bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between muscle measures, survival, and toxicity in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Halvorsen Tarje Onsøien , Valan Christine Damgaard , Slaaen Marit , Grønberg Bjørn Henning 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundStandard treatment for patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS SCLC) is concurrent platinum–etoposide chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy (TRT). Up to 30% of patients are cured, but severe toxicity is common, and we are not able to identify those who are cured or those who experience severe toxicity before chemoradiotherapy commences. Studies of other cancer patients show that low muscle mass and muscle radiodensity are associated with inferior survival and that a high drug dose per kilogram lean body mass (LBM) is associated with more toxicity, but this has not been investigated in LS SCLC. We analysed patients from a randomized trial comparing two schedules of TRT (n = 157) to investigate the prognostic and predictive role of these muscle measures in LS SCLC.MethodsPatients from a trial comparing once daily hypofractionated with twice daily hyperfractionated TRT were analysed. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), and LBM were assessed from baseline computed tomography scans at the L3 level using the SliceOMatic software.ResultsImages at the L3 level were available for 122 patients (77.7%). Median age was 64 years, 18% had performance status 2, and 38% had stage III. Grade 3–4 toxicity was observed in 89%, and 5% died from treatment‐related side effects. Overall, the median overall survival was 23 months, and the 5 year survival was 25%. Median LBM was 45.2 (range: 16–65) kg, the median SMI 44.8 (range: 29–77) cm2/m2, and the median SMD 39.3 (range 16–62) HU. There were no significant associations between survival and any of the muscle measures in the univariable analyses (SMI: P = 0.906, SMD: P = 0.829) or in multivariable analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics (SMI: P = 0.836, SMD: P = 0.260). A higher cisplatin dose per kilogram LBM in the first course significantly increased the risk of grade 3–4 haematological toxicity (P = 0.011) and neutropenic infections (P = 0.012).ConclusionsPatients who received a high dose of cisplatin per kilogram LBM had more haematological toxicity and neutropenic infections than other patients. None of the muscle measures were independent prognostic factors for survival in our cohort of LS SCLC patients who underwent standard chemoradiotherapy.
Investigating Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) results as predictors for preclinical and clinical scores in dental school
Authors: Novack Rachel , Turgeon Daniel P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to determine whether 2 current admission criteria, the perceptual ability test (PAT) and the manual dexterity test (MDT) can predict success in dental school within the Université de Montréal population.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the records of 854 students who graduated between 2005 and 2015. For each student, PAT and MDT scores were compared to 5 preclinical and 3 clinical classes using the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression models. T‐tests were used to compare students above and below a 5‐point increase in cut‐off scores (PAT = 15, MDT = 10).ResultsThe strongest relationship was found to be between PAT and preclinical scores (r = 0.329, P < 0.01). The regression analysis determined that gender, PAT and MDT predicted more of the variability of preclinical (12.7%) than of clinical scores (2.7%). Students scoring ≥10 on the MDT performed better in preclinical and clinical courses, and those scoring ≥15 on the PAT performed better in preclinical courses. However, when comparing these students to the entire group, only those scoring ≥15 on PAT differed from the group's average for preclinical scores (P = 0.029).ConclusionThese findings suggest the PAT and MDT have some power in predicting success in preclinical, and to a lesser extent clinical courses, and supports their use as criteria in the admissions process. There is some evidence that suggests that increasing the cut‐off score may decrease the number of students with difficulties in preclinical courses.
A putative novel role for Eip74EF in male reproduction in promoting sperm elongation at the cost of male fecundity
Authors: Chebbo Sharif , Josway Sarah , Belote John M. , Manier Mollie K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSpermatozoa are the most morphologically variable cell type, yet little is known about genes controlling natural variation in sperm shape. Drosophila fruit flies have the longest sperm known, which are evolving under postcopulatory sexual selection, driven by sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Long sperm outcompete short sperm but primarily when females have a long seminal receptacle (SR), the primary sperm storage organ. Thus, the selection on sperm length is mediated by SR length, and the two traits are coevolving across the Drosophila lineage, driven by a genetic correlation and fitness advantage of long sperm and long SR genotypes in both males and females. Ecdysone‐induced protein 74EF (Eip74EF) is expressed during postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis when spermatid elongation occurs, and we found that it is rapidly evolving under positive selection in Drosophila. Hypomorphic knockout of the E74A isoform leads to shorter sperm but does not affect SR length, suggesting that E74A may be involved in promoting spermatid elongation but is not a genetic driver of male–female coevolution. We also found that E74A knockout has opposing effects on fecundity in males and females, with an increase in fecundity for males but a decrease in females, consistent with its documented role in oocyte maturation. Our results suggest a novel function of Eip74EF in spermatogenesis and demonstrates that this gene influences both male and female reproductive success. We speculate on possible roles for E74A in spermatogenesis and male reproductive success.
Inhibitory effect of sinomenine on lung cancer cells via negative regulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Bai Shasha , Wen Wenhao , Hou Xuenan , Wu Jiexiu , Yi Lang , Zhi Yingkun , Lv Yanjun , Tan Xiaoqin , Liu Liang , Wang Peixun , Zhou Hua , Dong Yan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with a high morbidity and less than 20% survival rate. Therefore, new treatment strategies and drugs are needed to reduce the mortality of patients with lung cancer. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), as a receptor of nicotine and its metabolites, is a potential target for lung cancer treatment. Our previous studies revealed that sinomenine plays anti-inflammation roles via α7 nAChR and down-regulates the expression of this receptor, thus increasing the inflammatory response. Hence, sinomenine is possibly a natural ligand of this receptor. In the present study, the effects of sinomenine on lung cancer A549 cells and tumor-bearing mice were determined to investigate whether this alkaloid has an inhibitory effect on lung cancer via α7 nAChR. CCK-8 assay, wound-healing test, and flow cytometry were performed for cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis analysis in vitro, respectively. Xenograft mice were used to evaluate the effects of sinomenine in vivo. Results showed that sinomenine decreased cell proliferation and migration abilities but increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. Tumor volume in tumor-bearing mice was significantly reduced after sinomenine treatment compared with that in the vehicle group mice (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the effects of sinomenine were abolished by the α7 nAChR antagonist mecamylamine and the allosteric modulator PNU-120596, but no change occurred when the mice were pretreated with the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine. Meanwhile, sinomenine suppressed α7 nAChR expression in vitro and in vivo, as well as the related signaling molecules pERK1/2 and ERK1/2 and the transcription factors TTF-1 and SP-1. By contrast, sinomenine up-regulated the expression of another transcription factor, Egr-1. These effects were restricted by mecamylamine and PNU but not by atropine. Results suggested that sinomenine can inhibit lung cancer via α7 nAChR in a negative feedback mode.
Mechanistic examination of Cα–Cβ tyrosyl bond cleavage: Spectroscopic investigation of the generation of α‐glycyl radical cations from tyrosyl (glycyl/alanyl)tryptophan
Authors: Li Yinan , Li Mengzhu , Spencer Daniel M. , Martens Jonathan , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Siu Chi‐Kit , Chu Ivan K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this study, dissociative one‐electron transfer dissociation of [CuII (dien)Y(G/A)W]•2+ [dien = diethylenetriamine; Y(G/A)W = tyrosyl (glycyl/alanyl)tryptophan] was used to generate the tripeptide radical cations [Y(G/A)W]•+; subsequent loss of the Tyr side chain formed [Gα•(G/A)W]+. The π‐centered species [YGWπ•]+ generated the α‐centered species [Gα•GW]+ through Cα–Cβ bond cleavage, as revealed using infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Comparisons of experimental and theoretical IR spectra confirmed that both the charge and spin densities of [Y(G/A)Wπ•]+ were delocalized initially at the tryptophan indolyl ring; subsequent formation of the final [Gα•(G/A)W]+ structure gave the highest spin density at the α‐carbon atom of the N‐terminal glycine residue, with a proton solvated by the first amide oxygen atom. The IRMPD mass spectra and action spectra of the [Gα•(G/A)W]+ species were all distinctly different from those of their isomeric [G(G/A)Wπ•]+ species. The mechanism of formation of the captodative [Gα•(G/A)W]+ species—with the charge site separated from the radical site—from [Y(G/A)Wπ•]+ has been elucidated. DFT calculations suggested that the Cα–Cβ bond cleavage of the tyrosine residue in the radical cationic [Y(G/A)Wπ•]+ precursor involves (a) through‐space electron transfer between the indolyl and phenolic groups; (b) formation of proton‐bound dimers through Cα–Cβ cleavage of the tyrosine residue; and (c) a concerted proton rearrangement from the phenolic OH group to the carboxyl group and formation of the α‐carbon‐centered product [Gα•(G/A)W]+ through hydrogen bond cleavage. The barriers for the electron transfer (a), the Cα–Cβ cleavage (b), and the protonation rearrangement (c) were 12.8, 26.5, and 10.3 kcal mol−1, respectively.
Risk factors for the COVID‐19 severity and its correlation with viral shedding: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Xinchun , Chen Jiehua , Deng Lisi , Fang Zhaoxiong , Chen Gongqi , Ye Di , Xia Jinyu , Hong Zhongsi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have become a pandemic in the world. This study is aim to explore risk factors for COVID‐19 severity in the early stage and the correlation between the viral shedding and COVID‐19 severity. We included inpatient with laboratory confirmed COVID‐19 who had been discharged by 9 March 2020. The medical record data and dynamic change of biochemical indicators in‐hospital were compared between common and severe patients. Eighty patients were included in this study. Multivariable regression demonstrated increasing odds of severity associated with the duration of fever (odds ratio [OR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10‐1.82, per day increase; P = .007), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.52; P = .02), and PO2 < 80 mm Hg (28.07, 95% CI, 1.50‐524.12; P = .026) on admission. We found severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral RNA could be long‐term presence in respiratory tract and fecal sample, up to 43 and 46 days, respectively. However, the duration of viral shedding have no correlation with the COVID‐19 severity. The duration of fever, elevated CRP and PO2 < 80 mm Hg on admission were associated with the COVID‐19 severity in the early stage and there is no correlation between the viral shedding and COVID‐19 severity.
Evaluation of immuview RSV antigen test (SSI siagnostica) and BinaxNOW RSV card (alere) for rapid detection of respiratory syncytial virus in retrospectively and prospectively collected respiratory samples
Authors: Franck Kristina T. , Schneider Uffe V. , Ma Chih M. G. , Knudsen Danah , Lisby Gorm 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHuman orthopneumovirus, formerly known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is a frequent cause of hospitalization among infants due to respiratory tract infection. Fast, reliable, and easy to perform tests are needed to optimize treatment and to identify children that should be contact isolated to avoid nosocomial outbreaks. We prospectively tested 200 respiratory samples with a new assay (ImmuView RSV Antigen Test, SSI Diagnostica) and compared the results to the Alere BinaxNOW RSV Card by using our laboratory‐developed real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as reference. In addition, 300 retrospectively collected respiratory samples were included in the study. The sensitivities of both antigen kits were very low (<50%). Sensitivities were higher when samples came from children less than 6 years, when samples came from nasopharynx or lower respiratory airways, or when samples were positive for RSV serotype A compared to when samples came from adults, samples were throat swabs, or samples were positive for RSV serotype B. In conclusion, the ImmuView RSV antigen kit did not perform well and may at the most be used as a quick guidance for clinical decision. Thus, it cannot stand alone without reverse transcription PCR confirmation of negative results.
The role of nucleus accumbens CREB attenuation in rescuing low voluntary running behavior in female rats
Authors: Grigsby Kolter B. , Childs Thomas E. , Booth Frank W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGiven the integral role of nucleus accumbens (NAc) cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) activity in motivational processes, the goal of the current study was to determine whether blunting chronic NAc CREB activity could rescue the low physical activity motivation of female, low voluntary running (LVR) rats. NAc CREB phosphorylation is elevated in these rats, a state previously attributed to deficits in reward valuation. It was recently shown that overexpression of the upstream CREB inhibitor, protein kinase inhibitor alpha (PKIα), increased LVR nightly running by ~threefold. Therefore, the current study addresses the extent to which NAc CREB attenuation influences female LVR and wild‐type (WT) wheel‐running behavior. Inducible reductions in NAc neuronal activity using Gi‐coupled hM4Di DREADDs increased running behavior in LVR, but not in WT, rats. Similarly, site‐directed pharmacological inhibition of NAc CREB activity significantly increased LVR nightly running distance and time by ~twofold, with no effect in WT rats. Finally, environmentally enriched LVR rats exhibit higher levels of running compared to socially isolated rats in what appeared to be a CREB‐related manner. Considering the positive outcomes of upstream CREB modulation and environmental enrichment on LVR behavior, we believe that blunting NAc CREB activity has the neuromolecular potential to partially reverse low physical activity motivation, as exemplified by the LVR model. The positive physical activity outcome of early life enrichment adds translatable value to human childhood enrichment and highlights its importance on motivational processes later in life.
Preparation of porous polymers based on high internal phase emulsion for enrichment of estrogens in urine
Authors: Jiang Xiangqiong , Ruan Guihua , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Yan , Du Fuyou , Chen Zhengyi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this work, graphene oxide‐hybridized high internal emulsion polymers with crosslinking and open‐cell structure was prepared and applied for separation and enrichment of estrogens. The prepared graphene oxide‐hybridized high internal emulsion polymer monoliths had hydrophobicity, porosity and stability, which were just obtained by one step in‐situ emulsion polymerization of 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, and divinylbenzene after doping with graphene oxide. Benefit from the advantages of its unique character, the graphene oxide‐hybridized high internal emulsion polymers monolith with low background pressure (85 kPa) and high mechanical strength could be applied for efficient separation for trace estrogens in urine. Under the optimized condition, trace estrogens, including estrone, estradiol, and diethylstilbestrol in urine, were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography, all the sample preparation process were carried out in 15 min, the recovery rate was ranged from 85.0 to 106.0% and the relative standard deviation was less than 4.
Proportional adaptive algorithm to improve reception techniques and mitigate the multipath fading effect in sub‐6 GHz 5G applications
Authors: Mosbah Abdelkader , Mansoul Ali , Benssalah Mustapha , Ghanem Farid 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis letter presents a proportional adaptive technique to mitigate the multipath fading effect in advanced wireless communication systems. The designed system consists of a realized ultra‐wideband (UWB) dual antenna array and two universal software radio peripheral (USRP) platforms synchronized by a MIMO cable, with one digital RF phase shifter implemented in the reception chain of one of the two receiving antennas. Without requiring any statistical knowledge channel, the proposed approach adjusts the phase shifter in order to maximize the combined received power proportionally to the amplitude of its gradient. The used antennas operate in different frequencies in the fifth‐generation (Sub‐6 GHz 5G) wireless communication applications. The proposed algorithm has been implemented on a USRP that has been used to carry out experimental measurements on fixed and mobile receiving antennas, and it is compared with other approaches. The measurements reveal, that using the amplitude of the gradient of the received power rather than its sign, as it is proposed in the initial on‐off algorithm presented in a previous published work, allows achieving better performance in combatting fading. The phase adjustment with the proposed algorithm is more efficient than in the other approaches allowing a better reception of the received signal with a higher received power level. The measured performances indicate that gain improvement of 8 to 10 dB can be achieved by using the proportional adaptive technique.
Modeling of vascular space occupancy and BOLD functional MRI from first principles using real microvascular angiograms
Authors: Genois Élie , Gagnon Louis , Desjardins Michèle 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe vascular space occupancy (VASO) is a functional MRI technique for probing cerebral blood volume changes noninvasively, including during neuronal activation in humans. An important consideration when implementing VASO is the BOLD effect in the signal. Assessing the physical origin of this BOLD contamination and the capabilities of correction methods could improve the quantification of cerebral blood volume changes with VASO.MethodsGiven the heterogeneity of cerebral microvascular architecture, the vascular geometry within an MRI voxel can influence both BOLD and VASO signals. To investigate this effect, 3D high‐resolution images of mouse cerebral vasculature measured with two‐photon microscopy were used to model BOLD and VASO signals from first principles using Monte Carlo diffusion of water protons. Quantitative plots of VASO together with intravascular and extravascular BOLD signals as a function of TE at B0 fields 1.5 T to 14 T were obtained.ResultsThe BOLD contamination of the VASO response was on the order of 50% for gradient echo and 5% for spin echo at 7 T and TE = 6 ms and significantly increased with TE and B0. Two currently used correction schemes were shown to account for most of this contamination and recover accurate relative signal changes, with optimal correction obtained using TEs as short as possible.ConclusionThese results may provide useful information for optimizing sequence parameters in VASO and BOLD functional MRI, leading the way to a wider application of these techniques in healthy and diseased brain.
Quantifying the fractional concentrations and exchange rates of small‐linewidth CEST agents using the QUCESOP method under multi‐solute conditions in MRI signals
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Jin‐Fang , Li Pengyu , Gao Jia‐Hong 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTo develop a novel method for quantifying the fractional concentration (fb) and the exchange rate (kb) of a specific small‐linewidth chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) solute in the presence of other unknown CEST solutes.Theory and MethodsA simplifiedR1ρmodel was proposed assuming a small linewidth of the specific solute and a linear approximation of the other solutes’ contribution toR1ρ. Two modes of CEST data acquisition, using various saturation offsets and various saturation powers, were used. Thefbandkbof the specific solute could be fitted using the proposed model. In MRI experiments, using either single‐solute or multi‐solute phantoms with various creatine concentrations and pHs, thefbandkbvalues of creatine were calculated for each phantom; thefbandkbvalues of phosphocreatine in rats’ skeletal muscles were also evaluated.ResultsThe fittedfbvalue of creatine from the phantoms were in excellent agreement. The fittedkbvalue of creatine from the phantoms coincides with that from the literature, as do thefbandkbvalues of phosphocreatine in skeletal muscles.ConclusionThe proposed approach enables us to quantify thefbandkbvalues of a specific small‐linewidth solute in the presence of other unknown solutes.
Bladder sensation evaluation of a carrageenan‐induced chronic prostatitis model using a direct measurement of the bladder mechanosensitive single‐unit afferent nerve activity
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Yamanishi Tomonori , Fujita Tomoe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsChronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) causes long‐standing pain and/or storage symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the likelihood of deterioration of bladder sensation in a carrageenan‐induced CP/CPPS model by direct measurement of the bladder mechanosensitive single‐unit afferent nerve activity.MethodsIn this study, male adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. They were injected 50 µL of 3% λ‐carrageenan or its vehicle (saline) into both lobes of the ventral prostate. Seven days following injection, the pain behavior at the pelvic‐perineal area (using von Frey filaments), prostatic blood flow (using a laser blood flowmeter), and histology were examined along with cystometry (under conscious free‐moving condition) and mechanosensitive single‐unit afferent nerve activity (under urethane anesthesia).ResultsThe prostate showed increased tissue weight and decreased blood flow and inflammatory cell infiltration in the carrageenan group compared to the control group. Consequently, the threshold of the pain behavior was decreased, and the basal and threshold pressures of the bladder were increased in the carrageenan group. In contrast, no significant differences of bladder histology and other cystometric parameters were found between the groups. Regarding Aδ‐ or C‐fibers, the mechanosensitive afferent nerve activities revealed no differences in either group.ConclusionsThe carrageenan‐induced CP/CPPS rat model showed edema, ischemia, and inflammatory pain in the prostate, whereas a little change was detected in bladder sensation. These findings, which were evaluated using a direct measurement of the mechanosensitive single‐unit afferent nerve activity, suggest that the bladder sensation is unlikely deteriorated in this model.