bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of heterozygous hemoglobin E on six commercial methods for hemoglobin A1c measurement
Authors: Yong Sharon , Liu Hong , Lum Cindy Lye Teng , Liu Qian , Sim Sin Ye , Chay Felicia Fu Mun , Cheng Wan Ling , Neo Siew Fong , Chew Suru , Ong Lizhen , Loh Tze Ping , Liu Qinde , Teo Tang Lin , Sethi Sunil Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Background
This study examined the impact of heterozygous HbE on HbA1c measurements by six commonly used commercial methods. The results were compared with those from a modified isotope-dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) reference laboratory method on a liquid chromatograph coupled with tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS).

Methods
Twenty-three leftover samples of patients with heterozygous HbE (HbA1c range: 5.4–11.6%), and nineteen samples with normal hemoglobin (HbA1c range: 5.0–13.7%) were included. The selected commercial methods included the Tina-quant HbA1c Gen. 3 (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland), Cobas B 101 (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland), D100 (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA), Variant II Turbo HbA1c 2.0 (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA), DCA Vantage (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) and HbA1c Advanced (Beckman Coulter Inc., Brea, CA, USA).

Results
With the exception of Cobas B 101 and the Variant II Turbo 2.0, the 95% confidence intervals of the Passing–Bablok regression lines between the results from the six commercial methods and the IDMS method overlapped. The latter suggested no statistically significant difference in results and hence no impact on HbA1c result despite the presence of heterozygous HbE. The method of Cobas B 101 gave positive bias at the range of concentrations examined (5.4–11.6%), while that of Variant II Turbo 2.0 gave positive bias at concentrations up to approximately 9.5%. The finding of significant positive bias in the methods of Cobas B 101 and Variant II Turbo 2.0 agrees with the observations of some previous studies, but is contrary to manufacturer’s claim indicating the absence of interference by heterozygous HbE. Our results also clearly showed the impact of heterozygous HbE across a fairly broad measurement range using a laboratory method (the Variant II Turbo 2.0). Laboratory practitioners and clinicians should familiarize themselves with prevailing hemoglobin variants in the population they serve and select the appropriate methods for HbA1c measurement.
Development and Evaluation of Mouth Dissolving Tablets of Montelukast Sodium Using Co-processed Excipients
Authors: Kumar K. Sampath , Reddy D. Maheswara , Reddy Y. Dastagiri , Goud J. Balanarasimha , Basith Abdul 
Published: March 2021

Background: The concept of formulating ODT containing montelukast sodium offers an appropriate, practical approach to accomplish fast release of the drug. Absorption of these tablets takes place directly into the systemic circulation which bipass the hepatic first-pass metabolism of montelukast sodium which ultimately results in the improvement in the bioavailability.
Method: In the present study ODT tablets of montelukast sodium were prepared by using different Superdisintegrants like natural and synthetic (tulasi, hibiscus, orange peel powder, Ispaghula, banana peel powder, Crospovidone). Thirteen formulations were designed, using a two level of Superdisintegrants (minimum and maximum concentration) and employing two Superdisintegrants at a time by using the co-processed technique.
Results: No significant drug and excipients interaction was observed. The prepared tablets were evaluated by weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content uniformity, disintegration time, wetting time, in-vitro dissolution studies. A formulation containing 6mg of natural and synthetic Superdisintegrants was offered the relatively rapid release of montelukast sodium when compared with other concentrations employed in this investigation.
Conclusion: Montelukast sodium formulation were prepared by Crospovidone and ispaghula combination of Superdisintegrants were releases 98.91% drug in 30 min.
Upper Gi Endoscopy-indications and Findings at Tertiary Care Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro
Authors: Devi Jalpa , Bajwa Muhammad Akram , Aamer Nasrullah , Farooque Rabia , Laghari Hira , Bai Amerta , Kumari Komal , Seerani Nandlal , Awan Riaz Hussain 
Published: March 2021

Objective: To document different indications and findings of upper GI Endoscopy in our endoscopy suite.
Methods: A descriptive study of 500 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy was conducted in the Endoscopy Unit of PNS DRIGH LUMHS Jamshoro and Civil Hospital Hyderabad from April to September 2020. Included patients underwent UGI endoscopy. Demographic data including indications and endoscopic findings of the patients was collected via study proforma.
Results: Total five hundred patients were studied; their mean age was 42.4±16.8 years. Out of all 52.8% were males. Upper GI bleed was the commonest indication (33.2%) followed by dysphagia (21.6%), epigastrium pain (10%), surveillance and screening of varices (9% and 8.2% respectively). The most common endoscopic findings were esophageal varices (32.2 %), gastritis (18.8%), and normal (11.4%). In patients with esophageal varices, 77.4% had chronic liver disease with positive serology for HCV and HBV in 63.4% and 23% respectively.
Conclusion: The most common indication was upper GI bleed with esophageal varices for upper GI endoscopy. The underlying etiology of varices reflects the high burden of chronic liver disease due to viral hepatitis.
Dicyemida
Authors: Furuya Hidetaka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The dicyemids are unique multicellular parasites found in the kidneys of benthic cephalopod molluscs. Their life cycle is complex like other parasites. The body organisation is the simplest among the multicellular parasites. The dicyemids were named ‘Mesozoa’ as an intermediate between Protozoa and Metazoa. However, they exhibit spiralian cleavage found in most lophotrochozoa. Dicyemids are a member of metazoans, secondarily simplified from higher protostome animals and that their body plan is enormously reduced as a result of their parasitic lifestyle.

Key Concepts

History of mesozoan study.

Unique way of life.

Simple development and body plan.

Specialization by the parasitic life.

Means of body form.
Homoserinimonas
Authors: Román‐Ponce Brenda , Riesco Raúl , Trujillo Martha E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Homoserinimonas
(Ho.mo.se.ri.ni.mo'nas. N.L. neut. n.
homoserinum
, homoserine; L. fem. n
. monas
, a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n
. Homoserinimonas
, homoserine
monad
, referring to the presence of homoserine in the cell wall).

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Micrococcales / Microbacteriaceae / Homoserinimonas

Aerobic
and non‐spore‐forming actinobacterium. Gram‐stain‐positive. Colonies are circular, smooth, and light yellow on R2A agar. Rod‐shaped and motile cells. Growth occurs from 4 to 35°C, with an optimum temperature of 30°C, pH 6–9 (optimum pH 7), and in the presence of 5% NaCl. Oxidase‐negative and catalase‐positive. Predominant cellular fatty acids include anteiso‐C
15:0
and iso‐C
16:0
. The cell wall contains

d
‐Ornithine

, and the peptidoglycan is of the type B2β. Mycolic acids are absent. The main menaquinones are
MK‐12
and
MK‐11
. The polar lipid profile consists of
diphosphatidylglycerol
,
phosphatidylglycerol,
and two unidentified glycolipids. Phylogenetically related to the genera
Salinibacterium
,
Leifsonia
,
Parafrigoribacterium
,
Conyzicola
, and
Agreia
. Belongs to the family

Microbacteriaceae

.
The genus is currently composed of a single species,
Homoserinimonas aerilata,
represented by a single strain recovered from an outdoor air sample in the island of Jeju, Republic of Korea. The type strain is 5317J‐19
T
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 66.8 (genome).

Type species
:
Homoserinimonas aerilata
Kim et al. 2012, VL148.
When and how seductive details harm learning. A study using cued retrospective reporting
Authors: Bender Lisa , Renkl Alexander , Eitel Alexander 
Published: March 2021

SummaryWe investigated the processes that make seductive details (i.e., interesting but irrelevant pictures and text passages in learning materials) harmful for learning scientific concepts and principles. In our experiment, students (N = 113) learned without seductive details (control condition) or with seductive details, and afterwards worked on a knowledge test. They then retrospectively verbalized their thoughts during learning while watching a replay of their eye‐movements during the learning session (cued retrospective reporting). Our findings showed that seductive details hampered the transfer of knowledge in students with lower final school grades (d = −0.60). The verbal reports from the seductive details group, which were rated according to three detrimental cognitive processes, indicated that several students constructed mental models around the seductive details (i.e., diversion). This diversion led to worse recall of the relevant learning contents. The detrimental effects of seductive details therefore seem to be mainly caused by diversion.
Superconducting Quantum Metamaterials from High Pressure Melt Infiltration of Metals into Block Copolymer Double Gyroid Derived Ceramic Templates
Authors: Thedford R. Paxton , Beaucage Peter A. , Susca Ethan M. , Chao Corson A. , Nowack Katja C. , Van Dover Robert B. , Gruner Sol M. , Wiesner Ulrich 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMesoscale order can lead to emergent properties including phononic bandgaps or topologically protected states. Block copolymers offer a route to mesoscale periodic architectures, but their use as structure directing agents for metallic materials has not been fully realized. A versatile approach to mesostructured metals via bulk block copolymer self‐assembly derived ceramic templates, is demonstrated. Molten indium is infiltrated into mesoporous, double gyroidal silicon nitride templates under high pressure to yield bulk, 3D periodic nanocomposites as free‐standing monoliths which exhibit emergent quantum‐scale phenomena. Vortices are artificially introduced when double gyroidal indium metal behaves as a type II superconductor, with evidence of strong pinning centers arrayed on the order of the double gyroid lattice size. Sample behavior is reproducible over months, showing high stability. High pressure infiltration of bulk block copolymer self‐assembly based ceramic templates is an enabling tool for studying high‐quality metals with previously inaccessible architectures, and paves the way for the emerging field of block‐copolymer derived quantum metamaterials.
A High‐Resolution Ternary Model Demonstrates How PEGylated 2D Nanomaterial Stimulates Integrin αvβ8 on Cell Membrane
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ding Zhaowen , Ma Guanghui , Wei Wei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBio–nano interfaces are integral to all applications of nanomaterials in biomedicine. In addition to peptide‐ligand‐functionalized nanomaterials, passivation on 2D nanomaterials has emerged as a new regulatory factor for integrin activation. However, the mechanisms underlying such ligand‐independent processes are poorly understood. Here, using graphene oxide passivated with polyethylene glycol (GO‐PEG) as a test bed, a ternary simulation model is constructed that also includes a membrane and both subunits of integrin αvβ8 to characterize GO‐PEG‐mediated integrin activation on the cell membrane in a ligand‐independent manner. Combined with the experimental findings, production simulations of the ternary model show a three‐phase mechanotransduction process in the vertical interaction mode. Specifically, GO‐PEG first induces lipid aggregation‐mediated integrin proximity, followed by transmembrane domain rotation and separation, leading to the extension and activation of extracellular domains. Thus, this study presents a complete picture of the interaction between passivated 2D nanomaterials and cell membranes to mediate integrin activation, and provides insights into the potential de novo design and rational use of novel desirable nanomaterials at diverse bio–nano interfaces.
Ground versus aerial canopy reflectance of corn: Red‐edge and non‐red edge vegetation indices
Authors: Sumner Zachary , Varco Jac J. , Dhillon Jagmandeep S. , Fox Amelia A. A. , Czarnecki Joby , Henry W. Brien 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConstant‐rate blanket applications of fertilizer N can result in both an over and under supply relative to crop utilization on a field‐by‐field basis. Variable‐rate (VR) applications tailored to better meet crop demand can improve N use efficiency on spatially variable soils. The objectives of this study were to compare the response in corn (Zea mays L.) canopy reflectance derived vegetation indices (VI) to varying fertilizer N rates and to determine relationships between resulting VIs acquired using two different sensing platforms. Four fertilizer N rates in 50/50 split at V1–2 and V6–7 leaf stages were applied, from deficient to excessive, to create varying corn nutritional N status. Sensing and biophysical sampling were performed throughout the season for analysis and comparison to calculated VIs. Grain yield plateaued around 135±10 kg N ha–1 across the study. Furthermore, strong relationships between VIs and fertilizer N rates were found, with the strongest using combined indices that incorporate the red‐edge wavelength (720 nm). Relationships strengthened at later growth stages. The response models were found to be sensor specific, VI specific, and mostly non‐transferable between sensors. Results from this study demonstrate the utility of using remote sensing technologies to predict corn N status more accurately for eventual use in VR prescription development.
Network‐based analysis using chromosomal microdeletion syndromes as a model
Authors: Corrêa Thiago , Feltes Bruno César , Schinzel Albert , Riegel Mariluce 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicrodeletion syndromes (MSs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases that can virtually affect all functions and organs in humans. Although systems biology approaches integrating multiomics and database information into biological networks have expanded our knowledge of genetic disorders, cytogenomic network‐based analysis has rarely been applied to study MSs. In this study, we analyzed data of 28 MSs, using network‐based approaches, to investigate the associations between the critical chromosome regions and the respective underlying biological network systems. We identified MSs‐associated proteins that were organized in a network of linked modules within the human interactome. Certain MSs formed highly interlinked self‐contained disease modules. Furthermore, we observed disease modules involving proteins from other disease groups in the MSs interactome. Moreover, analysis of integrated data from 564 genes located in known chromosomal critical regions, including those contributing to topological parameters, shared pathways, and gene–disease associations, indicated that complex biological systems and cellular networks may underlie many genotype to phenotype associations in MSs. In conclusion, we used a network‐based analysis to provide resources that may contribute to better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in MSs.
Identification ACTA2 and KDR as key proteins for prognosis of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade therapy in melanoma
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Li Zhaojun , Zhang Zhihui , Chen Xiaoguang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProgrammed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) /programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) blockade is an important therapeutic strategy for melanoma, despite its low clinical response. It is important to identify genes and pathways that may reflect the clinical outcomes of this therapy in patients. We analyzed clinical dataset GSE96619, which contains clinical information from five melanoma patients before and after anti‐PD‐1 therapy (five pairs of data). We identified 704 DEGs using these five pairs of data, and then the number of DEGs was narrowed down to 286 in patients who responded to treatment. Next, we performed KEGG pathway enrichment and constructed a DEG‐associated protein‐protein interaction network. Smooth muscle actin 2 (ACTA2) and tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor (KDR) were identified as the hub genes, which were significantly downregulated in the tumor tissue of the two patients who responded to treatment. To confirm our analysis, we demonstrated similar expression tendency to the clinical data for the two hub genes in a B16F10 subcutaneous xenograft model. This study demonstrates that ACTA2 and KDR are valuable responsive markers for PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade therapy.
Molsidomine ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy complications in Wistar rats
Authors: Nayak B Pranav , Minaz Nathani , Pasha Khadar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDiabetic neuropathy is a disorder that affects various regions of the nervous system and there is no specific treatment available for it. This study evaluated the protective effect of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy in rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administrating streptozotocin (52 mg/kg ip). Diabetic rats were treated with molsidomine 5 mg/kg po and 10 mg/kg po. After 8 weeks of treatment, motor coordination, mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, nerve conduction velocity, and glycosylated hemoglobin were assessed. Thereafter, animals were killed and the sciatic nerve was isolated for measurement of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation, and histopathological analysis. Treatment with molsidomine significantly improved motor coordination, paw withdrawal threshold, mechanical threshold, and nerve conduction velocity. Furthermore, molsidomine treatment also reduced malondialdehyde levels and prevented depletion of reduced glutathione in the sciatic nerve homogenate. Histopathology revealed that molsidomine treatment maintained normal architecture of the sciatic nerve. The results of our study strengthen the alternative use of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy.
Indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole Embedded Multiple‐Resonance Fluorophors for Narrowband Deep‐blue Electroluminescence with EQE≈34.7 % and CIEy≈0.085
Authors: Wei Jinbei , Zhang Chen , Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Yuewei , Liu Ziyang , Li Zhiqiang , Yu Gui , Duan Lian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMultiple‐resonance (MR) organic emitters bearing small full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHMs) are of general interest in organic light‐emitting diodes. Indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole (ICz) embedded MR‐fluorophors have demonstrated extremely small FWHMs, yet in the violet region with low electroluminescence efficiency. Herein, a strategic implementation of ICz subunits into MR fluorophors is proposed by taking advantage of the synergetic effect of para‐positioned nitrogen atoms to enhance electronic coupling to decrease emitting energy gap. Deep blue emitters peaking at 441 and 447 nm with FWHMs of only 18 and 21 nm are thereof obtained, respectively, accompanied by ≈90 % photo‐luminance quantum yields. With the assistance of a thermally activated delayed fluorescence sensitizer to recycle excitons, the corresponding narrowband electroluminescent devices show unprecedent high maximum external quantum efficiencies of 32.0 % and 34.7 % with CIEy of 0.10 and 0.085, respectively.
Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Copper‐Catalyzed Carbomagnesiation for the Synthesis of Penta‐ and Hexa‐Substituted Cyclopropanes
Authors: Cohen Yair , Augustin André U. , Levy Laura , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B. , Marek Ilan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite the highly strained nature of cyclopropanes possessing three vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters, the regio‐ and diastereoselective copper‐catalyzed carbomagnesiation reaction of cyclopropenes provides an easy and efficient access to these novel persubstituted cyclopropyl cores with a complete regio‐ and diastereoselectivity.
Multiple‐step drawing innovative ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene fibers modified with bacterial cellulose and scCO2‐aid
Authors: Xiang Yu , Tu Zhong‐dan , Lei Ting , Zhang Jia‐xin , Yeh Jen‐taut 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInnovative supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)‐assisted ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene (UHMWPE)/modified bacterial cellulose (MBC) as‐spun fibers were found to display substantially lower dynamic transition temperatures than those acquired for scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE or UHMWPE/MBC as‐spun fibers prepared without scCO2‐assistance or incorporation of MBC nanofibers. Multiple‐step drawing methods were first‐time applied to these finely ''relaxed'' scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE/MBC fibers and considerably improved their achievable draw ratios (Dras), orientation factor (fos), and tensile tenacities (σtts). The best five‐step drawn scCO2UHMWPE/MBC fiber displayed a particularly high σtt of 135 g d−1, which was ~35, ~3.75, and ~1.7 fold of σtts acquired for good steel fiber and the most appropriate single‐step drawn scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE and UHMWPE/MBC fibers, respectively. The particularly high Dras, fo, and σtts acquired for the best multiple‐step drawn scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE/MBC fibers is ascribed to their more ''relaxed'' UHMWPE structures, thinner lamellae, and successive increased drawing temperature in the multiple‐step drawing processes.
Favipiravir biotransformation in liver cytosol: Species and sex differences in humans, monkeys, rats, and mice
Authors: Hanioka Nobumitsu , Saito Keita , Isobe Takashi , Ohkawara Susumu , Jinno Hideto , Tanaka‐Kagawa Toshiko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFavipiravir is an antiviral agent effective against several RNA viruses that is converted into an inactive oxidative metabolite (M1), mainly by aldehyde oxidase, in humans. In the present study, the biotransformation of favipiravir into M1 in male and female humans, monkeys, rats, and mice was examined in an in vitro system using liver cytosolic fractions. The kinetics for M1 formation followed the Michaelis–Menten model in all species. The Km, Vmax, and CLint values in humans were 602 µM, 466 pmol/min/mg protein, and 776 nl/min/mg protein in males, respectively, and 713 µM, 404 pmol/min/mg protein, and 567 nl/min/mg protein in females, respectively. Species differences in CLint values were monkeys > humans > mice > rats in both males and females, and the variations for males and females were 120‐ and 96‐fold, respectively. Sex differences in CLint values were males > females in humans and mice, females > males in monkeys and rats, and marked variation (4.3‐fold) was noted in mice. This suggests that the roles of aldehyde oxidase in the hepatic metabolism of favipiravir differ extensively depending on the species and sex, and this study will aid in the assessment of the antiviral activities of favipiravir against novel and/or variant viruses.