bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bile salt (glycochenodeoxycholate acid) induces cell survival and chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chengzhi , Yang Manyi , Zhao Jinfeng , Li Xia , Xiao Xiangcheng , Zhang Yang , Jin Xin , Liao Mingmei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveGlycochenodeoxycholate acid (GCDA) is a toxic component in bile salts. It plays an important role in the development and progression of liver cancer. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of GCDA in hepatocarcinogenesis and chemotherapy resistance.Materials and MethodsCell proliferation was measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and clonality by Ki‐67 and colony‐formation assay. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis were used to measure messenger RNA and protein levels, respectively. Short hairpin RNA was used to silence signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) expression.ResultsBile salts (GCDA) promoted the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (HepG2 and QGY‐7703), and GCDA treatment reduced the chemosensitivity of 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) in HepG2 and QGY‐7703 cells. GCDA upregulated the expression of antiapoptosis proteins Mcl‐1/Survivin/Bcl‐2. GCDA had no discernible effect on basal protein level or subcellular localization of phosphorylated Stat3. 5FU increased the apoptosis of HepG2 cells with silenced Stat3 expression, but GCDA‐induced chemoresistance was not reversed.ConclusionsGCDA‐reduced HCC cell chemosensitivity may occur by upregulating antiapoptosis proteins Mcl‐1/Survivin/Bcl‐2. Stat3 may be a target for enhancing the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, but GCDA‐induced chemoresistance is independent of Stat3.
Relationship between serum high sensitivity C‐reactive protein with angiographic severity of coronary artery disease and traditional cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Tajfard Mohammad , Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Avan Amir , Latiff Latiffah A. , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Moohebati Mohsen , Hasanzadeh Mehdi , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Esmaeily Habibollah , Doosti Hassan , Taghipour Ali , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon A. , Emamian Marzie , Bin Abd Mutalib Mohd Sokhini 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSerum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is predictive of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to examine the possible association of hs‐CRP with presence and severity of CAD and traditional CAD risk factors. This case‐control study was carried out on 2,346 individuals from September 2011 to May 2013. Of these 1,187 had evidence of coronary disease, and were subject to coronary angiography, and the remainder were healthy controls (n = 1,159). Characteristics were determined using standard laboratory techniques and serum Hs‐CRP levels were estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, and severity of CAD was assessed according to the score of obstruction in coronary artery. Serum hs‐CRP levels were higher in those with severe coronary disease, who had stenosis ≥ 50% stenosis of at least one coronary artery (all p < 0.001 vs. individuals in healthy control), and correlated significantly with the score for coronary artery disease (all p < 0.01). After adjustment for conventional risk factors, regression analysis revealed that smoking habits, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, hs‐CRP, blood pressure, anxiety, dietary intake of vitamin E, and cholesterol remained as independent determinants for angiographic severity of CAD. The area under the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve for serum hs‐CRP was 0.869 (CI 95% 0.721–0.872, p < 0.001). The optimal values for the cut‐off point was a serum hs‐CRP of 2.78 mg/l (sensitivity 80.20%, specificity 85%) to predict severity of CAD. Increased serum hs‐CRP levels are significantly associated with angiographic severity of CAD, suggesting its value as a biomarkers for predicting CAD.
TBX21-1993T/C polymorphism association with Th1 and Th17 response at periapex and with periapical lesions development risk
Authors: Colavite Priscila Maria , Cavalla Franco , Garlet Thiago Pompermaier , Azevedo Michelle de Campos Soriani , Melchiades Jessica Lima , Campanelli Ana Paula , Letra Ariadne , Trombone Ana Paula Favaro , Silva Renato Menezes , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
TBX21-1993T/C (rs4794067) polymorphism increases the transcriptional activity of the Tbx21, essential for interferon gamma (IFNg) transcription, but its functional impact on development Th1- response in vivo remains unclear, as well its potential influence over inflammatory osteolytic conditions, such as periapical lesions. Therefore, this study comprises a case-control and functional investigation of Tbx21 genetic variations impact on Th1 response in vivo and in vitro, and its impact on periapical lesions risk and outcome, performed with a population of healthy controls (H; N = 283) and patients presenting periapical lesions (L; N = 188) or deep caries (DC; N = 152). TBX21-1993T/C genotyping demonstrated that the polymorphic allele C, as well TC/TC+CC genotypes, was significantly less frequent in the L patients compared to H and DC groups. Additionally, gene expression analysis demonstrates that T-cell-specific T-box transcription factor (Tbet) and IFNg transcripts levels were downregulated whereas IL-17 levels were upregulated in the TBX21-1993 C carriers (TC/TC+CC) in comparison with the TT group. Also, while TT and TC+CC genotypes are equally prevalent in the lesions presenting low IFN/IL17 ratio, a significant decrease in polymorphic TC+CC genotypes was observed in lesions presenting intermediate and high IFN/IL17 ratio. In vitro experiments confirmed the predisposition to Th1 polarization associated with TBX21-1993, since PBMC CD4 T cells from T allele carriers produce higher IFNg levels upon CD3/CD28 stimulation than the C group, in both standard/neutral and Th1-polarizing culture conditions. In conclusion, the TBX21-1993 T allele and TC/CC genotypes predispose to Th1-type immune response development in vitro, influence immune response polarization in vivo, and consequently account for the risk for apical periodontitis development.
Early assessment of lateralization and sex influences on the microstructure of the white matter corticospinal tract in healthy term neonates
Authors: Saadani‐Makki Fadoua , Hagmann Cornelia , Balédent Olivier , Makki Malek I. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe assessed the sex and the lateralization differences in the corticospinal tract (CST) during the early postnatal period. Twenty‐five healthy term neonates (13 girls, aged 39.2 ± 1.2 weeks, and 12 boys aged 38.6 ± 3.0 weeks) underwent Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Fiber tracking was performed to extract bilaterally the CST pathways and to quantify the parallel (E1) and perpendicular (E23) diffusions, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and fractional anisotropy (FA). The measurements were performed on the entire CST fibers and on four segments: base of the pons (CST‐Po), cerebral peduncles (CST‐CP), posterior limb of the internal capsule (CST‐PLIC), and corona‐radiata (CST‐CR). Significantly higher E1, lower E23, and higher FA in the right compared to the left were noted in the CST‐PLIC of the girls. Significantly lower E23 and lower ADC with higher FA in the right compared to left were observed in the CST‐CP of the boys. Moreover, the CST‐PLIC of the boys had significantly higher E1 in the right compared to the left. There was a significant increase in left CST E1 of boys when compared with girls. Girls had a significantly lower E1, lower E23 and, lower ADC in the left CST‐CP compared with boys. In addition, girls had a significantly lower E23 and higher FA in the right CST‐PLIC compared with boys. Sex differences and lateralization in structure‐based segments of the CST were found in healthy term infants during early postnatal period. These findings are vital to understanding motor development of healthy term born neonates to better interpret newborn infants with abnormal neurodevelopment.
Seeing the Unseen: Evaluating Testicular Vascularity in Neonates by Using the Superb Microvascular Imaging Ultrasound Technique
Authors: Ayaz Ercan , Ayaz Muzaffer , Önal Canver , Yıkılmaz Ali 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate testicular vascularity in neonates by using the novel Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) ultrasound (US) technique and to compare this technique to conventional Doppler US techniques.MethodsA total of 140 healthy neonates between 2 and 60 days old who were admitted for routine screening were included in the study. However, in 9 cases, the Doppler study could not be completed. In the remaining 131 cases, color Doppler imaging (CDI), power Doppler imaging (PDI), Advanced Dynamic Flow (ADF; Toshiba Medical Systems), and monochrome SMI (mSMI) techniques were performed on a single representative testicle. Real‐time cine images were captured for 5 to 10 seconds for each technique by using a high‐frequency (7.2–14‐MHz) linear transducer. The images were evaluated by 3 observers using a grading system to quantify the degree of vascularity and artifact interference.ResultsA total of 131 testicles (74 right and 57 left) were evaluated, and vascularity was shown in 110 (84%) testicles with CDI, 109 (83%) with PDI, 94 (72%) with ADF, and 128 (98%) with mSMI by the consensus of all observers. The Doppler techniques were ranked from highest to lowest in the following order based on the degree of vascularity detected: mSMI > PDI > CDI > ADF (P < .001). Based on the presence of artifacts, the Doppler techniques were ranked as follows from high to low: ADF > CDI > PDI > mSMI (P < .001).ConclusionsSuperb Microvascular Imaging is a promising US technique that appears to detect testis vascularity better than conventional Doppler US techniques; however, further research is needed to support the results of this study.
Transoral rigid 70‐degree laryngoscopy in a pediatric voice clinic
Authors: Ongkasuwan Julina , Devore Danielle , Hollas Sarah , Yan Jennifer 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveComplaints of dysphonia and dysphagia frequently require rigid or flexible laryngoscopy in the office to aid in diagnosis. For young children, flexible laryngoscopy can be uncomfortable and often requires multiple adults to restrain the child. Rigid laryngoscopy does not result in crying but does require patient cooperation; thus, it is used primarily in adults. This project describes our experience using rigid laryngoscopy in a pediatric cohort.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of patients at a pediatric voice clinic who underwent laryngoscopy from December 2011 through March 2017. Data analysis is via Student t test and descriptive analysis.ResultsThree hundred and eleven patients were identified with 423 unique laryngoscopy exams. Of those, 212 of the exams were flexible and 210 were rigid. One patient did not tolerate either rigid or flexible exam. There was a statistically significant difference in age between children diagnosed via rigid mean 10.92 years (range 2.39–19.14 years) versus flexible mean 6.51 years (range 0.41–19.29 years), P ≤ 0.01. Of the 44 children under 3 years of age, flexible laryngoscopy was used almost exclusively, with 43 of 44 (97.7%) flexible scope exams. Rigid laryngoscopy was performed on 24 of 115 (20.9%) children aged 3 to 5 years, 26 of 40 (65%) aged 6 years, and 159 of 223 (71.3%) aged 7 and older.ConclusionTransoral 70o rigid laryngoscopy can be used in select children as young as 3 years of age. This modality allows for improved visualization of lesions with greater comfort for patients.Laryngoscope, 129:1657–1659, 2019
How Much Blood Could a JP Suck If a JP Could Suck Blood?
Authors: Mamuyac Erin M. , Pappa Andrew K. , Thorp Brian D. , Ebert Charles S. , Senior Brent A. , Zanation Adam M. , Lin Feng‐Chang , Kimple Adam J. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveActive surgical drains minimize fluid accumulation in the postoperative period. The Jackson‐Pratt (JP) system consists of a silicone drain connected by flexible tubing to a bulb. When air in the bulb is evacuated, negative pressure is applied at the surgical site to aspirate fluid. The objective of this study was to determine if the evacuation method and volume of accumulated fluid affect the pressure generated by the bulb.MethodsBulbs were connected to a digital manometer under various experimental conditions. A random number generator determined the initial evacuation method for each bulb, either side‐in or bottom‐up. Subsequent evacuations were alternated until data was collected in triplicate for each method. Predetermined amounts of water were placed into the bulb; air was evacuated; and pressure was recorded. The digital manometer was allowed to equilibrate for 1 minute prior to data acquisition.ResultsThe average amount of pressure after a side‐in evacuation of a JP bulb was 87.4 cm H2O compared to 17.7 cm H2O for a bottom‐up evacuation (P < 0.0001). When the drain contained 25 mL, 50 mL, 75 mL, and 100 mL of fluid, the pressure applied dropped to 72.6, 41.3, 37.0, and 35.6 cm H2O, respectively.ConclusionsJP drains generate negative pressure in order to reduce fluid accumulation at surgical sites. Although its function is frequently taken for granted, this study demonstrates that both the specific method for evacuating the bulb as well as the amount of fluid in the bulb significantly affect the performance of this device.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1806–1809, 2019
Fabrication of Kidney Proximal Tubule Grafts Using Biofunctionalized Electrospun Polymer Scaffolds
Authors: Jansen Katja , Castilho Miguel , Aarts Sanne , Kaminski Michael M. , Lienkamp Soeren S. , Pichler Roman , Malda Jos , Vermonden Tina , Jansen Jitske , Masereeuw Rosalinde 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of end‐stage renal disease and persistent shortage of donor organs call for alternative therapies for kidney patients. Dialysis remains an inferior treatment as clearance of large and protein‐bound waste products depends on active tubular secretion. Biofabricated tissues could make a valuable contribution, but kidneys are highly intricate and multifunctional organs. Depending on the therapeutic objective, suitable cell sources and scaffolds must be selected. This study provides a proof‐of‐concept for stand‐alone kidney tubule grafts with suitable mechanical properties for future implantation purposes. Porous tubular nanofiber scaffolds are fabricated by electrospinning 12%, 16%, and 20% poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) v/w (chloroform and dimethylformamide, 1:3) around 0.7 mm needle templates. The resulting scaffolds consist of 92%, 69%, and 54% nanofibers compared to microfibers, respectively. After biofunctionalization with L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine and collagen IV, 10 × 106 proximal tubule cells per mL are injected and cultured until experimental readout. A human‐derived cell model can bridge all fiber‐to‐fiber distances to form a monolayer, whereas small‐sized murine cells form monolayers on dense nanofiber meshes only. Fabricated constructs remain viable for at least 3 weeks and maintain functionality as shown by inhibitor‐sensitive transport activity, which suggests clearance capacity for both negatively and positively charged solutes.
Metabolic Profiling of High Egg Consumption and the Associated Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Middle‐Aged Finnish Men
Authors: Noerman Stefania , Kärkkäinen Olli , Mattsson Anton , Paananen Jussi , Lehtonen Marko , Nurmi Tarja , Tuomainen Tomi‐Pekka , Voutilainen Sari , Hanhineva Kati , Virtanen Jyrki K 
Published: December 2018

ScopeHigher egg intake was previously associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the prospective, population‐based Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD) in eastern Finland. Potential compounds that can explain this association are explored using nontargeted LC‐MS‐based metabolic profiling.Methods and resultsTwo hundred and thirty‐nine baseline serum samples from the KIHD are analyzed in four groups: subjects with higher (mean intake one egg per day) or lower (mean intake two eggs per week) egg intake who developed T2D (cases) or remained heatlhy (controls) during the mean follow‐up of 19.3 years. Different serum profiles of subjects who had either higher or lower egg intakes, and of those who developed type 2 diabetes or remained healthy, are observed. The higher baseline tyrosine level predicts higher odds of T2D (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.45, 2.60; p < 0.001; FDR 0.023) along with an unknown hexose‐containing compound (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.57, 2.88; p < 0.001; FDR 0.005). Certain predominant metabolites in T2D cases are correlated positively with ones in the lower‐egg‐intake group and negatively with ones in the higher‐egg‐intake group.ConclusionOur current findings may underline some potential metabolites that can explain how egg intake is associated with a lower risk of T2D.
A general design for multi‐output ports planar Wilkinson power divider
Authors: Ali Ammar H. , Hameed Khalid W. , Ali Nazar T. , Bakr Mustafa S. , Abd‐Alhameed Raed A. , McEwan Nail J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA general design for a microstrip‐fed multi‐output port planar Wilkinson power divider is proposed, designed and fabricated for industrial, scientific and medical radio band applications. The realized design operates in a wideband frequency range from 1.77 to 2.88 GHz with a low insertion loss imbalance below 0.01 dB at 2.4 GHz. The power divider adopts a 2‐layered structure and microstrip feeding, thus solving the isolation resistor interconnection crossover problem for dividers with more than 2 output ports. A 1‐section quarter wave transformer is employed on the upper layer and the second layer is used to interconnect isolation resistors between the output ports. Two different permittivity substrates are chosen to simplify the designed structure. A prototype of a 1‐5 ports power divider has been selected as a design example and fabricated. The measured scattering parameters agree well with simulation, which validates the design.
Bayesian modeling of abandonments in ticket queues
Authors: Kuzu Kaan , Soyer Refik 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTicket queues (TQs) issue tickets to customers upon arrival, and are often used in the public and private sectors. Abandonment data collected by TQs is interval censored, which makes predicting customer abandonments a challenging problem. In this paper, we build a Bayesian framework for predicting abandonment counts in TQs to assist managers in workforce planning. In doing so, we propose parametric and semiparametric modulated Poisson process models and develop their Bayesian analyses using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We implement our models using actual abandonment data from a bank's TQ, and illustrate how we can provide managerial insights related to abandonment counts and server allocation policies.
Reliability evaluation and opportunistic maintenance policy based on a novel delay time model
Authors: Zhang Jianjie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe delay time concept is widely adopted in literature to model the two‐stage failure process of most industrial systems which can be divided into normal stage (from new to an initial point of a defect) and defective stage (from defect arrival point to failure). Most existing delay time models assume that the normal and defective stages are independent. A generalized delay time model is proposed in this paper by considering the dependence between the normal and defective stages which is reflected in the fact that they share the same external shock process. According to the definition of shot‐noise process, external shocks will incur random hazard rate increments in the two stages. The failure state is self‐announcing, whereas the defective state can only be detected by block‐based inspection or opportunistic inspection offered by unexpected shutdown due to unavoidable external factors. The system is correctively replaced upon the occurrence of a system failure or preventively replaced at the detection of a defective state. Based on the stochastic failure model and maintenance policy, this paper evaluates system reliability performance and average long‐run cost rate via a Markov‐chain based approach. Finally, a case study on a steel convertor plant is given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model.
Responsive Upconversion Nanoprobe for Background‐Free Hypochlorous Acid Detection and Bioimaging
Authors: Zhang Run , Liang Liuen , Meng Qingtao , Zhao Jiangbo , Ta Hang T. , Li Li , Zhang Zhiqiang , Sultanbawa Yasmina , Xu Zhi Ping 
Published: December 2018

AbstractResponsive nanoprobes play an important role in bioassay and bioimaging, early diagnosis of diseases and treatment monitoring. Herein, a upconversional nanoparticle (UCNP)‐based nanoprobe, Ru@UCNPs, for specific sensing and imaging of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is reported. This Ru@UCNP nanoprobe consists of two functional components,, i.e., NaYF4:Yb, Tm UCNPs that can convert near infrared light‐to‐visible light as the energy donor, and a HOCl‐responsive ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(bpy)2(DNCH‐bpy)](PF6)2 (Ru‐DNPH) as the energy acceptor and also the upconversion luminescence (UCL) quencher. Within this luminescence resonance energy transfer nanoprobe system, the UCL OFF–ON emission is triggered specifically by HOCl. This triggering reaction enables the detection of HOCl in aqueous solution and biological systems. As an example of applications, the Ru@UCNPs nanoprobe is loaded onto test papers for semiquantitative HOCl detection without any interference from the background fluorescence. The application of Ru@UCNPs for background‐free detection and visualization of HOCl in cells and mice is successfully demonstrated. This research has thus shown that Ru@UCNPs is a selective HOCl‐responsive nanoprobe, providing a new way to detect HOCl and a new strategy to develop novel nanoprobes for in situ detection of various biomarkers in cells and early disgnosis of animal diseases.
Well‐Defined Metal Nanoparticles@Covalent Organic Framework Yolk–Shell Nanocages by ZIF‐8 Template as Catalytic Nanoreactors
Authors: Cui Kaixun , Zhong Wanfu , Li Lingyun , Zhuang Zanyong , Li Liuyi , Bi Jinhong , Yu Yan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractYolk–shell nanoreactors have received considerable interest for use in catalysis. However, the controlled synthesis of continuous crystalline shells without imperfections or cracks remains challenging. Here, a strategy for the synthesis of yolk–shell metal nanoparticles@covalent organic framework (MNPs@COF) nanoreactors by using MNPs@ZIF‐8 core–shell nanostructures as a self‐template is designed and developed. The COF shell is formed through an amorphous‐to‐crystalline transformation process of a polyimine shell in a mildly acidic solution, while the ZIF‐8 is etched in situ, generating a void space between the MNPs core and the COF shell. With the protection of the COF shell, multiple ligand‐free MNPs are confined inside of the hollow nanocages. Importantly, the synthetic strategy can be generalized to engineer the functions and properties of the designed yolk–shell nanocages by varying the structure of the COF shell and/or the composition of the core MNPs. Representative Pd@H‐TpPa yolk–shell nanocages with active Pd NP cores and permeable TpPa shells exhibit high catalytic activity and stability in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol by NaBH4 at room temperature.