bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging flow cytometry assays for quantifying pigment grade titanium dioxide particle internalization and interactions with immune cells in whole blood
Authors: Hewitt Rachel E. , Vis Bradley , Pele Laetitia C. , Faria Nuno , Powell Jonathan J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPigment grade titanium dioxide is composed of sub‐micron sized particles, including a nanofraction, and is widely utilized in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries. Oral exposure to pigment grade titanium dioxide results in at least some material entering the circulation in humans, although subsequent interactions with blood immune cells are unknown. Pigment grade titanium dioxide is employed for its strong light scattering properties, and this work exploited that attribute to determine whether single cell–particle associations could be determined in immune cells of human whole blood at “real life” concentrations. In vitro assays, initially using isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, identified titanium dioxide associated with the surface of, and within, immune cells by darkfield reflectance in imaging flow cytometry. This was confirmed at the population level by side scatter measurements using conventional flow cytometry. Next, it was demonstrated that imaging flow cytometry could quantify titanium dioxide particle‐bearing cells, within the immune cell populations of fresh whole blood, down to titanium dioxide levels of 10 parts per billion, which is in the range anticipated for human blood following titanium dioxide ingestion. Moreover, surface association and internal localization of titanium dioxide particles could be discriminated in the assays. Overall, results showed that in addition to the anticipated activity of blood monocytes internalizing titanium dioxide particles, neutrophil internalization and cell membrane adhesion also occurred, the latter for both phagocytic and nonphagocytic cell types. What happens in vivo and whether this contributes to activation of one or more of these different cells types in blood merits further attention. © 2017 The Authors. Cytometry Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of ISAC.
Effect of sexual steroids on boar kinematic sperm subpopulations
Authors: Ayala E. M. E. , Aragón M. A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHere, we show the effects of sexual steroids, progesterone, testosterone, or estradiol on motility parameters of boar sperm. Sixteen commercial seminal doses, four each of four adult boars, were analyzed using computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Mean values of motility parameters were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate statistics. Principal component analysis (PCA), followed by hierarchical clustering, was applied on data of motility parameters, provided automatically as intervals by the CASA system. Effects of sexual steroids were described in the kinematic subpopulations identified from multivariate statistics. Mean values of motility parameters were not significantly changed after addition of sexual steroids. Multivariate graphics showed that sperm subpopulations were not sensitive to the addition of either testosterone or estradiol, but sperm subpopulations responsive to progesterone were found. Distribution of motility parameters were wide in controls but sharpened at distinct concentrations of progesterone. We conclude that kinematic sperm subpopulations responsive to progesterone are present in boar semen, and these subpopulations are masked in evaluations of mean values of motility parameters. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Development of Whole‐Building Energy Models for Detailed Energy Insights of a Large Office Building with Green Certification Rating in Singapore
Authors: Duarte Carlos , Raftery Paul , Schiavon Stefano 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDetailed insights on energy use are missing for the building stock in Singapore that may aid reduction of energy consumption through a targeted approach. Therefore, we created two whole‐building energy models for a large commercial office building in the tropics representing a fully glazed and a concrete façade. We used Singapore's current building codes, which include compliance with local green‐rating system, and collaboration between two entities with first‐hand experience with design, construction, and operation of buildings in the tropics to define the models. The models provide a first step towards a set of standardized inputs and assumptions for office buildings in the tropics. The results show an energy use intensity of 146 kWh m−2 a−1. The three highest energy consumers are air conditioning and mechanical ventilation (43 %), lighting (29 %), and plug loads (21 %) whereas the two main sources of cooling loads are ventilation (29 %) and conduction and radiation through windows (20 %). Finally, we evaluated the effects of exterior shading on the fully glazed energy model to demonstrate the use of the models to building stakeholders.
Standards of Care in Global Health: Identifying the Right Question
Authors: Ndebele Paul 
Published: September 2017

AbstractGovind Persad and Ezekiel Emanuel's article “The Case for Resource Sensitivity: Why It Is Ethical to Provide Cheaper, Less Effective Treatments in Global Health,” in this issue of the Hastings Center Report, is a reminder of the debates around resources for health care that raged during the years immediately preceding and following the fifth revision of the Declaration of Helsinki, in 2000. In global health, it is a common expectation for rich countries to assist poor countries in resolving health challenges, yet global health involves not only the governments of rich and poor nations but also nongovernmental organizations, pharmaceutical companies, the World Health Organization, philanthropic organizations, and other parties—all of whom take roles in ensuring that health interventions become available to poor countries, including deciding which types of interventions to make available. The question whether it is ethical to provide cheaper, less effective interventions to poor countries is perhaps relevant only in wealthy nations, where there really is a choice to be made.
Charlie Gard and the Limits of Parental Authority
Authors: Caplan Arthur , Folkers Kelly McBride 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe parents of Charlie Gard, who was born August 4, 2016, with an exceedingly rare and incurable disease called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, fought a prolonged and heated legal battle to allow him access to experimental treatment that they hoped would prolong his life and to prevent his doctors from withdrawing life‐sustaining care. Charlie's clinicians at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London believed that the brain damage Charlie had suffered as a result of frequent epileptic seizures, along with many other severe disabilities, would render any innovative therapy futile, and they disagreed with his parents’ wishes to use an experimental therapy. They felt it in Charlie's best interest that he be allowed to die. A battle ensued among Charlie's parents, his doctors, and a guardian who had been appointed to represent him that drew the attention of politicians and prominent persons from all over the world. The case was much in the news over the past year, but it has also been frequently misunderstood.
Diabetes and Deficits in Cortical Bone Density, Microarchitecture, and Bone Size: Framingham HR-pQCT Study
Authors: Samelson Elizabeth J , Demissie Serkalem , Cupples L Adrienne , Zhang Xiaochun , Xu Hanfei , Liu Ching-Ti , Boyd Steven K , McLean Robert R , Broe Kerry E , Kiel Douglas P , Bouxsein Mary L 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) tend to have normal or greater areal bone mineral density (aBMD), as measured by DXA, than those who do not have diabetes (non-T2D). Yet risk of fracture is higher in T2D, including 40% to 50% increased hip fracture risk. We used HR-pQCT to investigate structural mechanisms underlying skeletal fragility in T2D. We compared cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture, density, bone area, and strength in T2D and non-T2D. In secondary analyses we evaluated whether associations between T2D and bone measures differed according to prior fracture, sex, and obesity. Participants included 1069 members of the Framingham Study, who attended examinations in 2005 to 2008 and underwent HR-pQCT scanning in 2012 to 2015. Mean age was 64 ± 8 years (range, 40 to 87 years), and 12% (n = 129) had T2D. After adjustment for age, sex, weight, and height, T2D had lower cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD) (p &lt; 0.01), higher cortical porosity (p = 0.02), and smaller cross-sectional area (p = 0.04) at the tibia, but not radius. Trabecular indices were similar or more favorable in T2D than non-T2D. Associations between T2D and bone measures did not differ according to sex or obesity status (all interaction p &gt; 0.05); however, associations did differ in those with a prior fracture and those with no history of fracture. Specifically, cortical vBMD at the tibia and cortical thickness at the radius were lower in T2D than non-T2D, but only among those individuals with a prior fracture. Cortical porosity at the radius was higher in T2D than non-T2D, but only among those who did not have a prior fracture. Findings from this large, community-based study of older adults suggest that modest deterioration in cortical bone and reductions in bone area may characterize diabetic bone disease in older adults. Evaluation of these deficits as predictors of fracture in T2D is needed to develop prevention strategies in this rapidly increasing population of older adults. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A management experiment evaluating nest‐site selection by beach‐nesting birds
Authors: Swaisgood Ronald R. , Nordstrom Lisa A. , Schuetz Justin G. , Boylan Jeanette T. , Fournier Joelle J. , Shemai Barak 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTIt is important to understand nest‐site selection in avian species to inform appropriate conservation management strategies. Studies of habitat selection alone, however, may be misleading unless the consequences for survival and reproduction are also documented. We conducted a management experiment for 2 conservation‐dependent and managed species of beach‐nesting birds, the California least tern (Sternula antillarum browni) and western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) at Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton, southern California, 2012–2014. We conducted vegetation treatments targeting cover reduction to 5–15% cover in 90‐m by 60‐m management plots and documented how cover influenced nest‐site selection and nest outcomes. At the microhabitat scale (9 × 6.5‐m patch), we also compared habitat characteristics and nest outcomes with control patches. Our findings document no effects of vegetation cover at the management‐plot scale but many effects at the microhabitat scale. Plovers and terns nested in relatively open areas but selected for areas with more cover (∼5% cover) than was available nearby. Nesting close to areas with more cover conferred benefits to both species. Terns and plovers experienced higher nest success in areas with more cover, a result explained in part by lower levels of predation for plovers. Other factors, such as vegetation height, woody debris, presence of sand mounds, and specific plant species also influenced nest‐site selection and nest outcomes. Our results suggest that many aspects of tern and plover nesting ecology appear to be governed by the role of camouflage in reducing predation. These results also point to several simple management actions that can be taken, including managing vegetation cover to 5–10% with some heterogeneity, reducing certain plant species such as grasses and beach bur, creation of sand mounds, and provision of woody debris. With few exceptions, the same management actions should benefit both species. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
B cells in the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Yi John S. , Guptill Jeffrey T. , Stathopoulos Panos , Nowak Richard J. , O’Connor Kevin C. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTMyasthenia gravis (MG) is an archetypal autoimmune disease. The pathology is characterized by autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in most patients or to muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) in others and to a growing number of other postsynaptic proteins in smaller subsets. A decrease in the number of functional AChRs or functional interruption of the AChR within the muscle end plate of the neuromuscular junction is caused by pathogenic autoantibodies. Although the molecular immunology underpinning the pathology is well understood, much remains to be learned about the cellular immunology contributing to the production of autoantibodies. This Review documents research concerning the immunopathology of MG, bringing together evidence principally from human studies with an emphasis on the role of adaptive immunity and B cells in particular. Proposed mechanisms for autoimmunity, which take into account that different types of MG may incorporate divergent immunopathology, are offered. Muscle Nerve 57: 172–184, 2018
Household material hardship in families of children post‐chemotherapy
Authors: Bilodeau Madeline , Ma Clement , Al‐Sayegh Hasan , Wolfe Joanne , Bona Kira 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPoverty is an important patient‐reported outcome of therapy and a potential predictor of outcome disparities in pediatric cancer. We previously identified that nearly 30% of pediatric cancer families experience household material hardship (HMH), a concrete measure of poverty including food, energy, or housing insecurity, during the first 6 months of chemotherapy. We conducted a follow‐up survey in a subcohort of these families at least 1 year off‐therapy and found that 32% reported HMH in early survivorship. Persistently high concrete resource needs off‐therapy may have significance for child health and quality of life, and thus represent targets for future investigation.
Adverse drug reactions of montelukast in children and adults
Authors: Haarman Meindina G. , van Hunsel Florence , de Vries Tjalling W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMontelukast, a selective leukotriene receptor antagonist, is recommended in guidelines for the treatment of asthma in both children and adults. However, its effectiveness is debated, and recent studies have reported several adverse events such as neuropsychiatric disorders and allergic granulomatous angiitis. This study aims to obtain more insight into the safety profile of montelukast and to provide prescribing physicians with an overview of relevant adverse drug reactions in both children and adults. We retrospectively studied all adverse drug reactions on montelukast in children and adults reported to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Center Lareb and the WHO Global database, VigiBase® until 2016. Depression was reported most frequently in the whole population to the global database VigiBase® (reporting odds ratio (ROR) 6.93; 95% CI: 6.5–7.4). In the VigiBase®, aggression was reported the most in children (ROR, 29.77; 95% CI: 27.5–32.2). Headaches were reported the most frequently to the Dutch database (ROR, 2.26; 95% CI: 1.61–3.19). Furthermore, nightmares are often reported for both children and adults to the Dutch and the global database. Eight patients with allergic granulomatous angiitis were reported to the Dutch database and 563 patients in the VigiBase®. These data demonstrate that montelukast is associated with neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions such as depression and aggression. Especially in children nightmares are reported frequently. Allergic granulomatous angiitis is also reported, a causal relationship has not been established.
Recent Progress on Flexible and Wearable Supercapacitors
Authors: Xue Qi , Sun Jinfeng , Huang Yan , Zhu Minshen , Pei Zengxia , Li Hongfei , Wang Yukun , Li Na , Zhang Haiyan , Zhi Chunyi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRecently, wearable electronic devices including electrical sensors, flexible displays, and health monitors have received considerable attention and experienced rapid progress. Wearable supercapacitors attract tremendous attention mainly due to their high stability, low cost, fast charging/discharging, and high efficiency; properties that render them value for developing fully flexible devices. In this Concept, the recent achievements and advances made in flexible and wearable supercapacitors are presented, especially highlighting the promising performances of yarn/fiber‐shaped and planar supercapacitors. On the basis of their working mechanism, electrode materials including carbon‐based materials, metal oxide‐based materials, and conductive polymers with an emphasis on the performance‐optimization method are introduced. The latest representative techniques and active materials of recently developed supercapacitors with superior performance are summarized. Furthermore, the designs of 1D and 2D electrodes are discussed according to their electrically conductive supporting materials. Finally, conclusions, challenges, and perspective in optimizing and developing the electrochemical performance and function of wearable supercapacitors for their practical utility are addressed.
Capillarity Composited Recycled Paper/Graphene Scaffold for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Enhanced Capacity and Extended Lifespan
Authors: Zhang Yunya , Gao Zan , Li Xiaodong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAn effective strategy to tackle the twin crises of global deforestation and fossil fuel depletion is to recycle biomass materials for energy storage devices. This study reports a unique and innovative solution to capitalize on a currently overlooked resource to produce high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries from recycled paper. The recycled paper fibers are creatively composited with graphene oxide sheets via a capillary adsorption method. The recycled paper/graphene oxide hybrid is then converted to activated paper carbon/reduced graphene oxide (APC/graphene) scaffold for sulfur infiltration. The assembled Li–APC/graphene/S battery exhibits a superior lifespan of 620 cycles with an excellent capacity retention rate of 60.5%. An APC interlayer is sandwiched between the Li anode and the separator to suppress the degradation of Li anode by preventing the nonhomogeneous growth of mossy Li whiskers, stretching the battery lifespan up to 1000 cycles with a capacitance retention rate of 52.3%. The capillary adsorption method coupled with the porous carbonaceous anode interlayer configuration creates a new opportunity for the development of batteries derived from porous biomass materials.
Large‐Area Patterning of Metal Nanostructures by Dip‐Pen Nanodisplacement Lithography for Optical Applications
Authors: Chen Lina , Wei Xiaoling , Zhou Xuechang , Xie Zhuang , Li Kan , Ruan Qifeng , Chen Chaojian , Wang Jianfang , Mirkin Chad A. , Zheng Zijian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAu nanostructures are remarkably important in a wide variety of fields for decades. The fabrication of Au nanostructures typically requires time‐consuming and expensive electron‐beam lithography (EBL) that operates in vacuum. To address this challenge, this paper reports the development of massive dip‐pen nanodisplacement lithography (DNL) as a desktop fabrication tool, which allows high‐throughput and rational design of arbitrary Au nanopatterns in ambient condition. Large‐area (1 cm2) and uniform (<10% variation) Au nanostructures as small as 70 nm are readily fabricated, with a throughput 100‐fold higher than that of conventional EBL. As a proof‐of‐concept of the applications in the opitcal field, we fabricate discrete Au nanorod arrays that show significant plasmonic resonance in the visible range, and interconnected Au nanomeshes that are used for transparent conductive electrode of solar cells.
Concordance of transient elastography and shear wave elastography for measurement of liver stiffness
Authors: O'Hara Sandra , Hodson Susan , Hernaman Chandelle , Wambeek Nick , Olynyk John 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionTransient elastography is commonly utilised in liver clinics as a non‐invasive method of assessing the degree of fibrosis or presence of cirrhosis in the human liver. Many ultrasound vendors are now providing ultrasound shear wave elastography on commercial ultrasound units. There is limited published data evaluating the performance of ultrasound elastography compared to transient elastography.MethodsThis study compared the performance of ultrasound shear wave elastography, on an ultrasound unit with transient elastography in 29 participants with liver diseases of varying aetiologies.ResultsThe mean shear wave pressure for transient elastography and ultrasound shear wave elastography was 7.58 kPa (SD 3.26) and 7.29 (SD 2.02), respectively, with 18 cases having a less than 30% deviation of shear wave elastography from transient elastography.ConclusionBoth methods provide similar measurements of fibrosis and may be useful non‐invasive measures of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Endonuclease Regnase‐1/Monocyte chemotactic protein‐1‐induced protein‐1 (MCPIP1) in controlling immune responses and beyond
Authors: Takeuchi Osamu 
Published: September 2017

The activation of inflammatory cells is controlled at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Posttranscriptional regulation modifies mRNA stability and translation, allowing for elaborate control of proteins required for inflammation, such as proinflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin synthases, cell surface co‐stimulatory molecules, and even transcriptional modifiers. Such regulation is important for coordinating the initiation and resolution of inflammation, and is mediated by a set of RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs), including Regnase‐1, Roquin, Tristetraprolin (TTP), and AU‐rich elements/poly(U)‐binding/degradation factor 1 (AUF1). Among these, Regnase‐1, also known as Zc3h12a and Monocyte chemotactic protein‐1‐induced protein‐1 (MCPIP1), acts as an endoribonuclease responsible for the degradation of mRNAs involved in inflammatory responses. Conversely, the RBPs Roquin and TTP trigger exonucleolytic degradation of mRNAs by recruiting the CCR4‐NOT deadenylase complex. Regnase‐1 specifically recognizes stem‐loop structures present in 3′‐untranslated regions of cytokine mRNAs, and directly degrades the mRNAs in a translation‐ and ATP‐dependent RNA helicase upframeshift 1 (UPF1)‐dependent manner that is reminiscent of nonsense‐mediated decay. Regnase‐1 regulates the activation of innate and acquired immune cells, and is critical for maintaining immune homeostasis as well as preventing over‐activation of the immune system under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that Regnase‐1 and its family members are involved not only in immunity but also in various biological processes. In this article, I review molecular mechanisms of Regnase‐1‐mediated mRNA decay and its physiological roles. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1449. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1449This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease