bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology‐induced physico‐mechanical and biological characteristics of TPU–PDMS blend scaffolds for skin tissue engineering applications
Authors: Drupitha M.P. , Bankoti Kamakshi , Pal Pallabi , Das Bodhisatwa , Parameswar Ramesh , Dhara Santanu , Nando Golok B. , Naskar Kinsuk 
Published: October 2018

AbstractComposition and architecture of scaffolds are the most important factors determining the performance of skin substitutes. In this work, morphology induced unique physical and biological characteristics of compatibilized TPU–PDMS blend scaffolds at 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 blend ratios of TPU and PDMS was studied. The fiber morphology, porosity, surface wettability, and mechanical properties of electrospun scaffolds were distinctly influenced by the presence of PDMS. Interestingly, the scaffold architecture varied from electrospun fibers to porous fibers and finally occurrence of unique porous beads noticed at 30% PDMS in the microstructure which was confirmed using FESEM. Micro‐CT analysis revealed that the porosity of electrospun scaffolds was enhanced from 61% to 79% with 30 parts of PDMS addition. Moreover, MTT assay and cell proliferation were studied using human skin fibroblast cells and found to be significantly enhanced with the PDMS percentage. TPU–PDMS blends offer better overall performance at 70:30 blend ratio of TPU and PDMS (T70P30). Only 4% of hemolysis was observed for T70P30 blends, which establishes the hemocompatibility of the material. In comparison, the results reveal the potential of the cytocompatible T70P30 scaffold for the fabrication of skin substitutes for tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1634–1644, 2019.
In situ blood vessel regeneration using neuropeptide substance P‐conjugated small‐diameter vascular grafts
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Wang Lina , Zhi Dengke , Zhang Qiuying , Wang Kai , Wang Lianyong , Kim Dong‐Hwee , Kong Deling , Kim Soo Hyun 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In situ blood vessel regeneration through host stem/progenitor cell mobilization may hold great promise for vascular reconstruction. Neuropeptide substance P (SP) has been shown to accelerate tissue repair by endogenous cell mobilization and recruitment. This study was aimed to evaluate the vascular regeneration potential of SP and heparin co‐tethered vascular grafts. Polycaprolactone (PCL), PCL/SP‐conjugated poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PLCL‐SP) (SP), and PCL/PLCL‐SP/heparin‐conjugated PLCL (Hep/SP) vascular grafts were implanted as rat abdominal aorta substitutes for up to 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Ex vivo results delineate that heparin can improve the hemocompatibility and SP can recruit mesenchymal stem cells. Histological and immunohistochemical staining reveal higher cellular infiltration and homogeneous cell distribution in SP and Hep/SP grafts than that of the control grafts. At 4 weeks, SP and Hep/SP grafts show the presence of cobblestone‐like cells on the luminal side, whereas the surface of PCL grafts remains bare. Immunoflourescence staining using von Willibrand factor (vWF) antibody shows improved endothelialization in SP and Hep/SP grafts compared with the PCL grafts. SP and Hep/SP grafts also exhibit more numbers of α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive cells and laminin+ blood vessels than that of the control group. Evaluation of inflammatory response reveals that three groups did not differ in terms of the numbers of CD68+ macrophages, whereas SP and Hep/SP grafts show higher numbers of CD206+ macrophages. These results indicate that SP can induce endogenous tissue regeneration in cell‐free grafts, which may be of great interest for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1669–1683, 2019.
Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviated osteoarthritis and chondrocyte apoptosis through autophagy inducing
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wang Yu , Liu Yiming , Zeng Hanjiang , Xu Hanshi , Lian Fan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe aim to explore the effect of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on a knee osteoarthritis rat model and analyze how ADMSCs affect chondrocyte apoptosis.Materials and MethodsA surgically induced rat knee osteoarthritis (OA) model was constructed. ADMSCs were engrafted into the right knee cavity. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, and Safranin O were used to compare the histopathology of synovial membrane and cartilage. Immunohistochemical (IHC) was used to measure MMP‐13, Collagen 2 (Col‐2), Caspase‐3 (Cas‐3), PARP, p62, LC3b, DDR‐2, FGFR‐1, Wnt, P‐AKT/AKT, p‐CAMKII/CAMKII, and p‐Smad1/Smad1 expression in the articular cartilage. qPCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect mRNA and protein levels of markers in chondrocytes. TUNEL and Annexin‐V were used to assess apoptosis.ResultsHistological analysis showed that ADMSCs alleviated the deterioration of cartilage and osteoarthritis. ADMSCs coculture increase the expression of Col2 and Sox‐9, while down regulated MMP‐13 in IL‐1β stimulated chondrocytes. ADMSCs decreased proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. ADMSCs enhanced the viability of IL‐1β stimulated chondrocytes. ADMSC attenuated chondrocyte apoptosis. The pretreatment of 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) reversed the reduction of Caspase‐3 caused by ADMSCs, showing that the antiapoptotic effect was associated with autophagy inducing. ADMSCs significantly reduced the expression of FGFR‐1, DDR‐2, and Wnt in IL‐1β stimulated chondrocytes. ADMSCs reduced the ratio of p‐Smad1/Smad1 and p‐CAMK II/CAMKII, and increased the ratio of p‐AKT/AKT.ConclusionsADMSCs treatment alleviate osteoarthritis in rat OA models. AMDSCs reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and protected against apoptosis through autophagy inducing. ADMSCs’ function could be related to multiple signaling pathway.
Association Between Pioglitazone Use and Prostate Cancer: A Population‐Based Case‐Control Study in the Han Population
Authors: Kao Li‐Ting , Xirasagar Sudha , Lin Herng‐Ching , Huang Chao‐Yuan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo date, few epidemiologic studies have investigated the relationship between pioglitazone use and prostate cancer. The available studies show conflicting findings. This case‐control study explored the association between prior pioglitazone usage and prostate cancer using a large, population‐based data set. Data were derived from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 in Taiwan, a population‐based sample of National Health Insurance enrollees with longitudinal claims data since 1995. Cases were 3513 patients with prostate cancer aged over 40 years, and the controls were 3513 patients without prostate cancer, matched with prostate cancer cases on age, and having a medical care utilization episode in the year of the index prostate cancer (1 control per case). We performed conditional logistic regression to examine the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for prior pioglitazone use between cases and controls. Analysis showed that 178 of the total sample patients (2.53%) had used pioglitazone prior to the index date. Prior pioglitazone use was found in 72 (2.05%) cases and 106 (3.02%) controls. The crude odds ratio of prior pioglitazone usage for cases was 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.50‐0.91) compared to controls. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and comorbidities, the negative association of prior pioglitazone with prostate cancer persisted (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.43‐0.80). We concluded that there was an inverse association between prior pioglitazone usage and prostate cancer in this study.
Rapid and accurate dictionary‐based T2 mapping from multi‐echo turbo spin echo data at 7 Tesla
Authors: Emmerich Julian , Flassbeck Sebastian , Schmidt Simon , Bachert Peter , Ladd Mark E. , Straub Sina 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundUsing lower refocusing flip angles in multi‐echo turbo spin echo (ME‐TSE) sequences at ultra‐high magnetic field leads to non‐monoexponential signal decay and overestimation of T2 values due to stimulated and secondary echoes.PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of a fast and accurate reconstruction of quantitative T2 values using an ME‐TSE sequence with reduced refocusing flip angles at 7 Tesla, a dictionary‐based reconstruction method was developed and is presented in this work.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsPhantom measurements with relaxation phantom, four healthy volunteers.Field Strength/Sequence7 Tesla MRI, multi‐echo turbo spin echo (ME‐TSE), spin echo (SE), and B1 mapping.AssessmentBased on Bloch simulations and the extended phase graph model, signal decay curves were calculated to account for nonrectangular slice profile, B1 inhomogeneity, and reduced refocusing flip angles and stored in a dictionary. Data obtained with an ME‐TSE sequence at 7 Tesla were matched to this dictionary to obtain T2 values. To compare the proposed method to reference T2 values, a spin echo sequence with different echo times was used.Statistical TestsWelch's t‐test was used to compare T2 values in phantom measurements.Results
T2 values obtained with the proposed ME‐TSE method coincided with the T2 values from the spin echo experiment in phantom measurements (P = 0.89 for 120° flip angle, P = 0.75 for 180° flip angle). Only for very low B1 transmit fields, a slight overestimation of T2 values was observed. In vivo measurements showed lower T2 values in gray matter (55 ± 2 millisecond) and white matter (39 ± 5 millisecond) compared with literature values of 3 Tesla data.Data ConclusionsThe proposed dictionary‐based ME‐TSE approach provided accurate T2 values in short measurement time at 7 Tesla with low specific absorption rate burden due to the reduction of refocusing flip angles. Therefore, it can provide new opportunities in clinical high‐field MRI to further improve radiographic diagnosis by using quantitative imaging.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1253–1262.
Successful percutaneous retrieval of a micra transcatheter pacing system at 8 weeks after implantation
Authors: Nozoe Masatsugu , Yoshida Daisuke , Nagatomo Daisuke , Suematsu Nobuhiro , Kubota Toru , Okabe Masanori , Yamamoto Yusuke 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn 86‐year‐old woman suffering from repeated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia underwent percutaneous lead extraction using an excimer laser. Since negative blood cultures were confirmed three times after lead extraction under intravenous infusion of anti‐MRSA drugs, a Micra transcatheter pacing system (Micra TPS) was implanted 7 days after the lead extraction. Although infusion of anti‐MRSA drugs was continued for 5 weeks, MRSA was isolated in four separate samples of blood cultures 3 weeks after the discontinuation of the anti‐MRSA therapy. The micra TPS was successfully retrieved using a steerable sheath and snare at 8 weeks after implantation.
Yield and kernel nutritional quality in normal maize and quality protein maize cultivars exposed to ozone
Authors: Singh Aditya‐Abha , Agrawal Shashi B , Shahi Jay P , Agrawal Madhoolika 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDTropospheric ozone (O3) is phytotoxic and therefore impacts global food security. In the present study yield responses and kernel quality traits of two maize cultivars [DHM117: normal maize (NM)] and [HQPM1: quality protein maize (QPM)] are investigated. Cultivars were exposed to two doses of elevated O3, namely NFC + 15 and NFC + 30 ppb O3 above ambient level (NFC, non‐filtered chambers) while filtered chambers served as control.RESULTSTest weight (thousand kernel weight), weight of kernels per square meter and kernel starch content reduced more in NM than QPM due to elevated O3 exposure. Total soluble and reducing sugars increased in both the cultivars being more in NM. Though, endosperm protein showed comparatively more increase in QPM than NM, decline in essential amino acids tryptophan and lysine was higher in QPM. Majority of nutrient elements increased after O3 treatment, while reductions in oil content as well as saturated fatty acids were observed in both test cultivars. Of the two essential fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acid reduced while omega 6 fatty acid contents increased in QPM. Oil became more unsaturated (increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids) upon O3 exposure, thus increasing its reactivity and hence became more prone to auto‐oxidation.CONCLUSIONSElevated O3 caused losses in yield of maize cultivars and NM showed higher sensitivity than QPM. Kernel quality analysis revealed significant changes in nutritional parameters. Carbohydrate content reduced more in NM, while essential amino acids and saturated fatty acids showed more decline in QPM. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Long noncoding RNA LINC01133 inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis through a feedback regulation loop with GDF15
Authors: Kong Jianlu , Sun Wenjie , Zhu Wenyuan , Liu Chuanxia , Zhang Honghe , Wang Huiming 
Published: October 2018

Background and ObjectivesLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in carcinoma metastasis. We aimed to investigate lncRNA LINC01133 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastasis.MethodsThe RNA levels of LINC01133 and growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in tissue samples from OSCC patients, and OSCC cell lines were tested by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). SPSS20.0 was used to perform statistical analysis of LINC01133 expression in clinical samples and correlate expression of LINC01133 and GDF15. Cell migration/invasion was assessed via transwell assays. Downstream genes of LINC01133 were screened using RNA‐seq and validated by RT‐qPCR. GDF15 protein levels were evaluated via Western blot analysis.ResultsLINC01133 was downregulated in OSCCs; higher expression of LINC01133 in OSCCs was correlated with less metastasis and better prognosis. LINC01133 inhibited OSCC cell migration and invasion. RNA‐seq data showed that LINC01133 inhibited GDF15, and GDF15 could rescue inhibition of OSCC cell migration and invasion caused by LINC01133. Interestingly, GDF15 also inhibited LINC01133. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation between expression of LINC01133 and GDF15 was validated in the clinical study.ConclusionsCollectively, these data indicate that LINC01133 inhibited OSCC metastasis via a feedback regulation loop of reciprocal inhibition with GDF15, suggesting a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for OSCC.
Diagnostic accuracy and confidence for otoscopy: Are medical students receiving sufficient training?
Authors: Niermeyer Weston L. , Philips Ramez H. W. , Essig Garth F. , Moberly Aaron C. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the confidence and abilities of medical students to diagnose specific types of otologic pathology, and to determine how different training experiences in medical school impact these outcomes.Study DesignSurvey analysis.MethodsSixty third‐ and fourth‐year medical students completed a computerized online survey. Participants answered questions about their otoscopic training experience and confidence, and provided diagnoses for 72 digital images taken with a high‐definition video otoscope that showed common otologic pathologies of the tympanic membrane and middle ear space.ResultsMost participants (65%) had received less exposure to otoscopic training in medical school than they expected. Confidence in diagnostic ability was low. For diagnostic ability, the mean percent correct across pathologies was 54% ± 7.7%. Medical school year (P = .006), intended specialty (P = .022), and total number of otolaryngology rotations (P = .048) were predictive of diagnostic accuracy on univariable logistic regression analyses, but medical school year (P = .039) was the only significant independent predictor in multivariable analysis. Intended specialty (P = .047) and total number of otolaryngology rotations (P = .035) were predictive of prequiz diagnostic confidence on univariable logistic regression analyses.ConclusionsMedical students were not satisfied with their exposure to otoscopic training. Intended specialty, total number of otolaryngology rotations, and year in medical school predicted diagnostic accuracy. Intended specialty and total number of otolaryngology rotations predicted diagnostic confidence. Additional studies are needed to investigate how training experiences can be improved to optimize otoscopy training during medical school.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1891–1897, 2019
Is movie success a judgment device? When more is not better
Authors: Addis Michela , Holbrook Morris B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relative impact, if any, of three main aspects of movie success (Simonton, 2009)—namely, reviewers’ ratings, opening box office, and Oscar nominations—as market cues that might influence consumers’ subsequent evaluative assessments. Based on public real‐world data, via path analysis on longitudinal observations for motion pictures released in two different years, Studies 1 and 2 test and compare the impacts of these key success criteria and their interactions. Measures of the relevant variables were gathered over time and statistically controlled for typical objective movie features available in the market at the beginning of any motion‐picture life cycle. Findings show that only reviewers’ ratings have an impact on consumers’ quality judgments, whereas opening box office and Oscar nominations have neither a main nor an interaction effect. Thus, they do not act as judgment devices.
Novel planar diplexer using branch‐line coupler
Authors: Sajadinia Hamed , Dahmardeh Masoud , Khalaj‐Amirhosseini Mohammad 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article introduces a simple and effective design of a planar diplexer with high isolation and flexible frequency selection. The diplexer is composed of two branch‐line couplers and two identical filters. The two couplers are used to split the input signal and also combining the signals in each channel. This leads to signal addition by the couplers and provides very low losses for the diplexer. The wideband matching property of the coupler makes it suitable for both narrow band and broadband applications. A simple, yet effective method is introduced to design each channel separately over wide range of frequencies. The simulated and measured results show satisfactory agreement and indicate low insertion loss (0.9‐1.16 dB) and high isolation (up to 62 dB). The results indicate that the proposed design method may be a promising path to realize diplexers for multi‐frequency communications over a wide frequency range.
Optimization of the order and spacing of sequences in an MRI exam to reduce the maximum temperature and thermal dose
Authors: Carluccio Giuseppe , Collins Christopher M. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeEvaluate the possibility to reduce specific energy absorption rate (SAR)‐induced maximum temperature and thermal dose by rearranging the order and spacing of sequences without increasing duration of the MRI examination.MethodsUsing numerical simulations based on an actual SAR‐intensive MRI examination, optimizations to reduce either maximum temperature or thermal dose were performed. For each permutation of groups of sequences having the same patient table position, temperature and thermal dose were computed very rapidly using recently published methods. Disposition of sequences was further adjusted by optimizing the spacing between each sequence without exceeding the original exam duration.ResultsThe maximum simulated temperature in the original exam was 42.38°C, and the maximum thermal dose was 3.23 cumulative effective minutes at 43°C (CEM43). After optimization to reduce maximum temperature, it was 41.77°C, and after optimization to minimize the thermal dose, it was 1.42 CEM43.ConclusionIt is possible to reduce maximum temperature and thermal dose in the exam by changing the arrangement and spacing of the sequences without increasing the duration of the exam (by increasing TR or adding delays) or compromising image quality (by reducing flip angles).
Objective assessment of the fetal facial profile at second and third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Lu Jing , Sahota Daljit Singh , Poon Liona C. , Ting Yuen Ha , Cheng Yvonne Kwun Yue , Wang Yue , Leung Tak Yeung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of a novel sonographic parameter named facial maxillary angle (FMA) and to establish nomograms of FMA, inferior facial angle (IFA), frontal nasal‐mental angle (FNMA), maxilla‐nasion‐mandible angle (MNMA), and fetal profile line (FPL) in Chinese fetuses.MethodsIn this prospective cross‐sectional study, FMA, IFA, FNMA, MNMA, and FPL were measured in 592 normal fetuses between 16 and 36 gestational weeks. FMA was measured twice by the same and another operator with a blinded method on the first 50 cases. The reference interval was defined as ±2SD. The efficacy of five sonographic markers was tested in 10 fetuses with micrognathia retrieved from the database of our unit.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient (95% CI) of intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of FMA was 0.937 (0.890‐0.964) and 0.891 (0.809‐0.938), respectively. FMA, FNMA, and IFA increased slightly from 16 weeks till 28‐31 weeks and decreased minimally thereafter. FMA and FNMA made correct diagnosis in all affected fetuses; MNMA and IFA identified nine and eight cases respectively, and FPL only detected five cases.ConclusionA fixed cutoff of 66° for FMA and 136° for FNMA may be adopted as simple screening criteria of micrognathia.
Fetuses with single ventricle congenital heart disease manifest impairment of regional brain growth
Authors: Rajagopalan Vidya , Votava‐Smith Jodie K. , Zhuang Xiaowei , Brian Jessica , Marshall Lila , Panigrahy Ashok , Paquette Lisa 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveAnomalous neurological development associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) has been reported as early as third trimester of fetal development. While several studies have characterized variations in CHD neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood, these reports are often confounded by postnatal factors such as surgical outcome. Recent studies have focused on the comparing neurological variations between fetuses with CHD and normal controls. In this work, we present a comparison of in utero variations in brain development between fetuses with different types of CHD, by analyzing them under categories of single ventricle versus biventricular cardiac anatomy.MethodsUsing recent advances in fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we quantify the volumetric trajectories of various brain tissues (such as cortical plate, developing white matter, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], and cerebellum).ResultsOur study is the first to differentiate between intraventricular and extra‐axial CSF thereby allowing us to better identify variations in brain composition of the fetuses.ConclusionsOverall, our findings show that while total brain volume is similar between fetuses with single and biventricular anatomy, they exhibit statistically significant disparity in brain composition.