bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lanthanum carbonate to control plasma and urinary oxalate level in type 1 primary hyperoxaluria?
Authors: Pozdzik Agnieszka , David Cristina , Vekeman Jelle , Tielens Frederik , Daudon Michel 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionThe therapy to reduce urinary oxalate excretion in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 is still required.Case presentationA 37‐year‐old hemodialyzed man suffered from systemic oxalosis secondary to primary hyperoxaluria type 1 exhibited a drastic plasma oxalate decrease from 110 to 22 µmol/L two months after adjunction of lanthanum carbonate to classical treatment (intensive hemodialysis with pyridoxine). A 34‐year‐old woman with normal kidney function presented 10 years of bilateral kidney stones due to primary hyperoxaluria type 1 [hyperoxaluria (109.2 mg/24 h), plasma oxalate (56.0 µmol/L)]. The oxalate level remained uncontrolled despite of low oxalate‐normal calcium diet, pyridoxine and increased water intake though the lanthanum carbonate adjunction resulted in significant decrease in plasma oxalate and oxaluria.ConclusionWe report the lanthanum efficacy in reducing circulating and urinary oxalate levels in type 1 primary hyperoxaluria. Possible mechanism of observed falls in oxalate concentration would be a decrease in the intestinal absorption of oxalate.
Enhanced small neutral but not branched chain amino acid transport after epigenetic sodium coupled neutral amino acid transporter‐2 (SNAT2) cDNA expression in myoblasts
Authors: Pearson Timothy , Wendowski Oskar , Powell Penny P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle mass and function are partly maintained by the supply of amino acids, altered amino acid transport is an important cause of frailty that can lead to decreased independence with increasing age and slow trauma recovery. The system‐A sodium coupled neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT)‐2 coded by gene family SLC38A2 generates a 506 amino acid 56 kDa protein that is an important transporter of amino acids in skeletal muscle. Ageing is associated with a decrease in expression of SNAT2 transporters.MethodsIn this study, we used the C2C12 cell line, using myoblast cells and cells differentiated into myotubes. We investigated if the expression of SNAT2 DNA would enhance intracellular amino acid levels and increase their availability for protein synthesis.ResultsIn control myoblasts and myotubes, we found significantly decreased expression of SNAT2 (6.5× decrease, n = 4 per group, P < 0.05) in myotubes than found in myoblasts. After transfection with a SNAT2‐eGFP cDNA plasmid, C2C12 myoblasts significantly increased perinuclear punctate SNAT2‐eGFP expression that persisted and was more cytoplasmic after differentiation into myotubes. Interestingly, transfected cells were significantly more responsive to the hormone 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 4.5 nM, by 1.6×, n = 3 per group, P < 0.04). Starvation significantly enhanced the amino acid C14‐MeAIB transport (1.7×, n = 3 per group, P < 0.05) indicating increased function of SNAT2. Inhibiting SNAT2 with high concentrations of MeAIB (3.3 or 5 mM) significantly reduced C14‐Isoleucine transport by L‐type amino acid transporter (LAT2, 52.8% and 77%, respectively, n = 3 per group, P < 0.05). However, there was no increase in the LAT2 transport of C14‐isoleucine detectable in SNAT2‐eGFP transfected cells after DHT (4.5 nM) exposure. This indicated that small amino acid availability was not rate limiting to LAT2 function in myoblasts.ConclusionsOverall, these data show that transfection of SNAT2‐eGFP expression enhanced its function following starvation and treatment with physiological levels of DHT. Enhanced SNAT2 expression in muscle cells offers a viable epigenetic target in pathological conditions associated with altered amino acid transport.
Effect of borates on the synthesis of nanoscale hexagonal boron nitride by a solid‐state method
Authors: Öz Muhammed , Bozkurt Çetin , Kanbur Yılmaz Binnur , Yıldırım Gürcan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study delves deeply into the effect of different borates (lithium tetraborate, sodium tetraborate, calcium metaborate, ammonium pentaborate) on the production and fundamental characteristic features of nanoscale hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) structure with the assistant of standard characteristic measurement methods, namely, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The hBN samples are synthesized by reaction of powder urea, boron oxide, and different kinds of borates via the modified O'Connor method (performed at a relatively lower main heat treatment temperature of 1,100°C). All the results obtained show that the usage of borates affects positively the formation of nanoscale hBN structure. In more detail, the FTIR experiment results reveal that the presence of two strong c peaks appeared at ~1,380 and ~780 cm−1 in the spectra points out the conventional BN in‐plane and out‐of‐plane vibrations, respectively. The XRD patterns also confirm the production of high‐ordered hBN as the existence of the main peaks of the corresponding hexagonal system. As for the SEM examination, it is found that all the hBN materials exhibit totally different crystallinity quality and microstructural characteristics. The hBN compound prepared by the sodium tetraborate content shows the most uniform surface appearance with the smoothest/densest crystal structure, best grain orientations, and finest grain interactions. Hence, the material with strong stretching of interatomic bonds shows the highest material (fracture) strength. Moreover, the TEM images illustrate that all the products are composed of uniform multi‐walled nanotubes and nanorods with an average length of ~250 nm.
Assessment of antibacterial and antifungal potential of Curcuma longa and synthesized nanoparticles: A comparative study
Authors: Khan Mansoor Ahmed , Moghul Nurain Baig , Butt Maisra Azhar , Kiyani Mubin Mustafa , Zafar Ibraheem , Bukhari Ali Imran 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCurcumin nanoparticles were most recently considered in medical research because of their antibacterial properties. The main objective of the study was to develop the green synthesis and antibacterial activity of curcumin nanoparticles using Curcuma longa. The processing of curcumin nanoparticles was carried out after the collection, identification, and extraction of curcumin. The effect of a sample on the synthesis of nanoparticles, such as curcumin aqueous concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mg/ml) and curcumin nanoparticles (5, 10, and 20 mg/ml), and the antibacterial effect of these nanoparticles on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the fungal strain Aspergillus niger. For examining antibacterial and anti‐fungal activity disc diffusion method was performed, followed by the zone of inhibition. According to X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis, nanoparticles have spherical shapes and size of 42.64 nm. Results showed that a high dose of 20 mg/ml curcumin nanoparticles have more antibacterial activity than curcumin extracts in E. coli as it showed the largest diameter of zone of inhibition as compared to other doses. Other bacterial and fungal strains also showed significant results but E. coli was most prominent. The biosynthesis of curcumin nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of C. longa is a clean, inexpensive, and safe method that has not been used any toxic substance and consequently does not have side effects. Since several pathogenic species have acquired antibiotic resistance, the combination of curcumin with various nanoparticles would be beneficial in the cure of pathogenic diseases.
The impact of coupled air–sea interaction on extreme East Asian summer monsoon simulation in CMIP5 models
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Lee Soheon , Park Hye‐Jin , Cha Dong‐Hyun , Seo Kyong‐Hwan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, the relationship between the ability to simulate air–sea interactions over the western North Pacific (WNP), and to reproduce the extreme East Asian summer monsoon (EASM), were investigated by comparing the performances of several global climate models (GCMs). High ranked in air–sea interaction simulation (HRA) and low ranked in air–sea interaction simulation (LRA) models were selected, according to their performance in simulating relations between sea surface temperature (SST) and precipitation over the WNP, from the ensemble of models that participated in the third and fifth phases of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3, CMIP5). Compared with CMIP3 models, CMIP5 models exhibited improved simulations of the distinctive air–sea interaction over the WNP, namely, the strong atmospheric forcing on the ocean. Among CMIP5 models, HRA models, which reproduced intrinsic negative correlations between precipitation and SST over the WNP, could simulate the extreme EASM better than LRA models. In particular, HRA models generated a more realistic spatial distribution of the extreme EASM compared with LRA models. The defects of the LRA models resulted from distorted synoptic fields, including underestimated geopotential height and overestimated low‐level wind over the WNP, inducing unrealistic moisture supply and convection due to the exaggerated SST forcing. In contrast, reasonable air–sea interactions represented in HRA models lead to realistic synoptic fields over the WNP, and proper simulation of the extreme EASM.
Reexamining the connection of El Niño and North American winter climate
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wu Zhiwei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAccording to the ENSO amplitude and the zonal gradient in sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) between eastern and western Pacific, three types of El Niño are classified. The greater than average amplitude events are considered to be the strong El Niño (SEN), which commonly exhibits a salient zonal gradient over the Pacific and the surface warming in the Indian Ocean. The large‐scale atmospheric anomalies of SEN correspond to a typical Pacific‐North America teleconnection propagating along the great circle route over North Pacific‐North America (NP‐NA), resulting in a warm winter in northern NA but an opposite condition over southern NA. The less than average amplitude events are weak El Niños, which can be subdivided according to the zonal gradient of Pacific. The strong gradient weak El Niño shows an SEN‐like SSTA distribution within the Pacific, which induces an intensified Aleutian low and a negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) anomaly. As a result, a cold (warm) T2m pattern is observed over southeastern NA (eastern Canada). The weak gradient weak El Niño, featuring a warmer than normal SST anomalies pattern along the equatorial Indian Ocean and central to eastern Pacific, generates an eastward propagating wave train from North Pacific to the eastern North American continent that results in a meridional seesaw T2m anomalies pattern over the NA continent. Interestingly, the T2m anomalies over NA for three types of El Niño correspond to the three leading modes of NA winter T2m variability. In addition, the above ENSO teleconnections can be reproduced through a series of numerical experiments.
Shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy as enabling technique for the analysis of animal feedstuff
Authors: Sowoidnich Kay , Oster Michael , Wimmers Klaus , Maiwald Martin , Sumpf Bernd 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo achieve the best performance and health in farm animals, high‐quality pellets should be applied for feeding. Raw materials used for pellet production can have a significant influence on the nutritive and physical characteristics of the final product. A comprehensive quality control of raw materials and pellets is therefore essential. Optical inspection techniques show great promise as they enable fast, simple, and non‐destructive analysis. This study demonstrates the potential of shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) for inspection of intact feed pellets and their constituents. SERDS combines the ability of conventional Raman spectroscopy to obtain chemically specific information from the sample with efficient fluorescence background rejection capabilities. The latter is an essential prerequisite for the application to highly fluorescent natural samples, for example, feedstuffs. A custom dual‐wavelength diode laser with two slightly shifted emission wavelengths (785.2 and 784.6 nm) as required for SERDS is used as excitation light source. Results demonstrate that Raman signals can efficiently be separated from unwanted background contributions allowing for qualitative spatially resolved analysis of chicken feed pellets. Individual constituents present at levels down to 10 g/kg were successfully detected by means of their characteristic spectral signature. This highlights the large potential of SERDS and could pave the way for future inspection of raw materials and pellets at selected points along the process chain.
New Modified Equations to Estimate the Percentage of Over Three Emulsifiers in Emulsifier Mixture to Form a Stable Emulsion
Authors: Noor El‐Din Mahmoud R. , Hmeidan Sabti M.M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis research aims to deduce new simple empirical equations for applying Griffin's method for the Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) to calculate the percentages of three to five emulsifiers used as an emulsifier mixture to form a stable emulsion. To achieve this aim, various types of oils, emulsifiers, and other additives (i.e. corrosion inhibitor and biocide) were used in emulsions formation for use in various purposes such as cosmetic chemistry, metalworking fluid (MWF), and emulsion polymerization fields. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to measure the change of droplet size with time to assess the stability of emulsions. The emulsifiers were chosen based on their physical properties, chemical structure, and HLB value. The use of the deduced equations was restricted to the chemical structure and the HLB values of the emulsifiers used, the required HLB (RHLB) values of the oil and oil mixtures used, and the synergy in chemical structure between the hydrocarbon chain of oil(s) and the lipophilic moiety of the emulsifiers used. The results demonstrated that increasing the number of emulsifiers for a mixture of more than two emulsifiers increased the stability of the emulsion formed.
A multiunit compensation for organic light‐emitting diode burn‐in in mobile displays
Authors: Ok Jiheon , Yu Yonghoon , An Joo‐young , Na Sewhan , Jang Woohyuk , Lim Hyun‐Wook , Lee Jae‐Youl 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a cost‐effective organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) display burn‐in compensation method on a mobile system is proposed. The subpixel wise compensation map is estimated using the data‐counting approach and is reallocated to multiunit regional map according to amount of burn‐in details. The degraded luminance compensation is applied for the display driver integrated circuit (IC) without the additional external storage. With the optimized multiunit map, perceptual quality can be enhanced after compensation with limited internal memory. Experiment shows that the luminance uniformity of the degraded panel has been improved by 20% after proposed compensation with 1/16 memory space usage.
Baseline maps of potentially toxic elements in the soils of Garhwal Himalayas, India: Assessment of their eco‐environmental and human health risks
Authors: Kumar Amit , Pinto Marina Cabral , Candeias Carla , Dinis Pedo Alexandre 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGeochemical mapping is frequently used to identify the regions of the Planet with critical chemical elements and their natural or anthropogenic sources. In order to understand elements' geochemistry and to identify the area's potentially harmful associations, high‐resolution maps of chemical elements, physico‐chemical parameters, a noncarcinogenic hazard index, and a potential ecological risk index were modelled with soil samples collected in the Himalaya region. It is the first environmental and geochemical atlas for this region. It was found that natural processes are determining the distribution of the variable in this area. The granulometric features seem to be strongly influenced by land use, with coarser grain sizes in forest soils, contrasting with the finer grain sizes in agricultural soils. The map distribution of the noncarcinogenic hazard index showed that there is an expected hazard for some variables for both children and adults. Potential ecological risk is revealed to be low to moderate. Remediation of contaminated soils is necessary to reduce the associated risks, make the land resource available for agricultural production, enhance food security, and scale down land tenure problems arising from changes in the land use pattern. This study is subsequent implementation of natural‐based approaches to system stability in largely unspoilt area.
Construction of ecofriendly anticorrosive composite film ZnAl‐LDH by modification of lignin on AA 7075 surface
Authors: Cao Yanhui , Zheng Dajiang , Lin Changjian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, an environment‐friendly composite ZnAl‐LDH film modified by the rich biomass lignin was prepared on AA 7075 surface successfully. A wide range of characterizations was carried out to obtain the morphology, composition, and structure of this composite film, including scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and so on. In addition, FTIR was used to investigate the complexing interaction between layered double hydroxide (LDH) and lignin. Finally, the corrosion protection ability of this composite film was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in an immersion period of 7 days in NaCl solutions. The results indicated that the ZnAl‐LDH film modified by lignin could provide effective corrosion protection for the underlying substrate in the whole immersion period, with almost one order of magnitude higher of the corrosion resistance in comparison with that in the case of the blank ZnAl‐LDH film after immersion of 7 days. Such results could provide inspiring insights into the development of composite inhibitors based on LDH and biomass.
Longitudinal Change in Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Measures Over 3 Years in Patients with Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Marras Connie , Mills Kelly A. , Eberly Shirley , Oakes David , Chou Kelvin L. , Halverson Matthew , Parashos Sotirios A. , Tarolli Christopher G. , Lai Jin‐Shei , Nowinsky Cindy J. , Suchowersky Oksana , Farbman Eric S. , Shulman Lisa M. , Simuni Tanya 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro‐QoL) is a publicly available health‐related quality‐of‐life measurement system.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of Neuro‐QoL item banks as outcome measures for clinical trials in Parkinson's disease.MethodsAn analysis of Neuro‐QoL responsiveness to change and construct validity was performed in a multicenter clinical trial cohort.ResultsAmong 310 participants over 3 years, changes in five of eight Neuro‐QoL domains were significant (P < 0.05) but very modest. The largest effect sizes were seen in the cognition and mobility domains (0.35–0.39). The largest effect size for change over the year in which levodopa was initiated was −0.19 for lower extremity function–mobility. For a similarly designed clinical trial, estimated sample size required to demonstrate a 50% reduction in worsening ranged from 420 to more than 1000 participants per group.ConclusionsMore sensitive tools will be required to serve as an outcome measure in early Parkinson's disease. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A multi‐dimensional integration (MDI) strategy for MR T2* mapping
Authors: Ye Yongquan , Lyu Jingyuan , Sun Wenbo , Lan Lan , Wang Liang , Zhang Weiguo , Xu Haibo 
Published: May 2021

MRI signals are intrinsically multi‐dimensional, and signal behavior may be orthogonal among different dimensions. Such dimensional orthogonality can be utilized to eliminate unwanted effects and facilitate mathematical simplicity during image processing for improved outcomes. In this work, we will demonstrate and analyze the principles and performance of a newly developed multi‐dimensional integration (MDI) strategy in MR T2* mapping. By constructing a complex signal function to extract the inter‐echo signal changes, MDI solves an optimization problem by processing all signal dimensions (eg echoes, flip angles and coil channels) in one integrative step. MDI was compared with routine curve fitting methods on noise behavior, quantification accuracy and computational efficiency. All methods were tested and compared on simulation, phantom and knee data. Monte Carlo simulations were performed on simulation and all MRI data to investigate noise propagation from k space to T2* maps. For phantom tests, T2* values in regions of interest were extracted on a voxel‐wise basis and analyzed using a paired t‐test between scanning parameters and mapping methods, with p < 0.05 being significantly different. MDI facilitated a straightforward processing procedure, yielding homogeneous, high‐signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR) and artifact‐free T2* maps without explicit coil combination or additional measures. Compared with routine fitting methods, MDI offered significantly (p < 0.05) improved SNR and quantitative accuracy/robustness, with two to three orders higher computational efficiency. MDI also represented low‐SNR signals with low T2* values, avoiding misinterpretation with long‐T2* species.
A Case of a Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab in Periampullary Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pothuri Vikram , Herndon John , Ballentine Samuel J. , Lim Kian-Huat , Fields Ryan C. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Herein, we report on a patient with known Lynch syndrome and periampullary adenocarcinoma that exhibited a pathological complete response to neoadjuvant nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Two MSH2 mutations, high microsatellite instability, high tumor mutational burden, and elevated PD-L1 expression were identified by next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemistry. Following FOLFIRINOX (Fluorouracil/Leucovorin/Irinotecan/Oxaliplatin) administration and disease progression, nivolumab (1 mg/kg) and ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) were administered every 3 weeks for four total cycles. The patient responded well with minimal adverse effects and significant improvement in epigastric pain, appetite, and body weight. She then underwent resection consisting of pancreaticoduodenectomy, which demonstrated pathological complete response. Complete genomic profiling of periampullary carcinomas is crucial for optimal treatment selection as true ampullary masses and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have different genetic profiles. This case provides an example of a patient who may have further benefited from first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab to avoid the reduced efficacy and significant side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Key Points
A patient with known Lynch syndrome and ampullary adenocarcinoma harboring two MSH2 mutations, high microsatellite instability (MSI-high), high tumor mutational burden (TMB), and elevated PD-L1 expression achieved pathological complete response with neoadjuvant nivolumab plus ipilimumab. The combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab may be a better first-line option for patients with ampullary adenocarcinomas harboring deficient mismatch repair, MSI-high, and high TMB. Complete genomic profiling of periampullary adenocarcinomas is crucial for optimal treatment selection as true ampullary masses and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have different genetic profiles. The presence of either MSI-high or high TMB could be an appropriate predictive biomarker for response to nivolumab plus ipilimumab in the context of Lynch syndrome.