bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quercetin sensitizes human myeloid leukemia KG‐1 cells against TRAIL‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Naimi Adel , Entezari Atefeh , Hagh Majid Farshdousti , Hassanzadeh Ali , Saraei Raedeh , Solali Saeed 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. Conventional treatments are associated with cytotoxicity and systemic side effects. Hence, efforts in the field of cancer treatment are focused on finding the strategies which can specifically target the tumor cells without affecting the normal cells. TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a biological cytokine which has the mentioned specificity, but the resistance of some cancer cells limits its use as a therapeutic strategy. Recent studies have shown that quercetin (QUR) can be used as a sensitizing agent alongside with TRAIL. The present study showed that QUR can increase the effect of TRAIL‐induced cytotoxicity in KG‐1 cells.Materials and MethodsIn this descriptive study, the IC50 dose for QUR in the KG‐1 cell line was first determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Then, the cells were treated with TRAIL and QUR for 12, 24, and 48 hr. The rate of apoptosis was measured by Annexin V/propidium iodide assay. Also, the molecular evaluation of candidate genes was accomplished before and after the treatment.ResultsThe results indicated that QUR could sensitize the KG‐1 cells against the TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. This outcome is achieved by increasing the messenger RNA expression levels of the death receptor genes and reducing the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, as well as decreasing the expression of the NF‐κB subunit.ConclusionOur findings suggest that QUR can sensitize the acute myeloid KG‐1 cells against TRAIL. Moreover, the combinational therapy of these agents might promisingly improve the clinical efficacy of TRAIL in patients with AML.
Microscopic investigations of some selected species of Papilionaceae through SEM and LM from Skardu valley, northern Pakistan
Authors: Bano Abida , Ahmad Mushtaq , Rashid Sofia , Zafar Muhammad , Ashfaq Shomaila , Rehman Saeed ur , Ali Muhammad Ishtiaq , Sultana Shazia , Shaheen Shabnum , Ahmad Shafiq 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPollen morphology of 10 species and foliar epidermal anatomy of eight species of Papilionaceae from Skardu valley, northern Pakistan has been estimated for the first time. The present study was commenced with an aim to provide a detailed account of the pollen morphology by scanning electron microscopy and foliar epidermal anatomy by light microscopy. The pollen aperture was tricolporate with reticulate exine in the selected species. Stomata types are actinocytic, paracytic, and anomocytic. Irregular or polygonal with undulate or straight walls, epidermal cells were reported. A unique diversity was observed in the foliar trichomes that show the taxonomic significance of the discrimination of taxa. Non‐glandular trichomes were observed in the selected species which are unicellular with thin, long and pointed apical cells. Pollen and foliar micro morphological characters proved to be helpful for the identification of taxa at a specific level.
Geometric parameters effect of the atomic force microscopy smart piezoelectric cantilever on the different rough surface topography quality by considering the capillary force
Authors: Habibnejad Korayem Alireza , Taghizadeh Mitra , Habibnejad Korayem Moharam 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNowadays, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used in the nanotechnology as a powerful nano‐robot. The surface topography in Nanoscale is by far one of the most important usages of the AFM device. Hence, in this article, the vibration motion of a piezoelectric rectangular cross‐section micro‐cantilever (MC) which oscillates in the moist environment has been examined based on the Timoshenko beam theory. After extracting the MC governing equations according to Hamilton's principle, the finite element method has been used to discretize the motion equations. The surface topography has been simulated for various roughness forms in the tapping and non‐contact modes by considering the effects of the Van der Waals, capillary and contact forces. Also, the experimental results obtained from the glass surface topography have been simulated. The results illustrate that the time delay in higher natural frequencies in the tapping mode is shorter in comparison with the non‐contact mode, especially, for the lower natural frequencies. The sensitivity analysis of the natural frequencies, topography depth and time delay have been simulated. Results indicate that the most effective parameter is the MC length. In the first mode, the first section length has the highest effect on the surface topography time delay, also, in the second vibration mode; the most effective parameter on the time delay is the MC tip length based on the simulation results.
MRI‐based nomogram estimates the risk of recurrence of primary nonmetastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after curative resection
Authors: Sun Hai‐Tao , Zhang Shi‐Long , Liu Kai , Zhou Jian‐Jun , Wang Xing‐Xing , Shen Ting‐Ting , Song Xu‐Hao , Guo Ying‐Long , Wang Xiao‐Lin 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundAccurate estimation of the recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors help with prognosis, guide follow‐up, and avoid futile treatments.PurposeTo investigate whether MRI features could preoperatively estimate the recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and to refine a novel prognostic model through developing a nomogram incorporating various MRI features.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 81 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed nonmetastatic PNETs.Field Strength/Sequences1.5 T MR, including T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted imaging sequences.AssessmentQualitative and quantitative MRI features of PNET were assessed by three experienced radiologists.Statistical TestsUni‐ and multivariable analyses for recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. The MRI‐based nomogram was then designed based on multivariable logistic analysis in our study and the performance of the nomogram was validated according to C‐index, calibration, and decision curve analyses.ResultsMRI features, including tumor size (hazard ratio [HR]: 14.131; P = 0.034), enhancement pattern (HR: 21.821, P = 0.032), and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values (HR: 0.055, P = 0.038) were significant independent predictors of RFS at multivariable analysis. The performance of the nomogram incorporating various MRI features (with a C‐index of 0.910) was improved compared with that based on tumor size, enhancement pattern, and ADC alone (with C‐index values of 0.672, 0.851, and 0.809, respectively). The calibration curve of the nomogram exhibited perfect consistency between estimation and observation at 0.5, 1, and 2 years after surgery. The decision curve showed that a nomogram incorporating three features had more favorable clinical predictive usefulness than any single feature.Data ConclusionMRI features can be considered effective recurrence predictors for PNETs after surgery. The preliminary nomogram incorporating various MRI features could assess the risk of recurrence in PNETs and may be used to optimize individual treatment strategies.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:397–409.
Real‐time and user‐independent feature classification of forearm using EMG signals
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shi Yikai , Wang Wendong , Chu Yang , Yuan Xiaoqing 
Published: December 2018

AbstractElectromyography (EMG) signals contain various information about human motion. How to extract the EMG signals of the human body by appropriate methods for classification is a hot issue in current research. Unfortunately, the main problem with the classification of EMG signals is that only certain actions can be identified. Once the individual is changed, the recognition accuracy rate will be greatly reduced. This study introduces a method for classifying the forearm using back propagation (BP) neural networks. This mode extracted five features of the EMG signals. Participants were required to train their own actions during the test. Six participants selected four to six actions to identify them, and the average accuracy was more than 90%. The results suggest that the method can be used among different individuals and provides a good classification method.
Subpectoral implantation of the hypoglossal nerve stimulator: An effective technical modification
Authors: Deep Nicholas L. , Hines John Peyton , Parish James M. , Hinni Michael L. , Bansberg Stephen F. 
Published: December 2018

Upper airway stimulation is now a well‐established treatment option for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The implanted pulse generator of this system activates the hypoglossal nerve and is routinely placed in a subcutaneous pocket overlying the pectoralis muscle. This case report describes a patient with a history of bilateral mastectomy and radiation for breast cancer who required explantation due to device exposure and infection. The patient was successfully reimplanted by placing the implantable pulse generator deep to the pectoralis major muscle. Clinical circumstances involving the chest wall may warrant subpectoral placement of the implanted pulse generator.Laryngoscope, 129:2420–2423, 2019
Middle‐ear dexamethasone delivery via ultrasound microbubbles attenuates noise‐induced hearing loss
Authors: Shih Cheng‐Ping , Chen Hsin‐Chien , Lin Yi‐Chun , Chen Hang‐Kang , Wang Hao , Kuo Chao‐Yin , Lin Yuan‐Yung , Wang Chih‐Hung 
Published: December 2018

Objectives/HypothesisIn this study, we expanded our previous investigation by testing the efficiency of trans–round window membrane dexamethasone (DEX) delivery mediated by ultrasound (US)‐aided microbubbles (MBs) and its preventive effects regarding noise exposure in animal models.Study DesignLive animal model.MethodsForty‐two pigmented male guinea pigs were divided into the following three groups: an US‐MBs (USM) group, in which the tympanic bulla was filled with DEX and MBs and exposed to US; a round window soaking (RWS) group, without the US irradiation; and a control group. The above‐mentioned manipulations were performed 2 hours prior to white noise exposure. The cochlear damage, including auditory threshold shifts, hair cell loss, and expression of cochlear HMGB1, was evaluated.ResultsThe enhanced DEX delivery efficiency of the USM group was approximately 2.4× to 11.2× greater than that of the RWS group. After the noise exposure, the RWS group showed significant cochlear protection compared with the control group, and more significant and dominant protective effects were demonstrated in the USM group.ConclusionsThe application of US‐MBs provides a safe and more effective approach than spontaneous diffusion, which is commonly used in clinical practice; thus, this technique holds potential for future inner‐ear drug delivery.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1907–1914, 2019
A series of Duffy‐distance transformation for integrating 2D and 3D vertex singularities
Authors: Lv Jia‐He , Jiao Yu‐Yong , Feng Xia‐Ting , Wriggers Peter , Zhuang Xiao‐Ying , Rabczuk Timon 
Published: December 2018

SummaryWith the development of the generalized/extended finite element method for fracture problems, the accurate and efficient integration of singular enrichment functions has been an open issue, especially for the 3D case. In this paper, we reveal the near singularities caused by distorted integral patch/cell shape numerically and theoretically during the implementation of generalized Duffy transformation, and the Duffy‐distance transformation is developed step by step for the 2D and 3D vertex singularities. Meanwhile, the 3D conformal preconditioning strategy is constructed to eliminate the near singularity caused by element shape distortion during the iso‐parametric transformation, which enables the Duffy‐distance transformation to be applicable for arbitrary shaped tetrahedral elements. As a result, the near singularities can be fully or partly canceled depending on the order of singularity. The implementation of the proposed scheme in existing codes is straightforward. Numerous numerical examples for arbitrary shaped triangles and tetrahedrons are presented to demonstrate its robustness and efficiency, along with comparisons to the generalized Duffy transformation.
Dual pH‐ and thermal‐responsive nanocomposite hydrogels for controllable delivery of hydrophobic drug baicalein
Authors: Feng Shuangjiang , Wang Shuxue , Lv Yuanfei , He Lei , Li Qiurong , Zhang Tao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHydrogels have been widely used as mild biomaterials due to their bio‐affinity, high drug loading capability and controllable release profiles. However, hydrogel‐based carriers are greatly limited for the delivery of hydrophobic payloads due to the lack of hydrophobic binding sites. Herein, nano‐liposome micelles were embedded in semi‐interpenetrating poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐chitosan] (PNIPAAm‐co‐CS) and poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(sodium alginate)] (PNIPAAm‐co‐SA) hydrogels which were responsive to both temperature and pH, thereby establishing tunable nanocomposite hydrogel delivery systems. Nano‐micelles formed via the self‐assembly of phospholipid could serve as the link between hydrophobic drug and hydrophilic hydrogel due to their special amphiphilic structure. The results of transmission and scanning electron microscopies and infrared spectroscopy showed that the porous hydrogels were successfully fabricated and the liposomes encapsulated with baicalein could be well contained in the network. In addition, the experimental results of response release in vitro revealed that the smart hydrogels showed different degree of sensitiveness under different pH and temperature stimuli. The results of the study demonstrate that combining PNIPAAm‐co‐SA and PNIPAAm‐co‐CS hydrogels with liposomes encapsulated with hydrophobic drugs is a feasible method for hydrophobic drug delivery and have potential application prospects in the medical field. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Partitioning effect of nitrogen catalyst into polymerizing particles on dispersion reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (dispersion RTCP) of methyl methacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide and organic solvents
Authors: Okubo Masayoshi , Kitayama Yukiya , Taniyama Tomoya , Liu Xiang , Zhang Jianzheng , Shi Hao 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTReversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP) in dispersion polymerization system (dispersion RTCP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was performed with N‐iodosuccimide (NIS) as a nitrogen catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The solubility of NIS in scCO2 can be controlled by tuning the pressure, and this led to promote NIS partitioning into polymerizing particles. As a result, the molecular weight distribution control was successfully improved by decreasing the NIS solubility in the medium by tuning the scCO2 at a low pressure of 20 MPa. On the other hand, at the same NIS concentration, a solution RTCP of MMA in toluene as a homogeneous polymerization system did not proceed with a controlled/living manner. The importance of NIS partitioning into the polymerizing particles was also confirmed in hexane as well as scCO2 medium. From these results, it was clarified that the NIS catalyst partitioning into the polymerizing particles as main polymerization loci is a key factor to control the molecular weight distribution in the dispersion RTCP of MMA in scCO2. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 613–620
Designed synthesis of Co salen‐based metalated crystalline polymers
Authors: Xu Kaikai , Xia Guomin , Liu Dong , Jiang Lixia , Wang Mingda , Liu Dingjun , Lv Xin , Shan Wenzhe , Wang Hongming 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTIn this contribution, we for the first time propose the targeted synthesis of Co‐metalated salen‐based crystalline polymer, starting from corner and square building units in the presence of cobalt metal ions. On the basis of structural characterizations, this kind of salen‐based crystalline polymer is proved to be the long hollow tube. Due to its covalent connected unique structure, the obtained Co‐salen polymer possesses high crystallinity and excellent stability. The experimental and theoretical studies show that this kind of material holds paramagnetism, unique electronic structure, and remarkable catalytic activity with high selectivity for the coupling of CO2 and epoxides to form cyclic carbonates. And specifically, it shows favorable recyclability with only a slight drop in yield after six catalytic cycles. We hope that the results reported here will greatly inspire the design and synthesis of different metalated salen‐based polymer and enlarge their interesting applications in the future. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 641–647
Prospective evaluation of lung function in children with parapneumonic empyema
Authors: de Benedictis Fernando M. , Carloni Ines , Osimani Patrizia , Cobellis Giovanni , Martino Ascanio , Lanza Cecilia , Niccoli Antonio A. , Azzari Chiara , Skrami Edlira , Gesuita Rosaria 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRationaleProspective studies that evaluated the outcome of childhood empyema are limited.ObjectiveTo compare the outcome of pulmonary function in children with empyema.Patients and MethodsChildren discharged with a diagnosis of empyema underwent a longitudinal study including measurement of pulmonary function and radiographic imaging.ResultsThe population consisted of 39 patients, 24 males, and 15 females; with a median age of 4.6 years. Etiology was defined in 20/39 patients, and predominant microorganism was Streptococcus pneumoniae (19/20 isolates). Chest tube drainage with or without fibrinolytic agents was the primary intervention in 25 children. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 14 and 5 children as primary and secondary intervention, respectively. Thirty‐five children completed the lung function follow‐up. At first follow‐up visit, 5 out of 17 children able to perform spirometry (initially collaborating children) had normal tests, and 12 had mild‐to‐moderate defects of lung function that returned to normal over 2–57 months. Eighteen children unable to perform spirometry at first follow‐up visit (initially non‐collaborating children) had normal tests when they were evaluated 5–78 months postdischarge. At the end of the follow‐up, all patients had normal lung function. Time to normalize did not differ between groups receiving different treatments (initially collaborating children, P = 0.064; initially non‐collaborating children P = 0.223). Three previously healthy children had recurrent cough, and all children had normal chest radiographs aside from pleural thickening.ConclusionsThe respiratory outcome in children with empyema is generally good and is not influenced by the type of intervention.
Measurement of knee joint range of motion with a digital goniometer: A reliability study
Authors: Svensson Melanie , Lind Veronika , Löfgren Harringe Marita 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesMeasurements of joint range of motion (ROM) are part of a physical therapist's daily work. Activities of daily living and exercises can be complicated to perform when ROM is limited, and depending on the demands in daily living, the knee joint requires different ROM. In sports, a few degrees in ROM may make the difference between getting injured or not. The goals for physical therapists are to help the patients to regain full ROM, mobility, strength, and function after sustaining an injury. To measure joints with the manual universal goniometer is considered time‐consuming and difficult with respect to repeated measurements. Recently, a new digital instrument for measuring ROM was developed—EasyAngle. A first objective of the study was to investigate the reliability of EA for measuring knee joint angles, considering intrarater and interrater reliability. A second objective was to investigate if there were any differences in the intrarater reliability between a novice and an experienced assessor.MethodPassive knee angles were measured in fixed positions for 40 knee joints (20 subjects). Two registered physical therapists, one novice and one experienced, conducted the measurements. Both registered physical therapists were blinded to the measurements throughout the study.ResultsThe results showed very good intrarater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0,997–0,998, standard error of mean 1.15–1.48, smallest detectable difference [SDD] 3.19–4.09, limits of agreement −3.36–3.04, −4.66—4.09) and interrater reliability (ICC 0.994, standard error of mean 2.11, SDD 5.85, limits of agreement −4.75–6.95) for measurements of knee joint ROM. No statistical difference between a novice and an experienced assessor was detected (p = 0.86).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed very good ICC values for both intrarater and interrater reliability measuring knee joint ROM with EasyAngle. Relatively high SDD values were seen for both assessors and may indicate a problem monitoring small differences between measurements. Further studies are recommended to increase the generalizability of the results.
Isotope ratio mass spectrometry in antidoping analysis: The use of endogenous reference compounds
Authors: de la Torre Xavier , Jardines Daniel , Curcio Davide , Colamonici Cristiana , Botrè Francesco 
Published: December 2018

RationaleIsotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is an analytical technique required by the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) before releasing of an adverse finding for the abuse of pseudoendogenous steroids (i.e. testosterone). For every single individual, the delta 13C values (‰) of the selected target compounds (TCs, i.e. testosterone and/or its precursors/metabolites) are compared with those of endogenous reference compounds (ERCs). The aim of this work is to investigate the individual variation in the delta values of four different commonly used ERCs to establish the maximum acceptable variation, in order to detect potential outliers.MethodsRoutine urine samples collected for antidoping purposes were submitted to IRMS confirmation. After a specific liquid chromatographic purification of the analytes of interest, the final extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/combustion (GC/C)‐IRMS. The selected ERCs monitored were pregnanediol, pregnanetriol, 11‐keto‐etiocholanolone and 11β‐hydroxyandrosterone. The obtained 13C delta values were statistically analyzed to evaluate their inter‐ and intra‐individual distribution.ResultsThe delta values of the ERCs studied showed a normal distribution and no major differences among genders were observed. As expected, there are differences depending on the geographical origin of the samples, reflecting different dietary habits and food sources. The intra‐individual dispersion, expressed as the standard deviation (SD) of the values of the studied ERCs, did not greatly exceed the instrumental error (0.5‰), demonstrating the good preservation of the delta values along the metabolic pathway.ConclusionsFor the selected ERCs of non‐sporting volunteers and the urinary specimens from more than 1000 sportsmen, we can propose a maximum SD of 0.54‰ and range of 1.2‰ for delta 13C values as acceptance criteria to detect potential outliers. These cases can be caused by the external masking effect of the administration of a substance modifying the delta values or outliers due to unforeseen procedural artifacts.