bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Androgen Receptor in Neurons Slows Age-Related Cortical Thinning in Male Mice
Authors: Jardí Ferran , Kim Nari , Laurent Michaël R , Khalil Rougin , Deboel Ludo , Schollaert Dieter , van Lenthe GH , Decallonne Brigitte , Carmeliet Geert , Claessens Frank , Vanderschueren Dirk 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT

Androgens via the androgen receptor (AR) are required for optimal male bone health. The target cell(s) for the effects of androgens on cortical bone remain(s) incompletely understood. In females, estrogen receptor alpha in neurons is a negative regulator of cortical and trabecular bone. Whether neuronal AR regulates bone mass in males remains unexplored. Here, we inactivated AR in neurons using a tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 under the control of the neuronal promoter Thy1. Tamoxifen induced a 70% to 80% reduction of AR mRNA levels in Thy1-CreERT2-positive brain regions cerebral cortex and brainstem as well as in the peripheral nervous tissue of male neuronal AR knockout (N-ARKO) mice. Hypothalamic AR mRNA levels were only marginally reduced and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis remained unaffected, as determined by normal levels of serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In contrast to orchidectomy, deletion of neuronal AR did not alter body weight, body composition, hindlimb muscle mass, grip strength, or wheel running. MicroCT analysis of the femur revealed no changes in bone accrual during growth in N-ARKO mice. However, 36- and 46-week-old N-ARKO mice displayed an accelerated age-related cortical involution, namely a more pronounced loss of cortical thickness and strength, which occurred in the setting of androgen sufficiency. Neuronal AR inactivation decreased the cancellous bone volume fraction in L5 vertebra but not in the appendicular skeleton of aging mice. MicroCT findings were corroborated in the tibia and after normalization of hormonal levels. Serum markers of bone turnover and histomorphometry parameters were comparable between genotypes, except for a 30% increase in osteoclast surface in the trabecular compartment of 36-week-old N-ARKO mice. Cortical bone loss in N-ARKO mice was associated with an upregulation of Ucp1 expression in brown adipose tissue, a widely used readout for sympathetic tone. We conclude that androgens preserve cortical integrity in aging male mice via AR in neurons. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Combined heparin/acid citrate dextrose solution A anticoagulation in the Optia continuous mononuclear cell protocol for pediatric lymphocyte apheresis
Authors: DeSimone Robert A. , Myers Gary D. , Guest Erin M. , Shi Patricia A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCollecting a sufficient number of T‐cells is a critical first step in the production of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells. Herein, we report a successful implementation of anticoagulation with combined heparin and acid citrate dextrose solution A (ACD‐A) for the continuous mononuclear cell (CMNC) protocol on the Spectra Optia in a 20‐month‐old, 7.5 kg patient with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia for manufacture of tisagenlecleucel, a CAR‐T cell therapy. Combined heparin/ACD‐A was used following clotting issues when ACD‐A was used alone during initial CMNC collections. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in pediatrics of combined heparin/ACD‐A anticoagulation with the Spectra Optia CMNC protocol.
Hydrodynamics of split‐rectangle‐internal loop airlift bioreactor with variations in riser and downcomer cross‐sectional areas based on the golden ratio
Authors: Rosa Edvaldo AR , Bianchini Luiz F , da Silva Ramos Romeu CP , Arantes Angela B , da Silva Roberto F , Glassey Jarka 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of bioreactors that mimic industrial reality is essential if knowledge transfer is desired. This is particularly important once filamentous microbes face harsh conditions hindering the formation of biofilms in some types of bioreactors and thus diminishing their ability to perform biotransformation or production of secondary metabolites. Airlift bioreactors can circumvent such problems; however, the lack of consensus regarding riser and downcomer partition persists. The use of golden ratio is a possibility to be considered. Our proposition was to evaluate the hydrodynamic performance and mass transfer in split‐rectangle‐internal loop airlift bioreactors (SRILAB) using a golden ratio partition.RESULTSIn a general way, results revealed that a partition of Ar/Ad1.618 presents better and more desirable characteristics than Ad/Ar1.618 for linear liquid velocity (UL), mixing time (tM), gas holdup (ϵG), and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa). Such behavior was observed even when the SRILAB operated under different linear gas velocities (UG) regimens (0.5–1.5 vvm) and Newtonian and non‐Newtonian bulk fluids.CONCLUSIONSuch results support the idea of using the golden ratio as riser‐to‐downcomer partitioning parameter in airlift bioreactors. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multicenter, retrospective, comparative study of laparoscopic and open Kasai portoenterostomy in children with biliary atresia from Japanese high‐volume centers
Authors: Murase Naruhiko , Hinoki Akinari , Shirota Chiyoe , Tomita Hirofumi , Shimojima Naoki , Sasaki Hideyuki , Nio Masaki , Tahara Kazunori , Kanamori Yutaka , Shinkai Masato , Yamamoto Hirotoshi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Hibi Taizo , Ishimaru Tetsuya , Kawashima Hiroshi , Koga Hiroyuki , Yamataka Atsuyuki , Uchida Hiroo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundMulticenter study was undertaken to analyze the results of laparoscopic and open Kasai portoenterostomy.MethodsSubjects were infants with type III biliary atresia who underwent open operation (n = 106) or laparoscopic operation (n = 21) between January 2012 and December 2015. Clinical data were compared between open and laparoscopic operations (2016‐0534). Propensity score matching was performed to reduce the effect of treatment selection bias. Multivariate analyses were used to estimate the effect of the surgical approach on the jaundice clearance rate and the native liver survival rate.ResultsThe postoperative jaundice clearance rate and the 1‐year native liver survival rate were not significantly different between open and laparoscopic operations. Rates of cholangitis and major complications of laparoscopic operation were comparable to those of open operation. Blood loss, time to resume oral intake, time to drain removal, and duration of analgesic usage of laparoscopic operation were significantly superior to those of open operation. Similar results were observed when analysis was adjusted based on propensity score. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only age at operation was a poor prognostic factor.ConclusionLaparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy was associated with several favorable perioperative outcomes compared with open Kasai portoenterostomy. The difference of surgical approach was not a significant independent predictor.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation and comparison of bioactive bone alloplast morsels when used alone and in combination with platelet‐rich fibrin in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bodhare Girish H. , Kolte Abhay P. , Kolte Rajashri A. , Shirke Prerna Y. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic changes obtained through Bioactive Glass (BG) with and without autologous platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.MethodsThe present study was a split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical trial comprising 20 chronic periodontitis patients (mean age: 35.9 years) having at least one pair of bilateral intrabony defect. Group 1 included 20 sites treated with a combination of BG and autologous PRF whereas 20 sites in Group 2 were treated with BG alone. Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession (GR) were evaluated at 3 and 6 months and bone fill at 6 months by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis. Primary study outcomes were changes in PPD, CAL, GR, and bone fill.ResultsCAL gain was greater in Group 1 (5.05 ± 1.09 mm) when compared with Group 2 (4.2 ± 1.70 mm). Furthermore, a significantly greater bone fill was found in Group 1. At 6 months, statistically significant reduction in PPD in Group 1 and Group 2 was evident.ConclusionBG morsel when used in combination with PRF is found to be more effective in gain in CAL, reduction in PPD and achieving greater bone fill as compared with treatment with BG alone in periodontal intrabony defects and is indicative of enhanced periodontal regeneration.
Gel formation mechanism and gel properties controlled by Ca2+in chia seed mucilage and model substances
Authors: Brax Mathilde , Schaumann Gabriele Ellen , Diehl Dörte 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPolygalacturonic acid (PGA) is considered as a model substance for mucilage to study mucilage–soil interactions, assuming that the gel formation mechanism of mucilage is comparable to the one of PGA. However, some studies question the accepted hypothesis, which states that, like for PGA, this mechanism relies on cross‐links between uronic acid and calcium for mucilage. The aim of this study was therefore to understand the influence of the abundance and degree of esterification of uronic acids and the influence of calcium on the gel formation mechanism in mucilage as compared to model substances.The mucilage used was from chia seeds, as it is easily available in great quantity and has gel properties shared by root mucilage. Results reported here demonstrate that, while the gel formation mechanism of PGA relied on specific cross‐links with calcium and led to heterogeneous gels, low‐methoxy pectin (LMP) formed homogeneous calcium gels also characterized by nonspecific ionic interactions with calcium. On the contrary, despite similar uronic acid content to LMP, chia seed mucilage was mostly governed by weak electrostatic interactions between entangled polymer chains, which conferred the gel poor water retention. Addition of calcium reduced repulsion and molecular expansion, resulting in a reduction of the water content in chia seed mucilage. Finally, the discrepancies between PGA, LMP and chia seed mucilage discredit the use of PGA as model for chia seed mucilage. Comparison with root mucilage is still needed. This study offers the keys for further mechanistic understanding on the influence of mucilage on soil properties.
Theoretical and experimental research on self‐assembly system of molecularly imprinted polymers formed via chloramphenicol and methacrylic acid
Authors: Liu Jun‐Bo , Wang Guang‐Yu , Tang Shan‐Shan , Gao Qian , Liang Da‐Dong , Jin Rui‐Fa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractChloramphenicol was chosen as the imprinting molecule and the methacrylic acid was chosen as the functional monomer to prepare molecularly imprinted polymers. Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, and trimethylolpropane trimethylacrylate were used as the cross‐linking agents, respectively. The interaction processes between chloramphenicol and methacrylic acid were simulated by using the ωB97XD/6‐31G (d,p) method. The self‐assembled configuration, bonding sites, binding number, binding energy, and interaction principle of stable complex formed by chloramphenicol and methacrylic acid with different molar ratios have been studied. The selectivity of the most stable complex formed from chloramphenicol and methacrylic acid was discussed with the thiamphenicol and florfenicol as the analogues of chloramphenicol. The results showed that chloramphenicol and methacrylic acid were interacted through the hydrogen bonds. When the molar ratio was 1:10 and pentaerythritol triacrylate as the cross‐linking agent, the ordered complex formed by chloramphenicol and methacrylic acid has the largest amount of hydrogen bonds and the lowest binding energy. Scatchard analysis showed that the maximum apparent adsorption capacity was 173.3 mg/g (0.536 mol/g), and the selection factor of florfenicol was the largest. This study provides a reliable theoretical and experimental basis for the design, preparation, and characterization of chloramphenicol molecularly imprinted polymers.
Rapid method for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and zinc in effervescent tablets by capillary zone electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Ribeiro Michelle Miranda A. C. , Prado Aliceana A. , Domingues Batista Alex , Alejandro Abarza Munoz Rodrigo , Mathias Richter Eduardo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAscorbic acid and zinc are essential nutrients that play important roles in nutrition, immune support, and maintenance of health. For this reason, both compounds are widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements. We report, for the first time, an analytical method for fast simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and zinc. A single analysis run is possible every 80 s (45 injections/h). The method is based on capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection using a fused silica capillary with 50 cm length (effective length of 10 cm). The separation was achieved by using a background electrolyte composed by 30 mmol/L of 2‐(morpholin‐4‐yl)ethane‐1‐sulfonic acid and 30 mmol/L of histidine, pH 6.1. The detection limits were 10 and 20 μmol/L and recovery values for spiked samples were 101 and 100% for zinc and ascorbic acid, respectively. The results obtained with the developed procedure were compared to those obtained by titration (ascorbic acid) and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (zinc), and no statistically significant differences were observed (95% confidence level).
Easily mineralizable carbon in manure‐based biochar added to a soil influences N2O emissions and microbial‐N cycling genes
Authors: Dai Zhongmin , Li Yong , Zhang Xiaojie , Wu Jianjun , Luo Yu , Kuzyakov Yakov , Brookes Philip C. , Xu Jianming 
Published: November 2018

AbstractManure‐based biochar is an effective amendment to increase both carbon sequestration and the fertility of degraded soils, whereas the responses of N2O emissions and microbial‐N cycling genes to its application and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, four biochars were produced under two pyrolysis temperatures (300 and 700°C) and with two organic C extraction procedures (water and acetone extraction). The resulting biochars were either with relative enrichment or depletion in easily mineralizable carbon (EMC) compared with recalcitrant C. We added biochars, with urea and sodium nitrate, to a degraded red soil and incubated the amended soils at moisture levels of 60% and 130% field capacity. All the biochars decreased nitrification gene abundance, that is, amoA. Biochars with EMC had greater stimulatory effects on the abundance of denitrification genes (nirK, nirS, and nosZ) and N2O emission, regardless of moisture level and N form, compared with biochar without EMC. Biochar‐induced microbial activity, biochar aliphatics, and alkyl groups correlated positively with N2O emission and denitrification gene abundance. The water dissolved organic C of biochar facilitated the conversion of N2O to N2, whereas the acetone extractable C fraction postponed the completion of denitrification. In conclusion, the N2O emission and denitrification gene abundance increased with decreasing biochar aromaticity and increasing EMC content. Our study emphasizes that the EMC supply in manure‐based biochars also importantly mediates soil N2O emission and microbial N cycling genes, adding to current understanding of influencing factors such as biochar pH, porosity, N availability, and redox property.
Seasonality in coastal macrobenthic biomass and its implications for estimating secondary production using empirical models
Authors: Saulnier Erwan , Brind'Amour Anik , Tableau Adrien , Rufino Marta M. , Dauvin Jean‐Claude , Luczak Christophe , Le Bris Hervé 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMacrobenthic secondary production is widely used to assess the trophic capacity, health, and functioning of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Annual production estimates are often calculated using empirical models and based on data collected during a single period of the year. Yet, many ecosystems show seasonal variations. Although ignoring seasonality may lead to biased and inaccurate estimates of annual secondary production, it has never been tested at the community level. Using time series of macrobenthic data collected seasonally at three temperate marine coastal soft‐bottom sites, we assessed seasonal variations in biomass of macrobenthic invertebrates at both population and community levels. We then investigated how these seasonal variations affect the accuracy of annual benthic production when assessed using an empirical model and data from a single sampling event. Significant and consistent seasonal variations in biomass at the three study sites were highlighted. Macrobenthic biomass was significantly lower in late winter and higher in summer/early fall for 18 of the 30 populations analyzed and for all three communities studied. Seasonality led to inaccurate and often biased estimates of annual secondary production at the community level when based on data from a single sampling event. Bias varied by site and sampling period, but reached ∼ 50% if biomass was sampled at its annual minimum or maximum. Since monthly sampling is rarely possible, we suggest that ecologists account for uncertainty in annual production estimates caused by seasonality.
Effects of Agrochemicals on Freshwater Macroinvertebrates: Challenges and Perspectives from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Mello José L. , Cardoso Bruna N. , Colombo‐Corbi Vanessa , Corbi Juliano J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aquatic environment is a dynamic product of complex interactions among biotic and abiotic factors. Alterations in their chemical and physical characteristics may directly affect their biological activities, compromising ecosystem functioning and the provisioning of ecosystem services that depend on biodiversity. In the last five decades, agriculture expansion and agrochemical utilization have increased following food demand. The trend is anticipated to continue due to factors like population growth, the emergence of new pests, and the use of biofuels. The increasing application of agrochemicals is an emerging threat to aquatic ecosystems due to their constant entry into water bodies and their high toxicity. Here, we present a brief synthesis of the effects of agrochemicals in freshwater systems, mainly their impacts on an important biological component of aquatic biota, the macroinvertebrates. We also present some key points about the use of different endpoints, such as biologic interactions and genetic diversity loss, in ecotoxicological analyses and determination of new test organisms to be explored and standardized for tropical regions.
Almost automorphic solutions for stochastic differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Chen Feng , Yang Xue 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper concerns a class of stochastic differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motion. The existence and uniqueness of almost automorphic solutions in distribution are established provided the coefficients satisfy some suitable conditions. To illustrate the results obtained in the paper, a stochastic heat equation driven by fractional Brownian motion is considered.
Simultaneous flap thinning with ultrasound‐assisted liposuction during free flap surgery: Preliminary results
Authors: Ince Bilsev , Yarar Serhat , Dadaci Mehmet 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundUltrasound‐assisted liposuction (UAL) has been previously used for postoperative flap thinning. Although it had been reported that UAL causes less damage to the vessels, the simultaneous use of UAL with free flap reconstruction has not been reported. The aim of this report was to determine the results and the complication rates of simultaneous use of UAL with free flap reconstruction.Patients and methodsTwelve patients who underwent simultaneous flap thinning with UAL during free anterolateral thigh flap surgery between 2014 and 2016 were included in this prospective study. The mean age of the patients was 46.7 (ranging 10–76) years. The mean body mass index of the patients was 26.81 (ranging 25.2–29.8). Flaps were thinned with UAL before harvesting. The mean flap thicknesses were measured using a metal ruler before and after the UAL procedure. Biopsies were performed lateral to the center of the flaps, after completion of the UAL procedure. Vascular and collagen structures were histopathologically examined. The Likert scale, which evaluates the general appearance, shape, color, and texture, was used to assess the aesthetic results of the UAL procedure.ResultsThe average flap size was 13 × 9 cm. The mean pedicle length was 8.3 (ranging 7–10) cm. The mean flap thickness was 23 (ranging 19–27) mm and decreased to a mean of 8.1 (ranging 5–11) mm. Wound dehiscence and partial skin necrosis was observed in 2 patients (2/12, 16.66%). None of the patients had total flap necrosis. Vascular and collagen structures of the biopsied samples were normal. Patients were followed for an average of 13 months post UAL. The mean Likert score was 17.1 (ranging 15–19).ConclusionsFlap thinning with UAL can be safely performed during the initial free flap reconstruction operation.
Optimizing survival of large fibula osteocutaneous flaps for extensive full‐thickness oromandibular defects: A two‐stage approach with temporary orocutaneous fistula
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Huang Tony Chieh‐Ting , Manrique Oscar J. , Agko Mouchammed , Adabi Kian , Nicoli Fabio , Saçak Bülent , Kiranantawat Kidakorn , Moran Steven L. , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionComposite and large head and neck defects requiring extensive skin‐mucosa coverage are often reconstructed by combining flaps. Herein, we present a simple and reliable two‐stage fibula osteocutaneous (FOC) flap technique to improve the survival of a large skin paddle for oromandibular reconstructions.MethodsFrom October 2011 to September 2016, 47 patients with through‐and‐through oromandibular defects were reconstructed using FOC flaps with large skin paddles. To ensure optimum survival of skin paddles, temporary orocutaneous fistula were left in place and closed during the second stage operation via de‐epithelialization of the skin paddle and suturing of mucosa. Demographic data, operative details, and postoperative complications were recorded.ResultsThe skin paddle dimensions ranged from 20 to 31.5 cm in length and 12 to 17 cm in width with an average area of 430.4 cm2 (range 300–504). The average time between the two stages and hospital stay were 10 days and 14 days, respectively. Complications at the donor site included wound dehiscence (n = 3, 6.4%), partial skin graft loss (n = 3, 6.4%) and hematoma (n = 2, 4.3%). Recipient site complications included two (4.3%) early postoperative venous congestions that resolved after elevation and three (6.4%) partial skin flap necrosis (less than 5% surface area). All complications resolved with bedside conservative management. There was only one take‐back for evacuation of recipient site hematoma (2.1%) but no flap loss.ConclusionTwo‐staged large skin paddle FOC flaps can simplify reconstruction of extensive oromandibular defects by improving the reliability of the sizable skin paddle and negating the need for a second flap.