bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel LC‐MS/MS Assay for Quantification of Des‐carboxy Prothrombin and Characterization of Warfarin‐Induced Changes
Authors: Basit Abdul , Prasad Bhagwat , Estergreen Joanne K. , Sabath Daniel E. , Alade Nathan , Veenstra David L. , Rettie Allan E. , Thummel Kenneth E. 
Published: January 2020

Warfarin is a narrow therapeutic index anticoagulant drug and its use is associated with infrequent but significant adverse bleeding events. The international normalized ratio (INR) is the most commonly used biomarker to monitor and titrate warfarin therapy. However, INR is derived from a functional assay, which determines clotting efficiency at the time of measurement and is susceptible to technical variability. Protein induced by vitamin K antagonist‐II (PIVKA‐II) has been suggested as a biomarker of long‐term vitamin K status, providing mechanistic insights about variation in the functional assay. However, the currently available antibody‐based PIVKA‐II assay does not inform on the position and number of des‐carboxylation sites in prothrombin. The assay presented in this paper provides simultaneous quantification of carboxy and des‐carboxy prothrombin that are essential for monitoring early changes in INR and, thus, serves as the superior tool for managing warfarin therapy. Additionally, this assay permits the quantification of total prothrombin level, which is affected by warfarin treatment. Prothrombin recovery from plasma was 95% and the liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay was linear (r2 = 0.98) with a dynamic range of 1–100 µg/mL. The assay interday precision was within 20%. A des‐carboxy peptide of prothrombin (GNLER) was negatively correlated with active prothrombin (Pearson r = 0.99, P < 0.0001), whereas its association was positively linked with INR values (Pearson r = 0.75, P < 0.015). This novel LC‐MS/MS assay for active and inactive prothrombin quantification can be applied to titrate anticoagulant therapy and to monitor the impact of diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma on clotting physiology.
Processing technologies for sealing glasses and glass‐ceramics
Authors: de Pablos‐Martín Araceli , Rodríguez‐López Sonia , Pascual Maria J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper embraces two different approaches for the joining of materials through glass sealants. First, the conventional method of furnace sealing in which paste technology is normally employed. The glass sealant is applied in powder form mixed with agglomerant and with the help of dispenser robots, tape casting, or screen printing. Glass‐ceramics for sealing of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are described as an example of this type of processing. Glass composition, thermal properties, particle size of the glass powder, sintering and crystallization competition, and final crystalline phases together with a suitable chemical compatibility with the metallic and ceramic elements to be sealed need to be carefully adjusted for this specific application. Second, laser welding is presented as an alternative sealing technology. A general overview about laser welding through glass sealants is presented. Particularly, the welding of sapphire and fused silica glass through a BTS.2SiO2 thin film glass sealant by employment of a nanosecond‐pulsed laser is detailed. Laser parameters (frequency, power, scan speed, and number of passes) were optimized to get the best molten conditions of the BTS thin film, while allowing its crystallization. BTS crystallization upon laser welding leads to a strong blue emission upon UV excitation. Finally, both processing technologies were compared.
Urgent engagement in 9/11 pregnant widows and their infants: Transmission of trauma
Authors: Beebe Beatrice , Hoven Christina W. , Kaitz Marsha , Steele Miriam , Musa George , Margolis Amy , Ewing Julie , Sossin K. Mark , Lee Sang Han 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe potential effects of maternal trauma on mother–infant interaction remain insufficiently studied empirically. This study examined the effects of the September 11, 2001, trauma on mother–infant interaction in mothers who were pregnant and widowed on 9/11, and their infants aged 4–6 months. Split‐screen videotaped interaction was coded on a one‐second basis for infant gaze, facial affect, and vocal affect; and mother gaze, facial affect, and touch. We examined the temporal dynamics of communication: self‐contingency and interactive contingency of behavior by time‐series methods. We documented heightened maternal and infant efforts at engagement in the 9/11 (vs. control) dyads. Both partners had difficulty tolerating moments of looking away as well as moments of negative behavior patterns. Heightened efforts to maintain a positive visual engagement may be adaptive and a potential source of resilience, but these patterns may also carry risk: working too hard to make it work. A vigilant, hyper‐contingent, high‐arousal engagement was the central mode of the interpersonal transmission of the trauma to these infants, with implications for intervention.
A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed‐dose combination of amlodipine/rosuvastatin in patients with dyslipidemia and hypertension
Authors: Kim Woohyeun , Chang Kiyuk , Cho Eun Joo , Ahn Jeong‐Cheon , Yu Cheol Woong , Cho Kyoung‐Im , Kim Yong‐Jin , Kang Duk‐Hyun , Kim Seok‐Yeon , Lee Sang‐Hak , Kim Ung , Kim Shin‐Jae , Ahn Young Keun , Lee Chang Hoon , Shin Jin Ho , Kim Mikyung , Park Chang Gyu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group phase III clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a rosuvastatin + amlodipine combination compared with that of rosuvastatin or amlodipine monotherapy in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia. A total of 106 patients of 15 institutions in Korea were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: rosuvastatin 20 mg + amlodipine 10 mg, amlodipine 10 mg, or rosuvastatin 20 mg. After 8 weeks of treatment, the mean ± SD of change in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) was −22.82 ± 12.99 mm Hg in the rosuvastatin + amlodipine group, the most decreased among the treatment groups. The percentage of patients whose msSBP decreased ≥20 mm Hg or msDBP decreased ≥10 mm Hg was also highest in this group (74.29%). The mean ± SD percentage change in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) level from baseline after 8 weeks was −52.53% ± 11.21% in the rosuvastatin + amlodipine group, the most decreased among the treatment groups. More patients in the rosuvastatin + amlodipine group achieved their target LDL‐C goal at 8 weeks, compared with the other treatment groups (97.14%). No serious adverse events or adverse drug reactions were observed in all groups. In hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia, combination treatment with rosuvastatin 20 mg + amlodipine 10 mg effectively reduced blood pressure and LDL‐C levels while maintaining safety.
Acute in‐hospital blood pressure variability predicts early neurological deterioration in acute minor stroke or transient ischemic attack with steno‐occlusive arterial disease
Authors: Duan Zuowei , Tao Lihong , Yang Ming , Gong Kaizheng , Tang Tieyu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIt is generally known that acute minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) seem to be benign. However, their occurrence in patients with steno‐occlusive arterial disease may result in early neurological deterioration (END). We aimed to elucidate the effect of blood pressure variability (BPV) on the development of END. Consecutive acute minor stroke and TIA patients within 24 hours of onset were prospectively recruited from the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University between Aug 2015 and Feb 2019. END was defined as an NIHSS score increased ≥1 during the first 72 hours compared with the initial NIHSS score. During this period, the mean, maximum (max), the difference between the maximum and minimum (max‐min), the SD, and coefficient of variation of BP (BPCV) were calculated. Of the 160 total patients enrolled in the study (mean age, 68.01 ± 9.33 years; 50.6% female), 52 (32.5%) patients occurred END during the first 72h after admission. To express the BPV as a categorical variable, we classified the subjects into one of four groups, representing four quartiles of BPV. In the multivariable analyses, the lowest quartiles were considered as reference groups. The results showed that patients who fell in the fourth quartile (SBPmax‐min:OR = 3.289, 95% CI 1.147‐9.430; SBPSD:OR = 3.313, 95% CI 1.041‐10.547; SBPCV:OR = 3.425, 95% CI 1.164‐10.077; DBPSD:OR = 3.124, 95% CI 1.065‐9.158) had a significantly higher risk of END after adjusting the variables (age, female, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and CRP with P values <.1 in univariate analyses). Our study demonstrated that the acute in‐hospital BPV was associated with the development of END in acute minor stroke and TIA with steno‐occlusive arterial disease.
The impact of changes in population blood pressure on hypertension prevalence and control in China
Authors: Fan Wei‐guo , Xie Feng , Wan Yi‐rong , Campbell Norm R. C. , Su Hai 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn China, there are approximately 250 million adults who have hypertension with low rates of awareness, treatment and control. Changes in lifestyles at a population level have the potential to enhance or deteriorate the prevention and control of hypertension. We used data from a regional hypertension survey to examine the impact of 2/1 mm Hg decreases or increases in population blood pressure on hypertension prevalence, and rates of unawareness of the hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and control. The primary analysis was based on the average blood pressure of respondents from three visits and a diagnostic threshold of 140/90 mm Hg for hypertension. Secondary analyses examined average blood pressure from the first survey visit and also a diagnostic threshold of 130/80 mm Hg for hypertension. The baseline hypertension prevalence was 33.4%, and rates of unawareness of the hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and control were 74.2%, 25.8%, and 9.7%, respectively. Decreases or increases in blood pressure by 10/5 mm Hg resulted in changes in hypertension prevalence (22.1% vs 53.4%) and rates of unawareness of the diagnosis (60.9% vs 83.8%), treatment (39.1% vs 16.2%), and control (21.2% vs 3.6%), respectively. Similar trends were seen in the secondary analyses. Population changes in lifestyle could have a very large impact on the prevalence and control of hypertension in China. The results support implementation of programs to improve population lifestyles while implementing health services policies to enhance the clinical management of hypertension.
Labyrinthula diatomea n. sp.—A Labyrinthulid Associated with Marine Diatoms
Authors: Popova Olga V. , Belevich Tatyana A. , Golyshev Sergey A. , Kireev Igor I. , Aleoshin Vladimir V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLabyrinthulomycetes are mostly fungus‐like heterotrophic protists that absorb nutrients in an osmotrophic or phagotrophic manner. Members of order Labyrinthulida produce unique membrane‐bound ectoplasmic networks for movement and feeding. Among the various types of labyrinthulids’ food substrates, diatoms play an important role due to their ubiquitous distribution and abundant biomass. We isolated and cultivated new diatom consuming Labyrinthulida strains from shallow coastal marine sediments. We described Labyrinthula diatomea n. sp. that differs from all known labyrinthulids in both molecular and morphological features. We provided strain delimitation within the genus Labyrinthula based on ITS sequences via haplotype network construction and compared it with previous phylogenetic surveys.
The opioid peptide dynorphin suppresses pituitary‐ovary axis in the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Vijayalaxmi  , Ganesh C.B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe opioid peptides are involved in the regulation of neuroendocrine functions in vertebrates. Nonetheless, the influence of an opioid peptide, dynorphin A (DYN), on reproduction in fish is understudied. The aim of this work was to study the influence of DYN on the pituitary‐ovary axis in Oreochromis mossambicus. Daily injections (ip) of 250 μg DYN kg−1 body weight for 22 days during the ovarian cycle caused a reduction in the intensity and the per cent area of luteinizing hormone (LH) immunoreactive content in the proximal pars distalis region of the pituitary gland compared with an intense immunostaining in time‐matched controls. In the ovary, DYN treatment caused a decrease in the number of stage I (previtellogenic) follicles compared with time‐matched controls. No difference was observed in the number of stage IV (vitellogenic) follicles among different experimental groups, whereas the numbers of stage II and stage III follicles (previtellogenic) were higher in DYN‐treated fish than in time‐matched controls. Nonetheless, there was a reduction in the number of stage V (preovulatory) follicles in DYN‐treated fish compared with time‐matched controls. Taken together, these results indicate that DYN exerts an inhibitory effect on follicular recruitment at the late vitellogenic stage, through the suppression of LH secretion in fish.
Effect of high hydrostatic pressure processing on textural properties and microstructural characterization of fresh‐cut pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)
Authors: Hu Xinna , Ma Tao , Ao Le , Kang Huan , Hu Xiaosong , Song Yi , Liao Xiaojun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHigh hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing is a burgeoning nonthermal sterilization technology has been industrialized in foreign countries. The purpose of this research was to investigate HHP (100–600 MPa/2 min)‐induced texture and cell microstructural changes of fresh‐cut pumpkins compared with untreated and heated samples. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by texture profile analysis and combinational microscopy techniques, including transmission electron microscope (TEM) and confocal imaging. The results showed that the texture of pumpkin was jointly influenced by HHP‐triggered alterations in pectin characteristics, membrane completeness, and morphology of tissue. Samples subjected to HHP treatment could better maintain original histology properties than heated ones based on color parameter, hardness, relative electrical conductance, and degree of pectin esterification, among which moderate pressure (300–400 MPa) exerted more positive effects. Our findings provide theoretical guidance for the correlative application of HHP and promote further investigation on food varieties.Practical ApplicationsHHP processing is a commercially implemented technology being used in vegetable‐based products. As an important factor highly correlated with freshness, texture alterations induced by processing are an industrial issue of great concern. This work provides new evidence on the softening mechanism comprehensively with respect to pectin, membrane, and morphology of tissue. The application of our current findings could be applied in other temperature‐sensitive food substrates and make it possible to produce products of high quality in mild temperature.
The influence of extrusion process with a minimal addition of corn meal on selected properties of fruit pomaces
Authors: Witczak Teresa , Stępień Anna , Zięba Tomasz , Gumul Dorota , Witczak Mariusz 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the extrusion process on nutritional composition, anthocyanin content, as well as sorption, and the other physical characteristics of cherry and black currant pomaces. Physical properties (expansion ratio, bulk density, and water absorption solubility index) were evaluated. The equilibrium moisture content values as a function of the water activity were determined as sorption isotherms by three mathematical models. The effect of extrusion on the chemical composition and anthocyanin content was analyzed. It was found that the extrusion process increased water solubility index and decreased anthocyanin and dietary fiber content values. All obtained isotherms showed sigmoid shape. In both fruit pomaces, equilibrium moisture content values were lower in extrudates than in the raw pomaces. Obtained results can be used in order to find new possible applications of the main by‐product from the juice pressing process. Presented results can also be useful in: creating and optimizing quality of new food products, determining their stability during storage, and extending shelf life.Practical applicationsThe obtained results proved the great potential of the extrusion process as one of the options for managing fruit waste. They indicate that it is possible to utilize by‐products obtained in the fruit processing process on industrial scale. The presented results can also be used in the design of new food products using fruit pomace as a source of nutrients.
Star Ratings and the Incentives of Mutual Funds
Authors: HUANG CHONG , LI FEI , WENG XI 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTWe propose a theory of reputation to explain how investors rationally respond to mutual fund star ratings. A fund's performance is determined by its information advantage, which can be acquired but decays stochastically. Investors form beliefs about whether the fund is informed based on its past performance. We refer to such beliefs as fund reputation, which determines fund flows. As performance changes continuously, equilibrium fund reputation may take discrete values only and thus can be labeled with stars. Star upgrades thus imply reputation jumps, leading to discrete increases in flows and expected performance, although stars do not provide new information.
Assessing the response of sandy‐beach macrobenthos to recreation and the ecological status of the beach ecosystem at Liandao, China
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Zou Xinqing , Zhong Chongqing , Yu Wenwen , Li Yali , Wang Teng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSandy beaches, prime recreational assets that attract more people than other types of shorelines, are the main assets underpinning many coastal economies and developments. However, the intense stressors to the ecology of sandy beaches caused by recreational activities are generally underestimated or ignored. This study was the first to emphasize the ecological characteristics of recreational beaches in China and assess the response of macrobenthos at Liandao Beach, a typical sandy beach in the central part of China. Using the Before/During/After/Control/Impact (BDACI) method, differences in multiple variables (species richness, mean density, diversity) between a heavily recreationally impacted transect (TrH/Impact) and a less‐impacted transect (TrL/Control) in different impact periods (Before, During & After) were applied to assess the response of sandy‐beach macrobenthos to recreation and tourism. Meanwhile, a comparison between the macrobenthos conditions of the studied beach and reference conditions calculating from historical data of similar beaches with little recreation and tourism disturbances was carried out. Furthermore, the quality control chart approach was used to detect in detail the macrobenthos stable state and yearly response to recreational activities. The results showed that recreation and tourism posed a serious threat to the beach ecosystem; macrobenthos on the studied beach were seriously disturbed by recreational activities, and their variations were highly negatively related to the human recreational level. After monthly recreational impacts, the macrobenthos decreased sharply and recovered with difficulty during 1 year. Over the long‐term, the macrobenthos had a sharp decreasing trend, which indicated that the ecological environment of the beach was highly disturbed. Conservation measures for recreational beaches are very challenging because of the economic value and popularity of sandy beaches as recreational sites. However, practicable conservation measures could be implemented that prevent or slow ecological degradation. A number of management and conservation suggestions are put forward, such as the establishment of the ecological carrying capacity of Liandao Beach in terms of direct recreational use, creation of themed exhibitions related to the beach macrobenthos and beach ecosystem and dissemination of this knowledge to visitors, implementation of spatial zoning of beach use, visitor management and environmental education.
Ephrin‐B2 signaling in the spinal cord as a player in post‐inflammatory and stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Theofanous Stavroula A. , Florens Morgane V. , Appeltans Iris , Denadai Souza Alexandre , Wood John N. , Wouters Mira M. , Boeckxstaens Guy E. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundEphrin‐B2/EphB receptor signaling contributes to persistent pain states such as postinflammatory and neuropathic pain. Visceral hypersensitivity (VHS) is a major mechanism underlying abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in remission, but the underlying pathophysiology remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the spinal ephrin‐B2/EphB pathway in VHS in 2 murine models of VHS, that is, postinflammatory TNBS colitis and maternal separation (MS).MethodsWild‐type (WT) mice and mice lacking ephrin‐B2 in Nav1.8 nociceptive neurons (cKO) were studied. VHS was induced by: 1. intracolonic instillation of TNBS or 2. water avoidance stress (WAS) in mice that underwent maternal separation (MS). VHS was assessed by quantifying the visceromotor response (VMRs) during colorectal distention. Colonic tissue and spinal cord were collected for histology, gene, and protein expression evaluation.Key ResultsIn WT mice, but not cKO mice, TNBS induced VHS at day 14 after instillation, which returned to baseline perception from day 28 onwards. In MS WT mice, WAS induced VHS for up to 4 weeks. In cKO however, visceral pain perception returned to basal level by week 4. The development of VHS in WT mice was associated with significant upregulation of spinal ephrin‐B2 and EphB1 mRNA expression or protein levels in the TNBS model and upregulation of spinal ephrin‐B2 protein in the MS model. No changes were observed in cKO mice. VHS was not associated with persistent intestinal inflammation.Conclusions and InferencesOverall, our data indicate that the ephrin‐B2/EphB1 spinal signaling pathway is involved in VHS and may represent a novel therapeutic target.