bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutlin‐3 treatment spares cisplatin‐induced inhibition of bone healing while maintaining osteosarcoma toxicity
Authors: Stine Kimo C. , Wahl Elizabeth C. , Liu Lichu , Skinner Robert A. , VanderSchilden Jaclyn , Bunn Robert C. , Montgomery Corey O. , Aronson James , Becton David L. , Nicholas Richard W. , Swearingen Christopher J. , Suva Larry J. , Lumpkin Charles K. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThe majority of Osteosarcoma (OS) patients are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, resection, and limb salvage protocols. These protocols include distraction osteogenesis (DO), which is characterized by direct new bone formation. Cisplatin (CDP) is extensively used for OS chemotherapy and recent studies, using a mouse DO model, have demonstrated that CDP has profound negative effects on bone repair. Recent oncological therapeutic strategies are based on the use of standard cytotoxic drugs plus an assortment of biologic agents. Here we demonstrate that the previously reported CDP‐associated inhibition of bone repair can be modulated by the administration of a small molecule p53 inducer (nutlin‐3). The effects of nutlin‐3 on CDP osteotoxicity were studied using both pre‐ and post‐operative treatment models. In both cases the addition of nutlin‐3, bracketing CDP exposure, demonstrated robust and significant bone sparing activity (p < 0.01–0.001). In addition the combination of nutlin‐3 and CDP induced equivalent OS tumor killing in a xenograft model. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the induction of p53 peri‐operatively protects bone healing from the toxic effects of CDP, while maintaining OS toxicity. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1716–1724, 2016.
Metal, nutrient and biomass accumulation during the growing cycle of Miscanthus established on metal‐contaminated soils
Authors: Nsanganwimana Florien , Waterlot Christophe , Louvel Brice , Pourrut Bertrand , Douay Francis 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe energy crop Miscanthus presents high potentials for phytomanagement. Its shoot yield and nutrient accumulation has been extensively characterized in uncontaminated agricultural soils, while very little is known for metal‐contaminated conditions. This study aimed at assessing potential differences in dry matter and metal and nutrient accumulation of the standing aerial biomass in Miscanthus (M. × giganteus) growing in situ on agricultural plots presenting different soil Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations. Plant samplings were conducted monthly along the growing period from May to December. Cadmium, Pb, Zn, and the concentrations of the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na were determined in leaves and stems separately. During the growing phase, the maximum dry matter was reached in early in autumn. Whatever the organ, Cd and Zn concentrations were higher on contaminated than on uncontaminated plots. During summer and autumn, Zn and Pb concentrations were higher in leaves than in stems whereas Cd concentrations did not significantly differ between the organs. Concentrations of N, P, K, and Mg decreased across the study period whereas those of Ca and Na increased. Overall, metal and nutrient concentrations depended on plant organ and its development stage. The dry matter and nutrient accumulation patterns were not different between contaminated and uncontaminated plots. The significance of these findings is discussed in light of best phytomanagement practices and potential uses of Miscanthus biomass.
Analysis of amino acid uptake and translocation in Arabidopsis with a low‐cost hydroponic system
Authors: Pratelli Réjane , Boyd Shelton , Pilot Guillaume 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn soils, amino acids may be an important source of nitrogen for plants, at least in those where organic matter is not quickly degraded. The physiology of uptake of amino acids by roots was mainly studied in the 70's and 80's, before genes encoding amino acid importers were cloned in the 90's. While two families of amino acid transporters have been identified, yielding a total of about 100 genes, the role of each member is yet to be elucidated. As a tool for studying the role of amino acid transporters from Arabidopsis we set up a new hydroponic system suitable for radioisotope use. This system enables reproducible amino acid uptake by roots and estimation of the transport to the shoots of the amino acid taken up. We show that the rates of glutamine (Gln) uptake by wild‐type roots and transfer to the shoots were linear, and that other tested amino acids were translocated to the shoots with lower efficiency than Gln. A T‐DNA insertion mutant for a Gln exporter was compared to the wild‐type plants. Gln uptake and transfer were similar in both genotypes, showing that the suppression of the exporter did not affect uptake or transfer of amino acids to the shoots. The main advantage of the hydroponic system presented here is that all the materials used to grow Arabidopsis are virtually free and can therefore be discarded, a useful feature when working with radioactivity.
Effect on tomato plant and fruit of the application of biopolymer–oregano essential oil coatings
Authors: Perdones Ángela , Tur Núria , Chiralt Amparo , Vargas Maria 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDOregano essential oil (EO) was incorporated into film‐forming dispersions (FFDs) based on biopolymers (chitosan and/or methylcellulose) at two different concentrations. The effect of the application of the FFDs was evaluated on tomato plants (cultivar Micro‐Tom) at three different stages of development, and on pre‐harvest and postharvest applications on tomato fruit.RESULTSThe application of the FFDs at ‘3 Leaves’ stage caused phytotoxic problems, which were lethal when the EO was applied without biopolymers. Even though plant growth and development were delayed, the total biomass and the crop yield were not affected by biopolymer–EO treatments. When the FFDs were applied in the ‘Fruit’ stage the pre‐harvest application of FFDs had no negative effects. All FFDs containing EO significantly reduced the respiration rate of tomato fruit and diminished weight loss during storage. Moreover, biopolymer–EO FFDs led to a decrease in the fungal decay of tomato fruit inoculated with Rhizopus stolonifer spores, as compared with non‐treated tomato fruit and those coated with FFDs without EO.CONCLUSIONThe application of biopolymer–oregano essential oil coatings has been proven to be an effective treatment to control R. stolonifer in tomato fruit. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Supra‐nutritional levels of α‐tocopherol maintain the oxidative stability of n‐3 long‐chain fatty acid enriched subcutaneous fat and frozen loin, but not of dry fermented sausage
Authors: Vossen Els , Claeys Erik , Raes Katleen , van Mullem Danny , De Smet Stefaan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDMeat products enriched with n‐3 fatty acids are more prone to oxidation. The aim was to investigate whether supra‐nutritional levels of α‐tocopherol can enhance the colour and lipid oxidative stability of n‐3 fatty acids enriched dry fermented sausages, frozen loins and subcutaneous fat. Pigs were fed a diet supplemented with 18 g kg−1 fish oil and 50, 150 or 300 mg kg−1 α‐tocopheryl acetate. The control group received 12 g kg−1 soy oil and 150 mg kg−1 α‐tocopheryl acetate.RESULTSα‐Tocopherol levels of the frozen loin, dry fermented sausage and subcutaneous fat were elevated as a result of the dietary α‐tocopherol supplementation. Lipid oxidation occurred to the same extend in the n‐3 fatty acid enriched frozen loins when compared to the control group. In the subcutaneous fat enriched with n‐3 fatty acids reduced lipid oxidation was found when comparing 50 mg kg−1 versus 150 and 300 mg kg−1. However, in the dry fermented sausages no such effect was observed and higher TBARS values were found in the n‐3 fatty acid enriched sausages compared to the control group. Colour parameters of the loin and subcutaneous fat were not affected, whereas some significant differences in the dry fermented sausages were found. The colour stability of the frozen loins was not affected by the dietary treatments.CONCLUSIONSupra‐nutritional levels of α‐tocopherol maintain the oxidative stability of n‐3 fatty acid enriched frozen loins and subcutaneous fat, but not of dry fermented sausages. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The antimicrobial action of resveratrol against Listeria monocytogenes in food‐based models and its antibiofilm properties
Authors: Ferreira Susana , Domingues Fernanda 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDResveratrol (3,5,4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene) is a natural phytoalexin synthesized by plants in response to stress. This compound has several beneficial documented properties, namely anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective and antimicrobial activities. In this study the antimicrobial activity of resveratrol against Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua was investigated.RESULTSResveratrol had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 200 µg mL−1 for the tested strains, with time‐kill curves demonstrating bacteriostatic activity. Inhibition of biofilm formation was also assessed, with resveratrol strongly inhibiting biofilm formation by both species even at subinhibitory concentrations. Overall, resveratrol showed antimicrobial properties on planktonic cells and on biofilm formation ability. Considering the potential use of resveratrol as a food preservative, the antimicrobial efficacy of resveratrol in food was studied in milk, lettuce leaf model and chicken juice. Resveratrol retained greater efficacy in both lettuce leaf model and chicken juice, but milk had a negative impact on its antilisterial activity, indicating a possible reduction of resveratrol availability in milk.CONCLUSIONThis study reinforces resveratrol as an antimicrobial agent, pointing out its antibiofilm activity and its potential use as preservative in some food matrices. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of particle associated microbes in remineralization of fecal pellets in the upper mesopelagic of the Scotia Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Belcher Anna , Iversen Morten , Manno Clara , Henson Stephanie A. , Tarling Geraint A. , Sanders Richard 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFecal pellets (FP) are a key component of the biological carbon pump, as they can, under some circumstances, efficiently transfer carbon to depth. Like other forms of particulate organic carbon (POC), they can be remineralized in the ocean interior (particularly in the upper 200 m), or alternatively they can be preserved in the sediments. The controls on the attenuation of FP flux with depth are not fully understood, in particular, the relative contributions of zooplankton fragmentation and microbial/zooplankton respiration to FP loss. Collection of sinking particles using Marine Snow Catchers at three ecologically contrasting sites in the Scotia Sea, Antarctica, revealed large differences in POC flux composition (5–96% FP) and flux attenuation despite similar temperatures. To determine the importance of microbial respiration on FP loss in the upper mesopelagic, we made the first ever measurements of small scale oxygen gradients through the boundary layer at the interface of krill FP collected from the Scotia Sea. Estimated carbon‐specific respiration rates of microbes within FP (0.010–0.065 d−1) were too low to account for the observed large decreases in FP flux over the upper 200 m. Therefore, the observed rapid declines in downward FP flux in the upper mesopelagic are more likely to be caused by zooplankton, through coprophagy, coprorhexy, and coprochaly. Microbial respiration is likely to be more important in regions of higher temperatures, and at times of the year, or in depths of the ocean, where zooplankton abundances are low and therefore grazing and fragmentation processes are reduced.
Focal Muscle Vibration Improves Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Camerota Filippo , Celletti Claudia , Suppa Antonio , Galli Manuela , Cimolin Veronica , Filippi Guido Maria , La Torre Giuseppe , Albertini Giorgio , Stocchi Fabrizio , De Pandis Maria Francesca 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn Parkinson's disease (PD), gait disorders lead to increased risk of falls and patients' reduced participation and independence. Several observations suggest that a single session of focal muscle vibration (fMV) applied to trunk or lower limb muscles during gait may improve several gait variables in patients with PD. The possible long‐term beneficial effects of repetitive sessions of fMV (r‐fMV) on gait of patients with PD have been investigated.MethodsA randomized, controlled trial study has been conducted in an outpatient rehabilitation department. Twenty patients with PD diagnosis have been randomized in two groups: “real” or “sham” r‐fMV application to quadriceps and paraspinal muscles in patients with PD. Gait was evaluated with objective gait analysis, and a number of variables, including velocity, step length, stride length, percentage of stance, double support duration, cadence, swing velocity, and step width, have been measured. Gait analysis was performed before and 24 hours and 1 and 3 weeks after r‐fMV.ResultsAfter real, but not sham, r‐fMV, patients with PD had significant gait improvement as a result of increased walking velocity and stride length. The r‐fMV‐induced beneficial after effects lasted at least 1 week after the end of stimulation.ConclusionsData emerging from our pilot randomized, controlled trial study suggest that r‐fMV may improve gait disorders in patients with PD. r‐fMV might be a feasible, safe approach for possibly improving gait disorders in patients with PD and might enhance the impact of specific rehabilitation programs in PD.
Three‐dimensional printing of MRI‐visible phantoms and MR image‐guided therapy simulation
Authors: Mitsouras Dimitris , Lee Thomas C. , Liacouras Peter , Ionita Ciprian N. , Pietilla Todd , Maier Stephan E. , Mulkern Robert V. 
Published: February 2016

PurposeTo demonstrate the use of anatomic MRI‐visible three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed phantoms and to assess process accuracy and material MR signal properties.MethodsA cervical spine model was generated from computed tomography (CT) data and 3D‐printed using an MR signal‐generating material. Printed phantom accuracy and signal characteristics were assessed using 120 kVp CT and 3 Tesla (T) MR imaging. The MR relaxation rates and diffusion coefficient of the fabricated phantom were measured and 1H spectra were acquired to provide insight into the nature of the proton signal. Finally, T2‐weighted imaging was performed during cryoablation of the model.ResultsThe printed model produced a CT signal of 102 ± 8 Hounsfield unit, and an MR signal roughly 1/3rd that of saline in short echo time/short repetition time GRE MRI (456 ± 36 versus 1526 ± 121 arbitrary signal units). Compared with the model designed from the in vivo CT scan, the printed model differed by 0.13 ± 0.11 mm in CT, and 0.62 ± 0.28 mm in MR. The printed material had T2∼32 ms,
∼7 ms, T1∼193 ms, and a very small diffusion coefficient less than olive oil. MRI monitoring of the cryoablation demonstrated iceball formation similar to an in vivo procedure.ConclusionCurrent 3D printing technology can be used to print anatomically accurate phantoms that can be imaged by both CT and MRI. Such models can be used to simulate MRI‐guided interventions such as cryosurgeries. Future development of the proposed technique can potentially lead to printed models that depict different tissues and anatomical structures with different MR signal characteristics. Magn Reson Med 77:613–622, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Perceptions of the Cause, Impact and Management of Persistent Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Tumour Necrosing Factor Inhibition Therapy
Authors: Minnock Patricia , Ringnér Anders , Bresnihan Barry , Veale Douglas , FitzGerald Oliver , McKee Gabrielle 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductionFatigue is a major symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease. The present study explored patients’ experiences of RA fatigue to elucidate unique elements and management strategies.MethodsThis single site study recruited tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitor (TNFi)‐treated RA patients with a moderate/good response in disease activity and persistent moderate/greater fatigue on a five‐point verbal rating scale. This qualitative descriptive design used semi‐structured questions, individual interviews and content analysis of narrative data.ResultsTen patients were interviewed (six women), with age and disease duration ranges of 44–75 and 6–36 years, respectively. Perceptions of the RA fatigue experience generated four categories (experiencing a distinct, yet seldom discussed RA symptom; seeking an explanation for fatigue; being in an incapacitating state; and trying to manage) and eight subcategories. Fatigue was newly identified as a distinct part of the entity of RA. While patients proposed many plausible root causes, the only rational explanation for the nature of this fatigue was that it was integral to their RA. Singularly, fatigue contributed considerably to RA‐imposed lifestyle restrictions. Patients had learnt to accommodate and self‐manage fatigue in the absence of professional input. Novel management strategies proposed included patients talking about the nature of RA fatigue with others and the need for staff to alert patients to this distinct symptom of RA.ConclusionFatigue, branded as a distinct symptom of RA, exerted an identifiable impact on patients. Fatigue is potentially amenable to modification; talking about fatigue was proposed as a novel management strategy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transparent, flexible, and conducting films based on graphene–polymer composites
Authors: Singh Bimal P. , Nayak Sasmita , Nanda Kamala K. , Singh Anurag , Takai Chika , Takashi Shirai , Fuji Masayoshi 
Published: February 2016

We present a simple solution‐based general approach for the preparation of flexible, transparent, and conducting composite films with molecular level dispersion of individual graphene nanosheets in the polymer [poly(N‐hydroxymethyl) acrylamide] hosts via in situ polymerization. The graphene oxide (GO) concentration varies from 0 to 0.08 wt% in polymer matrix. The resulting composite film was characterized by FESEM, AFM, Raman, UV–vis spectroscopy and electrical measurement. The composite film has conductivity up to 10−5 S m−1 and transmittance 90% at 550 nm respectively, which is adequate for many applications. These transparent conductive graphene bearing composite films presents a uniform, flexible, stable, and tailorable material. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:297–304, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Impact of gender on decisions to participate in faecal immunochemical test‐based colorectal cancer screening: a qualitative study
Authors: Clarke Nicholas , Gallagher Pamela , Kearney Patricia M. , McNamara Deirdre , Sharp Linda 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveFaecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are increasingly being used in population‐based colorectal cancer‐screening programmes. Uptake of FIT is lower in men than women; however, the reasons for this are not well understood. We aimed to explore gender differences in influences on decisions to participate in FIT screening.MethodsThis is a qualitative study using in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews of four groups of screening invitees (male and female screening users and male and female screening non‐users), purposively sampled from the database of a population‐based FIT screening programme. Recruitment continued until saturation was reached. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis using the framework approach was employed with the theoretical domains framework guiding analysis.ResultsForty‐seven screening invitees were interviewed. Six theoretical domains influenced screening uptake: ‘environmental context and resources’, ‘beliefs about capabilities’, ‘beliefs about consequences’, ‘emotions’, ‘social influences’ and ‘knowledge’. Male non‐users were often fatalistic, less knowledgeable and misinformed about cancer and FIT screening compared with other groups. Female non‐users expressed negative attitudes, beliefs and emotions towards FIT screening, cancer, social influences and the medical profession and were over‐confident about their health.ConclusionsNegative attitudes and emotions to screening dominated non‐user decision‐making but differed by gender. Opportunities to improve uptake in men and women exist. Greater national discussions on the benefits of FIT screening, and development of screening materials tackling negative attitudes and beliefs while recognising male/female differences, may improve screening uptake. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silodosin inhibits prostate cancer cell growth via ELK1 inactivation and enhances the cytotoxic activity of gemcitabine
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Aljarah Ali Kadhim , Shareef Hasanain Khaleel , Inoue Satoshi , Ide Hiroki , Patterson John D. , Kashiwagi Eiji , Han Bin , Li Yi , Zheng Yichun , Miyamoto Hiroshi 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUNDBiological significance of ELK1, a transcriptional factor whose phosphorylation is necessary for c‐fos proto‐oncogene activation, in prostate cancer remains far from fully understood. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of ELK1 in tumor growth as well as the efficacy of a selective α1A‐adrenergic blocker, silodosin, in ELK1 activity in prostate cancer cells.METHODSWe first immunohistochemically determined the levels of phospho‐ELK1 (p‐ELK1) expression in radical prostatectomy specimens. We then assessed the effects of ELK1 knockdown via short hairpin RNA and silodosin on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer lines.RESULTSThe levels of p‐ELK1 expression were significantly higher in carcinoma than in benign (P < 0.001) or high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) (P = 0.002) as well as in HGPIN than in benign (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank tests revealed that moderate‐strong positivity of p‐ELK1 in carcinomas tended to correlate with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (P = 0.098). In PC3 and DU145 expressing ELK1 (mRNA/protein) but no androgen receptor (AR), ELK1 silencing resulted in considerable decreases in the expression of c‐fos as well as in cell migration/invasion and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression, but not in cell viability. Silodosin treatment reduced the expression/activity of ELK1 in these cells as well as the viability of AR‐positive LNCaP and C4‐2 cells and the migration of both AR‐positive and AR‐negative cells, but not the viability of AR‐negative or ELK1‐negative cells. Interestingly, silodosin significantly increased sensitivity to gemcitabine, but not to cisplatin or docetaxel, even in AR‐negative cells.CONCLUSIONSELK1 is likely to be activated in prostate cancer cells and promote tumor progression. Furthermore, silodosin that inactivates ELK1 in prostate cancer cells not only inhibits their growth but also enhances the cytotoxic activity of gemcitabine. Thus, ELK1 inhibition has the potential of being a therapeutic approach for prostate cancer. Prostate 76:744–756, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.