bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Osteoblast Autophagy based on PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway Study on the Effect of β-ecdysterone on Fracture Healing
Authors: Tang Yanghua , Mo Yafeng , Xin Dawei , Xiong Zhenfei , Zeng Linru , Luo Gan , Cao Yanguang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the effects of β-ecdysterone on fracture healing and the underlying mechanism.Methods: MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability. AO/PI and flow cytometry assays were used to determine the apoptotic rate. The expression level of RunX2, ATG7 and LC3 was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. X-ray and HE staining were conducted on the fractured femur. Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression level of Beclin-1 and immunofluorescence assay was used to measure the expression level of LC3 in the fractured femurs. Western blot was utilized to determine the expression level of PI3K, p-AKT1, AKT1, p-mTOR, mTOR, p-p70S6K, and p70S6K.Results: The ALP activity and the expression of RunX2 in fractured osteoblasts were significantly elevated, the apoptotic rate was suppressed by rapamycin, 60, and 80 μM β-ecdysterone. The state of autophagy both in fractured osteoblasts and femurs was facilitated by rapamycin and β-ecdysterone. Compared to control, Garrett score was significantly promoted in rapamycin and β-ecdysterone groups, accompanied by ameliorated pathological state. Lastly, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway both in fractured osteoblasts and femurs was inhibited by rapamycin and β-ecdysterone.Conclusion: β-ecdysterone might facilitate fracture healing by activating autophagy through suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway.
A GAN-based dimensionality reduction technique for aerodynamic shape optimization
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Wenzheng , Wu Qiuyu , Hu Liwei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aerodynamic shape optimization (ASO) based on computational fluid dynamics simulations is extremely computationally demanding because a search needs to be performed in a high-dimensional design space. One solution to this problem is to reduce the dimensionality of the design space for aircraft optimization. Hence, in this study, a dimensionality reduction technique is designed based on a generative adversarial network (GAN) to facilitate ASO. The novel GAN model is developed by combining the GAN with airfoil curve parameterization and can directly produce realistic and highly accurate airfoil curves from input data of aerodynamic shapes. In addition, the respective interpretable characteristic airfoil variables can be obtained by extracting latent codes with physical meaning, while reducing the dimensionality of the airfoil design space. The results of simulation experiments show that the proposed technique can significantly improve the optimization convergence rate of the ASO process.
3D Printed Templates Improve the Accuracy and Safety of Pedicle Screw Placement in the Treatment of Pediatric Congenital Scoliosis
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Haonan , Yao Ziming , Bai Yunsong , Guo Dong , Feng Lei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Three-dimensional (3-D) printed guidance templates are being increasingly used in spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine if 3D printed navigation templates can improve the accuracy of pedicle screw placement and decrease the complication rate compared to freehand screw placement in the treatment of children with congenital scoliosis. Methods: The records of pediatric patients with congenital scoliosis treated at our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into those where a 3D printed guidance templated was used and those in which the freehand method was used for pedicle screw placement. The accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, surgical outcomes, and complications were compared between groups.Results: A total of 67 children with congenital scoliosis were included (43 males and 24 females; mean age of 4.13 ± 2.66 years; range, 2-15 years). There were 34 children in the template-assisted group and 33 in the freehand group. The excellent accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement was significantly higher in the template-assisted group (96.10% vs. 88.64%, P = 0.007). The main Cobb angle and kyphosis angle were similar between the 2 groups preoperatively and postoperatively (all, P > 0.05), and in both groups both angles were significantly decreased after surgery as compared to the preoperative values (all, P < 0.001). The degree of change of the Cobb angle of the main curve and kyphosis angle were not significantly different between the 2 groups. There were no postoperative complications in the template group and 4 in the freehand group (0% vs. 12.12%; P = 0.009). All 4 patients with complications required revision surgery.
An Application of PRECIS-2 to Evaluate Trial Design in a Pilot Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial of a Community-based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Women Living in Disadvantaged Areas of Ireland
Authors: Darker Catherine , Loudon Kirsty , O'Connell Nicola , Castello Stefania , Burke Emma , Vance Joanne , Reynolds Caitriona , Buggy Aine , Dougall Nadine , Williams Pauline , Dobbie Fiona , Bauld Linda , Hayes Catherine B 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background “We Can Quit2” (WCQ2) was a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation assessing the feasibility and acceptability of ‘We Can Quit’ (WCQ), a peer-delivered community-based stop-smoking programme for women in disadvantaged communities. The control group comprised ‘enhanced usual care’ offered by the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE). The PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary (PRECIS-2) is a tool to assess whether a trial design is more explanatory (working under ideal conditions) or pragmatic (working under ‘real world’ conditions). The aim of this paper was to retrospectively evaluate the WCQ2 pilot trial using PRECIS-2 to inform the decision-making process on progression to a future definitive trial (DT).Methods The WCQ2 trial protocol and HSE standard stop-smoking service were described across the nine PRECIS-2 domains: Eligibility, Recruitment, Setting, Organisation, Flexibility-Delivery, Flexibility-Adherence, Follow-up, Primary Outcome. Team members scored the domains as pragmatic or explanatory for each arm in a half-day workshop. Results Seven team members (practitioners and researchers) assessed the overall trial design as more explanatory than pragmatic. Important differences emerged between the two arms. WCQ targeted adult women from disadvantaged communities whereas HSE run a limited enhanced service for all quitters. Recruitment to trial was challenging, intense efforts were needed as the trial proceeded. WCQ was delivered in a non-clinical community setting, HSE services in a clinical setting. WCQ organisation was co-designed with community partners and comprises peer-to-peer group support delivered by trained lay community facilitators, whereas HSE one-to-one support is delivered by Smoking Cessation Officers with a clinical background. Only WCQ allowed flexibility in delivery and adherence. Follow-up was more intensive in WCQ. Greater efforts to improve participant retention will be required in a future DT. Conclusions PRECIS-2 allowed the reflection of practitioners and researchers on similarities and differences between intervention and control arms. Results will inform the decision on progression to an effectiveness DT, which will require more a pragmatic and less explanatory design. This novel use of PRECIS-2 to retrospectively evaluate a complex community-based pilot trial in advance of a full DT will also support learning for those undertaking hybrid trials of implementation and effectiveness. Trial registration: This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry (No. 74721694), available at https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN74721694
Echinacoside Exhibits Antidepressant-like Effects Through AMPAR–Akt/ERK–mTOR Pathway Stimulation and BDNF Expression in Mice
Authors: Chuang Han-Wen , Wang Tse-Yen , Huang Chih-Chia , Wei I-Hua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Several natural products have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of depressive disorders. Echinacoside, a naturally occurring phenol extracted from Cistanche tubulosa, Echinacea angustifolia, and Cistanche spp, has a wide range of physiological effects, such as antioxidation, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulation, which are closely related to depression. In addition, echinacoside can activate protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. A key downstream event of the Akt, ERK, and BDNF signaling pathways, namely mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, plays a crucial role in generating an antidepressant effect. Thus, echinacoside is a promising therapeutic agent for depression. However, research regarding the role of echinacoside in brain mTOR activation and antidepressant effect remains lacking. Materials and methods: The forced swimming test in C57BL/6 mice was used to investigate the antidepressant-like activities of echinacoside and the underlying mechanism involved in glutamatergic signaling. Results: We confirmed the suggestions by previous reports that echinacoside activates Akt/ERK signaling and further demonstrated that echinacoside triggers mTOR signaling and α-amino3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor activation in the Akt/ERK signaling pathway downstream and upstream, respectively, and upregulates BDNF in the hippocampus of mice to exhibit antidepressant-like activities. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to reveal that echinacoside is a potential treatment for depressive disorders. Moreover, the present study suggests a mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of echinacoside.
COVID-19 Experiences Predicting High Anxiety and Depression Among a Sample of BRCA1/BRCA2-positive Women in the US
Authors: Dibble Kate E , Connor Avonne E 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose. During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast and ovarian cancer survivors experienced more anxiety and depression than before the pandemic. Studies have not investigated the similarities of this trend among BRCA1/2-positive women who are considered high risk for these cancers. The current study examines the impact of COVID-19 experiences on anxiety and depression in a sample of BRCA1/2-positive women in the U.S.Methods. 211 BRCA1/2-positive women from medically underserved backgrounds completed an online survey. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for associations between COVID-19 experiences and self-reported anxiety and depression stratified by demographic factors. Results. Overall, women who reported quarantining/isolation (aOR, 0.46, 95% CI, 0.24-0.88) experienced significantly fewer depressive symptoms than women who did not report this experience. Racial/ethnic minority women caring for someone at home during COVID-19 were 3.78 times more likely (95% CI, 1.04-13.6) to report high anxiety while non-Hispanic white women were less likely (aOR, 0.36, 95% CI, 0.10-1.33, p-interaction=0.011). Conclusions. To date, this is the first study to analyze anxiety and depression considering several COVID-19 predictors among BRCA1/2-positive women. Our findings can be used to inform future research and advise COVID-19-related mental health resources specific to these women.
Solvent Effect on the Efficiency of Triphenylamine-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, Molecular Approach
Authors: Pakravesh Faezeh , Izadyar Mohammad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this research, dynamics, and kinetics of some metal-free organic dyes based on triphenylamine having a D-π-A type structure were investigated in the gas phase and solvent (ethanol, dichloromethane, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, and dimethylformamide) using the quantum chemistry calculations. These structures consist of triphenylamine as the donor linked to the acceptor units of cyanoacrylic acid and benzoic acid via different π-conjugated systems. The obtained results show that TC601 dye having the ethynyl anthracene phenyl π-conjugated system has the preferred charge/hole transfer properties (ΔG inj/ ΔG reg ), which in ethanol as the solvent, the lowest values of ΔG inj and ΔG reg were evaluated. Molecular spectroscopic properties of the studied dyes reveal that H-P and F-P dyes have favorable molar absorption coefficients in all media. Also, the behaviors of the light-harvesting efficiency (LHE) and incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) as the functions of the wavelength were analyzed, which show that the presence of solvent increases the values of IPCE and LHE for most studied dyes in comparison with the gas phase. Finally, based on different analyses, TC601 as the dye and ethanol as the solvent are proposed as the preferred candidates to be applied in the DSSCs.
Novel Design of Amine and Metal Hydroxide Functional Group Modified Onto Sludge Biochar for Arsenic Removal
Authors: Chen Chih-Kuei , Nguyen Nhat-Thien , Le Thuy-Trang , Duong Cong-Chinh , Nguyen Cong-Nguyen , Truong Duc-Toan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Among the arsenic removal technologies, the adsorption method is found to be an efficient, inexpensive and simple method with obvious advantages and application value for arsenic removal in water. While, each method has its limitations, the traditional adsorption method used for arsenic removal due to its high operating cost and low adsorption efficiency. Consequently, this study explicitly designed sludge biochar (SB) adsorbed for arsenic removal with lower operation costs and higher adsorption efficiency properties. Generally, biochar only relies on micropores for pollutant adsorption, but physical adsorption is not highly efficient for arsenic removal. Therefore, in order to improve the removal efficiency of arsenic by SB, diethylenetriamine (DETA) and FeCl3 were used in this study to modify the surface of SB by an immersion method. The modified SB has not only pore adsorption characteristics but also electrostatic adsorption, oxidation-reduction and complexation characteristics. The objectives of this research are to obtain optimum operation conditions by assessing the effect of different Fe content, pH and initial concentration on adsorbing arsenic. The arsenic adsorption mechanism on SB was studied using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to understand the functional effect on arsenic adsorption. Results showed the presence of amine and iron oxyhydroxides functional greatly promoted SB surface activity and its arsenic adsorption potential. DFT model result is the same as the result of arsenic adsorption performance with the high adsorption energy. The reaction mechanism is divided into four pathways, including oxidation-reduction, complexation, electrostatic adsorption and pore adsorption.
Heparin-binding Proteins in Amniotic Fluid: Predicter for Histological Chorioamnionitis?
Authors: Wang Yixiao , Yu Xiang , Wu Chengqian , Li Ting , Jia Ruizhe , Ding Hongjuan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) is a serious threat to fetal health during pregnancy, which is not easily detected due to the lack of clinical symptoms, and there is still a lack of effective predictors and diagnostic indicators. Heparin-binding protein (HBP), an antimicrobial protein secreted by neutrophils, is highly valuable in predicting a variety of infectious diseases and is expected to be an effective predictor of histological chorioamnionitis.Methods: A total of 100 full-term healthy pregnant women delivered by cesarean section (control group) and 51 randomly enrolled pregnant women (pathology group) were included in this study. Amniotic fluid was extracted at delivery for HBP concentration, and postpartum placental pathology was performed in the pathology group to clarify the diagnosis of HCA. The predictive value of HBP in amniotic fluid for HCA was determined by establishing the reference interval for HBP in normal population and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for HBP concentration in the amniotic fluid of normal pregnant women was 0- 87.08 ng/ml, with a median of 6.41 ng/ml; HBP concentration in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women with HCA was significantly higher than that of controls (P < 0.001) and non-HCA pregnant women (P < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that when the cut-off value of HBP in amniotic fluid was 82.67 ng/ml, the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and area under the curve (AUC) were 84.20%, 96.90%, 94.12%, 91.18% and 0.86 (P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.715-1.000), respectively. Discussion: HBP in amniotic fluid is a potential, good predictor of HCA. We will further to explore its clinical application value.
Cutting force prediction considering force-deflection coupling in five-axis milling with fillet-end cutter
Authors: Duan Xianyin , Li Lantao , Chen Chen , Yu Sheng , Zhu Zerun , Peng Fangyu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
With the increasing demand for higher quality and performance of equipment and assembly in aerospace, shipbuilding, medical and other fields, the machining accuracy of parts is facing higher requirements. It is particularly important to predict the cutting force accurately, which is the main physical quantity in the machining process and basis of process inspection and quality control. In this paper, the cutting force model in five-axis milling with fillet-end cutter is proposed, which reveals the law of force-deflection coupling. Firstly, the initial cutter deflection model induced by the ideal cutting force ignoring the effect of deflection is built based on analysis of the geometric characteristics of fillet-end cutter. Then the undeformed chip thickness model is educed considering the cutter posture and cutter deflection. Further, the iterative method is utilized to resolve the coupling relationship between cutter deflection and cutting force. Finally, the cutting force model under force-deflection coupling is established for achieving more accurate prediction. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed cutting force model, the milling experiment is carried out on a five-axis milling center. The measured cutting force values are utilized to inspect the accuracy of prediction models considering and not considering force-deflection coupling respectively. The results show that the proposed method could improve the prediction accuracy of cutting force, which show the effectiveness of taking force-deflection coupling law into consideration clearly. The influence of cutter posture on cutting force is analyzed using the proposed cutting force model. The cutting force decreases with the increasing of lead angle or tilt angle, and the influence of tilt angle is greater than that of lead angle under experimental conditions of five-axis milling using the set process parameters.
T-type Calcium Channel Inhibitors Induce Apoptosis in Medulloblastoma Cells Associated With Altered Metabolic Activity
Authors: Sedeeq Mohammed , Maklad Ahmed , Feng Zikai , Wilson Richard , Gueven Nuri , Azimi Iman 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. In our previous studies, we developed a novel 3D assay for MB cells and screened of plasma membrane calcium channel modulators. These studies identified T-type (CaV3) channel inhibitors, mibefradil and NNC-55-0396 (NNC) as selective inhibitors of MB cell growth. Mibefradil was originally approved for treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris, and recently successfully completed a Phase I trial for recurrent high-grade glioma. NNC is an analogue of mibefradil with multiple advantages compared to mibefradil that makes it attractive for potential future clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to characterise the effect of mibefradil and NNC on MB cells and elucidate their mechanism of action. This study demonstrates that the induction of toxicity in MB cells is selective to T-type but not to L-type Ca2+ channel inhibitors. Addition of CaV3 inhibitors to vincristine sensitised MB cells to this MB chemotherapeutic agent, suggesting a synergistic effect. Furthermore, CaV3 inhibitors induced cell death in MB cells via apoptosis. Supported by proteomics data and cellular assays, apoptotic cell death was associated with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced ATP levels, which suggests that both compounds alter the metabolism of MB cells. This study offers new insights into the action of mibefradil and NNC and will pave the way to test these molecules or their analogues in pre-clinical MB models alone and in combination with vincristine to assess their suitability as a potential MB therapy.
Trajectories of Objectively Measured Physical Function Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors in Comparison With Cancer-Free Controls
Authors: Luo Juhua , Carter Stephen J. , Feliciano Elizabeth M Cespedes , Hendryx Michael 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE: Aging associated with progressive declines in physical function is well-known; however, little is known about the trajectories of physical function before and after breast cancer diagnosis. The current study examined the trajectories in objective measures of physical function over 20 years for women with breast cancer and matched controls. METHODS: 2712 community-dwelling women (452 breast cancer cases and 1:5 matched cancer-free controls) aged 65 years or older at baseline (1986-1988) within the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures were followed for 20 years. Objective physical function was assessed up to 9 times, including hand-grip strength, timed chair stand, gait speed and quadriceps strength. Linear mixed models were used to model physical function changes in terms of secular time trend, group (cases or controls), period (pre-and post-diagnosis status), and their interaction terms. RESULTS: We observed all measures of physical function declined over time. While no differences in trends between cases and controls during the pre-diagnosis period were observed, after cancer diagnosis, grip strength and gait speed declined significantly faster in cases than controls. Quadriceps strength significantly decreased ~7 pounds shortly after breast cancer diagnosis, and then improved over time. CONCLUSION: Our prospective study revealed that older breast cancer survivors had significantly worse declines in grip strength and gait speed and a sharp, short-term drop followed by gradual improvement over time in quadriceps strength, compared to women without cancer. These findings suggest exercise training targeting muscle strength and mobility would be beneficial among older breast cancer survivors.