bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological factors associated with tumour‐specific mutation detection in plasma of patients with RAS‐mutated or BRAF‐mutated metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Hamfjord Julian , Guren Tormod Kyrre , Glimelius Bengt , Sorbye Halfdan , Pfeiffer Per , Dajani Olav , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Tveit Kjell Magne , Pallisgaard Niels , Spindler Karen‐Lise Garm , Kure Elin H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDetection of tumour‐specific circulating cell‐free DNA in plasma (ctDNA) fails in a significant number of cases depending on the clinical context. The primary aim was to investigate clinicopathological factors associated with detection of ctDNA in patients with RAS‐/BRAF‐mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) prior to first‐line therapy. A secondary aim was to evaluate the prognostic impact of ctDNA compared to other biomarkers. Patients were included from the NORDIC‐VII study (N = 253). ctDNA was sampled prior to treatment and analysed for hotspot tissue mutations (KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF) using droplet digital PCR. Multivariable regression models were constructed to predict the probability of mutation detection and survival. Increasing radiological size of target lesions by increments of 1 cm (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09‐1.27; P < .001), intact primary tumour (OR = 3.17; 95% CI 1.22‐8.22; P = .018) and more than one metastatic site (OR = 3.08; 95% CI 1.32‐7.19; P = .009) were associated with mutation detection in plasma. Metastatic involvement of the lung was associated with non‐detection (OR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.12‐0.58; P = .001). Preanalytical and analytical factors modulated detection. High allele frequencies of ctDNA indicated poor prognosis independently of CEA and CA19‐9 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.38; 95% CI 1.74‐3.26; P < .001; N = 206). Clinicopathological characteristics should be carefully considered when evaluating ctDNA results from mCRC patients, especially when confronted with a plasma negative result. ctDNA may prove to be a clinically useful marker in the evaluation of mCRC treatment.
Application of a classifier combining bronchial transcriptomics and chest computed tomography features facilitates the diagnostic evaluation of lung cancer in smokers and nonsmokers
Authors: Xia Yang , Ying Songmin , Jin Rui , Wu Hao , Shen Ye , Yin Tong , Yan Fugui , Zhang Wei , Lan Fen , Zhang Bin , Zhu Chen , Li Chen , Li Wen , Shen Huahao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLung cancer screening by computed tomography (CT) reduces mortality but exhibited high false‐positive rates. We established a diagnostic classifier combining chest CT features with bronchial transcriptomics. Patients with CT‐detected suspected lung cancer were enrolled. The sample collected by bronchial brushing was used for RNA sequencing. The e1071 and pROC packages in R software was applied to build the model. Eventually, a total of 283 patients, including 183 with lung cancer and 100 with benign lesions, were included into final analysis. When incorporating transcriptomic data with radiological characteristics, the advanced model yielded 0.903 AUC with 81.1% NPV. Moreover, the classifier performed well regardless of lesion size, location, stage, histologic type or smoking status. Pathway analysis showed enhanced epithelial differentiation, tumor metastasis, and impaired immunity were predominant in smokers with cancer, whereas tumorigenesis played a central role in nonsmokers with cancer. Apoptosis and oxidative stress contributed critically in metastatic lung cancer; by contrast, immune dysfunction was pivotal in locally advanced lung cancer. Collectively, we devised a minimal‐to‐noninvasive, efficient diagnostic classifier for smokers and nonsmokers with lung cancer, which provides evidence for different mechanisms of cancer development and metastasis associated with smoking. A negative classifier result will help the physician make conservative diagnostic decisions.
Property modelling of lysozyme‐crosslinker‐alginate complexes using latent variable methods
Authors: Rahmani Vida , Elshereef Rand , Sheardown Heather 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStatistical methods were used to provide insight into a polymer complex system composed of lysozyme and alginate to quantify the effects of such parameters as pH, and ionic composition of the mixing solution on the properties of the complexes including composition, particle diameter, and zeta potential. Various crosslinkers (calcium, barium, iron[III], and bovine serum albumin), were used with lysozyme for complex formation to investigate the effect of crosslinker charge density on protein release kinetics, modelled using ktn. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the kinetic parameters associated with the release were, not surprisingly highly dependent on the ionic strength of the release media, with higher ionic strength leading to faster release. The release parameter k was also shown to depend on the protein properties (size, ionic strength) while n was slightly, but not statistically dependent on the charge density of the crosslinker demonstrating that the nature of the crosslinker had minimal impact on drug release. The multivariate statistical has the potential to be used for optimization of the complexes and prediction of physical properties and degradation rates.
Market sentiment and the choice of payment method in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Tsai Pei‐Su , Yen Tze‐Yu , Ho Chia‐Cheng , Tsai Pei‐Jung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe study contributes to the literature that pre‐merger market sentiment plays a significant role in the choice of payment method in M&As and further impacts the market reactions to such related deals around the deal announcement date. Stock is more likely to be overvalued and chosen as the medium of exchange when the market is in the bullish periods. The higher investor sentiment prior to the deals setting under the cash payment, the better abnormal stock returns of such deals around the deal announcement date. The two commonly used sentiment indexes, BWI and CSI, are both representative for the market sentiment in relation to the choice of M&A payment methods, but the investor sentiment index, BWI, is more powerful on explaining the relationship with market reactions.
Psychometric properties of a Recovery Empowerment Scale: Testing emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational domains
Authors: Peterson N. Andrew , Lardier David T. , Powell Kristen G. , Mankopf Emilie , Rashid Mariam , Morton Cory M. , Borys Suzanne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPsychological empowerment (PE) is a multidimensional construct comprised of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational domains. Although context‐specific measures of PE exist, no study to date has introduced and tested a measure of the construct that captures all four domains for both women and men in recovery from substance misuse. Furthermore, research has largely neglected the relational dimension, particularly in studies involving people in recovery. In this study, we tested a measure of PE among a diverse sample (n = 200) of people in recovery who participated in a program designed to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder in the northeastern United States. Factor analysis results supported the hypothesized four‐factor structure of the scale, and dimensions of PE were found to be associated in expected ways with measures of quality of life, self‐reported health, and depression. Implications of the study are described and directions for future research discussed.
Preserved thenar muscles in non‐ambulant Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Naarding Karin J. , Keene Kevin R. , Sardjoe Mishre Aashley S.D. , Veeger Thom T.J. , van de Velde Nienke M. , Prins Arina J. , Burakiewicz Jedrzej , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. , van der Holst Menno , Niks Erik H. , Kan Hermien E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) focus primarily on ambulant patients. Results cannot be extrapolated to later disease stages due to a decline in targeted muscle tissue. In non‐ambulant DMD patients, hand function is relatively preserved and crucial for daily‐life activities. We used quantitative MRI (qMRI) to establish whether the thenar muscles could be valuable to monitor treatment effects in non‐ambulant DMD patients.MethodsSeventeen non‐ambulant DMD patients (range 10.2–24.1 years) and 13 healthy controls (range 9.5–25.4 years) underwent qMRI of the right hand at 3 T at baseline. Thenar fat fraction (FF), total volume (TV), and contractile volume (CV) were determined using 4‐point Dixon, and T2water was determined using multiecho spin‐echo. Clinical assessments at baseline (n = 17) and 12 months (n = 13) included pinch strength (kg), performance of the upper limb (PUL) 2.0, DMD upper limb patient reported outcome measure (PROM), and playing a video game for 10 min using a game controller. Group differences and correlations were assessed with non‐parametric tests.ResultsTotal volume was lower in patients compared with healthy controls (6.9 cm3, 5.3–9.0 cm3 vs. 13.0 cm3, 7.6–15.8 cm3, P = 0.010). CV was also lower in patients (6.3 cm3, 4.6–8.3 cm3 vs. 11.9 cm3, 6.9–14.6 cm3, P = 0.010). FF was slightly elevated (9.7%, 7.3–11.4% vs. 7.7%, 6.6–8.4%, P = 0.043), while T2water was higher (31.5 ms, 30.0–32.6 ms vs. 28.1 ms, 27.8–29.4 ms, P < 0.001). Pinch strength and PUL decreased over 12 months (2.857 kg, 2.137–4.010 to 2.243 kg, 1.930–3.339 kg, and 29 points, 20–36 to 23 points, 17–30, both P < 0.001), while PROM did not (49 points, 36–57 to 44 points, 30–54, P = 0.041). All patients were able to play for 10 min at baseline or follow‐up, but some did not comply with the study procedures regarding this endpoint. Pinch strength correlated with TV and CV in patients (rho = 0.72 and rho = 0.68) and controls (both rho = 0.89). PUL correlated with TV, CV, and T2water (rho = 0.57, rho = 0.51, and rho = −0.59).ConclusionsLow thenar FF, increased T2water, correlation of muscle size with strength and function, and the decrease in strength and function over 1 year indicate that the thenar muscles are a valuable and quantifiable target for therapy in later stages of DMD. Further studies are needed to relate these data to the loss of a clinically meaningful milestone.
Continuous flow reactors for cultivating aerobic granular sludge: configuration innovation, principle and research prospect
Authors: Yan Jin‐Lei , Cui You‐Wei , Huang Ji‐Lin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEfficient start‐up, cultivation and maintenance of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in continuous flow reactors (CFRs) is critical for its full‐scale application in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The successful implementation of AGS under continuous flow condition depends on the configuration of CFR that provides the selective pressures and hydraulic shear force (HSF) to sludge required for rapid granulation. Important progress has been witnessed with respect to CFR configurations in recent decades for in‐situ granulation of aerobic sludge. This review summarized the difficulties of granulation during continuous flow, as well as the reactor configuration, granulation mechanism and the AGS characteristics, along with the future research prospects. It is of significance to promote the innovation of continuous flow configuration in order to realize the AGS application in mainstream WWTPs in the future. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Stability evaluation of interdigitated liposomes prepared with a combination of 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine and 1,2‐dilauroyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine
Authors: Adrar Nabil , Bahadori Fatemeh , Ceylan Fatma D , Topçu Gülaçtı , Bedjou Fatiha , Capanoglu Esra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn order to obtain small and homogenous liposomes encapsulating gallic acid (GA) with interdigitated leaflets, a combination of phosphatidylcholine (PC) of medium length sn‐1 and sn‐2 acyl chains with PC of longer acyl chains at both sn1 and sn2 positions were employed. Four formulations respectively consisting of 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DSPC); DSPC/1,2‐dilauroyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DSPC/DLPC) (1:1, mol mol−1); DSPC/DLPC (3:1, mol mol−1) and Lipoid S75, were prepared. For each formulation, the stability of liposomes during storage was investigated.RESULTSThe initial size of liposomes ranged from 36.61 ± 0.61 to 125.43 ± 2.15 nm and their polydispersity index (PDI) from 0.14 ± 0.01 to 0.28 ± 0.01. The formulations combining DSPC and DLPC resulted in very stable liposomes physically, during up to 84 days of storage with no significant change in both size and PDI except a slight increase in the size at the 42nd day. The molecular state of the bilayers and their thermal behavior as given by FTIR and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results supported the hypothesis of an interdigitated state of the liposomes formed by DSPC/DLPC combination at a molar ratio of 3:1 .CONCLUSIONInterdigitated liposomes composed of two symmetric phospholipids (DSPC and DLPC) were obtained for the first time and exhibited a good stability during storage in solution. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Stem cell culture media enriched with plant‐derived compounds: Cell proliferation enhancement
Authors: Ornelas‐González Alonso , Chairez‐Cantu Karolina , Ortiz‐Martínez Margarita , González‐González Mirna , Rito‐Palomares Marco 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStem cells are characterized by their self‐renewal and differentiation potential, emerging as a promising strategy for developing cell therapies to treat degenerative diseases. Stem cell culture under in vitro conditions involves the addition of growth factors to the media to stimulate their proliferation. However, most of these growth factors are of animal origin, hindering the implementation of the cultured cells into the clinic. Therefore, the replacement of animal‐derived growth factors for plant‐derived compounds has been proposed to accomplish the guidelines of good manufacturing practices. Plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds implicated in mainly anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Thus, for many years they have been used to prevent and treat many human diseases. Regarding stem cell culture, plant‐derived compounds act as regulators of signaling pathways involved in proliferation; therefore, their use as supplements in culture media represents a lower cost alternative with greater reproducibility to potentialize cell proliferation under in vitro conditions. Hence, this review aims to discuss plant‐derivative effects on the proliferation of stem cells with special interest in three main mechanisms of actions: (i) growth factors and their proliferation signaling effect, (ii) mitogens and their cell‐cycle regulation effect, and (iii) survival factors and their anti‐apoptotic effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Clinical characteristics and elevated ProGRP and positive oligoclonal bands of 13 Chinese cases with anti‐GABABR encephalitis
Authors: Wu Huaikuan , Wang Yuliang , Wei Kunkun , Qiao Shan , Liu Lingling , Zhang Ranran , Cao Lili , Wang Shengjun , Liu Xuewu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo improve the clinical understanding of anti‐gamma‐aminobutyric‐acid B receptor encephalitis (anti‐GABABR encephalitis) by analyzing 13 cases.MethodsWe retrospectively studied demographic and clinical features including clinical symptoms, serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) laboratory findings (including antibody test), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), treatment plan, and treatment effect for 13 patients with a definitive diagnosis of anti‐GABABR encephalitis.ResultsSeven patients (53.8%, 7/13) were complicated with lung cancer. Epileptic seizures were the most common symptoms at onset in 11 patients (84.6%, 11/13). All patients had seizures in the course of the disease. Abnormalities in craniocerebral MRI examination, including hippocampus, occipital lobe, insular lobe, were found in six of nine tested patients, and EEG abnormalities were found in seven out of nine tested patients. Elevated pro‐gastrin releasing peptide (ProGRP) levels were found in 70% of patients with a median value of 490.10 pg/ml; and CSF oligoclonal bands were positive for 4 of 10 tested cases. However, there were no significant differences in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between the ProGRP or CSF oligoclonal band positive and negative groups at admission and follow‐up (p > .05). The value between SCLC and non‐SCLC subgroup was significantly different (p < .05). Ten patients received immunotherapy (three patients refused treatment). After immunotherapy, the frequency of seizures was significantly reduced. There was a significant difference in mRS between admission and after treatment (p < .05). The average survival time after onset was 27.7 months.ConclusionsEpilepsy is the most common clinical manifestation of Anti‐GABABR encephalitis. The prognosis of anti‐GABABR encephalitis is poor. Section of anti‐GABABR encephalitis patients have higher level of serum ProGRP and positive GSF oligoclonal bands. Elevated ProGRP or positive CSF oligoclonal bands with classic clinical features can potentially help to improve early recognition of anti‐GABABR encephalitis.
What is the minimum adequate busulfan dose for patients with sickle cell disease undergoing reduced intensity conditioning with fludarabine, busulfan, and anti‐thymocyte globulin?
Authors: AlJohani Naif I. , Toor Amir Ahmed 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFludarabine busulfan anti‐thymocyte globulin is a common conditioning chemotherapy with reduced toxicity used for transplantation in sickle cell disease (SCD). The dose of busulfan used in this protocol is variable across studies and centers. The minimum dose that maintains long‐term donor chimerism is not well established. We hypothesized that a lower, less‐toxic dose could be used to maintain adequate long‐lasting chimeras, which might allow for the inclusion of older or comorbid patients with this disease. In our retrospective study of 11 patients, 8–9.6 mg/kg was adequate to maintain chimerism in six patients. A 6 mg/kg dose resulted in transplant rejection in two patients. This suggests that 0.8 mg/kg IV busulfan every 6 h for 8–12 doses (total 8–9.6 mg/kg) is the minimum adequate busulfan dose required to maintain long‐lasting chimeras, facilitating the successful withdrawal of immunosuppression in SCD patients who receive this protocol.
Extending end‐of‐summer‐snowlines for the Southern Alps glaciers of New Zealand back to 1949
Authors: Salinger Michael James , Fitzharris Brian Blair , Chinn Trevor 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNew Zealand has a more than four‐decade long (1977–2019) continuous record of measurements of the altitude of end‐of‐summer‐snowlines (EOSS). These are obtained from oblique aerial photography during annual flights over the Southern Alps for a set of 50 ‘index glaciers’ (EOSSALPS). Average EOSSALPS is 1842 m for the 1977–2016 period. Estimates for EOSSALPS are extended from 1977 back to 1949 by using observations from New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman (EOSSTAS). When EOSSTAS are not available, significant regression relationships are established with air temperature, regional climate indices and hemispheric scale climate teleconnections. This analysis involves glacier year values of annual mean Hokitika temperature, the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the El Niño/Southern Oscillation Index (ENSO) and the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). Results show that over the seven decades there have been significant increases in EOSSALPS, and anthropogenic temperature increases play a significant role as found for Hokitika temperature. From 1949 to 1955 EOSSALPS varied little, but then rose to 1980. Thereafter, until 2010, annual EOSSALPS stayed about the same level with small fluctuations. However, from 2010 to 2019 it rose by a further 200 m above normal. The overall increase in EOSSALPS since 1949 is most significant, averaging +42 m per decade, or a total of 300 m. The length of the two monitored fast flowing Franz Josef and Fox glaciers over the same time are mimicked well by EOSSALPS with a four‐year lag.
Possible connection between declining Barents Sea ice and interdecadal increasing northeast China precipitation in May
Authors: Li Xingxing , Sun Jianqi , Zhang Mengqi , Zhang Ying , Ma Jiehua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNortheast China is a major agricultural production base in East Asia, and spring is the agricultural ploughing season throughout the region. The precipitation in spring is therefore significant to agricultural activity and production in the region. In this study, the interdecadal variation in spring precipitation across northeast China is investigated. In the past four decades, there has been a significant increase in spring precipitation in northeast China, and the increase in May precipitation made a dominant contribution to that increase. Further analysis indicates that the increase in May precipitation is concurrent with the decline in Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) over the Barents Sea; both variables show an interdecadal shift around the early 2000s. Physical analysis based on observations and numerical simulations demonstrates that a decline in the Barents Sea SIC could excite a Rossby wave train propagating southeastward across the Mongolia‐Baikal region and reaching northeast China, thereby inducing a zonal anticyclone–cyclone–anticyclone teleconnection pattern over mid‐ to high‐latitude Eurasia. Under the influence of such a teleconnection pattern, significant southerlies prevail over northeast China, bringing warm and wet air to the region; in addition, the local atmospheric instability and upward motion are also increased. The changes in the moisture and dynamic conditions favour the increase in May precipitation over northeast China. Furthermore, SIC anomalies in the Barents Sea persist from late winter to spring; therefore, the SIC signal could provide signals for predictions of the interdecadal changes in May precipitation over northeast China.