bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Silico Identification of Chemicals Capable of Binding to the Ecdysone Receptor
Authors: Mellor Claire L. , Tollefsen Knut Erik , LaLone Carlie , Cronin Mark T.D. , Firman James W. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The process of molting, known alternatively as ecdysis, is a feature integral in the life cycles of species across the arthropod phylum. Regulation occurs as a function of the interaction of ecdysteroid hormones with the arthropod nuclear ecdysone receptor—a process preceding the triggering of a series of downstream events constituting an endocrine signaling pathway highly conserved throughout environmentally prevalent insect, crustacean, and myriapod organisms. Inappropriate ecdysone receptor binding and activation forms the essential molecular initiating event within possible adverse outcome pathways relating abnormal molting to mortality in arthropods. Definition of the characteristics of chemicals liable to stimulate such activity has the potential to be of great utility in mitigation of hazards posed toward vulnerable species. Thus the aim of the present study was to develop a series of rule-sets, derived from the key structural and physicochemical features associated with identified ecdysone receptor ligands, enabling construction of Konstanz Information Miner (KNIME) workflows permitting the flagging of compounds predisposed to binding at the site. Data describing the activities of 555 distinct chemicals were recovered from a variety of assays across 10 insect species, allowing for formulation of KNIME screens for potential binding activity at the molecular initiating event and adverse outcome level of biological organization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1438–1450. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
PLAGL2‐EGFR‐HIF‐1/2α Signaling Loop Promotes HCC Progression and Erlotinib Insensitivity
Authors: Hu Weiwei , Zheng Shufang , Guo Haixin , Dai Beiying , Ni Jiaping , Shi Yaohong , Bian Hanrui , Li Lanxin , Shen Yumeng , Wu Mo , Tian Zhoutong , Liu Guilai , Hossain Md Amir , Yang Hongbao , Wang Duowei , Zhang Qin , Yu Jun , Birnbaumer Lutz , Feng Jifeng , Yu Decai , Yang Yong 
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, hence a major public health threat. Pleomorphic adenoma gene like‐2 (PLAGL2) has been reported to play a role in tumorigenesis. However, its precise function in HCC remains poorly understood.

Approach and Results
In this study, we demonstrated that PLAGL2 was up‐regulated in HCC compared with that of adjacent nontumorous tissues and also correlated with overall survival times. We further showed that PLAGL2 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. PLAGL2 expression was positively correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Mechanistically, this study demonstrated that PLAGL2 functions as a transcriptional regulator of EGFR and promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the EGFR‐AKT pathway. Moreover, hypoxia was found to significantly induce high expression of PLAGL2, which promoted hypoxia inducible factor 1/2 alpha subunit (HIF1/2A) expression through EGFR. Therefore, this study demonstrated that a PLAGL2‐EGFR‐HIF1/2A signaling loop promotes HCC progression. More importantly, PLAGL2 expression reduced hepatoma cells’ response to the anti‐EGFR drug erlotinib. PLAGL2 knockdown enhanced the response to erlotinib.

Conclusions
This study reveals the pivotal role of PLAGL2 in HCC cell proliferation, metastasis, and erlotinib insensitivity. This suggests that PLAGL2 can be a potential therapeutic target of HCC.
Current status of prescriptive authority by pharmacists in the United States
Authors: Sachdev Gloria , Kliethermes Mary Ann , Vernon Veronica , Leal Sandra , Crabtree George 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionWhile pharmacists in other countries have broad independent prescribing privileges, pharmacists in the United States are making progress. Pharmacist prescriptive authority in the U.S. occurs on a continuum with four identified models: patient‐specific collaborative prescribing through collaborative practice agreements (CPAs), population‐specific prescribing through CPAs, statewide protocols, and class‐specific prescribing. States have implemented pharmacist prescriptive authority across this spectrum. As approximately 90% of Americans reside within two miles of a community pharmacy, prescriptive authority of pharmacists leads to improved public health access points and outcomes.ObjectiveThis paper is intended to provide insight into the current landscape of pharmacist prescriptive authority in the United States through 2019 in order to provide historical context and identify opportunities for state policy considerations. This was done through a review of published literature, national professional association resources, individual state pharmacy practice acts, and state legislation and regulations.ConclusionSignificant variability regarding what medications pharmacists can prescribe exists per state statutes. According to data collected from the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA), 147 bills related to pharmacist provider status were introduced in 39 states during the 2019 legislative session. The interest in pharmacist prescribing stems from current and future challenges within the U.S. health care system: access to care, cost of care, and the anticipated shortage of physicians. The challenge to standardize prescriptive authority across states presents a unique opportunity for future considerations.
Inside Cover: Comparative analysis of intrinsic skin aging between Caucasian and Asian subjects by slide‐free in vivo harmonic generation microscopy (J. Biophotonics 4/2020)
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Hung , Liao Yi‐Hua , Wei Ming‐Liang , Sun Chi‐Kuang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA comparative analysis of intrinsic skin aging between Caucasian and Asian subjects by slide‐free in vivo harmonic generation microscopy is reported. The cellular and nuclear areas of basal cells in Caucasians and Asians are found to increase at the same rate, ideal for scoring age. On the other hand, the viable epidermis thickness, the dermal papilla volume and height in Caucasians are found to decrease faster than those in Asians.Further details can be found in the article by Kuan‐Hung Lin, Yi‐Hua Liao, Ming‐Liang Wei, and Chi‐Kuang Sun (e201960063).
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Parameters affecting carbofuran photocatalytic degradation in water using ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Atwan Asmaa A. , Elmehasseb Ibrahim M. , Talha Naser , El‐Kemary Maged 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCarbofuran photodegradation in water using zinc oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst was examined as well as some parameters influencing its percentage degradation rate such as zinc oxide load, initial concentration of carbofuran, the temperature of the reaction, the initial pH of the solution, and doping of zinc oxide nanoparticles with 5% (w:w) silver. Zinc oxide and Ag‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were produced using solvothermal and photoreduction methods, respectively, and silver doping effects on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, UV‐VIS spectrophotometer, TEM, SEM, SEM/EDX, and FTIR. The average diameter of the synthesized samples was 26.6, 30.55 nm for undoped zinc oxide and Ag‐doped zinc oxide, respectively. Zinc oxide doping with silver did not change the shape of the zinc oxide crystal, but decreased the reflection in the visible region, as well as the energy of the bandgap, and increased the zinc oxide photocatalytic activity.
Spliced X‐box binding protein 1 induces liver cancer cell death via activating the Mst1‐JNK‐mROS signalling pathway
Authors: Song Jie , Zhao Wei , Lu Chang , Shao Xue 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPrevious studies have found that the primary pathogenesis of liver cancer progression is linked to excessive cancer cell proliferation and rapid metastasis. Although therapeutic advances have been made for the treatment of liver cancer, the mechanism underlying the liver cancer progression has not been fully addressed. In the present study, we explored the role of spliced X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in regulating the viability and death of liver cancer cells in vitro. Our study demonstrated that XBP1 was upregulated in liver cancer cells when compared to the primary hepatocytes. Interestingly, the deletion of XBP1 could reduce the viability of liver cancer cells in vitro via inducing apoptotic response. Further, we found that XBP1 downregulation was also linked to proliferation arrest and migration inhibition. At the molecular levels, XBP1 inhibition is followed by activation of the Mst1 pathway which promoted the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Then, the active Mst1‐JNK pathway mediated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) overproduction and then excessive ROS induced cancer cell death. Therefore, our study demonstrated a novel role played by XBP1 in modulating the viability of liver cancer cells via the Mst1‐JNK‐mROS pathways.
Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: Is it really uncommon in Asian children?
Authors: Poddar Ujjal , Yachha Surender Kumar , Srivastava Anshu , Kumari Niraj 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground/AimInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is said to be rare in Asian children, and there is scarce information from India. We therefore analyzed our experience of pediatric IBD.MethodsProspectively maintained data of 105 consecutive children [median age 12 (IQR:7–14) years, 71 males] with IBD from July 2001 through June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Their detailed clinical features, endoscopic appearance, histopathology, and treatment outcomes were recorded. For Crohn's disease (CD), disease phenotype and disease location were assessed as per Paris classification.ResultsDisease spectrum includes ulcerative colitis (UC), 55 (52%); CD, 43 (41%); and IBD‐unclassified, 7 (7%). There was a significant increase in the number of cases in the last 5 years compared to the previous 10 years (63 vs. 42, r2 = 0.96). Most UC cases (75%) had extensive/pancolitis, 74% of CD had colonic/ileocolonic disease, and 65% had inflammatory phenotype. Fever, growth failure, pain in abdomen, and need for surgery were significantly more frequent in CD than in UC (P < 0.0001). Over a median follow up of 19 (IQR: 7–48) months, remission was achieved in 48 of 51 (94%) UC patients and in 24 of 34 (70.6%) CD patients; an immunomodulator was required to maintain remission in 67% of UC cases. In CD, there was a significant reduction in the use of empirical antitubercular therapy (76%, P = 0.008) with time, and disease progressed in three.ConclusionsIBD is not uncommon, and the incidence seems to be increasing among Indian children. UC is more common than CD and is more often an extensive disease. CD is mainly an inflammatory phenotype. The majority of children with IBD required an immunomodulator to maintain remission.
Improvement of motor and behavioral activity in Sandhoff mice transplanted with human CD34+ cells transduced with a HexA/HexB expressing lentiviral vector
Authors: Beegle Julie , Hendrix Kyle , Maciel Haley , Nolta Jan A. , Anderson Joseph S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTay–Sachs and Sandhoff disease are debilitating genetic diseases that affect the central nervous system leading to neurodegeneration through the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides. There are no cures for these diseases and treatments do not alleviate all symptoms. Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy offers a promising treatment strategy for delivering wild‐type enzymes to affected cells. By genetically modifying hematopoietic stem cells to express wild‐type HexA and HexB, systemic delivery of functional enzyme can be achieved.MethodsPrimary human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and Tay–Sachs affected cells were used to evaluate the functionality of the vector. An immunodeficient and humanized mouse model of Sandhoff disease was used to evaluate whether the HexA/HexB lentiviral vector transduced cells were able to improve the phenotypes associated with Sandhoff disease. An immunodeficient NOD‐RAG1−/‐IL2−/− (NRG) mouse model was used to evaluate whether the HexA/HexB vector transduced human CD34+ cells were able to engraft and undergo normal multilineage hematopoiesis.ResultsHexA/HexB lentiviral vector transduced cells demonstrated strong expression of HexA and HexB and restored enzyme activity in Tay–Sachs affected cells. Upon transplantation into a humanized Sandhoff disease mouse model, improved motor and behavioral skills were observed. Decreased GM2 gangliosides were observed in the brains of HexA/HexB vector transduced cell transplanted mice. Increased peripheral blood levels of HexB was also observed in transplanted mice. Normal hematopoiesis in the peripheral blood and various lymphoid organs was also observed in transplanted NRG mice.ConclusionsThese results highlight the potential use of stem cell gene therapy as a treatment strategy for Tay–Sachs and Sandhoff disease.
Rapid response of the East Asian trough to Tibetan Plateau snow cover
Authors: Li Wenkai , Qiu Bo , Guo Weidong , Hsu Pang‐chi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTibetan Plateau snow cover (TPSC) has subseasonal variations and rapidly influences the atmosphere. In this study, we present the rapid response of the East Asian trough (EAT) within a week to subseasonal variations in TPSC during the boreal winter. Using snow cover analysis obtained from the daily interactive multisensor snow and ice mapping system and the ERA‐Interim reanalysis, a considerable relationship between TPSC and 500‐hPa geopotential height anomalies over the downstream EAT region is found. Significant negative (positive) 500‐hPa geopotential height anomalies originating from the Tibetan Plateau and moving into the EAT region appear within a week following anomalous positive (negative) TPSC events, which lead to changes in EAT strength. Thus, a significantly enhanced (reduced) intensity of the EAT occurs approximately 5–6 days after increased (decreased) TPSC. Numerical experiments confirm the causality of this relationship. Further analysis of the quasi‐geostrophic geopotential height tendency equations in numerical experiments indicates that such EAT variations result from anomalous thermal advection from the Tibetan Plateau forced by TPSC.
Birefringent light‐shaping films for mini‐LED backlights
Authors: He Ziqian , Yin Kun , Hsiang En‐Lin , Li Ming‐Chun , Lee Seok‐Lyul , Tien Kun‐Cheng , Wu Shin‐Tson 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBirefringent light‐shaping films (BLSFs) for mini‐LED backlit liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are proposed and experimentally demonstrated by passive polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films. Such films show angle‐selective scattering properties, achieved by proper material engineering and good vertical alignment of liquid crystals. They only respond to angles rather than spatial locations. By directly adhering the BLSF onto a LED, the angular intensity distribution of light can be tailored from Lambertian‐like to batwing‐like. Further simulation proves that by engineering the angular distribution, a fewer number of LEDs or equivalently a shorter light‐spreading distance is required to maintain good uniformity. These BLSFs are expected to find widespread applications in emerging mini‐LED backlit LCDs and shed light on designing other light‐shaping films in the future.
Impact of type and severity of postoperative complications on long‐term outcomes after colorectal liver metastases resection
Authors: Fernández‐Moreno María‐Carmen , Dorcaratto Dimitri , Garcés‐Albir Marina , Muñoz Elena , Arvizu Ricardo , Ortega Joaquín , Sabater Luis 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPostoperative complications (POCs) after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) adversely affect long‐term survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of POC etiology and severity on overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).MethodsA retrospective study of 254 consecutive hepatectomies for CRLM was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of demographic, tumor‐related and perioperative variables on OS and DFS. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was then used to compare patients with different POC etiology: infective (Inf‐POC), noninfective (Non‐inf POC), and no‐complications (No‐POC).ResultsInf‐POC, Non‐inf POC, and No‐POC patients represented 18.8%, 19.2%, and 62% of the sample, respectively. In univariate and multivariate analyses infectious POC were independent risk factors for decreased OS and DFS. After PSM, Inf‐POC group presented decreased OS and DFS when compared with Non‐inf POC (5‐year OS 31.8% vs 51.6%; P = .05 and 5‐year DFS 13.6% vs 31.9%; P = .04) and with No‐POC (5‐year OS 29.4% vs 58.7%; P = .03 and 5‐year DFS 11.8% vs 39.7%; P = .03). There were no differences between Non‐inf POC and No‐POC patients. POC severity calculated using the Comprehensive Complications Index did not influence OS and DFS before and after PSM.ConclusionThe negative oncological impact of POCs after CRLM resection is determined by infective etiology not by severity.
Transoral endocrine surgery: Considerations for adopting a new technique
Authors: James Benjamin C. , Angelos Peter , Grogan Raymon H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTransoral endocrine surgery encompasses a group of operations whereby the thyroid or parathyroid gland is removed through the oral vestibule. This operation has the advantage of leaving no cutaneous scar and a risk profile similar to open surgery. Adoption of this technique has increased dramatically over the last several years. It is of paramount importance for surgeons to undergo adequate training before adopting this technique.
Simultaneous determination of seven compounds in Chinese patent medicines Chenxiangqu by matrix solid‐phase dispersion coupled with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Chu Chu , Zhang Huan , Mao Hui , Liu Caijing , Jiang Luyi , Lian Linmin , Li Jing , Zhu Jiaming , Chen Wei , Yan Jizhong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA simple, efficient, and sensitive strategy by coupling matrix solid‐phase dispersion with ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was proposed to extract and determine three types of components (including seven analytes) in Chinese patent medicines Chenxiangqu. The highly ordered mesoporous material Fe‐SBA‐15 synthesized under weakly acidic conditions was selected as a dispersant in matrix solid phase dispersion extraction for the first time. Several parameters including the mass ratio of sample to dispersant, the type of dispersant, the grinding time, and the elution condition were investigated in this work. Under the optimized conditions, 20 compounds were identified by quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and seven analytes were quantified. The results demonstrated that the developed method has good linearity (r > 0.9995), and the limits of detection of the analytes were as low as 0.55 ng/mL. The recoveries of all seven analytes ranged from 97.6 to 104.6% (relative standard deviation < 3.4%). Finally, the improved method was successfully applied to determination of five batches of Chenxiangqu samples, which provided a robust method in quality control of Chinese patent medicines Chenxiangqu. The developed strategy also shows its great potential in analysis of complex matrix samples.
Characterization of a chitosan‐based sustained release nanofertilizer formulation used as a soil conditioner while simultaneously improving biomass production of Zea mays L.
Authors: Kubavat Denish , Trivedi Khanjan , Vaghela Pradeep , Prasad Kamalesh , Vijay Anand Gopalakrishnan K. , Trivedi Hardik , Patidar Rajesh , Chaudhari Jayesh , Andhariya Bhoomi , Ghosh Arup 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSlow release nanofertilizers are of interest for reducing soil nutrient losses and preventing land degradation associated with established fertilizer use due to use of fertilizers. Chitosan nanoparticles (CN) were prepared following polymerization of chitosan with methacrylic acid and later incorporated with potassium (CNK). CN as well as CNK were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The slow potassium release property of CNK was elucidated employing membrane diffusion studies. Zea mays plant were tested in pot trials using different doses of K‐formulation with potassium incorporated or otherwise and compared with suitable controls. Soils amended with reduced potassium rates (75% CNK) significantly increased the fresh‐ and dry‐biomass accumulation by 51 and 47%, respectively, in relation to positive control (100% KCl). The use of 75% CNK improved physical properties of soil by way of enhanced porosity, higher water conductivity, and enhanced friability that favoured root growth. These along with reduced dry density induced the plants to uptake higher quantities of nutrients and develop double the root biomass relative to control. Further, no deleterious effect of the nanoformulation was apparent and the treatments showed better carbon‐cycling activity. Increased fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis in these treatments demonstrated higher soil microbial activity in relation to control. CNK was hypothesized to condition the soil by cohesive bonding of soil particles, stabilizing the soil aggregates by coating them, and preventing their degradation amidst disruptive forces such as repeated watering. Sustained nutrient release synchronize with crop demands, reduced fertilizer requirement and increased productivity.
Dietary Isomalto/Malto‐Polysaccharides Increase Fecal Bulk and Microbial Fermentation in Mice
Authors: Mistry Rima H. , Borewicz Klaudyna , Gu Fangjie , Verkade Henkjan J. , Schols Henk A. , Smidt Hauke , Tietge Uwe J. F. 
Published: April 2020

ScopeThe prevalence of metabolic‐syndrome‐related disease has strongly increased. Nutritional intervention strategies appear attractive, particularly with novel prebiotics. Isomalto/malto‐polysaccharides (IMMPs) represent promising novel prebiotics that promote proliferation of beneficial bacteria in vitro. The present study investigates for the first time the in vivo effects of IMMP in mice.Methods and resultsC57BL/6 wild‐type mice received control or IMMP‐containing (10%, w/w) diets for 3 weeks. IMMP leads to significantly more fecal bulk (+26%, p < 0.05), higher plasma non‐esterified fatty acids (colorimetric assay, +10%, p < 0.05), and lower fecal dihydrocholesterol excretion (mass spectrometry, −50%, p < 0.05). Plasma and hepatic lipid levels (colorimetric assays following lipid extraction) are not influenced by dietary IMMP, as are other parameters of sterol metabolism, including bile acids (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). IMMP is mainly fermented in the cecum and large intestine (high‐performance anion exchange chromatography). Next‐generation sequencing demonstrates higher relative abundance of Bacteroides and butyrate producers (Lachnospiraceae, Roseburia Odoribacter) in the IMMP group.ConclusionThe combined results demonstrate that IMMP administration to mice increases fecal bulk and induces potentially beneficial changes in the intestinal microbiota. Further studies are required in disease models to substantiate potential health benefits.