bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of the olive β‐glucosidase gene family putatively involved in the synthesis of phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil
Authors: García‐Vico Lourdes , Sánchez Rosario , Fernández Guillermo , Sanz Carlos , Pérez Ana G 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDHydrolysis of the fruit phenolic glucosides occurring during the oil extraction process is the main biochemical reaction affecting the biosynthesis and accumulation of secoiridoid compounds in virgin olive oil. An integrated approach at the molecular, biochemical, and metabolic level was used to study the olive β‐glucosidase gene family in seven olive cultivars selected by their different phenolic profiles.RESULTSEight β‐glucosidase genes have been identified by in silico analysis of an olive transcriptome. Their expression levels were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in olive fruits at different ripening stages: I, green fruits, 16–19 weeks after flowering (WAF); II, yellow–green fruits, 22–25 WAF; III, turning fruits, 28–31 WAF; and IV, fully ripe fruits, 35–40 WAF. Gene expression was compared with the level of β‐glucosidase activity in the fruit and with the phenolic composition of fruits and oils from different olive cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis of the encoded proteins and differences found among the β‐glucosidase genes based on Gene Ontology enrichment analysis data suggests maximum involvement of two genes, OeBGLU1A and OeBGLU1B, in the phenolic composition of virgin olive oil. Positive correlation coefficients were found within each olive cultivar between OeBGLU1A and OeBGLU1B gene expression data and the phenolic content of the oil.CONCLUSIONThe results obtained suggest that the expression pattern of specific β‐glucosidase genes may be an accurate predictor for the phenolic content of virgin olive oil that could be used in olive breeding programs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of nine nucleosides in Rhizoma Paridis by quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method
Authors: Xie Jing , Wang Run‐Yue , Yong Li , Gong Yi‐xin‐yue , Ding Li‐Sheng , Xin Ying , Wang Hong‐Li , Xue Ying , Qing Lin‐Sen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this work, a new quantitative analysis method of multi‐components analysis via a single marker strategy coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, was proposed to analyze nine nucleosides (cytidine, uridine, 2′‐deoxyuridine, inosine, guanosine, 2′‐deoxyguanosine, thymidine, adenosine, and 2′‐deoxyadenosine) as quality control markers in Rhizoma Paridis. Guanosine was set as the internal reference substance, whose content in Rhizoma Paridis was determined using conventional external standard method. Then, relative correction factors between guanosine and the other eight nucleosides were measured respectively. The amounts of the other eight components were calculated according to the relative correction factors by the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method. Finally, the result of vector angle cosine analysis showed that there was no significant difference of the contents between the external standard method and the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method, indicating that the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method can be applied for the quality control of Rhizoma Paridis. As far as we know, this is also the first report to analyze nucleosides by the quantitative analysis of multi‐components via a single marker method, providing an efficient and promising quality assessment method for other traditional Chinese medicine containing nucleosides.
BDNF‐Gene Transfected Schwann Cell‐Assisted Axonal Extension and Sprouting on New PLA–PPy Microfiber Substrates
Authors: Gisbert Roca Fernando , André Franck M. , Más Estellés Jorge , Monleón Pradas Manuel , Mir Lluis M. , Martínez‐Ramos Cristina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe work here reported analyzes the effect of increased efficiency of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production by electroporated Schwann cells (SCs) on the axonal extension in a coculture system on a biomaterial platform that can be of interest for the treatment of injuries of the nervous system, both central and peripheral. Rat SCs are electrotransfected with a plasmid coding for the BDNF protein in order to achieve an increased expression and release of this protein into the culture medium of the cells, performing the best balance between the level of transfection and the number of living cells. Gene‐transfected SCs show an about 100‐fold increase in the release of BDNF into the culture medium, compared to nonelectroporated SCs. Cocultivation of electroporated SCs with rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is performed on highly aligned substrates of polylactic acid (PLA) microfibers coated with the electroconductive polymer polypyrrol (PPy). The coculture of DRG with electrotransfected SCs increase both the axonal extension and the axonal sprouting from DRG neurons compared to the coculture of DRG with nonelectroporated SCs. Therefore, the use of PLA–PPy highly aligned microfiber substrates preseeded with electrotransfected SCs with an increased BDNF secretion is capable of both guiding and accelerating axonal growth.
pH Responsive Strong Polyion Complex Shape Memory Hydrogel with Spontaneous Shape Changing and Information Encryption
Authors: Hu Qiqian , Zhang Yuancheng , Wang Tao , Sun Weixiang , Tong Zhen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPolyion complex (PIC) hydrogels attract lots of studies because of the relatively definite network and excellent mechanical strength. However, the stability of the PIC hydrogel is poor in salt solutions due to the counter‐ion screening effect, which restricts their applications. Besides, novel functions of the PIC hydrogels also need to be explored. In this work, a multifunctional PIC hydrogel is prepared by polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate in poly(styrene sulfonic acid) aqueous solution with the presence of counter‐ion NaCl. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, water content, and mechanical properties of the hydrogel are investigated. The introduction of hydrophobic weak electrolyte into the hydrogel brings stable excellent mechanical strength even in NaCl solutions with high concentration and pH modulated softening and strengthening. Surprisingly, the hydrogel swells but is strengthened in HCl, while it shrinks but is softened in NaOH. pH induced shape memory and unique spontaneous shape changing is thus presented benefiting from this synergistic effect. Moreover, information encryption is realized on the PIC hydrogel owing to the transmittance change and the different water absorption capability of the hydrogel at different states. This new kind of PIC hydrogel proposes a new smart material in continuously actuating soft machines and secretive information transformation.
1,3‐Diazepine: A privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry
Authors: Malki Yohan , Martinez Jean , Masurier Nicolas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrivileged structures have been widely used as effective templates for drug discovery. While benzo‐1,4‐diazepine constitutes the first historical example of such a structure, the 1,3 analogue is just as rich in terms of applications in medicinal chemistry. The 1,3‐diazepine moiety is present in numerous biological active compounds including natural products, and is used to design compounds displaying a large range of biological activities. It is present in the clinically used anticancer compound pentostatin, in several recent FDA approved β‐lactamase inhibitors (e.g., avibactam) and also in coformycin, a natural product known as a ring‐expanded purine analogue displaying antiviral and anticancer activities. Several other 1,3‐diazepine containing compounds have entered into clinical trials. This heterocyclic structure has been and is still widely used in medicinal chemistry to design enzyme inhibitors, GPCR ligands, and so forth. This review endeavours to highlight the main use of the 1,3‐diazepine scaffold and its derivatives, and their applications in medicinal chemistry, drug design, and therapy. We will focus more particularly on the development of enzyme inhibitors incorporating this scaffold, with a strong emphasis on the molecular interactions involved in the inhibition mechanism.
The adenosinergic pathway in mesenchymal stem cell fate and functions
Authors: Galgaro Bruna C. , Beckenkamp Liziane R. , van den M. Nunnenkamp Martha , Korb Vitória G. , Naasani Liliana I. S. , Roszek Katarzyna , Wink Márcia R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis and damage repair through their ability to differentiate into cells of different tissues, trophic support, and immunomodulation. These properties made them attractive for clinical applications in regenerative medicine, immune disorders, and cell transplantation. However, despite multiple preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating beneficial effects of MSCs, their native identity and mechanisms of action remain inconclusive. Since its discovery, the CD73/ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase is known as a classic marker for MSCs, but its role goes far beyond a phenotypic characterization antigen. CD73 contributes to adenosine production, therefore, is an essential component of purinergic signaling, a pathway composed of different nucleotides and nucleosides, which concentrations are finely regulated by the ectoenzymes and receptors. Thus, purinergic signaling controls pathophysiological functions such as proliferation, migration, cell fate, and immune responses. Despite the remarkable progress already achieved in considering adenosinergic pathway as a therapeutic target in different pathologies, its role is not fully explored in the context of the therapeutic functions of MSCs. Therefore, in this review, we provide an overview of the role of CD73 and adenosine‐mediated signaling in the functions ascribed to MSCs, such as homing and proliferation, cell differentiation, and immunomodulation. Additionally, we will discuss the pathophysiological role of MSCs, via CD73 and adenosine, in different diseases, as well as in tumor development and progression. A better understanding of the adenosinergic pathway in the regulation of MSCs functions will help to provide improved therapeutic strategies applicable in regenerative medicine.
High percentage of neurologic deficits in the electrophysiology study of the lower urinary tract in patients with detrusor underactivity and chronic urinary retention
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Hong , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesBoth detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction are the common causes of chronic urinary retention. Some novel treatment approaches focus on modulating micturition reflex and external urethral sphincter (EUS) function. This study used electrophysiologic (EP) studies to investigate the micturition reflex and EUS conditions of chronic urinary retention patients.MethodsSixty patients with urodynamic DU and chronic urinary retention were studied using (1) bulbocavernous reflex (BCR) by electric stimulation, (2) electromyography (EMG) of the EUS, and (3) nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies of the pudendal nerve. The EP findings were analyzed in DU patients with different etiologies.ResultsThe BCR was positive in 41.7% of patients. In EMG studies, denervation, reinnervation, and reduced recruitment of the EUS were observed in 21.7%, 71.7%, and 88.3% patients, respectively. Decreased amplitude of pudendal nerve conduction in NCV studies was noted in 73.3% of patients. Patients with sacral neuropathy had a lower BCR positive rate (p = 0.001), a nonsignificant but higher denervation rate (p = 0.059) in EMG studies, and a higher rate of decreased amplitude in NCV (p = 0.011) than those without sacral neuropathy. Excluding patients with sacral neuropathy or diabetes mellitus, a high percentage of neurologic deficits was still detected in EP studies.ConclusionsChronic urinary retention patients with urodynamic DU not only have bladder dysfunction, but also potential neuropathy in the sacral reflexes, pudendal nerve, or urethral sphincter innervation. The neurologic deficits explored in EP studies may affect the decision‐making around the therapy to restore the voiding function in DU.
Artificial urinary sphincter or a second adjustable transobturator male system offer equivalent outcomes in patients whom required revision on the initial ATOMS device: An international multi‐institutional experience
Authors: Angulo Javier C. , Schönburg Sandra , Giammò Alessandro , Queissert Fabian , Gonsior Andreas , González‐Enguita Carmen , Martins Francisco E. , Rourke Keith , Cruz Francisco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate treatment options after surgical revision of adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) and the results of further incontinence implantation.Materials and MethodsA retrospective multicenter study evaluating patients with surgical revision of ATOMS in academic institutions. Causes and factors affecting revision‐free interval were studied and also the frequency of device explant and placement of second ATOMS or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) at surgeon discretion. Operative results, complications (Clavien–Dindo), and efficacy (postoperative pad‐test, pad‐count, patient satisfaction, and patient global impression of improvement [PGI‐I scale]) of each treatment option were compared.ResultsSeventy‐eight out of 902 patients (8.65%) with ATOMS underwent surgical revision at 4.1 ± 2.4 years mean follow‐up and 75 (8.3%) were explanted. The main causes for revision included persistence of incontinence (35.9%) and scrotal port erosion (34.6%). Independent risk factors of the shortened revision‐free interval were previous anti‐incontinence surgery (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06–3.16; p = 0.007) and port erosion (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06–3.16; p = 0.0027). Fifty‐eight (6.4%) received a second implant: 31 repeated ATOMS and 27 AUS. Operative time was longer for AUS (p = .003). The visual analog scale of pain at hospital discharge (p = 0.837) and postoperative complications (p = 0.154) were equivalent. The predominant cuff size for AUS was 4.5 cm (59.3%). Mean follow‐up after the second implant was 29.1 ± 25.8 months. Postoperative efficacy of secondary treatment results favored ATOMS based on pad‐test (p = 0.016), pad‐count (p = 0.029), patient satisfaction (p = 0.04), and PGI‐I (p = 0.025).ConclusionsATOMS surgical revision due to different reasons generally leads to device explant. Rescue treatment is possible with ATOMS or AUS. No difference in postoperative complications was detected between secondary devices, but efficacy favors repeating ATOMS implantation.
Five‐year outcomes of an anterior mesh kit for severe pelvic organ prolapse in women
Authors: Huang Eugene , Koh Wei Shung , Han How Chuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThe Elevate™ Anterior mesh was designed to correct anterior vaginal wall defects by providing level 1 and 2 support via a single incision and transvaginal approach. This study aimed to examine the objective and subjective outcomes following prolapse repair using the Elevate™ Anterior mesh kit.MethodsA retrospective case series review of 270 patients with Baden–Walker Grades 3 or 4 anterior compartment prolapse who underwent the Elevate™ Anterior mesh kit was undertaken. Operative complications were recorded with follow‐up intervals arranged at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. A standardized questionnaire directed at urinary, pain and recurrence symptoms was used at each follow‐up visit. Pelvic examinations were performed at each follow‐up visit to assess for objective cure and for detection of complications. The primary outcome was to assess the cure rate defined as anterior vaginal wall prolapse ≤ Grade 1.ResultsThe follow‐up rate was 28.9%. Subjective and objective cure rates at 60 months were 100% and 96.2%, respectively. Ten (3.7%) intraoperative complications were recorded. At 60 months, three (3.8%) patients complained of de novo stress/urge urinary incontinence. One patient had dyspareunia at 6 months postsurgery which resolved by the end of 1 year. Prolapse recurrences in the anterior compartment was 3.8% at the end of 5 years. Mesh exposure into the vagina occurred in three patients.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our experience with the Elevate™ Anterior mesh kit had promising subjective and objective outcomes with high patient satisfaction rates.
Individual and cumulative health afflictions are associated with greater impairment in physical and mental function in former professional American style football players
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Cortez Bryan , Coughlan‐Gifford Elaine , Grashow Rachel , Baker Jillian , Baggish Aaron L. , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Nadler Lee M. , Speizer Frank E. , Taylor Herman A. , Weisskopf Marc G. , Zafonte Ross 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundFormer American style football players (ASF players) have recognized health concerns associated with prior sport participation. It remains unknown whether categorizations of current health conditions, referred to in this report as afflictions (conceptually framed as neurocognitive, cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, sleep apnea, and chronic pain) are associated with physical and mental function.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of afflictions to physical and mental function. It was hypothesized that former National Football League players with any affliction would have worse function compared to unafflicted participants. It was anticipated that multiple afflictions would result in cumulative loss of function.DesignCross‐sectional retrospective design.SettingAcademic medical multisite hospital system.ParticipantsA total of 3913 of 15,611 former ASF players who played professionally from 1960 to 2019 (response rate 25%).Assessment of Risk FactorsSelf‐report survey.Main Outcome MeasuresEach participant completed the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale and Physical Function questionnaires. Responses were used to generate two physical function and one mental function subscale scores. Raw scores were converted to T‐scores categorized as impaired (T‐score < 40) or unimpaired (T‐score ≥ 40). Primary analyses measured the association of affliction to function (impaired or unimpaired).ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders (age, race, position, number of seasons, age of first exposure to football, alcohol use, smoking history, and current body mass index), each affliction was associated with reduced physical function on the Global physical function subscale (risk ratio [RR] = 1.23‐2.45, all P < .005), physical function scale (RR = 1.24‐2.75, all P < .01), and mental function scale (RR = 1.34‐2.87, all P < .001), except that cardiovascular affliction was not associated with mental function (RR = 1.15, P = .15). The lowest functional measures were observed in those afflicted by chronic pain. Cumulative afflictions were associated with worse function.ConclusionsAfflictions are associated with cumulative reduction of function. Research evaluating how afflictions interact may help elucidate mechanisms for illness and develop interventions to optimize function.
Complete Equations of State for Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine
Authors: Cawkwell Marc J. , Zecevic Milovan , Luscher Darby J. , Ramos Kyle J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractComplete equations of state for the volumetric deformation of the β‐polymorph of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (β‐HMX) have been derived from its Helmholtz free energy. Dispersion‐corrected density functional theory calculations were used to compute the dependence of the frequencies of the vibrational normal modes on specific volume. The normal mode frequencies were used directly to generate both a tabular equation of state and an approximate model where the sum over normal mode frequencies is replaced by a set of five Debye models. Both the tabular and Debye model‐based equations of state use the same cold curve, which is parameterized to the isothermal compression data of Yoo and Cynn [C. S. Yoo and H. Cynn,J. Chem. Phys.,1999,111, 10229]. The two equations of state are applied to the calculation of the thermophysical properties of β‐HMX required for continuum‐level hydrodynamic simulations and are compared in detail.
Evaluation of a warfarin bait for controlling invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Beasley James C , Clontz Lindsay M , Rakowski Allison , Snow Nathan P , VerCauteren Kurt C 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDWild pigs (Sus scrofa) cause widespread environmental and economic damage, and as a result are subjected to extensive control. Current management strategies have proven insufficient, and there is growing interest in use of toxicants to control invasive populations of this species. In 2017 a low‐dose warfarin bait was federally approved for use in controlling wild pigs in the United States. However, no states have allowed use of this bait due to unanswered questions regarding welfare concerns, field efficacy, and non‐target impacts.RESULTSAll captive wild pigs fed 0.005% warfarin baits in no choice feeding trials succumbed in an average of 8 days from exposure. Behavioral symptoms of warfarin exposure included vomiting, external bleeding, abnormal breathing, incoordination, and limping. Postmortem examinations revealed hemorrhaging in organs and muscles, particularly the legs, gastrointestinal tract, and abdomen. Warfarin residues in tissues averaged 1.0 mg kg‐1 for muscle, 3.9 mg kg‐1 for liver, and 2.8 mg kg‐1 for small intestines. Field testing revealed wild pigs required extensive training to access bait within pig‐specific bait stations, and once acclimated, exhibited reluctance to consume toxic baits, resulting in no mortalities across two separate field deployments of toxic bait.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest wild pigs are susceptible to low‐dose warfarin, and warfarin residues in pig tissues postmortem are generally low. However, although warfarin‐based baits are currently approved for use by the US Environmental Protection Agency, further improvements to pig‐specific bait delivery systems and bait palatability are needed, as well as additional research to quantify efficacy, cost, and non‐target impacts prior to widespread implementation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Disturbance observer based dead‐beat control of multi‐input systems with unknown disturbances and bounded inputs using discrete‐time higher order sliding mode
Authors: Huseinbegović Senad , Peruničić‐Draženović Branislava , Veselić Boban , Milosavljević Čedomir 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article proposes a new robust dead‐beat controller for multivariable systems using multirate sampled data. Applying a discrete‐time higher order sliding mode control approach, the proposed dead‐beat controller design uses the state‐space nominal model (model without disturbances) of the system and its controllability indices to compute the state feedback matrix. The obtained control annihilates the system state in a minimal number of sampling periods. For example, a heuristic procedure for selecting a sampling time is considered in order to keep maximal amplitudes of control inputs within the allowable limits. Since the dead‐beat control has poor robustness, a new discrete‐time supertwisting disturbance observer is used to suppressed disturbance effects. Stability analysis of the proposed observer has shown that it is suitable for Lipschitz type of disturbances. The sampling period of the disturbance observer is generally smaller than the control sampling period. Properties of the proposed control system are demonstrated in simulation examples.