bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myopenia and Reduced Subcutaneous Adiposity in Children With Liver Disease Are Associated With Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Ooi Poh Hwa , Mazurak Vera C. , Bhargava Ravi , Dunichand‐Hoedl Abha , Ayala Romero Rocio , Gilmour Susan M. , Yap Jason YK , Mager Diana R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is defined as reduced skeletal muscle mass (SMM) or myopenia and altered muscle function and physical performance. It is unknown whether myopenia in children with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) adversely impacts clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that myopenia was prevalent in children with ESLD and related to suboptimal nutrition intake contributing to gross motor and growth delay, increased hospitalization, and medical complications.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated abdominal imaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) for SMM (total, psoas, paraspinal, abdominal wall muscle; cm2/height2) and adipose tissue (total, visceral, subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT], ) determinations at the third and fourth lumbar vertebrates during liver transplantation (LTx) assessment. ESLD children (n = 30) were age‐ and gender‐matched to healthy controls (n = 24). Myopenia was defined as SMM index z score <‐2 and low SAT was defined as SAT index z‐score <‐1.5. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data (hospitalization, complications, growth, neurodevelopment, energy/protein intake) were collected at LTx assessment, LTx, and post LTx (first hospitalization, 6 months, 12 months).ResultsFour distinct body composition phenotypes in children with ESLD were found: (1) myopenia with low SAT (17%;5 of 30), (2) myopenia (3%;1 of 30), (3) low SAT (20%;6 of 30), (4) normal muscle mass and SAT (60%;18 of 30). Myopenia with low SAT was prevalent in older (>2 years), male children and was associated with gross motor delay, reduced energy intake, and increased hospitalization and infections (total/viral/fungal).ConclusionsMyopenia, accompanied by low SAT in children with ESLD, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Rehabilitation strategies aimed at combating myopenia in children are important.
Raman spectroscopy as a tool for provenancing black limestones (bigi morati) used in antiquity
Authors: Raneri Simona , Košek Filip , Lazzarini Lorenzo , Wielgosz‐Rondolino Dagmara , Jehlicka Jan , Antonelli Fabrizio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAmong precious stones used in antiquity, bigi morati stand out for their importance. They consist in black limestones mainly employed in sculptures and architectural heritages and quarried from several sites through the Mediterranean area. Their provenance is difficult to assess due to their similar appearance to the naked‐eye observation and the possible confusion with black marbles (i.e., bigi antichi). Classical methods used for studying ancient marbles, such as minero‐petrographic and stable isotopes analyses (δ13C and δ 16O), resulted to be powerful in provenancing these black lithotypes. However, these methods are microdestructive and cannot be always applied in the case of precious artefacts for which sampling is not allowed. Bearing carbonaceous matter conferring them the typical black‐dark grey colour, Raman spectroscopy might support studies on these limestones, bringing important information about the structural state of organic/carbonaceous matter and their geological evolution. In this study, the potential of Raman spectroscopy in determining geological and geographic provenance of bigi morati was tested on quarry samples from six among the most famous ancient exploitation sources. The obtained results demonstrated that the use of Raman parameters typical of low‐ordered carbon matter is an effective tool in discriminating provenance. Moreover, the laboratory‐based approach lays the groundwork for future development and validation of the method for in situ measurements on artefacts by using portable equipment.
Physiological and metabolic analysis of winter jujube after postharvest treatment with calcium chloride and a composite film
Authors: Kou Xiaohong , Chai Liping , Yang Sen , He Yulong , Wu Cai E , Liu Yefang , Zhou Jiaqian , Xue Zhaohui , Wang Zhanzhong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDZiziphus jujubaMiller cv. Dongzao is extremely susceptible to reddening, browning, nutritional loss, and perishability after harvest. In this study, we evaluated the mechanisms of calcium chloride and chitosan/nano‐silica composite film treatments on the quality, especially in reddening, by physiological and metabolomic assays.RESULTSThe treatment delayed the decline of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), and chalcone isomerase (CHI) activities. Meanwhile, the treated groups retarded the increases in anthocyanin and quercetin contents by inhibiting the gene expressions of flavonol synthase (ZjFLS), dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase (ZjDFR), and anthocyanidin synthase (ZjANS), while promoting leucoanthocyanidin reductase (ZjLAR) expression, which leads to retardation of fruit reddening. Anthocyanins were found to be responsible for post‐harvest winter jujube reddening through principal component analysis. Results from the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution indicated that the treated group delayed the decline of the quality of ‘Dongzao’ and extended its shelf life.CONCLUSIONThe treatment induced the heightening of flavonoids metabolism. They enhanced the nutritional value and the ability to resist stress by delaying the decline of PAL, CHS, and CHI activities. Meanwhile, the treated groups retarded the increase in anthocyanin and quercetin contents by inhibiting the gene expressions ofZjFLS,ZjDFR, andZjANSand promotingZjLARexpression, which leads to retardation of fruit reddening. Anthocyanins are responsible for post‐harvest winter jujube reddening. Coating treatment effectively delayed the decline of winter jujube quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Fetal Weight Estimation Using Automated Fractional Limb Volume With 2‐Dimensional Size Parameters in Diabetic Pregnancies
Authors: Lee Wesley , Mack Lauren M. , Gandhi Rajshi , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesTo examine the effect of adding automated fetal fractional limb volume (FLV) with conventional 2‐dimensional (2D) fetal weight estimation procedures in a cohort of diabetic pregnancies.MethodsA pilot study of diabetic pregnancies measured standard fetal biometry within 7 days of delivery. Fractional arm volume (AVol) and fractional thigh volume (TVol) soft tissue parameters were measured with a commercially available automated software utility (5D Limb Vol; Samsung Medison Co, Ltd, Seoul, Korea). Three conventional weight prediction models that included only 2D size parameters were compared to FLV models that included AVol or TVol. Estimated and actual birth weight (BW) were assessed for the mean percent difference ± standard deviation of the percent differences. Systematic errors were evaluated by the Student t test, and random errors were compared by the Pitman test for correlated variances. The proportion of neonates with estimated fetal weight within 10% of BW was compared between groups by the McNemar test.ResultsNinety gravid women were enrolled with pregestational (26.7%) or gestational (73.3%) diabetes. All prediction models were accurate, with the exception of small underestimations by the model of Schild et al (−3.8%; Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2004; 23:30–35). Random errors for the AVol (6.2%) and TVol (6.9%) models were significantly more precise than the other 3 prediction models: Hadlock et al (7.8%; Am J Obstet Gynecol 1985; 151:333–337), INTERGROWTH‐21st (8.0%; Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 49:478–486), and Schild et al (8.6%; P < .01). The greatest proportion of cases with BW ±10% was also classified by the AVol (91.1%) and TVol (91.1%) models, followed by Hadlock (83.3%), INTERGROWTH‐21st (78.9%), and Schild (76.7%) predictions.ConclusionsThe addition of automated FLV measurements to conventional 2D biometry was associated with improved weight predictions in this cohort of diabetic pregnancies.
Management and Outcomes of Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma: A Longitudinal Study Over 12 Years
Authors: Jia Huan , Sterkers Olivier , Pavillon‐Maisonnier Clémence , Smail Mustapha , Nguyen Yann , Wu Hao , Kalamarides Michel , Lahlou Ghizlène 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the management of sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VS) with a 12‐year follow‐up.Study DesignRetrospective study of all VS patients initially treated in 2005 in a tertiary referent center.MethodsInitial decision making for microsurgical resection (MSR) or wait‐and‐scan (WaS) was according to VS size and hearing; subsequently, MSR or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was proposed dependent on VS growth and size, hearing, and patient's age or willingness.ResultsTwo hundred and one sporadic VS were included. The first management apportionment was 120 WaS (61.5%), 72 MSR (37%), three SRS (1.5%), and six others refused MSR and were lost to follow‐up (LFU). Within 1 year, 95 (47%) VS were surgically removed; 17 (8.5%) were treated by SRS; and 35 (17.5%) were LFU. The proportions for SRS and LFU were virtually unchanged for the following years, and the proportion under MSR increased slightly within 3 years and then remained stable. Finally, at 12 years, 104 (51.5%) cases had been operated on, 21 (10.5%) treated by SRS, 23 (11.5%) still under WaS, and 53 (26.5%) LFU, which were mainly intracanalicular. The initially and subsequently operated cases presented similar hearing preservation rates and good facial nerve function outcomes.ConclusionThis longitudinal study of a large number of VS, which were diagnosed over a short period of time and followed for 12 years, provides new information on both the natural history of these benign tumors and individual patient concerns. This study recommends use of the WaS policy for small and mid‐sized VS before active therapeutic decision making.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E970–E976, 2021
Validation of the Communicative Participation Item Bank as an Outcome Measure for Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: Yiu Yin , Baylor Carolyn R. , Bamer Alyssa M. , Shelly Sandeep , Klein Adam M. , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Pitman Michael J. 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesCurrent patient‐reported outcome measures do not adequately capture the impact of spasmodic dysphonia (SD) on communication in daily life situations. The aim of this study was to validate the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB), which specifically measures a disease's impact on daily conversational situations, as an outcome measure for SD.Study DesignMulti‐institutional prospective cohort study.MethodsA prospective study was conducted with administration of the 46‐question CPIB and the Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) to 190 participants with SD before (time 1) and 6 weeks after (time 2) botulinum toxin injection. Differential item function (DIF) analyses were performed to examine potential item bias. Paired t‐tests were used to assess change in each of the CPIB and VHI‐10 scores after treatment. Pearson correlations were calculated between the CPIB and VHI‐10.ResultsDIF analyses revealed no clinically meaningful difference between the item parameters generated for this SD sample and the original CPIB calibration sample. There were statistically significant changes between the pre‐treatment and post‐treatment time points for both the CPIB and VHI‐10. Correlations between the CPIB and VHI were moderate‐high.ConclusionsThe CPIB item bank, General Short Form, and scoring parameters can be used with people with SD for valid and reliable measurement of the impact of communication disorders on communication in everyday life. The CPIB is sensitive to changes with intervention, proving useful for clinical and research purposes to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions.Level of EvidenceLevel 2, prospective observational research with an experimental design (ie, cohort study). Laryngoscope, 131:859–864, 2021
Application of purge and trap‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of dimethyl sulfide in seawater
Authors: McCulloch Ross D. , Herr Alysia , Dacey John , Tortell Philippe D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe describe a method for measuring trace concentrations of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in seawater using a commercial tandem mass spectrometer configured for atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (PT‐APCI‐MS/MS), coupled with a custom‐built purge and trap gas extraction system. DMS was ionized through proton transfer, generating abundant [M + H]+ ions. The semiautomated method analyzes samples in under 6 min, and is capable of processing up to 10 samples in a single batch. A detection limit of 0.9 pmol L−1 was determined for the analysis of 5 mL sample volumes, with a precision of 3.9% between replicates. Practical performance was evaluated during two oceanographic research cruises within the coastal waters around Vancouver Island, British Columbia. To demonstrate method utility, a series of DMS depth profiles were obtained along two transects extending from the west coast of Vancouver Island into deep water off the continental shelf. Additional depth profile sampling was conducted in Saanich Inlet, a coastal anoxic fjord with active chemotrophic sulfur cycling. This method enabled us to capture the deep‐water accumulation of subnanomolar DMS in the anoxic water of Saanich Inlet, providing evidence of cryptic sulfur cycling. The method was also leveraged to facilitate stable isotope rate measurement experiments, in which the consumption of isotopically labeled DMS, dimethylsulfoxide, and dimethylsulfoniopropionate tracers was monitored in the low picomolar range. These measurements enable metabolic rate determinations using low‐level tracer additions that do not perturb in situ microbial activity. Our sensitive, high throughput method helps to improve understanding of the natural marine cycling of volatile sulfur compounds.
The incidence of antibiotic resistance within and beyond the agricultural ecosystem: A concern for public health
Authors: Iwu Chidozie D. , Korsten Lise , Okoh Anthony I. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe agricultural ecosystem creates a platform for the development and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, which is promoted by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the veterinary, agricultural, and medical sectors. This results in the selective pressure for the intrinsic and extrinsic development of the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon, especially within the aquaculture‐animal‐manure‐soil‐water‐plant nexus. The existence of antimicrobial resistance in the environment has been well documented in the literature. However, the possible transmission routes of antimicrobial agents, their resistance genes, and naturally selected antibiotic‐resistant bacteria within and between the various niches of the agricultural environment and humans remain poorly understood. This study, therefore, outlines an overview of the discovery and development of commonly used antibiotics; the timeline of resistance development; transmission routes of antimicrobial resistance in the agro‐ecosystem; detection methods of environmental antimicrobial resistance determinants; factors involved in the evolution and transmission of antibiotic resistance in the environment and the agro‐ecosystem; and possible ways to curtail the menace of antimicrobial resistance.
Visual Acuity and Development of Parkinson's Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Han Gyule , Han Jisang , Han Kyungdo , Youn Jinyoung , Chung Tae‐Young , Lim Dong Hui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundVisual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is well known from previous reports, but the association of visual deficits with PD development has not yet been studied. The aim of this research was to evaluate the association of visual acuity with the risk of PD occurrence using a nationwide cohort in South Korea.MethodsAmong the population participating in the National Health Insurance Service, which is mandatory for all South Koreans, 6,055,113 individuals who had taken part in health screening programs between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2012, were included in the cohort and followed until December 31, 2017. The hazard ratio was calculated for groups with high and low visual acuity using multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 22,872 subjects (0.38%) were diagnosed as having PD within the study period. Groups with low visual acuity showed a higher incidence of PD compared with groups with good visual acuity. Compared with the reference group (visual acuity better than 20/20), the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was 1.315 (95% CI, 1.261–1.371) for the group with visual acuity between 20/20 and 20/60, 1.357 (95% CI, 1.277–1.442) for the group with visual acuity between 20/60 and 10/100, and 1.267 (95% CI, 1.193–1.343) for the group with visual acuity less than 10/100.ConclusionsLow visual acuity was associated with the development of PD. This suggests that visual dysfunction is one of the premotor symptoms for PD development. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Precision Neurology for Parkinson’s Disease: Coupling Miro1‐Based Diagnosis With Drug Discovery
Authors: Bharat Vinita , Wang Xinnan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating movement disorder, significantly afflicting the aging population. Efforts to develop an effective treatment have been challenged by the lack of understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. We have shown that Miro1, an outer mitochondrial membrane protein, situates at the intersection of the complex genetic and functional network of PD. Removing Miro1 from the surface of damaged mitochondria is a prerequisite for mitochondrial clearance via mitophagy. Parkinson’s proteins PINK1, Parkin, and LRRK2 are the molecular helpers to remove Miro1 from dysfunctional mitochondria destined for mitophagy. We have found a delay in clearing Miro1 and initiating mitophagy in postmortem brains and induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons from PD patients harboring mutations in LRRK2, PINK1, or Parkin, or from sporadic PD patients with no known mutations. In addition, we have shown that reducing Miro1 by both genetic and pharmacological approaches can correct this Miro1 phenotype and rescue Parkinson’s‐relevant phenotypes in human neurons and fly PD models. These results suggest that the Miro1 defect may be a common denominator for PD, and compounds that reduce Miro1 promise a new class of drugs to battle PD. We propose to couple this Miro1 phenotype with Miro1‐based drug discovery in future therapeutic studies, which could significantly improve the success of clinical trials. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Tryptophan Metabolites Are Associated With Symptoms and Nigral Pathology in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Heilman Patrick L. , Wang Ernest W. , Lewis Mechelle M. , Krzyzanowski Stanislaw , Capan Colt D. , Burmeister Amanda R. , Du Guangwei , Escobar Galvis Martha L. , Brundin Patrik , Huang Xuemei , Brundin Lena 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine whether neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites, induced by inflammation, in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with symptom severity and nigral pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsClinical and MRI data were obtained from 97 PD and 89 controls. We used ultra‐performance liquid chromatography to quantify kynurenine metabolites and high‐sensitivity multiplex assays to quantify inflammation in plasma and CSF. We evaluated group‐wise differences as well as associations between the biomarkers, motor and nonmotor symptoms, and nigral R2* (MRI metric reflecting iron content).ResultsPD subjects had >100% higher 3‐hydroxykynurenine and 14% lower 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid in plasma. The 3‐HK in plasma was closely associated with both symptom severity and disease duration. PD subjects also had 23% lower kynurenic acid in the CSF. Higher CSF levels of the excitotoxin quinolinic acid were associated with more severe symptoms, whereas lower levels of the neuroprotective kynurenic acid were linked to olfactory deficits. An elevated quinolinic acid/picolinic acid ratio in the CSF correlated with higher R2* values in the substantia nigra in the entire cohort. Plasma C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid alpha were associated with signs of increased kynurenine pathway activity in the CSF of PD patients, but not in controls.ConclusionsIn PD, the kynurenine pathway metabolite levels are altered in both the periphery and the central nervous system, and these changes are associated with symptom severity. Replication studies are warranted in other cohorts, and these can also explore if kynurenine metabolites might be PD biomarkers and/or are involved in PD pathogenesis. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Food Processing Does Not Abolish the Allergenicity of the Carrot Allergen Dau c 1: Influence of pH, Temperature, and the Food Matrix
Authors: Jacob Thessa , Vogel Lothar , Reuter Andreas , Wangorsch Andrea , Kring Carolin , Mahler Vera , Wöhrl Birgitta M. 
Published: July 2020

ScopeThe major carrot allergen Dau c 1 belongs to the group of pathogenesis related class 10 (PR‐10) proteins and is homologous to the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. In contrast to most other PR‐10 allergens, Dau c 1 can elicit Bet v 1 independent sensitization. Although Dau c 1 is considered heat labile, allergic reactions against cooked carrots are possible.Methods and resultsThe pH and temperature stability as well as the allergenic potential before and after treatment of purified natural (n) Dau c 1 and different recombinant (r) isoallergens is investigated: rDau c 1.0104, rDau c 1.0105, rDau c 1.0201, rDau c 1.0301. All proteins except rDau c 1.0201 are able to refold at physiological pH. pH conditions around the pI (4.4–5.5) or the presence of the carrot matrix reduce the refolding capacity. Below the pI, most isoallergens are heat resistant and still able to cause mediator release, indicating allergenicity. Moreover, cooked carrot extract is still able to provoke mediator release due to remaining soluble Dau c 1.ConclusionPatients allergic to carrots should avoid processed carrot containing foodstuff because heating or pH treatment do not completely abolish the allergenicity of Dau c 1.