bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PGC1β Organizes the Osteoclast Cytoskeleton by Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Activation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Rohatgi Nidhi , Veis Deborah J , Schilling Joel , Teitelbaum Steven L , Zou Wei 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Osteoclasts are mitochondria-rich cells, but the role of these energy-producing organelles in bone resorption is poorly defined. To this end, we conditionally deleted the mitochondria-inducing co-activator, PGC1β, in myeloid lineage cells to generate PGC1βLysM mice. In contrast to previous reports, PGC1β-deficient macrophages differentiate normally into osteoclasts albeit with impaired resorptive function due to cytoskeletal disorganization. Consequently, bone mass of PGC1βLysM mice is double that of wild type. Mitochondrial biogenesis and function are diminished in PGC1βLysM osteoclasts. All abnormalities are normalized by PGC1β transduction. Furthermore, OXPHOS inhibitors reproduce the phenotype of PGC1β deletion. PGC1β's organization of the osteoclast cytoskeleton is mediated by expression of GIT1, which also promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, osteoclast mitochondria regulate the cell's resorptive activity by promoting cytoskeletal organization. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in community residents of Japan
Authors: Yamasaki Fumi , Takeuchi Seisho , Uehara Yoshio , Matsushita Masahide , Arise Kazumi , Morimoto Norihito , Seo Hiromi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo implement effective precautions to avoid methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nosocomial infections, it is important to clarify when, how, and from whom MRSA was transmitted to the patients. However, MRSA strains obtained from outpatient population were not analyzed, and the transmission routes of MRSA in the community are not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether MRSA is spreading in community settings or whether MRSA transmission still occurs only in healthcare institutions.MethodsSurveillance cultures of 1274 residents living in a community were performed in two different areas, Kochi and Osaka prefectures of Japan. All isolated MRSA strains were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to clarify the transmission routes of MRSA. The results were compared with those of inpatients. Moreover, written questionnaires and medical records were analyzed.ResultsAnalysis of surveillance cultures from residents living in the community in Japan revealed an MRSA colonization rate of 0.94%. The proportion of MRSA to S. aureus colonization was 2.6% in the 310 residents, which was significantly lower than in the 393 hospitalized patients (63.1%; P < .0001). MRSA strains in residents are different from the endemic strains in the hospitalized patients. Previous hospital admission is a risk factor for MRSA infection of the endemic strain in hospital.ConclusionsMethicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in community setting is rare in Japan. MLST results suggest that some MRSA strains are moving to the community through previous hospital admissions; however, MRSA is not spreading in community settings.
Biology of IL-2 and its therapeutic modulation: Mechanisms and strategies
Authors: Mitra Suman , Leonard Warren J 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Cytokines signal through specific cell surface receptors to broadly regulate immune development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival, thereby influencing cellular fate and function. Accordingly, cytokines are potential therapeutic targets for modulation of immune responses. Indeed, over the last several decades, an increasing number of cytokine-based clinical trials have been performed, collectively using either recombinant forms of cytokines or blocking agents that modulate the actions of cytokines. The pleiotropic actions of cytokines, including their abilities to mediate both inflammatory and protective immune responses, indicate that using or targeting cytokines can have desired but also potentially undesirable effects. Here, we focus on the immunomodulatory cytokine, IL-2. We review the underlying basic science related to IL-2 and its biologic actions, discuss the current state of IL-2-based immunotherapy, and focus on emerging concepts of modulating the activities of this cytokine, including the generation of novel partial cytokine agonists as new potential therapeutics.
Protective effect of dihydromyricetin on LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Wang Bo , Xiao Yunfang , Yang Xiaofeng , He Yanhao , Jing Ting , Wang Weirong , Zhang Jiye , Lin Rong 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a bioactive flavonoid component isolated from Ampelopsis grossedentata, is known to have anti-inflammatory effect, but the effect of DHM on acute lung injury (ALI) is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of DHM on ALI and the underlying mechanism by bioinformatic analyses and animal experiments. We found that pretreatment with DHM ameliorated lung pathological changes and suppressed the inflammation response in lung tissues after LPS challenge. The potential targets of DHM were predicted by DDI-CPI and DRAR-CPI tools and analyzed using the STRING server to predict the functionally related signaling pathways, such as MAPK signaling. Molecular docking calculations indicated that DHM could be embedded tightly into the binding pocket of ERK, JNK, and p38. Furthermore, the activation of MAPK signaling induced by LPS was inhibited by DHM. In conclusion, these findings suggest that DHM may exert its protective effect on ALI by inhibiting MAPK signaling. The present study supports a potential clinical application for DHM in treating ALI and provides a novel design that combines in silico methods with in vivo experiments for drug research.
Morphology of the core fibrous layer of the cetacean tail fluke
Authors: Gough William T. , Fish Frank E. , Wainwright Dylan K. , Bart‐Smith Hilary 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe cetacean tail fluke blades are not supported by any vertebral elements. Instead, the majority of the blades are composed of a densely packed collagenous fiber matrix known as the core layer. Fluke blades from six species of odontocete cetaceans were examined to compare the morphology and orientation of fibers at different locations along the spanwise and chordwise fluke blade axes. The general fiber morphology was consistent with a three‐dimensional structure comprised of two‐dimensional sheets of fibers aligned tightly in a laminated configuration along the spanwise axis. The laminated configuration of the fluke blades helps to maintain spanwise rigidity while allowing partial flexibility during swimming. When viewing the chordwise sectional face at the leading edge and mid‐chord regions, fibers displayed a crossing pattern. This configuration relates to bending and structural support of the fluke blade. The trailing edge core was found to have parallel fibers arranged more dorso‐ventrally. The fiber morphology of the fluke blades was dorso‐ventrally symmetrical and similar in all species except the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), which was found to have additional core layer fiber bundles running along the span of the fluke blade. These additional fibers may increase stiffness of the structure by resisting tension along their long spanwise axis.
Association between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery vasospasm during pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Minami Kentaro , Kumagai Koji , Sugai Yoshinao , Nakamura Kohki , Naito Shigeto , Oshima Shigeru 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCoronary artery vasospasms (CAVs) during pulmonary vein isolation have been reported, but the mechanism remains unclear. We experienced a rare case of CAVs caused by radiofrequency (RF) applications to sites with massive epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) attached. Because EAT contains ganglionated plexuses, RF application may have caused an autonomic nervous system imbalance, which thereby provoked severe CAVs.
Effect of Hydrophobic Modification on the Properties of Polymer‐Blended Microemulsion Gels
Authors: Thampi Neetha V. , John Rohith P. , Ojha Keka , Nair Udayabhanu G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPhase behavior of sodium oleate (NaOl)/isoamyl alcohol‐based lamellar gel phase in cedar oil/water medium in the presence of the nonionic polymer hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and its hydrophobic modified product (HMHEC) is investigated for the development of polymer‐embedded surfactant gels. HMHEC is more soluble in oil‐in‐water (o/w) microemulsions, but nonionic HEC shows limited solubility in the lamellar microemulsion (o/w type). Quantitative estimation of rate of adsorption of the polymer on lamellae bilayers can be easily done by Sudan solubilization and methylene blue complexation methods. Addition of HMHEC to the lamellar gel phase increases the polymer solubilization limit of lamellar gels as well as the viscoelasticity and thermal stability. The polymer‐embedded microemulsion gel acts as a “clean gel” since it exhibits good solubilization in different hydrocarbon media at ambient conditions. Elastic modulus of the polymer‐embedded gel influences directly the suspension performance of gels at high temperature and yields a reasonable sand‐settling velocity acceptable according to fracturing standards. The thermal characteristics and viscoelastic properties of polymer‐embedded gel were found to be suitable for moderate‐temperature reservoir stimulation where the bottom hole temperature is in the range 70–75 °C. Already a large amount of experimental data on pure microemulsions (without polymer) exists. Our studies indicate that the developed polymer‐embedded microemulsion gel has great potential as a model system for the study of polymer–microemulsion interactions.
An internally validated prognostic model for success in revision stapes surgery for otosclerosis
Authors: Wegner Inge , Vincent Robert , Derks Laura S. M. , Rauh Simone P. , Heymans Martijn W. , Stegeman Inge , Grolman Wilko 
Published: March 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo develop a prediction model that can accurately predict the chance of success following revision stapes surgery in patients with recurrent or persistent otosclerosis at 2‐ to 6‐months follow‐up and to validate this model internally.Study DesignA retrospective cohort study of prospectively gathered data in a tertiary referral center.MethodsThe associations of 11 prognostic factors with treatment success were tested in 705 cases using multivariable logistic regression analysis with backward selection. Success was defined as a mean air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less. The most relevant predictors were used to derive a clinical prediction rule to determine the probability of success. Internal validation by means of bootstrapping was performed. Model performance indices, including the Hosmer‐Lemeshow test, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), and the explained variance were calculated.ResultsSuccess was achieved in 57.7% of cases at 2‐ to 6‐months follow‐up. Certain previous surgical techniques, primary causes of failure leading up to revision stapes surgery, and positions of the prosthesis placed during revision surgery were associated with higher success percentages. The clinical prediction rule performed moderately well in the original dataset (Hosmer‐Lemeshow P = .78; AUC = 0.73; explained variance = 22%), which slightly decreased following internal validation by means of bootstrapping (AUC = 0.69; explained variance = 13%).ConclusionsOur study established the importance of previous surgical technique, primary cause of failure, and type of the prosthesis placed during the revision surgery in predicting the probability of success following stapes surgery at 2‐ to 6‐months follow‐up.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 128:2390–2396, 2018
Nodal response after 46 Gy of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy is associated with human papillomavirus–related oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Dronkers Emilie A. C. , Koljenovic Senada , Verduijn Gerda M. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Hardillo Jose A. U. 
Published: March 2018

Objectives/HypothesisThis study aimed to analyze the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated T1‐2 node‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) on nodal response, recurrent disease, and survival in patients treated according to the Rotterdam protocol.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsIn total, 77 patients with T1‐2 OPSCC with nodal disease, treated between 2000 and 2012, were included in this study. Patients were treated according to the Rotterdam protocol: 46 Gy of IMRT followed by a local boost using cyberknife or brachytherapy (22 Gy) and neck dissection. The presence of HPV was determined by p16INK4A immunostaining. Outcomes were overall survival, disease‐free survival, and the extent of nodal response. Nodal stage was determined following the 7th and 8th American Joint Cancer Committee/Union for International Cancer Control classification.ResultsOverall, 68.4% of patients had p16‐positive disease, and 35.4% of all patients achieved complete nodal response (pN0) after 46 Gy of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Based on the 7th TNM classification, nodal response (partial or complete) was significantly associated with HPV status (P = .002). Patients with p16‐positive OPSCC had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.6 to achieve complete nodal response. However, smoking interacted with this effect. Applying the 8th TNM classification, complete or partial response was associated with HPV status but was not significant (OR: 1.7, P = .138). Complete nodal response led to 100% overall survival in p16‐positive OPSCC patients.ConclusionsHPV‐related OPSCCs are associated with complete nodal response after 46 Gy of IMRT. Patients with full regional control (pN0) after IMRT and subsequent neck dissection show a significantly better overall survival, but smoking negatively interacts with this effect.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:2333–2340, 2018
A convolutional neural network to filter artifacts in spectroscopic MRI
Authors: Gurbani Saumya S. , Schreibmann Eduard , Maudsley Andrew A. , Cordova James Scott , Soher Brian J. , Poptani Harish , Verma Gaurav , Barker Peter B. , Shim Hyunsuk , Cooper Lee A. D. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeProton MRSI is a noninvasive modality capable of generating volumetric maps of in vivo tissue metabolism without the need for ionizing radiation or injected contrast agent. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging has been shown to be a viable imaging modality for studying several neuropathologies. However, a key hurdle in the routine clinical adoption of MRSI is the presence of spectral artifacts that can arise from a number of sources, possibly leading to false information.MethodsA deep learning model was developed that was capable of identifying and filtering out poor quality spectra. The core of the model used a tiled convolutional neural network that analyzed frequency‐domain spectra to detect artifacts.ResultsWhen compared with a panel of MRS experts, our convolutional neural network achieved high sensitivity and specificity with an area under the curve of 0.95. A visualization scheme was implemented to better understand how the convolutional neural network made its judgement on single‐voxel or multivoxel MRSI, and the convolutional neural network was embedded into a pipeline capable of producing whole‐brain spectroscopic MRI volumes in real time.ConclusionThe fully automated method for assessment of spectral quality provides a valuable tool to support clinical MRSI or spectroscopic MRI studies for use in fields such as adaptive radiation therapy planning.
Sexual function and qualify of life in women with spina bifida: Are the women with spina bifida satisfied with their sexual activity?
Authors: Choi Eun Kyoung , Kim Sang Woon , Ji Yoonhye , Lim Seoung‐Wha , Han Sang Won 
Published: March 2018

AimsAs the life expectancy of persons with spina bifida increases, sexual life in adulthood presents a considerable challenge for this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sexual function of young women with spina bifida and its impact on their quality of life (QOL).MethodsTo assess sexual function and QOL by using self‐administered questionnaires (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey) in young women with spina bifida, we collected data from 44 young women with spina bifida between June 2013 and October 2013 at the spina bifida clinic of our hospital.ResultsSexual dysfunction was noted in 55.5% of women with spina bifida who had sexual activity in the previous month. In sexually active women, the diagnosis, ventriculoperitoneal shunt in situ, mobility, and clean intermittent catheterization did not show a significant difference between each subdomain (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) and the total FSFI score. However, women who did not have urinary incontinence experienced better sexual function in terms of lubrication and pain scores (P = 0.033 and P = 0.026, respectively). Both the physical and mental composites of QOL were positively weakly correlated with the arousal score of FSFI (r = 0.455, P = 0.044 and r = 0.507, P = 0.023, respectively).ConclusionsMore than half of sexually active women with spina bifida experience sexual dysfunction. Therefore, health‐care providers should pay attention to the symptoms and their management.
Virtual Issue: Chemosensors
Authors: Sedgwick Adam C. , James Tony D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractChemosensors are compounds that incorporate a receptor unit and a reporter unit in a single molecule. A chemosensor transforms the action of binding to a specific analyte into a readable signal. Chemosensors have enabled the study of molecular interactions in a range of different media and interfaces. This offers a non‐invasive approach to observe living biological samples in real time without the sample being destroyed. For example, fluorescence‐based chemosensors are designed to have a high sensitivity and specificity, allowing them to interact selectively with a single target within a complex biological environment. As a result, such chemosensors can be used for fluorescence imaging, allowing for high spatial and temporal resolution of biological samples. Consequently, chemosensors have been used for a broad range of applications including clinical diagnostics and for the detection of environmental, agriculture, and industrial pollutants, making them critically important for public health and safety.
In situ polymerization and reduction to fabricate gold nanoparticle‐incorporated polyaniline as supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Ran Fen , Tan Yongtao , Dong Wenju , Liu Zhen , Kong Lingbin , Kang Long 
Published: March 2018

Nanocomposites of gold nanoparticles and polyaniline are synthesized by using HAuCl4 and ammonium peroxydisulfate as the co‐oxidant involving in situ polymerization of aniline and in situ reduction of HAuCl4. Through these in situ methods, the synthesized Au nanoparticles of ca. 20 nm embedded tightly and dispersed uniformly in polyaniline backbone. With the Au content in composite increasing from 4.20 to 24.72 wt.%, the specific capacitance of the materials first increased from 334 to 392 F g−1 and then decreased to 298 F g−1. Based on the real content of PANI in composite material, the highest specific capacitance is calculated to be 485 F g−1 at the Au amount of 19.15 wt.%, which remains 55.6% after 5000 cycles at the current density of 2 A g−1. Finally, the asymmetric supercapacitor of AuNP/PANI||AC and the symmetric supercapacitor of AuNP/PANI||AuNP/PANI are assembled. The asymmetric supercapacitor device shows a better electrochemical performance, which delivers the maximum energy density of 7.71 Wh kg−1 with power density of 125 W kg−1 and maximum power density of 2500 W kg−1 with the energy density of 5.35 Wh kg−1.
Large‐scale purification of unstable, water‐soluble secologanic acid using centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Yeon Sung Hum , Jeon Je‐Seung , Um Key An , Kim Chul Young , Ahn Young‐Joon 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionSecologanic acid, a major secoiridoid in the flower buds of Lonicera japonica, is a fragile, highly polar compound that readily changes to epivogeloside or vogeloside after being dissolved in methanol. Thus, it is very difficult to obtain secologanic acid on a large‐scale.ObjectiveTo develop a centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) method for large‐scale purification of secologanic acid with high purity from the flower buds of L. japonica.MethodsAfter fractionation with Diaion HP‐20 macroporous resin, 30% methanol eluent was purified by CPC with a ternary biphasic solvent system with ethyl acetate/isopropanol/water (6:4:10, v/v/v). CPC was performed separately twice with the same solvent system, first in descending mode and second in ascending mode.ResultsAfter the first CPC operation, a secologanic acid enriched fraction (586 mg) was obtained from 3 g of crude extract, and secologanic acid (206 mg) was isolated with a purity over 93% in the subsequent ascending mode with the same solvent system from a 586 mg enriched fraction. In addition, it was confirmed that epivogeloside and vogeloside were reversely converted to secologanic acid in an aqueous acidic solution.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that CPC is a simple, effective, and rapid method for the purification of secologanic acid in the flower buds of L. japonica.
Dry‐air drying at room temperature – a practical pre‐treatment method of tree leaves for quantitative analyses of phenolics?
Authors: Tegelberg Riitta , Virjamo Virpi , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionIn ecological experiments, storage of plant material is often needed between harvesting and laboratory analyses when the number of samples is too large for immediate, fresh analyses. Thus, accuracy and comparability of the results call for pre‐treatment methods where the chemical composition remains unaltered and large number of samples can be treated efficiently.ObjectiveTo study if a fast dry‐air drying provides an efficient pre‐treatment method for quantitative analyses of phenolics.MethodologyDry‐air drying of mature leaves was done in a drying room equipped with dehumifier (10% relative humidity, room temperature) and results were compared to freeze‐drying or freeze‐drying after pre‐freezing in liquid nitrogen. The quantities of methanol‐soluble phenolics of Betula pendula Roth, Betula pubescens Ehrh., Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., Picea abies L. Karsten and Pinus sylvestris L. were analysed with HPLC and condensed tannins were analysed using the acid‐butanol test.ResultsIn deciduous tree leaves (Betula, Salix), the yield of most of the phenolic compounds was equal or higher in samples dried in dry‐air room than the yield from freeze‐dried samples. In Picea abies needles, however, dry‐air drying caused severe reductions in picein, stilbenes, condensed tannin and (+)‐catechin concentrations compared to freeze‐drying. In Pinus sylvestris highest yields of neolignans but lowest yields of acetylated flavonoids were obtained from samples freeze‐dried after pre‐freezing.ConclusionResults show that dry‐air drying provides effective pre‐treatment method for quantifying the soluble phenolics for deciduous tree leaves, but when analysing coniferous species, the different responses between structural classes of phenolics should be taken into account.
Bridged bicyclic peptides: Structure and function
Authors: Thombare Varsha J. , Hutton Craig A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBicyclic peptides are conformationally rigid molecules that can bind with high affinity and specificity to their protein target, yet are significantly more protease stable than their linear or monocyclic counterparts. This emerging class of peptides has great potential for the development of novel peptide therapeutics and molecular probes. In this review, we highlight the structural complexity, synthesis/biosynthesis, and biological applications of bridged bicyclic peptides.