bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D‐Printed composite scaffolds based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) filled with poly(glutamic acid)‐modified cellulose nanocrystals for improved bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Averianov Ilia , Stepanova Mariia , Solomakha Olga , Gofman Iosif , Serdobintsev Mikhail , Blum Natalya , Kaftuirev Aleksander , Baulin Ivan , Nashchekina Juliya , Lavrentieva Antonina , Vinogradova Tatiana , Korzhikov‐Vlakh Viktor , Korzhikova‐Vlakh Evgenia 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe manufacturing of modern scaffolds with customized geometry and personalization has become possible due to the three‐dimensional (3D) printing technique. A novel type of 3D‐printed scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) filled with nanocrystalline cellulose modified by poly(glutamic acid) (PGlu‐NCC) has been proposed in this study. The 3D printing set‐ups were optimized in order to obtain homogeneous porous scaffolds. Both polymer composites and manufactured 3D scaffolds have demonstrated mechanical properties suitable for a human trabecular bone. Compression moduli were in the range of 334–396 MPa for non‐porous PCL and PCL‐based composites, and 101–122 MPa for porous scaffolds made of the same materials. In vitro mineralization study with the use of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) revealed the larger Ca deposits on the surface of PCL/PGlu‐NCC composite scaffolds. Implantation of the developed 3D scaffolds into femur of the rabbits was carried out to observe close and delayed effects. The histological analysis showed the lowest content of immune cells and thin fibrous capsule, revealing low toxicity of the PCL/PGlu‐NCC scaffolds seeded with rabbit MSCs (rMSCs) to the surrounding tissues. The most pronounced result on the generation of new bone tissue after implantation of PCL/PGlu‐NCC + rMSCs scaffolds was detected by both microcomputed tomography and histological analysis. Around 33% and 55% of bone coverage were detected for composite 3D scaffolds with adhered rMSCs after 1 and 3 months of implantation, respectively. This achievement can be a result of synergistic effect of PGlu, which attracts calcium ions, and stem cells with osteogenic potential.
Hybrid system with stable structure of hard/soft tissue substitutes induces re‐osseointegration in a rat model of biofilm‐mediated peri‐implantitis
Authors: Xu Lianyi , Qin Xu , Mozaffari Mahmood S. , Yan Di , Sun Xiaojuan , Cao Yingguang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRe‐osseointegration of an infected/contaminated dental implant poses major clinical challenges. We tested the hypothesis that the application of an antibiotic‐releasing construct, combined with hard/soft tissue replacement, increases the efficacy of reconstructive therapy. We initially fabricated semi‐flexible hybrid constructs of β‐TCP/PHBHHx, with tetracycline (TC) (TC amounts: 5%, 10%, and 15%). Thereafter, using in vitro assays, TC release profile, attachment to rat bone marrow‐derived stem cells (rBMSCs) and their viability as well as anti‐bacterial activity were determined. Thereafter, regenerative efficacies of the three hybrid constructs were assessed in a rat model of peri‐implantitis induced by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans biofilm; control animals received β‐TCP/Bio‐Gide and TC injection. Eight weeks later, maxillae were obtained for radiological, histological, and histomorphometric analyses of peri‐implant tissues. Sulcus bleeding index was chronologically recorded. Serum cytokines levels of IL‐6 and IL‐1β were also evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Substantial amounts of tetracycline, from hybrid constructs, were released for 2 weeks. The medium containing the released tetracycline did not affect the adhesion or viability of rBMSCs; however, it inhibited the proliferation of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Osteogenesis and osseointegration were more marked for the 15% hybrid construct group than the other two groups. The height of attachment and infiltration of inflammatory cells within fibrous tissue was significantly reduced in the experimental groups than the control group. Our protocol resulted in re‐osseointegration on a biofilm‐contaminated implant. Thus, an antibiotic releasing inorganic/organic construct may offer a therapeutic option to suppress infection and promote guided tissue regeneration thereby serving as an integrated multi‐layer substitute for both hard/soft tissues.
Probing structural basis for enhanced binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 P.1 variant spike protein with the human ACE2 receptor
Authors: Lata Surabhi , Akif Mohd. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe initial step of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) involves the binding of receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Each successive wave of SARS‐CoV‐2 reports emergence of many new variants, which is associated with mutations in the RBD as well as other parts of the spike protein. These mutations are reported to have enhanced affinity towards the ACE2 receptor as well as are also crucial for the virus transmission. Many computational and experimental studies have demonstrated the effect of individual mutation on the RBD‐ACE2 binding. However, the cumulative effect of mutations on the RBD and away from the RBD was not investigated in detail. We report here a comparative analysis on the structural communication and dynamics of the RBD and truncated S1 domain of spike protein in complex with the ACE2 receptor from SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type and its P.1 variant. Our integrative network and dynamics approaches highlighted a subtle conformational changes in the RBD as well as truncated S1 domain of spike protein at the protein contact level, responsible for the increased affinity with the ACE2 receptor. Moreover, our study also identified the commonalities and differences in the dynamics of the interactions between spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type and its P.1 variant with the ACE2 receptor. Further, our investigation yielded an understanding towards identification of the unique RBD residues crucial for the interaction with the ACE2 host receptor. Overall, the study provides an insight for designing better therapeutics against the circulating P.1 variants as well as other future variants.
Fangchinoline targets epithelial–mesenchymal transition process by modulating activation of multiple cell‐signaling pathways
Authors: Jung Young Y. , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alahmadi Tahani A. , Alharbi Sulaiman A. , Kumar Alan P. , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process, which can promote the transition of tumor cells into other organs by weakening the cell‐cell junctions. Tumor cell invasion and metastasis arising because of EMT can determine the prognosis of cancer. EMT can be induced by several growth factors including transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), which can exert their effects by affecting several cell‐signaling pathways. Fangchinoline (FCN), a kind of bisbenzylisoquinoline, belongs to the family Menispermaceae. FCN can display substantial antitumor effects against various malignant cell lines but its possible impact on EMT has not been explored. We examined the potential impact of FCN in affecting the activation of EMT in human colon cancer cells. We evaluated the influence of FCN on EMT in colon cancer cells by using Western blot analysis and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assays. The cellular invasion and migration were observed by Boyden chamber and wound healing assays. Thereafter, the effect of the drug on proliferation and invasion was also evaluated by real‐time cell analysis. FCN suppressed the levels of TGF‐β‐induced mesenchymal markers, such as fibronectin, vimentin, MMP‐9, MMP‐2, N‐cadherin, Twist, and Snail. However, FCN markedly enhanced the expression of epithelial markers such as occludin and E‐cadherin. These results imply that FCN can potentially inhibit tumor metastasis through abrogating EMT. In addition, FCN downregulated c‐Met/PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin cell signaling pathways and mitigated tumor migration as well as invasion. Overall, our study suggests a potential novel role of FCN as an antimetastatic agent against human colon cancer cells.
Combination of C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 for early diagnosis of hyperinflammatory state and organ dysfunction in pediatric sepsis
Authors: Zeng Gongbo , Chen Dong , Zhou Renxi , Zhao Xinfeng , Ye Cuiying , Tao Huiting , Sheng Wenbin , Wu Yidong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough early diagnosis and management are critical for prognosis of pediatric sepsis, there are no specific diagnostic biomarkers for the hyperinflammatory state and organ dysfunction, important stages of sepsis.MethodsWe enrolled 129 children with infection into three groups: non‐sepsis infection (33), Sepsis 1.0 (hyperinflammatory state, 67), and Sepsis 3.0 (organ dysfunction, 29). Another 32 children with no infections were included as controls. Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IL‐17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐α, and IFN‐γ were assessed to diagnose the two stages, and their diagnostic capacities were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We also examined whether combining biomarkers improved diagnostic efficiency.ResultsSignificantly higher CRP, PCT, and IL‐6 levels were detected in the Sepsis 1.0 than the non‐sepsis infection group (p < 0.001). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for diagnosing Sepsis 1.0 were 0.974 (CRP), 0.913 (PCT) and 0.919 (IL‐6). A combination of any two biomarkers increased diagnostic sensitivity to ≥92.54% and specificity to 100.00%. Significantly higher PCT, IL‐8, and IL‐10 levels were found in the Sepsis 3.0 than the Sepsis 1.0 group (p ≤ 0.01), with AUCs for diagnosing Sepsis 3.0 0.807 (PCT), 0.711 (IL‐8), and 0.860 (IL‐10). Combining these three biomarkers increased diagnostic sensitivity to 96.55% and specificity to 94.03%.ConclusionIn pediatric sepsis, combining any two of CRP, PCT, and IL‐6 can accurately diagnose the hyperinflammatory state and increase diagnostic specificity. Early diagnosis of organ dysfunction requires a combination of PCT, IL‐8, and IL‐10.
Association of novel TMEM67 variants with mild phenotypes of high gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase cholestasis and congenital hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Qiu Yi‐Ling , Wang Li , Huang Min , Lian Min , Wang Fengbin , Gong Ying , Ma Xiong , Hao Chen‐Zhi , Zhang Jing , Li Zhong‐Die , Xing Qing‐He , Cao Muqing , Wang Jian‐She 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTMEM67 (mecklin or MKS3) locates in the transition zone of cilia. Dysfunction of TMEM67 disrupts cilia‐related signaling and leads to developmental defects of multiple organs in humans. Typical autosomal recessive TMEM67 defects cause partial overlapping phenotypes, including abnormalities in the brain, eyes, liver, kidneys, bones, and so forth. However, emerging reports of isolated nephronophthisis suggest the possibility of a broader phenotype spectrum. In this study, we analyzed the genetic data of cholestasis patients with no obvious extrahepatic involvement but with an unexplained high level of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). We identified five Han Chinese patients from three unrelated families with biallelic nonnull low‐frequency TMEM67 variants. All variants were predicted pathogenic in silico, of which p. Arg820Ile and p. Leu144del were previously unreported. In vitro studies revealed that the protein levels of the TMEM67 variants were significantly decreased; however, their interaction with MKS1 remained unaffected. All the patients, aged 7−39 years old, had silently progressive cholestasis with elevated GGT but had normal bilirubin levels. Histological studies of liver biopsy of patients 1, 3, and 5 showed the presence of congenital hepatic fibrosis. We conclude that variants in TMEM67 are associated with a mild phenotype of unexplained, persistent, anicteric, and high GGT cholestasis without typical symptoms of TMEM67 defects; this possibility should be considered by physicians in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Knockout of TIGAR enhances myocardial phosphofructokinase activity and preserves diastolic function in heart failure
Authors: He Xiaochen , Zeng Heng , Cantrell Aubrey C. , Williams Quinesha A. , Chen Jian‐Xiong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHypertension is an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction. Growing evidence indicates that glucose metabolism plays an essential role in diastolic dysfunction. TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism and heart failure (HF). In the present study, we investigated the role of TIGAR in diastolic function and cardiac fibrosis during pressure overload (PO)‐induced HF. WT mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), a commonly used method to induce diastolic dysfunction, exhibited diastolic dysfunction as evidenced by increased E/A ratio and E/E′ ratio when compared to its sham controls. This was accompanied by increased cardiac interstitial fibrosis. In contrast, the knockout of TIGAR attenuated PO‐induced diastolic dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis. Mechanistically, the levels of glucose transporter Glut‐1, Glut‐4, and key glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK‐1) were significantly elevated in TIGAR KO subjected to TAC as compared to that of WT mice. Knockout of TIGAR significantly increased fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate levels and phosphofructokinase activity in mouse hearts. In addition, PO resulted in a significant increase in perivascular fibrosis and endothelial activation in the WT mice, but not in the TIGAR KO mice. Our present study suggests a necessary role of TIGAR‐mediated glucose metabolism in PO‐induced cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction.
Investigation of the effects of diabetes mellitus on left internal thoracic artery flow patterns in patients scheduled to undergo coronary bypass graft surgery
Authors: Aydın Ufuk , Engin Mesut , Kat Nurcan Kacmaz , AS Ahmet Kağan , Demirel Abdurrahman , Tatlı Ahmet Burak , Demirci Hakan , Ata Yusuf , Türk Tamer 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPurposeDiabetes mellitus (DM) plays a key role in the formation and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of DM and glycemic control on left internal thoracic artery (LITA) Doppler flow in patients scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.MethodsPatients who were hospitalized with a planned isolated CABG operation to our clinic between October 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020 were consecutively included in this prospective study. The patients were divided into three groups as those without DM (Group 1), those with DM and HbA1c values of below 7.5 (Group 2), and those with DM and HbA1c values of 7.5 and above (Group 3). The differences between the LITA Doppler flow patterns of the patients were analyzed.ResultsThe mean ages of Group 1 (n = 103), Group 2 (n = 42), and Group 3 (n = 47) were 59.8 ± 9.6 years, 60.5 ± 9.3 years, and 61.9 ± 8.1 years, respectively. The groups differed in terms of diameter, volume, Vmax, pulsality index (PI), and resistive index (RI) values, both when the groups were compared among themselves (P < .001, for all), and when they were compared between those with (Groups 2 and 3) and without DM (Group 1) (P < .001, for all). Volume (R = −0.627, P < .001) and Vmax (R = −.450, P < .001) were moderately negatively correlated, while PI (R = .523, P < .001) and RI (R = 0.598, P < 0.001) were moderately positively correlated with HbA1c levels.ConclusionIn this study, we showed that increased HbA1c levels may be associated with significant functional and structural changes of LITA.
Perspectives on career and college readiness self‐efficacy of Latinx adolescents: A thematic analysis
Authors: Martinez Robert R. , Baker Stanley 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFindings from a previous study indicated that a career and college readiness curriculum intervention was less effective for Latinx ninth grade students than for other ethnicity cohorts. Eleven Latinx members of the treatment group in the previous study volunteered for interviews designed to better understand their career and college readiness experiences. Four themes emerged. Three of the themes had not been highlighted in the reviewed professional literature. Recommendations for practice and research are presented.
Higher intensive care unit consultations for COVID‐19 patients living with HIV compared to those without HIV coinfection in Uganda
Authors: Fleischer Brian , Olum Ronald , Nakwagala Frederick Nelson , Nassozi Dianah Rhodah , Pitua Ivaan , Paintsil Elijah , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Bongomin Felix 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCoronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) is the leading cause of death worldwide from a single infectious agent. Whether or not HIV infection affects clinical outcomes in patients with COVID‐19 remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of people living with HIV (PLWH) and non‐HIV‐infected patients hospitalized during the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Uganda. We retrospectively retrieved data on patients with COVID‐19 who were admitted to the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda between April 2021 and mid‐July 2021. We performed propensity‐score‐matching of 1:5 to compare outcomes in COVID‐19 patients living with and those without HIV coinfection (controls). We included 31 PLWH and 155 non‐HIV controls. The baseline characteristics were similar across groups (all p values > 0.05). PLWH had close to threefold higher odds of having ICU consultation compared to controls (odds ratio [OR]: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2–6.9, p = 0.015). There was a trend toward having a severe or critical COVID‐19 illness among PLWHIH compared to controls (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.8–4.7, p = 0.164). Length of hospitalization was not significantly different between PLWH and non‐HIV controls (6 days vs. 7 days, p = 0.184). Seven‐day survival was 63% (95% CI: 42%–78%) among PLWH and 72% (95% CI: 61%–82%) among controls while 14‐day survival was 50% (95% CI: 28%–69%) among PLWH and 65% (95% CI: 55%–73%) among controls (p = 0.280). There was another trend toward having 1.7‐fold higher odds of mortality among PLWH compared to controls (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.8–3.8, p = 0.181). Our data suggest that PLWH may be at an increased risk of severe or critical COVID‐19 illness requiring ICU consultation. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.
Insect repellent pellets – an application of botanicals against red flour beetle – their antifungal activity during storage and use as potential fumigants
Authors: Mangang Irengbam Barun , Manickam Loganathan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe protection of grains from insect infestation is critical during storage. Insect repellent pellets (IRPs) are a potential technique to repel insects by hindering insect movement toward the grains. The basic principle of IRPs is the use of active components found in the oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus, and neem leaves for the controlled release of fumes, thereby avoiding the need for reapplication after a few days. Here, we examined the antifungal activity, the lethal dose, and the repelling effect of IRPs against red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, over a 30 day period.RESULTSWe observed that IRPs possessed antifungal properties and were able to repel the adults of T. castaneum. These insects ultimately died from the fumes if they manage to stay near the IRPs (LD50 = 2 and LD99 = 7 days). The active components (phenol, 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐, citral, neral, geraniol, n‐hexadecanoic acid) present in IRP during the initial stage were also found after a storage period of 35 days.CONCLUSIONThe active components present in IRPs have antifungal, repellent, and fumigant properties. The IRPs can thus be termed potent botanical insecticides and are an alternative to synthetic insecticides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inhibitory potential of phenolic compounds of Thai colored rice (Oryza sativa L.) against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase through in vitro and in silico studies
Authors: Sansenya Sompong , Payaka Apirak 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigated the inhibitory efficiency of phenolic compounds content methyl vanillate, syringic acid and vanillic acid against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. The phenolic compound contents of 10 Thai colored rice cultivars were also determined, and the relationship between the inhibitory efficiency of colored rice extract with methyl vanillate, syringic acid and vanillic acid was evaluated.RESULTSThe results revealed that the inhibition efficiency of methyl vanillate, syringic acid and vanillic acid was higher against α‐glucosidase than against α‐amylase. Inhibitory activity of vanillic acid against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase was highest, with IC50 of 0.100 ± 0.01 and 0.130 ± 0.02 mmol L−1, respectively. Docking study showed strong binding by three hydrogen bonds and four hydrogen bonds between vanillic acid with the amino acid in the binding site of α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase, respectively. Inhibition modes of these phenolic compounds were defined as a mixed type inhibition against α‐glucosidase. Highest phenolic compound contents of methyl vanillate, syringic acid and vanillic acid were obtained from methanol extracts of all rice cultivars. The methanol extracts of all colored rice cultivars such as Khao Leum Pua also showed the highest inhibition potential against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. The results indicated that these phenolic compound contents were closely related to the inhibition potential of colored rice extracts against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that rice, especially colored rice cultivars, has the source of phenolic compounds. Moreover, the phenolic compounds had the greatest source of natural inhibitor against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of humectants and Zygosaccharomyces bailii inoculation on the physical stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions modeling salad dressings
Authors: Zalazar Aldana L , Lara Virgina M , Gliemmo María F , Campos Carmen A 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDSalad dressing formulations include a pH within 3.2–4.1, salt and other solutes to depress water activity. The interaction between hydrocolloids and other components such as humectants determines their physical and microbiological stability. To our knowledge, the effect of commonly used solutes on physical stability and rheological characteristics of oil‐in‐water emulsions stabilized by xanthan gum has not been reported, and neither has the effect of a spoilage yeast on physical stability been evaluated.RESULTSThe effect of different humectants (sodium chloride, glucose and xylitol) and Zygosaccharomyces bailii inoculation on the stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions containing different levels of xanthan gum to emulate different types of salad dressings was investigated by means of droplet size, zeta potential, rheological measurements and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Generally, the addition of humectants strengthened the weak or strong emulsion structure, especially xylitol. Glucose or xylitol acted as stabilizers since they decreased Sauter and De Broucker diameter. On the contrary, NaCl destabilized the emulsions since it increased droplet size and exhibited the lowest absolute values of zeta potential. Inoculation with Z. bailii destabilized some emulsions since it increased Sauter and De Broucker diameter. Emulsion droplet size, polydispersity, and xanthan gum and yeast location were confirmed by CLSM imaging.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights the key role of humectants and xanthan gum level on physical characteristics and stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions. Addition of xylitol leads to an enhancement in emulsion rheology and physical stability, suggesting that it is a potential low‐calorie multifunctional additive for salad dressings. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.