bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triple-mixture of Zn, Mn, and Fe increases bioaccumulation and causes oxidative stress in freshwater neotropical fish
Authors: de Oliveira Luciana Fernandes , Santos Caroline , Risso Wagner Ezequiel , dos Reis Martinez Claudia Bueno 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Metal bioaccumulation and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined in Prochilodus lineatus to understand the effects of short-term exposure to a triple-mixture of Zn, Mn, and Fe. Three independent tests were carried out, in which fish were exposed to 3 concentrations of Zn (0.18, 1.0, and 5.0 mg L−1), Mn (0.1, 0.5, and 5.0 mg L−1), and in the mix test to Fe (5.0 mg L−1) and a mixture of Zn (1.0 mg L−1) + Mn (0.5 mg L−1), with and without Fe. After exposure for 96 h, tissues were removed for metal bioaccumulation analysis and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined in liver, along with DNA damage in blood cells. Our results revealed that Zn and Mn were bioaccumulated in fish tissues after exposure to 5.0 mg L−1, whereas Fe only bioaccumulated in muscle and gills after mixture exposure. Results indicated that 1 metal interfered with the other's bioaccumulation. In P. lineatus, 5 mg L−1 of both Mn and Fe were toxic, because damage was observed (lipid peroxidation [LPO] in liver and DNA damage in blood cells), whereas Zn induced liver responses (metallothionein [MT] and reduced glutathione [GSH] increases) to prevent damage. In terms of bioaccumulation and alterations of oxidative stress biomarkers, we showed that Zn, Mn, and Fe triple-mixture enhances individual metal toxicity in Neotropical fish P. lineatus. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1749–1756. © 2018 SETAC
Patterns of psychological health problems and family maltreatment among United States Air Force members
Authors: Lorber Michael F. , Xu Shu , Heyman Richard E. , Slep Amy M. Smith , Beauchaine Theodore P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectives:We sought to identify subgroups of individuals based on patterns of psychological health problems (PH; e.g., depressive symptoms, hazardous drinking) and family maltreatment (FM; e.g., child and partner abuse).Method:We analyzed data from very large surveys of United States Air Force active duty members with romantic partners and children.Results:Latent class analyses indicated six replicable patterns of PH problems and FM. Five of these classes, representing ∼98% of survey participants, were arrayed ordinally, with increasing risk of multiple PH problems and FM. A sixth group defied this ordinal pattern, with pronounced rates of FM and externalizing PH problems, but without correspondingly high rates/levels of internalizing PH problems.Conclusions:Ramifications of these results for intervention are discussed.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure–Response Analyses of Eslicarbazepine Acetate Efficacy and Safety in Monotherapy of Partial‐Onset Seizures
Authors: Sunkaraneni Soujanya , Ludwig Elizabeth A. , Passarell Julie A. , Blum David , Grinnell Todd , Fiedler‐Kelly Jill 
Published: March 2018

AbstractEslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a once‐daily oral antiepileptic drug (AED) indicated for partial‐onset seizures (POS). ESL pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure–response analyses were supported by 2 phase 3 conversion to ESL (1200, 1600 mg) monotherapy studies. The PK model development included 10 phase 1–2 studies (ESL 600–1200 mg daily). Seizure diaries were completed daily; subjects exited if seizures worsened. Exposure–response models were developed for time to study exit, probability of seizure freedom, time to first occurrence of dizziness, headache, and nausea; serum sodium levels were explored. A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption/elimination described ESL PK. Clearance and distribution volume were significantly related to body weight and sex. Higher eslicarbazepine minimum concentration (Cmin) and use of 1 baseline AED were associated with significantly lower risk of study exit, whereas eslicarbazepine Cmin was a significant predictor of seizure freedom during the last 4 weeks of monotherapy. Eslicarbazepine exposure and the time to first occurrence of adverse events were not related. A shallow negative relationship described the relationship between change from baseline in serum sodium level and eslicarbazepine exposure. Eslicarbazepine apparent clearance and distribution volume estimates were similar to those reported for ESL adjunctive therapy. Dose adjustment based on body weight was not required. The time to study exit and probability of seizure freedom during the last 4 weeks of monotherapy were weakly related to eslicarbazepine exposure. Because the first occurrence of adverse events or hyponatremia were also not significantly related to eslicarbazepine exposure, dose adjustment using plasma eslicarbazepine concentrations is not supported.
Degenerate intervertebral disc‐like pH induces a catabolic mechanoresponse in human nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Hodson Nathan W. , Patel Sonal , Richardson Stephen M. , Hoyland Judith A. , Gilbert Hamish T. J. 
Published: March 2018

Mechanical stimulation is known to influence intervertebral disc (IVD) cell behavior and function, but the effect on disc cells is routinely considered in isolation from other microenvironmental factors. Acidic pH has been shown to be a prominent and detrimental microenvironmental factor present in degenerate IVDs, but its influence on the human disc cell mechanoresponse has never been studied. We investigated the response of agarose‐encapsulated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells to 0.004 MPa, 1.0 Hz and 1 hour of compression (Flexcell FX4000 Compression System) under pH conditions representative of nondegenerate (pH 7.1) and degenerate (pH 6.5) IVDs. Cell viability, extracellular matrix production, and expression of anabolic/anti‐catabolic and catabolic genes were assessed. We report that preculture of NP cells in agarose gels was required in order for cells to be mechanoresponsive, and this correlated with increased type VI collagen, α5β1 integrin, and fibronectin expression. Furthermore, the matrix homeostatic response observed at pH 7.1 (representative of nondegenerate IVDs; increased aggrecan [AGC], tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 [TIMP1], matrix metalloproteinase‐3 [MMP3], a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif‐5 [ADAMTS5] gene expression) was RGD‐integrin dependent, whereas only MMP3 remained mechanoresponsive at pH 6.5, and this was independent of RGD‐integrins. Our findings suggest differential mechanotransduction pathways operating for specific genes, with RGD‐integrin dependent AGC expression, but not RGD‐independent MMP3 expression, inhibited at pH representative of degenerate IVDs (pH 6.5), which could contribute to the catabolic phenotype observed during IVD degeneration.Clinical significanceCharacterizing the influence of the mechanical and chemical intervertebral disc microenvironment on disc cells, particularly in disc degeneration, could help develop future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of discogenic back pain.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Electron Transfer Reactions: Oxidation of Crotyl Alcohol by Peroxomonosulfate in Aqueous Acidic Medium
Authors: Sharma Priyamvada , Sailani Riya , Meena Anita , Khandelwal C. L. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of crotyl alcohol by peroxomonosulfate has been studied, and the species of the peroxomonosulfate are discussed to find out the role of activated species. A plausible reaction mechanism is suggested, and a derived rate law corresponds to all experimental observations. The activation parameters such as energy and entropy of activation have been calculated as 37.21 ± 0.5 kJ mol−1 and −148.91 ± 2.7 J K−1 mol−1, respectively, by employing the Eyring plot.
Does pelvic floor muscle maximum voluntary contraction improve after vaginal pelvic organ prolapse surgery? A prospective study
Authors: Duarte Thaiana B. , Bonacin Marília A. P. , Brito Luiz G. O. , Frawley Helena , Dwyer Peter L. , Thomas Elizabeth , Ferreira Cristine H. J. 
Published: March 2018

Aimsto assess pelvic floor muscle maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before and after surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).MethodsThis was a prospective observational study with women scheduled for surgical correction of POP. Assessments occurred 15 days before and 40 days after surgery. The primary outcome was pelvic floor muscle (PFM) MVC measured using the manometer Peritron™. The average strength of PFM contraction was also measured. Secondary outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP‐Q) score. The Student paired t‐test was used for quantitative data. For the pre and postsurgery comparisons of PFM strength in relation to POP‐Q value we used the nonparametric Kruskal‐Wallis test for dependent variables. The level of significance adopted was P < 0.05.ResultsSixty‐seven women were recruited, 65 (97%) completed the study. The mean age of participants was 62 ± 10.2. There was no difference (1.9 cm H2O ± 12.9; P = 0.22) between MVC before (27.1 cm H2O ± 17.0) and after surgery (29 cm H2O ± 17.8). The average contraction was higher after surgery (2.3 cmH2O ± 8.6; P = 0.03). The higher the severity of pre and postsurgery POP, the worse the MVC.ConclusionThere was no difference in MVC pre and postsurgery, however we found an improvement in PFM average contraction strength postsurgery.
Mixed finite element formulation for dynamics of porous media
Authors: Lotfian Z. , Sivaselvan M.V. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a numerical approach for computing solutions to Biot's fully dynamic model of saturated porous media with incompressible solid and fluid phases. Spatial discretization is based on a three‐field (u‐w‐p) formulation, employing a lowest‐order Raviart‐Thomas mixed element for the fluid Darcy velocity (w) and pressure (p) fields, and a nodal finite element for skeleton displacement field (u). The discretization is constructed based on the natural topology of the variables and satisfies the Ladyženskaja‐Babuška‐Brezzi stability condition, avoiding locking in the incompressible and undrained limits. Since fluid acceleration is not neglected, the three‐field formulation fully captures dynamic behavior even under high‐frequency loading phenomena. The importance of consistent initial conditions is addressed for poroelasticity equations with the mass balance constraint, a system of differential algebraic equations. Energy balance is derived for the porous medium and used to assess accuracy of time integration. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach, a variety of numerical studies are carried out including verification with analytical and boundary element solutions and analyses of wave propagation, effect of hydraulic conductivity on damping and frequency content, energy balance, mass lumping, mesh pattern and size, and stability. Some discrepancies found in dynamic poroelasticity results in the literature are also explained.
Quality of life in children with retinoblastoma after enucleation in China
Authors: Zhang Lili , Gao Tao , Shen Yi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo study the quality of life of Chinese pediatric patients with retinoblastoma (RB) after enucleation and the influencing factors.MethodsA questionnaire survey was performed on 71 cases of pediatric patients with RB after enucleation and 80 cases of healthy children, using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL™ 4.0).ResultsThe social dimension scores, school dimension scores, and total scores for the PedsQL™ 4.0 among the pediatric patients with RB were statistically significantly lower than those of healthy children. The influencing factors were unilateral/bilateral affected eyes, diagnosis age, and ocular prosthesis satisfaction.ConclusionEarly discovery, timely treatment, increased eye salvage rate, and cosmetic effects of ocular prosthesis were key factors for increasing the quality of life of pediatric patients with RB. Attention should be paid to the health, social, and school development of pediatric patients with RB.
Iliopsoas hematoma in a patient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Zielonka Benjamin , Cohen Alan R. , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Doshi Bhavya S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough musculoskeletal pain in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is most frequently the result of vaso‐occlusive episodes, clinicians often consider other etiologies including osteomyelitis, avascular necrosis, and trauma. In this study, we report the case of a young female with SCD with hip and back pain secondary to a nontraumatic iliopsoas periosteal hematoma with evidence of adjacent bone infarction. The pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and management of periosteal hematomas in SCD are reviewed. This case highlights the need for recognition of unusual causes of musculoskeletal pain in SCD.
Morphological study of an intrinsically stretchable photovoltaic bulk heterojunction
Authors: Gao Huier , Youssef Kareem , Li Lu , Zhu Xiaodan , Pei Qibing 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThin‐film polymer solar cell consisting of [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) and poly[[4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl][3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7) demonstrates elastic stretchability with the aid of a high boiling point additive, 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO). The usage of DIO not only helps to form uniformly distributed nanocrystalline grains, but may also create free volumes between the nano‐grains that allow for relative sliding between the nano‐grains. The relative sliding can accommodate large external deformation. Large dichroic ratios of the optical absorption of both PC71BM and PTB7 were observed under large‐strain deformation, indicating reorientation of the nanocrystalline PC71BM and PTB7 polymer chains along stretching direction. The dichroic ratio decreases to nearly 1.0 as the blend was relaxed to 0% strain. Therefore, the nanometer‐size grain blending morphology provides an approach to impart stretchability to organic semiconductors that are otherwise un‐stretchable. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 814–820
Tough and self‐recoverable hydrogels crosslinked by triblock copolymer micelles and Fe3+ coordination
Authors: Xu Zuxiang , Li Jinhui , Gao Guorong , Wang Zongbao , Cong Yang , Chen Jing , Yin Jingbo , Nie Lei , Fu Jun 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTTough hydrogels have great potentials in soft robotics, artificial muscles, tissue replacement, and so on. Here we introduce novel tough hydrogels crosslinked by triblock copolymer (F127DA) micelles and metal coordination. The gels showed outstanding tensile strength (∼1–11 MPa), toughness (∼4–32 MJ m−3), and excellent self‐recovery properties (∼56.8–87.2% toughness recovery in 9 min at room temperature). The mechanical and self‐recovery properties could be manipulated by varying contents of micelles and/or COO− groups. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the hydrogels revealed apparent activation energy and relaxations for both physical interactions. In situ small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements on hydrogels upon stretching revealed micelle deformations. XPS measurements on hydrogels before and after stretching revealed significant changes in the binding energy of Fe3+ ions in the gels, suggesting the rupture of coordination bonds. The experimental results strongly suggest a synergistic effect from the micelle‐crosslinking and Fe3+–COO− coordination on the strength, toughness, and self‐recovery of the hydrogels. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 865–876
Early predictors of unresponsiveness to high‐flow nasal cannula therapy in a pediatric emergency department
Authors: Er Anıl , Çağlar Aykut , Akgül Fatma , Ulusoy Emel , Çitlenbik Hale , Yılmaz Durgül , Duman Murat 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimHigh‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a new treatment option for pediatric respiratory distress and we aimed to assess early predictive factors of unresponsiveness to HFNC therapy in a pediatric emergency department (ED).MethodPatients who presented with respiratory distress and were treated by HFNC, were included. The age, gender, weight, medical history, diagnosis, vital signs, oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) ratio, modified Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (mRDAI) scores, medical interventions, duration of HFNC therapy, time to escalation, adverse effects, and laboratory test results were obtained from medical and nursing records. The requirement of a higher level of respiratory support due to unchanged or increased RR compared to initial RR, incipient, or progressive respiratory acidosis, incipient hemodynamic instability was defined as unresponsiveness to HFNC.ResultsThe study enrolled 154 children with a median age of 10 months (interquartile range [IQR], 5.7‐22.5 months). The diagnosis was acute bronchiolitis in 59 patients (38.3%), bacterial pneumonia in 64 patients (41.6%), and atypical or viral pneumonia in 31 patients (20.1%). Twenty‐five patients (16.2%) were in the unresponsive group, and the median time for escalating respiratory support was 7 h (IQR: 4‐20 h). The unresponsive group had lower SpO2 and SpO2/FiO2 (SF) ratio on admission, lower venous pH, and higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) (P = 0.002, P = 0.012, and P = 0.001, respectively). Also the alteration of RR, mRDAI score, and SF ratio at the first hour was greater in the responsive group. The cut‐off value of SF ratio at the first hour of HFNC was 195 for unresponsiveness.ConclusionThe low initial SpO2 and SF ratio, respiratory acidosis, and SF ratio less than 195 at the first hours of treatment were related to unresponsiveness to HFNC therapy in our pediatric emergency department.
Respiratory function in healthy Emirati children using forced oscillations
Authors: AlBlooshi Afaf , AlKalbani Alia , Narchi Hassib , Al‐Hamad Sania , Al‐Houqani Mohammed , AlBadi Ghaya , Souid Abdul‐Kader , Hall Graham L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe forced oscillation technique (FOT) allows the quantification of respiratory function, does not require active cooperation and as such is ideally suited for use in young children. The application of the FOT in non‐Caucasian populations is limited and it remains unclear if current reference ranges for the FOT in Caucasian children are appropriate for children in the Arabian Peninsula. This study explored the use of the FOT in healthy school‐aged children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsLung function using FOT was assessed in healthy Emirati children aged 4‐12 years. Using a validated questionnaires general medical and respiratory histories were obtained. Prediction equations for resistance (Rrs), reactance (Xrs), and area under reactance curve (AX) were calculated and compared to previous studies.ResultsFOT was successfully obtained in 291 healthy Emirati children. Linear regression modelling including weight, height, age, and gender in transformed FOT outcomes demonstrated that height was the strongest predictor of FOT outcomes (P < 0.001). Using the equated prediction equation Z‐scores were calculated. FOT outcomes in Emirati children did not match previously published reference equations in Caucasians children (P < 0.001).ConclusionFOT measurements were feasible in Emirati school‐children. New FOT reference equation in Emirati children were derived. FOT reference equation in Emirati children was different from published equations in Caucasians.
Fungal biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol
Authors: Merino Nancy , Wang Meng , Ambrocio Rocio , Mak Kimberly , O'Connor Ellen , Gao An , Hawley Elisabeth L. , Deeb Rula A. , Tseng Linda Y. , Mahendra Shaily 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFungal degradation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH, C6F13CH2CH2OH) by two wood‐decaying fungal strains and six fungal isolates from a site contaminated with per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was investigated. 6:2 FTOH is increasingly being used in FTOH‐based products, and previous reports on the microbial fate of 6:2 FTOH have focused on bacteria and environmental microbial consortia. Prior to this study, one report demonstrated that the 6:2 FTOH biotransformation by the wood‐decaying fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, generated more polyfluoroalkyl substances, such as 5:3 acid (F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH), and diverted away from producing the highly stable perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Most of the fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum and isolates TW4‐2, TW4‐1, B79, and B76) examined in this study showed similar degradation patterns, further demonstrating that fungi yield more 5:3 acid (up to 51 mol% of initial 6:2 FTOH dosed) relative to other metabolites (up to 12 mol% total PFCAs). However, medium amendments can potentially improve 6:2 FTOH biotransformation rates and product profiles. The six fungal isolates tolerated up to 100 or 1,000 milligrams per liter of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, and some isolates experienced increased growth with increasing concentrations. This study proposes that fungal pathways must be considered for the biotransformation of potential PFAS precursors, such as 6:2 FTOH, and suggests the basis for selecting proper microorganisms for remediation of fluoroalkyl‐contaminated sites.
Technology review and evaluation of different chemical oxidation conditions on treatability of PFAS
Authors: Dombrowski Paul M. , Kakarla Prasad , Caldicott William , Chin Yan , Sadeghi Venus , Bogdan Dorin , Barajas‐Rodriguez Francisco , Chiang Sheau‐Yun (Dora) 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of stable compounds widely used in diverse applications. These emerging contaminants have unique properties due to carbon–fluorine (C–F) bonds, which are some of the strongest bonds in chemistry. High energy is required to break C–F bonds, which results in this class of compounds being recalcitrant to many degradation processes. Many technologies studied that have shown treatment effectiveness for PFAS cannot be implemented in situ. Chemical oxidation is a demonstrated remediation technology for in situ treatment of a wide range of organic environmental contaminants. An overview of relevant literature is presented, summarizing the use of single or combined reagent chemical oxidation processes that offer insight into oxidation–reduction chemistries potentially capable of PFAS degradation. Based on the observations and results of these studies, bench‐scale treatability tests were designed and performed to establish optimal conditions for the formation of specific free radical species, including superoxide and sulfate radicals, via various combinations of oxidants, catalysts, pH buffers, and heat to assess PFAS treatment by chemical oxidants. The study also suggests the possible abiotic transformations of some PFAS when chemical oxidation is or was used for treatment of primary organic contaminants (e.g., petroleum or chlorinated organic compounds) at a site. The bench‐scale tests utilized field‐collected samples from a firefighter training area. Much of the available data related to chemical oxidation of PFAS has only been reported for one or both of the two more commonly discussed PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and/or perfluorooctanoic acid). In contrast, this treatability study evaluates oxidation of a diverse list of PFAS analytes. The results of this study and published literature conclude that heat‐activated persulfate is the oxidation method with the best degradation of PFAS. Limited reduction of reported PFAS concentrations in this study was observed in many oxidation reactors; however, unknown mass of PFAS (such as precursors of perfluoroalkyl acids) that cannot be identified in a field collected sample complicated quantification of how much oxidative destruction of PFAS actually occurred.