bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malformations among infants of mothers with insulin‐dependent diabetes: Is there a recognizable pattern of abnormalities?
Authors: Nasri Hanah Z. , Houde Ng Kara , Westgate Marie‐Noel , Hunt Anne‐Therese , Holmes Lewis B. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundInfants of diabetic mothers have been shown in several studies to have an increased frequency of malformations. In previous studies, an increased frequency of several specific malformations has been noted, including anencephaly, bilateral renal agenesis, and double outlet right ventricle. Surveillance, used to identify all malformed infants in a consecutive sample of births, can identify a distinctive pattern of malformations among the affected infants.MethodsThe infants of insulin‐dependent, pregestational diabetic mothers were identified in the daily review of the medical records of each newborn infant with a malformation and her/his mother's medical record. Infants of mothers with gestational diabetes were excluded. The frequency of each malformation was compared to that among the malformed infants of nondiabetic mothers.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐three malformed infants of diabetic mothers were identified among the 289,365 births. The most notable malformations were: neural tube defects (anencephaly, 9%), heart defects (transposition of great arteries, 4%), bilateral renal agenesis or dysgenesis (6%), and vertebral anomalies (hemivertebrae, 4%).ConclusionsThere was a recognizable pattern of malformations and characteristics of infants of diabetic mothers, although there was variation in the pattern among affected infants. Some of the malformations in the diabetic embryopathy can be identified in prenatal screening by ultrasound. More important, their occurrence can be reduced significantly by the mother achieving much better control of her diabetes mellitus prior to conception.
Luminescent nanoparticles for rapid monitoring of endogenous acetylcholine release in mice atria
Authors: Mukhametshina Alsu , Petrov Alexey , Fedorenko Svetlana , Petrov Konstantin , Nizameev Irek , Mustafina Asiya , Sinyashin Oleg 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe present work introduces for the first time a nanoparticulate approach for ex vivo monitoring of acetylcholinesterase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of endogenous acetylcholine released from nerve varicosities in mice atria. Amino‐modified 20‐nm size silica nanoparticles (SNs) doped by luminescent Tb(III) complexes were applied as the nanosensors. Their sensing capacity results from the decreased intensity of Tb(III)‐centred luminescence due to the quenching effect of acetic acid derived from acetylcholinesterase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of acetylcholine. Sensitivity of the SNs in monitoring acetylcholine hydrolysis was confirmed by in vitro experiments. Isolated atria were exposed to the nanosensors for 10 min to stain cell membranes. Acetylcholine hydrolysis was monitored optically in the atria samples by measuring quenching of Tb(III)‐centred luminescence by acetic acid derived from endogenous acetylcholine due to its acetylcholinesterase‐catalyzed hydrolysis. The reliability of the sensing was demonstrated by the quenching effect of exogenous acetylcholine added to the bath solution. Additionally, no luminescence quenching occurred when the atria were pre‐treated with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor paraoxon.
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Xerogels Supporting Palladium Nanoparticles for Selective Hydrogenation Reactions: The Role of Pyridine Nitrogen Species
Authors: Tang Duihai , Sun Xue , Zhao Dan , Zhu Junjiang , Zhang Wenting , Xu Xuelian , Zhao Zhen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNitrogen‐doped carbon xerogels (NDCX) functionalized with various nitrogen functionalities are synthesized and used as supports for Pd nanoparticles (NPs) for selective hydrogenation reactions. The nitrogen doping not only induces the formation of surface basic sites that can connect with the Pd NPs by donating electrons to the unoccupied d orbital of Pd atoms and improve the Pd dispersion, but it also leads to C–N–C hybrid rings that can interact with substrates containing electron‐rich carbon rings, increasing the reaction activity. So far, the Pd/NDCX shows >95 % 1,5‐cyclooctadiene (COD) conversion and cyclooctene (COE) selectivity within 90 min for selective hydrogenation of COD to COE, and the activity can be recovered after washing the catalyst. Moreover, the catalyst can be applied to various substrates containing C=C and/or −NO2 groups with considerable conversion and selectivity. Experimental results and DFT theoretical calculations suggest that the pyridinic nitrogen plays an important role in the reaction, as it is not only the adsorption site of Pd NPs for H2 activation, but it also serves as the active site for COD activation. On these bases, a mechanism for the reaction is proposed.
Balanced Chromosomal Rearrangement Detection by Low‐Pass Whole‐Genome Sequencing
Authors: Dong Zirui , Ye Lingfei , Yang Zhenjun , Chen Haixiao , Yuan Jianying , Wang Huilin , Guo Xiaosen , Li Yun , Wang Jun , Chen Fang , Cheung Sau Wai , Morton Cynthia C. , Jiang Hui , Choy Kwong Wai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBalanced chromosomal rearrangements (or balanced chromosome abnormalities, BCAs) are common chromosomal structural variants. Emerging studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) for detection of BCA‐associated breakpoints, but the requirement for a priori knowledge of the rearranged regions from G‐banded chromosome analysis limits its application. The protocols described here are based on low‐pass WGS for detecting BCA events independent from chromosome analysis, and has been validated using genomic data from the 1000 Genomes Project. This approach adopts non‐size‐selected mate‐pair library (3∼8 kb) with 2∼3 μg DNA as input, and requires only 30 million read‐pairs (50 bp, equivalent to 1‐fold base‐coverage) for each sample. The complete procedure takes 13 days and the total cost is estimated to be less than $600 (USD) per sample. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diabetes on demand and novel technologies
Authors: Maurizi A.R. , Piemonte V. , Pozzilli P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTo date, the use of technology for the management of diabetes represents a promising area of innovation that can dramatically change diabetics' lives. In the past decade, the use of diabetes devices has widely grown and looks to have partially improved diabetes management. The combination of cloud technology with real‐expert intervention saves time and improves efficiency, as well as empowering the patient. The application of mathematical models applied to diabetes therapy could lead to significant improvement in life quality and challenge the burden of hypoglycaemia. Events where an individual needs support are instantly achieved, triggering outreach alerts via cloud and wireless connectivity, thereby improving patient compliance and reducing disease costs.
Rapid identification of the Asian gypsy moth and its related species based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Wu Ying , Du Qiuyang , Qin Haiwen , Shi Juan , Wu Zhiyi , Shao Weidong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe gypsy moth—Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus)—is a worldwide forest defoliator and is of two types: the European gypsy moth and the Asian gypsy moth. Because of multiple invasions of the Asian gypsy moth, the North American Plant Protection Organization officially approved Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 33. Accordingly, special quarantine measures have been implemented for 30 special focused ports in the epidemic areas of the Asian gypsy moth, including China, which has imposed great inconvenience on export trade. The Asian gypsy moth and its related species (i.e., Lymantria monocha and Lymantria xylina) intercepted at ports are usually at different life stages, making their identification difficult. Furthermore, Port quarantine requires speedy clearance. As such, it is difficult to identify the Asian gypsy moth and its related species only by their morphological characteristics in a speedy measure. Therefore, this study aimed to use molecular biology technology to rapidly identify the Asian gypsy moth and its related species based on the consistency of mitochondrial DNA in different life stages. We designed 10 pairs of specific primers from different fragments of the Asian gypsy moth and its related species, and their detection sensitivity met the need for rapid identification. In addition, we determined the optimal polymerase chain reaction amplification temperature of the 10 pairs of specific primers, including three pairs of specific primers for the Asian gypsy moth (L. dispar asiatic), four pairs of specific primers for the nun moth (L. monocha), and three pairs of specific primers for the casuarina moth (L. xylina). In conclusion, using our designed primers, direct rapid identification of the Asian gypsy moth and its related species is possible, and this advancement can help improve export trade in China.
An interaction‐driven cannibalistic reaction norm
Authors: Nishimura Kinya 
Published: January 2018

AbstractsCannibalism is induced in larval‐stage populations of the Hokkaido salamander,Hynobius retardatus, under the control of a cannibalism reaction norm. Here, I examined phenotypic expression under the cannibalism reaction norm, and how the induction of a cannibalistic morph under the norm leads to populational morphological diversification. I conducted a set of experiments in which density was manipulated to be either low or high. In the high‐density treatment, the populations become dimorphic with some individuals developing into the cannibal morph type. I performed an exploratory analysis based on geometric morphometrics and showed that shape characteristics differed between not only cannibal and noncannibal morph types in the high‐density treatment but also between those morph types and the solitary morph type in the low‐density treatment. Size and shape of cannibal and noncannibal individuals were found to be located at either end of a continuum of expression following a unique size–shape integration rule that was different from the rule governing the size and shape variations of the solitary morph type. This result implies that the high‐density‐driven inducible morphology of an individual is governed by a common integration rule during the development of dimorphism under the control of the cannibalism reaction norm. Phenotypic expression under the cannibalism reaction norm is driven not only by population density but also by social interactions among the members of a population: variation in the populational expression of dimorphism is associated with contingent social interaction events among population members. The induced cannibalistic morph thus reflects not only by contest‐type exploitative competition but also interference competition.
Three‐Dimensional Monitoring of Thawing of Biological Tissue Using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: YOKOSEKI KOHEI , NEBUYA SATORU , UJIHIRA MASANOBU , KUMAGAI HIROSHI 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYIn this study, thawing of biological tissue was tried monitoring using three‐dimensional (3D) electrical impedance tomography (EIT). To measure 3D throwing process, a printed circuit board was developed. It contained a circular measurement hole with 5 mm in diameter and included four layers of eight electrodes arrays individually. A frozen columned beef was set at the center of the measurement hole and thawing process could be observed real‐timely. The EIT measured from bottom layer showed the fastest throwing of frozen columned beef where it had highest thermal conductivity. And other EITs from upper layers showed slower thawing. Results showed feasibility of 3D monitoring of thawing using EIT.
Solid Fat Content Determination of Dispersed Lipids by Time‐Domain NMR
Authors: Linke Christina , Guthausen Gisela , Flöter Eckhard , Drusch Stephan 
Published: January 2018

Time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD‐NMR) is used to determine the solid fat content (SFC) of dispersions stabilized by a high molecular weight hydrocolloid (gum arabic, GA) containing a high melting lipid (tristearin, SSS). Since the lipid is molten prior to homogenization for the preparation of the dispersion it recrystallizes during cooling and storage. It is known that the recrystallization in a disperse system differs from bulk lipids and TD‐NMR can be a helpful tool to investigate the phenomenon. SFC measurement by TD‐NMR is well established and widely used in food science for oils, spreads, and seeds. In the case of dispersions, however, the situation is more demanding due to the quasi‐continuous phase. A suitable TD‐NMR method has to account for that and can be realized when combining longitudinal and transverse relaxation properties to separate the signal contribution of the quasi‐continuous phase and the solid lipid and liquid lipid dispersed phase. Signal from water and emulsifier is eliminated by magnetization inversion with an initial 180° pulse and a subsequent dedicated inversion delay. The emulsifier shows a longitudinal relaxation similar to the aqueous phase. With a carefully chosen inversion delay, both signal contributions of water and emulsifier can be suppressed, and a quantitative determination of the SFC is possible via dedicated data processing.Practical Applications: The method can be applied in characterization, stability tests and quality control of complex food emulsions and solid lipid particles, which are recently under development as drug carrier systems.TD‐NMR is used to determine the solid fat content (SFC) of dispersions with high water content, a hydrocolloid as emulsifier and fat. Since the fat is molten prior to homogenization it recrystallizes during cooling. It is known that recrystallization in a dispersed system differs from bulk and TD‐NMR is a helpful tool to investigate the phenomenon. The situation is demanding due to the quasi‐continuous phase. With magnetization inversion, a preset 180° pulse, and a carefully chosen inversion delay, signal contributions of water, and emulsifier can be suppressed, and a quantitative determination of the SFC is possible.
Medical cannabis: A forward vision for the clinician
Authors: Fitzcharles M.A. , Eisenberg E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMedical cannabis has entered mainstream medicine and is here to stay. Propelled by public advocacy, the media and mostly anecdote rather than sound scientific study, patients worldwide are exploring marijuana use for a vast array of medical conditions including management of chronic pain. Contrary to the usual path of drug approval, medical cannabis has bypassed traditional evidence‐based study and has been legalized as a therapeutic product by legislative bodies in various countries. While there is a wealth of basic science and preclinical studies demonstrating effects of cannabinoids in neurobiological systems, especially those pertaining to pain and inflammation, clinical study remains limited. Cannabinoids may hold promise for relief of symptoms in a vast array of conditions, but with many questions as yet unanswered. Rigorous study is needed to examine the true evidence for benefits and risks for various conditions and in various patient populations, the specific molecular effects, ideal methods of administration, and interaction with other medications and substances. In the context of prevalent use, there is an urgency to gather pertinent clinical information about the therapeutic effects as well as risks. Even with considerable uncertainties, the health care community must adhere to the guiding principle of clinical care ‘primum non nocere’ and continue to provide empathetic patient care while exercising prudence and caution. The health care community must strongly advocate for sound scientific evidence regarding cannabis as a therapy.SignificanceLegalization of medical cannabis has bypassed usual drug regulatory procedures in jurisdictions worldwide. Pending sound evidence for effect in many conditions, physicians must continue to provide competent empathetic care with attention to harm reduction. A vision to navigate the current challenges of medical cannabis is outlined.
Kinetics Inside, Outside and Through Cucurbiturils
Authors: Masson Eric , Raeisi Mersad , Kotturi Kondalarao 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis review describes the kinetics at play in Cucurbituril (CB[n])/guest recognition within a very wide time frame, from picoseconds to days. We cover the kinetics of (1) radiative and non‐radiative decays of fluorophores inside and outside CB[n]s, (2) guest motions in the CB[n] cavity, and (3) ingression, egression and threading mechanisms into, out of and through the macrocycles. We then show that the kinetics of guest release or capture can be controlled using CB[n]‐capped mesoporous systems and micelles, or by coupling those processes to the kinetics of ancillary reactions. The last section is devoted to the latest examples of reactions catalyzed and inhibited by CB[n]s.
The Philippines’ new postabortion care policy
Authors: Upreti Melissa , Jacob Jihan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn 2000, a Philippine policy clarifying the legality of medical treatment for women with postabortion complications was introduced to address unsafe abortion as a leading cause of maternal death, and reports of discrimination and abuse by healthcare providers against women who had abortions illegally. Despite its initial success as a pilot program, the policy's implementation and expansion were not prioritized. The incidence of unsafe abortion has increased over the years and, in 2009, the right to postabortion care was codified in national law, yet the mistreatment and abuse of women has continued in violation of medical ethics and the law. In 2016, following the demands of advocates and recommendations from national and international human rights bodies, the government introduced a new policy to strengthen the national framework for postabortion care, clarifying the legal and ethical duties of health service providers and offering women formal avenues for redress against abuse. The new policy offers useful guidance for countries that are contemplating new ways to strengthen the quality of postabortion care services in accordance with recognized standards of medical ethics and human rights.
Nitric oxide‐releasing antibacterial albumin plastic for biomedical applications
Authors: Jones Alexander , Pant Jitendra , Lee Eliza , Goudie Marcus J. , Gruzd Alexey , Mansfield Joel , Mandal Abhyuday , Sharma Suraj , Handa Hitesh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDesigning innovative materials for biomedical applications is desired to prevent surface fouling and risk of associated infections arising in the surgical care patient. In the present study, albumin plastic was fabricated and nitric oxide (NO) donor, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), was incorporated through a solvent swelling process. The albumin‐SNAP plastic was evaluated in terms of mechanical and thermal properties, and bacterial adhesion to the plastic surface. Thermal and viscoelastic analyses showed no significant difference between albumin‐SNAP plastics and pure, water‐plasticized albumin samples. Bacteria adhesion tests revealed that albumin‐SNAP plastic can significantly reduce the surface‐bound viable gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cells by 98.7 and 98.5%, respectively, when compared with the traditional polyvinyl chloride medical grade tubing material. The results from this study demonstrate NO‐releasing albumin plastic's potential as a material for biomedical device applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1535–1542, 2018.
Core/shell cellulose‐based microspheres for oral administration of Ketoprofen Lysinate
Authors: Guarino Vincenzo , Caputo Tania , Calcagnile Paola , Altobelli Rosaria , Demitri Christian , Ambrosio Luigi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHerein, we propose the fabrication of a new carrier with core/shell structure—inner core of cellulose acetate (CA) coated by a micrometric layer of chitosan (CS)—fabricated through an integrated process, which combines Electro Dynamic Atomization (EDA) and layer‐by‐layer (LbL) technique. We demonstrate that CA based microspheres possess a unique capability to relevantly retain the drugs—that is, Ketoprofen Lysinate (KL)—along the gastric tract, while providing a massive release along the intestine. CS shell slightly influences the morphology and water retention under different pH conditions, improving drug encapsulation without compromising drug release kinetics. In vitro studies in simulated gastric and intestine fluids (SGF, SIF) with physiological enzymes, show a moderate release of LSK during the first 2 h (ca. 20% at pH 2), followed by a sustained release during the next 6 h (ca. 80% at pH 7). The obtained results demonstrate that CA‐based microspheres hold strong potential to be used as carriers for a delayed oral administration of anti‐inflammatory drugs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2636–2644, 2018.
Adiponectin level changes among Egyptians with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Rafat Mohamed N , Younus Hosni Abd‐ElKareem , EL‐Shorpagy Mohamed S , Hemida Mahmoud Haddad , EL Shahawy Mohamed S , El Sayed Atiia Ahmed Abd El Aziz 
Published: January 2018

Background and AimVisceral fat is an important endocrine organ that secretes different bioactive substances such as adipocytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the adiponectin level changes among patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)and its consequence on pathogenesis.MethodsIn this study, 150 subjects were selected and divided into four groups: Group І (n = 40) were healthy individuals with an average body mass index and had no gastrointestinal tract symptoms; Group ІІ (n = 50) were patients with mild to moderate erosive esophagitis; Group ІІІ (n = 40) were patients with severe erosive esophagitis; and finally, Group ІV (n = 20) were patients with Barrett's esophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed for Groups II, III, and IV only, and histopathological assessment was conducted for the suspicious cases of Barrett's esophagus. The measurement of serum adiponectin was performed for all groups using the ELISA test.ResultsOur results revealed that the serum level of adiponectin was significantly lower in patients with different grades of GERD as well Barrett's esophagus as compared to healthy controls (P‐value < 0.001). Additionally, the serum level of adiponectin was correlated with different grades of GERD as the highest level of the adiponectin was found in the control group (11.05 ± 2.58) followed by mild to moderate GERD (6.39 ± 1.64) and then severe GERD (2.42 ± 1.00); finally, the lowest level was detected in the Barrett's esophagus group (1.99 ± 0.47). Our study showed significant correlation between body mass index, waist circumference, and waist–hip ratio on one hand and serum adiponectin level on the other hand, with a statistically significant difference (P‐value < 0.001). The best cut‐off value for serum adiponectin was 7.7 (μg/mL), with a sensitivity of 91.8% and specificity of 97.5%.ConclusionsLow serum adiponectin level appears to be associated with an increased risk of erosive esophagitis, and visceral fat accumulation is related to the impaired secretion of adiponectin, which may have an influence on the pathogenesis of GERD.