bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of antidepressant target dose optimization and achievement of glycemic control
Authors: Grisham-Takac Catlin , Lai Phillip , Srinivasa Maaya , Vasquez Lindsay , Rascati Karen L.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Depression is a recognized cause of disability globally with a propensity to be comorbid in patients with diabetes, leading to poorer health-related outcomes. Although a number of studies have investigated the correlation between improvement in depression and chronic disease, none have reported on achievement of target doses of antidepressant therapies and diabetes control. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of antidepressant dosing optimization on reducing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients seen at CommUnityCare Health Centers who were initiated on an antidepressant and had uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c > 7%). Eligible patients were followed for 12 months after initiation and separated into those who achieved target dose and those who did not. Patient health questionnaire scores were collected when available in an attempt to quantify change in depressive symptoms.

Results

A total of 178 patients met inclusion criteria with 76 achieving an optimal dose (target group) and 102 patients below optimal dose (control group) at the end of the study period. Patients in both groups were similar at baseline with an HbA1c of 9.29% compared to 9.24% in the target and control groups, respectively. At the end of the study period, more patients in the target group achieved an HbA1c < 7% (22.9%, n = 48 vs 4.3%, n = 23, respectively; P < .05).

Discussion

These results suggest that optimization of antidepressant dosing in patients with diabetes may lead to an increased likelihood of reaching goal HbA1c < 7% although correlation to improvement of depression remains unknown.
Pharmacists' attitudes, interest, and perceived skills regarding suicide prevention
Authors: Cates Marshall E. , Hodges Jordan R. Cochran , Woolley Thomas W.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Pharmacists have been called upon to be involved in suicide prevention efforts, but little is known regarding their attitudes, interest, and perceived skills in the area.

Methods

The study was a voluntary, anonymous survey of pharmacists who attended a large end-of-year continuing education program sponsored by a school of pharmacy. The survey included the Attitudes to Suicide Prevention (ASP) Scale, items concerning interest in suicide prevention, and items from the suicide skills section of the Suicide Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire.

Results

The survey was completed by 227/297 (76.4%) pharmacists. The percentage of participants who expressed interest in direct involvement, indirect involvement, and receiving training in suicide prevention were 25%, 46%, and 56%, respectively. The mean total score on the ASP was 32.2 ± 5.5. Approximately 4% to 8% of participants agreed that they had the requisite training, skills, or support/supervision to engage and assist suicidal patients, and 22% agreed to feeling comfortable asking their patients direct and open questions about suicide. The ASP scores and items relating to perceived skills were correlated with interest in direct involvement in suicide prevention.

Discussion

There were some positive findings, but overall, the pharmacists who participated in this survey felt unprepared to be frontline clinicians in suicide prevention efforts. Further studies should be conducted to determine if these findings are generally reflective of the broader pharmacy community. If the profession is to have a serious role in suicide prevention, then adequate suicide prevention training for pharmacy students and pharmacists may be necessary.
Prevention of pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation under the optics of nursing academics / Prevenção da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica sob a ótica de acadêmicos de enfermagem
Authors: Maran Edilaine , De Melo William Augusto , Spigolon Dandara Novakovski , Teston Elen Ferraz , Do Prado Tostes Maria Fernanda , Barreto Mayckel Da Silva
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Descrever o conhecimento dos acadêmicos concluintes do curso de Enfermagem sobre a prevenção de Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica e comparar esse conhecimento entre esses acadêmicos nos anos de 2013 e 2016. Metodo: Pesquisa de natureza quantitativa, realizada com 59 acadêmicos concluintes de uma instituição pública de ensino superior, que responderam um questionário estruturado. Resultados: Observou-se que as principais respostas assertivas foram intervenções referentes à higienização das mãos (94,9%), sedação do paciente (89,8%), higiene oral (86,4%) e posição da sonda nasoentérica (83%). A Turma 2013 apresentou melhor conhecimento em relação à Turma 2016 (p<0,05). Conclusões: Concluiu-se que os alunos podem estar completando o curso com noção básica dos cuidados para a prevenção da Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica, e alguns cuidados inobservados constituem um resultado necessário de ser reavaliado, precisando de um planejamento curricular das instituições de ensino que facilite o processo de ensino-aprendizado.
Annotations of the nursing team: the (dis) appreciation of care for the information provided / Anotações da equipe de enfermagem: a (des)valorização do cuidado pelas informações fornecidas
Authors: Caldeira Mariana Menezes , Souza Tania Vignuda , Morais Rita de Cássia Melão , Moraes Juliana Rezende Montenegro Medeiros , Nascimento Luciana de Cássia Nunes , Oliveira Isabel Cristina Santos
Published: January 2019

Objetivos: analisar as anotações da equipe de enfermagem nos prontuários de crianças hospitalizadas e discutir as informações descritas pela enfermagem e suas implicações para a assistência à criança. Métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa desenvolvida em enfermaria pediátrica de Hospital Geral. Dados extraídos da consulta em  prontuários. Análise temática. Resultados: As anotações estavam relacionadas a dados que indicavam funcionamento gastrintestinal, atividade motora, interpretação das alterações dos sinais vitais, uso de dispositivos tecnológicos, e cuidados de enfermagem como curativos e higiene corporal. O espaço destinado à anotação da equipe de enfermagem era restrito a folha de prescrição médica que era ínfimo e não havia identificação do profissional. Conclusão: Os profissionais de enfermagem se limitavam a descrever na folha de prescrição médica informações que não refletiam o seu cuidado e a real condição clínica da criança quanto à qualidade da assistência de enfermagem. Em contrapartida, não havia um movimento dos próprios profissionais de enfermagem para garantir um espaço no prontuário como membro da equipe de saúde.
Public policies for the older carriers of Alzheimer’s evil / Políticas públicas para os idosos portadores do mal de Alzheimer
Authors: Fagundes Angelica , Lima Janice Lima , Andrade Gustavo Baade , Yasin Janaina Cassana Mello , Gutierres Evilin Diniz , Pelzer Marlene Teda
Published: January 2019

RESUMO: Objetivo: Conhecer e analisar a produção científica no período de 2011 à 2016 sobre as políticas públicas para os idosos portadores do mal de Alzheimer. Método: O estudo caracteriza-se como pesquisa exploratória, descritiva com abordagem quantitativa, realizado através do método da revisão integrativa. Resultados: Embora a DA seja uma doença progressiva e incurável, muito já se avançou em benefício do idoso portador, como a criação de instrumentos de avaliação e de critérios diagnósticos mais claros, medicações que melhoram a cognição e diminuem a incidência de mudanças comportamentais e a criação de leis e portarias governamentais que dispõem especificamente dos direitos da pessoa idosa com a Doença de Alzheimer. Conclusão: O conhecimento acerca dos direitos dos pacientes portadores da Doença de Alzheimer é de suma importância para promoção da saúde e manutenção da vida dessas pessoas.
The nurse and the model of living of the renal transplanted user: seeking the quality of life / O enfermeiro e o modo de viver do usuário transplantado renal: buscando a qualidade de vida
Authors: Pedroso Vanessa Soares Mendes , Siqueira Hedi Crecencia Heckler , Andrade Gustavo Baade , Medeiros Adriane Calvetti , Tolfo Fernando , Moura Bibiane
Published: January 2019

RESUMO: Objetivo: conhecer a produção científica sobre o modo de viver do usuário transplantado renal no seu ambiente domiciliar e as ações educativas do enfermeiro capazes de promover a qualidade de vida. Método: Estudo de caráter exploratório e descritivo, que segue os passos da revisão integrativa, que possibilita ao pesquisador problematizar a temática por meio do agrupamento e sistematização do que já foi produzido cientificamente e incorporá-los à prática assistencial. Resultado: O total de 58 estudos incluídos na amostra. Após a leitura criteriosa dos resumos 50 estudos não possuíam aderência com a temática em questão e foram excluídos. Portanto, 08 artigos foram lidos na integra e compõem a amostra. Conclusão: Conhecer o modo de viver do usuário transplantado renal permite que o foco do cuidado, além de individual, seja baseado em relações humanas.
Perceptions of puerperas about nursing care received in the immediate post-breastfeeding / Percepções de puérperas acerca do cuidado de enfermagem recebido no pós-parto imediato
Authors: Mesquita Nayara Sousa de , Rodrigues Dafne Paiva , Monte Alana Santos , Ferreira Ana Lidia De Araujo , Manguinho Karoline Pontes Cavalcante , Brandão Jessica Cunha
Published: January 2019

OBJETIVO: Conhecer as percepções de puérperas acerca do cuidado de enfermagem durante o pós-parto imediato. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, realizado no alojamento conjunto de um hospital público de Fortaleza/CE de junho a agosto de 2013. Participaram 25 puérperas por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Da análise de conteúdo dos dados emergiram duas categorias. O estudo foi aprovado com o parecer nº 314.363. RESULTADOS: Os cuidados de enfermagem apresentaram conotações positivas e negativas, sendo as primeiras salientadas pelas puérperas e traduzidas pelo reforço à autonomia no cuidado de si e do bebê. Como ponto negativo, salientou-se a estrutura precária do alojamento conjunto. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do cuidado de enfermagem ter sido considerado satisfatório, observa-se a necessidade de mudanças na assistência e estrutura/organização do serviço, para que seja possível prestar um cuidado integral às puérperas e bebês.
Epidemiological analysis of candidates for the donation of organs in the states of Ceará, São Paulo and Acre / Análise epidemiológica dos candidatos à doação de órgãos nos estados do Ceará, São Paulo e Acre
Authors: Monte Aline Santos , Monte Alana Santos , Lima Larissa Rodrigues de Freitas , Freire Valderlene Dos Santos
Published: January 2019

OBJETIVO: Analisar aspectos epidemiológicos de candidatos a doação de órgãos do Ceará, comparando com os estados de melhor e pior desempenho quanto ao transplante. MÉTODOS: Estudo Transversal descritivo com abordagem quantitativa realizado com dados do Registro Brasileiro de Transplantes publicados em 2016. RESULTADOS: O pior e melhor estado em relação às doações de órgãos foram Acre e São Paulo, respectivamente. O número de doadores efetivos por milhão de população no Ceará foi superior ao de São Paulo. A recusa familiar representou a maioria das causas de não concretização dos transplantes nos três estados. O Acidente Vascular Cerebral foi a principal causa de morte em São Paulo e Acre, enquanto no Ceará foi o Traumatismo crânio encefálico. Ceará e Acre apresentaram faixa etária predominante de 18-34 anos. CONCLUSÃO: O desempenho do Ceará quando comparado com os outros estados foi superior em relação a transformação de potenciais doadores em doadores efetivos.
Infections in temporary access for hemodialysis in chronic renal failure patients / Infecção em acesso temporário para hemodiálise em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica
Authors: Reisdorfer Arion Saraiva , Giugliani Roberto , Gouveia Viviane de Araújo , Dos Santos Emmanuela Kethully Mota , Da Silva José Jairo Teixeira
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de infecções em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica em uso do cateter temporário duplo-lúmen (CTDL).  Métodos: Estudo prospectivo ou de seguimento, realizado em uma Clínica de Nefrologia, em Recife (PE), Brasil, entre os meses de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2010.  A coleta foi realizada através da avaliação clínica e de prontuários de 88 pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica (IRC), em tratamento hemodialítico. Os dados foram analisados através da quantificação das variáveis contidas no instrumento de coleta. Resultados: A infecção do sítio de inserção do cateter ocorreu em 52,3%, dos pacientes e em 47,7%, foi verificado a infecção da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter.  Conclusão: É primordial a conscientização da equipe de saúde em relação aos cuidados na implantação e manipulação do catéter. As condições de higiene do paciente contribuem com processos infecciosos, sendo assim, precisam ser informados sobre os riscos de infecção.
Domain shuffling of cyclodextrin glucanotransferases for tailored product specificity and thermal stability
Authors: Sonnendecker Christian , Zimmermann Wolfgang
Published: January 2019

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferases (CGTases) convert α‐1,4‐glucans to cyclic oligosaccharides (cyclodextrins, CD), which have found applications in the food and the pharmaceutical industries. In this study, we used two CGTases with different cyclization activities, product specificities, and pH and temperature optima to construct chimeric variants for the synthesis of large‐ring CD. We used (a) a synthetic thermostable CGTase mainly forming α‐ and β‐CD (CD6 and CD7) derived from Geobacillus stearothermophilus ET1/NO2 (GeoT), and (b) a CGTase with lower cyclization activity from the alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. G825‐6, which mainly synthesizes γ‐CD (CD8). The A1, B, A2, and CDE domains of the G825‐6 CGTase were replaced with corresponding GeoT CGTase domains by utilizing a megaprimer cloning approach. A comparison of the optimum temperature and pH, thermal stability, and CD products synthesized by the variants revealed that the B domain had a major impact on the cyclization activity, thermal stability, and product specificity of the constructed chimera. Complete suppression of the synthesis of CD6 was observed with the variants GeoT‐A1/B and GeoT‐A1/A2/CDE. The variant GeoT‐A1/A2/CDE showed the desired enzyme properties for large‐ring CD synthesis. Its melting temperature was 9 °C higher compared to the G825‐6 CGTase and it synthesized up to 3.3 g·L−1 CD9 to CD12, corresponding to a 1.8‐ and 2.3‐fold increase compared to GeoT and G825‐6 CGTase, respectively. In conclusion, GeoT‐A1/A2/CDE may be a candidate for the further development of CGTases specifically forming larger CD.
Flexible Multifunctional Sensors for Wearable and Robotic Applications
Authors: Xie Mengying , Hisano Kyohei , Zhu Mingzhu , Toyoshi Takuya , Pan Min , Okada Shima , Tsutsumi Osamu , Kawamura Sadao , Bowen Chris
Published: January 2019

This review provides an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art of the emerging field of flexible multifunctional sensors for wearable and robotic applications. In these application sectors, there is a demand for high sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility, mechanical flexibility, and low cost. The ability to empower robots and future electronic skin (e‐skin) with high resolution, high sensitivity, and rapid response sensing capabilities is of interest to a broad range of applications including wearable healthcare devices, biomedical prosthesis, and human–machine interacting robots such as service robots for the elderly and electronic skin to provide a range of diagnostic and monitoring capabilities. A range of sensory mechanisms is examined including piezoelectric, pyroelectric, piezoresistive, and there is particular emphasis on hybrid sensors that provide multifunctional sensing capability. As an alternative to the physical sensors described above, optical sensors have the potential to be used as a robot or e‐skin; this includes sensory color changes using photonic crystals, liquid crystals, and mechanochromic effects. Potential future areas of research are discussed and the challenge for these exciting materials is to enhance their integration into wearables and robotic applications.
A Data‐Driven Accelerated Sampling Method for Searching Functional States of Proteins
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Yuan Yigao , Ma Jing , Dong Hao
Published: January 2019

Protein exhibits distinct characteristics in different functional states. The lack of structural information for proteins hinders the understanding of their function. Here, a data‐driven accelerated (DA2) sampling method is proposed, which is capable of searching new functional states of protein from a known structure with high efficiency. The key function of DA2 sampling is to drive the conformational change of protein along its intrinsic motion without introducing biased potential/force, where principle component analysis is applied on‐the‐fly to reduce the highly redundant information generated by molecular dynamics simulations. In this work, the capacity and accuracy of DA2 sampling are validated by using alanine dipeptide. This protocol is then applied to search for the closed state of N‐terminal calmodulin (nCaM) from the open one. The identified structure resembles the crystal structure of nCaM in its closed state, with a root‐mean‐square deviation between the two of only 1.8 Å. Interestingly, independent DA2 samplings disclose different open‐to‐closed transition pathways for nCaM, which is likely to have implications for its biological functions. Therefore, DA2 sampling is expected to play important roles in exploring functional states of a broad spectrum of proteins at atomic level that are not easily determined experimentally.
Waterproof Fabric‐Based Multifunctional Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Universally Harvesting Energy from Raindrops, Wind, and Human Motions and as Self‐Powered Sensors
Authors: Lai Ying‐Chih , Hsiao Yung‐Chi , Wu Hsing‐Mei , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2019

Developing nimble, shape‐adaptable, conformable, and widely implementable energy harvesters with the capability to scavenge multiple renewable and ambient energy sources is highly demanded for distributed, remote, and wearable energy uses to meet the needs of internet of things. Here, the first single waterproof and fabric‐based multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerator (WPF‐MTENG) is presented, which can produce electricity from both natural tiny impacts (rain and wind) and body movements, and can not only serve as a flexible, adaptive, wearable, and universal energy collector but also act as a self‐powered, active, fabric‐based sensor. The working principle comes from a conjunction of contact triboelectrification and electrostatic induction during contact/separation of internal soft fabrics. The structural/material designs of the WPF‐MTENG are systematically studied to optimize its performance, and its outputs under different conditions of rain, wind, and various body movements are comprehensively investigated. Its applicability is practically demonstrated in various objects and working situations to gather ambient energy. Lastly, a WPF‐MTENG‐based keypad as self‐powered human–system interfaces is demonstrated on a garment for remotely controlling a music‐player system. This multifunctional WPF‐MTENG, which is as flexible as clothes, not only presents a promising step toward democratic collections of alternative energy but also provides a new vision for wearable technologies.
Realizing Three‐Electron Redox Reactions in NASICON‐Structured Na3MnTi(PO4)3 for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Ting , Hu Ping , Wang Xuanpeng , Liu Zhenhui , Luo Wen , Owusu Kwadwo Asare , Cao Weiwei , Shi Changwei , Li Jiantao , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: January 2019

Developing multielectron reaction electrode materials is essential for achieving high specific capacity and high energy density in secondary batteries; however, it remains a great challenge. Herein, Na3MnTi(PO4)3/C hollow microspheres with an open and stable NASICON framework are synthesized by a spray‐drying‐assisted process. When applied as a cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries, the resultant Na3MnTi(PO4)3/C microspheres demonstrate fully reversible three‐electron redox reactions, corresponding to the Ti3+/4+ (≈2.1 V), Mn2+/3+ (≈3.5 V), and Mn3+/4+ (≈4.0 V vs Na+/Na) redox couples. In situ X‐ray diffraction results reveals that both solid‐solution and two‐phase electrochemical reactions are involved in the sodiation/desodiation processes. The high specific capacity (160 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C), outstanding cyclability (≈92% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 2 C), and the facile synthesis make the Na3MnTi(PO4)3/C a prospective cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries.
Autopolyploid lineage shows climatic niche expansion but not divergence inArabidopsis arenosa
Authors: Molina‐Henao Y. Franchesco , Hopkins Robin
Published: January 2019

Premise of the Study

Successful establishment of neopolyploids, and therefore polyploid speciation, is thought to be contingent on environmental niche shifts from their progenitors. We explore this niche shift hypothesis in the obligate outcrosserArabidopsis arenosacomplex, which includes diploid and recently formed autotetraploid populations.

Methods

To characterize the climatic niches for both cytotypes inArabidopsis arenosa,we first gathered climatic data from localities with known ploidy types. We then estimated the climatic niches for diploids and autotetraploids and calculated niche overlap. Using this niche overlap statistic, we tested for niche equivalency and similarity. We explored differences in niches by estimating and comparing niche optimum and breadth and then calculated indices of niche expansion and unfilling.

Key Results

Climatic niche overlap between diploids and autotetraploids is substantial. Although the two niche models are not significantly divergent, they are not identical as they differ in both optimum and breadth along two environmental gradients. Autotetraploids fill nearly the entire niche space of diploids and have expanded into novel environments.

Conclusions

We find climatic niche expansion but not divergence, together with a moderate change in the niche optimum, in the autotetraploid lineage ofArabidopsis arenosa. These results indicate that the climatic niche shift hypothesis alone cannot explain the coexistence of tetraploid and diploid cytotypes.
Positive School Climate as a Moderator of Violence Exposure for Colombian Adolescents
Authors: Gaias Larissa M. , Lindstrom Johnson Sarah , White Rebecca M. B. , Pettigrew Jonathan , Dumka Larry
Published: January 2019

In Colombia, many adolescents have experienced violence related to the decades‐long armed conflict in the country and have witnessed or been directly victimized by violence in their communities, often related to gang activity or drug trafficking. Exposure to violence, both political and community violence, has detrimental implications for adolescent development. This study used data from 1857 Colombian adolescents in an urban setting. We aim to understand the relations between exposure to violence and adolescent outcomes, both externalizing behaviors and developmental competence, and then to understand whether school climate (i.e., safety, connectedness, services) moderates these relations. Results demonstrate that armed conflict, community violence victimization, and witnessing community violence are positively associated with externalizing behaviors, but only armed conflict is negatively associated with developmental competence. School safety, connectedness, and services moderate the relation between community violence witnessing and externalizing behaviors. School services moderates the relation between community violence victimization and developmental competence. As students perceived more positive school climate, the effects of community violence exposure on outcomes were weakened. This study identifies potential levers for intervention regarding how schools can better support violence‐affected youth through enhancements to school safety, connectedness, and services.
Effects of some process parameters on the niflumic acid controlled release polymeric microspheres: Optimization using designs of experiments
Authors: Assas Nedjma , Elbahri Zineb , Baitiche Milad , Djerboua Ferhat
Published: January 2019

Microparticles charged by niflumic acid and based on cellulose derivatives as polymeric matrices, that is, ethylcellulose (EC) and mixtures of EC and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), were elaborated using microencapsulation by emulsion‐solvent evaporation technique. The niflumic acid is considered as a poorly water soluble drug, so the main objective of the paper is to use designs of experiment in order to prepare new solid formulations with a large range of size for the drug dissolution enhancement. The possible drug–polymer interaction was investigated by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. Some of the process variables, namely, the stirring speed of emulsion, the emulsifier concentration, and the EC:HPMC ratio, were selected and varied. Their main and interactive effects on the microparticles' characteristics were obviously evaluated and discussed using Minitab software 16.1. The obtained microparticles' size (d10) ranged from 196 to 796 μm, and the drug entrapment reached 45% in some formulations. The drug dissolution results showed that the Higuchi's release constant varied from 0.011 to 0.067 min−1/2 and was enhanced especially when the HPMC concentration was increased.
Crack resistance improvement of rubber blend by a filler network of graphene
Authors: Zhou Xing , Wang Libing , Cao Xijuan , Yin Qiyan , Weng Gengsheng
Published: January 2019

Crack resistance of rubbers is of vital importance in many applications (e.g., tire and shock absorber). In this work, we demonstrate the crack resistance improvement and toughening of natural rubber–solution polymerized butadiene styrene rubber (NR–SSBR) blend by designing a filler network composed of graphene (GE). The well‐dispersed GE nanosheets contact with each other and bridge the adjacent GE nanosheets based on the π–π conjugation interaction, which preferentially break upon deformation and dissipate energy before the failure of the materials. The mechanisms of energy dissipation under small and large strains were further discussed. The approach of crack‐tip morphology monitoring was also applied to understand the crack resistance behavior of the rubber material. The GE network and its energy dissipation not only increase the tensile strength and toughness, but also enhance the crack resistance of the NR–SSBR by expanding the tear energy region of high cracking energy dissipation. Improvement on these properties will provide the rubber blend with better long‐term sustainability in practical applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47278.
Predicting embrittlement of polymer glasses using a hydrostatic stress criterion
Authors: Clarijs Coen C. W. J. , Leo Vito , Kanters Marc J. W. , van Breemen Lambert C. A. , Govaert Leon E.
Published: January 2019

In this study, the aging‐induced embrittlement of three polymer glasses is investigated using a previously developed hybrid experimental–numerical method. The evolution of yield stress of unnotched tensile bars upon aging is coupled to the evolution of embrittlement of notched tensile bars using a numerical model combined with a critical hydrostatic stress criterion that determines the onset of failure. The time‐to‐embrittlement of notched tensile bars with a different notch geometry is predicted and in good agreement with the experimentally determined value. Next to that, the approach is extended to three polysulfone polymers, and it is shown that the value of the critical hydrostatic stress correlates well with the polymers entanglement density: : polymers with a denser entangled network display higher values, that is, a higher resistance against incipient cavitation. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47373.
Liposomes actively recognizing the glucose transporter GLUT1 and integrin αvβ3 for dual‐targeting of glioma
Authors: Fu Qiuyi , Zhao Yi , Yang Zhongzhen , Yue Qiming , Xiao Wenjiao , Chen Yang , Yang Yang , Guo Li , Wu Yong
Published: January 2019

The treatment of glioma is a great challenge because of the existence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In order to develop an efficient glioma‐targeting drug delivery system to greatly improve the brain permeability of anti‐cancer drugs and target glioma, a novel glioma‐targeted glucose‐RGD (Glu‐RGD) derivative was designed and synthesized as ligand for preparing liposomes to effectively deliver paclitaxel (PTX) to cross the BBB and target glioma. The liposomes were prepared and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release profile, stability, hemolysis, and cell cytotoxicity. Also, the Glu‐RGD modified liposomes showed superior targeting ability in in vitro and in vivo evaluation as compared to naked PTX, non‐coated, singly modified liposomes and liposomes co‐modified by physical blending. The relative uptake efficiency and concentration efficiency were enhanced by 4.41‐ and 4.72‐fold compared to that of naked PTX, respectively. What is more, the Glu‐RGD modified liposomes also displayed the maximum accumulation of DiD‐loaded liposomes at tumor sites compared to the other groups in in vivo imaging. All the results in vitro and in vivo suggested that Glu‐RGD‐Lip would be a potential delivery system for PTX to treat integrin αvβ3‐overexpressing tumor‐bearing mice.
A Zwitterionic Liquid Electrolyte for Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Tröger‐Müller Steffen , Liedel Clemens
Published: January 2019

Rechargeable magnesium batteries are promising energy storage devices due to their high theoretical capacity. However, currently a crucial hindrance for their realization is the limited number of suitable electrolytes, all of which show severe disadvantages. We circumvent volatility, flammability, and instability issues of other systems by presenting an electrolyte based on magnesium borohydride and the zwitterionic liquid (ZIL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazol‐2‐ylidene borane. We investigate the structure and properties of the electrolyte and compare it to a similar conventional system. Pronounced intermolecular interactions in the new electrolyte are investigated by 1H and 11B NMR spectroscopy. We also characterize galvanostatic cycling and deposition of magnesium on different electrodes and analyze the deposited material. Because of high reversibility and stability of the ZIL based electrolyte system, it shows promising potential for future magnesium based batteries.
Analyzing conditions for recognizing pictures of family members in a patient with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Brogård‐Antonsen Anette , Arntzen Erik
Published: January 2019

In the present study, an 89‐year‐old woman with the neurocognitive disorder Alzheimer's disease participated. The purpose was to study recognition of the participant's relatives' faces with the use of sorting tests and matching‐to‐sample (MTS) trainings and tests for emergent relations. The stimuli used were pictures of her relatives, their written names, and their family relationship. The study also focused on how responding to pictures of relatives changed over time. Therefore, the participant was presented with experimental conditions over three time periods. Time Period 1 included only sorting tests. In Time Period 2, which began 9 months after Time Period 1, the participant was presented with both sorting tests and conditional discrimination training and testing. In Time Period 3, which began 1 year after Time Period 2, both sorting tests and conditional discrimination training and testing were again presented. The results from Time Periods 2 and 3 showed that the percentage of stimuli sorted correctly was maintained over time. Additionally, the results from the MTS training and tests were maintained at the second follow‐up periods.
The use of behavioral skills training to improve staff performance of discrete trial training
Authors: Clayton Michael , Headley Ali
Published: January 2019

Well‐trained staff are a prerequisite for successful implementation of treatment plans when working in human service contexts. The high rate of turnover makes the use of efficient and effective staff training all the more important. Previous research has used behavioral skills training to train teachers in correct implementation of discrete trial training of children with autism. They showed that a brief 10‐min procedure could effectively train staff and result in improved performance. The current study elaborated on previous work by using participants without prior exposure to the method, including treatment integrity data and testing for maintenance 1 month after training ended. The mean percentage of correct teaching responses for the three participants increased from 70%, 58%, and 66% during baseline to 97%, 96%, and 99%, respectively, following training. Results indicated that the training package was effective and the results were maintained 30 days later.
The Effect of sequential bilateral low‐frequency rTMS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on serum level of BDNF and GABA in patients with primary insomnia
Authors: Feng Jie , Zhang Qing , Zhang Chengliang , Wen Zhongmin , Zhou Xianju
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of sequential bilateral low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on patients with primary insomnia (PI).

Methods

A total of 32 eligible right‐handed participants diagnosed by PI according to International classification of sleep disorders (ICD‐3) were recruited into this study. Participants received 10 daily sessions of sequential bilateral 1 Hz rTMS over DLPFC. Before and after the whole procedure of rTMS, patients were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for the severity of sleep disturbance. Meanwhile, serum concentration of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in patients was measured by ELISA and UPLC, respectively. Moreover, the amplitude of MEPs reflecting the right cortical excitability was examined. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation among the change of these variables.

Results

After rTMS treatment, the PSQI score was markedly decreased as compared to pre‐rTMS; the concentrations of serum BDNF and GABA were significantly higher; the amplitude of MEPs was markedly reduced. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the change of PSQI score was negatively associated with the alteration of serum BDNF level and serum GABA level, and positively associated with the change of MEPs amplitude; the change of MEPs amplitude was negatively associated with fold change in the serum BDNF level and the serum GABA level; the increase in serum GABA level was positively associated with the serum BDNF level.

Conclusions

A sequential bilateral low‐frequency rTMS over DLPFC significantly improves primary insomnia probably by increasing the level of BDNF and GABA in the brain and reducing cortical excitability.
Machine learning in suicide science: Applications and ethics
Authors: Linthicum Kathryn P. , Schafer Katherine Musacchio , Ribeiro Jessica D.
Published: January 2019

For decades, our ability to predict suicide has remained at near‐chance levels. Machine learning has recently emerged as a promising tool for advancing suicide science, particularly in the domain of suicide prediction. The present review provides an introduction to machine learning and its potential application to open questions in suicide research. Although only a few studies have implemented machine learning for suicide prediction, results to date indicate considerable improvement in accuracy and positive predictive value. Potential barriers to algorithm integration into clinical practice are discussed, as well as attendant ethical issues. Overall, machine learning approaches hold promise for accurate, scalable, and effective suicide risk detection; however, many critical questions and issues remain unexplored.
A Review on Quantitative Multiplexed Proteomics
Authors: Pappireddi Nishant , Martin Lance , Wühr Martin
Published: January 2019

Over the last few decades, mass spectrometry‐based proteomics has become an increasingly powerful tool that is now able to routinely detect and quantify thousands of proteins. A major advance for global protein quantification was the introduction of isobaric tags, which, in a single experiment, enabled the global quantification of proteins across multiple samples. Herein, these methods are referred to as multiplexed proteomics. The principles, advantages, and drawbacks of various multiplexed proteomics techniques are discussed and compared with alternative approaches. We also discuss how the emerging combination of multiplexing with targeted proteomics might enable the reliable and high‐quality quantification of very low abundance proteins across multiple conditions. Lastly, we suggest that fusing multiplexed proteomics with data‐independent acquisition approaches might enable the comparison of hundreds of different samples without missing values, while maintaining the superb measurement precision and accuracy obtainable with isobaric tag quantification.
A Large Stokes Shift Fluorescent Protein Constructed from the Fusion of Red Fluorescent mCherry and Far‐Red Fluorescent BDFP1.6
Authors: Zhao Bao‐Qing , Ding Wen‐Long , Tan Zi‐Zhu , Tang Qi‐Ying , Zhao Kai‐Hong
Published: January 2019

Phycobiliproteins are constituents of phycobilisomes that can harvest orange, red, and far‐red light for photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and red algae. Phycobiliproteins in the phycobilisome cores, such as allophycocyanins, absorb far‐red light to funnel energy to the reaction centers. Therefore, allophycocyanin subunits have been engineered as far‐red fluorescent proteins, such as BDFP1.6. However, most current fluorescent probes have small Stokes shifts, which limit their applications in multicolor bioimaging. mCherry is an excellent fluorescent protein that has maximal emittance in the red spectral range and a high fluorescence quantum yield, and thus, can be used as a donor for energy transfer to a far‐red acceptor, such as BDFP1.6, by FRET. In this study, mCherry was fused with BDFP1.6, which resulted in a highly bright far‐red fluorescent protein, BDFP2.0, with a large Stokes shift (≈79 nm). The excitation energy was absorbed maximally at 587 nm by mCherry and transferred to BDFP1.6 efficiently; thus emitting strong far‐red fluorescence maximally at 666 nm. The effective brightness of BDFP2.0 in mammalian cells was 4.2‐fold higher than that of iRFP670, which has been reported as the brightest far‐red fluorescent protein. The large Stokes shift of BDFP2.0 facilitates multicolor bioimaging. Therefore, BDFP2.0 not only biolabels mammalian cells, including human cells, but also biolabels various intracellular components in dual‐color imaging.
Crystal Structures of the C‐Terminally Truncated Endoglucanase Cel9Q from Clostridium thermocellum Complexed with Cellodextrins and Tris
Authors: Jeng Wen‐Yih , Liu Chia‐I , Lu Te‐Jung , Lin Hong‐Jie , Wang Nai‐Chen , Wang Andrew H.‐J.
Published: January 2019

Endoglucanase CtCel9Q is one of the enzyme components of the cellulosome, which is an active cellulase system in the thermophile Clostridium thermocellum. The precursor form of CtCel9Q comprises a signal peptide, a glycoside hydrolase family 9 catalytic domain, a type 3c carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM), and a type I dockerin domain. Here, we report the crystal structures of C‐terminally truncated CtCel9Q (CtCel9QΔc) complexed with Tris, Tris+cellobiose, cellobiose+cellotriose, cellotriose, and cellotetraose at resolutions of 1.50, 1.70, 2.05, 2.05 and 1.75 Å, respectively. CtCel9QΔc forms a V‐shaped homodimer through residues Lys529–Glu542 on the type 3c CBM, which pairs two β‐strands (β4 and β5 of the CBM). In addition, a disulfide bond was formed between the two Cys535 residues of the protein monomers in the asymmetric unit. The structures allow the identification of four minus (−) subsites and two plus (+) subsites; this is important for further understanding the structural basis of cellulose binding and hydrolysis. In the oligosaccharide‐free and cellobiose‐bound CtCel9QΔc structures, a Tris molecule was found to be bound to three catalytic residues of CtCel9Q and occupied subsite −1 of the CtCel9Q active‐site cleft. Moreover, the enzyme activity assay in the presence of 100 mm Tris showed that the Tris almost completely suppressed CtCel9Q hydrolase activity.
A Systematic Study on Bond Activation Energies of NO, N2, and O2 on Hexamers of Eight Transition Metals
Authors: Ichino Tomoya , Takagi Makito , Maeda Satoshi
Published: January 2019

Catalytic bond activation pathways of diatomic molecules on small metal clusters have been studied by density functional theory calculations. The focus of this study is dissociation of NO, N2, and O2 on hexamers of eight transition metals (Ni, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, and Au). For all the 24 cases, the lowest energy structures at the molecular‐adsorption state, bond dissociation transition state (TS), and dissociative‐adsorption state were identified by a systematic procedure. At TS of 20 cases, the transition metal hexamer moiety took a different shape from bare transition metal hexamers. The results support the importance of metastable cluster structures in catalytic activity, recently proposed in several catalytic systems. Furthermore, using the obtained dataset, a simple linear regression analysis was made to explore the applicability of the Brønsted‐Evans‐Polanyi principle to flexible metal cluster catalysts.
Bioelectrocatalytic Electrodes Modified with PQQ‐Glucose Dehydrogenase‐Calmodulin Chimera Switchable by Peptide Signals: Pathway to Generic Bioelectronic Systems Controlled by Biomolecular Inputs
Authors: Gamella Maria , Guo Zhong , Alexandrov Kirill , Katz Evgeny
Published: January 2019

Construction of artificial allosteric protein switches is one of the central goals of synthetic biology that holds promise to transform the way we detect and quantify substances in vitro and in vivo. An artificial chimeric fusion protein of pyrroloquinoline quinone‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase with calmodulin (PQQ‐GDH‐CaM) was covalently attached to graphene nanosheets produced electrochemically on a carbon fiber electrode. The chimeric PQQ‐GDH‐CaM represents an artificial allosteric switch activated by association of a calmodulin‐binding peptide with the Ca2+‐bound calmodulin domain. The activity of the immobilized enzyme was switched between active and inactive states by adding/removing the activating peptide. The peptide‐signal switchable features originated from the enzyme 3D‐structural variations induced by the conformational (folding/unfolding) changes in the connected calmodulin unit upon formation/dissociation of its complex with the specific peptide. The peptide‐activated immobilized PQQ‐GDH‐CaM enzyme displayed direct (non‐mediated) electron transfer to the conducting electrode support upon glucose oxidation. On the contrary, in the absence of the peptide, the inactive form of the enzyme demonstrated very low bioelectrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation. Since the conformational changes of the PQQ‐GDH‐CaM depend on the presence of Ca2+ cations and the calmodulin‐binding peptide, both of them were used as input signals to control the enzyme activity mimicking a Boolean AND logic gate. The switchable behavior of the enzyme‐modified electrode was studied electrochemically and used to assemble a signal‐switchable biofuel cell. The use of the peptide as the signaling messenger enables the design of generalizable bioelectronic systems controlled by native and synthetic biochemical signaling systems.
Flavonoids enantiomer distribution in different parts of goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.), lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.)
Authors: Kruk Judyta , Baranowska Irena , Buszewski Bogusław , Bajkacz Sylwia , Kowalski Bartosz , Ligor Magdalena
Published: January 2019

Plant material is a rich source of valuable compounds such as flavanones. Their different forms influence bioavailability and biological activity, causing problems with the selection of plant material for specific purposes. The purpose of this research was to determine selected flavanone (eriodictyol, naringenin, liquiritigenin, and hesperetin) enantiomer contents in free form and bonded to glycosides by an RP‐UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method. Different parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) of goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.), lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), and phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) were used. The highest content of eriodictyol was found in goldenrod flowers (13.1 μg/g), where it occurred mainly as the (S)‐enantiomer, and the greatest proportion of the total amount was bonded to glycosides. The richest source of naringenin was found to be lucerne leaves (4.7 μg/g), where it was mainly bonded to glycosides and with the (S)‐enantiomer as the dominant form. Liquiritigenin was determined only in lucerne, where the flowers contained the highest amount (1.2 μg/g), with the (R)‐enantiomer as dominant aglycone form and the (S)‐enantiomer as the dominant glycosylated form. The highest hesperetin content was determined in phacelia leaves (0.38 μg/g), where it was present in the form of a glycoside and only as the (S)‐enantiomer. A comparison of the different analyte forms occurring in different plant parts was performed for the first time.
Isolation and Enrichment of Spermatogonial Stem Cells From Human Testis Tissues
Authors: Guo Jingtao , Cairns Bradley R.
Published: January 2019

This article describes a protocol for isolating human spermatogonial stem cells (hSSCs) from human testis tissues, which can be utilized for further characterization. Human testis tissues are first subjected to mechanical separation, enzymatic digestion, and physical filtering, yielding a single testicular cell suspension. SSCs or other cell types of interest can be sorted out via different enrichment approaches using selected cell surface markers (e.g., magnetic‐activated cell sorting, MACS). Those enriched cells can further be used for different purposes, including cell culture, RNA sequencing, and other genomics‐based profiling, which allow for further characterization of their properties. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stereoselective Aminoiodination of Activated Alkynes with Organoiodine(III) Reagents and Amines via Multiple‐Site Functionalization: Access to Iodinated Enamines and N‐Aryl Indoles
Authors: Arepally Sagar , Chamuah Ajoy , Katta Narenderreddy , Sharada Duddu S.
Published: January 2019

A stereoselective aminoiodination of activated alkynes with PhI(OAc)2 and amines via multiple‐site functionalization to afford (Z)diethyl 2‐(diphenylamino)‐3‐iodomaleate derivatives with superior yields has been described. The key feature of this reaction is the incorporation of iodide and aryl group concurrently in the same molecule in a stereoselective manner by employing PhI(OAc)2 as electrophilic reagent as well as iodide and aryl group source. The high stereoselectivity of the reaction can be explained based on the structure of the possible intermediates, the conformations of which controlled by the hydrogen bonding, steric hindrance and electrostatic attractions. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions, providing various dialkyl 2‐(diphenylamino)‐3‐iodomaleates by a single operation starting from activated alkynes. The robustness of our strategy is revealed by making of bis [dialkyl 2‐(diphenylamino)‐3‐iodomaleate] derivatives involving formation of four new C‐N bonds and two C–I bonds in a single step. The synthesized inactive 3° enamines [dialkyl 2‐(diphenylamino)‐3‐iodomaleates] could be further transformed into highly substituted indoles via Pd catalyzed C–H and C–I activation under non‐acidic conditions.