bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting nutrient excretion of aquatic animals with metabolic ecology and ecological stoichiometry: a global synthesis
Authors: Vanni Michael J. , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: September 2016

The metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) and ecological stoichiometry (ES) are both prominent frameworks for understanding energy and nutrient budgets of organisms. We tested their separate and joint power to predict nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) excretion rates of ectothermic aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate animals (10,534 observations worldwide). MTE variables (body size, temperature) performed better than ES variables (trophic guild, vertebrate classification, body N:P) in predicting excretion rates, but the best models included variables from both frameworks. Size scaling coefficients were significantly lower than predicted by MTE (<0.75), were lower for P than N, and varied greatly among species. Contrary to expectations under ES, vertebrates excreted both N and P at higher rates than invertebrates despite having more nutrient‐rich bodies, and primary consumers excreted as much nutrients as carnivores despite having nutrient‐poor diets. Accounting for body N:P hardly improved upon predictions from treating vertebrate classification categorically. We conclude that basic data on body size, water temperature, trophic guild, and vertebrate classification are sufficient to make general estimates of nutrient excretion rates for any animal taxon or aquatic ecosystem. Nonetheless, dramatic interspecific variation in size‐scaling coefficients and counter‐intuitive patterns with respect to diet and body composition underscore the need for field data on consumption and egestion rates. Together, MTE and ES provide a powerful conceptual basis for interpreting and predicting nutrient recycling rates of aquatic animals worldwide.
Chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive and post‐reproductive age: a population‐based study
Authors: Ayorinde A.A. , Bhattacharya S. , Druce K.L. , Jones G.T. , Macfarlane G.J.
Published: September 2016

Background

Epidemiological studies on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) have focused on women of reproductive age. We aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in adult women and the differences in associated factors among women of reproductive age and older women. In addition, to determine whether distinct subgroups existed among CPP cases.

Methods

A cross‐sectional postal survey was conducted among 5300 randomly selected women aged ≥25 years resident in the Grampian region, UK. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine pregnancy‐related and psychosocial factors associated with CPP. To identify subgroups of CPP cases, we performed cluster analysis using variables of pain severity, psychosocial factors and pain coping strategies.

Results

Of 2088 participants, 309 (14.8%) reported CPP. CPP was significantly associated with being of reproductive age (odds ratios (OR) 2.43, 95% CI 1.69–3.48), multiple non‐pain somatic symptoms (OR 3.58 95% CI 2.23–5.75), having fatigue (OR mild 1.74 95% CI 1.24–2.44, moderate/severe 1.82, 95% CI 1.25–2.63) and having depression (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.09–2.38). CPP was less associated with multiple non‐pain somatic symptoms in women of reproductive age compared to older women (interaction OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.92). We identified two clusters of CPP cases; those having little/no psychosocial distress and those having high psychosocial distress.

Conclusion

CPP is common in both age groups, though women of reproductive age are more likely to report it. Heightened somatic awareness may be more strongly associated with CPP in older women. There are distinct groups of CPP cases characterized by the absence/presence of psychosocial distress.

Significance

Heightened somatic awareness may be more strongly associated with CPP in women of post‐reproductive years compared to women of reproductive years. Two subgroups of CPP cases can be differentiated by the absence/presence of psychosocial distress suggesting that stratified management approach may be more efficient.
Prognostic significance of P2RY8‐CRLF2 and CRLF2 overexpression may vary across risk subgroups of childhood B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Dou Hu , Chen Xi , Huang Yi , Su Yongchun , Lu Ling , Yu Jie , Yin Yibing , Bao Liming
Published: September 2016

The cytokine receptor‐like factor 2 (CRLF2) gene plays an important role in early B‐cell development. Aberrations in CRLF2 activate the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway that contributes to B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). The prognostic significance of CRLF2 overexpression and P2RY8‐CRLF2 fusion in various B‐ALL risk subgroups has not been well established. Two hundred seventy‐one patients with newly diagnosed childhood B‐ALL were enrolled from a Chinese population. The prevalence of CRLF2 overexpression, CRLF2‐P2RY8 fusion, CRLF2 F232C mutation, and JAK2 and IL7R mutational status were analyzed, and the prognostic impact of CRLF2 overexpression and P2RY8‐CRLF2 on B‐ALL was evaluated by assessing their influence on overall survival and event‐free survival. CRLF2 overexpression and P2RY8‐CRLF2 were found in 19% and 10%, respectively, in the whole cohort. No correlation between CRLF2 overexpression and P2RY8‐CRLF2 was observed. CRLF2 F322C and IL7R mutations were not detected in B‐ALL cases overexpressing CRLF2, and no JAK2 mutations were found in the whole cohort either. The results showed that CRLF2 overexpression and P2RY8‐CRLF2 were associated with a poor outcome in unselected B‐ALL. Moreover, in an intermediate risk B‐ALL subgroup P2RY8‐CRLF2 was correlated with worse survival, whereas in high‐ and low‐risk subgroups, CRLF2 overexpression predicted a poor outcome. Our findings suggest that P2RY8‐CRLF2 is an independent prognostic indicator in intermediate risk B‐ALL, while CRLF2 overexpression is correlated with an inferior outcome in high‐ or low‐risk B‐ALL. Our study demonstrates that the impact of P2RY8‐CRLF2 and CRLF2 overexpression on B‐ALL survival may differ across risk subgroups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidermal growth factor preserves myelin and promotes astrogliosis after intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Vinukonda Govindaiah , Hu Furong , Mehdizadeh Rana , Dohare Preeti , Kidwai Ali , Juneja Ankit , Naran Vineet , Kierstead Maria , Chawla Rachit , Kayton Robert , Ballabh Praveen
Published: September 2016

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) leads to reduced myelination and astrogliosis of the white matter in premature infants. No therapeutic strategy exists to minimize white matter injury in survivors with IVH. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) enhances myelination, astrogliosis, and neurologic recovery in animal models of white matter injury. Here, we hypothesized that recombinant human (rh) EGF treatment would enhance oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) maturation, myelination, and neurological recovery in preterm rabbits with IVH. In addition, rhEGF would promote astrogliosis by inducing astroglial progenitor proliferation and GFAP transcription. We tested these hypotheses in a preterm rabbit model of IVH and evaluated autopsy samples from human preterm infants. We found that EGF and EGFR expression were more abundant in the ganglionic eminence relative to the cortical plate and white matter of human infants and that the development of IVH reduced EGF levels, but not EGFR expression. Accordingly, rhEGF treatment promoted proliferation and maturation of OPCs, preserved myelin in the white matter, and enhanced neurological recovery in rabbits with IVH. rhEGF treatment inhibited Notch signaling, which conceivably contributed to OPC maturation. rhEGF treatment contributed to astrogliosis by increasing astroglial proliferation and upregulating GFAP as well as Sox9 expression. Hence, IVH results in a decline in EGF expression; and rhEGF treatment preserves myelin, restores neurological recovery, and exacerbates astrogliosis by inducing proliferation of astrocytes and enhancing transcription of GFAP and Sox9 in pups with IVH. rhEGF treatment might improve the neurological outcome of premature infants with IVH. GLIA 2016;64:1987–2004
Cortical network dysfunction caused by a subtle defect of myelination
Authors: Poggi Giulia , Boretius Susann , Möbius Wiebke , Moschny Nicole , Baudewig Jürgen , Ruhwedel Torben , Hassouna Imam , Wieser Georg L. , Werner Hauke B. , Goebbels Sandra , Nave Klaus‐Armin , Ehrenreich Hannelore
Published: September 2016

Subtle white matter abnormalities have emerged as a hallmark of brain alterations in magnetic resonance imaging or upon autopsy of mentally ill subjects. However, it is unknown whether such reduction of white matter and myelin contributes to any disease‐relevant phenotype or simply constitutes an epiphenomenon, possibly even treatment‐related. Here, we have re‐analyzed Mbp heterozygous mice, the unaffected parental strain of shiverer, a classical neurological mutant. Between 2 and 20 months of age, Mbp+/‐ versus Mbp+/+ littermates were deeply phenotyped by combining extensive behavioral/cognitive testing with MRI, 1H‐MR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and molecular techniques. Surprisingly, Mbp‐dependent myelination was significantly reduced in the prefrontal cortex. We also noticed a mild but progressive hypomyelination of the prefrontal corpus callosum and low‐grade inflammation. While most behavioral functions were preserved, Mbp+/‐ mice exhibited defects of sensorimotor gating, as evidenced by reduced prepulse‐inhibition, and a late‐onset catatonia phenotype. Thus, subtle but primary abnormalities of CNS myelin can be the cause of a persistent cortical network dysfunction including catatonia, features typical of neuropsychiatric conditions. GLIA 2016;64:2025–2040
Effects of MC4R, FTO, and NMB gene variants to obesity, physical activity, and eating behavior phenotypes
Authors: Kirac Deniz , Kasimay Cakir Ozgur , Avcilar Tuba , Deyneli Oguzhan , Kurtel Hizir , Yazici Dilek , Kaspar Elif Cigdem , Celik Nurgul , Guney Ahmet Ilter
Published: September 2016

Obesity is a major contributory factor of morbidity and mortality. It has been suggested that biological systems may be involved in the tendency to be and to remain physically inactive also behaviors such as food and beverage preferences and nutrient intake may at least partially genetically determined. Consequently, besides environment, genetic factors may also contribute to the level of physical activity and eating behaviors thus effect obesity. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of various gene mutations on obesity, physical activity levels and eating behavior phenotypes. One hundred patients and 100 controls were enrolled to the study. Physical activity levels were measured with an actical acceloremeter device. Eating behaviors were evaluated using Three‐Factor Eating questionnaire (TFEQ). Associations between eating behavior scores and physical characteristics were also evaluated. The information about other obesity risk factors were also collected. Mutations were investigated with PCR, direct sequencing and Real‐Time PCR. rs1051168, rs8050146 −2778C > T mutations were found statistically significant in patients, rs1121980 was found statistically significant in controls. 21 mutations were found in MC4R and near MC4R of which 18 of them are novel and 8 of them cause amino acid change. In addition, it was found that, some obesity related factors and questions of TFEQ are associated with various investigated gene mutations. Any relation between gene mutations and physical activity levels were not detected. It is thought that, due to the genotype data and eating behaviors, it may be possible to recommend patients for proper eating patterns to prevent obesity. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(10):806–816, 2016
Accelerated bony defect healing based on chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel scaffolds embedded with chitosan nanoparticles for the delivery of BMP2 plasmid DNA
Authors: Li Hui , Ji Qiuxia , Chen Ximin , Sun Yan , Xu Quanchen , Deng Panpan , Hu Fang , Yang Jianjun
Published: September 2016

Regeneration of alveolar bone is among the main purposes of periodontal treatment. However, it is a challenge for both dentists and patients. An injectable chitosan‐based thermosensitive hydrogel scaffold (CS/CSn‐GP) was successfully designed and prepared with the incorporation of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 plasmid DNA (pDNA‐BMP2)‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS/CSn(pDNA‐BMP2)‐GP) in this study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative effect of this scaffold on the endogenous repair of alveolar bone. Thermosensitive properties, SEM scans andin vivoinflammatory reactions and degradation were evaluated. The CS/CSn‐GP solution was initially injected into the muscle pouches of rats, where it changed into a gel, resulting in non‐specific inflammation. It effectively enhanced new bone formation in rat calvarial defects and enhanced bony defect healing in beagle dogs. All results indicated that the CS/CSn(pDNA‐BMP2)‐GP complex system is a potential candidate as a targeted, multi‐effect scaffold for the endogenous repair of alveolar bone. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 265–273, 2017.
Suppression of Sclerostin Alleviates Radiation-Induced Bone Loss by Protecting Bone-Forming Cells and Their Progenitors Through Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Lin Tiao , Young Tiffany , Tong Wei , Ma Xiaoyuan , Tseng Wei-Ju , Kramer Ina , Kneissel Michaela , Levine Michael A , Zhang Yejia , Cengel Keith , Liu X. Sherry , Qin Ling
Published: September 2016

Focal radiotherapy is frequently associated with skeletal damage within the radiation field. Our previous in vitro study showed that activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway can overcome radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis of osteoblastic cells. Neutralization of circulating sclerostin with a monoclonal antibody (Scl-Ab) is an innovative approach for treating osteoporosis by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling in bone. Together with the fact that focal radiation increases sclerostin amount in bone, we sought to determine whether weekly treatment with Scl-Ab would prevent focal radiotherapy-induced osteoporosis in mice. Micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses demonstrated that Scl-Ab blocked trabecular bone structural deterioration after radiation by partially preserving osteoblast number and activity. Consistently, trabecular bone in sclerostin null mice was resistant to radiation via the same mechanism. Scl-Ab accelerated DNA repair in osteoblasts after radiation by reducing the number of γ-H2AX foci, a DNA double-strand break marker, and increasing the amount of Ku70, a DNA repair protein, thus protecting osteoblasts from radiation-induced apoptosis. In osteocytes, apart from using similar DNA repair mechanism to rescue osteocyte apoptosis, Scl-Ab restored the osteocyte canaliculi structure that was otherwise damaged by radiation. Using a lineage tracing approach that labels all mesenchymal lineage cells in the endosteal bone marrow, we demonstrated that radiation damage to mesenchymal progenitors mainly involves shifting their fate to adipocytes and arresting their proliferation ability but not inducing apoptosis, which are different mechanisms from radiation damage to mature bone forming cells. Scl-Ab treatment partially blocked the lineage shift but had no effect on the loss of proliferation potential. Taken together, our studies provide proof-of-principle evidence for a novel use of Scl-Ab as a therapeutic treatment for radiation-induced osteoporosis and establish molecular and cellular mechanisms that support such treatment. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of pendimethalin binding to human serum albumin: Insights from spectroscopic and molecular modeling approach
Authors: Lee Wei Qi , Affandi Ida Syazwani M. , Feroz Shevin R. , Mohamad Saharuddin B. , Tayyab Saad
Published: September 2016

Interaction of pendimethalin (PM) herbicide with the major transporter in human circulation, human serum albumin (HSA), was studied using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and molecular modeling methods. The attenuation of the fluorescence intensity of HSA in the presence of PM revealed formation of the PM–HSA complex. Analysis of the fluorescence quenching data showed moderately strong binding affinity between PM and HSA. Both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding were suggested to stabilize the PM–HSA complex, based on thermodynamic data. Binding of PM to HSA induced perturbation in the microenvironment around the aromatic fluorophores as well as secondary and tertiary structural changes in the protein. Complexation of PM with HSA led to an increase in its thermal stability. Both site marker displacement and molecular modeling results suggested site I, located in subdomain IIA as the preferred binding site of PM on HSA.
Differential Expression of miR‐4520a Associated With Pyrin Mutations in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)
Authors: Latsoudis Helen , Mashreghi Mir‐Farzin , Grün Joachim R. , Chang Hyun‐Dong , Stuhlmüller Bruno , Repa Argyro , Gergiannaki Irini , Kabouraki Eleni , Vlachos George S. , Häupl Thomas , Radbruch Andreas , Sidiropoulos Prodromos , Doukoumetzidis Kimon , Kardassis Dimitris , Niewold Timothy B. , Boumpas Dimitrios T. , Goulielmos George N.
Published: September 2016

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent, acute, and self‐limiting attacks of fever. Mutations in MEFV gene encoding pyrin account for FMF, but the high number of heterozygote patients with typical symptoms of the disease has driven a number of alternative aetiopathogenic hypotheses. The MEFV gene was knocked down in human myelomonocytic cells that express endogenous pyrin to identify deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs). Microarray analyses revealed 29 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs implicated in pathways associated with cellular integrity and survival. Implementation of in silico gene network prediction algorithms and bioinformatics analyses showed that miR‐4520a is predicted to target genes implicated in autophagy through regulation of RHEB/mTOR signaling. Differential expression levels of RHEB were confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assays providing further evidence that is directly targeted by miR‐4520a. Although the relative expression levels of miR‐4520a were variable among FMF patients, the statistical expression of miR‐4520a was different between FMF mutation carriers and controls (P = 0.0061), indicating an association between miR‐4520a expression and MEFV mutations. Comparison between FMF patients bearing the M694V mutation, associated with severe disease, and healthy controls showed a significant increase in miR‐4520a expression levels (P = 0.00545). These data suggest that RHEB, the main activator of mTOR signaling, is a valid target of miR‐4520a with the relative expression levels of the latter being significantly deregulated in FMF patients and highly dependent on the presence of pyrin mutations, especially of the M694V type. These results suggest a role of deregulated autophagy in the pathogenesis of FMF. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1326–1336, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activin A induces skeletal muscle catabolism via p38β mitogen‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Ding Hui , Zhang Guohua , Sin Ka Wai Thomas , Liu Zhelong , Lin Ren‐Kuo , Li Min , Li Yi‐Ping
Published: September 2016

Background

Activation of type IIB activin receptor (ActRIIB) in skeletal muscle leads to muscle atrophy because of increased muscle protein degradation. However, the intracellular signalling mechanism that mediates ActRIIB‐activated muscle catabolism is poorly defined.

Methods

We investigated the role of p38β mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) in mediating ActRIIB ligand activin A‐activated muscle catabolic pathways in C2C12 myotubes and in mice with perturbation of this kinase pharmacologically and genetically.

Results

Treatment of C2C12 myotubes with activin A or myostatin rapidly activated p38 MAPK and its effector C/EBPβ within 1 h. Paradoxically, Akt was activated at the same time through a p38 MAPK‐independent mechanism. These events were followed by up‐regulation of ubiquitin ligases atrogin1 (MAFbx) and UBR2 (E3α‐II), as well as increase in LC3‐II, a marker of autophagosome formation, leading to myofibrillar protein loss and myotube atrophy. The catabolic effects of activin A were abolished by p38α/β MAPK inhibitor SB202190. Using small interfering RNA‐mediated gene knockdown, we found that the catabolic activity of activin A was dependent on p38β MAPK specifically. Importantly, systemic administration of activin A to mice similarly activated the catabolic pathways in vivo, and this effect was blocked by SB202190. Further, activin A failed to activate the catabolic pathways in mice with muscle‐specific knockout of p38β MAPK. Interestingly, activin A up‐regulated MuRF1 in a p38 MAPK‐independent manner, and MuRF1 did not appear responsible for activin A‐induced myosin heavy chain loss and muscle atrophy.

Conclusions

ActRIIB‐mediated activation of muscle catabolism is dependent on p38β MAPK‐activated signalling.
Strategy to Construct Stair‐Shaped Partially Reduced Naphtho[1,2‐b]pyrano[2,3‐d]oxepines and Dinaphtho[1,2‐b,d]oxepines
Authors: Gautam Sanjay K. , Maurya Hardesh K. , Pratap Ramendra , Kumar Brijesh , Kumar Abhinav , Tandon Vishnu K. , Ram Vishnu Ji
Published: September 2016

A concise and efficient base‐induced synthesis of stair‐shaped, 4‐methylthio‐2‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐naphtho[1,2‐b]pyran[2,3‐d]oxepine‐3‐carbonitriles (3) has been delineated by the reaction of 3,4‐dihydronaphtho[1,2‐b]oxepin‐5(2H)‐one (1) and methyl 2‐cyano‐3,3‐dimethylthioacrylate in DMSO using powdered KOH as a base at room temperature. Amination of 3 has been achieved by reaction with secondary amine in ethanol at reflux temperature to yield 4‐sec‐amino‐2‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐naphtho[1,2‐b]pyran[2,3‐d]oxepine‐3‐carbonitriles (4). Reaction of 3 with aryl methyl ketone (5) in DMSO at room temperature using powdered KOH as a base produced stair‐shaped 5‐aryl‐7,8‐dihydro‐1,4‐dioxa‐2,3‐dioxodinaphtho[1,2‐b,d]oxepine (6) in good yields. However, reaction of 6‐aryl‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one‐3‐carbonitrile (8) with 3,4‐dihydronaphtho[1,2‐b]oxepin‐5(2H)‐one (1) did not give similar product, but in lieu 4‐aryl‐5,6‐dihydronaphtho[1,2‐b]oxepino[4,5‐b]pyran‐2‐ylidene)acetonitrile (9) was isolated and characterized.
Small amounts of ammonium (NH$ _4^+ $) can increase growth of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: George Jessey , Holtham Luke , Sabermanesh Kasra , Heuer Sigrid , Tester Mark , Plett Darren , Garnett Trevor
Published: September 2016

Nitrate (NO$ _3^ - $) and ammonium (NH$ _4^+ $) are the predominant forms of nitrogen (N) available to plants in agricultural soils. Nitrate concentrations are generally ten times higher than those of NH$ _4^+ $ and this ratio is consistent across a wide range of soil types. The possible contribution of these small concentrations of NH$ _4^+ $ to the overall N budget of crop plants is often overlooked. In this study the importance of this for the growth and nitrogen budget of maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated, using agriculturally relevant concentrations of NH$ _4^+ $. Maize inbred line B73 was grown hydroponically for 30 d at low (0.5 mM) and sufficient (2.5 mM) levels of NO$ _3^ - $. Ammonium was added at 0.05 mM and 0.25 mM to both levels of NO$ _3^ - $. At low NO$ _3^ - $ levels, addition of NH$ _4^+ $ was found to improve the growth of maize plants. This increased plant growth was accompanied by an increase in total N uptake, as well as total phosphorus, sulphur and other micronutrients in the shoot. Ammonium influx was higher than NO$ _3^ - $ influx for all the plants and decreased as the total N in the nutrient medium increased. This study shows that agriculturally relevant proportions of NH$ _4^+ $ supplied in addition to NO$ _3^ - $ can increase growth of maize.
Dynamics of former ice lobes of the southernmost Patagonian Ice Sheet based on a glacial landsystems approach
Authors: Darvill Christopher M. , Stokes Chris R. , Bentley Michael J. , Evans David J. A. , Lovell Harold
Published: September 2016

Reconstructions of former ice masses from glacial geomorphology help to constrain the nature and timing of glaciation in relation to climatic forcing. This paper presents a new reconstruction of the glacial history of five ice lobes in southernmost South America: the Bahía Inútil − San Sebastián, Magellan, Otway, Skyring and Río Gallegos ice lobes. We use previous geomorphological mapping of glacial landforms to reconstruct former glacial limits and proglacial lakes, demarcate flow‐sets from the distribution of glacial lineations, and evaluate glacial landsystem signatures and their palaeoglaciological implications. Evidence suggests that the ice lobes predominantly reflect active temperate glacial landsystems, which may have switched to polythermal systems when periods of cold‐based ice developed ephemerally. This complex landsystem signature implies that the ice lobes were sensitive to regional climate variability, with active re‐advances during overall retreat of the ice margins. There is also evidence for periods of fast ice flow and possible surge‐like activity in the region, followed by the rapid retreat or even collapse of some of the ice lobes in association with proglacial lakes. Constraining our new reconstruction with published chronological information suggests that at least some of the ice lobes advanced before the global Last Glacial Maximum (gLGM: ca. 26.5–19 ka) during the last glacial cycle. Our new reconstruction demonstrates a more complex picture of ice dynamics than has previously been portrayed, and one in which the advance and retreat of the ice lobes was likely to have been primarily driven by changes in climate. As such, ice advances before the gLGM in the southernmost part of the Patagonian Ice Sheet are likely to indicate a wider climatic forcing at this time.
Drivers of ecosystem and climate change in tropical West Africa over the past ∼540 000 years
Authors: Miller Charlotte S. , Gosling William D. , Kemp David B. , Coe Angela L. , Gilmour Iain
Published: September 2016

A paucity of empirical non‐marine data means that uncertainty surrounds the impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems in tropical regions beyond the last glacial period. The sedimentary fill of the Bosumtwi impact crater (Ghana) provides the longest continuous Quaternary terrestrial archive of environmental change in West Africa, spanning the last ∼1.08 million years. Here we explore the drivers of change in ecosystem and climate in tropical West Africa for the past ∼540 000 years using pollen analysis and the nitrogen isotope composition of bulk organic matter preserved in sediments from Lake Bosumtwi. Variations in grass pollen abundance (0−99%) indicate transitions between grassland and forest. Coeval variations in the nitrogen isotopic composition of organic matter indicate that intervals of grassland expansion coincided with minimum lake levels and low regional moisture availability. The observed changes responded to orbitally paced global climate variations on both glacial–interglacial and shorter timescales. Importantly, the magnitude of ecosystem change revealed by our data exceeds that previously determined from marine records, demonstrating for the first time the high sensitivity of tropical lowland ecosystems to Quaternary climate change.
The effect of hyaluronic acid addition on the properties of smoked homogenised sausages
Authors: Zając Marzena , Kulawik Piotr , Tkaczewska Joanna , Migdał Władysław , Filipczak‐Fiutak Magda , Fiutak Grzegorz
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

This research studied the possibility of using hyaluronic acid (HA) as a food additive for meat emulsions to create a novel functional food with improved rheological and water binding properties. Sausages with 200 and 500 g kg−1 water addition were supplemented with 0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 g kg−1 of HA and stored for 14 days in vacuum. Rheology, texture, weight losses, proximate composition and microbiological analyses were performed together with the sensory evaluation of produced sausages.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, the results show that the addition of 0.05 and 0.1 g kg−1 HA reduced yield and the stability of meat emulsion by causing water outflow from the product and decreased the sensory scores of the produced sausages. The sausage with 500 g kg−1 water and 0.01 g kg−1 HA addition was the only economically viable option for introducing the product on the market.

CONCLUSION

HA has a potential of being a perfect functional food additive for meat industry, although further research regarding processing conditions should be performed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Gender differences in onabotulinum toxin A dosing for adductor spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Lerner Michael Z. , Lerner Benjamin A. , Patel Amit A. , Blitzer Andrew
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of gender on onabotulinum toxin A dosing for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia symptoms.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

A chart review of the senior author's database of botulinum toxin injections was performed. Patients diagnosed with adductor spasmodic dysphonia who received onabotulinum toxin A (BoNTA) injections to the thyroarytenoid muscle for at least 5 years were included for study. Patients who received alternate formulations of botulinum toxin (Myobloc, Dysport, or Xeomin) and patients with alternate diagnoses, such as abductor spasmodic dysphonia, tremor, and oromandibular dystonia, were excluded. The average BoNTA dose was calculated for each patient and statistical analysis was performed comparing the male and female groups.

Results

A total of 201 patients (52 males and 149 females) met inclusion criteria. The average follow‐up times for the male and female groups were 10.2 ± 3.6 and 11.1 ± 4 years, respectively. The average BoNTA doses for the male and female groups were 0.6 ± 0.42 U and 1.3 ± 1.1 U, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent samples two‐tailed t test yielding a P value of .0000000002. A large effect size was noted with Cohen's d = 0.85.

Conclusions

The data from this retrospective chart review reveal a statistically and clinically significant correlation between female gender and higher average BoNTA dose for symptom control in adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Explanations for this observation are speculative and include a possible inverse relationship between optimal BoNTA dose and vocal fold mass and possibly greater neutralizing antibody formation among female patients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1131–1134, 2017
An Injectable Self‐Healing Hydrogel Based on Chain‐Extended PEO‐PPO‐PEO Multiblock Copolymer
Authors: Yu Hansen , Liu Yunfei , Yang Haiyang , Peng Kang , Zhang Xingyuan
Published: September 2016

Injectable hydrogels have been commonly used as drug‐delivery vehicles and tried in tissue engineering. Injectable self‐healing hydrogels have great advantage over traditional injectable hydrogels because they can be injected as a liquid and then rapidly form bulk gels in situ at the target site under physiological conditions. This study develops an injectable thermosensitive self‐healing hydrogel based on chain‐extended F127 (PEO90‐PPO65‐PEO90) multi‐block copolymer (m‐F127). The rapid sol–gel transition ability under body temperature allows it to be used as injectable hydrogel and the self‐healing property allows it to withstand repeated deformation and quickly recover its mechanical properties and structure through the dynamic covalent bonds. It is hoped that the novel strategy and the fascinating properties of the hydrogel as presented here will provide new opportunities with regard to the design and practical application of injectable self‐healing hydrogels.

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Methylglyoxal in Metabolic Disorders: Facts, Myths, and Promises
Authors: Matafome Paulo , Rodrigues Tiago , Sena Cristina , Seiça Raquel
Published: September 2016

Glucose and fructose metabolism originates the highly reactive byproduct methylglyoxal (MG), which is a strong precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGE). The MG has been implicated in classical diabetic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, but has also been recently associated with cardiovascular diseases and central nervous system disorders such as cerebrovascular diseases and dementia. Recent studies even suggested its involvement in insulin resistance and beta‐cell dysfunction, contributing to the early development of type 2 diabetes and creating a vicious circle between glycation and hyperglycemia. Despite several drugs and natural compounds have been identified in the last years in order to scavenge MG and inhibit AGE formation, we are still far from having an effective strategy to prevent MG‐induced mechanisms. This review summarizes the endogenous and exogenous sources of MG, also addressing the current controversy about the importance of exogenous MG sources. The mechanisms by which MG changes cell behavior and its involvement in type 2 diabetes development and complications and the pathophysiological implication are also summarized. Particular emphasis will be given to pathophysiological relevance of studies using higher MG doses, which may have produced biased results. Finally, we also overview the current knowledge about detoxification strategies, including modulation of endogenous enzymatic systems and exogenous compounds able to inhibit MG effects on biological systems.
Effect of fibrin sealant in positioning and stabilizing microvascular pedicle: A comparative study
Authors: Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Youn Hwan , Kim Sang Wha
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Fibrin sealants have had applications in hemostasis, cohesion, and promotion of healing in plastic surgery. In this article, we review cases where fibrin sealant was used to stabilize microvascular pedicles and compared with previous free flaps performed without fibrin sealant.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2010, 62 consecutive patients underwent free tissue transfer for reconstruction; this involved 33 latissimus dorsi perforator flaps, 14 thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps, 9 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 3 lateral thoracic artery perforator flaps, and 3 transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, used in head and neck reconstruction, lower limb reconstructions, breast reconstructions, and facial palsy reconstruction. Following microvascular anastomosis, the microvascular pedicles were placed in the optimal position, and fibrin sealant was used to fix and stabilize them. The complications, such as venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, hematoma, and vascular pedicle kinking, were compared with that of 672 previous free flaps without fibrin sealant for stabilizing microvascular pedicles.

Results

Among the 62 free tissue transfers using fibrin sealant, there was only one complication involving flap failure (1.6%), in this case due to venous thrombosis. Analysis of 672 free flaps performed without application of fibrin sealant revealed 24 complications (3.6%), due to 3 venous thrombosis, 1 arterial thrombosis, 4 vascular pedicel compression due to hematoma, and 16 pedicle kinking. However, the comparison of complications between the free flap using fibrin sealant and the free flap without fibrin sealant were not statistically significant (P = 0.65).

Conclusions

Fibrin sealant can be used to prevent vascular kinking and to position anastomosed vessels after successful micro‐anastomosis and allow the reconstructive surgeon to overcome challenging situations of vascular pedicle related complications © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:406–409, 2017.
Elucidation of the Enantiodiscrimination Properties of a Nonracemic Chiral Alignment Medium through Gel‐based Capillary Electrochromatography: Separation of the Mefloquine Stereoisomers
Authors: Al‐Massaedh “Ayat Allah” , Schmidt Manuel , Pyell Ute , Reinscheid Uwe M.
Published: September 2016

Enantiodiscrimination and enantioseparation are two highly important processes in chemistry, often performed by using NMR spectroscopy and chromatography. For a better understanding of the mechanistic details, the same system should be studied by both methods. In addition, isotropic and anisotropic NMR parameters should be obtained, the latter using alignment media so that residual dipolar couplings and chemical‐shift anisotropies can be measured. Consequently, a chiral alignment medium was used for the first time in chiral gel‐based capillary electrochromatography with the four stereoisomers of the antimalaria drug mefloquine as test compounds. Chromatographic data verify that enantiodiscrimination obtained with this alignment gel is caused by differences in the equilibrium constants related to associate formation. Hence, the chromatographic separation provides physicochemical data that form a basis for the understanding and optimization of alignment processes, and vice versa.
Preparation and Characterization of Cassava Starch/Peel Composite Film
Authors: Edhirej Ahmed , Sapuan S.M. , Jawaid Mohammad , Ismarrubie Zahari Nur
Published: September 2016

This work is focused on the use of cassava peel as a natural fiber for thermoplastic starch (TPS) based on the cassava starch. Starch was extracted from the cassava tuber and the peel was used as a film fiber in order to obtain fully biodegradable composites. The composite films were prepared using casting technique. The addition of peel results in an increase in the thickness, water content, and water absorption of the films while decreasing the density and water solubility. Moreover, no significant effect was noticed on the thermal properties of the composite films. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the films containing a small size of peel had a better compact structure and a homogeneous surface without pores. The addition of 6% peel increased the elastic modulus and tensile stress up to 449.74 and 9.62 MPa, respectively, this being the most efficient reinforcing agent. Also the temperature variation of the dynamic‐mechanical parameters of cassava starch/peel composites was investigated using DMA test. It was observed that the incorporation of peel increased the tensile strength and modulus. In conclusion, of all‐plant composites can be prepared using cassava as both the matrix and the reinforcement, adding value to the residue of starch extraction. Based on its excellent properties, cassava starch/peel composite films are suitable for various purposes such as packaging, automotive and agro‐industrial application, at lower cost. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1704–1715, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Permeability characterization of sheared carbon fiber textile preform
Authors: Pierce Robert S. , Falzon Brian G. , Thompson Mark C.
Published: September 2016

Fabric deformation alters its local permeability characteristics which, in turn, influences the resin infusion process. This work investigates the radial permeability test method of sheared carbon fiber textile reinforcement materials for the purposes of infusion modeling. A novel experimental approach is described, which utilizes a customized Matlab video processing code to track fluid flow and calculate permeability using data from the complete flow field. Results show principal permeability values,
and
, to increase and decrease, respectively, from a near isotropic state as the fabric shear angle increases, yielding a
/
ratio of 3.74 at the maximum measured shear angle of 40°. Detailed statistical analysis revealed significant error for cases where fewer than 16 measurement directions were used for the permeability calculation, particularly in highly anisotropic samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2287–2298, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparative evaluation of methods approximating drug prescription durations in claims data: modeling, simulation, and application to real data
Authors: Meid Andreas D. , Heider Dirk , Adler Jürgen‐Bernhard , Quinzler Renate , Brenner Herrmann , Günster Christian , König Hans‐Helmut , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the predictive accuracy of different methods suggested for approximation of drug prescription durations in claims data.

Methods

We expanded a well‐established modeling and simulation framework to compare approximated drug prescription durations with ‘true’ (i.e., simulated) durations. Real claims data of persons aged ≥65 years insured by the German nationwide ‘Statutory Health Insurance Fund’ AOK between 2010 and 2012 provided empiric input parameters that were completed with missing information on actual dosing patterns from an observational cohort. The distinct approximation methods were based on crude measures (one tablet a day), population‐averaged measures (defined daily doses), or individually‐derived measures (longitudinal coverage approximation of the applied dose, COV). As a proof‐of‐principle, we assessed the methods' performance to predict the well‐characterized bleeding risks of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and/or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Results

When applied to modeling and simulation data sets, the closest, least biased, and thus most accurate approximation was observed using the COV approximation. In a real‐data example, rather similar results to an external reference were obtained for all methods. However, some of the differences between methods were meaningful, and the most reasonable and consistent results were obtained with the COV approach.

Conclusion

Based on theoretically most accurate approximations and practically reasonable estimates, the individual COV approach was preferable over the population‐averaged defined daily dose technique, although the latter might be justified in certain situations. Advantages of the COV approach are expected to be even bigger for drug therapies with particularly large dosing heterogeneity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroproteomic tools for battling Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Veenstra Timothy D.
Published: September 2016

With the life expectancy of individuals in the developed nations reaching historic highs, the incidence of dementia within the aging population is also increasing. Of the known causes of dementia, the major culprit is Alzheimer's disease (AD). The numbers of individuals suffering from AD is expected to nearly triple over the next 35 years unless medical science can identify better methods for diagnosing and treating AD. Fortunately, proteomics technologies have not only rapidly matured in the past few decades but also have been effectively applied so that the biomarkers of AD can be more effectively vetted and analyzed. The effectiveness of the technologies described in this paper enable the efficacy of drugs aimed at treating AD to be tested much faster than the previously possible and enable the more accurate selection of patients that are suitable for clinical trials.
Inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur and styrene for polymeric cathodes in Li‐S batteries
Authors: Zhang Yueyan , Griebel Jared J. , Dirlam Philip T. , Nguyen Ngoc A. , Glass Richard S. , Mackay Michael E. , Char Kookheon , Pyun Jeffrey
Published: September 2016

High sulfur content copolymers were prepared via the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur with styrene. This reaction was carried out at a relatively low temperature and invokes a new chain transfer mechanism of abstraction of benzylic protons to form stable copolymers. The use of styrene as a comonomer for inverse vulcanization was attractive due to the low cost and wide spread industrial use of styrenics in free radical processes. The copolymers were used as the active cathode material in Li‐S batteries that exhibited outstanding device performance, maintaining 489 mAh/g capacity after 1000 cycles. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 107–116
Polyaniline–graphene oxide nanocomposites: Influence of nonconducting graphene oxide on the conductivity and oxidation‐reduction mechanism of polyaniline
Authors: Mooss Vandana A. , Athawale Anjali A.
Published: September 2016

The present endeavor focuses on the unusual interactions between polyaniline and graphene oxide (PANi–GO) which radically affects the properties of nanocomposites as it is an emerging material for many potential applications. A series of nanocomposites have been synthesized by varying the weight percentage of highly nonconducting GO with respect to aniline which exhibit superior properties in terms of shelf life, processability and conductivity due to the synergistic effect of GO and PANi. A comparison of the resistances of samples reveal that though as‐synthesized GO is insulating (80 MΩ), when added to PANi (283 kΩ) in small amounts yields conducting composites (50–280 Ω). Up to 5 weight % concentration, GO renders conductivity to the composite probably by increasing the doping level of PANi. Nonetheless, no further increase in conductivity observed on addition of more than 5 wt% GO in the composite has dictated us to unravel the structure property relationship between PANi and GO, where GO facilitates the formation of partially reduced phase of PANi, thereby restricting the electronic transport. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3778–3786
Toughening hydrogels by immersing with oppositely charged polymers
Authors: Li Yang , Peng Xin , Zhao Di , Shi Shengjie , He Changcheng , Wang Huiliang
Published: September 2016

A very simple yet novel strategy to significantly enhance the mechanical properties of hydrogels is reported. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogels with aligned macroporous channels are immersed in the aqueous solutions of poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC). Strong electrostatic interactions are formed between the anionic PAA and cationic PDMDAAC chains. In the resultant PAA/PDMDAAC hybrid hydrogels, the mass ratio of PDMDAAC to PAA is about 0.2 and PDMDAAC is uniformly distributed throughout the gels. The mechanical properties of the formed hybrid hydrogels are largely enhanced in comparison with the original PAA hydrogels. The hybrid hydrogels exhibit high tensile strengths (0.38–1.73 MPa), elastic moduli (0.21–1.59 MPa) and toughness (up to 3.0 MJ/m3), about several to more than 10 times those of the corresponding PAA hydrogels. In addition, the PAA/PDMDAAC hydrogels also show excellent and very rapid shape recovery ability in both air and deionized water. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 2432–2441
The structure of a doripenem‐bound OXA‐51 class D β‐lactamase variant with enhanced carbapenemase activity
Authors: June Cynthia M. , Muckenthaler Taylor J. , Schroder Emma C. , Klamer Zachary L. , Wawrzak Zdzislaw , Powers Rachel A. , Szarecka Agnieszka , Leonard David A.
Published: September 2016

OXA‐51 is a class D β‐lactamase that is thought to be the native carbapenemase of Acinetobacter baumannii. Many variants of OXA‐51 containing active site substitutions have been identified from A. baumannii isolates, and some of these substitutions increase hydrolytic activity toward carbapenem antibiotics. We have determined the high‐resolution structures of apo OXA‐51 and OXA‐51 with one such substitution (I129L) with the carbapenem doripenem trapped in the active site as an acyl‐intermediate. The structure shows that acyl‐doripenem adopts an orientation very similar to carbapenem ligands observed in the active site of OXA‐24/40 (doripenem) and OXA‐23 (meropenem). In the OXA‐51 variant/doripenem complex, the indole ring of W222 is oriented away from the doripenem binding site, thereby eliminating a clash that is predicted to occur in wildtype OXA‐51. Similarly, in the OXA‐51 variant complex, L129 adopts a different rotamer compared to I129 in wildtype OXA‐51. This alternative position moves its side chain away from the hydroxyethyl moiety of doripenem and relieves another potential clash between the enzyme and carbapenem substrates. Molecular dynamics simulations of OXA‐51 and OXA‐51 I129L demonstrate that compared to isoleucine, a leucine at this position greatly favors a rotamer that accommodates the ligand. These results provide a molecular justification for how this substitution generates enhanced binding affinity for carbapenems, and therefore helps explain the prevalence of this substitution in clinical OXA‐51 variants.