bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study on volatile compounds, fatty acids, squalene and quality parameters from whole fruit, pulp and seed oils of two tunisian olive cultivars using chemometrics
Authors: Ben Mansour Amir , Flamini Guido , Ben Selma Zied , Le Dréau Yveline , Artaud Jacques , Abdelhedi Ridha , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: February 2015

The oils of olive fruits, pulps and seeds of two main Tunisian cultivars of olive trees (Chemlali and Oueslati) were extracted at two different indices of maturity. The free acidity, peroxide value, spectrophotometric indices, chlorophyll content, squalene, fatty acids, aroma, and sensory profiles of oils were analyzed. Fruit and pulp oils had similar fatty acid compositions. While, seed oils have fatty acid profiles that are different from both varieties. For the first time in this work, squalene content in the fruit, pulp, and seeds oils were measured by gas chromatography and it decreased during maturation. Its concentration in the seed oils were lower than those found in fruit and pulp oils. The volatile profiles of twelve Tunisian olive oils obtained from different parts of fruits were established by solid phase micro‐extraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Sixty‐six compounds were identified and characterized, representing 92.4 and 97.6% of the total volatiles. Principal component analysis showed that olive oil quality is strongly affected by olive cultivar, maturity index and the different olive parts.

Practical applications: Nowadays, extractions of olive oil processes require grinding of the whole olives. The proposed method is useful alternative process for olive oil production involves olive destoning before extraction of the oil. although destoning lowers olive oil yields, manufacturing plants for stone removal and milling of pulp have been recently set up, showing good oil yield. Interest in this technology is increasing, and some producers believe that oils obtained from destoned olives are of better quality than oils extracted from the whole fruit. Indeed, oils extracted from destoned olives had a better sensory property than oils obtained from the traditional milling of entire fruits and is very important from a marketing point of view for the olive oil company.

The different parts of the olive (seeds, pulps and whole fruits) seem to play a very significant role for the qualitative characteristics and the sensory attributes of Chemlali and Oueslati olive oils. In addition, these results have proven that the cultivar and the olive parts influence the quali‐quantitative production of volatiles and consequently the final aroma of the oil.
Fatty acid composition, tocopherol, and sterol contents of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruit oils
Authors: Matthaus Bertrand , Özcan Mehmet Musa
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study is to establish oil content, fatty acid composition, tocopherol, and sterol contents of sumac fruits. The oil contents of sumac samples collected from different locations ranged from 7.7% (Hakkari) to 14.7% (Mut‐Mersin). Sumac oil contained a considerable amount of linoleic acid (56.60–61.56%). The total amount of tocopherols ranged from 65.20 mg/kg (Mersin‐Mut) to 126.37 mg/kg (Manisa). The highest α‐tocopherol content was in Mersin (Gülnar) fruits (4.64 mg/kg) and Gaziantep (4.22 mg/kg). The concentration of total sterols ranged from 2738.46 mg/kg (Siirt) to 7211.61 mg/kg (Kastamonu) in oils of all sumac fruits.

The major fatty acids found in sumac oil were palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. γ‐Tocopherol is the predominant component in sumac fruit oil, followed by γ‐tocotriol. The composition of sterols in sumac oil is dominated by β‐sitosterol, which accounted for about 75–80% of the total sterols in the oil.
Rheological properties, textural properties, and storage stability of palm kernel‐based diacylglycerol‐enriched mayonnaise
Authors: Phuah Eng‐Tong , Beh Boon‐Kee , Lim Cindy Shu‐Ying , Tang Teck‐Kim , Lee Yee‐Ying , Lai Oi‐Ming
Published: February 2015

The effect of replacement of soybean oil (SBO) with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% palm kernel based‐diacylglycerol (PKDG) which were referred to as SD1000, SD9505, SD9010, SD8515, and SD8020 formulations, respectively, on the rheological properties, textural properties, and storage stability of mayonnaise were evaluated in this study. Emulsion stability results demonstrated no significant differences (P > 0.05) among all formulations except SD8020 which exhibited diminished emulsion stability. In terms of textural properties, both SD9010 and SD8020 showed closer textural characteristics compared with control. Microstructure evaluation of all mayonnaise formulations revealed significant increases in oil droplet diameter in tandem with increasing PKDG concentration. For rheological properties, all mayonnaise formulated displayed similar gel‐like behavior with greater storage modulus (G') than loss modulus (G”) and loss tangent (tan δ) less than 0.3. Results indicated that up to 10% PKDG was suitable to be incorporated in healthy mayonnaise formulation. Both SD9505 and SD9010 were subsequently evaluated for their stability throughout a 2‐month storage period. All mayonnaise displayed satisfying stability during storage with gradual increment in peroxide value, free fatty acid level, and G'G” crossover value except control. Additionally, an insignificant change in viscoelastic properties (P > 0.05) was observed after storage for all formulations examined.

Practical applications: This present work has three main practical applications: (i) enable the incorporation of PKDG as a functional ingredient into a mayonnaise system; (ii) provide knowledge and understanding of the physicochemical, rheological, and textural properties of PKDG‐enriched mayonnaise; and (iii) give insight into the storage stability of PKDG‐incorporated mayonnaise throughout the 2‐month storage period.

The purpose of this study was to produce mayonnaise using PKDG as a substitute for conventional soybean oil (SBO) in order to improve the nutritional properties of mayonnaise. Physicochemical and textural properties of PKDG‐enriched mayonnaise were evaluated and compared with conventional SBO without substitution. Four PKDG‐enriched mayonnaises were developed from both PKDG and SBO which were SD9505 (XSBO = 0.95, XPKDG = 0.05), SD9010 (XSBO = 0.90, XPKDG = 0.10), SD8515 (XSBO = 0.85, XPKDG = 0.15), and SD8020 (XSBO = 0.80, XPKDG = 0.20). Optimal formulations of PKDG‐enriched mayonnaises were further assessed for their storage stability at room temperature (20°C) for a period of 2 months.
Catalytic copolymerization of methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate and cyclic anhydrides under neat conditions
Authors: Biermann Ursula , Sehlinger Ansgar , Meier Michael A. R. , Metzger Jürgen O.
Published: February 2015

The solvent‐free copolymerization of methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate 1 with different cyclic anhydrides, such as phthalic anhydride 2, succinic anhydride 3, maleic anhydride 4, or the Diels‐Alder‐adduct 5 of methyl α‐eleostearate and maleic anhydride, using a (salen)CrIIICl‐catalyst and n‐Bu4NCl as co‐catalyst is demonstrated. In this way, polyesters (Mn = 2000–10,000 g/mol) with low glass transition temperatures were formed. The reaction is characterized by sustainable aspects, for instance, the use of starting materials derived from renewable resources (>60%), low catalyst loadings, and no added solvent.

Practical applications

The alternating ring‐opening copolymerization of epoxides such as methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate with various cyclic acid anhydrides such as phthalic anhydride and succinic anhydride, respectively, afford polyesters of narrow molecular weight distributions using a (salen)CrIIICl catalyst in the presence of n‐Bu4NCl. The pending long chain alkyl groups introduced in the polyesters by the fat derived substrates attribute amorphous properties to the polymers. Various fatty epoxides are easily available and open up the possibility for the synthesis of new highly branched polyesters

Polyesters are formed by the copolymerization of methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate with different cyclic anhydrides using a (salen)CrIIICl‐catalyst in the presence of n‐Bu4NCl. The reaction is performed under neat conditions and the resulting alternating copolymers are featured by a high renewable content. In case of phthalic anhydride as co‐monomer, number average molecular weights of up to 10 kDa with narrow dispersities were obtained.
Hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholines by a lipase from Malassezia globosa
Authors: Wang Xuping , Xu Huan , Lan Dongming , Yang Bo , Wang Yonghua
Published: February 2015

SMG1, a lipase produced by recombinant Pichia pastoris shows specific activity on mono‐ and diacylglycerol but not on triacylglycerol. To better understand the substrate selectivity of SMG1, the hydrolysis ability of SMG1 on PC and LPC were investigated. SMG1 was found to hydrolyze LPC, but has no activity toward PC. Besides, SMG1 lipase preferred 2‐LPC to 1‐LPC. Molecular docking simulation indicated that Phe278 and Leu103 contribute to reduce the size of the catalytic pocket, resulting in preventing PC access to the active site of SMG1. Our work may shed some light to understand the molecular basis of substrate selectivity of lipase with preference for DAGs.

Practical applications: To our knowledge, there is no report on the application of lipases with preference for DAGs in phospholipids modification. This study could contribute to develop potential applications of SMG1 lipase in phospholipids industries.

(A) Hydrolysis curve of 1‐LPC, 2‐LPC, and PC by SMG1

(B) Modeled 3‐D structure of the SMG1‐2‐LPC complex

(C) Modeled 3‐D structure of the SMG1‐1‐LPC complex

(D) F278 prevents PC enter into catalytic pocket.
1,2‐Stereochemical Induction in the PdII‐Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Boronic Acids
Authors: Roscales Silvia , Sánchez Francisco , Csákÿ Aurelio G.
Published: February 2015

Palladium(II) catalysis has been used in the substrate‐controlled 1,2‐chiral induction of the conjugate addition of boronic acids to enantiopure α,β‐unsaturated ketones and esters without competition from the Mirozoki–Heck reaction. Bedford's palladacycle was found to control the stereoselectivity without the need for additional chiral ligands. We report that the PdII‐catalyzed conjugate addition reaction between boronic acids and acyclic ketones or esters that bear a hydroxyl substituent at their γ‐position (glyceraldehyde derivatives) can afford high levels of anti stereoselection, comparable to those reported previously using more expensive RhI catalysts. On the other hand, high levels of syn stereoselectivity were observed with acyclic esters that bear an amino substituent at their γ‐position (serine derivatives). In this case, the levels of stereoselection could be enhanced by using cyclic derivatives derived from Garner's aldehyde.
Ultrasound‐assisted transesterification of refined and crude palm oils using heterogeneous palm oil mill fly ash supported calcium oxide catalyst
Authors: Ho Wilson Wei Sheng , Ng Hoon Kiat , Gan Suyin , Chan Wai Loon
Published: February 2015

Ultrasound‐assisted transesterification of refined palm oil (RPO) and crude palm oil (CPO) to produce biodiesel using a palm oil mill fly ash supported calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst is studied in this work. The reaction time is significantly reduced from a maximum of 360 min under conventional mixing to just 30 min with the use of ultrasound. Under ultrasonic cavitation, the required catalyst loading and methanol to oil molar ratio to produce comparable yields and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) conversions as conventional mixing are lower. For RPO, the ultrasound‐assisted transesterification conditions of 60% ultrasonic amplitude, 30 min reaction time, 4 wt.% catalyst loading, and 9:1 methanol to oil molar ratio result in maximum biodiesel yield and FAME conversion of 85.23% and 97.02%, respectively. As for CPO, maximum biodiesel yield of 73.23% and FAME conversion of 97.04% are obtained under the same conditions with the exception of a methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1. Key physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesels are found to be within the limits set by EN 14214 and ASTM D 6751. Catalyst reusability tests indicate that the catalyst can be used up to three consecutive cycles after regeneration using methanol washing followed by recalcination at 850°C for 2 h.
MicroRNA‐mediated non‐cell‐autonomous regulation of cortical radial glial transformation revealed by a Dicer1 knockout mouse model
Authors: Zhang Chi , Ge Xinxu , Liu Qian , Jiang Mei , Li Matthew W. , Li Hedong
Published: February 2015

Radial glia (RG), as neurogenic progenitors and neuronal migration scaffolds, play critical roles during cortical neurogenesis. RG transformation into astrocytes, marking the transition from developmental to physiological function of these cells, is an important step during cortical development. In this study, we aim to determine the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) during this biological process. In a conditional Dicer1‐null mouse where Dicer1 is deleted in both RG and their neuronal progeny, we observe delayed RG transformation as revealed by the persistence of their radial processes, and reduced number and complexity of translocated RG cell bodies in the postnatal cerebral cortex. Downregulation of Notch1 signaling is crucial to RG transformation, and consistently we find that Notch1 signaling is enhanced in the Dicer1‐null cerebral cortex. In addition, we show that, among the Notch1 ligands, Jagged2 (Jag2) is preferentially upregulated in the postnatal Dicer1‐null cerebral cortex as well as primary embryonic cortical cultures with instant Dicer1 deletion. Functionally, Dicer1‐deleted postnatal cerebellar cells with elevated Jag2 expression stimulate a stronger Notch1 signaling in a RG clone L2.3 when co‐cultured than control cells. Therefore, we unravel a novel non‐cell‐autonomous mechanism that regulates RG transformation by modulating Notch1 signaling via miRNA‐mediated suppression of the Nocth1 ligand Jag2. Furthermore, we validate Jag2 as a miR‐124 target gene and demonstrate in vitro that Jag2 expression is highly sensitive to Dicer1 deletion. Finally, we propose a new concept of MiRNA‐Sensitive target genes, identification of which may unravel a unique mode of miRNA‐mediated gene expression regulation. GLIA 2015;63:860–876
Default‐mode network functional connectivity is closely related to metabolic activity
Authors: Passow Susanne , Specht Karsten , Adamsen Tom Christian , Biermann Martin , Brekke Njål , Craven Alexander Richard , Ersland Lars , Grüner Renate , Kleven‐Madsen Nina , Kvernenes Ole‐Heine , Schwarzlmüller Thomas , Olesen Rasmus Aamand , Hugdahl Kenneth
Published: February 2015

Over the last decade, the brain's default‐mode network (DMN) and its function has attracted a lot of attention in the field of neuroscience. However, the exact underlying mechanisms of DMN functional connectivity, or more specifically, the blood‐oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal, are still incompletely understood. In the present study, we combined 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoroglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) to investigate more directly the association between local glucose consumption, local glutamatergic neurotransmission and DMN functional connectivity during rest. The results of the correlation analyzes using the dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (dPCC) as seed region showed spatial similarities between fluctuations in FDG‐uptake and fluctuations in BOLD signal. More specifically, in both modalities the same DMN areas in the inferior parietal lobe, angular gyrus, precuneus, middle, and medial frontal gyrus were positively correlated with the dPCC. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that local glucose consumption in the medial frontal gyrus, PCC and left angular gyrus was associated with functional connectivity within the DMN. We did not, however, find a relationship between glutamatergic neurotransmission and functional connectivity. In line with very recent findings, our results lend further support for a close association between local metabolic activity and functional connectivity and provide further insights towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of the BOLD signal. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2027–2038, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The diffeomorphometry of regional shape change rates and its relevance to cognitive deterioration in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tang Xiaoying , Holland Dominic , Dale Anders M. , Younes Laurent , Miller Michael I. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2015

We proposed a diffeomorphometry‐based statistical pipeline to study the regional shape change rates of the bilateral hippocampus, amygdala, and ventricle in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared with healthy controls (HC), using sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 713 subjects (3,123 scans in total). The subgroup shape atrophy rates of the bilateral hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the expansion rates of the bilateral ventricles, for a majority of vertices were found to follow the order of
. The bilateral hippocampus and the left amygdala were subsegmented into multiple functionally meaningful subregions with the help of high‐field MRI scans. The largest group differences in localized shape atrophy rates on the hippocampus were found to occur in CA1, followed by subiculum, CA2, and finally CA3/dentate gyrus, which is consistent with the neurofibrillary tangle accumulation trajectory. Highly nonuniform group differences were detected on the amygdala; vertices on the core amygdala (basolateral and lateral nucleus) revealed much larger atrophy rates, whereas those on the noncore amygdala (mainly centromedial) displayed similar or even smaller atrophy rates in AD relative to HC. The temporal horns of the ventricles were observed to have the largest localized ventricular expansion rate differences; with the AD group showing larger localized expansion rates on the anterior horn and the body part of the ventricles as well. Significant correlations were observed between the localized shape change rates of each of these six structures and the cognitive deterioration rates as quantified by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Behavior Section increase rate and the Mini Mental State Examination decrease rate. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2093–2117, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minor allele frequency of myeloproliferative neoplasm mutations in the Irish blood donor population
Authors: Titmarsh Glen J. , McKay Gareth J. , Lawler Mark , Anderson Lesley A. , McMullin Mary Frances
Published: February 2015

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are rare diseases that include classic entities; polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis. In this short report, minor allele frequencies of common MPN mutations are compared between the Irish blood donor population and other populations of European descent using data from the Haplotype Map project. The Affymetrix array 6.0 platform was utilised identifying nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and six proxy SNPs. The variability of allele frequencies for MPN mutations could account for the different incidence rates seen between populations of European ancestry, giving a better understanding of the genetic predisposition to MPNs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soft Computing based Optimization of Cogeneration Plant with Different Load Demands
Authors: Hajabdollahi Hassan , Hajabdollahi Zahra , Hajabdollahi Farzaneh
Published: February 2015

Thermal modeling and optimal design of a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) generation system are presented in this paper. A new procedure for simultaneous selection of the type (gas engine, diesel, gas turbine) and number of available prime movers (PMs) in a market, selecting PMs partial load, selecting the heating capacity of backup boiler as well as selecting the cooling capacity of electrical and absorption chillers available in the market are presented. A genetic algorithm (GA) with discrete and continuous decision variables is applied to select the equipment for the CCHP system by maximizing the actual annual benefit (AAB) as the objective function. The optimization problem is carried out for 1000 alternative states for electricity, cooling, and heating (E‐Q‐H) loads in the range of 500 kW to 5000 kW to investigate the effect of E‐Q‐H loads. Moreover, the optimization is performed at two SELL and NO‐SELL modes. In the former case is the sale of the excess electricity to the network is allowed and in the latter one, it was not allowed to sell the excess electricity to the grid. A correlation in terms of E‐Q‐H loads is obtained to specify the effect of E‐Q‐H loads on optimum AAB values in SELL and NO‐SELL modes. Using these correlations, designers can predict the maximum accessible AAB for any electricity, cooling, and heating loads in the above specified range.
Meeting Pedagogical Encounters Halfway
Authors: Spector Karen
Published: February 2015

This commentary offers a critique of literacy pedagogy that focuses solely upon a best practices approach to teaching and learning and argues for a relational pedagogy that relies upon diffractive thinking, reading, and writing.
Different cytotoxicity responses to antimicrobial nanosilver coatings when comparing extract‐based and direct‐contact assays
Authors: Sussman Eric M. , Casey Brendan J. , Dutta Debargh , Dair Benita J.
Published: February 2015

This study was performed to understand how the choice of cytotoxicity assay format affects the observed biocompatibility of nanosilver (nAg). nAg coatings are physical coatings containing silver (Ag) that have feature sizes of 100 nm or less, often in the form of nanoparticles or grains. They are used on medical devices to prevent infection, but in spite of this intended benefit, observations of potential cytotoxicity from nAg have been reported in numerous published studies. For medical device regulation, cytotoxicity testing is part of a biocompatibility evaluation, in which specific test methods are chosen based on the technological characteristics and intended use of a device. For this study, nAg‐coated tissue culture polystyrene surfaces were prepared using magnetron sputter coating, resulting in nAg films of 0.2 to 311 µg cm−2 Ag. These coatings exhibited nanometer‐scale morphologies and demonstrated a > 4log10 reduction in Escherichia coli viability. It was observed that extracts of nAg caused no cytotoxicity to L929 mouse fibroblasts, but cells cultured directly on nAg coatings (direct‐contact assay format) showed a dose‐dependent reduction in viability by up to 100% (P < 0.001). Results using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure Ag release suggested that extracts of nAg are not toxic because the dissolved Ag in those samples becomes less cytotoxic over time, probably owing to the reaction with cell culture media and serum (six‐fold cytotoxicity reductions observed over a 24‐h period). These findings highlight the potential value of direct‐contact cytotoxicity testing for nAg in predicting biological interactions with cells or tissue in vivo. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Photobleaching and phototoxicity of KillerRed in tumor spheroids induced by continuous wave and pulsed laser illumination
Authors: Kuznetsova Daria S. , Shirmanova Marina V. , Dudenkova Varvara V. , Subochev Pavel V. , Turchin Ilya V. , Zagaynova Elena V. , Lukyanov Sergey A. , Shakhov Boris E. , Kamensky Vladislav A.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate photobleaching of the genetically encoded photosensitizer KillerRed in tumor spheroids upon pulsed and continuous wave (CW) laser irradiation and to analyze the mechanisms of cancer cell death after the treatment. We observed the light‐dose dependent mechanism of KillerRed photobleaching over a wide range of fluence rates. Loss of fluorescence was limited to 80% at light doses of 150 J/cm2 and more. Based on the bleaching curves, six PDT regimes were applied for irradiation using CW and pulsed regimes at a power density of 160 mW/cm2 and light doses of 140 J/cm2, 170 J/cm2 and 200 J/cm2. Irradiation of KillerRed‐expressing spheroids in the pulsed mode (pulse duration 15 ns, pulse repetition rate 10 Hz) induced predominantly apoptotic cell death, while in the case of CW mode the cancer cells underwent necrosis. In general, these results improve our understanding of photobleaching mechanisms in GFP‐like proteins and show the importance of appropriate selection of treatment mode for PDT with KillerRed.

Representative fluorescence image of two KillerRed‐expressing spheroids before and immediately after CW irradiation.

magnified image

Representative fluorescence image of two KillerRed‐expressing spheroids before and immediately after CW irradiation.
Characterizing natural hydrogel for reconstruction of three‐dimensional lymphoid stromal network to model T‐cell interactions
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Wu Biming , Niedzielski Steven M. , Hill Matthew T. , Coleman Rhima M. , Ono Akira , Shikanov Ariella
Published: February 2015

Hydrogels have been used in regenerative medicine because they provide a three‐dimensional environment similar to soft tissues, allow diffusion of nutrients, present critical biological signals, and degrade via endogenous enzymatic mechanisms. Herein, we developedin vitrosystem mimicking cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). Existingin vitroculture systems cannot accurately represent the complex interactions happening between T‐cells and stromal cells in immune response. To model T‐cell interaction in SLOsin vitro, we encapsulated stromal cells in fibrin, collagen, or fibrin–collagen hydrogels and studied how different mechanical and biological properties affect stromal network formation. Overall, fibrin supplemented with aprotinin was superior to collagen and fibrin–collagen in terms of network formation and promotion of T‐cell penetration. After 8 days of culture, stromal networks formed through branching and joining with other adjacent cell populations. T‐cells added to the newly formed stromal networks migrated and attached to stromal cells, similar to the T‐cell zones of the lymph nodesin vivo. Our results suggest that the constructed three‐dimensional lymphoid stromal network can mimic thein vivoenvironment and allow the modeling of T‐cell interaction in SLOs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2701–2710, 2015.
Research of electrosurgical unit with novel antiadhesion composite thin film for tumor ablation: Microstructural characteristics, thermal conduction properties, and biological behaviors
Authors: Shen Yun‐Dun , Lin Li‐Hsiang , Chiang Hsi‐Jen , Ou Keng‐Liang , Cheng Han‐Yi
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to use surface functionalization to evaluate the antiadhesion property and thermal injury effects on the liver when using a novel electrosurgical unit with nanostructured‐doped diamond‐like carbon (DLC‐Cu) thin films for tumor ablations. The physical and chemical properties of DLC‐Cu thin films were characterized by contact angle goniometer, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Three‐dimensional (3D) hepatic models were reconstructed using magnetic resonance imaging to simulate a clinical electrosurgical operation. The results indicated a significant increase of the contact angle on the nanostructured DLC‐Cu thin films, and the antiadhesion properties were also observed in an animal model. Furthermore, the surgical temperature in the DLC‐Cu electrosurgical unit was found to be significantly lower than the untreated unit when analyzed using 3D models and thermal images. In addition, DLC‐Cu electrodes caused a relatively small injury area and lateral thermal effect. The results indicated that the nanostructured DLC‐Cu thin film coating reduced excessive thermal injury and tissue adherence effect in the liver. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 96–105, 2016.
Prolonged Exposure to Hypoxic Milieu Improves the Osteogenic Potential of Adipose Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Fotia Caterina , Massa Annamaria , Boriani Filippo , Baldini Nicola , Granchi Donatella
Published: February 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been widely used in orthopedics for several applications. Conventionally, MSC are maintained under 21% O2 which does not reflect the real O2 tension in vivo. Recently, it was reported that different O2 conditions can give different cellular responses. Here, we investigated whether prolonged exposure to hypoxia affects the osteogenic differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASC). ASC from six individuals were cultured under “low” (2–3%) or “air” (21%) oxygen tensions, either without or with osteogenic stimuli. The effect of the O2 tension was evaluated on cell proliferation, surface antigens, stemness and bone‐related genes expression, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), mineralization activity, and release of osteogenic growth factors. Without differentiating stimuli, hypoxia favored ASC proliferation, reduced the number of CD184+ and CD34+ cells, and preserved the expression of NANOG and SOX2. The combination of hypoxia and osteogenic medium induced a high proliferation rate, a rapid and more pronounced mineralization activity, a higher expression of genes related to the MSC differentiation, a higher release of mitogenic growth factors (bFGF, PDGF‐BB), and the decrease in TGF‐β secretion, an inhibitor of the early stage of the osteoblast differentiation. We demonstrated that hypoxia acts dually, favoring ASC proliferation and the maintenance of the stemness in the absence of osteogenic stimuli, but inducing the differentiation in a bone‐like microenvironment. In conclusion, prolonged cell culture in hypoxic microenvironment represents a proper method to modulate the stem cell function that may be used in several applications, for example, studies on bone pathophysiology or bone‐tissue engineering. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1442–1453, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTEN/Akt‐p27kip1 Signaling Promote the BM‐MSCs Senescence and Apoptosis in SLE Patients
Authors: Tan Wei , Gu Zhifeng , Shen Biyu , Jiang Jinxia , Meng Yan , Da Zhanyun , Liu Hong , Tao Tao , Cheng Chun
Published: February 2015

Recent studies showed that allogeneic bone marrow (BM)‐mesenchymal stem cells transplantation (MSCT) was effective in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and lupus‐prone mice. However, syngeneic BM‐MSCT was ineffective. Previous studies, including ours, revealed that BM‐MSCs from SLE patients exhibited early signs of senescence and apoptosis such as slow proliferation, increasing senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal)‐positive cells and Annexin V‐positive cells, and caspase cascade activation. The abnormalities of BM‐MSCs might be associated with the pathogenesis of SLE. In this study, we aimed to determine the molecular mechanism of senescent BM‐MSCs from SLE patients. We found that the expression of protein 27 kinase inhibition protein 1(p27kip1) increased significantly, which was regulated by phosphatase and tensin homology deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling in SLE BM‐MSCs. Knockdown of PTEN or p27kip1 could reverse the senescent features of BM‐MSCs via down‐regulating p27kip1 expression. When purified CD4+ T cells were incubated with PTEN or p27kip1‐silenced SLE BM‐MSCs, the ratio of regulatory T (Treg)/T helper type 17 (Th17) cells increased significantly by enhancing regulatory cytokines (IL‐10 and TGF‐β) and reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐17 and IL‐6). Taken together, we demonstrated that PTEN/Akt signaling played an essential role in the senescent and apoptotic BM‐MSCs from SLE patients by up‐regulating p27kip1 expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1583–1594, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel Anti‐Cancer Agent, 1‐(3,5‐Dimethoxyphenyl)‐4‐[(6‐Fluoro‐2‐Methoxyquinoxalin‐3‐yl)Aminocarbonyl] Piperazine (RX‐5902), Interferes With β‐Catenin Function Through Y593 Phospho‐p68 RNA Helicase
Authors: Kost Gina Chun , Yang Mi Young , Li Liangwei , Zhang Yinwei , Liu Chia‐yi , Kim Deog Joong , Ahn Chang‐Ho , Lee Young Bok , Liu Zhi‐Ren
Published: February 2015

1‐(3,5‐Dimethoxyphenyl)‐4‐[(6‐fluoro‐2‐methoxyquinoxalin‐3‐yl)aminocarbonyl] piperazine (RX‐5902) exhibits strong growth inhibition in various human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 10 and 20 nM. In this study, we demonstrate that p68 RNA helicase is a cellular target of RX‐5902 by the drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) method, and confirmed the direct binding of 3H‐labeled RX‐5902 to Y593 phospho‐p68 RNA helicase. We further demonstrated RX‐5902 inhibited the β‐catenin dependent ATPase activity of p68 RNA helicase in an in vitro system. Furthermore, we showed that treatment of cancer cells with RX‐5902 resulted in the downregulation of the expression of certain genes, which are known to be regulated by the β‐catenin pathway, such as c‐Myc, cyclin D1 and p‐c‐Jun. Therefore, our study indicates that the inhibition of Y593 phospho‐p68 helicase ‐ β‐catenin interaction by direct binding of RX‐5902 to Y593 phospho‐p68 RNA helicase may contribute to the anti‐cancer activity of this compound. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1595–1601, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upregulation of MicroRNA‐126 Contributes to Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function in Deep Vein Thrombosis via Its Target PIK3R2
Authors: Meng Qingyou , Wang Wenbin , Yu Xiaobin , Li Wendong , Kong Lingshang , Qian Aimin , Li Chenglong , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2015

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication of surgery. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are recruited into resolving venous thrombi. In this report, we investigated the effects of miR‐126 on EPCs function and venous thrombus resolution. We demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐126 enhanced EPCs' migration and tubulogenic activity in vitro, and promoted EPCs' homing and thrombus resolving in vivo. Moreover, we identified that miR‐126 directly targeted PIK3R2 and affected PI3K/Akt signaling axis. Overall, our findings demonstrated that miR‐126 promoted EPCs function through suppressing PIK3R2 expression and modulation of miR‐126 may represent a potential therapeutic intervention for treating DVT. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1613–1623, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aldehyde PEGylation of laccase from Trametes versicolor in route to increase its stability: effect on enzymatic activity
Authors: Mayolo‐Deloisa Karla , González‐González Mirna , Simental‐Martínez Jesús , Rito‐Palomares Marco
Published: February 2015

Laccase is a multicopper oxidase that catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds. Laccase can be used in bioremediation, beverage (wine, fruit juice, and beer) processing, ascorbic acid determination, sugar beet pectin gelation baking, and as a biosensor. Recently, the antiproliferative activity of laccase toward tumor cells has been reported. Because of the potential applications of this enzyme, the efforts for enhancing and stabilizing its activity have increased. Thus, the PEGylation of laccase can be an alternative. PEGylation is the covalent attachment of one or more molecules of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) to a protein. Normally, during the PEGylation reaction, the activity is reduced but the stability increases; thus, it is important to minimize the loss of activity. In this work, the effects of molar ratio (1:4, 1:8, and 1:12), concentration of laccase (6 and 12 mg/ml), reaction time (4 and 17 h), molecular weight, and type of mPEG (20, 30, 40 kDa and 40 kDa‐branched) were analyzed. The activity was measured using three substrates: ABTS, 2,6‐dimethoxyphenol, and syringaldazine. The best conditions for laccase PEGylation were 12 mg/ml of laccase, molar ratio 1:4, and 4 h reaction time. Under these conditions, the enzyme was able to maintain nearly 100% of its enzymatic activity with ABTS. The PEGylation of laccase has not been extensively explored, so it is important to analyze the effects of this bioconjugation in route to produce a robust modified enzyme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of human cosaviruses in Tunisia, North Africa
Authors: Rezig Dorra , Farhat Essia Ben , Touzi Henda , Meddeb Zina , Salah Afif Ben , Triki Henda
Published: February 2015

A new picornavirus, named human Cosavirus (HCoSV) was isolated recently from stools of children with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and healthy children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since then, it was also isolated from patients from other countries. Five species are presently identified forming a new genus in the Picornaviridae family. This study reports the detection of HCoSV in stool specimens collected as part of the National Poliovirus surveillance Program in Tunisia, between 2011 and 2012, from patients with AFP and healthy individuals among their contacts. One hundred and ninety four stool samples were investigated by RT‐PCR in the 5' non‐coding region of the genome. A total of 64 specimens (33%) tested positive for HCoSV. HCoSV positive specimens were found in 36 cases with neurological syndromes and 28 of their healthy contacts. The highest rate of HCoSV infection (62.5%) occurred in children younger than 6 years of age. The sampling date of stool specimens suggested that HCoSV infection occurred regularly over time. Also, the sampling origin of stool specimen showed that HCoSV infection was detected in almost all the governorates of Tunisia from the North to the South of the country. This study is the first report of HCoSV prevalence in the North African region. It contributes to a better knowledge on the geographic distribution and the epidemiology of these viruses. J. Med. Virol. 87:940–943, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular and serological findings in suspected patients with Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in Iran
Authors: Karlberg Helen , Sharifi‐Mood Batool , Mousavi‐Jazi Mehrdad , Dilcher Meik , Lindegren Gunnel , Mardani Masoud , Bereskly Sandor , Weidmann Manfred , Mirazimi Ali
Published: February 2015

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an arthropod‐borne disease of humans associated with a severe clinical picture, including hemorrhagic syndrome and a high mortality rate. CCHF virus is widely distributed throughout large areas of the world. To characterize the serological status in CCHF patients, paired clinical samples were collected from suspected CCHF patients and analyzed by microbiological and other laboratory analyses with the aim of: determining the presence of neutralizing antibodies against CCHF virus; investigating the cross‐reactivity of these neutralizing antibodies against virus isolated from the same outbreak and against other available laboratory strain; and studying the relationship between the isolated virus with other virus by whole genome sequencing. Patients at Boo‐Ali Hospital, Zahedan, Iran, with clinical symptoms ranging from mild to severe hemorrhagic fever were included in the study. Two serum samples were taken from each patient, the first as soon as the patient matched the criteria for CCHF notification and the second when the patient was discharged from hospital (2 weeks later). Commercial and in‐house assays revealed a positive IgM signal in acute serum samples from six patients. A novel finding was that CCHF patients develop neutralizing antibodies soon after infection. Interestingly these antibodies were able to neutralize other CCHF virus strains too. The complete sequence of the Zahedan 2007 isolate, including the hitherto unknown first L‐segment sequence, was identified using an original clinical sample from one patient with confirmed CCHF infection. J. Med. Virol. 87:686–693, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Limited increase in primary HIV‐1C drug resistance mutations in treatment naïve individuals in Ethiopia
Authors: Huruy Kahsay , Maier Melanie , Mulu Andargachew , Liebert Uwe G.
Published: February 2015

Antiretroviral drug resistance is a major challenge for management and control of HIV‐1 infection worldwide and particularly in resource limited countries. The frequency of primary drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and of naturally occurring polymorphisms was determined in 83 antiretroviral treatment (ART) naïve Ethiopian individuals infected with HIV‐1, consecutively enrolled in 2010. In all individuals HIV‐1C was found. The median (interquartile range) of CD4+ T‐cell count and viral load were 100 (49–201) cells/μl and 44,640 (12,553–134,664) copies/ml, respectively. Protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) genes of HIV‐1 RNA were amplified and sequenced. The proportion of primary DRM to any drug class, using the World Health Organization mutation lists, was 7.2% (6/83), thus exceeding the WHO threshold limit of 5%. Three individuals (3.6%) had non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations, two individuals (2.4%) had protease inhibitor mutations, and one (1.2%) had mutations associated with two drug classes (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and NNRTI). In addition, the frequency of polymorphisms in the PR and RT genes was higher compared with previous studies in Ethiopian as well as worldwide isolates. Hence, genotypic drug resistance testing as part of routine management of individuals seems reasonable even in resource limited countries prior to treatment in order to allow proper choice of ART. J. Med. Virol. 87:978–984, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interleukin‐23 facilitates Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation in vitro following respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Feng Jingjing , Hu Yunwen , Song Zhigang , Liu Yi , Guo Xuejun , Jie Zhijun
Published: February 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection induces activation and imbalance of the immune system; however, the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) in the response to RSV infection remains unclear. Interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) is a key cytokine in Th17 cell differentiation. The aim of this study was to explore the function of IL‐23 in determining the distribution of Th lymphocyte subsets (Th1, Th2, and Th17) after RSV infection in vitro. Human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS‐2B was infected with mock or RSV at various multiplicities of infection (MOI) and transcript expression of IL‐6, IL‐23p19, and transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction; IL‐6, IL‐23, and TGF‐β in the supernatant were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The Th subset distribution in lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry after co‐culture with supernatants from mock and 72‐hr RSV infection cultures. The role of IL‐23 in lymphocytes was assessed by specific receptor blockade (IL‐23R) prior to co‐culture with supernatants from RSV‐infected BEAS‐2B cells, followed by flow cytometry to analyze Th subset differentiation. Cytokine expression increased after RSV infection. IL‐23R blockade suppressed the differentiation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells in the presence of supernatants from RSV‐infected BEAS‐2B cells. RSV infection may induce cytokine secretion, thus inducing Th1, Th2, and Th17 differentiation via an IL‐23R‐dependent process. J. Med. Virol. 87:708–715, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Control of the pretilt angle for liquid crystal alignment using novel electrospray deposition methods with two capillaries
Authors: Kudoh Yukihiro , Uchida Yuta , Takahashi Taiju
Published: February 2015

The electrospray deposition (ESD) method is an established film‐forming technique. To control the pretilt angle on films, we developed two novel ESD methods for spraying two kinds of solutions containing alignment materials. One method is a simultaneous spraying method, while the other is a time‐divided spraying method. When we used the simultaneous‐spraying ESD method, we observed numerous fine liquid crystal (LC) domains with a diameter of approximately 10 µm in the LC cell. These LC domains were substantially smaller than those of LCs fabricated using the conventional ESD method. However, the pretilt angle could not be controlled over a wide range because multiple parameters could not be simultaneously controlled to achieve a stable spray. Using the time‐division ESD method, we controlled the pretilt angle over a wide range from 5° to 40°, with tiny domains. As a demonstration, we fabricated a 270° super‐twisted nematic mode cell using this method.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube dependence following chemoradiation in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Pohar Surjeet , Demarcantonio Michael , Whiting Phillip , Crandley Edwin , Wadsworth John , Karakla Daniel
Published: February 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Compare long‐term percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube dependence, stricture rate, and weight loss in patients receiving a prophylactic gastrostomy tube with those who initially rely on oral intake during chemoradiation for head and neck cancer. Also, to determine what other patient and treatment characteristics influence development of long‐term severe dysphagia.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Seventy‐nine patients received a PEG tube and 25 did not. The prophylactic and initial oral intake groups were then analyzed to assess the primary outcomes of PEG dependence at last follow‐up >1 year.

Results

On univariate and multivariate analysis, Zubrod score >1, prophylactic PEG placement, and higher T classification were predicted for PEG tube dependence at last follow‐up at least 1 year after treatment.

Conclusions

Prophylactic PEG tube, high Zubrod score, and high T stage were independent predictors for PEG tube dependence at least 1 year after treatment in patients with head and neck cancer receiving definitive chemoradiation.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:1366–1371, 2015
Impact of facial defect reconstruction on attractiveness and negative facial perception
Authors: Dey Jacob K. , Ishii Masaru , Boahene Kofi D. O. , Byrne Patrick , Ishii Lisa E.
Published: February 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Measure the impact of facial defect reconstruction on observer‐graded attractiveness and negative facial perception.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, controlled experiment.

Methods

One hundred twenty casual observers viewed images of faces with defects of varying sizes and locations before and after reconstruction as well as normal comparison faces. Observers rated attractiveness, defect severity, and how disfiguring, bothersome, and important to repair they considered each face.

Results

Facial defects decreased attractiveness −2.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.45, −2.08) on a 10‐point scale. Mixed effects linear regression showed this attractiveness penalty varied with defect size and location, with large and central defects generating the greatest penalty. Reconstructive surgery increased attractiveness 1.33 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.47), an improvement dependent upon size and location, restoring some defect categories to near normal ranges of attractiveness. Iterated principal factor analysis indicated the disfiguring, important to repair, bothersome, and severity variables were highly correlated and measured a common domain; thus, they were combined to create the disfigured, important to repair, bothersome, severity (DIBS) factor score, representing negative facial perception. The DIBS regression showed defect faces have a 1.5 standard deviation increase in negative perception (DIBS: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.61, 1.77) compared to normal faces, which decreased by a similar magnitude after surgery (DIBS: −1.44, 95% CI: −1.49, −1.38). These findings varied with defect size and location.

Conclusions

Surgical reconstruction of facial defects increased attractiveness and decreased negative social facial perception, an impact that varied with defect size and location. These new social perception data add to the evidence base demonstrating the value of high‐quality reconstructive surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:1316–1321, 2015