bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic profile of Kudiezi injection in rats by UHPLC coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jingdan , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zhao Yangyang , Song Aihua , Sun Wei , Yin Ran 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this study, a reliable and sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry method was developed for the systematic study of the metabolic profile of Kudiezi injection in rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces after intravenous administration of a single dose. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column (4.6 mm × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) and the identification of prototype components and metabolites was achieved on a Bruker Solarix 7.0 T ultra‐high resolution spectrometer in negative ion mode. Results indicated that a total of 76 constituents including 29 prototype compounds and 47 metabolites (10 phase I metabolites and 37 phase II metabolites) were tentatively identified. And the metabolic pathways of these prototype compounds including hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, glucuronidation, and sulfate conjugation. In conclusion, the developed method with high resolution and sensitivity was effective for screening and identification of prototypes and metabolites of Kudiezi injection in vivo. Moreover, these results would provide significant information for further pharmacokinetic and pharmacological research of Kudiezi injection in vivo.
Polymeric Nanoparticles Induce NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Hu Qinglian , Zhao Fenghui , Guo Fengliang , Wang Chengcheng , Fu Zhengwei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPolymeric nanoparticles gain enormous interests in cancer therapy. Polyethylenimine (PEI) 25 kD is well known for its high transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. PEI‐CyD (PC) was previously synthesized by conjugating low molecular PEI (M
w 600) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CyD), which is shown to induce lower cytotoxicity than PEI 25 kD. In the current study, the in vivo immune response of branched PEI 25 kD and PC is investigated. Compared to PC/pDNA, exposure of PEI 25kD/pDNA induces higher level of immune‐stimulation evidenced by the increased spleen weight, phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophage, and proinflammatory cytokines in serum and liver. Importantly, administration of PEI 25 kD can greatly promote breast cancer metastasis in liver and lung tissues, which correlates with its ability to induce high oxidative stress and NLRP3‐inflammasome activation. These results suggest that polymeric nanocarriers have the potential to induce immune‐stimulation and cancer metastasis, which may affect their efficiency for cancer therapy.
Synthesis and Structural NMR Characterization of Novel PPG/PCL Conetworks Based upon Heterocomplementary Coupling Reactions
Authors: Jakisch Lothar , Garaleh Mazen , Schäfer Mareen , Mordvinkin Anton , Saalwächter Kay , Böhme Frank 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA new approach to hybrid model network formation based upon heterocomplementary end‐linking of four‐arm star poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) and linear polypropylene glycol (PPG) precursors is demonstrated. Specifically, hydroxy‐terminated PCL(OH)4 and an amino‐terminated linear PPG(NH2)2 are reacted with a bifunctional coupling agent containing one carboxylic acid chloride group and one oxazinone group. PCL(OH)4 is first reacted with the former in a solution, and the so‐obtained oxazinone‐terminated intermediate is then reacted with PPG(NH2)2 to form a network both in the solution and in the melt. A strong effect of electron‐withdrawing groups on the reactivity of the oxazinone group, and thus on the network formation, is evidenced. Network structure and properties are studied by swelling experiments and low‐field multiple‐quantum (MQ) NMR, which confirm the successful formation of hybrid networks and provide information on the significant network inhomogeneities. On the methodological side, a reliable approach to MQ NMR data analysis for networks of variable degree of inhomogeneity is discussed.
Gel Electrolytes of Covalent Network Polybenzimidazole and Phosphoric Acid by Direct Casting
Authors: Kirkebæk Andreas , Aili David , Henkensmeier Dirk , Jensen Jens Oluf , Li Qingfeng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPolybenzimidazole membranes imbibed with phosphoric acid can support high proton conductivity at 120–200 °C, and have therefore emerged as the state‐of‐the‐art electrolytes for fuel cells operating in this temperature range. This work presents a novel and operationally simple methodology for preparing mechanically robust covalent network polybenzimidazole membranes containing up to 95 wt% phosphoric acid. Diamino‐terminal pre‐polymers of different chain lengths are first prepared, followed by addition of a trifunctional carboxylic acid. The crude solutions are cast and subsequently heat treated at up to 230 °C, yielding free‐standing membranes of networked polybenzimidazole with high proton conductivity at up to 180 °C and encouraging fuel cell performance.
Flap monitoring with continuous oxygen partial tension measurement in breast reconstructive surgery: A preliminary report
Authors: Trignano Emilio , Fallico Nefer , Fiorot Luca , Bolletta Alberto , Maffei Matteo , Ciudad Pedro , Maruccia Michele , Chen Hung‐Chi , Campus Gian Vittorio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe best method for the postoperative monitoring of flaps in reconstructive surgery is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of an oxygen partial tension monitoring system for the postoperative follow‐up of a series of breast flaps, in addition to the traditional periodical clinical evaluations.Patients and MethodsTwenty‐one consecutive female patients (mean age: 61 years) who underwent free‐ or pedicled‐flap reconstruction of the breast were included in the study. Fifteen patients had a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction, while the remaining six patients underwent a transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap reconstruction. The Licox® Recon (Integra LifeSciences Corp, Plainsboro, New Jersey) system was used for the monitoring of the flaps. The oxygen partial tension (PtO2) values were displayed on the system monitor and registered with appropriate software for statistical analysis.ResultsA decreasing trend in the mean PtO2 values was observed over the first five postoperative days. The mean values registered in the first postoperative day were higher than those observed in the subsequent four days. Three patients were lost due to misplacement of the probe. Among the remaining 18 flaps, 3 (17%) reported a remarkable decrease in PtO2 values, with the mean PtO2 registered in the second postoperative day being significantly lower than in the other flaps (7.3 ± 0.7 vs. 17.0 ± 0.9; P‐value <.05). These three flaps have been promptly re‐explored, with a final flap failure rate of 5.5% (1 flap).ConclusionsThe continuous oxygen tension evaluation represents a promising method for the postoperative monitoring of breast reconstructive surgery flaps when used in combination with the traditional periodic clinical evaluations.
In Vitro Effects of Serotonin, Melatonin, and Other Related Indole Compounds on Amyloid‐β Kinetics and Neuroprotection
Authors: Hornedo‐Ortega Ruth , Da Costa Grégory , Cerezo Ana B. , Troncoso Ana M. , Richard Tristan , Garcia‐Parrilla M. Carmen 
Published: November 2017

ScopeAmyloid‐β peptide is the main component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease. The inhibition of amyloid‐β peptide assembly, the destabilization of amyloid‐β peptide aggregates, and the decrease of its cytotoxicity for the prevention of neuronal death are considered neuroprotective effects. In this work, the protective effects against amyloid‐β peptide aggregation and cytotoxicity of eight indolic compounds are evaluated: tryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, tryptophol, N‐acetylserotonin, 3‐indoleacetic acid, tryptophan ethyl ester, and melatonin.Methods and resultsThioflavin T spectroscopic assay, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, circular dichroism, NMR, cell viability (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay), quantitative PCR, and heme oxygenase activity are used. Serotonin is the most effective compound for inhibiting amyloid‐β peptide aggregation. Almost all the indolic compounds tested prevent amyloid‐β peptide‐induced and increase cell viability, being between 9 and 25%. Melatonin and serotonin are the most active. Moreover, serotonin increased the expression of SIRT‐1 and 2, heat shock protein 70, and heme oxygenase activity, this being a possible mechanism underlying the observed neuroprotective effect.ConclusionMelatonin and other related indolic compounds, mainly serotonin, show an inhibitory and destabilizing effect on amyloid‐β peptide fibril formation and they possess neuroprotective properties related to the vitagenes system.
β‐Cryptoxanthin Inhibits Angiogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Through Retinoic Acid Receptor
Authors: Quesada‐Gómez José Manuel , Santiago‐Mora Raquel , Durán‐Prado Mario , Dorado Gabriel , Pereira‐Caro Gema , Moreno‐Rojas José Manuel , Casado‐Díaz Antonio 
Published: November 2017

Scopeβ‐Cryptoxanthin is an abundant carotenoid in fruits and vegetables that can be quantified in human blood serum. Yet, contrary to other carotenoids, its effects on endothelial cells and angiogenesis remain unknown.Methods and resultsHuman umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are treated with 0.01, 0.1, or 1 μm of β‐cryptoxanthin. Antioxidant activity is determined by its free radical scavenging and oxygen‐radical absorbance capacity. The effect on migration and formation of tubular structures is studied. Additionally, effect on angiogenesis is also analyzed using an in vivo model. β‐Cryptoxanthin exhibits scavenging ability, having an antioxidant effect on HUVEC. Interestingly, β‐cryptoxanthin reduces their migration and angiogenesis, even in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, such carotenoid inhibits in vivo angiogenesis induced by VEGF. In addition, treatment of HUVEC with LE540 (retinoic acid receptor [RAR] panantagonist) inhibits β‐cryptoxanthin antiangiogenic effect on HUVEC.Conclusionβ‐Cryptoxanthin inhibits angiogenesis through RAR. Thus, this carotenoid and food containing it may be useful for the prevention and treatment of angiogenic pathologies. That includes tumoral growth and wet macular degeneration associated with aging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the antioxidant effect and antiangiogenic activity of this carotenoid on HUVEC, both in vitro and in vivo.
Extracting Wair from the electron beam measurements of Domen and Lamperti
Authors: Tessier Frédéric , Cojocaru Claudiu D. , Ross Carl K. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe average energy expended by an energetic electron to create an ion pair in dry air, Wair, is a key quantity in radiation dosimetry. Although Wair is well established for electron energies up to about 3 MeV, there is limited data for higher energies. The measurements by Domen and Lamperti [Med. Phys. 3, 294–301 (1976)] using electron beams in the energy range from 15 to 50 MeV can, in principle, be used to deduce values for Wair, if the electron stopping power of graphite and air are known. A previous analysis of these data revealed an anomalous variation of 2% in Wair as a function of the electron energy. We use Monte Carlo simulation techniques to reanalyze the original data and obtain new estimates for Wair, and to investigate the source of the reported anomaly.MethodsDomen and Lamperti (DL) reported the ratio of the response of a graphite calorimeter to that of a graphite ionization chamber for broad beams of electrons with energies between 15 and 50 MeV and at different depths in graphite (including depths well beyond the range of the primary electrons, i.e., in the bremsstrahlung photon regime). Using a detailed EGSnrc model of the DL apparatus, as well as up‐to‐date stopping powers, we compute the dose ratio between the ionization chamber cavity and the calorimeter core, for plane‐parallel electron beams. This dose ratio, multiplied by the DL measured ratio, provides a direct estimate for Wair.ResultsDespite an improved analysis of the original work, the extracted values of Wair still exhibit an increase as the mean electron energy at the point of measurement decreases below about 15 MeV. This anomalous trend is dubious physically, and inconsistent with extensive data for Wair obtained at lower energies. A thorough sensitivity analysis indicates that this trend is unlikely to stem from errors in extrapolation and correction procedures, uncertainties in electron stopping powers, or bias in calorimetry or ionization chamber measurements. However, we find that results are quite sensitive to the intrinsic graphite mass thickness of the detectors and to the incident beam energy.ConclusionsThe DL experiment provides data in an energy regime where the electron stopping power is insensitive to the mean excitation energy of graphite — an issue plaguing Wair experiments at lower energies. Unfortunately, state‐of‐the‐art scrutiny of the original data cannot explain the anomalous trend in terms of perturbation effects or extrapolation bias. It can only be understood in terms of speculative offsets in graphite mass thickness or beam energy. Therefore higher accuracy measurements for electron energies above 15 MeV are recommended to further resolve the value of Wair.
Concurrent Detection of Protein Adsorption on Mixed Nanoparticles by Differential Centrifugal Sedimentation
Authors: Wang Ruimin , Chen Lan , Li Dexing , Liu Renxiao , Ge Guanglu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn mixtures of nanoparticles of various sizes or compositions, monitoring protein partitioning on their surfaces provides important information about particle–protein interactions during competitive adsorption. Utilizing the size‐resolving capability of differential centrifugal sedimentation, the adsorption of bovine serum albumin on multisize gold nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 20 to 100 nm or gold, silver, and silica nanoparticles with similar diameter can be concurrently observed. This method can be used to gain insight into nanoparticle–protein interactions based on analyses of curvature and relative abundance.
Long‐term Coarsening and Function‐time Evolution of an Initiator Powder
Authors: Maiti Amitesh , Olson Tammy Y. , Han T. Yong , Gee Richard H. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLong‐term effectiveness of high‐explosive devices necessitates maintaining a level of specific surface area of initiating powder components within specified margins. This ensures that ignition and detonation performance of the powder does not degrade significantly over time. Flow permeametry is a commonly employed surface characterization tool in this context, as embodied in the Fisher sub‐sieve surface area (FSSA). Recently we made alterations to the commercial permeametry apparatus that enables accurate in situ measurements of FSSA using only ∼100 mg samples. In this work we report on a 24‐month aging study in such modified sample holders at elevated temperatures of 40 °C and 60 °C. Through a process called time‐temperature‐superposition (TTS) the resulting isotherms are translated into a single master curve that predicts powder FSSA evolution over decades under ambient temperature conditions. We generate master curves for two different powders, i. e., pure PETN and 1 wt% added TriPEON, and show that the TriPEON‐doped powder coarsens at a rate a few times slower than the non‐doped powder. Activation barriers computed from the TTS shift factors shed some light on the coarsening mechanisms.
Influence of the neural microenvironment on prostate cancer
Authors: Coarfa Christian , Florentin Diego , Putluri NagiReddy , Ding Yi , Au Jason , He Dandan , Ragheb Ahmed , Frolov Anna , Michailidis George , Lee MinJae , Kadmon Dov , Miles Brian , Smith Christopher , Ittmann Michael , Rowley David , Sreekumar Arun , Creighton Chad J. , Ayala Gustavo 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundNerves are key factors in prostate cancer (PCa), but the functional role of innervation in prostate cancer is poorly understood. PCa induced neurogenesis and perineural invasion (PNI), are associated with aggressive disease.MethodWe denervated rodent prostates chemically and physically, before orthotopically implanting cancer cells. We also performed a human neoadjuvant clinical trial using botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and saline in the same patient, before prostatectomy.ResultBilateral denervation resulted in reduced tumor incidence and size in mice. Botox treatment in humans resulted in increased apoptosis of cancer cells in the Botox treated side. A similar denervation gene array profile was identified in tumors arising in denervated rodent prostates, in spinal cord injury patients and in the Botox treated side of patients. Denervation induced exhibited a signature gene profile, indicating translation and bioenergetic shutdown. Nerves also regulate basic cellular functions of non‐neoplastic epithelial cells.ConclusionNerves play a role in the homeostasis of normal epithelial tissues and are involved in prostate cancer tumor survival. This study confirms that interactions between human cancer and nerves are essential to disease progression. This work may make a major impact in general cancer treatment strategies, as nerve/cancer interactions are likely important in other cancers as well. Targeting the neural microenvironment may represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of human prostate cancer.
The impact of argan oil on plasma lipids in humans: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ursoniu Sorin , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Serban Maria‐Corina , Banach Maciej ,   Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta‐analysis Collaboration Group
Published: November 2017

The study aims to investigate the effect of argan oil on plasma lipid concentrations through a systematic review of the literature and a meta‐analysis of available randomized controlled trials. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of at least 2 weeks of supplementation with argan oil on plasma/serum concentrations of at least 1 of the main lipid parameters were eligible for inclusion. Effect size was expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Meta‐analysis of data from 5 eligible trials with 292 participants showed a significant reduction in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: −16.85 mg/dl, 95% CI [−25.10, −8.60], p < .001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: −11.67 mg/dl, 95% CI [−17.32, −6.01], p < .001), and triglycerides (WMD: −13.69 mg/dl, 95% CI [−25.80, −1.58], p = .027) after supplementation with argan oil compared with control treatment, and plasma concentrations of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 4.14 mg/dl, 95% CI [0.86, 7.41], p = .013) were found to be increased. Argan oil supplementation reduces total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides and increases high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, larger clinical trials are needed to assess the impact of argan oil supplementation on other indices of cardiometabolic risk and on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes.
Panax notoginseng saponins attenuate cardiomyocyte apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway in natural aging rats
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Wang Jiao , Song Yanan , He Yumin , Zhang Changcheng , Liu Chaoqi , Zhao Haixia , Dun Yaoyan , Yuan Ding , Wang Ting 
Published: November 2017

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been widely used in the cardiovascular system for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in China. In this study, we investigated the anti‐apoptotic effect of PNS on cardiomyocytes in the natural aging rat and explored the potential mechanisms regarding oxidative stress and mitochondrial function signaling pathways. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: adult control (3‐month old), aging control (24‐month old), and different doses of PNS‐treated aging rat groups (10, 30, 60 mg/kg/day, orally). After treatment of PNS or saline for 6 months, the effects of PNS on the cardiomyocytes were evaluated. Results showed that PNS significantly improved the morphological changes in myocardium, prevented the increase of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the aging rats, and improved mitochondrial dysfunction associated aging in a dose‐dependent manner. PNS also significantly reversed the down‐regulation of FoxO3a and Mn‐SOD and up‐regulated PGC‐1α, LC3β, and Beclin‐1 levels. Our data demonstrated that during aging, mitochondrial dysfunction caused an increase of oxidative damage, which played a key role in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. PNS exerted an anti‐apoptotic effect via attenuating oxidative damage through oxidative stress‐ and mitochondrial function‐related signaling pathways.
(Rg = He ∼ Rn,n = 1–4): In quest of the potential trapping ability of the aromatic ring
Authors: Li Zhuo Zhe , Li An Yong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA new series of divalent boron‐rare gas cations(Rg = He ∼ Rn,n = 1–4) have been predicted theoretically at the B3LYP, MP2, and CCSD(T) levels to present the structures, stability, charge distributions, bond natures, and aromaticity. The RgB bond energies are quite large for heavy rare gases and increase with the size of the Rg atom. Because of steric hindrance new Rg atoms introduced to the B4ring will weaken the RgB bond. Thus inthe RgB bond has the largest binding energy 90–100 kcal/mol.p‐has a slightly shorter RgB bond length and a larger bond energy thano‐. NBO and AIM analyses indicate that for the heavy Rg atoms Ar ∼ Rn the BRg bonds have character of typical covalent bonds. The energy decomposition analysis shows that the σ‐donation from rare gases to the boron ring is the major contribution to the RgB bonding. Adaptive natural density partitioning and nuclear‐independent chemical shift analyses suggest that bothandhave obvious aromaticity.
Toward aCorridistaConsciousness: Learning From One Transnational Youth's Critical Reading, Writing, and Performance of Mexican Corridos
Authors: de los Ríos Cati V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article examines instances of a U.S.–Mexican transnational youth honing his critical translingual literacy skills through his engagement with corridos, Mexican balladry in Spanish that often emphasizes injustice and border strife. The author relies on ethnographic classroom observations, the student's journals, and semistructured interviews to provide a glimpse into the complexities and sophistication of the bilingual youth's everyday language and literacy practices in an era of vehement anti‐immigrant rhetoric. This inquiry asks, (a) What do literacy practices deeply rooted in corridos look like? (b) How does one youth read and engage with the Mexican musical genre of corridos to make sense of his social and political world? and (c) What are the environments and educational settings that supported this literacy development? Findings detail a transnational youth'scorridista(balladeer) consciousness and its concomitant language and literacy practices that shape and are shaped by his participation in both his Tijuana communities of origin and his Los Angeles communities. Specifically, this study showcases a student's uses of literary devices, including allegory, to describe myriad forms of oppression and resistance found in corrido lyrics and throughout the lives of U.S.–Mexican transnational youths. Attention to literary genres that are often unsanctioned in traditional English‐medium classrooms and recognizing the complex cognitive abilities of bilinguals can harvest critical insight about literacy education in and out of school. Implications from this study highlight meaningful learning contexts for transnational adolescents’ literacies and how engagement of these literacies might be (re)conceptualized through an ethnic studies and Chicanx/Latinx Studies lens.