bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis A hospitalizations in the United States, 2002‐2011
Authors: Collier Melissa G. , Tong Xin , Xu Fujie
Published: September 2014

Hepatitis A illness severity increases with age. One indicator of hepatitis A illness severity is whether persons are hospitalized. We describe changes in primary hepatitis A hospitalization rates in the United States from 2002‐2011, including changes in demographics, secondary discharge diagnoses, and factors affecting hospitalization duration. We describe changes from 2002‐2011 among U.S. residents hospitalized with a principal hepatitis A diagnosis and accompanying secondary diagnoses using ICD‐9 codes from the National Inpatient Survey discharge data. We calculated rates of hospitalizations with hepatitis A as the principal discharge diagnosis and rates of secondary discharge diagnoses. Using multiple regression, we assessed the effect of secondary diagnoses on hospitalization length of stay for five time intervals: 2002‐2003, 2004‐2005, 2006‐2007, 2008‐2009, and 2010‐2011. Rates of hospitalization for hepatitis A as a principal diagnosis decreased from 0.72/100,000 to 0.29/100,000 (P < 0.0001) and mean age of those hospitalized increased from 37.6 years to 45.5 years (P < 0.0001) during 2002‐2011. The percentage of hepatitis A hospitalizations covered by Medicare increased from 12.4% to 22.7% (P < 0.0001). Secondary comorbid discharge diagnoses increased, including liver disease, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, disorders of lipid metabolism, and chronic kidney disease. No changes in length‐of‐stay or in‐hospital deaths from hepatitis A over time were found, but persons with liver disease were hospitalized longer. Conclusion: Hospitalization rates for hepatitis A illness have declined significantly from 2002‐2011, but the characteristics of the hospitalized population also changed. Persons hospitalized for hepatitis A in recent years are older and more likely to have liver diseases and other comorbid medical conditions. Hepatitis A disease and resulting hospitalizations could be prevented through adult vaccination. (Hepatology 2015;61:481‐485)
Consequences of mixing assumptions for time‐variable travel time distributions
Authors: van der Velde Ype , Heidbüchel Ingo , Lyon Steve W. , Nyberg Lars , Rodhe Allan , Bishop Kevin , Troch Peter A.
Published: September 2014

The current generation of catchment travel time distribution (TTD) research, integrating nearly three decades of work since publication of Water's Journey from Rain to Stream, seeks to represent the full distribution in catchment travel times and its temporal variability. Here, we compare conceptualizations of increasing complexity with regards to mixing of water storages and evaluate how these assumptions influence time‐variable TTD estimates for two catchments with contrasting climates: the Gårdsjön catchment in Sweden and the Marshall Gulch catchment in Arizona, USA. Our results highlight that, as long as catchment TTDs cannot be measured directly but need to be inferred from input‐output signals of catchments, the inferred catchment TTDs depend strongly on the underlying assumptions of mixing within a catchment. Furthermore, we found that the conceptualization of the evapotranspiration flux strongly influences the inferred travel times of stream discharge. For the wet and forested Gårdsjön catchment in Sweden, we inferred that evapotranspiration most likely resembles a completely mixed sample of the water stored in the catchment; however, for the drier Marshall Gulch catchment in Arizona, evapotranspiration predominantly contained the younger water stored in the catchment. For the Marshall Gulch catchment, this higher probability for young water in evapotranspiration resulted in older water in the stream compared to travel times inferred with assumptions of complete mixing. New observations that focus on the TTD of the evapotranspiration flux and the actual travel time of water through a catchment are necessary to improve identification of mixing and consequently travel times of stream water. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Convergence of Fracture Repair and Stem Cells: Interplay of Genes, Aging, Environmental Factors and Disease
Authors: Hadjiargyrou Michael , O'Keefe Regis J
Published: September 2014

The complexity of fracture repair makes it an ideal process for studying the interplay between the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ level events involved in tissue regeneration. Additionally, as fracture repair recapitulates many of the processes that occur during embryonic development, investigations of fracture repair provide insights regarding skeletal embryogenesis. Specifically, inflammation, signaling, gene expression, cellular proliferation and differentiation, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, angiogenesis, and remodeling represent the complex array of interdependent biological events that occur during fracture repair. Here we review studies of bone regeneration in genetically modified mouse models, during aging, following environmental exposure, and in the setting of disease that provide insights regarding the role of multipotent cells and their regulation during fracture repair. Complementary animal models and ongoing scientific discoveries define an increasing number of molecular and cellular targets to reduce the morbidity and complications associated with fracture repair. Last, some new and exciting areas of stem cell research such as the contribution of mitochondria function, limb regeneration signaling, and microRNA (miRNA) posttranscriptional regulation are all likely to further contribute to our understanding of fracture repair as an active branch of regenerative medicine. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Muscle Torque Relative to Cross-Sectional Area and the Functional Muscle-Bone Unit in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Disease
Authors: Lee Dale Y , Wetzsteon Rachel J , Zemel Babette S , Shults Justine , Organ Jason M , Foster Bethany J , Herskovitz Rita M , Foerster Debbie L , Leonard Mary B
Published: September 2014

Measures of muscle mass or size are often used as surrogates of forces acting on bone. However, chronic diseases may be associated with abnormal muscle force relative to muscle size. The muscle-bone unit was examined in 64 children and adolescents with new-onset Crohn's disease (CD), 54 with chronic kidney disease (CKD), 51 treated with glucocorticoids for nephrotic syndrome (NS), and 264 healthy controls. Muscle torque was assessed by isometric ankle dynamometry. Calf muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and tibia cortical section modulus (Zp) were assessed by quantitative CT. Log-linear regression was used to determine the relations among muscle CSA, muscle torque, and Zp, adjusted for tibia length, age, Tanner stage, sex, and race. Muscle CSA and muscle torque-relative-to-muscle CSA were significantly lower than controls in advanced CKD (CSA −8.7%, p = 0.01; torque −22.9%, p < 0.001) and moderate-to-severe CD (CSA −14.1%, p < 0.001; torque −7.6%, p = 0.05), but not in NS. Zp was 11.5% lower in advanced CKD (p = 0.005) compared to controls, and this deficit was attenuated to 6.7% (p = 0.05) with adjustment for muscle CSA. With additional adjustment for muscle torque and body weight, Zp was 5.9% lower and the difference with controls was no longer significant (p = 0.09). In participants with moderate-to-severe CD, Zp was 6.8% greater than predicted (p = 0.01) given muscle CSA and torque deficits (R2 = 0.92), likely due to acute muscle loss in newly-diagnosed patients. Zp did not differ in NS, compared with controls. In conclusion, muscle torque relative to muscle CSA was significantly lower in CKD and CD, compared with controls, and was independently associated with Zp. Future studies are needed to determine if abnormal muscle strength contributes to progressive bone deficits in chronic disease, independent of muscle area. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Planar Cell Polarity Aligns Osteoblast Division in Response to Substrate Strain
Authors: Galea Gabriel L , Meakin Lee B , Savery Dawn , Taipaleenmaki Hanna , Delisser Peter , Stein Gary S , Copp Andrew J , van Wijnen Andre J , Lanyon Lance E , Price Joanna S
Published: September 2014

Exposure of bone to dynamic strain increases the rate of division of osteoblasts and also influences the directional organization of the cellular and molecular structure of the bone tissue that they produce. Here, we report that brief exposure to dynamic substrate strain (sufficient to rapidly stimulate cell division) influences the orientation of osteoblastic cell division. The initial proliferative response to strain involves canonical Wnt signaling and can be blocked by sclerostin. However, the strain-related orientation of cell division is independently influenced through the noncanonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. Blockade of Rho-associated coiled kinase (ROCK), a component of the PCP pathway, prevents strain-related orientation of division in osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Heterozygous loop-tail mutation of the core PCP component van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2) in mouse osteoblasts impairs the orientation of division in response to strain. Examination of bones from Vangl2 loop-tail heterozygous mice by µCT and scanning electron microscopy reveals altered bone architecture and disorganized bone-forming surfaces. Hence, in addition to the well-accepted role of PCP involvement in response to developmental cues during skeletal morphogenesis, our data reveal that this pathway also acts postnatally, in parallel with canonical Wnt signaling, to transduce biomechanical cues into skeletal adaptive responses. The simultaneous and independent actions of these two pathways appear to influence both the rate and orientation of osteoblast division, thus fine-tuning bone architecture to meet the structural demands of functional loading. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of mixing characteristics and light regime in tubular photobioreactors with novel static mixers
Authors: Cheng Wenchao , Huang Jianke , Chen Jianpei
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Tubular photobioreactors are considered to be important and potential photobioreactors due to their higher photosynthetic efficiency and biomass productivity. In this work the performance of a new tubular photobioreactor with novel static mixers on mixing characteristics and light regime was studied through computational fluid dynamics.

RESULTS

The effects of cross‐angle of two blades, horizontal spacing, open porosity and hole radius of the novel static mixers on mixing characteristics were investigated to obtain appropriate configurations. Compared with the tubular photobioreactor without static mixers, the tubular photobioreactor with novel static mixers was proved to have strong fluid mixing and significant swirling flow. Average velocity magnitude along the light direction increased by nearly 1000 times and turbulent kinetic energy increased by 1.3 times after adding novel static mixers into the tubular photobioreactor. Additionally, with novel static mixers most cells were promoted to circulate between the light zone and the dark zone. The light/dark cycle frequency was also improved and increased by 85.21% and 95.77% at fluid inlet velocity of 0.3 and 0.4 m s−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The simulation results showed the novel static mixers could effectively enhance mixing degree of fluid and increase the light/dark cycle frequency of microalgal cells in tubular photobioreactors. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
CD146 as a new marker for an increased chondroprogenitor cell sub‐population in the later stages of osteoarthritis
Authors: Su Xinlin , Zuo Wei , Wu Zhihong , Chen Jun , Wu Nan , Ma Pei , Xia Zenan , Jiang Chao , Ye Zixing , Liu Sen , Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Guangqian , Wan Chao , Qiu Guixing
Published: September 2014

Cartilage‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated with different methods. In this study lateral and medial femoral condyles were respectively collected from patients with late‐stage osteoarthritis during the total knee arthroplasty. After digestion of the cartilage tissues with type II collagenase and analysis by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) with CD146, a chondroprogenitor cell sub‐population were isolated and purified. The expression of other MSC‐associated markers in the CD146+ chondroprogenitors was analyzed by flow cytometry. Multi‐lineage differentiation capacity of CD146+ chondroprogenitors was compared with that of unsorted chondrocytes and adipose‐derived MSCs (ADMSCs). Higher percentage of CD146+ chondroprogenitors isolated from the medial femoral condyles was observed than that from the lateral. CD146+ chondroprogenitors expressed high levels of MSC‐specific surface antigens, and showed higher chondrogenesis capacity than ADMSCs and unsorted chondrocytes in a 3D cell pellet culture model. Thus CD146 might be a new cell surface marker for cartilage progenitor cell population in the late‐stage osteoarthritis. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:84–91, 2015.
Long‐term outcome after liver transplantation for hepatic schistosomiasis: A single‐center experience over 15 years
Authors: El Moghazy Walid , Kashkoush Samy , O'hali Wael , Abdallah Khalid
Published: September 2014

Our objective was to study the long‐term outcomes of patients who had undergone liver transplantation because of schistosomiasis at our institute over the last 15 years. Four hundred forty‐one patients underwent liver transplantation at our institute, and 14 did so for schistosomiasis. The survival of patients who underwent transplantation for schistosomiasis was compared with that of patients who underwent transplantation for other liver diseases. Survival curves were drawn via the Kaplan‐Meier method and were compared with the log‐rank test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. All 14 patients were male, and the average age was 56.8 ± 8.4 years. The average Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score was 18.2 ± 5.6, and the average Child‐Pugh score was 10.6 ± 1.2. All patients had splenomegaly; pretransplant variceal bleeding occurred in 7 patients (50%), and portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 5 patients (36%). Patient survival was 75% 1 year after transplantation and 75% at the end of follow‐up because no patients were lost after the first year. Patients who underwent transplantation for other causes achieved survival rates of 86% and 76% 1 and 10 years after transplantation, respectively. There was no significant survival difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.66). All patients who survived the early posttransplant period had functioning liver grafts with no reported diagnoses of schistosomiasis in the new grafts. In conclusion, liver transplantation for patients with schistosomiasis has a favorable outcome with no risk of reactivation. Liver Transpl 21:96‐100, 2015. © 2014 AASLD.
Near‐Infrared‐Irradiation‐Induced Remote Activation of Surface Shape‐Memory to Direct Cell Orientations
Authors: Shou Qinghui , Uto Koichiro , Lin Wei‐Chih , Aoyagi Takao , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2014

Here, near‐infrared (NIR) light‐induced remote control of cell morphology is demonstrated. This is enabled by shape‐memory activation of nanopatterns that transition from a memorized temporal pattern to the original permanent pattern. The NIR‐induced shape‐memory nanopatterns are prepared by chemically crosslinking poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) in the presence of gold nanorods (AuNRs). The temporary surface patterns are successfully memorized onto the permanent patterns regardless of the incorporation of AuNRs. Exposure to NIR light can successfully induce the photothermal heating of embedded AuNRs and consequently, the shape‐switching transition to permanent patterns over the melting temperature of PCL. The shape‐memory transition is spatially limited to the photo‐illuminated region, depending on the concentration of embedded AuNRs, the intensity of the NIR light, or the irradiation time. Finally, the NIR‐actuated shape‐memory nanopatterns are used to control cell morphology both remotely and locally. Cells on the illuminated regions change their morphology as the temporal nanopatterns transition to a flat surface.

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Blending with Non‐responsive Polymers to Incorporate Nanoparticles into Shape‐Memory Materials and Enable Photothermal Heating: The Effects of Heterogeneous Temperature Distribution
Authors: Abbott David B. , Maity Somsubhra , Burkey Mary T. , Gorga Russell E. , Bochinski Jason R. , Clarke Laura I.
Published: September 2014

Blending a shape‐memory polymer (SMP) (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane) with an immiscible carrier polymer (e.g., poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)) containing dispersed metal nanoparticles (AuNPs) is a simple approach to enable actuation via photothermal heating. For blends containing up to 90% carrier polymer, the shape‐memory capability can be thermally triggered either conventionally or utilizing internal heating via application of light that is resonant with the particle's surface plasmon resonance. When incorporating nanoparticles in this manner, neither chemical modification of the shape‐memory moiety nor solvation of the SMP is necessary. Actuation times are determined by the particular heterogeneous temperature distribution, which generally occurs under both conventional and photothermal heating methods, but with different spatial patterns. Blending an SMP with PEO containing AuNPs imposes a higher transition temperature (the melting point of PEO), enabling heat generated within the nanoparticle‐containing regions to equilibrate throughout the sample, resulting in performance under photothermal conditions comparable with that achieved in a conventional heating approach. SMP:PVA blends actuate at the SMP transition temperature and the response depends on the size of phase segregation between the PVA and SMP; when decreasing the characteristic size of the segregated regions, heat is efficiently transferred and optimal photothermal performance is observed.

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Cationic Aerosol Photopolymerization
Authors: Akgün Ertan , Muntean Alex , Hubbuch Jürgen , Wörner Michael , Sangermano Marco
Published: September 2014

Photoinitiated polymerization in aerosols is employed for the preparation of spherical polymer particles via cationic polymerization. The UV irradiation of aerosol monomer droplets starts the cationic curing process without the employment of any solvent or additives such as stabilizers, resulting in highly pure polymers. Crosslinked polymer spheres with a high gel content are obtained by processing vinyl ether and epoxy monomers via this aerosol‐photopolymerization technique, which exhibits great potential for the development of multifunctional materials.
Improved volume selective 1H MR spectroscopic imaging of the prostate with gradient offset independent adiabaticity pulses at 3 tesla
Authors: Steinseifer Isabell K. , van Asten Jack J.A. , Weiland Elisabeth , Scheenen Tom W.J. , Maas Marnix C. , Heerschap Arend
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Volume selection in 1H MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the prostate is commonly performed with low‐bandwidth refocusing pulses. However, their large chemical shift displacement error (CSDE) causes lipid signal contamination in the spectral range of interest. Application of high‐bandwidth adiabatic pulses is limited by radiofrequency (RF) power deposition. In this study, we aimed to provide an MRSI sequence that overcomes these limitations.

Methods

Measurements were performed at 3 T with an endorectal receive coil. A semi‐LASER sequence was equipped with low RF power demanding gradient‐modulated offset‐independent adiabaticity (GOIA) refocusing pulses with WURST(16,4) modulation, with a 10 kHz bandwidth.

Results

Simulations and phantom studies verified that the GOIA pulses select slices with a flat top and sharp edges and minimal CSDE. The sequence timing was tuned to an optimal citrate signal shape at an echo time of 88 ms. Patient studies (n = 10) demonstrated that high quality spectra with reduced lipid artifacts can be obtained from the whole prostate. Compared with PRESS acquisition at 145 ms the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of citrate is increased up to 2.6 and choline up to 1.3.

Conclusion

An MRSI sequence of the prostate is presented with minimized spectral lipid contamination and improved SNR, to facilitate routine clinical acquisition of metabolic data. Magn Reson Med 74:915–924, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of foam core sandwich panel and through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced foam core sandwich panel subject to indentation and flatwise compression loadings
Authors: Abdi B. , Azwan S. , Abdullah M.R. , Ayob Amran , Yahya Yazid
Published: September 2014

Through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced foam core sandwich (FCS) panels are new type of composite sandwich structure as the foam core of this structure was reinforced with cylindrical polymer pins, which also rigidly connect the face sheets. These sandwich panels are made of glass fiber–reinforced polyester face sheets and closed‐cell polyurethane foam core with cylindrical polymer pins produced during fabrication process. The indentation and compression behavior of these sandwich panels were compared with common traditional sandwich panel, and it has been found that by reinforcing the foam core with cylindrical polymer pins, the indentation strength, energy absorption, and compression strength of the sandwich panels were improved significantly. The effect of diameter of polymer pins on indentation and compression behavior of both sandwich panels was studied and results showed that the diameter of polymer pins had a large influence on the compression and indentation behavior of through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced FCS panel, and the effect of adding polymer pins to FCS panel on indentation behavior is similar to the effect of increasing the thickness of face sheet. The effect of strain rate on indentation behavior of FCS panel and through‐thickness polymer pin–reinforced FCS panel were studied, and results showed that both types of composite sandwich panels are strain rate dependent structure as by increasing strain rate, the indentation properties and energy absorption properties of these structures are increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:612–619, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of graphene nanosheets on the mechanical, electrical, and rheological properties of polyamide 6/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene blends
Authors: Bouhfid R. , Arrakhiz F.Z. , Qaiss A.
Published: September 2014

Polyamide 6 (PA6) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blend reinforced by graphene nanosheets (GNs) nanocomposites were prepared by batch system followed by hot compression to get samples for different tests. A low amounts of graphene were used (1, 2, 3, 4 wt%), with this selected loading range, the mechanical properties (Young's modulus) have increased linearly with GNs contents. However, it is observed stability in the tensile strength. The electrical and rheological properties are well characterized and have shown that the evolution of the properties runs through a threshold loading charge. The results are related to the blends morphology, and SEM images showed selective preferential localization in the polyamide 6 phase. Moreover, the presence of GNs in the blends has reduced the surface tension between the two polymers. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:998–1006, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Time‐temperature superposition principle application to the hygrothermal discoloration of colored high‐density polypropylene/wood composites
Authors: Xu Changyan , Xing Cheng , Pan Hui , Kamdem Pascal D. , Matuana Laurent M. , Jian Weicheng , Wang Guangjing
Published: September 2014

Discoloration kinetics of wood plastic composites (WPCs) made of recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) during accelerated hygrothermal aging test at 45–65°C was conducted by means of time‐temperature superposition principle (TTSP). Color parameters measured with a spectrophotometer by CIELAB color system showed that L* and ΔE* increased while a* and b* decreased with aging time and temperature. A single horizontal shift was adequate for the superposition of color parameter master curves, indicating temperature can be used as accelerating factor to the discoloration of the studied WPCs. The regression line for Arrhenius plot showed a linearity for color parameters (R2 = 0.9996), suggesting TTSP concept can be used to analyze and predict the discoloration kinetics of WPCs at low aging temperature. The prediction of color parameters at ambient aging temperature (21°C) can be extended to 7.2 years. The activation energy calculated from color parameters using TTSP method was 85.5 kJ/mol and similar to the reported values of HDPE thermal relaxation reactions calculated from other methods in the open literature. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1016–1020, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of soil mineral matrix on the analysis of plant‐ and soil‐derived polysaccharides after acid hydrolysis
Authors: Baumann Karen , Dignac Marie‐France , Bardoux Gérard , Rumpel Cornelia
Published: September 2014

RATIONALE

The efficiency of extraction procedures for the determination of organic compounds in soil may be affected by the presence of the mineral phase. Our aim was to analyse the magnitude of such an effect on both total polysaccharide content and 13C‐isotopic signature of the polysaccharides.

METHODS

After acid hydrolysis of 13C‐labelled wheat, soil and a mixture of these, sugars were quantified and analysed isotopically. Measured values were compared with theoretical contents.

RESULTS

No matrix effect was apparent for total sugar‐C content of the mixture. However, a matrix effect was observed for the contribution of 13C‐labelled wheat sugars. For the soil+plant mixture 13C‐labelled wheat sugar contribution was overestimated. Soil‐derived sugar‐C contribution to the mixture was underestimated.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies using stable isotopes to follow the fate of added plant‐derived compounds in soil need to take into account matrix effects. Further studies have to elaborate on correction procedures and/or the development of extraction procedures to overcome the influence of matrix effects and/or acid hydrolysis extraction on sugar‐C contents. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artificial frequency selective channel for covert cyclic delay diversity orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission
Authors: Sun Songlin , Rong Bo , Qian Yi
Published: September 2014

Multiple‐input multiple‐output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing has become an attractive air‐interface solution for the next generation wireless networks because of its high spectrum efficiency. This paper addresses the security concern and proposes to achieve covert orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission using cyclic delay diversity featured multiple‐input multiple‐output technology. Particularly, our physical layer security scheme takes the advantage of cyclic delay diversity formed periodical frequency selective channel and utilizes uneven comb pilots to confuse unauthorized receivers and benefit authorized receivers. We conduct simulation study to evaluate the impact of different cyclic delay, antenna number, and interpolation algorithms on our scheme. Numerical results show that our scheme can provide authorized users with significant advantage over eavesdroppers without complicated upper‐layer encryption and decryption. Moreover, the scheme has flexible choice of parameters and thus can be easily deployed in a variety of wireless networks with different requirements. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cells Reveal Niches that Support Neuronal Differentiation in the Adult Rat Brain
Authors: Maya-Espinosa Guadalupe , Collazo-Navarrete Omar , Millán-Aldaco Diana , Palomero-Rivero Marcela , Guerrero-Flores Gilda , Drucker-Colín René , Covarrubias Luis , Guerra-Crespo Magdalena
Published: September 2014

A neurogenic niche can be identified by the proliferation and differentiation of its naturally residing neural stem cells. However, it remains unclear whether “silent” neurogenic niches or regions suitable for neural differentiation, other than the areas of active neurogenesis, exist in the adult brain. Embryoid body (EB) cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are endowed with a high potential to respond to specification and neuralization signals of the embryo. Hence, to identify microenvironments in the postnatal and adult rat brain with the capacity to support neuronal differentiation, we transplanted dissociated EB cells to conventional neurogenic and non-neurogenic regions. Our results show a neuronal differentiation pattern of EB cells that was dependent on the host region. Efficient neuronal differentiation of EB cells occurred within an adjacent region to the rostral migratory stream. EB cell differentiation was initially patchy and progressed toward an even distribution along the graft by 15–21 days post-transplantation, giving rise mostly to GABAergic neurons. EB cells in the striatum displayed a lower level of neuronal differentiation and derived into a significant number of astrocytes. Remarkably, when EB cells were transplanted to the striatum of adult rats after a local ischemic stroke, increased number of neuroblasts and neurons were observed. Unexpectedly, we determined that the adult substantia nigra pars compacta, considered a non-neurogenic area, harbors a robust neurogenic environment. Therefore, neurally uncommitted cells derived from ESCs can detect regions that support neuronal differentiation within the adult brain, a fundamental step for the development of stem cell-based replacement therapies. Stem Cells  2015;33:491–502
Brief Reports: TRPM7 Senses Mechanical Stimulation Inducing Osteogenesis in Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Xiao E. , Yang H. Q. , Gan Ye-Hua , Duan Deng-Hui , He Lin-Hai , Guo YunBo , Wang S. Q. , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotential stem cells residing in the bone marrow. Several studies have shown that mechanical stimulation modulates MSC differentiation through mobilization of second messengers, but the mechanism of mechanotransduction remains poorly understood. In this study, using fluorescence and laser confocal microcopy as well as patch-clamp techniques, we identified the transient receptor potential melastatin type 7 (TRPM7) channel as the key channel involved in mechanotransduction in bone marrow MSCs. TRPM7 knockdown completely abolished the pressure-induced cytosolic Ca2+ increase and pressure-induced osteogenesis. TRPM7 directly sensed membrane tension, independent of the cytoplasm and the integrity of cytoskeleton. Ca2+ influx through TRPM7 further triggered Ca2+ release from the inositol trisphosphate receptor type 2 on the endoplasmic reticulum and promoted NFATc1 nuclear localization and osteogenesis. These results identified a central role of TRPM7 in MSC mechanical stimulation-induced osteogenesis. Stem Cells  2015;33:615–621
Influence of intracervical and intravaginal seminal plasma on the endometrium in assisted reproduction: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study
Authors: Mayer R. B. , Ebner T. , Yaman C. , Hartl J. , Sir A. , Krain V. , Oppelt P. , Shebl O.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To investigate the effect of intracervical and intravaginal application of seminal plasma on the endometrium, as assessed by endometrial/subendometrial vascularization and endometrial volume between the day of oocyte retrieval and the day of embryo transfer in an in‐vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycle.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study including patients undergoing a first or second IVF/ICSI cycle. Homologous seminal plasma or placebo (sodium chloride) was injected into the cervix and posterior vaginal fornix just after follicle aspiration. Three‐dimensional power Doppler examination was performed 30 min before oocyte retrieval and 30 min before embryo transfer. Main outcome measures were changes in vascularization flow index (VFI), flow index (FI) and vascularization index (VI) of the endometrium/subendometrium using VOCAL™ (Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis) and endometrial volume.

Results

One hundred patients agreed to participate in the study. Twenty‐three patients were excluded, mainly as a result of canceled embryo transfer. Data were analyzed from 40 patients receiving seminal plasma and 37 receiving placebo. No significant differences between the two groups were seen in VFI, FI or VI of the endometrium or subendometrium or in endometrial volume on the day of oocyte pick‐up and on the day of embryo transfer.

Conclusion

Neither endometrial/subendometrial vascularization parameters nor endometrial volume seem to be affected by the application of seminal plasma in patients undergoing their first or second IVF/ICSI cycle. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A linear algebra approach to OLAP
Authors: Macedo Hugo Daniel , Oliveira José Nuno
Published: September 2014

Inspired by the relational algebra of data processing, this paper addresses the foundations of data analytical processing from a linear algebra perspective. The paper investigates, in particular, how aggregation operations such as cross tabulations and data cubes essential to quantitative analysis of data can be expressed solely in terms of matrix multiplication, transposition and the Khatri–Rao variant of the Kronecker product. The approach offers a basis for deriving an algebraic theory of data consolidation, handling the quantitative as well as qualitative sides of data science in a natural, elegant and typed way. It also shows potential for parallel analytical processing, as the parallelization theory of such matrix operations is well acknowledged.
Influence of Reducing Agents on Biosafety and Biocompatibility of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Xia Dong-Lin , Wang Yu-Fei , Bao Ning , He Hong , Li Xiao-dong , Chen Yan-Pei , Gu Hai-Ying
Published: September 2014

Extensive biomedical applications of nanoparticles are mainly determined by their safety and compatibility in biological systems. The aim of this study was to compare the biosafety and biocompatibility of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) prepared with HEPES buffer, which is popular for cell culture, and sodium citrate, a frequent reducing agent. From experimental results on the body weight and organ coefficients of acute oral toxicity tests, it could be observed that HEPES-prepared GNPs are biologically safer than citric-prepared GNPs at the same dose of 500 μg/kg. The in vitro cell viability was higher for HEPES-prepared GNPs than citric-prepared GNPs at 5.0- and 10.0-ug/mL concentrations. More reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated in the cell suspension when supplemented with citric-prepared GNPs than HEPES-prepared GNPs when their concentrations were higher than 20 μg/mL. The results stated that HEPES-prepared GNPs had better biosafety and biocompatibility than citric-prepared GNPs. This study not only revealed the influence of reducing agent on biosafety and biocompatibility of nanomaterials but also provided accumulative evidence for nanomaterials in biomedical applications.
Developing Strategies for On‐Call Staffing: A Working Guideline for Safe Practices
Authors: Olmstead John , Falcone Deborah , Lopez Jacy , Mislan Linda , Murphy Marialena , Acello Toni
Published: September 2014

Effective on‐call clinical staffing is critical to providing perioperative services to patients requiring emergency surgical care. Without careful monitoring of continuous work hours and hours worked per week, staffing practices can adversely affect the ability of personnel to function and provide care. Managers and perioperative personnel must carefully evaluate their on‐call schedule to ensure the provision of safe medical care for their patients. Perioperative leaders at two hospitals partnered to create a safety guideline for on‐call staffing practices, which includes zone guides for determining workload intensity. This guideline has served to help managers evaluate the general safety of their staffing plan and identify on‐call practices that may need improvement or support in their areas of responsibility. Key recommendations from the guideline can help perioperative managers at other facilities establish clinical staffing plans and on‐call practices that are safe and effective.
Special Needs Populations: Perioperative Care of the Patient With Creutzfeldt‐Jakob Disease
Authors: Karasin Mark
Published: September 2014

Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare but lethal prion disease. The worldwide mortality rate of CJD is 1.67 per one million people, although 90% of cases will lead to death within one year of symptom onset. Rapid, progressive dementia is the cardinal sign of CJD. Other early symptoms include deterioration of muscle coordination, memory, judgment, and vision, as well as personality changes, insomnia, and depression. It occurs in two types, classic and new variant, and classic CJD can be further divided into three subtypes: sporadic, familial (ie, genetic), and iatrogenic (ie, health care associated). Surgery often requires using instruments that come in contact with high‐infectivity tissue, especially during neurosurgical procedures and diagnostic biopsies. To reduce the risk of disease transmission, infection control practices should include identification of the risk of infection, implementation of safety protocols (eg, use of personal protective equipment), proper selection and use of instrumentation, and adequate disinfection and sterilization practices. Silent carriers, risks of iatrogenic infection, and the possibility of inadvertent exposure of healthy patients may carry great liability to public health and hospital stability.
Effect of total mixed ration composition and daily grazing pattern on milk production, composition and fatty acids profile of dairy cows
Authors: Hernández-Ortega Martha , Martínez-Fernández Adela , Soldado Ana , González Amelia , Arriaga-Jordán Carlos M. , Argamentería Alejandro , de la Roza-Delgado Begoña , Vicente Fernando
Published: September 2014

The possibilities of using high quality pastures in conjunction with total mixed ration (TMR) during the grazing season have been examined. An experiment with sixteen Holstein cows blocked and randomly assigned to four treatments in a factorial arrangement was conducted in order to evaluate the influence of grazing time of day (day or night) and type of silage (maize or Italian ryegrass) included in the TMR of dairy cows grazing 12 h daily on milk yield, composition and fatty acid profile. The silage type had no effect on the dry matter intake, milk yield and fat and protein proportions. However, cows grazing during the night ate more grass than cows grazing during the day (8·53vs.5·65 kg DM/d;P<0·05). No differences were seen between grazing-time with respect to milk production, fat and protein contents. However, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid was higher in milk of dairy cows grazing at night-time than grazing at day-time, especially 18:2n-6 (2·37vs.2·12 g/100 g FA respectively,P<0·05) and 18:2cis9trans11 (2·08vs.1·74 g/100 g FA respectively,P<0·05).
Histological analysis of the effects of anti-adhesive haemostatic agents on the middle ear of the guinea pig
Authors: Kulduk E , Eren E , Soy FK , Dundar R , Aslan M , Basoglu MS , Simsek F , Katilmis H
Published: September 2014

Introduction:

Adhesion formation is a frequent and serious post-operative problem in ENT surgery. This study assessed the effect of two anti-adhesive haemostatic agents on an experimental guinea pig model.

Materials and methods:

The middle-ear mucosa of 14 guinea pigs was exposed to surgical trauma. After surgery, Arista™ AH was injected into the right middle ear of seven animals, while Ankaferd Blood Stopper was injected into the right middle ear of the other seven animals. The left ears were left untreated and regarded as the control group. The three groups were compared by histological examination at post-operative week 4.

Results:

In each of the three groups, consolidation of the lamina propria and epithelium mucosae, increments in the number of active fibroblasts, collagen fibrils and inflammatory cells, and increased vascular dilation were observed on haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, and were more prominent in the control and Ankaferd Blood Stopper groups. Epithelial thickness and capillary vasodilation were significantly lower in the Arista™ AH group compared with the control and Ankaferd Blood Stopper groups (p < 0.008).

Conclusion:

Arista™ AH may prevent the formation of adhesions in middle-ear surgery. Further experimental studies are required to determine its ototoxic potential.
The cost of hospital care for management of invasive group A streptococcal infections in England
Authors: HUGHES G. J. , VAN HOEK A. J. , SRISKANDAN S. , LAMAGNI T. L.
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to estimate the direct financial costs of hospital care for management of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections using hospital records for cases diagnosed in England. We linked laboratory-confirmed cases (n= 3696) identified through national surveillance to hospital episode statistics and reimbursement codes. From these codes we estimated the direct hospital costs of admissions. Almost all notified invasive GAS cases (92% of 3696) were successfully matched to a primary hospital admission. Of these, secondary admissions (within 30 days of primary admission) were further identified for 593 (17%). After exclusion of nosocomial cases (12%), the median costs of primary and secondary hospital admissions were estimated by subgroup analysis as £1984–£2212 per case, totalling £4·43–£6·34 million per year in England. With adjustment for unmatched cases this equated to £4·84–£6·93 million per year. Adults aged 16–64 years accounted for 48% of costs but only 40% of cases, largely due to an increased number of surgical procedures. The direct costs of hospital admissions for invasive GAS infection are substantial. These estimated costs will contribute to a full assessment of the total economic burden of invasive GAS infection as a means to assess potential savings through prevention measures.
Osteopontin is expressed in the oviduct and promotes fertilization and preimplantation embryo development of mouse
Authors: Liu Qian , Xie Qing-zhen , Zhou Yun , Yang Jing
Published: September 2014

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that is detected in various tissues, including male and female reproductive tracts. In this study, we evaluated OPN expression in mouse oviducts during the estrus cycle, and at days 1–5 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The mice oocytes, sperm and embryos were treated with different concentrations of anti-OPN antibody in vitro to detect the function of OPN in fertilization and preimplantation embryo development. OPN mRNA and protein expression in mouse oviducts were cyclic dependent throughout the estrous cycle, which was highest at estrous and lowest at diestrous. Such a phenomenon was consistent with the change in estrogen level in mice. The expression levels of OPN in mice oviduct of normal pregnancy and pseudopregnancy were significantly different, which indicated that OPN expression in mouse oviducts was depend on estrogen and preimplantation embryo. Furthermore, anti-OPN antibody treatment could reduce the rates of fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst formation in vitro in a dose-dependent way. Overall, our results indicated that the expression of OPN in mouse oviducts during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy is likely regulated by estrogen and the embryo, and OPN may play a vital role in oocyte fertilization and preimplantation embryo development.
A non-lethal SPME method for insect cuticular analysis by GC-MS
Authors: Ferreira-Caliman Maria Juliana , Ribeiro Andrade-Silva Aline Candida , Guidetti-Campos Maria Cláudia , Casanova Turatti Izabel Cristina , Santos do Nascimento Fábio , Lopes Norberto Peporine
Published: September 2014

In the present study a new method involving extraction by SPME fibers and storage in an organic solvent is described and tested in an ant species,Dinoponera quadriceps.
A short-wavelength infrared emitting multimodal probe for non-invasive visualization of phagocyte cell migration in living mice
Authors: Tsukasaki Y. , Komatsuzaki A. , Mori Y. , Ma Q. , Yoshioka Y. , Jin T.
Published: September 2014

For the non-invasive visualization of phagocyte cell migration in a mouse lymph system, we developed a short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) emitting multimodal probe that contains PbS/CdS quantum dots, rhodamine 6G and iron oxide nanoparticles.
New magnetic frameworks of [(CuF2(H2O)2)x(pyz)]
Authors: Lanza A. , Fiolka C. , Fisch M. , Casati N. , Skoulatos M. , Rüegg C. , Krämer K. W. , Macchi Piero
Published: September 2014

The magnetic exchange in mono- or bi-layer Cu-based coordination polymers is tuned by pressure.
Synchronized synthesis of Pd@C-RGO carbocatalyst for improved anode and cathode performance for direct ethylene glycol fuel cell
Authors: Kannan Ramanujam , Kim Ae Rhan , Nahm Kee Suk , Lee Hong-Ki , Jin Yoo Dong
Published: September 2014

The simultaneous formation of a carbocatalyst composed of 5 nm sized flower-shaped Pd nanoparticles assembled on carbon–reduced graphene oxide (Pd@C-RGO) is reported via the solid state process between 1 and 2 minutes followed by microwave irradiation and exhibits improved electrocatalytic performance for the oxidation of ethylene glycol.
Achieving high-quality In0.3Ga0.7As films on GaAs substrates by low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Gao Fangliang , Wen Lei , Li Jingling , Guan Yunfang , Zhang Shuguang , Li Guoqiang
Published: September 2014

The effects of the thickness of the large-mismatched amorphous In0.6Ga0.4As buffer layer on the In0.3Ga0.7As epi-films grown on the GaAs substrate have been systematically investigated.
A non-fullerene electron acceptor based on fluorene and diketopyrrolopyrrole building blocks for solution-processable organic solar cells with an impressive open-circuit voltage
Authors: Patil Hemlata , Zu Wang Xi , Gupta Akhil , Chellappan Vijila , Bilic Ante , Sonar Prashant , Rananaware Anushri , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: September 2014

Incorporation of fluorene and diketopyrrolopyrrole functionalities to generate a non-fullerene electron acceptor for solution-processable organic solar cells is shown to lead to devices with impressive open circuit voltage.
Recent progress on supported polyoxometalates for biodiesel synthesis via esterification and transesterification
Authors: Narkhede Nilesh , Singh Sukriti , Patel Anjali
Published: September 2014

The present review comprises recent advances on supported polyoxometalates for biodiesel synthesis.
A nanofluidic direct formic acid fuel cell with a combined flow-through and air-breathing electrode for high performance
Authors: Ortiz-Ortega E. , Goulet Marc-Antoni , Lee Jin Wook , Guerra-Balcázar M. , Arjona N. , Kjeang Erik , Ledesma-García J. , Arriaga L. G.
Published: September 2014

Configuration of a flow-through air-breathing nanofluidic fuel cell operated with formic acid as fuel.
An osmolyte-based micro-volume ultrafiltration technique
Authors: Ghosh Raja
Published: September 2014

A simple micro-volume ultrafiltration method for protein concentration, desalting, buffer exchange and purification.
Strawberry-like SiO2@Pd and Pt nanomaterials
Authors: Cornejo Alfonso , Fuks Gad , Martínez-Merino Víctor , Sarobe Íñigo , Gil Maria José , Philippot Karine , Chaudret Bruno , Delpech Fabien , Nayral Céline
Published: September 2014

Pd and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on silica particles were prepared via a straightforward protocol in non-alcoholic medium. The metallic NPs are remarkably dense, homogeneous and well-dispersed at the silica surface.