bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystallinity, ion conductivity, and thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene oxide)–illite nanocomposites with exfoliated illite as a filler
Authors: Zhen Ran , Chi Qianwen , Wang Xingyuan , Yang Kuo , Jiang YinShan , Li FangFei , Xue Bing 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTIllite particles were exfoliated by the intercalation and subsequent deintercalation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the interlayer of illite, and the exfoliated illite particles were used to prepare a novel poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–illite nanocomposite. The resulting exfoliated illite and PEO–illite nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, ion conductivity testing, thermogravimetry analysis, and mechanical testing. The XRD results showed that the acid treatment of illite to exchange K+ in the interlayer of illite with H+ was a necessary condition for the DMSO intercalation. SEM micrographs confirmed the exfoliation of the illite particles in the process of DMSO deintercalation from the interlayer of the illite–DMSO intercalation complex. A good dispersion of exfoliated illite in the PEO matrix was also confirmed. A gradual decrease in the PEO crystallinity in the PEO–illite nanocomposites was observed with increasing exfoliated illite concentration. The ion conductivity of the nanocomposites gradually increased with the filler content and reached 3.21 × 10−5 S/cm at an illite concentration of 20 wt %. The formation of an amorphous region around the exfoliated illite was beneficial for Li+‐ion conduction. The ion conductivity significantly increased when the amorphous regions were connected to each other to form a conducting path for Li+ ions with a high filler concentration of greater than 10 wt %. Meanwhile, the thermooxidative stability and mechanical properties of the PEO–illite nanocomposites were also enhanced when exfoliated illite was introduced into the polymer matrix. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44226.
Dental Defects as a Potential Indicator of Chronic Malnutrition in a Population of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) from Northwestern Germany
Authors: Kierdorf Horst , Filevych Olexander , Lutz Walburga , Kierdorf Uwe 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTWe studied enamel defects in mandibular cheek teeth of fallow deer from an enclosed population that had grown far beyond the carrying capacity of its habitat. Macroscopic inspection revealed a high frequency of pathological enamel alterations in the permanent premolars and the third molar, which form late during dental development, while earlier forming teeth (deciduous premolars and first molar) were generally not affected. Macroscopic enamel alterations comprised opacity and posteruptive discoloration, loss of occlusal enamel ridges, and presence of enamel surface lesions. Backscattered electron imaging in the SEM revealed a marked hypomineralization and related increased porosity of the outer compared to the central and inner enamel portions in the affected teeth. In contrast, the enamel of the unaffected first molars showed a homogeneous high degree of mineralization. Microindentation hardness testing demonstrated a significantly reduced and highly variable hardness of the outer enamel of the affected teeth. The recorded enamel alterations are indicative of a disturbance of enamel maturation. Based on findings of experimental studies by other authors that explored the effects of dietary deficiencies on the mineralization of dental hard tissues in different mammal species, we suggest a dietary calcium deficiency as the cause of the observed pathological enamel changes in the fallow deer. The supposed calcium deficiency only affected teeth whose crown mineralization takes place after weaning, while the deciduous premolars and the first molar, whose crown formation occurs prenatally or during the early postnatal period of intense milk feeding, were unaffected. Anat Rec, 299:1409–1423, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caco‐2 cells – expression, regulation and function of drug transporters compared with human jejunal tissue
Authors: Brück S. , Strohmeier J. , Busch D. , Drozdzik M. , Oswald S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundInduction or inhibition of drug transporting proteins by concomitantly administered drugs can cause serious drug–drug interactions (DDIs). However, in vitro assays currently available are mostly for studying the inhibitory potential of drugs on intestinal transporter proteins, rather than induction. Therefore, this study investigated the suitability of the frequently used intestinal Caco‐2 cell line to predict transporter‐mediated DDIs as caused by induction via activation of nuclear receptors.MethodsTaqMan® low density arrays and LC–MS/MS based targeted proteomics were used to evaluate transporter expression in Caco‐2 cells in comparison with jejunal tissue, in culture–time dependence studies and after incubation with different known inducers of drug metabolism and transport. Additionally, studies on ABCB1 function were performed using Transwell® assays with [3H]‐digoxin and [3H]‐talinolol as substrates after incubation with the prototypical inducers rifampicin, St John's wort, carbamazepine and efavirenz.ResultsThe gene and protein expression pattern of drug transporters in Caco‐2 cells and jejunal tissue differed considerably. For some transporters culture‐time dependent differences in mRNA expression and/or protein abundance could be determined. Finally, none of the studied prototypical inducers showed an effect either on mRNA expression and protein abundance or on the function of ABCB1.ConclusionDifferences in transporter expression in Caco‐2 cells compared with jejunal tissue, as well as expression dependence on culture time must be considered in in vitro studies to avoid under‐ or overestimation of certain transporters. The Caco‐2 cell model is not suitable for the evaluation of DDIs caused by transporter induction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of loxoprofen transport in Caco‐2 cells: the involvement of a proton‐dependent transport system in the intestinal transport of loxoprofen
Authors: Narumi Katsuya , Kobayashi Masaki , Kondo Ayuko , Furugen Ayako , Yamada Takehiro , Takahashi Natsuko , Iseki Ken 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLoxoprofen, a propionate non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used widely in East Asian countries. However, little is known about the transport mechanisms contributing to its intestinal absorption. The objectives of this study were to characterize the intestinal transport of loxoprofen using the human intestinal Caco‐2 cell model. The transport of loxoprofen was investigated in cellular uptake studies. The uptake of loxoprofen into Caco‐2 cells was pH‐ and concentration‐dependent, and was described by a Michaelis–Menten equation with passive diffusion (Km: 4.8 mm, Vmax: 142 nmol/mg protein/30 s, and Kd: 2.2 μl/mg protein/30 s). Moreover, the uptake of loxoprofen was inhibited by a typical monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibitor as well as by various monocarboxylates. The uptake of [14C] l‐lactic acid, a typical MCT substrate, in Caco‐2 cells was saturable with relatively high affinity for MCT. Because loxoprofen inhibited the uptake of [14C] l‐lactic acid in a noncompetitive manner, it was unlikely that loxoprofen uptake was mediated by high‐affinity MCT(s). Our results suggest that transport of loxoprofen in Caco‐2 cells is, at least in part, mediated by a proton‐dependent transport system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy and conventional two-stage hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Adam R , Imai K , Castro Benitez C , Allard M-A , Vibert E , Sa Cunha A , Cherqui D , Baba H , Castaing D 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Background
Although associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been increasingly adopted by many centres, the oncological outcome for colorectal liver metastases compared with that after two-stage hepatectomy is still unknown.

Methods
Between January 2010 and June 2014, all consecutive patients who underwent either ALPPS or two-stage hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases in a single institution were included in the study. Morbidity, mortality, disease recurrence and survival were compared.

Results
The two groups were comparable in terms of clinicopathological characteristics. ALPPS was completed in all 17 patients, whereas the second-stage hepatectomy could not be completed in 15 of 41 patients. Ninety-day mortality rates for ALPPS and two-stage resection were 0 per cent (0 of 17) versus 5 per cent (2 of 41) (P = 0·891). Major complication rates (Clavien grade at least III) were 41 per cent (7 of 17) and 39 per cent (16 of 41) respectively (P = 0·999). Overall survival was significantly lower after ALPPS than after two-stage hepatectomy: 2-year survival 42 versus 77 per cent respectively (P = 0·006). Recurrent disease was more often seen in the liver in the ALPPS group. Salvage surgery was less often performed after ALPPS (2 of 8 patients) than after two-stage hepatectomy (10 of 17).

Conclusion
Although major complication and 90-day mortality rates of ALPPS were similar to those of two-stage hepatectomy, overall survival was significantly lower following ALPPS.
An LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid and 1‐O‐acetylbritannilactone in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Shixi , Qin Baoli 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,5‐DCQA) and 1‐O‐acetylbritannilactone (1‐O‐ABL) in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB‐C18 column using isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol–water–formic acid (70:30:0.1, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The detection was achieved using a triple‐quadrupole tandem MS in selected reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curves of all analytes in plasma showed good linearity over the concentration ranges of 0.850–213 ng/mL for 1,5‐DCQA, and 0.520–130 ng/mL for 1‐O‐ABL, respectively. The extraction recoveries were ≥78.5%, and the matrix effect ranged from 91.4 to 102.7% in all the plasma samples. The method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic study of the two active components in the collected plasma following oral administration of Inula britannica extract in rats.
An LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of hosenkoside A and hosenkoside K from Semen Impatientis in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Bi Binna , Dong Ning , Zhao Huanli , Ji Lixin , Lu Minghua 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of two baccharane glycosides (hosenkoside A and hosenkoside K) of total saponins of Semen Impatientis in rat plasma using mogroside V as the internal standard (IS). The analytes were separated using a C18 RP Agilent XDB column (1.8 μm, 50 × 2.1 mm i.d.) and detection of the compounds was done using a TSQ Quantum triple quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled with a negative electrospray ionization source under selection reaction monitoring mode. According to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines, the established method was fully validated and the results were proved within acceptable limits. The lower limits of quantification of both analytes were 5 ng/mL. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of orally administered the total saponins of Semen Impatientis in rats.
Functional neuroimaging of visual creativity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pidgeon Laura M. , Grealy Madeleine , Duffy Alex H. B. , Hay Laura , McTeague Chris , Vuletic Tijana , Coyle Damien , Gilbert Sam J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe generation of creative visual imagery contributes to technological and scientific innovation and production of visual art. The underlying cognitive and neural processes are, however, poorly understood.MethodsThis review synthesizes functional neuroimaging studies of visual creativity. Seven functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and 19 electroencephalography (EEG) studies were included, comprising 27 experiments and around 800 participants.ResultsActivation likelihood estimation meta‐analysis of the fMRI studies comparing visual creativity to non‐rest control tasks yielded significant clusters in thalamus, left fusiform gyrus, and right middle and inferior frontal gyri. The EEG studies revealed a tendency for decreased alpha power during visual creativity compared to baseline, but comparisons of visual creativity to non‐rest control tasks revealed inconsistent findings.ConclusionsThe findings are consistent with suggested contributions to visual creativity of prefrontally mediated inhibition, evaluation, and working memory, as well as visual imagery processes. Findings are discussed in relation to prominent theories of the neural basis of creativity.
Brain metabolite levels and language abilities in preschool children
Authors: Lebel Catherine , MacMaster Frank P. , Dewey Deborah 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionLanguage acquisition occurs rapidly during early childhood and lays the foundation for future reading success. However, little is known about the brain–language relationships in young children. The goal of this study was to investigate relationships between brain metabolites and prereading language abilities in healthy preschool‐aged children.MethodsParticipants were 67 healthy children aged 3.0–5.4 years scanned on a 3T GE MR750w MRI scanner using short echo proton spectroscopy with a voxel placed in the anterior cingulate gyrus (n = 56) and/or near the left angular gyrus (n = 45). Children completed the NEPSY‐II Phonological Processing and Speeded Naming subtests at the same time as their MRI scan. We calculated glutamate, glutamine, creatine/phosphocreatine, choline, inositol, and NAA concentrations, and correlated these with language skills.ResultsIn the anterior cingulate, Phonological Processing Scaled Scores were significantly correlated with glutamate, creatine, and inositol concentrations. In the left angular gyrus, Speeded Naming Combined Scaled Scores showed trend correlations with choline and glutamine concentrations.ConclusionsFor the first time, we demonstrate relationships between brain metabolites and prereading language abilities in young children. Our results show relationships between language and inositol and glutamate that may reflect glial differences underlying language function, and a relationship of language with creatine. The trend between Speeded Naming and choline is consistent with previous research in older children and adults; however, larger sample sizes are needed to confirm whether this relationship is indeed significant in young children. These findings help understand the brain basis of language, and may ultimately lead to earlier and more effective interventions for reading disabilities.
Dose‐dependent short‐ and long‐term effects of ionizing irradiation on neural stem cells in murine hippocampal tissue cultures: neuroprotective potential of resveratrol
Authors: Prager Isabell , Patties Ina , Himmelbach Katrin , Kendzia Eva , Merz Felicitas , Müller Klaus , Kortmann Rolf‐Dieter , Glasow Annegret 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionRadiation therapy plays an essential role in the treatment of brain tumors, but neurocognitive deficits remain a significant risk, especially in pediatric patients. In recent trials, hippocampal sparing techniques are applied to reduce these adverse effects. Here, we investigate dose‐dependent effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on juvenile hippocampal neurogenesis. Additionally, we evaluate the radioprotective potential of resveratrol, a plant polyphenol recognized for its bifunctional tumor‐preventive and anticancer effects.MethodsOrganotypic entorhinal–hippocampal slice cultures from transgenic nestin‐CFPnuc C57BL/J6 mice, postnatal days 3–6, were irradiated on a X‐ray machine (4.5, 8, 12, and 16 Gy, single doses) after about 2 weeks. Nestin‐positive neural stem cells were counted at a confocal live imaging microscope 0, 2, 4, 14, 25, and 42 days after IR. Resveratrol (15 μmol/L) was added 2 hr before and 24 hr after IR. Proliferation and cell death were assessed by BrdU pulse label, 48 hr after and by propidium iodide staining 96 hr after IR. GFAP‐ and NeuN‐positive cells were counted 42 days after IR in cryosectioned immunofluorescence‐stained slices.ResultsThe observed age‐related changes of nestin‐positive stem cells in the organotypic slice culture model resembled the reduction of neural stem cells in vivo. IR (4.5–16 Gy) led to a dose‐dependent damage of the neural stem cell pool in the dentate gyrus. No recovery was seen within 42 days after doses from 4.5 Gy onward. The decline of nestin‐positive cells was paralleled by increased cell death and decreased proliferation. The number of GFAP‐positive cells was significantly enhanced. No significant change was detected in the overall NeuN‐positive cell population, whereas the number of newborn, NeuN/BrdU double‐positive neurons was reduced. Resveratrol treatment reversed the irradiation‐induced decline of neural stem cells.ConclusionThe neuroprotective action of resveratrol on irradiated hippocampal tissue warrants further investigation as a possible supplement to hippocampal sparing procedures.
Clinical and hemodynamic results after direct transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus pre‐implantation balloon aortic valvuloplasty: A case‐matched analysis
Authors: Ferrera Carlos , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Garcia Eulogio , Jimenez‐Quevedo Pilar , Biagioni Corina , Gonzalo Nieves , Nuñez‐Gil Ivan , Viana‐Tejedor Ana , Salinas Pablo , Alberto de Agustin Jose , Almeria Carlos , Islas Fabian , Perez de Isla Leopoldo , Fernandez‐Perez Cristina , Escaned Javier , Fernández‐Ortiz Antonio , Macaya Carlos 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and midterm hemodynamic results of direct transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) without pre‐implantation balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).BackgroundBAV was considered a mandatory previous step in TAVR procedures.MethodsA total of 339 consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR were prospectively selected. A 1:1 matching was conducted, pairing age, prosthesis type (self‐expandable or balloon expandable) and size, and valve calcification grade (48% with moderate to severe valve calcification). Finally, 102 pairs (102 patients with previous BAV and 102 without BAV) were obtained.ResultsDirect TAVR was feasible in all patients without any crossover to BAV group. Device success was achieved in 91.2% and 90.2% of cases in direct TAVR and pre‐BAV groups (P = 0.810), respectively, without any differences in balloon postdilation rate and residual aortic regurgitation. The amount of contrast agent, acute kidney injury and myocardial injury was significantly lower in the direct implantation group (P < 0.05). No differences were found in 30‐day and 1‐year mortality between both groups (4.9% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.177 and 14.0% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.771, respectively). Hemodynamic parameters remained stable after 1‐year follow‐up in both groups.ConclusionsDirect transfemoral TAVR without prior BAV was safe in patients with calcified severe aortic stenosis. Pre‐implantation BAV could be omitted in patients undergoing TAVR, without influence in procedure success rate, and subsequent patients' clinical course and valve hemodynamic performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute and long‐term outcomes of percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Daniec Marzena , Nawrotek Bartłomiej , Sorysz Danuta , Rakowski Tomasz , Dziewierz Artur , Rzeszutko Łukasz , Kleczyński Paweł , Trębacz Jarosław , Tomala Marek , Żmudka Krzysztof , Dudek Dariusz 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the indications, short‐ and long‐term outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).MethodsA cohort of 112 patients with AS underwent 114 BAV procedures between October 2012 and July 2015 in two Polish interventional cardiology centers. Clinical and echocardiographic data were prospectively collected within 1, 6, and 12 months follow‐up.ResultsBAV was performed as a bridge to TAVI (51.8%), surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR, 5.4%), before urgent noncardiac surgery (8.0%), for symptom relief (33.0%) and cardiogenic shock (1.8%). Periprocedural, in‐hospital, 1‐, 6‐, 12‐month mortality were 2.7%; 8.9%; 8.9%; 16.9%; 22.3%, respectively. Serious periprocedural adverse events occurred in 18.8% of patients. After the procedure, mean aortic valve area (AVA) increased from 0.59 ± 0.18 to 0.82 ± 0.24 cm2, mean peak aortic valve gradient (pAVG) decreased from 94.0 ± 27.6 to 65.4 ± 20.0 mm Hg, mean aortic gradient decreased from 58.0 ± 17.8 to 40.5 ± 14.6 mm Hg, P < 0.05 for all. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from median (interquartile range) of 53.5 (30 − 64) to 60 (45 − 65)% after 1 month (P < 0.05). In patients with impaired left ventricle function (LVEF <40%), LVEF significantly improved (median increase of 16%) after 1 and 6 months (P < 0.05). At 12 months patients had higher AVA, pAVG, and LVEF as compared to baseline (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBAV is a useful procedure in high‐risk AS patients, where achieved effects can be sufficient in bridging patients for TAVI/AVR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transition‐Metal‐Modified Polyaniline Nanofiber Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Kezhong , Chen Lei , Sun Xiaolong , Wu Mingxing 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNovel polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber counter electrodes (CEs) modified with different transition metal ions were synthesized and showed remarkable catalytic activity for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The PANI nanofiber–transition metal ion electrodes were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, current density–voltage curves, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization plots. The PANI CEs modified with Ni2+ and Co2+ exhibited low charge‐transfer and series resistances, which indicate high electrocatalytic activity toward the iodide redox shuttle. In contrast, the PANI CE modified with Mn2+ did not show much difference in its catalytic behavior, whereas the PANI—Cu2+ CE showed reduced electrochemical performance. The photovoltaic performances of the DSSCs based on the PANI–Ni2+ and PANI–Co2+ CEs were evaluated and they were found to exhibit power conversion efficiency of 4.70 and 4.57 %, higher than that of the pristine PANI‐CE‐based device (3.87 %). These easily fabricated PANI–metal composites with improved electrochemical activities are promising CEs for DSSCs to replace expensive Pt.