bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite metric R2 − R1ρ (1/T2 − 1/T1ρ) as a potential MR imaging biomarker associated with changes in pain after ACL reconstruction: A six‐month follow‐up
Authors: Russell Colin , Pedoia Valentina , Majumdar Sharmila ,   AF‐ACL Consortium
Published: August 2016

This study looked to investigate a new quantitative metric, R2 − R1ρ (1/T2 − 1/T1ρ), using magnetic resonance (MR) images and voxel‐based relaxometry (VBR) for detecting early cartilage degeneration and explore the association with patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in patients 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Sixty‐four patients from three sites were bilaterally scanned on a 3T MR with a combined T1ρ/T2 protocol to calculate R1ρ (1/T1ρ) and R2 (1/T2) values at baseline and 6 months after reconstructive surgery. Non‐rigid registration was applied to align images onto a template, allowing VBR to determine VBR rate differences and explore cross‐sectional and longitudinal differences between injured and uninjured knees, generating Statistical Parametric Maps (SPMs). Baseline R2 − R1ρ differences were further correlated with change in PROMs from the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) from baseline to 6 months. Cross‐sectional results demonstrated low relaxation rate differences in the injured patella (baseline: 21%, p = 0.01; 6‐months: 18%, p = 0.02), lateral tibia (baseline: 25%, p = 0.01; 6‐months: 24%, p = 0.01), and weight‐bearing regions of the tibia and femur. The uninjured patella showed significant longitudinal changes (17%, p = 0.02). R2 − R1ρ differences showed significant correlations with KOOS PROMs, particularly in the lateral tibia, patella, and trochlea. R2 − R1ρ difference VBR analyses provide new and highly sensitive parameters for assessing early cartilage degeneration in patients after ACL injury by integrating findings from both T1ρ and T2, commonly used relaxation time parameters, into a single metric. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:718–729, 2017.
Effects of a treatment with Se‐rich rice flour high in resistant starch on enteric dysbiosis and chronic inflammation in diabetic ICR mice
Authors: Yuan Huaibo , Wang Wenjuan , Chen Deyi , Zhu Xiping , Meng Lina
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Enteric dysbiosis is associated with chronic inflammation and interacts with obesity and insulin resistance. Obesity and diabetes are induced in ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice fed a high‐fat diet and administered a streptozocin injection. These mice were treated with normal rice (NR), normal rice with a high resistant starch content (NRRS) or Se‐rich rice (selenium‐enriched rice) with a high resistant starch content (SRRS).

RESULTS

Faecal cell counts of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were significantly higher in SRRS‐treated mice than in diabetic controls, while Enterobacter cloacae were lower. Similar results were also found in NRRS‐treated mice. In contrast, no significant difference was found between NR‐treated and diabetic control groups. The treatments with SRRS and NRRS reduced the faecal pH values of the diabetic mice. Regarding the inflammatory factor levels, lower levels of serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), nuclear factor‐k‐gene binding (NF‐κB) and leptin (LEP) and higher adiponutrin (ADPN) levels were found in the SRRS and NRRS‐treated mice compared with the diabetic and NR‐treated mice. In addition, the CRP, IL‐6 and NF‐κB levels in the SRRS‐treated mice were significantly reduced compared with those observed in the NRRS‐treated mice. The reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) results showed that the SRRS and NRRS‐treated mice presented higher expression levels of orphan G protein‐coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) and orphan G protein‐coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) proteins compared with diabetic mice and NR‐treated mice.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that treatments with rice high in RS exert beneficial effects by improving enteric dysbiosis and chronic inflammation. In addition, selenium and RS may exert synergistic effects on chronic inflammation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Behavior of bounded solutions for some almost periodic neutral partial functional differential equations
Authors: Ait Dads El Hadi , Es‐sebbar Brahim , Ezzinbi Khalil , Ziat Mohamed
Published: August 2016

We establish a Bochner type characterization for Stepanov almost periodic functions, and we prove a new result about the integration of almost periodic functions. This result is then used together with a reduction principle to investigate the nature of bounded solutions of some almost periodic partial neutral functional differential equations. More specifically, we prove that all bounded solutions on
are almost periodic. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐inflammatory potential of black carrot (Daucus carota L.) polyphenols in a co‐culture model of intestinal Caco‐2 and endothelial EA.hy926 cells
Authors: Kamiloglu Senem , Grootaert Charlotte , Capanoglu Esra , Ozkan Ceren , Smagghe Guy , Raes Katleen , Van Camp John
Published: August 2016

Scope

The present study was developed to determine the ability of polyphenol‐rich black carrot and its by‐products, i.e., peel and pomace, to modulate the inflammatory response in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) treated endothelial cells after gastrointestinal digestion and in a co‐culture of intestinal Caco‐2 and endothelial EA.hy926 cell model.

Results

The results indicated that after 4 h of treatment, the transport of anthocyanins and phenolic acids was higher for digested samples (1.3−7%) compared to the undigested samples (0−3.3%). The transported polyphenols were able to downregulate the secretion of pro‐inflammatory markers, i.e. IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, under normal and tumor necrosis factor α induced inflammatory conditions. The most pronounced protective effects were observed with digested samples under inflammatory conditions, which significantly decreased the secretion of all markers from 120−203% down to 34−144% (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Overall, these results show that the polyphenol‐rich black carrot absorption products may function through an inhibitory regulation of the inflammatory cascade in endothelial cells.
Resveratrol inhibits steroidogenesis in human fetal adrenocortical cells at the end of first trimester
Authors: Savchuk Iuliia , Morvan Marie‐Line , Søeborg Tue , Antignac Jean‐Philippe , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina , Le Bizec Bruno , Söder Olle , Svechnikov Konstantin
Published: August 2016

Scope

Resveratrol has a diverse array of healthful effects on metabolic parameters in different experimental paradigms but has also potential to inhibit steroidogenesis in rodent adrenals. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of resveratrol on human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis at gestational weeks (GW) 9–12.

Methods and results

Adrenals from aborted fetuses (GW10‐12) were used to prepare primary cultures of human fetal adrenocortical cells (HFAC). HFAC were treated in the presence or absence of ACTH (10 ng/mL) with or without resveratrol (10 μM) for 24 h. The production of steroids by HFAC was analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem/mass spectrometry. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes at GW 9–12 was quantified by automated Western blotting. We observed that resveratrol significantly suppressed synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione and 11‐deoxicortisol by ACTH‐activated and unstimulated HFAC, which was associated with inhibition of the activities and expression of cytochromes 17α‐hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17) and 21‐hydroxylase (CYP21) in these fetal adrenocortical cells.

Conclusion

Our in vitro findings on the sensitivity of human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis to resveratrol at GW9‐12 suggest that intake of this polyphenol at high doses by women who are at early stages of pregnancy is undesirable.
Comparison of the effectiveness of repeated injections of onabotulinum toxin A for refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity: analysis of an open label extension of a randomized trial (the RELAX study)
Authors: Owen Rhiannon K. , Abrams Keith R. , Mayne Christopher , Slack Mark , Tincello Douglas G.
Published: August 2016

AIMS

To assess effects of repeat treatment with onabotulinumtoxin A (onaBoNT‐A) in women with refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity (DO).

METHODS

Analysis of an open‐label extension study of a large randomized placebo controlled trial of onaBoNT‐A. Participants had been randomized to receive 200 IU onaBoNTA or placebo and were offered up to two further onaBoNTA injections over a 5‐year period. For this analysis, the primary outcome was duration of treatment effect by patient‐reported symptom return. Weibull proportional hazards regression models were fitted in a Bayesian framework to estimate missing times. Multivariable hazard regression analysis (hazard ratio, 95% credible intervals (HR, 95% CrI) compared repeated injections adjusting for differences in baseline symptom severity. Secondary outcomes included inter‐injection interval, incontinence, urgency, and voiding episodes 6 weeks after injection.

RESULTS

Four hundred and forty‐two active injections were administered: 228 patients had one, 155 had two, and 59 had three injections. Time to symptom return for injection number 1 and 2 was 84 (95%CI: 63, 112) and 180 (95%CI: 135, 223) days, respectively. Median inter‐injection intervals for receiving second and third injection were 266 days (range: 130, 1400) and 372 days (range: 134, 1283). No statistically significant differences in symptom outcomes or time to symptom return (HR 0.88, 95% CrI 0.37, 2.07 for injection 2, HR 0.33, 95% CrI 0.09, 1.03 for injection 3) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated onaBoNT‐A injections have consistent efficacy and duration of action. There appears to be long‐term placebo effects in both groups of randomized patients, with implications for open‐label extension studies.
Distinguishing Subgroups of Narcissists with Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Wetzel Eunike , Leckelt Marius , Gerlach Tanja M. , Back Mitja D.
Published: August 2016

This study investigated grandiose narcissism from a categorical perspective. We tested whether subgroups of narcissists can be distinguished that differ in their expressions of more agentic (narcissistic admiration, ADM) and more antagonistic (narcissistic rivalry, RIV) pathways of narcissism. We analysed three German samples (total N = 2211; Mage = 26; 70% female) and one US sample (N = 971; Mage = 35; 74% female) using latent class analysis. Four subgroups of narcissists were consistently identified across samples from Germany and the United States: low narcissists, moderate narcissists primarily characterized by agentic aspects (ADM), moderate narcissists characterized by both agentic and antagonistic aspects (ADM + RIV), and high narcissists. The subgroups were systematically related to a number of personality traits (e.g. Machiavellianism, impulsivity) and adjustment indicators (e.g. self–esteem, empathy). Members in the moderate narcissists—ADM subgroup showed the most adaptive characteristics while members in the moderate narcissists—ADM + RIV subgroup showed the most maladaptive characteristics. Investigating grandiose narcissism—a primarily quantitative trait—from a categorical perspective can yield valuable insights that would otherwise be overlooked. In addition, our results underline the utility of a self–regulatory process approach to grandiose narcissism that distinguishes between agentic and antagonistic dynamics. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
Additive and Synergetic Contributions of Neuroticism and Life Events to Depression and Anxiety in Women
Authors: Kandler Christian , Ostendorf Fritz
Published: August 2016

In this genetically informative and longitudinal study of women, we investigated the nature of individual differences in tendencies to depression (TD) and anxiety (TA) as well as in the probability to develop unipolar mood disorders (UMDs), anxiety disorders (ADs) or both. Specifically, we examined the roles of neuroticism, negative and positive life events and their interplay as heritable and environmental factors of variance in TD and TA. Cross–sectional data from a total of 1200 women including 232 patients (suffering from UMDs and/or ADs) and longitudinal data from 630 female twins including 260 complete pairs were analysed. The analyses yielded that variance in neuroticism mediated the vast majority of the genetic variance in both TD (about 85–90%) and TA (about 70–75%). Negative life events additionally contributed as risk factors accounting for common and specific environmental variance in both TD and TA, whereas positive life events only acted as protective factors in the case of TD. Moreover, TD but not TA was associated with both the probability of exposure and the sensitivity to negative life events and a negative life–event balance (i.e. more negative than positive experiences). The results were discussed within the framework of additive, dynamic and synergetic diathesis–stress models. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
A Comparison of Scientists’ Arguments and School Argumentation Tasks
Authors: MACPHERSON ANNA C.
Published: August 2016

This study sought to investigate the arguments that ecologists engage in as part of their work and to compare their arguments with the way in which ecological arguments have been presented in school argumentation tasks. Ten ecologists, in subfields ranging from individual/behavioral ecology to global ecology, participated in semistructured interviews. Transcripts were coded using a framework for analyzing arguments as well as open coding to identify emergent themes. Ecologists’ descriptions of their arguments were compared with a set of published school argumentation tasks. Ecologists’ descriptions differed from school tasks mainly in terms of the types of claims offered. Whereas the ecologists all mentioned causal claims (i.e., claims that attempt to offer an underlying cause for natural phenomena), school argumentation tasks asked students to construct and critique mainly descriptive claims (i.e., claims that describe natural phenomena) and prescriptive claims (i.e., claims about human decision making). Furthermore, while ecologists emphasized the importance of critique in their arguments, school argumentation tasks generally ignored this aspect. The lack of materials addressing causal claims raises questions: Why are these types of claims absent from school science, and how can we design tasks that ask students to construct and, importantly, critique such claims?
Gold Nanomaterials in Consumer Cosmetics Nanoproducts: Analyses, Characterization, and Dermal Safety Assessment
Authors: Cao Mingjing , Li Jiayang , Tang Jinglong , Chen Chunying , Zhao Yuliang
Published: August 2016

Establishment of analytical methods of engineered nanomaterials in consumer products for their human and environmental risk assessment becomes urgent for both academic and industrial needs. Owing to the difficulties and challenges around nanomaterials in complex media, proper chemical separation and biological assays of nanomaterials from nanoproducts needs to be firstly developed. Herein, a facile and rapid method to separate and analyze gold nanomaterials in cosmetics is reported. Gold nanomaterials are successfully separated from different facial or eye creams and their physiochemical properties are analyzed by quantitative and qualitative state‐of‐the art techniques with high sensitivity or high spatial resolution. In turn, a protocol including quantification of gold by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and thorough characterization of morphology, size distribution, and surface property by electron microscopes, atomic force microscope, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope is developed. Subsequently, the preliminary toxicity assessment indicates that gold nanomaterials in cosmetic creams have no observable toxicity to human keratinocytes even after 24 h exposure up to a concentration of 200 μg mL−1. The environmental scanning electron microscope reveals that gold nanomaterials are mostly attached on the cell membrane. Thus, the present study provides a full analysis protocol for toxicity assessment of gold nanomaterials in consumer products (cosmetic creams).
Size‐Dependent Cellular Uptake of DNA Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wong Alexis C. , Wright David W.
Published: August 2016

The extensive use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in nanomedicine, especially for intracellular imaging, photothermal therapy, and drug delivery, has necessitated the study of how functionalized AuNPs engage with living biological interfaces like the mammalian cell. Nanoparticle size, shape, surface charge, and surface functionality can affect the accumulation of functionalized AuNPs in cells. Confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry demonstrate that CaSki cells, a human cervical cancer cell line, internalize AuNPs functionalized with hairpin, single stranded, and double stranded DNA differently. Surface charge and DNA conformation are shown to have no effect on the cell‐nanoparticle interaction. CaSki cells accumulate small DNA‐AuNPs in greater quantities than large DNA‐AuNPs, demonstrating that size is the major contributor to cellular uptake properties. These data suggest that DNA‐AuNPs can be easily tailored through modulation of size to design functional AuNPs with optimal cellular uptake properties and enhanced performance in nanomedicine applications.
Controlling the Placement of Spherical Nanoparticles in Electrically Driven Polymer Jets and its Application to Li‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Zhmayev Yevgen , Pinge Shubham , Shoorideh Ghazal , Shebert George L. , Kaur Prabhleen , Liu Hongshen , Joo Yong Lak
Published: August 2016

Employing circumferentially uniform air flow through the sheath layer of the concentric coaxial nozzle, the gas‐assisted electrospinning (GAES) utilizes both high electric field and controlled air flow to produce nanofibers. The ability to tailor the distribution of various nanofillers (1.85–12.92 vol% of spherical SiO2 and Si nanoparticles) in a polyvinyl alcohol jet is demonstrated by varying airflow rates in GAES. The distribution of nanofillers is measured from transmission electron microscopy and is analyzed using an image processing technique to perform the dispersion area analysis and obtain the most probable separation between nanoparticles using fast Fourier transform (FFT). The analysis in this study indicates an additional 350% improvement in dispersion area with the application of high but controlled airflow, and a 75 percent decrease in separation between nanoparticles from the FFT. The experiments in this study are in good agreement with a coarse‐grained MD simulation prediction for a polymer nanocomposite system subjected to extensional deformation. Lastly, utilizing the sheath layer air flow in production of Li‐battery anode material, a 680 mAh g−1 improvement is observed in capacity for nanofibers spun via GAES compared to ES at the same Si NP loading, which is associated with better dispersion of the electrochemically active nanoparticles.
Yolk–Shell MnO@ZnMn2O4/N–C Nanorods Derived from α‐MnO2/ZIF‐8 as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhong Ming , Yang Donghui , Xie Chenchao , Zhang Zhang , Zhou Zhen , Bu Xian‐He
Published: August 2016

Manganese oxides (MnOx) are promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries, but they generally exhibit mediocre performances due to intrinsic low ionic conductivity, high polarization, and poor stability. Herein, yolk–shell nanorods comprising of nitrogen‐doped carbon (N–C) coating on manganese monoxide (MnO) coupled with zinc manganate (ZnMn2O4) nanoparticles are manufactured via one‐step carbonization of α‐MnO2/ZIF‐8 precursors. When evaluated as anodes for lithium ion batteries, MnO@ZnMn2O4/N–C exhibits an reversible capacity of 803 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, excellent cyclability with a capacity of 595 mAh g−1 at 1000 mAg−1 after 200 cycles, as well as better rate capability compared with those non‐N–C shelled manganese oxides (MnOx). The outstanding electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique yolk–shell nanorod structure, the coating effect of N–C and nanoscale size.
Micro and nanoparticles of native and modified cassava starches as carriers of the antimicrobial potassium sorbate
Authors: Alzate Paola , Zalduendo María Mercedes , Gerschenson Lía , Flores Silvia Karina
Published: August 2016

Cross‐linked and/or acetylated cassava starches were synthesized and characterized. The acetylation increased the water retention capacity and the solubility in water while the higher level of cross‐linking produced the opposite effect on starch. Native (NCS) and acetylated cassava starches (ACS) were used to generate starch micro‐ and nanoparticles by the dialysis technique. The nanoparticle fraction was around 1.8 g 100 g−1 and 12 g 100 g−1 (starch dry basis) for NCS and ACS, respectively. The nanoparticle sizes were around 23–255 nm with zeta potential extending from −4 to −44 mV, while the microscopic fractions ranged 5–87 µm. In addition, the capacity of particles to support potassium sorbate (KS) was tested. NCS and ACS particles supported a similar quantity of KS (≈1400 ppm) and the presence of antimicrobial decreased the particle size for NCS. The precipitation in ethanol technique was also used to generate microparticles where the particles generated from acetylated starches were smaller (8–58 µm) than those from native ones (30–227 µm). The KS content that these particles could incorporate was around 2020 ppm. The applied technique modulated the average dimension of the particles obtained, as well as the antimicrobial retention capacity. These innovative materials could be potentially helpful for shelf life extension by the contribution to the KS stabilization to be incorporated in the bulk of food products.
Robust 2DOF fuzzy gain scheduling control for DC servo speed controller
Authors: Chitsanga Natchanon , Kaitwanidvilai Somyot
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a new design method called “robust 2DOF fuzzy gain scheduling control” for a DC servo speed control system. The proposed technique utilizes the basic concept of 2DOF robust loop shaping, whose time‐domain specifications are combined during the controller design using a reference model. In addition, the local controllers are fixed‐ structure robust controllers whose structure can be specified as for a simple controller. A fuzzy approach is adopted in both system identification process and global control structure to accomplish an entirely robust system. Although the design of robust control in a fuzzy system is not easy, genetic algorithms (GAs) simplify the control design problem to design the fuzzy controller such that the average stability margin is minimized. Implementation of a DC servo speed control was adopted to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed controller. As seen from the results, the proposed controller has more robust performance and can be adopted in applications with a wide operating range. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Emergency scheduling for forest fires subject to limited rescue team resources and priority disaster areas
Authors: Ren Yaping , Tian Guangdong
Published: August 2016

To enable immediate and efficient emergency scheduling during forest fires, we propose a novel emergency scheduling model for such fires subject to priority disaster areas and limited rescue team resources to minimize the total travel distance for rescue teams. Moreover, a hybrid intelligent algorithm integrating genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) is adopted to solve the proposed model. A case study is presented to illustrate the proposed model and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The goal of this work is to analyze the emergency scheduling problem of forest fires subject to limited rescue teams and priority disaster areas. Both theoretical and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model can perform effectively the quantitative analysis of an emergency involving forest fires. Such results can help decision makers to make better judgment when dealing with an emergency involving fires. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Birth weight in live births and stillbirths
Authors: Poon L. C. Y. , Tan M. Y. , Yerlikaya G. , Syngelaki A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To establish a normal range of birth weights for gestational age at delivery and to compare the proportion of live births and stillbirths that are classified as small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) according to our normal range vs that of the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard.

Methods

The study population comprised 113 019 live births and 437 (0.4%) stillbirths. The inclusion criterion for establishing a normal range of birth weights for gestational age was the live birth of a phenotypically normal neonate ≥ 24 weeks' gestation and the exclusion criteria were smoking and prepregnancy hypertension, diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome, pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus or iatrogenic preterm birth for fetal growth restriction in the current pregnancy. Inclusion criteria were met by 92 018 live births. The proportions of live births and stillbirths with birth weights < 5th and < 10th percentiles of our normal range and those according to the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard were determined and compared by the chi‐square test and McNemar test.

Results

The proportions of live births and stillbirths with a birth weight < 5th percentile according to our standard were significantly higher than and discordant with the proportion according to the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard (live birth: 5.6% vs 3.4%; stillbirth: 37.2% vs 22.7%). Similarly, the proportion of live births and stillbirths with a birth weight < 10th percentile according to our standard were significantly higher than and discordant with those according to the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard (live birth: 11.2% vs 6.9%; stillbirth: 44.3% vs 32.6%).

Conclusion

The INTERGROWTH‐21st standard underestimates the proportion of SGA live births and stillbirths in our population. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Prediction of stillbirth from placental growth factor at 11–13 weeks
Authors: Akolekar R. , Machuca M. , Mendes M. , Paschos V. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To investigate whether the addition of maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) measured at 11–13 weeks' gestation improves the performance of screening for stillbirths that is achieved by a combination of maternal factors and first‐trimester biomarkers such as maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), fetal ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins (DV‐PIV) and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) and to evaluate the performance of screening with this model for all stillbirths and those due to impaired placentation and unexplained causes.

Methods

This was a prospective screening study of 45 452 singleton pregnancies including 45 225 live births and 227 (0.49%) antepartum stillbirths; 131 (58%) were secondary to impaired placentation and 96 (42%) were due to other or unexplained causes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether the addition of maternal serum PlGF improved the performance of screening that was achieved by a combination of maternal factors and PAPP‐A, DV‐PIV and UtA‐PI.

Results

Significant contribution to the prediction of stillbirth was provided by maternal factor‐derived a‐priori risk and multiples of the median values of PlGF, DV‐PIV and UtA‐PI but not of serum PAPP‐A. A model combining these variables predicted 42% of all stillbirths and 61% of those due to impaired placentation, at a false‐positive rate of 10%; within the impaired placentation group the detection rate of stillbirth < 32 weeks' gestation was higher than that of stillbirth ≥ 37 weeks (71% vs 46%; P = 0.031).

Conclusions

A high proportion of stillbirths due to impaired placentation can be identified effectively in the first trimester of pregnancy. Addition of PlGF improves the performance of screening achieved by other maternal factors and biomarkers. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Prediction of stillbirth from maternal demographic and pregnancy characteristics
Authors: Yerlikaya G. , Akolekar R. , McPherson K. , Syngelaki A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To develop a model for prediction of stillbirth based on maternal characteristics and components of medical history and to evaluate the performance of screening with this model for all stillbirths and those due to impaired placentation and to unexplained causes.

Methods

This was a prospective screening study of 113 415 singleton pregnancies at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation and at 19 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks. The study population included 113 019 live births and 396 (0.35%) antepartum stillbirths; 230 (58%) were secondary to impaired placentation and 166 (42%) were due to other or unexplained causes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors from maternal characteristics and medical history which provided a significant contribution to the prediction of stillbirth.

Results

The risk for stillbirth increased with maternal weight (odds ratio (OR), 1.01 per kg above 69 kg), was higher in women of Afro‐Caribbean racial origin (OR, 2.01), those with assisted conception (OR, 1.79), cigarette smokers (OR, 1.71), and in those with a history of chronic hypertension (OR, 2.62), systemic lupus erythematosus/antiphospholipid syndrome (OR, 3.61) or diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.55) and was increased in women with a history of previous stillbirth (OR, 4.81). Screening with the model predicted 26% of unexplained stillbirths and 31% of those due to impaired placentation, at a false‐positive rate of 10%; within the impaired‐placentation group the detection rate of stillbirth < 32 weeks' gestation was higher than that of stillbirth ≥ 37 weeks (38% vs 28%).

Conclusions

A model based on maternal characteristics and medical history recorded in early pregnancy can potentially predict one‐third of subsequent stillbirths. The extent to which such stillbirths could be prevented remains to be determined. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Microtubule‐based force generation
Authors: Kent Ian A. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: August 2016

Microtubules are vital to many important cell processes, such as cell division, transport of cellular cargo, organelle positioning, and cell migration. Owing to their diverse functions, understanding microtubule function is an important part of cell biological research that can help in combating various diseases. For example, microtubules are an important target of chemotherapeutic drugs such as paclitaxel because of their pivotal role in cell division. Many functions of microtubules relate to the generation of mechanical forces. These forces are generally either a direct result of microtubule polymerization/depolymerization or generated by motor proteins that move processively along microtubules. In this review, we summarize recent efforts to quantify and model force generation by microtubules in the context of microtubule function. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1428. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1428

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale
Key role of LaeA and velvet complex proteins on expression of β-lactam and PR-toxin genes in Penicillium chrysogenum: cross-talk regulation of secondary metabolite pathways
Authors: Martín Juan F
Published: August 2016

Penicillium chrysogenum is an excellent model fungus to study the molecular mechanisms of control of expression of secondary metabolite genes. A key global regulator of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is the LaeA protein that interacts with other components of the velvet complex (VelA, VelB, VelC, VosA). These components interact with LaeA and regulate expression of penicillin and PR-toxin biosynthetic genes in P. chrysogenum. Both LaeA and VelA are positive regulators of the penicillin and PR-toxin biosynthesis, whereas VelB acts as antagonist of the effect of LaeA and VelA. Silencing or deletion of the laeA gene has a strong negative effect on penicillin biosynthesis and overexpression of laeA increases penicillin production. Expression of the laeA gene is enhanced by the P. chrysogenum autoinducers 1,3 diaminopropane and spermidine. The PR-toxin gene cluster is very poorly expressed in P. chrysogenum under penicillin-production conditions (i.e. it is a near-silent gene cluster). Interestingly, the downregulation of expression of the PR-toxin gene cluster in the high producing strain P. chrysogenum DS17690 was associated with mutations in both the laeA and velA genes. Analysis of the laeA and velA encoding genes in this high penicillin producing strain revealed that both laeA and velA acquired important mutations during the strain improvement programs thus altering the ratio of different secondary metabolites (e.g. pigments, PR-toxin) synthesized in the high penicillin producing mutants when compared to the parental wild type strain. Cross-talk of different secondary metabolite pathways has also been found in various Penicillium spp.: P. chrysogenum mutants lacking the penicillin gene cluster produce increasing amounts of PR-toxin, and mutants of P. roqueforti silenced in the PR-toxin genes produce large amounts of mycophenolic acid. The LaeA-velvet complex mediated regulation and the pathway cross-talk phenomenon has great relevance for improving the production of novel secondary metabolites, particularly of those secondary metabolites which are produced in trace amounts encoded by silent or near-silent gene clusters.
Morphology-influenced wetting model of nanopore structures
Authors: Kim Sunghan , Choi Hyunho , Polycarpou Andreas A. , Liang Hong
Published: August 2016

Understanding the wetting behavior of nanostructures is important for surface design. The present study examined the intrinsic wettability of nanopore structures, and proposed a theoretical wetting model. Using this model, it was found that the wetting behavior of nanopore structures depends on the morphology of a surface. To accurately predict the wetting behavior of nanopore structures, correction factors were introduced. As a result, the proposed wetting model can be used to predict the wettability of nanopore structures for various engineering purposes.
Análisis de redes sociales para catalizar la innovación agrícola: de los vínculos directos a la integración y radialidad
Authors: Aguilar-Gallegos Norman , Martínez-González Enrique Genaro , Aguilar-Ávila Jorge , Santoyo-Cortés Horacio , Muñoz-Rodríguez Manrrubio , García-Sáncheza Edgar Iván
Published: August 2016

Se analizan los efectos de las interacciones, directas e indirectas, entre agricultores y otros actores relevantes en el intercambio de informacion y conocimiento para la innovacion agricola. Los datos se obtuvieron al preguntar a 120 agricultores «¿de quien aprende y/o a quien recurre para obtener informacion o conocimiento de cuestiones tecnicas y productivas en torno a su unidad de produccion?». Se emplean indicadores del analisis de redes sociales para proponer lineamientos que permitan catalizar la innovación agricola. Los resultados confirman la importancia de los vinculos indirectos, pues estos permiten que los agricultores alcancen mejor informacion de fuentes externas. Se recomienda que los programas encaminados a promover la innovacion agricola consideren la interaccion preexistente en las redes de los agricultores.
Comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes from full‐dilatation cesarean deliveries using the Fetal Pillow or hand‐push method
Authors: Safa Huda , Beckmann Michael
Published: August 2016

Objective

To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of full‐dilatation cesarean deliveries using the Fetal Pillow or hand‐ push method.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included data from all women who underwent full‐dilatation cesarean deliveries at term that involved the use of the Fetal Pillow or the hand‐push method at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Brisbane, Australia between May 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015. Maternal (estimated blood loss, need for blood transfusion, uterine angle extension, and duration of stay in hospital following delivery) and neonatal outcomes (5‐minute Apgar score below 7, cord arterial pH, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and need for endotracheal intubation) were compared between the two treatment methods.

Results

Of 361 cesarean deliveries performed at full dilation during the study period, clinicians documented the use of a Fetal Pillow in 91 deliveries and use of the hand‐push method in 69. Lower mean intra‐operative blood loss (P = 0.026), a shorter duration of postpartum hospital admission (P = 0.002), and higher mean cord arterial pH (P = 0.003) were observed in the Fetal Pillow group.

Conclusion

The Fetal Pillow appears to be a safe and effective aid for the delivery of the fetal head during cesarean deliveries at full dilatation.
Clinical correlates of leiomyoma estrogen and progesterone receptors among Nigerian women
Authors: Awowole Ibraheem O. , Makinde Olufemiwa N. , Badejoko Olusegun O. , Omoniyi‐Esan Ganiyat O. , Tijani Aramide M. , Ajenifuja Kayode O. , Loto Olabisi M.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To compare the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in myometrium and leiomyomata tissue, and to correlate their expression with symptoms of uterine leiomyomata.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, intraoperative biopsy samples of leiomyomata and adjacent myometrial specimens were obtained from premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomata treated at a center in Nigeria between September 2013 and August 2014. Immunohistochemistry for ERα and PR expression was performed on the samples. The immunoscores of both receptors were correlated with the size and symptoms of the leiomyomata.

Results

Among 60 pairs of samples, leiomyomata had a higher mean expression of ERα (H‐score 193.42 ± 64.55 vs 153.29 ± 69.13; P = 0.01) and PR (214.86 ± 66.56 vs 171.53 ± 63.53; P < 0.001) than did myometrial tissues. The tumor diameter correlated negatively with the immunoscores of both receptors irrespective of age, parity, and body mass index, but this was only significant for PR (ρ =–0.44; P < 0.001). Downregulation of PR on leiomyomata was predicted to occur at a diameter of 11 cm. Menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and infertility occurred independently of steroid‐receptor expression.

Conclusion

Leiomyomata seem to depend on steroid hormones, but only during early tumor development. This could have implications for the selection of patients for medical management, especially with steroid‐receptor modulators.
Comparison of Outcomes of Extended Dwell/Midline Peripheral Intravenous Catheters and Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Children
Authors: Anderson Jill , Greenwell Angela , Louderback Jill , Polivka Barbara J. , Behr Jodi Herron
Published: August 2016

Background: Insertion of extended dwell/midline peripheral intravenous (EPIVs) catheters is not common practice in pediatric hospitals. An interdisciplinary team in 1 pediatric hospital developed a venous access decision tree based on current standards that included EPIVs. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the process and pediatric patient outcomes associated with use of EPIVs and with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

Methods: A retrospective record review over 22 months was conducted for 375 patients who received either a PICC (67.5%) or EPIV (32.5%). Data collected included patient demographic characteristics, diagnosis category, type and purpose of the line, insertion and removal dates, catheter size, placement location, and complications encountered.

Results: EPIVs were inserted with a 1.9F or 3F catheter, whereas PICCs generally used a 3F or 4F catheter. EPIVS were more commonly inserted in children younger than age 1 year, whereas children aged ≥ 11 years more often had a PICC inserted. EPIVs remained in place an average of 9 days compared with 20 days for PICC lines. Significantly more complications occurred during the placement of PICCs, whereas EPIVs had more complications during use such as leakage, dislodging, and infiltration.

Conclusions: EPIVs were a successful alternative to PICC or peripherally inserted venous catheters for children in an inpatient acute-care facility who need 30 days or fewer of nonvesicant intravenous therapy. The venous access decision tree provided useful guidance in determining the appropriate venous access device for pediatric patients and the decision tree was adhered to by the vascular access team.
Insertion torque, resonance frequency, and removal torque analysis of microimplants
Authors: Tseng Yu‐Chuan , Ting Chun‐Chan , Du Je‐Kang , Chen Chun‐Ming , Wu Ju‐Hui , Chen Hong‐Sen
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to compare the insertion torque (IT), resonance frequency (RF), and removal torque (RT) among three microimplant brands. Thirty microimplants of the three brands were used as follows: Type A (titanium alloy, 1.5‐mm × 8‐mm), Type B (stainless steel, 1.5‐mm × 8‐mm), and Type C (titanium alloy, 1.5‐mm × 9‐mm). A synthetic bone with a 2‐mm cortical bone and bone marrow was used. Each microimplant was inserted into the synthetic bone, without predrilling, to a 7 mm depth. The IT, RF, and RT were measured in both vertical and horizontal directions. One‐way analysis of variance and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests were used for intergroup and intragroup comparisons, respectively. In the vertical test, the ITs of Type C (7.8 Ncm) and Type B (7.5 Ncm) were significantly higher than that of Type A (4.4 Ncm). The RFs of Type C (11.5 kHz) and Type A (10.2 kHz) were significantly higher than that of Type B (7.5 kHz). Type C (7.4 Ncm) and Type B (7.3 Ncm) had significantly higher RTs than did Type A (4.1 Ncm). In the horizontal test, both the ITs and RTs were significantly higher for Type C, compared with Type A. No significant differences were found among the groups, and the study hypothesis was accepted. Type A had the lowest inner/outer diameter ratio and widest apical facing angle, engendering the lowest IT and highest RF values. However, no significant correlations in the IT, RF, and RT were observed among the three groups.
Powered Exoskeletons for Walking Assistance in Persons with Central Nervous System Injuries: A Narrative Review
Authors: Esquenazi Alberto , Talaty Mukul , Jayaraman Arun
Published: August 2016

Individuals with central nervous system injuries are a large and apparently rapidly expanding population—as suggested by 2013 statistics from the American Heart Association. Increasing survival rates and lifespans emphasize the need to improve the quality of life for this population. In persons with central nervous system injuries, mobility limitations are among the most important factors contributing to reduced life satisfaction. Decreased mobility and subsequently reduced overall activity levels also contribute to lower levels of physical health. Braces to assist walking are options for greater‐functioning individuals but still limit overall mobility as the result of increased energy expenditure and difficulty of use. For individuals with greater levels of mobility impairment, wheelchairs remain the preferred mobility aid yet still fall considerably short compared with upright bipedal walking. Furthermore, the promise of functional electrical stimulation as a means to achieve walking has yet to materialize. None of these options allow individuals to achieve walking at speeds or levels comparable with those seen in individuals with unimpaired gait. Medical exoskeletons hold much promise to fulfill this unmet need and have advanced as a viable option in both therapeutic and personal mobility state, particularly during the past decade. The present review highlights the major developments in this technology, with a focus on exoskeletons for lower limb that may encompass the spine and that aim to allow independent upright walking for those who otherwise do not have this option. Specifically reviewed are powered exoskeletons that are either commercially available or have the potential to restore upright walking function. This paper includes a basic description of how each exoskeleton device works, a summation of key features, their known limitations, and a discussion of current and future clinical applicability.
Unbegleitete minderjährige Flüchtlinge
Authors: Anders Merle , Christiansen Hanna
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Angesichts der aktuellen Flüchtlingsproblematik und der hohen Prävalenz psychischer Störungen bei Flüchtlingen stellt sich die Frage nach wirksamen Interventionen zur psychotherapeutischen Versorgung insbesondere minderjähriger Flüchtlinge. Das Review bietet einen Überblick über den aktuellen Forschungsstand zur Wirksamkeit verschiedener therapeutischer Interventionen bei unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtlingen (UMF). Durch eine Recherche von acht Datenbanken wurden 12 Studien identifiziert, die mittels Prä- und Postmessungen psychologischer Outcomes in quantitativer Form über die Wirksamkeit psychotherapeutischer Interventionen bei UMF berichten. Mittels statistischer Informationen wurden außerdem Effektstärken berechnet. Zehn der zwölf Artikel berichteten signifikante Ergebnisse, wenngleich die Befundlage insgesamt dünn und die methodische Qualität oft mangelhaft ist. Replikationsstudien von hoher methodischer Qualität sowie die Erforschung weiterer Maßnahmen, beispielsweise multimodaler psychosozialer Unterstützungsprogramme und im schulischen Kontext, aber auch von potentiellen Moderatoren und Mediatoren, sind notwendig.
Joko, du und ich
Authors: Symanzik Tabea , Lohaus Arnold , Heinrichs Nina
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Berichtet wird über die Entwicklung und Pilotierung eines Kursangebots zur Unterstützung positiver Interaktion zwischen Eltern und ihren 24 bis 36 Monate alten Kindern unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der in diesem Altersbereich anstehenden Entwicklungsaufgaben. Das dazu entwickelte Programm „Joko, du und ich“ besteht aus acht wöchentlichen Spielstationen. Die Umsetzung wird von geschulten ErzieherInnen übernommen, die interessierte Eltern-Kind-Dyaden aus der jeweiligen Kindertagesstätte zur Programmteilnahme einladen. Für die Pilotierung wurde ein Interventions-Kontrollgruppendesign (Interventionsgruppe: n = 15; Kontrollgruppe: n = 32) genutzt, wobei die Vorläufigkeit der Ergebnisse aufgrund der kleinen Stichprobe bei der Interpretation zu berücksichtigen ist. Die teilnehmenden Bezugspersonen der Interventionsgruppe gaben im Selbstbericht nach dem Training günstigere Reaktionen auf negative kindliche Signale, eine geringere Bestrafungsneigung sowie weniger Elternstress an. Darüber hinaus konnten keine weiteren Veränderungen des Interaktionsverhaltens identifiziert werden. Mit dem gewählten Zugang über geschulte ErzieherInnen als Mediatoren konnte dem verbreiteten Bias, dass vor allem Eltern mit hohem Bildungsstand in der Prävention erreicht werden, in der vorliegenden Stichprobe entgegengewirkt werden.