bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MANF protects pancreatic acinar cells against alcohol‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and cellular injury
Authors: Wu Huaxun , Li Hui , Wen Wen , Wang Yongchao , Xu Hong , Xu Mei , Frank Jacqueline A. , Wei Wei , Luo Jia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground/PurposeHeavy alcohol drinking is associated with pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is initiated by the damage to the pancreatic acinar cells. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to play an important role in alcohol‐induced pancreatic damage. Mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is an ER stress‐inducible protein. The aim of the study was to determine whether MANF can ameliorate alcohol‐induced ER stress and cellular damages to pancreatic acinar cells.MethodsAlcohol‐induced damage to mouse pancreatic 266‐6 acinar cells was determined by MTT and flow cytometry. MANF expression was downregulated by MANF siRNA using the Neon Transfection System. The overexpression of MANF was performed by the infection with the adenoviral vector carrying mouse MANF gene. The expression of ER stress markers was determined by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.ResultsAlcohol caused ER stress, oxidative stress and induced apoptosis of 266‐6 acinar cells. Recombinant human MANF alleviated alcohol‐induced ER stress and cell death by inhibiting IRE1‐caspase 12‐caspase 3 apoptotic pathway. Overexpression of mouse MANF also protected cells against alcohol‐induced apoptosis. In contrast, inhibiting MANF by siRNA exacerbated alcohol‐induced cellular damage.ConclusionsMANF was protective against alcohol‐induced ER stress and cellular injury in pancreatic acinar cells. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic value of MANF for alcoholic pancreatitis.
MRI Findings of Arachnoiditis, Revisited. Is Classification Possible?
Authors: El Homsi Maria , Gharzeddine Karem , Cuevas Jordan , Arevalo‐Perez Julio , Rebeiz Karim , Khoury Nabil J. , Moukaddam Hicham 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPrior imaging studies characterizing lumbar arachnoiditis have been based on small sample numbers and have reported inconsistent results.PurposeTo review the different imaging patterns of lumbosacral arachnoiditis, their significance, and clinical implications.Study typeRetrospective.PopulationA total of 96 patients (43 women; average age 61.3 years) with imaging findings of arachnoiditis (postsurgical: N = 49; degenerative: N = 29; vertebral fracture: N = 6; epidural and subdural hemorrhage: N = 3, infectious: N= 1; other: N = 8) from January 2009 to April 2018.Field strength/SequenceSagittal and axial T2‐weighted Turbo Spin Echo at 1.5 T and 3 T.AssessmentChart review was performed to assess the cause of arachnoiditis, and imaging was reviewed by two musculoskeletal and three neurology radiologists, blinded to the clinical data and to each other's imaging interpretation. Previous classification included a three‐group system based on the appearance of the nerve roots on T2‐weighted images. A fourth group was added in our review as “nonspecified” and was proposed for indeterminate imaging findings that did not fall into the classical groups. The presence/absence of synechiae/fibrous bands that distort the nerve roots and of spinal canal stenosis was also assessed.Statistical testsThe kappa score was used to assess agreement between readers for both classification type and presence/absence of synechiae.ResultsPostsurgical (51%) and degenerative changes (30%) were the most common etiologies. About 7%–55% of arachnoiditis were classified as group 4. There was very poor classification agreement between readers (kappa score 0.051). There was also poor interreader agreement for determining the presence of synechiae (kappa 0.18) with, however, strong interreader agreement for the presence of synechia obtained between the most experienced readers (kappa 0.89).Data ConclusionThis study demonstrated the lack of consensus and clarity in the classification system of lumbar arachnoiditis. The presence of synechia has high interreader agreement only among most experienced readers and promises to be a useful tool in assessing arachnoiditis.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Vaccine hesitancy: Beliefs and barriers associated with COVID‐19 vaccination among Egyptian medical students
Authors: Saied Shimaa M. , Saied Eman M. , Kabbash Ibrahim Ali , Abdo Sanaa Abd El‐Fatah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundVaccine hesitancy poses serious challenges for achieving coverage for population immunity. It is necessary to achieve high COVID‐19 vaccination acceptance rates and medical students’ coverage as future health care providers. The study aimed to explore the level of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy and determine the factors and barriers that may affect vaccination decision‐making.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out among medical students in Tanta and Kafrelsheikh Universities, Egypt. Data collection was done via an online questionnaire during January 2021 from 2133 students.ResultsThe majority of the participant students (90.5%) perceived the importance of the COVID‐19 vaccine, 46% had vaccination hesitancy, and an equal percentage (6%) either definitely accepted or refused the vaccine. Most of the students had concerns regarding the vaccine's adverse effects (96.8%) and ineffectiveness (93.2%). The most confirmed barriers of COVID‐19 vaccination were deficient data regarding the vaccine's adverse effects (potential 74.17% and unknown 56.31%) and insufficient information regarding the vaccine itself (72.76%).ConclusionThe government, health authority decision‐makers, medical experts, and universities in Egypt need to work together and make efforts to reduce hesitancy and raise awareness about vaccinations, consequently improving the acceptance of COVID‐19 vaccines.
Simultaneous determination of erythrocyte methotrexate polyglutamates by a novel and simple HPLC‐MS/MS method with stable isotope‐labeled internal standards
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Zhang Song , Li Jiali , Zhong Xiaoli , Feng Guiping , Hu Liangqing , He Fan , Cen Hanjing , Chen Yilu , He Yanling , Zeng Huasong , Chen Xiao , Mo Xiaolan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLow‐dose methotrexate is the first‐line therapy for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In vivo, methotrexate is converted into a series of methotrexate polyglutamates whose intracellular levels contribute significantly to its efficacy and toxicity. In this study, a novel high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to simultaneously determine erythrocyte methotrexate polyglutamates using stable isotope‐labeled internal standards. Erythrocyte samples were precipitated by perchloric acid and then determined on an XBridge BEH C18 column with an XP vanguard precolumn in 12 min. The mobile phase consisted of 10 nM ammonium acetate (pH 10) and methanol under gradient elution. The detection was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring mode via an electrospray ionization source in positive ionization mode. The calibration curve for each metabolite was linear from 2.0 to 500.0 nmol/L (r2 > 0.99). The intraday and interday accuracies were between 93.0 and 107.0%, and the corresponding precisions were between 0.8 and 5.2%. The relative recovery ranged from 82.7 to 105.1%, and the relative matrix effect varied from 96.5 to 104.4%. The erythrocyte metabolites were stable for 30 days at −80°C. This simple and accurate method is applicable to routine monitoring of the concentration of erythrocyte methotrexate polyglutamates in patients to achieve individualized treatment.
Effect of Artesunate Combined With Fractional CO2 Laser on the Hypertrophic Scar in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Zhang Jinxia , Xia Zhikuan , Zhou Shuanglin , Luo Wanting , Peng Zhuoying , Yang Rongya 
Published: March 2021

Background and ObjectivesHypertrophic scar (HS), a common complication in wound healing, is characterized by the disarrangement of collagen, fibers, and extracellular matrix. Artesunate (ART) can inhibit the abnormal formation of fibroblasts and collagens. Fractional CO2 laser (FCO2L) can facilitate tissue remodeling and the absorption of drugs into ablative microthermal columns in HS. So far, no research has investigated the efficacy of ART combined with an FCO2L in treating HS. To investigate the theoretical basis and clinical significance of this combination, we established a rabbit model of HS to observe the change in the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).Study Design/Materials and MethodsForty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group, ART group, FCO2L group, and ART + FCO2L (combination) group. Four wounds were surgically established in the ear of each rabbit and allowed to develop into HS. ART (20 μL/cm2) was injected in ART and combination groups, and FCO2L (combo mode, deep energy:10m J, super energy: 50 mJ) in FCO2L and combination groups on the 28th day after HS occurred. Three rounds of treatment were applied (once every 14 days). HS samples were measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Van Gieson staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis on the 70th day.ResultsThe morphological and histopathological changes in HS were significant. HSs were smoother and smaller and the collagen fibers were thinner and less disordered in the combination group than those in ART and FCO2L groups. Meanwhile, the hypertrophic index (HI), fiber density (NA), and collagen fiber content (AA) were lower in the combination group (1.54 ± 0.15, 3.30 ± 0.22, 30.37 ± 1.41%) than in the ART group (2.51 ± 0.22, 4.69 ± 0.16, 44.68 ± 2.30%) and FCO2L group (1.99 ± 0.14, 4.13 ± 0.12, 37.74 ± 1.38%) (P < 0.01). Additionally, the expressions of TGF‐β1 and PCNA protein were suppressed in the ART group (0.30 ± 0.03, 0.25 ± 0.03) and FCO2L group (0.35 ± 0.03, 0.32 ± 0.05), and the suppression was more significant in the combination group(0.07 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.02) (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe combination of ART and FCO2L can effectively reduce HS in the rabbit model. This is the first report about this combination in the treatment of HS. A novel treatment is expected to be based on our findings. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Molecule‐Responsive Polymer Monolith as a Smart Gate Driven by Host–Guest Interaction with Morphology Restoration
Authors: Mizuno Shunsuke , Asoh Taka‐Aki , Takashima Yoshinori , Harada Akira , Uyama Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMaterials that function in response to the molecules are attracting attention as smart materials. In particular, the autonomous change in permeability is an attractive function of the biomimetic materials in the fields of microfluidic devices, transport control, and sensing. In this study, a monolith that incorporates crosslinked points formed by an inclusion complex of β‐cyclodextrin and phenyl groups is prepared and applied for permeability control. Monoliths with continuous pores of several micrometers in size show a reversible permeability change in response to the specific molecules. During the supramolecular bond dissociation/reformation cycle, the monoliths restore their permeability along with their original porous structure.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Polyethylene Midblock Copolymers in Hot Steam: Key Role of Crystalline and Topological Structure
Authors: Cheng Shuwen , Hu Yu , Wu Xuanhong , Li Wei , Mu Jingshan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA series of linear‐shaped, H‐shaped, and dumbbell‐shaped semi‐crystalline triblock copolymers (E1, E2 and E3) is prepared, which contains polyethylene (PE) midblock and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) endblocks. The molecular design in this study is focused on the variation of the length and number of PMMA chains, with a fixed PE midblock (Mn = 16 000 g mol−1) and approximate composition (wtPE%:wtPMMA ≈ 1:1), upon which the hierarchical self‐assembly behavior in solvent vapor annealing (SVA) process is investigated. The dumbbell‐shaped E3, which contains the most and shortest PMMA chains, shows a drastic reduction of the Tm and crystallinity of PE midblock. It is attributed to the plasticization effects by the dumbbell architecture, which disturbed the chain folding of PE block. The variation of the topological structure of copolymers not only accelerates the transformation of morphologies from spherical to network, but also leads to the formation of new morphologies. After repeated annealing, both E1 and E2 form crossed network, columnar and flower‐like morphologies by higher‐level assembly from preassembled vermicular micelles. By comparison, the dumbbell‐shaped E3 assembled into lamellar or stacks of “lamellar” morphologies. The hierarchical self‐assembly can be governed by the combination of the driving forces of PE crystallization and the topologies structure.
Pipeline of anti‐Mycobacterium abscessussmall molecules: Repurposable drugs and promising novel chemical entities
Authors: Egorova Anna , Jackson Mary , Gavrilyuk Victor , Makarov Vadim 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTheMycobacterium abscessuscomplex is a group of emerging pathogens that are difficult to treat. There are no effective drugs for successfulM. abscessuspulmonary infection therapy, and existing drug regimens recommended by the British or the American Thoracic Societies are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, novel antibacterial drugs are urgently needed to contain this global threat. The current anti‐M. abscessussmall‐molecule drug development process can be enhanced by two parallel strategies—discovery of compounds from new chemical classes and commercial drug repurposing. This review focuses on recent advances in the finding of novel small‐molecule agents, and more particularly focuses on the activity, mode of action and structure–activity relationship of promising inhibitors from five different chemical classes—benzimidazoles, indole‐2‐carboxamides, benzothiazoles, 4‐piperidinoles, and oxazolidionones. We further discuss some other interesting small molecules, such as thiacetazone derivatives and benzoboroxoles, that are in the early stages of drug development, and summarize current knowledge about the efficacy of repurposable drugs, such as rifabutin, tedizolid, bedaquiline, and others. We finally review targets of therapeutic interest inM. abscessus that may be worthy of future drug and adjunct therapeutic development.
Continuous fast pyrolysis synthesis of TiO2/C nanohybrid lithium‐ion battery anode
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Funke Axel , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Song Fang , Yin Shanshan , Liang Suzhe , Zuo Xiuxia , Gao Jie , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Xia Yonggao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractContinuous fast pyrolysis is developed for in situ synthesis of ultra‐small metal oxide nanoparticles embedded into three‐dimensional macroporous carbon matrix as demonstrated by the TiO2/carbon nanohybrid. The TiO2 nanoparticles with the average size of 4.6 nm ± 0.6 nm are uniformly distributed in the in situ generated macroporous carbon matrix. When evaluated as an anode in a lithium‐ion battery, the macroporous TiO2/C nanohybrid exhibits a reversible capacity of 483 mAh g–1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 67 mA g–1, which is 3.6 times higher than that of the TiO2/C calcined in a conventional batchwise way. Besides, the capacity retains 93 mAh g–1 at a high current density of 670 mA g–1. It reveals that the continuous fast pyrolysis is an efficient method to fabricate carbon composition based metal oxides as lithium‐ion battery anode materials.
Prevalence of urinary incontinence among women with diabetes in the Lolland‐Falster Health Study, Denmark
Authors: Løwenstein Ea , Jepsen Randi , Andersen Lea L. , Laigaard Jennie , Møller Lars A. , Gæde Peter , Bonde Lisbeth , Gimbel Helga 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and UI subtypes (stress, urgency, and mixed UI) in women with or without diabetes mellitus; and to investigate the association between diabetes and UI (any and subtypes).MethodsA cross‐sectional study based on the Lolland‐Falster, Denmark population‐based health study. From 2016 to 2020, clinical measurement, questionnaires, and blood tests were collected. A total of 8563 women aged 18 or older were enrolled. Data analysis included 7906 women. UI was defined as any involuntary leakage of urine during the previous 4 weeks. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders: age, body mass index, parity, physical activity, previous gestational diabetes, education, and smoking.ResultsUI prevalence was 50.3% in women with diabetes and 39.3% in women without diabetes. The unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) for UI in women with diabetes was OR 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–1.92) and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.88–1.38), respectively. Mixed UI was associated with diabetes after controlling for confounders. A subgroup analysis found women using multiple antidiabetic medications had increased odds of UI, 2.75 (95% CI, 1.38–5.48), after controlling for confounders.ConclusionThe prevalence of UI in women with diabetes was higher than in women without diabetes. The odds of UI was 56% higher in women with diabetes compared with women without diabetes but the effect was attenuated when controlling for confounders and statistically significance was not achieved. For a subgroup using multiple antidiabetic medications, the risk of UI was higher than in women without diabetes.
A prospective, multicenter, international study to explore the effect of three different amplitude settings in female subjects with urinary urge incontinence receiving interstim therapy
Authors: Elterman Dean , Ehlert Michael , De Ridder Dirk , McCrery Rebecca , Pakzad Mahreen , Kaufman Melissa R. , Shah Sagar , Margolis Eric , Bukkapatnam Raviender , Johnson Gayle , Zirpel Lance , Stolen Kira , Champs Mylène , Goudelocke Colin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of sub‐sensory amplitude settings of sacral neuromodulation therapy on overactive bladder symptoms in subjects with urinary urge incontinence.MethodsSubjects who qualified for a neurostimulator device implant were randomized to one of three amplitude settings (50% of sensory threshold [ST], 80% of ST, and ST). Subjects completed urinary voiding diaries (3‐day), International consultation on incontinence modular questionnaire—overactive bladder symptoms quality of life questionnaire, and patient global impression of improvement (PGI‐I) to assess change in voiding symptoms and quality of life (QoL) from baseline through 12 weeks.ResultsForty‐eight subjects had a successful test stimulation, 46 were implanted with a neurostimulator device and 43 completed the 12‐week follow‐up visit. The change from baseline to 12 weeks is −3.0 urinary incontinence (UI) episodes/day (95% confidence interval [CI]: −4.4 to −1.7) for the 50% of sensory threshold group, −2.9 UI episodes/day (95% CI: −4.7 to −1.2) for 80% of sensory threshold group, and −3.6 UI episodes/day (95% CI: −5.2 to −1.9) for the sensory threshold group. In each randomized group, improvements were observed in health‐related QoL, its subscales, and symptom interference. Subjects across all three randomization groups reported on the PGI‐I that their bladder condition was better at 12 weeks compared to before they were treated with InterStim therapy.ConclusionThese findings provide insights into possible advancements in the postimplantation phase of therapy with potential for improved patient comfort and increased device longevity.
Sleep terrors—A parental nightmare
Authors: Gigliotti Federica , Esposito Dario , Basile Consuelo , Cesario Serena , Bruni Oliviero 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSleep terrors (STs) are sleep disorders characterized by abrupt arousal from sleep with autonomic hyperactivity and inappropriate behavior. Though a common condition in childhood that usually affects children between 4 and 12 years of age, STs, however, may be present even in adulthood. The exact etiology of STs is not known yet, however, several hypotheses have been proposed over the years, identifying some potential genetic, neurodevelopmental, or other causes. Nevertheless, a useful pathophysiological model identified a common cascade of predisposing, priming, and precipitating factors, which could help to explain and sometimes prevent STs. Establishing a correct diagnosis is mandatory for appropriate management, as several conditions (such as other parasomnias or nocturnal seizures) may mimic STs. Furthermore, we also described some conditions which can be comorbid to STs, like some medical or psychological disorders. A number of treatment options have been proposed, ranging from only sleep hygiene practices to pharmacological therapies; we reviewed some of the most prominent ones. In spite of the fact that STs have long been considered benign disorders, which tend to reduce spontaneously over the years, they may have unexpected consequences on the child but also on the caregivers.
Clinical validation of a mandibular movement signal based system for the diagnosis of pediatric sleep apnea
Authors: Martinot Jean‐Benoit , Cuthbert Valérie , Le‐Dong Nhat N. , Coumans Nathalie , De Marneffe Deborah , Letesson Clément , Pépin Jean L. , Gozal David 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundGiven the high prevalence and risk for outcomes associated with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there is a need for simplified diagnostic approaches. A prospective study in 140 children undergoing in‐laboratory polysomnography (PSG) evaluates the accuracy of a recently developed system (Sunrise) to estimate respiratory efforts by monitoring sleep mandibular movements (MM) for the diagnosis of OSA (Sunrise™).MethodsDiagnosis and severity were defined by an obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (OAHI) ≥ 1 (mild), ≥ 5 (moderate), and ≥ 10 events/h (severe). Agreement between PSG and Sunrise™ was assessed by Bland–Altman method comparing respiratory disturbances hourly index (RDI) (obstructive apneas, hypopneas, and respiratory effort‐related arousals) during PSG (PSG_RDI), and Sunrise RDI (Sr_RDI). Performance of Sr_RDI was determined via ROC curves evaluating the device sensitivity and specificity at PSG_OAHI ≥ 1, 5, and 15 events/h.ResultsA median difference of 1.57 events/h, 95% confidence interval: −2.49 to 8.11 was found between Sr_RDI and PSG_RDI. Areas under the ROC curves of Sr_RDI were 0.75 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.72–0.78), 0.90 (IQR: 0.86–0.92) and 0.95 (IQR: 0.90–0.99) for detecting children with PSG_OAHI ≥ 1, PSG_OAHI ≥ 5, or PSG_ OAHI ≥ 10, respectively.ConclusionMM automated analysis shows significant promise to diagnose moderate‐to‐severe pediatric OSA.
Disturbance compensation based asymptotic tracking control for nonlinear systems with mismatched modeling uncertainties
Authors: Yang Guichao , Wang Hua , Chen Jie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn order to acquire high‐performance tracking control for a class of nonlinear systems with matched and mismatched modeling uncertainties, a disturbance‐compensation‐based nonlinear robust controller with a continuous control law is integrated via a novel asymptotic‐filter‐based backstepping approach. Specially, a set of novel asymptotic disturbance observers with exact estimation performance is constructed to estimate matched and mismatched total disturbances respectively in real time. Moreover, the integrated control algorithm just needs the state measurements only and does not require any internal dynamics and other physical parameter information generally. Furthermore, only the first derivative of the command to be tracked is demanded. It is noted that asymptotic output tracking performance under the closed‐loop operation can be achieved. Finally, the whole closed‐loop stability is proven strictly via the Lyapunov theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the integrated controller is demonstrated by contrastive application results.