bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxic effects of maternal exposure to silver nanoparticles on mice fetal development during pregnancy
Authors: Mozafari Maryam , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Danafar Amirhossein , Miresmaeili Mohsen , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSilver nanoparticles (SNPs) are being increasingly used in medical and industrial products. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effect of maternal exposure to SNP (1 mg/kg/day, 70 nm) on fetal development during the first and second weeks of pregnancy.MethodsTwenty‐four pregnant mice were divided into four groups. SNP was administered by oral gavage on gestational days (GD) 1–7, GD8–14, or GD1–14. Phosphate buffered saline was administered by oral gavage to a control group. On GD15, the uteri were excised, and fetal bodies and placentas were weighed. Head and placental circumferences and fetal crown‐rump length were measured, and fetuses were evaluated for external malformation. TUNEL assay was performed to assess apoptosis in the fetal midbrain. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was carried out to determine changes in fetal histomorphology. Fetal liver cells were used for karyotype analysis.ResultsSignificant decreases in fetal body weight, and crown‐rump length were observed in SNP‐treated groups. Exencephaly, small head, scoliosis, lordosis, short thorax and trunk, also fused digits were detected in SNPs‐treated groups. Fibrosis, necrosis, and apoptotic cells in fetal midbrains increased significantly in the GD8–14 and GD1–14 groups compared to the control group. Chromosomal features were not different in fetuses between groups.ConclusionsExposure to 1 mg/kg/day SNP during pregnancy in mice adversely affected on fetal development. The results do suggest a potential risk for humans that needs to be followed up with more definitive investigations.
Microvascular decompression in patients with hemifacial spasm
Authors: Niu Xuegang , Sun Hongtao , Yuan Fei , Chen Xuyi , Wei Zhengjun , Wang Hang , Ren Jibin , Zhang Jian , Li Weixin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo study blood pressure alterations after microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS).MethodsA retrospective study was performed to review HFS patients who received MVD surgery between January 2014 and December 2016. Vessels that were considered to be responsible for HFS were determined by reviewing the brain magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and surgical video. Blood pressure measurements were performed 1 day before (preoperative) and 7 days after (postoperative) the MVD surgery. Pre‐ and postoperative blood pressure measurements were compared.ResultsA total of 374 patients were included in the study, with 118 (31.6%) male patients, age 53.8 ± 9.9 years old, and 141 (37.7%) patients with hypertension. Systolic blood pressure had statistically significant decrease in patients with (134.5 ± 8.2–132.6 ± 9.1 mmHg, p = .01) or without (125.6 ± 9.1–123.8 ± 10.0 mmHg, p = .01) hypertension. Diastolic blood pressure only had statistically significant decrease in patients with hypertension (83.0 ± 5.8–82.0 ± 6.5 mmHg, p = .04). Analyses in all the study patients and in the subgroup of patients with hypertension showed that more statistically significant blood pressure reductions were observed when left‐side vessel or vertebrobasilar artery was involved.ConclusionIn patients with HFS, MVD not only decreased blood pressure in patients with hypertension but also affected blood pressure in patients without hypertension. Blood pressure reductions were more prominent when left‐side vessel or vertebrobasilar artery was involved.
Shikonin suppresses progression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by modulating miR‐106b/SMAD7/TGF‐β signaling pathway
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Zeng Xianpeng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractShikonin is a natural naphthoquinone component with antioxidant and anti‐tumor function and has been used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. According to the previous study, many herbs can regulate cancer cell progression by targeting specific microRNA (miRNA) (Liu, 2016). However, the underlying pathological mechanism of shikonin in HCC therapy is still unclear. The detection of cell growth and death rate were performed by hemacytometry and trypan blue staining, respectively. The expression of miR‐106b and SMAD7 messenger RNA (mRNA) in HCC cells was evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration ability were measured by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The expression of proteins E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, vimentin, SMAD7, TGF‐β1, p‐SMAD3, SMAD3, and GAPDH was examined by western blot. The interaction between SMAD7 and miR‐106b was assessed by luciferase reporter system. Shikonin inhibited Huh7 and HepG2 cell growth in a dose‐dependent manner while induced cell death in a time‐dependent manner. In addition, the expression of miR‐106b was reduced after shikonin treatment. Moreover, miR‐106b attenuated the suppressive effects of shikonin on HCC cell migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). SMAD7 was predicted as a target of miR‐106b and the prediction was confirmed by luciferase reporter system. Additionally, we observed that SMAD7 reversed the promotive effects of miR‐106b on HCC cell progression and EMT. The subsequent western blot assay revealed that shikonin could modulate SMAD7/TGF‐β signaling pathway by targeting miR‐106b. In conclusion, Shikonin suppresses cell progression and EMT and accelerates cell death of HCC cells via modulating miR‐106b/SMAD7/TGF‐β signaling pathway, suggesting shikonin could be an effective agent for HCC treatment.
Single arm retrospective study of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds to treat patients with severe infrapopliteal arterial disease
Authors: Dia AbdulRahman , Venturini Joseph M. , Kalathiya Rohan , Besser Stephanie , Estrada Raider , Friant Janet , Paul Jonathan , Blair John E. , Nathan Sandeep , Shah Atman P. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the safety and efficacy of the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in complex, infrapopliteal lesions for the management of chronic limb ischemia.BackgroundThe interventional management of infrapopliteal PAD remains challenging due to high restenosis rates with metallic drug‐eluting stents and balloon angioplasty. Metallic stents are associated with impaired vessel vasomotor tone, remodeling, autoregulation, and long‐term inflammation. BVSs are biodegradable scaffolds that provide short‐term vascular support before degrading to allow restoration of vasomotor tone and endothelial function. A recent trial reported excellent 12‐month vessel patency rates in simple infrapopliteal arterial lesions treated with Absorb BVS.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective study evaluated the use of the Absorb BVS (everolimus impregnated poly‐L‐lactic scaffold) in patients with infrapopliteal PAD with respect to safety (thrombosis and TIMI bleeding), technical success, and clinically driven target vessel failure (CD‐TVF) at 12 months.ResultsThirty‐one patients (51.6% male) with a median age of 67 years with advanced infrapopliteal disease were treated with 49 BVS in 41 vessels. The mean stenosis was 94% (80–100), with 49% of lesions being CTOs. No scaffold thrombosis or periprocedural bleeding was observed. Procedural success was achieved in all patients. Freedom from CD‐TVF was 95.1% at 12 months driven by one revascularization and one amputation. Primary patency was 96.7% at 12 months. All patients were alive at 12 months, and 96.8% of patients improved their Rutherford–Becker classification.ConclusionsAt 12 months, our study found that patients with advanced infrapopliteal PAD who were treated with Absorb BVS reported improved clinical status and a low rate of CD‐TVF.
Methanol‐to‐Olefins in a Membrane Reactor with in situ Steam Removal – The Decisive Role of Coking
Authors: Rieck genannt Best Felix , Mundstock Alexander , Dräger Gerald , Rusch Pascal , Bigall Nadja C. , Richter Hannes , Caro Jürgen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe reaction of methanol to light olefins and water (MTO) was studied in a fixed bed tubular membrane reactor using commercial SAPO‐34 catalyst. In the fixed bed reactor without membrane support, the MTO reaction collapsed after 3 h time on stream. However, if the reaction by‐product steam is in situ extracted from the reactor through a hydrophilic tubular LTA membrane, the reactor produces long‐term stable about 60 % ethene and 10 % propene. It is shown that the reason for the superior performance of the membrane‐assisted reactor is not the prevention of catalyst damage caused by steam but the influence of the water removal on the formation of different carbonaceous residues inside the SAPO‐34 cages. Catalytically beneficial methylated 1 or 2 ring aromatics have been found in a higher percentage in the MTO reaction with a water removal membrane compared to the MTO reaction without membrane support.
Cobalt‐Doped Tungsten Sulfides as Stable and Efficient Air Electrodes for Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Xu Ruizhi , Xu Zejun , Zhang Xinyang , Ling Ying , Li Min , Yang Zehui 
Published: October 2019

AbstractStable and efficient air electrode are significantly important for the industrial applications of rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). In this work, we introduce approximately 1 at % cobalt to tungsten sulfides nanosheets (Co−WS2) to create a bifunctional electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A boosted ORR activity with half‐wave potential of 840 mV vs. RHE is achieved for Co−WS2 compared to that of WS2 (776 mV vs. RHE). Meanwhile, the overpotential for delivering 10 mA cm−2 in OER catalysis is decreased from 492 to 303 mV after doping with Co atoms. The excellent ORR and OER activities are ascribed to the presence of Co2+ and Co3+ species in Co−WS2, enabling OOH* intermediate formation and strong binding ability to O2, respectively. The assembled liquid rechargeable ZAB from Co−WS2 exhibits a threefold higher power density than commercial Pt/C−IrO2; moreover, a stable discharge‐charge performance (100 cycles) is recorded. Finally, the fabricated all‐solid‐sate ZAB exhibits a reasonably high power density of 58 mW cm−2 and good stability, implying the potential application of Co−WS2 as an air electrode for rechargeable ZABs.
Opportunities and Challenges of Magnetic Seeded Filtration in Multidimensional Fractionation
Authors: Rhein Frank , Schmid Eric , Esquivel Frederik Blase , Nirschl Hermann 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study examines the general applicability of magnetic seeded filtration (MFS) for the fractionation of complex particulate systems by multiple particle features. Experimental studies on a laboratory scale showed that especially the electrostatic interactions govern the separation process. Furthermore, a clear size dependency could be shown, as the separation efficiency decreases with increasing size of target particles. Since MSF is both surface‐ and size‐dependent, it is generally applicable in a multidimensional fractionation. Finally, the challenges to be overcome are addressed as well.
Abdominal vagotomy reveals majority of small intestinal mucosal afferents labeled in nav1.8cre‐rosa26tdTomato mice are vagal in origin
Authors: Serlin Hannah K. , Fox Edward A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractVagal afferents innervating the small intestinal mucosa regulate feeding, gastrointestinal (GI) digestive, and immune functions. Their anatomical‐functional characterization has been impeded by the inability to selectively label and manipulate them. Nav1.8‐Cre‐tdTomato mice label 80% of nodose and dorsal root ganglia neurons. Here, the origin of these neuron's terminals and their distribution in the small intestinal mucosa were examined by quantitatively comparing tdTomato‐labeled innervation in nonoperated (control), subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (VAGX), and sham‐operated mice. Control mice exhibited a large proximal‐to‐distal decrease and a moderate mesentery‐to‐antimesentery decrease in villus innervation. VAGX reduced this innervation to a greater degree proximally (91–93%) than distally (65–72%), resulting in flat proximal‐distal distributions. Therefore, estimates of vagal villus afferent distributions (control minus VAGX) paralleled control distributions, but were slightly reduced in magnitude. Compared with villus afferents, crypt innervation exhibited a muted proximal‐to‐distal decrease in control mice and a smaller loss after VAGX (45–48%). Sham‐operated mice exhibited similar distributions of villus and crypt afferents as control mice, suggesting surgery did not contribute to the effects of VAGX. Most crypt and villus afferent terminals along the entire proximal‐distal small intestinal axis had similar morphology to those previously reported in the proximal duodenum, but the density of terminal branches varied. Our findings suggest the majority of small intestinal mucosal innervation labeled in Nav1.8‐Cre‐tdTomato mice is vagal in origin. Therefore, these mice will be valuable for studying vagal mucosal afferent morphology, interactions with other GI elements, plasticity, and function.
Refinement of the dopaminergic system of anuran amphibians based on connectivity with habenula, basal ganglia, limbic system, pallium, and spinal cord
Authors: Freudenmacher Lars , Schauer Maria , Walkowiak Wolfgang , von Twickel Arndt 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWhereas our understanding of the dopaminergic system in mammals allows for a distinction between ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), no clear evidence for separate structures in anamniotes has been presented to date. To broaden the insight into the organization and regulation of neuromodulatory systems in anuran amphibians, tracing and immunohistochemical investigations were performed in the Oriental fire‐bellied toad, Bombina orientalis. Topographically organized catecholaminergic “nigrostriatal,” “mesolimbic,” “mesocortical,” and spinal cord projections arising from the posterior tubercle and mesencephalic tegmentum were identified. We compared these results with published data from lampreys, chondrichthyes, teleosts, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Based on the pattern of organization, as well as the differential innervation by the habenular nuclei, domains gradually comparable to the mammalian paranigral VTA, ventral tier of the SNc, interfascicular nucleus of the VTA, and supramamillary/retromamillary area were identified. Additionally, we could demonstrate topographic separate populations of habenula neurons projecting via a direct excitatory or indirect GABAergic pathway onto the catecholaminergic VTA/SNc homologs and serotonergic raphe nuclei. The indirect GABAergic habenula pathway derives from neurons in the superficial mamillary area, which in terms of its connectivity and chemoarchitecture resembles the mammalian rostromedial tegmental nucleus. These results demonstrate a much more elaborate interconnection principle of the anuran dopaminergic system than previously assumed. Based on the data presented it seems that most features of the dopaminergic system of amniotes had already evolved when the amphibian line of evolution diverged from that leading up to mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Parameter estimation to study the immediate impact of aortic cross‐clamping using reduced order models
Authors: Ventre Jeanne , Politi M. Teresa , Fernández Juan M. , Ghigo Arthur R. , Gaudric Julien , Wray Sandra A. , Lagaert Jean‐Baptiste , Armentano Ricardo , Capurro Claudia , Fullana José Maria , Lagrée Pierre‐Yves 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAortic cross‐clamping is a common strategy during vascular surgery, however, its instantaneous impact on hemodynamics is unknown. We, therefore, developed two numerical models to estimate the immediate impact of aortic clamping on the vascular properties. To assess the validity of the models, we recorded continuous invasive pressure signals during abdominal aneurysm repair surgery, immediately before and after clamping. The first model is a zero‐dimensional (0D) three‐element Windkessel model, which we coupled to a gradient‐based parameter estimation algorithm to identify patient‐specific parameters such as vascular resistance and compliance. We found a 10% increase in the total resistance and a 20% decrease in the total compliance after clamping. The second model is a nine‐artery network corresponding to an average human body in which we solved the one‐dimensional (1D) blood flow equations. With a similar parameter estimation method and using the results from the 0D model, we identified the resistance boundary conditions of the 1D network. Determining the patient‐specific total resistance and the distribution of peripheral resistances through the parameter estimation process was sufficient for the 1D model to accurately reproduce the impact of clamping on the pressure waveform. Both models gave an accurate description of the pressure wave and had a high correlation (R2 > .95) with experimental blood pressure data.
Assessment of DNA Susceptibility to Denaturation as a Marker of Chromatin Structure
Authors: Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew , Halicka Dorota H. , Zhao Hong , Li Jiangwei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe susceptibility of DNA in situ to denaturation is modulated by its interactions with histone and nonhistone proteins, as well as with other chromatin components related to the maintenance of the 3D nuclear structure. Measurement of DNA proclivity to denature by cytometry provides insight into chromatin structure and thus can be used to recognize cells in different phases of the cell cycle, including mitosis, quiescence (G0), and apoptosis, as well as to identify the effects of drugs that modify chromatin structure. Particularly useful is the method's ability to detect chromatin changes in sperm cells related to DNA fragmentation and infertility. This article presents a flow cytometric procedure for assessing DNA denaturation based on application of the metachromatic property of acridine orange (AO) to differentially stain single‐ versus double‐stranded DNA. This approach circumvents limitations of biochemical methods of examining DNA denaturation, in particular the fact that the latter destroy higher orders of chromatin structure and that, being applied to bulk cell populations, they cannot detect heterogeneity of individual cells. Because the metachromatic properties of AO have also found application in other cytometric procedures, such as differential staining of RNA versus DNA and assessment of lysosomal proton pump including autophagy, to avert confusion between these approaches and the use of this dye in the DNA denaturation assay, these AO applications are briefly outlined in this unit as well. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Basic Protocol: Differential staining of single‐ versus double‐stranded DNA with acridine orange
1,2,5‐Oxadiazole‐Based High‐Energy‐Density Materials: Synthesis and Performance
Authors: Fershtat Leonid L. , Makhova Nina N. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis Review covers the synthesis and performance of the most promising 1,2,5‐oxadiazole‐based high‐energy density materials (HEDMs). These materials comprise a 1,2,5‐oxadiazole subunit as a key structural motif linked to various acyclic explosophoric groups or to nitrogen‐rich and nitrogen‐oxygen azoles: 1,2,4‐triazole, tetrazole, 1,2,4‐ and 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles. Energetic alliances of two and more 1,2,5‐oxadiazole rings linked directly or through heteroatom spacers are also presented. Particular attention is devoted to the installation of different explosophores: nitro, nitramino, azo, azoxy, dinitromethyl, trinitroethyl moieties and their combination. Promising environmentally benign energetic materials with high detonation velocity and pressure, and outstanding insensitivity are summarized. Overall, the presented materials may be considered as next‐generation high‐performance energetic materials that are superior to commonly used traditional explosives (TNT, PETN, RDX, HMX).
The Future of Microbiome‐Based Therapeutics in Clinical Applications
Authors: Sharma Anukriti , Das Promi , Buschmann Mary , Gilbert Jack A. 
Published: October 2019

The microbiome, a collection of microorganisms, their genomes, and the surrounding environmental conditions, is akin to a human organ, and knowledge is emerging on its role in human health and diseases. The influence of the microbiome in drug response has only been investigated in detail for the last 10 years. The human microbiome is a complex and highly dynamic system, which varies dramatically between individuals, yet there exists a common core microbiome that is heritable and can be transmitted to progeny. Here, we review the role of the human microbiome, which is now widely accepted as a major factor that drives the interpersonal variation in therapeutic response. We describe examples in which the microbiome modifies drug action. Despite its complexity, the microbiome can be readily altered, with the potential to increase the benefits and reduce the toxicity and side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs. The potential of new microbiome‐based strategies, such as fecal microbiota transplant, probiotics, and phage therapy, as promising medical therapeutics are outlined. We also suggest a combination reductionist and system‐level approaches that could be applied to further investigate the role of microbiota in drug metabolism modulation of drug response. Finally, we emphasize the importance of combining microbiome and pharmacology studies as a novel means to treat disease and reduce side effects.
Qualitative perceptions of and preferences for the research process among patients with eating disorders
Authors: Ortiz Shelby N. , Espel‐Huynh Hallie M. , Felonis Christina , Scharff Adela 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveLow participation and retention rates are persistent problems in eating disorder (ED) research. In order to improve the research process, this study used a qualitative approach to examine factors promoting and limiting research study participation among patients with EDs, and their preferences during research.MethodFive 90‐min focus groups were conducted with adult women (N = 29) enrolled at a residential ED treatment facility. Facilitators asked a series of open‐ended questions about participants' experiences, opinions, and preferences with regard to ED treatment research. Transcript analysis identified themes using a consensual qualitative research approach.ResultsIt was revealed that preventing others' suffering, improving ED treatment, and having low participant burden were major themes facilitating research participation. Major barriers to research participation included concern that research interferes with self‐care/recovery, burdensome nature of study design, and demeanor of the researchers/institutions involved with the study. Patients believed that the format of research assessments could be improved by better assessing the nuances of ED behaviors, examining non‐ED outcomes, and including more open‐ended questions. Patients anticipated that challenges in recovery, feelings of guilt, and logistical barriers could interfere with their ability to complete follow‐up research assessments.DiscussionFactors related to the recruitment process, assessment format, follow‐up methods, and communication throughout the research process may need to be addressed to increase participation and retention rates. Findings indicate that recruitment strategies should include emphasizing the broader impact of the research and increasing sensitivity to the nature of patients with EDs experiences.