bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Balance Training in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Elsheikh Marwa Mohamed Alawady , El-Hawa Marwa Ahmed Abo , El-saadany Hanan Mohamed , Elsergany Mervat Abd El Sattar 
Published: February 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic disease that affects joints; especially knee joints. OA causes progressive irreversible joint damage and finally joint failure. Proprioceptive deficits are greater in people with knee OA.
Objective: The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the effect of balance training as an additional modality in management of mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis and its effect on clinical and functional outcome.
Methods: The study included 60 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, consecutively selected from outpatient clinic of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University Hospitals. They were divided into two groups: Group I: (30) Patients was trained by strength exercises rehabilitation program in addition to training program of the BSS-SD. Three sessions per week for twelve weeks. Group II: (30) Patients were trained by strength exercises rehabilitation program only by three sessions per week for twelve weeks. Patients were assessed by clinical evaluation (visual analogue scale (VAS), Ritchie's tenderness scale, morning stiffness, range of motion) physical performance assessments by chair stand test, functional assessment by WOMAC, assessment of postural stability and balance disturbance (postural stability test- fall risk test- limits of stability test) were performed before, 6 and 12 weeks after rehabilitation programs
Results: Our study showed improvement in both groups of clinical assessment (VAS of pain, tenderness, morning stiffness) also there was significant improvement of (active range of movement and passive range of movement and CST). There was significant improvement of pain assessed by WOMAC. There was significant improvement of (postural stability test, fall risk testing, and limits of stability). There were improvement in-group I more significant than group II.
Conclusion: Combined therapy of strength exercises rehabilitation program and training program of balance by BSS-SD have more potential effects in treatment of mild and moderate knee OA better than strength exercises rehabilitation program only.
Epigenetic regulator BMI1 promotes alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma proliferation and constitutes a novel therapeutic target
Authors: Shields Cara E. , Potlapalli Sindhu , Cuya‐Smith Selma M. , Chappell Sarah K. , Chen Dongdong , Martinez Daniel , Pogoriler Jennifer , Rathi Komal S. , Patel Shiv A. , Oristian Kristianne M. , Linardic Corinne M. , Maris John M. , Haynes Karmella A. , Schnepp Robert W. 
Published: February 2021

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. There are two main subtypes of RMS, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. ARMS typically encompasses fusion‐positive rhabdomyosarcoma, which expresses either PAX3‐FOXO1 or PAX7‐FOXO1 fusion proteins. There are no targeted therapies for ARMS; however, recent studies have begun to illustrate the cooperation between epigenetic proteins and the PAX3‐FOXO1 fusion, indicating that epigenetic proteins may serve as targets in ARMS. Here, we investigate the contribution of BMI1, given the established role of this epigenetic regulator in sustaining aggression in cancer. We determined that BMI1 is expressed across ARMS tumors, patient‐derived xenografts, and cell lines. We depleted BMI1 using RNAi and inhibitors (PTC‐209 and PTC‐028) and found that this leads to a decrease in cell growth/increase in apoptosis in vitro, and delays tumor growth in vivo. Our data suggest that BMI1 inhibition activates the Hippo pathway via phosphorylation of LATS1/2 and subsequent reduction in YAP levels and YAP/TAZ target genes. These results identify BMI1 as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in ARMS and warrant further investigation of BMI1 in ARMS and other sarcomas.
Autoimmune and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Ungaro Ryan C. , Agrawal Manasi , Park Sarah , Hirten Robert , Colombel Jean‐Frederic , Twyman Kathryn , Gulko Percio S. , Klang Eyal 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThere are limited data on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on hospitalized patients with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease (AICID) compared with patients who do not have AICID. We sought to evaluate whether patients with AICID who have confirmed COVID‐19 presenting to the hospital are at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with those patients without AICID who are infected with COVID‐19 and whether immunosuppressive medications impact this risk.MethodsWe performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study with patients presenting to five hospitals in a large academic health system with polymerase chain reaction–confirmed COVID‐19 infection. We evaluated the impact of having an AICID and class of immunosuppressive medication being used to treat patients with AICID (biologics, nonbiologic immunosuppressives, or systemic corticosteroids) on the risk of developing severe COVID‐19 defined as requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) and/or death.ResultsA total of 6792 patients with confirmed COVID‐19 were included in the study, with 159 (2.3%) having at least one AICID. On multivariable analysis, AICIDs were not significantly associated with severe COVID‐19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9‐1.8). Among patients with AICID, use of biologics or nonbiologic immunosuppressives did not increase the risk of severe COVID‐19. In contrast, systemic corticosteroid use was significantly associated with an increased risk of severe COVID‐19 (aOR 6.8, 95% CI: 2.5‐18.4).ConclusionPatients with AICID are not at increased risk of severe COVID‐19 with the exception of those on corticosteroids. These data suggest that patients with AICID should continue on biologic and nonbiologic immunosuppression but limit steroids during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Associations between plasma neurofilament light, in vivo brain pathology, and cognition in non‐demented individuals with autosomal‐dominant Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guzmán‐Vélez Edmarie , Zetterberg Henrik , Fox‐Fuller Joshua T. , Vila‐Castelar Clara , Sanchez Justin S. , Baena Ana , Garcia‐Ospina Gloria , Aguillon David , Pardilla‐Delgado Enmanuelle , Gatchel Jennifer R. , Sperling Reisa A. , Johnson Keith , Reiman Eric M. , Blennow Kaj , Lopera Francisco , Quiroz Yakeel T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeurofilament light (NfL) is a promising biomarker of early neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined whether plasma NfL was associated with in vivo amyloid beta and tau, and cognitive performance in non‐demented presenilin‐1 (PSEN1) E280A mutation carriers.MethodsTwenty‐five mutation carriers and 19 non‐carriers (age range: 28 to 49 years) were included in this study. Participants underwent 11C Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)‐PET (positron emission tomography), flortaucipir–PET, blood sampling, and cognitive testing.ResultsMutation carriers exhibited higher plasma NfL levels than non‐carriers. In carriers, higher NfL levels were related to greater regional tau burden and worse cognition, but not amyloid beta load. When we adjusted for age, a proxy of disease progression, elevated plasma NfL levels were only correlated with worse memory recall.ConclusionsFindings support an association between plasma NfL, cognition, and tau pathology in non‐demented individuals at genetic risk for developing AD dementia. Plasma NfL may be useful for selecting individuals at increased risk and tracking disease progression in AD.
Probing Single‐Atom Catalysts and Catalytic Reaction Processes by Shell‐Isolated Nanoparticle‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Wei Jie , Qin Si‐Na , Yang Ji , Ya Han‐Long , Huang Wei‐Hsiang , Zhang Hua , Hwang Bing Joe , Tian Zhong‐Qun , Li Jian‐Feng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDeveloping advanced characterization techniques for single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is of great significance to identify their structural and catalytic properties. Raman spectroscopy can provide molecular structure information, and thus, the technique is a promising tool for catalysis. However, its application in SACs remains a great challenge because of its low sensitivity. We develop a highly sensitive strategy that achieves the characterization of the structure of SACs and in situ monitoring of the catalytic reaction processes on them by shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) for the first time. Using the strategy, Pd SACs on different supports were identified by Raman spectroscopy and the nucleation process of Pd species from single atoms to nanoparticles was revealed. Moreover, the catalytic reaction processes of the hydrogenation of nitro compounds on Pd SACs were monitored in situ, and molecular insights were obtained to uncover the unique catalytic properties of SACs. This work provides a new spectroscopic tool for the in situ study of SACs, especially at solid–liquid interfaces.
Electrostatically Driven Selective Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide over Acetylene in an Ultramicroporous Material
Authors: Xie Yi , Cui Hui , Wu Hui , Lin Rui‐Biao , Zhou Wei , Chen Banglin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSeparating acetylene from carbon dioxide is important but highly challenging owing to their similar physical properties and molecular dimensions. Herein, we report highly efficient electrostatically driven CO2/C2H2 separation in an ultramicroporous cadmium nitroprusside (Cd‐NP) with compact pore space and complementary electrostatic potential well fitting for CO2, thus enabling molecular quadrupole moment recognition of CO2 over C2H2. This material shows a high CO2/C2H2 uptake ratio of 6.0 as well as remarkable CO2/C2H2 selectivity of 85 under ambient conditions with modest CO2 heat of adsorption. Neutron powder diffraction experiments and molecular simulations revealed that the electrostatic potential compatibility between pore structure and CO2 allows it to be trapped in a head‐on orientation towards the Cd center, whereas the diffusion of C2H2 is electrostatically forbidden. Dynamic breakthrough experiments have validated the separation performance of this compound for CO2/C2H2 separation.
Pulsar tests of the graviton mass
Authors: Shao Lijing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn Einstein's general relativity (GR), gravity is described by a massless spin‐2 metric field, and the extension of GR to include a mass term for the graviton has profound implication for gravitation and cosmology. Besides the gravity experiments carried out in the Solar System and those recently with gravitational waves (GWs), pulsar timing observations provide a complementary means to test the masslessness of graviton. In this contribution, I overview three methods in probing the mass of graviton from precision timing of binary pulsars via the modified gravitational radiation (hence, the observed damping rate of the orbital period), as well as from the pulsar‐timing‐array (PTA) experiments via the modified Hellings‐Downs angular‐correlation curve. These tests probe different aspects of gravitation in its kinematics and dynamics, complementing tests of other kinds and providing valuable information to the fundamental theory of gravity.
One‐parametric description for scalar field dark matter potentials
Authors: Linares Cedeño Francisco X. , Ureña‐López Luis Arturo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe study the cosmological evolution for a scalar field dark matter model, by considering a parameterization of the evolution equations that allow us to unify in a single parameter a family of potentials: quadratic (free case), trigonometric (Axion‐like case), and hyperbolic. After exploring the cosmological dynamics of this model, we perform a statistical analysis to study the viability of such model in comparison with the standard Cold Dark Matter model. We found that the free case is preferred over the other scalar field potentials, but in any case all of them are disfavored by the cosmological observations with respect to the standard model.
Mutation patterns in recurrent and/or metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in relation to human papillomavirus status
Authors: Reder Henrike , Wagner Steffen , Wuerdemann Nora , Langer Christine , Sandmann Sarah , Braeuninger Andreas , Dugas Martin , Gattenloehner Stefan , Wittekindt Claus , Klussmann Jens Peter 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPatients with HPV‐driven (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have a significantly improved overall survival compared to patients with HPV‐negative (HPV−) OPSCC. Nevertheless, 13%–25% of patients with HPV+OPSCC develop local/distant recurrence (LDR) and have a course of disease similar to HPV−OPSCC. We hypothesize that HPV+OPSCCs of patients with LDR have a mutation frequency and pattern similar to HPV−OPSCCs, which is associated with severe outcome. We performed targeted next‐generation sequencing using a customized gene panel and compared data from 56 matched HPV+and HPV−OPSCC of patients with/without LDR regarding protein‐altering variants. Despite improved overall survival of patients with HPV+OPSCC, those who develop LDR show a strongly reduced survival rate that is similar or even worse compared to HPV−OPSCC patients. Overall, the number of mutations was similar in OPSCC of patients with and without LDR. In total and with respect to TP53, HPV−OPSCC had significantly more protein‐altering mutations than HPV+OPSCC. The number of mutations was similar in HPV−OPSCC of patients with and without LDR with the exception of FAT1, which was mutated more frequently in patients without LDR. In HPV+OPSCC, HRAS, PIK3R1, STK11 and TP63 were more frequently mutated in patients with LDR compared to patients without. HPV+OPSCC of patients with LDR have a similar mutation pattern as HPV−OPSCC, except TP53, which was mutated to a significantly lower extent. In conclusion, HPV−and HPV+OPSCC with LDR have similar mutation counts in the analyzed genes. We suspect that the number of mutations is not causal for disease progression, rather specific mutations could be important.
The multi‐kinase inhibitor dasatinib suppresses autoinflammation and increases bone density in a mouse model for chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis
Authors: Yoshikawa Ryo , Abe Koichiro 
Published: February 2021

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an autoinflammatory bone disease that presents with bone destruction and pain. Although genetic studies have identified signalling pathways involving CRMO, molecularly targeted drugs remain unavailable. We used an animal model of CRMO as an in vivo screening system for candidate therapeutic agents. A gain‐of‐function mutation in Fgr, a member of Src family kinases (SFKs), causes peripheral paw inflammation and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in Ali18 mice. The SFK inhibitor dasatinib was selected for administration to Ali18 mice daily for 2 weeks. Local inflammation and BMD were assessed by clinical scoring and computed tomography, respectively. Pilot studies in a small number of animals showed that dasatinib administration effectively suppressed the early phase of autoinflammation in Ali18 mice. Serial oral gavage of dasatinib to a group of Ali18 mice confirmed significant suppression of paw swelling with no side effects. Histological analysis revealed that abnormal proliferative bone marrow cells and inflammatory infiltration into the skin in the affected area were clearly reduced in the animals with dasatinib administration. Further, trabecular BMD in Ali18 long bones was restored to levels similar to that found in wild type mice. Our results indicate that autoinflammation and related‐bone phenotypes were completely suppressed by the dasatinib kinase inhibitor in CRMO model animals. Thus, it is strongly suggested that dasatinib can be used for clinical treatments of CRMO with the combination of molecular diagnosis of the FGR locus.Significance of the studyAutoinflammation and related‐bone phenotypes were effectively suppressed by the kinase inhibitor dasatinib in CRMO model animals. In combination with molecular analysis of the FGR locus, dasatinib is a strong candidate for the clinical treatments of CRMO. We propose that the animal model employed in this study can be used to screen this and other potential drugs for CRMO.
Optically Controlled Electron Transfer in a ReI Complex
Authors: Rohwer Egmont J. , Geng Yan , Akbarimoosavi Maryam , Daku Latévi M. Lawson , Aleveque Olivier , Levillain Eric , Hauser Jürg , Cannizzo Andrea , Häner Robert , Decurtins Silvio , Stanley Robert J. , Feurer Thomas , Liu Shi‐Xia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUltrafast optical control of intramolecular charge flow was demonstrated, which paves the way for photocurrent modulation and switching with a highly wavelength‐selective ON/OFF ratio. The system that was explored is a fac‐[Re(CO)3(TTF‐DPPZ)Cl] complex, where TTF‐DPPZ=4’,5’‐bis(propylthio)tetrathiafulvenyl[i]dipyrido[3,2‐a:2’,3’‐c]phenazine. DFT calculations and AC‐Stark spectroscopy confirmed the presence of two distinct optically active charge‐transfer processes, namely a metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and an intra‐ligand charge transfer (ILCT). Ultrafast transient absorption measurements showed that the ILCT state decays in the ps regime. Upon excitation to the MLCT state, only a long‐lived 3MLCT state was observed after 80 ps. Remarkably, however, the bleaching of the ILCT absorption band remained as a result of the effective inhibition of the HOMO–LUMO transition.
Improving the accuracy of the Eyring equation by pseudo‐ideal solution model to predict the viscosity of the mono‐ethanol amine‐[Bmim] PF6 ionic liquid blends in a CO2 capturing pilot plant
Authors: Kalatjari Hamid R. , Nasr Mohammad R. Jafari , Haghtalab Ali , Heydarinasab Amir 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to propose a new simulation model for calculation of the viscosity of the mono‐ethanol amine‐ionic liquid (MEA‐IL) solvent in the CO2‐capturing pilot plant. To do so, a combination of the pseudo‐ideal solution model (PISM) and Eyring's mixture viscosity equation was implemented in MATLAB. Moreover, the various thermodynamic models were used to calculate viscosity, using solvent containing MEA‐IL in the high CO2 feed gas. The present study determined the viscosities of the MEA‐IL blends at different concentrations and various temperatures in the CO2 capturing pilot plant. The results were comparable to those obtained from the Eyring‐PISM model, Eyring‐Wilson method, Cheng and Meisen a previous study equation, and the Aspen Plus and Promax with electrolyte non‐random two‐liquid model that presented the actual viscosity values of the liquid solutions. The calculated solvent viscosity values with the Eyring‐PISM model at different temperature profiles were achieved using an average absolute deviation (AAD) of about 1.164% and 1.422% in absorber and desorber for solvent (MEA = 27 wt% and IL = 34.2 wt%) and 1.578% and 1.868% in absorber and desorber for solvent (MEA = 29 wt% and IL = 37.12 wt%), respectively. The consideration of a suitable model for the determination of viscosity has a significant role in energy consumption in the CO2‐capturing pilot plant. The estimated energy consumption with the Eyring‐PISM model was achieved using an AAD of about 0.652% for solvent (MEA = 27 wt% and IL = 34.2 wt%) and 0.502% for solvent (MEA = 29 wt% and IL = 37.12 wt%), respectively. The results obtained from the Eyring‐PISM simulation model using the experimental data revealed a high degree of accuracy.
Versatile Graphene‐Isolated AuAg‐Nanocrystal for Multiphase Analysis and Multimodal Cellular Raman Imaging†
Authors: Li Shengkai , Zhu Zhaotian , Cai Xinqi , Song Minghui , Wang Shen , Hao Qing , Chen Long , Chen Zhuo 
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusionSurface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)‐based bioanalytical technique involves the interaction of SERS‐active substrate with complex environment, which has aroused intensive research interests. Compared to the commonly used Au SERS substrates, Ag nanocrystals have larger optical absorption cross section and acceptable price, but they possess poor oxidation resistance and potential biotoxicity, and the occurrence of unnecessary chemical reactions is inevitable due to the direct contact with probe molecules. Herein, we report a graphene‐isolated AuAg nanocrystal (GIAAN) with the SERS‐active AuAg core confined in a nanospace of few‐layer graphene shell, which possesses unique Raman peaks, high SERS activity, excellent stability, superior fluorescence quenching performance and good biocompatibility. Based on the limited solubility of GIAAN in water and organic solvents, it is able to spontaneously generate interfacial self‐assembled GIAAN (ISA‐GIAAN) film at immiscible two‐phase interfaces without any inducer, and multiphase Raman analysis of both water‐ and lipid‐soluble drug model molecules is further achieved. Moreover, the GIAAN is further non‐covalently functionalized with polyoxyethylenestearyl ether (C18‐PEG) to acquire GIAAN@PEG with good water‐solubility for SERS quantitative analysis in homogeneous system and multimodal Raman imaging of MCF‐7 cells. We expect the versatile GIAAN holds great potential to monitor drug metabolism and guide intended drug delivery in clinic trials.
Influence of process variables on the drying kinetics and color properties of pear slices (Pyrus communis)
Authors: Domínguez‐Niño Alfredo , Salgado‐Sandoval Orlando , López‐Vidaña Erick C. , César‐Munguía Ana L. , Pilatowsky‐Figueroa Isaac , García‐Valladares Octavio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this work, the effect of drying conditions on pear slices' physicochemical properties was determined. The factors investigated were drying temperature, air velocity, and addition of ascorbic acid. An analysis of variance indicated that the factors affected (P ≤ .05) the response variables significantly. The lowest drying time resulted at 60°C, 3 m s−1, at 0%, and 1% of ascorbic acid concentration. At these drying conditions, the final moisture content in pear samples was 0.14 g H2O g d s−1. The water activity of the pear samples was in the range from 0.27 to 0.39. A low value of 6.36 of color difference was obtained at 50°C, 1 m s−1, and 0% of ascorbic acid. During the drying process, the lightness in pear samples increases as the air velocity and the drying temperature increases. The highest hue values (from 54.66° to 63.27°) resulted in dried pear samples without ascorbic acid; therefore, the dried pear slices tended to yellowness. Chroma results ranged from 19.51 to 21.41 and from 14.96 to 19.16 in pear slices with and without ascorbic acid. Therefore, the color of the pear slices resulted in grayish‐yellow. An increment in sugar content was observed from an initial value of 18°Brix to values from 37.5 to 48.7°Brix. This behavior is because the sugar core is concentrated in large amounts during the drying process as the residual water content decreases.