bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes type 2 risk gene Dusp8 is associated with altered sucrose reward behavior in mice and humans
Authors: Baumann Peter , Schriever Sonja C. , Kullmann Stephanie , Zimprich Annemarie , Peter Andreas , Gailus‐Durner Valerie , Fuchs Helmut , Hrabe de Angelis Martin , Wurst Wolfgang , Tschöp Matthias H. , Heni Martin , Hölter Sabine M. , Pfluger Paul T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundDusp8 is the first GWAS‐identified gene that is predominantly expressed in the brain and has previously been linked with the development of diabetes type 2 in humans. In this study, we unravel how Dusp8 is involved in the regulation of sucrose reward behavior.MethodsFemale, chow‐fed global Dusp8 WT and KO mice were tested in an observer‐independent IntelliCage setup for self‐administrative sucrose consumption and preference followed by a progressive ratio task with restricted sucrose access to monitor seeking and motivation behavior. Sixty‐three human carriers of the major C and minor T allele of DUSP8 SNP rs2334499 were tested for their perception of food cues by collecting a rating score for sweet versus savory high caloric food.ResultsDusp8 KO mice showed a comparable preference for sucrose, but consumed more sucrose compared to WT mice. In a progressive ratio task, Dusp8 KO females switched to a “trial and error” strategy to find sucrose while control Dusp8 WT mice kept their previously established seeking pattern. Nonetheless, the overall motivation to consume sucrose, and the levels of dopaminergic neurons in the brain areas NAcc and VTA were comparable between genotypes. Diabetes‐risk allele carriers of DUSP8 SNP rs2334499 preferred sweet high caloric food compared to the major allele carriers, rating scores for savory food remained comparable between groups.ConclusionOur data suggest a novel role for Dusp8 in the perception of sweet high caloric food as well as in the control of sucrose consumption and foraging in mice and humans.
Pattern of thoracic osteophytes development and the association between calcification of the aorta and thoracic osteophytes: CT study
Authors: Simonovich Azaria , Naveh Yulia , Kalichman Leonid 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionOur aim was use state‐of‐the‐art computed tomography (CT) to assess the prevalence and size of osteophytes in the thoracic spine; the effect of the thoracic aorta on osteophyte development; and the relationship between thoracic aortic calcification and osteophytes.MethodsThoracic CT scans of 100 individuals taken at the T4–T12 spinal levels were examined to determine the numbers and sizes of osteophytes on the right/left side of the vertebrae. Calcific deposits in the thoracic aorta (TAC) at each thoracic vertebral level were assessed. The mean length of the thoracic osteophytes on each side, the total thoracic osteophyte score (TTOS), and the numbers of osteophytes were calculated.ResultsThe sample comprised 44 males/56 females (mean age 66.45 ± 9.37). TAC was observed in 54 subjects. Osteophytes were significantly larger on the right side than the left at each spinal level. The largest osteophytes on both sides were at the T9, T10, and T11 levels. After adjustment for age, no significant association was found between sex and TTOS on the left (F = 0.277, p = .600) or right (F = 3.856, p = .052). The right TTOS was significantly associated with TAC after adjustment for age and sex (p = .018).ConclusionsOsteophytes in the thoracic spine are prevalent in older adults, with number and size increasing with age in both sexes. Osteophytes are significantly less prominent on the left side than the right, probably because of the proximity of the aorta. TTOS and TAC occurred in the same individuals after adjustment for age and sex, suggesting a possible common etiology.
Cookies fortified with purple passion fruit epicarp flour: Impact on physical properties, nutrition, in vitro starch digestibility, and antioxidant activity
Authors: Ning Xin , Wu Juanjuan , Luo Zhihui , Chen Yuan , Mo Zimei , Luo Ronghua , Bai Chuanjiang , Du Wei , Wang Lei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe present work evaluated how the incorporation of passion fruit epicarp flour (PFEF), as a source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, influenced the quality, in vitro starch digestibility, and antioxidant activity of cookies.FindingsWheat flour was replaced by PFEF at different levels ranging from 3% to 9%. The cookies containing 6% produced a darken color and a harder texture. The cookies’ consumer acceptance did not substantially change when PFEF addition is 3% and 6%, but when the addition becomes 9%, consumer acceptance significantly deteriorated. As PFEF was added, the acrylamide content of the cookies considerably increased, which might raise health risks for consumers. In vitro starch digestibility suggested that the hydrolysis of starch was inhibited when PFEF level in the cookies increased. More importantly, the addition of PFEF significantly increased antioxidant properties of cookies.ConclusionCompared with corresponding common products, our findings were the first to demonstrate that it was feasible to produce PFEF‐enriched cookies with nutritional superiority.Significance and noveltyPFEF, as a by‐product from the passion fruit processing industry, could be utilized for cookie preparation and other food products with improved nutritional and functional properties.
Experimental investigation on the microstructure of fluidized nanoparticle agglomerates by TEM image analysis
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Liu Huanpeng , Yang Chenyu , Li Yang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the hierarchical solid structures and multiscale pore structures inside fluidized nanoparticle agglomerates (FNPAs) are qualitatively revealed in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of ultrathin slices of solidified FNPAs from the bottom of the bed. The micromorphology of aggregates and simple agglomerates, the porosities of pores intra and inter simple agglomerates, and pore size distributions inside FNPAs are quantitatively analyzed by image analysis. The average fractal dimensions of aggregates of about 300 nm‐1000 nm and simple agglomerates of several micrometres are around 1.9 and 2.6 respectively. The pore structure of FNPAs is complex and heterogeneous and displays a multiscale feature. Nearly 50% of the pores intra simple agglomerates have sizes of tens of nanometers and more than half the pores between simple agglomerates are of micrometre scale. The porosities of the pores intra and inter simple agglomerates are about 0.82 and 0.85 respectively.
Catalytic upgrading of bio‐oil: Hydrodeoxygenation study of acetone as molecule model of ketones
Authors: Wang Jundong , Jabbour Michael , Abdelouahed Lokmane , Mezghich Soumaya , Estel Lionel , Thomas Karine , Taouk Bechara 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe complexity of composition of bio‐oil from biomass makes it difficult to produce upgraded bio‐oil via hydrodeoxygenation. In this paper, acetone is thus considered as a model compound of the ketones family abundant in pyrolysis bio‐oil. Results showed that high conversion rates of acetone between 86.6% and 91.9% were observed with the use of HZSM‐5, 5% Ni2P/HZSM‐5, and 10% Ni2P/HZSM‐5 catalysts. In most cases, CO2, C2H6, C3H6, and C3H8 were the dominant non‐condensable gas products. For liquid phase, the selectivity was evaluated for different catalysts relative to ethanol, acetaldehyde, and aromatic hydrocarbons. A lower temperature favoured the formation of acetaldehyde and methyl isobutyl ketone with the 5% Ni2P/HZSM‐5 catalyst, while higher temperatures increased the proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons. The principal influencing parameters of acetone HDO were temperature and contact time followed by reaction pressure and H2 partial pressure. Optimal conditions give a selectivity of 49% of aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylene) with the use of the 5% Ni2P/HZSM‐5 catalyst. The pathway of the main reactions of acetone HDO was also proposed. MIK and aromatic hydrocarbons were formed by a multiple step aldol condensation reaction of acetone molecules followed by further hydrogenation.
A numerical study on fetal head molding during labor
Authors: Moura Rita , Borges Margarida , Vila Pouca Maria C. P. , Oliveira Dulce A. , Parente Marco P. L. , Kimmich Nina , Mascarenhas Teresa , Natal Renato M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDuring vaginal delivery, the fetal head molds into an elongated shape to adapt to the birth canal, a process known as fetal head molding. However, excessive molding can occur due to prolonged labor or strong contractions, leading to several disorders on the fetal head. This work aims to perform a numerical study on the biomechanics of fetal head molding by measuring specific diameters and the corresponding molding index. A finite element model of the pelvic floor muscles and the fetal body was used. The fetal head is composed of the skin and soft tissues, the skull with sutures and fontanelles, and the brain. The sutures and fontanelles were modeled with membrane elements and characterized by a visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model adapted to a plane stress state. Simulations were performed to replicate the second stage of labor in the vertex presentation and occipito‐anterior position. With the introduction of viscoelasticity to assess a time‐dependent response, a prolonged second stage of labor resulted in higher molding. The pressure exerted by the birth canal and surrounding structures, along with the presence of the pelvic floor muscles, led to a percentage of molding of 9.1%. Regarding the pelvic floor muscles, a 19.4% reduction on the reaction forces and a decrease of 2.58% in muscle stretching was reported, which indicates that sufficient molding may lead to fewer injuries. The present study demonstrates the importance of focusing on the fetus injuries with non‐invasive methods that can allow to anticipate complications during labor.
Qualitative review on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor expression in rat spinal cord during the postnatal development: Implications for central sensitization and pain
Authors: de Geus Thomas J. , Patijn Jacob , Joosten Elbert A. J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is an important mediator of central sensitization and nociception in the rat spinal dorsal horn. The NMDAR subunits and splice variants determine the properties of the receptor. Understanding the expression of NMDAR subunits in spinal cord during the neonatal development is important as it may have consequences for the process of central sensitization and nociception in later life. In this review, a systematic literature search was conducted using three databases: Medline, Embase, and PubMed. A quality assessment was performed on predetermined entities of bias. Thirteen articles were identified to be relevant. The results show that NMDAR subunits and splice variants are dynamically expressed during postnatal development in the spinal dorsal horn. During the first 2 weeks, the expression of less excitable GluN2A subunit and more sensitive GluN2B subunit increases while the expression of high excitable GluN2C subunit decreases. During the 2nd week of postnatal development GluN1 subunits with exon 21 spliced in but exon 22 spliced out are predominantly expressed, increasing phosphorylation, and transport to the membrane. The data suggest that in rats, the nociceptive system is most susceptible to central sensitization processes during the first two postnatal weeks. This may have important consequences for nociception and pain responses in later life. From this, we conclude that targeted therapy directed toward specific NMDAR subunits is a promising candidate for mechanism‐based treatment of pain in neonates.
Estimation of brain response to multimodal stimuli by index of spatiotemporal locality by magnetoencephalography
Authors: Mori Fumina , Kikuchi Keigo , Sugino Masato , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBrain‐computer interface (BCI) enables people who cannot move their own body freely to manipulate machines and helps their communication and life. Recent brain‐computer interface (BCI) uses multimodal stimuli to increase bit rate of the system, so it is important to reveal when and which part of the brain part is activated to discriminate target stimuli. Although magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures brain activity with high spatial and temporal resolution, there are a few indexes to estimate spatiotemporal locality of response. We propose an index to estimate spatiotemporal locality of response to multimodal stimuli of an oddball paradigm from magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals. The validity of proposed index is demonstrated by simulation. Discrimination task was conducted with different ratio of target/nontarget stimuli with visual and auditory location. Response to visual target stimuli was strong and made no spatiotemporal difference, so visual dominance was implied.
Incidence of potential adverse events during hospital‐based ketogenic diet initiation among children with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Mir Ali , Albaradie Raidah , Alamri Abdullah , AlQahtani Mohammed , Hany Entisar , Hussain Aqeel , Joseph Mary , Bashir Shahid 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveDue to the possibility of serious adverse events (AE), patients are commonly admitted to hospital for 3‐5 days for ketogenic diet (KD) initiation. This study examined the incidence of potential AE during admission for KD initiation to investigate the possibility of safely initiating a KD at home.MethodsChildren with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) who were admitted to hospital for 5 days for KD initiation were retrospectively studied.ResultsA total of 66 children (59% female) were analyzed. The mean age at the initiation of the KD was 48.0 ± 38.4 months, and the mean weight was 14.6 ± 6.3 kg. The median number of anticonvulsant medications used at the time of KD initiation was 3. The etiology of the DRE was structural in 4.5%, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in 10.6%, genetic/metabolic in 31.8%, acquired in 10.6%, and unknown in 42.2%. The potential AE occurred in 28.7% of patients, including hypoglycemia (20%), hypoactivity (6.1%), somnolence (3%), and vomiting (7.6%). A univariate analysis of the clinical characteristics of the AE and no AE groups showed a statistically significant difference in weight (P = 0.003) and age (P = 0.033). The concurrent use of topiramate was found to have a near‐significant association (P = 0.097) between the groups. The groups' urine ketone levels on all 5 days were compared, and a statistically significant difference was found on day 3 (P = 0.026). A statistically significant difference in the serum bicarbonate levels (P = 0.038) was found between the patients taking topiramate and those not taking it.SignificanceThe incidence of AE during admission for KD initiation was found to be low. The AE either required no intervention or were easily managed with simple interventions. Thus, in carefully selected patients, it may be possible to initiate a KD at home if the parents are adequately prepared and monitored.
Identification of a Metabolic, Transcriptomic, and Molecular Signature of Patatin‐Like Phospholipase Domain Containing 3–Mediated Acceleration of Steatohepatitis
Authors: Banini Bubu A. , Kumar Divya P. , Cazanave Sophie , Seneshaw Mulugeta , Mirshahi Faridoddin , Santhekadur Prasanna K. , Wang Liangsu , Guan Hong Ping , Oseini Abdul M. , Alonso Cristina , Bedossa Pierre , Koduru Srinivas V. , Min Hae‐Ki , Sanyal Arun J. 
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims
The mechanisms by which the I148M mutant variant of the patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 (PNPLA3I148M) drives development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are not known. The aim of this study was to obtain insights on mechanisms underlying PNPLA3I148M‐induced acceleration of NASH.

Approach and Results
Hepatocyte‐specific overexpression of empty vector (luciferase), human wild‐type PNPLA3, or PNPLA3I148M was achieved using adeno‐associated virus 8 in a diet‐induced mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease followed by chow diet or high‐fat Western diet with ad libitum administration of sugar in drinking water (WDSW) for 8 weeks. Under WDSW, PNPLA3I148M overexpression accelerated steatohepatitis with increased steatosis, inflammation ballooning, and fibrosis (P < 0.001 versus other groups for all). Silencing PNPLA3I148M after its initial overexpression abrogated these findings. PNPLA3I148M caused 22:6n3 docosahexanoic acid depletion and increased ceramides under WDSW in addition to increasing triglycerides and diglycerides, especially enriched with unsaturated fatty acids. It also increased oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Increased total ceramides was associated with signature of transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation with downstream activation of multiple immune‐inflammatory pathways at a transcriptomic level by network analyses. Silencing PNPLA3I148M reversed STAT3 activation. Conditioned media from HepG2 cells overexpressing PNPLA3I148M increased procollagen mRNA expression in LX2 cells; this was abrogated by hepatocyte STAT3 inhibition.

Conclusions
Under WDSW, PNPLA3I148M overexpression promotes steatosis and NASH by metabolic reprogramming characterized by increased triglycerides and diglycerides, n3 polyunsaturated fatty acid depletion, and increased ceramides with resultant STAT3 phosphorylation and downstream inflammatory pathway activation driving increased stellate cell fibrogenic activity.
Comparison of Long‐Term Clinical Outcomes Between Spontaneous and Therapy‐Induced HBsAg Seroclearance
Authors: Choi Jonggi , Yoo Sun , Lim Young‐Suk 
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims
HBsAg seroclearance is considered a realistic goal in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), known as “functional cure.” However, it remains elusive whether nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC)‐induced HBsAg seroclearance, compared with spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance, differs in its association with favorable long‐term clinical outcomes.

Approach and Results
A total of 1,972 CHB patients with confirmed HBsAg seroclearance at least two consecutive times, 6 months apart, were retrospectively analyzed. Risks of HCC development and composite clinical events, including HCC, liver‐related death, and liver transplantation, were compared between spontaneous and NUC‐induced HBsAg seroclearance. Of 1,972 patients, mean patient age was 53.7 years, and 64.4% were men. Cirrhosis was present in 297 (15.1%) patients. HBsAg seroclearance was achieved spontaneously in 1,624 (82.4%) patients and by NUC treatment in 348 (17.6%). HCC developed in 49 patients, with an annual incidence of 0.38 of 100 person‐years (PY) during a median follow‐up of 5.6 years. With 336 propensity‐score–matched pairs, risks of HCC (P = 0.52) and clinical events (P = 0.14) were not significantly different between NUC‐induced and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance. By multivariable analysis, NUC‐induced HBsAg seroclearance, compared with spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance, was not associated with the significantly higher risk of HCC (adjusted HR [AHR], 1.49; P = 0.26) and clinical events (AHR, 1.78; P = 0.06).

Conclusions
Risks of HCC and clinical events were not significantly different between spontaneous and NUC‐induced HBsAg seroclearance. Nonetheless, annual risk of HCC exceeds the recommended cutoff for HCC surveillance even after HBsAg seroclearance, suggesting that continued HCC surveillance is required.
Updated experience of a tertiary pandemic center on 533 pregnant women with COVID‐19 infection: A prospective cohort study from Turkey
Authors: Sahin Dilek , Tanacan Atakan , Erol Seyit A. , Anuk Ali T. , Yetiskin Fatma D.Y. , Keskin Huseyin L. , Ozcan Namik , Ozgu‐Erdinc A. Seval , Eyi Elif G.Y. , Yucel Aykan , Tayman Cuneyt , Unlu Serpil , Dinc Bedia , Sari Eyup , Surel Aziz A. , Moraloglu Ozlem T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the clinical course and impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection on pregnant women.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women with confirmed COVID‐19 infection. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, and perinatal outcomes were prospectively evaluated.ResultsOf the 533 cases, 161 (30.2%) had co‐morbidities and 165 (30.9%) were asymptomatic. Cough (n = 178, 33.4%) and myalgia (n = 168, 31.5%) were the leading symptoms. In total, 261 patients (48.9%) received COVID‐19 therapy, 509 (95.5%) had mild disease, 7 (1.3%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and invasive mechanical ventilation was necessary in 2 (0.4%) patients. Maternal mortality was observed in 2 (0.4%) cases. Of the patients, 297 (55.7%) were hospitalized, 39 (7.3%) had suspicious radiologic imaging findings, 66 (12.4) had pregnancy complications (preterm delivery [n =22, 4.1%] and miscarriage [n =12, 2.2%] were the most common pregnancy complications), 131 births occurred, and the cesarean section rate was 66.4%. All neonates were negative for COVID‐19. The rate of admission to the neonatal ICU was 9.9%. One specimen of breast milk was positive for the infection.ConclusionThe course of COVID‐19 was mild in the majority of cases. However, increased rates of pregnancy complications and cesarean delivery were observed.
Smartphone‐based multimodal tethered capsule endoscopic platform for white‐light, narrow‐band, and fluorescence/autofluorescence imaging
Authors: Sharma Gargi , Thoma Oana‐Maria , Blessing Katharina , Gal Robert , Waldner Maximilian , Singh Kanwarpal 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMultimodal low‐cost endoscopy is highly desirable in poor resource settings such as in developing nations. In this work, we developed a smartphone‐based low‐cost, reusable tethered capsule endoscopic platform that allows white‐light, narrowband, and fluorescence/autofluorescence imaging of the esophagus. The ex‐vivo studies of swine esophagus were performed and compared with a commercial endoscope to test the white‐light imaging capabilities of the endoscope. The efficacy of the capsule for narrow‐band imaging was tested by imaging the vascularization of the tongue. To determine the autofluorescence/fluorescence capability of the endoscope, fluorescein dye with different concentrations was imaged. Furthermore, swine esophagus injected with fluorescein dye was imaged using the fluorescence/autofluorescence and the white‐light imaging modules, ex‐vivo. The overall cost of the capsules is approximately 12 €, 15 €, and 42 € for the white light imaging, the narrow‐band imaging, and the fluorescence/autofluorescence imaging respectively. In addition, the cost of the laser source module required for the narrow‐band imaging and the fluorescence/autofluorescence imaging is approximately 218 €. This device will open the possibility of imaging the esophagus in underprivileged areas.