bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The antibacterial effect of sinoporphyrin sodium photodynamic therapy on Staphylococcus aureus planktonic and biofilm cultures
Authors: Mai Bingjie , Wang Xiaobing , Liu Quanhong , Leung Albert Wingnang , Wang Xinliang , Xu Chuanshan , Wang Pan 
Published: January 2016

Background and ObjectivesStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are important causes of nosocomial and medical‐device‐related infections. Photodynamic treatment (PDT) has been proposed as an alternative approach for the inactivation of bacteria. Sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS) is a newly identified photosensitizer and has high photo‐sensitivity when used in PDT. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effect of DVDMS mediated PDT on S. aureus planktonic and biofilm cultures.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe uptake of DVDMS in S. aureus was evaluated according to photometry after alkali lysis. Then bacteria were incubated with DVDMS and exposed to light treatment. After PDT treatment, counting colony‐forming units (CFU) was applied to estimate the bactericidal effect. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by flow cytometry. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed to assess the disruption of biofilm.ResultsWith the incubation time increased, the relative fluorescence intensity of DVDMS in bacteria increased and reached peak at 75 minutes. DVDMS alone did not produce significant toxicity compared with the untreated group, while, remarkable survival decrease was observed in PDT groups in a dose‐dependent manner. More than 90% of the bacteria were effectively killed by the combined treatment of 2 µM DVDMS with 10 J/cm2 light irradiation, and 4‐log reduction in CFU was observed after 5 µM DVDMS treatment followed by 100 J/cm2 light irradiation. Intracellular ROS level was significantly enhanced after PDT treatment. The disruption of biofilm was confirmed by SEM, suggesting DVDMS‐PDT effectively damaged the biofilm.ConclusionThese results indicate DVDMS‐PDT presents significant bactericidal activity. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:400–408, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3D printing‐assisted fabrication of double‐layered optical tissue phantoms for laser tattoo treatments
Authors: Kim Hanna , Hau Nguyen Trung , Chae Yu‐Gyeong , Lee Byeong‐il , Kang Hyun Wook 
Published: January 2016

Background and ObjectiveArtificial skin phantoms have been developed as an alternative tissue for human skin experiments due to convenient use and easy storage. However, fabricating both thin (∼100 μm) epidermis and relatively thick dermis is often cumbersome, and most developed phantoms have hardly reflected specific human skin types. The objective of this study was to fabricate skin phantoms with 3D printing technique to emulate various human skin types (I–VI) along with the corresponding optical and mechanical properties for laser tattoo removal.Study Design/Materials and MethodsBoth gelatin and agar powders were mixed with coffee and TiO2 particles to fabricate skin phantoms with materials properties for various skin types (I–VI). A 3D printer was employed to precisely control the thickness of each phantom for epidermis and dermis layers. A number of concentrations of the coffee and TiO2 particles were used to determine the degree of absorption and scattering effects in various skin types. The optical properties between 500 and 1,000 nm for the fabricated phantoms were measured by double‐integrating spheres with an inverse adding‐doubling (IAD) algorithm. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and rheometer were also utilized to evaluate optical (absorption and reduced scattering coefficients) and mechanical properties (compression modulus) of the fabricated phantoms, respectively.ResultsVisible color inspections presented that the skin phantoms for types I, III, and VI similarly emulated the color space of the human skin types. The optical property measurements demonstrated that the absorption (μa) and reduced scattering (μs′) coefficients decreased with wavelengths. Compared to the human skin type VI, a dermis phantom represented quite equivalent values of μa and μs′ whereas an epidermis phantom showed up to 30% lower μa but almost identical μs′ over the wavelengths. The OCT measurements confirmed that the thicknesses of the epidermis and the dermis phantoms were measured to be 138.50 ± 0.01 μm and 0.81 ± 0.04 mm, respectively. The mechanical properties of the phantoms mixed with the agar volume of 40% yielded a compression modulus of 83.7 ± 14.8 kPa, which well corresponded to that of human forearm skin (50–95 kPa).ConclusionThe 3D printing technique was able to reliably fabricate the double‐layered phantoms emulating a variety of skin types (I–VI) along with the comparable optical and mechanical properties. Further investigations will incorporate artificial chromophores into the fabricated skin phantoms to reliably evaluate the new therapeutic wavelengths for laser tattoo removal. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:392–399, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased blood flow in keloids and adjacent skin revealed by laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Liu Qingliang , Wang Xiaojun , Jia Yihong , Long Xiao , Yu Nanze , Wang Youbin , Chen Bo 
Published: January 2016

Background and ObjectivesKeloids are fibroproliferative lesions of unknown origin that are characterized by increased collagen deposition. Vascularization may play a role in the pathogenesis of keloids, but existing reports are contradictory. Thus, we assessed perfusion within keloids and surrounding skin using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).Study Design/Materials and MethodsTwenty‐one patients with 61 untreated keloids were enrolled into this study. LSCI was used to evaluate blood flow in the keloids and surrounding skin. Three regions of interest were manually defined: keloids (K), skin adjacent to keloids (A), and nonadjacent skin separated by at least 0.3 cm from the edge of the keloids (N). Mean perfusion in each of these regions was determined and ratios (K/N, A/N) were calculated.ResultsSignificantly higher perfusion was noted in keloids and adjacent skin compared with nonadjacent skin (P < 0.05). The mean values (95% confidence intervals) of the ratios were: K/N = 2.41 (2.28–2.54) and A/N = 1.33 (1.28–1.37). A heterogeneous perfusion map was frequently observed. Mean perfusion in keloids and nonadjacent skin in the chest region was significantly higher than that on the back (P < 0.05). There was no statistical signficant difference in K/N at different locations (P > 0.05).ConclusionsPerfusion values in keloids and adjacent skin were significantly higher than those in nonadjacent skin. LSCI may be a suitable and useful way of assessing perfusion in keloids. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:360–364, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biocompatible Size‐Defined Dendrimer–Albumin Binding Protein Hybrid Materials as a Versatile Platform for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Maly Jan , Stanek Ondrej , Frolik Jan , Maly Marek , Ennen Franka , Appelhans Dietmar , Semeradtova Alena , Wrobel Dominika , Stofik Marcel , Knapova Tereza , Kuchar Milan , Stastna Lucie Cervenkova , Cermak Jan , Sebo Peter , Maly Petr 
Published: January 2016

For the design of a biohybrid structure as a ligand‐tailored drug delivery system (DDS), it is highly sophisticated to fabricate a DDS based on smoothly controllable conjugation steps. This article reports on the synthesis and the characterization of biohybrid conjugates based on noncovalent conjugation between a multivalent biotinylated and PEGylated poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimer and a tetrameric streptavidin‐small protein binding scaffold. This protein binding scaffold (SA‐ABDwt) possesses nM affinity toward human serum albumin (HSA). Thus, well‐defined biohybrid structures, finalized by binding of one or two HSA molecules, are available at each conjugation step in a controlled molar ratio. Overall, these biohybrid assemblies can be used for (i) a controlled modification of dendrimers with the HSA molecules to increase their blood‐circulation half‐life and passive accumulation in tumor; (ii) rendering dendrimers a specific affinity to various ligands based on mutated ABD domain, thus replacing tedious dendrimer–antibody covalent coupling and purification procedures.
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Effects of Grafting Density and Film Thickness on the Adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Poly(2‐hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) and Poly(poly(ethylene glycol)methacrylate) Brushes
Authors: Ibanescu Sorin‐Alexandru , Nowakowska Justyna , Khanna Nina , Landmann Regine , Klok Harm‐Anton 
Published: January 2016

Thin polymer films that prevent the adhesion of bacteria are of interest as coatings for the development of infection‐resistant biomaterials. This study investigates the influence of grafting density and film thickness on the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to poly(poly(ethylene glycol)methacrylate) (PPEGMA) and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) brushes prepared via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). These brushes are compared with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) brushes, which are obtained by grafting PEG onto an epoxide‐modified substrate. Except for very low grafting densities (ρ = 1%), crystal violet staining experiments show that the PHEMA and PPEGMA brushes are equally effective as the PEG‐modified surfaces in preventing S. epidermis adhesion and do not reveal any significant variations as a function of film thickness or grafting density. These results indicate that brushes generated by SI‐ATRP are an attractive alternative to grafted‐onto PEG films for the preparation of surface coatings that resist bacterial adhesion.
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Polymicrobial Biofilm Inhibition Effects of Acetate‐Buffered Chitosan Sponge Delivery Device
Authors: Jennings Jessica Amber , Beenken Karen E. , Parker Ashley C. , Smith James Keaton , Courtney Harry S. , Smeltzer Mark S. , Haggard Warren O. 
Published: January 2016

Polymicrobial biofilm‐associated implant infections present a challenging clinical problem. Through modifications of lyophilized chitosan sponges, degradable drug delivery devices for antibiotic solution have been fabricated for prevention and treatment of contaminated musculoskeletal wounds. Elution of amikacin, vancomycin, or a combination of both follows a burst release pattern with vancomycin released above minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus for 72 h and amikacin released above inhibitory concentrations for Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 3 h. Delivery of a vancomycin, amikacin, or a combination of both reduces biofilm formation on polytetrafluoroethylene catheters in an in vivo model of contamination. Release of dual antibiotics from sponges is more effective at preventing biofilm formation than single‐loaded chitosan sponges. Treatment of pre‐formed biofilm with high‐dose antibiotic release from chitosan sponges shows minimal reduction after 48 h. These results demonstrate infection‐preventive efficacy for antibiotic‐loaded sponges, as well as the need for modifications in the development of advanced materials to enhance treatment efficacy in removing established biofilm.
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Characteristic and magnetic properties of Ni1–xZnxFe2O4 ferrites
Authors: Sahin M. , Misirli C. , Aras M. 
Published: January 2016

Ferrites are magnetic ceramic materials which have additional metallic ion in ferrous oxide compounds. Ferrites are usually classified as soft or hard ferrites. In this study, characteristics and magnetic properties of magnetic materials having NiO1–xZnOxFe2O4 structure were investigated. Mechanical mixing of high purity NiO, ZnO and Fe2O3 powders were done to obtain homogenous NiO1–xZnOxFe2O4 powder mixture for x = 0.15, x = 0.50 and x = 0.85. These powder mixtures were pressed using hydraulic press machine and then subjected to sintering at same temperatures of 1000 °C for 1 hour. Obtained specimens were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique for the investigation of structural analysis; magnetic properties were determined using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). However, effects of composition, specimens and Zn% element in magnetic materials after energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence on maximum magnetic moment (Ms) were analyzed using Taguchi orthogonal array design of experiments technique. The study indicates that Zn% element is the main process parameter that has the highest statistical influence on maximum magnetic moment. However, another parameter, composition, also has a significant effect on maximum magnetic moment. Then, Zn‐content was found to have a significant influence on the magnetic properties of the system.
Deep Brain Stimulation Battery Longevity: Comparison of Monopolar Versus Bipolar Stimulation Modes
Authors: Almeida Leonardo , Rawal Pawan V. , Ditty Benjamin , Smelser Bryan L. , Huang He , Okun Michael S. , Guthrie Barton L. , Walker Harrison C. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundDBS is an effective treatment for movement disorders, but it is relatively complex, invasive, and costly. Little is known about whether stimulation mode alters pulse generator (battery) longevity in routine clinical care. The aim of this study was to compare battery longevity during monopolar versus bipolar stimulation in patients who underwent DBS for movement disorders.MethodsWe evaluated 2,902 programming adjustments and calculated the average stimulator settings for 393 batteries in 200 unique patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET). We classified the pulse generators into different stimulation modes (monopolar, bipolar, tripolar, and double monopolar) and compared battery longevity with Kaplan–Meier's survival analyses using the log‐rank test. We exclusively implanted the Medtronic 3387 lead with adjacent electrode contacts separated by 1.5 mm.ResultsMean pulse generator longevity was 47.6 ± 1.6 months regardless of diagnosis or stimulation mode. Bipolar stimulation mode was associated with greater longevity than monopolar stimulation (56.1 ± 3.4 vs. 44.2 ± 2.1 months; P = 0.006). This effect was most pronounced when stimulation parameters were at low‐to‐moderate intensity settings. Double monopolar configuration was associated with less pulse generator longevity than conventional stimulation modes (37.8 ± 5.6 vs. 49.7 ± 1.9; P = 0.014).ConclusionImplanted pulse generators initially programmed in bipolar mode provided 1 year of additional battery longevity versus monopolar mode in this large, retrospective series of patients with ET and PD. Given satisfactory efficacy for motor symptoms, bipolar stimulation mode is a feasible alternative programming strategy at the initiation of DBS therapy.
The Accessibility of Parkinson's Disease Medication in Kenya: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Mokaya Jolynne , Dotchin Catherine L. , Gray William K. , Hooker Juzar , Walker Richard W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere is a dearth of knowledge about the availability and affordability of the different drug treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) across sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to determine the availability and affordability of drugs for treating PD in Kenya.MethodsA facility‐based survey was conducted in selected medicine outlets (pharmacies) in what were formerly the headquarter towns of the eight provinces of Kenya. We used the World Health Organization/Health Action International methodology to obtain data for drugs used to treat PD. Unit price for each drug was obtained.ResultsForty‐eight outlets were visited in total, six in each of Kenya's eight provinces. Levodopa (L‐dopa) was available in only 24 (50.0%) outlets. Only one public pharmacy sold l‐dopa (14 were private and nine were other types of outlet). Ergot‐derived dopamine agonists (DAs) and anticholinergics were available in 37 and 35 outlets, respectively. Monoamine‐oxidase inhibitors, non‐ergot‐derived DAs, and catechol‐O‐methyl transferase inhibitors were available in four, two and zero outlets, respectively. Mean cost of 100 l‐dopa tablets was $48.2, though costs varied widely (range, $28.2–$82.4). Only five outlets considered l‐dopa affordable, all of which sold 100 tablets for less than $31.ConclusionThere is a lack of availability of PD drugs in Kenya, particularly in public pharmacies, where costs are generally lower. Few pharmacists consider the drugs available to be affordable. If PD is to be effectively managed in Kenya, then strategies are needed to increase the availability and affordability of medication.
Ultrasound as Diagnostic Tool for Diaphragmatic Myoclonus
Authors: Ramos Vesper Fe Marie Llaneza , Considine Elaine , Karp Barbara I. , Lungu Codrin , Alter Katharine , Hallett Mark 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundDiaphragmatic myoclonus is a rare disorder of repetitive diaphragmatic contractions, acknowledged to be a spectrum that includes psychogenic features. Electromyography has been the diagnostic tool most commonly used in the literature.MethodsTo test whether we could perform a noninvasive technique to delineate the diaphragm as the source of abnormal movements and demonstrate distractibility and entrainability, we used B‐mode ultrasound in a patient with diaphragmatic myoclonus.ResultsUltrasound imaging clearly delineated the diaphragm as the source of her abdominal movements. We were able to demonstrate entrainability of the diaphragm to hand tapping to a prescribed rhythm set by the examiner.ConclusionsWe recommend the use of ultrasound as a noninvasive, convenient diagnostic tool for further studies of diaphragmatic myoclonus. We agree with previous findings that diaphragmatic myoclonus may be a functional movement disorder, as evidenced by distractibility and entrainability demonstrated on real‐time video with ultrasonography.
Evaluating the Link Between Dopaminergic Treatment, Gait Impairment, and Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ehgoetz Martens Kaylena A. , Ellard Colin G. , Almeida Quincy J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety is the most under‐recognized nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), yet it is unclear whether motor impairment exacerbates anxiety observed in PD, or vice versa. The current study examined: (1) whether movement (i.e., walking vs. standing) elevates distress in PD; (2) how dopaminergic treatment influences anxiety specifically while walking; and (3) whether these responses are worse in PD patients with gait impairments (compared to those without).MethodsTwenty healthy control participants (HC), 17 PD participants without gait impairments (PD‐GI), and 14 PD participants with gait impairments (PD+GI) performed two tasks (stand vs. walk) in two virtual environments: (1) LOW threat; (2) HIGH threat. This protocol was completed in on and off dopaminergic states (to evaluate the effect of exacerbating motor symptoms).ResultsPD+GI reported greater levels of anxiety compared to PD‐GI and HC overall. All participants reported greater levels of anxiety and had higher skin conductance levels (SCLs) when walking compared to standing. The HIGH threat condition also generated greater levels of anxiety in all participants, compared to LOW threat, especially when required to walk. Notably, only PD+GI reported greater levels of anxiety when walking compared to standing in the LOW threat environment. Dopaminergic medication reduced self‐reported levels of anxiety, but did not significantly change SCL.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that movement exacerbates anxiety in all older adults, but is particularly influential in those with gait impairments, which emphasizes the importance of optimally treating movement impairments as a method of reducing movement driven anxiety.
Case–Control and Family‐Based Association Study of Specific PTPRD Variants in Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Gan‐Or Ziv , Zhou Sirui , Johnson Amelie , Montplaisir Jacques Y. , Allen Richard P. , Earley Christopher J. , Desautels Alex , Dion Patrick A. , Xiong Lan , Rouleau Guy A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe exact genetic causes within each of the known restless legs syndrome (RLS) loci are still unknown. Recently, it was suggested that an intronic protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type δ (PTPRD) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (reference SNP no. rs2381970) is associated with its expression, which may lead to RLS and other related phenotypes. Another study identified 3 nonsynonymous PTPRD variants in familial RLS cases: p.Q447E (a residue change from glutamine to glutamic acid at position 447), p.T781A (a residue change from threonine to alanine at position 781), and p.R995C (a residue change from arginine to cysteine at position 995).MethodsTwo cohorts of sporadic RLS, a French‐Canadian cohort and a cohort from the United States, with a total of 577 patients and 455 controls, and an additional familial RLS cohort with a total of 635 individuals (140 families) were genotyped for these 4 variants (rs2381970, p.Q447E, p.T781A, and p.R995C) by using specific TaqMan probes, and the effects of each variant as well as haplotypes were analyzed.ResultsNone of the 4 PTPRD‐specific variants or haplotypes that were tested were associated with RLS in the case–control cohorts or in the familial cohort. The frequencies of the rs2381970 variant in the French‐Canadian and US cohorts were 0.07 and 0.04, respectively, and their frequencies in the respective control populations were 0.06 and 0.04, respectively (P > 0.4 for both). Similar results were obtained for the 3 nonsynonymous variants.ConclusionsAlthough the PTPRD gene is well established as an RLS‐associated locus, the rs2381970 SNP and the 3 nonsynonymous PTPRD variants are not likely to cause or affect the risk for developing RLS in the study population. More studies in other populations are needed to determine their potential role in RLS.
A click chemistry approach identifies target proteins of xanthohumol
Authors: Brodziak‐Jarosz Lidia , Fujikawa Yuuta , Pastor‐Flores Daniel , Kasikci Sonay , Jirásek Petr , Pitzl Sebastian , Owen Robert W. , Klika Karel D. , Gerhäuser Clarissa , Amslinger Sabine , Dick Tobias P. 
Published: January 2016

ScopeMany phytochemicals with beneficial pharmacological properties contain electrophilic sites, e.g. α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl (enone) groups. There is increasing evidence that many biological effects of electrophilic compounds depend on covalent conjugation to reactive protein thiols. For example, the reaction of electrophiles with cysteinyl residues of the sensor protein Keap1 activates the cell‐protective Nrf2 response. Thus it is of interest to identify more generally the proteins to which small molecule electrophiles bind covalently.Methods and resultsHere we use a Click chemistry approach to identify target proteins of the chemopreventive phytochemical xanthohumol (XN), an enone‐containing chalcone from hops (Humulus lupulus L.). Using an alkynylated analog of XN (XN‐alkyne), we purified covalent protein‐electrophile conjugates from cell lysates. We confirm the previously described conjugation of XN to Keap1. One of the newly identified candidate target proteins is glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). We confirm that XN attenuates intracellular G6PDH activity at low micromolar concentrations.ConclusionWe find support for the notion that XN modulates multiple pathways and processes by covalent modification of proteins with reactive cysteines.