bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
10H‐3,6‐Diazaphenothiazines triggered the mitochondrial‐dependent and cell death receptor‐dependent apoptosis pathways and further increased the chemosensitivity of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells via inhibition of AKT1 pathways
Authors: Ren Guanghui , Hao Xiaoyan , Yang Shuyi , Chen Jun , Qiu Guobin , Ang Kok Pian , Mohd Tamrin Mohd Islahuddin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in cancer categories, followed by lung, colorectal, and ovarian among the female gender across the world. 10H‐3,6‐diazaphenothiazine (PTZ) is a thiazine derivative compound that exhibits many pharmacological activities. Herein, we proceed to investigate the pharmacological activities of PTZ toward breast cancer MCF‐7 cells as a representative in vitro breast cancer cell model. The PTZ exhibited a proliferation inhibition (IC50 = 0.895 µM) toward MCF‐7 cells. Further, cell cycle analysis illustrated that the S‐phase checkpoint was activated to achieve proliferation inhibition. In vitro cytotoxicity test on three normal cell lines (HEK293 normal kidney cells, MCF‐10A normal breast cells, and H9C2 normal heart cells) demonstrated that PTZ was more potent toward cancer cells. Increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species results in polarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), together with suppression of mitochondrial thioredoxin reductase enzymatic activity suggested that PTZ induced oxidative damages toward mitochondria and contributed to improved drug efficacy toward treatment. The RT2 PCR Profiler Array (human apoptosis pathways) proved that PTZ induced cell death via mitochondria‐dependent and cell death receptor‐dependent pathways, through a series of modulation of caspases, and the respective morphology of apoptosis was observed. Mechanistic studies of apoptosis suggested that PTZ inhibited AKT1 pathways resulting in enhanced drug efficacy despite it preventing invasion of cancer cells. These results showed the effectiveness of PTZ in initiation of apoptosis, programmed cell death, toward highly chemoresistant MCF‐7 cells, thus suggesting its potential as a chemotherapeutic drug.
Identification of the association between HBcAg-specific T cell and viral control in chronic HBV infection using a cultured ELISPOT assay
Authors: Chen Chengcong , Jiang Xiaotao , Liu Xuan , Guo Ling , Wang Weibin , Gu Shuqin , Wen Chunhua , Yi Xuan , Tang Libo , Li Yongyin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cells play a critical role in determining the outcome of HBV infection. However, T cell response induced by predominant Ag in chronic infection is hardly detectable owing to the lack of a suitable assay. We herein established an optimized method to enumerate HBV-specific T cells and assessed the association between HBV surface Ag (HBsAg) and HBV DNA. Sixty chronic HBV infection patients were enrolled. HBV-specific T cells were expanded by using overlapping peptide pools covering the entire sequence of HBV genotypes B and C. IFN-γ-producing HBV-specific T cells were detected by a cultured enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, ex vivo ELISPOT assay, or flow cytometry staining. The association between HBV-specific T cells and serum levels of HBsAg and HBV DNA were analyzed. Cultured ELISPOT assay had a higher sensitivity than ex vivo ELISPOT in the detection of HBV-specific T cells. Moreover, consistent results were acquired by flow cytometry analysis and cultured ELISPOT assay, but the latter required only a limited number of cells for detection. Interestingly, HBV core peptide pool induced a robust HBV-specific T cell response in patients with lower levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg. Specifically, the frequency of HBV core Ag-specific IFN-γ+ spot-forming cells was inversely correlated with serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg. An optimized cultured ELISPOT assay reveals the association between HBV core Ag-induced T cell response and HBV control; this method may favor the investigation of HBV-specific T cell in chronic HBV infection.
Microstructure, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutics of COVID‐19: A comprehensive review
Authors: Singh Satarudra Prakash , Pritam Manisha , Pandey Brijesh , Yadav Thakur Prasad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThere have been over seven million cases and almost 413 372 deaths globally due to the novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV) associated disease COVID‐19, as of 11 June 2020. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that there is a common source for these infections. The overall sequence similarities between the spike protein of 2019‐nCoV and that of SARS‐CoV are known to be around 76% to 78% and 73% to 76% for the whole protein and receptor‐binding domain (RBD), respectively. Thus, they have the potential to serve as the drug and/or vaccine candidate. However, the individual response against 2019‐nCoV differs due to genetic variations in the human population. Understanding the variations in angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) that may affect the severity of 2019‐nCoV infection could help in identifying individuals at a higher risk from the COVID‐19. A number of potential drugs/vaccines as well as antibody/cytokine‐based therapeutics are in various developmental stages of preclinical/clinical trials against SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and 2019‐nCoV with substantial cross‐reactivity, and may be used against COVID‐19. For diagnosis, the reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction is the gold standard test for initial diagnosis of COVID‐19. A kit based on serological tests are also recommended for investigating the spread of COVID‐19 but this is challenging due to the antibodies cross‐reactivity. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent reports available regarding the host‐pathogen interaction, morphological and genomic structure of the virus, and the diagnostic techniques as well as the available potential therapeutics against COVID‐19.
Efficacy and safety of umifenovir for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Dong , Yu He , Wang Ting , Yang Huan , Yao Rong , Liang Zongan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe conducted this systemic review and meta‐analysis in an attempt to evaluate the efficacy and safety of umifenovir in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and medRxiv database. We included both retrospective and prospective studies. The mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were applied to assess the effectiveness of umifenovir for COVID‐19. A total of 12 studies with 1052 patients were included in our final studies. Compared with control group, umifenovir was associated with higher negative rate of PCR on day 14 (RR:1.27; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.55). However, umifenovir is not related to nucleus acid negative conversion time (MD: 0.09; 95% CI: −1.48 to 1.65), negative rate on day 7 (RR:1.09; 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.31), incidence of composite endpoint (RR:1.20; 95% CI: 0.61 to 2.37), rate of fever alleviation on day 7 (RR:1.00; 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.10), rate of cough alleviation on day 7 (RR:1.00; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.18), or hospital length of stay (MD: 1.34; 95% CI: ‐2.08 to 4.76). Additionally, umifenovir was safe in COVID‐19 patients (RR for incidence of adverse events: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.57 to 2.92). The results of sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were similar to pooled results. There is no evidence to support the use of umifenovir for improving patient‐important outcomes in patients with COVID‐19.
Catheter vs thoracoscopic ablation for atrial fibrillation: Meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Liao Yi‐Wen (Becky) , Wang Michael Tzu Min , Martin Andrew 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe meta‐analyzed the efficacy and safety of catheter (CA) vs thoracoscopic (TA) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched until 31/12/2019 for relevant randomized trials and subsequent pooled analyses.ResultsIn six trials totaling 465 patients (254 CA/211 TA), 1‐year AF recurrences were higher for CA (46% vs 26%, odds ratio 2.90 [95% CI 1.32‐6.38]), whereas total adverse events were lower (10% vs 25%, 0.35 [0.14‐0.86], respectively).ConclusionCA has lower efficacy but higher safety than TA. CA should remain the first‐line AF ablation strategy, and TA reserved for selected CA‐resistant patients where rhythm control is clinically necessary.
Novel affinity chromatography method for the efficient purification of recombinant Binder of SPerm homolog proteins
Authors: Zarafshan Samin Sabouhi , Manjunath Puttaswamy 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn mammalian species, a family of proteins named the Binder of SPerm proteins, which are expressed in the male reproductive tract, have been shown to play a role in epididymal sperm maturation and sperm capacitation. Recently, one homolog from human and two homologs from mouse were characterized. In order to further investigate the biochemical activity of these proteins, efficient purification procedures are required to isolate the proteins. Since these proteins are produced in very minute quantities, we exploited the high capacity of Escherichia coli to produce larger quantities of recombinant proteins that were subsequently purified using affinity chromatography on a diethylaminoethyl‐Sephadex A‐25 column. Binder of SPerm proteins have been shown to interact with pseudo‐choline groups such as diethylaminoethyl through affinity rather than ionic interactions. The aim of the current study was to develop a novel method for purifying these recombinant proteins, produced in Escherichia coli cells. Diethylaminoethyl is positively charged and is a weak anion exchanger, but binder of sperm proteins interacts with affinity to this resin. This study presents a new, rapid, and cost‐effective purification method that provides with an exceptional purity level, which can be used to study their roles in mammalian fertilization.
Identifying and Controlling for Variation in Canid Harvest Data
Authors: Bauder Javan M. , Allen Maximilian L. , Ahlers Adam A. , Benson Thomas J. , Miller Craig A. , Stodola Kirk W. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTAn accurate understanding of harvest trends is required for effective wildlife management. Trapper harvest data represent valuable long‐term data for evaluating patterns and trends for wildlife species at broad spatiotemporal scales. Inferring accurate trends from harvest data, however, first requires identifying and controlling for confounding factors that vary independent of abundance. We investigated trends in 43 years of trapper harvest data (1976–2018) from Illinois, USA, for red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and coyote (Canis latrans) while controlling for factors that may affect trapper effort, including number of effective (i.e., successful) trappers, pelt price, gasoline price, winter unemployment, and winter weather conditions. Annual trapper harvest for red and gray foxes declined and was affected by gasoline price and winter unemployment, whereas annual trapper harvest for coyotes increased and was not strongly affected by other covariates. After adjusting for pelt price, harvest of red foxes was relatively stable, but harvest of gray foxes declined and harvest of coyotes increased. Effects of covariates on harvest per successful trapper varied by species; nevertheless, we detected an increasing trend for coyotes and decreasing trends for gray foxes and red foxes. Concordance across indices for gray foxes and coyotes was consistent with hypothesized declines for gray foxes and increases for coyotes in the midwestern United States. Trends for red foxes varied depending on how we accounted for potential confounding factors and it is unclear if these trends suggest population declines or distribution shifts to urban areas with reduced trapping susceptibility. Our results highlight the importance of understanding sources of variation in harvest data and that their effects can vary across species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Prevalence of Synchronous ESCN in Head and Neck Cancer: A Single‐Institution Perspective
Authors: Thakur Kuldeep , Singh Chirom A. , Thakar Alok , Kakkar Aanchal , Sikka Kapil , Kumar Rajeev , Sharma Suresh C. 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to determine the prevalence of synchronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. The secondary objective was to determine risk factors for the development of synchronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCN).Study Design: Cross sectional observation study.MethodsA prospective cross sectional, observational study on consecutive 300 newly diagnosed oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent trans‐nasal esophageal endoscopy with white light imaging and narrow band imaging.ResultsAmong 300 patients, index HNSCCs were located in the oral cavity (n = 154, 51.3%), oropharynx (n = 63, 21%), larynx (n = 53, 17.7%), and hypopharynx (n = 30, 10%). The prevalence of synchronous ESCN was 2.7% (n = 8), including four low‐grade, two high‐grade dysplasia, and two squamous cell carcinomas. On logistic regression analysis, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption (OR 8.7, P = .01) and primary HNSCC involving supraglottis [(OR 12.5, P = .02) were risk factors for synchronous ESCN. The association of pyriform sinus carcinoma and synchronous ESCN was of borderline significance (P = .054, OR 10.92).ConclusionThe prevalence of synchronous ESCN in HNSCC was 2.7%. Routine trans‐nasal esophagoscopy should be performed in all newly diagnosed patients with carcinoma of the supraglottis and pyriform sinus, and those with consumption of moderate to heavy alcohol for the screening of synchronous ESCN.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 131:E807–E814, 2021
Flexible Humidity and Pressure Sensors Realized by Molding and Inkjet Printing Processes with Sandwich Structure
Authors: Yang Congcong , Abodurexiti Ayinuer , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFlexible and wearable devices are important parts toward the realization of artificial intelligence and have an irreplaceable advantage over traditional rigid sensors. In this work, a film with double surface structure is prepared by using sandpaper and the leather with a rhombic structure as a mold, thereby obtaining a sandwich structure resistive type pressure sensor, which has high sensitivity (77.78 kPa−1, 24 Pa minimum detection) and wide detection range (0.024–230 kPa). The sensors have fast response time (30 ms) and high reliability over 5000 repetitive cycles. The humidity sensor is printed on the top layer of the sensor by using screen printing and inkjet printing technique, and the sandwich structure humidity and pressure sensor is obtained. The humidity sensors show the sensitivities of 0.137/%, 1.57/%, and 11.145/% in the relative humidity range from 25 to 55%, 55 to 70%, and 70 to 80%, respectively. Such sensors not only have excellent capabilities in pressure and humidity detection, but also avoid the complex process of multiple single‐function devices stacked on each other. The applications of sensors in monitoring artery pulse waves, detecting spatial pressure distribution, and sweat is demonstrated.
A dictionary‐based graph‐cut algorithm for MRI reconstruction
Authors: Xu Jiexun , Pannetier Nicolas , Raj Ashish 
Published: July 2020

PurposeCompressive sensing (CS)‐based image reconstruction methods have proposed random undersampling schemes that produce incoherent, noise‐like aliasing artifacts, which are easier to remove. The denoising process is critically assisted by imposing sparsity‐enforcing priors. Sparsity is known to be induced if the prior is in the form of theLp(0 ≤p≤ 1)norm. CS methods generally use a convex relaxation of these priors such as theL1norm, which may not exploit the full power of CS. An efficient, discrete optimization formulation is proposed, which works not only on arbitraryLp‐norm priors as some non‐convex CS methods do, but also on highly non‐convex truncated penalty functions, resulting in a specific type of edge‐preserving prior. These advanced features make the minimization problem highly non‐convex, and thus call for more sophisticated minimization routines.Theory and methodsThe work combines edge‐preserving priors with random undersampling, and solves the resulting optimization using a set of discrete optimization methods called graph cuts. The resulting optimization problem is solved by applying graph cuts iteratively within a dictionary, defined here as an appropriately constructed set of vectors relevant to brain MRI data used here.ResultsExperimental results with in vivo data are presented.ConclusionThe proposed algorithm produces better results than regularized SENSE or standard CS for reconstruction of in vivo data.
Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children With Excess Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Costa Caroline Abud Drumond , Mattiello Rita , Forte Gabriele Carra , Andrades Gabriela Rupp Hanzen , Crestani Francielly , Dalenogare Izadora Petruk , Einloft Paulo Roberto , Bruno Francisco , Tonial Cristian Tedesco , Garcia Pedro Celiny Ramos 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundBecause of its high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life and longevity, overweight in childhood and adolescence is a major public health concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether excess weight is associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).MethodThis retrospective cohort study was performed with children and adolescents admitted to a PICU over 3 years. Nutrition status was classified based on the body mass index z‐score for age, following World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The following outcomes were assessed: mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, length of admission, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.ResultsOf 1468 patients admitted during the study period, 1407 were included in the study: 956 (68.0%) had adequate weight, 228 (16.2%) were overweight, and 223 (15.8%) were underweight. Associations were detected between most variables and all nutrition categories (underweight, adequate weight, and overweight). In the descriptive analysis, mortality was more prevalent in nutrition status extremes (extremely underweight or overweight). An independent association between nutrition status and mortality was not detected in any category.ConclusionNutrition status was not independently associated with poor outcomes. However, overweight should be considered a potential risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in PICU admissions.
Psychometric properties of dementia attitudes scale, dementia knowledge assessment tool 2 and confidence in dementia scale in a Greek sample
Authors: Gkioka Mara , Tsolaki Magdalini , Papagianopoulos Sotirios , Teichmann Birgit , Moraitou Despina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimΤo validate the Greek version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2, the Dementia Attitudes Scale and Confidence in Dementia Scale.DesignA quantitative cross‐sectional design was applied for translation and validation. The STROBE checklist for observational research has been followed to this survey.MethodTwo hundred and twelve students from the School of Psychology (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). Psychometric properties were assessed through construct validity (principal component analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and convergent validity.ResultsHigh internal reliability was found for Confidence in Dementia Scale (α = 0.85), adequate reliability for Dementia Attitudes Scale (α = 0.74) and acceptable reliability for Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 (α = 0.68). Construct validity was satisfactory for Dementia Attitudes Scale (two factors: social comfort and knowledge). The convergent validity was supported to this survey. All three tools are reliable and valid to measure knowledge, confidence and attitudes towards dementia in Greek research context.
Adequacy of care provision in long‐term home nursing arrangements: A triangulation of three perspectives
Authors: Seidlein Anna‐Henrikje , Buchholz Maresa , Salloch Sabine , Buchholz Ines 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundA growing proportion of older people in Germany receive long‐term care from informal and professional caregivers at home. Their personal assessment of the individual care situation is scarcely considered.AimThis study aimed to explore the subjective views of care recipients, informal and professional caregivers on the adequacy of care provision in long‐term home care arrangements.Design and MethodsQualitative semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with ten care recipients, ten professional caregivers and eight informal caregivers to capture their perspectives on the adequacy of the care received and delivered. Qualitative content analysis was applied using MAXQDA software.ResultsAll groups highlighted that they perceive an underprovision of care, even though their explanations differed. The underprovision was mainly described regarding the quality rather than quantity of services. It occurs especially in interpersonal relationships and social inclusion, where the gap between the self‐perceived current situation and the desires of those affected is most prominent. The ambivalent impact of home care on social participation becomes apparent. Perceptions of an overprovision of care range from the view that it appears mainly with respect to informal care to the statement that it is currently non‐existent or generally impossible. Misprovision of care is experienced as serious whenever the interviewees face the challenge of preserving existing abilities or regaining certain skills.
Family composition and living arrangements—Cross‐sectional study on family involvement to self‐managed rehabilitation of people with coronary artery disease
Authors: Tuomisto Sonja , Koivula Meeri , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Helminen Mika 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimTo describe the family composition and living arrangements of persons diagnosed with coronary artery disease and those relationships to family involvement in self‐managed rehabilitation.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsData were collected with postal questionnaire from persons diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) by using the Family Involvement in Rehabilitation (FIRE) scale. It measures family members' promotion of patients' rehabilitation and issues encumbering rehabilitation in family. Statistical methods were used to analyse the data.ResultsPatients' gender and having children in the family were predictors of issues encumbering rehabilitation in the family. But when examining living arrangements, patients who lived with a spouse or underage children had a better environment for recovery than those who lived alone or with adult children. More attention should be paid to targeting appropriate support for persons with coronary artery disease and their family members during the rehabilitation phase.