bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Serum and Salivary Cytokines Level With Clinical Parameters in Metabolic Syndrome With Periodontitis
Authors: Chauhan Abhishek , Yadav Suraj Singh , Dwivedi Pradeep , Lal Nand , Usman Kauser , Khattri Sanjay 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundMetabolic Syndrome (MS) and chronic oral condition (periodontitis [PD]) are state of inflammation. The study was conducted to determine alterations in serum and salivary cytokines level in MS and/or chronic PD in the North Indian population.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study carried out in northern part of India. The study subjects of similar ethnicity were recruited according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for MS, while chronic PD was diagnosed on the basis of packet depth and clinical attachment level. ELISA method was employed to assess cytokine level. All subjects were divided in four groups Gr A (MS + PD), B (MS), C (PD), and a control Gr D.ResultsThe serum and salivary tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) level in Gr A, B, and C was significantly higher than Gr D (P < 0.05). Serum interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) level in Gr A, B, and C was lower than Gr D (P < 0.05), but this difference was not significant between Gr C and Gr D. Serum IL‐10 level in Gr A was significantly lower than Gr C (P < 0.05). Salivary IL‐10 level was not significantly altered in any group.ConclusionsProinflammatory marker TNF‐α has correlation with clinical parameters in patients of MS having PD. The study suggests level of salivary TNF‐α may be utilized as a surrogate marker of MS and PD.
Evaluation of interobserver variability and diagnostic performance of developed MRI‐based radiological scoring system for invasive placenta previa
Authors: Ueno Yoshiko , Maeda Tetsuo , Tanaka Utaru , Tanimura Kenji , Kitajima Kazuhiro , Suenaga Yuko , Takahashi Satoru , Yamada Hideto , Sugimura Kazuro 
Published: February 2016

PurposeTo evaluate the interobserver variability and diagnostic performance of a developed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based scoring system for invasive placenta previa.Materials and MethodsPrenatal MR images of 70 women were retrospectively evaluated, 18 of whom were diagnosed with invasive placenta. The six MR features (dark band on T2‐weighted images, intraplacental abnormal vascularity, placental bulge, heterogeneous placenta, myometrial thinning, and placental protrusion sign) were scored on 5‐point Likert scale separately, and the cumulative radiological score (CRS) was defined as the sum of each score. Two more experienced radiologists (readers A and B) and two less experienced residents (readers C and D) calculated the CRS. Interobserver variability was assessed by measuring the intraclass correlation coefficient. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsInterobserver variability for CRS was excellent for the more experienced radiologists (0.85), and good for all readers (0.72) and the less experienced residents (0.66). The area under the ROC curve (Az) and accuracy (Acc) for CRS were significantly higher or equivalent to those of other MR features for all readers (Az and Acc for reader A; CRS, 0.92, 91.4%; intraplacental T2 dark band, 0.83, P = 0.009, 81.4%, P = 0.03; intraplacental abnormal vascularity, 0.9, P = 0.3, 90.0%, P = 1.00; placental bulge, 0.81, P = 0.0008, 80.0%, P = 0.02; heterogeneous placenta, 0.85, P = 0.11, 74.3%, P = 0.002; myometrial thinning, 0.84, P = 0.06, 60.0%, P < 0.0001; placental protrusion sign, 0.81, P = 0.01, 81.4%, P = 0.26).ConclusionThis developed MRI‐based scoring system demonstrated excellent or good interobserver variability, and good diagnostic performance for invasive placenta previa. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:573–583.
Silica/Methylaluminoxane/(n‐BuCp)2ZrCl2: Effect of Silica Dehydroxylation Temperature on HDPE Morphology
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Ahsan , Monteil Vincent , Boisson Christophe , McKenna Timothy F.L. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryMorphology and particle size distribution (PSD) of high density polyethylene (HDPE) produced in slurry and gas phase ethylene homopolymerisations have been analysed in connection with the catalytic activity of silica supported (n‐BuCp)2ZrCl2/Methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalysts. It has been shown that the silica dehydroxylation temperature affects the catalytic activity of these silica supported catalysts in ethylene homopolymerisation which, in turn, affects the polymer morphology and PSD. Thick fibrous HDPE is observed in all the polymer samples produced via slurry phase process, whereas, the gas phase process HDPE samples did not show such fibrous structures. PSD of the polymers replicate the PSD of silica support and shifts towards larger particle size with increase in productivity which is related to silica dehydroxylation temperature.
Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization of n‐Butyl Acrylate and D‐Limonene
Authors: Ren Shanshan , Dubé Marc A. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryN‐butyl acrylate and D‐limonene were copolymerized in bulk via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) at 115 °C using SG1‐BlocBuilder. Compared to the free‐radical initiation system, the NMP approach resulted in a moderate enhancement to final conversion and slightly higher incorporation of D‐limonene into the copolymer microstructure. The copolymer composition using the NMP approach did not differ significantly from that of the free‐radical method. A mechanism for the NMP of BA/Lim is proposed which includes a degradative chain transfer reaction due to the allylic hydrogen of D‐limonene.
Tomographic Reconstruction and Morphological Analysis of Rigid Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Nistor Andra , Toulec Miloš , Zubov Alexandr , Kosek Juraj 
Published: February 2016

SummaryApplication properties of polymer foams are closely related to their morphology. Experimental characterization and subsequent morphological analysis thus represent essential tools for their investigation. Spatially three‐dimensional porous structures of four closed‐cell polyurethane foams are reconstructed using the X‐ray micro‐tomography (μCT) imaging with the spatial resolution of 2 μm. Challenges associated with insufficient μCT resolution (e.g., reconstruction of thin walls of polymer) are addressed and the methodology allowing their overcoming is presented. Foam anisotropy is characterized (i) using the lineal‐path function as a common statistical descriptor of morphology, and (ii) by the spatial orientation vector whose evaluation is newly developed in this paper. Foam porosity and cell size distribution evaluated both from the 2D cross‐section slices and from the complete 3D data are compared. Additionally, the porosity is compared with the experimentally measured values. It is demonstrated that 3D volumetric data are advantageous for a proper morphological characterization of the foam.
From Laboratory to Industrial Continuous Production of Polylactic Acid with Low Residual Monomer
Authors: Costa Liborio I. , Tancini Francesca , Hofmann Sebastian , Codari Fabio , Trommsdorff Ulla 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPolylactic acid (PLA) is a 100 % bio‐based polyester with strong market growth potential in commodity applications as a substitute of fossil‐based polymers such as PET, PE and PS. The successful commercialization of this material relies on the possibility to devolatilize efficiently the unreacted monomer, which, in turn, requires an effective quenching of the polymerization catalyst. In this contribution we report an experimental screening of potential catalyst deactivators performed in small scale batch reactions. The best performing deactivator was then tested on a continuous PLA production plant of 1 kta to prove the reliability of the experimental approach. The plant data confirmed that the use of the selected deactivator improves the efficiency of the devolatilization process and leads to PLA with superior optical properties.
Poly(Sodium Acrylate)‐Based Nanocomposite Bioadhesives for Sutureless Surgery
Authors: Khanlari Samaneh , Dubé Marc A. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPolymer‐based bioadhesives for surgery provide a promising alternative to conventional suturing. A poly(sodium acrylate)‐based nanocomposite with antibacterial properties was prepared via in situ polymerization using nanosilver. To modify the nanocomposite degradation rate, a second, more degradable polymer was incorporated into the nanocomposite as an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). The adhesion strength of the resulting bioadhesives was within an appropriate application range. The nanocomposites were shown to be biocompatible and exerted excellent antibacterial properties which makes them suitable to serve as an alternative for traditional suturing for out‐clinic surgeries such as may be necessary in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Partition Coefficient of AIBN and Associated Radicals Between Aqueous and Organic Phase: Benchmark of Predictions with the COSMO‐RS Model and Perspective for the Use in Kinetic Modelling of Multiphase Systems
Authors: Orlov Yury , Heiler Heike , Settels Volker , Deglmann Peter 
Published: February 2016

SummaryDue to its generality, the solvation model COSMO‐RS can be used for a priori predictions of thermodynamic data for short‐lived reactive species. In this paper, a strategy is outlined how COSMO‐RS results can be employed as input in process simulations of reactive multiphase systems. As an example, the applicability of the method is demonstrated on prediction of partition coefficients for AIBN and corresponding azo‐radicals between aqueous and organic phases.
Shp‐2 knockdown prevents l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fiorentini Chiara , Savoia Paola , Savoldi Daria , Bono Federica , Busi Chiara , Barbon Alessandro , Missale Cristina 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundDyskinesia, the major side effect of l‐dopa therapy in PD, is mainly associated with nonphysiological stimulation of denervated receptors in the striatum. In particular, DA D1 receptor‐mediated aberrant extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 activation have been associated with striatal changes leading to dyskinesia. We recently identified the tyrosine phosphatase Shp‐2 as a crucial effector transmitting D1 receptor signaling to extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 activation and reported the involvement of the D1 receptor/Shp‐2/extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 pathway in the development of l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia.ObjectivesIn this study, the role of Shp‐2 in l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia development was investigated by in vivo silencing of Shp‐2 in the striatum of the 6‐hydroxy‐dopamine rat model of PD.MethodsLentiviral particles delivering short hairpin RNA were used to obtain long‐term striatal Shp‐2 downregulation. Rats were then treated with l‐dopa and analyzed for both the improvement of akinesia and the development of l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia.ResultsThe results show that Shp‐2 knockdown remarkably decreased extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 phosphorylation and attenuated the severity of l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia likely without compromising the therapeutic efficacy of l‐dopa.ConclusionThese data suggest that the striatal D1 receptor/Shp‐2 complex may represent a promising novel target for the development of antidyskinetic drugs. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Golden angle dual‐inversion recovery acquisition coupled with a flexible time‐resolved sparse reconstruction facilitates sequence timing in high‐resolution coronary vessel wall MRI at 3 T
Authors: Ginami Giulia , Yerly Jérôme , Masci Pier Giorgio , Stuber Matthias 
Published: February 2016

PurposeThe need for performing dual‐inversion recovery (DIR) coronary vessel wall MRI in correspondence to minimal cardiac motion and optimal blood signal nulling is a major challenge. We propose to address this hurdle by combining DIR with a prolonged acquisition window in conjunction with a golden angle radial trajectory and k‐t sparse sensitivity encoding (SENSE) reconstruction to enable a flexible a‐posteriori selection of optimized imaging parameters.MethodsCoronary vessel wall data acquisition was performed with DIR golden angle radial imaging in n=15 healthy subjects. Images reconstructed using k‐t sparse SENSE and different reconstruction window settings were quantitatively (vessel wall conspicuity, thickness, acquisition, and reconstruction window settings) compared with those obtained with more conventional radial DIR imaging.ResultsA flexible retrospective selection of the reconstruction window width and position improved vessel wall conspicuity with respect to baseline acquisitions (P < 0.01). Vessel wall thickness remained unchanged (P = nonsignificant (NS)). Temporal window widths were similar for both approaches (P = NS), yet their position within the cardiac cycle differed significantly (P < 0.02).ConclusionsA flexible DIR coronary vessel wall MRI technique that alleviates constraints associated with sophisticated sequence timing was proposed. When compared with a more conventional approach, the technique significantly improved image quality. Magn Reson Med 77:961–969, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
From last supper to self‐initiated weight loss: Pretreatment weight change may be more important than previously thought
Authors: Kerrigan Stephanie G. , Schaumberg Katherine , Kase Colleen , Gaspar Monika , Forman Evan , Butryn Meghan L. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveEvaluate the association between pretreatment and during‐treatment weight change, as well as differences in self‐regulation between those who gain weight, remain weight stable, and lose weight pretreatment.MethodsData from the first 6 months of a behavioral weight loss study were used. Participants (n = 283) were weighed at two assessment points (screening visit and baseline) prior to the start of treatment and at every treatment session. Participants were divided into those who gained weight, remained weight stable, or lost weight between the screening visit and the first treatment session.ResultsPretreatment weight change was not significantly associated with during‐treatment change. Weight change from the screening visit to month 6 was significantly different by category, with losses of 11% and 7% for those who lost and gained weight pretreatment, respectively. Weight change from first treatment session to month 6 was not different by category. Poorer self‐regulation was associated with pretreatment weight gain and better self‐regulation with pretreatment weight loss.ConclusionsPretreatment weight change may not relate to success during behavioral weight loss treatment. Researchers should carefully consider when the “baseline” assessment takes place to reduce bias introduced by pretreatment weight change. Poorer self‐regulation may place individuals at risk for weight gain prior to treatment.
Objectives
Authors: Bado Souleymane , Forster Brian P. , Ghanim Abdelbagi M. A. , Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Berthold Günter , Luxiang Liu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSalinity affects soil, water and crop plants. The severity of soil salinity needs to be determined in order to make informed decisions on best cropping practices. Likewise, the tolerance of crop cultivars needs to be matched to the growing conditions. Protocols are therefore required to monitor field salinity and to evaluate crop tolerance to salt.
Protocol for Screening for Salt Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Bado Souleymane , Forster Brian P. , Ghanim Abdelbagi M. A. , Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Berthold Günter , Luxiang Liu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA simple protocol is presented that tests salt tolerance in rice seedlings. The method is based on a glasshouse hydroponics test in which salt is added to the nutrient hydroponic solution in which the seedlings are grown. A list of equipment is provided including hydroponic hardware and stock solutions. Advice is given on seed storage prior to use and pregermination treatments that promote even germination of test samples. Salt treatments commence after seedling establishment in hydroponics, at the 2–3 leaf stage. Information on responses of standard genotypes (tolerant, intermediate and sensitive) is given to which test seedlings are compared. Visual symptoms of salinity stress include reduced leaf area, whitish appearance of lower leaves, leaf tip death, leaf rolling and seedling death. Scoring is carried out according to the standard evaluation system developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Recommended test salt concentrations are given along with a method to recover selected seedlings and examples of use.
Protocol for Screening for Salt Tolerance in Barley and Wheat
Authors: Bado Souleymane , Forster Brian P. , Ghanim Abdelbagi M. A. , Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Berthold Günter , Luxiang Liu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA simple protocol is presented that tests salt tolerance in wheat and barley seedlings. The method is based on a glasshouse, aerated hydroponics test in which salt is added to the nutrient hydroponic solution in which the seedlings are grown. A list of equipment is provided including hydroponic hardware and stock solutions. Advice is given on seed storage prior to use and pregermination treatments that promote even germination of test samples. Salt treatments commence after seedling establishment in hydroponics at the 2–3-leaf stage. Visual symptoms of salinity stress include reduced leaf area, whitish appearance of lower leaves, leaf tip death, leaf rolling and seedling death. Recommended test salt concentrations for testing wheat and barley are given along with a method of recovering selected plants. Examples of protocol used are also given.
Is There a Threshold for Stiffness Complaints Following TKA on the WOMAC Stiffness Subscale?
Authors: Ghomrawi Hassan M. K. , Mancuso Carol A. , Gonzalez Della Valle Alejandro , Herrero Christina , Westrich Geoffrey H. 
Published: February 2016

Background Stiffness complaints after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are frequent, yet poorly understood and can be challenging for surgeons to address. The WOMAC stiffness subscale is a widely used measure of stiffness and can serve as a simple screening tool for complaints. Questions/Purposes We aimed to identify a threshold for stiffness complaints on the WOMAC stiffness subscale and investigate its overlap with range of motion (ROM) in TKA patients. Methods TKA patients were enrolled preoperatively and followed for 6 months. At follow-up, patients reported their ROM, completed the WOMAC stiffness subscale (range 1–8 with 8 continuous stiffness) and indicated whether they experienced more stiffness than expected. To identify a threshold for complaints, we compared patients’ WOMAC stiffness scores to when they experienced more stiffness than expected, visually, and statistically. We also mapped ROM limitations at 6 months to WOMAC stiffness scores. Finally, we determined if baseline characteristics were associated with stiffness complaints. Results Two hundred and forty-six TKA patients were enrolled preoperatively with 82% follow-up rate at 6 months. Our results showed that patients with a WOMAC stiffness score = 3+ were significantly more likely to experience more stiffness than expected. Patients reporting full ROM (54%) reported a wide range of WOMAC stiffness subscale scores (1–6). Baseline WOMAC pain and function scores were the only factors associated with stiffness complaints. Conclusions ROM is a poor surrogate of patient-reported stiffness, and the patients’ perception of “stiffness” is clearly more complex than just ROM. We identified a WOMAC threshold that could potentially easily serve this purpose.
What do prisoners eat? Nutrient intakes and food practices in a high-secure prison
Authors: Hannan-Jones Mary , Capra Sandra 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThere are limited studies on the adequacy of prisoner diet and food practices, yet understanding these are important to inform food provision and assure duty of care for this group. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary intakes of prisoners to inform food and nutrition policy in this setting. This research used a cross-sectional design with convenience sampling in a 945-bed male high-secure prison. Multiple methods were used to assess food available at the group level, including verification of food portion, quality and practices. A pictorial tool supported the diet history method. Of 276 eligible prisoners, 120 dietary interviews were conducted and verified against prison records, with 106 deemed plausible. The results showed the planned food to be nutritionally adequate, with the exception of vitamin D for older males and long-chain fatty acids, with Na above upper limits. The Australian dietary targets for chronic disease risk were not achieved. High energy intakes were reported with median 13·8 (se0·3) MJ. Probability estimates of inadequate intake varied with age groups: Mg 8 % (>30 years), 2·9 % (<30 years); Ca 6·0 % (>70 years), 1·5 % (<70 years); folate 3·5 %; Zn and I 2·7 %; and vitamin A 2·3 %. Nutrient intakes were greatly impacted by self-funded snacks. Results suggest the intakes to be nutritionally favourable when compared with males in the community. This study highlights the complexity of food provision in the prison environment and also poses questions for population-level dietary guidance in delivering appropriate nutrients within energy limits.
Investigation of larvae digestive β-glucosidase and proteases of the tomato pestTuta absolutafor inhibiting the insect development
Authors: Sellami S. , Jamoussi K. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe tomato leaf minerTuta absolutais one of the most devastating pests for tomato crops. Digestive proteases and β-glucosidase enzymes were investigated using general and specific substrates and inhibitors. Maximal β-glucosidase and proteolytic activities occurred at temperature and pH optima of 30 and 40°C, 5 and 10–11 unit of pH, respectively. Zymogram analysis showed the presence of distinguished β-glucosidase exhibiting a specific activity of about 183 ± 15 µmol min−1mg−1.In vitroinhibition experiments suggested that serine proteases were the primary gut proteases. Gel based protease inhibition assays demonstrated that the 28 and 73 kDa proteases might be trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like enzymes, respectively. Overall gut trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like activities were evaluated to be about 27.2 ± 0.84 and 1.68 ± 0.03 µmol min−1mg−1, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed thatT. absolutagut serine proteases are responsible forBacillus thuringiensisCry insecticidal proteins proteolysis. Additionally, bioassays showed thatT. absolutalarvae development was more affected by the β-glucosidases inhibitor (D-glucono-δ-lactone) than the serine proteases inhibitor (soybean trypsin inhibitor). These results are of basic interest since they present interesting data of β-glucosidases and gut serine proteases ofT. absolutalarvae.