bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polycaprolactone fibrous electrospun scaffolds reinforced with copper doped wollastonite for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Abudhahir Mohamed , Saleem Azeena , Paramita Pragyan , Kumar Sukumar Dinesh , Tze‐Wen Chung , Selvamurugan Nagarajan , Moorthi Ambigapathi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe bone defects healing are always associated with post implantation infections; hence biomaterials rules significant role for orchestration of defective bone. In this study, we synthesized biocomposite scaffold by combining polycaprolactone (PCL), wollastonite (Ws) and metal ions (Cu) by electrospinning technique. The manufactured scaffolds (PCL/Ws andPCL/Cu–Ws) were subjected to physio‐chemical characterization by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRD. The surface topography of the scaffolds was found to be micro‐fibrous in nature and each fiber was cylindrical in structure. The exogenous biomineralization and protein adsorption capacity of these scaffolds were studied. Enhanced amount of protein was adsorbed on PCL/Cu‐Ws than PCL/Ws scaffold after incubating for 48 hr in foetal bovine serum (FBS) also the biomineralization shown to be promoted the apatite formation in vitro. The synthesized PCL/Cu–Ws scaffold was biocompatible to mouse mesenchymal stem cells and enhanced the mRNA expressionof osteoblastic specific marker genes including alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen and major transcription factor Runx2 in the presence of osteogenic medium indicates the osteoconductive nature of the scaffolds. The amount of calcium deposition and promotion of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization on human osteoblast cells was confirmed by alizarin red staining. The fabricated scaffolds possess potent antibacterial effect against Staphylococcu aureus and Escherichia coli. Hence, our outcomes confirmed that the PCL/Ws and PCL/Cu–Ws scaffolds promote bonesynthesis by cell proliferation and differentiation suitable for applications in bone regeneration orbone defects.
A nomogram based on pretreatment clinical parameters for the prediction of inadequate biochemical response in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Tian Siyuan , Liu Yansheng , Sun Keshuai , Zhou Xia , Ma Shuoyi , Zhang Miao , Zhou Xinmin , Wang Lu , Han Ying 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundUrsodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been widely recommended as the first‐line drug for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in the current guidelines. However, its therapeutic effects are poor in nearly one‐third of patients. The early identification and intervention of these patients is crucial for delaying disease progression. Therefore, we explored risk factors for inadequate biochemical response and constructed a nomogram to predict the potential risk.MethodsWe enrolled 356 patients and randomly divided them into training (70%) and validation groups (30%). We defined inadequate biochemical response as the study endpoint. Logistic analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of poor biochemical response. Based on these factors, a predictive nomogram was finally constructed. Then, discrimination and calibration were evaluated by internal validation. Additionally, the association between the model predictions and prognosis was further analyzed.ResultsFemale sex, and albumin and bilirubin concentrations were identified as risk factors, and a nomogram was built based on these factors. The areas under the ROC curves of the training and validation groups were 0.809 and 0.791, respectively. Moreover, calibration curves showed that predictions of the nomogram had good concordance with the actual outcomes. The correlation analysis demonstrated that PBC patients with a high probability of a suboptimal biochemical response were more likely to have adverse outcomes.ConclusionWe constructed a nomogram, which can accurately predict the risk of inadequate biochemical response to UDCA, facilitating the early screening of high‐risk patients with PBC who should be prioritized for additional therapy.
Undercarboxylated osteocalcin has no adverse effect on endothelial function in rabbit aorta or human vascular cells
Authors: Tacey Alexander , Millar Sophie , Qaradakhi Tawar , Smith Cassandra , Hayes Alan , Anderson Susan , Zulli Anthony , O'Sullivan Saoirse , Levinger Itamar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUndercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) improves glucose metabolism; however, its effects on endothelial cell function are unclear. We examined the biological effect of ucOC on endothelial function in animal models ex vivo and human cells in vitro. Isometric tension and immunohistochemistry techniques were used on the aorta of male New Zealand white rabbits and cell culture techniques were used on human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to assess the effect of ucOC in normal and high‐glucose environments. Overall, ucOC, both 10 and 30 ng/ml, did not significantly alter acetylcholine‐induced blood vessel relaxation in rabbits (p > .05). UcOC treatment did not cause any significant changes in the immunoreactivity of cellular signalling markers (p > .05). In HAEC, ucOC did not change any of the assessed outcomes (p > .05). UcOC has no negative effects on endothelial function which is important to reduce the risks of off target adverse effects if it will be used as a therapeutic option for metabolic disease in the future.
Muscle density discriminates hip fracture better than computed tomography X‐ray absorptiometry hip areal bone mineral density
Authors: Wang Ling , Yin Lu , Zhao Yue , Su Yongbin , Sun Wei , Liu Yandong , Yang Minghui , Yu Aihong , Blake Glen Mervyn , Cheng Xiaoguang , Wu Xinbao , Veldhuis Annegreet , Engelke Klaus 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundMuscle weakness is a key factor in the increase risk of falls and might also play a significant role in the increase of risk of hip fracture. Computed tomography‐measured muscle size and muscle density are well‐established imaging biomarkers used in studies of physical function, frailty or cancer, but limited to hip fracture. In particular, it is warranted to have a better understanding of the performance of muscle size and density in the discrimination of acute hip fractures. We also aim to determine age‐related differences of muscle size and density in healthy controls and hip fracture patients.MethodsFour hundred thirty‐eight low‐energy acute hip fracture cases and 316 healthy controls from the China Action on Spine and Hip Status study were included in the study. Muscle cross‐sectional area and density were measured for the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius and minimus. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of the femoral neck and total hip was measured. Using propensity score matching, we generated three samples with cases and controls matched for age, body mass index, and gender: femoral neck fracture (FNF), intertrochanteric fracture (ITF), and any hip fracture vs. controls, respectively.ResultsHandgrip strength, gluteus muscle area and density, and bone parameters of the matched hip fracture groups were lower than those of the correspondence control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The univariate analysis showed that associations of aBMD with FNF and with ITF were significantly weaker than associations between fracture and muscle parameters. Gluteus medius and minimus muscle density showed the highest areas under the curve (AUC) with FNF (0.88, 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.92) and trochanteric fracture (0.95, 95% confidence interval, 0.92–0.97). The model including all muscle and bone parameters provided the highest AUC (FNF: AUC 0.912; ITF: AUC 0.958), and AUC results of another selected model without muscle density showed that association with fracture significantly dropped (FNF: AUC 0.755; ITF: AUC 0.858). Separate results for the two age groups younger and older than 70 years showed no age‐related significant differences in discriminate models.ConclusionsMuscle density performs better than aBMD from hip computed tomography X‐ray absorptiometry and muscle size in discrimination of hip fracture. Combination of aBMD and muscle density provided the best discrimination. The integration of muscle assessments may trigger a paradigm shift in hip fracture prediction. Gluteus muscle density should also be evaluated as treatment outcome.
German Bight storm activity, 1897–2018
Authors: Krieger Daniel , Krueger Oliver , Feser Frauke , Weisse Ralf , Tinz Birger , von Storch Hans 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the evolution of German Bight (southeastern North Sea) storminess from 1897 to 2018 through analysing upper quantiles of geostrophic wind speeds, which act as a proxy for past storm activity. Here, geostrophic wind speeds are calculated from triplets of mean sea level pressure observations that form triangles over the German Bight. The data used in the manuscript are provided by the International Surface Pressure Databank and the national meteorological services of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The derivation of storm activity is achieved by enhancing the established triangle proxy method via combining and merging storminess time series from numerous partially overlapping triangles in an ensemble‐like manner. The utilized approach allows for the construction of robust, long‐term and subdaily German Bight storminess time series. Further, the method provides insights into the underlying uncertainty of the time series. The results show that storm activity over the German Bight is subject to multidecadal variability. The latest decades are characterized by an increase in activity from the 1960s to the 1990s, followed by a decline lasting into the 2000s and below‐average activity up until present. The results are backed through a comparison with reanalysis products from four datasets, which provide high‐resolution wind and pressure data starting in 1979 and offshore wind speed measurements taken from the FINO‐WIND project. This study also finds that German Bight storminess positively correlates with storminess in the NE Atlantic in general. In certain years, however, notably different levels of storm activity in the two regions can be found, which likely result from shifted large‐scale circulation patterns.
Pedigree analysis of lumbar developmental spinal stenosis: Determination of potential inheritance patterns
Authors: Lai Marcus K. L. , Cheung Prudence W. H. , Song You‐Qiang , Samartzis Dino , Cheung Jason P. Y. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) refers to multilevel pre‐existing narrowed spinal canals, which predispose to neural compromise. The objective of this study is to identify any inheritance pattern of DSS by utilizing pedigree charts. This was a case series of 13 families with a total of 80 subjects having magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from L1 to S1. Cases (subjects with DSS) or controls (subjects without DSS) were identified by measuring their anteroposterior (AP) vertebral canal diameters. Multilevel model analyses were also performed to evaluate whether there is substantial clustering of observations within the families, and the effect of multilevel DSS. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Akaike information criteria (AIC) were compared between models. Correlations between subject demographics and AP vertebral canal diameter were statistically insignificant at all levels. Only vertebral canal cross‐sectional area, and axial and sagittal vertebral canal diameter were found to be statistically different between cases and controls at all levels (all p < .05). Both males and females were affected by DSS and there was no skipping of generation, which highly suggested DSS followed an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. After accounting for multilevel DSS, there was a drop of more than 10 in AIC and some variances were also explained within families. This is the first study that suggests multilevel lumbar DSS to have an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Within families with a background of DSS, subjects had a smaller canal size, contributed by shortened axial and sagittal AP vertebral canal diameter, and smaller canal cross‐sectional area.
Detection challenges in quantitative polymer analysis by liquid chromatography
Authors: Knol Wouter C. , Pirok Bob W. J. , Peters Ron A. H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAccurate quantification of polymer distributions is one of the main challenges in polymer analysis by liquid chromatography. The response of contemporary detectors is typically influenced by compositional features such as molecular weight, chain composition, end groups, and branching. This renders the accurate quantification of complex polymers of which there are no standards available, extremely challenging. Moreover, any (programmed) change in mobile‐phase composition may further limit the applicability of detection techniques. Current methods often rely on refractive index detection, which is not accurate when dealing with complex samples as the refractive‐index increment is often unknown. We review current and emerging detection methods in liquid chromatography with the aim of identifying detectors, which can be applied to the quantitative analysis of complex polymers.
Use of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Ablation Therapy of HCC
Authors: Meloni Maria Franca , Francica Giampiero , Chiang Jason , Coltorti Andrea , Danzi Roberta , Laeseke Paul F. 
Published: September 2020

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) plays an important role in the management of patients treated with ablation therapies, in the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring phases.Compared to contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, CEUS presents several advantages in imaging HCC, including real time imaging capability, high sensitivity for tumor vascularity, absence of renal toxicity, no ionizing radiation, repeatability of injections, good compliance by the patient and low cost.The purpose of this review is to evaluate the role of CEUS in the management of the patients with HCC treated with ablation therapies and describe how in our protocol CEUS is integrated with the other imaging modalities such as contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
Which impacts more seriously on natural habitat loss and degradation? Cropland expansion or urban expansion?
Authors: Tang Lanping , Ke Xinli , Chen Yuanyuan , Wang Liye , Zhou Qiushi , Zheng Weiwei , Xiao Bangyong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNatural habitat plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity. Both cropland expansion and urban expansion have an influence on natural habitat. However, it is not clear which one impacts more seriously on both the quantity and quality of natural habitat. This study compared the impacts of cropland expansion on the quantity and quality of natural habitat in China between 2000 and 2015 with the impacts of urban expansion. Map algebra in ArcGIS 10.6 was used to calculate the changes in the quantity of natural habitat, while the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade‐offs (InVEST) Habitat Quality model was used to assess the changes in its quality. The results indicated that cropland expansion led to a loss of 35,811 km2 of natural habitat, which was twelve‐times as much as that from urban expansion. Furthermore, the area of the heaviest habitat degradation due to cropland expansion was 9,530 km2, which was eight‐times as much as that due to urban expansion. Noticeably, the greatest impacts of cropland expansion on natural habitat mostly occurred in areas where the ecological environment is already vulnerable (namely, the resistance and resilience of ecosystems in response to external interference are weak), whereas the impacts of urban expansion were much less in these areas. This study highlights that the impacts of cropland expansion on both the natural habitat loss and degradation far exceeded the impacts of urban expansion. It is necessary to improve cropland protection policies to guarantee food security while ensuring little or no harm to natural habitat.
Calcium Signaling Regulates Valvular Interstitial Cell Alignment and Myofibroblast Activation in Fast‐Relaxing Boronate Hydrogels
Authors: Ma Hao , Macdougall Laura J. , GonzalezRodriguez Andrea , Schroeder Megan E. , Batan Dilara , Weiss Robert M. , Anseth Kristi S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe role viscoelasticity in fibrotic disease progression is an emerging area of interest. Here, a fast‐relaxing hydrogel system is exploited to investigate potential crosstalk between calcium signaling and mechanotransduction. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels containing boronate and triazole crosslinkers are synthesized, with varying ratios of boronate to triazole crosslinks to systematically vary the extent of stress relaxation. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) encapsulated in hydrogels with the highest levels of stress relaxation (90%) exhibit a spread morphology by day 1 and are highly aligned (80 ± 2%) by day 5. Key myofibroblast markers, including α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen 1a1 (COL1A1), are significantly elevated. VIC myofibroblast activation decreases by 42 ± 18% through inhibition of mechanotransduction, independently of VIC morphology and alignment. Calcium signaling through a transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is found to regulate VIC spreading, alignment, and activation in a time dependent manner. Inhibition of calcium signaling at early time points results in disturbed cell alignment, decreased mechanotransduction, and diminished activation, while inhibition at later time points only causes partially reduced myofibroblast activation. These results suggest a potential crosstalk mechanism, where calcium signaling acts upstream of mechanosensing and can regulate VIC myofibroblast activation independently of mechanotransduction.
Punicalagin Attenuates Palmitate‐Induced Lipid Droplet Content by Simultaneously Improving Autophagy in Hepatocytes
Authors: Korovila Ioanna , Jung Tobias , Deubel Stefanie , Grune Tilman , Ott Christiane 
Published: September 2020

ScopeSeveral studies show that excessive lipid intake can cause hepatic steatosis. To investigate lipotoxicity on cellular level, palmitate (PA) is often used to highly increase lipid droplets (LDs). One way to remove LDs is autophagy, while it is controversially discussed if autophagy is also affected by PA. It is aimed to investigate whether PA‐induced LD accumulation can impair autophagy and punicalagin, a natural autophagy inducer from pomegranate, can improve it.Methods and resultsTo verify the role of autophagy in LD degradation, HepG2 cells are treated with PA and analyzed for LD and perilipin 2 content in presence of autophagy inducer Torin 1 and inhibitor 3‐Methyladenine. PA alone seems to initially induce autophagy‐related proteins but impairs autophagic‐flux in a time‐dependent manner, considering 6 and 24 h PA. To examine whether punicalagin can prevent autophagy impairment, cells are cotreated for 24 h with PA and punicalagin. Results show that punicalagin preserves expression of autophagy‐related proteins and autophagic flux, while simultaneously decreasing LDs and perilipin 2.ConclusionData provide new insights into the role of PA‐induced excessive LD content on autophagy and suggest autophagy‐inducing properties of punicalagin, indicating that punicalagin can be a health‐beneficial compound for future research on lipotoxicity in liver.
Dynamical charge transfer for high‐performance triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Cui Xin , Zhang Yan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTriboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provide the most effective technology for using distributed mechanical energy to power distributed sensor networks. Improving the surface charge density is important to optimizing the performance of TENGs. Unlike electrets with steady‐state charges, there is a changing charge–discharge process in the working cycle for materials for TENGs. This article reviews several mechanisms to improve surface charge density by using decay coefficient, transfer time, and effective charge. These mechanisms decouple the physical quantities of charge decay and charge accumulation processes toward higher surface charge density. We also briefly discuss new strategies for improving surface charge density.
Evaluation of Nutrition Risk in Patients Over 65 Years of Age With Nontraumatic Acute Abdominal Syndrome
Authors: Acehan Selen , Gulen Muge , Satar Salim , Kuvvetli Adnan , Isikber Cem , Yesiloglu Onder , Toptas Firat Basak , Sonmez Ahmet , Segmen Mustafa Sencer , Ince Cagdas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study is to investigate the power of CRP/Albumin ratio, NRS‐2002, mNUTRIC scores to predict nutritional needs and mortality in patients over 65 years of age diagnosed with acute abdominal syndrome in the emergency department and then transferred to the surgical intensive care unit.Material and MethodCRP/Albumin ratio, APACHE II, SOFA, NRS‐2002 and mNUTRIC scores were calculated. The analysis of the data was conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics Base 22.0 package program.ResultsIn the analytical evaluation made for nutritional needs, AUC value for mNUTRIC was found to be: 0,683, 95% CI 0,611‐0,755, p < 0.001. It was found out that mortality of patients had a statistically significant and moderate correlation with mNUTRIC score (r = 0.537; p < 0.001). In the analytical evaluation made for mortality, mNUTRIC's AUC value (AUC: 0.808, 95% CI 0.736‐0.880, p < 0.001) was found to be the highest. When the cut‐off value determined to predict mortality was taken as 3.5 for mNUTRIC score, sensitivity was 75.9% and specificity was 69.4%.ConclusionThe evaluation of the risk of malnutrition through nutritional risk tools in intensive care patients over 65 years of age with acute abdominal syndrome can also predict nutritional needs in the early period besides mortality. Based on our data, the fact that mNUTRIC score cut‐off value in older patients hospitalized in intensive care is 3.5 and higher may be a predictor for ICU mortality.
Medications used disproportionately during pregnancy: Priorities for research on the risks and benefits of medications when used during pregnancy
Authors: Havard Alys , Barbieri Sebastiano , Hanly Mark , Perez‐Concha Oscar , Tran Duong T. , Kennedy Debra , Jorm Louisa R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeTo identify medications used disproportionately more or less among pregnant women relative to women of childbearing age.MethodsMedication use among pregnant women in New South Wales, Australia was identified using linked perinatal and pharmaceutical dispensing data from 2006 to 2012. Medication use in women of childbearing age (including pregnant women) was identified using pharmaceutical dispensing data for a 10% random sample of the Australian population. Pregnant social security beneficiaries (n = 111 612) were age‐matched (1:3) to female social security beneficiaries in the 10% sample. For each medication, the risk it was dispensed during pregnancy relative to being dispensed during an equivalent time period among matched controls was computed. Medications were mapped to Australian pregnancy risk categories.ResultsOf the 181 included medications, 35 were statistically significantly more commonly dispensed to pregnant women than control women. Of these, 23 are categorised as posing no increased risk to the foetus. Among medications suspected of causing harm or having insufficient safety data, the strongest associations were observed for hydralazine, ondansetron, dalteparin sodium and ranitidine. Use was less likely during pregnancy than control periods for 127 medications, with the strongest associations observed for hormonal contraceptives and progestogens.ConclusionsMost medications found to be used disproportionately more by pregnant women are indicated for pregnancy‐related problems. A large number of medications were used disproportionately less among pregnant women, where avoidance of some of these medications may pose a greater risk of harm. For many other medications avoided during pregnancy, current data are insufficient to inform this risk‐benefit assessment.