bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival and storage stability of encapsulated probiotic under simulated digestion conditions and on dried apple snacks
Authors: Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Hussain Shahzad , Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Alamri Mohamed S. , Ahmad Aftab , Ateeq Huda , Tufail Tabussam , Hussain Muzammil 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe objective of the current study was to explore the probiotics carrier potential of apple dried snacks and improve the survival of probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Purposely, the probiotics were encapsulated using two hydrogel materials (sodium alginate and carrageenan) by using encapsulator. Briefly, slices of apple were immersed in solution containing free and encapsulated probiotics and then dried by conventional drying method. The dried apple snack was analyzed for different characteristics (physiochemical and microbiological) during storage. The viability of the free and encapsulated probiotics was accessed in apple snack and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Apple snack rich with encapsulated probiotics showed a significant result (p < .05) regarding the survival and stability. The encapsulated probiotics decreased from 9.5 log CFU/g to 8.83 log CFU/g as compared to free probiotics that decreased to 5.28 log CFU/g. Furthermore, encapsulated probiotics exhibited a better stability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions as compared to free. During storage, an increase in phenolic content and hardness was observed while decrease in pH was noted. Results of sensory parameters indicated apple snack as potential and acceptable probiotics carrier.
Quantifying chloride retention and release in urban stormwater management ponds using a mass balance approach
Authors: Lam Wai Ying , Lembcke David , Oswald Claire 
Published: August 2020

AbstractChloride (Cl−) in urban waterways largely originates from runoff containing deicing salts. Cl− is retained in watersheds after deicing ends, resulting in deleterious effects on aquatic biota. Stormwater management ponds (SWMPs), designed to mitigate ‘flashy’ urban runoff response, are known to impact pollutant transport. However, there is little information on what role SWMPs play in the timing and magnitude of Cl− transport over different timescales. This study quantifies the mass of Cl− retained in two SWMPs over varying timescales. Both ponds are in an urbanizing watershed in south‐central Ontario; one drains a commercial area, the other, a residential area. High frequency measurements of water level and specific conductivity, from which flow and Cl− concentration were derived, were taken with sensors at pond inlets and outlets. For one SWMP, data were also collected upstream and downstream of the confluence of the pond outflow and the receiving creek to quantify the in‐stream response to Cl−‐laden pond outflows. The findings suggest that SWMPs likely play a role in watershed‐scale Cl− retention; one SWMP consistently retained Cl− while the other had variable retention and release of Cl−. In the receiving creek, Cl− concentrations downstream of the pond exceeded the acute toxicity threshold for aquatic organisms twice as often as concentrations upstream of the pond, and Cl− pulses corresponded to Cl− release events from the pond. The results of this study suggest that SWMPs concentrate spatially distributed salt inputs and modify the timing and magnitude of their release to receiving streams. Stream reaches that receive water inputs from SWMPs may be more vulnerable to Cl− toxicity than reaches that do not receive flow via SWMPs. The results of this study will help parameterize the role of SWMPs in watershed‐scale Cl− transport models and geospatial models of salt vulnerable areas.
Antimicrobial potential of resin matrices loaded with coffee compounds
Authors: de Almeida Sarah A. , Ferracane Jack L. , da Silva Eduardo M. , Mushashe Amanda M. , Merritt Justin , Rocha Anderson A. , Noronha‐Filho Jaime D. , de Almeida Rayane V. , Poskus Laiza T. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study evaluated the biological behavior of the coffee compounds Trigonelline (T), chlorogenic acid (C), and nicotinic acid (N), correlating with their release from a resin matrix. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans UA159, and cytotoxicity was assessed by methyl tetrazolium salt on OD‐21 cells. Resin matrices (bisphenol A‐glycidyl‐dimethacrylate/triethylene glycol‐dimethacrylate 70/30 wt%, camphorquinone/ethyl 4‐dimethyl aminobenzoate 0.5/1 wt%) were doped with coffee compounds in different concentrations (10/20/30/40/50 wt%), performing 15 groups (T10‐T50, C10‐C50, N10‐N50), and a control group with no coffee compound. Degree of conversion (DC%) was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated by bioluminescence (Luciferase assay). The release from loaded matrices was analyzed over time (24 hr, 6, 14, 21 and 28 days), using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were submitted to ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). MIC for T and C was 6 mg/ml, and 4 mg/ml for N. None of them were cytotoxic. Only T50 and C50 showed lower DC% than control (α < 0.05). Some groups (T30/T40/T50/C40/C50/N50) were strongly antimicrobial, reducing bacterial activity approximately five times compared to control (α < 0.05). For T30, T40, T50, C40, and C50, the HPLC showed a release above or closer to MIC values mainly in 24 hr, but for N50, up to 28 days. In conclusion, the coffee compounds presented antimicrobial activity, depending on their concentration when added in resin matrices, being found a correlation with their release.
YAP and TAZ Promote Periosteal Osteoblast Precursor Expansion and Differentiation for Fracture Repair
Authors: Kegelman Christopher D , Nijsure Madhura P , Moharrer Yasaman , Pearson Hope B , Dawahare James H , Jordan Kelsey M , Qin Ling , Boerckel Joel D 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
In response to bone fracture, periosteal progenitor cells proliferate, expand, and differentiate to form cartilage and bone in the fracture callus. These cellular functions require the coordinated activation of multiple transcriptional programs, and the transcriptional regulators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) regulate osteochondroprogenitor activation during endochondral bone development. However, recent observations raise important distinctions between the signaling mechanisms used to control bone morphogenesis and repair. Here, we tested the hypothesis that YAP and TAZ regulate osteochondroprogenitor activation during endochondral bone fracture healing in mice. Constitutive YAP and/or TAZ deletion from Osterix-expressing cells impaired both cartilage callus formation and subsequent mineralization. However, this could be explained either by direct defects in osteochondroprogenitor differentiation after fracture or by developmental deficiencies in the progenitor cell pool before fracture. Consistent with the second possibility, we found that developmental YAP/TAZ deletion produced long bones with impaired periosteal thickness and cellularity. Therefore, to remove the contributions of developmental history, we next generated adult onset-inducible knockout mice (using Osx-CretetOff) in which YAP and TAZ were deleted before fracture but after normal development. Adult onset-induced YAP/TAZ deletion had no effect on cartilaginous callus formation but impaired bone formation at 14 days post-fracture (dpf). Earlier, at 4 dpf, adult onset-induced YAP/TAZ deletion impaired the proliferation and expansion of osteoblast precursor cells located in the shoulder of the callus. Further, activated periosteal cells isolated from this region at 4 dpf exhibited impaired osteogenic differentiation in vitro upon YAP/TAZ deletion. Finally, confirming the effects on osteoblast function in vivo, adult onset-induced YAP/TAZ deletion impaired bone formation in the callus shoulder at 7 dpf before the initiation of endochondral ossification. Together, these data show that YAP and TAZ promote the expansion and differentiation of periosteal osteoblast precursors to accelerate bone fracture healing. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Predictors of Fracture in Older Women With Osteopenic Hip Bone Mineral Density Treated With Zoledronate
Authors: Reid Ian R , Horne Anne M , Mihov Borislav , Stewart Angela , Bolland Mark J , Bastin Sonja , Gamble Gregory D 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
A recent analysis has found that during treatment with denosumab, women attaining higher bone densities (BMD) are less likely to have incident fractures. We have reexamined this important question using data from our recent trial of zoledronate in osteopenic women. One thousand women randomized to treatment with zoledronate were followed for 6 years. Of those, 122 sustained fragility fractures during follow-up. Baseline age, nonvertebral fracture history, total hip BMD, and calculated fracture risk were all significantly different between those who had fractures during the study and those who did not. BMDs achieved during the study were higher in those without incident fractures. However, achieved BMDs were very closely related to baseline values (r = 0.93, p &lt; 0.0001). The increase in BMD during zoledronate treatment was not different between those who had incident fractures and those who did not (0.15 &lt; p &lt; 0.78), and change in BMD was not predictive of fracture (univariate logistic regression analysis). Stepwise regression analysis of all baseline variables showed the best independent predictors of fracture to be age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.13, p = 0.0003), baseline spine BMD (OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.96, p = 0.016), and history of nonvertebral fracture (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.06–2.69, p = 0.028). Addition of change in BMD to this model did not improve its predictive power. If changes in BMD were included in the stepwise regression analysis of baseline variables, they did not emerge as significant predictors of fracture. It is concluded that age, fracture history, and baseline BMD determine the risk of new fractures. Differences in achieved BMD between those who do or do not fracture arise from the close relationship between baseline and achieved BMDs. These findings suggest that targeting any particular BMD during treatment is unlikely to be a useful or valid strategy. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Screening and follow‐up of chronic liver diseases with understanding their etiology in clinics and hospitals
Authors: Ogawa Masahiro , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Watanabe Takayuki , Setsu Toru , Kimura Naruhiro , Matsuda Masato , Hoshiyama Yoshiki , Saito Hiroaki , Kanazawa Tsutomu , Shiotani Motoi , Sato Tatsuhiko , Yagi Takuya , Igarashi Koji , Yoshimura Norihiko , Takamura Masaaki , Aoyama Hidefumi , Terai Shuji 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimConsidering the increasing prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the development of an effective screening and follow‐up system that enables the recognition of etiological changes by primary physicians in clinics and specialists in hospitals is required.MethodsChronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), NASH, and alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) patients who were assayed for Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) (n = 272) and underwent magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) (n = 119) were enrolled. Patients who underwent MRE were also tested by ultrasound elastography (USE) (n = 80) and for M2BPGi (n = 97), autotaxin (ATX) (n = 62), and platelet count (n = 119), and their fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index was calculated (n = 119).ResultsFIB‐4 index >2, excluding HBV‐infected patients, M2BPGi >0.5, ATX >0.5, and platelet count <20 × 104/μL were the benchmark indices, and we took into consideration other risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and age, to recommend further examinations, such as USE, based on the local situation to avoid overlooking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the clinic. During specialty care in the hospital, MRE exhibited high diagnostic ability for fibrosis stages >F3 or F4; it could efficiently predict collateral circulation with high sensitivity, which can replace USE. We also identified etiological features and found that collateral circulation in NASH/ASH patients tended to exceed high‐risk levels; moreover, these patients exhibited more variation in HCC‐associated liver stiffness than the HBV and HCV patients.ConclusionsUsing appropriate markers and tools, we can establish a stepwise, practical, noninvasive, and etiology‐based screening and follow‐up system in primary and specialty care.
Association of GWAS‐susceptibility loci with ischemic stroke recurrence in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Liu Xu , Wang Qianwen , Zhu Ruixia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecently, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have found many new susceptible genetic variants for ischemic stroke (IS) occurrence. However,the roles of GWAS‐susceptibility loci in stroke prognosis are just beginning. The present study aimed to examine whether these GWAS‐linked loci polymorphisms are associated with ischemic stroke recurrence in a Chinese population.MethodsWe genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (9p21: rs2383207 and rs4977574; 12p13: rs12425791 and rs11833579; PDE4D: rs966221; and ALOX5AP: rs1050391) in four GWAS‐reported ischemic stroke risk genes in 657 patients.ResultsThe risk of recurrent stroke was significantly associated with PDE4D rs966221 in the dominant model (p = 0.027)and recessive model (p = 0.027). Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analyses indicated no significant difference in the rate of recurrent stroke among the three genotypes of other five SNPs. Cox regression analysis showed that the GA + GG genotype within the rs966221 polymorphism had a 1.399‐fold risk for stoke recurrence (95% confidence interval = 1.038–1.886; p = 0.027). Stratified analysis revealed that the increased recurrence risk of PDE4D rs966221 was more prominent in the large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subgroup.ConclusionsThe reults of the present study demonstrate that PDE4D rs966221 may be a valuable biomarker for predicting the recurrent risks of patient with the LAA‐IS and adds to our knowledge of the genetic basis of recurrent stroke risk.
Synthesis and in vitro study of new coumarin derivatives linked to nicotinonitrile moieties as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Sanad Sherif M. H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe appropriate pyridine‐2(1H)‐thiones were reacted with an equivalent amount of 5‐(chloromethyl)‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde in ethanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide to give the corresponding 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives in excellent yields. The latter derivatives were taken as key synthons for the preparation of the target hybrids. Therefore, 2‐hydroxybenzaldehydes were reacted with benzoylglycine in acetic anhydride in the presence of fused sodium acetate at 100°C for 6 hours to afford a new series of nicotinonitrile‐coumarin hybrids. The in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were estimated for the new coumarins. The results were expressed as the inhibition percentage of the tested hybrids at concentration of 25 nM, compared to donepezil as a reference (inhibition percentage of 70.5). Coumarin hybrids linked to 6‐(4‐nitrophenyl) or 6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐4‐phenylnicotinonitrile exhibited more effective inhibitory activities than donepezil with inhibition percentages of 94.1 and 72.3, respectively. The new coumarins were tested for their free radical‐scavenging capabilities against DPPH. Furthermore, some new coumarins were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity against each MCF‐10A, MCF‐7, Caco2, and HEPG2. The new hybrids showed cytotoxicity in micromolar range (IC50 of 3.5‐13.9 μM) against all tested cell lines. These results clearly demonstrated that the hybrids being tested are not cytotoxic at the concentration required to inhibit acetylcholinesterase effectively.
Effect of κ‐carrageenan addition on protein structure and gel properties of salted duck egg white
Authors: Tang Honggang , Tan Lulan , Chen Yifan , Zhang Jin , Li Huanhuan , Chen Lihong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDSalted duck egg white (SDEW) is a major by‐product during salted egg yolk manufacturing. Due to the high salt concentration, SDEW has not been efficiently utilized. Moreover, functional properties of SDEW are altered by salt during pickling. To improve the functional properties, the effect of κ‐carrageenan (κ‐CAR) addition on the protein structure and gel properties of SDEW was investigated in this study.RESULTSThe surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl content of SDEW protein increased, while total sulfhydryl content decreased significantly with the addition of κ‐CAR (0.02–0.10%). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the relative content of α‐helix and β‐turn decreased, β‐sheet and random coil increased, indicating the variation tendency of protein structure from order to disorder. As κ‐CAR addition increased, the texture profiles including hardness, gumminess, chewiness, springiness, cohesiveness and resilience of SDEW gel were all improved. Water holding capacity increased significantly by 32.33% in the presence of 0.10% κ‐CAR addition. The scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microstructure of SDEW/κ‐CAR mixed gel was more smooth and compact.CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that adding κ‐CAR can be an effective method to improve gel quality of SDEW. This study is expected to provide theoretical basis for modification of SDEW protein, as well as preparation of food ingredients with better gel properties from SDEW. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Supplementation with embryo chicken egg extract improves exercise performance and exerts anti‐fatigue effects via AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway in mice
Authors: Zhang Lijing , Fu Mai , Chen Jilan , Fan Bei , Cao Li , Sun Yanyan , Li Liyong , Li Shuying , Lu Cong , Wang Fengzhong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDEmbryo chicken egg is a nutritional supplement that has been used to enhance physical fitness and promote wound healing according to traditional Chinese medicine for many years. In this study, we evaluated the effects of embryo chicken egg extract (ECE) on the exercise performance and fatigue in mice and the underlying mechanisms.RESULTSThe results indicated that ECE can prolong the exhaustive swimming time, decrease lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, and malondialdehyde levels, and increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glycogen levels. Additionally, ECE can also regulate the balance of oxidative stress via the adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway.CONCLUSIONTaken together, these results showed that ECE can improve exercise performance and reduce physical fatigue in mice, which indicates that ECE can be used as a potential supplement to reduce physical fatigue. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Foliar application of putrescine before a short‐term heat stress improves the quality of melon fruits (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Piñero María Carmen , Otálora Ginés , Collado Jacinta , López‐Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDClimate change has caused an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, worldwide, which subject plants to thermal stress for short periods; this can affect the quality of melon fruits, both negatively and positively. Since the application of putrescine has been shown to help increase tolerance of abiotic stresses, the objective of this work is to determine the effects of the foliar application of putrescine (1.5 and 5 mmol L‐1) before a short heat stress (HS) on the quality of melon fruits.RESULTSThe results indicate that HS had a positive effect on the quality of melon fruits, since it increased the total sugars and polyamines contents and the antioxidant capacity, and reduced the presence of substances undesirable in foods such as nitrate. However, the fruit quality was further increased by the combination of HS and putrescine (5 mmol L‐1). In this case, the melon fruits showed increases in their antioxidant capacity and contents of polyamines, amino acids and minerals beneficial to health. The nitrate concentration was even lower than in the control fruits.CONCLUSIONThis novel study highlights the possibility of improving the nutritional quality of melon pulp by applying foliar putrescine in combination with a short period of high temperature. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Active matrix monolithic micro‐LED full‐color micro‐display
Authors: Zhang Xu , Qi Longheng , Chong Wing Cheung , Li Peian , Tang Chak Wah , Lau Kei May 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn active matrix monolithic micro‐LED full‐color micro‐display with a pixel density of 317 ppi is demonstrated. Starting from large‐scale and low‐cost GaN‐on‐Si epilayers, monolithic 64 × 36 blue micro‐LED arrays are fabricated and further transformed to full‐color micro‐displays by applying a photo‐patternable color conversion layer. This full‐color fabrication scheme shows feasible manufacturability, suggesting a potential for volume production of micro‐LED full‐color micro‐display.
Land degradation assessment in the dust hotspot of Southeastern Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Poornazari Narges , Khalilimoghadam Bijan , Hazbavi Zeinab , Bagheri Bodaghabadi Mohsen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe present study was conducted to assess the land degradation (LD) in the largest source area for dust storms in Southeastern Ahvaz (SEA) using a Modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land‐use (MMEDALUS) method (a modification of the MEDALUS method). The LD of the dust hotspot of SEA was evaluated using the soil quality index (SQI), climate quality index (CQI), vegetation quality index (VQI), and management quality index (MQI). The study indicators and final land degradation index (LDI) index were classified into four groups of low (100–120), moderate (121–135), severe (136–153), and very severe (more than 153). The results showed that the SQI, CQI, VQI, and land management quality index (MQI), respectively were 151 ± 6, 167 ± 5, 175 ± 12, and 168 ± 18 for the whole dust hotspot of SEA. The results revealed that the SQI and VQI had the minimum and maximum effect on LD assessment, respectively. The integration of study indices and indicators and their effectiveness for LD assessment showed that the study dust hotspot was rated at a mean of 165 ± 7 in the very severe degraded class based on our MMEDALUS assessment. Whereas, only about 18% of the study area scored in the severe class, and other parts are classified in the very severe class. Based on the field surveys of the dust hotspot and the results of the MMEDALUS method, suitable strategies for revitalizing the dust hotspot of SEA, were proposed using homogeneous land‐components such as the construction of windbreaks using indigenous species of the area, forestry, planting, water spreading, wetting, protection, and grazing management.