bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic degradability and release properties of graphene oxide/silk fibroin nanocomposite films
Authors: Xu Xiafan , Ren Zilong , Zhang Meiqi , Ma Lin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe structure evolution of silk fibroin (SF) in the nanocomposite films with graphene oxide (GO) was investigated and related to the enzymatic degradability and release property. The interaction with GO was found to induce conformation transition of SF from random coil to β‐sheet. However, the surface binding constrained the rearrangement of the silk chains, leading to a decrease of β‐sheet when GO content was more than 1.0%. The crystal structure of SF played a key role in the degradation of GO/SF composites. The preferential degradation of the hydrophilic blocks resulted in a faster degradation of SF films with higher β‐sheet content. The addition of GO to SF matrix led to a slower release and a reduction of the burst release of RhB, the model compound. The release profile was well fitted to the Rigter–Peppas equation, from which the characteristic constant decreased and the diffusional exponent increased with increasing GO content but quickly leveled off when GO content was more than 1.0%. Degradation of the composites had little influence on the characteristic constant of RhB release, however, led to an increased diffusional exponent, which was more evident for the composites with higher β‐sheet content.
Health care fraud classifiers in practice
Authors: Ekin Tahir , Frigau Luca , Conversano Claudio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStatistical and machine learning methods have become paramount in order to handle large size claims data as part of health care fraud detection frameworks. Among these, predictive methods such as regression and classification algorithms are widely used with labeled data. However, the imbalanced nature of health care claims data and skewness of fraud distributions result with challenges in practical applications. This paper presents the use of various classification algorithms and data pre‐processing methods on claim payment populations and overpayment scenarios with different characteristics. It can help the health care practitioners evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these analytical methods, and choose the right classification method and apply them properly for their specific circumstances. We utilize publicly available U.S. Medicare Part B health care claims payment data from the hospitals with a number of fraud label scenarios to demonstrate potential fraud patterns. We discuss the computational demand and accuracy of the methods.
CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer: An attempt to the present trends and future prospects
Authors: Kaligotla Venkata Subrahmanya Anirudh , Jasti Tejaswi , Kandra Prameela 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Series of sequential, repeated genetic changes and epigenetic modifications are leading to the formation of tumors. These tumors subsequently causing the infected cells to invade and transform their surrounding cells by metastasis are some hallmarks in cancer. Although tremendous efforts have been extended for structurally characterizing the numerous genomic mutations undergoing in cancer cells, there is a lack of information regarding the functions of many mutated genes. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has become a robust method for building changes in genome of many organisms. Recent reports have suggested that modification of CRISPR/Cas9 can provide plot form to probe the mechanisms in tumorigenesis and in cancer therapies. This review focuses on the historical perspectives of CRISPR/Cas9. The study highlights the applications and also role in cancer cell genome editing, which is helpful to understand the dynamics. Intense research in progress on mechanism of action of CRISPR/Cas9 has been reviewed and critically discussed. Further, relevant literature on animal models focusing on various approaches has been highlighted to emphasize the therapeutics of CRISPR/Cas9 with current trends and future challenges.
Analysis of filtration behavior using integrated column chromatography followed by virus filtration
Authors: Shirataki Hironobu , Yokoyama Yoshiro , Taniguchi Hiroki , Azeyanagi Miku 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe evaluated filtration behavior and virus removal capability for a monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and plasma IgG under constant flow rate directly following flow‐through column chromatography in an integrated process. mAb solution with quantified host cell protein (HCP) content processed in flow‐through mode on in‐series mixed‐mode AEX and modified CEX columns connected to the Planova BioEX filter (pool‐less) achieved HCP logarithmic reduction value (LRV) of 2.3 and 93.9% protein recovery, demonstrating comparable or higher HCP LRV with high protein recovery compared to previous reports. For 5–15 mg/ml plasma IgG run to 100 L/m2, similar filtration behavior was achieved for flux of 10–100 LMH, and lower flux runs remained well below the maximum operating pressure, suggesting that higher throughput in continuous processing is achievable. Comparison of fit of plasma IgG and mAb filtration behavior to four blocking models showed little differences but slightly better fit to the cake filtration model. Viral clearance of the filtration step tested by in‐line spiking X‐MuLV or MVM into purified plasma IgG following the chromatography step showed robust removal at low flux. Integrating the Planova BioEX filter into continuous processes with column chromatography can achieve efficient downstream processing with reduced footprint and process time.
Hemiballismus in hyperglycemia
Authors: Kataja Knight Agnes , Magnusson Peter , Sjöholm Åke 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiabetes may cause late complications in the CNS but certain lesions may also occur acutely in hyperglycemia. We describe a case of hyperosmolar non‐ketotic syndrome and reversible hemichoreic dyskinesia with morphological changes in basal ganglia.
Phosphorus‐Containing Superbases: Recent Progress in the Chemistry of Electron‐Abundant Phosphines and Phosphazenes
Authors: Weitkamp Robin F. , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe renaissance of Brønsted superbases is primarily based on their pronounced capacity for a large variety of chemical transformations under mild reaction conditions. Four major set screws are available for the selective tuning of the basicity: the nature of the basic center (N, P, …), the degree of electron donation by substituents to the central atom, the possibility of charge delocalization, and the energy gain by hydrogen bonding. Within the past decades, a plethora of neutral electron‐rich phosphine and phosphazene bases have appeared in the literature. Their outstanding properties and advantages over inorganic or charged bases have now made them indispensable as auxiliary bases in deprotonation processes. Herein, an update of the chemistry of basic phosphines and phosphazenes is given. In addition, due to widespread interest, their use in catalysis or as ligands in coordination chemistry is highlighted.
Clinical and prognostic implications of C‐reactive protein levels in myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries
Authors: Eggers Kai M , Baron Tomasz , Hjort Marcus , Nordenskjöld Anna M , Tornvall Per , Lindahl Bertil 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMyocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a heterogeneous condition. Recent studies suggest that MINOCA patients may have a proinflammatory disposition. The role of inflammation in MINOCA may thus be distinct to myocardial infarction with significant coronary artery disease (MI‐CAD).HypothesisWe hypothesized that inflammation reflected by C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels might carry unique clinical information in MINOCA.MethodsThis retrospective registry‐based cohort study (SWEDEHEART) included 9916 patients with MINOCA and 97 970 MI‐CAD patients, used for comparisons. Multivariable‐adjusted regressions were applied to investigate the associations of CRP levels with clinical variables, all‐cause mortality and major cardiovascular events (MACE) during a median follow‐up of up to 5.3 years.ResultsMedian admission CRP levels in patients with MINOCA and MI‐CAD were 5.0 (interquartile range 2.0–9.0) mg/dl and 5.0 (interquartile range 2.1–10.0 mg/dl), respectively. CRP levels in MINOCA exhibited independent associations with various cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities and estimates of myocardial damage. The association of CRP with peripheral artery disease tended to be stronger compared to MI‐CAD. The associations with female sex, renal dysfunction and myocardial damage were stronger in MI‐CAD. CRP independently predicted all‐cause mortality in MINOCA (hazard ratio 1.22 [95% confidence interval 1.17–1.26]), similar to MI‐CAD (p interaction = 0.904). CRP also predicted MACE (hazard ratio 1.08 [95% confidence interval 1.04–1.12]) but this association was weaker compared to MI‐CAD (p interaction<.001).ConclusionsWe found no evidence indicating the presence of a specific inflammatory pattern in acute MINOCA compared to MI‐CAD. However, CRP levels were independently, albeit moderately associated with adverse outcome.
Testicular involvement of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adolescents: Diagnosis, biology, and management
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Thi Kim , Terao Michael A. , Green Daniel M. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Inaba Hiroto 
Published: May 2021

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and adolescents can involve the testes at diagnosis or upon relapse. The testes were long considered pharmacologic sanctuary sites, presumably because of the blood‐testis barrier, which prevents the entry of large‐molecular‐weight compounds into the seminiferous tubule. Patients with testicular involvement were historically treated with testicular irradiation or orchiectomy. With the advent of contemporary intensive chemotherapy, including high‐dose methotrexate, vincristine/glucocorticoid pulses, and cyclophosphamide, testicular leukemia present at diagnosis can be eradicated, with the risk of testicular relapse being 2% or lower. However, the management of testicular leukemia is not well described in the recent literature and remains relevant in low‐ and middle‐income countries where testicular relapse is still experienced. Chemotherapy can effectively treat late, isolated testicular B‐cell ALL relapses without the need for irradiation or orchiectomy in patients with an early response and thereby preserve testicular function. For refractory or early‐relapse testicular leukemia, newer treatment approaches such as chimeric antigen receptor–modified T (CAR‐T) cell therapy are under investigation. The control of testicular relapse with CAR‐T cells and their penetration of the blood‐testis barrier have been reported. The outcome of pediatric ALL has been improved remarkably by controlling the disease in the bone marrow, central nervous system, and testes, and such success should be extended globally.Lay Summary

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and adolescents can involve the testes at diagnosis or upon relapse.

Modern intensive chemotherapy has largely eradicated testicular relapse in high‐income countries. Consequently, most current clinicians are not familiar with how to manage it if it does occur, and testicular relapse continues to be a significant problem in low‐ and middle‐income countries that have not had access to modern intensive chemotherapy.

The authors review the historical progress made in eradicating testicular ALL and use the lessons learned to make recommendations for treatment.
Thalamic reticular nucleus in Alligator mississippiensis: Soma and dendritic morphology
Authors: Pritz Michael B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a critical structure influencing information transfer to the forebrain. In crocodilians, the TRN shares many features with its mammalian counterpart. One area that has not been explored is how individual neurons in the crocodilian TRN compare with those found in mammals. In mammals, TRN neurons are aligned parallel to the external border of the dorsal thalamus, have their dendrites oriented perpendicular to the fibers in the internal capsule, have fine, filamentous dendritic appendages, are either bipolar or multipolar, and are commonly considered to be a homogeneous morphological population of cells. To investigate the cellular morphology of the TRN complex, a Golgi analysis was undertaken in Alligator mississippiensis. This study examined features that have been used in mammals. In Alligator, the four TRN divisions are the dorsal peduncular nucleus, the perireticular nucleus, the interstitial nucleus, and the neurons in the medial forebrain bundle associated with the interstitial nucleus. In crocodilians, the dorsal peduncular nucleus is homologous to the TRN of mammals. From the 1787 drawn neuron profiles in the traditional three planes of section, the following were concluded. First, neurons in each part of the TRN complex in Alligator were similar in morphology. Second, each part of the TRN complex of Alligator contained a heterogenous population of cells. These variations between the cellular morphology of the dorsal peduncular nucleus of crocodilians and the TRN of mammals are speculated to partly result from differences in forebrain organization.
A dynamic history of admixture from Mediterranean and Carpathian glacial refugia drives genomic diversity in the bank vole
Authors: Horníková Michaela , Marková Silvia , Lanier Hayley C. , Searle Jeremy B. , Kotlík Petr 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the historical contributions of differing glacial refugia is key to evaluating the roles of microevolutionary forces, such as isolation, introgression, and selection in shaping genomic diversity in present‐day populations. In Europe, where both Mediterranean and extra‐Mediterranean (e.g., Carpathian) refugia of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) have been identified, mtDNA indicates that extra‐Mediterranean refugia were the main source of colonization across the species range, while Mediterranean peninsulas harbor isolated, endemic lineages. Here, we critically evaluate this hypothesis using previously generated genomic data (>6,000 SNPs) for over 800 voles, focusing on genomic contributions to bank voles in central Europe, a key geographic area in considering range‐wide colonization. The results provide clear evidence that both extra‐Mediterranean (Carpathian) and Mediterranean (Spanish, Calabrian, and Balkan) refugia contributed to the ancestry and genomic diversity of bank vole populations across Europe. Few strong barriers to dispersal and frequent admixture events in central Europe have led to a prominent mid‐latitude peak in genomic diversity. Although the genomic contribution of the centrally located Carpathian refugium predominates, populations in different parts of Europe have admixed origins from Mediterranean (28%–47%) and the Carpathian (53%–72%) sources. We suggest that the admixture from Mediterranean refugia may have provisioned adaptive southern alleles to more northern populations, facilitating the end‐glacial spread of the admixed populations and contributing to increased bank vole diversity in central Europe. This study adds critical details to the complex end‐glacial colonization history of this well‐studied organism and underscores the importance of genomic data in phylogeographic interpretation.
Expansion of rDNA and pericentromere satellite repeats in the genomes of bank voles Myodes glareolus exposed to environmental radionuclides
Authors: Jernfors Toni , Danforth John , Kesäniemi Jenni , Lavrinienko Anton , Tukalenko Eugene , Fajkus Jiří , Dvořáčková Martina , Mappes Tapio , Watts Phillip C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAltered copy number of certain highly repetitive regions of the genome, such as satellite DNA within heterochromatin and ribosomal RNA loci (rDNA), is hypothesized to help safeguard the genome against damage derived from external stressors. We quantified copy number of the 18S rDNA and a pericentromeric satellite DNA (Msat‐160) in bank voles (Myodes glareolus) inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), an area that is contaminated by radionuclides and where organisms are exposed to elevated levels of ionizing radiation. We found a significant increase in 18S rDNA and Msat‐160 content in the genomes of bank voles from contaminated locations within the CEZ compared with animals from uncontaminated locations. Moreover, 18S rDNA and Msat‐160 copy number were positively correlated in the genomes of bank voles from uncontaminated, but not in the genomes of animals inhabiting contaminated, areas. These results show the capacity for local‐scale geographic variation in genome architecture and are consistent with the genomic safeguard hypothesis. Disruption of cellular processes related to genomic stability appears to be a hallmark effect in bank voles inhabiting areas contaminated by radionuclides.
Long‐term variability of blood pressure and incidence of heart failure among individuals with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kaze Arnaud D. , Santhanam Prasanna , Erqou Sebhat , Bertoni Alain G. , Ahima Rexford S. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsData on the association of long‐term variability of blood pressure (BP) with incident heart failure (HF) in individuals with Type 2 diabetes are scarce. We evaluated this association in a large community‐based sample of adults with Type 2 diabetes.Methods and resultsA total of 4200 participants with Type 2 diabetes who had available BP measurements at four visits (baseline and 12, 24, and 36 months) in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study were included. Variability of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) across the four visits was assessed using four metrics. Participants free of HF during the first 36 months were followed for HF events. Cox regression was used to generate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HF. Of the 4200 participants, the average age was 59 years [standard deviation (SD): 6.8]; 58.5% were women. Over a median follow‐up of 6.7 years, 129 developed HF events. After adjusting for relevant confounders, the HR of incident HF for the highest vs. lowest quartile of SD of SBP was 1.77 (95% CI 1.01–3.09); the HR for the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of variability independent of the mean of SBP was 1.29 (95% CI 0.78–2.14). The adjusted HR for participants in the highest (compared with the lowest) quartile of SD of DBP was 1.61 (95% CI 1.01–2.59), and the adjusted HR for variability independent of the mean of DBP was 1.65 (95% CI 1.03–2.65).ConclusionsA greater variability in SBP and DBP is independently associated with greater risk of incident HF in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Grading right ventricular dysfunction in left ventricular disease using echocardiography: a proof of concept using a novel multiparameter strategy
Authors: Bech‐Hanssen Odd , Astengo Marco , Fredholm Martin , Bergh Niklas , Hjalmarsson Clara , Polte Christian Lars , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Bollano Entela 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsGrading right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in patients with left ventricular (LV) disease has earned little attention. In the present study, we established an echocardiographic RVD score and investigated how increments of the score correspond to RVD at right heart catheterization.Methods and resultsWe included 95 patients with LV disease consecutively referred for heart transplant or heart failure work‐up with catheterization and echocardiography within 48 h. The RVD score (5 points) included well‐known characteristics of the development from compensated to decompensated right ventricular (RV) function: pulmonary hypertension, reduced RV strain, RV area dilatation, moderate/severe tricuspid regurgitation, and increased right atrial pressure (RAP) by echocardiography. Comparing three groups with increments of RVD score [1 (mild), 2–3 (moderate), and 4–5 (severe)] showed more advanced RVD with increasing RV end‐diastolic pressure (P < 0.001) and signs of uncoupling to load (reduced ratio between RV and pulmonary artery elastance, P < 0.001) and more spherical RV shape (RV area/length, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for detection of severe RV (RAP ≥ 10 mmHg) showed for the RVD score an area under the curve of 0.88 compared with 0.69, 0.68, and 0.64 for RV strain, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and fractional area change, respectively. A patient with RVD score ≥ 4 had a 6.7‐fold increase in likelihood of severe RVD, and no patient with RVD score ≤ 1 had severe RVD.ConclusionsIn this proof of concept study, a novel RVD score outperformed the widely used longitudinal parameters regarding grading of RVD severity, with a potential role for refined diagnosis, follow‐up, and prognosis assessment in heart failure patients.
A Comparison of Short-Term and Continuous Exposures in Toxicity Tests of Produced Waters, Condensate, and Crude Oil to Marine Invertebrates and Fish
Authors: Gissi Francesca , Strzelecki Joanna , Binet Monique T. , Golding Lisa A. , Adams Merrin S. , Elsdon Travis S. , Robertson Tim , Hook Sharon E. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Petroleum hydrocarbons can be discharged into the marine environment during offshore oil and gas production or as a result of oil spills, with potential impacts on marine organisms. Ecotoxicological assay durations (typically 24–96 h) used to characterize risks to exposed organisms may not always reflect realistic environmental exposure durations in a high-energy offshore environment where hydrocarbons are mixed and diluted rapidly in the water column. To investigate this, we adapted 3 sensitive toxicity tests to incorporate a short-term pulse exposure to 3 petroleum-based products: a produced water, the water-accommodated fraction (WAF) of a condensate, and a crude oil WAF. We measured 48-h mobility of the copepod Acartia sinjiensis, 72-h larval development of the sea urchin Heliocidaris tuberculata, and 48-h embryo survival and deformities of yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi, after exposure to a dilution series of each of the 3 products for 2, 4 to 12, and 24 h and for the standard duration of each toxicity test (continuous exposure). Effects on copepod survival and sea urchin larval development were significantly reduced in short-term exposures to produced water and WAFs compared to continuous exposures. Fish embryos, however, showed an increased frequency of deformities at elevated concentrations regardless of exposure duration, although there was a trend toward increased severity of deformities with continuous exposure. The results demonstrate how exposure duration alters toxic response and how incorporating relevant exposure duration to contaminants into toxicity testing may aid interpretation of more realistic effects (and hence an additional line of evidence in risk assessment) in the receiving environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2587–2600. © 2021 CSIRO. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Abstract
The response of marine organisms to total petroleum hydrocarbons following continuous (standard toxicity test duration, solid lines) and short-term (2 h, dashed lines) exposure. The measured responses for the copepod, sea urchin and fish were mobility, larval development and embryo development, respectively.