bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐power, red‐light‐emitting diode irradiation enhances proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization of human periodontal ligament stem cells via ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Yamauchi Nobuhiro , Taguchi Yoichiro , Kato Hirohito , Umeda Makoto 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundLight‐emitting diode (LED) is attracting attention as a new light source for phototherapy. However, its effects on periodontal tissue regeneration remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of high‐power, red LED irradiation on human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), which play an important role in periodontal tissue regeneration.MethodsPDLSCs were derived from adult human third molars. The light source was red LED (peak wavelength: 650 nm). Energy densities ranging from 0 to 10 J/cm2 were tested to determine the optimal dose. PDLSC proliferation was measured using two parameters: live cell protease and ATP levels. After the cells were induced to differentiate, the effect of LED irradiation on osteogenic differentiation and mineralization was examined, with particular focus on the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway using an ERK inhibitor (PD98059).ResultsLED irradiation at 8 J/cm2 led to a significant increase in PDLSC proliferation and enhanced Runx2 and Osterix mRNA expression, Alkaline phosphatase activity, procollagen type I C‐peptide and osteocalcin production, calcium deposition, and alizarin red S staining. In addition, LED induced the activation of ERK1/2, and the effects of LED on PDLSC proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization could be suppressed by treatment with PD98059.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that 650‐nm high‐power, red, LED irradiation increases PDLSCs proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation and mineralization, mediated by ERK1/2 activation. These findings suggest that LED may be a useful tool for periodontal tissue regeneration.
An ultrasensitive chemiluminescence immunoassay for fumonisin B1 detection in cereals based on gold‐coated magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Jie Mingsha , Yu Songcheng , Yu Fei , Liu Lie , He Leiliang , Li Yanqiang , Zhang Hongquan , Qu Lingbo , Harrington Peter de B , Wu Yongjun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the present study, a novel highly sensitive magnetic enzyme chemiluminescence immunoassay (MECLIA) was developed to detect fumonisin B1 (FB1) in cereal samples. The gold‐coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Au, GoldMag) were used as solid phase carrier to develop a competitive CLIA for detecting FB1, in which FB1 in samples would compete with FB1‐ovalbumin coated on the surface of Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles for binding with FB1 antibodies. Successively, horseradish peroxidase labeled goat anti‐rabbit IgG (HRP‐IgG) was conjugated with FB1 antibodies on the microplate. In substrate solution containing luminol and H2O2, HRP‐IgG catalyzed luminol oxidation by H2O2, generating a high chemiluminescence signal. The FB1 immune GoldMag particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and zeta potential analysis, etc.RESULTSThe concentrations and the reaction times of these immunoreagents were optimized to improve the performances of this method. The established method could detect as low as 0.027 ng mL–1 FB1 from 0.05 ng mL–1 to 25 ng mL–1, demonstrating little cross‐reaction (less than 2.4%) with other structurally related compounds. The average intrassay relative SD (RSD) (n = 6) was 3.4% and the average interassay RSD (n = 6) was 5.4%. This method was successfully applied for the determination of FB1 in corn and wheat and gave recoveries of between 98–110% and 91–105%, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study suggest that the MECLIA approach has potential application for high‐throughput fumonisin screening in cereals. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening and analysis of potentially active components in Shenxiong glucose injection using UHPLC coupled with photodiode array detection and MS/MS
Authors: Zhou Meng , Li Rui , Liao Xiang‐Ming , Wang Zheng , Xu Guo‐Bo , Gong Zi‐Peng , Lu Yuan , He Xun , Li Yong‐Jun , Wang Yong‐Lin , Zheng Lin , Liao Shang‐Gao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractShenxiong glucose injection, a pharmaceutical preparation containing a water extract of the roots of Salvia miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride, is widely used in clinical to treat cardiovascular diseases in China. The chemical components of the water extract have been reported and the cardioprotective effects of the injection have been evaluated. However, the chemical constituents of the injection and their correlations with its pharmacological effects have not been established. In this study, 13 chemical constituents of the injection have been identified or characterized by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. Besides, the potentially active compounds of this preparation that directly act on cardiac cells have been screened by cell extraction and ultra high performance liquid chromatography targeted multiple reaction monitoring. As a result, eight potentially active compounds, danshensu (1), ligustrazine hydrochloride (4), salvianolic acid I/H (7), lithospermic acid (8), salvianolic acid D (9), rosmarinic acid (10), salvianolic acid B (12), and salvianolic acid C (13), were obtained and structurally characterized from the 11 target compounds used for screening. The liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with multiple reaction monitoring tandem mass spectrometry combination method has demonstrated its potency for the screening, detection, and structural identification of bioactive compounds in a complex matrix.
Refinement of MLC modeling improves commercial QA dosimetry system for SRS and SBRT patient‐specific QA
Authors: Hillman Yair , Kim Josh , Chetty Indrin , Wen Ning 
Published: February 2018

PurposeMobius 3D (M3D) provides a volumetric dose verification of the treatment planning system's calculated dose using an independent beam model and a collapsed cone convolution superposition algorithm. However, there is a lack of investigation into M3D's accuracy and effectiveness for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) quality assurance (QA). Here, we collaborated with the vendor to develop a revised M3D beam model for SRS/SBRT cases treated with a 6X flattening filter‐free (FFF) beam and high‐definition multiple leaf collimator (HDMLC) on an Edge linear accelerator.MethodsEighty SRS/SBRT cases, planned with AAA dose algorithm and validated with Gafchromic film, were compared to M3D dose calculations using 3D gamma analysis with 2%/2 mm gamma criteria and a 10% threshold. A revised beam model was developed by refining the HD‐MLC model in M3D to improve small field dose calculation accuracy and beam profile agreement. All cases were reanalyzed using the revised beam model. The impact of heterogeneity corrections for lung cases was investigated by applying lung density overrides to five cases.ResultsFor the standard and revised beam models, respectively, the mean gamma passing rates were 94.6% [standard deviation (SD): 6.1%] and 98.0% [SD: 1.7%] (for the overall patient), 88.2% [SD: 17.3%] and 93.8% [SD: 6.8%] (for the brain PTV), 71.4% [SD: 18.4%] and 81.5% [SD: 14.3%] (for the lung PTV), 83.3% [SD: 16.7%] and 67.9% [SD: 23.0%] (for the spine PTV), and 78.6% [SD: 14.0%] and 86.8% [SD: 12.5%] (for the PTV of all other sites). The lung PTV mean gamma passing rates improved from 74.1% [SD: 7.5%] to 89.3% [SD: 7.2%] with the lung density overridden. The revised beam model achieved an output factor within 3% of plastic scintillator measurements for 2 × 2 cm2 MLC field size, but larger discrepancies are still seen for smaller field sizes which necessitate further improvement of the beam model.ConclusionSpecial attention needs to be paid to small field dosimetry, MLC modeling, and inhomogeneity corrections in the beam model for SRS/SBRT QA. The improvements noted in this study, and further collaborations between clinical physicists and the vendor to refine the M3D beam model could enable M3D to become a premier SRS/SBRT QA tool.
Esophagitis associated with multimodality management of pediatric Ewing sarcoma of thorax
Authors: Agarwal Vibhuti , Logie Natalie , Morris Christopher G. , Bradley Julie A. , Rotondo Ronny L. , Bradfield Scott M. , Indelicato Daniel J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundEwing sarcoma of the thoracic spine and chest wall is frequently treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Treatment‐related acute esophagitis can lead to hospitalization and treatment delays. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and management of esophagitis in pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma of the thoracic region.MethodsWe conducted a single‐institution retrospective review of patients treated over a 10‐year period. Medical records were reviewed for patient and treatment characteristics associated with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 2 or higher esophagitis. RT plans were also reviewed and various esophageal dose metrics were analyzed.ResultsTwelve of 37 patients (32%) developed acute esophagitis. Neutropenia was associated with an increased risk of esophagitis (60% vs. 14%; P < 0.01). RT significantly contributed to its incidence when maximum esophageal dose was >47 Gy (69% vs. 5%; P < 0.0001) and esophageal D5cm3 was >15 Gy (67% vs. 9%; P < 0.001). All 12 patients with esophagitis were managed with oral opioid analgesics. Nine patients with persistent symptoms received subsequent fluconazole for empiric fungal treatment and each had a decreased need for opioid analgesics within 2–5 days.ConclusionApproximately one‐third of patients with Ewing sarcoma of the thoracic region will develop acute esophagitis. An esophageal D5cm3 dose < 15 Gy and maximal esophageal dose < 47 Gy may keep the rate of acute esophagitis under 5%. However, the association with neutropenia and consistent response to antifungal therapy suggest chemotherapy‐associated toxicity and an infectious component as part of the process.
Factors associated with abandonment of therapy by children diagnosed with solid tumors in Peru
Authors: Vasquez Liliana , Diaz Rosdali , Chavez Sharon , Tarrillo Fanny , Maza Ivan , Hernandez Eddy , Oscanoa Monica , García Juan , Geronimo Jenny , Rossell Nuria 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAbandonment of treatment is a major cause of treatment failure and poor survival in children with cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The incidence of treatment abandonment in Peru has not been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with treatment abandonment by pediatric patients with solid tumors in Peru.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the sociodemographic and clinical data of children referred between January 2012 and December 2014 to the two main tertiary centers for childhood cancer in Peru. The definition of treatment abandonment followed the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, Paediatric Oncology in Developing Countries, Abandonment of Treatment recommendation.ResultsData from 1135 children diagnosed with malignant solid tumors were analyzed, of which 209 (18.4%) abandoned treatment. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed significantly higher abandonment rates in children living outside the capital city, Lima (forest; odds ratio [OR] 3.25; P < 0.001), those living in a rural setting (OR 3.44; P < 0.001), and those whose parent(s) lacked formal employment (OR 4.39; P = 0.001). According to cancer diagnosis, children with retinoblastoma were more likely to abandon treatment compared to children with other solid tumors (OR 1.79; P = 0.02). In multivariate regression analyses, rural origin (OR 2.02; P = 0.001) and lack of formal parental employment (OR 2.88; P = 0.001) were independently predictive of abandonment.ConclusionTreatment abandonment prevalence of solid tumors in Peru is high and closely related to sociodemographical factors. Treatment outcomes could be substantially improved by strategies that help prevent abandonment of therapy based on these results.
Rapid discrimination of different Apiaceae species based on HPTLC fingerprints and targeted flavonoids determination using multivariate image analysis
Authors: Shawky Eman , Abou El Kheir Rasha M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionSpecies of Apiaceae are used in folk medicine as spices and in officinal medicinal preparations of drugs. They are an excellent source of phenolics exhibiting antioxidant activity, which are of great benefit to human health. Discrimination among Apiaceae medicinal herbs remains an intricate challenge due to their morphological similarity.ObjectiveIn this study, a combined “untargeted” and “targeted” approach to investigate different Apiaceae plants species was proposed by using the merging of high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)‐image analysis and pattern recognition methods which were used for fingerprinting and classification of 42 different Apiaceae samples collected from Egypt.MethodologySoftware for image processing was applied for fingerprinting and data acquisition. HPTLC fingerprint assisted by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)‐heat maps resulted in a reliable untargeted approach for discrimination and classification of different samples. The “targeted” approach was performed by developing and validating an HPTLC method allowing the quantification of eight flavonoids.ResultsThe combination of quantitative data with PCA and HCA‐heat‐maps allowed the different samples to be discriminated from each other.ConclusionThe use of chemometrics tools for evaluation of fingerprints reduced expense and analysis time. The proposed method can be adopted for routine discrimination and evaluation of the phytochemical variability in different Apiaceae species extracts.
The snow tire illusion: Different levels of perceptual assimilation across a single stimulus configuration
Authors: Gulan Tanja , Valerjev Pavle , Dujmović Marin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhile observing a specific traffic sign in the field, we noticed an apparent distortion of size and shape of the circle that contained the sign. This novel illusion manifests as a distortion of the horizontal compared to the vertical dimension of the sign. The illusion seems to be underlined by similar mechanisms to those in the Delboeuf illusion. The aim of our study was to determine the existence and magnitude of the snow tire illusion. We conducted two experiments using the method of constant stimuli. The first experiment was conducted on the standard sign, while in the second, the stimuli were rotated 90° counterclockwise. Both experiments consisted of three conditions: the snow tire, the ellipse, and the simple circle (control) conditions. The data showed a robust illusion effect for both the standard and rotated sign compared to the control condition, with a large majority of participants experiencing the illusion. The snow tire illusion seems to be a combination of assimilation mechanisms of different magnitudes. The assimilation is larger for one dimension of the sign, thus producing the shape distortion. The illusion may be a manifestation of a thus far undocumented non‐uniform effect of assimilation on perceived size and shape.
Sexual function, psychosocial adjustment to illness, and quality of life among Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors
Authors: Chow Ka Ming , So Winnie Kwok Wei , Choi Kai Chow , Chan Carmen Wing Han 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundDisrupted sexual function is a prevalent and sustained side effect of gynaecological cancer and its related treatment. This problem may pose challenges to the survivors in the process of illness adjustment, leading to elevated psychological distress and impaired quality of life. However, care and interventions in this area have been neglected in most countries.ObjectivesTo investigate sexual function, psychosocial adjustment to illness, and quality of life among Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors in Hong Kong and to explore their associations.MethodsA cross‐sectional design was adopted. Gynaecological cancer survivors were recruited from a gynaecological oncology outpatient clinic at a regional hospital in Hong Kong.ResultsA total of 225 Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors were recruited. Their sexual function was found to be impaired. They had satisfactory performance in psychosocial adjustment to illness, but the worst domain was sexual relationships. Their quality of life was fair, with physical and social functioning performing best. Path analysis demonstrated that psychosocial adjustment to illness played a significant mediating role in the relationship between sexual function and quality of life among those who were married or had a regular sex partner.ConclusionsImpaired sexual function was prevalent among Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors, and psychosocial adjustment to illness mediates the relationship between sexual function and quality of life. In Chinese clinical settings without routine sexuality assessments, early sexual function and psychosocial adjustment assessment should be integrated into routine nursing practice. In addition, a culturally appropriate practice model should be developed to guide sexuality care delivery.
Novel frameworks for the design of fault‐tolerant control using optimal sliding‐mode control
Authors: Argha Ahmadreza , Su Steven W. , Savkin Andrey , Celler Branko G. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThis paper describes 2 schemes for a fault‐tolerant control using a novel optimal sliding‐mode control, which can also be employed as actuator redundancy management for overactuated uncertain linear systems. By using the effectiveness level of the actuators in the performance indexes, 2 schemes for redistributing the control effort among the remaining (redundant or nonfaulty) set of actuators are constructed based on an
‐based optimal sliding‐mode control. In contrast to the current sliding‐mode fault‐tolerant control design methods, in these new schemes, the level of control effort required to maintain sliding is penalised. The proposed optimal sliding‐mode fault‐tolerant control design schemes are implemented in 2 stages. In the first stage, a state feedback gain is derived using an LMI‐based scheme that can assign a number of the closed‐loop eigenvalues to a known value whilst satisfying performance specifications. The sliding function matrix related to the particular state feedback derived in the first stage is obtained in the second stage. The difference between the 2 schemes proposed for the sliding‐mode fault‐tolerant control is that the second one includes a separate control allocation module, which makes it easier to apply actuator constraints to the problem. Moreover, it will be shown that, with the second scheme, we can deal with actuator faults or even failures without controller reconfiguration. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the 2 schemes in more details. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes are illustrated with numerical examples.
Role of CD133 Molecule in Wnt Response and Renal Repair
Authors: Brossa Alessia , Papadimitriou Elli , Collino Federica , Incarnato Danny , Oliviero Salvatore , Camussi Giovanni , Bussolati Benedetta 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Renal repair after injury is dependent on clonal expansion of proliferation-competent cells. In the human kidney, the expression of CD133 characterizes a population of resident scattered cells with resistance to damage and ability to proliferate. However, the biological function of the CD133 molecule is unknown. By RNA sequencing, we found that cells undergoing cisplatin damage lost the CD133 signature and acquired metanephric mesenchymal and regenerative genes such as SNAIL1, KLF4, SOX9, and WNT3. CD133 was reacquired in the recovery phase. In CD133-Kd cells, lack of CD133 limited cell proliferation after injury and was specifically correlated with deregulation of Wnt signaling and E-cadherin pathway. By immunoprecipitation, CD133 appeared to form a complex with E-cadherin and β-catenin. In parallel, CD133-Kd cells showed lower β-catenin levels in basal condition and after Wnt pathway activation and reduced TCF/LEF promoter activation in respect to CD133+ cells. Finally, the lack of CD133 impaired generation of nephrospheres while favoring senescence. These data indicate that CD133 may act as a permissive factor for β-catenin signaling, preventing its degradation in the cytoplasm. Therefore, CD133 itself appears to play a functional role in renal tubular repair through maintenance of proliferative response and control of senescence.
Environmentally Friendly Inorganic Magnetic Sulfide Nanoparticles for Efficient Adsorption‐Based Mercury Remediation from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Patel Khushbu , Singh Nimisha , Nayak Jyotsna M. , Jha Babli , Sahoo Suban K. , Kumar Rajender 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInorganic sulphidenanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by wrapping the magnetic iron oxide NPs with thin shell (5 nm) of zinc sulphide. The as prepared NPs show maximum mercury removal capacity of 98–99% under ambient conditions from tap, ground and polluted river water without any pre‐treatment. The magnetic nanoparticlesinteract with toxic mercuric ions predominately by adsorption phenomenon and shows excellent thermodynamic parameters fitted with Langmuir and van'thoff isotherms. The as prepared magnetic NPshave high selectivity for mercury, practical utility and can be scaled up at pilot scale.
In Situ Green Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles on Tannic Acid‐Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles as a Green Reductant and Stabilizer Agent: Its Application as a Recyclable Nanocatalyst (Fe3O4@TA/Pd) for Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol and Suzuki Reactions
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Pirhayati Mozhgan , Kakanejadifard Ali , Mohammadi Pourya , Abdi Mohammad Reza , Gholami Javad , Hemmati Saba 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTannic acid, as a humic‐like substance with phenolic hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, can modify surface of Fe3O4 NPs. Moreover, it can improve surface properties and capacity of Fe3O4 for adsorption and reduction of palladium ions through complexing with them, in aqueous solutions. Therefore, Fe3O4@TA NPs have potentials of reducing, stabilizing and immobilizing palladium nano particles to generate novel magnetic palladium nanocatalysts. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrum (EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods unraveled the catalyst properties. Investigation of Fe3O4@TA/Pd NPs performance illustrated its recycle nature and high catalytic activity towards Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions and reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), at room temperature.