bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparate treatment outcomes according to presence of pathogenic mutations in West syndrome
Authors: Choi Han Som , Ko Ara , Kim Se Hee , Lee Seung‐Tae , Choi Jong Rak , Lee Joon Soo , Kim Heung Dong , Kang Hoon‐Chul 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveIt has been known that West syndrome (WS) patients with an unknown etiology have better clinical outcomes than patients with an identified etiology of any kind. However, after the exponential discovery of genes with mutations responsible for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), a significant proportion of patients with a previously unknown etiology have been reclassified as having a genetic etiology, requiring reinvestigation of this concept. Therefore, this study investigated clinical outcomes of WS patients with genetic and unknown etiologies.MethodsPatients diagnosed with WS without structural or metabolic abnormalities were included in this study. The DEE gene panel, comprising 172 genes, was performed for all patients. All patients were treated using the same treatment protocol for vigabatrin and high‐dose prednisolone add‐on therapy. Favorable responders were defined as patients who were seizure‐free and whose electroencephalogram showed Burden of Amplitudes and Epileptiform Discharges scores of 2 or less.ResultsOf the 58 patients included in the study, 17 (29.3%) patients had an identified genetic etiology. There was no significant difference in rates of favorable response at 1 and 3 months after treatment, but significantly higher proportions of patients exhibited favorable responses among those with an unknown etiology at long‐term follow‐up (41.2% vs. 78.0%, p = .006 at 6 months; 29.4% vs. 65.9%, p = .011 at 1 year; 23.5 vs. 65.9%, p = .003 at 2 years). Moreover, the mental, psychomotor, and social age quotients of the patients with an identified genetic etiology were reduced to a significantly greater degree since diagnosis compared with those of the patients with an unknown etiology.SignificanceWS patients with genetic and unknown etiologies did not initially exhibit significantly different response rates to the vigabatrin and high‐dose prednisolone add‐on treatment. However, patients with a genetic etiology exhibited significantly higher relapse rates and significantly poorer long‐term responses.
Inmplode: A framework to interpret multiple related rule‐based models
Authors: Strecht Pedro , Mendes‐Moreira João , Soares Carlos 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThere is a growing trend to split problems into separate subproblems and develop separate models for each (e.g., different churn models for separate customer segments; different failure prediction models for separate university courses, etc.). While it may lead to better predictive models, the use of multiple models makes interpretability more challenging. In this paper, we address the problem of synthesizing the knowledge contained in a set of models without a significant loss of prediction performance. We focus on decision tree models because their interpretability makes them suitable for problems involving knowledge extraction. We detail the process, identifying alternative methods to address the different phases involved. An extensive set of experiments is carried out on the problem of predicting the failure of students in courses at the University of Porto. We assess the effect of using different methods for the operations of the methodology, both in terms of the knowledge extracted as well as the accuracy of the combined models.
Thermal acclimation increases the stability of a predator–prey interaction in warmer environments
Authors: Sohlström Esra H. , Archer Louise C. , Gallo Bruno , Jochum Malte , Kordas Rebecca L. , Rall Björn C. , Rosenbaum Benjamin , O’Gorman Eoin J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGlobal warming over the next century is likely to alter the energy demands of consumers and thus the strengths of their interactions with their resources. The subsequent cascading effects on population biomasses could have profound effects on food web stability. One key mechanism by which organisms can cope with a changing environment is phenotypic plasticity, such as acclimation to warmer conditions through reversible changes in their physiology. Here, we measured metabolic rates and functional responses in laboratory experiments for a widespread predator–prey pair of freshwater invertebrates, sampled from across a natural stream temperature gradient in Iceland (4–18℃). This enabled us to parameterize a Rosenzweig–MacArthur population dynamical model to study the effect of thermal acclimation on the persistence of the predator–prey pairs in response to warming. Acclimation to higher temperatures either had neutral effects or reduced the thermal sensitivity of both metabolic and feeding rates for the predator, increasing its energetic efficiency. This resulted in greater stability of population dynamics, as acclimation to higher temperatures increased the biomass of both predator and prey populations with warming. These findings indicate that phenotypic plasticity can act as a buffer against the impacts of environmental warming. As a consequence, predator–prey interactions between ectotherms may be less sensitive to future warming than previously expected, but this requires further investigation across a broader range of interacting species.
Macrofollicular variant follicular thyroid tumors are DICER1 mutated and exhibit distinct histological features
Authors: Juhlin C Christofer , Stenman Adam , Zedenius Jan 
Published: May 2021

AimsDICER1 germline mutations cause DICER1 syndrome, in which multinodular goitre is a common feature. Recently, somatic DICER1 mutations have been reported in sporadic thyroid carcinomas, of which the newly described macrofollicular variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma (MV‐FTC) seems particularly enriched for this aberrancy. We report here histological and genetic findings in five follicular thyroid tumours with macrofollicular architecture (four carcinomas and one adenoma).Methods and resultsWe have diagnosed five cases during a year‐long period at the Karolinska University Hospital, a tertiary thyroid cancer center with a catchment area of approximately 2.3 million inhabitants. Tumour DNA was interrogated using a commercially available massive parallel sequencing platform. All cases were female patients, ranging from 13 to 33 years at surgery. A single patient was a DICER1 syndrome carrier; the others were sporadic cases. All tumours displayed a macrofollicular architecture with a broad capsule. The MV‐FTCs displayed capsular invasion, but never vascular invasion. Areas with degenerative changes (microinfarctions) were noted in all cases, and focal papillary growth was observed in the majority. The Ki‐67 proliferation index was always above 4%. All cases displayed DICER1 gene mutations, of which four of five cases displayed RNase IIIb hot‐spot missense mutations adjoined by a second, deleterious variant in three of five tumouurs.ConclusionsMacrofollicular variants of follicular thyroid tumours are predominantly found in younger females and are strongly linked to somatic DICER1 gene mutations. Histological features such as a broad tumorous capsule, focal infarctions and areas with papillae could constitute clues prompting further genetic analyses.
Rethinking Innocence Projects in England and Wales: Lessons for the Future
Authors: GREENWOOD HOLLY 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article draws on original empirical research to explore the rise and fall of innocence projects across England and Wales. Innocence projects are university‐based projects which seek to educate students, to assist the wrongly convicted and to contribute to research and reform within criminal justice. Thirty‐six projects were established between 2004 and 2014 under Innocence Network UK, but following the network's closure, projects appear to be gradually disappearing. Drawing on empirical evidence from key actors, this article argues that the decline of innocence projects resulted from both emerging tensions within the innocence project movement itself and through the external constraints of operating within a restrictive criminal appeal system. It will conclude by rethinking how surviving projects might play a valuable role in addressing miscarriages of justice in the current climate.
Stringiness of hyaluronic acid emulsions
Authors: Kibbelaar Heleen V. M. , Deblais Antoine , Velikov Krassimir P. , Bonn Daniel , Shahidzadeh Noushine 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveCosmetic emulsions containing hyaluronic acid are ubiquitous in the cosmetic industry. However, the addition of (different molecular weight) hyaluronic acid can affect the filament stretching properties of concentrated emulsions. This property is often related to the “stringiness” of an emulsion, which can affect the consumer's choice for a product. It is thus very important to investigate and predict the effect of hyaluronic acid on the filament stretching properties of cosmetic emulsions.MethodsModel emulsions and emulsions with low and high molecular weights are prepared and their filament stretching properties are studied by the use of an extensional rheometer. Two different stretching speeds are employed during the stretching of the emulsions, a low speed at 10 µm/s and a high speed at 10 mm/s. The shear rheology of the samples is measured by rotational rheology.ResultsWe find that filament formation only occurs at high stretching speeds when the emulsion contains high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The formation of this filament, which happens at intermediate states of the break‐up, coincides with an exponential decay in the break‐up dynamics. The beginning and end of the break‐up of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid emulsions show a power law behaviour, where the exponent depends on the initial stretching rate. At a lower stretching speed, no filament is observed for both high molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid emulsions and the model emulsion. The emulsions show a power law behaviour over the whole break‐up range, where the exponent also depends on the stretching rate. No significant difference is observed between the shear flow properties of the emulsions containing different molecular weights hyaluronic acid.ConclusionIn this work, we underline the importance of the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid on the elongational properties of concentrated emulsions. The filament formation properties, for example the stringiness, of an emulsion is a key determinant of a product liking and repeat purchase. Here, we find that high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and a high stretching speed are the control parameters affecting the filament formation of an emulsion.
Nano eggshell calcium enhanced gel properties of Nemipterus virgatus surimi sausage: gel strength, water retention and microstructure
Authors: Huang Qun , Huang Xiang , Liu Lan , Song Hongbo , Geng Fang , Wu Wenjin , Luo Peng 
Published: May 2021

SummaryThe effects of nano eggshell calcium (NEC) at different levels (0–1.5 g/100 g) on the gel properties of Nemipterus virgatus surimi were investigated. The results indicated that under the condition of adding 1.0 g/100 g, the gel strength of surimi was the highest, the water‐holding capacity (WHC) was the best, and the cooking loss was the lowest. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) revealed that the addition of NEC promoted the covalent cross‐linking between myosin heavy chains (MHC). Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that low contents (0.5–1.0 g/100 g) of NEC promoted the conformational transition of surimi protein from α‐helix to β‐sheet. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that the surimi gel with 1.0 g/100 g NEC had a denser network structure. Nevertheless, in the mixed gel with 1.25–1.5 g/100 g NEC, the network structure of the mixed‐protein matrix was disrupted, and the mechanical and physicochemical parameters were deteriorated.
Enhancement of nutraceutical properties of licorice callus cultures using sample pre‐treatment strategy
Authors: Krittanai Supaluk , Buraphaka Hathairat , Sakamoto Seiichi , Putalun Waraporn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLicorice is an herbal plant in the Leguminosae family, and its roots and rhizomes are used as sweeteners in food and confectionery products. Moreover, it has a distinct inflammatory activity. In the present study, a sample pre‐treatment method to induce the deglycosylation of active metabolites in callus cultures of Glycyrrhiza inflata (GI) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) was developed. The results of the method evaluation showed the biotransformation of ononin to formononetin, a rare flavonoid found in trace amounts in licorice. The magnitude of enhancement was 3‐ and 19‐fold in the GI and GG samples, respectively. Moreover, the anti‐inflammatory activity assay showed that the potency of the sample pre‐treatment group was higher than that of the untreated group because it exerted an enhanced suppression of cyclo‐oxygenase 2 (COX‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. This is the first report on the anti‐inflammatory activity of licorice callus, which has the potential to be utilised as a functional food for health promotion. These findings support the idea of using sample preparation to impart nutraceutical properties to plant products.
Role of dough viscoelastic properties and rice variety in the thermal expansion and the quality of unconventional rice‐based bread: case of steamed‐cooked ‘Ablo’
Authors: Dahdouh Layal , Hounsou Mathias , Matignon Brigitte , Ricci Julien , Madodé Yann , Hounhouigan Joseph , Akissoé Noël , Mestres Christian 
Published: May 2021

SummaryAblo is a rice‐based bread consumed in Southern Benin. We investigated the impact of pre‐cooking conditions and starch characteristics on dough and Ablo physical properties. The solid‐like behaviour of doughs measured by rheological sweep tests appears significantly negatively correlated to Ablo quality; above a starch gelatinisation level (7%–8%), the solid‐like behaviour of the doughs increased sharply and the fluidity decreased, leading to Ablo of poor quality. A comparison between three rice cultivars tends to show that rice with low amylose content and/or gelatinisation temperature gives dough with higher fluidity and Ablo with lower density. In addition, a specific rheological test for measuring simultaneously dough expansion and rheological properties during heating has been developed. It shows that whatever the rice variety, thermal expansion of proofed dough begins and is followed by a dough/crumb transition. This innovative rheological test could be used for studying dough/crumb transition for other types of breads.
Influence of enzyme treatment of rice bran on gamma‐aminobutyric acid synthesis by Lacto bacillus
Authors: Lai Quoc Dat , Doan Ngoc Thuc Trinh , Nguyen Hoang Dung , Nguyen Thi Xuan Nu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The production GABA from the cheaper glutamic acid is a valuable process. Rice bran is a potential source of glutamic acid decarboxylase which was therefore selected for production of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) using lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis (Lb.brevis) VTCC‐B397). The influences of treatment of defatted rice bran with α‐amylase, Alcalase (Al), Flavourzyme (Fl) and their combinations at different concentration ratios on the GABA synthesis were examined. With α‐amylase impacts, concentration of GABA (6.41 mg mL−1) was about 2.38 times higher than the control sample (2.69 mg mL−1) under hydrolysis conditions of pH 6.5, temperature of 95 °C and α‐amylase concentration of 0.15% (v/w) for 45 min. The α‐amylase hydrolysis as prerequisite for protein hydrolysis using Al: Fl (ratio Al: Fl of 3: 7, concentration of 2% (w/w), pH = 8, temperature of 50 °C) reached the highest GABA synthesis efficiency, at 8.43 mg mL−1. Results showed that the enzyme treatment positively affected the fermentation using Lb. brevis for GABA biosynthesis from defatted rice bran.
Content analysis of euthanasia polls in Australia and New Zealand: words do matter
Authors: Grove Graham , Hughes Ian , Lovell Melanie , Best Megan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere has been widespread public and political interest in Euthanasia and Physician‐Assisted Suicide (EPAS) in recent years. Polling in Australia and New Zealand has generally shown a majority of people support some form of legal EPAS; however, the level of support varies between polls.AimTo explore whether public support for and opposition to EPAS as measured in historic Australian and New Zealand polls has been influenced by the wording of survey questions.MethodsAustralian and New Zealand random‐sample post‐1995 EPAS poll questions asked of the general public were identified and subjected to content analysis. Individual phrases and words were considered in terms of their favourability towards or unfavourability against EPAS and each poll question was assigned a net favourability score. Variation of support for EPAS based on year, location and favourability of language was analysed by various statistical methods.ResultsMean public support for EPAS in Australia and New Zealand between 1995 and the present was 70.2% with support ranging between 47 and 85%. Support did not vary by location and has remained unchanged over time. However, support was positively associated with increasing levels of favourable wording, accounting for over 20% variation in mean support. Allusions to hopelessness had an especially strong effect on increasing support for EPAS.ConclusionUse of emotive phrases and language is associated with influencing attitudes to EPAS in Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, caution should be exercised when interpreting public support for EPAS based on individual polls.
Investigation of wound healing activity Cynarahumilis of root extracts
Authors: Salhi Najoua , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Bounihi Amina , Masrar Azlarab , Bouabdellah Mounia , Chabraoui Layachi , Zengin Gokhan , Taghzouti Khalid , Rouas Lamiae , Cherrah Yahya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundWound healing is among the frequent illnesses that affects the skin, and therefore, the screening of natural preparation to treat skin burn is important. In Morocco, Cynara humilis is a Moroccan medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of skin burn.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the safety of C. humilis and its wound healing potential against skin burn.MethodsIn this work, C. humilis was selected based on an ethnopharmacological survey. As revealed by traditional medicine, C. humilis powder extract (CHPE) was used to test wound healing effects. Furthermore, to assure the safety of this powder, acute and subchronic dermal toxicities were investigated on animal models.ResultsThe oral acute toxicity test of CHPE did not show mortality in treated rats (LD50>2000 mg/kg). Moreover, in the acute dermal toxicity, CHPE at 5 g/kg did not induce clinical signs observed during the observation period of 48 h. In the subchronic toxicity test, CHPE did not cause significant abnormalities in the physiological parameters and pathological changes in the major organs of the rats. Body weight evolution and macroscopic analysis of skin burn showed CHPE exhibited important wound healing effects in a time‐dependent manner. CHPE reduced significantly wound surface (6.93 ± 0.25 cm2) compared with the SDA group (8.30 ± 0.37 cm2) and the no‐treated group (10.05 ± 0.28 cm2). Moreover, the retention rate was increased importantly after the treatment with CHPE (61.66 ± 1.42%) compared with the SDA‐treated group (53.57% ± 2.83%) and the no‐treated group control animals (43.34% ± 1.27%).ConclusionThese results were confirmed by a histological evaluation, which showed that CHPE increased the neovascularization, the collagen deposition, and the re‐epithelialization. The findings of this work suggest that CHPE could be a promising source for developing drugs against skin burn.
Clinical indicators and aetiological factors of sedentary lifestyle in patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Martins Larissa Castelo Guedes , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Diniz Camila Maciel , Matos Natália Cabrera , Magalhães Letícia de Carvalho , Furtado Marília Alves 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study is to verify the clinical validity of clinical indicators and aetiological factors of sedentary lifestyle in individuals with arterial hypertension.BackgroundDiagnostic validation is performed to expand nursing taxonomies and to revise or confirm the described concepts. New elements listed in the literature and those identified by the NANDA International definition for sedentary lifestyle need to be evaluated.DesignThis is a cross‐sectional and diagnostic validation study. The STROBE guidelines were used in this study.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty subjects aged over 18 years were evaluated. The diagnostic status of the participants was obtained by latent class analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify aetiological factors with the manifestation of sedentary lifestyle, considering a significance level of 5%.ResultsA total of 57.8% of the study participants met the diagnostic criteria for sedentary lifestyle. The clinical indicators with high sensitivity were as follows: "Average daily physical activity is less than recommended for gender and age"; "Does not perform physical activity during leisure time"; "Preference for activity low in physical activity" and "Overweight.” The significantly related factors associated with the diagnosis of sedentary lifestyle were as follows: "Insufficient knowledge on physical activity," "Lack of time," "Negative self‐perception of health," "Lack of security," "Lack of appropriate place," "Lack of motivation," "Activity intolerance," "Lack of sports ability," "Having a partner," "Using public transportation," "Perception of physical disability," "Pain," "Having a job/studying," "Laziness," "Impaired mobility," "Living in an urban area," "Education in a public institution," "Female gender," "Lack of confidence to practice physical exercise," "Education level," "Age" and "Lack of social support for the practice of physical exercise."ConclusionFour out of eight clinical indicators had a good adjustment by the latent class analysis. Of the 27 aetiological factors, 22 were significantly associated with sedentary lifestyle.Relevance to practiceThe correct identification of sedentary lifestyle and its elements supports care planning, especially for health promotion and disease prevention.