bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical adjuvants incompletely remove adherent Staphylococcus aureus from implant materials
Authors: Ernest Emily P. , Machi Anthony S. , Karolcik Brock A. , LaSala Paul R. , Dietz Matthew J. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTAdjuvant treatments including Betadine, Dakin's solution (sodium hypochlorite), or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been attempted to eradicate prosthetic joint infection caused by biofilm or intracellular bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro abilities of chemical adjuvants to decrease Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm presence on orthopaedic implant grade materials, including titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt chrome. S. aureus biofilms were grown for 48 h and evaluated for baseline colony forming units/centimeter squared (CFU/cm2) and compared to treatments with Betadine, Dakin's solution, H2O2, or 1% chlorine dioxide (ClO2). Control discs (n = 18) across all metals had an average of 4.2 × 107 CFU/cm2. All treatments had statistically significant reductions in CFU/cm2 when compared to respective control discs (p < 0.05). For all metals combined, the most efficacious treatments were Betadine and H2O2, with an average 98% and 97% CFU/cm2 reduction, respectively. There were no significant differences between reductions seen with Betadine and H2O2, but both groups had statistically greater reductions than Dakin's solution and ClO2. There was no change in antibiotic resistance patterns after treatment. Analysis of S. aureus biofilms demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in biofilm after a five‐minute treatment with the modalities, with an average two log reduction in CFU/cm2. Statement of clinical significance: While statistically significant reductions in CFU/cm2 were accomplished with chemical adjuvant treatments, the overall concentration of bacteria never fell below 105 CFU/cm2, leading to questionable clinical significance. Further techniques to eradicate biofilm should be investigated. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1599–1604, 2018.
Development of a high‐throughput method based on thin‐film microextraction using a 96‐well plate system with a cork coating for the extraction of emerging contaminants in river water samples
Authors: Morés Lucas , Dias Adriana Neves , Carasek Eduardo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this study, a new method was developed in which a biosorbent material is used as the extractor phase in conjunction with a recently described sample preparation technique called thin‐film microextraction and a 96‐well plate system. The method was applied for the determination of emerging contaminants, such as 3‐(4‐methylbenzylidene) camphor, ethylparaben, triclocarban, and bisphenol A in water samples. The separation and detection of the analytes were performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. These contaminants are considered hazardous to human health and other living beings. Thus, the development of an analytical method to determine these compounds is of great interest. The extraction parameters were evaluated using multivariate and univariate optimization techniques. The optimum conditions for the method were 3 h of extraction time, 20 min of desorption with 300 μL of acetonitrile and methanol (50:50, v/v), and the addition of 5% w/v sodium chloride to the sample. The analytical figures of merit showed good results with linear correlation coefficients higher than 0.99, relative recoveries of 72–125%, interday precision (n = 3) of 4–18%, and intraday precision (n = 9) of 1–21%. The limit of detection was 0.3–5.5 μg/L, and the limit of quantification was 0.8–15 μg/L.
Kill rates and predation rates of wolves on beavers
Authors: Gable Thomas D. , Windels Steve K. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTWolves (Canis lupus) can be primary predators of beavers (Castor canadensis), but little is known about wolf‐beaver dynamics. We identified kills from 1 wolf (V009) of the Ash River Pack in Voyageurs National Park from 1 April to 5 November 2015 to provide direct estimates of wolf pack kill and predation rates of beavers. We documented 12 beaver kills by V009 during the 2015 ice‐free season and estimated V009 killed 22 beavers during this period. Based on the number of beavers killed by V009, we estimated the Ash River Pack removed 80–88 beavers (kill rate of 0.085–0.095 beavers/wolf/day), which was 38–42% of the beaver population in their home range during the ice‐free season. Even with this substantial level of predation in 2015, the beaver population in the Ash River Pack home range increased by an estimated 43% in 2016, which suggested dispersal from more densely populated adjacent areas likely compensated for the effects of wolf predation. We have presented the first direct estimate of wolf kill and predation rates on beavers, but more research is necessary to understand how wolf predation affects beaver populations under a variety of conditions. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Managed movement increases metapopulation viability of the endangered red wolf
Authors: Simonis Juniper L. , Harrison Rebecca B. , Long Sarah T. , Rabon David R. , Waddell William T. , Faust Lisa J. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTMovement connects otherwise isolated populations, influencing demographic persistence and promoting gene flow. We evaluated the effect of movement on the genetic and demographic viability of the red wolf (Canis rufus) and tested the application of metapopulation theory to management of this endangered predator. The establishment of a captive subpopulation in the 1970s allowed persistence of the species and facilitated a reintroduction program that supported 2 wild subpopulations, one of which persists today. We assessed the effect of historical and potential future movement between the wild and captive subpopulations on the genetic and demographic viability of the metapopulation. We analyzed approximately 30 years of individual‐level data to quantify the effects of historical movement among subpopulations and constructed an individual‐based metapopulation model to predict the effects of future potential movement (i.e., releases of captive wolves) on the species’ persistence and genetic diversity. Counter to theory, increased movement has had positive demographic effects, with higherper capitamovement rates leading to increased metapopulation growth and decreased subpopulation synchrony. These counter‐theoretical results are likely due to differences in reproduction and survival rates among subpopulations and the small size of the metapopulation. Furthermore, higher rates of movement did not increase retention of genetic diversity, likely because of the active pedigree‐based breeding management of the species already maximizing gene retention. Our model indicates that future releases of captive wolves are necessary, but not sufficient, for the survival of the species, and must be combined with changes to demographic rates in both the captive and northeastern North Carolina subpopulations. Our results highlight the need for models and field data that more adequately describe the viability of small metapopulations. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Metal‐Dielectric Nanocavity for Real‐Time Tracing Molecular Events with Temperature Feedback
Authors: Milichko Valentin A. , Zuev Dmitry A. , Baranov Denis G. , Zograf George P. , Volodina Katerina , Krasilin Andrei A. , Mukhin Ivan S. , Dmitriev Pavel A. , Vinogradov Vladimir V. , Makarov Sergey V. , Belov Pavel A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPlasmonic nanoparticles coupled with metallic films forming nanometer scale cavities have recently emerged as a powerful tool for enhancement of light‐matter interaction. Despite high efficiency for sensing and light emission, such nanocavities exhibit harmful and uncontrolled optical heating which limits the ranges of light intensities and working temperature. In contrast to plasmonic nanoparticles, all‐dielectric counterparts possess low Ohmic losses, high temperature stability along with a strong temperature‐dependent Raman response. Here, we demonstrate that a silicon nanoparticle coupled with a thin gold film can serve as a multifunctional metal‐dielectric (hybrid) nanocavity operating up to 1200 K. Resonant interaction of light with such nanocavity enables molecular sensing, heat‐induced molecular events (protein unfolding), and their real‐time tracing with a nanoscale thermometry through the monitoring enhanced Raman scattering both from the nanoparticle and analyzed molecules. We model numerically the thermo‐optical properties of the hybrid nanocavity and reveal two alternative regimes of operation ‐ with and without strong optical heating while other functionalities are preserved. We believe that the concept of the multifunctional hybrid nanocavities holds great potential for diverse photochemical and photophysical applications.
RAFT Polymerization for the Synthesis of Tertiary Amine‐Based Diblock Copolymer Nucleic Acid Delivery Vehicles
Authors: McClellan Annie K. , Hao Taisen , Brooks Tracy A. , Smith Adam E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of a family of nine pH‐responsive, diblock copolymers designed to effectively deliver nucleic acids are reported. The stabilizing A block is comprised of an oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate to impart water solubility. The cationic blocks of varying degrees of polymerization (DPs) are derived from three pH responsive, tertiary amine‐containing methacrylates capable of complexing negatively charged nucleic acids. The cytotoxicity studies utilizing human embryonic kidney cells (HEK‐293) and Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) breast cancer cells indicate no decrease of cell viability with the diblock copolymers, with the exception of the two highest DPs of the cationic blocks with ethyl‐substitutes tertiary amine. Gene knockdown experiments indicate high siRNA delivery and MYC gene knockdown in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells for eight of the nine studied block copolymers. The results of the current study enable further development of the pH‐responsive copolymer family for promising nucleic acid delivery vehicles applicable for clinical use.
Energy Consumption for the Desalination of Salt Water Using Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels as the Separation Agent
Authors: Arens Lukas , Albrecht Julius B. , Höpfner Johannes , Schlag Karin , Habicht Axel , Seiffert Sebastian , Wilhelm Manfred 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe energy consumption for a novel desalination approach using charged hydrogels under externally applied pressure is experimentally measured and calculated. The salt separation is based on a partial rejection of mobile salt ions caused by the fixed charges inside the polyelectrolyte network. Self‐synthesized and commercial poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels are used to study the desalination performance in reference to sodium chloride solutions within the concentration range of 0.1–35 g L−1. The influence of various synthetic parameters, such as the degree of crosslinking (DC) and the size and shape of the particles, is investigated. Furthermore, the effect of process parameters including the amount of the feed solution, the applied pressure profile, and the swelling time of the hydrogel is discussed. The best energy estimation found so far, is 8.9 kWh m−3 fresh water if a poly(acrylic acid) with a DC of 5 mol% is used in an infinite large salt bath.
Unexpected Large Depression of VPTT of a PNIPAM Microgel by Low Concentration of PVA
Authors: Tang Zhuo , Weng Junying , Guan Ying , Zhang Yongjun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMany low molecular weight and polymeric additives are found to be able to shift the phase transition temperature of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), however, a large change can only be observed at a high concentration of the additive. Particularly, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a polymeric additive, can only induce a very small change in the phase transition temperature of PNIPAM, even at a high concentration. Unexpectedly, it is found that a low concentration of PVA can dramatically reduce the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the surface layer of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐phenylboronic acid) (P(NIPAM‐2‐AAPBA)) microgel. The concentration of PVA is about three orders of magnitude lower than the required concentration for other additives to achieve a comparable decrease in phase transition temperature of PNIPAM. The lowered VPTT cannot be explained by a change in the ionization degree of the PBA groups, or cross‐link density, or hydrophilicity–hydrophobicity balance of the gel. Instead, it is proposed that the adsorption of PVA chains onto the P(NIPAM‐2‐AAPBA) microgel spheres shortens the distance between the PVA and PNIPAM chains, allowing they influence the thermal behavior of PNIPAM more effectively and hence dramatically reducing the phase transition temperature of the latter.
Humidity‐Activated Shape Memory Effects on Thermoplastic Starch/EVA Blends and Their Compatibilized Nanocomposites
Authors: Sessini Valentina , Raquez Jean‐Marie , Lourdin Denis , Maigret Jean‐Eudes , Kenny José Maria , Dubois Philippe , Peponi Laura 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this work, a systematic study on the humidity‐activated shape memory properties of dual‐responsive shape memory bionanocomposites with both humidity‐ and thermally‐activated shape memory effects is reported. The study is performed through humidity‐mechanical cycles in an Instron machine with a temperature chamber equipped with an ultrasonic humidity generator. In particular, the bionanocomposites studied are based on blends of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) and thermoplastic starch reinforced with natural bentonite. In our previous work, thermomechanical cycles are performed by using EVA‐induced crystallization and a preliminary humidity‐activated shape memory test is designed. Herein, the shape memory results of both blends and their nanocomposites reflect the very good ability to humidity‐activated recover of the initial shape with values higher than 80%. Moreover, the ability to fix the temporary shape of this systems is very good, especially when nanofillers are added. The compatibilizer effect of natural bentonite is demonstrated by means of different techniques such as scanning emission microscopy and mapping by confocal Raman spectroscopy.
Is overactive bladder microvasculature disease a component of systemic atheroscleorosis?
Authors: Yeniel Ahmet Ozgur , Ergenoglu Ahmet Mete , Meseri Reci , Kismali Erkan , Ari Anıl , Kavukcu Gulgun , Aydin Hikmet H. , Ak Handan , Atay Sevcan , Itil Ismail Mete 
Published: November 2017

AimsTo evaluate the relationship between overactive bladder (OAB) and systemic atherosclerosis in a cohort of women.MethodsIn this case‐control study, we assessed atherosclerosis indicators, such as Framingham risk scores and carotid and femoral artery intima‐media thickness, and evaluated possible bladder wall responses to atherosclerosis using endovaginal color Doppler ultrasound and the detection of urinary cytokines in women with OAB and in controls. Quantitative assessment of blood perfusion at the bladder neck was performed using a method that allows for the dynamic monitoring of flow in a predefined region of interest at every point of the cardiac cycle. The independent samples t‐test was used to evaluate the relationship between OAB and the atherosclerotic findings when parametric conditions were met, and the Mann‐Whitney U test was used when parametric conditions were not met. Kendall's Tau was used to assess the correlation between OAB severity and the atherosclerotic variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere were 74 OAB patients and 73 controls; in total, 147 women were evaluated. We found that all atherosclerosis indicators were significantly associated with OAB and that there was a significant relationship between OAB and decreased bladder neck perfusion. Additionally, there were correlations of OAB severity with systemic atherosclerosis and impaired vascular perfusion of the bladder.ConclusionsDecreased perfusion at the bladder neck, the Framingham scores in severe OAB, and the correlation between them suggest that OAB microvascular disease may be a component of systemic atherosclerosis rather than a separate process.
Synthesis and Liquid Crystalline Properties of Unsymmetrically Substituted Naphthalenediimides with a Polar Headgroup: Effect of Amide Hydrogen Bonding and Alkyl Chain Length
Authors: Ghule Namdev V. , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Srikanth Turlapati , Rao Nandiraju V. S. , Bhosale Sheshanath V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA series of new unsymmetrically substituted naphthalenediimide (NDI) moieties NDI‐1 to NDI‐6 were synthesized. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by means of FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI‐mass and HRMS spectroscopic measurements. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed to investigate the photophysical properties of the prepared compounds in solution and in the solid state. Using the onset of UV/Vis absorption, the optical band gaps were calculated. Cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed to study the electrochemical behavior and to calculate the LUMO energy levels. The thermal properties of NDI derivatives were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The mesomorphic birefringent behavior of the NDI derivatives was investigated with polarizing optical microscopy. Among all of the studied NDI derivatives, only NDI‐1, NDI‐2, and NDI‐3 showed liquid crystalline texture, owing to the presence of an amide linkage for H‐bonding along with aromatic moieties for π–π‐stacking.
Use of direct oral anticoagulants in the first year after market entry of edoxaban: A Danish nationwide drug utilization study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Grove Erik L. , Hellfritzsch Maja 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the early uptake of edoxaban; the fourth direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) to enter the market.MethodsUsing the Danish nationwide health registries, we identified new users of edoxaban (n = 609) from June 6 (day of marketing) through June 2017. For comparison, we also identified new users of dabigatran (n = 2211), rivaroxaban (n = 19 227), and apixaban (n = 14 736). Users were described regarding indication of use, previous anticoagulant experience, comorbidity, and co‐medication.ResultsThe rate of edoxaban initiation increased to 2.0 per 100 000 person months in June 2017, compared with 6.3, 37.5, and 27.0 for dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. Atrial fibrillation was the most common registered indication for edoxaban (67%) as well as the other DOACs (41–55%). Overall, users of edoxaban were comparable to users of other DOACs (median age 75 vs 72–76 years and 57% vs 53–59% males), except for a generally lower concomitant use of other drugs. Noticeably, 95% of edoxaban users had previously received anticoagulant treatment compared with 31% to 43% for new users of other DOACs, with 77% switching directly from another anticoagulant treatment to edoxaban (45% directly from VKA and 32% directly from DOACs).ConclusionsWhile the use of edoxaban is still limited compared with other DOACs, it is increasing. The majority of edoxaban users switch to edoxaban from other anticoagulant treatments. Continued monitoring of the utilization of DOACs, including effectiveness and safety, is considered essential to the safe and rational use of these drugs.
Costs of an ostomy self‐management training program for cancer survivors
Authors: Hornbrook Mark C. , Cobb Martha D. , Tallman Nancy J. , Colwell Janice , McCorkle Ruth , Ercolano Elizabeth , Grant Marcia , Sun Virginia , Wendel Christopher S. , Hibbard Judith H. , Krouse Robert S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo measure incremental expenses to an oncologic surgical practice for delivering a community‐based, ostomy nurse–led, small‐group, behavior skills–training intervention to help bladder and colorectal cancer survivors understand and adjust to their ostomies and improve their health‐related quality of life, as well as assist family caregivers to understand survivors' needs and provide appropriate supportive care.MethodsThe intervention was a 5‐session group behavior skills training in ostomy self‐management following the principles of the Chronic Care Model. Faculty included Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCNs) using an ostomy care curriculum. A gender‐matched peer‐in‐time buddy was assigned to each ostomy survivor. The 4‐session survivor curriculum included the following: self‐management practice and solving immediate ostomy concerns; social well‐being; healthy lifestyle; and a booster session. The single family caregiver session was coled by a WOCN and an ostomy peer staff member and covered relevant caregiver and ostomate support issues. Each cohort required 8 weeks to complete the intervention. Nonlabor inputs included ostomy supplies, teaching materials, automobile mileage for WOCNs, mailing, and meeting space rental. Intervention personnel were employed by the University of Arizona. Labor expenses included salaries and fringe benefits.ResultsThe total incremental expense per intervention cohort of 4 survivors was $7246 or $1812 per patient.ConclusionsA WOCN‐led group self‐help ostomy survivorship intervention provided affordable, effective, care to cancer survivors with ostomies.
A structural overview of mycobacterial adhesins: Key biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics
Authors: Squeglia Flavia , Ruggiero Alessia , De Simone Alfonso , Berisio Rita 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAdherence, colonization, and survival of mycobacteria in host cells require surface adhesins, which are attractive pharmacotherapeutic targets. A large arsenal of pilus and non‐pilus adhesins have been identified in mycobacteria. These adhesins are capable of interacting with host cells, including macrophages and epithelial cells and are essential to microbial pathogenesis. In the last decade, several structures of mycobacterial adhesins responsible for adhesion to either macrophages or extra cellular matrix proteins have been elucidated. In addition, key structural and functional information have emerged for the process of mycobacterial adhesion to epithelial cells, mediated by the Heparin‐binding hemagglutinin (HBHA). In this review, we provide an overview of the structural and functional features of mycobacterial adhesins and discuss their role as important biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics. Based on the reported data, it appears clear that adhesins are endowed with a variety of different structures and functions. Most adhesins play important roles in the cell life of mycobacteria and are key virulence factors. However, they have adapted to an extracellular life to exert a role in host‐pathogen interaction. The type of interactions they form with the host and the adhesin regions involved in binding is partly known and is described in this review.
Structural insights into a thermostable variant of human carbonic anhydrase II
Authors: Kean Kelsey M. , Porter Joseph J. , Mehl Ryan A. , Karplus P. Andrew 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCarbonic anhydrase is an enzyme of interest for many biotechnological developments including carbon sequestration. These applications often require harsh conditions, so there is a need for the development of thermostable variants. One of the most thermostable human carbonic anhydrase II (HCAIIts) variants was patented in 2006. Here, we report the ultra‐high resolution crystal structure of HCAIIts. The structural changes seen are consistent with each of the six mutations involved acting largely independently and variously resulting in increased H‐bonding, improved packing, and reduced side chain entropy loss on folding to yield the increased stability. We further suggest that for four of the mutations, improvements in backbone conformational energetics is also a contributor and that considerations of such conformational propensities of individual amino acids are often overlooked.