bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary supplementation of probiotic Lactobacillus modulates metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease and intestinal barrier integrity in obesity‐induced mice
Authors: Qayyum Nageena , Ismael Mohamedelfatieh , Haoyue Han , Guo Honghui , Lü Xin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe impact of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NWAFU334 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum NWAFU0035 on the amelioration of liver function, oxidative stress reduction, and lipid metabolism modulation in mice subjected to an obesity‐inducing high‐fat diet (HFD) model was investigated. L. paracasei NWAFU334 and L. fermentum NWAFU0035 supplementations over 12 weeks have been shown to have numerous beneficial effects in mice with induced obesity. These effects comprise the restoration of liver function and the reduction of oxidative stress within the liver. Furthermore, the supplementation led to a decreased content of fat accumulation in the liver, mitigation of the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the liver and colon, and a decrease in the expression levels of tight‐junction proteins, for example, claudin‐1, PPARγ, occludin, and ZO‐1. Additionally, a notable improvement in the colonic expression proteins, including IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, Muc‐2, Muc‐3, Zo‐1, claudin‐1, and occludin. These proposed strains considerably decreased proinflammatory cytokines and influenced the regulation of lipid metabolism in the liver. These findings indicate that the potential mechanisms, primarily the impact of L. paracasei NWAFU334 and L. fermentum NWAFU0035 on obesity‐induced liver function in mice, involve two regulated pathways: downregulation of lipogenesis and upregulation of gene expression related to fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis. In other words, these probiotic bacterial strains might be beneficial in reducing fat production and increasing fat breakdown in the liver. They may serve as effective therapeutic supplements for alleviating abnormalities induced by an HFD.
Evaluation of moisture migration and microstructure of quick‐frozen wet rice flour after freeze‐thaw cycles and changes in texture, cooking, and sensory properties
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Pi Xiaowen , Zhang Rui , Zhang Binjia 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the quality changes of quick‐frozen wet rice flour before and after freeze‐thaw cycles. As the freeze‐thaw cycle was prolonged, the water mobility of quick‐frozen wet rice flour decreased and the pore size and porosity of the microstructure increased. As a result, the hardness, cooking loss, water absorption, and water precipitation of the rice flour increased, while the sensory score and viscosity decreased. Correlation analysis showed that porosity was positively correlated with the hardness and water absorption of rice flour, and negatively correlated with structural properties such as shearing work and resilience. Water absorption and water precipitation rate were positively related to cooking loss. Thus, moisture migration in rice flour induced microstructural changes to cause alterations in texture, cooking, and sensory properties. Interestingly, quick‐frozen wet rice flour still possessed good texture, cooking, and sensory qualities after two freeze‐thaw cycles. This study laid the foundation for the development of high‐quality quick‐frozen wet rice flour.
UPLC/HR‐ESI‐MS/MS and GC/MS profiling of Eriobotrya japonica L. fruit in correlation to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐arthritic effects
Authors: Waly Dina Atef , Abou Zeid Aisha Hussein , Mohammed Reda Sayed , Moustafa Sherifa Fahmy , El‐Halawany Ali Mahmoud , Ahmed Kawkab A. , Sleem Amany Ameen , El‐Kashoury El‐Sayeda Ahmed 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEriobotrya japonica Lindl. (Loquat) fruit is a subtropical edible fruit originally from China. It grows well in Egypt, but it is not widely known. In the current study, the fruit was extracted with 80% ethanol to get the total ethanol extract (TEE). A part of which was fractionated by dichloromethane to yield polar and nonpolar fractions (PF and NPF). The antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of the TEE were in vitro evaluated. The complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) arthritis model was used to explore the in vivo biological assessment of the anti‐arthritic properties in vivo of the TEE, PF, and NPF of the fruit. Additionally, the inspected limbs detached from all animals were subjected to histological inspection. Moreover, GC/MS analysis of the unsaponifiable (USF) and saponifiable (SF) fractions of the NPF was performed. Furthermore, 64 metabolites from various chemical classes were identified using UHPLC/HR‐MS/MS analysis of the TEE of the fruit in both positive and negative ionization modes. The positive ionization mode of loquat fruit allowed for the first time the detection of two kinds of lyso‐glycerophospholipids (Lyso‐GPLs): lyso‐glycerophosphoethanolamines (Lyso‐PtdEtn) and lyso‐glycerophosphocholines (Lyso‐PtdCho). The fruit extracts exhibited a notable in vivo anti‐arthritic activity by decreasing paw thickness in the treated rats and adjusting the inflammatory mediators. The TEE showed the highest anti‐arthritic activity, followed by the PF that showed an observed activity, while the NPF exhibited the lowest activity. Histopathological findings showed a marked improvement in the arthritic condition of the excised limbs. Thus, E. japonica fruit may be considered as a promising natural antioxidant and anti‐arthritic agent.
Plant‐based flaxseed oil microcapsules fabricated from coacervation of gluten at oil droplet surface: Microstructure, oxidation stability, and oil digestion control
Authors: Liu Yikun , McClements David Julian , Chen Xing , Liang Ruihong , Zou Liqiang , Liu Wei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to develop microcapsules with wheat gluten–coated oil droplets to enhance the oxidation stability and control the digestibility of flaxseed oil. The microcapsules were fabricated using a three‐step procedure: (i) flaxseed oil was homogenized with an alkaline gluten solution to form oil‐in‐water emulsions containing small gluten‐coated oil droplets (320–400 nm); (ii) the pH of these emulsions was then neutralized to facilitate the deposition of gluten around the oil droplets, thereby forming a thick layer; (iii) a flaxseed oil microcapsule powder was then prepared by spray drying. During the microcapsule formation, intermolecular interactions, including hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, were involved in the coacervation of gluten at the emulsion surface. The resultant microcapsules with a multiple‐core structure had external diameters of 4–26 µm and encapsulation efficiencies of 90%–94%. The microencapsulated oil powders contained a relatively high flaxseed oil content (60%–80%). Among them, the sample with 60% oil content demonstrated the best stability in resisting oil droplet coalescence; thus, it exhibited a higher lipolysis rate and extent during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. A 30‐day accelerated storage study showed that encapsulation of the flaxseed oil improved its resistance to oxidation. These findings suggest that the pH‐deposition method can successfully produce microencapsulated polyunsaturated lipids using all plant‐derived ingredients, which may facilitate their use in new plant‐based foods through a green and sustainable approach.
Assessing the transcriptional landscape of Pseudomonas phage 201ϕ2‐1: Uncovering the small regulatory details of a giant phage
Authors: Poppeliers Jorien , Focquet Mathijs , Boon Maarten , De Mey Marjan , Thomas Julie , Lavigne Rob 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe transcriptional architecture of phages can deepen our understanding of the phage‐host infection process and can be of key importance for phage engineering and biotechnological applications. Here, we applied ONT‐cappable‐sequencing, a long‐read RNA‐sequencing technique, to study the regulatory mechanisms of Pseudomonas infecting giant phage 201ϕ2‐1. We identified 67 promoters and 132 terminators that together represent 92 transcriptional units. A full comparison of these data to the transcriptome of model Pseudomonas phage ϕKZ confirmed that the transcriptional programs of these prototypes of the Serwervirus and Phikzvirus genera are largely conserved, despite some subtle regulatory differences. Evidence supporting these shared mechanisms include the identification of highly similar sequence motifs for regulatory elements in both phages and the conservation of regulatory elements loci relative to homologous genes in each phage. Moreover, we discovered a sRNA in 201ϕ2‐1 that is highly conserved among prototype members of different giant phage genera. Sequencing of the 201ϕ2‐1 host genome resulted in its reclassification as Pseudomonas atacamensis, a close relative of the important agricultural biocontrol agent Pseudomonas chlororaphis. Finally, we conducted in vivo assays of eight 201ϕ2‐1 terminators and found them to strongly terminate transcription in P. chlororaphis. Control elements from phage transcriptional programs have a rich history for applications in biotechnology. In these studies, we demonstrate new insight into the transcriptional program of 201ϕ2‐1 and demonstrate the potential of its regulatory elements for novel and useful tools for synthetic biology circuitry.
Israel: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: GANEL YOSI 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn 2023, Israel experienced a year marked by profound civic and security turmoil. The government's proposed judicial reform triggered widespread protests, highlighting deep divisions within the nation. Concurrently, escalating security threats emerged, with Hamas launching an unprecedented attack from the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah targeting Israel's northern border. These events led to the formation of an emergency government and a special war Cabinet. Despite the challenging circumstances, Israel's economic performance remained relatively stable until the onset of conflict, which led to negative economic impacts. The year saw significant amendments to the Israeli Basic Laws, aimed at reducing judicial oversight over government actions, which further intensified civic unrest. This article provides an overview of the political, security, and economic developments of 2023.
Expert consensus on the optimal management of BRAFV600E‐mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Piercey Oliver , Chantrill Lorraine , Hsu Hung‐Chih , Ma Brigette , Price Timothy , Tan Iain Beehuat , Teng Hao‐Wei , Tie Jeanne , Desai Jayesh 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is high in the Asia‐Pacific region, and several countries in this region have among the highest and/or fastest growing rates of CRC in the world. A significant proportion of patients will present with or develop metastatic CRC (mCRC), and BRAFV600E‐mutant mCRC represents a particularly aggressive phenotype that is less responsive to standard chemotherapies. In light of recent therapeutic advances, an Asia‐Pacific expert consensus panel was convened to develop evidence‐based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with BRAFV600E‐mutant mCRC. The expert panel comprised nine medical oncologists from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan (the authors), who met to review current literature and develop eight consensus statements that describe the optimal management of BRAFV600E‐mutant mCRC in the Asia‐Pacific region. As agreed by the expert panel, the consensus statements recommend molecular testing at diagnosis to guide individualized treatment decisions, propose optimal treatment pathways according to microsatellite stability status, advocate for more frequent monitoring of BRAFV600E‐mutant mCRC, and discuss local treatment strategies for oligometastatic disease. Together, these expert consensus statements are intended to optimize treatment and improve outcomes for patients with BRAFV600E‐mutant mCRC in the Asia‐Pacific region.
Autoimmune Condition Diagnosis Following Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Imbroane Marisa R. , LeMoine Felicia , Gibson Kelly S. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTProblemResearch has suggested a link between recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and cell‐mediated immunity dysregulation. We aimed to determine if a history of RPL is associated with diagnosis of a cell‐mediated autoimmune condition (AIC).Method of StudyA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX research network. The RPL group had ≥3 spontaneous or missed abortions. Controls had at least one pregnancy but no diagnosis of RPL. Propensity score matching was used for age, race, and ethnicity. Z‐test and relative risk analysis investigated the relationship between RPL and subsequent AIC diagnoses.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐eight thousand three hundred seventy‐six patients were included in each cohort. RPL was associated with an increased risk for an AIC composite (RR 1.60, 95% CI [1.51, 1.69]), Crohn's disease, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis, but not psoriatic arthritis.ConclusionsUsing a large research database of patients with RPL, we were able to demonstrate that an antecedent diagnosis of RPL is associated with increased risk of subsequent diagnosis of an AIC, often between 1 and 10 years after RPL.
‘Great Masquerader’: a history of diagnosing pheochromocytoma
Authors: Parikh Roneil , Diab Jason , Guevara Ronald , Russell Hamish , Campbell Peter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionPheochromocytoma is a unique tumour with a variety of clinical presentations. Coined as ‘the great masquerader’, it can present with the classical triad of headache, sweating and tachycardia and sometimes in an acute hypertensive crisis. This paper describes the evolutionary history of the diagnosis of this condition.MethodsA literature review was conducted using Medline Database from 1900 to 2023 outlining the methods of diagnosis for pheochromocytoma.ResultsThere have been diagnostic dilemmas and localization challenges of pheochromocytoma over the last century. From the first description of pheochromocytoma in 1886 to the first successful resection in 1926, there was poor recognition of its atypical symptoms and lack of reliable diagnostic tests. Over the next few decades, there were significant advances in screening and biochemical tests. Further understanding of catecholamine release and metabolic pathways led to the development of tests to identify end products of catecholamine metabolism in plasma and urine. Computed imaging however heralded significant improvement in surgical planning and management. The evolution of histopathological diagnosis with the use of immunostains and genetic testing has further contributed to the identification of malignant pheochromocytomas and an understanding of their behaviours.ConclusionSignificant advances in the biochemical and imaging have shaped our understanding of pathophysiology and management. These diagnostic advances have enabled early and accurate detection and localization of pheochromocytomas to enable prompt surgical management.
Barriers and hurdles delaying governance approval for an ethically approved nationwide clinical trial in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Recasens Ariadna , Li Lin , Ioannou Liane , Greenhill Elysia , Attwood David , Cheek Bruce Ross , Lesage Jacqueline , Madgwick Helen , Walker Tracy , Zalcberg John , Pilgrim Charles 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundsStreamlined, expedited clinical research is fundamental to rapidly test, translate and implement novel treatments into routine care to improve patient outcomes. The National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) scheme was designed to expedite the ethics approval process, however, growing concerns exist about the fragmented time‐consuming governance process needed to actually commence clinical research in Australia. This study reports hurdles and barriers encountered while seeking governance approval for the SCANPatient trial.MethodsSCANPatient is a nationwide multi‐centre trial comparing standard narrative radiological reporting of CT scans for suspected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. with an alternative structured approach. SCANPatient was approved by a national Human Research Ethics Committee under the NMA. The documents, time, costs and platforms required to obtain governance approval and open the trial at 30 participating hospitals were analysed.ResultsWide variation exists in research governance office (RGO) requirements for local approval, resulting in extra costs (>$117 000), delays of up to 4 months in commencing the trial at some participating sites, unplanned adjustment of the study design, and ultimately the loss of several potential sites. There were inconsistencies among RGOs minimum requirements and processes across jurisdictions and sites, with delays in obtaining approval signatures, time‐consuming processes, differing platforms used to submit governance reviews and inflexibility of RGO processes all contributing to delays in progressing the trial and obtaining governance approval.ConclusionThe current governance process is time‐ and cost‐consuming and undermines the NMA scheme's efforts to streamline the clinical trials review process.
Myopia control with orthokeratology lenses. A 3‐year follow‐up study including a cross‐over design: Clinical study Of Near‐sightedness; TReatment with Orthokeratology Lenses 2 (CONTROL2 study)
Authors: Jakobsen T. M. , Høeg K. B. , Møller F. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate 3‐year efficacy of orthokeratology lenses (OKL) in controlling axial length progression in myopic Scandinavian children. Through a cross‐over design of the control group to compare the treatment efficacy in younger versus older children, with the latter having higher cycloplegic spherical refractive error (cSEQ) at treatment initiation. Further, the study aimed to evaluate the safety of the treatment.MethodsThis was a continuation of the randomized controlled study Clinical study Of Near‐sightedness; TReatment with Orthokeratology Lenses (CONTROL study) in which the follow‐up period of the original intervention group, that received OKL, was extended from 18 months to 36 months. Meanwhile, the original control group was crossed‐over to OKL after the 18‐month follow‐up visit and treated for 18 months. Biometry was measured using Lenstar LS900, and contact lens complications were graded according to Efron Grading Scale for Contact Lens Complications (Efron score). Mixed models were used for statistical analysis.ResultsNineteen subjects in the OKL group and 28 in the control group completed the CONTROL study. Hereof, 17 and 24 subjects from the OKL group and control group, respectively, agreed to participate in the CONTROL2 study. In the OKL continue group, the treatment efficacy did not decline during the 3‐year study period (p‐values for follow‐up visits were all ≥0.82). There was no statistically significant difference between treatment efficacy when OKL treatment was initiated in younger versus older children (p‐value ≥0.14 for all follow‐up visits). Low‐grade corneal staining was seen in several subjects at some point during the study, but here were no treatment‐requiring or sight‐threatening adverse events during the study period.ConclusionThe efficacy of myopia control by OKL was stable during 3 years of treatment. Similar treatment efficacies were found regardless of the age at treatment initiation. No severe adverse events occurred during the study period.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy helped to normalise feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms in Silver‐Russell syndrome
Authors: Muz Nataliia , Petersson Miriam , Saalman Robert , Dahlgren Jovanna 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimThis study evaluated feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with Silver‐Russell syndrome (SRS), which is a rare epigenetic disorder. It also compared the symptoms experienced during different feeding methods, including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).MethodsThe national expert team for children with SRS at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, studied 46 referrals (63% male) who were born with SRS in Sweden from 1984 to 2018. Patient data were extracted from the Paediatric National Growth Hormone Registry.ResultsThe medical records covered a median of 68% of the time of the patients' childhood, with a median follow‐up of 9 years. Their symptoms were most prevalent during infancy and decreased when they were toddlers. Feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 91% of the 46 patients, with vomiting in 57% and constipation in 46%. There were 19 children who relied on enteral feeding for their nutrition and 13 of those received PEG. Their body mass index (BMI) increased significantly 2 years after PEG started (p = 0.005).ConclusionFeeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms were very common in children with SRS, but partly disappeared during childhood. Providing treatment, such as PEG, normalised the BMIs of children with SRS and reduced their symptoms.
Calcineurin inhibitors and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system
Authors: Berber Mesut , Penton David 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCalcineurin inhibitors (CnIs) are effective immunosuppressants with decades of accumulated experience in treating immune disorders and, most notably, solid organ transplantation. While CnIs have significantly increased graft survival and transformed the patient standard of care, their use has been overshadowed by a number of undesired side effects. For instance, CnI‐associated nephrotoxicity has been reported since early studies and remains a major therapeutic concern. The occurrence of several ion imbalances alongside hypertension was also noted early on, indicating the involvement of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) in CnI‐mediated toxicity. However, the literature in this field is crowded with conflicting reports from clinical trials as well as studies using animal and invitro models. With this review, we aim to provide a structured and updated overview of the physiological and pathophysiological evidence supporting the involvement of the classical RAAS in CnI‐associated toxicity.