bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of intra‐cellular trafficking on flow cytometric measurement of neutrophil's oxidative status in iron deficient pregnant females
Authors: Youssef Soha R. , Hendawy Sherif F. , Boshnak Noha H. , Sedhom Mariana S. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundIron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are prevalent among pregnant women particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the iron status among Egyptian pregnant women and its impact on their neutrophil's count and antimicrobial functions.MethodNinety pregnant females underwent complete blood count, iron profile, flow cytometric studies for neutrophil myeloperoxidase expression & oxidative burst using dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) after phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) stimulation as well as neutrophil phagocytic and lytic indices.ResultsAccording to percent saturation 54/90 women (60%) were iron deficient (<15% saturation) (cases) and 36/90 (40%) were iron sufficient (controls). A higher proportion of iron deficient pregnant women were in their third trimester compared to controls. No significant difference was found between the iron deficient & sufficient groups as regards anemia despite a positive correlation between haemoglobin level and percent saturation (P=.02). Both the phagocytic and lytic indices were significantly lower among the cases compared to controls (P=.014 & .002 respectively). Cases and controls were comparable as regards flow cytometric studies of neutrophils’ myeloperoxidase and oxidative burst (P>.05). No significant correlation was found between any of the iron profile parameters and the oxidative burst by flow cytometry.ConclusionFunctional microphage assay (phagocytic and lytic indices) may be more relevant and cost effective than flow cytometry assays of myeloperoxidase and oxidative burst in reflecting either iron status or cellular immunity in pregnancy.
The relationship between the biovars and the antimicrobial resistance of Ureaplasma urealyticum in female patients with urogenital infections
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hua Chuan , Li Su‐li 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundUreaplasma urealyticum is considered as one of the main pathogens found in women with urogenital infection. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the biovars, serovars, and their antimicrobial resistance against antibiotics in female patients with urogenital infection.MethodsTwo hundred and forty‐six cervical secretion samples (125 female outpatients as the patient group, 121 healthy female subjects as the control group) were first collected and analyzed for U. urealyticum using the Mycoplasma Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to identify the biovars and serovars of U. urealyticum‐positive samples.ResultsThe prevalence of U. urealyticum in the patient group (57. 60%) was higher than that in the control group (24.79%, P<.01). The main biovar was biovar 1, and the main serovars were 1 (S1), 3 (S3), 6 (S6) in biovar 1. Mixed infection was observed in biovar 2. According to the results of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in the patient group, biovar 1 shows more resistance to minocycline, doxycycline, and azithromycin than biovar 2 (P<.05). Serovars S1, S3 and S6 have the highest resistant rate to ofloxacin (84.38%), roxithromycin (84.62%), and azithromycin (90.90%), respectively.ConclusionsA high prevalence of U. urealyticum was observed in female patients with urogenital infections. And the biovar 1 and the serovars 1, 3, 6 were the main types of pathogens.
Experience of Shame Mediates the Relationship Between Pathological Narcissism and Suicidal Ideation in Psychiatric Outpatients
Authors: Jaksic Nenad , Marcinko Darko , Skocic Hanzek Milena , Rebernjak Blaz , Ogrodniczuk John S. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivePathological narcissism, described by 2 dysfunctional phenotypic forms–grandiosity and vulnerability–has often been connected to suicidal tendencies in theoretical and clinical literatures. Furthermore, shame proneness has been implicated as a key mechanism that links these 2 constructs. However, empirical evidence for the presumed relationship between pathological narcissism and suicidal tendencies is sparse, and no prior research has investigated the role of shame proneness in this relationship. The objective of the present research was to investigate the complex relations among pathological narcissism, experience of shame, and suicidal ideation in psychiatric outpatients.MethodA sample of 250 adult psychiatric outpatients (61% female; mean age 39.15 years) were assessed between January and May 2014. The participants filled out the Pathological Narcissism Inventory, the Experience of Shame Scale, and the Suicide Assessment Scale‐self‐rating.ResultsNarcissistic vulnerability was found to have unique positive associations with acute suicidal ideation, whereas narcissistic grandiosity exhibited substantially weaker relations with the same construct. Two dimensions of shame–characterological and bodily shame–mediated the relationship between narcissistic vulnerability and suicidal ideation. The mediating role of behavioral shame was not demonstrated.ConclusionsNarcissistic vulnerability seems to be more strongly related to suicidal tendencies than narcissistic grandiosity, while experience of shame represents one of the underlying mechanisms of this relationship among psychiatric outpatients. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the role of pathological narcissism in the psychotherapeutic management of suicidality.
d‐Fructose Modification Enhanced Internalization of Mixed Micelles in Breast Cancer Cells via GLUT5 Transporters
Authors: Zhou Xu , Qin Xianyan , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Fu Yao 
Published: March 2017

d‐Fructose modified poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐polyethylene glycol (PCL‐PEG‐Fru) diblock amphiphile is synthesized via Cu(I)‐catalyzed click chemistry, which self‐assembles with D‐α‐tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) into PCL‐PEG‐Fru/TPGS mixed micelles (PPF MM). It has been proven that glucose transporter (GLUT)5 is overexpressed in MCF‐7 cells other than L929 cells. In this study, PPF MM exhibit a significantly higher uptake efficiency than fructose‐free PCL‐PEG‐N3/TPGS mixed micelles in both 2D MCF‐7 cells and 3D tumor spheroids. Also, the presence of free d‐fructose competitively inhibits the internalization of PPF MM in MCF‐7 cells other than L929 cells. PPF MM show selective tumor accumulation in MCF‐7 breast tumor bearing mice xenografts. Taken together, PPF MM represent a promising nanoscale carrier system to achieve GLUT5‐mediated cell specific delivery in cancer therapy.
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Fast Self‐Healing of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Nanocoating and Restoration of Super Oxygen Barrier
Authors: Song Yixuan , Meyers Kevin P. , Gerringer Joseph , Ramakrishnan Ramesh K. , Humood Mohammad , Qin Shuang , Polycarpou Andreas A. , Nazarenko Sergei , Grunlan Jaime C. 
Published: March 2017

A self‐healable gas barrier nanocoating, which is fabricated by alternate deposition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) polyelectrolytes, is demonstrated in this study. This multilayer film, with high elastic modulus, high glass transition temperature, and small free volume, has been shown to be a super oxygen gas barrier. An 8‐bilayer PEI/PAA multilayer assembly (≈700 nm thick) exhibits an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) undetectable to commercial instrumentation (<0.005 cc (m−2 d−1 atm−1)). The barrier property of PEI/PAA nanocoating is lost after a moderate amount of stretching due to its rigidity, which is then completely restored after high humidity exposure, therefore achieving a healing efficiency of 100%. The OTR of the multilayer nanocoating remains below the detection limit after ten stretching‐healing cycles, which proves this healing process to be highly robust. The high oxygen barrier and self‐healing behavior of this polymer multilayer nanocoating makes it ideal for packaging (food, electronics, and pharmaceutical) and gas separation applications.
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The effects of electromyostimulation application timing on denervated skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Koh Eun Sil , Kim Hee Chan , Lim Jae‐Young 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn this study we evaluated the effect of electromyostimulation (EMS) on myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression in denervated rat muscles to determine the optimal timing for EMS application.MethodsEMS was initiated on post‐injury day 1 for the group with denervation receiving immediate EMS (DIEMS) and on post‐injury day 15 for the group with denervation receiving delayed EMS (DDEMS) in rat denervated muscles. Muscle wet weight and muscle fiber cross‐sectional area (FCSA) were measured. MHC isoforms were analyzed in both protein homogenates and single muscle fibers.ResultsThe expression levels of IIx and IIb isoforms of MHC were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in the gastrocnemius muscles of the DIEMS group, but not the DDEMS group. The DIEMS group also showed larger FCSA and a lower proportion of hybrid single fibers compared with the DDEMS group.DiscussionThese results indicate that immediate EMS is more effective than delayed EMS for aiding recovery of denervation‐induced MHC changes. Muscle Nerve 56: E154–E161, 2017
Sacral neuromodulation for detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility
Authors: Hennessey Derek B. , Hoag Nathan , Gani Johan 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionDetrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC) is a challenging condition to manage. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a proven treatment modality for both the individual aspects of DHIC. To date, data reporting the outcome of SNM for DHIC are lacking.Materials and MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing SNM for DHIC were followed prospectively, from April 2013 to October 2016. Patient demographics, bladder diaries, subjective response rates, ICIQ‐OAB, and PGI‐I scores were recorded. Success was defined as greater than 50% improvement in storage symptoms and a 50% improvement in voided volume or reduction of post‐void residual volumes.ResultsTwenty patients underwent stage 1 trial of SNM for DHIC. Median age was 68.5, IQR (54.25‐76.25). Thirteen (65%) patients were female. A total of 14/20 (70%) of patients had a significant treatment response, 9/20 had a response to both elements of DHIC, 4/20 patients had a response to the detrusor overactivity (DO) alone, and 1/20 had a response to the voiding component alone. A total of 12/20 (60%) patients proceeded to insertion of an IPG. At mean follow‐up of 17 months, IQR (1.5‐35), 11/12 (91.7%) of patients are still using the SNM for DHIC. Median PGI score is 2, IQR (2‐4). SNM for DHIC resulted in statistically significant improvements in voided volume (P = 0.016), PVR (P = 0.0296), ICIQ‐OAB score (P < 0.0001), and ICIQ‐OAB bother score (P = 0.016)ConclusionThis is the first study we know of to report the results of SNM for DHIC. SNM is associated with satisfactory success rates, treating both the detrusor hyperactivity, and impaired contractility components of this condition.
Multi‐model Arlequin method for transient structural dynamics with explicit time integration
Authors: Fernier Alexandre , Faucher Vincent , Jamond Olivier 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThis paper addresses the explicit time integration for solving multi‐model structural dynamics by the Arlequin method. Our study focuses on the stability of the central difference scheme in the Arlequin framework. Although the Arlequin coupling matrices can introduce a weak instability, the time integrator remains stable as long as the initial kinematic conditions of both models agree on the coupling zone. After showing that the Arlequin weights have an adverse impact on the critical time step, we present two approaches to circumvent this issue. Computational tests confirm that the two approaches effectively preserve a feasible critical time step and show the efficiency of the Arlequin method for structural explicit dynamic simulations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved reachable set estimation of discrete‐time systems with time‐varying delay
Authors: Feng Zhiguang , Zheng Wei Xing 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the problem of reachable set estimation of discrete‐time systems with time‐varying delay and bounded disturbance. By applying the improved reciprocally convex combination approach to bound the forward difference of the double summation and triple summation, respectively, a less conservative reachable set estimation condition is developed in matrix inequalities. Based on the criterion, a less conservative stability criterion is obtained as a by‐product. Numerical examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
The burden and management of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6)‐mediated drug–drug interaction (DDI): co‐medication of metoprolol and paroxetine or fluoxetine in the elderly
Authors: Bahar Muh. Akbar , Hak Eelko , Bos Jens H.J. , Borgsteede Sander D. , Wilffert Bob 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeMetoprolol and paroxetine/fluoxetine are inevitably co‐prescribed because cardiovascular disorders and depression often coexist in the elderly. This leads to CYP2D6‐mediated drug–drug interactions (DDI). Because systematic evaluations are lacking, we assessed the burden of metoprolol–paroxetine/fluoxetine interaction in the elderly and how these interactions are managed in Dutch community pharmacies.MethodDispensing data were collected from the University of Groningen pharmacy database (IADB.nl, 1999–2014) for elderly patients (≥60 years) starting beta‐blockers and/or antidepressants. Based on the two main DDI alert systems (G‐Standard and Pharmabase), incidences were divided between signalled (metoprolol–fluoxetine/paroxetine) and not‐signalled (metoprolol‐alternative antidepressants and alternative beta‐blockers–paroxetine/fluoxetine) combinations. Incident users were defined as patients starting at least one signalled or a non‐signalled combination. G‐Standard signalled throughout the study period, whereas Pharmabase stopped after 2005.ResultsA total of 1763 patients had 2039 metoprolol–paroxetine/fluoxetine co‐prescriptions, despite DDI alert systems, and about 57.3% were signalled. The number of metoprolol‐alternative antidepressant combinations (incidences = 3150) was higher than alternative beta‐blocker–paroxetine/fluoxetine combinations (incidences = 1872). Metoprolol users are more likely to be co‐medicated with an alternative antidepressant (incidences = 2320) than paroxetine/fluoxetine users (incidences = 1232) are. The number of paroxetine/fluoxetine users co‐prescribed with alternative beta‐blockers was comparable to those co‐medicated with metoprolol (about 50%). Less than 5% of patients received a substitute therapy after using metoprolol–paroxetine/fluoxetine. Most of the metoprolol users (90%) received a low dose (mean DDD = 0.47) regardless whether they were prescribed paroxetine/fluoxetine.ConclusionDespite the signalling software, metoprolol–paroxetine/fluoxetine combinations are still observed in the elderly population. The clinical impact of these interactions needs further investigation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide as a bioactive mechanically robust tissue regeneration scaffold
Authors: Holt Brian D , Arnold Anne M , Sydlik Stefanie A 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBioactive, synthetic materials represent next‐generation composites for tissue regeneration. Design of contemporary materials attempts to recapitulate the complexities of native tissue; however, few successfully mimic the order in nature. Recently, graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a scaffold due to its potential for bioactive functionalization and long‐range order instilled by the self‐assembly of graphene sheets. Chemical reduction of GO results in a more compatible material with enhanced properties but compromises the ability to functionalize the graphenic backbone. However, using Johnson–Claisen rearrangement chemistry, functionalization is achieved that is not liable to reduction. From reduced Claisen graphene, we polymerized short homopeptides from α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydride monomers of glutamate and lysine to result in functionalized graphenes (pGlu‐rCG and pLys‐rCG) that are cytocompatible, degradable, and bioactive. Exposure to NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages revealed that the materials are cytocompatible and do not alter important sub‐cellular compartments. Powders were hot pressed to form mechanically stiff (E′: 41 and 49 MPa), strong (UCS: 480 and 140 MPa), and tough (UT: 2898 and 584 J m−3 × 104) three‐dimensional constructs (pGlu‐rCG and pLys‐rCG, respectively). Overall, we report a robust chemistry and processing strategy for facile bioactive functionalization of compatible, reduced Claisen graphene for three‐dimensional biomedical applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Robust adaptive DSC of directly input‐coupled nonlinear systems with input unmodeled dynamics and time‐varying output constraints
Authors: Zhang Tianping , Xia Xiaonan 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIn this paper, an adaptive robust dynamic surface control is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear interconnected systems with time‐varying output constraints and dynamic input and output coupling. The directly coupled inputs and control inputs are both of nonlinear input unmodeled dynamics. To counteract the instable impact of the nonlinear input unmodeled dynamics, normalization signals are designed on the basis of the convergence rates of their Lyapunov functions. With new state variables and control variables being defined, the real control inputs are obtained through solving the equations of intermediate control laws. The time‐varying constraints on output signals are implemented by introducing asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions. In addition, dynamic signals and decentralized K‐filters are used to deal with the state unmodeled dynamics and to estimate the unmeasurable states, respectively. By the theoretical analysis, the signals in the closed‐loop system are proved to be semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded, and the output constraints are guaranteed simultaneously. A numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentration and regularization of random graphs
Authors: Le Can M. , Levina Elizaveta , Vershynin Roman 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper studies how close random graphs are typically to their expectations. We interpret this question through the concentration of the adjacency and Laplacian matrices in the spectral norm. We study inhomogeneous Erdös‐Rényi random graphs on n vertices, where edges form independently and possibly with different probabilities pij. Sparse random graphs whose expected degrees are fail to concentrate; the obstruction is caused by vertices with abnormally high and low degrees. We show that concentration can be restored if we regularize the degrees of such vertices, and one can do this in various ways. As an example, let us reweight or remove enough edges to make all degrees bounded above by O(d) where . Then we show that the resulting adjacency matrix concentrates with the optimal rate: . Similarly, if we make all degrees bounded below by d by adding weight d / n to all edges, then the resulting Laplacian concentrates with the optimal rate: . Our approach is based on Grothendieck‐Pietsch factorization, using which we construct a new decomposition of random graphs. We illustrate the concentration results with an application to the community detection problem in the analysis of networks. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 51, 538–561, 2017
Ecology, biofacies, biogeography and systematics of micromorphic lingulate brachiopods from the Ordovician (Darriwilian–Sandbian) of south‐central China
Authors: Holmer Lars E. , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh , Popov Leonid E. , Zhang Zhiliang , Zhang Zhifei 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOrdovician (Darriwilian to Sandbian) micromorphic linguliform lingulate brachiopods are described from the Guniutan Formation at the Fenxiang section in Hubei province, and the Maocaopu and Cili sections in Hunan province of south‐central China, situated on the Yangtze Platform. A total of 7560 specimens from 155 limestone samples (within the interval of Lenodus variabilis – Pygodus anserinus biozones) are assigned to 22 species, representing a low taxonomic diversity and low abundance fauna. The fauna is dominated by the Acrotretoidea, mainly species of the Torynelasmatidae, with Torynelasma the most abundant (more than 40% of total number of specimens), along with the Eoconulidae and Eoconulus (18% of total) representing the second most common forms. Species of the Ephippelasmatidae are also common (16% of total) diverse, and include representatives of Myotreta and Numericoma, as well as Ephippelasma, whereas species of the Scaphelasmatidae are somewhat less common (13% of total). All three investigated sections represent outer shelf environments, but the Maocaopu section is situated in a relatively deeper position, in proximity of the south‐eastern outer margin of the Upper Yangtze Platform, close to its boundary with the Jiangnan Slope. A quantitative analysis of the relative abundance data was carried out in order to investigate the biofacies distribution of the micromorphic brachiopod communities across the Yangtze Platform, something that has not been attempted before with Palaeozoic linguliforms. Six lingulate microbrachiopod communities could be recognized in the sections. The major biofacies shift, which occurred in the Cili section in the upper part of the Microzarkodina ozarkodella Zone, at the time of the onset and initial rise of the Mid Darriwilian Carbon Isotope Excursion (MDICE) suggests that these biofacies may have been depth controlled.
Burden of Burns in Brazil from 2000 to 2014: A Nationwide Hospital‐Based Study
Authors: Santos João Vasco , Souza Júlio , Amarante José , Freitas Alberto 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundBurns are a major public health concern, affecting mostly low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, there is a lack of epidemiological studies on burns in these countries, particularly in Latin American countries. Our aim was to analyze nationwide demographic, epidemiological and economic characteristics of hospitalized burn patients in Brazil.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted including inpatients admitted with a diagnosis of burns (ICD‐10:T20–T31) from all hospitals in Brazil from 2000 to 2014. We calculated hospitalization and in‐hospital mortality rates. Length of stay (LoS), charges and premature mortality were also assessed.ResultsA total of 412,541 burn hospitalizations were found, with a hospitalization rate of 14.56 hospitalizations/100,000 inhabitants/year. This rate is decreasing since 2003, mostly due to the reduction among children and elderly. Children below 5 years old accounted for 24% of all admissions. In‐hospital mortality rate was 8.1% and median LoS was 5 days. Mean hospitalization charge was 856 international dollars. Substantial regional discrepancies were found in several indicators.ConclusionIn this first Latin American nationwide study of burn patients, a decreasing trend of hospitalization rate and a low charge contrasted with a high in‐hospital mortality rate. This latter indicator, associated with a low LoS, may raise concerns regarding the quality of healthcare. Important discrepancies were found between regions, which may indicate important differences in regard to healthcare access and risk of burns. Targeting effective prevention, improving healthcare quality and providing more widespread and accurate burn registry are recommended.