bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dietary isoflavone daidzein mitigates oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in CDDP‐induced kidney injury in rats: Impact of the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Tomar Ameesha , Kaushik Swati , Khan Sana Irfan , Bisht Khushboo , Nag Tapas Chandra , Arya Dharamvir Singh , Bhatia Jagriti 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity persists as a clinical problem despite several supportive measures to alleviate renal damage. Daidzein (DZ), a dietary isoflavone having antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, is investigated in this study for protective effects against cisplatin‐induced renal injury in rats. DZ (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg; intraperitoneally; 10 days) was administered along with Cisplatin, single dose, on the 7th day of the experiment. On the 11th day, the rats were euthanized, and different samples were collected for analysis. Biochemical, histopathological, and molecular parameters were assessed to evaluate the effect of daidzein. Cisplatin injection resulted in renal dysfunction, lipid peroxidation that led to consumption of antioxidants, exaggerated apoptosis, and inflammation. These changes were associated with increase in the signaling proteins. DZ attenuated the toxic effects of cisplatin on the kidney at 100 mg/kg dose. The study concludes with the finding that daidzein imparts protection against the nephrotoxic effect of Cisplatin and can be considered as a novel, potential therapy.
Profound synergetic effect of metal oxide promoters and TiO2–SiO2 binary support in cobalt Fischer‐Tropsch catalyst
Authors: Yaghoobpour Elham , Zamani Yahya , Zarrinpashne Saeed , Zamaniyan Akbar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA series of cobalt catalysts supported on TiO2, SiO2, or a mixture of them, incorporated with some added oxides from Groups III, IV, and V of transition metals, were prepared using the incipient wetness impregnation method. For better evaluation of catalysts, the physicochemical properties of catalysts were investigated using brunauer‐emmett‐teller (BET), H2‐TPR, NH3‐TPD, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The performance of catalysts was studied in a fixed‐bed reactor at 220°C, 24 bar, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 2 L/h/gcat., and H2 to CO ratio of 2. The results indicate that CeO2 and ZrO2 as promoters can enhance the CO conversion and catalyst activity and enhance the selectivities of higher‐molecular‐weight products. On the contrary, the presence of V2O5 as a promoter undesirably suppressed CO conversion and, consequently, catalytic performance. The results show that the catalyst included CeO2, was supported on a binary mixture of SiO2 and TiO2, and has significant improved activity and C5+ selectivity. From the reactor test, values of 156.48 mmol COconv./gCo/h activity, and 0.17 gC3+/(h.gcat.) productivity have been obtained for this catalyst.
Not all fuel‐reduction treatments degrade biocrusts: Herbicides cause mostly neutral to positive effects on cover of biocrusts
Authors: Condon Lea A. , Gray Margaret L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn response to increasing fire, fuel‐reduction treatments are being used to minimize large fire risk. Although biocrusts are associated with reduced cover of fire‐promoting, invasive grasses, the impact of fuel‐reduction treatments on biocrusts is poorly understood. We use data from a long‐term experiment, the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project, testing the following fuel‐reduction treatments: mowing, prescribed fire, and the use of two herbicides: one commonly used to reduce shrub cover, tebuthiuron, and one commonly used to combat cheatgrass, imazapic. Looking at sites with high cover of biocrusts prior to treatments, we demonstrate positive effects of the herbicide, tebuthiuron on lichens with an increase in cover of 10% and trending towards slightly negative effects on moss cover. Across plots, imazapic trended towards a decrease in lichen and moss cover without being statistically significant. Mowing and prescribed fire reduced cover of mosses, with the latter leading to greater declines across sites (declines of 18% vs. 32%). Reductions in moss cover mirrored gains in cover of bare soil, which is associated with increased risk of invasion by grasses responsible for increasing fire risk. We demonstrate that the use of herbicides simultaneously reduces fuels and maintains greater cover of lichens and mosses compared with other fuel‐reduction treatments, possibly reducing risk of invasion by annual grasses that are responsible for increasing fire risk.
Strategic tillage effects on soil properties and agricultural productivity in the paddies of Southern China
Authors: Wang Xing , Qi Jian‐Ying , Liu Bing‐Yang , Kan Zheng‐Rong , Zhao Xin , Xiao Xiao‐Ping , Zhang Hai‐Lin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStrategic tillage (ST) has been proposed to maintain the benefits and alleviate the negative effects of long‐term no‐till (NT) management. In this study, the effects of ST on soil properties and yield loss were evaluated for a double‐cropped rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddy from 2006 to 2017 in Southern China. Three tillage systems were investigated: long‐term NT, continuous rotary tillage (RT), and ST. The results showed that ST effectively solved the problem of long‐term NT management: low and unstable bulk density in the soil surface layer. Compared with NT, ST significantly increased the available P (AP) concentration, available K (AK) concentration, the AP storage by 16.55% and the AK storage by 21.37% in the upper 20 cm soil. Moreover, the soil pH for NT and ST was lower than RT. ST increased the acidification risk in the 0–5 cm soil layer (pH was 4.84 in 2017) but significantly reduced the risk of yield loss compared to continuous NT. The average yield gap between ST and NT ranged from 408.21 kg ha−1 (during 2006–2009) to 1,144.85 kg ha−1 (during 2014–2017). ST reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentration compared to NT in the 0–5 cm soil layer. However, it did not affect SOC and TN storage, although light fraction organic carbon (LOC) storage for ST was 36.59% lower than that for NT. ST is a promising option for promoting and maintaining the sustainability of rice production in Southern China.
Transformation of Prostaglandin D2 to 11‐Dehydro Thromboxane B2 by Baeyer‐Villiger Oxidation
Authors: Nakashima Fumie , Schneider Claus 
Published: December 2019

AbstractProstaglandin D2 is one of five chief prostanoids formed in the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid oxidation. Except for a single oxygen atom, PGD2 is structurally identical to 11‐dehydro thromboxane B2 (11d‐TxB2), a urinary metabolite of the pro‐aggregatory platelet activator, thromboxane A2. The close structural relationship suggested that one might be transformed to the other. Accordingly, we tested whether the cyclopentanone of PGD2 can be expanded to the δ‐lactone of 11d‐TxB2 in a Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation. Oxidation of PGD2 with two standard oxidants showed that 11d‐TxB2 was formed only with H2O2 but not with peracetic acid. Byproducts of the H2O2‐mediated oxidation were hydroperoxide derivatives and isomers of PGD2. Chemical oxidation of PGD2 to 11d‐TxB2 may be a model for an equivalent enzymatic transformation, suggesting a possible link in the metabolism of PGD2 and thromboxane A2.
Development, Validation, and Performance of Chitosan‐Based Coatings Using Catechol Coupling
Authors: Souza Campelo Clayton , Chevallier Pascale , Loy Caroline , Silveira Vieira Rodrigo , Mantovani Diego 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe use of long‐lasting polymer coatings on biodevice surfaces has been investigated to improve material–tissue interaction, minimize adverse effects, and enhance their functionality. Natural polymers, especially chitosan, are of particular interest due to their excellent biological properties, such as biocompatibility, non‐toxicity, and antimicrobial properties. One way to produce chitosan coating is by covalent grafting with catechol molecules such as dopamine, caffeic acid, and tannic acid, resulting in an attachment ten times stronger than that of simple physisorption. Caffeic acid presents an advantage over dopamine because it allows direct chitosan grafting, due to its terminal carboxylic acid group, without the need of a linking arm, as employed in the dopamine approach. In this study, the grafting of chitosan using caffeic acid, over surfaces or in solution, is compared with dopamine grafting using poly(ethylene glycol) as a linking arm. The following coating properties are observed; covering and homogeneity are assessed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses, hydrophilicity with contact angle measurements, stability with aging tests, anticorrosion behavior, and coating non‐toxicity. Results show that grafting using caffeic acid/chitosan in solution over a metallic surface may be advantageous, compared to traditional dopamine coating.
Candidate modifier genes for immune function in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Pinnaro Catherina T. , Henry Travis , Major Heather J. , Parida Mrutyunjaya , DesJardin Lucy E. , Manak John R. , Darbro Benjamin W. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common contiguous microdeletion affecting humans and exhibits extreme phenotypic heterogeneity. Patients can manifest any combination of comorbidities including congenital heart disease, hypoparathyroidism, cleft palate, kidney abnormalities, neurodevelopmental disorders, and immune dysfunction. Immunodeficiency is present in the majority of patients with 22q11.2DS and is the second leading cause of death in these patients. Knowing the genetic determinants of immune dysfunction will aid in prognostication and potentially novel treatments.MethodsWe performed exome sequencing and gene‐based variant association analysis on 31 deeply phenotyped individuals with the canonical 3Mb 22q11.2 deletion to identify what genes outside the 22q11.2 locus may be modifying the immune dysregulated phenotype. Immunophenotyping was performed using preexisting medical data and a novel scoring system developed from numerous clinical laboratory values including immunoglobulin levels, lymphocyte transformation to antigens (LTA), lymphocyte transformation to mitogens (LTM), and peripheral blood flow cytometry. Immunophenotypic scoring was validated against newborn screening T‐cell receptor excision circle (TREC) results.ResultsRare DNA variants in transcriptional regulators involved in retinoic acid signaling (NCOR2, OMIM *600848 and EP300, OMIM *602700) were found to be associated with immunophenotype.ConclusionThe expression of TBX1, which seems to confer the major phenotypic features of 22q11.2DS, is regulated via retinoic acid signaling, and alterations in retinoic acid signaling during embryonic development can lead to phenocopies of 22q11.2DS. These observations support the hypothesis that genetic modifiers outside the microdeletion locus may influence the immune function in 22q11.2DS patients.
The use of lower abdominal perforator flaps in soft‐tissue reconstruction after sarcoma resection
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Arikawa Masaki , Kagaya Yu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundHistorically, conventional musculocutaneous flaps have been commonly used for reconstruction after soft tissue sarcoma resection, and the use of lower abdominal perforator flaps has not been popular. This report examined the current role of lower abdominal perforator flaps in sarcoma treatment.MethodsWe reviewed the outcomes of 14 patients (mean age: 46.3 years, range: 18–79 years) who underwent immediate reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap or a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap after sarcoma resection. The defects ranged in size from 7 × 6 cm2 to 25 × 22 cm2 (mean: 16.5 × 12.1 cm2). An oblique design was used for pedicled DIEP flaps and a transverse design for free DIEP flaps.ResultsFree SIEA flaps were used in six patients, pedicled DIEP flaps in five, and free DIEP flaps in three. The flaps ranged in size from 13 × 8 cm2 to 36 × 12.5 cm2 (mean: 23.1 × 9.2 cm2). All DIEP flaps except one were harvested based on one dominant perforator. All flaps survived without vascular compromise. Surgical site infection and seroma occurred at the recipient site in one patient each. No donor‐site complications occurred.ConclusionsLower abdominal perforator flaps can serve as a versatile donor site for reconstruction after sarcoma resection.
A 24 GHz microstrip antenna array with large space and narrow beamwidth
Authors: Jia Yongtao , Liu Ying , Zhang Yu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA microstrip antenna array with large space and narrow beamwidth working at 24 GHz is presented in this paper. In some millimeter‐wave radar systems, it is often necessary for transmitting antenna with high gain and narrow beamwidth to avoid interference from other information. According to the theory of antenna array, when the number and spacing of the subarrays and the sidelobe level are given, the half‐power beamwidth can be basically determined. In previous studies, the subarray spacing of the transmitting antenna is usually taken as a dielectric wavelength λg. In this paper, under the condition that the number of subarrays is given and no grating lobe is generated, the half power beamwidth is further narrowed by increasing the subarray spacing. The final subarray space of the 12 × 8 antenna array is 11.5 mm, that is, 1.68 dielectric wavelength (λg), and the half power beamwidth of H‐plane is only 5.5°. The simulated and measured results are presented and discussed. Through processing and testing, it is proved that the antenna array has good performance and can be applied to 24 GHz automotive collision avoidance radar or 24 GHz perimeter security radar.
Absolute dosimetry of a 1.5 T MR‐guided accelerator‐based high‐energy photon beam in water and solid phantoms using Aerrow
Authors: Renaud James , Sarfehnia Arman , Bancheri Julien , Seuntjens Jan 
Published: December 2019

PurposeIn this work, the fabrication, operation, and evaluation of a probe‐format graphite calorimeter — herein referred to as Aerrow — as an absolute clinical dosimeter of high‐energy photon beams while in the presence of a B = 1.5 T magnetic field is described. Comparable to a cylindrical ionization chamber (IC) in terms of utility and usability, Aerrow has been developed for the purpose of accurately measuring absorbed dose to water in the clinic with a minimum disruption to the existing clinical workflow. To our knowledge, this is the first reported application of graphite calorimetry to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided radiotherapy.MethodsBased on a previously numerically optimized and experimentally validated design, an Aerrow prototype capable of isothermal operation was constructed in‐house. Graphite‐to‐water dose conversions as well as magnetic field perturbation factors were calculated using Monte Carlo, while heat transfer and mass impurity corrections and uncertainties were assessed analytically. Reference dose measurements were performed in the absence and presence of a B = 1.5 T magnetic field using Aerrow in the 7 MV FFF photon beam of an Elekta MRI‐linac and were directly compared to the results obtained using two calibrated reference‐class IC types. The feasibility of performing solid phantom‐based dosimetry with Aerrow and the possible influence of clearance gaps is also investigated by performing reference‐type dosimetry measurements for multiple rotational positions of the detector and comparing the results to those obtained in water.ResultsIn the absence of the B‐field, as well as in the parallel orientation while in the presence of the B‐field, the absorbed dose to water measured using Aerrow was found to agree within combined uncertainties with those derived from TG‐51 using calibrated reference‐class ICs. Statistically significant differences on the order of (2–4)%, however, were observed when measuring absorbed dose to water using the ICs in the perpendicular orientation in the presence of the B‐field. Aerrow had a peak‐to‐peak response of about 0.5% when rotated within the solid phantom regardless of whether the B‐field was present or not.ConclusionsThis work describes the successful use of Aerrow as a straightforward means of measuring absolute dose to water for large high‐energy photon fields in the presence of a 1.5 T B‐field to a greater accuracy than currently achievable with ICs. The detector‐phantom air gap does not appear to significantly influence the response of Aerrow in absolute terms, nor does it contribute to its rotational dependence. This work suggests that the accurate use of solid phantoms for absolute point dose measurement is possible with Aerrow.
Structure or Exchange? On the Feasibility of Chemical Exchange Detection with Balanced Steady‐State Free Precession in Tissue – An In Vitro Study
Authors: Heule Rahel , Deshmane Anagha , Zaiss Moritz , Herz Kai , Ehses Philipp , Scheffler Klaus 
Published: December 2019

Balanced steady‐state free precession imaging has recently been suggested for chemical exchange detection (bSSFPX). The objective of this work is to investigate the contributions of microstructural, chemical shift and chemical exchange effects to the asymmetry of the bSSFP profile at field strengths of 3 T and 9.4 T. To this end, in vitro bSSFPX experiments are performed for a range of repetition times and flip angles in glucose water solutions with different MnCl2 concentrations and tissue homogenates obtained from the brainstem of pig brains. The experimental results are compared to multi‐pool Bloch‐McConnell simulations. Additionally, the influence of white matter tract geometry is analyzed ex vivo in pig brain hemispheres measured at two different angles with respect to B0.The detectable bSSFP profile asymmetry in glucose solutions with tissue‐like relaxation times and white matter homogenates was consistent with Bloch‐McConnell simulations but relatively small. In intact white matter tracts, the asymmetry was dominated by structural effects with a strong dependency on tract orientation relative to B0. In tracts perpendicular to B0, the asymmetry was ≈ 3‐4 times higher than in the homogenates, thus barely affected by chemical exchange effects. In conclusion, chemical exchange‐related bSSFP profile asymmetries are detectable in tissue homogenates, however, the observed asymmetry level is generally low and prone to confounding structural effects rendering in vivo chemical exchange detection with bSSFP challenging in the brain.
Digital interventions to facilitate patient‐provider communication in cancer care: A systematic review
Authors: Hong Y. Alicia , Hossain Md Mahbub , Chou Wen‐Ying Sylvia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivePatient‐provider communication is a critical component of cancer care. Digital tools have been applied to facilitate cancer care and patient‐provider communication. However, to date, there is no systematic review on this growing body of literature. The objective of this study is to identify the existing digital interventions to improve patient‐provider communication among cancer patients and survivors, summarize their characteristics, and synthesize the outcomes of these interventions.MethodsWe searched the databases of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines with the following criteria: (a) empirical studies focusing on digital interventions to facilitate communication between cancer patients or survivors and their health care providers, (b) reporting qualitative or quantitative health outcomes of the cancer patients or survivors after the digital intervention, and (c) English articles published after 2000.ResultsThe initial literature search generated 1006 articles; only 13 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were conducted among breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients. Ten out of 13 studies used randomized controlled trials to evaluate intervention efficacy. The outcomes assessed included symptoms reporting and management, decision making, distress and quality of life, and utilization of health care. Most studies reported positive outcomes following the interventions.ConclusionsThe existing evidence on the number, characteristics, and outcomes of digital interventions to improve patient‐provider communication suggests the preliminary efficacy of such interventions. It is essential to develop and implement more evidence‐based digital interventions to engage patients, enhance patient‐provider communication, and facilitate patient‐centered decision making to improve patient‐centered health outcomes, especially in underserved communities of cancer patients and survivors.
Therapies that are available and under development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: What about lung function?
Authors: Gogou Maria , Pavlou Evangelos , Haidopoulou Katerina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory failure is the principal source of morbidity and mortality among patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy exerting a negative influence on their total quality of life. The aim of this review is to provide systematically current literature evidence about the effects of different treatment options (available or under development) for Duchenne muscular dystrophy on the pulmonary function of these patients.MethodsA comprehensive search was undertaken using multiple health‐related databases, while two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of studies. A third person addressed any disagreements between reviewers. The quality of the methodology of the included studies was also assessed.ResultsA total of 19 original research papers (nine evaluating the role of steroids, six idebenone, three eteplirsen, one stem‐cell therapy, and one ataluren) were found to fulfill our selection criteria with the majority of them (14 of 19) being prospective studies, not always including a control group. Endpoints mainly used in these studies were values of pulmonary function tests. Current and under development treatments proved to be safe and no significant adverse events were reported. A beneficial impact on pulmonary function was described by authors in the majority of these studies. The principal effect was slowing of lung disease progress, as expressed by spirometric values. However, the risk of bias was introduced in many of the above studies, while high heterogeneity in terms of treatment protocols and outcome measures limits the comparability of the results.ConclusionGlucocorticoids remain the best‐studied pharmacologic therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and very likely delay the expected decline in lung function. With regard to new therapeutic agents, initial study results are encouraging. However, larger clinical trials are needed that minimize the risk of study bias, optimize the comparability of treatment groups, examine clinically meaningful pulmonary outcome measures, and include long‐term follow up.