bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Small Interfering RNA Silencing Protein Kinase C‐α Gene on the Occurrence of Ultrafiltration Failure in Peritoneal Dialysis Rats
Authors: Sun Zhi‐Wei , Wang Jian , Weng Min , Tang Jian‐Zhong , Wang Jun‐Feng , Xu Jian , Lin Ling , Yuan Hong‐Ling 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThis study aims to explore the effect of PKC‐α gene silencing on the occurrence of ultrafiltration failure (UFF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) rats. Forty‐eight male SD rats were collected to establish 5/6 renal resection uremic and uremic PD rats models. Rats were assigned into control, sham operation, uremia, PD‐2 W (peritoneal dialysis for 2 weeks), PD‐4 W (peritoneal dialysis for 4 weeks), negative control (NC) (peritoneal dialysis for 4 weeks, and injected 0.1 mg/kg blank plasmid into abdominal cavity) and PKC‐α siRNA (peritoneal dialysis for 4 weeks, and injected 0.1 mg/kg PKC‐α siRNA into abdominal cavity) groups. CD34 staining was performed to determine microvessel density (MVD) for peritoneal tissues. The mRNA and protein expression of PKC‐α in peritoneal tissue were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blot. Compared with the control group, MVD, the mRNA and protein expression of PKC‐α were significantly increased in rats of the uremia, PD‐2 W, PD‐4 W, NC, and PKC‐α siRNA groups. Compared with the uremia group, MVD, the mRNA and protein expression of PKC‐α were increased, the changes observed in the PD‐4 W and NC groups were better obvious than in the PD‐2 W group. In comparison with the PD‐4 W and NC groups, MVD, the mRNA and protein expression of PKC‐α in rats were decreased in the PKC‐α siRNA group. PKC‐α gene has a high expression in uremic PD rats, and PKC‐α gene silencing is able to increase UF while decrease MVD and glucose transport in peritoneal tissues thus reversing UFF in PD rats. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4607–4616, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cover Image, Volume 92, Issue 6
Authors: Pei Ying , Wu Xingjun , Xu Gaoqiang , Sun Zhenjie , Zheng Xuejing , Liu Jie , Tang Keyong 
Published: May 2017

The cover image, by Ying Pei et al., is based on the Research Article Tannin‐immobilized cellulose microspheres as effective adsorbents for removing cationic dye (Methylene Blue) from aqueous solution, DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5121.
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Quantitative T2* relaxation time analysis of articular cartilage of the tibiotalar joint in professional football players and healthy volunteers at 3T MRI
Authors: Behzadi Cyrus , Maas Kai‐Jonathan , Welsch Goetz , Kaul Michael , Schoen Gerhard , Laqmani Azien , Adam Gerhard , Regier Marc 
Published: May 2017

PurposeTo compare T2* relaxation times of the tibiotalar cartilage between professional football players and matched healthy male volunteers.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐two ankles of professional football players (24.3 ± 3.8 years) and 20 age‐ and body mass index‐matched healthy individuals (25.6 ± 2.4 years) were investigated. The study protocol consisted of multiplanar T1‐weighted, fat‐saturated proton‐density weighted (Pdw) and a 3D multiecho T2* sequence with 22 echo times (4.6–53.6 msec). The articular cartilage was subdivided into six segments. Regions of interest were manually drawn in three zones (lateral, central, medial). Differences and confidence intervals were estimated applying a random effects models. Fixed effects were professional football players versus healthy individuals and areas. The random effect was defined as the person cluster of the different individuals.ResultsT2* values were significantly prolonged in football players compared to male volunteers in all predefined cartilage segments (mean, 17.5 vs. 15.5 msec; P < 0.001). In both groups, the highest relaxation times were found in the lateral zone, with statistically higher relaxation times in professional football players (18.5 vs. 16.5 msec, P = 0.003). Separate evaluation revealed the longest relaxation times in the posterior tibiotalar cartilage, with 21.0 msec for professional football players compared to 19.4 msec for healthy volunteers (P = 0.064).ConclusionBased on these initial results, T2* values of the tibiotalar cartilage seem to be elevated in professional football players compared to healthy volunteers. Prospective longitudinal studies should be encouraged to show if these results represent early subtle cartilage lesions prior to clinical manifestation or rather temporary adaptation related to daily high‐level loading.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:372–379.
The application of biochar on soil acidity and other physico‐chemical properties of soils in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Berihun Tariku , Tadele Muluken , Kebede Firew 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe aim of this research was to investigate the effect of biochar amendment on soil acidity and other physico‐chemical properties of soil in Southern Ethiopia using a field experiment of three treatments: (1) biochar made of corn cobs, (2) biochar made of choppedLantana camarastem, and (3) biochar made ofEucalyptus globulusfeedstock and a control, in which neither of the biochar was used. Each treatment had three levels of 6, 12 and 18 t ha−1. The experiment was setup with RCBD in a factorial arrangement with three replications. In this regard, a total of 36 plots (each 2 × 2 m size) were applied with three replications to the depth of 0–15cm. From these 36 plots, composite soil samples were collected to the depth of 0–30 cm and analyzed for bulk density, total porosity, pH, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, and exchangeable acidity using standard procedures before and after biochar application. Two‐way ANOVA was also used to analyze the impact of the biochars on soil acidity and other properties. For the treatments that had significant effects, a mean separation was made using Least Significance Difference (LSD) test. The results showed the application of biochar significantly reduced, soil bulk density and exchangeable acidity when compared with a control (p< 0.05). Moreover, the total soil porosity, soil pH, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, and potassium were significantly increased in the soil. From among applied biochar treatments,Lantana camaraapplied at the level of 18 t ha−1had a higher impact in changing soil physico‐chemical properties. In general, the study suggests that the soil acidity can be reduced by applying biochar as it can amend other soil physico‐chemical properties.
Cowpea fresh pods – a new legume for the market: assessment of their quality and dietary characteristics of 37 cowpea accessions grown in southern Europe
Authors: Karapanos Ioannis , Papandreou Anastasia , Skouloudi Marianna , Makrogianni Despoina , Fernández Juan A , Rosa Eduardo , Ntatsi Georgia , Bebeli Penelope J , Savvas Dimitrios 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCowpea is traditionally cultivated in some regions of southern Europe for its dried seeds; however, there is a scarcity of information on the quality and dietary characteristics of fresh pods, which are occasionally used in folk diets. This paper aims at covering this gap in knowledge, thereby contributing to the dissemination of fresh cowpea pods as a novel product for the market. The quality and dietary characteristics of pods from 37 accessions (Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata and ssp. sesquipedalis) grown in southern Europe were assessed in an attempt to provide information on pod quality and nutritional properties and to identify relationships between quality traits and accession origin.RESULTSPods from the sesquipedalis accessions were heavier and larger, and reached commercial maturity 2 days later, than those from the unguiculata accessions. There were also large differences in the quality and dietary characteristics of the accessions. The pods of most accessions were rich in proteins, chlorophylls, carotenoids and phenolics, and showed high antioxidant activity and low concentrations of nitrates and raffinose‐family oligosaccharides. Cluster analysis based on quality, dietary or antinutritional traits did not reveal any apparent grouping among the accessions. All the quality characteristics were independent of accession origin and subspecies.CONCLUSIONMost of the accessions produced fresh pods of good quality and high dietary value, suitable for introduction in the market and/or for use as valuable genetic material for the development of new improved varieties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Relevance of the main postharvest handling operations on the development of brown rot disease on stone fruits
Authors: Bernat Maria , Segarra Joan , Casals Carla , Teixidó Neus , Torres Rosario , Usall Josep 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDBrown rot caused by Monilinia spp. is one of the most important postharvest diseases of stone fruit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of the main postharvest operations of fruit – hydrocooling, cold room, water dump, sorting and cooling tunnel – in the development of M. laxa on peaches and nectarines artificially infected 48, 24 or 2 h before postharvest operations.RESULTSCommercial hydrocooling operation reduced incidence to 10% in ‘Pp 100’ nectarine inoculated 2 and 24 h before this operation; however, in ‘Fantasia’ nectarine incidence was not reduced, although lesion diameter was decreased in all studied varieties. Hydrocooling operation for 10 min and 40 mg L−1 of sodium hypochlorite reduced brown rot incidence by 50–77% in nectarines inoculated 2 h before operation; however, in peach varieties it was not reduced. Water dump operation showed reduction of incidence on nectarine infected 2 h before immersion for 30 s in clean water at 4 °C and 40 mg L−1 sodium hypochlorite; however, in peach varieties it was not reduced. Cold room, sorting and cooling tunnel operation did not reduce brown rot incidence.CONCLUSIONFrom all studied handling operations on stone fruit packing houses, hydrocooling is the most relevant in the development of brown rot disease. Duration of the treatment seems to be more important than chlorine concentration. In addition, hydrocooling and water dump were less relevant in peaches than in nectarines. As a general trend, hydrocooling and water dump reduced incidence on fruit with recent infections (2 or 24 h before operation); however, when infections have been established (48 h before operation) diseases were not reduced. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Locoregional recurrence following maxillectomy: implications for microvascular reconstruction
Authors: Likhterov Ilya , Fritz Michael A. , El‐Sayed Ivan H. , Rahul Seth  , Rayess Hani M. , Knott P. Daniel 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveReconstruction of maxillectomy defects offers potential quality‐of‐life improvement, although cavity coverage may impact surveillance of recurrent malignancy. We describe the pattern of postmaxillectomy locoregional recurrence.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsPatients from 2001 to 2011 at the University of California, San Francisco and the Cleveland Clinic.ResultsAmong 75 patients with malignancy resulting in partial or total maxillectomy, 57 were treated with obturators and 18 underwent reconstructive surgery. Disease recurrence occurred primarily locally (19 of 22 cases of recurrence, 25% of the cohort) at a mean of 17 months postoperatively. Recurrence was associated with T4 disease, positive margins, and surveillance imaging. Four (5.3%) patients required flap mobilization/obturator removal to obtain biopsy. Salvage surgery was attempted in 13 of the 19 cases with recurrent disease (68%) and was successful in six (46%) patients. Of these, five patients initially had Brown type 1 or type 2 defects. The free flap had to be revised in one (1.3%) patient to achieve successful salvage.ConclusionMaxillectomy provides good long‐term locoregional oncologic control, with cure being correlated to disease stage at presentation and negative margins after initial surgery. Patients with recurrent disease whose initial resection resulted in a Brown class 3 defect or greater were rarely successfully salvaged. Surveillance is best performed with a combination of physical exam and imaging. Obturator removal/flap mobilization rarely impedes the diagnosis of recurrent disease, and either modality should be offered to appropriate patients in the primary setting if significant quality‐of‐life improvement is likely.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2534–2538, 2017
Effect of strontium citrate on bone consolidation during mandibular distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Taylor Benjamin A. , Bezuhly Michael , Brace Matthew , Carter Michael , Hong Paul 
Published: May 2017

Objectives/HypothesisMandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) involves a lengthy consolidation phase where complications can occur. Strontium is an element that has been shown to improve bone healing. The objective of this study was to determine whether strontium citrate can be used to enhance bone healing during MDO in a rabbit model.Study DesignProspective animal model study.MethodsCustom‐made MDO devices were placed on 20 New Zealand White rabbits. After a 7‐day latency period, distraction was performed at 1 mm/day for 5 days. The study group rabbits (n = 10) received oral strontium citrate; the other 10 rabbits served as controls. Mandibles were removed at the end of the consolidation period (4 weeks). Formation and healing of new bone were evaluated with microcomputed tomography, histology, and a three‐point bending mechanical test.ResultsNew bone formed in all animals, but the consolidation process was enhanced in rabbits that received strontium. The histological analysis showed that study group rabbits had more mature bone. Microcomputed tomographic images demonstrated significantly higher bone density for study group animals, and the three‐point bending test results demonstrated that the maximum load of the study group specimens was significantly greater than that of the control group mandibles.ConclusionsStrontium citrate improved the formation of new bone in the current rabbit model of MDO. The prolonged consolidation period may be shortened with strontium citrate, which may also have the potential to reduce complications.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 127:E212–E218, 2017
A Comprehensive Approach to Care in Parkinson's Disease Adds Quality to the Current Gold Standard
Authors: Vaughan Camille P. , Prizer Lindsay P. , Vandenberg Ann E. , Goldstein Felicia C. , Trotti Lynn Marie , Hermida Adriana P. , Factor Stewart A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundProviding high‐quality care for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) involves addressing both motor and nonmotor features. We describe the implementation and evaluation of a 2‐day, interdisciplinary Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) for patients with PD.MethodsPatients who attended the CCC between January 2010 and July 2013 were matched by sex and age with patients who were evaluated in specialist care during the same time frame. Provider documentation of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) quality measures for PD and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores were compared between specialist and CCC visits at baseline and at 12 months.ResultsNinety‐five patients participated in the CCC (60% men; 75% white; mean age, 68 years; age range, 38–97 years). Of these, 29 patients were matched to specialist care patients based on the availability of 12‐month follow‐up data. Both groups were similar with respect to race, marital status, years with PD, and baseline UPDRS motor scores. On average, patients who received CCC care met 10 of 10 AAN quality measures, whereas those who received specialist care met only 5 of 10 quality measures (P < 0.001) over 12 months. At 12‐months, there were no significant differences in UPDRS motor scores between the groups (P = 0.5).ConclusionsAccording to the AAN quality measures, the CCC provided higher quality care than the gold standard of specialty care. A randomized controlled trial of the CCC model is warranted to determine its impact on patient‐centered outcomes and to assess whether the standard model of care should be altered.
Localisation of Two Bioactive Labdane Diterpenoids in the Peltate Glandular Trichomes of Leonurus japonicus by Laser Microdissection Coupled with UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Xiao Chao‐Jiang , Liu Yan‐Chun , Luo Shi‐Hong , Hua Juan , Liu Yan , Li Sheng‐Hong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionGlandular trichomes of plants are biochemical factories that could produce, store and secrete copious pharmaceutically important natural products. The Labiatae plant Leonurus japonicus is an important traditional Chinese medicine used to treat gynecological diseases, and has abundant peltate glandular trichomes (PGTs), in which the secondary metabolites accumulated are still unknown.ObjectiveTo study the secondary metabolites specifically accumulated in the PGTs of L. japonicus and their biological activities, and provide a new way to pinpoint bioactive natural products from plants.MethodologyMorphology of the trichomes on L. japonicus were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The PGTs of L. japonicus were precisely collected using laser microdissection (LMD) and analysed for their secondary metabolites with ultra performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). Targeted compounds were isolated with classical phytochemical methods, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Biological activities were evaluated by in vitro assays.ResultsTwo labdane diterpenoids, leoheterin (1) and galeopsin (2), were localised in the PGTs of L. japonicus. Antithrombotic activity of 1 in anti‐platelet aggregation assay induced by arachidonic acid was observed. Both compounds showed potential anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. In addition, anti‐proliferative effect of both compounds on several cancer cell lines was also detected.ConclusionTwo bioactive labdane diterpenoids were localised in the PGTs of L. japonicus. The findings suggested that it might be an efficient approach to explore bioactive natural products from the glandular trichomes of medicinal plants with LMD‐UPLC/MS/MS. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Itaconic acid used as a versatile building block for the synthesis of renewable resource‐based resins and polyesters for future prospective: a review
Authors: Kumar Sudheer , Krishnan Sukhila , Samal Sushanta K , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K 
Published: May 2017

AbstractItaconic acid, a carbohydrate‐derived aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, is a potential chemical for the synthesis of renewable resource‐based resins and polyesters. Owing to environmental reasons, there is a gradual demand for renewable resources in the chemical industry. Conversely, as a rather underappreciated side effect of this growth, novel chemical building blocks are obtained, which are not commercially derived from petrochemical sources. In this respect, itaconic acid has attracted much attention and its trifunctional structure leads to the synthesis of novel polymeric materials. This review discusses the most relevant information for bio‐based resins and polyesters resulting from itaconic acid and distinctive properties for various commercial applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
MicroRNA‐181a promotes docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Armstrong Cameron M. , Liu Chengfei , Lou Wei , Lombard Alan P. , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C. 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUNDDocetaxel is one of the primary drugs used for treating castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Unfortunately, over time patients invariably develop resistance to docetaxel therapy and their disease will continue to progress. The mechanisms by which resistance develops are still incompletely understood. This study seeks to determine the involvement of miRNAs, specifically miR‐181a, in docetaxel resistance in CRPC.METHODSReal‐time PCR was used to measure miR‐181a expression in parental and docetaxel resistant C4‐2B and DU145 cells (TaxR and DU145‐DTXR). miR‐181a expression was modulated in parental or docetaxel resistant cells by transfecting them with miR‐181a mimics or antisense, respectively. Following transfection, cell number was determined after 48 h with or without docetaxel. Cross resistance to cabazitaxel induced by miR‐181a was also determined. Western blots were used to determine ABCB1 protein expression and rhodamine assays used to assess activity. Phospho‐p53 expression was assessed by Western blot and apoptosis was measured by ELISA in C4‐2B TaxR and PC3 cells with inhibited or overexpressed miR‐181a expression with or without docetaxel.RESULTSmiR‐181a is significantly overexpressed in TaxR and DU145‐DTXR cells compared to parental cells. Overexpression of miR‐181a in parental cells confers docetaxel and cabazitaxel resistance and knockdown of miR‐181a in TaxR cells re‐sensitizes them to treatment with both docetaxel and cabazitaxel. miR‐181a was not observed to impact ABCB1 expression or activity, a protein which was previously demonstrated to be highly involved in docetaxel resistance. Knockdown of miR‐181a in TaxR cells induced phospho‐p53 expression. Furthermore, miR‐181a knockdown alone induced apoptosis in TaxR cells which could be further enhanced by the addition of DTX.CONCLUSIONSOverexpression of mir‐181a in prostate cancer cells contributes to their resistance to docetaxel and cabazitaxel and inhibition of mir‐181a expression can restore treatment response. This is due, in part, to modulation of p53 phosphorylation and apoptosis.
High anisotropic thermoelectric effect in palladium phosphide sulphide
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Chakraverty Suvankar , Ganguli Ashok Kumar , Bera Chandan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe have performed density functional theory (DFT) in combination with Boltzmann transport calculation to theoretically estimate the thermoelectric properties of ternary palladium pnictide chalcogenide, PdPS. A large thermopower, S, both for p‐type (), and n‐type () PdPS at temperature, K and carrier concentration, has been observed. The orthorhombic PdPS has large anisotropic power factor in its three crystallographic directions, which may enable the designing of nanostructured thermoelectric devices in the temperature range of 300–800 K. We also show that thermal conductivity is considerably low in z‐crystallographic direction of PdPS at 100 nm and 300 K. Our results imply that nanostructured PdPS can be a promising thermoelectric material.
Throughfall drop size distributions: a review and prospectus for future research
Authors: Levia Delphis F. , Hudson Sean A. , Llorens Pilar , Nanko Kazuki 
Published: May 2017

Throughfall is the dominant input of water to forests. Throughfall drop size and the distribution thereof are important because of their influence on the forest water balance, soil erosion, and, possibly, biogeochemical cycling. However, our inadequate understanding of throughfall drop size distributions has hampered progress in the identification of direct and indirect linkages between throughfall inputs and the biogeochemistry and physiological ecology of forests. This review provides a snapshot of our current understanding of throughfall drop size distributions by tracing the historical development of throughfall drop size studies and examining the determinants of throughfall drop size. The theory and methods of drop size studies also are reviewed to consolidate our collective knowledge of throughfall drop size distributions to date. Some of the gaps in our current knowledge, among many, include: (1) the effects of snowmelt on throughfall drop size; (2) the role and extent to which different canopy phenophases affect throughfall drop size; and (3) the extent to which throughfall drop size affects the chemistry of and biogeochemical cycling within forest soils. Closing these knowledge gaps will likely lead to the better conceptualization of rainfall partitioning processes and more definitive linkages between the cause‐and‐effect relationships between throughfall and soil erosion, forest biogeochemistry, and plant physiological ecology, for example. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1225. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1225This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes