bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time course study of long‐term biocompatibility and foreign body reaction to intraneural polyimide‐based implants
Authors: de la Oliva Natàlia , Navarro Xavier , del Valle Jaume 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe foreign body reaction (FBR) against an implanted device is characterized by the formation of a fibrotic tissue around the implant. In the case of interfaces for peripheral nerves, used to stimulate specific group of axons and to record different nerve signals, the FBR induces a matrix deposition around the implant creating a physical separation between nerve fibers and the interface that may reduce its functionality over time. In order to understand how the FBR to intraneural interfaces evolves, polyimide non‐functional devices were implanted in rat peripheral nerve. Functional tests (electrophysiological, pain and locomotion) and histological evaluation demonstrated that implanted devices did not cause any alteration in nerve function, in myelinated axons or in nerve architecture. The inflammatory response due to the surgical implantation decreased after 2 weeks. In contrast, inflammation was higher and more prolonged in the device implanted nerves with a peak after 2 weeks. With regard to tissue deposition, a tissue capsule appeared soon around the devices, acquiring maximal thickness at 2 weeks and being remodeled subsequently. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed two different cell types implicated in the FBR in the nerve: macrophages as the first cells in contact with the interface and fibroblasts that appear later at the edge of the capsule. Our results describe how the FBR against a polyimide implant in the peripheral nerve occurs and which are the main cellular players. Increasing knowledge of these responses will help to improve strategies to decrease the FBR against intraneural implants and to extend their usability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 746–757, 2018.
In‐vitro biocompatibility, bioactivity and photoluminescence properties of Eu3+/Sr2+ dual‐doped nano‐hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications
Authors: Sundarabharathi Lakshmanaperumal , Parangusan Hemalatha , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Al-Maadeed Mariam Al Ali , Chinnaswamy Mahendran 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn the present investigation, we have successfully synthesized luminescent Eu3+‐doped and Eu3+/Sr2+ codoped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles through sol‐gel assisted precipitation method with the aim of developing novel biomaterials containing osteoblast mineral (Sr2+) and luminescence activator (Eu3+). The structure, morphology, thermal stability, and luminescence properties of the resultant spherical nanoparticles (50–100 nm diameters) were studied. Moreover, the in‐vitro bioactivity of Eu0.1Sr0.1HA nanoparticles was investigated by immersing in the simulated body fluid for many weeks. The antimicrobial activity results against gram positive and gram negative bacterial stains, showed better resistivity for the Eu0.1Sr0.1HA among the other compositions. The MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay of live/dead cells cultured with Eu3+/Sr2+‐doped HA nanoparticles retained its normal morphology and did not show a significant impact on cell proliferation at various incubation days, which evidence for the material's superior biocompatible nature even at a higher concentration of 375 µg/mL. Thus, the incorporation of dual ions in HA nanoparticles with strong luminescence properties develops potential biomaterial for live cell imaging and in nanomedicine. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2191–2201, 2018.
The advanced glycation end product Nϵ‐carboxymethyllysine and its precursor glyoxal increase serotonin release from Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Holik Ann‐Katrin , Lieder Barbara , Kretschy Nicole , Somoza Mark M. , Ley Jakob P. , Hans Joachim , Somoza Veronika 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAdvanced glycation end products (AGEs), comprising a highly diverse class of Maillard reaction compounds formed in vivo and during heating processes of foods, have been described in the progression of several degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus. Nϵ‐Carboxymethyllysine (CML) represents a well‐characterized AGE, which is frequently encountered in a Western diet and is known to mediate its cellular effects through binding to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). As very little is known about the impact of exogenous CML and its precursor, glyoxal, on intestinal cells, a genome‐wide screening using a customized microarray was conducted in fully differentiated Caco‐2 cells. After verification of gene regulation by qPCR, functional assays on fatty acid uptake, glucose uptake, and serotonin release were performed. While only treatment with glyoxal showed a slight impact on fatty acid uptake (P < 0.05), both compounds reduced glucose uptake significantly, leading to values of 81.3% ± 22.8% (500 μM CML, control set to 100%) and 68.3% ± 20.9% (0.3 μM glyoxal). Treatment with 500 μM CML or 0.3 μM glyoxal increased serotonin release (P < 0.05) to 236% ± 111% and 264% ± 66%, respectively. Co‐incubation with the RAGE antagonist FPS‐ZM1 reduced CML‐induced serotonin release by 34%, suggesting a RAGE‐mediated mechanism. Similarly, co‐incubation with the SGLT‐1 inhibitor phloridzin attenuated serotonin release after CML treatment by 32%, hinting at a connection between CML‐stimulated serotonin release and glucose uptake. Future studies need to elucidate whether the CML/glyoxal‐induced serotonin release in enterocytes might stimulate serotonin‐mediated intestinal motility.
XIST promotes gastric cancer (GC) progression through TGF‐β1 via targeting miR‐185
Authors: Zhang Quan , Chen Baiyu , Liu Ping , Yang Jing 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLncRNAs and microRNAs can play significant roles in various cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). In our study, we investigated the role of lncRNA XIST in GC. We observed that XIST was increased in MGC803 and BGC823 cells compared to human normal gastric epithelial GES‐1 cells. It was also shown that miR‐185 was decreased in GC cell lines. Silencing XIST can inhibit the growth of GC cells and bioinformatics analysis was performed to confirm the correlation between XIST and miR‐185. Interestingly, a negative correlation was indicated between XIST and miR‐185 in GC cells. In addition, TGF‐β1 was predicted as a target gene of miR‐185. miR‐185 can modulate TGF‐β1 expression negatively in vitro. Moreover, we found that sh‐XIST inhibited GC development via decreasing TGF‐β1 by upregulating miR‐185 in vitro. Therefore, we speculated that XIST can act as a competing endogenous lncRNA (ceRNA) to regulate TGF‐β1 by sponging miR‐185 in GC. Taken these together, it was indicated that XIST/miR‐185/TGF‐β1 axis participated in the development of GC. XIST could act as a potential prognostic biomarker in GC development.
Improvement in lactone production from biotransformation of ricinoleic acid based on the porous starch delivery system
Authors: Rong Shaofeng , Wang Mengze , Yang Shulin , Li Qianqian , Guan Shimin , Cai Baoguo , Zhang Shuo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe natural gamma‐decalactone (GDL) produced by microbial fermentation is an essential lactone compound as a generally recognized as safe food additive. Effective control of the substrate ricinoleic acid (RA) concentration in the biotransformation medium is a bottleneck for the industrial manufacture of GDL. In this study, porous starch (P‐S) was utilized as a carrier of RA to control its distribution in the medium. The effect of P‐S on the biotransformation was evaluated and the mechanism was revealed.RESULTSScanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the RA layer was formed on the surface of P‐S, which increased the opportunity for interaction between microorganisms and the substrate. With P‐S‐embedded RA as a substrate, the yield of GDL increased to 3.36 g L‐1 which was 17.5% higher than in the control. In addition, the presence of P‐S in this system had no negative effect on the viability of the microorganism.CONCLUSIONThis study is a new attempt to apply P‐S as a delivery system in the biotransformation of GDL to increase its yield which indicates that the P‐S‐controlled release is a potential method of improving natural GDL production in industrial scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Jansen‐MIDAS: A multi‐level photomicrograph segmentation software based on isotropic undecimated wavelets
Authors: de Siqueira Alexandre Fioravante , Cabrera Flávio Camargo , Nakasuga Wagner Massayuki , Pagamisse Aylton , Job Aldo Eloizo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractImage segmentation, the process of separating the elements within a picture, is frequently used for obtaining information from photomicrographs. Segmentation methods should be used with reservations, since incorrect results can mislead when interpreting regions of interest (ROI). This decreases the success rate of extra procedures. Multi‐Level Starlet Segmentation (MLSS) and Multi‐Level Starlet Optimal Segmentation (MLSOS) were developed to be an alternative for general segmentation tools. These methods gave rise to Jansen‐MIDAS, an open‐source software. A scientist can use it to obtain several segmentations of hers/his photomicrographs. It is a reliable alternative to process different types of photomicrographs: previous versions of Jansen‐MIDAS were used to segment ROI in photomicrographs of two different materials, with an accuracy superior to 89%.
Optimization of mass spectrometry acquisition parameters for determination of polycarbonate additives, degradation products, and colorants migrating from food contact materials to chocolate
Authors: Bignardi Chiara , Cavazza Antonella , Laganà Carmen , Salvadeo Paola , Corradini Claudio 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe interest towards “substances of emerging concerns” referred to objects intended to come into contact with food is recently growing. Such substances can be found in traces in simulants and in food products put in contact with plastic materials. In this context, it is important to set up analytical systems characterized by high sensitivity and to improve detection parameters to enhance signals. This work was aimed at optimizing a method based on UHPLC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry to quantify the most common plastic additives, and able to detect the presence of polymers degradation products and coloring agents migrating from plastic re‐usable containers. The optimization of mass spectrometric parameter settings for quantitative analysis of additives has been achieved by a chemometric approach, using a full factorial and d‐optimal experimental designs, allowing to evaluate possible interactions between the investigated parameters. Results showed that the optimized method was characterized by improved features in terms of sensitivity respect to existing methods and was successfully applied to the analysis of a complex model food system such as chocolate put in contact with 14 polycarbonate tableware samples. A new procedure for sample pre‐treatment was carried out and validated, showing high reliability. Results reported, for the first time, the presence of several molecules migrating to chocolate, in particular belonging to plastic additives, such Cyasorb UV5411, Tinuvin 234, Uvitex OB, and oligomers, whose amount was found to be correlated to age and degree of damage of the containers.
Projected changes in mean rainfall and temperature over East Africa based on CMIP5 models
Authors: Ongoma Victor , Chen Haishan , Gao Chujie 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis study presents potential future variations of mean rainfall and temperature over East Africa (EA) based on five models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs): 4.5 and 8.5. In this study, climate simulations of two timeframes, a baseline period (1961–1990) and projection period (2071–2100), are compared. The models reproduce EA's bimodal rainfall pattern but overestimate and underestimate seasonal rainfall of October–December (OND) and March–May (MAM), respectively. Rainfall is projected to increase under the two scenarios. Larger increases in rainfall will occur during the OND season than during the MAM season and in RCP8.5 than in RCP4.5. During the last half of the 21st century, EA is likely to warm by 1.7–2.8 and 2.2–5.4 °C under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, relative to the baseline period. Scenario uncertainty is projected to exceed model uncertainty from the middle to the end of the 21st century. The central parts of Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin will witness the highest increases in seasonal rainfall. The probability density functions (PDFs) of future seasonal rainfall show a positive shift and a statistically insignificant increase in variance relative to the baseline. Thus, EA is likely to experience an increase in extreme rainfall events. Understanding the future climate variability in EA is important for planning purposes but these results are based on relatively course resolution models prone to bias and therefore should be used with caution. There is a need for further research on climate projections over EA, including determining the causes of the poor performance of global models in reproducing rainfall climatology and trends over the region.
Observational evidence of the combined influence of atmospheric circulations and local factors on near‐surface meteorology in Dagze Co basin, inner Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Wei , Guo Xiaofeng , Wang Yongjie 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTBased on meteorological observations of three automatic weather stations (AWSs), spanning an altitudinal range of 1400 m from 4480 to 5880 m above sea level (m a.s.l.) during August 2015 to August 2016, this study presents a description of the spatio‐temporal characteristics of the near‐surface meteorology of the Dagze Co (lake) basin in the interior of the Tibetan Plateau. We also investigated the influence of synoptic atmospheric systems and local factors on the meteorological characteristics. We found that the onset and withdrawal of the South Asian summer monsoon triggered seasonal shift in meteorological variables including wind direction, precipitation, and relative humidity. In addition, the magnitude of various meteorological factors during the monsoonal period is clearly associated with the intensity of the South Asian summer monsoon, which subsequently controls the lake water budget of Dagze Co. Moreover, both the local topography and the existence of the lake contribute significantly to the altitudinal variation of several meteorological factors. For example, the orographic precipitation near the glaciated area at 5880 m a.s.l. was about three times greater than in the area adjacent to the lake. The dominating katabatic wind over these glaciated areas weakens the up‐valley wind and consequently wind speed tends to decrease with increasing elevation during the monsoonal season. In addition, different levels of cloudiness between the low‐altitude lake and the glaciated mountain area contribute to a 40–50% reduction in incoming short‐wave radiation receipt. Our observations will hopefully contribute to future glacio‐hydrological studies and will help to evaluate statistically/dynamically downscaled climate fields in the interior of Tibetan Plateau which contains numerous lakes and glaciers.
Morphological characterization of calanchi (badland) hillslope connectivity
Authors: Caraballo‐Arias Nathalie Almaru , Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCalanchi, a type of Italian badlands created by a combination of water erosion processes and local geomorphological and tectonic controls, is a striking example of long‐term landscape evolution. In small temporal/spatial scales, the calanchi exhibit many of the geomorphic processes and landforms that may be observed in fluvial landscapes; hence, they may be considered as microbasins where geomorphic dynamics and landscape features can be related. The goal of this research is testing the use of simple morphometric variables for assessing sediment connectivity of calanchi landforms. In order to detect the morphological characteristics controlling the landscape connectivity of calanchi basins, 2 areas located in Sicily (Italy) were examined. The investigated features were identified on 119 calanchi basins and mapped using orthophotographs and 2‐m‐resolution digital elevation models. Application of Hack's law to the calanchi basins showed that the width/length ratio increases with the drainage area, suggesting that calanchi may have a limited connectivity of their hillslopes to the main channel. Moreover, the analysis of the drainage network composition suggested that calanchi are sediment removal systems more efficient than river basins. The empirical frequency distribution of the travel time, which is the ratio between the length and the square root of the hillslope steepness, of each cell of the calanchi digital elevation model was established. Finally, for each calanchi basin, an index of hillslope connectivity was devised. This was explored as a function of the sediment transport efficiency itself estimated by the travel time and the corresponding sediment delivery ratio of each calanco hillslope cell.
T1 mapping with the variable flip angle technique: A simple correction for insufficient spoiling of transverse magnetization
Authors: Baudrexel Simon , Nöth Ulrike , Schüre Jan‐Rüdiger , Deichmann Ralf 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe variable flip angle method derives T1 maps from radiofrequency‐spoiled gradient‐echo data sets, acquired with different flip angles α. Because the method assumes validity of the Ernst equation, insufficient spoiling of transverse magnetization yields errors in T1 estimation, depending on the chosen radiofrequency‐spoiling phase increment (Δϕ). This paper presents a versatile correction method that uses modified flip angles α' to restore the validity of the Ernst equation.MethodsSpoiled gradient‐echo signals were simulated for three commonly used phase increments Δϕ (50°/117°/150°), different values of α, repetition time (TR), T1, and a T2 of 85 ms. For each parameter combination, α′ (for which the Ernst equation yielded the same signal) and a correction factor CΔϕ(α, TR, T1) = α′/α were determined. CΔϕ was found to be independent of T1 and fitted as polynomial CΔϕ(α, TR), allowing to calculate α′ for any protocol using this Δϕ. The accuracy of the correction method for T2 values deviating from 85 ms was also determined. The method was tested in vitro and in vivo for variable flip angle scans with different acquisition parameters.ResultsThe technique considerably improved the accuracy of variable flip angle–based T1 maps in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsThe proposed method allows for a simple correction of insufficient spoiling in gradient‐echo data. The required polynomial parameters are supplied for three common Δϕ. Magn Reson Med 79:3082–3092, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Prospective comparison of acute motor axonal neuropathy and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in 140 children with Guillain–Barré syndrome in India
Authors: Kalita Jayantee , Kumar Mritunjai , Misra Usha K. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionThere have been few reports on subtypes of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in children. We compared clinical and laboratory findings of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN).MethodsOne hundred forty children with GBS were included. Based on nerve conduction study (NCS) findings, patients were subclassified as AIDP, AMAN, acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), and equivocal.ResultsClinically, 72.1% of patients had pure motor, 24.3% motor sensory, and 3.4% Miller Fisher syndrome. Based on NCS, 67.8% of patients had AIDP, 23.6% had AMAN, and 4.3% had AMSAN. By 3 months, 2.1% patients had died, 47.1% had complete recovery, and 24.3% had poor recovery (wheelchair‐bound). Children with AMAN had more frequent lower limb weakness (P = 0.02) and a lower probability of complete recovery (P = 0.01) at 3 months than children with AIDP (56% vs. 30%).DiscussionAIDP is the most common GBS subtype in children. It is characterized by better recovery at 3 months when compared with AMAN.Muscle Nerve57: 761–765, 2018
Sonographic evaluation of the vagus nerves: Protocol, reference values, and side‐to‐side differences
Authors: Pelz Johann Otto , Belau Elena , Henn Philipp , Hammer Niels , Classen Joseph , Weise David 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionReported sonographic reference values for the vagus nerves (VNs) vary greatly. We aimed to generate reference values in a large cohort and examine intrarater, interrater, and across‐ultrasound systems agreement.MethodsThe VNs of 60 healthy subjects were examined by 2 sonographers and with 2 ultrasound systems. Cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of each VN were assessed at the level of the carotid sinus [proximal measurement level (ML)] and thyroid gland (distal ML).ResultsMean VN CSA was significantly larger on the right side (proximal ML: 2.7 ± 0.6 mm2 vs. 2.1 ± 0.5 mm2; distal ML: 2.6 ± 0.6 mm2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.4 mm2). VN CSA decreased with increasing age. There were good intrarater, interrater, and across‐ultrasound systems agreements.DiscussionThe right VN CSA is significantly larger than the left. These side‐ and age‐specific reference values for the VN may be useful for future studies. Muscle Nerve 57: 766–771, 2018
French translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index
Authors: Gagnon Cynthia , Tremblay Marjolaine , CôTé Isabelle , Heatwole Chad 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionValidation studies of disease‐specific instruments for myotonic dystrophy type‐1 (DM1) are required prior to their global use in clinical trials involving different cultures and countries. Here we translate and culturally adapt the Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI), a disease‐specific patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measure, for a French DM1 population.MethodsUsing the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Task Force method for translation and adaptation of PRO questionnaires, we created a French translation of the MDHI. We subsequently tested this instrument in a cohort of French‐speaking patients with DM1.ResultsThe MDHI was forward and back translated and modified by consensus to create the most compatible translation. Cognitive interviews were conducted with 5 patients with DM1 to ensure the usability and understanding of the translation.DiscussionThe French version of the MDHI is an optimal translation of the original instrument that is acceptable to native patients and ready for clinical trial use. Muscle Nerve 57: 686–689, 2018