bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potentiality of Q3 characterization of nanosystem: Surrogate data for obtaining a biowaiver
Authors: Mohan Vignesh , Yadav Khushwant S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA tremendous increase in the entry of drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on nanotechnology has been observed as a result of the ability of pharmaceutical nanotechnology to overcome the various drawbacks related to the first generation DDS. The patent period of these proprietary branded drugs gives its manufacturers sole exclusivity of their product in the market. As the patent period of these products expire, the generic players will initiate their attempts to manufacture and bring generic versions of the reference listed drug product (RLD) into the market. The regulatory approval for a generic DDS based on nanotechnology requires proving the therapeutic equivalence of the generic product with that of the RLD via pharmacodynamics clinical endpoint study on healthy subjects or patients. These studies are extremely complex, expensive and time‐consuming and may have uncertain outcomes. Furthermore, development, scale‐up and manufacturing of generic versions of nanotechnology‐based DDS involves complex steps and achieving an optimized formulation heavily depends on the process parameters during manufacturing. The information in this review addresses the said issues above and emphasizes on the possibility of using exhaustive in vitro characterization of the generic versions of nanotechnology‐based DDSs in the current market to obtain a biowaiver. Various processes involved and their importance in obtaining an optimized formulation have been described to address the issue regarding manufacturing complexities.
Virulence phenotypes result from interactions between pathogen ploidy and genetic background
Authors: Feistel Dorian J. , Elmostafa Rema , Hickman Meleah A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractStudying fungal virulence is often challenging and frequently depends on many contexts, including host immune status and pathogen genetic background. However, the role of ploidy has often been overlooked when studying virulence in eukaryotic pathogens. Since fungal pathogens, including the human opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans, can display extensive ploidy variation, assessing how ploidy impacts virulence has important clinical relevance. As an opportunistic pathogen, C. albicans causes nonlethal, superficial infections in healthy individuals, but life‐threatening bloodstream infections in individuals with compromised immune function. Here, we determined how both ploidy and genetic background of C. albicans impacts virulence phenotypes in healthy and immunocompromised nematode hosts by characterizing virulence phenotypes in four near‐isogenic diploid and tetraploid pairs of strains, which included both laboratory and clinical genetic backgrounds. We found that C. albicans infections decreased host survival and negatively impacted host reproduction, and we leveraged these two measures to survey both lethal and nonlethal virulence phenotypes across the multiple C. albicans strains. In this study, we found that regardless of pathogen ploidy or genetic background, immunocompromised hosts were susceptible to fungal infection compared to healthy hosts. Furthermore, for each host context, we found a significant interaction between C. albicans genetic background and ploidy on virulence phenotypes, but no global differences between diploid and tetraploid pathogens were observed.
Visible Light Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Acetaminophen Determination using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with BiVO4 Nanoparticles
Authors: da Silva Araújo Mayara , Barretto Túlio Rolim , Galvão Juliana Costa Rolim , Tarley César Ricardo Teixeira , Dall'Antônia Luiz Henrrique , de Matos Roberto , Medeiros Roberta Antigo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA new and simple photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanoparticles and dihexadecyl phosphate (DHP) film was useful for acetaminophen (AC) determination. In 0.2 mol L−1 phosphate buffer (pH=9), the GCE without modification exhibited the smaller photocurrent (0.86 μA) when compared with GCE modified with 1.0 mg mL−1 or 2.0 mg mL−1 BiVO4 nanoparticles suspension (5.9 and 34 μA, respectively). Based on the photocurrent signal generated through the interaction between GCE, BiVO4 and the energy of visible light a chronoamperometric method for AC determination was developed. The AC linear range concentration from 0.099 to 0.99 μmol L−1 and limits of detection and quantification of 0.027 and 0.091 μmol L−1, respectively, was obtained. The proposed method was applied to the AC determination in commercial drugs and tap water with satisfactory accuracy and precision. Moreover, the PEC construction was easy and had a short response time, which might confer higher sample throughput for the method.
Massively parallel sequencing of STRs using a 29‐plex panel reveals stutter sequence characteristics
Authors: Wu Hao , Ji Ai‐Cen , Liu Yi‐Cheng , Kang Ke‐Lai , Zhang Chi , Li Zhi‐Wen , Ji An‐Quan , Ye Jian , Nie Sheng‐Jie , Wang Le 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMassively parallel sequencing of forensic STRs simultaneously provides length‐based genotypes and core repeat sequences as well as flanking sequence variations. Here, we report primer sequences and concentrations of a next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based in‐house panel covering 28 autosomal STR loci (CSF1PO, D1GATA113, D1S1627, D1S1656, D1S1677, D2S441, D2S1776, D3S3053, D5S818, D6S474, D6S1017, D6S1043, D8S1179, D9S2157, D10S1435, D11S4463, D13S317, D14S1434, D16S539, D18S51, D18S853, D20S482, D20S1082, D22S1045, FGA, TH01, TPOX, and vWA) and the sex determinant locus Amelogenin. Preliminary evaluation experiments showed that the panel yielded intralocus‐ and interlocus‐balanced sequencing data with a sensitivity as low as 62.5 pg input DNA. A total of 203 individuals from Yunnan Bai population were sequenced with this panel. Comparative forensic genetic analyses showed that sequence‐based matching probability of this 29‐plex panel reached 2.37 × 10−29, which was 23 times lower than the length‐based data. Compound stutter sequences of eight STRs were compared with parental alleles. For seven loci, repeat motif insertions or deletions occurred in the longest uninterrupted repeat sequences (LUS). However, LUS and non‐LUS stutters co‐existed in the locus D6S474 with different sequencing depth ratios. These results supplemented our current knowledge of forensic STR stutters, and provided a sound basis for DNA mixture deconvolution.
Bulimia nervosa in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results from an online survey of former inpatients
Authors: Schlegl Sandra , Meule Adrian , Favreau Matthias , Voderholzer Ulrich 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic might pose special challenges to patients with eating disorders (EDs) by interfering with daily routines. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the current pandemic on patients with bulimia nervosa (BN).MethodsFifty‐five former inpatients with BN completed an online survey on psychological consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as on changes in health care utilisation and on the use and helpfulness of different coping strategies.ResultsAlmost half of patients (49%) reported a deterioration of their ED symptomatology and 62% reported a reduced quality of life. The frequency of binge eating increased in 47% of patients and self‐induced vomiting in 36%. Forty‐six percent of patients stated a noticeable impairment of psychotherapy. Face‐to‐face psychotherapy decreased by 56% but videoconferencing therapy was only used by 22% of patients. Enjoyable activities, virtual social contacts with friends and mild physical activities were rated as the most helpful coping strategies among those most used.DiscussionApproximately one half to two‐thirds of former inpatients with BN experienced a negative impact of the crisis on their ED symptomatology and quality of life. In challenging times when face‐to‐face therapy options are restricted, e‐health treatments such as videoconferencing therapy should be considered to ensure continuity of care.
A novel high polymer nanocomposite inhibitor for coal gangue spontaneous combustion prevention: A case study of Yangquan coal gangue in China
Authors: Huang Zhian , Le Tian , Gao Yukun , Shao Zhenlu , Zhang Yinghua , Li Jinyang , Ma Zhenzhen 
Published: August 2020

SummaryCoal gangue spontaneous combustion produces toxic and harmful gases. This research aims to study a new type of polymer nanocomposite inhibitor to prevent and control coal gangue spontaneous combustion. Nanomodification of montmorillonite (MMT) was carried out on high polymer emulsion inhibitor polyacrylamide (PAM) to improve its thermal stability and overcome the short inhibition duration problem. First, through scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and proximate analysis experiments, it was found that the coal gangue in the Yangquan mining area was prone to spontaneous combustion. Then, PAM/MMT was produced by an intercalation method. The results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the interval spacing of MMT increased, which was sufficient for the insertion of acrylamide monomer. The vitrification temperatures of PAM and PAM/MMT prove that PAM/MMT exhibited higher thermal stability. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments indicated that the PAM/MMT composite inhibitor agent effectively inhibited the oxidative activity of reactive groups on the coal gangue surface. As a result, PAM/MMT could suppress coal gangue oxidative spontaneous combustion, so as to reduce environmental problems caused by coal gangue spontaneous combustion. Furthermore, a spraying process is designed for the application of the inhibitor.
Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 and geniposide counteract montmorillonite‐induced constipation in Kunming mice
Authors: Gan Yi , Liang Jie , Diao Wenjing , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Pang Liang , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractConstipation is a common clinical manifestation of digestive system disorders and occurs worldwide. This study investigated the ability of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 (LP‐KSFY06) to promote the action of geniposide in preventing montmorillonite‐induced constipation in Kunming mice, with the aim of providing a successful solution. The effects of LP‐KSFY06 and geniposide on constipation were measured, and the results showed that the protective effect of geniposide on constipation was enhanced by LP‐KSFY06 and that the combination resulted in increased weight, moisture content, and particle number of feces. The first black stool defecation time was decreased from 182 min to 87 min, which clearly indicates that defecating difficulty was alleviated in constipated mice. The synergic intervention of LP‐KSFY06 and geniposide (LP + G) assisted in maintaining the body weight of constipated mice. The LP + G intervention significantly increased serum levels of motilin (MTL, 167.8 pg/ml), acetylcholinesterase (AChE, 45.3 pg/ml), substance P (SP, 61.0 pg/ml), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 70.5 pg/ml), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1, 16.1 pg/ml), and gastrin (73.0 pg/ml) and remarkably decreased somatostatin (SS, 35.2 pg/ml) when compared to those indexes in the LP‐KSFY06 group and geniposide group. The LP + G treatment also significantly increased the mRNA expression of cluster of differentiation 117 (c‐Kit), stem cell factor (SCF), glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and remarkably downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). The experimental results showed that the combination treatment has the strongest prevention effect against constipation, and LP‐KSFY06 promotes the ability of geniposide to prevent constipation. Therefore, LP‐KSFY06 is a potential probiotic strain with the capacity to prevent montmorillonite‐induced constipation.
Successful use of a therapeutic trial of graduated volume and dose escalation for postoperative head and neck radiotherapy in a Fanconi anemia patient
Authors: Lewis Luke M , Tang Alice L , Wise‐Draper Trisha M , Myers Kasiani C , Greenberger Joel S , Takiar Vinita 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with the heritable disease, Fanconi anemia (FA), have a 500‐fold risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). However, the use of conventional cytotoxic agents including radiation therapy and cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is contraindicated in patients with FA due to underlying DNA repair defects.Methods/ResultsWe present a young FA patient with recurrent HNSCC and high‐risk pathologic features treated with a therapeutic trial of chemoradiation. This novel strategy employs a gentle radiation dose and volume escalation with concurrent pembrolizumab. The patient completed the entire course of therapy with no treatment delays or interruptions.ConclusionsThe FA patient population has a clear need for adjuvant treatment regimens given their predilection for HNSCC. A therapeutic trial may allow FA and other radiosensitive patients to trial radiation with the option to terminate treatment before any severe side effects occur and for some to complete a full course of treatment.
Methods Matter: Methods for Sampling Microplastic and Other Anthropogenic Particles and Their Implications for Monitoring and Ecological Risk Assessment
Authors: Hung Charlotte , Klasios Natasha , Zhu Xia , Sedlak Meg , Sutton Rebecca , Rochman Chelsea M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
To inform mitigation strategies and understand how microplastics affect wildlife, research is focused on understanding the sources, pathways, and occurrence of microplastics in the environment and in wildlife. Microplastics research entails counting and characterizing microplastics in nature, which is a labor-intensive process, particularly given the range of particle sizes and morphologies present within this diverse class of contaminants. Thus, it is crucial to determine appropriate sampling methods that best capture the types and quantities of microplastics relevant to inform the questions and objectives at hand. It is also critical to follow protocols with strict quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures so that results reflect accurate estimates of microplastic contamination. Here, we assess different sampling procedures and QA/QC strategies to inform best practices for future environmental monitoring and assessments of exposure. We compare microplastic abundance and characteristics in surface-water samples collected using different methods (i.e., manta and bulk water) at the same sites, as well as duplicate samples for each method taken at the same site and approximate time. Samples were collected from 9 sampling sites within San Francisco Bay, California, USA, using 3 different sampling methods: 1) manta trawl (manta), 2) 1-L grab (grab), and 3) 10-L bulk water filtered in situ (pump). Bulk water sampling methods (both grab and pump) captured more microplastics within the smaller size range (&lt;335 µm), most of which were fibers. Manta samples captured a greater diversity of morphologies but underestimated smaller-sized particles. Inspection of pump samples revealed high numbers of particles from procedural contamination, stressing the need for robust QA/QC, including sampling and analyzing laboratory blanks, field blanks, and duplicates. Choosing the appropriate sampling method, combined with rigorous, standardized QA/QC practices, is essential for the future of microplastics research in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:282–291. © 2020 SETAC
KEY POINTS
It is critical to determine appropriate sampling methods that best capture the types and quantities of microplastics relevant to inform the questions and objectives at hand. Adhering to protocols with strict quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures ensures that results reflect accurate estimates of microplastic contamination. Taking duplicate samples can reveal the variability between samples at a single site. Manta samples capture a greater diversity of morphologies than do grab samples, but they underestimate smaller-sized particles.
Process mapping of the urgent red cell exchange procedure for patients with severe complications of sickle cell disease at a centralized hemapheresis service
Authors: Smith Jacob A. , Seheult Jansen N. , Sevcik Joan , Kiss Joseph E. , Kaplan Alesia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSickle cell disease (SCD) patients require urgent red cell exchange (RCE) procedures for acute chest syndrome (ACS), demanding a coordinated effort of multiple clinical services. Execution of RCE is a multistep process from the time the procedure is requested to the time the procedure is initiated. A retrospective review of patients with SCD requiring urgent RCE for ACS and stroke from 2012 to 2017 was performed at a centralized hemapheresis service covering a multihospital healthcare system. A total of 30 urgent RCE procedures performed on 28 patients were evaluated. The time required for red blood cell (RBC) preparation was the longest step in the process (median 3.8 hours). Furthermore, RBC preparation time was longer for sickle cell patients with RBC alloimmunization compared with nonalloimmunized patients (8.6 vs 3.8 hours, P = .03). One mortality event occurred in Ab− group. This study identified potentially modifiable factors, which impact the time to implementation of RCE in one service area. It highlights the importance of a structured and coordinated approach for the efficient and timely delivery of this vital treatment modality.
Hetero type III‐B rotaxane dendrimers
Authors: Kwan Chak‐Shing , Leung Ken Cham‐Fai 
Published: August 2020

AbstractType III‐B rotaxane dendrimer is a member of the rotaxane dendrimer family, but it is defined as dendritic polyrotaxane, branched through rings. Such rotaxane dendrimers have been synthesized through versatile copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reactions. In order to incorporate more functionalities into type III‐B rotaxane dendrimers, three different potential functionalities—azobenzene toward light switch, daisy chain toward higher degree of contraction, and extension and cyclobis (paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT) toward redox chemistry—were combined into the original design of type III‐B rotaxane dendrimers. Two azo‐based G1/G2 and four new G1 and G2 hetero type III‐B rotaxane dendrimers were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Analysis of microRNA processing machinery gene (DROSHA, DICER1, RAN, and XPO5) variants association with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Fawzy Manal S. , Abu AlSel Baraah T. , Toraih Eman A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundMicroRNA (miRNA) processing machinery gene variant was associated with several diseases. We aimed to explore for the first time the association of machinery gene (DROSHA rs10719A/G; DICER1 rs3742330A/G; RAN rs14035C/T; and XPO5 rs11077T/G) variants with the susceptibility and phenotype of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).MethodA total of 281 participants (98 ESRD patients and 183 healthy volunteers) were enrolled. Real‐Time TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was applied for the genotyping of the specified variants. Multiple logistic regression models, univariate, multivariate, and principal component analyses were carried out.ResultsCarrying one DICER1 rs3742330*G allele conferred protection against developing ESRD [heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.15‐0.62, dominant model: OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17‐0.70]. Similarly, for XPO5 rs11077T/G, homozygote and heterozygote carriers of G variant were less likely to develop ESRD [homozygote comparison: adjusted OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.11‐0.50, and heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.22‐0.92, and allelic model: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.34‐0.70]. RAN rs14035*TT subjects were 5 times more likely to develop ESRD while being heterozygote (CT) have twice the risk [homozygote comparison: 5.18, 95% CI = 2.28‐11.8, heterozygote comparison: OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.10‐409]. Subgroup analysis also detected DICER1 rs3742330*A, XPO5 rs11077*T, and RAN rs14035*T as genetic risk determinants for ESRD development in both sex and age categories. Two genotype combinations of DROSHA/DICER1/XPO5/RAN were associated with increased susceptibility to ESRD [A‐A‐T‐T: OR = 9.49, 95%CI = 2.48‐36.31 (P = .001) and G‐A‐T‐T: OR = 5.92, 95%CI = 1.77‐19.83 (P = .004), respectively].ConclusionVariants and combined genotypes of DICER1 rs3742330, XPO5 rs11077, and RAN rs14035 might be associated with ESRD development in the study population. Integrating molecular analysis in ESRD risk stratification is warranted.
Icariin ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic rats by suppressing ER stress via the PPARα/Sirt1/AMPKα pathway
Authors: Yao Wenhui , Wang Kai , Wang Xiniao , Li Xinran , Dong Jieyan , Zhang Yusheng , Ding Xuansheng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIcariin (ICA), as a flavonoid glycoside, is associated with the improvement of vascular complications in diabetes. However, its protective mechanisms remain to be well‐established. Here, we tested the hypothesis that ICA attenuates vascular endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in type 1 diabetes. In streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, ICA positively affected acetylcholine‐induced vasodilation and phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction in aortas. ICA treatment significantly attenuated ER stress in diabetic rats and high‐glucose induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Incubation with ICA in vitro attenuated vascular reactivity in diabetic rats, which was blocked by the ER stress inducer, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα), sirtuin1 (Sirt1), or AMP‐activated protein kinase‐α (AMPKα) inhibitors. Western blot showed that ICA activated the PPARα/Sirt1/AMPKα pathway, which contributed to reducing ER stress and activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase in vivo and vitro. Our results implicate that ICA normalizes ER stress to attenuate endothelial dysfunction by the regulation of the PPARα/Sirt1/AMPKα pathway.
Putative adult neurogenesis in palaeognathous birds: The common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: Mazengenya Pedzisai , Bhagwandin Adhil , Ihunwo Amadi O. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the current study, we examined adult neurogenesis throughout the brain of the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) using immunohistochemistry for the endogenous markers PCNA which labels proliferating cells, and DCX, which stains immature and migrating neurons. The distribution of PCNA and DCX labelled cells was widespread throughout the brain of both species. The highest density of cells immunoreactive to both markers was observed in the olfactory bulbs and the telencephalon, especially the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle. Proliferative hot spots, identified with strong PCNA and DCX immunolabelling, were identified in the dorsal and ventral poles of the rostral aspects of the lateral ventricles. The density of PCNA immunoreactive cells was less in the telencephalon of the emu compared to the common ostrich. Substantial numbers of PCNA immunoreactive cells were observed in the diencephalon and brainstem, but DCX immunoreactivity was weaker in these regions, preferentially staining axons and dendrites over cell bodies, except in the medial regions of the hypothalamus where distinct DCX immunoreactive cells and fibres were observed. PCNA and DCX immunoreactive cells were readily observed in moderate density in the cortical layers of the cerebellum of both species. The distribution of putative proliferating cells and immature neurons in the brain of the common ostrich and the emu is widespread, far more so than in mammals, and compares with the neognathous birds, and suggests that brain plasticity and neuronal turnover is an important aspect of cognitive brain functions in these birds.