bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal activity of TiO2/AgBr nanocomposites on some phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Habibi‐Yangjeh Aziz , Davari Mahdi , Manafi‐Yeldagermani Reza , Alikhah Asl Shervin , Enaiati Samira , Ebadollahi Asgar , Feizpoor Solmaz 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTiO2/AgBr composites were synthesized by a simple ultrasonic strategy. Various instruments such as SEM, EDX, XRD, and FT‐IR were exploited to investigate their characteristics. Antifungal activities of the as‐obtained samples were assessed through the inactivation of Fusarium graminearum in the spore suspension method and mycelial growth inhibition of F. graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the microdilution method. The results represented that the TiO2/AgBr samples possess higher antifungal activities on F. graminearum spores than the pure TiO2. The sample with 20 wt% silver bromide represented the highest inhibitory effect on the growth of F. graminearum so that all fungal spores were degraded in the initial times of the treatment process. The inactivation of fungal spores after 60 min was 35.2%, 97.8%, 98.9%, and 98.7%, in respect, for 5, 10, 20, and 30 weight percent of AgBr in the binary nanocomposites, while the inhibition rate was 13.4% for the pure TiO2. With increasing ultrasound irradiation time for more than 30 min, the inactivation rate constant decreased. It was also found that the antifungal activity of the nanocomposites without calcination was higher than those of the calcined materials. Considering the antifungal potential against phytopathogenic fungi and advantages such as simple synthesis and eco‐friendly nature, it seems that TiO2/AgBr nanocomposites can be used instead of synthetic chemicals after additional field investigations and mass production.
Clinical analysis of patients with primary and secondary extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma of central nervous system
Authors: Li Xingying , Yu Hui , Fu Xiaorui , Zhang Lei , Li Xin , Li Ling , Wang Xinhua , Sun Zhenchang , Zhang Xudong , Li Zhaoming , Wu Jingjing , Chang Yu , Yan Jiaqin , Zhou Zhiyuan , Nan Feifei , Wu Xiaolong , Tian Li , Zhang Mingzhi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExtranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma (NKTL) is a rare non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that rarely arise exclusively in or metastasizes to the central nervous system (CNS). Globally, CNS involvement of NKTL heralds a serious prognosis and there is no standard treatment. 19 of 414 patients (4.59%) with ENKL followed were diagnosed with CNS involvement between 2006 and 2020. Two patients had primary CNS (PCNS) NKTL, and 17 patients had secondary CNS (SCNS) invasion. A total of 9 patients survived and 10 patients died. The median overall survival time was 55 months, and the median survival time after CNS invasion was 17 months. The 5‐year cumulative survival probability was 45.7%. In conclusion, CNS risk evaluation and prophylaxis treatment can be carried out for patients with NK/T‐cell lymphoma prognostic index risk group III/IV. In terms of treatment, systemic therapy based on methotrexate combined with radiotherapy and intrathecal chemotherapy can be selected.
Protective effect of dimethyl itaconate against fibroblast–myofibroblast differentiation during pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting TXNIP
Authors: Han Yong‐Yue , Gu Xuan , Yang Chong‐Yang , Ji Hui‐Min , Lan Yue‐Jiao , Bi Yu‐Qian , Si Rong , Qu Jiao , Cheng Ming‐Han , Gao Jian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFibroblast–myofibroblast differentiation (FMD) is a critical cellular phenotype during the occurrence and deterioration of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). FMD can increase with an elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on fibroblasts under oxidative stress. Thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) is an α‐arrestin family protein that regulates the level of intracellular ROS. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) can protect against FMD in PF. However, the relationship between Nrf2 and TXNIP in FMD remains elusive. Therefore, we established TGF‐β1‐induced FMD in vitro and bleomycin (BLM)‐induced mouse PF model in vivo to explore whether the activation of Nrf2 can inhibit TXNIP‐mediated FMD in PF. Dimethyl itaconate (DMI) was selected to activate Nrf2. Our results showed that TXNIP was elevated and FMD was aggravated in mice lung tissues after BLM administration compared with the saline group. Inversely, Nrf2 decreased TXNIP expression and alleviated FMD in PF. In vitro, TXNIP overexpression enhanced FMD and increased the level of ROS. In contrast, TXNIP deficiency by small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced FMD and reduced ROS. An increase in ROS by H2O2 can upregulate TXNIP expression. Moreover, Nrf2 also inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced FMD and the increase of ROS, with reducing expression of TXNIP, and the inhibitory effect was better than TXNIP siRNA. These results suggest that activation of Nrf2 by DMI can protect against PF via inhibiting TXNIP expression. Our study may provide new therapeutic targets and treatment approaches for PF.
Chemo‐taxonomic and biological potential of highly therapeutic plantPedicularis groenlandicaRetz. using multiple microscopic techniques
Authors: Hameed Ayesha , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia , Bahadur Saraj , Anjum Farida , Shuaib Muhammad , Taj Sehrish , Irm Misbah , Altaf Muhammad Ahsan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPedicularis groenlandicais one of the most important medicinal plant of Deosai Plateau (Gilgit‐Baltistan) Pakistan. The present study was aim to evaluate the micromorphological features, phytochemical screening and pharmacological potential ofP. groenlandicaby using multiple microscopic techniques. Six different solvents were used to prepareP. groenlandicaextracts. Phytochemical and antioxidant activities were determined calorimetrically. To investigate antidiabetic, α‐amylase inhibition assay was performed. Cytotoxicity was tested using brine shrimp assay. Anti‐leishmanial via MTT assay. Disc‐diffusion assay was used for protein kinase inhibitory, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Palyno‐anatomical study showed significant variation for the authentication and correct identification of this highly therapeutic plant by using light and scanning electron microscopic techniques. All extracts were found rich in phytochemicals, significant amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents were found in methanol extract (PGM) 95.78 mg GAE/g and 66.90 mg QE/g. Highest DPPH scavenging potential with IC5088.65 μg/mL, total antioxidant capacity (60.33 mg AAE/g sample) and total reducing power (83.97 mg AAE/g) were found for PGM. Disc‐diffusion method showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities. Noticeable growth inhibition inL. tropicawas displayed by n‐hexane extract (IC50112 μg/mL). Brine shrimp with highest LD50(67.65 μg/mL) in ethyl‐acetate extract. Ethanol extract gives persuasive protein kinase inhibition (26 mm) againstStreptomyces85‐E hyphae. Highest alpha‐amylase inhibition (74.10%) was found in n‐hexane extract. In conclusion, our findings scientifically support the ethno‐medicinal and biological potential ofP. groenlandica. In future, the plant needs to be explored for further identification and isolation of bioactive compounds to develop new drugs to treat several aliments.
Metabolic reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressor cells: An innovative approach confronting challenges
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Li Yixue , Yu Qinru , Qian Pengxu , Huang He , Lin Yu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractImmune cells such as T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and other immunoregulatory cells undergo metabolic reprogramming in cancer and inflammation-derived microenvironment to meet specific physiologic and functional demands. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that are characterized by immunosuppressive activity, which plays a key role in host immune homeostasis. In this review, we have discussed the core metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid and fatty acid biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism in the MDSCs under various pathologic situations. Metabolic reprogramming is a determinant of the phenotype and functions of MDSCs, and is therefore a novel therapeutic possibility in various diseases.
The different replication between nonenveloped and quasi‐enveloped hepatitis E virus
Authors: Ji Hanbin , Chen Shuangfeng , He Qiuxia , Wang Wenjing , Gong Shilin , Qian Zhongyao , Zhang Yike , Wei Daqiao , Yu Wenhai , Huang Fen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major pathogen of viral hepatitis. However, the understanding of the HEV life cycle is limited. In the present study, cells were separately infected with nonenveloped HEV (derived from feces or bile) or quasi‐enveloped HEV (derived from the cell culture after serial passages, eHEV) and observed by confocal fluorescence microscopy to investigate the life cycle of HEV. HEV finished its binding and entry into host cells at first 6 h postinoculation (hpi). Cells inoculated with eHEV showed less infectivity than cells inoculated with nonenveloped HEV. Newly synthesized progeny virions were released into the supernatant of cell cultures from 48 hpi. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis results showed that the supernatant's progeny viruses were infectious even after five serial passages. These results show the significant difference between nonenveloped HEV and eHEV, which will provide novel insights into the HEV replication cycle. The efficient cell culture of HEV will promote the development of anti‐HEV drugs and vaccines.
3D sodium (23Na) magnetic resonance fingerprinting for time‐efficient relaxometric mapping
Authors: Kratzer Fabian J. , Flassbeck Sebastian , Schmitter Sebastian , Wilferth Tobias , Magill Arthur W. , Knowles Benjamin R. , Platt Tanja , Bachert Peter , Ladd Mark E. , Nagel Armin M. 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo develop a framework for 3D sodium (23Na) MR fingerprinting (MRF), based on irreducible spherical tensor operators with tailored flip angle (FA) pattern and time‐efficient data acquisition for simultaneous quantification of T1, , , and in addition to ΔB0.Methods23Na‐MRF was implemented in a 3D sequence and irreducible spherical tensor operators were exploited in the simulations. Furthermore, the Cramér Rao lower bound was used to optimize the flip angle pattern. A combination of single and double echo readouts was implemented to increase the readout efficiency. A study was conducted to compare results in a multicompartment phantom acquired with MRF and reference methods. Finally, the relaxation times in the human brain were measured in four healthy volunteers.ResultsPhantom experiments revealed a mean difference of 1.0% between relaxation times acquired with MRF and results determined with the reference methods. Simultaneous quantification of the longitudinal and transverse relaxation times in the human brain was possible within 32 min using 3D 23Na‐MRF with a nominal resolution of (5 mm)3. In vivo measurements in four volunteers yielded average relaxation times of: T1,brain = (35.0 ± 3.2) ms, = (29.3 ± 3.8) ms and = (5.5 ± 1.3) ms in brain tissue, whereas T1,CSF = (61.9 ± 2.8) ms and = (46.3 ± 4.5) ms was found in cerebrospinal fluid.ConclusionThe feasibility of in vivo 3D relaxometric sodium mapping within roughly ½ h is demonstrated using MRF in the human brain, moving sodium relaxometric mapping toward clinically relevant measurement times.
Surgical Metastasectomy in the Spine: A Review Article
Authors: Kato Satoshi , Demura Satoru , Shinmura Kazuya , Yokogawa Noriaki , Shimizu Takaki , Murakami Hideki , Kawahara Norio , Tomita Katsuro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe use of surgical metastasectomy (SM) has increased across cancer types in recent decades despite the increasing efficacy of modern systemic treatment modalities. Symptomatic spinal metastases severely compromise patients’ performance status. However, as spinal SM is a complex surgery with potentially significant complications, it is not considered the treatment of choice.MethodsWe reviewed the articles on SM in several primary cancers with different types of metastatic lesions and extracted the data from relevant articles to provide a comprehensive review including the surgical techniques, indications, reported outcomes, and future prospects of SM in spinal metastases.ResultsTotal en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is a method of spinal SM associated with a lower risk of tumor recurrence and complications. Intralesional transpedicular osteotomy using a fine threadwire saw allows prevention of spinal cord and nerve root injuries. Spinal SM is considered suitable for patients with controlled primary disease having no evidence of disseminated extraspinal metastases, a completely resectable solitary lesion in the spine, and adequate cardiopulmonary reserve to tolerate the surgery. Metastatic lesions from kidney and thyroid cancers have been reported as the best candidates for spinal SM. Although data about spinal SM are limited, the reported outcomes are favorable with acceptable local recurrence rates in long-term follow-up.ConclusionIn patients with isolated resectable spinal metastases, complete SM including TES is a useful option as it can improve function and survival. However, appropriate patient selection and surgical feasibility remain the most important aspects of management.Implications for PracticeSurgical metastasectomy for spinal metastases may be a potentially curative treatment option with a low risk of local recurrence and lead to prolonged long-term survival if appropriate patients are selected and if the surgery is carried out by experienced surgeons in high-volume centers.
Population pharmacokinetics of belantamab mafodotin, a BCMA‐targeting agent in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Rathi Chetan , Collins Jon , Struemper Herbert , Opalinska Joanna , Jewell Roxanne C. , Ferron‐Brady Geraldine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBelantamab mafodotin (belamaf) is an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) targeting B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Nonlinear mixed‐effects models were developed to characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) of ADC, total monoclonal antibody (mAb), and cysteine‐maleimidocaproyl‐MMAF (cys‐mcMMAF) after 0.03–4.6 mg/kg dosing every 3 weeks in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM; DREAMM‐1, n = 73; DREAMM‐2, n = 218). Sequential modeling methodology was used. Individual post hoc parameter estimates from the final ADC model were used to develop total mAb and cys‐mcMMAF models. Formal covariate selection used a modified stepwise forward inclusion method with backward elimination. A linear, two‐compartment PopPK model with a time‐varying clearance (CL) described ADC PK. Initial ADC typical value for CL for a DREAMM‐2 patient was 0.936 L/day with a half‐life of 11.5 days, over time CL was reduced by 28% resulting in a half‐life of 14.3 days. Time to 50% maximal CL change was ~ 50 days. Baseline soluble BCMA (sBCMA), immunoglobulin (IgG), albumin, and bodyweight impacted ADC CL. Cys‐mcMMAF concentrations were described with a linear two‐compartment model linked to ADC; input rate was governed by deconjugation/intracellular proteolytic degradation of ADC represented by an exponentially decreasing MMAF:mAb (drug antibody ratio [DAR]) after each dose. Time to 50% DAR reduction was 10.3 days. Baseline sBCMA and IgG impacted cys‐mcMMAF central volume of distribution. In conclusion, ADC, total mAb, and cys‐mcMMAF concentration–time profiles in RRMM were well‐described by PopPK models, and exposure was most strongly impacted by disease‐related characteristics.
Which patents to use as loan collaterals? The role of newness of patents' external technology linkage
Authors: Zhang Yan Anthea , Chen Zhuo Emma , Wang Yuandi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractResearch SummaryPatent collateral is an important aspect in the debt financing of firms. We argue that in accepting patent collaterals, lenders need to balance between risk of obsolescence and risk of unverified external inventions, both of which are related to patents' external technology linkage. Patents linked to old external inventions are subject to risk of obsolescence while patents linked to too new external inventions are subject to risk of unverified external inventions, and therefore we propose patents linked to moderately new external inventions are more likely to be pledged. We further propose the turning point of this curvilinear relationship depends on borrowing firms' attributes: firm‐specificity of their patent assets and their technological specialization domains. Using data on 107,180 U.S. semiconductor patents, our results support these propositions.Managerial SummaryPatent collateralization represents an important innovation in the debt market. Then, how to choose appropriate patents as collaterals is an important question for patenting firms and financial institutions accepting patents as collaterals. Our results suggest that patents linked to old external inventions are less likely to be pledged because such patents may become obsolete soon, patents linked to too new external inventions are also less likely to be pledged because such patents may be deemed too risky, and patents linked to moderately new external inventions are more likely to pledged. We further find that lenders' concerns on risk of unverified external inventions become more salient if borrowing firms' inventions are more firm‐specific but become less so if borrowing firms specialize in the patents' technological domains.
Engineering local coordination environments and site densities for high‐performance Fe‐N‐C oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Qing , Shang Lu , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Zhang Tierui , Waterhouse Geoffrey 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFe‐N‐C catalysts represent very promising cathode catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, owing to their outstanding activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), especially in alkaline media. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the design and synthesis of Fe‐N‐C catalysts rich in highly dispersed FeN
x
active sites. Special emphasis is placed on emerging strategies for tuning the electronic structure of the Fe atoms to enhance the ORR activity, and also maximizing the surface concentration of FeN
x
sites that are catalytically accessible during ORR. While great progress has been made over the past 5 years in the development of Fe‐N‐C catalyst for ORR, significant technical obstacles still need to be overcome to enable the large‐scale application of Fe‐N‐C materials as cathode catalysts in real‐world fuel cells.
Effect of spent engine oil contamination on the soil properties in selected automobile mechanic villages in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Echiegu Emmanuel A. , Amadi Adaugo S. , Ugwuishiwu Boniface O. , Nwoke Oji A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study was carried out to determine the effect of spent engine oil on the soil properties in selected automobile mechanic villages in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. Spent engine oil (SEO) was collected and characterized according to ASTM test methods. Soil samples were collected at 0–30 and 30–60 cm depths from the mechanic villages and uncontaminated agricultural farmlands 500 m away as control and properties analyzed. The extent of contamination of heavy metals in soils was assessed. The results of the SEO characterization showed the values of 2.87 wt%, 218°C, 13.18 mg/kg, 0.75 mg/kg, 4.06 mg/kg, and 0.94 mg/kg for toluene insoluble, flash point, Pb, As, Cr and Cd. The soil bulk density, pH, TOC, TOM, N, P, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Fe decreased with increasing depth while particle density, TSP, S, Cr, and As increased with increasing depth. The ANOVA results showed that a statistically significant difference existed between values of soil parameters (p < 0.05), indicating that SEO has a significant effect on soil properties (α = 0.05). The study will provide useful insights for developing a precautionary strategy and inform environmental policy implementation for an effective risk management approach in the study area.
Optimal Supportive Measures during Primary Treatment
Authors: Bossi Paolo , Lorini Luigi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSupportive care during curative treatment of head and neck cancer patients has different scopes: reducing the burden of acute toxicities and limiting the risk of developing late adverse effects; increasing the quality of life of the patients; allowing to perform optimal curative therapy, maintaining treatment dose intensity; preventing higher grade toxicities so to reduce also the costs associated with hospitalization, examinations, visits and use of drugs. At the same time, it is necessary to give uniformity in the supportive care protocols, as these preventive and therapeutic measures may influence the results of oncological treatments and their efficacy should be evaluated in a consistent manner. Several preventive and therapeutic interventions are available, particularly in the context of chemoradiotherapy, where the adverse events are more prominent. An accurate evaluation of the patient and a tailored approach with preventative indications and therapeutic interventions represent key factors. This approach could be easily identified within a “simultaneous care” strategy, as the optimal supportive measures are provided concurrently to the best therapeutic approach since the beginning of the treatment.
Salvage Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: van Weert Stijn , Parmar Sat , Leemans C. René 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSalvage surgery (SS) in head and neck cancer is considered a last resort treatment after failure of organ preservation treatments. It offers challenges to the patients and the surgeon. The outcome of SS is often uncertain in terms of survival and quality of life. This paper offers an overview of evolution in SS, tumor and patient factors to be considered, challenges in reconstructive surgery, complications of SS and the changing landscape with regard to increasing incidence of human papillomavirus positive tumours, the role of transoral robotic surgery, the importance of multidisciplinary management and shared decision making.
New and Promising Targeted Therapies in First and Second-Line Settings
Authors: Roden Dylan F. , Johnson Jennifer M. , Szturz Petr , Bossi Paolo , Argiris Athanassios 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDeeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), has led to the investigation of several novel targeted therapies. These therapeutic approaches may eventually replace or complement existing treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, and specifically cetuximab, are as of now the only class of targeted agents, excluding immune checkpoint inhibitors, with approval in the treatment of HNSCC. Beyond EGFR inhibition, novel therapies under evaluation are directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGFR), PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, cell cycle regulation (for example, cyclin dependent kinases 4 and 6), HRAS, DNA repair mechanisms, and others. Development of new therapies has to take into consideration the complexity of solid tumors and their heterogeneity. Multitargeted combination therapy approaches may be required in certain cases in order to maximize antitumor effect. Ways to individualize treatment using validated biomarkers are likely to improve outcomes. We review the most relevant molecular targets in HNSCC and provide updates on clinical trial data with promising new targeted agents.