bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles and thymoquinone in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced in mice
Authors: Ghanem Heba B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe field of nanotechnology offers great opportunities for cancer therapy.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the therapeutic impact of Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and thymoquinone (TQ) alone or as cotherapy in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) induced in mice.Materials and MethodsThis study was performed on 75 female albino mice divided into Group I: EAC‐bearing control group, Group II: EAC treated with TQ, Group III: EAC treated with low‐dose ZnO NPs, Group IV: EAC treated with high‐dose ZnO NPs, Group V: EAC treated with TQ and low‐dose ZnO NPs. All groups were subjected to measurement of cell viability, ascites fluid volume, Bcl2 protein expression by Western blot analysis, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) gene expression by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay levels of Beclin 1, interferon γ (INFγ), interleukin 13 (IL‐13), and estimation of Zn concentrations in EAC cells and liver homogenate to evaluate its toxicity.ResultsCotherapy has an efficient anticancer effect by enhancing apoptosis and autophagy, resulting in reducing tumor cell viability and ascites fluid volume together with downregulation of Bcl2 protein expression. This cotherapy increases Beclin 1 and INFγ and decreases IL‐13. ZnO NPs upregulate COX2 expression, whereas TQ downregulates its expression. High‐dose ZnO NPs have more toxic effects on liver enzymes. Using TQ together with ZnO NPs can eliminate ZnO NPs liver toxicity.ConclusionThe cotherapy has an efficient anticancer effect by enhancing apoptosis and autophagy. High‐dose ZnO NPs have more toxic effects on liver enzymes. Using TQ together with ZnO NPs can eliminate ZnO NP liver toxicity.
Effects of statins on mitochondrial pathways
Authors: Mollazadeh Hamid , Tavana Erfan , Fanni Giovanni , Bo Simona , Banach Maciej , Pirro Matteo , von Haehling Stephan , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStatins are a family of drugs that are used for treating hyperlipidaemia with a recognized capacity to prevent cardiovascular disease events. They inhibit β‐hydroxy β‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, i.e. the rate‐limiting enzyme in mevalonate pathway, reduce endogenous cholesterol synthesis, and increase low‐density lipoprotein clearance by promoting low‐density lipoprotein receptor expression mainly in the hepatocytes. Statins have pleiotropic effects including stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, immunomodulation, anti‐inflammatory properties, improvement of endothelial function, antioxidant, and anti‐thrombotic action. Despite all beneficial effects, statins may elicit adverse reactions such as myopathy. Studies have shown that mitochondria play an important role in statin‐induced myopathies. In this review, we aim to report the mechanisms of action of statins on mitochondrial function. Results have shown that statins have several effects on mitochondria including reduction of coenzyme Q10 level, inhibition of respiratory chain complexes, induction of mitochondrial apoptosis, dysregulation of Ca2+ metabolism, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐2 expression. The use of statins has been associated with the onset of additional pathological conditions like diabetes and dementia as a result of interference with mitochondrial pathways by various mechanisms, such as reduction in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, increase in oxidative stress, decrease in uncoupling protein 3 concentration, and interference in amyloid‐β metabolism.Overall, data reported in this review suggest that statins may have major effects on mitochondrial function, and some of their adverse effects might be mediated through mitochondrial pathways.
Using business intelligence and data visualization to understand the characteristics of failed appointments in dental school clinics
Authors: Weber Kate , DaSilva Alexandre F. , Dault Jean T. , Eber Robert , Huner Kim , Jones Darlene , Kornman Kenneth , Ramaswamy Vidya , Snyder Mark , Ward Brent B. , Nalliah Romesh P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurpose/ObjectivesBroken appointments are an important cause of waste in health care. Patients who fail to attend incur costs to providers, deny trainees learning opportunities, and impact their own health as well as that of other patients who are waiting for care.MethodsA total of 410,000 appointment records over 3 years were extracted from our electronic health record. We conducted exploratory data analysis and assessed correlations between appointment no‐shows and other attributes of the appointment and the patient. The University of Michigan Medical School's Committee on Human Research reviewed the study and deemed that no Institutional Review Board oversight was necessary for this quality improvement project that was, retrospectively, turned into a study with previously de‐identified data.ResultsThe patient's previous attendance record is the single most significant correlation with attendance. We found that patients who said they are “scared” of dental visits were 62% as likely to attend as someone reporting “no problem.” Patients over 65 years of age have better attendance rates. There was a positive association between receiving email/text confirmation and attendance. A total of 94.9% of those emailed a reminder and 92.2% of those who were texted attended their appointment.Conclusion(s)We were able to identify relationships of several variables to failed and attended appointments that we were previously unknown to us. This knowledge enabled us to implement interventions to support better attendance at Dental Clinics at the University of Michigan, improving patient health, student training, and efficient use of resources.
Care of inflammatory bowel disease patients during coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic using digital health‐care technology
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C , Sahu Shikha , Biswas Sugata N , Singh Prashant , Chaudhary Moni , Ghoshal Ujjala , Tiwari Priyanka , Rai Sushmita , Mishra Saroj K 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough telemedicine is an option for the care of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID)‐19 pandemic, its feasibility and acceptability data are scant. Data on the frequency of COVID‐19 among patients with IBD, quality of life (QOL), access to health care, psychological stress, and anxiety during the COVID‐19 pandemic are scant.MethodsVideo/audio consultation for IBD patients was undertaken after a web‐based appointment, and data on acceptability, IBD control, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL‐Bref) were obtained electronically. IBD patients were assessed for COVID‐19 symptoms or contact history and tested using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) on naso‐ oro‐pharyngeal swabs, and data were compared with 16,317 non‐IBD controls.ResultsTeleconsultation was feasible and acceptable. IBD patients had COVID‐19 as frequently as non‐IBD controls despite immunosuppressive therapy, possibly due to their awareness and preventive practices. Although the physical, psychological, and social QOL scores during the COVID‐19 pandemic were comparable to the prepandemic period, the environmental scores were worse. Psychological tension and interference with work due to pain were lower during the pandemic, which might be influenced by the control of the disease.ConclusionsTeleconsultation is a feasible and acceptable alternative for IBD patients. They had COVID‐19 as frequently as non‐IBD controls despite a high frequency of immunosuppressive treatment, possibly due to their awareness of the disease and preventive practices. The QOL scores (except the environmental domains) and psychological issues were quite comparable or even better during the COVID‐19 pandemic than earlier.
Fast analysis of scattering from metallic‐dielectric composite large antenna arrays using characteristic modes
Authors: Zhou Wenyang , Chen Yikai , Yang Shiwen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this article, characteristic modes for metallic‐dielectric composite structures (MDCS) are explored for fast and accurate analysis of scattering from large antenna arrays. Specifically, a generalized eigenvalue equation is formulated from a method of moments (MoM) impedance matrix of the electric field integral equation and Poggio, Miller, Chang, Harrington, Wu, and Tsai formulation. Modal currents for an antenna element with MDCS are then used as entire domain basis functions in the MoM for expanding equivalent currents over a large antenna array with MDCS. Only a small number of the modal currents are required to approximate the induced current over the antenna array with sufficient accuracy. Thus, the number of the unknowns and the corresponding CPU time in the MoM are significantly reduced in the proposed method. Furthermore, as the periodicity and intrinsic relationship of the matrix elements are considered when using the modal currents as entire domain basis functions, the computational efficiency of the proposed method is further improved. Numerical results of typical antenna arrays with MDCS are presented to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Activation response and functional connectivity change in rat cortex after bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation—An exploratory study
Authors: Boonzaier Julia , Straathof Milou , Ardesch Dirk Jan , van der Toorn Annette , van Vliet Gerard , van Heijningen Caroline L. , Otte Willem M. , Dijkhuizen Rick M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique implicated as a promising adjunct therapy to improve motor function through the neuromodulation of brain networks. Particularly bilateral tDCS, which affects both hemispheres, may yield stronger effects on motor learning than unilateral stimulation. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory study was to develop an experimental model for simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bilateral tDCS in rats, to measure instant and resultant effects of tDCS on network activity and connectivity. Naïve, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into a tDCS (n = 7) and sham stimulation group (n = 6). Functional MRI data were collected during concurrent bilateral tDCS over the sensorimotor cortex, while resting‐state functional MRI and perfusion MRI were acquired directly before and after stimulation. Bilateral tDCS induced a hemodynamic activation response, reflected by a bilateral increase in blood oxygenation level‐dependent signal in different cortical areas, including the sensorimotor regions. Resting‐state functional connectivity within the cortical sensorimotor network decreased after a first stimulation session but increased after a second session, suggesting an interaction between multiple tDCS sessions. Perfusion MRI revealed no significant changes in cerebral blood flow after tDCS. Our exploratory study demonstrates successful application of an MRI‐compatible bilateral tDCS setup in an animal model. Our results indicate that bilateral tDCS can locally modulate neuronal activity and connectivity, which may underlie its therapeutic potential.
Boron nitride modified reduced graphene oxide as solid‐phase microextraction coating material for the extraction of seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water and soil samples
Authors: Li Hongda , Hou Baoxiu , Wang Ling , Zang Xiaohuan , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA novel hexagonal boron nitride modified reduced graphene oxide material was synthesized and used as the adsorbent for the solid‐phase microextraction of seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water and soil samples prior to their detection by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector. Under optimal conditions, the linear response range of the analytes for water sample is 0.25–50 ng/mL with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging between 0.9953 and 0.9996. The linear range for soil sample is 1.0–400 ng/g with r ranging from 0.9959 to 0.9999. On the basis of the signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3, the limits of detections for the analytes ranged from 0.05 to 0.15 ng/mL for water samples, and from 0.3 to 0.5 ng/g for soil samples. The relative recoveries of the seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for water and soil samples were in the range of 79.55–120.0 and 78.76–120.8%, respectively. The relative standard deviations for the determination of the analytes in water and soil samples were lower than 11 and 10%, respectively. The method is simple and suitable for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon residues in water and soil samples.
Pain Catastrophizing and Quality of Life in Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kazi Aasif , West Emma , Rahman Shahryar , Kim Sarah , Sima Adam , Schuman Theodore A. 
Published: January 2021

Objectives/HypothesisPsychological comorbidity is common in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and is correlated with decreased overall and disease‐specific quality of life (QoL). Prior research reported that anxiety and depression, as measured by the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), are associated with worse CRS‐specific QoL, as assessed via the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI). Furthermore, patients prone to anxiety/depression may display an exaggerated response to real or anticipated discomfort; the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) is a validated instrument designed to measure this phenomenon. This study is intended to explore the role of pain catastrophizing in relation to anxiety, depression, and disease‐specific QoL in patients with facial pain attributed to CRS.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsDiagnosis of presumed CRS was based upon current American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) guidelines; all participants reported facial pain as a component of their CRS symptomatology. RSDI, HADS, and PCS questionnaires were administered upon presentation prior to intervention, and objective measurements of sinonasal inflammation were obtained via nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT).ResultsSeventy‐five patients were enrolled in the study. Significant positive correlations were found between PCS and HADS, total RSDI, and RSDI emotional sub‐scores (P < .05). The incidence of objective evidence of disease, as measured via nasal endoscopy and CT, was not significantly different in catastrophizing patients.ConclusionsPain catastrophizing correlates with anxiety/depression and worse disease‐specific QoL in patients meeting symptomatic criteria for CRS. Otolaryngologists should be aware that catastrophic thinking can intensify a patient's perception of sinonasal symptoms, and clinicians may consider management of psychological comorbidity to optimize rhinologic outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1939–1945, 2021
BELONGING: THE SECRET TO BUILDING ENGAGEMENT FOR EMPLOYEES OF ALL BACKGROUNDS
Authors: Kennedy Julia Taylor 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe author posits that leaders must learn to welcome and implement a concept that, while newer to our talent management vernacular, is actually as old as human nature: belonging. This is a fundamental human need. Yet, to find it, we paradoxically often retreat into our “tribes”—those who share our opinions, ideologies, geographies, socioeconomic backgrounds, and, often, our ethnicities or races. We most naturally “bond” through similarities rather than “bridge” across differences. Belonging does not replace diversity or inclusion in the talent management vernacular: It supports and enhances them. Research is presented from The Power of Belonging, a unique study by Coqual (formerly the Center for Talent Innovation). It shows that belonging is the missing link, the dynamo that drives and delivers on D&I's promises to retain and advance all employees, by enhancing employee engagement, strengthening loyalty and retention, and decreasing feelings of stall. The research identifies five specific senior leader behaviors that connect to high employee belonging scores, which are described in detail in the article. They are (1) embody the organization's values, (2) model inclusive leadership, (3) openly talk about their values, (4) forge personal and authentic connections with employees across the organization, and (5) tell stories.
Notes on the existence and uniqueness of solutions of Stieltjes differential equations
Authors: Márquez Albés Ignacio , Monteiro Giselle A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe study some classical uniqueness and existence results, such as Peano's or Osgood's uniqueness criteria, in the context of Stieltjes differential equations. This type of equation is based on derivatives with respect to monotone functions, and enables the investigation of discrete and continuous problems from a common standpoint. We compare our results with previous work on the topic and illustrate the advantages of the theorems presented in this paper with an example. Finally, we make some remarks regarding analogous uniqueness results which can be derived for measure differential equations.
Reckless Generosity, Parkinson's Disease and Dopamine: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Amstutz Deborah , Michelis Joan Philipp , Debove Ines , Maradan‐Gachet Marie Elise , Lachenmayer Martin Lenard , Muellner Julia , Schwegler Kyrill , Krack Paul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundImpulse control disorders (ICDs) are a frequent side effect of dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Reckless generosity might expand the spectrum of known ICDs.CasesOver 18 months, we encountered three PD patients exhibiting reckless generosity under DRT, leading to disastrous financial and social consequences.Literature ReviewExcept for another case series describing reckless generosity in three PD patients, only one study has examined generosity in PD patients; with findings suggesting that PD patients with ICDs are less sensitive to the aversive aspects of the lack of reciprocation in social settings. Studies with healthy individuals suggest that increased availability of dopamine might reduce social discounting and promote egalitarian behavior, and thereby increase generous behavior towards strangers. Genetic studies show that polymorphisms in dopamine D4 receptors influence generous behavior.ConclusionsReckless generosity in PD patients with DRT might be underreported and should therefore be carefully be screened for by clinicians. A potential mechanism underlying this ICD‐related behavior might be a sensitization of the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic system, leading to reduced social discounting and maladaptive reward‐learning. Further research is needed to investigate the prevalence and underlying mechanisms of reckless generosity in PD patients.
Nuclear Genes Associated with Mitochondrial DNA Processes as Contributors to Parkinson's Disease Risk
Authors: Müller‐Nedebock Amica C. , van der Westhuizen Francois H. , Kõks Sulev , Bardien Soraya 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOver the past four decades, mitochondrial dysfunction has been a recurring theme in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is hypothesized to play a central role in its disease pathogenesis. Given the instrumental role of mitochondria in cellular energy production, their dysfunction can be detrimental to highly energy‐dependent dopaminergic neurons, known to degenerate in PD. Mitochondria harbor multiple copies of their own genomes (mtDNA), encoding critical respiratory chain complexes required for energy production. Consequently, mtDNA has been investigated as a source of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. As seen in multiple mitochondrial diseases, deleterious mtDNA variation and mtDNA copy number depletion can impede mtDNA protein synthesis, leading to inadequate energy production in affected cells and the onset of a disease phenotype. As such, high burdens of mtDNA defects but also mtDNA depletion, previously identified in the substantia nigra of PD patients, have been suggested to play a role in PD. Genetic variation in nuclear DNA encoding factors required for replicating, transcribing, and translating mtDNA, could underlie these observed mtDNA changes. Herein we examine this possibility and provide an overview of studies that have investigated whether nuclear‐encoded genes associated with mtDNA processes may influence PD risk. Overall, pathway‐based analysis studies, mice models, and case reports of mitochondrial disease patients manifesting with parkinsonism all implicate genes encoding factors related to mtDNA processes in neurodegeneration and PD. Most notably, cumulative genetic variation in these genes likely contributes to neurodegeneration and PD risk by acting together in common pathways to disrupt mtDNA processes or impair their regulation. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A meta‐analysis of functional outcomes in rat sciatic nerve injury models
Authors: DeLeonibus Anthony , Rezaei Majid , Fahradyan Vahe , Silver Jerry , Rampazzo Antonio , Bassiri Gharb Bahar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionRat sciatic nerve injury (PNR) is the most utilized model in studies on peripheral nerve regeneration. However, large animal models are increasingly favored based on the assumption that nerve regeneration in rodents achieves more favorable outcomes than in humans. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to investigate which rat PNR models are more stringent and should be used before utilizing large animal experimentation.MethodsA PRISMA‐guided meta‐analysis of the English literature regarding functional outcomes in rat peripheral nerve injury models was conducted. Outcomes of five basic scenarios: (1) transected nerve/negative control, (2) transection with primary microsurgical repair, (3) isogenic/autologous grafts, (4) acellular‐allogenic grafts, and (5) limb transplantation were compared to sciatic nerves without any intervention/positive control. Outcomes were compared using Sciatic Functional Index (SFI). Log‐based projections were generated and evaluated using mean squared error (MSE), one‐way‐ANOVA, and Tukey‐HSD post‐hoc analysis.ResultsIn total, 167 articles met the inclusion criteria. The earliest manifestations of motor recovery were encountered in the transection and primary repair group (p <.0005). There was a significant difference in recovery time and degree of recovery between all surgical models (p <.0005). At 24 weeks, the SFI in hindlimb transplantation group was significantly worse than all other groups (−74.07 ± 2.74, p <.0005). Autografts smaller than 10 mm recovered sooner than autografts longer than 10 mm (p = .021) and autografts recovered faster than allografts.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis does not support the belief that neuro‐regeneration is exceptional in transection models. These models remain adequate to provide translatable information and should initially be used in investigational studies.