bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasto‐elastohydrodynamic lubrication performance of greased ellipsoid contact
Authors: Zheng Yong , Wang Changqing , Pu Chao , Gong Jiayu , Meng Fanming 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe plasto‐elastohydrodynamic lubrication (PEHL) model of the greased ellipsoid contact is established and solved numerically. In doing so, the increment theory of the plastic surface is adopted to solve the residual deformation, and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) method is employed to accelerate the deformation and stress calculations. Meanwhile, the effeteness of the PEHL model is verified through the residual stress experiment and finite element method. It is found that the plastic behaviour results in a reduction in the maximum grease film pressure. Under heavy load conditions, the grease with large rheology index, large tangential modulus or high entrainment speed of the lubricant is helpful to reducing the maximum residual deformation and maximum residual stress of the greased ellipsoid contact.
Novel multiplex TaqMan assay for differentiation of the four major pathogenic Brachyspira species in swine
Authors: Scherrer Simone , Stephan Roger 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA novel TaqMan 5‐plex real‐time PCR using a combination of locked nucleic acid‐modified (LNA)‐ and minor groove binding (MGB)‐conjugated DNA probes was developed for identification and differentiation between the four main pathogenic Brachyspira species in swine. B. hyodysenteriae, B. pilosicoli, and B. suanatina are identified using three hydrolysis probes targeting cpn60, while B. hampsonii is recognized by another nox specific probe. The assay also includes an exogenous internal control simultaneously verifying the PCR competency of the DNA samples. Validation of the novel assay was performed using DNA samples from 18 Brachyspira reference strains and 477 clinical samples obtained from porcine rectal swabs by comparing them with different PCR‐based methods targeting nox, 16S rDNA, and 23S rDNA. The specificity of the assay was 100% without cross‐reactivity or detection of different pathogens. Depending on the Brachyspira species, the limit of detection was between 10 and 20 genome equivalents with a cut‐off threshold cycle (Ct) value of 37. The developed highly sensitive and specific 5‐plex real‐time PCR assay is easy to implement in routine veterinary diagnostic laboratories and enables rapid differentiation between the main four pathogenic Brachyspira species recognized in pigs using a single‐tube approach.
Randomized Trial of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia — The SPASTOX Trial
Authors: Diniz de Lima Fabricio , Faber Ingrid , Servelhere Katiane R. , Bittar Maria Fernanda R. , Martinez Alberto R.M. , Piovesana Luiza G. , Martins Melina P. , Martins Carlos Roberto , Benaglia Tatiana , de Sá Carvalho Benilton , Nucci Anamarli , França Marcondes C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundHereditary spastic paraplegia presents spasticity as the main clinical manifestation, reducing gait quality and producing incapacity. Management with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) is not well elucidated. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BoNT‐A in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias.MethodsThis was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Each participant was randomly assigned to receive 1 injection session of either BoNT‐A (100 IU/2 mL of Prosigne in each adductor magnus and each triceps surae) or saline 0.9% (2 mL). The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in maximal gait velocity, and secondary outcome measures included changes in gait at self‐selected velocity, spasticity, muscle strength, Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale, pain, fatigue, and subjective perception of improvement. We also looked at adverse events reported by the patients.ResultsWe enrolled 55 patients, 36 of whom were men and 41 with the pure phenotype. Mean age was 43 ± 13.4 years (range, 19–72 years), mean age of onset waws 27 ± 13.1 years (range, <1 to 55 yars), and mean disease duration was 17 ± 12.7 years (range, 1–62 years). Compared with baseline, we did not find significant differences between groups in primary and secondary outcomes, except for reduction in adductor tone (P = 0.01). The adverse events were transient and tolerable, and their incidence did not significantly differ between treatments (P = 0.17).ConclusionsBoNT‐A was safe in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias and reduced the adductor tone, but it was not able to produce functional improvement considering the doses, injection protocol, measures, and instruments used. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Exploring and exploiting plant cyclic peptides for drug discovery and development
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yuan Jimin , Li Zhijie , Fu Chunjin , Xu Menglong , Yang Jing , Jiang Xin , Zhou Boping , Ye Xiufeng , Xu Chengchao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEver since the discovery of insulin, natural peptides have become an important resource for therapeutic development. Decades of research has led to the discovery of a long list of peptide drugs with broad applications in clinics, from antibiotics to hypertension treatment to pain management. Many of these US FDA‐approved peptide drugs are derived from microorganisms and animals. By contrast, the great potential of plant cyclic peptides as therapeutics remains largely unexplored. These macrocyclic peptides typically have rigid structures, good bioavailability and membrane permeability, making them appealing candidates for drug development and engineering. In this review, we introduce the three major classes of plant cyclic peptides and summarize their potential medical applications. We discuss how we can leverage the genome information of many different plants to quickly search for new cyclic peptides and how we can take advantage of the insights gained from their biosynthetic pathways to transform the process of production and drug development. These recent developments have provided a new angle for exploring and exploiting plant cyclic peptides, and we believe that many more peptide drugs derived from plants are about to come.
A unified multi‐activation (UMA) model of cell survival curves over the entire dose range for calculating equivalent doses in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
Authors: Li Shidong , Miyamoto Curtis , Wang Bin , Giaddui Tawfik , Micaily Bizhan , Hollander Andrew , Weiss Stephanie E. , Weaver Michael 
Published: February 2021

PurposeApplication of linear‐quadratic (LQ) model to large fractional dose treatments is inconsistent with observed cell survival curves having a straight portion at high doses. We have proposed a unified multi‐activation (UMA) model to fit cell survival curves over the entire dose range that allows us to calculate EQD2 for hypofractionated SBRT, SRT, SRS, and HDRB.MethodsA unified formula of cell survival using only the extrapolation number of n and the dose slope of Do was derived. Coefficient of determination, R2, relative residuals, r, and relative experimental errors, e, normalized to survival fraction at each dose point, were calculated to quantify the goodness in modeling of a survival curve. Analytical solutions for α and β, the coefficients respectively describe the linear and quadratic parts of the survival curve, as well as the α/β ratio for the LQ model and EQD2 at any fractional doses were derived for tumor cells undertaking any fractionated radiation therapy.ResultsOur proposed model fits survival curves of in‐vivo and in‐vitro tumor cells with R2 > 0.97 and r < e. The predicted α, β, and α/β ratio are significantly different from their values in the LQ model. Average EQD2 of 20‐Gy SRS of glioblastomas and melanomas metastatic to the brain, 10‐Gy × 5 SBRT of the lung cancer, and 7‐Gy × 5 HDRB of endometrial and cervical carcinomas are 36.7 (24.3–48.5), 114.1 (86.6–173.1),, and 45.5 (35–52.6) Gy, different from the LQ model estimates of 50.0, 90.0, and 49.6 Gy, respectively.ConclusionOur UMA model validated through many tumor cell lines can fit cell survival curves over the entire dose range within their experimental errors. The unified formula theoretically indicates a common mechanism of cell inactivation and can estimate EQD2 at all dose levels.
The positive effect of social support on psychological distress among Chinese lung cancer patients: The mediating role of self‐esteem
Authors: Tian Xu , Jin Yanfei , Chen Hui , Tang Ling , Jiménez‐Herrera Maria F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of social support on psychological distress among Chinese lung cancer patients and clarify the mediating role of self‐esteem.DesignA cross‐sectional descriptive correlational survey of 441 Chinese lung cancer patients was designed.MethodsSelf‐esteem was supposed to play a mediating role in the association between social support and psychological distress. We collected demographic information, the Distress Thermometer, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale.ResultsOur revised model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data (χ2 = 37.489, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.965, Tucker‐Lewis index (TLI) = 0.926, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.099). Social support had a direct effect on self‐esteem and psychological distress, and self‐esteem had also a direct effect on psychological distress. Meanwhile, self‐esteem also partially mediated the relationship between social support and psychological distress among Chinese lung cancer patients.
Inhibition of PAI‐1 Promotes Lipolysis and Enhances Weight Loss in Obese Mice
Authors: Levine Joshua A. , Olivares Shantel , Miyata Toshio , Vaughan Douglas E. , Henkel Anne S. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThis study investigates the therapeutic potential of a small molecule inhibitor of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), TM5441, in reversing diet‐induced obesity in mice.MethodsWild‐type C57BL/6J mice were fed a high‐fat high‐sugar (HFHS) diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity. After the first 8 weeks, TM5441 was added to the diet for an additional 8 weeks. In order to determine the efficacy of PAI‐1 inhibition in conjunction with dietary modification, mice were fed an HFHS diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity and were then switched to a low‐fat diet with or without TM5441 for an additional 2 to 8 weeks.ResultsObese mice showed weight reduction and significant improvement in hepatic steatosis when TM5441 was added to the HFHS diet. Obese mice that were treated with TM5441 in conjunction with dietary modification showed enhanced weight loss and a more rapid reversal of hepatic steatosis compared with obese mice treated with dietary modification alone. The enhanced weight loss among mice treated with TM5441 was associated with increased adipose tissue expression of adipose triglyceride lipase, phosphorylated hormone‐sensitive lipase, and phosphorylated perilipin‐1 as well as induction of adipose tissue lipolysis.ConclusionsPharmacologic PAI‐1 inhibition stimulates adipose tissue lipolysis and enhances weight loss in obese mice.
Waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio and BMI percentiles in children aged 5 to 19 years in India: A population‐based study
Authors: Sarna Avina , Porwal Akash , Acharya Rajib , Ashraf Sana , Ramesh Sowmya , Khan Nizamuddin , Sinha Sikha , Sachdev Harshpal Singh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveNationally representative percentiles for waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐height‐ratio (WHtR), and body mass index (BMI) are not available for children and adolescents in India.MethodsUsing LMS method, age‐ and gender‐specific reference growth charts were constructed for WC (n = 68,261), WHtR (n = 68,261), and BMI (n = 67,741) from children/adolescents aged 5–19 years who participated in a nationally representative survey. General obesity, indicating overall obesity, was defined as age–sex‐specific BMI z‐scores ≥ 95th percentile. Central obesity was defined in three ways: WC ≥ 90th percentile, WHtR ≥ 0.5, and both WC ≥ 90th percentile and WHtR ≥ 0.5.FindingsWC and BMI percentiles for boys and girls are lower than those previously reported from India and several other countries. The BMI percentiles are lower than the WHO 2007 reference population. The prevalence of general obesity using India specific BMI centiles was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.6–3.2). The prevalence of central obesity was 6.1% (95% CI: 5.7–6.6) using WC ≥ 90th percentile, 5.3% (95% CI: 5.0–5.7) using WHtR ≥ 0.5, and 3.6% using both criteria. Three‐fourth of children with general obesity also had central obesity based on WC ≥ 90th.ConclusionsIndian children are thinner than Caucasian and other Asian children, and the global WHO reference population. Using India specific reference, the prevalence of central obesity is higher than general obesity with a significant overlap between the two.
Altering the characterization of nanofibers by changing the electrospinning parameters and their application in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and gene delivery systems
Authors: Ghaderpour Amir , Hoseinkhani Zohreh , Yarani Reza , Mohammadiani Sina , Amiri Farshid , Mansouri Kamran 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNowadays, nanofibers have various applications in the field of medical biology including drug delivery systems (DDSs) and tissue engineering. Many methods have been developed to produce drug release polymers; the most important and applicable of which is known as electrospinning. In this method, the nanoscale and microscale fibers are used as the functional polymers in the DDSs. A variety of electrospinning methods can be used for delivery systems and tissue engineering. The nanofibers loaded with anticancer drugs have attracted a lot of attention in the last decade. Electrospun parameters include voltage, feed rate, rotary collector, pipette or needle hole diameter, the distance between nozzle tip to collector plate, viscosity and molecular weight of the polymer, surface tension, solubility of polymer, soluble electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and evaporability of the solution; all could be manipulated to regulate the drug release rate in order via changing the diameter of the nanofibers. In addition to directly loading the drug on nanofibers, the nanoparticles are also used to improve the drug efficacy and reduce the required dose, especially in the case of harmful drugs. Depending on the need, various nanoparticles and nanocarriers are being applied along with the drug. Nanocarriers such as viruses, micelles, and liposomes function highly specific since they carry specific ligands on their surface. Magnetic nanoparticles also have a great therapeutic effect on cancer cells when exposed to heat and magnetic fields. Carbon nanoparticles, such as graphene and graphene oxide, due to their layering, can pass through the cell membrane and deliver the drug to the intracellular space.
Interpolyelectrolyte complexes based on Carbopol and oppositely charged polymer as new carriers for oral controlled diclofenac delivery
Authors: Timergalieva Venera R. , Gennari Chiara G. M. , Cilurzo Francesco , Moustafine Rouslan I. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCarbopol polymers are polymers of acrylic acid and crosslinking agents; there is the prospect of penetration of linear macromolecules between the mesh size of crosslinked Carbopol microgels for a certain period of time. Interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) samples between Carbopol and linear polycations (Eudragit EPO—EPO) were obtained at different interpolyelectrolyte reaction (IPER) times (1, 3, and 7 days). Confirmation of the IPEC structures was proved by FTIR and mDSC. Moreover, according to the results of elemental analysis and mDSC, an increase in the duration of IPER time did not lead to a significant increase in the fraction of the incorporated EPO (CS), since its amount in polycomplex samples remains almost unchanged and the Tgs varies slightly and it depends from the Carbopol grade used. Analysis of the particle size and zeta potential of polycomplex gels showed that the obtained IPEC samples are nanosized, and the particle charge depends on the presence of free ionized carboxyl groups Carbopol (Noveon) or positively charged dimethylamino groups of EPO on their surfaces. After increasing the duration of IPER up to 3 days, a decrease in zeta potential values was observed. In the case of 7 days, an increase in particle size was observed due to their aggregation (C2020/EPO, C10/EPO, NAA‐1/EPO). Mathematical modeling of diclofenac sodium release according to the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation showed that all IPEC samples were characterized by the Super Case‐II transport mechanism, except for C10/EPO sample, which was characterized by Anomalous transport.
Discrimination between Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum and carbonised ginger by colour measurement and fingerprint analysis
Authors: Deng Chang , Xue Rong , Wang Jing , Cheng Ming , Zhu Guangfei , Zhang Kewei , Lu Tulin , Mao Chunqin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionZingiberis Rhizoma (ZR) has been used as a traditional Chinese herb and culinary food for thousands of years. Its two processed products, Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum (ZRP) and carbonised ginger (CG), possess different therapeutic effects.ObjectivesTo establish an objective and comprehensive method to differentiate ZRP from CG and to evaluate their qualities.MethodologyColour values of ZRP and CG were tested to establish the colour models by spectrophotometry. Moreover, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for fingerprint and quantitative analysis, and chemometric approaches were applied to discriminate between ZRP and CG. Finally, Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the colour values and the peak areas of the common chemical compositions.ResultsColour reference ranges of colour parameters and mathematical functions were built to distinguish ZRP from CG. In fingerprint analysis, 26 common peaks were detected in these two processed products, among which 6‐gingerol, 8‐gingerol, 6‐shogaol, 10‐gingerol, 8‐shogaol and 10‐shogaol were identified. Meanwhile, ZRP could be differentiated from CG by chemometrics analysis. In addition, the correlation between colour parameters and common peak areas was found and the contents of 6‐gingerol, 8‐gingerol, 6‐shogaol, 10‐gingerol, and 8‐shogaol were determined simultaneously.ConclusionsAn objective approach of colour measurement, HPLC fingerprint coupled with chemometrics analysis and quantitative assessment could be applied to discriminate ZRP from CG and evaluate the qualities of ZRP and CG rapidly.
Ziconotide (ω‐conotoxin MVIIA)—Efficient solid‐phase synthesis of a linear precursor peptide and its strategic native folding
Authors: Aridoss Gopalakrishnan , Kim Dong‐Min , Kim Jae Il , Kang Jae Eun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo develop an efficient synthesis for target peptide 1, systematic optimization studies were performed on solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) of precursor peptide 2 (linear 25‐mer) and its aqueous phase folding process. A combination of DIC/HOBt (16‐25‐mer) and HBTU/NMM (1‐15‐mer) in DMF proved the best coupling strategy to deliver linear precursor peptide 2 with enhanced purity in crude (81.3%) and purified (99.4%) forms, in addition to improved yield (35.5%). For precursor 2, a modified cystine‐cysteine redox system with short‐chain organic co‐solvents such as 20% EtOH or MeOH promoted native folding, whereas surfactants, chaotropic agents, and other additives were not obligatory. Notably, folding efficiency was dramatically elevated at a concentration of 1 mg/20 mL (18.9 μM) over a period of 24 hours. However, prolonging the reaction time did not further improve the isomerization of misfolded products to their precisely folded counterparts. Adopting the amended oxidative conditions, scale‐up studies were successfully carried out. Purification by preparative HPLC and lyophilization afforded a spongy white solid with 98.3% purity. Solution state structural information derived from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was consistent with literature reports, and confirmed that our synthetically derived Ziconotide (1) possesses the correct disulfide connectivity and three‐dimensional conformation.
The soybean (Glycine max L.) cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase multigene family; Identification of natural variations for altered cytokinin content and seed yield
Authors: Nguyen Hai Ngoc , Kambhampati Shrikaar , Kisiala Anna , Seegobin Mark , Emery Robert Joseph Neil 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCytokinins (CKs) play a fundamental role in regulating dynamics of organ source/sink relationships during plant development, including flowering and seed formation stages. As a result, CKs are key drivers of seed yield. The cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) is one of the critical enzymes responsible for regulating plant CK levels by causing their irreversible degradation. Variation of CKX activity is significantly correlated with seed yield in many crop species while in soybean (Glycine max L.), the possible associations between CKX gene family members (GFMs) and yield parameters have not yet been assessed. In this study, 17 GmCKX GFMs were identified, and natural variations among GmCKX genes were probed among soybean cultivars with varying yield characteristics. The key CKX genes responsible for regulating CK content during seed filling stages of reproductive development were highlighted using comparative phylogenetics, gene expression analysis and CK metabolite profiling. Five of the seventeen identified GmCKX GFMs, showed natural variations in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The gene GmCKX7‐1, with high expression during critical seed filling stages, was found to have a non‐synonymous mutation (H105Q), on one of the active site residues, Histidine 105, previously reported to be essential for co‐factor binding to maintain structural integrity of the enzyme. Soybean lines with this mutation had higher CK content and desired yield characteristics. The potential for marker‐assisted selection based on the identified natural variation within GmCKX7‐1, is discussed in the context of hormonal control that can result in higher soybean yield.
Size‐exclusion chromatography allows the isolation of EVs from the filamentous fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov)
Authors: Garcia‐Ceron Donovan , Dawson Charlotte S. , Faou Pierre , Bleackley Mark R. , Anderson Marilyn A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano‐sized compartments involved in cell communication and macromolecule transport that are well characterized in mammalian organisms. Fungal EVs transport virulence‐related cargo and modulate the host immune response, but most work has been focused on human yeast pathogens. Additionally, the study of EVs from filamentous fungi has been hindered by the lack of protein markers and efficient isolation methods. In this study we performed the isolation and proteomic characterization of EVs from the filamentous cotton pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov). EVs were recovered from two different growth media, Czapek Dox and Saboraud's dextrose broth, and purified by size‐exclusion chromatography. Our results show that the EV proteome changes depending on the growth medium but EV production remains constant. EVs contained proteins involved in polyketide synthesis, cell wall modifications, proteases and potential effectors. These results support a role in modulation of host‐pathogen interactions for Fov EVs.