bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular activity of Wharton's Jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells on electrospun fibrous and solvent‐cast film scaffolds
Authors: Bagher Zohreh , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Azami Mahmoud , Safa Majid , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIt was shown that topography and surface chemistry of materials influence cell behaviors. In this study, the effects of chemistry and topography of scaffold surface on adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal (WJMSCs) stem cells into motor neurons were investigated. WJMSCs were cultivated in an neurogenic inductive medium on the surface of modified and unmodified polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibrous and solvent‐cast film scaffolds. All the scaffolds were characterized according to their ability to support cell attachment and viability by SEM and MTT assay. The expression of motor neuron‐specific markers was assayed by real‐time PCR after 15days post induction. Results showed that attachment, proliferation and differentiation of WJMSCs into motor neuron‐like cells on the nanotopographic surface was higher than that of the cells on the solvent‐cast scaffolds. In addition, regardless of their topography, WJMSCs cultured on collagen‐coated PCL nanofibrous showed results similar to collagen‐coated PCL films. Results suggested that surface chemistry has more impact on WJMSCs behaviour rather than topography. In conclusion, collagen‐coated electrospun PCL have potential for being used in neural tissue engineering because of its bioactive and three‐dimensional structure which enhance viability and differentiation of WJMSCs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 218–226, 2016.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Potential of Acetyl‐l‐carnitine against Acetaminophen‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Alotaibi Salman A. , Alanazi Abdulrazaq , Bakheet Saleh A. , Alharbi Naif O. , Nagi Mahmoud N. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTProphylactic and therapeutic effects of acetylcarnitine against acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity were studied in mice. To evaluate the prophylactic effects of acetylcarnitine, mice were supplemented with acetylcarnitine (2 mmol/kg/day per oral (p.o.) for 5 days) before a single dose of acetaminophen (350 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.)). Animals were sacrificed 6 h after acetaminophen injection. Acetaminophen significantly increased the markers of liver injury, hepatic reactive oxygen species, and nitrate/nitrite, and decreased hepatic glutathione (GSH) and the antioxidant enzymes. Acetylcarnitine supplementation resulted in reversal of all biochemical parameters toward the control values. To explore the therapeutic effects of acetylcarnitine, mice were given a single dose of acetylcarnitine (0.5, 1, and 2 mmol/kg p.o.) 1.5 h after acetaminophen. Animals were sacrificed 6 h after acetaminophen. Acetylcarnitine administration resulted in partial reversal of liver injury only at 2 mmol/kg p.o. At equimolar doses, N‐acetylcystiene was superior as therapeutic agent to acetylcarnitine. However, acetylcarnitine potentiated the effect of N‐acetylcystiene in the treatment of acetaminophen toxicity.
Sonography of the chest wall: A pictorial essay
Authors: Lee Ryan Ka Lok , Griffith James Francis , Ng Alex Wing Hung , Sitt Jacqueline Ching Man 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTUltrasound (US) is increasingly being used as the first‐line imaging modality for investigating the chest wall for soft tissue and bony lesions. This article describes the technique used for the US examination, the relevant chest‐wall anatomy, and the appearances on US scanning of pathologic entities either unique to or common in the region of the chest wall. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:525–537, 2015
Sarcopenia impairs survival in patients with potentially curable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Levolger Stef , van Vledder Mark G. , Muslem Rahat , Koek Marcel , Niessen Wiro J. , de Man Rob A. , de Bruin Ron W. F. , Ijzermans Jan N. M. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundA reduction in skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia) independently predicts poor survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing treatment with curative intent. Whether this is due to an increased risk of recurrence and disease specific death, or due to an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality is currently unclear. In this study, we investigate the association between sarcopenia and death in a cohort of HCC patients undergoing treatment with curative intent.MethodsPatients undergoing surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation for lesions ≤ 3 cm between 2002 and 2013 were identified. Clinicopathological characteristics, CT‐assessed sarcopenia and outcomes were analyzed.ResultsAmong 90 patients, 52 (57.8%) were found to be sarcopenic. Sarcopenic patients had a limited overall survival (median: 33 months vs. non‐sarcopenic median: 105 months; P = 0.002), but not disease‐free survival. Sarcopenia was an independent predictor for overall survival in multivariate Cox‐regression analysis (HR 3.756; P = 0.001). Major complications (32.7% vs. 13.2%, P = 0.033) and treatment‐related mortality (17.3% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.029) were more frequent in sarcopenic patients.ConclusionSarcopenia impairs survival in patients with potentially curable hepatocellular carcinoma, mainly due to an increase in treatment‐related mortality. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:208–213. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of three different chin‐down maneuvers on Swallowing pressure in healthy young adults
Authors: Matsubara Keigo , Kumai Yoshihiko , Kamenosono Yuta , Samejima Yasuhiro , Yumoto Eiji 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the effects of three different chin‐down maneuvers on swallowing pressure (SP) in healthy young adults using high‐resolution manometry (HRM).Study DesignRepeated measures with subjects serving as their own controls.MethodsTwenty‐six healthy subjects (average age 26.4 [range 21–35] years) swallowed 5 mL of cold water to examine the maximum swallowing pressure (MSP) at the velopharynx, meso‐hypopharynx, and upper esophageal sphincter (UES), and to determine the duration of lowered SP at the UES using HRM. The subjects swallowed in the neutral position as a control and in the following three chin‐down positions: 1) head flexion (HF); 2) neck flexion (NF); and 3) combined head and neck flexion (HFNF).ResultsThe MSP at the velopharynx and meso‐hypopharynx did not significantly differ among the three chin‐down positions. Upon swallowing in the NF posture, the MSP was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) at the UES, and the duration of the lowered SP at the UES was significantly prolonged (P = 0.0010) compared to the neutral position. In comparison, the duration of lowered SP at the UES was significantly (P = 0.0001) shorter in the HF position than in the neutral position. Moreover, the HFNF position significantly (P = 0.0276) lowered the MSP at the UES compared to the control position.ConclusionIn young healthy adults, NF maneuver resulted in significantly lower MSP and longer duration of the lowered swallowing pressure at the UES, which might assist bolus passage through the UES.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 126:437–441, 2016
Discovery of urinary biomarkers of whole grain rye intake in free‐living subjects using nontargeted LC‐MS metabolite profiling
Authors: Hanhineva Kati , Brunius Carl , Andersson Agneta , Marklund Matti , Juvonen Risto , Keski‐Rahkonen Pekka , Auriola Seppo , Landberg Rikard 
Published: August 2015

ScopeWhole grain (WG) intake is associated with decreased risk of developing colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and its comorbidities. However, the role of specific grains is unclear. Moreover, intake of specific WG is challenging to measure accurately with traditional dietary assessment methods. Our aim was to use nontargeted metabolite profiling to discover specific urinary biomarkers for WG rye to objectively reflect intake under free‐living conditions.Methods and resultsWG rye intake was estimated by weighed food records, and 24 h urine collections were analyzed by LC‐MS. Multivariate modeling was undertaken by repeated double cross‐validated partial least squares regression against reported WG rye intake, which correlated well with multivariate prediction estimates (r = 0.67–0.80, p < 0.001), but not with intakes of WG wheat or oats. Hydroxyhydroxyphenyl acetamide sulfate, 3,5‐dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid sulfate, caffeic acid sulfate, and hydroxyphenyl acetamide sulfate were among the 20 features that had the greatest potential as intake biomarkers of WG. In addition, three compounds exhibited MS/MS fragmentation of carnitine structures.ConclusionWith this nontargeted approach, we confirmed the specificity of alkylresorcinol metabolites as biomarkers for WG rye intake, but also discovered other compounds that should be evaluated as putative biomarkers in future studies.
Efficient water‐soluble drag reducing star polymers with improved mechanical stability
Authors: Cole David P. , Khosravi Ezat , Musa Osama M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTWe describe here the first example of the synthesis of 4‐arm star poly(acrylic acid) for use as a water‐soluble drag reducing agent, by applying Cu(0)‐mediated polymerization technique. High molecular weight 4‐arm star poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (Mn = 3.0–9.0 × 105 g mol−1) was first synthesized using 4,4′‐oxybis(3,3‐bis(2‐bromopropionate)butane as an initiator and a simple Cu(0)/TREN catalyst system. Then, 4‐arm star poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) were subjected to hydrolysis using trifluoroacetic acid resulting in water‐soluble 4‐arm star poly(acrylic acid). Drag reduction test rig analysis showed 4‐arm star poly(acrylic acid) to be effective as a drag reducing agent with drag reduction of 24.3%. Moreover, 4‐arm star poly(acrylic acid) exhibited superior mechanical stability when compared with a linear poly(acrylic acid) and commercially available drag reducing polymers; Praestol and poly(ethylene oxide). The linear poly(acrylic acid), Praestol, and poly(ethylene oxide) all showed a large decrease in drag reduction of 8–12% when cycled 30 times through the drag reduction test rig while, in contrast, 4‐arm star poly(acrylic acid) demonstrated much higher mechanical stability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 335–344
New alternating D–A1–D–A2 copolymer containing two electron‐deficient moieties based on benzothiadiazole and 9‐(2‐Octyldodecyl)‐8H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐b]bisthieno[2,3‐f:3',2'‐h]quinoxaline‐8,10(9H)‐dione for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Keshtov M. L. , Kuklin S. A. , Godovsky D. Y. , Khokhlov A. R. , Kurchania R. , Chen F. C. , Koukaras Emmanuel N. , Sharma G. D. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTA novel D–A1–D–A2 copolymer denoted as P1 containing two electron withdrawing units based on benzothiadiazole (BT) and 9‐(2‐octyldodecyl)−8H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐b] bisthieno[2,3‐f:3′,2′‐h]quinoxaline‐8,10(9H)–dione (PTQD) units was synthesized and characterized. The resulting copolymer exhibits a broad‐absorption spectrum, relatively deep lying HOMO energy level (−5.44 eV) and narrow optical bandgap (1.50 eV). Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on P1 as donor and PC71BM as acceptor with optimized donor to acceptor weight ratio of 1:2 and processed with DIO/CB solvent showed good photovoltaic performance with power conversion efficiency of 6.21% which is higher than that of the device processed without solvent additive (4.40%). The absorption and morphology investigations of the active layers indicated that structural and morphological changes were induced by the solvent additive. This higher power conversion efficiency could be mainly attributed to the absorption enhancement and improved charge transported in the active layer induced by the better nanoscale morphology of the active layer. This study demonstrated that a copolymer with two different acceptor moieties in the backbone may be promising candidate as donor copolymer for solution processed BHJ PSCs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 155–168
Synthesis of well‐defined star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(ethylbene glycol) amphiphilic conetworks by combination of ring opening polymerization and “click” chemistry
Authors: Wang Cui‐Wei , Liu Chao , Zhu Xiao‐Wei , Yang Zi‐Ying , Sun Hong‐Fan , Kong De‐Ling , Yang Jing 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTWell‐defined star‐shaped hydrophobic poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) amphiphilic conetworks (APCNs) have been synthesized via the combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and click chemistry. Alkyne‐terminated six arm star‐shaped PCL (6‐s‐PCLx‐CCH) and azido‐terminated PEG (N3‐PEG‐N3) are characterized by 1H NMR and FT‐IR. The swelling degree of the APCNs is determined both in water and organic solvent. This unique property of the conetworks is dependent on the nanophase separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases. The morphology and thermal behaviors of the APCNs are investigated by SEM and DSC respectively. The biocompatibility is determined by water soluble tetrazolium salt reagents (WST‐1) assay, which shows the new polymer networks had good biocompatibility. Through in vitro release of paclitaxel (PTX) and doxorubicin (DOX), the APCNs is confirmed to be promising drug depot materials for sustained hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 407–417
Thermal response of a PVCL–HA conjugate
Authors: Niskanen Jukka , Karesoja Mikko , Aseyev Vladimir , Qiu Xing‐Ping , Winnik Françoise M. , Tenhu Heikki 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe synthesis and self‐assembling of a thermoresponsive conjugate of hyaluronic acid (HA) and poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) is reported. Both polymers were end functionalized: HA via reductive amination, thereby introducing an azide endgroup to the chain end, and PVCL via thioetherification to introduce a propargyl group. The two were coupled with a copper assisted “click” reaction into a bioconjugate composed of HA blocks with the molar mass 3,600 g mol−1(1618 saccharide units) and PVCL blocks of 3,500 g mol−1(∼25 repeating units). The cloud point temperature measured by transmittance was 50–51 °C in water. The calorimetrically observed phase transition temperature of PVCL in the conjugate increased by 2 °C to 47.7 °C, whereas the enthalpy of the phase transition was unaffected by the conjugation. HA‐PVCL conjugate self‐assembles in water upon heating into monodisperse, colloidally stable, hollow spherical particles whose size may be tuned with the heating rate of the solution. Slow and fast heating resulted in vesicles with the hydrodynamic radii of 443 or 275 nm, respectively. The heating rate did not, however, affect the cloud point. Salt did not noticeably affect the size of the polymer particles, presumably because of interactions between the HA and PVCL blocks. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2016,54, 425–436
Toward teleoperated needle steering under continuous MRI guidance for prostate percutaneous interventions
Authors: Seifabadi Reza , Aalamifar Fereshteh , Iordachita Iulian , Fichtinger Gabor 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo propose a human‐operated in‐room master–slave bevel‐tip needle steering system under continuous MRI guidance for prostate biopsy, in which the patient is kept in the scanner at all times and the process of needle placement is under continuous control of the physician.MethodsA 2‐DOF MRI‐compatible needle steering module is developed and integrated with an existing 4‐DOF transperineal robot, creating a 6‐DOF robotic platform for prostate interventions. An MRI‐compatible 2‐DOF master robot is also developed to enable remote needle steering. An MRI‐compatible 2‐DOF force/torque sensor was used on the master side. Bevel‐tip needle steering is implemented in order to compensate for the targeting error due to needle–tissue interaction.ResultsMRI‐compatibility results demonstrated maximum 20% loss in signal to noise ratio (SNR). Robot functionality was not influenced by the magnetic field. Targeting error was reduced from 4.2 mm to 0.9 mm as a result of bevel‐tip needle steering.ConclusionsThe feasibility of teleoperated bevel‐tip needle steering using the proposed system was shown in a phantom experiment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Vicinal Diacylation of Epoxidized Triglycerides in Canola Oil
Authors: Somidi Asish K. R. , Sharma Rajesh V. , Dalai Ajay K. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe epoxy ring opening and vicinal diacylation of fatty acids in vegetable oils was found to be promising reaction to synthesize stable biolubricants and bioplasticizers. The current research investigation is emphasized on the synthesis of a value added product vicinally diacylated canola oil by sulfated‐ZrO2. The two‐step research approach employed includes: (i) epoxidation, and (ii) epoxy ring opening and vicinal diacylation of epoxidized triglycerides in the canola oil. Sulfated‐ZrO2 was prepared and characterized to measure the physico‐chemical properties required for the effective catalysis. The Taguchi (L16 orthogonal array) statistical design method was employed to optimize the process conditions for the maximum formation of diacylated canola oil. Sulfated‐ZrO2 demonstrated promising activity for the epoxy ring opening and vicinal diacylation of canola oil, and 99 % conversion was achieved at the optimum process conditions of temperature 130 °C, epoxy to acetic anhydride molar ratio (1:1.25), 16 wt% of catalyst loading and reaction time of 1 h which were inferred from the Taguchi analyses. The products were characterized and confirmed with FT‐IR, 1H NMR and sodium spray mass spectroscopy. Spectroscopic analysis also confirmed the absence of intermediate products. The statistical analyses was undertaken to determine the order, rank and interactions among the process variables. The reaction followed Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson type mechanism and the kinetic data was fitted in overall second order equation. Calculated apparent activation energy was 23.1 kcal/mol.
Ilizarov bone transport as a treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: A long-term follow-up study
Authors: Vanderstappen Jan , Lammens Johan , Berger Pieter , Laumen Armand 
Published: August 2015

Purpose Most studies on congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) report on the short-term union rate and refracture rate but do not take into account the long-term outcome. This review includes patients treated with an Ilizarov bone transport, who all reached skeletal maturity. It describes long-term results and highlights any prognostic factors that could predict the final outcome. Methods The records of patients with CPT treated with an Ilizarov bone transport in our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Results A total of 12 consecutive patients were studied. The mean follow-up was 24.5 years (range 6–39 years). Primary consolidation was seen in ten patients (83 %). Half of these patients had a refracture. At final follow-up, eight patients experienced union and four remained un-united, of whom one had an amputation. Conclusions The present data confirm a good primary healing rate. However, tibial union at final follow-up was only seen in 67 %, indicating that refracture is the main issue. United bone is often of inferior biological and mechanical quality, so lifetime protection with intramedullary devices, braces or a combination of both is recommended.
The impact of elevated thyroid stimulating hormone on female subfertility
Authors: Hiraoka Takehiro , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Hirota Yasushi , Hirata Tetsuya , Koga Kaori , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeHypothyroidism is known to have a negative impact on female reproduction even in subclinical form, subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). This study aimed to investigate the association between elevated TSH level and reproductive outcome.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated a total of 203 infertile women who first visited our infertility treatment division from January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2012, including 13 patients with TSH above 4.5 mIU/l (elevated‐TSH patients), 11 of whom were diagnosed as SH, and 190 patients with normal TSH (normo‐TSH patients). We evaluated them according to reproductive outcome, including clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth until April 31, 2014. We also aimed to redefine the upper limit of normal serum TSH level.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed significant influence of elevated TSH on clinical pregnancy, although miscarriage and live birth were not affected. In addition, we revealed that the rate of decreased ovarian reserve and unexplained infertility was increased in patients with elevated TSH levels.ConclusionsWe found an association between elevated TSH and the decreased rate of clinical pregnancy. This might be related to an ovulatory disorder and pathophysiology of unexplained infertility. These results may reinforce the usefulness of TSH screening in infertility population.
Biphasic P wave in inferior leads and the development of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hayashi Hideki , Horie Minoru 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundAnisotropic and slow conduction in the atrium underlie the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to investigate the P wave characteristics associated with the development of AF in patients with a biphasic P wave in the inferior leads.MethodsDigital analysis of retrospectively recorded 12‐lead electrocardiograms was performed to select patients with a biphasic P wave (positive/negative) in lead II from a database of 114,334 patients. Characteristics of the P wave in the inferior leads associated with incidence of AF were determined. Receiver operating characteristic curves dichotomized P wave variables were measured in each lead.ResultsA total of 141 patients (77 men; mean age, 64±19 years) were enrolled in this study. Twenty‐nine (20.6%) patients developed AF (AF group) vs. 112 (79.6%) who did not (non‐AF group) during a follow‐up period of 50±62 months. The amplitude of the initial P wave portion in lead II was significantly larger in the AF group when compared with the non‐AF group (77.3±77.0 µV vs. 51.0±30.1 µV, p=0.003), while the amplitude of the terminal P wave portion in lead III was significantly decreased in the AF group when compared with the non‐AF group (−70.6±41.3 µV vs. −89.1±38.1 µV, p=0.024). The duration of the initial P wave portion in lead III was significantly longer in the AF group when compared with the non‐AF group (52.7±34.6 ms vs. 35.8±30.4 ms, p=0.011). Multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards analysis confirmed that the increased duration of the initial P wave portion in lead III (≥71 ms) was independently associated with AF development (hazard ratio 2.90, 95% confidence interval 1.16–7.11, p=0.02).ConclusionThe analyses of the biphasic P wave in the inferior leads suggest that the development of AF could be attributed to increased atrial slow conduction.