bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between common genetic variants in microRNAs and Hirschsprung disease susceptibility in Southern Chinese children
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhao Jinglu , Zheng Yi , Xie Xiaoli , He Qiuming , Zhu Yun , Wang Ning , Huang Lihua , Lu Lifeng , Hu Tuqun , Zeng Jixiao , Xia Huimin , Zhang Yan , Zhong Wei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionHirschsprung disease (HSCR), characterized by the defective migration of enteric neural crest cells, is a severe congenital tract disease in infants. Its etiology is not clear at present, although a genetic component plays an important role in its etiology. Many studies focused on the polymorphisms of microRNA (miRNA) in several disease progressions have been reported, including HSCR. However, the findings remain inconclusive. The present study aimed to explore the association of genetic variants in miRNAs and HSCR susceptibility in Southern Chinese children.MethodsFive single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (miR‐146A rs2910164, miR‐4318 rs8096901, miR‐3142 rs2431697, miR‐3142 rs2431097 and miR‐3142 rs5705329) were included to be genotyped in the stratified analysis through the Mass ARRAY iPLEX Gold system (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA) conducted on all the samples, comprising 1470 cases and 1473 controls. After quality control, the minor allele frequency was compared in cases and controls to analyze the association between SNPs and HSCR using PLINK 1.9 (https://www.cog‐genomics.org/plink) and multiple heritability models were tested (additive, recessive and dominant models).ResultsOur results indicated that miR‐4318 rs8096901 polymorphisms were associated with HSCR susceptibility in Southern Chinese children, especially in short‐segment HSCR (S‐HSCR) patients after stratified analysis.ConclusionsIn summary, we report that miR‐4318 rs8096901 was associated with HSCR, especially in SHSCR patients.
Straightforward synthesis, antiproliferative screening, and density functional theory study of some pyrazolylpyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Halim Karema N. M. , Rizk Sameh A. , El‐Hashash Maher A. , Ramadan Sayed K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTetrahydropyrimidinone derivative was synthesized through one‐pot three components condensation of 1,3‐diphenylpyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde with pentan‐2,4‐dione and urea under Biginelli reaction conditions. The corresponding chloro‐ and hydrazino derivatives were synthesized and utilized for the construction of some valuable N‐heterocycles encompassing both pyrazole and pyrimidine cores, such as triazolopyrimidine, tetrazolopyrimidine, pyrazole, and pyrazolone derivatives through condensation with nitrogen nucleophiles and carbon electrophiles. The antiproliferative activity evaluation of the synthesized compounds against four human carcinoma cell lines namely, liver carcinoma (HepG2), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), prostate cancer (PC3), and colon cancer (HCT‐116) cell lines revealed that some of them provided significant potency, as well as the density‐functional theory (DFT) was studied. The permeability of various hydrophilic and hydrophobic synthesized compounds across both normal and cancer cells is confirmed via DFT simulation in which the much higher permeability through aquaporin channels revealed the selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells.
Real‐Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Nayak Krishna S. , Lim Yongwan , Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E. , Steeden Jennifer 
Published: December 2020

Real‐time magnetic resonance imaging (RT‐MRI) allows for imaging dynamic processes as they occur, without relying on any repetition or synchronization. This is made possible by modern MRI technology such as fast‐switching gradients and parallel imaging. It is compatible with many (but not all) MRI sequences, including spoiled gradient echo, balanced steady‐state free precession, and single‐shot rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement. RT‐MRI has earned an important role in both diagnostic imaging and image guidance of invasive procedures. Its unique diagnostic value is prominent in areas of the body that undergo substantial and often irregular motion, such as the heart, gastrointestinal system, upper airway vocal tract, and joints. Its value in interventional procedure guidance is prominent for procedures that require multiple forms of soft‐tissue contrast, as well as flow information. In this review, we discuss the history of RT‐MRI, fundamental tradeoffs, enabling technology, established applications, and current trends.Level of Evidence5Technical Efficacy Stage1
Saliva for diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2: First report from India
Authors: Bhattacharya Debdutta , Parai Debaprasad , Rout Usha K. , Dash Pujarini , Nanda Rashmi R. , Dash Girish C. , Kanungo Srikanta , Palo Subrata K. , Giri Sidhartha , Choudhary Hari R. , Kshatri Jaya S. , Turuk Jyotirmayee , Mishra Bijay K. , Lenka Rajesh K. , Dash Saroj , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThere are very few studies in search of an alternate and convenient diagnostic tool which can substitute nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) specimen for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. In the study we analyzed, the comparison and agreement between the feasibility of using the saliva in comparison to NPS for diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2. A total number of 74 patients were enrolled for this study. We analyzed and compared the NPS and saliva specimen collected within 48 h after the symptom onset. We carried out real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, gene sequencing for the detection and determination SARS‐CoV‐2 specific genes. Phylogenetic tree was constructed to establish the isolation of viral RNA from saliva. We used the Bland–Altman model to identify the agreement between two specimens. This study showed a lower cycle threshold (CT) mean value for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 ORF1 gene (mean, 27.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.62 to 28.52) in saliva methods than that of NPS (mean 28.24; 95% CI, 26.62 to 29.85) specimen although the difference is statistically nonsignificant (p > .05). Bland–Altman analysis produced relatively smaller bias and high agreement between these two clinical specimens. Phylogenetic analysis with the RdRp and S gene confirmed the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the saliva samples. Saliva represented a promising tool in COVID‐19 diagnosis and the collection method would reduce the exposure risk of frontline health workers which is one of the major concerns in primary healthcare settings.
Reply to the letter by Kondo et al: Mechanisms for new‐onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Nagai Mizuyoshi , Itoh Tomonori , Morino Yoshihiro 
Published: December 2020

See articles in Journal Of ArhythmiaDOI: doi.org/10.1002/joa3.12233Letter to the Editor: New‐onset atrial fibrillation after atrial ischemia
Cell‐Free Culture Broth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa—An Alternative Source of Biodispersant to Synthetic Surfactants for Dyeing the Polyester Fabric
Authors: Khubaib Muhammad Anam , Raza Zulfiqar Ali , Abid Sharjeel , Nazir Ahsan , Tariq Muhammad Rizwan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConventional synthetic dispersants have extensively been used in various textile processes due to their easy availability and cost effectiveness. Nonetheless, due to environmental concerns, researchers are trying to explore ecofriendly dispersants such as biosurfactants as substituents to synthetic surfactants. Currently, biosurfactants are not economical due to the cost of their downstream processing and laborious purification steps. Herein, we employed as‐collected cell‐free culture broth (CFCB) of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain being an indigenous source of rhamnolipid surfactants (as biodispersant) for disperse‐dyeing of polyester fabric in comparison with some commercially available synthetic surfactants (such as Triton X‐100, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide “CTAB” and sodium dodecyl sulfate ‘SDS’). The efficiency of biosurfactant‐enriched culture broth was compared with that of synthetic surfactants for the said purpose. In addition to conventional testing, dyed fabrics were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x‐ray diffraction, and surface resistivity analyses. It was observed that the fabric specimen dyed at 1.5% dye concentration on the weight of the fabric (o.w.f.) in the presence of CFCB (containing biosurfactant above‐CMC) resulted in excellent tensile and colorfastness properties. The SEM analysis indicated that the dyeing done in the presence of biosurfactant was safer as it did not damage the fabric surface as observed in synthetic dispersants; moreover, the mechanical and color characteristics of dyed fabric were also in the acceptable range.
Trace metals as indicators of tree rooting in bituminous soils
Authors: La Flèche Marc , Cuss Chad W. , Noernberg Tommy , Shotyk William , Karst Justine 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn some reclamation practices, following bitumen mining in the Canadian Boreal forest, overburden containing low concentrations of hydrocarbons (<8% of bulk soil volume) is buried under suitable soils. Residual hydrocarbons may influence the growth of trees used in afforestation of reclaimed sites, thus determining whether roots interact with buried bitumen is a key to predicting reclamation success. As the organic fraction of bitumen is enriched in vanadium, nickel, molybdenum, and rhenium, dendrochemistry may be a method to determine whether tree roots are interacting with bitumen without disturbing soils. We analyzed trace concentrations of these metals in soil, soil pore water, and tree cores of Pinus banksiana growing on natural bitumen deposits and sites free of bitumen. If roots are present within bitumen and passively uptake trace metals during water transport and wood growth, metals enriched in bitumen should be present in higher concentrations in the woody tissue of trees growing in bituminous soils compared to trees growing in bitumen‐free soils. Concentrations of nickel in trees growing on shallow bitumen deposits were approximately 3× higher than those growing in bitumen‐free soils. The concentration of vanadium (1.33 μg kg−1 in younger wood and 3.21 μg kg−1 in older wood) was also elevated in trees on bituminous sites, though not significantly. Molybdenum concentrations decreased by ~25% in trees growing on bituminous sites, likely an outcome of soil pH. This research supports the use of dendrochemistry to investigate, and potentially monitor, tree rooting at depth in substrates with signature metals.
Functional properties of Australian blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) protein and biological activities of protein hydrolysates
Authors: Kamran Fozia , Phillips Michael , Reddy Narsimha 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLupin is an undervalued legume despite its high protein content with known health benefits. In this research, Australian blue lupin protein was isolated and hydrolysed enzymatically to produce bioactive peptides with a view to assess their potential for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. Pepsin, pancreatin and flavourzyme were used to enzymatically hydrolyse blue lupin protein, and the hydrolysates were subjected to molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) fractionation. Measurement of biological activities led to the identification of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory fractions in the molecular weight range of 2–3 and 3–5 kDa. For the most active fractions in this range, the ACE inhibitory activities were very significant with IC50 values from 450 to 600 μg/ml. Blue lupin protein‐derived MWCO fractions were significantly active against Gram‐positive bacteria and only a little inhibition was observed against Gram‐negative bacteria. Pancreatin hydrolysed fractions showed the best antimicrobial activities with several fractions exhibiting ≥85% inhibition against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. These properties reveal the potential of lupin protein hydrolysates for developing antihypertensive and host defence agents. In order to demonstrate the potential of isolated blue lupin protein in food industry, functional properties including water and oil absorption capacity, gelling properties, solubility and emulsifying properties were evaluated and found to be extremely suitable for developing functional foods with enhanced health benefits.
SnS2 nanosheets as an excellent lubricant additive in polyalphaolefin oil
Authors: Li Jinna , Cao Lei , Su Huijuan , Wan Yong , Wang Yanshuang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper is devoted to investigate the friction‐reducing and wear protection of SnS2 nanosheets as lubricant additive in poly‐α‐olefin oil (PAO). SnS2 nanosheets, synthesised by a hydrothermal process, were characterised by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A ball‐on‐disk tribometer was used to compare the friction coefficient and wear when lubricated by PAO oil in absence and presence of SnS2 nanosheets. The worn surfaces were observed by SEM. The chemical compositions of tribofilm are analysed by XPS. The experiments showed that addition of SnS2 nanosheets are effective in reducing both friction and wear when lubricated by using base oil. XPS results shows that the enhanced tribological performance is due to a SnS2‐rich boundary film which is formed by deposit of SnS2 nanosheets on the contact area during the sliding process.
Investigation of the Porosity of Poly(sodium methacrylate) Hydrogels by 1H‐NMR T2‐Relaxation and Inverse Size‐Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Pfeifer Christoph , Cavalli Federica , Huber Birgit , Theato Patrick , Barner Leonie , Wilhelm Manfred 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA series of poly(sodium methacrylate) hydrogels, also called superabsorbents, having a theoretical degree of neutralization of 100 mol%, and degree of crosslinking varying from 0.6 to 20 mol%, are synthesized via conventional free radical polymerization. The networks are characterized in detail by inverse size‐exclusion chromatography and 1H‐NMR relaxometry in order to place particular emphasis on the investigation of the pore size distribution (PSD) and the chain mobility, respectively. The two previously mentioned parameters are compared to understand the correlation between the elastic chain mobilities and the average pore size of the hydrogel. From the resulting data, a new empirical equation is proposed, which is valid under the given experimental conditions and permits a rough estimation of the average PSD from the relaxation data. Thus, the equation permits to reduce the number of analytical techniques needed for the characterization of complex systems such as polymer networks.
Selectively Depolymerizable Polyurethanes from Unsaturated Polyols Cleavable by Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Jones Brad H. , Staiger Chad , Powers Jackson , Herman Jeremy A. , Román‐Kustas Jessica 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis communication describes a novel series of linear and crosslinked polyurethanes (PUs) and their selective depolymerization under mild conditions. Two unique polyols are synthesized bearing unsaturated units in a configuration designed to favor ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) to five‐ and six‐membered cycloalkenes. These polyols are co‐polymerized with toluene diisocyanate to generate linear PUs and trifunctional hexamethylene‐ and diphenylmethane‐based isocyanates to generate crosslinked PUs. The polyol design is such that the RCM reaction cleaves the backbone of the polymer chain. Upon exposure to dilute solutions of Grubbs’ catalyst under ambient conditions, the PUs are rapidly depolymerized to low molecular weight, soluble products bearing vinyl and cycloalkene functionalities. These functionalities enable further re‐polymerization by traditional strategies for polymerization of double bonds. It is anticipated that this general approach can be expanded to develop a range of chemically recyclable condensation polymers that are readily depolymerized by orthogonal metathesis chemistry.
Safety, feasibility, and efficacy of strengthening exercise in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lott Donovan J. , Taivassalo Tanja , Cooke Korey D. , Park Hyunjun , Moslemi Zahra , Batra Abhinandan , Forbes Sean C. , Byrne Barry J. , Walter Glenn A. , Vandenborne Krista 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis two‐part study explored the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a mild–moderate resistance isometric leg exercise program in ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).MethodsFirst, we used a dose escalation paradigm with varying intensity and frequency of leg isometric exercise to determine the dose response and safety in 10 boys. Second, we examined safety and feasibility of a 12‐wk in‐home, remotely supervised, mild–moderate intensity strengthening program in eight boys. Safety measures included T2 MRI, creatine kinase levels, and pain. Peak strength and function (time to ascend/descend four stairs) were also measured.ResultsDose‐escalation revealed no signs of muscle damage. Seven of the eight boys completed the 12‐wk in‐home program with a compliance of 84.9%, no signs of muscle damage, and improvements in strength (knee extensors P < .01; knee flexors P < .05) and function (descending steps P < .05).ConclusionsAn in‐home, mild–moderate intensity leg exercise program is safe with potential to positively impact both strength and function in ambulatory boys with DMD.
The impact of activity on pelvic age‐at‐death estimation
Authors: Bertsatos Andreas , Chovalopoulou Maria‐Eleni , Boskovits Nikoletta‐Maria , Garoufi Nefeli , Nikita Efthymia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study assesses whether greater levels of physical activity result in increased rates of degenerative change in the pubic symphysis and the iliac auricular surface. The sample comprises 131 skeletons from the Athens Collection. Skeletal age‐at‐death was estimated from the pubic symphysis and the iliac auricular surface. Skeletal activity was assessed using femoral cross‐sectional geometric (CSG) properties and fibrocartilaginous entheses. The association between skeletal age stages, CSG properties and entheseal changes (EC) was tested using Spearman correlation followed with partial Spearman correlation controlling for the effect of documented age‐at‐death and estimated body mass, as well as generalised linear models. Moreover, Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the EC and CSG values among individuals who were underaged, correctly aged and overaged using the pubic symphysis and the iliac auricular surface. Our results show a negative correlation of skeletal age stages with particular CSG properties, implying a decrease in skeletal rigidity as age increases, and a positive correlation with EC scores, suggesting that older individuals exhibit more pronounced EC. Controlling for documented age‐at‐death and body mass produced low correlation coefficients and very few statistically significant results. The difference in EC and CSG values among underaged, correctly aged and overaged individuals was significant only for ECs in individuals over 50 years old. The present study highlights that the effect of activity on pelvic age markers is not pronounced, because a limited association between activity and skeletal degeneration in the pubic symphysis and iliac auricular surface was found. Considering the difficulty in identifying past occupations skeletally, our study supports that this often missing parameter in past osteobiographies does not affect skeletal age estimation. Moreover, our results suggest that taking into account the EC scores when evaluating skeletal age can provide further insights in age‐at‐death estimation in older individuals.
Metabolomic analysis reveals the valuable bioactive compounds of Ardisia elliptica
Authors: Wong Pei Lou , Ramli Nurul Shazini , Tan Chin Ping , Azlan Azrina , Abas Faridah 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionArdisia elliptica Thunb. (Primulaceae) is a medicinal herb that is traditionally used for the treatment of fever, diarrhoea, measles and herpes. However, there is limited information regarding the correlation of its phytoconstituents with the bioactivity. Optimisation of solvent extraction is vital for maximising retention of bioactive molecules.ObjectiveThis study investigated the metabolite variations in A. elliptica leaves and the correlation with antioxidant activities.MethodologyTotal phenolic content (TPC), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radicals scavenging assays were performed on A. elliptica leaves extracted with four different ethanol ratios (0%, 50%, 70% and absolute ethanol). The correlation of metabolites with antioxidant activities was evaluated using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics approach.ResultsThe results showed that the 50% and 70% ethanolic extracts retained the highest TPC, and the 70% ethanolic extract was the most active, exhibiting half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 10.18 ± 0.83 and 43.05 ± 1.69 μg/mL, respectively, in both radical scavenging assays. A total of 46 metabolites were tentatively identified, including flavonoids, benzoquinones, triterpenes and phenolic derivatives. The 50% and 70% ethanolic extracts showed similarities in metabolites content and were well discriminated from water and absolute ethanol extracts in a principal component analysis (PCA) model. Moreover, 31 metabolites were found to contribute significantly to the differentiation and antioxidant activity.ConclusionThis study provides information on bioactive compounds in A. elliptica leaves, which is promising as a functional ingredient for food production or for the development of phytomedicinal products.
Theoretical research of second generation molecular motor with unidirectional rotary motion
Authors: Guan Qiuping , Wang Hailong , Wang Xueye 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe rotational process and conformation inversion of the second generation molecular motor (9‐(5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐2, 3‐dihydro‐1H‐cyclopentyl[a]naphthalene‐1‐subunit)‐9H‐fluorene) are calculated and analyzed by potential energy surface scanning at the level of density functional theory, the M06‐2X functional combined with the def‐TZVP basis set. The effects of four different donor–acceptor substituents on the molecular stability are mainly explored. The fully optimized geometries of molecular motors 1–5 are discussed at the M06‐2X/def‐TZVP theoretical level. The energy barrier analysis of molecular motors shows that the nature of the substituents will not have a significant impact on the thermal isomerization barrier of the motor. Theoretical analysis of frontier molecular orbital (FMO) shows that after replacing the methyl group with phenyl, methoxy, fluorine, and cyano, the stability of the molecule is reduced. It can be seen from the absorption spectrum that the substituent makes the molecular motor absorption peak significantly red shifted from the absorption spectrum. The study of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shows that it may be affected by deshielding effects, and the substitution of the methyl substituent causes most of the chemical shift (δ) of the molecular motor to a downfield. Finally, it is verified that the conformation of the motors changed from a stable state to unstable state during the photoisomerization process. The calculated results have explained the rotation of molecular motor well and can be used in the design of molecular motor.
Lung transplant referrals for individuals with cystic fibrosis: A pediatric perspective on the cystic fibrosis foundation consensus guidelines
Authors: Solomon Melinda , Mallory George B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLung transplant referral guidelines for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) were published recently. Most of the recommendations focus on the specific indications and barriers to transplantation in adults with CF. Although the number of children with CF and end‐stage lung disease continues to decrease, the specific issues related to pediatric patients merit further elucidation. We address each recommendation from the recent publication with a pediatric perspective. Furthermore, we note some significant differences between the practice and policy related to lung transplantation between Canada and the United States.