bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of cationic polymer micelles for the dispersal of bacterial biofilms
Authors: Borisova Dayana , Haladjova Emi , Kyulavska Mariya , Petrov Petar , Pispas Stergios , Stoitsova Stoyanka , Paunova‐Krasteva Tsvetelina 
Published: May 2018

AbstractContamination of surfaces in hospitals and food industry by bacterial biofilms is a serious health risk. Of concern is their resistance to routine antibacterials and disinfectants. This requires the development of novel approaches to biofilm detachment. The study evaluates the effectiveness of cationic polymer micelles (CPMs) against pre‐formed biofilms. CPMs based on different polycations were used. The hydrodynamic radius of the particles ranged from 16 to 360 nm. Biofilms of Escherichia coli 420, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Staphylococcus aureus 29213 and Bacillus subtilis 168 were cultivated for 24 h then the pre‐formed biofilms were treated with the CPMs for 2, 4 or 6 h. Biofilm biomass was evaluated by the crystal violet assay, and live/dead fluorescence test was applied for bacterial viability. The ability of CPMs to interact with pre‐formed biofilms of the model strains was evaluated. We observed that the most effective CPMs were those based on poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) copolymers which reduced the biofilm biomass three‐ to four‐fold compared with the treatment of the biofilm with water. Significantly reduced vitality of the bacteria in the biofilms was registered by the live/dead stain. The results indicate the applicability of the CPMs for disinfection of biofilm‐contaminated surfaces and the treatment of wounds.
Effect of superheated steam roasting with hot smoking treatment on improving physicochemical properties of the adductor muscle of pen shell (Atrina pectinate)
Authors: Mohibbullah Md. , Won Na Eun , Jeon Jong‐Hoe , An Jeong Hyeon , Park Yeseul , Kim Hari , Bashir Khawaja Muhammad Imran , Park Sun‐Mee , Kim Young Soo , Yoon Sung‐Joon , Sohn Jae Hak , Kim Andre , Choi Jae‐Suk 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe adductor muscle of the pen shell Atrina pectinata (AMPS) is a popular protein‐enriched food item in Asian Pacific countries, and has only been marketed in the frozen condition, as a result browning and decreased sensory attributes occur. To overcome these problems, superheated steam roasting (at 270°C for 4 min) combined with the hot smoke (10 min) using a selective Oak sawdust was employed to develop a new AMPS product yielding high physicochemical properties during storage periods (0–13 days) especially at 10°C. The processed AMPS showed high sensory preferences because of good odor, color, and textural properties. It also significantly inhibited bacterial growth, volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species, and pH changes, and eventually possessed higher nutritional composition with low trimethylamine N‐oxide level. Results indicate that saturated steam allows AMPS at good physicochemical conditions, whereas hot smoke‐derived aroma compounds prolong its shelf life through antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Tuning Enzymatically Crosslinked Silk Fibroin Hydrogel Properties for the Development of a Colorectal Cancer Extravasation 3D Model on a Chip
Authors: Carvalho Mariana R. , Maia Fátima Raquel , Vieira Sílvia , Reis Rui L. , Oliveira Joaquim M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMicrofluidic devices are now the most promising tool to mimic in vivo like scenarios such as tumorigenesis and metastasis due to its ability to more closely mimic cell's natural microenvironment (such as 3D environment and continuous perfusion of nutrients). In this study, the ability of 2% and 3% enzymatically crosslinked silk fibroin hydrogels with different mechanical properties are tested in terms of colorectal cancer cell migration, under different microenvironments in a 3D dynamic model. Matrigel is used as control. Moreover, a comprehensive comparison between the traditional Boyden chamber assay and the 3D dynamic microfluidic model in terms of colorectal cancer cell migration is presented. The results show profound differences between the two used biomaterials and the two migration models, which are explored in terms of mechanical properties of the hydrogels as well as the intrinsic characteristics of the models. Moreover, the developed 3D dynamic model is validated by demonstrating that hVCAM‐1 plays a major role in the extravasation process, influencing extravasation rate and traveled distance. Furthermore, the developed model enables precise visualization of cancer cell migration within a 3D matrix in response to microenvironmental cues, shedding light on the importance of biophysical properties in cell behavior.
Use of near‐infrared systems for investigations of hemodynamics in human in vivo bone tissue: A systematic review
Authors: Meertens Robert , Casanova Francesco , Knapp Karen M. , Thorn Clare , Strain William David 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTA range of technologies using near infrared (NIR) light have shown promise at providing real time measurements of hemodynamic markers in bone tissue in vivo, an exciting prospect given existing difficulties in measuring hemodynamics in bone tissue. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence for this potential use of NIR systems, establishing their potential as a research tool in this field. Major electronic databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using pre‐planned search strategies with broad scope for any in vivo use of NIR technologies in human bone tissue. Following identification of studies by title and abstract screening, full text inclusion was determined by double blind assessment using predefined criteria. Full text studies for inclusion were data extracted using a predesigned proforma and quality assessed. Narrative synthesis was appropriate given the wide heterogeneity of included studies. Eighty‐eight full text studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 57 addressing laser Doppler flowmetry (56 intra‐operatively), 21 near infrared spectroscopy, and 10 photoplethysmography. The heterogeneity of the methodologies included differing hemodynamic markers, measurement protocols, anatomical locations, and research applications, making meaningful direct comparisons impossible. Further, studies were often limited by small sample sizes with potential selection biases, detection biases, and wide variability in results between participants. Despite promising potential in the use of NIR light to interrogate bone circulation, the application of NIR systems in bone requires rigorous assessment of the reproducibility of potential hemodynamic markers and further validation of these markers against alternative physiologically relevant reference standards. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2595–2603, 2018.
High N fertilizer application to irrigated wheat in Northern Mexico for conventionally tilled and permanent raised beds: Effects on N balance and short term N dynamics
Authors: Grahmann Kathrin , Verhulst Nele , Dittert Klaus , Govaerts Bram , Buerkert Andreas 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNitrogen (N) surpluses from fertilizer application can cause major environmental harm including pollution of surface water, groundwater, and air. To assess such negative externalities, N balances are a complex but useful tool to predict surpluses and to measure effects of nutrient optimization strategies in agriculture. The Yaqui Valley in north‐western Mexico is representative for thousands of square kilometres of intensive, irrigated wheat production under arid conditions worldwide and has been targeted for conservation agriculture in recent years. For these cropping systems, detailed N balances are scarce and often incomplete. To help fill this knowledge gap, data from a long‐term experiment were collected in 2013/14 on a Vertisol to examine the impact of three tillage‐straw management practices (CTB: conventionally tilled beds; PB‐straw: permanent raised beds with residue retention; PB‐burn: permanent raised beds with residue burning) on N dynamics. Tillage had significant effects on soil NO3‐N, NH4‐N, and total N contents across the cropping period. Soil total N content was at all sampling depths lowest in CTB. Soil NO3‐N in the 0–90 cm profile was highest in PB‐burn over the cropping period and ranged from 77 kg ha−1in the bed before pre‐planting fertilizer application up to 269 kg ha−1in the furrow after the second fertilizer application. Annual simple N balances were +59 kg N ha−1in CTB, +39 kg N ha–1in PB‐straw, and +46 kg N ha−1in PB‐burn. Residual mineral soil N was significantly affected by tillage‐straw management and lowest for PB‐straw (+205 kg N ha−1) and highest for CTB, and for PB‐burn (+283 kg N ha−1each) in the 0–90 cm soil profile. Soil NO3‐N moved out of the effective wheat root zone, as indicated by the high residual NO3‐N content at 30–90 cm depth, which is an important pathway of N leaching. Quantifiable N losses through leaching and volatilization averaged 100 kg N ha−1. Our findings suggest that there is potential for substantial reductions in N inputs in all tillage‐straw systems to decrease N losses and to reduce mineral residual soil N, but care should be taken to avoid reducing grain protein content, which in PB straw was already below the quality standard. A knowledge transfer of the European “Nmin” concept is advisable in this region to regulate N fertilizer over‐application.
Effects of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extracts on lettuce growth, physiology and fresh‐cut salad storage under potassium deficiency
Authors: Chrysargyris Antonios , Xylia Panayiota , Anastasiou Myria , Pantelides Iakovos , Tzortzakis Nikos 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPotassium (K) deficiency in leafy vegetables such as lettuce is a major concern regarding quality. Seaweed (SW) extracts, as biostimulants, are biodegradable materials and have become increasingly popular as they are reported to enhance crop growth and yield.RESULTSIn order to overcome K deficiencies (i.e. 375 vs 125 mg L−1), alternative foliar applications with extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum SW or K were examined using lettuce plants which were grown hydroponically. Potassium deficiency (at 125 mg L−1) reduced plant biomass, photosynthetic rate, leaf stomatal conductance, lettuce potassium content and tissue antioxidant capacity as compared with the higher K level (375 mg L−1). Application of SW increased the relative growth of lettuce in the low‐K treatment. The K level and/or SW application altered the plant's enzyme protective activity (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POD) against oxidative stress and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Spray applications of SW mitigated the effects of K deficiency on indicators of enzyme activity and plant damage, back to levels of high K content (375 mg L−1). The high K level, but also SW application, increased the antioxidant activity of the processed lettuce before storage. Foliar application of the SW extract increased the quality of cut lettuce grown in 125 mg L−1 K conditions by reducing the rate of respiration and increasing consumer preference.CONCLUSIONThe SW application could alter the detrimental effects of K deficiency during lettuce growth and storage of processed products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Paley–Wiener theorem for line bundles over compact symmetric spaces and new estimates for the Heckman–Opdam hypergeometric functions
Authors: Ho Vivian M. , Ólafsson Gestur 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPaley–Wiener type theorems describe the image of a given space of functions, often compactly supported functions, under an integral transform, usually a Fourier transform on a group or homogeneous space. In this article we proved a Paley–Wiener theorem for smooth sections f of homogeneous line bundles on a compact Riemannian symmetric space . It characterizes f with small support in terms of holomorphic extendability and exponential growth of their χ‐spherical Fourier transforms, where χ is a character of K. An important tool in our proof is a generalization of Opdam's estimate for the hypergeometric functions associated to multiplicity functions that are not necessarily positive. At the same time the radius of the domain where this estimate is valid is increased. This is done in an appendix.
Comparative genomic analysis of Myroides odoratimimus isolates
Authors: Hu Shaohua , Cao Lin , Wu Yiyin , Zhou Yajun , Jiang Tao , Wang Liqiang , Wang Qiujing , Ming Desong , Chen Shicheng , Wang Mingxi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMyroides odoratimimus is an important nosocomial pathogen. Management of M. odoratimimus infection is difficult owing to the multidrug resistance and the unknown pathogenesis mechanisms. Based on our previous genomic sequencing data of M. odoratimimus PR63039 (isolated from a patient with the urinary tract infection), in this study, we further performed comparative genomic analysis for 10 selected Myroides strains. Our results showed that these Myroides genome contexts were very similar and phylogenetically related. Various prophages were identified in the four clinical isolate genomes, which possibly contributed to the genome evolution among the Myroides strains. CRISPR elements were only detected in the two clinical (PR63039 and CCUG10230) isolates and two environmental (CCUG12700 and H1bi) strains. With more stringent cutoff parameters in CARD analysis, the four clinical M. odoratimimus contained roughly equal antibiotic resistance genes, indicating their similar antibiotic resistance profiles. The three clinical (CCUG10230, CCUG12901, CIP101113) and three environmental (CCUG12700, L41, H1bi) M. odoratimimus strains were speculated to carry the indistinguishable virulent factors (VFs), which may involve in the similar pathogenesis mechanism. Moreover, some VFs might confer to the high capacity of dissemination, attacking tissue cells and induction of autoimmune complications. Our results facilitate the research of antibiotic resistance and the development of therapeutic regimens for the M. odoratimimus infections.
Polypharmacological Drug−target Inference for Chemogenomics
Authors: Schneider Petra , Schneider Gisbert 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPharmacological drug actions are often caused by multi‐target effects. While most of the currently approved synthetic drugs were designed to interact with a single ‘on‐target’, these chemical agents often interact with additional ‘off‐targets’. Understanding and rationalizing these multiple interactions will be indispensable for the design of future precision medicines. We employed computational predictions of drug‐target interactions to analyze functional drug‐drug relationships. 900 approved drugs were represented in terms of their predicted activity fingerprints, considering 1158 potential target activities. A drug relationship network was constructed based on fingerprint similarity. The resulting network graph highlights clusters of compounds sharing similar predicted on‐ and off‐targets, and allows to identify mutual targets of drugs that were originally developed for different therapeutic indications. Such an analysis offers straightforward access to spotting potential off‐target liabilities and drug‐drug interactions, as well as drug repurposing opportunities.
l‐Citrulline Supplementation‐Increased Skeletal Muscle PGC‐1α Expression Is Associated with Exercise Performance and Increased Skeletal Muscle Weight
Authors: Villareal Myra O. , Matsukawa Toshiya , Isoda Hiroko 
Published: May 2018

Scopel‐citrulline has recently been reported as a more effective supplement for promoting intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production compared to l‐arginine. Here, the effect of l‐citrulline on skeletal muscle and its influence on exercise performance were investigated. The underlying mechanism of its effect, specifically on the expression of skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α), was also elucidated.Methods and resultsSix‐week‐old ICR mice were orally supplemented with l‐citrulline (250 mg kg−1) daily, and their performance in weight‐loaded swimming exercise every other day for 15 days, was evaluated. In addition, mice muscles were weighed and evaluated for the expression of PGC‐1α and PGC‐1α‐regulated genes. Mice orally supplemented with l‐citrulline had significantly higher gastrocnemius and biceps femoris muscle mass. Although not statistically significant, l‐citrulline prolonged the swimming time to exhaustion. PGC‐1α upregulation was associated with vascular endothelial growth factor α (VEGFα) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) upregulation. VEGFα and IGF‐1 are important for angiogenesis and muscle growth, respectively, and are regulated by PGC‐1α. Treatment with NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l‐NAME), a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, suppressed the l‐citrulline‐induced PGC‐1α upregulation in vitro.ConclusionSupplementation with l‐citrulline upregulates skeletal muscle PGC‐1α levels resulting in higher skeletal muscle weight that improves time to exhaustion during exercise.
Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Supplementation Improves Alcoholic Liver Injury in Female Mice by Inhibiting Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase 1
Authors: Wang Fei , Tipoe George L. , Yang Changqing , Nanji Amin A. , Hao Xiangfeng , So Kwok‐Fai , Xiao Jia 
Published: May 2018

ScopeLycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is a water fraction of wolfberry, which has been demonstrated to possess a hepatoprotective effect in several liver disease models. However, the anti‐alcoholic liver disease (anti‐ALD) mechanism of LBP has not been investigated thoroughly. Its protective effects on both male and femal mice are investigated in the current study.Methods and resultsA chronic ethanol‐fed ALD in vivo model is applied to study the effect of LBP in both male and female mice. It is observed that ethanol causes more severe liver injury in female than male mice, and the ameliorative effects of LBP are also more significant in female mice, which are impaired after complete bilateral oophorectomy. The hepatic SCD1 expression is found to be positively correlated with the severity of the liver damage and the main mediator of LBP inducer of protection. The AMPK‐CPT pathway is also activated by LBP to rebalance the dysregulated lipid metabolism during ALD development. By using concurrent sodium palmitate and an ethanol‐induced in vitro cell damage model in AML‐12 cell line, it is characterized that LBP directly interacts with ERα instead of ERβ to activate the SCD1‐AMPK‐CPT pathway.ConclusionsLBP is an effective and safe hepatoprotective agent against ALD primarily through the SCD1‐AMPK‐CPT pathway after ERα agonist.
Strategies to assist uptake of pelvic floor muscle training for people with urinary incontinence: A clinician viewpoint
Authors: Slade Susan C. , Hay‐Smith Jean , Mastwyk Sally , Morris Meg E. , Frawley Helena 
Published: May 2018

AimsThe experiences and information needs of clinicians who use pelvic floor muscle training to manage urinary incontinence were explored.MethodsQualitative methods were used to conduct thematic analysis of data collected from clinician focus groups and interviews. Participants were registered physiotherapists and continence nurses in Melbourne, Australia. Recruitment was through a combination of purposive and “snowball” sampling and continued until data adequacy was reached.ResultsTwenty‐eight physiotherapists and one continence nurse participated in seven focus groups and one interview. The main finding communicated by the participants was that pelvic floor muscle training requires comprehensive descriptions of program details in order for clinicians to implement evidence‐based interventions. The following themes were identified: (1) pelvic floor muscle training tailored to the needs of each individual is essential; (2) training‐specific cues and verbal prompts assist patients to learn and engage with exercises; and (3) clinicians can benefit from research summaries and reports that provide explicit and comprehensive descriptions and decision rules about intervention content and progression. The data indicated that some clinicians can have difficulty interpreting and applying research findings because it is not always well reported.ConclusionsClinicians who use pelvic floor muscle training to treat urinary incontinence advised can benefit from accessing explicit details of interventions tested in research and reported as effective. They viewed tailoring therapy to individual goals and the use of verbal prompts and visualization cues as important engagement strategies for effective exercise performance. Explicit reporting could be facilitated by using an exercise guideline template, such as the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT).
Differences in the Neighborhood Retail Food Environment and Obesity Among US Children and Adolescents by SNAP Participation
Authors: Gorski Findling Mary T. , Wolfson Julia A. , Rimm Eric B. , Bleich Sara N. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to understand the association between children's neighborhood food access and overweight/obesity in a national sample of US households, and whether this association differs by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation or household purchases.MethodsData were obtained from the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (2012‐2013; n = 3,748 children aged 2 to 18 years). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between neighborhood retail food access (≤1 mile from home), food purchases (including sugary beverages), and overweight/obesity, stratified by SNAP status (1,720 participants, 453 eligible nonparticipants, 1,575 SNAP ineligible). Store types included supermarkets/grocery, combination grocery/other (independent drug, dollar, and general stores), convenience, fast food, and non–fast food restaurants.ResultsOdds of childhood overweight/obesity (OR [95% CI]) were higher with greater access to combination grocery/other stores overall (1.10 [1.03‐1.17]) and for children in SNAP (1.14 [1.05‐1.24]). Eligible non‐SNAP children had higher odds of overweight/obesity with greater access to convenience stores (1.11 [1.04‐1.18]). The average child lived in a household with 6.3% of total spending at food outlets on sugary beverages (SNAP: 8.3%, eligible non‐SNAP: 7.7%, SNAP ineligible: 5.5%).ConclusionsGreater neighborhood access to combination grocery/other stores is associated with higher obesity prevalence for children overall and those in SNAP.
A novel psbA mutation (Phe274–Val) confers resistance to PSII herbicides in wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)
Authors: Lu Huan , Yu Qin , Han Heping , Owen Mechelle J , Powles Stephen B 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDWild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) is a globally important weed of crops. Two atrazine‐resistant wild radish populations (R1 and R2), collected from the Western Australia grain belt, were investigated for resistance to photosystem II (PSII) herbicides.RESULTSSequencing of the full‐length psbA gene revealed the well‐known Ser264–Gly substitution in population R1, whereas population R2 displayed a novel Phe274–Val substitution. Herbicide dose–response studies confirmed that the population with the Ser264–Gly mutation exhibited high‐level resistance to atrazine, but super‐sensitivity to bromoxynil. Plants possessing the novel Phe274–Val mutation exhibited a modest level of resistance to atrazine, metribuzin and diuron, and were bromoxynil susceptible. Structural modelling of the mutant D1 proteins predicts that the Ser264–Gly mutation endows atrazine resistance by abolishing H‐bonds, but confers bromoxynil super‐sensitivity by enhancing hydrogen bonding. The Phe274–Val substitution provides resistance to atrazine and diuron by indirectly affecting H‐bond formation between the Ser264 residue and the herbicides.CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrate that the Phe274–Val mutation is likely responsible for resistance to PSII‐inhibiting triazine and urea herbicides. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the psbA Phe274–Val mutation in wild radish conferring resistance to PSII herbicides. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry