bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc deficiency in patients with chronic liver disease in Japan
Authors: Ozeki Itaru , Arakawa Tomohiro , Suii Hirokazu , Tatsumi Ryoji , Yamaguchi Masakatsu , Nakajima Tomoaki , Kuwata Yasuaki , Toyota Joji 
Published: November 2019

AimThis study aimed to determine the distributions of serum zinc levels and the prevalence of zinc deficiency in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) in actual clinical practice, and to analyze the association between serum zinc levels and clinical characteristics.MethodsThis study analyzed 1973 patients with CLD, including 749 with liver cirrhosis, who were admitted to Sapporo Kosei General Hospital in 2017.ResultsZinc deficiency, defined as a serum zinc level of <60 μg/dL, was observed in 555 patients overall (28.1%), including 182 (14.9%) patients without liver cirrhosis and 373 (49.8%) with liver cirrhosis. When marginal zinc deficiency was included, zinc deficiency (serum zinc level <80 μg/dL) was observed in 1594 (80.8%) patients overall, including 924 (75.5%) patients without liver cirrhosis and 670 (89.5%) with liver cirrhosis. Serum zinc levels were most strongly correlated with serum albumin levels. Of the 257 CLD patients with an albumin level of <3.5 g/dL, 234 (91.1%) had a serum zinc level of <60 μg/dL.ConclusionsZinc deficiency is common in patients with CLD. Serum zinc levels should be regularly measured, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis.
The different faces of mycosis fungoides: results of a single‐center study
Authors: Sidiropoulou Polytimi , Nikolaou Vasiliki , Marinos Leonidas , Voudouri Dimitra , Komini Elena , Economidi Afroditi , Rigopoulos Dimitris , Stratigos Alexander 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMycosis fungoides (MF) accounts for the majority of cutaneous lymphomas. Apart from the predominant Alibert‐Bazin type, several clinicopathological variants of diverse prevalence and biological behavior have been described. Data on clinical and epidemiological aspects of MF clinical subtypes are still weak.AimTo outline the clinical and epidemiological profile of the different MF types in a large volume of Greek patients.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 688 MF cases treated in our lymphoma clinic. Epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical data were retrieved.ResultsSix‐hundred and thirty‐six patients (416 males, 220 females) were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 60.2 years; the mean duration of disease prior to diagnosis was 63.2 months. Early‐stage MF (I‐IIA) involved 475 cases (74.7%). The prevalent type was classical MF (68.5%), followed by folliculotropic (17%), poikilodermic (5.5%), and psoriasiform (4.7%) MF. Atypical MF lesions as the sole manifestation of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) – alopecia areata‐like lesions (n = 10), keratosis pilaris‐like lesions (n = 9) or acneiform rash (n = 4) – were also observed. Both poikilodermic and folliculotropic subtypes mainly involved younger patients. A significant diagnostic latency concerning poikilodermic and psoriasiform MF cases was recorded. Only 23 (3.3%) cases were of juvenile onset, with classical and poikilodermic MF equally affecting this age group, closely followed by FMF.ConclusionsOur study presents the whole clinical‐epidemiological spectrum of MF in a large Greek cohort. The high prevalence of atypical MF manifestations characterized by early onset and indolent clinical course stood out among our FMF sample.
Proximal composition, bioactive compounds and biorefinery approach in potato tubers of Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja: a review
Authors: Beltrán‐Penagos María‐Alejandra , Sánchez‐Camargo Andrea del Pilar , Narváez‐Cuenca Carlos‐Eduardo 
Published: November 2019

SummaryPotato tubers of Group Phureja have a great relevance in terms of production and consumer acceptance in the Andean countries. However, its proximal characteristics, nutritional value and bioactive compounds have been scarcely known. For the first time, this work aims to give an overview on tubers of Group Phureja characteristics, including research works from 1993 to 2019. When analysing the micronutrients and bioactive analytes, sodium, niacin and carotenoid contents are higher as compared to those of the Group Tuberosum. Likewise, the application of a biorefinery approach for the valorisation of Group Phureja wastes was proposed. These wastes may come from tubers that fail to meet quality parameters or by processing potato products. The possibility of obtaining useful compounds for the food, feed, materials, energy and chemical industries is described. The strategy of valorisation of wastes was focused on the production of starch and proteins, previously reported with important technological properties.
Down‐regulation of MTHFD2 inhibits NSCLC progression by suppressing cycle‐related genes
Authors: Yu Chang , Yang Lehe , Cai Mengsi , Zhou Feng , Xiao Sisi , Li Yaozhe , Wan Tingting , Cheng Dezhi , Wang Liangxing , Zhao Chengguang , Huang Xiaoying 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMethylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) is a bifunctional enzyme located in the mitochondria. It has been reported to be overexpressed in several malignancies. However, the relationship between the expression of MTHFD2 and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that MTHFD2 was significantly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of MTHFD2 resulted in reduced cell growth and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. Besides, the mRNA and protein expression level of cell cycle genes, such as CCNA2, MCM7 and SKP2, was decreased in MTHFD2 knockdown H1299 cells. Our results indicate that the inhibitory effect of MTHFD2 knockdown on NSCLC may be mediated via suppressing cell cycle‐related genes. These findings delineate the role of MTHFD2 in the development of NSCLC and may have potential applications in the treatment of NSCLC.
Niche‐based relationship between sympatric bark living insect pests and tree vigor decline of Pinus yunnanensis
Authors: Liu Yu Jie , Gao Bing Tao , Ren Li Li , Zong Shi Xiang , Ze Sang Zi , Luo You Qing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractForest stands of Pinus yunnanensis Franch in southwestern China are seriously damaged by several bark living insect pests. These pests commonly exist in the same host tree and exploit limited phloem resources. In this study, we hypothesized that sympatric pests would occupy different ecological niches to reduce interspecific competition, and their coordinated attack would aggravate the tree vigor decline of P. yunnanensis. To quantify the ecological niches, we used a sampling method involving three dimensional divisions of tree resource states: (a) sample plot dimension (to evaluate the extent of pest colonization at plot scale), (b) trunk height dimension, and (c) tree vigor dimension. Those attacked pine canopies and colonized trunks were analysed in the field study. The results showed that Tomicus minor and Tomicus yunnanensis both widely and uniformly distributed in lightly, moderately and heavily damaged canopies while they aggregated on particular trunks of dying and withered trees. Lower and middle trunk sections (1–4 m) were mainly occupied by Monochamus alternatus and T. minor, yet T. yunnanensis dominated the upper parts (5–6 m). There was an overlap of the pine shoot beetles in the middle sections (2–4 m), whereas all three species were ecologically segregated in other trunk sections. During the shoot feeding phase, tree vigor declined with pine shoot beetles' increasing shoot feeding density. They coexisted in the same host tree, while M. alternatus only attacked dying and withered tree trunks, causing a greater infestation. Colonization of pine shoot beetle then followed by M. alternatus could be the major causes of tree mortality. This study highlights the resource utilization pattern of sympatric bark living insect pests corresponding with tree vitality. Those findings would help to understand the mechanisms of pest outbreak in P. yunnanensis ecosystem and provide potential guidance for developing an early monitoring pest warning system.
The effects of clinical decision support systems on insulin use: A systematic review
Authors: Jia Pengli , Jia Pengyan , Chen JingJing , Zhao Pujing , Zhang Mingming 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundA clinical decision support system (CDSS) is a computerized system using case‐based reasoning to assist clinicians in assessing disease status, in selecting appropriate therapy or in making other clinical decisions. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs or trials) have shown that CDSSs have the potential to improve the insulin use, but the evidence was conflicting and uncertain. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a CDSS improves the use of insulin.MethodPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from their inception to October 2018. The quality assessment was based on the risk of bias criteria of the Cochrane Handbook.ResultsTwenty‐four RCTs, involving 7653 participants, were included. Thirteen of those trials (54.2%) used a computerized algorithm or a computer‐assisted insulin protocol for insulin dose and therapy adjustment, of which 30.8% (four of 13) found significant changes. Of 10 trials that measured mean blood glucose levels and the 11 trials reported HbA1c, the computerized insulin dose adjustment resulted in lower mean blood glucose levels in 70.0% (seven of 10) and 36.4% (four of 11) of RCTs, respectively. Additionally, a significant reduction of hyperglycaemia events was reported in three of six RCTs. The evidence in a majority of the 24 RCTs was of moderate quality.ConclusionsCDSSs have the potential to improve the insulin use and blood glucose control in a clinical setting. The methodologies in these studies were of mixed quality. Better designed and longer‐term studies are required to ensure a larger and more reliable evidence base on the effects of CDSS intervention on insulin use.
Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is a potential virulence factor of Vibrio alginolyticus strains isolated from diseased fish
Authors: Bunpa Supansa , Chaichana Nattarika , Teng Jade L. L. , Lee Hwei Huih , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Sermwittayawong Decha , Sawangjaroen Nongyao , Sermwittayawong Natthawan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVibrio alginolyticus is one of the most serious causative agents of diseases in cultured marine fish and shellfish. However, the characteristics of virulence factors in pathogenic V. alginolyticus are poorly known. To gain insight into fish diseases caused by V. alginolyticus, we carried out two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) combined with MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry to identify uniquely expressed proteins in the disease‐causing V. alginolyticus. V. alginolyticus strains were isolated from marine environments and diseased fish obtained from southern Thailand. We identified seven unique proteins in the disease‐causing V. alginolyticus strain. Among those, the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) had the strongest expression. Therefore, the function of this protein was further analysed. To investigate the role of OmpA protein, an in‐frame deletion mutant of ompA was constructed using the homologous recombination method. Although the ompA mutant V. alginolyticus strain (ΔompA) grew normally, the mutant exhibited a significant defect in the swarming ability and the biofilm formation. Furthermore, Galleria mellonella larvae injected with the mutant bacteria had a significantly greater survival percentage than those injected with the wild‐type strain, demonstrating that OmpA protein is required for the pathogenicity of V. alginolyticus. Together, this study suggests a potential target for vaccine development against pathogenic V. alginolyticus strain.
Investigation of dynamic quality changes and optimization of drying parameters of carrots (Daucus carota var. laguna)
Authors: Md Saleh Rosalizan , Kulig Boris , Hensel Oliver , Sturm Barbara 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe effect of air temperature and sample thickness on the color changes and total carotenoids content of carrot slices was investigated. Temperature, exposure time, and moisture levels significantly affected the dynamic changes of total carotenoids and color. A slow and linear decrease in total carotenoids was observed at higher moisture content until reaching an inflection point at around 0.45 gw/gdm for all temperatures studied. Thereafter, the retention in total carotenoids decreased rapidly. The highest retention for a final product was 66.2% when drying at 60°C while retention was between 42.2 and 51.1% when drying at 50 and 70°C. These changes occurred alongside a noticeable change in color at moisture contents below the inflection point of 0.45 gw/gdm for all drying temperatures. Design of experiment based optimization of the drying process resulted in an ideal temperature of 59.8°C and 3.5 mm slice thickness with the predicted values for La*b*; ΔE of 62.18 ± 5.12, 22.46 ± 1.98, 40.35 ± 6.64, 6.31 ± 4.74; rehydration ratio of 0.48 ± 0.07; and total carotenoids of 163.83 ± 17.38 μg/g or 67.38%, respectively, all at a 95% prediction interval.Practical applicationsConvective drying is the most widely used drying technique for food preservation due to its easy application and readily available technology. However, the quality of the end product is currently lower than it would be achievable due to a lack of direct integration of quality characteristics into process design. Monitoring the quality changes as a function of moisture content throughout the drying process is essential to developing advanced process parameters with a view to increasing final product quality. This study describes the experimentally determined dynamic quality changes of carrots throughout the drying process in order to identify the critical points at which the process settings should be changed to increase the retention of valuable components and sensory quality attributes, and thus, to provide consumers with higher quality products.
Effects of salt loading on the organisation of microtubules in rat magnocellular vasopressin neurones
Authors: Hicks Amirah‐Iman , Barad Zsuzsanna , Sobrero Alberto , Lean Graham , Jacob‐Tomas Suleima , Yang Jieyi , Choe Katrina Y. , Prager‐Khoutorsky Masha 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMagnocellular vasopressin (VP) neurones are activated by increases in blood osmolality, leading to the secretion of VP into the circulation to promote water retention in the kidney, thus constituting a key mechanism for the regulation of body fluid homeostasis. However, chronic high salt intake can lead to excessive activation of VP neurones and increased circulating levels of VP, contributing to an elevation in blood pressure. Multiple extrinsic factors, such as synaptic inputs and glial cells, modulate the activity of VP neurones. Moreover, magnocellular neurones are intrinsically osmosensitive, and are activated by hypertonicity in the absence of neighbouring cells or synaptic contacts. Hypertonicity triggers cell shrinking, leading to the activation of VP neurones. This cell‐autonomous activation is mediated by a scaffold of dense somatic microtubules, uniquely present in VP magnocellular neurones. Treating isolated magnocellular neurones with drugs modulating microtubule stability modifies the sensitivity of neuronal activation in response to acute hypertonic stimuli. However, whether the microtubule network is altered in conditions associated with enhanced neuronal activation and increased VP release, such as chronic high salt intake, remains unknown. We examined the organisation of microtubules in VP neurones of the supraoptic and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei (SON and PVN, respectively) of rats subjected to salt‐loading (drinking 2% NaCl for 7 days). Using super‐resolution imaging, we found that the density of microtubules in magnocellular VP neurones from the SON and PVN was significantly increased, whereas the density and organisation of microtubules remain unchanged in other hypothalamic neurones, as well as in neurones from other brain areas (e.g., hippocampus, cortex). We propose that the increase in microtubule density in magnocellular VP neurones in salt‐loading promotes their enhanced activation, possibly contributing to elevated blood pressure in this condition.
Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of the oral lymphoepithelial cyst: A multicenter study
Authors: da Silva Karine Duarte , Coelho Luiza Vale , do Couto Aline Maria , de Aguiar Maria Cássia Ferreira , Tarquínio Sandra Beatriz Chaves , Gomes Ana Paula Neutzling , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco , Batista Aline Carvalho , Nonaka Cassiano Francisco Weege , de Sena Luana Samara Balduino , Alves Pollianna Muniz , Libório‐Kimura Tatiana Nayara , Louredo Brendo Vinícius Rodrigues , Câmara Jeconias , Caldeira Patrícia Carlos 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAnalyze the clinical, demographic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features of oral lymphoepithelial cyst (OLEC).MethodsSamples were retrospectively retrieved from five oral pathology services. Clinical and demographic data were collected from patient charts. Histopathological and immunohistochemical (CD3 and CD20) features were evaluated. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses (P ≤ .05).ResultsSeventy‐seven cases were found among a total of 146 150 specimens (0.05%). OLEC was predominantly diagnosed in females (70.1%). Mean patient age was 46.51 years. The lesions arose mainly on the lateral border of the tongue (40.3%), measured up to 1 cm (61.0%), and were asymptomatic (64.9%). Twenty‐four lesions (31.2%) were white. Forty‐one cases (53.2%) presented lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate with no specific arrangement. The cystic lining was composed of a non‐keratinized stratified epithelium (59.7%) presenting hyperplasia (39.0%). Connection with the surface, epithelium was found in 23 cases (29.9%) and 31 (40.3%) cases had two or more cystic cavities. The lumen content was predominantly desquamated cells (48.1%). Subgemmal neurogenous plaque was found in 11/42 (26.2%) cases involving the tongue. CD20+ cells predominated in 36/63 cases (57.2%), and lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate was not always continuous around the cystic cavity (52.4%).ConclusionLymphoepithelial cyst is an uncommon lesion of the oral cavity. The present study offers the largest sample of OLEC for which clinical, demographic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features were evaluated. The clinical and demographic findings were similar to those described in previous reports, but the microscopic analyses revealed interesting aspects of the cystic epithelium and the lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in OLEC.
Evaluation of Fusarium wilt disease in passion fruit species inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. passiflorae
Authors: Melo Naama Jessica de Assis , Negreiros Andréia Mitsa Paiva , Medeiros Hohana Lissa de Sousa , Sales Júnior Rui 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOne of the main diseases that reduces production of passion fruit crops is Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. passiflorae (FOP). The use of resistant rootstocks, such as the species Passiflora cincinnata, is one of the management strategies used to control this disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the pathogenicity of different isolates of FOP on P. edulis and P. cincinnata in order to identify its potential for use in areas with a history of the disease. Thirteen isolates of the fungus were used, and the inoculums were produced at a concentration of 106 CFU/ml. Seedlings were produced in coconut fibre, and the root system was then immersed for five minutes in the conidial suspension before being replanted in the 770‐ml pots. Inoculated seedlings of P. edulis and P. cincinnata at the three‐leaf stage were daily evaluated from the second day after inoculation (DAI) until day 90. All isolates were pathogenic in both Passiflora species; however, the incidence, severity and mortality were higher in P. edulis. There was a statistically significant difference for the incubation period of the FOP 23 and FOP 57 isolates, being higher in P. edulis. We concluded that P. cincinnata was susceptible to FOP.
Relative bioavailability of selenium yeast for broilers fed a conventional corn–soybean meal diet
Authors: Liu Guoqing , Zhao Yuzhen , Cao Sumei , Luo Xugang , Wang Runlian , Zhang Liyang , Lu Lin , Liao Xiudong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe present study was conducted to assess the relative bioavailability of selenium (Se) as Se yeast (SY) relative to sodium selenite (SS) for broilers fed a conventional corn–soybean meal diet. A total of 360 one‐d‐old Arbor Acres commercial broilers were randomly assigned to 5 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design involving a 2 (Se sources: SY and SS) × 2 (added Se levels: 0.20 and 0.40 mg Se/kg) factorial design of treatments plus 1 (a Se‐unsupplemented control diet) for 42 days. The results showed that Se concentrations in plasma, liver, heart, breast muscle, pancreas and kidney of broilers on d 21 and 42, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity in the pancreas on d 21 as well as in the breast muscle and pancreas on d 42, and GSH‐Px mRNA levels in the liver, heart, breast muscle and pancreas on d 21 increased linearly (p < .03) as levels of added Se increased. Furthermore, a difference (p ≤ .05) between SY and SS was detected for Se concentrations in plasma, liver, heart, breast muscle, pancreas and kidney, GSH‐Px activity in pancreas on both d 21 and 42, as well as pancreatic GSH‐Px mRNA level on d 21. Based on slope ratios from the multiple linear regressions of the above indices, the Se bioavailabilities of SY relative to SS (100%) were 111%–394% (p ≤ .05) when calculated from the Se concentrations in plasma, liver, heart, breast muscle, pancreas, kidney and GSH‐Px activities in pancreas on d 21 and 42, as well as GSH‐Px mRNA level in pancreas on d 21. The results from this study indicated that the Se from SY was more available for enhancing the Se concentrations in plasma or tissues and the expression and activity of GSH‐Px in pancreas of broilers than the Se from SS.