bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of random and oriented electrospun fibrous poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffolds on neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Sperling Laura E. , Reis Karina P. , Pozzobon Laura G. , Girardi Carolina S. , Pranke Patricia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEngineering neural tissue by combining biodegradable materials, cells and growth factors is a promising strategy for the treatment of central and peripheral nervous system injuries. In this study, neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) was investigated in combination with three dimensional (3D) electrospun nanofibers as a substitute for the extracellular matrix (ECM). Nano/microfibrous poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) 3D scaffolds were fabricated through electrospinning and characterized. The scaffolds consisted of either a randomly oriented or an aligned structure of PLGA fibers. The mESCs were induced to differentiate into neuronal lineage and the effect of the polymer and fiber orientation on cell survival, morphology and differentiation efficiency was studied. The neural progenitors derived from the mESCs could survive and migrate onto the fibrous scaffolds. Aligned fibers provided more contact guidance with the neurites preferentially extending along the long axis of fiber. The mESCs differentiated into neural lineages expressing neural markers as seen by the immunocytochemistry. The nestin and beta3‐tubulin expression was enhanced on the PLGA aligned fibers in comparison with the other groups, as seen by the quantitative analysis. Taken together, a combination of electrospun fiber scaffolds and mESC derived neural progenitor cells could provide valuable information about the effects of topology on neural differentiation and axonal regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1333–1345, 2017.
LncRNA CASC2 Interacts With miR‐181a to Modulate Glioma Growth and Resistance to TMZ Through PTEN Pathway
Authors: Liao Yiwei , Shen Liangfang , Zhao Haiting , Liu Qing , Fu Jun , Guo Yong , Peng Renjun , Cheng Lei 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTTemozolomide (TMZ)‐based chemotherapy is a standard strategy for glioma, while chemoresistance remains a major therapeutic challenge. Recent evidence highlights the crucial regulatory roles of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) in tumor biology. However, the roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2), in glioma tumorigenesis and chemoresistance are poorly understood. In this study, CASC2 expression was down‐regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines, and was related to a clinicopathologic features and shorter survival time. Exogenous CACS2 alone was sufficient to inhibit glioma cells’ proliferation and amplified TMZ‐induced repression of cell proliferation, while CACS2 knockdown could reverse this process. CACS2 overexpression could sensitize TMZ‐resistant glioma cells to TMZ, while CACS2 knockdown exerted the opposite function. Moreover, CASC2 could inhibit the miR‐181a expression by direct targeting in TMZ‐resistant glioma cells. CASC2 up‐regulated PTEN protein and down‐regulated p‐AKT protein through regulating miR‐181a, and the effect of CASC2 on PTEN and p‐AKT could be partially restored by miR‐181a. With TMZ‐resistant glioma tissues, miR‐181a was up‐regulated while PTEN was down‐regulated. Taken together, these observations suggest CASC2 up‐regulates PTEN through direct inhibiting miR‐181a and plays an important role in glioma sensitivity to TMZ and may serve as a potential target for cancer diagnosis and treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1889–1899, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intensifying chitin hydrolysis by adjunct treatments – an overview
Authors: Abidin Munira Zainal , Junqueira‐Gonçalves Maria Paula , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V , Niranjan Keshavan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractChitin is, after cellulose, the most abundant organic natural polysaccharide on Earth, being synthesized as a dominant component in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, among other sources. In the processing of seafood for human consumption, between 40 and 50% of the total raw material mass is wasted, causing a significant problem for the environment owing to its slow degradation. Efforts to find uses for chitin derivatives, particularly their oligomers, have intensified since these chemicals are highly functional and offer a wide range of applications, especially as antimicrobial agent. As a consequence, some adjunct treatments, either chemical or physical in nature, have been employed to assist acid and enzymatic hydrolysis. This work provides a detailed review of the methods employed to intensify the formation of chitin oligomers, particularly focusing on the adjunct treatments used (microwave, ultrasonication, steam explosion and gamma irradiation), and an evaluation of the yield and characteristics of the oligomers formed. Adjunct treatments are more suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis since these treatments modify the chitin structure, and enhance the hydrolysis rate and yield of the oligomers, under milder reaction conditions. For future research, it would be worth trying pre‐treatments like the application of high‐pressure to chitin in order to lower its crystallinity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Adsorptive performance of nanosized zero‐valent iron for V(V) removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Erdem Yayayürük Aslı , Yayayürük Onur 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDVanadium is included in the USEPA Contaminant Candidate List. It is an essential dietary mineral but it becomes toxic at high concentrations causing health problems. In this study, nanosized zero‐valent iron (nZVI) was synthesized and the applicability of the sorbent was investigated for the removal of V(V) in water samples.RESULTSThe synthesized sorbent is characterized by scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis. Particle size and zeta potential measurements of the sorbent were also elucidated. Batch type adsorption experiments were performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and the effects on the adsorption of V(V) of pH, sorbent amount, contact time, initial concentration and temperature were investigated. Langmuir isotherm model was found to characterize the uptake of V(V) by nZVI and the sorption kinetics fitted better with the pseudo‐second‐order model. The proposed method was applied for the removal of V(V) ion in real water samples and quantitative results (>85%) were obtained.CONCLUSIONnZVI has demonstrated its potential use for the removal of V(V) ions in aqueous solutions. The sorbent warrants an evaluation of a scale up procedure in water remediation studies with the advantages of having a high adsorption capacity, ease of preparation and being environmentally friendly. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Oral‐Facial Tissue Reconstruction in the Regenerative Axolotl
Authors: Charbonneau Andre M. , Roy Stephane , Tran Simon D. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTAbsence of large amounts of orofacial tissues caused by cancerous resections, congenital defects, or trauma results in sequelae such as dysphagia and noticeable scars. Oral‐neck tissue regeneration was studied in the axolotl (regenerative amphibian) following a 2.5‐mm punch biopsy that simultaneously removed skin, connective tissue, muscle, and cartilage in the tongue and intermandibular region. The untreated wound was studied macroscopically and histologically at 17 different time points ranging from 0 to180 days (N = 120 axolotls). At 12 hr, the wound's surface was smoothened and within 1mm, internal lingual muscular modifications occurred; at the same distance, between days 4–7 lingual muscle degradation was complete. Immunofluorescence indicates complete keratinocytes migration by 48 hr. These cells with epidermal Leydig cells, appearing yellow, lead the chin's deep tissue outgrowth until its closure on the 14th day. Regeneration speeds varied and peaked in time for each tissue, (1) deep chin 84.3 μm/hr from 24 to 96 hr, (2) superficial chin 71.1 μm/hr from 7–14 days, and (3) tongue 86.0 μm/hr between 48 hr and 7 days. Immunofluorescence to Col IV showed basement membrane reconnected between days 30–45 coinciding with the chin's dermal tissue's surface area recovery. New muscle appeared at 21 days and was always preceded by the formation of a collagen bed. Both chin tissues regain all surface area and practically all components while the lingual structure lacks some content but is generally similar to the original. The methodology and high‐resolution observations described here are the first of its kind for this animal model and could serve as a basis for future studies in oral and facial regenerative research.
Change of Fate and Staminodial Laminarity as Potential Agents of Floral Diversification in the Zingiberales
Authors: PIñeyro‐Nelson Alma , Almeida Ana Maria Rocha De , Sass Chodon , Iles William James Donaldson , Specht Chelsea Dvorak 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe evolution of floral morphology in the monocot order Zingiberales shows a trend in which androecial whorl organs are progressively modified into variously conspicuous “petaloid” structures with differing degrees of fertility. Petaloidy of androecial members results from extensive laminarization of an otherwise radially symmetric structure. The genetic basis of the laminarization of androecial members has been addressed through recent candidate gene studies focused on understanding the spatiotemporal expression patterns of genes known to be necessary to floral organ formation. Here, we explore the correlation between gene duplication events and floral and inflorescence morphological diversification across the Zingiberales by inferring ancestral character states and gene copy number using the most widely accepted phylogenetic hypotheses. Our results suggest that the duplication and differential loss of GLOBOSA (GLO) copies is correlated with a change in the degree of the laminarization of androecial members. We also find an association with increased diversification in most families. We hypothesize that retention of paralogs in flower development genes could have led to a developmental shift affecting androecial organs with potential adaptive consequences, thus favoring diversification in some lineages but not others.
Incidental parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy increases the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia
Authors: Lin Yann‐Sheng , Hsueh Chuen , Wu Hsin‐Yi , Yu Ming‐Chin , Chao Tzu‐Chieh 
Published: January 2017

Objectives/HypothesisThe correlation between incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) during thyroidectomy and postoperative hypocalcemia remains controversial. Our aim was to investigate the incidence of IP, risk factors, and impact on patient outcomes.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study including 3,186 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2007 and December 2014. The patients were divided into two groups: the IP group and the non‐IP. Numerous clinical parameters were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe overall incidence of incidentally excised parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy was 6.4%. Patients with IP had significantly higher incidences of postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism than those without IP (P < 0.001). Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands presented only 2.2% of all removed parathyroid glands. Total thyroidectomy, central compartment lymph node dissection, and reoperation were independent risk factors for IP.ConclusionIncidental parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy is associated with the increased likelihood of postoperative hypocalcemia. All independent risk factors examined in the study for IP are surgery‐related. Surgeons should perform meticulous dissection with the intention of avoiding IP and resultant hypocalcemia.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2194–2200, 2017
Price variation in the most commonly prescribed ear drops in Southern California
Authors: Moshtaghi Omid , Haidar Yarah M. , Ghavami Yaser , Gu Jeff , Moshtaghi Afsheen , Sahyouni Ronald , Huang Melissa , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the variability and discrepancies among the most commonly prescribed ear drops sold at pharmacies in southern California.Study DesignProspective study evaluating 11 commonly used ear drops to treat otologic disorders.MethodsRandomly selected drug stores in three major counties in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego) were included. Mean, range, minimum, and maximum prices for each drug were calculated and analyzed. The median income of pharmacy ZIP code was also cross‐referenced.ResultsData were collected from 108 pharmacies. The mean prices are noted for each of the individual drugs: Cortisporin (brand) 10 mL, $82.70; neomycin, polymyxin B sulfates, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin–generic) 10 mL, $34.70; ofloxacin (generic) 10 mL, $99.95; sulfacetamide (generic) 15 mL, $40.18; Ciprodex (brand) 7.5 mL, $194.44; Cipro HC (brand) 10 mL, $233.32; Vosol (brand) 15 mL, $120.75; acetic acid (Vosol–generic) 10 mL, $116.55; VosolHC (brand) 10 mL, $204.14; acetic acid/aluminum acetate (Domeboro–generic) 60 mL, $22.91; and Tobradex (brand) 5 mL, $166.47.ConclusionsThere is significant variability among the prices of ear drops across Southern Californian pharmacies, which can be a financial burden to patients paying out of pocket or with high deductibles. A state‐mandated, publically accessible report of drug prices may help decrease variability and cost by promoting competition among pharmacies. Price negotiations by governmental payers may assist in reducing prices. In the treatment of otologic disorders, clinicians can help reduce costs for patients by prescribing generic ear drop medications and cheaper alternatives when clinically appropriate.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:1780–1784, 2017
Using Thermogravimetry as a Simple Tool for Nutrient Assessment in Fire Affected Soils
Authors: Neris Jonay , Doerr Stefan H. , Tejedor Marisa , Jiménez Concepción , Hernández‐Moreno José M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNutrient availability can be a limiting factor in the recovery of ecosystems after wildfire. Its evaluation is therefore critical for selecting appropriate restoration strategies in the post‐fire period. This study explores, for the first time, the use of thermogravimetry (TG) as a rapid proxy for nutrient availability and soil recovery. Soil samples from five burned and unburned sites in Andisols of Tenerife (Spain) were selected to examine the medium‐term impact of fire. Key soil chemical parameters [pH, electric conductivity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), main cation and anions in the soil solution, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus] were determined and thermogravimetry performed. Burned soils showed significantly higher pH, Ca2+ and Mg2+ and a lower CEC, TOC and TN than the unburned counterparts, and a site‐dependent response for soluble SO42− and available phosphorus was observed in the medium term. Time elapsed since fire could have masked additional fire impacts. Thermogravimetry data allowed reasonable prediction of most soil properties and parameters, with r2 ranging from 0·4 to 0·9. The results demonstrate that soluble nutrient content is directly related to the amount of ash in the soil. The decrease of labile carboxyl‐C was associated with an increase of pH and decrease of CEC, whereas the increase of recalcitrant and refractory pools was associated with the amount of TOC and TN. The results suggest that this novel application of an established method can provide, following an initial calibration step, rapid and inexpensive proxies for key parameters necessary for assessing fire‐induced ecosystem degradation and designing suitable restoration strategies in the post‐fire period. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐criteria‐based Plant Species Selection for Gully and Riverbank Stabilization in a Sub‐humid Tropical Area
Authors: Talema Ayalew , Poesen Jean , Muys Bart , Reubens Bert , Dibaba Hirko , Diels Jan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSelection of appropriate plant species for rehabilitation of degraded lands while fulfilling socio‐economic interests of local communities is one of the decision‐making challenges. This research was undertaken to select multipurpose trees, shrubs and grasses to stabilize degraded lands in the Gilgel Gibe catchment of Southwest Ethiopia, situated in the sub‐humid tropics. Two multi‐criteria decision analysis methods, analytical hierarchy process and simple multi‐attribute rating technique, integrated in the excel‐based multi‐criteria tree selection tool, were used. Focus group discussions were held with experts and local communities to prioritize 40 plant species from a preselected regional pool of 129 species, using six criteria groups containing 47 individual criteria. Root characteristics of the top 9 ranked plants were studied for triangulating the multi‐criteria decision analysis results. Both local communities and experts gave priority to indigenous trees over shrubs and grasses as the best five species for multipurpose use, whereas the top 5 species prioritized for riverbank stabilization contained both trees and grasses. In contrast, communities preferred indigenous trees, and experts selected grasses as the best five species for gully stabilization. The root system characterization revealed that the five top‐ranked multipurpose species also have the required root characteristics for effectively reinforcing unstable slopes. However, communities prefer to plant Eucalyptus and Grevillea trees because of their short‐term economic benefits although they understood the multipurpose value of indigenous plants. The trade‐off between direct economic benefit and multipurpose benefits could be solved by awareness creation, incentives to communities and policy re‐enforcement. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple land use activities drive riverine salinization in a large, semi‐arid river basin in western Canada
Authors: Kerr Jason G. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSalinization is increasingly recognized as a global issue. However, the relative importance of different drivers across a broad range of ions and ecosystems is not well understood. This study examined spatial and temporal dynamics in riverine salinity (conductivity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+,
, Cl− and
) in the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB), a semi‐arid, mixed land use watershed in Alberta, Canada. A significant temporal increase (p < 0.05) in the concentration of one or more ions was observed at all 12 study sites. While all ions exhibited a significant increase in concentration over time, the rate of change was generally highest for Cl− (≈ 1.4–3.0% yr−1). The observed increase in riverine Cl− loading downstream of a large urban center (≈ 1700 tonnes yr−1) was attributed to increasing inputs from road salt (≈ 1800 tonnes yr−1) and to a lesser extent municipal wastewater (≈ 400 tonnes yr−1). For most other salts, spatial variation was driven not by urbanization but by the proportion of salt affected soils and/or cropland. A distinct Na2SO4 signal was observed at stations draining salt affected soils which strengthened over time at 7/12 sites indicating temporal trends in Na+ and
have been driven largely by soil processes. A strong relationship between cropland and salt chemistry across the basin suggests agricultural activities have also contributed to observed trends. Therefore, in regions with similar climatic and anthropogenic characteristics to the SSRB, multiple stressors are likely to be operating and as such, these systems may be at particular risk from salinization.
Hydrophilic Poly(naphthalene diimide)‐Based Acceptor–Photosensitizer Dyads: Toward Water‐Processible Modular Photoredox‐Active Architectures
Authors: Schroot Robert , Schlotthauer Tina , Jäger Michael , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: January 2017

Hydrophilic naphthalene diimide based acceptor polymers are prepared by the incorporation of triethylene glycol or poly(ethylene glycol) side chains in the monomers and subsequent nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP). The kinetic investigation of the polymerization reveals a controlled chain growth as well as a narrow molar mass distribution. Due to the utilization of a functional NMP initiator, a single Ru(II) photosensitizer unit is readily attached at the polymers chain terminus by a modular approach to construct water soluble photoredox‐active acceptor–photosensitizer dyads. The analysis of the optical properties by steady‐state absorption and emission spectroscopy reveals preserved optical absorption properties of the individual building blocks, and, more importantly, an efficient quenching of the Ru(II) emission assigned to intramolecular charge transfer from the complex to the acceptor polymer. The results demonstrate the versatility of side chain modifications to prepare water‐processible photoredox‐active architectures under preservation of the modular character known from hydrophobic systems.
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Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization of 2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) Controlled with Low Concentrations of Acrylonitrile and Styrene
Authors: Mei Wenwen , Maric Milan 
Published: January 2017

Nitroxide‐mediated controlled radical polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is achieved using the copolymerization method with a small initial concentration of acrylonitrile (AN, 5–16 mol%)) or styrene (S, 5–10 mol%). The polymerization is mediated by N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(1‐diethyl phosphono‐2,2‐dimethyl propyl) nitroxide (SG1)‐based BlocBuilder unimolecular alkoxyamine initiator modified with an N‐succinimidyl ester group (N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐BlocBuilder). As little as 5% molar feed of acrylonitrile results in a controlled polymerization, as evidenced by a linear increase in number average molecular weight Mn with conversion and dispersities (Đ) as low as 1.30 at 80% conversion in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at 85 °C. With S as the controlling comonomer, higher initial S composition (≈10 mol%) is required to maintain the controlled copolymerization. Poly(HEMA‐ran‐AN)s with Mn ranging from 5 to 20 kg mol−1 are efficiently chain extended using n‐butyl methacrylate/styrene mixtures at 90.0 °C in DMF, thereby showing a route to HEMA‐based amphiphilic block copolymers via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization.
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Effect of hip and knee position on nerve conduction in the common fibular nerve
Authors: Broadhurst Peter Kaas , Robinson Lawrence R. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to measure the influence that hip and knee position have on routine fibular motor nerve conduction studies. Methods: Healthy subjects under age 40 were recruited (n = 24) to have fibular nerve conduction studies completed in various positions, using hip extension‐knee extension as a control. Results: A mean increase in conduction velocity of 2.5 m/s across the knee (P = 0.020) was seen during hip flexion compared with hip extension. A mean decrease in velocity of 1.6 m/s through the leg segment (P = 0.016) was seen during knee flexion compared with knee extension. Conclusions: This study shows that the optimal position of the leg during fibular nerve studies is with the hip in flexion and knee in extension, to more accurately reflect nerve length for velocity calculations. This may have implications for other peripheral nerves with respect to proximal joint position affecting calculated velocity. Muscle Nerve 56: 519–521, 2017