bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Condensed Fuzheng extract increases immune function in mice with cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression
Authors: Wang Ji‐Da , Wang Li , Yu Shuang , Jin Yu‐Tong , Wang Yi‐Yang , Chai Run‐Dong , Zhao Ze‐Yu , Bian Yu‐Hong , Zhao Shu‐Wu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractOur general purpose was to examine the effect of condensed Fuzheng extract (CFE) on the alleviation of immunosuppression. A mouse model of immunosuppression was established by intraperitoneal injection of CTX. A healthy control group received no CTX and no CFE; different intragastric doses of CFE were administered to three groups of mice for 28 days (4500, 2250, or 1125 mg/kg/day); a negative control received CTX alone, and a positive control received CTX and levamisole hydrochloride. We evaluated the effects of CFE on the immune system organs, cells, and molecules by comparing the different groups. CFE significantly improved immune system organs (spleen and thymus indices and histology), stimulated immune cell activities (number of white blood cells and lymphocytes, phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocytes, proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, antibody formation, and NK cell activity), and increased the levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and cytokines (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ). Thus CFE effectively alleviated CTX‐mediated immunosuppression and oxidative stress and enhanced the immunological functions of mice.
The role of socio‐political factors in public debt accumulation: Evidence from CEMAC countries
Authors: Ekouala Ulrich M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe analysis of public debt determinants is well documented in the literature. However, previous studies give more focus to the economic determinants neglecting the role played by socio‐political factors. The purpose of this study is to fill that gap observed in the literature by investigating the impact of socio‐political factors on CEMAC countries' public debt accumulation in a bivariate relationship. The paper employs the OLS and GLS as baseline models using panel data covering the period from 1980 to 2021. The study uses as alternative techniques the FE, FE‐IV, and the GMM for robustness checks. The empirical findings highlight the system (both presidential and legislative), corruption, Electoral openness and Competitiveness for legislative election (Liec), and fraud as the main driving factors of public debt in CEMAC countries. This paper suggests further studies to give a particular interest to socio‐political factors while investigating the determinants of public debt in developing countries.
The role of SF3B1 and NOTCH1 in the pathogenesis of leukemia
Authors: Abolhasani Shiva , Hejazian Seyyed Sina , Karpisheh Vahid , Khodakarami Atefeh , Mohammadi Hamed , Gholizadeh Navashenaq Jamshid , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe discovery of new genes/pathways improves our knowledge of cancer pathogenesis and presents novel potential therapeutic options. For instance, splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) and NOTCH1 genetic alterations have been identified at a high frequency in hematological malignancies, such as leukemia, and may be related to the prognosis of involved patients because they change the nature of malignancies in different ways like mediating therapeutic resistance; therefore, studying these gene/pathways is essential. This review aims to discuss SF3B1 and NOTCH1 roles in the pathogenesis of various types of leukemia and the therapeutic potential of targeting these genes or their mutations to provide a foundation for leukemia treatment.
Non‐Invasive imaging of extracellular vesicles: Quo vaditis in vivo?
Authors: Arifin Dian R. , Witwer Kenneth W. , Bulte Jeff W. M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid‐bilayer delimited vesicles released by nearly all cell types that serve as mediators of intercellular signalling. Recent evidence has shown that EVs play a key role in many normal as well as pathological cellular processes. EVs can be exploited as disease biomarkers and also as targeted, cell‐free therapeutic delivery and signalling vehicles for use in regenerative medicine and other clinical settings. Despite this potential, much remains unknown about the in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profiles of EVs after administration into living subjects. The ability to non‐invasively image exogeneous EVs, especially in larger animals, will allow a better understanding of their in vivo homing and retention patterns, blood and tissue half‐life, and excretion pathways, all of which are needed to advance clinical diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications of EVs. We present the current state‐of‐the‐art methods for labeling EVs with various diagnostic contrast agents and tracers and the respective imaging modalities that can be used for their in vivo visualization: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X‐ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, magnetic particle imaging (MPI), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and optical imaging (fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging). We review here the strengths and weaknesses of each of these EV imaging approaches, with special emphasis on clinical translation.
Circulating extracellular vesicles provide valuable protein, but not DNA, biomarkers in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Tkach Mercedes , Hego Caroline , Michel Marc , Darrigues Lauren , Pierga Jean‐Yves , Bidard François‐Clément , Théry Clotilde , Proudhon Charlotte 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDetection of cell‐free circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and cancer‐specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patient blood have been widely explored as non‐invasive biomarkers for cancer detection and disease follow up. However, most of the protocols used to isolate EVs co‐isolate other components and the actual value of EV‐associated markers remain unclear. To determine the optimal source of clinically‐relevant circulating biomarkers in breast cancer, we applied a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) procedure to analyse separately the content in nucleic acids of EV‐enriched and EV‐depleted fractions, in comparison to total plasma. Both cellular and mitochondrial DNA (cellDNA and mtDNA) were detected in EV‐rich and EV‐poor fractions. Analysing specific mutations identified from tumour tissues, we detected tumour‐specific cellular alleles in all SEC fractions. However, quantification of ctDNA from total plasma was more sensitive than from any SEC fractions. On the other hand, mtDNA was preferentially enriched in EV fractions from healthy donor, whereas cancer patients displayed more abundant mtDNA in total plasma, and equally distributed in all fractions. In contrast to nucleic acids, using a Multiplexed bead‐based EV‐analysis assay, we identified three surface proteins enriched in EVs from metastatic breast cancer plasma, suggesting that a small set of EV surface molecules could provide a disease signature. Our findings provide evidence that the detection of DNA within total circulating EVs does not add value as compared to the whole plasma, at least in the metastatic breast cancer patients used here. However, analysis of a subtype of EV‐associated proteins may reliably identify cancer patients. These non‐invasive biomarkers represent a promising tool for cancer diagnosis and real‐time monitoring of treatment efficacy and these results will impact the development of therapeutic approaches using EVs as targets or biomarkers of cancer.
Visualization Score of Gadoxetic Acid‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Effect on the Diagnostic Accuracy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Heo Subin , Choi Sang Hyun , Hong Sun , Kim Dong Wook 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe visualization score of hepatobiliary‐phase (HBP) images has been introduced as an image quality index for gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI. It may be associated with hepatic function and could have an implication on the diagnostic accuracy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).PurposeTo investigate the association between the visualization score of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI and clinical factors and to evaluate its effect on the diagnostic accuracy for HCC ≤ 3.0 cm.Study typeRetrospective.PopulationA total of 493 focal lesions from 397 patients.Field strength/SequenceA 5‐T or 3.0 ‐T with pre/postcontrast T1‐weighted 3D gradient echo sequence, and T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo sequenceAssessmentChild‐Pugh classification and albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) score were assessed. Three readers evaluated the visualization score of each MRI examination (A, no or minimal; B, moderate; and C, severe limitations), and major features (arterial‐phase hyperenhancement, washout, enhancing capsule, threshold growth) and ancillary features of each focal lesion.Statistical TestsUnivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant clinical factors associated with a suboptimal visualization score (B or C). Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing HCC between the two group (visualization score A vs. B or C). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 397 MRI examinations, the incidence of suboptimal visualization score was 13%. A suboptimal visualization score was significantly associated with Child‐Pugh classification B or C (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 15.2) and ALBI grade 2 or 3 (OR = 4.7). Compared with the visualization score A group, the suboptimal visualization score group showed significantly lower sensitivity (56.8% vs. 75.2%) and less frequent washout in HCC (62.2% vs. 84.0%).Data ConclusionThe visualization score on gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI can be an important image quality index and the diagnostic accuracy for HCC ≤ 3.0 cm may not be sufficient in the suboptimal visualization score group.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage3
Working from home and firm resilience to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ge Chunmian , Huang Hanwei , Wang Zhiqiang , Jiang Junhui , Liu Chang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted firms' operations. To cope with the crisis, many firms have allowed their employees to work from home (WFH). We examine whether a firm's WFH capacity has increased its resilience during the pandemic. We test the hypotheses using a unique data set that combines listed firms' financial statements, supply chain partners, and job postings on a leading online platform that provides hiring services. We find that imposing COVID‐19 anti‐contagion policies on firms and their suppliers or customers significantly increases their operating revenue volatility, slows their recovery, and has repercussions on their supply chains. WFH enhances firms' resistance capacity by reducing the effect of COVID‐19 on their operating revenue volatility and disruptions to their supply chain partners; however, it also decreases their recovery capacity by extending the time taken to return to normal. Firm attributes, along with workers' occupations, education, and experience, have an impact on the effect of WFH on firm resilience. This study enhances our understanding of shock transmission across supply chains and WFH as a source of firm resilience.
When is enteral nutrition indicated?
Authors: Bechtold Matthew L. , Brown Patricia M. , Escuro Arlene , Grenda Brandee , Johnston Theresa , Kozeniecki Michelle , Limketkai Berkeley N. , Nelson Krystie K. , Powers Jan , Ronan Andrea , Schober Nathan , Strang Brian J. , Swartz Cristina , Turner Justine , Tweel Lauren , Walker Renee , Epp Lisa , Malone Ainsley ,   the ASPEN Enteral Nutrition Committee
Published: July 2022

AbstractEnteral nutrition (EN) is a vital component of nutrition around the world. EN allows for delivery of nutrients to those who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by oral intake alone. Common questions regarding EN are when to initiate and in what scenarios it is safe. The answers to these questions are often complex and require an evidence‐based approach. The Board of Directors of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) established an Enteral Nutrition Committtee to address the important questions surrounding the indications for EN. Consensus recommendations were established based on eight extremely clinically relevant questions regarding EN indications as deemed by the Enteral Nutrition Committee. These consensus recommendations may act as a guide for clinicians and stakeholders on difficult questions pertaining to indications for EN. This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.
Modification of Keggin anion structure with ion beams—A new spectroscopic insights into the effects of keV‐ and MeV‐ion beam irradiation on 12‐tungstophosphoric acid
Authors: Mravik Željko , Bajuk‐Bogdanović Danica , Jovanović Sonja , Rmuš Jelena , Olejniczak Andrzej , Mraković Ana , Lazarević Jasmina , Uskoković‐Marković Snežana , Lazarević Nenad , Skuratov Vladimir , Jovanović Zoran 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIon beam irradiation is a versatile tool for structural modification and engineering of new materials. In this study, 12‐tungstophosphoric acid (WPA) films of different thickness were spin‐coated on platinized silicon substrate and irradiated with low energy hydrogen ions (10 keV) and swift heavy ions (Bi, Xe, and V) with energies up to 710 MeV. The different energy/fluence combinations allowed controllable structural changes that were investigated in detail using Raman and Infrared spectroscopy. For 120‐nm‐thick WPA samples, the irradiation led to the decrease of intensity of the skeletal and W‐Oc‐W bands of Keggin anion in order: Bi < V < Xe (for their applied energy/fluence combination). Also, symmetry change of Keggin anion similar to the one observed in the case of Keggin anions interacting with the supports was observed. For the selected ion beam irradiation parameters, xenon ion beam induced transformation of WPA to polytungstate. For 20‐μm‐thick WPA samples, the irradiation with hydrogen ion beam induced changes of skeletal vibrations and increased individualistic behavior of Keggin anions. As the fluence increased, the amount of the Keggin anions partially transformed to bronze also increased. Irradiation with vanadium also caused transformation to bronze‐like structure but with higher ratio of terminal W=Od bonds. The overall results show clear correlation between degree of structural modification of WPA and the calculated displacement per atom value. These results open possibilities for engineering new catalytically active structures of polyoxometalates with the help of ion beams.
Double arcsine transform not appropriate for meta‐analysis
Authors: Röver Christian , Friede Tim 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe variance‐stabilizing Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transform was originally proposed for inference on single proportions. Subsequently, its use has been suggested in the context of meta‐analysis of proportions. While some erratic behavior has been observed previously, here we point out and illustrate general issues of monotonicity and invertibility that make this transform unsuitable for meta‐analysis purposes.
Application of Porous Polyetheretherketone Scaffold/Vancomycin‐Loaded Thermosensitive Hydrogel Composites for Antibacterial Therapy in Bone Repair
Authors: Qi Desheng , Wang Ningning , Cheng Yuanqiang , Zhao Yao , Meng Lingcheng , Yue Xigui , She Peng , Gao Hang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPolyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been widely used in bone repair, but it often fails due to bacterial infection. Herein, a high‐strength porous polyetheretherketone scaffold (ps‐PK) loaded with antibacterial drug‐loaded hydrogel strategy is proposed. The prepared ps‐PK possesses high porosity (30.8–64.7%) and the compression modulus is between 0.4 and 0.98 GPa. The interconnected pore‐type structure endows it with a drug loading capacity. Poly(D,L‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐b‐Poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐Poly(D,L‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA) thermoresponsive hydrogels loaded with vancomycin are used as the drug sustained‐release system. The vancomycin‐loaded hydrogels in the solution state at a low temperature are filled into a porous polyetheretherketone scaffold (ps‐PK‐VGel) and formed a gel state after implantation in vivo. The antibacterial rate of ps‐PK‐VGel against methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus in vitro is 99.7% and histological observation in vivo demonstrates that the ps‐PK‐VGel shows obvious antibacterial activity. Given its excellent antibacterial ability and mechanical properties, the porous PEEK scaffold composite drug‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogel has great potential in bone repair surgery applications.
Laser Structuring of Polyamide Nanofiber Nonwoven Surfaces and Their Influence on Cell Adhesion
Authors: Michler Nicole , Götze Marco , Kürbitz Tobias , Cepus Valentin , Schmelzer Christian E. H. , Hillrichs Georg , Heilmann Andreas 
Published: July 2022

AbstractElectrospun nonwovens have great potential for biomedical applications. They can be used, for example, to mimic the structure of the extracellular matrix of biological tissue. In this work, it is demonstrated that the surface properties of nanofiber nonwovens made of biocompatible and very slowly biodegrading polyamide can be modified by UV picosecond laser processing. Basically, the nanofiber structure is only slightly changed by the corresponding laser process. Significant laser‐induced material change occurs only along narrow lines determined by the scanning process. The newly formed surface structures resemble a bulk surface. It is shown that the growth of mammalian chondrocyte cells (SW1353) is initially more effective on the laser‐processed surface. Cell growth occurs preferably along the laser‐generated lines. After several days of cell growth, an extended layer of cells is formed over the laser‐modified and unmodified surface sections. Thus, laser‐based surface modification provides another tool to affect cell proliferation on polyamide nanofiber nonwovens.
Characterization of Non‐Motor Fluctuations Using the Movement Disorder Society Non‐Motor Rating Scale
Authors: van Wamelen Daniel Johannes , Rota Silvia , Schrag Anette , Rizos Alexandra , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Weintraub Daniel , Ray Chaudhuri Kallol 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundNon‐motor fluctuations (NMF) in people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) are clinically important yet understudied.ObjectiveTo study NMF in PwP using both the Movement Disorder Society Non‐Motor Rating Scale (MDS‐NMS) NMF subscale and wearable sensors.MethodsWe evaluated differences in overall burden of NMF and of specific NMF across disease durations: <2 years (n = 33), 2–5 years (n = 35), 5–10 years (n = 33), and > 10 years (n = 31). In addition, wearable triaxial sensor output was used as an exploratory outcome for early morning “off” periods.ResultsSignificant between‐group differences were observed for MDS‐NMS NMF total scores (P < 0.001), and specifically for depression, anxiety, fatigue and cognition, with both NMF prevalence and burden increasing in those with longer disease duration. Whereas only 9.1% with a short disease duration had NMF (none of whom had dyskinesia), in PwP with a disease duration of >10 years this was 71.0% (P < 0.001). From a motor perspective, dyskinesia severity increased evenly with increasing disease duration, while NMF scores in affected individuals showed an initial increase with largest differences between 2–5 years disease duration (P < 0.001), with plateauing afterwards. Finally, we observed that the most common NMF symptoms in patients with sensor‐confirmed early morning “off” periods were fluctuations in cognitive capabilities, restlessness, and excessive sweating.ConclusionsNon‐motor fluctuations prevalence in PwP increases with disease duration, but in a pattern different from motor fluctuations. Moreover, NMF can occur in PwP without dyskinesia, and in those with NMF the severity of NMF increases most during years 2–5 after diagnosis.
Development and validation of a prediction model for metastasis in colorectal cancer based on LncRNA CRNDE and radiomics
Authors: Zhao Jiaojiao , Jiang Ou , Chen Xiao , Liu Qin , Li Xue , Wu Min , Zhang Yan , Zeng Fanxin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAccurate prediction of metastasis is an important determinant for selecting appropriate treatment for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, 1250 patients in two hospitals from 2014 to 2019 histologically diagnosed with CRC were enrolled. We performed the transcriptome analysis on 141 CRC patients. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) played an important role in CRC metastasis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to select features and develop radiomics model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop combined model. The radiomics model with 13 filtered radiomics features had good discrimination in predicting expression level of LncRNA CRNDE in training set (receiver operating characteristic [AUC] = 0.809) and testing set (AUC = 0.755). Furthermore, the radiomics model could predict the metastasis of CRC in internal validation set (AUC, 0.665) and in external validation set (AUC = 0.690). The combined model developed with radiomics score and carcinoembryonic antigen had better performance, and the AUC was 0.708, 0.700 in internal validation set and in external validation set, respectively. In conclusion, we proposed a radiomics model and combined model, which could predict the expression level of LncRNA CRNDE and further predict CRC metastasis, thereby helping clinician make treatment decisions.
Energy layer optimization via energy matrix regularization for proton spot‐scanning arc therapy
Authors: Zhang Gezhi , Shen Haozheng , Lin Yuting , Chen Ronald C , Long Yong , Gao Hao 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPurposeSpot‐scanning arc therapy (SPArc) is an emerging proton modality that can potentially offer a combination of advantages in plan quality and delivery efficiency, compared with traditional IMPT of a few beam angles. Unlike IMPT, frequent low‐to‐high energy layer switching (so called switch‐up (SU)) can degrade delivery efficiency for SPArc. However, it is a tradeoff between the minimization of SU times and the optimization of plan quality. This work will consider the energy layer optimization (ELO) problem for SPArc and develop a new ELO method via energy matrix (EM) regularization to improve plan quality and delivery efficiency.MethodsThe major innovation of EM method for ELO is to design an EM that encourages desirable energy‐layer map with minimal SU during SPArc, and then incorporate this EM into the SPArc treatment planning to simultaneously minimize the number of SU and optimize plan quality. The EM method is solved by the fast iterative shrinkage‐thresholding algorithm and validated in comparison with a state‐of‐the‐art method, so‐called energy sequencing (ES).ResultsEM is validated and compared with ES using representative clinical cases. In terms of delivery efficiency, EM had fewer SU than ES with an average of 35% reduction of SU. In terms of plan quality, compared with ES, EM had smaller optimization objective values and better target dose conformality, and generally lower dose to organs‐at‐risk and lower integral dose to body. In terms of computational efficiency, EM was substantially more efficient than ES by at least 10‐fold.ConclusionWe have developed a new ELO method for SPArc using EM regularization and shown that this new method EM can improve both delivery efficiency and plan quality, with substantially reduced computational time, compared with ES.