bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the apelin/APJ axis in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease with therapeutic potential
Authors: Angelopoulou Efthalia , Paudel Yam Nath , Bougea Anastasia , Piperi Christina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive. There is still no available disease‐modifying strategy against PD, whose management is mainly symptomatic. A growing amount of preclinical evidence shows that a complex interplay between autophagy dysregulation, mitochondrial impairment, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and excessive neuroinflammation underlies PD pathogenesis. Identifying key molecules linking these pathological cellular processes may substantially aid in our deeper understanding of PD pathophysiology and the development of novel effective therapeutic approaches. Emerging preclinical evidence indicates that apelin, an endogenous neuropeptide acting as a ligand of the orphan G protein‐coupled receptor APJ, may play a key neuroprotective role in PD pathogenesis, via inhibition of apoptosis and dopaminergic neuronal loss, autophagy enhancement, antioxidant effects, endoplasmic reticulum stress suppression, as well as prevention of synaptic dysregulation in the striatum, excessive neuroinflammation, and glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity. Underlying signaling pathways involve phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, and inositol requiring kinase 1α/XBP1/C/EBP homologous protein. Herein, we discuss the role of apelin/APJ axis and associated molecular mechanisms on the pathogenesis of PD in vitro and in vivo and provide evidence for its challenging therapeutic potential.
Should nutrition therapy be modified to account for mitochondrial dysfunction in critical illness?
Authors: Flower Luke , Page Alexandria , Puthucheary Zudin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction, and its associated muscle atrophy, remains the most common complication of critical care. At the center of this is mitochondrial dysfunction, secondary to hypoxia and systemic inflammation. This leads to a bioenergetic crisis, with decreased intramuscular adenosine triphosphate content and a reduction in the highly energy‐dependent process of protein synthesis. Numerous methods have been studied to try and reduce these effects, with only limited success. Trials investigating the use of increased energy and protein administration have instead found a decrease in relative lean body mass and a potential increase in morbidity and mortality. Ketone bodies have been proposed as alternative substrates for metabolism in critical illness, with promising results seen in animal models. They are currently being investigated in critical care patients in the Alternative Substrates in the Critically Ill Subjects trial (ASICS). The evidence to date suggests that individualized feeding regimens may be key in the nutrition approach to critical illness. Consideration of individual patient factors will need to be combined with personalized protein content, total energy load received, and the timing of such feeds. This review covers mitochondrial dysfunction in critical illness, how it contributes to muscle wasting and the resultant morbidity and mortality, and the scientific basis of why current nutrition approaches to date have not been successful in negating this effect. These two factors underpin the need for consideration of alternative nutrition strategies in the critically ill patient.
Low‐Molecular‐Weight Polymer with CO2‐Switchable Surface Activity
Authors: Zhu Zhuoyan , Huang Xiaoling , Hou Qingfeng , Sun Zhitao , Su Xin , Quan Hongping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe introduction of external CO2 could reversibly convert tertiary amines into quaternary ammonium salts, enabling demulsification/emulsification switching of emulsions or latexes. However, CO2‐switchable oligomeric or low‐molecular‐weight polymeric surfactants are rarely researched. In this study, 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and stearyl methacrylate are chosen to synthesize a switchable oligomeric surfactant (OS). The conductivity of OS aqueous solution (0.2 wt%) increased from 14.0 to 329 μS cm−1 by adding and removing CO2, which proved a good performance of OS in response to the CO2 stimulus. The most important finding was that the crude oil emulsion containing OS was reversibly degraded and re‐formed by the alternate CO2 and N2 treatment. In contrast to that, the investigated PS latex system underwent apparent stratification after the N2 bubbling, but it regained a homogeneous phase upon the N2 bubbling. The particle size of PS latex varied between 245 nm and 130 μm, and zeta potential changed from −43.2 to −5.8 mV, which demonstrated that the PS latex stability might break and recover by addition and removal of CO2. This work is expected to open a new window for the CO2‐stimulated reversible emulsification of emulsions or polymer latexes.
Sleep Quality Improvements After MDMA‐Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Ponte Linnae , Jerome Lisa , Hamilton Scott , Mithoefer Michael C. , Yazar‐Klosinski Berra B. , Vermetten Eric , Feduccia Allison A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSleep disturbances (SDs) are among the most distressing and commonly reported symptoms in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite increased attention on sleep in clinical PTSD research, SDs remain difficult to treat. In Phase 2 trials, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)–assisted psychotherapy has been shown to greatly improve PTSD symptoms. We hypothesized that MDMA‐assisted psychotherapy would improve self‐reported sleep quality (SQ) in individuals with PTSD and be associated with declining PTSD symptoms. Participants in four studies (n = 63) were randomized to receive 2–3 sessions of active MDMA (75–125 mg; n = 47) or placebo/control MDMA (0–40 mg, n = 16) during all‐day psychotherapy sessions. The PSQI was used to assess change in SQ from baseline to the primary endpoint, 1–2 months after the blinded sessions. Additionally, PSQI scores were measured at treatment exit (TE) and 12‐month follow‐up. Symptoms of PTSD were measured using the CAPS‐IV. At the primary endpoint, CAPS‐IV total severity scores dropped more after active MDMA than after placebo/control (−34.0 vs. −12.4), p = .003. Participants in the active dose group showed more improvement in SQ compared to those in the control group (PSQI total score ΔM = −3.5 vs. 0.6), p = .003. Compared to baseline, SQ had improved at TE, p < .001, with further significant gains reported at 12‐month follow‐up (TE to 12‐months ΔM = −1.0), p = .030. Data from these randomized controlled double‐blind studies provide evidence for the beneficial effects of MDMA‐assisted psychotherapy in treating SDs in individuals with PTSD.
Snapshot Space–Time Holographic 3D Particle Tracking Velocimetry
Authors: Chen Ni , Wang Congli , Heidrich Wolfgang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDigital inline holography is an amazingly simple and effective approach for 3D imaging, to which particle tracking velocimetry is of particular interest. Conventional digital holographic particle tracking velocimetry techniques are computationally separated in particle and flow reconstruction, plus the expensive computations. Usually, the particle volumes are recovered first, from which fluid flows are computed. Without iterative reconstructions, This sequential space–time process lacks accuracy. This paper presents a joint optimization framework for digital holographic particle tracking velocimetry: particle volumes and fluid flows are reconstructed jointly in a higher space–time dimension, enabling faster convergence and better reconstruction quality of both fluid flow and particle volumes within a few minutes on modern GPUs. Synthetic and experimental results are presented to show the efficiency of the proposed technique.
Thermal Healing of Copolyacrylate Elastomer Based on Catalyst‐Free Transketalization
Authors: Zhao Dan , Peng Jiayu , Jian Guodong , Liu Chang , Chen Hongxiang , Zhou Yu , Zhou Yang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCopolyacrylate can heal via dynamic covalent bonds when it is exposed to external stimuli, such as pH value, ionic strength, humidity, and light, but the incorporation of dynamic covalent bonds will result in a decrease in the thermal stability of materials. It is still a great challenge to design a healable copolyacrylate with high thermal stability. The transketalization is confirmed by the reaction of model compounds including acetophenone glycerol ketal (AGK) and ethylene glycol (EG) in the absence of catalyst. The copolyacrylate elastomers are prepared by copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), 2,3‐dihydroxypropyl methacrylate (DHPMA), and ketal‐containing diacrylate as a cross‐linking agent. The results show that the ketal‐containing copolyacrylate (KCPA) can achieve a 96% of healing efficiency at 120 °C, meanwhile, it has high thermal stability. The healing of copolyacrylate elastomers originates from the transketalization between ketal and o‐dihydroxyl groups, which is confirmed by comparison with those of the ketal‐free control samples. The study will expand the scope of self‐healing polymers based on dynamic covalent bonds.
Toward an Efficient Process for the Cu(0)‐Mediated Synthesis and Chain Extension of Poly(methyl acrylate) Macroinitiator Using PMDETA as Ligand
Authors: Cooze Morgan J. , Barr Nathaniel R. , Hutchinson Robin A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMe6TREN (tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine) is commonly used in Cu(0)‐mediated polymerization of acrylates due to its ability to promote high reaction rates while maintaining excellent control of chain growth. However, its cost presents a significant barrier to commercialization. Thus, the use of PMDETA (N,N,Nʹ,Nʹʹ,Nʹʹ‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine), a ligand that is significantly less expensive than Me6TREN but is known to reduce the polymerization rate as well as control, is explored. The continuous production of low molecular weight (MW) poly(methyl acrylate) using PMDETA ligand in a copper tubular reactor is demonstrated, with conversions >70% achieved with a residence time of 32 min at 70 °C. The resulting macroinitiator solution can be stored and chain extended with methyl acrylate (MA) to high conversion in a semibatch reactor using either PMDETA or Me6TREN as additional ligand, increasing the versatility of a newly developed process to efficiently produce block copolymers using either ligand, or a combination of the two. First results suggest that the two‐step process can also be used to chain extend the macroinitiator with methacrylates, thus extending the range of materials that can be produced.
A Skin‐Inspired Triboelectric Nanogenerator with an Interpenetrating Structure for Motion Sensing and Energy Harvesting
Authors: You Aimei , Zhang Xieli , Peng Xiao , Dong Kai , Lu Yuyuan , Zhang Qiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRapid advancements in wearable electronics impose the challenge on power supply devices. Herein, a flexible single‐electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (SE‐TENG) that enables both human motion sensing and biomechanical energy harvesting is reported. The SE‐TENG is fabricated by interpenetrating Ag‐coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. The Ag coating and PDMS are performed as the electrode and dielectric material for the SE‐TENG, respectively. The Ag‐coated PET nanofibers enlarge the electrode surface area, which is beneficial to increase sensing sensitivity. The flexible SE‐TENG sensor shows the capability of outputting alternating electrical signals with an open‐circuit voltage up to 50 V and a short‐circuit current up to 200 nA in response to externally applied pressure. It is used to sense various types of human motions and harvest electric energy from body motion. The harvested energy can successfully power wearable electronics, such as an electronic watch and light‐emitting diode. Therefore, the as‐prepared SE‐TENG sensor with a pressure response and self‐powered capability provides potential applications in wearable sensors or flexible electronics for personal healthcare and human–machine interfaces.
3D Printing of Flexible Composites via Magnetophoresis: Toward Medical Application Based on Low‐Frequency Induction Heating Effect
Authors: Xiang Ziyin , Nguyen Van‐Cuong , Ducharne Benjamin , Della Schiava Nellie , Capsal Jean‐Fabien , Cottinet Pierre‐Jean , Le Minh‐Quyen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this work, a commercial extrusion 3D printer is used to process magnetic pastes into desired 3D structures. The magnetic pastes prepared in the authors' laboratory are mixtures of Fe3O4 (iron oxide), microparticles, and PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) polymer. After multiple composition tests, they produced pastes compatible with the 3D printer that can be additively manufactured into flexible ferromagnetic samples. The design optimization, together with the characterizations of composites, are investigated. Magnetic particles do not simply mix with the polymer but formed a chain‐like structure under the influence of a magnetic field during the printing process. The chain‐like structure induces magnetic and thermal anisotropies. The relative permeability and the low‐frequency induction heating (LFIH) effect are improved. The authors' development is highly relevant in healthcare applications, especially endovascular ablation for varicose treatment.
CD40LG mutations in Vietnamese patients with X‐linked hyper‐IgM syndrome; catastrophic anti‐phospholipid syndrome as a new complication
Authors: Phan Anh Nguyen Lien , Pham Thuy Thi Thanh , Phan Xinh Thi , Huynh Nghia , Nguyen Tuan Minh , Cao Cuc Tran Thu , Nguyen Duong Thuy , Luong Khanh Thi Xuan , Nguyen Tam Thi Minh , Tran Anh Ngoc Kim , Pham Linh Thi Truc , Nguyen Vy Vuong Thao , Swagemakers Sigrid , Bui Chi‐Bao , Van Hagen Petrus Martinus 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundX‐linked hyper‐IgM syndrome (XHIGM) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by CD40 ligand defects.MethodsWe identified three patients with XHIGM in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Whole‐exome sequencing, immunological analyses and western blot were performed to investigate phenotypic and genotypic features.ResultsDespite showing symptoms typical of XHIGM, including recurrent sinopulmonary infections, oral ulcers and otitis media, the diagnosis was significantly delayed. One patient developed anti‐phospholipid syndrome, which has been documented for the first time in XHIGM syndrome. Two patients had elevated IgM levels and all of them had low IgG levels. Exome sequencing revealed mutations in the CD40LG gene: one novel splicing mutation c.156+2T>A and two previously characterised mutations (non‐frameshift deletion c.436_438delTAC, stop‐gain c.654C>A). Due to these mutations, the CD40 ligand was not expressed in any of the three patients, as demonstrated by western blot analysis.ConclusionThis is the first report of XHIGM syndrome in Vietnam indicates that an effective diagnostic strategy, such as sequencing analysis, contributes to reliable diagnosis and subsequent therapy.
Probabilistic shaping communication system aided by neural network distribution matcher in data center optical network
Authors: Jing Zexuan , Tian Qinghua , Xin Xiangjun , Wang Yongjun , Guo Dong , Sheng Xia , Yu Chao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA neural network (NN)‐assisted probabilistic shaping (PS) distribution matcher is proposed, in which the model is simplified by a structured optimization method. The NN algorithm can encode the information sequence, making the signal obey the Gaussian distribution, and can directly restore the received signal. In addition, the algorithm uses the novel training method at both ends of the transmitter and receiver so that the system performance is significantly improved. PS system verification experiments have been carried out under 16QAM‐DMT modulation format. Under the hard decision forward error correction (FEC) threshold of 3.8*10−3 BER, the proposed system achieves 1.1 dB improvement compared to the traditional 16QAM‐DMT system.
Temporal clustering, tissue composition, and total variation for mapping oxygen extraction fraction using QSM and quantitative BOLD
Authors: Cho Junghun , Spincemaille Pascal , Nguyen Thanh D. , Gupta Ajay , Wang Yi 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo improve the accuracy of quantitative susceptibility mapping plus quantitative blood oxygen level‐dependent magnitude (QSM+qBOLD or QQ) based mapping of oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) using temporal clustering, tissue composition, and total variation (CCTV).MethodsThree‐dimensional multi‐echo gradient echo and arterial spin labeling images were acquired from 11 healthy subjects and 33 ischemic stroke patients. Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) was also obtained from patients. The CCTV mapping was developed for incorporating tissue‐type information into clustering of the previous cluster analysis of time evolution (CAT) and applying total variation (TV). The QQ‐based OEF and CMRO2 were reconstructed with CAT, CAT+TV (CATV), and the proposed CCTV, and results were compared using region‐of‐interest analysis, Kruskal‐Wallis test, and post hoc Wilcoxson rank sum test.ResultsIn simulation, CCTV provided more accurate and precise OEF than CAT or CATV. In healthy subjects, QQ‐based OEF was less noisy and more uniform with CCTV than CAT. In subacute stroke patients, OEF with CCTV had a greater contrast‐to‐noise ratio between DWI‐defined lesions and the unaffected contralateral side than with CAT or CATV: 1.9 ± 1.3 versus 1.1 ± 0.7 (P = .01) versus 0.7 ± 0.5 (P < .001).ConclusionThe CCTV mapping significantly improves the robustness of QQ‐based OEF against noise.
Humanitarian INGO governance arrangements and forms of coordination
Authors: Beagles Jonathan E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs international humanitarian nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) continue to adapt their global governance arrangements in response to changes in the external environment, these changes are creating new challenges for internal coordination. However, we know little about the relationship between these governance arrangements and the forms of internal coordination INGOs adopt. This paper provides a comparative analysis of 40 INGO families with diverse backgrounds and approaches to humanitarian and development work. It examines the relationship between their global governance arrangements in terms of decision‐making, integration, and membership; and the forms of internal coordination they adopt. The finding is that different forms of coordination are associated withmembership sizeandresource disparity, combined with the varyingneeds for group‐level capacitythat comes with different forms of decision‐making and integration.
Staging childhood cancers in Europe: Application of the Toronto stage principles for neuroblastoma and Wilms tumour. The JARC pilot study
Authors: Gatta Gemma , Botta Laura , Capocaccia Riccardo , Cañete Adela , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy ,   JARC Pilot Study Toronto Guidelines Working Group
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe ‘Toronto consensus principles and guidelines’ (TG) provided paediatric‐specific staging system affordable by population‐based cancer registries (CRs). Within the European Rare Cancers Joint Action, a pilot study of the application of TG for childhood cancer (CC) was conducted to test the ability of CRs to reconstruct stage, describe stage across countries and assess survival by stage.ProcedureTwenty‐five CRs representing 15 countries contributed data on a representative sample of patients with neuroblastoma (NB) and Wilms tumour (WT) <15 years, diagnosed between 2000 and 2016. Outcome was calculated by Kaplan–Meier method and by Cox regression model.ResultsStage was reconstructed for 95% of cases. Around half of the children had localised or locoregional disease at diagnosis. The proportion of metastatic cases was 38% for NB and 13% for WT. Three‐year survival was >90% for locoregional cases both of NB and WT, 58% for NB M‐stage and 77% for WT stage‐IV. Older age was associated with more advanced stage.ConclusionsEuropean CRs were able to reconstruct stage according to the TG. Stage should be included in the routine collection of variables. Stage information had clear prognostic value and should be used to investigate survival variations between countries or over time.
Impact of universal health coverage on childhood cancer outcomes in Indonesia
Authors: Indraswari Braghmandita Widya , Kelling Emil , Vassileva Sofi M. , Sitaresmi Mei Neni , Danardono Danardono , Mulatsih Sri , Supriyadi Eddy , Widjajanto Pudjo Hagung , Sutaryo Sutaryo , Kaspers Gertjan L. , Mostert Saskia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundStarting from 2014, the Indonesian government has implemented Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the aim to make healthcare services accessible and affordable to all Indonesian citizens. A major reason for childhood cancer treatment failure in low‐ and middle‐income countries, particularly among families with low socioeconomic status (SES), is abandonment of expensive cancer treatment. Our study compared childhood cancer treatment outcomes of the overall, low, and high SES population before and after introduction of UHC at a large Indonesian academic hospital.MethodsMedical records of 1040 patients diagnosed with childhood cancer before (2011‐2013, n = 506) and after (2014‐2016, n = 534) introduction of UHC were abstracted retrospectively. Data on treatment outcome, SES, and health‐insurance status at diagnosis were obtained.FindingsAfter introduction of UHC, the number of insured patients increased from 38% to 82% (P < 0.001). Among low SES population, insurance coverage increased from 40% to 85% (P < 0.001), and among high SES population from 33% to 77% (P < 0.001). In the overall population, treatment abandonment decreased from 36% to 22% (P < 0.001). Event‐free survival estimates at four years after diagnosis of overall population improved from 16% to 22% (P < 0.001). Hazard ratio for treatment failure was 1.26 (CI: 1.07‐1.48, P = 0.006) for uninsured versus insured patients. In the low SES population, treatment abandonment decreased from 36% to 19% (P < 0.001). Event‐free survival estimates at four years after diagnosis of low SES population improved from 14% to 22% (P < 0.001).InterpretationIntroduction of UHC in Indonesia contributed significantly to better treatment outcome and event‐free survival of children with cancer from low SES families.
Recent advances in protein modifications techniques for the targeting N‐terminal cysteine
Authors: Asiimwe Nicholas , Al Mazid Mohammad Faysal , Murale Dhiraj P. , Kim Yun Kyung , Lee Jun‐Seok 
Published: June 2021

AbstractN‐terminal modifications of proteins have garnered the attention of chemical biologists because of their critical roles in numerous cellular processes, including protein translocation, protein structural and metabolic stability, and the regulation of the half‐life of proteins by a process known as “N‐end rule pathway.” In addition, other posttranslational modification processes also depend on the N‐terminal signal sequences. Chemical probes are powerful tools that can be used to investigate N‐terminal modifications, to gain structural and functional insights into protein modification, protein‐protein interactions, protein localization, and protein dynamics. Most modifications target cysteine and lysine residues because of their high nucleophilicity. However, due to multiple occurrences of these residues in a protein at a given time, regioselective labeling can be quite difficult to accomplish. N‐terminal cysteine presents itself as a unique practical option to overcome regioselectivity and site‐specificity challenges. This review provides an overview of N‐terminal cysteine labeling tools, including N‐terminal cysteine condensation with aldehydes, cyanobenzothiazoles, cyclopropenones, and trans‐thioesterification. The review also highlights the technical challenges of each of the techniques, which need to be addressed to broaden the scope of these approaches.