bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relevance of charge balance and hyaluronic acid on alginate‐chitosan sponge microstructure and its influence on fibroblast growth
Authors: Orellana Sandra L. , Giacaman Annesi , Pavicic Francisca , Vidal Alejandra , Moreno‐Villoslada Ignacio , Concha Miguel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe study of biomaterials by electrical charge scaling to explore the role of net charge on biocompatibility and suitability for tissue regeneration has been limited as has the search for products that could improve this first‐rate variable. In the present study, we prepared sponges composed of chitosan/alginate (CS/ALG) with or without hyaluronic acid (HA) by mixing polymer stock solutions of different net electric charge ratios (n+/n−), and then lyophilizing them to obtain porous materials. The electric charge ratios n+/n− studied were 0.3, 0.8, 1.0, and 2.5 for CS/ALG and 0.3, 1.0, 1.9, and 3.7 for CS/ALG/HA sponges. Under these conditions a role for net electric charge balance over sponge microstructure rearrangement, protection to dissolution, cellular proliferation, and cell–cell interactions was apparent, effects that were enhanced by copolymer modification with HA. Mass balance, electric charge, and specific products that influence both such as HA, have a potential in biomaterials for wound healing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2537–2543, 2016.
Bis‐Pyrano Prenyl Isoflavone Improves Glucose Homeostasis by Inhibiting Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 in Hyperglycemic Rats
Authors: Altenhofen Delsi , da Luz Gabrielle , Frederico Marisa Jádna Silva , Venzke Dalila , Brich Mayara , Vigil Silvana , Fröde Tania Silvia , Linares Carlos Eduardo Blanco , Pizzolatti Moacir Geraldo , Silva Fátima Regina Mena Barreto 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIsoflavones widely distributed in plants prevent diabetes. This study investigated the in vivo and in vitro effect of 3′,4′‐dihydroxy‐6″,6″,6″′,6″′‐tetramethylbis(pyrano[2″,3″:5,6::2″′,3″′:7,8]isoflavone (bis‐pyrano prenyl isoflavone) on glucose homeostasis in hyperglycemic rats. The ethyl acetate fraction from aerial parts of Polygala molluginifolia that contain isoflavones was assayed on glucose tolerance, on in vitro maltase activity and on protein glycation. The isoflavone bis‐pyrano prenyl isolated from this fraction was investigated on glucose homeostasis. The in vivo action of the isoflavone exhibits an anti‐hyperglycemic effect by improving glucose tolerance, augmenting the liver glycogen, inhibiting maltase activity, and stimulating glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and insulin secretion. The in vitro isoflavone inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) activity since the glucose tolerance was improved in the presence of the isoflavone as much as sitagliptin, an inhibitor of DPP‐4. However, the co‐incubation with isoflavone and sitagliptin exhibited an additive anti‐hyperglycemic action. The isoflavone increased the GLP‐1 faster than the positive hyperglycemic group, which shows that the intestine is a potential target. Thus, to clarify the main site of action in which isoflavone improves glucose balance, the in vitro mechanism of action of this compound was tested in intestine using calcium influx as a trigger for the signal pathways for GLP‐1 secretion. The isoflavone stimulates calcium influx in intestine and its mechanism involves voltage‐dependent calcium channels, phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and stored calcium contributing for GLP‐1 secretion. In conclusion, the isoflavone regulates glycaemia by acting mainly in a serum target, the DPP‐4 inhibitor. Furthermore, the long‐term effect of isoflavone prevents protein glycation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 92–103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae by Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization‐Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry and Detection of Meropenem Resistance by Flow Cytometric Assay
Authors: Kilic Abdullah , Dogan Eyup , Kaya Sinem , Oren Sema , Tok Duran , Ardic Nurittin , Baysallar Mehmet 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to develop a rapid detection method of carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains both MALDI‐TOF MS and flow cytometry (FCM).MethodsA total of 174 K. pneumoniae strains were included in this study. Molecular characterization of carbapenemase gene was performed by PCR. Bacterial identification was performed by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Meropenem susceptibility was tested at the concentrations of breakpoints described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guide by FCM.ResultsSixty‐two CRKP were positive for at least one carbapenemase gene. A total of 174 K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from clinically relevant material were correctly identified by Bruker MALDI‐TOF MS with log (score) >2.0. These results were 100% concordant with the Phoenix™ Automated Microbiology System (BD, MD) and conventional identification results. Based on the analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the best validity and sensitivity data were obtained with a cut‐off value of 18.88% by FCM. The concordance, sensitivity, and specificity for FCM by the selected cut‐off values were 99.4%, 98.9%, and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsWe conclude that reliable results on bacterial identification and meropenem susceptibility test can be obtained within 2 hr combined by MALDI‐TOF‐MS and FCM.
Increased Frequency of Th17 Cells in Children With Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Chen Xiaojun , Tang Heng , Zhu Jifeng , Zhou Sha , Xu Zhipeng , Liu Feng , Su Chuan 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundMycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae, MP) is recognized globally as a significant cause of primary atypical pneumonia in humans, particularly in children. Overzealous host immune responses are viewed as key mediators of the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae infection. Although Th17 cells have been identified as key modulators in the clearance of pathogens and induction of autoimmunity caused by excessive immune responses, little is known about the role of Th17 cells in patients with M. pneumoniae infection.MethodsThe percentages of T cells, CD4+ T cells and Th17 cells in children with M. pneumoniae infection were measured by flow cytometry.ResultsWe documented an increased frequency of Th17 cells in children with M. pneumoniae infection. Furthermore, we found a significantly higher percentage of Th17 cells in M. pneumoniae‐infected children with extrapulmonary manifestations, compared with children without extrapulmonary manifestations. In addition, patients who experienced a short course of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) showed an increase in the percentage of Th17 cells.ConclusionOur findings suggest that Th17 cells may be involved in the clearance of M. pneumoniae during an acute infection. Excessive Th17 cell responses may also contribute to the immuno‐pathological damage observed during persistent infection.
Encapsulation of the p38 MAPK inhibitor GSK 678361A in nanoparticles for inflammatory‐based disease states
Authors: Bains Baljinder K , Greene Michelle K , McGirr Leona M , Dorman Jay , Farrow Stuart N , Scott Christopher J 
Published: May 2016

AbstractInhibitors of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) are currently being pursued as therapeutics in inflammatory conditions, but many candidates have demonstrated limited efficacy or toxicity issues to date. Nanoformulation of p38 MAPK inhibitors may overcome these challenges, by enabling controlled release and targeted delivery. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a nanoformulation of the p38 MAPK inhibitor GSK 678361A and subsequently validate its anti‐inflammatory efficacy in vitro, versus the drug in its free format. Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles encapsulating GSK 678361A were prepared via a salting‐out method and characterised by photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The anti‐inflammatory effect of both free and nanoformulated GSK 678361A was evaluated in cultures of lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages, with subsequent enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis of TNF‐α and IL‐6 providing readouts of efficacy. A controlled release nanoformulation of GSK 678361A was successfully developed, with physicochemical characterisation revealing an average particle diameter of 115.5 ± 3.5 nm and polydispersity index of 0.13 ± 0.03, indicative of a homogeneous size distribution. GSK 678361A loading was quantified at 10.1 ± 0.4 µg per mg of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), equating to an entrapment efficiency of approximately 50%. When tested in cultures of lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages, GSK 678361A nanoparticles inhibited the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines to an extent that was largely comparable with the free drug, although superior efficacy of the nanoformulation was observed at selected doses. These studies indicate that GSK 678361A may be successfully nanoformulated without loss of drug activity, warranting further evaluation in models of inflammation in vivo. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Interdisciplinary Nanomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and the British Society for Nanomedicine
Microtubule‐dependent changes in morphology and localization of chloride transport proteins in gill mitochondria‐rich cells of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Yang Wen‐Kai , Wu Yu‐Ching , Tang Cheng‐Hao , Lee Tsung‐Han 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a euryhaline fish exhibiting adaptive changes in cell size, phenotype, and ionoregulatory functions upon salinity challenge. Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC) and Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC) are localized in the apical and basolateral membranes of mitochondria‐rich (MR) cells of the gills. These cells are responsible for chloride absorption (NCC) and secretion (NKCC), respectively, thus, the switch of gill NCC and NKCC expression is a crucial regulatory mechanism for salinity adaptation in tilapia. However, little is known about the interaction of cytoskeleton and these adaptive changes. In this study, we examined the time‐course of changes in the localization of NKCC/NCC in the gills of tilapia transferred from fresh water (FW) to brackish water (20‰) and from seawater (SW; 35‰) to FW. The results showed that basolateral NKCC disappeared and NCC was expressed in the apical membrane of MR cells. To further clarify the process of these adaptive changes, colchicine, a specific inhibitor of microtubule‐dependent cellular regulating processes was used. SW‐acclimated tilapia were transferred to SW, FW, and FW with colchicine (colchicine‐FW) for 96 h. Compared with the FW‐treatment group, in the MR cells of colchicine‐FW‐treatment group, (1) the average size was significantly larger, (2) only wavy‐convex‐subtype apical surfaces were found, and (3) the basolateral (cytoplasmic) NKCC signals were still exhibited. Taken together, our results suggest that changes in size, phenotype, as well as the expression of NCC and NKCC cotransporters of MR cells in the tilapia are microtubule‐dependent. J. Morphol. 277:1113–1122, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geographically weighted regression based quantification of rainfall–topography relationship and rainfall gradient in Central Himalayas
Authors: Kumari Madhuri , Singh Chander Kumar , Bakimchandra Oinam , Basistha Ashoke 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTModelling of the relationship between rainfall and topography is important for precipitation mapping in mountainous regions. Global regression techniques like ordinary least square (OLS) assume that the relationship is uniform across the study area. In complex terrains like the Himalayas, the rainfall–topography relationship is non‐stationary and can be better modelled using local geographically weighted regression (GWR) technique that incorporates spatial heterogeneity. This study quantifies the spatial variability of relationship strength between rainfall and the topography of Central Himalayas, India, using GWR model. Further, the variation in rainfall gradient of the study area was derived from the modelled rainfall‐elevation relationship. The topographic parameters of elevation (E), slope (S) and terrain ruggedness index (TRI) computed from digital elevation model were considered for the analysis. For exploring the effect of stratification on the relationship study, the rainfall data were grouped into lowland and upland data based on terrain homogeneity. With higher coefficient of determination (R2), GWR showed improved result over OLS for all the cases. For annual rainfall, GWR(E) (R2 = 0.53), GWR(S) (R2 = 0.79) and GWR(TRI) (R2 = 0.60) estimated the best result for complete, lowland and upland, respectively. As compared to OLS, the coefficient of determination was higher by 90, 22.5 and 18%, respectively. The annual rainfall gradient derived from regression parameters of the model ranged from 1.33 mm m−1 (R2 = 0.53) in northwest to zero in southeast as against a constant value of 0.14 mm m−1 obtained from OLS model. For the subdivided region, annual rainfall gradient ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 mm m−1 in lowland and 0.3 to 0.6 mm m−1 in upland. The study demonstrates that scaling down from global OLS to local GWR model decreases the unexplained variance in the rainfall–topography relationship significantly. The result obtained from the stratification of study region proved that the clustering of data in mountainous region has the potential for improving the predictability of rainfall.
A new method for generating the thermal growing degree‐days and season in China during the last century
Authors: Yin Yunhe , Deng Haoyu , Wu Shaohong 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTChanges in the thermal variables of growing degree‐days (GDDs) and season have substantial effects on vegetation growth and distribution. The magnitude and spatial distribution of changes in GDDs and season in China during the past century are still uncertain, mainly due to limited daily observations before 1950. In this study, a site‐specific multiple linear regression method is developed based on the homogenized daily temperature data of 536 meteorological stations in China for 1960–2010, in order to estimate the annual variables of GDDs and season with only monthly temperature. The method is robust for all stations and interannual variability. Since it could accurately simulate the observed values in 2011, with relative errors of −0.02 and 0.96% for GDDs and growing season (GS), respectively. We simulated the thermal variables based on this method using gridded monthly temperature data for 1901–2010. The interannual variations of simulated GDDs and GS matched well with that of observed values from 1960 to 2010, with high correlation coefficients of 0.99 and 0.92, respectively. Overall, the GDDs and season showed significant (p < 0.01) increasing trends of 11.88 °C·day 10 years−1 and 0.69 day 10 years−1, respectively, in China as a whole, with the trends increasing from 1991 to 2010. Moreover, all eco‐geographical zones showed positive trends during 1901–2010. The GS was more prolonged in northern zones, and degree‐days were more increased in north‐subtropical, south‐subtropical, and tropical zones. However, both the GDDs and season have decreased in the part of Southwest China in the mid‐subtropical zone over the past century.
Raman spectroscopy of green minerals and reaction products with an application in Cultural Heritage research
Authors: Coccato A. , Bersani D. , Coudray A. , Sanyova J. , Moens L. , Vandenabeele P. 
Published: May 2016

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the characterization of materials and is of valuable use in archaeometrical research in general. Green compounds of natural or synthetic origin are found in many research areas, ranging from mineralogy, to pigment identification, to corrosion studies. However, a detailed and comprehensive database of spectra and references is still missing in the literature. This paper provides both, a literature review and downloadable Raman spectra of reference products, to the researcher dealing with green materials in cultural heritage. Moreover, it tackles nomenclature issues. The collected spectra are discussed in relation to the preliminary/commercial identification of the material itself and to the published data. Practical aspects regarding the laser wavelength selection are also discussed with regards to the comparison to published reference spectra.The range of studied green materials is wide and encompasses Cu containing compounds (natural and synthetic, more or less known as pigments or degradation products, including polymorphs of the same formula), Fe based (green earths and synthetic organic pigments), modern Cr and Co green pigments.This approach is illustrated by analysing a cross section of a green zone of the Early Netherlandish panel painting ‘Ghent Altarpiece’ by the Van Eyck brothers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Portable multi‐gray scale video playing scheme for high‐performance electrowetting displays
Authors: Luo Zhi Jie , Zhang Wei Nan , Liu Lin Wei , Xie Shuting , Zhou GuoFu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractElectrowetting display technology is realized by tuning the surface energy of a hydrophobic surface by applying a voltage based on electrowetting mechanism. Electrowetting displays have favorable optical properties combined with reflective paper‐like performance. It has been successfully demonstrated in reflective mode with high switching speed. In this paper, we propose a portable driving scheme that can display 4‐bit gray scale dynamic video using an active matrix electrowetting display. The proposed driving scheme includes an electronic system and a dynamic driving waveform design. High‐performance multi‐gray video playing and quick response were obtained for a Quarter Video Graphics Array electrowetting display cell fabricated by our team.
Intralesional PV‐10 for in‐transit melanoma—A single‐center experience
Authors: Lippey Jocelyn , Bousounis Rhiannon , Behrenbruch Cori , McKay Bartholomew , Spillane John , Henderson Michael A. , Speakman David , Gyorki David E. 
Published: May 2016

Background and ObjectivesPatients with in‐transit melanoma metastasis have longer median survival than patients with distant metastatic disease. Furthermore, local disease control is an important endpoint for symptom management. The treatment of unresectable loco‐regional recurrence or in‐transit disease has been historically managed with a combination of treatments including surgery, radiotherapy, isolated limb infusion or perfusion as well as systemic therapies. Intralesional PV‐10 has been used at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre since 2010, and the current report presents a retrospective analysis of patient outcomes, reporting the response rates, durability of responses, and observed toxicities.MethodsRecords were analyzed retrieving details of 19 patients treated with PV‐10 over a 4‐year period from 2010 to 2014. Medical records were reviewed for these patients and data extracted.ResultsNineteen patients with in‐transit melanoma were treated with intralesional PV‐10 between 2010 and 2014. Disease control (complete or partial response or disease stability) was achieved in 68% of patients with 26% having a complete response. This was achieved with minimal associated toxicity.ConclusionsPV‐10 is an effective, durable, well‐tolerated treatment tool with an acceptable side effect profile for the management of unresectable in‐transit melanoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:380–384. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Free abdominal fat transfer for partial and total parotidectomy defect reconstruction
Authors: Loyo Myriam , Gourin Christine G. 
Published: May 2016

Objectives/HypothesisA variety of techniques have been proposed for reconstruction of the parotidectomy defect. We reviewed our experience with free abdominal fat transfer (FAT) graft reconstruction of parotidectomy defects for benign and malignant disease.MethodsThe medical records of patients who underwent parotidectomy for benign or malignant disease from 2007 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOne hundred and five patients underwent 108 parotidectomies with FAT reconstruction, with bilateral parotidectomy performed in three patients. The majority of patients had benign pathology (71%) and tumors < 3 cm (57%). Prior surgery had been performed in 13 cases (12%) and prior radiation had been performed in three (3%). Superficial parotidectomy was performed in 62 patients (57%) and concurrent elective neck dissection was performed in eight (7%). A facelift incision was utilized in 59 patients (55%). Postoperative radiation was used in 21 patients (19%). Abdominal donor site complications occurred in 11 patients (10%), consisting of hematoma in eight patients (7%) and seroma in three (3%). Parotidectomy wound dehiscence occurred in six cases (6%); all responded to conservative management. There was no association between age, tumor size, comorbidity, smoking status, extent of surgery, incision, or prior radiation on the development of wound complications. Fat transfer graft debulking was required in three patients with persistent overcorrection beyond 6 months postoperatively. No patient demonstrated undercorrection or further FAT resorption beyond 6 months.ConclusionFat transfer reconstruction of the parotidectomy defect is safe and achieves a consistent and predictable long‐term cosmetic result.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:2694–2698, 2016
Comparison between 4‐MV and 6‐MV radiotherapy in T1N0 glottic cancer
Authors: Sommat Kiattisa , Yit Nelson Ling Fung , Kwok Li‐Lian 
Published: May 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a retrospective consecutive cohort study of patients with T1N0M0 glottic carcinoma treated with 4‐MV or 6‐MV radiotherapy.Study DesignRetrospective case–control study.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of all patients with T1N0M0 glottic carcinoma treated with radiotherapy between January 2000 and December 2012 in the Department of Radiation Oncology at National Cancer Center Singapore. A total of 124 patients were included. Clinical endpoints of interest were: local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Other prognostic factors for LC were also analyzed: age, gender, smoking status, T substage, dose fraction, field size, anterior commissure involvement, total dose, and overall treatment time.ResultsSix‐megavolt photon radiotherapy was used in 73 patients and 4‐MV photon radiotherapy in 51 patients. Median follow‐up was 4.9 years. The 5‐year LC and OS were as follows: 4 MV, 91.6% and 83.4%; 6 MV, 88.8% and 82.8%; and the 5‐year LC, OS, and DSS for all patients were 90.4%, 83.3%, and 98.3%. There was no significant difference in LR and OS between 4‐MV and 6‐MV radiotherapy (P = .92, P = .16, respectively). In the univariate analysis of LC, none of the prognostic factors was statistically significant. Twenty patients (23%) developed second primary cancers, the majority in the lungs.ConclusionsSix‐megavolt photon radiotherapy yields comparable results to 4‐MV photons. Bolus and computed tomographic simulation are useful to ensure adequate dose coverage of target volume. Follow‐up postradiotherapy should incorporate chest imaging, smoking cessation advice, and thyroid function test.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 127:1061–1067, 2017