bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐engineering acellular scaffolds—The significant influence of physical and procedural decellularization factors
Authors: Starnecker F. , König F. , Hagl C. , Thierfelder N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe importance of decellularized medical products has significantly increased during the last years. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of selected physical and procedural decellularization (DC) factors with the aim to systematically assess their influence on DC results. 72 porcine aortic walls (AW) were divided into three groups and exposed to a DC solution for 4 h and 8 h, either continuously or in repeated cycles. The AW were rocked (90bpm), whirled (10 l/min), sonicated (120W, 45 kHz) or exposed to a combination of these treatments, followed by 10 washing cycles. Defining successful DC as removal of nuclei while keeping an intact extracellular matrix (ECM), we equalized the efficiency to the penetration depth (PD), obtained by DAPI fluorescence and H&E staining. Additionally, we performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Pentachrome and Picrosirius‐Red staining. Results showed that significantly higher DC depths are achieved on outer compared to inner surfaces (61 ± 7%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the PD showed a high time dependency for all samples. Compared to continuous rocking, we achieved a significant increase in the DC efficiency through cyclic treatments (
43%), whirling (
19%) and sonication (
49%). The combined treatment supported these results. In all procedures, a skeletonized but intact Collagen fibrous network was obtained as confirmed by SEM analysis. In conclusion, we systematically identified essential factors to significantly enhance DC procedures. We highly recommend considering these factors in future DC protocols. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 153–162, 2018.
Sarcopenia predicts readmission and mortality in elderly patients in acute care wards: a prospective study
Authors: Yang Ming , Hu Xiaoyi , Wang Haozhong , Zhang Lei , Hao Qiukui , Dong Birong 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia and investigate the associations between sarcopenia and long‐term mortality and readmission in a population of elderly inpatients in acute care wards.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study in the acute care wards of a teaching hospital in western China. The muscle mass was estimated according to a previously validated anthropometric equation. Handgrip strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer, and physical performance was measured via a 4 m walking test. Sarcopenia was defined according to the recommended diagnostic algorithm of the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia. The survival status and readmission information were obtained via telephone interviews at 12, 24, and 36 months during the 3 year follow‐up period following the baseline investigation.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty‐eight participants (mean age: 81.1 ± 6.6 years) were included. Forty‐nine participants (17.0%) were identified as having sarcopenia. This condition was similar in men and women (16.9% vs. 17.5%, respectively, P = 0.915). During the 3 year follow‐up period, 49 men (22.7%) and 9 women (16.4%) died (P = 0.307). The mortality of sarcopenic participants was significantly increased compared with non‐sarcopenic participants (40.8% vs. 17.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex and other confounders, sarcopenia was an independent predictor of 3 year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.49; 95% confidential interval: 1.25–4.95) and readmission (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.81; 95% confidential interval: 1.17–2.80).ConclusionsSarcopenia, which is evaluated by a combination of anthropometric measures, gait speed, and handgrip strength, is valuable to predict hospital readmission and long‐term mortality in elderly patients in acute care wards.
Muscle strength in breast cancer patients receiving different treatment regimes
Authors: Klassen Oliver , Schmidt Martina E. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Schneeweiss Andreas , Potthoff Karin , Steindorf Karen , Wiskemann Joachim 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundMuscle dysfunction and sarcopenia have been associated with poor performance status, an increased mortality risk, and greater side effects in oncologic patients. However, little is known about how performance is affected by cancer therapy. We investigated muscle strength in breast cancer patients in different adjuvant treatment settings and also compared it with data from healthy individuals.MethodsBreast cancer patients (N = 255) from two randomized controlled exercise trials, staged 0–III and aged 54.4 ± 9.4 years, were categorized into four groups according to their treatment status. In a cross‐sectional design, muscle function was assessed bilaterally by isokinetic dynamometry (0°, 60°, 180°/s) as maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and maximal isokinetic peak torque (MIPT) in shoulder rotators and knee flexors and extensors. Additionally, muscular fatigue index (FI%) and shoulder flexibility were evaluated. Healthy women (N = 26), aged 53.3 ± 9.8 years, were tested using the same method. Analysis of covariance was used to estimate the impact of different cancer treatments on skeletal muscle function with adjustment for various clinical and socio‐demographic factors.ResultsConsistently, lower muscle strength was measured in shoulder and knee strength in patients after chemotherapy. On average, patients had up to 25% lower strength in lower extremities and 12–16% in upper extremities in MVIC and MIPT during cancer treatment compared with healthy women. No substantial difference between patient groups in shoulder strength, but significantly lower shoulder flexibility in patients with radical mastectomy was measured. Chemotherapy‐treated patients had consistently higher FI%. No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsBreast cancer patients showed markedly impaired muscle strength and joint dysfunctions before and after anticancer treatment. The significant differences between patients and healthy individuals underline the need of exercise therapy as early as possible in order to prevent or counteract the loss of muscle function after curative surgery as well as the consequences of neo‐/adjuvant chemotherapy.
Exercise restores muscle stem cell mobilization, regenerative capacity and muscle metabolic alterations via adiponectin/AdipoR1 activation in SAMP10 mice
Authors: Inoue Aiko , Cheng Xian Wu , Huang Zhe , Hu Lina , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Jiang Haiying , Piao Limei , Sasaki Takeshi , Itakura Kohji , Wu Hongxian , Zhao Guangxian , Lei Yanna , Yang Guang , Zhu Enbo , Li Xiang , Sato Kohji , Koike Teruhiko , Kuzuya Masafumi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundExercise train (ET) stimulates muscle response in pathological conditions, including aging. The molecular mechanisms by which exercise improves impaired adiponectin/adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1)‐related muscle actions associated with aging are poorly understood. Here we observed that in a senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 10 (SAMP10) model, long‐term ET modulated muscle‐regenerative actions.Methods25‐week‐old male SAMP10 mice were randomly assigned to the control and the ET (45 min/time, 3/week) groups for 4 months. Mice that were maintained in a sedentary condition served controls.ResultsET ameliorated aging‐related muscle changes in microstructure, mitochondria, and performance. The amounts of proteins or mRNAs for p‐AMPKα, p‐Akt, p‐ERK1/2, p‐mTOR, Bcl‐XL, p‐FoxO3, peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator, adiponectin receptor1 (adpoR1), and cytochrome c oxidase‐IV, and the numbers of CD34+/integrin‐α7+ muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and proliferating cells in the muscles and bone‐marrow were enhanced by ET, whereas the levels of p‐GSK‐3α and gp91phox proteins and apoptotic cells were reduced by ET. The ET also resulted in increased levels of plasma adiponectin and the numbers of bone‐marrow (BM)‐derived circulating CD34+/integrin‐α7+ MuSCs and their functions. Integrin‐α7+ MuSCs of exercised mice had improved changes of those beneficial molecules. These ET‐mediated aged muscle benefits were diminished by adiponectin and AdipoR1 blocking as well as AMPK inhibition. Finally, recombinant mouse adiponectin enhanced AMPK and mTOR phosphorylations in BM‐derived integrin‐α7+ cells.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that ET can improve aging‐related impairments of BM‐derived MuSC regenerative capacity and muscle metabolic alterations via an AMPK‐dependent mechanism that is mediated by an adiponectin/AdipoR1 axis in SAMP10 mice.
Under what conditions does job control moderate the relationship between time pressure and employee well‐being? Investigating the role of match and personal control beliefs
Authors: Stiglbauer Barbara 
Published: November 2016

SummaryDrawing upon the concept of match, this two‐wave study of 206 employees investigated job control (facets of autonomy) and personal control beliefs (locus of control, LOC) as moderators of time pressure–work engagement (WE) and the time pressure–general subjective well‐being (SWB) relationships. It was hypothesized that autonomy would accentuate the positive relationship of time pressure with WE and attenuate the negative relationship with SWB and that these moderations would occur only for employees with an internal LOC. Additionally, it was expected that a facet of job control (timing autonomy) that matched the specific demand (time pressure) would be more likely to act as a moderator than “less‐matching” facets (decision making or method autonomy). The results revealed that the interaction between time pressure, autonomy, and LOC for WE was strongest and for SWB only significant when the timing facet of autonomy served as the moderator (thus, when the autonomy facet matched the demand). However, the pattern of moderation was contrary to that expected. When time pressure increased, high autonomy became beneficial for the WE of employees with an external LOC but detrimental for the WE and SWB of employees with an internal LOC. Explanations for the unexpected findings are provided. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered pharyngeal structure and dynamics among patients with cervical kyphosis
Authors: Randall Derrick R. , Strong E. Brandon , Belafsky Peter C. 
Published: November 2016

Objectives/HypothesisDeformities of the anterior cervical spine are an established cause of dysphagia. Whereas osteophytes and spinal fusion hardware have been reported to alter bolus flow and contribute to swallowing dysfunction, the relationship between abnormal spine curvature and swallowing dysfunction is not established. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the association between cervical kyphosis and objective measures of swallowing dysfunction on videofluoroscopy.Study DesignCase‐control study of patients presenting to tertiary dysphagia center.MethodsAll videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) performed at our institution, between August 1, 2014, and August 1, 2015, were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with abnormal cervical kyphosis, according to Cobb and Jackson angle measurements. Patients with kyphosis were age‐ and gender‐matched to persons without kyphosis. VFSS and demographic parameters were collected and compared between groups.ResultsThirty‐six patients with cervical kyphosis exceeding two standard deviations (SD) beyond established age‐specific normal ranges were identified. The mean age of the entire cohort was 61.6 (SD ±19.1) years. Mean pharyngeal area was 3.34 cm2 greater in kyphosis patients compared to controls (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47‐5.21 cm2; P = .0007). This was associated with increased hypopharyngeal transit time (0.57 seconds, 95% CI: 0.045‐1.09 seconds, P = .034), and higher prevalence of penetration (P = .014). There was no significant difference in the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength (P = .83).ConclusionsPatients with cervical spine kyphosis have a significantly dilated pharynx (P = .0007), elongated hypopharyngeal transit time (P = .034), and worsened penetration aspiration scores (P = .021). Absence of a difference in PCR suggests adequate compensation as a group.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1832–1837, 2017
Simultaneous analysis of Ba and Sr to Ca ratios in scleractinian corals by inductively coupled plasma optical emissions spectrometry
Authors: I. Cantarero Sebastian , T. I. Tanzil Jani , Goodkin Nathalie F. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractChemical analyses of coral skeletons are useful for reconstructing past ocean conditions. Simultaneous measurements of Ba and Sr to Ca ratios in coral samples have predominantly been achieved by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). We demonstrate a method that expands the application of the inductively coupled plasma optical emissions spectrometry (ICP‐OES) technique to precisely analyze Ba, Sr, and Ca simultaneously. Analytical drift and matrix interferences at a range of Ba/Ca ratios (3–10 μmols/mol) were explored to determine the efficacy of standardized corrections. Minor disparity in drift and matrix interferences between standards of varying Ba/Ca ratios indicate that standardized corrections can be applied. Comparative analysis between ICP‐OES and an established ICP‐MS technique in a Singapore coral and international coral standard JCp‐1 were utilized to validate the proposed ICP‐OES technique. ICP‐MS and ICP‐OES techniques showed a consistent offset, which was correctible with the use of an internal lab standard and resulted in only minor differences between techniques. ICP‐OES showed comparable accuracy and precision to the ICP‐MS, as evaluated by analysis of JCp‐1 which averaged values within one standard deviation of established concentrations (accurate to within 0.38 μmol Ba/mol Ca and 0.014 mmol Sr/mol Ca). We have demonstrated a sufficiently precise and accurate method for simultaneous analysis of Ba and Sr to Ca ratios in coral samples on an ICP‐OES system. Expanding the application of ICP‐OES in coral geochemical analysis provides a lower cost alternative to ICP‐MS, while maintaining a high sample throughput.
Microsurgical reconstruction in patients greater than 80 years old
Authors: Heidekrueger Paul I. , Heine‐Geldern Albrecht , Ninkovic Milomir , Herter Frank , Schmauss Daniel , Aung Thiha , Broer P. Niclas 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundDemographic change implies that the human population is getting older and the elderly are living longer. Consequently, achieving good functional and aesthetic outcomes in microvascular procedures, especially in very old patients with higher incidence of atherosclerosis and vessel calcifications, constitutes a microsurgical challenge. This study evaluates the feasibility of microsurgical procedures in a very old patient cohort.Patients and MethodsBetween 2009 and 2015, 754 patients underwent 838 free flap reconstructions. The patients were divided into two groups according to age in “middle‐aged” (<80 years old; n = 711) or “very old” (≥80 years old; n = 43). The series was retrospectively analyzed regarding potential influence of medical comorbidities, surgical and medical complications and outcomes.ResultsBetween the groups, there was a significant difference regarding comorbidities with a higher prevalence of hypertension (P < 0.0001) and peripheral artery disease (P < 0.0001) in the very old group. However, there was no significant difference regarding the rate of surgical or medical complications, flap failure (middle aged group 43/791 flaps (5.44%) versus very old group 4/47 flaps (8.51%); P = 0.328), and revision rate (117/791 flaps (14.79%) versus 6/47 flaps (12.77%); P = 0.834) between the patient groups during our 3‐months follow‐up period.ConclusionOur findings suggest that despite higher rates of patient comorbidities, successful free tissue transfer can also be achieved in a very old population with acceptable risk for complications.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging of the abdomen: Impact of b‐values on texture analysis features
Authors: Becker Anton S. , Wagner Matthias W. , Wurnig Moritz C. , Boss Andreas 
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this work was to systematically assess the impact of the b‐value on texture analysis in MR diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the abdomen.In eight healthy male volunteers, echo‐planar DWI sequences at 16 b‐values ranging between 0 and 1000 s/mm2 were acquired at 3 T. Three different apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were computed (0, 750/100, 390, 750 s/mm2/all b‐values). Texture analysis of rectangular regions of interest in the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, paraspinal muscle and subcutaneous fat was performed on DW images and the ADC maps, applying 19 features computed from the histogram, grey‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) and grey‐level run‐length matrix (GLRLM). Correlations between b‐values and texture features were tested with a linear and an exponential model; the best fit was determined by the smallest sum of squared residuals. Differences between the ADC maps were assessed with an analysis of variance. A Bonferroni‐corrected p‐value less than 0.008 (=0.05/6) was considered statistically significant.Most GLCM and GLRLM‐derived texture features (12–18 per organ) showed significant correlations with the b‐value. Four texture features correlated significantly with changing b‐values in all organs (p < 0.008). Correlation coefficients varied between 0.7 and 1.0. The best fit varied across different structures, with fat exhibiting mostly exponential (17 features), muscle mostly linear (12 features) and the parenchymatous organs mixed feature alterations. Two GLCM features showed significant variability in the different ADC maps.Several texture features vary systematically in healthy tissues at different b‐values, which needs to be taken into account if DWI data with different b‐values are analyzed. Histogram and GLRLM‐derived texture features are stable on ADC maps computed from different b‐values.
An implicit finite wear contact formulation based on dual mortar methods
Authors: Farah Philipp , Wall Wolfgang A. , Popp Alexander 
Published: November 2016

SummaryFinite deformation contact problems with frictional effects and finite shape changes due to wear are investigated. To capture the finite shape changes, a third configuration besides the well‐known reference and spatial configurations is introduced, which represents the time‐dependent worn state. Consistent interconnections between these states are realized by an arbitrary Lagrangean–Eulerian formulation. The newly developed partitioned and fully implicit algorithm is based on a Lagrangean step and a shape evolution step. Within the Lagrangean step, contact constraints as well as the wear equations are weakly enforced following the well‐established mortar framework. Additional unknowns due to the employed Lagrange multiplier method for contact constraint enforcement and due to wear itself are eliminated by condensation procedures based on the concept of biorthogonality and the so‐called dual shape functions. Several numerical examples in both 2D and 3D are provided to demonstrate the performance and accuracy of the proposed numerical algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute partial sleep deprivation due to environmental noise increases weight gain by reducing energy expenditure in rodents
Authors: Parrish Jennifer B. , Teske Jennifer A. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveChronic partial sleep deprivation (SD) by environmental noise exposure increases weight gain and feeding in rodents, which contrasts weight loss after acute SD by physical methods. This study tested whether acute environmental noise exposure reduced sleep and its effect on weight gain, food intake, physical activity, and energy expenditure (EE). It was hypothesized that acute exposure would (1) increase weight gain and feeding and (2) reduce sleep, physical activity, and EE (total and individual components); and (3) behavioral changes would persist throughout recovery from SD.MethodsThree‐month old male Sprague‐Dawley rats slept ad libitum, were noise exposed (12‐h light cycle), and allowed to recover (36 h). Weight gain, food intake, sleep/wake, physical activity, and EE were measured.ResultsAcute environmental noise exposure had no effect on feeding, increased weight gain (P < 0.01), and reduced sleep (P < 0.02), physical activity (P < 0.03), total EE (P < 0.05), and several components (P < 0.05). Reductions in EE and physical activity persisted during recovery.ConclusionsReductions in EE during sleep, rest, and physical activity reduce total EE and contribute to weight gain during acute SD and recovery from SD. These data emphasize the importance of increasing physical activity after SD to prevent obesity.
Quantifying bias in survival estimates resulting from loss to follow‐up among children with lymphoma in Malawi
Authors: Stanley Christopher C. , Westmoreland Kate D. , Itimu Salama , Salima Ande , van der Gronde Toon , Wasswa Peter , Mtete Idah , Butia Mercy , El‐Mallawany Nader K. , Gopal Satish 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPediatric lymphoma is common in sub‐Saharan Africa, where survival estimates are often based on limited follow‐up with incomplete retention, introducing potential for bias. We compared follow‐up and overall survival (OS) between passive and active tracing within a prospective cohort of children with lymphoma in Malawi. Median follow‐up times were 4.4 months (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0–9.4) and 10.8 months (IQR 6.2–20.6) in passive and active follow‐up, respectively. Twelve‐month overall survival (OS) was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54–80) in passive and 44% (95% CI 34–54) in active follow‐up. Passive follow‐up significantly overestimated the OS and underestimated the mortality. Efforts to improve retention in regional studies are needed.
Incidence of depression and anxiety among women newly diagnosed with breast or genital organ cancer in Germany
Authors: Jacob Louis , Kalder Matthias , Kostev Karel 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo analyze the incidence of depression and anxiety among women newly diagnosed with breast or genital organ cancer (BC or GOC) in Germany.MethodsA total of 29 366 women initially diagnosed with BC or GOC between 2005 and 2014 were available for analysis. The main outcome measure was the incidence of depression and anxiety among women newly diagnosed with BC or GOC within 5 years after the first cancer diagnosis in German gynecologist practices. Demographic and clinical data included age, type of cancer, and presence of metastases at diagnosis. The incidence rate of depression and anxiety per 100 person‐years was calculated. We performed a multivariate regression model to analyze the association between depression and the variables of interest.ResultsIn total, 7994 women were diagnosed with depression/anxiety (81.3% had BC and 18.7% had GOC). The incidence of depression and anxiety was 8.8 per 100 person‐years in women with BC. In individuals with GOC, the incidence of depression/anxiety was 5.9 per 100 person‐years. Breast cancer was associated with a 1.41‐fold increase in the risk of developing depression or anxiety as compared with GOC. Patients with metastases also had a higher risk of being depressed and anxious than others (odds ratio = 1.40). Finally, women in the age groups of 41 to 50, 51 to 60, and 61 to 70 years were at a higher risk of depression/anxiety than women in the age group of 71 to 80 years (odds ratios equal to 1.50, 1.38, and 1.22).ConclusionsWomen diagnosed with BC were at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety than women with GOC.