bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in Myoblast Fusion
Authors: Kurosaka Mitsutoshi , Ogura Yuji , Funabashi Toshiya , Akema Tatsuo
Published: February 2016

The mechanisms that underlie the complex process of muscle regeneration after injury remain unknown. Transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is expressed in several cell types, including skeletal muscle, and is activated by high temperature and by certain molecules secreted during tissue inflammation. Severe inflammation and local temperature perturbations are induced during muscle regeneration, which suggests that TRPV1 might be activated and involved in the process. The aim of this study, was to clarify the role of TRPV1 in the myogenic potential of satellite cells responsible for muscle regeneration. We found that mRNA and protein levels of TRPV1 increased during regeneration after cardiotoxin (CTX)‐induced muscle injury in mice. Using isolated mouse satellite cells (i.e., myoblasts), we observed that activation of TRPV1 by its agonist capsaicin (CAP) augmented myogenin protein levels. Whereas CAP did not alter myoblast proliferation, it facilitated myoblast fusion (evaluated using myonucleii number per myotube and fusion index). In contrast, suppression of TRPV1 by siRNA impaired myoblast fusion. Using mice, we also demonstrated that intramuscular injection of CAP facilitated muscle repair after CTX‐induced muscle injury. Moreover, we showed that these roles of TRPV1 might be mediated by interleukin‐4 and calcium signaling during myoblast fusion. Collectively, these results suggest that TRPV1 underlies normal myogenesis through promotion of myoblast fusion. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2275–2285, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A case of recurrent hyperreactio luteinalis in three spontaneous pregnancies
Authors: Bishop Lauren A. , Patel Shaila , Fries Melissa H.
Published: February 2016

Hyperreactio luteinalis is a rare condition in pregnancy characterized by enlarged ovaries with multiple theca luteal cysts, and recurrence of disease has seldom been documented in the literature. This is a case report of a woman who developed recurrent hyperreactio luteinalis with three spontaneous pregnancies. Endocrine evaluation was performed and revealed hyperandrogenism. Ultrasonography was used to assess the ovaries throughout each pregnancy. The ovarian cysts required drainage in the first pregnancy due to severe distention and shortness of breath. Cyst resolution occurred in the post‐partum period following each pregnancy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:502–505, 2016
Biomimetic phantom for cardiac diffusion MRI
Authors: Teh Irvin , Zhou Feng‐Lei , Hubbard Cristinacce Penny L. , Parker Geoffrey J.M. , Schneider Jürgen E.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to characterize cardiac tissue microstructure, necessitating the use of physiologically relevant phantoms for methods development. Existing phantoms are generally simplistic and mostly simulate diffusion in the brain. Thus, there is a need for phantoms mimicking diffusion in cardiac tissue.

Materials and Methods

A biomimetic phantom composed of hollow microfibers generated using co‐electrospinning was developed to mimic myocardial diffusion properties and fiber and sheet orientations. Diffusion tensor imaging was carried out at monthly intervals over 4 months at 9.4T. 3D fiber tracking was performed using the phantom and compared with fiber tracking in an ex vivo rat heart.

Results

The mean apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy of the phantom remained stable over the 4‐month period, with mean values of 7.53 ± 0.16 × 10‐4 mm2/s and 0.388 ± 0.007, respectively. Fiber tracking of the 1st and 3rd eigenvectors generated analogous results to the fiber and sheet‐normal direction respectively, found in the left ventricular myocardium.

Conclusion

A biomimetic phantom simulating diffusion in the heart was designed and built. This could aid development and validation of novel diffusion MRI methods for investigating cardiac microstructure, decrease the number of animals and patients needed for methods development, and improve quality control in longitudinal and multicenter cardiac diffusion MRI studies. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:594–600.
International collaboration in medical radiation science
Authors: Denham Gary , Allen Carla , Platt Jane
Published: February 2016

Introduction

International collaboration is recognised for enhancing the ability to approach complex problems from a variety of perspectives, increasing development of a wider range of research skills and techniques and improving publication and acceptance rates. The aim of this paper is to describe the current status of international collaboration in medical radiation science and compare this to other allied health occupations.

Methods

This study utilised a content analysis approach where co‐authorship of a journal article was used as a proxy for research collaboration and the papers were assigned to countries based on the corporate address given in the by‐line of the publication. A convenience sample method was employed and articles published in the professional medical radiation science journals in the countries represented within our research team – Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) were sampled. Physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy and nursing were chosen for comparison.

Results

Rates of international collaboration in medical radiation science journals from Australia, the UK and the USA have steadily increased over the 3‐year period sampled. Medical radiation science demonstrated lower average rates of international collaboration than the other allied health occupations sampled. The average rate of international collaboration in nursing was far below that of the allied health occupations sampled. Overall, the UK had the highest average rate of international collaboration, followed by Australia and the USA, the lowest.

Conclusion

Overall, medical radiation science is lagging in international collaboration in comparison to other allied health fields.
Hepatitis C virus infection induces elevation of CXCL10 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Liu Yuan , Chen Li , Zou Ziying , Zhu Bing , Hu Zonghai , Zeng Ping , Wu Lijuan , Xiong Jie
Published: February 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) primarily infects liver tissues, while pathogenesis of extrahepatic tissues has been reported. About 50% of patients with HCV infection suffer from neurological disease. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the induction of CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) by HCV infection. CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 were constitutively expressed in HBMECs. HCV infection induced CXCL10 elevation in HBMECs. The elevation of CXCL10 in HBMECs was eliminated when HCV infection was blocked by neutralizing antibodies. NF‐κB is a positive regulator for CXCL10 transcription. HCV infection led to an increased phosphorylation of NF‐κB (ser536) in HBMECs, and CXCL10 induced by HCV was slightly decreased when an inhibitor of NF‐κB was added. IL1 beta and IFN gama were also upregulated in HCV infected HBMECs, and could be depressed by inhibitor of NF‐κB. Thus, HCV infection leads to upregulated expression of CXCL10 in HBMECs, which is probably via the phosphorylation of NF‐κB. The findings of this study provide potential mechanisms and novel targets for HCV induced neuroinflammation. J. Med. Virol. 88:1596–1603, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Respiratory infections associated with enterovirus D68 from 2011 to 2015 in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Tiegang , Li Aihua , Chen Meng , Wu Jiang , Huang Fang
Published: February 2016

Enterovirus D68 (EV‐D68) is an emergent viral pathogen associated with mild to severe respiratory infections. In this study, we describe respiratory infections associated with EV‐D68 in Beijing over a 4 year period. Total nucleic acid was extracted from 7,945 clinical specimens collected between January 5, 2011 and July 30, 2015 in Beijing and used for detecting EV‐D68 and other enteroviruses by real‐time PCR. Overall, 555/7,945 (6.99%) specimens were enterovirus positive: 12/7,945 (0.2%) specimens were EV‐D68 positive. Of these patients, 11 were pediatric patients and 1 was a 76‐year‐old man. The main symptoms for the 12 EV‐D68 positive patients were fever (10/12, 83.3%) and cough (6/12, 50%). Ten EV‐D68 infection cases were identified in autumn or winter season. The phylogenetic relationships of the 12 EV‐D68 viral strains with other strains were analyzed based on the sequences of viral protein 1(VP1). The EV‐D68 strains from 2011 to 2013 belonged to groups 1 or 3, while all strains in 2014 were clustered into group 1 together with the strains circulating in the USA. In conclusion, EV‐D68 played a role in respiratory infections in Beijing during this period. In addition, the most common EV‐D68 strain detected was similar to that circulating in the USA in 2014. J. Med. Virol. 88:1529–1534, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatio‐temporal variation of wet and dry spell characteristics of tropical precipitation in Singapore and its association with ENSO
Authors: Li Xin , Meshgi Ali , Babovic Vladan
Published: February 2016

Climatology and statistical variability of wet and dry spell characteristics of precipitation provide an effective tool to understand the impacts of natural climate variability such as El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and climate change on the water availability over a region. However, to date, detailed studies about precipitation spell characteristics in the tropical urban context are still limited. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive framework to characterize the wet and dry spells of precipitation in a tropical urban city‐state (i.e. Singapore), based on daily data from 26 precipitation stations. In addition, 14 wet and dry spell indices are defined, and spatial and temporal variations of the indices are analysed based on ordinary kriging method and an improved Mann‐Kendall (MK) test method, respectively. Lastly, the influence of ENSO condition on the wet and dry spell indices is investigated utilizing a regional regression method. Results indicate that: (1) the region over Singapore is predominantly characterized by 1‐day wet and dry spells, while the main contributions to total duration of wet and dry spells come from 3‐4‐day wet spells and 3–6‐day dry spells, respectively. The major contribution to total accumulated depth of wet spells comes from 3‐4‐day and 20–80 mm wet spells; (2) significant increasing trends are detected in general and extreme characteristics of wet spells at annual time scale, however, these trends are not significant during the two monsoon seasons. Spatial variation of wet and dry spell indices is also evident; (3) Singapore's precipitation spells are influenced by ENSO, but mainly during the southwest monsoon season. During the El Niño phase, precipitation spells generally become drier. The predicted changes of wet and dry spell characteristics in the contexts of ENSO and climate change have implications for water resources management in tropical urban cities.
The surface climatology of the Ross Ice Shelf Antarctica
Authors: Costanza Carol A. , Lazzara Matthew A. , Keller Linda M. , Cassano John J.
Published: February 2016

The University of Wisconsin‐Madison Antarctic Automatic Weather Station (AWS) project has been making meteorological surface observations on the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) for approximately 30 years. This network offers the most continuous set of routine measurements of surface meteorological variables in this region. The Ross Island area is excluded from this study. The surface climate of the RIS is described using the AWS measurements. Temperature, pressure, and wind data are analysed on daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual time periods for 13 AWS across the RIS. The AWS are separated into three representative regions – central, coastal, and the area along the Transantarctic Mountains – in order to describe specific characteristics of sections of the RIS. The climatology describes general characteristics of the region and significant changes over time. The central AWS experiences the coldest mean temperature, and the lowest resultant wind speed. These AWSs also experience the coldest potential temperatures with a minimum of 209.3 K at Gill AWS. The AWS along the Transantarctic Mountains experiences the warmest mean temperature, the highest mean sea‐level pressure, and the highest mean resultant wind speed. Finally, the coastal AWS experiences the lowest mean pressure. Climate indices (MEI, SAM, and SAO) are compared to temperature and pressure data of four of the AWS with the longest observation periods, and significant correlation is found for most AWS in sea‐level pressure and temperature. This climatology study highlights characteristics that influence the climate of the RIS, and the challenges of maintaining a long‐term Antarctic AWS network. Results from this effort are essential for the broader Antarctic meteorology community for future research.
Progressive cell‐mediated changes in articular cartilage and bone in mice are initiated by a single session of controlled cyclic compressive loading
Authors: Ko Frank C. , Dragomir Cecilia L. , Plumb Darren A. , Hsia Allison W. , Adebayo Olufunmilayo O. , Goldring Steven R. , Wright Timothy M. , Goldring Mary B. , van der Meulen Marjolein C.H.
Published: February 2016

We previously showed that repetitive cyclic loading of the mouse knee joint causes changes that recapitulate the features of osteoarthritis (OA) in humans. By applying a single loading session, we characterized the temporal progression of the structural and compositional changes in subchondral bone and articular cartilage. We applied loading during a single 5‐minute session to the left tibia of adult (26‐week‐old) C57Bl/6 male mice at a peak load of 9.0N for 1,200 cycles. Knee joints were collected at times 0, 1, and 2 weeks after loading. The changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry (caspase‐3 and cathepsin K), and microcomputed tomography. At time 0, no change was evident in chondrocyte viability or cartilage or subchondral bone integrity. However, cartilage pathology demonstrated by localized thinning and proteoglycan loss occurred at 1 and 2 weeks after the single session of loading. Transient cancellous bone loss was evident at 1 week, associated with increased osteoclast number. Bone loss was reversed to control levels at 2 weeks. We observed formation of fibrous and cartilaginous tissues at the joint margins at 1 and 2 weeks. Our findings demonstrate that a single session of noninvasive loading leads to the development of OA—like morphological and cellular alterations in articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The loss in subchondral trabecular bone mass and thickness returns to control levels at 2 weeks, whereas the cartilage thinning and proteoglycan loss persist. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1941–1949, 2016.
In vitro confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopic approach to screen the mode of action of Chinese herbs on oxidative damaged human sperm
Authors: Zhao Jun , Yang Xin , Chen Di‐Ling , Lv Li‐Juan , Liang Hua‐Lun
Published: February 2016

This paper presented a rapid and reliable approach to screen the antioxidant active ingredients on human sperm from Chinese herbs by means of confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy. For the first time with the proposed approach, we performed the studies of rationalizing the active ingredients from several Chinese herbs. In this study, the FeSO4/H2O2‐induced oxidative damaged sperm after co‐culture with compounds or active fraction extracted from some Chinese herbs commonly used in the treatment of male infertility were observed by using confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy. The Raman spectral fingerprints of the damaged sperm were very different from the normal ones, and the further statistical analysis were successfully used to support the results, these differences were shorten after co‐culture with the compounds or active fraction we had chosen, and the results were almost consistent with the traditional clinical trial results and other published data, all which showed that these compounds or active fraction were the chemogenomics of the Chinese herbs on anti‐oxidative damaged sperm. In brief, we demonstrated that by means of confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy, in vitro is a rapid, reliable and large‐scale approach to screen the antioxidant active ingredients on human sperm from Chinese herbs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution Behavior of Amphiphilic Glycodendrimers with a Rod‐Like Core
Authors: Ordanini Stefania , Zanchetta Giuliano , Porkolab Vanessa , Ebel Christine , Fieschi Franck , Guzzetti Ileana , Potenza Donatella , Palmioli Alessandro , Podlipnik Črtomir , Meroni Daniela , Bernardi Anna
Published: February 2016

Glycodendrimers based on aromatic cores have an amphiphilic character and have been reported to generate supramolecuar assemblies in water. A new group of glycodendrimers with an aromatic rod‐like core were recently described as potent antagonists of DC‐SIGN‐mediated viral infections. A full characterization of the aggregation properties of these materials is presented here. The results show that these compounds exist mostly as monomers in water solution, in dynamic equilibrium with small aggregates (dimers or trimers). Larger aggregates observed by dynamic light scattering and transmission Electron Microscopy for some of the dendrimers are found to be portions of materials not fully solubilized and can be removed either by optimizing the dissolution protocol or by centrifugation of the samples.

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On well‐posedness for some thermo‐piezoelectric coupling models
Authors: Mulholland Anthony J. , Picard Rainer , Trostorff Sascha , Waurick Marcus
Published: February 2016

There is an increasing reliance on mathematical modelling to assist in the design of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers since this provides a cost‐effective and quick way to arrive at a first prototype. Given a desired operating envelope for the sensor, the inverse problem of obtaining the associated design parameters within the model can be considered. It is therefore of practical interest to examine the well‐posedness of such models. There is a need to extend the use of such sensors into high‐temperature environments, and so this paper shows, for a broad class of models, the well‐posedness of the magneto‐electro‐thermo‐elastic problem. Because of its widespread use in the literature, we also show the well‐posedness of the quasi‐electrostatic case. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mild solutions of non‐Lipschitz stochastic integrodifferential evolution equations
Authors: Diop Mamadou Abdoul , Caraballo Tomás , Mané Aziz
Published: February 2016

In this work, we study the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions for stochastic partial integrodifferential equations under local non‐Lipschitz conditions on the coefficients. Our analysis makes use of the theory of resolvent operators as developed by R. Grimmer as well as a stopping time technique. Our results complement and improve several earlier related works. An example is provided to illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary compound α‐asarone alleviates ER stress‐mediated apoptosis in 7β‐hydroxycholesterol‐challenged macrophages
Authors: Park Sin‐Hye , Kang Min‐Kyung , Choi Yean‐Jung , Kim Yun‐Ho , Antika Lucia Dwi , Lim Soon Sung , Kang Young‐Hee
Published: February 2016

Scope

Prolonged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has lost the function of protein folding capacity and the ER accumulation of unfolded proteins that eventually triggers apoptosis. Oxysterols are emerging as contributing factors in atherogenesis known to involve macrophage apoptosis. This study determined the inhibitory effect of α‐asarone present in purple perilla, on 7β‐hydroxycholesterol‐induced macrophage apoptosis, targeting against ER stress signaling pathway.

Methods and results

J774A1 murine macrophages were exposed to 28 μM 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and treated with 1–10 μM α‐asarone. Macrophage apoptosis and ER stress were examined by and α‐Asarone blocked 7β‐hydroxycholesterol‐induced DNA fragmentation and apoptosome formation. Immunoblotting showed that the oxysterol activated the ER transmembrane resident kinases of IRE1α, PERK and ATF4 and triggered caspase‐12 signaling cascades, which was reversed by α‐asarone. Additionally, 7β‐hydroxycholesterol activated TRAF2‐ASK1‐JNK1/2 complex following the IRE1α activation, and α‐asarone blunted such IRE1α‐mediated pathway. Real‐time PCR and dual‐luciferase reporter analyses revealed that α‐asarone reduced transcriptional activation of ER stress‐responsive genes including XBP1 and CHOP by 7β‐hydroxycholesterol. Finally, α‐asarone disturbed oxysterol‐elicited signaling of PERK and ATF4 responsible for CHOP induction.

Conclusion

α‐Asarone blocked 7β‐hydroxycholesterol‐induced macrophage apoptosis through allaying ER stress‐specific signaling involving caspase activation and CHOP induction. α‐Asarone was an anti‐atherosclerotic agent antagonizing ER stress‐mediated macrophage apoptosis by 7β‐hydroxycholesterol.
Follicle cell trypsin‐like protease HrOvochymase: Its cDNA cloning, localization, and involvement in the late stage of oogenesis in the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi
Authors: Mino Masako , Sawada Hitoshi
Published: February 2016

We previously reported that the sperm trypsin‐like protease HrAcrosin and its precursor HrProacrosin participate in fertilization of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi. The HrProacrosin gene is annotated in the H. roretzi genome database as Harore.CG.MTP2014.S89.g15383; our previously reported sequence of HrProacrosin gene appeared to include four nucleotides inserted near the 3′‐end of HrProacrosin, resulting in a frame‐shift mutation and a premature termination codon. The gene architecture of HrProacrosin and Harore.CG.MTP2014.S89.g15383 resembles that of Xenopus laevis ovochymase‐1/OVCH1 and ovochymase‐2/OVCH2, which encode egg extracellular polyproteases. Considering these new observations, we evaluated the cDNA cloning, expression, localization, and function of Harore.CG.MTP2014.S89.g15383, herein designated as HrOvochymase/HrOVCH. We found that HrOVCH cDNA consists of a single open reading frame of 1,575 amino acids, containing a signal peptide, three trypsin‐like protease domains, and six CUB domains. HrOVCH was transcribed by the testis and ovary, but the majority of protein exists in ovarian follicle cells surrounding eggs. An anti‐HrOVCH antibody inhibited elevation of the vitelline coat at a late stage of oogenesis, during the period when self‐sterility is acquired. As trypsin inhibitors are reported to block the acquisition of self‐sterility during oogenesis, whereas trypsin induces the acquisition of self‐sterility and elevation of the vitelline coat in defolliculated ovarian eggs, we propose that HrOVCH may play a role in the acquisition of self‐sterility by late‐stage H. roretzi oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 347–358, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3D multimodal spatial fuzzy segmentation of intramuscular connective and adipose tissue from ultrashort TE MR images of calf muscle
Authors: Ugarte Vincent , Sinha Usha , Malis Vadim , Csapo Robert , Sinha Shantanu
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To develop and evaluate an automated algorithm to segment intramuscular adipose (IMAT) and connective (IMCT) tissue from musculoskeletal MRI images acquired with a dual echo Ultrashort TE (UTE) sequence.

Theory and Methods

The dual echo images and calculated structure tensor images are the inputs to the multichannel fuzzy cluster mean (MCFCM) algorithm. Modifications to the basic multichannel fuzzy cluster mean include an adaptive spatial term and bias shading correction. The algorithm was tested on digital phantoms simulating IMAT/IMCT tissue under varying conditions of image noise and bias and on ten subjects with varying amounts of IMAT/IMCT.

Results

The MCFCM including the adaptive spatial term and bias shading correction performed better than the original MCFCM and adaptive spatial MCFCM algorithms. IMAT/IMCT was segmented from the unsmoothed simulated phantom data with a mean Dice coefficient of 0.933 ±0.001 when contrast‐to‐noise (CNR) was 140 and bias was varied between 30% and 65%. The algorithm yielded accurate in vivo segmentations of IMAT/IMCT with a mean Dice coefficient of 0.977 ±0.066.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm is completely automated and yielded accurate segmentation of intramuscular adipose and connective tissue in the digital phantom and in human calf data. Magn Reson Med 77:870–883, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic findings in children and adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review
Authors: Samijn Bieke , Van Laecke Erik , Renson Catherine , Hoebeke Piet , Plasschaert Frank , Vande Walle Johan , Van den Broeck Christine
Published: February 2016

Aims

To systematically review the scientific literature addressing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urodynamic findings in adults and children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Prognostic factors were also investigated.

Methods

A systematic research was conducted on the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Only full text clinical trials which examined the prevalence of LUTS or urodynamic findings in children or adults with CP were eligible. LUTS and urodynamic findings, defined by the International Children's Continence Society, were extracted from the included studies. Pooled average of extracted data was calculated. Studies were scored on methodological and reporting quality using the Dutch Cochrane Checklist, EBRO guidelines, and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement (STROBE) checklist.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies fulfilled selection criteria. Methodological and reporting quality were moderate to low. An average of 55.5% of subjects with CP experience one or more LUTS. Storage symptoms are more common than voiding symptoms due to the high prevalence of neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Patients with voiding symptoms and pelvic floor overactivity are more prone to progress to upper urinary tract dysfunction in adult life. Urodynamic evaluation can direct management. Negative prognostic factors are the spastic subtype with quadriplegic distribution, moderate to severe functional impairment (GMFCS III or higher) and severe cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

The significant prevalence of LUTS, risk for deterioration, and the impact of urinary tract symptoms on quality of life and health status warrants the need for evaluation and treatment in further research.Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:541–549, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A stochastic second‐order and two‐scale thermo‐mechanical model for strength prediction of concrete materials
Authors: Guan Xiaofei , Yu Haitao , Tian Xia
Published: February 2016

A stochastic thermo‐mechanical model for strength prediction of concrete is developed, based on the two‐scale asymptotic expressions, which involves both the macroscale and the mesoscale of concrete materials. The mesoscale of concrete is characterized by a periodic layout of unit cells of matrix‐aggregate composite materials, consisting of randomly distributed aggregate grains and cement matrix. The stochastic second‐order and two‐scale computational formulae are proposed in detail, and the maximum normal stress is assumed as the strength criterion for the aggregates, and the cement paste, in view of their brittle characteristics. Numerical results for the strength of concrete obtained from the proposed model are compared with those from known experiments. The comparison shows that the proposed method is validated for strength prediction of concrete. The proposed thermo‐mechanical model is also employed to investigate the influence of different volume fraction of the aggregates on the strength of concrete. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency of self‐weighing and weight loss outcomes within a brief lifestyle intervention targeting emerging adults
Authors: LaRose J. G. , Lanoye A. , Tate D. F. , Wing R. R.
Published: February 2016

Background

Frequent self‐weighing is associated with better weight loss and maintenance among adults. Emerging adults ages 18–25 rarely enroll in behavioural weight loss trials, and thus, little is known about their willingness to engage in frequent self‐weighing and its association with weight loss in this age group.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the frequency of self‐weighing among 18–25‐year‐old over the course of a brief lifestyle intervention and to determine the association between frequent self‐weighing and weight loss.

Methods

Emerging adults (EA) ages 18–25 [N = 52, 54% racial/ethnic minority, 79% female, BMI = 34.2 (5.4)] enrolled in a 3‐month lifestyle intervention with structure and content modified for EA. Benefits of frequent self‐weighing were presented; participants were encouraged to weigh themselves at least weekly and no more than daily. Assessments occurred at baseline and post‐treatment (3 months).

Results

At baseline, a majority of participants (63.5%) reported self‐weighing less than once a week. Frequency of self‐weighing increased over treatment (p < 0.001), with 42.9% weighing weekly and 38.2% weighing several times per week or more (i.e. frequent self‐weighing) at 3 months. Frequent self‐weighing was associated with greater weight loss (p = 0.03) and greater likelihood of achieving 5% weight loss (p = 0.01) at post‐treatment.

Conclusions

Frequent self‐weighing may be a viable approach to promoting self‐regulation during the high‐risk developmental period of emerging adulthood. Consistent with findings among other adult samples, frequent self‐weighing was associated with greater weight losses.
Parental pre‐pregnancy BMI is a dominant early‐life risk factor influencing BMI of offspring in adulthood.
Authors: Rath S. R. , Marsh J. A. , Newnham J. P. , Zhu K. , Atkinson H. C. , Mountain J. , Oddy W. H. , Hughes I. P. , Harris M. , Leong G. M. , Cotterill A. M. , Sly P. D. , Pennell C. E. , Choong C. S.
Published: February 2016

Objective

We examined parental and early‐life variables in order to identify risk factors for adulthood overweight and obesity in offspring. We report here on the longitudinal prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australian children born between 1989 and 1991 and followed from birth to age 22.

Methods

Data were analysed on 1355 participants from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, with anthropometry collected during pregnancy, at birth, one year and at three yearly intervals thereafter. Multivariate analyses and cross‐sectional logistic regression quantified the timing and contribution of early‐life risk factors for overweight and obesity in young‐adulthood.

Results

At five years of age 12.6% of children were overweight and 5.2% were obese. By early adulthood, the prevalence of obesity had increased to 12.8%, whilst overweight remained relatively stable at 14.2% (range from early childhood to adulthood 11–16%). Parental pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was the strongest determinant of adult offspring BMI. Although rapid first year weight gain was associated with increased offspring BMI, the impact of first year weight‐gain diminished over childhood, whilst the impact of parental BMI increased over time.

Conclusions

Parental pre‐pregnancy BMI and rapid early‐life weight gain predispose offspring to obesity in adulthood.
Initial Evaluation of the Pediatric PROMIS® Health Domains in Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Dampier Carlton , Barry Vaughn , Gross Heather E. , Lui Yang , Thornburg Courtney D. , DeWalt Darren A. , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: February 2016

Background

The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) has developed pediatric self‐report scales measuring several unidimensional health attributes (domains) suitable for use in clinical research, but these measures have not yet been validated in sickle cell disease (SCD).

Procedure

A convenience sample of SCD children, aged 8–17 years, from two sickle cell programs was recruited at routine clinic visits, including some for hydroxyurea monitoring or monthly transfusions. Children completed PROMIS pediatric items using an online data collection platform, the PROMIS Assessment Center Web site.

Results

A total of 235 participants (mean age 12.5 ± 2.8 years, 49.8% female) participated in the study. Adolescents (ages 12–17 years) reported significantly higher pain interference and depressive symptoms, and worse lower extremity physical functioning domain scores compared to younger children (ages 8–11 years). Female participants reported significantly higher pain interference, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, and worse lower extremity physical functioning domain scores compared with their male counterparts. Participants with hip or joint problems that limited usual activities reported significantly higher pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms scores, and worse upper/lower extremity physical functioning scores as did participants who had experienced sickle pain in the previous 7 days.

Conclusions

PROMIS pediatric measures are feasible in a research setting and identify expected differences in known group comparisons in a sample of SCD children. The large domain score differences between those with or without SCD‐related complications suggest the potential usefulness of these measures in clinical research, but further validation studies are needed, particularly in clinical practice settings.
Fabrication and characterization of isolated lignin as adhesive for three‐ply plywood
Authors: Phan Thi Anh , Lin Jian , Cao Jin‐Zhen
Published: February 2016

In order to reduce the emission of formaldehyde of plywood and improve the utilization of lignin, isolated lignin was successfully prepared from wood chips with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 at the various weight ratios. The characterization was determined with thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and dynamic viscosity measurement. The results showed that more PEG moiety were grafted at alpha carbon position of lignin structure on increasing the weight ratio, resulting in the poorer thermostability and more formation of hydrogen bonding. Isolated lignin prepared with weight ratio of 1:4 exhibited the best dynamic viscosity property among all, and the lignin‐based three‐ply plywood which meets the shear strength requirement for type II plywood according to GB/T17657‐2013 were fabricated. Accordingly, isolated lignin with PEG‐400 could be considered as a promising adhesive for preparation of formaldehyde‐free plywood. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:484–490, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
The establishment of efficient bioconversion, extraction, and isolation processes for the production of phyllodulcin, a potential high intensity sweetener, from sweet hydrangea leaves (Hydrangea macrophyllaThunbergii)
Authors: Jung Chang‐Hwan , Kim Yang , Kim Min‐Soo , Lee Suyong , Yoo Sang‐Ho
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Hydrangea leaf tea has been traditionally consumed in the far‐east Asian countries and is favoured for its distinct minty‐sweet taste. Phyllodulcin is identified as a key sweet‐tasting compound; it is 400–800 times sweeter than sucrose. However, its extraction has not been well‐documented. In an effort to optimise phyllodulcin production, pretreatment processes to accumulate phyllodulcin as a final metabolite in leaf tissue were studied, and an efficient process was established for the extraction and purification of phyllodulcin.

Methods

Phyllodulcin was structurally identified using an LC/MS system. Hydrangea leaves were processed by either hand rolling or mechanical blending, by exposing them at different drying temperatures (25 and 70°C), and even by inducing bioconversion in leaf tissue. The leaf powder was extracted with various solvents (methanol, ethanol, and water) by soaking at 25°C for 12 h, ultrasonication at 35°C for 1 h or accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Extracts were purified with ion exchange resins and purified using preparative HPLC.

Results

Traditional hand rolling and drying at 70°C significantly increased phyllodulcin accumulation in the leaves. Meanwhile, more phyllodulcin was obtained from the leaves blended mechanically or converted enzymatically compared to traditionally processed ones (P < 0.05). Methanol and ethanol were superior to water as extraction media, and the greatest phyllodulcin yields obtained by ASE, soaking and ultrasonication were 21.28, 21.20 and 19.33 mg/g, respectively, when methanol was used. Highly pure phyllodulcin powder was obtained with a yield of 2.12%.

Conclusions

This promising result would be beneficial to the industrial utilisation of phyllodulcin as a potential high‐intensity sweetener. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Propofol for Treatment of Refractory Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Brotherton Amy L. , Hamilton Eric P. , Kloss H. Grace , Hammond Drayton A.
Published: February 2016

The authors evaluated all available evidence on the use of propofol as an adjuvant for the treatment of resistant alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in comparison to other therapies. A comprehensive PubMed search (1966–December 2015) was conducted using the search terms propofol, alcohol withdrawal, and drug therapy. Articles were cross‐referenced for other citations. Clinical studies, case series, and case reports published in the English language assessing the use of propofol in adult patients for treatment of AWS were reviewed for inclusion. Propofol is a sedative‐hypnotic that exerts its actions through agonism of GABAA receptors at a different binding site than benzodiazepines and reduces glutamatergic activity through N‐methyl‐d‐aspartase (NMDA) receptor blockade. Dosages from 5 to 100 μg/kg/minute reduced AWS symptoms with frequent development of hypotension and requirement for mechanical ventilation. Patients on propofol often experienced longer durations of mechanical ventilation and length of stay, which may be attributed to more‐resistant cases of AWS. When propofol was compared with dexmedetomidine as adjuncts in AWS, both agents showed similar benzodiazepine‐ and haloperidol‐sparing effects. Dexmedetomidine was associated with more numerical rates of bradycardia, while propofol was associated with more numerical instances of hypotension. Dexmedetomidine was used more frequently in nonintubated patients. The available data assessing the utility of propofol for AWS exhibited significant heterogeneity. Propofol may be useful in a specific population of patients with AWS, limited to those who are not clinically responding to first‐line therapy with benzodiazepines. Specifically, propofol should be considered in patients who are refractory to or not candidates for other adjuvant therapies, patients already requiring mechanical ventilation, or those with seizure activity or refractory delirium tremens. In severe, refractory AWS, adjuvant therapy with propofol may be considered but requires further research to recommend its use either preferentially or as monotherapy.
Current state and future prospects of research on fear of cancer recurrence
Authors: Lebel Sophie , Ozakinci Gozde , Humphris Gerald , Thewes Belinda , Prins Judith , Dinkel Andreas , Butow Phyllis
Published: February 2016

Despite a rapidly growing research interest in fear of cancer recurrence, lack of consensus on definition and measurement including clinical fear of cancer recurrence, sparse model development and testing, and limited available clinical interventions have impeded knowledge transfer into patient services.

To move forward, a 2‐day colloquium was held in Ottawa, Canada in August 2015 to progress knowledge and identify future research directions.

A comprehensive research program was proposed, including development of a clinical definition, an updated review of screening measures, and a review of existing interventions.

A new special interest group was created with the International Psychosocial Oncology Society to facilitate the implementation of this research program and future international collaborations.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Imaging of ALD Deposited Pt Nanoclusters inside the Giant Pores of MIL‐101
Authors: Meledina Maria , Turner Stuart , Filippousi Maria , Leus Karen , Lobato Ivan , Ramachandran Ranjith K. , Dendooven Jolien , Detavernier Christophe , Van Der Voort Pascal , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf
Published: February 2016

MIL‐101 giant‐pore metal‐organic framework (MOF) materials have been loaded with Pt nanoparticles using atomic layer deposition. The final structure has been investigated by aberration‐corrected annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy under strictly controlled low‐dose conditions. By combining the acquired experimental data with image simulations, the position of the small clusters within the individual pores of a metal‐organic framework has been determined. The embedding of the Pt nanoparticles is confirmed by electron tomography, which shows a distinct ordering of the highly uniform Pt nanoparticles. The results show that atomic layer deposition is particularly well‐suited for the deposition of individual nanoparticles inside MOF framework pores and that, upon proper regulation of the incident electron dose, annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy is a powerful tool for the characterization of this type of materials at a local scale.
Embedding Evidence‐based Practice Education into a Post‐graduate Physiotherapy Program: Eight Years of pre‐Post Course Evaluations
Authors: Perraton L. , Machotka Z. , Grimmer K. , Gibbs C. , Mahar C. , Kennedy K.
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

Little has been published about the effectiveness of training postgraduate physiotherapy coursework students in research methods and evidence‐based practice (EBP) theory. Graduate qualities in most universities include lifelong learning. Inclusion of EBP in post‐graduate coursework students' training is one way for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement current best evidence in their clinical practice after graduation, thereby facilitating lifelong learning. This paper reports on change in confidence and anxiety in knowledge of statistical terminology and concepts related to research design and EBP in eight consecutive years of post‐graduate physiotherapy students at one Australian university.

Methods

Pre‐survey/post‐survey instruments were administered to students in an intensive 3‐week post‐graduate course, which taught health research methods, biostatistics and EBP. This course was embedded into a post‐graduate physiotherapy programme from 2007 to 2014. The organization and delivery of the course was based on best pedagogical evidence for effectively teaching adult physiotherapists. The course was first delivered each year in the programme, and no other course was delivered concurrently.

Results

There were significant improvements in confidence, significantly decreased anxiety and improvements in knowledge of statistical terminology and concepts related to research design and EBP, at course completion. Age, gender and country of origin were not confounders on learning outcomes, although there was a (non‐significant) trend that years of practice negatively impacted on learning outcomes (p = 0.09). There was a greater improvement in confidence in statistical terminology than in concepts related to research design and EBP.

Conclusion

An intensive teaching programme in health research methods and biostatistics and EBP, based on best practice adult physiotherapy learning principles, is effective immediately post‐course, in decreasing anxiety and increasing confidence in the terminology used in research methods and EBP. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐stress Activity of Ocimum sanctum: Possible Effects on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis
Authors: Jothie Richard Edwin , Illuri Ramanaiah , Bethapudi Bharathi , Anandhakumar Senthilkumar , Bhaskar Anirban , Chinampudur Velusami Chandrasekaran , Mundkinajeddu Deepak , Agarwal Amit
Published: February 2016

The present study investigated anti‐stress potential of Ocimum sanctum in chronic variable stress (CVS) paradigm. Further, the possible mechanism of anti‐stress was explored in vitro using cell and cell‐free assays. Rats were administered O. sanctum followed by CVS regimen for a period of 16 days. On days 4, 8, 12, and 16, body weight and immobility time in forced swim test were measured. In addition, the possible inhibitory effect of O. sanctum and ursolic acid on cortisol release and CRHR1 receptor activity were studied in cell‐based assays, while inhibitory effects on 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) were studied in cell‐free assays. CVS group demonstrated less body weight gain and higher immobility time than O. sanctum administered groups, while oral administration of O. sanctum significantly increased body weight gain and decreased the immobility time. Further, O. sanctum and its constituents inhibited cortisol release and exhibited a significant CRHR1 receptor antagonist activity. Also, they had specific inhibitory activity towards 11β‐HSD1 and COMT activity. Thus, O. sanctum was found to be effective in the management of stress effects, and anti‐stress activity could be due to inhibition of cortisol release, blocking CRHR1 receptor, and inhibiting 11β‐HSD1 and COMT activities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Potential of Proteins for Producing Food Packaging Materials: A Review
Authors: Gómez‐Estaca Joaquín , Gavara Rafael , Catalá Ramón , Hernández‐Muñoz Pilar
Published: February 2016

The problems associated with obtaining conventional plastic materials and with their accumulation have led to a constant search for new materials derived from renewable sources. Materials made from proteins stand out among them all because of the many ways in which they can be modified enzymatically, chemically or physically, giving rise to materials with improved physicochemical properties that are adjustable to each specific application. This paper reviews the state of the art with regard to the use of proteins for the manufacture of packaging materials, including: the main protein sources that have been used; manufacturing methods (coating on conventional materials, thermoforming, extrusion), with special emphasis on materials made by extrusion; possible strategies for improving the physicochemical properties of the materials and the main future prospects and limitations of materials of this kind.
Exact solution of multidimensional hyper‐radial Schrödinger equation for many‐electron quantum systems
Authors: Khan G. R.
Published: February 2016

In quantum theory, solving Schrödinger equation analytically for larger atomic and molecular systems with cluster of electrons and nuclei persists to be a tortuous challenge. Here, we consider, Schrödinger equation in arbitrary N‐dimensional space corresponding to inverse‐power law potential function originating from a multitude of interactions participating in a many‐electron quantum system for exact solution within the framework of Frobenius method via the formulation of an ansatz to the hyper‐radial wave function. Analytical expressions for energy spectra, and hyper‐radial wave functions in terms of known coefficients of inverse‐power potential function, and wave function parameters have been obtained. A generalized two‐term recurrence relation for power series expansion coefficients has been established. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.