bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Characterization of the Pharmacological Effects of Yagari in Experimentally Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Agatemor Uzuazokaro Mark-Maria , Nwodo Okwesili Fred Chiligue 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBenign prostatic hyperplasia is a progressive pathologic condition common in ageing men, constituting a health burden. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is characterized by the proliferation of prostatic tissues, prostate enlargement, and lower urinary tract symptoms. The use of herbal medicine in the management and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia has shown some promise. The efficacy and potency of some polyherbal extracts have been scientifically proven in the management and treatment of diseases, while many others are yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the herbal mixture Yagari on experimentally induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats and to identify its pharmacologically active agents. The effect of the herbal mixture on experimentally induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats was determined using 36 male Wistar rats grouped randomly into 6 groups of 6 rats each. The test rats were treated subcutaneously using a combination of dihydrotestosterone and estradiol valerate in a 10:1 ratio for 28 days according to the standard method. The test rats were thereafter treated with the herbal mixture for 21 days. Prostate-specific antigen, inflammatory cytokines, assay of prostate function hormonal and prostate function enzyme activities, and kidney function test were evaluated in the blood samples collected by ocular puncture applying standard methods. Prostates were harvested and examined for histopathological changes. Biological activity-guided fractionation of Yagari in a silica gel column was carried out and using phospholipase A2 activity as a biomarker. The identity of the bioactive compounds was determined using mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The herbal mixture showed a positive effect on prostatic hyperplasia by decreasing urinary obstruction through the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase, anti-inflammatory activity, and decreased level of sex hormones. Characterization by spectral studies revealed apigenin (4´,5,7-trihydroxyflavone, molecular weight).
Synthesis of Bifacial Peptide Nucleic Acids with Diketopiperazine Backbones
Authors: Bong Dennis , Devari Shekaraiah , Bhunia Debmalya 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe report a synthesis of bifacial peptide nucleic acids (bPNAs) with novel diketopiperazine (DKP) backbones that display unnatural melamine (M) bases, as well as native bases. To examine the structure–function scope of DKP bPNAs, we synthesized a set of bPNAs by using diaminopropionic acid, diaminobutyric acid, ornithine, and lysine derivatives to display the base-tripling motifs, which result in one, two, three, or four carbons linking the alpha carbon to the side-chain amine. Thermal denaturation of DNA hybrids with these bPNAs revealed that the optimal side-chain linkage was four carbons, corresponding to the lysine derivative. Accordingly, monomers displaying two bases per side-chain were prepared through double reductive alkylation of the ε-amine of Fmoc-lysine with acetaldehyde derivatives of adenine, cytidine, uridine, and melamine. With these building blocks in hand, DKP bPNAs were prepared to display a combination of native and synthetic (melamine) bases. Preliminary melting studies indicate binding signatures of cytidine- and melamine-displaying bPNAs to T-rich DNAs of noncanonical structure, though full characterization of this behavior is ongoing. The convenient and potentially scalable method described enables rapid access to DNA-binding scaffolds of low (<1 kD) molecular weight and previously established cell permeability. We expect that this straightforward and efficient approach to nucleic acid binders will enable studies on noncanonical nucleic acid hybridization.
Pressurized Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction of Galanthamine and Related Alkaloids from Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Authors: Rachmaniah Orchidea , Wilson Erica G. , Choi Young Hae , Witkamp Geert-Jan , Verpoorte Robert 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe isolation of a compound from a natural source involves many organic and mostly toxic solvents for extraction and purification. Natural deep eutectic solvents have been shown to be
efficient options for the extraction of natural products. They have the advantage of being composed of abundantly available common primary metabolites, being nontoxic and environmentally
safe solvents. The aim of this study was to develop a natural deep eutectic solvent-based extraction method for galanthamine, an important therapeutic agent for the treatment of Alzheimerʼs
disease. This alkaloid can be produced by synthesis or by extraction from Narcissus bulbs. To develop an efficient extraction method, a number of different natural deep eutectic
solvents was first tested for their solubilization capacity of galanthamine bromide salt. Promising results were obtained for ionic liquids, as well as some amphoteric and acidic natural
deep eutectic solvents. In a two-cycle extraction process, the best solvents were tested for the extraction of galanthamine from bulbs. The ionic liquids produced poor yields, and the best
results were obtained with some acid and sugar mixtures, among which malic acid-sucrose-water (1 : 1 : 5) proved to be the best, showing similar yields to that of the exhaustive Soxhlet
extraction with methanol. Furthermore, the natural deep eutectic solvent was more selective for galanthamine.
Characteristics of older-patient-specif ic oncological trials: a cross-sectional analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Yang Yun , Xie Mingxing , Zhang Li , Yu Kaixu , Li He , Sun Wei , Feng Zishan , Tang Yun , Ma Haotian , Wang Qingpeng , Wu Gang , Yang Kunyu , Wu Bian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
clinical trials dedicated to the older patients with cancer are essential to help to define optimal cancer therapy for this rapidly growing population. Our study aimed to analyse the characteristics and the evolution of older-patient-specific oncological trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods
a dataset of 61,120 oncological trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov between 2000 and 2019 was downloaded. Characteristics of older-patient-specific trials were compared with characteristics of age-unspecified trials. Chronological shifts in older-patient-specific trials were also analysed.

Results
of the 49,273 interventional trials eligible for analysis, only 490 (1.0%) were older-patient-specific. More than half of the older-patient-specific trials were phase 2 and enrolled less than 100 patients. Compared with age-unspecified trials, older-patient-specific trials were less likely to be funded by industry (26.9 vs 37.1%), and more likely to be conducted in Europe (44.5 vs 28.3%). During the two time periods between 2000 and 2009, and 2010 and 2019, the proportion of supportive care-oriented trials increased from 1.9 to 13.9%. Concerningly, the use of clinically meaningful end points in older patients such as disease-specific survival, patient-reported outcomes and functional status as a primary end point was uncommon (0.4, 8.1 and 7.3%, respectively). There was no correlation between the number of trials for a given cancer type and relative incidence and mortality. 196/490 (40.0%) of the trials were conducted for patients with haematological cancer.

Conclusion
our study helps us to better understand the current state of older-patient-specific oncological trials and provide insights for future development, resulting in the improvement of the care of older patients with cancer.
Sneering Satire
Authors: Anderson Luvell 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn ‘“Sneering, or Other Social Pelting”’, Lucy O’Brien understands sneering acts as ways of making feel that are aimed at socially downgrading a target. Sneers are essentially expressions of contempt. Although typically thought of as vicious, O’Brien argues they can also be used virtuously to disrupt social hierarchies, especially when taken up by people with low social status. I examine satire as a potentially effective means of carrying out this virtuous activity. I examine O’Brien’s account while exploring the conditions that must obtain to make satire an efficacious tool for social recalibration.
Continual Improvement of the Reliability of Next-Generation Sequencing-Based ctDNA Analysis: A Long-Term Comparison of ctDNA Detection in China
Authors: Peng Rongxue , Zhang Rui , Li Jinming 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSince circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing is increasingly being applied in clinical management of patients with cancer, its testing accuracy has become a matter of serious concern. To address this issue, a long-term ctDNA analysis proficiency testing (PT) scheme for next-generation sequencing (NGS) was launched in China in 2018, serving as an educational tool for assessing and improving the testing quality of NGS-based ctDNA detection.MethodsFeedback from participating laboratories across 23 different PT samples containing different variants with varying variant allele frequency was collected between 2018 and 2021. To further show the landscape of changing conditions in accuracy and reliability of NGS-based ctDNA testing, performance was analyzed by evaluating the cfDNA extraction kits, testing panels, target enrichment strategies, and sequencing platforms.ResultsDuring the 4 years, 2745 results reported from 504 laboratories were evaluated. Only 66.3% of results from laboratories were entirely in concordance with the expected results. Nonetheless, along with an increasing number of participating laboratories, the number of errors occurring in laboratories, and the proportion of laboratories that experienced errors both showed a significant downward trend. No obvious differences in the error rates were found regarding the kit manufacturers or sequencing platform. Moreover, the individual performances of the laboratories improved when they participated in more PT scheme rounds.ConclusionsThese data demonstrated that the performance of individual Chinese laboratories for NGS-based ctDNA analysis continuously improved over time with participation in PT schemes. However, further care must also be taken in standardized operations and validations.
Diversification across mining pools: optimal mining strategies under PoW
Authors: Chatzigiannis Panagiotis , Baldimtsi Foteini , Griva Igor , Li Jiasun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Mining is a central operation of all proof-of-work (PoW)-based cryptocurrencies. The vast majority of miners today participate in “mining pools” instead of “solo mining” in order to lower risk and achieve a more steady income. However, this rise of participation in mining pools negatively affects the decentralization levels of most cryptocurrencies. In this work, we look into mining pools from the point of view of a miner: We present an analytical model and implement a computational tool that allows miners to optimally distribute their computational power over multiple pools and PoW cryptocurrencies (i.e. build a mining portfolio), taking into account their risk aversion levels. Our tool allows miners to maximize their risk-adjusted earnings by diversifying across multiple mining pools. Our underlying techniques are drawn from both the areas of financial economy and computer science since we use computer science-based approaches (i.e. optimization techniques) to experimentally prove how parties (and in particular miners) interact with cryptocurrencies in a way of increasing their Sharpe ratio. To showcase our model, we run an experiment in Bitcoin historical data and demonstrate that a miner diversifying over multiple pools, as instructed by our model/tool, receives a higher overall Sharpe ratio (i.e. average excess reward over its standard deviation/volatility).
Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Cognitive Decline among Older Adults With Type-2 Diabetes
Authors: Weinstein Galit , Vered Shiraz , Ivancovsky-Wajcman Dana , Ravona-Springer Ramit , Heymann Anthony , Zelber-Sagi Shira , Shahar Danit Rivka , Beeri Michal Schnaider 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundUltra-processed food (UPF) consumption is related to increased morbidity and mortality. However, knowledge on its association with cognitive function is lacking. In this longitudinal study, we examined the associations between UPF intake and cognitive decline in older adults with type-2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsThe sample included initially nondemented T2D older adults (≥65 years), from the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline study, who had complete information on nutrition at baseline and at least 3 cognitive assessments (mean follow-up 5.3 ± 1.5 years). Nutritional intake was evaluated by a validated Food-Frequency Questionnaire, and foods were categorized as UPF based on NOVA classification. Percent of calories from UPF were calculated from total caloric consumption in total and specific food groups. Mixed effect models were used to examine the link between UPF intake (top vs bottom quartiles) and change in cognitive function overall and in specific domains, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsOf the total sample (N = 568; mean age 71.3 ± 4.5 years, 60% men), 141 consumed &gt;31% kcal from UPF (top quartile). Greater intake of ultra-processed meat was associated with a faster decline in executive functions and global cognition (β = −0.041 ± 0.013; p = .002 and β = −0.026 ± 0.010; p = .011, respectively). Additionally, consumption of ultra-processed oils/spreads was associated with faster decline in executive functions and global cognition (β = −0.037 ± 0.014; p = .006 and β = −0.028 ± 0.010; p = .009, respectively). Total UPF consumption and UPF-derived from dairy products and bread/pastries/starch were not associated with cognitive change.ConclusionThis study suggests that a high intake of ultra-processed meat and oils/spreads may be associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older individuals with T2D.
The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Late-Life Cognition: A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional and Case-Control Studies
Authors: Patel Priya , Oremus Mark 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a recognized risk factor for unfavorable health outcomes. No prior systematic review has explored the association between ACEs and cognition in late life, a critical period for cognitive fluctuation. The objective of this review is to address the following research question: What is the association between ACEs and late-life cognition?

Research Design and Methods
Articles were obtained from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The last search was performed in May 2021. Eligible articles examined the association between exposure to at least 1 ACE and the outcome of late-life cognition, measured either by cognitive testing or the presence/absence of a neurocognitive disorder. Data were synthesized narratively using the synthesis without meta-analysis guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Adapted NOS.

Results
Twenty articles representing 18 unique studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Associations with lower late-life cognition were reported for: childhood maternal death, parental divorce, physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and combinations of ACEs. However, most results were statistically nonsignificant, and many were unlikely to be clinically important.

Discussion and Implications
We found an association between ACEs and late-life cognition. However, the direction and magnitude of association varied between and within types of ACEs and measures of cognitive function. Most included articles had a moderate risk of bias. This review is the first attempt to synthesize the literature on this topic and it outlines the next steps to improve the evidence base in the area.
The Kauffman Skein Algebra of the Torus
Authors: Morton Hugh , Pokorny Alex , Samuelson Peter 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We give a presentation of the Kauffman (BMW) skein algebra of the torus. This algebra is the “type $BCD$” analogue of the Homflypt skein algebra of torus, which was computed in earlier work of the 1st and 3rd authors [17]. This suggests the existence of a “type $BCD$” version of the Hall algebra of an elliptic curve [4]. In the appendix, we show this presentation is compatible with the Frohman–Gelca description of the Kauffman bracket (Temperley–Lieb) skein algebra of the torus [12].
Well-Posedness for the Dispersive Hunter–Saxton Equation
Authors: Ai Albert , Avadanei Ovidiu-Neculai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article represents a 1st step toward understanding the well-posedness of the dispersive Hunter–Saxton equation, which arises in the study of nematic liquid crystals. Although the equation has formal similarities with the KdV equation, the lack of $L^2$ control gives it a quasilinear character. Further, the lack of spatial decay obstructs access to dispersive tools, including local smoothing estimates. Here, we give the 1st proof of local and global well-posedness for the Cauchy problem. Secondly, we improve our well-posedness results with respect to the low regularity of the initial data. The key techniques we use include constructing modified energies to realize a normal form analysis in our quasilinear setting, and frequency envelopes to prove continuous dependence with respect to the initial data.
Rules for Mediated Romance: A Digital Exploration of How Couples Negotiate Expectations
Authors: Foster Campbell Jamie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Framed by expectancy violation theory, this study used joint interviews to explore why couples create communication rules for their technology use and what happens if the expectation is violated. Participants’ (n = 36) narratives were analyzed through four coding cycles: in vivo, initial, value, and focused coding. Interviews with romantic couples resulted in three themes: rules are performative, rules reduce conflict, and rules guide modality weaving. During an expectation violation, findings revealed that the magnitude of the violation is first determined by the violator defending their behavior. Then, based on the appraisal process, the couple reframes the rule to better work for their future interactions. Key findings conclude that rules are not rigid; they are fluid and develop naturally over time. This research adds to the literature about how mediated communication transforms the dynamics of romantic relationships as couples explicitly and implicitly create communication rules to help maintain their partnership.
Physics of star-formation history and the luminosity function of galaxies therefrom
Authors: Fukugita Masataka , Kawasaki Masahiro 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
We show that the star-formation history, the reionization history and the present luminosity function of galaxies are reproduced in a simple gravitational collapse model within the ΛCDM regime to an almost quantitative accuracy when the physical conditions, the Jeans criterion and the cooling process are taken into account. Taking a reasonable set of model parameters, the reionization takes place sharply at about redshift 1 + z ≃ 7.5, and the resulting luminosity function turns off at $L\simeq 10^{10.7}\, {\rm L}_\odot$, showing the consistency between the star-formation history and the reionization of the Universe. The model gives the total amount of stars Ωstar = 0.004 in units of the critical density, compared with the observational value of 0.0044 with a recycling factor of 1.6. In order to account for the observed star-formation rate and the present luminosity function, the star-formation efficiency is not halo-mass-independent but has a maximum at the halo mass $\simeq 10^{12}\, {\rm M}_\odot$ and is suppressed for both lower- and higher-mass haloes.
Using peculiar velocity surveys to constrain neutrino masses
Authors: Whitford Abbé M , Howlett Cullan , Davis Tamara M 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
The presence of massive neutrinos in the early Universe is expected to have influenced the observed distribution of galaxies and their observed motions. In this work, we explore whether measurements of galaxy peculiar velocities could allow us to improve upon neutrino mass constraints from galaxy redshift surveys alone. Using Fisher matrix forecasts, we show that the galaxy peculiar motions do contain information on the sum of the masses of neutrinos ∑mν, and that this information can be used to improve upon constraints that may be obtained from low-redshift galaxy surveys (z &lt; 0.5) combined with Planck measurements of the cosmic microwave background. Compared to the full constraining power offered by Planck and higher redshift DESI data, we find that the benefit of including peculiar velocities only marginally improves neutrino mass constraints. However, when one does not include information from Planck, our results show that the inclusion of peculiar velocity measurements can substantially improve upon the constraints from redshift surveys alone, and that in some cases the addition of further data from high-density peculiar velocity surveys is more successful at overcoming the sample variance than adding further data from redshifts only. We demonstrate that it may be possible to achieve upper bounds of ∑mν ≈ 0.14 eV (68 per cent confidence limit), from upcoming spectroscopic galaxy surveys alone, as long as the peculiar velocity data is available, an improvement of ∼14 per cent over redshift surveys alone, but not as strong as when CMB data are included.
Biopsy-proven CKD etiology and outcomes: the Chronic Kidney Disease Japan Cohort (CKD-JAC) study
Authors: Hamano Takayuki , Imaizumi Takahiro , Hasegawa Takeshi , Fujii Naohiko , Komaba Hirotaka , Ando Masahiko , Nangaku Masaomi , Nitta Kosaku , Hirakata Hideki , Isaka Yoshitaka , Wada Takashi , Maruyama Shoichi , Fukagawa Masafumi 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Background
The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines advocate the cause–glomerular filtration rate (GFR)–albuminuria (CGA) classification for predicting outcomes. However, there is a dearth of data supporting the use of the cause of chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to address how to incorporate a prior biopsy-proven diagnosis in outcome prediction.

Methods
We examined the association of biopsy-proven kidney disease diagnoses with kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) and all-cause death before KFRT in patients with various biopsy-proven diagnoses (n = 778, analysis A) and patients with diabetes mellitus labeled with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN), other biopsy-proven diseases and no biopsy (n = 1117, analysis B).

Results
In analysis A, adding biopsy-proven diagnoses to the GFR–albuminuria (GA) classification improved the prediction of 8-year incidence of KFRT and all-cause death significantly regarding integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification index. Fine–Gray (FG) models with KFRT as a competing event showed significantly higher subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) for all-cause death in nephrosclerosis {4.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–15.2)], focal segmental glomerulosclerosis [3.77 (95% CI 1.09–13.1)]} and membranous nephropathy (MN) [2.91 (95% CI 1.02–8.30)] than in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), while the Cox model failed to show significant associations. Crescentic glomerulonephritis had the highest risk of all-cause death [SHR 5.90 (95% CI 2.05–17.0)]. MN had a significantly lower risk of KFRT than IgAN [SHR 0.45 (95% CI 0.24–0.84)]. In analysis B, other biopsy-proven diseases had a lower risk of KFRT than biopsy-proven DN in the FG model, with death as a competing event [SHR 0.62 (95% CI 0.39–0.97)].

Conclusions
The CGA classification is of greater value in predicting outcomes than the GA classification.