bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heparin‐based self‐assembling peptide scaffold reestablish chondrogenic phenotype of expanded de‐differentiated human chondrocytes
Authors: Recha‐Sancho Lourdes , Semino Carlos E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe use of chondrocytes in cell‐based therapies for cartilage lesions are limited by quantity and, therefore, require an in vitro expansion. As monolayer culture leads to de‐differentiation, different culture techniques are currently under development to recover chondrocyte phenotype after cell expansion. In the present work, we studied the capacity of the bimolecular heparin‐based self‐assembling peptide scaffold (RAD16‐I) as a three‐dimensional (3D) culture system to foster reestablishment of chondrogenic phenotype of de‐differentiated human Articular Chondrocytes (AC). The culture was performed in a serum‐free medium under control and chondrogenic induction and good viability results were observed after 4 weeks of culture in both conditions. Cells changed their morphology to a more elongated shape and established a cellular network that induced the condensation of the constructs in the case of chondrogenic medium, leading to a compacted structure with improved mechanical properties. Specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of mature cartilage, such as collagen type II and aggrecan were up‐regulated under chondrogenic medium and significantly enhanced with the presence of heparin in the scaffold. 3D constructs became highly stained with toluidine blue dye after 4 weeks of culture, indicating the presence of synthetized proteoglycans (PGs) by the cells. Interestingly, the full viscoelastic behavior was closely related to that found in chicken native cartilage. Altogether, the results suggest that the 3D culture model described can help de‐differentiated human chondrocytes to recover its cartilage phenotype. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1694–1706, 2016.
Comparative study of wound healing in rat skin following incision with a novel picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) and different surgical modalities
Authors: Petersen Hannes , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Kruber Sebastian , Münscher Adrian , Gliese Alexandra , Hansen Nils‐Owe , Uschold Stephanie , Eggert Dennis , Robertson Wesley D. , Gosau Tobias , Sehner Susanne , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Schlüter Hartmut , Schumacher Udo , Knecht Rainald , Miller R.J. Dwayne 
Published: March 2016

Background and ObjectiveAs a result of wound healing the original tissue is replaced by dysfunctional scar tissue. Reduced tissue damage during surgical procedures beneficially affects the size of the resulting scar and overall healing time. Thus the choice of a particular surgical instrument can have a significant influence on the postoperative wound healing. To overcome these problems of wound healing we applied a novel picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) system to surgical incisions. Previous studies indicated that negligible thermal, acoustic, or ionization stress effects to the surrounding tissue results in a superior wound healing.Study Design/Materials and MethodsUsing the PIRL system as a surgical scalpel, we performed a prospective wound healing study on rat skin and assessed its final impact on scar formation compared to the electrosurgical device and cold steel. As for the incisions, 6 full‐thickness, 1‐cm long‐linear skin wounds were created on the dorsum of four rats using the PIRL, an electrosurgical device, and a conventional surgical scalpel, respectively. Rats were euthanized after 21 days of wound healing. The thickness of the subepithelial fibrosis, the depth and the transverse section of the total scar area of each wound were analyzed histologically.ResultsAfter 21 days of wound healing the incisions made by PIRL showed minor scar tissue formation as compared to the electrosurgical device and the scalpel. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were noted by comparing the electrosurgical device with PIRL and scalpel. The transverse section of the scar area also showed significant differences (P = 0.043) when comparing PIRL (mean: 141.46 mm2; 95%CI: 105.8–189.0 mm2) with scalpel incisions (mean: 206.82 mm2; 95%CI: 154.8–276.32 mm2). The subepithelial width of the scars that resulted from using the scalpel were 1.3 times larger than those obtained by using the PIRL (95%CI: 1.0–1.6) though the difference was not significant (P < 0.083).ConclusionsThe hypothesis that PIRL results in minimal scar formation with improved cosmetic outcomes was positively verified. In particular the resection of skin tumors or pathological scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, are promising future fields of PIRL application. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:385–391, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral and transcriptomic profiling of mice null forLphn3, a gene implicated inADHDand addiction
Authors: Orsini Caitlin A. , Setlow Barry , DeJesus Michael , Galaviz Stacy , Loesch Kimberly , Ioerger Thomas , Wallis Deeann 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundTheLatrophilin 3(LPHN3) gene (recently renamedAdhesion G protein‐coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3)) has been linked to susceptibility to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and vulnerability to addiction. However, its role and function are not well understood as there are no known functional variants.MethodsTo characterize the function of this little known gene, we phenotypedLphn3null mice. We assessed motivation for food reward and working memory via instrumental responding tasks, motor coordination via rotarod, and depressive‐like behavior via forced swim. We also measured neurite outgrowth of primary hippocampal and cortical neuron cultures. Standard blood chemistries and blood counts were performed. Finally, we also evaluated the transcriptome in several brain regions.ResultsBehaviorally, loss ofLphn3increases both reward motivation and activity levels.Lphn3null mice display significantly greater instrumental responding for food than wild‐type mice, particularly under high response ratios, and swim incessantly during a forced swim assay. However, loss ofLphn3does not interfere with working memory or motor coordination. Primary hippocampal and cortical neuron cultures demonstrate that null neurons display comparatively enhanced neurite outgrowth after 2 and 3 days in vitro. Standard blood chemistry panels reveal that nulls have low serum calcium levels. Finally, analysis of the transcriptome from prefrontal cortical, striatal, and hippocampal tissue at different developmental time points shows that loss ofLphn3results in genotype‐dependent differential gene expression (DGE), particularly for cell adhesion molecules and calcium signaling proteins. Much of theDGEis attenuated with age, and is consistent with the idea thatADHDis associated with delayed cortical maturation.ConclusionsTranscriptome changes likely affect neuron structure and function, leading to behavioral anomalies consistent with bothADHDand addiction phenotypes. The data should further motivate analyses ofLphn3function in the developmental timing of altered gene expression and calcium signaling, and their effects on neuronal structure/function during development.
Obesity prevalence and related risk of comorbidities among HIV+ patients attending a New England ambulatory centre
Authors: Becofsky Katie M. , Wing Edward J. , Wing Rena R. , Richards Kathryn E. , Gillani Fizza S. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus infection and obesity are pro‐inflammatory conditions that, when occurring together, may pose a synergistic risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.PurposeThe aim of the current study was (i) to document the prevalence of obesity in HIV+ patients treated at the Miriam Hospital Immunology Center (Providence, RI) and (ii) to investigate the relationship between obesity and comorbidities.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1,489 HIV+ adults (70% men; average age 48 ± 11 years) treated between 01/01/2012 and 06/30/2014. Separate logistic regressions tested the associations between overweight and obesity and comorbid diagnoses (diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease), as compared with normal weight. Covariates included age, gender and smoking status.ResultsApproximately 37% of patients were overweight (body mass index 25.0–29.9), and an additional 28% were obese (body mass index ≥30.0). Obesity was associated with higher odds of comorbid diabetes (OR = 3.26, CI = 1.98–5.39) and hypertension (OR = 2.11, CI = 1.49–2.98). There was no significant association between obesity and the presence of cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.12, CI = 0.66–1.90). Overweight was associated only with higher odds of comorbid diabetes (OR = 1.72; CI = 1.02–2.88).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate a heightened risk of comorbidities in overweight and obese HIV+ patients. Future studies should investigate whether weight loss interventions for this population can reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors as they do in other populations.
Structures and dynamics of microparticles in suspension studied using ultrasound scattering techniques
Authors: Norisuye Tomohisa 
Published: March 2016

AbstractUltrasonic waves are widely employed in medical diagnosis and non‐destructive testing to observe the condition of fetuses and to study non‐transparent materials, respectively. Although ultrasonic waves are mostly applied to relatively large‐scale structures, megahertz ultrasound has been utilized to investigate the microstructure of particulate matter and the local dynamics of soft matter. More recently, due to the development of high‐speed recording technology with large memory storage and sophisticated techniques employing scattered amplitude and phase, analyses of the dynamics as well as the structures of highly turbid suspensions are possible for a wide range of concentrations and particle sizes (several tens of nanometers to several tens of micrometers) using new routes. The technology could simultaneously allow the investigation of complex dynamics involving the Brownian motion of nanoparticles and sedimentation due to the formation of large aggregates. The advantages of using ultrasound are not only the applicability to optically turbid systems but also the wave characteristics related to mechanical (viscoelastic) information, allowing one to evaluate the elastic moduli of particular components, e.g. the elastic shell of a microcapsule immersed in liquid without dilution or drying of the sample. In this paper, the recent developments of novel ultrasound techniques for soft matter characterization are reviewed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Remodeling of the conformational ensemble of the repeat domain of tau by an aggregation enhancer
Authors: Akoury Elias , Mukrasch Marco D. , Biernat Jacek , Tepper Katharina , Ozenne Valery , Mandelkow Eckhard , Blackledge Martin , Zweckstetter Markus 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMisfolding of the microtubule‐associated protein Tau is a hallmark of Alzheimer disease and several other neurodegenerative disorders. Because of the dynamic nature of the Tau protein, little is known about the changes in Tau structure that occur during misfolding. Here we studied the structural consequences upon binding of the repeat domain of Tau, which plays a key role in pathogenic aggregation, to an aggregation enhancer. By combining NMR experiments with molecular simulations we show that binding of the aggregation enhancer polyglutamic acid remodels the conformational ensemble of Tau. Our study thus provides insight into an early event during misfolding of Tau.
Dodine as a transparent protein denaturant for circular dichroism and infrared studies
Authors: Guin Drishti , Sye Kori , Dave Kapil , Gruebele Martin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe fungicide dodine combines the cooperative denaturation properties of guanidine with the mM denaturation activity of SDS. It was previously tested only on two small model proteins. Here we show that it can be used as a chemical denaturant for phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), a much larger two‐domain enzyme. In addition to its properties as a chemical denaturant, dodine facilitates thermal denaturation of PGK, and we show for the first time that it also facilitates pressure denaturation of a protein. Much higher quality circular dichroism and amide I′ infrared spectra of PGK can be obtained in dodine than in guanidine, opening the possibility for use of dodine as a denaturant when UV or IR detection is desirable. One caution is that dodine denaturation, like other detergent‐based denaturants, is less reversible than guanidine denaturation.
Evolutionary dynamics of viral escape under antibodies stress: A biophysical model
Authors: Chéron Nicolas , Serohijos Adrian W.R. , Choi Jeong‐Mo , Shakhnovich Eugene I. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractViruses constantly face the selection pressure of antibodies, either from innate immune response of the host or from administered antibodies for treatment. We explore the interplay between the biophysical properties of viral proteins and the population and demographic variables in the viral escape. The demographic and population genetics aspect of the viral escape have been explored before; however one important assumption was the a priori distribution of fitness effects (DFE). Here, we relax this assumption by instead considering a realistic biophysics‐based genotype‐phenotype relationship for RNA viruses escaping antibodies stress. In this model the DFE is itself an evolvable property that depends on the genetic background (epistasis) and the distribution of biophysical effects of mutations, which is informed by biochemical experiments and theoretical calculations in protein engineering. We quantitatively explore in silico the viability of viral populations under antibodies pressure and derive the phase diagram that defines the fate of the virus population (extinction or escape from stress) in a range of viral mutation rates and antibodies concentrations. We find that viruses are most resistant to stress at an optimal mutation rate (OMR) determined by the competition between supply of beneficial mutation to facilitate escape from stressors and lethal mutagenesis caused by excess of destabilizing mutations. We then show the quantitative dependence of the OMR on genome length and viral burst size. We also recapitulate the experimental observation that viruses with longer genomes have smaller mutation rate per nucleotide.
Fast functionalization of (7‐aza)indoles using continuous flow processes
Authors: D'Attoma Joseph , Cozien Grégoire , Brun Pierre Louis , Robin Yves , Bostyn Stéphane , Buron Frédéric , Routier Sylvain 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe use of flow chemistry to obtain (7‐aza)indole derivatives was investigated in three steps (C‐3 iodination followed by N‐Boc protection). Excellent yields were achieved after very short reaction times. The challenge of using a continuous flow process was incremented by performing a novel copper‐free Sonogashira cross coupling in C‐3 (7‐Aza)indolic position using a recyclable supported palladium catalyst. A library of polyfunctionalized (7‐aza)indoles was obtained in high yield with a very efficient process (< 3 min.). Scale‐up was studied and the preparation of significant amounts of final alkynyl and Boc protected (aza)indoles can be immediately extended to a pilot scale in optimum security conditions.
Dimeric and Star‐Shaped Viologens: Synthesis and Capping interactions with β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Madasamy Kanagaraj , Kathiresan Murugavel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHerein, we report the synthesis, characterization, inter‐and intramolecular complexation of branched viologen derivatives. Dimeric (DV), Trimeric (TV) and Star‐shaped (SV) viologen molecules bearing naphthyl periphery were successfully synthesized and characterized. Cyclic voltammetric studies shows that these derivatives undergo electrochemical reduction much easily at lower potentials than their corresponding dibenzyl analogues. Preliminary UV‐Vis investigations confirmed the formation of intramolecular CT (charge‐transfer) complexation between the chemically reduced monocation radicals in the case of o‐xylylene interconnected dimeric viologen. Capping interactions with β‐CD (β‐Cyclodextrin) were studied by 1H NMR techniques. Experiments in D2O showed the formation of inclusion complex (capping) between the terminal naphthyl groups and internal cavity of β‐CD via intermolecular hydrophobic interaction.
A Discrete Nickel Cubane with [Ni4O4] Cluster: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Property
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Long , Wu Zhi‐Lei , Xu Hong , Zhai Bin , Wang Yu‐Fang , Feng Guang‐Wei , Huang Ya‐Li 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe tetranuclear nickel cluster {[Ni4(L)4(C2H5OH)4]·7H2O} (1) was synthesized based on the tridentate Schiff base ligand H2L = 1‐phenyl‐3‐[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)imino]‐1‐butanone. The structure of 1 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It exhibits a discrete [Ni4O4] cluster. Magnetic studies indicate that ferromagnetic interactions exist within compound 1. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis and PXRD patterns in various solvents reveal thermal and solvent stability of compound 1.
Improving isobutanol production in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli by co-producing ethanol and modulation of pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Liu Zichun , Liu Pingping , Xiao Dongguang , Zhang Xueli 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Redox imbalance has been regarded as the key limitation for anaerobic isobutanol production in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains. In this work, the ethanol synthetic pathway was recruited to solve the NADH redundant problem while the pentose phosphate pathway was modulated to solve the NADPH deficient problem for anaerobic isobutanol production. Recruiting the ethanol synthetic pathway in strain AS108 decreased isobutanol yield from 0.66 to 0.29 mol/mol glucose. It was found that there was a negative correlation between aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhE) activity and isobutanol production. Decreasing AdhE activity increased isobutanol yield from 0.29 to 0.6 mol/mol. On the other hand, modulation of the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene of the pentose phosphate pathway increased isobutanol yield from 0.29 to 0.41 mol/mol. Combination of these two strategies had a synergistic effect on improving isobutanol production. Isobutanol titer and yield of the best strain ZL021 were 53 mM and 0.74 mol/mol, which were 51 % and 12 % higher than the starting strain AS108, respectively. The total alcohol yield of strain ZL021 was 0.81 mol/mol, which was 23 % higher than strain AS108.
Quality of Life in Adults with Neurofibromatosis 1 in Brazil
Authors: Bicudo Natália Parenti , de Menezes Neto Balduíno Ferreira , da Silva de Avó Lucimar Retto , Germano Carla Maria Ramos , Melo Débora Gusmão 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurocutaneous genetic disorder that can be associated with severe complications, and it may shorten patients’ lifespan and affect their quality of life negatively. This study aimed to examine quality of life constructs among adults with NF1 in Brazil. It is an exploratory, descriptive and cross‐sectional study consisting of two stages, involving thirteen adult patients with NF1. The first stage was developed using a quantitative methodology, namely the WHOQOL‐100 questionnaire; responses for the 13 patients were compared to a matched control group. The second stage comprised clinical‐qualitative research whereby participants took part in a semi‐structured interview; these data were analyzed using the categorical thematic analysis technique. There were no statistically significant differences in the questionnaire domains between the NF1 patients and the control subjects. Eighteen main themes were extracted from the interviews, showing interference of the NF1 visibility principally in psychological aspects and social relationships. Patients mentioned curiosity about NF1 and confusion about the distinctions between NF1 and contagious diseases, which lead to prejudice. They were concerned about the future and how the disease would develop in themselves and their offspring, and emphasized difficulties acquiring proper healthcare. These findings may help in planning healthcare for Brazilian NF1 patients and improving their quality of life.
Early life adversities or high fat diet intake reduce cognitive function and alter BDNF signaling in adult rats: Interplay of these factors changes these effects
Authors: Arcego Danusa Mar , Krolow Rachel , Lampert Carine , Toniazzo Ana Paula , Berlitz Carolina , Lazzaretti Camilla , Schmitz Felipe , Rodrigues André Felipe , Wyse Angela T.S. , Dalmaz Carla 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEnvironmental factors, like early exposure to stressors or high caloric diets, can alter the early programming of central nervous system, leading to long‐term effects on cognitive function, increased vulnerability to cognitive decline and development of psychopathologies later in life. The interaction between these factors and their combined effects on brain structure and function are still not completely understood. In this study, we evaluated long‐term effects of social isolation in the prepubertal period, with or without chronic high fat diet access, on memory and on neurochemical markers in the prefrontal cortex of rats. We observed that early social isolation led to impairment in short‐term and working memory in adulthood, and to reductions of Na+,K+‐ATPase activity and the immunocontent of phospho‐AKT, in prefrontal cortex. Chronic exposure to a high fat diet impaired short‐term memory (object recognition), and decreased BDNF levels in that same brain area. Remarkably, the association of social isolation with chronic high fat diet rescued the memory impairment on the object recognition test, as well as the changes in BDNF levels, Na+,K+‐ATPase activity, MAPK, AKT and phospho‐AKT to levels similar to the control‐chow group. In summary, these findings showed that a brief social isolation period and access to a high fat diet during a sensitive developmental period might cause memory deficits in adulthood. On the other hand, the interplay between isolation and high fat diet access caused a different brain programming, preventing some of the effects observed when these factors are separately applied.
Effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on pharmacological models of epilepsy and anxiety in mice
Authors: Ingale Suvarna , Gandhi Foram 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Objective Among the psychiatric co-morbidities in epilepsy, anxiety disorders are highly frequent and have profound influence on the quality of life of epilepsy patients. Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments including anxiety and epilepsy. However, no scientific evidence exists to support its use. We studied antiepileptic and anxiolytic activities of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves (AEMO).
Methods Antiepileptic activity was evaluated using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure and maximum electroshock (MES) induced seizure test and anxiolytic activity was evaluated using elevated plus maze, light/dark box and hole board test.
Results In present study, AEMO (250, 375 and 500 mg/kg, i.p.) demonstrated significant antiepileptic and anxiolytic effects. To study involvement of GABA in anxiolytic and antiepileptic activity of AEMO, we also evaluated effect of AEMO on Baclofen induced catatonia, a GABA mediated behavior, wherein AEMO significantly potentiated (preponed) baclofen induced catatonia, which is suggestive of its GABA mimetic action.
Conclusion Thus, it may be concluded that aqueous extract of M. oleifera possess anxiolytic and antiepileptic effects possibly mediated via of GABA mimetic action and these findings authenticate the traditional claims about use of Moringa oleifera in treatment of epilepsy and anxiety.