bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Mixtures: A Relative Potency Factor Approach
Authors: Bil Wieneke , Zeilmaker Marco , Fragki Styliani , Lijzen Johannes , Verbruggen Eric , Bokkers Bas 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) often occur together as contamination in exposure media such as drinking water or food. The relative potency factor (RPF) methodology facilitates the risk assessment of mixture exposure. A database of liver endpoints was established for 16 PFAS, using data with the same species (rat), sex (male), and exposure route (oral) and comparable exposure duration (42–90 d). Dose–response analysis was applied to derive the relative potencies of 3 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), 8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid, perfluorododecanoic acid, perfluorotetradecanoic acid, perfluorohexadecanoic acid, perfluorooctadecanoic acid), 2 perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (tetrafluoro-2-[heptafluoropropoxy]propanoic acid, 3H-perfluoro-3-[(3-methoxy-propoxy)propanoic acid]), and 2 fluorotelomer alcohols (6:2 FTOH, 8:2 FTOH) compared to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), based on liver effects. In addition, the RPFs of 7 other perfluoroalkyl acids were estimated based on read-across. This resulted in the relative potencies of 22 PFAS compared to the potency of index compound PFOA. The obtained RPFs can be applied to measured PFAS quantities, resulting in the sum of PFOA equivalents in a mixture. This sum can be compared with an established PFOA concentration limit (e.g., in drinking water or food) or an external health-based guidance value (e.g., tolerable daily intake, acceptable daily intake, or reference dose) to estimate the risk resulting from direct oral exposure to mixtures. Assessing mixture exposure is particularly relevant for PFAS, with omnipresent exposure in our daily lives. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:859–870. © 2020 SETAC
Fate of Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under simulated acidic conditions of the human stomach
Authors: Spinelli Elisa , Requena Teresa , Caruso Marta , Parisi Antonio , Capozzi Loredana , Difato Laura , Normanno Giovanni 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA known amount (107 cfu/ml) of animal origin Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398/t011/V and of human origin MRSA ST1/t127/IVa strains were individually inoculated into ricotta cheese and hamburger samples. The pH of each food matrix was gradually decreased from 6.0 down to 2.0 during a period of about 2 hr, under conditions simulating the mechanical digestion of the human stomach. Afterward, the MRSA strains were recovered by using a MRSA‐specific plating medium. Although both strains showed a certain acidic resistance, they showed different responses at low pH values during the experiment: ST398 survived unharmed during the course of the experiments to the last stage at pH 2 where counts of 6.4 cfu/g for the hamburger and 7.5 log cfu/g for ricotta cheese assays were obtained. In contrast, the ST1 population was no longer detectable at pH 3 in the hamburger and at pH 2 in the ricotta cheese assays. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the ability of MRSA to overcome the acidic conditions of the human stomach and that adds new evidence that might contribute to expand the scientific knowledge on the significance of MRSA in the food safety debate.
Antioxidant activity, nutritional and physicochemical characteristics, and toxicity of minimally refined brown sugar and other sugars
Authors: Azlan Azrina , Khoo Hock Eng , Sajak Azliana Abu Bakar , Aizan Abdul Kadir Noor Atiqah , Yusof Barakatun Nisak Mohd , Mahmood Zhafarina , Sultana Sharmin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMinimally refined brown sugar (MRBS) is a brown sugar derived from sugarcane that has a low glycemic index. This study aimed to determine and compare the antioxidant contents and nutritional and physicochemical properties of MRBS, refined sugar (RS), and brown sugar (BS). In addition, the toxicity of these sugars was evaluated via in vitro cytotoxicity method and by using a zebrafish model. Results showed that MRBS was better than the two other sugars because it has a lower moisture content and higher ash content. The contents of potassium and manganese of MRBS were higher than those of the two other sugars. Surprisingly, MRBS also contained selenium, which was not detected in RS and BS. The major phenolics in MRBS are 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, trans‐Ferulic acid, and apigenin. All sugar solutions and their antioxidant‐containing extracts were not cytotoxic to 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.
Comparing the prevalence, location, and severity of head and neck lymphedema after postoperative radiotherapy for oral cavity cancers and definitive chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancers
Authors: Jeans Claire , Brown Bena , Ward Elizabeth C. , Vertigan Anne E. , Pigott Amanda E. , Nixon Jodie L. , Wratten Chris 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to examine the prevalence, location, and severity of chronic internal, external, and combined head and neck lymphedema (HNL) in patients with head and neck (HNC) who were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).MethodsSixty‐two participants between 1 and 3 years post‐treatment were recruited. Internal HNL was rated with Patterson's Scale. External HNL was graded with the MD Anderson Cancer Center Lymphedema Rating Scale.ResultsNinety‐eight percent of participants presented with some form of chronic HNL. Sixty‐one percent had internal HNL only, 35% had combined HNL, and 2% had external HNL only. Participants treated with PORT were more likely to experience combined HNL (69% vs 24%, P = .001), whereas those treated with CRT were more likely to have internal HNL only (74% vs 25%, P = .001).ConclusionsChronic HNL is highly prevalent following multimodal treatment, and differences in HNL presentations exist between treatment modalities.
Poor clinical outcomes and immunoevasive contexture in interleukin‐9 abundant muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhang Hongyu , Wang Zewei , Zeng Han , Liu Zhaopei , Huang Qiuren , Lin Zhiyuan , Qu Yang , Xiong Ying , Wang Jiajun , Chang Yuan , Bai Qi , Xia Yu , Wang Yiwei , Liu Li , Dai Bo , Guo Jianming , Zhu Yu , Xu Le , Xu Jiejie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractChemotherapy and immunotherapy yield survival benefits for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients, in which tumor microenvironment has been found to exert crucial roles through tipping the balance between antitumor immunity and immune evasion. Our study aims to explore the clinical significance and therapeutic role of intratumoral interleukin‐9‐producing cells (IL‐9+ cells) in MIBC. Two hundred fifty‐nine MIBC patients from two independent clinic centers were utilized for retrospective analysis in the study. Sixty‐five fresh MIBC tumor tissues were used to evaluate the infiltration and function of immune cells via flow cytometry and ex vivo intervention experiments. Three hundred ninety‐one MIBC patients of The Cancer Genome Atlas were applied for bioinformatics analysis. It was found that patients with high IL‐9+ cells infiltration had worse overall survival and relapse‐free survival. pT2 patients with low IL‐9+ cells infiltration could benefit more from adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). IL‐9+ cells infiltration was correlated with decreased expression of granzyme B from CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and perforin from CD8+ T cells, while blockade of IL‐9 reactivated the antitumor capacity of both cells leading to tumor regression. Furthermore, IL‐9+ cells infiltration could be a biomarker for predicting anti‐PD‐1 efficacy. In conclusion, IL‐9+ cells infiltration could be applied as an independent prognosticator for clinical outcome and ACT/anti‐PD‐1 effectiveness. IL‐9+ cells infiltration diminished the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells and NK cells resulting in tumor immune evasion, and thus targeting IL‐9 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for MIBC.
The roles of exosomal circular RNAs in cancer
Authors: Gao Nan , Shi Fangzhou , Song Dandan , Xuan Wei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDespite the development of therapeutic strategies, cancer is the second death cause worldwide and still rising. Unclear molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis or advanced management are responsible for the poor prognosis of cancer. Recently, exosomes have been the focus of tumor studies, as they carry many biomolecules including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and transfer them to participate in tumor development. Among the biomolecules, noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in exosomes have been found to participate in carcinogenesis and gain more attention. Compared with lncRNAs and miRNAs, the exosomal circRNAs are less studied in tumor studies. However, circRNAs are enriched and more stable in exosomes because of their covalently closed‐loop structures, protection provided by exosomes, and protein binding partners. Furthermore, exosomal circRNAs display more potent sponge effect for miRNAs, as they contain more miRNA response elements than lncRNAs. In this review, we highlighted the functional roles of exosomal circRNAs on the tumor progression including tumor growth, invasion, metabolism, immunomodulation, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Moreover, we also summarized predictive potency and clinical use of exosomal circRNAs in cancer.
Apatite matrix substituted with biologically essential rare earth elements as an artificial hard tissue substitute: Systematic physicochemical and biological evaluation
Authors: Chandran Likha , AM Ballamurugan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHydroxyapatite (HAP) forms the main inorganic component of natural bone and hence has been widely use in implant applications. Ionic substitutions in apatite also gains enormous interest during the recent years due to the crucial role played by these elements in the biological process. In this context, the least investigated elements namely lanthanum (La3+) and praseodymium (Pr3+) have been selected as a potential substitutions in apatite. The results from the analytical techniques confirm the phase purity of the HAP and its ability holds the substitutions at its lattice. Morphological analysis unveils the presence of agglomerated spheroids notwithstanding the ion concentration of substituents. EDX spectra affirm the presence of La and Pr alongside the determined Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.67. La3+ and Pr3+ presence envisaged the good antibacterial efficiency against the tested microbes and further demonstrated the biocompatibility nature from the cytotoxicity analysis.
Reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs and MT1‐MMP promote the formation of robust fibrillin fibers
Authors: Matsuzaki Tomoko , Keene Douglas R. , Nishimoto Emi , Noda Makoto 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFibrillins (FBNs) form mesh‐like structures of microfibrils in various elastic tissues. RECK and FBN1 are co‐expressed in many human tissues, suggesting a functional relationship. We found that dermal FBN1 fibers show atypical morphology in mice with reduced RECK expression (RECK‐Hypo mice). Dermal FBN1 fibers in mice‐lacking membrane‐type 1‐matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) show a similar atypical morphology, despite the current notion that MT1‐MMP (a membrane‐bound protease) and RECK (a membrane‐bound protease inhibitor) have opposing functions. Our experiments using dermal fibroblasts indicated that RECK promotes pro‐MT1‐MMP activation, increases cell‐associated gelatinase/collagenase activity, and decreases diffusible gelatinase/collagenase activity, while MT1‐MMP stabilizes RECK in these cells. Experiments using purified proteins indicate that RECK and its binding partner ADAMTS10 keep the proteolytic activity of MT1‐MMP within a certain range. These findings suggest that RECK, ADAMTS10, and MT1‐MMP cooperate to support the formation of robust FBN1 fibers.
Comprehensive identification of Vitex trifolia fruit and its five adulterants by comparison of micromorphological, microscopic characteristics, and chemical profiles
Authors: Li Xin‐Xin , Wang Long , Liu Yong‐Li , Zhao Zhen‐Xia , Wang Xiao‐Lei , Lei Rong , Li Hui‐Jun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPrevention against the adulteration of traditional Chinese medicine in an accurate way has been long exploring. Vitex trifolia fruit (VTF), as a widely used analgesic in East Asia, has frequently been found to be adulterated with five adulterants, namely Vitex cannabifolia fruit (VCF) (Fam. Verbenaceae), Vitex negundo fruit (VNF) (Fam. Verbenaceae), Piper cubeba fruit (PCF) (Fam. Lauraceae), Euphorbia lathyris seed (ELS) (Fam. Euphorbiaceae), and Vaccinium bracteatum fruit (VBF) (Fam. Ericaceae). In this study, the methods of micromorphological identification, microscopic identification, and chemical analysis were combined to distinguish VTF from its five adulterants comprehensively. As a result, the micromorphological features in terms of fruit or seed epidermis were photographed by stereomicroscopy firstly. Secondly, the microscopic characteristics of various herb powders were captured under light microscopy. Thirdly, 33 nonvolatile components and 124 volatile components in VTF were identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS) and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry (GC × GC–MS), respectively. Furthermore, betulinic acid, persicogenin, and the volatile 4‐(2,2,6‐trimethyl‐bicyclo[4.1.0]hept‐1‐yl)‐butan‐2‐one were screened out to be the specific markers of VTF distinctive from the adulterants. Collectively, VTF and its five adulterants were distinguished successfully by the comparison of micromorphological, microscopic characteristics, and chemical profiles.
In vitro effects of silver nanoparticles on gills morphology of female Guppy (Poecilia reticulate) after a short‐term exposure
Authors: Mohsenpour Reza , Mousavi‐Sabet Hamed , Hedayati Aliakbar , Rezaei Amir , Yalsuyi Ahmad Mohamadi , Faggio Caterina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe application of nanoparticles in various industries has grown significantly in recent years. The aims of this study were evaluation effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on survival rate and tissues (Gills) of Guppy (Poecilia reticulate) as a model of the freshwater organism. For this purpose, 90 mature fish were exposed to a different level of AgNPs for 96 hr. Data analyzed showed there was a significant correlation between fish mortality rate and AgNPs concentrations. Histological assays showed some typical tissue damages such as hyperplasia, hypertrophy, hyperemia, hemorrhage, and necrosis. Moreover, fish exposed to a lethal concentration of AgNPs showed some clinical signs, such as increasing operculum movement, swimming near the water surface, anxiety, and death with open mouth. The results of the present study showed that AgNPs can have toxicity effects on Guppy, also to sub‐lethal concentrations, leading to several tissue damages and reduced survival rate of fish.
DABCO mediated one pot synthesis of 2‐(3‐benzyl‐2, 6‐dioxo‐3, 6‐dihydropyrimidin‐1[2H]‐yl)‐N‐(4‐(1, 3‐dioxo‐1H‐benzo [de]isoquinolin‐2[3H]‐yl) aryl) acetamides as antimicrobial agents
Authors: Sirgamalla Rambabu , Adem Kurumanna , Boda Sakram , Kommakula Ashok , Neradi Suryam , Perka Shyam , Bojja Kiran , Arifuddin Mohammed 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe report herein DABCO mediated one pot synthesis of 2‐(3‐benzyl‐2, 6‐dioxo‐3,6‐dihydropyrimidin‐1[2H]‐yl)‐N‐(4‐(1,3‐dioxo‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinolin‐2[3H]‐yl) aryl) acetamides (4a‐j). The silent features of this new one pot synthesis include the shorter reaction time, high yields, simple workup, and simultaneous formation of N‐Amide and N‐benzyl bonds in the one pot. The newly synthesized compounds (4a‐j) were characterized by different spectral techniques such as IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, HRMS. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal activities. The anti‐bacterial activities results reveal that the compounds 4a, 4g, 4i, and 4j are most active against S. aureus. In the case of B. subtilis the compounds 4a, 4i, and 4j are found to be most active. The compounds 4c, 4e, 4i, and 4j are most active against E. coli. In the case of P. aeruginosa 4a, 4i & 4j are found to be more active. On the other hand, the anti‐fungal activity result shows that the compounds 4d, 4f, 4i, and 4j are more active against A. niger. The compounds 4a, 4d, 4i, and 4j are found to be more active against C. albicans.
The crisis standard of care: Considerations for risk management
Authors: West John C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMany writers and organizations have postulated that health care facilities and providers may need to implement a “crisis standard of care” to deal with the exigent circumstances associated with the massive influx of patients infected with the novel coronavirus and suffering from COVID‐19. There is a relative scarcity of critical resources, such as intensive care unit beds, emergency department beds, ventilators, personal protective equipment, and medications. Facilities can become overwhelmed. A crisis standard of care can act as a guidepost for rationing supplies and care, should that become necessary. However, that is not without danger. Health care facilities and providers should plan carefully and then act with due deliberation in implementing a crisis standard of care to mitigate or prevent future liability.
In situ detection and imaging of lysophospholipids in zebrafish using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: He Kaili , Chen Chao , Deng Jiewei , Hou Ya‐Jun , Xiang Zhangmin , Yang Yunyun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) (MALDI‐FTICR‐MS) imaging method was developed to rapid and in situ detect the spatial distribution of lysophospholipids (LPLs) in zebrafish. The combination of MALDI with ultrahigh‐resolution FTICR‐MS achieves the MS imaging of LPLs with a mass resolution up to 50 000, which allows accurate identification and clear spatial visualization of LPLs in complex biological tissues. A series of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) was detected using positive ion detection mode, and their concentration differences and spatial distributions were clearly visualized in different parts of zebrafish tissue. The method is rapid, simple, and efficient, being a desirable way to understand the spatial distribution of LPLs in biosome.
The impact of socioeconomic status on 30‐day mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Khan Khurram Shahzad , Torpiano Giuliana , McLellan Morag , Mahmud Sajid 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSocioeconomic status (SES) impacts outcome in a number of diseases. Our aim was to compare the outcome of hospitalized coronavirus disease 219 (COVID‐19) patients in low and high SES group. Prospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID‐19 in three acute hospitals. Electronic case notes were analyzed for baseline characteristics and admission investigations. Scottish index for multiple deprivation (SIMD) was used to divide patients into two groups: more deprived (SIMD 1‐5) and less deprived (SIMD 6‐10) and results compared. Poor outcome was defined as either need for intubation and/or death. One hundred and seventy‐three patients were identified, one was excluded. One hundred and eight (62.8%) were males, mean age was 68.5 ± 14.7 years. Commonest comorbidity was hypertension 87 (50.6%). One hundred and seventeen (68.0%) patients were in more deprived group. Baseline characteristics, admission blood profile and reason for admission were evenly matched in both groups. Outcomes were comparable in both groups: transfer to critical care (27.4% vs 27.3%;P = .991), intubation (18.8% vs 20.2%;P = .853), 30‐day all‐cause mortality (19.7% vs 14.5%;P = .416) and overall poor outcome (30.8% vs 30.9%;P = .985). Median time to discharge was 7 days longer (17 vs 10 days;P = .018) and median time to death was 4.5 days longer in more deprived group (17 vs 12.5 days;P = .388). Contrary to recent literature on COVID‐19 in other geographical areas, our study suggests that the SES does not have any impact on outcome of hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, however it negatively impacts length of stay.
Oceanic and atmospheric impact of central American cold surges (Nortes) in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Kurczyn Jorge A. , Appendini Christian M. , Beier Emilio , Sosa‐López Atahaualpa , López‐González José , Posada‐Vanegas Gregorio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractsCentral American cold surge outbreaks, known as Nortes, are standard features of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) climate, having significant oceanic and atmospheric impacts over the region that are essential for the marine ecosystem. Fifteen years of analysis of weather reports showed that Nortes occur within a 9 months window (September to May), with a total number of 24 ± 5 episodes per season. On average, there were 2.5 ± 1 events per month, lasting between 1 and 3 days with a maximum duration of 13 consecutive days. A Principal Component Analysis of 15 years of in situ observations identified the air temperature (41.6% of the explained variance) and the wave height (36.3%) as the two main drivers of these events impacts. Cluster Analysis to these same data categorized the Nortes into three types: Moderate, Strong, and Severe, based on the environmental impact caused in the GoM. These events tend to transit between categories as they lose strength while travelling to southern latitudes. Severe events are more frequent in the northwestern coast, occurring from January to March, whereas moderate events are more common in the middle of the GoM during September–December. Our results showed that Nortes increase the wind stress over the sea surface, rising the height and period of the waves over the southwestern and central GoM. Nortes also disturb the sea‐level and the surface currents, provoking high amplitude oscillations along the coasts, and accelerating and shifting the currents towards the southwest. Nortes bring cold, dry air that cools the ocean surface and the lower atmosphere and diminishes its relative humidity, which, together with the wind velocity increments, promote a positive sensible and latent heat flux maximized on the northwestern and western coasts.