bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Thermal Stability of Amur Cork Tree-Dyed Paper
Authors: Wu Tianyun , Wei Quan , Wei Yanfei , Luo Yanbing 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Amur cork trees are one of the most important traditional natural dyes used, especially for functional production in ancient Chinese papers, due to religious reasons, their aesthetic aspects and antibacterial properties. The properties of Amur cork tree-dyed papers under dry-heat accelerating aging conditions were investigated via optical observation, pH, scanning electron microscopy, thermal difference, tensile strength and folding endurance examinations. The results showed that the concentration of Amur cork trees greatly affected the properties of paper. The changes in surface color, pH, morphology and mechanical properties after the artificial dry-heat aging tests revealed that the paper thermal stability was affected by the Amur cork tree content. A suitable concentration of Amur cork tree colorant is good for maintaining paper’s thermal stability due to chemical bonding. Agglomerated colorant dyes might decompose weak acidic materials, which accelerates paper degradation.
Relevance of Pharmacogenetic Polymorphisms With Response to Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil Chemotherapy in Esophageal Cancer.
Authors: Nomura Hisanaga , Tsuji Daiki , Ueno Shohei , Kojima Takashi , Fujii Satoshi , Yano Tomonori , Daiko Hiroyuki , Demachi Ken , Itoh Kunihiko , Kawasaki Toshikatsu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) have high response rates, but severe neutropenia is frequently observed. The occurrence of neutropenia is associated with high histological response in solid tumors, and it might be associated with tumor shrinkage after DCF therapy. This study aimed to determine the genetic polymorphisms involved in the clinical response to preoperative DCF therapy in esophageal cancer patients.Methods: We included 56 patients with measurable lesions who received preoperative DCF therapy for esophageal cancer. Twenty-one genetic polymorphisms were analyzed, and univariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms and tumor shrinkage. A multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for T category and tumor location and a univariate analysis for potential genetic factors with P values < 0.05 were performed to explore the predictive factors and to estimate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.Results: No patient achieved a complete response, whereas 20 patients achieved a partial response, 31 patients had stable disease, and 5 patients had progressive disease. Although no association was found between pharmacokinetic-related gene polymorphisms, XRCC3 rs17997944 was extracted as the only genetic factor that affected tumor shrinkage (P = 0.033) by univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis adjusted for T category and tumor site also showed that XRCC3 rs1799794: AA was a predictive factor that affected tumor shrinkage (odds ratio, 0.243; 95% confidence interval, 0.065–0.914; P = 0.036).Conclusion: XRCC3 rs1799794, which is involved in homologous recombination, is a genetic factor that affects clinical responses to DCF therapy.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel, Selective, Functionalized γ-butyrolactones as Sigma-2 Ligands
Authors: Blass Benjamin E , Gao Rong , Blattner Kevin M. , Gordon John C. , Pippin Douglas A. , Canney Daniel J. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The sigma-2 (σ2) receptor was discovered nearly 40 years ago and was recently identified as the Transmembrane Protein 97 (TMEM97, also known as MAC30 (Meningioma-associated protein). Aberrant σ2 activity has been linked to disease and conditions such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, traumatic brain injury, and cancer. The utility of σ2 as a therapeutic target is currently under investigation in numerous laboratories. Herein, we report on the synthesis and evaluation of a series of novel, functionalized γ-butyrolactones that are potent σ2 receptor ligands.
Neoadjuvant Therapy of Metformin is Associated with Good Tumor Response After Preoperative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Han Jeonghee , kim Jong Ho , Lee Jin-Won , Han Sang Hyup , kim Hae-sung 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Metformin is associated with good tumor response in preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for rectal cancer. This study aims to demonstrate that the timing of metformin is related to the tumor response on preoperative CCRT for rectal cancer. From January 2010 to December 2017, 232 patients who underwent curative resection after preoperative CCRT were reviewed. Patients were divided into groups with or without diabetes or metformin. The timing of metformin administration was divided based on before and after initiation of chemoradiotherapy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for tumor response. Tumor downstaging (p = 0.02) and good response rates of tumor regression grade (TRG) (p = 0.008) were significantly higher in the group administered metformin before CCRT than other groups. In the multivariate analysis, metformin administration before CCRT was a significant factor in predicting tumor downstaging (odds ratio [OR] 10.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.76 - 102.08, p = 0.02) and good TRG (OR 12.55, 95% CI: 2.38 - 80.24, p = 0.004). In patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative CCRT, neoadjuvant therapy of metformin before CCRT was significantly associated with good tumor response and tumor downstaging.
Comparison of clinical characteristics between mild chronic bronchitis and severe chronic bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Choi Joon Young , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Lee Sang Yeub , Kim Jin Woo , Choi Hye Sook , Kim Yu-Il , Jung Ki-Suck , Yoo Kwang Ha , Kim Woo Jin , Rhee Chin Kook 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Chronic bronchitis (CB) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics that distinguish chronic bronchitis (CB) from non-CB. In addition, the features of mild CB vs. severe CB were compared and a cut-off level was defined according to CAT1 and CAT2 scores.
Methods

This study was based on the Korea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) database, constructed in a multicenter COPD cohort study that recruited patients from 54 centers. CB was defined as CAT1 and CAT2 scores ≥3; severe CB was defined as CAT1 and CAT2 scores ≥4, while mild CB was defined as either a CAT1 or a CAT2 score < 4. Baseline characteristics, 1-year exacerbation rate, and 3-year FEV1 decline were compared in non-CB vs. CB patients and in patients with mild CB vs. severe CB.
Results

Among the 2,162 patients enrolled in this study, 497 (23%) had CB. These patients were more likely than non-CB patients to be current smokers; they also had higher symptom and depression/anxiety scores. Lung function tests showed lower FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and DLco values in CB patients. Among CB patients, 67.6% had mild disease. Symptom and depression/anxiety scores were worse in patients with severe CB than in patients with mild CB. There were no significant differences in the lung function tests of the two groups. Analysis of 1-year exacerbation rates in CB patients and non-CB patients revealed that patients with CB more frequently had moderate-to-severe exacerbations (OR = 1.46, p < 0.01). More severe exacerbation was also present in patients with severe CB than in patients with mild CB (OR = 2.52, p = 0.01). The difference in annual FEV1 decline rate did not significantly differ either between CB patients and non-CB patients or between patients with severe CB and patients with mild CB.
Conclusions

CB patients had worse symptoms and lung function than non-CB patients; CB patients also had more frequent moderate-to-severe exacerbation. Patients with severe CB had higher symptom scores and more frequent severe exacerbation than did patients with mild CB.
Association of ACE2 Polymorphisms and Derived Haplotypes With Obesity and Hyperlipidemia in Female Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Lumpuy-Castillo J. , Vales-Villamarín C. , Mahíllo-Fernández I. , Pérez-Nadador I. , Soriano-Guillén L. , Lorenzo Oscar , Garcés C. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: In the cardiovascular (CV) system, overactivation of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) may trigger deleterious responses derived from angiotensin (Ang)-II, which can be attenuated by stimulation of ACE2 and subsequent Ang-(1-7) metabolite. However, ACE2 exhibits a high degree of genetic polymorphism that may affect its structure and stability, interfering with these cardioprotective actions. Methodology: Five ACE2-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP); rs4646188, rs2158083, rs233575, rs879922, and rs2074192, previously related with CV risk factors, were analyzed in a general population of adolescents and tested for potential associations with anthropometric and plasma parameters.Results: Girls (n=461) exhibited lower rates of overweight and obesity, blood pressure, and glycemia than boys (n=412), though increased plasma lipids. The triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C ratio was, however, lower in females. Interestingly, only in girls, the occurrence of overweight/obesity was associated with the SNPs rs879922 [OR 1.67 (1.02-2.75)], rs233575 [OR 1.98 (1.21- 3.22)] and rs2158083 [OR 1.67 (1.04-2.68)]. Also, their highest levels of TG were linked to rs879922, rs233575, and rs2158083, and the highest TG/HDL-C ratio was assocated with rs879922 and rs233575. The upper levels of TC and LDL-C was associated with rs2074192 and rs2158083. Furthermore, the established cut-off level for TG ≥ 90 mg/dl was related with rs879922 [OR 1.78 (1.06-2.96)], rs2158083 [OR 1.75 (1.08-2.82)], and rs233575 [OR 1.62 (1.00 -2.61)]. The cut-off level for TC ≥ 170 mg/dl was associated with rs2074192 [OR 1.54 (1.04-2.28) and rs2158083 [OR 1.53 (1.04-2.25)]. In addition, the haplotype (C-G-C) derived from rs879922-rs2158083-rs233575 was related with higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and TG elevation. Conclusion: The expression and activity of ACE2 may be essential for CV homeostasis. Interestingly, ACE2-SNPs rs879922, rs233575, rs2158083 and rs2074192, and haplotype (C-G-C) of the three former could induce vulnerability to obesity and hyperlipidemia in women. Thus, these SNPs might be used as predictive biomarkers for CV diseases and as molecular targets for CV therapy.
In Vitro and in Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Anticoagulant Activities of Myrciaria Plinioides D. Legrand Ethanol Leaf Extract
Authors: Marmitt Diorge Jônatas , Bitencourt Shanna , Coura Chistiane Oliveira , Berger Markus , Faleiro Dalana , Kich Débora Mara , Caye Bruna , Immich Sheila Mariele , Frota Annyta Fernandes , Beys-da-Silva Walter O. , Guimarães Jorge Almeida , Benevides Norma Maria Barros , Laufer Stefan , Goettert Márcia Inês 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Myrciaria plinioides D. Legrand (Myrtaceae) is a native plant of Southern Brazil, which have potential in the food industry due to its edible fruits. Many plants belonging to this genus have been used for a variety of illnesses, including inflammatory disorders due to antioxidant properties. However, therapeutic uses of M. plinioides have been poorly studied. The aim of study was to assess the anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities of the ethanol leaf extract of M. plinioides. In M. plinioides extract-treated RAW 264.7 cells, assessments of cell viability, TNF-α release and p38 MAPK pathway-dependent protein expression were detected. In addition, rat paw edema models were used to analyze the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract. Macrophages cell line treated with M. plinioides extract showed a slight decrease in cell viability. In LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with different concentrations of the extract for 24 h, TNF-α release was inhibited, while modulation of p38 signaling pathway and inhibition of NF-κB p65 protein expression were dose-dependent. In rats, the extract inhibited the formation of paw edema, while an inhibitory effect on trypsin-like enzymes derived from mast cells was seen. Furthermore, the extract presented anticoagulant activity via extrinsic pathway, being able to block specifically factor Xa and thrombin. The study suggests that extract possess potent anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. M. plinioides present great biological potential as a source for the development of anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant drugs. Additional studies can be proposed to better elucidate the mechanism by which M. plinioides exerts its effects.
Design, Synthesis, And Evaluation of Functionalized Diamino-butylbenzamides As Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Ligands
Authors: Blass Benjamin E , Chen Peng-Jen , Taylor Michelle , Griffin Suzy A , Gordon John C , Luedtke Robert R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Substance use disorder remains a major, unmet medical need. Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused recreational drugs and in 2018, there were over 5.5 million current cocaine users. There are no approved therapies for the treatment of cocaine use disorder, but the D3 dopamine receptor has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. We have identified a series of functionalized diamino-butylbenzamides that are potent D3 binders with moderate to high selectivity for D3 over D2.
Elevating Photooxidation of Methane to Formaldehyde via TiO2 Crystal Phase Engineering
Authors: Jiang Yuheng , Zhao Wenshi , Li Siyang , Wang Shikun , Fan Yingying , Wang Fei , Qiu Xueying , Zhu Yanfei , Zhang Yin , Long Chang , Tang Zhiyong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Photocatalytic conversion of methane to value-added products under mild conditions, which represents a long-sought-after goal for industrial sustainable production, remains extremely challenging to afford high production and selectivity using cheap catalysts. Herein, we present the crystal phase engineering of commercially available anatase TiO2 via simple thermal annealing to optimize the structure-property correlation. Biphase catalyst of anatase (90%) and rutile (10%) TiO2 exhibits the exceptional performance in the oxidation of methane to formaldehyde under the reaction condition of water solvent, oxygen atmosphere and full-spectrum light irradiation. An unprecedented production of 24.27 mmol gcat-1 with an excellent selectivity of 97.4% towards formaldehyde is acquired at room temperature after a 3 h reaction. Both experimental results and theoretical calculation disclose that the crystal phase engineering of TiO2 lengthens the lifetime of photogenerated carriers and favors the formation of intermediate methanol species, thus maximizing the efficiency and selectivity in aerobic oxidation of methane to formaldehyde. More importantly, the feasibility of scale-up production of formaldehyde is demonstrated by inventing the "pause-flowing" reactor. This work opens the avenue towards industrial methane transformation in a sustainable and economical way.
In Vtro Maturation Outcomes of hCG-primed Unstimulated Cycles in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: a Single-center Experience
Authors: Kim Myung Joo , Choe Seung-Ah , Park Eun A , Kim Ran , Kim You Shin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Backgound: IVM has emerged as a safe and promising alternative procedure to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) for minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients with PCOS. Despite the comparable obstetric and perinatal outcomes, there are no definite factors known to affect the outcomes of IVM.Methods: Retrospective analysis of a total of 313 women with PCOS undergoing 427 hCG-primed IVM cycles between January 2010 and February 2016 at the Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. The number of retrieved oocytes and maturation, fertilization, and implantation rates were analyzed. Results: After transferring a mean of 2.4 ± 0.5 fresh embryos, the clinical pregnancy rate was 39.1% (n = 167), and the live birth rate was 30.7% (n = 131) with the implantation rate of 20.9%. The numbers of retrieved (18.1 ± 9.7 vs. 15.6 ± 8.7, p = 0.014), fertilized (8.6 ± 5.2 vs. 6.6 ± 3.8, p < 0.001) oocytes; good-quality embryos (1.3 ± 0.9 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9, p = 0.001); and blastocyst transfer cycles (22 vs. 15, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the live birth group than in the no live birth group. Among the factors associated with live births, retrieved oocytes had a slightly positive effect on live birth (RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.06; p = 0.021).Conclusions: It seems that the number of retrieved oocytes has a favorable effect in increasing the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate during hCG-primed IVM procedure in women with PCOS. Physicians’ skills and cautious efforts may be required to retrieve a higher number of oocytes in IVM procedures.
Prognostic Value and Computer Image Analysis of p53 in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Yue-Hua , Xiang Xiao-Yu , Gao Li-Min , Liu Wei-Ping 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: P53 has different prognostic cut-off values in different mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) studies, and p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) interpretation is still based on semiquantitative estimation，which might be inaccurate. This study aimed to investigate the optimal cut-off value of p53 for predicting prognosis and the possibility of computer image analysis identifying the positive rate of p53 in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Methods: We used QuPath software to determining the p53 positive rate and compared it to the data obtained by manual counting and semiquantitative estimation. Using Youden index and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis, we generated survival curves. Chi-squared (χ2) test was used to compared MCL cell morphology with p53. Spearman rank correlation test and Bland-Altman analysis were used to compared manual counting, computer image analysis and semiquantitative estimation.Results: The optimal cut-off value of p53 for predicting prognosis was 20% in MCL patients. Patients with p53 ≥ 20% had a significantly worse overall survival (OS) compared to p53 < 20% (P < 0.0001). MCL patients with blastoid/pleomorphic variant cell morphology had more p53 ≥ 20% than classical type (P < 0.0001). And a strong correlation between computer image analysis and manual counting p53 in the same areas in MCL patients (spearman's rho = 0.966, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: MCL patients with p53 ≥ 20% have a shorter OS, and a blastoid/pleomorphic variant tendency. Computer image analysis could reflect the actual positive rate of p53 and is a more attractive alternative than semiquantitative estimation in MCL.
Differences in ICSI Utilization Rates Among States With Insurance Mandates for ART Coverage
Authors: Zagadailov Pavel , CHO Kyung S , SEIFER David B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) insurance mandates promote more selective utilization of ART clinic resources including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our objective was to examine whether ICSI utilization differs by state insurance mandates for ART coverage and assess if such a difference is associated with male factor, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and/or live birth rates.
Methods
In this retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data from 2018, ART clinics in ART-mandated states (n=8, AR, CT, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, RI) were compared individually to one another and with non-mandated states in aggregate (n=42) for use of ICSI, male factor, PGT, and live birth rates. ANOVA was used to evaluate differences between ART-mandated states and non-mandated states. Individual ART-mandated states were compared using Welch t-tests. Statistical significance was determined by Bonferroni Correction.
Results
There were significant differences in ICSI rates (%, mean ± SD) between MA (53.3 ± 21.3) and HI (90.7 ± 19.6), p = 0.028; IL (86.5 ± 18.7) and MA, p = 0.002; IL and MD (57.2 ± 30.8), p = 0.039; IL and NJ (62.0 ± 26.8), p = 0.007; between non-mandated states in aggregate (79.9 ± 19.9) and MA, p = 0.006, and NJ (62.0 ± 26.8), p = 0.02. Male factor rates of HI (65.8 ± 16.0) were significantly greater compared to CT (18.8 ± 8.7), IL (26.0 ± 11.9), MA (26.9 ± 6.6), MD (29.3 ± 9.9), NJ (30.6 ± 17.9), and non-mandated states in aggregate (29.7 ± 13.7), all p < 0.0001. No significant differences were reported for use of PGT and/or live birth rates across all age groups regardless of mandate status.
Conclusions
ICSI use varied significantly among ART-mandated states while demonstrating no differences in live birth rates. These data suggest that the prevalence of male factor and the presence of a state insurance mandate are not the only factors influencing ICSI use. It is suggested that other non-clinical factors may impact the rate of ICSI utilization in a given state.
Dual Regulation of Lipid Droplet-triacylglycerol Metabolism and ERG9 Expression for Improved β-carotene Production in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Bu Xiao , Lin Jing‑Yuan , Duan Chang‑Qing , Koffas Mattheos , Yan guoliang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe limitation of storage space, product cytotoxicity and the competition for precursor is the major challenges for efficiently overproducing carotenoid in engineered non-carotenogenic microorganisms. In this work, to improve β-carotene accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a strategy that simultaneous increases cell storage capability and strengthens metabolic flux to carotenoid pathway was developed using exogenous oleic acid (OA) combined with metabolic engineering approaches.ResultsThe direct separation of lipid droplets (LDs), quantitative analysis and genes disruption trial indicated that LDs are major storage locations of β-carotene in S. cerevisiae. However, due to the competition for precursor between β-carotene and LDs-triacylglycerol biosynthesis, enlarging storage space by engineering LDs related genes has minor promotion on β-carotene accumulation. Adding 2 mM OA significantly improved LDs-triacylglycerol metabolism and resulted in 36.4% increase in β-carotene content. The transcriptome analysis was adopted to mine OA-repressible promoters and IZH1 promoter was used to replace native ERG9 promoter to dynamically down-regulate ERG9 expression, which diverted the metabolic flux to β-carotene pathway and achieved additional 31.7% increase in β-carotene content without adversely affecting cell growth. By inducing an extra constitutive β-carotene synthesis pathway for further conversion precursor farnesol to β-carotene, the final strain produced 11.4 mg/DCW and 142 mg/L of β-carotene, which is 107.3% and 49.5% increase respectively over the parent strain. Conclusions﻿This strategy can be applied in the overproduction of other heterogeneous FPP-derived hydrophobic compounds with similar synthesis and storage mechanisms in S. cerevisiae.