bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Ureaplasma spp. serovars in genital tract of infertile males
Authors: Song Tiejun , Liu Zhiwei , Zhang Ying , Han Yetao , Huang Jun 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe colonization of Ureaplasma species in genital tract is related with male infertility. However, it has been postulated based upon limited study that virulence is related to serotype specificity. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of Ureaplasma serovars in genital tract of infertile males and analyze their role in male infertility.MethodsA total of 358 urethral swabs samples were obtained from infertile males. The culture of Ureaplasma species were performed using a commercially available Mycoplasma IST 2 kit. Serovars were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (real‐time PCR).ResultsA total of 92 (25.7%) infertile males were positive for Ureaplasma spp; among them, Ureaplasma parvum (UPA) was detected in 73 (79.3%) isolates, and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UUR) was detected in 19 (20.7%) isolates. Serovars 1, 6, or in combination accounted for 63.0% (46/73) of UPA isolates. Serovar 9 (alone and in combination of other serovars) was the most common serovar in UUR (47.4%, 9/19). Multiple serovars were detected in 21 (22.8%) isolates, and serovars 4, 5, 7, and 12 were not detected in any sample.ConclusionThe distribution of 14 Ureaplasma serovars in genital tract of infertile males was identified for the first time by real‐time PCR assay. UPA serovars 1 and 6, and UUR serovar 9 are the most common serovars colonization in urogenital tract of infertile males.
Sample‐to‐cutoff ratios using Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo: The influence with the results of supplemental tests and optimal cutoff value to predict HIV infection
Authors: Wang Linchuan , Wang Jing‐Yuan , Tian Xu‐Dong , Ruan Jin‐xiong , Yu Yan , Yan Fang 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo has excellent performance for HIV screening; however, the false‐positive rate (FPR) was high in low HIV prevalence setting.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of sample‐to‐cutoff (s/co) ratios by Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo with the results of confirmatory test and explore the potential utility of s/co to predict HIV infection.MethodsA retrospective review on Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo reactive results was performed at a teaching hospital in Xi'an. The s/co values in different groups, that is, true positives (TP) and false positives (FP), different Western blotting (WB) bands among WB‐positive cases, were compared. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff value for predicting HIV infection.ResultsDuring the study period, 219 out of 84 702 patients were reactive by ARCHITECT with a 0.0992% of HIV prevalence and a 56.25% of FPR. The mean s/co ratios in TP were significantly higher than that in FP (458.15 vs 3.11, P < 0.0001). Among the WB‐positive cases, the s/co ratios increased significantly with the increase in the number of bands, P = 0.0065. The optimal cutoff (24.44) by ROC analysis can provide the highest sum of sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) with no FP results.ConclusionsFor Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo, the FPR is reduced when s/co ratios increase, and the s/co ≥24.44 may be reliable to predict HIV infection.
Study on the diagnosis of gout with xanthine and hypoxanthine
Authors: Wang Yu , Deng Miao , Deng Binge , Ye Liming , Fei Xiaofan , Huang Zhigang 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundHyperuricemia is the only biochemical index in the classification of acute gouty arthritis in American Rheumatism Association 1977 and the main basis of clinical diagnosis for most doctors. However, nearly half of the time gout occurs without hyperuricemia, especially in an acute attack，which leads to an urgent need to find a new substitute diadynamic criteria of gout. Xanthine and hypoxanthine, as precursors of uric acid, have been reported to be high in gout patients with hyperuricemia and presumed to be gout biomarkers.ObjectivesTo further explore the possibility of xanthine and hypoxanthine to be gout biomarkers as substitutes for uric acid.MethodsA reversed‐phase HPLC‐UV method was employed for simultaneous quantitative detection of uric acid (UA), xanthine (X), and hypoxanthine (HX) in gout patients’ (with and without hyperuricemia) and healthy persons’ serum.ResultsThe xanthine and hypoxanthine concentrations in gout patients with hyperuricemia and without hyperuricemia are higher than in healthy persons with a P < 0.001.ConclusionsThis study supplements previous researches by confirming that xanthine and hypoxanthine are significantly elevated in gout patients’ serum especially in patients’ with normouricemia, which supported xanthine and hypoxanthine may have clinical application for the diagnosis of gout.
Rumination moderates the role of meaning in the development of prolonged grief symptomatology
Authors: Milman Evgenia , Neimeyer Robert A. , Fitzpatrick Marilyn , MacKinnon Christopher J. , Muis Krista R. , Cohen S. Robin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjective:To address the etiology of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) by examining whether rumination moderates the role of meaning‐making in mediating the impact of PGD risk factors.Method:A survey assessing PGD risk factors (low social support, insecure attachment, violent loss, neuroticism, and loss of a spouse), meaning, and rumination was administered 2–12 months postloss among adults across North America and Europe (mean age = 44.3, 71.9% female). At a 7–10 months follow‐up, symptoms of PGD were assessed (n = 171).Results:When measuring meaning with the Grief and Meaning Reconstruction Inventory, the moderated mediation pathway was significant for each PGD‐risk factor. However, when measuring meaning with the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences‐Short Form, the pathway was significant for every risk factors except violent loss.Conclusions:Rumination appears to moderate meaning‐making in the development of PGD symptomatology. These findings highlight rumination as a target for intervention with at‐risk grievers.
Bicultural stress, coping, and psychological functioning among Mexican‐descent and White college students
Authors: Piña‐Watson Brandy , Romero Andrea J. , Navarro Rachel L. , Ojeda Lizette 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe present study investigates associations between bicultural stress, coping, and responses to stress (RTS) in relation to depressive symptoms and self‐esteem for Mexican‐descent and non‐Latinx White college students.MethodWith a sample of 268 Mexican‐descent and non‐Latinx White college students, two multiple‐mediation path models and two moderation models are examined.ResultsThe hypothesized mediation models were both supported indicating higher bicultural stress is associated with higher reporting of engaged and disengaged forms of coping and RTS. Engaged coping was associated with mental health resiliency while disengaged coping and RTS contributed to vulnerability. Disengaged and secondary engaged coping were mediators in the depressive symptoms and self‐esteem models. In terms of moderation, disengaged coping and RTS were both moderators in the bicultural stress–depressive symptoms relationships.ConclusionsCollege students' reactions to bicultural stress may either promote mental health resiliency through engaged strategies or increase vulnerability through disengaged coping and involuntary RTS.
Role of the novel gene BZW2 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jin Xin , Liao Mingmei , Zhang Lihua , Yang Manyi , Zhao Jinfeng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in adults. Basic leucine zipper and W2 domains 2 (BZW2) is a member of the basic‐region leucine zipper (bZIP) superfamily of transcription factors. Here, we found that BZW2 expression was substantially increased in both human HCC tissues and cell lines, which was correlated with the clinical progression of patients with HCC. Silence of BZW2 in HCC cells by infecting with the lentivirus for delivering BZW2 shRNA (short hairpin RNA), prohibits cell progression, as determined by the suppressed cell proliferation, clonality, invasion, and increased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of BZW2 promotes drug resistance of HCC cells, as shown by the attenuated suppression of cell viability and invasion following rapamycin (RAPA) treatment. Mechanistically, overexpression (or silence) of BZW2 in HCC cells significantly stimulates (or decreases) the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which is responsible for HCC progression. Thus, increased BZW2 expression in HCC can induce HCC progression and drug resistance via stimulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which may represent a new therapeutic target for HCC.
Hepatocyte growth factor plays a dual role in tendon‐derived stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation
Authors: Han Peilin , Cui Qingbo , Lu Wenjun , Yang Shulong , Shi Manyu , Li Zhou , Gao Peng , Xu Bo , Li Zhaozhu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHeterotopic ossification is common in tendon healing after trauma, but the detailed mechanisms remain unknown. Tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) are a type of progenitor cell found in the tendon niche, and their incorrect differentiation after trauma may lead to tendon calcification. The expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) presents drastic fluctuations in serum/tissue after trauma and was found to activate quiescent stellate cells and contribute to wound healing; however, its potential role in TDSCs remains elusive. In this study, TDSCs isolated from rats were cultured in media containing HGF with or without a signaling inhibitor, and the proliferation, migration, and differentiation ability of TDSCs were measured to determine the role and mechanism of HGF in TDSCs. We showed that HGF promotes TDSC proliferation and migration but inhibits TDSC osteogenic differentiation ability. HGF activated‐HGF/c‐Met, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling, which was positively correlated with TDSCs proliferation and migration but negatively related to TDSC osteogenic differentiation ability. The phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 was also negatively related to HGF/c‐Met, MAPK/ERK1/2, and PI3K/AKT signaling, which demonstrated that the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation was dependent on BMP/Smad1/5/8 signaling. Overall, we showed that HGF could promote TDSCs proliferation and migration and inhibit osteogenic differentiation in vitro, suggesting a potential role for HGF as a cytokine treatment of tendon trauma.
Comparison of student team dynamics between nonflipped and flipped versions of a large‐enrollment sophomore design engineering course
Authors: Baughman Jacqulyn , Hassall Lesya , Xu Xiaowei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the differences between team dynamics in nonflipped and flipped versions of a multisection team‐ and project‐based sophomore engineering design course.Purpose/HypothesisWe hypothesized that team dynamics in nonflipped and flipped course settings may reveal differences in student perceptions of team conflict, peer assessment, and team member satisfaction as well as possible relationships among these three variables.Design/MethodStudents in both nonflipped and flipped settings completed a web‐based Comprehensive Assessment of Team Member Effectiveness (CATME) SMARTER Teamwork survey. A series of ANCOVAs and path analyses were conducted to gain insights into team dynamics in both course environments.ResultsAlthough no significant differences in team conflict were found, significantly higher levels of team member satisfaction and peer assessment rates were detected in the flipped course. The path analysis revealed relationships among team conflict, team member satisfaction, and peer assessment in both course versions. Differences in relationships among the unidimensional levels of team conflict and the other two variables were found between the nonflipped and flipped versions.ConclusionsThe primary pedagogical implication of this research points to the affordance of the flipped course setting in providing sufficient time for student members to become cohesive teams. As part of the student experience, engineering educators are encouraged to allow time for team formation and development in addition to content learning. Instructors should provide guidance that helps teams and individuals understand themselves and others as well as create workflows to support their learning and team management.
Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in egg parasitoid, Ooencyrtus nezarae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Roh Gwang Hyun , Lee Yeon Jeong , Zhu Junwei J. , Park Chung Gyoo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMorphology of antennal sensilla and their distribution were investigated in adults of Ooencyrtus nezarae, an egg parasitoid of Riptortus pedestris, using scanning electron microscopy. Male antennae was found to be significantly greater in overall length than female antennae. The antenna of O. nezarae was composed of the radicula, scape, pedicel, funicle and clava in both sexes, with seven types of sensilla identified: sensillum trichodea; s. finger‐like; s. placoidea; s. chaetica; s. basiconica; s. coeloconica, and s. campaniform. They occur in varying number and distribution along the antennae. Two sensillum types were further categorized into additional subtypes, with two subtypes in s. trichodea and three in s. chaetica. Among all characterized sensilla, s. trichodea subtype 1 and s. placoidea were multiporous, indicating that the primary function of these sensilla is olfactory. Sensillum trichodea was the most abundant sensillum type on the antennae of both sexes. Sexual dimorphism was only observed from the subtype 1 sensilla of s. trichodea in males and the subtype 3 sensilla of s. chaetica in females. The morphological information established in our study may provide useful information for further investigations in sensory physiological function of each morphological type of sensilla and their related behavior in this egg parasitoid.
Antimalarial drugs and their metabolites are potent Zika virus inhibitors
Authors: Han Yingshan , Pham Hanh T. , Xu Hongtao , Quan Yudong , Mesplède Thibault 
Published: February 2019

AbstractStudies aimed at repurposing existing drugs revealed that some antimalarial compounds possess anti‐Zika virus (anti‐ZIKV) activity. Here, we further tested 14 additional antimalarial drugs and their metabolites or analogs for anti‐ZIKV activity using a phenotypic screening approach. We identified four compounds with varying anti‐ZIKV activity, including a metabolite of amodiaquine termed desethylamodiaquine (DAQ) and N‐desethylchloroquine (DECQ), a metabolite of chloroquine, which both exhibited low micromolar effective concentrations against three different ZIKV strains. Two other compounds termed dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and quinidine (QD) exhibited only partial inhibition of ZIKV replication. Characterization of the inhibitory mechanisms of DAQ and DECQ showed that both drugs target the entry step as well as postentry events of the viral replication cycle. These hits represent attractive starting points for future optimization of new anti‐ZIKV drug candidates derived from antimalarial drugs and their analogs.
Heterogeneously integrated resonant waveguide grating structure on magneto‐active elastomeric sponge
Authors: Ray Chaudhuri Ritesh , Rostami Azmand Hojjat , Song Youngsik , Seo Sang‐Woo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this article, we employ thin‐film resonant waveguide grating structure on magneto‐active elastomeric sponge using a delamination‐assisted transfer process. Periodic nanostructured polymer layer was successfully separated from its host substrate and transferred onto a spongy elastomeric structure embedded with magnetic nanoparticles as a magneto‐optical sensor. The fabricated magnetic sensor shows potential sensing enhancement from optical resonance characteristics. Based on a post‐integration scheme, the presented approach can be applied to various nonplanar structures, which opens new avenues for low‐cost novel sensing applications.
Single‐shot measurement of solids and liquids T1 values by a small‐angle flip‐flop pulse sequence
Authors: Cucinelli Neto Roberto Pinto , Rodrigues Elton Jorge da Rocha , Tavares Maria Inês Bruno 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe propose the small‐angle flip‐flop (SAFF) pulse sequence as an alternative procedure for the rapid measurement of the 1H spin–lattice relaxation time in the laboratory frame (T1) of solid and liquid substances, in a time‐domain NMR experiment. Based on the original flip‐flop pulse sequence, this technique allows the fast estimation of T1 values of samples that require minutes to hours of acquisition time if traditional pulse sequences are employed. We have applied SAFF to different substances, with T1 ranging from microseconds up to seconds, including natural clays, polymers, and organic and inorganic solvents. We also demonstrate the potential of the pulse sequence in the real‐time monitoring of dynamic processes, such as the conformational changes of polymeric materials during heating. The results we obtained with SAFF are comparable with those acquired with the inversion‐recovery pulse sequence, with the addition of several benefits. This pulse sequence obeys steady‐state and magnetization‐conserving principles, making it possible to dismiss the need for relaxation delay times of the order of 5T1. SAFF has shown high sensitivity in the resolution of individual components of T1 in multiexponential systems and can be easily integrated to well‐established pulse sequences, such as Magic Sandwich Echo and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill, for the single‐shot determination of T1 and T2 or T2*.
Detection of the effects and potential interactions of FSH, VEGFA, and 2‐methoxyestradiol in follicular angiogenesis, growth, and atresia in mouse ovaries
Authors: Zhang Jinbi , Zhang Jun , Gao Beibei , Xu Yinxue , Liu Honglin , Pan Zengxiang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOvarian follicular development is a complex process that requires codevelopment of the perifollicular vascular network, which is closely regulated by angiogenic factors, gonadotropins, sex steroids, and their metabolites. To detect the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor 120 (VEGF120), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME2) on follicular angiogenesis during development and atresia, we treated sexually immature and mature female mice with VEGF120, FSH, 2ME2, and FSH receptor (FSHR) antagonist singly or in combination via intraperitoneal injection. The number of follicles and their perifollicular angiogenesis and atresia rates at different developmental stages were examined in paraffin sections after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results showed that the exogenous factors have specific and precise effects on developmental, angiogenesis, and atresia processes in follicles of different sizes in mature and immature mice. Perifollicular angiogenesis was regulated by VEGFA and closely related to follicular development and atresia. 2ME2 affected angiogenesis through VEGFA and might regulate atresia directly. FSH might control VEGFA function via both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms because FSHR was required for achieving VEGFA functions at all the follicular development stages. The present study presents insights into the mechanisms of FSH, 2ME2, and VEGFA in follicular development and disorders and provides a foundation for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Team orienteering with uncertain rewards and service times with an application to phlebotomist intrahospital routing
Authors: Jin Huan , Thomas Barrett W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study focuses on the intrahospital routing of phlebotomists at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing specimens from patients based on doctors' orders. The results of the analysis of these specimens play an important role in determining patient treatment. However, the demand for phlebotomists is likely to outpace supply over the next few years. Therefore, it is important to improve the efficiency of phlebotomists. In this paper, we formulate the phlebotomist intrahospital routing problem as a team orienteering problem with stochastic rewards and service times. The rewards and service times are particularly interesting as they are the result of a queueing process. We present an a priori solution approach and derive a method for efficiently sampling the value of a solution, a value that cannot be determined analytically. Finally, we demonstrate that our proposed approach outperforms the current practice at UIHC.
Physical Activity Energy Expenditure and Total Daily Energy Expenditure in Successful Weight Loss Maintainers
Authors: Ostendorf Danielle M. , Caldwell Ann E. , Creasy Seth A. , Pan Zhaoxing , Lyden Kate , Bergouignan Audrey , MacLean Paul S. , Wyatt Holly R. , Hill James O. , Melanson Edward L. , Catenacci Victoria A. 
Published: February 2019

Objective
The objective of this study was to compare physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in successful weight loss maintainers (WLM) with normal weight controls (NC) and controls with overweight/obesity (OC).
Methods
Participants were recruited in three groups: WLM (n = 25, BMI 24.1 ± 2.3 kg/m2; maintaining ≥ 13.6‐kg weight loss for ≥ 1 year), NC (n = 27, BMI 23.0 ± 2.0 kg/m2; similar to current BMI of WLM), and OC (n = 28, BMI 34.3 ± 4.8 kg/m2; similar to pre–weight loss BMI of WLM). TDEE was measured using the doubly labeled water method. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using indirect calorimetry. PAEE was calculated as (TDEE − [0.1 × TDEE] − REE).
Results
PAEE in WLM (812 ± 268 kcal/d, mean ± SD) was significantly higher compared with that in both NC (621 ± 285 kcal/d, P < 0.01) and OC (637 ± 271 kcal/d, P = 0.02). As a result, TDEE in WLM (2,495 ± 366 kcal/d) was higher compared with that in NC (2,195 ± 521 kcal/d, P = 0.01) but was not significantly different from that in OC (2,573 ± 391 kcal/d).
Conclusions
The high levels of PAEE and TDEE observed in individuals maintaining a substantial weight loss (−26.2 ± 9.8 kg maintained for 9.0 ± 10.2 years) suggest that this group relies on high levels of energy expended in physical activity to remain in energy balance (and avoid weight regain) at a reduced body weight.
Is Doctor Referral to a Low‐Energy Total Diet Replacement Program Cost‐Effective for the Routine Treatment of Obesity?
Authors: Kent Seamus , Aveyard Paul , Astbury Nerys , Mihaylova Borislava , Jebb Susan A. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThe study objective was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of a commercially provided low‐energy total diet replacement (TDR) program compared with nurse‐led behavioral support.MethodsA multistate life table model and the weight reduction observed in a randomized controlled trial were used to evaluate the quality‐adjusted life‐years and direct health care costs (in United Kingdom 2017 prices) over a lifetime with TDR versus nurse‐led support in adults who had obesity, assuming that (i) weight returns to baseline over 5 years and (ii) a 1‐kg weight loss is maintained after 5 years following TDR.ResultsThe per‐person costs of the TDR and nurse‐led programs were £796 and £34, respectively. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of TDR was £12,955 (95% CI: £8,082‐£17,827) assuming that all weight lost is regained and £3,203 (£2,580‐£3,825) assuming that a 1‐kg weight loss is maintained after 5 years. TDR was estimated to be more cost‐effective (i.e., lower incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios) in older adults and those with a higher BMI, with little difference by gender.ConclusionsAt current retail prices and with plausible long‐term weight regain trajectories, TDR is projected to be cost‐effective in adults with obesity and could be considered as an option to treat obesity in routine health care settings.