bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Ameliorative Effect of Isatin–Mesalamine Conjugates on Acetic Acid‐induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Panga Shyam , Podila Naveen Kumar , Ciddi Veeresham 
Published: February 2019

A series of new isatin–mesalamine conjugates (9a–g) were synthesized via conjugation of isatin (3a) and its derivatives (3b–3d, 4, 5, and 6) with mesalamine (7) by using chloroacetyl chloride as a bifunctional linker. Compounds 3a–3d were prepared by employing Sandmeyer reaction. Compounds 4, 5, and 6 were obtained from isatin (3a) via previously reported methods. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, mass, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral techniques. Synthesized compounds (3a–d, 4, 5, 6, and 9a–g) were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH assay method using ascorbic acid as standard. Hybrids 9b (IC50 = 368.6 ± 3.5 μM) and 9f (IC50 = 335.1 ± 2.9 μM) showed better antioxidant activity than its parent compounds such as 3a (IC50 = 556.8 ± 2.9 μM), 5 (IC50 = 511.9 ± 3.6 μM), and 7 (IC50 = 768.9 ± 2.7 μM). Acetic acid‐induced ulcerative colitis in rat model was chosen to examine the antioxidant potential of the synthesized hybrids (9b and 9f) in the amelioration of ulcerative colitis. Colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes were used as biomarkers of anti‐ulcerative colitis activity. In the present study, hybrids 9b and 9f reduced the levels of colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with control (colitic), at a dose (0.03 mM/12.5 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) (50%) less than that of its parent moieties mesalamine (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg) and isatin (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg). Thus, the molecular hybridization was proved to be significant in enhancing the activity of hybrids 9b and 9f by reducing the dose.
Molecular epidemiology and host genetics of norovirus and rotavirus infections in Portuguese elderly living in aged care homes
Authors: Piedade João , Nordgren Johan , Esteves Filipa , Esteves Aida , Teodósio Rosa , Svensson Lennart , Istrate Claudia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNorovirus (NoV) and rotavirus group A (RVA) are major agents of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. This study aimed to investigate their epidemiological profile in Portuguese elderly living in long‐term care facilities and to assess the host genetic factors mediating infection susceptibility. From November 2013 to June 2015, 636 faecal specimens from 169 elderly, mainly asymptomatic, living in nursing homes in Greater Lisbon and Faro district, Portugal, were collected. NoV and RVA were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and NoV genotyped by phylogenetic analysis. NoV detection rate was 7.1% (12 of 169). Three GI.3 and one GII.6 strains were genotyped. RVA detection rate was 3.6% (6 of 169), exclusively in asymptomatic individuals. Host genetic factors associated with infection susceptibility were described on 250 samples by saliva‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The Lewis‐negative phenotype was 8.8% (22 of 250) and the rate of nonsecretors was 16.8% (42 of 250). Association to NoV and RVA infection was performed in the subgroup of individuals (n = 147) who delivered both faecal and saliva samples. The majority of NoV‐ and RVA‐positive individuals (90.9% and 83.3%, respectively) were secretor‐positive, with Lewis B phenotype. In a subset of individuals,
FUT2 and
FUT3 genes were genotyped to assess mutations and validate the secretor and Lewis phenotypes. All sequenced nonsecretors were homozygous for
FUT2 nonsense mutation G428A. In this study, low detection rates of NoV and RVA infections were found during two winter seasons. However, even in the absence of any outbreak, the importance of finding these infections in a nonepidemic situation in long‐term care facilities may have important implications for infection control.
Spontaneously‐resolving episodes of cytomegalovirus DNAemia in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: Virological features and clinical outcomes
Authors: Talaya Alberto , Giménez Estela , Piñana José Luis , Albert Eliseo , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Pérez Ariadna , Torres Ignacio , Solano Carlos , Navarro David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIt has been reported that low‐plasma cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA loads are associated with an increased risk of overall mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Utilizing a conservative strategy for initiation of preemptive antiviral therapy (>1500 IU/mL), we characterized the virological features of spontaneously‐resolving episodes of CMV DNAemia and assessed their impact on mortality through the first year after transplantation. We reviewed the CMV DNA polymerase chain reaction results and clinical charts of 230 consecutive adult patients who underwent T‐cell replete allo‐HSCT at our center. A total of 280 episodes of CMV DNAemia were registered in 164 patients, of which 144 episodes cleared spontaneously. Clearance of CMV DNAemia was significantly delayed in initial and recurrent self‐resolving episodes featuring CMV DNA peak loads > 250 IU/mL compared with those displaying lower values. All‐cause mortality in patients with self‐resolving episodes of CMV DNAemia was comparable (P = 0.7) to that in patients with no CMV DNAemia and was not related to the CMV DNA peak load (≥250 IU/mL vs <250 IU/mL) (P = 0.6). In summary, in our setting, the magnitude of the CMV DNA peak load reached during self‐resolving episodes of CMV DNAemia correlated directly with duration of episodes, but had no apparent impact on all‐cause mortality taking patients with no documented CMV DNAemia as a reference.
Development of real‐time fluorescent reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assays for rhinovirus detection
Authors: Nakauchi Mina , Takayama Ikuyo , Takahashi Hitoshi , Semba Shohei , Saito Shinji , Kubo Hideyuki , Kaida Atsushi , Oba Kunihiro , Nagata Shiho , Odagiri Takato , Kageyama Tsutomu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHuman rhinoviruses (RVs) belong to the genus Enterovirus of the family Picornaviridae, and are classified into RV‐A, ‐B, and ‐C species. Two assays were developed to detect RVs by a real‐time fluorescent reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method: one was designed based on the 5′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of RV‐A and ‐B, and the other was designed based on the 5′‐UTR of RV‐C. The competence of both assays for the diagnosis of RV infection was tested using isolated viruses and compared with real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays on clinical specimens. Neither assay demonstrated cross‐reactivity with other tested enteroviruses, and they detected 19 out of 21 tested RV‐As and seven out of eight tested RV‐Cs. The specificity of the assays was 100% for the detection of RVs and their sensitivity for RV‐A and RV‐C was 86.3% and 77.3%, respectively, on clinical specimens by the combined use of both assays. Considering that both developed assays were highly specific and detected the majority of recently circulating RVs, they are helpful for the diagnosis of RV infection. Consequently, the results generated by these assays will enhance the surveillance of respiratory illness and the study of the roles of RVs associated with clinical features and disease severity.
Biomechanics of two external fixator devices used in rat femoral fractures
Authors: Osagie‐Clouard Liza , Kaufmann Joshua , Blunn Gordon , Coathup Melanie , Pendegrass Catherine , Meeson Richard , Briggs Timothy , Moazen Mehran 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTThe use of external fixators allows for the direct investigation of newly formed interfragmentary bone, and the radiographic evaluation of the fracture. We validated the results of a finite element (FE) model with the in vitro stiffness’ of two widely used external fixator devices used for in vivo analysis of fracture healing in rat femoral fractures with differing construction (Ti alloy ExFix1 and PEEK ExFix2). Rat femoral fracture fixation was modeled using two external fixators. For both constructs an osteotomy of 2.75 mm was used, and offset maintained at 5 mm. Tufnol, served as standardized substitutes for rat femora. Constructs were loaded under axial compression and torsion. Overall axial and torsional stiffness were compared between the in vitro models and FE results. FE models were also used to compare the fracture movement and overall pattern of von Mises stress across the external fixators. In vitro axial stiffness of ExFix1 was 29.26 N/mm ± 3.83 compared to ExFix2 6.31 N/mm ± 0.67 (p* < 0.05). Torsional stiffness of ExFix1 was 47.5 Nmm/° ± 2.71 compared to ExFix2 at 19.1 Nmm/° ±1.18 (p* < 0.05). FE results predicted similar comparative ratios between the ExFix1 and 2 as the in vitro studies. FE results predicted considerably larger interfragmentary motion in the ExFix2 comparing to ExFix1. We demonstrated significant differences in the stiffness’ of the two external fixators as one would expect from such variable designs; yet, importantly we validated the utility of an FE model for the analysis and prediction of changes in fracture mechanics dependent on fixator choice. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:293–298, 2019.
Calcium chloride treatment modifies cell wall metabolism and activates defense responses in strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch)
Authors: Langer Silvia E , Marina María , Burgos José L , Martínez Gustavo A , Civello Pedro M , Villarreal Natalia M 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDFruit dips in calcium ions solutions have been shown as an effective treatment to extend strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch) quality during storage. In the present work, strawberry fruit were treated with 10 g L−1 calcium chloride solution and treatment effects on cell wall enzymes activities and the expression of encoding genes, as well as enzymes involved in fruit defense responses were investigated.RESULTSCalcium treatment enhanced pectin methylesterase activity while inhibited those corresponding to pectin hydrolases as polygalacturonase and β‐galactosidase. The expression of key genes for strawberry pectin metabolism was up‐regulated (for FaPME1) and down‐regulated (for FaPG1, FaPLB, FaPLC, FaβGal1 and FaAra1) by calcium dips. In agreement, a higher firmness level and ionically‐bound pectins (IBPs) amount were detected in calcium‐treated fruit compared with controls. The in vitro and in vivo growth rate of fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea was limited by calcium treatment. Moreover, the activities of polyphenol oxidases, chitinases, peroxidases and β‐1,3‐glucanases were enhanced by calcium ion dips.CONCLUSIONNews insights concerning the biochemical and molecular basis of cell wall preservation and resistance to fungal pathogens on calcium‐treated strawberries are provided. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Heliox for inducible laryngeal obstruction (vocal cord dysfunction): A systematic literature review
Authors: Slinger Claire , Slinger Richard , Vyas Aashish , Haines Jemma , Fowler Stephen J. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo perform a systematic literature review on the use of Heliox with patients with inducible laryngeal obstruction/vocal cord dysfunction to: i) identify current evidence base; and ii) establish the methodological quality of published research.MethodsArticles published up to March 2018 were searched for key words and terms using Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Dynamed. Studies were included if they presented original research into the use of Heliox for vocal cord dysfunction.ResultsOnly three studies met the inclusion criteria for review. All reported favorable results for the use of Heliox as an adjunctive therapy for vocal cord dysfunction but none had sufficient methodological quality to support their conclusions.ConclusionDespite review articles recommending the use of Heliox in vocal cord dysfunction, there is a lack of good quality research to support this conclusion. There is a need for further research to investigate the effectiveness of Heliox as an adjunctive therapy for vocal cord dysfunction.Level of Evidence4
Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol–Reinforced Alginate Microcapsules for Mechanically Stable Cell Immunoisolation
Authors: Verheyen Connor A. , Morales Laura , Sussman Joshua , Paunovska Kalina , Manzoli Vita , Ziebarth Noel M. , Tomei Alice A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIslet transplantation within mechanically stable microcapsules offers the promise of long‐term diabetes reversal without chronic immunosuppression. Reinforcing the ionically gelled network of alginate (ALG) hydrogels with covalently linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) may create hybrid structures with desirable mechanical properties. This report describes the fabrication of hybrid PEG‐ALG interpenetrating polymer networks and the investigation of microcapsule swelling, surface modulus, rheology, compression, and permeability. It is demonstrated that hybrid networks are more resistant to bulk swelling and compressive deformation and display improved shape recovery and long‐term resilience. Interestingly, it is shown that PEG‐ALG networks behave like ALG during microscale surface deformation and small amplitude shear while exhibiting similar permeability properties. The results from this report's in vitro characterization are interpreted according to viscoelastic polymer theory and provide new insight into hybrid hydrogel mechanical behavior. This new understanding of PEG‐ALG mechanical performance is then linked to previous work that demonstrated the success of hybrid polymer immunoisolation devices in vivo.
Treatment outcome in juvenile‐onset myasthenia gravis
Authors: Jastrzębska Aleksandra , Jastrzębski Miłosz , Ryniewicz Barbara , Kostera‐Pruszczyk Anna 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionMyasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. Approximately 10%–15% of MG patients have juvenile (<18 years of age) onset. We aimed to assess the clinical course, outcome, and subjectively perceived health status of a cohort of juvenile MG patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of medical records of 101 patients followed by a cross‐sectional questionnaire study.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 12.8 years at onset and 13.7 years at diagnosis. Ninety percent of the patients were seropositive. Over 40% of the patients were treated with immunosuppression and over 80% underwent thymectomy. The mean Myathenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) scale score was 2.48. At last follow‐up, 30.9% of patients were in complete, stable remission; 77.8% perceived their health as good.DiscussionThe treatment outcome for juvenile MG is favorable, with a marked reduction of symptoms and good day‐to‐day activity achieved for most patients. Muscle Nerve 59:549–549, 2019
Synthesis and photovoltaic investigation of dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:5,6‐d″]trithiophene‐based conjugated polymer with an enlarged π‐conjugated system
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Zhang Minjing , Tong Junfeng , Guo Pengzhi , Wang Xunchang , Liang Zezhou , Wang Yufei , Xia Yangjun 
Published: February 2019

Compared with benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:5,6‐d″]trithiophene (BTT), an extended π‐conjugation fused ring derivative, dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:5,6‐d″]trithiophene (DTBTT) has been designed and synthesized successfully. For investigating the effect of extending conjugation, two wide‐bandgap (WBG) benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT)‐based conjugated polymers (CPs), PBDT‐DTBTT, and PBDT‐BTT, which were coupled between alkylthienyl‐substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene bistin (BDT‐TSn) and the weaker electron‐deficient dibromides DTBTTBr2 and BTTBr2 bearing alkylacyl group, were prepared. The comparison result revealed that the extending of conjugated length and enlarging of conjugated planarity in DTBTT unit endowed the polymer with a wider and stronger absorption, more ordered molecular structure, more planar and larger molecular configuration, and thus higher hole mobility in spite of raised highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level. The best photovoltaic devices exhibited that PBDT‐DTBTT/PC71BM showed the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.73% with an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.82 V, short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 6.29 mA cm−2, and fill factor (FF) of 52.45%, whereas control PBDT‐BTT/PC71BM exhibited a PCE of 1.98% under the same experimental conditions. The 38% enhanced PCE was mainly benefited from improved absorption, and enhanced hole mobility after the conjugated system was extended from BTT to DTBTT. Therefore, our results demonstrated that extending the π‐conjugated system of donor polymer backbone was an effective strategy of tuning optical electronic property and promoting the photovoltaic property in design of WBG donor materials.
Quantitative Proteome Analysis of Brain Subregions and Spinal Cord from Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice by TMT‐Based Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hasan Mahbub , Min Hophil , Rahaman Khandoker Asiqur , Muresan Anca Raluca , Kim Hyeyoon , Han Dohyun , Kwon Oh‐Seung 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS); its cause is unknown. To understand the pathogenesis of MS, researchers often use the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. Here, the aim is to build a proteome map of the biological changes that occur during MS at the major onset sites—the brain and the spinal cord. Quantitative proteome profiling is performed in five specific brain regions and the spinal cord of EAE and healthy mice with high‐resolution mass spectrometry based on tandem mass tags. On average, 7400 proteins per region are quantified, with the most differentially expressed proteins in the spinal cord (1691), hippocampus (104), frontal cortex (83), cerebellum (63), brainstem (50), and caudate nucleus (41). Moreover, region‐specific and commonly expressed proteins in each region are identified and bioinformatics analysis is performed. Pathway analysis reveals that protein clusters resemble their functions in disease pathogenesis (i.e., by inducing inflammatory responses, immune activation, and cell–cell adhesion). In conclusion, the study provides an understanding of the pathogenesis of MS in the EAE animal model. It is expected that the comprehensive proteome map of the brain and spinal cord can be used to identify biomarkers for the pathogenesis of MS.
Ultrasound‐Guided Incisionless Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Hook Knife: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Mittal Nimish , Sangha Harpreet , Flannery John , Robinson Lawrence R. , Agur Ann 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment mononeuropathy of the median nerve. In comparison to open surgical and endoscopic carpal tunnel release, a new ultrasound‐guided hook knife carpal tunnel release (CTR) procedure was reported to have superior results in terms of reduced morbidity and early return to work.ObjectiveTo evaluate the reproducibility of the hook knife CTR procedure when performed by musculoskeletal ultrasound trained physicians without prior experience in this technique.DesignCadaveric study.SettingTertiary‐level academic institute.ParticipantsSixteen lightly embalmed forearm and hand specimens.MethodsThe ultrasound‐guided CTR was done using a 1‐mm proximal wrist puncture, creation of a tunnel, followed by the retrograde percutaneous release of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) using a 3‐mm hook knife.Main Outcome MeasurementsAssessment of the completeness of TCL release, the integrity of the surrounding neurovascular structures, and the technical and subjective procedural difficulty encountered during the procedure.ResultsIn 14 of 16 specimens, complete release of the TCL was achieved. In two specimens with an incomplete release, the TCL resection was 52% and 55%, respectively. The integrity of the surrounding neurovascular structures and superficial anatomy volar to the dissection path was maintained in all specimens. The mean level of procedural difficulty was 2.6 (range 2‐4) on a Likert 5‐point rating scale.ConclusionsIn cadavers, the ultrasound‐guided hook knife CTR procedure was found to be reproducible when performed by ultrasound‐trained physicians with no experience in this technique. Further in vivo investigations are required.
Reliability analysis using exponentiated Weibull distribution and inverse power law
Authors: Méndez‐González Luis Carlos , Rodríguez‐Picón Luis Alberto , Valles‐Rosales Delia Julieta , Alvarado Iniesta Alejandro , Carreón Abel Eduardo Quezada 
Published: February 2019

AbstractToday in reliability analysis, the most used distribution to describe the behavior of devices is the Weibull distribution. Nonetheless, the Weibull distribution does not provide an excellent fit to lifetime datasets that exhibit bathtub shaped or upside‐down bathtub shaped (unimodal) failure rates, which are often encountered in the performance of products such as electronic devices (ED). In this paper, a reliability model based on the exponentiated Weibull distribution and the inverse power law model is proposed, this new model provides a better approach to model the performance and fit of the lifetimes of electronic devices. A case study based on the lifetime of a surface‐mounted electrolytic capacitor is presented in this paper. Besides, it was found that the estimation of the proposed model differs from the Weibull classical model and that affects the mean time to failure (MTTF) of the capacitor under analysis.
Fuzzy ridgelet neural network prediction model trained by improved particle swarm algorithm for maintenance decision of polypropylene plant
Authors: Zhao Bin , Ren Yi , Gao Diankui , Xu Lizhi , Zhang Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe proper maintenance plan should be made for ensuring the safety and reliability of polypropylene plant and improve economic benefits of petrochemical enterprise. To meet the requirement, a novel maintenance prediction model of polypropylene plant based on fuzzy theory, ridgelet an artificial neural network is constructed. The economy and reliability models of polypropylene plant maintenance are established through comprehensively considering the reliability and economy. The basic structure of fuzzy ridgelet neural network is designed, and the training algorithm is improved through combining the traditional particle swarm algorithm and bacterial foraging algorithm, and the corresponding algorithm flow is confirmed. Finally, prediction simulation analysis is carried out using a polypropylene plant as research object, and analysis results show that the fuzzy ridgelet neural network has best prediction effect, and the optimal maintenance plan can be confirmed to ensure security and reduce maintenance cost of polypropylene plant.