bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Description and validation of a simple histological nerve tissue scoring system for nerve allografts
Authors: Bulstra Liselotte F. , Hundepool Caroline A. , Shin Delaney M. , Bishop Allen T. , Shin Alexander Y. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn nerve allograft development, currently used subjective histological scoring systems to evaluate nerve structure in experimental studies are not uniform and have not been validated.The aim of this study was to describe and validate a simple, fast and inexpensive method to compare structural properties of nerve allografts on a histological level.Materials and methodsA total of 113 histological sections of rat (sciatic nerves) and human peripheral nerve segments (thoracodorsal and long thoracic nerve for motor and sural for sensory nerve) treated with various decellularization protocols were analyzed. Slides were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), Toluidine Blue and Laminin. A subjective scoring system using a 5‐point scale was used to score each nerve section by four independent researchers. For validation of this score both inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability were calculated using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).ResultsOverall, an excellent correlation between the different observers was found for the Toluidine Blue (ICC = 0.919, 95% CI: 0.891–0.941), H&E (ICC = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.865–0.927) and Laminin staining (ICC = 0.897, 95% CI: 0.860–0.926). Intra‐rater reliability was good for all three staining techniques (ICC >0.8).ConclusionThis study demonstrates the validity of this simple scoring system to evaluate nerve structure after different processing protocols. All three evaluated staining techniques can reliably be used for both rat and human nerve tissue. We believe this method is suitable to compare different processing techniques to create processed nerve allografts, especially when the average scores of multiple raters are used.
Bone‐Specific Metabolism of Dietary Polyphenols in Resorptive Bone Diseases
Authors: Kunihiro Andrew G. , Luis Paula B. , Frye Jennifer B. , Chew Wade , Chow H. H. , Schneider Claus , Funk Janet L. 
Published: June 2020

ScopeCurcumin prevents bone loss in resorptive bone diseases and inhibits osteoclast formation, a key process driving bone loss. Curcumin circulates as an inactive glucuronide that can be deconjugated in situ by bone's high β‐glucuronidase (GUSB) content, forming the active aglycone. Because curcumin is a common remedy for musculoskeletal disease, effects of microenvironmental changes consequent to skeletal development or disease on bone curcumin metabolism are explored.Methods and resultsAcross sexual/skeletal development or between sexes in C57BL/6 mice ingesting curcumin (500 mg kg−1), bone curcumin metabolism and GUSB enzyme activity are unchanged, except for >twofold higher (p < 0.05) bone curcumin‐glucuronide substrate levels in immature (4–6‐week‐old) mice. In ovariectomized (OVX) or bone metastasis‐bearing female mice, bone substrate levels are also >twofold higher. Aglycone curcumin levels tend to increase proportional to substrate such that the majority of glucuronide distributing to bone is deconjugated, including OVX mice where GUSB decreases by 24% (p < 0.01). GUSB also catalyzes deconjugation of resveratrol and quercetin glucuronides by bone, and a requirement for the aglycones for anti‐osteoclastogenic bioactivity, analogous to curcumin, is confirmed.ConclusionDietary polyphenols circulating as glucuronides may require in situ deconjugation for bone‐protective effects, a process influenced by bone microenvironmental changes.
Natural Xanthone α‐Mangostin Inhibits LPS‐Induced Microglial Inflammatory Responses and Memory Impairment by Blocking the TAK1/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Guan Huifeng , Li Jiabing , Tan Xiaofang , Luo Shenying , Liu Yangdan , Meng Yiwen , Wu Baichuan , Zhou Yan , Yang Yang , Chen Hongzhuan , Hou Lina , Qiu Yu , Li Juan 
Published: June 2020

ScopeThe effect of α‐mangostin (α‐M), a polyphenolic xanthone isolated from mangostin, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced microglial activation and memory impairment is explored. The possible underlying mechanisms are also investigated.Methods and ResultsCytokine production and activation of transforming growth factor activated kinase‐1 (TAK1) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) are detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or Western blot. Microglial migration and phagocytosis are evaluated with scratch wound‐healing assay and phagocytosis of fluorescent latex beads, respectively. Learning and memory abilities of mice are evaluated with the Morris water maze test. The nanomolar (100–500 nm) α‐M suppresses LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in microglia. It also inhibits LPS‐induced microglial migration and phagocytosis. α‐M rescues LPS‐caused, microglia‐mediated neuronal dendritic damage. Moreover, α‐M represses LPS‐induced toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and activation of TAK1 and NF‐κB. In a mouse neuroinflammation model, α‐M (50 mg kg−1 day−1) shows obvious anti‐neuroinflammatory, neuroprotective, and memory‐improving effects in vivo.Conclusionα‐M inhibits microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation and prevents neurotoxicity and memory impairment from inflammatory damage. These results indicate that α‐M has great potential to be used as a nutritional preventive strategy for neuroinflammation‐related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Interaction between Tea Polyphenols and Intestinal Microbiota in Host Metabolic Diseases from the Perspective of the Gut–Brain Axis
Authors: Yan Ruonan , Ho Chi‐Tang , Zhang Xin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTea polyphenols (TP) have shown multiple biological activities and the ability to modulate the composition and function of intestinal microbiota. Certain human metabolic diseases are engendered by the disruption of the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm oscillations exist in both intestinal microbiota and hypothalamus. The brain–gut‐microbiome axis enables intestinal microorganisms to communicate with the brain. The close reciprocity between intestinal microbiota and circadian rhythm supplies a new opportunity for TP to regulate circadian‐rhythm‐related diseases relying on intestinal microbiota. Therefore, based on the potential bidirectional association of the brain and gut microbes, this review mainly discussed the interaction between TP and intestinal microbiota from the perspective of the gut–brain axis (GBA) to improve the theory of metabolic diseases prevention.
Experimental assessment of microwave ablation computational modeling with MR thermometry
Authors: Faridi Pegah , Keselman Paul , Fallahi Hojjatollah , Prakash Punit 
Published: June 2020

PurposeComputational models are widely used during the design and characterization of microwave ablation (MWA) devices, and have been proposed for pretreatment planning. Our objective was to assess three‐dimensional (3D) transient temperature and ablation profiles predicted by MWA computational models with temperature profiles measured experimentally using magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry in ex vivo bovine liver.Materials and methodsWe performed MWA in ex vivo tissue under MR guidance using a custom, 2.45 GHz water‐cooled applicator. MR thermometry data were acquired for 2 min prior to heating, during 5–10 min microwave exposures, and for 3 min following heating. Fiber‐optic temperature sensors were used to validate the accuracy of MR temperature measurements. A total of 13 ablation experiments were conducted using 30–50 W applied power at the applicator input. MWA computational models were implemented using the finite element method, and incorporated temperature‐dependent changes in tissue physical properties. Model‐predicted ablation zone extents were compared against MRI‐derived Arrhenius thermal damage maps using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC).ResultsPrior to heating, the observed standard deviation of MR temperature data was in the range of 0.3–0.7°C. Mean absolute error between MR temperature measurements and fiber‐optic temperature probes during heating was in the range of 0.5–2.8°C. The mean DSC between model‐predicted ablation zones and MRI‐derived Arrhenius thermal damage maps for 13 experimental set‐ups was 0.95. When comparing simulated and experimentally (i.e. using MRI) measured temperatures, the mean absolute error (MAE %) relative to maximum temperature change was in the range 5%–8.5%.ConclusionWe developed a system for characterizing 3D transient temperature and ablation profiles with MR thermometry during MWA in ex vivo liver tissue, and applied the system for experimental validation of MWA computational models.
Whole‐body heat exposure causes developmental stage‐specific apoptosis of male germ cells
Authors: Yoon Jungbin , Rhee Kunsoo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHumans are occasionally exposed to extreme environmental heat for a prolonged period of time. Here, we investigated testicular responses to whole‐body heat exposure by placing mice in a warm chamber. Among the examined tissues, the testis was found to be most susceptible to heat stress. Heat stress induces direct responses within germ cells, such as eukaryotic initiation factor 2α phosphorylation and stress granule (SG) formation. Prolonged heat stress (42°C for 6 hr) also disturbed tissue organization, such as through blood‐testis barrier (BTB) leakage. Germ cell apoptosis was induced by heat stress for 6 hr in a cell type‐ and developmental stage‐specific manner. We previously showed that spermatocytes in the early tubular stages (I–VI) form SGs for protection against heat stress. In the mid‐tubular stages (VII–VIII), BTB leakage synergistically enhances the adverse effects of heat stress on pachytene spermatocyte apoptosis. In the late tubular stages (IX–XII), SGs are not formed and severe leakage of the BTB does not occur, resulting in mild apoptosis of late‐pachytene spermatocytes near meiosis. Our results revealed that multiple stress responses are involved in germ cell damage resulting from prolonged heat stress (42°C for 6 hr).
Hippo signaling, actin polymerization, and follicle activation in fragmented human ovarian cortex
Authors: Lunding Stine A. , Andersen Anders N. , Hardardottir Lilja , Olesen Hanna Ø. , Kristensen Stine G. , Andersen Claus Y. , Pors Susanne E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Hippo pathway has been associated with regulation of early follicle growth. Studies of murine ovaries suggest that changes in the actin cytoskeleton, caused by fragmentation, result in inhibition of the Hippo pathway, and in turn, may activate follicle growth. In humans, the connections between fragmentation, the actin cytoskeleton, and follicle activation are yet to be confirmed. In this study, we investigated the impact in vitro fragmentation of a human ovarian cortex on (a) actin polymerization, (b) components of the Hippo pathway, and (c) follicle growth in vivo. The results showed that the ratio between globular and filamentous actin remained unchanged at all timepoints (0, 10, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min) following tissue fragmentation. Neither was the Hippo pathway effector protein YES‐associated protein upregulated nor was gene expression of the downstream growth factors CCN2, CCN3, or CCN5 increased at any timepoint in the fragmented cortex. Furthermore, the number of growing follicles was similar in fragmented and intact cortex pieces after 6 weeks' xenotransplantation. However, the total number of surviving follicles was considerably lower in the fragmented cortex compared with intact tissue, suggesting detrimental effects of fragmentation on tissue grafting. These results indicate that fragmentation is likely to be ineffective to activate follicle growth in the human ovarian cortex.
Underrepresentation of functional conditions of the lower urinary tract in adults in US federal research funding
Authors: Souders Colby P. , Lo Eric M. , Ackerman A. Lenore 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsEvaluation and treatment of functional conditions of the lower urinary tract (fcLUT), a subset of benign urinary tract conditions, is highly subjective due to overlapping symptomatology. Despite high prevalence and socioeconomic cost, there has been little improvement in their treatment and lack of progress in understanding their pathophysiology. This study investigates trends in quantity, monetary amounts, and awardees' characteristics of federally funded research awards for fcLUT compared to nonurologic benign conditions (NUBCs) and urologic malignancies.MethodsData were extracted from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and federal RePORTER databases in December 2019. We identified currently active awards in fcLUT, NUBC, and malignant urologic conditions and the associated demographic features of awardees. The authors also examined temporal funding trends for such awards.ResultsThese database searches revealed that there are consistently fewer awards and funding dollars for the study of fcLUT compared to other benign conditions with similar prevalences. While most research topics have received increased funding in awards and overall funding dollars over time, fcLUT funding has remained relatively flat. Urologists are also underrepresented; only 11 of the 86 recipients of NIH R01 awards to study fcLUT have clinical training in urology.ConclusionsEven when compared to NUBC, funding for the study of fcLUT remains low and has stagnated over time. Further, investigators who are clinicians in the field of urology are in the minority of those doing this study. Given the need for clinical perspectives in fcLUT research, the lack of urologist representation will inhibit discovery and translational advances.
Contemporary multicenter outcomes of continent cutaneous ileocecocystoplasty in the adult population over a 10‐year period: A Neurogenic Bladder Research Group study
Authors: Cheng Philip J. , Keihani Sorena , Roth Joshua D. , Pariser Joseph J. , Elliott Sean P. , Bose Sanchita , Khavari Rose , Crescenze Iryna , Stoffel John T. , Velaer Kyla N. , Elliott Christopher S. , Raffee Samantha M. , Atiemo Humphrey O. , Kennelly Michael J. , Lenherr Sara M. , Myers Jeremy B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsEvidence is sparse on the long‐term outcomes of continent cutaneous ileocecocystoplasty (CCIC). We hypothesized that obesity, laparoscopic/robotic approach, and concomitant surgeries would affect morbidity after CCIC and aimed to evaluate the outcomes of CCIC in adults in a multicenter contemporary study.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of adult patients from sites in the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group undergoing CCIC (2007‐2017) who had at least 6 months of follow‐up. We evaluated patient demographics, surgical details, 90‐day complications, and follow‐up surgeries. the Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables and χ² and Fisher's Exact tests were used to compare categorical variables.ResultsWe included 114 patients with a median age of 41 years. The median postoperative length of stay was 8 days. At 3 months postoperatively, major complications occurred in 18 (15.8%), and 24 patients (21.1%) were readmitted. During a median follow‐up of 40 months, 48 patients (42.1%) underwent 80 additional related surgeries. Twenty‐three patients (20.2%) underwent at least one channel revision, most often due to obstruction (15, 13.2%) or incontinence (4, 3.5%). Of the channel revisions, 10 (8.8%) were major and 14 (12.3%) were minor. Eleven patients (9.6%) abandoned the catheterizable channel during the follow‐up period. Obesity and laparoscopic/robotic surgical approach did not affect outcomes, though concomitant surgery was associated with a higher rate of follow‐up surgeries.ConclusionsIn this contemporary multicenter series evaluating CCIC, we found that the short‐term major complication rate was low, but many patients require follow‐up surgeries, mostly related to the catheterizable channel.
Dynamic pricing in a trade‐in program with replacement and new customers
Authors: Xiao Yongbo , Wang Liming , Chen Jian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTrade‐in programs have been widely adopted to enhance repeat purchase from replacement customers. Considering that a market consists of replacement and new segments, we study the joint and dynamic decisions on the selling price of new product (hereafter, “selling price”) and the trade‐in price involved in the program. By adopting a vertical product differentiation choice model, we investigate two scenarios in this paper. In the base model, the manufacturer has sufficiently large production capacity to fulfill the customer demand. We characterize the structural properties of the joint pricing decisions and compare them with the optimal pricing policy under regular selling. We further propose a semi‐dynamic trade‐in program, under which the new product is sold at a fixed price and the trade‐in price can be adjusted dynamically. Numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the dynamic and semi‐dynamic trade‐in programs. In an extended model, we consider the scenario in which the manufacturer stocks a batch of new products in the beginning of the selling horizon and the inventory cannot be replenished. Following a revenue management framework, we characterize the structural properties with respect to time period and inventory level of new products.
Highly efficient general method for sensitivity analysis of eigenvectors with repeated eigenvalues without passing through adjacent eigenvectors
Authors: Yoon Gil Ho , Donoso Alberto , Carlos Bellido José , Ruiz David 
Published: June 2020

SummaryIt is well known that the sensitivity analysis of the eigenvectors corresponding to multiple eigenvalues is a difficult problem. The main difficulty is that for given multiple eigenvalues, the eigenvector derivatives can be computed for a specific eigenvector basis, the so‐called adjacent eigenvector basis. These adjacent eigenvectors depend on individual variables, which makes the eigenvector derivative calculation elaborate and expensive from a computational perspective. This research presents a method that avoids passing through adjacent eigenvectors in the calculation of the partial derivatives of any prescribed eigenvector basis. As our method fits into the adjoint sensitivity analysis , it is efficient for computing the complete Jacobian matrix because the adjoint variables are independent of each variable. Thus our method clarifies and unifies existing theories on eigenvector sensitivity analysis. Moreover, it provides a highly efficient computational method with a significant saving of the computational cost. Additional benefits of our approach are that one does not have to solve a deficient linear system and that the method is independent of the existence of repeated eigenvalue derivatives of the multiple eigenvalues. Our method covers the case of eigenvectors associated to a single eigenvalue. Some examples are provided to validate the present approach.
Error estimation for proper generalized decomposition solutions: A dual approach
Authors: Reis Jonatha , Moitinho de Almeida J. P. , Díez Pedro , Zlotnik Sergio 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThe proper generalized decomposition is a well‐established reduced order method, used to efficiently obtain approximate solutions of multi‐dimensional problems in a procedure that controls the effects of the “curse of dimensionality.” The question of assessing the quality of the solutions obtained and adapting the approximations assumed, for example, the finite element meshes used, so that the best result is obtained at minimal cost, remains a relevant challenge. This article deals with finite element solutions for solid mechanics problems, using the error obtained from a dual analysis, the difference between complementary solutions, to bound the error in the solutions and to drive an optimal adaptivity process, which obtains meshes with errors significantly lower than those obtained using a uniform refinement.
Stat2 loss disrupts damage signalling and is protective in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Heath Helen , Britton Gary , Kudo Hiromi , Renney George , Ward Malcolm , Hutchins Robert , Foster Graham R , D Goldin Robert , Alazawi William 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe severity of sterile inflammation, as seen in acute pancreatitis, is determined by damage‐sensing receptors, signalling cascades and cytokine production. Stat2 is a type I interferon signalling mediator that also has interferon‐independent roles in murine lipopolysaccharide‐induced NF‐κB‐mediated sepsis. However, its role in sterile inflammation is unknown. We hypothesised that Stat2 determines the severity of non‐infective inflammation in the pancreas. Wild type (WT) and Stat2−/− mice were injected i.p. with caerulein or l‐arginine. Specific cytokine‐blocking antibodies were used in some experiments. Pancreata and blood were harvested 1 and 24 h after the final dose of caerulein and up to 96 h post l‐arginine. Whole‐tissue phosphoproteomic changes were assessed using label‐free mass spectrometry. Tissue‐specific Stat2 effects were studied in WT/Stat2−/− bone marrow chimera and using Cre‐lox recombination to delete Stat2 in pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1)‐expressing cells. Stat2−/− mice were protected from caerulein‐ and l‐arginine‐induced pancreatitis. Protection was independent of type I interferon signalling. Stat2−/− mice had lower cytokine levels, including TNF‐α and IL‐10, and reduced NF‐κB nuclear localisation in pancreatic tissue compared with WT. Inhibition of TNF‐α improved (inhibition of IL‐10 worsened) caerulein‐induced pancreatitis in WT but not Stat2−/− mice. Phosphoproteomics showed downregulation of MAPK mediators but accumulation of Ser412‐phosphorylated Tak1. Stat2 deletion in Pdx1‐expressing acinar cells (Stat2flox/Pdx1‐cre) reduced pancreatic TNF‐α expression, but not histological injury or serum amylase. WT/Stat2−/− bone marrow chimera mice were protected from pancreatitis irrespective of host or recipient genotype. Stat2 loss results in disrupted signalling in pancreatitis, upstream of NF‐κB in non‐acinar and/or bone marrow‐derived cells. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Development and characterization of graphite nanoplatelets filled copolymer of benzoxazine and epoxy
Authors: Barjasteh Ehsan , Narongdej Poom , Shipley Wade , Denk Jack 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this study, graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) were dispersed in a copolymer matrix consisting of bisphenol‐A based benzoxazine (BZ) and bi‐functional cycloaliphatic epoxy (CER), using two solvent‐free techniques: ultrasonication and three‐roll mill (3RM). The effects of GNP addition on the tensile performance, storage modulus, glass‐transition temperature (Tg), and electrical conductivity were evaluated. A maximum increase of nearly 46% and 20% in tensile modulus and strength, respectively, was found at 1.8 wt% of GNP content dispersed using the ultrasonication technique. In comparison, a superior enhancement with 55% and 37% increase in the tensile modulus and strength could be obtained at a lower GNP content, 0.9 wt%, dispersed via 3RM calendering, respectively. In the electrical conductivity measurement, a percolation threshold was achieved in the range between 0.6 wt% and 0.9 wt% of GNP content using the 3RM technique, which was in agreement with the predicted values. The theoretical stiffness obtained from the simplified Halpin‐Tsai model corresponded with the experimental data at low fractions. The incorporation of GNPs into the BZ/CER copolymer resulted in the full recovery of all the performance losses from the addition of CER to BZ. Choosing a proper dispersing technique, the 3RM calendering in this case, could lead to a minimum required GNP content for achieving superior nanocomposite performances.