bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The feasibility study of an in situ marine polysaccharide‐based hydrogel as the vitreous substitute
Authors: Jiang Xiaolei , Peng Yanfei , Yang Chaozhong , Liu Wanshun , Han Baoqin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough various biopolymers and synthetic compounds have been proposed and tested as the vitreous substitutes, no ideal material has been identified yet. In the present study, we developed an in situ‐formed hydrogel by crosslinking hydroxypropyl chitosan with alginate dialdehyde. Physical properties of the hydrogel were studied and the cytotoxicity was evaluated using L929 fibroblasts, rabbit corneal endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells. In a preliminary in vivo study, the hydrogel was employed as vitreous substitute after vitrectomy surgery on rabbits and multiple parameters indicating biosafety and biocompatibility were measured and analyzed postoperatively. Our results showed that the refractive index, transmittance, pH value and density of the hydrogel were similar to those of human vitreous. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated the hydrogel to be nontoxic to all of the three cell lines selected. Using the rabbit model, we showed that the hydrogel could form in situ and postoperative analysis of slit‐lamp observation, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelium examination, B‐scan ultrasound and fundus photography showed no significant adverse reactions in the operated eyes during the 90‐day follow‐up. However, electroretinogram and histopathological examinations indicated minor vision decline and decrease of the densities of cones and rods in the operated rabbit eyes. Collectively, our study suggested that the in situ‐formed hydrogel could potentially be used as a vitreous substitute, with its long‐term safety and efficacy to be further assessed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1997–2006, 2018.
Surface modification of polypropylene for enhanced layer‐by‐layer deposition of polyelectrolytes
Authors: Hachim Daniel , Brown Bryan N. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe have performed three distinct plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition procedures that can be widely and consistently used in commercially available plasma systems to modify the surface of hydrocarbon‐based biomaterials such as polypropylene. In particular, we have evaluated the feasibility of these procedures to provide consistent and stable charged substrates to perform layer‐by‐layer (LbL) coatings. Surface characterization of both plasma and LbL coatings were done using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements and surface staining. Results showed successful surface grafting of functional groups in all plasma procedures that led to increased hydrophilicity and uniform LbL coatings with different efficiencies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2078–2085, 2018
Application of alginate microbeads as a carrier of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 for bone regeneration
Authors: Lee Yun Hwan , Lee Byung‐Woo , Jung Yun Chan , Yoon Byung‐Il , Woo Heung‐Myong , Kang Byung‐Jae 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) is commonly used to enhance bone regeneration. The potential of BMP‐2 for bone regeneration varies according to the concentration and release kinetics on the implanted site. Therefore, it is important to determine appropriate carriers of BMP‐2. However, no optimal delivery vehicles have been identified. In the present study, we used alginate microbeads as a delivery vehicle for BMP‐2. Alginate microbeads can be implanted onto the disease site through surgery or injection. The objective of this study was to evaluate that the osteoinductive properties of BMP‐2 are effective in alginate microbeads as a carrier. In this study, the release kinetics of BMP‐2 in alginate microbeads was evaluated using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. BMP‐2 released from alginate microbeads induced high alkaline phosphatase activity in canine adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Injection of alginate microbeads with BMP‐2 into mouse subcutaneous tissue, as well as surgical implantation into the 5‐mm circular calvarial defects in rats, was conducted and the results showed extensive new bone formation. In conclusion, alginate microbeads can be utilized as an effective BMP‐2 delivery vehicle for use in orthopedic surgery and as an injectable vehicle for a minimally invasive therapy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 286–294, 2019.
Knee extension rate of torque development and peak torque: associations with lower extremity function
Authors: Osawa Yusuke , Studenski Stephanie A. , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundWith aging, the ability to generate muscle force decreases, contributing to declines in physical functions such as walking. While most studies assess muscle force by peak torque, the rate of torque development (RTD) reflects a dynamic component of muscle performance that is important for physical function. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we assessed whether RTD adds significantly to peak torque in associations with lower extremity performance. If so, RTD may help identify weak older adults for screening and intervention.MethodsWe assessed associations of RTD and peak torque with physical performance independent of demographics, BMI, body composition, and each other in 1089 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants (49.7% women; aged 26 to 96 years; women, 64.0 ± 13.8 years; men, 68.4 ± 14.4 years). Peak torque was assessed by isometric and 30 deg/s isokinetic knee extension tests. Peak RTD was operationalized as the maximum torque‐time slope among successive 50 ms epochs over the first 3 s of a test of knee extension isometric strength, with the knee joint positioned at 120 deg of flexion. A battery of lower extremity performance tests included gait speed during a 6 m walk at usual and fast pace (6 m usual and fast), time to complete a 400 m walk at fast pace (400 m), distance covered in a 2.5 min walk at normal pace (2.5 min), time to complete 5 and 10 chair stands, and two summary tests of lower extremity performance. Sex‐stratified generalized linear regression models were adjusted for age, race, BMI, appendicular lean mass, and whole body fat mass.ResultsIn men, independent of either measure of peak torque and cofactors, RTD was a significant (P < 0.05) predictor of all lower extremity performance tests except the 400 m and 2.5 min walks. In women, independent of peak torque, RTD was only a significant independent correlate of the 6 m fast walk (P < 0.001).ConclusionsRTD independently contributes to physical functions in men but less in women. The mechanisms underlying the sex difference are unclear and require further study.
Application of pathways activity profiling to urine metabolomics for screening Qi‐tonifying biomarkers and metabolic pathways of honey‐processed Astragalus
Authors: Liu Wuping , Li Chanyi , Huang Jing , Liao Jingzhu , Liao Shuangye , Ma Wenjie , Chen Hongyuan , Rui Wen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHoney‐processed Astragalus, a widely used Qi‐tonifying and immunomodulating herb in traditional Chinese medicine, has strengthened the tonic effects and achieved fewer side effects compared with astragali radix in clinical application. Here, we focus on Qi‐tonifying biomarkers and pathways of honey‐processed Astragalus using urine metabolomics that provide the basis for building the linkage between metabolites in rat urine and its symptoms. The spleen Qi deficiency model group, normal group, astragali radix group, and honey‐processed Astragalus group were implemented to evaluate Qi‐tonifying effects. Twelve potential biomarkers were screened by multivariate statistical analysis by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, pathways activity profiling showed unique pathways that are primarily involved in tryptophan metabolism, tricarboxylic acids cycle, and methionine metabolism. The results demonstrated that metabolomics coupled with pathway activity profiling were promising tools. It might serve as a novel methodological clue to systematically dissect the underlying Qi‐tonifying mechanism of honey‐processed Astragalus.
CETP and LCAT Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with High‐Density Lipoprotein Subclasses and Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Vargas‐Alarcon Gilberto , Perez‐Mendez Oscar , Herrera‐Maya Gabriel , Garcia‐Sanchez Cynthia , Martinez‐Rios Marco Antonio , Peña‐Duque Marco Antonio , Posadas‐Sanchez Rosalinda , Posadas‐Romero Carlos , Escobedo Galileo , Fragoso Jose Manuel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe evaluated whether CETP and LCAT gene polymorphisms are statistically associated with the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) size distribution, the cholesterol level of HDL subclasses, and the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) susceptibility. Two CETP gene polymorphisms (rs4783961 and rs708272) and one LCAT polymorphism (rs2292318) were genotyped by 5′ exonuclease TaqMan assays in 619 patients with ACS and 607 control individuals. For HDL analysis, a subgroup of 100 healthy individuals was recruited; the HDL subclasses were separated via ultracentrifugation and polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis under native conditions. Under a dominant model, the G allele of the rs708272 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of ACS (odds ratios [OR] = 1.45, corrected p‐value [pCDom] = 0.036). The linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that one of the eight possible combinations was associated with the risk of developing ACS (OR = 1.52, pC = 0.02), which suggests that it may contribute to coronary atherosclerosis. The rs708272 G allele carriers had a lower concentration of cholesterol associated with the HDL2a and HDL3a subclasses when compared with subjects carrying the A allele. Carriers of LCAT rs2292318 A allele showed a lower concentration of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) in comparison to the GG genotype; the cholesterol associated with the each one of the five HDL subclasses was significantly lower in rs2292318 A than in GG subjects. In summary, this study demonstrates that the rs708272 polymorphism is associated with a heightened risk of developing ACS. In addition, we report the association of the rs708272 and rs2292318 polymorphisms with HDL‐C levels and HDL subclasses.
How Do I Confirm that a New Mutation is Pathogenic?
Authors: Trinh Joanne , Tadic Vera , Klein Christine 
Published: March 2018

AbstractView Supplementary Video 1Whole exome, genome sequencing, and other massive parallel next generation sequencing technologies have increasingly been used as a clinical diagnostic tool in recent years. Although sequencing technologies are becoming more affordable and widely used, the interpretation of variants from these large datasets at the level of personalized medicine is not clear‐cut. For example, many rare missense variants identified may or may not have an impact on gene function and can be problematic to interpret in a clinical setting. Thus, there is a need for a systematic approach to applying, reporting, and evaluating variants identified. One important aspect is to determine the pathogenicity of a variant based on scientific literature. This tutorial is meant to serve as an introduction to scoring pathogenicity of variants, enabling movement disorder specialists to familiarize themselves with online tools to independently determine pathogenicity of variants identified in genetic testing reports.
Using stable distributions to characterize proton pencil beams
Authors: Van den Heuvel Frank , George Ben , Schreuder Niek , Fiorini Francesca 
Published: March 2018

PurposeTo introduce and evaluate the use of stable distributions as a methodology to quantify the behavior of proton pencil beams in a medium.MethodsThe proton pencil beams of a clinically commissioned proton treatment facility are replicated in a Monte Carlo simulation system (FLUKA). For each available energy, the beam deposition in water medium is characterized by the dose deposition. Using a stable distribution methodology, each beam with a nominal energy E is characterized by the lateral spread at depth z: S(z; α, γ, E) and a total energy deposition ID(z, E). The parameter α describes the tailedness of the distributions, while γ is used to scale the size of the function. The beams can then be described completely by a function of the variation of the parameters with depth.ResultsQuantitatively, the fit of the stable distributions, compared to those implemented in some standard treatment planning systems, are equivalent for all but the highest energies (i.e., 230 MeV/u). The decrease in goodness of fit makes this methodology comparable to a double Gaussian approach. The introduction of restricted linear combinations of stable distributions also resolves that particular case. More importantly, the meta‐parameterization (i.e., the description of the dose deposition by only providing the fitted parameters) allows for interpolation of nonmeasured data. In the case of the clinical commissioning data used in this paper, it was possible to only commission one out of five nominal energies to obtain a viable dataset, valid for all energies. An additional parameter β allows to describe asymmetric beam profiles as well.ConclusionsStable distributions are intrinsically suited to describe proton pencil beams in a medium and provide a tool to quantify the propagation of proton beams in a medium.
Modeling Vapor Solubility in Semicrystalline Polyethylene
Authors: Moebus Joseph A. , Greenhalgh Brian R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe solubility of vapors within semicrystalline polyethylenes produced in the gas phase process is examined. Experimentally measured solubilities of ethylene, 1‐butene, isobutane, isopentane, 1‐hexene, andn‐hexane as a function of temperature, pressure, and vapor composition are reported for a series of semicrystalline linear low density polyethylenes, and a model for predicting these results is presented in detail. This paper demonstrates that conventional thermodynamic methods, which accurately predict polymer phase behavior in fluid systems, fail to account for a critical concept associated with semicrystalline polymers; the elastic constraint. Through application of a simple thermodynamic model addressing this effect, vapor solubility in such systems can be accurately predicted using a limited number of adjustable parameters.
Advanced glycation end‐products suppress autophagic flux in podocytes by activating mammalian target of rapamycin and inhibiting nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB
Authors: Zhao Xingchen , Chen Yuanhan , Tan Xiaofan , Zhang Li , Zhang Hong , Li Zhilian , Liu Shuangxin , Li Ruizhao , Lin Ting , Liao Ruyi , Zhang Qianmei , Dong Wei , Shi Wei , Liang Xinling 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInsufficient autophagy in podocytes is related to podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are major factors of podocyte injury in DN. However, the role and mechanism of AGEs in autophagic dysfunction remain unknown. We investigated autophagic flux in AGE‐stimulated cultured podocytes using multiple assays: western blotting, reverse transcription–quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and electron microscopy. We also utilized chloroquine and a fluorescent probe to monitor the formation and turnover of autophagosomes. Mice of the db/db strain were used to model diabetes mellitus (DM) with high levels of AGEs. To mimic DM with normal levels of AGEs as a control, we treated db/db mice with pyridoxamine to block AGE formation. AGEs impaired autophagic flux in the cultured podocytes. Compared with db/db mice with normal AGEs but high glucose levels, db/db mice with high AGEs and high glucose levels exhibited lower autophagic activity. Aberrant autophagic flux was related to hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a major suppressor of autophagy. Pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR activity restored impaired autophagy. AGEs inhibited the nuclear translocation and activity of the pro‐autophagic transcription factor EB (TFEB) and thus suppressed transcription of its several autophagic target genes. Conversely, TFEB overexpression prevented AGE‐induced autophagy insufficiency. Attenuating mTOR activity recovered TFEB nuclear translocation under AGE stimulation. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated the interaction between mTOR and TFEB in AGE‐stimulated podocytes and in glomeruli from db/db mice. In conclusion, AGEs play a crucial part in suppressing podocyte autophagy under DM conditions. AGEs inhibited the formation and turnover of autophagosomes in podocytes by activating mTOR and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of TFEB. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Comparison of dispensed medications and forensic‐toxicological findings to assess pharmacotherapy in the Swedish population 2006 to 2013
Authors: Forsman Jonas , Taipale Heidi , Masterman Thomas , Tiihonen Jari , Tanskanen Antti 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo investigate person‐level agreement between medication exposure as predicted using the PRE2DUP (a prescription‐based design to estimate continuous drug use) method and postmortem toxicological findings, in the Swedish population during the years 2006 to 2013.MethodsUsing the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine's toxicology database and the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's registries on causes of death, dispensed medications, and in‐patient care, forensic‐toxicological findings were compared with prescription‐based estimates of drug use for 27 medications. We modeled expected drug‐use periods with the PRE2DUP using an algorithm of demonstrated high validity that evaluates personal drug‐purchasing patterns with consideration to possible stockpiling of drugs and package information. Excluding criteria included self‐inflicted death and recent in‐patient care.ResultsIn data from 18 627 performed autopsies, as well as 10 160 instances of dispensed drug use, the agreement between PRE2DUP drug‐use periods and forensic toxicology was, overall, moderate (Cohen's kappa: 0.56 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.55‐0.57]) with a positive predictive value, or predicted adherence rate, of 46.0%. The group‐level predicted adherence and agreement were highest for antidepressants, at 71.0% (Cohen's kappa: 0.74 [CI: 0.73‐0.76]), and lowest for cardiovascular drugs, at 21.5% (Cohen's kappa: 0.33 [CI: 0.31‐0.36]). Predicted recreational use (negative predictive value) was low for all investigated drugs (0.0%‐1.4%). The biological half‐life explained 29% (P = 0.003) of the variability of the false‐positive rate.ConclusionsMeasured agreement between PRE2DUP‐based drug‐use estimates and forensic‐toxicological findings is dependent upon a number of factors, including true continuous drug use and postmortem detectability of the investigated drugs, as well as the occurrence of unconventional dosing and true non‐adherence.
Effect of cellulose nanofibers and acetylated cellulose nanofibers on the properties of low‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blends
Authors: Ahmadi Mobina , Behzad Tayebeh , Bagheri Rouhollah , Heidarian Pejman 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and acetylated cellulose nanofibers (ACNFs) on the properties of low‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch/polyethylene‐grafted maleic anhydride (LDPE/TPS/PE‐g‐MA) blends. For this purpose, CNFs, isolated from wheat straw fibers, were first acetylated using acetic anhydride in order to modify their hydrophilicity. Afterwards, LDPE/TPS/PE‐g‐MA blends were reinforced using either CNFs or ACNFs at various concentrations (1–5 wt%) with a twin‐screw extruder. The mechanical results demonstrated that addition of ACNFs more significantly improved the ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus of blends than addition of CNFs, albeit elongation at break of both reinforced blends decreased compared with the neat sample. Additionally, biodegradability and water absorption capacity of blends improved due to the incorporation of both nanofibers, these effects being more pronounced for CNF‐assisted blends than ACNF‐reinforced counterparts. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Perspectives of patients with haematological cancer on how clinicians meet their information needs: “Managing” information versus “giving” it
Authors: Atherton Kirsten , Young Bridget , Kalakonda Nagesh , Salmon Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesPractitioners treating patients with haematological cancers have extensive clinical information available to give to patients, and patients need to be informed. However, many patients want to be protected from having information that is too detailed or threatening. To illuminate how practitioners can address this dilemma and help patients feel appropriately informed, we explored patients' experience of feeling informed or uninformed.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients who had been diagnosed with haematological cancer and had recently received results from clinical investigations or from evaluations of treatment response. Inductive and interpretive analysis of the transcribed audio‐recorded interviews drew on constant comparison.ResultsPatients described the need for practitioners carefully to manage the information that they provided, and many felt alarmed by information that they did not experience as having been managed for them. A few patients who had difficulty trusting practitioners were not content with the information provided.ConclusionsThese findings can be understood using attachment theory, whereby practitioners' careful management of information demonstrates their care for patients, and patients' trust in the practitioner enables them to feel informed. It follows that, when patients do not feel informed, the solution will not necessarily be more information but might be to help patients feel more secure in a caring clinical relationship.
High‐Performance Additive‐/Post‐Treatment‐Free Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells via Tuning Molecular Weight of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Li Zelin , Yang Dalei , Zhang Tong , Zhang Jidong , Zhao Xiaoli , Yang Xiaoniu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn recent years, rapid advances are achieved in polymer solar cells (PSCs) using nonfullerene small molecular acceptors. However, no research disclosing the influence of molecular weight (Mn) of conjugated polymer on the nonfullerene device performance is reported. In this work, a series of polymers with different Mns are synthesized to systematically investigate the connection between Mn and performance of nonfullerene devices for the first time. It is found that the device performance improves substantially as the Mn increases from 12 to 38 kDa and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 10.5% is realized. It has to be noted this PCE is achieved without using any additives and post‐treatments, which is among the top efficiencies of additive‐ and post‐treatment‐free PSCs. Most importantly, the variation trend of the optimal active layer thickness and morphology is significantly different from the device with fullerene as acceptor. The findings clarify the effect of Mn on the performance of nonfullerene PSCs, which would benefit further efficiency improvement of nonfullerene PSCs.