bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying blood group antibodies…can a computer help?
Authors: Dietz G. , Miller N. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Antibody identification is one of the last areas of laboratory medicine to embrace computerization. This is due in part to the complex nature of antibody identification. Until recently, computer programs written to assist with antibody identification have been slow and cumbersome. However, technological advances in computer hardware have greatly improved the response time for these applications. Still, blood bank technologists sometimes shun assistance from the computer because they consider antibody investigation as an intellectually stimulating aspect of their job that they do not wish to turn over to a computer. Computer programs for antibody investigation are probably most useful for technologists who perform antibody investigations infrequently. They can also be invaluable for experienced technologists performing complex investigations. When integrated with a computerized blood bank record-keeping system, antibody investigation software can improve storage and retrieval of test results. Database applications for retrieving rare cells and sera offer the potential to improve the productivity and capability of any antibody investigation laboratory. And word processing applications greatly enhance the potential for generating meaningful reports of test results.
Immunohematology
1993;9:53–55.
A possible relationship between colorectal carcinoma and ABO/Lewis blood groups
Authors: Henry S.M. , Woodfield D.G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The incidence of colorectal carcinoma was compared with the incidence of ABO and Lewis blood groups. The raw data showed the known overrepresentation of the Le(a–b–) phenotype, but also suggested an association of colorectal carcinoma with the Le(a–b+) phenotype in group O individuals. When the data were adjusted by taking into account the known loss of Lewis antigens by Lewis-positive patients, this association could be shown to be statistically significant. These results may indicate involvement of the secretory H antigen in colorectal carcinoma.
Immunohematology
1993;9:101.
Clinical correlation of positive direct antiglobulin tests in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Comenzo R.L. , Malachowski M.E. , Berkman E.M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Serologic findings of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (autoimmune hemolytic anemia and cold agglutinin disease) are not infrequent in patients with sickle cell disease and can be clinically significant. Features of sickle cell disease that may affect the emergence and intensity of immune-mediated hemolysis include the antigenic stimulation of chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, increased autoantibody production, RBC membrane defects, and functional asplenism. We describe two patients with sickle cell disease and serologic findings of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, but only one had increased RBC destruction attributed to the autoantibody. That patient’s RBCs had IgG and complement on the surface, while those of the other patient had IgG without complement. Functional asplenism may diminish the role of an IgG autoantibody that does not bind complement, since RBCs coated with complement are removed by the liver. Therefore, complement-binding autoantibodies may have particular significance in immune-mediated hemolysis in patients with sickle cell disease.
Immunohematology
1992;8: 13–16.
Case report: hemolytic anemia produced by tolmetin
Authors: McCall L. , Owens M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Tolmetin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was found to be the etiologic agent in a case of drug-induced hemolytic anemia. A 35-year-old female who had ingested tolmetin sporadically in the past took two doses that resulted in acute hemolysis. Two days after taking the second dose, she had a hemoglobin of 7.0 g/dL, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase, reticulocytosis, and indirect reacting hyperbilirubinemia. The direct antiglobulin test was weakly positive with anti-lgG and anticomplement reagents. The patient's serum was nonreactive with reagent red cells in the absence of tolmetin, but addition of tolmetin to the serum resulted in strong agglutination of all reagent red cells tested. Serologic evaluation of this patient’s serum indicated that tolmetin caused hemolysis by an immune complex mechanism. Hemolysis subsided and anemia improved spontaneously.
Immunohematology
1992;8:17-18.
50 years of design and operation of large wastewater treatment plant conferences. A history of innovation and development
Authors: Kroiss H. , Matsché N. , Krampe J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Large wastewater treatment plants (&gt;50,000 population equivalents) treat more than 80% of the wastewater treated on a global scale, today it might be even &gt;90%. They therefore provide the most relevant contribution to water protection from urban and industrial wastewater. This was already the case in 1971 when academics realised that progress in the scientific community alone will not succeed in a rapid transfer of research results to practitioners in design and operation of these plants. At the same time, it was recognised that urgent problems in practice are not recognised early enough by the globally networking scientific community. The most effective means of solving these problems was the creation of a new forum where experts from both sides meet. Scientists normally create their special conferences and workshops to enhance global co-operation in their specific field of research and development. This is reflected in the existence of many IWA Specialist Groups (SG) with global representation. The IWA Large Wastewater Treatment Plants (LWWTP) events and the formation of the LWWTP Specialist Group have been the first to take care of a complex technology for water protection, where specialists from most other SGs can meet and discuss together with the practitioners designing and operating treatment plants. In fact, many new Specialist Groups had their origin in the workshop series starting in 1971 in Vienna, taking care of many specific problems reported from practice. The managers and chief operators of large plants, usually only served by meetings of national professional associations, got a new opportunity for global exchange of knowledge and experience together with the global network of scientists and researchers.
In vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Studies of Ethanolic Plant Extracts
of P. granatum, O. stamineus, A. bilimbi, M. nigra, and E. longifolia
Authors: AlMatar Manaf , Makky Essam A. , Mahmood Mahmood H. , Wen Khoo Xu , Qi Tan Boon Gaik 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Acne is a serious skin problem that affects mostly adolescents. The topical
and systematic therapies are effective but could lead to several side effects and the emergence of
antibacterial resistance of the acne-causing bacteria. Plant resources have been used as traditional
medicine for centuries and can be the alternative therapies for acne treatment. Antioxidants are compounds
that can prevent or delay the oxidation of substrates when present in low concentrations.
Antioxidants are usually involved in several mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of free
radical generation, enhancement of the scavenging capacity against free radicals, and reducing power.

Methods:
In this study, three antioxidant assays, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP were used to evaluate the
antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extracts of five plant extracts (A. bilimbi, M. nigra, O.
stamineus, P. granatum, and E. longifolia). Furthermore, the study aimed to identify the most potent
plant extracts and their combination which could provide better antibacterial activities against acnecausing
bacteria. Ethanolic extracts of A. bilimbi, O. stamineus, M. nigra, P. granatum, and E. longifolia
were prepared by the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) technique. Their phytochemical
contents were screened using several biochemical tests and GC-MS analysis.

Results:
The study found that only the extracts of P. granatum and O. stamineus exhibited good
antioxidant activity using DPPH assay (82.37% and 81.72% μg/mL respectively) and in ABTS assay
(87.25% and 88.85% μg/mL respectively); their observed FRAP values were 115.1667 ± 5.6182 and
41.3860 ± 2.4583 μg/mL, respectively. The preliminary antibacterial screening using the disc diffusion
method showed that P. granatum and O. stamineus were the most potent extracts; hence, both
extracts were combined at the ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 to a total concentration of 400 mg/mL.

Discussion:
The antibacterial efficacy of the mixture was studied using the disc diffusion method
and the MIC value was determined. Both S. aureus and S. epidermidis were sensitive to all the individual
and combined extracts but C. acnes was resistant to all of them.

Conclusion:
The antibacterial activity of the combined extracts against S. aureus showed a synergistic
effect at the ratio of 2:1 with the inhibitory zone diameter of 18.00 ± 1.00 mm and MIC value of
12.5 mg/mL; however, antagonistic effects were observed against S. epidermidis while no effect was
noted against C. acnes. Therefore, all the selected plant extracts exhibited antibacterial activities
against certain bacteria and their effects may be enhanced by combining the plant extracts.
Foldable/Expandable Gastro-retentive Films Based on Starch and Chitosan as a Carrier For Prolonged Release of Resveratrol
Authors: Boontawee Rattakorn , Issarachot Ousanee , Kaewkroek Kanidta , Wiwattanapatapee Ruedeekorn 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Resveratrol exerts a number of therapeutic effects, notably antiinflammatory,
antioxidant and anti-cancer activities which are beneficial for the treatment of gastric
diseases. However, the efficacy of resveratrol is severely limited due to the poor aqueous solubility
and rapid metabolism following oral administration. As a result, foldable/expandable devices based
on natural polymers merging with solid dispersion technology have been developed to increase the
solubility, prolong the gastric residence time, and provide a controlled release therapy of resveratrol.

Objectives:
This research aimed to invent foldable/expandable films based on natural polymers, including
starch and chitosan, for stomach-specific delivery and prolonged release of resveratrol.

Methods:
The films were prepared by solvent casting using either rice, tapioca, corn starch or pregelatinized
corn starch combined with chitosan in different weight to weight ratios. Glycerol was
included as a plasticizer. Resveratrol solid dispersions (Res-SD) prepared by solvent evaporation and
employing PVP-K30 as a hydrophilic polymer were loaded into the polymeric film, which was subsequently
folded prior to insertion in a hard gelatin capsule.

Results:
The solid dispersions improved the solubility of resveratrol by a factor of 500. All Res-SD
loaded film formulations completely unfolded in simulated gastric fluid at 37oC within 10 min. Fluid
absorption by the films was influenced by the ratio of amylose and amylopectin in the starch granules,
with tapioca starch formulations displaying the highest fluid uptake. Films prepared from pregelatinized
corn starch and chitosan resulted in highly efficient delivery of resveratrol, with more than
80%of the content released over a period of 12 hrs. Furthermore, the released polyphenol exhibited
cytotoxic activity against human gastric adenocarcinoma cells and anti-inflammatory effects against
lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine, macrophage-like cells.

Conclusions:
These findings demonstrate the potential of foldable/expandable films based on natural
polymers as a promising stomach-specific carrier for improving the treatment of gastric disorders.
Myricanol-9-acetate, a Novel Naturally Occurring Derivative of Myricanol, Induces ROS-dependent Mitochondrial-mediated Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cancer Cells
Authors: Ahmad Gazanfar , Mir Sameer Ahmad , Anand Loveleena K. , Pottoo Faheem H. , Dhiman Neerupma , Malik Fayaz , Ali Asif 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Low therapeutic efficacy and drug-induced systemic toxicity of currently
used anti-cancerous chemotherapeutic agents are major compelling factors for finding out clinically
efficient molecules with high efficiency and less toxicity.

Objective:
The current research work was undertaken to evaluate the anticancer potential of Myricanol-
9-acetate (MA), a novel naturally occurring derivative of myricanol.

Methods:
MCF-7, MiaPaCa-2, and HCT 116 were used for cytotoxicity determination of the MA
and ML (Myricanol) by MTT assay. The mechanistic study involved the determination of cell cycle
arrest, Δψm loss, ROS generation, western blot assay, flow cytometry by reported methods on
MCF-7 cells.

Results:
MA exhibited anticancer activity against all three cell lines, however, the molecule was
found most active against the MCF-7 cell line. We observed IC5020 μM with MA treatment as compared
to the IC50 of 42 μM for myricanol treatment. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that MA
induces apoptosis of MCF-7 cell line through ROS generation and dose-dependent drop in mitochondrial
membrane potential associated with cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Our results further
demonstrated that down-regulation of Bcl2 and activation of the caspase cascade are the events involved
in the MA-induced apoptosis. Flow cytometry results indicated an increase in early and late
apoptotic population in a dose-dependent manner with an apoptotic population of about 20% at 30
μM of MA, thus, supporting our results.

Conclusion:
Present findings suggest that MA might serve as a promising novel drug candidate
with high scope for taking it to further evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies.
Repurposing of Metformin for Cancer Therapy: Updated Patent and Literature Review
Authors: Ahmed Zainab Sabry Othman , Golovoy Matthew , Abdullah Yassen , Ahmed Reda Saber Ibrahim , Dou Q. Ping 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Over recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the repurposing
of existing, well-known medications for new, novel usage. One such drug is metformin, typically
utilized in the management of diabetes, which demonstrates a positive relationship between its administration
and lower cancer morbidity and mortality. Based on this finding, numerous studies
and clinical trials have been conducted to examine the potential usage of metformin as an anticancer
agent.

Objective:
This article aims to summarize metformin’s anticancer effects through reviewing its literature and patents, with a focus on its potential to be repurposed for cancer therapy.

Methods:
Various databases were examined using keywords, ‘Metformin’ and ‘Cancer’. Research
articles were collected through the PubMed database, clinical trials were obtained from the Clinical
Trials database, and patents were collected through the Google Patents database.

Results:
Metformin shows antineoplastic activity in various models. These anticancer properties appear
to synergize with existing chemotherapeutics, which allows a reduction in drug dosage without
losing potency while minimizing adverse effects. Numerous patents on metformin have been
filed which claim various combination therapies, delivery methods, and uses for cancer therapy, displaying
an increasing interest in metformin’s anticancer potential.

Conclusion:
Preclinical studies, along with early phase clinical trials, have examined the antitumor
properties of metformin on a variety of cancers. Metformin’s anticancer effects are well documented,
demonstrating a great promise in improving current cancer therapies. However, there is a significant
lack of late phase clinical trials, specifically those involving nondiabetic cancer patients, and
therefore further research in this area is required.
N6-Methyladenosine-Related RNA Signature Predicting the Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jiao Jiao , Jiang Longyang , Luo Yang 
Published: June 2021

Background:
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most universal mRNA
modification in eukaryotic cells. M6A mRNA modification affects almost every phases of
RNA processing, including splicing, decay, export, translation and expression. Several patents
have reported the application of m6A mRNA modification in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among all gynecological cancers. It is urgent to identify
new biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Objective:
In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the m6A RNA methylation regulators and
m6A related genes and establish a new gene signature panel for the prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Methods:
We downloaded the mutations data, FPKM data and corresponding clinical information
of 373 patients with Ovarian Cancer (OC) from the TCGA database. We performed LASSO regression
analysis and multivariate cox regression analysis to develop a risk-identifying gene signature
panel.

Results:
A total of 317 candidate m6A RNA methylation related genes were obtained. Finally, 12 -
genes (WTAP, LGR6, ZC2HC1A, SLC4A8, AP2A1, NRAS, CUX1, HDAC1, CD79A, ACE2, FLG2
and LRFN1) were selected to establish the signature panel. We analyzed the genetic alterations
of the selected 12 -genes in OC using cBioPortal database. Among the 373 patients, 368 patients
have mutations. The results showed that all queried genes were altered in 137 of 368 cases
(37.23%). The 12-gene signature panel was confirmed as an independent prognostic indicator (P
=2.29E-18, HR = 1.699, 95% CI = 1.508-1.913).

Conclusion:
We established an effective m6A-related gene signature panel consisted of 12 -genes,
which can predict the outcome of patients with OC. The high risk score indicates unfavorable survival.
Our study provided novel insights into the relationship between m6A and OC. This gene signature
panel will be helpful in identifying poor prognostic patients with OC and could be a promising
prognostic indicator in clinical practice.
Prioritization of Features for Mobile Apps for Families in a Federal Nutrition Program for Low-Income Women, Infants, and Children: User-Centered Design Approach
Authors: Weber Summer J , Shearer Elyse , Mulvaney Shelagh A , Schmidt Douglas , Thompson Chris , Jones Jessica , Ahmad Haseeb , Coe Martina , Hull Pamela C 
Published: June 2021

Background
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides nutritious food, education, and health care referrals to low-income women, infants, and children up to the age of 5 years. Although WIC is associated with positive health outcomes for each participant category, modernization and efficiency are needed at the clinic and shopping levels to increase program satisfaction and participation rates. New technologies, such as electronic benefits transfer (EBT), online nutrition education, and mobile apps, can provide opportunities to improve the WIC experience for participants.

Objective
This formative study applies user-centered design principles to inform the layout and prioritization of features in mobile apps for low-income families participating in the WIC program.

Methods
To identify and prioritize desirable app features, caregivers (N=22) of the children enrolled in WIC participated in individual semistructured interviews with a card sorting activity. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using constant comparative analysis for themes. App features were ranked and placed into natural groupings by each participant. The sum and average of the rankings were calculated to understand which features were prioritized by the users. Natural groupings of features were labeled according to participant descriptions.

Results
Natural groupings focused on the following categories: clinics/appointments, shopping/stores, education/assessments, location, and recipes/food. Themes from the interviews triangulated the results from the ranking activity. The priority app features were balance checking, an item scanner, and appointment scheduling. Other app features discussed and ranked included appointment reminders, nutrition training and quizzes, shopping lists, clinic and store locators, recipe gallery, produce calculator, and dietary preferences/allergies.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates how a user-centered design process can aid the development of an app for low-income families participating in WIC to inform the effective design of the app features and user interface.
Net Endogenous Acid Excretion and Kidney Allograft Outcomes
Authors: Yeung Stanley M.H. , Gomes-Neto Antonio W. , Osté Maryse C.J. , van den Berg Else , Kootstra-Ros Jenny E. , Sanders Jan Stephan F. , Berger Stefan P. , Carrero Juan Jesus , De Borst Martin H. , Navis Gerjan J. , Bakker Stephan J.L. 
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives
High dietary acid load may accelerate a decline in kidney function. We prospectively investigated whether dietary acid load is associated with graft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients, and whether venous bicarbonate mediates this association.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
We used data from 642 kidney transplant recipients with a functioning graft ≥1 year after transplantation. Net endogenous acid production was estimated using food frequency questionnaires and, alternatively, 24-hour urinary urea and potassium excretion to estimate net endogenous acid production. We defined the composite kidney end point as a doubling of plasma creatinine or graft failure. Multivariable Cox regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to study the associations of dietary acid load with the kidney end point. We evaluated potential mediation effects of venous bicarbonate, urinary bicarbonate excretion, urinary ammonium excretion, titratable acid excretion, and net acid excretion on the association between net endogenous acid production and the kidney end point.

Results
The median net endogenous acid production using food frequency questionnaires and net endogenous acid production using urinary excretion were 40 (interquartile range, 35–45) and 54 (interquartile range, 44–66) mEq/day, respectively. During a median follow-up of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 4.1–6.0), 121 (19%) participants reached the kidney end point. After multivariable adjustment, net endogenous acid production using food frequency questionnaires and net endogenous acid production using urinary excretion (per SD higher) were independently associated with higher risk for kidney end point (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.57, P=0.001 and hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 1.69, P<0.001, respectively). Baseline venous bicarbonate mediated 20% of the association between net endogenous acid production using food frequency questionnaires and the kidney end point. Baseline venous bicarbonate, urinary ammonium excretion, and net acid excretion mediated 25%, −14%, and −18%, respectively, of the association between net endogenous acid production using urinary excretion and the kidney end point.

Conclusions
Higher dietary acid load was associated with a higher risk of doubling of plasma creatinine or graft failure, and this association was partly mediated by venous bicarbonate, urinary ammonium, and net acid excretion.