bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of arrowroot flour fermented by kefir grains
Authors: de Souza Beatriz Lourdes , Magalhães‐Guedes Karina Teixeira , Lemos Paulo Vitor França , Maciel Leonardo Fonseca , Dias Disney Ribeiro , Druzian Janice Izabel , Schwan Rosane Freitas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe present study aims to produce arrowroot flour fermented by kefir grains, in addition to assessing the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological characteristics. Fermented arrowroot flour was produced at room temperature (approximately 25 to 28 °C). Fermentation was conducted in batch (6 kg of the substrate and 10% of kefir grains were added with homogenization every 3 hr). Samples were evaluated every 12 hr for both fermentation processes (fermentation process 1: 24 hr and fermentation process 2: 48 hr). The flours were evaluated for physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological qualities, using a completely randomized design, considering only the variation in the duration of both fermentation processes (from 24 to 48 hr). The fermentation process positively modified the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbial characteristics of the flours. An increase in antioxidant activity (IC50: control flour [CF] = 18.9 ± 0.13; arrowroot kefir flour [24 hr of fermentation; AKF1] = 15.36 ± 0.14; and arrowroot kefir flour [48 hr of fermentation; AKF2] = 13.84 ± 0.15), protein percentage (CF = 3.08 ± 0.12; AKF1 = 4.87 ± 0.33; and AKF2 = 6.00 ± 0.07), and organic acid (lactic, acetic, and propionic acids) production was observed, as well as modification in color (browning), the conformation of starch structures, and carbohydrate reduction. These results suggested that the “arrowroot kefir flours” open a new perspective for introduction in the market as a new product that can be used as food in nature or food ingredient for making bread, biscuits, pasta, and others, showing microbiological safety and functions properties.Practical ApplicationThe fermented flours present improved nutritional characteristics due to the fermentation process, such as higher antioxidant activity and protein levels. Regarding the population growth and societal demand for healthier food, one possibility is to provide a fermented flour with added nutritional value and raise knowledge about the arrowroot. Thus, these flours can be used in various food items or as an ingredient in food preparations for consumers that desire a healthy diet.
Metabolic dysfunction in human skin: Restoration of mitochondrial integrity and metabolic output by nicotinamide (niacinamide) in primary dermal fibroblasts from older aged donors
Authors: Oblong John E. , Bowman Amy , Rovito Holly A. , Jarrold Bradley B. , Sherrill Joseph D. , Black Markaisa R. , Nelson Glyn , Kimball Alexa B. , Birch‐Machin Mark A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlterations in metabolism in skin are accelerated by environmental stressors such as solar radiation, leading to premature aging. The impact of aging on mitochondria is of interest given their critical role for metabolic output and the finding that environmental stressors cause lowered energy output, particularly in fibroblasts where damage accumulates. To better understand these metabolic changes with aging, we performed an in‐depth profiling of the expression patterns of dermal genes in face, forearm, and buttock biopsies from females of 20–70 years of age that encode for all subunits comprising complexes I‐V of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This complements previous preliminary analyses of these changes. “Oxidative phosphorylation” was the top canonical pathway associated with aging in the face, and genes encoding for numerous subunits had decreased expression patterns with age. Investigations on fibroblasts from older aged donors also showed decreased gene expression of numerous subunits from complexes I‐V, oxidative phosphorylation rates, spare respiratory capacity, and mitochondrial number and membrane potential compared to younger cells. Treatment of older fibroblasts with nicotinamide (Nam) restored these measures to younger cell levels. Nam increased complexes I, IV, and V activity and gene expression of representative subunits. Elevated mt‐Keima staining suggests a possible mechanism of action for these restorative effects via mitophagy. Nam also improved mitochondrial number and membrane potential in younger fibroblasts. These findings show there are significant changes in mitochondrial functionality with aging and that Nam treatment can restore bioenergetic efficiency and capacity in older fibroblasts with an amplifying effect in younger cells.
Rapid Administration of Methoxyflurane to Patients in the Emergency Department (RAMPED) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Methoxyflurane Versus Standard Care
Authors: Brichko Lisa , Gaddam Ravali , Roman Cristina , O’Reilly Gerard , Luckhoff Carl , Jennings Paul , Smit De Villiers , Cameron Peter , Mitra Biswadev 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of methoxyflurane versus standard care for the initial management of severe pain among adult emergency department (ED) patients.MethodsThis randomized parallel‐group open‐label phase IV trial of methoxyflurane was conducted in a tertiary hospital ED setting in Australia. Inclusion criteria required adult patients to have an initial pain score ≥ 8 on the 11‐point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either inhaled methoxyflurane (3 mL) or standard analgesic treatment at ED triage. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving clinically substantial pain reduction, defined as a ≥50% drop in the pain score at 30 minutes. Secondary outcomes included the pain score at multiple time points (15, 30, 60, 90 minutes) and the difference in the proportion of patients achieving a >2‐point reduction on the NRS.ResultsThere were 120 patients randomized and analyzed between September 4, 2019, and January 16, 2020. The primary outcome was achieved in six (10%) patients in the methoxyflurane arm and three (5%) in the standard care arm (p = 0.49). A higher proportion of patients in the methoxyflurane arm reported a >2‐point drop on the NRS at all time points (17% vs. 5% at 15 minutes, 25% vs. 9% at 30 minutes, 30% vs. 10% at 60 minutes, and 33% vs. 13% at 90 minutes). Methoxyflurane use was also associated with lower median pain scores at all time points.ConclusionInitial management with inhaled methoxyflurane in the ED did not achieve the prespecified substantial reduction in pain, but was associated with clinically significant lower pain scores compared to standard therapy.
A stochastic dominance approach to program evaluation with an application to child nutritional status in Kenya
Authors: Naschold Felix , Barrett Christopher B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMost existing program evaluation methods examine the average impact of a program. This necessarily overlooks the potential for different program impacts over different parts of the distribution of the variable of interest. To overcome this limitation, we develop a novel methodology for program evaluation which combines stochastic dominance with difference‐in‐differences methods. We use this new method to evaluate the impact of a large decentralization program in Kenya on changes in child nutritional status, where one's primary concern is about sharp adverse (i.e., negative) changes. Using standard difference‐in‐differences regression as a baseline, we find , no statistically or practically significant mean impact. In contrast, our stochastic dominance estimations reveal that project expenditures have had different impacts on different parts of the distribution. In particular, they are associated with less deterioration in children's nutritional status among the worst‐off children, indicating that the program effectively functions as a nutritional safety net.
Circulating lipidomic alterations in obese and non‐obese subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jung Youngae , Lee Min Kyung , Puri Puneet , Koo Bo Kyung , Joo Sae Kyung , Jang Seo Young , Lee Dong Hyeon , Jung Yong Jin , Kim Byeong Gwan , Lee Kook Lae , Park Tae‐Sik , Kang Ki‐Tae , Ryu Do Hyun , Kang Sang Won , Kim Donghee , Oh Sohee , Kim Won , Hwang Geum‐Sook 
Published: September 2020

SummaryBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects obese and non‐obese individuals. However, mechanisms underlying non‐obese non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remain unclear.AimsTo attempt to identify metabolic perturbations associated with non‐obese and obese NAFLD using a lipidomics approach.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of 361 subjects with biopsy‐proven NAFLD (157 NAFL and 138 NASH) and healthy controls (n = 66) was performed. Individuals were categorised as obese or non‐obese based on the Asian cut‐off for body mass index. Circulating lipidomic profiling of sera was performed based on the histological severity of NAFLD. Circulating lipidomic alterations were validated with an independent validation set (154 NAFLD subjects [93 NAFL and 61 NASH] and 21 healthy controls).ResultsSaturated sphingomyelin (SM) species were significantly associated with visceral adiposity in non‐obese NAFLD (SM d38:0; P < 0.001) but not in obese NAFLD. Additionally, SM levels were significantly associated with systemic and adipose tissue insulin resistance (SM d38:0; P = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). Five potential lipid metabolites for non‐obese subjects and seven potential lipids for obese subjects were selected to predict NAFLD and NASH. These lipid combinations showed good diagnostic performance for non‐obese (area under the curve [AUC] for NAFLD/NASH = 0.916/0.813) and obese (AUC for NAFLD/NASH = 0.967/0.812) subjects. Moreover, distinctly altered patterns of diacylglycerol (DAG), triacylglycerol (TAG) and SM levels were confirmed in the validation set depending on the histological severity of NAFLD.ConclusionNon‐obese and obese NAFLD subjects exhibit unique circulating lipidomic signatures, including DAGs, TAGs and SMs. These lipid combinations may be useful biomarkers for non‐obese and obese NAFLD patients.
Cohort study on adverse drug reactions in adults admitted to the medical wards of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria: Prevalence, incidence, risk factors and fatality
Authors: Adedapo Aduragbenro D.A. , Adedeji Waheed A. , Adedapo Ifetoluwanimi A. , Adedapo Kayode S. 
Published: September 2020

AimsIntensive monitoring of medical patients for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to assess prevalence, incidence, risk factors and fatality of ADRs leading to hospital admission or occurring in the hospital.MethodsProspective cohort study on 1280 adult patients admitted to the medical wards of a tertiary institution over 12 months. Patients were assessed for ADRs during and throughout admission; causality and preventability of ADRs were assessed.ResultsSixty‐seven (5.2%) patients had ADRs, 51 (3.9%) caused hospitalisation while 17(1.3%) occurred during hospitalisation, and 42 (62.7%) of total ADRs were preventable. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, 14 (20.3%), antidiabetics, 12 (17.4%) and antibacterial, 11 (15.8%) were the most implicated drug classes. Gastrointestinal tract (37%), central nervous system (30.2%), and skin (24.7%) were the most affected organ/systems, while upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hypoglycaemia were the most observed ADRs. ADRs led to deaths in 7 (10.4%) patients, with an overall case fatality rate of 0.5%. The highest number of deaths were among patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome 2/7 (28.6%) and hepatotoxicity 2/7 (28.6%). Risk factors, adjusted odds ratio (AOR [95% confidence interval, CI]) for ADRs leading to hospitalisation was male sex 3.11 (1.11, 8.73) while for ADRs during hospitalisation were number of drugs used before admission (AOR [95% CI] = 6.67 [1.16, 38.47]) and comorbidities (AOR [95% CI] = 3.0 [1.13, 8.01]). Patients admitted with ADRs had prolonged hospital stay (AOR [95% CI] = 3.37 [1.11, 8.71]).ConclusionPreventable ADRs are common and important causes of hospitalisation and inpatients' morbidity and mortality among medical patients in Nigeria. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hypoglycaemia, resulting from nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and antidiabetic drugs were the most observed ADRs.
A novel GPCR target in correlation with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer drug discovery
Authors: Tian Jing‐Yan , Chi Chang‐Liang , Bian Ge , Guo Feng‐Jun , Wang Xiao‐Qing , Yu Bing 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMost prostate carcinomas require androgen stimulation to grow, and for nearly 70 years, androgen ablation therapy has been one of the central therapeutic strategies against advanced prostate cancer. Although most tumours initially respond to this therapy, some will be acquired resistant and progress to metastatic castration‐resistant (mCRPC) disease which clinically tends to progress more rapidly than earlier disease manifestations. The underlying molecular biology of mCRPC is highly complex, and numerous mechanisms have been proposed that promote and retain androgen independence. In various clinical and preclinical data explored, the nature of intracellular signalling pathways mediating mitogenic acquired resistant effects of GPCRs in prostate cancer is poorly defined. G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) contributes to the modulation of basic cellular functions—such as cell proliferation, survival or motility—and is involved in metabolic homeostasis, inflammation or angiogenic processes. Moreover, altered GRK2 levels are starting to be reported in different tumoural contexts and shown to promote breast tumourigenesis or to trigger the tumoural angiogenic switch. Thus, we are exploring recent findings that present unexpected opportunities to interfere with major tumourigenic signals by manipulating GPCR‐mediated pathways.
Impact of prolonged nicotine administration on myocardial function and susceptibility to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Ramalingam Anand , Mohd Fauzi Norsyahida , Budin Siti Balkis , Zainalabidin Satirah 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study investigated the impact of prolonged nicotine administration on myocardial susceptibility to ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury in a rat model and determined whether nicotine affects mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and permeability transition in rat hearts. Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered 0.6 or 1.2 mg/kg nicotine for 28 days, and their hearts were isolated at end‐point for assessment of myocardial susceptibility to I/R injury ex vivo. Rat heart mitochondria were also isolated from a subset of rats for analysis of mitochondrial ROS production and permeability transition. Compared to the vehicle controls, rat hearts isolated from nicotine‐administered rats exhibited poorer left ventricular function that worsened over the course of I/R. Coronary flow rate was also severely impaired in the nicotine groups at baseline and this worsened after I/R. Nicotine administration significantly increased mitochondrial ROS production and permeability transition relative to the vehicle controls. Interestingly, pre‐incubation of isolated mitochondria with ROS scavengers (superoxide dismutase and mitoTEMPO) significantly abolished nicotine‐induced increase in mitochondria permeability transition in isolated rat heart mitochondria. Overall, our data showed that prolonged nicotine administration enhances myocardial susceptibility to I/R injury in rats and this is associated with mitochondrial ROS‐driven increase in mitochondrial permeability transition.
Changes in treatment landscape of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and their association with mortality: Insights from German claims database
Authors: Scheid Christof , Blau Igor W. , Sellner Leopold , Ratsch Boris A. , Basic Edin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesEmerging treatments for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) have led to increasing options for many patients. This study aimed to assess changes in utilization of these options in Germany with a focus on modern triplet regimens including new agents, such as carfilzomib, ixazomib, elotuzumab and daratumumab, and to evaluate whether this had an impact on rrMM‐related outcomes over time.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1255 rrMM patients who were assigned to one of the following 6 treatment groups: immunomodulatory drug (IMiD)‐based doublets, proteasome inhibitor (PI)‐based doublets, daratumumab monotherapy, PI‐IMiD‐based triplets, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)‐based triplets, or other treatment.ResultsUse of triplet‐based therapy regimens increased from 5.9% in 2014 to 31.4% in 2017. In parallel, use of IMiD‐based doublets decreased from 74.3% in 2014 to 37.6% in 2017. Over the same time period, the risk of death decreased by 32% and the risk of hospitalization which was reduced by 30%. The risk for serious adverse events remained unchanged.ConclusionsBetween 2014 and 2017, the use of triplet‐based therapy regimens for rrMM in Germany has significantly increased and this was associated with a significant decline in deaths and hospitalizations without an increased incidence of serious adverse events.
Sorption hysteresis on soils and sediments: Using single‐point desorption isotherms to obtain characteristic free energy values
Authors: Borisover Mikhail 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSorption–desorption hysteresis (SDH) may control distributions of chemicals across diverse environmental phases, including soils and sediments. Formation of metastable states caused by pore deformation or inelastic swelling of a sorbent and their persistence during desorption have been considered in the literature as one reason for “true” SDH. Such metastable states may lead to the lack of closure of the sorption–desorption loop at non‐zero sorbate concentrations, a phenomenon often noted in soil and environmental literature. SDH has often been characterized using single‐point desorption isotherms (DIs) that combine sorbed states reached during single desorption steps started from different points along a sorption isotherm (SI). This work aimed to demonstrate how single‐point DIs could be used to characterize SDH in the liquid phase in terms of the Gibbs free energy accumulated in some non‐relaxed sorbed states belonging to a DI, as compared with the states of the same composition (sorbed concentration) belonging to an SI. Based on the literature data on SIs and single‐point DIs of pesticides and some hydrocarbons on soils, artificial soils, minerals and sediments, these quantities of extra free energy were determined and their changes in the selected sorbate‐sorbent systems were examined. When the extent of SDH decreases with increasing solute concentration, these additional free energies decrease. They may remain constant or even increase, suggesting, in the latter case, that more work is needed to perturb a sorbent structure at higher sorbed concentrations. Magnitudes of calculated extra free energies may be helpful in examining whether irreversible pore deformation in a sorbent and formation of metastable states are the reasons for SDH. This paper proposes a novel approach for quantifying liquid‐phase SDH in cases in which a thermodynamic justification is sought. It advances the ability to predict the fate of chemicals in typical soil/sediment environments.Highlights
Desorption from soils and sediments to solutions may be hysteretic due to formed metastable states
Hysteresis is quantified in terms of excessive free energies of metastable states
Extra free energies are sorbate‐ and sorbent‐dependent, varying across sorption isotherms
Single‐point desorption isotherms allow quantification of the free energy excess in metastable states
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Subdural Collection in a Comatose Patient: Do Not Forget Intracranial Hypotension. A Case Report
Authors: Paris Diane , Rousset David , Bonneville Fabrice , Fabre Nelly , Faguer Stanislas , Huguet‐Rigal Françoise , Larcher Claire , Martin Charlotte , Osinski Diane , Gaussiat François , Delamarre Louis , Brauge David , Fourcade Olivier , Geeraerts Thomas , Mrozek Ségolène 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe typical sign of intracranial hypotension (IH) is postural headache. However, IH can be associated with a large diversity of clinical or radiological signs leading to difficult diagnosis especially in case of coma. The association of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and subdural hemorrhage is rare but should suggest the diagnosis of IH.MethodsCase report.Case DescriptionWe report here a case of comatose patient due to spontaneous IH complicated by CVT and subdural hemorrhage. The correct diagnosis was delayed due to many confounding factors. IH was suspected after subdural hemorrhage recurrence and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After 2 epidural patches with colloid, favorable outcome was observed.DiscussionThe most common presentation of IH is postural orthostatic headaches. In the present case report, the major clinical signs were worsening of consciousness and coma, which are a rare presentation. Diagnosis of IH is based on the association of clinical history, evocative symptomatology, and cerebral imaging. CVT occurs in 1‐2% of IH cases and the association between IH, CVT, and subdural hemorrhage is rare. MRI is probably the key imaging examination. In the present case, epidural patch was performed after confounding factors for coma had been treated. Benefit of anticoagulation had to be balanced in this case with potential hemorrhagic complications, especially within the brain.ConclusionAssociation of CVT and subdural hemorrhage should lead to suspect IH. Brain imaging can help and find specific signs of IH.
The ‘nuts and bolts’ of including service users and carers in the recruitment of health and social work students in an English university—An interdisciplinary critique
Authors: Unwin Peter , Rooney Joy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe literature regarding inclusion of service users and carers (SUACs) in the recruitment processes for future health and social work professionals has primarily presented such inclusion as positive for all. This study is novel in its exploration of the detail of SUACs' involvement and in its reach across a whole university department of health and social care disciplines.ObjectiveTo examine the detail of ways in which SUACs were actually involved in student selection and whether they have any real influence on recruitment decisions.MethodThis co‐produced study took place in an English university. A qualitative, semi‐structured interviewing approach was undertaken with 12 staff across social work, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, paramedicine and physician associate disciplines. Thematic analysis was employed independently with both researchers agreeing resultant themes.FindingsA range of recruitment activities which included SUACs were found, evidencing both full and partial involvement in decision making. Nine themes emerged—The quality of SUACs' inclusion; Understanding reasons for including SUACs; SUACs being more knowledgeable than academic staff; SUACs influencing final decisions; The high expectations of candidates by SUACs; SUACs' need for training; Marketization and scepticism; and Logistics and the presumption of ableism.ConclusionsTransparent protocols are essential if SUACs are to be equitably included in student recruitment processes. A shared model of SUACs' inclusion should be attainable across disciplines, even if the ‘nuts and bolts’ of recruitment processes vary.Patient or Public ContributionThis work was co‐produced with a SUACs' group from conception and design through to fieldwork and write‐up.