bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sclerostin and bone strength in women in their 10th decade of life
Authors: Thorson Sara , Prasad Tanushree , Sheu Yahtyng , Danielson Michelle E , Arasu Aarthi , Cummings Steven R , Cauley Jane A 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Sclerostin is a potent inhibitor of bone formation but has been shown to correlate positively with areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Little is known about its relationship to parameters of bone strength and volumetric BMD (vBMD) as measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). We measured both serum sclerostin and parameters of tibial bone size and strength by pQCT to characterize this relationship. Our study population consisted of 223 white and 35 African American women (mean age 87 years) from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) cohort, who had usable pQCT scans of the tibia at sites 4% (T4%), 33% (T33%), and 66% (T66%) from the ankle. Analysis of covariance was used to test for differences in age-adjusted means of aBMD, pQCT variables, and serum biomarkers across sclerostin quartiles. African American women had significantly lower median sclerostin (34.3 pmol/L) than white women (48.5 pmol/L) (p = 0.05). Women in the highest sclerostin quartile had 7% to 14.5% higher hip aBMD and pQCT parameters of vBMD and bone size than those in the lowest quartile in multivariate models adjusting for age, race, weight, height, and diabetes status. The association of sclerostin with parameters of bone strength differed dramatically between T33% and T66% sites. At T66%, women in the highest sclerostin quartile had pQCT strength parameters 9.4% to 15.3% greater than the lowest quartile, whereas no trend was found for the T33% site. Our results suggest paradoxical associations between circulating sclerostin and bone size, density, and strength.
Soybean peroxidase trapped in product precipitate during phenol polymerization retains activity and may be recycled
Authors: Feng Wei , Taylor Keith E. , Biswas Nihar , Bewtra Jatinder K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDStudies with peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) have demonstrated that phenolic precipitate adsorbs free enzyme, inactivating it. The end‐product inactivation model has been proposed to explain the effect. Additives, such as polyethylene glycol and Triton X‐100, were reported to effectively extend enzyme lifetime by preventing the adsorption.RESULTSIt was found that soybean peroxidase (SBP, EC 1.11.1.7) trapped in precipitate during phenol polymerization retains activity. Contrary to the end‐product inactivation model, recycling precipitate effectively utilized the active SBP. The minimum SBP concentration required for the subsequent batch reaction removal of 1 mmol L‐1 phenol from aqueous solution was reduced from 1.2 to 0.5 U mL‐1. SBP adsorption on the precipitate was proven to be reversible by the addition of Triton X‐100. Thus, a new explanation of SBP fate during the reaction is suggested: SBP is immobilized in situ in an active form with reduction of specific activity rather than inactivation. The adsorption is characterized by a Langmuir isotherm.CONCLUSIONSThe phenolic precipitate immobilizes SBP in an active form, consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model. Recycling the precipitate improves the enzyme economy in phenol removal. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel bioreactor for resolution of (R,S)‐1‐phenylethanol using the functional conducting polymer and ionic liquid with excellent catalytic activity and stability
Authors: Li Ming , Shan Haixia , Zhou Linting , Yin Yuanyuan , Li Zaijun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundBioreactors are widely used in the chemical, food and medical industries. However, enzyme immobilization in the bioreactor often results in the loss of activity and stability to varying degrees. To resolve the problem, a new functional conducting polymer monomer, 2,5‐di(2‐thienyl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐1‐(p‐phenylacetic acid) (DPP), was designed, synthesized and electrodeposited on copper net to form ultrathin poly(DPP) film containing free carbonyl groups. Then, pseudomonas cepacia lipase was covalently coated on the film with 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethyl‐aminopropyl)‐carbodiimide /N‐hydroxy‐succinimide as activator, and 1,3‐di(isobutyl)‐imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid was finally coated on the surface of the film. In this study, an as‐prepared bioreactor was employed for the resolution of (R,S)‐1‐phenylethanol to investigate catalytic characterization of the enzyme immoblized on the bioreactor.ResultsThe enzyme immobilized on the bioreactor offers high activity, reactivity and stability. Under optimal conditions, initial reaction rate, the conversion of (R,S)‐1‐phenylethanol and enantiomeric excess of (R)‐1‐phenylethyl acetate was 1.76 U mg‐1, 47.4% and 99%, respectively. Also, the stability of the lipase immobilized on the bioreactor was 5.1‐fold that of the native lipase in hexane. The lipase immobilized on the bioreactor was recycled 10 times without substantial diminution in activity.ConclusionThe functional conducting polymer combined with the ionic liquid for the enzyme immoblization provided good enzyme activity and stability. It is also promising for both the construction of bioreactors and industrialized continuous production. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Trigeminal ganglion morphology in human fetus
Authors: Wu Li , Zhang Haitao , Liao Libin , Dadihan Tuerxunjiang , Wang Xiaolin , Kerem Gulnisa 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe morphology of the trigeminal ganglion in human fetus was investigated by means of the tract‐tracing method using the lipophilic dye DiI‐C18‐(3) (1,1′‐double octadecane 3,3,3′3′‐tetramethyl indole carbonyl cyanine‐perchlorate), hematoxylin–eosin (HE) stain, and three‐dimensional computer reconstruction models. The trigeminal ganglion was flat in the dorsoventral direction, and DiI staining revealed that the trigeminal ganglion cells were somatotopically distributed in the ganglion in a way that reflected the mediolateral order of the three branches. Ganglion cells of the ophthalmic nerve were distributed in the anteromedial part of the trigeminal ganglion, those of the mandibular nerve were in the posterolateral part, and those of the maxillary nerve were localized in the intermediate part. DiI labeled both ganglion cells and nerve fibers in the trigeminal ganglion; the ganglion cells varied in size and appeared as round‐ or oval‐shaped, the neurites connected the cell soma, and some bipolar neurons were also observed. The number of embryonic trigeminal ganglion cells did not significantly change with gestational age, but the cell diameter, area, and perimeter significantly increased. The motor root leaves the pons, runs along the sensory root, passes the ventral surface of the ganglion, and finally runs together with the mandibular nerve. The findings reported here elucidate the morphology, development, and somatotopic organization of the trigeminal ganglion and reveal the trigeminal nerve motor root pathway along the trigeminal ganglion and mandibular nerve in the human fetus. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:598–605, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biochar of animal origin: a sustainable solution to the global problem of high‐grade rock phosphate scarcity?
Authors: Vassilev Nikolay , Martos Eva , Mendes Gilberto , Martos Vanessa , Vassileva Maria 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPhosphorus (P) is an essential element for all living organisms. However, in soil–plant systems, this nutrient is the most limiting, leading to frequent applications of soluble P fertilisers. Their excessive use provokes alterations in the natural P cycle, soil biodiversity and ecological equilibrium and is the main reason for the eutrophication of water, with consequences on food safety. Biotechnology offers a number of sustainable solutions that can mitigate these problems by using various waste materials as a source of P and, on the other hand, their solubilisation by selected micro‐organisms. This review present results on the solubilisation of animal bone char with high phosphate content by micro‐organisms to produce organic acids such as lactic acid, citric acid and itaconic acid. All experiments were performed under conditions of liquid submerged and solid state fermentation processes. Freely suspended and immobilised cells of the corresponding microbial cultures were employed using substrates characterised by low cost and abundance. Other alternative technologies are discussed as well in order to stimulate further studies in this field, bearing in mind the progressive increase in P fertiliser prices based on high global P consumption and the scarcity of rock phosphate reserves. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Demonstration of transoral surgery in cadaveric specimens with the medrobotics flex system
Authors: Johnson Paul J. , Serrano Carlos M. Rivera , Castro Michael , Kuenzler Richard , Choset Howie , Tully Stephen , Duvvuri Umamaheswar 
Published: March 2013

Objectives/HypothesisUsing human cadavers, we investigated the feasibility of using a new robotic platform, the Medrobotics Flex System, for laryngeal access and flexible tool delivery to facilitate the performance of pharyngolaryngeal procedures without laryngeal suspension. Our initial trials specifically assess the utility of this experimental robotic system for epiglottectomy and base of tongue resection.Study DesignFeasibility; Level of evidence: NA.MethodsUsing standard mouth retractors, the Flex™robot was driven via the physician controller to the supraglottic region. Non‐crossing, flexible endoscopic tools were inserted through the robot's external tool channels to retract, cauterize, and remove tissue in each procedure type. Mock surgical procedures were performed on the laryngopharyngeal complex including epiglottectomy, base of tongue resection, and vocal cord excision. Time‐to‐tissue exposure was noted for each procedure. Each epiglottectomy was timed to determine operation duration.ResultsEpiglottectomy, base of tongue resection, and vocal cord excision were successfully performed without suspension laryngoscopy. Individual surgeons improved the procedure time significantly (P = 0.03) between first and second attempts. Epiglottectomies were performed in an average time of 42 minutes (N = 5, σ = 28 minutes).ConclusionsThe Medrobotics Flex System demonstrates great potential as a surgical tool in head and neck oncology. Compared to other surgical robots, the Flex System offers facilitated access, vision, and triangulation of flexible tools for procedures in the endolarynx.Level of EvidenceN/A
G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor 1 expression in human vocal fold
Authors: Wu Daquan , Jiang Jack J. , Fang Rui , Swinarski Krzysztof , Cui Xidong 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Besides the classical sexual receptors, the expression of a recently clarified transmembrane G protein‐coupled receptor (GPR30) has not been reported in the vocal fold so far. We aimed to study whether GPR30 is expressed in the human vocal fold.Study Design:Experimental study using pathologic human vocal fold tissues.Methods:Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the GPR30 expression in a total of 83 vocal fold samples.Results:A total of 66% of the specimens tested were GPR30 mRNA positive, and 54% of the sections were revealed to be GPR30 immunostaining positive in the plasma membrane as well as the nucleus in the epithelial cells.Conclusions:The GPR30 expression both in mRNA and protein level could be detected in the human vocal fold.
Transnasal endoscopic steroid injection: A practical and effective alternative treatment for benign vocal fold disorders
Authors: Wang Chi‐Te , Lai Mei‐Shu , Liao Li‐Jen , Lo Wu‐Chia , Cheng Po‐Wen 
Published: March 2013

Objectives/HypothesisEmerging literature has documented the effectiveness of intralesional steroid injection as an alternative treatment for benign vocal fold disorders. However, clinical application is frequently limited by the associated technical demands for adequate anesthesia and precise needle placement. This study investigated the applicability and effectiveness of the more practical and less technically demanding method of transnasal endoscopic steroid injection (TESI).Study DesignProspective case series.MethodsThis study recruited 30 patients with vocal nodules and polyps. Dexamethasone was injected into the Reinke's space under local anesthesia via the operating channel of a transnasal flexible laryngoscope in an office setting. Treatment outcome were measured before, 1 month after, and 3 months after the injection, using videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS), maximal phonation time (MPT), 10‐item voice handicap index (VHI‐10), acoustic analysis, and perceptual evaluation.ResultsVLS examinations at 3 months post‐treatment demonstrated that vocal lesions of 10 and 19 patients were resolved or reduced, respectively. Objective measurements showed increased MPT and decreased VHI‐10 (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). Acoustic analysis revealed significant decrease in jitter and shimmer (P < .05). Perceptual evaluation using the GRB (grade, roughness, breathiness) scale also showed improved voice quality (P < .01). Treatment outcomes were similar between vocal nodules and polyps (P > .05). Mild vocal hematoma occurred in three patients following TESI, but resolved spontaneously within 1 month.ConclusionsTESI is a simple and practical office‐based treatment modality for benign vocal fold lesions, suitable for most otolaryngologists. Treatment outcomes showed significant subjective and objective improvements that were comparable to the results of other injection procedures reported in the literature.Level of Evidence4.
Nature, Severity and Persistence of Geomorphological Damage Caused by Armed Conflict
Authors: Kiernan K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractProxy conflicts involving local revolutionaries and external forces during the Cold War years caused major damage to the physical landscapes and soils of South East Asia. Using a series of small case studies, this paper assesses some of these impacts of war on the geodiversity of the Lao PDR, and upon some other environmental values and ecosystem services that are dependent upon physical landforms that host or facilitate them. Satellite imagery and ground‐based surveys indicate that even after nearly four decades, bomb craters remain discernible at densities that commonly exceed 200/km2 and in some cases exceed 800/km2. This landform damage also implies major loss of soil capital, full recovery from which is likely to take millennia. Very significant damage was also caused by military engineering projects. The results of this study confirm the severe, widespread and long‐term nature of the environmental damage that can be inflicted by war. They also demonstrate the potential utility of forensic geomorphology as a tool in the investigation of potential environmental war crimes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pterostilbene, a bioactive component of blueberries, suppresses the generation of breast cancer stem cells within tumor microenvironment and metastasis via modulating NF‐κB/microRNA 448 circuit
Authors: Mak Ka‐Kit , Wu Alexander T. H. , Lee Wei‐Hwa , Chang Tung‐Cheng , Chiou Jeng‐Fong , Wang Liang‐Shun , Wu Chih‐Hsiung , Huang Chi‐Ying F. , Shieh Yi‐Shing , Chao Tsu‐Yi , Ho Chi‐Tang , Yen Gow‐Chin , Yeh Chi‐Tai 
Published: March 2013

ScopeTumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) have been shown to promote metastasis and malignancy. Pterostilbene, a natural stilbene isolated from blueberries, has been suggested for anti‐cancer effects. Here, we explored the potential cancer stem cells (CSCs)/TAM modulating effects of pterostilbene in breast cancer.Methods and resultsUsing flowcytometric and Boyden chamber assay, we showed MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells cocultured with M2 TAMs exhibited increased percentage of CD44+/CD24− CSC population and migratory/invasive abilities. RT‐PCR results showed that CD44+/CD24− cells expressed an increased level of HIF‐1α, β‐catenin, Twist1, and NF‐κB and enhanced tumor sphere forming ability. Additionally, pterostilbene treatment dose dependently overcame M2 TAM‐induced enrichment of CSCs and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, pterostilbene suppressed NFκB, Twist1, vimentin, and increased E‐cadherin expression. Using siRNA technique, we demonstrated that pterostilbene‐mediated NFκB downregulation was correlated to an increased amount of microRNA 448. Finally, pterostilbene‐mediated suppression in tumorigenesis and metastasis was validated by noninvasive bioluminescence in mice bearing M2 TAM cocultured MDA‐MB‐231 tumor.ConclusionPterostilbene effectively suppresses the generation of CSCs and metastatic potential under the influence of M2 TAMs via modulating EMT associated signaling pathways, specifically NF‐κB/miR488 circuit. Thus, pterostilbene could be an ideal anti‐CSC agent in clinical settings.
The inhibitory effect of milk on the absorption of dietary phenolic acids and the change in human plasma antioxidant capacity through a mechanism involving both milk proteins and fats
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jiang Lu , Guo Huiyuan , Sun Jing , Liu Xianting , Liu Ruihai , Ding Qingbo , Ren Fazheng 
Published: March 2013

ScopeWe assessed the effects of milk proteins and fats, alone and in combination, on the absorption of phenolic acids and the change in plasma antioxidant capacity after jujube juice intake in humans.Methods and resultsTwenty volunteers received the following four treatments each in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a minimum 1 week interval: 200 mL of jujube juice plus 200 mL of (1) water; (2) whole milk; (3) skimmed milk; or (4) milk fat. The results showed that skimmed milk extended the time to reach maximum increase of plasma phenolic acids concentrations and plasma antioxidant capacity. However, neither the skimmed milk nor the milk fat had a significant effect on the absorption of phenolic acids. In contrast, whole milk significantly reduced the absorption of phenolic acids and the increase in plasma antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). In vitro results suggested the formation of complexes during digestion that involved milk proteins, milk fats, and phenolic acids, which were responsible for the inhibitory effect of whole milk.ConclusionMilk proteins and fats together, but not alone, are responsible for the inhibitory effect of milk on the absorption of phenolic acids and the change in plasma antioxidant capacity.
Simultaneous spatial and spectral selectivity by spatiotemporal encoding
Authors: Dumez Jean‐Nicolas , Schmidt Rita , Frydman Lucio 
Published: March 2013

PurposeTo introduce a method that provides simultaneous spatial and spectral selectivity, whose implementation is less demanding than—and quality comparable to—conventional 2D spectral‐spatial counterparts.TheorySpatiotemporal encoding concepts lead to a spatially selective, chemical‐shift‐dependent echo, with simultaneous dephasing of all other off‐resonant species. The approach only requires applying a pair of suitable radiofrequency‐swept pulses, and allows arbitrary shaping of the spatial profiles.MethodsBased on arguments derived for chirp pulses operating in the sequential‐sweep approximation, quadratic‐phase SLR excitation and refocusing waveforms were designed and used to collect 2D slice‐ and shift‐selective images on a 7 T microimaging system (phantoms). The same strategy was used to obtain multi‐slice echo‐planar and spin‐echo images of breast on human volunteers in a 3 T scanner.ResultsThe method managed to deliver excellent shift‐selective multi‐slice images in phantoms and human volunteers. Simultaneous water and fat images were also collected in a single, interleaved acquisition mode on both platforms, using straightforward sequence and reconstruction modifications of the basic scheme.ConclusionA new way to achieve chemical shift selectivity with high quality spatial profiling is achieved, without the usual requirements for playing out fast oscillating gradients in conjunction with carefully timed radiofrequency pulses. Magn Reson Med 71:746–755, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Goal‐oriented adaptive refinement for phase field modeling with finite elements
Authors: Mahnken R. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYPhase field modeling is very often performed with the finite‐difference method for equally spaced grids. Typically its solutions are highly non‐homogenous; and, therefore, non‐equally spaced grids with dense meshes at interfaces between different phases and coarse meshes in homogenous regions would be more advantageous with respect to both, efficiency and reliability of the numerical solutions. To this end, in the present work, an adaptive strategy with finite elements for phase field modeling is adopted, where the time step and the grid size are selected on the basis of goal‐oriented error estimation. In order to account for nonlinearity of the variational equations, we introduce a secant form for the dual problem, which for practical purposes is approximated by a tangent form. In a numerical example, we investigate transformation and retransformation for a two‐phase system in a square region subjected to thermal loading. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Dutch version of the transplant effects questionnaire in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Annema Coby , Roodbol Petrie F. , Stewart Roy E. , Ranchor Adelita V. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractLittle is known about the extent to which transplant recipients face emotional problems with the receipt of a transplanted organ. The Transplant Effects Questionnaire (TxEQ) enables the quantification of these problems. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the TxEQ (TxEQ‐NL) in a group of liver transplant recipients. Confirmatory factor analyses of the TxEQ‐NL revealed an adequate fit with the original version. However, four items showed factor loadings <.40. Internal consistency was acceptable (.66–.79). The small correlations between the TxEQ‐NL and generic measures of psychological functioning indicated that the constructs measured are related but distinguishable. Therefore, the TxEQ‐NL adds a new dimension to the measurement of psychological functioning of transplant recipients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:203–215, 2013
Ludic Content in Multisensory Stimulation Environments: An Exploratory Study about Practice in Portugal
Authors: Castelhano Nuno , Silva Fabiana , Rezende Márcia , Roque Licínio , Magalhães Lívia 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article aims to document the use of multisensory stimulation environments and its related perceptions, concerning ludic content, play and the computer‐mediated ludic activity, from the perspective of professionals organizing and delivering therapeutic activities in these spaces with children with developmental disabilities, in Portugal. Face‐to‐face open interviews with 12 professionals working in multisensory stimulation environments, selected by convenience criteria, were individually recorded, transcribed and submitted to content analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: multisensory stimulation environments offer multiple possibilities for intervention, play is part of the intervention in multisensory environments and the computer‐mediated ludic experience is perceived as useful for intervention. Data suggest that multisensory stimulation environments are used as versatile spaces, both considered and explored by the interviewed professionals in its ludic potential. This fact can renew the interest in multisensory environments, in particular for the area of play in Occupational Therapy, in which the use of the computer‐mediated ludic experience is a recognized possibility. Limitations of this study are associated to the level of representativeness of the interviews in relation to the diverse universe of professionals using multisensory environments. The method for collecting data is also highly sensitive to the influence of the interviewer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.