bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posttraumatic Growth in Populations with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder—A Systematic Review on Growth‐Related Psychological Constructs and Biological Variables
Authors: Schubert Christine F. , Schmidt Ulrike , Rosner Rita
Published: October 2015

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are possible consequences of trauma. PTG is supposed to emerge from cognitive processes and can have functional and dysfunctional aspects. This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate publications assessing PTG in adults diagnosed with PTSD in order to analyse the relationship between both constructs, how PTG is related to specific psychological variables and if there are biological variables linked to PTG. This extended review evaluates the quality of measures applied and is the first to study PTG only in populations meeting full PTSD criteria. In addition, the relationship between PTG and other relevant constructs, such as openness, optimism and social support, is explored. Our systematic literature search identified 140 studies of which 19 fulfilled our inclusion criteria; most of them used the Post‐Traumatic Growth Inventory. Results indicate that trauma survivors with PTSD exhibit more PTG than those without PTSD and that PTG can be intensified during the therapeutic process whereat it is unclear whether PTG is a desirable outcome of PTSD therapy. Positive correlations between PTG and PTSD are reported. For diagnosed populations, we could not find strong evidence of a quadratic relationship between PTG and PTSD, although some studies support this hypothesis. Findings regarding the association of PTG with psychological variables are heterogeneous. Only one study focused on PTG as well as on biological variables (salivary cortisol) but did not discuss possible links between these two so far unconnected research fields in PTSD. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Trauma survivors with PTSD develop more PTG than those without PTSD, it remains unclear whether PTSD and PTG are curvilinearly related.

PTG can be enhanced through PTSD therapy, nevertheless one must not assume that PTG is a favorable treatment outcome since we do not know if the development of PTG during therapy promotes the reduction of PTSD symptoms.

It is unclear whether PTG in PTSD sufferers is a constructive outcome of cognitive processes or a positive illusion in favor of avoidance and denial.

Results regarding the association of personality factors, social support and PTG are inconsistent, studies on biological aspects of PTG are lacking.
Effects of Water on the Copper‐Catalyzed Conversion of Hydroxymethylfurfural in Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Liu Yifei , Mellmer Max A. , Alonso David Martin , Dumesic James A.
Published: October 2015

Reaction kinetics were studied to quantify the effects of water on the conversion of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in THF over Cu/γ‐Al2O3 at 448 K using molecular H2 as the hydrogen source. We show that low concentrations of water (5 wt %) in the THF solvent significantly alter reaction rates and selectivities for the formation of reaction products by hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis processes. In the absence of water, HMF was converted primarily to hydrogenolysis products 2‐methyl‐5‐hydroxymethylfuran (MHMF) and 2,5‐dimethylfuran (DMF), whereas reactions carried out in THF–H2O mixtures (THF/H2O=95:5 w/w) led to the selective production of the hydrogenation product 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) and inhibition of HMF hydrogenolysis.
K14 + Compound niches are present on the mouse cornea early after birth and expand after debridement wounds
Authors: Pajoohesh‐Ganji Ahdeah , Pal‐Ghosh Sonali , Tadvalkar Gauri , Stepp Mary Ann
Published: October 2015

Background: We previously identified compound niches (CNs) at the limbal:corneal border of the mouse cornea that contain corneal epithelial progenitor cells, express Keratin 8 (K8), and goblet cell mucin Muc5AC. During re‐epithelialization after 2.5 mm epithelial debridement wounds, CNs migrate onto the cornea and expand in number mimicking conjunctivalization. When CNs form during development and whether they express corneal epithelial progenitor cell enriched K14 was not known. Results: To provide insight into corneal epithelial homeostasis, we quantify changes in expression of simple (K8, K18, K19) and stratified squamous epithelial keratins (K5, K12, K14, and K15) during postnatal development and in response to 2.5 mm wounds using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR), confocal imaging and immunoblots. K14 + CNs are present 7 days after birth. By 21 days, when the eyelids are open, K8, K19, and Muc5AC are also expressed in CNs. By 28 days after wounding, the corneal epithelium shows enhanced mRNA and protein expression for K14 and retains mRNA and protein for corneal epithelial specific K12. Conclusions: The keratin phenotype observed in corneal epithelial cells before eyelid opening is similar to that seen during wound healing. Data show K14 + corneal epithelial progenitor cells expand in number after 2.5 mm wounds. Developmental Dynamics 245:132–143, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of gabapentin and ketorolac on allodynia and conditioned place preference in antibody‐induced inflammation
Authors: Park H.J. , Sandor K. , McQueen J. , Woller S.A. , Svensson C.I. , Corr M. , Yaksh T.L.
Published: October 2015

Background

Glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase and collagen type II antibody‐induced arthritis models (K/BxN and CAIA, respectively) have an inflammatory and a post‐inflammatory phase. Both phases display robust tactile allodynia. In previous work, inflammatory phase allodynia was reversed by gabapentin and ketorolac, whereas in late phase only gabapentin was effective. Here, we sought to determine if the effects of these two drugs during the early and late phases of the two arthritis models were observed in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, indicating a differential drug effect on the aversive state.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice received K/BxN serum intraperitoneally, while male BALB/c mice received collagen type II antibody cocktail intravenously. After onset of inflammation and allodynia, we assessed effects of i.p. gabapentin (100 mg/kg) or ketorolac (15 mg/kg) using a CPP paradigm: 2 days adaptation, 2 days conditioning (vehicle in morning and drug in afternoon), preference testing on day 5.

Results

Consistent with the effects upon allodynia, both gabapentin and ketorolac produced a preference for the drug‐paired compartment in the early phase of the K/BxN model, while gabapentin, but not ketorolac, resulted in a place preference during late phase. In the CAIA model, consistent with differential effects upon allodynia, gabapentin produced a preference in the early phase and a trend in the late phase, whereas ketorolac was ineffective at either time.

Conclusions

CPP validated the aversive state in the inflammatory and post‐inflammatory phases of the K/BxN and CAIA arthritis models and correspondence between the anti‐hyperpathic pharmacology as defined by thresholds and CPP.
Synergistic Effects of Ultrasound and Electrolysis on the Dehydration of Fine Lignite Coal
Authors: Fan Yuping , Dong Xianshu
Published: October 2015

A synergistic ultrasonic and electrochemical pretreatment was used for the high‐efficiency, clean removal of moisture from fine lignite coal, especially the internal moisture in filter cakes. The optimal experimental conditions were an electrolytic current of 0.75 A, an electrolytic time of 30 min, an electrolyte addition of 1000 g t−1 dried coal slime, an ultrasonic frequency of 50 kHz, and with ultrasound being used at the late electrolytic stage. the use of ultrasound improved the liquid‐phase mass transfer and cleaned the electrode surface during the electrolytic process. The total and internal filter cake moisture contents were reduced to 36 % and 6.5 %, respectively. The coal slurry particle size distribution was improved to a certain degree after synergistic pretreatment by ultrasound and electrolysis. In addition, the surface hydrophobicity of particles was enhanced and the number of pores was reduced, which was advantageous for moisture removal.
The geomorphological unit hydrograph from a historical‐critical perspective
Authors: Rigon Riccardo , Bancheri Marialaura , Formetta Giuseppe , de Lavenne Alban
Published: October 2015

In this paper we present a brief overview of geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) theories and analyze their successful path without hiding their limitations. The history of the GIUH is subdivided into three major sections. The first is based on the milestone works of Rodríguez‐Iturbe and Valdés (Water Resources Research 1979; 15(6): 1409–1420) and Gupta et al. (Water Resources Research 1980; 16(5): 855–862), which recognized that a treatment of water discharges with ‘travel times’ could provide a rich interpretation of the theory of the instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH). We show how this was possible, what assumptions were made, which of these assumptions can be relaxed, and which have become obsolete and been discarded. The second section focuses on the width‐function‐based IUH (WFIUH) approach and its achievements in assessing the interplay of the topology and geometry of the network with water dynamics. The limitations of the WFIUH approach are described, and a way to work around them is suggested. Finally, a new formal approach to estimating the water budget by ‘travel times’, which derives from a suitable use of the water budget equation and some hypotheses, has been introduced and disentangled. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate–surface–pore‐water interactions on a salt crusted playa: implications for crust pattern and surface roughness development measured using terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Nield Joanna M. , Wiggs Giles F. S. , King James , Bryant Robert G. , Eckardt Frank D. , Thomas David S. G. , Washington Richard
Published: October 2015

Sodium accumulating playas (also termed sodic or natric playas) are typically covered by polygonal crusts with different pattern characteristics, but little is known about the short‐term (hours) dynamics of these patterns or how pore water may respond to or drive changing salt crust patterning and surface roughness. It is important to understand these interactions because playa‐crust surface pore‐water and roughness both influence wind erosion and dust emission through controlling erodibility and erosivity. Here we present the first high resolution (10−3 m; hours) co‐located measurements of changing moisture and salt crust topography using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and infra‐red imagery for Sua Pan, Botswana. Maximum nocturnal moisture pattern change was found on the crests of ridged surfaces during periods of low temperature and high relative humidity. These peaks experienced non‐elastic expansion overnight, of up to 30 mm and up to an average of 1.5 mm/night during the 39 day measurement period. Continuous crusts however showed little nocturnal change in moisture or elevation. The dynamic nature of salt crusts and the complex feedback patterns identified emphasize how processes both above and below the surface may govern the response of playa surfaces to microclimate diurnal cycles. © 2015 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Flow recession as a driver of the morpho‐texture of braided streams
Authors: Storz‐Peretz Yael , Laronne Jonathan B. , Surian Nicola , Lucía Ana
Published: October 2015

Braiding has been widely studied in humid‐temperate climates though rarely in arid environments. Morpho‐texture of braided streams refers to the morphological‐textural organization in a braid‐cell (stream section including bars, anabranches and chutes) that may strongly relate to different processes and hydrological regimes. The objective of this study is to compare the morpho‐texture of braided streams governed by diverse flow recessions in different climates.

Measurements were conducted in the wadis Ze'elim and Rahaf, southeast hyper‐arid Israel, in the Mediterranean Barranca‐de‐los‐Pinos, central Spain and in humid‐temperate braided systems, the La‐Bléone River, Haute‐Provence, France and in the Saisera and Cimoliana torrents, northeast Italy. Terrestrial laser scanning was used to produce point clouds and high resolution digital elevation models of the braid‐cells. Wet braid‐cells in humid‐temperate environments were surveyed by a Total Station. Roughness and the upper tail of grain size distributions were derived from the scanned point clouds or from Wolman sampling.

We found that anabranches are commonly finer‐grained than the bars in dryland systems and in semi‐arid sandy braided systems, contrary to the humid‐temperate braided systems. In both climates, chutes are similar or coarser‐grained than the bars which they dissect, in accordance with their steeper gradients due to the considerable bar‐anabranch relief. The Saisera's morpho‐texture is similar to that of the dryland braided channels, despite the very humid‐temperate environment in which it is located, due to its short‐lived, ephemeral type hydrograph.

Hydrograph shape, specifically the duration of flow recession, typical of a climate but not confined to it, determines the morpho‐texture of braided streams and the textural differentiation between a depositional bar and the adjacent anabranches. The morpho‐texture of chutes and bars results also from local erosional processes affected by local topography, i.e. ungraded longitudinal profiles, and is not solely determined by flow recession. This new morpho‐textural model enables identifying primary depositional and erosional braiding processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CKMT1 and NCOA1 expression as a predictor of clinical outcome in patients with advanced‐stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pavón Miguel Angel , Parreño Matilde , Téllez–Gabriel Marta , León Xavier , Arroyo–Solera Irene , López Montserrat , Céspedes Maria Virtudes , Casanova Isolda , Gallardo Alberto , López–Pousa Antonio , Mangues Maria Antonia , Quer Miquel , Barnadas Agustí , Mangues Ramón
Published: October 2015

Background

We studied the association between the expression of a subset of previously identified genes and clinical outcome in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

We analyzed by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) the expression of 89 genes in tumor biopsies from stage III to IVa/b chemotherapy treated patients (n = 46). Two additional cohorts analyzed by RNAseq (The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA] project; n = 371) or immunohistochemistry (IHC; n = 73) were used to validate results.

Results

Thirty genes were associated with local‐recurrence or progression‐free survival. The best multi‐gene decision‐tree model to predict local recurrence included nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1) and serum‐amyloid A2 (SAA2) expression, whereas the best model to predict disease recurrence included creatine kinase mitochondrial 1 (CKMT1) and metal‐regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1). Both models were associated with cancer‐specific survival. Results were confirmed analyzing the RNAseq data included in the TCGA project. CKMT1 and NCOA1 were identified as independent risk factors for survival in an independent cohort analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

CKMT1 and NCOA1 expression has prognostic significance in advanced‐stage head and neck carcinoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1392–E1403, 2016
Bile salt export pump‐reactive antibodies form a polyclonal, multi‐inhibitory response in antibody‐induced bile salt export pump deficiency
Authors: Stindt Jan , Kluge Stefanie , Dröge Carola , Keitel Verena , Stross Claudia , Baumann Ulrich , Brinkert Florian , Dhawan Anil , Engelmann Guido , Ganschow Rainer , Gerner Patrick , Grabhorn Enke , Knisely A. S. , Noli Khalid A. , Pukite Ieva , Shepherd Ross W. , Ueno Takehisa , Schmitt Lutz , Wiek Constanze , Hanenberg Helmut , Häussinger Dieter , Kubitz Ralf
Published: October 2015

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC‐2) is caused by mutations in ABCB11, encoding the bile salt export pump (BSEP). In 2009, we described a child with PFIC‐2 who developed PFIC‐like symptoms after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). BSEP‐reactive antibodies were demonstrated to account for disease recurrence. Here, we characterize the nature of this antibody response in 7 more patients with antibody‐induced BSEP deficiency (AIBD). Gene sequencing and immunostaining of native liver biopsies indicated absent or strongly reduced BSEP expression in all 7 PFIC‐2 patients who suffered from phenotypic disease recurrence post‐OLT. Immunofluorescence, western blotting analysis, and transepithelial transport assays demonstrated immunoglobulin (Ig) G‐class BSEP‐reactive antibodies in these patients. In all cases, the N‐terminal half of BSEP was recognized, with reaction against its first extracellular loop (ECL1) in six sera. In five, antibodies reactive against the C‐terminal half also were found. Only the sera recognizing ECL1 showed inhibition of transepithelial taurocholate transport. In a vesicle‐based functional assay, transport inhibition by anti‐BSEP antibodies binding from the cytosolic side was functionally proven as well. Within 2 hours of perfusion with antibodies purified from 1 patient, rat liver showed canalicular IgG staining that was absent after perfusion with control IgG. Conclusions: PFIC‐2 patients carrying severe BSEP mutations are at risk of developing BSEP antibodies post‐OLT. The antibody response is polyclonal, targeting both extra‐ and intracellular BSEP domains. ECL1, a unique domain of BSEP, likely is a critical target involved in transport inhibition as demonstrated in several patients with AIBD manifest as cholestasis. (Hepatology 2016;63:524–537)
Human immunodeficiency virus infection does not worsen prognosis of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Agüero Fernando , Forner Alejandro , Manzardo Christian , Valdivieso Andres , Blanes Marino , Barcena Rafael , Rafecas Antoni , Castells Lluis , Abradelo Manuel , Torre‐Cisneros Julian , Gonzalez‐Dieguez Luisa , Salcedo Magdalena , Serrano Trinidad , Jimenez‐Perez Miguel , Herrero Jose Ignacio , Gastaca Mikel , Aguilera Victoria , Fabregat Juan , del Campo Santos , Bilbao Itxarone , Romero Carlos Jimenez , Moreno Asuncion , Rimola Antoni , Miro Jose M. ,   the FIPSE Investigators
Published: October 2015

The impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is uncertain. This study aimed to assess the outcome of a prospective Spanish nationwide cohort of HIV‐infected patients undergoing LT for HCC (2002‐2014). These patients were matched (age, gender, year of LT, center, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus infection) with non‐HIV‐infected controls (1:3 ratio). Patients with incidental HCC were excluded. Seventy‐four HIV‐infected patients and 222 non‐HIV‐infected patients were included. All patients had cirrhosis, mostly due to HCV infection (92%). HIV‐infected patients were younger (47 versus 51 years) and had undetectable HCV RNA at LT (19% versus 9%) more frequently than non‐HIV‐infected patients. No significant differences were detected between HIV‐infected and non‐HIV‐infected recipients in the radiological characteristics of HCC at enlisting or in the histopathological findings for HCC in the explanted liver. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years for HIV‐infected versus non‐HIV‐infected patients was 88% versus 90%, 78% versus 78%, and 67% versus 73% (P = 0.779), respectively. HCV infection (hazard ratio = 7.90, 95% confidence interval 1.07‐56.82) and maximum nodule diameter >3 cm in the explanted liver (hazard ratio = 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.02‐2.89) were independently associated with mortality in the whole series. HCC recurred in 12 HIV‐infected patients (16%) and 32 non‐HIV‐infected patients (14%), with a probability of 4% versus 5% at 1 year, 18% versus 12% at 3 years, and 20% versus 19% at 5 years (P = 0.904). Microscopic vascular invasion (hazard ratio = 3.40, 95% confidence interval 1.34‐8.64) was the only factor independently associated with HCC recurrence. Conclusions: HIV infection had no impact on recurrence of HCC or survival after LT. Our results support the indication of LT in HIV‐infected patients with HCC. (Hepatology 2016;63:488–498)
DEPDC5 variants increase fibrosis progression in Europeans with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Burza Maria Antonella , Motta Benedetta Maria , Mancina Rosellina Margherita , Pingitore Piero , Pirazzi Carlo , Lepore Saverio Massimo , Spagnuolo Rocco , Doldo Patrizia , Russo Cristina , Lazzaro Veronica , Fischer Janett , Berg Thomas , Aghemo Alessio , Cheroni Cristina , De Francesco Raffaele , Fargion Silvia , Colombo Massimo , Datz Christian , Stickel Felix , Valenti Luca , Romeo Stefano
Published: October 2015

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, two genetic variants, DEPDC5 rs1012068 and MICA rs2596542, were associated with the onset of HCC in Asian subjects with chronic HCV infection. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether DEPDC5 and MICA genetic variants were associated with liver disease progression in European subjects with chronic HCV infection. In a Northern Italian discovery cohort (n = 477), neither DEPDC5 rs1012068 nor MICA rs2596542 were associated with HCC (n = 150). However, DEPDC5 rs1012068 was independently associated with cirrhosis (n = 300; P = 0.049). The association of rs1012068 with moderate to severe fibrosis was confirmed in an independent cross‐sectional German cohort (n = 415; P = 0.006). Furthermore, DEPDC5 rs1012068 predicted faster fibrosis progression in a prospective cohort (n = 247; P = 0.027). Next, we examined the distribution of nonsynonymous DEPDC5 variants in the overall cross‐sectional cohort (n = 912). The presence of at least one variant increased the risk of moderate/severe fibrosis by 54% (P = 0.040). To understand the molecular mechanism underlying the genetic association of DEPDC5 variants with fibrosis progression, we performed in vitro studies on immortalized hepatic stellate cells (LX‐2). In these cells, down‐regulation of DEPDC5 resulted in increased expression of β‐catenin and production of its target matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), a secreted enzyme involved in fibrosis progression. Conclusion: DEPDC5 variants increase fibrosis progression in European subjects with chronic HCV infection. Our findings suggest that DEPDC5 down‐regulation may contribute to HCV‐related fibrosis by increasing MMP2 synthesis through the β‐catenin pathway. (Hepatology 2016;63:418–427)
Categorization of drugs implicated in causing liver injury: Critical assessment based on published case reports
Authors: Björnsson Einar S. , Hoofnagle Jay H.
Published: October 2015

An important element in assessing causality in drug‐induced liver injury is whether the implicated agent is known to cause hepatotoxicity. We classified drugs into categories based on the number of published reports of convincingly documented, clinically apparent, idiosyncratic liver injury. Drugs described in the website LiverTox (http://livertox.nih.gov) were classified into five categories based on the number of published cases (category A, ≥50; category B, 12‐49; category C, 4‐11; category D, 1‐3; category E, none). Case reports in categories C and D were individually reanalyzed using the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method. Drugs with fatal cases or with rechallenge were noted. Among 671 individual drugs or closely related agents, 353 (53%) were considered convincingly linked to liver injury in published case reports; 48 (13%) were assigned to category A, 76 (22%) were assigned to category B, 96 (27%) were assigned to category C, and 126 (36%) were assigned to category D. Another 7 (2%) were direct hepatotoxins but only in high doses and placed in a separate category (T). The remaining 318 (47%) drugs had no convincing case report of hepatoxicity in the literature (category E). All except one in category A have been available since 1999, 98% had at least one fatal case and 89% a positive rechallenge. In category B, 54% had a fatal case and 41% a rechallenge. Drugs in categories C and D less frequently had instances of fatal (23% and 7%) or rechallenge cases (26% and 11%). Conclusion: Documentation of hepatoxicity in the medical literature is variable, and many published instances do not stand up to critical review. A standardized system for categorizing drugs for hepatotoxicity potential will help develop objective and reliable, computer‐based instruments for assessing causality in drug‐induced liver injury. (Hepatology 2016;63:590–603)
Impact of registration on clinical trials on infection risk in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Dix David , Aplenc Richard , Bowes Lynette , Cellot Sonia , Ethier Marie‐Chantal , Feusner Jim , Gillmeister Biljana , Johnston Donna L. , Lewis Victor , Michon Bruno , Mitchell David , Portwine Carol , Price Victoria , Silva Mariana , Stobart Kent , Yanofsky Rochelle , Zelcer Shayna , Beyene Joseph , Sung Lillian
Published: October 2015

Little is known about the impact of enrollment on therapeutic clinical trials on adverse event rates. Primary objective was to describe the impact of clinical trial registration on sterile site microbiologically documented infection for children with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We conducted a multicenter cohort study that included children aged ≤18 years with de novo AML. Primary outcome was microbiologically documented sterile site infection. Infection rates were compared between those registered and not registered on clinical trials. Five hundred seventy‐four children with AML were included of which 198 (34.5%) were registered on a therapeutic clinical trial. Overall, 400 (69.7%) had at least one sterile site microbiologically documented infection. In multiple regression, registration on clinical trials was independently associated with a higher risk of microbiologically documented sterile site infection [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.53; p = 0.040] and viridans group streptococcal infection (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08–1.98; p = 0.015). Registration on trials was not associated with Gram‐negative or invasive fungal infections. Children with newly diagnosed AML enrolled on clinical trials have a higher risk of microbiologically documented sterile site infection. This information may impact on supportive care practices in pediatric AML.
Modifying alginate with early embryonic extracellular matrix, laminin, and hyaluronic acid for adipose tissue engineering
Authors: Chen Yo‐Shen , Chen Yen‐Yu , Hsueh Yu‐Sheng , Tai Hao‐Chih , Lin Feng‐Huei
Published: October 2015

Extracellular matrix provides both mechanistic and chemical cues that can influence cellular behaviors such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, a new material, HA‐L‐Alg, was synthesized by linking developmentally essential ECM constituents hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin(L) to alginate (Alg). The fabrication of HA‐L‐Alg was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, and it was used to form 3D cell‐carrying beads. HA‐L‐Alg beads had a steady rate of degradation and retained 63.25% of mass after 9 weeks. HA‐L‐Alg beads showed biocompatibility comparable to beads formed by Alg‐only with no obvious cytotoxic effect on the embedded 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. HA‐L‐Alg encapsulated 3T3‐L1 cells were found to have a higher proliferation rate over those in Alg‐only beads. These cells also showed better differentiation capacity after 2 weeks of adipogenic induction within HA‐L‐Alg beads. These results support that HA‐L‐Alg facilitated cell survival and proliferation, as well as stimulated and maintained cell differentiation. Our results suggest that HA‐L‐Alg has a great clinical potential to be used as stem cell carrier for adipose tissue engineering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 669–677, 2016.
Detection and Characterization of the Effect of AB‐FUBINACA and Its Metabolites in a Rat Model
Authors: Hsin‐Hung Chen Michael , Dip Aybike , Ahmed Mostafa , Tan Michael L. , Walterscheid Jeffrey P. , Sun Hua , Teng Ba‐Bie , Mozayani Ashraf
Published: October 2015

Synthetic cannabinoids were originally developed by academic and pharmaceutical laboratories with the hope of providing therapeutic relief from the pain of inflammatory and degenerative diseases. However, recreational drug enthusiasts have flushed the market with new strains of these potent drugs that evade detection yet endanger public health and safety. Although many of these drug derivatives were published in the medical literature, others were merely patented without further characterization. AB‐FUBINACA is an example of one of the new indazole‐carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids introduced in the past year. Even though AB‐FUBINACA has become increasingly prominent in forensic drug and toxicology specimens analyses, little is known about the pharmacology of this substance. To study its metabolic fate, we utilized Wistar rats to study the oxidative products of AB‐FUBINACA in urine and its effect on gene expressions in liver and heart. Rats were injected with 5 mg/kg of AB‐FUBINACA each day for 5 days. Urine samples were collected every day at the same time. On day 5 after treatment, we collected the organs such as liver and heart. The urine samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry, which revealed several putative metabolites and positioning of the hydroxyl addition on the molecule. We used quantitative PCR gene expression array to analyze the hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity on these rats and confirmed by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. We identified three genes significantly associated with dysfunction of oxidation and inflammation. Our study reports in vivo metabolites of AB‐FUBINACA in urine and its effect on the gene expressions in liver and heart. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1033–1043, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals. Inc.
Gene Network Analysis of Metallo Beta Lactamase Family Proteins Indicates the Role of Gene Partners in Antibiotic Resistance and Reveals Important Drug Targets
Authors: Parimelzaghan Anitha , Anbarasu Anand , Ramaiah Sudha
Published: October 2015

Metallo Beta (β) Lactamases (MBL) are metal dependent bacterial enzymes that hydrolyze the β‐lactam antibiotics. In recent years, MBL have received considerable attention because it inactivates most of the β‐lactam antibiotics. Increase in dissemination of MBL encoding antibiotic resistance genes in pathogenic bacteria often results in unsuccessful treatments. Gene interaction network of MBL provides a complete understanding on the molecular basis of MBL mediated antibiotic resistance. In our present study, we have constructed the MBL network of 37 proteins with 751 functional partners from pathogenic bacterial spp. We found 12 highly interconnecting clusters. Among the 37 MBL proteins considered in the present study, 22 MBL proteins are from B3 subclass, 14 are from B1 subclass and only one is from B2 subclass. Global topological parameters are used to calculate and compare the probability of interactions in MBL proteins. Our results indicate that the proteins associated within the network have a strong influence in antibiotic resistance mechanism. Interestingly, several drug targets are identified from the constructed network. We believe that our results would be helpful for researchers exploring MBL‐mediated antibiotic resistant mechanisms. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1330–1339, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective Synthesis of Glycoside Fatty Acid Esters and Their Antibacterial Structure‐activity Relationship against Bacterial Staphylococcus Aureus and Salmonella Agona
Authors: Lou Xin , Cassidy Seamas
Published: October 2015

Fatty acid esters of glycosides and glucopyranosiduronides were regioselectively synthesized with tin‐mediated method using dibutyltin dimethoxide as the stannylating agent, these novel esters were investigated for their antibacterial activities against bacterial Staphylococcus Aureus and Salmonella Agona, the essential structural feature as antibacterial agents was probed. Antimicrobial tests showed that some laurates of trans‐ol glycosides are effective inhibitors against S. Aureus, while some laurates and myristates of cis‐ol glycosides are moderate inhibitors against both S. Aureus and S. Agona. Studies on antimicrobial structure‐activity relationship of sugar fatty acid esters showed that both the carbohydrate moiety and the length of fatty acid played a vital role on the antibacterial effect.
MAP3K11/GDF15 axis is a critical driver of cancer cachexia
Authors: Lerner Lorena , Tao Julie , Liu Qing , Nicoletti Richard , Feng Bin , Krieger Brian , Mazsa Elizabeth , Siddiquee Zakir , Wang Ruoji , Huang Lucia , Shen Luhua , Lin Jie , Vigano Antonio , Chiu M. Isabel , Weng Zhigang , Winston William , Weiler Solly , Gyuris Jeno
Published: October 2015

Background

Cancer associated cachexia affects the majority of cancer patients during the course of the disease and thought to be directly responsible for about a quarter of all cancer deaths. Current evidence suggests that a pro‐inflammatory state may be associated with this syndrome although the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of cachexia are poorly understood. The purpose of this work was the identification of key drivers of cancer cachexia that could provide a potential point of intervention for the treatment and/or prevention of this syndrome.

Methods

Genetically engineered and xenograft tumour models were used to dissect the molecular mechanisms driving cancer cachexia. Cytokine profiling from the plasma of cachectic and non‐cachectic cancer patients and mouse models was utilized to correlate circulating cytokine levels with the cachexia phenotype.

Results

Utilizing engineered tumour models we identified MAP3K11/GDF15 pathway activation as a potent inducer of cancer cachexia. Increased expression and high circulating levels of GDF15 acted as a key mediator of this process. In animal models, tumour‐produced GDF15 was sufficient to trigger the cachexia phenotype. Elevated GDF15 circulating levels correlated with the onset and progression of cachexia in animal models and in patients with cancer. Inhibition of GDF15 biological activity with a specific antibody reversed body weight loss and restored muscle and fat tissue mass in several cachectic animal models regardless of their complex secreted cytokine profile.

Conclusions

The combination of correlative observations, gain of function, and loss of function experiments validated GDF15 as a key driver of cancer cachexia and as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment and/or prevention of this syndrome.
Bacterial biofilm on successful and failed orthodontic mini‐implants—a scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Ferreira Nayra Oliveira , Andrucioli Marcela Cristina Damião , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , Zanella Eduardo Pereira , Consolaro Alberto , Romano Fábio Lourenço , Matsumoto Mírian Aiko Nakane
Published: October 2015

Mini‐implants have been extensively used in Orthodontics as temporary bone anchorage devices. However, early failure of mini‐implants due to mobility might occur and the colonization of their surfaces by pathogenic bacteria has been referred to as one of the contributing factors. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the presence of microorganisms adhered to the surface of mini‐implants that failed due to loss of stability. Twelve self‐drilling titanium mini‐implants (1.6 mm diameter × 9.0 mm long) were collected from 12 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment—7 successful and 5 failed mini‐implants. The mean time of permanence in the mouth was 15.8 and 2.4 months for successful and failed mini‐implants, respectively. The devices were placed in the maxilla and/or mandible and removed by the same surgeon and were processed for SEM analysis of the presence of microorganisms on their surfaces (head, transmucosal profile, and body). Extensive bacterial colonization on mini‐implant head and transmucosal profile was observed in all successful and failed mini‐implants. None of the failed mini‐implants exhibited bacteria on its body and only one mini‐implant belonging to the successful (stable) group exhibited bacteria on its body. The results did not suggest a relationship between failure and presence of bacterial colonies on mini‐implant surfaces. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1112–1116, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvent‐free One‐pot Synthesis of 2,2′‐dithioxo‐[5,5′]bithiazolidinylidene‐4,4′‐diones
Authors: Nasiri Farough , Zolali Amin , Asadbegi Sajad
Published: October 2015

Solvent‐free one‐pot synthesis of 2,2′‐dithioxo‐[5,5′]bithiazolidinylidene‐4,4′‐dione (birhodanine) derivatives from the reaction of primary amines and carbon disulfide in the presence of dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate has been reported.
Extracellular biosynthesis of anti‐Candida silver ‎nanoparticles using Monascus purpureus
Authors: El‐Baz Ashraf F. , El‐Batal Ahmed I. , Abomosalam Farag M. , Tayel Ahmed A. , Shetaia Yousria M. , Yang Shang‐Tian
Published: October 2015

An eco‐friendly process for the silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) biosynthesis was investigated using the fungus Monascus purpureus as a safe and commercially used microorganism. M. purpureus growth filtrate was used for the reduction of the aqueous silver nitrate into Ag‐NPs with almost 100% size range of 1–7 nm, which was considered as one of the smallest microbial biosynthesized Ag‐NPs. The biosynthesized Ag‐NPs were structurally characterized using UV, FTIR, DLS, TEM, and XRD. The biosynthesized Ag‐NPs were stable after 3 months with no alteration in shape or size. M. purpureus showed no nitrate reductase activity, whereas its pigments reducing power was decreased after nanoparticles formation indicating its role in the Ag‐NPs biosynthesis. The synthesized Ag‐NPs exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against different bacteria and yeasts species. The anti‐Candida activity of M. purpureus culture filtrate was enhanced in the presence of Ag‐NPs; the maximum increase in microbial inhibition was observed against Candida albicans with 1.73 increased folds of inhibition zones, followed by their activity against C. tropicalis and C. glabrata with 0.919‐ and 0.694‐folds of increase, respectively. The obtained results suggest that the biosynthesized Ag‐NPs offers a promising cost‐effective, eco‐friendly, and an alternative way to the conventional method of synthesis that could have wide applications in medicine.
Copper and temperature modify microbial communities, ammonium and sulfate release in soil
Authors: Ferreira Rui , Gaspar Helena , Gonzalez Juan M. , Clara Maria I. , Santana Margarida M.
Published: October 2015

Recent studies suggest an important role of thermophilic bacterial communities of the Phylum Firmicutes on soil C, N and S cycling, and a positive effect on crop productivity through the production of sulfate (SO
$ _4^{2 - } $) and ammonium (NH
$ _4^+ $), essential plant nutrients. Copper (Cu) is commonly supplemented to soils as a fungicide in phytosanitary treatments although its consequences to the bacterial communities is frequently overlooked. Herein, we report on the influence of temperature and Cu on the microbial communities, namely those of the Phylum Firmicutes, from a soil collected at an olive orchard in S Portugal. Community fingerprints and band identification through sequencing was combined with measurement of SO
$ _4^{2 - } $ and NH
$ _4^+ $ production at different supplemented amounts of Cu and at moderate and high temperatures (30°C and 50°C, respectively). Both temperature and Cu induced changes in these communities, selecting for specific bacteria. Temperature induced the dominance of Brevibacillus, and Cu addition to soil caused a reduction of SO
$ _4^{2 - } $ release by soil bacteria. Ammonium production during bacterial growth at moderate and high temperatures was not affected by Cu addition. A Cu‐tolerant thermophilic isolate, belonging to the Bacillus genus, showed significant inhibition by high Cu concentrations and a reduction of NH
$ _4^+ $ release during growth; genera Brevibacillus and Bacillus have been previously reported as high NH
$ _4^+ $ and SO
$ _4^{2 - } $ producers of the Firmicutes phylum. Results indicate that Cu treatments select specific tolerant bacterial strains which could influence natural soil fertilization in Cu‐treated orchards.
Relationships between the structure of wheat gluten and ACE inhibitory activity of hydrolysate: stepwise multiple linear regression analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Ma Haile , Wang Bei , Qu Wenjuan , Wali Asif , Zhou Cunshan
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound pretreatment of wheat gluten (WG) before enzymolysis can improve the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates by alerting the structure of substrate proteins. Establishment of a relationship between the structure of WG and ACE inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates to judge the end point of the ultrasonic pretreatment is vital.

RESULTS

The results of stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) showed that the contents of free sulfhydryl, α‐helix, disulfide bond, surface hydrophobicity and random coil were significantly correlated to ACE Inhibitory activity of the hydrolysate, with the standard partial regression coefficients were 3.729, −0.676, −0.252, 0.022 and 0.156, respectively. The R2 of this model was 0.970. External validation showed that the stepwise MLR model could well predict the ACE inhibitory activity of hydrolysate based on the content of free sulfhydryl, α‐helix, disulfide bond, surface hydrophobicity and random coil of WG before hydrolysis.

CONCLUSION

A stepwise multiple linear regression model describing the quantitative relationships between the structure of WG and the ACE Inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates was established. This model can be used to predict the endpoint of the ultrasonic pretreatment. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Physico‐chemical properties of Moringa oleifera seed oil enzymatically interesterified with palm stearin and palm kernel oil and its potential application in food
Authors: Dollah Sarafhana , Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed , Ahmad Siti Hajar , Khoramnia Anahita , Mohd Ghazali Hasanah
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

High oleic acid Moringa oleifera seed oil (MoO) has been rarely applied in food products due to the low melting point and lack of plasticity. Enzymatic interesterification (EIE) of MoO with palm stearin (PS) and palm kernel oil (PKO) could yield harder fat stocks that may impart desirable nutritional and physical properties.

RESULTS

Blends of MoO and PS or PKO were examined for triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, thermal properties and solid fat content (SFC). EIE caused rearrangement of TAGs, reduction of U3 and increase of U2S in MoO/PS blends while reduction of U3 and S3 following increase of S2U and U2S in MoO/PKO blends (U, unsaturated and S, saturated fatty acids). SFC measurements revealed a wide range of plasticity, enhancements of spreadability, mouthfeel and cooling effect for interesterified MoO/PS, indicating the possible application of these blends in margarines. However, interesterified MoO/PKO was not suitable in margarine application, while ice‐cream may be formulated from these blends. A soft margarine formulated from MoO/PS 70:30 revealed high oxidative stability during 8 weeks storage with no significant changes in peroxide and p‐anisidine values.

CONCLUSION

EIE of fats with MoO allowed nutritional and oxidative stable plastic fats to be obtained, suitable for possible use in industrial food applications. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
On the iterative learning control of fractional impulsive evolution equations in Banach spaces
Authors: Yu Xiulan , Debbouche Amar , Wang JinRong
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we study P‐type, PIα‐type, and D‐type iterative learning control for fractional impulsive evolution equations in Banach spaces. We present triple convergence results for open‐loop iterative learning schemes in the sense of λ‐norm through rigorous analysis. The proposed iterative learning control schemes are effective to fractional hybrid infinite‐dimensional distributed parameter systems. Finally, an example is given to illustrate our theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesh objective continuum damage models for ductile fracture
Authors: Larsson Ragnar , Razanica Senad , Josefson B. Lennart
Published: October 2015

During machining processes, the work piece material is subjected to high deformation rates, increased temperature, large plastic deformations, damage evolution and fracture. In this context the Johnson‐Cook failure model is often used even though it exhibits pathological mesh size dependence. To remove the mesh size sensitivity, a set of mesh objective damage models is proposed based on a local continuum damage formulation combined with the concept of a scalar damage phase field. The first model represents a mesh objective augmentation of the well‐established element removal model, whereas the second one degrades the continuum stress in a smooth fashion. Plane strain plate and hat specimens are used in the finite element simulations, with the restriction to the temperature and rate independent cases. To investigate the influence of mesh distortion, a structured and an unstructured meshes were used for the respective specimen. For structured meshes, the results clearly show that the pathological mesh size sensitivity is removed for both models. When considering unstructured meshes, the mesh size sensitivity is more complex as revealed by the considered hat‐specimen shear test. Nevertheless, the present work indicates that the proposed models can predict realistic ductile failure behaviors in a mesh objective fashion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A meshless singular boundary method for three‐dimensional elasticity problems
Authors: Gu Yan , Chen Wen , Gao Hongwei , Zhang Chuanzeng
Published: October 2015

This study documents the first attempt to extend the singular boundary method, a novel meshless boundary collocation method, for the solution of 3D elasticity problems. The singular boundary method involves a coupling between the regularized BEM and the method of fundamental solutions. The main idea here is to fully inherit the dimensionality and stability advantages of the former and the meshless and integration‐free attributes of the later. This makes it particularly attractive for problems in complex geometries and three dimensions. Four benchmark 3D problems in linear elasticity are well studied to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method. The advantages, disadvantages, and potential applications of the proposed method, as compared with the FEM, BEM, and method of fundamental solutions, are also examined and discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.