bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal inactivation of COVID‐19 specimens improves RNA quality and quantity
Authors: Hemati Maral , Soosanabadi Mohsen , Ghorashi Tahereh , Ghaffari Hadi , Vahedi Azadeh , Sabbaghian Elaheh , Rasouli Nejad Zahra , Salati Amir , Danaei Navid , Kokhaei Parviz 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, poses a huge demand for immediate diagnosis. Real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) of nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs have been used to confirm the clinical diagnosis. To avoid the risk of viral‐exposure of laboratory workers, thermal inactivation is currently recommended but has unknown effects on the accuracy of the rRT‐PCR results. Thirty‐six NP/OP specimens were collected from COVID‐19 patients and subjected to thermal inactivation (60°C for 30 min) or the RNA extraction processes to activate the form. Here, our data showed that the concentration of extracted‐RNA increases upon thermal inactivation compared to the active form (p = .028). Significantly higher levels of RNA copy number were obtained in inactivated compared to the active samples for both N and ORF1ab genes (p = .009, p = .032, respectively). Thermal inactivation elevated concentration and copy number of extracted‐RNA, possibly through viral‐capsid degradation and/or nucleoprotein denaturation.
Assessment of health‐related quality of life and health utilities in Australian patients with cirrhosis
Authors: McPhail Steven M , Amarasena Samath , Stuart Katherine A , Hayward Kelly , Gupta Rohit , Brain David , Hartel Gunter , Rahman Tony , Clark Paul J , Bernardes Christina M , Skoien Richard , Mckillen Benjamin , Lee Andrew , Pillay Leshni , Lin Lei , Khaing Myat Myat , Horsfall Leigh , Powell Elizabeth E , Valery Patricia C 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimHealth‐related quality‐of‐life measurements are important to understand lived experiences of patients who have cirrhosis. These measures also inform economic evaluations by modelling quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). We aimed to describe health‐related quality of life, specifically multiattribute utility (scale anchors of death = 0.00 and full health = 1.00), across various stages and etiologies of cirrhosis.MethodsFace‐to‐face interviews were used to collect Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire responses from CirCare study participants with cirrhosis (June 2017 to December 2018). The severity of cirrhosis was assessed using the Child‐Pugh score classified as class A (5–6 points), B (7–9), or C (10–15) and by the absence (“compensated”) versus presence (“decompensated”) of cirrhosis‐related complications.ResultsPatients (n = 562, average 59.8 years [SD = 11.0], male 69.9%) had a range of primary etiologies (alcohol‐related 35.2%, chronic hepatitis C 25.4%, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 25.1%, chronic hepatitis B 5.9%, “other” 8.4%). Significantly lower (all P < 0.001) mean multiattribute utility was observed in the health states of patients with decompensated (mean = 0.62, SD = 0.15) versus compensated cirrhosis (mean = 0.68, SD = 0.12), Child‐Pugh class C (mean = 0.59, SD = 0.15) or B (mean = 0.63, SD = 0.15) versus A (mean = 0.68, SD = 0.16), and between those of working age (18–64 years; mean = 0.64, SD = 0.16) versus those aged 65+ years (mean = 0.70, SD = 0.16). The greatest decrements in health‐related quality of life relative to Australian population norms were observed across physical SF‐36 domains.ConclusionsPersons with more advanced cirrhosis report greater life impacts. Estimates from this study are suitable for informing economic evaluations, particularly cost‐utility modelling, which captures the benefits of effective prevention, surveillance, and treatments on both the quality and quantity of patients' lives.
Fortification With Bovine Colostrum Enhances Antibacterial Activity of Human Milk
Authors: Gao Xiaoyan , Li Yanqi , Olin Anne Bille , Nguyen Duc Ninh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesHuman milk (HM) is the optimal diet for neonates, but it does not provide enough nutrients for preterm infants. HM fortifiers based on highly processed mature bovine milk (BMFs) are routinely used for preterm infants despite risks of causing gut dysfunction and systemic infection. Gently‐processed bovine colostrum as a fortifier (BCF) may better protect against infection and inflammation. We hypothesized that BCF‐fortified HM has enhanced antimicrobial activity against pathogens that commonly cause neonatal sepsis, relative to BMF‐fortified HM.MethodsHolder‐pasteurized HM samples (10 mothers) were aliquoted into 3 fractions: unfortified HM and HM fortified with either BMF or BCF. The samples were analyzed for pH, lactoferrin concentrations, and antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis.ResultsHM+BCF had a lower pH and higher lactoferrin levels than HM+BMF, with HM being intermediate. Relative to infant formula, HM decreased the growth of S epidermidis, E coli, and E faecalis, with no difference between preterm and term HM. Addition of BMF abolished the antimicrobial effect of HM against S epidermidis and E faecalis but not E coli. By contrast, addition of BCF into HM enhanced antimicrobial activity against S epidermidis and E coli, relative to unfortified HM. HM+BCF was superior to HM+BMF in inhibiting growth of all tested bacteria.ConclusionBMF fortification decreased whereas BCF fortification enhanced in vitro antimicrobial activity of HM. This effect may partly be derived from the high levels of antimicrobial factors found in BCF, including lactoferrin. BCF may be a better fortifier than BMF for preterm infants.
Optimization of soy protein isolate, microbial transglutaminase and glucono‐δ‐lactone in gluten‐free rice noodles
Authors: Ojukwu Moses , Ofoedu Chigozie , Seow Eng Keng , Easa Azhar M 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDRice flour does not contain gluten and lacks cohesion and extensibility, which is responsible for the poor texture of rice noodles. Different technologies have been used to mitigate this challenge, including hydrothermal treatments of rice flour, direct addition of protein in noodles, use of additives such as hydrocolloids and alginates, and microbial transglutaminase (MTG). Recently, the inclusion of soy protein isolate (SPI), MTG, and glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) in the rice noodles system yielded rice noodles with improved texture and more compact microstructure, hence the need to optimize the addition of SPI, MTG, and GDL to make quality rice noodles.RESULTSNumerical optimization showed that rice noodles prepared with SPI, 68.32 (g kg−1 of rice flour), MTG, 5.06 (g kg−1 of rice flour) and GDL, 5.0 (g kg−1 of rice flour) gave the best response variables; hardness (53.19 N), springiness (0.76), chewiness (20.28 J), tensile strength (60.35 kPa), and cooking time (5.15 min). The pH, sensory, and microstructure results showed that the optimized rice noodles had a more compact microstructure with fewer hollows, optimum pH for MTG action, and overall sensory panelists also showed the highest preference for the optimized formulation, compared to other samples selected from the numerical optimization and desirability tests.CONCLUSIONOptimization of the levels of SPI, MTG, and GDL yielded quality noodles with improved textural, mechanical, sensory, and microstructural properties. This was partly due to the favourable pH value of the optimized noodles that provided the most suitable conditions for MTG crosslinking and balanced electrostatic interaction of proteins. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A temperature‐mediated two‐step saccharification process enhances maltose yield from high‐concentration maltodextrin solutions
Authors: Li Caiming , Kong Haocun , Yang Qianwen , Gu Zhengbiao , Ban Xiaofeng , Cheng Li , Hong Yan , Li Zhaofeng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDDesigning a high‐concentration (50%, w/w) maltodextrin saccharification process is a green method to increase the productivity of maltose syrup.RESULTSIn this study, a temperature‐mediated two‐step process using β‐amylase and pullulanase was investigated as a strategy to improve the efficiency of saccharification. During the saccharification process, both pullulanase addition time and temperature adjustment greatly impacted the final maltose yield. These results indicated that an appropriate β‐amylolysis in the first stage (the first 8 h) was required to facilitate saccharification process, with the maltose yield of 8.46% greater than that of the single step saccharification. Molecular structure analysis further demonstrated that a relatively low temperature (50 °C), as compared with a normal temperature (60 °C), in the first stage resulted in a greater number of chains polymerized by at least seven glucose units and a less heterogeneity system within the residual substrate. The molecular structure of the residual substrate might be beneficial for the subsequent cooperation between β‐amylase and pullulanase in the following 40 h (second stage).CONCLUSIONOver a 48 h saccharification, the temperature‐mediated two‐step process dramatically increased the conversion rate of maltodextrin and yielded significantly more maltose and less byproduct, as compared with a constant‐temperature process. The two‐step saccharification process therefore offered an efficient and green strategy for maltose syrup production in industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Trifolium subterraneum cover cropping for improving the nutritional status of a Mediterranean apricot orchard
Authors: Lombardo Sara , Restuccia Alessia , Abbate Cristina , Anastasi Umberto , Fontanazza Stefania , Scavo Aurelio , Guarnaccia Paolo , La Malfa Stefano , Pandino Gaetano , Mauromicale Giovanni 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe utilization of Trifolium subterraneum L. cover crops may represent an innovative and efficient option in low‐input and organic farming, especially in Mediterranean agroecosystems where low and irregular rainfall require frequent soil tillage and use of herbicides to reduce moisture losses and weed competitiveness. Since imbalances of soil macro‐ and micro‐nutrients due to cover cropping establishment could be responsible for numerous problems in specialized orchards, such as disturbances in the normal tree growth and quality of fruits, the objective of this study was to investigate, the cumulative effects of a 3‐years established T. subterraneum cover cropping, compared with a spontaneous flora and a conventional management (as a control), on the levels of mineral nutrients in the apricot leaves and fruits.RESULTSOur findings indicated that T. subterraneum cover cropping tended to stimulate higher leaf macro‐ and micro‐nutrients content than conventional management and flora spontaneous cover cropping. In addition, the presence of T. subterraneum cover cropping, especially with the incorporation of dead mulches into the soil, increased the content of potassium (K), nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in apricot fruits.CONCLUSIONTaking also into account the effects of T. subterraneum cover cropping on both the reduction of soil weed and enhancement of bacteria communities involved in the soil N‐cycle, we may suggest its application in Mediterranean orchards as an eco‐friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides for weed control and mineral N fertilizers, while enhancing the apricot tree nutritional status and fruit quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Different chromatographic methods for determination of alogliptin benzoate, metformin hydrochloride, and metformin impurity in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Magdy Maimana A. , Ali Nouruddin W. , Taha Ahmed A. , Elgebaly Ahmed M. , Farid Nehal F. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTwo simple, sensitive, and reproducible methods were developed for the determination of alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride in presence of metformin impurity “melamin” in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulation. Method (A) was a thin layer chromatographic method in which separation was achieved using ethyl acetate–methanol–formic acid (6:3.8:0.2, by volume) as a developing system followed by densitometric scanning at 230 nm. Method (B) was a high‐performance liquid chromatography method; separation was achieved on C18column, the mobile phase consisted of a mixture of sodium lauryl sulfate buffer 0.1% w/v, pH 3: methanol in the ratio 70:30, v/v and measurement was done at 220 nm. System suitability testing parameters were calculated to ascertain the quality performance of the developed chromatographic methods. The proposed methods have been validated regarding accuracy, precision, and selectivity, moreover they have been successfully applied to Westirizide tablets containing both alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride, results indicate that there was no interference from additives. No significance difference was found when these methods were compared to the reported one.
Predictors for Discontinuation of Intrauterine Devices That Underwent Ultrasound‐Guided Placement in a Long‐term Follow‐up Cohort
Authors: Balica Adrian , Dickson Kaitlyn M. , Egan Susan , Cabrera Javier 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate long‐term outcomes of ultrasound‐guided intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. The rate of and reasons for IUD discontinuation were reviewed, including the prevalence of uterine fibroids.MethodsA retrospective cohort of patients who underwent transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)‐guided IUD insertion was reviewed. Information collected included age, body mass index, insertion date, indication for IUD use, indication for using TAUS guidance, and presence of uterine fibroids. The date of and reason for discontinuation were recorded.ResultsOne hundred sixteen patients with successful TAUS‐guided IUD placement were identified. Of these, 51 patients (43.97%) no longer had an IUD in place. An overall actual‐to‐expected use ratio was calculated to be 63.49%. The most common reason for IUD discontinuation was spontaneous expulsion (11.21%). The prevalence of fibroid uteri was 27.6% in our cohort. The actual‐to‐expected use ratio of those with a fibroid uterus was calculated to be 43.28%, which was significantly lower than that for a nonfibroid uterus (73.80%; P = .002). There were 27 of 104 patients with IUD use of less than 1 year, and fibroids were present 44.4% of the time. Comparatively, of the 77 patients that had IUD continuation of greater than 1 year, only 24.7% had fibroids (P = .022). The yearly continuation rates over 5 years were 74.04%, 55.84%, 41.67%, 35.14%, and 32.0% respectively. Of the 18 patients who received TAUS‐guided insertion for a previous IUD expulsion, 33.3% had another spontaneous expulsion.ConclusionsUterine fibroids and a previous expulsion appear to be the most likely predictors of IUD discontinuation, particularly within 1 year after insertion.
Fluid mechanics of feeding determine the trophic niche of the hydromedusa Clytia gregaria
Authors: Corrales‐Ugalde Marco , Sutherland Kelly R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPhenotypic features define feeding selectivity in planktonic predators and therefore determine energy flow through food webs. In current‐feeding cnidarian hydromedusae, swimming and predation are coupled such that swimming also brings prey into contact with feeding structures. Fluid mechanical disturbances may initiate escape responses by flow‐sensing prey. Previous studies have not considered how fluid signals define the trophic niche of current‐feeding gelatinous predators. We used the hydromedusa Clytia gregaria to determine (1) how passive (sinking) and active (swimming) feeding behavior affects pre‐encounter responses of prey to the medusae‐induced fluid motion, and (2) how prey responses affect the medusae's ingestion efficiencies. Videography of the predation process showed that passive prey such as invertebrate larvae were ingested during both feeding behaviors, whereas flow‐sensing prey such as copepods escaped the predator's active feeding behavior, but were unable to detect the predator's passive sinking behavior and were ingested (KW X2 = 19.8246, df = 4, p < 0.001). Flow visualizations using particle image velocimetry (PIV) showed fluid deformation values during passive feeding below threshold values that trigger escape responses of copepods. To address whether fluid signals mediate prey capture, we compared fluid signals produced by three hydromedusae with different diets. Aequorea victoria and Mitrocoma cellularia produced higher deformation than C. gregaria (two‐way ANOVA, F2,52 = 5.532, p = 0.007), which explains their previously documented negative selection for flow‐sensing prey like copepods. Through the analysis of hydromedusan feeding behaviors and pre‐encounter prey escapes, we provide evidence that fluid signatures shape the trophic niches of gelatinous predators.
Growth, Body Composition, and Lung Function in Prepubertal Children with Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosed by Newborn Screening
Authors: Owen Elizabeth , Williams Jane E , Davies Gwyneth , Wallis Colin , Grant Robert L , Fewtrell Mary S 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundChildren with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at risk of altered body composition (BC). Newborn screening (NBS) may lead to improved BC outcomes. We investigated BC and its relationship with lung function in prepubertal children diagnosed with CF by NBS. Secondary aims explored predictors of fat‐free mass (FFM) and lung function.MethodsThirty‐seven screened (non‐meconium ileus) children with CF (20 boys) born 2007–2012 had a dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan at 5–8 years to determine whole‐body (WB) and appendicular BC. Anthropometry was performed and routine spirometry recorded. Results were converted to z‐scores, height‐adjusted (fat mass index [FMI] and FFM index [FFMI]) and compared with population mean values. Predictors of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were assessed using linear regression.ResultsHeight, body mass index (BMI), and FEV1 were within normal limits, however, weight and BC were significantly low compared with reference data (weight, P = .03; WB FMI, P = .001; WB FFMI, P = .009). Gender differences were detected, with lower appendicular BC in boys and lower weight, BMI, and BC in girls. The association between FEV1 and WB FFMI (r = 0.38; P = .02) was stronger than with BMI (r = 0.29; P = .08). WB FFMI was the only significant predictor of FEV1 in a multivariable model (95% CI, 0.11–0.99; P = .016).ConclusionIn this NBS CF population, gender differences in growth and BC were apparent despite preserved lung function. These results support BC assessment in prepubertal children, particularly girls, with an opportunity to direct interventions to optimize FFM.
Quality of life among infertile women living in a paradox of concerns and dealing strategies: A qualitative study
Authors: Kiani Zahra , Simbar Masoumeh , Hajian Sepideh , Zayeri Farid 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimThe current work investigated the issues that cause apprehension in infertile women, the effects of this disquiet on their quality of life and the strategies that they adopt in dealing with their concerns.DesignThe qualitative research.MethodThis qualitative research sampled participants from a training centre in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and a privately owned infertility centre in Mazandaran Province, north of Iran. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation was reached. We conducted a conventional content analysis of the responses of 30 individuals (15 women with female infertility and 15 key informants) to in‐depth and semi‐structured in‐person interviews on May to November 2019 .ResultsThe results uncovered two themes subsuming four categories of issues: The first theme revolves around “infertility concerns,” under which “concerns” and “the difficulty and vagueness of treatment” belonged. The second theme was “dealing with infertility,” which covered “adaptive strategies” and “inhibitors of reconciliation with perceived infertility.”
Mapping hazardous cavities over collapsed coal mines: Case study experiences using the microgravity method
Authors: Zahorec Pavol , Pašteka Roman , Papčo Juraj , Putiška René , Mojzeš Andrej , Kušnirák David , Plakinger Marian 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTExamples of the application of microgravity mehtod for the detection of potentially hazardous (empty) underground cavities caused by the collapse of coal mines are presented. Within these areas some alteration by previous remediation activity had occurred. This was not documented earlier and, therefore, such alteration was often unknown prior to the current investigations. We show a successful application of microgravity, leading to the detection of an empty cavity, in close proximity to where concrete injection was earlier performed. This was subsequently verified thorugh measurements in a borehole. In contrast, two other examples delivered results where the microgravity data, along with signals from other geophysical methods, led to the interpretation that subsidence resulting in the formation of sinkholes had been in‐filled, and in these situations the detection of more recent cavities was considered to be unreliable. These results point to the conclusion that microgravity interpretation of cavities is an effective approach, but the success of this approach may be compromised at sites where remediation activity has already occurred; in such situations the approach should be supplemented by other geophysical methods.
Using telehealth to assess depression and suicide ideation and provide mental health interventions to groups of chronically ill adolescents and young adults
Authors: Wright Shawna , Thompson Noreen , Yadrich Donna , Bruce Amanda , Bonar Jaime R. M. , Spaulding Ryan , Smith Carol E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTelehealth distance health care is a significant resource for young, chronically ill patient populations given their numerous medical complexities and their concomitant depression and/or suicide ideation experiences. This manuscript shares the telehealth methods used to prepare for a larger study of interventions for increasing adolescents' and young adults' chronic care resiliency and skills for preventing depression. The young patients in this study were prescribed lifelong home parenteral nutrition infusions, treatment for those with short gut bowel diseases. The training methods for our mental health nurse and psychologist to conduct depression and suicide ideation assessments from a distance are presented. The study implementation methods of group facilitated interventions and discussion are reviewed. The group discussions were conducted via audiovisual telehealth devices over encrypted firewall‐protected connections with patients in their own homes and professionals in an office. The results of assessments of the 40 participants, 25% (n = 10) with depressive symptoms or suicide ideation, are described. Following participants' assessments, their subsequent depression measures were all in the normal range, without any suicide ideation, across the year of the study. Patient evaluation ratings were high in the areas of being able to connect with other young patients in similar situations, using the audiovisual equipment, and learning new useful information from the interventions. The methods developed for the study ensured that the safety and well‐being of participants were supported through telehealth.