ± 14.0% preoperatively to 6.9% ± 3.8% postoperatively (p < 0.0001), despite median (interquartile range) 25OHD levels of 41.0 (33.1 to 48.5) and 36.5 (28.8 to 40.4) ng/mL, respectively. Consistent with the FCA decline, 24-hour urinary Ca decreased, PTH increased, and 1,25(OH)2D increased (p ≤ 0.02). Bone turnover markers increased markedly, areal BMD decreased at the proximal femur, and volumetric BMD decreased at the spine (p < 0.001). Those with lower postoperative FCA had greater increases in serum CTx (ρ = −0.43, p = 0.01). Declines in FCA and BMD were not correlated over the 6 months. In conclusion, FCA decreased dramatically after RYGB, even with most 25OHD levels ≥30 ng/mL and with recommended Ca intake. RYGB patients may need high Ca intake to prevent perturbations in Ca homeostasis, although the approach to Ca supplementation needs further study. Decline in FCA could contribute to the decline in BMD after RYGB, and strategies to avoid long-term skeletal consequences should be investigated. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Upregulation of PI3K/Akt and MAP Kinase Pathways is Associated with Resistance of Microtubule‐Targeting Drugs in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhu Guangjing , Getzenberg Robert H. , Veltri Robert W.
Published: January 2015

Resistance is a significant limitation to the effectiveness of cancer therapies. The PI3K/Akt and MAP kinase pathways play important roles in a variety of normal cellular processes and tumorigenesis. This study is designed to explore the relationship of these signaling pathways with multidrug resistance in prostate cancer (PCa). The PI3K/Akt and MAP kinase pathways were investigated utilizing paclitaxel resistant DU145‐TxR PCa cells and their parental non‐resistant DU145 cells to determine their relationship with resistance to paclitaxel and other anticancer drugs. Our results demonstrate that the PI3K/Akt and MAP kinase pathways are upregulated in DU145‐TxR cells compared to the DU145 cells. Inactivating these pathways using the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 or the MAP kinase pathway inhibitor PD98059 renders the DU145‐TxR cells more sensitive to paclitaxel. We investigated the effects of these inhibitors on other anticancer drugs including docetaxel, vinblastine, doxorubicin, 10‐Hydroxycamptothecin (10‐HCPT) and cisplatin and find that both inhibitors induces DU145‐TxR cells to be more sensitive only to the microtubule‐targeting drugs (paclitaxel, docetaxel and vinblastine). Furthermore, the treatment with these inhibitors induces cleaved‐PARP production in DU145‐TxR cells, suggesting that apoptosis induction might be one of the mechanisms for the reversal of drug resistance. In conclusion, the PI3K/Akt and MAP kinase pathways are associated with resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Inactivating these pathways renders these PCa cells more sensitive to microtubule‐targeting drugs such as paclitaxel, docetaxel and vinblastine. Combination therapies with novel inhibitors of these two signaling pathways potentially represents a more effective treatment for drug resistant PCa. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1341–1349, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
17β‐Estradiol Abrogates Apoptosis Inhibiting PKCδ, JNK, and p66Shc Activation in C2C12 Cells
Authors: La Colla Anabela , Boland Ricardo , Vasconsuelo Andrea
Published: February 2015

17β‐Estradiol (E2) protects several non‐reproductive tissues from apoptosis, including skeletal muscle. Previously, we showed that E2 at physiological concentrations prevented apoptosis induced by H2O2 in skeletal myoblasts. As we have also demonstrated a clear beneficial action of this hormone on skeletal muscle mitochondria, the present work further characterizes the signaling mechanisms modulated by E2 that are involved in mitochondria protection, which ultimately result in antiapoptosis. Here, we report that E2 through estrogen receptors (ERs) inhibited the H2O2‐induced PKCδ and JNK activation, which results in the inhibition of phosphorylation and translocation to mitochondria of the adaptor protein p66Shc. In conjunction, the inhibition by the hormone of this H2O2‐triggered signaling pathway results in protection of mitochondrial potential membrane. Our results provide basis for a putative mechanism by which E2 exerts beneficial effects on mitochondria, against oxidative stress, in skeletal muscle cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1454–1465, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Utero Exposure to Phthalate Downregulates Critical Genes in Leydig Cells of F1 Male Progeny
Authors: Sekaran Suganya , Jagadeesan Arunakaran
Published: February 2015

Phthalates are the largest group of environmental pollutants and are considered toxicant to the endocrine system. The present study was aimed to test the effect of in utero exposure of di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) on Leydig cell steroidogenesis in F1 male offspring's. Pregnant dams were oral gavaged with different doses (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg/day) of DEHP or olive oil during gestational Day 9–21. Serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels were significantly reduced in male offspring at 60 days of age. Our results also demonstrate a coordinate, dose‐dependent disruption of genes involved in steroidogenesis. The gene expression of StAR, Cyp11a1, 3β‐HSD, 17β‐HSD, 5α‐reductase and cytochrome P450 19a1 (or) aromatase (Cyp‐19) were significantly decreased. The transcription factors like steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF‐1) and specific protein‐1 (Sp‐1) showed a significant decrease in 10 and 100 mg DEHP treatment group. DNA methylation analysis using bisulfite specific‐methylation PCR shows hypermethylation in the SF‐1 and Sp‐1 promoter regions. Further to determine whether the DEHP‐induced methylation changes were associated with increased DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) levels, we measured the expression levels of Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmt1, and Dnmt3l using real‐time PCR and Western blot method. The mRNA and protein expressions of Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, and Dnmt1 were stimulated in 10 and 100 mg DEHP treatment groups, whereas no significant change was seen in Dnmt3l expression, suggesting that increased Dnmt3a/b, Dnmt1 may cause DNA hypermethylation in testicular Leydig cells. Overall, these data suggest that gestational exposure to DEHP affects adult testicular function via altered methylation patterns. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1466–1477, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upregulation of miR‐362‐3p Modulates Proliferation and Anchorage‐Independent Growth by Directly Targeting Tob2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Hongxing , Li Wenjuan , Tian Yuan , Xu Peng , Wang Hui , Zhang Jinxiang , Li Youjun
Published: February 2015

The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the pathogenesis of human malignancies, and miRNA expression can be affected by genetic and epigenetic changes, such as methylation of the CpG islands of their promoters. To identify miRNAs regulated by DNA methylation, the global miRNA expression profile was analyzed in two hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and two normal immortalized cell lines treated with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (DAC, an inhibitor of DNA methylation) plus TSA (Trichostatin A, histone deacetylase inhibitor). Results revealed that these epigenetic drugs differentially affect miRNA expression that is dependent or independent of cell type, especially miR‐362‐3p. miR‐362‐3p expression increased while methylation of its promoter significantly decreased in human HCC cells and tissues compared with normal cells and adjacent noncancerous tissues. Ectopic expression of miR‐362‐3p increased proliferation and anchorage‐independent soft agar growth and its expression inhibition had opposing effects that were associated with regulation of its direct target—Tob2 in HCC cells. Inhibition of Tob2 recapitulated the effects of miR‐362‐3p overexpression, whereas enforced Tob2 expression reversed the promoting effects of miR‐362‐3p. Tob2 expression was reduced in human primary HCCs compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. Our findings suggest that dysregulation of miR‐362‐3p and Tob2 may contribute to HCC malignancy. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1563–1573, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NS5ATP9 Promotes Beclin 1‐Dependent Starvation‐Induced Autophagy of Hepatoblastoma Cells
Authors: Quan Min , Liu Shunai , Wang Qi , Li Guoli , Zhang Yu , Feng Shenghu , Liang Jinqiu , Cheng Jun
Published: February 2015

NS5ATP9, a gene up‐regulated by NS5A, plays a crucial oncogenic role in several types of human tumours. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process, maintains cellular homeostasis under stress conditions, such as starvation, and plays a crucial role in tumour initiation and progression. Here, we report that NS5ATP9 mRNA and protein expression was up‐regulated in starved HepG2 cells and that the up‐regulated NS5ATP9 played a functional role in starvation‐induced autophagy. Overexpression or silencing of this gene showed contrasting effects on Beclin 1 and on starvation‐induced autophagy. Furthermore, NS5ATP9‐mediated autophagy is required for promotion of tumour cell growth, and this effect could be inhibited with 3‐methyladenine, chloroquine or by Beclin 1‐silencing. Thus, the mechanism for NS5ATP9‐promoted autophagy is Beclin 1‐dependent in the condition of starvation, and for hepatoblastoma cell growth is also Beclin 1‐dependent. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1574–1582, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional and Clinical Evidence That TAZ is a Candidate Oncogene in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Yan , Pan Qiao , Zhang Jing , Xu Xinyuan , Liu Xiping , Wang Qinhao , Yi Ru , Xie Xiaobo , Yao Libo , Liu Wenchao , Shen Lan
Published: February 2015

Transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) has been reported to be associated with carcinogenesis. However, the cellular function of TAZ in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. In this study, an immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the expression of TAZ in cancer tissue samples from 180 HCC patients was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues. In addition, TAZ overexpression was significantly correlated with aggressive tumor characteristics such as tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node or distant metastasis, histological differentiation, and recurrent HCC (P < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier test showed that TAZ‐positive expression was related to a poor prognosis compared to TAZ‐negative expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression level of TAZ was generally correlated with the invasiveness of cancer cells. The overexpression of TAZ in the Huh7 cell line, which endogenously expresses TAZ at low levels, significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibited apoptosis, whereas RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of TAZ in the highly invasive cell line MHCC‐97H significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2465–2475, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RETRACTED: FV‐429 Induced Apoptosis Through ROS‐Mediated ERK2 Nuclear Translocation and p53 Activation in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Yuxin , Wei Libin , Zhang Haiwei , Dai Qinsheng , Li Zhiyu , Yu Boyang , Guo Qinglong , Lu Na
Published: February 2015

Following our previous finding which revealed that FV‐429 induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, in this study, we found that FV‐429 could also induce apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. Firstly, FV‐429 inhibited the viability of BGC‐823 and MGC‐803 cells with IC50 values in the range of 38.10 ± 6.28 and 31.53 ± 6.84 µM for 24 h treatment by MTT‐assay. Secondly, FV‐429 induced apoptosis in BGC‐823 and MGC‐803 cells through the mitochondrial‐mediated pathway, showing an increase in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratios, and caspase‐9 activation, without change in caspase‐8. Further research revealed that the mitogen‐activated protein kinases, including c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, extracellular regulated kinase, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, could be activated by FV‐429‐induced high level ROS. Moreover, FV‐429 also promoted the ERK2 nuclear translocation, resulting in the co‐translocation of p53 to the nucleus and increased transcription of p53‐regulated proapoptotic genes. FV‐429 significantly inhibited the nude mice xenograft tumors growth of BGC‐823 or MGC‐803 cells in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1624–1637, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of laterite characteristics on fluoride removal from water
Authors: Osei Juliet , Gawu Simon KY , Schäfer Andrea I , Atipoka Faustina A , Momade Francis WY
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The presence of high concentrations of fluoride in groundwater is a threat to the provision of potable water especially to rural communities. Various substances have been suggested for the removal of fluoride from water. This work investigates the characteristics of laterite, which makes it an adsorbent applicable to fluoride removal.

RESULTS

Chemical and mineralogical analyses of the laterite using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques showed varying amounts of iron oxide/hydroxide (goethite/hematite), silica (quartz) and kaolinite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis revealed intimate association of all minerals. Isoelectronic point (IEP) value was largely influenced by the mineralogical composition with higher values for higher iron oxide/hydroxide content.

CONCLUSION

While variation in the initial pH of fluoride solution had an effect on fluoride adsorption, the impact of IEP (and hence indirectly pHpzc) was not significant in adsorption. Samples heat treated at 400 °C performed better in fluoride adsorption. The mechanism for fluoride adsorption in this study was attributed to two processes: (i) ion exchange between hydroxide ion of the laterite surface and fluoride ion in solution; and (ii) fluoride uptake by specific surface reactions involving H3O+F− which leads to the release of hydroxonium (H3O+) ions in solution. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Expanding the indications for MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer: what is best practice?
Authors: Saunders Christobel , Taylor Donna
Published: January 2015

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now has an accepted place in screening younger women at high risk of breast cancer, and is increasingly used in a number of other settings including assessment of response to neo‐adjuvant therapy and local staging of cancer. Although the evidence for its general use in these settings is very limited, in highly selected patients, especially where discordance with conventional measurements occurs, MRI can have a place in assessing extent of disease, both whether operable and how operable, and guiding surgery. These scenarios and future indications and alternative technologies are explored in this paper.
Hepatitis A virus age‐specific sero‐prevalence and risk factors among Jordanian children
Authors: Hayajneh Wail A. , Balbeesi Adel , Faouri Samir
Published: February 2015

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) has been a significant cause of infections among the children and adolescents of Jordan. Availability of safe vaccines made it necessary to identify the ill‐defined temporal immunity trends for HAV and possible age‐specific prevalence transitions. This community‐based cross sectional study was conducted during the period July–August 2008 on 3,066 recruited subjects from the 12 governorates of Jordan, with pre‐defined criteria. Several households were chosen at random within each selected block to enroll the subjects. They were interviewed and data were collected. Their sera were tested for total antibodies against HAV. A multivariate model was then performed to identify the possible risk factors. The HAV sero‐prevalence rates among the age categories—second year, 2–4 years, 5–9 years, 10–14 years, 15–19 years, and those above 20 years were 26%, 32%, 44%, 63%, 78%, and 94%, respectively. The model revealed the association of several risk factors for higher HAV sero‐prevalence rates: (i) older age groups; (ii) lower maternal education levels; (iii) residing in certain governorates; (iv) using public net drinking water; and (v) avoiding use of public net sewage system. This study provided strong evidence for continuous transition of HAV epidemiology towards intermediate endemicity in Jordan, with more susceptible adolescents and adults. Following the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for countries with intermediate endemicity, large‐scale hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for children in Jordan. This is strengthened by the availability of effective and safe HAV vaccines, improving the socio‐economic status of the Jordanians, and increasing life expectancy among Jordanians. J. Med. Virol. 87:569–574, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing drought variability since 1650 AD from tree‐rings on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, southwest China
Authors: Bi Yingfeng , Xu Jianchu , Gebrekirstos Aster , Guo Liang , Zhao Mingxu , Liang Eryuan , Yang Xuefei
Published: January 2015

Southwest China has experienced significant drought during the past few years. To better understand the tendency of drought changes over time, this study applies dendroclimatological techniques to assess drought variations in Lijiang Prefecture, southwest China. So far, the longest chronology (387 years) of Picea likiangensis on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was constructed, and the relationships between the tree‐ring width and climate variables were analysed. The spring season Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) was reconstructed based on a standard chronology. Tree‐ring width is positively related to precipitation and relative humidity from February to March and the PDSI from January to May. Conversely, tree‐ring width is also negatively related with mean temperature from January to May, suggesting that growth of P. likiangensis is affected both by temperature and precipitation. The reconstructed PDSI showed that the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has experienced considerable variations in spring drought conditions during the past 361 years. Four distinct periods were recognized: (1) 1650–1730, a relatively humid period with an average PDSI value above zero; (2) 1730–1860, a period with greatly fluctuating PDSI and intermittent wet periods (1746–1755, 1782–1800, and 1820–1830) and several dry periods (1735–1745, 1756–1780, 1810–1820, and 1830–1860); (3) 1870–1945, a humid period, with the highest PDSI value during 1930–1945; and (4) 1945–2011, a period with decreasing humidity. The results are consistent with hydrological studies in nearby regions and related species, as well as historical records of natural disasters. The recently observed spring drought follows a trend of decreasing humidity over the past 60 years, suggesting that a sound strategy for management and land‐use planning is required to secure ecosystem and human well‐being.
Three‐dimensional bone‐implant movements in trochanteric hip fractures: Precision and accuracy of radiostereometric analysis in a phantom model
Authors: Bojan Alicja J. , Bragdon Charles , Jönsson Anders , Ekholm Carl , Kärrholm Johan
Published: January 2015

The accuracy and precision of RSA were evaluated in the experimental study of screw cut‐out complication after fixation of trochanteric fractures. A plastic bone model of a two‐part trochanteric fracture was constructed with a Gamma nail implant incorporating RSA markers. The femoral head fragment was attached to a separate rotational table and the femoral shaft was mounted on the micrometer. Three main motions were simulated: Femoral head translation and rotation along the axis of the lag screw and fracture fragment translation along anatomical axes. Accuracy and precision were determined according to ISO 16,087 and ASTM standard F2385‐04. Translations along the lag screw axis were measured with a precision within  ±0.14 mm and an accuracy within ±0.03 mm. With simultaneous translations along all three anatomical axes, lowest precision was measured for the x‐axis (±0.29, 0.07 mm, respectively), but improved when analyzed as a vector (±0.08, 0.03 mm). The precision and accuracy of femoral head rotations were within 0.5° and 0.18°, respectively. The resolution of the RSA method tested in this model was high, though it varied depending on the type of analyzed motion. This information is valuable when selecting and interpreting outcome parameters evaluating implant migration and osteosynthesis stability in future clinical RSA studies. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:705–711, 2015.
Use of high resolution dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry‐region free analysis (DXA‐RFA) to detect local periprosthetic bone remodeling events
Authors: Wilkinson J. Mark , Morris Richard M. , Martin‐Fernandez Miguel A. , Pozo Jose M. , Frangi Alejandro F. , Maheson Marci , Yang Lang
Published: January 2015

Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard method for measuring periprosthetic bone remodeling, but relies on a region of interest (ROI) analysis approach. While this addresses issues of anatomic variability, it is insensitive to bone remodeling events at the sub‐ROI level. We have validated a high‐spatial resolution tool, termed DXA‐region free analysis (DXA‐RFA) that uses advanced image processing approaches to allow quantitation of bone mineral density (BMD) at the individual pixel (data‐point) level. Here we compared the resolution of bone remodeling measurements made around a stemless femoral prosthesis in 18 subjects over 24 months using ROI‐based analysis versus that made using DXA‐RFA. Using the ROI approach the regional pattern of BMD change varied by region, with greatest loss in ROI5 (20%, p < 0.001), and largest gain in ROI4 (6%, p < 0.05). Analysis using DXA‐RFA showed a focal zone of increased BMD localized to the prosthesis–bone interface (30–40%, p < 0.001) that was not resolved using conventional DXA analysis. The 20% bone loss observed in ROI5 with conventional DXA was resolved to a focal area adjacent to the cut surface of the infero‐medial femoral neck (up to 40%, p < 0.0001). DXA‐RFA enables high resolution analysis of DXA datasets without the limitations incurred using ROI‐based approaches. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:712–716, 2015.
Ten weeks of treadmill running decreases stiffness and increases collagen turnover in tendons of old mice
Authors: Wood Lauren K. , Brooks Susan V.
Published: January 2015

Increased tendon stiffness in response to mechanical loading is well established in young animals. Given that tendons stiffen with aging, we aimed to determine the effect of increased loading on tendons of old animals. We subjected 28‐month‐old mice to 10 weeks of uphill treadmill running; sedentary 8‐ and 28‐month‐old mice served as controls. Following training, plantaris tendon stiffness and modulus were reduced by approximately half, such that the values were not different from those of tendons from adult sedentary animals. The decrease in plantaris tendon stiffness was accompanied by a similar reduction in the levels of advanced glycation end‐product protein adducts in tibialis anterior tendons of trained compared with sedentary old mice. In Achilles tendons, elevated mRNA levels for collagen type 1, matrix‐metalloproteinase‐8, and lysyl oxidase following training suggest that collagen turnover was likely also increased. The dramatic mechanical and structural changes induced by training occurred independent of changes in cell density or tendon morphology. Finally, Achilles tendon calcification was significantly reduced following exercise. These results demonstrate that, in response to exercise, tendons from old animals are capable of replacing damaged and dysfunctional components of extracellular matrix with tissue that is mechanically and structurally comparable to adult tissue. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:346–353, 2016.
Enhancement of osteogenesis post‐splenectomy does not attenuate bone loss in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Sun Dawei , Zheng Xiaochen , Chen Yuhui , Jia Chunhong , Xu Song , Lin Chuangxin , Zhang Pei , Zhang Zhongmin , Cai Daozhang , Jin Dadi , Zhang Baiyu , Bai Xiaochun
Published: January 2015

The roles of different immune cell populations and cytokines in bone metabolism have been extensively investigated. However, the influence of whole immune organ removal on osteopathology remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the effects of splenectomy on bone metabolism and microarchitecture in rats with or without concurrent ovariectomy. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were used as osteoporosis model. Sixty 12‐week‐old female rats were randomized into 4 groups (n = 15): sham, splenectomized (SP), ovariectomized, as well as ovariectomized and splenectomized (OVX + SP). Bone microarchitecture was assessed by micro CT analysis at 4 week and 12 week post‐operation, respectively. Bone pathology and metabolism were evaluated via immunohistochemical staining. The serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (Tracp5b), and C‐terminal telopeptide (CTx) were analyzed at 4 and 12 weeks post‐operation. Removal of the spleen led to alterations in the homeostasis of bone metabolism and increased bone formation in rats. In this study, our findings indicate that the spleen is involved in skeletal metabolism. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1356–1363, 2015.
Three‐dimensional imaging and analysis of human cartilage degeneration using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Nebelung Sven , Brill Nicolai , Marx Ulrich , Quack Valentin , Tingart Markus , Schmitt Robert , Rath Björn , Jahr Holger
Published: January 2015

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an evolving imaging technology allowing non‐destructive imaging of cartilage tissue at near‐histological resolution. This study investigated the diagnostic value of real time 3‐D OCT in comparison to conventional 2‐D OCT in the comprehensive grading of human cartilage degeneration. Fifty‐three human osteochondral samples were obtained from eight total knee arthroplasties. OCT imaging was performed by either obtaining a single two‐dimensional cross‐sectional image (2‐D OCT) or by collecting 100 consecutive parallel 2‐D OCT images to generate a volumetric data set of 8 × 8 mm (3‐D OCT). OCT images were assessed qualitatively according to a modified version of the DJD classification and quantitatively by algorithm‐based evaluation of surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, and signal attenuation. Samples were graded according to the Outerbridge classification and statistically analyzed by one‐way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and Tukey's or Dunn's post‐hoc tests. Overall, the generation of 3‐D volumetric datasets and their multiple reconstructions such as rendering, surface topography, parametric, and cross‐sectional views proved to be of potential diagnostic value. With increasing distance to the mid‐sagittal plane and increasing degeneration, score deviations increased, too. In conclusion, 3‐D imaging of cartilage with image analysis algorithms adds considerable potential diagnostic value to conventional OCT diagnostics. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:651–659, 2015.
Structural dynamics of 4‐formaldehyde imidazole and imidazole in light absorbing S2(ππ*) state
Authors: Li Dan , Zhao Yan Ying , Xue Jia‐Dan , Zheng Xuming
Published: February 2015

The short‐time structural dynamics of 4‐formaldehyde imidazole and imidazole in light absorbing S2(ππ*) state were studied by using resonance Raman spectroscopy and quantum mechanical calculations. The vibrational spectra and ultraviolet absorption spectra of 4‐formaldehyde imidazole were assigned. The resonance Raman spectra of imidazole and 4‐formaldehyde imidazole were obtained in methanol and acetonitrile with excitation wavelengths in resonance with the first intense absorption band to probe the short‐time structural dynamics. complete active space self‐consistent field calculations were carried out to determine the minimal singlet excitation energies and structures of S1(nπ*), S2(ππ*), and conical intersection point S1(nπ*)/S2(ππ*). The results show that the A‐band structural dynamics of imidazole is predominantly along the N1H/C4H/C5H/C2H in‐plane bending reaction coordinate, which suggests that excited state proton or hydrogen transfer reaction takes place somewhere nearby the Franck–Condon region. The significant difference in the short‐time structural dynamics between 4‐formaldehyde imidazole and imidazole is observed, and the underlying mechanism is interpreted in term of excited state charge redistribution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐intrusive in situ detection of methyl chloride in hot gas flows using infrared degenerate four‐wave mixing
Authors: Sahlberg A.‐L. , Zhou J. , Aldén M. , Li Z. S.
Published: February 2015

We demonstrate the potential of infrared degenerate four‐wave mixing (IR‐DFWM) as a tool for non‐intrusive in situ spatially resolved detection of CH3Cl in reactive hot gas flows especially feasible for applications to biomass combustion and gasification. IR‐DFWM spectra of CH3Cl, by probing ro‐vibrational transitions belonging to the fundamental stretching modes v1 and v4, have been successfully recorded in gas flows diluted with nitrogen at atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures up to 820 K. In order to identify the spectral lines of CH3Cl, the recorded IR‐DFWM spectra are compared with simulations using molecular parameters extracted from the HITRAN database. The potential interference from water vapor is discussed from measurements of H2O spectrum at 820 K combined with simulations of H2O IR‐DFWM spectrum based on the HITEMP database, and it was found that the QQ6 line of the v1 band is relatively free from water interference at elevated temperatures. At atmospheric pressure, the detection limits for temperatures at 296, 550 and 820 K were estimated to be 2.1, 3.1 and 6.2 (×1015 molecules/cm3), respectively, by scanning the QQ6 line of the v1 band. These results show the potential of interference free detection of CH3Cl with IR‐DFWM in harsh environments like combustion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Au nanorod‐coated Fe3O4 microspheres as SERS substrate for pesticide analysis by near‐infrared excitation
Authors: Tang Xianghu , Dong Ronglu , Yang Liangbao , Liu Jinhuai
Published: February 2015

Au nanorods coated Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@NRs) microspheres were designed as functional surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate with a feature of magnetic property and used for detection of pesticide residues that are annually used in agriculture by near‐infrared (NIR) excitation. With this strategy, the Fe3O4 microspheres were synthesized by hydrothermal method and surface functionalized with polyethylenimine, and then coated with Au nanorods densely. The Raman spectra were carried out by NIR excitation and 4‐ATP was chosen as the probe molecule. The results showed a good SERS activity of the Fe3O4@NRs microspheres. Moreover, this substrate could be used for pesticide analysis by portable Raman spectrometer with NIR excitation. Especially, the microspheres could be transferred from pesticides contaminated fruits peel to specially cleaned glass slide with the aid of the external magnetic field, by which the strong fluorescence of the apple components can be avoided while performing the pesticide analysis of fruits peel. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of processing conditions and formulation on spray drying of sour cherry juice concentrate
Authors: Can Karaca Asli , Guzel Onder , Ak Mehmet M
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Sour cherries are rich in phenolic compounds possessing several health‐promoting effects. Processing of sour cherry juice into powder form offers additional advantages such as increased utilization, reduced volume, easier handling and transportation. However, spray drying of fruit juices is difficult owing to their low glass transition temperatures (Tg). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inlet temperature (130–150 °C), feed flow rate in terms of pump setting (30–50%), sour cherry content (25–50% of total dry matter) and carrier type (maltodextrin DE6, maltodextrin DE12, gum arabic) on yield, Tg and total phenolic content (TPC) of spray‐dried sour cherry powder.

RESULTS

Feed flow rate, sour cherry content and carrier type significantly affected yield and Tg, whereas TPC was affected by sour cherry content and carrier type. The effect of sour cherry content on yield depended on the carrier type. Although gum arabic provided better protection of phenolic content than maltodextrins, it resulted in lower average yield.

CONCLUSION

Spray‐dried sour cherry powder with high yield (>85%) and high Tg (60 °C) was obtained using the following conditions: 150 °C inlet temperature, 30% pump setting, 25% sour cherry content and maltodextrin DE12 as carrier. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
QTL mapping based on the embryo and maternal genetic systems for non‐essential amino acids in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) meal
Authors: Wen Juan , Xu Jian‐Feng , Long Yan , Wu Jian‐Guo , Xu Hai‐Ming , Meng Jin‐Ling , Shi Chun‐Hai
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Non‐essential amino acids are a good source of nitrogen and also very important contributors to the metabolic process. Analysis of quantitative trait locus (QTL) simultaneously located on the amphidiploid embryo and maternal plant nuclear genomes for non‐essential amino acid contents in rapeseed meal across different environments was conducive to further clarify the genetic mechanism of seed quality traits.

RESULTS

Twenty‐eight QTLs associated with arginine (five QTLs), histidine (four QTLs), glutamic acid (three QTLs), glycine (three QTLs), proline (three QTLs), alanine (four QTLs) and aspartic acid (six QTLs) contents were identified in present study. All of these QTLs had significant additive main effects from embryo and maternal plant nuclear genomes with eight of them showing significant embryo dominance main effects and 12 showing notable QTL × environment interaction effects. Among them, 12 QTLs were major QTLs which could explain 13.27–35.71% of the phenotypic variation. Specially, five QTL clusters associated with several QTLs related to multiple traits were distributed on chromosomes A1, A4, A5, A7 and C2.

CONCLUSION

Non‐essential amino acids in rapeseed meal could be simultaneously controlled by the genetic effects from the QTLs which were located on the chromosomes both in the embryo and maternal plant genetic systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Impairment of rumen biohydrogenation and bacteria of the Butyrivibrio group in the rumen of goats through a 20:5 n‐3 (EPA) rich supplement
Authors: Lv Xuejiao , Mao Shengyong , Zhu Weiyun
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Marine products can inhibit biohydrogenation in the rumen, but the mechanism is not clear. This study investigated a 20:5 n‐3 rich supplement effects on rumen biohydrogenation, microbial change and fermentation characteristics in goats.

RESULTS

The supplementation decreased 18:0 proportions in rumen fatty acids (P < 0.001), while it increased cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (P < 0.001) and trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA proportions (P < 0.001). The supplement reduced the number of Butyrivibrio spp. and B. proteoclasticus (P < 0.01). Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis redundancy analysis indicated that some species, mainly from the rumen of goats receiving the 2.5 and 5.0 g d−1 supplement, were positively correlated with cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA proportions; some species, mainly from the rumen of control goats, were positively correlated with 18:0 proportions. The supplement reduced the NH3‐N concentrations and acetate molar proportions in the rumen (P < 0.05), but increased propionate and butyrate molar proportions (P < 0.01), and had no effect on total volatile fatty acid concentration.

CONCLUSION

The supplement rich in 20:5 n‐3 reduced the biohydrogenation of 18‐carbon unsaturated fatty acids with a significant reduction of the 18:0 proportion and this was coupled with the suppression of the abundance of biohydrogenating bacteria and unknown bacteria. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification of papain by metal affinity partitioning in aqueous two‐phase polyethylene glycol/sodium sulfate systems
Authors: Jiang Zhi‐Guo , Zhang Hai‐De , Wang Wei‐Tao
Published: January 2015

A simple and inexpensive aqueous two‐phase affinity partitioning system using metal ligands was introduced to improve the selectivity of commercial papain extraction. Polyethylene glycol 4000 was first activated using epichlorohydrin, then it was covalently linked to iminodiacetic acid. Finally, the specific metal ligand Cu2+ was attached to the polyethylene glycol‐iminodiacetic acid. The chelated Cu2+ content was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry as 0.88 mol/mol (polyethylene glycol). The effects on the purification at different conditions, including polyethylene glycol molecular weight (2000, 4000, and 6000), concentration of phase–forming components (polyethylene glycol 12–20% w/w and sodium sulfate 12–20%, w/w), metal ligand type, and concentration, system pH and the commercial papain loading on papain extraction, were systematically studied. Under optimum conditions of the system, i.e. 18% w/w sodium sulfate, 18% w/w polyethylene glycol 4000, 1% w/w polyethylene glycol‐iminodiacetic acid‐Cu2+ and pH 7, a maximum yield of 90.3% and a degree of purification of 3.6‐fold were obtained. Compared to aqueous two phase extraction without ligands, affinity partitioning was found to be an effective technique for the purification of commercial papain with higher extraction efficiency and degree of purification.
Water‐compatible halloysite‐imprinted polymer by Pickering emulsion polymerization for the selective recognition of herbicides
Authors: Zhou Chengyun , Li Huan , Zhou Hui , Wang Hui , Yang Pengjie , Zhong Shian
Published: February 2015

A water‐compatible molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization using halloysite nanotubes as stabilized solid particles. During polymerization, we used 4‐vinylpyridine as monomer, divinylbenzene as cross‐linking agent, toluene as porogen, 2,2‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as template to form the oil phase, and Triton X‐100 aqueous solution to form the water phase. The halloysite nanotubes molecularly imprinted polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Kinetic and equilibrium bindings were also employed to evaluate the adsorption properties of the imprinted polymer. The imprinted polymer showed better selectivity, more rapid kinetic binding (60 min) for 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in pure water compared with rebinding in toluene. The imprinted polymer was used as a sorbent to enrich and separate 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from water, and was detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection.
Negative dystonia of the palate: A novel entity and diagnostic consideration in hypernasal speech
Authors: Sinclair Catherine F. , Simonyan Kristina , Brin Mitchell F. , Blitzer Andrew
Published: February 2015

Objective

To present the first documented series of patients with negative dystonia (ND) of the palate, including clinical symptoms, functional MRI findings, and management options.

Study Design

Case series ascertained from clinical research centers that evaluated patients with both hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movement disorders.

Methods

Between July 1983 and March 2013, data was collected on patient demographics, disease characteristics, functional MRI findings, long‐term management options, and outcomes. We sought patients whose clinical examination demonstrated absent palatal movement on speaking, despite normal palatal activity on other activities.

Results

Five patients (2 males, 3 females) met clinical criteria. All patients presented with hypernasal speech without associated dysphagia. Clinical examination revealed absent palatal movement on speaking despite intact gag reflexes, normal palate elevation on swallowing, and normal cranial nerve examinations. Other cranial and/or limb dystonias were present in four patients (80.0%). Three patients (60.0%) had previously failed oral pharmacologic therapy. Two patients underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, which demonstrated an overall decrease of cortical and subcortical activation during production of symptomatic syllables and asymptomatic coughing. Management included speech therapy (all patients) and palatal lift (2 patients) with limited improvement. Calcium hydroxyapatite injection (1 patient) into the soft palate and Passavants' ridge was beneficial.

Conclusions

This is the first report of ND of the palate. Characteristic findings were task‐specific absent palatal movement with speech, despite normal movement on swallowing, coughing, and an intact gag reflex, as well as disorder‐specific decreased brain activation on functional MRI. A diagnosis of ND of the palate should be considered for patients who present with hypernasal speech.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1426–1432, 2015
Surgical management of Patulous eustachian tube: A systematic review
Authors: Hussein Ahmed A. , Adams Austin S. , Turner Justin H.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) is a challenging clinical problem with limited medical and surgical options. The current study systematically reviews the literature to determine the safety and efficacy of surgical treatments for PET.

Data Sources

Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases.

Methods

Studies evaluating the surgical management of PET were extracted based on defined inclusion criteria. Data including surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications were extracted and analyzed.

Results

A total of 1,616 studies were retrieved from the initial search. Of these, 14 studies comprising a total of 226 patients (253 sides) met inclusion criteria and were evaluated for surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and complications. As defined by the Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine (Oxford, UK), all studies were classified as level 4 evidence. The most commonly reported techniques were ET plugging (3 studies), PE tube placement (2 studies), and suture ligation (2 studies). Postoperative follow‐up ranged from 2 to 60 months (mean, 20.6 months). Outcome measures varied significantly between individual studies, with overall symptom improvement reported between 22% and 100% (mean 72.4%; 95% CI, 62.5%–81.2%). A low incidence of minor complications was reported in nine of 14 studies.

Conclusions

Current literature evaluating the surgical management of PET is limited and comprised entirely of level 4 studies. Comparisons between techniques were not possible due to the small number of studies and variable outcome measures. Future larger studies evaluating defined outcomes and quality‐of‐life measures are needed to determine the comparative efficacy of surgical treatments for this challenging condition. Laryngoscope, 125:2193–2198, 2015
[18F]fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography as a prognostic tool before liver transplantation, resection, and loco‐ablative therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Asman Yael , Evenson Amy R. , Even‐Sapir Einat , Shibolet Oren
Published: January 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and resection are curative treatment options for well‐selected patients with HCC, whereas loco‐ablative therapy has been shown to prolong survival. Organ and treatment allocations for these patients are currently based on the number and size of tumors, as defined by the Milan criteria, and on functional capacity, and they are incorporated into the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system and treatment strategy. Even though these staging criteria have markedly improved the outcomes of patients with HCC, they still lack accuracy in predicting the risk of tumor recurrence because they do not incorporate markers of tumor biology and behavior. Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) with [18F]fludeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) constitute an imaging modality for detecting tumor tissue that is metabolically active. Uptake of [18F]FDG is highly associated with tumor aggressiveness. In this review, we present the accumulating data on the use of [18F]FDG PET‐CT as an in vivo biomarker and its predictive value in identifying patients at risk for HCC recurrence after liver transplantation, resection, or ablation. These data suggest that the introduction of [18F]FDG PET‐CT into the imaging algorithm of patients planned for liver transplantation, resection, or ablation may improve outcomes. Liver Transpl 21:572–580, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.