bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining task‐related activation and connectivity analysis of fMRI data reveals complex modulation of brain networks
Authors: Gerchen Martin Fungisai , Kirsch Peter
Published: August 2017

Task‐related effects in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data are usually analyzed with local activation approaches or integrative connectivity approaches, for example, by psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis. While both approaches are often applied to the same data set, a systematic combination of the results with a whole‐brain (WB) perspective is rarely conducted and the relationship between task‐dependent activation and connectivity effects is relatively unexplored. Here, we combined brain activation and graph theoretical analysis of WB‐PPI results in an exemplary episodic memory data set of N = 136 healthy human participants and found regions with congruent as well as incongruent activation and connectivity changes between task and control conditions. A comparison with large‐scale resting state networks showed that in congruent as well as incongruent regions task‐positively modulated connections were mainly between‐network connections, especially with the default mode network, while task‐negatively modulated connections were mainly found within resting state networks. Over all regions, the strength of absolute activation effects was associated with the tendency to exhibit task‐positive connectivity changes, mainly driven by a strong relationship in negatively activated regions. These results demonstrate that task demands lead to a complex modulation of brain networks and provide evidence that task‐evoked activation and connectivity effects reflect separable and complementary information on the macroscale brain level assessed by fMRI. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5726–5739, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CCL2, CCL5, and IGF‐1 participate in the immunomodulation of osteogenesis during M1/M2 transition in vitro
Authors: Córdova Luis A. , Loi Florence , Lin Tzu‐Hua , Gibon Emmanuel , Pajarinen Jukka , Nabeshima Akira , Lu Laura , Yao Zhenyu , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: August 2017

The modulation of macrophage phenotype from pro‐inflammatory (M1) to tissue healing (M2) via exogenous addition of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) facilitates osteogenesis; however, the molecular mediators underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. This study characterizes the IL‐4‐dependent paracrine crosstalk between macrophages and osteoprogenitors and its effect on osteogenesis in vitro. Primary murine M1 were co‐cultured with MC3T3 cells (M1‐MC3T3) in both transwell plates and direct co‐cultures. To modulate M1 to M2, M1‐MC3T3 were treated with IL‐4 (20 ng/mL) at day 3 after seeding (M1 + IL‐4‐MC3T3). Selected molecular targets were assessed at days 3 and 6 after seeding at protein and mRNA levels. Mineralization was assessed at day 21. Transwell M1 + IL‐4‐MC3T3 significantly enhanced the secretion of CCL2/MCP‐1, IGF‐1 and to a lesser degree, CCL5/RANTES at day 6. At day 3, alkaline phosphatase (Alpl) was upregulated in direct M1‐MC3T3. At day 6, Smurf2 and Insulin growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) were downregulated and upregulated, respectively, in direct M1 + IL‐4‐MC3T3. Finally, M1 + IL‐4‐MC3T3 increased bone matrix mineralization compared with MC3T3 cells in transwell, but this was significantly less than M1‐MC3T3. Taken together, macrophage subtypes enhanced the osteogenesis in transwell setting and the transition from M1 to M2 was associated with an increase in bone anabolic factors CCL2/MCP‐1, CCL5/RANTES and IGF‐1 in vitro. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3069–3076, 2017.
Staphylococcal biofilm gene expression on biomaterials — A methodological study
Authors: Juhlin Annika , Svensson Sara , Thomsen Peter , Trobos Margarita
Published: August 2017

The combination of increased healthcare access, universal aging, and infallible therapy demands, synergistically drive the need for the development of biomaterial technologies that mitigate the challenge of biomaterial‐associated infections (BAI). Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus account for the majority of BAI due to their ability to accumulate in adherent multilayered biofilm. This investigation details the development of gene expression assays to evaluate the genetic processes of attachment, accumulation, maturation, and dispersal phases of biofilms on biomaterials in vitro, while abiding by the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real‐Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines. The biofilm formation of S. epidermidis on polyurethane (PU) central venous catheters and S. aureus on machined titanium (Ti) was examined in terms of gene expression at early and late time points. The results provided insight into how each stage of biofilm formation is orchestrated over time on these biomaterials in vitro. Furthermore, the results suggested that mechanical RNA extraction, organic solvents, elimination of genomic DNA, and preamplification are advisable strategies to implement for biofilm gene expression analysis. It is concluded that this method can be employed for the assessment of biofilm‐biomaterial interactions at the molecular level. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3400–3412, 2017.
The effect of four types of artificial nerve graft structures on the repair of 10‐mm rat sciatic nerve gap
Authors: Zhou Chan , Liu Bin , Huang Yong , Zeng Xiu , You Huajian , Li Jin , Zhang Yaoguang
Published: August 2017

Investigating the effect of four types of artificial nerve graft (ANG) structures on rat sciatic nerve defect repair will aid future ANG designs. In this study, fibroin fibers and polylactic acid were used to prepare four ANGs with differing structures: nerve conduit with micron‐sized pores (Conduit with pore group), nerve conduit without micron‐sized pores (Conduit group), nerve scaffold comprising Conduit with pore group material plus silk fibers (Scaffold with pore group), and nerve scaffold comprising Conduit group material plus silk fibers (Scaffold group). ANGs or autologous nerves (Autologous group) were implanted into 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defects (n = 50 per group). Twenty weeks after nerve grafting, the time required to retract the surgical limb from the hot water was ranked as follows: Conduit with pore group > Scaffold with pore group > Conduit group > Scaffold group > Autologous group. The static sciatic index was ranked in descending order: Autologous group > Scaffold group > Conduit group > Scaffold with pore group > Conduit with pore group. Immunofluorescence staining identified significant differences in the distribution and number of axons, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts. These findings indicate that ANGs with micron‐sized pores had a negative impact on the repair of peripheral nerve defects, while internal microchannels were beneficial. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3077–3085, 2017.
Alkaline poly(ethylene glycol)‐based hydrogels for a potential use as bioactive wound dressings
Authors: Koehler Julia , Verheyen Leonie , Hedtrich Sarah , Brandl Ferdinand P. , Goepferich Achim M.
Published: August 2017

The number of patients with chronic wounds is increasing constantly in today's aging society. However, little work is done so far tackling the associated disadvantageous shift of the wound pH. In our study, we developed two different approaches on pH‐modulating wound dressing materials, namely, bioactive interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate/N‐vinylimidazole/alginate (named VIx) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate/2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate/N‐carboxyethylchitosan (named DMAEMAx). Both formulations showed a good cytocompatibility and wound healing capacity in vitro. The developed dressing materials significantly increased the cell ingrowth in wounded human skin constructs; by 364% and 313% for the VIx and the DMAEMAx hydrogel formulation, respectively. Additionally, VIx hydrogels were found to be suitable scaffolds for superficial cell attachment. Our research on the material properties suggests that ionic interactions and hydrogen bonds are the driving forces for the mechanical and swelling properties of the examined hydrogels. High amounts of positively charged amino groups in DMAEMAx hydrogels caused increased liquid uptake (around 190%), whereas VIx hydrogels showed a 10‐fold higher maximum compressive stress in comparison to hydrogels without ionizable functional groups. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3360–3368, 2017.
In vitro study of central nervous system foreign body response towards hydrogel particle modified planar substrate
Authors: Morin Emily A. , He Wei
Published: August 2017

Central nervous system (CNS) neural device functionality hinges on effective communication with surrounding neurons. This depends on both the permissiveness of the device material to promote neuron integration and the ability of the device to avoid a chronic inflammatory response. Previously our lab developed a method using surface adsorbed hydrogel particles (HPs) to promote neuron integration onto typically non‐neural‐permissive substrates. However, little information is known regarding CNS inflammatory cell type responses towards the modified HP surface. In vitro adhesion, proliferation, and activation studies were implemented using NIH 3T3, RAW 264.7, and A172 cell lines to model fibroblast, macrophages and activated microglia, and astrocytes, respectively. For all cell types, the HP modified substrates elicited cell adhesion and sustained cell metabolic activity during a 3‐day culture. RAW 264.7 cell activation was evaluated using a tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. Quantified TNF‐α levels from the LbL/HP cells were greater than the control substrate, however, investigation with SEM suggested these cells’ morphology was different from a typical activated state. A172 cell activation was evaluated by fluorescent staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and SEM imaging, which revealed similarly low GFAP levels on both bare and HP modified substrates. A172 cell morphology showed mainly an undifferentiated and non‐activated state. These results help lay the groundwork to design the HP system for future in vitro and in vivo investigations to ultimately realize stable long‐term neural device communication. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3242–3250, 2017.
The Expansion of Heterotopic Bone in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Is Activin A-Dependent
Authors: Upadhyay Jaymin , Xie LiQin , Huang Lily , Das Nanditha , Stewart Rachel C , Lyon Morgan C , Palmer Keryn , Rajamani Saathyaki , Graul Chris , Lobo Merryl , Wellman Tyler J , Soares Edward J , Silva Matthew D , Hesterman Jacob , Wang Lili , Wen Xialing , Qian Xiaobing , Nannuru Kalyan , Idone Vincent , Murphy Andrew J , Economides Aris N , Hatsell Sarah J
Published: August 2017

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by episodic yet cumulative heterotopic ossification (HO) in skeletal muscles, tendons, and ligaments over a patient's lifetime. FOP is caused by missense mutations in the type I bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor ACVR1. We have determined that the formation of heterotopic bone in FOP requires activation of mutant ACVR1 by Activin A, in part by showing that prophylactic inhibition of Activin A blocks HO in a mouse model of FOP. Here we piece together a natural history of developing HO lesions in mouse FOP, and determine where in the continuum of HO Activin A is required, using imaging (T2-MRI, μCT, 18F-NaF PET/CT, histology) coupled with pharmacologic inhibition of Activin A at different times during the progression of HO. First, we show that expansion of HO lesions comes about through growth and fusion of independent HO events. These events tend to arise within a neighborhood of existing lesions, indicating that already formed HO likely triggers the formation of new events. The process of heterotopic bone expansion appears to be dependent on Activin A because inhibition of this ligand suppresses the growth of nascent HO lesions and stops the emergence of new HO events. Therefore, our results reveal that Activin A is required at least up to the point when nascent HO lesions mineralize and further demonstrate the therapeutic utility of Activin A inhibition in FOP. These results provide evidence for a model where HO is triggered by inflammation but becomes “self-propagating” by a process that requires Activin A. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Histone Deacetylase 3 Deletion in Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells Hinders Long Bone Development
Authors: Feigenson Marina , Shull Lomeli Carpio , Taylor Earnest L , Camilleri Emily T , Riester Scott M , van Wijnen Andre J , Bradley Elizabeth W , Westendorf Jennifer J
Published: August 2017

Long bone formation is a complex process that requires precise transcriptional control of gene expression programs in mesenchymal progenitor cells. Histone deacetylases (Hdacs) coordinate chromatin structure and gene expression by enzymatically removing acetyl groups from histones and other proteins. Hdac inhibitors are used clinically to manage mood disorders, cancers, and other conditions but are teratogenic to the developing skeleton and increase fracture risk in adults. In this study, the functions of Hdac3, one of the enzymes blocked by current Hdac inhibitor therapies, in skeletal mesenchymal progenitor cells were determined. Homozygous deletion of Hdac3 in Prrx1-expressing cells prevented limb lengthening, altered pathways associated with endochondral and intramembranous bone development, caused perinatal lethality, and slowed chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Hdac3 regulates vastly different pathways in mesenchymal cells expressing the Prxx1-Cre driver than those expressing the Col2-CreERT driver. Notably, Fgf21 was elevated in Hdac3-CKOPrrx1 limbs as well as in chondrogenic cells exposed to Hdac3 inhibitors. Elevated expression of Mmp3 and Mmp10 transcripts was also observed. In conclusion, Hdac3 regulates distinct pathways in mesenchymal cell populations and is required for mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation and long bone development. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification and functional analysis of a potential key lncRNA involved in fat loss of cancer cachexia
Authors: Liu Huiquan , Zhou Ting , Wang Bangyan , Li Lu , Ye Dawei , Yu Shiying
Published: August 2017

Cancer cachexia is a devastating, multifactorial, and irreversible syndrome characterized by skeletal muscle reduction with or without fat loss. Although much attention has been focused on muscle wasting, fat loss may occur earlier and accelerate muscle wasting in cachexia. The cause of 20% of cancer related death makes it urgent to discover molecular mechanisms behind cancer cachexia. Here we applied weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify cachexia related gene modules using differentially expressed 3289 genes and 59 long non‐coding RNAs based on microarray data of cachectic and non‐cachectic subcutaneous adipose tissue. Subsequently, 16 independent modules were acquired and GSAASeqSP Toolset confirmed that black module was significantly associated with fat loss in cancer cachexia. Top 50 hub‐genes in black module contained only one lncRNA, VLDLR antisense RNA 1 (VLDLR‐AS1). We then explored the function of black module from the view of VLDLR‐AS1‐connected genes in the network. GO enrichment and KEGG pathways analysis revealed LDLR‐AS1‐connected genes were involved in Wnt signaling pathway, small GTPase mediated signal transduction, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and so on. Through construction of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) regulation network, we showed that VLDLR‐AS1 may function with hsa‐miR‐600 to regulate gene GOLGA3, DUSP14, and UCHL1, or interact with hsa‐miR‐1224‐3p to modulate the expression of gene GOLGA3, ZNF219, RNF141, and CALU. After literature validation, we predicted that VLDLR‐AS1 most likely interacted with miR‐600 to regulate UCH‐L1 through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. However, further experiments are still required to validate mechanisms of VLDLR‐AS1 in fat reduction of cancer cachexia.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐184 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human colon cancer SW480 and HCT116 cells by downregulating C‐MYC and BCL‐2
Authors: Wang Yong‐Bing , Zhao Xiao‐Hui , Li Gang , Zheng Jun‐Hua , Qiu Wei
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effects of microRNA‐184 (miR‐184) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human colon cancer cells through the regulation of C‐MYC and BCL‐2. Human colon cancer tissues were selected as case group, and adjacent normal tissues were as control group. Human colon cancer SW480 and HCT116 cells were allocated into blank, miR‐184 mimic negative control (mimic‐NC), miR‐184 inhibitor NC (inhibitor‐NC), miR‐184 mimic, and miR‐184 inhibitor groups. Flow cytometry, Annexin V/PI and MTT assay were used to examine the cell cycle, apoptosis and viability. The expressions of C‐MYC, BCL‐2 and miR‐184 were detected via immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). C‐MYC and BCL‐2 were direct targets to miR‐184. The growth of colon cancer cells in the miR‐184 mimic group was inhibited and exhibited an increase in apoptosis. Cell growth in the miR‐184 mimic group was increased in addition to the inhibition of apoptosis. Compared with miR‐184 mimic group, the expressions of C‐MYC and BCL‐2 in miR‐184 inhibitor group were increased. The expressions of C‐MYC and BCL‐2 in colon cancer tissues exhibited high levels of expression, while miR‐184 displayed relatively low levels in comparison to the adjacent normal tissues. An association was detected regarding the expressions of miR‐184, C‐MYC and BCL‐2 with the differentiation, invasion depth and lymph node metastasis. MiR‐184 expression was negatively related to C‐MYC and BCL‐2 expressions. Our study suggested that miR‐184 could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of colon cancer cells by down‐regulating expressions of C‐MYC and BCL‐2.
RETRACTED: Post‐treatment of melatonin with CCl4 better reduces fibrogenic and oxidative changes in liver than melatonin co‐treatment
Authors: Mortezaee Keywan , Majidpoor Jamal , Daneshi Erfan , Abouzaripour Morteza , Abdi Mahdad
Published: August 2017

Therapeutic effects of melatonin (MEL) in targeting CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis has been widely known, but there is no study comparing oxidative and fibrogenic changes in co‐ and post‐treatment of MEL with CCl4, which was further aimed in this experiment. Male SD rats were injected with CCl4 (1 mL/kg/i.p./daily) dissolved 1:1 in olive oil for 1 month. Some animals received MEL (20 mg/kg/i.p./daily) diluted in 1 mL PBS in combination with CCl4 (co‐treatment), and some rats were treated with MEL, beginning with injection of the last dose of CCl4 for one month (post‐treatment). The groups were control, CCl4, CCl4‐co vehicle, CCl4‐post vehicle, post‐CCl4, MEL co‐treatment, and MEL post‐treatment. MEL post‐treatment group showed significantly lower lipid deposition, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and liver hydroxyproline. This group also had low expressions of Bax and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). MEL post‐treatment group revealed higher sera levels of albumin, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Expression levels of metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) and Bcl2 was also higher in this group (P ≤ 0.05 vs co‐treatment). Results of the present study indicated that MEL post‐treatment is more powerful in reduction of CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis through reduction of oxidative stress and maintenance of matrix balance.
Intramolecular interactions in sterically crowded hydrocarbon molecules
Authors: Meitei Oinam Romesh , Heßelmann Andreas
Published: August 2017

A molecular fragmentation method has been used to analyze the intramolecular interactions in the three molecules coupled diamantane, hexaphenylethane, and all‐meta‐tert‐butyl substituted hexaphenylethane. The significance of these systems lies in the fact, that steric crowding effects enable a stabilization of the central carbon bond that possesses an extended length (1.6 to 1.7 Å) beyond conventional carbon‐carbon bonds due to the steric repulsion of the attached hydrocarbon groups. The total stability of these molecules therefore depends on a delicate balance between attractive interaction forces on the one hand and on repulsive forces on the other hand. We have quantified the different interaction energy contributions using symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory based on a density functional theory description of the monomers. It has been found that the attractive dispersion interactions increase more strongly with the level of crowding in the systems than the counteracting exchange interactions. This shows that steric crowding effects can have a significant impact on the structure and stability of large and branched molecules. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Phase 1 Study to Assess the Relative Bioavailability of Two Capsule Formulations of Ixazomib, an Oral Proteasome Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors or Lymphoma
Authors: Hanley Michael J. , Gupta Neeraj , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Bessudo Alberto , Sharma Sunil , O'Neil Bert H. , Wang Bingxia , van de Velde Helgi , Nemunaitis John
Published: August 2017

The oral proteasome inhibitor ixazomib is approved in multiple countries in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy. Two oral capsule formulations of ixazomib have been used during clinical development. This randomized, 2‐period, 2‐sequence crossover study (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01454076) assessed the relative bioavailability of capsule B in reference to capsule A in adult patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma. The study was conducted in 2 parts. In cycle 1 (pharmacokinetic cycle), patients received a 4‐mg dose of ixazomib as capsule A or capsule B on day 1, followed by a 4‐mg dose of the alternate capsule formulation on day 15. Pharmacokinetic samples were collected over 216 hours postdose. After the pharmacokinetic cycle, patients could continue in the study and receive ixazomib (capsule B only) on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28‐day cycle. Twenty patients were enrolled; of these, 14 were included in the pharmacokinetic‐evaluable population. Systemic exposures of ixazomib were similar after administration of capsule A or capsule B. The geometric least‐squares mean ratios (capsule B versus capsule A) were 1.16 for Cmax (90% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–1.61) and 1.04 for AUC0–216 (90%CI, 0.91–1.18). The most frequently reported grade 3 drug‐related adverse events were fatigue (15%) and nausea (10%); there were no grade 4 drug‐related adverse events. These results support the combined analysis of data from studies that used either formulation of ixazomib during development.
New constructions of hypohamiltonian and hypotraceable graphs
Authors: Wiener Gábor
Published: August 2017

A graph G is hypohamiltonian/hypotraceable if it is not hamiltonian/traceable, but all vertex‐deleted subgraphs of G are hamiltonian/traceable. All known hypotraceable graphs are constructed using hypohamiltonian graphs; here we present a construction that uses so‐called almost hypohamiltonian graphs (nonhamiltonian graphs, whose vertex‐deleted subgraphs are hamiltonian with exactly one exception, see [15]). This construction is an extension of a method of Thomassen [11]. As an application, we construct a planar hypotraceable graph of order 138, improving the best‐known bound of 154 [8]. We also prove a structural type theorem showing that hypotraceable graphs possessing some connectivity properties are all built using either Thomassen's or our method. We also prove that if G is a Grinbergian graph without a triangular region, then G is not maximal nonhamiltonian and using the proof method we construct a hypohamiltonian graph of order 36 with crossing number 1, improving the best‐known bound of 46 [14].
Synthesis of Indane‐Based 1,5‐Benzothiazepines Derived from 3‐Phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐one and Antimicrobial Studies Thereof
Authors: Mor Satbir , Nagoria Savita , Sindhu Suchita , Khatri Mohini , Sidhu Gurdeep , Singh Virender
Published: August 2017

In the present study, a series of 20 indane‐based 1,5‐benzothiazepines (5a–t) has been prepared derived from 3‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐one (1). All the synthesized 1,5‐benzothiazepines (5a–t) were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against four bacteria [Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MTCC 6880), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1652), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424)] and two fungi [Candida albicans (MTCC 227) and Aspergillus niger (MTCC 8189)]. Among all the tested derivatives, 5n and 5o against E. coli displayed more inhibitory activity than that of the reference drug, ciprofloxacin, while the derivatives 5c, 5m–o, 5s, and 5t against C. albicans, and 5d, 5e, 5n, 5o, 5s, and 5t against A. niger were found to be more potent than the standard drug, that is, fluconazole.
Extraction of ochratoxin A in red wine with dopamine‐coated magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wan Hong , Zhang Bo , Bai Xiao‐Lin , Zhao Yan , Xiao Meng‐Wei , Liao Xun
Published: August 2017

A new, rapid, green, and cost‐effective magnetic solid‐phase extraction of ochratoxin A from red wine samples was developed using polydopamine‐coated magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as the absorbent. The polydopamine‐coated magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were fabricated with magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and dopamine by an in situ oxidative self‐polymerization approach. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry were used to characterize the absorbents. Ochratoxin A was quantified with high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection, with excitation and emission wavelengths of 338 and 455 nm, respectively. The conditions affecting the magnetic solid‐phase extraction procedure, such as pH, extraction solution, extraction time, absorbent amount, desorption solution and desorption time were investigated to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. Under the optimized conditions, the extraction recovery was 91.8–104.5% for ochratoxin A. A linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of 0.1–2.0 ng/mL. The limit of detection was 0.07 ng/mL, and the limit of quantitation was 0.21 ng/mL. The recoveries of ochratoxin A for spiked red wine sample ranged from 95.65 to 100.65% with relative standard deviation less than 8%. The polydopamine‐coated magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes showed a high affinity toward ochratoxin A, allowing selective extraction and quantification of ochratoxin A from complex sample matrixes.
Emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and readmissions of patients with a peritonsillar abscess
Authors: Johnson Romaine F.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To determine the demographics and treatment outcomes of patients with a peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and to provide guidance for treatment options.

Methods

The 2012 National Emergency Department Database, 2012 National Inpatient Sample, and 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database were used to analyze patients with a PTA who presented to emergency departments (ED), were admitted and/or readmitted to hospitals in the United States. Outcomes were used to create a decision model to compare initial medical versus surgical management.

Results

An estimated 62,787 ED visits; 15,095 inpatient admissions; and 267 readmissions for PTA were recorded. The average age was 29 years old, with a slight male predominance. The majority of patients seen in the ED (80%) were treated without surgery and discharged home. Patients admitted to hospital were more likely to undergo surgery (50%). The tonsillectomy rate was 11%. The complication and readmission rates were < 2%. Medical therapy was used more often than surgical therapy in many cases.

Conclusion

Peritonsillar abscess mostly occurs in adults and leads to a significant number of ED visits, admissions, and readmissions. A trial of medical management of PTA appears to be safe, although surgery is highly successful and associated with low morbidity.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 127:S1–S9, 2017
Superhydrophobic and Flexible Microporous Polymer Paper
Authors: Cha Min Chul , Lim Yoonbin , Choi Tae Jin , Chang Ji Young
Published: August 2017

A flexible microporous polymer paper (MPP) is prepared with the polymer tubes obtained from the Sonogashira coupling reaction of 1,4‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene and 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene. MPP has an interconnected network structure of polymer tubes and shows a hierarchical pore structure. Relatively large pores are formed among entangled polymer tubes, while micro‐ and mesopores are generated in the tube walls. MPP is foldable, mechanically stable, and stretchable. When the folding stress is removed, a wrinkle forms along the folded line, as observed in common papers composed of cellulose pulps. The mechanical stability of MPP results from electrostatic interactions between electron deficient tetrafluorobenzene units and electron rich triethynylbenzene units in the polymer. The tensile stress–tensile strain curve shows that MPP can elongate up to 15% strain. MPP is superhydrophobic, showing a water contact angle of 162° and can be used for the filtration of small molecules such as a dye and iodine.
Biosynthesis of the antimicrobial cyclic lipopeptides nunamycin and nunapeptin by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain In5 is regulated by the LuxR‐type transcriptional regulator NunF
Authors: Hennessy Rosanna C. , Phippen Christopher B. W. , Nielsen Kristian F. , Olsson Stefan , Stougaard Peter
Published: August 2017

Nunamycin and nunapeptin are two antimicrobial cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens In5 and synthesized by nonribosomal synthetases (NRPS) located on two gene clusters designated the nun–nup regulon. Organization of the regulon is similar to clusters found in other CLP‐producing pseudomonads except for the border regions where putative LuxR‐type regulators are located. This study focuses on understanding the regulatory role of the LuxR‐type‐encoding gene nunF in CLP production of P. fluorescens In5. Functional analysis of nunF coupled with liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) showed that CLP biosynthesis is regulated by nunF. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis indicated that transcription of the NRPS genes catalyzing CLP production is strongly reduced when nunF is mutated indicating that nunF is part of the nun–nup regulon. Swarming and biofilm formation was reduced in a nunF knockout mutant suggesting that these CLPs may also play a role in these phenomena as observed in other pseudomonads. Fusion of the nunF promoter region to mCherry showed that nunF is strongly upregulated in response to carbon sources indicating the presence of a fungus suggesting that environmental elicitors may also influence nunF expression which upon activation regulates nunamycin and nunapeptin production required for the growth inhibition of phytopathogens.
Factors affecting the bacterial community composition and heterotrophic production of Columbia River estuarine turbidity maxima
Authors: Herfort Lydie , Crump Byron C. , Fortunato Caroline S. , McCue Lee Ann , Campbell Victoria , Simon Holly M. , Baptista António M. , Zuber Peter
Published: August 2017

Estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM) function as hotspots of microbial activity and diversity in estuaries, yet, little is known about the temporal and spatial variability in ETM bacterial community composition. To determine which environmental factors affect ETM bacterial populations in the Columbia River estuary, we analyzed ETM bacterial community composition (Sanger sequencing and amplicon pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene) and bulk heterotrophic production (3H‐leucine incorporation rates). We collected water 20 times to cover five ETM events and obtained 42 samples characterized by different salinities, turbidities, seasons, coastal regimes (upwelling vs. downwelling), locations, and particle size. Spring and summer populations were distinct. All May samples had similar bacterial community composition despite having different salinities (1–24 PSU), but summer non‐ETM bacteria separated into marine, freshwater, and brackish assemblages. Summer ETM bacterial communities varied depending on coastal upwelling or downwelling conditions and on the sampling site location with respect to tidal intrusion during the previous neap tide. In contrast to ETM, whole (>0.2 μm) and free‐living (0.2–3 μm) assemblages of non‐ETM waters were similar to each other, indicating that particle‐attached (>3 μm) non‐ETM bacteria do not develop a distinct community. Brackish water type (ETM or non‐ETM) is thus a major factor affecting particle‐attached bacterial communities. Heterotrophic production was higher in particle‐attached than free‐living fractions in all brackish waters collected throughout the water column during the rise to decline of turbidity through an ETM event (i.e., ETM‐impacted waters). However, free‐living communities showed higher productivity prior to or after an ETM event (i.e., non‐ETM‐impacted waters). This study has thus found that Columbia River ETM bacterial communities vary based on seasons, salinity, sampling location, and particle size, with the existence of three particle types characterized by different bacterial communities in ETM, ETM‐impacted, and non‐ETM‐impacted brackish waters. Taxonomic analysis suggests that ETM key biological function is to remineralize organic matter.
Critical appraisal of clinical trials in multiple system atrophy: Toward better quality
Authors: Castro Caldas Ana , Levin Johannes , Djaldetti Ruth , Rascol Olivier , Wenning Gregor , Ferreira Joaquim J. ,   on behalf of the Movement Disorders Society MSA Study Group
Published: August 2017

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease of undetermined cause. Although many clinical trials have been conducted, there is still no treatment that cures the disease or slows its progression. We sought to assess the clinical trials, methodology, and quality of reporting of clinical trails conducted in MSA patients. We conducted a systematic review of all trials with at least 1 MSA patient subject to any pharmacological/nonpharmacological interventions. Two independent reviewers evaluated the methodological characteristics and quality of reporting of trials. A total of 60 clinical trials were identified, including 1375 MSA patients. Of the trials, 51% (n = 31) were single‐arm studies. A total of 28% (n = 17) had a parallel design, half of which (n = 13) were placebo controlled. Of the studies, 8 (13.3%) were conducted in a multicenter setting, 3 of which were responsible for 49.3% (n = 678) of the total included MSA patients. The description of primary outcomes was unclear in 60% (n = 40) of trials. Only 10 (16.7%) clinical trials clearly described the randomization process. Blinding of the participants, personnel, and outcome assessments were at high risk of bias in the majority of studies. The number of dropouts/withdrawals was high (n = 326, 23.4% among the included patients). Overall, the design and quality of reporting of the reviewed studies is unsatisfactory. The most frequent clinical trials were small and single centered. Inadequate reporting was related to the information on the randomization process, sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants, and sample size calculations. Although improved during the recent years, methodological quality and trial design need to be optimized to generate more informative results. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, improves bladder blood supply and restores the initial phase of lower urinary tract dysfunction in diabetic rats
Authors: Gotoh Daisuke , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Hori Shunta , Yamada Atsushi , Miyake Makito , Morizawa Yosuke , Aoki Katsuya , Tanaka Nobumichi , Hirayama Akihide , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2017

Aims

To investigate the effect of tadalafil on bladder blood flow and lower urinary tract function in a rat model of diabetes.

Materials and Methods

We studied female Sprague‐Dawley rats and induced diabetes in some using a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. We divided the rats into nondiabetes (ND), diabetes (D), and diabetes with tadalafil (DT) groups. The rats were raised for an additional 7 weeks after diabetes induction. The DT group received oral tadalafil (2 mg/kg/day) for 7 days before the experiments. At 7 weeks after diabetes induction, we performed cystometry, resected the bladders for immunohistochemistry (hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α [HIF‐1α] and 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine [8‐OHdG] staining), and measured bladder blood supply using a laser blood flow meter.

Results

The opening pressure, when the urethra opens and urine flow starts, was significantly lower in the DT group than in the D group (24.9 ± 5.9 vs 43.6 ± 12.3 cmH2O). The inter‐contraction interval was significantly longer in the D group than in the ND and DT groups (1566.2 ± 168.7 vs 702.9 ± 165.2 and 787.4 ± 148.8 s). Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining of the urothelial layer for both HIF‐1α and 8‐OHdG in the D group, but not in the ND or DT groups. Bladder blood flow was significantly lower in the D group than in the ND or DT groups.

Conclusions

Tadalafil improves bladder blood supply and lower urinary tract function in diabetic rats. Tadalafil may be a promising drug that restores lower urinary tract dysfunction in the early phase of diabetes.
Structural properties of a class of robust inventory and queueing control problems
Authors: Turgay Zeynep , Karaesmen Fikri , Lerzan Örmeci Egemen
Published: August 2017

In standard stochastic dynamic programming, the transition probability distributions of the underlying Markov Chains are assumed to be known with certainty. We focus on the case where the transition probabilities or other input data are uncertain. Robust dynamic programming addresses this problem by defining a min‐max game between Nature and the controller. Considering examples from inventory and queueing control, we examine the structure of the optimal policy in such robust dynamic programs when event probabilities are uncertain. We identify the cases where certain monotonicity results still hold and the form of the optimal policy is determined by a threshold. We also investigate the marginal value of time and the case of uncertain rewards.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 65: 699–716, 2018
Dairy Attenuates Weight Gain to a Similar Extent as Exercise in Rats Fed a High‐Fat, High‐Sugar Diet
Authors: Trottier Sarah K. , MacPherson Rebecca E.K. , Knuth Carly M. , Townsend Logan K. , Peppler Willem T. , Mikhaeil John S. , Leveille Cameron F. , LeBlanc Paul J. , Shearer Jane , Reimer Raylene A. , Wright David C.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To compare the individual and combined effects of dairy and endurance exercise training in reducing weight gain and adiposity in a rodent model of diet‐induced obesity.

Methods

An 8‐week feeding intervention of a high‐fat, high‐sugar diet was used to induce obesity in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Rats were then assigned to one of four groups for 6 weeks: (1) casein sedentary (casein‐S), (2) casein exercise (casein‐E), (3) dairy sedentary (dairy‐S), and (4) dairy exercise (dairy‐E). Rats were exercise trained by treadmill running 5 d/wk.

Results

Dairy‐E prevented weight gain to a greater extent than either dairy or exercise alone. Adipose tissue and liver mass were reduced to a similar extent in dairy‐S, casein‐E, and dairy‐E groups. Differences in weight gain were not explained by food intake or total energy expenditure. The total amount of lipid excreted was greater in the dairy‐S compared to casein‐S and dairy‐E groups.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that dairy limits weight gain to a similar extent as exercise training and the combined effects are greater than either intervention alone. While exercise training reduces weight gain through increases in energy expenditure, dairy appears to increase lipid excretion in the feces.
Reduced Willingness to Expend Effort for Reward in Obesity: Link to Adherence to a 3‐Month Weight Loss Intervention
Authors: Mata Fernanda , Treadway Michael , Kwok Alastair , Truby Helen , Yücel Murat , Stout Julie C. , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study aimed to (1) compare the willingness to expend effort for rewards between young adults with healthy weight, overweight, and obesity; and (2) to examine how individual differences in the willingness to expend effort for rewards predict adherence to weight loss treatment.

Methods

Seventy‐three participants completed the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT). Of those 73 participants, 42 young adults with excess weight took part in a 3‐month weight loss treatment after completing the EEfRT. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare the groups with healthy weight, overweight, and obesity in the EEfRT. Logistic regression models, including the proportion of hard‐task choices for each reward probability condition as predictors (12%, 50%, and 88%), were conducted to longitudinally predict adherence in the treatment.

Results

Young adults with obesity were significantly less willing to expend effort for high‐magnitude rewards compared with participants with overweight (P = 0.05). The willingness to expend effort for uncertain rewards (50% probability) was distinguished between completers and dropouts in the weight loss treatment (χ2 = 5.04, P < 0.02).

Conclusions

Young adults with obesity, compared with their counterparts with overweight, have diminished motivation to expend effort for obtaining high‐magnitude rewards. Less willingness to expend effort for the most uncertain rewards predicts poor adherence to weight loss treatment.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Associations with Metabolic Health Across Weight Statuses in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kuzik Nicholas , Carson Valerie , Andersen Lars Bo , Sardinha Luís B. , Grøntved Anders , Hansen Bjørge Herman , Ekelund Ulf ,   the International Children's Accelerometry Database (ICAD) Collaborators
Published: August 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic health across weight statuses and the associations of physical activity and sedentary time within and across metabolic health‐weight status groups.

Methods

Six studies (n = 4,581) from the International Children's Accelerometry Database were used. Sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were accelerometer derived. Individuals were classified with normal weight (NW), overweight, or obesity. Strict and lenient composite definitions of metabolic health were created. Binomial and multinomial logistic regressions controlling for age, sex, study, and accelerometer wear time were conducted.

Results

The metabolically unhealthy (MU) prevalence was 26.4% and 45.6% based on two definitions. Across definitions, more sedentary time was associated with higher odds of MU classification compared with metabolically healthy (MH) classification for the NW group. More MVPA was associated with lower odds of MU classification than MH classification for NW and overweight groups. For multinomial logistic regressions, more MVPA was associated with lower odds of MH‐obesity classification, as well as MU‐NW, ‐overweight, and ‐obesity classifications, compared with the MH‐NW group. Furthermore, more sedentary time was associated with higher odds of MU‐NW classification compared with the MH‐NW group.

Conclusions

More MVPA was beneficial for metabolic health and weight status, whereas lower sedentary time was beneficial for metabolic health alone, although associations were weak.
Does Institutional Setting Affect Legislators’ Use of Twitter?
Authors: Scherpereel John A. , Wohlgemuth Jerry , Lievens Audrey
Published: August 2017

This study investigates whether members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and members of national parliaments (MNPs) use social media in distinctive ways. Specifically, it examines whether institutional differences affect the frequency, quality, and nature of legislators’ Twitter communications. Controlling for factors that previous studies find significant, we select for two kinds of legislators: (i) MEPs who are serving in the 2014–19 term and who served as MNPs immediately before their election to the EP and (ii) MEPs who served in the 2009–14 term and have subsequently become MNPs. We compare selected legislators’ tweets over a three‐month period during their EP tenures with their Twitter behaviors over an analogous period during their NP tenures. The statistical results demonstrate few significant differences between MEPs and MNPs. A preliminary qualitative probe suggests that legislators’ tweet patterns may owe less to the institution they serve and more to their policy responsibilities and leadership positions within particular institutions.
Analysis of Point Defects in Graphene Using Low Dose Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Imaging and Maximum Likelihood Reconstruction
Authors: Kramberger Christian , Mittelberger Andreas , Hofer Christoph , Meyer Jannik C.
Published: August 2017

Freestanding graphene displays an outstanding resilience to electron irradiation at low electron energies. Point defects in graphene are, however, subject to beam driven dynamics. This means that high resolution micrographs of point defects, which usually require a high electron irradiation dose might not represent the intrinsic defect population. Here, we capture the initial defects formed by ejecting carbon atoms under electron irradiation, by imaging with very low doses and subsequent reconstruction of the frequently occuring defects via a maximum likelihood algorithm.
4,5‐Di‐O‐Caffeoylquinic Acid from Ligularia fischeri Suppresses Inflammatory Responses Through TRPV1 Activation
Authors: Kim Yiseul , Kim Jung Tae , Park Joonwoo , Son Hee Jin , Kim Eun‐Young , Lee Young Joo , Rhyu Mee‐Ra
Published: August 2017

Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.) Turcz., a perennial plant native to northeastern Asia, has long been used as folk remedies for the alleviation of inflammatory symptoms. We investigated whether the extract of L. fischeri (LFEx) and caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) derivatives, the pharmacologically active ingredients identified from L. fischeri, regulate inflammation via a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)‐mediated pathway. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels to the LFEx and trans‐5‐O‐CQA, 3,4‐di‐O‐CQA, 3,5‐di‐O‐CQA, and 4,5‐di‐O‐CQA were monitored in TRPV1‐expressing human embryonic kidney cell HEK 293T. LFEx and 4,5‐di‐O‐CQA (EC50 = 69.34 ± 1.12 μM) activated TRPV1, and these activations were significantly inhibited by ruthenium red, a general blocker of TRP channels, and capsazepine, a specific antagonist of TRPV1. 4,5‐Di‐O‐CQA has been determined having antiinflammatory effect under hypoxic conditions by detecting the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), a representative inflammatory marker, and cellular migration in human pulmonary epithelial A549 cells. 4,5‐Di‐O‐CQA suppressed COX‐2 expression and cell migration, and this inhibition was countered by co‐treatment with capsazepine. This study provides evidence that L. fischeri is selective to inflammatory responses via a TRPV1‐mediated pathway, and 4,5‐di‐O‐CQA might play a key role to create these effects. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.