bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Poly (D,L‐lactide) nanoparticles‐based formulation for hair follicle targeting
Authors: Fernandes B. , Silva R. , Ribeiro A. , Matamá T. , Gomes A. C. , Cavaco‐Paulo A. M. 
Published: January 2015

SynopsisObjectiveHair follicles are widely recognized as the preferential target and site of accumulation for nanoparticles after topical application. This feature is of particular importance for hair cosmetics, having the potential to refine the treatment of several hair follicle‐related disorders. The aim of this work was to improve the preparation of Poly (D,L‐lactide) (PLA) nanoparticles for in vivo follicular target and drug delivery.MethodsEnvisaging a future industrial scale‐up of the process, nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare PLA nanoparticles: the effect of several processing parameters on their properties was examined and the yield of nanoparticles formation determined. Encapsulation efficiencies and in vitro release profiles of lipophilic and hydrophilic model compounds were also assessed. In vitro cytotoxicity and ex vivo penetration studies were performed on a reference skin cell line (NCTC2455, human skin keratinocytes) and porcine skin, respectively.ResultsUsing acetone : ethanol (50 : 50, v/v) as the solvent phase, 0.6% (w/w) of Pluronic® F68 as a surfactant agent and agitation to mix the solvent and non‐solvent phases, a monodispersed population of non‐cytotoxic spherical nanoparticles of approximately 150 nm was obtained. The yield of nanoparticles for this formulation was roughly 90%. After encapsulation of model compounds, no significant changes were found in the properties of particles and the entrapment efficiencies were above 80%. The release kinetics of dyes from PLA nanoparticles indicate an anomalous transport mechanism (diffusion and polymer degradation) for Nile Red (lipophilic) and a Fickian diffusion of first order for fluorescein 5(6)‐isothiocyanate (hydrophilic). Ex vivo skin penetration studies confirmed the presence of nanoparticles along the entire follicular ducts.ConclusionsThe optimized method allows the preparation of ideal PLA nanoparticles‐based formulations for hair follicle targeting. PLA nanoparticles can effectively transport and release lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds into the hair follicles, and the yields obtained are acceptable for industrial purposes.
Studies on the stability of preservatives under subcritical water conditions
Authors: Kapalavavi B. , Marple R. , Gamsky C. , Yang Y. 
Published: January 2015

SynopsisObjectiveThe goal of this work was to further validate the subcritical water chromatography (SBWC) methods for separation and analysis of preservatives through the evaluation of analyte stability in subcritical water.MethodsIn this study, the degradation of preservatives was investigated at temperatures of 100–200°C using two different approaches. First, the peak areas obtained by SBWC at high temperatures were compared with those achieved using the traditional high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at 25°C. In the second approach, several preservatives and water were loaded into a vessel and heated at high temperatures for 30 or 60 min. The heated mixtures were then analysed by GC/MS to determine the stability of preservatives.ResultsThe t‐ and F‐test on the results of the first approach reveal that the peak areas achieved by HPLC and SBWC are not significantly different at the 95% confidence level, meaning that the preservatives studied are stable during the high‐temperature SBWC runs. Although the results of the second approach show approximately 10% degradation of preservatives into mainly p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and phenol at 200°C, the preservatives studied are stable at 100 and 150°C. This is in good agreement with the validation results obtained by the first approach.ConclusionThe findings of this work confirm that SBWC methods at temperatures up to 150°C are reliable for separation and analysis of preservatives in cosmetic and other samples.
Combinations of bacterial species associated with symptomatic endodontic infections in a Chinese population
Authors: Qi Z. , Cao H. , Jiang H. , Zhao J. , Tang Z. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimTo use microarrays to detect 11 selected bacteria in infected root canals, revealing bacterial combinations that are associated with clinical symptoms and signs of primary endodontic infections in a Chinese population.MethodologyDNA was extracted from 90 samples collected from the root canals of teeth with primary endodontic infections in a Chinese population, and the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were hybridized to microarrays containing specific oligonucleotide probes targeting 11 species, and the arrays were screened with a confocal laser scanner. Pearson's chi‐squared test and cluster analysis were performed to investigate the associations between the bacterial combinations and clinical symptoms and signs using SAS 8.02.ResultsSeventy‐seven samples (86%) yielded at least one of the 11 target species. Parvimonas micra (56%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (51%), Tannerella forsythia (48%), Prevotella intermedia (44%) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (37%) were the most prevalent taxa and were often concomitant. The following positive associations were found between the bacterial combinations and clinical features: P. endodontalis and T. forsythia with abscess; P. gingivalis and P. micra with sinus tract; P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis or P. micra and P. endodontalis with abscess and sinus tract; and the combination of P. endodontalis, P. micra, T. forsythia and P. gingivalis with sinus tract (P < 0.05).ConclusionsVarious combinations of P. micra, P. endodontalis, T. forsythia and P. gingivalis may contribute to abscesses or sinus tracts of endodontic origin with bacterial synergism in a Chinese population.
Main Source of Microwave Loss in Transition‐Metal‐Doped Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 and Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Shengke , Devonport Alex , Newman Nathan 
Published: January 2015

Microwave resonator measurements were performed on high‐performance microwave ceramics Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 (BZT) and Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BZN) containing additives commonly used by commercial manufacturers (i.e., Co, Mn, and Ni). We find that the loss tangent, even in ambient magnetic fields, is dominated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) absorption by exchange‐coupled 3d electrons in transition metal clusters at cryogenic temperatures. The large orbital angular momentum in Co2+ and Ni2+ ions of L = 3 causes strong anisotropic‐broadened dipolar interactions that extend EPR losses to zero applied field. This effect is greatest in BZN with Co concentrations greater than 0.5 mol%, dominating the losses at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) and below. In samples containing Mn2+ ions with L = 0, the dipolar interactions and associated EPR losses in ambient fields are smaller. We show the magnetic‐field‐dependent changes in the EPR losses (i.e., tan δ) and magnetic reactive response (i.e., μr) are from the same mechanism, as they follow the Kramers–Kronig relation. Finally, we note that these materials can make ultra‐high Q passive microwave devices with externally controlled transfer functions, as the quality factor (Q) of the composition Ba(Co1/15Zn4/15Nb2/3)O3 at 77 K can be tuned from 1 100 to 12 000 at 10 GHz by applying practical magnetic fields.
A method to approximate the inverse of a part of the additive relationship matrix
Authors: Faux P. , Gengler N. 
Published: January 2015

SummarySingle‐step genomic predictions need the inverse of the part of the additive relationship matrix between genotyped animals (A22). Gains in computing time are feasible with an algorithm that sets up the sparsity pattern of (SP algorithm) using pedigree searches, when is close to sparse. The objective of this study is to present a modification of the SP algorithm (RSP algorithm) and to assess its use in approximating when the actual is dense. The RSP algorithm sets up a restricted sparsity pattern of by limiting the pedigree search to a maximum number of searched branches. We have tested its use on four different simulated genotyped populations, from 10 000 to 75 000 genotyped animals. Accuracy of approximation is tested by replacing the actual by its approximation in an equivalent mixed model including only genotyped animals. Results show that limiting the pedigree search to four branches is enough to provide accurate approximations of , which contain approximately 80% of zeros. Computing approximations is not expensive in time but may require a great amount of memory (at maximum, approximately 81 min and approximately 55 Gb of RAM for 75 000 genotyped animals using parallel processing on four threads).
Regardless of central obesity, metabolic syndrome is a significant predictor of type 2 diabetes in Japanese Americans
Authors: Sakashita Yu , Nakanishi Shuhei , Yoneda Masayasu , Nakashima Reiko , Yamane Kiminori , Kohno Nobuoki 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the development of type 2 diabetes has been reported in different ethnic populations. However, whether central obesity is an essential component as a diagnostic criterion for MetS remains a controversial topic. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between MetS and the incidence of type 2 diabetes with or without central obesity in a Japanese American population.Materials and MethodsWe examined whether MetS predicts incident type 2 diabetes among 928 Japanese American participants who did not have diabetes enrolled in an ongoing medical survey between 1992 and 2007. MetS was defined on the basis of American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria. The average follow‐up period was approximately 6.8 years.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period, 116 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed. Compared to the participants without MetS, the hazard ratio (HR) for incident type 2 diabetes was significantly higher in participants with MetS, after adjustment for sex, age and impaired glucose tolerance (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11–2.42). The risk of type 2 diabetes was found to be significantly higher in participants with MetS but without central obesity (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.25–3.41), as well as in participants with MetS and with central obesity (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.51–4.01) than in participants with neither MetS nor central obesity, after adjustment for sex, age and impaired glucose tolerance.ConclusionsThese results show that the presence of MetS, with or without central obesity, could independently predict the development of type 2 diabetes in Japanese Americans.
The 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale translated in German and validated against objective and subjective polypharmacy adherence measures in cardiovascular patients
Authors: Arnet Isabelle , Metaxas Corina , Walter Philipp N. , Morisky Donald E. , Hersberger Kurt E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTo translate in German the 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS‐8D). To validate it against objective and subjective measures of adherence in cardiovascular patients with polypharmacy.MethodsA standard forward‐backward procedure was used to translate the MMAS‐8 into German. Validation took place on a convenience sample of ambulatory patients on chronic antiplatelet therapy between June 2010 and June 2011. Objective adherence was obtained from electronically monitored multi‐drug punch cards. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, construct validity using exploratory factor analyses and correlations between MMAS‐8D and related measures. Convergent validity was assessed with a subjective questionnaire about beliefs about medicines (BMQ Specific, two sub‐scales).ResultsA total of 70 patients were included (mean age 65.7 ± 9.9 years; 31.4% women). The mean score of the MMAS‐8D was 7.5 (SD 0.8; range 4.5–8). Moderate internal consistency (alpha = 0.31) was observed due to multidimensionality of the scale. Factor analysis yielded four components that accounted for 71.7% of the total variance. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations with BMQ Necessity (r = 0.31, P < 0.01), BMQ Concerns (r = −0.16, P < 0.05) and with electronic adherence reports (U‐values 44 and 471, P < 0.05). Platelet aggregation values were within therapeutic range for 80% of the patients. Blood values of the antiplatelet agent within therapeutic range were associated with a higher MMAS‐8D score (U‐value 125, P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe German MMAS‐8 appears to be a reliable instrument to catch medication adherence in cardiovascular patients. It may be useful in patients with chronic therapy for detecting non‐adherence.
A national survey of defensive medicine among orthopaedic surgeons, trauma surgeons and radiologists in Austria: evaluation of prevalence and context
Authors: Osti Michael , Steyrer Johannes 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesDefensive medical practice represents an increasing concern in European countries and is reported to account for rising health care expenditures. Malpractice liability, current jurisdiction and the increasing claim for accountability appear to result in additional diagnostic requests with marginal clinical benefit. Investigations that evaluate the national Austrian prevalence and contextual principles and consequences of defensive medicine are lacking so far.MethodOrthopaedic and trauma surgeons as well as radiologists from public hospitals in Austria were invited to complete a study questionnaire retrieving personal estimation of the quantity of patient contacts and defensive requests in a typical month, subjective judgement of medico‐legal climate, evolving defensive trends, working time usage for defensive considerations and prior confrontations with malpractice liability claims.ResultsThe prevalence of defensive medicine was found to be 97.7%. The average orthopaedic or trauma surgeon requests 19.6 investigations per month for defensive reasons, which represents 28% of all diagnostic examinations. High‐quality imaging modalities and short‐term admissions yield increasing defensive significance. Participants are confronted with 1.4 liability claims per month. During the treatment of high‐risk patients, 81% of doctors request additional diagnostic procedures for defensive considerations. Expenditure of time for defensive practice amounts to 9.2 hours/month in radiology and to 17 and 18% of total working time, respectively, in orthopaedic and trauma surgery.ConclusionDefensive medical practice represents a serious and common challenge in Austria. Our results indicate the urgent necessity for confrontation with and solution for the increasing effort of self‐protection within the health care system.
Commercial Pressures on Professionalism in American Medical Care: From Medicare to the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Marmor Theodore R. , Gordon Robert W. 
Published: January 2015

This essay describes how longstanding conceptions of professionalism in American medical care came under attack in the decades since the enactment of Medicare in 1965 and how the reform strategy and core provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) illustrate the weakening of those ideas and the institutional practices embodying them.The opening identifies the dominant role of physicians in American medical care in the two decades after World War II. By the time Medicare was enacted in 1965, associations of American physicians were almost completely in charge of medical education, specialist certification, and the enforcement of professional norms on their members. Who could be a doctor, what education and training would be required, and what collegial oversight was operative was first a professional matter and only secondly implicated the state through malpractice or major corporations via the employment of physicians.
Adenoviral vectors as novel vaccines for influenza
Authors: Coughlan Lynda , Mullarkey Caitlin , Gilbert Sarah 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Influenza is a viral respiratory disease causing seasonal epidemics, with significant annual illness and mortality. Emerging viruses can pose a major pandemic threat if they acquire the capacity for sustained human-to-human transmission. Vaccination reduces influenza-associated mortality and is critical in minimising the burden on the healthcare system. However, current vaccines are not always effective in at-risk populations and fail to induce long-lasting protective immunity against a range of viruses.

Key findings
The development of ‘universal’ influenza vaccines, which induce heterosubtypic immunity capable of reducing disease severity, limiting viral shedding or protecting against influenza subtypes with pandemic potential, has gained interest in the research community. To date, approaches have focused on inducing immune responses to conserved epitopes within the stem of haemagglutinin, targeting the ectodomain of influenza M2e or by stimulating cellular immunity to conserved internal antigens, nucleoprotein or matrix protein 1.

Summary
Adenoviral vectors are potent inducers of T-cell and antibody responses and have demonstrated safety in clinical applications, making them an excellent choice of vector for delivery of vaccine antigens. In order to circumvent pre-existing immunity in humans, serotypes from non-human primates have recently been investigated. We will discuss the pre-clinical development of these novel vectors and their advancement to clinical trials.
Can a mathematical model predict an individual's trait‐like response to both total and partial sleep loss?
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sridhar , Lu Wei , Laxminarayan Srinivas , Wesensten Nancy J. , Rupp Tracy L. , Balkin Thomas J. , Reifman Jaques 
Published: January 2015

SummaryHumans display a trait‐like response to sleep loss. However, it is not known whether this trait‐like response can be captured by a mathematical model from only one sleep‐loss condition to facilitate neurobehavioural performance prediction of the same individual during a different sleep‐loss condition. In this paper, we investigated the extent to which the recently developed unified mathematical model of performance (UMP) captured such trait‐like features for different sleep‐loss conditions. We used the UMP to develop two sets of individual‐specific models for 15 healthy adults who underwent two different sleep‐loss challenges (order counterbalanced; separated by 2–4 weeks): (i) 64 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD) and (ii) chronic sleep restriction (CSR) of 7 days of 3 h nightly time in bed. We then quantified the extent to which models developed using psychomotor vigilance task data under TSD predicted performance data under CSR, and vice versa. The results showed that the models customized to an individual under one sleep‐loss condition accurately predicted performance of the same individual under the other condition, yielding, on average, up to 50% improvement over non‐individualized, group‐average model predictions. This finding supports the notion that the UMP captures an individual's trait‐like response to different sleep‐loss conditions.
Siderophile and chalcophile element abundances in shergottites: Implications for Martian core formation
Authors: Yang Shuying , Humayun Munir , Righter Kevin , Jefferson Gwendolyn , Fields Dana , Irving Anthony J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractElemental abundances for volatile siderophile and chalcophile elements for Mars inform us about processes of accretion and core formation. Such data are few for Martian meteorites, and are often lacking in the growing number of desert finds. In this study, we employed laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) to analyze polished slabs of 15 Martian meteorites for the abundances of about 70 elements. This technique has high sensitivity, excellent precision, and is generally accurate as determined by comparisons of elements for which literature abundances are known. However, in some meteorites, the analyzed surface is not representative of the bulk composition due to the over‐ or underrepresentation of a key host mineral, e.g., phosphate for rare earth elements (REE). For other meteorites, the range of variation in bulk rastered analyses of REE is within the range of variation reported among bulk REE analyses in the literature. An unexpected benefit has been the determination of the abundances of Ir and Os with a precision and accuracy comparable to the isotope dilution technique. Overall, the speed and small sample consumption afforded by this technique makes it an important tool widely applicable to small or rare meteorites for which a polished sample was prepared. The new volatile siderophile and chalcophile element abundances have been employed to determine Ge and Sb abundances, and revise Zn, As, and Bi abundances for the Martian mantle. The new estimates of Martian mantle composition support core formation at intermediate pressures (14 ± 3 GPa) in a magma ocean on Mars.
microRNA evolution and expression analysis in polyploidized cotton genome
Authors: Xie Fuliang , Zhang Baohong 
Published: January 2015

SummaryCotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), the most important fibre plant in the world, is a tetraploid species, originating from the reunion of two ancestral cotton species ~1–2 million years ago. It has been reported that a great number of genes were quickly erased or preferentially remained after whole‐genome duplication, ultimately leading to morphogenesis evolution. However, microRNAs (miRNAs), a new class of gene regulators, have not been well studied in polyploidization. Here, we systematically investigated miRNA evolution amongst cultivated upland cotton G. hirsutum (AADD) and its two ancestors, G. arboreum (AA) and G. raimondii (DD). Our results show that certain highly conserved miRNAs were likely to be lost, whereas certain were remained after genome polyploidization. Cotton‐specific miRNAs might undergo remarkably expansion, resulting in overall miRNA increase in upland cotton. Based on the sequenced genomes of G. arboreum and G. raimondii, we are capable for the first time to categorize the origin of miRNAs and coding genes in upland cotton. Different genome‐derived miRNAs and miRNA*s displayed asymmetric expression pattern, implicating their diverse functions in upland cotton. No miRNA targeting preference was observed between different genome‐derived miRNAs. The origin of miRNAs and coding genes has no impact on becoming miRNAs and their targets, despite some miRNAs and their targets are extremely conserved in the three cotton species. GO‐ and KEGG‐based analysis of conserved miRNAs show that conserved miRNAs and their targets participate in a series of important biological processes and metabolism pathways. Additionally, A‐derived miRNAs might be more responsible for ovule and fibre development.