bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endometrial cancer after endometrial ablation or resection for menorrhagia
Authors: Kalampokas Emmanouil , McRobbie Sarah , Payne Fiona , Parkin David E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the incidence of endometrial cancer after endometrial ablation or resection (EA/R) for menorrhagia.MethodThe present retrospective observational cohort study included women who underwent EA/R for menorrhagia at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary between February 1, 1990 and December 31, 1997. Follow‐up data until 2015 were examined. To assess risk of endometrial cancer, each woman was matched by age to the annual observed incidence of endometrial cancer in northeast Scotland for each year from the date of EA/R until 2015.ResultsDuring the 7‐year study period, 901 eligible women (mean age 42.3 ± 5.7 years; range 26–50 years) underwent EA/R. Of these patients, 204 (22.6%) subsequently had a hysterectomy for reasons other than endometrial cancer, and 695 (77.1%) did not. The overall incidence of endometrial cancer was 0.2% (2/901); the risk of developing endometrial cancer after EA/R was calculated as 11.1 per 100 000 women years. The mean expected incidence for all women and the subgroup with no hysterectomy was estimated to be 26.5 and 35.6 occurrences per 100 000 women years, respectively. The observed incidence was significantly lower versus the mean expected risk for both groups (P<0.001).ConclusionThe findings indicate that the risk of endometrial cancer could be significantly reduced but not eliminated by EA/R.
SPECIFYING A SYSTEM USING ERA INFORMATION MODELS
Authors: Baker Loyd J. , Long James E. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTStating the requirements for systems or business processes as a hierarchical collection of English text that can only be analyzed/ verified by human inspection has proven time and again to be labor intensive and generally, inadequate. Projects employing a traditional document‐centered system engineering approach have experienced significant numbers of mis‐interpretations of the customer's requirements, or late‐detected design errors results in increased costs, schedule slips, reduced capability, or canceled programs. We have historically fixed requirements problems, that should have been understood and resolved early, during integration and test where it is more costly to identify and fix. Now that computerized system engineering support tools are available on the engineer's desktop, the leading edge aerospace/commercial corporations are transitioning from a document‐centered to a model‐driven system engineering approach to developing, analyzing, and managing explicit system/process specifications. Information and operational models (of varying levels of detail) not only aid in the understanding and communication of intentions such that incorrect assumptions can be eliminated early, they directly support the development of system verification plans.
Ocular implant containing bevacizumab‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles intended for choroidal neovascularization treatment
Authors: Badiee Parisa , Varshochian Reyhaneh , Rafiee‐Tehrani Morteza , Abedin Dorkoosh Farid , Khoshayand Mohammad Reza , Dinarvand Rassoul 
Published: April 2018

AbstractChoroidal neovascularization (CNV) is among the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Bevacizumab has demonstrated promising effects on CNV treatment; however, frequent intravitreal injection is its major drawback. Current study aimed to address this issue by developing a sustained release formulation through nanoparticles of bevacizumab imbedded in an ocular implant. Bevacizumab‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method and inserted in the matrix of hyaluronic acid and zinc sulfate. Despite the common approaches in using ultraviolet (UV)‐spectrophotometry, microprotein‐Bradford, and bicinchoninic acid (BCA), assay for protein assessment, our results revealed a remarkable UV–Vis absorption overlap of protein and chitosan during these analysis and thus enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was employed for the antibody concentration assay. The size of optimized nanoparticles obtained through statistical analysis based on design of experiments was 78.5 ± 1.9 nm with polydispersity index of 0.13 ± 0.05 and the entrapment‐efficiency and loading‐efficiency were 67.6 ± 6.7 and 15.7 ± 5.7%, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy images revealed a homogenous distribution of nanoparticles in the implant matrix and the release test results indicated an appropriate extended release of bevacizumab from the carrier over two months. In conclusion, the prepared system provided a sustained release bevacizumab delivery formulation which can introduce a promising ocular drug delivery system intended for posterior segment disease. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2261–2271, 2018.
Fabrication and evaluation of a nerve guidance conduit capable of Ca2+ ion release to accelerate axon extension in peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Zargar Kharazi Anousheh , Dini Ghasem , Naser Reza 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this study, biodegradable nanocomposites consisting of poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) elastomeric matrix and the reinforcing phase of calcium titanate (CaTiO3) nanoparticles were fabricated as a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) for peripheral nerve regeneration. CaTiO3 nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol‐gel method and calcined at 800°C for 60 min. PGS elastomer was synthesized via the polycondensation reaction of glycerol and sebacate (1:1) and 2.5 and 5 wt. percentages of the synthesized CaTiO3 nanoparticles were added to the PGS prepolymer solution. The composites obtained were heated in order to make crosslinks in the pre‐polymer. CaTiO3 nanoparticles, PGS elastomer, and the composites fabricated were characterized in terms of their structural, chemical, physical, mechanical, and cell response properties to evaluate the feasibility of using the nanocomposite for NGC applications. The results indicated that CaTiO3 nanoparticles were 50 nm in size. When the nanoparticles were added to the PGS, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposite reached values of about 1 and 0.5 MPa, respectively that are near those of natural nerves. The degradation behavior and swelling of the nanocomposites, as compared with those of the PGS elastomer, were controlled by introducing CaTiO3 into the PGS, which swelling limitation could prevent nerve compression. It was observed that Ca2+ ions established chemical bonds with PGS, which led to high crosslink densities that, in turn, contribute to improved mechanical properties of the composite. The Ca2+ ions released from the nanocomposite samples were in the nontoxic range. The PC12 cell line on the surface of the nanocomposite specimens showed good cell adhesion and proliferation with improved axon outgrowth and extension. Based on the results obtained the fabricated PGS/CaTiO3 nanocomposite may be recommended as a suitable NGC with desirable effects on peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2181‐2189, 2018.
Soluble laminin polymers enhance axon growth of primary neurons in vitro
Authors: Haggerty Agnes E. , Al‐Ali Hassan , Oudega Martin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA substrate of laminin polymers formed at pH 4 (acidic pH‐induced laminin; aLam) promotes neurite growth of embryonic rat cortical neurons better than a substrate of similar but structurally different laminin polymers formed at neutral pH (neutral pH‐induced laminin; nLam). We investigated the effects of these laminin polymers, used as soluble supplements, on neurite growth of cultured adult rat primary dorsal root ganglion neurons. When added to the culture medium, aLam was found to promote neurite growth about twofold better than nLam. Immunoblocking experiments revealed that aLam elicited neurite growth to a similar extent through the α1 or α3 integrin subunit, while nLam required the availability of the α1 integrin subunit to elicit neurite growth. With aLam, but not nLam, immunoblocking of the α1 or α3 subunit resulted in an increase in the protein level of the alternative subunit. The presence of a mature focal adhesion complex, which is associated with neurite growth, was elevated in neurons in the presence of aLam relative to nLam or culture medium. Our data indicated that the two types of laminin polymers promote neurite growth of adult rat primary sensory neurons to a different degree, likely through different ligand–receptor interactions. These findings support the potential of soluble laminin polymers as injectable therapeutics for eliciting axon growth after nervous system injury. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2372–2381, 2018.
A ternary nanofibrous scaffold potential for central nerve system tissue engineering
Authors: Saadatkish Niloufar , Nouri Khorasani Saied , Morshed Mohammad , Allafchian Ali‐Reza , Beigi Mohammad‐Hossein , Masoudi Rad Maryam , Esmaeely Neisiany Rasoul , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad‐Hossein 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the present research, a ternary polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin/fibrinogen nanofibrous scaffold for tissue engineering application was developed. Through this combination, PCL improved the scaffold mechanical properties; meanwhile, gelatin and fibrinogen provided more hydrophilicity and cell proliferation. Three types of nanofibrous scaffolds containing different fibrinogen contents were prepared and characterized. Morphological study of the nanofibers showed that the prepared nanofibers were smooth, uniform without any formation of beads with a significant reduction in nanofiber diameter after incorporation of fibrinogen. The chemical characterization of the scaffolds confirmed that no chemical reaction occurred between the scaffold components. The tensile test results of the scaffolds showed that increasing in fibrinogen content led to a decrease in mechanical properties. Furthermore, adipose‐derived stem cells were employed to evaluate cell–scaffold interaction. Cell culture results indicated that higher cell proliferation occurred for the higher amount of fibrinogen. Statistical analysis was also carried out to evaluate the significant difference for the obtained results of water droplet contact angle and cell culture. Therefore, the results confirmed that PCL/gel/fibrinogen scaffold has a good potential for tissue engineering applications including central nerve system tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2394–2401, 2018.
How Can We Improve Osteoporosis Care? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Quality Improvement Strategies for Osteoporosis
Authors: Nayak Smita , Greenspan Susan L 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Although osteoporosis affects 10 million people in the United States, screening and treatment rates remain low. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of quality improvement strategies to improve osteoporosis screening (bone mineral density [BMD]/dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA] testing) and/or treatment (pharmacotherapy) initiation rates. We developed broad literature search strategies for PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and applied inclusion/exclusion criteria to select relevant studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for outcomes of BMD/DXA testing and/or osteoporosis treatment. Forty-three randomized clinical studies met inclusion criteria. For increasing BMD/DXA testing in patients with recent or prior fracture, meta-analyses demonstrated several efficacious strategies, including orthopedic surgeon or fracture clinic initiation of osteoporosis evaluation or management (risk difference 44%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 26%–63%), fracture liaison service/case management (risk difference 43%, 95% CI 23%–64%), multifaceted interventions targeting providers and patients (risk difference 24%, 95% CI 15%–32%), and patient education and/or activation (risk difference 16%, 95% CI 6%–26%). For increasing osteoporosis treatment in patients with recent or prior fracture, meta-analyses demonstrated significant efficacy for interventions of fracture liaison service/case management (risk difference 20%, 95% CI 1%–40%) and multifaceted interventions targeting providers and patients (risk difference 12%, 95% CI 6%–17%). The only quality improvement strategy for which meta-analysis findings demonstrated significant improvement of osteoporosis care for patient populations including individuals without prior fracture was patient self-scheduling of DXA plus education, for increasing the outcome of BMD testing (risk difference 13%, 95% CI 7%–18%). The meta-analyses findings were limited by small number of studies in each analysis; high between-study heterogeneity; sensitivity to removal of individual studies; and unclear risk of bias of included studies. Despite the limitations of the current body of evidence, our findings indicate there are several strategies that appear worthwhile to enact to try to improve osteoporosis screening and/or treatment rates. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Genomewide Association Study Identifies Cxcl Family Members as Partial Mediators of LPS-Induced Periodontitis
Authors: Hiyari Sarah , Green Elissa , Pan Calvin , Lari Soma , Davar Mina , Davis Richard , Camargo Paulo M , Tetradis Sotirios , Lusis Aldons J , Pirih Flavia Q 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Periodontitis (PD) is characterized by bacterial infection and inflammation of tooth-supporting structures and can lead to tooth loss. PD affects ∼47% of the US population over age 30 years and has a heritability of about 50%. Although the host immunoinflammatory response and genetic background play a role, little is known of the underlying genetic factors. We examined natural genetic variation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PD across a panel of inbred mouse strains, the hybrid mouse diversity panel (HMDP). We observed a strain-dependent sixfold difference in LPS-induced bone loss across the HMDP with a heritability of 53%. We performed a genomewide association study (GWAS) using FAST-LMM, which corrects for population structure, and identified loci significantly associated with PD. We examined candidate genes at a locus on chromosome 5, which suggested a relationship between LPS-induced bone loss and, together with expression data, identified Cxcl family members as associated with PD. We observed an increase in Cxcl10 protein, as well as immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in C57BL/6J (high bone loss strain) but not in A/J (low bone loss strain) after LPS injections. Genetic deletion of CXCR3 (Cxcl9 and10 receptor) demonstrated a ∼50% reduction in bone loss and reduced osteoclasts after LPS injections. Furthermore, WT mice treated with AMG-487 (a CXCR3 antagonist) showed a ∼45% reduction in bone loss and decreased osteoclasts after LPS injections. We conclude that CXCR3 is a strong candidate for modulating the host response in individuals susceptible to PD. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
χ‐bounded families of oriented graphs
Authors: Aboulker P. , Bang‐Jensen J. , Bousquet N. , Charbit P. , Havet F. , Maffray F. , Zamora J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA famous conjecture of Gyárfás and Sumner states for any tree T and integer k, if the chromatic number of a graph is large enough, either the graph contains a clique of size k or it contains T as an induced subgraph. We discuss some results and open problems about extensions of this conjecture to oriented graphs. We conjecture that for every oriented star S and integer k, if the chromatic number of a digraph is large enough, either the digraph contains a clique of size k or it contains S as an induced subgraph. As an evidence, we prove that for any oriented star S, every oriented graph with sufficiently large chromatic number contains either a transitive tournament of order 3 or S as an induced subdigraph. We then study for which sets of orientations of P4 (the path on four vertices) similar statements hold. We establish some positive and negative results.
Fertilization with nitrogen and/or phosphorus lowers soil organic carbon sequestration in alpine meadows
Authors: Li Jin Hua , Hou Yi Lin , Zhang Sen Xi , Li Wen Jin , Xu Dang Hui , Knops Johannes M. H. , Shi Xiao Ming 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNutrient additions can increase carbon (C) inputs to soil, but there is no consensus about the response of soil organic C (SOC) storage and C sequestration. For the Tibetan alpine meadows, little is known about the effects and mechanisms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition on SOC stocks. In this study, we applied N and/or P fertilization for 7 years and analyzed soil changes in bulk density, pH, SOC, soil inorganic C (SIC), δ13C, and microbial biomass C (MBC), as well as stocks of SOC, SIC, and MBC for soil to a depth of 40 cm. We found that C:N decreased in 0–20 cm, and pH decreased at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm after fertilization. Fertilization with N and/or P decreased SOC stocks in 0–20 cm by 5–12% and SOC stocks from 0 to 40 cm by 3–5%. This SOC stock decline was associated with changes in SOC concentration but not with changes in bulk density. The SIC stock was 18% of total soil C, and was not influenced by either N or P fertilization. Soil δ13C in the 0–20 cm layer was depleted by fertilization with N or N + P, whereas P enriched soil δ13C. Soil MBC was positively correlated with SOC concentration, whereas soil δ13C was negatively correlated with SOC concentration. Soil δ13C, as a proxy of decomposition rate, indicated potentially higher SOC decomposition under N fertilization. These findings suggest that fertilization with N and/or P lowered SOC sequestration in Tibetan alpine meadows.
Global Patterns in the Motivations and Behaviors of Tournament Anglers Targeting Bedding Bass
Authors: Hargrove John S. , Allen Micheal S. , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Crandall Chelsey A. C. , Austin James D. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Angling for adult black bass Micropterus spp. as they defend nests containing eggs or fry (i.e., bed-fishing) has drawn concerns from fishery managers and anglers due to negative impacts on reproductive success. Research efforts, however, have failed to consider bed-fishing scenarios other than male-directed targeting, which may inaccurately reflect angler behaviors. To gain insights into the behaviors, motivations, and attitudes associated with bed-fishing across a large extent of the global distribution of black bass, we surveyed tournament anglers from the southeastern United States and South Africa (where black bass were introduced in 1928). Responses from 440 black bass tournament anglers indicated that during the reproductive season nearly half of all anglers spent 50% or more of their time bed-fishing and that larger, female fish were preferential targets. Overall, the responses from U.S. and South African anglers were very similar, but significant attitudinal differences were associated with the perceived impacts of bed-fishing on adult reproduction and juvenile production. Our results suggest that there are commonalities among the preferences and behavior of anglers from disparate geographic regions, and we highlight the need for future research on the impacts of size- and sex-selective bed-fishing of basses.
Hyperpolarized ketone body metabolism in the rat heart
Authors: Miller Jack J. , Ball Daniel R. , Lau Angus Z. , Tyler Damian J. 
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work was to investigate the use of 13C‐labelled acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate as novel hyperpolarized substrates in the study of cardiac metabolism. [1‐13C]Acetoacetate was synthesized by catalysed hydrolysis, and both it and [1‐13C]β‐hydroxybutyrate were hyperpolarized by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Their metabolism was studied in isolated, perfused rat hearts. Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]acetoacetate metabolism was also studied in the in vivo rat heart in the fed and fasted states. Hyperpolarization of [1‐13C]acetoacetate and [1‐13C]β‐hydroxybutyrate provided liquid state polarizations of 8 ± 2% and 3 ± 1%, respectively. The hyperpolarized T1 values for the two substrates were 28 ± 3 s (acetoacetate) and 20 ± 1 s (β‐hydroxybutyrate). Multiple downstream metabolites were observed within the perfused heart, including acetylcarnitine, citrate and glutamate. In the in vivo heart, an increase in acetylcarnitine production from acetoacetate was observed in the fed state, as well as a potential reduction in glutamate. In this work, methods for the generation of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]acetoacetate and [1‐13C]β‐hydroxybutyrate were investigated, and their metabolism was assessed in both isolated, perfused rat hearts and in the in vivo rat heart. These preliminary investigations show that DNP can be used as an effective in vivo probe of ketone body metabolism in the heart.
Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict Obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures: Behavioral Domain
Authors: Lytle Leslie A. , Nicastro Holly L. , Roberts Susan B. , Evans Mary , Jakicic John M. , Laposky Aaron D. , Loria Catherine M. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundThe ability to identify and measure behaviors that are related to weight loss and the prevention of weight regain is crucial to understanding the variability in response to obesity treatment and the development of tailored treatments.ObjectivesThe overarching goal of the Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project is to provide obesity researchers with guidance on a set of constructs and measures that are related to weight control and that span and integrate obesity‐related behavioral, biological, environmental, and psychosocial domains. This article describes how the behavioral domain subgroup identified the initial list of high‐priority constructs and measures to be included, and it describes practical considerations for assessing the following four behavioral areas: eating, activity, sleep, and self‐monitoring of weight. Challenges and considerations for advancing the science related to weight loss and maintenance behaviors are also discussed.SignificanceAssessing a set of core behavioral measures in combination with those from other ADOPT domains is critical to improve our understanding of individual variability in response to adult obesity treatment. The selection of behavioral measures is based on the current science, although there continues to be much work needed in this field.
Deciphering RGDechi peptide‐α5β1 integrin interaction mode in isolated cell membranes
Authors: Russo Luigi , Farina Biancamaria , Del Gatto Annarita , Comegna Daniela , Di Gaetano Sonia , Capasso Domenica , Liguoro Annamaria , Malgieri Gaetano , Saviano Michele , Fattorusso Roberto , Zaccaro Laura 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntegrins are a large family of heterodimeric receptors critically engaged in pathological processes such as tumor progression and metastasis. Although they are validated therapeutic targets, the molecular determinants governing integrin‐ligand interactions are not yet fully understood, leading to a scarcity of integrin sub‐type exclusive antagonists. In the past decade, we have investigated the biological behavior of the RGDechi, a chimeric peptide able to specifically bind αvβ3 integrin without cross reacting with αvβ5 and αIIbβ3 integrins. Here we have investigated the capability of the peptide to bind α5β1 integrin and characterized the molecular determinants governing this interaction through a combined experimental and computational approach. The detailed comparison of RGDechi‐α5β1 structural model with that previously determined of RGDechi in complex with αvβ3 shows how the bifunctional nature of the peptide renders the molecule an important tool to recognize integrins with different recognition modalities, providing novel insight on the structural requirements needed to their specific recognition.