bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on different finite difference methods at skin interface for burn prediction in protective clothing evaluation
Authors: Zhai L. , Camenzind M. , Li J. , Rossi R. M. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryFor protective clothing evaluation by using the flame engulfment method, a skin burn injury model is required to predict burn degree of the covered skin. By applying finite difference methods, 2 numerical methods are compared. One is based on equivalent heat intensity; the other is based on the law of conservation of energy. In this study, skin temperature rise is compared between these 2 methods by using homogeneous skin properties as well as the analytical solutions. Differences between these 2 methods in application of measured heat exposure tests data are also explored. The results show that assuming equivalent heat intensity at the skin layer interfaces overestimates severity of burn injury. Burn injury time is sensitive to the investigated numerical methods, especially for third‐degree burns. The differences of the 2 methods can be reduced by optimization of the grid size using the test cases described in ASTM F1930. A detailed description of requirements regarding applicable numerical methods in future revisions of the relevant standards is recommended. The finite difference model applied in this paper can act as an effective tool to predict temperature distribution in the skin as well as predict burn injury for evaluation of thermal protective clothing.
Isotopic and hydrochemistry spatial variation of sulfate for groundwater characterization in karstic aquifers
Authors: González‐Ramón Antonio , López‐Chicano Manuel , Gázquez Fernando , Durán‐Valsero Juan José , Pedrera Antonio , Ruiz‐Constán Ana , González‐Egea Elena 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Sierra Gorda aquifer is one of the most extensive of southern Spain. The main groundwater discharge is produced at its northern boundary through several high‐flow springs. In this study, stable isotopes of dissolved sulfate (δ34S and δ18O) and groundwater chemistry were used to determine the origin of the sulfate and to characterize the groundwater flow. We sampled the main springs, as well as other minor outlets related to perched water tables, in order to determine the different sources of SO42− (e.g., dissolution of evaporites and atmospheric deposition). The substantial difference in the amount of dissolved SO42− between the springs located in its northwestern part (≈25 mg/L) and those elsewhere in the northern part (≈60 mg/L) suggests zones with separate groundwater flow systems. A third group of springs, far from the northeastern boundary of the permeable outcrops, shows higher SO42− content than the rest (≈125 mg/L). The isotopic range of sulfate (−0.3‰ to 14.82‰ V‐CTD) points to several sources, including dissolution of Triassic or Miocene evaporites, atmospheric deposition, and decomposition of organic material in the soil. Among these, the dissolution of Triassic gypsum—which overlies the saturated zone as a consequence of the folds and faults that deform the aquifer—is the main source of SO42− (range from 12.79‰ to 14.82‰ V‐CTD). This range is typical for Triassic gypsum. The higher karstification in the western sector, together with important differences in the saturated thickness between the western and eastern sectors, would also be due to the tectonic structure and could explain the difference in SO42− contents in the water. This singular arrangement may cause a higher residence time of groundwater in the eastern sector; thus, a higher contact time with Triassic evaporitic rocks is inferred. Accordingly, the stable isotopes of SO42− are found to be a valuable tool for identifying areas with different flow systems in the saturated zone of karstic aquifers, as well as for evaluating aspects such as the degree of karstification.
Hydrological cycle and water balance estimates for the megadune–lake region of the Badain Jaran Desert, China
Authors: Ma Yan‐Dong , Zhao Jing‐Bo , Luo Xiao‐Qing , Shao Tian‐Jie , Dong Zhi‐Bao , Zhou Qi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe hydrology and water balance of megadunes and lakes have been investigated in the Badain Jaran Desert of China. Field observations and analyses of sand layer water content, field capacity, secondary salt content, and grain size reveal 3 types of important natural phenomenon: (a) vegetation bands on the leeward slope of the megadunes reflect the hydrological regime within the sandy vadose zone; (b) seepage, wet sand deposits, and secondary salt deposits indicate the pattern of water movement within the sandy vadose zone; (c) zones of groundwater seeps and descending springs around the lakes reflect the influence of the local topography on the hydrological regime of the megadunes. The seepage exposed on the sloping surface of the megadunes and gravity water contained within the sand layer confirm the occurrence of preferential flow within the vadose zone of the megadunes. Alternating layers of coarse and fine sand create the conditions for the formation of preferential flows. The preferential flows promote movement of water within the sand layer water that leads to deep penetration of water within the megadunes and ultimately to the recharging of groundwater and lake water. Our results indicate that a positive water balance promotes recharge of the megadunes, which depends on the high permeability of the megadune material, the shallow depth of the surface sand layer affected by evaporation, the occurrence of rainfall events exceeding 15 mm, and the sparse vegetation cover. Water balance estimates indicate that the annual water storage of the megadunes is about 7.5 mm, accounting for only 8% of annual precipitation; however, the shallow groundwater per unit area under the megadunes receives only 3.6% of annual precipitation, but it is still able to maintain a dynamic balance of the lake water. From a water budget perspective, the annual water storage in the megadunes is sufficient to serve as a recharge source for lake water, thereby enabling the long‐term persistence of the lakes. Overall, our findings demonstrate that precipitation is a significant component of the hydrological cycle in arid deserts.
Effect of extended oral contraception use on the prevalence of fetal trisomy 21 in women aged at least 35 years
Authors: Horányi Dániel , Babay Lilla Éva , Rigó János , Győrffy Balázs , Nagy Gyula R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo study factors influencing the number of ovulations in reproductive life as risk factors for common trisomies.MethodsThe present observational study examined data from genetic counseling sessions performed at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, between September 1, 2013, and September 1, 2015, and retrieved data on patients of advanced maternal age (≥35 years) who had fetal trisomy 21, 18, or 13 confirmed. Consecutive patients of advanced maternal age with genetic amniocentesis‐confirmed healthy fetal karyotypes were also included as a control group. Medical record details were confirmed through telephone interviews with patients; the estimated ovulation number was calculated and compared among patients, as were factors contributing to the number of ovulations each patient had.ResultsData from 12 776 genetic counseling situations were examined; 35 patients with fetal trisomies and 100 patients in the control group were interviewed. Shorter mean length of oral contraceptive pill use before trisomic pregnancy (P<0.001) and a lower estimated ovulation number (P=0.012) were identified among patients with pregnancies with fetal trisomies.ConclusionFewer ovulatory cycles, potentially resulting from longer oral contraceptive pill use, was associated with healthy fetal karyotypes among patients of advanced reproductive age.
Use of lecithin to control fiber morphology in electrospun poly (ɛ‐caprolactone) scaffolds for improved tissue engineering applications
Authors: Coverdale Benjamin D.M. , Gough Julie E. , Sampson William W. , Hoyland Judith A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe elucidate the effects of incorporating surfactants into electrospun poly (ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds on network homogeneity, cellular adherence and osteogenic differentiation. Lecithin was added with a range of concentrations to PCL solutions, which were electrospun to yield functionalized scaffolds. Addition of lecithin yielded a dose‐dependent reduction in scaffold hydrophobicity, whilst reducing fiber width and hence increasing specific surface area. These changes in scaffold morphology were associated with increased cellular attachment of Saos‐2 osteoblasts 3‐h postseeding. Furthermore, cells on scaffolds showed comparable proliferation over 14 days of incubation to TCP controls. Through model‐based interpretation of image analysis combined with gravimetric estimates of porosity, lecithin is shown to reduce scaffold porosity and mean pore size. Additionally, lecithin incorporation is found to reduce fiber curvature, resulting in increased scaffold specific elastic modulus. Low concentrations of lecithin were found to induce upregulation of several genes associated with osteogenesis in primary mesenchymal stem cells. The results demonstrate that functionalization of electrospun PCL scaffolds with lecithin can increase the biocompatibility and regenerative potential of these networks for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2865–2874, 2017.
Purification and partial characterization of an anticoagulant PLA2 from the venom of Indian Daboia russelii that induces inflammation through upregulation of proinflammatory mediators
Authors: Deka Archana , Sharma Maitreyee , Sharma Manoj , Mukhopadhyay Rupak , Doley Robin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe present study describes the purification and partial characterization of a basic anticoagulant PLA2 enzyme named as Rv(i) PLA2 from the venom of Indian Daboia russelii. The molecular mass of the protein was found to be 13,659.65 Da, and peptide mass fingerprinting revealed that it belongs to group II PLA2 family. The peptide sequence showed similarity to uncharacterized basic PLA2 enzyme having an accession no. of P86368 reported from Sri Lankan D. russelii. Rv(i) PLA2 exhibited strong phospholipase A2 and anticoagulant activity. It also induced expression of COX‐2 and TNF‐α mRNA in a dose‐dependent manner in phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate differentiated THP‐1 cells, which play a crucial role during inflammation. Chemical modification of His residue in Rv(i) PLA2 with p‐bromophenacyl bromide abolished the enzymatic, anticoagulant, and inflammatory activities. The result indicates that the catalytic site of Rv(i) PLA2 might play a vital role in inducing inflammation at the bite site during D. russelii envenomation.
Comparison of the CELLEX™ and UVAR‐XTS™ closed‐system extracorporeal photopheresis devices in the treatment of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Whittle Robert M. , Denney Helen , Chantry Andrew D. , Alfred Arun , Taylor Peter C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractExtracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) is a cellular immunotherapy frequently used for steroid‐refractory graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Chronic GVHD (cGVHD), response to ECP is associated with survival benefit. The UVAR‐XTSTM system and the more recently developed CELLEXTM device (both TherakosTM) are the mainstay for ECP‐delivery in the UK and US. No comparison of treatment outcomes has been reported. We retrospectively compared cGVHD response and steroid reduction and withdrawal in patients treated exclusively over 12 months with either the XTS (n = 51) or CELLEX (n = 50). Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in clinical outcome or steroid changes in the 2 matched cohorts. We also compared infection incidence, infection‐related death (IRD), and treatment time. Significant clinical improvement and regular capacity to reduce or cease steroids was encountered in both cohorts; at 6 months of ECP 70% of cutaneous cGvHD patients had partial or complete responses and 85% of patients receiving steroids pre‐ECP had reduced dosage. In the XTS group we unexpectedly encountered both superior steroid reduction (86% dose at least halved vs. 61% for CELLEX, P = 0.01) and withdrawal (15 vs. 5 CELLEX, P = 0.01) and a trend for superior skin disease response in the CELLEX‐treated cohort at 3 months. No inter‐relationship was evident. Halving or greater reduction of steroid dose by 3 or 6 months was associated with reduced risk of IRD in the XTS cohort as was withdrawal at 6 months for the combined cohorts. By 6 months, XTS‐treated patients had experienced fewer antibiotic‐requiring infections (mean 1.9 vs. 2.8, P = 0.025). Origins for the disparities are unclear and warrant investigation.
Membrane‐based therapeutic plasma exchange (mTPE): Technical and clinical experience
Authors: Gashti Casey N. , Andreoli Daniel C. , Patel Dipal 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has long been utilized to manage a variety of immune‐mediated diseases. The basic principle relies on removal of circulating pathogenic substances from the bloodstream. Methods of plasma separation include centrifuge (cTPE) and membrane (mTPE). Although mTPE has existed for a few decades, recent advances in developing highly permeable filters that are compatible with currently existing dialysis machines has opened a new frontier. Published data in the area of technical and clinical experience with mTPE is lacking. We report our single center experience of 998 inpatient mTPE treatments performed in 237 patients at a large tertiary care academic center. The most common treatment indication was neurologic. We found a very low incidence of patient‐reported complications. Filter clotting without the use of anticoagulation occurred in 7.7% of treatments. Laboratory parameters that significantly changed during the course of therapy included serum potassium, platelet count, and partial thromboplastin time. We found that mTPE can be safely and efficiently performed as an alternative to cTPE, and suggest an individualized approach when prescribing this therapy.
Efficacy and Toxicity of Different Chemotherapy Regimens in the Treatment of Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Gui‐Feng , Li Gui‐Jie , Zhao Hang 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTObjective A network meta‐analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and toxicity of different chemotherapy regimens in treating advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases from inception to June 2016 were searched. A combination of direct and indirect evidences was referred to for calculating the weighted mean difference (WMD) or the odds ratio (OR) and to establish surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves, so as to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of different chemotherapy regimens in treating advanced or metastatic PC. Twenty randomized controlled trials were enrolled. Twelve chemotherapy regimens included Gemcitabine, S‐1 (Tegafur), Gemcitabine + Cisplatin, Gemcitabine + Capecitabine, Gemcitabine + S‐1, Gemcitabine + 5‐FU (5‐fluorouracil), Gemcitabine + Exatecan, Gemcitabine + Irinotecan, Gemcitabine + Nab‐paclitaxel, FOLFIRINOX (Oxaliplatin + Irinotecan + Fluorouracil + Leucovorin), Gemcitabine + Oxaliplatin, and Gemcitabine + Pemetrexed. Higher overall response rate (ORR) was observed in patients treated with the gemcitabine + S‐1 and FOLFIRINO regimens. Thrombocytopenia reduced in patients treated with the S‐1 regimen. The Gemcitabine + S‐1 and FOLFIRINO regimens had better short‐ and long‐term efficacies than the other regimens; S‐1 regimen had the lowest hematologic toxicity, while Gemcitabine + Nab‐paclitaxel, FOLFIRINOX, and Gemcitabine + Pemetrexed regimens had higher incidence of non‐hematologic toxicity among twelve chemotherapy regimens. The efficacy of Gemcitabine + S‐1 and FOLFIRINOX regimens may be better in treating patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, while FOLFIRINOX and Gemcitabine + Pemetrexed regimens may have relatively higher incidence of toxicity than other regimens. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 511–523, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Angiogenic and Restorative Abilities of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Were Reduced Following Treatment With Serum From Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients
Authors: Rezaie Jafar , Mehranjani Malek S. , Rahbarghazi Reza , Shariatzadeh Mohammad A. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThis experiment investigated the impact of serum from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on the angiogenic behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Changes in the level of Ang‐1, Ang‐2, cell migration, and trans‐differentiation into pericytes and endothelial lineage were monitored after 7 days. The interaction of mesenchymal stem cells with endothelial cells were evaluated using surface plasmon resonance technique. Paracrine restorative effect of diabetic stem cells was tested on pancreatic β cells. Compared to data from FBS and normal serum, diabetic serum reduced the stem cell survival and chemotaxis toward VEGF and SDF‐1α (P < 0.05). Diabetic condition were found to decline cell migration rate and the activity of MMP‐2 and ‐9 (P < 0.05). The down‐regulation of VEGFR‐2 and CXCR‐4 was observed with an increase in the level of miR‐1‐3p and miR‐15b‐5p at the same time. The paracrine angiogenic potential of diabetic stem cells was disturbed via the changes in the dynamic of Ang‐1, Ang‐2, and VEGF. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that diabetes could induce an aberrant increase in the interaction of stem cells with endothelial cells. After treatment with diabetic serum, the expression of VE‐cadherin and NG2 and ability for uptake of Dil‐Ac‐LDL were reduced (P < 0.01). Conditioned media prepared from diabetic stem cells were unable to decrease fatty acid accumulation in β‐cells (P < 0.05). The level of insulin secreted by β‐cells was not affected after exposure to supernatant from diabetic or non‐diabetic mesenchymal stem cells. Data suggest diabetes could decrease angiogenic and restorative effect of stem cells in vitro. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 524–535, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: The Role of MicroRNA‐143‐5p in the Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells into Odontoblasts by Targeting Runx2 via the OPG/RANKL Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhan Fu‐Liang , Liu Xin‐Yang , Wang Xing‐Bo 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThis study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which microRNA‐143‐5p (miR‐143‐5p) targets runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) into odontoblasts, through regulating the osteoprotegerin receptor activator of the nuclear factor‐κB ligand (OPG/RANKL) signaling pathway. Following transfection, DPSCs were divided into blank, control, miR‐143‐5p mimics, miR‐143‐5p inhibitors, miR‐143‐5p inhibitors + siRunx2 and siRunx2 groups. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodules were detected using ALP kit and alizarin red staining. Quantitative reverse transcriptase real time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was conducted to measure mRNA expressions of miR‐143‐5p, Runx2, OPG, and RANKL. Western blotting was used to assess protein expression of odontoblast differentiation‐related proteins. Transwell assay and an extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion cell assay were employed to examine cell migration and cell adhesion. Compared with the blank group, the miR‐143‐5p mimics and siRunx2 groups showed decreased ALP activity, decreased mineralized nodules and displays of calcium. Fewer migrated cells, weakened cell adhesion, decreased protein expression of dentin phosphoprotein (DPP), dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), OPG and Runx2, and increased RANKL protein expressions were observed. Additionally, opposite results were observed in the miR‐143‐5p inhibitors group, demonstrating that down‐regulated miR‐143‐5p promotes the differentiation of DPSCs into odontoblasts by enhancing Runx2 expression via the OPG/RANKL signaling pathway. Based on findings in this study, it is postulated that the enhancement of Runx2 expression via the regulation of the OPG/RANKL signaling pathway could be a beneficial approach for dental pulp regeneration. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 536–546, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CDK9 Regulates Apoptosis of Myoblast Cells by Modulation of microRNA‐1 Expression
Authors: Tarhriz Vahideh , Wagner Kay‐Dietrich , Masoumi Zahra , Molavi Ommoleila , Hejazi Mohammad Saeid , Ghanbarian Hossein 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTCdk9 is the catalytic core of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P‐TEFb) and regulates transcriptional elongation factors by phosphorylation of RNA pol II. Apart from its role on myogenic gene expression, Cdk9 regulation of muscle‐specific microRNAs in the early stage of cardiomyogenesis is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that Cdk9 not only regulates myogenic transcription factors, but also controls muscle‐specific microRNAs. During cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells, high Cdk9 expression preceded up‐regulation of miR‐1. To investigate potential regulatory roles of Cdk9 on cardiac microRNAs and myogenesis genes, we overexpressed Cdk9 in myoblast C2C12 cells, which resulted in significant induction of miR‐1 and miR‐206, while miR‐133 was downregulated. Moreover, expression levels of MyoD and Srf, key regulators of myogenesis, also increased in cells with overexpression of Cdk9. We further observed Cdk9‐mediated apoptosis in C2C12 cells corresponding to induction of miR‐1 expression levels. Thus, Cdk9 plays a complex role in myocyte progenitor differentiation and apoptosis by regulating myogenic protein and muscle‐specific microRNA expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 547–554, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A randomized clinical trial investigating the efficacy of targeted nutrition as adjunct to exercise training in COPD
Authors: van de Bool Coby , Rutten Erica P.A. , van Helvoort Ardy , Franssen Frits M.E. , Wouters Emiel F.M. , Schols Annemie M.W.J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundEvidence regarding the efficacy of nutritional supplementation to enhance exercise training responses in COPD patients with low muscle mass is limited.The objective was to study if nutritional supplementation targeting muscle derangements enhances outcome of exercise training in COPD patients with low muscle mass.MethodsEighty‐one COPD patients with low muscle mass, admitted to out‐patient pulmonary rehabilitation, randomly received oral nutritional supplementation, enriched with leucine, vitamin D, and omega‐3 fatty acids (NUTRITION) or PLACEBO as adjunct to 4 months supervised high intensity exercise training.ResultsThe study population (51% males, aged 43–80) showed moderate airflow limitation, low diffusion capacity, normal protein intake, low plasma vitamin D, and docosahexaenoic acid. Intention‐to‐treat analysis revealed significant differences after 4 months favouring NUTRITION for body mass (mean difference ± SEM) (+1.5 ± 0.6 kg, P = 0.01), plasma vitamin D (+24%, P = 0.004), eicosapentaenoic acid (+91%,P < 0.001), docosahexaenoic acid (+31%, P < 0.001), and steps/day (+24%, P = 0.048). After 4 months, both groups improved skeletal muscle mass (+0.4 ± 0.1 kg, P < 0.001), quadriceps muscle strength (+12.3 ± 2.3 Nm,P < 0.001), and cycle endurance time (+191.4 ± 34.3 s, P < 0.001). Inspiratory muscle strength only improved in NUTRITION (+0.5 ± 0.1 kPa, P = 0.001) and steps/day declined in PLACEBO (−18%,P = 0.005).ConclusionsHigh intensity exercise training is effective in improving lower limb muscle strength and exercise performance in COPD patients with low muscle mass and moderate airflow obstruction. Specific nutritional supplementation had additional effects on nutritional status, inspiratory muscle strength, and physical activity compared with placebo.