bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time trends in healthcare‐detected incidence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in the Norwegian National Patient Register (2010–2016)
Authors: Reas Deborah Lynn , Rø Øyvind
Published: September 2018

Objective

Few studies have investigated temporal trends in the incidence of eating disorders (EDs). This study investigated time trends in the age‐ and sex‐specific incidence of healthcare‐detected anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) from 2010 to 2016.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the Norwegian National Patient Register as defined by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10): narrowly defined AN (F50.0), broadly defined AN (F50.0 + 50.1), narrowly defined BN (F50.2), and broadly defined BN (F50.2 + 50.3). The average annual percent changes (AAPCs) in incidence rates (IRs) were examined by Joinpoint regression analyses.

Results

The overall (i.e., both genders, ages 10–49) rates of AN were stable across the 7‐year period, with IRs ranging from 18.8 to 20.4 per 100,000 for narrowly defined AN and 33.2 to 39.5 per 100,000 for broadly defined AN, whereas overall rates of BN declined. Age‐ and gender‐stratification revealed a significant average annual increase in AN (narrow and broad) among 10‐ to 14‐year‐old girls. The incidence of broadly defined AN also increased significantly among females aged 15–19 years between 2010 and 2012, before leveling off. Nearly universal declines in the incidence of narrowly and broadly defined BN among females occurred. IRs among males were stable and comparatively low, with no significant trends toward increasing or decreasing rates of AN or BN over time.

Discussion

Although register‐based studies provide an underestimate of the true incidence and may not accurately reflect population‐level changes in true ED occurrence, this study extends our knowledge regarding trends in the detected incidence of EDs into the second decade of the 21st century.
Self‐report measures of loss of control over eating: Psychometric properties in clinical and non‐clinical samples
Authors: Bodell Lindsay P. , Forney Katherine Jean , Chavarria Jesus , Keel Pamela K. , Wildes Jennifer E.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Research evidence supports the clinical significance of subjective feelings of loss of control over eating; however, limited attention has been given to how this construct is assessed. Two measures have been developed in recent years (i.e., Eating Loss of Control Scale [ELOC] and Loss of Control over Eating Scale [LOCES]), but further validation in clinical and non‐clinical samples is needed.

Method

The current study evaluated the psychometric properties, including factor structure, criterion validity, and measurement invariance of the ELOC and LOCES across two groups: (a) a clinical sample of individuals with eating disorders (n = 106) and (b) a non‐clinical sample of college students (n = 321).

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the 16‐item version of the ELOC and 7‐item brief version of the LOCES provided good fit to the data in both samples. These measures were highly correlated (r = .83–.87) and associated with binge‐eating and related psychopathology. The ELOC demonstrated partial invariance between men and women and between the clinical and non‐clinical samples. The LOCES‐brief demonstrated full invariance between men and women and partial invariance between the clinical and non‐clinical samples.

Discussion

Findings suggest that the 16‐item ELOC and 7‐item LOCES are reliable measures of severity of loss of control eating in clinical and non‐clinical samples. Given the brevity of the LOCES‐brief and evidence for measurement invariance across sex, it is recommended over the ELOC in heterogeneous samples. Future research is needed to confirm the validity of these measures across individuals with and without eating disorders.
Dynamic Rotational Motions of Vaulted Chiral trans‐Bis(salicylaldiminato)palladium(II) Complexes Bearing Rigid or Flexible Carbon Chain Linkers
Authors: Ikeshita Masahiro , Naota Takeshi
Published: September 2018

Planar chiral, trans‐bis(salicylaldiminato)palladium(II) complexes having a macrocyclic vaulting structure consisting of either a heptamethylene‐butadiynylene‐heptamethylene (1) or polymethylene (2) bridge were synthesized and subsequently characterized by NMR, IR, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and single crystal XRD. The dynamic rotational behaviors of these vaulted complexes resulting from a skipping‐rope‐like molecular motion were examined on the basis of kinetic studies of the racemization of the optically pure (100 % ee) complexes. The chiral inversion rate was found to be significantly affected by the conformational flexibility of the complexes, which in turn could be controlled by adjusting the linker length, the linker rigidity, and the ligation properties of the solvent.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Atherosclerosis: Insights from Pre‐Clinical Studies
Authors: Ramji Dipak P.
Published: September 2018

Atherosclerosis and its complications are responsible for more global deaths than any other disease. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of medium and large arteries that can cause clinical complications such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents. Current therapies against atherosclerosis mainly target the dyslipidemia associated with the disease and are associated with considerable residual risk for cardiovascular disease together with various side effects. In addition, the outcomes of clinical trials on many pharmaceutical agents against promising therapeutic targets have been disappointing. This has resulted in considerable recent interest on nutraceuticals in the prevention of atherosclerosis and as add‐on with current pharmaceutical therapies. However, nutraceutical research has considerably lagged those on pharmaceuticals on two key aspects, large clinical trials and mechanistic insights. The latter forms the focus of this review in relation to the potential beneficial actions of polyunsaturated fatty acids as identified from pre‐clinical studies.

Practical Applications: There is substantial recent interest in the use of nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. It is therefore important that the molecular mechanisms underlying their protective actions are fully understood and large clinical trials are carried out to evaluate their efficacy. Polyunsaturated fatty acids represent promising anti‐atherogenic agents. This review illuminates on the mechanisms underlying their actions in relation to atherosclerosis as revealed from pre‐clinical studies using in vitro and in vivo model systems.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder of the vasculature and the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. Current therapies against atherosclerosis are not fully effective and the outcomes on many promising pharmaceutical agents have been disappointing. This has generated substantial interest in nutraceuticals such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the prevention and treatment of this disease. This review describes the actions of omega‐3 and ‐6 PUFAs on key cellular processes associated with atherosclerosis in vitro and the development of the disease in mouse model systems in vivo together with the mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects and studies in humans.
Right‐ and left‐wing prejudice toward dissimilar groups in cultural and economic domains
Authors: Czarnek Gabriela , Szwed Paulina , Kossowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2018

According to recent studies, people on both the political right and left show prejudice toward groups whose beliefs are in conflict with their own. This prediction applies to both cultural and economic dimensions of political beliefs. In three studies (N = 499) we demonstrate that people on both the cultural and economic right and left show negative attitudes toward groups on the other side of the given spectrum and that underlying this effect is the perception of value violation. In two out of three studies, we manipulated the extremity of target worldviews to further explore the causal chain between political beliefs, the perception of value violation, and prejudice. Our results showed a high degree of symmetry between the political left and right in their attitudes toward groups with dissimilar beliefs. However, although people on both sides of the political spectrum show prejudice toward each other, people on the cultural and economic right seem to be more sensitive to value violations than people on the left.
Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of sago hampas into biobutanol by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824
Authors: Husin Hazwani , Ibrahim Mohamad Faizal , Kamal Bahrin Ezyana , Abd‐Aziz Suraini
Published: September 2018

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was conducted to produce biobutanol from sago hampas. Sago hampas is a waste generated from the processing of sago starch. This waste is composed of 54.6% starch and 31.7% of cellulose and hemicellulose, with only 3.3% of lignin. In order to fully utilize the starch and cellulosic materials, saccharification using a mixture of amylase (Dextrozyme) and cellulase (Acremonium cellulase) was conducted using 0.09 g/mL sago hampas, producing 67.0 g/L of fermentable sugar. The SSF and delayed SSF (DSSF) were conducted using 0.07 g/mL sago hampas with the optimized enzyme loading of Dextrozyme amylase (71.4 U/gsubstrate) and Acremonium cellulase (20 FPU/gsubstrate). The SSF of sago hampas generated 6.12 g/L of solvents with biobutanol concentration of 3.81 g/L and the yield of 0.11 g‐biobutanol/g‐sugar. In order to improve biobutanol concentration and productivity, DSSF was introduced. In DSSF, the inoculum was introduced into the system after 24 hour of fermentation to allow the optimal saccharification process for sugar production. This process generated 4.62 g/L of biobutanol which was 18% higher than normal SSF since the saccharification and fermentation were operated at their optimal condition.
White matter alterations and tract lateralization in children with dyslexia and isolated spelling deficits
Authors: Banfi Chiara , Koschutnig Karl , Moll Kristina , Schulte‐Körne Gerd , Fink Andreas , Landerl Karin
Published: September 2018

The present study investigated whether children with a typical dyslexia profile and children with isolated spelling deficits show a distinct pattern of white matter alteration compared with typically developing peers. Relevant studies on the topic are scarce, rely on small samples, and often suffer from the limitations of conventional tensor‐based methods. The present Constrained Spherical Deconvolution study includes 27 children with typical reading and spelling skills, 21 children with dyslexia and 21 children with isolated spelling deficits. Group differences along major white matter tracts were quantified utilizing the Automated Fiber Quantification software and a lateralization index was calculated in order to investigate the structural asymmetry of the tracts. The two deficit groups mostly displayed different patterns of white matter alterations, located in the bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculi, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, and cingulum for the group with dyslexia and in the left arcuate fasciculus for the group with isolated spelling deficits. The two deficit groups differed also with respect to structural asymmetry. Children with dyslexia did not show the typical leftward asymmetry of the arcuate fasciculus, whereas the group with isolated spelling deficits showed absent rightward asymmetry of the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus. This study adds evidence to the notion that different profiles of combined or isolated reading and spelling deficits are associated with different neural signatures.
“It's like you are in the jungle”: Using the draw‐and‐tell method to explore preschool children's play preferences and factors that shape their active play
Authors: Wiseman Nicola , Rossmann Christin , Lee Jessica , Harris Neil
Published: September 2018

Issue addressed

A child's preference for active or sedentary play is a key proximal indicator of a child's physical activity behaviour. There is a need to understand children's physical activity preferences in order to make physical play more enjoyable to them, and this may encourage participation and a more positive relationship with physical activity. To date, little research has incorporated the perspectives of young children on this topic. This study specifically examines (a) what activities preschool children prefer; and (b) what children consider to be barriers and facilitators to participating in their preferred activity.

Methods

The authors employed visual methodologies to explore the activity preferences of 29 preschool children. Children were asked to draw their preferred activities and answer a series of open and closed questions about their drawing and what they think are the barriers and facilitators to participating in this activity.

Results

Participants expressed a desire to play unstructured activities with friends or family, to engage in imaginative, challenging play, as well as the opportunity to have control over the activity they engage in. Children reported that rules at home and at preschool, the availability of toys, friends and family and having access to a natural environment served as both barriers and facilitators to participating in their favourite activity.

Conclusions

Listening to children's voices about their play preferences and the barriers and facilitators to engaging in these activities provides important insight into children's play behaviour and the promotion of active play in early childhood. Participants’ desire for more natural features within their play environment and for challenging, unstructured and imaginative play may be considered as facilitators of their engagement in physical activity.

So what?

The current findings suggest the incorporation of unstructured playtime within natural environments could support young children's participation in and increased enjoyment of physical activity.
Effect of climate change and mining on hydrological connectivity of surficial layers in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region
Authors: Kompanizare Mazda , Petrone Richard M. , Shafii Mahyar , Robinson Derek T. , Rooney Rebecca C.
Published: September 2018

This research analyses the impact of climate change and surface mining activities on the hydrologic connectivity of surficial (soil and geological) layers located in a watershed in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. Surface water and groundwater flow are simulated for the period 2014–2080 under four climate scenarios: median (M), double precipitation (DP), no change in precipitation (NP), and double temperature (DT) and with the assumption of no change in the extent of mine activities after 2013. The results demonstrate that the annual growing season duration is longer and snowmelt happens earlier in the year 2080. During the growing season, the daily proportion of connected hydrologic units (DPCUs) remains approximately the same in the future under the different climate scenarios. It appears that around 68% of watershed area, mostly in western and central eastern portions, will be frequently connected (annual proportion of connected days [APCD] ≥ 20%) in the future. This area remains hydrologically connected for more than 20–50% of the year. Results also show that mining areas are located in infrequently connected areas (APCD < 20%), where DPCU values are significantly lower than other areas. DPCUs in forestlands are more stable with a growing season, that is, ~15 days longer than in wetlands. Comparisons between hydrologic responses in 2016 and 2080 show that, in 2080, maximum snow depths are about 0.7 times smaller, evapotranspiration is ~0.05 mm higher, capillary soil moisture in DT and NP scenarios are 1.01–1.52 mm lower, and the ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration is almost the same during the growing season. However, at the end of growing season, the ratio is ~1 unit less in 2080 in DT and NP scenarios. Results also demonstrate that thinner surficial geological layers in the mining areas (located mostly in downstream part of the watershed) lead to their lower hydrologic connectivities. Therefore, these areas are more vulnerable to mining activity impacts, and their hydrologic response under a changing climate should be considered in reclamation planning.
Functional genomics identifies AMPD2 as a new prognostic marker for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
Authors: Orth Martin F. , Gerke Julia S. , Knösel Thomas , Altendorf‐Hofmann Annelore , Musa Julian , Alba‐Rubio Rebeca , Stein Stefanie , Hölting Tilman L. B. , Cidre‐Aranaz Florencia , Romero‐Pérez Laura , Dallmayer Marlene , Baldauf Michaela C. , Marchetto Aruna , Sannino Giuseppina , Knott Maximilian M. L. , Wehweck Fabienne , Ohmura Shunya , Li Jing , Hakozaki Michiyuki , Kirchner Thomas , Dandekar Thomas , Butt Elke , Grünewald Thomas G. P.
Published: September 2018

Soft‐tissue sarcomas are rare, heterogeneous, and often aggressive mesenchymal cancers. Many of them are associated with poor outcome, partially because biomarkers that can identify high‐risk patients are lacking. Studies on sarcomas are often limited by small sample‐sizes rendering the identification of biomarkers difficult when focusing on individual cohorts. However, the increasing number of publicly available ‘omics’ data opens inroads to overcome this obstacle.

Here, we combine transcriptome analyses, immunohistochemistry, and functional assays to show that high adenosine monophosphate deaminase 2 (AMPD2) is a robust prognostic biomarker for worse outcome in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS).

Gene expression and survival data for UPS from two independent studies were subjected to survival association‐testing. Genes, whose high expression was significantly correlated with worse outcome in both cohorts, were considered as biomarker candidates. The best candidate, AMPD2, was validated in a tissue microarray. Analysis of DNA copy‐number data and matched transcriptomes indicated that high AMPD2 expression is significantly correlated with gains at the AMPD2 locus. Gene set enrichment analyses of AMPD2 co‐expressed genes in both transcriptome datasets suggested that AMPD2‐high UPS are enriched in tumorigenic signatures. Consistently, knockdown of AMPD2 by RNA interference in an UPS cell line inhibited proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo.

Collectively, we provide evidence that AMPD2 may serve as a biomarker for outcome prediction in UPS. Our study exemplifies how the integration of ‘omics’ data, immunohistochemistry, and functional experiments can identify novel biomarkers even in a rare sarcoma, which may serve as a blueprint for biomarker identification for other rare cancers.
Determinants in the process of seeking help for urinary incontinence in the Chilean health system
Authors: Bascur‐Castillo Carolina , Araneda‐Gatica Valentina , Castro‐Arias Henry , Carrasco‐Portiño Mercedes , Ruiz‐Cantero María Teresa
Published: September 2018

Objective

To analyze via the Andersen model what leads women with urinary incontinence (UI) to seek help and remain in the healthcare system.

Methods

An interpretative phenomenologic study enrolling women aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with UI at a tertiary care hospital in Chile between January and March 2016. Data were collected by semi‐structured interview. The categories explored experience with UI and reasons for seeking health care, and included the dimensions of the Andersen model.

Results

Ten women were enrolled. Characteristics that eased or hindered healthcare seeking were identified to come from the women (frequency and quantity of symptoms, coping strategies, and beliefs about its causes) and from their environment (reaction of partner, family, or coworkers to her condition). Some were associated with primary care (human and/or technical resources) and some with secondary care (pelvic floor units).

Conclusion

The results reflect the complexities of asking for health care for women with UI, especially in a country such as Chile with different healthcare levels. Raising awareness of this complexity and developing an approach that includes all stakeholders (institution, community, and family) is crucial for professionals who want to offer both medical therapy and wellness‐focused healthcare.
Quantifying bias between reported last menstrual period and ultrasonography estimates of gestational age in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Price Joan T. , Winston Jennifer , Vwalika Bellington , Cole Stephen R. , Stoner Marie C.D. , Lubeya Mwansa K. , Kumwenda Andrew , Stringer Jeffrey S.A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To quantify differences in assessing preterm delivery when calculating gestational age from last menstrual period (LMP) versus ultrasonography biometry.

Methods

The Zambian Preterm Birth Prevention Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study that commenced enrolment in August 2015 at Women and Newborn Hospital of University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Women at less than 20 weeks of pregnancy who were enrolled between August 17, 2015, and August 31, 2017, and underwent ultrasonography examination were included in the present analysis. The primary outcome was the difference between ultrasonography‐ and LMP‐based estimated gestational age. Associations between baseline predictors and outcomes were assessed using simple regression. The proportion of preterm deliveries using LMP‐ and ultrasonography‐derived gestational dating was calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

The analysis included 942 women. The discrepancy between estimating gestational age using ultrasonography and LMP increased with greater gestational age at presentation and among patients with no history of preterm delivery. In a Kaplan‐Meier analysis of 692 deliveries, 140 (20.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 17.7–23.0) and 79 (11.4%, 95% CI 9.6–13.6) deliveries were classified as preterm by LMP and ultrasonography estimates, respectively.

Conclusion

Taking ultrasonography as a standard, a bias was observed in LMP‐based gestational age estimates, which increased with advancing gestation at presentation. This resulted in misclassification of term deliveries as preterm.
Influence of nanoporosity on the nature of hydroxyapatite formed on bioactive calcium silicate model glass
Authors: Thamma Ukrit , Kowal Tia , Falk Matthias , Jain Himanshu
Published: September 2018

For hard tissue regeneration, the bioactivity of a material is measured by its ability to induce the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) under physiological conditions. It depends on the dissolution behavior of the glass, which itself is determined by the composition and structure of glass. The enhanced HA growth on nanoporous than on nonporous glass has been attributed by some to greater specific surface area (SSA), but to nanopore size distribution by others. To decouple the influence of nanopore size and SSA on HA formation, we have successfully fabricated homogeneous 30CaO‐70SiO2 (30C70S) model bioactive glass monoliths with different nanopore sizes, yet similar SSA via a combination of sol–gel, solvent exchange, and sintering processes. After incubation in PBS, HA, and Type‐B carbonated HA (HA/B‐CHA) form on nanoporous monoliths. The XPS, FTIR, and SEM analyses provide the first unambiguous demonstration of the influence of nanopore size alone on the formation pathway, growth rate, and microstructure of HA/CHA. Due to pore‐size limited diffusion of PO43−, two HA/CHA formation pathways are observed: HA/CHA surface deposition and/or HA/CHA incorporation into nanopores. HA/CHA growth rate on the surface of a nanoporous glass monolith is dominated by the pore‐size limited transport of Ca2+ ions dissolved from nanoporous glass substrates. Furthermore, with increasing nanopore size, HA/CHA microstructures evolve from needle‐like, plate‐like, to flower‐like appearance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 886–899, 2019.
On the influence of Streptococcus salivarius on the wear response of dental implants: An in vitro study
Authors: Figueiredo‐Pina Célio G. , Guedes Mafalda , Sequeira Joana , Pinto Diana , Bernardo Nuno , Carneiro Carla
Published: September 2018

This study aims to understand microorganisms' effect and relevance of aseptic conditions on wear performance of dental materials. Tribocouple zirconia/titanium was submitted to tribological tests in the presence of Streptococcus salivarius biofilm, the most abundant bacteria in the oral cavity. Reciprocating ball‐on‐plate tests were carried out at 37°C, pH 7, 2 N, and 1 Hz, during 2 h, using Ti6Al4V balls as pins and Y‐TZP plates. Simultaneous OCP readings assessed corrosion tendency. Tested lubricants were artificial saliva, artificial saliva plus glucose, and artificial saliva plus glucose and S. salivarius. Wear volume and worn surfaces were analyzed after test. S. salivarius proliferation was enhanced in artificial saliva plus glucose. When a highly populated biofilm was present at the zirconia/titanium interface, titanium wear decreased by ~60% compared to artificial saliva and artificial saliva plus with glucose, respectively, with 0.0060 and 0.0053 mm3 loss. Wear was not observed in zirconia under any tested condition. Presence of S. salivarius also decreased corrosion activity during wear. Lowest free OCP value reached during sliding was −260 mV in artificial saliva, −246 mV in artificial saliva plus glucose, and −196 mV in artificial saliva plus glucose and bacteria. This decreased to −147 mV when a highly‐populated S. salivarius biofilm was present at the interface. Overall, obtained results show that the presence of S. salivarius clearly changes the corrosion‐wear performance of the tested dental materials, confirming that it must be recognized, and that asepsis level and conditions during wear test of dental materials must be clearly established and controlled to ensure reproducible results and supported conclusions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1393–1399, 2019.
Novel spiral structured nerve guidance conduits with multichannels and inner longitudinally aligned nanofibers for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Shah Munish B. , Chang Wei , Zhou Gan , Glavy Joseph S. , Cattabiani Thomas M. , Yu Xiaojun
Published: September 2018

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are artificial substitutes for autografts, which serve as the gold standard in treating peripheral nerve injury. A recurring challenge in tissue engineered NGCs is optimizing the cross‐sectional surface area to achieve a balance between allowing nerve infiltration while supporting maximum axonal extension from the proximal to distal stump. In this study, we address this issue by investigating the efficacy of an NGC with a higher cross‐sectional surface composed of spiral structures and multi‐channels, coupled with inner longitudinally aligned nanofibers and protein on aiding nerve repair in critical sized nerve defect. The NGCs were implanted into 15‐mm‐long rat sciatic nerve injury gaps for 4 weeks. Nerve regeneration was assessed using an established set of assays, including the walking track analysis, electrophysiological testing, pinch reflex assessment, gastrocnemius muscle measurement, and histological assessment. The results indicated that the novel NGC design yielded promising data in encouraging nerve regeneration within a relatively short recovery time. The performance of the novel NGC for nerve regeneration was superior to that of the control nerve conduits with tubular structures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1410–1419, 2019.
A cellulose‐based material for vascularized adipose tissue engineering
Authors: Volz Ann‐Cathrin , Hack Larissa , Kluger Petra Juliane
Published: September 2018

Artificial adipose tissue (AT) constructs are urgently needed to treat severe wounds, to replace removed tissue, or for the use as in vitro model to screen for potential drugs or study metabolic pathways. The clinical translation of products is mostly prevented by the absence of a vascular component that would allow a sustainable maintenance and an extension of the construct to a relevant size. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the suitability of a novel material based on bacterial cellulose (CBM) on the defined adipogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) and the maintenance of the received adipocytes (diffASCs) and human microvascular endothelial cells (mvECs) in mono‐ and coculture. A slight acceleration of adipogenic differentiation over regular tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) was seen on CBM under defined conditions, whereas on the maintenance of the generated adipocytes, comparable effects were detected for both materials. CBM facilitated the formation of vascular‐like structures in monoculture of mvECs, which was not observed on TCPS. By contrast, vascular‐like structures were detected in CBM and TCPS in coculture by the presence of diffASCs. Concluding, CBM represents a promising material in vascularized AT engineering with the potential to speed up and simplify the in vitro setup of engineered products. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1431–1439, 2019.
Localized low‐dose rhBMP‐2 is effective at promoting bone regeneration in mandibular segmental defects
Authors: Carlisle Patricia , Guda Teja , Silliman David T. , Burdette Alexander J. , Talley Anne D. , Alvarez Rene , Tucker David , Hale Robert G. , Guelcher Scott A. , BrownBaer Pamela R.
Published: September 2018

At least 26% of recent battlefield injuries are to the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) region. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) is used to treat CMF open fractures, but several complications have been associated with its use. This study tested the efficacy and safety of a lower (30% recommended) dose of rhBMP‐2 to treat mandibular fractures. rhBMP‐2 delivered via a polyurethane (PUR) and hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (Mastergraft®) scaffold was evaluated in a 2 cm segmental mandibular defect in minipigs. Bone regeneration was analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postsurgery using clinical computed tomography (CT) and rhBMP‐2, and inflammatory marker concentrations were analyzed in serum and surgery‐site drain effluent. CT scans revealed that pigs treated with PUR‐Mastergraft® + rhBMP‐2 had complete bone bridging, while the negative control group showed incomplete bone‐bridging (n= 6). Volumetric analysis of regenerated bone showed that the PUR‐Mastergraft® + rhBMP‐2 treatment generated significantly more bone than control by 4 weeks, a trend that continued through 12 weeks. Variations in inflammatory analytes were detected in drain effluent samples and saliva but not in serum, suggesting a localized healing response. Importantly, the rhBMP‐2 group did not exhibit an excessive increase in inflammatory analytes compared to control. Treatment with low‐dose rhBMP‐2 increases bone regeneration capacity in pigs with mandibular continuity defects and restores bone quality. Negative complications from rhBMP‐2, such as excessive inflammatory analyte levels, were not observed. Together, these results suggest that treatment with low‐dose rhBMP‐2 is efficacious and may improve safety when treating CMF open fractures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1491–1503, 2019.
Bone cement modeling for percutaneous vertebroplasty
Authors: Lepoutre Nicole , Meylheuc Laurence , Bara Gabriela Iuliana , Barbé Laurent , Bayle Bernard
Published: September 2018

Vertebroplasty procedures provide a significant benefit for patients suffering from vertebral fractures. In order to address current issues of vertebroplasty procedures, an injection device able to control the bone cement viscosity has been developed. In addition, this device allows to protect the practitioner by removing him/her from the X‐rays area. In this context, a study is first proposed to quantify the bone cement viscosity during its polymerization reaction on a rotational rheometer. These experimental measurements have led to the identification of a complete behavior law that takes into account the simultaneous effects of shear rate, time, and temperature. Based on this preliminary study, this article finally aims to prove the ability of estimating the viscosity of the flowing bone cement on the developed injection system. A final set of experiments validates that the injection device dedicated to vertebroplasty procedures can control the flowing bone cement viscosity by acting on the temperature. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1504–1515, 2019.
EGCG and enzymatic cross‐linking combined treatments for improving elastin stability and reducing calcification in bioprosthetic heart valves
Authors: Lei Yang , Yang Li , Guo Gaoyang , Wang Yunbing
Published: September 2018

The failures of glutaraldehyde (GLUT) cross‐linked bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) are mainly due to degeneration and calcification. In this study, we developed a new preparation strategy for BHVs named as “HPA/EDC/EGCG” that utilized 3,4‐hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (HPA)‐conjugated pericardium, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) enzymatic cross‐linking. HPA–pericardium conjugation was done by carbodiimide coupling reaction using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). Then HPA‐conjugated pericardium was cross‐linked by HRP/H2O2 enzyme‐catalyzed oxidation. The feeding ratios of HPA and EGCG were optimized. The consumption of amino groups, collagenase and elastase degradation in vitro, biomechanics, extracellular matrix stability, and calcification of HPA‐/EDC‐/EGCG‐treated pericardiums were characterized. We demonstrated that HPA‐/EDC‐/EGCG‐treated pericardiums had better elastin stabilization and less calcification. EGCG and enzymatic cross‐linking treated pericardiums showed improved mechanical properties. This new EGCG and enzymatic cross‐linking strategy would be a promising method to make BHVs with better elastin stability and anti‐calcification property. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1551–1559, 2019.
Accelerated MRI of the Lumbar Spine Using Compressed Sensing: Quality and Efficiency
Authors: Bratke Grischa , Rau Robert , Weiss Kilian , Kabbasch Christoph , Sircar Krishnan , Morelli John N. , Persigehl Thorsten , Maintz David , Giese Daniel , Haneder Stefan
Published: September 2018

Background

Decreasing MRI scan time is a key factor to increase patient comfort and compliance as well as the productivity of MRI scanners.

Purpose/Hypothesis

Compressed sensing (CS) should significantly accelerate 3D scans. This study evaluated the clinical application and cost effectiveness of accelerated 3D T2 sequences of the lumbar spine.

Study Type

Prospective, cross‐sectional, observational.

Population

Twenty healthy volunteers and 10 patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3D T2 TSE sequence, identical 3D sequences with three different parallel imaging and CS accelerating factors, and 2D TSE sequences as a clinical reference were obtained on a 3T scanner.

Assessment

Three readers evaluated the sequences for delineation of anatomical structures and image quality. A quantitative analysis consisting of root mean square error, structural similarity index, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio were performed. The scan times were used to calculate cost differences for each sequence.

Statistical Tests

An analysis of variance with repeated measurements and the Friedman test were used to test for potential differences between the sequences. Post‐hoc analysis was made with the chi‐squared and Tukey–Kramer test.

Results

CS with factor 4.5 results in unchanged image quality compared to the T2 TSE for volunteers and patients (overall image impression: 4.75 vs. 4.20 [P = 0.73] and 4.90 vs. 4.47 [P = 0.44]). The CS 4.5 scan is 167 seconds (–39%) faster than the 3D and 216.5 seconds (–45%) faster than the 2D sequences. No significant differences was found for the diagnostic certainty in the volunteers and patients between 2D TSE and 3D CS 4.5 (P = 0.89 and P = 0.43). A reduction of scan time to 148 seconds (CS 8) was still rated acceptable for most diagnosis.

Data Conclusion

CS accelerates the 3D T2 without compromising image quality. The 3D sequences offer comparable diagnostic quality to the clinical 2D standard with less scan time (–45%), potentially increasing the productivity of MRI scanners.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 6 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e164–e175.
FKBP8 inhibits virus‐induced RLR‐VISA signaling
Authors: Xu Shan‐Shan , Xu Liang‐Guo , Yuan Cailei , Li Sheng‐Na , Chen Tian , Wang Weiying , Li Changsheng , Cao Lingzhen , Rao Hua
Published: September 2018

The mitochondrial antiviral signal protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein, also known as virus‐induced signaling adaptor (VISA), plays a key role in regulating host innate immune signaling pathways. This study identifies FK506 binding protein 8 (FKBP8) as a candidate interacting protein of VISA through the yeast two‐hybrid technique. The interaction of FKBP8 with VISA, retinoic acid inducible protein 1 (RIG‐I), and IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) was confirmed during viral infection in mammalian cells by coimmunoprecipitation. Overexpression of FKBP8 using a eukaryotic expression plasmid significantly attenuated Sendai virus–induced activation of the promoter interferons β (IFN‐β), and transcription factors nuclear factor κ‐light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) and IFN‐stimulated response element (ISRE). Overexpression of FKBP8 also decreased dimer‐IRF3 activity, but enhanced virus replication. Conversely, knockdown of FKBP8 expression by RNA interference showed opposite effects. Further studies indicated that FKBP8 acts as a negative interacting partner to regulate RLR‐VISA signaling by acting on VISA and TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Additionally, FKBP8 played a negative role on virus‐induced signaling by inhibiting the formation of TBK1‐IRF3 and VISA‐TRAF3 complexes. Notably, FKBP8 also promoted the degradation of TBK1, RIG‐I, and TRAF3 resulting from FKBP8 reinforced Sendai virus–induced endogenous polyubiquitination of RIG‐I, TBK1, and TNF receptor‐associated factor 3 (TRAF3). Therefore, a novel function of FKBP8 in innate immunity antiviral signaling regulation was revealed in this study.
TAC says many states fail to make the grade on involuntary treatment laws
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2018

The Treatment Advocacy Center released its state‐by‐state analysis of involuntary treatment laws Sept. 24, which found that at least one‐third of states need to significantly improve their laws to provide care for individuals with a severe mental illness.
Congressional caucus hosts session to address MH needs in black community
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2018

Mental health providers, social workers, educators and even faith leaders are all in a position to identify, discuss, educate and treat blacks with mental illness in an effort to address the mental health crisis in the black community. A Washington, D.C., event hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) sought to expand this conversation and offer solutions and strategies for increasing national awareness.
California strikes back over push for Medicaid work mandate
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2018

The discussion of how work requirements in state Medicaid programs would affect beneficiaries with serious mental illness has remained in something of a holding pattern in recent months since a federal judge invalidated a Kentucky Medicaid waiver that included a work mandate (see MHW, July 16 and July 2). However, at least one state has fired a legislative salvo against the federal government's guidance allowing states more leeway to impose work requirements as a condition of receiving Medicaid benefits.
States weigh in on TAC analysis of state AOT programs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2018

State leaders and stakeholders have had mixed reactions to the Treatment Advocacy Center's (TAC's) “Grading the States: An Analysis of Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Laws,” report, which provides state‐by‐state analysis of involuntary treatment laws (see story beginning on page one). However, many agree it is prompting dialogue on the challenges of meeting the needs of people with serious mental illness.
Ketamine could be promising intervention for adolescents
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2018

The study of ketamine use for adolescents with treatment‐resistant depression reveals the intravenous medication as showing potential promise as an intervention. The findings of this research, considered the first for this population, are published in the September issue of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.
Long‐Term Supplementation of Black Elderberries Promotes Hyperlipidemia, but Reduces Liver Inflammation and Improves HDL Function and Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in Apolipoprotein E‐Knockout Mice
Authors: Millar Courtney L. , Norris Gregory H. , Jiang Christina , Kry James , Vitols Addison , Garcia Chelsea , Park Young‐Ki , Lee Ji‐Young , Blesso Christopher N.
Published: September 2018

Scope

HDL particles are protective against atherosclerosis, but may become dysfunctional during inflammation and chronic disease progression. Anthocyanin‐rich foods, such as the black elderberry, may improve HDL function and prevent disease development via antioxidant and/or anti‐inflammatory effects. This study investigates the long‐term consumption of black elderberry extract (BEE) on HDL function and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein (apo) E−/− mice.

Methods and Results

ApoE−/− mice (n = 12/group) are fed a low‐fat diet, supplemented with 0, 0.25%, or 1% (by weight) BEE (≈37.5–150 mg anthocyanins per kg body weight) for 24 weeks. Feeding 1% BEE increases total serum cholesterol (+31%) and non‐HDL cholesterol (+32%) compared with the control diet. PON1 arylesterase (+32%) and lactonase (+45%) activities also increase with the 1% BEE diet. Both 0.25% BEE and 1% BEE diets strongly increase HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) by 64% and 85%, respectively. Further, BEE dose‐dependently lowers serum liver enzymes and hepatic inflammatory gene expression. Although there is no change in neutral lipid accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, BEE promotes connective tissue deposition in the aortic root.

Conclusions

Chronic BEE supplementation in apoE−/− mice dose‐dependently improves HDL function. Despite BEE promoting hyperlipidemia, which likely offsets HDL effects, BEE increases connective tissue content, suggesting improved atherosclerotic plaque stability.
Sulfated Polysaccharide from Sea Cucumber and its Depolymerized Derivative Prevent Obesity in Association with Modification of Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Zhu Zhenjun , Zhu Beiwei , Sun Yujiao , Ai Chunqing , Wang Lilong , Wen Chengrong , Yang Jingfeng , Song Shuang , Liu Xiaoling
Published: September 2018

Scope

Sulfated polysaccharide from sea cucumber (SCSP), Stichopus japonicus, has been shown to prevent diverse diseases, but little is known about its effects on obesity and gut microbiota in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).

Methods and results

Diet‐induced obese, BALB/c mice are fed an HFD with or without SCSP and depolymerized SCSP (d‐SCSP, 0.004 kcal g−1) for 8 weeks. The results show that both SCSP and d‐SCSP reduce body weight, fat and liver hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and serum lipid and inflammatory cytokine levels in HFD‐fed mice. Moreover, SCSP and d‐SCSP not only prevent HFD‐induced gut disorder, as indicated by the enriched probiotic Akkermansia and reduce endotoxin‐bearing Proteobacteria, but also improve the SCFAs and endotoxin (LPS) levels and gut tissue index. Spearman's correlation analysis reveals that several specific genera are strongly correlated with obesity‐related indexes. In addition, the inhibitory effect of d‐SCSP on fat accumulation is more effective than that of SCSP, which may be related to their different regulation of the gut microbiota.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SCSP can prevent diet‐induced obesity and its associated diseases by modulating the gut microbiota and improving microbial metabolites and gut tissue, and its effects can be enhanced by free‐radical depolymerization.
A Bayesian approach for 4D flow imaging of aortic valve in a single breath‐hold
Authors: Rich Adam , Potter Lee C. , Jin Ning , Liu Yingmin , Simonetti Orlando P. , Ahmad Rizwan
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To develop and validate a data processing technique that allows phase‐contrast MRI‐based 4D flow imaging of the aortic valve in a single breath‐hold.

Theory and Methods

To regularize the ill‐posed inverse problem, we extend a recently proposed 2D phase‐contrast MRI method to 4D flow imaging. Adopting an empirical Bayes approach, spatial and temporal redundancies are exploited via sparsity in the wavelet domain, and the voxel‐wise magnitude and phase structure across encodings is captured in a conditional mixture prior that applies regularizing constraints based on the presence of flow. We validate the proposed technique using data from a mechanical flow phantom and five healthy volunteers.

Results

The flow parameters derived from the proposed technique are in good agreement with those derived from reference datasets for both in vivo and mechanical flow experiments at accelerations rates as high as R = 27. Additionally, the proposed technique outperforms kt SPARSE‐SENSE and a method that exploits spatio‐temporal sparsity but does not utilize signal structure across encodings.

Conclusions

Using the proposed technique, it is feasible to highly accelerate 4D flow acquisition and thus enable aortic valve imaging within a single breath‐hold.
On the limitations of partial Fourier acquisition in phase‐contrast MRI of turbulent kinetic energy
Authors: Walheim Jonas , Gotschy Alexander , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To investigate limitations of partial Fourier acquisition in phase‐contrast MRI of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE).

Methods:

To assess the validity of partial Fourier reconstruction of TKE and phase images, computational fluid dynamics data of mean and turbulent velocities in a stenotic U‐bend phantom was used. Partial Fourier acquisition with 75% k‐space coverage was simulated and TKE data were reconstructed using zero‐filling, homodyne reconstruction, and the method of projections onto convex sets (POCS). Results were compared to data from fully sampled k‐space and 75% symmetric sampling. In addition, compressed sensing (CS) reconstruction was compared for a standard variable density sampling pattern and a variable density sampling pattern combined with 75% partial Fourier. For illustration purposes, in vivo examples of velocity magnitude and TKE maps of aortic flow reconstructed with the different methods are provided.

Results:

In accordance with theory, partial Fourier reconstruction of TKE maps from phase‐contrast data results in artifacts relative to fully sampled data. It is demonstrated that neither homodyne reconstruction nor POCS can improve reconstruction of TKE data with respect to zero‐filling reconstruction when compared to ground‐truth (RMS error: 4.70%, 4.34%, and 2.45% for homodyne, POCS, and zero‐filling reconstruction of in vivo data, respectively). CS reconstruction from data acquired with partial Fourier did not recover the resolution loss incurred by partial Fourier sampling.

Conclusion:

Partial Fourier reconstruction of TKE maps from phase‐contrast data does not yield a benefit over zero‐filling reconstruction. In consequence, symmetric sampling is preferred over partial Fourier acquisition for a given number of phase‐encodes in phase‐contrast MRI.