bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loneliness and mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic in older breast cancer survivors and noncancer controls
Authors: Rentscher Kelly E. , Zhou Xingtao , Small Brent J. , Cohen Harvey J. , Dilawari Asma A. , Patel Sunita K. , Bethea Traci N. , Van Dyk Kathleen M. , Nakamura Zev M. , Ahn Jaeil , Zhai Wanting , Ahles Tim A. , Jim Heather S. L. , McDonald Brenna C. , Saykin Andrew J. , Root James C. , Graham Deena M. A. , Carroll Judith E. , Mandelblatt Jeanne S. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had wide‐ranging health effects and increased isolation. Older with cancer patients might be especially vulnerable to loneliness and poor mental health during the pandemic.MethodsThe authors included active participants enrolled in the longitudinal Thinking and Living With Cancer study of nonmetastatic breast cancer survivors aged 60 to 89 years (n = 262) and matched controls (n = 165) from 5 US regions. Participants completed questionnaires at parent study enrollment and then annually, including a web‐based or telephone COVID‐19 survey, between May 27 and September 11, 2020. Mixed‐effects models were used to examine changes in loneliness (a single item on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression [CES‐D] scale) from before to during the pandemic in survivors versus controls and to test survivor‐control differences in the associations between changes in loneliness and changes in mental health, including depression (CES‐D, excluding the loneliness item), anxiety (the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), and perceived stress (the Perceived Stress Scale). Models were adjusted for age, race, county COVID‐19 death rates, and time between assessments.ResultsLoneliness increased from before to during the pandemic (0.211; P = .001), with no survivor‐control differences. Increased loneliness was associated with worsening depression (3.958; P < .001) and anxiety (3.242; P < .001) symptoms and higher stress (1.172; P < .001) during the pandemic, also with no survivor‐control differences.ConclusionsCancer survivors reported changes in loneliness and mental health similar to those reported by women without cancer. However, both groups reported increased loneliness from before to during the pandemic that was related to worsening mental health, suggesting that screening for loneliness during medical care interactions will be important for identifying all older women at risk for adverse mental health effects of the pandemic.
Exploiting the CRISPR‐Cas9 gene‐editing system for human cancers and immunotherapy
Authors: Afolabi Lukman O , Afolabi Mariam O , Sani Musbahu M , Okunowo Wahab O , Yan Dehong , Chen Liang , Zhang Yaou , Wan Xiaochun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR‐Cas9) technology has brought advances in the genetic manipulation of eukaryotic cells, which has revolutionised cancer research and treatment options. It is increasingly being used in cancer immunotherapy, including adoptive T and natural killer (NK) cell transfer, secretion of antibodies, cytokine stimulation and overcoming immune checkpoints. CRISPR‐Cas9 technology is used in autologous T cells and NK cells to express various innovative antigen designs and combinations of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeted at specific antigens for haematological and solid tumors. Additionally, advanced engineering in immune cells to enhance their sensing circuits with sophisticated functionality is now possible. Intensive research on the CRISPR‐Cas9 system has provided scientists with the ability to overcome the hostile tumor microenvironment and generate more products for future clinical use, especially off‐the‐shelf, universal cellular products, bringing exciting milestones for immunotherapy. This review discussed the application and challenges of CRISPR technology in cancer research and immunotherapy, its advances and prospects for promoting new cell‐based therapeutic beyond immune oncology.
High sensitivity and specificity of a 5‐analyte protein and microRNA biosignature for identification of active tuberculosis
Authors: Pedersen Jessica L , Barry Simone E , Bokil Nilesh J , Ellis Magda , Yang YuRong , Guan Guangyu , Wang Xiaolin , Faiz Alen , Britton Warwick J , Saunders Bernadette M 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesNon‐sputum‐based tests to accurately identify active tuberculosis (TB) disease and monitor response to therapy are urgently needed. This study examined the biomarker capacity of a panel of plasma proteins alone, and in conjunction with a previously identified miRNA signature, to identify active TB disease.MethodsThe expression of nine proteins (IP‐10, MCP‐1, sTNFR1, RANTES, VEGF, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF and Eotaxin) was measured in the plasma of 100 control subjects and 100 TB patients, at diagnosis (treatment naïve) and over the course of treatment (1‐, 2‐ and 6‐month intervals). The diagnostic performance of the nine proteins alone, and with the miRNA, was assessed.ResultsSix proteins were significantly up‐regulated in the plasma of TB patients at diagnosis compared to controls. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that IP‐10 with an AUC = 0.874, sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 87% was the best single biomarker candidate to distinguish TB patients from controls. IP‐10 and IL‐6 levels fell significantly within one month of commencing treatment and may have potential as indicators of a positive response to therapy. The combined protein and miRNA panel gave an AUC of 1.00. A smaller panel of only five analytes (IP‐10, miR‐29a, miR‐146a, miR‐99b and miR‐221) showed an AUC = 0.995, sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 97%.ConclusionsA novel combination of miRNA and proteins significantly improves the sensitivity and specificity as a biosignature over single biomarker candidates and may be useful for the development of a non‐sputum test to aid the diagnosis of active TB disease.
SOX4‐induced upregulation of ARHGAP9 promotes the progression of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: He Xin , Zou Haizhu , Wang Fengyu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia. Rho GTPase activating protein 9 (ARHGAP9) has been reported to be positively correlated with overall survival of AML patients, but the specific molecular function remains unclear. This study aims to further explore the functional role and the molecular mechanism of ARHGAP9 in AML cells. The expression level of ARHGAP9 in AML cells was measured using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Cell transfection was performed to interfere ARHGAP9. CCK‐8, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were conducted to detect cell viability, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis, respectively. The binding relationship between SOX4 and ARHGAP9 promoter was verified using luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The results showed that ARHGAP9 was upregulated in AML cells. Interference of ARHGAP9 greatly reduced cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, accompanied with the reduction of Ki67, PCNA, cyclin D1, cyclin E1, CDK4 and CDK6. In addition, Interference of ARHGAP9 greatly promoted cell apoptosis, accompanied with the decreased protein expression of Bcl‐2 and the increased protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9. Furthermore, SOX4 directly bound to ARHGAP9 promoter and regulated ARHGAP9 expression. In conclusion, this study suggested that ARHGAP9 interference exerted an anti‐tumor effect through inhibiting cell proliferation, blocking cell cycle progression, and promoting cell apoptosis in AML cells. ARHGAP9 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for AML.
Changes in clinical depression following Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Kheirvari Milad , Anbara Taha 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionBariatric surgery is safe and efficient surgical method for weight loss, but it is not free from complications. We aim to evaluate the prevalence of depression after Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) in a narrow period of time on Iranian ethnicity.Methods307 cases that underwent SG in Erfan Niayesh hospital were included. The questionnaire was based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) codes to define diagnoses. Screening follow‐up period was 20 to 24 months. The level of statistical significance was set at p < .05.ResultsOf 307 subjects, preoperative depression was 30.2% and post‐operative depression was 37.7% (p = .025). Besides, BMI, dyslipidaemia, good feelings about body size and weight loss were statistically significant at p < .05.There was an increased risk of depression following the procedure mainly in divorced cases.ConclusionThe prevalence of clinical depression after sleeve gastrectomy was statistically significant and dependent on other variables. We provided guidance for people considering SG and their clinicians in terms of evaluating potential risks and benefits of surgery.
Nucleophilic Nickel and Palladium Pincer Hydroxides: A Study of Their Reactions with Dimethyl Carbonate and Other Non‐Alkylating Organic Electrophiles
Authors: Martínez‐Prieto Luis M. , del Río Diego , Álvarez Eleuterio , Palma Pilar , Cámpora Juan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe reactions of the pincer hydroxide complexes [(iPrPCP)M(OH)] (M=Ni, Pd) with dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and a set of organic electrophiles including benzaldehyde have been investigated in the context of our ongoing investigation on the synthesis of alkyl carbonates from CO2 and alcohols. The final outcome of such reactions is diverse, but for PhCHO and DMC the first step is a mechanistically similar addition of the [M]−OH linkage across the carbonyl functionality, that leads to unstable adducts. DMC is cleaved irreversibly by both Ni and Pd hydroxides, affording the corresponding methylcarbonates [(iPrPCP)MOCO2Me] and methanol, whereas PhCHO affords benzoate complexes [[(iPrPCP)MOCO2Ph]. The main kinetic and thermodynamic features of these reactions were reproduced satisfactorily by computational DFT models. The calculations throw light on the true causes of irreversibility of DMC cleavage by nucleophilic hydroxide complexes, which is the primary cause that prevents methanol carboxylation from being catalysed by the Ni or Pd pincers.
Influence of N‐Substitution in 3‐Alkyl‐3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones on the Stereoselectivity of Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 3‐Methyleneisoindolin‐1‐ones
Authors: Topolovčan Nikola , Duplić Filip , Gredičak Matija 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA comprehensive study on the influence of N‐substitution on the stereoselective outcome of the synthesis of 3‐methyleneisoindolin‐1‐ones from 3‐alkyl‐3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones is reported. The study was performed on an array of structurally diverse 3‐alkyl‐3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones with tunable sizes of N‐substituents. In a methanesulfonic acid‐catalyzed reaction, substrates without N‐substituent (N−H) afforded exclusively the Z‐isomer, while an increase in their size was followed by the formation of a stereoisomeric mixture with the E‐isomer as the major component.
Iodine‐Catalyzed Construction of Dihydrooxepines via 3‐Methyl‐5‐Pyrazolones C−H Oxidation/Functionalization of Quinolines Cascade
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Jun , Jin Weiwei , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Bin , Xia Yu , Liu Chenjiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAn efficient iodine‐catalyzed [3+3+1] annulation for the construction of dihydrooxepine scaffolds with quinoline units was developed. This strategy involves a seven‐membered dihydrooxepine with a broad substrate scope through a formal three‐component tandem reaction. Further derivation of the target product produced a trioxabicycle scaffold, which formed the basic core of natural products and pharmaceutical molecules.
Semi‐metal 1T′ phase MoS2 nanosheets for promoted electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Xu Xuesong , Wang Yian , Chen Xiaoyue , Qian Xiu , Liang Zhangqian , Cui Hongzhi , Tian Jian , Shao Minhua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHerein, we constructed urchin‐like TiO2 hollow nanospheres (HNSs) by hydrothermal targeted etching, and used it as a substrate to load semi‐metal 1T′‐MoS2 nanosheets as effective nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalysts. 1T′‐MoS2/TiO2 HNSs composites display outstanding NRR activity with the highest NH3 yield of 29.62 μg h−1 mg−1cat. at −0.75 V versus RHE. Besides, the highest FE of 24.9% is obtained at −0.65 V. The remarkable NRR performance is attributed to the high conductivity of 1T′‐MoS2 and the urchin‐like structure of TiO2 hollow nanospheres. DFT calculations display that the 1T′‐MoS2 in 1T′‐MoS2/TiO2 makes the activation and further reduction of *N2 more thermodynamically favorable than pristine TiO2, contributing to better NRR catalytic activities. 15N isotopic labeling experiment reveals that N in produced NH3 comes from N2 of electrolyte.image
High‐performance LiFePO4 cathode material was prepared by multiple intensification process with acid‐washed iron red as raw material
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Yafeng , Luo Shao‐hua , Li Pengwei , Yan Shengxue , Zhang Yahui , Liu Xin , Mu Wenning , Teng Fei , Wang Yingling , Lei Xuefei 
Published: June 2021

SummaryLiFePO4 carbon coating technology has been widely used in the lithium ion industries. However, there are still many challenges such as low ionic conductivity. This paper compares the residual carbon rate and electrical conductivity of sucrose, glucose, and soluble starch, and proposes a secondary carbon coating technology. The carbon‐coated lithium iron phosphate cathode material (LiFePO4/C) overcoated with soluble starch to improve the initial carbon layer. A variety of test methods are used to analyze the LiFePO4/C cathode. The results show that under the soluble starch coating of 20 wt%, particle size and morphology do not change significantly, surface graphitization degree and electrical conductivity increase, and thus electrochemical performance is improved. At the charge and discharge rate of 0.1 C, the specific discharge capacity of the first cycle is 27.7% higher than that of the initial sample, and the cycle stability is also significantly improved. The mechanism of soluble starch coating carbon layer on LiFePO4 cathode is studied.
Testing the combined effects of probiotics and prebiotics against neurotoxic effects of propionic acid orally administered to rat pups
Authors: Al Suhaibani Anwar , Ben Bacha Abir , Alonazi Mona , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , El‐Ansary Afaf 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe present study investigated the combined effects of mixed probiotic and bee pollen on brain intoxication induced by propionic acid (PPA) in rat pups. Thirty western albino rats were divided into five groups, six animals each: (1) Control group receiving phosphate‐buffered saline; (2) Probiotic and bee pollen‐treated group being administered at the same dose with 200 mg/kg body weight; (c) PPA‐treated group receiving a neurotoxic dose 250 mg/kg body weight of PPA for 3 days; (d) Therapeutic group being administered the neurotoxic dose of PPA followed by probiotic and bee pollen treatment 200 mg/kg body weight; (e) Protective group receiving probiotic and bee pollen mixture treatment followed by neurotoxic dose of PPA. Selected biochemical parameters linked to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurotransmission were investigated in brain homogenates from all the five groups. PPA treatment showed an increase in oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation coupled with a significant decrease in glutathione level. Impaired energy metabolism was ascertained via the alteration of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Dramatic increase of Na+ and K+ concentrations together with a decrease of GABA and IL‐6 and an elevation of glutamate levels in PPA‐treated rat's pups confirmed the neurotoxicity effect of PPA. Interestingly, the mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment were effective in restoring the levels of glutamate, GABA, and IL‐6 in addition to normalizing the levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione and the activities of CK and LDH. The present study indicates that mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment can improve poor detoxification, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as mechanisms implicated in the etiology of autism.
Respiratory‐swallow coordination in a rat model of chemoradiation
Authors: Rowe Linda M. , Connor Nadine P. , Russell John A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundChemoradiation treatment (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with postswallow inhale events that elevate the risk of penetration/aspiration. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of a rat model for investigating the effect of CRT on respiratory‐swallow coordination.MethodsVideofluoroscopic swallow study was performed on 10 Sprague‐Dawley rats 3 months post‐CRT (3 mg/kg Cisplatin, 10 fractions of 4.5 Gy/day radiotherapy to tongue base), and 10 naïve controls. We examined the effect of CRT on swallow apnea duration, diaphragm movement, and bolus kinematics.ResultsCRT rats had a significant increase in postswallow inhale (p = 0.008), which was associated with significantly longer swallow apnea durations, lower diaphragm displacement at swallow onset, and faster pharyngoesophageal bolus speed.ConclusionThe rat CRT model is valid for the study of respiratory‐swallow coordination due to the consistency of findings in this study with those reported in clinical CRT studies in HNC.
Finding invariance when noninvariance is found: An illustrative example of conducting partial measurement invariance testing with the automation of the factor‐ratio test and list‐and‐delete procedure
Authors: Hammack‐Brown Bryn , Fulmore Julia A. , Keiffer Greggory L. , Nimon Kim 
Published: June 2021

AbstractComparisons between groups are common in human resource development (HRD) studies, yet many researchers neglect a crucial prerequisite step before analyzing and interpreting what group differences might mean. In essence, how can HRD scholars be confident in knowing that mean group differences are attributable to actual differences between groups as opposed to differences in how each group interprets the constructs of interest? Measurement invariance (MI) provides insight into whether a measure or construct has the same meaning between groups or over time and is an important precursor to the evaluation of group differences. While MI testing has gained some traction within HRD studies, steps to take when partial MI testing is needed have received very little attention. The purpose of this article is to encourage HRD researchers and practitioners to embrace and utilize two techniques when partial invariance (i.e., noninvariance) occurs. There are several techniques one could use during partial MI testing; however, the two showcased herein, the factor‐ratio test and the list‐and‐delete procedure, are established, reliable, and proven within the confirmatory factor analysis framework. This article provides an illustrative example of how to use these techniques to identify invariance at the item level when noninvariance is found. Additionally, R syntax is included that allows for the automation of these techniques. The importance to theory and implications to researchers and practitioners of finding noninvariance and then testing for partial MI is also discussed.
Snow interception modelling: Isolated observations have led to many land surface models lacking appropriate temperature sensitivities
Authors: Lundquist Jessica D. , Dickerson‐Lange Susan , Gutmann Ethan , Jonas Tobias , Lumbrazo Cassie , Reynolds Dylan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWhen formulating a hydrologic model, scientists rely on parameterizations of multiple processes based on field data, but literature review suggests that more frequently people select parameterizations that were included in pre‐existing models rather than re‐evaluating the underlying field experiments. Problems arise when limited field data exist, when “trusted” approaches do not get reevaluated, and when sensitivities fundamentally change in different environments. The physics and dynamics of snow interception by conifers is just such a case, and it is critical to simulation of the water budget and surface albedo. The most commonly used interception parameterization is based on data from four trees from one site, but results from this field study are not directly transferable to locations with relatively warmer winters, where the dominant processes differ dramatically. Here, we combine a literature review with model experiments to demonstrate needed improvements. Our results show that the choice of model form and parameters can vary the fraction of snow lost through interception by as much as 30%. In most simulations, the warming of mean winter temperatures from −7 to 0°C reduces the modelled fraction of snow under the canopy compared to the open, but the magnitude of simulated decrease varies from about 10% to 40%. The range of results is even larger when considering models that neglect the melting of in‐canopy snow in higher‐humidity environments where canopy sublimation plays less of a role. Thus, we recommend that all models represent canopy snowmelt and include representation of increased loading due to increased adhesion and cohesion when temperatures rise from −3 to 0°C. In addition to model improvements, field experiments across climates and forest types are needed to investigate how to best model the combination of dynamically changing forest cover and snow cover to better understand and predict changes to albedo and water supplies.
Distinguishing active and legacy source contributions to stream water quality: Comparative quantification for chloride and metals
Authors: Destouni Georgia , Cantoni Jacopo , Kalantari Zahra 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHydrochemical constituents in streams may originate from currently active sources at the surface and/or legacy sources from earlier surface inputs, waste deposits and land contamination. Distinction and quantification of these source contributions are needed for improved interpretation of tracer data and effective reduction of waterborne environmental pollutants. This article develops a methodology that recognizes and quantifies some general mechanistic differences in stream concentration and load behavior versus discharge between such source contributions. The methodology is applied to comparative analysis of stream concentration data for chloride (Cl−), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), and corresponding data for water discharge, measured over the period 1990–2018 in multiple hydrological catchments (19 for Cl−, 11 for Cu and Zn, 10 for Pb) around the major Lake Mälaren in Sweden. For Cl−, the average load fraction of active sources is quantified to be 19%, and the average active and legacy concentration contributions as 2.9 and 11 mg/L, respectively. For the metals, the average active load fractions at outlets are 1%–3% over all catchments and 9%–14% in the relatively few catchments with mixed metal sources. Average active and legacy concentration contributions are 0.14 and 3.2 μg/L for Cu, 0.05 and 1.5 μg/L for Pb, and 1.4 and 12 μg/L for Zn, respectively. This multi‐catchment analysis thus indicates a widespread prevalence of legacy sources, with greater legacy than active concentration contributions for both Cl− and the metals, and active contributions playing a greater role for chloride than for the metals. The relatively simple first‐order methodology developed and applied in the study can be used to screen commonly available stream monitoring data for possible distinction of active and legacy contributions of any hydrochemical constituent in and across various hydrological catchment settings.