bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemic effect of hawthorn in type II diabetes mellitus rat model
Authors: Aierken Aili , Buchholz Tina , Chen Chen , Zhang Xiaoying , Melzig Matthias F 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDHawthorn is a popular herb in many different traditional medicine systems, including traditional Chinese medicine, where it has long been used for the treatment of hyperglycemia. However, most of its varied biological activities remain unexplored. This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect of hawthorn extracts in type II diabetic (T2DM) rat model. A total of 54 rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal control group; type II diabetic model group (T2DM; these rats were induced by high‐fat diet and streptozotocin); high, middle and low concentrations of hawthorn treatment (HTH, HTM and HTL T2DM rats were given hawthorn extract at a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1 body weight, respectively); and positive control group (orlistat 40 mg kg−1 body weight).RESULTSTriglyceride and total cholesterol serum levels were lower in the hawthorn extract‐treated groups than in the T2DM control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, hawthorn extracts decreased blood glucose level and increased plasma insulin release from pancreas.CONCLUSIONPositive effects of hawthorn against streptozotocin‐induced T2DM were demonstrated. This study suggests that hawthorn extract represents a useful agent for the prevention or treatment of T2DM. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
UCH‐L1‐containing exosomes mediate chemotherapeutic resistance transfer in breast cancer
Authors: Ning Kuan , Wang Teng , Sun Xu , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Yun , Jin Jian , Hua Dong 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundChemotherapy resistance has become a serious challenge in the treatment of breast cancer. Previous studies showed cells can transfer proteins, including those responsible for drug resistance to adjacent cells via exosomes.MethodsThe switches of drug resistance via exosomes transfer were assessed by CellTiter‐Blue Viability assay, flow cytometry, and immunostaining analysis. Relative protein levels of Ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase‐L1 (UCH‐L1), P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), extracellular‐signal regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and phospho‐extracellular‐signal regulated protein kinase1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) were measured by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 93 breast cancer samples to assess the associations of UCH‐L1 levels with immunofluorescence value of UCH‐L1 in circulating exosomes.ResultThe Adriamycin‐resistant human breast cancer cells (MCF7/ADM) secreted exosomes carrying UCH‐L1 and P‐gp proteins into the extracellular microenvironment then integrated into Adriamycin‐sensitive human breast cancer cells (MCF7/WT) in a time‐dependent manner, transferring the chemoresistance phenotype. Notably, in blood samples from patients with breast cancer, the level of exosomes carrying UCH‐L1 before chemotherapy was significantly negatively correlated with prognosis.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that UCH‐L1‐containing exosomes can transfer chemoresistance to recipient cells and these exosomes may be useful as non‐invasive diagnostic biomarkers for detection of chemoresitance in breast cancer patients, achieving more effective and individualized chemotherapy.
Abiotic conditions drive significant variability in nutrient processing by a common Caribbean sponge, Ircinia felix
Authors: Archer Stephanie K. , Stevens Julia L. , Rossi Ryann E. , Matterson Kenan O. , Layman Craig A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCoral reefs typically occur in oligotrophic waters, where tight recycling of energy and nutrients is essential in order to support their high productivity. Sponges are efficient filter feeders that host diverse and abundant microbial communities that often contain members capable of carrying out complex nutrient transformations. Consequently, sponges often act as significant sources of bioavailable forms of nitrogen and phosphorus while acting as sinks for dissolved organic carbon (DOC). However, little attention has focused on variability of nutrient release by sponges and no studies have reported how abiotic conditions may impact sponge‐driven changes in nutrient concentrations. Here, we show that a common Caribbean sponge, Ircinia felix, is capable of being both a source and a sink for DOC, ammonium, nitrate/nitrite (
), and phosphate (
). Additionally, we show that abiotic conditions, particularly ambient nutrient availability, seem to explain a significant amount of the variability (R2 range from 0.40 to 0.65). Interestingly, as ambient nutrient concentrations increased, I. felix transitioned from acting as a source to serving as a sink for all nutrient forms measured. We also found I. felix‐associated bacteria exhibit a significantly higher abundance of predicted nitrogen metabolism, carbon fixation, and photosynthetic genes relative to ambient water and sediment. These results suggest that sponges play an important and dynamic role in biogeochemical cycling on reefs, particularly as human activities alter natural nutrient dynamics in coastal systems.
Finding patches in a heterogeneous aquatic environment: pH‐taxis by the dispersal stage of choanoflagellates
Authors: Miño Gastón L. , Koehl M. A. R. , King Nicole , Stocker Roman 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMicrobial eukaryotes that feed on bacteria are critical links in aquatic food webs. We used the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta, whose life history includes fast‐ and slow‐swimming unicellular forms and multicellular colonies, to study performance of these different forms at finding and accumulating in patches of prey. Video microscopy of behavior in microfluidic experiments showed that only unicellular fast swimmers exhibited taxis into patches of attractant. Of the chemical cues tested, only pH affected behavior: fast swimmers moved toward patches of water that had pH in the range of 6–7 from water with higher or lower pH. Since bacteria can lower the pH of the water in their vicinity, we suggest that seeking regions with a moderately more acidic pH than average seawater helps the fast‐swimming dispersal stage of choanoflagellates find particles or surfaces rich in prey.
Designing Smart Materials with Recombinant Proteins
Authors: Hollingshead Sydney , Lin Charng‐Yu , Liu Julie C. 
Published: March 2017

Recombinant protein design allows modular protein domains with different functionalities and responsive behaviors to be easily combined. Inclusion of these protein domains can enable recombinant proteins to have complex responses to their environment (e.g., temperature‐triggered aggregation followed by enzyme‐mediated cleavage for drug delivery or pH‐triggered conformational change and self‐assembly leading to structural stabilization by adjacent complementary residues). These “smart” behaviors can be tuned by amino acid identity and sequence, chemical modifications, and addition of other components. A wide variety of domains and peptides have smart behavior. This review focuses on protein designs for self‐assembly or conformational changes due to stimuli such as shifts in temperature or pH.
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Photoalignment of Vertically Oriented Microphase Separated Lamellae in LC–LC Diblock Copolymer Thin Film
Authors: Beppu Koichiro , Nagashima Yuki , Hara Mituo , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro 
Published: March 2017

The microphase separation and photoalignment behavior of a diblock copolymer consisting of two kinds of side chain liquid crystalline (LC) polymers are investigated. Here, the mesogens of photoresponsive azobenzene and non‐photoresponsive cyanobiphenyl are introduced in the side chains. The azobenzene and cyanobiphenyl mesogens orient homeotropically and planarly, respectively, in a thin film state. The combination of these contrasting orienting properties leads to a formation of vertically oriented lamella in the microphase separation structure. Irradiation with linearly polarized light onto this polymer film induces a highly oriented microphase separation structure having regularly elongated stripe morphology with 30 nm periodicity. The nearly defect‐free morphology of this LC–LC diblock copolymer after the photoalignment is a distinct feature when compared with those of coil (amorphous)–LC diblock copolymer films possessing the same azobenzene side chain.
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Saccades in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy–Maladapted, Irregular, Curved, and Slow
Authors: Shaikh Aasef G. , Factor Stewart A. , Juncos Jorge L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSlowed and curved rapid eye movements, saccades, are the well‐known features of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The authors hypothesized that the saccades in PSP not only are slow and curved but also are irregular and have timing deficits.MethodsThis hypothesis was tested in 12 patients with PSP by measuring vertical and horizontal visually guided saccades using a limbus tracker.ResultsBoth horizontal and vertical saccades were slow and had irregular trajectory and velocity profiles, but deficits were much more robust in vertical saccades. The irregularity in the saccade velocity was due to premature interruptions that either completely stopped the eyes or moved the eyes at much slower velocity along or in the opposite direction of the ongoing saccade. The direction of the eye's trajectory was often changed after the interruption. A conductance‐based, single‐compartment model of the burst neurons embedded in local feedback circuit for saccade generation was simulated. This model mimicked anatomic and physiologic realism while allowing the liberty to selectively change the activation of individual burst neurons or pause neurons. The PSP saccades were comparable to the simulations during reduced activity of the inhibitory and excitatory burst neurons.ConclusionPSP saccades are due to the paucity in burst generation at the excitatory burst neurons and imprecise timing signal from the inhibitory burst neurons. Premature discharge of the inhibitory burst neuron further leads to breaks in the saccade trajectory and maladaptive superior colliculus activity, leading to aberrant saccades that change the intended trajectory of the ongoing saccade.
Double gastroepiploic vascularized lymph node tranfers to middle and distal limb for the treatment of lymphedema
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Manrique Oscar J. , Date Shivprasad , Agko Mouchammed , Perez Coca John Jaime , Chang Wei‐Ling , Lo Torto Federico , Nicoli Fabio , Maruccia Michelle , López Mendoza Javier , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundVascularized lymph node (VLN) transfer for lymphedema treatment has shown promising results. Optimal donor and recipient sites remain a matter of debate. We describe the technique and outcomes of a laparoscopically harvested extended gastroepiploic VLN flap with two levels of inset.Patients and MethodsBetween 2014 and 2015, four‐patients with upper limb breast cancer‐related lymphedema and three‐patients with lower limb pelvic cancer‐related lymphedema who underwent VLN transfers were included. After harvest, the gastroepiploic VLN flap was divided into two halves that were separately inset at the level of elbow and wrist (upper limb) or knee and ankle (lower limb). The mean patient age was 53.1 years (range, 42–65 years).ResultsThe average flap size after division was 6.3 cm in length (range, 5–7 cm) and 3.4 cm in width (range, 3–4 cm). The mean pedicle length was 3.2 cm (range, 2.5–4 cm). All flaps survived completely. No donor or recepient site complication was noted. At a mean follow‐up of 9.7 months (range, 8–11 months), the mean circumference reduction rate was 43.7 ± 2.5% along the entire limb (P < 0.05). No episode of infection was noted postoperatively.ConclusionsDouble gastroepiploic VLN transfers to middle and distal limb are a safe approach with very promising results. This technique may be used to improve clinical outcomes by enhancing the lymphatic drainage of the entire affected limb in a uniform fashion. In addition, the laparoscopic harvest can provide decreased donor site morbidity with a faster recovery.
A UK national survey of care pathways and support offered to patients receiving revision surgery for prosthetic joint infection in the highest volume NHS orthopaedic centres
Authors: Moore Andrew J. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Gooberman‐Hill Rachael , Heddington Jason , Beswick Andrew D. , Blom Ashley W. , Peters Tim J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundDeep prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of joint replacement surgery. It is difficult to treat, and patients often require multiple major revision surgeries to eradicate the infection. Treatment can have negative and long‐term impact on patients' quality of life. Understanding current service provision provides valuable information needed to design and evaluate support interventions for patients.AimThis survey aimed to identify usual care pathways and support in UK National Health Service (NHS) orthopaedic centres for patients receiving revision surgery for PJI after hip or knee replacement.MethodsThe 20 highest volume NHS orthopaedic centres treating prosthetic joint infection after hip or knee replacement were approached. Consultant orthopaedic surgeons specializing in treating PJI were invited to participate in a telephone or email survey about usual care provision and support for PJI.FindingsSixteen centres completed the survey. Findings showed a high degree of variation nationally in follow‐up time‐points after revision surgery. Multidisciplinary approaches to care focused more on clinical care and physical rehabilitation than social and psychological care. Patient management and referral to support services also varied and barriers to referrals included lack of availability or access to services, lack of knowledge of services, shortage of staff, and complexities of referring outside of the hospital catchment area.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that future development of interventions should focus on more inclusive and patient‐centred multidisciplinary approaches to care. Such interventions could more completely address psychological and social as well as physical aspects of patients' recovery.
Topology optimization with additive manufacturing consideration for vehicle load path development
Authors: Chuang Ching‐Hung , Chen Shikui , Yang Ren‐Jye , Vogiatzis Panagiotis 
Published: March 2017

SummaryTopology optimization has been widely studied and implemented as a powerful conceptual design tool in various engineering applications. However, the result from topology optimization has posed an implementation challenge to engineers because of the complexity of converting obtained solution into computer‐aided design data and then fabricating it into real parts. Over the past few years, the advanced additive manufacturing technology with new materials and higher resolution output capabilities has opened numerous opportunities to fill the gap between topology optimization and product application. In this study, an engineering procedure is presented for the conversion of topology optimization result to ready‐to‐print model for additive manufacturing. The steps of post‐optimization handling are outlined, and the potential practical issues for the additive manufacturing implementation are discussed. A vehicle example for full frontal impact load path development by topology optimization with inertia relief approach is used to exhibit the employed additive manufacturing implementation process with a reduced‐scale part build. The arising implementation issues and needs are examined for future advance of topology optimization and additive manufacturing integration development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized controlled trial of an early child obesity prevention intervention: Impacts on infant tummy time
Authors: Gross Rachel S. , Mendelsohn Alan L. , Yin H. Shonna , Tomopoulos Suzy , Gross Michelle B. , Scheinmann Roberta , Messito Mary Jo 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo describe infant activity at 3 months old and to test the efficacy of a primary care‐based child obesity prevention intervention on promoting infant activity in low‐income Hispanic families.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial (n = 533) comparing a control group of mother–infant dyads receiving standard prenatal and pediatric primary care with an intervention group receiving “Starting Early,” with individual nutrition counseling and nutrition and parenting support groups coordinated with prenatal and pediatric visits. Outcomes included infant activity (tummy time, unrestrained floor time, time in movement‐restricting devices). Health literacy was assessed using the Newest Vital Sign.ResultsFour hundred fifty‐six mothers completed 3‐month assessments. Infant activity results were: 82.6% ever practiced tummy time; 32.0% practiced tummy time on the floor; 34.4% reported unrestrained floor time; 56.4% reported ≥1 h/d in movement‐restricting devices. Inadequate health literacy was associated with reduced tummy time and unrestrained floor time. The intervention group reported more floor tummy time (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.44‐3.23) and unrestrained floor time (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14‐2.49) compared to controls. No difference in the time spent in movement‐restricting devices was found.ConclusionsTummy time and unrestrained floor time were low. Primary care‐based obesity prevention programs have potential to promote these activities.
Spin‐Forbidden Branching in the Mechanism of the Intrinsic Haber–Weiss Reaction
Authors: Leitão Ezequiel F. V. , Ventura Elizete , de Souza Miguel A. F. , Riveros José M. , do Monte Silmar A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe mechanism of the O2⋅− and H2O2 reaction (Haber–Weiss) under solvent‐free conditions has been characterized at the DFT and CCSD(T) level of theory to account for the ease of this reaction in the gas phase and the formation of two different set of products (Blanksby et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 4948). The reaction is shown to proceed through an electron‐transfer process from the superoxide anion to hydrogen peroxide, along two pathways. While the O3⋅− + H2O products are formed from a spin‐allowed reaction (on the doublet surface), the preferred products, O⋅−(H2O)+3O2, are formed through a spin‐forbidden reaction as a result of a favorable crossing point between the doublet and quartet surface. Plausible reasons for the preference toward the latter set are given in terms of the characteristics of the minimum energy crossing point (MECP) and the stability of an intermediate formed (after the MECP) in the quartet surface. These unique results show that these two pathways are associated with a bifurcation, yielding spin‐dependent products.
Combating blood stream infections during induction chemotherapy in children with acute myeloid leukemia: Single center results in India
Authors: Subburaj Divya , Uppuluri Ramya , Jayaraman Dhaarani , Vellaichamyswaminathan Venkateshwaran , Kandath Sathishkumar , Raj Revathi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOptimal management of infectious complication is the biggest challenge in children receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We have analyzed the data of children undergoing AML induction chemotherapy at our center from 2002 to 2016 and found that Gram‐negative infections are more predominant when compared to the published literature. There also has been a surge in multidrug‐resistant (MDR) infections over the last 4 years, which has increased the need for supportive care and escalated the cost of care. We have introduced certain novel methods to combat MDR sepsis and decrease mortality rates.
Vincristine toxicity with co‐administration of fluconazole during induction therapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Smitherman Andrew B. , Faircloth Cassidy B. , Deal Allison , Troy Michael , Gold Stuart H. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundAntifungal prophylaxis is recommended for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during high‐risk periods such as induction; however, increased vincristine toxicities have been reported with the co‐administration of triazole antifungals. We sought to determine whether vincristine‐associated toxicities are higher among children with ALL concurrently given fluconazole prophylaxis compared to no prophylaxis.ProcedureUsing a retrospective cohort design, we reviewed records of pediatric patients treated for newly diagnosed ALL from 2003 to 2013. Patients were classified by fluconazole exposure during induction. The development of vincristine‐associated toxicity and vincristine dose adjustment were the primary outcomes evaluated. The adjusted risk difference (RD) for vincristine‐related toxicity associated with triazole exposure was determined.ResultsWe identified 197 patients meeting inclusion criteria for evaluation, 160 (81%) of whom received fluconazole prophylaxis. Among patients receiving fluconazole, 36/160 (22%) developed vincristine toxicity compared to 7/37 (19%) among those not receiving prophylaxis (RD: 3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −11 to 18%). Adjusting for patient age and race, no statistically significant increased risk for vincristine‐associated toxicity with fluconazole exposure was observed (RD 5%, 95% CI −8 to 17%). An increased risk for vincristine‐associated toxicity was independently associated with age 10 years or older (RD 19%, 95% CI 4–34%).ConclusionCo‐administration of fluconazole during induction therapy for pediatric ALL does not significantly increase the risk for vincristine‐associated toxicities; however, patients 10 years or older are at an increased risk for toxicity independent of fluconazole exposure. Prophylaxis with fluconazole during induction therapy for pediatric ALL, if warranted, appears to be a safe clinical practice.
Utility of peripheral blood immunophenotyping by flow cytometry in the diagnosis of pediatric acute leukemia
Authors: Metrock Laura K. , Summers Ryan J. , Park Sunita , Gillespie Scott , Castellino Sharon , Lew Glen , Keller Frank G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundChildhood acute leukemia is traditionally diagnosed from a bone marrow aspirate (BMA). New‐onset acute leukemia patients do not always have visible circulating blasts in the peripheral blood (PB) at diagnosis. While the role of bone marrow flow cytometry for the diagnosis of acute leukemia is well established, the utility of PB flow cytometry (PBFC) is unknown. We performed a single‐institution retrospective analysis to compare PBFC versus BMA in establishing or excluding a diagnosis of childhood acute leukemia.ProcedureWe retrospectively identified 485 PBFC samples with concurrent BMA from 2008 to 2013. Results of four‐color flow cytometry for immunophenotypic characterization of leukemic versus nonclonal disease were characterized. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated among patients without a known diagnosis or prior therapy.ResultsAmong 485 samples eligible for analysis, 120 had negative PBFC and BMA, 359 had positive PBFC and BMA, 3 had negative PBFC and positive BMA, and 3 had positive PBFC and negative BMA. There were small but significant differences in sensitivity (100 vs. 93.8%; P = 0.002) and positive predictive value (100 vs. 93.8%; P = 0.002) favoring BMA over PBFC among those demonstrating absence of circulating morphologic blasts.ConclusionPBFC has high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of childhood acute leukemia. The predictive value of PBFC remains high for patients without visible circulating blasts and may enhance the diagnostic process for determining the indications for marrow testing.