bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular and metabolic effects of metformin added to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review andmeta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Ying‐Shan , Chen Chu‐Na , Chen Zhen‐Guo , Peng Yu , Lin Xiao‐Pu , Xu Ling‐Ling 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is increasing among youth worldwide, translating to an increased risk ofearly‐onset cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mounting studies have shown that metformin may reduce maximal carotidintima‐media thickness (cIMT), improve insulin resistance and metabolic control in subjects with T1DM, and thus, may extend cardioprotective benefits. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of metformin added to insulin therapy on reducing CVD risks and improving metabolism in T1DM.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared metformin and insulin combination (duration ≥3 months) to insulin treatment alone in T1DM. Data were expressed as weighted/standardized mean differences (MDs/SMDs) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence.ResultsNineteen RCTs (n = 1540) met the eligibility criteria. Metformin treatment significantly reduced carotid artery intima‐media thickness (MD −0.06 mm [95% CI −0.88, −0.28],P< .001). Though no significant difference was found in insulin sensitivity (SMD 2.21 [95% CI −1.88, 6.29],P= .29), the total daily insulin dosage (SMD −0.81 [95% CI −1.25, −0.36],P< .001) along with traditional CVD risk factors showed improvement by better glycaemic control, partial lipid profiles, diastolic blood pressure, and limited weight gain, with neutral effect on diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and hypoglycaemia. However, metformin therapy increased the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events.ConclusionsMetformin with insulin has the potential to retard the progression of atherosclerosis and provides better metabolic control in patients with T1DM, and thus, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with T1DM on reducing CVD risks.
miR‐199 family contributes to regulation of sonic hedgehog expression during craniofacial development
Authors: Richbourg Heather A. , Hu Diane P. , Xu Yanhua , Barczak Andrea J. , Marcucio Ralph S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe frontonasal ectodermal zone (FEZ) is a signaling center that regulates patterned development of the upper jaw, and Sonic hedgehog (SHH) mediates FEZ activity. Induction of SHH expression in the FEZ results from SHH‐dependent signals from the brain and neural crest cells. Given the role of miRNAs in modulating gene expression, we investigated the extent to which miRNAs regulate SHH expression and FEZ signaling.ResultsIn the FEZ, the miR‐199 family appears to be regulated by SHH‐dependent signals from the brain; expression of this family increased from HH18 to HH22, and upon activation of SHH signaling in the brain. However, the miR‐199 family is more broadly expressed in the mesenchyme of the frontonasal process and adjacent neuroepithelium. Downregulating the miR‐199 genes expanded SHH expression in the FEZ, resulting in wider faces, while upregulating miR‐199 genes resulted in decreased SHH expression and narrow faces. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP3K4) appear to be potential targets of miR‐199b. Reduction of MAP3K4 altered beak development but increased apoptosis, while reducing HIF1A reduced expression of SHH in the FEZ and produced malformations independent of apoptosis.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that this miRNA family appears to participate in regulating SHH expression in the FEZ; however, specific molecular mechanisms remain unknown.
Caged fish experiment and hydrodynamic bidimensional modeling highlight the importance to consider 2D dispersion in fluvial environmental DNA studies
Authors: Laporte Martin , Bougas Bérénice , Côté Guillaume , Champoux Olivier , Paradis Yves , Morin Jean , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful tool to increase the efficiency of species detection and monitoring in aquatic ecosystems. Yet, several points remain to be clarified in order to estimate with better precision the distribution and abundance of targeted species, such as the dispersion and dilution of eDNA in large lotic systems. This study aimed to document the dispersion patterns of eDNA in the St. Lawrence River, the largest fluvial system in eastern North America. Caged Brown trout (Salmo trutta) were placed in two different water masses present in this part of the river, the Ottawa River, and water from the outlet of the Laurentian Great Lakes. eDNA detection of the caged fish was performed for two days following cage removal at 53 sampling stations located at 500 upstream, and 10, 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 m downstream from the cages. Quantitative PCR analysis using a Brown trout specific assay revealed a positive detection only at downstream stations and up to 5,000 m. To further investigate patterns of dispersion, the relative concentrations of eDNA were predicted using a bidimensional hydrodynamic model, calibrated for downstream advection and lateral mixing of particles (i.e., quantification of 2D dispersion). The detection and the quantities of eDNA obtained by qPCR analyses were compared with the model predictions. Our model which predicts a low lateral mixing and a downstream flow in direct line from the eDNA source best fits the results. We discuss how such studies can improve our capacity to produce more precise estimates of species abundance and distribution in order to better interpret eDNA signals in large lotic systems.
Seismic behavior of a partially grouted reinforced masonry structure: Shake‐table testing and numerical analyses
Authors: Koutras Andreas A. , Shing P. Benson 
Published: May 2020

SummaryIn regions of low to moderate seismicity in North America, reinforced masonry structures are mostly partially grouted. The behavior of such structures under lateral seismic loads is complicated because of the interaction of the grouted and ungrouted masonry. As revealed in past experimental studies, the performance of partially grouted masonry (PGM) walls under in‐plane cyclic lateral loading is inferior to that of fully grouted walls. However, the dynamic behavior of a PGM wall system under severe seismic loads is not well understood. In this study, a full‐scale, one‐story, PGM building designed for a moderate seismic zone according to current code provisions was tested on a shake table. It was shown that the structure was able to develop an adequate base shear capacity and withstand two earthquake motions that had an effective intensity of two times the maximum considered earthquake with only moderate cracking in mortar joints. However, the structure eventually failed in a brittle manner in a subsequent motion that had a slightly lower effective intensity. A detailed finite element model of the test structure has been developed and validated. The model has been used to understand the distribution of the lateral force resistance among the wall components and to evaluate the shear‐strength equation given in the design code. The code equation has been found to be adequate for this structure. Furthermore, a parametric study conducted with the finite element model has shown that the introduction of a continuous bond beam right below a window opening is highly beneficial.
Study on integrated solar combined cycle system with a new operation strategy of changeable integration mode under different Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) conditions
Authors: Wang Zhen , Duan Liqiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntegrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) system, which integrates solar thermal energy into traditional gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) system, has become an efficient way to reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and improve the thermal efficiency of the GTCC system. However, the volatility of solar energy usually results in low ISCC system thermal efficiency when no or low direct normal irradiance (DNI) is available because the ISCC system is usually not equipped with thermal energy storage system. In this paper, the ISCC system with a new operation strategy of changeable integration mode under different DNI conditions is proposed. The ISCC system model is constructed using the EBSILON software. Performance of ISCC system using the new operation strategy is investigated deeply. The results show that the ISCC system using the new operation strategy has higher annual solar to electricity efficiency (19.08%), 1.1% higher than that of the traditional ISCC system. Due to different DNI distributions in a whole year, the larger the distribution proportion of the low‐value DNI is, the greater the thermodynamic performance advantage of ISCC system with the optimization strategy is. Through the economic performance analysis, the LCOE of the ISCC system with the new optimization strategy is 0.223 $/kW·h, 0.01 $/kW·h lower than that of the traditional ISCC system. The LCOE decreases at first and then increases with the increase of the number of the parabolic trough collector. The optimal number of the parabolic trough collector corresponding to the new optimization strategy is 500. So this new operation strategy provides a new way for adequately utilizing the solar energy in ISCC system.
Techno‐economic comparative study of hybrid microgrids in eight climate zones of Iran
Authors: Sadat Seyyed Ali , Faraji Jamal , Babaei Masoud , Ketabi Abbas 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMany efforts have been made to increase the utilization of renewable energy resources (RESs) in Iran. This paper aimed to evaluate the techno‐economic performance of an introduced hybrid microgrid (HMG) in eight climate zones of Iran. Therefore, ten cities are selected from the eight climate conditions of Iran. An electricity pricing strategy is also implemented according to the electricity tariffs defined by the Ministry of Energy (MOE) of Iran. The proposed electricity pricing strategy is applied to the HOMER software for investigating the optimal system configuration, RES electricity generation, and the economics of each understudy city. Optimization results indicate that Urmia (in moderate and rainy climate zone) has the least net present cost (NPC) (−5839$) and levelized cost of energy (COE) (−0.0122 $/kWh), whereas Golestan (in semimoderate and rainy climate zone) has the highest NPC (4520 $) and COE (0.012 $/kWh). It is shown that the combination of photovoltaic (PV)/wind turbine (WT)/converter in the grid‐connected operation mode is the most economical configuration. Moreover, the cities with higher potentials of wind speed and solar irradiance have lower NPC and COE. It is concluded that the utilization of the battery energy storage (BES) is technically and economically infeasible for all eight climate zones, even if the stored electricity is sold to the grid. Two sensitivity analyses are conducted to the electricity feed‐in‐tariff (FiT) and solar module price, respectively. The first sensitivity analysis indicates that by increasing FiT, more contribution of RESs is seen, which leads to lower COE and NPC. Furthermore, the two cities of Urmia and Yazd have the highest NPC and COE reductions. The second sensitivity analysis studies the module price impacts on the NPC and COE of each understudy city. It is revealed that the PV module price has a considerable effect on NPC and COE. However, this effect is more significant in some cities such as Bam, where a linear relationship is seen between the module price and economic results (NPC and COE).
Primary vs nodal site PET/CT response as a prognostic marker in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Eckstein Jacob Matthew , Nolan Nicole , Healy Erin , Wright Chadwick Lewis , Jain Angita , Barney Christian Louis , Washington Iman , McElroy Joseph Paul , Grecula John Christopher , Wobb Jessica Lynn , Mitchell Darrion Luther , Miller Eric , Gamez Mauricio , Blakaj Dukagjin , Diavolitsis Virginia , Bhatt Aashish 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPositron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in staging of advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and at 3 months posttreatment (PETpost) is often utilized to assess response. The significance of lymph node vs primary site treatment response is incompletely understood.MethodsWe reviewed 230 patients treated with radiation therapy. PETpost response was graded at primary and nodal sites and correlated with survival.ResultsMedian age was 58, and 83% were p16‐positive. Median follow‐up was 24.3 months. Nodal response at PETpost predicted improved 2‐year local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) (93% vs 72%, P =.004), 2‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) (80% vs 61.3%, P =.021), and 2‐year overall survival (OS) (89% vs 83%, P =.051), while primary response only predicted improved 2‐year LRFS (91% vs 76% P = .035).ConclusionIn OPSCC patients, both nodal and primary response at 3 months on PET/CT predicted for improved LRFS, but only nodal response predicted DFS and OS.
Physical activity and risk of bladder cancer among postmenopausal women
Authors: Li Yueyao , Hendryx Michael S. , Xun Pengcheng , He Ka , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Lane Dorothy S. , Nassir Rami , Stefanick Marcia L. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Pal Sumanta Kumar , Luo Juhua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPhysical activity is associated with decreased risk for many cancers. Studies on the association between physical activity and risk of bladder cancer are limited, and findings are inconsistent. Postmenopausal women (mean age = 63.3) were recruited into the Women's Health Initiative from 1993 to 1998. Self‐reported baseline information on physical activity and other covariates were available in 141 288 participants. Incident bladder cancer cases were collected through 2018 and centrally adjudicated. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined by Cox proportional hazard regression models. Effect modification due to smoking was assessed. During an average of 18.5 years of follow‐up, 817 bladder cancer cases were identified. Compared to physically inactive women, those who engaged in ≥15 MET‐hours/week of total physical activity, ≥8.75 MET‐hours/week of walking or ≥11.25 MET‐hours/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity had lower risk of bladder cancer (HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59‐0.94, P for linear trend = .02; HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63‐0.98, P for linear trend = .03; and HR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61‐0.94, P for linear trend = .02, respectively). No effect modification was found by smoking status (P for interaction = .06, 0.91 and 0.27, respectively). We found that total physical activity, walking and moderate to vigorous physical activity were inversely associated with bladder cancer incidence among postmenopausal women in a dose‐response manner. Physical activity may play a potential role in the primary prevention of bladder cancer. Further studies with objective measurements of physical activity are needed to confirm these findings.
Cytological and spectroscopic characteristics of c‐KIT N822K mutation in core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Chen Yang , Wang Lingyan , Lin Xindi , Zhang Qian , Xu Yunchao , Lin Donghong , Xu Jianping , Feng Shangyuan , Hu Jianda 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe frequency of N822K mutation is high in the A‐loop region of c‐KIT which is highly associated with poor prognosis of core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia. The current work used common assays including cell cycle, apoptosis, clone formation and western blot to perform cytological detection for HL60 (wild type), NB4 (carrying t[15;17] chromosome translocation) and Kasumi‐1 (with c‐KIT N822K mutation); and meanwhile, the laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) was also used to perform label‐free detection of single living cells. The results demonstrated that Kasumi‐1 cell line bearing c‐KIT N822K mutation has a stable cell cycle, while there was a significant difference between early and late apoptosis within 48 hours. The LTRS detection initially reflected the spectral differences induced by genetic abnormalities and highlighted progressive patterns of DNA and amino acids band contents which were appropriately consistent with that of cell clone ratio and the c‐KIT phosphorylation level. It is concluded that methodology of LTRS‐based single living cell characterization could be potential and effective to reveal gene mutation‐induced cell differentiation.
MicroRNA‐127‐5p impairs function of granulosa cells via HMGB2 gene in premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Dang Yujie , Liu Ran , Zhao Shidou , Ma Jinlong , Qin Yingying 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDistinct microRNA (miRNA) profiles have been reported in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), but their functional relevance in POI is not yet clearly stated. In this study, aberrant expressions of miR‐127‐5p and high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) were observed by microarrays in granulosa cells (GCs) from biochemical POI (bPOI) women and further confirmed by a quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immortalized human granulosa cell line and mouse primary ovarian GCs were used for functional validation. Orthotopic mouse model was established to examine the role of miR‐127‐5p in vivo. Finally, the expression of miR‐127‐5p was measured in the plasma of bPOI women. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the indicative role of miR‐127‐5p for ovarian reserve. Results showed the upregulation of miR‐127‐5p was identified in GCs from bPOI patients. It inhibited GCs proliferation and impaired DNA damage repair capacity through targeting HMGB2, which was significantly downregulated in GCs from the same cohort of cases. miR‐127‐5p was confirmed to attenuate DNA repair capability via HMGB2 in mouse ovary in vivo. Intriguingly, the upexpression of miR‐127‐5p was also detected in plasma of bPOI individuals, suggesting that miR‐127‐5p could be a promising indicator for bPOI. Taken together, our results discovered the deleterious effects of miR‐127‐5p on GCs function and its predictive value in POI process. The target gene HMGB2 could be considered as a new candidate for POI. This study highlights the importance of DNA repair capacity for ovarian function and sheds light on the epigenetic mechanism in the pathogenicity of POI.
An Analytical Study on Public Leadership Styles Influencing Organizational Effectiveness of Indian Public Sector Banks: Today and Tomorrow
Authors: Mitra Dipa 
Published: May 2020

The Indian government has initiated a sea change by merging the public sector banks (PSBs). The number of banks is reducing drastically; though such mergers are taking place to construct viable banks so that they can compete globally with a bigger capital base. In this regard, descriptive research was performed to identify the most significant factors of effective public leadership styles of Indian PSBs to safeguard the human perspectives after merger. The study explored both preferred present as well as their future leadership styles. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the preferred public leadership styles towards organizational effectiveness of Indian PSBs both for today (preference) and in the future (expectation). Senior employees (N = 308) from PSBs located in all four regions of India were surveyed to develop a model based on the aforesaid present and future public leadership styles. Multivariate analyses were conducted to develop a model for the present, as well as future, public leadership styles at Indian PSBs. Because of the anticipation of supplementary changes in the Indian PSBs, the current study is relevant as it emphasizes the preferable public leadership styles and shows how some traditional and contemporary leadership styles emerge as the most preferable. Moreover, the current study may offer insights necessary to reengineer age‐old management styles, and to adopt the suggested approaches of public leadership not only to overcome today's problematic situation, but to also be proactive in the future.
pH‐Responsive Micelle‐Forming Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Bener Semira , Puglisi Antonino , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA novel pH‐responsive micellar nanoparticle based on poly(ethylene glycol)–polydimethylsiloxane–poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer with benzoic imine linkage is reported. A new synthetic approach to produce the pH‐cleavable polymer that can self‐assemble into stable micellar nanoparticle is presented. Such nanoparticles are stable at physiological pH, but degrade at slightly acidic pH, making this system potentially suitable to exploit pH gradients in biological compartments. The precursors, intermediates, final polymers, and micellar nanoparticles are characterized in detail by various spectroscopic techniques, gel permeation chromatography, and particle size measurements.
Targeting glycosylated antigens on cancer cells using siglec‐7/9‐based CAR T‐cells
Authors: Meril Sara , Harush Ortal , Reboh Yishai , Matikhina Tatyana , Barliya Tilda , Cohen Cyrille J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cells treatment demonstrate the increasing and powerful potential of immunotherapeutic strategies, as seen mainly for hematological malignancies. Still, efficient CAR‐T cell approaches for the treatment of a broader spectrum of tumors are needed. It has been shown that cancer cells can implement strategies to evade immune response that include the expression of inhibitory ligands, such as hypersialylated proteins (sialoglycans) on their surface. These may be recognized by sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐type lectins (siglecs) which are surface receptors found primarily on immune cells. In this regard, siglec‐7 and ‐9 are found on immune cells, such as natural killer cells, T‐cells, and dendritic cells and they can promote immune suppression when binding to sialic acids expressed on target cells. In the present study, we hypothesized that it is possible to use genetically engineered T‐cells expressing siglec‐based CARs, enabling them to recognize and eliminate tumor cells, in a non‐histocompatibility complex molecule restricted way. Thus, we genetically modified human T‐cells with different chimeric receptors based on the exodomain of human siglec‐7 and ‐9 molecules and selected optimal receptors. We then assessed their antitumor activity in vitro demonstrating the recognition of cell lines from different histologies. These results were confirmed in a tumor xenograft model exemplifying the potential of the present approach. Overall, this study demonstrates the benefit of targeting cancer‐associated glycosylation patterns using CAR based on native immune receptors and expressed in human primary T‐cells.
Consistent Cell‐selective Analog Series as Constellation Luminaries in Chemical Space
Authors: Naveja J. Jesús , Medina‐Franco José L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHigh‐throughput screening data of compounds consistently tested against the same panel of cell lines is a rich source of information for interrogating cell‐selectivity of a compound. Nevertheless, there is a high risk of false positives for these rapid‐testing strategies. Then, a single cell‐inactive compound can be mistakenly labeled as highly cell‐selective if a false positive occurs in any of the cell assays. More interesting would be the case of a series of analogs, which are structurally related compounds, that have a trend to be active only against a small number of cells. To this end, it is herein proposed a proof‐of‐concept of a method for finding consistent cell‐selective analog series of chemical compounds through analysis of high‐throughput cell‐compound screening data systematically obtained. Furthermore, statistics for quantifying cell‐promiscuity and consistency of an analog series are presented.