bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The onset time of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) depends on AIT type
Authors: Tomisti Luca , Rossi Giuseppe , Bartalena Luigi , Martino Enio , Bogazzi Fausto 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveConsidering the different pathogenic mechanisms of the two main forms of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT), we ascertained whether this results in a different onset time as well.Design and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 200 consecutive AIT patients (157 men and 43 women; mean age 62.2±12.6 years) referred to our Department from 1987 to 2012. The onset time of AIT was defined as the time elapsed from the beginning of amiodarone therapy and the first diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, expressed in months. Factors associated with the onset time of AIT were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe median onset time of thyrotoxicosis was 3.5 months (95% CI 2–6 months) in patients with type 1 AIT (AIT1) and 30 months (95% CI 27–32 months,P<0.001) in those with type 2 AIT (AIT2). Of the total number of patients, 5% with AIT1 and 23% with AIT2 (P=0.007) developed thyrotoxicosis after amiodarone withdrawal. Factors affecting the onset time of thyrotoxicosis were the type of AIT and thyroid volume (TV).ConclusionsThe different pathogenic mechanisms of the two forms of AIT account for different onset times of thyrotoxicosis in the two groups. Patients with preexisting thyroid abnormalities (candidate to develop AIT1) may require a stricter follow-up during amiodarone therapy than those usually recommended. In AIT1, the onset of thyrotoxicosis after amiodarone withdrawal is rare, while AIT2 patients may require periodic tests for thyroid function longer after withdrawing amiodarone.
Development of Guidelines for Skeletal Survey in Young Children With Fractures
Authors: Wood Joanne N. , Fakeye Oludolapo , Feudtner Chris , Mondestin Valerie , Localio Russell , Rubin David M. 
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE:
To develop guidelines for performing initial skeletal survey (SS) in children &lt;24 months old with fractures, based on available evidence and collective judgment of experts from diverse pediatric specialties.

METHODS:
Following the Rand/UCLA Method, a multispecialty panel of 13 experts applied evidence from a literature review combined with their own expertise in rating the appropriateness of performing an SS for 525 clinical scenarios involving fractures in children &lt;24 months old. After discussion on the initial ratings, panelists rerated SS appropriateness for 240 revised scenarios and deemed that SSs were appropriate in 191 scenarios. The panelists then assessed in which of those 191 scenarios SSs were not only appropriate, but also necessary.

RESULTS:
Panelists agreed that SS is “appropriate” for 191 (80%) of 240 scenarios rated and “necessary” for 175 (92%) of the appropriate scenarios. Skeletal survey is necessary if a fracture is attributed to abuse, domestic violence, or being hit by a toy. With few exceptions, SS is necessary in children without a history of trauma. In children &lt;12 months old, SS is necessary regardless of the fracture type or reported history, with rare exceptions. In children 12 to 23 months old, the necessity of obtaining SS is dependent on fracture type.

CONCLUSIONS:
A multispecialty panel reached agreement on multiple clinical scenarios for which initial SS is indicated in young children with fractures, allowing for synthesis of clinical guidelines with the potential to decrease disparities in care and increase detection of abuse.
Inhibition of PI3Kδ Reduces Kidney Infiltration by Macrophages and Ameliorates Systemic Lupus in the Mouse
Authors: Suárez-Fueyo Abel , Rojas José M. , Cariaga Ariel E. , García Esther , Steiner Bart H. , Barber Domingo F. , Puri Kamal D. , Carrera Ana C. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a human chronic inflammatory disease generated and maintained throughout life by autoreactive T and B cells. Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) are heterodimers composed of a regulatory and a catalytic subunit that catalyze phosphoinositide-3,4,5-P3 formation and regulate cell survival, migration, and division. Activity of the PI3Kδ isoform is enhanced in human SLE patient PBLs. In this study, we analyzed the effect of inhibiting PI3Kδ in MRL/lpr mice, a model of human SLE. We found that PI3Kδ inhibition ameliorated lupus progression. Treatment of these mice with a PI3Kδ inhibitor reduced the excessive numbers of CD4+ effector/memory cells and B cells. In addition, this treatment reduced serum TNF-α levels and the number of macrophages infiltrating the kidney. Expression of inactive PI3Kδ, but not deletion of the other hematopoietic isoform PI3Kγ, reduced the ability of macrophages to cross the basement membrane, a process required to infiltrate the kidney, explaining MRL/lpr mice improvement by pharmacologic inhibition of PI3Kδ. The observations that p110δ inhibitor prolonged mouse life span, reduced disease symptoms, and showed no obvious secondary effects indicates that PI3Kδ is a promising target for SLE.
RNA Secondary Structure Analysis Using RNAstructure
Authors: Mathews David H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRNAstructure is a user‐friendly program for the prediction and analysis of RNA secondary structure. It is available as a Web server, as a program with a graphical user interface, or as a set of command‐line tools. The programs are available for Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS X, or Linux. This unit provides protocols for RNA secondary structure prediction (using the Web server or the graphical user interface) and prediction of high‐affinity oligonucleotide biding sites to a structured RNA target (using the graphical user interface). Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 46:12.6.1‐12.6.25. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transporting Mouse Embryos and Germplasm as Frozen or Unfrozen Materials
Authors: Kenyon Janet , Guan Mo , Bogani Debora , Marschall Susan , Raspa Marcello , Pickard Amanda , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Fray Martin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe 21st century has seen a huge proliferation in the availability of genetically altered mice. The availability of these resources has been accompanied by ever greater opportunities for international collaborations between laboratories involving the exchange of mouse strains. This exchange can involve significant costs in terms of animal welfare and transportation expenses. In an attempt to mitigate some of these costs, the mouse community has developed a battery of techniques that can be used to avoid transporting live mice. Transporting frozen embryos and sperm at liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures using dry shippers has been common practice for some time. However, current advances in this field have refined transportation procedures and introduced new techniques for disseminating embryos and sperm: for example, shipping frozen sperm on dry ice, exchanging unfrozen epididymides from which sperm can be extracted, and transporting frozen/thawed embryos in isotonic media. This article discusses some of the current practices used by laboratories to transport mouse strains around the world without having to exchange live mice. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 4:47‐65 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Study on the accelerated biodegradation of PP modified with an organic pro‐degradant additive
Authors: Montagna Larissa Stieven , Forte Maria Madalena de Camargo , Santana Ruth Marlene Campomanes 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIn order to reduce the environmental impact of the accumulation of synthetic polymer waste, especially in the case of products with a short shelf life, such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, this study evaluated the biodegradation of samples of polypropylene (PP) modified with an organic additive free of transition metals. The samples were prepared using a single‐screw extruder, then ground with liquid nitrogen and processed by thermal compression molding into the form of plates. They were then submitted to a respirometric test involving biodegradation carried out at 58°C for 120 days. The samples were characterized according to their physical, thermal, and morphological properties. The results verified that the modified PP showed evidence of enhanced degradation through increased CO2 generation and weight loss during incubation. The thermal analysis revealed an increase in the degree of crystallinity and a decrease in the melt temperature. SEM micrographs showed exfoliation, the appearance of holes, and surface deterioration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41054.
pH‐sensitive crosslinked guar gum‐based superabsorbent hydrogels: Swelling response in simulated environments and water retention behavior in plant growth media
Authors: Chandrika K. S. V. Poorna , Singh Anupama , Sarkar Dhruba Jyoti , Rathore Abhishek , Kumar Anil 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTCrosslinked guar gum‐g‐polyacrylate (cl‐GG‐g‐PA) superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared to explore their potential as soil conditioners and carriers. The hydrogels were prepared by in situ grafting polymerization and crosslinking of acrylamide onto a natural GG followed by hydrolysis. Microwave‐initiated synthesis under the chosen experimental conditions did not exhibit any significant improvement over the conventional technique. The optimization studies of various synthesis parameters, namely, monomer concentration, crosslinker concentration, initiator concentration, quantity of water per unit reaction mass, particle size of backbone, and concentration of alkali were performed. The hydrogels were characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid‐state 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Swelling behavior of a candidate hydrogel [GG‐superabsorbent polymer (SAP)] in response to external stimuli, namely, salt solutions, fertilizer solutions, temperature, and pH, was studied. The GG‐SAP exhibited significant swelling in various environments. The effect of GG‐SAP on water absorption and the retention characteristics of sandy loam soil and soil‐less medium were also studied as a function of temperature and moisture tensions. The addition of GG‐SAP significantly improved the moisture characteristics of plant growth media (both soil and soil‐less), showing that it has tremendous potential for diverse applications in moisture stress agriculture. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41060.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable bioenergy production systems
Authors: Dale Bruce E. , Ong Rebecca G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBioenergy systems are an essential part of a renewable energy portfolio, particularly as only liquid biofuels can replace petroleum in key applications. Unlike fossil energy systems, bioenergy systems can potentially be sustainable, that is, able to operate indefinitely into the future. Based on our work and the work of others who have examined various sustainability aspects of bioenergy systems, we believe it is possible to operate these systems so that they are sustainably profitable, improve the welfare of local populations, and provide environmental benefits for local and global ecosystems. However achieving greater sustainability by deploying bioenergy systems will not occur without careful thought and consideration. Therefore we propose and apply a set of sustainability objectives for bioenergy systems that span the economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Molybdenum Substitution for Improving the Charge Compensation and Activity of Li2MnO3
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhou Yong‐Ning , Gao Yurui , Kong Qingyu , Wang Zhaoxiang , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Chen Liquan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLithium‐rich layer‐structured oxides xLi2MnO3⋅ (1−x)LiMO2 (0<x<1, M=Mn, Ni, Co, etc.) are interesting and potential cathode materials for high energy‐density lithium ion batteries. However, the characteristic charge compensation contributed by O2− in Li2MnO3 leads to the evolution of oxygen during the initial Li+ ion extraction at high voltage and voltage fading in subsequent cycling, resulting in a safety hazard and poor cycling performance of the battery. Molybdenum substitution was performed in this work to provide another electron donor and to enhance the electrochemical activity of Li2MnO3‐based cathode materials. X‐ray diffraction and adsorption studies indicated that Mo5+ substitution expands the unit cell in the crystal lattice and weakens the LiO and MnO bonds, as well as enhancing the activity of Li2MnO3 by lowering its delithiation potential and suppressing the release of oxygen. In addition, the chemical environment of O2− ions in molybdenum‐substituted Li2MnO3 is more reversible than in the unsubstituted sample during cycling. Therefore molybdenum substitution is expected to improve the performances of the Li2MnO3‐based lithium‐rich cathode materials.
3D Master Toothguide according to L*, C*, and h* coordinates
Authors: Gómez‐Polo Cristina , Gómez‐Polo Miguel , Martínez Vazquez De Parga Juan Antonio , Celemin‐Viñuela Alicia 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe purposes of this study are to describe the color coordinates of the 26 shade tabs of the 3D Master Toothguide according to their L*, C*, h* coordinates, and to calculate ΔEab*, ΔL*, ΔC*, and Δh* in the 26 shade tabs. The tooth color of 1361 maxillary central incisors was measured “in vivo” using a spectrophotometer. Tooth color was recorded following the 3D Master system and its corresponding L*, C*, h*color coordinates. Of the 325 shade tabs pairs compared a color difference (
) of between 2.6 and 5.5 units was found in 9.54% (31 pairs). In 291 pairs (89.54%) there was color difference that exceeded the 5.5 units. Only 0.92% of the color differences () were less than 2.6 units. The minimum color difference (
) found was 2.1 units and the maximum 45.0 units. The intervals in lightness, chroma, and hue groups between adjacent shade tabs were not uniform. In conclusion, this toothguide is clearly ordered regarding lightness or the L* coordinate. Most of the color differences between the 26 shade tabs of the 3D Master exceed the perceptible threshold of 2.6 units. Some clinical implications are as follows: the 26 shade tabs of the 3D Master Toothguide offer improvements as far as spatial arrangement is concerned. Thus, it is highly possible that the subjective visual color of the measurement would be correct. If there is a mistake when choosing the shade tab from the 3D Master guide there will quite probably be an unacceptable color difference from the clinical point of view. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 518–524, 2015.
Experimental discussion on the mechanisms behind the fire spalling of concrete
Authors: Mindeguia Jean‐Christophe , Carré Hélène , Pimienta Pierre , La Borderie Christian 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe behaviour of six concretes at high temperature (600 °C) and in particular the risk of fire spalling is studied. Tests are performed with two sizes of samples: small samples (300 × 300 × 120 mm3) and small slabs (700 × 600 × 150 mm3). Different storage conditions (pre‐drying at 80 °C, air and water storing) are used to highlight the effect of the initial water content. Thanks to different scenarios of heating, the influence of the heating curve is studied.Results enabled to identify parameters that highly influence the risk of fire spalling: initial water content and concrete permeability during heating. The permeability of concrete can increase during heating due to the melting of the polypropylene fibres or by thermal damage. This thermal damage is important when heating is violent (ISO 834 or increased hydrocarbon fire), or when concrete is made with silico‐calcareous aggregates (flint).Fire spalling cannot be explained by either the only thermo‐mechanical behaviour of concrete, or only by the appearance of high pore gas pressure. Based on the recent hypothesis of the critical zone, the formation of a saturated layer of liquid water is consistent with the results obtained. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dopaminergic modulation of resting‐state functional connectivity in de novo patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baik KyoungWon , Cha Jungho , Ham Jee Hyun , Baek Gwang‐Min , Sunwoo Mun Kyung , Hong Jin Yong , Shin Na‐Young , Kim Jae Seung , Lee Jong‐Min , Lee Seung‐Koo , Sohn Young Ho , Lee Phil Hyu 
Published: June 2014

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by degenerative changes of nigral dopamine neurons, resulting in the dopaminergic denervation of the striatum. Resting state networks studies have demonstrated that dopamine modulates distinct network connectivity patterns in both a linear and a nonlinear fashion, but quantitative analyses of dopamine‐dependent functional connectivity secondary to PD pathology were less informative. In the present study, we performed a correlation analysis between striatal dopamine levels assessed quantitatively by FP‐CIT positron emission tomography imaging and resting‐state functional connectivity in 23 drug naïve de novo patients with PD to elucidate dopamine‐dependent functional networks. The major finding is that the patterns of dopamine‐dependent positive functional connectivity varied depending on the location of striatal seeds. Dopamine‐dependent functional connectivity with the caudate predominantly overlay pericentral cortical areas, whereas dopamine‐dependent structures functionally connected with the posterior putamen predominantly involved cerebellar areas. The dorsolateral frontal area overlapped as a dopamine‐dependent cortical region that was positively connected with the anterior and posterior putamen. On the other hand, cortical areas where functional connectivity from the posterior cingulate was negatively correlated with dopaminergic status in the posterior putamen were localized in the left anterior prefrontal area and the parietal area. Additionally, functional connectivity between the anterior putamen and mesiofrontal areas was negatively coupled with striatal dopamine levels. The present study demonstrated that dopamine‐dependent functional network connectivity secondary to PD pathology mainly exhibits a consistent pattern, albeit with some variation. These patterns may reflect the diverse effects of dopaminergic medication on parkinsonian‐related motor and cognitive performance. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5431–5441, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Decarestrictine I
Authors: Yadav Jhillu Singh , Venkatesh Miriyal , Kumar Alleni Suman , Reddy Poli Adi Narayana , Reddy Basi V. Subba , Prasad Attaluri R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA convergent and stereoselective total synthesis of decarestrictine I, a polyketide natural product, is described. Both acid and alcohol fragments were prepared from the readily available L‐malic acid via StillGennari olefination and Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation. The Steglich esterification and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) are employed to combine both acid and alcohol fragments.
Selection and evolution of resistance to antimicrobial drugs
Authors: Hughes Diarmaid 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe overuse and misuse of antibiotics over many years has selected a high frequency of resistance among medically important bacterial pathogens. The evolution of resistance is complex, frequently involving multiple genetic alterations that minimize biological fitness costs and/or increase the resistance level. Resistance is selected at very low drug concentrations, such as found widely distributed in the environment, and this selects for resistant mutants with a high fitness. Once resistance with high fitness is established in a community it is very difficult to reduce its frequency. Addressing the problem of resistance is essential if we are to ensure a future where we can continue to enjoy effective medical control of bacterial infections. This will require several actions including the discovery and development of novel antibiotics, the creation of a continuous pipeline of drug discovery, and the implementation of effective global antibiotic stewardship to reduce the misuse of antibiotics and their release into the environment. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(8):521–529, 2014
Fetal and Childhood Growth Patterns Associated with Bone Mass in School-Age Children: The Generation R Study
Authors: Heppe Denise HM , Medina-Gomez Carolina , de Jongste Johan C , Raat Hein , Steegers Eric AP , Hofman Albert , Rivadeneira Fernando , Jaddoe Vincent WV 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Low birth weight is associated with lower bone accrual in children and peak bone mass in adults. We assessed how different patterns of longitudinal fetal and early childhood growth influence bone properties at school age. In 5431 children participating in a population-based prospective cohort study, we measured fetal growth by ultrasound at 20 and 30 weeks gestation, and childhood growth at birth, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of age. We analyzed these growth measurements in relation to total body (less head) BMD measured by DXA at age 6. We used conditional growth modeling; a technique which takes into account correlation between repeatedly measured growth measures. Our results showed that estimated fetal weight gain, femur length growth between 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, femur length growth between 30 weeks and birth, as well as all height and weight growth measurements from birth to 4 years of age were all positively associated with BMC, bone area (BA), and BMD (all p &lt; 0.01). Fetal femur length growth between 30 weeks and birth was positively associated with BMC and BA (both p &lt; 0.001), but not with BMD. Overall, childhood growth measurements exerted a larger influence on bone measures than fetal growth measures. The strongest effect estimate was observed during the first year of life. Children born small (&lt;10th percentile) for gestational age (SGA) had lower BMC and BA, but not BMD, than children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA), whereas children born large (&gt;90th percentile) for gestational age (LGA) had higher BMC and BA (all p &lt; 0.001). These differences were no longer present in children showing subsequent accelerated and decelerated infant growth, respectively. We conclude that both fetal and childhood growth patterns are associated with bone mineral accrual, showing the strongest effect estimates in infancy. Compensatory infant growth counteracts the adverse consequences of fetal growth restriction on bone development. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.