bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer‐aided 3D analysis of anatomy and radiographic parameters of the distal radius
Authors: Suojärvi Nora , Tampio Juha , Lindfors Nina , Waris Eero 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionThis study applied mathematical modeling to examine the anatomy of the distal radius; to define the radiographic parameters in a 3D imaging modality; and to report their normal ranges in the uninjured radius.Materials and methodsA series of 50 cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of uninjured radii were analyzed using computer‐aided image processing. The radius shape model was used to determine the optimal location for measuring the longitudinal axis. With the axis determined, the volar tilt and radial inclination angles and the areas of the articular facets and their reference points were analyzed.ResultsThe optimal location for determining the longitudinal axis was between 28.8 and 53.3 mm proximally from the articular surface. The mean radial inclination angle was 21.8°. The mean volar tilt angle via the most distal tips of the volar and dorsal rims was 13.0°; along the lunate and scaphoid facets it was 9.1° and 11.2°, respectively. The scaphoid facet was larger than the lunate facet and 25% of it was convex.ConclusionsComputer‐aided CBCT image processing offers an advanced tool to record 3D geometry and the radiographic parameters of the osseous structures of the wrist. Analysis of the distal radius' anatomy showed that the longitudinal axis was affected by its measurement location and subsequently also affected the determination of the angular parameters. We also report the variation of the volar tilt along the articular surface and the shapes and sizes of the articular facets.
The underlying mechanisms of lorlatinib penetration across the blood‐brain barrier and the distribution characteristics of lorlatinib in the brain
Authors: Chen Wei , Jin Dujia , Shi Yafei , Zhang Yujun , Zhou Haiyan , Li Guohui 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo clarify the distribution of lorlatinib in the brain and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lorlatinib penetration across the blood‐brain barrier (BBB).MethodsCytological experiments were performed to investigate the growth inhibitory effect of lorlatinib on different cells (endothelial cells HUVEC, HMEC‐1, and HCMEC/D3) and to investigate the protective effect of lorlatinib on neuronal cells after SH‐SY5Y hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. Furthermore, rat brain tissue was sequenced, and the differentially expressed genes (secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), Claudin, ZO‐1 and P‐gp) in several different drug treatment groups were verified by Real‐Time PCR. Lorlatinib brain distribution was predicted by physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK).ResultsLorlatinib and crizotinib both had inhibitory effects on endothelial cells, however lorlatinib inhibited the growth of HCMEC/D3 more efficaciously than crizotinib. In the SH‐SY5Y hypoxia model, lorlatinib had a greater protective effect on nerve cell damage caused by hypoxia and reoxygenation than crizotinib. The expression of SPP1, VEGF, TGF‐β, and Claudin in brain tissue was significantly downregulated after lorlatinib administration, and the expression level of early growth transcription factor 1 (Egr‐1) was significantly increased. The PBPK model successfully described lorlatinib concentrations in blood and brain tissue in the mouse model and gave a brain tissue partition coefficient of 0.7.ConclusionLorlatinib can increase the permeability of the blood‐brain barrier whereby we suggest its underlying working mechanism is related to downregulating SPP1, inhibiting VEGF, TGF‐β, and Claudin subsequently reducing the number of tight junctions between BBB cells. Lorlatinib plays a protective role on injured nerve cells and does not change the amount of P‐gp expression in brain tissue, which may be important for its ability to be efficacious across the BBB with a low incidence of resistance.
MiR‐646 suppresses proliferation and metastasis of non‐small cell lung cancer by repressing FGF2 and CCND2
Authors: Wang Jing , Shu Huizhen , Guo Shuigen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMicroRNA‐646 (miR‐646) has been implicated in several other cancers; however, its functional mechanism in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. In this study, we observed the downregulation of miR‐646 expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Low‐level expression of miR‐646 was associated with metastasis and stage of NSCLCs. Functional assays showed that overexpression of miR‐646 could suppress NSCLC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, invasion, and inhibit epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas decreased miR‐646 expression showed the opposite effects. Importantly, miR‐646 overexpression attenuated in vivo tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice models. Mechanically, miR‐646 directly targeted and suppressed fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and cyclin D2 (CCND2) expression. Reintroduction of FGF2 and CCND2 attenuated miR‐646‐mediated suppression of proliferation and invasion in NSCLC. Collectively, these results demonstrate that miR‐646 acts as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC by targeting FGF2 and CCND2, and may serve as a therapeutic target for patients with NSCLC.
Ammonium‐Charged Sterically Hindered Phenols with Antioxidant and Selective Anti‐Gram‐Positive Bacterial Activity
Authors: Bogdanov Andrei V. , Iskhakova Kamilla R. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Sapunova Anastasia S. , Kulik Natalia V. , Terekhova Natalia V. , Arsenyev Maxim V. , Ziyatdinova Guzel K. , Bukharov Sergey V. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe increase in the resistance of pathogens, in particular Staphylococcus aureus, to the action of antibiotics necessitates the search for new readily available and non‐toxic drugs. In solving this problem, phenolic acylhydrazones have high potential. In this communication, the synthesis of quaternary ammonium compounds containing a differently substituted phenolic moiety has been performed. An initial study of antimicrobial activity showed that these compounds are highly selective against S. aureus and B. cereus. The highest activity (MIC 2.0 μm) was shown by hydrazones containing a catechol fragment. These compounds are more than 3‐fold more active against S. aureus and 3–10‐fold more active against B. cereus than norfloxacin. Low hemolytic and high antioxidant activities of all new compounds were also established.
The experience of treating patients with acute myocardial infarction under the COVID‐19 epidemic
Authors: Xiao Zhichao , Xu Chang , Wang Daowen , Zeng Hesong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWorldwide Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic makes the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) more complicated, effective treatment without further dissemination is thus quite challenging. Recently, we successfully treated three representative AMI cases, by sharing these detailed procedures, we summarized some important issues including patient screening, reperfusion strategy selecting, personnel/catheter lab protection principle, as well as operation tactics, which may lend precious experience on AMI treating during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic situation.
Breast cancer patient advocacy: A qualitative study of the challenges and opportunities for civil society organizations in low‐income and middle‐income countries
Authors: Dvaladze Allison , Kizub Darya A. , Cabanes Anna , Nakigudde Gertrude , Aguilar Bertha , Zujewski Jo Anne , Duggan Catherine , Anderson Benjamin O. , Pritam Singh R. K. , Gralow Julie R. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundBreast cancer advocacy movements, driven by advocate‐led civil society organizations (CSOs), have proven to be a powerful force for the advancement of cancer control in high‐income countries (HICs). However, although patient advocacy movements are growing in low‐income and middle‐income countries (LMICs) in response to an increasing cancer burden, the experiences and needs of advocate‐led breast cancer CSOs in LMICs is understudied.MethodsThe authors conducted a qualitative study using in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions with 98 participants representing 23 LMICs in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, East and Southern Africa, and Latin America.ResultsDespite geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic differences, the common themes that emerged from the data across the 3 regions are strikingly similar: trust, knowledge gaps, stigma, sharing experiences, and sustainability. The authors identified common facilitators (training/education, relationship building/networking, third‐party facilitators, and communication) and barriers (mistrust, stigma, organizational fragility, difficulty translating HIC strategies) to establishing trust, collaboration, and advancing cancer advocacy efforts. To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first to describe the role that coalitions and regional networks play in advancing breast cancer advocacy in LMICs across multiple regions.ConclusionsThe findings of the current study corroborate the importance of investing in 3‐way partnerships between CSOs, political leaders, and health experts. When provided with information that is evidence‐based and resource appropriate, as well as opportunities to network, advocates are better equipped to achieve their goals. The authors propose that support for CSOs focuses on building trust through increasing opportunities for engagement, disseminating best practices and evidence‐based information, and fostering the creation of platforms for partnerships and networks.
Can pathology diagnostic services for cancer be stratified and serve global health?
Authors: Anglade Fabienne , Milner Danny A. , Brock Jane E. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundBefore initiating cancer therapy, a diagnostic tumor tissue sample evaluated within a pathology laboratory by a pathologist is essential to confirm the malignancy type and provide key prognostic factors that direct the treatment offered.MethodsPathology evaluation includes multiple expensive reagents, complex equipment, and both laboratory and pathologist technical skills. By using breast cancer as an example, at a minimum, key tumor prognostic information required before the initiation of treatment includes subtype, tumor grade, tumor size, lymph node status when possible, and biomarker expression determined by immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor. The additional determination of biomarker expression of progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) is the standard of care in high‐resource settings, but assays may not be affordable in low‐income and middle‐income countries.ResultsWith positive tests, patients are eligible for either tamoxifen (for estrogen receptor‐positive/progesterone receptor‐positive cancers) or monoclonal antibody therapy (for HER2‐positive cancers). For settings in which endocrine therapy and/or HER2‐targeted therapy is unavailable, biomarker studies have no utility, and high‐resource setting standards for pathology evaluation and reporting are unachievable. Resource‐stratified pathology evaluation guidelines in cancer diagnosis have not been developed, in contrast to excellent comprehensive, resource‐stratified clinical guidelines for use in low‐income and middle‐income countries, and these are long overdue.ConclusionsThe challenges of pathology evaluation in the context of global health are being met by innovative solutions, which may change the face of pathology practice.
Situational analysis of breast health care systems: Why context matters
Authors: Duggan Catherine , Dvaladze Allison , Scheel John R. , Stevens Lisa M. , Anderson Benjamin O. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundImplementation of evidence‐based, resource‐appropriate guidelines for breast cancer control should be preceded by a baseline assessment or situational analysis to assess breast health infrastructure, workforce capacity, patient pathways, existing practices, accessibility, and costs.MethodsTo support the assessment of breast health care systems within the broader context in which they exist, the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) developed, tested, and refined a set of situational analysis tools with which to guide the assessment of breast health care capacity, identify the relative strengths and weaknesses of the health system, and support stakeholders in prioritizing actionable items to advance breast cancer care using evidence‐based strategies tailored to their setting. The tools address 6 domains of breast health care delivery: 1) breast cancer early detection practices; 2) breast cancer awareness programs; 3) the availability of breast cancer surgery; 4) the availability of pathology; 5) the availability of radiotherapy, and 6) the availability of systemic therapy services. The current study also describes the more comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) integrated missions for PACT (imPACT) review.ResultsAs of 2020, 5 formal BHGI situational analyses have been performed in India, Brazil, Panama, Tanzania, and Uganda. As of August 2019, a total of 100 imPACT reviews have been conducted in 91 countries. These assessments can contribute to more informed policymaking.ConclusionsSituational analyses are a prerequisite for the development of resource‐appropriate strategies with which to advance breast cancer control in any setting and should assess services across the entire breast health care continuum as well as the broader structural, sociocultural, personal, and financial contexts within which they operate.
Distributed service‐level agreement management with smart contracts and blockchain
Authors: Uriarte Rafael Brundo , Zhou Huan , Kritikos Kyriakos , Shi Zeshun , Zhao Zhiming , De Nicola Rocco 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe current cloud market is dominated by a few providers, which offer cloud services in a take‐it‐or‐leave‐it manner. However, the dynamism and uncertainty of cloud environments may require the change over time of both application requirements and service capabilities. The current service‐level agreement (SLA) management solutions cannot easily guarantee a trustworthy, distributed SLA adaptation due to the centralized authority of the cloud provider who could also misbehave to pursue individual goals. To address the above issues, we propose a novel SLA management framework, which facilitates the specification and enforcement of dynamic SLAs that enable one to describe how, and under which conditions, the offered service level can change over time. The proposed framework relies on a two‐level blockchain architecture. At the first level, the smart SLA is transformed into a smart contract that dynamically guides service provisioning. At the second level, a permissioned blockchain is built through a federation of monitoring entities to generate objective measurements for the smart SLA/contract assessment. The scalability of this permissioned blockchain is also thoroughly evaluated. The proposed framework enables creating open distributed clouds, which offer manageable and dynamic services, and facilitates cost reduction for cloud consumers, while it increases flexibility in resource management and trust in the offered cloud services.
Development of sex‐linked SSR marker in the genus Phoenix and validation in P. dactylifera
Authors: Wang Yong , Ihase Leonard O. , Htwe Yin M. , Shi Peng , Zhang Dapeng , Li Dongxia , Emoghene Beatrice O. , Iserhienrhien Anthony 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSpecies in the genus Phoenix are dioecious, requiring 5–10 yr for sex determination of individuals raised from seeds. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), an important member of the genus, is grown for food in Middle East, whereas Khejur palm [Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb.] is widely used as a source of sugar in India and also as an ornamental plant in China. Availability of an accurate method for sex determination of male and female individuals at the nursery stage is highly desirable. We designed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers flanking simple sequence repeats (SSRs) found on the whole‐genome shotgun sequences of Phoenix. Also, three previously reported sex‐linked markers were included. Markers mPdIRDP52 and DPM4 proved to be sex linked, as they were 100% accurate and efficient for sex determination. Marker DPM4, unlike the previous markers, showed distinct bands for both “X” and “Y” alleles and proved to be very efficient in sex determination. Validation of the marker using F1 population (192 palms) revealed accurate conformity with phenotype data. The predicted protein sequence of the amplification product of primer DPM4 revealed four open reading frames (ORFs). Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analyses showed similarity with some regions in organisms known to exhibit gender genes. Male palms showed a single melt peak in quantitative PCR (qPCR), as opposed to the female palms that showed two closely related melt peaks. Marker DPM4 has been validated with 192 full‐sib palms of known phenotype for the sex gene and proven efficient for marker‐assisted selection of male and female palms in seedling propagation and popularization in Phoenix spp.
Theoretical analysis for transmission of Gaussian and sine time irradiance of electromagnetic beam in collisional dusty plasmas
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Sharma Suresh C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA theoretical model of propagation of Gaussian and Sine time irradiance of an electromagnetic beam in collisional dusty plasma has been done in the present analysis. It contains equilibrium of dust charge, particle density, and energy of plasma ingredients having charge neutrality. Ionization of neutral particles, recombination of free electrons with ions, adsorption and emission of electrons from dust grain surface, and binary collisions between plasma components are also considered in this treatment. Time varying behaviour of modified electron temperature and collision frequency has been illustrated numerically as a function of dust densities. Also, the comparative analyses of variation of beam waist parameter with the dimensionless length of transmission for both the Gaussian and Sine time irradiance are involved in this model as a function of distinguishable time width, collision frequencies, and dust densities under the condition that the size of dust nebulous is greater than the electrons mean free path for the adsorption on the dust grain surface. The observed results are significant for the applications in industry and astrophysics.
Symbol error probability evaluation for PSK modulation schemes in generalized non‐Gaussian noise channels
Authors: Khanna Himanshu 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe average symbol error probability (ASEP) performance over the faded radio frequency (RF) link when the noise is additive in nature and has generalized Laplacian distribution is evaluated in this paper. The additive white generalized Laplacian noise (AWGLN) distribution can model different impulsive and non‐Gaussian noise environments often encountered in practice and provides a robust alternative to Gaussian distribution. A new expression for evaluating the exact symbol error probability over a multilevel M‐ary PSK‐modulated AWGLN channel is derived. Based on the obtained expression, the ASEP for the single‐hop RF link that models the shadowing and fading conditions over the RF channel by a generalized –K (GK) distribution is derived. Further, the error performance of a decode‐and‐forward relayed and GK‐distributed two‐hop RF link is discussed, and the results are validated through numerical plots.
Oxidative stress delays development and alters gene expression in the agricultural pest moth, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Apirajkamol Nonthakorn (Beatrice) , James Bill , Gordon Karl H. J. , Walsh Tom K. , McGaughran Angela 
Published: April 2020

AbstractStress is a widespread phenomenon that all organisms must endure. Common in nature is oxidative stress, which can interrupt cell homeostasis to cause cell damage and may be derived from respiration or from environmental exposure through diet. As a result of the routine exposure from respiration, many organisms can mitigate the effects of oxidative stress, but less is known about responses to oxidative stress from other sources. Helicoverpa armigera is a major agricultural pest moth that causes significant damage to crops worldwide. Here, we examined the effects of oxidative stress on H. armigera by chronically exposing individuals to paraquat—a free radical producer—and measuring changes in development (weight, developmental rate, lifespan), and gene expression. We found that oxidative stress strongly affected development in H. armigera, with stressed samples spending more time as caterpillars than control samples (>24 vs. ~15 days, respectively) and therefore living longer overall. We found 1,618 up‐ and 761 down‐regulated genes, respectively, in stressed versus control samples. In the up‐regulated gene set, was an over‐representation of biological processes related to cuticle and chitin development, glycine metabolism, and oxidation–reduction. Oxidative stress clearly impacts physiology and biochemistry in H. armigera and the interesting finding of an extended lifespan in stressed individuals could demonstrate hormesis, the phenomenon whereby toxic compounds can actually be beneficial at low doses. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into physiological and gene expression responses to oxidative stress in invertebrates.
Shifts in plant functional community composition under hydrological stress strongly decelerate litter decomposition
Authors: Walter Julia , Buchmann Carsten M. , Schurr Frank M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLitter decomposition is a key process of nutrient and carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The decomposition process will likely be altered under ongoing climate change, both through direct effects on decomposer activity and through indirect effects caused by changes in litter quality. We studied how hydrological change indirectly affects decomposition via plant functional community restructuring caused by changes in plant species’ relative abundances (community‐weighted mean (CWM) traits and functional diversity). We further assessed how those indirect litter quality effects compare to direct effects. We set up a mesocosm experiment, in which sown grassland communities and natural turf pieces were subjected to different hydrological conditions (dryness and waterlogging) for two growing seasons. Species‐level mean traits were obtained from trait databases and combined with species’ relative abundances to assess functional community restructuring. We studied decomposition of mixed litter from these communities in a common “litterbed.” These indirect effects were compared to effects of different hydrological conditions on soil respiration and on decomposition of standard litter (direct effects). Dryness reduced biomass production in sown communities and natural turf pieces, while waterlogging only reduced biomass in sown communities. Hydrological stress caused profound shifts in species’ abundances and consequently in plant functional community composition. Hydrologically stressed communities had higher CMW leaf dry matter content, lower CMW leaf nitrogen content, and lower functional diversity. Lower CWM leaf N content and functional diversity were strongly related to slower decomposition. These indirect effects paralleled direct effects, but were larger and longer‐lasting. Species mean traits from trait databases had therefore considerable predictive power for decomposition. Our results show that stressful soil moisture conditions, that are likely to occur more frequently in the future, quickly shift species’ abundances. The resulting functional community restructuring will decelerate decomposition under hydrological stress.