bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mastering gut permeability: New roles for old friends
Authors: Bramhall Michael , Zaph Colby 
Published: February 2017

Mast cells are innate immune cells that respond rapidly to infection in barrier tissues such as the skin and intestinal mucosa. Expulsion of parasitic worms in the gut involves a robust type 2 host response, and an acute mastocytosis is often generated at the site of infection. However, the role of mast cells in resistance to worm infections appears to be parasite specific. Mast cells are also involved in tissue repair, but the long‐term contribution of mast cell activation after worm expulsion has not been definitively studied. In this issue of European Journal of Immunology, Sorobetea et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2017. 47: 257–268] demonstrate that activated mast cells persist in the large intestinal lamina propria and intraepithelial compartment long after worm expulsion, resulting in continued local and systemic presence of the mast cell protease mast cell protease 1 (MCPt‐1) and enhanced intestinal permeability. In this commentary, we discuss these findings in the wider context of mast cell function in health and disease.
Effect of Unsaturated Expansive Soils on Canal Linings: A Case Study on the Tabriz Plain Canal, Iran
Authors: Sarand Fariba Behrooz , Hajialilue‐Bonab Masoud 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBecause of the linear nature of water conveyance projects, they include various geological formations and are usually in contact with water. For these reasons, most constructed irrigation and drainage networks are subject to deformation and displacement due to problematic soils. One of these problematic beds is unsaturated expansive soil. Unreinforced trapezoidal canals are damaged when constructed on these types of soils. In the present study, this phenomenon has been studied using field observations and numerical modelling. In practice, a filter layer is used to reduce soil swelling effects on the canal lining in the Tabriz plain project. To investigate the performance of this layer, the amount of soil swelling and relative displacement of the canal section panels are measured by recording of surveying points. This phenomenon is also modelled numerically. Using the results obtained, the swelling of the bed soil is calculated at different parts of the canal section with the filter and without it and the locations of maximum movements are determined. In order to predict the interaction behaviour between unsaturated expansive soil and concrete lining under different moisture conditions, a special constitutive unsaturated soil behaviour model has been selected in the software. The results of analysis show the location of maximum deformation and stress concentration on the canal section. Using these results, the effect of joint locations to reduce the destructive interaction force can be obtained. In addition, comparison between the results of numerical modelling and field data illustrates acceptable accuracy of the numerical modelling. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of freeze‐drying and cryopreservation protocols for long‐term storage of biomaterials based on decellularized intestine
Authors: Díaz‐Moreno Eloísa , Durand‐Herrera Daniel , Carriel Víctor , Martín‐Piedra Miguel‐Ángel , Sánchez‐Quevedo María‐del‐Carmen , Garzón Ingrid , Campos Antonio , Fernández‐Valadés Ricardo , Alaminos Miguel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe evaluated the efficiency of several protocols to preserve the main components of decellularized tissue scaffolds for delayed use. Decellularized rat intestine scaffolds were generated by using SDS and triton X‐100 and preserved for 3 months subjected to eight freeze‐drying (F1 to F8) and 14 cryopreservation protocols (C1 to C14). Morphological analysis showed that cryopreservation tended to preserve the tissue morphostructure more efficiently than freeze‐drying. Histological analysis showed that the content of proteoglycans and glycoproteins was efficiently preserved by most methods. The protocols that most efficiently preserved collagen fibers were those using trehalose and saccharose for freeze‐drying (F2, F3, and F7 protocols) and DMSO, albumin, and saccharose (C3, C5, C6, C12) for cryopreservation. Most freeze‐drying protocols and cryopreservation protocols with DMSO, albumin, and maltose (C6, C7, C13, and C14) efficiently preserved reticular fibers. For the elastic fibers, freeze‐drying methods with trehalose and maltose (F2, F4, F6, and F8) properly preserved these fibers, with the results of most cryopreservation methods comparable to controls. These results suggest that freeze‐drying using 0.1M trehalose and cryopreservation in the presence of 8% DMSO and 4.6% albumin are more efficient than other protocols in preserving the scaffold morphostructure and histological composition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 488–500, 2018.
The role of 5‐HT2c receptor on corticosterone‐mediated food intake
Authors: Ge Tongtong , Zhang Zhuo , Lv Jiayin , Song Yunong , Fan Jie , Liu Wei , Wang Xuefeng , Hall F. Scott , Li Bingjin , Cui Ranji 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCorticosterone plays an important role in feeding behavior. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of corticosterone on feeding behavior. In this study, cumulative food intake was increased by acute corticosterone administration in a dose‐dependent manner. Administration of the 5‐HT2c receptor agonist m‐chlorophenylpiperazin (mCPP) reversed the effect of corticosterone on food intake. The anorectic effects of mCPP were also blocked by the 5‐HT2c receptor antagonist RS102221 in corticosterone‐treated mice. Both corticosterone and mCPP increased c‐Fos expression in hypothalamic nuclei, but not the nucleus of the solitary tract. RS102221 inhibited c‐Fos expression induced by mCPP, but not corticosterone. In addition, mCPP had little effect on TH and POMC levels in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, mCPP antagonized decreasing effect of the leptin produced by corticosterone. Taken together, our findings suggest that 5‐HT2c receptors and leptin may be involved in the effects of corticosterone‐induced hyperphagia.
Feasibility of CYFRA 21‐1 as a serum biomarker for the detection of colorectal adenoma and advanced colorectal adenoma in people over the age of 45
Authors: Lim Do Hyoung , Lee Jai Hyuen , Kim Jong Wan 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundColon adenoma (CA) is a premalignant lesion of colorectal cancer, and its early removal is closely associated with more prolonged survival in the general population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between diverse biologic markers and a newly diagnosed CA and to predict the clinical possibility of cytokeratin‐19 soluble in serum fragment (CYFRA 21‐1) as a screening tool in asymptomatic adults aged over 45 years.MethodsFour hundred and seventy‐nine patients with a histologically confirmed CA or benign colon polyp (BCP), 76 patients with only benign colorectal diseases and 223 negative controls with no CA or BCP detected on colonofibroscopy were investigated. Multiple tumor markers and biochemical markers were simultaneously checked by radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay.ResultsThe CYFRA 21‐1 alone showed significant stepwise contrastive potential among the three groups (P<.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, Area under the curve (AUC) for CYFRA 21‐1, with a value of 0.732 (95% confidence interval, 0.656‐0.809, P<.001) for differentiating between negative controls and patients with advanced colon adenoma, was comparatively the highest among all analyzed factors. The sensitivity of CYFRA 21‐1 was significantly higher than that of the other tumor markers in the diagnosis of CA and advanced CA, respectively (P<.001).ConclusionsConsidering the results of our study, CYFRA 21‐1 showed a significant diagnostic performance and significant stepwise comparative potential in differentiating patients with CA from benign controls. CYFRA 21‐1 could be a simple and effective screening test for the diagnosis of CA.
Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Fearlessness about Death: Associations With Suicidal Ideation among Female Veterans Exposed to Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Monteith Lindsey L. , Bahraini Nazanin H. , Menefee Deleene S. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveMilitary sexual trauma (MST) is prevalent among female Veterans and is associated with increased risk for suicidal self‐directed violence. Yet research examining processes which contribute to suicidal ideation and attempts among MST survivors has been sparse, focusing primarily on psychiatric symptoms or diagnoses, rather than employing a theory‐driven approach. The interpersonal‐psychological theory (Joiner, 2005) is a leading theory of suicide that may be particularly relevant for understanding suicidal ideation among female Veterans who have experienced MST. We examined whether constructs derived from the interpersonal‐psychological theory of suicide (perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and fearlessness about death; Joiner, 2005) were associated with suicidal ideation among female Veterans who had experienced MST, when adjusting for known risk factors for suicide.MethodNinety‐two female Veterans with a history of MST completed the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale ‐ Fearlessness about Death Scale, and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation.ResultsPerceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and fearlessness about death were each associated with suicidal ideation in the past week, adjusting for prior suicide attempts, current depressive symptoms, and current symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. When including all three interpersonal‐psychological constructs in the model, only perceived burdensomeness and fearlessness about death were significantly associated with suicidal ideation.ConclusionThese findings provide knowledge regarding interpersonal processes that may contribute to suicidal ideation among this high‐risk, yet understudied, population. These results also underscore the importance of assessing for interpersonal‐psychological constructs–particularly perceived burdensomeness and fearlessness about death–when working with female Veterans who have experienced MST.
Reducing fine particle emissions by heterogeneous vapor condensation after wet desulfurization process
Authors: Wu Hao , Pan Danping , Zhang Rui , Yang Linjun , Peng Ziming , Yang Bing 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe fine particles emitted from coal‐fired power plants has caused many health and environmental problems. Reducing the fine particle emissions from coal‐fired power plants is of great significance. In this work, a novel process of heterogeneous vapor condensation after wet desulfurization was investigated to reduce the emission of fine particles.RESULTSThe proposed novel process was realized via three different methods, and numerical calculation indicated that it was feasible. The experimental results showed that the temperature drop of desulfurized flue gas due to the added steam and cold air had a positive effect on the improvement in reduction of fine particles. The experimental results also showed that the heat exchange method was applicable to desulfurized flue gas at different temperatures. However, the steam addition method was more suitable for original desulfurized flue gas at lower temperatures while the cold air addition method has more advantages in the case of original desulfurized flue gas at higher temperatures.CONCLUSIONThe novel process proposed in this paper was feasible for industrial application. Under typical conditions, the fine particle emissions in the final discharged flue gas were reduced by 30–40% using this process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐resolution magnetic‐field exposure simulations of automotive inductive power‐transfer systems using a scaled‐frequency finite difference time domain approach with multi‐GPU acceleration
Authors: Cimala C. , Clemens M. , Streckert J. , Schmuelling B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInductive power transfer technology enables, eg, wireless charging of electric and hybrid vehicles. Proposed systems generally consist of at least 2 geometrically separated loosely coupled air‐cored coils. The charging process at operating frequencies from 80 to 140 kHz potentially exposes humans. The computational simulation of low frequency fields combined with lossy dielectric distributions in such scenarios requires nonstandard numerical approaches. As long as quasi‐static assumptions are valid, the scaled‐frequency finite difference time domain method is suitable for such problems. With additional considerations to the original approach from Gandhi and Chen, based on work from Kaune and Gilles, simulations may include anatomical body models as well as thin metallic sheets, which are quite common in automotive scenarios with thicknesses of 1 to 1.2 mm.
Irreversible electroporation for the ablation of pancreatic malignancies: A patient‐specific methodology
Authors: Latouche Eduardo L. , Sano Michael B. , Lorenzo Melvin F. , Davalos Rafael V. , Martin Robert C. G. 
Published: February 2017

Background and ObjectivesIrreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a focal ablation technique highly attractive to surgical oncologists due to its non‐thermal nature that allows for eradication of unresectable tumors in a minimally invasive procedure. In this study, our group sought to address the challenge of predicting the ablation volume with IRE for pancreatic procedures.MethodsIn compliance with HIPAA and hospital IRB approval, we established a pre‐treatment planning methodology for IRE procedures in pancreas, which optimized treatment protocols for individual cases of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). A new method for confirming treatment plans through intraoperative monitoring of tissue resistance was also proved feasible in three patients.ResultsResults from computational models showed good correlation with experimental data available in the literature. By implementing the proposed resistance measurement system 210 ± 26.1 (mean ± standard deviation) fewer pulses were delivered per electrode‐pair.ConclusionThe proposed physics‐based pre‐treatment plan through finite element analysis and system for actively monitoring resistance changes can be paired to significantly reduce ablation times and risk of thermal effects during IRE procedures for LAPC.
Metformin effects on head and neck squamous carcinoma microenvironment: Window of opportunity trial
Authors: Curry Joseph , Johnson Jennifer , Tassone Patrick , Vidal Marina Domingo , Menezes Diana Whitaker , Sprandio John , Mollaee Mehri , Cotzia Paolo , Birbe Ruth , Lin Zhao , Gill Kurren , Duddy Elizabeth , Zhan Tingting , Leiby Benjamin , Reyzer Michelle , Cognetti David , Luginbuhl Adam , Tuluc Madalina , Martinez‐Outschoorn Ubaldo 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveThe tumor microenvironment frequently displays abnormal cellular metabolism, which contributes to aggressive behavior. Metformin inhibits mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, altering metabolism. Though the mechanism is unclear, epidemiologic studies show an association between metformin use and improved outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We sought to determine if metformin alters metabolism and apoptosis in HNSCC tumors.Study DesignWindow of opportunity trial of metformin between diagnostic biopsy and resection. Participants were patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC. Fifty patients were enrolled, and 39 completed a full‐treatment course. Metformin was titrated to standard diabetic dose (2,000 mg/day) for a course of 9 or more days prior to surgery.MethodsImmunohistochemistry (IHC) for the metabolic markers caveolin‐1 (CAV1), B‐galactosidase (GALB), and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), as well as the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay and Ki‐67 IHC, were performed in pre‐ and postmetformin specimens. Exploratory mass spectroscopy imaging (MSI) to assess lactate levels also was performed in three subjects.ResultsMetformin was well tolerated. The average treatment course was 13.6 days. Posttreatment specimens showed a significant increase in stromal CAV1 (P < 0.001) and GALB (P < 0.005), as well as tumor cell apoptosis by TUNEL assay (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in stromal MCT4 expression or proliferation measured by Ki67. Lactate levels in carcinoma cells were increased 2.4‐fold postmetformin (P < 0.05), as measured by MSI.ConclusionMetformin increases markers of reduced catabolism and increases senescence in stromal cells as well as carcinoma cell apoptosis. This study demonstrates that metformin modulates metabolism in the HNSCC microenvironment.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:1808–1815, 2017
Exploring the Role of Attitudinal Functions in Counterfeit Purchase Behavior via an Extended Conceptual Framework
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Chan Ricky Y. K. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTPrior research on counterfeit purchase behavior focuses on two attitudinal functions (social‐adjustive and value‐expressive) and ignores the others (e.g., ego‐defensive, knowledge, and utilitarian), despite growing evidence that consumers’ attitudes toward a product category may serve multiple functions. We address this research gap with an extended conceptual framework that incorporates all the five attitudinal functions and explores their direct and indirect effects on counterfeit product evaluation and purchase intention. A field study with 890 shoppers in Hong Kong, a popular market for both genuine and counterfeit brands, supports most hypotheses and provides useful insights into the complex sociopsychological mechanism driving counterfeit purchase behavior.
Phenotype‐ and genotype‐specific structural alterations in spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Bianchi Serena , Battistella Giovanni , Huddleston Hailey , Scharf Rebecca , Fleysher Lazar , Rumbach Anna F. , Frucht Steven J. , Blitzer Andrew , Ozelius Laurie J. , Simonyan Kristina 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Spasmodic dysphonia is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary spasms in the laryngeal muscles that occur selectively during speaking. Although hereditary trends have been reported in up to 16% of patients, the causative etiology of spasmodic dysphonia is unclear, and the influences of various phenotypes and genotypes on disorder pathophysiology are poorly understood. In this study, we examined structural alterations in cortical gray matter and white matter integrity in relationship to different phenotypes and putative genotypes of spasmodic dysphonia to elucidate the structural component of its complex pathophysiology.Methods: Eighty‐nine patients with spasmodic dysphonia underwent high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion‐weighted imaging to examine cortical thickness and white matter fractional anisotropy in adductor versus abductor forms (distinct phenotypes) and in sporadic versus familial cases (distinct genotypes).Results: Phenotype‐specific abnormalities were localized in the left sensorimotor cortex and angular gyrus and the white matter bundle of the right superior corona radiata. Genotype‐specific alterations were found in the left superior temporal gyrus, supplementary motor area, and the arcuate portion of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that phenotypic differences in spasmodic dysphonia arise at the level of the primary and associative areas of motor control, whereas genotype‐related pathophysiological mechanisms may be associated with dysfunction of regions regulating phonological and sensory processing. Identification of structural alterations specific to disorder phenotype and putative genotype provides an important step toward future delineation of imaging markers and potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions for spasmodic dysphonia. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements in patients with movement disorders: Specific considerations
Authors: Högl Birgit , Stefani Ambra 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTRestless legs syndrome is a frequent neurological disorder with potentially serious and highly distressing treatment complications. The role and potential implications of periodic leg movements during sleep range from being a genetic risk marker for restless legs syndrome to being a cardiovascular risk factor. The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome in patients with daytime movement disorders is challenging and restless legs syndrome needs to be differentiated from other sleep‐related movement disorders. This article provides an update on the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome as an independent disorder and the role of periodic leg movements and reviews the association of restless legs syndrome with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Multifrequency reconstruction for frequency‐modulated bSSFP
Authors: Slawig Anne , Wech Tobias , Ratz Valentin , Tran‐Gia Johannes , Neubauer Henning , Bley Thorsten , Köstler Herbert 
Published: February 2017

PurposeBanding artifacts in images acquired by balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) remain a challenge in MRI as they considerably reduce image quality, and diagnostic value deteriorates accordingly. As the steady‐state tolerates small shifts in frequency, it is possible to acquire frequency‐modulated bSSFP. Unfortunately, standard reconstructions of such measurements suffer from signal loss. Our study proposes a multifrequency reconstruction and demonstrates its capability of suppressing banding artifacts while retaining the high signal level of standard bSSFP.MethodsNumerical simulations in vitro and in vivo measurements were performed using both standard bSSFP and frequency‐modulated bSSFP. The modulated data were reconstructed using a multifrequency approach consisting of three steps: phase correction, multiple reconstructions for different assumed frequencies, and maximum intensity projection.ResultsAlthough standard bSSFP measurements showed banding artifacts that compromised the image quality, standard reconstructions of frequency‐modulated acquisitions suffered from signal loss. In contrast, images reconstructed from frequency‐modulated data using the proposed multifrequency reconstruction showed no visual bandings and featured a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The SNR gain for phantom and in vivo measurements ranged from 1.23 to 1.49.ConclusionsThe presented multifrequency reconstruction for frequency‐modulated bSSFP provides images showing no bandings and featuring high SNR in short scan times. Magn Reson Med 78:2226–2235, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.