bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of RAS mutation in thyroid nodular hyperplasia and follicular neoplasm in a Korean population
Authors: Jeong Sun Hye , Hong Hyun Sook , Lee Eun Hye , Kwak Jeong Ja , Lee Ji Ye 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundTo investigate the difference in frequency of RAS mutations between nodular hyperplasia (NH), follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) in a Korean population.MethodsRAS mutations in 50 NH, 57 FTAs and 39 FTCs between January 2002 and May 2015 were analysed by pyrosequencing.ResultsNine nodules of 50 NHs (18%), 18 nodules of 39 FTCs (46.2%) and 19 nodules of 57 FTAs (33.3%) harboured RAS mutations. Three FTCs and three FTAs showed two point mutations simultaneously. N‐RAS codon 61 (n = 6 of 9, 66.7%) and H‐RAS codon 61 (n = 3 of 9, 33.3%) were found in NHs. K‐RAS codons 12‐13, K‐RAS codon 61, N‐RAS codons 12‐13 and H‐RAS codons 12‐13 were not found in NHs. N‐RAS codon 61 (n = 7 of 21, 33.3%), K‐RAS codons 12‐13 (n = 6 of 21, 28.6%), H‐RAS codon 61 (n = 4 of 21, 19.0%), K‐RAS codon 61 (n = 3 of 21, 14.3%) and N‐RAS codons 12‐13 (n = 1 of 21, 4.7%) were found in FTCs, and N‐RAS codon 61 (n = 10 of 22, 45.5%), K‐RAS codons 12‐13 (n = 5 of 22, 22.7%), H‐RAS codon 61 (n = 5 of 22, 22.7%), K‐RAS codon 61 (n = 1 of 22, 4.5%) and N‐RAS codons 12‐13 (n = 1 of 22, 4.5%) were observed in FTAs.ConclusionsThe frequencies of RAS mutations among our Korean population were 18% in NHs, 46.2% in FTC and 33.3% in FTAs. N‐RAS codon 61 was the most frequent mutation in NHs, FTCs and FTAs, and the frequency was not significantly different among the three groups. K‐RAS codons 12‐13 were the second most commonly involved site in FTCs and FTAs, whereas no mutation was detected at this site in NHs.
Biological activity of oxygenated pinene derivatives on human colon normal and carcinoma cells
Authors: Trytek Mariusz , Paduch Roman , Pięt Mateusz , Kozieł Agnieszka , Kandefer‐Szerszeń Martyna , Szajnecki Łukasz , Gromada Anna 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe antitumour activity of the oxygenated derivatives of pinene is still poorly understood. We hypothesized that the derivatives of pinene, (−)‐myrtenol, (−)‐myrtanol, and (−)‐myrtenal, would express different effects on human colon tumour cells and normal intestinal cells in vitro. For cytotoxic and nitric oxide (NOx) assays, human colon tumour (HT29) and human normal colon epithelial cells (CCD 841 CoTr) were incubated for 24 h with 0.1–5.0 mM of the terpenoids. The NOx level was determined in cells pre‐incubated or not with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). All three terpenoids decreased the activity of succinate dehydrogenase in tumour and normal cells, with a mixture (1 : 1 : 1) of the pinene derivatives having the strongest effect (with half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations, IC50, of 2.56 and 1.05 mM, respectively). The cytotoxic effect of the terpenes on tumour cells was observed at concentrations higher than 2 mM, with (–)‐myrtenal exerting the strongest activity (IC50 = 5.3 mM). Normal cells were more sensitive to the activity of the terpenes, especially when administered as a mixture (IC50 = 0.08 mM). The terpenoids synergistically stimulated tumour cells for NOx release and acted antagonistically in the case of normal cells. Tumour cells released the highest (1.111 μM) and normal cells released the lowest (0.146 μM) quantities of NOx after incubation with 1 mM terpenoid mixture. LPS‐induced tumour cells produced higher quantities of NOx than the unstimulated culture. An opposite effect was observed for normal intestinal cells. The investigated pinene derivatives inhibit the activity of human colon tumour cells in vitro by affecting mitochondrial enzyme activity, NOx release, and membrane stability. Differences in the bioactivity of the individual compounds can be determined on the basis of their structure and degree of oxidation.
Iron deficiency as energetic insult to skeletal muscle in chronic diseases
Authors: Dziegala Magdalena , Josiak Krystian , Kasztura Monika , Kobak Kamil , von Haehling Stephan , Banasiak Waldemar , Anker Stefan D. , Ponikowski Piotr , Jankowska Ewa 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSpecific skeletal myopathy constitutes a common feature of heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, where it can be characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. There is evidence from in vitro and animal studies that iron deficiency affects skeletal muscle functioning mainly in the context of its energetics by limiting oxidative metabolism in favour of glycolysis and by alterations in both carbohydrate and fat catabolic processing. In this review, we depict the possible molecular pathomechanisms of skeletal muscle energetic impairment and postulate iron deficiency as an important factor causally linked to loss of muscle oxidative capacity that contributes to skeletal myopathy seen in patients with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Submicron magnetite‐enhanced tribromophenol removal and methanogenesis under microaerobic condition
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Jing , Gu Chen , Han Ying , Liu Guang‐fei , Lu Hong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo accelerate direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), magnetite is supplemented in anaerobic activated sludge (AS). However, it is usually reduced by dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria (DIRB). Therefore, an AS system supplemented with submicron magnetite particles (Fe3O4/AS) in an up‐flow microaerobic sludge reactor was established, aiming to remove tribromophenol (TBP) efficiently and alleviate the magnetite dissolution.RESULTSUnder microaerobic condition (DO, 0.6 mg L−1), the efficiencies of removal of COD, TBP, and methane production in Fe3O4/AS system were, respectively, 14.3%, 16.7%, and 27.2% higher than those of the AS system. Correspondingly, the dehydrogenase (DHA) and Coenzyme F420 (CoF420) activities were separately 1.38‐fold and 1.41‐fold enhanced. The enhanced biodegradation was via potential DIET, as visualized by microbes and magnetite particles, Geobacter enrichment and c‐type cytochromes (c‐Cyts) increasement. Notably, magnetite majorly maintained an intact structure. In effluents, the Fe(II) concentrations were maintained at less than 10 mg L−1 under microaerobic conditions, far less than the amount under anaerobic conditions, which might be due to the in situ redox cycle of Fe(III)‐reduction and Fe(II)‐reoxidation.CONCLUSIONSignificant enhancements in removal efficiencies of TBP and COD and methanogenesis were demonstrated in a Fe3O4/AS system, indicating intrinsically faster electron transfer via electrical conduction. Putative oxidation of dissolved Fe(II) in situ occurred in microaerobic environments, which could protect magnetite in the system without extra magnetite supplementation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Change it Up: Inactivity and Repetitive Activity Reduce Creative Thinking
Authors: Main Kelley J. , Aghakhani Hamed , Labroo Aparna A. , Greidanus Nathan S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAcross three experiments, we show that a change in the levels of physical activity increases creative thinking, whereas inactivity or repetitive activity lowers it. Participants walking forward were more creative the first few minutes of initiating physical activity than those sitting, or those merely watching changing scenery, and these effects dissipated when they continued the forward movement over time (within 8 minutes). Furthermore, merely anticipating a change in physical activity, for example, when participants were aware a task is coming to its conclusion, also increased creative thinking. We hypothesize that a change in physical activity cues the need to navigate new situations, and thus, can increase mental flexibility and creative thinking to deal with new circumstances. But once people habituate to their physical state, either of being at rest or being in motion, their level of creative thinking also returns to baseline levels. We confirm that mood, feelings of achievement, and energy are not responsible for the observed effects.
Effect of a dairy diet on nasopharyngeal mucus secretion
Authors: Frosh Adam , Cruz Carina , Wellsted David , Stephens Joanna 
Published: September 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo examine the effects of dairy versus nondairy diets on self‐reported levels of nasopharyngeal mucus secretion.Study DesignProspective, randomized, double‐blinded controlled study.MethodsTwenty‐six men and 82 consecutive women over the age of 15 years attending the otolaryngology department at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust who reported experiencing increased levels of nasopharyngeal mucus secretions were selected for a double‐blinded trial of dairy versus dairy‐free dietary supplementation for the last 4 days of a 6‐day dairy‐free diet. Main outcome measures were comparisons of mean daily reporting of subjective levels of nasopharyngeal secretions by linear scoring (1–100) and by an ordinal scale of 1 to 4. On each day, t tests were used to compare differences.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in the reported linear secretion score seen from day 1 to 4 in nondairy (t[53] = 4.39, P < .01) and in dairy (t[53] = 3.94, P < .01) arms. There was a significant increase in secretion score days 4 to 7 in the dairy arm (t[53] = −2.56, P = .01), and a continued but nonsignificant reduction in the nondiary arm (t[53] = 1.54, P = .13, with an overall significant reduction between day 1 and 7 in the nondairy arm (t[53] = 4.79, P < .00). In the ordinal secretion scale, both dairy arm (t[53] = 2.754, P < .01) and nondiary arm (t[53] = 5.52, P < .01) scores decreased significantly from days 1 to 4. There was a significant decrease in scores from days 1 to 7 in the nondairy group (t[53] = 5.12, P < .01).ConclusionsIn this blinded trial, a dairy‐free diet was associated with a significant reduction in self‐reported levels of nasopharyngeal secretions in adults who previously complained of persistent nasopharyngeal mucus hypersecretion.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope, 129:13–17, 2019
Predation on oysters is inhibited by intense or chronically mild, low salinity events
Authors: Pusack Timothy J. , Kimbro David L. , White J. Wilson , Stallings Christopher D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEnvironmental stress gradients can affect species distributions and interspecific interactions. Because environmental stress depends on both intensity and duration, understanding the consequences of stress requires experiments that simultaneously manipulate both dimensions. In Apalachicola Bay, Florida (U.S.A.) the southern oyster drill (Stramonita haemastoma) is a major predator of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Drill predation appears to be salinity‐dependent: in a recent field study, predation rates were positively correlated with salinity. Salinity in the bay is typically high (> 20) during the dry summer months, conditions that favor both oysters and the drill. However, periodic freshets can dramatically reduce salinity, which inhibits (or kills) drills, but not oysters. In this study, we used field measurements of salinity and drill densities to inform mesocosm experiments. We investigated the specific combinations of intensity and duration of low‐salinity stress that inhibit drill predation. In these experiments, more intense salinity reductions reduced feeding both during and after the low‐salinity stress event. During the event, longer durations (15 d) were necessary for mild salinity reductions (−5) to reduce the feeding rate by the same amount as a short (5 d) exposure of more intense (−10 or −15) salinity reduction. Both conditions may create a predation refuge for oysters, consistent with field observations. Given that the recent collapse of the Apalachicola Bay oyster population was preceded by several years without low‐salinity events to inhibit predation, our results provide a mechanism by which a predator may have contributed to the loss of a historically productive and sustainable fishery.
Plant‐Oil‐Based Polyamides and Polyurethanes: Toward Sustainable Nitrogen‐Containing Thermoplastic Materials
Authors: Meier Michael A. R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPlant oils and their derived fatty acids are a highly valuable renewable resource for polymer science. In this review, the use of this renewable resource for the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing step‐growth polymers, that is, polyamides and polyurethanes, is described. The focus is on the accessible structures of monomers and polymers and thus also the obtainable polymer properties. More importantly, the sustainability of the approaches is discussed and compared to each other where possible, also giving suggestions for future developments.
Multicriteria risk assessment framework for components' risk ranking: Case study of a complex oil and gas support structure
Authors: Okoro Uzoma , Kolios Athanasios 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper develops and applies a methodology for multicriteria risk assessment aiming to overcome the limitations of the conventional failure mode and effect analysis where risk evaluation is performed at the higher level consideration of occurrence, severity, and detection. Breaking down these higher level criteria into a set of parameters and variables makes it possible to analyse in greater detail the physical, environmental, and process conditions of the components in response to the activities of factors of biological, chemical, and mechanical stresses. By adopting a framework comprising multicriteria decision analysis, Delphi method, nominal group technique, and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, the fidelity, transparency, and repeatability of the assessment are ensured. The highlight of the paper is the demonstration of the capability of the model for time dependent assessment, which allows the comparison between different states of the asset's conditions through alteration in the risk profiles. The analysis conducted shows the efficient applicability of the method for the reference case study of an offshore oil and gas support structure, proving its relevance for systems of similar class.
Combined single‐stage enterolysis with pedicle seromuscular bowel flaps, myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps to repair recurrent enterocutaneous fistulas in complex abdominal Wall defects
Authors: Adabi Kian , Manrique Oscar J. , Vijayasekaran Aparna , Moran Steven L. , Ciudad Pedro , Huang Tony C. T. , Nicoli Fabio , Bishop Sarah , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionReconstruction of abdominal wall defects with enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) remains challenging. The purpose of this report is to describe a single‐stage approach using combined microscopic enterolysis, pedicle seromuscular bowel flaps, mesh, fasciocutaneous, and myocutaneous flaps.MethodsBetween 1990 and 2016 a retrospective review identified a total of 18 patients with an average age of 39 years (ranging 26–59 years). Thirteen cases were associated with trauma, four were complication of previous mesh repair, and one was after an aortic dissection. Average diameter of defect size was 22 cm (ranging 20–24 cm). Surgical technique involved enterolysis using microscope magnification, a pedicle seromuscular bowel flap to reinforce the bowel anastomosis, mesh, musculocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flaps to reconstruct the abdominal wall.ResultsFifteen patients required rotational flaps with an average skin paddle area of 442.7 cm2 (ranging 440 cm2–260 cm2) and 10 patients required a serosal patch with an average length of 5 cm (ranging 4–6 cm). Complications included three wound dehiscence and one abdominal wall bulging. Flap survival was 100%. The majority of patients (12 out of 18) were able to resume normal activities, and the remaining (n = 6) were able to resume most activities. Functional outcome as assessed by 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) physical function component questionnaire at 18–24 months follow up was 67.8% (ranging from 59 to 72%). Mean length of hospital stay was 2.2 weeks (ranging 1.4–2.7 weeks). Mean follow‐up was 24 months (ranging 22–26 months) with clinical examination.ConclusionMicroscopically assisted intra‐abdominal dissection with resection of diseased bowel, replacement with well‐vascularized tissue at the anastomosis site in, and reinforcement with mesh combined with pedicle musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps may be an alternative when other local reconstructive options have failed.
Agreement between simple catheter method and 3D transperineal ultrasound for assessing urethral length measurement before stress urinary incontinence treatment
Authors: Fontaine Félix , Tu Le Mai , Carroll Marie‐Soleil , Morin Mélanie 
Published: September 2018

AimsOptimal placement of periurethral material has an important role in treatment efficacy with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The validity of methods for determining urethral length and the precise location of the mid‐urethral complex for SUI treatment have been sparsely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between urethral lengths measured with a catheter and by transperineal ultrasound.MethodsFifty‐seven women with SUI or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with predominant stress symptoms were recruited. The urethral length was assessed with 3D transperineal ultrasound and measurements were taken offline from the postero‐inferior margin of the pubic symphysis to the bladder neck. Then, it was measured with a foley catheter by another evaluator, blinded to the ultrasound data. The distance between the inflated balloon and the urethral meatus was considered.ResultsThirty‐three women (58%) had SUI and 24 (42%) had MUI. The mean urethral length evaluated with ultrasound and the catheter were 3.03 ± 0.34 cm and 3.02 ± 0.41 cm (P = 0.857), respectively. Agreement between the two methods as assessed by the intra‐class correlation coefficient was 0.90 (CI0.82‐0.94, P ≤ 0.001). Limits of agreement (Bland‐Altman) were +0.46 to −0.45 cm, with a mean difference of −0.01 ± 0.23 cm.ConclusionsFindings of this study, reveal an excellent agreement between a simple catheter technique and ultrasound assessment for measuring urethral length, with a small mean bias and clinically acceptable limits of agreement. This provides relevant information in clinical practice for determining optimal placement of periurethral material or mid‐urethral tape for SUI treatment.
Cotton‐hydrogel composite for improved wound healing: Synthesize optimization and physicochemical characterization—part 1
Authors: Pinho Eva , Soares Graça 
Published: September 2018

Composite wound dressings gather the suitable properties of 2 or more polymeric materials. Thus, the present work aimed to assess the functionalization of cotton textiles with cyclodextrin‐hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose‐based hydrogel by chemical cross‐linking. The developed composites were evaluated based on their cross‐linking percentage and swelling ability and characterized by FTIR‐ATR, DSC, and TGA. The best conditions were achieved using 1‐step procedure, 0.54 mol L−1 of cross‐linking agent and 1:0.1 polymeric solution/textile (v/w). The textile physical structure was, also, a crucial parameter. From the substrates tested, nonwoven composites could accommodate more gel fraction with enhanced swelling. The functionalization of cotton fibers with cyclodextrin‐hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose‐based hydrogel improved cotton water uptake and surface properties, increasing its applicability as wound dressing.
Synthesis of copper(II) ion‐imprinted polymers via suspension polymerization
Authors: Chaipuang Angkana , Phungpanya Chalida , Thongpoon Chalermporn , Watla‐iad Kanchana , Inkaew Prachak , Machan Theeraphan , Suwantong Orawan 
Published: September 2018

Copper(II) (Cu2+) ion‐imprinted polymers were prepared by suspension polymerization using 2.5 mmol of copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate as the template ion, 5 mmol of 4‐vinylpyridine and methacrylic acid as functional monomers, 20 mmol of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross‐linker, 1 mmol of 1,1′‐azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) as the initiator in the porogen of 10 mL of toluene, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as a stabilizer in the polymerization reaction. The obtained polymers were used to quantify Cu2+ ion by using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Chemical structure, morphology, crystalline structure, and surface area of polymers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller respectively. The diameters of the synthesized polymer particles were about 250 nm. The Cu2+ ion‐imprinted polymers illustrated good recognition property and selective adsorption ability with Cu2+ higher than Mn2+ and Fe2+. Thus, this work could be applied as a sorbent from the enrichment of Cu2+ ions in analytes.
Synthesis and characterization of lactose grafted polycaprolactone‐polysiloxane‐polycaprolactone copolymers
Authors: Ren Yajun , Wang Lei , Cui Xinxiang , Han Libing , Zhou Qifeng , Song Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo create new biofunctional materials, a polycaprolactone‐polysiloxane‐polycaprolactone (PCL‐PMVS‐PCL) carrying lactose was developed by ring‐opening polymerization and esterification reaction. 1H NMR and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy confirmed synthesis of the product. Gel permeation chromatography and DSC were used to evaluate its molecular structure. With propagation of the PCL molecular chain, the copolymer transforms from the amorphous form to crystalline, and its solubility in chloroform is modified. Change of the lactose grafting ratio brings about little influence on the solubility of the grafted copolymer. The product exhibits good film‐forming ability after chain extension. The results suggest that the grafted copolymer not only can form composites with commercial biodegradable polyester but also can be processed alone to serve for biomedical engineering. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Combined modelling methodology for optimisation of box design based on hybrid genetic algorithm
Authors: Martinez‐Hermosilla Gonzalo A. , Kueh Celia , Dahm Karl , Bronlund John E. 
Published: September 2018

The hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) was used to optimise box design to maximise cooling performance, mechanical performance, pallet footprint, and container packing efficiency and to minimise cardboard usage. These factors are normally investigated independently, but the industry requires combined functionality. Here, we present a case study, for optimisation of regular slotted carton boxes filled with wrapped beef mince. After packing, individual boxes are chilled to a desired storage temperature and then palletised for shipping. Four models were developed to predict design performance, including cooling rate, mechanical performance, cardboard usage, and box stacking on pallets. The combination of the model results was used to score the average performance of box designs. The models were solved by Comsol Multiphysics, Ansys APDL, and Cape Pack. The overall design generation and optimisation were developed with Matlab that controls all these software packages, evaluates the interactions between results, and runs the HGA for box optimisation. The HGA was conducted for 10 generations each with a population of 100 individuals. The optimisation routine successfully found optimum dimensions for the box for the defined conditions with relative short simulation times (about 3 hours per generation). This paper demonstrates how overall optimisation of packaging can be achieved through combining the strengths of multiple simulation software packages.