bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards better definition, quantification and treatment of fibrosis in heart failure. A scientific roadmap by the Committee of Translational Research of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: de Boer Rudolf A. , De Keulenaer Gilles , Bauersachs Johann , Brutsaert Dirk , Cleland John G. , Diez Javier , Du Xiao‐Jun , Ford Paul , Heinzel Frank R. , Lipson Kenneth E. , McDonagh Theresa , Lopez‐Andres Natalia , Lunde Ida G. , Lyon Alexander R. , Pollesello Piero , Prasad Sanjay K. , Tocchetti Carlo G. , Mayr Manuel , Sluijter Joost P.G. , Thum Thomas , Tschöpe Carsten , Zannad Faiez , Zimmermann Wolfram‐Hubertus , Ruschitzka Frank , Filippatos Gerasimos , Lindsey Merry L. , Maack Christoph , Heymans Stephane 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFibrosis is a pivotal player in heart failure development and progression. Measurements of (markers of) fibrosis in tissue and blood may help to diagnose and risk stratify patients with heart failure, and its treatment may be effective in preventing heart failure and its progression. A lack of pathophysiological insights and uniform definitions has hampered the research in fibrosis and heart failure. The Translational Research Committee of the Heart Failure Association discussed several aspects of fibrosis in their workshop. Early insidious perturbations such as subclinical hypertension or inflammation may trigger first fibrotic events, while more dramatic triggers such as myocardial infarctionand myocarditis give rise to full blown scar formation and ongoing fibrosis in diseased hearts. Aging itself is also associated with a cardiac phenotype that includes fibrosis. Fibrosis is an extremely heterogeneous phenomenon, as several stages of the fibrotic process exist, each with different fibrosis subtypes and a different composition of various cells and proteins — resulting in a very complex pathophysiology. As a result, detection of fibrosis, e.g. using current cardiac imaging modalities or plasma biomarkers, will detect only specific subforms of fibrosis, but cannot capture all aspects of the complex fibrotic process. Furthermore, several anti‐fibrotic therapies are under investigation, but such therapies generally target aspecific aspects of the fibrotic process and suffer from a lack of precision. This review discusses the mechanisms and the caveats and proposes a roadmap for future research.
Creation of a Curated Aquatic Toxicology Database: EnviroTox
Authors: Connors Kristin A. , Beasley Amy , Barron Mace G. , Belanger Scott E. , Bonnell Mark , Brill Jessica L. , de Zwart Dick , Kienzler Aude , Krailler Jesse , Otter Ryan , Phillips Joshua L. , Embry Michelle R. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Flexible, rapid, and predictive approaches that do not require the use of large numbers of vertebrate test animals are needed because the chemical universe remains largely untested for potential hazards. Development of robust new approach methodologies and nontesting approaches requires the use of existing information via curated, integrated data sets. The ecological threshold of toxicological concern (ecoTTC) represents one such new approach methodology that can predict a conservative de minimis toxicity value for chemicals with little or no information available. For the creation of an ecoTTC tool, a large, diverse environmental data set was developed from multiple sources, with harmonization, characterization, and information quality assessment steps to ensure that the information could be effectively organized and mined. The resulting EnviroTox database contains 91 217 aquatic toxicity records representing 1563 species and 4016 unique Chemical Abstracts Service numbers and is a robust, curated database containing high-quality aquatic toxicity studies that are traceable to the original information source. Chemical-specific information is also linked to each record and includes physico-chemical information, chemical descriptors, and mode of action classifications. Toxicity data are associated with the physico-chemical data, mode of action classifications, and curated taxonomic information for the organisms tested. The EnviroTox platform also includes 3 analysis tools: a predicted-no-effect concentration calculator, an ecoTTC distribution tool, and a chemical toxicity distribution tool. Although the EnviroTox database and tools were originally developed to support ecoTTC analysis and development, they have broader applicability to the field of ecological risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;9999:1–12. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Complications of nonionizing radiofrequency on divided attention
Authors: Bamdad Kourosh , Adel Zahra , Esmaeili Masoomeh 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExposure to electromagnetic fields is considered as a potential hazard for biological systems. The objective of our investigation is the study of probable consequences of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from Wi‐Fi router devices on the short‐term memory, and attention's levels. A population consisting of 312 female college students (14 to 17 years old) was elected by cluster random sampling. Teenagers were divided into two groups of control group (Wi‐Fi nonusers; n = 138), and experiment group (Wi‐Fi users; n = 174). Both groups have been examined using short‐term memory tests; selective attention, and also divided attention tests. According to the results, there was no significant difference between using Wi‐Fi router devices on levels of selective attentions and short‐term memory of the sample students with the control group. However, analyses revealed that there is a significant correlation between the use of Wi‐Fi routers and declining levels of divided attentions. Our investigation has demonstrated the adverse consequences of 2.4‐2.48 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of Wi‐Fi router devices on divided attention levels of female university students that should be mentioned as a technological risk factor and taken into account by healthcare organizations.
“It is OK to let them know you are human too”: Mentor self‐disclosure in formal youth mentoring relationships
Authors: Dutton Hilary , Bullen Pat , Deane Kelsey L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study aims to capture descriptive data on how mentors self‐disclose to their adolescent mentees. Self‐disclosure is a normative communication process that facilitates trust and closeness in interpersonal relationships. Despite being a relational intervention, little is known about self‐disclosure in youth‐mentoring relationships. A total of 54 mentors from 2 community‐based mentoring programs in Auckland, New Zealand, participated in this mixed‐methods study about their experiences of disclosing to mentees via an online questionnaire. In this sample, mentors disclosed about various topics, including hobbies, school and work, health, beliefs, self‐esteem, substance use, emotions, sex, and money. Qualitative analysis identified themes regarding how mentors self‐disclose, disclosure influencing positive relationship characteristics, the influence of mentoring programs, challenges with mentee interest and culture clashes, and the perceived effect of self‐disclosure on mentees and the mentoring relationship. These mentors disclosed broadly and viewed generally self‐disclosure in a positive way, but they also experienced challenges and complexities.
Fabrication of conductive fibrous scaffold for photoreceptor differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell
Authors: Nekouian Soraya , Sojoodi Mahdi , Nadri Samad 
Published: February 2019

AbstractConductive nanofibrous scaffolds with that can conduct electrical current have a great potential in neural tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to survey effects of electrical stimulation and polycaprolactone/polypyrrole/multiwall carbon nanotube (PCL/PPY/MWCNTs) fibrous scaffold on photoreceptor differentiation of trabecular meshwork mesenchymal stem cells (TM‐MSCs). PCL/PPY/MWCNTs scaffold was made by electrospinning method. TM‐MSCs were seeded on PCL/PPY/MWCNTs scaffold and stimulated with a potential of 115 V/m. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and FT‐IR were used to evaluate the fabricated scaffold. Immunofluorescence and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to examine differentiated cells. Scanning electron microscopy, transmitting electron microscopy, and FT‐IR confirmed the creation of the composite structure of fibers. RT‐qPCR analysis showed that the expression of rhodopsin and peripherin genes in electrically stimulated cells were significantly higher (5.7‐ and 6.23‐fold, respectively;
p ≤ 0.05) than those with no electrical stimulation. Collectively, it seems that the combination of PCL/PPY/MWCNTs scaffold, as a suitable conductive scaffold, and electrical stimulation could be an effective approach in the differentiation of stem cells in retinal tissue engineering.
MMP2/3 promote the growth and migration of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via PI3K/Akt‐NF‐κB‐mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transformation
Authors: Zhu Yi , Yan Li , Zhu Wenjia , Song Xinmao , Yang Gang , Wang Shengzi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is an aggressive malignancy with metastatic potential and high mortality worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of extracellular proteolytic enzymes. Although MMPs have been proved to be essential in the process of tumor migration and metastasis in most types of carcinomas, the expression and function of MMP2/3 in LSCC remain unknown. Here, we investigated the roles of MMP2/3 in LSCC and elucidated the underlying mechanism. We found that levels of MMP2/3 were significantly higher in clinical LSCC samples than in paired normal sample examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. Moreover, overexpression of MMP2/3 promoted the proliferation and migration of LSCC cells by Cell Counting Kit‐8, transwell, and scratch wound‐healing assays in vitro. Furthermore, levels of epithelial cell markers (E‐cadherin and occludin) were decreased following MMP2/3 overexpression, with increased levels of mesenchymal cell markers (N‐cadherin and vimentin), suggesting the involvement of epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) process in MMP2/3‐mediated LSCC cell migration. By using short hairpin RNA, knockdown of MMP2/3 expression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and EMT process in LSCC cells in vitro. More importantly, we confirmed that MMP2/3 promoted LSCC in the PI3K/Akt‐NF‐κB‐dependent manner. This study provides insight into MMP2/3‐mediated LSCC development and lays a foundation for potential pharmacological targets to LSCC.
Variations of community structures of ammonia oxidizing and denitrifying bacteria correlated with N2O emissions among different composting techniques
Authors: Jiang Tao , Chang Jiali , Yang Juan , Yang Feng , Ma Xuguang , Yi Zhigang , Tang Qiong , Li Guoxue 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDComposting is a significant source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Although numerous studies have correlated quantities of functional genes with N2O production during composting, information is lacking about the variations of related microbial community structures. This study investigates the responses of ammonia oxidizing and nirK‐type denitrifying bacteria in terms of both community structures and quantities relating with N2O emissions during pig manure composting with different techniques.RESULTSThe techniques (forced aeration, turn windrow and static pile) significantly affected the N2O emissions during composting. The forced aeration treatment had the highest cumulative N2O emission rate which accounted for 2.4% of the initial nitrogen. Terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and clone sequencing analyses of bacterial amoA and nirK genes showed the variations in community structures of ammonia oxidizing and nirK‐type denitrifying bacteria under different composting techniques. Co‐existence of Nitrosomonas spp. with 45‐bp terminal restriction fragment (T‐RF) of the amoA gene and denitrifier with 189‐bp T‐RF of the nirK gene could contribute to the substantial emissions of N2O in the forced aeration technique.CONCLUSIONSResults from this study highlight the role of microbial community structure influencing N2O emissions and provide unique insights for further understanding of the mechanisms of N2O emissions among different composting techniques. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A fluorescence method for homogeneous detection of influenza A DNA sequence based on guanine‐quadruplex‐N‐methylmesoporphyrin IX complex and assistance‐DNA inhibition
Authors: Li Yubin , Liu Wanshan , Zhu Yinling , Diao Liping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn his study, we report a fluorescence method for homogeneous detection of influenza A (H1N1) DNA sequence based on G‐quadruplex‐NMM complex and assistance‐DNA (A‐DNA) inhibition. The quadruplex‐based functional DNA (QBF‐DNA), composed of a complementary probe to the target H1N1 DNA sequence and G‐rich fragment, was designed as the signal DNA. The A‐DNA consisted of two parts, one part was complementary to target H1N1 DNA and the other part was complementary to the signal DNA. In the absence of target H1N1 DNA, the G‐rich fragment of QBF‐DNA can form G‐quadruplex‐NMM complex, which outputted a fluorescent signal. With the presence of target H1N1 DNA, QBF‐DNA, and A‐DNA can simultaneously hybridize with target H1N1 DNA to form double‐helix structure. In this case, the A‐DNA partially hybridized with the QBF‐DNA, which inhibited the formation of G‐quadruplex‐NMM complex, leading to the decrease of fluorescent signal. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity was inversely proportional to the concentration of target H1N1 DNA over the range from 25 to 700 pmol/L with a detection limit of 8 pmol/L. In addition, the method is target specific and practicability, and would become a new diagnostic assay for H1N1 DNA sequence and other infectious diseases.
The application of keystone flap combined with vacuum‐assisted closure in the repair of sacrococcygeal skin defect after tumor resection
Authors: Wu Minliang , Sun Mengyan , Dai Haiying , Xu Jianguo , Wang Xinwei , Guo Rui , Wang Yuchong , Xue Chunyu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to explore the efficacy of keystone flap combined with vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) in the repair of sacrococcygeal wounds.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing keystone flap reconstruction between January 2014 and January 2018. A standardized data collection template was used to collect related variables. The detailed process of the reconstructive surgery is carefully described in this study. The postoperative healing process was closely observed.ResultsTwelve patients underwent keystone flap repair between January 2014 and January 2018. The average wound size before closure measured 7.83 ± 1.93 × 5.28 ± 0.91 cm. All the patients achieved primary wound healing and the flaps survived during the follow‐up period, which ranged from 1 to 24 months. No severe complications and obvious scar appeared, and the patients were satisfied with both appearance and function.ConclusionsThe application of keystone flap combined with VAC is a promising way to repair wounds in the sacrococcygeal region with little postoperative complication and similar soft‐tissue thickness to the surrounding tissue.
Pressure induced tissue resection in the larynx: A preliminary canine study
Authors: Benninger Michael S. , Diep Anh N. , Kaplan Seth 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesThe application of laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) energy in the larynx relies on thermal injury. The impact of this injury on adjacent tissue can be undesirable. Attempts have been made to limit the extent and range of injury to adjacent tissue. The O‐Pel Surgical System (Precise Light Surgical, Inc., Campbell, CA), a new technology, utilizes kinetic energy through Pressure Induced Tissue Resection (PITR) (Precise Light Surgical, Inc.) to cut tissue, theoretically eliminating injury to adjacent tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the PSL in canine vocal folds.MethodsFour dogs underwent PITR incisions (4 mJ pulses at 200 Hz) on their vocal folds, through mucosa into the muscle. The animals were sacrificed at days 0, 3, 7, and 21 days postsurgery. The larynges were harvested and histology was performed with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and Verhoeff‐van Gieson.ResultsAt day 0, focal denudation of the epithelium and coagulation necrosis in the lamina propria and adjacent connective tissue are noted. On days 3 and 7, an inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils is seen within the lamina propria and surrounding connective tissue with minimal edema and early deposition of collagen. At day 21, the mucosa is completely regenerated with the area of previous PITR into the muscle replaced with thick bundles of collagen.ConclusionThe unique PITR characteristics offer a potentially unique cutting technology for laryngeal microsurgery. The current canine study suggests appropriate and rapid healing. With refinements of the tip size of the probe and adjustment of energy, PITR will likely be an appropriate alternate to traditional lasers in laryngeal surgery.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 129:2557–2562, 2019
Controlling the diffusive boundary layer thickness above the sediment–water interface in a thermostated rotating‐disk reactor
Authors: Sulpis Olivier , Mucci Alfonso , Boudreau Bernard P. , Barry Mark A. , Johnson Bruce D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe diffusive boundary layer (DBL) is a thin layer of fluid at the interface with a solid surface in which frictional forces cause molecular diffusion to become the dominant mode of solute transport. The thickness of the DBL is a function of the nature and roughness of sediment substrates, as well as the bottom‐current speed. In low‐energy natural aquatic environments, such as abyssal plains or lakes, the thickness of the DBL can reach several millimeters and significantly impede the diffusive rate of solutes through the sediment–water interface (SWI). Thus, precisely reproducing the DBL in the laboratory is required to simulate benthic diffusive fluxes similar to those encountered in situ. Yet, an experimental apparatus allowing precise control of the DBL thickness at the SWI in the laboratory has not been described in the literature. Here, we present a simple temperature‐controlled rotating‐disk system, which is suitable for the use with natural sediments and that is capable of generating thick DBLs. Water overlying the rotating sediment can be sampled discretely or continuously to monitor the chemical reaction progress. We tested the validity of the reactor by dissolving a foraminiferal sand bed in natural seawater. We find that (1) measured dissolution fluxes agree with those predicted by theory and (2) the dissolution of calcite in these seafloor‐like hydrodynamic conditions is controlled by mass transfer across the DBL above the bed. Guidelines for best practices under various experimental conditions, possible future developments, and the theoretical equations to compute the DBL thickness and diffusive fluxes in this reactor are described.
Optical bandpass filter with adjustable reflection using a thin‐film thickness for surgical fluorescein image‐guided microscopy applications
Authors: Yoon Ki‐Cheol , Kim Kwang Gi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInterference noise rejection of an optical bandpass filter (BPF) with an adjustable thin‐film thickness using titanium oxide (Ti3O5), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and a glass substrate for high‐performance surgical fluorescein image‐guided microscopy applications is achieved, and the details are presented herein. In general, a conventional surgical microscope utilizes a beam splitter due to interference noise rejection. However, this microscope is limited by a low‐quality resolution and high attenuation of fluorescein images. The image resolution is typically inadequate for diagnosis and the interference noise could be directed to the surgical microscope when a filter is used. The wavelength of the laser which is used is 780‐785 nm and the transmission and reflection of the fabricated BPF used in this investigation are 95% and 5% in the wavelength range of 815‐872 nm and the optical density is within 1.0.
A new dual‐band microstrip antenna array with high isolation by waveguided metamaterial structure
Authors: Guo Chaozong , Zhai Huiqing , Liu Suibin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTo reduce the mutual coupling between tightly spaced dual‐band patch antennas, a new waveguided metamaterial (WG‐MTM) is proposed in this research. The present WG‐MTM structure is composed of spiral periodic structures, which are etched on the ground. By loading the WG‐MTM between two dual‐band patch antennas, electric resonance and magnetic resonance are, respectively, generated in the lower and higher bands, which successfully suppress couplings between two antenna elements. According to simulated and measured results, when the edge‐to‐edge distance of two patch antennas with MTM is approximately 0.11λ0 (high‐band wavelength in the vacuum), the present structure can achieve about 7 dB and 5 dB reductions of mutual coupling in the lower and higher frequency bands, respectively.
An objective method to evaluate radiation dose distributions varying by three orders of magnitude
Authors: Wilson Lydia J. , Newhauser Wayne D. , Schneider Christopher W. 
Published: February 2019

PurposeModern radiotherapy practices typically report the absorbed dose (D) within the 5% relative isodose volume (i.e., the therapeutic dose region) to an accuracy of 3%–5%. Gamma‐index analysis, the most commonly used method to evaluate dosimetric accuracy, has low sensitivity to discrepancies that occur outside of this region. The objective of this study was to develop an evaluation method with high sensitivity across dose distributions spanning three orders of magnitude.MethodsWe generalized the gamma index to include an additional criterion, the absolute absorbed dose difference, specifically for the low‐dose region (i.e., D ≤ 5%). We also proposed a method to objectively select the appropriate magnitudes for relative‐dose‐difference, absolute‐dose‐difference, and distance‐to‐agreement criteria. We demonstrated the generalized gamma‐index method by first finding the appropriate generalized gamma‐index agreement criteria at an interval of specified passing rates. Next, we used the generalized gamma index to evaluate one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional absorbed dose distributions in a water‐box phantom and voxelized patient geometry.ResultsGeneralized gamma‐index passing rates for one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional dose distributions were 55.4%, 44.5%, and 8.9%, respectively. Traditional gamma‐index passing rates were 100%, 97.8%, and 96.4%, respectively. These results reveal that the generalized method has adequate sensitivity in all regions (i.e., therapeutic and low dose). Additionally, the algorithmic determination of triplets of agreement criteria revealed that they are strong functions of the specified passing rate.ConclusionsThe major finding of this work is that the proposed method provides an objective evaluation of the agreement of dose distributions spanning three orders of magnitude. In particular, this generalized method correctly characterized dosimetric agreement in the low‐dose region, which was not possible by traditional methods. The proposed algorithmic selection of agreement criteria decreased subjectivity and requirements of user judgment and skill. This method could find utility in a variety of applications including dose‐algorithm development and translation.