bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometric quantification of apoptotic and proliferating cells applying an improved method for dissociation of spheroids
Authors: Metzger Wolfgang , Rösch Barbara , Sossong Daniela , Bubel Monika , Pohlemann Tim 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSpheroids are a promising tool for many cell culture applications, but their microscopic analysis is limited. Flow cytometry on a single cell basis, which requires a gentle but also efficient dissociation of spheroids, could be an alternative analysis. Mono‐culture and coculture spheroids consisting of human fibroblasts and human endothelial cells were generated by the liquid overlay technique and were dissociated using AccuMax as a dissociation agent combined with gentle mechanical forces. This study aimed to quantify the number of apoptotic and proliferative cells. We were able to dissociate spheroids of differing size, age, and cellular composition in a single‐step dissociation protocol within 10 min. The number of single cells was higher than 95% and in most cases, the viability of the cells after dissociation was higher than 85%. Coculture spheroids exhibited a higher sensitivity as shown by lower viability, higher amount of cellular debris, and a higher amount of apoptotic cells. Considerable expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 could only be seen in 1‐day‐old spheroids but was already downregulated on Day 3. In summary, our dissociation protocol enabled a fast and gentle dissociation of spheroids for the subsequent flow cytometric analysis. The chosen cell type had a strong influence on cell viability and apoptosis. Initially high rates of proliferative cells decreased rapidly and reached values of healthy tissue 3 days after generation of the spheroids. In conclusion, the flow cytometry of dissociated spheroids could be a promising analytical tool, which could be ideally combined with microscopic techniques.
Exosomes: Isolation, characterization, and biomedical applications
Authors: Alzhrani Ghadi N. , Alanazi Sarah T. , Alsharif Sumayyah Y. , Albalawi Amani M. , Alsharif Anwar A. , Abdel‐Maksoud Mohamed S. , Elsherbiny Nehal 
Published: April 2021

AbstractExosomes are nano‐sized bioactive vesicles of 30–150 nm in diameter. They are secreted by exocytosis of nearly all type of cells in to the extracellular fluid. Thereby, they can be found in many biological fluids. Exosomes regulate intracellular communication between cells via delivery of their cargo which include lipids, proteins, and nucleic acid. Many desirable features of exosomes made them promising candidates in several therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss the use of exosomes as diagnostic tools and their possible biomedical applications. Additionally, current techniques used for isolation, purification, and characterization of exosomes from both biological fluids and in vitro cell cultures were discussed.
Isolation of a Uranium(III)‐Carbon Multiple Bond Complex
Authors: Su Wei , Ma Yanshun , Xiang Libo , Wang Junyi , Wang Shuao , Zhao Lili , Frenking Gernot , Ye Qing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLow‐valent uranium‐element multiple bond complexes remain scarce, though there is burgeoning interest regarding to their bonding and reactivity. Herein, isolation of a uranium(III)‐carbon double bond complex [(Cp*)2U(CDP)](BPh4) (1) comprising a tridentate carbodiphosphorane (CDP) was reported for the first time. Oxidation of 1 afforded the corresponding U(IV) complex [(Cp*)2U(CDP)](BPh4)2 (2). The distance between U and C in 2 is 2.481 Å, indicating the existence of a typical U=C double bond, which is further confirmed by quantum chemical calculations. Bonding analysis suggested that the CDP also serves as both σ‐ and π‐donor in complex 1, though a longer U−C bond (2.666(3) Å) is observed. It implies that 1 is the first isolable mononuclear uranium(III) carbene complex. Moreover, these results suggest that CDPs are promising ligands to establish other low‐valent f‐block metal‐carbon multiple bond complexes.
Relay selection, clustering, and data aggregation routing in wireless body area networks
Authors: Ziaei Negin , Avokh Avid 
Published: April 2021

SummaryThis paper addresses the problems of relay selection, clustering, and routing to extend the lifetime of wireless body area networks. We first propose an efficient algorithm called “Energy‐aware Relay Selection and Cluster‐based Routing (ERSCR)” to develop a hybrid data aggregation tree in the network. ERSCR has three phases, including the relay selection, clustering and Cluster Head (CH) selection, and data transmission. It divides the biosensors into several clusters and selects an appropriate CH for each cluster. Each biosensor transmits data to its CH or relay node. The aggregated data are then routed to the sink through an energy‐balanced routing tree. The proposed scheme considers both residual energy and distance for routing data of biosensors. It not only reduces the energy consumption in the network but also balances the energy consumed by different biosensors. Subsequently, we improve the ERSCR algorithm and introduce the “Joint Relay Selection, Clustering, and Routing (JRSCR)” algorithm to achieve a better network performance. JRSCR benefits from the advantages of the ERSCR algorithm. Moreover, it reduces the number of transmissions with the direct use of the relay nodes as CH. As another advantage, both ERSCR and JRSCR algorithms are compatible with the natural physical states of the human body. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms in terms of energy consumption, network lifetime, and maximum hop count.
National scale down-the-drain environmental risk assessment of oxybenzone in the United States
Authors: Burns Emily E. , Csiszar Susan A. , Roush Kyle S. , Davies Iain A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters are used in cosmetic and personal care products (CPCPs) and over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens, due to their ability to absorb solar radiation. When OTC and CPCP ingredients are washed down the drain, they can then enter freshwaters that receive wastewater treatment plant effluents. This paper presents a freshwater environmental safety assessment of a key UV filter, oxybenzone, used in OTC sunscreens and CPCPs in the United States. Exposure was characterized using iSTREEM®, a spatially resolved aquatic exposure model developed for chemicals disposed of down the drain. iSTREEM® provides a comprehensive exposure assessment of oxybenzone concentrations in United States receiving waters through predicted environmental concentration (PEC) distributions representative of conditions across the region. A review of available hazard data was used to derive a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) using aquatic toxicity data and assessment factors. A safety assessment was conducted by comparing the PEC distribution with the PNEC. The results indicate that oxybenzone is of low concern and there is a significant margin of safety as the 90th percentile PEC is two orders of magnitude below the PNEC. These results are instrumental in demonstrating the environmental safety of key organic UV filters in the U.S. freshwater environment and will help prioritize future work. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:951–960. © 2021 Personal Care Products Council. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
KEY POINTS
A freshwater environmental risk assessment for oxybenzone was conducted that considered available aquatic toxicity data and down-the-drain emissions of sunscreen, cosmetic, and personal care products. A nationwide distribution of predicted environmental concentrations was modeled, using the spatially explicit iSTREEM® exposure model, and the median and 90th percentile oxybenzone concentrations were predicted to be 0.01 and 0.15 µg/L, respectively. The 90th percentile exposure prediction (reasonable worst case) is two orders of magnitude below the predicted no-effect concentration value of 18 µg/L, indicating that risk is negligible. This paper provides a down-the-drain freshwater environmental risk assessment framework suitable for over-the-counter drugs, cosmetic, and personal care ingredients.
Improving our understanding of the environmental persistence of chemicals
Authors: Whale Graham , Parsons John , van Ginkel Kees , Davenport Russell , Vaiopoulou Eleni , Fenner Kathrin , Schaeffer Andreas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Significant progress has been made in the scientific understanding of factors that influence the outcome of biodegradation tests used to assess the persistence (P) of chemicals. This needs to be evaluated to assess whether recently acquired knowledge could enhance existing regulations and environmental risk assessments. Biodegradation tests have limitations, which are accentuated for “difficult-to-test” substances, and failure to recognize these can potentially lead to inappropriate conclusions regarding a chemical's environmental persistence. Many of these limitations have been previously recognized and discussed in a series of ECETOC reports and workshops. These were subsequently used to develop a series of research projects designed to address key issues and, where possible, propose methods to mitigate the limitations of current assessments. Here, we report on the output of a Cefic LRI–Concawe Workshop held in Helsinki on September 27, 2018. The objectives of this workshop were to disseminate key findings from recent projects and assess how new scientific knowledge can potentially support and improve assessments under existing regulatory frameworks. The workshop provided a unique opportunity to initiate a process to reexamine the fundamentals of degradation and what current assessment methods can achieve by (1) providing an overview of the key elements and messages coming from recent research initiatives and (2) stimulating discussion regarding how these interrelate and how new findings can be developed to improve persistence assessments. Opportunities to try and improve understanding of factors affecting biodegradation assessments and better understanding of the persistence of chemicals (particularly UVCBs [substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials]) were identified, and the workshop acted as a catalyst for further multistakeholder activities and engagements to take the persistence assessment of chemicals into the 21st century. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1123–1135. © 2021 European Petroleum Refiners Association – Concawe Division. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
KEY POINTS
A multistakeholder workshop discussed implications of recent developments in biodegradation tests used to assess persistence of chemicals. Recognition that current tests and approaches to assess chemical persistence have limitations, especially for difficult-to-test substances. Opportunities to try and improve understanding of factors affecting biodegradation assessments and better understanding of the persistence of chemicals (particularly UVCBs) were identified. The workshop acted as a catalyst for further multistakeholder activities and engagements to take the persistence assessment of chemicals into the 21st century.
Estimating household consumption insurance
Authors: Chatterjee Arpita , Morley James , Singh Aarti 
Published: April 2021

SummaryBlundell, Pistaferri, and Preston (American Economic Review, 2008, 98(5), 1887–1921) report an estimate of household consumption insurance with respect to permanent income shocks of 36%. In replicating findings for their model and data, we find that this estimate is distorted by a code error and is not robust to weighting scheme for generalized method of moments (GMM) or consideration of quasi maximum likelihood estimation (QMLE), which produces a significantly higher estimate of consumption insurance at 55%. For sub‐groups by age and education, the differences between estimates across methods are even more pronounced, and QMLE provides new insights into heterogeneity across households compared to the original study. Monte Carlo experiments using non‐normal shocks suggest that consumption insurance estimates for the model are more accurate for QMLE than GMM, including when correcting for bias and especially given a smaller sample such as is only available when looking at sub‐groups.
High‐resolution single‐shot phase‐shifting interference microscopy using deep neural network for quantitative phase imaging of biological samples
Authors: Bhatt Sunil , Butola Ankit , Kanade Sheetal Raosaheb , Kumar Anand , Mehta Dalip Singh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhite light phase‐shifting interference microscopy (WL‐PSIM) is a prominent technique for high‐resolution quantitative phase imaging (QPI) of industrial and biological specimens. However, multiple interferograms with accurate phase‐shifts are essentially required in WL‐PSIM for measuring the accurate phase of the object. Here, we present single‐shot phase‐shifting interferometric techniques for accurate phase measurement using filtered white light (520±36 nm) phase‐shifting interference microscopy (F‐WL‐PSIM) and deep neural network (DNN). The methods are incorporated by training the DNN to generate (a) four phase‐shifted frames and (b) direct phase from a single interferogram. The training of network is performed on two different samples i.e., optical waveguide and MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Further, performance of F‐WL‐PSIM+DNN framework is validated by comparing the phase map extracted from network generated and experimentally recorded interferograms. The current approach can further strengthen QPI techniques for high‐resolution phase recovery using a single frame for different biomedical applications.
Determinants of worry using the SARS‐CoV‐19 worry (CoV‐Wo) scale among United States residents
Authors: Dayton Lauren , Schneider Kristin , Strickland Justin C. , Latkin Carl 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe sought to develop a brief Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2‐related worry (CoV‐Wo) scale to understand COVID‐19‐related worry among adults in the United States. We also aimed to model key determinants of worry in the early stage of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. A total of 806 participants completed an online survey in late March 2020. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses assessed scale structure. Factor analysis stratified by depression was used to assess measurement invariance. Linear regression models examined COVID‐19‐related worry determinants. The CoV‐Wo scale exhibited good reliability (α = 0.80) and a two‐factor structure: health (α = 0.83) and resources (α = 0.71). The full scale and both subscales were higher among participants who stopped working due to COVID‐19 and those with depression. Perception of quality medical care if infected with COVID‐19 was associated with reduced worry. The CoV‐Wo scale is a low burden assessment of COVID‐19‐related worry, that captures common worries in domains affected by COVID‐19 and can be used to develop psychosocial resources.
Tanshinone IIA enhances susceptibility of non-small cell lung cancer cells to NK cell-mediated lysis by up-regulating ULBP1 and DR5
Authors: Sun Yufang , Gong Chenyuan , Ni Zhongya , Hu Dan , Ng Wanyi , Zhu Xiaowen , Wang Lixin , Si Guifan , Yan Xuewei , Zhao Chen , Yao Chao , Zhu Shiguo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells have a great potential in cancer immunotherapy. However, their therapeutic efficacy is clinically limited owing to cancer cell immune escape. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to develop novel method to improve the antitumor immunity of NK cells. In the present study, it was found that the natural product tanshinone IIA (TIIA) enhanced NK cell-mediated killing of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. TIIA in combination with adoptive transfer of NK cells synergistically suppressed the tumor growth of NSCLC cells in an immune-incompetent mouse model. Furthermore, TIIA significantly inhibited the tumor growth of Lewis lung cancer (LLC) in an immune-competent syngeneic mouse model, and such inhibitory effect was reversed by the depletion of NK cells. Moreover, TIIA increased expressions of ULBP1 and DR5 in NSCLC cells, and inhibition of DR5 and ULBP1 reduced the enhancement of NK cell-mediated lysis by TIIA. Besides, TIIA increased the levels of p-PERK, ATF4 and CHOP. Knockdown of ATF4 completely reversed the up-regulation of ULBP1 and DR5 by TIIA in all detected NSCLC cells, while knockdown of CHOP only partly reduced these enhanced expressions in small parts of NSCLC cells. These results demonstrated that TIIA could increase the susceptibility of NSCLC cells to NK cell-mediated lysis by up-regulating ULBP1 and DR5, suggesting that TIIA had a promising potential in cancer immunotherapy, especially in NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress and the Abbott ID NOW assay for rapid detection of SARS‐CoV‐2: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Jonghoo , Song Jae‐Uk 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRapid and accurate diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is essential to prevent the spread of the virus. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert Xpress and the ID NOW assays for rapid detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 using a systemic review and meta‐analysis approach. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane COVID‐19 Study Register. The sensitivity and specificity of these tests for detecting viruses in patients with suspected SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were pooled. We used commercial and laboratory‐developed reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reactions as reference standards. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. We identified 11 studies involving 1734 subjects for the Xpert Xpress assay and 10 studies involving 1778 subjects for the ID NOW assay. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert Xpress assay for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 were 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 0.99) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95 to 0.98), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the ID NOW assay were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.86) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.00), respectively. The studies included in our analysis seemed to have low methodological quality. The Xpert Xpress assay showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for rapid detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. However, as the ID NOW assay showed relatively low sensitivity, this test might miss several positive samples.
Multi‐segment foot kinematics during gait following ankle arthroplasty
Authors: Fritz Jessica M. , Canseco Karl , Konop Katherine A. , Kruger Karen M. , Tarima Sergey , Long Jason T. , Law Brian C. , Kraus Jonathan C. , King David M. , Harris Gerald F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAnkle arthritis is a debilitating disease marked by pain and limited function. Total ankle arthroplasty improves pain while preserving motion and offers an alternative to the traditional treatment of ankle fusion. Gait analysis and functional outcomes tools can provide an objective balanced analysis of ankle replacement for the treatment of ankle arthritis. Twenty‐nine patients with end‐stage ankle arthritis were evaluated before and after ankle arthroplasty. Multi‐segment foot and ankle kinematics were assessed annually following surgery (average 3.5 years, range 1–6 years) using the Milwaukee Foot Model and a Vicon video motion analysis system. Functional outcomes (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] ankle/hindfoot scale, short form 36 [SF‐36] questionnaire) and temporal‐spatial parameters were also assessed. Kinematic results were compared to findings from a previously collected group of healthy ambulators. AOFAS and SF‐36 mean scores improved postoperatively. Walking speed and stride length increased after surgery. There were significant improvements in tibial sagittal range of motion in terminal stance and hindfoot sagittal range of motion in preswing. Decreased external rotation of the tibia and increased external rotation of the hindfoot were noted throughout the gait cycle. Pain and function improved after ankle replacement as supported by better outcomes scores, increased temporal‐spatial parameters, and significant improvement in tibial sagittal range of motion during terminal stance and hindfoot sagittal range of motion during preswing. While multi‐segment foot kinematics were improved, they were not restored to control values. Statement of clinical significance: Total ankle arthroplasty does not fully normalize mutli‐segment gait kinematics despite improved patient‐reported outcomes and gait mechanics.
Long term comparison of the prognostic performance of PerioRisk, periodontal risk assessment, periodontal risk calculator, and staging and grading systems
Authors: Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Dukka Himabindu , Troiano Giuseppe , Ravidà Andrea , Qazi Musa , Wang Hom‐Lay , Greenwell Henry 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinicians predominantly use personal judgment for risk assessment. Periodontal risk assessment tools (PRATs) provide an effective and logical system to stratify patients based on their individual treatment needs. This retrospective longitudinal study aimed to validate the association of different risk categories of four PRATs (Staging and grading; Periodontal Risk Assessment (PRA); Periodontal Risk Calculator; and PerioRisk) with periodontal related tooth loss (TLP), and to compare their prognostic performance.MethodsData on medical history, smoking status, and clinical periodontal parameters were retrieved from patients who received surgical and non‐surgical periodontal treatment. A comparison of the rate of TLP and non‐periodontal related tooth loss (TLO) within the risk tool classes were performed by means of Kruskal‐Wallis test followed by post‐hoc comparison with the Bonferroni test. Both univariate and multivariate Cox Proportional hazard regression models were built to analyze the prognostic significance for each single risk assessment tool class on TLP.ResultsA total of 167 patients with 4321 teeth followed up for a mean period of 26 years were assigned to four PRATs. PerioRisk class 5 had a hazard ratio of 18.43, Stage 4 had a hazard ratio of 7.99, and PRA class 3 had a hazard ratio of 6.13 compared with class/stage I. With respect to prognostic performance, PerioRisk tool demonstrated the best discrimination and model fit followed by PRA.ConclusionAll PRATs displayed very good predictive capability of TLP. PerioRisk showed the best discrimination and model fit, followed by PRA.