bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Phenanthrene and Retene Modify the Action Potential via Multiple Ion Currents in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Vehniäinen Eeva-Riikka , Haverinen Jaakko , Vornanen Matti 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous contaminants in aqueous environments. They affect cardiovascular development and function in fishes. The 3-ring PAH phenanthrene has recently been shown to impair cardiac excitation–contraction coupling by inhibiting Ca2+ and K+ currents in marine warm-water scombrid fishes. To see if similar events take place in a boreal freshwater fish, we studied whether the PAHs phenanthrene and retene (an alkylated phenanthrene) modify the action potential (AP) via effects on Na+ (INa), Ca2+ (ICaL), or K+ (IKr, IK1) currents in the ventricular myocytes of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) heart. Electrophysiological characteristics of myocytes were measured using whole-cell patch clamp. Micromolar concentrations of phenanthrene and retene modified the shape of the ventricular AP, and retene profoundly shortened the AP at low micromolar concentrations. Both PAHs increased INa and reduced ICaL and IKr, but retene was more potent. Neither of the PAHs had an effect on IK1. Our results show that phenanthrene and retene affect cardiac function in rainbow trout by a mechanism that involves multiple cardiac ion channels, and the final outcome of these changes (shortening of AP) is opposite to that observed in scombrid fishes (prolongation of AP). The results also show that retene and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist have an additional mechanism of toxicity besides the previously known AhR-mediated, transcription-dependent one. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2145–2153. © 2019 SETAC.
How do hospitals respond to price changes in emergency departments?
Authors: Parkinson Beth , Meacock Rachel , Sutton Matt 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLittle is known about how prospective provider payment affects the provision of services led by unpredictable demand. We investigate hospital responses to a 32% increase in price for two treatments in emergency departments in England in April 2011 using data on 11,532,304 attendances (79 hospitals) between 2009/2010 and 2013/2014. We compare changes in the volumes of these two treatments to a treatment not attracting additional reimbursement using a difference‐in‐differences framework. Additional reimbursement led to 76% and 152% increases in the volumes of the two incentivised treatments. Hospitals received an additional £64.4 M between April 2011 and March 2014 for providing these treatments, of which 40% (£25.9 M) was attributable to the unanticipated hospital response to the price increase. We use time in treatment to distinguish real increases in treatment from reductions in undercoding or increases in upcoding. The association between the recorded receipt of these treatments and time spent in treatment was the same before and after the price increase, and there was no association between hospital‐specific increases in recorded treatment volumes and changes in treatment times. The persistence of the treatment time increment suggests the increase in recorded treatment was a real increase in provision of treatments.
Gaucher Disease in Bone: From Pathophysiology to Practice
Authors: Hughes Derralynn , Mikosch Peter , Belmatoug Nadia , Carubbi Francesca , Cox TimothyM , Goker-Alpan Ozlem , Kindmark Andreas , Mistry PramodK , Poll Ludger , Weinreb Neal , Deegan Patrick 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare, genetic lysosomal disorder leading to lipid accumulation and dysfunction in multiple organs. Involvement of the skeleton is one of the most prevalent aspects of GD and a major cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Uniform recommendations for contemporary evaluation and management are needed. To develop practical clinical recommendations, an international group of experienced physicians conducted a comprehensive review of 20 years’ of the literature, defining terms according to pathophysiological understanding and pointing out best practice and unmet needs related to the skeletal features of this disorder. Abnormalities of bone modeling, reduced bone density, bone infarction, and plasma cell dyscrasias accompany the displacement of healthy adipocytes in adult marrow. Exposure to excess bioactive glycosphingolipids appears to affect hematopoiesis and the balance of osteoblast and osteoclast numbers and activity. Imbalance between bone formation and breakdown induces disordered trabecular and cortical bone modeling, cortical bone thinning, fragility fractures, and osteolytic lesions. Regular assessment of bone mineral density, marrow infiltration, the axial skeleton and searching for potential malignancy are recommended. MRI is valuable for monitoring skeletal involvement: It provides semiquantitative assessment of marrow infiltration and the degree of bone infarction. When MRI is not available, monitoring of painful acute bone crises and osteonecrosis by plain X-ray has limited value. In adult patients, we recommend DXA of the lumbar spine and left and right hips, with careful protocols designed to exclude focal disease; serial follow-up should be done using the same standardized instrument. Skeletal health may be improved by common measures, including adequate calcium and vitamin D and management of pain and orthopedic complications. Prompt initiation of specific therapy for GD is crucial to optimizing outcomes and preventing irreversible skeletal complications. Investing in safe, clinically useful, and better predictive methods for determining bone integrity and fracture risk remains a need. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
A Lot of Progress, With More to Be Done: A Response to NIH Pathways to Prevention Report “Research Gaps for Long-Term Drug Therapies for Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention”
Authors: Leder Benjamin Z , Clarke Bart L , Shane Elizabeth , Khosla Sundeep , Kiel Douglas P 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
The public health implications of osteoporosis are enormous but the disease remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. In October 2018, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a Pathways to Prevention (P2P) Workshop entitled “Appropriate Use of Drug Therapies for Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention” designed to identify research gaps, suggest future research opportunities, and advance the field through an evidence-based assessment. By design, the P2P report focused on “gaps” in our knowledge base. Unfortunately, however, the report did not sufficiently acknowledge the current evidence that unequivocally demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of existing pharmacologic therapies for osteoporosis, which has the potential to exacerbate the current crises in osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis identifies lncRNA HCG22 as a migration inhibitor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Xizhe , Xiao Xiaoxiong , Chang Ruimin , Zhang Chunfang 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEsophageal cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the dominant histological type. However, the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) alterations in ESCC have not been elucidated to date. In this study, reliable databases from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), which analyzed lncRNA expression in ESCC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were searched, and common differentially expressed lncRNAs and genes were analyzed. Next, cis‐
trans analysis was performed to predict the underlying relationships between altered lncRNAs and mRNAs, and the lncRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was established. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of altered lncRNA‐related genes were performed. The promising lncRNA HCG22 was validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and clinicopathological data were collected to identify the relationship between lncRNA HCG22 expression level and clinical features. Finally, Transwell assays were performed to explore the biological functions of lncRNA HCG22 in ESCC cells. Two hundred forty‐one lncRNAs and 835 mRNAs were observed to be remarkably altered between ESCC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The lncRNA‐mRNA regulatory network showed the coexpression association between lncRNA HCG22 and SPINK7 and ADAMTS12. GO and KEGG analyses showed that HCG22 and ADAMTS12 had potential biological functions in the cell migration of ESCC. The downregulation of lncRNA HCG22 in ESCC tumor tissues was validated by qPCR, and the clinicopathological data showed a noticeable correlation between lncRNA HCG22 expression level and the ESCC differentiational degree and clinical TNM stage. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that patients with ESCC having low lncRNA HCG22 expression in ESCC tissues had considerably shorter overall survival compared with patients with ESCC having high lncRNA HCG22 expression. Following Transwell assays confirmed the migratory role of lncRNA HCG22 in ESCC cells. In conclusion, lncRNA HCG22 was downregulated in ESCC tissues and can be a migration inhibitor of ESCC cells, and SPINK7 and ADAMTS12 are promising to be the regulatory targets of lncRNA HCG22.
Blockade of thrombospondin‐1 ameliorates high glucose‐induced peritoneal fibrosis through downregulation of TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Na , Zhang Zhen , Shao Xinghua , Jing Ran , Wang Chunlin , Fang Wei , Mou Shan , Ni Zhaohui 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundTransforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is a profibrotic cytokine which induces mesothelial cell mesothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (MMT) and peritoneal fibrosis in patients receiving treatment of peritoneal dialysis. Because thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) is able to activate latent TGF‐β1 in vivo, we investigated whether blockade of TSP‐1 could modulate mesothelial cell MMT and ameliorate peritoneal fibrosis.MethodsHuman pleural mesothelial cells (Met‐5A cells) were treated with TSP‐1 and addition of TGF‐β1 neutralizing antibody to assess the effect of TSP‐1 on MMT. Furthermore, TSP‐1 blocking peptide Leu‐Ser‐Lys‐Leu (LSKL) was applied to Met‐5A cells treated with 4.25% d‐glucose to determine its function in high glucose‐induced MMT. Consequently, a uremic dialysate injection rat model was set up to confirm the results in vivo.ResultsExposure of Met‐5A cells to TSP‐1 increased TGF‐β1 secretion, expression and bioactivity, triggered Smad3 phosphorylation, upregulated the expression of mesenchymal molecules including fibronectin, collagen type III, α‐smooth muscle actin, Snail, and decreased calretinin expression. The effect was partially attenuated by TGF‐β1 neutralizing antibody. TSP‐1 expression in Met‐5A cells was increased by 4.25% d‐glucose, followed by increased secretion and bioactivity of TGF‐β1, the onset of Smad3 phosphorylation and induction of MMT. LSKL significantly attenuated high glucose‐mediated mesothelial cell MMT and ameliorated peritoneal fibrosis in uremic rats receiving dextrose dialysate injection.ConclusionsTaken together, these data demonstrated that TSP‐1 contributes to mesothelial cell MMT by activating TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and blockade of TSP‐1 attenuates high glucose‐mediated mesothelial cell MMT and peritoneal fibrosis.
Non‐thermal plasma‐assisted catalytic oxidation of NO in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor packed with MOx/Al2O3 (M = Mn or Co) as catalysts
Authors: Wang Jiangen , Yi Honghong , Tang Xiaolong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlasma catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool in converting a gas or gas mixture into other value‐added or environment‐friendly chemicals. However, a substantial research effort is needed to further understand the physical and chemical interactions between plasma and catalysts, and their contribution to the chemical reactions.RESULTSFor a given energy density (ED) of 535 ± 25 J L−1, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor packed with Al2O3 achieved higher NO2 selectivity and N2O concentration than the DBD reactor alone. Two kinds of supported catalysts (MnOx/Al2O3 and CoOx/Al2O3) with different loading amounts were prepared to investigate the NO oxidation performance of the plasma‐catalytic process. The results indicated that 5 wt% MnOx/Al2O3 presented higher NO2 selectivity and N2O concentration than other catalysts. Packing the DBD reactor with catalysts also changed its discharge behavior. The discharge behavior of the packed‐bed DBD reactor also changed with variation in the loading amount of active metal oxide from 0 to 15 wt%, resulting in changes in NO oxidation performance. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) analysis results indicated that nitrates were formed during the non‐thermal plasma (NTP)‐assisted catalytic process.CONCLUSIONPacking catalysts into the NTP area can not only change the discharge behavior but also improve the oxidation performance of NTP. Both NO oxidation performance and N2O formation for the NTP‐assisted catalytic process have presented significant enhancement. Reducing N2O formation will still be a big challenge for NTP systems used in environmental applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of wild‐type and mutant p53 protein by Raman spectroscopy and multivariate methods
Authors: Hernández‐Vidales Karen , Guevara Edgar , Olivares‐Illana Vanesa , González Francisco Javier 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTo improve the early and reliable detection of cancer novel methods for the identification of associated biomarkers can suppose a big advantage over most of the techniques nowadays used for diagnosis because these techniques generally have the disadvantages of being laborious, invasive, and dependent on the physician's experience. The cancer biomarker wild‐type p53 protein is naturally present in the human body and activated when cellular damage is detected. Mutations in p53 are related to the presence of tumors.In this work, Raman spectra of wild‐type and mutant p53 were obtained. The spectra were analyzed by multivariate methods. Principal component analysis and support vector machine algorithms showed that it is possible to discriminate between the wild and mutant types of this biomarker with an accuracy of 94%. An estimation of the limit of the detection of the wild‐type p53 protein by means of Raman spectroscopy was performed by partial least squares regression, reaching that it is possible to detect concentration as low as 0.946 μM without additional reagents. This proof‐of‐concept test shows that it is possible to detect and differentiate among types of p53 and represent the basis for an advanced study where a mechanism of signal amplification can be implemented. Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with multivariate mathematical techniques is projected as a complete tool capable of identifying biomarkers in a noninvasive, simple, and economical way, eliminating the subjective interpretation of the results, and therefore contributing to objective and more reliable diagnoses.
Is robotic surgery an option for early T‐stage laryngeal cancer? Early nationwide results
Authors: Hanna Jonathan , Brauer Philip R. , Morse Elliot , Judson Benjamin , Mehra Saral 
Published: June 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo characterize patients undergoing laryngeal transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and compare to open partial surgery and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in achieving negative margins, requiring adjuvant radiation, and overall survival.Study DesignRetrospective database analysis.MethodsEarly‐stage (T1/2) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients from the National Cancer Database. Univariable and multivariable logistic and Cox regressions were used to identify predictors.ResultsThere were 1,780 patients included in the study (186 [10.4%] = TORS; 523 [29.4%] = open surgery; 1,071 [60.2%] = TLM). TORS was more commonly treated at academic centers (68.8% = open surgery, 53.9% = TLM, 71.0% = TORS; P < .001) and had more T2 (52.7% = TORS, 46.7% = open surgery, 20.5% = TLM; P < .001) and N‐positive disease (26.9% = TORS, 19.5% = open surgery, 5.5% = TLM; P < .001). Surgical approach was significantly associated with margin status (positive margin rates: TORS = 17.4%, TLM = 20.0%, open surgery = 13.8%) between open surgery and TLM in multivariable analysis (compared to open surgery, TLM: 1.63 [1.12–2.38], TORS: 1.18 [0.72–1.94]; P = .04). Surgical approach was not associated with receipt of adjuvant radiation (compared to open surgery, TLM: 1.52 [1.04–2.24], TORS: 1.56 [0.97–2.49]; P = .05). It was not associated with margins or adjuvant radiation in supraglottic patients. TORS had the highest 5‐year overall survival, although the survival for TLM was similar (68.7% and 64.8%, respectively), and both were higher than that of open surgery (59.1%; P = .01). In multivariable Cox regression for supraglottic patients, there was no observed difference between TORS and open surgery (compared to TORS, open surgery: 1.44 [0.93–2.24]; P = .25).ConclusionsOn multivariable analysis, there was no observed difference in margin status in TORS patients compared to TLM and open surgery (in both the total cohort and supraglottic subgroup). Similarly there was no observed difference in necessitating adjuvant radiation. In Cox regression, there was no observed difference between TORS and open surgery in overall survival for supraglottic patients. This study suggests that TORS may be a viable treatment option for early‐stage laryngeal cancer.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 130:1195–1201, 2020
Intranasal corticosteroids and saline: Usage and adherence in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Phillips Katie M. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveIntranasal saline irrigations and intranasal corticosteroids are supported by level‐1 evidence for medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We sought to study adherence with these medications.MethodsProspective study of 174 patients with CRS. Patients reported their usage of intranasal saline irrigation and intranasal corticosteroid over the preceding 3 months, at presentation, and a subsequent follow‐up visit 3 to 12 months later. Adherence was defined as reported medication usage for ≥6 days per week.ResultsAt the time of presentation, 44.3% of patients were using an intranasal corticosteroid spray or irrigation ≥6 days/week, whereas only 24.1% were using saline irrigation ≥6 days per week. At follow‐up, 60.3% of patients were using either an intranasal corticosteroid spray or irrigation ≥6 days per week, whereas 35.6% were using saline irrigation ≥6 days per week. Adherence with intranasal corticosteroids was associated with comorbid asthma (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–6.50, P = 0.029), allergy (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.05–4.71, P = 0.037), and change in 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test score (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, P = 0.027). Use of intranasal corticosteroid sprays versus irrigations (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 0.84–7.83, P = 0.099) was suggestive of association with improved adherence. Adherence with intranasal saline irrigation was associated with age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05, P = 0.034).ConclusionUsage and adherence with intranasal steroids and saline may be low in CRS patients even with management in a tertiary level, subspecialty rhinology clinic. Adherence with medications represents a major opportunity for improving patient care and outcomes, specifically by targeting patients with lower disease burden and improving convenience of medications.Level of Evidence2CLaryngoscope, 130:852–856, 2020
Dielectric Constant, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Ladder‐Like Polypropylsilsesquioxane/Crown Ether‐Polyimide Nanocomposites
Authors: Shi Chuqi , Liu Shumei , Wu Yancheng , Cheng Kai , Zhao Jianqing , Fu Yi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLadder‐like polypropylsilsesquioxane (LPSQ) with inorganic SiOSi double‐stranded skeleton in situ growth is incorporated into 18‐crown‐6‐polyimide (CE6‐PI) chains by coupling effect of aminopropyltrimethoxysilane to build ladder‐like polypropylsilsesquioxane/18‐crown‐6‐polyimide (LPSQ/CE6‐PI) nanocomposites. The dielectric constant is evidently decreased, and the strength, toughness, and thermal stability of CE6‐PI are greatly improved. A low dielectric constant of 2.71 as well as high tensile strength of 133.7 MPa and toughness of 29.7 MJ m−3 are achieved for the LPSQ/CE6‐PI nanocomposite with 23.2 wt% LPSQ. Meanwhile, its glass transition temperature and 5% weight loss temperature exhibit an increase of 23.1 °C and 68.8 °C, respectively, based on CE6‐PI. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction patterns, dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscope images are applied to investigate the effect of LPSQ on the structure of LPSQ/CE6‐PI nanocomposites.
Electrospinning of Tough and Elastic Liquid Crystalline Polymer–Polyurethane Composite Fibers: Mechanical Properties and Fiber Alignment
Authors: Bertocchi Michael J. , Simbana Rachel A. , Wynne James H. , Lundin Jeffrey G. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTough and elastic microfiber composites composed of an elastic polyurethane (Hydrothane) and a liquid crystalline polymer (Vectran) are fabricated via electrospinning. The composite fibers (HVC) are examined as a function of the mixing ratio of the polymers and evaluated on the bases of fiber formation, morphology, thermal properties, mechanical performance, and fiber alignment. The fiber diameters of the HVCs decrease as the content of Vectran increases. When the fibers are aligned via a rotating target, they have even smaller diameters and increased uniformity than when a static target is employed. Surprisingly, the aligned fibers’ mechanical properties are different than those of random orientation; the HVC fibers of random orientation display increases in strength, toughness, and elastic modulii when increasing amounts of Vectran are incorporated in the fibers. The aforementioned mechanical properties of the aligned fibers decrease somewhat as the content of Vectran is increased. Further, the durability of the aligned fibers is examined by extensional durability tests over ten cycles. The tests indicate that the HVC fibers are very durable and can function as tunable, tough, and elastic fibrous polymer scaffolds and have potential applications in high‐performance composites, polymeric filtration devices, and fibrous bioengineering materials.
Superhydrophobic and Low‐k Polyimide Film with Porous Interior Structure and Hierarchical Surface Morphology
Authors: Dong Fuping , Li Hongwei , Lu Liangyu , Xiong Yuzhu , Ha Chang‐Sik 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPorous interior structured polyimide (PI) films with a hierarchical surface are fabricated from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride and 4,4′‐oxydianiline by a water vapor induced phase separation process under a humid environment. Superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle of 161° are obtained using the hierarchical surface morphology, which can be adjusted from flower‐like to wrinkle‐shape particles facilely by changing the relative humidity. The dielectric constant (k) of the PI film decreases sharply from 2.8 (film prepared under dry conditions) to ≈1.9 (film prepared under humid conditions) because of the interior porous structure and fluorine‐containing framework. Both a low‐k and superhydrophobicity are very important parameters for PI films in microelectronic and insulating applications.