bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preprocessing strategy influences graph‐based exploration of altered functional networks in major depression
Authors: Borchardt Viola , Lord Anton Richard , Li Meng , van der Meer Johan , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Bogerts Bernhard , Breakspear Michael , Walter Martin
Published: February 2016

Resting‐state fMRI studies have gained widespread use in exploratory studies of neuropsychiatric disorders. Graph metrics derived from whole brain functional connectivity studies have been used to reveal disease‐related variations in many neuropsychiatric disorders including major depression (MDD). These techniques show promise in developing diagnostics for these often difficult to identify disorders. However, the analysis of resting‐state datasets is increasingly beset by a myriad of approaches and methods, each with underlying assumptions. Choosing the most appropriate preprocessing parameters a priori is difficult. Nevertheless, the specific methodological choice influences graph‐theoretical network topologies as well as regional metrics. The aim of this study was to systematically compare different preprocessing strategies by evaluating their influence on group differences between healthy participants (HC) and depressive patients. We thus investigated the effects of common preprocessing variants, including global mean‐signal regression (GMR), temporal filtering, detrending, and network sparsity on group differences between brain networks of HC and MDD patients measured by global and nodal graph theoretical metrics. Occurrence of group differences in global metrics was absent in the majority of tested preprocessing variants, but in local graph metrics it is sparse, variable, and highly dependent on the combination of preprocessing variant and sparsity threshold. Sparsity thresholds between 16 and 22% were shown to have the greatest potential to reveal differences between HC and MDD patients in global and local network metrics. Our study offers an overview of consequences of methodological decisions and which neurobiological characteristics of MDD they implicate, adding further caution to this rapidly growing field. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1422‐1442, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early developmental gene enhancers affect subcortical volumes in the adult human brain
Authors: Becker Martin , Guadalupe Tulio , Franke Barbara , Hibar Derrek P. , Renteria Miguel E. , Stein Jason L. , Thompson Paul M. , Francks Clyde , Vernes Sonja C. , Fisher Simon E.
Published: February 2016

Genome‐wide association screens aim to identify common genetic variants contributing to the phenotypic variability of complex traits, such as human height or brain morphology. The identified genetic variants are mostly within noncoding genomic regions and the biology of the genotype–phenotype association typically remains unclear. In this article, we propose a complementary targeted strategy to reveal the genetic underpinnings of variability in subcortical brain volumes, by specifically selecting genomic loci that are experimentally validated forebrain enhancers, active in early embryonic development. We hypothesized that genetic variation within these enhancers may affect the development and ultimately the structure of subcortical brain regions in adults. We tested whether variants in forebrain enhancer regions showed an overall enrichment of association with volumetric variation in subcortical structures of >13,000 healthy adults. We observed significant enrichment of genomic loci that affect the volume of the hippocampus within forebrain enhancers (empirical P = 0.0015), a finding which robustly passed the adjusted threshold for testing of multiple brain phenotypes (cutoff of P < 0.0083 at an alpha of 0.05). In analyses of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we identified an association upstream of the ID2 gene with rs7588305 and variation in hippocampal volume. This SNP‐based association survived multiple‐testing correction for the number of SNPs analyzed but not for the number of subcortical structures. Targeting known regulatory regions offers a way to understand the underlying biology that connects genotypes to phenotypes, particularly in the context of neuroimaging genetics. This biology‐driven approach generates testable hypotheses regarding the functional biology of identified associations. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1788–1800, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk of swallowing‐related chest infections in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with definitive intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Xiong Jiaqing , Krishnaswamy Gita , Raynor Sharon , Loh Kwok Seng , Kwa Andrea Lay Hoon , Lim Chwee Ming
Published: February 2016

Background

Pulmonary complications secondary to dysphagia may be encountered in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after definitive intensity‐modulated radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to identify patients with NPC at risk of developing swallowing‐related chest infections (SRCIs).

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on 217 patients with stage I to IVB NPC treated definitively with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (12.0%) developed SRCIs; 4 of these patients (15.3%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 9 (34.6%) died of the complication. The median time interval between completions of radiotherapy to the development of SRCIs was 24.5 months. Advanced age, recurrent disease, and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were significantly associated with the development of SRCIs in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

SRCI is a common and potentially fatal complication for postirradiated patients with NPC. Advanced age, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and recurrent cancer were strong risk factors for postirradiated patients with NPC to develop SRCIs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1660–E1665, 2016
Narrow band imaging for the diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Cosway Benjamin , Drinnan Michael , Paleri Vinidh
Published: February 2016

Narrow band imaging (NBI) is reported to improve the diagnostic accuracy of head and neck cancers. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of NBI in the literature. A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library until March 2015. Two reviewers independently assessed articles and extracted data. Meta‐analyses were performed in MetaDisc 1.6. Five hundred seventeen studies were identified and 17 were included in this study. Combined use of NBI and white light imaging (WLI) showed high diagnostic accuracies for primary, recurrent, and nasopharyngeal lesions. Methodological heterogeneity exists and meta‐analyses were only appropriate for cancers of unknown primary (CUP) in which NBI performed on 115 patients across 4 studies demonstrated high sensitivity (74.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 52.5% to 100%) and specificity (94.1%; 95% CI = 23.7% to 100%). NBI may further help identify lesions in CUP not seen by positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT. NBI offers a high level of diagnostic accuracy for head and neck cancers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2358–E2367, 2016
Increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 13 in prostate cancer is associated with shortened time to biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Yu Lan , Toriseva Mervi , Tuomala Miikka , Seikkula Heikki , Elo Teresa , Tuomela Johanna , Kallajoki Markku , Mirtti Tuomas , Taimen Pekka , Boström Peter J. , Alanen Kalle , Nurmi Martti , Nees Matthias , Härkönen Pirkko
Published: February 2016

Fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs) belong to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) superfamily, which plays an important role in prostate cancer (PCa). Mining of public database suggests that FGF13 (FHF2) mRNA expression is altered in over 30% of PCa cases. This study examined the FGF13 expression pattern in human PCa specimens and evaluated its potential as a biomarker for patient outcome after radical prostatectomy (RP). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed that FGF13 was detectable in the majority of human PCa samples, and FGF13 IHC scores were higher in high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, in primary PCa and in metastatic PCa than in benign prostatic tissue. There was a significant association between high cytoplasmic FGF13 staining and a risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP. This was also evident in the intermediate to high‐risk patient groups. In contrast, positive nuclear FGF13 staining along with low cytoplasmic FGF13 group showed a decreased BCR risk. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that high cytoplasmic FGF13 staining was associated with BCR and that this could serve as an independent prognostic marker in PCa. Several PCa cell lines showed increased FGF13 expression at the mRNA and protein levels compared to the immortalized prostate epithelial cell line PNT1a. Analysis of co‐labeled cells suggested a possible interaction of FGF13 with α‐tubulin and the voltage‐gated sodium channel proteins (NaVs/VGSCs). Our data indicate that, for PCa patients after RP, FGF13 serves as a potential novel prognostic marker that improves prediction of BCR‐free survival, in particular if combined with other clinical parameters.
Cbfb2 Isoform Dominates More Potent Cbfb1 and Is Required for Skeletal Development
Authors: Jiang Qing , Qin Xin , Kawane Tetsuya , Komori Hisato , Matsuo Yuki , Taniuchi Ichiro , Ito Kosei , Izumi Shin-ichi , Komori Toshihisa
Published: February 2016

Cbfb is a cotranscription factor that forms a heterodimer with Runx proteins Runx1, Runx2, and Runx3. It is required for fetal liver hematopoiesis and skeletal development. Cbfb has two functional isoforms, Cbfb1 and Cbfb2, which are formed by alternative splicing. To address the biological functions of these isoforms in skeletal development, we examined Cbfb1–/– and Cbfb2–/– mouse embryos. Intramembranous and endochondral ossification was retarded and chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation was inhibited in Cbfb2–/– embryos but not in Cbfb1–/– embryos. Cbfb2 mRNA was upregulated in calvariae, limbs, livers, thymuses, and hearts of Cbfb1–/– embryos but Cbfb1 mRNA was not in those of Cbfb2–/– embryos, and the total amount of Cbfb1 and Cbfb2 mRNA in Cbfb1–/– embryos was similar to that in wild-type embryos but was severely reduced in Cbfb2–/– embryos. The absolute numbers of Cbfb2 mRNA in calvariae, limbs, livers, thymuses, and brains in wild-type embryos were about three times higher than those of Cbfb1 in the respective tissue. The levels of Runx proteins were reduced in calvariae, limbs, and primary osteoblasts from Cbfb2–/– embryos, but the reduction in Runx2 protein was very mild. Furthermore, the amounts of Runx proteins and Cbfb in Cbfb2–/– embryos differed similarly among skeletal tissues, livers, and thymuses, suggesting that Runx proteins and Cbfb are mutually required for their stability. Although Cbfb1–/– embryos developed normally, Cbfb1 induced chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation and enhanced DNA binding of Runx2 more efficiently than Cbfb2. Our results indicate that modulations in the relative levels of the isoforms may adjust transcriptional activation by Runx2 to appropriate physiological levels. Cbfb2 was more abundant, but Cbfb1 was more potent for enhancing Runx2 activity. Although only Cbfb2 loss generated overt skeletal phenotypes, both may play major roles in skeletal development with functional redundancy. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Altered Hepatic Transport by Fetal Arsenite Exposure in Diet‐Induced Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Ditzel Eric J. , Li Hui , Foy Caroline E. , Perrera Alec B. , Parker Patricia , Renquist Benjamin J. , Cherrington Nathan J. , Camenisch Todd D.
Published: February 2016

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease can result in changes to drug metabolism and disposition potentiating adverse drug reactions. Furthermore, arsenite exposure during development compounds the severity of diet‐induced fatty liver disease. This study examines the effects of arsenite potentiated diet‐induced fatty liver disease on hepatic transport in male mice. Changes were detected for Mrp2/3/4 hepatic transporter gene expression as well as for Oatp1a4/2b1/1b2. Plasma concentrations of Mrp and Oatp substrates were increased in arsenic exposure groups compared with diet‐only controls. In addition, murine embryonic hepatocytes and adult primary hepatocytes show significantly altered transporter expression after exposure to arsenite alone: a previously unreported phenomenon. These data indicate that developmental exposure to arsenite leads to changes in hepatic transport which could increase the risk for ADRs during fatty liver disease.
Ultrafiltration based purification strategies for surfactin produced by Bacillus subtilisLB5A using cassava wastewater as substrate
Authors: de Andrade Cristiano J , Barros Francisco FC , de Andrade Lidiane M , Rocco Silvana A , Luis Sforça Mauricio , Pastore Gláucia M , Jauregi Paula
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Bacillus subtilis synthesizes surfactin, a powerful surface‐active agent. It has interesting potential applications. However, due to its high cost of production, commercial use is impracticable. The downstream processing represents ≈ 60% of production costs and the culture medium ≈ 30%. Many reports focused, separately, on production of surfactin using by‐products (reduced cost) or the purification using synthetic medium. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, the impact of using a by‐product as fermentation medium on the downstream processing based on membrane filtration.

RESULTS

Membranes of PES‐100‐kDa efficiently retained surfactin micelles – the first step of ultrafiltration, whereas, the second step required membranes of 50 kDa to separate surfactin monomers from proteins. Ultrafiltration of crude biosurfactant was associated with fouling and/or concentration polarization resulting in lower purity than when synthetic medium was used. Further improvement in purity was achieved by partial removal of proteins before ultrafiltration by acid precipitation and extraction. The NMR and MALDI‐TOFMS analyses identified 11 potential surfactin homologues composed of two amino acid sequences.

CONCLUSION

Production of surfactin using cassava wastewater as a low‐cost culture medium and its purification by the 2‐step ultrafiltration process is feasible, nevertheless, the higher protein content of this medium compared with the synthetic one leads to a lower purity product; further increase in purity can be achieved by applying additional purification steps prior to ultrafiltration with subsequent increased process cost. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation of pollen on nanofunctionalized photocatalytic materials
Authors: Sapiña Maria , Jimenez‐Relinque Eva , Nevshupa Roman , Roman Elisa , Castellote Marta
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Photocatalytic degradation of pollen components on titanium dioxide nanofunctionalized materials was studied for gymnosperm (Cupressus Arizonica) and angiosperm (Platanus Hybrida acerifolia).

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscopy revealed structural degradation of both exine and intine strata. Fourier‐Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy was applied to characterize chemical modification of the pollen grains subjected to photocatalysis. Study of physical properties modification for the pollen extracts was carried out through spectrophotometry and wettability tests. It was found that photocatalysis resulted in significant decrease of C–H and C–O groups and a moderate decrease in C = O. Also, chromaticity values of the pollen extract after photocatalysis tended to approach those of the substrate. Contact angle of water dispersion of the pollen extract was not altered by photocatalysis, but adherence of the components of the pollen extract to Si substrate considerably decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together these results provided solid evidence for the degradation of all pollen components including exine and intine enzymes on nanofunctionalized photocatalytic materials. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
An investigation into producing Botryococcus braunii in a tubular photobioreactor
Authors: Pérez‐Mora Lina S , Matsudo Marcelo C , Cezare‐Gomes Eleane A , Carvalho João CM
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Botryococcus braunii is a eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganism, requiring light, water, and inorganic nutrients for growth. It can convert CO2 into biomass and bioactive compounds with applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Parameters such as inorganic carbon and nitrogen sources, vitamins, and salts are important factors regulating algal growth and biomass composition.

RESULTS

It was possible to observe the influence of salinity on growth and biomass composition of B. braunii. Chu medium was found to be the best medium for growth. In a tubular photobioreactor, biomass concentration of 4963 mg L−1 and productivity of 173.3 mg L−1 d−1 was achieved at 25 °C and 71 µmol of photons m−2 s−1, with the use of a nylon sphere to improve agitation, and with adjustment of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations by daily addition of K2HPO4 and NaNO3 according to the cell growth. Concentration of lipids was found in a range from 32.6 to 36.9%, and oleic acid (29.4–34.7%) and linoleic acid (19.8–23.7%) were the dominant fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the feasibility of using Chu medium for the growth of B. braunii, and the importance of employing a nylon sphere and adjusting nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the culture medium of a tubular photobioreactor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The evaluation of myocardial function of patients in the early stage of acute ischemic stroke by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Ermis Emrah , Demirelli Selami , Ceylan Mustafa , Firtina Serdar , Ipek Emrah , Yalcin Ahmet , Sahin Bingul Dilekci , Yildirim Erkan , Bayraktutan Omer Faruk , Kalkan Kamuran
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the myocardial dysfunction in the early stage of nonhemorrhagic stroke and its association with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Methods

We included 29 patients with acute ischemic stroke, in whom NIHSS scores were calculated and stroke infarct volumes recorded. Within 48 hours of admission, cardiac evaluation with speckle tracking echocardiography was performed and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global longitudinal systolic strain rate were obtained. These measurements were repeated on the 10th day.

Results

NIHSS score improved, but infarct volume increased (p = 0.011 and 0.065, respectively) from admission to day 10. Ejection fraction was 53.2% and 55.8%, respectively, at admission and day 10 (p = 0.482), while GLS improved from −16.41% to −18.76% (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

GLS and global longitudinal systolic strain rate showed significant improvement together with NIHSS score. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:305–311, 2016
Carotid inter‐adventitial diameter is more strongly related to plaque score than lumen diameter: An automated tool for stroke analysis
Authors: Saba Luca , Araki Tadashi , Krishna Kumar P , Rajan Jeny , Lavra Francesco , Ikeda Nobutaka , Sharma Aditya M. , Shafique Shoaib , Nicolaides Andrew , Laird John R. , Gupta Ajay , Suri Jasjit S.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To compare the strength of correlation between automatically measured carotid lumen diameter (LD) and interadventitial diameter (IAD) with plaque score (PS).

Methods

Retrospective study on a database of 404 common carotid artery B‐mode sonographic images from 202 diabetic patients. LD and IAD were computed automatically using an advanced computerized edge detection method and compared with two distinct manual measurements. PS was computed by adding the maximal thickness in millimeters of plaques in segments taken from the internal carotid artery, bulb, and common carotid artery on both sides.

Results

The coefficient of correlation was 0.19 (p < 0.007) between LD and PS, and 0.25 (p < 0.0006) between IAD and PS. After excluding 10 outliers, coefficient of correlation was 0.25 (p < 0.0001) between LD and PS, and 0.38 (p < 0.0001) between IAD and PS. The precision of merit of automated versus the two manual measurements was 96.6% and 97.2% for LD, and 97.7% and 98.1%, for IAD, respectively.

Conclusions

Our automated measurement system gave satisfying results in comparison with manual measurements. Carotid IAD was more strongly correlated to PS than carotid LD in this population sample of Japanese diabetic patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:210–220, 2016
Comparison of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography with virtual touch tissue quantification in the evaluation of focal liver lesions
Authors: Wu Jing‐ping , Shu Rui , Zhao Yu‐zhen , Ma Guo‐lin , Xue Wei , He Qi‐jia , Hao Mei‐na , Liu Yawu
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), separately and in combination, in diagnosing malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs).

Methods

Forty‐six patients with 55 FLLs (28 benign and 27 malignant) underwent both VTQ and CEUS. The diagnostic values of VTQ and CEUS, alone and in combination, were compared.

Results

The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CEUS were 92.6% (25/27), 96.4% (27/28), 94.5% (52/55), 96.2% (25/26), and 93.1% (27/29), respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of VTQ with a cutoff of 2.22 m/s were 51.9% (14/27), 85.7% (24/28), 69.1% (38/55), 77.8% (14/18), and 64.9% (24/37), respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of VTQ and CEUS combined were 96.3% (26/27), 82.1% (23/28), 89.1% (49/55), 83.9% (26/31), and 95.8% (23/24), respectively. Comparing the accuracies of the three methods, the diagnostic values of CEUS and of the combination of CEUS with VTQ were significantly higher than those of VTQ alone (p≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference between the combination of CEUS with VTQ and CEUS (p= 0.49).

Conclusions

CEUS is superior to VTQ in diagnosing malignant FLLs. Adding VTQ to CEUS did not improve the diagnosis of FLLs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.J Clin Ultrasound44:347–353, 2016
Effect of laser preparation on adhesion of a self‐adhesive flowable composite resin to primary teeth
Authors: Memarpour Mahtab , Shafiei Fereshteh , Razmjoei Faranak , Kianimanesh Nasrin
Published: February 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the adhesion of a self‐adhering flowable composite resin to primary tooth enamel and dentin after silicon carbide paper (SiC) and laser pretreatment. Adhesive properties were evaluated as shear bond strength (SBS) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) characteristics. A total 120 primary canine teeth were randomly divided into two groups to study enamel and dentin. Each group was divided into 6 subgroups (n = 10) according to type of surface preparation (SiC or Er:YAG laser) of enamel or dentin. Three methods were used to build cylinders of restoration on tooth surface: OptiBond All‐In‐One + Premise Flowable composite, OptiBond All‐In‐One + Vertise Flow and Vertise flow. After restoration, samples were tested for SBS and failure mode. Twenty eight samples were examined by SEM. The results of the study showed SBS of Vertise Flow was lower than others in enamel and dentin samples pretreated with SiC and in dentin samples pretreated with laser (P < 0.001). Compared to SiC pretreatment, laser pretreatment led to a significantly higher SBS with Vertise Flow on enamel (P < 0.001). Vertise Flow associated with the adhesive led to a higher SBS in enamel and dentin compared to Vertise Flow alone. Adhesive and mixed failure modes were observed more frequently in Vertise Flow groups. SEM images showed that Vertise Flow led to more irregularities on enamel and more open dentinal tubules after laser ablation compared SiC pretreatment. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:334–341, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is laparoscopic live donor hepatectomy justified ethically?
Authors: Soubrane Olivier , Gateau Valérie , Lefève Céline
Published: February 2016

Live donor liver transplant (LDLT) was first reported in the 1990s and quickly raised ethical considerations, mainly related to the risk brought to the donor. The question of donor safety was even more accurate with the occurrence of laparoscopy, a technique which could allegedly increase the risk of severe intraoperative complications. Besides the questions of justice and autonomy, donor safety remains the main ethical debate of LDLT. Considering the lack of comparative assessment of postoperative outcomes, the Jury of the last Consensus meeting held in Japan in 2014 called for the creation of international registries to help to determine the benefit/risk ratio of laparoscopic donor hepatectomy. Since randomized studies are very unlikely to occur, benchmarking comparisons, between liver and kidney donors for instance, may also help to define standard practice. At last, donors' points of view should also be taken into account in the evaluation of those innovative procedures.
International Housing Policy for the Urban Poor and the Informal City in the Global South: A Non‐diachronic Review
Authors: Chiodelli Francesco
Published: February 2016

This paper conducts a review of the main housing policies for informal settlements and the poor in the so‐called Global South promoted by the main international agencies (such as the World Bank and UN‐Habitat) since the 1950s. The international literature on the topic usually recognises successive ‘seasons’ of these policies (aided self‐help and enablement). While this periodisation is certainly useful, a more comprehensive analysis can be provided by complementing it with an in‐depth, non‐diachronic scrutiny of the ingredients that compose the different policies proposed and implemented in these ‘seasons’. In this paper, these policies are therefore dissected according to substantive components (physical goods, regulations, financing), procedural features (top‐down versus bottom‐up approach; project‐by‐project versus comprehensive approach) and beneficiaries (tenants versus homeowners; existing settlements versus new settlements). On the basis of this analysis, we can identify the main evolutionary trajectories of these policies over six decades. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative STIR of muscle for monitoring nerve regeneration
Authors: Viddeleer Alain R. , Sijens Paul E. , van Ooijen Peter M.A. , Kuypers Paul D.L. , Hovius Steven E.R. , De Deyn Peter P. , Oudkerk Matthijs
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To assess whether short tau inversion recovery (STIR) MRI sequences can provide a tool for monitoring peripheral nerve regeneration, by comparing signal intensity changes in reinnervated muscle over time, and to determine potential clinical time points for monitoring.

Materials and Methods

For this prospective study, 29 patients with complete traumatic transection of the ulnar or median nerves in the forearm were followed up to 45 months postsurgery. Standardized 1.5 Tesla STIR‐MRI scans of hand muscles were obtained at fixed time intervals. Muscle signal intensities were measured semi‐quantitatively and correlated to functional outcome.

Results

For the patients with good function recovery, mean signal intensity ratios of 1.179 ± 0.039, 1.304 ± 0.180, 1.154 ± 0.121, 1.105 ± 0.046 and 1.038 ± 0.047 were found at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month follow‐up, respectively. In the group with poor function recovery, ratios of 1.240 ± 0.069, 1.374 ± 0.144, 1.407 ± 0.127, 1.386 ± 0.128 and 1.316 ± 0.116 were found. Comparing the groups showed significant differences from 6 months onward (P < 0.001), with normalizing signal intensities in the group with good function recovery and sustained elevated signal intensity in the group with poor function recovery.

Conclusion

MRI of muscle can be used as a tool for monitoring motor nerve regeneration, by comparing STIR muscle signal intensities over time. A decrease in signal intensity ratio of 50% (as compared to the initial increase) seems to predict good function recovery. Long‐term follow‐up shows that STIR MRI can be used for at least 15 months after nerve transection to differentiate between denervated and (re)innervated muscles. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:401–410.
Myocardial T1rho mapping of patients with end‐stage renal disease and its comparison with T1 mapping and T2 mapping: A feasibility and reproducibility study
Authors: Wang Lin , Yuan Jing , Zhang Shi‐Jun , Gao Min , Wang Yuan‐Cheng , Wang Yi‐Xiang , Ju Shenghong
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of T1rho mapping in myocardium at 3T and to determine whether T1rho mapping could better characterize myocardial injury in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients compared to T1 and T2 mapping.

Materials and Methods

T1rho mapping, T1 mapping, and T2 mapping were performed at 3T on 35 healthy volunteers (15 males, 20 females, 40.7 ± 13.6 years) and 32 ESRD patients (16 males, 16 females, 48.6 ± 11.9 years). The mean T1rho, T1, and T2 values were compared using Student's t‐test and correlated with cardiac function parameters, including peak ejection rate (PER), short‐axis percent thickening (SAPT), peak filling rate (PFR), and time to peak filling (TTPF).

Results

The mean T1rho values (49.4 ± 2.6 msec vs. 52.2 ± 4.0 msec, P = 0.001) and T2 values (50.5 ± 2.5 msec vs. 54.1 ± 4.0 msec, P < 0.001) were significantly different between the volunteers and patients, but there were no significant differences between the two groups in the T1 values (1253.1 ± 71.6 msec vs. 1273.4 ± 41.7 msec, P = 0.157). The mean T1rho values were negatively correlated with the PER (r = –0.397; P = 0.03), SAPT (r = –0.688; P < 0.001), and PFR (r = –0.537; P = 0.002), whereas positively correlated with the TTPF (r = 0.677; P < 0.001). The mean T2 values were negatively correlated only with the SAPT (r = –0.427; P = 0.019) in the ESRD patients.

Conclusion

T1rho mapping of the myocardium is feasible at 3T. T1rho values are higher in ESRD patients and relate to cardiac function, which may better characterize myocardial injury than can T1 and T2. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:723–731.
Negative ion MALDI‐TOF MS, ISD and PSD of neutral underivatized oligosaccharides without anionic dopant strategies, using 2,5‐DHAP as a matrix
Authors: Jovanović Marko , Peter‐Katalinić Jasna
Published: February 2016

Oligosaccharides represent complex class of analytes for mass spectrometric analysis due to the high variety of structural isomers concerning glycosidic linkages and possible branching. A systematic study of the negative ion mode matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry of various neutral oligosaccharides under selection of an appropriate matrix, like 2,5‐dihydroxyacetophenone (2,5‐DHAP) is reported here, without commonly used anion dopant strategies. Nevertheless, we were able to generate relevant in‐source decay (ISD) cross‐ring fragment ions, typically obtained in the negative ion mode. Data observed indicate that the intrinsic property of the terminal non‐reduced aldose is crucial for this behavior. A systematic study of the post source decay (PSD) of molecular, pseudomolecular and ISD cross‐ring cleavage precursor ions is reported here. A direct comparison of the positive and negative ion mode MALDI MS1 and PSD behavior of neutral oligosaccharides could also be performed under the use of the same matrix preparation, because 2,5‐DHAP is fully compatible with positive ion mode acquisition. We found that PSD spectra of deprotonated neutral oligosaccharides obtained in the negative ion mode are richer, because they contained both glycosidic and cross‐ring fragment ions. However, we also found that cross‐ring fragment ions are readily produced in the positive ion mode when potassiated precursor ions were selected. In addition, we show evidence that non‐anionic dopants and specific instrumental parameters can also significantly influence the ISD fragmentation. Taken together, our results should increase our understanding of oligosaccharide behavior in the negative ion mode as well as increase our knowledge regarding many aspects of in‐source MALDI chemistry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Independent highly sensitive characterization of asparagine deamidation and aspartic acid isomerization by sheathless CZE‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Gahoual Rabah , Beck Alain , François Yannis‐Nicolas , Leize‐Wagner Emmanuelle
Published: February 2016

Amino acids residues are commonly submitted to various physicochemical modifications occurring at physiological pH and temperature. Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) require comprehensive characterization because of their major influence on protein structure and involvement in numerous in vivo process or signaling. Mass spectrometry (MS) has gradually become an analytical tool of choice to characterize PTMs; however, some modifications are still challenging because of sample faint modification levels or difficulty to separate an intact peptide from modified counterparts before their transfer to the ionization source. Here, we report the implementation of capillary zone electrophoresis coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (CZE‐ESI‐MS/MS) by the intermediate of a sheathless interfacing for independent and highly sensitive characterization of asparagine deamidation (deaN) and aspartic acid isomerization (isoD). CZE selectivity regarding deaN and isoD was studied extensively using different sets of synthetic peptides based on actual tryptic peptides. Results demonstrated CZE ability to separate the unmodified peptide from modified homologous exhibiting deaN, isoD or both independently with a resolution systematically superior to 1.29. Developed CZE‐ESI‐MS/MS method was applied for the characterization of monoclonal antibodies and complex protein mixture. Conserved CZE selectivity could be demonstrated even for complex samples, and foremost results obtained showed that CZE selectivity is similar regardless of the composition of the peptide. Separation of modified peptides prior to the MS analysis allowed to characterize and estimate modification levels of the sample independently for deaN and isoD even for peptides affected by both modifications and, as a consequence, enables to distinguish the formation of l‐aspartic acid or d‐aspartic acid generated from deaN. Separation based on peptide modification allowed, as supported by the ESI efficiency provided by CZE‐ESI‐MS/MS properties, and enabled to characterize and estimate studied PTMs with an unprecedented sensitivity and proved the relevance of implementing an electrophoretic driven separation for MS‐based peptide analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete genome analysis of hepatitis B virus in human immunodeficiency virus infected and uninfected South Africans
Authors: Gededzha Maemu P. , Muzeze Muxe , Burnett Rosemary J. , Amponsah‐Dacosta Edina , Mphahlele M. Jeffrey , Selabe Selokela G.
Published: February 2016

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are highly endemic in South Africa. Data on the complete genome sequences of HBV in HIV‐positive patients in South Africa are scanty. This study characterized the complete HBV genome isolated from both HIV‐positive and negative patients at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), Pretoria. Serum samples from nine (five HIV‐positive and four HIV‐negative) patients attending the DGMAH from 2007 to 2011 were serologically tested, amplified, and sequenced for complete genome. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA6.0. Mutations were analyzed by comparing the sequences with genotype‐matched GenBank references. Eight patients were HBsAg positive, with only one from the HIV positive group being negative. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome sequences classified them into five genotypes; A1 (n = 4), A2 (n = 1), C1 (n = 2), D1 (n = 1), and D3 (n = 1). Deletions up to 35 nucleotides in length were identified in this study. No drug resistance mutations were identified in the P ORF, while the L217R mutation was identified in one subgenotype A2 sequence. The double (A1762T/G1764A) and triple (T1753C/A1762T/G1764A) mutations in the Basal core promoter were identified in four and two sequences, respectively. In the core region, mutation G1888A was identified in four of the subgenotype A1 sequences. In conclusion, this study has added to the limited South African data on HBV genotypes and mutations in HBV/HIV co‐infected and HBV mono‐infected patients, based on complete HBV genome analysis. Subgenotype A1 was predominant, and no drug‐resistant mutants were detected in the study. J. Med. Virol. 88:1560–1566, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dignity, face, and honor cultures: A study of negotiation strategy and outcomes in three cultures
Authors: Aslani Soroush , Ramirez‐Marin Jimena , Brett Jeanne , Yao Jingjing , Semnani‐Azad Zhaleh , Zhang Zhi‐Xue , Tinsley Catherine , Weingart Laurie , Adair Wendi
Published: February 2016

This study compares negotiation strategy and outcomes in countries illustrating dignity, face, and honor cultures. Hypotheses predict cultural differences in negotiators' aspirations, use of strategy, and outcomes based on the implications of differences in self‐worth and social structures in dignity, face, and honor cultures. Data were from a face‐to‐face negotiation simulation; participants were intra‐cultural samples from the USA (dignity), China (face), and Qatar (honor). The empirical results provide strong evidence for the predictions concerning the reliance on more competitive negotiation strategies in honor and face cultures relative to dignity cultures in this context of negotiating a new business relationship. The study makes two important theoretical contributions. First, it proposes how and why people in a previously understudied part of the world, that is, the Middle East, use negotiation strategy. Second, it addresses a conundrum in the East Asian literature on negotiation: the theory and research that emphasize the norms of harmony and cooperation in social interaction versus empirical evidence that negotiations in East Asia are highly competitive. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antagonistic activity of endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase from a novel isolate, Streptomyces sp. 9X166, against black rot in orchids
Authors: Sakdapetsiri Chatsuda , Fukuta Yasuhisa , Aramsirirujiwet Yaovapa , Shirasaka Norifumi , Kitpreechavanich Vichien
Published: February 2016

A total of 123 actinomycetes was isolated from 12 varieties of wild orchids and screened for potential antagonistic activity against Phytophthora, which causes black rot disease in orchids. In vitro and in vivo experimental results revealed that Streptomyces sp. strain 9X166 showed the highest antagonistic activity; its β‐1,3‐glucanase production ability was a key mechanism for growth inhibition of the pathogen. PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene allowed the identification of this strain, with high similarity (99.93%) to the novel species Streptomyces similaensis. The glucanase enzyme, purified to homogeneity by anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography, showed a specific activity of 58 U mg−1 (a 3.9‐fold increase) and yield of 6.4%. The molecular weight, as determined by SDS‐PAGE and gel filtration, was approximately 99 and 80 kDa, respectively, suggesting that the enzyme was a monomer. The purified enzyme showed the highest substrate specificity to laminarin, indicating that it was β‐1,3‐glucanase. The hydrolyzed products of cello‐oligosaccharides suggested that this enzyme was endo‐type β‐1,3‐glucanase. Streptomyces sp. 9X166 culture filtrate, possessing β‐1,3‐glucanase activity, could degrade both freeze‐dried and living mycelium. This is the first report on a β‐1,3‐glucanase‐producing Streptomyces sp. that could be an effective biocontrol agent for black rot disease in orchids.
Developing a Model for an Innovative Culinary Competency Curriculum and Examining Its Effects on Students' Performance
Authors: Hu Meng‐Lei I‐Chen Monica , Horng Jeou‐Shyan , Teng Chih‐Ching
Published: February 2016

The present study designs and develops an innovative culinary competency curriculum (ICCC) model comprising seven sections: innovative culture, aesthetics, techniques, service, product, management, and creativity. The model is formulated based on culinary concept, creativity, innovation, and competency theory. The four elements of curriculum design, namely, objectives, learning experience, evaluation, and modification, are adopted to create a developmental framework. This study also applies creative teaching techniques to improve students' learning effectiveness. The study employed a quasi‐experimental design and a sample of 68 undergraduate students majoring in Food and Beverage Management. A 16‐week instructional program was conducted. Results show that the ICCC model is effective based on qualitative analysis and students' improved innovative performance.
Late Quaternary environmental and climate changes registered in lacustrine sediments of the Serra Sul de Carajás, south‐east Amazonia
Authors: Guimarães José Tasso Felix , Sahoo Prafulla Kumar , Souza‐Filho Pedro Walfir M. , Maurity Clóvis Wagner , Silva Júnior Renato Oliveira , Costa Francisco Ribeiro , Dall'Agnol Roberto
Published: February 2016

Multi‐proxy analyses on sediment cores from two closed basin lakes in the Serra Sul de Carajás were used to reconstruct environmental changes in south‐eastern Amazonia during the late Quaternary. The sediment record between 65 000 and 40 000 cal a BP (older dates with high level of uncertainty) is dominated by organic sediments intercalated with detritus (e.g. Al and Ti), indicating fluctuating lake levels related to changes in precipitation. A period of lower precipitation occurred from 40 000 to 35 000 cal a BP. Between ∼35 000 and 20 000 cal a BP, the dominance of detrital sediments suggests wetter and warmer conditions. However, iron enrichment in a siderite‐rich layer associated with the end of this period coincides with the Last Glacial Maximum, suggesting diagenetic changes in the profundal portion of the lakes and indicating a transition from oxidizing to reducing conditions. Subsequently, the period between ∼20 000 and 15 000 cal a BP was marked by a transition from drier to wetter climate, resulting in higher energy flows (e.g. Zr) and increased erosion of the basins. Another drier period was observed between ∼7000 and 3000 cal a BP (low detrital input and high Ca/Ti), when the lake levels were very low and eutrophication was high.
Polarized raman spectroscopy for determining the orientation of di‐d‐phenylalanine molecules in a nanotube
Authors: Sereda Valentin , Ralbovsky Nicole M. , Vasudev Milana C. , Naik Rajesh R. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: February 2016

Self‐assembly of short peptides into nanostructures has become an important strategy for the bottom‐up fabrication of nanomaterials. Significant interest to such peptide‐based building blocks is due to the opportunity to control the structure and properties of well‐structured nanotubes, nanofibrils, and hydrogels. X‐ray crystallography and solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), two major tools of structural biology, have significant limitations when applied to peptide nanotubes because of their non‐crystalline structure and large weight. Polarized Raman spectroscopy was utilized for structural characterization of well‐aligned di‐d‐diphenylalanine nanotubes. The orientation of selected chemical groups relative to the main axis of the nanotube was determined. Specifically, the C–N bond of CNH3+ groups is oriented parallel to the nanotube axis, the peptides' carbonyl groups are tilted at approximately 54° from the axis, and the COO− groups run perpendicular to the axis. The determined orientation of chemical groups allowed the understanding of the orientation of di‐d‐diphenylalanine molecule that is consistent with its equilibrium conformation. The obtained data indicate that there is only one orientation of di‐d‐diphenylalanine molecules with respect to the nanotube main axis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new tropane alkaloid from the leaves of Erythroxylum subsessile isolated by pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Cruz Rodrigo Alves Soares , Almeida Henrique , Fernandes Caio Pinho , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro , Rocha Leandro , Leitão Gilda Guimarães
Published: February 2016

Tropane alkaloids are bioactive metabolites with great importance in the pharmaceutical industry and the most important class of natural products found in the Erythroxylum genus. However, these compounds are usually separated by traditional chromatographic techniques, in which the sample is progressively purified in multiple chromatographic steps, resulting in a time‐ and solvent‐consuming procedure. In this work we present the isolation of a novel alkaloid, 6β,7β‐dibenzoyloxytropan‐3α‐ol, together with the two known 3α‐benzoyloxynortropan‐6β‐ol and 3α,6β‐dibenzoyloxytropane alkaloids, directly from the crude alkaloid fraction from the leaves of Erythroxylum subsessile, by using a single run pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography method. The ethyl acetate/water (1:1, v/v) biphasic solvent system with triethylamine and HCl as retention and eluter agents, respectively, was used to isolate tropane alkaloids for the first time. The structures of the isolated alkaloids were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.