bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the rheological properties and foams/emulsions stability of Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum
Authors: Ghaderi Sajad , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Shekarforoush Elhamalsadat , Mirzababaee Seyyed Mahdi , Karimpour Farzad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe ability to modify food and increase the shelf life by enhanced stability using nonthermal process is of interest to many food companies. Here, we investigate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), as a nonthermal process, at various pressure levels (200, 400, and 600 MPa for 30 min) on the functional properties of aqueous dispersions of Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG). In this regard, the rheological properties, foam stability, and emulsion stability of the HHP‐treated gums were analyzed and compared. Dynamic oscillatory test indicated that the HHP‐treated gums had more gel‐like behavior than viscous‐like behavior (storage modulus > loss modulus) at designated pressures. When AHSG was treated by HHP, both elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli were increased compared to the native AHSG. The native‐ and HHP‐treated gums exhibited a shear‐thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior. Furthermore, the pressure levels have a significant effect on consistency coefficient, flow behavior index, and yield stress (p < .05) of AHSG. The results showed that the HHP‐treated gums lead to improve the foam and emulsion stability of AHSG. Finally, we assume that HHP‐treated AHSG improves texture in the food materials.
Can commodity futures risk factors predict economic growth?
Authors: Kang Jangkoo , Kwon Kyung Yoon 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper examines whether commodity futures risk factors can predict future economic growth. We test risk factors capturing various spot or term premia and find that only three factors capturing term premia on the basis‐momentum, basis, and change in slope are robust predictors for future economic growth, especially for long horizons. Our findings highlight the importance of the term premia, rather than the spot premia on which the literature has mainly focused. Moreover, we find that possible explanations for predictability of commodity factors—the intertemporal asset pricing model and information diffusion explanation—are all inconsistent with our empirical results.
Decomposing scale and technique effects of economic growth on energy consumption: Fresh evidence from developing economies
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Sinha Avik , Kontoleon Andreas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study contributes by investigating the association between scale, technique, and composition effects on energy consumption by considering financial development, oil prices and globalization as potential determinants of economic growth and energy consumption. We have applied recent cointegration considering cross‐sectional dependence and structural breaks introduced by Westerlund and Edgerton, Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, 2008, 70, 665–704. Furthermore, FMOLS, DOLS and Cup‐FMOLS are applied to examine impact of scale effect, technique effect, composition effect, financial development, oil prices and economic globalization on energy consumption. The empirical results show that variables are cointegrated for long run relationship. Scale effect and technique effect are negatively and positively linked with energy consumption. Composition effect and economic globalization stimulate energy consumption. Contrarily, financial development and oil prices decline energy consumption. This empirical analysis helps policy makers of developing economies in designing their comprehensive environmental policy for sustainable economic development in long‐run.
The molecular effect of 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane on oxidative stress parameters in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells
Authors: Mcoyi Simphiwe , Amoako Daniel G. , Somboro Anou M. , Khumalo Hezekiel M. , Khan Rene B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAntibiotic resistance poses a great threat to human, animal and environmental health. β‐Lactam antibiotics have been successful in combating bacterial infections. However, the overuse, inappropriate prescribing, unavailability of new antibiotics and regulation barriers have exacerbated bacterial resistance to these antibiotics. 1,4,7‐Triazacyclononane (TACN) is a cyclic organic tridentate inhibitor with strong metal‐chelating abilities that has been shown to inhibit β‐lactamase enzymes and may represent an important breakthrough in the treatment of drug‐resistant bacterial strains. However, its cytotoxicity in the liver is unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of TACN on oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were treated with 0 to 500 µM TACN for 24 hours to obtain an IC50 for use in subsequent assays. Free radicals were measured using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and nitric oxide synthase assays, respectively, while antioxidant levels were assessed using luminometry (glutathione [GSH] and adenosine triphosphate [ATP]) and Western blot analysis (SOD, catalase, GPx‐1, HSP70 and Nrf2). Percentage survival fluctuated as TACN concentration increased with a calculated IC50 of 545 µM. A slight increase in HSP70 and Nrf2 expression indicated the presence of stress and a response against it, respectively. However, free radical production was not increased as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde levels and reactive nitrogen species. Glutathione levels increased slightly, while ATP levels were marginally altered. The results suggest that TACN does not induce oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and can be exploited as a potential inhibitor.
Caffeic acid improves glucose utilization and maintains tissue ultrastructural morphology while modulating metabolic activities implicated in neurodegenerative disorders in isolated rat brains
Authors: Salau Veronica F. , Erukainure Ochuko L. , Bharuth Vishal , Islam Md. Shahidul 
Published: September 2020

AbstractImpaired glucose utilization has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroprotective effect of caffeic acid (CA) was investigated in the isolated rat brain by determining its ability to promote glucose uptake, mitigate redox imbalance, modulate purinergic and cholinergic activities, elemental distribution, and maintain tissue morphology. Isolated rat brains were incubated for 2 hours with glucose, CA and glucose, and metformin and glucose. There was an increased glucose uptake, glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in brain tissues incubated with CA compared to the controls. Incubation with CA also led to significantly decreased levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and ATPase activities. Electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) analysis portrayed a maintenance of tissue ultrastructural morphology in 2CA‐incubated tissues as indicated by the intact synaptic vesicles, blood vessels, dendritic and neuronal network, mitochondria, and presynaptic membrane. CA also restored altered elemental levels in brain tissues. These results indicate the stimulatory potential of CA on brain glucose utilization with simultaneous neuroprotective activities.
Phospholipase D1 is upregulated by vorinostat and confers resistance to vorinostat in glioblastoma
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Hwang Won Chan , Noh Yu Na , Kang Youra , Jang Younghoon , Kim Jung‐Ae , Min Do Sik 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor and drug resistance remains a major barrier for therapeutics. Epigenetic alterations are implicated in GBM pathogenesis, and epigenetic modulators including histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are exploited as promising anticancer therapies. Here, we demonstrate that phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is a transcriptional target of HDAC inhibitors and confers resistance to HDAC inhibitor in GBM. Treatment of vorinostat upregulates PLD1 through PKCζ‐Sp1 axis. Vorinostat induces dynamic changes in the chromatin structure and transcriptional machinery associated with PLD1 promoter region. Cotreatment of vorinostat with PLD1 inhibitor further attenuates invasion, angiogenesis, colony‐forming capacity, and self‐renewal capacity, compared with those of either treatment. PLD1 inhibitor overcomes resistance to vorinostat in GBM cells intracranial GBM tumors. Our finding provides new insight into the role of PLD1 as a target of resistance to vorinostat, and PLD1 inhibitor might provide the basis for therapeutic combinations with improved efficacy of HDAC inhibitor.
Light and scanning electron microscopic characterization of thirty endemic Fabaceae species of district Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Shabnum , Fateh Rozina , Younis Sidra , Harun Nidaa , Jaffer Mehwish , Hussain Khadim , Ashfaq Muhammad , Siddique Riffat , Mukhtar Hanan , Khan Farah 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the present study anatomical characterization of 30 species of Fabaceae endemic to Lahore, Pakistan were done under light and scanning electron microscopy. Variety of qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters like epidermal cells shapes and size, stomata types, length, and width of guard cells, subsidiary cells, trichomes, silica bodies, shapes, and their numbers were studied. Overall polygonal, irregular smooth, thick walled epidermal cells were observed at both abaxial and adaxial surfaces except Dalbergia sisso Roxb in which hexagonal epidermal cells were reported. Milletia ovelifolia Kurz. possessed the largest length of epidermal cell i.e., 273.1 μm whereas Calliandra bella Benth. showed the smallest length i.e., 76.5 μm. Average width of epidermal cells ranged from 44 to 265.5 μm. M. ovelifolia Kurz had largest width while Acacia nilotica L. had the smallest width respectively. In adaxial surface epidermal cells length ranged 317 to 46.4 μm, Glycyrriza glabra L. showed the smallest length whereas Prosopis juliflora DC. had largest length. In adaxial numbers of stomata is high as compare to the abaxial surface, mostly paracytic, anisocytic, and anomocytic stomata were observed. There is not much variations observed in trichomes of studied members. Generally non glandular, unbranched, uniserate, mulicellular bulbous base with pointed tips were reported . Oval, rounded, triangular shaped silica bodies were observed in some species. It is concluded that qualitative and quantitative anatomical variations in epidermal cells, stomata and trichomes are of good taxonomic value for the studied Fabaceae species.
Is HIV index testing and partner notification safe for adolescent girls and young women in low‐ and middle‐income countries?
Authors: Stangl Anne L , Sebany Meroji , Kapungu Chisina , Jessee Cassandra , Ricker Chelsea L , Chard Eliza 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionWhile HIV index testing and partner notification (PN) services have the potential to reach adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 and their sexual partners in need of HIV testing services, the potential social harms have not yet been studied. This commentary highlights the risks of this approach, including intimate partner violence (IPV), stigma and discrimination, and outlines an urgent research agenda to fully understand the potential harms of PN for AGYW, calling for the development of mitigation strategies.DiscussionA substantial evidence base exists demonstrating the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of index testing and partner notification for adults aged 18 years and older in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), particularly for men, and for adults who are married/cohabiting and referring a current sexual partner. AGYW who are most vulnerable to HIV infection in LMICs do not reflect these demographics. Instead, they are often in age‐disparate partnerships, have limited negotiating power within relationships, experience high rates of violence and face economic challenges that necessitate transactional sex. PN services may be particularly difficult for adolescent girls under 18 who face restrictions on their decision making and are at increased risk of rape. Adolescent girls may also face coercion to notify partners due to unequal power dynamics in the provider–adolescent client relationship, as well as judgemental attitudes towards adolescent sexual activity among providers.ConclusionsAs index testing and PN with AGYW is already being rolled out in some LMICs, research is urgently needed to assess its feasibility and acceptability. Implementation science studies should assess the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of HIV PN services for AGYW. Qualitative studies and routine monitoring with age‐disaggregated data are critical to capture potential social harms, PN preferences and support needs for AGYW aged 15 to 17, 18 to 20 and 21 to 24. To mitigate potential harms, PN methods should prioritize confidentiality and avoidance of adverse outcomes. Healthcare providers should be trained to conduct routine enquiry for IPV and provide first‐line support. Support services for AGYW living with HIV and survivors of violence should be implemented alongside HIV PN.
Youth‐friendly services and a mobile phone application to promote adherence to pre‐exposure prophylaxis among adolescent men who have sex with men and transgender women at‐risk for HIV in Thailand: a randomized control trial
Authors: Songtaweesin Wipaporn Natalie , Kawichai Surinda , Phanuphak Nittaya , Cressey Tim R , Wongharn Prissana , Saisaengjan Chutima , Chinbunchorn Tanat , Janyam Surang , Linjongrat Danai , Puthanakit Thanyawee ,   the CE‐PID – TRC Adolescent Study Team
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionStrategies are needed to curb the increasing HIV incidence in young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (YTGW) worldwide. We assessed the impact of youth‐friendly services (YFS) and a mobile phone application (app) on adherence to pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in YMSM and YTGW in Thailand.MethodsA randomized control trial was conducted in YMSM and YTGW aged 15 to 19 years. Participants were provided daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumerate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC), condoms and randomized to receive either YFS or YFS plus a PrEP app (YFS + APP), whose features included self‐assessment of HIV acquisition risk, point rewards and reminders for PrEP and clinic appointments. Clinic visits occurred at zero, one, three and six months and telephone contact at two, four and five months. HIV testing was performed at every clinic visit. PrEP adherence was evaluated with intracellular tenofovir diphosphate (TFV‐DP) concentrations in dried blood spot (DBS) samples at months 3 and 6. The primary endpoint assessed was “PrEP adherence” defined as TFV‐DP DBS concentrations ≥700 fmol/punch (equivalent to ≥4 doses of TDF/week).ResultsBetween March 2018 and June 2019, 489 adolescents were screened at three centres in Bangkok. Twenty‐seven (6%) adolescents tested positive for HIV and 200 (41%) adolescents participated in the study. Of these, 147 were YMSM (74%) and 53 YTGW (26%). At baseline, median age was 18 years (IQR 17 to 19), 66% reported inconsistent condom use in the past month. Sexually transmitted infection prevalence was 23%. Retention at six months was 73%. In the YFS + APP arm, median app use duration was three months (IQR 1 to 5). PrEP adherence at month 3 was 51% in YFS and 54% in YFS + APP (p‐value 0.64) and at month 6 was 44% in YFS and 49% in YFS + APP (p‐value 0.54). No HIV seroconversions occurred during 75 person years of follow‐up.ConclusionsYouth‐friendly PrEP services enabled good adherence among half of adolescent PrEP users. However, the mobile phone application tested did not provide additional PrEP adherence benefit in this randomized trial. Adolescent risk behaviours are dynamic and require adaptive programmes that focus on “prevention‐effective adherence.”
Ultrasound morphological patterns of testicular tumours, correlation with histopathology
Authors: Necas Martin , Muthupalaniappaan Muthappan , Barnard Cecilia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionUltrasound (US) plays a key role in the detection of testicular tumours. However, reliable characterisation of testicular tumours with US is difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological patterns of testicular tumours as seen on modern US imaging and correlate these with histology.MethodsThe imaging features of 50 testicular tumours were analysed and compared with histology. The US appearance was categorized into 15 distinct morphological patterns.ResultsPatient’s age ranged from 0.5 to 85 years. Of the 50 tumours in our series, 49 were malignant. Nearly half of the malignancies were seminomatous germ cell tumours (SGCTs). Tumours ranged in size from 10 to 130 mm with considerable overlap of size between tumours of different histological type. Even small (10 mm) tumours in our cohort were malignant. SGCTs demonstrated a narrower range of morphological appearances than non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs). Calcification was common in both SGCT and NSGCTs. Multicomponent cystic‐solid appearance was only seen in NSGCTs.ConclusionThe differentiation of testicular tumours with US continues to be challenging. In this paper, we have demonstrated the diverse morphological patterns of testicular neoplasms and have proposed the study of tumour morphological features as a promising research direction.
Accuracy of cone‐beam computed tomography is limited at implant sites with a thin buccal bone: A laboratory study
Authors: Domic Danijel , Bertl Kristina , Ahmad Salman , Schropp Lars , Hellén‐Halme Kristina , Stavropoulos Andreas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate whether buccal bone thickness (BBT), implant diameter, and abutment/crown material influence the accuracy of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine the buccal bone level at titanium implants.MethodsTwo implant beds (i.e., narrow and standard diameter) were prepared in each of 36 porcine bone blocks. The implant beds were positioned at a variable distance from the buccal bone surface; thus, resulting in three BBT groups (i.e., >0.5 to 1.0; >1.0 to 1.5; >1.5 to 2.0 mm). In half of the blocks, a buccal bone dehiscence of random extent (“depth”) was created and implants were mounted with different abutment/crown material (i.e., titanium abutments with a metal‐ceramic crown and zirconia abutments with an all‐ceramic zirconia crown). The distance from the implant shoulder to the buccal bone crest was measured on cross‐sectional CBCT images and compared with the direct measurements at the bone blocks.ResultsWhile abutment/crown material and implant diameter had no effect on the detection accuracy of the buccal bone level at dental implants in CBCT scans, BBT had a significant effect. Specifically, when BBT was ≤1.0 mm, a dehiscence was often diagnosed although not present, that is, the sensitivity was high (95.8%), but the specificity (12.5%) and the detection accuracy (54.2%) were low. Further, the average measurement error of the distance from the implant shoulder to the buccal bone crest was 1.6 mm.ConclusionsBased on the present laboratory study, BBT has a major impact on the correct diagnosis of the buccal bone level at dental titanium implants in CBCT images; in cases where the buccal bone is ≤1 mm thick, detection of the buccal bone level is largely inaccurate.
Safety and Efficacy of a Novel 730 nm Picosecond Titanium Sapphire Laser for the Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions
Authors: Lipp Michael B. , Angra Kunal , Wu Douglas C. 
Published: September 2020

Background and ObjectivesPicosecond lasers in dermatology were originally focused on optimizing the removal of unwanted tattoos. Subsequent advances in this technology have expanded its clinical indications to include treatment of benign pigmented lesions, photodamage, melasma, and scar revision. In this retrospective review, we evaluate a novel 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser in treating benign pigmented lesions.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective review of all patients who presented to our institution between December 2019 and March 2020 for treatment of their benign pigmented lesions with a 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser. All Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI) were included. Absolute and relative evaluations were conducted by two blinded board‐certified dermatologists using high‐resolution photographic images.ResultsTwenty‐two of 64 patients satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients received 1.1 ± 0.3 treatment sessions. The absolute average pigmentation score prior to treatment was 2.04 ± 0.7 versus 1.39 ± 0.6 after treatment (P < 0.05). Improvement in pigmentation was observed in 86% of the patients, while 3% had no improvement and 11% had worsening of pigmentation. No other adverse events were observed. Downtime consisted of 1–2 days of mild edema and erythema followed by 3–5 days of mild pigment darkening and superficial crust.ConclusionThe novel 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser is a safe and effective treatment for benign pigmented lesions. Future prospective randomized control studies would be beneficial to further clarify its role in the treatment of benign pigmentation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Time to Conversion to an Everolimus‐Based Regimen: Renal Outcomes in Liver Transplant Recipients From the EVEROLIVER Registry
Authors: Saliba Faouzi , Dharancy Sébastien , Salamé Ephrem , Conti Filoména , Eyraud Daniel , Radenne Sylvie , Antonini Térésa , Guillaud Olivier , Guguenheim Jean , Neau‐Cransac Martine , Demartin Eléonora , Lasailly Guillaume , Duvoux Christophe , Sobesky Rodolphe , Coilly Audrey , Tresson Sylvie , Cailliez Valérie , Boillot Olivier , Pageaux Georges Philippe , Samuel Didier , Calmus Yvon , Dumortier Jérôme 
Published: September 2020

Longterm use of a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)–based regimen is one of the major reasons for chronic renal failure in liver transplantation recipients (LTRs). The Everolimus Liver registry (EVEROLIVER) evaluated renal function in LTRs who were converted to everolimus (EVR). This observational registry included all LTRs receiving EVR across 9 centers from France. Data are being collected in an electronic database over 10 years (12 visits/patient) to evaluate efficacy, renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), and safety of EVR use in clinical practice, and the current analysis is reporting up to 60 months of findings. Until September 2017, 1045 patients received EVR after a mean time of 3.6 ± 5.1 years. CNI withdrawal was feasible in 57.7% of patients as of month 60. Mean eGFR improved in patients with baseline eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 and was maintained in those with baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD; baseline eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2), 55% converted to EVR within 3 months (early conversion) and 39.4% converted between 4 and 12 months after transplantation (mid‐conversion) experienced improvement in eGFR (≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2) at month 36. Only 20.9% and 17.4% among those converted beyond 12 months (late conversion) experienced improvement respectively at month 36 and 60. A logistic regression analysis in patients with CKD stage ≥3 demonstrated that late conversion, age, and female sex were associated with nonimprovement of eGFR (≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2). Data from this real‐life use of EVR indicate that renal function was maintained from the preconversion period until month 36 even in patients with advanced CKD. However, early rather than late conversion appears to be a safe approach to preserve longterm renal function in LTRs.