bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative pharmacokinetics study of six effective components between two dosage forms of Qixue–Shuangbu Prescription in rats by UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Chen Linwei , Liu Lunyuan , Wang Qin , Jiang Yong , Tian Hu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractQixue–Shuangbu Prescription (QSP) is an efficacious prescription for treating heart failure, myocardial ischemia and other diseases. It is composed of nine Chinese herbs. This study investigated and compared the pharmacokinetics of QSP in rats by UPLC–MS/MS between two dosage forms of traditional decoction (TD) and compound tincture (CT). Owing to the complexity of the chemicals in QSP, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, ferulic acid, astragaloside IV, rhein and calycosin were chosen for the pharmacokinetics study. The method established for detecting serum specimens was shown to have acceptable selectivity, linearity, lower limit of quantitation, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability. The peak concentration, AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ of ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rg1, ferulic acid and rhein were significantly increased after oral administration of CT (P < 0.05), the half‐life of ferulic acid in the CT group was lower than that in the TD group (P < 0.05) and the half‐life and AUC0–∞ of astragaloside IV in the CT group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), which revealed that wine‐processing could influence the bioavailability and the elimination of these compounds. For better clinical efficacy, we suggest that the CT dosage form of QSP should be selected.
Enhanced tumor cell killing by ultrasound after microtubule depolymerization
Authors: Singh Aditi , Tijore Ajay , Margadant Felix , Simpson Chloe , Chitkara Deepak , Low Boon Chuan , Sheetz Michael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent studies show that tumor cells are vulnerable to mechanical stresses and undergo calcium‐dependent apoptosis (mechanoptosis) with mechanical perturbation by low‐frequency ultrasound alone. To determine if tumor cells are particularly sensitive to mechanical stress in certain phases of the cell cycle, inhibitors of the cell‐cycle phases are tested for effects on mechanoptosis. Most inhibitors show no significant effect, but inhibitors of mitosis that cause microtubule depolymerization increase the mechanoptosis. Surprisingly, ultrasound treatment also disrupts microtubules independent of inhibitors in tumor cells but not in normal cells. Ultrasound causes calcium entry through mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels that disrupts microtubules via calpain protease activation. Myosin IIA contractility is required for ultrasound‐mediated mechanoptosis and microtubule disruption enhances myosin IIA contractility through activation of GEF‐H1 and RhoA pathway. Further, ultrasound promotes contractility‐dependent Piezo1 expression and localization to the peripheral adhesions where activated Piezo1 allows calcium entry to continue feedback loop. Thus, the synergistic action of ultrasound and nanomolar concentrations of microtubule depolymerizing agents can enhance tumor therapies.
Design, Synthesis of Biaryl Piperidine Derivatives and Their Evaluation as Potential Antileishmanial Agents against Leishmania donovani Strain Ag83
Authors: Rathnakar Bethi , Sinha Kislay Kumar , Prasad Surendra Rajit , Khan Mohd. Imran , Narsaiah Chelimela , Rameshwar Nimma , Satyanarayana Mavurapu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe have developed a new series of simple biaryl piperidine derivatives (11–19) based on biaryl naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid Ealamine‐A. The target compounds were synthesized, analyzed by spectral data, and evaluated for antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani strain Ag83 by MTT assay. The compounds have shown the best to moderate antileishmanial activity. The 5′‐fluoro‐2′‐methoxyphenyl derivative 14 and 3′,5′‐difluorophenyl derivative 16 have inhibited the promastigotes by 86 % and 85 % after 24 h and 92 % and 91 % after 48 h incubation, respectively, at 400 μM concentration. The % inhibition was lower with the lowering of the concentration and increased with the incubation time. Compounds 12, 15, and 18 have solubility issues and proved to be less active than the rest of the compounds. Molecular docking studies were performed on selective active compounds and the results indicate that these compounds may act by binding to the Leishmanolysin and the docking scores are in good correlation with the antileishmanial activity. These results provide an initial insight into the design of new therapeutics for neglected tropical diseases.
Black lives matter … in the cath lab, too! A proposal for the interventional cardiology community to counteract bias and racism
Authors: Uzendu Anezi I. , Boudoulas Konstantinos Dean , Capers Quinn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStructural racism in the United States underlies racial disparities in the criminal justice system, in the healthcare system generally, and with regards to the COVID‐19 pandemic. In the year 2020, these inequities combined and magnified to such a degree that it left Black Americans and physicians caring for them questioning how much Black lives matter. Academic medical centers and the major cardiology organizations responded to a global call to end racism with bold statements and initiatives. Interventional cardiologists utilize advanced equipment to mechanically treat a wide spectrum of heart problems, yet this technology has not been applied in an equitable manner. Interventional therapies are often underutilized in Blacks, exacerbating healthcare disparities and contributing to the excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in these communities. Racial bias, whether intentional, unconscious, systemic, or at the individual level, plays a role in these disparities. Many in the interventional cardiology community aspire to take intentional steps to reduce the impact of bias and racism in our specialty. We discuss several proposals here and provide a “report card” for interventional programs to perform a self‐assessment.
Recent Advances on Electrocatalysis Using Pristinely Conductive Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Guan Yiran , Lai Jianping , Xu Guobao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExploiting advanced electrocatalysts for electrochemical reaction is of vital importance for the development of metal‐air batteries, fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and so on. Due to the unique textural and structural properties, conductive metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit many advantages in comparison with conventional catalysts. When conductive MOFs and COFs are directly used as catalysts, the atomically dispersed metal nodes can offer highly active sites. This minireview focuses on the recent progress of conductive MOFs and COFs as electrocatalysts towards electrochemical reactions, including oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). A variety of typical strategies, including synthetic designs, compositional, and structural modifications for activity improvement of the conductive MOFs and COFs materials in the electrochemical reaction are introduced. Based on the previous achievements, the current stage and the outlook for the future development of the field are summarized.
Mixed Dimensional Nanostructure (UiO‐66‐Decorated MWCNT) as a Nanofiller in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Enhanced CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Khan Abuzar , Elsharif Asma M. , Helal Aasif , Yamani Zain H. , Saeed Hakeem Abbas , Yusuf Khan Mohd 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) with combination of two distinct dimensional nanofillers (such as 1D‐3D, 2D‐3D, or 3D‐3D, etc.) have drawn special attention for gas separation applications due to their concerted effects on gas permeation and mechanical properties. An amine‐functionalized 1D multiwalled carbon nanotube (NH2‐MWCNT) with exceptional mechanical strength and rapid gas transport was crosslinked with an amine‐functionalized 3D metal‐organic framework (UiO‐66‐NH2) with high CO2 affinity in a Schiff base reaction. The resultant crosslinked mixed‐dimensional nanostructure was used as a nanofiller in a polysulfone (PSf) polymer matrix to explore the underlying synergy between 1D and 3D nanostructures on the gas separation performance of MMMs. Cross‐sectional scanning electron microscopy and mapping revealed the homogenous dispersion of UiO‐66@MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The MMM containing 5.0 wt. % UiO‐66@MWCNT demonstrated a superior permeability 8.3 Barrer as compared to the 4.2 Barrer of pure PSf membrane for CO2. Moreover, the selectivity (CO2/CH4) of this MMM was enhanced to 39.5 from the 28.0 observed for pure PSf under similar conditions of pressure and temperature.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with a Nido‐C2B9 Carborane Backbone
Authors: Cui Zhongzheng , Wang Beining , Li Junxia , Pang Ronglin , Kang Yanrui , Xiao Xu‐Qiong 
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusionThe steric and electronic properties of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) can be modified by the exocyclic substituents at the nitrogen atoms, by 1—3 atoms’ replacements of the five‐membered imidazolium skeleton and by the changes of the backbones. Herein, we report the usage of nido‐C2B9 carborane anions as the backbones of NHCs. Stirring the mixture of secondary amino o‐carboranes (1b—1e), triethyl orthoformate and HBF4∙Et2O results in the unexpected cage‐opening of o‐carboranes to afford the nido‐C2B9 carborane anions supported N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors (4b—4e). Deprotonation of 4b with sodium hexamethyldisilazide at −78 oC affords the N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand, which was used to form an Au(I) NHC complex (5). DFT calculations revealed a high‐lying lone pair orbitals of the carbene ligands, predicting their strong σ‐donating abilities.
A Study on Optoelectronic Properties of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfur Selenide: A Promising Thin‐Film Material for Next Generation Solar Technology
Authors: Ali Nisar , Zubair M. , Khesro Amir , Ahmed Rashid , Uddin Sarir , Shahzad Naeem , Alrobei Hussein , Kalam Abul , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Ul Haq Bakhtiar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStudies on copper zinc tin sulpher selenide (CZTSSe) thin‐film material and its applications as a base material are intensively being researched since it is an earth‐abundant, inexpensive, flexible, and interesting material for next‐generation optoelectronic technologies. Apropos, this study explores and reports the synthesis of CZTSSe thin films and their key optoelectronics characteristics. The reported films are fabricated on a soda‐lime glass substrate by using a physical vapor deposition technique, and then annealed from 250 to 450 °C. From the X‐ray diffraction analysis, the structure of the as‐deposited thin films is found to be amorphous in nature. Annealed thin films of CZTSSe exhibit polycrystalline nature with an average crystallite size of 46.3 nm in tetragonal structure. To determine the bandgap energy, as well as optical properties, the visible spectrophotometer, and four‐probe techniques, are used. From the measurements, the bandgap energy of the annealed film is found to be 1.64 eV at 450 °C which is in the optimal range as an absorber layer for solar cell devices. Similarly, by employing the four‐probe technique, I–V characteristics for the as‐deposited thin films, the material shows non‐ohmic behavior whereas the annealed film demonstrates partially ohmic with a resistance of 670 ohms.
Bacterial colonization of a power‐driven water flosser during regular use. A proof‐of‐principle study
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Edlund Johansson Pia , Bruckmann Corinna , Leonhard Matthias , Davies Julia R. , Stavropoulos Andreas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe present proof‐of‐principle study assessed whether daily use of a power‐driven water flosser (Sonicare AirFloss; SAF) leads to bacterial colonization in the nozzle and/or the device, resulting in contaminated water‐jet.Material and MethodsIn five participants, saliva samples at baseline and water‐jet samples of devices used daily with bottled water for 3 weeks (test) were collected. Additionally, water‐jet samples from devices used daily with bottled water extra‐orally for 3 weeks (positive control) and from brand new devices (negative control), as well as samples from newly opened and 1‐ and 3‐week opened water bottles were collected. Colony forming units (CFU) were recorded after 48 h culturing and 20 oral pathogens were assessed by polymerase chain reaction‐based analysis.ResultsDistinct inter‐individual differences regarding the number of detected bacteria were observed; water‐jet samples of test devices included both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species, with some similarities to the saliva sample of the user. Water‐jet samples from positive control devices showed limited number of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species, while the samples from negative control devices did not show any bacterial species. Very few aerobic bacteria were detected only in the 3‐week‐old bottled water samples, while samples of newly and 1‐week opened water bottles did not show any bacterial growth.ConclusionsThe present proof‐of‐principle study showed that daily use of a power‐driven water flosser for 3 weeks resulted in bacterial colonization in the nozzle and/or device with both aerobic and anaerobic, not only oral, species, that are transmitted via the water‐jet.
Regulating the Aggregation of Unfused Non‐Fullerene Acceptors via Molecular Engineering towards Efficient Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Fu Huiting , Wu Ziang , Wu Xin , Wang Mei , Qin Hongmei , Lin Francis , Woo Han Young , Jen Alex K.‐Y. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTuning molecular aggregation via structure design to manipulate the film morphology still remains as a challenge for polymer solar cells based on unfused non‐fullerene acceptors (UF‐NFAs). Herein, a strategy was developed to modulate the aggregation patterns of UF‐NFAs by systematically varying the π‐bridge (D) unit and central core (A’) unit in A−D‐A’−D−A framework (A and D refer to electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating moieties, respectively). Specifically, the quantified contents of H‐ or J‐aggregation and crystallite disorder of three UF‐NFAs (BDIC2F, BCIC2F, and TCIC2F) were analyzed via UV/Vis spectrometry and grazing incidence X‐ray scattering. The results showed that the H‐aggregate‐dominated BCIC2F with less crystallite disorder exhibited a more favorable blend morphology with polymer donor PBDB‐T (poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene)‐co‐(1,3‐di(5‐thiophene‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c']dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)]) relative the other two UF‐NFAs, resulting in improved exciton dissociation and charge tranport. Consequently, photovoltaic devices based on BCIC2F delivered a promising power conversion efficiency of 12.4 % with an exceptionally high short‐circuit current density of 22.1 mA cm−2.
Synthetic Lubricants Derived from Plastic Waste and their Tribological Performance
Authors: Hackler Ryan A. , Vyavhare Kimaya , Kennedy Robert M. , Celik Gokhan , Kanbur Uddhav , Griffin Philip J. , Sadow Aaron D. , Zang Guiyan , Elgowainy Amgad , Sun Pingping , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R. , Erdemir Ali , Delferro Massimiliano 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe energy efficiency, mechanical durability, and environmental compatibility of all moving machine components rely heavily on advanced lubricants for smooth and safe operation. Herein an alternative family of high‐quality liquid (HQL) lubricants was derived by the catalytic conversion of pre‐ and post‐consumer polyolefin waste. The plastic‐derived lubricants performed comparably to synthetic base oils such as polyalphaolefins (PAOs), both with a wear scar volume (WSV) of 7.5×10−5 mm−3. HQLs also performed superior to petroleum‐based lubricants such as Group III mineral oil with a WSV of 1.7×10−4 mm−3, showcasing a 44 % reduction in wear. Furthermore, a synergistic reduction in friction and wear was observed when combining the upcycled plastic lubricant with synthetic oils. Life cycle and techno‐economic analyses also showed this process to be energetically efficient and economically feasible. This novel technology offers a cost‐effective opportunity to reduce the harmful environmental impact of plastic waste on our planet and to save energy through reduction of friction and wear‐related degradations in transportation applications akin to synthetic oils.
Validating the use of stereo‐video cameras to conduct remote measurements of sea turtles
Authors: Siegfried Tabitha R. , Fuentes Mariana M. P. B. , Ware Matthew , Robinson Nathan J. , Roberto Emma , Piacenza Joseph R. , Piacenza Susan E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPoint 1: Stereo‐video camera systems (SVCSs) are a promising tool to remotely measure body size of wild animals without the need for animal handling. Here, we assessed the accuracy of SVCSs for measuring straight carapace length (SCL) of sea turtles.Point 2: To achieve this, we hand captured and measured 63 juvenile, subadult, and adult sea turtles across three species: greens,Chelonia mydas(n = 52); loggerheads,Caretta caretta(n = 8); and Kemp's ridley,Lepidochelys kempii(n = 3) in the waters off Eleuthera, The Bahamas and Crystal River, Florida, USA, between May and November 2019. Upon release, we filmed these individuals with the SVCS. We performed photogrammetric analysis to extract stereo SCL measurements (eSCL), which were then compared to the (manual) capture measurements (mSCL).Point 3: mSCL ranged from 25.9 to 89.2 cm, while eSCL ranged from 24.7 to 91.4 cm. Mean percent bias of eSCL ranged from −0.61% (±0.11SE) to −4.46% (±0.31SE) across all species and locations. We statistically analyzed potential drivers of measurement error, including distance of the turtle to the SVCS, turtle angle, image quality, turtle size, capture location, and species.Point 4: Using a linear mixed effects model, we found that the distance between the turtle and the SVCS was the primary factor influencing measurement error. Our research suggests that stereo‐video technology enables high‐quality measurements of sea turtle body size collected in situ without the need for hand‐capturing individuals. This study contributes to the growing knowledge base that SVCS are accurate for body size measurements independent of taxonomic clade.
Olaparib Inhibits Tumor Growth of Hepatoblastoma in Patient‐Derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Johnston Michael Edward , Rivas Maria Prates , Nicolle Delphine , Gorse Aurore , Gulati Ruhi , Kumbaji Meenasri , Weirauch Matthew T. , Bondoc Alexander , Cairo Stefano , Geller James , Tiao Gregory , Timchenko Nikolai 
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims
Hepatoblastoma (HBL) is a devastating pediatric liver cancer with multiple treatment options, but it ultimately requires surgery for a cure. The most malicious form of HBL is a chemo‐resistant aggressive tumor that is characterized by rapid growth, metastases, and poor response to treatment. Very little is known of the mechanisms of aggressive HBL, and recent focuses have been on developing alternative treatment strategies. In this study, we examined the role of human chromosomal regions, called aggressive liver cancer domains (ALCDs), in liver cancer and evaluated the mechanisms that activate ALCDs in aggressive HBL.

Results
We found that ALCDs are critical regions of the human genome that are located on all human chromosomes, preferentially in intronic regions of the oncogenes and other cancer‐associated genes. In aggressive HBL and in patients with Hepatocellular (HCC), JNK1/2 phosphorylates p53 at Ser6, which leads to the ph‐S6‐p53 interacting with and delivering the poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)/Ku70 complexes on the oncogenes containing ALCDs. The ph‐S6‐p53‐PARP1 complexes open chromatin around ALCDs and activate multiple oncogenic pathways. We found that the inhibition of PARP1 in patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) from aggressive HBL by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved inhibitor olaparib (Ola) significantly inhibits tumor growth. Additionally, this is associated with the reduction of the ph‐S6‐p53/PARP1 complexes and subsequent inhibition of ALCD‐dependent oncogenes. Studies in cultured cancer cells confirmed that the Ola‐mediated inhibition of the ph‐S6‐p53‐PARP1‐ALCD axis inhibits proliferation of cancer cells.

Conclusions
In this study, we showed that aggressive HBL is moderated by ALCDs, which are activated by the ph‐S6‐p53/PARP1 pathway. By using the PARP1 inhibitor Ola, we suppressed tumor growth in HBL‐PDX models, which demonstrated its utility in future clinical models.
Clinical Study of Single‐Stranded Oligonucleotide RO7062931 in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Gane Edward , Yuen Man‐Fung , Kim Dong Joon , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Surujbally Bernadette , Pavlovic Vedran , Das Sudip , Triyatni Miriam , Kazma Remi , Grippo Joseph F. , Buatois Simon , Lemenuel‐Diot Annabelle , Krippendorff Ben‐Fillippo , Mueller Henrik , Zhang Yuchen , Kim Hyung Joon , Leerapun Apinya , Lim Tien Huey , Lim Young‐Suk , Tanwandee Tawesak , Kim Won , Cheng Wendy , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Wat Cynthia 
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims
RO7062931 is an N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)‐conjugated single‐stranded locked nucleic acid oligonucleotide complementary to HBV RNA. GalNAc conjugation targets the liver through the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). This two‐part phase 1 study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of RO7062931 in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who were virologically suppressed.

Approach and Results
Part 1 was a single ascending dose study in healthy volunteers randomized to receive a single RO7062931 dose (0.1‐4.0 mg/kg), or placebo. Part 2 was a multiple ascending dose study in patients with CHB randomized to receive RO7062931 at 0.5, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg or placebo every month for a total of 2 doses (Part 2a) or RO7062931 at 3.0 mg/kg every 2 weeks, 3.0 mg/kg every week (QW), or 4.0 mg/kg QW or placebo for a total of 3‐5 doses (Part 2b). Sixty healthy volunteers and 59 patients received RO7062931 or placebo. The majority of adverse events (AEs) reported were mild in intensity. Common AEs included self‐limiting injection site reactions and influenza‐like illness. Supradose‐proportional increases in RO7062931 plasma exposure and urinary excretion occurred at doses ≥3.0 mg/kg. In patients with CHB, RO7062931 resulted in dose‐dependent and time‐dependent reduction in HBsAg versus placebo. The greatest HBsAg declines from baseline were achieved with the 3.0 mg/kg QW dose regimen (mean nadir ~0.5 log10 IU/mL) independent of HBeAg status.

Conclusions
RO7062931 is safe and well tolerated at doses up to 4.0 mg/kg QW. Supradose‐proportional exposure at doses of 3.0‐4.0 mg/kg was indicative of partial saturation of the ASGPR‐mediated liver uptake system. Dose‐dependent declines in HBsAg demonstrated target engagement with RO7062931.