bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meniscus‐shaped cell‐free polyglycolic acid scaffold for meniscal repair in a sheep model
Authors: Cojocaru Dan G. , Hondke Sylvia , Krüger Jan P. , Bosch Claudia , Croicu Cristian , Florescu Sorin , Lazarescu Adrian , Patrascu Jenel‐Marian , Patrascu Jenel‐Marian , Dauner Martin , Gresser Götz T. , Endres Michaela 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSince loss of meniscus is correlated with an increasing risk for osteoarthritis, meniscal scaffolds are proposed as new strategies. Development of a suitable scaffold has to take into account differing meniscus thickness, exposure to compressive and tensile forces combined with high porosity and biocompatibility of the material. After physical testing of three flat scaffolds composed of different modified polyglycolic acid (PGA) fibers, a three‐dimensional meniscus‐shaped PGA‐hyaluronan implant was generated. Micro‐computed tomography showed 90% porosity in the outer area with 50% in the inner area of the implant. Biocompatibility and expression of meniscus typical cartilaginous genes were shown for human meniscus cells cultivated in the implant with 10% human serum or 5% platelet‐rich plasma for 14 days in vitro. The proof‐of‐concept study in sheep demonstrated proteoglycan‐ and collagen type I‐rich repair tissue formation in partial meniscectomy combined with a meniscus‐shaped PGA‐hyaluronan implant after 6 months. In contrast, the control showed nearly no repair tissue formation. Thus, meniscus‐shaped PGA‐hyaluronan implants might be a suitable therapeutic approach to support repair tissue formation in partial meniscectomy.
MicroRNA‐450b‐3p inhibits cell growth by targeting phosphoglycerate kinase 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zide , Zhuang Wenhang , Wang Zeju , Xiao Weiliang , Don Wei , Li Xianming , Chen Xiaoming 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDysregulation of microRNAs frequently contributes to the occurrence and progression of human diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, the role of miR‐450b‐3p in HCC was investigated. Gene Expression Omnibus database and HCC specimens were used to evaluate the expression level of miR‐450b‐3p and the patient's prognosis. Cell functional analyses and tumor xenograft model were used to assess the role of miR‐450b‐3p in HCC. Bioinformatics was used to predict the downstream target gene of miR‐450b‐3p, which was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. MiR‐450b‐3p was found to be downregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues, compared with nontransformed immortal hepatic cells and adjacent normal liver tissues, respectively. Lower expression of miR‐450b‐3p was associated with poor overall survival and disease‐free survival in patients with HCC. Ectopic expression of miR‐450b‐3p inhibited HCC cell viability, colony formation, and cell‐cycle progression in vitro, and suppressed the growth of HCC xenograft tumors in vivo. Interestingly, a negative correlation between miR‐450b‐3p and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) protein was observed among HCC specimens. Additionally, miR‐450b‐3p inhibited PGK1 expression and phosphorylation of protein kinase B in HCC cell lines. Further experiments confirmed that PGK1 was a direct target of miR‐450b‐3p. Moreover, restoration of PGK1 abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR‐450b‐3p on HCC proliferation and cell division. In conclusion, miR‐450b‐3p is downregulated in human HCC and exerts tumor suppressive effects at least in part by inhibiting PGK1.
Synthesis and characterization of new quaternary polyselenide Ba4TMSbSe12 (TM = Nb, Ta)
Authors: Chung Ming‐Yan , Chen Guan‐Ruei , Lee Chi‐Shen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTwo new quaternary polyselenides, Ba4TMSbSe12 (TM = Nb, Ta), are synthesized using a solid state reaction. They crystallize in a new structural type with a P‐1 triclinic space group, characterized according to single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure is alternately stacked using isolated NbSe95− and SbSe33−, which are separated by Ba2+. The structure contains the NbSe95− unit with a bipentagonal pyramidal shape coordinated with Se2− and Se22− in monodenteate and bidentate modes. The vibrational property of the diselenide Se22− unit was studied using Raman spectrum analysis. ultraviolet–visible diffused reflectance and temperature‐dependent resistivity measurements indicate semiconductor behaviors. Calculations of electronic structures indicate the presence of a band gap and strong Se‐Se interactions in the diselenide group, which experimentally supports the measured physical properties.
Dendritic cell/cytokine‐induced killer cell‐based immunotherapy in lung cancer: What we know and future landscape
Authors: Mohsenzadegan Monireh , Peng Ren‐Wang , Roudi Raheleh 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMultiple modalities for lung cancer therapy have emerged in the past decade, whereas their clinical applications and survival‐beneficiary is little known. Vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs) or DCs/cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells has shown limited success in the treatment of patients with advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer. To evaluate and overcome these limitations in further studies, in the present review, we sum up recent progress about DCs or DCs/CIKs‐based approaches for preclinical and clinical trials in patients with lung cancer and discuss some of the limited therapeutic success. Moreover, this review highlights the need to focus future studies on the development of new approaches for successful immunotherapy in patients with lung cancer.
Education and training in adult metabolic medicine: Results of an international survey
Authors: Sechi Annalisa , Fabbro Elisa , Langeveld Mirjam , Tullio Annarita , Lachmann Robin , Mochel Fanny ,   the SSIEM Adult Physicians Metabolic Group
Published: June 2019

AbstractAdult metabolic medicine (AMM) is an expanding medical subspecialty, due to the increasing number of adult patients with inherited metabolic diseases (IMD). However, a formal training and postgraduate education in this field is not available in the majority of countries. Existing adult metabolic specialists (AMS) come from many different backgrounds. The aim of this survey was to assess the state of play as regards education and training in AMM worldwide. Members of the Society for the Study of Inborn Error of Metabolism adult metabolic group (n = 89) were asked to take part in this survey. Forty‐two AMS (47.2%) from 18 different countries completed the questionnaire. The most common specialties were internal medicine (38.1%), endocrinology (26.2%), genetics (21.4%), and neurology (21.4%). Ninety‐five percent of respondents considered that practical clinical experience had contributed importantly for their professional development, while only 27% felt the same for formal academic education. The current state of available education and training was judged as generally poor or fair (73% of the respondents). The most suggested ways of improving education and training in AMM were: to facilitate international internships; to implement courses on adult‐IMD; and to create a formal academic education. The skills considered most important for AMS were: recognition of signs and symptoms of diseases, knowledge of the available treatments, and ability to perform a correct follow up. In conclusion, worldwide, current available education and training in AMM is considered inadequate. This survey emphasizes the need for development of new, formal training opportunities to improve knowledge, and competence in this rapidly expanding field.
Fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambari biodegrades soil resveratrol: a potential allelochemical in peanut monocropping systems
Authors: Wang Hong‐Wei , Sun Kai , Guan Yong‐Xiang , Qiu Mei‐Hua , Zhang Li , Dai Chuan‐Chao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDMost allelochemicals are secondary products released from root excretions or plant residues that accumulate in continuous cropping systems and cause severe decline in peanut yield. Resveratrol is a plant‐derived stilbene that is released from peanut residues and accumulates in the soil; however, its allelopathic effects on peanut production are overlooked. Effective management solutions need to be developed to relieve allelopathy caused by soil resveratrol. Here, the biodegradation of resveratrol by the fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambari was investigated in a mineral salt medium and a soil trial. Resveratrol and its metabolites (produced by degradation by P. liquidambari) were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS).RESULTSResveratrol released from peanut residues reached a maximum concentration of 0.18 μg g−1 soil in litterbag experiments. Exogenous resveratrol inhibited peanut growth, nodule formation, and soil dehydrogenase activity, and reduced the soil microbial biomass carbon content and bacterial abundance, indicating an allelopathic role in peanut growth. More than 97% of the resveratrol was degraded within 72 and 168 h by P. liquidambari in pure culture and soil conditions, respectively. Resveratrol was first cleaved to 3,5‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, which were subsequently oxidized into 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, respectively. Fungal resveratrol cleavage oxygenase and the related gene expression were enhanced when P. liquidambari was induced by the resveratrol during the incubation.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that the practical application of the fungal endophyte P. liquidambari has strong potential for biodegrading soil resveratrol, which can cause allelopathy in peanut continuous cropping systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A Highly Selective Poly(thiophene)‐graft‐Poly(methacrylamide) Polymer Modified ITO Electrode for Neuron Specific Enolase Detection in Human Serum
Authors: Aydın Muhammet , Aydın Elif Burcu , Sezgintürk Mustafa Kemal 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn this study, an impedimetric immunosensor based on polymer poly(thiophene)‐graft‐poly(methacrylamide) polymer (P(Thi‐g‐MAm)) modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode is developed for the detection of the Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) cancer biomarker. First, the P(Thi‐g‐MAm) polymer is synthesized and coated on the ITO electrode by using a spin‐coating technique. P(Thi‐g‐MAm) polymer acts as an immobilization platform for immobilization of NSE‐specific monoclonal antibodies. Anti‐NSE antibodies are utilized as biosensing molecules and they bind to the amino groups of P(Thi‐g‐Mam) polymer via glutaraldehyde cross‐linking. Spin‐coating technique is employed for bioelectrode fabrication and this technique provides a thin and uniform film on the ITO electrode surface. This bioelectrode fabrication technique is simple and it generates a suitable platform for large‐scale loadings of anti‐NSE antibodies. This immunosensor exhibits a wide linear detection range from 0.02 to 4 pg mL−1 and with an ultralow detection limit of 6.1 fg mL−1. It reveals a good long‐term stability (after 8 weeks, 78% of its initial activity), an excellent reproducibility (1.29% of relative standard deviation (RSD)), a good repeatability (5.55% of RSD), and a high selectivity. In addition, the developed immunosensor is proposed as a robust diagnostic tool for the clinical detection of NSE and other cancer biomarkers.
Redox‐Responsive Resilin‐Like Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Su Renay S.‐C. , Galas Richard J. , Lin Charng‐Yu , Liu Julie C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractResilin, a protein found in insect cuticles, is renowned for its outstanding elastomeric properties. The authors' laboratory previously developed a recombinant protein, which consisted of consensus resilin‐like repeats fromAnopheles gambiae, and demonstrated its potential in cartilage and vascular engineering. To broaden the versatility of the resilin‐like protein, this study utilizes a cleavable crosslinker, which contains a disulfide bond, to develop smart resilin‐like hydrogels that are redox‐responsive. The hydrogels exhibit a porous structure and a stable storage modulus (G′) of ≈3 kPa. NIH/3T3 fibroblasts cultured on hydrogels for 24 h have a high viability (>95%). In addition, the redox‐responsive hydrogels show significant degradation in a reducing environment (10 mmglutathione (GSH)). The release profiles of fluorescently labeled dextrans encapsulated within the hydrogels are assessed in vitro. For dextran that is estimated to be larger than the mesh size of the gel, faster release is observed in the presence of reducing agents due to degradation of the hydrogel networks. These studies thus demonstrate the potential of using these smart hydrogels in a variety of applications ranging from scaffolds for tissue engineering to drug delivery systems that target the intracellular reductive environments of tumors.
Scaffolds for Sustained Release of Ambroxol Hydrochloride, a Pharmacological Chaperone That Increases the Activity of Misfolded β‐Glucocerebrosidase
Authors: Enshaei Hamidreza , Molina Brenda G. , del Valle Luis J. , Estrany Francesc , Arnan Carme , Puiggalí Jordi , Saperas Núria , Alemán Carlos 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAmbroxol is a pharmacological chaperone (PC) for Gaucher disease that increases lysosomal activity of misfolded β‐glucocerebrosidase (GCase) while displaying a safe toxicological profile. In this work, different poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based systems are developed to regulate the sustained release of small polar drugs in physiological environments. For this purpose, ambroxol is selected as test case since the encapsulation and release of PCs using polymeric scaffolds have not been explored yet. More specifically, ambroxol is successfully loaded in electrospun PCL microfibers, which are subsequently coated with additional PCL layers using dip‐coating or spin‐coating. The time needed to achieve 80% release of loaded ambroxol increases from ≈15 min for uncoated fibrous scaffolds to 3 days and 1 week for dip‐coated and spin‐coated systems, respectively. Furthermore, it is proven that the released drug maintains its bioactivity, protecting GCase against induced thermal denaturation.
Sobolev‐type inequalities for potentials in grand variable exponent Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Edmunds David E. , Kokilashvili Vakhtang , Meskhi Alexander 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe introduce a new scale of grand variable exponent Lebesgue spaces denoted by . These spaces unify two non‐standard classes of function spaces, namely, grand Lebesgue and variable exponent Lebesgue spaces. The boundedness of integral operators of Harmonic Analysis such as maximal, potential, Calderón–Zygmund operators and their commutators are established in these spaces. Among others, we prove Sobolev‐type theorems for fractional integrals in . The spaces and operators are defined, generally speaking, on quasi‐metric measure spaces with doubling measure. The results are new even for Euclidean spaces.
Prediction of dosimetric accuracy for VMAT plans using plan complexity parameters via machine learning
Authors: Ono Tomohiro , Hirashima Hideaki , Iramina Hiraku , Mukumoto Nobutaka , Miyabe Yuki , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mizowaki Takashi 
Published: June 2019

PurposeThe dosimetric accuracies of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were predicted using plan complexity parameters via machine learning.MethodsThe dataset consisted of 600 cases of clinical VMAT plans from a single institution. The predictor variables (n = 28) for each plan included complexity parameters, machine type, and photon beam energy. Dosimetric measurements were performed using a helical diode array (ArcCHECK), and the dosimetric accuracy of the passing rates for a 5% dose difference (DD5%) and gamma index of 3%/3 mm (γ3%/3 mm) were predicted using three machine learning models: regression tree analysis (RTA), multiple regression analysis (MRA), and neural networks (NNs). First, the prediction models were applied to 500 cases of the VMAT plans. Then, the dosimetric accuracy was predicted using each model for the remaining 100 cases (evaluation dataset). The error between the predicted and measured passing rates was evaluated.ResultsFor the 600 cases, the mean ± standard deviation of the measured passing rates was 92.3% ± 9.1% and 96.8% ± 3.1% for DD5% and γ3%/3 mm, respectively. For the evaluation dataset, the mean ± standard deviation of the prediction errors for DD5% and γ3%/3 mm was 0.5% ± 3.0% and 0.6% ± 2.4% for RTA, 0.0% ± 2.9% and 0.5% ± 2.4% for MRA, and –0.2% ± 2.7% and –0.2% ± 2.1% for NN, respectively.ConclusionsNNs performed slightly better than RTA and MRA in terms of prediction error. These findings may contribute to increasing the efficiency of patient‐specific quality‐assurance procedures.
Developing a preventive psycho‐oncology for a global context. The International Psycho‐Oncology Society 2018 Sutherland Award Lecture
Authors: Fielding Richard 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveGrowing rates of cancer and survivorship, in situations of severe resource constraints, force a rethink about managing cancer‐related psychosocial distress (CRPD). Here, a prevention‐oriented natural history of distress is proposed, derived from developments in our understanding of the evolution and decay of CRPD.MethodsThe literature indicates that at least four classes or natural histories of CRPD are identifiable. These are described in the context of prevention‐oriented activities in psycho‐oncology: (1) CRPD in persons with good coping resources, resulting from reaction to the diagnosis and treatment lifestyle disruption, which is largely self‐limiting and preferably self‐managed; (2) CRPD arising from residual, or late effects of disease or treatment, potentially persistent and debilitating; (3) CRPD in persons with preexisting coping difficulties; and (4) CRPD arising from existential issues such as mortality and fear of recurrence.ResultsIt is hypothesized that different natural histories of CRPD display different evolution, indicating potential causal processes, treatment priorities, and preventive strategies. In particular, the effective management of residual symptoms is crucial to prevent CRPD chronicity. Optimal patient involvement in treatment decision‐making is also required.ConclusionsThere is a need to develop methods to differentiate if, early in the illness trajectory, the distressed patient is not able to self‐manage the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Not all distressed patients want or need help, and addressing just the CRPD may be inadequate where unresolved residual symptoms prevent renormalization after treatment. Improved doctor‐patient communication around treatment decisions is warranted.
Cell tracking of chromium‐labeled mesenchymal stem cells using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Nakada Naoyuki , Kuroki Yasuo 
Published: June 2019

RationaleMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine research. Evaluating the biodistribution of MSCs is important for determining whether the cells have reached the target tissue, and the time that the stem cells reside in each area is required to estimate the duration of efficacy.MethodsA laser ablation inductively coupled plasma imaging mass spectrometry (LAICP‐IMS) method was developed for highly sensitive and quantitative surface analysis of metal elements for solid samples. We evaluated the usefulness of a cell‐tracking system with LAICP‐IMS to investigate the biodistribution of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) labeled with the natural composition of chromium (Cr) in mice. To prepare the dosing solution, mMSCs were incubated with both Na2CrO4 and fluorescent labeling solutions. The concentration of the cells was adjusted by vehicle solution at 2.0 to 2.5 × 107 cells/mL, and the dosing suspension of mMSCs was administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection to the mice.ResultsThigh muscle sections after intramuscular injection of chromium‐ and fluorescence‐labeled mMSCs were analyzed by LAICP‐IMS and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. 52Cr mass spectrometry and fluorescence signals were detected in the same thigh muscle sections after administration of mMSCs. A half‐body section was also analyzed by LAICP‐IMS. 52Cr signals were mainly detected in the lungs.ConclusionsThe 52Cr signals were observed in sections through the thigh muscle and half body after intramuscular and intravenous administration, respectively, of Cr‐labeled mMSCs to mice. Our results suggest that LAICP‐IMS is a sensitive and useful technique to evaluate biodistribution in cell therapy research.
Correlates of snake entanglement in erosion control blankets
Authors: Ebert Sarah E. , Jobe Kasey L. , Schalk Christopher M. , Saenz Daniel , Adams Cory K. , Comer Christopher E. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTIn road construction projects across the United States, erosion control methods (e.g., erosion control blankets [ECBs]), are mandated to stimulate seedbed regeneration and prevent soil loss. Previous reports have suggested that snakes are vulnerable to entanglement in ECBs. We conducted a literature review, field surveys, and an entanglement experiment to examine what factors increase a snake's risk of ECB entanglement. Our literature review produced reports of 175 reptiles entangled in mesh products, 89.1% of which were snakes, with 43.6% of snake entanglements occurring in erosion control products. During our field surveys, we found 10 entangled snakes (n = 2 alive; n = 8 dead). From our experiment, we found that ECBs that contain fixed‐intersection, small‐diameter mesh consisting of polypropylene were significantly more likely to entangle snakes compared with ECBs with larger diameter polypropylene mesh or ECBs that have woven mesh made of natural fibers. Snake body size was also associated with entanglement; for every 1‐mm increase in body circumference, the probability of entanglement increased 4%. These results can help construct a predictive framework to determine those species and individuals that are most vulnerable to entanglement. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Aging steller sea lions by growth layer groups in teeth
Authors: Isono Takeomi , Kobayashi Yumi , Burkanov Vladimir N. , Yamamura Orio 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTAccurate age determination of individuals is crucial in estimating age structure in populations as well as age‐specific rates of reproduction and survival. We examined growth layer groups (GLGs) in the canine, incisor, and postcanine teeth of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) to find the optimal method to determine their age using 18 known‐age animals, from data collected in Hokkaido, Japan, 1995–2011. After checking to determine if the pulp cavity was open, nearly closed, or closed, teeth were sectioned and stained. Occlusion of the canine pulp cavity occurred at older ages than with the incisor and postcanine teeth. Initially, the number of GLGs in both dentin and cementum was compared with actual ages to confirm the age determination method. Dentin GLGs appeared clearly in all of the canines, incisors, and postcanines. The number of GLGs was consistent with the actual age, with the exception of teeth with a closed pulp cavity. With respect to cementum, appearance of GLGs was rather obscure and no GLG was detectable at ages of 0 and 1 year. Thus, the number of GLGs in cementum could be assigned as age when the value 1 year was added. We examined the accuracy and precision of the tested methods using an independent reader, who did not know the actual ages. By conducting readings 3 times, we used coefficient of variation (CV) to determine precision. The most precise CV was obtained in dentin canine (6.7%). Accuracy was calculated as proportion of estimates without error. The greatest accuracy in dentin was observed in canines (0.83, n = 18), whereas that of cementum was in postcanines (0.36, n = 11). We concluded that canine dentin provided the most precise and accurate ages for Steller sea lions. Once closure of the pulp cavity in canines has occurred at the age of 15–16 years in males and 11–12 years in females, we recommend postcanine cementum be used. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.