bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced function of chondrocytes in a chitosan‐based hydrogel to regenerate cartilage tissues by accelerating degradability of the hydrogel via a hydrolysable crosslinker
Authors: Ishikawa Shohei , Iijima Kazutoshi , Matsukuma Daisuke , Iijima Michihiro , Osawa Shigehito , Otsuka Hidenori 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTChitosan‐based hydrogels as scaffolds for culturing chondrocytes were prepared using linkers with and without hydrolysable poly(dl‐lactide) (PLA) segments. The evaluation of the cultured chondrocytes in them indicated that the accelerated degradation of the hydrogel via hydrolysis of the PLA slightly promoted production of the sulfated glycosaminoglycan and drastically improved that of collagen from the encapsulated chondrocytes, which are the chondrospecific extracellular matrix components. Furthermore, the accelerated degradability significantly upregulated the gene expression for Collagen II production and downregulated that for Collagen I production of the encapsulated chondrocytes. Because major component of the articular cartilage tissue is Collagen II‐rich hyaline cartilage, these results suggest the degradation of the scaffolds is an important parameter in cartilage tissue regeneration and the accelerated degradability may have benefits on promotion of cartilage tissue regeneration especially from the viewpoint of hyaline cartilage‐like collagen production. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48893.
Soybean oil induced efficient thermal–oxidative degradation of covalently crosslinked styrene butadiene rubber
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wan Chaoying , Song Pan , Xie Yanling , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Shifeng 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTIt has been a technical challenge of recycling tire rubbers due to the covalently crosslinked polymer network structure. Unlike conventional recombination of crosslinked SBR under thermal oxidation, SBR vulcanizate was efficiently degraded by thermal oxidation at 150 °C in presence of soybean oil, resulting in 47.3% sol fraction by weight. The structural evolution of SBR vulcanizates during thermal oxidation was characterized by sol–gel ratio, chemical structure, molecular weight, and oxidative erosion on the rubber surface. It was found that the continuous oxidation process facilitated main chain scission of SBR vulcanizates, resulting in a decrease of molecular weight of the sol fraction. The concentration of carbonyl groups, sol fraction, and surface erosion continually increased with reaction time. The large amounts of soybean oil significantly affect the thermal stability of SBR vulcanizates. Moreover, soybean oil is more efficient in decomposition of the SBR vulcanizates and results in more homogeneous and efficient oxidation reactions than paraffin oil. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48935.
Orthopedic findings in arthrogryposis and congenital Zika syndrome: A case series
Authors: Serpa Sarah Costa , de Melo Ana Claudia M. G. , Gomes Lins Otávio , van der Linden Vanessa , Leite Rolim Filho Epitacio , Oliveira dos Santos Ana Célia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundCongenital arthrogryposis (CA) consists of congenital joint contractures that affect at least two joints in different parts of the body. Approximately, 80% of CA cases are neurogenic, with changes to the formation, structure or functioning of the central and/or peripheral nervous systems. Most abnormalities are triggered either by motoneurons decreased activation in the corticospinal tract or by direct motoneurons injury. There had been few reports in the literature correlating congenital infection in humans with arthrogryposis until 2015. CA has recently been described associated with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).MethodsThe objective of this study was to investigate and describe accurately the arthrogrypotic alterations in infants diagnosed with CZS and thus, suggest a possible pattern of orthopedic impairment. A total of 198 medical records of infants with CZS were evaluated. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 infants were included in the present study. Arthrogrypotic joints were orthopedically evaluated in four segments: right, left, upper, and lower limbs. All the four segments were assessed independently.ResultsFlexed wrists were the most frequently observed manifestation, associated with ulnar deviation (35.29%). Deformities were also commonly found in the third and fourth fingers (64.70%). Hip dislocation was found in 58.82% of the patients and talipes equinovarus and equinovalgus ankles were found in 29.41 and 23.52%.ConclusionThere was a particular pattern of joint impairment related to CZS and arthogrypotic alterations of infants evaluated in this study.
Genetic engineering of transitory starch accumulation by knockdown of OsSEX4 in rice plants for enhanced bioethanol production
Authors: Huang Li‐Fen , Liu Yu‐Kuo , Su Sung‐Chieh , Lai Chih‐Chang , Wu Ching‐Rong , Chao Tai‐Jang , Yang Yung‐Hsing 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRice straw, a common agricultural waste, is used as a potential feedstock for bioethanol production. Currently, bioethanol is made mostly from the microbial fermentation of starch‐containing raw materials. Therefore, genetically engineered starch‐excess rice straw through interference of starch degradation as a potential strategy to enhance bioethanol production was evaluated in this study. Arabidopsis Starch Excess 4 (SEX4) encodes a chloroplast‐localized glucan phosphatase and plays a role in transitory starch degradation. Despite the identification of a SEX4 homolog in rice, OsSEX4, its biological function remains uncertain. Ectopic expression of OsSEX4 complementary DNA complemented the leaf starch‐excess phenotype of the Arabidopsis sex4‐4 mutant. OsSEX4‐knockdown transgenic rice plants were generated using the RNA interference approach. Starch accumulation was higher in OsSEX4‐knockdown suspension‐cultured cells, leaves, and rice straw compared with the wild type, suggesting that OsSEX4 plays an important role in degradation of transitory starch. The OsSEX4‐knockdown rice plants showed normal plant growth and no yield penalty. Starch‐excess OsSEX4‐knockdown rice straw used as feedstock for fermentation resulted in improved bioethanol yield, with a 50% increase in ethanol production in a vertical mass‐flow type bioreactor, compared with that of the wild‐type straw.
“I like it, but I don't use it”: Impact of carsharing business models on usage intentions in the sharing economy
Authors: Hahn Rüdiger , Ostertag Felix , Lehr Adrian , Büttgen Marion , Benoit Sabine 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCarsharing is often promoted as a potentially environmental‐friendly alternative to individual car ownership. However, various carsharing programs have displayed limited success in the past. An initial field study of a new carsharing service is such a story of failure: The introduction of this new service at a medium‐sized German university generated unexpectedly low adoption rates so that the service was eventually scaled down and then suspended. Quantitative field study results as well as additional qualitative focus groups reveal that missing compatibility is a key barrier to adoption. Drawing on extant conceptual frameworks of user participation in sharing business models, a factorial survey identifies the importance of different dimensions of carsharing business models for their acceptance. The results reveal that a set of convenience and lifestyle dimensions influences usage intentions, including mode of drive, pickup and drop‐off mode, service level, price model, availability, and type of market mediation. In contrast, vehicle fleet does not appear to influence carsharing models' acceptance. These findings contribute to research on business model configuration as well as the attitude–behavior gap in the sharing economy by determining relevant dimensions of a carsharing business model that can bridge the gap between basically positive attitudes and usage resistance. Thereby, they also serve for concrete managerial recommendations.
Clinical relevance of the left brachiocephalic vein anatomy for vascular access in dialysis patients
Authors: Vertemati Maurizio , Rizzetto Francesco , Cassin Simone , Zerbi Pietro , Giordano Antonino , Cariati Maurizio , Gallieni Maurizio 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionMost hemodialysis patients start renal replacement therapy with a central venous catheter (CVC). The left internal jugular vein (LIJV) is the second‐choice vein for CVC positioning, after the right IJV. However, to reach the right atrium, the CVC must pass through the left brachiocephalic vein (LBV), which also drains blood from the left arm through the subclavian vein. The purpose of this study is to describe how the anatomy of the central venous system and in particular that of the LBV affects vascular access in hemodialysis patients.Materials and methodsThree‐dimensional (3D) virtual model reconstructions of the central thoracic veins of three hemodialysis patients were obtained from contrast‐enhanced computed tomography scans acquired in the venous phase. The images were exported as DICOM files and loaded on open‐source software for visualizing and analyzing the medical imaging (3D Slicer, Windows version 4.8.1).ResultsAs expected, the 3D reconstructions showed that the LBV has a tortuous path with three main angulations that could be associated with external compression and stenosis. These could determine the difficulties and increased risks of venous injury during CVC placement, and an increased risk of medium to long‐term catheter‐associated vein thrombosis and stenosis.ConclusionsThe anatomical features of the LBV indicate that the path of a CVC from the LIJV to the right atrium is tortuous and can easily be complicated by vein injury, negatively affecting the creation of future arterio‐venous vascular accesses in the left arm.
Orthogonal Genetic Systems
Authors: Chaput John C. , Herdewijn Piet , Hollenstein Marcel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractXenobiology is an emerging area of synthetic biology that aims to safeguard genetically engineered cells by storing synthetic biology information in xeno‐nucleic acid polymers (XNAs). Critical to the success of this effort is the need to establish cellular systems that can maintain an XNA chromosome in actively dividing cells. This viewpoint discusses the structural parameters of the nucleic acid backbone that should be considered when designing an orthogonal genetic system that can replicate without interference from the endogenous genome. In addition to practical value, these studies have the potential to provide new fundamental insight into the structure and function properties of unnatural nucleic acid polymers.
A non‐canonical rhodopsin‐mediated insulin receptor signaling pathway in retinal photoreceptor neurons
Authors: Rajala Ammaji , Rajala Raju V.S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe previously reported a ligand‐independent and rhodopsin‐dependent insulin receptor (IR) neuroprotective signaling pathway in both rod and cone photoreceptor cells, which is activated through protein–protein interaction. Our previous studies were performed with either retina or isolated rod or cone outer segment preparations and the expression of IR signaling proteins were examined. The isolation of outer segments with large portions of the attached inner segments is a technical challenge. Optiprep™ density gradient medium has been used to isolate the cells and subcellular organelles, Optiprep™ is a non‐ionic iodixanol‐based medium with a density of 1.320 g/mL. We employed this method to examine the expression of IR and its signaling proteins, and activation of one of the downstream effectors of the IR in isolated photoreceptor cells. Identification of the signaling complexes will be helpful for therapeutic targeting in disease conditions.
Insulin Delivery from Glucose‐Responsive, Self‐Assembled, Polyamine Nanoparticles: Smart “Sense‐and‐Treat” Nanocarriers Made Easy
Authors: Agazzi Maximiliano L. , Herrera Santiago E. , Cortez M. Lorena , Marmisollé Waldemar A. , Tagliazucchi Mario , Azzaroni Omar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPolyamine–salt aggregates (PSA) are biomimetic soft materials that have attracted great attention due to their straightforward fabrication methods, high drug‐loading efficiencies, and attractive properties for pH‐triggered release. Herein, a simple and fast multicomponent self‐assembly process was used to construct cross‐linked poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/phosphate PSAs (hydrodynamic diameter of 360 nm) containing glucose oxidase enzyme, as a glucose‐responsive element, and human recombinant insulin, as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (GI‐PSA). The addition of increasing glucose concentrations promotes the release of insulin due to the disassembly of the GI‐PSAs triggered by the catalytic in situ formation of gluconic acid. Under normoglycemia, the GI‐PSA integrity remained intact for at least 24 h, whereas hyperglycemic conditions resulted in 100 % cargo release after 4 h of glucose addition. This entirely supramolecular strategy presents great potential for the construction of smart glucose‐responsive delivery nanocarriers.
Reorganization of longitudinal compartments in the laterally protruding paraflocculus of the postnatal mouse cerebellum
Authors: Panezai Saddam K. , Luo Yuanjun , Vibulyaseck Suteera , Sarpong Gideon A. , Nguyen‐Minh Viet T. , Nedelescu Hermina , Hirano Shinji , Sugihara Izumi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe paraflocculus and the neighboring smaller flocculus form a remarkable protrusion in the ventrolateral aspect of the mouse cerebellum, in which the longitudinal compartments are conspicuously oriented perpendicularly to the sagittal plane. The developmental process of such anatomical arrangements in these lobules has not been fully clarified. Here, we used the genetic tractability of pcdh10‐lacZ knock‐in (OL‐KO), IP
3R1‐nls‐lacZ transgenic (1NM13) and Gpr26cre‐Ai9‐AldocV mice to track the development of compartments and examined local longitudinal orientation of Purkinje cells within the paraflocculus and flocculus. We observed a distinct pcdh10‐positive (pcdh10+) compartment in the flocculus, whereas the paraflocculus and other lobules had a continuous paravermal pcdh10+ compartment, in the embryonic OL‐KO cerebellum. During the first postnatal week, the parafloccular pcdh10+ compartment shifted laterally to the most lateral edge in the caudal part of the protruding paraflocculus. Although the most medial edge of the parafloccular pcdh10+ compartment remained in the nonprotruding part of the paraflocculus, it was disrupted from the originally continuous pcdh10+ compartment in the copula pyramidis. The local longitudinal orientation changed gradually along with the mediolateral extent of the copula pyramidis, almost becoming perpendicular to the sagittal plane in the laterally connected paraflocculus in the adult cerebellum. This rotational change in orientation was derived from the short U‐shaped embryonic cerebellum, in which the surfaces of the flocculus and paraflocculus were oriented laterally. These results indicated that the peculiar compartmental organization of the paraflocculus originates from the embryonic common hemispheric compartmental organization and shaped by the significant reorganization process in the first postnatal week.
Intravital Imaging Techniques for Biomedical and Clinical Research
Authors: Coste Anouchka , Oktay Maja H. , Condeelis John S. , Entenberg David 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntravital imaging, the direct visualization of cells and tissues within a living animal, is a technique that has been employed for the better part of a century. The advent of confocal and multiphoton microscopy has dramatically improved the power of intravital imaging, making it possible to obtain optical sections of tissues non‐destructively. This review discusses the various techniques used for intravital imaging, describes how intravital imaging provides information about cellular and tissue dynamics not possible to be garnered by other techniques, and details several ways in which intravital imaging is making a direct impact on the clinical care of patients. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Evolution in acute pain assessment and treatment in the paediatric emergency department of a tertiary health care centre
Authors: Ganzijeva Kristina , Kindereviciute Ieva , Dagys Algirdas , Jankauskaite Lina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPaediatric pain remains one of the most misunderstood, under‐diagnosed and under‐treated medical problems in children.AimTo investigate the accuracy of acute pain assessment and management in the Paediatric Emergency Department in Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Hospital.MethodsWe performed a retrospective record analysis before (the year 2017) and after (the year 2018) paediatric pain training course was conducted. In total, 1,000 randomly selected outpatient records were analysed. We divided all patients into two groups: group A records from 2017 and group B from 2018. Patients were further divided into trauma and non‐trauma and subdivided into four different age groups. We collected patient age, the origin of pain, pain characteristics, pain score and medication.ResultsWe compared 500 children in each group. Groups A and B consisted of 154 (30.8%) and 116 (23.2%) trauma patients, respectively. The pain was scored less in group A (420 children; 84%) compared to group B (94.4% of all 500 patients, p < .001). In all age groups, the pain was assessed more often, and pain medication was prescribed more often in group B compared to group A (p < .001). There was a tendency to assess pain more often in group A non‐trauma patients (p = .054). However, pain relief in trauma patients was less adequate compared to non‐trauma.ConclusionOur research showed improvement in pain evaluation and treatment after systemic and local changes in paediatric emergency department (PED). In group B, pain was evaluated more frequently, and patients received pain medication more often than in group A. Teenagers are still less likely to receive analgesics than toddlers. Tendency remains to give fewer painkillers to trauma patients compared to non‐trauma children.SignificanceThis is one of the few studies in the Baltic region analysing changes in children's pain assessment and management in the PED after systemic and local adjustments. Our data show an impact of systemic changes and a specialized education focused on improving knowledge in acute pain diagnostics and management of medical professionals leading to better patient care.
Von Frey testing revisited: Provision of an online algorithm for improved accuracy of 50% thresholds
Authors: Christensen Sarah Louise , Hansen Rie Bager , Storm Mikkel Ammentorp , Olesen Jes , Hansen Thomas Folkmann , Ossipov Michael , Izarzugaza Jose M. G. , Porreca Frank , Kristensen David M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn the pain field, it is essential to quantify nociceptive responses. The response to the application of von Frey filaments to the skin measures tactile sensitivity and is a surrogate marker of allodynia in states of peripheral and/or central sensitization. The method is widely used across species within the pain field. However, uncertainties appear to exist regarding the appropriate method for analysing obtained data. Therefore, there is a need for refinement of the calculations for transformation of raw data to quantifiable data.MethodsHere, we briefly review the fundamentals behind von Frey testing using the standard up‐down method and the associated statistics and show how different parameters of the statistical equation influence the calculated 50% threshold results. We discuss how to obtain the most accurate estimations in a given experimental setting.ResultsTo enhance accuracy and reproducibility across laboratories, we present an easy to use algorithm that calculates 50% thresholds based on the exact filaments and their interval using math beyond the traditional methods. This tool is available to the everyday user of von Frey filaments and allows the insertion of all imaginable ranges of filaments and is thus applicable to data derived in any species.ConclusionWe advocate for the use of this algorithm to minimize inaccuracies and to improve internal and external reproducibility.SignificanceThe von Frey testing procedure is standard for assessing peripheral and central sensitization but is associated with inaccuracies and lack of transparency in the associated math. Here, we describe these problems and present a novel statistical algorithm that calculates the exact thresholds using math beyond the traditional methods. The online platform is transparent, free of charge and easy to use also for the everyday user of von Frey filaments. Application of this resource will ultimately reduce errors due to methodological misinterpretations and increase reproducibility across laboratories.
Evaluation of soft‐tissue response around laser microgrooved titanium percutaneous devices
Authors: Pawar Divya R. L. , Jeyapalina Sujee , Bachus Kent N. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPercutaneous devices are prone to epidermal downgrowth and sinus tract formation, which can serve as a nidus for bacterial colonization and increase the risk of peri‐prosthetic infection. A laser microgrooved topography has been shown to limit gingival epidermal downgrowth around dental implants. However, the efficacy of this laser microgrooved topography to limit epidermal downgrowth around nongingival percutaneous devices is yet to be investigated. In this study, devices with a porous‐coated subdermal component and a percutaneous post were designed and manufactured. The proximal 2 mm section of the percutaneous post were left smooth, or were textured with either a porous coating, or with the laser microgrooved topography. The smooth and porous topographies served as controls. The devices were tested in a hairless guinea pig back model, where 18 animals were randomly assigned into three groups, with each group receiving one implant type (n = 6/group). Four weeks postimplantation, the devices with surrounding soft‐tissues were harvested and processed for histological analyses. Results indicated that the laser microgrooved topography failed to prevent epidermal downgrowth (23 ± 4%) around percutaneous posts in this model. Furthermore, no significant differences (p = 0.70) in epidermal downgrowth were present between the three topographies, with all the groups exhibiting similar measures of downgrowth. Overall, these findings suggest that the laser microgrooved topography may not halt downgrowth around percutaneous devices for dermal applications.
Genetic counselors with advanced skills: I. Refining a model of advanced training
Authors: Baty Bonnie J. , Davis Claire , Erby Lori , Hippman Catriona , Trepanier Angela 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdvanced training for master's trained genetic counselors has been a topic for many years. In 2016, Baty et al. published a model of advanced training for genetic counselors that interconnects three grids: skills, paths, and positions. The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess how well this model of advanced training reflected the experiences of genetic counselors with advanced genetic counseling skills. Using purposive sampling and deductive content analysis, results of 17 interviews demonstrated that the 3‐grid model of advanced genetic counseling skills, paths to attaining these skills, and positions which utilize advanced skills, described elements important for the interviewees’ career development. Results suggested refinements to the model in terms of content and organization and also suggested that advanced training be conceptualized as an important element of a career lattice that includes both vertical and horizontal movement. This refined model of genetic counselor advanced training can foster profession‐wide career development by stimulating new career paths and career development research.