bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Performance of CNT‐doped Imine Based Receptors as Fe(III) Sensor Using Potentiometry and Voltammetry
Authors: K. Mittal Susheel , Kumar Sanjeev , Kaur Navneet 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA highly sensitive and selective potentiometric and voltammteric assay for the detection of Fe3+ using (E)‐3‐((2‐(2‐(2‐aminoethylamino) ethylamino) ethylimino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (IFE(III)) ionophore was developed. To demonstrate the ion‐to‐electron transfer ability of MWCNT, these were incorporated in the ion‐selective membrane and response characteristics of Fe3+ electrode was compared with those of the traditional ion selective electrode. The electrode showed an improved Nernstian slope, lower detection limit, response time of less than 5 s and working in a pH range of 3.0 to 8.0. Differential pulse voltammetric studies were performed for IFE(III)‐Fe3+ complex in DMSO solvent medium at glassy carbon (GC) electrode. A linear relationship between the cathodic peak current and concentration of Fe3+ was observed in the range of 1.6×10−5 to 4.4×10−5 mol/L with a detection limit of 5.2×10−8 mol/L. The electrode shows remarkable selectivity for Fe3+ ions over alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. The optimized electrode was successfully applied for the determination of Fe3+ ion in different real‐life samples using potentiometric technique. Theoretical calculations were used to support the complexation behavior of Fe3+ with IFE(III).
Ion Pair Integrated Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Electrolyte Network for Solid‐State Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Guang , Fan Baoyan , Liu Feihua , Yao Fangzhou , Wang Qing 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA class of organic‐inorganic hybrid electrolyte with ion pair integrated network (X‐POSS‐IL‐LiTFSI) has been prepared by crosslinking of oligomeric octasilsesquioxanes grafted with imidazolium‐based ionic liquids for solid state lithium ion battery applications. X‐POSS‐IL‐LiTFSI is thermally stable and highly amorphous, and shows high ionic conductivities and excellent electrochemical stability. With further immobilization of a small fraction of ionic liquid, the ionic conductivity of X‐POSS‐IL‐LiTFSI has been significantly improved, e. g. 1.4×10−4 S/cm at ambinet temperature, to the level required by the practical battery applications, while maintaining the demensional integity. The coin cells of lithium batteries with the plasticized X‐POSS‐IL‐LiTFSI electrolytes exhibit high specific capacities at both ambient and elevated temperatures.
ErbB4 point mutation in CU3 inbred rats affects gonadotropin‐releasing‐hormone neuronal function via compromised neuregulin‐stimulated prostaglandin E2 release from astrocytes
Authors: Moeller‐Gnangra Hanna , Ernst Johanna , Pfeifer Manuel , Heger Sabine 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)‐secretion is not only regulated by neuronal factors but also by astroglia cells via growth factors and ErbB receptors of the epidermal growth factor family. Studies in transgenic mice carrying mutations in the ErbB receptor system experience impaired reproductive capacity. In addition, some of these animals show a typical skin phenotype with wavy hair and curly whiskers. The rat strain SPRD‐CU3 (CU3), examined in this study, displays a similar skin phenotype and a significant impairment of the timing of puberty onset and reproductive performance, suggesting a disruption in the astrocytic to GnRH neuronal communication. To address this issue, we analyzed astrocytic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from primary hypothalamic astrocytic cell cultures after stimulation with transforming growth factor α (TGFα), ligand for ErbB1/ErbB2, or Neuregulin 1 beta 2 (NRG1ß2), ligand for ErbB4/ErbB2 signaling pathway. Compared to cultures from wild type animals, astrocytic cultures from CU3 rats were unable to respond to NRG stimulation, suggesting a disruption of the ErbB4/ErbB2 signaling pathway. This is confirmed by mutational analysis of ErbB4 that revealed a single point mutation at 3125 bp resulting in an amino acid change from proline to glutamine located at the carboxy‐terminal region. As a consequence, substantial conformational changes occur in the transmembrane and intracellular domain of the protein, affecting the ability to form a receptor dimer with a partner and the ability to function as a transcriptional regulator. Thus, astroglia to GnRH neuronal signaling via ErbB4 is essential of timely onset of puberty and reproductive function.
The formation of a glial scar does not prohibit remyelination in an animal model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Haindl Michaela Tanja , Köck Ulrike , Zeitelhofer‐Adzemovic Milena , Fazekas Franz , Hochmeister Sonja 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe role of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is discussed controversially. Especially the formation of the glial scar is often believed to act as a barrier for remyelination. At the same time, astrocytes are known to produce factors that influence oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) survival. To explore these mechanisms, we investigated the astrocytic reaction in an animal model induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in Dark Agouti (DA) rats, which mimics most of the histological features of MS. We correlated the astroglial reaction by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to the remyelination capacity by in situ hybridization for mRNA of proteolipid protein (PLP), indicative of OPCs, over the full course of the disease. PLP mRNA peaked in early remyelinating lesions while the amount of GFAP positive astrocytes was highest in remyelinated lesions. In shadow plaques, we found at the same time all features of a glial scar and numbers of OPCs and mature oligodendrocytes, which were nearly equal to that in unaffected white matter areas. To assess the plaque environment, we furthermore quantitatively analyzed factors expressed by astrocytes previously suggested to influence remyelination. From our data, we conclude that remyelination occurs despite an abundant glial reaction in this animal model. The different patterns of astrocytic factors and the occurrence of different astrocytic phenotypes during lesion evolution furthermore indicate a finely regulated, balanced astrocytic involvement leading to successful repair.
Cutaneous manifestations of hematologic malignancies the experience of an Italian dermatology department
Authors: Merlo Giulia , Cozzani Emanuele , Canale Filippo , Miglino Maurizio , Gambella Massimiliano , Burlando Martina , Parodi Aurora 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn recent years, dermatologic manifestations in oncohematologic patients have become more common.The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and heterogeneity of skin manifestations in patients followed at our Hematology Department.This observational monocentrical study was conducted on 60 patients. We divided the observed conditions in exanthematous, purpuric, vesicular‐bullous, papulonodular, urticarial, and eczematous manifestations. Moreover, all lesions were classified according to pathogenesis, in (a) specific skin manifestations, caused by neoplastic skin infiltration; (b) immune‐mediated manifestations, based on immunological mechanisms; and (c) skin lesions due to immunodeficiency.Altogether, 73 clinical manifestations were reported. Specific manifestations (a) were detected in 15.1% of the cases, mainly with papulonodular appearance. Immune‐mediated manifestations (b) were found in 37 cases (50.7%), particularly with eczematous or exanthematous appearance, and leukemia was the malignancy most frequently reported in these patients. Eventually, lesions due to immunosuppression (c) were reported in 34.2% of the cases. They were represented by infections and cutaneous malignancies, and usually manifested with papulonodular lesions.Skin lesions in oncohematologic patients are a common event. A multidisciplinary approach based on the collaboration between the hematologist and the dermatologist is crucial to achieve a proper diagnosis, and correctly manage these manifestations.
Intraoperative management of carcinoid syndrome
Authors: Usher Helen , Foo Irwin 
Published: November 2018

SummaryWe present a case of a patient with suspected carcinoid syndrome, who underwent laparotomy and ileo‐colic resection. He had been commenced on an octreotide infusion pre‐operatively to optimise him prior to surgery. However, during surgery, he had periods of cardiovascular instability, which did not respond as predicted to the use of recommended vasopressor agents. We suggest that it is helpful to administer a small test‐dose of vasopressor to patients in this situation, as they may not behave predictably to recommended therapy.
Anterior mediastinal teratoma in a child presenting as trauma
Authors: Usman Nusrat , Williams Andrew 
Published: November 2018

SummaryAn eight‐year‐old girl presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain and dyspnoea following a low impact chest injury. A large haemothorax secondary to trauma was initially suspected on the basis of a chest radiograph and ultrasound scan; insertion of a chest drain was considered but not performed. The child remained stable and was transferred to the local trauma unit, where a CT scan revealed an anterior mediastinal mature cystic teratoma. She went on to have a successful resection of the tumour and an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the requirement for a high index of suspicion in circumstances where mechanism of injury and pathology are not congruous. Effective communication within trauma networks is vital for the management of paediatric trauma presenting to district general hospitals.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus ‐ A rare cause of severe sepsis and multi‐organ system failure
Authors: Yusuff Hakeem , Wilkinson Mark , Pasztor Monika 
Published: November 2018

SummaryA 70‐year‐old man was admitted with rapidly progressive sepsis characterised by respiratory failure, acute renal injury, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and endocarditis. He was treated with empirical antibiotics for a Gram‐negative anaerobe that was difficult to characterise. He had a protracted clinical course during which he developed ischaemic gangrene of his toes. After 5 weeks, the organism was identified at a reference laboratory asCapnocytophaga canimorsus (C. canimorsus), a normal inhabitant of the oral flora of dogs and cats. This infection had never been encountered amongst the mostly rural population served by the hospital. He recovered from his illness but was left with mobility issues. He had a significant alcohol history which was an important factor for developing severe sepsis fromC. canimorsus.
Management of pain from transient osteoporosis of the hip during pregnancy
Authors: Chakladar Abhijoy , Caddye Wendy S. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryWe describe a 40‐yr old multiparous female with a diagnosis of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain, presenting to our hospital with significant peripartum hip pain. She was admitted for induction of labour which progressed with no complication. After delivery, however, the hip pain did not resolve but worsened requiring escalating doses of opioids which proved ineffective. A multidisciplinary approach was required to make a diagnosis of transient osteoporosis of the hip associated with pregnancy. The pain was improved by the administration of intravenous bisphosphonates. This case highlights the importance of early anaesthetic and acute pain team referral for postpartum pain that is difficult to control regardless of the mode of delivery.
Giant thoracic teratoma in a 2‐yr old child
Authors: Mak Wai Yin , Yuen VM 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe anaesthetic management of patients with large intrathoracic tumours can be extremely challenging. Critical respiratory and haemodynamic compromise can occur as a result of tumour compression of the airway or great vessels. The potential for massive haemorrhage further complicates intra‐operative management. The multidisciplinary management of a giant mediastinal teratoma occupying the whole left thoracic cavity in a paediatric patient is presented.
Streptococcus oralis meningitis following spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Willder Jennifer M , Ramanathan Michelle L , Sutcliffe Nick , Siegmeth Alexander 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBacterial meningitis is a rare but potentially life threatening complication following spinal anaesthesia. It is important to consider this in the differential diagnosis of postoperative patients with headache and reduced consciousness following spinal anaesthesia. We present a case of bacterial meningitis following spinal anaesthesia for elective total knee replacement.
Woven collagen biotextiles enable mechanically functional rotator cuff tendon regeneration during repair of segmental tendon defects in vivo
Authors: Learn Greg D. , McClellan Phillip E. , Knapik Derrick M. , Cumsky Jameson L. , Webster‐Wood Victoria , Anderson James M. , Gillespie Robert J. , Akkus Ozan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDespite advancements in surgical techniques and materials for rotator cuff repair procedures, primary repair failures remain common. This study examines the use of electrochemically aligned collagen (ELAC) threads woven into biotextile scaffolds as grafts to repair critical infraspinatus tendon defects in New Zealand White rabbits. Three surgical treatment groups were evaluated: rabbits undergoing direct repair as operative controls, rabbits receiving ELAC scaffolds alone, and rabbits treated with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐seeded ELAC scaffolds. In each animal, the intact, contralateral infraspinatus served as an internal positive control. Tendon–bone constructs were harvested after 3 months in vivo and outcome measures included biomechanical testing, histological staining, and immunohistochemical staining. Biomechanical testing revealed that maximum load‐bearing capacity was comparable between all groups, while MSC‐seeded scaffold repairs exhibited increased stiffness relative to non‐seeded scaffold repairs. Histological staining revealed robust collagen deposition around ELAC fibers and increased cellularity within the continuum of woven scaffolds as compared to native tendon. Immunohistochemical staining revealed presence of collagens I and III in all groups, but procollagen I and the tendon‐specific marker tenomodulin were only observed in seeded and non‐seeded ELAC scaffold repairs. Findings of this pilot study warrant continued investigation of ELAC biotextile scaffolds for repair of critically‐sized rotator cuff tendon defects. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1864–1876, 2019.
Use of the Sysmex XT‐4000i hematology analyzer in the differentiation of cerebrospinal fluid cells in children
Authors: Zelazowska‐Rutkowska Beata , Zak Janusz , Wojtkowska Malgorzata , Zaworonek Justyna , Cylwik Bogdan 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundRoutine analysis of pleocytosis and cellular composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is carried out with a phase‐contrast microscope. The use of hematological analyzers seems to be an alternative to the manual method. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the automated technique for counting and differentiating CSF cells in children.MethodsThe study group consisted of 59 children (28 girls and 31 boys) aged from 4 to 17 years suffering from viral and bacterial meningitis. Children were divided into three subgroups according to CSF cell count: 1st group had a pleocytosis of 6‐50 cells/µL, 2nd group—51‐100 cells/µL, and 3rd group—>100 cells/µL. A reference group involved 32 children (17 girls and 15 boys) aged from 2 to 18 years with a normal range of 0‐5 cells/µL. Examination of CSF was performed in parallel by two different method, manual and automated.ResultsThe analysis of pleocytosis revealed that the values obtained by the manual method were statistically significantly lower in relation to the values obtained by automated technique in subgroups I and II. The number of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells in subgroups I, II, and III determined by both manual and automated methods was comparable.ConclusionWe conclude that automated method cannot fully replace the previously used manual method and some of the dubious cases, such as samples with low pleocytosis rates or abnormal cells indicated by the analyzer, will still require microscopic examination.
Altered expression of circular RNAs in human placental chorionic plate‐derived mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with hypoxia
Authors: Sun Xunsha , Jin Yulin , Liang Qihua , Tang Jie , Chen Jinsong , Yu Qiuxia , Li Fatao , Li Yan , Wu Jieying , Wu Shaoqing 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundHypoxic preconditioning alters the biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It is not known whether this process has an effect on circular RNAs (circRNAs) in MSCs.MethodsHuman placental chorionic plate‐derived MSCs (hpcpMSCs) isolated from the same placentae were classed into two groups: hypoxic pretreated (hypoxia) group and normally cultured (normoxia) group. The comparative circRNA microarray analysis was used to determine circRNAs expression and verified by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in the two groups.ResultsOne hundred and two differentially expressed circRNAs in the hypoxia group were found compared to that in the normoxia group (fold change >1.5‐fold and P < 0.05). The expression levels of circRNAs by qRT‐PCR were consistent with those evaluated by microarray analysis. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the putative function of their target genes for those differentially expressed circRNAs was primarily involved in cell development and its differentiation and regulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that transcriptional misregulation in cancer and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were the most significant. MAPK signaling pathway was found to be the core regulatory pathway triggered by hypoxia.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the altered expression of specific circRNAs in MSCs is associated with hypoxic preconditioning. This finding provides further exploration of underlying mechanisms of the characteristic changes of MSCs with hypoxic preconditioning.
A simple, low‐cost technique for in situ measurement of leaf P concentration in field‐grown rice
Authors: Yamane Koji , Mabesa-Telosa Ranee C. , Tajima Ryosuke , Banayo Nino P. M. C. , Kato Yoichiro 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSimple tools for diagnosing crop nutritional status are in great demand by agricultural extension staff, particularly in low‐fertility environments. We developed the first practical method for in situ diagnosis of phosphorus (P) nutrition in field‐grown cereal crops by using a handheld colorimeter. The concentration of P in extracts from fresh leaves of lowland rice grown under various P availabilities was closely correlated with that of oven‐dried leaves measured with the standard molybdenum‐blue method in the laboratory, over a range of values from 0.319 to 1.420 mg P g −1 DW (r = 0.885**, n = 14). It takes only 3–5 min to estimate the P concentration of plant samples using the new technique. Although not as accurate as the laboratory method, the new method can easily detect P deficiency of rice in the field (and possibly other cereal crops) without requiring costly, off‐site equipment. Thus, extension staff and agronomists can easily adopt this technique.
Nutrient‐enriched soils and native N‐fixing plants in New Zealand
Authors: Dollery Rebecca , Li Shanshan , Dickinson Nicholas M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractApproximately 40% of New Zealand's land mass is fertilized grassland with entirely non‐native plants, but currently there is substantially increased interest in restoration of native plants into contemporary agricultural matrices. Native vegetation is adapted to more acid and less fertile soils and their establishment and growth may be constrained by nutrient spillover from agricultural land. We investigated plant–soil interactions of native N‐fixing and early successional non N‐fixing plants in soils with variable fertility. The effects of soil amendments of urea (100 and 300 kg N ha−1), lime (6000 kg CaCO3 ha−1), and superphosphate (470 kg ha−1) and combinations of these treatments were evaluated in a glasshouse pot trial. Plant growth, soil pH, soil mineral N, Olsen P and nodule nitrogenase activity in N‐fixing plants were measured. Urea amendments to soil were not inhibitory to the growth of native N‐fixing plants at lower N application rates; two species responded positively to combinations of N, P and lime. Phosphate enrichment enhanced nodulation in N‐fixers, but nitrogen inhibited nodulation, reduced soil pH and provided higher nitrate concentrations in soil. The contribution of mineral N to soil from the 1‐year old N‐fixing plants was small, in amounts extrapolated to be 10–14 kg ha−1 y−1. Urea, applied both alone and in conjunction with other amendments, enhanced the growth of the non N‐fixing species, which exploited mineral N more efficiently; without N, application of lime and P had little effect or was detrimental. The results showed native N‐fixing plants can be embedded in agroecology systems without significant risk of further increasing soil fertility or enhancing nitrate leaching.
Bone quality assessment of osteogenic cell cultures by Raman microscopy
Authors: Mandair Gurjit S. , Steenhuis Pieter , Ignelzi Michael A. , Morris Michael D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe use of autologous stem/progenitor cells represents a promising approach to the repair of craniofacial bone defects. The calvarium is recognized as a viable source of stem/progenitor cells that can be transplanted in vitro to form bone. However, it is unclear if bone formed in cell culture is similar in quality to that found in native bone. In this study, the quality of bone mineral formed in osteogenic cell cultures were compared against calvarial bone from postnatal mice. Given the spectroscopic resemblance that exists between cell and collagen spectra, the feasibility of extracting information on cell activity and bone matrix quality were also examined. Stem/progenitor cells isolated from fetal mouse calvaria were cultured onto fused‐quartz slides under osteogenic differentiation conditions for 28 days. At specific time intervals, slides were removed and analyzed by Raman microscopy and mineral staining techniques. We show that bone formed in culture at Day 28 resembled calvarial bone from 1‐day‐old postnatal mice with comparable mineralization, mineral crystallinity, and collagen crosslinks ratios. In contrast, bone formed at Day 28 contained a lower degree of ordered collagen fibrils compared with 1‐day‐old postnatal bone. Taken together, bone formed in osteogenic cell culture exhibited progressive matrix maturation and mineralization but could not fully replicate the high degree of collagen fibril order found in native bone.
Flexible Semicrown Ether‐Linked Symmetric Cationic Gemini Surfactants: Synthesis and Evaluation as Catalysts for Acceleration of Diastereoselective [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction in Reversed Phase Micellar Media
Authors: Öztürk Serkan , Yıldırım Ayhan , Gece Gökhan , Türkdemir Haluk 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNovel cationic gemini surfactants with a hydrophilic oligo‐oxyethylene spacer group were synthesized and their physicochemical properties were identified. Computational studies for these compounds were also performed; molecular geometry, frontier molecular orbitals, and quantum chemical parameters were calculated using density functional theory (DFT). After exploration for catalytic activity, it was found that these surfactants can efficaciously accelerate the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions in reversed phase micellar media.