bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rwandan stakeholder perspectives of integrated family planning and HIV services
Authors: Wall Kristin M. , Bayingana Roger , Ingabire Rosine , Ahlschlager Lauren , Tichacek Amanda , Allen Susan , Karita Etienne 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among key Rwandan policymakers and stakeholders related to family planning (FP) and integrated HIV/FP services. Motivational in‐depth interview format and content was developed after an extensive policy review. A convenience sample of 10 high‐level HIV and FP Rwandan policymakers and stakeholders completed the interview. Stakeholders demonstrated strong foundational knowledge of HIV and FP. Given the choice, stakeholders would allocate more monies to FP and less to HIV than currently distributed. Respondents felt that improved FP method knowledge, especially long‐acting reversible contraception, among clients/couples and providers, was needed to address myths, misconceptions, and biases. The most often cited way to integrate HIV/FP services was development of integrated tools (eg, training materials, data collection tools, and advocacy and policy guidance). We recommend strategies for policy advancement supportive of HIV/FP service integration inclusive of couples and long‐acting reversible contraception methods.
Spatio‐temporal aspects of snowpack runoff formation during rain on snow
Authors: Würzer Sebastian , Jonas Tobias 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRain on snow (ROS) is a complex phenomenon leading to repeated flooding in many regions with a seasonal snow cover. The potential to generate floods during ROS depends not only on the magnitude of rainfall but also on the areal extent of the antecedent snow cover and the spatio‐temporal interaction between meteorologic and snowpack properties. The complex interaction of these factors makes it difficult to accurately predict the effect of snow cover on runoff formation for an upcoming ROS event. In this study, the detailed physics‐based snow cover model SNOWPACK was used to assess the influence of snow cover properties on converting rain input to available snowpack runoff during 191 ROS events for 58 catchments in the Swiss Alps. Conditions identified by the simulations that led to excessive snowpack runoff were a large snow‐covered fraction, spatially homogeneous snowpack properties, prolonged rainfall events, and a strong rise in air temperature over the course of the event. These factors entail a higher probability of snowpack runoff occurring synchronously within the catchment, which in turn favours higher overall runoff rates. The findings suggest that during autumn and late spring, flooding due to ROS is more likely to happen, whereas during winter a coincidence of the above conditions in the study area is quite rare. For example, an autumn event which occurred in October 2011 resulted from a combination of spatially homogeneous snowpack conditions following a recent snowfall and high, but not exceptional rainfall, and led to major flooding. The results of this study provide key factors to assess in advance of an incoming ROS event and emphasize the importance of detailed snow monitoring for flood forecasting in snow‐affected watersheds.
Associations between household air pollution and reduced lung function in women and children in rural southern India
Authors: Patel Sameer , Leavey Anna , Sheshadri Ajay , Kumar Praveen , Kandikuppa Sandeep , Tarsi Jaime , Mukhopadhyay Krishnendu , Johnson Priscilla , Balakrishnan Kalpana , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Castro Mario , Yadama Gautam , Biswas Pratim 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHalf of the world's population still relies on solid fuels to fulfill its energy needs for cooking and space heating, leading to high levels of household air pollution (HAP), adversely affecting human health and the environment. A cross‐sectional cohort study was conducted to investigate any associations between: (1) HAP metrics (mass concentration of particulate matter of aerodynamic size less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), lung‐deposited surface area (LDSA) and carbon monoxide (CO)); (2) a range of household and socio‐demographic characteristics; and (3) lung function for women and children exposed daily to biomass cookstove emissions, in rural southern India. HAP measurements were collected inside the kitchen of 96 households, and pulmonary function tests were performed for the women and child in each enrolled household. Detailed questionnaires captured household characteristics, health histories and various socio‐demographic parameters. Simple linear and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine possible associations between the HAP metrics, lung function and all household/socio‐demographic variables. Obstructive lung defects (forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥ lower limit of normal (LLN) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/FVC < LLN) were found in 8% of mothers and 9% of children, and restrictive defects (FVC < LLN and FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN) were found in 17% of mothers and 15% of children. A positive association between LDSA, included for the first time in this type of epidemiological study, and lung function was observed, indicating LDSA is a superior metric compared to PM2.5 to assess effects of PM on lung function. HAP demonstrated a moderate association with subnormal lung function in children. The results emphasize the need to look beyond mass‐based PM metrics to assess fully the association between HAP and lung function.
Determination of phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 in whole blood by 96‐well supported liquid extraction and UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Berg Thomas , Eliassen Elin , Jørgenrud Benedicte , Kabashi Saranda , Petukhov Alexey , Bogstrand Stig Tore 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundPhosphatidylethanols (PEths) are specific, direct alcohol biomarkers that can be determined in human blood to distinguish between heavy and social drinking. PEth 16:0/18:1 is among the most predominant PEth homologues in human blood. The aim of the study was to develop a high throughput and sensitive UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the determination of PEth 16:0/18:1 in whole blood.MethodsWhole blood samples were prepared by 96‐well supported liquid extraction (SLE). Extracted samples were analyzed for PEth 16:0/18:1 by reversed phase UHPLC‐MS/MS.ResultsThe developed UHPLC‐MS/MS method was fully validated in whole blood with PEth 16:0/18:1‐D5 as internal standard. Intermediate precision and intermediate accuracy were within ≤± 12% and ≤± 17%, respectively, at PEth 16:0/18:1 concentrations of 1.4‐2112 ng/mL (2.0‐3004 nmol/L). Limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1.7 ng/mL (2.4 nmol/L).ConclusionFor the first time, 96‐well SLE was used for preparation of a PEth homologue in biological samples. A mixture of tert‐butyl methyl ether and 2‐propanol (5:1, v:v) was chosen as organic eluent based on an evaluation of extraction recovery, purity of extracts, and evaporation time. The developed UHPLC‐MS/MS method can be used for high throughput analyses and sensitive determinations of PEth 16:0/18:1 in whole blood.
Biochemical and structural characterization of 3‐ketosteroid‐Δ1‐dehydrogenase, a candidate enzyme for efficient bioconversion of steroids
Authors: Mao Shuhong , Guo Qianqian , Xu Panpan , Gao Dengke , Cheng Xiaotao , Zhu Menglu , Sun Dengyue , Zhu Zhangliang , Lu Fuping , Qin Hui‐Min 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackground3‐ketosteroid‐Δ1‐dehydrogenase, a key enzyme involved in microbial catabolism of sterols, catalyzes the 1, 2‐desaturation of steroidal substrates using FAD as a cofactor. Recombinant 3‐ketosteroid‐Δ1‐dehydrogenase from Arthrobacter simplex (KsdD4) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3).ResultsKsdD4 exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.0 and 35°C. KsdD4 had the highest activity toward 4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione (AD) and a moderate activity toward cortisone acetate and hydrocortisone. Structure‐based homology modeling revealed that Y118, Y355, Y528 and G532 are located in the active site, thus the most likely catalytic residues. The substrate‐binding cavity was composed of hydrophobic residues with small side chains, including A49, V328, A390 and A531, which facilitate the recognition of steroidal substrates with large C17 side‐chains. E332 forms a unique hydrogen bond with substrates. Recombinant E. coli resting cells expressing KsdD4 showed high catalytic activity in the presence of various organic solvents. A fed‐batch bioconversion using resting cells resulted in efficient production of 2.66 g L−1 androst‐1,4‐diene‐3,17‐dione (ADD).ConclusionBiochemical data and structural analysis greatly advanced our understanding of the KsdD family enzymes, and the fed‐batch strategy improved the bioconversion of steroids. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Production and optimization of isopropyl palmitate via biocatalytic route using home‐made enzymatic catalysts
Authors: Barsé Laísa Q , Graebin Natália G , Cipolatti Eliane P , Robert Julia M , Pinto Martina CC , Pinto Jose CCS , Freire Denise MG , Rodrigues Rafael C 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigated the use of core–shell biocatalysts, synthesized using recombinant lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB), for the production of isopropyl palmitate and the optimization of this biocatalytic route.RESULTSInitially, three distinct core–shell biocatalysts, were evaluated for the production of isopropyl palmitate and the CALB‐P(S‐co‐DVB)/P(S‐co‐DVB) biocatalyst (biocatalyst made of polystyrene‐co‐divinylbenzene core–shell particles) was the most suitable biocatalyst for this purpose. The effect of organic solvents – n‐hexane, isooctane, n‐heptane and cyclohexane – in the ester conversion was evaluated, and the most suitable solvent was the isooctane. The optimal reaction conditions were pursued conducting an optimization statistical analysis. The most suitable reaction conditions were identified: reaction temperature, 55°C; substrate molar ratio, 1:1.42 (palmitic acid: isopropyl alcohol); biocatalyst content, 24% w/w. Finally, the reuse of the biocatalyst was evaluated and the relative enzymatic activity remained up to 50% after the fourth cycle.CONCLUSIONResults were compared with commercial biocatalyst and the home‐made enzymatic biocatalyst (CALB‐P(S‐co‐DVB/PS‐co‐DVB) showed promise for application in the synthesis of isopropyl palmitate. The optimization study improved reaction conversion from 30% to 78%. The home‐made biocatalysts exhibited better performance for the synthesis of isopropyl palmitate compared with the commercial Novozym 435, using the same enzymatic activity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication of a SGO/PVDF‐g‐PSSA composite proton‐exchange membrane and its enhanced performance in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Lei , Wang Xudong , Li Cuicui , Xu Qibin , Li Guangyuan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDProton‐exchange membrane (PEM) has a significant effect on the performance and overall cost of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, a novel composite PEM is fabricated by compositing sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) with the Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐g‐Poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PVDF‐g‐PSSA) copolymer. The performance of MFCs with these newly prepared composite PEMs as separators was evaluated. A Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D) combined with membrane‐coated sensor crystals was used to investigate the biofouling mechanism of PEMs in MFCs at a micro‐perspective.RESULTSThe successful sulfonation of GO was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. When the SGO loading was 1.0 wt%, the SGO/PVDF‐g‐PSSA membrane had higher water uptake (32.56%), proton conductivity (0.083 S cm−1) and excellent hydrophilicity (contact angle 70.78°) than that of Nafion 117. QCM‐D results further confirmed its better anti‐fouling property vs that of the PVDF‐g‐PSSA, GO/PVDF‐g‐PSSA, and Nafion 117 membranes. Moreover, the MFC working with the SGO/PVDF‐g‐PSSA membrane exhibited the highest maximum power density and best stability of power production after 3 months of operation.CONCLUSIONThe SGO/PVDF‐g‐PSSA‐1.0 composite PEM can be used as an alternative material to Nafion in MFCs and is conducive to the long‐term stable operation of MFCs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Modeling of Asymmetric Tolterodine Derivatives as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Dakarapu Veera venkatarao , Allaka Tejeswara Rao , Uppalla Lav Kumar , Jha Anjali 
Published: July 2018

An efficient and short enantioselective synthesis of (S)‐ and (R)‐tolterodine acid isomers (7a–7i) was performed a 6‐methyl‐4‐phenylchroman‐2‐one intermediate from inexpensive and commercially available starting materials. A series of tolterodine acid hybrids 7 were synthesized and characterized by infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, X‐ray diffraction, and mass spectral analysis followed by anticancer activity on human cancer cell lines including A549 and SKNSH. Our results revealed the final compounds exhibited moderate to potent activity against A549 and SKNSH. Compounds 7g and 7f were more cytotoxic than cisplatin against all tested two human cancer cell lines, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 13.2, 14.3, and 8.5 μM, respectively. In the present investigation, possible binding interaction of the target compounds with 3IVX protein, ligand conformations, including hydrogen bonds and the bond lengths, was analyzed. AutoDock 4.2 chemokine receptor has been investigated by molecular docking and was used to predict the affinity, activity, and binding orientation of ligand with the target protein and to analyze best conformations. Compound 7h exhibited more binding energy (ΔG = −5.52 kcal/mol) and dissociation constant (KI = 89.8 μM) with amino acids Glu 17 and Thr 87 interacting. Further studies are warranted to fully evaluate the analogues as the potential prodrugs with improved physiochemical properties.
Proactive Vitality Management and Creative Work Performance: The Role of Self‐Insight and Social Support
Authors: Op den Kamp Emma M. , Bakker Arnold B. , Tims Maria , Demerouti Evangelia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntegrating proactivity and creativity literatures, we argue that people can perform more creatively at work when they proactively manage their levels of vitality. Proactive vitality management is defined as individual, goal‐oriented behavior aimed at managing physical and mental energy to promote optimal functioning at work. We hypothesize that this process may be facilitated by being aware of one's own state and by support from others. A total of 242 employees participated in a weekly diary study for three consecutive weeks, yielding 610 observations. Results of multilevel analyses show that participants reported more creative work performance during weeks in which they had proactively used vitality management. In addition, in line with our predictions, self‐insight and social support for creativity in the workplace acted as cross‐level moderators and strengthened the relationship between proactive vitality management and creativity. We conclude that a proactive approach regarding physical and mental energy is an important bottom‐up strategy that may foster creativity in work settings.
Sprifermin treatment enhances cartilage integration in an in vitro repair model
Authors: Sennett Mackenzie L. , Meloni Gregory R. , Farran Alexandra J. E. , Guehring Hans , Mauck Robert L. , Dodge George R. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTCartilage integration remains a clinical challenge for treatment of focal articular defects. Cartilage exhibits limited healing capacity that declines with tissue maturation. Many approaches have been investigated for their ability to stimulate healing of mature cartilage or integration of repair tissue or tissue‐engineered constructs with native cartilage. Growth factors present in immature tissue may enhance chondrogenesis and promote integrative repair of cartilage defects. In this study, we assessed the role of one such factor, fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18). Studies using FGF18 have shown a variety of positive effects on cartilage, including stimulation of chondrocyte proliferation, matrix biosynthesis, and suppression of proteinase activity. To explore the role of FGF18 on cartilage defect repair, we hypothesized that treatment with recombinant human FGF18 (sprifermin) would increase matrix synthesis in a defect model, thus improving integration strength. To test this hypothesis, 6 mm cartilage cylinders were harvested from juvenile bovine knees. A central 3 mm defect was created in each explant, and this core was removed and replaced. Resulting constructs were cultured in control or sprifermin‐containing medium (weekly 24‐h exposure of 100 ng/ml sprifermin) for 4 weeks. Mechanical testing, biochemical analysis, micro‐CT, scanning electron microscopy, and histology were used to assess matrix production, adhesive strength, and structural properties of the cartilage‐cartilage interface. Results showed greater adhesive strength, increased collagen content, and larger contact areas between core and annular cartilage in the sprifermin‐treated group. These findings present a novel treatment for cartilage injuries that have potential to enhance defect healing and lateral cartilage–cartilage integration. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2648–2656, 2018.
Preharvest zinc sulfate spray improves the storability of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) fruits by protecting the cell wall components and antioxidants of pericarp
Authors: Luo Tao , Niu Jiajia , Guo Xiaomeng , Wu Huitao , Han Dongmei , Shuai Liang , Wu Zhenxian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDZinc (Zn) fertilization has been reported to improve the quality and storability of many fruits, but the mechanism had not been systematically studied. In this study, the effect of preharvest 0.2% zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) spray on the storability of longan fruits was investigated.RESULTSThe preharvest ZnSO4 spray did not significantly influence the quality but increased the Zn content in longan pericarp by 12.5‐fold. More importantly, the treatment significantly reduced the rotting rate, pericarp browning, and aril breakdown of longan fruits stored at room temperature and low temperature. Physiological and biochemical results indicated that the treatment resulted in higher water retention capacity and inhibited the degradation of cellulose, pectin, flavonoid, and phenolics of longan pericarp at the late stages of storage. Consistent with these results, the activity of cellulase, polygalacturonase, polyphenol oxidase, and lipoxygenase was significantly inhibited in the ZnSO4‐treated longan pericarp at the late stages of storage.CONCLUSIONHigher Zn content in the ZnSO4‐treated longan pericarp might help to enhance the resistance against microbial infection, inhibit the hydrolysis of cell wall components, and thus effectively protected the cell wall components, maintained the cellular compartmentation, and prevented the phenolics and flavonoid from degradation by browning‐related enzymes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
On‐vine withering process of ‘Moscato bianco’ grapes: effect of cane‐cut system on volatile composition
Authors: Giacosa Simone , Giordano Manuela , Vilanova Mar , Cagnasso Enzo , Río Segade Susana , Rolle Luca 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDCane‐cut on‐vine withering is a grape dehydration technique used for dry and sweet wine production. The aim of this work was to study the influence of the cane‐cut technique applied at harvest to Moscato bianco grapes during the on‐vine withering process to produce dehydrated berries with a different chemical composition and a volatile profile.RESULTSAfter 24 days of dehydration, an on‐vine withering system using the cane‐cut technique induced an increase in the total volatile content compared with grapes produced with a normal on‐vine withering process. This increase was greater in glycosidically bound volatile compounds than in the free fraction. Bound linalool showed a significant increase of 52% when the cane‐cut withering system was applied but the grapes that were normally withered appeared to be less prone to the loss of free linalool. A significant increase in the glycosylated forms of nerol and geraniol was also observed in the two on‐vine withering systems on the 24th day compared with the control (fresh grapes at harvest date).CONCLUSIONA cane‐cut, on‐vine withering system applied at harvest induced changes in the volatile composition of Moscato bianco grapes increasing total volatile content, consisting mainly of bound compounds, by the 24th day of dehydration. The grapes dehydrated on‐vine using this new system also showed significantly greater content of most of the free volatile compounds detected. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐Assembling PCL‐Based Nanoparticles as PTX Solubility Enhancer Excipients
Authors: Capasso Palmiero Umberto , Morosi Lavinia , Lupi Monica , Ponzo Marianna , Frapolli Roberta , Zucchetti Massimo , Ubezio Paolo , Morbidelli Massimo , D'Incalci Maurizio , Bello Ezia , Moscatelli Davide 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe advent of nanotechnology in medicine has allowed to eliminate the toxic excipients that are often necessary to formulate lipophilic drugs in clinics. An example is paclitaxel, one of the most important chemotherapeutic drugs developed so far, where the Cremophor EL has been eliminated in the Genexol and Abraxane formulations. However, the complex procedures to synthesize these formulations hamper their cost‐effective use and, in turn, their distribution among the patient population. For this reason, a simplified method to formulate this drug directly at the bed of the patient has been adopted. It requires only the use of a syringe and it starts from a native dry amphiphilic biodegradable and biocompatible block‐copolymer obtained via the combination of the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and ring‐opening polymerization. In this way, a novel paclitaxel formulation with the same drug pharmacological properties, but without the use of the Cremophor EL, can be produced. In addition, as long as these nanoparticles are engineered to act as solubility enhancers, a lower burden for its approval from the pharmaceutical regulatory agencies is also expected.
Using exome sequencing to decipher family history in a healthy individual: Comparison of pathogenic and population MTM1 variants
Authors: Penon Monica , Zahed Hengameh , Berger Victoria , Su Irene , Shieh Joseph T. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundWhen a family encounters the loss of a child early in life, extensive genetic testing of the affected neonate is sometimes not performed or not possible. However, the increasing availability of genomic sequencing may allow for direct application to families in cases where there is a condition inherited from parental gene(s). When neonatal testing is not possible, it is feasible to perform family testing as long as there is optimal interpretation of the genomic information. Here, we present an example of a healthy adult woman with a history of recurrent male neonatal losses due to severe respiratory distress who presented to Medical Genetics for evaluation. A family history of additional male neonatal loss was present, suggesting a potential inherited genetic etiology.MethodsAlthough there was no DNA available from the neonates, by performing exome sequencing on the healthy adult woman, we found a missense variant in MTM1 as a potential candidate, which was deemed pathogenic based on multiple criteria including past report.ResultsBy performing an analysis of all known MTM1‐disease associated mutations and control population variation, we can also better infer the effects of missense variations on MTM1, as not all variants are truncating. MTM1‐X‐linked myotubular myopathy is a condition that leads to male perinatal respiratory failure and a high risk for early mortality.ConclusionsThe application of genetic testing in the healthy population here highlights the broader utility of genomic sequencing in evaluating unexplained recurrent neonatal loss, especially when genetic testing is not available on the affected neonates.