bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A bone substitute with high affinity for vitamin D‐binding protein―relationship with niche of osteoclasts
Authors: Ikeda Tohru , Kasai Michiyuki , Tatsukawa Eri , Kamitakahara Masanobu , Shibata Yasuaki , Yokoi Taishi , Nemoto Takayuki K. , Ioku Koji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe biological activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts is regulated not only by hormones but also by local growth factors, which are expressed in neighbouring cells or included in bone matrix. Previously, we developed hydroxyapatite (HA) composed of rod‐shaped particles using applied hydrothermal methods (HHA), and it revealed mild biodegradability and potent osteoclast homing activity. Here, we compared serum proteins adsorbed to HHA with those adsorbed to conventional HA composed of globular‐shaped particles (CHA). The two ceramics adsorbed serum albumin and γ‐globulin to similar extents, but affinity for γ‐globulin was much greater than that to serum albumin. The chemotactic activity for macrophages of serum proteins adsorbed to HHA was significantly higher than that of serum proteins adsorbed to CHA. Quantitative proteomic analysis of adsorbed serum proteins revealed preferential binding of vitamin D‐binding protein (DBP) and complements C3 and C4B with HHA. When implanted with the femur of 8‐week‐old rats, HHA contained significantly larger amount of DBP than CHA. The biological activity of DBP was analysed and it was found that the chemotactic activity for macrophages was weak. However, DBP‐macrophage activating factor, which is generated by the digestion of sugar chains of DBP, stimulated osteoclastogenesis. These results confirm that the microstructure of hydroxyapatite largely affects the affinity for serum proteins, and suggest that DBP preferentially adsorbed to HA composed of rod‐shaped particles influences its potent osteoclast homing activity and local bone metabolism.
Transcriptional regulation of human USP24 gene expression by NF‐kappa B
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Shengchun , Wang Juelu , Wu Yili , Cai Fang , Song Weihong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractImpairment of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. This process is carried out under tight regulation by deubiquitinating enzymes. Genetic linkage studies indicated that the region of the human ubiquitin‐specific protease 24 (USP24) gene is significantly correlated with Parkinson's disease. In this study, we cloned a 1648 bp 5′ flanking region of the human USP24 gene coding sequence and a series of nested deletions into the pGL3‐Basic vector. We analyzed promoter activities of these regions with a luciferase‐based reporter assay system. A 64‐bp region was identified to contain the transcription initiation site and a minimum promoter sequence for transcriptional activation of the USP24 gene expression. Expression of USP24 is controlled by a TATA‐box‐less promoter with several putative cis‐acting elements. Transcriptional activation and gel‐shift assay demonstrated that the USP24 gene promoter contains a functional NFκB‐binding site. Over‐expression of nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) and tumor‐necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) treatment significantly increased the USP24 promoter activity, mRNA expression and protein level in human HEK293 cells, mouse N2a cells and human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. Deletion and mutation of the binding site abolished the regulatory effect of NFκB on human USP24 gene transcription. These results suggested that USP24 expression is tightly regulated at its transcription level and NFκB plays an important role in this process.
imageImpairment of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. This report showed that the expression of human ubiquitin‐specific protease 24 (USP24), a deubiquitinating enzyme of UPS, is tightly regulated by NFκB. The results suggest that dysregulation of NFκB‐mediated USP24 expression may play a role in PD pathogenesis and modulating this process could have therapeutic potential.
Neuroprotective role of hydralazine in rat spinal cord injury‐attenuation of acrolein‐mediated damage
Authors: Park Jonghyuck , Zheng Lingxing , Marquis Andrew , Walls Michael , Duerstock Brad , Pond Amber , Vega‐Alvarez Sasha , Wang He , Ouyang Zheng , Shi Riyi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAcrolein, an α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde and a reactive product of lipid peroxidation, has been suggested as a key factor in neural post‐traumatic secondary injury in spinal cord injury (SCI), mainly based on in vitro and ex vivo evidence. Here, we demonstrate an increase of acrolein up to 300%; the elevation lasted at least 2 weeks in a rat SCI model. More importantly, hydralazine, a known acrolein scavenger can provide neuroprotection when applied systemically. Besides effectively reducing acrolein, hydralazine treatment also resulted in significant amelioration of tissue damage, motor deficits, and neuropathic pain. This effect was further supported by demonstrating the ability of hydralazine to reach spinal cord tissue at a therapeutic level following intraperitoneal application. This suggests that hydralazine is an effective neuroprotective agent not only in vitro, but in a live animal model of SCI as well. Finally, the role of acrolein in SCI was further validated by the fact that acrolein injection into the spinal cord caused significant SCI‐like tissue damage and motor deficits. Taken together, available evidence strongly suggests a critical causal role of acrolein in the pathogenesis of spinal cord trauma. Since acrolein has been linked to a variety of illness and conditions, we believe that acrolein‐scavenging measures have the potential to be expanded significantly ensuring a broad impact on human health.
imageThe pathological role of acrolein in spinal cord injury (SCI) is demonstrated through its prolonged elevation and subsequent reduction by hydralazine, an acrolein scavenger, which leads to amelioration of tissue damage, motor deficits, and neuropathic pain. Acrolein injection into the spinal cord caused similar SCI pathologies that further support its role as an effective therapeutic target in SCI.
Growth Opportunities, Technology Shocks, and Asset Prices
Authors: KOGAN LEONID , PAPANIKOLAOU DIMITRIS 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTWe explore the impact of investment‐specific technology (IST) shocks on the cross section of stock returns. Using a structural model, we show that IST shocks have a differential effect on the value of assets in place and the value of growth opportunities. This differential sensitivity to IST shocks has two main implications. First, firm risk premia depend on the contribution of growth opportunities to firm value. Second, firms with similar levels of growth opportunities comove with each other, giving rise to the value factor in stock returns and the failure of the conditional CAPM. Our empirical tests confirm the model's predictions.
Chewing ability, nutritional status and quality of life
Authors: Lee I.‐C. , Yang Y.‐H. , Ho P.‐S. , Lee I.‐C. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryIn the literature, most researchers evaluate individuals’ nutritional status and chewing ability by types of foods chosen or blood test. However, most of previous researches enrolled small sample size and the results might be influenced by personal preference of foods as well as the individuals’ response to invasive examination. In this study, researchers assessed individuals’ nutritional status and chewing ability with non‐invasive test and excluded the personal preference of foods. This study had two aims: first, to explore associations between chewing ability, edentulous or dentulous, self‐perceived oral health and individuals’ nutritional status and quality of life; second, to assess whether the association proposed by Locker's model is valid. This study used the database of Phase I ‘Publicly‐funded Denture Installation Plan for the Elderly’ of Kaohsiung City Government. Nine hundred and fifty‐four subjects aged 65 years and older completed the questionnaires for data analysis. The research results supported and verified the theoretical model proposed by Locker. Individual's chewing ability associated significantly with his/her nutritional status and quality of life. The results demonstrated that better chewing ability of the elderly leads to better nutritional status and quality of life. The appropriateness of the indicators and measurements of individual's chewing ability and nutritional status used in this study has been evaluated and presented. These indicators and measurements are suggested to be generally used for clinical or research application on future‐related issues. Consequently, the maintenance or improvement in the chewing ability of the elderly is extremely beneficial to healthy ageing.
Punishing environmental crimes: An empirical study from lower courts to the court of appeal
Authors: Billiet Carole M. , Blondiau Thomas , Rousseau Sandra 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe analyze judicial policy lines concerning the punishment of environmental crime using a unique European dataset of individual criminal cases, including case‐specific information on offenses and offenders. We investigate policy choices made by lower criminal courts, as well as their follow‐up by the relevant court of appeal. The sanctioning policy of the courts has proven to be varied as well as consistent. Judges carefully balance effective and suspended penalties, most often using them cumulatively, but in specific cases opting to use them as substitutes. Overall, both judges in lower and appeal courts balance environmental law and classic criminal law and aim at protecting individuals and their possessions as well as the environment.
Association of five genetic variants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease susceptibility and spirometric phenotypes in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhou Haixia , Liang Binmiao , Xiao Jun , Su Zhiguang , Chen Hong , Ma Chunlan , Li Dengxue , Feng Yulin , Ou Xuemei 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveRecent genome‐wide association studies have shown associations between variants at five loci (TNS1, GSTCD, HTR4, AGER and THSD4) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung function. However, their association with COPD has not been proven in Chinese Han population, nor have COPD‐related phenotypes been studied. The objective of this study was to look for associations between five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in these novel candidate genes and COPD susceptibility or lung function in a Chinese Han population.MethodsAllele and genotype data on 680 COPD patients and 687 healthy controls for sentinel SNP in these five loci were investigated. Allele frequencies and genotype distributions were compared between cases and controls, and odds ratios were calculated. Potential relationships between these SNP and COPD‐related lung function were assessed.ResultsNo significant associations were found between any of the SNP and COPD in cases and controls. The SNP (rs3995090) in HTR4 was associated with COPD (adjusted P = 0.022) in never‐smokers, and the SNP (rs2070600) in AGER was associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) predicted (β = −0.066, adjusted P = 0.016) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (β = −0.071, adjusted P = 0.009) in all subjects.ConclusionsThe variant at HTR4 was associated with COPD in never‐smokers, and the SNP in AGER was associated with pulmonary function in a Chinese Han population.
Global Financial Crises and Time‐Varying Volatility Comovement in World Equity Markets
Authors: Duncan Andrew S. , Kabundi Alain 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper studies volatility comovement in world equity markets between 1994 and 2008. Global volatility factors are extracted from a panel of monthly volatility proxies relating to 25 developed and 20 emerging stock markets. A dynamic factor model (FM) is estimated using two‐year rolling‐window regressions. The FM's time‐varying variance shares of global factors map variations in volatility comovement over time and across countries. The results indicate that global volatility linkages are significantly stronger during financial crisis periods in Asia (1997‐1998), Brazil (1999), Russia (1998) and the United States (2000, 2007‐2008). Emerging markets are weakly synchronised with world volatility in comparison with developed markets. In particular, emerging market comovement is significantly lower than developed market comovement during the Asian and US sub‐prime crises. This suggests a degree of decoupling of emerging markets from the global drivers of volatility during these periods.
Attempted Suicide in a Xhosa Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder Population
Authors: Lückhoff Marlize , Koen Liezl , Jordaan Esme , Niehaus Daniel 
Published: November 2013

Suicide risk behavior is a significant contributor to the mortality and morbidity of schizophrenia. We previously reported affected sibship status in a Xhosa schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder sample to be protective in nature; given the counterintuitive nature of this finding, we expanded the sample size to seek further clarification. Subjects were assessed with the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies and then stratified into two groups: with (n = 137) or without (n = 837) a previous suicide attempt. The presence of lifetime bizarre behavior (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.12–1.87) or cannabis use or abuse (OR 1.2; 95%CI 10.01–1.47) was a significant predictor of suicide attempts, while a higher global alogia score (OR 0.84; 95%CI 0.74–0.96) was a protective factor. Our data seem to support that in this population, encouraging family members to report bizarre behavior and implementing dual diagnosis interventions for cannabis use or abuse could be an appropriate starting point toward developing a targeted suicide prevention program for further research.
The maize brown midrib2 (bm2) gene encodes a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase that contributes to lignin accumulation
Authors: Tang Ho Man , Liu Sanzhen , Hill‐Skinner Sarah , Wu Wei , Reed Danielle , Yeh Cheng‐Ting , Nettleton Dan , Schnable Patrick S. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe midribs of maize brown midrib (bm) mutants exhibit a reddish‐brown color associated with reductions in lignin concentration and alterations in lignin composition. Here, we report the mapping, cloning, and functional and biochemical analyses of the bm2 gene. The bm2 gene was mapped to a small region of chromosome 1 that contains a putative methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which is down‐regulated in bm2 mutant plants. Analyses of multiple Mu‐induced bm2‐Mu mutant alleles confirmed that this constitutively expressed gene is bm2. Yeast complementation experiments and a previously published biochemical characterization show that the bm2 gene encodes a functional MTHFR. Quantitative RT‐PCR analyses demonstrated that the bm2 mutants accumulate substantially reduced levels of bm2 transcript. Alteration of MTHFR function is expected to influence accumulation of the methyl donor S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM). Because SAM is consumed by two methyltransferases in the lignin pathway (Ye et al., ), the finding that bm2 encodes a functional MTHFR is consistent with its lignin phenotype. Consistent with this functional assignment of bm2, the expression patterns of genes in a variety of SAM‐dependent or ‐related pathways, including lignin biosynthesis, are altered in the bm2 mutant. Biochemical assays confirmed that bm2 mutants accumulate reduced levels of lignin with altered composition compared to wild‐type. Hence, this study demonstrates a role for MTHFR in lignin biosynthesis.
Generation and selection of anti-flagellin monoclonal antibodies useful for serotyping Salmonella enterica
Authors: Hiriart Yanina , Serradell Maria , Martínez Araci , Sampaolesi Sofia , Maciel Dolores Gonzalez , Chabalgoity Jose Alejandro , Yim Lucía , Algorta Gabriela , Rumbo Martin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In developing countries, bacterial acute gastroenteritis continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality among young children. Salmonellosis constitutes a major cause of infectious enteritis worldwide, most of them associated to the consumption of contaminated food products. Traditionally, Salmonella has been classified in serovars based on varieties of O and H surface antigens. In the present work we generated and characterized a panel of anti-flagellin monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in order to select antibodies useful for detecting the H surface antigen. Four different MAbs were obtained by somatic hybridization of splenocytes. We found two MAbs that recognised regions of flagellin conserved among different Salmonella serovars. Other two MAbs recognised structures restricted to Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium, being one of them suitable for agglutination tests. Using a diverse panel of S. enterica serovars with different H antigen varieties we confirmed that this MAb agglutinates specifically S. Typhimurium (antigenic formula: 4,12:i:1,2) or other serovars expressing flagellar factor i. In conclusion, we generated a valuable immunochemical tool to be used in simple assays for serotyping of epidemiologically relevant strains. The capacity to characterize specific strains and determine the primary sources of Salmonella contamination generate valuable information of the epidemiology of this microorganism, contributing to the improvement of public health.
Misregulation of autophagy and protein degradation systems in myopathies and muscular dystrophies
Authors: Sandri Marco , Coletto Luisa , Grumati Paolo , Bonaldo Paolo 
Published: November 2013

Summary
A number of recent studies have highlighted the importance of autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting in different types of inherited muscle disorders. Autophagy is crucial for the removal of dysfunctional organelles and protein aggregates, whereas the ubiquitin-proteasome is important for the quality control of proteins. Post-mitotic tissues, such as skeletal muscle, are particularly susceptible to aged or dysfunctional organelles and aggregation-prone proteins. Therefore, these degradation systems need to be carefully regulated in muscles. Indeed, excessive or defective activity of the autophagy lysosome or ubiquitin-proteasome leads to detrimental effects on muscle homeostasis. A growing number of studies link abnormalities in the regulation of these two pathways to myofiber degeneration and muscle weakness. Understanding the pathogenic role of these degradative systems in each inherited muscle disorder might provide novel therapeutic targets to counteract muscle wasting. In this Commentary, we will discuss the current view on the role of autophagy lysosome and ubiquitin-proteasome in the pathogenesis of myopathies and muscular dystrophies, and how alteration of these degradative systems contribute to muscle wasting in inherited muscle disorders. We will also discuss how modulating autophagy and proteasome might represent a promising strategy for counteracting muscle loss in different diseases.
Clinical results, radiological findings and survival of a proximally hydroxyapatite-coated hip ABG II stem at a minimum of ten years’ follow-up
Authors: Epinette J-A. , Asencio G. , Essig J. , Llagonne B. , Nourissat C. 
Published: November 2013

We report a multicentre prospective consecutive study assessing the long-term outcome of the proximally hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated ABG II monobloc femoral component in a series of 1148 hips in 1053 patients with a mean age at surgery of 64.77 years (22 to 80) at a mean follow-up of 10.84 years (10 to 15.25). At latest follow-up, the mean total Harris hip score was 94.7 points (sd; 6.87; 49 to 100), and the mean Merle d’Aubigné–Postel score was 17.6 points (sd 1.12; 7 to 18). The mean total Engh radiological score score was 21.54 (sd 5.77; 3.5 to 27), with 95.81% of ‘confirmed ingrowth’, according to Engh’s classification. With aseptic loosening or pain as endpoints, three AGB II stems (0.26%) failed, giving a 99.7% survival rate (se 0.002; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.994 to 1) at 14 years’ follow-up. The survival of patients ≤ 50 years of age (99.0% (se 0.011; 95% CI 0.969 to 1)) did not differ significantly from those of patients aged > 50 years (99.8% (se 0.002; 95% CI 0.994 to 1)). This study confirmed the excellent long-term results currently achieved with the ABG II proximally HA-coated monobloc stem.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1610–16.
Pain Management Barriers in Critical Care Units: A Qualitative study
Authors: Batiha Abdul-Monim Mohammad 
Published: November 2013

Background: Uncontrolled pain in intensive care units triggers physical and emotional stress responses, inhibits healing, increases the risk of other complications, and increases the length of ICU stay. Aim: To explore pain management barriers as identified by Jordanian critical care units. Method: This study employed qualitative content analysis with 37 participant nurses from Jordanian critical care units. Data were obtained through semi-structured serial interviews. Purpose nonprobability sampling was used for the initial interviews. Results: Several themes emerged to describe barriers to managing pain identified by the critical care nurses. These were grouped into three main themes: (1) Barriers related to patients with subgroups such as patient did not want to bother nurses, patients’ difficulty with completing pain scales, patients’ reluctance to take pain medications because of side-effects, patients reporting their pain to the doctor, but not to the nurse, and fatalistic beliefs. (2) Barriers related to nurses that included patient sedation, frequent complaints from patients, inconsistent practices around administering if necessary medications, time limitations, limited communication, the fear of side effects of pain drugs, physicians' lack of trust in the nursing assessment of pain in critically ill patients, inadequate staff knowledge of pain management, and fear of causing delirium or confusion. and (3) Barriers related to hospital policies includes: policies and rules of hospital, lack proper pain assessment tool, nursing shortages, powerlessness ,interruptions of activities relating to pain, lack of psychosocial support services, lack of alternatives nonpharmacologic therapy , and lack of pain management drugs. Conclusion: The results identify potential pain management barriers which can be considered when developing and disseminating policies and procedures in managing the pain in Jordanian critical care settings.
Using a Fractional Experimental Design for the Study of the Tensile Strength of a Film of Polyethylene Plastic Degradable
Authors: Nohair Mohamed , Souaf Nabil , Zakarya Driss 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this work, we developed a model, using a fractional factorial design to study the tensile strength of a film of polyethylene HDPE plastic degradable. The model includes four factors that could potentially affect the resistance of the film: linear polyethylene or low-density polyethylene LDPE, calcium carbonate added as a mineral filler to reduce the cost of the film and the film thickness; an oxo-degradable additive (prooxidant) consisting of a transition metal salt is included in small quantities (typically 2–3%) to the conventional plastic during the manufacturing process in order to get a degradable material, when disposed of in an appropriate environment. Statistical studies corresponding to the analysis of variance show that the prooxidant has no effect on the resistance of the film. The thickness is by far the most important parameter, and it is possible to reach a strength corresponding to 500% of the elongation at break of the film for an appropriate mixture by taking some precautions related to the proportion of the mineral filler. The proposed linear model is valid in the experimental field of the various factors; it leads to a good correlation between the observed and calculated values with a relative bias that does not exceed 3%.