bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ag‐loaded MgSrFe‐layered double hydroxide/chitosan composite scaffold with enhanced osteogenic and antibacterial property for bone engineering tissue
Authors: Cao Dandan , Xu Zhengliang , Chen Yixuan , Ke Qinfei , Zhang Changqing , Guo Yaping 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBone tissue engineering scaffolds for the reconstruction of large bone defects should simultaneously promote osteogenic differentiation and avoid postoperative infection. Herein, we develop, for the first time, Ag‐loaded MgSrFe‐layered double hydroxide/chitosan (Ag‐MgSrFe/CS) composite scaffold. This scaffold exhibits three‐dimensional interconnected macroporous structure with a pore size of 100–300 μm. The layered double hydroxide nanoplates in the Ag‐MgSrFe/CS show lateral sizes of 200–400 nm and thicknesses of ∼50 nm, and the Ag nanoparticles with particle sizes of ∼20 nm are uniformly dispersed on the scaffold surfaces. Human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) present good adhesion, spreading, and proliferation on the Ag‐MgSrFe/CS composite scaffold, suggesting that the Ag and Sr elements in the composite scaffold have no toxicity to hBMSCs. When compared with MgFe/CS composite scaffold, the Ag‐MgSrFe/CS composite scaffold has better osteogenic property. The released Sr2+ ions from the composite scaffold enhance the alkaline phosphatase activity of hBMSCs, promote the extracellular matrix mineralization, and increase the expression levels of osteogenic‐related RUNX2 and BMP‐2. Moreover, the Ag‐MgSrFe/CS composite scaffold possesses good antibacterial property because the Ag nanoparticles in the composite scaffold effectively prevent biofilm formation against S. aureus. Hence, the Ag‐MgSrFe/CS composite scaffold with excellent osteoinductivity and antibacterial property has a great potential for bone tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 863–873, 2018.
Perinatal DNA Methylation at CDKN2A Is Associated With Offspring Bone Mass: Findings From the Southampton Women's Survey
Authors: Curtis Elizabeth M , Murray Robert , Titcombe Philip , Cook Eloïse , Clarke-Harris Rebecca , Costello Paula , Garratt Emma , Holbrook Joanna D , Barton Sheila , Inskip Hazel , Godfrey Keith M , Bell Christopher G , Cooper Cyrus , Lillycrop Karen A , Harvey Nicholas C 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Poor intrauterine and childhood growth has been linked with the risk of osteoporosis in later life, a relationship that may in part be mediated through altered epigenetic regulation of genes. We previously identified a region within the promoter of the long non-coding RNA ANRIL encoded by the CDKN2A locus, at which differential DNA methylation at birth showed correlations with offspring adiposity. Given the common lineage of adipocytes and osteoblasts, we investigated the relationship between perinatal CDKN2A methylation and bone mass at ages 4 and 6 years. Using sodium bisulfite pyrosequencing, we measured the methylation status of the 9 CpGs within this region in umbilical cord samples from discovery (n = 332) and replication (n = 337) cohorts of children from the Southampton Women's Survey, whose bone mass was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiomietry (DXA; Hologic Discovery). Inverse associations were found between perinatal CDKN2A methylation and whole-body minus head bone area (BA), bone mineral content (BMC), and areal bone mineral density (BMD). This was confirmed in replication and combined data sets (all p &lt; 0.01), with each 10% increase in methylation being associated with a decrease in BMC of 4 to 9 g at age 4 years (p ≤ 0.001). Relationships were similar with 6-year bone mass. Functional investigation of the differentially methylated region in the SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cell line showed that transcription factors bound to the identified CpGs in a methylation-specific manner and that CpG mutagenesis modulated ANRIL expression. In conclusion, perinatal methylation at CDKN2A is associated with childhood bone development and has significance for cell function. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Fibronectin From Oviductal Cells Fluctuates During the Estrous Cycle and Contributes to Sperm–Oviduct Interaction in Cattle
Authors: Osycka‐Salut Claudia E. , Castellano Luciana , Fornes Daiana , Beltrame Jimena S. , Alonso Carlos A.I. , Jawerbaum Alicia , Franchi Ana , Díaz Emilce S. , Perez Martinez Silvina 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTDuring the passage of sperm through the oviduct, spermatozoa bind to the oviductal epithelium and form the oviductal reservoir. This interaction keeps the fertilizing capacity of sperm until ovulation‐associated signals induce sperm release from the oviductal epithelium, allowing the transit of spermatozoa to the fertilization site. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein from the extracellular matrix that binds to α5β1 receptors. Fibronectin has been found to be expressed in the oviduct, whereas α5β1 has been found to be expressed in the sperm of different species. Fibronectin is involved through α5β1 in sperm functions. The aim of this work was to study the participation of oviductal fibronectin in the regulation of the sperm–oviduct interaction in cattle. We found that oviductal epithelial cells differentially expressed all mRNA splice variants of fibronectin during the estrous cycle. Fibronectin was localized in the apical region of oviductal epithelial cells and fibronectin levels in the oviductal fluid fluctuated during the estrous cycle. Also, bovine spermatozoa expressed α5β1. Using in vitro sperm–oviduct co‐cultures, we found that spermatozoa were attached to the oviductal epithelium through α5β1. The incubation of co‐cultures with fibronectin induced sperm release from the oviductal cells through α5β1. The sperm population released from oviductal cells by fibronectin was enriched in motile and capacitated spermatozoa. Based on our in vitro culture system results, we propose that fibronectin and α5β1 are involved in the sperm–oviduct interaction. Also, an increase in fibronectin levels in the oviductal fluid during the pre‐ovulatory period may promote sperm release from the oviductal epithelium in cattle. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4095–4108, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: Basics
Authors: Saraya Takeshi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is one of the leading causes of community‐acquired pneumonia and can cause a number of extrapulmonary manifestations in the absence of pneumonia. In this regard, primary care physicians should know how to suspect, diagnose, and manage patients with Mp infection. This review gives a general overview of the basic clinical aspects of Mp infection with special reference to pneumonia, which will help further understanding of the disease.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging of hyperpolarized [13C]urea in mouse liver
Authors: Marco‐Rius Irene , Gordon Jeremy W. , Mattis Aras N. , Bok Robert , Delos Santos Romelyn , Sukumar Subramanian , Larson Peder E.Z. , Vigneron Daniel B. , Ohliger Michael A. 
Published: April 2017

PurposeTo compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of hyperpolarized (HP) [13C,15N]urea to the ADC of endogenous water in healthy and fibrotic mouse liver.Materials and MethodsADC measurements for water and [13C]urea were made in agarose phantoms at 14.1T. Next, the ADC of water and injected HP [13C,15N]urea were measured in eight CD1 mouse livers before and after induction of liver fibrosis using CCl4. Liver fibrosis was quantified pathologically using the modified Brunt fibrosis score and compared to the measured ADC of water and urea.ResultsIn cell‐free phantoms with 12.5% agarose, water ADC was nearly twice the ADC of urea (1.93 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 1.00 × 10−3 mm2/s). The mean ADC values of water and [13C,15N]urea in healthy mouse liver (±SD) were nearly identical [(0.75 ± 0.11) × 10−3 mm2/s and (0.75 ± 0.22) × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively]. Mean water and [13C,15N]urea ADC values in fibrotic liver (±SD) were (0.84 ± 0.22) × 10−3 mm2/s and (0.75 ± 0.15) × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. Neither water nor urea ADCs were statistically different in the fibrotic livers compared to baseline (P = 0.14 and P = 0.99, respectively). Water and urea ADCs were positively correlated at baseline (R2 = 0.52 and P = 0.045) but not in fibrotic livers (R2 = 0.23 and P = 0.23).ConclusionADC of injected hyperpolarized urea in healthy liver reflects a smaller change as compared to free solution than ADC of water. This may reflect differences in cellular compartmentalization of the two compounds. No significant change in ADC of either water or urea were observed in relatively mild stages of liver fibrosis.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:141–151.
Diagnostic performance of different imaging modalities in the assessment of distant metastasis and local recurrence of tumor in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ohno Yoshiharu , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Kishida Yuji , Seki Shinichiro , Koyama Hisanobu , Yui Masao , Kassai Yoshimori , Aoyagi Kota , Kaminaga Shigeo , Sugimura Kazuro 
Published: April 2017

PurposeTo compare the diagnostic performance of positron emission tomography with [18F] fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐glucose (FDG‐PET) coregistered with magnetic resonance imaging (FDG‐PET/MRI), MRI with and without diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), FDG‐PET fused with computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) with brain contrast‐enhanced (CE‐) MRI, and routine radiological examination for assessment of postoperative recurrence in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.Materials and Methods96 consecutive postoperative NSCLC patients (52 men, 44 women; mean age 72 years) prospectively underwent whole‐body 3T MRI with and without DWI; PET/CTs and routine radiological examinations consisted of CE‐brain MRI, whole‐body CE‐CT, and bone scintigraphy. The patients were divided into a recurrence (n = 17) and a nonrecurrence (n = 79) group based on pathological and follow‐up examinations. All coregistered PET/MRIs were generated by proprietary software. The probability of recurrence was visually assessed on a per‐patient basis. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to compare the diagnostic performance of all methods. Finally, diagnostic capabilities were compared by means of McNemar's test.ResultsAreas under the curves (Azs) were significantly larger for PET/MRI and whole‐body MRI with DWI (Az = 0.99) than for PET/CT (Az = 0.92, P < 0.05) and conventional radiological examination (Az = 0.91, P < 0.05). Specificity and accuracy of PET/MRI and MRI with and without DWI were significantly higher than those of PET/CT (P < 0.05) and routine radiological examination (P < 0.05).ConclusionWhole‐body FDG‐PET/MRI and MRI with DWI were found to be more specific and accurate than FDG‐PET/CT and routine radiological examinations for assessment of recurrence in NSCLC patients, although MRI with and without DWI demonstrated slightly lower sensitivity than PET/CT.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1707–1717.
Physics for clinicians: Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and double inversion recovery (DIR) Imaging
Authors: Saranathan Manojkumar , Worters Pauline W. , Rettmann Dan W. , Winegar Blair , Becker Jennifer 
Published: April 2017

A pedagogical review of fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and double inversion recovery (DIR) imaging is conducted in this article. The basics of the two pulse sequences are first described, including the details of the inversion preparation and imaging sequences with accompanying mathematical formulae for choosing the inversion time in a variety of scenarios for use on clinical MRI scanners. Magnetization preparation (or T2prep), a strategy for improving image signal‐to‐noise ratio and contrast and reducing T1 weighting at high field strengths, is also described. Lastly, image artifacts commonly associated with FLAIR and DIR are described with clinical examples, to help avoid misdiagnosis.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1590–1600.
Aging does not alter tendon mechanical properties during homeostasis, but does impair flexor tendon healing
Authors: Ackerman Jessica E. , Bah Ibrahima , Jonason Jennifer H. , Buckley Mark R. , Loiselle Alayna E. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTAging is an important factor in disrupted homeostasis of many tissues. While an increased incidence of tendinopathy and tendon rupture are observed with aging, it is unclear whether this is due to progressive changes in tendon cell function and mechanics over time, or an impaired repair reaction from aged tendons in response to insult or injury. In the present study, we examined changes in the mechanical properties of Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL), Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU), and tail fascicles in both male and female C57Bl/6 mice between 3 and 27 months of age to better understand the effects of sex and age on tendon homeostasis. No change in max load at failure was observed in any group over the course of aging, although there were significant decreases in toe and linear stiffness in female mice from 3 to 15 months, and 3 to 27 months. No changes in cell proliferation were observed with aging, although an observable decrease in cellularity occurred in 31‐month old tendons. Given that aging did not dramatically alter tendon mechanical homeostasis we hypothesized that a disruption in tendon homeostasis, via acute injury would result in an impaired healing response. Significant decreases in max load, stiffness, and yield load were observed in repairs of 22‐month old mice, relative to 4‐month old mice. No changes in cell proliferation were observed between young and aged, however, a dramatic loss of bridging collagen extracellular matrix was observed in aged repairs suggest that matrix production, but not cell proliferation leads to impaired tendon healing with aging. Results © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2716–2724, 2017.
The ‘known’ genetic potential for microbial communities to degrade organic phosphorus is reduced in low‐pH soils
Authors: Lidbury Ian D. E. A. , Fraser Tandra , Murphy Andrew R. J. , Scanlan David J. , Bending Gary D. , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Moore Jonathan D. , Goodall Andrew , Tibbett Mark , Hammond John P. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn soil, bioavailable inorganic orthophosphate is found at low concentrations and thus limits biological growth. To overcome this phosphorus scarcity, plants and bacteria secrete numerous enzymes, namely acid and alkaline phosphatases, which cleave orthophosphate from various organic phosphorus substrates. Using profile hidden Markov modeling approaches, we investigated the abundance of various non specific phosphatases, both acid and alkaline, in metagenomes retrieved from soils with contrasting pH regimes. This analysis uncovered a marked reduction in the abundance and diversity of various alkaline phosphatases in low‐pH soils that was not counterbalanced by an increase in acid phosphatases. Furthermore, it was also discovered that only half of the bacterial strains from different phyla deposited in the Integrated Microbial Genomes database harbor alkaline phosphatases. Taken together, our data suggests that these ‘phosphatase lacking’ isolates likely increase in low‐pH soils and future research should ascertain how these bacteria overcome phosphorus scarcity.
Regulation of Burkholderia cenocepacia biofilm formation by RpoN and the c‐di‐GMP effector BerB
Authors: Fazli Mustafa , Rybtke Morten , Steiner Elisabeth , Weidel Elisabeth , Berthelsen Jens , Groizeleau Julie , Bin Wu , Zhi Boo Zhao , Yaming Zhang , Kaever Volkhard , Givskov Michael , Hartmann Rolf W. , Eberl Leo , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim 
Published: April 2017

AbstractKnowledge about the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the regulation of biofilm formation is essential for the development of biofilm‐control measures. It is well established that the nucleotide second messenger cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP) is a positive regulator of biofilm formation in many bacteria, but more knowledge about c‐di‐GMP effectors is needed. We provide evidence that c‐di‐GMP, the alternative sigma factor RpoN (σ54), and the enhancer‐binding protein BerB play a role in biofilm formation of Burkholderia cenocepacia by regulating the production of a biofilm‐stabilizing exopolysaccharide. Our findings suggest that BerB binds c‐di‐GMP, and activates RpoN‐dependent transcription of the berA gene coding for a c‐di‐GMP‐responsive transcriptional regulator. An increased level of the BerA protein in turn induces the production of biofilm‐stabilizing exopolysaccharide in response to high c‐di‐GMP levels. Our findings imply that the production of biofilm exopolysaccharide in B. cenocepacia is regulated through a cascade involving two consecutive transcription events that are both activated by c‐di‐GMP. This type of regulation may allow tight control of the expenditure of cellular resources.
A Novel Truncation Mutation of the PRRT2 Gene Resulting in a 16‐Amino‐Acid Protein Causes Self‐inducible Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia
Authors: Kita Makoto , Kuwata Yasuhiro , Murase Nagako , Akiyama Yuichi , Usui Takeshi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractParoxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is a sporadic or autosomal‐dominant, hereditary disorder characterized by brief, recurrent attacks of involuntary movements triggered by sudden, voluntary movement that generally develops during childhood and adolescence and is typically treated with carbamazepine. The proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene contains 4 exons that encode 340 amino acids as the major isoform, and recent research has identified PRRT2 as the primary causative gene in PKD, benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), and infantile convulsions with PKD (PKD/IC). Here, the authors report the phenotype of a family with a novel p.E16X (c.46G>T) nonsense mutation of the PRRT2 gene that lacked almost a full allele. In this family, none of the individuals in the pedigree exhibited evidence of cognitive impairment: the elder brother had PKD/IC with migraine; the younger brother had PKD with ataxia; the father had PKD; both siblings experienced a sensory aura; and all 3 had a history of febrile seizures. This is the first report of a short nonsense mutation in PRRT2 and indicates that the manifestations of the disease, including other mutations to date, can be explained by haploinsufficiency and that 1 intact PRRT2 allele can allow normal cognitive development.
Lipopolysaccharide binding to the periplasmic protein LptA
Authors: Schultz Kathryn M. , Lundquist Tanner J. , Klug Candice S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the periplasmic protein, LptA, are two essential components of Gram‐negative bacteria. LPS, also known as endotoxin, is found asymmetrically distributed in the outer leaflet of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and plays a role in the organism's natural defense in adverse environmental conditions. LptA is a member of the lipopolysaccharide transport protein (Lpt) family, which also includes LptC, LptDE, and LptBFG2, that functions to transport LPS through the periplasm to the outer leaflet of the outer membrane after MsbA flips LPS across the inner membrane. It is hypothesized that LPS binds to LptA to cross the periplasm and that the acyl chains of LPS bind to the central pocket of LptA. The studies described here are the first to comprehensively characterize and quantitate the binding of LPS by LptA. Using site‐directed spin‐labeling electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, data were collected for 15 spin‐labeled residues in and around the proposed LPS binding pocket on LptA to observe the mobility changes caused by the presence of exogenous LPS and identify the binding location of LPS to LptA. The EPR data obtained suggest a 1:1 ratio for the LPS:LptA complex and allow the first calculation of dissociation constants for the LptA–LPS interaction. The results indicate that the entire protein is affected by LPS binding, the N‐terminus unfolds in the presence of LPS, and a mutant LptA protein unable to form oligomers has an altered affinity for LPS.
Detection of prostate cancer‐specific transcripts in extracellular vesicles isolated from post‐DRE urine
Authors: Pellegrini Kathryn L. , Patil Dattatraya , Douglas Kristen J.S. , Lee Grace , Wehrmeyer Kathryn , Torlak Mersiha , Clark Jeremy , Cooper Colin S. , Moreno Carlos S. , Sanda Martin G. 
Published: April 2017

Background: The measurement of gene expression in post‐digital rectal examination (DRE) urine specimens provides a non‐invasive method to determine a patient's risk of prostate cancer. Many currently available assays use whole urine or cell pellets for the analysis of prostate cancer‐associated genes, although the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has also recently been of interest. We investigated the expression of prostate‐, kidney‐, and bladder‐specific transcripts and known prostate cancer biomarkers in urine EVs.Methods: Cell pellets and EVs were recovered from post‐DRE urine specimens, with the total RNA yield and quality determined by Bioanalyzer. The levels of prostate, kidney, and bladder‐associated transcripts in EVs were assessed by TaqMan qPCR and targeted sequencing.Results: RNA was more consistently recovered from the urine EV specimens, with over 80% of the patients demonstrating higher RNA yields in the EV fraction as compared to urine cell pellets. The median EV RNA yield of 36.4 ng was significantly higher than the median urine cell pellet RNA yield of 4.8 ng. Analysis of the post‐DRE urine EVs indicated that prostate‐specific transcripts were more abundant than kidney‐ or bladder‐specific transcripts. Additionally, patients with prostate cancer had significantly higher levels of the prostate cancer‐associated genes PCA3 and ERG.Conclusions: Post‐DRE urine EVs are a viable source of prostate‐derived RNAs for biomarker discovery and prostate cancer status can be distinguished from analysis of these specimens. Continued analysis of urine EVs offers the potential discovery of novel biomarkers for pre‐biopsy prostate cancer detection.
Smooth output feedback stabilization for a class of nonlinear systems with time‐varying powers
Authors: Chen Chih‐Chiang , Qian Chunjiang , Lin Xiangze , Sun Zong‐Yao , Liang Yew‐Wen 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis paper investigates the global asymptotic stabilization problem for a class of nonlinear systems with time‐varying powers. First, adding a power integrator technique is revamped to design a smooth state feedback controller, which is implementable with only upper and lower bounds of the time‐varying powers. When the system state is not fully available and the time‐varying power is exactly known, a smooth output feedback controller constituted by a state feedback and a nonlinear state observer is constructed to globally stabilize the system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.