bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of gallium content on degradation, bioactivity, and antibacterial potency of zinc borate bioactive glass
Authors: Rahimnejad Yazdi Alireza , Torkan Lawrence , Stone Wendy , Towler Mark R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractZinc borate glasses with increasing gallium content (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 Wt % Ga) were synthesized and their degradation, bioactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF), and antibacterial properties were investigated. ICP measurements showed that increased gallium content in the glass resulted in increased gallium ion release and decreased release of other ions. Degradability declined with the addition of gallium, indicating the formation of more symmetric BO3 units with three bridging oxygens and asymmetric BO3 units with two bridging oxygens in the glass network as the gallium content in the series increased. The formation of amorphous CaP on the glass surface after 24 h of incubation in SBF was confirmed by SEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses. Finally, antibacterial evaluation of the glasses using the agar disc‐diffusion method demonstrated that the addition of gallium increased the antibacterial potency of the glasses against P. aeruginosa (Gram‐negative) while decreasing it against S. epidermidis (Gram‐positive); considering the ion release trends, this indicates that the gallium ion is responsible for the glasses’ antibacterial behavior against P. aeruginosa while the zinc ion controls the antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis. The statistical significance of the observed trends in the measurements were confirmed by applying the Kruskal‐Wallis H Test. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 367–376, 2018.
Quantifying the influence of respiration and cardiac pulsations on cerebrospinal fluid dynamics using real‐time phase‐contrast MRI
Authors: Yildiz Selda , Thyagaraj Suraj , Jin Ning , Zhong Xiaodong , Heidari Pahlavian Soroush , Martin Bryn A. , Loth Francis , Oshinski John , Sabra Karim G. 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo validate a real‐time phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (RT‐PCMRI) sequence in a controlled phantom model, and to quantify the relative contributions of respiration and cardiac pulsations on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) velocity at the level of the foramen magnum (FM).Materials and MethodsTo validate the 3T MRI techniques, in vitro studies used a realistic model of the spinal subarachnoid space driven by pulsatile flow waveforms mimicking the respiratory and cardiac components of CSF flow. Subsequently, CSF flow was measured continuously during 1‐minute RT‐PCMRI acquisitions at the FM while healthy subjects (N = 20) performed natural breathing, deep breathing, breath‐holding, and coughing. Conventional cardiac‐gated PCMRI was obtained for comparison. A frequency domain power ratio analysis determined the relative contribution of respiration versus cardiac ([r/c]) components of CSF velocity.ResultsIn vitro studies demonstrating the accuracy of RT‐PCMRI within 5% of input values showed that conventional PCMRI measures only the cardiac component of CSF velocity (0.42 ± 0.02 cm/s), averages out respiratory effects, and underestimates the magnitude of CSF velocity (0.96 ± 0.07 cm/s). In vivo RT‐PCMRI measurements indicated the ratio of respiratory to cardiac velocity pulsations averaged over all subjects as [r/c = 0.14 ± 0.27] and [r/c = 0.40 ± 0.47] for natural and deep breathing, respectively. During coughing, the peak CSF velocity increased by a factor of 2.27 ± 1.40.ConclusionRT‐PCMRI can noninvasively measure instantaneous CSF velocity driven by cardiac pulsations, respiration, and coughing in real time. A comparable contribution of respiration and cardiac pulsations on CSF velocity was found during deep breathing but not during natural breathing.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:431–439
Is it better to include necrosis in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements? The necrosis/wall ADC ratio to differentiate malignant and benign necrotic lung lesions: Preliminary results
Authors: Karaman Adem , Durur‐Subasi Irmak , Alper Fatih , Durur‐Karakaya Afak , Subasi Mahmut , Akgun Metin 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo determine whether the use of necrosis/wall apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios in the differentiation of necrotic lung lesions is more reliable than measuring the wall alone.Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 76 patients (54 males and 22 females, 71% vs. 29%, with a mean age of 53 ± 18 years, range, 18–84) were enrolled, 33 of whom had lung carcinoma and 43 had a benign necrotic lung lesion. A 3T scanner was used. The calculation of the necrosis/wall ADC ratio was based on ADC values measured from necrosis and the wall of the lesions by diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). Statistical analyses were performed with the independent samples t‐test and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were calculated for ADC values of wall and necrosis.ResultsThe mean necrosis/wall ADC ratio was 1.67 ± 0.23 for malignant lesions and 0.75 ± 0.19 for benign lung lesions (P < 0.001). To estimate malignancy the area under the curve (AUC) values for necrosis ADC, wall ADC, and the necrosis/wall ADC ratio were 0.720, 0.073, and 0.997, respectively. A wall/necrosis ADC ratio cutoff value of 1.12 demonstrated a 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity in the estimation of malignancy. Positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value 98% and diagnostic accuracy 99%. There was a good intraobserver and interobserver reliability for wall and necrosis.ConclusionThe necrosis/wall ADC ratio appears to be a reliable and promising tool for discriminating lung carcinoma from benign necrotic lung lesions than measuring the wall alone.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1001–1006.
Integrated HPTLC‐based Methodology for the Tracing of Bioactive Compounds in Herbal Extracts Employing Multivariate Chemometrics. A Case Study on Morus alba
Authors: Chaita Eliza , Gikas Evagelos , Aligiannis Nektarios 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionIn drug discovery, bioassay‐guided isolation is a well‐established procedure, and still the basic approach for the discovery of natural products with desired biological properties. However, in these procedures, the most laborious and time‐consuming step is the isolation of the bioactive constituents. A prior identification of the compounds that contribute to the demonstrated activity of the fractions would enable the selection of proper chromatographic techniques and lead to targeted isolation.ObjectiveThe development of an integrated HPTLC‐based methodology for the rapid tracing of the bioactive compounds during bioassay‐guided processes, using multivariate statistics.Materials and Methods – The methanol extract of Morus alba was fractionated employing CPC. Subsequently, fractions were assayed for tyrosinase inhibition and analyzed with HPTLC. PLS‐R algorithm was performed in order to correlate the analytical data with the biological response of the fractions and identify the compounds with the highest contribution. Two methodologies were developed for the generation of the dataset; one based on manual peak picking and the second based on chromatogram binning.Results and Discussion – Both methodologies afforded comparable results and were able to trace the bioactive constituents (e.g. oxyresveratrol, trans‐dihydromorin, 2,4,3′‐trihydroxydihydrostilbene). The suggested compounds were compared in terms of Rf values and UV spectra with compounds isolated from M. alba using typical bioassay‐guided process.ConclusionChemometric tools supported the development of a novel HPTLC‐based methodology for the tracing of tyrosinase inhibitors in M. alba extract. All steps of the experimental procedure implemented techniques that afford essential key elements for application in high‐throughput screening procedures for drug discovery purposes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erosion and transformation in the ecology of gender: women's political representation and gender relations in the Ugandan parliament
Authors: Refki Dina , Abbas Diana , Avci Bilge , Kim Eunhyoung , Berger Iris , Faerman Sue 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTPrevious literature on women's representation in the Ugandan Parliament painted a grim picture of women exploited by political leaders, and brought into Parliament and other political spaces by a benevolent dictator who allowed their entry to extend and deepen his political networks. These women were expected to accept a subordinate and inferior place, and to defer to male authority. Female members cooperated dutifully by ‘knowing their place’ and by actively supporting the ‘hand that fed them’. Studies noted that women lacked gender consciousness and even the analytical power to understand the implications of the policies they helped pass. There was a general consensus that patriarchal attitudes in Parliament diminished women's influence and undermined their political efficacy. This paper analyses gender relations, and examines the status of female members through their words, actions and behaviours in the Ugandan Parliament. The three primary sources of data for this study were surveys, semi-structured interviews of male and female members of Parliament, and the proceedings of parliamentary debates in 2014. Analysis of parliamentary debates and personal accounts of gender relations in the 9th Parliament reveal a changing landscape. Women are moving from marginal roles to more central roles in Parliament, and are becoming active participants in shaping parliamentary discourse and policy outcomes. There is a newfound sense of empowerment among respondents. Women articulated a new sense of being respected in Parliament, a sense of self- and collective efficacy that they can advance policy priorities. There is a change in women's performance on the Chamber's floor. Parliamentary proceedings offer evidence of an ability to successfully engage in vigorous debates, effectively advance their policy agendas, and utilise sophisticated political strategising and manoeuvring. While there are still elements of continuity, a new gender schema is emerging – a schema that challenges traditional values and attempts to reconcile these values with requirements for running a modern government.
Payments for Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Mangrove Forest Management in Bangladesh
Authors: Razzaque Jona 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the context of sustainable development, both developed and developing countries are implementing policies that encourage economic growth, environmental protection and social well-being in resource decisions. According to the 2012 Rio+20 Declaration, market-based instruments that complement regulations can offer an economically efficient push to sustainable growth. Market-based instruments, such as payments for ecosystem services (PES) and other market incentives, may play a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods and wider well-being of poor people. However, for economic tools such as PES to prove valuable in managing natural resources, the decision-making and implementation processes must integrate adequate rights allocation and participatory mechanisms. This article examines forest ecosystem services in the context of the mangrove reserve forest of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest remaining areas of mangroves in the world with an exceptional level of biodiversity. The article argues for a more realistic and equitable approach to PES projects in Bangladesh. It underscores the need for effective participatory tools, third-party monitoring and multi-service PES schemes to improve multiple mangrove ecosystem services in the Sundarbans.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Epigenetic regulation of HGF/Met receptor axis is critical for the outgrowth of bone metastasis from breast carcinoma
Authors: Bendinelli Paola , Maroni Paola , Matteucci Emanuela , Desiderio Maria Alfonsina 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOur translational research deals with the influence of microenvironment on the phenotype and colonization of bone metastases from breast carcinoma, and on pre-metastatic niche formation. The aim of the present study was to clarify the origin of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), ligand of Met receptor, the control of the axis HGF/Met by DNA methylation, and its importance for the nexus supportive cells-metastatic cells and for metastasis outgrowth. In bone metastasis of the 1833-xenograft model, DNA methyltransferase blockade using the chemotherapic drug 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (decitabine) strongly reduced the expression of HGF/Met receptor axis and of E-cadherin, with decrease of metastasis wideness and osteolysis, prolonging mice survival. Thus, DNA methylation events acted as commanders of breast carcinoma cells metastatizing to bone influencing the epithelial phenotype. HGF emerged as a bone-marrow stimulus, and the exosomes seemed to furnish HGF to metastatic cells. In fact, decitabine treatment similarly affected some markers of these microvesicles and HGF, indicating that its supply to recipient cells was prevented. Notably, in bone metastasis the hypomethylation of HGF, Met and E-cadherin promoters did not appear responsible for their elevated expression, but we suggest the involvement of hypermethylated regulators and of Wwox oncosuppressor, the latter being affected by decitabine. Wwox expression increased under decitabine strongly localizing in nuclei of bone metastases. We hypothesize a role of Wwox in Met activity since in vitro Wwox overexpression downregulated the level of nuclear-Met protein fragment and Met stability, also under long exposure of 1833 cells to decitabine. HGF enhanced phosphoMet and the activity in nuclei, an effect partially prevented by decitabine. Altogether, the data indicated the importance to target the tumor microenvironment by blocking epigenetic mechanisms, which control critical events for colonization such as HGF/Met axis and Wwox, as therapy of bone metastasis.
Molecular basis for protection of ribosomal protein L4 from cellular degradation
Authors: Huber Ferdinand M. , Hoelz André 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEukaryotic ribosome biogenesis requires the nuclear import of ∼80 nascent ribosomal proteins and the elimination of excess amounts by the cellular degradation machinery. Assembly chaperones recognize nascent unassembled ribosomal proteins and transport them together with karyopherins to their nuclear destination. We report the crystal structure of ribosomal protein L4 (RpL4) bound to its dedicated assembly chaperone of L4 (Acl4), revealing extensive interactions sequestering 70 exposed residues of the extended RpL4 loop. The observed molecular recognition fundamentally differs from canonical promiscuous chaperone–substrate interactions. We demonstrate that the eukaryote-specific RpL4 extension harbours overlapping binding sites for Acl4 and the nuclear transport factor Kap104, facilitating its continuous protection from the cellular degradation machinery. Thus, Acl4 serves a dual function to facilitate nuclear import and simultaneously protect unassembled RpL4 from the cellular degradation machinery.
Atmospheric oxygen regulation at low Proterozoic levels by incomplete oxidative weathering of sedimentary organic carbon
Authors: Daines Stuart J. , Mills Benjamin J. W. , Lenton Timothy M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIt is unclear why atmospheric oxygen remained trapped at low levels for more than 1.5 billion years following the Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event. Here, we use models for erosion, weathering and biogeochemical cycling to show that this can be explained by the tectonic recycling of previously accumulated sedimentary organic carbon, combined with the oxygen sensitivity of oxidative weathering. Our results indicate a strong negative feedback regime when atmospheric oxygen concentration is of order pO2∼0.1 PAL (present atmospheric level), but that stability is lost at pO2<0.01 PAL. Within these limits, the carbonate carbon isotope (δ13C) record becomes insensitive to changes in organic carbon burial rate, due to counterbalancing changes in the weathering of isotopically light organic carbon. This can explain the lack of secular trend in the Precambrian δ13C record, and reopens the possibility that increased biological productivity and resultant organic carbon burial drove the Great Oxidation Event.
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma management: a case series and literature review
Authors: Raasck Kyle , Habis Ahmed A , Aoude Ahmed , Simões Leonardo , Barros Fernando , Reindl Rudy , Jarzem Peter 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Objective:
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) manifests from blood accumulating in the epidural space, compressing the spinal cord and leading to acute neurological deficits. Standard therapy is decompressive laminectomy, although spontaneous recoveries have been reported. Sub-optimal therapeutic principles contribute to SSEH’s 5.7% mortality—which patient will benefit from surgery remains unclear. This study aims to investigate parameters that affect SSEH’s progression, outlining a best-practice therapeutic approach.

Materials and methods:
Literature review yielded 65 cases from 12 studies. Furthermore, 6 cases were presented from our institution. All data were analyzed under American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score guidelines.

Results:
Fifty percent of SSEH patients do not fully recover. In all, 30% of patients who presented with an ASIA score of A did not improve with surgery, although every SSEH patient who presented at C or D improved. Spontaneous recovery is rare—only 23% of patients were treated conservatively. Seventy-three percent of those made a full recovery, as opposed to the 48% improvement in patients managed surgically. Thirty-three percent of patients managed conservatively had an initial score of A or B, all improving to a score of D or E without surgery. Regardless, conservative management tends toward low-risk presentations. Patients managed conservatively were three times as likely to have an initial score of D than their surgically managed counterparts.

Discussion:
The degree of pre-operative neural deficit is a major prognostic factor. Conservative management has proven effective, although feasible only if spontaneous recovery is manifested. Decompressive laminectomy should continue to remain readily available, given the inverse correlation between operative interval and recovery.
Repair of bone defects with prefabricated vascularized bone grafts and double-labeled bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model
Authors: Jiang Xiao-Rui , Yang Hui-Ying , Zhang Xin-Xin , Lin Guo-Dong , Meng Yong-Chun , Zhang Pei-Xun , Jiang Shan , Zhang Chun-Lei , Huang Fei , Xu Lin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the repair of bone defects with prefabricated vascularized bone grafts and double-labeled bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a rat model. BMSCs were separated from rat bone marrow. LTR-CMVpro-RFP and LTR-CMVpro-GFP were transfected into the BMSCs for in vitro and in vivo tracking. BMSCs-RFP and BMSCs-GFP were induced into endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and osteoblasts (OBs). Rats were divided into five groups: Group A: in vitro prefabrication with EPCs-RFP + in vivo prefabrication with arteriovenous vascular bundle + secondary OBs-GFP implantation; Group B: in vitro prefabrication with EPCs-RFP + secondary OBs-GFP implantation; Group C: in vivo prefabrication with arteriovenous vascular bundle + secondary OBs-GFP implantation; Group D: implantation of EPCs-RFP + implantation of with arteriovenous vascular bundle + simultaneous OBs-GFP implantation; Group E: demineralized bone matrix (DBM) grafts (blank control). Among five groups, Group A had the fastest bone regeneration and repair, and the regenerated bone highly resembled normal bone tissues; Group D also had fast bone repair, but the repair was slightly slower than Group A. Therefore, in vitro prefabrication with EPCs-RFP plus in vivo prefabrication with arteriovenous vascular bundle and secondary OBs-GFP implantation could be the best treatment for bone defect.
Distinct requirement of Runx complexes for TCRβ enhancer activation at distinct developmental stages
Authors: Seo Wooseok , Muroi Sawako , Akiyama Kaori , Taniuchi Ichiro 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA TCRβ enhancer, known as the Eβ enhancer, plays a critical role in V(D)J recombination and transcription of the Tcrb gene. However, the coordinated action of trans-acting factors in the activation of Eβ during T cell development remains uncharacterized. Here, we characterized the roles of Runx complexes in the regulation of the Eβ function. A single mutation at one of the two Runx binding motifs within the Eβ severely impaired Tcrb activation at the initiation phase in immature thymocytes. However, TCRβ expression level in mature thymocytes that developed under such a single Runx site mutation was similar to that of the control. In contrast, mutations at two Runx motifs eliminated Eβ activity, demonstrating that Runx complex binding is essential to initiate Eβ activation. In cells expressing Tcrb harboring rearranged V(D)J structure, Runx complexes are dispensable to maintain TCRβ expression, whereas Eβ itself is continuously required for TCRβ expression. These findings imply that Runx complexes are essential for Eβ activation at the initiation phase, but are not necessary for maintaining Eβ activity at later developmental stages. Collectively, our results indicate that the requirements of trans-acting factor for Eβ activity are differentially regulated, depending on the developmental stage and cellular activation status.
Characterisation of a divergent progenitor cell sub-populations in human osteoarthritic cartilage: the role of telomere erosion and replicative senescence
Authors: Fellows Christopher R. , Williams Rebecca , Davies Iwan R. , Gohil Kajal , Baird Duncan M. , Fairclough John , Rooney Paul , Archer Charles W. , Khan Ilyas M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn recent years it has become increasingly clear that articular cartilage harbours a viable pool of progenitor cells and interest has focussed on their role during development and disease. Analysis of progenitor numbers using fluorescence-activated sorting techniques has resulted in wide-ranging estimates, which may be the result of context-dependent expression of cell surface markers. We have used a colony-forming assay to reliably determine chondroprogenitor numbers in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage where we observed a 2-fold increase in diseased tissue (P  < 0.0001). Intriguingly, cell kinetic analysis of clonal isolates derived from single and multiple donors of osteoarthritic cartilage revealed the presence of a divergent progenitor subpopulation characterised by an early senescent phenotype. Divergent sub-populations displayed increased senescence-associated β–galactosidase activity, lower average telomere lengths but retained the capacity to undergo multi-lineage differentiation. Osteoarthritis is an age-related disease and cellular senescence is predicted to be a significant component of the pathological process. This study shows that although early senescence is an inherent property of a subset of activated progenitors, there is also a pool of progenitors with extended viability and regenerative potential residing within osteoarthritic cartilage.