bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel biosensor for early diagnosis of liver cancer cases using smart nano‐magnetic metal–organic framework
Authors: Sheta Sheta M. , El‐Sheikh Said M. , Abd‐Elzaher Mohkles M. , Salem Salem R. , Moussa Hanan A. , Mohamed Reda M. , Mkhalid Ibraheem A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFor the first time, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) quantification as an early test for liver cancer diagnosis competing with other interfering analytes and factors based on a novel nano‐magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) was investigated. The novel nano‐magnetic MOF was synthesized via a simple preparation method, and characterized using various techniques. The X‐ray photoelectron spectrum of the nano‐magnetic MOF shows Cu 2p, O 1s, N 1s and C 1s peaks that evidence the presence of these elements in the sample without any impurities. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images show the nano‐magnetic MOF with average size between 22 and 43 nm. The results of a photoluminescence study show that the nano‐magnetic MOF exhibits strong emission at 418 nm after excitation at 354 nm. Moreover, a Stern–Völmer graph shows a linear calibration curve over an AFP concentration range 1.0–520 ng ml−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.997, detection limit of 1.18 ng ml−1 and quantitation limit of 3.58 ng ml−1. According to the marked quenching of the photoluminescence intensity of the nano‐magnetic MOF using various concentrations of AFP, it was successfully used as a biosensor for AFP in serum samples collected from hepatitis patients in addition to healthy males and females. The quenching mechanism was well studied, and found to be a dynamic type. The present work offers a simple, low‐cost, room‐temperature and rapid technique, being non‐time‐consuming, highly accurate, selective and highly sensitive compared with most published methods.
2‐Acetyloxymethyl‐substituted 5,6,7‐trihydroquinolinyl‐8‐ylideneamine‐Ni(II) chlorides and their application in ethylene dimerization/trimerization
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Zhang Qiuyue , Hu Xinquan , Ma Yanping , Solan Gregory A. , Sun Yang , Sun Wen‐Hua 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSix examples of 2‐acetyloxymethyl‐substituted 5,6,7‐trihydroquinolinyl‐8‐ylideneamine‐nickel(II) chlorides, [2‐(CH2OC(O)Me)‐8‐{N(Ar)}C9H8N]NiCl2 (Ar = 2,6‐Me2C6H3 Ni1, 2,6‐Et2C6H3 Ni2, 2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3 Ni3, 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2 Ni4, 2,6‐Et2–4‐MeC6H2 Ni5, 2,4,6‐t‐Bu3C6H2 Ni6), have been prepared by a one‐pot template reaction of 2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐6,7‐dihydroquinolin‐8(5H)‐one with nickel dichloride hexahydrate, the corresponding aniline and acetic acid. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy, while dinuclear Ni2 and mononuclear Ni3·OH2 have additionally been the subject of single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies; in both structures the acetyloxymethyl group remained uncoordinated. On activationof Ni1 – Ni6 with MMAO, hexenes (C6: ca. 48% 1‐hexene) formed the major product of ethylene oligomerization along with minor quantities of butenes (C4); high overall activities of up to 1.33 × 106 g·mol–1 (Ni)h–1 (for mesityl‐containing Ni4) were achieved at 30 oCand 10 atm C2H4. By comparison with MAO as co‐catalyst, Ni1 – Ni6 exhibited lower activities but displayed a specificity towards ethylene dimerization (C4: 64–99% 1‐butene). Furthermore, sizable induction periods were a feature of the MAO runs with Ni1/MAO reaching peak catalytic activity only after 45 mins.
A triple‐shape memory material fabricated by in situ crosslinking of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/ε‐polycaprolactone via electron‐beam irradiation and its triple‐shape memory effects
Authors: Wu Xianyou , Qian Jing , fu Chao , Tan Zhongyang , Gao Yixing , Ma Antong , Nie Wei , Ran Xianghai 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTIn this work, we fabricated a triple‐shape memory polymeric material though in situ crosslinking of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/ε‐polycaprolactone blends induced by electron beam irradiation. The intrinsic property of irradiation crosslinking, crosslinking rule in this heterogeneous system, formation of interfacial bridge molecular, and the resulted interfacial strength were investigated. No obvious interfacial slips were observed in tensile test, and the elongation at break was above 900%. The high‐temperature relaxation and recovery experiments at nonlinear region confirmed the excellent hyperelasticity and recovery ratios (Rr) can be as high as 95% for samples irradiated above 96 kGy. The mismatch between heating rate and relaxation kinetics resulted in both instable temporary shapes and heating‐mode dependent recovery behavior during the recovery process. Self‐stability of the temporary shape at middle temperature was also emphasized in view of the phenomenon that the second Rr was above 100% in our experiments. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48588.
Ultrathin, Porous and Oxygen Vacancies‐Enriched Ag/WO3−x Heterostructures for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Ren Yumei , Chen Zhonghui , Yu Xiangrong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractExploring advanced electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution is highly desired but remains a challenge due to the lack of an efficient preparation method and reasonable structural design. Herein, we deliberately designed novel Ag/WO3−x heterostructures through a supercritical CO2‐assisted exfoliation‐oxidation route and the subsequent loading of Ag nanoparticles. The ultrathin and oxygen vacancies‐enriched WO3−x nanosheets are ideal substrates for loading Ag nanoparticles, which can largely increase the active site density and improve electron transport. Besides, the resultant WO3−x nanosheets with porous structure can form during the electrochemical cycling process induced by an electric field. As a result, the exquisite Ag/WO3−x heterostructures show an enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with a low onset overpotential of ≈30 mV, a small Tafel slope of ≈40 mV dec−1 at 10 mA cm−2, and as well as long‐term durability. This work sheds light on material design and preparation, and even opens up an avenue for the development of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts.
Current landscape of prenatal genetic screening and testing
Authors: Krstić Nevena , Običan Sarah G. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPregnant patients should be offered the option of prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing. The type of screening and testing offered to a patient may depend on various factors including but not limited to age, family history, fetal findings, exposures, and patient preferences. Prenatal screening is available for a variety of genetic conditions including aneuploidy, congenital abnormalities, and carrier status. Diagnostic testing options include karyotype, prenatal microarray, as well as next‐generation sequencing. The various options differ in methodology, accuracy, timing and indication for testing, and information they provide. Given that the technologies related to prenatal testing are rapidly evolving and improving, the array of available screening and testing modalities are increasing. This article reviews the current offerings in prenatal screening and diagnosis.
Population-based study of morbidity risk associated with pathological complete response after chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: van der Sluis F J , Couwenberg A M , de Bock G H , Intven M P W , Reerink O , van Leeuwen B L , van Westreenen H L 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer may induce a pathological complete response (pCR) but increase surgical morbidity due to radiation-induced fibrosis. In this study the association between pCR and postoperative surgical morbidity was investigated.

Methods
Patients in the Netherlands with rectal cancer who underwent nCRT followed by total mesorectal excision between 2009 and 2017 were included. Data were stratified into patients who underwent resection with creation of a primary anastomosis and those who had a permanent stoma procedure. The association between pCR and postoperative morbidity was investigated in univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results
pCR was observed in 976 (12·2 per cent) of 8003 patients. In 3472 patients who had a primary anastomosis, the presence of pCR was significantly associated with surgical complications (122 of 443 (27·5 per cent) versus 598 of 3029 (19·7 per cent) in those without pCR) and anastomotic leak (35 of 443 (7·9 per cent) versus 173 of 3029 (5·7 per cent) respectively). Multivariable analysis also showed associations between pCR and surgical complications (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1·53, 95 per cent c.i. 1·22 to 1·92) and pCR and anastomotic leak (adjusted OR 1·41, 1·03 to 2·05). Of 4531 patients with a permanent stoma, surgical complications were observed in 120 (22·5 per cent) of 533 patients with a pCR, compared with 798 (20·0 per cent) of 3998 patients with no pCR (adjusted OR 1·17, 0·94 to 1·46).

Conclusion
Patients with a pCR in whom an anastomosis was created were at increased risk of developing an anastomotic leak.
Extraction of methyl xanthines and their UHPLC–DAD determination in consumable beverages used in Eastern province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ahmad Rizwan , Ahmad Niyaz , AlOthman Fatimah , Mohammad Haya , AlZahrani Fatimah 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCoffee and tea are the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. However, the consumer may be unaware of the exact amount of methyl xanthine (MX, i.e. caffeine [C], theobromine [TB] and theophylline [TH]) consumed, as most of the products do not list the proper amounts. This may lead to serious risks including cardiovascular, kidney and stimulant effects. The aim of the study was to determine the MX amount in ready‐to‐use beverages (coffee and tea) collected from various outlets in the city of Al‐Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Forty different samples of espresso, black coffee and red tea were collected. A fast, reliable and efficient UHPLC–DAD method was developed and validated for MX determination. Total lipids were extracted and fractionated in order to determine glycolipids, phospholipids and neutral lipids. The r2 value for the method was 0.980–0.988 in a linearity range of 0.5–200 ppm. The range for MX (C [0.02–2.39 mg/ml], TB [0.00–0.10 mg/ml] and TH [0.00–0.004 mg/ml]) and total lipids was 1–5 g. The amount of glycolipids (3.1 g) was higher among the lipid fractions followed by phospholipids (1.8 g) and neutral lipids (0.25 g). In general, espresso beverages (20–30 ml) contained high amounts of MX whereas black coffee beverages contained high amount of lipids. Most of the beverages expressed C, TB, TH, lipids or their fractions; however, the product with high amounts of MX and lipids at the same time was espresso (brands Chemistry and Wogard). Although the MX and lipid levels in these beverages well below the allowed limits, care must still be taken, especially when using the beverages with high serving volumes (200–250 ml) or coffee prepared via the filter method i.e. black coffee, using a high temperature for a longer time.
Comparative absorption kinetics of seven active ingredients of Eucommia ulmoides extracts by intestinal in situ circulatory perfusion in normal and spontaneous hypertensive rats
Authors: Hu Hejia , Wu Linlin , Li Mei , Xue Cun , Wang Guangcheng , Chen Siying , Huang Yong , Zheng Lin , Wang Aimin , Li Yueting , Gong Zipeng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractEucommia ulmoides Oliv. (E. ulmoides) is a valuable and nourishing medicinal herb in China that has been used in the treatment of hypertension. Given the fact that most traditional Chinese medicine is mainly used to treat disease, investigating the pharmacokinetics of traditional Chinese medicines in the pathological state is more useful than that in the normal state. However, the differences in the absorption kinetics of active ingredients of E. ulmoides extract between pathological and physiological conditions have not been reported. Therefore, in this study, the rat intestinal in situ circulatory perfusion model was used to investigate the differences in absorption kinetics of seven active ingredients of E. ulmoides extract in normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats, namely, genipinic acid, protocatechuic acid, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, (+)‐pinoresinol di‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside and (+)‐pinoresinol 4′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside. Our results indicate that the pathological state of spontaneous hypertension may change the absorption of active components of E. ulmoides extracts, and these findings may provide a reference for improving the rational use of E. ulmoides in the clinic.
Validation and application of a novel UHPLC–MS/MS method for the measurement of furanodienone in rat plasma
Authors: Deng Zhipeng , Liu Qian , Wu Weihong , Wang Hong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method was established to analyze furanodienone in rat plasma. In the process of chromatographic separation, selected reaction monitoring transitions for furanodienone and patchouli alcohol (internal standard, IS) were m/z 231.1 → 83.2 and m/z 205.1 → 95.1, respectively. Great linearity of furanodienone in plasma samples was found in the corresponding concentration range (r > 0.995). Intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD, %) were <11.3% in plasma, and the accuracy (RE, %) was within ±10.7%. This method was used to the furanodienone study on rat pharmacokinetics after a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg of furanodiene. The results indicated that the maximum observed plasma concentration was 52.4 ± 19.1 ng/ml at 1.2 ± 0.7 h with an elimination half‐life of 2.2 ± 0.7 h. The obtained data indicated that furanodienone could be moderately distributed and eliminated.
Adaptive learning in a numerical methods course for engineers: Evaluation in blended and flipped classrooms
Authors: Clark Renee M. , Kaw Autar 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAs use of adaptive learning technology in STEM courses gains traction, studies evaluating its impacts are important to undertake. Adaptive e‐learning platforms provide personalized, flexible learning via monitoring of student progress and performance and subsequent provision of an individualized learning path containing various resources. In this study, adaptive technology was utilized in blended and flipped versions of a numerical methods course. A particular challenge with flipped instruction is preclass preparation, in which videos with the same instruction for all students are often assigned. Therefore, to diversify preclass learning, the instructor developed adaptive lessons via an NSF grant and rigorously assessed outcomes in this flipped class with adaptive learning. In addition, to fully evaluate the lessons and respond to calls from the literature, the lessons were implemented and evaluated in a blended version of the course, which was lecture‐based with available online resources. Data from previous semesters of flipped and blended instruction (without adaptive learning were available), enabling a comparison of four instructional methods. The comparisons consisted of direct assessment (i.e., exam questions) and affective assessment via a survey (i.e., perceptions of the classroom environment). An analysis was performed for students collectively and for underrepresented minority students in engineering. Focus groups enabled a comparison of student perspectives of using adaptive technology in blended versus flipped classrooms as well as by demographic. Upon combining these outcomes, including a notable Cohen's d = 0.34 for open‐ended‐response performance, the flipped classroom with adaptive learning may be the best method for this STEM course.
Flipped classroom in engineering: The influence of gender
Authors: Chiquito María , Castedo Ricardo , Santos Anastasio P. , López Lina M. , Alarcón Covadonga 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe flipped classroom technique has been applied to a part (“Strength of Materials”) of a second‐year compulsory course called “Technology of Materials.” Due to the number of students, the course is divided into two groups – one taught with the traditional methodology (98 students), and the other taught with the flipped one (97 students). In the traditional methodology, the teacher explains the lesson and solves the problems, with students as passive actors in the learning process. In the developed flipped classroom model, the students have edited videos on an institutional online platform, available before each face‐to‐face session. In addition, a linked activity is used to check the students’ knowledge before class. The in‐class time is dedicated to briefly reviewing the concepts explained in the video, with a special emphasis on the errors detected in the link activity, followed by groups of students solving problems. The aim of this study is to present quantitative results of the effect of the flipped classroom in engineering with a focus on the gender of the students. The results show that the flipped classroom model has a direct impact on student grades, especially for female students, which presents significant differences when compared with males of the same group. In addition, the grade standard deviation values were lower, ensuring a better general level. The students of the flipped classroom group also attended the exams in a higher ratio than others, as these students are likely to feel more confident in the knowledge they have acquired.
A new risk score for patients after first recurrence of stage 4 neuroblastoma aged ≥18 months at first diagnosis
Authors: Kreitz Kiana , Ernst Angela , Schmidt René , Simon Thorsten , Fischer Matthias , Volland Ruth , Hero Barbara , Berthold Frank 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of patients with recurrences from stage 4 neuroblastoma is not uniformly dismal. The evaluation of new therapies therefore needs to consider the individual risks of the treated patients. This study aims to define clinically useful risk criteria.Patients and MethodsInclusion criteria were: first recurrence of neuroblastoma stage 4 aged ≥18 months and enrollment in first line trials between 1997 and 2016. Patients were randomized into a training set (N = 310) and an independent validation set (N = 159). The primary endpoint was secondary event‐free survival. The individual treatment elements the patients received during initial and recurrent disease were analyzed as binary and time‐dependent variables. A five‐step multiple time‐dependent Cox regression analysis was performed on the training set to identify prognostic variables adjusted for the individual frontline treatment. The selected variables resulted in a prognostic index (PI) and were used to build a risk score system. The score was validated with the validation set.ResultsOf the 469 patients, 372 were treated with curative intent and 97 with palliative intent. The PI included the variables number of recurrence organs (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.27), time to recurrence (HR = 2.03), liver metastasis at diagnosis (HR = 1.77), first recurrence at site of the primary tumor (HR = 1.55), and age (HR = 1.29). Three risk groups were built and confirmed in the validation set. The scoring system was likewise useful for the curatively or palliatively treated subgroups.ConclusionA new risk score system for patients with first recurrence of stage 4 neuroblastoma aged ≥18 months at diagnosis is proposed.
CD4/CD8 + T cells, DC subsets, Foxp3, and IDO expression are predictive indictors of gastric cancer prognosis
Authors: Li Fangxuan , Sun Yao , Huang Jinchao , Xu Wengui , Liu Juntian , Yuan Zhiyong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe tumor microenvironment represents an abnormal niche containing numerous factors, such as T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), involved in maintaining immune homeostasis and tolerance. All these factors may influence the choice of therapy and the clinical outcomes.MethodsFlow cytometry was performed to identify CD4+/CD8 + T cells and DCs, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate IDO and Forkhead Box P3 (Foxp3) expression; these experiments were performed in order to explore the clinical and prognostic significance of CD4/CD8 + T cells, DCs, Tregs, and IDO expression in gastric carcinoma.ResultsSmaller tumor size was correlated with higher expression levels of peripheral CD4 + T cells (P = .003) and CD8 + T cells (P = .002), and lower IDO expression (P = .044) in tumors. Well‐differentiated gastric carcinomas displayed higher peripheral (P = .029) and tumor‐infiltrating CD4 + T cell (P = .009) populations and a higher tumor‐infiltrating DC1/DC2 ratio (P = .048). Gastric cancer in the early T stages exhibited higher populations of peripheral DC2s (P = .044) and a higher tumor‐infiltrating DC1/DC2 ratio (P = .012). Gastric cancer at the N0 stage had lower tumor‐infiltrating DC2s (P = .032) and a higher DC1/DC2 ratio (P = .037). IDO expression was positively correlated with tumor‐infiltrating Foxp3 + Tregs (P < .001) as well as DC2s (P < .001), whereas it was negatively correlated with the tumor‐infiltrating CD4/CD8 + T cell ratio (P = .023). Tumor‐infiltrating Foxp3 + Treg was positively correlated with tumor‐infiltrating DC2s (r2 = 0.772; P < .001). At T, N, and TNM stages, the expression levels of peripheral DC2s, tumor‐infiltrating DC1/DC2 ratios, Foxp3 + Tregs, and IDO were significantly correlated with prognosis (P < .05). The T stage and peripheral DC2s were significant risk factors for overall survival.ConclusionImmunocompetent cells and humoral immune factors, including DC2s, CD4+/CD8 + T cells, Foxp3 + Tregs, and IDO, interact with each other to compose a complex community of tumor immune microenvironment, ultimately affecting tumor progression and survival of gastric cancer.
Activation of CaMKII via ER‐stress mediates coxsackievirus B3‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Nie Jungang , Ta Na , Liu Lijuan , Shi Guoxiang , Kang Ting , Zheng Zeqi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes to the development of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)‐induced myocarditis, but the mechanism for the apoptosis by CVB3 infection remains unclear. Here, we showed that CVB3‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and apoptosis in cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes. We found that Ca2+‐calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) was activated by ER stress‐dependent intracellular Ca2+ overload in the CVB3‐infected H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Treatment with an inhibitor of ER stress, 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA), attenuated intracellular Ca2+ accumulation indirectly and reduced CaMKII activity. Inhibition of CaMKII with pharmacological inhibitor (KN‐93) or short hairpin RNA reduced CVB3‐induced H9c2 apoptosis and repressed cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytoplasm; whereas overexpression of the activated mutant of CaMKII (CaMKII‐T287D) enhanced CVB3‐induced H9c2 apoptosis and mitochondrial cytochrome c release, which could be alleviated by blocking of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter or mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Further in vivo investigation revealed that blocking of CaMKII with KN‐93 prevented cardiomyocytes apoptosis and improved cardiac contractile function in CVB3‐infected mouse heart. Collectively, these findings provide a novel evidence that CaMKII plays a vital role in the promotion of CVB3‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which links ER stress and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake.