bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MBNL1 regulates isoproterenol‐induced myocardial remodelling in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xu Yao , Liang Chen , Luo Ying , Zhang Tongcun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMyocardial remodelling is a common phenomenon in cardiovascular diseases, which threaten human health and the quality of life. Due to the lack of effective early diagnosis and treatment methods, the molecular mechanism of myocardial remodelling should be explored in depth. In this study, we observed the high expression of MBNL1 in cardiac tissue and peripheral blood of an isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse model. MBNL1 promoted ISO‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis by stabilizing Myocardin mRNA in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, an increase in MBNL1 may induce the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes treated with ISO via TNF‐α signalling. Interestingly, MBNL1 can be activated by p300 in cardiomyocytes treated with ISO. At last, Myocardin can reverse activate the expression of MBNL1. These results suggest that MBNL1 may be a potential target for the early diagnosis and clinical treatment of myocardial remodelling.
Potential of pulsed electric field to control Aspergillus parasiticus, aflatoxin and mutagenicity levels: Sesame seed quality
Authors: Bulut Nurullah , Atmaca Bahar , Akdemir Evrendilek Gülsün , Uzuner Sibel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSeed processing technologies are essential for seed safety and functionality through protection of physicochemical quality, pathogen inactivation, aflatoxin detoxification and alleviation of mutagenicity. Design of a pilot‐scale unit of pulsed electric fields (PEF) to treat sesame seeds with respect to quality parameters, Aspergillus parasiticus inactivation and aflatoxin reduction as well as alleviation of aflatoxin mutagenicity were prompted in this study. PEF energy ranged from 0.97 to 17.28 J achieved maximum reductions of peroxide value and acidity number of 67.4 and 85.7%, respectively, and did not change color L*, a*, b* and hue values. A 60% reduction of A. parasiticus counts occurred at the maximum PEF energy. Aflatoxins G1, G2, B1, and B2 contents decreased by 94.7, 92.7, 86.9, and 98.7%, respectively. Except for the samples treated by 2.16 J with 100 μg/plate and by 6.80 J with 10 μg/plate, PEF treatment provided elimination of aflatoxin mutagenity. It is concluded that PEF treatment can be used to treat sesame seeds with preservation of physicochemical properties, inactivation of A. parasiticus and decomposition of aflatoxins with reduced mutagenicity.
Comparison between modified wet suction and dry suction technique for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy in pancreatic solid lesions
Authors: Tong Ting , Tian Li , Deng Minzi , Liu Yang , Yang Yening , Yin Hua , Long Xiuyan , Pan Shiyu , Yang Zhenyu , Luo Weiwei , Nie Kai , Meng Xiangrui , Xiao Mengwei , Wu Xing , Zhang Chao , Wang Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy is widely applied, there is no clear consensus on the optimal biopsy technique. We described a modified wet suction technique (MWEST) with the aim to compare the efficacy and safety between MWEST and the dry suction technique (DST).MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, crossover, single‐blinded study, patients with suspected pancreatic malignancy were randomized to the DST (group A) or MWEST (group B) for the first pass, and the two techniques were performed alternately. The primary outcome was the comparison of specimen adequacy and diagnostic yield between the techniques. Secondary outcomes included the macroscopic visible core length, blood contamination of specimens, and adverse events of both techniques.ResultsFrom January 2019 to September 2019, 216 passes were performed in 50 patients. The specimen adequacy was significantly higher in “per‐lesion” (P = 0.026), “per‐pass” (cytology: P = 0.034; histology: P = 0.042), and first‐pass analysis (P = 0.034) for MWEST than for DST. In diagnostic yield, MWEST showed significantly superior histological yield (P = 0.014) and first‐pass analysis (κ: MWEST: 0.743 and DST: 0.519) compared with DST. The median macroscopic visible core lengths were 8 mm (interquartile range: 3.25–15 mm) and 10 mm (interquartile range: 5.25–15 mm) for DST and MWEST, respectively (P = 0.036). Blood contamination was significantly more serious in DST than in MWEST (cytology: P = 0.021; histology: P = 0.042).ConclusionsEndoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy with MWEST resulted in significantly better quality of specimen, histological, and first‐pass diagnostic yields and comparable safety compared with the DST. MWEST is preferred for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy in pancreatic solid lesions.
Sensory acceptability, consumption frequency, and factors associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables among low and medium income consumers in Argentina
Authors: Arce Soledad , Gugole Ottaviano Fernanda , Sosa Miriam 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe acceptability, consumption frequency of fruits and vegetables (F&V), and the reasons for consuming these foods were studied. A total of 370 housewives carried out different tests: Sensory Acceptability, Consumption Frequency, Free Listing (FL), and Check All That Apply (CATA). In these tests, the household income (HI) of the housewives was considered. Of the 25 fruits and 27 vegetables included in the acceptability test, more than 40% had average values greater than or equal to 7 for both HI, low income (LI) and middle income (MI). In general, F&V had more mentions in low consumption frequency categories. Only the consumption frequency of three fruits and two vegetables was influenced by HI. The acceptability patterns in both foods do not always correspond to their frequency of consumption. CATA question showed that factors related to habits, practicality and availability, in addition to sensory acceptability, influenced the consumption of these foods in LI and MI populations.Practical applicationsThe use of questionnaires and CATA methodology permitted to know about F&V consumption in the LI and MI Argentinian population. The information about the reasons for the low consumption of F&V in both incomes sectors could complement data obtained through existing surveys and provide insight to motivate consumption through changes in current consumer promotion campaigns.
Physiological and biochemical responses of tomato plants to white mold affected by manganese phosphite
Authors: Chaves Joicy Aparecida Alves , Oliveira Lillian Matias , Silva Leandro Castro , Silva Bruno Nascimento , Dias Carla Silva , Rios Jonas Alberto , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConsidering the potential of white mold, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, to reduce tomato production, this study aimed to determinate the effect of manganese (Mn) phosphite on the resistance of tomato plants to this disease by assessing the photosynthetic performance (gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence), the activities of defence enzymes and those related to the antioxidant metabolism as well as the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−). The in vitro assays showed that S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth was inhibited by Mn phosphite in a dose‐response manner. The spray of Mn phosphite reduced white mold severity on the leaves of tomato plants. Additionally, there was a higher foliar Mn concentration for plants sprayed with Mn phosphite. The negative effects of S. sclerotiorum infection in the photosynthetic process were mitigated by Mn phosphite application as noticed by the net carbon assimilation rate, stomatal conductance to water vapour, transpiration rate, maximal photosystem II quantum yield values and concentration of photosynthetic pigments. The concentrations of MDA, H2O2 and O2‐ on inoculated leaves were lower upon Mn phosphite spray. In general, the activities of defence enzymes and those related to the antioxidant metabolism were higher for water‐sprayed plants inoculated with S. sclerotiorum in comparison to those inoculated and sprayed with Mn phosphite. Based on the present study results, the application of Mn phosphite may represent a feasible alternative for white mold management in tomato plants.
Renal alterations caused by ligature‐induced periodontitis persist after ligature removal in rats
Authors: Galeno Juliana Gomes , França Luiz Felipe de Carvalho , da Silva Felipe Rodolfo Pereira , Alves Even Herlany Pereira , Di Lenardo David , Nascimento Hélio Mateus Silva , Cardoso Guimarães Vasconcelos Any Carolina , Carneiro Gomes Paulo Roberto , Dias de Souza Filho Manoel , Caetano Vinícius da Silva , de Oliveira Ana Patrícia , de Alencar Marcus Vinícius Oliveira Barros , Barbosa André Luiz dos Reis , Medeiros Jand‐Venes Rolim , Fahimipou Farahnaz , Barros Silvana Pereira , Alves Diniz Ivana Márcia , Vasconcelos Daniel Fernando Pereira 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePeriodontitis may crosstalk with renal diseases, yet that remains unclear. We investigated whether the renal alterations caused by induced periodontitis are reversible after removal of the ligatures in experimental ligature‐induced periodontitis.Material and methodsTwenty‐four female rats were divided into three groups: control (without periodontitis), periodontitis (20 days of ligature‐induced periodontitis), and P20‐20 (20 days of ligature‐induced periodontitis and 20 days after ligature removal). The following periodontal parameters were assessed: gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, myeloperoxidase activity, and alveolar bone height. For renal tissues, histopathology, malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione (GSH) content, and renal weight were evaluated. In the blood, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, total cholesterol, total protein, and glucose levels were assessed. Total protein and creatinine levels in urine were also investigated.ResultsRat renal tissues did not demonstrate reversal of periodontitis‐related changes in the P20‐20 group in terms of MDA, GSH, and histopathological evaluations when compared to the periodontitis group. Accordingly, only total cholesterol levels were reversible in the P20‐20.ConclusionRenal alterations caused by ligature‐induced periodontitis persisted even after removal of ligatures in rats.
Bone mineral density of the common bottlenose dolphin radius: A primary skeletal site for clinical bone densitometry and preliminary descriptive data set using archival specimens
Authors: Powell James W. B. , Duffield Deborah A. , Kaufman Jonathan J. , Luo Gangming , Lovewell Gretchen N. , McFee Wayne E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe examined bone mineral density (BMD) in the pectoral flipper of the common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. These data addressed the need to define a comprehensive target site for osteodensitometric assessment and to provide a descriptive bone density data set for this species. We analyzed 388 radii from 279 bottlenose dolphins using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), the accepted standard in human medical studies. Radii were examined for differences based on sex, age, total body length, handedness, geographical affinity, and nutritional status at death. BMD increased with age and body length (R2 = 0.58, p < .05). No statistically significant differences were observed in BMD measurements for male and female dolphins (t = −1.60, p > .05) or right and left flippers (t = −1.76, p > .05). Additionally, no statistically significant differences were observed based on geographical region (t = −0.190, p > .05) or nutritional status (F = 0.83, p > .05). These results support the use of these findings as a preliminary descriptive data set for BMD in bottlenose dolphins and detail a primary skeletal site for clinical assessment of bone density for the species. As this study relies on archived museum specimens collected from dolphins at time of death, further studies regarding bone density may be better addressed using live dolphins with known health status.
Gastric emptying in healthy children using the Spirulina breath test: The impact of gender, body size, and pubertal development
Authors: Kovacic Katja , Zhang Liyun , Nugent Liegl Melodee , Pawela Louis , Simpson Pippa , Sood Manu R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are no pediatric norms for gastric emptying (GE) measured by nuclear scintigraphy. The 13C‐labeled, stable isotope GE breath test (GEBT) is a non‐radioactive alternative. We aimed to determine normative GEBT ranges in a cohort of healthy children and examine the influence of age, gender, puberty, and body surface area (BSA).MethodsHealthy children ages 8–18 years completed the [13C]‐Spirulina platensis GEBT after an overnight fast. Breath samples were collected at baseline, every 15 min × 1 h, then every 30 min for 4 h total. The 13CO2 excretion rate was determined by the change in 13CO2/12CO2 over time in each breath sample, expressed as kPCD (Percent 13C Dose excreted/min). A mixed model with random time was used for multivariable analysis and outcome fit into a quadratic model.Key ResultsThe 100 subjects completed the test meal within allotted time. Median (IQR) age was 13.5 (11.3–15.5) years; 51% were female. Females had lower 13CO2 excretion rates (slower GE) than males across time (p < 0.001) while decreased excretion rates correlated with higher BSA (p = 0.015). Gender differences were also noted within pubertal stages with females showing slower GE. Multivariable analysis suggested that pre‐pubertal children have faster GE than both peri‐ and post‐pubertal groups (p < 0.0001).Conclusions & InferencesGender, puberty, and BSA influence GE rates in healthy children more than age. Although further data are needed, pubertal stage and hormonal influences may be unique factors to consider when assessing GE in children.
Effect of Multiple Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid on Perioperative Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kang Bing‐xin , Li Yu‐lin , Xu Hui , Gao Chen‐xin , Zhong Sheng , Zhang Jing , Xie Jun , Sun Song‐tao , Xu Xi‐rui , Zhao Chi , Ma Ying‐hui , Zhai Wei‐tao , Xiao Lian‐bo , Hu Xiao‐xue 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveTo identify the efficacy and safety of multiple doses of intravenous tranexamic acid (IV‐TXA) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a tourniquet.MethodsThis is a single‐blind randomized controlled study that recruited osteoarthritis patients who had undergone primary unilateral TKA from May 2019 to May 2020 at our medical center. A total of 300 patients were randomly divided into three groups to receive: one dose (1 g) of IV‐TXA before skin incision combined with one dose (1.5 g) of intra‐articular tranexamic acid（IA‐TXA) followed by a single dose of IV‐TXA (1 g) for 3 h (group A); two doses of IV‐TXA (1 g) for 3 and 6 h (group B); or three doses of IV‐TXA (1 g) for 3, 6, and 12 h (group C) postoperatively. TKA with a tourniquet was performed by the same surgical team. The primary outcomes were total blood cell loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), maximum hemoglobin (Hb) drop, and transfusion rate. Secondary outcomes were levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and D‐dimer, and the incidence of postoperative complications. One‐way analysis of variance, subgroup analysis, and multivariate correlation analysis were used to calculate the differences among the three groups.ResultsThe study included 56 male and 244 female patients aged 60–80 years. The mean TBL, the mean HBL, and the maximum Hb drop in group C (471.2 ± 190.6 mL, 428.4 ± 190.3 mL, and 21.2 ± 3.8 g/L, respectively) were significantly lower than those in groups B (563.4 ± 224.6 mL, P = 0.030; 519.9 ± 226.4 mL, P = 0.033; and 23.2 ± 4.1 g/L, P = 0.001, respectively), and A (651.6 ± 254.1 mL, P < 0.001; 607.1 ± 254.3 mL, P < 0.001; and 25.1 ± 4.3 g/L, P < 0.001, respectively). No transfusions were required. The postoperative acute inflammatory reaction was less problematic for patients in Group C, and the incidence of thromboembolic events was similar among the groups (P > 0.05). In addition, there were positive correlations between the HBL and the tourniquet inflation time (r = 0.844, P < 0.001). Similarly, the level of CRP on POD1 (r = 0.393, P < 0.001) and POD3 (r = 0.149, P = 0.010), and the level of D‐dimer on POD1 (r = 0.382, P < 0.001) were positively correlated with the HBL.ConclusionThree doses of postoperative IV‐TXA decreased blood loss and diminished the postoperative inflammatory and fibrinolytic response more than a single dose or two doses in elderly patients following TKA without increasing the incidence of adverse events.
Use of Pulsed Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Discogenic Back Pain: A Narrative Review
Authors: Yang Seoyon , Boudier‐Revéret Mathieu , Chang Min Cheol 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundLow‐back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of patients who visit pain clinics, and a significant proportion of them have discogenic pain. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation is an effective treatment for various types of pain.PurposeWe reviewed articles which investigated the effectiveness of intradiscal PRF for controlling discogenic LBP.Methods and MaterialsWe searched PubMed for papers published prior to August 7, 2020, in which intradiscal PRF was used for treating discogenic LBP. The key search phrase was (intradiscal PRF) for identifying potentially relevant articles. We included articles in which intradiscal PRF was used for controlling LBP. Review articles were excluded.ResultsNine publications were included in this review. Except for one study, all other studies showed positive therapeutic outcomes after treating discogenic LBP using intradiscal PRF. However, the quality of these studies was not high.ConclusionsThis review showed that intradiscal PRF appears to be a helpful treatment method for patients with discogenic LBP. Our review provides insights into the degree of evidence of the therapeutic effects of intradiscal PRF for alleviating discogenic LBP. For confirmation of the effectiveness of intradiscal PRF on discogenic LBP, more high‐quality studies are necessary.
l‐Tryptophan Interactions with the Horseradish Peroxidase‐Catalyzed Generation of Triplet Acetone
Authors: Ramos Luiz D. , Prado Fernanda M. , Stevani Cassius V. , Di Mascio Paolo , Bechara Etelvino J. H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTriplet carbonyls generated by chemiexcitation are involved in typical photobiochemical processes in the absence of light. Due to their biradical nature, ultraweak light emission and long lifetime, electronically excited triplet species display typical radical reactions such as isomerization, fragmentation, cycloaddition and hydrogen abstraction. In this paper, we report chemical reactions in a set of amino acid residues induced by the isobutanal/horseradish peroxidase (IBAL/HRP) system, a well‐known source of excited triplet acetone (Ac3*). Accordingly, quenching of Ac3* by tryptophan (Trp) unveiled parallel enzyme damage and inactivation, likely explained by scavenging of IBAL tertiary radical reaction intermediate and Ac3*‐derived 2‐hydroxy‐i‐propyl radical. Quenching constants were calculated from Stern–Volmer plots, and the structure of radical adducts was revealed by mass spectrometry. As expected, a concurrent Schiff‐type adduct was found to be one of the reaction by‐products. These findings draw attention to potential structural and functional changes in enzymes involved in the electronic chemiexcitation of their products.
Identification of fungal pathogens and analysis of genetic diversity of Fusarium tricinctum causing root rots of alfalfa in north‐east China
Authors: Jiang Dan , Xu Chuzhen , Han Wenbo , Harris‐Shultz Karen , Ji Pingsheng , Li Yonggang , Zhao Tongxue 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAlfalfa root rot is a devastating disease complex found worldwide. Population structure and genetic diversity of fungal pathogens causing alfalfa root rot in north‐east China are not well understood. In this study, 480 fungal isolates were collected from six major alfalfa‐growing regions in Heilongjiang province, China. They were identified as Fusarium tricinctum, F. oxysporum, F. acuminatum, F. solani, F. equiseti, Phoma medicaginis, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Alternaria alternata, and Chaetomium globosum and caused root rot on alfalfa in greenhouse studies. F. tricinctum was the predominant species among the isolates, and P. medicaginis and C. globosum had not previously been reported causing alfalfa root rot in north‐east China. Of the 73 F. tricinctum isolates identified, the majority were moderately or highly aggressive on alfalfa. No isolate of F. tricinctum was sensitive to carbendazim (1 and 10 μg/ml), indicating that, although commonly used, it is not suitable for management of the disease in this area. F. tricinctum isolates were analysed using AFLP markers and divided into eight genetic groups with 28 pairs of primers. Analysis of molecular variance indicated significant correlation between genetic groups of F. tricinctum isolates and their geographical locations or aggressiveness. Pairwise comparison and STRUCTURE analysis also indicated that geographical locations and aggressiveness of isolates had a significant effect on population differentiation. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity and reproductive biology of F. tricinctum, enhances understanding of the population diversity of alfalfa root rot pathogens in north‐east China, and facilitates development of effective strategies for managing this destructive disease complex.
Accounting for Precision Uncertainty of Toxicity Testing: Methods to Define Borderline Ranges and Implications for Hazard Assessment of Chemicals
Authors: Gabbert Silke , Mathea Miriam , Kolle Susanne N. , Landsiedel Robert 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFor hazard classifications of chemicals, continuous data from animal‐ or nonanimal testing methods are often dichotomized into binary positive/negative outcomes by defining classification thresholds (CT). Experimental data are, however, subject to biological and technical variability. Each test method's precision is limited resulting in uncertainty of the positive/negative outcome if the experimental result is close to the CT. Borderline ranges (BR) around the CT were suggested, which represent ranges in which the study result is ambiguous, that is, positive or negative results are equally likely. The BR reflects a method's precision uncertainty. This article explores and compares different approaches to quantify the BR. Besides using the pooled standard deviation, we determine the BR by means of the median absolute deviation (MAD), with a sequential combination of both methods, and by using nonparametric bootstrapping. Furthermore, we quantify the BR for different hazardous effects, including nonanimal tests for skin corrosion, eye irritation, skin irritation, and skin sensitization as well as for an animal test on skin sensitization (the local lymph node assay, LLNA). Additionally, for one method (direct peptide reactivity assay) the BR was determined experimentally and compared to calculated BRs. Our results demonstrate that (i) the precision of the methods is determining the size of their BRs, (ii) there is no “perfect” method to derive a BR, alas, (iii) a consensus on BR is needed to account for the limited precision of testing methods.