bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a Disease‐Drug Trial Model for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Zoledronic Acid Case Study
Authors: Lien Yi Ting (Kayla) , Madrasi Kumpal , Samant Snehal , Kim Myong‐Jin , Li Fang , Li Li , Wang Yaning , Schmidt Stephan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCostly and lengthy clinical trials hinder the development of safe and effective treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis. To reduce the expense associated with these trials, we established a mechanistic disease‐drug trial model for postmenopausal osteoporosis that can predict phase 3 trial outcome based on short‐term bone turnover marker data. To this end, we applied a previously developed model for tibolone to bisphosphonates using zoledronic acid as paradigm compound by (1) linking the mechanistic bone cell interaction model to bone turnover markers as well as bone mineral density in lumbar spine and total hip, (2) employing a mechanistic disease progression function, and (3) accounting for zoledronic acid's mechanism of action. Once developed, we fitted the model to clinical trial data of 581 postmenopausal women receiving (1) 5‐mg zoledronic acid in year 1 and saline in year 2, (2) 5‐mg zoledronic acid in year 1 and year 2, or (3) placebo (saline), calcium (500 mg), and vitamin D (400 IU). All biomarker data was fitted reasonably well, with no apparent bias or model misspecification. Age, years since menopause, and body mass index at baseline were identified as significant covariates. In the future, the model can be modified to explore the link between short‐term biomarkers and fracture risk.
Safety and feasibility of dobutamine stress echocardiography in symptomatic high gradient aortic stenosis patients scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Sævik Marte , Beitnes Jan O. , Aaberge Lars , Halvorsen Per S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to study the safety and feasibility of low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography in a symptomatic high gradient aortic stenosis population scheduled for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to quantify left ventricular (LV) flow reserve.MethodsFifty patients underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography with 5 minutes increments of 5 μg/kg/min up to 20 μg/kg/min until the heart rate increased ≥20 beats/min from baseline or exceeded 100 beats/min. Other criteria for discontinuing the infusion were major adverse events: ventricular arrhythmia, persistent supraventricular arrhythmia, pulmonary edema, chest pain with significant ST‐changes, or minor events: ST‐changes, drop in systolic blood pressure >30 mmHg, mild chest pain, and/or dyspnea. LV flow reserve was defined as an increase in stroke volume ≥20% during the test.ResultsOf 50 patients, 45 completed the test according to protocol. No patient had major adverse event. Five patients experienced minor side effects: mild chest pain/dyspnea in three, self‐terminating atrial flutter in one, and decrease in blood pressure in one. Significant LV flow reserve was observed in 20 patients (40%).ConclusionLow‐dose dobutamine stress test appeared safe and feasible patients with high gradient aortic stenosis, and showed LV flow reserve in a minority of them.
Reference Ranges, Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Native T1 Mapping and Extracellular Volume for Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Brizneda Maria Vega , Kwon Deborah H. , Popovic Zoran B. , Flamm Scott D. , Hanna Mazen , Griffin Brian P. , Xu Bo 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCardiac MRI is central to the evaluation of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Native T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) are novel MR techniques with evolving utility in cardiovascular diseases, including CA.PurposeTo perform a meta‐analysis of the diagnostic and prognostic data of native T1 mapping and ECV techniques for assessing CA.Study TypeSystematic review and meta‐analysis.PopulationIn all, 3520 patients including 1539 with CA from 22 studies retrieved following systematic search of Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T or 3.0T/modified Look–Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) or shortened MOLLI (shMOLLI) sequences.AssessmentMeta‐analysis was performed for all CA and for light‐chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) subtypes. Thresholds were calculated to classify native T1 and ECV values as not suggestive, indeterminate, or suggestive of CA.Statistical AnalysisArea under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and hazards ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were pooled using random‐effects models and Open‐Meta(Analyst) software.ResultsSix studies were diagnostic, 16 studies reported T1 and ECV values to determine reference range, and six were prognostic. Pooled AUCs (95% CI) for diagnosing CA were 0.92 (0.89–0.96) for native T1 mapping and 0.96 (0.93–1.00) for ECV, with similarly high detection rates for AL‐ and ATTR‐CA. Based on the pooled values of native T1 and ECV in CA and control subjects, the thresholds that suggested the absence, indeterminate, or presence of CA were identified as <994 msec, 994–1073 msec, and >1073 msec, respectively, for native T1 at 1.5T. Pooled HRs (95% CI) for predicting all‐cause mortality were 1.15 (1.08–1.22) for native T1 mapping as a continuous parameter, 1.19 (1.01–1.40) for ECV as a continuous parameter, and 4.93 (2.64–9.20) for ECV as a binary threshold.Data ConclusionNative T1 mapping and ECV had high diagnostic performance and predicted all‐cause mortality in CA.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage2
The ctnFgene is involved in citrinin and pigment synthesis inMonascus aurantiacus
Authors: Li Yanping , Wang Na , Jiao Xuexue , Tu Zhui , He Qinghua , Fu Jinheng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe application of Monascus is restricted by citrinin. So, it is important to explore the synthetic pathway of citrinin to completely inhibit the production of citrinin. In our previous study, we found that the protein encoded by the ctnF gene has a significant similarity to fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphatase (F26BPase). It is generally known that the bifunctional enzyme F26BPase regulates the glycolytic flux. So, we speculated that the CtnF protein strengthens carbon flux towards acetyl‐CoA and malonyl‐CoA which are precursor compounds in citrinin and pigment synthesis. In this study, the ctnF gene‐targeting vector pctnF‐HPH was constructed and transformed into Monascus aurantiacus. A ctnF‐deficient strain was selected by four sets of primers and polymerase chain reaction amplification. Compared with the wild‐type strain, citrinin content in the deficient strain was reduced by 34%, and the pigment production was decreased by 72%. These results indicate that the ctnF gene is involved in the common synthesis of citrinin and pigment, which is consistent with previous speculations.
The blessing of the “year without summer”: Climatic and socioeconomic impact of the Krakatoa eruption (1883) in the south‐east of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Gil‐Guirado Salvador , Olcina‐Cantos Jorge , Pérez‐Morales Alfredo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the current context of climate change–induced warming, interest in analysing the impact of volcanic eruptions on the climate has renewed. The main conclusions from related papers indicate that volcanic eruptions alter the terrestrial radiative balance and cause cooling in the years after an eruption: known as “years without summer.” These episodes of cyclical cooling have been related to negative socio‐economic impacts (such as crop reduction, famine, and social unrest). However, the effect on precipitation has been studied less. Detailed studies on the economic impact of large eruptions are scarce, especially for historical eruptions. This study analysed the effects of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption on temperature and precipitation in the south‐east of the Iberian Peninsula and related economic and social effects. It was concluded that this eruption incited a significant decrease in maximum temperatures and stability, an increase in minimum temperatures, a decrease in average temperatures, and a significant increase in rainfall. This climatic context produced a decrease in cereal prices and a reduction in climatic risks (droughts and frosts). Therefore, the effects of the eruption of Krakatoa improved socioeconomic conditions in the south‐eastern Iberian Peninsula.
Proteins associated with quality deterioration of prepared chicken breast based on differential proteomics during refrigerated storage
Authors: Luo Xin , Dong Kai , Liu Lan , An Fengping , Tang Daobang , Fu Lingyun , Teng Hui , Huang Qun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrepared chicken breast deterioration is a complex biochemical process, of which protein change is one of the main features. The present research focuses on the analysis of proteins related to the deterioration in quality of prepared chicken breast through differential proteomics analysis.RESULTSThe physicochemical indexes of prepared chicken breast showed that quality gradually decreased at the second week of refrigerated storage, while the deterioration of chicken breast meat was obvious at the third week. Three key time points of quality change were determined to be at 0th, 2th and 5th week, respectively. In addition, 39 differential proteins were successfully identified using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Most of the identified proteins showed significant differences in expression at the three key points of storage, of which actin, myosin, α‐1,4‐glucan phosphorylase, phosphoglucomutase 1, heat shock protein β‐1, tubulin β‐7 chain and skeletal muscle type tropomodulin (fragment) were closely related to the quality deterioration of prepared chicken breast, and thus potential indicator proteins to evaluate the quality of chicken breast.CONCLUSIONThe current study indicated that the physicochemical quality of prepared breast notably changed during refrigerated storage. Three key time points of quality change in the storage process of prepared chicken breast were determined. Furthermore, differential proteomics identified the key proteins related to freshness, which provides a theoretical basis for exploring the mechanism of chicken breast deterioration. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The challenge of exploiting polyphenols from olive leaves: addition to foods to improve their shelf‐life and nutritional value
Authors: Difonzo Graziana , Squeo Giacomo , Pasqualone Antonella , Summo Carmine , Paradiso Vito M , Caponio Francesco 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOlive leaves represent a waste from the olive oil industry which can be reused as source of polyphenols. The most representative phenolic compound of olive leaves is the secoiridoid oleuropein, followed by verbascoside, apigenin‐7‐O‐glucoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside, and simple phenols. The attention towards these compounds derives above all from the large number of studies demonstrating their beneficial effect on health, in fact olive leaves have been widely used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean regions. Moreover, the growing demand from consumers to replace the synthetic antioxidants, led researchers to conduct studies on the addition of plant bioactives in foods to improve their shelf‐life and/or to obtain functional products. The current study overviews the findings on the addition of polyphenol‐rich olive leaf extract (OLE) to foods. In particular, the effect of OLE addition on the antioxidant, microbiological and nutritional properties of different foods is examined. Most studies have highlighted the antioxidant effect of OLE in different food matrices, such as oils, meat, baked goods, vegetables, and dairy products. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of OLE has been observed in meat and vegetable foods, highlighting the potential of OLE as a replacer of synthetic preservatives. Finally, several authors studied the effect of OLE addition with the aim of improving the nutritional properties of vegetable products, tea, milk, meat and biscuits. Advantages and drawbacks of the different use of OLE were reported and discussed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication and characterization of Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by zein/pullulan complex colloidal particles
Authors: Liu Qian , Chang Xia , Shan Yang , Fu Fuhua , Ding Shenghua 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDZein particles are unsuitable as stabilizers of Pickering emulsions because of their high hydrophobicity. However, few studies have reported on the use of a strong hydrophilic neutral polysaccharide to regulate its wettability. In this work, zein/pullulan complex particles (ZPPs) were formulated by an anti‐solvent method to fabricate Pickering emulsions.RESULTSThe presence of pullulan increased the size, decreased the zeta, and provided excellent resistance to the gravitational separation of zein. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the shape of zein particles changed from spherical as they became aggregated ZPP nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that the flocculation phenomenon of ZPPs was related to the hydrogen bond between zein and pullulan. Moreover, the hydrophobicity of zein was modified by hydrophilic pullulan to endow the ZPPs with nearly neutral wettability when the mass ratio was 15:1, allowing for the preparation of stable Pickering emulsions. In contrast to zein, the ZPPs contributed to building a compact interface layer around the droplets and smaller emulsion droplets. Under a certain ZPP concentration, the size and viscosity of emulsion increased with an increase in the oil volume fraction, indicating that the Pickering emulsions stabilized by ZPPs showed better stability against coalescence. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that the ZPPs constructed a dense filling layer on the surface of oil droplets, thus further emphasizing that ZPPs can potentially be used in fabricating Pickering emulsion gels.CONCLUSIONZein/pullulan complex particles are an excellent Pickering emulsion gel stabilizer that can be used in the delivery system of bioactive substances in food formulations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation on the Behavior of κ ‐Carrageenan Hydrogels for Compressive Intra‐Vessel Disintegration
Authors: Wurm Florian , Pinggera Germar‐Michael , Pham Tung , Bechtold Thomas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGel disintegration via compression is a possible approach for the reversal of the occlusion of male vasa deferentia (VD) by hydrogels. κ ‐carrageenan (KC) hydrogels can be used for such an application. To determine the required forces for in‐vessel compressive disintegration, a gel‐tube model, preparing KC gels in different tubes, is studied. These gels are of alternating biopolymer (1–3% by mass) and potassium (100–300 mM) concentration. Gel‐filled tubes are uniaxially compressed at two different compression speeds (1 and 0.3 mm s−1). Breakage compression strains are cross studied by shear breaking gel measurements using dynamic mechanical analysis. The measurements showed good agreement. Gel structure disintegration occurred below (62 ± 8) % strain. During compression, three stages of gel disintegration are present. Gel‐tube wall detachment, gel rupture, and gel expulsion. The force required for gel disintegration and tube deformation can be added arithmetically. From the modulus of a human aortae model, it is estimated that average human pinch forces are insufficient to disintegrate 2% and 3% by mass KC hydrogels in VD by massage. The compressive disintegration would require a compression device while evading tissue damage.
An Efficiently Reworkable Thermosetting Adhesive Based on Photoreversible [4+4] Cycloaddition Reaction of Epoxy‐Based Prepolymer with Four Anthracene End Groups
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Cheng Jue , Zhang Junying 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe solid–liquid phase transition is always the key to the design and preparation of reworkable adhesives. However, an efficient photoinduced reworkable thermosetting adhesive at room temperature remains a challenge. Here, a photoinduced reworkable thermosetting adhesive of epoxy‐based prepolymer with four anthracene end groups are prepared. The highly active light‐induced [4+4] cycloaddition and depolymerization, as well as a large number anthracene groups endow this adhesive with high optical activity. Soft segments of polyether amines are used to adjust glass transition temperature of these cross‐linked networks which is significant for highly efficient solid–liquid phase transition of photoinduced reworkable adhesive at room temperature. As a reworkable adhesive, the obtained AER/D2000 exhibits desirable viscosity, lap shear strength up to 2.4 MPa for quartz glass substrate in the cross‐linked state, and ideal reworkable efficiency as high as 91.7%. Therefore, this research provides a strategy for a photoinduced reworkable adhesive, and as an alternative for heat‐induced reworkable adhesives.
Hyperbranched Bisphosphonate‐Functional Polymers via Self‐Condensing Vinyl Polymerization and Postpolymerization Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Calvo Patricia R. , Sparks Chelsea A. , Hochberg Justin , Wagener Kenneth B. , Sumerlin Brent S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe synthesis of hyperbranched aminobisphosphonic acid polymers via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) self‐condensing vinyl polymerization is reported. A novel acrylamide‐functional chain transfer monomer is synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The monomer is subsequently copolymerized with an acrylamide monomer bearing a pendent amine group to create hyperbranched amine‐functional polymers with degrees of branching dictated by changing the reaction stoichiometry. The aminobisphosphonate functional group is introduced via a 3‐component Kabachnik‐Fields reaction. An alternate functionalization of the amine polymers to create acid‐degradable imine hydrogels is also employed. This work demonstrates the application of multicomponent reactions to RAFT‐derived hyperbranched polymers and provides a new route to previously inaccessible polymers.
Bio‐Inspired Silica Films Combining Block Copolymers Self‐Assembly and Soft Chemistry: Paving the Way toward Artificial Exosqueleton of Seawater Diatoms
Authors: Alvarez Sandra , Marcasuzaa Pierre , Billon Laurent 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis review is in line with the principles of bio‐inspiration and biomimicry in order to envisage a softer and more environmentally friendly chemistry. Here, the source of inspiration is a microalga from the oceans with the ability to build an exoskeleton of silica under ambient conditions. Following this model, this review is interested in different ways of creating porous silica films with a hierarchical porosity similar to diatoms. For this purpose, polymeric/hybrid/inorganic films structured in honeycomb using the breath figure method are reported. This versatile and easy to implement method based on the principle of rapid evaporation of a solvent in a humid atmosphere is widely used in the formation of structured films with micron‐sized pores. In addition to this, the self‐assembly of copolymer at the nanoscale can be addressed to obtain a hierarchically structured film. Following this structuration step, the degradation of a sacrificial block is then described from the most energy‐intensive to soft process, allowing an added nanoporosity to the micron porosity of the BF method. Finally, hierarchical porous silica films are described using the sol–gel process, which is known as a soft chemistry process.
Expanding the PURA syndrome phenotype: A child with the recurrent PURA p.(Phe233del) pathogenic variant showing similarities with cutis laxa
Authors: Cinquina Valeria , Ciaccio Claudia , Venturini Marina , Masson Riccardo , Ritelli Marco , Colombi Marina 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPURA syndrome is rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by moderate to severe neurodevelopmental delay with absence of speech in nearly all patients and lack of independent ambulation in many. Early‐onset problems include excessive hiccups, hypotonia, hypersomnolence, hypothermia, feeding difficulties, recurrent apneas, epileptic seizures, and abnormal nonepileptic movements. Other less common manifestations comprise congenital heart defects, urogenital malformations, and various skeletal, ophthalmological, gastrointestinal, and endocrine anomalies. Up to now, 78 individuals with PURA syndrome and 64 different pathogenic variants have been reported, but no clear‐cut genotype‐phenotype correlations have emerged so far. Herein, we report the clinical and molecular characterization of a 3‐year‐old girl with severe hypotonia, global developmental delay, and soft, loose skin, who came to our attention with a suspicion of cutis laxa (CL), which denotes another condition with variable neurodevelopmental problems.MethodsAmplicon‐based whole exome sequencing was performed, and an in‐house pipeline was used to conduct filtering and prioritization of variants. New prediction algorithms for indels were used to validate the pathogenicity of the PURA variant, and results were confirmed with the Sanger method. Finally, we collected clinical and mutational data of all PURA syndrome patients reported yet and compared the clinical features with those of our patient.ResultsClinical evaluation and biochemical investigations excluded CL and prompted to perform whole exome sequencing, which confirmed the absence of pathogenic variants in all CL‐related genes and revealed the known PURA c.697_699del, p.(Phe233del) variant, identified hitherto in seven additional children with PURA syndrome.ConclusionsOur data expand the phenotypic spectrum of PURA syndrome by showing that it can be regarded as a differential diagnosis for cutis laxa in early infancy. Our patient and literature review emphasize that a wide clinical variability exists not only between individuals with different PURA variants, but also among patients with the same causal mutation.
Characterization and correction of center‐frequency effects in X‐nuclear eddy current compensations on a clinical MR system
Authors: McLean Mary A. , Hinks R. Scott , Kaggie Joshua D. , Woitek Ramona , Riemer Frank , Graves Martin J. , McIntyre Dominick J. O. , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Schulte Rolf F. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate whether incorrectly compensated eddy currents are the source of persistent X‐nuclear spectroscopy and imaging artifacts, as well as methods to correct this.MethodsPulse‐acquire spectra were collected for 1H and X‐nuclei (23Na or 31P) using the minimum TR permitted on a 3T clinical MRI system. Data were collected in 3 orientations (axial, sagittal, and coronal) with the spoiler gradient at the end of the TR applied along the slice direction for each. Modifications to system calibration files to tailor eddy current compensation for each X‐nucleus were developed and applied, and data were compared with and without these corrections for: slice‐selective MRS (for 23Na and 31P), 2D spiral trajectories (for 13C), and 3D cones trajectories (for 23Na).ResultsLine‐shape distortions characteristic of eddy currents were demonstrated for X‐nuclei, which were not seen for 1H. The severity of these correlated with the amplitude of the eddy current frequency compensation term applied by the system along the axis of the applied spoiler gradient. A proposed correction to eddy current compensation, taking account of the gyromagnetic ratio, was shown to dramatically reduce these distortions. The same correction was also shown to improve data quality of non‐Cartesian imaging (2D spiral and 3D cones trajectories).ConclusionA simple adaptation of the default compensation for eddy currents was shown to eliminate a range of artifacts detected on X‐nuclear spectroscopy and imaging.