bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2, 3, 7, 8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin induces premature senescence of astrocytes via WNT/β‐catenin signaling and ROS production
Authors: Nie Xiaoke , Liang Lingwei , Xi Hanqing , Jiang Shengyang , Jiang Junkang , Tang Cuiying , Liu Xipeng , Liu Suyi , Wan Chunhua , Zhao Jianya , Yang Jianbin 
Published: November 2014

Abstract2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that could exert significant neurotoxicity in the human nervous system. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying TCDD‐mediated neurotoxicity has not been clarified clearly. Herein, we investigated the potential role of TCDD in facilitating premature senescence in astrocytes and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using the senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) assay, we demonstrated that TCDD exposure triggered significant premature senescence of astrocyte cells, which was accompanied by a marked activation of the Wingless and int (WNT)/β‐catenin signaling pathway. In addition, TCDD altered the expression of senescence marker proteins, such as p16, p21 and GFAP, which together have been reported to be upregulated in aging astrocytes, in both dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. Further, TCDD led to cell‐cycle arrest, F‐actin reorganization and the accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the ROS scavenger N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) markedly attenuated TCDD‐induced ROS production, cellular oxidative damage and astrocyte senescence. Notably, the application of XAV939, an inhibitor of WNT/β‐catenin signaling pathway, ameliorated the effect of TCDD on cellular β‐catenin level, ROS production, cellular oxidative damage and premature senescence in astrocytes. In summary, our findings indicated that TCDD might induce astrocyte senescence via WNT/β‐catenin and ROS‐dependent mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tributyltin alters secretion of interleukin 1 beta from human immune cells
Authors: Brown Shyretha , Whalen Margaret 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTributyltin (TBT) has been used as a biocide in industrial applications such as wood preservation, antifouling paint and antifungal agents. Owing to its many uses, it contaminates the environment and has been found in human blood samples. Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that promotes cell growth, tissue repair and immune response regulation. Produced predominately by both monocytes and macrophages, IL‐1β appears to increase the invasiveness of certain tumors. This study shows that TBT modifies the secretion of IL‐1β from increasingly reconstituted preparations of human immune cells. IL‐1β secretion was examined after 24‐, 48‐h or 6‐day exposures to TBT in highly enriched human natural killer (NK) cells, monocyte‐depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MD‐PBMCs), PBMCs, granulocytes and a preparation combining both PBMCs and granulocytes (PBMCs+granulocytes). TBT altered IL‐1β secretion from all of the cell preparations. The 200 nM concentration of TBT normally blocked the secretion of IL‐1β, whereas lower concentrations (usually 5–50 nM) elevated secretion of IL‐1β. Examination of the signaling pathway(s) responsible for the elevated secretion of IL‐1β was carried out in MD‐PBMCs. Pathways examined were IL‐1β processing (Caspase‐1), mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Results indicated that MAPK pathways (p44/42 and p38) appear to be the targets of TBT that lead to increased IL‐1β secretion from immune cells. These results from human immune cells show IL‐1β dysregulation by TBT is occurring ex vivo. Thus, the potential for in vivo effects on pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels may possibly be a consequence of TBT exposures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Pre‐ and Post–Combined Multidoses of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Coenzyme Q10 on Cisplatin‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Kidney
Authors: Fatima Sabiha , Al‐Mohaimeed Noura , Arjumand Sadia , Banu Naheed , Al‐Jameil Noura , Al‐Shaikh Yazeed 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe nephroprotective effect of coenzyme Q10 and epigallocatechin gallate was investigated in rats with acute renal injury induced by a single nephrotoxic dose of cisplatin. Two days prior to cisplatin administration, epigallocatechin gallate and coenzyme Q10 alone and in four different combinations were given for 6 days. The treatment with antioxidants significantly protected the cisplatin‐induced increase in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Both the antioxidants alone or in different combinations significantly compensated the increased malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels. Moreover, the decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and the concentration of selenium, zinc, and copper ions were significantly attenuated in renal tissue. In conclusion, epigallocatechin gallate and coenzyme Q10 are equally effective against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity, whereas the intervention by combining these two antioxidants was found to be highly effective at low doses in attenuating oxidative stress in rat kidney.
Orthogonally Resolvable Cycle Decompositions
Authors: Burgess A. , Danziger P. , Mendelsohn E. , Stevens B. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIf a cycle decomposition of a graph G admits two resolutions, and , such that for each resolution class and , then the resolutions and are said to be orthogonal. In this paper, we introduce the notion of an orthogonally resolvable cycle decomposition, which is a cycle decomposition admitting a pair of orthogonal resolutions. An orthogonally resolvable cycle decomposition of a graph G may be represented by a square array in which each cell is either empty or filled with a k–cycle from G, such that every vertex appears exactly once in each row and column of the array and every edge of G appears in exactly one cycle. We focus mainly on orthogonal k‐cycle decompositions of and (the complete graph with the edges of a 1‐factor removed), denoted . We give general constructions for such decompositions, which we use to construct several infinite families. We find necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an OCD(n, 4). In addition, we consider orthogonal cycle decompositions of the lexicographic product of a complete graph or cycle with . Finally, we give some nonexistence results.
Microbial safety and quality of fresh herbs from Los Angeles, Orange County and Seattle farmers' markets
Authors: Levy Donna J , Beck Nicola K , Kossik Alexandra L , Patti Taylor , Meschke J Scott , Calicchia Melissa , Hellberg Rosalee S 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDFarmers' markets have been growing in popularity in the United States, but the microbial quality and safety of the food sold at these markets is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the microbial safety and quality of fresh basil, parsley and cilantro sold at farmers' markets in the Los Angeles, Orange County and greater Seattle areas.RESULTSA total of 133 samples (52 basil, 41 cilantro and 40 parsley) were collected from 13 different farmers' markets and tested for Salmonella and generic Escherichia coli. One sample (parsley) was confirmed positive for Salmonella and 24.1% of samples were positive for generic E. coli, with a range of 0.70–3.15 log CFU g−1. Among the herbs tested, basil showed the highest percentage of samples with generic E. coli (26.9%), followed by cilantro (24.4%) and then parsley (20.0%). For 12% of samples, the levels of generic E. coli exceeded guidelines established by the Public Health Laboratory Service for microbiological quality of ready‐to‐eat foods.CONCLUSIONOverall, this study indicates the presence of Salmonella and generic E. coli in fresh herbs sold at farmers' markets; however, additional studies are needed to determine the sources and extent of contamination. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression of monellin in a food‐grade delivery system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Jun , Yan Da‐zhong , Zhao Sheng‐jun 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDGenetically modified (GM) foods have caused much controversy. Construction of a food‐grade delivery system is a desirable technique with presumptive impact on industrial applications from the perspective of bio‐safety. The aim of this study was to construct a food‐grade delivery system for Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to study the expression of monellin from the berries of the West African forest plant Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii in this system.RESULTSA food‐grade system for S. cerevisiae was constructed based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA)‐mediated homologous recombination to enable high‐copy‐number integration of the expression cassette inserted into the rDNA locus. A copper resistance gene (CUP1) was used as the selection marker for yeast transformation. Because variants of transformants containing different copy numbers at the CUP1 locus can be readily selected after growth in the presence of elevated copper levels, we suggest that this system would prove useful in the generation of tandemly iterated gene clusters. Using this food‐grade system, a single‐chain monellin gene was heterologously expressed. The yield of monellin reached a maximum of 675 mg L−1.CONCLUSIONThis system harbors exclusively S. cerevisiae DNA with no antibiotic resistance genes, and it should therefore be appropriate for safe use in the food industry. Monellin was shown to be expressed in this food‐grade delivery system. To our knowledge, this is the first report so far on expression of monellin in a food‐grade expression system in S. cerevisiae. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Benefits Derived from Rehabilitating a Degraded Semi‐Arid Rangeland in Communal Enclosures, Kenya
Authors: Mureithi Stephen M. , Verdoodt Ann , Njoka Jesse T. , Gachene Charles K. K. , Van Ranst Eric 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCombating land degradation in the semi‐arid rangeland of sub‐Saharan Africa is essential to ensure the long‐term productivity of these environments. In the Lake Baringo basin in Kenya, communities and individual farmers restored indigenous vegetation inside enclosures in an effort to combat severe land degradation and address their livelihood problems. This study quantified the benefits of rangeland rehabilitation using yearly communal enclosures' utilisation data compiled by Rehabilitation of Arid Environments (RAE) Trust over a 6‐year period (2005–2010). Results showed that communal enclosures provide a source of income through the sale of fattened livestock, harvested grass seeds, hay, honey and charcoal, among other products. Regression analysis showed an increasing total enclosure income with time. The enclosures also provide grasses for thatching, livestock feed and dry season grazing. Indirect products like milk, blood and meat are essential for household nutrition and food security. These benefits reinforce the management through incentive to maintain existing enclosures and establish new ones and therefore the increasing trend in rangeland enclosure. Increased soil and biomass carbon storage could come with other indirect environmental benefits including improvement in soil quality, land productivity for pasture production and food security, and prevention of land degradation, thus leading to economic, environmental and social benefit for the local agropastoralist communities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing and Managing Soil Quality for Urban Agriculture in a Degraded Vacant Lot Soil
Authors: Beniston Joshua W. , Lal Rattan , Mercer Kristin L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractFollowing the decline of industrial manufacturing, many US cities have experienced severe population reductions that have resulted in large areas of vacant land. Urban agriculture has emerged as a desirable land use for these spaces, but degraded soils are common. Therefore, we measured soil and plant responses to amendments and management in urban lots where vacant houses had recently been demolished in Youngstown, OH, USA. Soil degradation was observed following demolition activities in the form of compaction (bulk density of 1·5–1·8 Mg m−3) and low soil microbial biomass C (21 mg C kg−1 soil). Our split‐plot experiment measured the effects of organic matter (OM) amendments produced from yard wastes and the use of raised beds on soil properties and vegetable crop yields. Two years after their application, OM amendments resulted in significant improvement to a number of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Vegetable crop yields were improved by OM amendments in 2011 and by both OM amendments and the use of raised beds in 2012. A soil quality index, developed using factor analysis and the Soil Management Assessment Framework, produced values ranging from 0·60 to 0·85, which are comparable to those reported for rural agricultural soils. All results indicate that urban agriculture can be productive in vacant urban land and that amendments produced from urban yard wastes can improve soil quality at previously degraded sites and increase crop yields for urban agriculture. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Venous coupler use for free‐flap breast reconstructions: Specific analyses of TMG and DIEP flaps
Authors: Bodin Frédéric , Brunetti Stefania , Dissaux Caroline , Sauleau Erik A. , Facca Sybille , Bruant‐Rodier Catherine , Liverneaux Philippe 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this report was to present the results of comparisons of anastomotic data and flap complications in the use of venous coupler in breast reconstruction with the transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap and the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap.MethodsOver a three‐year period, 95 patients suffering from breast cancer were treated with mastectomy and breast reconstruction using free flaps. We performed 121 mechanical venous anastomoses for 105 flap procedures (80 DIEP and 25 TMG). The coupler size, anastomotic duration, number of anastomoses and postoperative complications were assessed for the entire series.ResultsThe coupling device was perfectly suitable for all end‐to‐end anastomoses between the vein(s) of the flap and the internal mammary vein(s). No venous thrombosis occurred. The mean anastomotic time did not significantly differ between the DIEP (330 seconds) and TMG flap procedures (352 seconds) (P = 0.069). Additionally, there were no differences in coupling time observed following a comparison of seven coupler sizes (P = 0.066). The mean coupler size used during the TMG flap procedure was smaller than that used with the DIEP (2.4 mm versus 2.8 mm) (P < 0.001). The mean size was also smaller when double venous anastomoses were required compared to single anastomosis (2.4 mm versus 2.9 mm) (P < 0.001). The double branching was more frequent with the TMG flap (28%) than with the DIEP flap (11%).ConclusionsThe coupler size used was smaller for the TMG procedure and when double venous anastomosis was performed. Additionally, anastomotic time was not affected by the flap type or coupler size used or by anastomosis number. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:295–299, 2015.
The role of non‐enhanced angiography in toe tip transfer with small diameter pedicle
Authors: Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Yamamoto Takumi , Iwamoto Taku , Hayashi Akitatsu , Narushima Mitsunaga , Iida Takuya , Koshima Isao 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundToe tip transfer allows functional and esthetic reconstruction of the lost fingertip, but it is still uncommon because identification and dissection of donor and recipient veins can be challenging. Nonenhanced angiography (NEA) is a device that emits infrared light at a wavelength of 850 nm, which is exclusively absorbed by hemoglobin. The light penetrates the bones and other soft tissues, effectively visualizing veins in real time. The aim of this report is to present the experience on the preoperative use of nonenhanced angiography for visualization of donor and recipient veins in toe tip transfers in a series of patients.Patients and MethodsFour cases of toe tip transfer and one case of free nail flap were performed for reconstruction of the tips of thumb and finger with preoperative examination using NEA. Patients' age ranged from 29 to 52 years old (average, 29.2 years old). Before the operation, the veins in the donor and recipient sites were marked using NEA, and the blood flow of the veins in the recipient site was confirmed.ResultsPedicles in all transferred toe tips were less than 2 cm in length, with diameters smaller than 0.8 mm. The postoperative courses were uneventful, and all transferred toe tips survived completely, with satisfying functional and aesthetic results.ConclusionsNEA may facilitate venous dissection of the donor and the recipient sites, allowing safe and efficient toe tip transfer with a small pedicle. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:364–369, 2015.
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype regulates body weight and fatty acid utilization—Studies in gene‐targeted replacement mice
Authors: Huebbe Patricia , Dose Janina , Schloesser Anke , Campbell Graeme , Glüer Claus‐Christian , Gupta Yask , Ibrahim Saleh , Minihane Anne‐Marie , Baines John F. , Nebel Almut , Rimbach Gerald 
Published: November 2014

ScopeOf the three human apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles, the ε3 allele is most common, which may be a result of adaptive evolution. In this study, we investigated whether the APOE genotype affects body weight and energy metabolism through regulation of fatty acid utilization.Methods and resultsTargeted replacement mice expressing the human APOE3 were significantly heavier on low‐ and high‐fat diets compared to APOE4 mice. Particularly on high‐fat feeding, food intake and dietary energy yields as well as fat mass were increased in APOE3 mice. Fatty acid mobilization determined as activation of adipose tissue lipase and fasting plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels were significantly lower in APOE3 than APOE4 mice. APOE4 mice, in contrast, exhibited higher expression of proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle.ConclusionOur data suggest that APOE3 is associated with the potential to more efficiently harvest dietary energy and to deposit fat in adipose tissue, while APOE4 carriers tend to increase fatty acid mobilization and utilization as fuel substrates especially under high‐fat intake. The different handling of dietary energy may have contributed to the evolution and worldwide distribution of the ε3 allele.
Axonal excitability in primary amyloidotic neuropathy
Authors: Hafner Jessica , Ghaoui Roula , Coyle Luke , Burke David , Ng Karl 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Acquired and hereditary amyloidosis can cause peripheral neuropathy, but the mechanisms by which this occurs have not been established. Threshold tracking techniques allow in vivo assessment of the properties of the axonal membrane and may shed light on pathogenetic mechanisms underlying neuropathic disorders. Methods: We studied 10 subjects with primary amyloidosis using conventional nerve conduction studies and quantitative sensory, autonomic, and axonal excitability testing of median motor and sensory fibers. Results: As expected, subjects with amyloidosis had evidence of small‐ and large‐fiber neuropathy on conventional testing. There was no significant difference in axonal excitability between subjects and controls apart from the stimulus required to activate sensory fibers. Conclusions: Amyloid‐related neuropathy does not produce a change in membrane potential as either a primary or secondary event. This suggests that ischemia and axonal compression are unlikely mechanisms for the neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 51: 443–445, 2015
Sporadic late‐onset nemaline myopathy as a rare cause of slowly progressive muscle weakness with young adult onset
Authors: Maeda Meiko Hashimoto , Ohta Hikari , Izutsu Koji , Shimizu Jun , Uesaka Yoshikazu 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Sporadic late‐onset nemaline myopathy (SLONM) is a rare intractable acquired myopathy characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, usually with middle to late adult onset. Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto‐PBSCT) has been reported to be a promising treatment for SLONM. Methods: In this study we performed clinical characterization, muscle histopathological analysis, and muscle power monitoring after auto‐PBSCT in a 27‐year‐old HIV‐negative man with monoclonal gammopathy. Results: He showed improved muscle strength after treatment with high‐dose melphalan and auto‐PBSCT. Conclusions: Considering the recent reports of successful treatment of SLONM, early and correct diagnosis of this condition in association with monoclonal gammopathy is important. SLONM should be added to the list of diseases to consider in the differential diagnosis of progressive muscle weakness with young adult onset. Muscle Nerve 51:772–774, 2015
Evaluation of material point method for use in geotechnics
Authors: Sołowski W. T. , Sloan S. W. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe first part of the paper presents a material point method solution for the bearing capacity of a deep foundation in purely cohesive soil, which is a widely known engineering problem. The results computed with the generalised interpolation material point method are compared to the results obtained previously with an advanced limit analysis code. The second part of the paper shows material point method simulations of collapsing piles of granular material and compares the results with experimental observations from the literature. The problems considered are problematic to solve using the displacement finite element method as they generally include very large deformations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bicriteria multiresource generalized assignment problem
Authors: Karsu Özlem , Azizoğlu Meral 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this study, we consider a bicriteria multiresource generalized assignment problem. Our criteria are the total assignment load and maximum assignment load over all agents. We aim to generate all nondominated objective vectors and the corresponding efficient solutions. We propose several lower and upper bounds and use them in our optimization and heuristic algorithms. The computational results have shown the satisfactory behaviors of our approaches. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 61: 621–636, 2014