bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infection by CagA-Positive Helicobacter pylori Strains and Bone Fragility: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gennari Luigi , Merlotti Daniela , Figura Natale , Mingiano Christian , Franci Maria Beatrice , Lucani Barbara , Picchioni Tommaso , Alessandri Mario , Campagna Maria Stella , Gonnelli Sara , Bianciardi Simone , Materozzi Maria , Caffarelli Carla , Gonnelli Stefano , Nuti Ranuccio 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is a common and persistent disorder acting as a major cofactor for the development of upper gastrointestinal diseases and several extraintestinal disorders including osteoporosis. However, no prospective study assessed the effects of HP on bone health and fracture risk. We performed a HP screening in a population-based cohort of 1149 adults followed prospectively for up to 11 years. The presence of HP infection was assessed by serologic testing for serum antibodies to HP and the cytotoxin associated gene-A (CagA). The prevalence of HP infection did not differ among individuals with normal bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and osteopenia. However, HP infection by CagA-positive strains was significantly increased in osteoporotic (30%) and osteopenic (26%) patients respect to subjects with normal BMD (21%). Moreover, anti-CagA antibody levels were significantly and negatively associated with lumbar and femoral BMD. Consistent with these associations, patients affected by CagA-positive strains had a more than fivefold increased risk to sustain a clinical vertebral fracture (HR 5.27; 95% CI, 2.23–12.63; p &lt; .0001) and a double risk to sustain a nonvertebral incident fracture (HR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.27–2.46; p &lt; .005). Reduced estrogen and ghrelin levels, together with an impaired bone turnover balance after the meal were also observed in carriers of CagA-positive HP infection. HP infection by strains expressing CagA may be considered a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. Further studies are required to clarify in more detail the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of this association. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The SUMO‐specific protease SENP1 deSUMOylates p53 and regulates its activity
Authors: Chauhan Krishna M. , Chen Yingxiao , Chen Yiyi , Liu Andrew T. , Sun Xiao‐Xin , Dai Mu‐Shui 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe stability and activity of the p53 tumor suppressor protein are tightly regulated by various posttranslational modifications, including SUMOylation. p53 can be modified by both SUMO1 and SUMO2, although how SUMOylation regulates p53 activity is still obscure. Whether p53 activity is directly regulated by deSUMOylation is also unclear. Here, we show that SENP1, a SUMO‐specific protease implicated in pro‐oncogenic roles, is a p53 deSUMOylating enzyme. SENP1 interacts with p53 and deSUMOylates p53 in cells and in vitro. Knockdown of SENP1 markedly induced p53 transactivation activity. We further show that SENP1 depletion synergizes with DNA damage‐inducing agent etoposide to induce p53 activation and the expression of p21, leading to synergistic growth inhibition of cancer cells. Our results reveal that SENP1 is a critical p53 deSUMOylating enzyme and a promising therapeutic target in wild‐type p53 containing cancer cells.
Three‐dimensional analysis of injury conditions of single muscle fibers in small animals using phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Jang Sang‐Hun , Lee Onseok 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMuscle damage can reduces the biological functions and lead to ultimately a disease state. For the reason, it is important to accurately check the state of an injury such as atrophy, and it is required to identify the state of fibers constituting the muscle. This study describes a novel method of analyzing single muscle fibers with injury conditions in three‐dimensions. The muscle fibers of the mice were visualized using phase‐contrast X‐ray projection the microstructure. In additions, it was possible to confirm the status by quantitatively analyzing the injury severity of muscle fibers. Significantly, the muscle conditions of multiple individuals were individually determined. This study could contributes to areas where it is very important to identify microdetailed and quantitative changes of state, such as new drug development.
Synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one via Retro‐Biginelli reaction
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Mondal Mohabul A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHydrolytic behavior of 5‐acetyl‐6‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one under alkaline condition has been explored. Mechanistic details are established by LCMS and HPLC. Evidence suggested that the deacetylative benzylidenation proceeds through the retro‐Biginelli reaction. The scope of the retro‐Biginelli reaction has been explored by the synthesis of substituted DHPs.
Effectiveness of a 655‐nm InGaAsP diode laser to detect subgingival calculus in patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Laky Markus , Laky Brenda , Arslan Muazzez , Lettner Stefan , Müller Michael , Haririan Hady , Husejnagic Selma , Rausch‐Fan Xiaohui , Wimmer Gernot , Moritz Andreas , Gregor Rene 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevious in vitro studies have proven laser fluorescence measurement using a 655‐nm Indium Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (InGaAsP) based diode laser radiation to be a useful tool to detect subgingival calculus. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the 655‐nm InGaAsP diode laser in detecting subgingival calculus in patients with periodontal disease compared with photographic assessment during periodontal surgery.MethodsTwelve patients (six women, six men) aged between 21 and 75 years with periodontitis scheduled for periodontal surgery were included in this prospective study. All laser fluorescence measurements were made before periodontal surgery. Intraoperatively a mucoperiostal flap was performed, subgingival calculus was visualized, and photographic images were taken. The presence of calculus was recorded for each evaluated site.ResultsA total of 115 tooth surface sites of 32 teeth from the 12 patients were evaluated before (laser) and during surgery (image). Compared with image evaluation the laser assessment showed a sensitivity of 0.70 (CI0.025 0.53 to CI0.975 0.83) and a specificity of 0.97 (CI0.025 0.85 to CI0.975 0.99). The overall probability to correctly detect subgingival calculus with the laser (accuracy) was 0.82 (CI0.025 0.74 to CI0.975 0.88).ConclusionsThe 655‐nm diode laser was able to detect subgingival calculus. Hence, the 655 nm diode laser may be used as an additional tool for calculus detection in non‐surgical periodontal therapy.
Synthesis and Properties of Three N‐Alkyl Bis‐Quaternary Ammonium Salt Surfactants
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Shen Jun , Wang Chen , Xu Hujun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThree N‐alkyl bis‐quaternary ammonium salt surfactants were synthesized by using epichlorohydrin, trimethylamine hydrochloride, and N,N‐dimethylalkyl amine as raw materials in a two‐step manner. The products were characterized by 1H NMR and MS, confirming the successful synthesis of 2‐Hydroxy‐N1,N1,N3,N3‐tetramethyl‐N3‐dodecylpropane‐1,3‐diammonium chloride (HPDDC), 2‐Hydroxy‐N1,N1,N3,N3‐tetramethyl‐N3‐tetradecylpropane‐1,3‐diammonium chloride (HPTDC), and 2‐Hydroxy‐N1, N1, N3, N3‐tetramethyl‐N3‐hexadecylpropane‐1,3‐diammonium chloride (HPHDC). Moreover, the influence of carbon chain length on surface‐active properties, foaming properties, and paraffin liquid emulsion stability was investigated. Results indicated that critical micelle concentrations (cmc) decreased with increasing carbon chain length from 12 to 16, and the cmc and γcmc were lower than those of Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DTAC). The products exhibited better foam properties and worse emulsifying performance than those of DTAC. The Krafft points of all products were determined to be below 0 °C. Moreover, the products also demonstrated outstanding antibacterial properties.
Low storage temperature for tree ripe mangoes under controlled atmospheres with elevated CO2 concentrations
Authors: Bender Renar João , Brecht Jeffrey K , Sargent Steven A 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDTree‐ripe mangoes are of a better quality than the more commonly marketed mature‐green fruit. However, the postharvest life of tree‐ripe mangoes at the chilling threshold temperature for mature‐green fruit of 12 °C is insufficient to allow long distance transport for international marketing. Because the chilling sensitivity often decreases as fruit ripen, lower temperatures (5 and 8 °C) in combination with a controlled atmosphere of 5 kPa O2 plus 10 or 25 kPa CO2 were tested to determine whether the quality of tree‐ripe mangoes could be maintained longer without chilling injury (CI).RESULTSTree‐ripe ‘Tommy Atkins’ and ‘Keitt’ mangoes were stored for 14 or 21 days, respectively, in air or controlled atmosphere (CA) at 5 or 8 °C. Respiration rates were below 10 mL kg−1 h−1 during CA storage and increased three‐fold during a 3‐day shelf life period at 20 °C. Ethanol synthesis of fruit stored in 25 kPa CO2, but not 10 kPa CO2, increased during storage and remained high during shelf life, indicating physiological stress. Elevated electrolyte leakage and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid concentrations in both cultivars stored in 25 kPa CO2 also indicated that mesocarp tissues were injured by the higher CO2 level. No CI symptoms were observed in air or CA at either 5 or 8 °C.CONCLUSIONStorage of tree‐ripe mangoes in 5 kPa O2 plus 10 kPa CO2 at either 5 or 8 °C best maintained the quality of Tommy Atkins and Keitt fruit for 14 or 21 days, respectively, without evidence of either atmosphere injury or CI. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential allergenicity of Medicago sativa investigated by a combined IgE‐binding inhibition, proteomics and in silico approach
Authors: Yakhlef Marwa , Giangrieco Ivana , Ciardiello Maria A , Fiume Immacolata , Mari Adriano , Souiki Lynda , Pocsfalvi Gabriella 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L) is one of the most planted crops worldwide primarily used to feed animals. The use of alfalfa in human diet as sprouts, infusions and nutritional supplements is rapidly gaining popularity. Despite this, allergenicity assessment of this novel plant food is largely lacking.RESULTSHere, leaf protein extract of alfalfa was studied using a combined proteomics, Immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding inhibition assay and in silico approach to find potential allergens. We have identified and annotated 129 proteins using in‐gel digestion proteomics and Blast2Go suit. A search against COMPARE database, using the identified proteins as query sequences, revealed high similarity with several allergenic proteins. The Single Point Highest Inhibition Achievable assay (SPHIAa) performed on the multiplex FABER® allergy testing system confirmed the in silico results and showed some additional potential allergens. This approach allowed the detection of proteins in alfalfa leaves cross‐reacting with plant allergens from three different allergen families such as lipid transfer, thaumatin‐like and Bet v 1‐like protein families. In addition, the absence of structural determinants cross‐reacting with seed storage allergenic proteins and with animal allergens was recorded.CONCLUSIONThis study reports for the first time potential allergenic proteins in alfalfa. The results suggest that this plant food can be safely introduced, as a protein‐rich supplement, in the diet of patients allergic to animal food allergens. Allergic patients towards certain plant food allergens need to be careful about consuming alfalfa because they might have allergic symptoms. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Permeabilization and immobilization of whole‐cell Pseudomonas nitroreducensSP.001 to improve its l‐glutaminase performance
Authors: Shen Xinlei , Hua Ying , Luo Yejiao , Zhang Tao , Jiang Bo , Shuai Yuying 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDL‐Glutaminase is considered to be an important industrial enzyme in both the pharmaceutical and food industries, especially for producing functional glutamyl compounds, such as l‐theanine. Pseudomonas nitroreducens SP.001 with intracellular l‐glutaminase activity has been screened previously. In the present study, three physical permeabilization methods were used to improve l‐glutaminase activity. Then, the whole‐cell immobilization conditions of permeabilized cells using sodium alginate as an embedding agent were optimized to enhance the enzyme's stability and reusability. The characteristics of the immobilized cells were investigated in comparison with those of permeabilized cells.RESULTSThe results obtained showed that cell permeabilization using osmotic shock with 155 g L−1 sucrose markedly improved enzyme activity. Then, an effective procedure for immobilization of permeabilized P. nitroreducens cells was established. The optimum conditions for cell immobilization were: sodium alginate 40 g L−1, calcium chloride 30 g L−1, cell mass 100 g L−1 and a curing time of 3 h. After successful immobilization, characterization studies revealed that the thermostability and pH resistance of l‐glutaminase from immobilized cells were enhanced compared to those from permeabilized cells. Moreover, the immobilized biocatalyst could be reused up to 10 times and retained 80% of its activity.CONCLUSIONThe stability and reusability of the permeabilized cells were improved through the immobilization. These findings indicated that immobilized whole‐cell l‐glutaminase from P. nitroreducens SP.001 possesses more potential for various industrial biotechnological applications than free cells. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Productivity and nutritional and nutraceutical value of strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cultivated under irrigation with treated wastewaters
Authors: Renai Lapo , Tozzi Francesca , Scordo Cristina VA , Giordani Edgardo , Bruzzoniti Maria C , Fibbi Donatella , Mandi Laila , Ouazzani Naaila , Del Bubba Massimo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAgriculture represents a productive sector typically characterized by a high water demand, whereas freshwater (FW) availability is a problem of increasing concern in the world and FW resources are becoming insufficient for sustaining agricultural irrigation. The reuse of treated wastewaters (TWWs) for crop irrigation could be an efficient tool for reducing water shortage. Hence, the present study evaluated the food quality of Fragaria x ananassa (cultivar Camarosa) fruits irrigated with four types of treated wastewaters (TWWs). Strawberries were analysed for yield, sucrose, fructose, glucose, total soluble polyphenols (TSP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), and antiradical and antioxidant capacity. In addition, a targeted quantification of the most representative phenolic compounds of strawberry was performed.RESULTSTWWs complied the Italian ministerial decree 185/2003 for wastewater reuse, with very few exceptions, mainly represented by chloride concentrations (258–643 mg L–1 versus a legal threshold of 250 mg L–1). The reuse of TWWs reduced fruit yield (10–26%) compared to irrigation with tap water as a control. Irrigation with TWWs gave also rise to the decrease of total sugars (14–26%), TSP (2–10%) and TMA (29–49%). Individual phenolic acids, flavonols and flavanols were quite stable in response to the irrigation with TWWs, whereas anthocyanidins decreased significantly.CONCLUSIONAlthough TWWs negatively affected fruit quality, the nutritional and nutraceutical parameters determined in the present study were in line with data previously reported for strawberries purchased in the market or cultivated in research orchards, thus suggesting that the use of TWWs does not prevent the fruit marketability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The use of FDG‐PET/CT to detect early recurrence after resection of high‐risk stage III melanoma
Authors: Stahlie Emma H. A. , van der Hiel Bernies , Stokkel Marcel P. M. , Schrage Yvonne M. , van Houdt Winan J. , Wouters Michel W. , van Akkooi Alexander C. J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe role of surveillance imaging in high‐risk stage III melanoma patients after complete surgical resection remains controversial, and with the advent of adjuvant therapy, it may also be expanded. Therefore, we evaluated two fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) protocols in two cohorts.MethodsCohort 1 (n = 35) focused on surveillance in asymptomatic patients (before approval and reimbursement of adjuvant therapy) and was assigned to 5x FDG‐PET/CT's after surgery: one every 6 months for 2 years, with one final scan after 3 years. Cohort 2 (n = 42) was assigned to one screening FDG‐PET/CT, which took place in between surgery and the start of adjuvant treatment.ResultsIn cohort 1 (median follow‐up: 33 months), 12 patients (34.3%) developed recurrence detected by FDG‐PET/CT, of which 7 (20.0%) were detected with the first scan. Sensitivity and specificity were 92.3% and 100%, respectively. In cohort 2, recurrence was suspected on nine scans (21.4%) and four (9.5%) were true positive. The number of scans needed to find one asymptomatic recurrence were 8.8 and 10.5 in cohort 1 and 2, respectively.ConclusionsFDG‐PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool to detect recurrence in stage III melanoma, even shortly after surgery. A surveillance FDG‐PET/CT protocol after surgery or a screening PET/CT before adjuvant therapy should be considered.
Regulation of autophagy, glucose uptake, and glycolysis under dengue virus infection
Authors: Lee Ying‐Ray , Wu Shan‐Ying , Chen Ruei‐Yi , Lin Yee‐Shin , Yeh Trai‐Ming , Liu Hsiao‐Sheng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe previously reported that dengue virus (DENV)‐induced autophagy plays a promoting role in viral replication and pathogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Although it is known that DENV infection increases glycolysis, which promotes viral replication, the role of glucose metabolism together with autophagic activity in DENV replication remains unclear. In this study, we reveal that DENV2 infection increased autophagic activity, glucose uptake, protein levels of glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT1), and glycolysis rate‐limiting enzyme hexokinase‐2 (HK2) in cells. Furthermore, the protein levels of LC3‐II and HK2 were increased in the brain tissues of the DENV2‐infected suckling mice. However, DENV2 infection decreased ATP level and showed no effect on mRNA expression of HK2 and phosphofructokinase, as well as lactate production, indicating that DENV2‐regulated glycolytic flux occurs at the post‐transcriptional level and is lactate pathway‐independent. Moreover, amiodarone‐induced autophagic activity, glucose uptake, HK2 level, and viral titer were reversed by the autophagy inhibitor spautin‐1 or silencing of Atg5 gene expression. Intriguingly, blocking of glycolysis, HK2 protein level, and viral titer were accordingly decreased, but autophagic activity was increased, suggesting the existence of another regulation mechanism that influences the relationship between glycolysis and autophagy. This is the first report to reveal that DENV2‐induced autophagy positively regulates glycolysis and viral replication in vitro and in vivo. Our findings open a new avenue wherein metabolic modulation could be used as a target for the treatment of DENV infection.
Low‐power divide‐by‐five injection‐locked frequency divider with a built‐in balun
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper reports an injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) with a divide‐by‐five feature, a built‐in balun, and low power consumption fabricated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process. By employing a fourth harmonic (4f0) enhancement technique realized in a stacked cross‐coupled pair and mixing with an injection signal (5f0) through injection transistors, an output signal (f0 = 5f0‐4f0) is obtained without using extra passive devices. The built‐in balun is employed to transfer a single‐ended signal to differential signals injected into injection transistors. The proposed ILFD improves the locking range without the help of varactors and the power dissipation by adopting two cross‐coupled transistor pairs. The proposed ILFD has the free‐running frequency of 4.3 GHz and the injection frequencies from 21.1 to 22.1 GHz at an input power level of 0 dBm. The proposed ILFD core only consumes 3.75 mW from a supply voltage of 1.5 V.
First‐stage validation of a portable imageable MR‐compatible water calorimeter
Authors: D’Souza Mark , Nusrat Humza , Renaud James , Peterson Gerard , Sarfehnia Arman 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to design a water calorimeter with three goals in mind: (a) To be fully magnetic resonance (MR)‐compatible; (b) To be imaged using kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), MV portal imaging or MRI for accurate positioning; (c) To accommodate both vertical and horizontal beam incidence, as well as volumetric deliveries or Gamma Knife®. Following this, the calorimeter performance will be measured using an accelerator‐based high‐energy photon beam.MethodsA portable 4°C cooled stagnant water calorimeter was built using MR‐compatible materials. The walls consist of layers of acrylic plastic, aerogel‐based material acting as thermal insulation, as well as tubing for coolant to flow to keep the calorimeter temperature stable at 4°C. The lid contains additional pathways for coolant to flow through as well as two hydraulically driven stirrers. The water calorimeter was positioned in an Elekta Versa using kV CBCT imaging as well as orthogonal MV image pairs. Absolute absorbed dose to water was then determined under a 6 MV flattening filter‐free (FFF) beam. This was compared against reference dosimetry results that were measured under identical conditions with an Exradin A1SL ionization chamber with a calibration coefficient directly traceable to the National Research Council Canada.ResultsThe dose to water determined with the calorimeter (n = 30) agreed with the A1SL ionization chamber reference dose measurements (n = 15) to within 0.25%. The uncertainty associated with the water calorimeter absorbed dose measurement was estimated to be 0.54% (k = 1).ConclusionsAn MR‐compatible water calorimeter was successfully built and absolute absorbed dose to water under a conventional 6 MV FFF beam was determined successfully as a first‐stage validation of the system.