bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LPCN 1144 Resolves NAFLD in Hypogonadal Males
Authors: Albhaisi Somaya , Kim Kilyoung , Baker Jonathan , Chidambaram Nachiappan , Patel Mahesh V. , Charlton Michael , Sanyal Arun J. 
Published: August 2020

Hypogonadism affects hepatic lipid metabolism and is expected to promote nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aims of this study were to determine (1) the prevalence of NAFLD in hypogonadal males and (2) the impact of correction of hypogonadism by LPCN 1144 (Lipocine, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT), an oral testosterone prodrug, on NAFLD in this population. Data were derived from a multicenter open‐label single‐arm trial of LPCN 1144 for hypogonadal males, in which a subset (n = 36) had serial magnetic resonance imaging–proton density fat fraction measurements (National Clinical Trial 03868059). NAFLD prevalence, defined by magnetic resonance imaging–proton density fat fraction ≥5%, was 66%. Eighty‐one percent of those with baseline liver fat (BL) ≥5% had improvement in liver fat content, and NAFLD resolved in 33% of subjects at 8 weeks (mean relative reduction: 45%) and 48% (mean relative reduction: 55%) after 16 weeks of LPCN 1144 therapy. The reduction in liver fat was greater in those with higher BL (BL ≥5%: 71%; BL ≥8%: 80%; and BL ≥10%: 75%). Normalization rate of alanine aminotransferase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase greater than the upper limit of normal range were 100% and 50% of treated patients, respectively. LPCN 1144 was not associated with major adverse events. Conclusion: Treatment with LPCN 1144 (oral T prodrug) in hypogonadal males with NAFLD resolved NAFLD in approximately half of the affected patients without any safety signals. Further studies are needed to validate its use in hypogonadal males with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Health Care Resource Use and Cost Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease: A Real‐World Claims Analysis
Authors: Rustgi Vinod K. , Li You , John Tina , Catalano Carolyn , Elsaid Mohamed I. 
Published: August 2020

Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the health care burden of CKD in the CLD spectrum is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the health care use and cost burdens associated with CKD in patients with CLD in the United States by using real‐world claims data. We analyzed data from the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial Claims database from 2010 to 2015. A total of 19,664 patients with CLD with or without comorbid CKD were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes and matched 1:1 by sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities using propensity scores. Total and service‐specific unadjusted and adjusted health care parameters were analyzed for the 12 months following an index date selected at random to capture whole disease burdens. In CLD, comorbid CKD was associated with a higher annual number of claims per person (CKD vs. no CKD, 69 vs. 55) and higher total annual median health care costs (CKD vs. no CKD, $21,397 vs. $16,995). A subanalysis stratified by CKD category showed that health care use and cost burden in CLD increased with disease stage, with a peak 12‐month median cost difference of $77,859 in patients on dialysis. The adjusted per person annual health care cost was higher for CKD cases compared to controls ($35,793 vs. $24,048, respectively; P < 0.0001). Stratified by the type of CLD, the highest between‐group adjusted cost differences were for cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, hemochromatosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusion: CKD is a cost multiplier in CLD. The CKD health care burden in liver disease differs by the type of CLD. Improved CKD screening and proactive treatment interventions for at‐risk patients can limit the excess burden associated with CKD in patients with CLD.
A parametric study of a photovoltaic panel with cylindrical fins under still and moving air conditions in Iraq
Authors: Farhan Ammar A. , Alaskari Mustafa , Alhamadani Ahmed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPhotovoltaic (PV) panel temperature plays a vital role in the performance of PV panels. When PV temperature increases, the electrical power and efficiency decrease. In the present study, a simple simulated model is derived and implemented for a 70‐W finned PV panel and the results are compared with those for a reference (unfinned) PV panel. The effect of various parameters including fin diameter, fin height, ambient temperature, fin coverage‐to‐area ratio, and solar irradiance level on PV performance are examined. It is concluded that more electrical power is generated under moving air than under still air conditions as solar irradiance increases. The optimum values for fin diameter, fin height, and fin coverage‐to‐area ratio are 0.005 m, 0.25 m, and 50%, respectively. The maximum simulated power difference between the finned and unfinned PV panels is 5 W under realistic weather conditions. The amount of power generated during the summer season would be about 3.32 kW·h greater than that by the reference PV panel over the same period. The root square percent deviation values between the results of the proposed model and previously published experimental data for panel temperature, electrical power, and electrical efficiency are 3.36%, 5.26%, and 5.48%, respectively.
Constraining water age dynamics in a south‐eastern Australian catchment using an age‐ranked storage and stable isotope approach
Authors: Buzacott Alexander J.V. , van der Velde Ype , Keitel Claudia , Vervoort R. Willem 
Published: August 2020

AbstractImproving our knowledge of the travel times of water through catchments is critical for the management and protection of water resources and to improve our understanding of fundamental catchment behaviour. In this study we use the age‐ranked storage framework StorAge Selection (SAS) to investigate travel times in the Corin catchment, a headwater catchment in the south‐east of Australia covered by native Eucalyptus species. Few studies have applied the SAS framework globally and in energy‐intensive areas where catchment losses are heavily in favour of evapotranspiration relative to streamflow. A combination of observed and modelled values of oxygen‐18 (δ18O), the stable isotope in water, are used to constrain storage selection preferences of streamflow and evapotranspiration and the size of the catchment active storage. The highest performing parameter combinations that could reproduce δ18O in streamflow were dependent on a strong preference for young water in evapotranspiration, and a mixture of weak young and old water preference in streamflow. The mean travel time of streamflow over the study period 2007–2019, weighted by the flow rate, is limited to within a probable range of 2.81–9.77 years. The size of the active storage, a key parameter in the SAS framework, was poorly identified, and in combination with the isotopic inputs into the model, contributed to the uncertainty of the results. We discuss the implications of the results with respect to the study area, as well as within the context of SAS research globally and identify ways to improve the modelling process.
Hyaluronic acid optimises therapeutic effects of hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress on breast cancer
Authors: Abbasi Ardeshir , Pakravan Nafiseh , Hassan Zuhair Mohammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDistinguishing the multiple effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on cancer cells is important to understand their role in tumour biology. On one side, ROS can be oncogenic by promoting hypoxic conditions, genomic instability and tumorigenesis. Conversely, elevated levels of ROS‐induced oxidative stress can induce cancer cell death. This is evidenced by the conflicting results of research using antioxidant therapy, which in some cases promoted tumour growth and metastasis. However, some antioxidative or ROS‐mediated oxidative therapies have also yielded beneficial effects. To better define the effects of oxidative stress, in vitro experiments were conducted on 4T1 and splenic mononuclear cells (MNCs) under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 10–1,000 μM) was used as an ROS source alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA), which is frequently used as drug delivery vehicle. Our result indicated that the treatment of cancer cells with H2O2 + HA was significantly more effective than H2O2 alone. In addition, treatment with H2O2 + HA led to increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and multiphase cell cycle arrest in 4T1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. As a result, migratory tendency and the messenger RNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), and MMP‐9 were significantly decreased in 4T1 cells. Of note, HA treatment combined with 100–1,000 μM H2O2 caused more damage to MNCs as compared to treatment with lower concentrations (10–50 μM). Based on these results, we propose to administer high‐dose H2O2 + HA (100–1000 μM) for intratumoural injection and low doses for systemic administration. Intratumoural route could have toxic and inhibitory effects not only on the tumour but also on residential myeloid cells defending it, whereas systemic treatment could stimulate peripheral immune responses against the tumour. More in vivo research is required to confirm this hypothesis.
HomeoboxC6 affects the apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells and is involved in atherosclerosis
Authors: Long Xiangshu , You Ganhua , Wu Qiang , Zhou Yu , Xiao Yan , Yu Fuxun , Deng Shiyan , Mo Rui , Song Fang , Huang Jing , Tian Maobo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractApoptosis of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) is highly important in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS). HomeboxC6 (HOXC6) is expressed in higher levels in multiple malignant tissues, and it influences the malignant biological behavior of the cancer cells. However, the effects of HOXC6 on AS and the apoptosis of VECs have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that HOXC6 expression was increased in aortic wall of AS rats and peripheral blood monocytes of patients with coronary heart disease. Furthermore, it was uncovered that BAX expression was upregulated, while BCL‐2 expression was downregulated in the aortic wall of AS rats. The apoptosis of human VECs (HVECs) cultured normally or treated with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein in vitro was decreased after transfection with HOXC6‐siRNA. Moreover, the results of Western blot analysis unveiled that the expressions of proapoptotic proteins, such as BAX, caspase‐3, cleaved‐caspase‐3, and caspase‐9 were reduced, while the expression of antiapoptotic protein, BCL‐2, was elevated. Meanwhile, mRNA and protein expressions of phospholipase C beta (PLCβ) were decreased, the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) and nuclear transcription factor‐κB‐p65 (NF‐κBp65) and the membrane translocation of PKCζ were reduced as well. Besides, the expression of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) protein was downregulated. However, after overexpression of HOXC6, the opposite trends of the abovementioned indices were observed. Furthermore, the inhibition of apoptosis induced by HOXC6‐siRNA was reversed by lysophosphatidylcholine, an activator of PKCζ. Taken together, our results indicated that HOXC6 can promote the apoptosis of HVECs and may be involved in the occurrence and development of AS, which may be partially associated with the activation of PLCβ/PKCζ/NF‐κBp65/IL‐18 signaling pathway.
Intermittent parathyroid hormone promotes cementogenesis via ephrinB2‐EPHB4 forward signaling
Authors: Li Tiancheng , Wang Han , Lv Chunxiao , Huang Li , Zhang Cheng , Zhou Chenchen , Zou Shujuan , Duan Peipei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) promotes periodontal repair, but the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. Recent studies found that ephrinB2‐EPHB4 forward signaling mediated the anabolic effect of PTH in bone homeostasis. Considering the similarities between cementum and bone, we aimed to examine the therapeutic effect of PTH on resorbed roots and explore the role of forward signaling in this process. In vivo experiments showed that intermittent PTH significantly accelerated the regeneration of root resorption and promoted expression of EPHB4 and ephrinB2. When the signaling was blocked, the resorption repair was also delayed. In vitro studies showed that intermittent PTH promoted the expression of EPHB4 and ephrinB2 in OCCM‐30 cells. The effects of PTH on the mineralization capacity of OCCM‐30 cells was mediated through the ephrinB2‐EPHB4 forward signaling. These results support the premise that the anabolic effects of intermittent PTH on the regeneration of root resorption is via the ephrinB2‐EPHB4 forward signaling pathway.
Interference of gadolinium dechelated from MR contrast agents by calcium signaling in neuronal cells of GnRH
Authors: Baykara Murat , Ozcan Mete , Bilgen Mehmet , Kelestimur Haluk 
Published: August 2020

AbstractContrast agents (CAs) used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are produced by chelating the metal gadolinium (Gd) with organic ligand molecules to form stable complexes. But, Gd3+ may dissociate from the CAs and subsequently might become toxic to its environment. Besides toxicity, it might inhibit calcium channels on cell membranes and this action could be detrimental to the cells governing biological development. The aim of this study was to investigate the interference of Gd3+ dechelated from the CAs by calcium signaling in the neuronal cells of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), regulating puberty, and sexual development. The study used the mouse GT1‐7 cell line as a model system, and Fura‐2 based calcium imaging for detecting the interruption of intracellular calcium transport by the extracellular presence of Gd3+ as released from the CAs; gadodiamide and gadoterate meglumine, when the cells were stimulated in vitro culture by exposure to melatonin.The CA gadoterate meglumine interfered minimally with the calcium signaling, and thus its use is preferable in standard MRI exams. The release of Gd3+ from gadodiamide was significant and becomes of great concern as it may impact the neurophysiology of the neuronal cells in general, and gonadotropin production in particular, even in normal patients without nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The toxicity induced by the influx of dechelated Gd3+ in the neurons of GnRH would have significant implications for puberty and reproductive functions.
Sieving process selects sugarcane bagasse with lower recalcitrance to xylan solubilization
Authors: Alves Rosângela C , Melati Ranieri B , Casagrande Giovanna MS , Contiero Jonas , Pagnocca Fernando C , Brienzo Michel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDSugarcane bagasse is a heterogeneous and organized material that needs a pretreatment to access the polysaccharides (cellulose and xylan). The particle size of a non‐milled bagasse can influence the xylan and xylose solubilization, as well as the enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated material. Using bagasse selected on 16‐, 30‐, 40‐ and 50‐mesh sieves: xylan solubilization was performed with hydrogen peroxide; xylose was solubilized with diluted sulfuric acid; and enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted for glucose yield evaluation.RESULTSThe xylose solubilized by acid pretreatment resulted in a maximum of 6.59 g L−1 with no influence of particle size. The solubilized xylan showed linear correlation with a variation of 36.18% (16‐mesh bagasse) to 71.43% (<50‐mesh bagasse). Pretreated material submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis revealed that particle size influenced the pretreatment, increasing the glucose yield.CONCLUSIONSThe results showed that non‐milled sugarcane bagasse particle size selection positively influenced the solubilization of xylan, improving the enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated material. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Electrochemical dehalogenation of dibromomethane and 1,2‐dibromoethane to non‐toxic products using a carbon fiber brush electrode
Authors: Fernández‐Verdejo David , Sulonen Mira LK , Pérez‐Trujillo Míriam , Marco‐Urrea Ernest , Guisasola Albert , Blánquez Paqui 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDDibromomethane (DBM) and 1,2‐dibromoethane (DBA) are two brominated volatile contaminants used in several industrial applications which are often detected in groundwater. The electrochemical degradation of DBM and DBA was studied at different cathode potentials (−0.8, −1 and −1.2 V versus Standard Hydrogen Electrode) in aqueous solution using an inexpensive graphite fiber brush electrode.RESULTSThe degradation followed first‐order kinetics with respect to the nominal concentration of the brominated compounds, and the kinetic constant increased concomitantly with the decrease of the cathode potential. During the electrochemical dehalogenation 96.8% and 99.8% of the bromide in DBM and DBA was released as bromine ions, respectively. The main non‐brominated compounds detected during the degradation of DBM and DBA were methane and ethene, respectively. In addition, traces of formic acid for DBM and acetic acid for DBA degradation were detected. The non‐toxicity of the effluent was confirmed by a Microtox test.CONCLUSIONThe efficient electrochemical degradation of DBM and DBA and the lack of toxic products open the door for a simple and non‐toxic electrochemical approach for removing aliphatic brominated compounds from aquifers and other water sources. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Unraveling the reaction route and kinetics of 3‐methyl‐3‐penten‐2‐one synthesis for synthetic ketone fragrances
Authors: Li Ling , Hong Peng , Kiss Anton A , Tian Hui , Wang Xiaoda , Qiu Ting 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUND3‐Methyl‐3‐penten‐2‐one (3M3P) is an indispensable raw material used for the synthesis of OTNE (octahydrotetramethyl acetophenone), a synthetic ketone fragrance known by commercial trade names, such as Iso E Super®, which is one of the most important ingredients in perfumes. This work is the first to unravel the reaction route and kinetics for the synthesis of 3M3P via the cross‐aldol condensation of acetaldehyde with butanone, catalyzed by the heterogeneous acidic ion exchange resin (NKC‐9).RESULTSAn effective method was developed to evaluate this complex reaction system: the reaction routes were determined experimentally from the product structures detected by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS), and the significance of side reactions were evaluated by the Yoneda group contribution method. The major side reactions are the self‐condensation of acetaldehyde (significant even under optimized reaction conditions) and the cross‐aldol condensation of acetaldehyde with 3M3P (which could be effectively suppressed at high butanone‐acetaldehyde molar ratio). The reaction kinetics was investigated at temperatures of 60–90 °C, catalyst mass fraction of 5 to 15%, and molar ratio of 5–20. At optimized reaction conditions, the yield of 3M3P was up to 90.85%, which is 2.4 times higher than that for the classic homogeneous catalysts (yield <38%).CONCLUSIONAcidic ion exchange resin NKC‐9 is a high‐selective green catalyst for the cross‐aldol condensation of acetaldehyde with butanone. Integrating experimental determination and thermomechanical analysis is an effective method to unravel the main reaction routes for a complex system. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
The removal of inorganic phosphate from water using carboxymethyl cellulose‐iron hydrogel beads
Authors: Ure David , Mutus Bulent 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDInorganic phosphate (Pi) is key to improved crop yields; however, agricultural drainage leads to the accumulation of this nutrient in aquatic ecosystems and promotes the formation of harmful algal blooms. The aim of this study was to produce a hydrogel with high binding capacity and affinity towards Pi produced from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and iron (III) chloride (FeCl3).RESULTSCMC was converted to CMC‐Fe composites by incubation with FeCl3. The half‐lives (t1/2) of CMC functionalization with 25 mmol L−1 FeCl3 were 11.56 min (1.5% CMC) and 13.91 min (3.0% CMC). The apparent dissociation constants (KD App) of CMC‐Fe were estimated to be 33.99 μmol L−1 (1.5% CMCFe) and 24.81 μmol L−1 (3.0% CMC‐Fe). The phosphate binding capacity (PBC) of the hydrated hydrogels were 74.0 ± 3.06 mg g−1 (1.5% CMCFe) and 91.4 ± 4.51 mg g−1 (3.0% CMC‐Fe). Laboratory‐scale continuous flow filtration studies showed an average removal of 91.3% (mixed filter) and 52.5% (unmixed filter). Batch type treatment of agricultural drainage showed a reduction in Pi content from 0.40 to 0.11 mg L−1 (1.5% CMC‐Fe) and 0.17 mg L−1 (3.0% CMC‐Fe). The amount of bound‐Pi was 26.7 ± 0.63 μg g−1 (1.5% CMC‐Fe) and 32.8 ± 1.31 μg g−1 (3.0% CMC‐Fe). The iron leached from 1.5% and 3.0% CMC‐Fe beads was 11.98 ± 1.80 and 3.57 ± 1.63 mg g−1, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe CMC‐Fe hydrogel shows great promise as a Pi‐adsorbing material with applications in the treatment of agricultural drainage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Metabolic basis and treatment of citrin deficiency
Authors: Hayasaka Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCitrin deficiency is a hereditary disorder caused by SLC25A13 mutations and manifests as neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis (NICCD), failure to thrive and dyslipidemia (FTTDCD), and adult‐onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2). Citrin is a component of the malate‐aspartate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) shuttle, an essential shuttle for hepatic glycolysis. Hepatic glycolysis and the coupled lipogenesis are impaired in citrin deficiency. Hepatic lipogenesis plays a significant role in fat supply during growth spurt periods: the fetal period, infancy, and puberty. Growth impairment in these periods is characteristic of citrin deficiency. Hepatocytes with citrin deficiency cannot use glucose and fatty acids as energy sources due to defects in the NADH shuttle and downregulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα), respectively. An energy deficit in hepatocytes is considered a fundamental pathogenesis of citrin deficiency. Medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation with a lactose‐restricted formula and MCT supplementation under a low‐carbohydrate diet are recommended for NICCD and CTLN2, respectively. MCT supplementation therapy can provide energy to hepatocytes, promote lipogenesis, correct the cytosolic NAD+/NADH ratio via the malate‐citrate shuttle and improve ammonia detoxification, and it is a reasonable therapy for citrin deficiency. It is very important to administer MCT at a dose equivalent to the liver's energy requirements in divided doses with meals. MCT supplementation therapy is certainly promising for promoting growth spurts during infancy and adolescence and for preventing CTLN2 onset. Intravenous administration of solutions containing fructose is contraindicated, and persistent hyperglycemia should be avoided due to glucose intoxication for patients receiving hyperalimentation or with complicating diabetes.