bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles labeled endothelial progenitor cells alleviate ischemic myocardial injury and improve long‐term cardiac function with magnetic field guidance in rats with myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Bo‐fang , Jiang Hong , Chen Jing , Hu Qi , Yang Shuo , Liu Xiao‐pei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLow retention of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the infarct area has been suggested to be responsible for the poor clinical efficacy of EPC therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to evaluate whether magnetized EPCs guided through an external magnetic field could augment the aggregation of EPCs in an ischemia area, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. EPCs from male rats were isolated and labeled with silica‐coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to form magnetized EPCs. Then, the proliferation, migration, vascularization, and cytophenotypic markers of magnetized EPCs were analyzed. Afterward, the magnetized EPCs (1 × 106) were transplanted into a female rat model of MI via the tail vein at 7 days after MI with or without the guidance of an external magnet above the infarct area. Cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, and the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were observed at 4 weeks after treatment. In addition, EPC retention and the angiogenesis of ischemic myocardium were evaluated. Labeling with magnetic nanoparticles exhibited minimal influence to the biological functions of EPCs. The transplantation of magnetized EPCs guided by an external magnet significantly improved the cardiac function, decreased infarction size, and reduced myocardial apoptosis in MI rats. Moreover, enhanced aggregations of magnetized EPCs in the infarcted border zone were observed in rats with external magnet‐guided transplantation, accompanied by the significantly increased density of microvessels and upregulated the expression of proangiogenic factors, when compared with non‐external‐magnet‐guided rats. The magnetic field‐guided transplantation of magnetized EPCs was associated with the enhanced aggregation of EPCs in the infarcted border zone, thereby improving the therapeutic efficacy of MI.
Overexpressed long noncoding RNA CPS1‐IT alleviates pulmonary arterial hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea by reducing interleukin‐1β expression via HIF1 transcriptional activity
Authors: Zhang Zeming , Li Zheng , Wang Yancun , Wei Li , Chen Hao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling of the precapillary pulmonary arteries, with excessive proliferation of vascular cells. This study was performed to examine the effects of long noncoding RNA CPS1 intronic transcript 1 (CPS1‐IT) on PAH in rat models of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) through regulating interleukin (IL)‐1β expression. The OSA models were induced in rats, for determination of the CPS1‐IT expression. The binding of CPS1‐IT and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1) was verified. To analyze the effects of CPS1‐IT on PAH, the overexpression vector of CPS1‐IT and HIF1, shRNA against IL‐1β and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, inhibitor of the NF‐κB signaling pathway) were injected into rat models, respectively. The blood pressure and activity of biochemical indicators including nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxide (LPO) were assessed. The expression of IL‐1β, HIF1, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and fibronectin (FN) was determined. The relationship of CPS1‐IT to IL‐1β and NF‐κB was evaluated. CPS1‐IT was downregulated in the OSA rat model. Overexpressed CPS1‐IT increased the activity of NO, NOS, and SOD as well as α‐SMA expression, whereas decreasing LPO activity and expression of PCNA and FN, whereby PAH was suppressed. Notably, overexpressed CPS1‐IT reduced IL‐1β expression through NF‐κB signaling pathway via inhibiting the HIF1 transcriptional activity, suggesting a mechanism affecting PAH. To conclude, overexpressed CPS1‐IT alleviated PAH in OSA by reducing IL‐1β expression, the mechanism of which was involved with inhibited HIF1 transcriptional activity and the NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Combinatorial effects of radiofrequency hyperthermia and radiotherapy in the presence of magneto‐plasmonic nanoparticles on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Hadi Fahimeh , Tavakkol Shima , Laurent Sophie , Pirhajati Vahid , Mahdavi Seied Rabi , Neshastehriz Ali , Shakeri‐Zadeh Ali 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHere, the effects of combinatorial cancer therapy including radiotherapy (RT) and radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia in the presence of gold‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Au@IONPs), as a thermo‐radio‐sensitizer, are reported. The level of cell death and the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 genes, involved in the pathway of apoptosis, were measured to evaluate the synergistic effect of Au@IONPs‐mediated RF hyperthermia and RT. MCF‐7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells were treated with different concentrations of Au@IONPs. After incubation with NPs, the cells were exposed to RF waves (13.56 MHz; 100 W; 15 min). At the same time, thermometry was performed with an infrared (IR) camera. Then, the cells were exposed to 6 MV X‐ray at various doses of 2 and 4 Gy. MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐y1]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was performed to evaluate cell viability and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to determine the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl2. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles was confirmed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results obtained from MTT assay and qRT‐PCR studies showed that NPs and RF hyperthermia had no significant effect when applied separately, while their combination had synergistic effects on cell viability percentage and the level of apoptosis induction. A synergistic effect was also observed when the cancer cells were treated with a combination of NPs, RF hyperthermia, and RT. On the basis of the obtained results, it may be concluded that the use of magneto‐plasmonic NPs in the process of hyperthermia and RT of cancer holds a great promise to develop a new combinatorial cancer therapy strategy.
Tumor metastasis suppressor functions of Ets transcription factor through integrin β3‐mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Pal Mintu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractProstate‐derived Ets transcription factor (PDEF) is a member of the Ets transcription factor family originally identified in prostate tissue. PDEF functions like a tumor metastasis suppressor. Although the underlying mechanism is not very clear. In this study, a significantly higher expression level of integrin β3 was observed in aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) cells; PC3, that lack the expression of PDEF, was confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and the immunoblot analysis. Dual immunofluorescence studies have confirmed the lower expression of PDEF and higher expression level of integrin β3 in PCa cells compared with non‐tumorigenic prostate epithelial RWPE‐1 cells. Then, it was attempted to identify integrin β3‐mediated downstream signaling pathways that modulate actin cytoskeleton remodeling in PCa cells. Inhibition of PDEF by RNA interference (PDEFKD) in DU145 cells confirmed by transcript and western blot analysis, exhibited significantly higher expression level of integrin β3 and its downstream signaling molecules talin and paxillin, associated with promoting migration and invasion of cells. Given the involvement of integrin‐mediated invasion of cells, PDEFKD DU145 cells were treated with Echistatin, a potent integrin β3‐specific antagonist and found that the cells significantly reduced the transcript and protein expression levels of talin and paxillin; and reduced the invasion of cells. Overall, the cytoskeleton remodeling by integrin β3, modulated by PDEF, may represent a novel molecular link with cell adhesion and migration leading to the suppression of metastasis in PCa cells.
Adiponectin inhibits high glucose‐induced angiogenesis via inhibiting autophagy in RF/6A cells
Authors: Li Rong , Du Junhui , Yao Yang , Yao Guomin , Wang Xiaodi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAdiponectin, one of the adipose‐derived hormone with metabolic activity, has been reported to conversely affect angiogenesis of endothelial cells in vitro. The previous study in animal models has demonstrated that adiponectin has a protective role in retinal vascular injury following pathological stimuli. However, clinical research regarding the relationship between plasma adiponectin level and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin on high glucose‐induced retinal angiogenesis and its association with autophagy by using rhesus choroid‐retinal endothelial (RF‐6A) cells as a model. We found that cell vitality decreased and cell migration and tube formation increased in the high‐glucose group. Treatment with adiponectin or 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA, an autophagy inhibitor) increased cell viability and inhibited cell migration and tube formation. In the high‐glucose group, the protein expression of Bax and apoptosis rate of cells increased and the expression of Bcl‐2 decreased, whereas treatment with adiponectin or 3‐MA reversed these results. Autophagy was activated in the high‐glucose group to present as more LC3B fluorescent dots and higher expressions of LC3B, Atg5 proteins as well as lower expression of p62. Treatment with adiponectin or 3‐MA inhibited autophagy by promoting the expression of p‐PI3K, p‐AKT, and p‐mTOR when compared with the high‐glucose group. The results of this study suggested that adiponectin inhibits high glucose‐induced angiogenesis of RF/6A cells by inhibiting autophagy, and promotion of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway might be involved in the anti‐autophagy activities of adiponectin.
Suggested guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urea cycle disorders: First revision
Authors: Häberle Johannes , Burlina Alberto , Chakrapani Anupam , Dixon Marjorie , Karall Daniela , Lindner Martin , Mandel Hanna , Martinelli Diego , Pintos‐Morell Guillem , Santer René , Skouma Anastasia , Servais Aude , Tal Galit , Rubio Vicente , Huemer Martina , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn 2012, we published guidelines summarizing and evaluating late 2011 evidence for diagnosis and therapy of urea cycle disorders (UCDs). With 1:35 000 estimated incidence, UCDs cause hyperammonemia of neonatal (~50%) or late onset that can lead to intellectual disability or death, even while effective therapies do exist. In the 7 years that have elapsed since the first guideline was published, abundant novel information has accumulated, experience on newborn screening for some UCDs has widened, a novel hyperammonemia‐causing genetic disorder has been reported, glycerol phenylbutyrate has been introduced as a treatment, and novel promising therapeutic avenues (including gene therapy) have been opened. Several factors including the impact of the first edition of these guidelines (frequently read and quoted) may have increased awareness among health professionals and patient families. However, under‐recognition and delayed diagnosis of UCDs still appear widespread. It was therefore necessary to revise the original guidelines to ensure an up‐to‐date frame of reference for professionals and patients as well as for awareness campaigns. This was accomplished by keeping the original spirit of providing a trans‐European consensus based on robust evidence (scored with GRADE methodology), involving professionals on UCDs from nine countries in preparing this consensus. We believe this revised guideline, which has been reviewed by several societies that are involved in the management of UCDs, will have a positive impact on the outcomes of patients by establishing common standards, and spreading and harmonizing good practices. It may also promote the identification of knowledge voids to be filled by future research.
A Single Urine Sodium Measurement May Validly Estimate 24‐hour Urine Sodium Excretion in Patients With an Ileostomy
Authors: Pedersen Anne Kathrine Nissen , Rud Charlotte , Wilkens Trine Levring , Borre Mette , Andersen Jens Rikardt , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Hvas Christian Lodberg 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundSodium deficiency in patients with an ileostomy is associated with chronic dehydration and may be difficult to detect. We aimed to investigate if the sodium concentration in a single spot urine sample may be used as a proxy for 24‐hour urine sodium excretion.MethodsIn a prospective observational study with 8 patients with an ileostomy and 8 volunteers with intact intestines, we investigated the correlations and agreements between spot urine sodium concentrations and 24‐hour urine sodium excretions. Spot urine samples were drawn from every micturition during 24 hours, and relevant blood samples were drawn. All participants documented their food and fluid intakes.ResultsThere was a high and statistically significant correlation between 24‐hour natriuresis and urine sodium concentrations in both morning spot samples (n = 8, Spearman's rho [ρ] = 0.78, P = 0.03) and midday spot samples (n = 8, ρ = 0.82, P = 0.02) in the patients with an ileostomy. The agreement between methods was fair (bias = −1.5, limits of agreement = −32.3 to 29.4). There were no statistically significant associations for evening samples or for samples from volunteers with intact intestines independently of time of day.ConclusionA single spot urine sodium sample obtained in the morning or midday may estimate 24‐hour urine sodium excretion in patients with an ileostomy and thus help to identify sodium depletion.
Validity and reliability of the reflux symptom score
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Bobin Francois , Muls Vinciane , Thill Marie‐Paule , Horoi Mihaela , Ostermann Katharina , Huet Kathy , Harmegnies Bernard , Dequanter Didier , Dapri Giovanni , Maréchal Marie‐Therese , Finck Camille , Rodriguez Ruiz Alexandra , Saussez Sven 
Published: April 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo develop and validate the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS), a self‐administered patient‐reported outcome questionnaire for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).Study DesignProspective controlled study.MethodsA total of 113 patients with LPR were enrolled and treated with diet and 3 months of pantoprazole, alginate, and/or magaldrate depending on the LPR characteristics (acid, nonacid, or mixed). Eighty asymptomatic individuals completed the study. Patients and controls completed the RSS twice within a 7‐day period to assess test‐retest reliability. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's α for the RSS items in patients and controls. Validity was assessed by comparing the baseline RSS with the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Seventy‐seven patients completed the RSS at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment to assess responsiveness to change. The RSS cutoff for determining the presence and absence of LPR was examined by receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsTest‐retest reliability (rs = 0.921) and internal consistency reliability (α = 0.969) were high. RSS exhibited high external validity indicated by a significant correlation with the RSI (rs = 0.831). Internal validity was excellent based on the higher RSS in patients compared with controls (P = .001). RSS, RSI, and VHI scores significantly improved from pre‐ to posttreatment, indicating a high responsiveness to change. RSS >13 can be considered suggestive of LPR‐related symptoms. RSS was not influenced by the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, LPR subtypes, or patient characteristics.ConclusionsRSS is a self‐administered patient‐reported outcome questionnaire that demonstrates high reliability and excellent criterion‐based validity. RSS can be used in diagnosing and monitoring LPR disease.Level of Evidence3bLaryngoscope, 130:E98–E107, 2020
An adaptive large neighborhood search with path relinking for a class of vehicle‐routing problems with simultaneous pickup and delivery
Authors: Hof Julian , Schneider Michael 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe study a class of vehicle‐routing problems with simultaneous pickup and delivery (VRPSPD). In VRPSPDs, each customer may require a certain quantity of goods delivered from the depot and a quantity of goods to be picked up and returned to the depot. Besides the standard VRPSPD, we address (1) the VRPSPD with time limit (VRPSPDTL), which imposes a time limit on the routes of the transportation vehicles, (2) the VRPSPD with time windows (VRPSPDTW), which takes customer time windows into account, (3) the VRP with divisible deliveries and pickups (VRPDDP), which allows for fulfilling the delivery and pickup requests of each customer in two separate visits, (4) the previously unstudied VRP with restricted mixing of divisible deliveries and pickups (VRPRMDDP), which accounts for the difficulty of rearranging the vehicle load by additionally requiring that a certain percentage of the vehicle capacity must remain unoccupied when both types of demand are simultaneously loaded, and (5) the previously unstudied VRPDDP with time windows (VRPDDPTW). We develop a hybrid heuristic solution method which combines an adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm with a path relinking approach, called ALNS‐PR, and we demonstrate the competitiveness of our algorithm on benchmark instances proposed in the literature. Especially on VRPSPDTL, VRPSPDTW, and VRPDDP instances, our ALNS‐PR proves to be superior to the majority of comparison algorithms and is able to obtain numerous new best solutions.
Abdominal Fat in Individuals with Overweight Reduced by Consumption of a 1975 Japanese Diet: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Asano Masaki , Kushida Mamoru , Yamamoto Kazushi , Tomata Yasutake , Tsuji Ichiro , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether the intake of the 1975 Japanese diet (JD) could reduce the amount of abdominal fat in people with overweight.MethodsUsing a single‐blind randomized controlled trial, the modern diet (MD) was compared with the 1975‐type JD, which is based on the MD but includes five characteristics of the 1975 JD in an enhanced form. Overweight people were randomly assigned to an MD group (n = 30) and a JD group (n = 30). The participants consumed test diets that were provided three times a day for 28 days. Body composition measurements and blood biochemical examinations were performed before and after the test diet intake, and the proportions of change were compared.ResultsThose in the JD group had significantly decreased BMI, fat mass, and levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, and C‐reactive protein (P = 0.002, 0.015, 0.014, 0.012, and 0.039, respectively) and significantly increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with those in the MD group (P = 0.020).ConclusionsThe intake of a diet with the characteristics of the 1975 JD may have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in people with overweight and reduce the onset risk of metabolism‐related disorders, such as obesity and diabetes.
Inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making process: Opportunities and threats
Authors: Abu‐Hummour Anan M. 
Published: April 2019

Increasing Jordanian women participation in decision‐making process is the most debated topic in local administration over the world, including Jordan. The objective of this study was to determine opportunities and challenges that influence the inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making bodies as perceived by local administrative personnel working in local administration. Primary data collected from (120) participants selected randomly from local bodies in Jordan analyzed by SPSS. The analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making bodies and opportunities for increasing their advancement into decision‐making positions at (α ≤ 0.05) except affirmative action variable was not statistically significant (α ≤ 0.05). The analysis also revealed a statistically significant correlation between inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making bodies and threats for blocking their access to decision‐making positions at (α ≤ 0.05). The recommendations of this study are that further analyses are required within this field. This might be so relevant to other populations in Arab countries in the Middle East and elsewhere.
A well‐slept teacher is a better teacher: A multi‐respondent experience‐sampling study on sleep, stress, and emotional transmission in the classroom
Authors: Poon Cyanea Yui‐Sum , Hui Victoria Ka‐Ying , Yuen Gigi Wing‐Chee , Kwong Vivian Wing‐Yan , Chan Christian S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present study examined the impact of sleep, stress, and negative activating emotions of high‐school teachers on their students’ affective experience, academic motivation, and in‐class satisfaction. It is hypothesized that teachers’ sleep quality and stress have a positive influence on their own nervousness and irritability. With reference to the emotional crossover theory, teachers’ nervousness and irritability are hypothesized to intensify students’ nervousness and irritability and subsequently dampen their academic motivation and in‐class satisfaction. Experience‐sampling data were collected from 17 teachers and 437 students from two local high schools in Hong Kong across a 10‐school‐day period. Multilevel path analysis results revealed that teachers’ stress was significantly associated with teachers’ nervousness and irritability. Teachers’ nervousness, rather than irritability, was subsequently associated with higher levels of nervousness and irritability among students, which, in turn, impaired their in‐class satisfaction. There was also a significant negative association between students’ irritability and their academic motivation. Results further showed that teachers’ stress arising from poor sleep quality was a significant antecedent of the teacher–student emotional crossover, subsequently affecting students’ academic motivation and in‐class satisfaction. The findings highlight the detrimental effects of teachers’ poor sleep and the resulting stress on students’ academic and affective experience. Discussion focuses on how to improve teachers’ sleep and manage their stress so as to enhance students’ in‐class emotions and academic motivation.