bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radioactive particles released to the environment from the Fukushima reactors—Confirmation is still needed
Authors: Salbu Brit , Lind Ole Christian 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
After severe nuclear events, a major fraction of refractory radionuclides such as U and Pu are released to the environment in the form of radioactive particles. After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, Pu isotope ratio signals different from that of global fallout have been reported, indicating that spent fuel particles have been released from the reactors or reactor vessels. Radioactive particles containing 37Cs and other volatile radionuclides, as well as a series of stable refractory metals (Cs, Fe, Zn, U, etc.), have been identified by several authors claiming that these particles originated from the FDNPP fuel. If so, long-lived radioactive isotopes of the refractory metals should have been identified in these particles. It is therefore most probable that volatile radionuclides released as gases during the accidents have deposited on available surfaces such as fly ash, forming condensation particles during release or transport. If spent fuel particles have been deposited in the FDNPP surroundings, information on particle characteristics influencing ecosystem transport, uptake, and effects is essential for assessing environmental impact and risk. More emphasis should therefore be put on the identification of hot spots in the FDNPP environment followed by the characterization of radioactive particles using nanoanalytical-microanalytical techniques to support environmental monitoring, as recommended in the present study. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:687–689. © 2016 SETAC.
Effect of parameters on the quality of core‐shell fibrous scaffold for retinal differentiation of conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Nadri Samad , Nasehi Fatemeh , Barati Ghasem 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis article describes the coaxial electrospinning to generate core‐shell fibers from polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for differentiation of conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells (CJMSCs) into photoreceptor‐like cells by delivery of taurine. Also, the effects of many parameters such as polymer concentration, nozzle collector distance, applied voltage, and outer solution flow rate on creation of the core‐shell structure were examined. The morphology and structure of fibers were characterized using scanning, transmission electron microscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and then retinal differentiation was examined by quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). Significant variations between 25% and 35% PEG concentration groups for fiber diameter were documented. As faster flowing rates from the outer nozzle (PCL fluid) were applied, the creation possibility of fibrous scaffold was increased. The lowest diameter and the best quality alignment of core‐shell fibrous scaffold were achieved in 22 Kv and 24 Kv. As rising distancing were applied, the fibrous diameter increased and spraying was observed. qPCR analysis demonstrated the differentiation of CJMSCs to photoreceptor like cells on PEG/PCL scaffolds. According to the result, we have proved successful in the creation of core/shell fibrous scaffold of PEG/PCL by coaxial electrospinning for retinal tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 189–197, 2017.
Colloidal gold‐McAb probe‐based rapid immunoassay strip for simultaneous detection of fumonisins in maize
Authors: Yao Jingjing , Sun Yaning , Li Qingmei , Wang Fangyu , Teng Man , Yang Yanyan , Deng Ruiguang , Hu Xiaofei 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDFumonisins are a kind of toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin. A rapid immunochromatographic test strip has been developed for simultaneous detection of fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 (FB1, FB2 and FB3) in maize based on colloidal gold‐labelled monoclonal antibody (McAb) against FB1 probe.RESULTSThe anti‐FB1 McAb (2E11‐H3) was produced through immunisation and cell fusion, and identified as high affinity, specificity and sensitivity. The cross‐reaction ratios with fumonisin B2 and B3 were accordingly 385% and 72.4%, while none with other analogues. The colloid gold‐labelled anti‐FB1 McAb probe was successfully prepared and used for establishing the immunochromatographic strip. The test strip showed high sensitivity and specificity, the IC50 for FB1 was 58.08 ng mL−1, LOD was 11.24 ng mL−1, calculated from standard curve. Moreover, the test strip exhibited high cross‐reactivity with FB2 and FB3, and could be applied to the simultaneous detection of FBs (FB1:FB2:FB3 = 12:4:1) in maize sample with high accuracy and precision. The average recoveries of FBs in maize ranged from 90.42% to 95.29%, and CVs were 1.25–3.77%. The results of the test strip for FBs samples showed good correlation with high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis.CONCLUSIONThe immunochromatographic test strip could be employed in the rapid simultaneous detection of FB1, FB2 and FB3 in maize samples on‐site. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Forms of Nitrogen Alter Plant Phosphorus Uptake and Pathways in Rehabilitated Highly Alkaline Bauxite Processing Residue Sand
Authors: Goloran Johnvie B. , Phillips Ian R. , Chen Chengrong 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUnderstanding plant phosphorus (P) uptake and pathways is critical in the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes. This study investigated whether the uptake of P by Lolium rigidum was influenced by forms (inorganic and organic) of nitrogen (N) and whether the forms of N affected P loss by leaching in bauxite‐processing residue sand (BRS). Gypsum amended BRS was grown with L. rigidum and fertilized with P [calcium di‐hydrogen phosphate, Ca (H2PO4)2], plus different forms of N [e.g. control (CK without N addition, glycine (P‐GL), ammonium (P‐AS) and nitrate (P‐KN))]. The experimental treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design. Aboveground biomass P under P‐KN accounted for 47.4% of applied P, but only 26.0% and 25.0% under P‐AS and P‐GL, respectively. However, root P contents showed a different trend where P‐AS (31.9%) was highest followed by P‐GLY (23.0%) and P‐KN (17.1%). Meanwhile, loss of P via leaching was minimal (<5% of applied P) regardless of treatment, which could be because of the high affinity of residue sand for P via specific adsorption sites. This was supported by high percentage recovery of applied P in BRS growth media under P‐GLY (48.1%), P‐AS (37.2%) and P‐KN (32.0%). It is concluded that loss of P via leaching may not be a problem in BRS; however, limited plant P availability may be of more concern. Further, uptake of P by L. rigidum in alkaline BRS was found to be more efficient under nitrate‐N fertilization. Understanding, however, the specific or associated mechanisms involved warrants further investigation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile Formation of Redox‐Active Totally Organic Nanoparticles in Water by In Situ Reduction of Organic Precursors Stabilized through Aromatic–Aromatic Interactions by Aromatic Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Flores Mario E. , Garcés‐Jerez Pablo , Fernández Daniel , Aros‐Perez Gustavo , González‐Cabrera Diego , Álvarez Eduardo , Cañas Ignacio , Oyarzun‐Ampuero Felipe , Moreno‐Villoslada Ignacio 
Published: September 2016

The formation of redox‐active, totally organic nanoparticles in water is achieved following a strategy similar to that used to form metal nanoparticles. It is based on two fundamental concepts: i) complexation through aromatic–aromatic interactions of a water‐soluble precursor aromatic molecule with polyelectrolytes bearing complementary charged aromatic rings, and ii) reduction of the precursor molecule to achieve stabilized nanoparticles. Thus, formazan nanoparticles are synthesized by reduction of a tetrazolium salt with ascorbic acid using polyelectrolytes bearing benzene sulfonate residues of high linear aromatic density, but cannot be formed in the presence of nonaromatic polyelectrolytes. The red colored nanoparticles are efficiently encapsulated in calcium alginate beads, showing macroscopic homogeneity. Bleaching kinetics with chlorine show linear rates on the order of tenths of milli­meters per minute. A linear behavior of the dependence of the rate of bleaching on the chlorine concentration is found, showing the potential of the nanoparticles for chlorine sensing.
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Topography of Dopamine Transporter Availability in the Cerebellar Variant of Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Nocker Michael , Seppi Klaus , Boesch Sylvia , Donnemiller Eveline , Virgolini Irene , Wenning Gregor K. , Poewe Werner , Scherfler Christoph 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundVoxel‐wise comparison of [123I]‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3beta‐(4‐iodophenyl)tropane ([123I]β‐CIT) radioligand distribution measured by single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed distinct patterns of reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in the Parkinson's variant of MSA (MSA‐P). The aim of this study was to identify the monoamine transporter distribution pattern in patients with the cerebellar variant of MSA (MSA‐C). Additionally, monoamine transporter availability was investigated in a small cohort of patients with sporadic adult‐onset ataxia (SAOA).Methods[123I]β‐CIT SPECT was performed in patients with MSA‐C (n = 12), MSA‐P (n = 14), SAOA (n = 5), and controls (n = 15) matched for age. Parametric images of [123I]β‐CIT binding potential (BPND) were generated and analyzed by statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and region of interest (ROI) analysis.ResultsSPM localized significant reductions of [123I]β‐CIT BPND in the striatum, midbrain, and pons in MSA‐C compared to controls. When compared with MSA‐P, the striatal DAT decline was significantly less affected in MSA‐C. ROI analysis revealed reductions of striatal and midbrain [123I]β‐CIT binding in MSA‐C compared to SAOA, whereas no significant difference was apparent between the SAOA and control groups.ConclusionsMidbrain and pontine monoaminergic transporter binding was severely impaired in MSA‐C, matching the underlying pathological features. Striatal DAT availability was relatively less affected in MSA‐C compared to MSA‐P, reflecting measureable, but less‐profound, degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic projections. Preliminary results of reduced striatal and midbrain [123I]β‐CIT binding in MSA‐C, compared to SAOA, suggest that the potential of DAT‐SPECT as a surrogate marker in the diagnostic workup of patients with adult‐onset cerebellar ataxia should be further investigated.
Ethical issues in the evaluation of adults with suspected genetic neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Su Xiaowei , Kang Peter B. , Russell James A. , Simmons Zachary 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTGenetic testing is rapidly becoming an increasingly significant part of the diagnostic armamentarium of neuromuscular clinicians. Although technically easy to order, the results of such testing, whether positive or negative, have potentially enormous consequences for the individual tested and for family members. As a result, ethical considerations must be in the forefront of the physician's agenda when obtaining genetic testing. Informed consent is an important starting point for discussions between physicians and patients, but the counseling embedded in the informed consent process must be an ongoing part of subsequent interactions, including return of results and follow‐up. Patient autonomy, including the right to know and right not‐to‐know results, must be respected. Considerations of capacity, physician beneficence and nonmaleficence, and privacy all play roles in the process. Muscle Nerve 54: 997–1006, 2016
Modulating peripheral nerve damage from hyperglycemia/anoxia
Authors: Stecker Mark M. , Stevenson Matthew 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionCombined hyperglycemia and anoxia have a marked negative effect on peripheral nerve not seen with either alone. We studied whether nerve injury is related to the presence of hyperglycemia in the oxygenated state, anoxic state, or both. Methods: We performed recordings of the nerve action potential (NAP) from rat sciatic nerve in a perfusion apparatus with different metabolic substrates during anoxia and oxygenated state. Results: The NAP was best preserved when one of the perfusates contained no glucose. Transient improvements were seen with normoglycemic perfusates or perfusates that contained substrates that were poorly used in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Hyperglycemia has important negative effects in both the oxygenated and anoxic states. Conclusions: Deleterious effects of hyperglycemia on the peripheral nerve may relate to metabolic products produced during the oxygenated state, such as glycogen and the effects of reperfusion after prolonged periods of anoxic metabolism. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 735–740, 2017
Electrophysiologic features of fibular neuropathy in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Karakis Ioannis , Khoshnoodi Mohammad , Liew Wendy , Nguyen Elizabeth S. , Jones H. Royden , Darras Basil T. , Kang Peter B. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We studied patterns of nerve injury in pediatric common fibular (peroneal) neuropathy (CFN). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 53 children with CFN at a pediatric electromyography laboratory. Results: Conduction block at the fibular head was present in 35% of patients. Deep fibular axonal loss was identified in 77%, while superficial fibular axonal loss was identified in 45%. The pathophysiology was predominantly axonal in 72%, mostly demyelinating in 6%, and mixed in 22%. Predominantly demyelinating lesions at the fibular head demonstrated sparing of the superficial fibular sensory nerve (P = 0.01, Fischer exact test). Predominantly axonal lesions had a moderate correlation between superficial and deep fibular axonal loss (Spearman r = 0.52; P = 0.0001). Conclusions: There is frequent axonal and fascicular injury in pediatric CFN, similar to adults. Deep and superficial fibular nerve involvements correlate in axonal lesions, whereas superficial fibular sensory fibers are often spared in demyelinating lesions. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 693–697, 2017
Family‐centered brief intervention for reducing obesity and cardiovascular disease risk: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Duncan Scott , Goodyear‐Smith Felicity , McPhee Julia , Zinn Caryn , Grøntved Anders , Schofield Grant 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of a family‐centered, physical activity and nutrition “brief” intervention (time‐limited contact) on body weight and related health outcomes in primary health care patients with an elevated 5‐year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.MethodsThis study implemented a cluster randomized controlled trial design with two treatment conditions: a CVD risk assessment and one‐time consultation (“usual care” control) and a CVD risk assessment and up to five home sessions that aimed to reduce obesity by encouraging physical activity and healthy eating (intervention). Three hundred and twenty patients aged 35 to 65 years from 16 primary health care clinics in Auckland, New Zealand, participated in the study. Intervention effects on BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, triglycerides, 5‐year CVD risk, physical activity, and dietary patterns were assessed using generalized linear mixed models.ResultsWhen compared with the control group, the intervention resulted in a significant but relatively modest decrease in BMI between baseline and the 12‐month follow‐up (−0.633 kg m−2, Padj = 0.048). Significant decreases were also observed for total cholesterol at 4 and 12 months, the total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio at 4 months, 5‐year CVD risk at 4 months, and fast food consumption at 12 months.ConclusionsOur findings show that a family‐centered brief intervention targeting physical activity and nutrition can generate slightly better obesity‐related health outcomes than usual care alone.
Binge‐eating disorder and the outcome of bariatric surgery in a prospective, observational study: Two‐year results
Authors: Chao Ariana M. , Wadden Thomas A. , Faulconbridge Lucy F. , Sarwer David B. , Webb Victoria L. , Shaw Jena A. , Thomas J. Graham , Hopkins Christina M. , Bakizada Zayna M. , Alamuddin Naji , Williams Noel N. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveA previous study reported that preoperative binge‐eating disorder (BED) did not attenuate weight loss at 12 months after bariatric surgery. This report extends the authors' prior study by examining weight loss at 24 months.MethodsA modified intention‐to‐treat population was used to compare 24‐month changes in weight among 59 participants treated with bariatric surgery, determined preoperatively to be free of a current eating disorder, with changes in 33 surgically treated participants with BED. Changes were also compared with 49 individuals with obesity and BED who sought lifestyle modification for weight loss. Analyses included all available data points and were adjusted for covariates.ResultsAt month 24, surgically treated patients with BED preoperatively lost 18.6% of initial weight, compared with 23.9% for those without BED (P = 0.049). (Mean losses at month 12 had been 21.5% and 24.2%, respectively; P = 0.23.) Participants with BED who received lifestyle modification lost 5.6% at 24 months, significantly less than both groups of surgically treated patients (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese results suggest that preoperative BED attenuates long‐term weight loss after bariatric surgery. We recommend that patients with this condition, as well as other eating disturbances, receive adjunctive behavioral support, the timing of which remains to be determined.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 correlates with weight loss after vertical sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents
Authors: Khan Farooq H. , Shaw Lindsey , Zhang Wujuan , Salazar Gonzalez Rosa Maria , Mowery Sarah , Oehrle Melissa , Zhao Xueheng , Jenkins Todd , Setchell Kenneth D.R. , Inge Thomas H. , Kohli Rohit 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveVertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) results in weight loss and increased bile acids (BA) and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) levels. FGF21 shares essential cofactors with FGF19, but its physiology early post‐VSG has not been assessed.MethodsTen adolescents (17.4 ± 0.5 years and BMI 51.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2) were enrolled. Fasting and postmeal (100 mL Ensure™) samples (0‐120 min) were collected (pre‐VSG [V1], 1 [V2], and 3 months [V3] post‐VSG) for analysis of BA, FGF19, and FGF21.ResultsPost‐VSG subjects lost weight (V2 11.8 ± 0.8 kg; V3 21.9 ± 1.7 kg). BA and FGF19 increased by V2, 143.6% at 30 min and 74.9% at 90 min post‐meal, respectively. BA hydrophobicity index also improved by V3, 21.1% at 30 min post‐meal. Interestingly, fasting and 120‐min post‐meal FGF21 levels at V2 were increased by 135.7% and 253.9%, respectively, but then returned to baseline at V3. BA levels correlated with FGF21 at V2 (P = 0.003, r = 0.89), and body weight lost post‐VSG correlated with FGF21 levels (V2; P = 0.012, R = 0.82).ConclusionsExpected changes were seen in BA and FGF19 biology after VSG in adolescents, but novel changes were seen in correlation between the early postsurgical increase in FGF21 and weight loss, suggesting that FGF21 may play a role in energy balance postoperatively, and further investigation is warranted.
Consensus conference on the appropriateness of palivizumab prophylaxis in respiratory syncytial virus disease
Authors: Pignotti Maria Serenella , Carmela Leo Maria , Pugi Alessandra , De Masi Salvatore , Biermann Klaus Peter , Galli Luisa , Vitali Rosati Giovanni , Buonocore Giuseppe , Mugelli Alessandro , Dani Carlo , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Bellini Francesca , Donzelli Giampaolo ,   Palivizumab Consensus Group
Published: September 2016

SummaryRespiratory syncytial virus infection represents a clinical burden among young children under 24 months. Palivizumab is the only drug licensed in Italy for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease requiring hospitalization caused by respiratory syncytial virus in children at high risk.However recommendations for palivizumab prophylaxis are heterogeneous. Not all the published documents agree about the clinical indications of palivizumab; this could lead to different clinical practices and concerns about the appropriateness of prophylaxis. These issues and the lack of evidence about palivizumab prophylaxis efficacy in specific medical conditions brought on the idea of a consensus conference on the current recommendations for the management and prevention of bronchiolitis, in order to share useful indications. The goal was to perform a review of the evidence regarding the efficacy and the safety of palivizumab and give recommendations in order to harmonize its use. A structured and validated method to conduct the consensus process was adopted. The consensus conference recommends palivizumab prophylaxis in infants born before 29 weeks and younger than 12 months at the start of the epidemic season. According to evidence from literature and experts’ opinion, palivizumab prophylaxis is not recommended in preterm infants of gestational age ≥29 weeks, without co‐morbidity (i.e., cardiac, bronchopulmonary diseases). The experts identified some clinical rare conditions for which the decision of prophylaxis should be entrusted to the specialists. The evaluation of the appropriateness of palivizumab prophylaxis in the single patient should be documented by the specialists. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1088–1096. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deposition Rates from Blow‐in‐Place of Different Donor Charges: Comparison of Composition C‐4 and Shaped Charges
Authors: Diaz Emmanuela , Thiboutot Sonia 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFor more than 70 years, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have been using the plastic explosive Composition C‐4 based mainly on the explosive hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) for various operational needs. Composition C‐4 is used as donor charge for the blow‐in‐place destruction of unexploded ordnance (UXO) by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and, as well, mostly used as a demolition explosive by engineering units. RDX is very stable in the environment, somewhat water‐soluble and moves relatively rapidly towards surface and groundwater bodies in Ranges and Training Areas (RTA). It is the key contaminant that triggered the closure of a major RTA in the USA and the use of C‐4 was proven to contribute to its accumulation in demolition ranges. A study was conducted to measure the deposition of RDX generated from the use of Canadian C‐4 blocks and two shaped charges for comparison purposes, as the shaped charge represents a possible alternative for C‐4 as a donor charge in blow‐in‐place operations. The shaped charges studied were the Excalibur and two diameters of the SM‐EOD suite from SAAB Bofors. These shaped charges were selected for their potential to destroy UXOs. The Excalibur shaped charge led to RDX deposition rates similar to those observed with C‐4 blocks, whereas the SM‐EOD showed forensic traces of RDX. Based on these results, SM‐EOD shaped charges provide a possible alternative to using C‐4 for blow‐in‐place (BIP) operations, as they generate only small quantities of critical contaminants (such as RDX). By eliminating the contamination from the donor charge, the BIP operation will necessarily be improved and cleaner.