bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet Inhibition with 60 mg Ticagrelor twice daily plus 100 mg Aspirin once daily in patients after CABG
Authors: Pan Yanpeng , Liu Guiqing , Chen Hongwei , Yuan Dongdong , Wang Qian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: To optimize the antiplatelet therapy by observing the clinical outcomes in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) treated with 60 mg ticagrelor twice daily plus 100 mg aspirin once daily for 1 year.Methods: The observation group was composed of patients receiving 60 mg ticagrelor twice daily plus 100 mg aspirin once daily for antiplatelet therapy after CABG, whereas the control group comprised patients taking 90 mg ticagrelor twice daily plus 100 mg aspirin once daily after CABG. Results: In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) patency, the difference was not statistically significant [RR=0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29–2.71; P=0.84] between the two groups. The per-protocol (PP) analysis results of the 1-year SVGs patency rates were consistent with ITT analysis. There were no notable differences in the rates of bleeding, mild dyspnea or dyspnea leading to discontinuation of the study drug between the two groups (P=0.211).Conclusions: In patients undergoing CABG, treatment with 60 mg ticagrelor twice daily plus 100 mg aspirin once daily can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. Besides, the rates of dyspnea in 60 mg ticagrelor treatment are significantly lower than that in 90 mg ticagrelor treatment. As a result, the 60 mg dose leads to a markedly lower discontinuation rate of the study drug and a better safety profile, which tends to provide a more attractive benefit-risk profile.
Effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions for reducing postpartum fatigue: A systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Qian Jialu , Sun Shiwen , Liu Lu , Yu Xiaoyan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Postpartum fatigue is the most common issue among postnatal women and it could not only seriously affect the health of mothers but also bring about adverse impacts on their offspring. However, postpartum fatigue is an ongoing research issue but is seldom treated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize nonpharmacological evidence and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for reducing postpartum fatigue among puerperae.Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL and ProQuest databases were searched for papers published from inception until February 2021. Grey literature was searched using OpenGrey. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) evaluating nonpharmacological interventions for postpartum fatigue reduction were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3.Results: Seventeen published clinical trials matched the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, and thirteen studies involving 1686 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that exercise (SMD= -1.74, 95% CI=-2.61 to -0.88), physical therapy (SMD= -0.50, 95% CI=-0.96 to -0.03) and drinking tea (MD= -3.12, 95% CI=-5.44 to -0.80) resulted in significant improvements in women’s postpartum fatigue at postintervention. Drinking tea may have beneficial effects on depression (MD= -2.89, 95% CI=-4.30 to -1.49). Positive effects of psychoeducational interventions on postpartum fatigue or depression were not observed.Conclusions: This review provides evidence that exercise, physical therapy and drinking tea are effective nonpharmacological interventions for relieving postpartum fatigue. Detailed instructions for postpartum exercise should be offered to puerperae. Physical therapy could be used in combination to enhance the intervention efficacy. Multiple daily cups of tea may be recommended. Psychoeducational interventions were ineffective for postpartum fatigue, but they could be integrated with the internet or smartphones to improve their effectiveness in the future. Fatigue-related nonpharmacological interventions of psychological outcomes still need to be studied.
Semen analysis in “urology-naïve” patients: a chance of uroandrological screening in young male
Authors: Toso Stefano , Ticonosco Marco , Rabito Salvatore , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Ferrari Riccardo , Rochira Vincenzo , Santi Daniele , Trenti Tommaso , Montano Luigi , Rocco Bernardo , Micali Salvatore 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Differently from female population, where gynaecological examinations begin during puberty, few men decide to be visited by urologist in youth. Given the participation to the Ecofood-Fertility trial, our department had the opportunity to screen young males supposedly healthy. Results From January 2019 to July 2020, we evaluated 81 patients with sperm analysis, blood analysis and uro-andrological examination. Inclusion criteria were age 18-40 and absence of previous urological disease (urology-naïve). The primary endpoint of the study is to record uro-andrological diseases occasionally discovered during examination in asymptomatic young men. Mean age was 25,7 years (range19-36); average testicular volume was 17,4ml (range12-22ml). 74,1% reported abnormal semen analysis: 43 cases of teratozoospermia, 12 astenozoospermia, 6 oligozoospermia and 2 azoospermia were discovered. 2/58 patients were diagnosed with hypogonadism. 2 cases with suspicious testicular mass resulted in testicular cancer. 14 suspected varicoceles and 6 patients with mild sexual dysfunctions were managed.Conclusion An uro-andrological evaluation of young asymptomatic males allowed for the prompt diagnosis of different urological conditions, including cancerous ones, in our series. Despite debatable, urological counselling with physical examination, semen-analysis and a laboratoristic-profile could be useful and cost effective in order to enhance males’ health.
Borax assisted synthesis of dialdehyde Carboxymethyl cellulose-Dextrin/Gelatin based biocompatible self-healing hydrogel
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , Bhalla Priya , Kaith Balbir Singh , Shree Bhagya , Sehgal Simran , Arora Saiyam 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The hydrogels with self-healing properties have high potential applications in the biomedical field. Generally, the imine bonds are used as the dynamic covalent bonding in the self-healing hydrogels and hydrogen bonding is used for providing additional strength to self-healing hydrogels. In the presented work, Gelatin, dialdehyde dextrin, and dialdehyde Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based hydrogels were prepared which are biocompatible and biodegradable and hence, can be used in biomedical field. Borax and glutaraldehyde were used as binding agent and cross-linker, respectively. The dynamic imide bond formed between gelatin-dialdehyde dextrin, gelatin-dialdehyde CMC, and gelatin-glutaraldehyde were responsible for self-healing ability of the prepared hydrogel. The rheological studies were also carried out which showed that as a consequence of lower viscosity the hydrogels can show injectable properties. The sample was also found to be blood compatible, which further highlights its biomedical importance.
Virtual Versus In-Person Surgical Fellowship Interviews and Ranking Variability: the COVID-19 Experience
Authors: Chang Ta Chen , Hodapp Elizabeth A. , Parrish Richard K. , Grajewski Alana L. , Gedde Steven J. , Lee Richard K. , Wellik Sarah R. , Junk Anna K. , Vazquez Luis , Swaminathan Swarup S. , Bitrian Elena , Rothman Adam L. , Vanner Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of interview format changes (in-person to virtual, one-to-one to multiple-to-one) necessitated by the COVID-19 travel restrictions on candidate ranking variabilities.Method: In 2018/2019, the glaucoma fellowship interviews were conducted in-person and one-to-one, whereas in 2020, interviews were virtual and multiple (interviewers)-to-one (candidate). We compared ranking ranges of interviewers within the same virtual room (WSR) and not within the same virtual room (NWSR) to assess the effect of this change on ranking variabilities. We also compared ranking categories (“accept,” “alternate,” and “pass”) agreements between in-person and virtual interviews to assess the effect of this change on ranking variabilities.Results: NWSR and WSR mean rankings differed by 1.33 (95% confidence interval difference 0.61 to 2.04, p = 0.0003), with WSR interviewers having less variability than NWSR pairs. The variability of in-person interviews and later virtual interviews showed no differences (weighted Kappa statistic 0.086 for 2018, 0.158 for 2019, and 0.101 for 2020; p < 0.05 for all years). The overall least attractive candidate has the lowest variability; the most attractive candidate has the second lowest variability.Conclusion: Grouping interviewers decreased ranking variabilities, while a change from in-person to virtual interview format did not increase the ranking variabilities.
A renal clearable fluorogenic probe for in vivo detection of cellular senescence
Authors: Lozano-Torres Beatriz , García-Fernández Alba , Galiana Irene , Rojas-Vázquez Sara , Fariñas Isabel , Orzáez Mar , Sancenón Félix , Blandez Juan , Martinez-Manez Ramón 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
There is a growing need for non-invasive, cheap, and versatile diagnostic methods and the development of low-cost point-of-care assays constitutes a potential solution. Here, we describe the design of a renal clearable fluorogenic probe (Cy7Gal) which produces a fluorogenic signal readable in the urine. The Cy7Gal probe is applied to the detection of the burden of senescence in several in vivo models. The probe is composed of a dye (Cy7) conjugated with a galactose derivative. Upon administration of the probe in vivo, the up-regulated β-galactosidase enzyme in senescent cells cleaves the O-glycosidic bond in Cy7Gal, releasing the highly emissive Cy7 dye that is renally cleared and measured in unmodified urine by an IVIS imaging system or by a fluorimeter. A good correlation between the burden of senescence and emission in urine is observed. Cy7Gal probe is the first example for the fluorogenic in vivo detection of senescence in urine and may serve as a basis for the development of generalized fluorogenic diagnostic platforms for the easy diagnosis in the urine of different diseases as well as for monitoring therapeutic treatments without the use of expensive equipment or trained personnel.
Obstetrics and Gynecology resident perception of virtual fellowship interviews
Authors: Ding Jia Jennifer , Has Phinnara , Hampton B. Star , Burrell Dayna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Travel restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped interviewing for fellowships into a predominantly virtual process. How this impacts Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) resident approaches to fellowship application and Match navigation is largely unknown.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey study of fourth year OB/GYN residents who participated in at least one virtual fellowship interview in 2020. We collected information regarding demographics, application strategy, perceived strengths and weaknesses of virtual interviews, and confidence with rank list creation. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical variables and responses pre- and post- match were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: 75 out of an estimated 490 applicants (~15% response rate) completed the survey. 65.3% felt they interviewed at more programs virtually than they would anticipate completing in person, but perceived less confidence in having the necessary information (n=45, 60%) or understanding the culture of programs (n=59, 78.7%) to create a rank list. Cost savings were the main benefit of virtual interviews (n=50, 66.7%), and inability to get a true “feel” for a program was the biggest limitation (n=43, 57.3%). A majority (46.7%) advocate for a future hybrid interview process. Conclusions: OB/GYN residents pursuing fellowship reported interviewing at more programs during the virtual season, but had less confidence with rank list creation. Cost savings benefits are weighed against difficulty getting a “feel” for programs virtually. Most would advocate for a future hybrid interview process.
Alantolactone Exhibits Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Promoting Properties in Colon Cancer Model via Activation of the MAPK-JNK/c-Jun Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lv Cheng , Ren Yijing , Zhang Jing , Zhang Beibei , Yue Bei , Luo Xiaoping , Yu Zhilun , Wang Hao , Ren Junyu , Wang Zhengtao , Dou Wei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common human malignancies in the digestive tract with high mortality. Alantolactone (ATL), as a plant-derived sesquiterpene lactone, has shown a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-virus and so on. However, the exact molecular mechanism of ATL in colorectal cancer remains largely unknown. Here, we performed a study to explore the effect and mechanism of ATL on colorectal cancer. The CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect, antiproliferative effect, anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties of ATL respectively. The xenograft tumor model was established in Balb/c mice to evaluate the anti-tumor effect. The expression levels of proteins involved the MAPK-JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway were measured by Western blot and RT-qPCR both in cells and tumor tissues. The results showed that ATL could inhibit the cells activities of various colon cancer cell lines. Moreover, ATL could induce HCT-116 cells nuclear pyknosis, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, G0/G1 phase arrest, as well as enhance the proportion of apoptosis cells and inhibit colony formation. The migration distance and invasion rate of cells were significantly reduced after treated with ATL. Additionally, in the xenograft model, ATL (50mg/kg) significantly decreased the tumor tumor volume and weight (p ˂ 0.001). For the anti-colon cancer mechanism, the ATL showed the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptosis effect by activating MAPK-JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway. In conclusion, ATL exhibits anti-proliferation and apoptosis-promoting potential in colon cancer via the activation of MAPK-JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.
The Effect of Air Pollution on the Transcriptomics of the Immune Response to Respiratory Infection
Authors: Croft Daniel , Burton David , Nagel David , Bhattacharya Soumyaroop , Falsey Ann , Georas Steve , Hopke Philip , Johnston Carl , Kottmann R. Matthew , Litonjua Augusto , Mariani Thomas , Rich David , Thevenet-Morrison Kelly , Thurston Sally , Utell Mark , McCall Matthew 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Combustion related particulate matter air pollution (PM) is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections in adults. The exact mechanism underlying this association has not been determined. We hypothesized that increased concentrations of combustion related PM would result in dysregulation of the innate immune system. This epidemiological study includes 111 adult patients hospitalized with respiratory infections who underwent transcriptional analysis of their peripheral blood. We examined the association between gene expression at the time of hospitalization and ambient measurements of particulate air pollutants in the 28 days prior to hospitalization. For each pollutant and time lag, gene-specific linear models adjusting for infection type were fit using LIMMA (Linear Models For Microarray Data), and pathway /gene set analyses were performed using the CAMERA (Correlation Adjusted Mean Rank) program. Comparing patients with viral and/or bacterial infection, the expression patterns associated with air pollution exposure differed. Adjusting for the type of infection, increased concentrations of Delta-C (a marker of biomass smoke) and other PM were associated with upregulation of iron homeostasis and protein folding. Increased concentrations of black carbon (BC) were associated with upregulation of viral related pathways and downregulation of pathways related to antigen presentation. The pollutant/pathway associations differed by lag time and by type of infection. This study suggests that the effect of air pollution on the pathogenesis of respiratory infection may be pollutant, timing, and infection specific.
Incidence and Prevalence of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: Focus on Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia
Authors: Ebenezer Akuoko , Eliud Sandabunga , Eunice Akuoko , Kenneth Baga Sabogu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
More than one-third of people living with HIV/AIDS live in the Sub-Sharan Africa region. The study focused on Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia to give a general overview of the situation in the region. 2019 data by UNAIDS were assessed and compared with the 2018 data. The results revealed a disproportionate burden of the disease among women aged 15 years and above, as compared to men of the same ages and children below 15 years. Also, it was revealed that ARV services among pregnant women are effective in reducing the number of new infections among newborns. It is this important that in the fight against the epidemic in the region, governments and their development partners should give much attention to women.
Tunable X-ray dark-field imaging for sub-resolution feature size quantification in porous media
Authors: Blykers Benjamin K. , Organista Caori , Boone Matthieu , Kagias Matias , Marone Federica , Stampanoni Marco , Bultreys Tom , Cnudde Veerle , Aelterman Jan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
X-ray computed micro-tomography typically involves a trade-off between sample size and resolution, complicating the study at a micrometer scale of representative volumes of materials with broad feature size distributions (e.g. natural stones).
X-ray dark-field tomography exploits scattering to probe sub-resolution features, promising to overcome this trade-off. In this work, we present a quantification method for sub-resolution feature sizes using dark-field tomograms obtained by tuning the autocorrelation length of a Talbot grating interferometer. Alumina particles with different nominal pore sizes (50 nm and 150 nm) were mixed and imaged at the TOMCAT beamline of the SLS synchrotron (PSI) at eighteen correlation lengths, covering the pore size range. The different particles cannot be distinguished by traditional absorption µCT due to their very similar density and the pores being unresolved at typical image resolutions. Nevertheless, by exploiting the scattering behavior of the samples, the proposed analysis method allowed to quantify the nominal pore sizes of individual particles. The robustness of this quantification was proven by reproducing the experiment with solid samples of alumina, and alumina particles that were kept separated.
Our findings demonstrate the possibility to calibrate dark-field image analysis to quantify sub-resolution feature sizes, allowing multi-scale analyses of heterogeneous materials without subsampling.
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein G476S mutation on the interaction with human ACE-2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Kwarteng Alexander , Asiedu Ebenezer , Sylverken Augustina Angelina , Larbi Amma , Twumasi Peter 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The G476S mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein occurs in the receptor binding domain (RBD), the region that binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE-2) receptor and also the main target for neutralizing antibodies. The 476S variant was first reported in the USA. Emerging evidence show that the 476S variant resists neutralization by antibodies such as S2E12 and CC6.29. The impact of the mutation on the interactions with hACE-2 receptor and the dynamics of the S-protein, has not been not fully explored. Here, we provide insights into the structure dynamics of the 476S variant and investigate the impact of the mutation on interactions with hACE-2 and selected neutralizing antibodies. We report that the mutation induces a destabilization effect in the RBD and an increased flexibility for most of the receptor binding residues. The mutation, however, does not affect the interactions with the hACE-2 receptor. Both Gly-476 and Ser-476, although located within the hACE-2 interacting residue hotspot, do not contribute to the stabilization of the RBD-hACE-2 complex. Our findings suggest that both H014 and P2P-2F6 antibodies neutralize the 476G and 476S S-proteins with similar efficacy.
Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ As A Novel and Promising Target For Treating Cancer Via Regulation of Inflammation: A Brief Review
Authors: Yuvaraj S. , Kumar B.R. Prashantha 
Published: April 2021

Abstract:Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptors and the ligand-activated intracellular transcription factors that are known to play a key role in physiological processes such as cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, tissue remodeling, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. However, in the past two decades, many reports claim that PPARs also play an imperious role as a tumor suppressor. PPAR- gamma (PPARγ), one of the best-known from the family of PPARs, is known to express in colon, breast, bladder, lung, and prostate cancer cells. Its function in tumour cells includes the modulation of several pathways involved in multiplication and apoptosis. The ligands of PPARγ act by PPARγ dependent as well as independent pathways and are also found to regulate different inflammatory mediators and transcription factors in systemic inflammation and in tumor microenvironment. Both synthetic and natural ligands that are known to activate PPARγ, suppress the tumor cell growth and multiplication through the regulation of inflammatory pathways, as found out from different functional assays and animal studies. Cancer and inflammation are interconnected processes that are now being targeted to achieve tumor suppression by decreasing the risks and burden posed by cancer cells. Therefore, PPARγ can serve as a promising target for development of clinical drug molecule attenuating the proliferation of cancer cells. In this perspective, this mini review highlights the PPARγ as a potential target for drug development aiming for anti-inflammatory and thereby suppressing tumors.