bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone H4 Methyltransferase Suv420h2 Maintains Fidelity of Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Khani Farzaneh , Thaler Roman , Paradise Christopher R. , Deyle David R. , Kruijthof‐de Julio Marianne , Galindo Mario , Gordon Jonathan A. , Stein Gary S. , Dudakovic Amel , van Wijnen Andre J.
Published: November 2016

Osteogenic lineage commitment and progression is controlled by multiple signaling pathways (e.g., WNT, BMP, FGF) that converge on bone‐related transcription factors. Access of osteogenic transcription factors to chromatin is controlled by epigenetic regulators that generate post‐translational modifications of histones (“histone code”), as well as read, edit and/or erase these modifications. Our understanding of the biological role of epigenetic regulators in osteoblast differentiation remains limited. Therefore, we performed next‐generation RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and established which chromatin‐related proteins are robustly expressed in mouse bone tissues (e.g., fracture callus, calvarial bone). These studies also revealed that cells with increased osteogenic potential have higher levels of the H4K20 methyl transferase Suv420h2 compared to other methyl transferases (e.g., Suv39h1, Suv39h2, Suv420h1, Ezh1, Ezh2). We find that all six epigenetic regulators are transiently expressed at different stages of osteoblast differentiation in culture, with maximal mRNAs levels of Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 (at day 3) preceding maximal expression of Suv420h1 and Suv420h2 (at day 7) and developmental stages that reflect, respectively, early and later collagen matrix deposition. Loss of function analysis of Suv420h2 by siRNA depletion shows loss of H4K20 methylation and decreased expression of bone biomarkers (e.g., alkaline phosphatase/Alpl) and osteogenic transcription factors (e.g., Sp7/Osterix). Furthermore, Suv420h2 is required for matrix mineralization during osteoblast differentiation. We conclude that Suv420h2 controls the H4K20 methylome of osteoblasts and is critical for normal progression of osteoblastogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1262–1272, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interleukin‐3 Prevents Cellular Death Induced by Oxidative Stress in HEK293 Cells
Authors: López Camila , Zamorano Patricia , Teuber Stefanie , Salas Mónica , Otth Carola , Hidalgo María A. , Concha Ilona , Zambrano Angara
Published: November 2016

Interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) is a well‐characterized growth factor in hematopoietic cells, but it is also expressed in other cell types with poorly described functions. Many studies have provided evidence that IL‐3 plays an important role in cell survival. We have previously shown that IL‐3 is able to increase glucose uptake in HEK293 cells, suggesting that this factor requires sustained glucose metabolism to promote cell survival. In this study, we demonstrate that IL‐3 contributes to cell survival under oxidative stress, a prominent feature in the pathophysiology of cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in the aging process. Our results suggest a molecular mechanism that involves signaling pathways mediated by PI‐3k/Akt and Erk. Altogether, these findings show an important role for IL‐3 in supporting the viability of non‐hematopoietic systems. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1330–1340, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testosterone Rescues the De‐Differentiation of Smooth Muscle Cells Through Serum Response Factor/Myocardin
Authors: Leimgruber Carolina , Quintar Amado A. , Peinetti Nahuel , Scalerandi María V. , Nicola Juan P. , Miano Joseph M. , Maldonado Cristina A.
Published: November 2016

Prostatic smooth muscle cells (pSMCs) differentiation is a key factor for prostatic homeostasis, with androgens exerting multiple effects on these cells. Here, we demonstrated that the myodifferentiator complex Srf/Myocd is up‐regulated by testosterone in a dose‐dependent manner in primary cultures of rat pSMCs, which was associated to the increase in Acta2, Cnn1, and Lmod1 expressions. Blocking Srf or Myocd by siRNAs inhibited the myodifferentiator effect of testosterone. While LPS led to a dedifferentiated phenotype in pSMCs, characterized by down‐regulation of Srf/Myocd and smooth muscle cell (SMC)‐restricted genes, endotoxin treatment on Myocd‐overexpressing cells did not result in phenotypic alterations. Testosterone at a physiological dose was able to restore the muscular phenotype by normalizing Srf/Myocd expression in inflammation‐induced dedifferentiated pSMCs. Moreover, the androgen reestablished the proliferation rate and IL‐6 secretion increased by LPS. These results provide novel evidence regarding the myodifferentiating role of testosterone on SMCs by modulating Srf/Myocd. Thus, androgens preserve prostatic SMC phenotype, which is essential to maintain the normal structure and function of the prostate. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2806–2817, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thorns and dermal denticles of skates Atlantoraja cyclophora and A. castelnaui: Microscopic features and functional implications
Authors: Rangel Bianca de Sousa , Wosnick Natascha , Magdanelo Leandro Rafael , Amorim Alberto Ferreira de , Kfoury Junior José Roberto , Rici Rose Eli Grassi
Published: November 2016

Some batoid species are covered with dermal denticles (or placoid scales) that occasionally develop into thorns. In sexually mature males, sharp teeth and alar thorns found on the apex of the lateral disc are used to hold the female during copulation. This study set out to analyze microscopic features of modified dermal denticles and thorns and to investigate sexual dimorphism in Atlantoraja cyclophora and A. castelnaui species. Skin samples collected from areas covered with thorns were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, processed and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Alar thorn morphology varied within species, while caudal thorn, rostral and caudal dermal denticle morphology varied within and between species. These structures play an important role in the protection and reproduction of the species studied and constitute important taxonomic information, given they are often the only elements preserved in archaeological sites and fossil records.
Characterization and Evolution of the Spotted Gar Retina
Authors: Sukeena Joshua M. , Galicia Carlos A. , Wilson Jacob D. , McGinn Tim , Boughman Janette W. , Robison Barrie D. , Postlethwait John H. , Braasch Ingo , Stenkamp Deborah L. , Fuerst Peter G.
Published: November 2016

In this study, we characterize the retina of the spotted gar, Lepisosteus oculatus, a ray‐finned fish. Gar did not undergo the whole genome duplication event that occurred at the base of the teleost fish lineage, which includes the model species zebrafish and medaka. The divergence of gars from the teleost lineage and the availability of a high‐quality genome sequence make it a uniquely useful species to understand how genome duplication sculpted features of the teleost visual system, including photoreceptor diversity. We developed reagents to characterize the cellular organization of the spotted gar retina, including representative markers for all major classes of retinal neurons and Müller glia. We report that the gar has a preponderance of predicted short‐wavelength shifted (SWS) opsin genes, including a duplicated set of SWS1 (ultraviolet) sensitive opsin encoding genes, a SWS2 (blue) opsin encoding gene, and two rod opsin encoding genes, all of which were expressed in retinal photoreceptors. We also report that gar SWS1 cones lack the geometric organization of photoreceptors observed in teleost fish species, consistent with the crystalline photoreceptor mosaic being a teleost innovation. Of note the spotted gar expresses both exo‐rhodopsin (RH1‐1) and rhodopsin (RH1‐2) in rods. Exo‐rhodopsin is an opsin that is not expressed in the retina of zebrafish and other teleosts, but rather is expressed in regions of the brain. This study suggests that exo‐rhodopsin is an ancestral actinopterygian (ray finned fish) retinal opsin, and in teleosts its expression has possibly been subfunctionalized to the pineal gland.
Non‐destructive analysis of sensory traits of dry‐cured loins by MRI–computer vision techniques and data mining
Authors: Caballero Daniel , Antequera Teresa , Caro Andrés , Ávila María del Mar , G Rodríguez Pablo , Perez‐Palacios Trinidad
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with computer vision techniques have been proposed as an alternative or complementary technique to determine the quality parameters of food in a non‐destructive way. The aim of this work was to analyze the sensory attributes of dry‐cured loins using this technique. For that, different MRI acquisition sequences (spin echo, gradient echo and turbo 3D), algorithms for MRI analysis (GLCM, NGLDM, GLRLM and GLCM‐NGLDM‐GLRLM) and predictive data mining techniques (multiple linear regression and isotonic regression) were tested.

RESULTS

The correlation coefficient (R) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to validate the prediction results. The combination of spin echo, GLCM and isotonic regression produced the most accurate results. In addition, the MRI data from dry‐cured loins seems to be more suitable than the data from fresh loins.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of predictive data mining techniques on computational texture features from the MRI data of loins enables the determination of the sensory traits of dry‐cured loins in a non‐destructive way. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Peptidome characterization of the antipyretic fraction of Bubali Cornu aqueous extract by nano liquid chromatography with orbitrap mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Liu Rui , Huang Qiong , Duan Jin‐ao , Zhu Zhenhua , Liu Pei , Bian Yong , Tao Jinhua , Qian Dawei
Published: November 2016

In the present study, the antipyretic activity of Bubali Cornu (water buffalo horn) fraction and its metabolomics were investigated. The fraction decreased rat rectal temperature, and 13 endogenous metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers. Selected metabolites were involved in arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism etc. Following treatment with the fraction, four metabolites, pyroglutamic acid, palmitelaidic acid, leukotriene A4, and prostaglandin A2 were reversed. In addition, the levels of interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, prostaglandin E2, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate in plasma were also reversed after treatment as determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, nano‐flow liquid chromatography with orbitrap mass spectrometry detection was used to analyze the peptides in the fraction. In total, 824 peptide sequences mainly from keratins were determined, with Keratin 14, Keratin 34, and Keratin 86 representing the three main types of keratin hydrolysis in water buffalo horn based on peptide heat maps. Of the identified peptides, 81.2% were hydrophilic and the molecular weight of 70.3% of identified peptides was lower than 2000 Da. According to the metabolomics‐ and peptidomics‐based approach used in the present study, it is feasible to identify and analyze the active peptide matrix from animal‐horn‐derived traditional Chinese medicines.
Development of a single‐run analytical method for the detection of ten multiclass emerging contaminants in agricultural soil using an acetate‐buffered QuEChERS method coupled with LC–MS/MS
Authors: Lee Young‐Jun , Choi Jeong‐Heui , Abd El‐Aty A.M. , Chung Hyung Suk , Lee Han Sol , Kim Sung‐Woo , Rahman Md. Musfiqur , Park Byung‐Jun , Kim Jang‐Eok , Shin Ho‐Chul , Shim Jae‐Han
Published: November 2016

This study was undertaken to develop and validate a single multiresidue method for the monitoring of ten multiclass emerging contaminants, viz. ceftiofur, clopidol, florfenicol, monensin, salinomycin, sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethoxazole, tiamulin, and tylosin in agricultural soil. Samples were extracted using an acetate‐buffered, modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method followed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric analysis in positive ion mode. Separation on an Eclipse Plus C18 column was conducted in gradient elution mode using a mobile phase of methanol (A) and distilled water (B), each containing 0.1% formic acid and 5 mM ammonium formate. The linearity of the matrix‐matched calibrations, expressed as determination coefficients, was good, with R2 ≥ 0.9908. The limits of quantification were in the range 0.05–10 μg/kg. Blank soil samples spiked with 4 × and 20 × the limit of quantification provided recovery rates of 60.2–120.3% (except sulfamethoxazole spiked at 4 × the limit of quantification, which gave 131.9%) with a relative standard deviation < 13% (except clopidol spiked at 20 × the limit of quantification, which gave 25.2%). This method was successfully applied to the monitoring of 51 field‐incurred agricultural loamy‐sand soil samples collected from 17 provincial areas throughout the Korean Peninsula. The detected and quantified drugs were clopidol (≤ 4.8 μg/kg), sulfathiazole (≤ 7.7 μg/kg), sulfamethazine (≤ 6.6 μg/kg), tiamulin (≤ 10.0 μg/kg), and tylosin (≤ 5.3 μg/kg). The developed method is simple and versatile, and can be used to monitor various classes of veterinary drugs in soil.
Influence of Sleep Disturbance on Global Functioning After Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
Authors: Brownlow Janeese A. , McLean Carmen P. , Gehrman Philip R. , Harb Gerlinde C. , Ross Richard J. , Foa Edna B.
Published: November 2016

Chronic insomnia and recurrent nightmares are prominent features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Evidence from adult research indicates that these sleep disturbances do not respond as well to cognitive–behavioral therapies for PTSD and are associated with poorer functional outcomes. This study examined the effect of prolonged exposure therapy for adolescents versus client‐centered therapy on posttraumatic sleep disturbance, and the extent to which sleep symptoms impacted global functioning among adolescents with sexual abuse‐related PTSD. Participants included 61 adolescent girls seeking treatment at a rape crisis center. The Child PTSD Symptom Scale‐Interview (Foa, Johnson, Feeny, & Treadwell, 2001) was used to assess PTSD diagnosis and severity of symptoms, including insomnia and nightmares. The Children's Global Assessment Scale (Shaffer et al., 1983) was used to assess global functioning. There were significant main effects of time and treatment on insomnia symptoms. Additionally, there was a main effect of time on nightmares. Results also showed that insomnia and nightmares significantly predicted poorer global functioning posttreatment (R2 = .21). Despite significant improvements in posttraumatic sleep disturbance, there were still clinically significant insomnia symptoms after treatment, suggesting that additional interventions may be warranted to address residual sleep disturbance in PTSD.
Atmospheric Chemistry of CH3CH2OCH3: Kinetics and Mechanism of Reactions with Cl Atoms and OH Radicals
Authors: Sulbaek Andersen Mads P. , Svendsen Sissel Bjørn , Østerstrøm Freja From , Nielsen Ole John
Published: November 2016

The atmospheric chemistry of methyl ethyl ether, CH3CH2OCH3, was examined using FT‐IR/relative‐rate methods. Hydroxyl radical and chlorine atom rate coefficients ofk(CH3CH2OCH3+OH) = (7.53 ± 2.86) × 10−12cm3molecule−1s−1andk(CH3CH2OCH3+Cl) = (2.35 ± 0.43) × 10−10cm3molecule−1s−1were determined (297 ± 2 K). The Cl rate coefficient determined here is 30% lower than the previous literature value. The atmospheric lifetime for CH3CH2OCH3is approximately 2 days. The chlorine atom–initiated oxidation of CH3CH2OCH3gives CH3C(O)H (9 ± 2%), CH3CH2OC(O)H (29 ± 7%), CH3OC(O)H (19 ± 7%), and CH3C(O)OCH3(17 ± 7%). The IR absorption cross section for CH3CH2OCH3is (7.97 ± 0.40) × 10−17cm molecule−1(1000–3100 cm−1). CH3CH2OCH3has a negligible impact on the radiative forcing of climate.
Decadal Nitrogen Fertilization Decreases Mineral‐Associated and Subsoil Carbon: A 32‐Year Study
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Kuzyakov Yakov , Maqsood Shafique , Wendland Matthias , Heitkamp Felix
Published: November 2016

Crop residues and manure are important sources of carbon (C) for soil organic matter (SOM) formation. Crop residue return increases by nitrogen (N) fertilization because of higher plant productivity, but this often results only in minor increases of SOM. In our study, we show how N fertilization and organic C additions affected SOM and its fractions within a 32‐year‐long field‐experiment at Puch, Germany. Five organic additions, no‐addition (control), manure, slurry, straw and straw + slurry, were combined with three mineral N fertilization rates (no, medium and high fertilization), which resulted in 1·17–4·86 Mg C‐input ha‐1 y‐1. Topsoil (0–25 cm) SOM content increased with N fertilization, mainly because of the C in free light fraction (f‐LF). In contrast, subsoil (25–60 cm) SOM decreased with N fertilization, probably because of roots' relocation in Ap horizon with N fertilization at the surface. Despite high inputs, straw contributed little to f‐LF but prevented C losses from the mineral‐associated SOM fraction (ρ > 1·6 g cm‐3) with N fertilization, which was observed without straw addition. Above (straw) and belowground (roots) residues had opposite effects on SOM fractions. Root C retained longer in the light‐fractions and was responsible for SOM increase with N fertilization. Straw decomposed rapidly (from f‐LF) and fueled the mineral‐associated SOM fraction. We conclude that SOM content and composition depended not only on residue quantity, which can be managed by the additions and N fertilization, but also on the quality of organics. This should be considered for maintaining the SOM level, C sequestration, and soil fertility. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of volatilization of high temperature corrosion products and its application to chlorine corrosion
Authors: Rammer B. , Galetz M. C.
Published: November 2016

Operating atmospheres of many industrial high temperature processes contain a certain amount of halogens, in most cases chlorine. Halogens have the tendency of forming volatile metal chlorides of the general formula MxCly, which are well known to play a critical role in high temperature corrosion processes, when present at a significant amount. Thermodynamic calculations give a valuable hint, whether a reaction product can occur and how volatile such products can potentially be, when the partial pressures are calculated. However, such calculations reflect thermodynamically stable conditions, while in open systems the local kinetics control the process of surface reactions. For each specific condition, the reaction rates and thus the corrosion rates have to be determined. In previous work, we have shown that corrosion kinetics which lead to the formation of volatile products follows different steps. In this work, a mathematical model is developed in which the different steps, which are required for the formation of metal chlorides and their removal from the surface are described. It is assumed that the slowest of such formation or transport steps determines the kinetics of high temperature corrosion. The application of this model on the literature data shows that by this model it becomes possible to identify the slowest and therefore rate determining step.
Highly Stretchable, Mechanically Strong, Tough, and Self‐Recoverable Nanocomposite Hydrogels by Introducing Strong Ionic Coordination Interactions
Authors: Hu Yang , Han Wenfang , Huang Guanhua , Zhou Wuyi , Yang Zhuohong , Wang Chaoyang
Published: November 2016

In this study, the authors report a novel class of super tough nanocomposite hydrogels with physically dual‐crosslinking effects (DC hydrogels) through introducing strong ionic coordination interactions. Herein, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and iron (Fe3+) ions act as physical cross‐linkers. GO nanosheets trigger the formation of the first cross‐linking points through hydrogen bonding with poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (p(AAm‐co‐AAc)) chains, while the second cross‐linking points are formed by strong ionic coordination interactions between Fe3+ ions and COO− groups of p(AAm‐co‐AAc) chains. The optimal tough DC hydrogel displays superstretchability (≈20.8 times), remarkable tensile strength (≈3.7 MPa), high toughness (≈48.71 MJ m−3), good self‐recovery property (≈84.1% toughness recovery within 4 h without any external stimuli) and fatigue resistance. In summary, this study opens up a new avenue to design and fabricate highly tough hydrogels with outstanding comprehensive properties by the synergistic effects of nanocomposite and dual‐crosslinked hydrogels.

image
Synthesis of Novel Cyclic Olefin Polymer with High Glass Transition Temperature via Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Cui Jing , Yang Ji‐Xing , Pan Li , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: November 2016

Three norbornene derivatives containing bulky hydrocarbon groups (M1–M3) have been prepared and polymerized efficiently via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) using different Grubbs catalysts (G1–G3) to afford polymers in high yield. Gel permeation chromatography curves show that all the obtained polymers exhibit unimodal distribution. Unsaturated moieties in the main chain of the obtained polymers are hydrogenated based on the chemistry of the reactive intermediate diimide (HNNH) in quantitative conversion, confirmed by 1H NMR measurement. All the polymers display relatively high thermal stability according to thermogravimetric analyses test. The results of differential scanning calorimetry measurement show that the cardo‐like structure such as M2 and M3 is contributed to improve the Tg of cyclicolefin polymer materials. The highest Tg (up to 277 °C) of hydrogenated polymer H‐PM3 is achieved, which is so far the highest value obtained by the ROMP approach, to the best of our knowledge. Furthermore, all the hydrogenated polymers show excellent transparency because of their amorphous structure.

image
Excellent Control of Perylene Diimide End Group in Polyfluorene via Suzuki Catalyst Transfer Polymerization
Authors: Sun Huiliang , Zhang Shuren , Yang Yike , Li Xiao , Zhan Hongmei , Cheng Yanxiang
Published: November 2016

Six aryl Pd(II) bromide complexes based on perylene diimide derivative (Ar) and phosphine mixed‐ligands are successfully synthesized by directly oxidative addition of Ar–Br to the Pd(0) precursor. These complexes with the general formulas ArPdBr(PCy3)2 (PCy3 = tricyclohexylphosphine; Pd1–Pd3) and [ArPdBr(TXP‐2,4)]2 (TXP‐2,4 = tri‐2,4‐xylylphosphine; Pd4–Pd6) are stable and can be handled in air at room temperature. By employing the Pd(II) complexes as initiators, Suzuki catalyst transfer polymerization (SCTP) of AB‐type fluorene monomer is investigated for preparing polyfluorenes (PFs) with the defined end group. Complexes Pd4–Pd6 with auxiliary TXP‐2,4 ligand can initiate polymerization of AB‐type fluorene monomer at room temperature, while higher polymerization temperature is required for Pd1–Pd3 with alkyl phosphine PCy3. The obtained polymers are analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, which confirms that the Ar group is appended to the terminus of the polymer chain. Moreover, PFs prepared by Pd4–Pd6‐catalyzed SCTP bear precisely the Ar group on one chain end and 4‐tert‐butylphenyl end‐capping group on the opposite end, which indicates that Pd4–Pd6 with the bulky TXP‐2,4 exhibit better catalytic performance in SCTP. Photoluminescence spectra of the obtained polymers show a dual or a blue emission resulting from the difference of the molecular weight.

image
Interaction between laminate quality, drilling‐induced delamination and mechanical properties in machining of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
Authors: Haeger A. , Meinhard D. , Lissek F. , Kaufeld M. , Hoffmann M. J. , Schneider G. , Knoblauch V.
Published: November 2016

In the presented study, the effect of the microstructural quality of carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates on their machinability is investigated. Additionally, the impact of processing induced porosity and the effect of machining caused delamination on the static strength of the carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates is examined under variable mechanical loading conditions such as bending, shearing, bearing or tension. Therefore, carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates based on the advanced carbon/epoxy prepreg T800S/M21 manufactured by Hexcel were cured in two different ways leading to obvious differences in the corresponding microstructural quality. Drilled test specimens with a wide range of typical delamination around the hole have been gained from wear studies of carbide tools. The delamination was quantitatively determined by means of optical inspection techniques. Afterwards, the influence of the loading situation as well as the effect of the laminate orientation on the mechanical strength of the laminates was investigated.

The microstructural quality of the carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates was found to have an obvious influence on matrix dominated mechanical properties such as the apparent interlaminar shear strength. Furthermore, it significantly influences the machinability of the laminate – the porous carbon fibre reinforced plastic tends much more to delaminate than the compact one.

In general, the influence of both, porosity and delamination, on static strength strongly depends on the mechanical loading situation. No recognisable effect can be detected for fibre dominated properties like tensile strength. However, for example in bending tests carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates typically fail due to delamination on the compressive side of the specimen. Under such loading situations the described defects significantly reduce the strength. The reduction in flexural strength after machining is more severe if longitudinally oriented fibres are delaminated at the surface. On the other hand, transversal oriented top plies, which do not significantly contribute to the strength of the laminate, are not as critical as the corresponding longitudinal ones. Thus, it can be concluded that the machining caused defect sensitivity of carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates strongly depends on their lay‐up and the loading situation.
Prospective study of the dietary inflammatory index and risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Blair Cindy K. , Prizment Anna E. , Jacobs David R. , Hébert James R.
Published: November 2016

Scope

Diet in relation to breast cancer etiology has been studied widely, but results have remained inconsistent. Various dietary components including fruits, vegetables, and meat have been implicated through their effects on inflammation. Using data from the Iowa Women's Health Study we examine prospectively the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and breast cancer incidence.

Methods and results

DII scores were computed based on baseline dietary intake assessed by a validated 121‐item food frequency questionnaire in a cohort of 34 700 women, aged 55–69 years at recruitment in 1986 and followed for incident breast cancer. During the 25‐year follow‐up period (1986–2011), 2910 incident breast cancer cases were identified. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We found positive associations between DII scores and breast cancer risk (HR for DIItertiles: T3 vs T1 = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.22), with stronger associations in obese women (HR for DIIcontinuous: 1.05 per unit increase in DII; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.12; HR for DIItertiles: T3 vs T1 = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66, p‐value for interaction = 0.02).

Conclusion

A proinflammatory diet, as indicated by higher DII scores, appears to increase the risk of developing breast cancer, especially in obese postmenopausal women.
Effects of compression stockings on ankle muscle H‐reflexes during standing
Authors: Espeit Loic , Pavailler Sebastien , Lapole Thomas
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Wearing compression stockings (CS) may improve postural stability through additional cutaneous feedback. The aim of this study was to further determine how wearing CS could influence spinal excitability by investigating ankle muscle H‐reflexes.

Methods

Fifteen subjects were asked to stand barefoot on a rigid floor with their eyes open. H‐reflex amplitude was measured in the soleus (SOL), fibularis longus (FL), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, with and without CS. Concomitant M‐waves and baseline electromyographic activity (EMG) were monitored.

Results

Baseline EMG activity and concomitant M‐wave amplitude remained stable across conditions in all tested muscles. Although CS did not affect the H‐reflex in the SOL (+0.8 ± 19.2%; P = 0.77) and FL (–10.0± 33.2%; P = 0.28) muscles, the TA H‐reflex was significantly depressed (–21.9% ± 24.0%; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

These results suggest decreased spinal motoneuron excitability and/or increased presynaptic inhibition of Ia‐afferent terminals through increased cutaneous inputs provided by CS while standing. Muscle Nerve 55: 596–598, 2017
Stress‐driven integration strategies and m‐AGC tangent operator for Perzyna viscoplasticity and viscoplastic relaxation: application to geomechanical interfaces
Authors: Aliguer I. , Carol I. , Sture S.
Published: November 2016

The paper proposes a stress‐driven integration strategy for Perzyna‐type viscoplastic constitutive models, which leads also to a convenient algorithm for viscoplastic relaxation schemes. A generalized trapezoidal rule for the strain increment, combined with a linearized form of the yield function and flow rules, leads to a plasticity‐like compliance operator that can be explicitly inverted to give an algorithmic tangent stiffness tensor also denoted as the m‐AGC tangent operator. This operator is combined with the stress‐prescribed integration scheme, to obtain a natural error indicator that can be used as a convergence criterion of the intra‐step iterations (in physical viscoplasticity), or to a variable time‐step size in viscoplastic relaxation schemes based on a single linear calculation per time step. The proposed schemes have been implemented for an existing zero‐thickness interface constitutive model. Some numerical application examples are presented to illustrate the advantages of the new schemes proposed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disentangling overlapping influences of neighborhoods and schools on adolescent body mass index
Authors: Richmond Tracy K. , Dunn Erin C. , Milliren Carly E. , Rosenfeld Evans Clare , Subramanian S.V.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To compare the simultaneous influence of schools and neighborhoods on adolescent body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Analyzing data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7 to 12 (n = 18,200), cross‐classified multilevel modeling was used to examine the fixed and random effects of individuals, schools, and neighborhoods on adolescent BMI. Additionally, the ability of school and neighborhood demographics to explain racial/ethnic disparities in BMI was assessed.

Results

There were 18,200 students nested in 128 schools and 2,259 neighborhoods, with 2,757 unique combinations of schools and neighborhoods. In girls, schools (vojk = 0.18, CI: 0.06–0.33) contributed twice that of neighborhoods (uojk = 0.08, CI: 0.01–0.20) to the variance in BMI, while in males, schools (uojk = 0.15, CI: 0.05–0.30) and neighborhoods (vojk = 0.16, CI: 0.05–0.31) had similar contributions. The interaction of the neighborhood and school random effects contributed significantly to the variance of male and female BMI. Characteristics of neighborhoods and schools explained a large portion of the racial/ethnic disparity in female BMI.

Conclusions

In an analysis of a nationally representative sample including multiple racial and ethnic groups, the BMI variance of adolescent females was associated with schools more than neighborhoods. In males, there was no difference in school or neighborhood association with BMI.
Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence
Authors: Mehta A. , Marso S. P. , Neeland I. J.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To review the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of liraglutide for weight management from phase III clinical trials.

Methods

A search of the English language literature was performed using PubMed search terms: “liraglutide”, “glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist”, and “randomized clinical trial”. Articles and bibliographies relevant to the subject were reviewed and additional references known to the authors were included.

Results

Five randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of liraglutide for weight management were identified. In addition to recommended diet and physical activity, liraglutide consistently resulted in a 4 to 6 kg weight loss, with a greater proportion of patients achieving at least 5 and 10% weight loss compared with placebo. The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal and primarily occurred early in the treatment course. Comparative data suggest that weight loss with liraglutide is greater than that seen with orlistat or lorcaserin, but slightly less that seen with phentermine/topiramate. Liraglutide 1.8 mg was recently shown to have cardiovascular benefit in a large outcomes trial; applicability of these results for the 3.0 mg formulation in a more diverse weight loss population at high cardiovascular risk is not currently known. Barriers to real‐world clinical use as a first‐line agent include gastrointestinal side effects, high cost, and need for injection.

Conclusions

Liraglutide helps to induce and sustain weight loss in patients with obesity. Its efficacy is comparable to other available agents but it offers the unique benefit of improved glycemic control. Additional studies are needed to determine its long term efficacy and safety profile.
25(OH)D status: Effect of D3 supplement
Authors: Lukaszuk J. M. , Luebbers P. E.
Published: November 2016

Background

Excess adipose tissue may lead to sequestrating of vitamin D, making it less available for use in the body.

Objective

This study determined if overweight or obese individuals (BMI > 25 kg m−2) had insufficient (<30 ng mL−1) levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and, if so, would serum levels respond to exogenous supplementation.

Methods

Sixty‐three women who were overweight/obese (BMI = 31.07 ± 5.00 kg m−2) were randomly assigned in a double‐blind manner to receive 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 (D3) (n = 31) or a placebo (PL) (n = 32) daily. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by finger‐stick analyses at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation. Data were analyzed by using a 2 × 2 (group × time) repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance to determine group differences for pre‐values and post‐values (p < 0.05).

Results

On day one of the study, both D3 and PL groups had insufficient levels of vitamin D (mean ± SD) 24.03 ± 9.78 ng mL−1 and 23.62 ± 9.77 ng mL−1, respectively. After 8 weeks of supplementation, the D3 group 25(OH)D level rose to a mean of 43.57 ± 10.87 ng mL−1 (p < 0.001) versus the PL group whose 25(OH)D level remained statistically unchanged 24.31 ± 8.84 ng mL−1. Women who were overweight/obese had insufficient vitamin D levels prior to supplementation.

Conclusions

Following supplementation with 5,000 IU of vitamin D3, all subjects' 25(OH)D levels rose to a sufficient level (≥30 ng mL−1). The findings of this study concur with the Institute of Medicine and Endocrine Society recommendations in that two to three times the daily requirement of vitamin D is required to improve serum vitamin D levels in individuals who are overweight or obese.
The Effect of the Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998 on Rewarded and Unrewarded Performance Goals
Authors: Gerrish Ed
Published: November 2016

This paper examines the impact of the Child Support Performance and Incentive Act (CSPIA) of 1998 on child support performance measures that are rewarded financially as well as outcomes that are not rewarded. Three of the five performance measures explicitly rewarded by CSPIA are reconstructed in this analysis, as are two child support outcomes that were considered for financial rewards but were ultimately rejected. Using a panel interrupted time series model with state fixed effects and state‐specific trends, this analysis finds that CSPIA had a statistically positive impact on just one rewarded performance goal, cost‐effectiveness, and negatively impacted an unrewarded child support outcome—collections sent to other states. Effect sizes suggest that CSPIA had little impact on child support performance, on balance. These results provide more evidence to the ongoing debate about the ability of performance incentives to improve public sector performance. It also suggests that reforming performance systems in response to perceived problems may create new gaming responses.
RGD constructs with physical anchor groups as polymer co‐electrospinnable cell adhesives
Authors: Hommes‐Schattmann Paul J. , Neffe Axel T. , Ahmad Bilal , Williams Gareth R. , M'Bele Gael , Vanneaux Valérie , Menasché Philippe , Kalfa David , Lendlein Andreas
Published: November 2016

The tissue integration of synthetic polymers can be promoted by displaying RGD peptides at the biointerface with the objective of enhancing colonization of the material by endogenous cells. A firm but flexible attachment of the peptide to the polymer matrix, still allowing interaction with receptors, is therefore of interest. Here, the covalent coupling of flexible physical anchor groups, allowing for temporary immobilization on polymeric surfaces via hydrophobic or dipole–dipole interactions, to a RGD peptide was investigated. For this purpose, a stearate or an oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) was attached to GRGDS in 51–69% yield. The obtained RGD linker constructs were characterized by NMR, IR and MALDI‐ToF mass spectrometry, revealing that the commercially available OEG and stearate linkers are in fact mixtures of similar compounds. The RGD linker constructs were co‐electrospun with poly(p‐dioxanone) (PPDO). After electrospinning, nitrogen could be detected on the surface of the PPDO fibers by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nitrogen content exceeded the calculated value for the homogeneous material mixture suggesting a pronounced presentation of the peptide on the fiber surface. Increasing amounts of RGD linker constructs in the electrospinning solution did not lead to a detection of an increased amount of peptide on the scaffold surface, suggesting inhomogeneous distribution of the peptide on the PPDO fiber surface. Human adipose‐derived stem cells cultured on the patches showed similar viability as when cultured on PPDO containing pristine RGD. The fully characterized RGD linker constructs could serve as valuable tools for the further development of tissue‐integrating polymeric scaffolds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer predisposition syndromes: lessons for truly precision medicine
Authors: Glaire Mark A , Brown Matthew , Church David N , Tomlinson Ian
Published: November 2016

Cancer predisposition syndromes are typically uncommon, monogenic, high‐penetrance disorders. Despite their rarity, they have proven to be highly clinically relevant in directing cancer prevention strategies. As such, they share notable similarities with an expanding class of low‐frequency somatic mutations that are associated with a striking prognostic or predictive effect in the tumours in which they occur. In this review, we highlight these commonalities, with particular reference to mutations in the proofreading domain of replicative DNA polymerases. These molecular phenotypes may occur as either germline or somatic events, and in the latter case, have been shown to confer a favourable prognosis and potential increased benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition. We note that incorporation of these variants into clinical management algorithms will help refine patient management, and that this will be further improved by the inclusion of other germline variants, such as those that determine the likelihood of benefit or toxicity from anti‐neoplastic therapy. Finally, we propose that such integrated patient and tumour profiling will be essential if we are to deliver truly precision medicine for cancer patients, but in a similar way to rare germline mutations, we must ensure that we identify and utilize rare somatic mutations with strong predictive and prognostic effects. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motile and non‐motile cilia in human pathology: from function to phenotypes
Authors: Mitchison Hannah M , Valente Enza Maria
Published: November 2016

Ciliopathies are inherited human disorders caused by both motile and non‐motile cilia dysfunction that form an important and rapidly expanding disease category. Ciliopathies are complex conditions to diagnose, being multisystem disorders characterized by extensive genetic heterogeneity and clinical variability with high levels of lethality. There is marked phenotypic overlap among distinct ciliopathy syndromes that presents a major challenge for their recognition, diagnosis, and clinical management, in addition to posing an on‐going task to develop the most appropriate family counselling. The impact of next‐generation sequencing and high‐throughput technologies in the last decade has significantly improved our understanding of the biological basis of ciliopathy disorders, enhancing our ability to determine the possible reasons for the extensive overlap in their symptoms and genetic aetiologies. Here, we review the diverse functions of cilia in human health and disease and discuss a growing shift away from the classical clinical definitions of ciliopathy syndromes to a more functional categorization. This approach arises from our improved understanding of this unique organelle, revealed through new genetic and cell biological insights into the discrete functioning of subcompartments of the cilium (basal body, transition zone, intraflagellar transport, motility). Mutations affecting these distinct ciliary protein modules can confer different genetic diseases and new clinical classifications are possible to define, according to the nature and extent of organ involvement. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular characterization reveals NF1 deletions and FGFR1‐activating mutations in a pediatric spinal oligodendroglioma
Authors: Bruzek Amy K. , Zureick Andrew H. , McKeever Paul E. , Garton Hugh J. L. , Robertson Patricia L. , Mody Rajen , Koschmann Carl J.
Published: November 2016

Pediatric spinal oligodendrogliomas are rare and aggressive tumors. They do not share the same molecular features of adult oligodendroglioma, and no previous reports have examined the molecular features of pediatric spinal oligodendroglioma. We present the case of a child with a recurrent spinal anaplastic oligodendroglioma. We performed whole exome (paired tumor and germline DNA) and transcriptome (tumor RNA) sequencing, which revealed somatic mutations in NF1 and FGFR1. These data allowed us to explore potential personalized therapies for this patient and expose molecular drivers that may be involved in similar cases.
Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma/ganglioglioma with rare BRAF V600D mutation
Authors: Greer Ashley , Foreman Nicholas K. , Donson Andrew , Davies Kurtis D. , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters B. K.
Published: November 2016

Background

Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma (DIA) and desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas (DIGs) are rare, massive, cystic and solid tumors of infants usually found in superficial cerebral hemispheres. They manifest prominent desmoplastic stroma, admixed neoplastic astrocytes, primitive‐appearing small cells, and additional neoplastic ganglion cells in the case of DIGs. While v‐Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) mutation is found in up to 50% of pediatric gangliogliomas, two recent studies found that it was rare in DIA/DIGs; we sought to assess BRAF status in DIA/DIGs from our institution.

Procedure

Departmental files from 2000 to 2016 were reviewed to identify cases. Clinical, neuroimaging, histological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) features were assessed; the latter included IHC for astrocytic and neuronal markers and BRAF VE1. BRAF mutational assessment by Sanger and next‐generation sequencing was attempted in all cases.

Results

All six identified cases (four males–two females; three DIA–three DIG) occurred in children <1‐year old, were large, cerebral‐hemispheric, cystic and solid, and enhancing tumors. Only one case, a DIG with prominent aggregates of neoplastic ganglion cells, showed either BRAF VE1 IHC positivity or mutation by Sanger and next‐generation sequencing (rare c. 1799_1800delinsAT; p. V600D). Four of six archival cases were BRAF VE1 IHC negative, but failed mutational sequencing.

Conclusion

Five of six classic DIA/DIGs were negative for BRAF mutation; previous series have identified BRAF mutation in two of 18 and one of 14 cases, although all were the more common BRAF V600E. We were unable to find other examples of glial tumors in public databases with this rare BRAF V600D mutation. Identification of BRAF mutational opens the possibility of BRAF‐targeted therapies for the subset of DIA/DIG that clinically progress postresection.
Effects of carbon fillers on the conductivity and tensile properties of polyetheretherketone composites
Authors: King Julia A. , Tomasi Julie M. , Klimek‐McDonald Danielle R. , Miskioglu Ibrahim , Odegard Greg M. , King Todd R. , Sutherland John W.
Published: November 2016

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)‐based composites are used in aerospace applications due to their high mechanical strengths at temperatures >250°C, excellent chemical resistance properties, and outstanding dimensional stability. In this work, varying amounts of three different carbon fillers (carbon black [CB], graphene nanoplatelets [GNP], and carbon fiber [CF]) were added to PEEK to produce conductive composites for aerospace applications. Researchers extruded, injection molded, and performed electrical and thermal conductivity (TC) and tensile tests on GNP/PEEK, CB/PEEK, CF/PEEK, and CB/CF/PEEK composites. Five formulations could be used for electrostatic dissipative applications: 15 wt% GNP/PEEK, 20 wt% CF/PEEK, 2.5 wt% CB/10 wt% CF/PEEK, and 2.5 wt% CB/20 wt% CF/PEEK. Seven formulations could be used for electrically conductive applications: 30 wt% CF/PEEK, 5 wt% CB/PEEK, 7.5 wt% CB/PEEK, 10 wt% CB/PEEK, 2.5 wt% CB/30 wt% CF/PEEK, 5 wt% CB/30 wt% CF/PEEK, and 7.5 wt% CB/30 wt% CF/PEEK. The most conductive composite produced was 7.5 wt% CB/30 wt% CF/PEEK, which had an electrical resisitivity (1/electrical conductivity) of 0.56 Ω cm, a TC twice that of the neat PEEK, a tensile strength of 145 MPa, and a tensile modulus of 18.4 GPa. Per the authors' knowledge, properties on these GNP/PEEK, CB/PEEK, and CB/CF/PEEK composites have not been previously reported in the open literature. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E807–E816, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of network formation on the electrical, mechanical, and processability behaviors through the preferential distribution of carbon black in the incompatible polymer blend composite
Authors: Mondal Soumya , Khastgir Dipak
Published: November 2016

Four different methods of preferential addition of fixed amount of HAF carbon black have been done in two phases of an immiscible blend of NBR–EPDM (50/50 wt%). However, it is found that redistribution of carbon black occurs in blend phases during mixing even after preferential addition. This is revealed from the measurement of both dynamic mechanical, and mechanical properties. Carbon black redistribution in different phases of blends also affects the electrical properties, especially the frequency dependent AC‐conductivity to a great extent. The surface tension and viscosity of two components of the blend namely NBR and EPDM play an important role in the distribution of carbon black in respective phases. Carbon black distribution also affects hysteresis behavior of the blend and can be correlated with the variation in AC conductivity. The processability behavior of black filled compound is also affected by the preferential addition of carbon black in the elastomer blend. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2620–2633, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers