bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects With Microfracture and Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Leads to Extensive Subchondral Bone Cyst Formation in a Sheep Model
Authors: Beck Aswin , Murphy David J. , Carey-Smith Richard , Wood David J. , Zheng Ming H. 
Published: July 2016

Background: Microfracture and the autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) technique are popular for the treatment of articular cartilage defects. However, breaching of the subchondral bone plate could compromise the subchondral bone structure. Hypothesis: Microfracture and AMIC will cause deleterious effects on the subchondral bone structure. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 36 sheep received an 8-mm-diameter cartilage defect in the left medial femoral condyle. Control animals (n = 12) received no further treatment, and the rest received 5 microfracture holes either with a type I/III collagen scaffold implanted (n = 12; AMIC group) or without the collagen scaffold (n = 12; microfracture group). Macroscopic infill of defects, histology, and histomorphometry of the subchondral bone were performed at 13 and 26 weeks postoperatively, and micro–computed tomography (CT) was also performed at 26 weeks postoperatively. Results: Microfracture and AMIC resulted in subchondral bone cyst formation in 5 of 12 (42%) and 11 of 12 (92%) specimens at 13 and 26 weeks, respectively. Subchondral bone changes induced by microfracture and AMIC were characterized by an increased percentage of bone volume, increased trabecular thickness, and a decreased trabecular separation, and extended beyond the area below the defect. High numbers of osteoclasts were observed at the cyst periphery, and all cysts communicated with the microfracture holes. Cartilage repair tissue was of poor quality and quantity at both time points and rarely reached the tidemark at 13 weeks. Conclusion: Microfracture technique caused bone cyst formation and induced severe pathology of the subchondral bone in a sheep model. Clinical Relevance: The potential of microfracture technique to induce subchondral bone pathology should be considered.
Enhancing Linkages Between Healthy Diets, Local Agriculture, and Sustainable Food Systems
Authors: Fernandes Meenakshi , Galloway Rae , Gelli Aulo , Mumuni Daniel , Hamdani Salha , Kiamba Josephine , Quarshie Kate , Bhatia Rita , Aurino Elisabetta , Peel Francis , Drake Lesley 
Published: July 2016

Background: Interventions that enhance linkages between healthy diets and local agriculture can promote sustainable food systems. Home-grown school feeding programs present a promising entry point for such interventions, through the delivery of nutritious menus and meals. Objective: To describe the adaptation of the School Meals Planner Package to the programmatic and environmental reality in Ghana during the 2014 to 2015 school year. Methods: Guided by a conceptual framework highlighting key considerations and trade-offs in menu design, an open-source software was developed that could be easily understood by program implementers. Readily available containers from markets were calibrated into “handy measures” to support the provision of adequate quantities of food indicated by menus. Schools and communities were sensitized to the benefits of locally sourced, nutrient-rich diets. A behavior change communication campaign including posters and songs promoting healthy diets was designed and disseminated in schools and communities. Results: The School Meals Planner Package was introduced in 42 districts in Ghana, reaching more than 320 000 children. Monitoring reports and feedback on its use were positive, demonstrating how the tool can be used by planners and implementers alike to deliver nutritious, locally-sourced meals to schoolchildren. The value of the tool has been recognized at the highest levels by Ghana’s government who have adopted it as official policy. Conclusions: The School Meals Planner Package supported the design of nutritious, locally sourced menus for the school feeding program in Ghana. The tool can be similarly adapted for other countries to meet context-specific needs.
Thiocyanate Accumulation in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Nitroprusside Infusions
Authors: Morris Amanda A. , Page Robert L. , Baumgartner Laura J. , Mueller Scott W. , MacLaren Robert , Fish Douglas N. , Kiser Tyree H. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose: This study evaluated thiocyanate concentrations and factors associated with thiocyanate accumulation in intensive care unit patients receiving nitroprusside with and without sodium thiosulfate coadministration. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated critically ill adults who received nitroprusside infusions and had at least one thiocyanate concentration. Patients with thiocyanate accumulation (concentrations ≥30 µg/mL) were compared to patients without accumulation. Factors associated with accumulation were determined by Spearman correlation and multivariate regression. Results: Thiocyanate concentrations (n = 192) were obtained from 87 patients. Fourteen of the 87 (16%) patients experienced thiocyanate accumulation with a mean (SD) thiocyanate concentration of 44 ± 11 µg/mL. Patients with accumulation had received greater cumulative nitroprusside doses (28 vs 8.2 mg/kg, P < .01), greater cumulative sodium thiosulfate doses (16.8 vs 10.1 mg/kg, P < .01), and longer infusion durations (10.9 vs 6.0 days, P < .01), compared to patients without accumulation. Sodium thiosulfate coadministration resulted in greater thiocyanate concentrations (22.8 ± 16.7 vs 16.8 ± 14.9 μg/mL, P = .01), despite utilization of lower cumulative nitroprusside doses (10.2 vs 14.6 mg/kg, P = .03). Cumulative nitroprusside dose ( r2 .44, P < .001) and cumulative sodium thiosulfate dose ( r2 .32, P < .001) demonstrated a significant correlation with measured thiocyanate concentrations. Thiocyanate accumulation was independently associated with cumulative nitroprusside dose in mg/kg (regression coefficient 0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.89; P < .01). No clinically significant adverse effects of cyanide or thiocyanate toxicity were observed. Conclusions: Cumulative nitroprusside dose was independently associated with thiocyanate accumulation. Despite elevated thiocyanate levels in 16% of patients, there was no clinical evidence of cyanide or thiocyanate toxicity. Routine monitoring of thiocyanate concentrations appears most warranted in patients receiving higher cumulative doses of nitroprusside.
An Assessment of Social Networking Intervention With Older Chinese Adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Chow Esther O. W. , Yau Kelvin K. W. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose: This article assessed the effectiveness of social networking strategies (networking strategic initiative [NSI]) to overcome stressful life events experienced in normal aging in Hong Kong. Method: A three-wave quasi-experimental panel design with an overall sample consisting of n = 288 Chinese elderly placed into two groups: NSI group: n1 = 175 and comparison group: n2 = 113. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted for over 30 months. Five outcome measures including subjective well-being, self-esteem, locus of control, sense of belonging, and collective power were investigated, using a generalized linear mixed model for repeated measurements. Results: Findings revealed those who were continuously active throughout the intervention period experienced considerable increases in self-esteem and sense of belonging. Conclusion: No appreciable effects on any of the five outcome measures were found for those who were enrolled in the program and were inactive. The findings provide significant implications for future practice with community-dwelling elderly Chinese populations in Hong Kong and elsewhere.
Economic Analysis Comparing Dalteparin to Vitamin K Antagonists to Prevent Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer Having Renal Impairment
Authors: Dranitsaris George , Shane Lesley , Burgers Laura , Woodruff Seth 
Published: July 2016

Background: In a randomized trial (ie, Comparison of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin versus Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for the Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer [CLOT]) that evaluated secondary prophylaxis of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer, dalteparin reduced the relative risk by 52% compared to oral vitamin K antagonists (VKAs; hazard ratio = 0.48, P = .002). A recent subgroup analysis in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment also revealed lower absolute VTE rates with dalteparin (3% vs 17%; P = .011). To measure the economic value of dalteparin in these populations, a pharmacoeconomic analysis was conducted from the Dutch health-care system perspective. Methods: Resource utilization data contained within the CLOT trial database were extracted and converted into direct cost estimates. Univariate analysis was then conducted to compare the total cost of therapy between patients randomized to dalteparin or VKA therapy. Health state utilities were then measured in 24 members of the general public using the time trade-off technique. Results: When all of the cost components were combined for the entire population (n = 676), the dalteparin group had significantly higher overall costs than the VKA control group (dalteparin = €2375 vs VKA = €1724; P < .001). However, dalteparin was associated with a gain of 0.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-0.18) quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over VKA. When the incremental cost was combined with the utility gain, dalteparin had a cost of €4,697 (95% CI: €3824-€4951) per QALY gained. Conclusion: Secondary prophylaxis with dalteparin is a cost-effective alternative to VKA for the prevention of recurrent VTE in patients with cancer.
Dysplastic (or Atypical) Nevi Showing Moderate or Severe Atypia With Clear Margins on the Shave Removal Specimens Are Most Likely Completely Excised
Authors: Maghari Amin 
Published: July 2016

Background: Dysplastic nevi (DN) are graded by their degree of atypia into 3 categories of mild, moderate, and severe. In many practices, DN with moderate or severe atypia are generally excised regardless of the status of the shave specimen margins. Objective: With a new approach toward the margins on the shave removal specimens (SRS), the goal herein is to assess whether the shave removal procedure can sufficiently remove DN with moderate or severe atypia. Methods: A total of 426 SRS diagnosed with DN showing moderate or severe atypia between January and December 2015 along with their post–shave excision specimens were reviewed. Based on the author’s experience, clear or negative margins on the SRS were defined as neoplastic melanocytes confined within >0.2 mm of the lateral and deep specimen margins. The biopsy specimens were accompanied by Melan-A highlighting the subtle neoplastic cells. Results: With a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.4% (confidence interval: 97.2% to 100%, P < .001), DN showing moderate or severe atypia with clear margins are most likely removed by the shave procedure. Conclusion: Routine excision of DN showing moderate or severe atypia with clear margins on SRS is not necessary. Regular surveillance is sufficient.
Managing the water distribution network with a Smart Water Grid
Authors:   Public Utilities Board Singapore
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn Singapore, the implementation of a Smart Water Grid system supports the Public Utilities Board (PUB)’s mission to supply good water 24/7 to its customers. With sensors and analytic tools deployed island-wide to provide a real-time monitoring and decision support system, the Smart Water Grid system enables PUB to manage the water supply network efficiently, ensuring that all Singaporeans will continue to enjoy a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come. This paper covers the five key aspects of the Smart Water Grid system, in relation to both the key operational aspects of a water distribution system (asset management, leak management, water quality monitoring) and the customers’ end (automated meter reading and water conservation). For each aspect, the paper focuses on the challenges, current technology, PUB’s experience with technology and identified gaps, and the technology roadmap.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles can safely ameliorate the progression of chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Nassar Wael , El-Ansary Mervat , Sabry Dina , Mostafa Mostafa A. , Fayad Tarek , Kotb Esam , Temraz Mahmoud , Saad Abdel-Naser , Essa Wael , Adel Heba 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background
Bio-products from stem/progenitor cells, such as extracellular vesicles, are likely a new promising approach for reprogramming resident cells in both acute and chronic kidney disease. Forty CKD patients stage III and IV (eGFR 15–60 mg/ml) have been divided into two groups; twenty patients as treatment group “A” and twenty patients as a matching placebo group “B”. Two doses of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles had been administered to patients of group “A”. Blood urea, serum creatinine, urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have been used to assess kidney functions and TNF-α, TGF-β1 and IL-10 have been used to assess the amelioration of the inflammatory immune activity.

Results
Participants in group A exhibited significant improvement of eGFR, serum creatinine level, blood urea and UACR. Patients of the treatment group “A” also exhibited significant increase in plasma levels of TGF-β1, and IL-10 and significant decrease in plasma levels of TNF-α. Participants of the control group B did not show significant improvement in any of the previously mentioned parameters at any time point of the study period.

Conclusion
Administration of cell-free cord-blood mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles (CF-CB-MSCs-EVs) is safe and can ameliorate the inflammatory immune reaction and improve the overall kidney function in grade III-IV CKD patients.
Simultaneous Testing for 6 Lysosomal Storage Disorders and X-Adrenoleukodystrophy in Dried Blood Spots by Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tortorelli Silvia , Turgeon Coleman T , Gavrilov Dimitar K , Oglesbee Devin , Raymond Kimiyo M , Rinaldo Piero , Matern Dietrich 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Newborn screening for lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) has revealed that late-onset variants of these conditions are unexpectedly frequent and therefore may evade diagnosis. We developed an efficient and cost-effective multiplex assay to diagnose six LSDs and several peroxisomal disorders in patients presenting with diverse phenotypes at any age.

METHODS
Three 3-mm dried blood spot (DBS) punches were placed into individual microtiter plates. One disc was treated with a cocktail containing acid sphingomyelinase-specific substrate and internal standard (IS). To the second DBS we added a cocktail containing substrate and IS for β-glucosidase, acid α-glucosidase, α-galactosidase A, galactocerebrosidase, and α-L-iduronidase. The third DBS was extracted with methanol containing d4-C26 lysophosphatidylcholine as IS and stored until the enzyme plates were combined and purified by liquid–liquid and solid-phase extraction. The extracts were evaporated, reconstituted with the extract from the lysophosphatidylcholine plate, and analyzed by flow injection tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS
Reference intervals were determined by analysis of 550 samples from healthy controls. DBS from confirmed patients with 1 of the 6 LSDs (n = 33), X-adrenoleukodystrophy (n = 9), or a peroxisomal biogenesis disorder (n = 5), as well as carriers for Fabry disease (n = 17) and X-adrenoleukodystrophy (n = 5), were analyzed for assay validation. Prospective clinical testing of 578 samples revealed 25 patients affected with 1 of the detectable conditions.

CONCLUSIONS
Our flow injection tandem mass spectrometry approach is amenable to high-throughput population screening for Hurler disease, Gaucher disease, Niemann–Pick A/B disease, Pompe disease, Krabbe disease, Fabry disease, X-adrenoleukodystrophy, and peroxisomal biogenesis disorder in DBS.
Propriedades estruturais, ópticas e elétricas do sistema de multicamadas (ZnO/Nb)3/ZnO e de co-deposição ZnO-Nb
Authors: Melo Adolfo Henrique Nunes , Santos Jeferson Marques , Sousa Osmar Machado 
Published: July 2016

Os óxidos condutores transparentes (TCOs) são muito pesquisados devido a sua grande aplicabilidade em células solares e eletrônica invisível, na qual filmes finos de ZnO tem sido ótimos candidatos para estes sistemas. No entanto, não há estudos de sistemas de multicamadas ou co-deposição ZnO-metal para desenvolver as propriedades ópticas e elétricas dos TCOs. Neste trabalho, filmes finos de multicamadas ZnO/Nb/ZnO/Nb/ZnO/Nb/ZnO e um sistema de co-deposição foram fabricados por sputtering em função da espessura de Nb. As propriedades de transmissão e absorção óptica foram analisadas revelando transparência superior a 80% e 50% para o dispositivo com menor e maior espessura de Nb respectivamente. As propriedades elétricas das amostras apresentaram comportamento de condução não ôhmica em baixas tensões e ôhmica para altas tensões. O ciclo histerético I-V apresentou comportamento antiferroelétrico, na qual pode ser observado um efeito de comutação resistiva. Os resultados mostram que estes dispositivos apresentam uma nova classe de memórias, as memórias antiferroelétricas de acesso aleatório (ARAM).
Roles of long noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Diyu , Fang Jie , Luo Gaojian 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are nonprotein coding transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides. Aberrant expression of lncRNAs has been found to be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, one of the most malignant tumors. In this paper, we give a systematic and comprehensive review of existing literature about the involvement of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, evidence suggests that a number of lncRNAs, including HEIH, H19, HOTAIR, MALAT1, and PVT1, may regulate the transcription of target genes by recruiting histone-modifying complexes. Under certain circumstances, lncRNAs form RNA-dsDNA triplexes. Certain lncRNAs, such as HULC, HOTAIR, H19, HOTTIP and PTENP1, exhibit their biological roles by associating with microRNAs (miRNAs). In addition, by complementary base pairing with mRNAs or forming complexes with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), lncRNA-ATB, MALAT1 and PCNA-AS1 may mediate mRNA stability and splicing. In conclusion, interactions with DNA, RNA and proteins appears to be involved in lncRNAs’ participation in tumorigenesis and developmental processes related to hepatocellular carcinoma.
Efficient utilization of inulin and glycerol as fermentation substrates in erythritol and citric acid production using Yarrowia lipolytica expressing inulinase
Authors: Rakicka Magdalena , Lazar Zbigniew , Rywińska Anita , Rymowicz Waldemar 
Published: July 2016

AbstractInulin and glycerol were used as substrates for efficient erythritol and citric acid production by newly engineered
Functions without short implicents. Part II: Construction
Authors: Roldugin Pavel V. , Tarasov Alexey V. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
This paper is a continuation of the paper ‘Functions without short implicents. Part I: lower estimates of weights’. In Part II we propose various methods of construction of n-place Boolean functions not admitting implicents of k variables. The first of the methods proposed is based on the gradient algorithm, the second and the third ones depend on a certain combinatorial principle of construction, while the fourth method is based on a random choice of elements in the function support. The above methods have different efficiency depending on the value of k. We give upper estimates for the minimal value w (n, k) of weights of the so-constructed functions. Together with the lower estimates of w (n, k) from the first part of the paper this allows us to obtain an asymptotically sharp estimate w (n, k) = Θ (ln n) as n → ∞.
Effect of Nyctanthes arbor tristis leaf extract against scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Phanindhra Bashetty , Raju Akondi Butchi , Vikas Gadiyaram , Anusha Repala , Deepika Donapati 
Published: July 2016

Summary
Nyctanthes arbor tristis (NATE) ethanol extract (150 mg/kg, orally) was evaluated for its protective effect against scopolamine-induced (1 mg/kg i.p.) cognitive impairments in rats using behavioral models like radial arm maze test, Morris water maze test and active avoidance test. NATE effect was evaluated and compared with the standard piracetam (200mg/kg i.p.). NATE (p<0.005) significantly reversed the impairment produced by the scopolamine in radial arm maze test. In addition, NATE also decreased the time period taken to find the hidden platform in Morris water maze test and increased number of avoidances in active avoidance paradigm. Acetylcholinesterase activity and thiobarbituric acid levels were significantly (p<0.005) decreased along with the rise in activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. This might suggest that the NATE has protective effect against scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in rats through acetylcholine muscarinic receptor pathway and also antioxidant activity. No significant changes were found in histopathological studies of brain.
Off-Season Effects on Functional Performance, Body Composition, and Blood Parameters in Top-Level Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Requena Bernardo , García Inmaculada , Suárez-Arrones Luis , Sáez de Villarreal Eduardo , Naranjo Orellana José , Santalla Alfredo 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Requena, B, García, I, Suárez-Arrones, L, Sáez de Villarreal, E, Naranjo Orellana, J, and Santalla, A. Off-season effects on functional performance, body composition, and blood parameters in top-level professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 939–946, 2017—To examine the effects of a standard off-season period (OSP) on aerobic, sprint, and jumping performances, and body and blood composition in a top-level soccer team. Nineteen soccer players were measured. The OSP included to 2 weeks of no training (resting phase) and a 4-week period of moderate-training load (phase in which each player performed the vacation exercise plan). Player's functional performance (15- and 30-m sprint times [seconds], vertical jump [meter], and incremental field test Vam-Eval [kilometer per hour]), percentage of body fat (%) and blood composition (hematological and biochemical data) were measured at mid-season, end-season, and after the OSP. The percentage of body fat was nonaltered during the competitive season (10.8 ± 3.6 and 10.5 ± 3.5%) and increased significantly after the OSP (11.6 ± 3.6%, p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, the maximal aerobic speed (V
Vam-Eval) velocity (kilometer per hour) decreased (p ≤ 0.05) from 17.4 ± 1 and 17.3 ± 1.2 during the competitive season to 16.6 ± 0.9 after the OSP. The hematocrit and blood hemoglobin concentration increased (p ≤ 0.05) during the OSP, showing a blood hemoconcentration adaptation. However, sprint time (seconds) and jump height (meters) showed no significant changes after the OSP. Soccer players maintained their functional performance during high-intensity activities such as jumping or sprinting after the OSP proposed. By contrast, there was a decrease in aerobic performance (V
Vam-Eval) accompanied by a blood hemoconcentration, and an increase of body fat mass associated with a reduction of fat-free mass of the lower limbs. Our data suggest that an end-season evaluation is needed to design holiday training programs focused on regaining aerobic capacity and body composition.