bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiopreventive capacity of a novel (E)‐Nʹ‐(1‐(7‐methoxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl) ethylidene)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide against isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction by moderating biochemical, oxidative stress, and histological parameters
Authors: Khdhiri Emna , Mnafgui Kais , Ncir Marwa , Feriani Anouar , Ghazouani Lakhdar , Hajji Raouf , Jallouli Dana , Abid Majdi , Jamoussi Kamel , Allouche Noureddine , Ammar Houcine , Abid Souhir 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study is carried out to assess the cardiopreventive effect of (E)‐N’‐(1‐(7‐methoxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl) ethylidene)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide or SHC, a novel synthesized coumarin, against myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol (ISO). The SHC compound was identified and characterized by spectral methods (infrared, 1H NMR [nuclear magnetic resonance], 13C NMR, Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectroscopy). Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, ISO (rats were injected subcutaneously by 85 mg/kg body weight [BW] of isoproterenol at Days 6 and 7 of the experience), ISO + SHC (150 µg/kg BW, orally for 7 days) and ISO + acenocoumarol (150 µg/kg BW, orally for 7 days). Results showed that ISO induced a remarkable alteration of electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and increases of plasma cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase‐MB, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, and malondialdehyde. In addition, ISO reduced the high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol content and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, with the induction of myocardial necrosis. However, SHC administration revealed a significant decrease in cardiac dysfunction markers, restored normal ECG pattern, as well as improving lipids parameters. Moreover, SHC treatment remarkably alleviated the cardiac oxidative stress and the myocardial remodeling process. Overall, the SHC offers good protection from acute myocardial infarction through the antioxidant capacity.
Evaluating schema modes and cognitive distortions in borderline personality disorder: A mixed‐method approach
Authors: Puri Priya , Kumar Devvarta , Muralidharan Kesavan , Kishore Madhavaran Thomas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesCognitive processes, such as schema modes and cognitive distortions, may play a role in the genesis and maintenance of affective, interpersonal, and behavioral difficulties in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This study aimed at exploring the schema modes and cognitive distortions in individuals with BPD.MethodsUsing a mixed‐method approach, 30 individuals with BPD and 30 healthy participants were assessed on the Borderline Personality Questionnaire, the Schema Mode Inventory, the Cognitive Distortions Scale, and a semi‐structured interview schedule.ResultsThe BPD group had higher scores than the control group on all the maladaptive schema modes and cognitive distortions subscales. The child modes were the commonest and were also the strongest correlate of BPD symptomatology. Qualitative analysis of the content of the semi‐structured interview also corroborated these findings.ConclusionsThere could be many schema modes and cognitive distortions operating behind the diverse psychopathology seen in BPD.
Human placenta‐derived mesenchymal stem cells induce trophoblast invasion via dynamic effects on mitochondrial function
Authors: Seok Jin , Jun Sujin , Cho Jinki , Park Sohea , Lee Jung Ok , Kim Gi Jin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe trophoblast is a critical cell for placental development and embryo implantation in the placenta. We previously reported that placenta‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD‐MSCs) increase trophoblast invasion through several signaling pathways. However, the paracrine effects of PD‐MSCs on mitochondrial function in trophoblasts are still unclear. Therefore, the objective of the study was to analyze the mitochondrial function of trophoblasts in response to cocultivation with PD‐MSCs. The results showed that PD‐MSCs regulate the balance between cell survival and death and protect damaged mitochondria in trophoblasts from oxidative stress. Moreover, PD‐MSCs upregulate factors involved in mitochondrial autophagy in trophoblast cells. Finally, PD‐MSCs improve trophoblast invasion. Taken together, the data indicate that PD‐MSCs can regulate trophoblast invasion through dynamic effects on mitochondrial energy metabolism. These results support the fundamental role of mitochondrial energy mechanism in trophoblast invasion and suggest a new therapeutic strategy for infertility.
QT Prolongation Risk Assessment in Oncology: Lessons Learned From Small‐Molecule New Drug Applications Approved During 2011‐2019
Authors: Cohen‐Rabbie Sarit , Berges Alienor C. , Rekić Dinko , Parkinson Joanna , Dota Corina , Tomkinson Helen K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E14 guidance provides recommendations to assess the potential of a drug to delay cardiac repolarization (QT prolongation), including general guidelines for cases in which a conventional thorough QT study (TQT) might not be feasible. These guidelines have been updated through the ICH question‐and‐answer process, with the last revision in 2015. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of QT prolongation evaluation of small‐molecule new drug applications (NDAs) approved in oncology between 2011 and 2019 to extract learning experience. The following information was analysed: (1) methods to assess QT prolongation, (2) electrocardiogram data collection, (3) QT‐related label language, and (4) postmarketing requirements. Overall, every NDA included a QT assessment. The concentration‐QTc modeling approach (studies in which QT was not the primary objective) was the most common approach (59%), followed by the TQT and the dedicated QT studies (20% and 21%, respectively). The quality and quantity of the QT assessments were different across NDAs, which suggested relatively large flexibility in the designs and approaches to characterizing QT liability. The QT‐related label language reflected the QT results, but also the safety events and the study design limitations because of the oncology settings. There was no delay in approval because of less robust QTc studies as long as the benefit‐to‐risk ratio of the drug was acceptable, and the implications were reflected in the label. This work offers a structured understanding of the QT evaluation criteria by the Food and Drug Administration and can assist in planning QT prolongation assessments in oncology settings.
Dental students’ comfort discussing nutrition and obesity prevention with parents and caregivers
Authors: Smith Patrick D. , Noorullah Khatija , Iqbal Laila , Tomar Scott L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeDentists can address childhood obesity by educating patients about mediating factors, such as nutrition and dietary habits, facilitating behavioral interventions, and participating in interprofessional collaborations. Dental schools are encouraged to prepare future dentists to address childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to assess dental students’ attitudes, comfort, and perceived barriers discussing nutrition and obesity prevention with parents and caregivers of children aged 0–5, after a one‐time service‐learning experience in a pediatric primary care setting to promote oral health.MethodsFollowing conversations with parents and caregivers, students completed an 11‐item survey via Qualtrics.ResultsOf 144 second‐year dental students that participated in the service‐learning experience over 2 years, 101 participated in the survey for a response rate of 70.1%. Most students agreed that dentists’ roles include discussing nutrition (98.0%) and obesity prevention (83.2%). During the service‐learning experience, 78.2 percent of students discussed nutrition, and 5.0% discussed obesity prevention, with 3.0% and 22.8% of students reporting some level of discomfort with each topic, respectively. The most reported barriers for discussing both nutrition and obesity prevention were concern for “appearing judgmental” and “fear of offending clients.” Mean comfort scores among students who reported barriers of “appearing judgmental” (p = < 0.0001) and “fear of offending clients” (p = 0.017) for nutrition discussions, and a “lack of parental acceptance of guidance” as a barrier for discussing obesity prevention (p = 0.016), suggest that those barriers were associated with less comfort.ConclusionDental students’ perceived barriers to discussing nutrition and obesity prevention with parents and caregivers may negatively influence dental students’ comfort.
Single‐step equipment‐free extracellular vesicle concentration using super absorbent polymer beads
Authors: Yang Hee Cheol , Ham Yoo Min , Kim Jeong Ah , Rhee Won Jong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) contain useful biomarkers for disease diagnosis and are promising biomaterials for the delivery of therapeutic molecules in vivo. Accordingly, an efficient concentration method is necessary for large‐scale production or high‐throughput isolation of EVs from bulk liquid samples, including culture medium and body fluids, to achieve their clinical application. However, current EV concentration methods, including ultrafiltration, are limited with respect to cost, efficiency, and centrifugation time. In this study, we developed the first single‐step, equipment‐free EV concentration method using super absorbent polymer (SAP) beads. SAP beads absorb small molecules, including water, via nano‐sized channels but expel and thereby concentrate EVs. Consequently, the beads drastically enrich EVs by reducing the solution volume in a single step, without affecting EV characteristics. Moreover, the purity of the concentrated EV solution was high due to the absorption of protein impurities by SAP beads. To further demonstrate the versatility of the method, we showed that SAP beads successfully enrich EVs in human urine samples and culture medium, enabling better isolation performance than conventional ultrafiltration. We believe the newly developed approach and insight gained in this study will facilitate the use of EVs as prominent biomaterials for disease diagnosis and therapy.
Inhibition of hsa_circ_0003489 shifts balance from autophagy to apoptosis and sensitizes multiple myeloma cells to bortezomib via miR‐874‐3p/HDAC1 axis
Authors: Tian Fa‐Qing , Chen Zi‐Ren , Zhu Wei , Tang Mei‐Qin , Li Ju‐Heng , Zhang Xu‐Chang , Jiang Jian , Cheng Xiao‐Hui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) crucially regulate tumor progression. In this study, we examined the functional roles and mechanisms of hsa_circ_0003489 in multiple myeloma (MM).MethodsUpon altering the expressions of hsa_circ_0003489, miR‐874‐3p, and/or histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) in MM1.R cells and treating them with bortezomib (BTZ), cell viability was examined by CCK‐8 assay; cell proliferation by Ki‐67 immunofluorescence; apoptosis by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and western blot; and autophagy by electron microscopy and western blot. The interaction between hsa_circ_0003489 and miR‐874‐3p as well as that between miR‐874‐3p and HDAC1 was examined by expressional analysis, dual luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation. The in vivo impacts of hsa_circ_0003489 on MM growth and sensitivity to BTZ were examined using an MM xenograft mouse model.ResultsKnocking down hsa_circ_0003489 significantly inhibited the viability, cell proliferation, and autophagy, while promoting the apoptosis of MM cells in vitro and MM xenograft in vivo. Suppressing hsa_circ_0003489 also further boosted the cytotoxic effects of BTZ in MM cells and reversed its promoting effect on autophagy. Mechanically, hsa_circ_0003489 acted as a sponge of miR‐874‐3p and positively regulated the expression of miR‐874‐3p target, HDAC1. MiR‐874‐3p and HDAC1 essentially mediated the effects of hsa_circ_0003489 on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.ConclusionThe hsa_circ_0003489/miR‐874‐3p/HDAC1 axis critically regulates the balance between apoptosis and autophagy. Silencing hsa_circ_0003489 sensitizes MM cells to BTZ by inhibiting autophagy and thus may boost the therapeutic effects of BTZ.
Face distributions of embeddings of complete graphs
Authors: Sun Timothy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA longstanding open question of Archdeacon and Craft asks whether every complete graph has a minimum genus embedding with at most one nontriangular face. We exhibit such an embedding for each complete graph except for , and we go on to prove that no such embedding can exist for this graph. Our approach also solves a more general problem, giving a complete characterization of the possible face distributions (i.e., the numbers of faces of each length) realizable by minimum genus embeddings of each complete graph. We also tackle analogous questions for nonorientable and maximum genus embeddings.
Diacylglycerol Kinase η Activity in Cells Using Protein Myristoylation and Cellular Phosphatidic Acid Sensor
Authors: Ishizaki Ayuka , Murakami Chiaki , Yamada Haruka , Sakane Fumio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDiacylglycerol kinase (DGK) phosphorylates diacylglycerol to produce phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) and regulates the balance between two lipid second messengers: diacylglycerol and PtdOH. Several lines of evidence suggest that the η isozyme of DGK is involved in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms regulating the pathophysiological functions remain unclear. One reason is that it is difficult to detect the cellular activity of DGKη. To overcome this difficulty, we utilized protein myristoylation and a cellular PtdOH sensor, the N‐terminal region of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn‐N). Although DGKη expressed in COS‐7 cells was broadly distributed in the cytoplasm, myristoylated (Myr)‐AcGFP‐DGKη and Myr‐AcGFP‐DGKη‐KD (inactive (kinase‐dead) mutant) were substantially localized in the plasma membrane. Moreover, DsRed monomer‐α‐Syn‐N significantly colocalized with Myr‐AcGFP‐DGKη but not Myr‐AcGFP‐DGKη‐KD at the plasma membrane. When COS‐7 cells were osmotically shocked, all DGKη constructs were exclusively translocated to osmotic shock‐responsive granules (OSRG). DsRed monomer‐α‐Syn‐N markedly colocalized with only Myr‐AcGFP‐DGKη at OSRG and exhibited a higher signal/background ratio (3.4) than Myr‐AcGFP‐DGKη at the plasma membrane in unstimulated COS‐7 cells (2.5), indicating that α‐Syn‐N more effectively detects Myr‐AcGFP‐DGKη activity in OSRG. Therefore, these results demonstrated that the combination of myristoylation and the PtdOH sensor effectively detects DGKη activity in cells and that this method is convenient to examine the molecular functions of DGKη. Moreover, this method will be useful for the development of drugs targeting DGKη. Furthermore, the combination of myristoylation (intensive accumulation in membranes) and α‐Syn‐N can be applicable to assays for various cytosolic PtdOH‐generating enzymes.
Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Truncated ORF2 Protein as an Oral Vaccine Candidate against Hepatitis E
Authors: Wei Wenjuan , Behloul Nouredine , Wang Weiqi , Baha Sarra , Liu Zhenzhen , Shi Ruihua , Meng Jihong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn a continuous effort to develop effective vaccines against hepatitis E (HE), oral vaccine nanoparticles using the truncated capsid protein p146 (aa460–605) are formulated and characterized. To improve the immunogenicity of p146, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are used as a mucosal delivery system. Next, the physical‐chemical properties, cytotoxic effects in vitro, and immunogenicity in mice of the produced NPs are analyzed. The results show that the produced CS/p146 NPs are stable and well dispersive and display a near‐spherical shape with a mean size of 200–300 nm. The findings also demonstrate high encapsulation efficiency (65–73.9%) and loading capacity (27.7–67.5%) of the formulated nanoparticles. Further, the CS/p146 NPs exhibit low cytotoxicity and an obvious sustained‐release effect in vitro. Immunogenicity experiments in mice indicate that CS/p146 NPs can induce antigen‐specific systemic and mucosal immune responses higher than the purified p146 do. Besides, the expression levels and mRNA transcription of Interleukin (IL)‐4 in spleen cells of CS/p146 NPs‐immunized mice are higher than those of p146, indicating that a Th2‐mediated cellular immune response is activated by the CS/p146 NPs. Overall, the synthesized CS/p146 NPs display promising properties as a potential HE oral vaccine candidate.
Electron Beam Sterilization of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)—Physicochemical and Biological Aspects
Authors: Sharifi Sina , Islam Mohammad Mirazul , Sharifi Hannah , Islam Rakibul , Huq Tahmida N. , Nilsson Per H. , Mollnes Tom E. , Tran Khoa D. , Patzer Corrina , Dohlman Claes H. , Patra Hirak K. , Paschalis Eleftherios I. , Gonzalez‐Andrades Miguel , Chodosh James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractElectron beam (E‐beam) irradiation is an attractive and efficient method for sterilizing clinically implantable medical devices made of natural and/or synthetic materials such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). As ionizing irradiation can affect the physicochemical properties of PMMA, understanding the consequences of E‐beam sterilization on the intrinsic properties of PMMA is vital for clinical implementation. A detailed assessment of the chemical, optical, mechanical, morphological, and biological properties of medical‐grade PMMA after E‐beam sterilization at 25 and 50 kiloGray (kGy) is reported. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry studies indicate that E‐beam irradiation has minimal effect on the chemical properties of the PMMA at these doses. While 25 kGy irradiation does not alter the mechanical and optical properties of the PMMA, 50 kGy reduces the flexural strength and transparency by 10% and 2%, respectively. Atomic force microscopy demonstrates that E‐beam irradiation reduces the surface roughness of PMMA in a dose dependent manner. Live‐Dead, AlamarBlue, immunocytochemistry, and complement activation studies show that E‐beam irradiation up to 50 kGy has no adverse effect on the biocompatibility of the PMMA. These findings suggest that E‐beam irradiation at 25 kGy may be a safe and efficient alternative for PMMA sterilization.
Simulation optimization in security screening systems subject to budget and waiting time constraints
Authors: Tsai Shing Chih , Chen Huifen , Wang Honggang , Zhang Zhe George 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMotivated by the NEXUS program between the US‐Canada border, we consider a security screening process where travelers such as cars and trucks are assigned to a selectee or nonselectee lane depending on whether their threat values exceed a threshold level. The goal is to design a two‐tier system to maximize the probability of detecting a threat subject to the waiting time and operating cost constraints. We formulate the problem as an optimization program, in which the objective function and some variables can be estimated only by simulation. We then develop algorithms to compute the global optimum, within a proposed bounding region, for the Markovian and non‐Markovian systems, respectively. The convergence analysis and extensive numerical results are provided to demonstrate the algorithms' promising performance.
Illness perceptions, social support and antiretroviral medication adherence in people living with HIV in the greater Accra region, Ghana
Authors: Anakwa Nella O. , Teye‐Kwadjo Enoch , Kretchy Irene A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo assess how illness perceptions and social support influence antiretroviral medication adherence in a HIV patient population in Ghana.DesignThis study used a correlational research design with cross‐sectional data.MethodA total of 235 people living with HIV at two general hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana provided data on illness perceptions, social support and medication adherence. Hierarchical multiple regression test was used to analyse the data.ResultsIllness perceptions' facets of timeline, personal control and treatment control were negatively associated with medication adherence, whereas emotional response was positively associated with adherence. Further, significant other support was negatively associated with adherence. Family and friend support were not associated with adherence. The findings offer preliminary evidence that illness perceptions may have utility for medication adherence in a HIV patient population in Ghana.
Vitamin D Inhibits Adipokine Production and Inflammatory Signaling Through the Vitamin D Receptor in Human Adipocytes
Authors: Nimitphong Hataikarn , Guo Weimin , Holick Michael F. , Fried Susan K. , Lee Mi‐Jeong 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D on adipokine expression and inflammation in human adipose tissues and adipocytes and evaluate the molecular mechanisms involved.MethodsOmental and abdominal subcutaneous human adipose tissues were treated with 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), and adipokine levels were measured. Vitamin D effects were measured with or without dexamethasone because glucocorticoids are known to affect vitamin D actions. Using RNA interference, we examined whether the vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediated vitamin D actions on adipokine expression and inflammatory signaling pathways in human adipocytes.ResultsmRNA levels and secretion of leptin and IL‐6 were suppressed by 1,25(OH)2D3 in omental adipose tissues. Cotreatment with dexamethasone did not affect these inhibitory actions but partially blocked CYP24A1 induction. Similar results were observed in the subcutaneous depot. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 suppressed leptin and IL‐6 expression as well as nuclear factor‐κB and extracellular signal–regulated kinase‐1/2 phosphorylation in human adipocytes. Adipokine expression also was decreased by 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), but not vitamin D3. Knockdown of VDR increased the inflammatory signaling activity in the control condition and blocked the inhibitory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on adipokine and inflammatory signaling pathways.ConclusionVitamin D acts through VDR to inhibit inflammatory pathways and adipokine expression in human adipocytes. Increasing vitamin D status may ameliorate obesity‐associated metabolic complications by decreasing adipose tissue inflammation.
Lyapunov‐based finite‐time control of robot manipulators
Authors: Cruz‐Zavala Emmanuel , Sanchez Tonametl , Nuño Emmanuel , Moreno Jaime A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe objective of this work is to propose new families of finite‐time controllers providing bounded and unbounded control signals. We show that this new family of controllers can be applied to solve the regulation problem for robot manipulators in finite‐time with unbounded and bounded torques. The key idea to accomplish this objective is to propose a novel family of Lyapunov functions, which is more suitable for designing finite‐time regulators for robot manipulators. The efficacy of these controllers, compared with other schemes, is illustrated by a simulation example, which shows that the proposed controllers are a good alternative to solve the finite‐time regulation problem for robot manipulators.