bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations of disease severity and age with hematology parameter variations in patients with COVID‐19 pre‐ and post‐treatment
Authors: Liang Juanying , Nong Shaoyun , Jiang Liejun , Chi Xiaowei , Bi Dewu , Cao Jun , Mo Lida , Luo Xiaolu , Huang Huayi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundFor better understanding of the pathological changes of COVID‐19, benefiting clinical management of the disease and the preparation for future waves of similar pandemics.MethodsHematology parameters from a total of 52 cases of COVID‐19 admitted for treatment in a designated hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software.ResultsPre‐treatment T‐cell subsets, total lymphocytes, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), eosinophils, and basophils were significantly lower than that of post‐treatment, while the inflammatory indexes neutrophils, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin, were significantly reduced after treatment. The T‐cell subsets, total lymphocytes, and basophils in severely and critically ill patients were significantly lower than those in moderately ill patients. Neutrophils, NLR, eosinophils, procalcitonin (PCT), and CRP was significantly higher in severely and critically ill patients than in moderately ill patients. CD3+, CD8+, total lymphocytes, platelets, and basophils in patients older than 50 were lower than that of those younger than 50, while neutrophils, NLR, CRP, and RDW in patients older than 50 were higher than that of younger than 50. There was a positive correlation among prothrombin time (PT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in severely and critically ill patients.ConclusionsT‐cell subsets, lymphocyte count, RDW, neutrophils, eosinophils, NLR, CRP, PT, ALT, and AST are important indicators in the management especially for severely and critically ill patients with COVID‐19.
Emerging role of CCN family proteins in fibrosis
Authors: Sun Chao , Zhang Han , Liu Xinhui 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFibrosis is a common pathological change characterized by the excessive accumulation of fibrous connective tissue. Once uncontrolled, this pathological progress can lead to irreversible damage to the structure and function of organs, which is a serious threat to human health and life. Actually, the disability and death of patients caused by many chronic diseases have a closed relationship with fibrosis. The CCN protein family, including six members, is a small group of matrix proteins exhibiting structurally similar features. In the past 20 years, different biological functions of CCN proteins have been identified in various diseases. Of note, it has been recently shown that they are implicated in the key pathological process of fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current status of knowledge regarding the role of CCN proteins involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis diseases in detail. Furthermore, we highlight some of the underlying interaction mechanisms of CCN protein acting in fibrosis that helps to develop new drugs and determine appropriate clinical strategies for fibrotic diseases.
Evaluation of the dentate gyrus in adult mice exposed to acetaminophen (paracetamol) on postnatal day 10
Authors: Philippot Gaëtan , Hellsten Sofie V. , Viberg Henrik , Fredriksson Robert 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAcetaminophen (AAP; or paracetamol) is a widely used nonprescription drug with antipyretic and analgesic properties. Alarmingly, there is an increasing body of evidence showing that developmental exposure to AAP is associated with adverse behavioural outcomes later in life. We have previously shown that relevant doses of AAP in 10‐day‐old mice affected memory, learning and locomotor activity in the adult animals. Interestingly, the neurons of the dentate gyrus (DG) have a relatively late time of origin as they are generated during the first two weeks of postnatal life in rodents. Since the generation of these cells, which are important for memory processing, coincides with our AAP exposure, we aim to investigate if the cytoarchitecture of the DG is affected by postnatal day 10 AAP treatment. In addition, we investigate if markers for differentiation and migration in the hippocampus were affected by the same treatment. We did not observe any visual effects in adult DG cytoarchitecture, nor any changes of markers for differentiation/migration in the hippocampus in 24 hr after exposure. Even though a large effect size was estimated on adult DG thickness following AAP exposure, the estimated 95% CIs around the differences of the means reveal no significant effect. Hence, larger sample sizes are warranted to clarify if neonatal AAP exposure affects adult DG thickness in mice.
Development of an efficient, one‐pot, multicomponent protocol for synthesis of 8‐hydroxy‐4‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives
Authors: Tabassum Rukhsana , Ashfaq Muhammad , Oku Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA one‐pot quick and efficient multicomponent reaction has been developed for the synthesis of a new series of functionalized 8‐hydroxy‐4‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives using 30 mol% ammonium acetate in ethanol as solvent. This economical protocol run smoothly to give variety of quinoline derivatives in 55% to 98% yield from inexpensive reagents and catalyst in mild reaction conditions. Various spectroscopic techniques like FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR, MALDI‐TOF‐MS, and EI‐MS were used to study and confirm their structure.
Concise synthesis of chiral pyrazolo[4,3‐f] [1,4]oxazepines and pyrazolo[4,3‐f] [1,4]thiazepines bearing pyrazole unit
Authors: Pitchai Manivel , Ulaganathan Sankar , Venkateshappa Suresh Shagathur , Akunuri Arun , Rampulla Richard , Mathur Arvind , Gupta Anuradha 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAn efficient synthesis of pyrazolo [1,4]‐oxazepines and [1,4]‐thiazepines bearing a variety of alkyl and aryl groups with a chiral center has been developed. The synthesis started with readily available 5‐chloro‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde and chiral amino alcohols. The key step involves intramolecular imine formation. These classes of compounds are potentially useful as templates for drug discovery.
Regional variation in the use of catheter ablation for patients with arrhythmia in Japan
Authors: Inoue Takahiro , Kuwabara Hiroyo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundRegional variation in the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), especially when performed as an elective procedure, was observed in a previous study. The use of a developing technology, catheter ablation (CA), was compared between regions in Japan.Methods and ResultsThe Diagnostic Procedure Combination data, which are publicly available, were used for the analysis. The number of CAs was summarized and the rates for CA and PCI were calculated based on the prefecture's population aged ≥40 years. A linear regression model was constructed to identify the factors associated with regional variation in the use of CA. The number of CAs performed per hospital consistently increased from 2009 to 2018. The mean rate of CA across Japan was 119 per 100 000 population aged ≥40 years in 2018. The highest CA rate was 166 per 100 000 and the lowest CA rate was 29 per 100 000 in 2018, while the highest and lowest PCI rates for angina per 100 000 were 361 and 88 in 2018, respectively. The significant factor associated with regional variation in the CA rate was the number of specialists.ConclusionsA wide regional variation was observed in the use of CA for patients with arrhythmia in Japan. Further research is needed to generate evidence of CA for decision‐making as a treatment option and to appropriately deploy this health service regardless of where patients live.
Pathological changes of frozen shoulder in rat model and the therapeutic effect of PPAR‐γ agonist
Authors: Chen Jinfu , Zhu Junjun , Zhu Tianfei , Cui Jiaming , Deng Zhenhan , Chen Kang , Chang Chongfei , Geng Yiyun , Chen Fei , Ouyang Kan , Xiong Jianyi , Wang Manyi , Wang Daping , Zhu Weimin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFrozen shoulder is a common shoulder disorder characterized by a gradual increase of pain and a limited range of motion. However, its pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unclear and there is no consensus as to the most effective treatment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) on fibrosis and inflammatory response of the shoulder joint of rat models and to explore the therapeutic effect of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) agonist. In the study, the effect of PPAR‐γ agonist CDDO‐IM treatment on cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix proteins synthesis (vimentin, α‐smooth muscle actin, collagen I, and collagen III) were tested by cell proliferation test, scratches test, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. The frozen shoulder was also established on the rat model by injecting adenovirus‐TGF‐β1 into rats' shoulder capsule. Pathological changes of the frozen shoulder tissue of the experimental group and PPAR‐γ agonist treatment group were evaluated. The stiffness of joints of the three groups was tested. Inflammatory mediators' expression including cyclooxygenase‐1, interleukin‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α of the shoulder was tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that pathological changes of the frozen shoulder in the rat model include an abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and disorder of fibrous structure, while rosiglitazone reduced the severity of the frozen shoulder in the treatment group. Clinically, PPAR‐γ agonists may be a promising target for the treatment of the frozen shoulder.
Comparison of annulus fibrosus cell collagen remodeling rates in a microtissue system
Authors: Tromp Isabel N. , Foolen Jasper , van Doeselaar Marina , Zhang Ying , Chan Danny , Kruyt Moyo C. , Creemers Laura B. , Castelein Rene M. , Ito Keita 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIt has been suggested that curvature progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis occurs through irreversible changes in the intervertebral discs. Strains of mice have been identified who differ in their disc wedging response upon extended asymmetrical compression. Annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue remodeling could contribute to the faster disc wedging progression previously observed in these mice. Differences in collagen remodeling capacity of AF cells between these in‐bred mice strains were compared using an in vitro microtissue system. AF cells of 8–10‐week‐old LG/J (“fast‐healing”) and C57BL/6J (“normal healing”) mice were embedded in a microtissue platform and cultured for 48 h. Hereafter, tissues were partially released and cultured for another 96 h. Microtissue surface area and waistcoat contraction, collagen orientation, and collagen content were measured. After 96 h postrelease, microtissues with AF cells of LG/J mice showed more surface area contraction (p < .001) and waistcoat contraction (p = .002) than C57BL/6J microtissues. Collagen orientation did not differ at 24 h after partial release. However, at 96 h, collagen in the microtissues from LG/J AF cells was aligned more than in those from C57BL/6J mice (p < .001). Collagen content did not differ between microtissues at 96 h. AF cells of inbred LG/J mice were better able to remodel and realign their collagen fibers than those from C57BL/6J mice. The remodeling of AF tissue could be contributing to the faster disc wedging progression observed in LG/J mice.
Genome sequencing of cold‐adapted Planococcus bacterium isolated from traditional shrimp paste and protease identification
Authors: Leng Weijun , Gao Ruichang , Wu Xiaoyun , Zhou Jing , Sun Quancai , Yuan Li 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPsychrophiles have evolved to adapt to freezing environments, and cold‐adapted enzymes from these organisms can maintain high catalytic activity at low temperature. The use of cold‐adapted enzymes has great potential for the revolution of food and molecular biology industries.RESULTSIn this study, four different strains producing protease were isolated from traditional fermented shrimp paste, one of which, named Planococcus maritimus XJ11 by 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence analysis, exhibited the largest protein hydrolysis clear zone surrounding the colonies. Meanwhile, the strain P. maritimus XJ11 was selected for further investigation because of its great adaptation to low temperature, low salinity and alkaline environment. The enzyme activity assay of P. maritimus XJ11 indicated that the optimum conditions for catalytic activity were pH 10.0 and 40 °C. Moreover, the enzyme also showed an increasing activity with temperatures from 10 to 40 °C and retained more than 67% activity of the maximum over a broad range of salinity (50–150 g L−1). Genome sequencing analysis revealed that strain XJ11 possessed one circular chromosome of 3 282 604 bp and one circular plasmid of 67 339 bp, with a total number of 3293 open reading frames (ORFs). Besides, 21 genes encoding protease, including three serine proteases, were identified through the NR database.CONCLUSIONCold‐adapted bacterium P. maritimus XJ11 was capable of producing alkaline proteases with high catalytic efficiency at low or moderate temperatures. Furthermore, the favorable psychrophilic and enzymatic characters of strain P. maritimus XJ11 seem to have a promising potential for industrial application. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of different thawing methods on the efficiency and quality attributes of frozen red radish
Authors: Xu Baoguo , Chen Jianan , Yuan Jun , Azam SM Roknul , Zhang Min 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe thawing process is regarded as an essential step before the consumption of frozen foods. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of ultrasound thawing of frozen red radish and to explore the characteristics of ultrasound thawing. The influence of low‐frequency ultrasound (LFU) on the thawing efficiency of frozen red radish cylinders in air and water mediums was investigated. The effects of different ways of thawing, including air thawing (AT), water thawing (WT), refrigeration thawing (RT), ultrasound‐assisted water thawing (UWT), and microwave thawing (MT) on the thawing time and quality of radish samples was studied.RESULTSThe results showed that thawing time decreased remarkably in air and water mediums assisted by LFU. As the LFU power level increased, the thawing time decreased and the value of the drip loss increased. The firmness of thawed radish samples also decreased significantly compared with the fresh samples. Microwave thawing had the highest thawing rate, but the microstructure of MT radish samples was damaged severely, resulting in the highest drip loss, and the lowest firmness, and vitamin C content. In comparison with the AT, WT, and RT, a significant reduction in thawing time could be achieved for UWT (P < 0.05). Ultrasound‐assisted water thawing exhibited the highest retention of color and vitamin C, and a lower destructive effect on the microstructure.CONCLUSIONThe results showed that LFU could be used as an efficient method to facilitate the thawing process of frozen red radishes, and better preserve the color, vitamin C, and microstructure of the final product. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Food neophobia among Nigerian consumers: a study on attitudes towards novel turmeric‐fortified drinks
Authors: Idowu‐Adebayo Folake , Fogliano Vincenzo , Oluwamukomi Matthew O , Oladimeji Segun , Linnemann Anita R 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDKnowledge on food neophobia among African consumers is scarce. Yet a good understanding in this area is essential to support the acceptance of new foods, for instance, when fortifying familiar foods to improve the health and nutritional status of the populace. In this paper, food neophobia among Nigerian consumers was assessed by their attitudes towards unfamiliar beverages, namely turmeric‐fortified drinks. Turmeric was chosen as the Nigerian government is stimulating its production for income generation, but the spice is not commonly used in Nigerian foods and drinks.RESULTSFamiliar street‐vended drinks, i.e. soymilk and the hibiscus‐based drink zobo, were fortified with turmeric. Respondents (483) were allowed to try both the familiar and unfamiliar (turmeric‐fortified) drinks. Subjects also filled in a 20‐item questionnaire concerning attitudes toward food and eating. Food neophobia was measured by the Food Attitude Survey (FAS) instrument ratings. Using the FAS, people who reported liking the fortified drinks (‘likers’) were compared with those who disliked the drinks (‘dislikers’) and those who were unwilling to try the drinks (‘will not tryers’). Males were found to be more food neophobic than females. Middle‐class income earners, the age group of 26–35 years and respondents with the highest education levels also showed a more food neophobic attitude towards turmeric‐fortified drinks.CONCLUSIONPractical insights are given regarding the introduction of novel foods to Nigerian consumers by paying attention to attitudes from respondents with different demographic characteristics. The use of influencers seems to be a promising approach to address food neophobia in Nigeria. © 2020 The Authors.Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculturepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of dynamic changes in the bioactive components in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’) under different harvesting and drying conditions
Authors: Zheng Guodong , Chao Yingxin , Liu Mengshi , Yang Yuhua , Zhang Dedong , Wang Kanghui , Tao Yiwen , Zhang Jianye , Li Yongmei , Wei Minyan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ pericarp (CRCP) is one cultivar of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), which is widely applied in medicine and food. To determine the potential value of CRCP harvested at different stages and subjected to different drying processes, the dynamic changes in the bioactive components were profiled and evaluated in this study.RESULTSThe contents of all non‐volatile components, i.e. synephrine, limonin, phenolic acids and flavonoids, decreased with delayed harvest time. The volatiles thujene, α‐pinene, β‐pinene, d‐citronellol, d‐citronellal, decanal, linalool, geraniol, l‐cis‐carveol, terpinen‐4‐ol, α‐terpineol, carvacrol, perillaldehyde, methyl 2‐(methylamino)benzoate and d‐limonene were considered the characteristic components for distinguishing CRCP harvested at different stages. Phenolic acids, synephrine and limonin were stable at different drying temperatures; however, high‐temperature drying at 60 °C induced a significant transformation in the flavonoids (especially polymethoxyflavones) and volatile substances in CRCP.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggested that most of the bioactive components declined with the growth of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’. And it is believed that the fresh peel should be naturally sun‐dried or dried at low temperature (30 or 45 °C) rather than at high temperature (60 °C) to prevent excessive loss of nutrients. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of different drying methods on product quality, bioactive and toxic components of Ginkgo biloba L. seed
Authors: Boateng Isaac Duah , Yang Xiao‐Ming 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDGinkgo biloba seeds are used as a functional food across Asia. However, the presence of toxic compounds has limited their application. In this study, freeze drying, infrared drying, hot‐air drying and pulsed‐vacuum drying were used to dry G. biloba seeds. A comprehensive analysis was performed on their product quality, antioxidant activities, bioactive and toxic components.RESULTSResults showed that the drying methods had a significant influence on product quality with freeze drying being superior due to the minimal microstructural damage, followed by infrared drying and pulsed‐vacuum drying. Infrared‐dried product possessed the strongest antioxidant activities and higher bioactive compound content than hot‐air‐dried and pulsed‐vacuum‐dried product. Toxic compounds in fresh G. biloba seeds (ginkgotoxin, ginkgolic acid and cyanide) were reduced markedly by drying. Ginkgotoxin was reduced fourfold, and the contents of acrylamide, ginkgolic acid and cyanide in dried G. biloba seeds were reduced to the scope of safety. Amongst the four drying methods, infrared drying had the shortest drying time, and its product showed higher quality and bioactive compound content, and stronger antioxidant activities.CONCLUSIONSThese findings will offer salient information for selecting a drying method during the processing of ginkgo seeds. Infrared drying could be considered as a multiple‐effect drying method in the processing of ginkgo seeds. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Behavior of concentrated emulsions prepared by acid‐hydrolyzed insoluble microalgae proteins from Chlorella protothecoides
Authors: Dai Laixin , Cepeda Melanie , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicroalgae are a promising alternative source to meet the increasing global demand for protein. The insoluble microalgae protein fraction that makes up over half of the protein composition of the biomass has shown potential to serve as a functional emulsifier after acidic hydrolysis. However, creaming was observed due to the flocculation of emulsion droplets, suggesting a preferable use in concentrated emulsions.RESULTSIn this study, we examined the emulsifying behavior of the untreated insoluble microalgae protein fraction and two of its hydrolysates obtained in 0.5 mol L–1 HCl for 4 h at 65 °C (Hydrolysates 65) or 85 °C (Hydrolysates 85), at a concentration of 3% (w/w), and elevated levels of oil (50–70%). The results showed an increase in droplet size and apparent viscosity with increasing oil content in the emulsions. The emulsions made with Hydrolysates 85 had the smallest droplet size and the highest apparent viscosity. The gravitational separation was hindered when oil content was increased. The Hydrolysates 85 stabilized emulsions had a gel‐like structure and were stable against coalescence or creaming during a 7 day storage test.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that the thermal acid‐treated fraction Hydrolysates 85 may, in particular, be a good emulsifier to formulate concentrated emulsion‐based foods with oil content over 50%, such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, or dips. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.