bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Broad Th2 neutralization and anti‐inflammatory action of pentosan polysulfate sodium in experimental allergic rhinitis
Authors: Sanden Caroline , Mori Michiko , Jogdand Prajakta , Jönsson Jimmie , Krishnan Ravi , Wang Xiangdong , Erjefält Jonas S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundTh2 cytokines like interleukin‐4, ‐5, and ‐13 are regarded as important drivers of the immunopathology underlying allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. The present study explores the capacity of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), a semi‐synthetic heparin‐like macromolecular carbohydrate, to bind Th2 cytokines and exert biological neutralization in vitro, as well as anti‐inflammatory actions in vivo.MethodologyThe capacity of PPS to bind recombinant Th2 cytokines was tested with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology and biological Th2 neutralization was assessed by Th2‐dependent proliferation assays. The in vivo anti‐inflammatory action of PPS was studied using a validated Guinea‐pig model of AR.ResultsBinding studies revealed a strong and specific binding of PPS to IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 with IC values suggesting as stronger cytokine binding than for heparin. Cytokine binding translated to a biological neutralization as PPS dose dependently inhibited Th2‐dependent cell proliferation. Topical administration of PPS 30 min prior to nasal allergen challenge of sensitized animals significantly reduced late phase plasma extravasation, luminal influx of eosinophils, neutrophils, and total lavage leukocytes. Similar, albeit not statistically secured, effects were found for tissue leukocytes and mucus hyper‐secretion. The anti‐inflammatory effects of PPS compared favorably with established topical nasal steroid treatment.ConclusionThis study points out PPS as a potent Th2 cytokine‐binding molecule with biological neutralization capacity and broad anti‐inflammatory effects in vivo. As such PPS fulfills the role as a potential candidate molecule for the treatment of AR and further studies of clinical efficacy seems highly warranted.
Macromolecular structures: Quality assessment and biological interpretation
Authors: Salunke Dinakar M. , Nair Deepak T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractStructure determination using X‐ray crystallography involves collection of diffraction data, determination of initial phases followed by iterative rounds of model building and crystallographic refinement to improve the phases and minimize the differences between calculated and observed structure factors. At each of these stages, a variety of statistical filters exist to ensure appropriate validation. Biologically important observations often come from interpretations of signals that need to be carefully deciphered from noise, and therefore human intervention is as important as the automated methods and filters. Currently, all structural data are deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), and this repository is continuously evolving to incorporate new developments in macromolecular crystallography. The journals that publish data arising from structural studies modulate their policies to take cognizance of new improved methodologies. Together, the PDB and journals have evolved an accepted protocol to ensure the integrity of crystallographic results. As a result, the quality of available data and associated interpretations have improved over the years. Typically, if there are differences regarding the mechanism of action of a protein revealed by crystallography then new experiments are carried out to provide further evidence for or against a particular hypothesis. Hence, the scientific systems in structural biology are robust and to a large extent capable of correcting any errors in interpretation of structural results. However, this process is hindered by spurious challenges to published research, based on misuse of validation mechanisms. Such activities are counterproductive and will cause damage to the field of structural biology. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(8):563–571, 2017
Synergistic effects of fibronectin and bone morphogenetic protein on the bioactivity of titanium metal
Authors: Biao M. N. , Chen Y. M. , Xiong S. B. , Wu B. Y. , Yang B. C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo improve the biological properties of bioactive titanium metal, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2(rhBMP‐2) and fibronectin (Fn) were adsorbed on its surface solely or contiguously to modify the anodic oxidized titanium (AO‐Ti), acid–alkali‐treated titanium (AA‐Ti), and polished titanium (P‐Ti). It is found that the different bioactive titanium surface structures had great influence on protein adsorption. The adsorption amounts of BMP adsorbed solely and Fn/BMP adsorbed contiguously were AA‐Ti > P‐Ti > AO‐Ti, and that for Fn adsorbed solely was AA‐Ti ≈ P‐Ti > AO‐Ti. The conformation of proteins was changed remarkably after the adsorption. For BMP, the α‐helix decreased on AA‐Ti and stabilized on P‐Ti and AO‐Ti. For Fn, the β‐sheet on PT‐Ti and AA‐Ti increased significantly. For Fn/BMP, the percentage of β‐sheet on AA‐Ti increased, and that of α‐helix on all samples was stable. MSCs showed greater adhesion and spreading on Fn/BMP groups. MTT and Elisa tests showed that the synergistic effects of proteins made the cells proliferate and differentiate faster. It indicated both the surface structure and the synergistic effects of proteins could influence the biological properties of titanium metals. It provides research foundation for improving the biological properties of bioactive titanium metals by simultaneous application of several proteins. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2485–2498, 2017.
Licochalcone A Suppresses Specificity Protein 1 as a Novel Target in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kang Tae‐Ho , Seo Ji‐Hye , Oh Hana , Yoon Goo , Chae Jung‐Il , Shim Jung‐Hyun 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTLicochalcone A (LCA), isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, are known to have medicinal effect such as anti‐oxidant, anti‐bacterial, anti‐viral, and anti‐cancer. Though, as a pharmacological mechanism regulator, anti‐cancer studies on LCA were not investigated in human breast cancer. We investigated the anti‐proliferative and apoptotic effect of LCA in human breast cancer cells MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 through MTS assay, PI staining, Annexin‐V/7‐AAD assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, multi‐caspase assay, RT‐PCR, Western blot analysis, and anchorage‐independent cell transformation assay. Our results showed the little difference between two cells, as MCF‐7 cell is both estrogen/progesterone receptor positive, there were only effect on Sp1 protein level, but not in mRNA level. Adversely, estrogen/progesterone/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 triple negative, MDA‐MB‐231 showed decreased Sp1 mRNA, and protein levels. To confirm the participation of Sp1 in breast cancer cell viability, siRNA techniques were introduced. Both cells showed dysfunction of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ROS production, which reflects it passed intracellular mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Additionally, LCA showed the anti‐proliferative and apoptotic effect in breast cancer cells through regulating Sp1 and apoptosis‐related proteins in a dose‐ and a time‐dependent manner. Consequently, LCA might be a potential anti‐breast cancer drug substitute. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4652–4663, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SNX10 Plays a Critical Role in MMP9 Secretion via JNK‐p38‐ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Chun , Wang Ying , Peng Jin , Li Cuixian , Liu Peiqing , Shen Xiaoyan 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a critical role in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Sorting nexin (SNX) 10 is a member of the SNX family, which functions in regulation of endosomal sorting and osteoclast activation, has been implicated to play an important role in the bone erosion of rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of SNX10 on MMP9 secretion and the potential mechanism. By immunostaining and co‐immunoprecipitation, we found that SNX10 was extensively co‐localized with MMP9, indicating that SNX10 might participate in MMP9 trafficking. After knocking down SNX10 via siRNA, the secretion and activity of MMP9 was significantly reduced, but the amount of protein was increased. By contraries, over‐expression of SNX10 could increase the secretion and activity levels. Deficiency of SNX10 impaired the differentiation and bone resorption function of osteoclast, with a low activity of MMP9 compared to WT one. In SNX10 knockout osteoclast, the phosphorylation levels of JNK, p38, and ERK were obviously down‐regulated. Our results first identified the role of SNX10 in MMP9 trafficking and secretion, and provided an evidence for SNX10 as a possible therapeutic target for bone destructing disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4664–4671, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Mercaptoacetamide‐Based Class II Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Suppresses Cell Migration and Invasion in Monomorphic Malignant Human Glioma Cells by Inhibiting FAK/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Nam Jin Han , Cho Hyun‐Ji , Kang Hyejin , Lee Ju‐Young , Jung Mira , Chang Young‐Chae , Kim Keetae , Hoe Hyang‐Sook 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTHistone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) have emerged as potential anticancer agents for the treatment of solid and hematopoietic cancers. Several HDACIs delay cell growth, induce differentiation, or activate apoptosis in multiple types of tumors, including glioblastomas. In the present study, we showed that the mercaptoacetamide‐based HDACI W2 inhibits cell migration and invasion in monomorphic malignant human glioma cells. W2 treatment significantly decreased the activity and expression levels of matrix metalloprotease‐2 in malignant A172 cells but not in U373MG cells. Key signaling pathways involved in cell migration and invasion, including PI3K‐AKT, ERK‐JNK‐P38, and FAK/STAT3, were examined to identify the mechanism of action of W2. W2 increased the phosphorylation of AKT and altered cell migration and invasion in an AKT‐independent manner. W2 inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK/STAT3, and treatment with a FAK/STAT3 inhibitor significantly suppressed cancer cell migration and MMP‐2 activity in the presence of W2. In addition, W2 significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of phospho‐STAT3. Taken together, our results suggest that W2 suppresses cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting FAK/STAT3 signaling and STAT3 translocation to the nucleus in monomorphic malignant human glioma cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4672–4685, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of aerosol effects on the Arctic surface temperature during the diurnal cycle: part 2 – Separating aerosol effects
Authors: Stofferahn Eric , Boybeyi Zafer 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTTemperature changes in the Arctic due to anthropogenic climate change are larger in magnitude than those at lower latitudes, with sea ice extent and thickness diminishing since the dawn of the satellite era. Aerosols play a role in determining the changes to the Arctic surface temperature. While Part 1 of this two‐part study investigated the changes in Arctic surface temperature due to the total aerosol effect, in Part 2, the total aerosol effect is separated into the changes caused by the aerosol direct effect, the aerosol semi‐direct effect, and the aerosol indirect effects through the use of additional Weather Research and Forecasting Chemistry (WRF‐Chem) runs. While Part 1 of the study showed that aerosols may have both a cooling and warming effect, largely depending upon the time of day and aerosol concentration, Part 2 of this study shows that the indirect effects are the dominant component of the total aerosol effect on the cooling and warming of the Arctic surface temperature throughout the diurnal cycle. It is also shown that the size distribution of aerosols is important, as smaller aerosols dominate the aerosol indirect effects. The aerosol direct effect contributes to cooling in the region, while the semi‐direct effect is negligible.
Geographic distribution of global climate zones under future scenarios
Authors: Zhang Xianliang , Yan Xiaodong , Chen Zhenju 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTPossible future climate change can be projected by general circulation models (GCMs), and the future geographic distribution of global climate zones can be projected based on these GCM simulations. In this study, the performance of 33 GCMs in simulating the distribution of global climate zones was evaluated using Kappa values. The results show that certain models are more skillful than other models in simulating the present distribution of global climate zones. The ensemble mean of all the GCMs showed worse performance than some individual models in simulating the present distribution of climate zones. The ensemble mean based on the three GCMs that showed superior performance achieved the optimum results in simulating the future distribution of climate zones. Based on the simulations of the ensemble mean of these three GCMs, the distributions of global climate zones in the future were projected for three scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP) (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5). The climate types in the temperate zone were susceptible to climate changes under the three scenarios. The shift in the distribution of climate zones was mainly caused by the joint variations of temperature and precipitation among different climate zones.
Trauma‐Related Pain, Reexperiencing Symptoms, and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Longitudinal Study of Veterans
Authors: Bartoszek Gregory , Hannan Susan M. , Kamm Janina , Pamp Barbara , Maieritsch Kelly P. 
Published: May 2017

Research has demonstrated a strong positive association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and physical pain. However, few studies have explored the impact of pain problems on the symptoms and treatment of PTSD, and results remain inconsistent. This longitudinal study examined whether trauma‐related and trauma‐unrelated pain differentially and uniquely predicted reexperiencing symptoms. We also examined whether levels of reexperiencing symptoms mediated the relationship between pain intensity and posttreatment symptoms of avoidance, numbing, and hyperarousal (ANH). Analyses were conducted using archival data from 99 treatment‐seeking veterans who reported the etiology and intensity of their pain and severity of PTSD symptoms pre‐ and posttreatment. Among veterans with trauma‐related pain, pain intensity (a) uniquely corresponded to greater posttreatment reexperiencing symptoms (b = 1.09), and (b) was indirectly predictive of ANH symptoms via the reexperiencing symptoms (b = 1.93). However, veterans with trauma‐unrelated pain evidenced no associations between pain intensity and reexperiencing (b = 0.04) or ANH symptoms (b = 0.06). We thus found that trauma‐related pain was indirectly related to poor PTSD treatment outcomes via reexperiencing symptoms. These findings offer additional insight into factors that may influence PTSD treatment outcomes for pain‐suffering trauma survivors.
Robotic microlaryngeal phonosurgery: Testing of a “steady‐hand” microsurgery platform
Authors: Akst Lee M. , Olds Kevin C. , Balicki Marcin , Chalasani Preetham , Taylor Russell H. 
Published: May 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate gains in microlaryngeal precision achieved by using a novel robotic “steady hand” microsurgery platform in performing simulated phonosurgical tasks.Study DesignCrossover comparative study of surgical performance and descriptive analysis of surgeon feedback.MethodsA novel robotic ear, nose, and throat microsurgery system (REMS) was tested in simulated phonosurgery. Participants navigated a 0.4‐mm‐wide microlaryngeal needle through spirals of varying widths, both with and without robotic assistance. Fail time (time the needle contacted spiral edges) was measured, and statistical comparison was performed. Participants were surveyed to provide subjective feedback on the REMS.ResultsNine participants performed the task at three spiral widths, yielding 27 paired testing conditions. In 24 of 27 conditions, robot‐assisted performance was better than unassisted; five trials were errorless, all achieved with the robot. Paired analysis of all conditions revealed fail time of 0.769 ± 0.568 seconds manually, improving to 0.284 ± 0.584 seconds with the robot (P = .003). Analysis of individual spiral sizes showed statistically better performance with the REMS at spiral widths of 2 mm (0.156 ± 0.226 seconds vs. 0.549 ± 0.545 seconds, P = .019) and 1.5 mm (0.075 ± 0.099 seconds vs. 0.890 ± 0.518 seconds, P = .002). At 1.2 mm, all nine participants together showed similar performance with and without robotic assistance (0.621 ± 0.923 seconds vs. 0.868 ± 0.634 seconds, P = .52), though subgroup analysis of five surgeons most familiar with microlaryngoscopy showed statistically better performance with the robot (0.204 ± 0.164 seconds vs. 0.664 ± 0.354 seconds, P = .036).ConclusionsThe REMS is a novel platform with potential applications in microlaryngeal phonosurgery. Further feasibility studies and preclinical testing should be pursued as a bridge to eventual clinical use.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:126–132, 2018
The malleus to oval window revision stapedotomy: Efficacy and longitudinal study outcome
Authors: Benedict Peter A. , Zhou Ling , Peng Robert , Kohan Darius 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the longitudinal effectiveness of the malleus to oval window stapedotomy technique among patients undergoing revision surgery when the incus is unavailable.Study DesignRetrospective, case series.MethodsCharts of 15 patients who underwent 17 malleus attachment stapedotomies performed by a single surgeon from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. Surgery was ambulatory, transcanal, with laser technique, and under local anesthesia.ResultsOf 17 stapedotomies performed, there were nine first revisions, six second revisions, one third revision, and one fourth revision. There were no surgical complications. Mean preoperative air‐bone gap (ABG) was 32.3 dB. Mean postoperative ABG at 6 months was 10.7 dB, and at last follow‐up was 16.3 dB. Average length of follow‐up was 36.5 months. At last follow‐up, 100% of first revisions achieved ABG ≤ 20 dB (77.8% ≤ 10 dB), compared to 50% of second revisions with ABG ≤ 20 dB (none ≤ 10 dB), and 0% of third or fourth revisions with ABG ≤ 20 dB. Trend lines for second and third/fourth revisions showed a deterioration (widening) in postoperative ABG by 0.18 and 0.72 dB per month, respectively. The first‐revision trend line, conversely, showed negligible change with time, demonstrating the superior durability of first revisions compared to subsequent surgeries.ConclusionThe malleus to oval window stapedotomy technique is more effective and longer lasting in first‐revision surgery compared to subsequent procedures. Standard or implantable amplification devices may be preferable for patients with multiple prior procedures.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:461–467, 2018
Socioeconomic disparities and comorbidities, not race, affect salivary gland malignancy survival outcomes
Authors: Iwata Ayaka J. , Williams Amy M. , Taylor Andrew R. , Chang Steven S. 
Published: May 2017

Objectives/HypothesisThis study sought to determine whether comorbidities, race, and socioeconomic factors affect 5‐ and 10‐year survival outcomes for patients with salivary gland malignancies treated at a single large academic institution with a large African American population.Study DesignA retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients with salivary gland malignancies, from 1990 to 2015, at a large academic medical center.MethodsStandard statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan‐Meier survival curve analysis and Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsThe overall 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates decreased with age ≥ 60 years (P < .001), stage 3 or 4 (P < .001), clinical T stage 3 or 4 (P < .001), and clinical N stage 1, 2, or 3 (P < .001). Living in a ZIP code with an increasing proportion of residents with a high school degree or less (P < .05), being male (P < .05), increasing age at the time of diagnosis (P < .001), and increasing Charlson comorbidity index (P < .05) detrimentally impacted survival at 5 and 10 years. Race was associated with socioeconomic variables, but race was not a prognostic indicator of survival.ConclusionsSocioeconomic factors and comorbidities, not race, were negative prognostic indicators of survival of patients with salivary gland malignancies. Using race as a marker for socioeconomic status should be used with caution.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2545–2550, 2017
Improving quality outcomes in head and neck free flap surgery with the use of a physician inpatient coordinator
Authors: Varadarajan Varun V. , Sawhney Raja , Bernard Stewart H. , Boyce Brian , Lang Dustin M. , Balamohan Sanjeev , Baskin Robert M. , Dziegielewski Peter T. 
Published: May 2017

Objectives/HypothesisHead and neck free flap patients require complex postoperative care. The quality of care for these patients often depends on their management from the time they leave the operating room. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a postoperative inpatient coordinator (IC) for head and free flap patients on quality outcomes: length of stay (LOS), 30‐day unplanned return to the emergency department (30dRED), 30‐day unplanned readmissions (30dUR), and complication rates.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐eight consecutive patients who underwent head and neck free flap surgery between January 2012 and January 2016 were reviewed using a prospective database. Patients had an IC for their entire hospitalization (group 1) or for less than their entire hospitalization (group 2). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for quality outcomes.ResultsMean LOS was 13.8 days and 17.3 days in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .002). The 30dRED rate was 12% and 22%, respectively (P = .04). Group 2 had an increased LOS by 4.1 days (P = .001) and a 2.4 fold increased 30dRED (P = .03). 30dUR and complications were not influenced by the IC (P > .05).ConclusionsAn IC may help decrease LOS and 30dRED in head and neck free flap patients.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:336–342, 2018
Squeezing flow between rigid tilted surfaces: A general solution and case study for MEMS
Authors: Moy Andy , Borca‐Tasciuc Diana‐Andra , Tichy John 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSqueeze film flow occurs when two surfaces move in a normal direction relative to each other and is a phenomenon of importance to many engineering systems, from macro to microscale. Squeeze film damping is widely used in large‐scale rotating machinery but even more so presently in microsystems. In the latter case, for modelling purposes, the two surfaces producing the squeeze film flow are typically assumed perfectly parallel, which is often not the case in practice. This paper presents a general formula for squeezing flow between two rigid surfaces for both parallel and tilted configurations in the 1‐dimensional case (2‐dimensional flow). The solution is derived from the Reynolds equation. The results in the parallel case compare favorably to previous literature data. A case study is presented for plates with dimensions characteristic of microelectromechanical systems. The important contribution of this paper is to isolate and study this “tilt effect” which can contribute to discrepancies and confusion in interpreting squeeze film behaviour, particularly at the microscale.