bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of bioglass nanoparticles on the properties and bioactivity of poly(lactic acid) films
Authors: Canales Daniel , Saavedra Marcela , Flores Maria T. , Bejarano Julián , Ortiz J. Andrés , Orihuela Pedro , Alfaro Aline , Pabón Elizabeth , Palza Humberto , Zapata Paula A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBioglass nanoparticles (n‐BGs, 54SiO2:40CaO:6P2O5 mol %) with about 27 nm diameter were synthesized by the sol–gel method and incorporated into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by the melting process in order to obtain nanocomposites with filler contents of 5, 10, and 25 wt %. Our results showed that during the cooling scan, the crystallization temperature (Tc) of the PLA/n‐BG nanocomposites decreased 13°C as compared to neat PLA. The presence of nanoparticles also decreased the thermal stability of the PLA matrix, as nanocomposites presented up to about 20°C lower degradation temperatures in a nitrogen atmosphere. The presence of n‐BG increased the stiffness of the polymer matrix, and for instance the composite with 25 wt % of filler presented about 52.6% higher Young's modulus than neat PLA. n‐BG incorporation into PLA increased also the hydrolytic degradation of the polymer over time. When the PLA composites were immersed in simulated body fluid, an apatite layer was formed on their surface, as verified by Fourier transform infrared, X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy‐EDS, showing that the presence of n‐BG induced bioactivity on the PLA matrix. Moreover, the viability of cervical uterine adenocarcinoma cells was higher on PLA/n‐BG nanocomposite with 25 wt % of filler. The presence of n‐BG barely gave an antibacterial effect on the polymer matrix, despite the well‐known biocidal properties of these nanoparticles. Our results show that the presence of n‐BGs is a proper route for improving the bioactivity of PLA with potential application in tissue engineering.
Life satisfaction in Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants: Investigating the roles of self‐esteem and affect balance
Authors: Liang Dekuo , Xu Dawei , Xia Liying , Ma Xuelin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe goal of the present article is to investigate whether positive and negative affects mediate or moderate the impact of self‐esteem on life satisfaction among Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants. Participants contained 712 rural‐to‐urban migrants recruited from four construction sites in China, who were evaluated with Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Correlation analysis indicated self‐esteem positively predicted life satisfaction. In addition, we demonstrated the mediating effects of positive affect and negative affect partially in the links from self‐esteem to life satisfaction, but failed to reveal the moderating effects. These findings suggested that affect balance intervention program may benefit the life satisfaction in Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants.
Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Weight‐Based Intravenous Reslizumab Dosing
Authors: Passarell Julie , Jaworowicz David , Ludwig Elizabeth , Rabinovich‐Guilatt Laura , Cox Donna S. , Levi Micha , Garin Margaret , Fiedler‐Kelly Jill , Bond Mary 
Published: April 2020

AbstractReslizumab 3.0 mg/kg has demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies of patients with eosinophilic asthma and a history of exacerbations. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed to determine whether 3.0 mg/kg weight‐based dosing is appropriate to obtain consistent reslizumab exposures in all patients. PK data in healthy volunteers and patients ≥12 years with moderate to severe asthma, eosinophilic asthma, or nasal polyposis were analyzed from 4 phase 1, 2 phase 2, and 2 phase 3 studies of intravenous (IV) reslizumab (N = 804). Covariates evaluated included age, race, sex, baseline weight, renal and liver function, concomitant medications, and antidrug antibody status. Exposure‐response models were developed to characterize key efficacy (blood eosinophil levels, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ‐7] scores), and safety end points (muscle disorder adverse events [AEs]). Vial‐based dosing was evaluated as an alternative to weight‐based dosing. IV reslizumab PK was accurately described by a 2‐compartment PK model with 0‐order input and first‐order elimination. Body weight was the only covariate that significantly influenced PK parameters. However, with weight‐based dosing, comparable steady‐state exposures were observed across high and low body weights. Greater eosinophil lowering and longer response duration were observed with increasing dose; exposure‐related effects on FEV1 and ACQ‐7 were also seen, demonstrating the clinical importance of a dosing regimen to optimize reslizumab exposure. The probability of a muscle disorder AE appeared to increase with increasing exposure. Steady‐state exposure measures were similar for both dosing regimens, showing vial‐based dosing as an alternative method of achieving the benefits of weight‐based dosing.
Enhancing the desalination performance of forward osmosis membrane through the incorporation of green nanocrystalline cellulose and halloysite dual nanofillers
Authors: Rezaei‐DashtArzhandi Masood , Sarrafzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Goh Pei Sean , Lau Woei Jye , Ismail Ahamd Fauzi , Wong Kar Chun , Mohamed Mohamad Azuwa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMembrane fouling remains an unmet challenge for all membrane processes, including osmotically driven forward osmosis (FO). Membrane modification is a straightforward and feasible approach to enhancing fouling resistance. In this study, thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes incorporated with dual nanofiller were prepared. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) was incorporated into the polysulfone substrate while functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was embedded within the polyamide (PA) thin layer of the TFN.RESULTSThe formation of crystalline needle‐like NCC was observed through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. TFNs embedded with functionalized NCC at different loadings were characterized in terms of morphology, surface roughness and hydrophilicity, separation performance and antifouling propensity. The incorporation of hydrophilic NCC has significantly reduced the water contact angle from 69° for the TFN0.0 to 45° for TFN incorporated with 0.1 wt/v% of NCC. The water flux of TFN0.05, as the best performing membrane, was recorded as 21.34 L/m2 h. This was about 140% greater than that of TFN0.0 at the same operating conditions. The embedment of NCC also reduced the extent of concentration polarization (CP) in TFN0.05, which resulted in better protein fouling resistance and lower water flux decline in comparison to neat membranes.CONCLUSIONSOverall, the enhancement of both the water flux and antifouling properties of the membrane, without compromising the salt rejection when a low amount of NCC (<0.1 wt/v%) was incorporated into the thin PA layer, demonstrated the potential of dual nanofillers TFN for effective forward osmosis desalination application. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Malignant right coronary artery origin from the left sinus of Valsalva: Complementary role for transesophageal echocardiography upon the cath‐lab diagnosis
Authors: de Gregorio Cesare , Ceresa Fabrizio , Ferrazzo Giuseppe , Patanè Francesco 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAnomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left sinus of Valsalva is a rare but clinically relevant congenital anomaly, since the RCA may be subjected to cyclical compression due to its interarterial course. At least in the past, most patients experienced bad outcomes before being diagnosed with a malignant variant. Chronic (often subclinical) myocardial ischemia and possible arrhythmias are common complications. Once symptoms or electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia become apparent, a quick diagnosis is mandatory. We report the case of a late symptomatic woman in whom RCA originated from the opposite sinus of Valsalva. The malignant variant was confirmed at transesophageal echocardiography directly in the catheterization laboratory, soon after angiographic diagnosis of aberrant origin.
Superior vena cava obstruction and mediastinal mass detected by point‐of‐care ultrasonography
Authors: Blanco Pablo , Esteban Fernando , Leonardi Ivana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSuperior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) often relates to malignant causes such as lung tumors, metastatic cancer, or lymphomas. While the diagnosis relies nowadays on the use of contrast‐enhanced thoracic computed tomography, ultrasonography may have an important value as a first‐line imaging technique, particularly when used in point‐of‐care office‐based settings. Here, we report the case of a 67‐year‐old male presenting with SVCS in whom ultrasound contributed to diagnosis.
Sonogram of safety: Ultrasound outperforms the fifth intercostal space landmark for tube thoracostomy site selection
Authors: Gray Ellyn J. , Cranford James A. , Betcher Joseph A. , Huang Robert D. , Kessler Ross A. , Theyyunni Nik , Majkrzak Allen A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeIdentification of tube thoracostomy insertion location is currently performed using a blind, landmark based approach at either the fifth intercostal space (ICS) or inframammary crease in the midaxillary line. A significant percentage of thoracostomies at this site result in complications. This pilot study aimed to assess whether bedside ultrasound could aid in identifying safer tube thoracostomy insertion sites in emergency department patients.MethodsFifty emergency department patients were enrolled in this study. Right and left hemidiaphragms were evaluated with ultrasound at the fifth ICS. Observations were made on if the diaphragm was below, above, or crossed the fifth ICS during an entire respiratory cycle.ResultsEighty‐one (95% confidence interval 72‐82) of the diaphragms were below, 13 (95% confidence interval 8‐21) of the diaphragms were at, and 6 (95% confidence interval 3‐12) of the diaphragms were above the location marked using traditional landmark techniques. On the right and left hemidiaphragms, 20% (95% confidence interval 19.9%‐20.1%) and 18% (95% confidence interval 17.9%‐18.1%) of diaphragms were above or crossing the fifth ICS, respectivelyConclusionsUltrasound identified a significant number of potential chest tube insertion sites at the fifth ICS that would result in subdiaphragmatic insertion or diaphragmatic injury. Based on this data ultrasound can be used to identify safer insertion sites and reduce thoracostomy complications.
Catalyst‐free green synthesis and study of antioxidant activity of new pyrazole derivatives
Authors: Tabarsaei Navisa , Hamedani Naghmeh Faal , Shafiee Shahin , Khandan Samira , Hossaini Zinatossadat 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this research, a novel procedure for the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives in excellent yields was studied using catalyst‐free multicomponent reaction of isoquinoline, activated acetylenic compounds, alkyl bromides, triphenylphosphine and hydrazine in water under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. The advantages of this procedure than to reported methods are short time of reaction, high yields of product, easy separation of product, clean mixture of reaction and green media for performing reaction. In addition, because of having pyrazole and isoquinoline core in the synthesized compounds, in this research, antioxidant activity of some synthesized compounds was investigated.
Predator‐specific inducible morphological defenses of a water flea against two freshwater predators
Authors: Ritschar Sven , Rabus Max , Laforsch Christian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe expression of inducible morphological defenses in Daphnia in response to a single predator is a well‐known phenomenon. However, predator‐specific modifications of the same defensive traits as an adaption to different predator regimes is so far only described for Daphnia barbata. It is unknown if this accounts only for this species or if it is a more widespread, general adaptive response in the genus Daphnia. In the present study, we therefore investigated whether a clone of the pond‐dwelling species Daphnia similis responds to different predatory invertebrates (Triops cancriformis; Notonecta maculata) with the expression of predator‐specific modifications of the same defensive traits. We showed that Triops‐exposed individuals express a significantly longer tail‐spine, while body width decreased in comparison to control individuals. Additionally, they also expressed inconspicuous defenses, that is, significantly longer spinules on the dorsal ridge. The Notonecta‐exposed D. similis showed a significantly longer tail‐spine, longer spinules and a larger spinules bearing area on the dorsal ridge than control individuals as well. However, a geometric morphometric analysis of the head shape revealed significant, predator‐specific changes. Triops‐exposed individuals expressed a flattened head shape with a pronounced dorsal edge, while Notonecta‐exposed individuals developed a high and strongly rounded head. Our study describes so far unrecognized inducible defenses of D. similis against two predators in temporary waters. Furthermore, the predator‐dependent change in head shape is in concordance with the ‘concept of modality’, which highlights the qualitative aspect of natural selection caused by predators.
Assessing the biofidelity of in vitro biomechanical testing of the human cervical spine
Authors: Wawrose Richard A. , Howington Forbes E. , LeVasseur Clarissa M. , Smith Clair N. , Couch Brandon K. , Shaw Jeremy D. , Donaldson William F. , Lee Joon Y. , Patterson Charity G. , Anderst William J. , Bell Kevin M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn vitro biomechanical studies of the osteoligamentous spine are widely used to characterize normal biomechanics, identify injury mechanisms, and assess the effects of degeneration and surgical instrumentation on spine mechanics. The objective of this study was to determine how well four standards in vitro loading paradigms replicate in vivo kinematics with regards to the instantaneous center of rotation and arthrokinematics in relation to disc deformation. In vivo data were previously collected from 20 asymptomatic participants (45.5 ± 5.8 years) who performed full range of motion neck flexion‐extension (FE) within a biplane x‐ray system. Intervertebral kinematics were determined with sub‐millimeter precision using a validated model‐based tracking process. Ten cadaveric spines (51.8 ± 7.3 years) were tested in FE within a robotic testing system. Each specimen was tested under four loading conditions: pure moment, axial loading, follower loading, and combined loading. The in vivo and in vitro bone motion data were directly compared. The average in vitro instant center of rotation was significantly more anterior in all four loading paradigms for all levels. In general, the anterior and posterior disc heights were larger in the in vitro models than in vivo. However, after adjusting for gender, the observed differences in disc height were not statistically significant. This data suggests that in vitro biomechanical testing alone may fail to replicate in vivo conditions, with significant implications for novel motion preservation devices such as cervical disc arthroplasty implants.
A 180 ka record of environmental change at Erdut (Croatia): a new chronology for the loess–palaeosol sequence and its implications for environmental interpretation
Authors: Fenn Kaja , Durcan Julie A. , Thomas David S. G. , Banak Adriano 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTWhile there are numerous thick loess–palaeosol sequences preserved across the Carpathian Basin, well dated sites that provide terrestrial palaeoenvironmental records extending beyond last glacial–interglacial cycle are scarce. Robust chronologies are essential for correlations of loess with other long‐term Quaternary records and to further understanding of the palaeoenvironment and climate of this important region beyond the last 125 ka. Here a new geochronology based on 13 post‐infrared infrared stimulated luminescence ages focused on the lower part of the loess–palaeosol sequence at Erdut is presented. The results show that the lower part of the Erdut profile spans the penultimate glacial cycle (MIS 7 to MIS 5). The considerable sediments overlaying the investigated part of the profile suggest that this section spans two glacial cycles, rather than the previously suggested one. The most likely source of the discrepancy is the use of uncorrected infrared stimulated luminescence signal, which can cause age underestimation if not accounted for. This study demonstrates the need to revisit sites such as Erdut, re‐date them using updated measurement protocols, and update existing palaeoenvironmental interpretations.
Identifying factors impacting the efficacy of postmastectomy radiotherapy in patients with early‐stage breast cancer and one to two positive lymph nodes
Authors: Bhutiani Neal , Egger Michael E. , Stromberg Arnold J. , Bhutiani Inder K. , Ajkay Nicolás , McMasters Kelly M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn women with T1‐2 breast cancer and one to two positive axillary lymph nodes (LN) at low risk for recurrence, postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) may provide insufficient benefit to justify its toxicity. This study evaluated the interaction of factors associated with overall survival (OS) after PMRT in these patients.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was queried for women with T1‐2 breast cancer undergoing mastectomy with one to two positive LN identified on lymphadenectomy. Patients were grouped according to number of positive LN and then stratified by PMRT use. Differences in OS were evaluated.ResultsMultivariable modeling demonstrated an interaction effect of age on the efficacy of PMRT. In patients more than or equal to 60 years old, PMRT was associated with improved survival when adjusting for age and tumor grade in patients with 1 to 2 positive LN (risk ratio = 0.62, 95% confidence interval = 0.40‐0.93, P = .018). In patients less than 60 years old, tumor size and grade, but not PMRT, were associated with improved OS.ConclusionFor women with T1‐2 breast cancer and one to two positive LN, PMRT's association with OS is influenced by age, tumor grade, and number of positive LN. PMRT appears to be associated with improvements in OS in older patients, but not younger patients, regardless of tumor size or nodal status.
Comprehensive identification of potential antioxidant components in the aerial parts of Polygonum chinense L. var. hispidum using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Hongwu , Yu Meng , Jia Hongmei , Zhang Tao , Shang Hai , Zhang Mengli , Zhu Ziya , Zou Zhongmei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe aerial parts of Polygonum chinense L. var. hispidum are one of the key herbs in Cantonese herbal tea, which is quite a common local beverage in LingNan area of China. Previous investigation has found that this herb possesses antioxidant activity and the ethyl acetate fraction of its ethanol extract shows the strongest antioxidant activity. However, little is known about its antioxidant chemical constituents. The aim of this research was to investigate the active constituents of this plant by identifying and characterizing the chemical profile in ethyl acetate fraction using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, which can provide characteristic ultraviolet absorption, accurate molecular weight, and diagnostic tandem mass spectrometry fragment ions. As a result, 85 compounds were identified including 22 flavonoids, 12 ellagic acids, 34 ellagitannins, 16 phenolic acids, and one phenolic amide. All the phenolic compounds identified in this work, especially ethyl gallate, geraniin, chebulagic acid, and quercitrin with the higher peak areas in the ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry chemical profile of this plant, could be the bioactive principles responsible for the antioxidant activity. These findings in the present study could benefit further studies involving the functions and chemicals of this plant, and provide scientific evidence for usage of Cantonese herbal tea.
Environmental Influences on Dall's Sheep Survival
Authors: Van de Kerk Madelon , Arthur Stephen , Bertram Mark , Borg Bridget , Herriges Jim , Lawler James , Mangipane Buck , Lambert Koizumi Catherine , Wendling Brad , Prugh Laura 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTUnderstanding how species respond to environmental conditions can assist with conservation strategies and harvest management, especially in arctic and boreal regions that are experiencing rapid climate change. Although climatic influences on species distributions have been studied, broad‐scale effects of climate on survival are less well known. We examined the interactive effects of meteorological and remotely sensed environmental variables on survival of Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) lambs and adults by synthesizing radio‐telemetry data across their range. We used data from 9 studies of adult sheep and 2 studies of lambs that were conducted between 1997 and 2012 at sites spanning the species' range in Alaska, USA, and northwestern Canada. We obtained environmental variables throughout the range of Dall's sheep, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from optical remote sensing, freeze‐thaw frequency (FTF) from passive microwave remote sensing, and gridded climate variables such as snow water equivalent, temperature, and precipitation. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to investigate the effects of environmental variables recorded during summer, winter, and the previous winter on annual survival rates of Dall's sheep lambs and adults. Summer NDVI was the most influential environmental factor affecting lamb survival, with improved lamb survival occurring in years with a high maximum NDVI. Also, lamb predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) decreased substantially with increasing NDVI. The previous winter FTF had the strongest effect on adult survival, with decreased survival occurring after winters with high FTF. In addition, these remotely sensed environmental factors interacted with meteorological factors to affect survival, such that effects of winter temperature depended on summer NDVI and winter FTF. Warm winters increased lamb survival only when preceded by summers with high NDVI, and warm winters increased adult survival only when winter FTF was low. Thus, potential benefits of climate warming may be counteracted if wintertime freeze‐thaw events markedly increase. Correlations among environmental variables across sites were low, and regional climate cycles such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) had weak effects, indicating substantial local variability in climatic conditions experienced by Dall's sheep across their range. These findings can help managers anticipate how Dall's sheep populations will respond to changes in local environmental conditions. Our results also highlight the utility of multiple remotely sensed environmental conditions for ungulate management, especially passive microwave products that provide valuable information on winter icing events. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.