bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma serotonin level is a predictor for recurrence and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Xia Yan , Wang Dawei , Zhang Nan , Wang Zhihao , Pang Li 
Published: May 2017

AimTo investigate the prognostic value of plasma serotonin levels in colorectal cancer (CRC).Patients and MethodsPreoperative plasma serotonin levels of 150 healthy control (HC) cases, 150 benign colorectal polyp (BCP) cases, and 176 CRC cases were determined using radioimmunoassay assay. Serotonin levels were compared between HC, BCP, and CRC cases, and those in CRC patients were related to 5‐year outcome.ResultsPlasma serotonin levels were markedly higher in CRC patients than in either HCs or BCP cases. An elevated serotonin level was significantly associated with advanced tumor node metastasis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the level of serotonin had a high predictive value for disease recurrence and mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that high serotonin level was significantly associated with poor recurrence‐free survival and overall survival.ConclusionOur results suggest that a high peri‐operative plasma serotonin level is useful as a prognostic biomarker for CRC recurrence and poor survival.
Association of pulse pressure with left ventricular geometry and function in elderly nonhypertensive patients with diabetes: A 3D speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Tan Kaibin , Xia Hongmei , Gao Yunhua 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTPurposeThe aims of this study were to investigate and compare the left ventricular (LV) geometry and function in elderly nonhypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with normal (NPP, <60 mm Hg) and with high (HPP, ≥60 mmHg) 24‐hour pulse pressure, and to explore the independent predictors of LV strain values in these patients.MethodsA total of 76 elderly nonhypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with normal (≥55%) LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were included, 36 of whom had HPP. The control group included 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers with normal NPP. Conventional echocardiography and three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) were performed and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS), and global radial strain (GRS) were measured.ResultsSignificant differences in the two‐dimensional LV geometry were found among the three groups (p = 0.015), and concentric geometry was most prevalent in the diabetic patients with HPP. The diabetic patients with NPP only showed significantly lower GLS than the controls (p < 0.05). However, the diabetic patients with HPP showed significantly lower LVEF and severely lower strain values in all directions than the controls and the diabetic patients with NPP (p < 0.01or p < 0.05 or p < 0.001). Fasting plasma glucose, HPP, and body mass index were independently associated with all strain parameters in diabetic patients.ConclusionsThe combination of conventional echocardiography and 3DSTE could detect LV subclinical abnormalities in nonhypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with NPP and HPP. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:416–425, 2017
Features of Tajikistan's past and future climate
Authors: Aalto Juha , Kämäräinen Matti , Shodmonov Muzaffar , Rajabov Nasimjon , Venäläinen Ari 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTTajikistan is an exceptionally vulnerable Central Asian country in the face of climate change due to its' high exposure and sensitivity to climate change combined with poor adaptation capacity. Therefore, comprehensive climate data are needed for efficient planning of mitigation and adaptation. Here, the key spatio‐temporal features of Tajikistan's climate were analysed based on historical data from 52 stations with the longest time‐series covering nearly 80 years. In addition, bias‐corrected CMIP5 climate models were used to simulate future temperature and precipitation conditions across a range of time periods and greenhouse gas emission scenarios. The results show that the mean annual temperatures have risen in Tajikistan since the 1930s, average rate of change being approximately 0.1 °C decade−1. For precipitation, only a weak signal of change could be detected. The high‐resolution (30 arc seconds) spatial analyses reveal the strong control of topography on Tajikistan's climate with such coupling leading mean annual air temperatures to vary from −13.7 °C (eastern mountain regions) to 17.3 °C (low‐altitude plains). Similarly, the mean annual precipitation vary from less than 50 mm to over 1000 mm, spring being the wettest of the seasons. The future climate simulations suggest drastic increase in air temperatures; at the end of this century the temperature multi‐model mean can be approximately 2 °C (Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP2.6) to 7 °C (RCP8.5) higher compared to 1961–1990. Precipitation scenarios indicate increase in the eastern part of the country and decrease in the west. Finally, the applied spatial uncertainty analyses stress the need for the future development of the climate station network especially in high‐elevation areas associated with complex topography. These results show the pronounced climatic variation in Tajikistan and the expected near‐ and long‐term changes in air temperature and precipitation conditions, thus forming a sound basis for future planning of national mitigation and adaptation activities.
Regulatory effect of microRNA‐34a on osteogenesis and angiogenesis in glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Zha Xiaolong , Sun Bolin , Zhang Rufan , Li Chen , Yan Zuoqin , Chen Jifei 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTGlucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GIOFH) is a common and devastating orthopedic disease, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of microRNA‐34a (mir‐34a) in GIOFH. C57 mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with dexamethasone (Dex). A total of 48 adult rats were treated with glucocorticoids, and after the onset of GIOFH, each femoral head was removed. Mir‐34a mimics, an inhibitor and over‐expressing lentivirus were used in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Real‐time PCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, cell proliferation assays, osteoblastic differentiation, and endothelial activity assays were employed to evaluate the effect of mir‐34a on mMSCs, osteoblasts, and vascular endothelial cells in glucocorticoid‐treated mice. We found that Dex inhibited mMSC proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation, as well as the viability and activity of endothelial cells. Dex also caused osteonecrosis and decreased new vessel formation in vivo. Mir‐34a alleviated the inhibitory effects of Dex on mMSCs and osteoblasts, while facilitating its inhibitory effects on endothelial cells. Mir‐34a is an important regulator in osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and it might be useful as a therapeutic target for GIOFH. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:417–424, 2018.
Extraction and purification of five terpenoids from olibanum by ultrahigh pressure technique and high‐speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Yu Jinqian , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Daijie , Song Xiangyun , Zhao Lei , Wang Xiao 
Published: May 2017

Five terpenoids, including two new ones, 3,7‐dioxo‐tirucalla‐8,24‐dien‐21‐oic acid (2) and 3α‐acetoxyl‐7‐oxo‐tirucalla‐8,24‐dien‐21‐oic acid (3), and three known ones, boscartol A (1), 11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (4), and acetyl‐11‐keto‐boswellic acid (5), have been extracted by the ultrapressure extraction and purified by pH‐zone‐refining countercurrent chromatography and high‐speed countercurrent chromatography from olibanum. For ultrapressure extraction, the optimal condition including 200 MPa of extraction pressure, ethyl acetate of extraction solvent, 1:20 (g/mL) of solid/liquid ratio, and 2 min of extraction time were obtained. For the separation, from 1.5 g of the terpenoid extract, 220.1 mg of 4, 255.5 mg of 5, and 212.3 mg of the mixture of 1, 2, and 3 were obtained by pH‐zone‐refining countercurrent chromatography under the solvent system of chloroform/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3:1:3:2, v/v/v/v) with aqueous ammonia and trifluoroacetic acid as retention and eluter agents. The enriched mixture (210 mg) was further separated by conventional high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1:0.8:1.1:0.6, v/v/v/v), yielding 30.1 mg of 1, 35.5 mg of 2, 12.3 mg of 3. The structures of these five terpenoids were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods.
Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography fingerprints combined with multivariate statistical analyses to evaluate the quality consistency and predict the fingerprint–efficacy relationship of Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen)
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Yang Lanping , Zhang Jing , Shi Min , Sun Guoxiang 
Published: May 2017

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography fingerprinting combined with quantification was successfully established and applied to evaluate the quality consistency of Danshen, which is a medicinal herb used to treat various diseases, especially coronary cerebrovascular diseases. A background electrolyte composed of 20 mmol/L sodium tetraborate, 90 mmol/L orthoboric acid, 25 mmol/L sodium phosphate monobasic dehydrate, and 65 mmol/L sodium dodecyl sulfate was used to separate compounds. To optimize micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography conditions, a response surface strategy was set up for orthogonal experimental design. In fingerprint assessments, a systematic quantified fingerprint method was established for integrated quality assessment of Danshen samples from qualitative and quantitative perspectives, by which the quality of 30 samples was well differentiated. The principal component analysis coupled with quantitative determination of two components was applied to explain that the quality consistency of the medicinal herb was relatively good within one harvest season, but poor among harvest seasons for the Danshen samples. In addition, the fingerprint–efficacy relationship between the chemical fingerprints and antioxidant activities was investigated utilizing orthogonal projection to latent structures, which provided important medicinal efficacy information for quality control. This work offered an efficient, holistic, and powerful approach to evaluate the quality consistency of Danshen samples.
Nanostructured Semiconducting Polymer Films with Enhanced Crystallinity and Reorientation of Crystalline Domains by Electrospray Deposition
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Yan , Johnston Danvers E. , Rodriguez Johan C. , Tao Zui , Mi Bao‐Xiu , Deng Weiwei 
Published: May 2017

Self‐organization of conjugated polymer such as poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) causes directional anisotropy in the charge carrier mobility. In contrast to an edge‐on orientation formed in thin films of P3HT made by spin coating, in this study electrospray deposition rotates the orientation while producing nanopillar structures as a result of Coulombic fission and significant evaporation of solvent from the droplets. The nanostructured films are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Due to substantial polymer–air interfaces oriented perpendicular to the substrate, P3HT molecules adopt a face‐on orientation with respect to the substrate plane that is confirmed by grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction. Additionally, enhanced crystallinity (29% increase) is confirmed by a redshift in the UV–vis absorption spectra. Because deposition by electrospray is a scalable nanomanufacturing method, these results inform the design of low‐cost device layers for large‐surface‐area applications such as light emitting diodes and photovoltaics.
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Synthesized enone fatty acids resembling metabolites from gut microbiota suppress macrophage‐mediated inflammation in adipocytes
Authors: Yang Ha‐Eun , Li Yongjia , Nishimura Akira , Jheng Huei‐Fen , Yuliana Ana , Kitano‐Ohue Ryuji , Nomura Wataru , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kim Chu‐Sook , Yu Rina , Kitamura Nahoko , Park Si‐Bum , Kishino Shigenobu , Ogawa Jun , Kawada Teruo , Goto Tsuyoshi 
Published: May 2017

ScopeRecent reports indicate that gut microbiota and their metabolites may regulate host inflammatory conditions, including the chronic inflammation of obese adipose tissues. In this study, we investigated whether specific synthesized fatty acids, identical to the metabolites generated by gut microbiota, act as anti‐inflammatory factors in obesity‐induced inflammation.Methods and resultsWe first used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages to examine the anti‐inflammatory effect of fatty acids synthesized to resemble representative polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites from gut microbiota. Fatty acids containing an enone structure showed the most potent anti‐inflammatory activity. Enone fatty acids also displayed anti‐inflammatory effects on macrophages cocultured with hypertrophied 3T3‐L1 or immortalized primary adipocytes; and macrophages stimulated with 3T3‐L1 adipocyte conditioned medium. Consistently, the beneficial outcome was revealed in the case of LPS‐ and obesity‐induced inflammatory cytokine stimulation in ex vivo adipose tissues. Furthermore, these fatty acids recovered the suppression of β‐adrenergic receptor‐stimulated uncoupling protein 1 expression and secretion of adiponectin in C3H10T1/2 and 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, respectively, under inflammatory conditions, suggesting that enone fatty acids can ameliorate dysfunctions of adipocytes induced by inflammation.ConclusionThese findings indicate that synthesized enone fatty acids show potent anti‐inflammatory effects, leading to the improvement of inflammation‐induced dysfunctions in adipocytes.
Real‐time dynamic MR image reconstruction using compressed sensing and principal component analysis (CS‐PCA): Demonstration in lung tumor tracking
Authors: Dietz Bryson , Yip Eugene , Yun Jihyun , Fallone B. Gino , Wachowicz Keith 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThis work presents a real‐time dynamic image reconstruction technique, which combines compressed sensing and principal component analysis (CS‐PCA), to achieve real‐time adaptive radiotherapy with the use of a linac‐magnetic resonance imaging system.MethodsSix retrospective fully sampled dynamic data sets of patients diagnosed with non–small‐cell lung cancer were used to investigate the CS‐PCA algorithm. Using a database of fully sampled k‐space, principal components (PC's) were calculated to aid in the reconstruction of undersampled images. Missing k‐space data were calculated by projecting the current undersampled k‐space data onto the PC's to generate the corresponding PC weights. The weighted PC's were summed together, and the missing k‐space was iteratively updated. To gain insight into how the reconstruction might proceed at lower fields, 6× noise was added to the 3T data to investigate how the algorithm handles noisy data. Acceleration factors ranging from 2 to 10× were investigated using CS‐PCA and Split Bregman CS for comparison. Metrics to determine the reconstruction quality included the normalized mean square error (NMSE), as well as the dice coefficients (DC) and centroid displacement of the tumor segmentations.ResultsOur results demonstrate that CS‐PCA performed superior than CS alone. The CS‐PCA patient averaged DC for 3T and 6× noise added data remained above 0.9 for acceleration factors up to 10×. The patient averaged NMSE gradually increased with increasing acceleration; however, it remained below 0.06 up to an acceleration factor of 10× for both 3T and 6× noise added data. The CS‐PCA reconstruction speed ranged from 5 to 20 ms (Intel i7‐4710HQ CPU @ 2.5 GHz), depending on the chosen parameters.ConclusionsA real‐time reconstruction technique was developed for adaptive radiotherapy using a Linac‐MRI system. Our CS‐PCA algorithm can achieve tumor contours with DC greater than 0.9 and NMSE less than 0.06 at acceleration factors of up to, and including, 10×. The reconstruction speed for the Split Bregman CS ranged from 200 to 260 ms, whereas the CS‐PCA reconstruction speed ranged from 5 to 20 ms implemented using nonoptimized MATLAB code.
Differentiating enhancing multiple sclerosis lesions, glioblastoma, and lymphoma with dynamic texture parameters analysis (DTPA): A feasibility study
Authors: Verma Rajeev Kumar , Wiest Roland , Locher Cäcilia , Heldner Mirjam Rachel , Schucht Phillip , Raabe Andreas , Gralla Jan , Kamm Christian Philipp , Slotboom Johannes , Kellner‐Weldon Frauke 
Published: May 2017

PurposeMR‐imaging hallmarks of glioblastoma (GB), cerebral lymphoma (CL), and demyelinating lesions are gadolinium (Gd) uptake due to blood–brain barrier disruption. Thus, initial diagnosis may be difficult based on conventional Gd‐enhanced MRI alone. Here, the added value of a dynamic texture parameter analysis (DTPA) in the differentiation between these three entities is examined. DTPA is an in‐house software tool that incorporates the analysis of quantitative texture parameters extracted from dynamic susceptibility contrast‐enhanced (DSCE) images.MethodsTwelve patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 15 patients with GB, and five patients with CL were included. The image analysis method focuses on the DSCE image time series during bolus passage. Three time intervals were examined: inflow, outflow, and reperfusion time interval. Texture maps were computed. From the DSCE image series, mean, difference, standard deviation, and variance texture parameters were calculated and statistically analyzed and compared between the pathologies.ResultsThe texture parameters of the original DSCE image series for mean, standard deviation, and variance showed the most significant differences (P‐value between <0.00 and 0.05) between pathologies.Further, the texture parameters related to the standard deviation or variance (both associated with tissue heterogeneity) revealed the strongest discriminations between the pathologies.ConclusionWe conclude that dynamic perfusion texture parameters as assessed by the DTPA method allow discriminating MS, GB, and CL lesions during the first passage of contrast. DTPA used in combination with classification algorithms has the potential to find the most likely diagnosis given a postulated differential diagnosis.
Early regional cuprizone‐induced demyelination in a rat model revealed with MRI
Authors: Oakden Wendy , Bock Nicholas A. , Al‐Ebraheem Alia , Farquharson Michael J. , Stanisz Greg J. 
Published: May 2017

The cuprizone model of demyelination is well established in the mouse as a tool for the study of the mechanisms of both demyelination and remyelination. It is often desirable, however, to have a larger model, such as the rat, especially for imaging‐based studies, yet initial work has failed to show demyelination in cuprizone‐fed rats. Several recent studies have demonstrated demyelination in the rat, but only in the corpus callosum. In this study, we acquired high‐resolution, three‐dimensional images of the whole brain every 2 weeks, using a T1‐weighted magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo imaging sequence, optimized for myelin contrast, in order to assess myelination across the entire rat brain over a period of 8 weeks on a 1% cuprizone diet. We observed a consistent pattern of demyelination, beginning in the cerebellum by 4 weeks and involving more rostral regions of the brain by 8 weeks on the cuprizone diet, with validation using Luxol fast blue histology. This imaging technique permits the effects of cuprizone‐induced demyelination to be followed longitudinally in a single animal, over the entire brain. In turn, this may facilitate the establishment of the cuprizone model of demyelination in the rat.
Increased complications of chronic erythrocytapheresis compared with manual exchange transfusions in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease
Authors: Woods Deborah , Hayashi Robert J. , Binkley Michael M. , Sparks Gianna W. , Hulbert Monica L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundChildren and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at high risk of strokes and are frequently treated with red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The goal is to suppress hemoglobin (Hb) S while minimizing transfusion‐induced iron overload. RBCs may be given via simple transfusion, manual exchange transfusion (MET), or erythrocytapheresis (aRBCX). Chronic transfusion practices vary among institutions.MethodsThis single‐institution, retrospective cohort study compares Hb S control and therapy complication rates between MET and aRBCX in a cohort of children and adolescents with SCD and stroke during a 5‐year period from 2008 through 2012. Duration and mode of transfusion therapy, achievement of Hb S suppression goal, iron burden by ferritin levels, and catheter complications were evaluated.ResultsThirty‐seven children were included in analysis. The prevalence of catheter complications was 75% in aRBCX recipients compared with 0% in MET recipients (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between modalities in achieving Hb S suppression or ferritin goals, but those receiving aRBCX had a greater likelihood of discontinuing chelation therapy. Among aRBCX recipients, adherence to >90% of transfusion appointments was associated with achieving Hb S suppression goals.ConclusionaRBCX may have increased complication risks compared with MET for chronic transfusion therapy in SCD. Risks and benefits of aRBCX and MET should be considered when selecting a chronic transfusion modality. Transfusion therapy modalities should be compared in prospective studies for stroke prevention in children with SCD.