bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced sulfur metabolism by sulfur dioxide maintains postharvest quality of ‘Thompson Seedless’ grape through increasing sulfite content
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Wei Jia , Wang Man , Zhang Jian , Wu Bin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe commercial preservation of table grapes largely depends on the application of sulfur dioxide (SO2). However, little is known about whether SO2 participates in sulfur metabolism to improve the postharvest quality of table grapes. In this study, the contents of sulfur‐containing compounds, activities of enzymes, and expression of genes involved in sulfur metabolism in table grapes (Vitis vinifera cv. Thompson Seedless) were evaluated.RESULTSThe results indicated that SO2 treatment maintained the postharvest quality of table grapes. The sulfite content in rachises and berries, but not the sulfate content, increased in response to SO2 treatment. SO2 caused high activities of sulfite reductase, O‐acetylserine (thiol)‐lyase, and γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase, thereby increasing the contents of cysteine, hydrogen sulfide, and glutathione in the rachises and berries. The expression of VvSURTL, VvATPS1, VvATPS2, and VvAPR3 decreased in response to SO2 treatment; however, the transcript levels of VvSiR1 and VvOASTL exhibited the opposite tendency.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicated that the sulfite converted from SO2 participated in sulfur metabolism and maintained the postharvest quality of table grapes by modulating the contents of metabolites, activities of enzymes, and expression of genes related to sulfur metabolism. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The c.863A>G (p.Glu288Gly) variant of the CTSD gene is not associated with CLN10 disease
Authors: Yang Juan , Ding Xiaoting , Meng Shasha , Cai Jinhua , Zhou Weihui 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundCathepsin D is a lysosomal aspartic protease encoded by the CTSD gene. It plays important roles in many biological processes. Biallelic loss‐of‐function mutation of CTSD is considered a cause of CLN10 disease. CLN10 is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that is one of 14 types of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). To date, only a few cases of CLN10 and 12 disease‐causing mutations have been reported worldwide.MethodsExome sequencing was performed on a 15‐year‐old girl with pervasive brain developmental disorder. The effects of the identified variants were investigated through multiple functional experiments.ResultsThere were no differences in mRNA and protein expression, intracellular localization, maturation, and proteolytic activity between the cells with the mutant CTSD gene and those with the wild‐type CTSD gene.ConclusionThese results suggest that the c.863A>G (p.Glu288Gly) homozygous variant is not a pathogenic variation, but a benign variant.
Benzodiazepine high‐doses: The need for an accurate definition
Authors: Cloos Jean‐Marc , Lim Cow Christopher Y. S. , Bocquet Valéry 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesA clear definition of what we understand of high‐dose misuse or of a ‘markedly increased dose’ (as stated by the DSM‐5) is important and past definitions may be inadequate. The aim of this review is to describe the different definitions used and to test these definitions for their accuracy.MethodsA narrative PubMed literature review was conducted based on articles published between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2020 describing benzodiazepines (in MeSH Terms or MeSH Major Topic) and high‐dose (or high‐dosage). Specific definitions were applied to a population sample to show how definitions affect high‐dose benzodiazepine prevalence.ResultsMultiples of an equivalent‐diazepam dose or of the World Health Organization ‘defined daily dosage’ were used more frequently than the overstep of the recommended maximum therapeutic dosage as a cut‐off point.ConclusionHigh‐dose use is rare but the prevalence in the general population varies among studies, mainly due to different definitions, making both clinical and epidemiological comparisons between studies difficult. Defining a high‐dose user as a person who takes at least a higher dose than the maximum usual therapeutic dose over a defined period of time therefore appears to be clinically more consistent.
Sensitivity and resolution improvement for in vivo magnetic resonance current‐density imaging of the human brain
Authors: Göksu Cihan , Scheffler Klaus , Gregersen Fróði , Eroğlu Hasan H. , Heule Rahel , Siebner Hartwig R. , Hanson Lars G. , Thielscher Axel 
Published: August 2021

PurposeMagnetic resonance current‐density imaging (MRCDI) combines MRI with low‐intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (TES; 1‐2 mA) to map current flow in the brain. However, usage of MRCDI is still hampered by low measurement sensitivity and image quality.MethodsRecently, a multigradient‐echo–based MRCDI approach has been introduced that presently has the best‐documented efficiency. This MRCDI approach has now been advanced in three directions and has been validated by phantom and in vivo experiments. First, the importance of optimum spoiling for brain imaging was verified. Second, the sensitivity and spatial resolution were improved by using acquisition weighting. Third, navigators were added as a quality control measure for tracking physiological noise. Combining these advancements, the optimized MRCDI method was tested by using 1 mA TES for two different injection profiles.ResultsFor a session duration of 4:20 min, the new MRCDI method was able to detect TES‐induced magnetic fields at a sensitivity level of 84 picotesla, representing a twofold efficiency increase against our original method. A comparison between measurements and simulations based on personalized head models showed a consistent increase in the coefficient of determination of ΔR2= 0.12 for the current‐induced magnetic fields and ΔR2= 0.22 for the current flow reconstructions. Interestingly, some of the simulations still clearly deviated from the measurements despite the strongly improved measurement quality. This highlights the utility of MRCDI to improve head models for TES simulations.ConclusionThe achieved sensitivity improvement is an important step from proof‐of‐concept studies toward a broader application of MRCDI in clinical and basic neuroscience research.
Role of electrodiagnosis in nerve transfers for focal neuropathies and brachial plexopathies
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R. , Binhammer Paul 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOver the past 2 decades, the surgical treatment of brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries has advanced considerably. Nerve transfers have become an important surgical tool in addition to nerve repair and grafting. Electrodiagnosis has traditionally played a role in the diagnosis and localization of peripheral nervous system injuries, but a different approach is needed for surgical decision‐making and monitoring recovery. When patients have complete or severe injuries they should be referred to surgical colleagues early after injury, as outcomes are best when nerve transfers are performed within the first 3 to 6 mo after onset. Patients with minimal recovery of voluntary activity are particularly challenging, and the presence of a few motor unit action potentials in these individuals should be interpreted on the basis of timing and evidence of ongoing reinnervation. Evaluation of potential recipient and donor muscles, as well as redundant muscles, for nerve transfers requires an individualized approach to optimize the chances of a successful surgical intervention. Anomalous innervation takes on new importance in these patients. Communication between surgeons and electrodiagnostic medicine specialists (EMSs) is best facilitated by a joint collaborative clinic. Ongoing monitoring of recovery post‐operatively is critical to allow for decision making for continued surgical and rehabilitation treatments. Different electrodiagnostic findings are expected with resolution of neurapraxia, distal axon sprouting, and axonal regrowth. As new surgical techniques become available, EMSs will play an important role in the assessment and treatment of these patients with severe nerve injuries.
Controlling hydrocarbon transport and electron beam induced deposition on single layer graphene: Toward atomic scale synthesis in the scanning transmission electron microscope
Authors: Dyck Ondrej , Lupini Andrew R. , Rack Philip D. , Fowlkes Jason , Jesse Stephen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFocused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) is a direct write technique for depositing materials on a support substrate akin to 3D printing with an electron beam (e‐beam). Opportunities exist for merging this existing technique with aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy to achieve molecular‐ or atomic‐level spatial precision. Several demonstrations have been performed using graphene as the support substrate. A common challenge that arises during this process is e‐beam‐induced hydrocarbon deposition, suggesting greater control over the sample environment is needed. Various strategies exist for cleaning graphene in situ. One of the most effective methods is to rapidly heat to high temperatures, for example, 600℃ or higher. While this can produce large areas of what appears to be atomically clean graphene, mobile hydrocarbons can still be present on the surfaces. Here, we show that these hydrocarbons are primarily limited to surface migration and demonstrate an effective method for interrupting the flow using e‐beam deposition to form corralled hydrocarbon regions. This strategy is effective for maintaining atomically clean graphene at high temperatures where hydrocarbon mobility can lead to substantial accumulation of unwanted e‐beam deposition.
Importance of addressing malnutrition in cancer and implementation of a quality improvement project in a gastrointestinal cancer clinic
Authors: Levonyak Nicholas S. , Hodges Mary P. , Haaf Nicole , Brown Timothy J. , Hardy Shelli , Mhoon Verca , Kainthla Radhika , Beg Muhammad Shaalan , Kazmi Syed M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMalnutrition is exceedingly common in cancer patients, with some of the highest rates seen in gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Malnutrition and cachexia in cancer patients is associated with worse quality of life, poor treatment tolerance, and increased morbidity and mortality. The importance of early recognition of malnutrition in cancer patients is key, and numerous screening tools have been validated to aid practitioners in this diagnosis. In this paper, we summarize the importance of identifying and managing malnutrition in GI cancer patients as well as its impact on clinical outcomes. We then focus on presenting our own novel quality improvement project that aims to expand access to dietitian services in a GI cancer clinic at a large safety‐net hospital system. Utilizing evidence‐based quality improvement methodologies including the Model for Improvement and Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles, we increased the proportion of GI oncology patients seen by a dietitian from 5% to 20% from October 2018 to July 2019. In particular, we outline the challenges faced in the implementation process of a malnutrition screening tool built into the electronic medical record in an outpatient oncology clinic. We focus on the tool's ability to capture a greater number of patients with malnutrition and its clinical impact.
Obesity as an isolated contraindication to kidney transplantation in the end‐stage renal disease population: A cohort study
Authors: Orandi Babak J. , Lewis Cora E. , MacLennan Paul A. , Qu Haiyan , Mehta Shikha , Kumar Vineeta , Sheikh Saulat S. , Cannon Robert M. , Anderson Douglas J. , Hanaway Michael J. , Reed Rhiannon D. , Killian A. Cozette , Purvis Joshua W. , Terrault Norah A. , Locke Jayme E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to characterize end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with obesity as their only contraindication to listing and to quantify wait‐list and transplant access.MethodsUsing the US Renal Data System, a retrospective cohort study of incident dialysis cases (2012 to 2014) was performed. The primary outcomes were time to wait‐listing and time to transplantation.ResultsOf 157,572 dialysis patients not already listed, 39,844 had BMI as their only demonstrable transplant contraindication. They tended to be younger, female, and Black. Compared with patients with BMI < 35, those with BMI 35 to 39.9, 40 to 44.9, and ≥45 were, respectively, 15% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.85; 95% CI: 0.83‐0.88; p < 0.001), 45% (aHR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.52‐0.57; p < 0.001), and 71% (aHR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.27‐0.31; p < 0.001) less likely to be wait‐listed. Wait‐listed patients with BMI 35 to 39.9 were 24% less likely to achieve transplant (aHR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.72‐0.80; p < 0.0001), BMI 40 to 44.9 were 21% less likely (aHR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.72‐0.86; p < 0.0001), and BMI ≥ 45 were 15% less likely (aHR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75‐0.95; p = 0.004) compared with patients with BMI < 35.ConclusionsObesity was the sole contraindication to wait‐listing for 40,000 dialysis patients. They were less likely to be wait‐listed. For those who were, they had a lower likelihood of transplant. Aggressive weight‐loss interventions may help this population achieve wait‐listing and transplant.
Natural and synthetic functional materials for broad spectrum applications in antimicrobials, antivirals and cosmetics
Authors: Shinde Dasharath B. , Pawar Ranjitsinh , Vitore Jyotsna , Kulkarni Deepak , Musale Shubham , S. Giram Prabhanjan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is the leading cause of burden on healthcare sector. There is scientific challenge of developing new functional material as a platform to prevent and treat viral and microbial infection and cosmetic utility. In material chemistry, there is progress in the development of functional material with advent of nanotechnology with aid of synthetic organic chemistry. The properties and application of material can be changed significantly by modification of the surface functional groups (namely, COOH, HO, NH2OH, SO4,), formation of composite with inorganic material and incorporation of active pharmaceutical agents. In antibacterial application functional material of copper, silver, gold, platinum, tin, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, zinc and pharmaceutical antimicrobial agents found utility in the treatment of bacterial and hospital acquired infection with different resistant strains of microorganisms. In antiviral application many functional materials have been shown to possess remarkable antiviral ability like quantum dots, gold and silver nanoparticles, nanoclusters, carbon dots, graphene oxide and silicon materials. The polymers and dendrimers functionalized with USFDA approved antiviral agent also has potential therapeutic outcomes. Despite their difference in antiviral mechanism and inhibition efficacy, these functional material structures have unique features as potential antiviral candidates. In cosmetic applications functional material based on mica, sericite, fullerene, charcoal, peptides, mineral, lipids, glucocorticoid, nanocellulose hybrid material are extensively used. In this review, we have highlighted early promise and prospects of functional material for cosmetics, antibacterial and antiviral applications, advantages and disadvantages, Patent scenario, current challenges for translation into commercial products.
Recent developments in biodegradable block copolymers
Authors: Tekale Sunil U. , Rottenberg Yakir , Ingle Rajita D. , Domb Abraham J. , Pawar Rajendra P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBlock copolymers consist of two or more segments of polymer chains in a typical arrangement through connected covalent bonds. Biodegradable block copolymers have emerged as useful carriers for controlled drug release, tissue engineering, and other biomedical applications due to their ability to form colloidal systems and tunable properties. This review focuses on recent advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and biomedical applications of biodegradable block copolymers.
Effects of hydroxyurea on brain function in children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Wang Winfred C. , Zou Ping , Hwang Scott N. , Kang Guolian , Ding Juan , Heitzer Andrew M. , Schreiber Jane E. , Helton Kathleen , Hankins Jane S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionSickle cell anemia (SCA) results in numerous adverse effects on the brain, including neurocognitive dysfunction. Hydroxyurea has been utilized extensively for management of SCA, but its effects on brain function have not been established.MethodsWe examined prospectively the effects of 1 year of treatment with hydroxyurea on brain function in children with SCA (HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassemia) by baseline and exit evaluations, including comprehensive neurocognitive testing, transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD), and brain MRI (silent cerebral infarcts [SCI], gray matter cerebral blood flow [GM‐CBF], and blood oxygen level‐dependent [BOLD] signal from visual stimulation).ResultsNineteen patients with SCA, mean age 12.4 years (range 7.2–17.8), were evaluated. At baseline, subjects had these mean values: full‐scale IQ (FSIQ) 82.8, TCD velocity 133 cm/s, GM‐CBF 64.4 ml/100 g/min, BOLD signal 2.34% increase, and frequency of SCI 47%. After 1 year of hydroxyurea, there were increases in FSIQ (+2, p = .059) and reading passage comprehension (+4, p = .033), a significant decrease in TCD velocity (−11 cm/s, p = .007), and no significant changes in GM‐CBF, BOLD, or SCI frequency. Hemoglobin F (HbF) was associated with passage comprehension, hemoglobin with lower TCD velocity, and lower GM‐CBF with greater working memory. Higher BOLD signal was associated with higher processing speed and lower TCD velocity with higher math fluency.DiscussionImprovements in neurocognition and decreased TCD velocity following 1 year of treatment support hydroxyurea use for improving neurocognitive outcomes in SCA. Understanding the mechanisms of benefit, as indicated by relationships of neurocognitive function with HbF, hemoglobin, and CBF, requires further evaluation.
Hydroxyapatite integrated with cellulose acetate/polyetherimide composite membrane for biomedical applications
Authors: Sivasankari Selvam , Kalaivizhi Rajappan , Gowriboy Natesan , Ganesh Munuswamy Ramanujam , Shazia Anjum Musthafa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this study, we describe the experience of a simple, cost‐efficient preparation and characterization of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanomaterial incorporated cellulose acetate/polyetherimide membrane for adsorption and biomedical applications. A simple chemical precipitation technique has been used for the synthesis of HA nanoparticles. The membrane was then developed by incorporating nanoparticles into different compositions of cellulose acetate and polyetherimide by using a phase inversion technique. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the structural analysis and morphology of the nanoparticles and polymer membrane. Thermo gravimetric analysis was used to describe thermal characteristics. The contact angle value and wettability test were used to determine the hydrophilicity of the polymer membrane. The images from the scanning electron microscope analysis indicate that the addition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles causes significant morphological changes in the membrane's surface and cross section. When compared with a control membrane, the presence of inorganic nanoparticles elucidated the impact on thermal and hydrophilic properties. The CA/PEI/HA membrane can be used as an adsorbent material in dye adsorption experiments with model dyes such as Malachite green, Methylene blue as cationic dyes, and Eriochrome black T, Congo red as anionic dyes. In addition, the biocompatibility of the CA/PEI/HA membrane was tested using cell cytotoxicity against THP‐1 human monocytic leukemia cells.
Emotional Barriers to Bowel Screening in Italy: Scale psychometric properties and effects on screening attendance
Authors: Scaglioni Giulia , Cavazza Nicoletta 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess a three‐factor version of the Emotional Barriers to Bowel Screening (EBBS) scale; analyze the scale's psychometric properties; and investigate the associations of fecal disgust, embarrassment, and fear with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening avoidance.MethodsRetrospective design: We asked participants to rate negative emotions associated with CRC screenings as well as whether they had ever attended a fecal occult blood test. Sample: 268 Italian adults aged 45−74 years. Measures: negative emotions, screening knowledge, CRC risk perception, demographic and background data, and hypothetical medical help‐seeking. Analyses: Confirmatory factor analyses, correlations, logistic regressions.ResultsThe EBBS scale is a multidimensional instrument and, at least where fecal tests are of interest, can be used without the insertion disgust subscale. The analyzed negative emotions were negatively correlated with screening attendance and positively correlated with intention to delay seeking medical help. However, logistic regression models showed that, of the three analyzed emotions, fear about outcome was the only significant predictor of screening behavior and delaying medical care.ConclusionsFurther studies can adopt the version of the EBBS scale that is most suitable for their research contexts. Interventions must be designed to reassure patients.
Effects of ZSM‐5 Treatment on the Properties of Gd2Ti2O7‐nHZSM‐5 Composites for RBR‐X3B Degradation
Authors: Li Xikun , Yang Jiao , Zhang Wenjie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGd2Ti2O7‐nHZSM‐5 (GTO‐nZ) composites are prepared using HZSM‐5 zeolite via a sol–gel route. The hydrochloric acid concentration in zeolite treatment can affect the properties of GTO‐nZ composites. GTO has a typical pyrochlore phase Gd2Ti2O7, and HZSM‐5 zeolite does not have noticeable influences on GTO crystal formation. The bandgap energies are 3.77, 3.73, 3.67, 3.65, and 3.64 eV for GTO‐nZ composites when hydrochloric acid concentration is 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 mol L−1, respectively. The isotherms of GTO‐nZ composites are classified as IUPAC type IV of mesoporous material, while the adsorbed nitrogen quantities on GTO‐nZ composites are much larger than the nitrogen quantity on GTO. The small amount of HZSM‐5 zeolite can improve the porosity of GTO in the composites, and the surface area of GTO in the composites is significantly enlarged. The hydrochloric acid concentration has an apparent influence on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of GTO‐nZ composites. RBR‐X3B (Reactive Brilliant Red‐X3B) degradation efficiency is enhanced with increasing hydrochloric acid concentration to the maximum value at 0.3 mol L−1. The reaction rate constants are 2.03 × 10−2, 9.1 × 10−3, and 3.1 × 10−3 min−1 for GTO‐0.3Z, GTO‐0Z, and GTO, respectively.