bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecotoxicity of halloysite nanotube–supported palladium nanoparticles in Raphanus sativus L
Authors: Bellani Lorenza , Giorgetti Lucia , Riela Serena , Lazzara Giuseppe , Scialabba Anna , Massaro Marina 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are natural nanomaterials that are biocompatible and available in large amounts at low prices. They are emerging nanomaterials with appealing properties for applications like support for metal nanoparticles (NPs). The potential environmental impacts of NPs can be understood in terms of phytotoxicity. Current research has been focusing on HNT applications in cell or animal models, while their use in plants is limited so their ecotoxicological impact is poorly documented. To date there are no studies on the phytotoxic effects of functionalized halloysites (functionalized-HNTs). To develop a quantitative risk assessment model for predicting the potential impact of HNT–supported palladium nanoparticles (HNT-PdNPs) on plant life, an investigation was undertaken to explore their effects on seed germination, seedling development, and mitotic division in root tip cells of 2 lots of Raphanus sativus L. with different vigor. The results showed that exposure to 1500 mg/L of HNTs, functionalized-HNTs, and HNT-PdNPs had no significant influence on germination, seedling development, xylem differentiation, or mitotic index in both lots. Cytogenetic analyses revealed that treatments with functionalized-HNT significantly increased the number of aberrations in low-vigor seeds. These results suggest that low-vigor seeds represent a model for a stress test that would be useful to monitor the effects of NPs. Moreover the present study offers scientific evidence for the use of halloysite for environmental purposes, supporting the biological safety of HNT-PdNPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2503–2510. © 2016 SETAC
COMT Val158Met polymorphism influences the susceptibility to framing in decision‐making: OFC‐amygdala functional connectivity as a mediator
Authors: Gao Xiaoxue , Gong Pingyuan , Liu Jinting , Hu Jie , Li Yue , Yu Hongbo , Gong Xiaoliang , Xiang Yang , Jiang Changjun , Zhou Xiaolin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIndividuals tend to avoid risk in a gain frame, in which options are presented in a positive way, but seek risk in a loss frame, in which the same options are presented negatively. Previous studies suggest that emotional responses play a critical role in this “framing effect.” Given that the Met allele of COMT Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) is associated with the negativity bias during emotional processing, this study investigated whether this polymorphism is associated with individual susceptibility to framing and which brain areas mediate this gene–behavior association. Participants were genotyped, scanned in resting state, and completed a monetary gambling task with options (sure vs risky) presented as potential gains or losses. The Met allele carriers showed a greater framing effect than the Val/Val homozygotes as the former gambled more than the latter in the loss frame. Moreover, the gene–behavior association was mediated by resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) between orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and bilateral amygdala. Met allele carriers showed decreased RSFC, thereby demonstrating higher susceptibility to framing than Val allele carriers. These findings demonstrate the involvement of COMT Val158Met polymorphism in the framing effect in decision‐making and suggest RSFC between OFC and amygdala as a neural mediator underlying this gene–behavior association. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1880–1892, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional integration of the posterior superior temporal sulcus correlates with facial expression recognition
Authors: Wang Xu , Song Yiying , Zhen Zonglei , Liu Jia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFace perception is essential for daily and social activities. Neuroimaging studies have revealed a distributed face network (FN) consisting of multiple regions that exhibit preferential responses to invariant or changeable facial information. However, our understanding about how these regions work collaboratively to facilitate facial information processing is limited. Here, we focused on changeable facial information processing, and investigated how the functional integration of the FN is related to the performance of facial expression recognition. To do so, we first defined the FN as voxels that responded more strongly to faces than objects, and then used a voxel‐based global brain connectivity method based on resting‐state fMRI to characterize the within‐network connectivity (WNC) of each voxel in the FN. By relating the WNC and performance in the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” Test across participants, we found that individuals with stronger WNC in the right posterior superior temporal sulcus (rpSTS) were better at recognizing facial expressions. Further, the resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) between the rpSTS and right occipital face area (rOFA), early visual cortex (EVC), and bilateral STS were positively correlated with the ability of facial expression recognition, and the FCs of EVC‐pSTS and OFA‐pSTS contributed independently to facial expression recognition. In short, our study highlights the behavioral significance of intrinsic functional integration of the FN in facial expression processing, and provides evidence for the hub‐like role of the rpSTS for facial expression recognition. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1930–1940, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitroosteogenic induction of human marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells by PCL fibrous scaffolds containing dexamethazone‐loaded chitosan microspheres
Authors: Omidvar Noushin , Ganji Fariba , Eslaminejad Mohamadreza Baghaban 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis research reports the encapsulation of dexamethasone (Dex) within the chitosan microspheres (CSMs) embedded in a fibrous structure of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) to provide a platform for osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Dex loaded CSMs were prepared by spray drying a mixture of chitosan and Dex. Then, they were electrospun with PCL solution to create a bilayer fibrous scaffold (PCL/CSMs‐Dex). The CSMs act as good depots for sustained release of Dex over a period of 14 days, without noticeable burst release. This is mainly attributed to the core‐shell structure of the final PCL/CSMs‐Dex‐matrix, which could prolong the release and eliminate the initial burst. The water contact angle of PCL scaffolds decreased from 141.4 ± 3.8 to 118.4 ± 7.6 in the presence of CSMs. Improved proliferation of hMSCs cultured on PCL/CSMs‐Dex scaffolds was also evidenced. Furthermore, osteogenic assays showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposits. The expression of bone‐specific genes also confirmed the osteogenic differentiation of cells cultured on these Dex‐loaded core‐shell structures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1657–1667, 2016.
Leptin Induces Oxidative Stress Through Activation of NADPH Oxidase in Renal Tubular Cells: Antioxidant Effect of L‐Carnitine
Authors: Blanca Antonio J. , Ruiz‐Armenta María V. , Zambrano Sonia , Salsoso Rocío , Miguel‐Carrasco José L. , Fortuño Ana , Revilla Elisa , Mate Alfonso , Vázquez Carmen M. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTLeptin is a protein involved in the regulation of food intake and in the immune and inflammatory responses, among other functions. Evidences demonstrate that obesity is directly associated with high levels of leptin, suggesting that leptin may directly link obesity with the elevated cardiovascular and renal risk associated with increased body weight. Adverse effects of leptin include oxidative stress mediated by activation of NADPH oxidase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of L‐carnitine (LC) in rat renal epithelial cells (NRK‐52E) exposed to leptin in order to generate a state of oxidative stress characteristic of obesity. Leptin increased superoxide anion (O2•−) generation from NADPH oxidase (via PI3 K/Akt pathway), NOX2 expression and nitrotyrosine levels. On the other hand, NOX4 expression and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels diminished after leptin treatment. Furthermore, the expression of antioxidant enzymes, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, was altered by leptin, and an increase in the mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory factors was also found in leptin‐treated cells. LC restored all changes induced by leptin to those levels found in untreated cells. In conclusion, stimulation of NRK‐52E cells with leptin induced a state of oxidative stress and inflammation that could be reversed by preincubation with LC. Interestingly, LC induced an upregulation of NOX4 and restored the release of its product, hydrogen peroxide, which suggests a protective role of NOX4 against leptin‐induced renal damage. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2281–2288, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between in‐hospital supportive visits by primary care physicians and patient outcomes: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Brener Stacey S. , Bronksill Susan E. , Comrie Rebecca , Huang Anjie , Bell Chaim M. 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUNDOne long‐standing method for continuity of care as patients transition between the hospital and community are supportive visits by primary care physicians during hospitalization.METHODSThis retrospective cohort study used administrative data of adults hospitalized from 2008 to 2009 and primary care physicians who conduct supportive visits. Patients who received a visit from their primary care physician while hospitalized were compared to those who did not. Composite outcomes of death, emergency department visit, or emergent readmission within 30 and 90 days were assessed. Postdischarge home‐care utilization and primary care physician visits were also examined. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, low income, rurality, and readmission risk.RESULTSOf the 164,059 patients linked to 3236 primary care physicians, 12.0% received visits while hospitalized. Visited patients had more readmissions, more deaths, and fewer emergency department visits than patients who did not. However, after adjusting, visited patients had a lower risk for the composite outcome at 30 days (adjusted OR [aOR]: 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89‐0.96) and 90 days (aOR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87‐0.92). Visited patients were also more likely to access community primary care–provider visits and more home‐care services. The in‐hospital visit resulted in an increased likelihood of health services utilization at 30 days (aOR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.11‐1.22) and 90 days (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12‐1.27).CONCLUSIONA hospital supportive‐care visit from a primary care physician resulted in lower risks of adverse patient outcomes and increased access to community health services. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:418–424. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Use of a prospective cohort study in the development of a bladder scanning protocol to assist in bladder filling consistency for prostate cancer patients receiving radiation therapy
Authors: Cramp Leah , Connors Vanessa , Wood Maree , Westhuyzen Justin , McKay Michael , Greenham Stuart 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductionEvidence of variations in bladder filling effecting prostate stability and therefore treatment and side‐effects is well established with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). This study aimed to increase bladder volume reproducibility for prostate radiation therapy by implementing a bladder scanning (BS) protocol that could assist patients' bladder filling at computed tomography (CT) simulation and treatment.MethodsBased on a retrospective review of 524 prostate cancer patients, a bladder volume of 250–350 mL was adopted as ‘ideal’ for achieving planning dose constraints. A prospective cohort study was conducted to assess the clinical utility of measuring patients' bladder volumes at CT simulation using an ultrasound bladder scanner (Verathon 9400 BladderScan®). A revised bladder preparation protocol was utilised by a bladder scan group (BS) and a non‐BS group followed the standard departmental bladder preparation protocol. Time and volume data for the BS group (n = 17) were compared with the non‐BS group (n = 17).ResultsThe BS cohort had a CT bladder volume range of 221–588 mL; mean 379 mL, SD 125 mL. The non‐BS group had a larger range: 184–757 mL; mean 373 mL, SD 160 mL (P = 0.9171). There was a positive correlation between CT volume and BS volume in the BS group (r = 0.797; P = 0.0002) although BS volumes were smaller: range 160–420 mL; mean 251 mL; SD 91 mL; P < 0.0001). The maximum bladder volume receiving 50 Gy (V50) from the BS group was 46.4%, mean 24.5%. The maximum bladder V50 from the non‐BS group was 50.9%, mean 27.3% (P = 0.5178). Treatment data from weekly cone beam CT scans were also compared over 6 weeks. They were assessed as being a pass if bladder and bowel requirements were acceptable. The BS group proceeded to treatment on the basis of a pass 92.7% of the time, whereas the pass rate for non‐BS group was 75%; difference 17.7% (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe BS is a useful tool for achieving consistent, appropriately sized bladder volumes in prostate cancer patients.
Which factors make the difference for explaining growth in newcomer organizational commitment? A latent growth modeling approach
Authors: Maia Leticia Gomes , Bastos Antônio Virgílio Bittencourt , Solinger Omar Nathanaël 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPrevious studies on newcomer socialization have evidenced quite consistently that newcomers' affective commitment tends to decline in the first years of employment. In this paper, we attempt to explain why a minority of Brazilian newcomers in a governmental organization (N = 194) display growth in commitment (33 per cent) in the first 3 years of employment, despite the fact that the odds are clearly in favor of decline (62 per cent). We reasoned that the minority displaying growing commitment may have had qualitatively different work experiences or would have different personal characteristics. We used latent growth modeling and post hoc tests to analyze the hypotheses. Concerning individual differences, newcomers with growing commitment were on average older but did not have higher work centrality. Concerning work experiences, newcomers whose training matched the job (high person–job fit) and whose tasks were challenging were more prevalent in the growing commitment group. The newcomers who showed declining commitment were more likely to feel overwhelmed by the amount of work in the new role (high role overload) and were typically not promoted to higher ranks. Change in commitment also predicted self‐reported performance (productivity and initiative) 3 years after organizational entry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the possible effect of anthropogenic heat release due to global energy consumption upon global climate: a climate model study
Authors: Chen Bing , Dong Li , Liu X. , Shi G. Y. , Chen L. , Nakajima T. , Habib A. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThe high‐resolution global distribution of anthropogenic heat release (AHR), which is generated by human energy consumption, is estimated by means of applying satellite remote sensing. Additionally, it was considered into a global climate model and the possible climatic effect of AHR is examined in this study. AHR is geographically concentrated and fundamentally correlates with economic activity in global scale. The current mean AHR flux on the global scale is approximately 0.03 W m−2; however, the flux reaches a level high enough to influence the regional climate in concentrated urban areas. Global climate model results indicate that AHR may disrupt the normal atmospheric circulation and could have an obvious effect on the surface temperature at middle and high latitudes in summer and winter over the Northern Hemisphere. The climatic effect of AHR differs in various seasons: the global mean surface temperature could increase by approximately 0.02 K in boreal summer and by 0.10 K in boreal winter. With the continued development of the global economy and urbanization, the climatic effect of AHR will become increasingly pronounced. The climatic effect of AHR should not be merely confined to the regional climate, AHR is a tiny but essential factor in global climate and long‐term climate change that should not be ignored.
Magnesium ring device to restore function of a transected anterior cruciate ligament in the goat stifle joint
Authors: Farraro Kathryn F. , Sasaki Norihiro , Woo Savio L‐Y. , Kim Kwang E. , Tei Matteo M. , Speziali Andrea , McMahon Patrick J. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTA bioresorbable, mono‐crystalline magnesium (Mg) ring device and suture implantation technique were designed to connect the ends of a transected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to restabilize the knee and load the ACL to prevent disuse atrophy of its insertion sites and facilitate its healing. To test its application, cadaveric goat stifle joints were evaluated using a robotic/universal force‐moment sensor testing system in three states: Intact, ACL‐deficient, and after Mg ring repair, at 30°, 60°, and 90° of joint flexion. Under a 67‐N anterior tibial load simulating that used in clinical examinations, the corresponding anterior tibial translation (ATT) and in‐situ forces in the ACL and medial meniscus for 0 and 100 N of axial compression were obtained and compared with a control group treated with suture repair. In all cases, Mg ring repair reduced the ATT by over 50% compared to the ACL‐deficient joint, and in‐situ forces in the ACL and medial meniscus were restored to near normal levels, showing significant improvement over suture repair. These findings suggest that Mg ring repair could successfully stabilize the joint and load the ACL immediately after surgery, laying the framework for future in vivo studies to assess its utility for ACL healing. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2001–2008, 2016.
First in vivo detection and characterization of hyaluronan‐coated extracellular vesicles in human synovial fluid
Authors: Mustonen Anne‐Mari , Nieminen Petteri , Joukainen Antti , Jaroma Antti , Kääriäinen Tommi , Kröger Heikki , Lázaro‐Ibáñez Elisa , Siljander Pia R‐M , Kärjä Vesa , Härkönen Kai , Koistinen Arto , Rilla Kirsi 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTExtracellular vesicles (EVs) function in intercellular signaling by transporting different membrane and cytosolic molecules, including hyaluronan (HA) and its synthesis machinery. As both EVs and HA are abundant in synovial fluid, we hypothesized that HA synthesized in synovial membrane would be carried on the surface of EVs. Synovial fluid (n = 15) and membrane samples (n = 5) were obtained from knee surgery patients. HA concentrations were analyzed in synovial fluid and HA and its synthesis machinery were examined with histochemical stainings in synovial membrane. To assess the size distribution of EVs in synovial fluid and to visualize HA on EVs, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized. The average HA concentration in synovial fluid was 2.0 ± 0.21 mg/ml without significant differences between the patients with trauma/diagnostic arthroscopy and primary or post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. Positive stainings of HA synthases (HAS1–3), HA and its receptor CD44 in synovial cells indicated active HA secretion in synovial membrane. According to NTA, EVs were abundant in synovial fluid and their main populations were ≤300 nm in diameter after differential centrifugation. There were no significant differences in the EV counts between the patients with primary or post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. TEM verified that HA‐positive particles detected by CLSM were lipid membrane vesicles surrounded by a HA coat. Our results provide the first in vivo evidence that human synovial fluid contains HA‐positive EVs, one source of which presumably is the long HAS‐positive protrusions of synovial fibroblasts. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1960–1968, 2016.
Location‐dependent heterotopic ossification in the rat model: The role of activated matrix metalloproteinase 9
Authors: Davis Eleanor L. , Sonnet Corinne , Lazard ZaWaunyka W. , Henslee Gabrielle , Gugala Zbigniew , Salisbury Elizabeth A. , Strecker Edward V. , Davis Thomas A. , Forsberg Jonathan A. , Davis Alan R. , Olmsted‐Davis Elizabeth A. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTExtremity amputation or traumatic injury can often lead to the formation of heterotopic ossification (HO). Studies to induce HO in rat muscle using cell‐based gene therapy show that this process appears to be location dependent. In the present study, HO was induced in mice and rats through injection of immunologically matched cells transduced with either a replication‐defective adenovirus possessing bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) or an empty adenovirus vector (control). Injection in rat near the skeletal bone resulted in HO, whereas cells injected into the same muscle group but distal from the bone did not result in bone formation. When cells were injected in the same limb at both locations at the same time, HO was formed at both sites. Characterization of the bone formation in rats versus mice demonstrated that different sources of osteogenic progenitors were involved, which may account for the location dependent bone formation observed in the rat. Further experimentation has shown that a potential reason for this difference may be the inability of rat to activate matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), an essential protease in mice necessary for recruitment of progenitors. Inhibition of active MMP9 in mice led to a significant decrease in HO. The studies reported here provide insight into the mechanisms and pathways leading to bone formation in different animals and species. It appears that not all animal models are appropriate for testing HO therapies, and our studies also challenge the conventional wisdom that larger animal models are better for testing treatments affecting bone. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 34:1894–1904, 2016.
Gelation properties of myofibrillar protein under malondialdehyde‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Min , Fang Zhongxiang , Bhandari Bhesh 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe structure of myofibrillar protein (MP) can be readily altered by oxidation, leading to the unfolding of MP structure, which further promotes protein–protein interactions, and thus influences the MP gelling properties. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of malondialdehyde‐induced oxidative stress on the gelation properties of myofibrillar protein (MP). Structural changes of the oxidised MPs were evaluated by the contents of carbonyl and total sulfhydryls, surface hydrophobicity, SDS‐PAGE and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The oxidative stability of the MP gels as indicated by lipid hydroperoxide was also determined.RESULTSWith the addition of an MDA concentration less than 10 mmol L−1, the MP gels showed an improved elasticity, gel strength, water holding capacity, and oxidative stability. Nevertheless, higher MDA concentration (25–50 mmol L−1) significantly reduced the gel quality, probably due to the formation of excessive covalent bonds in the system.CONCLUSIONResults suggested that protein aggregation occurred in the oxidised system. Myosin was involved in gel formation through non‐disulfide covalent bond. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry