bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acrylamide alters the miRNA profiles and miR‐27a‐5p plays the key role in multiple tissues of rats
Authors: Li Dong , Lujia Zhang , Liuqing Yang , Yinghua Luo , Xiaosong Hu , Fang Chen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAcrylamide (AA) is the potential carcinogen, which can induce multiple toxic effects in laboratory animals and humans. So far, increasing attention have been paid to toxical mechanism and intervention measures of AA, however, these details and methods are still obscure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in toxical functional mechanisms induced by chemicals in vivo or vitro. To explore novel target and mechanism of AA toxicity, a more detailed miRNA expression profiling study is needed. In this study, we established the short‐term high‐dose model of rats with the treatment of 35 mg/kg·b.w./day AA for 17 days, analyzed the miRNAs expression profiling in AA and control groups, and discovered the altered miRNA profiles in 11 tissues with AA treatment. Interestingly enough, the expression of miR‐27a‐5p were significantly up‐regulated in AA group, especially in bladder and hepar. Furthermore, we found miR‐27a‐5p increased in 11 tissues of long‐term low‐dose AA‐treated rats (3.5 mg/kg·b.w./day for 68 days). Therefore, these results revealed that AA changed miRNAs profiles in multiple tissues of SD rats for the first time and suggested that miR‐27a‐5p could be used as the target biomarker for the detection and interference of AA toxicity.
Fish sauce fermentation using Marinococcus halotolerans SPQ isolate as a starter culture
Authors: Do Quynh Nguyen Anh , Sekar Ashokkumar , Kim Myoungjin , Phat Nguyen Loc , Thi Le Nga , Uh Sangjun , Hong Sukil , Kim Keun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA total of 344 halophilic bacteria were isolated from fish fermentation broths, solar salt crystals, seawater, and muds from ponds of salt pans in Vietnam and subjected to aroma evaluation using fish broth containing 29 ~ 30% (w/v) NaCl. One isolate from a salt crystal with the highest aroma score was selected, identified by using 16S rDNA sequence, and named Marinococcus halotolerans SPQ. The GC‐MS results of the fish broth fermented by M. halotolerans SPQ revealed elevated concentrations of several aroma compounds such as ethyl alcohol, 1‐propanol, 1‐butyl alcohol, 1‐amyl alcohol, and methionol. During the validation tests for M. halotolerans SPQ, using 2 kg of anchovy fish in 30% (w/v) NaCl at pH 5.78, the total and amino nitrogen values in the broth increased over time from 15.2 g/L at the beginning to 26.3 g/L at 6th month, with these values being comparable to those of the control. The ammoniacal nitrogen value (2.52 g/L) in the inoculated broth at 6th month was slightly higher than that (2.21 g/L) of control. The histamine content of the fish broth inoculated with M. halotolerans SPQ after 6 months was 110.12 mg/L, less than the maximum permitted safety limit of 200 mg/L, indicating it to be safe. Physical parameters, such as the total, amino, ammoniacal nitrogens, and histamine content of fish broth fermented by M. halotolerans MPQ met the standards for Vietnamese fish sauces. Two important umami amino acids, aspartic and glutamic acid, were seen to significantly increase, by 23.5% and 35.1%, respectively, even in the extremely harsh fermentation conditions posed by 30% (w/v) NaCl. The color, odor, and taste of the fish sauce fermented by M. halotolerans SPQ elicited the highest preference score accorded by the panelists. Taken together, M. halotolerans SPQ is a promising starter culture strain for fish sauce fermentation.
Alternative antibiotic feed additives alleviate pneumonia with inhibiting ACE‐2 expression in the respiratory system of piglets
Authors: Lu Chen‐Wen , Wang Sheue‐Er , Wu Wan‐Jhen , Su Li‐Yu , Wang Che‐Hsuan , Wang Pei‐Hwa , Wu Chung‐Hsin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWeaning piglets often suffer from pneumonia during growth, so in general, antibiotics are used by owners to make piglets grow smoothly. However, antibiotics may be accompanied by many side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and allergies. The aim of this study was to develop an alternative antibiotic herbal veterinary medicine for alleviating pneumonia in weanling piglets. As observed in the pig ranches, many weanling piglets suffer from the pneumonia and also show high expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) in their respiratory and intestinal tracts. ACE inhibitors have been reported that can decrease pneumonia risk through their main mechanism of action. Thus, we also try to find alternative antibiotic feed additives that can reduce expression of ACE‐2 in piglets. We selected the Guizhi Li‐Zhong Tang Extract Granules (GLZ) as a natural product for piglets. Then, we compared the serum immunoglobulin levels of piglets with sham, tilmicosin antibiotic (TAB), and GLZ treatments. Our results showed that piglets with GLZ treatment had significantly a higher expression of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G but a lower expression of immunoglobulin E than those with sham and TAB treatments. In addition, piglets with GLZ treatment showed obviously low pneumonia incidence than those with sham and TAB treatments. Similarly, piglets with GLZ treatment showed significantly lower expressions of ACE‐2 in their tracheal, bronchial, and lung tissues than those with sham and TAB treatments. GLZ seems to be an alternative ACE inhibitor that can decrease pneumonia risk through inhibiting ACE‐2 expression and alleviating allergies in their respiratory systems. Thus, we suggest that GLZ can be an alternative antibiotic feed additive for weaning piglets.
Implications of limited exolaryngeal disease and cricoarytenoid joint involvement in organ conservation protocols for laryngopharyngeal cancers: Results from a prospective study
Authors: Sinha Shwetabh , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Mahajan Abhishek , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Balaji Arun , Juvekar Shashikant , Gupta Tejpal , Budrukkar Ashwini , Murthy Vedang , Mummudi Naveen , Swain Monali , Jadhav Rakesh , Laskar Sarbani Ghosh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo identify clinicoradiological factors that determine functional outcomes in laryngopharyngeal cancers treated with chemoradiotherapy.MethodsOne hundred patients of locally advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers who were treated with chemoradiotherapy were accrued in this prospective study. The coprimary endpoint of the study was local control (LC) and functional larynx preservation survival (FLPS).ResultsThe median follow‐up was 39 months. Thirty‐nine patients had a local failure of which 17 underwent a salvage laryngectomy. A dysfunctional larynx with clinic‐radiologically disease was seen in only 1 patient. Factors significant for LC were thyroid cartilage erosion/lysis and cricoarytenoid joint involvement. Within the T4a subset, patients with exolaryngeal disease through the soft tissue framework had significantly better LC and FLPS than those with cartilage erosion/lysis.ConclusionsPatients with limited exolaryngeal disease through the soft‐tissue framework can be considered for functional organ preservation, while those with thyroid cartilage involvement and cricoarytenoid joint involvement are not suitable.
Comment on “Exploring nature and predicting strength of hydrogen bonds: A correlation analysis between atoms‐in‐molecules descriptors, binding energies, and energy components of symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory”
Authors: Nanayakkara Sadisha , Tao Yunwen , Kraka Elfi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe evaluate the correlation between binding energy (BE) and electron density ρ(r) at the bond critical point for 28 neutral hydrogen bonds, recently reported by Emamian and co‐workers (J. Comput. Chem., 2019, 40, 2868). As an efficient tool, we use local stretching force constant derived from the local vibrational mode theory of Konkoli and Cremer. We compare the physical nature of BE versus , and provide an important explanation for cases with significant deviation in the BE– relation as well as in the BE–ρ(r) correlation. We also show that care has to be taken when different hydrogen bond strength measures are compared. The BE is a cumulative hydrogen bond strength measure while is a local measure of hydrogen bond strength covering different aspects of bonding. A simplified and unified description of hydrogen bonding is not always possible and needs an in‐depth understanding of the systems involved.
Novel phenolic compounds by DFT: Electronic effects on antioxidant activity of 4‐vinylphenol derivatives
Authors: Mohebi Nazanin , Kassaee Mohamad Z. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConsidering the biological importance of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities, we have reached for 10 novel 2,6‐diX‐4‐vinylphenol derivatives (X = NMe2, NH2, OMe, Me, H, Br, Cl, F, CN, and CF3, 1NMe2‐10CF3), at the B3LYP/6‐311++G** level of theory. To evaluate their antioxidant efficiency, the OH bond dissociation energy (BDE) and vertical ionization potential (IPV) are investigated for all structures in gas, water, and benzene phases, using conductor‐like polarized continuum model (CPCM) via B3LYP, LC‐ωPBE, M05‐2X, and M06‐2X functionals. The results indicate that in going from electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs) to electron‐donating groups (EDGs), the BDE and IPV values decrease which may suggest the increasing efficiency of antioxidants via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and single electron transfer (SET) mechanisms, respectively. The calculated rate constants (krxn) for reactions between 1NMe2‐10CF3 with ·OOH and·OH radicals indicate that 1NMe2 shows the highest one. The nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) index, energies of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (EHOMO and ELUMO, respectively), and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis provide relevant results to understand the nature of antioxidant activity and stability of their corresponding radicals. The lowest BDE and IPV values are observed in gas and water phases, respectively. Structure 1NMe2 turns out as the most efficient antioxidant for showing the lowest values of BDE and IPV and highest values of NICS, EHOMO, second‐order perturbation energy (E2) and natural charge. Spin densities and electrostatic potential (ESP) maps appear consistent with the obtained results. The overall order of antioxidant efficiency in gas, water, and benzene phases is 1NMe2 > 2NH2 >3OMe > 4Me > 5H > 6Br > 7Cl > 8F > 9CN > 10CF3.
Dynamic Contrast‐EnhancedMRICan Quantitatively Discriminate the Original Site From Peripheral Portion of Sinonasal Inverted Papillomas
Authors: Li Zheng , Xian Mu , Guo Jian , Qu Xiaoxia , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo , Xian Junfang 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIdentification of the original site of sinonasal inverted papillomas (SIPs) is difficult but essential for reducing the recurrence rate. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) may provide information about tissue perfusion and permeability to solve this problem.PurposeTo investigate the accuracy of DCE‐MRI parameters in discriminating between regions of interest (ROIs) in the original site and peripheral portion.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationNinety consecutive patients with pathologically proven SIP.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T/DCE‐MRIusing fast‐spoiled gradient recalled (FSPGR)T1‐weighted images with fat saturation.AssessmentROIs were placed in the original site and the peripheral portion of SIP by two radiologists according to surgical records. Maximum slope of increase (MaxSlope), contrast‐enhancement ratio (CER), bolus arrival time (BAT), initial area under the signal intensity–time curve (IAUGC), volume transfer constant (Ktrans), volume of the extravascular extracellular space (ve), and rate constant (Kep) were calculated and repeated again with a month interval by a radiologist.Statistical TestsUnivariate and multivariate analysis was used to determine the best diagnostic parameters, and their performances in discrimination were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Reproducibility was estimated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsMaxSlope, CER, IAUGC, Ktrans, and vewere significantly lower (P <0.05) in the original site than the peripheral portion of SIPs. CER (odds ratio [OR] = 0.227, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.073–0.704) and ve(OR = 0.048, 95% CI = 0.004–0.527) were the best indicators for identifying the original ROIs. The combination of CER and vehad the best diagnostic performance in the discrimination between the ROIs (the area under the curve [AUC]: 0.937; 95% CI: 0.896–0.974).Data ConclusionDCE‐MRI derived parameter values differed between the original site and the peripheral portion of SIPs. The model combining CER and veappears to be able to accurately distinguish the original from peripheral ROIs.Level of Evidence4Technical Efficacy Stage2
Comparison of MR Ultrashort Echo Time and Optimized 3D‐Multiecho In‐Phase Sequence to Computed Tomography for Assessment of the Osseous Craniocervical Junction
Authors: Deininger‐Czermak Eva , Villefort Christina , von Knebel Doeberitz Nikolaus , Franckenberg Sabine , Kälin Pascal , Kenkel David , Gascho Dominic , Piccirelli Marco , Finkenstaedt Tim , Thali Michael J. , Guggenberger Roman 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTo assess changes of the craniocervical junction (CCJ), computed tomography (CT) is considered the reference standard. Recent advances in bone depiction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enable high‐quality visualization of osseous structures. Consequently, MRI may serve as an alternative to CT, without the use of ionizing radiation.PurposeTo compare two MRI sequences optimized for bone visualization to the CT reference standard in the assessment of the osseous CCJ.Study TypeProspective.Population/SubjectsTwenty‐seven decedents and five healthy volunteers.Field Strength/Sequence3T/ultrashort‐echo time gradient echo (UTE) and optimized 3D‐multiecho in‐phase gradient echo sequences (FRACTURE).AssessmentAll decedents were scanned with both MRI sequences and CT. Three observers rated degeneration to obtain a score for the upper (atlanto‐dental and left/right atlanto‐occipital joint) and for the lower part of the CCJ (left and right atlanto‐axial joint). Two reader rated the following quantitative parameters: basion‐axial‐interval, atlanto‐dental‐interval, atlanto‐occipital‐interval, Powers‐ratio, and signal/contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio. As a proof of concept, five healthy volunteers were scanned with both MRI sequences.Statistical TestsDegeneration was assessed on a Likert scale by three independent observers. Interrater and intermodality reliability were calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient. To compare distance measurements between examination methods, a Friedman test, between‐degenerative ratings, and a Kruskal–Wallis test were performed.ResultsDegenerative ratings of the CCJ between MRI sequences and CT showed a good interrater and intermodality agreement. MRI sequences tended to underestimate the degree of degeneration compared to CT, and this became more marked with increasing degeneration severity. There were no significant relationships between distance measurements and the degree of degeneration (PCT = 0.62, PUTE = 0.64, PFRACTURE = 0.67). The in vivo examination proved the feasibility of both MRI methods in a clinical setting.Data ConclusionQuantitative and qualitative ratings on MR images were comparable to CT images; thus, MRI may be a valid alternative to CT assessing the CCJ.Level of Evidence1.Technical Efficacy Stage3.
Diffusivity in breast malignancies analyzed for b > 1000 s/mm2 at 1 mm in‐plane resolutions: Insight from Gaussian and non‐Gaussian behaviors
Authors: Otikovs Martins , Nissan Noam , Furman‐Haran Edna , Anaby Debbie , Allweis Tanir M. , Agassi Ravit , Sklair‐Levy Miri , Frydman Lucio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDiffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) can improve breast cancer characterizations, but often suffers from low image quality –particularly at informative b > 1000 s/mm2 values. The aim of this study was to evaluate multishot approaches characterizing Gaussian and non‐Gaussian diffusivities in breast cancer. This was a prospective study, in which 15 subjects, including 13 patients with biopsy‐confirmed breast cancers, were enrolled. DWI was acquired at 3 T using echo planar imaging (EPI) with and without zoomed excitations, readout‐segmented EPI (RESOLVE), and spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN); dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) data were collected using three‐dimensional gradient‐echo T1 weighting; anatomies were evaluated with T2‐weighted two‐dimensional turbo spin‐echo. Congruence between malignancies delineated by DCE was assessed against high‐resolution DWI scans with b‐values in the 0–1800 s/mm2 range, as well as against apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and kurtosis maps. Data were evaluated by independent magnetic resonance scientists with 3–20 years of experience, and radiologists with 6 and 20 years of experience in breast MRI. Malignancies were assessed from ADC and kurtosis maps, using paired t tests after confirming that these values had a Gaussian distribution. Agreements between DWI and DCE datasets were also evaluated using Sorensen–Dice similarity coefficients. Cancerous and normal tissues were clearly separable by ADCs: by SPEN their average values were (1.03 ± 0.17) × 10−3 and (1.69 ± 0.19) × 10−3 mm2/s (p < 0.0001); by RESOLVE these values were (1.16 ± 0.16) × 10−3 and (1.52 ± 0.14) × 10−3 (p = 0.00026). Kurtosis also distinguished lesions (K = 0.64 ± 0.15) from normal tissues (K = 0.45 ± 0.05), but only when measured by SPEN (p = 0.0008). The best statistical agreement with DCE‐highlighted regions arose for SPEN‐based DWIs recorded with b = 1800 s/mm2 (Sorensen–Dice coefficient = 0.67); DWI data recorded with b = 850 and 1200 s/mm2, led to lower coefficients. Both ADC and kurtosis maps highlighted the breast malignancies, with ADCs providing a more significant separation. The most promising alternative for contrast‐free delineations of the cancerous lesions arose from b = 1800 s/mm2 DWI.Level of Evidence2.Technical Efficacy Stage3.
Ancillary imaging and clinical features for the characterization of prostate lesions: A proposed approach to reduce false positives
Authors: Lee Chul‐Min , Park Kye Jin , Kim Mi‐Hyun , Kim Jeong Kon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe relatively low specificity and positive predictive value of the Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) can lead to considerable false‐positive results and unnecessary biopsies. The aim of this study was to propose ancillary features (AFs) indicating clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) or benign tissues in PI‐RADS category ≥3 lesions and determine the usefulness of these AFs in reducing false‐positive assessments of suspicious lesions in men at csPCa risk. This was a retrospective study, which included 199 men. A 3T, including turbo spin echo T2‐weighted, echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted, and spoiled gradient echo dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) images, was used. Five AFs (prostate‐specific antigen density ≥0.15 ng/mL2; size ≥10 mm; heterogeneous T2 signal intensity; circumscribed nodule in the junction of peripheral and transition zone; and DCE time curves) indicating csPCa or non‐csPCa were evaluated by three independent readers. The sensitivity and specificity of each AF were calculated. Inter‐reader agreement was evaluated using κ statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine significant AFs. The reduction in positive call rates and csPCa detection rates with combined AF use were calculated and compared with the findings obtained with PI‐RADS use alone. The sensitivities and specificities of the AFs indicating csPCa were 72.1%–96.5% and 27.4%–75.2% for reader 1, 66.3%–96.5% and 23.9%–62.0% for reader 2, and 67.4%–96.5% and 34.5%–78.8% for reader 3, with moderate to substantial inter‐reader agreement (Fleiss κ, 0.551–0.643). The combined use of two or more AFs for assessing PI‐RADS ≥3 lesions resulted in a 19.6%–30.7% reduction in positive calls (p < .05) compared to PI‐RADS use alone while preserving the csPCa detection rates (p ≥ .06) for three readers. The use of AFs in combination with PI‐RADS can reduce positive calls and false positives without csPCa under‐detection.
Older adults with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Utility of the clinical frailty scale to predict mortality
Authors: Gilis Marine , Chagrot Ninon , Koeberle Severine , Tannou Thomas , Brunel Anne‐Sophie , Chirouze Catherine , Bouiller Kevin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify predictive factors of mortality in older adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), including the level of clinical frailty by using the clinical frailty scale (CFS). We analyzed medical records of all patients aged of 75 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 hospitalized in our Hospital between March 3 and April 25, 2020. Standardized variables were prospectively collected, and standardized care were provided to all patients. One hundred and eighty‐six patients were included (mean 85.3 ± 5.78 year). The all cause 30‐day mortality was 30% (56/186). At admission, dead patients were more dyspneic (57% vs. 38%, p = .014), had more often an oxygen saturation less than 94% (70% vs. 47%, p < .01) and had more often a heart rate faster than 90/min (70% vs. 42%, p < .001). Mortality increased in parallel with CFS score (p = .051) (20 deaths (36%) in 7–9 category). In multivariate analysis, CFS score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49; confidence interval [CI] 95%, 1.01–2.19; p = .046), age (OR = 1.15; CI 95%, 1.01–1.31; p = .034), and dyspnea (OR = 5.37; CI 95%, 1.33–21.68; p = .018) were associated with all‐cause 30‐day mortality. It is necessary to integrate the assessment of frailty to determine care management plan of older patients with COVID‐19, rather than the only restrictive criterion of age.
Projected drought risk assessment from water balance perspectives in a changing climate
Authors: Park Seo‐Yeon , Sur Chanyang , Kim Jong‐Suk , Choi Si‐Jung , Lee Joo‐Heon , Kim Tae‐Woong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the face of changing water environment due to climate change, the assessment of water demand and water supply capacity by region is needed to prevent and mitigate droughts. Herein, we propose a quantitative approach to identify high drought risk areas in South Korea by applying future climate and socio‐economic change scenarios to calculate the demand and supply of municipal, agricultural, and industrial water. Three Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 Global Climate Models were selected to assess future drought risk under different climate change scenarios by combining meteorological and socio‐economic factors. The drought hazard was assessed by calculating the severity and frequency of drought based on a rating method. Drought vulnerability was assessed by calculating water shortages in domestic, industrial, and agricultural waters based on water demand and supply capacity and applying entropy weightings. According to future climate change scenarios, the Youngsan River Basin was more vulnerable to drought than other basins. The results of the IPSL‐CM5‐LR model also suggest that the drought risk in the Youngsan River Basin will increase during the period 2071–2099. By demonstrating the relative sensitivity of drought risk on the Korean Peninsula to various future emission scenarios, our work provides valuable information to update mid‐ to long‐term drought mitigation strategies.