bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Dosing Interval and Administration on the Bone Metabolism, Skeletal Effects, and Clinical Efficacy of Parathyroid Hormone in Treating Osteoporosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kim Kyoung Min , Lee Sae Young , Rhee Yumie 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTRecombinant human parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the key anabolic agent used for preventing fracture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In bone metabolism, PTH signaling is mediated through a G protein–coupled receptor that affects various post‐receptor signaling pathways. Results of preclinical and clinical studies have shown that PTH improves both the structure and strength of bone tissue. Once daily subcutaneous injection of the PTH fragment, teriparatide (PTH [1‐34]), is the most commonly recommended formulation and dosing strategy in clinical practice. However, other dosing intervals, formulations, and routes have been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. In particular, once‐weekly and cyclical administration have been investigated mainly as a means of reducing the high direct costs of treatment. In preclinical studies, bone formation/resorption markers, bone mineral density measurements, and histomorphometric parameters improved with both once‐daily and once‐weekly administration. However, the magnitude and duration of such improvements were generally greater with once‐daily PTH administration. In clinical studies, reductions in fracture incidence were also noted with both once‐daily and once‐weekly PTH administration, although improvements in nonvertebral fractures are less evident with once‐weekly administration. This narrative review details the differences between PTH formulation and dosing strategies in relation to preclinical and clinical efficacy/safety parameters, although it should be stressed that no head‐to‐head studies allow direct comparisons. This review also seeks to outline practical considerations involved with PTH prescribing and new directions in research regarding routes of administration. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Antidepressant Imipramine Protects Bupivacaine‐Induced Neurotoxicity in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Through Coactivation of TrkA and TrkB
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Wang Huan , Tao Qiang , Sun Shiyu , Liu Li , Zhang Jianping , Yang Dawei 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTIn our work, we used an in vitro culture model to investigate whether antidepressant imipramine (Ip) may protect bupivacaine (Bv)‐induced neurotoxicity in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Adult mouse DRG was treated with 5 mM Bv in vitro to induce neurotoxicity. DRG was then pre‐treated with Ip, prior to Bv, to examine its effects on protecting Bv‐induced DRG apoptosis and neurite degeneration. Ip‐induced dynamic changes in Trk receptors, including TrkA/B/C and phosphor (p‐)TrkA/B/C, were examined by qPCR and Western blot. TrkA and TrkB were inhibited by siRNAs to further investigate their functional role in Ip‐ and Bv‐treated DRG. Ip protected Bv‐induced apoptosis and neurite loss in DRG. Ip did not alter TrkA/B/C expressions, whereas significantly augmented protein productions of p‐TrkA and p‐TrkB, but not p‐TrkC. SiRNA‐mediated TrkA or TrkB downregulation inhibited Trk receptors, and reduced p‐TrkA and p‐TrkB in DRG. TrkA or TrkB downregulation alone had no effect on Ip‐induced protection in Bv‐injured DRG. However, co‐inhibition of TrkA and TrkB significantly ameliorated the protective effect of Ip on Bv‐induced apoptosis and neurite loss in DRG. Imipramine protected bupivacaine‐induced neurotoxicity in DRG, likely via the co‐activation of TrkA and TrkB signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3960–3967, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman microspectrometric study of pigments in melanized fungi from the hyperarid Atacama desert gypsum crust
Authors: Culka Adam , Jehlička Jan , Ascaso Carmen , Artieda Octavio , Casero Cristina M. , Wierzchos Jacek 
Published: April 2017

The Atacama desert is amongst the oldest and driest deserts in the world, and its hyperarid core is described as ‘the most barren region imaginable’. In this study, we describe for the first time the endolithic microbial communities composed by eukaryotic microorganisms, such as melanized fungi and algae, colonizing the interior of gypsum crusts collected in the hyperarid zone of the Atacama desert. Melanin pigments present in fungi cell walls have been studied by Raman microspectroscopy. Analyses have been performed directly in the gypsum crust sustaining the colonisation of fungi and algae, on the thin sections and on the cultivated culture of the fungi from Neocatenulostroma genus. Raman spectroscopic signature of melanin has been clearly observed in all the sample types. Two broad bands located at wavenumbers 1605–1580 cm−1 and around 1350 cm−1 have been detected in all the studied samples, with slight variations in the appearance of other bands or shoulders of smaller intensity documenting either the changes in melanin composition or other biomolecules bound to melanin. Blue and green lasers (445, 514 and 532 nm) have been shown as favourable excitation for the study of melanins as the longer wavelengths induced adverse effects that mask the Raman signal. Effect of laser power level on the resulting spectra has also been discussed. Algal carotenoid pigment has been detected in isolated regions of the sample by the Raman bands of 1520, 1155 and 1002 cm−1. The strong Raman signal of fungal melanin that has been detected in the host rock from the locality characterized by extreme conditions such as Atacama desert could be considered in the discussion about feasible biomarker molecules; however, low specificity of the broad Raman signature and similarity to the spectrum of amorphous carbon must be also taken into account. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability assessment of lycopene microemulsion prepared using tomato industrial waste against various processing conditions
Authors: Amiri‐Rigi Atefeh , Abbasi Soleiman 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDGreen separation techniques are growing at a greater rate than solvent extraction as a result of the constant consumer drive to ‘go natural’. Considering the increasing evidence of the health benefits of lycopene and massive tomato industrial waste, in the present study, lycopene was extracted from tomato industrial waste using microemulsion technique and its mean droplet size and size distribution was determined. Moreover, the effects of pasteurization, sterilization, freeze–thaw cycles and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the thermodynamic stability, turbidity and lycopene concentration of the lycopene microemulsion were monitored.RESULTSFreeze–thaw cycles, pasteurization and short exposure to UV irradiation showed no or negligible influence on lycopene content and turbidity of the microemulsion. However, long exposure to UV (260 min) reduced the lycopene content and turbidity by 34% and 10%, respectively. HHST (higher‐heat shorter‐time) and sterilization also reduced lycopene content (25%) and increased turbidity (32%).CONCLUSIONThe lycopene microemulsion showed satisfactory stability over a process where its monodispersity and nanosize could be of potential advantage to the food and related industries. Regarding the carcinogenicity of synthetic colourants, potential applications of the lycopene microemulsion include in soft drinks and minced meat, which would result in a better colour and well‐documented health‐promoting qualities. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Carboxylated Polysaccharides Decorated with Ultrasmall Magnetic Nanoparticles with Antibacterial and MRI Properties
Authors: Biliuta Gabriela , Sacarescu Liviu , Socoliuc Vlad , Iacob Mihai , Gheorghe Liliana , Negru Dragos , Coseri Sergiu 
Published: April 2017

Two natural polymers, namely, cellulose and pullulan, are selectively oxidized employing the well‐established (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐yl)‐oxyl radical protocol in order to introduce in their structural unit negatively charged carboxylic groups. These newly introduced moieties further serve as efficient matrix for the in situ iron oxide nanoparticles fabrication. The morphology, structure, stability, and magnetic properties of the as‐prepared carboxylated polysaccharides embedded ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles are analyzed using various techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results show that the two used polysaccharides are excellent materials to produce highly uniform shaped nanoparticles with an average size of about 3 nm. Moreover, the nanoparticles have excellent water dispersibility and stability. The prepared magnetic samples show antibacterial effect against Gram‐positive bacteria and also exhibit characteristics as contrasting agent for noninvasive cellular and molecular imaging.
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Consumers’ Social Media Brand Behaviors: Uncovering Underlying Motivators and Deriving Meaningful Consumer Segments
Authors: Dimitriu Radu , Guesalaga Rodrigo 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThe current research identifies the range of social media brand behaviors (i.e., brand touch points) that consumers can exhibit on social media, and subsequently queries a representative sample of consumers with regard to such behaviors. The analysis reveals four underlying motivators for consumers’ social media behaviors, including brand tacit engagement, brand exhibiting, brand patronizing, and brand deal seeking. These motivators are used to derive meaningful consumer segments identified as content seekers, observers, deal hunters, hard‐core fans, posers and, respectively, patronizers, and described through co‐variates including brand loyalty, brand attachment, and social media usage. The findings are critically discussed in the light of literature on the needs that consumers meet through brand consumption and on the types of relationships consumers build with brands. Not least, the managerial implications of the current findings are debated.
Resilience of the prokaryotic microbial community of Acropora digitifera to elevated temperature
Authors: Gajigan Andrian P. , Diaz Leomir A. , Conaco Cecilia 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe coral is a holobiont formed by the close interaction between the coral animal and a diverse community of microorganisms, including dinoflagellates, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. The prokaryotic symbionts of corals are important for host fitness but are also highly sensitive to changes in the environment. In this study, we used 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing to examine the response of the microbial community associated with the coral, Acropora digitifera, to elevated temperature. The A. digitifera microbial community is dominated by operational taxonomic unit (OTUs) affiliated with classes Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. The prokaryotic community in the coral tissue is distinct from that of the mucus and the surrounding seawater. Remarkably, the overall microbial community structure of A. digitifera remained stable for 10 days of continuous exptosure at 32°C compared to corals maintained at 27°C. However, the elevated temperature regime resulted in a decrease in the abundance of OTUs affiliated with certain groups of bacteria, such as order Rhodobacterales. On the other hand, some OTUs affiliated with the orders Alteromonadales, Vibrionales, and Flavobacteriales, which are often associated with diseased and stressed corals, increased in abundance. Thus, while the A. digitifera bacterial community structure appears resilient to higher temperature, prolonged exposure and intensified stress results in changes in the abundance of specific microbial community members that may affect the overall metabolic state and health of the coral holobiont.
Preparation of viscoelastic gel‐like halloysite hybrids and their application in halloysite/polystyrene composites
Authors: Yin Xianze , Weng Puxin , Yang Shiwen , Han Lu , Du Zhengliang , Wang Luoxin , Tan Yeqiang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSelf‐reinforcement gel‐like halloysite nanotube (g‐HNT) hybrids with various viscoelastic behaviors were fabricated by firstly treating with various concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and then grafting tertiary amine and ion‐exchange reacting with sulfonate anions. The morphology, composition, thermal stability and rheological behavior of theg‐HNThybrids were systematically characterized and analyzed using various methods. It is found that the viscoelasticity ofg‐HNThybrids can be easily regulated by using differentNaOHsolution‐treatedHNTsas inorganic core and temperatures. In addition, theg‐HNThybrids treated with medium concentration ofNaOH(0.06 mol L−1) have the lowest viscosity and highest level of dispersion compared with those treated with other concentrations ofNaOHsolution. Due to the amphiphilic nature ofg‐HNThybrids and their lower viscosity thanHNTpowder, as novel hybrid fillers, they were utilized to prepare polystyrene composites by direct melt blending for achieving simultaneous reinforcement and plasticization effects. Besides the above mentioned advantages, the thermal conductivity of polystyrene composites is also surprisingly improved by reducing the interfacial mismatch between the filler and polymer matrix. The solvent‐free and self‐reinforcement hybrids provide a convenient and green path for fabricating high‐performance polymer composites. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
EURECA: End‐user requirements engineering with collaborative animation
Authors: Kim Neunghoe , Park Soojin , Jeong Dongwon , Hwang Mansoo , Park Sooyong , In Hoh Peter 
Published: April 2017

SummaryIn recent years, software development environments have changed from being driven by professional developers to being driven by technical end users. One of the key issues in end‐user‐driven software development environments is how to guarantee the quality of the software artifacts. Measuring the quality of developed software requires the correct specification of a quality range the software is expected to meet. However, technical end users are non‐professionals in engineering techniques for software requirements, and training a developer to be an expert in requirements engineering in a short period of time is difficult. This paper proposes a new software development life cycle based on reutilizing previously evaluated software requirements assets from completed projects. End‐User Requirements Engineering with Collaborative Animation, a tool that was developed to support the proposed software development life cycle, is described and demonstrated by application to three projects. The results from real cases are used as the basis for a discussion on the efficiency enhancement of requirements work, an increased rate of reusing legacy software requirements assets, and an improvement in the technical end user's individual competency level using the End‐User Requirements Engineering with Collaborative Animation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative efficacy of goreisan and probiotics in Japanese adults with acute infectious gastroenteritis: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Morita Fujiko , Yokokawa Hirohide , Matsuda Naoto , Fujibayashi Kazutoshi , Uehara Yuki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Naito Toshio 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTAimThis study compared the efficacy of goreisan with that of probiotics in Japanese adults with acute infectious gastroenteritis.MethodsOutpatients aged ≥20 years with acute infectious gastroenteritis were enrolled in this open‐label, prospective randomized controlled trial from December 2014 to December 2015. Seventy‐five patients were randomly assigned to receive goreisan or probiotics (
Bifidobacterium). The primary outcomes were duration and frequency of diarrhea and vomiting. The secondary outcomes were duration of concomitant symptoms including nausea, abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, and anorexia.ResultsThe duration and frequency of diarrhea and vomiting were not significantly different between the goreisan (n = 24) and probiotic groups (n = 25). The secondary outcomes duration of anorexia (median, 2 days; range, 1–5 days vs 2.5 days, range, 1–5 days, P = 0.01) and of abdominal pain (median, 2 days; range, 1–5 days vs 3 days, range, 1–5 days, P = 0.02) were significantly shorter in the goreisan group than in the probiotic group.ConclusionsThe duration of concomitant symptoms of anorexia and abdominal pain were significantly shorter in the goreisan group than in the probiotic group. Goreisan may have the potential to improve the general symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A is positively correlated with first‐trimester skin microvascular reactivity
Authors: Iacobaeus C. , Kahan T. , Jörneskog G. , Bremme K. , Andolf E. , Thorsell M. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between levels of circulating maternal pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and first‐trimester maternal vascular function.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 53 healthy, non‐smoking, nulliparous pregnant women in Stockholm, Sweden. PAPP‐A levels and vascular function were assessed during gestational weeks 11–14. Forearm skin microcirculation was investigated by laser Doppler perfusion imaging during iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) to assess endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent microvascular vasodilatation, respectively. Microvascular endothelial function index was calculated as peak ACh/peak SNP. Endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasodilatation in the brachial artery was evaluated, respectively, by postischemic hyperemia‐induced flow‐mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and by response to sublingual intake of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN).ResultsPAPP‐A was correlated with skin microvascular endothelial function index (β = 1.008 (95% CI, 0.34–1.68), r2 = 0.17, P = 0.004). PAPP‐A also correlated inversely with FMD (β = –0.052 (95% CI, –0.094 to –0.011), r2 = 0.13, P = 0.014) but did not relate to forearm endothelial function index (i.e. FMD/GTN). The results were retained in multivariate analyses including known confounding factors.ConclusionsFirst‐trimester endothelium‐dependent skin microvascular reactivity was positively related to PAPP‐A levels. If confirmed, these novel findings suggest that first‐trimester skin microvascular reactivity could be a useful early pregnancy marker of placental function. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Restricted physical activity in pregnancy reduces maternal vascular resistance and improves fetal growth
Authors: Vasapollo B. , Lo Presti D. , Gagliardi G. , Farsetti D. , Tiralongo G. M. , Pisani I. , Novelli G. P. , Valensise H. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo test the efficacy of maternal activity restriction for reducing peripheral vascular resistance in normotensive pregnant women with raised total vascular resistance (TVR) and to evaluate its effect on fetal growth.MethodsThis was a prospective case–control study of 30 women enrolled between 27 and 29 weeks' gestation. All patients met the following criteria: normal blood pressure before and during pregnancy, TVR between 1300 and 1400 dynes × s/cm5 at enrolment, normal fetal Doppler parameters at enrolment and abdominal circumference between the 10th and 25th centiles. Patients were assigned to activity restriction (activity‐restriction group; n = 15) or no treatment (control group; n = 15) and were assessed after 4 weeks for TVR and fetal growth.ResultsTVR at enrolment and estimated fetal weight centile were similar in the activity‐restriction group vs controls (1358 ± 26 vs 1353 ± 30 dynes × s/cm5; 18th ± 4 vs 19th ± 4 centile; P = NS). After 4 weeks, the activity‐restriction group compared with controls showed significantly lower TVR (1165 ± 159 vs 1314 ± 190 dynes × s/cm5; P < 0.05), which was associated with higher estimated fetal weight centile (25th ± 5 vs 20th ± 5 centile; P < 0.05). TVR was lower and estimated fetal weight centile higher for the activity‐restriction group after 4 weeks compared with at enrolment.ConclusionsIn normotensive pregnant women with raised TVR, maternal activity restriction appears to be effective in reducing TVR and therefore enhancing fetal growth. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Improving the ‘tool box’ for robust industrial enzymes
Authors: Littlechild J A 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The speed of sequencing of microbial genomes and metagenomes is providing an ever increasing resource for the identification of new robust biocatalysts with industrial applications for many different aspects of industrial biotechnology. Using ‘natures catalysts’ provides a sustainable approach to chemical synthesis of fine chemicals, general chemicals such as surfactants and new consumer-based materials such as biodegradable plastics. This provides a sustainable and ‘green chemistry’ route to chemical synthesis which generates no toxic waste and is environmentally friendly. In addition, enzymes can play important roles in other applications such as carbon dioxide capture, breakdown of food and other waste streams to provide a route to the concept of a ‘circular economy’ where nothing is wasted. The use of improved bioinformatic approaches and the development of new rapid enzyme activity screening methodology can provide an endless resource for new robust industrial biocatalysts.This mini-review will discuss several recent case studies where industrial enzymes of ‘high priority’ have been identified and characterised. It will highlight specific hydrolase enzymes and recent case studies which have been carried out within our group in Exeter.
Counterion Effect on Krafft Temperature and Related Properties of Octadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Authors: Sharker Komol Kanta , Islam Md. Nazrul , Das Shuvo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn the present work, we have investigated the effect of some counterions on the Krafft temperature (TK) and the micelle formation of octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (OTAB) in aqueous solution. The results showed that the ions with more chaotropic nature increase the TK while those with a kosmotropic, hydrotropic and less chaotropic nature lower the TK of the surfactant. More chaotropic SCN− and I−, being weakly hydrated, form contact ion pairs with the octadecyltrimethylammonium ion and reduce the electrostatic repulsion between the surfactant molecules. As a result, these ions exhibit salting out behavior and raise the TK of the surfactant. On the other hand, less chaotropic Cl− and NO3−, kosmotropic SO42− and F− and hydrotropic benzoate and salicylate ions increase the solubility of the surfactant, with a consequent decrease in the TK. SO42−, F−, benzoate and salicylate cannot form contact ion pairs with the weakly hydrated cationic part of OTAB. Rather, being extensively hydrated and kosmotropic in nature, these ions do not show any tendency to shed their hydrated water molecules to form contact ion pairs with the weakly hydrated octadecyltrimethylammonium ion and therefore, stay apart. As a result, the TK of the surfactant decreases significantly in the presence of these ions. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant decreases significantly in the presence of these ions due to screening of the micelle surface charge by the added counterions. Consequently, the surfactant molecules attain better packing because of substantial reduction in the electrostatic repulsion between the charged head‐groups, showing a significant decrease in the CMC.