bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iron Regulatory Protein 1 Suppresses Hypoxia‐Induced Iron Uptake Proteins Expression and Decreases Iron Levels in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Cheng Chun‐Ming , Wang Dan , Cao Xian , Luo Qian‐Qian , Lu Ya‐Peng , Zhu Li 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTTransferrin receptor (TfR1) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) are important proteins for cellular iron uptake, and both are regulated transcriptionally through the binding of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) to hypoxia‐responsive elements (HREs) under hypoxic conditions. These proteins are also regulated post‐transcriptionally through the binding of iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) to iron‐responsive elements (IREs) located in the mRNA untranslated region (UTR) to control cellular iron homeostasis. In iron‐deficient cells, IRP1–IRE interactions stabilize TfR1 and DMT1 mRNAs, enhancing iron uptake. However, little is known about the impact of IRP1 on the regulation of cellular iron homeostasis under hypoxia. Thus, to investigate the role of IRP1 in hypoxic condition, overexpression and knockdown assays were performed using HepG2 cells. The overexpression of IRP1 suppressed the hypoxia‐induced increase in TfR1 and DMT1 (+IRE) expression and reduced the stability of TfR1 and DMT1 (+IRE) mRNAs under hypoxia, whereas IRP1 knockdown further increased the hypoxia‐induced expression of both proteins, preventing the decrease in IRE‐dependent luciferase activity induced by hypoxia. Under hypoxic conditions, ferrous iron uptake, the labile iron pool (LIP), and total intracellular iron reduced when IRP1 was overexpressed and further increased when IRP1 was knocked down. IRP1 expression declined and TfR1/DMT1 (+IRE) expression increased with the time of hypoxia prolonged, whereas the binding of IRP1 to the IRE of TfR1/DMT1 mRNA maintained. In summary, IRP1 suppressed TfR1/DMT1 (+IRE) expression, limited the cellular iron content and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release induced by hypoxia. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1919–1931, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of CD105 and CD34 receptors controls BMP‐induced in vitro mineralization of mouse adipose‐derived stem cells but does not predict their in vivo bone‐forming potential
Authors: Madhu Vedavathi , Kilanski Allison , Reghu Nikitha , Dighe Abhijit S. , Cui Quanjun 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTAdipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) can be excellent alternative to bone marrow derived stem cells for enhancing fracture repair since ADSCs can be isolated comparatively in large numbers from discarded lipoaspirates. However, osteogenic potential of ADSCs in vivo is very controversial. We hypothesized that adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) that respond maximally to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in vitro would possess maximum bone‐forming potential. Four purified populations of mouse ADSCs: CD105+CD34+, CD105−CD34−, CD105+CD34− and CD105−CD34+ were obtained using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) and their BMP‐responsiveness was determined in vitro. CD105+CD34− population showed the strongest response to BMPs in terms of robust increase in mineralization. Expression of CD105 correlated with high BMP‐responsive phenotype and larger cell size while expression of CD34 correlated with low BMP‐responsive phenotype and smaller cell size. CD105+CD34− population displayed higher gene expression of Alk1 or Alk6 receptors in comparison with other populations. However, CD105+CD34− ADSCs failed to induce ectopic bone formation in vivo after they were transplanted into syngeneic mice, indicating that in vitro BMP‐responsiveness is not a good indicator to predict in vivo bone forming potential of ADSCs. Therefore greater precautions should be executed during selection of competent ADSCs for bone repair. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:625–632, 2015.
Can agroforestry improve soil fertility and carbon storage in smallholder banana farming systems?
Authors: Zake Joshua , Pietsch Stephan A. , Friedel Jürgen K. , Zechmeister‐Boltenstern Sophie 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSoil fertility depletion is a major constraint to agricultural production for smallholder farming households in many sub‐Saharan countries, and it is worsened by climate variability. In order to sustain food security for a growing population, measures have to be taken against C and nutrient losses from soils. This study examines whether banana–coffee agroforestry systems can improve soil fertility and C pools in smallholder farms in E Africa amidst observed climate variability. We selected 20 farms in Central Uganda, where soil samples were obtained from the top and subsoil layers. Samples were analyzed for several soil fertility parameters including soil organic matter (SOM), total soil organic C, pH, total N, plant‐available P, exchangeable K, texture, and bulk density. Soil C stocks were calculated based on soil organic C concentrations and bulky density. We measured tree diameter and height and calculated aboveground plant biomass using allometric equations. Belowground biomass was estimated using equations based on the respective aboveground plant biomass. Our results show that banana–coffee agroforestry farming systems had significantly higher total SOM and total N compared to the banana monoculture. Similar trends were observed for soil C stocks and total C pools. The former contained 1.5 times higher soil C stocks than the latter. Likewise, the mean total C pools for the banana–coffee agroforestry farm plots were 26% larger than that under banana monoculture. However, exchangeable K was higher in the soil of banana monocultures. Plant‐available P levels were limiting under both farming systems. The study demonstrates that beyond socio‐economic benefits banana–coffee agroforestry farming systems have beneficial effects on soil fertility and C sequestration compared to banana monocultures in the study area. However, precautions to avoid P depletion have to be taken under current climate conditions.
Biochars influence sweet‐potato yield and nutrient uptake in tropical Papua New Guinea
Authors: Walter Robin , Rao B. K. Rajashekhar 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCurrently, the biomass of an invasive and obnoxious weed, kunai grass (Imperata cylindrica), is uncontrollably burnt in Papua New Guinea in subsistence farming systems resulting in unwarranted negative environmental consequences. We explored the possibility of sustainable utilization of biochar produced from the weed biomass along with a standard feedstock‐rice husk (Oryza sativa). Biochars were produced with lab‐scale pyrolysis at 550°C, characterized for chemical properties and plant nutrient composition. Further, agronomic efficacy of soil incorporation of biochars (5 t ha−1) or co‐applied with mineral fertilizers (100, 11, and 62 kg ha−1 N, P, K, respectively) was tested for sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) in a field experiment. The two biochars differed significantly (P < 5%) with respect to recovery from the feedstocks, chemical characters and nutrient composition. Kunai grass biochar was poorer in nutrients (< 1%) with distinctly alkaline pH and higher electrical conductivity. Biochar amendment to soil showed significant (P < 5%) improvement of soil moisture, while co‐application of biochars along with mineral fertilizers showed soil moisture decrease. Biochar amendment improved the growth parameters and total tuber yield of sweet potato by about 20%, while co‐application with mineral fertilizers augmented total tuber yield by 100% and above‐ground biomass yields by > 75%. Besides, improving agronomic performance of sweet potato crop, co‐application of biochars with mineral fertilizers enhanced uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S. Production and utilization of biochar in sweet‐potato production could offer an efficient means of disposing biomass of kunai grass with concomitant productivity improvement in Papua New Guinea.
A Preliminary Risk Stratification Model for Individuals with Neck Pain
Authors: Cook Chad , Rodeghero Jason , Cleland Joshua , Mintken Paul 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the present study was to identify predictive characteristics related to patients with neck impairments who have a high risk of a poor prognosis (lowest functional recovery compared to visit utilization) as well as those who are at low risk of a poor prognosis (highest functional recovery compared to visit utilization).MethodsA retrospective cohort of 3,137 patients with neck pain who were seen for physiotherapy care was included in the study. All patients were seen at physiotherapy clinics in the United States and were provided with care in a manner in which the physiotherapists felt was appropriate and necessary. Univariate and multivariate multinomial regression analyses were used to identify significant patient characteristics predictive of treatment response.ResultsStatistically significant predictors of high‐risk categorization included longer duration of symptoms, surgical history and lower comparative levels of disability at baseline. Statistically significant predictors of low‐risk categorization were younger age, shorter duration of symptoms, no surgical history, fewer comorbidities and higher comparative disability levels of function at baseline.DiscussionFew studies have analysed risk stratification models for neck pain, and the findings of the present study suggest that predictors of poor success are similar to those in most musculoskeletal prognostic models. Limitations of the study included those inherent in secondary analysis and the inability to identify the diagnoses of the patients.ConclusionsFuture research should continue to examine the variables predictive of treatment response in patients with neck pain. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unilateral robotic hybrid mini‐maze: a novel experimental approach
Authors: Moslemi Mohammad , Rawashdeh Badi , Meyer Mark , Nguyen Duy , Poston Robert , Gharagozloo Farid 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundA complete Cox maze IV procedure is difficult to accomplish using current endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques. These techniques are hampered by inability to adequately dissect the posterior structures of the heart and place all necessary lesions. We present a novel approach, using robotic technology, that achieves placement of all the lesions of the complete maze procedure.MethodsIn three cadaveric human models, the technical feasibility of using robotic instruments through the right chest to dissect the posterior structures of the heart and place all Cox maze lesions was performed.ResultsThe entire posterior aspect of the heart was dissected in the cadaveric model facilitating successful placement of all Cox maze IV lesions with robotic assistance through minimally invasive incisions.ConclusionThe robotic Cox maze IV procedure through the novel right thoracic approach is feasible. This obviates the need for sternotomy and avoids the associated morbidity of the conventional Cox‐maze procedure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TAF4b is Required for Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cell Development
Authors: Lovasco Lindsay A. , Gustafson Eric A. , Seymour Kimberly A. , Rooij Dirk G. , Freiman Richard N. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Long-term mammalian spermatogenesis requires proper development of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that replenish the testis with germ cell progenitors during adult life. TAF4b is a gonadal-enriched component of the general transcription factor complex, TFIID, which is required for the maintenance of spermatogenesis in the mouse. Successful germ cell transplantation assays into adult TAF4b-deficient host testes suggested that TAF4b performs an essential germ cell autonomous function in SSC establishment and/or maintenance. To elucidate the SSC function of TAF4b, we characterized the initial gonocyte pool and rounds of spermatogenic differentiation in the context of the Taf4b-deficient mouse testis. Here, we demonstrate a significant reduction in the late embryonic gonocyte pool and a deficient expansion of this pool soon after birth. Resulting from this reduction of germ cell progenitors is a developmental delay in meiosis initiation, as compared to age-matched controls. While GFRα1+ spermatogonia are appropriately present as Asingle and Apaired in wild-type testes, TAF4b-deficient testes display an increased proportion of long and clustered chains of GFRα1+ cells. In the absence of TAF4b, seminiferous tubules in the adult testis either lack germ cells altogether or are found to have missing generations of spermatogenic progenitor cells. Together these data indicate that TAF4b-deficient spermatogenic progenitor cells display a tendency for differentiation at the expense of self-renewal and a renewing pool of SSCs fail to establish during the critical window of SSC development. Stem Cells 2015;33:1267–1276
Protective effects of Sesamum indicum extract against oxidative stress induced by vanadium on isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Hosseini Mir‐Jamal , Shahraki Jafar , Tafreshian Saman , Salimi Ahmad , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Pourahmad Jalal 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTVanadium toxicity is a challenging problem to human and animal health with no entirely understanding cytotoxic mechanisms. Previous studies in vanadium toxicity showed involvement of oxidative stress in isolated liver hepatocytes and mitochondria via increasing of ROS formation, release of cytochrome c and ATP depletion after incubation with different concentrations (25–200 µM). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of Sesamum indicum seed extract (100–300 μg/mL) against oxidative stress induced by vanadium on isolated rat hepatocytes. Our results showed that quite similar to Alpha‐tocopherol (100 µM), different concentrations of extract (100–300 μg/mL) protected the isolated hepatocyte against all oxidative stress/cytotoxicity markers induced by vanadium in including cell lysis, ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential decrease and lysosomal membrane damage. Besides, vanadium induced mitochondrial/lysosomal toxic interaction and vanadium reductive activation mediated by glutathione in vanadium toxicity was significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated by Sesamum indicum extracts. These findings suggested a hepato‐protective role for extracts against liver injury resulted from vanadium toxicity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 979–985, 2016.
Reading Every Single Day
Authors: Hudson Alida K. , Williams Joan A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article details one teacher's implementation of reading workshop in her second grade classroom. She provided a framework for authentic reading using the five components of reading workshop: time, choice, response, community, and structure. She found that reading workshop is a highly effective practice for not only increasing students’ motivation to read and ownership of reading but also increasing students’ reading abilities. The results indicate that providing students time to read books of their choice every day leads to student growth in the areas of comprehension, fluency, spelling and vocabulary, which correlates well with the Common Core language arts standards.
Effectiveness of biomass for energy purposes: a fuel cycle approach
Authors: Knápek Jaroslav , Králík Tomáš , Valentová Michaela , Voříšek Tomáš 
Published: March 2015

The article presents a methodology that allows the complex evaluation of the energy and economic effectiveness of the different kinds of biomass providing, processing and utilization for energy purposes. The methodology is based on identification of the whole fuel cycle for the individual types of grown biomass and conversion technologies used for production of end‐use energy products (such as biomethane, liquid biofuels, electricity, and heat). The evaluation of energy efficiency is based on the calculation of the net energy effect resulting from the use of 1 ha of agricultural land to grow biomass for energy purposes respecting differences in biomass fuel cycles due to differences in biomass production, conversion technologies, and end‐use energy products. Evaluation of the economic effectiveness of biomass utilization combines efficiency of biomass planting, conversion technologies, and the economic parameters of the individual elements of the fuel cycle. The application of the method is demonstrated on selected cases of biomass fuel cycles in the conditions of the Czech Republic. The methodology can serve as the groundwork for identifying the most effective strategies of biomass utilization for the energy purposes with respect to the limitation of agricultural land availability and the economic effectiveness of end‐use energy products providing. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:575–586. doi: 10.1002/wene.164This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Economics and Policy
Bioenergy > Science and Materials
Bioenergy > Systems and Infrastructure
Expression of a novel epoxide hydrolase of Aspergillus usamii E001 in Escherichia coli and its performance in resolution of racemic styrene oxide
Authors: Hu Die , Tang Cun-Duo , Yang Biao , Liu Jia-Chi , Yu Tao , Deng Chao , Wu Min-Chen 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The full-length cDNA sequence of Aueh2, a gene encoding an epoxide hydrolase of Aspergillus usamii E001 (abbreviated to AuEH2), was amplified from the total RNA. Synchronously, the complete DNA sequence containing 5′, 3′ flanking regions, eight exons and seven introns was cloned from the genomic DNA. In addition, a cDNA fragment of Aueh2 encoding a 395-aa AuEH2 was expressed in Escherichia coli. The catalytic activity of recombinant AuEH2 (re-AuEH2) was 1.44 U/ml using racemic styrene oxide (SO) as the substrate. The purified re-AuEH2 displayed the maximum activity at pH 7.0 and 35 °C. It was highly stable at a pH range of 5.0–7.5, and at 40 °C or below. Its activity was not obviously influenced by β-mercaptoethanol, EDTA and most of metal ions tested, but was inhibited by Hg2+, Sn2+, Cu2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+. The K m and V max of re-AuEH2 were 5.90 mM and 20.1 U/mg towards (R)-SO, while 7.66 mM and 3.19 U/mg towards (S)-SO. Its enantiomeric ratio (E) for resolution of racemic SO was 24.2 at 10 °C. The experimental result of re-AuEH2 biasing towards (R)-SO was consistent with the analytical one by molecular docking (MD) simulation.
Genetic Counseling in Portugal: Education, Practice and a Developing Profession
Authors: Paneque Milena , Mendes Álvaro , Saraiva Jorge , Sequeiros Jorge 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPortugal is one of the European countries where genetic counseling is emerging as an independent clinical and scientific field, paralleling the international expansion of this profession. Important steps have been consistently made towards establishing safe and ethical genetic counseling, delivered by adequately trained professionals. In 1998, Clinical Genetics was recognized in Portugal as a medical specialty. Eleven years later, the first generation of Portuguese (non MD) genetic counselors started a master level training programme at the University of Porto.
Cost-effectiveness of intensive home treatment enhanced by inpatient treatment elements in child and adolescent psychiatry in Germany: A randomised trial
Authors: Boege I. , Corpus N. , Schepker R. , Kilian R. , Fegert J.M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdmission rate to child and adolescent mental health inpatient units in Germany is high (54 467 admissions in 2013), resources for providing necessary beds are scarce. Alternative pathways to care are needed. Objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of inpatient treatment versus Hot-BITs-treatment (Hometreatment brings inpatient-treatment outside), a new supported discharge service offering an early discharge followed by 12 weeks of intensive support.MethodsOf 164 consecutively recruited children and adolescents, living within families and being in need of inpatient mental health care, 100 patients consented to participate and were randomised via a computer-list into intervention (n= 54) and control groups (n= 46). Follow-up data were available for 76 patients. Primary outcome was cost-effectiveness. Effectiveness was gathered by therapist-ratings on the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) at baseline (T1), treatment completion (T2) and an 8-month-follow-up (T3). Cost of service use (health care costs and non–health care costs) was calculated on an intention-to-treat basis at T2 and T3.ResultsSignificant treatment effects were observed for both groups between T1/T2 and T1/T3 (P< 0.001). The Hot-BITs treatment, however, was associated with significantly lower costs at T2 (difference: −6900.47€,P= 0.013) and T3 (difference: −8584.10€,P= 0.007). Bootstrap cost-effectiveness ratio indicated that Hot-BITs was less costly and tended to be more effective at T2 and T3.ConclusionsHot-BITs may be a feasible cost-effective alternative to long inpatient stays in child and adolescent psychiatry. Further rigorous evaluations of the model are required. (Registration number: ISRCTN02672532, part 1, Current Controlled Trials Ltd, URL:http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Nanopore-Based Fourth-Generation DNA Sequencing Technology
Authors: Feng Yanxiao , Zhang Yuechuan , Ying Cuifeng , Wang Deqiang , Du Chunlei 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Nanopore-based sequencers, as the fourth-generation DNA sequencing technology, have the potential to quickly and reliably sequence the entire human genome for less than $1000, and possibly for even less than $100. The single-molecule techniques used by this technology allow us to further study the interaction between DNA and protein, as well as between protein and protein. Nanopore analysis opens a new door to molecular biology investigation at the single-molecule scale. In this article, we have reviewed academic achievements in nanopore technology from the past as well as the latest advances, including both biological and solid-state nanopores, and discussed their recent and potential applications.
A cross‐sectional study of indications for cesarean deliveries in Médecins Sans Frontières facilities across 17 countries
Authors: Groen Reinou S. , Trelles Miguel , Caluwaerts Severine , Papillon‐Smith Jessica , Noor Saiqa , Qudsia Burhani , Ndelema Brigitte , Kondo Kalla M. , Wong Evan G. , Patel Hiten D. , Kushner Adam L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo review the major indications for cesareans performed by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) personnel from the Operational Center Brussels.MethodsA retrospective study was undertaken of all singleton cesarean deliveries from 2008–2012 for which indications were recorded. Location of project, age of patient, type of anesthesia, and duration of operation were also recorded.ResultsA total of 14 151 singleton cesarean deliveries were identified from 17 countries. Among the 15 905 indications recorded, the most common was failure to progress or cephalopelvic disproportion (4822 [30.3%]), followed by previous uterine scar (2504 [15.7%]), non‐reassuring fetal status (2306 [14.5%]), and fetal malpresentation (1746 [11.0%]). Other indications were placenta or vasa previa (794 [5.0%]), uterine rupture (676 [4.3%]), hypertensive disorders (659 [4.1%]), placental abruption (520 [3.3%]), pre‐rupture (450 [2.8%]), and cord prolapse (365 [2.3%]).ConclusionIndications for cesareans in MSF settings differ from those in higher‐income countries. Further investigation is needed for adequate emergency obstetric care coverage.