bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of heat‐ and freeze‐drying treatments on phytochemical content and fatty acid profile of alfalfa and flax sprouts
Authors: Mattioli Simona , Dal Bosco Alessandro , Castellini Cesare , Falcinelli Beatrice , Sileoni Valeria , Marconi Ombretta , Mancinelli Alice Cartoni , Cotozzolo Elisa , Benincasa Paolo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDFresh sprouts are healthy foods, low in fats and high in phytochemicals, but have a short shelf‐life, hence the need for processing methods that preserve their nutritional value. This work was aimed at evaluating the effect of heat‐drying (HD) and freeze‐drying (FD) on the phytochemical and fatty acid profiles of alfalfa and flax sprouts, as compared to fresh material.RESULTSBoth FD and HD reduced the phytochemical contents compared to fresh sprouts. FD better preserved phytoestrogens, phytosterols and total tocols compared to HD. However, phytoestrogen and tocol content remained quite high also in HD. The fatty acid profile was affected only by sprouts species, with higher amounts of α‐linolenic acid in flax and linoleic acid in alfalfa sprouts.CONCLUSIONSThis work demonstrates that drying does not severely compromise the nutritional value of sprouts and provides a valid support for the choice of the drying method depending on the compound to be preserved, and taking into consideration the different cost of the methods. In addition, sprout powder is easy to handle and, due to its low volume, does not imply a decrease of feed consumption and energy intake, which is relevant in its use as a supplement in human and animal feeding. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A three‐dimensional perspective of Daphnia’s swimming behavior with and without predator cues
Authors: Langer Sina M. , Weiss Linda C. , Ekvall Mikael T. , Bianco Giuseppe , Hansson Lars‐Anders , Tollrian Ralph 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBehavioral adaptations play an important role in predator–prey interactions as they reduce predation risk. Prey organisms have therefore evolved a tremendous variability in behavioral adaptations. In case of small crustaceans of the genus Daphnia, which are common and important herbivores transferring energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels, such as predatory fish, and insects, altered migration patterns, swarming, or adaptive swimming speeds may increase survival rates. However, hitherto it has been difficult to analyze predator‐induced behavioral adaptations as the small body size, as well as the low contrast between the transparent animals and their environment, most often impede behavioral movement analysis of individual animals. Therefore, we worked with a newly established technique providing higher contrast. We tagged daphniids with fluorescent nanoparticles and used a three‐dimensional movement analysis system. We analyzed behavioral defense strategies of Daphnia clones from three species against different types of predators by measuring their behavior in presence and absence of predator cues. We analyzed swimming speed, depth selection, and motion patterns of Daphnia, as well as swarming behavior. We observed differences in the general swimming behavior in all analyzed aspects and show that daphniids change their behavioral strategies in the presence of predator cues, e.g., decrease their swimming speed as well as their vertical position or increase their nearest neighbor distance. Based on the observed changes in behavioral patterns, we conclude that the swimming behavior of daphniids may play an important role as inducible defense strategy that has the potential to improve prey survival chances.
Multi‐Responsive Bilayer Hydrogel Actuators with Programmable and Precisely Tunable Motions
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Huang Heqin , Liu Huan , Rehfeldt Florian , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Kai 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMulti‐responsive hydrogel actuators show promising applications for soft robotics, biomedical engineering, and artificial muscles, but the uncontrollable nature of their motions poses a barrier to practical applications. Herein, a novel type of bilayer hydrogel actuators (BHAs) is presented comprising of a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) and a poly (N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (PHEAm) hydrogel layer with various compositions, which demonstrate thermal‐responsive and novel solvent‐responsive actuation under water or within solvents. These BHAs exhibit a wide range of regulable bidirectional motions due to the simultaneous co‐nonsolvency property of PNIPAm and the shrinking behavior of PHEAm in ethanol/water mixtures with various ethanol contents. By adjusting the compositions of ethanol/water mixtures, the bending directions and amplitudes of BHAs are precisely regulable and the curvatures of actuators are tunable between −0.34 and 0.3. Because of the temperature‐responsive character of PNIPAm, BHAs fulfilled thermal‐driven motions to lift items. By reinforcing PHEAm layers with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) or CNCs bearing methacylamide moieties on the surface, the weight‐lifting capability of BHAs is highly improved to 18 times the weight of their own polymer weights. This design concept with bilayer structures provides a new strategy for the construction of precisely regulable hydrogel actuators, which allows using solvents to exactly control their motions.
Dysregulations of sonic hedgehog signaling in MED12‐related X‐linked intellectual disability disorders
Authors: Srivastava Siddharth , Niranjan Tejasvi , May Melanie M. , Tarpey Patrick , Allen William , Hackett Anna , Jouk Pierre‐Simon , Raymond Lucy , Briault Slyvain , Skinner Cindy , Toutain Annick , Gecz Jozef , Heath William , Stevenson Roger E. , Schwartz Charles E. , Wang Tao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundMutations in mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 12 homolog (MED12, OMIM 300188) cause X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) disorders including FG, Lujan, and Ohdo syndromes. The Gli3‐dependent Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway has been implicated in the original FG syndrome and Lujan syndrome. How are SHH‐signaling defects related to the complex clinical phenotype of MED12‐associated XLID syndromes are not fully understood.MethodsQuantitative RT‐PCR was used to study expression levels of three SHH‐signaling genes in lymophoblast cell lines carrying four MED12 mutations from four unrelated XLID families. Genotype and phenotype correlation studies were performed on these mutations.ResultsThree newly identified and one novel MED12 mutations in six affected males from four unrelated XLID families were studied. Three mutations (c.2692A>G; p.N898D, c.3640C>T; p.R1214C, and c.3884G>A; p.R1295H) are located in the LS domain and one (c.617G>A; p.R206Q) is in the L domain of MED12. These mutations involve highly conserved amino acid residues and segregate with ID and related congenital malformations in respective probands families. Patients with the LS‐domain mutations share many features of FG syndrome and some features of Lujan syndrome. The patient with the L‐domain mutation presented with ID and predominant neuropsychiatric features but little dysmorphic features of either FG or Lujan syndrome. Transcript levels of three Gli3‐dependent SHH‐signaling genes, CREB5, BMP4, and NEUROG2, were determined by quantitative RT‐PCR and found to be significantly elevated in lymphoblasts from patients with three mutations in the MED12‐LS domain.ConclusionsThese results support a critical role of MED12 in regulating Gli3‐dependent SHH signaling and in developing ID and related congenital malformations in XLID syndromes. Differences in the expression profile of SHH‐signaling genes potentially contribute to variability in clinical phenotypes in patients with MED12‐related XLID disorders.
Practitioner Knowledge, Personal Values, and Work Setting Influence Registered Dietitians’ Feeding Tube Recommendations for Patients With Advanced Dementia
Authors: Douglas Joy W. , Lawrence Jeannine C. , Turner Lori W. , Knol Linda L. , Ellis Amy C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines discourage tube‐feeding older adults with advanced dementia (AD), as this practice does not improve nutrition status or survival and decreases quality of life in these patients. Because registered dietitians (RDs) often provide feeding recommendations for patients with AD, this study aimed to identify factors that influenced RDs’ feeding tube recommendations for older adults with AD.MethodsA random sample of RDs who work with older adults in the United States completed a validated, electronic survey. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to the likelihood of RDs recommending a feeding tube for patients with AD. Independent variables included participant demographics and the 6 subscales of the Attitudes Toward Tube‐Feeding in Advanced Dementia Questionnaire, which measured individual and environmental influences on RDs’ recommendations.ResultsAmong the 662 RDs who responded, 72.2% were unlikely to recommend a feeding tube in patients with AD, and 15.4% were likely to do so (with the remaining being “neutral”). Factors associated with avoiding recommending a feeding tube include significantly higher total knowledge [odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% CI (1.30, 1.66)] and personal values scores [OR = 7.51, 95% CI (3.96, 14.24)] and employment in long‐term care settings [OR 3.29, 95% CI (1.38, 7.80)].ConclusionIn this survey, most RDs were likely to make recommendations that are consistent with current guidelines for tube feeding patients with AD. RDs who work outside the long‐term care setting may benefit from additional training. Future research is needed to understand how personal values may influence recommendations.
Malignant melanoma incidence among children and adolescents in Texas and SEER 13, 1995–2013
Authors: Danysh Heather E. , Navai Shoba A. , Scheurer Michael E. , Hunt Raegan , Venkatramani Rajkumar 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological knowledge and predictors of melanoma among children and adolescents in multiethnic populations are limited.ProcedureUsing data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 13 database, we identified incident melanoma cases diagnosed at 0–20 years old during 1995–2013 in Texas and the United States, respectively. Using negative binomial regression, associations between demographic factors and melanoma incidence rates (IR) were evaluated by calculating incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Annual percent change in IRs was assessed with joinpoint regression.ResultsOverall, the melanoma IR was 4.16 (TCR, n = 634) and 4.84 (SEER, n = 1260) per million. Females, adolescents, non‐Hispanic (NH) whites, and Hispanics had higher IRs compared with other groups (P < 0.05). In adjusted analyses, Hispanics had a higher incidence of melanoma than NH non‐whites (Texas IRR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.30–3.61; SEER IRR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.97–4.21). In Texas, NH whites with melanoma were more likely to live in low poverty areas, whereas the opposite trend was observed in Hispanics. Melanoma IRs increased throughout 1995–2004 followed by an average annual decrease of 7.6% (95% CI, −12.6%, −2.2%) in Texas and 6.0% (95% CI, −8.5%, −3.4%) in SEER during 2005–2013 (P < 0.05). However, these decreasing trends were not observed among Hispanics or those <10 years old.ConclusionAlthough the overall melanoma IR in children and adolescents appears to be decreasing, this trend is not evident among Hispanics and young children, implicating the need for further research investigating the etiologies and risk factors in these groups.
Hydroxyurea use in young infants with sickle cell disease
Authors: Schuchard Sarah B. , Lissick Jennifer R. , Nickel Amanda , Watson David , Moquist Kristin L. , Blaylark Rae M. , Nelson Stephen C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundHydroxyurea (HU) reduces complications and improves quality and duration of life in sickle cell disease. Evidence supports the use of HU starting after nine months of age.ProceduresWe performed a retrospective study of patients starting HU at less than five years of age between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2016. We evaluated clinical events, laboratory data, and toxicity between three different age groups: cohort 1 (0–1 year), cohort 2 (1–2 years), and cohort 3 (2–5 years).ResultsSixty‐five patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 7.2 months (n = 35), 19.5 months (n = 13), and 35.5 months (n = 17) for cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Cohort 1 had higher hemoglobin (P = 0.0003) and MCV (P = 0.0199) and lower absolute reticulocyte count (P = 0.0304) at 24 months of age compared with cohort 3. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was lower compared with both older cohorts (P = 0.0364, 0.0025). The mean baseline hemoglobin F in cohort 1 was 31.5% compared with 19.7% and 16.5% in cohorts 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.002, P < 0.0001). The mean duration of therapy was 31.3 months, 57.6 months (P = 0.018), and 29.1 months (P = 0.401), respectively. Mean Hb F levels remained higher in cohort 1 (29.9%) compared with cohorts 2 and 3 (20.4%, P = 0.007; 20.6%, P = 0.003). Cohort 1 experienced fewer hospitalizations (P = 0.0025), pain crises (P = 0.0618), and transfusions (P = 0.0426). There was no difference in toxicity between groups.ConclusionHU is safe and effective in patients 5 to 12 months of age and generated a more robust response compared with initiation in older patients.
The uptake of pan‐ethnic expanded carrier screening is higher when offered during preconception or early prenatal genetic counseling
Authors: Larsen Dana , Ma Jingmei , Strassberg Melissa , Ramakrishnan Rajesh , Van den Veyver Ignatia B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine factors that influence uptake of expanded carrier screening (ECS) among women undergoing preconception and prenatal genetic counseling.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 500 medical records from women with prenatal or preconception genetic counseling at a prenatal genetic counseling service. We tabulated acceptance of ECS by indication for genetic counseling along with demographic and pregnancy‐related factors.ResultsECS was offered to 483 of 500 women, and 192 (39.8%) accepted. Of the 67 women counseled preconceptionally, 46 (68.7%) accepted ECS. This was significantly more than for 416 women counseled during pregnancy, of whom 146 (35.1%) accepted (P ≤ 0.001). For pregnant patients, the mean gestational age of those accepting ECS (12 weeks 3 days; n = 146) was significantly lower than those declining (13 weeks 4 days; n = 270; P ≤ 0.001). The acceptance rates were 7 of 12 (58.3%, P = 0.195) for Ashkenazi Jewish women, 12 of 41 (29.3%; P = 0.186) for Asian women, and 7 of 25 (28.0%; P = 0.241) for women of mixed ethnicity.ConclusionsThese results suggest that receiving genetic counseling prior to or earlier in the first trimester is associated with acceptance of ECS and support the importance of early genetic counseling about carrier screening options.
Peptide with endothelial cell affinity and antiplatelet adhesion property to improve hemocompatibility of blood‐contacting biomaterials
Authors: Munisso Maria Chiara , Yamaoka Tetsuji 
Published: February 2019

AbstractClinical applications of various blood‐contacting biomaterials have been limited by the complications associated with hemolysis and coagulation on material surfaces. We have been developing anticoagulant‐free polymeric mechanical heart valves with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sewing cuff and have found that the insufficient hemocompatibility of ePTFE is one of the biggest problems to be overcome for their durability. In this work, we present a set of novel peptide sequences that bind selectively to endothelial cells (ECs) and have low platelet activation properties. Five 7mer‐oligopeptides selected from a phage display library were immobilized onto the ePTFE surface by a simple manufacturing protocol and evaluated in vitro. All sequences displayed a better EC‐binding property than the REDV. Two of the peptides displayed extremely low platelet adhesion and activation. In particular, HGGVRLY displayed the highest EC affinity and maximally reduced platelet adhesion. HGGVRLY is a promising peptide for modifying various types of blood‐contacting biomaterials.
Eumelanin for nature‐inspired UV‐absorption enhancement of plastics
Authors: Di Mauro Eduardo , Camaggi Matteo , Vandooren Nils , Bayard Caleb , De Angelis Jordan , Pezzella Alessandro , Baloukas Bill , Silverwood Richard , Ajji Abdellah , Pellerin Christian , Santato Clara 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn the human body, the black‐brown biopigment eumelanin blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the plastics industry, additives are often added to polymers to increase their UV‐absorption properties. We herein report an assessment of the biopigment eumelanin as a nature‐inspired additive for plastics to enhance their UV absorption. Since eumelanin is produced by natural sources and is nontoxic, it is an interesting candidate in the field of sustainable plastic additives. In this work, the eumelanin‐containing films of commercial ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer, a plastic used for packaging applications, were obtained by melt compounding and compression molding. The biopigment dispersion in the films was improved by means of the melanin free acid treatment. It was observed that eumelanin amounts as low as 0.8 wt% caused an increase of the UV absorption, up to one order of magnitude in the UVA range. We also evaluated the effect of eumelanin on the thermal stability and photostability of the films: the biopigment proved to be double‐edged, working both as UV‐absorption enhancer and photo‐prooxidant, as thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy revealed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Should There Be A Part II ABPMR Examination?: A Psychometric Inquiry
Authors: Chiodo Anthony , Raddatz Mikaela , Driscoll Sherilyn W. , Sliwa James A. , Clark Gary S. , Robinson Lawrence R. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundCertification by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) requires passing both a written multiple choice examination (Part I) and an oral examination (Part II), but it has been unclear whether the two examinations measure the same or different dimensions of knowledge.ObjectiveTo evaluate the concordance between the Part I and Part II examinations for ABPMR initial certification with regard to candidate performance on the examinations and their subsets. Our question is whether the Part II examination provides additional assessment of a candidate beyond what Part I provides.DesignRetrospective psychometric evaluation of deidentified board examination scores.SettingABPMR database of Part I and Part II examination scores.ParticipantsCandidates for the ABPMR Part I and Part II examinations after 2005, with a more detailed analysis of candidates for the Part I examination from 2014 to 2016. Examination scores of candidates who took the Part II examination both before and after the examination was standardized in 2005 were also used for an additional analysis.MethodsCorrelations, simple linear regressions, and principal components analysis.Main Outcome MeasurementsCorrelation coefficients, variance analysis, and unexplained variance in the principal components analysis.ResultsThere is a weak to moderate correlation between performance on the Part I and Part II examinations: r = 0.33, P < .001. There is an additional dimension of assessment that is demonstrated on the Part II examination, with this being primarily in the domains of systems‐based practice and interpersonal communication skills.ConclusionThe Part I and Part II examinations, although with some overlap, contribute different and meaningful components to the overall evaluation of candidates for board certification in PM&R.Level of EvidenceIII.
Joint Hypermobility among Female Patients Presenting with Chronic Myofascial Pelvic Pain
Authors: Hastings Julie , Forster Jeri E. , Witzeman Kathryn 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundFemale chronic pelvic pain is estimated to affect up to 24% of adult women, many of whom have a component of myofascial pelvic pain. Although an association of joint hypermobility and pelvic pain has been hypothesized, limited data are available that estimate the prevalence of joint hypermobility in this population.ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder (G‐HSD) among female patients with chronic myofascial pelvic pain and examine the association between G‐HSD and other frequent pelvic pain‐associated complaints.Study DesignRetrospective case control.SettingTertiary referral center within a university‐affiliated public health system.PatientsAdult women who were diagnosed with myofascial pelvic pain during a 1‐year period (n = 77 with G‐HSD and n = 241 without G‐HSD).MethodsData were abstracted via chart review of patients meeting inclusion criteria.OutcomesThe primary outcome of this study was the prevalence of G‐HSD among patients with persistent myofascial pelvic pain. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of dyspareunia, provoked vestibulodynia, stress urinary incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, hip pain, low back pain, and fibromyalgia in patients with persistent myofascial pelvic pain with and without G‐HSD.ResultsTwenty‐four percent (N = 77; 95% CI: 19.6, 29.4) of myofascial pelvic pain patients also met criteria for G‐HSD. After adjusting for confounders, the odds in favor of having G‐HSD was 3.55 higher (95% CI: 1.50, 8.40) (P = .004) in females with dyspareunia; 7.46 higher (95% CI: 2.41, 23.1) (P < .001) with low back pain; 3.76 higher (95% CI: 1.35, 10.5) (P = .02) with stress urinary incontinence; 4.72 higher (95% CI: 2.00, 11.2) (P < .001) with irritable bowel syndrome; and 3.12 higher (95% CI: 1.36, 7.13) (P = .007) with hip pain. There was no significant association identified between provoked vestibulodynia or fibromyalgia and G‐HSD.ConclusionThe estimated prevalence of G‐HSD is higher in chronic myofascial pelvic pain patients than in the general population with statistically significant associations with several comorbid conditions. Characterizing these associations is the first step in developing effective, evidence‐based screening recommendations.Level of EvidenceIII