bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucocerebrosidase Activity is not Associated with Parkinson's Disease Risk or Severity
Authors: Omer Nurit , Giladi Nir , Gurevich Tanya , Bar‐Shira Anat , Gana‐Weisz Mali , Glinka Tal , Goldstein Orly , Kestenbaum Meir , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Mabrouk Omar S. , Fraser Kyle B. , Shirvan Julia C. , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Mirelman Anat , Thaler Avner 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundMutations in theGBAgene, which encodes the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), are risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveTo explore the association between GCase activity, PD phenotype, and probability for prodromal PD among carriers of mutations in theGBAandLRRK2genes.MethodsParticipants were genotyped for the G2019S‐LRRK2and nineGBAmutations common in Ashkenazi Jews. Performance‐based measures enabling the calculation of the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) prodromal probability score were collected.ResultsOne hundred and seventy PD patients (102GBA‐PD, 38LRRK2‐PD, and 30 idiopathic PD) and 221 non‐manifesting carriers (NMC) (129GBA‐NMC, 45LRRK2‐NMC, 15GBA‐LRRK2‐NMC, and 32 healthy controls) participated in this study. GCase activity was lower amongGBA‐PD (3.15 ± 0.85 μmol/L/h),GBA‐NMC (3.23 ± 0.91 μmol/L/h), andGBA‐LRRK2‐NMC (3.20 ± 0.93 μmol/L/h) compared to the other groups of participants, with no correlation to clinical phenotype.ConclusionsLow GCase activity does not explain the clinical phenotype or risk for prodromal PD in this cohort. © 2021 The Authors.Movement Disorderspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Alteration of PPAR‐GAMMA (PPARG; PPARγ) and PTEN gene expression in acute myeloid leukemia patients and the promising anticancer effects of PPARγ stimulation using pioglitazone on AML cells
Authors: Esmaeili Shadi , Salari Sina , Kaveh Vahid , Ghaffari Seyed H. , Bashash Davood 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn the new era of tailored cancer treatment strategies, finding a molecule to regulate a wide range of intracellular functions is valuable. The unique property of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ; PPARG) in transmitting the anti‐survival signals of the chemotherapeutic drugs has fired the enthusiasm into the application of this receptor in cancer treatment.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the expression of PPARγ and one of its downstream targets PTEN in non‐M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. We also investigated the therapeutic value of PPARγ stimulation using pioglitazone in the AML‐derived U937 cell line.MethodsThe blood samples from 30 patients diagnosed with non‐M3 AML as well as 10 healthy individuals were collected and the mRNA expression levels of PPARγ and PTEN were evaluated. Additionally, we used trypan blue assay, MTT assay, and flow cytometry analysis to evaluate the anti‐leukemic effects of pioglitazone on U937 cells.ResultsWhile PTEN was significantly downregulated in AML patients as compared to the control group, the expression of PPARγ was increased in the patients’ group. The expression level of PPARγ was also negatively correlated with PTEN; however, it was not statistically significant. Besides, PPARγ stimulation using pioglitazone reduced survival and proliferative capacity of U937 cells through inducing apoptosis and suppression of cell transition from the G1 phase of the cell cycle.ConclusionThe results of the present study shed more light on the importance of PPARγ and its stimulation in the therapeutic strategies of AML.
FFT‐based homogenization with mixed uniform boundary conditions
Authors: Grimm‐Strele Hannes , Kabel Matthias 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe fast Fourier transform (FFT) based homogenization method of Moulinec and Suquet has been established as a fast, accurate, and robust tool for periodic homogenization in solid mechanics. In a finite element context, Pahr and Zysset have introduced nonperiodic boundary conditions (PMUBC) for homogenization problems. We show how to implement PMUBC efficiently in an FFT‐based code using discrete sine and cosine transforms. Compared with the domain mirroring approach, we reduce the runtime by a factor of 2 to 3, and the memory requirements by a factor of 8. We show that the use of periodic boundary conditions for nonperiodic geometries yields vastly different results than with PMUBC. Furthermore, we examine the influence of the discretization method by comparing the staggered grid discretization with a finite element discretization.
Adropin and insulin resistance: Integration of endocrine, circadian, and stress signals regulating glucose metabolism
Authors: Butler Andrew A. , Havel Peter J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDysregulation of hepatic glucose production (HGP) and glucose disposal leads to hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia results from the declining ability of insulin to reduce HGP and increase glucose disposal, as well as inadequate ß‐cell compensation for insulin resistance. Hyperglucagonemia resulting from reduced suppression of glucagon secretion by insulin contributes to hyperglycemia by stimulating HGP. The actions of pancreatic hormones are normally complemented by peptides secreted by cells distributed throughout the body. This regulatory network has provided new therapeutics for obesity and type 2 diabetes (e.g., glucagon‐like peptide 1). Other peptide hormones under investigation show promise in preclinical studies. Recent experiments using mice and nonhuman primates indicate the small secreted peptide hormone adropin regulates glucose metabolism. Here, recent expression profiling data indicating hepatic adropin expression increases with oxidative stress and declines with fasting or in the presence of hepatic insulin resistance and how adropin interacts with the pancreatic hormones, insulin, and glucagon to modulate glycemic control are discussed.
Fabrication and characterization ofchitosan‐gelatin/single‐walledcarbon nanotubes electrospun composite scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering applications
Authors: Bahrami Miyanji Parya , Semnani Dariush , Hossein Ravandi Abdolkarim , Karbasi Saeed , Fakhrali Aref , Mohammadi Sajjad 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCartilage is a connective tissue with a slow healing rate due to lack in blood circulation and slow metabolism. Designing tissue engineering scaffolds modified based on its specific features can assist its natural regeneration process. In this study, the chitosan‐gelatin/single‐walled carbon nanotubes functionalized by COOH (SWNTs‐COOH) nanocomposite scaffolds were fabricated through electrospinning. The effect of each component and different duration of cross‐linking were assessed in terms of morphology, porosity, chemical structure, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, wettability, biodegradability, and in vitro cell culture study. Adding SWNTs‐COOH decreased fiber diameter, water contact angle and degradation rate while increased tensile strength, hydrophilicity, stability and cell viability, due to their high intrinsic electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties and the presence of COOH functional groups in its structure. All the sample presented a porosity percentage of more than 80%, which is essential for tissue engineering scaffolds. The presence SWNTs‐COOH did not have any adverse effect on cytocompatibility. The optimal cross‐linking time increased the stability of the scaffolds in PBS. It can be concluded that the chitosan‐gelatin/1wt% SWNTs‐COOH scaffold can be appropriate for cartilage tissue engineering applications.
Treatment abandonment: A report from the collaborative African network for childhood cancer care and research—CANCaRe Africa
Authors: Chagaluka George , Afungchwi Glenn Mbah , Landman Lisa , Njuguna Festus , Hesseling Peter , Tchintseme Francine , Sung Lillian , Paintsil Vivian , Molyneux Elizabeth , Chitsike Inam , Israels Trijn 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground‘Treatmentabandonment’ is a common and preventable cause of childhood cancer treatment failure in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). Risk factors and effective interventions in LMIC are reported. Poverty and costs of treatment are perceived as overriding causes in sub‐Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to study potential determinants of treatment abandonment, including aspects of treatment costs in sub‐Saharan Africa, to be better informed for planned future interventions.MethodsA multicentre, prospective, observational, cohort study was conducted in five hospitals in sub‐Saharan Africa. Children younger than 16 years with newly diagnosed cancer treated as inpatient with curative intent were included. The occurrence of treatment abandonment and potential determinants including aspects of treatment costs were documented during the first 3 months of treatment.ResultsWe included 252 patients (median age 6.0, range 0.2–15.0 years, 54% male). The most common cancer was Burkitt lymphoma (63/252, 25%). Seven percent of patients (18 of 252) abandoned treatment. Two thirds (65%, 163/252) of patients had to borrow money to reach the hospital for the diagnosis and start of treatment. Treatment abandonment occurred more frequently in families who had to borrow money (16/163, 10%) versus those who did not (2/89, 2%; p = .026).ConclusionsLimiting costs for families and improved counselling may reduce treatment abandonment. Development and implementation of interventions to reduce treatment abandonment are required in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Development of standard definitions and grading for Maternal and Fetal Adverse Event Terminology
Authors: Spencer Rebecca N. , Hecher Kurt , Norman Gill , Marsal Karel , Deprest Jan , Flake Alan , Figueras Francesc , Lees Christoph , Thornton Steve , Beach Kathleen , Powell Marcy , Crispi Fatima , Diemert Anke , Marlow Neil , Peebles Donald M. , Westgren Magnus , Gardiner Helena , Gratacos Eduard , Brodszki Jana , Batista Albert , Turier Helen , Patel Mehali , Power Beverley , Power James , Yaz Gillian , David Anna L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveAdverse event (AE) monitoring is central to assessing therapeutic safety. The lack of a comprehensive framework to define and grade maternal and fetal AEs in pregnancy trials severely limits understanding risks in pregnant women. We created AE terminology to improve safety monitoring for developing pregnancy drugs, devices and interventions.MethodExisting severity grading for pregnant AEs and definitions/indicators of ‘severe’ and ‘life‐threatening’ conditions relevant to maternal and fetal clinical trials were identified through a literature search. An international multidisciplinary group identified and filled gaps in definitions and severity grading using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) terms and severity grading criteria based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) generic structure. The draft criteria underwent two rounds of a modified Delphi process with international fetal therapy, obstetric, neonatal, industry experts, patients and patient representatives.ResultsFetal AEs were defined as being diagnosable in utero with potential to harm the fetus, and were integrated into MedDRA. AE severity was graded independently for the pregnant woman and her fetus. Maternal (n = 12) and fetal (n = 19) AE definitions and severity grading criteria were developed and ratified by consensus.ConclusionsThis Maternal and Fetal AE Terminology version 1.0 allows systematic consistent AE assessment in pregnancy trials to improve safety.
Influence of the magnetic field on the alignment degree of the anisotropic strontium ferrites for elastomer bonded magnets
Authors: El Yaagoubi Mohammed , Haas Stefan , Schwegler Dietmar 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this work, the influence of the magnetic field on the alignment degree of the magnetic particles and on the magnetic energy flux of elastomer bonded magnets are investigated. For the investigations, a strontium ferrite filled nitrile butadiene rubber is used. The change of magnetic flux density in the injection molding tool cavity was realized by changing the current at the rectifier. The alignment degree of the magnetic particles increases with increasing magnetic field in the injection molding tool cavity. Above a certain current strength, a saturation behavior of the alignment degree of the magnetic particles and the magnetic energy flux is reached. The change of the cavity magnetic field leads to an improvement of the pole angle error up to a current of 10 A. An increase of the current above 10 A leads to hardly any improvement of the pole angle error, since a saturation in the alignment of the magnetic particles has already been reached.
Structural evolution of mesomorphic propylene–1‐butene random copolymer during heating process
Authors: Qian Chengao , Zhao Ying , Wang Dujin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe study of the transition of mesophase to α‐crystal (meso–α transition) is of great significance for understanding the crystallization, morphology as well as processability of polypropylene materials. The structural evolution of mesomorphic isotactic propylene–1‐butene (iPPBu) random copolymer during the continuous heating process was investigated using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and dynamic mechanical analysis. The presence of the butene comonomer influences the meso–α transition behavior. Compared with the mesomorphic iPP homopolymer, the presence of butene comonomer reduces both onset temperature (Tonset) and end temperature (Tend) of the meso–α transition, and narrows the transition temperature range. The content of the 31 helical sequence with 12 monomers remains invariant during the meso–α transition, differing from that of mesomorphic iPP homopolymer. Similar to mesomorphic iPP homopolymer, the 31 helical sequence with monomer number n ≤ 12 is found to exist in the rigid amorphous fraction of iPPBu, but is different from that of a mesomorphic propylene–ethylene random copolymer. In the meso–α transition (from 60 to 100 °C), the redshift of the peak position of the band at ca 841 cm−1 provides new information for the approaching of adjacent stems at the molecular level. Moreover, a new peak at around Tend is found in the tan(δ)–T plot, and is correlated with the meso–α transition. The activation energy of the meso–α transition of mesomorphic iPPBu is 32.5 kJ mol−1, which is slightly lower than that of mesomorphic iPP homopolymer. This work sheds new light on further understanding of the meso–α transition mechanism of iPPBu copolymer at the molecular level and elucidates the effect of butene comonomer on the meso–α transition. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Registration of CA 4008 cotton germplasm line
Authors: Dever Jane , Kelly Carol , Morgan Valerie 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEnhancing genetic diversity to breed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) for water‐limited production in the Texas High Plains is one objective of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research breeding program in Lubbock. CA 4008 (Reg. no. GP‐1099, PI 698821) was derived from TX 307 (PI 165390) and 07‐A‐05, an unreleased breeding line. TX 307, wild material of species Gossypium hirsutum, was used as a parent based on performance in hydroponic salinity characterization of 290 accessions conducted at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Lubbock from 2006 to 2009. Performance testing for yield, fiber quality, and other agronomic properties was conducted at six site‐years from 2014 to 2017 with check cultivars ‘FM 958’ (PI 619096), a high‐yield and fiber quality regional standard, and ‘DP 491’ (PI 618609), which historically produced good yield and quality under water stress in the Texas High Plains. CA 4008 produced similar yield and fiber quality, lower lint percentage, and taller plants across site‐years compared with checks. CA 4008 was tested at 11 locations across the United States in the 2017 Regional Breeder Testing Network and showed low leaf defoliation under Verticillium wilt pressure. In previous studies, CA 4008 had less germination reduction under salinity than 27 of 31 Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Lubbock lines but equal to cultivar ‘FM 989’ (PI 603956). CA 4008 had less root dry weight reduction under salinity in hydroponic studies but equal to FM 989 in shoot and leaves dry weight reduction. CA 4008 is adapted to Texas High Plains stress conditions developed from a wild accession.
Associations of death‐preparedness states with bereavement outcomes for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Wen Fur‐Hsing , Chou Wen‐Chi , Hou Ming‐Mo , Su Po‐Jung , Shen Wen‐Chi , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Hsu Mei Huang , Tang Siew Tzuh 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveDeath preparedness involves cognitive prognostic awareness and emotional acceptance of a relative's death. Effects of retrospectively assessed cognitive prognostic awareness and emotional preparedness for patient death have been individually investigated among bereaved family caregivers. We aimed to prospectively examine associations of caregivers' death‐preparedness states, determined by conjoint cognitive prognostic awareness and emotional preparedness for death, with bereavement outcomes.MethodsAssociations of caregivers' death‐preparedness states (no‐death‐preparedness, cognitive‐death‐preparedness‐only, emotional‐death‐preparedness‐only, and sufficient‐death‐preparedness states) at last preloss assessment with bereavement outcomes over the first two bereavement years were evaluated among 332 caregivers of advanced cancer patients using hierarchical linear models with the logit‐transformed posterior probability for each death‐preparedness state.ResultsCaregivers with a higher logit‐transformed posterior probability for sufficient death‐preparedness state reported less prolonged‐grief symptoms, lower likelihoods of severe depressive symptoms and heightened decisional regret, and better mental health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Caregivers with a higher logit‐transformed posterior probability for no‐death‐preparedness state reported less prolonged‐grief symptoms, a lower likelihood of severe depressive symptoms, and better mental HRQOL. A higher logit‐transformed posterior probability for cognitive‐death‐preparedness‐only state was associated with bereaved caregivers' higher likelihood of heightened decisional regret, whereas that for emotional‐death‐preparedness‐only state was not associated with caregivers' bereavement outcomes.ConclusionsCaregivers' bereavement outcomes were associated with their preloss death‐preparedness states, except for physical health‐related QOL. Interventions focused on not only cultivating caregivers' accurate prognostic awareness but also adequately preparing them emotionally for their relative's forthcoming death are actionable opportunities for high‐quality end‐of‐life care and are urgently warranted to facilitate caregivers' bereavement adjustment.
Native electrospray ionization mass spectrometry combined with molecular docking for the characterization of ginsenoside–myoglobin interactions
Authors: Zhao Fengjiao , Du Yang , Zheng Zhong , Cui Meng , Liu Zhiqiang 
Published: September 2021

RationaleThe interactions between proteins and ligands are involved in many biological processes and early stages of drug development. Native electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (native ESI‐MS) has played an important role in the characterization of protein–ligand interactions. Herein, native ESI‐MS combined with molecular docking was used for the characterization of ginsenoside–myoglobin (Mb) interactions.MethodsThe binding of ginsenosides (Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re) to Mb was determined by native ESI‐MS. Titration experiments were performed for the calculation of the dissociation constants (Kd) of the complexes. Molecular docking was used to simulate the binding of ginsenosides with Mb by AutoDock.ResultsThe ginsenoside–Mb complex with stoichiometric ratio 1:1 was observed by native ESI‐MS. The Kd values determined by the direct calculation method were matched with those obtained by the curve fitting method. However, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) obtained by direct calculation were larger than those obtained by curve fitting. From the molecular docking, it was inferred that hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals forces participate in the binding of ginsenosides to proteins.ConclusionsThe ginsenoside–Mb interactions can be characterized by ESI‐MS combined with molecular docking. This approach can be helpful to investigate the interactions between natural drugs and proteins in various diseases.
Delayed local reaction at a previous injection site reaction with dupilumab
Authors: Sumi Toshiyuki , Nagahisa Yuta , Matsuura Keigo , Sekikawa Motoki , Yamada Yuichi , Nakata Hisashi , Chiba Hirofumi 
Published: September 2021

Key messageClinicians should be aware that biologic agents, which include polysorbates, can cause delayed local skin reactions at a previous injection site.
Design of a dexterous robotic surgical instrument with a novel bending mechanism
Authors: Yang Yingkan , Li Jianmin , Kong Kang , Wang Shuxin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery (RMIS) has developed rapidly in recent years, requiring highly articulated instruments to enable surgeons to perform complicated and precise procedures.MethodsA novel wrist‐type surgical instrument was proposed for RMIS. The wrist consists of superelastic‐wire‐driven snake‐like joints and universal joints, which could perform two deflections and one distal rotation. The bending mechanism and the kinematics of universal joints were analysed. The forward and inverse kinematics of the wrist were derived.ResultsThe performances of the instrument were evaluated using a prototype by experiments. The average motion deviation of the wrist's deflection was 0.15 ± 0.08 mm, and the maximum deviation was 0.52 mm. The maximum payload capability was 10 N. The suture task and ex vivo procedure verified the effectiveness of the instrument.ConclusionsThe proposed instrument has high dexterity and payload capability, which contributes to improving the quality of the RMIS procedures.