bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Catalytic Performance of Metalloporphyrins during Hydrogenation of Anthracene
Authors: Liu He , Ji Shunfeng , Wang Zongxian , Guo Aijun , Chen Kun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe potential catalytic performance of metalloporphyrins (MPs) for the hydrogenation of anthracene was investigated. The hydrogenation of anthracene with MPs, sulfur, or a combination of both was investigated. The MPs showed a small amount of catalytic activity for the hydrogenation reaction. Sulfur markedly improved the catalytic activity of the MPs. To probe demetalation of the MPs and the formation of catalytic species, conversions of the MPs were evaluated by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The solids formed in situ with α‐Al2O3 as a carrier during the hydrogenation with nickel tetraphenylporphyrin and sulfur were characterized by Raman, X‐ray photoelectron (XPS), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). In the presence of sulfur, high conversions of the MPs were obtained. Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and EDS analyses suggested that the catalytic species were mixtures of different nickel sulfide phases with NiS as the main component. Thus, with the aid of sulfur, the MPs could be readily demetalated and then sulfided to catalytic species, and thus it is possible to activate inherent MPs to improve the hydroconversion of heavy oil.
Use of an exposure chamber to maintain aqueous phase nanoparticle dispersions for improved toxicity testing in fish
Authors: Boyle David , Boran Halis , Atfield Andrew J. , Henry Theodore B. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

A novel chamber for maintaining aqueous phase dispersions of nanoparticles (NPs) to enable improved toxicity testing in larval zebrafish was developed. Aqueous concentrations were within 80% of initial NP concentrations, and the 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) values were highly reproducible (coefficient of variation &lt;0.16, n = 3 tests). Significantly lower toxicity for each NP tested (Ag, Cu, and TiO2NPs) in static beakers suggested that traditional acute toxicity tests may underestimate aqueous phase toxicity of NPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:583–588. © 2014 SETAC
Sublethal effects of aged oil sands–affected water on white sucker (Catostomus commersonii)
Authors: Arens Collin J. , Hogan Natacha S. , Kavanagh Richard J. , Mercer Angella G. , Kraak Glen J. Van Der , van den Heuvel Michael R. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

To investigate impacts of proposed oil sands aquatic reclamation techniques on benthic fish, white sucker (Catostomus commersonii Lacépède, 1803) were stocked in 2 experimental ponds—Demonstration Pond, containing aged fine tailings capped with fresh water, consistent with proposed end-pit lake designs, and South Bison Pond, containing aged unextracted oil sands material—to examine the effects of unmodified hydrocarbons. White sucker were stocked from a nearby reservoir at both sites in May 2010 and sampled 4 mo later to measure indicators of energy storage and utilization. Comparisons were then made with the source population and 2 reference lakes in the region. After exposure to aged tailings, white sucker had smaller testes and ovaries and reduced growth compared with the source population. Fish introduced to aged unextracted oil sands material showed an increase in growth over the same period. Limited available energy, endocrine disruption, and chronic stress likely contributed to the effects observed, corresponding to elevated concentrations of naphthenic acids, aromatic compounds in bile, and increased CYP1A activity. Because of the chemical and biological complexity of these systems, direct cause–effect relationships could not be identified; however, effects were associated with naphthenic acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ammonia, and high pH. Impacts on growth have not been previously observed in pelagic fishes examined in these systems, and may be related to differences in sediment interaction. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:589–599. © 2014 SETAC
Toxicity of sediments from lead–zinc mining areas to juvenile freshwater mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea) compared to standard test organisms
Authors: Besser John M. , Ingersoll Christopher G. , Brumbaugh William G. , Kemble Nile E. , May Thomas W. , Wang Ning , MacDonald Donald D. , Roberts Andrew D. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Sediment toxicity tests compared chronic effects on survival, growth, and biomass of juvenile freshwater mussels (28-d exposures with Lampsilis siliquoidea) to the responses of standard test organisms—amphipods (28-d exposures with Hyalella azteca) and midges (10-d exposures with Chironomus dilutus)—in sediments from 2 lead–zinc mining areas: the Tri-State Mining District and Southeast Missouri Mining District. Mussel tests were conducted in sediments sieved to &lt;0.25 mm to facilitate recovery of juvenile mussels (2–4 mo old). Sediments were contaminated primarily with lead, zinc, and cadmium, with greater zinc and cadmium concentrations in Tri-State sediments and greater lead concentrations in southeast Missouri sediments. The frequency of highly toxic responses (reduced 10% or more relative to reference sites) in Tri-State sediments was greatest for amphipod survival (25% of samples), midge biomass (20%), and mussel survival (14%). In southeast Missouri sediments, the frequency of highly toxic samples was greatest for mussel biomass (25%) and amphipod biomass (13%). Thresholds for metal toxicity to mussels, expressed as hazard quotients based on probable effect concentrations, were lower for southeast Missouri sediments than for Tri-State sediments. Southeast Missouri sites with toxic sediments had 2 or fewer live mussel taxa in a concurrent mussel population survey, compared with 7 to 26 taxa at reference sites. These results demonstrate that sediment toxicity tests with juvenile mussels can be conducted reliably by modifying existing standard methods; that the sensitivity of mussels to metals can be similar to or greater than standard test organisms; and that responses of mussels in laboratory toxicity tests are consistent with effects on wild mussel populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:626–639. © 2014 SETAC
Effects of pyrethroid insecticides in urban runoff on Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and their invertebrate prey
Authors: Weston Donald P. , Schlenk Daniel , Riar Navneet , Lydy Michael J. , Brooks Marjorie L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Pyrethroid insecticides can affect salmonids either indirectly through toxicity to their prey or directly by toxicity to the fish themselves. In support of a study on pyrethroid impacts to Chinook salmon and steelhead trout in the American River (Sacramento, California, USA), 96-h median effective concentration (EC50) and median lethal concentration (LC50) values for the pyrethroid bifenthrin were determined for taxa not traditionally used for toxicity testing but of interest as salmonid prey, including a chironomid, caddisflies, mayflies, and stoneflies. A laboratory was constructed on the banks of the American River to expose macroinvertebrates, Chinook salmon, and steelhead trout to flow-through river water containing urban runoff during storm events. Bifenthrin from urban runoff was found in river water following 5 rain events, reaching 14.6 ng/L. Mortality to the exposed salmonids was not observed, and sublethal effects were not seen in vitellogenin or sex steroid levels. Indirect effects via toxicity to salmonid prey are possible. Mortality to Hyalella azteca, a potential prey, was observed in every event tested, and peak bifenthrin concentrations were comparable to the 96-h EC50 of the caddisfly, Hydropsyche sp., the most important prey species on a biomass basis for American River Chinook salmon. The other invertebrates tested had EC50s exceeding bifenthrin concentrations seen in the American River, though could potentially be at risk at concentrations previously reported in smaller urban tributaries. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:649–657. © 2014 SETAC
Influence of carbon nanotubes on the bioavailability of fluoranthene
Authors: Linard Erica N. , van den Hurk Peter , Karanfil Tanju , Apul Onur G. , Klaine Stephen J. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Concurrent with the increase in the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in society is the rise of their introduction into the environment. Carbon nanotubes cause adverse effects themselves, and they have the potential to adsorb contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although CNTs have a high adsorption capacity for PAHs and these contaminants can co-occur in the environment, few studies have characterized the bioavailability of CNT-adsorbed PAHs to fish. The goal of the present study was to characterize the bioavailability of fluoranthene adsorbed to suspended multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in freshwater containing natural organic matter (NOM). Adsorption isotherms indicated that NOM influenced the adsorption of fluoranthene to MWNTs, although in the absence of MWNTs it did not influence the bioavailability of fluoranthene to Pimephales promelas. Pimephales promelas were exposed for 16 h in synthetic moderately hard water containing fluoranthene in the presence of different concentrations of NOM, and fluoranthene adsorbed to MWNTs in the presence of NOM. Bioavailable fluoranthene was quantified in each exposure through bile analysis using fluorescence spectrophotometry. By comparing the concentration of fluoranthene metabolites in the bile with the concentration of fluoranthene added to MWNT and NOM solutions, the relative bioavailability of fluoranthene adsorbed to MWNTs was quantified. Results indicate that approximately 60% to 90% of the fluoranthene was adsorbed to the MWNTs and that adsorbed fluoranthene was not bioavailable to P. promelas. The results also suggest that fluoranthene is not desorbed from ingested MWNT, and the bioavailable fraction is only the freely dissolved fluoranthene in the aqueous phase. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:658–666. © 2014 SETAC
Ankle‐brachial index and inter‐artery blood pressure differences as predictors of cognitive function in overweight and obese older adults with diabetes: results from the Action for Health in Diabetes movement and memory study
Authors: Espeland Mark A. , Beavers Kristen M. , Gibbs Bethany Barone , Johnson Karen C. , Hughes Timothy M. , Baker Laura D. , Jakicic John , Korytkowski Mary , Miller Marsha , Bray George A. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveAnkle‐brachial index (ABI) and interartery systolic blood pressure differences, as markers of vascular disease, are plausible risk factors for deficits in cognitive function among overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe ABI and maximum interartery differences (MIAD) in systolic blood pressures were assessed annually for five years among 479 participants assigned to the control condition in a randomized clinical trial of a behavioral weight loss intervention. A battery of standardized cognitive function tests was administered 4 to 5 years later. Analyses of covariance were used to assess relationships that ABI, MIAD, and progression of ABI and MIAD had with cognitive function.ResultsThere was a curvilinear relationship between ABI and a composite index of cognitive function (p = 0.03), with lower ABI being associated with poorer function. In graded fashions, both greater MIAD and increases in MIAD over time also had modest relationships with poorer verbal memory (both p ≤ 0.05), processing speed (both p ≤ 0.05), and composite cognitive function (both p < 0.04). These relationships were independent of each other and remained evident after extensive covariate adjustment.ConclusionsIn overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes, lower ABI and larger interartery systolic blood pressure differences have modest, independent, graded relationships with poorer cognitive function 4–5 years later. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personal experience with narrated events modulates functional connectivity within visual and motor systems during story comprehension
Authors: Chow Ho Ming , Mar Raymond A. , Xu Yisheng , Liu Siyuan , Wagage Suraji , Braun Allen R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPast experience of everyday life activities, which forms the basis of our knowledge about the world, greatly affects how we understand stories. Yet, little is known about how this influence is instantiated in the human brain. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how past experience facilitates functional connectivity during the comprehension of stories rich in perceptual and motor details. We found that comprehenders' past experience with the scenes and actions described in the narratives selectively modulated functional connectivity between lower‐ and higher‐level areas within the neural systems for visual and motor processing, respectively. These intramodal interactions may play an important role in integrating personal knowledge about a narrated situation with an evolving discourse representation. This study provides empirical evidence consistent with the idea that regions related to visual and motor processing are involved in the reenactment of experience as proposed by theories of embodied cognition. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1494–1505, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bornyl acetate has an anti‐inflammatory effect in human chondrocytes via induction of IL‐11
Authors: Yang He , Zhao Rugang , Chen Hao , Jia Pu , Bao Li , Tang Hai 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBoth pro‐inflammatory cytokines and anti‐inflammatory cytokines generated by chondrocytes play essential roles in the process of Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA). Bornyl acetate is the main volatile constituent in numerous conifer oils and some Chinese traditional herbs, which has displayed an anti‐inflammatory effect before. In this study, we found that bornyl acetate elevates the expression of IL‐11 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, our results indicated that IL‐1β‐mediated up‐regulation of IL‐6, IL‐8, MMP‐1, and MMP‐13 was significantly compromised by IL‐11 co‐treatment on mRNA levels and protein levels. The antagonistic effects of bornyl acetate on IL‐1β induced targets MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 were diminished by IL‐11 knockdown. Mechanistically, our results indicated that bornyl acetate significantly elevates the expression of AP‐1 component c‐fos, which may influence gross AP‐1 activity and initial the transcription of IL‐11. Indeed, expression of IL‐11 was reversed upon c‐fos knockdown. Our results suggest the therapeutic potentials of bornyl acetate in patients with OA. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(12):854–859, 2014
Rapid oriented fibril formation of fish scale collagen facilitates early osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Matsumoto Rena , Uemura Toshimasa , Xu Zhefeng , Yamaguchi Isamu , Ikoma Toshiyuki , Tanaka Junzo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe studied the effect of fibril formation of fish scale collagen on the osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). We found that hMSCs adhered easily to tilapia scale collagen, which remarkably accelerated the early stage of osteoblastic differentiation in hMSCs during in vitro cell culture. Osteoblastic markers such as ALP activity, osteopontin, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 were markedly upregulated when the hMSCs were cultured on a tilapia collagen surface, especially in the early osteoblastic differentiation stage. We hypothesized that this phenomenon occurs due to specific fibril formation of tilapia collagen. Thus, we examined the time course of collagen fibril formation using high‐speed atomic force microscopy. Moreover, to elucidate the effect of the orientation of fibril formation on the differentiation of hMSCs, we measured ALP activity of hMSCs cultured on two types of tilapia scale collagen membranes with different degrees of fibril formation. The ALP activity in hMSCs cultured on a fibrous collagen membrane was significantly higher than on a non‐fibrous collagen membrane even before adding osteoblastic differentiation medium. These results showed that the degree of the fibril formation of tilapia collagen was essential for the osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2531–2539, 2015.
Association of QCT Bone Mineral Density and Bone Structure With Vertebral Fractures in Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Borggrefe Jan , Giravent Sarah , Thomsen Felix , Peña Jaime , Campbell Graeme , Wulff Asmus , Günther Andreas , Heller Martin , Glüer Claus C 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is used for staging osteolytic lesions and detecting fractures in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In the OsteoLysis of Metastases and Plasmacell-infiltration Computed Tomography 2 study (OLyMP-CT) study we investigated whether patients with and without vertebral fractures show differences in bone mineral density (BMD) or microstructure that could be used to identify patients at risk for fracture. We evaluated whole-body CT scans in a group of 104 MM patients without visible osteolytic lesions using an underlying lightweight calibration phantom (Image Analysis Inc., Columbia, KY, USA). QCT software (StructuralInsight) was used for the assessment of BMD and bone structure of the T11 or T12 vertebral body. Age-adjusted standardized odds ratios (sORs) per SD change were derived from logistic regression analyses, and areas under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUCs) analyses were calculated. Forty-six of the 104 patients had prevalent vertebral fractures (24/60 men, 22/44 women). Patients with fractures were not significantly older than patients without fractures (mean ± SD, 64 ± 9.2 versus 62 ± 12.3 years; p = 0.4). Trabecular BMD in patients with fractures versus without fractures was 169 ± 41 versus 192 ± 51 mg/cc (AUC = 0.62 ± 0.06, sOR = 1.6 [1.1 to 2.5], p = 0.02). Microstructural variables achieved optimal discriminatory power at bone thresholds of 150 mg/cc. Best fracture discrimination for single microstructural variables was observed for trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) (AUC = 0.72 ± 0.05, sOR = 2.4 (1.5 to 3.9), p &lt; 0.0001). In multivariate models AUCs improved to 0.77 ± 0.05 for BMD and Tb.Sp, and 0.79 ± 0.05 for Tb.Sp and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th). Compared to BMD values, these improvements of AUC values were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.0001). In MM patients, QCT-based analyses of bone structure derived from routine CT scans permit discrimination of patients with and without vertebral fractures. Rarefaction of the trabecular network due to plasma cell infiltration and osteoporosis can be measured. Deterioration of microstructural measures appear to be of value for vertebral fracture risk assessment and may indicate early stages of osteolytic processes not yet visible. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Correlation Between Abnormal Platelet Count and Respiratory Viral Infection in Patients From Cheonan, Korea
Authors: Kim Jae Kyung , Jeon Jae‐Sik , Kim Jong Wan , Kim Ga‐Yeon 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundIn this study, the effects of viral infections on platelet (PLT) count have been reported. This study examined the correlation between PLT count and respiratory virus (RV) infections.MethodsPatients who visited Dankook University Hospital between December 2006 and February 2014 with symptoms of suspected RV infection were recruited. Multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions identified the causative virus(es). PLT counts were analyzed with respect to virus, age and sex of the patient, and length of hospital stay.ResultsOf the 8,147 patients, 62.8% were RV‐positive, and 18.6% of RV‐positive patients had abnormal PLT counts. There were no differences in the rates of abnormal PLT counts between single‐infection and virus co‐infection cases. In RV infection patients, the incidence of abnormal PLT count increased with age and varied depending on the RV infection type. Patients with abnormal PLT count stayed in hospital longer than those with normal PLT count.ConclusionsThe incidence of thrombocytopenia was higher among the elderly; in younger patients, thrombocytosis was more prevalent than thrombocytopenia. Respiratory tract infections caused by different viruses resulted in varied PLT count changes. Further systematic research of PLT count changes related to viral infections is required.
When an Analytical Interference Is a Useful Diagnostic Tool: Finding Monoclonal Gammopathies in Routine Analysis
Authors: Quiñones‐Torrelo Carmen , Villanueva‐Gil María Pilar , Rodríguez‐Muñoz Ana , Abellán‐Tejada Lidia , Aparici‐Ibáñez Manuel , Carratalá‐Calvo Arturo 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe daily productivity of a clinical laboratory depends on the large number of interferences that affect analytical accuracy. Obviously, they have always been considered as a very important aspect to keep accuracy under control. Nevertheless, we wondered if this aspect would be beneficial. In this article, we propose a method for finding monoclonal gammopathies that are based on the fact that the presence of paraprotein in the sample may interfere with routine laboratory assays, specifically, with the quantification of uric acid and conjugated bilirubin.MethodsOver a 5‐month period, we evaluated 18,278 sera samples of patients from primary care. None of them were suspected of having plasma cell dyscrasias (not observed hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and/or lytic bone lesions). Although biochemical findings suggested paraprotein interference, we carried out serum capillary electrophoresis (CE) and quantification of immunoglobulins and serum‐free light chains (SFLCs). We also confirmed the results obtained by performing the corresponding immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). Flow cytometry analyses were conducted for immunophenotypic characterization of plasma cells from these patients.ResultsThe proposed detection method allowed us to identify eight patients with previously undiagnosed monoclonal gammopathy.ConclusionsThe results show that it is possible to use analytical interference for diagnostic purposes, and most importantly, almost all cases were identified at an early stage of the disease, when associated clinical manifestations were not yet observed.
Correlations Between Serum IL‐6 Levels and Radiation Pneumonitis in Lung Cancer Patients: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Fu Zhan‐Zhao , Peng Yong , Cao Li‐Yan , Chen Yan‐Sheng , Li Kun , Fu Bao‐Hong 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveDiagnostic significance of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) for lung cancer patients with radiation pneumonitis (RP) was examined within various studies, but yielded conflicting results. Thus, this meta‐analysis was performed to demonstrate correlations between serum IL‐6 levels and RP in lung cancer patients.MethodElectronic databases updated to March 2014 were searched to find relevant studies. Relevant literatures were searched under the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, CBM and CNKI databases. STATA statistical software (Version 12.0, Stata Corporation, and College Station, TX) Standardized mean difference (SMD), and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for this meta‐analysis. In addition, nine cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and involved a total of 137 RP patients and 295 non‐RP patients.ResultsThe results of combined SMD suggested that serum IL‐6 levels in RP patients was significantly higher than in non‐RP patients before radiotherapy. While, there was a significant difference in serum IL‐6 levels of RP patients between before and after radiotherapy, we observed no difference in serum IL‐6 levels between RP patients and non‐RP patients after radiotherapy. Ethnicity‐stratified analyses indicated that increased serum IL‐6 levels were related to the risk of RP in lung cancer patients among Caucasians, but not detected among Asians (all P > 0.05).ConclusionThe main finding of our meta‐analysis reveals that increased serum IL‐6 levels may contribute to the incidence of RP in lung cancer patients, especially among Caucasians.