bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myopathy in a patient with systemic AA amyloidosis possibly induced by psoriasis vulgaris: An autopsy case
Authors: Tanabe Hajime , Maki Yoshimitsu , Urabe Shogo , Higuchi Itsuro , Obayashi Konen , Hokezu Youichi
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Amyloid myopathy is a rare manifestation of primary systemic amyloid light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis, but it has not been reported to occur in secondary amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. Methods: We describe a 46‐year‐old man with psoriasis vulgaris who presented with idiopathic upper and lower limb weakness and was eventually diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Muscle biopsy findings were compatible with mild inflammatory myopathy. He died of cardiopulmonary arrest, and an autopsy was performed. Results: The autopsy revealed amyloid plaques immunopositive for AA (but not AL or transthyretin) in the perimysial, perivascular, and endomysial regions of the iliopsoas muscle. The final diagnosis was systemic AA amyloidosis with muscle amyloid angiopathy, possibly induced by psoriasis vulgaris. Conclusion: This is an extremely rare autopsy case of myopathy in a patient with systemic AA amyloidosis. The reason for the unusually large amount of amyloid deposition in muscle blood vessel walls remains unclear. Muscle Nerve 52: 1113–1117, 2015
Extension of plasticity theory to debonding, grain dissolution, and chemical damage of calcarenites
Authors: Ciantia Matteo O. , di Prisco Claudio
Published: July 2015

The mechanical properties of calcarenites are known to be significantly affected by water saturation: both stiffness and strength decrease for wetting in the short term and for chemical dissolution in the long term. Both processes mainly affect bonds among grains: immediately after inundation depositional bonds fall in suspension, whereas diagenetic bonds dissolve more slowly. In this paper, the authors started from the micro‐structural analysis of the weathering processes to conceive a strain hardening hydro‐chemo‐mechanical coupled elastoplastic constitutive model. The concept of extended hardening rules is here enriched: weathering functions have been determined by employing a micro to macro simplified upscaling procedure. Chemical damage is incorporated into the formulation by means of a scalar damage function. Its evolution is also described by using a multiscale approach. A new term is added to the strain rate tensor in order to incorporate the dissolution induced chemical deformations developing once the soft rock is turned into a granular material. A calibration procedure for the constitutive parameters is suggested, and the model is validated by using both coupled and uncoupled chemo‐mechanical experimental test results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic bladder diaries of differing duration versus a paper diary for data collection in overactive bladder
Authors: Abrams Paul , Paty Jean , Martina Reynaldo , Newgreen Donald T , van Maanen Rob , Paireddy Asha , Kuipers‐deGroot Trudy , Ridder Arwin
Published: July 2015

Aims

This observational study compared data values, reliability, consistency and compliance collected by electronic and paper diaries of differing durations.

Methods

Subjects ≥18 years with overactive bladder (OAB) on stable antimuscarinic treatment for ≥12 weeks were assigned to one of five, 15‐week diary schedules in this randomized, parallel‐group observational study. Sample size was sufficient to assess reliability and consistency of diary data with adequate precision. Reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficients, variability with ANCOVAs, and consistency using Cronbach's alpha.

Results

Demographic characteristics of randomized subjects were representative of OAB trial populations. For mean volume voided, reliability was comparable across diary groups. For incontinence, reliability improved with increasing diary duration. For micturition frequency, electronic 7‐day diary results had highest reliability and lowest variability. Lowest overall reliability was observed in the 3‐day paper diary. Consistency was highest in the electronic continuous groups; Cont A (daily measurements throughout the study period [fully Continuous]) and Cont B (daily measurements for some but not all endpoints of interest [Partially Continuous]). Compliance was generally high; across groups ≥90% of diaries had at least one entry per day. There was no significant change in average micturition frequency with diary duration, suggesting no diary fatigue. One‐third of subjects in the electronic Cont B group also reported micturitions as incontinence when they only needed to report incontinence; they also reported lowest satisfaction with the study. The electronic 7‐day and electronic Cont A schedules (who reported incontinence and micturitions throughout the study) had lowest residual errors.

Conclusions

For future OAB trials, 7‐day or continuous electronic diaries may improve accuracy and reliability of micturition and incontinence frequency data compared with shorter collection periods and paper diaries. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:743–749, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of the relationship of metabolic MR parameters to estrogen dependence in breast cancer xenografts
Authors: Liu Ting , Nath Kavindra , Liu Weixia , Zhou Rong , Chen I‐Wei
Published: July 2015

1H MRS, 31P MRS and diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) were applied to study the metabolic changes associated with estrogen dependence in estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive BT‐474 and triple‐negative HCC1806 breast cancer xenografts supplemented with or without 17β‐estradiol (E2) at a dose of 0.18 or 0.72 mg/pellet. Furthermore, the effect of estrogen withdrawal on the metabolism of BT‐474 and HCC1806 breast cancer xenografts was studied on day 0, day 2 and day 10. Increasing the dose of E2 resulted in a rapid growth and increases in the lactate level and phosphomonoester/β‐nucleoside triphosphate (PME/βNTP), phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate (PCr/Pi) and βNTP/Pi ratios in BT‐474 breast cancer xenografts; however, no significant changes were found in HCC1806 breast cancer xenografts. Estrogen withdrawal resulted in a marked decrease in lactate level and PME/βNTP ratio and an observed increase in βNTP/Pi, PCr/Pi and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of BT‐474 breast cancer xenografts on day 10. These data suggest that the lactate level and PME/βNTP, PCr/Pi and βNTP/Pi ratios of ER‐positive tumors are closely related to ER dependence. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient numerical methods for the large‐scale, parallel solution of elastoplastic contact problems
Authors: Frohne Jörg , Heister Timo , Bangerth Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

Quasi‐static elastoplastic contact problems are ubiquitous in many industrial processes and other contexts, and their numerical simulation is consequently of great interest in accurately describing and optimizing production processes. The key component in these simulations is the solution of a single load step of a time iteration. From a mathematical perspective, the problems to be solved in each time step are characterized by the difficulties of variational inequalities for both the plastic behavior and the contact problem. Computationally, they also often lead to very large problems. In this paper, we present and evaluate a complete set of methods that are (1) designed to work well together and (2) allow for the efficient solution of such problems. In particular, we use adaptive finite element meshes with linear and quadratic elements, a Newton linearization of the plasticity, active set methods for the contact problem, and multigrid‐preconditioned linear solvers. Through a sequence of numerical experiments, we show the performance of these methods. This includes highly accurate solutions of a three‐dimensional benchmark problem and scaling our methods in parallel to 1024 cores and more than a billion unknowns. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale seamless‐domain method for linear elastic analysis of heterogeneous materials
Authors: Suzuki Yoshiro
Published: July 2015

A multiscale numerical technique, termed the seamless‐domain method (SDM), is applied to linear elastic problems. The SDM consists of two steps. The first step is a microscopic analysis of the local simulated domain to construct interpolation functions for discretizing governing equations. This allows an SDM solution to represent a structure consisting of heterogeneous microstructure(s) without homogenization. The second step is a macroscopic analysis of a seamless global (entire) domain that has only coarse‐grained points and does not need a mesh or grid. The special functions obtained in the first step are used in interpolating the dependent‐variable distribution in the global domain. Additionally, the SDM can enhance analytical precision and resolution when analyzing both homogeneous and heterogeneous fields. Our previous manuscript gave numerical examples of the application of the method to scalar temperature fields. To investigate the feasibility of the analysis of vector fields, the SDM technique is applied in linear elastic analysis of heterogeneous materials in the present study. The SDM's global models with only a few hundred points gave shear locking‐free and hourglass‐free solutions at the same level of accuracy as solutions obtained from conventional finite element analysis using hundreds of thousands of node points or more. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of a generalized exponential basis functions method for linear and non‐linear problems
Authors: Mossaiby F. , Ghaderian M. , Rossi R.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we address shortcomings of the method of exponential basis functions by extending it to general linear and non‐linear problems. In linear problems, the solution is approximated using a linear combination of exponential functions. The coefficients are calculated such that the homogenous form of equation is satisfied on some grid. To solve non‐linear problems, they are converted to into a succession of linear ones using a Newton–Kantorovich approach. The generalized exponential basis functions (GEBF) method developed can be implemented with greater ease compared with exponential basis functions, as all calculations can be performed using real numbers and no characteristic equation is needed. The details of an optimized implementation are described. We compare GEBF on some benchmark problems with methods in the literature, such as variants of the boundary element method, where GEBF shows a good performance. Also, in a 3D problem, we report the run time of the proposed method compared with that of Kratos, a parallel, highly optimized finite element code. The results show that in this example, to obtain the same level of error, much less computational effort is needed in the proposed method. Practical limitations might be encountered, however, for large problems because of dense matrix operations involved. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic variants in LEP, LEPR, and MC4R explain 30% of severe obesity in children from a consanguineous population
Authors: Saeed Sadia , Bonnefond Amélie , Manzoor Jaida , Shabir Faiza , Ayesha Hina , Philippe Julien , Durand Emmanuelle , Crouch Hutokshi , Sand Olivier , Ali Muhammad , Butt Taeed , Rathore Ahsan W. , Falchi Mario , Arslan Muhammad , Froguel Philippe
Published: July 2015

Objective

Single gene mutations leading to severe obesity have so far been identified in 3‐5% cases in European populations. However, prevalence of these pathogenic mutations has not systematically been examined in specific consanguineous populations. Here we describe the incidence of obesity‐associated mutations through a step‐wise sequence analysis, in a cohort of 73 Pakistani children with severe obesity from consanguineous families.

Methods

Initially, all subjects were screened for mutations in coding regions of leptin (LEP) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes by direct sequencing. Subjects negative for mutation in these genes were screened using microdroplet PCR enrichment and NGS. Genomic structural variation was assessed by genotyping. Serum leptin, insulin, and cortisol were determined by ELISA.

Results

Among 73 children with severe obesity (BMI SDS > 3.0), we identified 22 probands and 5 relatives, carrying 10 different loss‐of‐function homozygous mutations in LEP, leptin receptor (LEPR), and MC4R genes, including 4 novel variants. Hypercortisolemia was significantly emphasized in LEP mutation carriers.

Conclusions

The prevalence of pathogenic mutations in genes known to directly influence leptin‐melanocortin signaling is 30% in our cohort. The results of this study emphasize the desirability of undertaking systematic and in‐depth genetic analysis of cases with severe obesity in specific consanguineous populations.
Women have more potential to induce browning of perirenal adipose tissue than men
Authors: van den Beukel Johanna C. , Grefhorst Aldo , Hoogduijn Martin J. , Steenbergen Jacobie , Mastroberardino Pier G. , Dor Frank J.M.F. , Themmen Axel P.N.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) can generate heat by burning fatty acids, a process mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). White adipose tissue (WAT) depots can gain BAT‐like properties, and various studies have suggested that females have more active BAT or BAT‐like WAT. We studied sex differences in BAT‐like properties of human perirenal adipose tissue.

Methods

Perirenal and subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from 20 male and 24 female healthy live kidney donors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocyte precursor cells, were isolated from these depots to study whether intrinsic factors control BAT‐like properties of the adipose tissue depots.

Results

When average outside temperature a week before harvesting was below 11°C, brown‐like adipocytes expressing UCP1 were present in perirenal adipose tissue of women, but not of men. MSCs derived from perirenal adipose tissue expressed significantly more UCP1 when from female origin compared to male origin (P = 0.009). However, UCP1 protein content and oxygen consumption rate did not differ between adipocytes derived from male and female perirenal MSCs.

Conclusions

Female perirenal adipose tissue has a higher potency to gain BAT‐like properties than male perirenal adipose tissue. The degree of gaining BAT‐like properties depends on sex‐specific intrinsic factors and environmental triggers such as temperature.
A novel pH‐sensitive ceramic‐hydrogel for biomedical applications
Authors: de Lima Gabriel Goetten , Campos Lucas , Junqueira Amanda , Devine Declan M. , Nugent Michael J. D.
Published: July 2015

Innovations on the field of smart hydrogels are now being held with loads of advantages. With recent progress, smart polymers can now be used on the market for specific target/objectives desired on medicine. However, the field of smart hydrogels has not been fully overviewed on the ground for drug delivery. In this study, a novel pH‐sensitive smart hydrogel for drug delivery was investigated. Polyvinyl‐alcohol (PVA) with polyacrylic acid (PAA) was blended adding synthetic hydroxyapatite (Hap) with freeze‐thawed cycles and its effects were studied in terms of mechanical strength, bioactivity, and drug release profile. Mechanical strength towards compression tests was decreased after addition of Hap and storage modulus (G') increased. Bioactivity was confirmed after 14 days on simulated body fluid (SBF). Improvement of swelling and gel fraction with the addition of Hap throughout the polymer matrix. Moreover, a study was performed with theophylline‐loaded samples for drug‐delivery studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New amorphous perfluoro polymers: perfluorodioxolane polymers for use as plastic optical fibers and gas separation membranes
Authors: Okamoto Yoshiyuki , Du Qiming , Koike Kotaro , Mikeš František , Merkel Timothy C. , He Zhenjie , Zhang Hao , Koike Yasuhiro
Published: July 2015

To address the need for perfluoro polymers with higher Tg, we have prepared and characterized various perfluorodioxolane monomers via direct fluorination of the hydrocarbon precursors. These monomers were readily polymerized in bulk or in solution initiated by perfluorodibenzoyl peroxide. The polymers obtained have relatively high Tg(~160°C) and exhibited low material dispersion. These polymers are completely amorphous and soluble in fluorinated solvents. The polymers are also chemically and thermally stable (Tg > 300°C). Thus, these perfluorodioxolane polymers may be used as plastic optical fiber material where high Tg is required, such as in automobile and aircraft application. These perfluorodioxolane polymers were also investigated for use as gas separation membrane. Among these polymers, the copolymer of perfluoro (2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxolane) and perfluoro (2‐methylene‐4,5‐dimethyl dioxolane) showed superior gas separation performance compared with the commercial perfluoro polymers for a number of gas pair, including CO2/CH4, He/CH4, H2/CH4, and N2/CH4. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of chorioamnionitis‐associated preterm birth: interleukin‐1β inhibits progesterone receptor expression in decidual cells
Authors: Guzeloglu‐Kayisli Ozlem , Kayisli Umit A , Semerci Nihan , Basar Murat , Buchwalder Lynn F , Buhimschi Catalin S , Buhimschi Irina A , Arcuri Felice , Larsen Kellie , Huang Joseph S , Schatz Frederick , Lockwood Charles J
Published: July 2015

In chorioamnionitis (CAM), a major cause of preterm birth (PTB), maternal–fetal inflammation of the decidua and amniochorion cause the release of cytokines that elicit cervical ripening, fetal membrane rupture and myometrial activation. We posit that this inflammatory milieu triggers PTB by inhibiting progesterone receptor (PR) expression and increasing decidual prostaglandin (PG) production. Immunohistochemical staining of decidua detected significantly lower PR levels in decidual cells (DCs) from CAM‐complicated PTB. Incubation of DCs with IL‐1β decreased PR expression and significantly increased PGE2 and PGF2α production and COX‐2 expression. The addition of PGF2α to DC cultures also suppressed PR expression. However, the COX inhibitor, indomethacin, did not reverse IL‐1β suppression of PR expression in DC cultures. Although IL‐1β treatment activated the NF‐KB, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signalling cascades in DCs, inhibition of ERK1/2 MAPK signalling alone was sufficient to completely reverse the suppression of PR levels by IL‐1β. These findings suggest that CAM‐associated PTB is induced at least in part by IL‐1β‐mediated functional progesterone withdrawal. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival among children and adults with sickle cell disease in Belgium: Benefit from hydroxyurea treatment
Authors: Lê Phu Quoc , Gulbis Béatrice , Dedeken Laurence , Dupont Sophie , Vanderfaeillie Anna , Heijmans Catherine , Huybrechts Sophie , Devalck Christine , Efira André , Dresse Marie‐Françoise , Rozen Laurence , Benghiat Fleur Samantha , Ferster Alina
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate the survival of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) recorded in the Belgian SCD Registry and to assess the impact of disease‐modifying treatments (DMT).

Method

The Registry created in 2008 included patients of eight centers. All available data in 2008 were retrospectively encoded in the database. After 2008 and until 2012, all data were recorded prospectively for already registered patients as well as newly diagnosed subjects. Data were registered from neonatal screening or from diagnosis (first contact) until last follow‐up or death. Data included diagnosis, demography, and outcome data.

Results

We collected data from 469 patients over a 5,110 patient years (PY) follow‐up period. The global mortality rate was low (0.25/100 PY), although 13 patients died (2.8%) and was similar between children, adolescents (10–18 years), and young adults (P = 0.76). Out of the cohort, 185 patients received hydroxyurea at last follow‐up (median duration of treatment: 10.3 years), 90 underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), 24 were chronically transfused, and 170 had never had any DMT. Hydroxyurea showed significant benefit on patients outcome as reflected by a lower mortality rate compared to transplanted individuals or people without DMT (0.14, 0.36, and 0.38 per 100 PY, respectively) and by higher Kaplan–Meier estimates of 15 year survival (99.4%) compared to HSCT (93.8%; P = 0.01) or no DMT groups (95.4%; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

SCD mortality in Belgium is low with no increase observed in young adults. Patients treated with hydroxyurea demonstrate a significant benefit in survival when compared to those without DMT or transplanted. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adherence to prompt fever evaluation in children with sickle cell disease and the health belief model
Authors: Schultz Corinna L. , Tchume‐Johnson Trudy , Schapira Marilyn M. , Bellamy Scarlett , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Ellison Angela
Published: July 2015

Background

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of death from invasive bacterial infections. Emergent evaluation of fever allows early treatment of potentially fatal infections. Limited data exist regarding caregiver adherence to physician recommendations of prompt medical evaluation of fever in children with SCD. Better understanding of parental behavior around fever management may inform improved models for support in families of children with SCD.

Procedure

Cross‐sectional survey based on health belief domains, Wake Forest trust scales, and self‐reported adherence among 163 caregivers of children with SCD during routine hematology visit.

Results

Fifty‐five percent of caregivers were adherent to fever evaluation recommendations as defined by “always” seeking medical evaluation of fever in their child with SCD. Perceived susceptibility to fever/infection, benefits of prompt evaluation, and cues to action were significantly different between those who adhere to recommendations versus those who do not. Twenty‐five percent believe their child does not need antibiotics with every fever whereas 17% believe their child does not need evaluation of fever after immunizations. Fifty‐seven percent report their employer understands missing work whereas 25% report concern regarding cost of evaluation. Trust in their child's hematologist and medical profession was high (composite scores 23.4/25 and 21/25, respectively).

Conclusion

Despite a high degree of agreement in importance of fever evaluation and high levels of trust, many caregivers do not consistently seek care when their child has a fever. Future studies should address additional barriers to seeking emergency care in children with SCD and fever. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical features and outcomes of infants with Ewing sarcoma under 12 months of age
Authors: Wong Thalia , Goldsby Robert E. , Wustrack Rosanna , Cash Thomas , Isakoff Michael S. , DuBois Steven G.
Published: July 2015

Background

Ewing sarcoma peaks in incidence in adolescence. Infants <12 months old have rarely been reported. We aimed to compare clinical features, treatment, and survival of infants <12 months to those of older pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma.

Procedure

We utilized the SEER database to identify patients <12 months of age diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma between 1973 and 2011. We used Fisher exact tests to compare clinical features and treatment modalities between these patients and patients aged 1–19 years. We used Kaplan–Meier methods to describe overall survival in these two groups.

Results

Of 1,957 patients in the cohort, 39 (2.0%) were diagnosed at <12 months of age. Infants had a different distribution of primary tumor sites, with lower extremity tumors under represented. Compared to older patients, infants were more likely to have soft tissue tumors (81.6% vs. 27.1%; P < 0.001); have primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Askin tumor (61.5% vs. 19.9%; P < 0.001); and have tumors <8 cm (81.0% vs. 53.2%; P < 0.014). Infants were less likely to receive radiation therapy (13.2% vs. 53.3%; P < 0.001). Infants were at increased risk for early death (P < 0.013 by Wilcoxon), though long‐term overall survival was not different between age groups (P < 0.25 by log rank).

Conclusions

Ewing sarcoma is rare in infants, with different clinical presentations and treatment approaches. These patients appear to be at higher risk for early death, but long‐term survival is similar to older pediatric patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;9999:1–5 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of liquid absorption and swelling on the permeability of natural fiber fabrics in liquid composite moulding
Authors: Zhu Yingdan , Cai Jing , Qin Yongli , Liu Dong , Yan Chun , Zhang Hongsheng
Published: July 2015

Liquid composite moulding (LCM) has been successfully used to manufacture natural fiber reinforced composites. Effects of liquid absorption and swelling on the permeability of natural fiber fabrics in LCM were investigated. It shows that the saturated permeability measured in the corn syrup is 23.1%–69.5% smaller than that in the motor oil because of reduced porosity and flow paths caused by liquid absorption and swelling. Based on traditional models by considering the effects of liquid absorption and swelling of jute fibers, a mathematic model was developed to predict the variable permeability during the mold filling. Experimental results demonstrate excellent agreement with the prediction. The effects of flow rate and fiber volume fraction on permeability were also analyzed. It is found that liquid absorption and swelling may dominate the permeation when the flow rate is low while the flow rate may contribute more when it is large. Furthermore, fiber volume fraction is more sensitive to permeability in the syrup than is the case in the motor oil because of the absorption and swelling of natural fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:996–1004, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of two staining methods on color stability of wood flour/polypropylene composites during accelerated UV weathering
Authors: Peng Yao , Guo Xi , Cao Jinzhen , Wang Wen
Published: July 2015

Two staining methods of wood flour/polypropylene composites in an attempt to improve the color stability of wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) were investigated. The first was to dye wood flour (WF) before compounding with polypropylene (PP) to make stained composites. The second method involved mixing pigments directly with WF and PP. Nine groups of composites were weathered in a QUV accelerated weathering tester for 960 h. Their surface color, surface gloss, washing resistance, and flexural properties were tested during weathering. Additionally, the weathered surface was characterized by SEM and ATR‐FTIR. The results revealed that (1) the washing resistance of composites were improved after staining treatments; (2) composites made of dyed WF showed higher surface gloss values and less cracks on weathered surface at the early stage of weathering; while composites containing pigments displayed brighter color, less color change, and less loss of flexural properties during weathering; and (3) weathering resulted in the protrusion of WF and photodegraded lignin on exposed surface. Adding pigments was proven to be more effective staining method for improving composite color stability during weathering. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1194–1205, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improved thermal properties of jute fiber‐reinforced polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Hossen Md. Faruk , Hamdan Sinin , Rahman Md. Rezaur , Islam Md. Saiful , Kiew Liew Fui , Lai Josephine Chang Hui , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: July 2015

The thermal behavior of chemically modified jute fiber‐reinforced polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites was investigated. Nanocomposites were prepared by hot press molding technique using different fiber loadings (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) for both treated and untreated fibers. Jute fibers were chemically modified with benzene diazonium salt to increase their compatibility with the PE matrix. Surface and thermal properties were subsequently characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis were used to study the surface morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry were carried out for thermal characterization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy study showed interfacial interaction among jute fiber, PE, and nanoclay. It was observed that, at optimum fiber content (15 wt%), treated jute fiber‐reinforced composites showed better thermal properties compared with that of untreated ones and also that nanoclay‐incorporated composites showed enhanced higher thermal properties compared with those without nanoclay. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1266–1272, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) on biodegradation of PS:PLA and PS:PLA:OMMT using Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Shimpi Navinchandra , Borane Mahesh , Kadam Meghraj , Mishra Satyendra
Published: July 2015

The environmental issues of synthetic polymers have been resolved using biodegradation under controlled conditions. The degradation study of polymeric composites of (a) polystyrene (PS) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) (PS:PLA), and (b) PS:PLA filled with organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) (PS:PLA:OMMT) was carried out using Phanerochaete chrysosporium. PLA was synthesized using l‐lactic acid under controlled ultrasound cavitation technique, dried and added to a solution of PS. Surface of montmorillonite (MMT) was modified using column chromatographic technique to improve d‐spacing up to 31.5 Å. The sheets of PS:PLA and PS:PLA:OMMT were subjected to degradation study in minimal medium using P. chrysosporium micro‐organism under controlled conditions up to 28 days. The growth of micro‐organism and fractures inside the polymer matrix before and after degradation was observed using scanning electron microscope. Change in extracellular protein content, biomass production, and % degradation with respect to time of incubated samples have been also studied. It was found that the PS:PLA:OMMT (at 5 phr OMMT content) and PS:PLA (at 30% PLA) composites show an increment in degradation. The presence of OMMT leads to faster degradation of PS:PLA:OMMT nanocomposites, which decreases in mechanical property by 30% of PLA and 5 wt% of OMMT content. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1292–1301, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Data management and data analysis techniques in pharmacoepidemiological studies using a pre‐planned multi‐database approach: a systematic literature review
Authors: Bazelier Marloes T. , Eriksson Irene , de Vries Frank , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Raitanen Jani , Haukka Jari , Starup‐Linde Jakob , De Bruin Marie L. , Andersen Morten
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To identify pharmacoepidemiological multi‐database studies and to describe data management and data analysis techniques used for combining data.

Methods

Systematic literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase complemented by a manual literature search. We included pharmacoepidemiological multi‐database studies published from 2007 onwards that combined data for a pre‐planned common analysis or quantitative synthesis. Information was retrieved about study characteristics, methods used for individual‐level analyses and meta‐analyses, data management and motivations for performing the study.

Results

We found 3083 articles by the systematic searches and an additional 176 by the manual search. After full‐text screening of 75 articles, 22 were selected for final inclusion. The number of databases used per study ranged from 2 to 17 (median = 4.0). Most studies used a cohort design (82%) instead of a case–control design (18%). Logistic regression was most often used for individual‐level analyses (41%), followed by Cox regression (23%) and Poisson regression (14%). As meta‐analysis method, a majority of the studies combined individual patient data (73%). Six studies performed an aggregate meta‐analysis (27%), while a semi‐aggregate approach was applied in three studies (14%). Information on central programming or heterogeneity assessment was missing in approximately half of the publications. Most studies were motivated by improving power (86%).

Conclusions

Pharmacoepidemiological multi‐database studies are a well‐powered strategy to address safety issues and have increased in popularity. To be able to correctly interpret the results of these studies, it is important to systematically report on database management and analysis techniques, including central programming and heterogeneity testing. © 2015 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a multi‐state model in a claims database: illustration with methadone
Authors: Boucherie Quentin , Pauly Vanessa , Frauger Elisabeth , Thirion Xavier , Pradel Vincent , Micallef Joëlle
Published: July 2015

Purpose

In pharmacoepidemiology, one of the main concerns is analysis of drug exposure time. However, in real‐life settings, patient's behavior is complex and characterized by drug exposure dynamics. Multi‐state models allow assessing the probabilities of various patterns, instead of just continuous use and/or discontinuation. The aim of this study was to illustrate with methadone, the use of multi‐state model (MSM) in a large claims database.

Methods

This study is based on the French health insurance reimbursement database. Methadone exposure is defined using four states for each period of follow‐up: syrup only, capsule only, syrup‐capsule and no dispensing. The model considered 12 possible transitions (including reverse transitions) from one state to another. To describe these transitions a time‐homogeneous Markov model was used.

Results

A total of 1265 methadone users were included. When patients belonged to the syrup‐capsule state, they had a 61.8% chance of moving to capsules the following month and 20.9% of moving to syrup. The probability of moving from the syrup to the non‐user state was 13.6% (11.7% from capsule state to non‐user state). The average length of stay was 5.9 months (CI95%: [5.5–6.4]) in capsule state, 4.9 (CI95%: [4.6–5.2]) in syrup state and 5.9 (CI95%: [5.5–6.3]) in non user state.

Conclusion

MSM provided a good description of methadone patterns of use. It outlined behaviors which have led to a rapid spread of capsule formulation among methadone users. Therefore, it illustrates the utility of MSM for modeling multiple sequences of drug use in a large claims database. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of radiation cross‐linking of polyamide 66 on the characteristics of the vibration welding process
Authors: Leisen Christoph , Menacher Markus , Drummer Dietmar
Published: July 2015

The conventional vibration welding process of polyamide 66 only has a continuous and steady melt flow during the quasi‐steady phase. The process and resulting welds have been thoroughly investigated. Radiation cross‐linking of polyamide 66 with electron beams alters the material's characteristics. Consequently, the resulting energy balance during vibration welding changes and the squeeze flow is impeded. Additionally, this causes the cross‐linking to attain a residual stiffness above the crystallite melting temperature, thereby influencing the characteristics of the vibration welding process. Further, higher weld temperatures and a change in meltdown behavior can be observed. This leads to a varied relationship amongst the process, structure, and properties for vibration welding cross‐linked polyamide. Hence, weld strengths up to the value of the base material strength are possible. The scope of this article is to investigate the influence of radiation cross‐linking on the material characteristics and, by extension, the resulting processing and welding characteristics. Calorimetric, chemical, rheological, mechanical, and optical investigations serve to highlight the influence of radiation cross‐linking on the vibration welding process of polyamide 66. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2493–2499, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Different Games for Different Motives: Comment on Haesevoets, Folmer, and Van Hiel (2015)
Authors: Thielmann Isabel , Böhm Robert , Hilbig Benjamin E.
Published: July 2015

Recently, Haesevoets, Folmer, and Van Hiel (2015) strongly questioned the comparability and equivalence of different mixed–motive situations as modelled in economic games. Particularly, the authors found that different game correlated only weakly on average and loaded on two separate factors. In turn, personality traits failed to consistently account for behavioural tendencies across games. Contrary to the conclusions of Haesevoets et al., these findings are actually perfectly in line with the game–theoretic understanding of the different economic games. If one considers the variety of specific motives underlying decisions in different games, Haesevoets et al.'s findings actually support the validity of different games rather than questioning it. This, in turn, emphasizes the necessity for the plethora of different games that have been developed over decades in economics and psychology. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Sublingual Buprenorphine in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Ng Chee M. , Dombrowsky Erin , Lin Hopi , Erlich Michelle E. , Moody David E. , Barrett Jeffrey S. , Kraft Walter K.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)—a clinical entity of infants from in utero exposure to psychoactive xenobiotic and buprenorphine—has been successfully used to treat NAS. However, nothing is known about the pharmacokinetics (PK) of buprenorphine in neonates with NAS. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the population pharmacokinetic of sublingual buprenorphine in neonates with NAS.

Design

A retrospective population PK analysis of: (1) neonates with NAS treated with sublingual buprenorphine in randomized, double blinded clinical study and (2) data from healthy adults from a previously published pharmacokinetic study.

Setting

Neonatal intensive care unit and general clinical research unit.

Patients

Twenty‐four neonates with NAS and five healthy adults.

Interventions

All participants received sublingual buprenorphine per study protocol.

Measurements and Main Results

A total of 303 PK data from 29 neonates and adults were used for model development. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using a first order conditional estimation with interaction in the NONMEM software program. A two‐compartment linear PK model with first‐order absorption process best described the pharmacokinetics of sublingual buprenorphine in neonates. The apparent clearance (CL) of buprenorphine was linearly related to body weight and matured with increasing age via two distinct saturated pathways. A typical neonate with NAS (body weight, 2.9 kg; postnatal age; 5.4 days) had a CL of 3.5 L/kg/hour and elimination half‐life of 11 hours. Phenobarbital did not affect the clearance of buprenorphine compared to neonates of similar age and weight.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate the population PK of sublingual buprenorphine in neonatal NAS. To our knowledge, this is also the first report to describe the age‐dependent changes of buprenorphine PK in this patient population. No buprenorphine dose adjustment is needed for neonates with NAS treated with buprenorphine and concurrent phenobarbital.
Effects of electric field during deposition on spray deposited indium‐doped zinc oxide films
Authors: Swami Sanjay Kumar , Chaturvedi Neha , Kumar Anuj , Dutta Viresh
Published: July 2015

Indium‐doped zinc oxide (IZO) thin films were deposited on a glass substrate using spray technique with a direct current (DC) voltage applied to the nozzle to create an electric field during deposition. It was found that the presence of the electric field has a strong effect on doping efficiency, structural, electrical, and optical properties. Incorporation of indium in ZnO was confirmed by the Rutherford back scattering and X‐ray diffraction peak analysis. Scanning electron microscope micrograph showed that the surface morphology changed from rice‐like structure to flower‐like compact structure. The electrical resistivity of IZO film prepared under the electric field was 2 × 10−3 Ω cm, transmission in the visible region was more than about 80%, and figure of merit (ΦTC) was 3.39 × 10−3 Ω−1. The films deposited under the electric field showed a band gap narrowing, which is explained using the many body effects in the perturbation theory. Spray deposited IZO film under the electric field was shown to be useful for making self‐cleaning top glass in solar cell module fabrication. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of human reflex tear proteome reveals high expression of lacrimal proline‐rich protein 4 (PRR4)
Authors: Perumal Natarajan , Funke Sebastian , Wolters Dominik , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H.
Published: July 2015

In‐depth studies on the proteome of reflex tears are still inadequate. Hence, further studies on this subject will unravel the key proteins which are conjectured to possess vital functions in the protection of the ocular surface. Therefore, this study investigated the differences in the expression levels in proteome of reflex compared to basal tears. Basal (n = 10) and reflex (n = 10) tear samples from healthy subjects were collected employing the capillary method, subsequently pooled and the proteomes were characterized employing 1DE combined with LC‐ESI‐MS/MS strategy for label‐free quantitative (LFQ) analysis. The differentially expressed proteins were validated by 2DE combined with LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and targeted‐MS approach called accurate inclusion mass screening (AIMS) strategies. The analysis of the reflex tear proteome demonstrated increased abundance in proline‐rich protein 4 (PRR4) and zymogen granule protein 16 homolog B (ZG16B) for the first time. Other abundant lacrimal proteins, e.g. lactotransferrin and lysozyme remained constant. Predominantly, the lacrimal gland‐specific PRR4 represents the major increased protein in reflex tears in an attempt to wash out irritants that come into contact with the eye. Conversely, decreased abundance in Ig alpha‐1 chain C, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, cystatin S/SN, clusterin and mammaglobin were observed. This study had further unraveled the intricate proteome regulation during reflex tearing, especially the potential role of PRR4, which may be the key player in the protection and maintenance of dynamic balance of the ocular surface.
Fully printed flexible audio system on the basis of low‐voltage polymeric organic field effect transistors with three layer dielectric
Authors: Schmidt Georg C. , Höft Daniel , Haase Katherina , Bellmann Maxi , Kheradmand‐Boroujeni Bahman , Hassinen Tomi , Sandberg Henrik , Ellinger Frank , Hübler Arved C.
Published: July 2015

Fully mass printed, flexible and truly polymeric organic field effect transistors consisting of a three layer dielectric made of CYTOP (low‐k), PVA (intermediate) and P(VDF‐TrFE‐CTFE)(high‐k) are introduced. Gravure‐, flexo‐and screen printing were selected as highly productive manufacturing technologies. These OFETs work at strongly reduced voltages and show high field effect mobility (µ = 0.2  cm2/Vs) and remarkable good bias stress stability at very high current density (50  µA/mm). Fully printed OFETs are used for the realization of ring oscillators working in the kHz regime at reduced supply voltage (10  V). In combination with printed fully polymeric piezoelectric loudspeakers, this work shows for the first time fully printed flexible audio systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1409–1415
Facile Synthesis of Gd(OH)3‐Doped Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Dual‐Mode T1‐ and T2‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Applications
Authors: Cai Hongdong , An Xiao , Wen Shihui , Li Jingchao , Zhang Guixiang , Shi Xiangyang , Shen Mingwu
Published: July 2015

The facile hydrothermal synthesis of polyethyleneimine (PEI)‐coated iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) doped with Gd(OH)3 (Fe3O4‐Gd(OH)3‐PEI NPs) for dual mode T1‐ and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging applications is reported. In this approach, Fe3O4‐Gd(OH)3‐PEI NPs are synthesized via a hydrothermal method in the presence of branched PEI and Gd(III) ions. The PEI coating onto the particle surfaces enables further modification of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in order to render the particles with good water dispersibility and improved biocompatibility. The formed Fe3O4‐Gd(OH)3‐PEI‐PEG NPs have a Gd/Fe molar ratio of 0.25:1 and a mean particle size of 14.4 nm and display a relatively high r2 (151.37 × 10−3m−1 s−1) and r1 (5.63 × 10−3m−1 s−1) relaxivity, affording their uses as a unique contrast agent for T1‐ and T2‐weighted MR imaging of rat livers after mesenteric vein injection of the particles and the mouse liver after intravenous injection of the particles, respectively. The developed Fe3O4‐Gd(OH)3‐PEI‐PEG NPs may hold great promise to be used as a contrast agent for dual mode T1‐ and T2‐weighted self‐confirmation MR imaging of different biological systems.
Differential proteomic analysis reveals that EGCG inhibits HDGF and activates apoptosis to increase the sensitivity of non‐small cells lung cancer to chemotherapy
Authors: Flores‐Pérez Ali , Marchat Laurence A. , Sánchez Lidia López , Romero‐Zamora Diana , Arechaga‐Ocampo Elena , Ramírez‐Torres Nayeli , Chávez José Díaz , Carlos‐Reyes Ángeles , Astudillo‐de la Vega Horacio , Ruiz‐García Erika , González‐Pérez Abrahan , López‐Camarillo César
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To search for regulated proteins in response to green tea (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) in A549 lung cancer cells.

Experimental design

2DE and ESI/multistage MS (ESI‐MS/MS) were performed to identify modulated proteins in A549 cells treated with EGCG. Cell migration was evaluated by transwell assays. RNA interference was used to silence the hepatoma‐derived growth factor (HDGF). Caspase‐3, caspase‐9, and HDGF were immunodetected by Western blot assays. Flow cytometry was used for detection of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis.

Results

We found that HDGF expression was threefold suppressed by EGCG treatment. Downregulation of HDGF by EGCG was confirmed using anti‐HDGF antibodies in three lung cancer cell lines. EGCG treatment and HDGF abrogation by RNA interference resulted in a decreased migration of A549 cells. In addition, EGCG induced a marked synergistic effect with cisplatin in cell death. Consistently, an enhanced cytotoxicity in HDGF‐silenced cells was also found. Cell death was associated to increased apoptosis, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Our data suggest for the first time that abrogation of HDGF by EGCG enhances cisplatin‐induced apoptosis and sensitize A549 cells to chemotherapy. Therefore, we propose that decreasing the HDGF levels by using EGCG may represent a novel strategy in lung cancer therapy.