bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Teduglutide on Quality of Life Among Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome and Intestinal Failure
Authors: Chen Kristina , Mu Fan , Xie Jipan , Kelkar Sneha S. , Olivier Clément , Signorovitch James , Jeppesen Palle B. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundTeduglutide reduces or eliminates parenteral support (PS) dependency in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Recent post hoc analyses demonstrated that effects are correlated with baseline PS volume. We assessed the SBS‐related quality‐of‐life (QoL) impact of teduglutide, particularly whether improvements are greater among subgroups achieving more PS volume reduction.MethodsUsing phase 3 trial data of teduglutide in patients with SBS (NCT00798967), change in Short Bowel Syndrome–Quality of Life (SBS‐QoL) scores from baseline were compared between teduglutide vs placebo in the overall population and subgroups classified by baseline PS volume requirement, disease etiology, and bowel anatomy. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to assess impact of teduglutide on SBS‐related QoL using data from all visits, adjusted for baseline characteristics.ResultsOf 86 patients, 43 each were randomized to teduglutide or placebo (mean age: 51 vs 50 years, respectively). In adjusted analyses, teduglutide had a nonsignificant reduction (improvement) of −8.6 points (95% CI: 2.6 to −19.8) in SBS‐QoL sum score from baseline to Week‐24 vs placebo. The impact of teduglutide varied by subgroup. Patients treated with teduglutide experienced significantly greater reductions in SBS‐QoL sum score at Week‐24 vs placebo in 2 subgroups, ie, the third (highest) tertile baseline PS volume (−27.3, 95% CI: −50.8 to −3.7) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; −29.6, 95% CI: −46.3 to −12.9). Results were similar for SBS‐QoL subscale and item scores.ConclusionsThe impact of teduglutide treatment on SBS‐related QoL vs placebo varied among subgroups and was significant and most pronounced among patients with highest baseline PS volume requirement or IBD.
Resting Energy Expenditure Measured by Indirect Calorimetry in Obese Patients: Variation Within Different BMI Ranges
Authors: Fabiano Alves Valéria Girard , da Rocha Eduardo Eiras Moreira , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Vieira da Fonseca Rosana Barcellos , do Nascimento Silva Mônica Hissa 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe adequate provision of energy for obese patients by estimation without indirect calorimetry (IC) is challenging. The goal was to establish values of kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) for patients in different ranges of body mass index (BMI [kg/m2]) comparable to resting energy expenditure (REE [kcal/kg/d]) measurements by IC.MethodsIn 63 overweight (OW) hospitalized patients with BMIs (25.0–29.9) or obesity (OB; ≥30), the REE was measured in fasting and fed states. IC was performed with Deltatrac II on patients with enteral or parenteral nutrition, classified by their BMI, in 3 groups: OW (25–29.9), OB (30–39.9), and morbidly obese (≥40). The actual body weight was measured with a microprocessed bed scale or a precision anthropometric scale, and REE was transformed to kcal/kg.ResultsNinety‐seven IC measurements were obtained from 63 patients: in 54 on a ventilator, and of 9 with a canopy; 58 in the fasting state; and 39 after reaching measured caloric requirements. The patients’ BMIs ranged from 27.3 to 53.4, average of 33.9 ± 6.2. There were no differences in measured REE (mREE) between the fasting and fed states (P > 0.05) within each BMI group; however, differences were observed when comparing the mREE between the groups in the fed state.ConclusionThese results, in kcal/kg/d, suggest using 22.0 for OW, 18.4 for OB, and 16.9 for individuals with BMIs >40. However, we recommend the use of IC to determine REE for the latter subset of patients, since 16.9 kcal/kg/d might be an underestimation.
Bioprocessing of agro‐industrial residues into lactic acid and probiotic enriched livestock feed
Authors: Mladenović Dragana , Djukić‐Vuković Aleksandra , Stanković Miroslav , Milašinović‐Šeremešić Marija , Radosavljević Milica , Pejin Jelena , Mojović Ljiljana 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDGrowing challenges of resource depletion, food security and environmental protection are putting stress on the development of biorefinery processes for bioprocessing of residues from food and agro‐industry into value‐added products. In this study, the simultaneous production of lactic acid (LA) and livestock feed on a combined substrate based on molasses and potato stillage by Lactobacillus paracasei NRRL B‐4564 immobilized onto sunflower seed hull (SSH), brewer's spent grain (BSG) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) was studied.RESULTSThe highest total LA concentration of 399 g L−1 with overall productivity of 1.27 g L−1 h−1 was achieved in repeated batch fermentation by SBP‐immobilized biocatalyst, followed by BSG‐ and SSH‐immobilized cells. Fermentation improved the content of proteins and ash, and decreased the content of fibers in all three support materials. In addition, the fermentation had favorable effect on in vitro dry matter digestibility and energy values of SSH and BSG. According to assessment of probiotic potential, L. paracasei demonstrated a favorable probiotic profile, exhibiting high resistance to simulated ruminant digestive tract and significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.CONCLUSIONSThe proposed strategy enables valorization of agro‐industrial residues as value‐added ruminant feed and simultaneous LA production. Following principles of circular economy, the developed process combines different raw materials and integrates them into a biorefinery process, improving the overall profitability and productivity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
FT‐MIR determination of taste‐related compounds in tomato: a high throughput phenotyping analysis for selection programs
Authors: Ibáñez Ginés , Valcárcel Mercedes , Cebolla‐Cornejo Jaime , Roselló Salvador 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDTomato taste is defined by the accumulation of sugars and organic acids. Individual analyses of these compounds using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) are expensive, time‐consuming and are not feasible for large number of samples, justifying the interest of spectroscopic methods such as Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared (FT‐MIR). This work analyzed the performance of FT‐MIR models to determine the accumulation of sugars and acids, considering the efficiency of models obtained with different ranges of variation.RESULTSFT‐MIR spectra (five‐bounce attenuated total reflectance, ATR) were used to obtain partial least squares (PLS) models to predict sugar and acid contents in specific sample sets representing different varietal types. A general model was also developed, obtaining R2 values for prediction higher than 0.84 for main components (soluble solids content, fructose, glucose, and citric acid). Root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) for these components were lower than 15% of the mean contents and lower than 6% of the highest contents. Even more, the model sensitivity and specificity for those variables with a 10% selection pressure was 100%. That means that all samples with the 10% highest content were correctly identified. The model was applied to an external assay and it exhibited, for main components, high sensitivities (> 70%) and specificities (> 96%). RMSEP values for main compounds were lower than 21% and 13% of the mean and maximum content respectively.CONCLUSIONThe models obtained confirm the effectiveness of FT‐MIR models to select samples with high contents of taste‐related compounds, even when the calibration has not been performed within the same assay. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Klotho/FGF23 axis mediates high phosphate‐induced vascular calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells via Wnt7b/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Chen Yan‐Xia , Huang Chong , Duan Zhi‐Bing , Xu Cheng‐Yun , Chen Yan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVascular calcification (VC) plays as a critical role on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and acts as a notable risk factor in cardiovascular system. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification can be triggered by high phosphate treatment; however, the explicit mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we isolated VSMCs from primary rat artery, applied β‐GP (β‐glycerophosphate) for inducing VSMCs calcification in vitro to explore the mechanism of phosphate‐induced calcification in VSMCs. Alizarin red staining was performed to assess the mineralization in VSMCs. Calcium deposition experiment was taken to evaluate the calcium content. ALP staining was determined to assess the ALP activity. The recombinant adenoviruses were constructed for the overexpression of Klotho and FGF23, respectively. qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis were subjected to measure the expression of Klotho/FGF23 and correlated genes among Wnt7b/β‐catenin pathway. We found that the calcium content was obviously increased and Alizarin red staining was positive in calcification group exposure with high phosphate in a time‐dependent manner. The expression of Klotho and FGF23 was significantly decreased in the calcification group. However, overexpression of Klotho and FGF23 markedly reversed VSMCs calcification stimulating with high phosphate treatment. Moreover, Wnt7b/β‐catenin inhibitor DKK1 could partly attenuate the effect of high phosphate on calcified VSMCs. These findings demonstrated that Klotho/FGF23 axis could modulate high phosphate‐induced VSMCs calcification via Wnt7b/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Our findings unravel that Klotho/FGF23‐ Wnt7b/β‐catenin axis functions as a crucial role in the VSMCs calcification.
Self‐powered polymer–metal oxide hybrid solar cell for non‐enzymatic potentiometric sensing of bilirubin
Authors: Manikandan Palinci Nagarajan , Imran Habibulla , Dharuman Venkataraman 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBiofuel cell and enzyme‐based self‐powered sensors (SPS) have been reported for various metabolite sensing. However, it is essential to eliminate enzymes to reduce the cost and long‐term stability of the SPS. Here, we developed polymer (polyaniline–polyvinyl alcohol) and metal oxide (aluminium‐doped zinc oxide) hybrid solar cell self‐powered potentiometric sensor for bilirubin (BR) quantification accurately in blood. The hybrid solar device showed an open circuit potential (OCP) of 0.427 V and increases to 0.8 V upon visible light irradiation and interaction with bilirubin. The sensor shows dynamic range from 3 µg/dl to 87 mg/dl (0.05 µM–1.5 mM) with r2 0.9981 with detection limit of 1.2 ± 0.06 µg/dl. Data reading was achieved by connecting a simple multimeter without using any other active electronic components. Blood bilirubin from the jaundice patients is quantified and compared with the biochemical assay.
Molecular design opportunities presented by solvent‐exposed regions of target proteins
Authors: Jiang Xiangyi , Yu Ji , Zhou Zhongxia , Kongsted Jacob , Song Yuning , Pannecouque Christophe , De Clercq Erik , Kang Dongwei , Poongavanam Vasanthanathan , Liu Xinyong , Zhan Peng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSolvent‐exposed regions, or solvent‐filled pockets, within or adjacent to the ligand‐binding sites of drug‐target proteins provide opportunities for substantial modifications of existing small‐molecular drug molecules without serious loss of activity. In this review, we present recent selected examples of exploitation of solvent‐exposed regions of proteins in drug design and development from the recent medicinal‐chemistry literature.
Automated segmentation of prostate zonal anatomy on T2‐weighted (T2W) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map MR images using U‐Nets
Authors: Zabihollahy Fatemeh , Schieda Nicola , Krishna Jeyaraj Satheesh , Ukwatta Eranga 
Published: April 2019

PurposeAccurate regional segmentation of the prostate boundaries on magnetic resonance (MR) images is a fundamental requirement before automated prostate cancer diagnosis can be achieved. In this paper, we describe a novel methodology to segment prostate whole gland (WG), central gland (CG), and peripheral zone (PZ), where PZ + CG = WG, from T2W and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map prostate MR images.MethodsWe designed two similar models each made up of two U‐Nets to delineate the WG, CG, and PZ from T2W and ADC map MR images, separately. The U‐Net, which is a modified version of a fully convolutional neural network, includes contracting and expanding paths with convolutional, pooling, and upsampling layers. Pooling and upsampling layers help to capture and localize image features with a high spatial consistency. We used a dataset consisting of 225 patients (combining 153 and 72 patients with and without clinically significant prostate cancer) imaged with multiparametric MRI at 3 Tesla.Results and conclusionOur proposed model for prostate zonal segmentation from T2W was trained and tested using 1154 and 1587 slices of 100 and 125 patients, respectively. Median of Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) on test dataset for prostate WG, CG, and PZ were 95.33 ± 7.77%, 93.75 ± 8.91%, and 86.78 ± 3.72%, respectively. Designed model for regional prostate delineation from ADC map images was trained and validated using 812 and 917 slices from 100 and 125 patients. This model yielded a median DSC of 92.09 ± 8.89%, 89.89 ± 10.69%, and 86.1 ± 9.56% for prostate WG, CG, and PZ on test samples, respectively. Further investigation indicated that the proposed algorithm reported high DSC for prostate WG segmentation from both T2W and ADC map MR images irrespective of WG size. In addition, segmentation accuracy in terms of DSC does not significantly vary among patients with or without significant tumors.SignificanceWe describe a method for automated prostate zonal segmentation using T2W and ADC map MR images independent of prostate size and the presence or absence of tumor. Our results are important in terms of clinical perspective as fully automated methods for ADC map images, which are considered as one of the most important sequences for prostate cancer detection in the PZ and CG, have not been reported previously.
Two‐dimensional ultrasound‐computed tomography image registration for monitoring percutaneous hepatic intervention
Authors: Pohlman Robert M. , Turney Michael R. , Wu Po‐Hung , Brace Christopher L. , Ziemlewicz Timothy J. , Varghese Tomy 
Published: April 2019

PurposeDeformable registration of ultrasound (US) and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images are essential for quantitative comparison of ablation boundaries and dimensions determined using these modalities. This comparison is essential as stiffness‐based imaging using US has become popular and offers a nonionizing and cost‐effective imaging modality for monitoring minimally invasive microwave ablation procedures. A sensible manual registration method is presented that performs the required CT‐US image registration.MethodsThe two‐dimensional (2D) virtual CT image plane that corresponds to the clinical US B‐mode was obtained by “virtually slicing” the 3D CT volume along the plane containing non‐anatomical landmarks, namely points along the microwave ablation antenna. The initial slice plane was generated using the vector acquired by rotating the normal vector of the transverse (i.e., xz) plane along the angle subtended by the antenna. This plane was then further rotated along the ablation antenna and shifted along with the direction of normal vector to obtain similar anatomical structures, such as the liver surface and vasculature that is visualized on both the CT virtual slice and US B‐mode images on 20 patients. Finally, an affine transformation was estimated using anatomic and non‐anatomic landmarks to account for distortion between the colocated CT virtual slice and US B‐mode image resulting in a final registered CT virtual slice. Registration accuracy was measured by estimating the Euclidean distance between corresponding registered points on CT and US B‐mode images.ResultsMean and SD of the affine transformed registration error was 1.85 ± 2.14 (mm), computed from 20 coregistered data sets.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the ability to obtain 2D virtual CT slices that are registered to clinical US B‐mode images. The use of both anatomical and non‐anatomical landmarks result in accurate registration useful for validating ablative margins and comparison to electrode displacement elastography based images.
Role of β‐3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism in overactive bladder
Authors: Meekins A. Rebecca , Murphy Susan K. , Grenier Carole , Huang Zhiqing , Bradley Megan S. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Wu Jennifer , Siddiqui Nazema Y. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsWomen with overactive bladder (OAB) have a higher frequency of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 64 of the β‐3 adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3). Since the SNP results in an amino acid substitution that could theoretically alter receptor protein function, we hypothesized that those with the SNP would display greater OAB symptom severity. Therefore we aimed to compare OAB severity between women with this SNP and women with the wild type genotype.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed in women with bothersome OAB from two academic institutions. Banked blood samples were tested for the codon 64 SNP. Women were divided into two groups based on genotype: wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HZ). We compared mean OAB Symptom Severity questionnaire (OAB‐q) scores between groups using t tests. Linear regression was performed to control for potential confounders.ResultsOf the 303 women with OAB, 254 (83.8%) had the WT genotype, and 49 (16.2%) the HZ genotype. There were no homozygous women for the rare allele. The majority were Caucasian (86%) and non‐Hispanic (97%). There were no significant differences in mean OAB‐q symptom severity scores (WT 21.2 ± 7 vs HZ 22.0 ± 6.6; P = 0.49) and quality of life scores (WT 39.6 ± 15.5 vs HZ 39.1 ± 16.6; P = 0.83) between groups. These remained nonsignificant in a linear regression model.ConclusionsIn a predominantly non‐Hispanic, Caucasian population of women with bothersome OAB, symptom severity was not related to ADRB3 codon 64 SNP genotype.
Direct measurements of tree root relative permittivity for the aid of GPR forward models and site surveys
Authors: Mihai Andrei E. , Gerea Alexandra G. , Curioni Giulio , Atkins Philip , Hayati Farzad 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTGround penetrating radar has been used extensively in near‐surface studies to detect underground objects and features typically located within a few metres beneath the surface. In urban areas, ground penetrating radar is widely used to study buried utilities such as pipes and cables. A more recent and unconventional application of ground penetrating radar is the detection of tree roots, which can interact negatively with the human infrastructure in a number of ways. However, the geophysical study of tree roots has proven quite challenging and site‐specific. Most tree roots (even coarse roots) have a small diameter and are hard to resolve through geophysical methods. In addition, the sheer amount of potential variability regarding the tree species, age, size, health and the subsurface environment (e.g., soil or a man‐made material such as concrete or asphalt) makes it very hard to implement a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. This is where robust, easily customizable forward models can be of assistance, indicating the range of detectable geophysical contrast and the limitations of the method, as well as the suitable antenna frequencies. Here, a vector network analyser with a commercial open‐ended coaxial probe was used to take direct measurements of the relative permittivity of freshly cut tree root segments at frequencies from 50 MHz to 3 GHz. The results were used as inputs to ground penetrating radar forward modelling using gprMax open source software, depicting various realistic scenarios which could be encountered in actual field surveys. The developed models help better understand the applicability, potential and limitations of ground penetrating radar surveys for detecting tree roots in different environments, aiding the development of future surveys. The notable variability in the tree roots is a significant consideration for surveys and forward models.
Preclinical Assessment of Leptin Transport into the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Diet‐Induced Obese Minipigs
Authors: Chmielewski Alexandra , Hubert Thomas , Descamps Amandine , Mazur Daniele , Daoudi Mehdi , Ciofi Philippe , Fontaine Christian , Caiazzo Robert , Pattou François , Prevot Vincent , Pigeyre Marie 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveA minipig model was employed to explore the changes in endogenous leptin transport into the central nervous system and in hypothalamic sensitivity to exogenous leptin when individuals are placed on high‐fat diet (HFD) compared with standard diet.MethodsSerum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin concentrations during 10 weeks of HFD versus standard diet and exogenous leptin‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation in the hypothalamus of minipigs were assessed, and the hypothalamic leptin‐sensitive cells were characterized by immunofluorescence.ResultsThe efficiency of the passage of endogenous blood‐borne leptin into the CSF (measured as the log [CSF:serum leptin ratio]) decreased over time in minipigs fed a HFD (β = –0.04 ± 0.005 per kilogram of weight gain in HFD; P < 0.0001), while it remained stable in minipigs fed a standard diet. However, the ability of peripherally administered leptin to activate its receptor in hypothalamic neurons was preserved in obese minipigs at 10 weeks of HFD.ConclusionsTogether, these data are consistent with the existence of an early‐onset tranport deficiency for endogenous circulating leptin into the brain in individuals developing obesity, preceding the acquisition of hypothalamic leptin resistance. Although additional studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms, our study paves the way for the development of new preclinical pharmacological models targeting the restoration of the shuttling of peripheral leptin into the central nervous system to manage obesity.
Novel pediatric‐automated respiratory score using physiologic data and machine learning in asthma
Authors: Messinger Amanda I. , Bui Nam , Wagner Brandie D. , Szefler Stanley J. , Vu Tam , Deterding Robin R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesManual clinical scoring systems are the current standard used for acute asthma clinical care pathways. No automated system exists that assesses disease severity, time course, and treatment impact in pediatric acute severe asthma exacerbations. Working hypothesis: machine learning applied to continuous vital sign data could provide a novel pediatric‐automated asthma respiratory score (pARS) by using the manual pediatric asthma score (PAS) as the clinical care standard.MethodsContinuous vital sign monitoring data (heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry) were merged with the health record data including a provider‐determined PAS in children between 2 and 18 years of age admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for status asthmaticus. A cascaded artificial neural network (ANN) was applied to create an automated respiratory score and validated by two approaches. The ANN was compared with the Normal and Poisson regression models.ResultsOut of an initial group of 186 patients, 128 patients met inclusion criteria. Merging physiologic data with clinical data yielded >37 000 data points for model training. The pARS score had good predictive accuracy, with 80% of the pARS values within ±2 points of the provider‐determined PAS, especially over the mid‐range of PASs (6‐9). The Poisson and Normal distribution regressions yielded a smaller overall median absolute error.ConclusionsThe pARS reproduced the manually recorded PAS. Once validated and studied prospectively as a tool for research and for physician decision support, this methodology can be implemented in the PICU to objectively guide treatment decisions.