bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological and interventional treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: An evidence‐based comparative review
Authors: Malde Sachin , Lam Wayne , Adwin Zainal , Hashim Hashim 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe recommended treatment for bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) after the failure of behavioral therapy and fluid modification includes pharmacological, minimally invasive interventional, and surgical approaches. Each option has different risk and benefit profiles, and the urologist must be aware of the unique characteristics of each option in order to be able to accurately counsel the patients based on their individual values and preferences. We provide a comparative review of the commonest pharmacological and most widely performed interventional/surgical treatments for BPO, discussing the evidence for the treatment characteristics that are most useful for the practicing urologist.MethodsA search of the PubMed database was performed for articles reporting on the following treatments for LUTS due to BPO: α‐blockers, 5α‐reductase inhibitors, phosphpdiesterase‐5 inhibitors, prostatic urethral lift (Urolift), convective radiofrequency water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum), Temporary implantable Nitinol Device (iTIND), prostate artery embolization (PAE), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), Aquablation, and anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP). We performed a narrative review focussing on the following outcomes: efficacy, safety, durability, duration of catheterization, length of stay, re‐treatment rate, efficacy in special situations (enlarged median lobe, prostate size, urinary retention, and anticoagulant use), and sexual adverse events.ResultsAEEP offers the greatest long‐term improvement in maximum flow rate, IPSS, and prostate volume reduction, with lowest re‐treatment rate, followed by PVP, TURP, and Aquablation. Urolift, Rezum, and PAE have similar efficacy for prostate volume up to 80cc, and all are more effective than the pharmacological treatment. Urolift offers the lowest rate of sexual dysfunction, followed by Rezum, and both can be performed as a day case under local anesthesia.ConclusionSeveral treatment options exist to treat voiding LUTS due to BPO. Newer minimally invasive treatments reduce the hospital stay and postoperative complications, whereas AEEP provides the greatest long‐term symptom improvement at the expense of higher morbidity and sexual dysfunction. Men should be counseled regarding all suitable treatment options as some may favor reduced efficacy in association with reduced side effects.
Comparing two equivalence‐based instruction protocols and self‐study for teaching logical fallacies to college students
Authors: Gallant Emily E. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Reeve Sharon A. , Vladescu Jason C. , Kisamore April N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe current study compared two equivalence‐based instruction (EBI) protocols to each other and to a self‐study control group to teach classes of logical fallacies to college students. The two different EBI protocols were stimulus‐pairing yes–no (SPYN) responding and match‐to‐sample (MTS). Four three‐member logical fallacy classes were taught (i.e., ad hominem, circular argument, faulty analogy, and slippery slope). Class members consisted of the fallacy definition, fallacy name, and multiple examples of vignettes of each fallacy. Three vignette exemplars per class were used to program for generalization across vignettes, and two more were reserved to assess generalization. Written and computerized tests were completed before training, immediately following training, and at a 1‐week follow‐up session. The results showed that both MTS and SPYN EBI procedures were superior to self‐study procedures with respect to computerized test outcomes, but not written test outcomes. In addition, the effects of MTS and SPYN were similar to one another regarding equivalence class formation, computerized tests, and written tests. These results increase the range of procedures that may be used to establish equivalence classes.
Aggregation‐induced emission properties of pyridyl‐containing tetra‐arylethenes
Authors: Zhang Shuwei , Li Dong , Wang Xinyao , Fan Jie , Wang Ting , Yu Shangkui , Liao Wenyi , Jia Xiaodong , Yuan Yu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTetra‐arylethene is one of the most important aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorophores. The electronic effect usually plays a vital role in their optical properties. However, the relationship between AIE property and electronic effect in the same fluorophore is rarely studied. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of pyridyl‐containing tetra‐arylethenes, whose electronic densities could be easily adjusted by the N‐oxide or N‐methylation of their pyridyl moieties. The optical data of these compounds at aggregation in different solvent systems or solid state exhibited obviously different AIE properties compared with the classic AIE‐active tetraphenylethene (TPE).
Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stromal cells in microcarrier based industrial scale culture sustain the immune regulatory functions
Authors: Kurogi Hikari , Takahashi Atsuko , Isogai Maya , Sakumoto Marimu , Takijiri Takashi , Hori Akiko , Furuno Tetsuo , Koike Tetsuo , Yamada Tetsumasa , Nagamura‐Inoue Tokiko , Sakaki‐Yumoto Masayo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been isolated from numerous sources and are potentially therapeutic against various diseases. Umbilical cord‐derived MSCs (UC‐MSCs) are considered superior to other tissue‐derived MSCs since they have a higher proliferation rate and can be procured using less invasive surgical procedures. However, it has been recently reported that 2D culture systems, using conventional cell culture flasks, limit the mass production of MSCs for cell therapy. Therefore, the development of alternative technologies, including microcarrier‐based cell culture in bioreactors, is required for the large‐scale production and industrialization of MSC therapy. In this study, we aimed to optimize the culture conditions for UC‐MSCs by using a good manufacturing practice (GMP)‐compatible serum‐free medium, developed in‐house, and a small‐scale (30 mL) bioreactor, which was later scaled up to 500 mL. UC‐MSCs cultured in microcarrier‐based bioreactors (MC‐UC‐MSCs) showed characteristics equivalent to those cultured statically in conventional cell culture flasks (ST‐UC‐MSCs), fulfilling the minimum International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria for MSCs. Additionally, we report, for the first time, the equivalent therapeutic effect of MC‐UC‐MSCs and ST‐UC‐MSCs in immunodeficient mice (graft‐versus‐host disease model). Lastly, we developed a semi‐automated cell dispensing system, without bag‐to‐bag variation in the filled volume or cell concentration. In summary, our results show that the combination of our GMP‐compatible serum‐free and microcarrier‐based culture systems is suitable for the mass production of MSCs at an industrial scale. Further improvements in this microcarrier‐based cell culture system can contribute to lowering the cost of therapy and satisfying several unmet medical needs.
Autophagy‐inducing peptide increases CHO cell monoclonal antibody production in batch and fed‐batch cultures
Authors: Braasch Katrin , Kryworuchko Marko , Piret James M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe development of generic biopharmaceuticals is increasing the pressures for enhanced bioprocess productivity and yields. Autophagy (“self‐eating”) is a cellular process that allows cells to mitigate stresses such as nutrient deprivation. Reputed autophagy inhibitors have also been shown to increase autophagic flux under certain conditions, and enhance recombinant protein productivity in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cultures. Since peptides are commonly added to bioprocess culture media in hydrolysates, we evaluated the impact on productivity of an autophagy‐inducing peptide (AIP), derived from the cellular autophagy protein Beclin 1. This was analyzed in CHO cell batch and fed‐batch serum‐free cultures producing a human Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1). Interestingly, the addition of 1–4 µM AIP enhanced productivity in a concentration‐dependent manner. Cell‐specific productivity increased up to 1.8‐fold in batch cultures, while in fed‐batch cultures a maximum twofold increase in IgG concentration was observed. An initial drop in cell viability also occurred before cultures recovered normal growth. Overall, these findings strongly support the value of investigating the effects of autophagy pathway modulation, and in particular, the use of this AIP medium additive to increase CHO cell biotherapeutic protein production and yields.
Separating scale‐free and oscillatory components of neural activity in schizophrenia
Authors: Racz Frigyes Samuel , Farkas Kinga , Stylianou Orestis , Kaposzta Zalan , Czoch Akos , Mukli Peter , Csukly Gabor , Eke Andras 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionAlterations in narrow‐band spectral power of electroencephalography (EEG) recordings are commonly reported in patients with schizophrenia (SZ). It is well established however that electrophysiological signals comprise a broadband scale‐free (or fractal) component generated by mechanisms different from those producing oscillatory neural activity. Despite this known feature, it has not yet been investigated if spectral abnormalities found in SZ could be attributed to scale‐free or oscillatory brain function.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed resting‐state EEG recordings of 14 SZ patients and 14 healthy controls. Scale‐free and oscillatory components of the power spectral density (PSD) were separated, and band‐limited power (BLP) of the original (mixed) PSD, as well as its fractal and oscillatory components, was estimated in five frequency bands. The scaling property of the fractal component was characterized by its spectral exponent in two distinct frequency ranges (1–13 and 13–30 Hz).ResultsAnalysis of the mixed PSD revealed a decrease of BLP in the delta band in SZ over the central regions; however, this difference could be attributed almost exclusively to a shift of power toward higher frequencies in the fractal component. Broadband neural activity expressed a true bimodal nature in all except frontal regions. Furthermore, both low‐ and high‐range spectral exponents exhibited a characteristic topology over the cortex in both groups.ConclusionOur results imply strong functional significance of scale‐free neural activity in SZ and suggest that abnormalities in PSD may emerge from alterations of the fractal and not only the oscillatory components of neural activity.
Late gestational exposure to dexamethasone and fetal programming of abnormal behavior in Wistar Kyoto rats
Authors: Lalonde Christine , Grandbois Julie , Khurana Sandhya , Murray Alyssa , Tharmalingam Sujeenthar , Tai T. C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionFetal programming was characterized a few decades ago, explaining the correlation of physiological phenotypes of offspring exposed to early‐life stress. High acute or chronic prenatal stress can overwhelm the enzymatic placental barrier, inducing transcriptional changes in the fetus that can result in different adverse behavioral and physiological phenotypes. The current study investigates the impact of exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, during late gestation on behavioral outcomes.MethodsPregnant Wistar Kyoto rats were given daily subcutaneous injections from gestational days 15–21 of either dexamethasone (0.9% NaCl, 4% EtOH, 100 µg kg−1 day−1) or were physically manipulated as naïve controls. Pups were raised normally until 17 weeks of age and underwent the Porsolt swim task and elevated plus maze for depressive and anxiety‐like behaviors, respectively. Neural tissue was preserved for genetic analysis using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsStatistical analyses show significant disruption of behavior and genetic profiles of offspring exposed to dexamethasone in‐utero. Exposed animals spent more time immobile on the swim task and entered open arms of the elevated plus maze more often than their naïve counterparts. In the prefrontal cortex, there was a sex by treatment interaction on gene expression relevant to neural transmission in ryanodine receptor 2, as well as increased gene expression in SNAP25, COMT, and LSAMP in males prenatally exposed to dexamethasone compared with controls. Both dysregulated genes and behavior are linked to decreased anxiety and fear inhibition.ConclusionOur results indicate adult offspring exposed to dexamethasone in‐utero have a tendency toward passive stress‐coping strategies and an inhibition of anxiety on behavioral tasks. Methyltransferase activity, synaptic activity, and cellular processes were disrupted in the prefrontal cortices of these animals. Specifically, genes involved in emotional response pathways were overexpressed, supporting the link between the behavioral and genetic profiles. Combined, we determine that dexamethasone offspring have adaptive predispositions when faced with novel situations, with increased immobility in the swim task and increased exploration on the elevated plus maze.
Family ownership and stockholder reactions to environmental performance disclosure: A test of secondary agency relationships
Authors: Cordeiro James J. , Profumo Giorgia , Tutore Ilaria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUsing the first ever Newsweek “Green Rankings” of the 500 largest U. S. firms in 2009 as a significant historical event, we test for the stockholder reaction to ratings of corporate environmental performance. Both the conventional null hypothesis significance testing and Bayesian approaches show that stockholders react significantly more positively to corporations with higher ratings of corporate environmental performance and that this effect is stronger in family owned firms. Our findings suggest that majority shareholders do not necessarily appropriate minority stockholders' rents when investing in environmental activities, as would be the case in the presence of “Type II” agency conflicts between majority family owners and minority stockholders. The family ownership effect is also found to be stronger in dirty (heavy polluting) industries as well as in more competitive and more opaque industry contexts.
Teaching structural analysis theory with Jupyter Notebooks
Authors: Suárez‐García Andrés , Arce‐Fariña Elena , Álvarez Hernández María , Fernández‐Gavilanes Milagros 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe STEAM model combines the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), forming a very relevant and increasingly fundamental educational approach within technologically advanced societies. Real‐world concepts and applications are associated in ways that encourage students to apply them whenever possible to their learning processes. In this context, Jupyter Notebooks and their highly innovative tools offer transparency for scientific research and the reproducibility of new findings. These virtual notebooks can be used to display text, video, and embedded interactive graphics. In this study, two laboratory sessions are described where students use the Jupyter Notebook to learn about the direct stiffness method. This study unit within the Theory of Structures and Industrial Constructions course module involves matrix structural analysis, requiring intensive matrix calculus and computational methods, which cannot be solved with pen and paper alone. Student use of the Jupyter Notebook when applying the direct stiffness method to the resolution of reticulated structures was studied in two laboratory sessions. An example of the software was first presented and explained. The students were then required to solve a series of problems of increasing difficultly where only part of the solution was available to check their results, thereby facilitating self‐directed learning. At the end of the session, the students were administered a survey to evaluate their satisfaction. The survey responses reflected their high levels of acceptance of this teaching methodology.
The optimal cut‐off value in fit‐based colorectal cancer screening: An observational study
Authors: Njor Sisse Helle , Andersen Berit , Friis‐Hansen Lennart , de Haas Niels , Linnemann Dorte , Nørgaard Henrik , Roikjær Ole , Søndergaard Bo , Rasmussen Morten 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs using fecal immunochemical test (FIT) have to choose a cut‐off value to decide which citizens to recall for colonoscopy. The evidence on the optimal cut‐off value is sparse and based on studies with a low number of cancer cases.MethodsThis observational study used data from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Screening Database. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated for various cut‐off values based on a large number of cancers. Traditionally optimal cut‐off values are found by weighting sensitivity and specificity equally. As this might result in too many unnecessary colonoscopies we also provide optimal cut‐off values for different weighting of sensitivity and specificity/number of needed colonoscopies to detect one cancer.ResultsWeighting sensitivity and specificity equally gives an optimal cut‐off value of 45 ng Hb/ml. This, however, means making 24 colonoscopies to detect one cancer. Weighting sensitivity lower and for example, aiming at making about 16 colonoscopies to detect one cancer, gives an optimal cut‐off value of 125 ng Hb/ml.ConclusionsThe optimal cut‐off value in an FIT population‐based screening program is 45 ng Hb/ml, when as traditionally sensitivity and specificity are weighted equally. If, however, 24 colonoscopies needed to detect one cancer is too huge a burden on the health care system and the participants, 80, 125, 175, and 350 ng Hb/ml are optimal cut‐off values when only 19/16/14/10 colonoscopies are accepted to find one cancer.
Resolution of a Cystic Endodontic‐Periodontal Lesion Utilizing Combined Apicoectomy and Guided Tissue Regeneration: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Howard H. , Lam Chien , Myneni Srinivas R. 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionEndodontic‐periodontal combined lesions pose a treatment challenge for clinicians, especially when the lesion is persistent and does not show signs of healing after initial endodontic treatment. This case report describes interdisciplinary management of a non‐healing combined endodontic‐periodontal lesion related to a peri‐apical cyst, through a combined approach of apicoectomy and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with enamel matrix derivative (EMD). Most documented cases have been treated in a sequential manner, with minimal literature present on the effects of a combined approach utilizing EMD for the treatment of these lesions.Case PresentationA 72‐year‐old male patient presented with an endodontic‐periodontal lesion at tooth #31 initially treated with nonsurgical root canal therapy. The lesion was not responsive to initial endodontic treatment. The patient was informed of questionable prognosis, however wished to save the tooth. Tooth #31 was treated via a combination approach of apicoectomy with bioceramic putty retrograde filling, followed by GTR of the defect using allograft, EMD, and resorbable barrier membrane. The lesion was biopsied and diagnosed as a periapical cyst. Clinical and radiographic examination at 1 year showed resolution of lesion, reduction in probing depths, and good bone fill of the defect.ConclusionTraditionally, endodontic‐periodontal lesions, which were not responsive to initial therapy, would be given a questionable prognosis and be extracted. This case demonstrates that non‐healing, peri‐apical lesions may be cystic in nature and effectively managed utilizing a combined approach, with apicoectomy and GTR with EMD, to produce a stable outcome.
Purification of Gekko Small Peptide Fraction and Its Effect of Inducing Apoptosis of EC 9706 Esophageal Cancer Cells by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/GLUT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lv Xingzhi , Li Ruifang , Li Zhongjie , Wang Jiangang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to isolate and purify a cytotoxic extraction from Gekko japonicus, identify its components and determine its cytotoxic activity in vitro. We isolated and identified the most potent cytotoxic Gekko small peptide LH‐20‐15. The identification and analysis of peptide sequences of LH‐20‐15 were performed by de novo peptide sequencing, and two new peptides were found. LH‐20‐15 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human esophageal squamous carcinoma EC 9706 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, LH‐20‐15 induced apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Further research showed that LH‐20‐15 inhibited the PI3 K/Akt/GLUT1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, LH‐20‐15 from Gekko japonicus is a peptide mixture and may inhibit EC 9706 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. It also regulates glucose metabolism by targeting the PI3 K/Akt/GLUT1 signaling pathway. These small peptides could be new sources of natural cytotoxic ingredients against esophageal cancer with potential drug values.
Optimization of Extraction and Purification of Polysaccharides from Veronicastrum axillare, and Evaluation of Their Biological Activities
Authors: Qi Yijia , Ren Weiming , Zhang Haixia , Chen Gang , Huang Weiyi , Li Xuexia , He Jie , Zhao Weichun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVeronicastrum axillare polysaccharides (VAP) were isolated by cellulase‐assisted digestion. The optimum conditions (2 % cellulase, 47 °C for 2.5 h, then, 95 °C for 2.5 h, pH 4.1, solid/liquid ratio 1 : 7.6) were identified by a combination of single factor optimization and response surface DOE (design of experiment) methods, and achieved a yield of 4.7 %. Treatment with 1 % TCA for 10 min, then, 2 % DEAE‐cellulose removed protein and colored impurities. Purified VAP retained most of the radical‐scavenging activities and GES‐1 cell protection capability in vitro, indicating VAP were the key active components of V. axillare. Some molecular features were identified by FT‐IR and NMR analyses. The molecular weight was estimated from DOSY NMR experiments to be around 21 kDa. There were 6.3 % uronic acid residues in the VAP. The constituent sugars after TFA hydrolysis were identified by HPLC to include glucose, arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and xylose in a molar ratio of 405 : 259 : 82 : 42 : 1.