bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of Omaveloxolone in Friedreich Ataxia (MOXIe Study)
Authors: Lynch David R. , Chin Melanie P. , Delatycki Martin B. , Subramony S. H. , Corti Manuela , Hoyle J. Chad , Boesch Sylvia , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Mariotti Caterina , Mathews Katherine D. , Giunti Paola , Wilmot George , Zesiewicz Theresa , Perlman Susan , Goldsberry Angie , O'Grady Megan , Meyer Colin J. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveFriedreich ataxia (FA) is a progressive genetic neurodegenerative disorder with no approved treatment. Omaveloxolone, an Nrf2 activator, improves mitochondrial function, restores redox balance, and reduces inflammation in models of FA. We investigated the safety and efficacy of omaveloxolone in patients with FA.MethodsWe conducted an international, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, registrational phase 2 trial at 11 institutions in the United States, Europe, and Australia (NCT02255435, EudraCT2015‐002762‐23). Eligible patients, 16 to 40 years of age with genetically confirmed FA and baseline modified Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) scores between 20 and 80, were randomized 1:1 to placebo or 150mg per day of omaveloxolone. The primary outcome was change from baseline in the mFARS score in those treated with omaveloxolone compared with those on placebo at 48 weeks.ResultsOne hundred fifty‐five patients were screened, and 103 were randomly assigned to receive omaveloxolone (n = 51) or placebo (n = 52), with 40 omaveloxolone patients and 42 placebo patients analyzed in the full analysis set. Changes from baseline in mFARS scores in omaveloxolone (−1.55 ± 0.69) and placebo (0.85 ± 0.64) patients showed a difference between treatment groups of –2.40 ± 0.96 (p = 0.014). Transient reversible increases in aminotransferase levels were observed with omaveloxolone without increases in total bilirubin or other signs of liver injury. Headache, nausea, and fatigue were also more common among patients receiving omaveloxolone.InterpretationIn the MOXIe trial, omaveloxolone significantly improved neurological function compared to placebo and was generally safe and well tolerated. It represents a potential therapeutic agent in FA. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:212–225
Antioxidant Activities of Free and Liposome‐Encapsulated Green tea extracts on canola oil oxidation stability
Authors: Jahanfar Shima , Gahavami Mehrdad , Khosravi‐Darani Kianoush , Jahadi Mahshid 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the present study, green tea extract was encapsulated in liposomes based on the Mozafari method (with no organic solvents) and characterized for its physicochemical properties (encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and Z‐potential). Encapsulation efficiency, particles size, and Z‐potential were determined to be 51.34, 419 nm, and ‐57 mV, respectively. Total polyphenol content of the green tea by Folin‐Ciocalteu's phenol reagent was measured as 164.2 mg gallic acid/g extract. Free radical scavenging activities of free and liposomal extracts were 90.6 and 93.4%, respectively, using the DPPH method. Antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of green tea in free and liposomal forms with concentrations of 200, 600, and 1000 mg L−1 were assessed on oxidative stability of the canola oil at 60 °C for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 days. Results were compared to results of synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene at 200 mg L−1. To assess antioxidant activity on canola oil stability, peroxide, thiobarbitoric acid, and anisidine values were assessed as well as the total oxidation value and rancimat test. Results showed that the liposomal green tea extract was more effective than the free extract. Furthermore, a 600 mg L−1 concentration of the green tea extract showed a significant antioxidant activity, compared to other extract concentrations. Increasing storage time and various concentrations of the ethanolic green tea extracts included significant effects on canola oil stability (P ≤ 0.05). Results demonstrated that the green tea extract could be used as an effective antioxidant. Free and liposomal extract (at 600 mg L−1) resulted in stronger functionality than the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene.
An Inexpensive Paper‐Based Photoluminescent Sensor for Gallate Derived Green Tea Polyphenols
Authors: Gorai Tumpa , Sakthivel Shruthi , Maitra Uday 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis work describes a terbium luminescence‐based protocol to selectively detect gallate‐derived green tea polyphenols on a supramolecular gel immobilised paper platform for the first time. This user‐friendly, inexpensive (€ 0.0015) approach requires very low sample volumes for the analysis. The developed strategy enables simultaneous detection of gallate polyphenols in multiple tea samples with the potential for practical applications.
The role of URO17™ biomarker to enhance diagnosis of urothelial cancer in new hematuria patients—First European Data
Authors: Vasdev Nikhil , Hampson Alexander , Agarwal Samita , Swamy Rajiv , Chilvers Michael , Hampson Amy , Jahanfard Sholeh , Kim Nam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroduction and objectivesNovel biomarker research is vital for the progression of safe and thorough diagnostic medicine. There is now a need to improve the diagnosis of bladder cancer via a noninvasive urine test while balancing the risks of harm from investigational procedures, such as cystoscopy and radiological tests, against the likelihood of malignancy. We evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity of Uro17™ urinary biomarker for the detection of urothelial cancer in hematuria patients in a prospective blinded validation study. Uro17™ is an immunobiomarker which binds to the oncoprotein Keratin 17, which is involved in the replication cycle of malignant cells. This study compared cystoscopic and histological investigations against Uro17™ results in patients being investigated for symptoms of urothelial cancer.Materials and methodsAfter receiving both local and national ethics/protocol approval, 71 patients were consented and recruited into the study. All patients were scheduled to undergo cystoscopic investigation, and following recruitment, a urine sample was collected. Urine samples were anonymized and processed as per standard cytology protocols and stained using Uro17™ immunobiomarker. The pathologists assessing the results were blinded to the patient and background history, and the results were compared to the biopsy histology.ResultsThe full cohort of enrolled patients consisted of 71 participants included. There were 55 males and 16 females, with an average age of 70. Thirteen were current smokers, 42 ex‐smokers, and 16 nonsmokers. The malignancies detected included both muscle‐invasive (n = 6) and non‐muscle‐invasive tumors (n = 38), and tumors of all grades and carcinoma in situ. Uro17™ was shown to have an overall sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 92.6%, with a positive predictive value of 0.957 and negative predictive value of 1. Uro17™ investigation was positive in every case of urothelial malignancy.ConclusionsOur current data indicates Uro17™ is a highly sensitive noninvasive bladder cancer urine detection test that can improve the diagnosis of Bladder cancer. This can further improve diagnostic capabilities in primary care, reduce the number of referrals to Urology department, and reduce the number of unnecessary invasive procedures for new patients with a suspected urinary bladder cancer.
Enhanced luminescence of CaF2:Er3+/Nd3+ nanoparticles coated by fluorinated β‐diketone
Authors: Song Limei , Lu Sinan , Shi Ying , Fang Youlu , Jia Yuan , Zhu Gang , Li Jiangtao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, several CaF2 nanoparticles doped with individual ions Nd3+ and Er3+ were synthesized with ligands pentafluorobenzoyl trifluoroacetone (PBTA) and 2‐naphthoyltrifluoroacetone (NTA), which served as modifiers. Influence of the modifiers on the luminescence properties of the nanoparticles was investigated. The as‐prepared nanoparticles had a similar size and dispersion with an irregular spherical shape, which reduced the influence of particle size on the luminescence of the nanoparticles. The luminescence spectra of these nanoparticles showed the characteristic luminescence of the central lanthanide ions under excitation of the maximum excitation wavelength. Compared with nanoparticles modified by the NTA ligand, nanoparticles modified by the PBTA ligand possessed stronger luminescence intensity for the doping Nd3+ or Er3+ ions.
Dielectrophoretic Manipulation of Janus Particle in Conductive Media for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lee Minji , Won Jong Bin , Jung Dae Ho , Kim Jaekyoung , Choi Yonghyun , Akyildiz Kubra , Choi Jonghoon , Kim Kyobum , Cho Jiung , Yoon Hyunsik , Koo Hyung‐Jun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractJanus particles are applied to many fields including biomedical
applications. To expand the usability of Janus particles, a technique to
manipulate the particle movement is required. A dielectrophoresis (DEP) method
can be a promising candidate; however, independent manipulation or separation
of Janus particle by DEP is still challenging. Additionally, DEP of Janus
particles in conductive media is important especially for biomedical
applications where ion‐rich media are typically
used. Here, the experimental results of DEP‐induced transport and separation of the Janus particle in conductive
media are presented. To predict the DEP behavior, the Clausius–Mossotti (CM) factors
of both Janus and homogeneous particles are calculated, depending on the
alternating current (AC) frequency and medium conductivity. The Janus particles
show the positive‐DEP behavior at the entire
AC frequency region tested due to the metal‐coated half surface. On the other hand, the homogeneous
particles show the negative‐DEP behavior at the high
AC frequency or in conductive media. Additionally, in the conductive media, an
electrohydrodynamic flow hinders the DEP‐driven particle transport below MHz AC frequencies. Finally, the
separation of the Janus particles from the homogeneous ones is experimentally
demonstrated and the separation efficiency is discussed based on the evaluation
parameters established in this study.
Toward omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer
Authors: van der Noordaa M E M , van Duijnhoven F H , Cuijpers F N E , van Werkhoven E , Wiersma T G , Elkhuizen P H M , Winter-Warnars G , Dezentje V , Sonke G S , Groen E J , Stokkel M , Vrancken Peeters M T F D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The nodal positivity rate after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ypN+) in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) breast cancer is low, especially in those with a pathological complete response of the breast. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics known before surgery that are associated with achieving ypN0 in patients with cN0 disease. These characteristics could be used to select patients in whom sentinel lymph node biopsy may be omitted after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods
This cohort study included patients with cT1–3 cN0 breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by breast surgery and sentinel node biopsy between 2013 and 2018. cN0 was defined by the absence of suspicious nodes on ultrasound imaging and PET/CT, or absence of tumour cells at fine-needle aspiration. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of ypN0.

Results
Overall, 259 of 303 patients (85.5 per cent) achieved ypN0, with high rates among those with a radiological complete response (rCR) on breast MRI (95·5 per cent). Some 82 per cent of patients with hormone receptor-positive disease, 98 per cent of those with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and all patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive disease who had a rCR achieved ypN0. Multivariable regression analysis showed that HER2-positive (odds ratio (OR) 5·77, 95 per cent c.i. 1·91 to 23·13) and TNBC subtype (OR 11·65, 2·86 to 106·89) were associated with ypN0 status. In addition, there was a trend toward ypN0 in patients with a breast rCR (OR 2·39, 0·95 to 6·77).

Conclusion
The probability of nodal positivity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was less than 3 per cent in patients with TNBC or HER2-positive disease who achieved a breast rCR on MRI. These patients could be included in trials investigating the omission of sentinel node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Postgraduate programs in biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” conference
Authors: Estacio Rhodora C. , Kron Michael Andrew , Janlav Munkhtsetseg , Yu Gracia Fe B. , Macaulay Janet O. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe conference session on Postgraduate Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology consisted of wide‐ranging presentations and discussions. Approaches, issues, and solutions for postgraduate education and training in countries ranging from the Philippines to Mongolia and the United States were covered.
The impact and evaluation of COVID‐19 pandemic on the teaching model of medical molecular biology course for undergraduates major in pharmacy
Authors: Jiang Xiaoying , Ning Qilan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMolecular biology is a very important basic course for undergraduates major in pharmacy. During the novel coronavirus epidemic, we first adopted an online teaching of molecular biology course with rain class and tencent meeting for undergraduates major in pharmacy, following a blended teaching mode. Finally, we evaluated the effect of this special‐time teaching by analyzing the anonymous questionnaire and final examination scores. Student feedback showed that most of students were satisfied with this online teaching, classroom teaching, and experimental teaching, and considered that postlecture quizzes were very helpful for their study. The majority of students supported that classroom teaching should be integrated with online teaching. Analysis of final examination scores showed that the effect of 2020‐year teaching was not worse than that of 2019‐year teaching, but even better in the excellence rate and rate of poor and failure. Here, we share the experience and thinking of blended teaching of medical molecular biology course during the novel coronavirus epidemic, and hope it helpful for other teachers' teaching.
Visual hallucinations and inferior longitudinal fasciculus in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yuki Natsuko , Yoshioka Akira , Mizuhara Ryo , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe investigated whether disruption of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus are associated with visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsSixty consecutive right‐handed patients with PD with and without visual hallucinations were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Diffusion tensor imaging was acquired by 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. We measured fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity of the bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus using diffusion tensor tractography analysis software.ResultsSeventeen patients with PD had visual hallucinations; these patients tended to have lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity values in all fasciculi than did patients without visual hallucinations. A univariate logistic analysis showed that the presence of visual hallucinations was significantly associated with lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity of the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and lower Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. A multivariable logistic analysis adjusted by MMSE scores and disease duration showed a significant association between the presence of visual hallucinations and fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity values of the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus.ConclusionsOur results suggest that disruption of left inferior longitudinal fasciculus integrity is associated with visual hallucinations in patients with PD, independent of cognitive impairment and disease duration.
Understanding cancer survivors’ reasons to medicate with cannabis: A qualitative study based on the theory of planned behavior
Authors: McTaggart‐Cowan Helen , Bentley Colene , Raymakers Adam , Metcalfe Rebecca , Hawley Philippa , Peacock Stuart 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrior to nonmedical cannabis legalization in Canada, individuals were only able to access cannabis legally through licensed producers with medical authorization. Now with an additional legal access system designed for nonmedical purposes, it is unclear what factors influence cancer survivors’ decisions to medicate or not medicate cannabis as a complementary therapy to alleviate their cancer symptoms.MethodsWe recruited cancer survivors via social media. Interested individuals were purposively sampled to ensure maximization in terms of age, sex, and province of residence. Constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior were explored during the telephone interviews as participants described what influenced their decisions to medicate or not medicate cannabis to manage their symptoms.ResultsInterviews were conducted with 33 cancer survivors. All individuals believed that cannabis would manage their cancer symptoms. Those that chose to medicate with cannabis provided a variety of reasons, including that cannabis was a more natural alternative; that it reduced their overall number of prescription drugs; and that safer products had become available with the legalization of nonmedical cannabis. Some individuals also indicated that support from physicians and validation from family and friends were important in their decision to medicate with cannabis. Individuals who opted not to medicate with cannabis raised concerns about the lack of scientific evidence and/or possible dependency issues. Some also felt their physician's disapproval was a barrier to considering cannabis use.ConclusionsThe findings revealed that recreational legalization made using cannabis appear safer and easier to access for some cancer survivors. However, physicians’ censure of cannabis use for symptom management was a barrier for survivors considering its use.
Choice set size and consumer preference for an option with a “zero” attribute value
Authors: Mao Wen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAccording to the zero‐comparison effect, an option's attractiveness can be enhanced by increasing the value of one of its undesirable attributes from zero to a nonzero number (and diminished by increasing the value of one of its desirable attributes from zero to a nonzero number). This research examines an important boundary condition of the zero‐comparison effect—the size of the choice set. The results from three studies show that the zero‐comparison effect only exists for a two‐option set; when more options are included in the choice set, the presence of multiple similarly attractive options enables consumers to make meaningful attribute trade‐offs that reduce their reliance on perceptions of relative magnitude and therefore diminish the zero‐comparison effect. This article concludes by situating the results and their implications within the preference construction literature and by offering practical suggestions for firms interested in leveraging the zero‐comparison idea to more effectively design product assortments and advertising campaigns.
An In Situ Quick X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study on Pt3Sn/Graphene Catalyst for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Su Bing‐Jian , Wang Kuan‐Wen , Tseng Chung‐Jen , Lu Kueih‐Tzu , Pao Chih‐Wen , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Sheu Hwo‐Shuenn , Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Juang Jenh‐Yih , Chen Jin‐Ming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDirect ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) promise the use of ethanol as a bio‐renewable and non‐toxic fuel for energy conversion through the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Well dispersed Pt3Sn and Pt nanoparticles on graphene (denoted Pt3Sn/G and Pt/G) support electrocatalysts made with alcohol reduction were tested towards EOR. The HRTEM and XRD characterizations provide the morphology and crystal phase of the Pt3Sn alloy nanoparticles, which has a uniform particle size of 2.8±0.08 nm, as is consistent with a Pt/G catalyst as reference. According to the in‐situ quick X‐ray‐absorption near‐edge structure (QXANES) spectra during an anodic scan of CV for the EOR test to explain clearly the potential‐dependent electronic state of the prepared electrocatalysts, the white‐line intensities of the Pt L3‐edge QXANES spectra and their spectral profiles vary appreciably with the electrode voltage. Moreover, Pt3Sn/G shows a better EOR performance than Pt/G because SnO2 can improve adsorption and dissociation during the oxidation by an appropriate expansion of the lattice parameters in the PtSn alloy. This work provides insight into the reaction mechanism of dissociative adsorption of ethanol on alloyed Pt surface, which has an important role in enhancing the EOR activity for a complete ethanol oxidation.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: clinical implications and diagnostic challenges. Overlooked and underappreciated in Asia?
Authors: Low Ting‐Ting , Houdmont Marie , Sim Hui W. , Chan Koo H. , Loh Poay H. , Loh Joshua P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOver the last decade, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has garnered much attention as a significant cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and sudden cardiac death in women without classic cardiovascular risk factors. SCAD has been mostly studied in the West, with little recognition in Asia leading to under‐diagnosis and under‐representation. In this review, we highlight two distinct cases occurring at our center in Singapore, affecting two Singaporean women of Malay and Chinese descent. These 2 cases highlight that pregnancy‐associated SCAD is neither the most common nor only manifestation of SCAD. Through review of the literature, we emphasize the heterogeneity in case presentation paying particular attention to SCAD and its association with connective tissue disorders such as fibromuscular dysplasia. SCAD remains a diagnostic challenge for many cardiologists, here we shed light and dispel myths surrounding coronary angiography and review the use of intracoronary imaging. The successful treatment of this unique group of patients requires a high index of suspicion, and management within a multidisciplinary team. The development of a recovery program with access to support groups, allied health, and cardiac rehabilitation is paramount in improving outcomes for these patients in the long term. Further research and studies in our Asian population will help to enhance our understanding of this disease and develop practices to best manage our patients.