bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of 3D hydrogel microenvironment for enhanced hepatic functionality of primary human hepatocytes
Authors: Lee Ho‐Joon , Ahn Jiwon , Jung Cho‐Rock , Jeung Yun‐Ji , Cho Hyun‐Soo , Son Myung Jin , Chung Kyung‐Sook 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAlthough primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) are the gold standard in drug efficacy and metabolism studies, long‐term survival of PHHs and maintenance of their hepatic function are still challenging. In this study, we focused on the effect of the initial microenvironment on upregulation and long‐term preservation of hepatic function of PHHs encapsulated within biodegradable hydrogel systems. PHHs were encapsulated in RGD‐functionalized hybrid hydrogels with various degrees of degradability, and their hepatic functionality was analyzed. Regardless of the hydrogel elastic modulus, the combination with nondegradable hydrogels had a predominantly negative effect on the prompt engraftment of PHHs, whereas a degradable hydrogel with intermediate initial degradability was most effective in maintaining hepatic function. Efficient network formation by PHHs and cocultured cells, along with the control of hydrogel degradation, governed the hepatic functionality at an early stage and upon long‐term cultivation. Under optimized conditions, expression of genes involved in biological processes such as focal adhesions, cell survival, cytoskeleton formation, and extracellular matrix interactions was significantly higher than that in a control with relatively delayed initial degradation. Thus, we suggest that the orchestrated control of initial cellular remodeling may play an important role in the maintenance of hepatic function in a three‐dimensional PHH culture.
Long-term follow-up of the randomized trial of mesorectal excision with or without lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer (JCOG0212)
Authors: Tsukamoto S , Fujita S , Ota M , Mizusawa J , Shida D , Kanemitsu Y , Ito M , Shiomi A , Komori K , Ohue M , Akazai Y , Shiozawa M , Yamaguchi T , Bando H , Tsuchida A , Okamura S , Akagi Y , Takiguchi N , Saida Y , Akasu T , Moriya Y 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) 0212 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00190541) was a non-inferiority phase III trial of patients with clinical stage II–III rectal cancer without lateral pelvic lymph node enlargement. The trial compared mesorectal excision (ME) with ME and lateral lymph node dissection (LLND), with a primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival (RFS). The planned primary analysis at 5 years failed to confirm the non-inferiority of ME alone compared with ME and LLND. The present study aimed to compare ME alone and ME with LLND using long-term follow-up data from JCOG0212.

Methods
Patients with clinical stage II–III rectal cancer below the peritoneal reflection and no lateral pelvic lymph node enlargement were included in this study. After surgeons confirmed R0 resection by ME, patients were randomized to receive ME alone or ME with LLND. The primary endpoint was RFS.

Results
A total of 701 patients from 33 institutions were assigned to ME with LLND (351) or ME alone (350) between June 2003 and August 2010. The 7-year RFS rate was 71.1 per cent for ME with LLND and 70·7 per cent for ME alone (hazard ratio (HR) 1·09, 95 per cent c.i. 0·84 to 1·42; non-inferiority P = 0·064). Subgroup analysis showed improved RFS among patients with clinical stage III disease who underwent ME with LLND compared with ME alone (HR 1·49, 1·02 to 2·17).

Conclusion
Long-term follow-up data did not support the non-inferiority of ME alone compared with ME and LLND. ME with LLND is recommended for patients with clinical stage III disease, whereas LLND could be omitted in those with clinical stage II tumours.
Use of an intraoperative wound protector to prevent surgical-site infection after pancreatoduodenectomy: randomized clinical trial
Authors: De Pastena M , Marchegiani G , Paiella S , Fontana M , Esposito A , Casetti L , Secchettin E , Manzini G , Bassi C , Salvia R 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Surgical-site infection (SSI) increases treatment costs, duration of hospital stay and readmission rate after pancreatic surgery. This study aimed to assess whether a wound protector could reduce the risk of superficial incisional SSI after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods
This RCT included patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy at Verona University Hospital, between 2017 and 2018. The experimental group had a dual-ring wound protector, whereas the control group had standard surgical drapes. The groups were stratified by preoperative biliary stent placement. The primary outcome was the overall rate of superficial SSI.

Results
An interim analysis was conducted after 212 patients had been enrolled; 22 patients (10·4 per cent) were excluded owing to inability to complete the pancreatoduodenectomy, or the need for postoperative reintervention. Some 94 patients (49·5 per cent) had a wound protector and 96 (50·5 per cent) had standard drapes. There were no differences between groups in demographics, or in intraoperative findings, pathological data or surgical outcomes. The overall superficial SSI rate was 7·4 per cent, which did not differ between groups (7 per cent in each group; P = 0·585). Subanalysis of patients with a preoperative biliary stent showed a similar outcome (superficial SSI rate 9 versus 8 per cent with wound protector versus surgical drapes respectively; P = 0·536). The trial was stopped prematurely on the grounds of futility.

Conclusion
Use of a wound protector did not reduce the rate of superficial SSI after pancreatoduodenectomy. Registration number: NCT03820648 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Association between atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Beijia , Shi Xinrui , Xing Yi , Tang Yi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the relationship between atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to study the difference of carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and the prevalence of atherosclerosis between AD patients and non‐AD controls.MethodsThe studies on the association between atherosclerosis and AD were manually searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) spanned to September 2018 according to PRISMA (the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines.ResultsThirteen studies were included in the final analysis, seven studies with data on the mean CIMT (610 cases and 417 controls) and ten studies reporting on the prevalence of atherosclerosis (1,698 cases and 6,452 controls). Compared with controls, AD group showed a significantly higher CIMT (overall standard mean difference = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.48–1.40; p < .0001) and an increased prevalence of atherosclerosis (OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.26–1.68; p < .0001).ConclusionsAtherosclerosis is significantly associated with AD. CIMT might be a useful marker to predict the risk of AD and assess the vascular burden. The finding is also important for possible prevention and treatment of AD in the future.
Required efficacy for novel therapies in BCG‐unresponsive non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer: Do current recommendations really reflect clinically meaningful outcomes?
Authors: Wettstein Marian S. , Naimark David , Hermanns Thomas , Herrera‐Caceres Jaime O. , Ahmad Ardalan , Jewett Michael A.S. , Kulkarni Girish S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundSingle‐arm trials are currently an accepted study design to investigate the efficacy of novel therapies (NT) in non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) unresponsive to intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy as randomized controlled trials are either unfeasible (comparator: early radical cystectomy; ERC), or unethical (comparator: placebo). To guide the design of such single‐arm trials, expert groups published recommendations for clinically meaningful outcomes. The aim of this study was to quantitatively verify the appropriateness of these recommendations.MethodsWe used a discrete event simulation framework in combination with a supercomputer to find the required efficacy at which a NT can compete with ERC when it comes to quality‐adjusted life expectancy (QALE). In total, 24 different efficacy thresholds (including the recommendations) were investigated.ResultsAfter ascertaining face validity with content experts, repeated verification, external validation, and calibration we considered our model valid. Both recommendations rarely showed an incremental benefit of the NT over ERC. In the most optimistic scenario, an increase in the IBCG recommendation by 10% and an increase in the FDA/AUA recommendation by 5% would yield results at which a NT could compete with ERC from a QALE perspective.ConclusionsThis simulation study demonstrated that the current recommendations regarding clinically meaningful outcomes for single‐arm trials evaluating the efficacy of NT in BCG‐unresponsive NMIBC may be too low. Based on our quantitative approach, we propose increasing these thresholds to at least 45%‐55% at 6 months and 35% at 18‐24 months (complete response rates/recurrence‐free survival) to promote the development of clinically truly meaningful NT.
Targeted inhibition of ACK1 can inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Bin , Song Kai , Chen Lihong , Su Hongying , Gao Lingyun , Liu Jingfeng , Huang Aimin 
Published: March 2020

Activated Cdc42‐associated kinase 1 (ACK1) expression is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and other tumour tissues. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of ACK1 in HCC remains unclear. In this study, the expression of pTyr284‐ACK1, pSer473‐AKT and PTEN in HCC was detected by immunohistochemistry, and its clinicopathological significance was analysed. Then, ACK1‐targeted small molecule inhibitors AIM‐100 and Dasatinib were used to treat cells SK‐Hep‐1 and HepG2, and changes in activity and biological behaviours of PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway were observed. The results showed that pTyr284‐ACK1 protein was highly expressed in HCC tissues and was related to the poor prognosis of patients; the expression of pTyr284‐ACK1 protein was positively correlated with pSer473‐AKT and negatively correlated with PTEN. In addition, after treatment either with AIM‐100 or Dasatinib, both proliferation of two cells and migration, invasion of SK‐Hep‐1 cells were all significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, ACK1, pTyr284‐ACK1, pSer473‐AKT, mTOR and EGFR were down‐regulated; PTEN was up‐regulated when analysed by western‐blot in SK‐Hep‐1 cells. These results demonstrated that ACK1 may promote HCC development via PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. Targeted inhibition of ACK1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.Significance of the studyHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour with high mortality. Our study showed that ACK1 and pTyr284‐ACK1 are highly expressed in HCC and may promote HCC development through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Targeted inhibition of ACK1 expression with small inhibitors AIM‐100 and Dasatinib may weaken tumour cells ability of proliferation, migration and invasion. Our results suggested that downregulation of ACK1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involvement in epithelial‐derived cancers and its current antibody‐based immunotherapies
Authors: London Max , Gallo Eugenio 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is part of the family of tyrosine kinase receptors. The binding of EGFR to its cognate ligands leads to its autophosphorylation and subsequent activation of the signal transduction pathways involved in regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Accordingly, this receptor carries out both redundant and restricted functions in the germline development of mammals and in the maintenance of various adult tissues. Correspondingly, the loss of EGFR regulation results in many human diseases, with the most notable cancer. This receptor is overexpressed and/or mutated in multiple epithelial‐derived tumors, and associated with poor prognosis and survival in cancer patients. Here, we discuss in detail the role of EGFR in specific epithelial‐derived cancer pathologies; these include lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and squamous cell carcinomas. The development of multiple anticancer agents against EGFR diminished the progression and metastasis of tumors. Some of the most versatile therapeutic anti‐EGFR agents include the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), demonstrating success in clinical settings when used in combination with cytotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation. We thus discuss the development and application of two of the most notable therapeutic mAbs, cetuximab, and panitumumab, currently utilized in various EGFR‐related epithelial cancers.
An unusual displacement of the cervical plate to the inner surface of the hypopharynx
Authors: Alizadeh Reza , Aghsaeifard Ziba , Marzbanrad Zahra , Marzban‐Rad Saeid 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnlocking and penetration of the screws and displacement or breakage of the plates are some commonly reported complications associated with the cervical implants. It is imperative to provide immediate surgical intervention along with a complete workup. Timely diagnosis and management can reduce further complications and morbidities.
Distinctive Bimetallic Oxides for Enhanced Catalytic Toluene Combustion: Insights into the Tunable Fabrication of Mn−Ce Hollow Structure
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Changyu , Yan Jinlong , Wang Dong , Peng Yue , Li Junhua , Crittenden John 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe hollow structured Mn−Ce binary catalysts were facilely prepared utilizing carbon microsphere as templates. Based on acid/alkali‐pretreatment of the carbon templates, the Mn−Ce shell structure and surface components were facilely. The MnCe−OH catalyst, obtained from the alkali‐treated carbon sphere, showed the highest catalytic performance for toluene combustion with T90 (the temperature for 90 % toluene conversion) of 237 °C at a space velocity of 36,000 mL/(g ⋅ h). The according specific rate is 4.8*10−9 mol/(m2 ⋅ s) and the lower active energy value is 98.9 kJ/mol. With the aid of various characterizations, it indicates that the thinner and porous shell should accounted for the enhanced activity, which provided enriched accessible active sites and enhanced mass transfer for reactants. The abundant surface‐active oxygen (48.8 %) and the interaction between Ce and Mn species also benefited the superior catalytic performance. Additionally, a possible reaction pathway was provided in terms of the in‐situ DRIFTS study, revealing that the toluene molecules transformed into aldehydic, then into benzoate species, and finally formed CO2 and H2O.
Three Coordinated Organoaluminum Cation for Rapid and Selective Cyanosilylation of Carbonyls under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Rawat Sandeep , Bhandari Mamta , Prashanth Billa , Singh Sanjay 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe well‐defined three coordinated electronically unsaturated cationic organoaluminum complex [({(2,6‐iPr2C6H3N)P(Ph2)}2N)AlMe]+[MeB(C6F5)3]− (1), has been utilized to catalyze the cyanosilylation of aldehydes and ketones under mild and solvent‐free conditions. Moreover, catalyst 1 showed high chemoselective cyanosilylation of aldehydes over ketones, nitriles and olefins. The multinuclear NMR investigations revealed that cyanosilylation proceeds via Lewis adduct formation between 1 and TMSCN thereby activating TMSCN (Si‐CN bond) followed by nucleophilic attack of the carbonyl oxygen at the Si center of the activated silane and formation of the product.
Crystallization and Purification of 4,4′‐Diaminodiphenyl Ether
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Chen Fengjiang , Han Jian , Su Min , Liu Kaili , Li Yinhui , Wu Qing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe purification of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA) was investigated. ODA, which contained impurities, was sublimated and anti‐solvent (ethanol)‐crystallized in N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results revealed that the sublimated crystal was basically identical with the pure ODA sample. The influence of different amounts of ethanol on particle size distribution was analyzed during anti‐solvent crystallization. The morphology of the ODA crystal was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The color of the sample enhanced from a brown powder to a colorless granular crystal. The purity of the sample could be increased from about 30 % to 87 %. With the operations of sublimation and anti‐solvent crystallization, the purity, crystal morphology, and particle size distribution of ODA were significantly improved.
Effect of Anti‐Encrustation Additives on Zirconium Molybdate Hydrate
Authors: Abe Risako , Hirasawa Izumi , Miyazaki Yasunori , Takeuchi Masayuki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAnti‐encrustation additives were mainly investigated in nitric acid solution with zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo), and tellurium (Te) to prevent the encrustation of zirconium molybdate hydrate (ZMH). The ZMH generated by reaction crystallization of Mo and Zr as main fission products has a high adhesion property in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. In addition, it is reported that Te, which is also one of the fission products, precipitates together with ZMH. Encrustation of precipitates containing Te was effectively prevented by adding molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) crystals as an anti‐encrustation reagent. The encrustation amount was found to be larger than that under the condition of only Zr and Mo without Te. Consequently, it was suggested that the high adhesion property of Te affected the encrustation amount of ZMH.
Phosphorus‐Functionalized Fe2VO4/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Mesoporous Nanowires with Exceptional Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Tao Yuanxue , Yang Nan , Liang Chennan , Huang Dekang , Wang Pei , Cao Feifei , Luo Yanzhu , Chen Hao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe binary transition metal oxides have attracted great attention because of their considerable energy and power densities. However, they suffer from low reaction kinetics and large volume change, limiting their practical energy applications. The construction of a mesoporous structure with a large surface area, the development of a carbon matrix, as well as heteroatom doping can effectively overcome the above challenges. Herein, the synthesis of phosphorous‐containing Fe2VO4/nitrogen‐doped carbon mesoporous nanowires (P‐Fe2VO4/NCMNWs) is reported. In this unique structure, the atomic‐level P‐doping could increase the conductivity of Fe2VO4 by reducing its band gap, which is confirmed by DFT calculations. Furthermore, the phosphorus can covalently “bridge” the carbon layer and Fe2VO4 through P−C and Fe−O−P bondings. As a result, this anode material exhibits a high capacity (1002 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 250 cycles), excellent rate performance (448 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1), and prominent long‐term cycling stability (533 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 500 cycles, 364 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 1000 cycles). All of these attractive features make the P‐Fe2VO4/NCMNWs a promising electrode material for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
The Coordination Behaviour of CuI Photosensitizers Bearing Multidentate Ligands Investigated by X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Rentschler Martin , Iglesias Sirma , Schmid Marie‐Ann , Liu Cunming , Tschierlei Stefanie , Frey Wolfgang , Zhang Xiaoyi , Karnahl Michael , Moonshiram Dooshaye 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA systematic series of four novel homo‐ and heteroleptic CuI photosensitizers based on tetradentate 1,10‐phenanthroline ligands of the type X^N^N^X containing two additional donor moieties in the 2,9‐position (X=SMe or OMe) were designed. Their solid‐state structures were assessed by X‐ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry, UV‐vis absorption, emission and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy were then used to determine their electrochemical, photophysical and structural features in solution. Following, time‐resolved X‐ray absorption spectroscopy in the picosecond time scale, coupled with time‐dependent density functional theory calculations, provided in‐depth information on the excited state electron configurations. For the first time, a significant shortening of the Cu−X distance and a change in the coordination mode to a pentacoordinated geometry is shown in the excited states of the two homoleptic complexes. These findings are important with respect to a precise understanding of the excited state structures and a further stabilization of this type of photosensitizers.
Exfoliation of 2D Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Le Thanh‐Hai , Oh Yuree , Kim Hyungwoo , Yoon Hyeonseok 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe fascinating properties of single‐layer graphene isolated by mechanical exfoliation have inspired extensive research efforts toward two‐dimensional (2D) materials. Layered compounds serve as precursors for atomically thin 2D materials (briefly, 2D nanomaterials) owing to their strong intraplane chemical bonding but weak interplane van der Waals interactions. There are newly emerging 2D materials beyond graphene, and it is becoming increasingly important to develop cost‐effective, scalable methods for producing 2D nanomaterials with controlled microstructures and properties. The variety of developed synthetic techniques can be categorized into two classes: bottom‐up and top‐down approaches. Of top‐down approaches, the exfoliation of bulk 2D materials into single or few layers is the most common. This review highlights chemical and physical exfoliation methods that allow for the production of 2D nanomaterials in large quantities. In addition, remarkable examples of utilizing exfoliated 2D nanomaterials in energy and environmental applications are introduced.
The utilization and utility of immunostains in body fluid cytology
Authors: Alshaikh Safa , Lapadat Razvan , Atieh Mohammed K. , Mehrotra Swati , Barkan Güliz A. , Wojcik Eva M. , Pambuccian Stefan E. 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundBody fluid cytology (BFC) is an important tool in the diagnosis and staging of malignancy and is aided by the judicious use of immunohistochemistry (IHC). The aim of this study was to determine the usage rates of IHC stains in BFC, their type and indications, and their diagnostic impact. We also attempted to estimate the optimal rate of IHC use in BFC by comparing the entire laboratory's and each individual cytopathologist's IHC use rates with their respective indeterminate and malignant diagnosis rates.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of IHC stain use in BFC during a 5.5‐year interval (2013‐2018) and determined the laboratory's and each individual cytopathologist's IHC usage patterns according to the final diagnosis, site, and indications for their use.ResultsA total of 477 out of 4144 (11.5%) BFC cases had 2128 individual immunostains performed, with an average of 4.5 immunostains per case. Individual cytopathologists used IHC stains on 6.7% to 22% of their BFC cases. Pathologists with higher rates of IHC stain use than the laboratory's mean were less experienced and had higher rates of indeterminate but not of malignant diagnoses. The most common indication for the use of IHC stains was differentiating mesothelial from malignant cells. MOC31, calretinin, Ber‐EP4, CD68, and D2‐40 were the most commonly used of the 67 different IHC stains used in BFC.ConclusionsThe laboratory's mean may represent the optimal IHC use rate, as higher IHC use rates did not lead to more diagnostic certainty or higher pickup rates of malignant cells.