bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autophagy Inhibition Preserves Tight Junction of Human Cerebral Microvascular Endothelium Under Oxygen Glucose Deprivation
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Xu Jihong , Xi Jin , Grothusen John R. , Liu Renyu 
Published: November 2020

Aims::
To investigate the role of autophagy in the tight junction of human brain endothelial
cells during hypoxia and ischemia.

Background::
Endothelial cells play an important role in the initiation, progression and recovery
from ischemic stroke. The role of autophagy on human brain endothelial cells (HBECs) subjected
to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) is not fully elucidated.

Objective::
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of autophagy on HBECs during
OGD.

Methods::
HBECs were cultured in a 96-well plate and underwent 4 hours of OGD. For drug treatment,
3-Methyladenine (3-MA) (5mmol/L), an inhibitor of autophagy, was added at the start of
OGD. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were tested by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) assays. Morphological changes in cells were examined by immunofluorescence
microscopy. The protein expression of light chain 3 (LC3) was measured. Autophagosomes and endothelial
cell tight junctions were observed using transmission electron microscopy.

Results::
The results showed that OGD induced serious damage to HBECs. Cell viability was decreased
significantly and LDH release increased significantly (p<0.05) following OGD. 3-MA protected
HBECs from damage. Immunostaining further confirmed these results. Since 3-MA is an inhibitor
of autophagy, we chose to examine alterations in the amount of LC3, a marker of autophagy.
The ratios of LC3-II to LC3-I were significantly lower in the 3-MA treated OGD group than in
the non-3-MA treated OGD group (p<0.05). Electron microscopy showed that 3-MA inhibited the
formation of autophagolysosomes and revealed that the tight junction ultrastructure of HBECs,
which was destroyed by OGD, was significantly protected by treatment with 3-MA.

Conclusions::
Autophagy is a key response to oxygen-glucose deprivation stress and its detrimental
effects are closely related to the destruction of tight junctions of human brain endothelial cells.
Strategies to inhibit autophagy could help to preserve tight junctions.
Anti-oxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Mongolian Medicinal Plant Extracts and Structure Isolation of Gnetin-H Compound
Authors: Nyamsambuu Altannavch , Ahmed Ashfaque , Khusbu Farjana Yeasmin , Oidovsambuu Sarangerel , Khan Md. Asaduzzaman , Zhou Xi , Fu Jun-jiang , Chen Han-Chun 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Reactive oxygen species are involved in the etiology and progress of many
kinds of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.
Epidemiological studies reported that fruits, vegetables, and wines containing a high percentage
of phenolics and flavonoids showed a positive impact in treating inflammatory diseases, reducing
cancer risk, and increasing life expectancy.

Objective:
Some Mongolian medicinal plants were studied for their antioxidant activity and anticancer
effects.

Methods:
Selected Mongolian medicinal plant extracts were examined for their antioxidant activity
by the DPPH-radical scavenging assay, the content of phenolics and flavonoids by Folin-Ciocalteu
and the Dowd method, respectively, and anti-cancer activities in human hepatoma cell line HepG2
cells by MTT assay.

Results:
Methanol extract from Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaf and ethanol extract from Artemisia
macrocephala Jacq. ex Bess. showed the highest efficiency to scavenge free radicals. Ethanol extracts
from Hippophae rhamnoides L. grain and Paeonio anomala L. leaf showed the highest total phenolics
content, whereas Hippophae rhamnoides L. fruit methanol extract and ethanol extract from Caragana
leucophloea pojark. mentioned the highest flavonoids content. The Artemisia macrocephala
Jacq. ex Bess seed wallet and Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet showed the most potent antiproliferative
effects against human liver cancer HepG2 cell line. Gnetin-H compound was isolated from the
Paeonio anomala L. seed wallet extract, and its molecular structure was determined by 1H and 13C
NMR spectrum and IR spectroscopy methods.

Conclusion:
The screening study on anti-oxidative effects of 21 extracts from 15 Mongolian medicinal
plants showed anti-oxidative activities and was rich in phenolics and flavonoids. Among these,
methanol extract of the Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaf showed a better anti-oxidative effect than the
ethanol extract. Artemisia macrocephala Jacq. ex Bess and Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet mentioned
the best anti-cancer effects. Gnetin-H, methyl gallate, ethylgallate were the major components
in the extract from the Paeonio anomala L. seed wallet. Finally, the molecular structure of gnetin-H
was determined by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Further investigation, especially in vivo antioxidant
activity, is needed to justify the use of a natural source of antioxidants to prevent the progression of
diseases such as cancer.
Exploring the Selectivity Profile of Sigma Receptor Ligands by Molecular Docking and Pharmacophore Analyses
Authors: Righetti Giada , Tonelli Michele , Fossa Paola , Cichero Elena 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Sigma receptors (Rs), initially classified as an additional class of opioid
receptors, are now recognized as a unique entity with no homology to opioid receptors divided into
two distinct subtypes, namely σ1R and σ2R. σ1R-targeting ligands have been conceived and explored
for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders and neuropathic pain. Activation of the σ2R
appears to be involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and cell death.

Objective:
Up to now, the rational design of novel σ1R ligands was efficiently guided by computational
methods, especially relying on homology modeling studies. Conversely, the limited number of
in silico studies was applied in the search of σ2R-targeting compounds. Herein we explored several
series of σ1R ligands, by computational methods, featuring variable selectivity profile towards σ1R
and σ2R in order to gain useful information guiding the rational design of more selective ligands.

Methods:
Based on the recent X-ray crystallographic structure of the human σ1R, in-depth molecular
docking studies on different series of σR ligands have been performed. These calculations have been
followed by molecular dynamic simulations (MD) and two pharmacophore analyses, taking into account
the activity levels towards σ1R and σ2R.

Results:
Structure-based studies revealed key contacts to be achieved in order to guide selectivity of
σ1R-targeting compounds while the two pharmacophore models described the main features turning
into effective σ1R or σ2R ligands.

Conclusion:
The applied computational approach allowed a more comprehensive exploration of the
structure-activity relationship (SAR) within the herein analyzed σR ligands, deriving useful guidelines
for the rational design of more selective compounds.
Efficacy and Safety of EGFR Inhibitors in the Treatment of EGFRPositive NSCLC Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dang Amit , Dang Sumit , Vallish B.N. 
Published: November 2020

Background::
We compared the response rates, survival rates, and safety profile of epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFR) inhibitors with non-targeted chemotherapy and older EGFR inhibitors when used to treat advanced nonsmall
cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating EGFR mutations.

Methods::
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and clinicaltrial.gov for randomized
controlled trials published until 11-Feb-2020. Treatment outcomes were compared between EGFR inhibitor and pooled
comparator; a subgroup analysis compared outcomes between EGFR inhibitor and non-targeted chemotherapy, and
between newer and older EGFR inhibitors.

Results::
Twenty-one studies with 4,250 unique patients were included. Significantly higher objective
response rate (ORR) (odds ratio (OR) 2.28; 95% CI 2.00-2.61), higher disease control rate (DCR)
(OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.88-3.06), and longer progression-free survival (PFS) (Hazard ratio (HR)
0.56; 95% CI 0.52-0.60) were observed in the EGFR inhibitor group compared to the pooled comparator
group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the ORR, DCR, and PFS were significantly higher
with EGFR inhibitors than non-targeted chemotherapy, and only PFS (and not ORR and DCR) was
significantly longer with newer EGFR inhibitors than the older EGFR inhibitors. Overall survival
(OS) was not significantly different between EGFR inhibitors and pooled comparator (HR 0.91;
95% CI 0.83-1.00) as well as in either of the subgroup analyses. Adverse events ≥ grade 3 and treatment
discontinuation were significantly higher with non-targeted chemotherapy compared to the
EGFR inhibitors.

Conclusions::
The benefits of prolongations of ORR, DCR, and PFS might not imply significantly improved OS after
therapy with EGFR inhibitors when compared with non-targeted chemotherapy or older EGFR inhibitors.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of KW-2449 on Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: An Experimental Study on Mice
Authors: Ahmadabad Hasan N. , Abbaspour Allireza , Panahi Yaser , Tahmasebi Saeed , Hossein-Khannazer Nikoo , Afraei Sanaz , Miladi Hosein , Goudarzvand Mahdi , Kamali Ali N. , Bagheri Yasser , Yazdani Reza , Di Fiore Maria M. , Azizi Gholamreza 
Published: November 2020

Background:
The KW-2449 is a novel multikinase inhibitor that inhibits FLT3, ABL,
ABL-T315I, and Aurora A. FLT3 and Aurora A kinases play an important role in the pathogenesis
of multiple sclerosis (MS). KW-2449 could modulate immune cells, but the immunomodulatory effects
of KW-2449 on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have not been investigated
yet. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of KW-2449 on EAE mouse model.

Methods:
In this study, C57BL/6 EAE mice were orally treated with (10 mg/kg/day) KW-2449 solution
and compared with EAE and control mice. Following the treatment, histological analyses
were performed on the brain and cerebellum to evaluate the pathological score. The gene expression
levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and chemokine (C-C motif)
ligand 2 (CCL2) were measured using qRT-PCR. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CCL-2 and
MMP-2 were determined by using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:
The results indicated that the clinical score, the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the
demyelination in EAE mice treated with KW-2449 decreased significantly compared to control
groups. KW-2449 also decreased TNF-α, IL-6, CCL-2 inflammatory cytokines, and MMP-2 in
both brain mRNA expressions and serum levels of EAE mice.

Conclusion:
The KW-2449, aging as a multi-kinase inhibitor, modulates the inflammatory responses
of cytokine cascades either in the brain or in plasma and reduces EAE pathogenesis manifestation.
eHealth Practices in Cancer Survivors With BMI in Overweight or Obese Categories: Latent Class Analysis Study
Authors: Lin Annie Wen , Baik Sharon H , Aaby David , Tello Leslie , Linville Twila , Alshurafa Nabil , Spring Bonnie 
Published: November 2020

Background
eHealth technologies have been found to facilitate health-promoting practices among cancer survivors with BMI in overweight or obese categories; however, little is known about their engagement with eHealth to promote weight management and facilitate patient-clinician communication.

Objective
The objective of this study was to determine whether eHealth use was associated with sociodemographic characteristics, as well as medical history and experiences (ie, patient-related factors) among cancer survivors with BMI in overweight or obese categories.

Methods
Data were analyzed from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey (National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey). Latent class analysis was used to derive distinct classes among cancer survivors based on sociodemographic characteristics, medical attributes, and medical experiences. Logistic regression was used to examine whether class membership was associated with different eHealth practices.

Results
Three distinct classes of cancer survivors with BMI in overweight or obese categories emerged: younger with no comorbidities, younger with comorbidities, and older with comorbidities. Compared to the other classes, the younger with comorbidities class had the highest probability of identifying as female (73%) and Hispanic (46%) and feeling that clinicians did not address their concerns (75%). The older with comorbidities class was 6.5 times more likely than the younger with comorbidities class to share eHealth data with a clinician (odds ratio [OR] 6.53, 95% CI 1.08-39.43). In contrast, the younger with no comorbidities class had a higher likelihood of using a computer to look for health information (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.38), using an electronic device to track progress toward a health-related goal (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08-3.79), and using the internet to watch health-related YouTube videos (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.52-4.81) than the older with comorbidities class.

Conclusions
Class membership was associated with different patterns of eHealth engagement, indicating the importance of tailored digital strategies for delivering effective care. Future eHealth weight loss interventions should investigate strategies to engage younger cancer survivors with comorbidities and address racial and ethnic disparities in eHealth use.
People’s Experiences and Satisfaction With Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Isautier Jennifer MJ , Copp Tessa , Ayre Julie , Cvejic Erin , Meyerowitz-Katz Gideon , Batcup Carys , Bonner Carissa , Dodd Rachael , Nickel Brooke , Pickles Kristen , Cornell Samuel , Dakin Thomas , McCaffery Kirsten J 
Published: November 2020

Background
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has rapidly been adopted to deliver health care services around the world. To date, studies have not compared people’s experiences with telehealth services during the pandemic in Australia to their experiences with traditional in-person visits.

Objective
This study aimed to compare participants’ perceptions of telehealth consults to their perceptions of traditional in-person visits and investigate whether people believe that telehealth services would be useful after the pandemic.

Methods
A national, cross-sectional, community survey was conducted between June 5 and June 12, 2020 in Australia. In total, 1369 participants who were aged ≥18 years and lived in Australia were recruited via targeted advertisements on social media (ie, Facebook and Instagram). Participants responded to survey questions about their telehealth experience, which included a free-text response option. A generalized linear model was used to estimate the adjusted relative risks of having a poorer telehealth experience than a traditional in-person visit experience. Content analysis was performed to determine the reasons why telehealth experiences were worse than traditional in-person visit experiences.

Results
Of the 596 telehealth users, the majority of respondents (n=369, 61.9%) stated that their telehealth experience was “just as good as” or “better than” their traditional in-person medical appointment experience. On average, respondents perceived that telehealth would be moderately useful to very useful for medical appointments after the COVID-19 pandemic ends (mean 3.67, SD 1.1). Being male (P=.007), having a history of both depression and anxiety (P=.016), and lower patient activation scores (ie, individuals’ willingness to take on the role of managing their health/health care) (P=.036) were significantly associated with a poor telehealth experience. In total, 6 overarching themes were identified from free-text responses for why participants’ telehealth experiences were poorer than their traditional in-person medical appointment experiences, as follows: communication is not as effective, limitations with technology, issues with obtaining prescriptions and pathology results, reduced confidence in their doctor, additional burden for complex care, and inability to be physically examined.

Conclusions
Based on our sample’s responses, telehealth appointment experiences were comparable to traditional in-person medical appointment experiences. Telehealth may be worthwhile as a mode of health care delivery while the pandemic continues, and it may continue to be worthwhile after the pandemic.
The cost–effectiveness of low-dose budesonide as a Step 2 treatment for pediatric asthma in China
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Fang Honghao , Shen Kunling , Liu Tianyi , Xie Jipan , Liu Yuantao , Zhong Jia , Wu Eric , Zhou Wei , Wu Bin 
Published: November 2020

Aim:To compare the cost–effectiveness of low-dose budesonide versus montelukast among patients aged 1–5 years from a Chinese patient and healthcare payer perspective.Materials & methods:A Markov model based on exacerbation states was developed. Exacerbation was defined as the need for rescue therapy (mild exacerbation) or hoscopitalization (moderate-to-severe exacerbation). Inputs including efficacy (i.e., exacerbation rates), mortality, utilities, costs and treatment adherence were obtained from literature.Results:Compared with montelukast, low-dose budesonide led to fewer exacerbation events (1.44 vs 2.15), lower costs (¥3675 vs 4130) and slightly more quality-adjusted life years (0.974 vs 0.967) over 1 year.Conclusion:These findings may improve the use of low-dose budesonide, an economically and clinically preferable treatment to montelukast in pediatric patients.
Optimization of Energy Storage in Hybrid Wind and Photovoltaic Energy Systems
Authors: Abdali L. M. , Al-Rufaee F. M. , Yakimovich B. A. , Kuvshinov V. V. 
Published: November 2020

Возобновляемые источники энергии играют незаменимую роль в отдаленных районах, где электросеть недоступна. Гибридная система, предлагаемая в этой статье, включает в себя два возобновляемых источника энергии, а именно: фотоэлектрические системы, ветряные турбины. Комбинация этих энергий для удовлетворения требований к нагрузке с надежным, экономичным и устойчивым энергоснабжением считается критической проблемой. Гибридные системы считаются наиболее прагматичным решением для удаленных районов за пределами сети.Предлагается новый метод определения оптимального размера накопления энергии в фотоэлектрических и ветряных гибридных системах генерации энергии. Эти компоненты размещены в схеме из трех блоков для прогнозирования, измерения и распределения (управления) потоками мощности во всей системе для удовлетворения требований стороны спроса. Данные о мощности электрической нагрузки, мощности солнечного излучения, температуре окружающей среды, скорости ветра и других погодных условиях должны прогнозироваться с высокой точностью. Алгоритм определения оптимального размера разработан на основе данных прогнозирования, ограничений, соотношения величин во всей системе и способности заряжать/разряжать энергию накопления. Оптимальный размер в этом исследовании помогает переупорядочить диаграммы нагрузки, которые полностью компенсируют дефицит энергии на этапах с высоким и средним уровнями цен.Данный подход может быть применен на каждой шине, чтобы уменьшить стоимость покупки электричества от электрической системы. Новое предложение иллюстрируется результатами моделирования в тематическом исследовании, проведенном в MATLAB 2019a.
Developing AL-ARQ Module for Automatic Measurement of One-Way Data Transmission Delay
Authors: Lamri M. A. , Kaisina I. A. , Vasiliev D. S. , Chunaev A. V. , Abilov A. V. 
Published: November 2020

В мобильных самоорганизующихся сетях часто наблюдаются задержки при передаче потоковых данных и снижение QoS. В статье представлен разработанный модуль для измерения задержки и джиттера. Модуль встроен в программу автоматического запроса повторной передачи прикладного уровня (AL-ARQ). Для оценки эффективности работы модуля была собрана сеть, состоящая из узла-источника (микрокомпьютер RaspberryPi) и узла-получателя (ноутбук HP). С узла-источника отправлялось потоковое видео к узлу-получа­телю с использованием беспроводного стандарта 802.11g. Для синхронизации времени между устройствами применялся NTP-сервер.Результаты эксперимента показали эффективность предложенного модуля для измерения задержки и джиттера при передаче потоковых данных. При исследовании работы модуля было выявлено, что механизмы повторной передачи AL-ARQ влияют как на максимальное значение задержек при передаче, так и на среднее значение за время всей передачи. Был сделан вывод, что снижению уровня задержек и общему улучшению QoS может способствовать адаптивный буфер.
Microplastics: Holistic overview of source, identification, interaction, health and environmental implications and strategies of abatement
Authors: Sunday Nworie Felix 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Microplastic (MP) is currently a subject of discussion in all parts of the world because it has increasingly over the years become the dominant source of pollution in marine ecosystem. Huge number of these Mps emanate from waste management, decommissioning of ships and oil rigs, plastic products in aquaculture and fishery, sewage treatment, consumer products, agricultural production, transportation, offshore oil and gas production and city dust and wears. Microplastic are characteristically non- biodegradable or durable, exhibits buoyancy, travel long distances, complex with toxic chemicals and bioaccumulate being invisible to the human eye. Classification of MPs into primary and secondary based on source and established standard protocols visa-vis the sampling and identification in matrices were critically reviewed. Physicochemical processes for identification of MPs such as pyrolysis-Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-GS and TGA/MS were reviewed. Deleterious chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dioxins, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and persistent organic chemicals (POCs) associated with MPs and mechanisms of chelation were appraised. Several menace and health hazards such as hepatic inflammation, genetic mutation, increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) /oxidative stress, tissue necrosis and proliferation of cells linked with MPs were also discussed. Furthermore, green approaches to arresting the menace such as replacing polymer products with biopolymer an eco-friendly alternative, recycling of plastic products, use of paper bags and glass materials and abrogation of consumer products laced with microbeads were advocated.
Apiin-induction of β-apiosidase production by Aspergillus sp. strains
Authors: Karkeszová Klaudia , Illeová Viera , Kis Peter , Mastihuba Vladimír , Polakovič Milan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

β-Apiosidase is a rare glycosidase applied in winemaking for flavour enhancement. This enzyme is involved in the release of volatile terpenes by hydrolysis of their odourless glycosidic precursors. It is found as a minor component in commercial pectinase/cellulase preparations. Microbial production of β-apiosidase by two Aspergillus sp. strains was investigated. Apiin-induced production of this extracellular glycosidase was confirmed only during the cultivation of Aspergillus niger CBS 554.65 but the high productivity value reported in the work of Dupin et al. (1992) J. Agric. Food Chem. 40(10): 1886—1891 could not be reproduced. The achieved productivity was by far not satisfactory considering the apiin cost. Commercial enzyme preparations with β-apiosidase side-activity thus remain a better alternative as the enzyme source for biocatalytic applications.