bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caspase‐3: Structure, function, and biotechnological aspects
Authors: Asadi Marzieh , Taghizadeh Saeed , Kaviani Elina , Vakili Omid , Taheri‐Anganeh Mortaza , Tahamtan Mahshid , Savardashtaki Amir 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCaspase‐3, a cysteine‐aspartic acid protease, has recently attracted much attention because of its incredible roles in tissue differentiation, regeneration, and neural development. This enzyme is a key zymogen in cell apoptosis and is not activated until it is cleaved by initiator caspases during apoptotic flux. Since caspase‐3 has represented valuable capabilities in the field of medical research, biotechnological aspects of this enzyme, including the production of recombinant type, protein engineering, and designing delivery systems, have been considered as emerging therapeutic strategies in treating the apoptosis‐related disorders. To date, several advances have been made in the therapeutic use of caspase‐3 in the management of some diseases such as cancers, heart failure, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the current review, we intend to discuss the caspase‐3's structure, functions, therapeutic applications, as well as its molecular cloning, protein engineering, and relevant delivery systems.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeted mutagenesis of LIGULELESS‐1 in sorghum provides a rapidly scorable phenotype by altering leaf inclination angle
Authors: Brant Eleanor J , Baloglu Mehmet Cengiz , Parikh Aalap , Altpeter Fredy 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is one of the world's most cultivated cereal crops. Biotechnology approaches have great potential to complement traditional crop improvement. Earlier studies in rice and maize revealed that LIGULELESS‐1 (LG1) is responsible for formation of the ligule and auricle, which determine the leaf inclination angle. However, generation and analysis of lg1 mutants in sorghum has so far not been described. Here, we describe CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeted mutagenesis of LG1 in sorghum and phenotypic changes in mono‐ and bi‐allelic lg1 mutants. Genome editing reagents were co‐delivered to sorghum (var. Tx430) with the nptII selectable marker via particle bombardment of immature embryos followed by regeneration of transgenic plants. Sanger sequencing confirmed a single nucleotide insertion in the sgRNA LG1 target site. Monoallelic edited plantlets displayed more upright leaves in tissue culture and after transfer to soil when compared to wild type. T1 progeny plants with biallelic lg1 mutation lacked ligules entirely and displayed a more severe reduction in leaf inclination angle than monoallelic mutants. Transgene‐free lg1 mutants devoid of the genome editing vector were also recovered in the segregating T1 generation. Targeted mutagenesis of LG1 provides a rapidly scorable phenotype in tissue culture and will facilitate optimization of genome editing protocols. Altering leaf inclination angle also has the potential to elevate yield in high‐density plantings.
Electroconvulsive therapy increases temporarily plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Sorri Annamari , Järventausta Kaija , Kampman Olli , Lehtimäki Kai , Björkqvist Minna , Tuohimaa Kati , Hämäläinen Mari , Moilanen Eeva , Leinonen Esa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been related to the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings involving the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the VEGF levels have been conflicting. The aim was to examine the possible changes in the VEGF levels and their associations with clinical outcome in patients with MDD during ECT.MethodsThe study comprised 30 patients suffering from MDD. Their plasma VEGF levels were measured at baseline and 2 and 4 hr after the first, fifth, and last ECT session. The severity of depression was quantified by the Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).ResultsThe VEGF levels increased between the 2‐hr and 4‐hr measurements during the first (p = .003) and the fifth (p = .017) sessions. The baseline VEGF levels between individual ECT sessions remained unchanged during the ECT series. No correlations were found between the increased VEGF levels and the clinical outcome.ConclusionsElectroconvulsive therapy increased the VEGF levels repeatedly at the same time point in two different ECT sessions. These increases had no association with the response to ECT. Consequently, VEGF may act as a mediator in the mechanism of action of ECT.
Performance of cervical cancer screening and triage strategies among women living with HIV in China
Authors: Duan Rufei , Zhao Xuelian , Zhang Hongyun , Xu Xiaoqian , Huang Liuye , Wu Aihui , Li Le , Qiao Youlin , Zhao Fanghui 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical performance of liquid‐based cytology (LBC), HPV tests and visual inspections with acetic acid or Lugol's iodine (VIA/VILI) as primary screening and triage strategies among Chinese women living with HIV (WLHIV).MethodsWLHIV aged 18 years and older were recruited from HIV/AIDS treatment clinic in Yunnan, China from 2019 to 2020. Women were screened with self‐ and physician‐sampling for HPV tests, LBC, and VIA/VILI. Women positive for any HPV or with cytological abnormalities were recalled for colposcopy examination and biopsy when necessary. Clinical performance of primary and triage strategies for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) was evaluated.ResultsFor primary screening, sensitivity of physician‐HPV tests was 100%, 89.5%, and 100% for hybrid capture 2 (HC2), cobas, and Sansure HPV, and specificity was 80.4%, 85.1%, and 72.0%, respectively. Self‐HPV test achieved considerable performance with physician‐HPV. Sensitivity and specificity were 61.1% and 96.3% for LBC (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse [ASCUS+]), 40.0% and 77.3% for VIA/VILI. For triaging HPV‐positive women, LBC (ASCUS+), HPV‐16/18 genotyping, and VIA/VILI‐elevated specificity with sensitivity declined 30%–50% compared with HPV screening alone. Restricted HPV genotyping triage (HPV‐16/18/31/33/45/52/58) demonstrated the optimal accuracy (89.5% sensitivity, 81.9% specificity), and was similar to HPV‐16/18 with reflex LBC (ASCUS+). Combination antiretroviral therapies (cARTs) <2 years were associated with decreased specificity of HC2 (aOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22–3.91) and Sansure HPV (2.48, 1.43–4.29).ConclusionsSelf‐HPV with restricted genotyping triage is highly recommended for cervical cancer screening for WLHIV in China. Feasible triage to increase HPV specificity among women with short duration of cART is needed.
Mortality and guideline‐directed medical therapy in real‐world heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: McCullough Peter A. , Mehta Hirsch S. , Barker Colin M. , Van Houten Joanna , Mollenkopf Sarah , Gunnarsson Candace , Ryan Michael , Cork David P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in commercially insured US patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and examine the effect of GDMT on all‐cause mortality. GDMT for HFrEF includes pharmacologic therapies such as β‐blockers (BB), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin (ARNI), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and sodium‐glucose cotransporter inhibitors to reduce morbidity and mortality.MethodsPatients in the Optum Integrated File from 2007 to 2019Q3, ≥18 years, with history of HFrEF, were identified. Patients prescribed both a BB and either an ACE‐I, ARB, or ARNI during 6‐month post‐diagnosis were assigned to the GDMT cohort. All others were assigned to the not on GDMT cohort. The GDMT cohort was further classified by those patients with a record of prescription fills for both classes of medications concurrently (GDMT concurrent medication fills). Mortality at 2 years was assessed with a Cox regression model accounting for baseline demographics, comorbidities, and diuretic use.ResultsThis study identified 14 880 HFrEF patients, of which 70% had a record of GDMT, and 57% had a record of concurrent prescriptions. Patients in the not on GDMT cohort had 29% increased risk of mortality versus GDMT (hazard ratio 1.29; 95% CI (1.19–1.40); p < .0001). As a sensitivity analysis, the effect of patients not on GDMT compared to GDMT with concurrent medication fills was more pronounced, with a 37% increased mortality risk.ConclusionIn a real‐world population of HFrEF patients, inadequate GDMT confers a 29% excess mortality risk over the 2‐year follow‐up.
Higher severity and risk of in‐hospital mortality for COVID‐19 patients with cancer during the year 2020 in Brazil: A countrywide analysis of secondary data
Authors: Costa Guilherme Jorge , de Azevedo Carla Rameri Alexandre Silva , Júnior José Iran Costa , Bergmann Anke , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and cancer are serious public health problems worldwide. However, little is known about the risk factors of in‐hospital mortality among COVID‐19 patients with and without cancer in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of in‐hospital mortality among COVID‐19 patients with and without cancer and to compare mortality according to gender and topography during the year 2020 in Brazil.MethodsThis was a secondary data study of hospitalized adult patients with a diagnosis of COVID‐19 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction testing in Brazil. The data were collected from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System.ResultsThis study analyzed data from 322,817 patients. The prevalence of cancer in patients with COVID‐19 was 2.3%. COVID‐19 patients with neurological diseases and cancer had the most lethal comorbidities in both sexes. COVID‐19 patients with cancer were more likely to be older (median age, 67 vs 62 years; P < .001), to have a longer hospital stay (13.1 vs 11.5 days; P < .001), to be admitted to the intensive care unit (45.3% vs 39.6%; P < .001), to receive more invasive mechanical ventilation (27.1% vs 21.9%), and to have a higher risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83‐2.06; P < .001) than those without cancer. Patients with hematological neoplasia (aOR, 2.85; 95% CI, 2.41‐3.38; P < .001) had a higher risk of mortality than those with solid tumors (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.72‐1.95; P < .001) in both sexes.ConclusionsBrazilian COVID‐19 patients with cancer have higher disease severity and a higher risk of mortality than those without cancer.
An identity privacy scheme for blockchain‐based on edge computing
Authors: Mu Rui , Gong Bei , Ning Zhenhu , Zhang Jiangjiang , Cao Yang , Li Zheng , Wang Wei , Wang Xiaoping 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBlockchain has decentralization characteristics and requires more targeted security schemes to protect user privacy. In contrast, existing signature schemes have many high‐complexity operations and impose an enormous computational burden on wireless nodes. This article proposes a light‐weighted identity privacy scheme for blockchain‐based on edge computing. We construct linkable identity privacy and non‐linkable identity privacy, which can resist collusion attacks while virtually guaranteeing blockchain nodes' identity privacy. Since edge computing offloads heavily, the proposed scheme has lower computational complexity than the existing techniques.
NOX5 mediates the crosstalk between tumor cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts via regulating cytokine network
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Yan , Zhang Weimin , Zhao Di , Zhang Lingyuan , Zhang Jing , Fan Jiawen , Zhan Qimin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractActivation of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is a crucial feature for tumor malignancy. The reciprocal interplay between tumor cells and CAFs not only facilitates tumor progression and metastasis but also sustains the tumor‐promoting function of CAFs. Nevertheless, how tumor cells readily adapt to these functional CAFs is still unclear. NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is a strong reactive oxygen species producer overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. In this study, we showed that NOX5‐positive ESCC cells induced normal fibroblasts (NFs) or adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to express the marker of CAFs‐α smooth muscle actin. Moreover, these tumor cells reprogrammed the cytokine profile of the activated CAFs, which further stimulated NFs or MSCs to CAFs and induced lymphangiogenesis to facilitate ESCC malignancy. NOX5 activated intratumoral Src/nuclear factor‐κB signaling to stimulate secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and lactate from tumor cells. Subsequently, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and lactate activated CAFs, and facilitated the secretion of IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, CCL5, and transforming growth factor‐β1 from CAFs. These CAFs‐derived cytokines reciprocally induced the progression of NOX5‐positive ESCC cells. Our findings together indicate that NOX5 serves as the driving oncoprotein to provide a niche that is beneficial for tumor malignant progression.
Serum creatinine levels and risk of nonalcohol fatty liver disease in a middle‐aged and older Chinese population: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Niu Yixin , Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Hongmei , Li Xiaoyong , Lin Ning , Su Weikang , Gu Hongxia , Zhu Lingfei , Fan Jiangao , Qin Li , Yang Zhen , Su Qing 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now regarded as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recent research has suggested that serum creatinine (SCr) may be an indicator of MetS and its related diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between SCr and NAFLD in Chinese adults.MethodsA cross‐sectional sample of 8862 subjects aged 40 years or older (40–73 years) from China were analysed in this study. The anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and hepatic ultrasonography were conducted. NAFLD presence was defined by hepatic ultrasound in the absence of other liver diseases.ResultsNAFLD subjects had higher SCr than those without NAFLD (66.8 μmol/L vs. 65.6 μmol/L, p < 0.001). Moreover, SCr levels were correlated with alanine aminotransferase (β = 0.099, p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (β = 0.135, p < 0.001), γ‐glutamyltransferase (β = 0.039, p < 0.001), and insulin resistance (β = 0.027, p = 0.014) after adjusted for potential covariates. In the multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression analyses, compared to the first SCr quintile, the odds ratio for NAFLD was 1.35 (95% confidence interval 1.14–1.60, p < 0.001) for the fifth quintile after adjusting multiple measured confounders.ConclusionSCr concentration is independently associated with NAFLD in a middle aged and older Chinese population. Elevated SCr levels, even within normal ranges, were associated with higher risk of NAFLD.
Terrestrial eDNA survey outperforms conventional approach for detecting an invasive pest insect within an agricultural ecosystem
Authors: Allen Michael C. , Nielsen Anne L. , Peterson Donnie L. , Lockwood Julie L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecent methodological advances permit surveys for terrestrial insects from the direct collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) deposited on vegetation or other surfaces. However, in contrast to well‐studied aquatic applications, little is known about how detection rates for such terrestrial eDNA‐based surveys compare with conventional survey methods. Lycorma delicatula, the spotted lanternfly, is an emerging invasive insect in eastern North America, and a significant ecological and economic pest of forested and agricultural systems, especially grapes. During fall 2019, we conducted two rounds of paired eDNA and visual surveys for spotted lanternflies within 48 plots at 12 vineyards in New Jersey, USA. We compared detection probabilities within a multimethod occupancy modeling framework and used the results to extrapolate and inform survey design. The probability of detecting spotted lanternflies given presence in a plot was over two times higher for eDNA (84%) versus visual surveys (36%). In mid‐September, lanternfly eDNA was detected at five plots in three vineyards, while visual surveys revealed only a single individual in one plot. In early October, after dispersal of lanternflies into vineyards, lanternfly eDNA was detected in 12 plots within six vineyards compared with visual detections in six plots in two vineyards. Extrapolations based on detection and local‐scale occupancy rates indicate that only five and 12 plots would have been needed to positively detect lanternfly presence with 95% confidence using eDNA in contrast to 14 and 29 plots with visual surveys alone, respective to survey rounds. Log‐linear models revealed that visual counts of lanternflies were positively related to eDNA concentrations (R2 = 71%). We provide some of the first quantitative evidence to support the enhanced sensitivity of terrestrial eDNA approaches compared with conventional methods. Such methods can augment efforts to combat invasive species through improved ability to delimit invasion fronts, identify satellite populations, and confirm local eradications.
Did Pleistocene Africans use the spearthrower‐and‐dart?
Authors: Lombard Marlize , Shea John J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractArcheologists commonly suppose that among complex projectile weapons humans use as subsistence aids, the spearthrower‐and‐dart preceded bow‐and‐arrow use. And yet, neither ethnographic nor archeological records furnish any robust evidence for spearthrower‐and‐dart use in Africa. Instead, evidence grows apace for ever‐more ancient bow‐and‐arrow use. Here we explore these findings and their implications for models of earlyHomo sapiensbehavior.
Estimating the shares of the value of branded pharmaceuticals accruing to manufacturers and to patients served by health systems
Authors: Woods Beth , Fox Aimée , Sculpher Mark , Claxton Karl 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have estimated that patients served by health systems accrue 59‐98% of the value generated by new pharmaceuticals. This has led to questions about whether sufficient returns accrue to manufacturers to incentivize socially optimal levels of R&D. These studies have not, however, fully reflected the health opportunity costs imposed by payments for branded pharmaceuticals. We present a framework for estimating how the value generated by new branded pharmaceuticals is shared. We quantify value in net health effects and account for benefits and health opportunity costs in the patent period and post‐patent period when generic/biosimilar products become available. We apply the framework to 12 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence appraisals and show that realized net health effects range from losses of 160%, to gains of 94%, of the potential net health benefits available. In many cases, even in the long run, the benefits of new medicines are not sufficient to offset the opportunity costs of payments to manufacturers, and approval is expected to reduce population health. This cannot be dynamically efficient as it incentivizes future innovation at prices which will also reduce population health. Further work should consider how to reflect these findings in reimbursement policies.
Do parental preferences predict engagement in child health programs?
Authors: Beatton Tony , Moores Carly J. , Sarkar Dipanwita , Sarkar Jayanta , Silva Goncalves Juliana , Vidgen Helen A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe evaluate the role of behavioral attributes in predicting engagement in an intervention program. Distinct from the previous studies, we investigate how parental preferences influence their engagement behavior in a health program when the targeted outcomes relate to the health of their children, as opposed to their own. We use an artifactual field experiment where the participants were former parent enrollees in a child health management program in Australia. Our findings suggest that parents’ time preference and risk tolerance are robust predictors of engagement, measured by program attendance. Attendance is positively associated with patience and risk tolerance in the health domain, after controlling for a host of personality traits and socioeconomic factors. By improving our understanding of the behavioral risk factors for attrition, these findings offer important insights for enhancing participant engagement in intervention programs that are beset with the problem of high attrition.
Comparing the accuracy and complications of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement using fluoroscopic and the blind pushing technique
Authors: Erskine Brendan , Bradley Pierre , Joseph Tim , Yeh Sabrina , Clements Warren 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionPeripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) offer a convenient long‐term intravenous access option. Different methods exist for insertion including the use of continuous fluoroscopy for guidance, or bedside insertion techniques. The blind pushing technique is a bedside approach which involves advancing a PICC through the access sheath without imaging guidance, before taking a mobile chest radiograph to confirm tip position. Obtaining optimal position is a critical aim of PICC placement as malpositioned lines have been associated with higher complications including death. We aimed to assess the accuracy of PICC placement by comparing the tip position and complications for lines placed under fluoroscopic guidance to those placed without fluoroscopic guidance.MethodsThe Radiology Information System was used to identify 100 continuous PICC insertions in each group (fluoroscopic and blind pushing) between 1 January and 12 May 2019. Patients were excluded if there was a known history of central venous occlusion/stenosis.ResultsIn the fluoroscopic‐guided group, 0% of the lines were malpositioned compared with 60% of the lines placed using the blind pushing technique, P < 0.001.Fluoroscopic‐guided PICC insertions were in place for a total of 2446 days and demonstrated 6 complications (2.45 complications per 1000 catheter days). This compared with blind pushing technique PICC insertions which were in place for a total of 1521 days and demonstrated 18 complications (11.83 complications per 1000 catheter days), P = 0.004.ConclusionThe use of fluoroscopy for PICC placement leads to significant improvements in tip accuracy than for PICCs placed using the blind pushing technique. While the use of these imaging resources incurs cost and time, these factors should be balanced in order to offer patients the safest and most accurate method of line insertion.
Degradation studies of epoxy coatings on printed circuit boards after pressure cooker test
Authors: Schneider Michael , Gierth Uta , Šimůnková Lenka , Gierth Paul 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe present work focuses on the investigation of the degradation of screen‐printed epoxy coatings on printed circuit boards under multiple corrosion loads realized by the pressure cooker test (PCT). Since methods like the common mechanical shear strength tests are destructive and limited in information, the authors' approach used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to study the change of their electrochemical behavior and the state of degradation. Complementarily, the Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the possible molecular change of the polymer due to the exposition. The experiments were carried out after different times of load. It could be shown that the complex conditions of the PCT initiate a controversial mechanism. The harsh corrosion load already results in a degradation of the polymer after 8 h but simultaneously the enhanced test temperature leads to ongoing curing processes consuming the remaining parts of resin and curing agents. As a result, the degradation kinetic seems to be delayed and after the test time of 96 h, the epoxy is less degraded than it was expected based on the results after a shorter time exposition.