bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimerization of 600 Da branched polyethylenimine improves β‐lactam antibiotic potentiation against antibiotic‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Moen Erik L. , Lam Anh K. , Pusavat Jennifer , Wouters Cassandra L. , Panlilio Hannah , Heydarian Neda , Peng Zongkai , Lan Yunpeng , Rice Charles V. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the medical field. Drug‐susceptible infections are often treated with β‐lactam antibiotics, which bind to enzymes known as penicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs). When the PBPs are disabled, the integrity of the cell wall is compromised, leading to cell lysis. Resistance renders β‐lactam antibiotics ineffective, and clinicians turn to be more effective, but often more toxic, antibiotics. An alternative approach is combining antibiotics with compounds that disable resistance mechanisms. Previously, we have shown that low‐molecular‐weight 600 Da branched polyethylenimine restores β‐lactam susceptibility to Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens with antibiotic resistance. In this study, this approach is extended to the homodimers of 600 Da BPEI that have improved potentiation properties compared to monomers of 600 Da BPEI and 1200 Da BPEI. The homodimers are synthesized by linking two 600 Da BPEI molecules with methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA). The resulting product was characterized with FTIR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, checkerboard microbroth dilution assays, and cell toxicity assays. These data show that the 600 Da BPEI homodimer is more effective than 1200 Da BPEI toward the potentiation of oxacillin against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and the potentiation of piperacillin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Identification of tripeptides against tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR for lung cancer cell inhibition by in silico and in vitro studies
Authors: Kiriwan Duangnapa , Seetaha Supaphorn , Jiwacharoenchai Nattanan , Tabtimmai Lueacha , Sousa Sérgio F. , Songtawee Napat , Choowongkomon Kiattawee 
Published: December 2021

AbstractEpidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase domain (EGFR‐TK) has been one of the prominent targets for therapeutics of several human cancers, in particular non‐small cell lung cancer. Although several small chemical compounds targeting EGFR‐TK have been approved by FDA for treatment of such a cancer, the discovery of a new class of EGFR‐TK inhibitors, for example, small peptides, is still desired. In this study, using molecular docking‐based virtual screening, we selected five small peptides with high docking scores from eight thousand peptides as candidate compounds against EGFR‐TK. Among five, the tripeptide WFF had the most potency to suppress the survival of non‐small cell lung cancer cells but had the least toxicity to human liver cancer cells. Our in vitro kinase assays showed that WFF exhibited much lower inhibitory activity against purified EGFR‐TK than the drug erlotinib (i.e., IC50 values of ≈ 0.62 μM vs ≈ 7.57 nM, respectively). The relative free binding energies estimated from molecular dynamic simulations were consistent with the in vitro experiments in which the WFF bound had a lower affinity than erlotinib bound to EGFR‐TK (i.e., ΔGbind values of −20.3 kJ/mol vs ≈ −126.8 kJ/mol, respectively). In addition, the simulation analyses demonstrated the difference in EGFR binding preference between the drug and tripeptide in which erlotinib was stably bound in the ATP‐binding pocket for 4‐anilinoquinazoline class of inhibitors, while WFF moved out of that pocket to interact with polar amino acid residues on the αC‐helix, activation loop, and substrate‐binding region. Our findings suggest preferable interactions of the potential tripeptide on enzyme inhibition that are useful for further development of a new class of inhibitors targeting EGFR‐TK.
Discovery of novel ketamine‐inspired derivatives as a protective agent against renal ischemic/reperfusion injury in Wistar rats
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhang Yin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRenal ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury is a limiting factor for the success of renal grafts and is deemed greatly responsible for the mortality. A novel series of ketamine‐inspired compounds was synthesized and subjected to NF‐ĸB transcriptional inhibitory activity in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells, where entire set of compounds showed mild‐to‐moderate significant NF‐ĸB transcriptional inhibitory activity (IC50 6.53–67.52 µM). Compound 6d showed highest inhibitory activity among the tested series (IC50 2.62 µM) and found more potent as compared to ketamine as standard. The effect of compound 6d was further quantified in I/R injury in Wistar rats, where it dose‐dependently improves kidney function of rats with significant amelioration of kidney injury as suggested by histopathologic examination of renal tissues. It further showed reduction in the generation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and improves the antioxidant status of experimental rats. Compound 6d inhibited apoptosis and increases the expression of Bcl2 and decreases Bax, and cleaved caspase‐3 level. It further reduces TLR‐4 and NF‐κB expression in renal cells of rats, with increases in IκB‐α level in Western blot analysis as compared to I/R group. In summary, our current study showed the development of a novel class of ketamine‐inspired derivatives against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Alcohol access and purchasing behaviour during COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions: An exploration of sociodemographic, health and psychosocial correlates in two Canadian provinces
Authors: MacNabb Kathleen , Blades Sarah , Thompson Kara , Dutton Daniel J. , Liu Tong , Asbridge Mark 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionAlcohol access has changed in Canada during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study compares the use of two novel purchasing modes (via delivery and in excess/stockpiling) to traditional, in‐person purchasing to determine if their use is associated with sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, perceived COVID‐19 health risk or consumption frequency.MethodsWe draw on cross‐sectional survey data from 2000 residents of the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, ages 19 years and older that were administered online and by telephone. Associations between purchasing modes and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, perceived COVID‐19 health risk or consumption frequency were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsAbout 70% of people who drink purchased in‐person, 17% used delivery and 30% purchased in excess/stockpiled. Sociodemographic and psychosocial attributes varied among those at increased odds of using each purchasing mode. Those at higher COVID‐19 health risk were at higher odds of getting alcohol delivered. Increased drinking frequency was associated with alcohol delivery and purchasing in excess/stockpiling.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for increased public health considerations regarding changes to alcohol regulations. Alcohol delivery and purchasing in excess/stockpiling is positively associated with heavier drinking. Drinkers at higher COVID‐19 health risk were more likely to purchase online for delivery, which suggests novel purchasing modes may serve a partial public health function.
Temnopleurus reevesii as a new sea urchin model in genetics
Authors: Yaguchi Shunsuke , Yaguchi Junko 
Published: December 2021

AbstractEchinoderms, including sea urchins and starfish, have played important roles in cell, developmental and evolutionary biology research for more than a century. However, since most of them take a long time to mature sexually and their breeding seasons are limited, it has been difficult to obtain subsequent generations in the laboratory, resulting in them not being recognized as model organisms in recent genetics research. To overcome this issue, we maintained and obtained gametes from several nonmodel sea urchins in Japan and finally identified Temnopleurus reevesii as a suitable model for sea urchin genetics. Genomic and transcriptomic information was obtained for this model, and the DNA database TrBase was made publicly available. In this review, we describe how we found this species useful for biological research and show an example of CRISPR/Cas9 based knockout sea urchin.
Government compensation and citizen support for immigration openness
Authors: Bearce David H. , Connell Brendan J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper explores how government compensation programs like unemployment insurance and worker training may influence citizen attitudes about immigration openness. It considers several different arguments, including the proposition that social welfare programs may induce less‐educated citizens to feel more negatively about their class identity, thus pushing them toward an exclusionary national identity with greater opposition to immigration openness. Using data from the International Social Survey Program's 2013 National Identity module with more than 20,000 respondents from 24 developed democracies, it reports that greater government compensation can be associated with less supportive attitudes for the least educated with a diminishing negative effect for more educated citizens. Consistent with an identity shift argument for why less‐educated citizens might become more hostile toward immigration openness with greater government compensation, it also reports that greater compensation is associated with a more exclusionary national identity for less‐educated citizens.
An unusual case of a foreign body: A child’s tongue entrapped in a soft drink bottle
Authors: Yee Ruixiang , Kwek Vanessa Yan Xiu , Bong Choon Looi , Chan Boon Hui , Wang Shiyao , Wong Peter Choong Yi , Tham Lai Peng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractYoung children often present at the emergency department (ED) with foreign bodies in their mouths, including the occasional bottles and cans. Previous reports of tongue entrapment have presented cases where bottles were mostly made of glass or metal. A 4‐year‐old girl presented to the ED with her tongue entrapped in a uniquely designed plastic bottle. Attempts at conservative methods of removal such as gentle traction, breaking of the vacuum seal and use of lubricants were unsuccessful. The child was brought to the operating theatre for further management. Anaesthesia induction with a facemask was not possible as the plastic bottle was protruding from the tongue and would not allow an adequate seal around the nose and mouth. To overcome such challenges of a shared airway and workspace, the child was placed under intravenous propofol sedation initially until the prompt removal of foreign body allowed subsequent mask placement and oral intubation. The foreign body was eventually removed by sectioning the inflexible plastic into two pieces with a water‐cooled high speed dental diamond bur. The child remained stable intra‐operatively and subsequent post‐operative recovery was uneventful. This report highlights the importance of multidisciplinary coordination to reduce delays when liberating the entrapped tongue so as to minimize potential complications from the injury.
Factors associated with augmentation in patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Heim Beatrice , Ellmerer Philipp , Stefani Ambra , Bergmann Melanie , Brandauer Elisabeth , Seppi Klaus , Högl Birgit , Djamshidian Atbin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeAugmentation is a paradoxical reaction mainly to dopaminergic medication in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS), but the exact pathomechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with augmentation in RLS patients.MethodsRLS patients with and without current or previous augmentation were recruited. Demographic characteristics, history of smoking, questionnaires for depression, alexithymia, and impulsivity, and RLS severity were obtained.ResultsWe included 122 patients, of whom half had a history of augmentation. Patients with augmentation had a longer disease duration (p = 0.001), had higher RLS severity scores (p = 0.013), had higher levodopa equivalent doses (p < 0.001), had higher scores for alexithymia (p = 0.028), had higher prevalence of impulse control disorders (p < 0.001), more often had a history of smoking (p = 0.039), were more often currently smoking (p = 0.015), and had more average pack‐years (p = 0.016).ConclusionsHere, we describe several factors commonly associated with augmentation in RLS. These may help clinicians to screen and treat patients carefully to avoid the challenging side effect of augmentation.
Process development for the laser powder bed fusion of WC‐Ni Cermets using sintered‐agglomerated powder
Authors: Mendoza Jimenez Edgar , Reeja‐Jayan B. , Beuth Jack 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlthough ceramic particle‐metal matrix materials (i.e., cermets) can offer superior performance, manufacturing these materials via conventional means is difficult compared to the manufacturing of metal alloys. This study leverages the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process to additively manufacture dense tungsten carbide (WC)‐17 wt.% nickel (Ni) composite specimens using novel spherical, sintered‐agglomerated composite powder. A range of processing parameters yielding high‐density specimens was discovered using a sequential series of experiments comprised of single bead, multi‐layer, and cylindrical builds. Cylinders with a relative density >99% were fabricated and characterized in terms of microstructure, chemical composition, and hardness. Scanning electron microscopy images show favorable wetting between the Ni binder and carbide particles without any phase segregation and laser processing increased the average carbide particle size. Energy dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray diffraction analyses detected traces of secondary products after laser processing. For samples processed at high energy densities, complex carbides and carbon agglomerate phases were detected. The maximum hardness of 60.38 Rockwell C is achieved in the printed samples. The successful builds in this study open the way for LPBF of dense WC‐Ni parts with a large workable laser power‐laser velocity processing window.
The connection of attachment and self‐gifting for the disconnection of loneliness across cultures
Authors: Rippé Cindy B. , Smith Brent , Weisfeld‐Spolter Suri 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBefore the COVID‐19 pandemic, insecure attachments and rising levels of loneliness threatened consumers’ well‐being across the globe. Insecure and lonely individuals lack interpersonal support for positive and negative events resulting in the utilization of shopping as a coping mechanism. The arrival of the pandemic collided with the existing epidemic of loneliness, exacerbating loneliness and simultaneously changing shopping as it once was known. By virtue of lacking support, insecure and lonely consumers may be more motivated to engage in a particular type of shopping known as self‐gifting. This research examines a conceptual model across countries with samples from collectivist and individualistic societies (n = 610), revealing a universal framework to explain self‐gifting motivation parallels for consumers affected by insecure attachment and emotional loneliness. Theoretical and practical implications provide cross‐cultural research on the connections of attachment style and self‐gifting to help the disconnections of loneliness in today's world.
Cholesterol‐lowered shrimp lipid‐loaded liposome stabilised by pectin/glycerol and its fortification in peach tea drink
Authors: Raju Navaneethan , Gulzar Saqib , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: December 2021

SummaryCholesterol‐lowered shrimp lipid was loaded into liposomes using different stabilisers, namely glycerol (Gl‐Lp), cholesterol (Ch‐Lp) and pectin, combined with glycerol (Pe‐Gl‐Lp). Ch‐Lp liposomes were the largest. Pe‐Gl‐Lp had the lowest negative charge and polydispersity index. Generally, encapsulation efficiency was higher in Ch‐Lp. Oxidation values confirmed cholesterol oxidation in Ch‐Lp, more likely induced by ultrasonication. Based on the liposome characteristics and oxidative stability, Pe‐Gl‐Lp at different levels (1%, 3% and 5%, V/V) was used to fortify peach tea drink. Peach tea drink containing 3% Pe‐Gl‐Lp showed an overall liking score of 7.2. It also contained increased amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids and astaxanthin. Overall, pectin in combination with glycerol was proved as a potential stabiliser for liposomes loaded with cholesterol‐lowered shrimp lipid. Fortification with liposomes at 3% could increase the health benefits of the resulting drink.
Prognostic value of the ADAMTS13–vWF axis in disseminated intravascular coagulation: Platelet count/vWF:Ag ratio as a strong prognostic marker
Authors: Jang Joowon , Gu JaYoon , Kim Hyun Kyung 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionADAMTS13 deficiency increases the circulating level of von Willebrand factor (vWF). Low ADAMTS13 and high vWF can provide a milieu for microthrombosis, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This study investigated the prognostic values of ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers and their correlation with DIC severity.MethodsADAMTS13–vWF axis markers (vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF ristocetin cofactor (vWF:Rco), ADAMTS13 activity, and anti‐ADAMTS13 antibody) were measured in patients (n = 152) suspected of having DIC along with the well‐known DIC markers including antithrombin and protein C.ResultThe vWF:Ag level was significantly increased, and ADAMTS13 activity was significantly decreased in overt DIC. The vWF:Ag level (hazard ratio 7.365, p = .009), ADAMTS13 activity/vWF:Ag ratio (hazard ratio 3.777, p = .037), ADAMTS13 activity/vWF:Rco ratio (hazard ratio 3.027, p = .028), and platelet count/vWF:Ag ratio (hazard ratio 8.538, p < .001) were significant prognostic markers in Cox regression analysis and correlated well with DIC score and antithrombin and protein C levels.ConclusionThe platelet count/vWF:Ag was the strongest prognostic marker among ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers. The measurement of vWF:Ag may improve prognostic insights of DIC in clinical practice.
Apples, oranges, and ironing boards: Comparative effect sizes influence lay impressions of test validity
Authors: Childers Marie , Highhouse Scott , Brooks Margaret E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractValidity information (effect sizes) for selection tests can be difficult for people to understand without some additional context. This study examined how manipulation of the immediate context influenced impressions of the validity of a sales ability selection test. We found that lay people (n = 350) were more favorable toward the test when a set of test validity coefficients was presented after inferior validity coefficients for medical/health treatments, versus a control condition where only the set of test validity coefficients was presented (d = .68). Although we predicted this result based on the presumed inferior status accorded to psychological findings compared with medical/health ones, a third condition where participants were first presented inferior absurd or nonsensical validity coefficients was equally as effective as the medical/health condition. We explain our findings as possibly due to an anchoring and adjustment process and/or a stimulus frequency effect caused by the global (rather than local) context.
Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival and recurrence patterns after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: Results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Dharmesh , Elsayed Ahmed S , Hussein Ahmed A , Jing Zhe , Li Qiang , Wagner Andrew A , Aboumohamed Ahmed , Roupret Morgan , Balbay Derya , Wijburg Carl , Stockle Michael , Dasgupta Prokar , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Wiklund Peter , Hosseini Abolfazl , Peabody James , Shigemura Katsumi , Trump Donald , Guru Khurshid A , Chatta Gurkamal 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesTo analyze the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival and recurrence patterns in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy.Materials and methodsThe International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical cystectomy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer between 2002 and 2019. Survival outcomes, response rates, and recurrence patterns were compared between patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not. Survival distributions were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analyses and compared using the log‐rank test.ResultsA total of 1370 patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer were identified, of whom 353 (26%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After a median follow‐up of 27 months, neoadjuvant chemotherapy recipients had higher 3‐year overall survival (74% vs 57%; log‐rank P < 0.01), 3‐year cancer‐specific survival (83% vs 73%; log‐rank P = 0.03), and 3‐year relapse‐free survival (64% vs 48%; log‐rank P < 0.01). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was a predictor of higher overall survival, cancer‐specific survival, and relapse‐free survival in univariate but not multivariate analysis. Pathological downstaging (46% vs 23%; P < 0.01), complete responses (24% vs 8%; P < 0.01), and margin negativity (95% vs 91%; P < 0.01) at robot‐assisted radical cystectomy were more common in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy recipients had lower distant (15% vs 22%; P < 0.01) but similar locoregional (12% vs 13%; P = 0.93) recurrence rates.ConclusionsIn this analysis from a large international database, patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before robot‐assisted radical cystectomy had higher rates of survival, pathological downstaging, and margin‐negative resections. They also experienced fewer distant recurrences.
LncRNA‐IRAR‐mediated regulation of insulin receptor transcripts in Drosophila melanogaster during nutritional stress
Authors: Chen Jie , Huang Yuantai , Qi Guojun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe insulin signalling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolism of sugars, fats and proteins in cells, thereby affecting the growth, metabolism, reproduction and ageing of organisms. However, little is known about the functions of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of insulin receptors under stress conditions in insects. In this study, we showed that insulin receptor‐associated lncRNA (IRAR) regulates insulin receptor transcripts in response to nutritional stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Genome editing by CRISPR‐Cas9 showed reduced sensitivity of IRAR mutants to environmental nutritional changes. In contrast, the sensitivity of mutants overexpressing tubulin‐gal4 > IRAR increased under low nutrition. The pupation and eclosion timings in IRAR mutants were significantly delayed with an increase in insulin concentration compared with that in the w1118 group. In addition, the expression pattern of IRAR was almost consistent with that of the four transcripts of the insulin receptor from the embryonic period to the adult period. RNA immunoprecipitation assay showed the direct regulation of insulin receptor transcripts by IRAR to the through FOXO binding under nutritional stress. To our knowledge, this is the first study that describes a model of lncRNA‐mediated development regulation through insulin receptor transcripts.