bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autophagy in rat annulus fibrosus cells: evidence and possible implications
Authors: Shen Chao , Yan Jun , Jiang Lei-Sheng , Dai Li-Yang 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Programmed cell death of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells plays an important role in IVD degeneration, but the role of autophagy, a closely related cell death event, in IVD cells has not been documented. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of interleukin (IL)-1β on the occurrence of autophagy of rat annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and the interrelationship between autophagy and apoptosis.

Methods
Rat AF cells were isolated and exposed, in tissue cultures with or without serum, to IL-1β in different concentrations for 24 hours. Ultrastructural analysis, flow cytometry and lysosomal activity assessment were performed after the in vitro treatment to determine the presence and levels of autophagy. The mRNA expression of autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, Bcl-2 and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)) were evaluated using real-time PCR. 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a PI3K inhibitor, was used to determine the interaction between autophagy and apoptosis via the suppression of autophagy.

Results
Autophagy was detected in rat AF cells under serum starvation condition by transmission electron microscopy. PCR and flow cytometry results showed that IL-1β enhanced the autophagy-induction effect of serum deprivation in a dose-dependent manner. However, IL-1β alone failed to induce autophagy in AF cells cultured without serum starvation. When autophagy was suppressed by 3-MA, the apoptosis incidence was increased. Serum supplement also partly reversed the autophagy incidence without affecting the apoptosis incidence in the same cells.

Conclusions
IL-1β up-regulates serum deprivation-induced autophagy of AF cells in a dose-dependent manner. Autophagy may represent a protective mechanism against apoptosis in AF cells and IVD degeneration.
Validation and comparison of clinical prediction rules for invasive candidiasis in intensive care unit patients: a matched case-control study
Authors: Hermsen Elizabeth D , Zapapas Michelle K , Maiefski Melissa , Rupp Mark E , Freifeld Alison G , Kalil Andre C 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Due to the increasing prevalence and severity of invasive candidiasis, investigators have developed clinical prediction rules to identify patients who may benefit from antifungal prophylaxis or early empiric therapy. The aims of this study were to validate and compare the Paphitou and Ostrosky-Zeichner clinical prediction rules in ICU patients in a 689-bed academic medical center.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective matched case-control study from May 2003 to June 2008 to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of each rule. Cases included adults with ICU stays of at least four days and invasive candidiasis matched to three controls by age, gender and ICU admission date. The clinical prediction rules were applied to cases and controls via retrospective chart review to evaluate the success of the rules in predicting invasive candidiasis. Paphitou's rule included diabetes, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and dialysis with or without antibiotics. Ostrosky-Zeichner's rule included antibiotics or central venous catheter plus at least two of the following: surgery, immunosuppression, TPN, dialysis, corticosteroids and pancreatitis. Conditional logistic regression was performed to evaluate the rules. Discriminative power was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC).

Results
A total of 352 patients were included (88 cases and 264 controls). The incidence of invasive candidiasis among adults with an ICU stay of at least four days was 2.3%. The prediction rules performed similarly, exhibiting low PPVs (0.041 to 0.054), high NPVs (0.983 to 0.990) and AUC ROCs (0.649 to 0.705). A new prediction rule (Nebraska Medical Center rule) was developed with PPVs, NPVs and AUC ROCs of 0.047, 0.994 and 0.770, respectively.

Conclusions
Based on low PPVs and high NPVs, the rules are most useful for identifying patients who are not likely to develop invasive candidiasis, potentially preventing unnecessary antifungal use, optimizing patient ICU care and facilitating the design of forthcoming antifungal clinical trials.
Assessing left ventricular systolic function in shock: evaluation of echocardiographic parameters in intensive care
Authors: Bergenzaun Lill , Gudmundsson Petri , Öhlin Hans , Düring Joachim , Ersson Anders , Ihrman Lilian , Willenheimer Ronnie , Chew Michelle S 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Assessing left ventricular (LV) systolic function in a rapid and reliable way can be challenging in the critically ill patient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of, as well as the association between, commonly used LV systolic parameters, by using serial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Methods
Fifty patients with shock and mechanical ventilation were included. TTE examinations were performed daily for a total of 7 days. Methods used to assess LV systolic function were visually estimated, "eyeball" ejection fraction (EBEF), the Simpson single-plane method, mean atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPDm), septal tissue velocity imaging (TDIs), and velocity time integral in the left ventricular outflow tract (VTI).

Results
EBEF, AVPDm, TDIs, VTI, and the Simpson were obtained in 100%, 100%, 99%, 95% and 93%, respectively, of all possible examinations. The correlations between the Simpson and EBEF showed r values for all 7 days ranging from 0.79 to 0.95 (P < 0.01). the Simpson correlations with the other LV parameters showed substantial variation over time, with the poorest results seen for TDIs and AVPDm. The repeatability was best for VTI (interobserver coefficient of variation (CV) 4.8%, and intraobserver CV, 3.1%), and AVPDm (5.3% and 4.4%, respectively), and worst for the Simpson method (8.2% and 10.6%, respectively).

Conclusions
EBEF and AVPDm provided the best, and Simpson, the worst feasibility when assessing LV systolic function in a population of mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically unstable patients. Additionally, the Simpson showed the poorest repeatability. We suggest that EBEF can be used instead of single-plane Simpson when assessing LV ejection fraction in this category of patients. TDIs and AVPDm, as markers of longitudinal function of the LV, are not interchangeable with LV ejection fraction.
Evaluation of a Selection Strategy Before Use of 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing for the Identification of Clinically Significant Gram-Negative Rods and Coccobacilli
Authors: Mahlen Steven D. , Clarridge Jill E. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Although 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing is well established for correctly identifying bacteria, its most efficient use in a routine clinical laboratory is not clear. We devised and evaluated a strategy to select gram-negative rods and coccobacilli (GNRCB) for which sequencing might be necessary before routine identification methods had been exhausted. The prospectively applied selection criteria were primarily based on the isolate’s display of unusual or discordant phenotypic results and/or disease correlation. By using this strategy, we selected a total of 120 GNRCB (representing only ∼2% of all identified). The strategy was demonstrated to be efficient because the preliminary phenotypic identification for 79.2% of those isolates needed revision (18.2% were novel and about a third would have required further extensive testing). The knowledge that 1.6% (ie, 79% of 2%) of isolated GNRCB might benefit from sequence identification could provide guidelines for routine clinical laboratories toward efficient use of sequence analysis.
Comparative Effectiveness of Antibiotic Treatment Strategies for Pediatric Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections
Authors: Williams Derek J. , Cooper William O. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Dudley Judith A. , Kirschke David L. , Jones Timothy F. , Arbogast Patrick G. , Griffin Marie R. , Creech C. Buddy 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effectiveness of clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and β-lactams for the treatment of pediatric skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs).

METHODS:
A retrospective cohort of children 0 to 17 years of age who were enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid, experienced an incident SSTI between 2004 and 2007, and received treatment with clindamycin (reference), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or a β-lactam was created. Outcomes included treatment failure and recurrence, defined as an SSTI within 14 days and between 15 and 365 days after the incident SSTI, respectively. Adjusted models stratified according to drainage status were used to estimate the risk of treatment failure and time to recurrence.

RESULTS:
Among the 6407 children who underwent drainage, there were 568 treatment failures (8.9%) and 994 recurrences (22.8%). The adjusted odds ratios for treatment failure were 1.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–2.47) for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.71–2.90) for β-lactams. The adjusted hazard ratios for recurrence were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.06–1.49) for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.19–1.69) for β-lactams. Among the 41 094 children without a drainage procedure, there were 2435 treatment failures (5.9%) and 5436 recurrences (18.2%). The adjusted odds ratios for treatment failure were 1.67 (95% CI: 1.44–1.95) for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.06–1.41) for β-lactams; the adjusted hazard ratios for recurrence were 1.30 (95% CI: 1.18–1.44) for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.99–1.18) for β-lactams.

CONCLUSIONS:
Compared with clindamycin, use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or β-lactams was associated with increased risks of treatment failure and recurrence. Associations were stronger for those with a drainage procedure.
Effect of Pregnancy on Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: LUI NAI LEE , HAROON NIGIL , CARTY ADELE , SHEN HUA , COOK RICHARD J. , SHANMUGARAJAH SUTHA , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , INMAN ROBERT D. 
Published: August 2011

Objective.To evaluate the effect of pregnancy on ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods.Our study aimed to determine the severity of back pain and stiffness pre-, during, and postpartum in patients with AS and controls, and corresponding extraarticular symptoms.Results.Nineteen female patients with AS (35 pregnancies) and 33 controls (77 pregnancies) were studied. Improvement in pain was reported in 51% of AS patients, predominantly in the first trimester, with significant improvement in pain than stiffness. In both groups, pain worsened in later stages, likely secondary to biomechanical loading. Postpartum pain scores in AS returned to prepartum levels in general.Conclusion.Pregnancy does not substantially aggravate disease activity or severity in AS.
Mental Health Treatment Rates During Pregnancy and Post Partum in US Military Service Members
Authors: Heissel Jennifer A. , Healy Olivia J. 
Published: May 2024

ImportanceAlthough new parents’ mental health is known to decline, less is known about changes in therapy attendance, especially among military service members.ObjectiveTo investigate changes in therapy attendance among new parents and by parental leave length.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study of US Army and Navy service members from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019, compared parents’ monthly therapy attendance with matched nonparents’ across childbirth and compared mothers’ weekly therapy attendance before vs after returning to work. Eligible monthly sample members included service members with first births from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017, and 12 months of data before to 24 months after birth and nonparents with 36 months of data. Eligible weekly sample members included mothers with first births from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2019, and data from 12 months before to 6 months after birth and nonparents with 18 months of data. Data analysis was performed from July 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024.ExposureThose exposed to parenthood had no prior children, acquired a dependent younger than 1 year, and, for mothers, had an inpatient birth. Unexposed matches did not add a dependent younger than 1 year.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMonthly counts of mental health therapy sessions and any therapy sessions (weekly).ResultsThe monthly sample included 15 554 193 person-month observations, representing 321 200 parents and matches, including 10 193 mothers (3.2%; mean [SD] age, 25.0 [4.9] years), 50 865 nonmother matches (15.8%; mean [SD] age, 25.0 [5.0] years), 43 365 fathers (13.5%; mean [SD] age, 26.4 [4.8] years), and 216 777 nonfather matches (67.5%; mean [SD] age, 26.4 [4.8] years). The weekly sample included 17 464 mothers. Mothers went to 0.0712 fewer sessions at 1 month post partum (95% CI, −0.0846 to −0.0579) compared with 10 months before birth. Fathers went to 0.0154 fewer sessions in the month of birth (95% CI, −0.0194 to −0.0114) compared with 10 months before. Parents with preexisting treatment needs had larger decreases in treatment. Weekly therapy attendance increased by 0.555 percentage points (95% CI, 0.257-0.852) when mothers returned to work from 6 weeks of leave and 0.953 percentage points (95% CI, 0.610-1.297) after 12 weeks of leave.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of new parents, therapy attendance decreased around childbirth, especially among parents with prior mental health needs and mothers with longer maternity leaves. These findings suggest that more accessible treatment, including home visits or telehealth appointments, is needed.
A Highly Sensitive Self‐Assembled‐Nanoparticles e‐Skin Sensor for Controlling Avatar Facial Micro‐Expressions
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Suo Jiao , Zhang Hongyu , Gao Mingyan , Liu Ri , Cao Liang , Wang Keer , Vellaisamy Roy , Makasheva Kremena , Yu Xinge , Cao Shan Cecilia , Li Wen Jung , Wang Zuobin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith their unique electrical, mechanical, and surface properties, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) open up new possibilities for sensor technology. In particular, conductive thin films constructed from ligand‐stabilized AuNPs are considered an ideal sensing platform due to their high surface area, excellent conductivity, and biocompatibility. However, most methods for making conductive AuNPs thin‐film sensors with excellent sensitivity require expensive equipment. In this work, an innovative resistive strain sensor consisting of AuNPs and poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) based on the mutual adsorption of positive and negative charges using a low‐cost layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly (LBL‐SA) approach on a flexible polyester substrate is developed. The conductance changes at low temperatures of the AuNPs/PAH agree with the Arrhenius‐type activation of charge transport. Additionally, the maximum gauge factor of the sensor is shown experimentally to be ≈656 when 1% strain is applied to the sensor film. This work demonstrates that the sensor detects body motions, eyeball movements, and facial micro‐expressions. For detecting eyeball movements and facial micro‐expressions, the macro‐recall can reach 91.5% and 98.8%. Simultaneously, the sensor can control the virtual avatar's eye movements and human facial micro‐expressions in VR. Therefore, nanoparticle‐based sensors can be extensively used in future applications related to healthcare and human‐computer interaction.
High Adsorption Affinity of Indole in Defective UiO‐66 Metal–Organic Frameworks: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Le Thong Nguyen‐Minh , Nguyen Phat Tan , Nguyen Trang Thuy , Nguyen Linh Ho Thuy , Doan Tan Le Hoang , Phan Thang Bach , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Nguyen Duc Manh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHerein the defect engineering is reported in zirconium 1,4‐dicarboxybenzene metal‐organic frameworks (UiO‐66) both inducing new adsorption sites and enhancing the adsorption affinity of indole adsorbates. The result shows that high adsorption energies for indole are obtained at the deprotonated μ3‐O, followed by unsaturated Zr‐cation sites in defective UiO‐66 structures. The key interactions are the hydrogen bonding between the hydrogen donor NH group of indole with the negative charge oxygen atom of the induced μ3‐O site and the dative covalent bond between the nitrogen atom of indole with the unsaturated Zr‐cation. For hydrogen bonding, the binding energies tend to increase with the increasing of defect concentrations and spread a broad range up to ≈−2.00 eV. It is also shown that the vibrational modes of indole molecules are influenced by their adsorption sites. Accordingly, the NH stretching modes of the adsorbed indole are redshifted ≈100–300 cm−1 compared to its counterpart in the isolated indole. The strongest redshift is obtained for indole adsorbed at the μ3‐O site with three missing linkers. The occupation of water at the active sites may enhance or diminish the adsorption affinity of indole relying on the hydrogen bonding mechanism.
Molecular Precision Engineering for Efficient Binary Organic Photovoltaics through Energy Level and Fibrillar Structure Modulation
Authors: Zeng Rui , Xu Shengjie , Deng Jiawei , Tan Senke , Zhou Guanqing , Zhang Ming , Zhu Lei , Han Fei , Xue Xiaonan , Zhang Anyang , Tan Hongtao , Zhang Lingjie , Zhu Chenhui , Wang Cheng , Wu Xuefei , Fink Zachary , Russell Thomas P. , Zhang Yongming , Liu Feng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAdjusting the energy levels and fibrillar morphology is paramount to enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). In the present study, an increase in the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) is facilitated through the elongation of the alkyl chain within AQx (namely AQx‐8), aiming to decrease the free volume ratio (FVR). This reduction in FVR attenuates electron‐phonon coupling, thereby augmenting emission efficiency and diminishing the non‐radiative energy loss (ΔEnr). To further refine the energy levels and morphological characteristics, the external undecyl chain of AQx‐8 is substituted with a shorter carbon chain and cyclohexane noted for its considerable steric hindrance (AQx‐H). This alteration significantly mitigates intermolecular aggregation, expands the bandgap, and elevates the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level, culminating in an elevated VOC of 0.923 V in devices based on AQx‐H. Morphological analysis reveals that blends based on AQx‐H exhibit an enhanced multi‐length‐scale fibrillar structure, which is conducive to exciton dissociation and charge transport, thereby contributing to a high fill factor (FF) nearing 80%. Consequently, this study reports one of the highest binary PCEs documented, standing at 19.5% (with certification at 19.0%).
Curcumin and its nano‐formulations combined with exercise: From molecular mechanisms to clinic
Authors: Liu Qian , Wang Chengyu , Guo Xinyan , Du Qiankun , Keshavarzi Maryam 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCurcumin is a strong substance derived from turmeric, a popular spice, renowned for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory abilities. The study delved deeply into a thorough examination of various sources to evaluate the impact of both regular curcumin and nano‐formulated curcumin on elements that impact physical performance, including muscular strain, discomfort, swelling, and oxidative tension. While engaging in exercise, the body experiences a rise in reactive oxygen species and inflammation. As a result, it is important to ensure a proper balance between internal and external sources of antioxidants to maintain stability in the skeletal muscle. Without this balance, there is a risk of muscle soreness, damage, and ultimately, a decline in exercise performance. Curcumin possesses the ability to enhance physical performance and reduce the symptoms of muscle fatigue and injury by virtue of its antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties. Including curcumin supplements appears to have advantageous effects on various aspects of exercise, such as enhancing performance, assisting with recovery, lessening muscle damage and discomfort, and lowering levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, a thorough assessment is necessary to precisely gauge the healing advantages of curcumin in enhancing exercise ability and reducing recovery time.
Pseudo‐mediastinal tumor: Brachiocephalic artery buckling
Authors: Kano Yasuhiro , Murata Kengo 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageBuckling of the brachiocephalic artery is an important cause of unusual chest x‐ray findings which resemble those of a mediastinal tumor. The possibility of a vascular anomaly should be kept in mind whenever a chest x‐ray demonstrates an abnormal mediastinal opacity, especially in elderly female patients with hypertension.
Ein Plädoyer für Carbon Capture and Utilisation
Authors: Carus Michael , vom Berg Christopher 
Published: May 2024

AbstractZur Eindämmung des Klimawandels ist eine drastische Reduzierung fossiler Kohlenstoffemissionen erforderlich. Während Energie‐ und Verkehrssysteme dekarbonisiert werden können, benötigen Chemie‐ und Werkstoffsektoren Kohlenstoff als Rohstoff. Diese Sektoren sollten auf erneuerbaren Kohlenstoff aus Biomasse, CCU und Recycling umsteigen, wie von der Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) gefördert. CCU bietet zahlreiche Vorteile, darunter die Defossilisierung der Industrie und die Reduzierung der Treibhausgasemissionen. Trotz ihrer Bedeutung wird CCU politisch noch nicht ausreichend anerkannt. Eine stärkere Unterstützung und der Einsatz erneuerbarer Energien sind notwendig, um CCU als Schlüsseltechnologie für eine nachhaltige Zukunft zu etablieren.
Kunststoffgranulate sanft trocknen
Authors: Schlachter Petra 
Published: May 2024

AbstractKunststoffe und Hitze vertragen sich meist nicht gut ‐ ein Problem für die Trocknung in der Kunststoffherstellung und ‐weiterverarbeitung. Wer seine Kunststoffe sanft entfeuchten möchte, benötigt eine Niedertemperaturtrocknung. Eine alternative Technologie auf Basis einer Wärmepumpe kann die Trocknung schonend und zugleich sehr energiesparend machen.
Mut zur Innovation
Authors: Gandert Etwina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWie ist es möglich, die Mobilität zu Wasser, zu Lande und in der Luft nachhaltig zu verändern? Das in Itzehoe, Tübingen und Detroit ansässige Unternehmen CustomCells meint: Mit maßgeschneiderter Batterietechnologie und einer konsequenten Innovationskultur. Aber wie gestaltet sich diese Kultur und welche Perspektiven sind dabei am wichtigsten? Jan Diekmann, Vice President im Bereich Innovation bei CustomCells, erläutert die Strategie des Zellherstellers im Interview.
Sicherheit im Fokus
Authors: Schnalke Frederike 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDie Lithium‐Ionen‐Batterie‐Produktion birgt einige Sicherheitsrisiken, denn während der Produktionsprozesse können Stäube, brennbare und toxische Gase sowie Dämpfe freigesetzt werden. Diese können die Anlagen und die dort arbeitenden Menschen gefährden. In Batteriefabriken beginnt die Sicherheitsbetrachtung mit einer detaillierten und individuellen Risiko‐ und Gefährdungsbeurteilung und daraus abgeleiteten Arbeitsschutzmaßnahmen.
Nachhaltige Herstellung von Lithiumeisenphosphat
Authors: Bartolucci Stefano , Gürsoy Murat 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBatterien mit LFP‐Kathoden werden bislang fast nur in China produziert. Um diese Abhängigkeit zu verringern, setzt Lanxess auf zwei alternative Herstellprozesse für LFP‐Kathodenmaterial und bietet dafür neue Rohstoffe an. Dazu zählen etwa zwei neue Eisenoxide sowie Eisenphosphat. Ziel ist es, gemeinsam mit Partnern eine Wertschöpfungskette für LFP‐Batterien zu schaffen, die westliche Märkte sicher versorgt. Im Fokus stehen dabei unbedenkliche Rohstoffe, Klimafreundlichkeit und ein effizientes Recycling im Sinne von Stoffkreisläufen.