bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive monitoring of liver fat during treatment with GLP‐1 analogues and SGLT‐2 inhibitors in a real‐world setting
Authors: Mittag‐Roussou Vasiliki , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Lammert Frank , Stokes Caroline S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionPatients with NAFLD have a two‐fold increased risk of diabetes, and conversely, NAFLD affects up to 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes. Due to the co‐occurrence of both diseases and the lack of approved pharmacotherapy for NAFLD, the anti‐steatogenic potential of diabetes‐related drugs is being explored. In this study, we aim to monitor liver fat noninvasively during treatment with SGLT‐2 inhibitors or GLP‐1 analogues in a real‐world setting.MethodsOverall, 39 patients (49% women, age 57.7 ± 10.9 years) with type 2 diabetes and hepatic steatosis (defined by controlled attenuation parameter [CAP] values ≥ 215 dB/m) were observed for 6 months and routinely monitored with respect to hepatic fat contents and liver stiffness (VCTE); body composition (BIA); and blood biochemistry, including liver function tests (LFTs), serum lipids and glucose metabolism markers.ResultsMedian liver fat contents were significantly (P = .026) reduced by 9% in patients taking either SGLT‐2 (n = 22) or GLP‐1 (n = 17) for 6 months (absolute median CAP decrease: −32 dB/m [−58 to 32 dB/m]). In parallel, serum ALT and γ‐GT activities decreased significantly (P = .002 and P = .049, respectively). These improvements were accompanied by significant (P < .0001) changes to body weight and BMI (−2.5 ± 3.3 kg and −0.9 ± 1.2 kg/m2, respectively) and glucose homeostasis, with significant reductions in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FDG) (both P < .0001). Of note, significant reductions of intrahepatic lipid contents occured in patients receiving SGLT‐2 inhibitors only.ConclusionsIn this real‐world observational evaluation of fatty liver monitored noninvasively in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with either SGLT2 or GLP‐1, improvements in measures of hepatic steatosis, glucose and weight parameters were observed after 6 months, with significant reductions of intrahepatic lipid contents seen specifically in the SGLT2 subgroup.
Recursive quadratic programming for constrained nonlinear optimization of session throughput in multiple‐flow network topologies
Authors: Mehta Ridhima 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this article, we propose and formulate a single‐objective nonlinearly constrained programming problem with delay and capacity constraints. Specifically, we consider the utility resource allocation with the goal of maximizing the throughput amongst the multiple heterogeneous sessions in the network. Several numerical experiments for multiple topologies exhibit the performance and global convergence process of the proposed iterative algorithm. These network topologies are considered with distinct source‐destination communication sessions to emphasize the traffic flow analysis and optimal rate allocation vectors. For this, we employ recursive quadratic programming method and Lagrangian multiplier approach to solve the proposed optimization problem. The presented numerical results are obtained using Octave simulation tool. The results obtained from implementation of numerical simulation demonstrate the robustness and convergence performance of the proposed optimization scheme to optimal solution within finite number of iterations. Finally, we employ various global measures of fairness including the entropy‐based index, G's fairness index, linear product‐based fairness index, and Bossaer's fairness index to assess the performance of the proposed resource allocation scheme.
Effects of different roasting methods on formation of acrylamide in pistachio
Authors: Asadi Sonia , Aalami Mehran , Shoeibi Shahram , Kashaninejad Mehdi , Ghorbani Mohammad , Delavar Mostafa 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDrying and roasting are conventional processes in the nut industry. However, roasting as an important procedure in nuts manufacturing may cause some physicochemical changes in nuts. Acrylamide is one of these chemical compounds that is formed due to the roasting process. Acrylamide is known as a neurotoxicant, carcinogen, and reproductive toxicant. In this study, raw and salted pistachios were roasted under three conditions including hot‐air, infrared (IR), and microwave methods. Then, 80 pistachio kernels were analyzed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that all samples contained different ranges of acrylamide between 57 ± 0.86 and 851 ± 2.8 μg/kg. Besides, raw pistachios and sun‐dried pistachios also contained acrylamide, with the amount of 57 ± 0.86 and 93 ± 1.07 μg/kg, respectively. The highest acrylamide amount was found in raw pistachio (unsalted) roasted by IR method, while lower acrylamide amount observed in the microwave method. The amount of acrylamide in salted and roasted pistachios was less than just roasted pistachios under the same conditions. Finally, in all the treatments, increasing temperature, time, voltage, and power lead to an increase in acrylamide levels. The results showed that acrylamide in the roasted pistachios may cause health problems. This study presents a novel investigation in the effects of roasting conditions (temperature, power, voltage, and time) on acrylamide content in pistachios.
Thermal processing methods differentially affect the protein quality of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
Authors: Nosworthy Matthew G. , Medina Gerardo , Franczyk Adam J. , Neufeld Jason , Appah Paulyn , Utioh Alphonsus , Frohlich Peter , Tar'an Bunyamin , House James D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChickpea is a widely produced pulse crop, but requires processing prior to human consumption. Protein bioavailability and amino acid quantity of chickpea flour can be altered by multiple factors including processing method. For this reason, the protein quality of processed chickpea flour was determined using in vivo and in vitro analyses for processed chickpeas. Processing differentially affected the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of chickpeas with extruded chickpea (83.8) having a higher PDCAAS score than both cooked (75.2) and baked (80.03). Interestingly, the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) value of baked chickpea (0.84) was higher compared to both extruded (0.82) and cooked (0.78). The protein efficiency ratio, another measure of protein quality, was significantly higher for extruded chickpea than baked chickpea (p < .01). In vivo and in vitro analysis of protein quality were well correlated (R2 = .9339). These results demonstrated that under certain circumstances in vitro methods could replace the use of animals to determine protein quality.
Changes in volatile compounds of fermented minced pepper during natural and inoculated fermentation process based on headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Chen Yuyu , Xu Haishan , Ding Shenghua , Zhou Hui , Qin Dan , Deng Fangming , Wang Rongrong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChanges in volatile compounds of fermented minced pepper (FMP) during natural fermentation (NF) and inoculated fermentation (IF) process were analyzed by the headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS). A total of 53 volatile compounds were identified, including 12 esters, 17 aldehydes, 13 alcohols, four ketones, three furans, two acids, one pyrazine, and one ether. Generally, fermentation time played an important role in volatile compounds of FMP. It was found that most esters, aldehydes, and alcohols obviously decreased with the increase in fermentation time, including isoamyl hexanoate, methyl octanoate, gamma‐butyrolactone, phenylacetaldehyde, methional, and E‐2‐hexenol. Only a few volatile compounds increased, especially for 2‐methylbutanoic acid, 2‐methylpropionic acid, linalool, ethanol, and ethyl acetate. However, no significant difference in volatile compounds was found between NF and IF samples at the same fermentation time. In addition, the fermentation process in all samples was well discriminated as three stages (0 days; 6 day; and 12, 18, and 24 days), and all volatile compounds were divided into two categories (increase and decrease) based on principal component analysis and heat map.
The Observational Scale of Level of Arousal: A brief tool for assessing and monitoring level of arousal in patients with delirium outside the ICU
Authors: Hall Roanna , Stíobhairt Antaine , Allerhand Mike , MacLullich Alasdair M. J. , Tieges Zoë 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesAltered level of arousal, encompassing drowsiness and hypervigilance, affects at least 10% of acutely unwell patients. Existing scales provide limited coverage of milder changes in level of arousal. We devised the Observational Scale of Level of Arousal (OSLA) to enable more detailed arousal assessment. Here, we provide a preliminary case‐control study of performance of the OSLA in assessing abnormal level of arousal associated with delirium outside the ICU.MethodsHip fracture patients (N = 108, median age = 82 years) were assessed for delirium pre‐ and post‐operatively using the Confusion Assessment Method and the Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98. The OSLA has four graded items assessing eye opening, eye contact, posture, and movement (score range 0 [normal arousal]‐15). We assessed the psychometric and diagnostic characteristics of the OSLA. Adjusted linear mixed effects models were used to explore responsiveness of the OSLA to within‐patient change in delirium status.ResultsA total of 44 patients (40.7%) were diagnosed with delirium. OSLA scores were higher in delirium (pooled median = 3, InterQuartile Range [IQR] = 2‐5) compared to no delirium (pooled median = 1, IQR = 1‐2; P‐values <.05 to <.001). The Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.82 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.77‐0.86). OSLA scores were responsive to change in delirium status (ß = −3.09. SE = 1.41, P < .03).ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary evidence supporting use of the OSLA as an instrument for identifying abnormal level of arousal associated with delirium and monitoring this longitudinally. Further validation in larger cohorts with blinded raters is required. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:‐, 2020.
Cross‐cultural comparison of symptom networks in late‐life major depressive disorder: Yoruba Africans and the Spanish Population
Authors: de la Torre‐Luque Alejandro , Ojagbemi Akin , Caballero Francisco F. , Lara Elvira , Moreno‐Agostino Dario , Bello Toyin , Olaya Beatriz , Haro Josep M. , Gureje Oye , Ayuso‐Mateos Jose L. 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe concept of European psychologisation of depression versus somatisation in non‐European populations has been the basis of several studies of cultural psychopathology in the general population. Little is currently known about cross‐cultural differences and similarities in late‐life depression symptom reporting. We cross‐culturally compared symptom reporting in the context of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among community‐dwelling older adults from Spain and Nigeria.MethodsWe relied on data from two household multistage probability samples comprising 3,715 persons aged 65 years or older in the Spanish and Nigerian populations. All participants underwent assessments for MDD using the World Mental Health Survey version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Cross‐cultural comparison of broad somatic and psychological categories as well as relationship and influence of individual symptoms were analysed using the Symptom Network Analysis approach.ResultsCurrent MDD was diagnosed in 232 and 195 older persons from Spain and Nigeria, respectively. The symptom network of the two samples were invariant in terms of global strength, S(GSPAIN, GNIGERIA) = 7.56, P = .06, with psychological and somatic symptoms demonstrating centrality in both countries. However, country‐specific relationships and influence of individual symptoms were found in the network structure of both samples, M(GSPAIN, GNIGERIA) = 2.95, P < .01.ConclusionBroad somatic and psychological symptoms categories contributed to the structural network of older Africans and their peers from the Spanish population. Variations in the relationship and influence of individual symptoms suggests that the functional and “communicative” role of individual symptoms may be differentiated by context specific imperatives. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:‐, 2020.
The anticholinergic effect on cognition (AEC) scale—Associations with mortality, hospitalisation and cognitive decline following dementia diagnosis
Authors: Bishara Delia , Perera Gayan , Harwood Daniel , Taylor David , Sauer Justin , Stewart Robert , Mueller Christoph 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate associations between central anticholinergic burden (determined through the anticholinergic effect on cognition [AEC] scale) and mortality, hospitalisation and cognitive decline in patients with dementia.MethodsThe South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) Clinical Records Interactive Search (CRIS) application was used to identify patients with a first diagnosis of dementia. Medication exposure was extracted through a natural language processing algorithm, allowing for calculations and comparisons of AEC scores. Data were linked to national mortality and hospitalisation data sources, and serially recorded Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were used to investigate cognitive decline.ResultsWe identified 14 093 patients with dementia, 60.7% were female and the mean age at diagnosis was 79.8 years. Patients for whom a review of their medication was indicated (AEC score ≥ 2 for any individual drug or total AEC score ≥ 3) had an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01‐1.15) and emergency hospitalisation (1.10; 95% CI: 1.04‐1.17), but there were no associations with duration of hospitalisation. Cognitive trajectory analyses showed that this exposure group had lower MMSE scores at diagnosis and a sharper increase in MMSE scores over the subsequent 6 months, but similar slopes for the 6 to 36 months period compared to the remainder of the sample.ConclusionsPatients with dementia receiving medication with high central anticholinergic activity appear to have worse prognosis in terms of mortality and hospitalisation risk, but have, primarily, acutely impaired cognitive function, rather than longer‐term differences in cognitive decline. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:‐, 2020.
Personalized strategies in population screening for prostate cancer
Authors: Remmers Sebastiaan , Roobol Monique J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis review discusses evidence for population‐based screening with contemporary screening tools. In Europe, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐based screening led to a relative reduction of prostate cancer (PCa) mortality, but also to a substantial amount of overdiagnosis and unnecessarily biopsies. Risk stratification based on a single variable (a clinical variable or based on the presence of a lesion on prostate imaging) or based on multivariable approaches can aid in reducing unnecessary prostate biopsies and overdiagnosis by selecting men who can benefit from further clinical assessment. Multivariable approaches include clinical variables, and biomarkers, often combined in risk calculators or nomograms. These risk calculators can also incorporate the result of MRI imaging. In general, as compared to a purely PSA based approach, the combination of relevant prebiopsy information results in superior selection of men at higher risk of harboring clinically significant prostate cancer. Currently, it is not possible to draw any conclusions on the superiority of these multivariable risk‐based approaches since head‐to‐head comparisons are virtually lacking. Recently initiated large population‐based screening studies in Finland, Germany and Sweden, incorporating various multivariable risk stratification approaches will hopefully give more insight in whether the harm‐benefit ratio can be improved, that is, maintain (or improving) the ability to reduce metastatic disease and prostate cancer mortality while reducing harm caused by unnecessary testing and overdiagnosis including related overtreatment.
Overexpression of heat shock protein 70 enhanced mesenchymal stem cell treatment efficacy in phosgene‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Jin Chaoyuan , Zhou Fangqing , Zhang Lin , Shen Jie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn our previous study, we have confirmed that in phosgene‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) rats, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can treat the disease. Moreover, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) can be used as a protective protein, and Hsp70 upregulated drastically when exposed to stressful conditions. We aimed to assess that MSCs overexpressed Hsp70 could enhance the capacity of MSCs and have a good therapeutic effect on phosgene‐induced ALI. We transduced MSCs with Hsp70 and then we tested the function of the transduced MSCs. Sprague Dawley rats inhaled phosgene in a closed container for 5 minutes. The transduced MSCs and MSCs were administered via the trachea immediately. Rats in each group were killed at 6, 24, and 48 hours after exposure. Compared to MSCs, MSCs overexpressed Hsp70 enhanced MSCs viability, antiapoptotic ability, and migration ability, and these effects disappeared when using the phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway inhibitor. Furthermore, the results of pathological alterations improved. The lung wet‐to‐dry ratio declined. The lung injury index total protein content and total cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) also declined. The level of tumor necrosis factor α declined and the level of interleukin‐10 improved in BALF and serum. MSCs overexpressed Hsp70 can enhance the capacity and efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of phosgene‐induced ALI and may be mediated through the PI3k/AKT signaling pathway. This article introduces a new approach to stem cell therapy for improving the efficacy of phosgene‐induced ALI.
A qualitative analysis of meaning‐making and mental health among OIF/OEF veterans
Authors: Keller Emily M. , Owens Gina P. , Perkins Marjorie , Hamrick Lauren A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveAfter combat, veterans may experience mental health symptomology and attempt to make meaning from their experiences. The present study qualitatively examined the mental health effects of deployment and meaning‐making among Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans.MethodOIF/OEF veterans who were exposed to combat (N = 14) participated in semi‐structured interviews to assess how their perspectives had changed post‐deployment. Most participants (86%) were male, with a mean age of 30.ResultsVeterans described issues post‐combat that caused psychological distress or promoted distancing from others. Veterans also discussed factors that could promote or hinder meaning‐making, including perceptions of growth, changed global beliefs, and disillusionment. Finally, veterans described psychological reactions to death, which could be related to moral injury.ConclusionMental health concerns, meaning‐making, and consideration of mortality appear to characterize veterans’ experiences post‐deployment. These constructs may be important for clinicians to consider when working with OIF/OEF veterans.
Emotion dysregulation as a maintenance factor for posttraumatic stress symptoms: The role of anxiety sensitivity
Authors: Raudales Alexa M. , Preston Thomas J. , Albanese Brian J. , Schmidt Norman B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe current study tested whether emotion dysregulation, assessed by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), would predict posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) through anxiety sensitivity (AS). Alternate cognitive‐affective mediators (i.e., distress tolerance and intolerance of uncertainty) were explored.MethodA total of 259 trauma‐exposed community members (ages averaging 37.39; evenly distributed by gender) from a larger clinical trial targeting suicide risk factors completed a clinical interview and self‐report questionnaires at baseline, Week‐3, and 1‐month follow‐up appointments.ResultsAS at Week 3 significantly mediated the relationship between initial emotion dysregulation and 1‐month follow‐up posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after controlling for condition and baseline symptoms (β = .07; standard error = 0.03; 95% confidence interval = [0.01, 0.14]). Effects held for one out of six emotion dysregulation subscales. Distress tolerance and intolerance of uncertainty were not significant mediators (ps > .05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that emotion dysregulation may confer maintenance of PTSS through AS. Findings highlight potentially malleable targets for interventions.
Efficacy of a fasting‐mimicking diet in functional therapy for depression: A randomised controlled pilot trial
Authors: Maniaci Giuseppe , La Cascia Caterina , Giammanco Alessandra , Ferraro Laura , Chianetta Roberta , Di Peri Roberta , Sardella Zaira , Citarrella Roberto , Mannella Yuri , Larcan Stefania , Montana Simonetta , Mirisola Mario G. , Longo Valter , Rizzo Manfredi , La Barbera Daniele 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of adding a fasting‐mimicking diet to a structured psychotherapy protocol for treating depression.DesignOf 20 patients with depression, 10 were randomly assigned to psychotherapy and dieting (i.e., experimental group) and the other 10 to psychotherapy only (i.e., control group). Patients in both groups received 20 individual sessions of functional therapy along with nutrition consultation. Patients in the control group were instructed to maintain their usual daily diets.ResultsBoth treatments were effective in reducing depression as well as increasing self‐esteem and quality of life. The experimental group showed improved self‐esteem and psychological quality of life as well as a reduction in their mean body mass index, in comparison to the control group.ConclusionsThe study revealed initial evidence of the efficacy of combining psychotherapy with a fasting‐mimicking diet to treat depression and its correlates.
miRNAs, oxidative stress, and cancer: A comprehensive and updated review
Authors: Ebrahimi Seyed Omar , Reiisi Somayeh , Shareef Salar 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOxidative stress refers to elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS homeostasis functions as a signaling pathway for normal cell survival and appropriate cell signaling. Chronic inflammation induced by imbalanced levels of ROS contributes to many diseases and different types of cancer. ROS can alter the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes through epigenetic modifications, transcription factors, and non‐coding RNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that play a key role in most biological pathways. Each miRNA regulates hundreds of target genes by inhibiting protein translation and/or promoting messenger RNA degradation. In normal conditions, miRNAs play a physiological role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, different factors that can dysregulate cell signaling and cellular homeostasis can also affect miRNA expression. The alteration of miRNA expression can work against disturbing factors or mediate their effects. Oxidative stress is one of these factors. Considering the complex interplay between ROS level and miRNA regulation and both of these with cancer development, we review the role of miRNAs in cancer, focusing on their function in oxidative stress.