bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoecotoxicity assessment of graphene oxide and its relationship with humic acid
Authors: Castro Vera L. , Clemente Zaira , Jonsson Claudio , Silva Mariana , Vallim José Henrique , de Medeiros Aline Maria Zigiotto , Martinez Diego Stéfani T. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The risk assessment of nanomaterials is essential for regulatory purposes and for sustainable nanotechnological development. Although the application of graphene oxide has been widely exploited, its environmental risk is not well understood because several environmental conditions can affect its behavior and toxicity. In the present study, the graphene oxide effect from aquatic ecosystems was assessed considering the interaction with humic acid on 9 organisms: Raphidocelis subcapitata (green algae), Lemna minor (aquatic plant), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Daphnia magna (planktonic microcrustacean), Artemia salina (brine shrimp), Chironomus sancticaroli (Chironomidae), Hydra attenuata (freshwater polyp), and Caenorhabditis elegans and Panagrolaimus sp. (nematodes). The no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) was calculated for each organism. The different criteria used to calculate NOEC values were transformed and plotted as a log-logistic function. The hypothetical 5 to 50% hazardous concentration values were, respectively, 0.023 (0.005–0.056) and 0.10 (0.031–0.31) mg L−1 for graphene oxide with and without humic acid, respectively. The safest scenario associated with the predicted no-effect concentration values for graphene oxide in the aquatic compartment were estimated as 20 to 100 μg L−1 (in the absence of humic acid) and 5 to 23 μg L−1 (in the presence of humic acid). Finally, the present approach contributed to the risk assessment of graphene oxide–based nanomaterials and the establishment of nano-regulations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1998–2012. © 2018 SETAC
Abstract
Graphene oxide no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) was calculated for aquatic organisms. The predicted no-effect concentration values for graphene oxide were estimated as 20 to 100 mg L−1 (in the absence of humic acid) and 5 to 23 mg L−1 (in the presence of humic acid).
Life-history correlations change under coinfection leading to higher pathogen load
Authors: Laine Anna-Liisa , Mäkinen Hannu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe ability of a parasite strain to establish and grow on its host may be drastically altered by simultaneous infection by other parasite strains. However, we still lack an understanding of how life-history allocations may change under coinfection, although life-history correlations are a critical mechanism restricting the evolutionary potential and epidemiological dynamics of pathogens. Here, we study how life-history stages and their correlations change in the obligate fungal pathogen Podosphaera plantaginis under single infection and coinfection scenarios. We find increased pathogen loads under coinfection, but this is not explained by an enhanced performance at any of the life-history stages that constitute infections. Instead, we show that under coinfection the correlation between timing of sporulation and final pathogen load becomes positive. The changes in pathogen life-history allocations leading to more severe infections under coinfection can have far-reaching epidemiological consequences, as well as implication for our understanding of the evolution of virulence.
Safety assessment ofPlukenetia volubilis(Inca peanut) seeds, leaves, and their products
Authors: Srichamnong Warangkana , Ting Pisamai , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Nuchuchua Onanong , Temviriyanukul Piya 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPlukenetia volubilisor Inca peanut is a promising plant with high economic value. Its seeds can be pressed for oil production or roasted and served as a snack, while the dried leaves can be used to make a kind of tea. Although the oil from the cold‐pressed seeds has been proven to be safe for human consumption, little information is known about the other parts of the plant regarding safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the naturally occurring phytotoxins, including saponins, total alkaloids, and lectins in fresh and roasted Inca peanut seeds and leaves. In addition, cytotoxicity on several normal cell types including human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, human embryonic kidney cells, human hepatic stellate cells, and mouse fibroblasts as well asin vivomutagenic properties was studied. This study showed that fresh Inca peanut seeds and leaves contain saponins, alkaloids, and lectins. However, roasting enables the reduction in alkaloids, saponins, and possibly lectins, suggesting that these phytotoxins become unstable under heat. Furthermore, Inca peanut seeds and leaves, especially after roasting, are safe to a variety of normal cell lines and do not induceDNAmutations inDrosophilaexpressing high biotransformation system. In conclusion, the data in this study indicated that high and chronic consumption of fresh seeds and leaves should be avoided. Heat processing should be applied before the consumption of Inca peanut seeds and leaves in order to reduce phytotoxins and potential health risks.
Study of the flood control scheduling scheme for the Three Gorges Reservoir in a catastrophic flood
Authors: Zhang Shanghong , Jing Zhu , Li Wenda , Yi Yujun , Zhao Yong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe Three Gorges Project is the world's largest water conservancy project. According to the design standards for the 1,000‐year flood, flood diversion areas in the Jingjiang reach of the Yangtze River must be utilized to ensure the safety of the Jingjiang area and the city of Wuhan. However, once these areas are used, the economic and life loss in these areas may be very great. Therefore, it is vital to reduce this loss by developing a scheme that reduces the use of the flood diversion areas through flood regulation by the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), under the premise of ensuring the safety of the Three Gorges Dam. For a 1,000‐year flood on the basis of a highly destructive flood in 1954, this paper evaluates scheduling schemes in which flood diversion areas are or are not used. The schemes are simulated based on 2.5‐m resolution reservoir topography and an optimized model of dynamic capacity flood regulation. The simulation results show the following. (a) In accord with the normal flood‐control regulation discharge, the maximum water level above the dam should be not more than 175 m, which ensures the safety of the dam and reservoir area. However, it is necessary to utilize the flood diversion areas within the Jingjiang area, and flood discharge can reach 2.81 billion m3. (b) In the case of relying on the TGR to impound floodwaters independently rather than using the flood diversion areas, the maximum water level above the dam reaches 177.35 m, which is less than the flood check level of 180.4 m to ensure the safety of the Three Gorges Dam. The average increase of the TGR water level in the Chongqing area is not more than 0.11 m, which indicates no significant effect on the upstream reservoir area. Comparing the various scheduling schemes, when the flood diversion areas are not used, it is believed that the TGR can execute safe flood control for a 1,000‐year flood, thereby greatly reducing flood damage.
Esophageal tuberculosis: Uncommon of common
Authors: Dahale Amol S , Kumar Ajay , Srivastava Siddharth , Varakanahalli Shivakumar , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Puri Amarender S 
Published: April 2018

Background and AimEsophageal involvement in tuberculosis (TB) is rare and is usually secondary. Data on esophageal TB are scarce. We aimed to analyze clinical and endoscopic features and outcomes of treatment in esophageal TB.MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients with esophageal TB from January 2014 to December 2016 at GB Pant Hospital. Well‐defined granuloma with or without caseation and/or acid‐fast bacilli on staining either from esophageal biopsy or the adjacent mediastinal lymph node fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimen, along with clinical features and response to antitubercular therapy (ATT), were collectively considered to diagnose definite TB. Treatment received and response to therapy were documented and analyzed.ResultsA total of 19 patients had definite esophageal TB, and the median age of patients was 39 years (14–65 years) and 10 (52.6%) patients were female. The most common presenting symptom was dysphagia (n = 16, 84%) followed by odynophagia (n = 8, 42%). On endoscopy, the mid‐esophagus was the most common site of involvement, and findings included ulcers (n = 17), elevated lesions (n = 9), and fistulae (n = 4) in patients. The mediastinal lymphadenopathy was present in all patients, with parenchymal lesions seen in three patients. The endoscopic mucosal biopsies were diagnostic in 11 patients, and in the remaining 8 patients, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNAC from the mediastinal lymph nodes was diagnostic. A total of 18 patients completely responded to ATT, and 1 patient had partial response with persistent fistulae requiring additional treatment.ConclusionEsophagus involvement is rare in TB; endoscopic mucosal biopsy and EUS‐guided FNAC is diagnostic, and the response to ATT is excellent.
Cytokine‐induced interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist protein expression in genetically engineered equine mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis treatment
Authors: Gabner Simone , Ertl Reinhard , Velde Karsten , Renner Matthias , Jenner Florien , Egerbacher Monika , Hlavaty Juraj 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundA combination of tissue engineering methods employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) together with gene transfer takes advantage of innovative strategies and highlights a new approach for targeting osteoarthritis (OA) and other cartilage defects. Furthermore, the development of systems allowing tunable transgene expression as regulated by natural disease‐induced substances is highly desirable.MethodsBone marrow‐derived equine MSCs were transduced with a lentiviral vector expressing interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) gene under the control of an inducible nuclear factor‐kappa B‐responsive promoter and IL‐1Ra production upon pro‐inflammatory cytokine stimulation [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)‐1β] was analysed. To assess the biological activity of the IL‐1Ra protein that was produced and the therapeutic effect of IL‐1Ra‐expressing MSCs (MSC/IL‐1Ra), cytokine‐based two‐ and three‐dimensional in vitro models of osteoarthritis using equine chondrocytes were established and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to measure the gene expression of aggrecan, collagen IIA1, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and matrix metalloproteinase‐13.ResultsA dose‐dependent increase in IL‐1Ra expression was found in MSC/IL‐1Ra cells upon TNFα administration, whereas stimulation using IL‐1β did not lead to IL‐1Ra production above the basal level observed in nonstimulated cells as a result of the existing feedback loop. Repeated cycles of induction allowed on/off modulation of transgene expression. In vitro analyses revealed that IL‐1Ra protein present in the conditioned medium from MSC/IL‐1Ra cells blocks OA onset in cytokine‐treated equine chondrocytes and co‐cultivation of MSC/IL‐1Ra cells with osteoarthritic spheroids alleviates the severity of the osteoarthritic changes.ConclusionsThus, pro‐inflammatory cytokine induced IL‐1Ra protein expression from genetically modified MSCs might represent a promising strategy for osteoarthritis treatment.
The effect of an active shooter response intervention on hospital employees’ response knowledge, perceived program usefulness, and perceived organizational preparedness
Authors: Landry Gail , Zimbro Kathie S. , Morgan Merri K. , Maduro Ralitsa S. , Snyder Tim , Sweeney Nancy L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractActive shooter events occur frequently across the United States in a variety of locations, including health care facilities. Hospital health care worker response to an active shooter event may mean the difference in life or death for self or others. There is little research on how hospitals prepare nonmanagers to respond to active shooter events. We conducted a study to explore differences in knowledge, perceived organizational preparedness, and program utility following participation in an active shooter response program. Self‐efficacy, personal characteristics, and professional characteristics were also explored. Program evaluation was conducted via a one‐group pretest/posttest design. There was a significant increase in knowledge and perceived organizational preparedness postintervention. Trait‐level self‐efficacy did not have a significant effect on retained knowledge and perceived organizational preparedness. The current study is the first known to evaluate the efficacy of an active shooter response program for nonmanagers within an inpatient health care facility. Findings from this study may inform risk managers on how to educate employees on what to expect and how to react should an active shooter event occur.
Wall shear stress estimation in the aorta: Impact of wall motion, spatiotemporal resolution, and phase noise
Authors: Zimmermann Judith , Demedts Daniel , Mirzaee Hanieh , Ewert Peter , Stern Heiko , Meierhofer Christian , Menze Bjoern , Hennemuth Anja 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundWall shear stress (WSS) presents an important parameter for assessing blood flow characteristics and evaluating flow‐mediated lesions in the aorta.PurposeTo investigate the robustness of WSS and oscillatory shear index (OSI) estimation based on 4D flow MRI against vessel wall motion, spatiotemporal resolution, and velocity encoding (VENC).Study TypeSimulated and prospective.PopulationSynthetic 4D flow MRI data of the aorta, simulated using the Lattice‐Boltzmann method; in vivo 4D flow MRI data of the aorta from healthy volunteers (n = 11) and patients with congenital heart defects (n = 17).Field Strength/Sequence1.5T; 4D flow MRI with PEAK‐GRAPPA acceleration and prospective electrocardiogram triggering.AssessmentPredicated upon 3D cubic B‐splines interpolation of the image velocity field, WSS was estimated in mid‐systole, early‐diastole, and late‐diastole and OSI was derived. We assessed the impact of spatiotemporal resolution and phase noise, and compared results based on tracked—using deformable registration—and static vessel wall location.Statistical TestsBland–Altman analysis to assess WSS/OSI differences; Hausdorff distance (HD) to assess wall motion; and Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) to assess correlation of HD with WSS.ResultsSynthetic data results show systematic over‐/underestimation of WSS when different spatial resolution (mean ± 1.96 SD up to –0.24 ± 0.40 N/m2 and 0.5 ± 1.38 N/m2 for 8‐fold and 27‐fold voxel size, respectively) and VENC‐depending phase noise (mean ± 1.96 SD up to 0.31 ± 0.12 N/m2 and 0.94 ± 0.28 N/m2 for 2‐fold and 4‐fold VENC increase, respectively) are given. Neglecting wall motion when defining the vessel wall perturbs WSS estimates to a considerable extent (1.96 SD up to 1.21 N/m2) without systematic over‐/underestimation (Bland–Altman mean range –0.06 to 0.05).Data ConclusionIn addition to sufficient spatial resolution and velocity to noise ratio, accurate tracking of the vessel wall is essential for reliable image‐based WSS estimation and should not be neglected if wall motion is present.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:718–728.
Comparison of Urodynamics and Perineal Ultrasonography for the Diagnosis of Mixed Urinary Incontinence in Women
Authors: Hu Yang , Lou Yelin , Liao Limin , Xu Min , Zhang Heng , Yang Qing , Wu Haixiao 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare urodynamic studies (UDS) and perineal ultrasonography (US) for the assessment of mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in women in China.MethodsAdult women with MUI and healthy control participants were enrolled from 2 centers in China (Zhejiang and Beijing) between September 2010 and April 2017. Baseline clinical characteristics were recorded. The MUI type was categorized by the King's Health Questionnaire: stress‐predominant, urge‐predominant, or equal predominance. Urodynamic studies were performed, followed within 1 week by perineal US. Tolerability of the investigations was compared by a 3‐point scale: better than, worse than, or equal to.ResultsFor UDS parameters, compared with controls, the urge‐predominant MUI group had a lower maximal flow rate, smaller bladder volume, higher detrusor pressure at urethral opening, higher detrusor pressure at maximal flow, and higher incidence of detrusor overactivity; the stress‐predominant MUI group had a lower maximal urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length; and the equal MUI group had a higher detrusor pressure at maximal flow and lower maximal urethral closure pressure (P < .05). For US parameters, compared with controls, the stress‐predominant MUI group had a greater dynamic posterior urethral angle, dynamic angle of urethral inclination, descent of the bladder neck, and dynamic pubourethral distance; the urge‐predominant MUI group had a greater detrusor thickness; and the equal MUI group had a greater descent of the bladder neck (P < .05). All UDS and US parameters differed significantly between the stress‐predominant and urge‐predominant groups (P < .05). The dynamic angle of urethral inclination, descent of the bladder neck, and dynamic pubourethral distance were inversely correlated with detrusor pressure at maximal flow and functional urethral length, while detrusor wall thickness was positively correlated with detrusor pressure at maximal flow and functional urethral length. Perineal US was better tolerated than UDS.ConclusionsPerineal US parameters show good correlations with UDS parameters. Ultrasonography is better tolerated than UDS and provides additional morphologic data. Perineal US could facilitate the diagnosis of urge‐predominant MUI.
Motion‐robust sub‐millimeter isotropic diffusion imaging through motion corrected generalized slice dithered enhanced resolution (MC‐gSlider) acquisition
Authors: Wang Fuyixue , Bilgic Berkin , Dong Zijing , Manhard Mary Kate , Ohringer Ned , Zhao Bo , Haskell Melissa , Cauley Stephen F. , Fan Qiuyun , Witzel Thomas , Adalsteinsson Elfar , Wald Lawrence L. , Setsompop Kawin 
Published: April 2018

PurposeTo develop an efficient MR technique for ultra‐high resolution diffusion MRI (dMRI) in the presence of motion.MethodsgSlider is an SNR‐efficient high‐resolution dMRI acquisition technique. However, subject motion is inevitable during a prolonged scan for high spatial resolution, leading to potential image artifacts and blurring. In this study, an integrated technique termed Motion Corrected gSlider (MC‐gSlider) is proposed to obtain high‐quality, high‐resolution dMRI in the presence of large in‐plane and through‐plane motion. A motion‐aware reconstruction with spatially adaptive regularization is developed to optimize the conditioning of the image reconstruction under difficult through‐plane motion cases. In addition, an approach for intra‐volume motion estimation and correction is proposed to achieve motion correction at high temporal resolution.ResultsTheoretical SNR and resolution analysis validated the efficiency of MC‐gSlider with regularization, and aided in selection of reconstruction parameters. Simulations and in vivo experiments further demonstrated the ability of MC‐gSlider to mitigate motion artifacts and recover detailed brain structures for dMRI at 860 μm isotropic resolution in the presence of motion with various ranges.ConclusionMC‐gSlider provides motion‐robust, high‐resolution dMRI with a temporal motion correction sensitivity of 2 s, allowing for the recovery of fine detailed brain structures in the presence of large subject movements.
Obesity, underweight and BMI distribution characteristics of children by gross national income and income inequality: results from an international survey
Authors: Murphy R. , Stewart A. W. , Hancox R. J. , Wall C. R. , Braithwaite I. , Beasley R. , Mitchell E. A. ,   the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
Published: April 2018

SummaryBACKGROUNDEconomic wealth and income inequality may impact on childhood BMI distribution by affecting overconsumption of food and sedentary forms of transportation and entertainment across the whole or some of the population.OBJECTIVESTo determine whether BMI distribution of children differs by gross national income (GNI) per capita and Gini index derived from World Bank data.METHODSSecondary analysis of largely self‐reported height and weight data from a multi‐country, cross‐sectional study (ISAAC), of 77,963 children aged 6–7 (from 19 countries) and 205,388 adolescents aged 13–14 (from 36 countries), were used to examine underweight vs obesity prevalence and BMI distribution skewness, median and dispersion.RESULTSChildren and adolescents from ‘lower’ GNI countries had higher prevalence of underweight than those from ‘higher’ GNI countries (6% vs 3%, p = 0.03; 2% vs 1%, p = 0.05 respectively), but the prevalence of obesity was not different (2% vs 5%, p = 0.29; 2% vs 2%, p = 0.66). BMI distribution of participants from ‘higher’ GNI countries had higher median, without significant difference in skewness or dispersion compared to ‘lower’ GNI countries (higher medians +1.1 kg/m2 for 6–7 year olds, and + 0.7 kg/m2, +1.2 kg/m2 for 13–14 year old girls and boys respectively). Gini index was not associated with underweight or obesity prevalence in either children or adolescents, nor with any BMI distribution characteristics with one exception. Adolescent girls from higher income inequality countries had a greater median BMI (+0.7 kg/m2) and a less skewed BMI distribution.CONCLUSIONSIt appears that the obesogenic impact of economic prosperity affects all children similarly. Income inequality may have a gender specific effect affecting BMI distribution in adolescent girls.
PET‐RAFT as a facile strategy for preparing functional lipid–polymer conjugates
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Niu Jia , Lunn David J. , Lawrence Jimmy , Knight Abigail S. , Zhang Mengwen , Hawker Craig J. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTFrom readily available starting materials, we report a facile synthesis of lipid–polymer conjugates (LPCs). Easy access to multigram quantities of a dialkyl lipid chain transfer agent allows a range of LPCs to be prepared bearing well‐defined hydrophilic polymer head‐groups, controlled molecular weights and low dispersity by photoelectron transfer RAFT polymerization (PET‐RAFT). As dictated by the lipid packing parameters, the resulting LPCs were suitable for solution‐phase self‐assembly, both independently and in combination with naturally occurring phospholipids, affording micelles, smaller vesicle‐like structures, or stabilized large unilamellar vesicles. Notably, co‐assembly of LPCs and phospholipids bearing mutually orthogonal fluorophores showed negligible phase separation/aggregation. To demonstrate the versatility of these LPCs, the RAFT chain‐end was removed, affording thiol‐terminated LPCs that could be used for the manipulation and stabilization of gold nanoparticle assemblies. Facile access to structurally diverse LPC building blocks enables a variety of biotechnology and biomedical applications, including drug‐delivery, cell engineering, and 3D‐printed biomaterials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1259–1268