bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder perspectives regarding alternate approaches to informed consent for comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Morain Stephanie R. , Tambor Ellen , Moloney Rachael , Kass Nancy E. , Tunis Sean , Hallez Kristina , Faden Ruth R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionTraditional informed consent approaches, involving separate discussions and lengthy consent forms, may be an imperfect fit for comparative effectiveness research (CER) that is integrated into usual care and compares non‐investigational treatments. However, systematic efforts to collect broad stakeholder perspectives about alternative streamlined approaches to disclosure and consent in this context have been limited.MethodsWe used a deliberative engagement method to solicit the views of a multi‐stakeholder group regarding 3 alternative models of disclosure, consent, and authorization in CER studies: Opt‐In, Opt‐Out, and “General Approval”. Participants considered the acceptability of these 3 models for observational and randomized CER studies of hypertension medications and for alternative treatments for spinal stenosis, all conducted in the context of a learning health care system.ResultsFifty‐eight stakeholders participated in the all‐day deliberative engagement session. Following deliberation, a majority of stakeholders (67%) liked the General Approval model for the observational hypertension study, more than the number who reported liking Opt‐Out or Opt‐In (45% and 36%, respectively). Support was lower for General Approval model in the context of a randomized hypertension study, with 80% liking a traditional Opt‐In approach, compared with 54% liking Opt‐Out, and 11% liking General Approval. Similarly, for the spinal stenosis CER studies, while most stakeholders preferred a streamlined Opt‐Out approach for the observational design, most preferred a traditional Opt‐In approach for the randomized version.ConclusionsThis multi‐stakeholder group was more favorable towards streamlined models for disclosure and authorization for observational CER than randomized designs. These findings are consistent with arguments that informed consent requirements should be tailored to the context of the research design, rather than a standard “one size fits all” approach.
Electrospun Sandwich‐Structure Composite Membranes for Wound Dressing Scaffolds with High Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Li Jinzhen , Hu Yang , He Ting , Huang Mengwen , Zhang Xiangchao , Yuan Jinying , Wei Yen , Dong Xianming , Liu Wei , Ko Frank , Zhou Wuyi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this study, the sandwich‐structured composite (SSC) membranes with well‐antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which have the promising application as wound dressing, are successfully fabricated by combining an electrospinning process. The SSC membranes are composed of three layers, including the bottom polyvinylidene fluoride fibrous layer, the middle curcumin/polylactic acid (PLA) microsphere layer, and the top enrofloxacin/PLA fibrous layer, respectively. The obtained SSC membranes are characterized in terms of morphology, component, and mechanical property using scanning electronic microscope, X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and universal electronic testing machine, respectively. Moreover, in vitro drug release, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility of the SSC membranes are also evaluated. The results showed that the obtained composite membranes indeed possess the sandwich structure, where the middle microsphere layer is located between two fibrous surface layers. It is found that the drug‐loaded SSC membranes show excellent antioxidant activity against•OH and DPPH free radicals and antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Streptococcus pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andCandida albicans. The combination of electrospinning and electrospraying opens up a new way to fabricate a variety of composite membranes with a sandwich structure, which have promising potential application as wound dressing scaffolds.
Multicompartment Vesicles Formation by Emulsification‐Induced Assembly of Poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Their Dual‐Loading Capability
Authors: Jin Seon‐Mi , Jeon Jongseol , Park Mi‐Kyoung , Kim Geon Hee , Lee Eunji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEmulsification‐induced assembly is employed to allow structural diversity in nanoaggregates of a biocompatible amphiphilic polymer, poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone). Onion‐like vesicles are efficiently produced by tuning the interfacial instability of the oil‐in‐water emulsion. The increase in the polymer concentration and use of the organic solvents with a low interfacial tension between water and the oil phase lead to a strong tendency of emulsion droplets to generate the onion‐like vesicles. The vesicular networks and fibers are also obtained by controlling the concentration and type of the surfactant, respectively. Interestingly, the onion‐like vesicles composed of alternating walls and water channels and the vesicular networks originated from a string of vesicles show dual‐loading ability for hydrophobic and hydrophilic dyes but slightly different loading capacities. This result indicates that the development of a methodology to fabricate well‐defined, unique nanostructures, such as multivesicular and multilamellar nanostructures, and subsequent elucidation of their structure–property relationships can provide useful guidance in the design of novel biomedical materials.
Custom 3D Printable Silicones with Tunable Stiffness
Authors: Durban Matthew M. , Lenhardt Jeremy M. , Wu Amanda S. , Small Ward , Bryson Taylor M. , Perez‐Perez Lemuel , Nguyen Du T. , Gammon Stuart , Smay James E. , Duoss Eric B. , Lewicki James P. , Wilson Thomas S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSilicone elastomers have broad versatility within a variety of potential advanced materials applications, such as soft robotics, biomedical devices, and metamaterials. A series of custom 3D printable silicone inks with tunable stiffness is developed, formulated, and characterized. The silicone inks exhibit excellent rheological behavior for 3D printing, as observed from the printing of porous structures with controlled architectures. Herein, the capability to tune the stiffness of printable silicone materials via careful control over the chemistry, network formation, and crosslink density of the ink formulations in order to overcome the challenging interplay between ink development, post‐processing, material properties, and performance is demonstrated.
4D Printed Actuators with Soft‐Robotic Functions
Authors: López‐Valdeolivas María , Liu Danqing , Broer Dick Jan , Sánchez‐Somolinos Carlos 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSoft matter elements undergoing programed, reversible shape change can contribute to fundamental advance in areas such as optics, medicine, microfluidics, and robotics. Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers have demonstrated huge potential to implement soft responsive elements; however, the complexity and size of the actuators are limited by the current dominant thin‐film geometry processing toolbox. Using 3D printing, stimuli‐responsive liquid crystalline elastomeric structures are created here. The printing process prescribes a reversible shape‐morphing behavior, offering a new paradigm for active polymer system preparation. The additive character of this technology also leads to unprecedented geometries, complex functions, and sizes beyond those of typical thin‐films. The fundamental concepts and devices presented therefore overcome the current limitations of actuation energy available from thin‐films, thereby narrowing the gap between materials and practical applications.
Developing an MCS index using the climatology of South America
Authors: Rasera Gustavo , Anabor Vagner , Scremin Puhales Franciano , Dal Piva Everson 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTEven though mesoscale convective systems (MCS) are of great importance in precipitation regimes besides being related to severe weather events, they are still not easy to predict. This study builds an objective index for South American MCS based on synoptic features present before the initiation of the MCS between 2005 and 2010. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) product is used to access environmental conditions near the MCS‐initiation centroid and in unorganized convective environments to obtain a South American MCS index (SA‐MCS index). Upper and middle atmospheric levels presented the main patterns used to identify the MCS environments and unorganized convection, with the jet streak downstream of a short trough at medium levels frequently present in the convectively organized environment. The SA‐MCS index is shown to depend on a vertical wind shear between 0 and 6 km high, temperature advection at 775 hPa, lifted index (LI) and vertical velocity omega at 800 hPa. When compared with the MCS index developed through the United States MCS climatology, the SA‐MCS index was able to predict more than twice as many MCS at a distance of less than 1° from the point of maximum intensity of the index.
Phytoceuticals in Fenugreek Ameliorate VLDL Overproduction and Insulin Resistance via the Insig Signaling Pathway
Authors: Khound Rituraj , Shen Jing , Song Yongyan , Santra Dipak , Su Qiaozhu 
Published: December 2017

ScopeThis study aims to characterize the effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum) seed and its phytoceutical trigonelline in antimetabolic inflammation and ameliorating overproduction of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in insulin resistance.Methods and ResultsTwo groups of genetic hyperlipidemic mice generated by depletion of cAMP responsive element binding protein H (CREBH) are fed either a chow containing 2% fenugreek seed or vehicle for 7 weeks. Q‐RT‐PCR and immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that fenugreek seed containing diet inhibits hepatic SREBP‐1c activation and the subsequent de novo lipogenesis by enhancing expression of insulin‐inducible gene‐1 (Insig‐1) and gene‐2 (Insig‐2). mRNA expression of PPARα and its target genes that are involved in fatty acid β‐oxidation are also upregulated in the fenugreek seed fed‐mice which is accompanied by significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and VLDL secretion, improved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and ameliorated metabolic inflammation. These actions enhance insulin sensitivity and improve hyperlipidemia. In vitro, treating a rat hepatoma cell line, McA‐RH7777 (McA), with trigonelline is able to recapitulate the results observed in vivo.ConclusionsThis study unveils a novel mechanism of fenugreek seed and trigonelline in countering hepatic VLDL overproduction and insulin resistance by enhancing the Insig signaling pathways and ameliorating metabolic inflammatory stress in the liver.
Regulatory Efficacy of Brown Seaweed Lessonia nigrescens Extract on the Gene Expression Profile and Intestinal Microflora in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Zhao Chao , Yang Chengfeng , Chen Mingjun , Lv Xucong , Liu Bin , Yi Lunzhao , Cornara Laura , Wei Ming‐Chi , Yang Yu‐Chiao , Tundis Rosa , Xiao Jianbo 
Published: December 2017

ScopeIn this study, the antidiabetic activity of Lessonia nigrescens ethanolic extract (LNE) is investigated in streptozotocin (SZT)‐induced type 2 diabetic mice fed with a high‐sucrose/high‐fat diet.Methods and resultsUltra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo‐DAD and electospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) is employed to analyze the major compounds in LNE. The components of the intestinal microflora in type 2 diabetic mice are analyzed by high‐throughput next‐generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic mice are significantly decreased after LNE administration. The histology reveals that LNE could protect the cellular architecture of liver and kidney. LNE treatment significantly increases Bacteroidetes and decreases Firmicutes populations in intestinal microflora. Specifically, It could selectively enrich the amounts of beneficial bacteria, Barnesiella, as well as reduce the abundances of Clostridium and Alistipes. The increased gene and protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) in the liver are observed in LNE treatment groups, while the expressions of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) are significantly downregulated.ConclusionThe above findings suggest that LNE could be considered as a functional food for reducing blood glucose and regulating intestinal microflora.
An efficient flexible membrane boundary condition for DEM simulation of axisymmetric element tests
Authors: Khoubani Ali , Evans T. Matthew 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe mechanical response of an assembly of particles depends on the applied boundary conditions. Robust calibration of numerical discrete systems to laboratory results is also a primary step in many studies of granular materials. In this study, a new membrane model was developed for simulating axisymmetric element tests. This membrane model uses a simple algorithm of an array of independently controlled walls and is computationally efficient. The effect of boundary flexibility on the system response was investigated by simulating a series of triaxial tests on dense and loose specimens. At the specimen scale, differences in shear strength and volume change of specimens were observed. It was shown that localization pattern depends on the applied boundary conditions. At the particle scale, particle‐membrane contact forces, coordination number, local void ratio, and anisotropy of fabric were all affected by the boundary flexibility.
Segmenting the Belgian charitable sector: The impact of environmental factors on households' generosity
Authors: Denis Etienne , Pecheux Claude , Decrop Alain 
Published: December 2017

Research on charitable giving has known a renewed interest over the last years. Despite a recent evolution, the literature remains predominantly Anglo‐Saxon, and studies are consequently conducted in societies marked by a strong charitable giving culture. In that respect, donors are generally considered as isolated individuals, and the impact of social and environmental factors such as public policies, institutional specificities, and punctual events is often underestimated. Moreover, research on generosity often suffers from the absence of reliable data, free of desirability bias. Based on fiscal data of tax returns and gift tax returns provided by the official Belgian statistics bureau, this research investigates individual donating behaviors while considering the influence of environmental determinants on generosity. More specifically, we empirically assess the generosity of Belgian households over a period of 8 years marked by natural disasters, massive calls for public generosity, and changes in tax policies. Among other things, we qualify the results of previous research on the role of age and open the debate on the role of household composition as a variable for segmenting donors. Finally, we propose leads for future research in order to stimulate further academic effort on the topic.
Interleukin‐17 regulates matrix metalloproteinase activity in human pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Singh Shivani , Maniakis‐Grivas George , Singh Utpal K , Asher Radha M , Mauri Francesco , Elkington Paul T , Friedland Jon S 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is characterized by extensive pulmonary matrix breakdown. Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) is key in host defence in TB but its role in TB‐driven tissue damage is unknown. We investigated the hypothesis that respiratory stromal cell matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production in TB is regulated by T‐helper 17 (TH‐17) cytokines. Biopsies of patients with pulmonary TB were analysed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and patient bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) MMP and cytokine concentrations were measured by Luminex assays. Primary human airway epithelial cells were stimulated with conditioned medium from human monocytes infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and TH‐17 cytokines. MMP secretion, activity, and gene expression were determined by ELISA, Luminex assay, zymography, RT‐qPCR, and dual luciferase reporter assays. Signalling pathways were examined using phospho‐western analysis and siRNA. IL‐17 is expressed in TB patient granulomas and MMP‐3 is expressed in adjacent pulmonary epithelial cells. IL‐17 had a divergent, concentration‐dependent effect on MMP secretion, increasing epithelial secretion of MMP‐3 (p < 0.001) over 72 h, whilst decreasing that of MMP‐9 (p < 0.0001); mRNA levels were similarly affected. Both IL‐17 and IL‐22 increased fibroblast Mtb‐dependent MMP‐3 secretion but IL‐22 did not modulate epithelial MMP‐3 expression. Both IL‐17 and IL‐22, but not IL‐23, were significantly up‐regulated in BALF from TB patients. IL‐17‐driven MMP‐3 was dependent on p38 MAP kinase and the PI3K p110α subunit. In summary, IL‐17 drives airway stromal cell‐derived MMP‐3, a mediator of tissue destruction in TB, alone and with monocyte‐dependent networks in TB. This is regulated by p38 MAP kinase and PI3K pathways. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Drug exposure and the risk of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Yong Heather Y. , McKay Kyla A. , Daley Cole G. J. , Tremlett Helen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundSeveral environmental and lifestyle factors have been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) risk, including some pharmacological treatments. We systematically reviewed the literature on prescription drug exposure and MS risk.MethodsSix databases were searched for original observational studies reporting drug exposure and MS risk published before 2017.ResultsThirteen articles fulfilled inclusion criteria. Exposure to neither amiloride nor valproic acid was associated with MS (adjusted hazard ratio (adj.HR = 1.34;95% CI:0.81–2.20; adj.HR = 1.30;95%CI:0.44–3.80, respectively). Four studies explored oral contraceptive exposure and reported no association with MS; while a single study found an increased risk (odds ratio [adj.OR] = 1.52;95%CI:1.21–1.91). While penicillin exposure was associated with reduced risk of developing MS (adj.OR = 0.5;95%CI:0.3–0.9), a later study observed an elevated risk for penicillin (adj.OR = 1.21;95%CI:1.10–1.27) and all antibiotics (adj.OR = 1.41;95%CI:1.29–1.53), which was potentially attributed to underlying infection. Anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) was not associated with MS risk in persons with inflammatory bowel disease (standard morbidity ratio = 4.2;95%CI:0.1–23.0) and arthritis (standardized incidence ratio = 1.38;95%CI:0.69–2.77); however, men exposed to anti‐TNFα who also had arthritis and individuals with ankylosing spondylitis were at an increased risk (standardized incidence ratios = 3.91;95%CI:1.47–10.42 and 3.48;95%CI:1.45–8.37, respectively). A reduced risk of MS was observed with exposure to the beta2‐adrenergic agonist fenoterol (adj.OR = 0.58;95%CI:0.45–0.76), and the sedating histamine 1‐receptor antagonists (adj.OR = 0.2;95%CI:0.1–0.8), but not the non‐sedating equivalent (adj.OR = 0.8;95%CI:0.4–1.6).ConclusionsThe suggestion that some drugs may prevent MS is intriguing and warrants further study. In addition, further pharmacovigilance is needed to assess the safety of anti‐TNFα drugs in specific populations in the context of MS risk.
Hair nicotine at 15 months old, tobacco exposure and wheeze or asthma from 15 months to 6 years old
Authors: Pattemore Philip K. , Silvers Karen M. , Frampton Chris M. , Wickens Kristin , Ingham Tristram , Fishwick David , Crane Julian , Town G. Ian , Epton Michael J. ,   on behalf of the New Zealand Asthma and Allergy Cohort Study Group
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between hair nicotine levels at 15 months of age and prior parent‐reported smoking exposure, and the risk of wheezing and current asthma from 15 months to 6 years of age.Study DesignWe measured hair nicotine levels at 15 months of age in 376 of 535 infants enrolled in a prospective birth cohort in Christchurch, New Zealand. We obtained detailed information from parents about smoking exposure during pregnancy and in the home at 3 and 15 months of age. Data for demographics, wheezing, and asthma were obtained from yearly questionnaires up to age 6 years. We assessed hair nicotine levels in relation to reported smoke exposure in pregnancy and up to age 15 months, and the association between high levels of hair nicotine and annual reports of current wheeze and current asthma using multiple logistic regression.ResultsHair nicotine increased with numbers of smokers and daily cigarettes smoked at home, and was also strongly associated with smoking in pregnancy. High level of hair nicotine was associated with increased risk of wheeze (Odds ratio 2.30, P = 0.001) and, though not significant, of current asthma (Odds ratio 2.02, P = 0.056) at 15 months of age, after controlling for socio‐economic status, ethnicity, body mass index, respiratory infections in the first 3 months of life, and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. At older ages the associations were non‐significant.ConclusionIn children aged 15 months hair nicotine level was related to smoking exposure, and was associated with increased risk of wheeze and asthma.
A novel herbal composition containing extracts of Boswellia serrata gum resin and Aegle marmelos fruit alleviates symptoms of asthma in a placebo controlled double‐blind clinical study
Authors: Yugandhar Pothina , Rao Konda Manikyeswara , Sengupta Krishanu 
Published: December 2017

LI13109F is a novel herbal composition containing the extracts of Boswellia serrata gum resin and Aegle marmelos fruit. This composition dampens leukotriene dependent inflammatory reactions via inhibiting 5‐lipoxygenase pathway. In a Sephadex LH‐20 induced airway inflammation model of Sprague Dawley rats, LI13109F significantly reduced infiltrated granulocyte population in the bronco‐alveolar lavage fluid and normalized Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Further, a 56‐day placebo‐controlled and randomized double blind study (Clinical Trial Registration No. CTRI/2016/10/007393) on subjects with mild to moderate asthma has evaluated the clinical efficacy of LI13109F. The study subjects received either 200 mg/day of LI13109F (n = 18) or a similar dosage of placebo (n = 18). At the end of the trial period, LI13109F conferred significant improvements in the clinical parameters; the emotional function (p = .0305) and asthma symptoms scores (p = .0002) were improved even at 14 days, compared with the placebo. Further, 56 days supplementation of LI13109F resulted in significant increase in serum IFN‐γ (p = .0014) and reduction in IL‐4 (p = .0497), compared with placebo. LI13109F supplementation did not yield any serious adverse events or any abnormal observations in routine laboratory examinations during the study. Together, these observations suggest that LI13109F (AlvioLife®) is tolerable and an effective intervention for management of mild to moderate asthma such as airway inflammation.