bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Theory To Extend the Scope of Azobenzene Drugs in Chemotherapy: Novel Combinations for a Specific Delivery
Authors: Cerón‐Carrasco José P. , Jacquemin Denis 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGut microorganisms metabolize azobenzene compounds (Ph1−N=N−Ph2) into free aniline products (Ph1−NH2+H2N−Ph2), a process that has been largely investigated to reduce dyes residues in the textile industry. However, the action of bacterial core enzymes such as azoreductases (AzoR) might also help to deliver prodrugs that become active when they reach the colonic region, a mechanism with potential applications for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. So far, three azo‐bonded prodrugs of 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA), for example, sulfasalazine, olsalazine and balsalazide, have been used for colon‐targeted delivery. The present contribution describes the first rational design of a novel azobenzene prodrug thanks to a computational approach, with a focus on linking 5‐ASA to another approved anti‐inflammatory drug. The resulting prodrugs were assessed for their degradation upon AzoR action. Replacing the original carriers by irsogladine is found to improve action.
Do all patients with cancer experience fatigue? A longitudinal study of fatigue trajectories in women with breast cancer
Authors: Bower Julienne E. , Ganz Patricia A. , Irwin Michael R. , Cole Steve W. , Garet Deborah , Petersen Laura , Asher Arash , Hurvitz Sara A. , Crespi Catherine M. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundFatigue is a common and expected side effect of cancer treatment. However, the majority of studies to date have focused on average levels of fatigue, which may obscure important individual differences in the severity and course of fatigue over time. The current study was designed to identify distinct trajectories of fatigue from diagnosis into survivorship in a longitudinal study of women with early‐stage breast cancer.MethodsWomen with stage 0 to stage IIIA breast cancer (270 women) were recruited before (neo)adjuvant therapy with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or endocrine therapy and completed assessments at baseline; posttreatment; and at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months of follow‐up. Growth mixture modeling was used to identify trajectories of fatigue, and differences among the trajectory groups with regard to demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables were examined.ResultsFive distinct trajectories of fatigue were identified: Stable Low (66%), with low levels of fatigue across assessments; Stable High (13%), with high fatigue across assessments; Decreasing (4%), with high fatigue at baseline that resolved over time; Increasing (9%), with low fatigue at baseline that increased over time; and Reactive (8%), with increased fatigue after treatment that resolved over time. Both psychological and treatment‐related factors were found to be associated with fatigue trajectories, with psychological factors most strongly linked to high fatigue at the beginning of and over the course of treatment.ConclusionsThere is considerable variability in the experience of fatigue among women with early‐stage breast cancer. Although the majority of women report relatively low fatigue, those with a history of depression and elevated psychological distress may be at risk of more severe and persistent fatigue.
Bankruptcy among insured surgical patients with breast cancer: Who is at risk?
Authors: Obeng‐Gyasi Samilia , Timsina Lava R. , Bhattacharyya Oindrila , Fisher Carla S. , Haggstrom David A. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe rising cost of cancer treatment has been linked to higher bankruptcy rates and worse mortality among patients with cancer. The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of insured patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery and filed for bankruptcy.MethodsInsured patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery were identified in the Indiana State Cancer Registry (ISCR) from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014. Patients who filed for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy in the Public Access to Courts Electronic Records (PACER) database were linked to patients in the ISCR. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: no bankruptcy (NB) and bankruptcy after diagnosis (BAD). Bivariate analysis and a logistic regression model were used to identify patients who were at increased risk of filing for bankruptcy after their diagnosis.ResultsOf 23,012 patients, 207 (0.9%) filed for bankruptcy after diagnosis and 22,805 (99.1%) did not file for bankruptcy. The patients who filed for bankruptcy after diagnosis were younger (BAD vs NB: median age, 53 years [interquartile range (IQR), 46‐61 years] vs 62 years [IQR, 52‐71 years], non‐White (BAD vs NB, 20.5% vs 8.5%), and lived in lower income neighborhoods (BAD vs NB: median annual income, $50,869 [IQR, $41,051‐$61,150] vs $52,522 [IQR, $41,356‐$64,915]). On multivariable analysis, younger age (aged ≤40 years: odds ratio [OR], 5.41; 95% CI, 2.8‐12.31; aged 41‐64 years: OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.33‐5.12; aged ≥65 years, reference category) and non‐White race (non‐White: OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.54‐3.83; White, reference category) were associated with filing for bankruptcy after diagnosisConclusionsYounger age and non‐White race are associated with an increased risk of filing for bankruptcy after diagnosis among insured patients who undergo surgery for breast cancer. Additional steps should be taken to screen and address the financial vulnerability of these patients at treatment initiation.
Coagulation‐Fragmentation Equations with Multiplicative Coagulation Kernel and Constant Fragmentation Kernel
Authors: Tran Hung V. , Van Truong‐Son 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe study a critical case of coagulation‐fragmentation equations with multiplicative coagulation kernel and constant fragmentation kernel. Our method is based on the study of viscosity solutions to a new singular Hamilton‐Jacobi equation, which results from applying the Bernstein transform to the original coagulation‐fragmentation equation. Our results include well‐posedness, regularity, and long‐time behaviors of viscosity solutions to the Hamilton‐Jacobi equation in certain regimes, which have implications to well‐posedness and long‐time behaviors of mass‐conserving solutions to the coagulation‐fragmentation equation. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Generating Mice with Diverse Microbial Experience
Authors: Pierson Mark , Merley Anne , Hamilton Sara E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLaboratory strains of mice are typically housed in specific pathogen–free facilities to minimize exposure to microbes. This method encourages uniformity in responses to experimentally induced parameters and reduces loss of animals, allowing for the survival and study of immunodeficient mice. However, the restrictions also limit physiologic relevance to humans, who are exposed to numerous microbes from birth. Recent evidence from several groups has demonstrated that exposure of laboratory mice to commensal and pathogenic microbes normally found in wild or pet store mice can dramatically impact the cellular makeup and function of the immune system. This article outlines procedures for exposing laboratory strains of mice to the diverse array of microbes typically found in pet store mice. Suggested methods for characterization of the immune system following this exposure are also described. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.Basic Protocol 1: Cohousing laboratory strains of mice with pet store miceSupport Protocol: Antibody staining of circulating immune cells and analysis by flow cytometryBasic Protocol 2: Exposure of laboratory strains of mice to fomite bedding
Disclosure of preclinical Alzheimer's disease biomarker results in research and clinical settings: Why, how, and what we still need to know
Authors: Erickson Claire M. , Chin Nathaniel A. , Johnson Sterling C. , Gleason Carey E. , Clark Lindsay R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDisclosure of personal disease‐related information to asymptomatic adults has been debated over the last century in medicine and research. Recently, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been conceptualized as a continuum that begins with a “preclinical” stage in which biomarkers are present in the absence of cognitive impairment. Studies have begun assessing the safety, psychological, and behavioral effects of disclosing both AD‐related genetic and biomarker information to cognitively unimpaired older adults. Yet, debate continues over the appropriate circumstances and methods for returning such information. This article outlines concerns with and rationale for AD biomarker disclosure and summarizes findings from prior studies. Overall, this article aims to describe and respond to key questions concerning disclosure of amyloid positron emission tomography scan results to asymptomatic adults in a research setting. Moving forward, such conditions are important to consider as interventions target the preclinical phase of AD and normalize disclosing biomarker information to cognitively unimpaired persons.
Body weight changes and longitudinal associations with cognitive decline among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Eymundsdottir Hrafnhildur , Ramel Alfons , Geirsdottir Olof G. , Skuladottir Sigrun S. , Gudmundsson Larus S. , Jonsson Palmi V. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Launer Lenore , Jonsdottir Maria K. , Chang Milan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionWe aim to investigate the longitudinal associations between changes in body weight (BW) and declines in cognitive function and risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia among cognitively normal individuals 65 years or older.MethodsData from the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility‐Reykjavik Study (AGES‐Reykjavik Study) including 2620 participants, were examined using multiple logistic regression models. Cognitive function included speed of processing (SP), executive function (EF), and memory function (MF). Changes in BW were classified as; weight loss (WL), weight gain (WG), and stable weight (SW).ResultsMean follow‐up time was 5.2 years and 61.3% were stable weight. Participants who experienced WL (13.4%) were significantly more likely to have declines in MF and SP compared to the SW group. Weight changes were not associated with EF. WL was associated with a higher risk of MCI, while WG (25.3%) was associated with a higher dementia risk, when compared to SW.DiscussionSignificant BW changes in older adulthood may indicate impending changes in cognitive function.
Changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity on 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy after MitraClip therapy
Authors: Fukuda Keisuke , Hasegawa Seiji , Kawamura Tomonori , Waratani Naoto , Hirata Kumiko , Higashimori Akihiro , Yokoi Yoshiaki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsIn patients with heart failure, over‐activation of the cardiac sympathetic nerve (CSN) function is associated with severity of heart failure and worse outcome. The effects of MitraClip therapy on the CSN activity in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) remained unknown. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the MitraClip therapy on CSN activity assessed by 123I‐metaiodobezylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy.Methods and resultsWe enrolled consecutive patients with moderate‐to‐severe (3+) or severe (4+) MR who were scheduled to undergo MitraClip procedure in this prospective observational study. MIBG scintigraphy was performed at baseline and 6 months after the MitraClip procedure to evaluate the heart–mediastinum ratio and washout rate (WR). Changes in these MIBG parameters were analysed. Of the 13 consecutive patients, 10 were successfully treated with MitraClip procedure and completed follow‐up assessment. With regard to the MIBG parameters, changes in the early and delayed heart–mediastinum ratio from baseline to 6 months were not significant (2.16 ± 0.42 to 2.06 ± 0.34, P = 0.38 and 1.87 ± 0.39 to 1.83 ± 0.39, P = 0.43, respectively), whereas WR was significantly decreased (38.6 ± 3.9% to 32.6 ± 3.94%, P = 0.002).ConclusionsThe CSN activity of the WR on MIBG imaging was improved 6 months after MitraClip therapy in patients with 3+ or 4+ MR.
Serum potassium and outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a post‐hoc analysis of the PARAGON‐HF trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Claggett Brian L. , Liu Jiankang , Desai Akshay S. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Anand Inder S. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Kober Lars , Cleland John G.F. , Rouleau Jean L. , Packer Milton , Zile Michael R. , Shi Victor C. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Vardeny Orly , Zannad Faiez , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsThe relationship between serum potassium concentration and outcomes in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not well‐established. The aim of this study was to explore the association between serum potassium and clinical outcomes in the PARAGON‐HF trial in which 4822 patients with HFpEF were randomised to treatment with sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan.Methods and resultsThe relationship between serum potassium concentrations and the primary study composite outcome of total (first and recurrent) heart failure hospitalisations and cardiovascular death was analysed. Hypo‐, normo‐, and hyperkalaemia were defined as serum potassium <4 mmol/L, 4–5 mmol/L and >5 mmol/L, respectively. Both screening and time‐updated potassium (categorical and continuous spline‐transformed) were studied. Patient mean age was 73 years and 52% were women. Patients with higher baseline potassium more often had an ischaemic aetiology and diabetes and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment. Compared with normokalaemia, both time‐updated (but not screening) hypo‐ and hyperkalaemia were associated with a higher risk of the primary outcome [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for hypokalaemia 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–1.85; P < 0.001, and for hyperkalaemia HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02–1.44; P = 0.025]. Hypokalaemia had a stronger association with a higher risk of all‐cause, cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular death than hyperkalaemia. The association of hypokalaemia with increased risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular death was most marked in participants with impaired kidney function (interaction P < 0.05). Serum potassium did not significantly differ between sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan throughout the follow‐up.ConclusionsBoth hypo‐ and hyperkalaemia were associated with heart failure hospitalisation but only hypokalaemia was associated with mortality, especially in the context of renal impairment. Hypokalaemia was as strongly associated with death from non‐cardiovascular causes as with cardiovascular death. Collectively, these findings suggest that potassium disturbances are a more of a marker of HFpEF severity rather than a direct cause of death.
Experimental study on the effects of bi‐directional loading pattern on rectangular reinforced concrete walls
Authors: Niroomandi Arsalan , Pampanin Stefano , Dhakal Rajesh P. , Ashtiani Mohammad Soleymani , Nokes Roger 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this experimental study, three identical reinforced concrete (RC) walls were tested under three different lateral loading patterns. These loading patterns were cyclic in‐plane, skewed with 45° angle and clover leaf. The main objective was to investigate the effects of these bi‐directional loading patterns on the seismic behavior of slender rectangular RC walls. The results showed significant increase in tensile and compressive strains in concrete and longitudinal bars that led to earlier cover concrete spalling and bar buckling in the specimens subjected to bi‐directional loading. The neutral axis depth and compression zone were found to be substantially larger when subjected to bi‐directional loading and this led to the occurrence of concrete crushing and bar buckling in the web. Moreover, lateral instability failure triggered earlier in the specimens under bi‐directional loading, as a result of reduction of out‐of‐plane stiffness of the wall. However, bi‐directional loading did not significantly increase out‐of‐plane buckling of the wall in terms of out‐of‐plane displacement. In‐plane and out‐of‐plane shear cracks formed in one of the specimens subjected to bi‐directional loading, whereas the same wall under in‐plane loading developed only flexural cracks. It was also found that in‐plane shear deformation was larger when the wall was subjected to bi‐directional loading. The results of this experimental study emphasize the need for further investigation of the effects of bi‐directional loading on RC structural walls.
Highly accurate special quadrature methods for Stokesian particle suspensions in confined geometries
Authors: Bagge Joar , Tornberg Anna‐Karin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBoundary integral methods are highly suited for problems with complicated geometries, but require special quadrature methods to accurately compute the singular and nearly singular layer potentials that appear in them. This article presents a boundary integral method that can be used to study the motion of rigid particles in three‐dimensional periodic Stokes flow with confining walls. A centerpiece of our method is the highly accurate special quadrature method, which is based on a combination of upsampled quadrature and quadrature by expansion, accelerated using a precomputation scheme. The method is demonstrated for rodlike and spheroidal particles, with the confining geometry given by a pipe or a pair of flat walls. A parameter selection strategy for the special quadrature method is presented and tested. Periodic interactions are computed using the spectral Ewald fast summation method, which allows our method to run in time for n grid points in the primary cell, assuming the number of geometrical objects grows while the grid point concentration is kept fixed.
Production and characterization of soft Sardaigne‐type cheese by using almond gum as a functional additive
Authors: Ghamgui Hanen , Bouaziz Fatma , Frikha Fakher , Châari Fatma , Ellouze‐Chaâbouni Semia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe effect of almond gum (AG), as natural polysaccharide with high nutritional value and important functional properties, on physicochemical and textural characteristics of Sardaigne‐type cheese was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) using Box–Behnken design was applied to determine optimal levels of three selected processing variables such as coagulation temperature (25–45°C), stirring period (20–30 min), and AG concentration (0.25%–0.75%). A 3‐level factorial design was employed to evaluate physicochemical and rheological responses of Sardaigne‐type cheese with AG added. The P‐values of ANOVA indicated that the processing variables selected have significantly affected dry matter content (p = .002), cheese yield (p = .0172), syneresis level (p = .0135), hardness (p = .0103), and adhesiveness (p = .0410). However, pH, cohesiveness, and elasticity are not affected by the selected processing variables. Predictive regression equations with a high coefficient of (R2 ≥ .686) determination are constructed. The addition of AG owing to its water retention property has improved yield cheese as well moisture level. Therefore, this additional moisture in Sardaigne‐type cheese will be responsible for softer and smoother textural. Indeed, fivefold drop of adhesiveness and fourfold reduction of hardness are observed in cheese formulated with AG at 0.75% and in same temperature and stirring period conditions that commercial cheese. RSM analysis showed that optimum levels of processing variables are reached at AG concentration of 0.57% (w/v), coagulation temperature of 42.57°C, and stirring period of 20 min. Results of sensory properties showed that AG incorporation in Sardaigne‐type cheese does not have an adverse impact on organoleptically characteristics and overall acceptability of product was better than commercial cheese.
Single‐cell sequencing in translational cancer research and challenges to meet clinical diagnostic needs
Authors: Pfisterer Ulrich , Bräunig Julia , Brattås Per , Heidenblad Markus , Karlsson Göran , Fioretos Thoas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ability to capture alterations in the genome or transcriptome by next‐generation sequencing has provided critical insight into molecular changes and programs underlying cancer biology. With the rapid technological development in single‐cell sequencing, it has become possible to study individual cells at the transcriptional, genetic, epigenetic, and protein level. Using single‐cell analysis, an increased resolution of fundamental processes underlying cancer development is obtained, providing comprehensive insights otherwise lost by sequencing of entire (bulk) samples, in which molecular signatures of individual cells are averaged across the entire cell population. Here, we provide a concise overview on the application of single‐cell analysis of different modalities within cancer research by highlighting key articles of their respective fields. We furthermore examine the potential of existing technologies to meet clinical diagnostic needs and discuss current challenges associated with this translation.
Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene human settlement and environmental dynamics in the southern Atacama Desert highlands (24.0°S–24.5°S, Northern Chile)
Authors: de Souza Patricio , Cartajena Isabel , Riquelme Rodrigo , Maldonado Antonio , de Porras María E. , Santander Boris , Núñez Lautaro , Díaz Laura 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe earliest known population of the Atacama Desert coincided with the Central Andean Pluvial Event II (CAPE II), an extensive pluvial event recorded during the Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene (13,800–8,500 cal years BP). A large number of archaeological sites from this period have been found along the borders of the Imilac and Punta Negra (24.5°S) high‐altitude basins (ca. 3,000 masl). By combining the results of proxy data obtained from geomorphological, sedimentological, and paleoecological (rodent middens) archives and the spatial location of archaeological sites and radiocarbon series analyses, this paper examines the links between human activities and paleoenvironmental dynamics at different times during CAPE II in the southern Atacama Desert. This is done at a finer spatial and temporal scale than previous studies. The first archaeological sites (ca. 12,000–11,200 cal years BP) are concomitant with increased paleowetland occurrence frequency. An occupational hiatus is recorded between 11,200 and 10,800 cal years BP, synchronous with a drop in precipitation and wetland development. This is followed by a displacement of the archaeological sites toward the south‐east of the Punta Negra Basin and concomitant again with a second peak of wetland development in the area (10,800–10,400 cal years BP) before the final abandonment of the salt flat margins.