bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection for longer lived sperm within ejaculate reduces reproductive ageing in offspring
Authors: Alavioon Ghazal , Cabrera Garcia Andrea , LeChatelier Magali , Maklakov Alexei A. , Immler Simone
Published: February 2019

Males produce numerous sperm in a single ejaculate that greatly outnumber their potential egg targets. Recent studies found that phenotypic and genotypic variation among sperm in a single ejaculate of a male affects the fitness and performance of the resulting offspring. Specifically, within-ejaculate sperm selection for sperm longevity increased the performance of the resulting offspring in several key life-history traits in early life. Because increased early-life reproductive performance often correlates with rapid ageing, it is possible that within-ejaculate sperm selection increases early-life fitness at the cost of accelerated senescence. Alternatively, within-ejaculate sperm selection could improve offspring quality throughout the life cycle, including reduced age-specific deterioration. We tested the two alternative hypotheses in an experimental setup using zebrafish Danio rerio. We found that within-ejaculate sperm selection for sperm longevity reduced age-specific deterioration of fecundity and offspring survival but had no effect on fertilization success in males. Remarkably, we found an opposing effect of within-ejaculate sperm selection on female fecundity, where selection for sperm longevity resulted in increased early-life performance followed by a slow decline, while females sired by unselected sperm started low but increased their fecundity with age. Intriguingly, within-ejaculate sperm selection also reduced the age-specific decline in fertilization success in females, suggesting that selection for sperm longevity improves at least some aspects of female reproductive ageing. These results demonstrate that within-ejaculate variation in sperm phenotype contributes to individual variation in animal life histories in the two sexes and may have important implications for assisted fertilization programs in livestock and humans.
For better or worse? Investigating the validity of best–worst discrete choice experiments in health
Authors: Krucien Nicolas , Sicsic Jonathan , Ryan Mandy
Published: February 2019

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are frequently used in health economics to measure preferences for nonmarket goods. Best–worst discrete choice experiment (BWDCE) has been proposed as a variant of the traditional “pick the best” approach. BWDCE, where participants choose the best and worst options, is argued to generate more precise preference estimates because of the additional information collected. However, the validity of the approach relies on two necessary conditions: (a) best and worst decisions provide similar information about preferences and (b) asking individuals to answer more than one choice question per task does not reduce data quality. Whether these conditions hold in empirical applications remains under researched. This is the first study to compare participants' choices across three experimental conditions: (a) BEST choices only, (b) WORST choices only, and (c) BEST and WORST choices (BWDCE). We find responses to worst choices are noisier. Implied preferences from the best only and worst only choices are qualitatively different, leading to different WTP values. Responses to BWDCE tasks have lower consistency, and respondents are more likely to use simplifying decision heuristics. We urge caution in using BWDCE as an alternative to the traditional “pick the best” DCE.
Research evidence on strategies enabling integration of electronic health records in the health care systems of low‐ and middle‐income countries: A literature review
Authors: Kumar Manish , Mostafa Javed
Published: February 2019

Integration of electronic health records (EHRs) in the national health care systems of low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is vital for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‐being for all people of all ages. National EHR systems are increasing, but mostly in developed countries. Besides, there is limited research evidence on successful strategies for ensuring integration of national EHRs in the health care systems of LMICs. To fill this evidence gap, a comprehensive survey of literature was conducted using scientific electronic databases—PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Global Health—and consultations with international experts. The review highlights the lack of evidence on strategies for integrating EHR systems, although there was ample evidence on implementation challenges and relevance of EHRs to vertical disease programs such as HIV. The findings describe the narrow focus of EHR implementation, the prominence of vertical disease programs in EHR adoption, testing of theoretical and conceptual models for EHR implementation and success, and strategies for EHR implementation. The review findings are further amplified through examples of EHR implementation in Sierra Leone, Malawi, and India. Unless evidence‐based strategies are identified and applied, integration of national EHRs in the health care systems of LMICs is difficult.
The ability of thromboelastography parameters to predict severe pre‐eclampsia when measured during early pregnancy
Authors: Wang Man , Hu Zheng , Cheng Qun X. , Xu Jun , Liang Chao
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the predictive value of thromboelastography parameters during early pregnancy as potential markers of severe pre‐eclampsia during late pregnancy.

Methods

An observational retrospective case–control study was conducted among pregnant women who attended a single hospital in Shanghai, China, between July 1, 2016, and February 31, 2018. Data were obtained from medical records and a structured questionnaire completed by the participants. Thromboelastography parameters included time r; time k; α angle; maximum amplitude; clot lysis at 60 minutes; and coagulation index. Other risk factors for severe pre‐eclampsia were also assessed.

Results

The pre‐eclampsia and control groups comprised 46 and 138 women, respectively. Women with a coagulation index below zero at 13–20 weeks experienced an increased risk of severe pre‐eclampsia (odds ratio [OR] 31.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.28–89.24; P<0.001). Other risk factors for severe pre‐eclampsia were family history of hypertension (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.21–11.48; P=0.017) and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.14–7.36; P=0.023).

Conclusion

Coagulation index determined by thromboelastography was an early marker for severe pre‐eclampsia.
Classification of Alzheimer disease among susceptible brain regions
Authors: Ahmad Fayyaz , Zulifqar Hifza , Malik Tamoor
Published: February 2019

Statistical and machine learning techniques are frequently employed in the study of neuroimaging data for finding Alzheimer disease (AD) in clinical studies and in additional inquiries about research settings. AD affects the whole brain and as a result the quality of life, where most affected regions are the hippocampus (HP), middle temporal gyrus (MTG), entorhinal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). We used well‐known classification methods to diagnose the affected regions of the brain at different stages of age using biomarker modalities and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at the resting state, and later marked the affected brain region on MRI. We have used well‐known support vector machine (SVM), Fisher's linear discriminant analysis, artificial neural network, and logistic regression for the classification of AD. In the context of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, an SVM provided the best classification among AD stages. Moreover, analysis showed development of AD.
AMPA receptor expression in mouse testis and spermatogonial GC‐1 cells: A study on its regulation by excitatory amino acids
Authors: Santillo Alessandra , Falvo Sara , Di Fiore Maria M. , Di Giacomo Russo Federica , Chieffi Paolo , Usiello Alessandro , Pinelli Claudia , Baccari Gabriella Chieffi
Published: February 2019

Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) are found present in the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Numerous studies have demonstrated a regulatory role for Glutamate (Glu), d‐aspartate (
d‐Asp) and N‐methyl‐
d‐aspartate (NMDA) in the control of spermatogenesis. EAAs are able to stimulate the Glutamate receptors, including the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR). Here in, we assess expression of the main AMPAR subunits, GluA1 and GluA2/3, in the mouse testis and in spermatogonial GC‐1 cells. The results showed that both GluA1 and GluA2/3 were localized in mouse testis prevalently in spermatogonia. The subunit GluA2/3 was more highly expressed compared with GluA1 in both the testis and the GC‐1 cells. Subsequently, GC‐1 cells were incubated with medium containing
l‐Glu,
d‐Glu,
d‐Asp or NMDA to determine GluA1 and GluA2/3 expressions. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, EAA‐treated GC‐1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of both GluA1 and GluA2/3. Furthermore, p‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p‐Akt, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Aurora B expressions were assayed in
l‐Glu‐,
d‐Glu‐, and NMDA‐treated GC‐1 cells. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, treated GC‐1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of p‐ERK and p‐Akt. A consequent increase of PCNA and Aurora B expressions was induced by
l‐Glu and NMDA, but not by
d‐Glu. Our study demonstrates a direct effect of the EAAs on spermatogonial activity. In addition, the increased protein expression levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 in EAA‐treated GC‐1 cells suggest that EAAs could activate ERK and Akt pathways through the AMPAR. Finally, the increased PCNA and Aurora B levels may imply an enhanced proliferative activity.
The influence of compost and nitrilotriacetic acid on mercury phytoextraction by Lepidium sativum L.
Authors: Smolińska Beata
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The investigations on enhanced phytoextraction are focused on both the influence of soil amendments on reclamation efficiency, and processes that occur in plant cells as its response to pollutants. The aim of the present study was to analyze the glutathione content (GSH) as a response of Lepidium sativum L. to substances used in assisted phytoextraction of mercury (Hg) contaminated soil. The simultaneous influence of compost from green wastes and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) on Hg accumulation and translocation was investigated. The study also focused on the Hg leaching after assisted phytoextraction.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that application of compost and NTA increased Hg translocation to plant shoots over 128–154%. A corresponding increase of GSH was observed. Application of soil enhancements decreased the concentration of leached Hg (LHg) around 24% when compared to Hg treated soil.

CONCLUSION

Lepidium sativum L. showed the potential as a tolerant plant that can be used in biological soil reclamation process. Simultaneous application of compost and NTA promoted Hg phytoextraction efficiency and at the same time decreased the potential leachable fraction of Hg in soil. The increased Hg translocation to plant shoots was correlated with the growth of GSH content in plants, as a plant response to environmental conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Biofiltration of high concentrations of methanol vapors: removal performance, carbon balance and microbial and fly populations
Authors: Cruz‐García Blanca , Geronimo‐Meza Andrea Selene , Martínez‐Lievana Concepción , Arriaga Sonia , Huante‐González Yolanda , Aizpuru Aitor
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Methanol vapors, broadly emitted by industry, can be cost‐effectively treated by biofiltration. However, long‐term operation under high concentrations regularly encountered in the pulp and paper industry (> 5 g m−3) has been barely studied.

RESULTS

Methanol concentrations between 1.6 and 14 g m−3were treated in a biofilter. Complete methanol removal was obtained for concentrations up to 3.5 g m−3, for an empty bed retention time (EBRT) of 60 s. A higher EBRT (160 s) was necessary to eliminate all methanol for concentrations up to 7 g m−3. For higher concentrations, a maximum elimination capacity (ECmax) of 343.8 g m−3 h−1was achieved. The main challenge encountered during the biofiltration of high methanol concentrations was excessive biomass buildup (with a performance drop due to clogging occurring every 2 weeks). Under high methanol concentrations, 11 bacteria, three fungi, and one yeast prevailed in the biofilm. Flies and fly larvae were detected when no biofilter clogging was observed, regulating biomass excess.

CONCLUSIONS

High methanol concentrations trigger biomass growth and clogging. Diptera represent a research opportunity to control such phenomena. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of newborn screening for very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency on genetic, enzymatic, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Bleeker Jeannette C. , Kok Irene L. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , van der Pol W. Ludo , Cuppen Inge , Bosch Annet M. , Langeveld Mirjam , Derks Terry G. J. , Williams Monique , de Vries Maaike , Mulder Margot F. , Gozalbo Estela R. , de Sain‐van der Velden Monique G. M. , Rennings Alexander J. , Schielen Peter J. C. I. , Dekkers Eugenie , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Waterham Hans R. , Pras‐Raves Mia L. , Wanders Ronald J. A. , van Hasselt Peter M. , Schoenmakers Marja , Wijburg Frits A. , Visser Gepke
Published: February 2019

Most infants with very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) identified by newborn screening (NBS) are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis and remain asymptomatic. If this outcome is due to prompt diagnosis and initiation of therapy, or because of identification of individuals with biochemical abnormalities who will never develop symptoms, is unclear. Therefore, a 10‐year longitudinal national cohort study of genetically confirmed VLCADD patients born before and after introduction of NBS was conducted. Main outcome measures were clinical outcome parameters, acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase very long chain gene analysis, VLCAD activity, and overall capacity of long‐chain fatty acid oxidation (LC‐FAO flux) in lymphocytes and cultured skin fibroblasts. Median VLCAD activity in lymphocytes of 54 patients, 21 diagnosed pre‐NBS and 33 by NBS was, respectively, 5.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.0‐8.3) and 12.6% (95% CI: 10.7‐17.7; P < 0.001) of the reference mean. The median LC‐FAO flux was 33.2% (95% CI: 22.8‐48.3) and 41% (95% CI: 40.8‐68; P < 0.05) of the control mean, respectively. Clinical characteristics in 23 pre‐NBS and 37 NBS patients revealed hypoglycemic events in 12 vs 2 patients, cardiomyopathy in 5 vs 4 patients and myopathy in 14 vs 3 patients. All patients with LC‐FAO flux <10% developed symptoms. Of the patients with LC‐FAO flux >10% 7 out of 12 diagnosed pre‐NBS vs none by NBS experienced hypoglycemic events. NBS has a clear beneficial effect on the prevention of hypoglycemic events in patients with some residual enzyme activity, but does not prevent hypoglycemia nor cardiac complications in patients with very low residual enzyme activity. The effect of NBS on prevalence and prevention of myopathy‐related complications remains unclear.
Structural prediction of antibody‐APRIL complexes by computational docking constrained by antigen saturation mutagenesis library data
Authors: Wollacott Andrew M. , Robinson Luke N. , Ramakrishnan Boopathy , Tissire Hamid , Viswanathan Karthik , Shriver Zachary , Babcock Gregory J.
Published: February 2019

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent cause of primary glomerular disease worldwide, and the cytokine A PRoliferation‐Inducing Ligand (APRIL) is emerging as a key player in IgAN pathogenesis and disease progression. For a panel of anti‐human APRIL antibodies with known antagonistic activity, we sought to define their structural mode of engagement to understand molecular mechanisms of action and aid rational antibody engineering. Reliable computational prediction of antibody‐antigen complexes remains challenging, and experimental methods such as X‐ray co‐crystallography and cryoEM have considerable technical, resource, and throughput barriers. To overcome these limitations, we implemented an integrated and accessible experimental‐computational workflow to more accurately predict structures of antibody‐APRIL complexes. Specifically, a yeast surface display library encoding site‐saturation mutagenized surface positions of APRIL was screened against a panel of anti‐APRIL antibodies to rapidly obtain a comprehensive biochemical profile of mutational impact on binding for each antibody. The experimentally derived mutational profile data were used as quantitative constraints in a computational docking workflow optimized for antibodies, resulting in robust structural models of antibody‐antigen complexes. The model results were confirmed by solving the cocrystal structure of one antibody‐APRIL complex, which revealed strong agreement with our model. The models were used to rationally select and engineer one antibody for cross‐species APRIL binding, which quite often aids further testing in relevant animal models. Collectively, we demonstrate a rapid, integrated computational‐experimental approach to robustly predict antibody‐antigen structures information, which can aid rational antibody engineering and provide insights into molecular mechanisms of action.
Frequency and Implications of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and lymphocyte subsets in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hetta Helal F. , Zahran Asmaa M. , Mansor Shima G. , Abdel‐Malek Mohamed O. , Mekky Mohamed A. , Abbas Wael A.
Published: February 2019

Background and aim

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a pivotal role in tumor immunity and induction of immune tolerance to a variety of antitumor effectors, including T lymphocytes. Herein, we tried to evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of MDSCs and different lymphocyte subsets in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Four groups were enrolled; chronic HCV (CHC; n = 40), HCV‐related liver cirrhosis (n = 40), HCV‐related HCC (HCV‐HCC; n = 75), and healthy control group (n = 20). The percentage of peripheral lymphocytes subsets and total MDSCs with their main two subsets; monocytic (M‐MDSCs) and granulocytic (G‐MDSCs) was evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

The frequency of total MSDCs and M‐MDSCs was significantly elevated in HCV‐HCC especially patients with advanced stage HCC compared with those with early‐stage HCC. The frequency of total MSDCs and M‐MDSCs was positively correlated with ALT, AFP, and HCV viral load and negatively correlated with CD8+T‐cell frequency. CD4+T cells were significantly decreased in HCV‐HCC patients. The frequency of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells was negatively correlated with AFP and AST, but not with albumin or HCV viral load.

Conclusion

Taken together, our data suggest that MDSCs, M‐MDSCs, and lymphocyte subsets are associated with the development and progression of HCV‐related HCC
Measurement of serum hepatitis B surface antibody levels in Iranian autistic children and evaluation of immunological memory after booster dose injection in comparison with controls
Authors: Barfi Shahram , Narges Chimeh , Pouretemad Hamid Reza , Poortahmasebi Vahdat , Norouzi Mehdi , Farahmand Mohammad , Yahyapour Yousef , Ghorbani Saeid , Ghalichi Leila , Ofoghi Haleh , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad
Published: February 2019

Background

Responsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine among patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has not been evaluated worldwide. We aimed to determine the anti‐HBs antibody duration in autistic and healthy children few years after primary vaccination and evaluate their immunological memory against hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine with booster dose administration.

Methods

One hundred seven and 147 HBsAg‐negative children from ASD and normal population were recruited, respectively. HBV seromarkers (HBc‐Ab, HBsAg, and HBs‐Ab) were assessed and subsequently, molecular tests were used on all the subjects. A booster dose of vaccine was injected for those who showed low levels (<10 mIU/mL) of anti‐HBs and their antibody levels was measured 4 weeks later.

Results

The mean ages of ASD and control groups were 7.14 ± 2.42 and 8.68 ± 1.96, respectively. Seven (6.5%) of the ASD group were positive for anti‐HBc and one child was positive for occult hepatitis B infection (HBsAg negative, HBV DNA positive). In ASD, 54 (50.4%) and 53 (49.6%) had adequate (>10 mIU/mL) and low anti‐HBs levels, respectively. Among control group, 74 (50.4%) and 73 (49.6%) had sufficient and low antibody levels, respectively. After injection of a booster dose for all children with low antibody, 100% of ASD and 92% (59 of 64) of control pupils contained >10 mIU/mL of antibody, respectively. In both the groups, the HBs‐Ab titer increased similarly in response to the booster injection (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Despite previous investigations regarding immune impairment in individuals with autism, the immune system of these individuals was able to manage the hepatitis B vaccine challenge.
Systematic reviews of health economic evaluations: A structured analysis of characteristics and methods applied
Authors: Luhnen Miriam , Prediger Barbara , Neugebauer Edmund A.M. , Mathes Tim
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The number of systematic reviews of health economic evaluations (SR‐HEs) is increasing. We aimed at providing a detailed overview of the characteristics and applied methods in recently published SR‐HEs.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE (03/2017) for SR‐HEs published since 2015 using validated search filters. We included studies that performed a systematic review of full economic evaluations and searched at least one electronic database. We extracted data in a standardized, beforehand piloted form that was deduced from the items of the PRISMA and CHEERS checklists. Data were extracted by one reviewer, and a 10% random sample was verified by a second. We prepared descriptive statistical measures to describe the SR‐HEs.

Results

We included 202 SR‐HEs. We identified similarities especially in the methods for information retrieval. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of quality and transferability were frequently not reported or performed without taking measures to reduce errors (eg, independent study selection). A wide range of different tools was applied for critical appraisal. Moreover, the reporting of included economic evaluations and the synthesis of their results showed strong variations.

Conclusions

Overall, we identified few common features in the applied methods for SR‐HEs. The information retrieval processes are largely standardized, but many studies did not use validated search filters. For the other systematic review steps, the methodological approaches varied. In particular, important challenges seem to be the methodological quality and transferability assessment as well as presentation and (quantitative) synthesis of results. Efforts are needed for increasing standardization, quality of applied methods, and reporting of SR‐HEs.
Aggregation Behavior of Imidazolium‐Based Amino Acid Ionic Liquid Surfactants in Aqueous Solution: The Effect of Amino Acid Counterions
Authors: Yang Xiu‐Jie , Zhang Peng , Lv Wenjiao , Zhou Ting , Li Peng , Zhao Mingwei
Published: February 2019

Three kinds of imidazolium‐based amino acid ionic liquid surfactants (AAILS), 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium
L‐aminopropionic acid salt ([C14mim][Ala]), 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium
L‐2‐pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid salt ([C14mim][Pro]), and 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium
L‐aminohydrocinnamic acid salt ([C14mim][Phe]), were synthesized by employing natural amino acids as counterions. Their adsorption and self‐aggregation behaviors in aqueous solution were investigated systematically by means of surface tension and electrical conductivity measurements. Surface tension results indicate that surface properties and micellization behavior of AAILS are significantly affected by counterions. The micellization of [C14mim][Pro] and [C14mim][Phe] is entropy‐driven at low temperatures but enthalpy‐driven at high temperatures, whereas [C14mim][Ala] is enthalpy‐driven throughout the whole temperature range, owing to the variation in hydrophobicity and size of amino acid counterions. The surface activity of [C14mim][Phe] is superior to that of conventional imidazolium‐based ionic liquid surfactants with the same hydrocarbon chain length, 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (C14mimBr), indicating that the aromatic counterion can promote the micellar formation process.
Characterization, expression, and functional analysis of polyamine oxidases and their role in selenium‐induced hydrogen peroxide production in Brassica rapa
Authors: Wang Yongzhu , Ye Xiefeng , Yang Kang , Shi Zhiqi , Wang Ning , Yang Lifei , Chen Jian
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se)‐induced phytotoxicity has been linked to oxidative injury triggered by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the disturbance of anti‐oxidative systems. However, the way Se stress induces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in plants is a long‐standing question. Here we identified the role of polyamine oxidase (PAO) in H2O2 production in the root of Brassica rapa upon Se stress.

RESULTS

Studying Se‐induced growth inhibition, H2O2 accumulation, and oxidative injury in the root of Brassica rapa, we found that excessive Se exposure resulted in a remarkable increase in PAO activity. Inhibition of PAO activity led to decreased H2O2 content and alleviated oxidative injury in the Se‐treated root. These results indicated that Se stress induced PAO‐dependent H2O2 production. A total of six BrPAO family members were discovered in the genome of B. rapa by in silico analysis. Se stress pronouncedly upregulated the expression of most BrPAOs and further transient expression analysis proved that it could lead to H2O2 production.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Se stress upregulates the expression of a set of BrPAOs which further enhances PAO activity, contributing to H2O2 generation in roots. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymer Grafted Nanoparticle Viscosity Modifiers
Authors: Giovino Marissa , Buenning Eileen , Jimenez Andrew , Kumar Sanat K. , Schadler Linda
Published: February 2019

It is demonstrated that the addition of nanoparticles can decrease the viscosity of an entangled polymer matrix (plasticization). While there has been considerable effort in understanding the role of bare nanoparticles on viscosity, the corresponding study on grafted particles is nascent. Two nanometer radius zirconia fillers with a bimodal population of grafted PDMS is used. Two fillers are considered: one has grafted chains with a molecular weight, Mg, less than the entanglement M, Mg < Me(ZrO21k 10k), and the other filler has grafted chains M > Mc(the critical Me) (ZrO21k 36k). The ZrO21k 10k composites exhibit plasticization for large matrix molecular weight Mm. The ZrO21k 36k composites, in contrast, have Einstein‐like behavior. The plasticization effects are either due to: the small filler size relative to the tube diameter or an increase in chain mobility at the interface due to autophobic dewetting.
Synthesis of Highly Branched Copolymers in Microemulsion
Authors: Cuneo Timothy , Graff Robert W. , Wang Xiaofeng , Gao Haifeng
Published: February 2019

Atom transfer radical copolymerization of monomer and inimer (containing initiating and monomer fragments in one molecule) is carried out in a microemulsion to produce branched copolymers with similar molecular weights but varied branching densities. The monomer 2‐(isobutyryloxy) ethyl methacrlyate (IEM) shares a similar structure as the selected inimer 2‐(2‐bromoisobutylryloxy) ethyl methacrylate (BIEM) and provides microemulsification with little change of micelle size upon varying the molar ratio of monomer to inimer (γ ) from 2 to 50. The copolymerization of IEM and BIEM in the discrete micellar space produces branched copolymers with similar molecular weights M
n ≈ 2‐3 × 105, low dispersity M
w/M
n ≈ 1.2 but varied branching density. These branched copolymers contain dormant bromine chain ends that can be directly used as macroinitiators for polymerization of monomers to grow linear arms within microemulsion particles. Copolymers of IEM monomer and an acetal containing inimer (ABIEM) allow degradation of the branching units under acidic conditions to yield linear fragments from the parent structure. The concentration of the Cu(II)/ligand complex is varied from 2 to 4 mm in the polymerization of ABIEM to further tune the branching density, revealing that higher copper amount produces shorter linear fragments between branching points through improved deactivation.
Lignin‐Reinforced Ethylene‐Propylene‐Diene Copolymer Elastomer via Hydrogen Bonding Interactions
Authors: Mei Jie , Liu Weifeng , Huang Jinhao , Qiu Xueqing
Published: February 2019

It is still a great challenge to prepare lignin/polyolefin composites with good strength and toughness. Inspired by the energy sacrificial mechanism from biomaterials, dynamic hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) are incorporated into the lignin/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) composite system to improve the interfacial interactions between lignin and EPDM. Such H‐bonding interactions are demonstrated to be able to simultaneously improve the modulus, strength, and toughness of lignin/EPDM composites without sacrificing the extensibility. This work provides a facile method for the high‐valued utilization of lignin in the preparation of high‐performance elastomer composites using bio‐renewable resources as reinforcing agent.
Personalized Single‐Cell Encapsulation Using E‐Jet 3D Printing with AC‐Pulsed Modulation
Authors: Wang Jian , Huang Ruiying , Chen Haoxiang , Qiao Xiaoyin , Shi Xuelei , Wang Xiaocheng , Cheng Yanxiang , Tan Weihong , Tan Zhikai
Published: February 2019

With the growing therapeutic importance of cell microcarriers, there has been a rise in the need to develop technologies that facilitate efficient microencapsulation of cells, currently limited by a lack of straightforward and low‐cost strategies for single‐cell isolation and printing. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a gentle and cell‐compatible electro‐hydrodynamic jet 3D printing technique to facilitate the efficient microencapsulation of cells in hydrogel microspheres, and investigate the effects of parameters (flow rate, voltage frequency, nozzle diameter, working distance, and substrate velocity) on the printing process. Stable microspheres are obtained by regulating these parameters to balance various forces, with control of their diameters in the range of 100–600 µm. The study demonstrates that under optimized conditions, the technique is able to successfully encapsulate cells within hydrogel microspheres with high viability over a wide range of diameters. This 3D printing technique expands the potential utility of microspheres into additional biological applications, such as cancer biology and drug screening. It can also be used as an effective platform for the production of tumor spheroids, generating multicellular spheroid models in vitro or for injectable cell delivery.
Elbow flexion reconstruction with nerve transfer or grafting in patients with brachial plexus injuries: A systematic review and comparison study
Authors: Ayhan Egemen , Soldado Francisco , Fontecha César G. , Bertelli Jayme A. , Leblebicioglu Gursel
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Posttraumatic brachial plexus (BP) palsy was used to be treated by reconstruction with nerve grafts. For the last two decades, nerve transfers have gained popularity and believed to be more effective than nerve grafting. The aim of this systematic review was to compare elbow flexion restoration with nerve transfers or nerve grafting after traumatic BP injury.

Methods

PRISMA‐IPD structure was used for 52 studies included. Patients were allocated as C5‐C6 (n = 285), C5‐C6‐C7 (n = 150), and total BP injury (n = 245) groups. In each group, two treatment modalities were compared, and effects of age and preoperative interval were analyzed.

Results

In C5‐C6 injuries, 93.1% of nerve transfer patients achieved elbow flexion force ≥M3, which was significantly better when compared to 69.2% of nerve graft patients (p < 0.001). For improved outcomes of nerve transfer patients, shorter preoperative interval was a significant factor in all injury patterns (p < 0.001 for C5‐C6 injuries and total BP injuries, p = 0.018 for C5‐C6‐C7 injuries), and young age was a significant factor in total BP injury pattern (p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Our analyses showed that nerve transfers appear superior to nerve graftings especially in patients with a C5‐C6 injury. Unnecessary delays in surgery must be prevented, and younger patients may have more chance for better recovery.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Dietary Black Raspberries Impact the Colonic Microbiome and Phytochemical Metabolites in Mice
Authors: Gu Junnan , Thomas‐Ahner Jennifer M. , Riedl Kenneth M. , Bailey Michael T. , Vodovotz Yael , Schwartz Steven J. , Clinton Steven K.
Published: February 2019

Scope

Black raspberries (BRB) are a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals, including anthocyanins and ellagitannins. These phytochemicals are poorly absorbed and may be transformed by gut microbiota into various metabolites that may impact the colonic mucosa or upon absorption have systemic bioactivity. The objective of this study is to define the impact of a BRB‐containing diet on the colon microbiome in mice and quantify the phytochemical metabolites in the colon contents and circulation.

Methods and results

Male mice were fed 10% w/w freeze‐dried BRB powder for 6 weeks. The colonic microbiota was evaluated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Anthocyanin and ellagitannin metabolites, protocatechuic acid, and urolithins were analyzed by HPLC‐MS/MS. The BRB diet impacted colon mucosal microbial composition with a more robust effect observed on the luminal microflora. BRB‐derived protocatechuic acid and urolithins were quantified in the colon, luminal contents, plasma, liver, and prostate with protocatechuic acid present in higher concentrations compared to urolithins.

Conclusion

This study highlights the complex interactions between dietary phytochemicals, the host microbiome, and metabolism. It is demonstrated that microbially produced phytochemical metabolites are present in the colon and systemic circulation where they may exert biological activity.
Patient specific prospective respiratory motion correction for efficient, free‐breathing cardiovascular MRI
Authors: Bush Michael A. , Ahmad Rizwan , Jin Ning , Liu Yingmin , Simonetti Orlando P.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To develop a patient‐specific respiratory motion correction technique with true 100% acquisition efficiency.

Methods

A short training scan consisting of a series of single heartbeat images, each acquired with a preceding diaphragmatic navigator, was performed to fit a model relating the patient‐specific 3D respiratory motion of the heart‐to‐diaphragm position. The resulting motion model was then used to update the imaging plane in real‐time to correct for translational motion based on respiratory position provided by the navigator. The method was tested in a group of 11 volunteers with 5 separate free‐breathing acquisitions: FB, no motion correction; FB‐TF, free breathing with a linear tracking factor; Nav Gate, navigator gating; Nav Gate‐TF, navigator gating with a tracking factor; and PROCO, prospective motion correction (proposed). Each acquisition lasted for 50 accepted heartbeats, where non‐gated scans had a 100% acceptance rate, and gated scans accepted data only within a ±4 mm navigator window. Retrospective image registration was used to measure residual motion and determine the effectiveness of each method.

Results

PROCO reduced the range/RMSE of residual motion to 4.08 ± 1.4/0.90 ± 0.3 mm, compared to 10.78 ± 6.9/2.97 ± 2.2 mm for FB, 5.32 ± 2.92/1.24 ± 0.8 mm for FB‐TF, 4.08 ± 1.6/0.93 ± 0.4 mm for Nav Gate, and 2.90 ± 1.0/0.63 ± 0.2 mm for Nav Gate‐TF. Nav Gate and Nav Gate‐TF reduced scan efficiency to 48.84 ± 9.31% and 54.54 ± 10.12%, respectively.

Conclusion

PROCO successfully limited the residual motion in single‐shot imaging to the level of traditional navigator gating while maintaining 100% acquisition efficiency.
An investigation of healthcare utilization and its association with levels of health literacy in individuals with chronic pain
Authors: Mackey Laura M. , Blake Catherine , Squiers Linda , Casey Maire‐Brid , Power Camillus , Victory Ray , Hearty Conor , Fullen Brona M.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Chronic pain patients are frequent and recurrent users of health services, which may have an impact on levels of health literacy (HL). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate associations between healthcare utilization and varying levels of HL in individuals with and without chronic pain.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire was distributed in three pain clinics in Dublin, Ireland, comprising a demographic section, a validated HL assessment tool (Newest Vital Sign) and self‐reported healthcare utilization in the previous year (i.e., general practitioner [GP] visits, accident and emergency room attendance, hospital services and allied health services). Patients with chronic pain, and a control group (no pain) were recruited.

Results

Overall, 262 participants were recruited: those with chronic pain (n = 131) and controls (n = 131). Those in the chronic pain group were more likely to be female (p = 0.004), have less education (p = 0.01), be unable to work (p < 0.001), have a lower monthly income (p = 0.001), be more likely to have a medical card (i.e., free access to public health services) (p = 0.002) and have a greater number of comorbidities (p < 0.0001). Although bivariate analyses demonstrated increased healthcare utilization in chronic pain patients (i.e., GP visits, hospital services and allied therapies; p < 0.05), there was no difference in HL levels between groups in multivariate analysis (chronic pain: 54%, n = 71; control group 49%, n = 64; p = 0.39). Higher educational attainment, greater levels of income and being younger remained independently associated with higher levels of HL.

Conclusions

Further research is needed to understand the nature of how HL is acquired, both from individual and organizational perspectives. Once this has been established, it may facilitate the development or advancement of current HL‐sensitive management strategies.
On the undrained and drained hydraulic fracture splits
Authors: Parchei Esfahani Matin , Gracie Robert
Published: February 2019

The simulation of hydraulic fracturing (HF) involves the solution of a hydro‐mechanically coupled system. This article presents a new iterative sequential coupling algorithm, the undrained HF split, that improves the simulation of HFs in impermeable media. A poromechanics analogy is used to derive a stable split for the hydro‐mechanically coupled system in which the mechanical subproblem is solved first. The proposed undrained HF split is applied to the simulation of cohesive HFs in an impermeable elastic medium. The cubic law is used as the constitutive model for simulating fluid flow in fractures. A minimum hydraulic aperture is assumed in the cohesive tip zone, where the mechanical aperture smoothly vanishes. While general in its nature, the undrained HF splitting scheme is employed within the context of a two‐dimensional eXtended finite element model for the fractured solid, and a regular finite element model for fluid in the fracture. The undrained HF split is successfully used to simulate self‐similar plane strain HFs as well as the propagation of HFs from a wellbore under anisotropic stress conditions. Fracture trajectories and local alteration of stress field are investigated. The solution of the undrained HF split converges to the same solution as the fully coupled model, whereas the commonly used P→W sequential algorithm, referred to in this article as the drained HF split, generates spurious oscillations and fails to converge in many problems. The undrained HF split is shown to be stable and robust in applications where the drained HF split is unstable.
Isogeometric thickness stretchable shell: Efficient formulation for nonlinear dynamic problems
Authors: Hokkanen Jaro , Pedroso Dorival M.
Published: February 2019

An isogeometric shell element with through‐thickness stretch is introduced and applied to quasi‐static and dynamic problems. The shell element supports full three‐dimensional constitutive laws, ie, the plane stress assumption is not required. An updated Lagrangian rate formulation is adopted, and biquadratic spline‐based interpolation functions are used for in‐plane interpolation. The concept of fiber mass scaling is proposed to lower the highest eigenfrequencies to improve the performance of the formulation. Clamped and unclamped knot vectors are compared, and the advantages of using unclamped knot vectors are demonstrated. The shell element is validated using several benchmark tests, which indicate good performance of the proposed formulation.
Scholarship dollars help student choose grad program
Authors: Waller Mary
Published: February 2019

Being one of the few students at Ramapo College of New Jersey who graduated a year early, Monica Moir made plans to start her graduate school career earlier than most. She graduated with her degree in political science and then enrolled in the public policy program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., but the journey she made to come to her choice was not an easy one.
Meet the Board of ChemistryOpen: Sheshanath V. Bhosale
Authors: Jangale Asha D. , Jadhav Ratan W. , Nadimetla Dinesh N. , Burud Mahesh D. , More Vishal G. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: February 2019

Sheshanath V. Bhosale
received his PhD from Freie University Berlin (Germany) in supramolecular chemistry under the supervision of Prof. J. H. Fuhrhop in 2004. He then pursued his postdoctoral studies with Prof. S. Matile at University of Geneva (Switzerland) under the auspices of a Roche Foundation Fellowship. This was followed by a stay at Monash University (Australia) for 5 years as an ARC‐APD Fellow. He worked at RMIT University, Melbourne (Australia) for 6 years as ARC‐Future Fellowship. Currently, Prof. Bhosale is working at the Department of Chemistry, Goa University (India) as a UGC‐FRP Professor, His research interests lie in the design and synthesis of π‐functional materials, especially small molecules, for sensing, biomaterials, and supramolecular chemistry applications. So far, Prof. Bhosale has produced 185 research articles and his work has been cited more than 4400 times, giving him an h‐index of 32. He currently serves as an active Editorial Board member for ChemistryOpen.
Rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed in the first year of life: Localized, metastatic, and relapsed disease. Outcome data from five trials and one registry of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS)
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Stegmaier Sabine , Vokuhl Christian , Seitz Guido , von Kalle Thekla , Scheer Monika , Münter Marc , Bielack Stefan S. , Weclawek‐Tompol Jadwiga , Ladenstein Ruth , Niggli Felix , Ljungman Gustaf , Fuchs Joerg , Hettmer Simone , Koscielniak Ewa , Klingebiel Thomas ,   on behalf of the CWS Study Group
Published: February 2019

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) diagnosed during the first year of life is reported to have poor outcome. Little is known about treatment and outcome data of relapsed disease (RD).

Methods

Characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 155 patients ≤ 12 months registered within the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) between 1981 and 2016 were evaluated.

Results

Localized disease (LD) was diagnosed in 144 patients and metastatic disease (MD) in 11. The histological diagnosis was alveolar (RMA) (n = 38, 23/25 examined patients PAX7/3:FOXO1‐positive), embryonal (RME) (n = 100), botryoid (n = 10), anaplastic (n = 1), and spindle‐cell RMS (n = 6). Multimodal treatment including conventional (age‐adjusted) chemotherapy (CHT) (n = 150), resection (n = 137), and radiotherapy (RT) (n = 37) was administered. Complete remission was achieved in 129 of 144 patients with LD. RD occurred in 51 infants at a median age of 1.7 years (range, 0.3–8.8). Sixty‐three percent of patients with RMA suffered RD, in contrast to 28% of patients with RME. Relapse treatment consisted of conventional CHT (n = 48), resection (n = 28), and RT (n = 21). The pattern of relapse and best resection were significant prognostic factors for patients with RD (P = 0.000 and P = 0.002). Late effects occurred as secondary malignancies in 6%, long‐term toxicity in 21%, and resection‐related impairment in 33% of the 105 surviving patients. The 5‐year event‐free survival and overall survival for infants with initial LD were 51% and 69%, 14% and 14% for patients with initial MD and 39% and 41% for relapsed patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Multimodal treatment including microscopically complete resection is strongly recommended to achieve a good prognosis in LD and RD of infants with RMS.
A Closer Look at Life Goals across Adulthood: Applying A Developmental Perspective to Content, Dynamics, and Outcomes of Goal Importance and Goal Attainability
Authors: Bühler Janina Larissa , Weidmann Rebekka , Nikitin Jana , Grob Alexander
Published: February 2019

It is well established that goals energize and direct behaviour across the lifespan. To better understand how goals are embedded in people's lives across adulthood, the present research examined life goals’ content (health, personal growth, prosocial engagement, social relations, status, work), dynamics (interplay between goal importance and goal attainability), and outcomes (subjective well–being) from a developmental perspective. We argue that people rate those goals as important and attainable that enable them to master developmental tasks, that they adapt their goals to personal capacities, and that goals predict subjective well–being after 2 and 4 years. The sample included 973 individuals (18–92 years old, M = 43.00 years) of whom 637 participated 2 years later and 573 participated 4 years later. Goal importance and well–being were assessed at all occasions and goal attainability at the first two occasions. Results indicated that age was negatively associated with importance and attainability of personal–growth, status, and work goals but positively associated with importance and attainability of prosocial–engagement goals. The association between goal importance and attainability was largely bidirectional over time; and goal attainability, rather than goal importance, was positively linked to later well–being. Implications of these findings are discussed in light of adult lifespan development. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Synthesis of poly(o‐cresol) by oxidative coupling polymerization of o‐cresol
Authors: Aiba Motohiro , Sun Xiao‐Cheng , Shibasaki Yuji , Oda Mitsuo , Ooka Chihiro , Fukuta Seijiro , Higashihara Tomoya , Ando Shinji , Ueda Mitsuru , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: February 2019

The oxidative coupling polymerization of o‐cresol was investigated using various 2‐substituted pyridine/CuCl catalysts under an oxygen atmosphere, in which 2‐phenylpyridine/CuCl and 2‐(p‐tolyl)pyridine/CuCl catalysts yielded poly(o‐cresol)s with higher regioselectivity for 1,4‐coupling. These polymerizations produced branched and crosslinked polymers in the later stages of polymerization. These polymers showed good thermal properties, such as 5% weight loss temperatures of up to 406 °C and glass transition temperatures of up to 151 °C. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 878–884