bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methylation of three genes encoded by X chromosome in blood leukocytes and colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Tian Tian , Bi Haoran , Zhang Ding , Liu Yupeng , Sun Hongru , Jia Chenyang , Zheng Ting , Huang Hao , Fu Jinming , Zhu Lin , Zhao Yashuang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractX chromosome change has been proved to be associated with carcinogenesis and related to gender differences in cancer risk. If aberrant methylation of genes encoded by X chromosome involve in the risk and prognosis of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), remain unclear. We conducted a case–control study consisted of 432 CRC cases and 434 controls, detecting the methylation levels of FAM156B, PIH1D3, and PPP1R3F in the X chromosome in blood leukocytes using methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting (MS‐HRM). We analyzed the relationship between the methylation levels and CRC susceptibility and then explored the interactions with environmental factors on CRC risk with logistics regression. Moreover, we conducted a follow‐up study containing 225 CRC patients to explore the associations between the methylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 and CRC prognosis. The hypermethylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 was related to increased CRC risk (ORPS‐adj = 2.932, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.029–4.237; ORPS‐adj = 1.602, 95% CI: 1.078–2.382; ORPS‐adj = 1.628, 95% CI: 1.065–2.490, respectively). In the multiple CpG site methylation (MCSM) analysis, compared with non‐MCSM, a significant relationship between MCSM and increased CRC risk was found (ORPS‐adj = 2.202, 95% CI: 1.512–3.208). We observed synergistic interaction between PPP1R3F hypermethylation and fried food consumption on CRC risk (ORi = 2.682, 95% CI: 1.321–5.446). However, there were no associations between the methylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 and CRC prognosis (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the methylation of FAM156B, PPP1R3F, and PIH1D3 genes in blood leukocytes is significantly related to CRC risk and may be potential biomarkers for CRC risk but not prognosis.
Current progress in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Marei Hany E. , Althani Asmaa , Afifi Nahla , Hasan Anwarul , Caceci Thomas , Pozzoli Giacomo , Cenciarelli Carlo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest brain tumors with an unfavorable prognosis and overall survival of approximately 20 months following diagnosis. The current treatment for GBM includes surgical resections and chemo‐ and radiotherapeutic modalities, which are not effective. CAR‐T immunotherapy has been proven effective for CD19‐positive blood malignancies, and the application of CAR‐T cell therapy for solid tumors including GBM offers great hope for this aggressive tumor which has a limited response to current treatments. CAR‐T technology depends on the use of patient‐specific T cells genetically engineered to express specific tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs). Interaction of CAR‐T cells with tumor cells triggers the destruction/elimination of these cells by the induction of cytotoxicity and the release of different cytokines. Despite the great promise of CAR‐T cell‐based therapy several challenges exist. These include the heterogeneity of GBM cancer cells, aberrant various signaling pathways involved in tumor progression, antigen escape, the hostile inhibitory GBM microenvironment, T cell dysfunction, blood‐brain barrier, and defective antigen presentation. All need to be addressed before full application at the clinical level can begin. Herein we provide a focused review of the rationale for the use of different types of CAR‐T cells (including FcγRs), the different GBM‐associated antigens, the challenges still facing CAR‐T‐based therapy, and means to overcome such challenges. Finally, we enumerate currently completed and ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the different ways such trials are designed to overcome specific problems. Exploitation of the full potential of CAR‐T cell therapy for GBM depends on their solution.
Comparative Investigation for Raw and Processed Products of Euodiae Fructus Based on High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Fingerprints and Chemical Pattern Recognition
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Feng Tao , Wen Yingli , Li Li , Liu Yanan , Ren Xiaoliang , Dou Zhiying 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs a traditional Chinese medicine, Euodiae Fructus is widely used due to its analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, and antihypertensive effects. However, Euodiae Fructus has also been documented to be toxic, and the toxic effects can be reduced by processing. To distinguish Euodiae Fructus from its processes products and study the changes of raw and processed products before and after processing, we evaluated four auxiliary material processing methods including vinegar, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The raw Euodiae Fructus and four processed Euodiae Fructus samples were analyzed and compared based on the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints combined with chemometrics, including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), and principal component analysis‐class (PCA‐Class). A total of 27 common peaks were obtained by fingerprint analysis. The fingerprint similarity of raw and processed samples was between 0.86–0.999. We also determined the contents of the main active ingredients ‐ Evodiamine and Rutaecarpine. PCA and PLS‐DA analyses were used to distinguish between the raw and processed samples of Euodiae Fructus, and 14 chemical markers were screened out. Four kinds of processed products were further analyzed and the results showed that they could be successfully distinguished under the established models, and 12 chemical markers were labeled. PCA‐Class results revealed that the classification models constructed in this study had adequate discrimination ability. The method combined with HPLC fingerprinting and multi‐component chemical pattern recognition technology could be used to differentiate raw and processed Euodiae Fructus with adequate predictive power. Our findings confirmed the rationality of the pharmacopoeial method and provided a reference for the quality control of the Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processed Euodiae Fructus.
Carbon Nanomaterials for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Abbo Hanna S. , Gupta K. C. , Khaligh Nader G. , Titinchi Salam J. J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe research progress made in recent years in removal of organic‐inorganic pollutants from wastewater using various types of carbon materials as adsorbents such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphenes, graphitic carbon nitride, fullerene, activated carbon spheres, and carbon quantum dots is reviewed. These carbon nanomaterials with hierarchical structures are efficient and economical adsorbents. The techniques of metal impregnation and doping help to control the porosity and surface area of nanomaterials. Electrostatic forces, π‐π and π‐e interactions, van der Waals weak forces, and oxygen‐containing groups are considered responsible for the removal of pollutants from wastewater. The carbon nanomaterial‐based photocatalysts are applied successfully in decomposition of persistent dyes under visible light. Fe3O4 magnetic material is employed as recyclable adsorbent after treatment of wastewater. Freundlich and Langmuir models are found more suitable to calculate the adsorption efficiency and adsorption kinetics of pollutants. Criteria and properties of carbon nanomaterials are discussed that might play a significant role in remediation of wastewater.
Use and outcomes of cerebral embolic protection for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A US nationwide study
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zia , Zahid Salman , Khan Muhammad U. , Kichloo Asim , Ullah Waqas , Sattar Yasar , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Singla Atul , Goldsweig Andrew M. , Balla Sudarshan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundOutcomes data on the use of cerebral embolic protection devices (CPDs) with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remain limited. Previous randomized trials were underpowered for primary outcomes of stroke prevention and mortality.MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Readmissions Database were queried from 2017 to 2018 to study utilization and inpatient mortality, neurological complications (ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack), procedural complications, resource utilization, and 30‐day readmissions with and without use of CPD. A 1:3 ratio propensity score matched model was created.ResultsAmong 108,315 weighted encounters, CPD was used in 4380 patients (4.0%). Adjusted mortality was lower in patients undergoing TAVR with CPD (1.3% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.01). Neurological complications (2.5% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.01), hemorrhagic stroke (0.2% vs. 0%, p < 0.01) and ischemic stroke (2.2% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.01) were also lower in TAVR with CPD. Multiple logistic regression showed CPD use was associated with lower adjusted mortality (odds ratio (OR], 0.34 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22–0.52), p < 0.01) and lower adjusted neurological complications (OR, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.54–0.85], p < 0.01). On adjusted analysis, 30‐day all‐cause readmissions (Hazard ratio, HR 0.839, [95% CI, 0.773–0.911], p < 0.01) and stroke (HR, 0.727 [95% CI, 0.554–0.955), p = 0.02) were less likely in TAVR with CPD.ConclusionWe report real‐world data on utilization and in‐hospital outcomes of CPD use in TAVR. CPD use is associated with lower inpatient mortality, neurological, and clinical complications as compared to TAVR without CPD.
Review of Cathode in Advanced Li−S Batteries: The Effect of Doping Atoms at Micro Levels
Authors: Ren Xiaodan , Liu Zhifei , Zhang Meng , Li Dongsheng , Yuan Shuxia , Lu Chunxiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the atom‐doping strategy has attracted extensive attention in lithium‐sulfur batteries. The reasonable structure design and introduction of doping atoms into sulfur cathode materials not only improve the utilization rate of active materials but also catalyze the redox kinetics of polysulfides, which greatly improves the electrochemical performance of the lithium‐sulfur batteries. However, the understanding of the functional mechanism and conversion mechanism of the doping atoms at micro levels is still limited. Hence, it is very crucial to explore the influence of doping atoms on the electronic arrangement and electrochemical active sites. Herein, the development of atomic doping in lithium‐sulfur batteries is reviewed, and the structure‐activity relationship between doped atoms and the adsorption of lithium polysulfide is analyzed. Furthermore, the catalytic mechanisms of catalytic materials were unmasked from microscopic perspectives, namely ion transport, surface electronic structure, energy band structure and state density.
Real‐time Conversion of Electrochemical Currents into Fluorescence Signals Using 8‐Hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic Acid (HPTS) and Amplex Red as Fluorogenic Reporters
Authors: Djoumer Rabia , Chovin Arnaud , Demaille Christophe , Dejous Corinne , Hallil Hamida 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper elaborates on an instrumental scheme for translating electrochemical reactions occurring at an electrode under potentiostatic control into fluorescent signals. We examine the performance enhancement of this device using recently introduced water‐soluble fluorescent reporter systems, either the pH‐sensitive 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid (HPTS) system or the electrofluorogenic Amplex Red species. The conversion of stationary and transient, cathodic and anodic electrochemical currents into fluorescence is demonstrated. We show that pure capacitive currents can also be converted to fluorescence by our setup, highlighting the rarely observed coupling between a faradaic reaction at one electrode and capacitive charging at another.
G‐Quadruplex Formation by DNA Sequences Deficient in Guanines: Two Tetrad Parallel Quadruplexes Do Not Fold Intramolecularly
Authors: Kejnovská Iva , Stadlbauer Petr , Trantírek Lukáš , Renčiuk Daniel , Gajarský Martin , Krafčík Daniel , Palacký Jan , Bednářová Klára , Šponer Jiří , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Vorlíčková Michaela 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGuanine quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical forms of nucleic acids that are frequently found in genomes. The stability of G4s depends, among other factors, on the number of G‐tetrads. Three‐ or four‐tetrad G4s and antiparallel two‐tetrad G4s have been characterized experimentally; however, the existence of an intramolecular (i. e., not dimeric or multimeric) two‐tetrad parallel‐stranded DNA G4 has never been experimentally observed. Many sequences compatible with two‐tetrad G4 can be found in important genomic regions, such as promoters, for which parallel G4s predominate. Using experimental and theoretical approaches, the propensity of the model sequence AATGGGTGGGTTTGGGTGGGTAA to form an intramolecular parallel‐stranded G4 upon increasing the number of GGG‐to‐GG substitutions has been studied. Deletion of a single G leads to the formation of intramolecular G4s with a stacked G‐triad, whose topology depends on the location of the deletion. Removal of another guanine from another G‐tract leads to di‐ or multimeric G4s. Further deletions mostly prevent the formation of any stable G4. Thus, a solitary two‐tetrad parallel DNA G4 is not thermodynamically stable and requires additional interactions through capping residues. However, transiently populated metastable two‐tetrad species can associate to form stable dimers, the dynamic formation of which might play additional delicate roles in gene regulation. These findings provide essential information for bioinformatics studies searching for potential G4s in genomes.
Ionic gelation of chitosan with sodium tripolyphosphate using a novel combined nebulizer and falling film system
Authors: Poureghbal Yeganeh , Rahimi Masoud , Akbari Mona 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNanoparticle technology has made an essential contribution to the pharmaceutical industry and has received considerable attention in comparison with the other domains. In the present study, ionic gelation via a novel combined system of nebulizer and falling film (IG‐NFF) has been proposed. The purpose of the design of this system is to increase the contact surface between the chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) for the preparation of monodisperse and spherical chitosan nanoparticles, because in both nebulizer and falling film systems, the surface‐to‐volume ratio of liquid increases. The formation of these nanoparticles is based on ionic interactions between the negatively charged phosphate groups in the STPP and positively charged amine groups on the chitosan. In this research, the effects of chitosan concentration, STPP concentration, the distance of the nebulizer from the inclined plate, gas to liquid flow rate ratio, and the initial chitosan solution pH on the z‐average size, polydispersity index (PDI), and morphology of nanoparticles formed by IG‐NFF were studied. The results showed that the IG‐NFF process has the ability to produce spherical particles with highly uniform sizes. The mean size of obtained chitosan nanoparticles was in the range of 80–320 nm, and the PDI value ranged from 0.08–0.30.
Intra‐Ring Bridging: A Strategy for Molecular Design of Highly Energetic Nitramines
Authors: Wen Linyuan , Yu Tao , Lai Weipeng , Shi Jinwen , Liu Maochang , Liu Yingzhe , Wang Bozhou 
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusionImportant progress has been made in the development of energetic molecules with high performance by computer‐aided molecular design in recent years, but structural novelty of organic scaffolds is insufficient. In this work, we propose an intra‐ring bridging strategy inspired by the known energetic nitramines to design novel polycyclic and cage energetic molecules. More than 100 energetic structures were designed by introducing the C—C bridges and increasing the ring size. The synthesis difficulty is considered besides the two most concerned properties of EMs, energy and safety. After a comprehensive estimation, a symmetric cage molecule labeled as 8U‐30 was finally selected because of its relatively high detonation performance, and comparable impact sensitivity as well as synthetic accessibility with CL‐20. Hopefully, the proposed strategy could be utilized in further molecular design to gain various scaffolds, especially cage structures, for different demands.
An Enzyme‐Free Amperometric Sensor Based on Self‐Assembling Ferrocene‐Conjugated Oligopeptide for Specific Determination of L‐Arginine
Authors: Zhu Kai‐Jie , Zhou Li , Wu Ling , Feng Sai‐Fei , Hu Hui‐Ying , He Jing‐Lin , He Yu‐Min , Feng Ze‐Meng , Yin Yu‐Long , Yu Donghong , Cao Zhong 
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusionAn enzyme‐free amperometric sensor based on a heptadecapeptide possessing an electroactive ferrocene (Fc) linker as ferrocene‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Phe‐Gly‐His‐Ile‐His‐Glu‐Gly‐Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Lys‐(CH2)4‐dithiocyclopentane self‐assembled on gold substrate was designed and fabricated for specific determination of L‐arginine (L‐Arg). The detection mechanism is based on conformational change of surface‐immobilized peptide induced by the target L‐Arg, which was confirmed via SEM, TEM, AFM, XPS, and SPR studies. The binding affinity and the recognition feasibility of immobilized specific and non‐specific peptides were also assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The proposed method can serve as “signal‐on” sensor for detection of L‐Arg down to 31 pmol/L with broad linear range (0.0001 to 10 μmol/L). Furthermore, the Fc‐conjugated specific peptide sensor was successfully applied to the determination of L‐Arg in pig serums with a recovery rate of 97.5%—106.9%, and its test results are in good agreement with that of chromatographic instrument, evidencing that the oligopeptide‐based sensor can be served as a simple and enzyme‐free biosensing platform towards L‐Arg for future application.
Synthesis of Donor‐Acceptor π‐Conjugated Macrocycles by Post‐Functionalization†
Authors: Wang Junting , Wan Qingyun , Liu Junzhi 
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusionIn this paper, two novel donor‐acceptor (D‐A) macrocyclic compounds 5 and 7 were successfully synthesized by post‐functionalization of a planar dimer macrocycle (1) and a highly twisted trimer macrocycle (2), respectively, via controllable oxidation of methoxy groups and condensation between diketones and phenylenediamine in succession. Compared with unembellished 9,10‐dimethoxyphenanthrene, the resultant dibenzo[a,c]phenazine motif is electron‐deficient rather than electron‐rich, yielding two D‐A π‐conjugated macrocycles with more contractive energy gaps. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further support the unequivocal evidence of the D‐A properties of macrocycles 5 and 7. The difference of their photophysical properties was investigated by the aid of ultraviolet‐visible absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers. Furthermore, the stacking patterns of 7 and its contrast π‐conjugated macrocycle trimer (2) were compared via the analysis of X‐ray single crystal, in which the electron‐deficient dibenzo[a,c]phenazine unit provides extra interaction sites, resulting in orderly arrangement of 7 in the solid state.
Lepithiohydimerins A—D: Four Pairs of Neuroprotective Thiohydantoin Dimers Bearing a Disulfide Bond from Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)
Authors: Peng Xing‐Rong , Zhang Ran‐Ran , Liu Jun‐Hong , Li Zhong‐Rong , Zhou Lin , Qiu Ming‐Hua 
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusionAn HPLC‐UV‐guided separation was performed and four pairs of unprecedented macathiohydantoin dimers, lepithiohydimerins A—D (1—4) bearing a rare disulfide bond were isolated from the tubers of Maca. Their structures were unambiguously confirmed by NMR spectroscopic, X‐ray crystallographic and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses. At the concentration of 20 μmol/L, compounds 2‐1, 2‐2, and 4‐1 increased the viability of PC12 cells with the cell viability at (72.06 ± 1.14)%, (72.64 ± 1.49)%, and (70.93 ± 1.22)%, respectively. Furthermore, the serial concentration experiment showed that they can protect PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner.
Regulating Mechanical Properties of Polymer‐Supramolecular Double‐Network Hydrogel by Supramolecular Self‐assembling Structures
Authors: Wang Tiankuo , Zhang Yu , Gu Zichen , Cheng Wei , Lei Hai , Qin Meng , Xue Bin , Wang Wei , Cao Yi 
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusionPolymer‐supramolecular double‐network hydrogels (PS‐DN hydrogels) often show much improved recovery rates than conventional double‐network hydrogels because of the fast self‐assembling properties, making them attractive candidates for tissue engineering and flexible electronics. However, as the supramolecular network is dynamic and susceptible to break under low strains, the overall mechanical properties of PS‐DN hydrogels are still limited. Here, we report the mechanical properties for PS‐DN hydrogels can be significantly improved by tuning the supramolecular network structures. A single amino acid change of the self‐assembling peptide can tune the assembled structures from nanofiber to nanoribbon. Such a microscopic structural change can greatly increase the Young's modulus (107.4 kPa), fracture stress (0.48 MPa), and toughness (0.38 MJ·m–3) of the PS‐DN hydrogels. Moreover, the structural change also leads to slightly faster recovery rates (< 1 s). We propose that such dramatically different mechanical properties can be understood by the impact of individual peptide rupture events on the overall network connectivity in the two scenarios. Our study may provide new inspirations for combining high mechanical strength and fast recovery in double network hydrogels by tuning the supramolecular network structures.
Does continuous positive airway pressure therapy benefit patients with coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Yasha , Chen Yihong , Wen Feng , He Zhiqing , Niu Wenhao , Ren Changzhen , Li Na , Wang Qinqin , Ren Yusheng , Liang Chun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe prevalent co‐morbidity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has attracted great interest. However, effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with OSA and CAD for cardiovascular outcomes and deaths are still controversial. Usage of CPAP among patients with CAD and OSA could decrease the risk of cardiovascular events and death in adults. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Studies that described association of CPAP treatment with cardiovascular events in CAD and OSA patients were included. The main outcome was the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and repeat revascularization. Summary relative risks (risk ratios [RRs]) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of outcomes were pooled and heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Nine studies enrolling 2590 participants with OSA and CAD were included and extracted data. There was significant association of CPAP with reduced risk of MACE (RR, 0.73, 95% CI [0.55, 0.96]), particularly among those with AHI less than 30 events/h (RR, 0.43, 95% CI [0.22, 0.84]). Similarly, the same result was found in all‐cause death (RR, 0.66, 95% CI, [0.46, 0.94]) and cardiovascular death (RR, 0.495, 95% CI [0.292, 0.838]). Our data suggested that CPAP usage, compared to usual care, was associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular outcomes or death in patients with OSA and CAD, particularly in the subgroup with AHI less than 30 events/h, which still needs further studies to confirm.