bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tranilast abrogates cisplatin‐induced testicular and epididymal injuries: An insight into its modulatory impact on apoptosis/proliferation
Authors: Makled Mirhan N. , Said Eman 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent whose therapeutic use is greatly limited by the associated organs' toxicity and particularly, testicular toxicity. Cisplatin‐induced testicular damage reported being mediated through mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Evidence showed that tranilast (TRN) has the ability to restore the oxidative status and modulate TRAIL/caspase‐8 signaling. This led us to hypothesize that TRN could abrogate cisplatin‐induced testicular and epididymal injuries via inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating proliferation and TRAIL/caspase‐8/cJNK signaling. Cisplatin injection induced oligospermia and abnormalities in testicular and epididymal structure along with impaired oxidative status. TRN administration (100 or 300 mg/kg) for 7 days post‐cisplatin injection preserved spermatogenesis and restored testicular and epididymal architecture, but restoration was more so in TRN300 than TRN100. This was in line with the restoration of balanced oxidative status as indicated by the increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity, and the decreased malondialdehyde content in testes (p < 0.05 vs. cisplatin). TRN increased the cell proliferation revealed by the increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05 vs. cisplatin) whereas only TRN300 decreased testicular cJNK, TRAIL, and caspase‐8 expression (p < 0.05 vs. cisplatin). Moreover, TRN dose‐dependently inhibited the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor NF‐kB and the cytokine TNF‐α expressions in testes. In conclusion, TRN300 was more effective than TRN100 in alleviating cisplatin‐induced testicular and epididymal injuries and in enhancing spermatogenesis. This curative effect of TRN might be mediated through its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory impacts along with its modulatory impact on cJNK/TRAIL/caspase‐8 signaling favoring proliferation rather than apoptosis.
Universal p‐ary designs
Authors: Jolliffe Liam 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe investigate ‐ary ‐designs which are simultaneously designs for all , which we call universal ‐ary designs. Null universal designs are well understood due to Gordon James via the representation theory of the symmetric group. We study non‐null designs and determine necessary and sufficient conditions on the coefficients for such a design to exist. This allows us to classify all universal designs, up to similarity.
Contours modeling of fascicular groups from micro‐computed tomography images of peripheral nerves
Authors: Zhong Yingchun , Qi Jian , Li Fang , Sun Siyu , Zhu Shuang , Wang Chao , Luo Peng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe objective is to explore the appropriate method to establish the mathematical model of fascicular groups' contours from micro‐CT images of peripheral nerves during the nonsplitting/merging phase. The original contours of fascicular groups from the micro‐CT image were described as the discrete pixel points. All discrete pixel points of shapes were extracted into a data set through image processing. The data set was modeled by Bezier, B‐spline method, respectively, in which each discrete point was used as a control point for modeling. In the Bezier method, the contour of a nerve bundle needs more than two different Bezier curves to model, making the junction points between two models discontinuous. The contour model described by B‐spline is very close to the original contour of nerve bundles when all discrete points are used as the control points. The models described by B‐spline have different terms and parameters, making it difficult to calculate in the following research. When the third‐order quasi‐uniform B‐spline method is employed, all nerve bundles models have the same number of terms. The modeling error of third‐order quasi‐uniform B‐spline is less than 3% when the Dice coefficient is more than 95%, and the appropriate number of sampling times is 21. The modeling accuracy is improved with increased sampling times when it is less than 21. However, the modeling accuracy remains stable while the number of sampling times is more than 21. The third‐order quasi‐uniform B‐spline is more efficient in modeling nerve bundles' contour, which is more accurate and straightforward.
Identification of microplastics using 4‐dimethylamino‐4′‐nitrostilbene solvatochromic fluorescence
Authors: Sancataldo Giuseppe , Ferrara Vittorio , Bonomo Francesco Paolo , Chillura Martino Delia Francesca , Licciardi Mariano , Pignataro Bruno Giuseppe , Vetri Valeria 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this work, we introduce the use of 4‐dimethylamino‐4′‐nitrostilbene (DANS) fluorescent dye for applications in the detection and analysis of microplastics, an impendent source of pollution made of synthetic organic polymers with a size varying from less than 5 mm to nanometer scale. The use of this dye revealed itself as a versatile, fast and sensitive tool for readily discriminate microplastics in water environment. The experimental evidences herein presented demonstrate that DANS efficiently absorbs into a variety of polymers constituting microplastics, and its solvatochromic properties lead to a positive shift of the fluorescence emission spectrum according to the polarity of the polymers. Therefore, under UV illumination, microplastics glow a specific emission spectrum from blue to red that allows for a straightforward polymer identification. In addition, we show that DANS staining gives access to different detection and analysis strategies based on fluorescence microscopy, from simple epifluorescence fragments visualization, to confocal microscopy and phasor approach for plastic components quantification.
A year away to 100th year of vitamin E synthesis
Authors: Kundu Subhradip , Sarkar Debayan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVitamin E was discovered in the year 1922 as a dietary constituent by Herbert McLean Evans and Katharine J. Scott Bishop. Next year we will be celebrating 100th year anniversary of vitamin E discovery. This minireview highlights discoveries of eight naturally available forms (tocopherols and tocotrienols) of vitamin E and their most important synthetic attempts. This minireview is dedicated to the pioneers of vitamin E for serving a crucial biomolecule to the mankind.
Echo Time‐Dependent Observed Lung T1 in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Correlation With Quantitative Imaging and Clinical Indices
Authors: Triphan Simon M. F. , Weinheimer Oliver , Gutberlet Marcel , Heußel Claus P. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens , Herth Felix , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Jörres Rudolf A. , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Wielpütz Mark O. , Biederer Jürgen , Jobst Bertram J. ,   for the COSYCONET Study Group
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a clinical need for imaging‐derived biomarkers for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Observed pulmonary T1 (T1(TE)) depends on the echo‐time (TE) and reflects regional pulmonary function.PurposeTo investigate the potential diagnostic value of T1(TE) for the assessment of lung disease in COPD patients by determining correlations with clinical parameters and quantitative CT.Study TypeProspective non‐randomized diagnostic study.PopulationThirty COPD patients (67.7 ± 6.6 years). Data from a previous study (15 healthy volunteers [26.2 ± 3.9 years) were used as reference.Field Strength/SequenceStudy participants were examined at 1.5 T using dynamic contrast‐enhanced three‐dimensional gradient echo keyhole perfusion sequence and a multi‐echo inversion recovery two‐dimensional UTE (ultra‐short TE) sequence for T1(TE) mapping at TE1‐5 = 70 μsec, 500 μsec, 1200 μsec, 1650 μsec, and 2300 μsec.AssessmentPerfusion images were scored by three radiologists. T1(TE) was automatically quantified. Computed tomography (CT) images were quantified in software (qCT). Clinical parameters including pulmonary function testing were also acquired.Statistical TestsSpearman rank correlation coefficients (ρ) were calculated between T1(TE) and perfusion scores, clinical parameters and qCT. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsMedian values were T1(TE1‐5) = 644 ± 78 msec, 835 ± 92 msec, 835 ± 87 msec, 831 ± 131 msec, 893 ± 220 msec, all significantly shorter than previously reported in healthy subjects. A significant increase of T1 was observed from TE1 to TE2, with no changes from TE2 to TE3 (P = 0.48), TE3 to TE4 (P = 0.94) or TE4 to TE5 (P = 0.02) which demonstrates an increase at shorter TEs than in healthy subjects. Moderate to strong Spearman's correlations between T1 and parameters including the predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO, ρ < 0.70), mean lung density (MLD, ρ < 0.72) and the perfusion score (ρ > −0.69) were found. Overall, correlations were strongest at TE2, weaker at TE1 and rarely significant at TE4‐TE5.Data ConclusionIn COPD patients, the increase of T1(TE) with TE occurred at shorter TEs than previously found in healthy subjects. Together with the lack of correlation between T1 and clinical parameters of disease at longer TEs, this suggests that T1(TE) quantification in COPD patients requires shorter TEs. The TE‐dependence of correlations implies that T1(TE) mapping might be developed further to provide diagnostic information beyond T1 at a single TE.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 1
Long‐term stability of adjunctive use of enamel matrix protein derivative on porcine‐derived xenograft for the treatment of one‐wall intrabony defects: A 4‐year extended follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hong , Jeong Seong‐Nyum 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe long‐term outcomes of demineralized porcine bone matrix (DPBM) in combination with enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) for the treatment of one‐wall intrabony defects have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes of regenerative therapy using DPBM with EMD (test group) in comparison with DPBM alone (control group) for the treatment of one‐wall intrabony defects in the molar regions.MethodsThirty‐four patients (control group, n = 18, and test group, n = 16) were available at the 4‐year follow‐up assessment. Clinical (probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level [CAL]), radiographic (defect depth and width), and patient‐reported (Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP]‐14) parameters were evaluated at baseline, 2 years, and 4 years after regenerative treatment.ResultsBoth treatment modalities, with and without adjunctive use of EMD, resulted in significant improvement of clinical (mean gain in CAL of 1.58 ± 1.34 mm), radiographic (mean defect width fill of 2.41 ± 0.90 mm), and oral health‐related quality of life outcomes at 2 years after regenerative treatment of one‐wall intrabony defects (P < 0.001), which has been sustained over a 4‐year follow‐up period. Particularly, OHIP‐14 scores revealed a statistically significant reduction in physical pain, psychological discomfort, and physical disability (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes were significantly improved when DPBM was used in the regenerative treatment, but no additional benefits were observed with the adjunctive use of EMD.
Enhanced access to recommendations from the Cochrane Handbook for improving authors' judgments about risk of bias: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Barcot Ognjen , Ivanda Matej , Buljan Ivan , Pieper Dawid , Puljak Livia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to test the efficacy of enhanced access to Cochrane Handbook (Handbook) recommendations for judging the 2011 Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) domains for improving the adequacy of RoB judgments. Parallel‐group RCT with a 1:1 allocation ratio (N = 2271 per group) was conducted. Eligible participants were corresponding authors of all published Cochrane reviews and protocols. After allocation by a random number generator, participants received 20 scenarios for assessing RoB. The intervention group was shown tables from the Handbook with instructions for assessing 2011 RoB tool together with scenarios they were supposed to assess—enhanced access to the Handbook. The control group was shown only a general link to the Handbook. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants that made an adequate judgment of RoB scenarios for analyzed domains. There were 240 responses out of 2020 delivered e‐mail invitations in the intervention and 197/2254 in the control group. Only five participants from the intervention group judged RoB adequately in all the 20 scenarios and no one in the control group. The proportion of participants who adequately assessed all the scenarios within a domain was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group. The frequency of adequate RoB judgments was 7.1% (95% CI: 5.0–9.3%, p < 0.001) higher in the intervention group (76.2%) than in the control group (69.0%). The enhanced access yields more adequate RoB assessments and could be incorporated in software supporting the RoB tool.
A prospective study of patient‐reported xerostomia‐related outcomes after parotidectomy
Authors: Brodie Kara D. , Zebolsky Aaron L. , Ochoa Edgar , Ha Patrick K. , Heaton Chase M. , El‐Sayed Ivan H. , Ryan William R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveThere is a paucity of data on patient‐reported outcome measures regarding xerostomia after parotidectomy surgery. Although salivary flow rates after parotidectomy have been previously studied, they do not correlate with subjective xerostomia. This study was designed to evaluate if unilateral parotidectomy increases patient‐reported xerostomia.MethodsA prospective cohort of patients undergoing unilateral partial, superficial, or total parotidectomy for benign or low‐grade malignant pathology without postoperative radiation at a tertiary care academic center was studied. We analyzed patient‐reported outcome measures of xerostomia using the Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) preoperatively and postoperatively. We compared pre‐ and postoperative cumulative and individual XQ scores using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. We stratified patients by the weight in grams (g) of the parotid tissue excised, pathology, smoking status, and xerostomia‐related medication use.ResultsTwenty‐two adults with benign or low grade malignant unilateral parotid tumors were included. Postoperative questionnaires were completed at a median of 10.2 months (interquartile range [IQR] 8.6‐11.9) after unilateral parotidectomy. Mean preoperative and postoperative cumulative XQ scores, on a 100‐point scale, with higher scores representing worse symptoms, were 10.33 (95% CI: 4.46‐16.20) and 10.54 (95% CI: 5.10‐15.98), respectively, with a mean change of +0.21 (p = 0.472). There were no statistically significant changes in individual XQ symptom scores. Neither type of parotidectomy, resection specimens weighing over 10 g, smoking habits, xerostomia‐related medication use, nor malignant pathology were associated with worse symptom scores.ConclusionBased on these data, unilateral parotidectomy does not appear to definitely, or at least consistently, increase xerostomia per patient reporting. More extensive parotid resections are not associated with worse symptom scores. These data can help guide preoperative counseling and postoperative expectations for parotidectomy.Level of Evidence2b.
Recombinant Bovine and Human Osteopontin Generated by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Exhibit Bioactivities Similar to Bovine Milk Osteopontin When Assessed in Mouse Pups Fed Osteopontin‐Deficient Milk
Authors: Jiang Rulan , Tran Miller , Lönnerdal Bo 
Published: May 2021

ScopeOsteopontin (OPN), a highly phosphorylated and glycosylated protein, is present in most body fluids, including milk. OPN appears at a high concentration in human milk (130–180 mg L−1), but not bovine milk (≈18 mg mL−1). It is previously shown that milk OPN is involved in various biological processes and therefore may be a valuable infant formula additive.Methods and ResultsIn the present study, recombinant bovine OPN (rbOPN) and recombinant human OPN (rhOPN) are generated in a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) algal expression system. The rbOPN and rhOPN are phosphorylated but not glycosylated. To assess the bioactivities of rbOPN and rhOPN and compare their bioactivities to those of bovine milk OPN (bmOPN), wild‐type (WT) mouse pups nursed by OPN knock‐out (KO) dams are orally fed bmOPN, rbOPN, and rhOPN daily from postnatal days 1–21 (P1‐21). Effects of these OPNs on development of the brain, intestine, and immune function are evaluated. The results show that rbOPN and rhOPN exhibit effects similar to those of bmOPN as well as mouse milk OPN on stimulating proliferation of the small intestine, increasing brain myelination and cognitive development, and enhancing development of immune function.ConclusionrbOPN and rhOPN are likely to provide beneficial bioactivities when added to infant diets.
(Poly)phenol‐Rich Diets in the Management of Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus: Biological Properties in Cultured Endothelial Cells
Authors: Rocha Sara , Oskolkova Olga , de Freitas Victor , Reis Ana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractProcessed and ready‐to‐eat foods become routinely consumed resulting in a sharp rise of sugar intake in people's daily diets. The inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in (poly)phenols has been encouraged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the daily choices to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction and ease the socio‐economic burden of diabetes. Research in Food, Nutrition, and Cell Metabolism areas is revealing that the health benefits of (poly)phenol‐rich foods go beyond their antioxidant properties and are in fact key modulators of redox and glycaemia status, and inflammatory response contributing to improved endothelial function and vascular health in diabetes. Other beneficial aspects include appetite modulation, regulation of hydrolytic enzymes involved in sugar and lipid metabolism, and mediation of cell–cell aggregation events. This work overviews the current knowledge on the biological properties of ingested (poly)phenols in cultured endothelial cells with emphasis on the circulating (poly)phenols, providing support to (poly)phenol‐rich diets as alternatives to drug‐based therapies in the prevention, treatment, and management of diabetes. A critical evaluation on the caveats and challenges involve in current experimental cell‐based designs and approaches adopted is also discussed.
Electrical and thermal analysis of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs transferred onto diamond substrate through an aluminum nitride layer
Authors: Abou Daher Mahmoud , Lesecq Marie , Defrance Nicolas , Okada Etienne , Boudart Bertrand , Guhel Yannick , Tartarin Jean Guy , de Jaeger Jean Claude 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, electrical and thermal analysis of short gate length AlGaN/GaN HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors) transferred onto diamond substrate through aluminum nitride (AlN) layer are provided. The specific transfer technology uses sputtered AlN as bonding layer. An improvement in maximum DC current density of 14% is observed after transfer on the diamond substrate, with attractive RF performances as well. Lag effects are evaluated thanks to pulsed measurement. Thermal analysis is also proposed to quantify the effects of bonding on self‐heating. Both electrical and thermal characterizations are used as markers to evaluate the impact of the transfer process on the developed HEMT.
Economic Evaluations of Breast Cancer Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Erfani Parsa , Bhangdia Kayleigh , Stauber Catherine , Mugunga Jean Claude , Pace Lydia E. , Fadelu Temidayo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Understanding the cost of delivering breast cancer (BC) care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is critical to guide effective care delivery strategies. This scoping review summarizes the scope of literature on the costs of BC care in LMICs and characterizes the methodological approaches of these economic evaluations.

Materials and Methods
A systematic literature search was performed in five databases and gray literature up to March 2020. Studies were screened to identify original articles that included a cost outcome for BC diagnosis or treatment in an LMIC. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for eligibility. Data related to study characteristics and methodology were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Drummond et al. checklist.

Results
Ninety-one articles across 38 countries were included. The majority (73%) of studies were published between 2013 and 2020. Low-income countries (2%) and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (9%) were grossly underrepresented. The majority of studies (60%) used a health care system perspective. Time horizon was not reported in 30 studies (33%). Of the 33 studies that estimated the cost of multiple steps in the BC care pathway, the majority (73%) were of high quality, but studies varied in their inclusion of nonmedical direct and indirect costs.

Conclusion
There has been substantial growth in the number of BC economic evaluations in LMICs in the past decade, but there remain limited data from low-income countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. BC economic evaluations should be prioritized in these countries. Use of existing frameworks for economic evaluations may help achieve comparable, transparent costing analyses.

Implications for Practice
There has been substantial growth in the number of breast cancer economic evaluations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the past decade, but there remain limited data from low-income countries. Breast cancer economic evaluations should be prioritized in low-income countries and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers should strive to use and report a costing perspective and time horizon that captures all costs relevant to the study objective, including those such as direct nonmedical and indirect costs. Use of existing frameworks for economic evaluations in LMICs may help achieve comparable, transparent costing analyses in order to guide breast cancer control strategies.
Open government and the right to information: Implications for transparency and accountability in Asia
Authors: Zafarullah Habib , Siddiquee Noore Alam 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMany countries in Asia have recently been following the global trend by introducing the right to information (RTI) law to build open and accountable government systems. This article compares the implementation of such law in four countries in the Asian region (India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Thailand) to assess how they have produced outcomes supporting open government (OG) goals. Drawing on an extensive review of the conceptual literature, secondary sources and official publications, it shows that, notwithstanding many promising features, RTI laws have performed poorly within the overarching notion of OG. Implementation has suffered from numerous deficits and challenges implicating both the demand and supply‐side actors—those who seek information and those who are mandated to provide information under the law. Such challenges, together with an inherent flaw, deviation from rules, technical blunders and bureaucratic indifference and non‐compliance, have rendered the RTI law mostly ineffective. The paper highlights current deficits/snags and underscores the imperative of raising the awareness and capacity at both community and official levels and creating a culture where transparency and openness is valued over secrecy and confidentiality. This would require strong political commitment, selfless bureaucratic support and genuine citizen engagement.