bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of a simplified process‐based model for estimating transpiration under water‐limited conditions
Authors: Liu Na , Buckley Thomas N. , He Xinguang , Zhang Xinping , Zhang Cicheng , Luo Zidong , Wang Hailong , Sterling Nasrin , Guan Huade 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPlant transpiration depends on environmental conditions, and soil water availability is its primary control under water deficit conditions. In this study, we improve a simplified process‐based model (hereafter “BTA”) by including soil water potential (ψsoil) to explicitly represent the dependence of plant transpiration on root‐zone moisture conditions. The improved model is denoted as the BTA‐ψ model. We assessed the performance of the BTA and BTA‐ψ models in a subtropical monsoon climate and a Mediterranean climate with different levels of water stress. The BTA model performed reasonably in estimating daily and hourly transpiration under sufficient water conditions, but it failed during dry periods. Overall, the BTA‐ψ model provided a significant improvement for estimating transpiration under a wide range of soil moisture conditions. Although both models could estimate transpiration (sap flow) at night, BTA‐ψ was superior to BTA in this regard. Species differences in the calibrated parameters of both models were consistent with leaf‐level photosynthetic measurements on each species, as expected given the physiological basis of these parameters. With a simplified representation of physiological regulation and reasonable performance across a range of soil moisture conditions, the BTA‐ψ model provides a useful alternative to purely empirical models for modelling transpiration.
Renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor with elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels: A case report
Authors: Shimizu Nobuaki , Hasumi Masaru , Hamano Tatsuya , Iijima Misa , Yoshioka Takako , Yamazaki Yuto , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionPrimitive neuroectodermal tumors are small round‐cell tumors – Ewing sarcoma family, frequently occurring in the extremities, but rarely in the kidney.Case presentationA 58‐year‐old woman presented with whole‐body edema and weakness of lower limb muscles. Computed tomography revealed a left renal tumor, and the plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone level was elevated. The tumor was surgically removed without complications, her plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone reverted to normal levels, and symptoms disappeared after surgery. Histopathological examination revealed a primitive neuroectodermal tumor arising in her kidney. The patient was alive without metastasis 3 years after the surgery.ConclusionWe report the first case of renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor accompanying elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels which are thought to be produced and secreted in an ectopic fashion.
Dachengqi decoction alleviates acute lung injury and inhibits inflammatory cytokines production through TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Hu XingXing , Liu Shang , Zhu Jin , Ni HaiBin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSepsis that arises from uncontrolled pulmonary inflammation could induce acute lung injury (ALI), leading to the high death rate. Dachengqi decoction (DCQD) is a common traditional Chinese herbal medicine with strong anti‐inflammatory effects. The current study aimed to explore the effect of DCQD on the inflammatory cytokines production, the aquaporin‐1 (AQP‐1) and AQP‐5 protein expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI models, and the potential mechanisms underlying its effects.MethodsSprague‐Dawley rats and HULEC‐5a cells were used as study models in the research. To detect related molecules in the study, the real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, cell counting kit‐8 assay, Western blot analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed.ResultsDCQD could inhibit the expression of LPS‐induced inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), in lung tissues and could reduce pulmonary edema by upregulating the expression of AQP‐1 and AQP‐5 in rats with LPS‐induced ALI. Moreover, the results suggested that the toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF‐κB signaling is indispensable for DCQD to increase the expression of AQP‐1 and AQP‐5 and inhibits the production of IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α in LPS‐induced HULEC‐5a cells.ConclusionThe results of our study suggested that DCQD suppresses the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway, increases the protein expression of AQP‐1 and AQP‐5, and inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines, by which it may alleviate the inflammatory reactions in ALI and benefit the treatments.
Evaluating the intersection between “green events” and sense of community at Liverpool’s Lark Lane Farmers Market
Authors: Zhao Yahan , Wise Nicholas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMore research needs to evaluate links between community psychology and event impacts. Events are not just entertainment focused economic drivers, but gatherings contributing to society, community, and local cultural identity. There is also a need to address “green” philosophies, while visible and widespread, are not just environmentally focused, but also local community focused—concerning elements of social sustainability, belonging and sense of community. This makes the discussion of “green events” relevant to community psychology and local well‐being researchers. The aim of this study is to find other possibilities of how green events could contribute to local community well‐being by investigating how farmer markets unite people to understand how such events reinforce and shape a sense of community. This paper is based on participant observations and semistructured interviews to explore the conceptual notion of sense of community. Three emerged themes are presented: local participation, social atmosphere, and a sense of belonging.
Utility of indirect sonographic signs (including cavum septum pellucidum ratio) in midgestational screening for partial agenesis of corpus callosum
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wang Bing , Cai Ailu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeThis study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of indirect sonographic signs in detecting partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (pACC) at midgestation, focusing on the cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) ratio.MethodsA retrospective case‐controlled study of singleton pregnancies was conducted, examining fetuses diagnosed with isolated pACC and normal controls. At midgestational age, fetal head volumes were imaged with 3D US and stored for the evaluation of indirect sonographic findings in axial planes.ResultsFifteen normal and 15 abnormal fetuses (with pACC) were analyzed. Based on a CSP ratio < 1.5, detection of pACC increased from 66.7% (10/15) to 80% (12/15). All indirect signs proved highly suspicious for pACC (risk ratios > 1).ConclusionUse of indirect sonographic signs to screen for pACC at midgestation is challenging. However, a low CSP ratio may improve the detection rate, serving as a new indirect sign.
Bone demineralization promotes superior spread of preosteoblast in culture
Authors: Manfredi Gustavo Gonçalves do Prado , Tokuhara Cíntia Kazuko , Salmeron Samira , de Carvalho Érika Beatriz Spada , Liboa‐Filho Paulo Noronha , Damante Carla Andreotti , Sant'Ana Adriana Campos Passanezi , Zangrando Mariana Schutzer Ragghianti , Greghi Sebastião Luis Aguiar , de Rezende Maria Lúcia Rubo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPrevious studies have shown substances capable of similar effects of demineralization, accelerating the process of bone remodeling. This study investigated preosteoblasts behavior in cell culture after bone demineralization with citric acid and tetracycline. Seventy‐four Wistar rats provided 144 calvarial bone samples, 126 of which were randomly divided in seven groups according to the treatment given to the surface: no demineralization (C), citric acid (CA), tetracycline (TCN) during 15, 30, and 60 s. Each group received preosteoblasts cultured for 24, 48, and 72 hr. Eighteen remaining samples were analyzed for the atomic percentage (A%) by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) before and after demineralization. The average percentage of bone area covered by cells increased with time and it was significantly higher after 24 and 48 hr of culture in groups CA15s, CA30s, CA60s, TCN15s, and TCN30s than in groups TCN60 and C (p < 0.05). The cell morphology in all CA and TCN groups was shown to be compatible with more advanced stages of differentiation than in C group. The A% changed after demineralization. We conclude that demineralization with citric acid or tetracycline for 15–30 s increased the area of bone surface covered by preosteoblasts. The A% changes were not sufficient to impair the cells spreading and morphology. Bone demineralization may promote potential benefits in bone regenerative procedures.HighlightsLow pH effects did not interfere on cell growth.Bone demineralization favored the preosteoblasts growth.A possible alternative to improve graft consolidation.
PGE2-induced migration of human brain endothelial cell is mediated though protein kinase A in cooperation of EP receptors
Authors: Khan Gausal A , Bhagat Saumya , Alam Md. Iqbal 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
PGE2 plays a critical role in angiogenesis, ischemic, and neuro-inflammatory disorders of the brain, which breakdown the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the effects of PGE2 on human brain endothelial cell (HBECs) migration, a key process in the angiogenic response and BBB stability, are not well defined. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of PGE2 in HBECs migration in vitro. Here we showed that PGE2 stimulated migration of HBECs in a dose-time and matrix-dependent manner, evaluated by the Boyden chamber assay, but other prostanoids failed to do so. PGE2 receptor (EP2; butaprost), EP3 (sulprostone), and EP4 (PGE1-OH) receptor agonists stimulated HBECs migration, but the silencing of EP significantly attenuated this effect. EP1 agonist (11-trinor PGE1) had no effect on HBECs migration on silencing of the EP1 receptor. We further showed that PGE2 stimulated cAMP production and activated protein kinase A (PKA), whereas pretreatment with the adenyl cyclase inhibitor (dideoxyadenosine; 1 μM) or PKA inhibitors, H89 (0.5 μM)/PKAI (1 μM), completely abrogated PGE2-induced migration. Furthermore, silencing of the EP2/EP4 receptors significantly inhibited PGE2-induced cAMP and PKA activation, whereas EP3 receptor silencing failed to do so. These results suggest that PGE2 regulates HBEC migration via cooperation of EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors. Coupling of PGE2 to these receptors resulted in increased production of cAMP, which regulates HBEC migration via PKA pathway. The elucidation of molecular events involved is critical for the development of targeted strategies to treat cerebrovascular diseases associated with dysregulated angiogenesis.
Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with or without sofosbuvir for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection who failed a prior course of direct‐acting antiviral therapy
Authors: Poordad Fred , Bennett Michael , Sepe Thomas E. , Cohen Eric , Reindollar Robert W. , Everson Gregory , Phillips Raymond W. , Siddique Asma , Sullivan J. Greg , Pilot‐Matias Tami , Abunimeh Manal , Cohen Daniel E. , Younes Ziad 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionDespite high efficacy of current direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a small portion of patients fail treatment. QUARTZ‐I was a phase 2, open‐label, multicenter, two‐part study that assessed the safety and efficacy of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) with dasabuvir (DSV) with or without the addition of sofosbuvir (SOF) and/or ribavirin (RBV) in DAA treatment‐experienced adults with chronic HCV GT1 infection.Materials and MethodsGenotype 1 HCV‐infected patients with or without compensated cirrhosis had prior treatment failure to any DAA (part 1) or ledipasvir/SOF (part 2). Patients received OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± SOF with or without RBV for 12 or 24 weeks. The primary endpoint of this study is the percentage of patients achieving sustained virologic response at post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12).ResultsIn part 1 of the study, 95.5% (21/22) of patients achieved SVR12, and in part 2, the SVR12 rate was 85.7% (6/7). Most adverse events (AEs) were mild and moderate in severity. Two serious AEs occurred and were assessed as not being related to study drug, of which one resulted in study drug discontinuation. Two patients experienced grade 3 elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase, and no other grade ≥3 laboratory abnormalities were observed.ConclusionThe multi‐targeted regimen of OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± SOF with or without RBV was effective in the treatment of patients who failed previous DAA regimens including NS3/4A protease and NS5A and NS5B polymerase inhibitors. These results provide a promising outcome for patients that traditionally had limited treatment options.
Introduction of the Anspach drill as a novel surgical driller for creating calvarial defects in animal models
Authors: Guillaume Olivier , Schmid Tanja , Kluge Katharina , Weber Franz E. , Richards Robert Geoff , Eberli Ursula , Eglin David , Zeiter Stephan 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTStandardized and reproducible animal models are required for the assessment of bone healing mediated by biomaterials, cells, and drugs. Among the available bone‐fractured models, calvarial defect is a simple and adequate option when researchers investigate intra‐membranous bone formation and the influence of their regenerative solutions. However, the conventional surgical tools required to perform calvaria osteotomies (i.e., trephine bur mounted on a dental handpiece, DS) can affect the subjacent tissues of the skull, which are the dura mater and the brain. We hypothesized that the quality of the calvaria defect and the preservation of underlying tissues can be improved using a novel Anspach high‐speed drill with a Codman Neuro Disposable Perforator handheld (ACP). Using a rabbit cadaveric models, we performed calvarial defects with either conventional DS or the ACP system, and showed that both techniques allowed to create standardized defects with circular geometry. We demonstrated that the ACP had clear benefices in terms of DM preservation and absence of exothermic reaction upon drilling. Even though this comparative work was conducted on cadaver, it is of substantial importance as it introduces a novel technique, easily applicable to investigate calvaria bone healing, which brings clear advantages compared to the conventional dental station. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1–9, 2019.
Direct electromagnetic coupling for non‐invasive measurements of stability in simulated fracture healing
Authors: Labus Kevin M. , Sutherland Conor , Notaros Branislav M. , Ilić Milan M. , Chaus George , Keiser David , Puttlitz Christian M. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTDiagnostic monitoring and prediction of bone fracture healing is critical for the detection of delayed union or non‐union and provides the requisite information as to whether therapeutic intervention or timely revision are warranted. A promising approach to monitor fracture healing is to measure the mechanical load‐sharing between the healing callus and the implanted hardware used for internal fixation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a non‐invasive measurement system in which an antenna electromagnetically couples with the implanted hardware to sense deflections of the hardware due to an applied load and to investigate the efficacy of the system to detect changes in mechanical load‐sharing in an ex vivo fracture healing model. The measurement system was applied to ovine metatarsal bones treated with osteotomies, resulting in four different levels of bone stability which simulated various degrees of fracture healing. Computational finite element simulations supplemented these ex vivo experiments to compare the osteotomy model of fracture healing to a more clinically applicable callus stiffening model of healing. In the ex vivo experiments, the electromagnetic coupling system detected significant differences between the four simulated degrees of healing with good repeatability. Computational simulations indicated that the experimental model of fracture healing provided a good surrogate for studying healing during the early time period as the callus stiffness is increasing as well as when diagnostic monitoring of the healing process is most critical. Based upon the data reported herein, the direct electromagnetic coupling method holds strong potential for clinical assessments and predictions of fracture healing. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Dynamics of antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds, and transcriptional expression of key enzymes for the phenylpropanoid pathway in leaves of field‐grown winter wheat with different nitrogen fertilization schemes
Authors: Stumpf Beate , Yan Feng , Wen Gaiping , Eder Klaus , Honermeier Bernd 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWheat is a field crop with high relevance for food production worldwide. An adequate supply with nitrogen (N) is crucial for the grain yield and grain quality of wheat. However, little is known about the influence of N fertilization on phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, in the leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. aestivum cv. Genius) under field conditions. Therefore, a field experiment was set up with winter wheat grown under different N fertilization regimes to investigate the influence of N supply on antioxidant properties in general as well as on distinct phenolic acids and flavonoids in the leaves of wheat plants. In the present study, total phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity were negatively influenced by higher dosages of N fertilizer. Antioxidant properties were mainly determined by chlorogenic acid and homoorientin, a phenolic acid and a flavonoid, respectively. The production of these phenolic compounds was not limited by the gene transcription of phenylalanine ammonia lyase or cinnamate 4‐hydroxylse, the key enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway, since the transcription of these enzymes was not significantly influenced by N fertilization.
Body surface area‐based vs concentration‐based perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy after optimal cytoreductive surgery in colorectal peritoneal surface malignancy treatment: COBOX trial
Authors: Lemoine Lieselotte , Thijssen Elsy , Carleer Robert , Geboers Karlien , Sugarbaker Paul , van der Speeten Kurt 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesCytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) are the standard of care for patients diagnosed with colorectal peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM). Despite a clearly defined standardization of CRS, a large variety of HIPEC modalities are still used in clinical practice.MethodsBody surface area (BSA)‐ and concentration‐based HIPEC protocols were clinically and pharmacologically evaluated in a randomized phase III clinical pilot trial. Oxaliplatin dose was 460 mg/m
2 (BSA‐based) in 2 L/m
2 carrier solution (concentration‐based). Platinum quantification was performed using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. Three‐month morbidity, mortality, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed.ResultsThirty‐one patients were randomized to either BSA‐ or concentration‐based HIPEC. Toxicity and efficacy were higher (P < 0.001) in patients receiving concentration‐based HIPEC. There was no difference in pharmacologic advantage between the two groups. A higher drug concentration in the tumor nodule at the end of HIPEC was found in the HIPEC‐concentration group. There was no difference in major morbidity and mortality between the treatment groups. HRQOL was decreased 3 months postoperatively in the HIPEC‐concentration group.ConclusionConcentration‐based chemotherapy delivers the drug in the most standardized way to the tumor nodule, resulting in increasing drug concentrations in the tumor nodule without increasing major morbidity.
Adjuvant chemotherapy and outcomes in patients with nodal and resection margin‐negative pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Flaum Nicola , Hubner Richard A. , Valle Juan W. , Amir Eitan , McNamara Mairéad G. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAdjuvant chemotherapy (AC) following pancreatic carcinoma (PC) resection improves overall survival (OS). A systematic review identified 10 phase‐2/3 studies investigating AC in 3644 patients looking at the influence of nodal and resection status. AC significantly improved disease free survival, OS and 5‐year odds of death risk. There was greater survival benefit in patients PS 0 and with body/tail tumors. There was a nonsignificant effect in N
− /N
+ patients on OS and no difference between R0/R1 patients.
Comparative pharmacokinetics study of leonurine and stachydrine in normal rats and rats with cold‐stagnation and blood‐stasis primary dysmenorrhoea after the administration of Leonurus japonicus houtt electuary
Authors: Wen Yan‐qing , Gong Li‐ying , Wang Lin , Zhao Nan , Sun Qi , Kamara Mohamed Olounfeh , Ma Hai‐ying , Meng Fan‐hao 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLeonurus japonicus houtt, a well‐known herb of traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat gynaecological diseases. In this study, a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneously quantifying leonurine and stachydrine, the two main bioactive components in Leonurus japonicus houtt, was developed and validated. Plasma samples were prepared by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and separation by a Hewlett Packard XDB‐C8 column (150 × 4.6 mm, id, 5 μm) equipped with a gradient elution system containing methanol‐water and 0.1% formic acid at a flow‐rate of 0.4 mL/min. Components were then detected by a mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionization mode. This method showed good linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, stability, and negligible matrix effects, which were within acceptable ranges. The method was successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetics in normal rats and rats with cold‐stagnation and blood‐stasis primary dysmenorrhoea treated with Leonurus japonicus houtt electuary. The result showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the pharmacokinetic parameters between the primary dysmenorrhoea and normal groups. This result implied that Leonurus japonicus houtt electuary remained longer and was absorbed slower in rats with primary dysmenorrhoea and exhibited higher bioavailability and peak concentration.