bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term and long‐term unstimulated saliva flow following unilateral vs bilateral radiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shao Hui , de Almeida John R. , Watson Erin , Glogauer Michael , Xu Wei , Keshavarzi Sareh , O'Sullivan Brian , Ringash Jolie , Hope Andrew , Bayley Andrew , Bratman Scott V. , Cho John , Giuliani Meredith , Kim John , Waldron John , Spreafico Anna , Goldstein David P , Chepeha Douglas B. , Li Tong , Hosni Ali 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to compare unstimulated saliva flow using 3‐minute modified Schirmer test (MST) following bilateral vs unilateral radiotherapy (RT) in oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC).MethodsWe reviewed OPC patients treated with definitive intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) between 2011 and 2017. MST was measured at baseline, 1‐/6‐/12‐/24‐month post‐RT. MST values were compared between bilateral‐RT vs unilateral‐RT groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis (MVA) identified predictors of hyposalivation (MST < 25 mm).ResultsTotal 498 bilateral‐RT and 36 unilateral‐RT patients were eligible. The MST values at 1‐/6‐/12‐/24‐month post‐RT were all significantly reduced from baseline for the entire cohort. Baseline unilateral‐RT and bilateral‐RT MST values (in mm) were similar (P = .2), but much higher for unilateral‐RT 1‐month (mean: 19.1 vs 13.0, P = .03), 6‐month (20.5 vs 9.3, P < .001), 12‐month (20.1 vs 11.9, P < .01), and 24‐month post‐RT (22.2 vs 13.9, P = .04). MVA confirmed that unilateral RT reduced the likelihood of hyposalivation vs bilateral RT (OR 2.36, P = .006).ConclusionUnilateral RT reduces unstimulated salivary flow in OPC patients.
Prognostic value of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 in biomarker exploration using multiplex immunoassay in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with axitinib
Authors: Honma Naoko , Inoue Takamitsu , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Koizumi Atsushi , Yamamoto Ryohei , Nara Taketoshi , Kanda Sohei , Huang Mingguo , Numakura Kazuyuki , Saito Mitsuru , Narita Shintaro , Satoh Shigeru , Habuchi Tomonori 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsVascular endothelial growth factor‐directed therapies play a significant role in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Biomarkers for predicting treatment efficacy and resistance are required to develop personalized medicine. We evaluated multiple serum cytokine levels in patients with mRCC treated with axitinib to explore predictive biomarkers.MethodsFrom September 2012 to October 2015, serum samples were collected from 44 patients with mRCC before treatment and 4 weeks after axitinib initiation. Bio‐Plex Pro Human Cancer Biomarker Panels 1 and 2 were used to measure levels of 34 serum biomarkers related to angiogenesis and cell proliferation.ResultsPatients with partial response or stable disease had significantly decreased serum plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) level from pre‐treatment to 4 weeks after axitinib initiation compared with those with progressive disease (P = .022). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) in patients with increased serum PAI‐1 level from pre‐treatment to 4 weeks after axitinib initiation were significantly shorter than those with decreased serum PAI‐1 level (P = .027 and P = .026, respectively). Increased serum PAI‐1 level from pre‐treatment to 4 weeks after axitinib initiation was an independent prognostic marker for shorter PFS and OS in multivariate analyses (P = .015 and P = .032, respectively). The immunohistochemical staining intensity of PAI‐1 in tumor specimens was significantly associated with Fuhrman grade and presence of distant metastasis (P = .026 and P = .010, respectively).ConclusionsThe initial change in serum PAI‐1 level in the early stage of axitinib treatment could be a useful prognostic biomarker in patients with mRCC.
On the effect of heat generation/absorption on magnetohydrodynamic free convective flow in a vertical annulus: An Adomian decomposition method
Authors: Gambo Jeremiah J. , Gambo Dauda 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article deliberates fully developed natural convective flow of heat‐generating/absorbing fluid in open‐ended vertical concentric annulus under a magnetic field. The momentum and energy equations which arise from the definition of velocity and temperature are written in the dimensional form and then recast into the nondimensional form. Approximate solutions are obtained by using the semi‐analytical Adomian decomposition method. The solutions for the velocity, temperature, skin friction, mass flux and rate of heat transfer are obtained. The influence of physical parameters such as heat generation/absorption parameter and Hartmann number (M) are illustrated with the aid of graphs and tables. In the course of this investigation, it is found that an increase in the heat generation/absorption parameter increases the temperature. In addition, the magnitude of the temperature is higher for heat‐generating fluid in comparison to heat‐absorbing fluid. Furthermore, the temperature and velocity can be controlled by carefully selecting suitable values of the heat generation/absorption parameter and Hartmann number respectively.
Effects of aripiprazole long‐acting injectable antipsychotic on hospitalization in recent‐onset schizophrenia
Authors: Karlović Dalibor , Silić Ante , Crnković Danijel , Peitl Vjekoslav 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveRecent‐onset schizophrenia (ROS) represents a critical period that can greatly influence the clinical course of schizophrenia. The use of long‐acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) in this period is increasingly being considered as a first‐line treatment option. Aripiprazole LAI (ALAI) is the newest of all LAI's available on the market, with limited data on its effects on hospitalization rates after first episode of schizophrenia. It was our goal to evaluate whether ALAI has an effect on hospitalization rates, number of bed days and clinical improvement in patients with ROS.MethodsThis mirror‐image study included 138 inpatients suffering from schizophrenia. We collected sociodemographic data on all individuals, number of hospitalization days, hospitalization rates as well as Clinical Global Impression Scale—severity of illness (CGI‐S) and Clinician‐Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity (CRDPSS) scores at the initiation of ALAI and at the end of a 1 year follow up.ResultsMean number of hospitalizations and hospitalization days in the year after starting ALAI significantly decreased compared to the year before (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001). Mean scores on both CGI and CRDPSS also significantly decreased after initiating ALAI (p < 0.001).ConclusionResults suggest that ALAI is an important therapeutic option in patients with ROS. It leads to reduced usage of hospital services, potentially reducing the socio‐economic healthcare burden.
Role of the Hippo‐YAP/NF‐κB signaling pathway crosstalk in regulating biological behaviors of macrophages under titanium ion exposure
Authors: Tang Kai‐ming , Chen Wei , Tang Ze‐hua , Yu Xiao‐yu , Zhu Wen‐qing , Zhang Song‐mei , Qiu Jing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe presence of metal ions, such as titanium (Ti) ions, is toxic to adjacent tissues of implants. Indeed, Ti ions may induce an inflammatory response through the NF‐κB pathway, thus causing damage to soft and hard tissues. The involvement of Yes‐associated protein (YAP), a key factor of the Hippo pathway, in an immuno‐inflammatory response has been confirmed, whereas its role in Ti ion‐mediated inflammation has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of signal crosstalk between the Hippo/YAP and NF‐κB signaling pathways in the pro‐inflammatory effect of Ti ions on macrophages. In our work, RAW264.7 cells were cocultured with Ti ions. The migration capacity of macrophages under Ti ion exposure was measured by transwell assay. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expressions of related proteins. Polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The nucleus translocation of YAP and P65 was visualized and analyzed via immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that the migration of macrophages was promoted under Ti ion exposure. Ten parts per million Ti ions induced nuclear expression of YAP and activated the NF‐κB pathway, which finally upregulated the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Moreover, the inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway rescued the reduction of YAP expression under Ti ion exposure. Most importantly, the overexpression of YAP exacerbated the inflammatory response mediated by Ti ions through the NF‐κB pathway. In summary, this study explored the mechanism of Hippo‐YAP/NF‐κB pathway crosstalk involved in the regulation of macrophage behaviors under Ti ion exposure.
Evaluation of 3D PLLA scaffolds coated with nano‐thick collagen as carrier for hepatocytes
Authors: Hendrawan Siufui , Bono Epifania , Hutter Albert , Weber Ursula , Lheman Jennifer , Baer Hans U. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOrthotopic liver transplantation is presently the most effectual method for the treatment of end‐stage liver diseases. Though, one major issue is the restricted number of donor organs that are accessible. Hence, liver tissue engineering is under investigation with the goal of restoring liver functions. In this study, we investigated 3D porous scaffolds made of PLLA coated with a nano thick collagen layer (matrices). Primary rat dermal fibroblasts were used in a first study phase to check matrices' cytocompatibility. More than 70% of seeded cells could adhere and remain viable 24 and 48 hours after the seeding. To test the suitability of the matrices for human primary hepatocytes, HepaRG cells were seeded and analyzed for viability, adhesion rate, and functionality such as albumin secretion. About 80% of seeded HepaRG adhered to the scaffolds remaining viable up to 72 hours. Cells were homogeneously distributed in the entire scaffold with albumin secretion increasing with time. Our results indicate that PLLA collagen‐coated matrices allow hepatocytes attachment and distribution throughout the 3D structure, as well as support cell functionality. Such matrices have been applied in our clinical phase II trial. Functional hepatocytes were successfully implanted in patients suffering from liver‐cirrhosis with higher cell numbers and adhesions rate compared to our previous trial with the first matrix type and a general improvement in clinical condition.
Associations of combined genetic and epigenetic scores with muscle size and muscle strength: a pilot study in older women
Authors: He Lingxiao , Khanal Praval , Morse Christopher I. , Williams Alun , Thomis Martine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundInter‐individual variance in skeletal muscle is closely related to genetic architecture and epigenetic regulation. Studies have examined genetic and epigenetic relationships with characteristics of ageing muscle separately, while no study has combined both genetic and epigenetic profiles in ageing muscle research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between combined genetic and methylation scores and skeletal muscle phenotypes in older women.MethodsForty‐eight older Caucasian women (aged 65–79 years) were included in this study. Biceps brachii thickness and vastus lateralis anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSAVL) were measured by ultrasonography. Maximum isometric elbow flexion (MVCEF) and knee extension (MVCKE) torques were measured by a customized dynamometer. The muscle‐driven genetic predisposition score (GPSSNP) was calculated based on seven muscle‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). DNA methylation levels of whole blood samples were analysed using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays. The DNA methylation score was calculated as a weighted sum of methylation levels of sarcopenia‐driven CpG sites (MSSAR) or an overall gene‐wise methylation score (MSSNP, the mean methylation level of CpG sites located in muscle‐related genes). Linear regression models were built to study genetic and epigenetic associations with muscle size and strength. Three models were built with both genetic and methylation scores: (1) MSSAR + GPSSNP, (2) MSSNP + GPSSNP, and (3) gene‐wise combined scores which were calculated as the ratio of the SNP score to the mean methylation level of promoters in the corresponding gene. Additional models with only a genetic or methylation score were also built. All models were adjusted for age and BMI.ResultsMSSARwas negatively associated with ACSAVL, MVCEF, and MVCKEand explained 10.1%, 35.5%, and 40.1% of the variance, respectively. MSSARexplained more variance in these muscular phenotypes than GPSSNP, MSSNP, and models including both genetic and methylation scores. MSSNPand GPSSNPaccounted for less than 8% and 5% of the variance in all muscular phenotypes, respectively. The genotype and methylation level ofCNTFwas positively related to MVCKE(P = 0.03) and explained 12.2% of the variance. The adjustedR2and Akaike information criterion showed that models with only a MSSARperformed the best in explaining inter‐individual variance in muscular phenotypes.ConclusionsOur results improve the understanding of inter‐individual variance in muscular characteristics of older women and suggest a possible application of a sarcopenia‐driven methylation score to muscle strength estimation in older women while the combination with a genetic score still needs to be further studied.
Importance of “muscle” and “intestine” training before major HPB surgery: A review
Authors: Yokoyama Yukihiro , Nagino Masato , Ebata Tomoki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMajor hepato‐pancreato‐biliary (HPB) surgery is one of the most invasive abdominal surgeries. Through the experiences of several clinical trials, including those involving patients undergoing major HPB surgery, we have recognized the importance of “muscle” and “intestine” training before surgery. This review article summarizes the results of our clinical trials, specifically focusing on the importance of “muscle” and “intestine”. The patients with low skeletal muscle mass or those with low functional exercise capacity showed a significantly worse postoperative course and poor long‐term survival after surgery for HPB malignancy. The introduction of prehabilitation (preoperative physical and nutritional support) improved nutritional status and functional exercise capacity, even in patients with malignancy. Daily physical activity was correlated with nutritional status before surgery. These results indicated the usefulness of prehabilitation. The intestinal microenvironment, which is extrapolated from the fecal concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), showed a significant association with the incidence of surgery‐induced bacterial translocation and postoperative infectious complications (POICs). The use of perioperative synbiotics not only increased the fecal levels of SCFAs but also prevented the incidence of POICs. A recent study also indicated that there are correlations between muscle mass and the intestinal microenvironment. Further investigation is required to determine the best “muscle” and “intestine” training protocol to improve the outcomes of major HPB surgeries.
Private Capital Flows, Real Sector Growth and Institutional Quality in Africa
Authors: Asamoah Michael Effah , Alagidede Imhotep Paul , Adu Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe article examines the interconnections between capital flows, institutions and real sector growth in Africa. We show that capital flows (foreign direct investment, private debt and equity) have no direct favourable impact on the real sector. Initial assessments show that countries with robust institutional frameworks can benefit significantly from capital flows, as institutions moderate the positive impact of capital flows on real sector growth. Our marginal effect analyses show that the impact of private capital on real sector components is dependent on the type of capital, sector and the percentile level on institutions, in some cases, at the 90th percentile. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atrial conduction explains the occurrence of the P‐wave dispersion phenomenon, but weakly
Authors: Carmona Puerta Raimundo , Chávez González Elibet , Rabassa López‐Calleja Magda Alina , Lorenzo Martínez Elizabeth , Cruz Elizundia Juan Miguel , Padrón Peña Gustavo , Rodríguez González Fernando 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundP‐wave dispersion (PWD) is believed to be caused by inhomogeneous atrial conduction. This statement, however, is based on limited little solid evidence. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between atrial conduction and PWD by means of invasive electrophysiological studies.MethodsCross‐sectional study in 153 patients with accessory pathways and atrioventricular node reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) undergoing an electrophysiological study. Different atrial conduction times were measured and correlated with PWD.ResultsOnly the interatrial (P‐DCS) and left intra‐atrial conduction times (ΔDCS‐PCS) showed a significant correlation with PWD, but this correlation was weak. Multivariate linear regression analysis determined that both P‐DCS (β = 0.242; P = .008) and ΔDCS‐PCS (β = 0.295; P < .001) are independent predictors of PWD. Performing the multivariate analysis for arrhythmic substrates, it is observed that only ΔDCS‐PCS continued to be an independent predictor of PWD. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves showed that regardless of the types of arrhythmic substrates, PWD discriminates significantly, but moderately, to patients with P‐DCS and ΔDCS‐PCS ≥75 percentile.ConclusionsInteratrial and intraleft atrial conduction times were directly and significantly correlated with PWD, but only weakly, and were independent predictors of PWD. In general, PWD correctly discriminates patients with high values in interatrial and intraleft atrial conduction times, but moderately. This is maintained in cases with accessory pathways; however, in patients with AVNRT it only does so for intraleft atrial conduction times. Interatrial and intraleft atrial conduction times weakly explains PWD.
Preparation, characterization and antioxidant activity of astaxanthin esters with different molecular structures
Authors: Yang Lu , Qiao Xing , Liu Jing , Wu Lulu , Cao Yunrui , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAstaxanthin (Asta) is widely used in the nutraceutical and food industry because of its strong antioxidant properties. However, natural Asta mainly exists in the esterified form with various fatty acid chains, making it difficult to understand the particular molecular structure of astaxanthin esters (Asta‐Es) that have better antioxidant capacity. In this study, Asta‐Es with different molecular structures was systematically prepared, and identified by using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐visible), high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR). In addition, their antioxidant properties were evaluated by 2,2′‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS scavenging activity.RESULTSFourteen Asta‐Es with different molecular structures were systematically synthesized. This study used a simple and efficient method for the separation and purification of astaxanthin monoester (Asta‐ME) and astaxanthin diester (Asta‐DE) with high purity (86%–94%) by silica gel column chromatography. 13‐cis‐Asta‐E and 9‐cis‐Asta‐E were firstly identified from Asta‐E. The DPPH clearance rates and ABTS scavenging rates of Asta‐C4:0, Asta‐C8:0, Asta‐C12:0, and Asta‐C18:0 were relatively close, but the DPPH and ABTS scavenging rates of Asta‐C18:0, Asta‐C18:1, Asta‐C18:2, and Asta‐C22:6 increased gradually. Among all Asta‐Es, Asta‐C22:6/C22:6 showed the highest antioxidant capacity, with the DPPH and ABTS scavenging rates of 77.22 ± 3.29% and 51.84 ± 1.65%, respectively.CONCLUSIONIn this study, it was concluded that chemically synthesized Asta‐Es contained cis‐astaxanthin ester and polyunsaturated fatty acid chain increased the antioxidant activity of Asta, showing less effect of the length of fatty acid chain. These results provide useful information for the production and use of highly efficient Asta‐E as functional food and pharmaceutical ingredients. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Inhibition of miR‐181a attenuates sepsis‐induced inflammation and apoptosis by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting NF‐κB pathways via targeting SIRT1
Authors: Wu Zhu , Chen Jie , Zhao Wei , Zhuo Chun‐Hua , Chen Qiong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSepsis is caused by microbial infection with high mortality worldwide, and characterized by multiple organ dysfunction and systemic inflammatory response. Previous study shows that miR‐181a level is increased during sepsis; however, the mechanism is still unknown. Therefore, to identify the role of miR‐181a, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to stimulate mouse peritoneal macrophages. The expressions of miR‐181a and SIRT1 were identified by QRT‐PCR, the levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, p‐P65, Bcl‐2 and Bax were detected by western blotting, the inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β were detected by ELISA, and the apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase assay were used to unveil the binding sites and the targeted regulatory relationship of miR‐181a and SIRT1. LPS induced the upregulation of miR‐181a, downregulation of SIRT1 and a strong inflammatory response. In addition, LPS stimulation inhibited the expression of Nrf2 and activated the NF‐κB pathway. Moreover, the inhibition of miR‐181a attenuated inflammatory response and apoptosis during LPS stimulation, which was implemented by up‐regulating the expression of its target SIRT1. More fully, downregulation of SIRT1 by short hairpin interference resulted in a decreased expression of Nrf2, increased expression of p‐P65 and proinflammatory cytokines, and intensive apoptosis. Downregulation of miR‐181a could promote the expression of its target SIRT1, and then, attenuate inflammatory response and apoptosis via Nrf2 and NF‐κB signaling pathways during LPS treatment. miR‐181a can be a potential target of controlling the inflammatory response during sepsis and has important clinical significance for the treatment and rehabilitation of septic patients.
The use of bentonite and organic amendments for remediation of Cd contaminated fields: An environmental perspective
Authors: Pei Penggang , Xu Yingming , Zheng Shunan , Liang Xuefeng , Sun Yuebing , Lin Dasong , Wang Lin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA successful technique for remediation of cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil could not only reduce its availability but also improve soil biological function. However, there are few studies that evaluate the efficiency of remediation of Cd‐contaminated soil within a sustainability framework. Therefore, a field study was conducted to investigate the remediation effectiveness and environmental impact of Cd‐contaminated vegetable soils using bentonite (B), bentonite + mushroom residue (BMR1, BMR2), and bentonite + vermicompost (BVC1, BVC2). Soil Cd bioavailability were inhibited after applying of B, BMR and BVC, and the most significant reduction of CaCl2‐ and HCl‐Cd was obtained at BMR2, being 45.5 and 24.9% decreases, respectively, relative to the control groups. Meanwhile, the concentration of Cd in the edible parts of vegetables was reduced by amendments and lettuce and leafy lettuce met the maximum limit of contaminants in vegetables (0.2 mg kg−1) (GB2762‐2017). Combined treatments had greater effects on soil fertility parameters (e.g., higher values of available N, P and K, soil organic matter, and microbial biomass C and N) as well as microbial community composition which were characterized by significant increases in the Shannon and the Simpson indices, and the quantity and abundance of dominant genera. These findings offer evidence that combined amendments could be more efficiently used for the remediation of Cd‐contaminated soils, with the goal of low Cd availability in soil and uptake in the vegetables, and improving soil quality.