bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Betacyanins in dragon fruit peels: the kinetic models of their degradation under different treatment conditions
Authors: Liu Bing , Ye Cuizhu , Geng Lijing , Zhou Wei 
Published: June 2019

SummaryIn this study, after purification, the content of betacyanins in dragon fruit peels was 9.22 mg g−1 dry sample. The stability of betacyanins under the effect of different concentration of metal cation (K+, Na+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, Al3+) solutions and sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose and lactose) solutions was observed. The results showed that 10% lactose and 0.08 mol L−1 potassium chloride solution increased the stability of betacyanins and could be used as stabiliser agents. The degradation reaction under different temperatures (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 °C), pH (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0) and light conditions (light and dark) of mixed solution (betacyanins and stabiliser), including aqueous pigments solution (APS), lactose pigments solution (LPS) and potassium chloride pigments solution (PCPS), accorded with the first‐order reaction kinetics. The t1/2 values (the hours needed for 50.0% degradation of betacyanins) of LPS even up to 330.0 h at 20 °C and dark condition.
Whey valorization using transgalactosylation activity of immobilized β‐galactosidase
Authors: Simović Milica , Milivojević Ana , Ćorović Marija , Banjanac Katarina , Bezbradica Dejan 
Published: June 2019

SummaryWhey represents a significant dairy industry by‐product that has recently received due attention based on the rich nutrient composition and significant transformation potential. Hereby, we investigated a possibility of whey lactose bioconversion into prebiotic compounds, galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) using β‐galactosidase transgalactosylation activity. The results showed that whey could be successfully used for GOS synthesis, since the highest GOS concentration (around 62 g L−1) was obtained batchwise using 40% (w/w) sweet whey powder solution under optimum conditions (50°C, pH 4.5). Nevertheless, an efficient immobilized preparation using methacrylic Lifetech ECR8409 immobilization carrier was developed, enabling additional process improvement and ensuring at least 4 reaction cycles with unchanged yields and 2.5‐ fold enhanced productivity in comparison to the soluble enzyme. Therefore, this study provides a valuable contribution to the efficient and economical valorization of whey, which can be further on utilized as functional food and feed constituent.
Comparison of the clinical characteristics of TAFRO syndrome and idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease in general internal medicine: a 6‐year retrospective study
Authors: Nishimura Yoshito , Hanayama Yoshihisa , Fujii Nobuharu , Kondo Eisei , Otsuka Fumio 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome was first described as a variant of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (CD), patients with TAFRO syndrome demonstrate more aggressive clinical features. Because these patients may present with fever of unknown origin, general physicians need to recognise its characteristic laboratory data and clinical features during hospitalisation.Aimsto describe the features, symptoms and characteristics of TAFRO syndrome and to compare them to those of idiopathic CD.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients with histopathologically confirmed TAFRO syndrome and idiopathic multicentric CD who were diagnosed and managed between April 2012 and June 2018 in a Japanese university hospital's General Medicine Department.ResultsWe found that the hospitalisations were significantly longer among patients with TAFRO syndrome compared to those with idiopathic CD (median: 87 days; range: 34–236 days vs median: 30 days; range: 13–59 days; P < 0.01). Patients with TAFRO syndrome were more likely to present with fever, abdominal pain and elevated inflammatory markers and be misdiagnosed with an infectious disease during the first hospital visit. Approximately 40% of patients with TAFRO syndrome had no radiographically enlarged lymph nodes.ConclusionsTAFRO syndrome may present as an infectious disease with an aggressive clinical course. Our study highlights the importance of giving significance to chief complaints and laboratory data. Physicians need to recognise the clinical and laboratory features of this disease to avoid missing this potentially fatal disorder.
Education to improve vancomycin use: the perspectives of educators and education recipients
Authors: Van Dort Bethany A. , Baysari Melissa T. , Carland Jane E. , Stocker Sophie L. , Braithwaite Hannah E. , Fernon Anna R. , Day Richard O. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundVancomycin is the primary treatment for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Hospital audits have showed that dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring practices for vancomycin are suboptimal. Limited studies have examined the current educational resources used to support vancomycin use.AimsTo explore and compare the perceptions of health educators and recipients of education on the methods currently used to educate health professionals about vancomycin and to identify ideal methods of education.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with health educators around Australia and with recipients of education (doctors and nurses). Interview questions explored previous experiences of education and perceptions of ideal methods of education. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and thematically analysed.ResultsHealth educators explained that current vancomycin education comprises large‐scale presentations, but they perceived these to be ineffective. The recipients of vancomycin education reported a lack of formal education on vancomycin. Despite this, both educators and recipients agreed on the ideal methods of education: nurses are reported to be protocol driven, and education for nurses should be through in‐services or e‐learning modules, while doctors require an evidenced‐based approach. Senior doctors initially require convincing that education is needed. Once convinced, they respond well to brief emails and case‐based and one‐on‐one education strategies. Technology‐based strategies and problem‐based learning were observed to be effective methods for junior doctors.ConclusionsVancomycin dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring involves multiple health professionals, but current education strategies do not take this into account. Ideal education strategies need to be multimodal and targeted to specific health profession groups.
Distribution, biology, and ecology of the deep‐water squat lobsterGalacantha diomedeae(Crustacea: Decapoda: Galatheoidea: Munidopsidae) in the Mexican Pacific
Authors: Hendrickx Michel E. , Papiol Vanesa 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDuring deep‐water exploratory surveys in the Mexican Pacific, 134 specimens ofGalacantha diomedeaewere collected between 1,035 and 2,136 m depth, below the Oxygen Minimum Zone. Greatest densities ofG. diomedeaewere observed between 1,300 and 1,600 m, with a maximum of 71 organisms per hectare at 1,318 m, and no clear bathymetric pattern of size distribution was detected. A total of 67 males, 43 ovigerous females, and 24 non‐ovigerous females were collected. The global sex ratio was 1:1, with some predominance of females shallower than 1,300 m and the opposite pattern at 1,300–1,600 m. Ovigerous females (carapace width [CW]=15.5‒32.3 mm) were significantly larger than other females (CW = 5.1‒29.9 mm), and females (including all females) were larger than males (CW = 6.0‒29.9 mm). Among males and among all females, the growth coefficient was near 3 (Student'sttest, males = 0.0027, all females = 0.0041; for both males and females,p > 0.05), indicating isometric growth. Ovigerous females were present all year, except in January, suggesting continuous reproduction. The observed low numbers of eggs (11–126), large egg sizes (2.07–2.77 mm), and advanced embryos at stage 5 are consistent with extended, lecithotrophic embryonic development with a reduced pelagic phase of the larvae. The relationship between ovigerous female size (N = 43) and number of eggs per female was marginally significant (y = 8.0474x–98.297;R2 = 0.373), and there was no significant relationship between egg size and carapace size. There was no clear increase in egg size with embryonic development (phases 1–5). Individuals ofG. diomedeaewere found in a narrow range of environmental conditions, and mainly occupied oxic water (DO ≥0.5 ml/L) and sediments with intermediate to low organic carbon content.
Microstructural evolution of supra‐nanostructure Al2O3/ZrO2 eutectic powders by combustion synthesis‐spray cooling
Authors: Yu Wanjun , Zheng Yongting , Yu Yongdong , Su Xiaoyue 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEutectic powders with fine microstructure are difficult to synthesize by crushing eutectic bulk because of the damage of crystal structure and the introduction of milling media during preparation process. In this work, a novel combustion synthesis‐spray cooling (CSSC) method is developed to fabricate supra‐nanostructure Al2O3/ZrO2 eutectic powders. CSSC is a kind of self‐heating technique, which simplifies operations, reduces costs and supplies ultra‐high cooling rate. The phase composition and the microstructural evolution are investigated using experiment studies and ANSYS simulation. During the process, the t‐ZrO2 are stabilized at room temperature because of the solubility of Al2O3 in ZrO2. The ultra‐high cooling rate greatly refined eutectic structure. Although the eutectic structure coarsens with increases in particle size, the interphase spacing of all particles reaches supra nanoscale. The work provides a route for preparing supra‐nanostructure Al2O3/ZrO2 eutectic powders and for better understanding the microstructural evolution.
Stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing of gray‐colored SiC ceramic green body
Authors: Ding Guojiao , He Rujie , Zhang Keqiang , Xie Chen , Wang Min , Yang Yazheng , Fang Daining 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing of white‐colored Al2O3 and ZrO2 ceramics has been widely reported, whereas the stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing of gray‐colored SiC ceramic is very difficult and challenged. In this paper, the reasons for the difficulty which SiC ceramic facing during stereolithography were discussed and compared to Al2O3 and ZrO2 ceramics. The effects of particle size, solid loading, stereolithography parameters, and photoinitiator kind and concentration on the curing ability of SiC slurries were further studied in detail. Finally, complex‐shaped SiC ceramic green parts with high accuracy and high quality were successfully fabricated. This study demonstrated that the stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing had a great possibility for preparing gray‐colored SiC ceramics.
The Student Expectations of Learning Analytics Questionnaire
Authors: Whitelock‐Wainwright Alexander , Gašević Dragan , Tejeiro Ricardo , Tsai Yi‐Shan , Bennett Kate 
Published: June 2019

AbstractStudent engagement within the development of learning analytics services in Higher Education is an important challenge to address. Despite calls for greater inclusion of stakeholders, there still remains only a small number of investigations into students’ beliefs and expectations towards learning analytics services. Therefore, this paper presents a descriptive instrument to measure student expectations (ideal and predicted) of learning analytics services. The scales used in the instrument are grounded in a theoretical framework of expectations, specifically ideal and predicted expectations. Items were then generated on the basis of four identified themes (Ethical and Privacy Expectations, Agency Expectations, Intervention Expectations, and Meaningfulness Expectations), which emerged after a review of the learning analytics literature. The results of an exploratory factor analysis and the results from both an exploratory structural equation model and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two‐factor structure best accounted for the data pertaining to ideal and predicted expectations. Factor one refers to Ethical and Privacy Expectations, whilst factor two covers Service Feature Expectations. The 12‐item Student Expectations of Learning Analytics Questionnaire (SELAQ) provides researchers and practitioners with a means of measuring of students’ expectations of learning analytics services.
Knockdown of KDM1A suppresses tumour migration and invasion by epigenetically regulating the TIMP1/MMP9 pathway in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang WenQian , Sun Wei , Qin Yuan , Wu CangHao , He Liang , Zhang Ting , Shao Liang , Zhang Hao , Zhang Ping 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEpigenetic dysregulation plays an important role in cancer. Histone demethylation is a well‐known mechanism of epigenetic regulation that promotes or inhibits tumourigenesis in various malignant tumours. However, the pathogenic role of histone demethylation modifiers in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which has a high incidence of early lymphatic metastasis, is largely unknown. Here, we detected the expression of common histone demethylation modifiers and found that the histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) demethylase KDM1A (or lysine demethylase 1A) is frequently overexpressed in PTC tissues and cell lines. High KDM1A expression correlated positively with age <55 years and lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC. Moreover, KDM1A was required for PTC cell migration and invasion. KDM1A knockdown inhibited the migration and invasive abilities of PTC cells both in vitro and in vivo. We also identified tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) as a key KDM1A target gene. KDM1A activated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through epigenetic repression of TIMP1 expression by demethylating H3K4me2 at the TIMP1 promoter region. Rescue experiments clarified these findings. Altogether, we have uncovered a new mechanism of KDM1A repression of TIMP1 in PTC and suggest that KDM1A may be a promising therapeutic target in PTC.
Immunogenic cell death in cancer therapy: Present and emerging inducers
Authors: Zhou Jingyi , Wang Gangyang , Chen Yinze , Wang Hongxia , Hua Yingqi , Cai Zhengdong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn the tumour microenvironment (TME), immunogenic cell death (ICD) plays a major role in stimulating the dysfunctional antitumour immune system. Chronic exposure of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) attracts receptors and ligands on dendritic cells (DCs) and activates immature DCs to transition to a mature phenotype, which promotes the processing of phagocytic cargo in DCs and accelerates the engulfment of antigenic components by DCs. Consequently, via antigen presentation, DCs stimulate specific T cell responses that kill more cancer cells. The induction of ICD eventually results in long‐lasting protective antitumour immunity. Through the exploration of ICD inducers, recent studies have shown that there are many novel modalities with the ability to induce immunogenic cancer cell death. In this review, we mainly discussed and summarized the emerging methods for inducing immunogenic cancer cell death. Concepts and molecular mechanisms relevant to antitumour effects of ICD are also briefly discussed.
Petchiether A attenuates obstructive nephropathy by suppressing TGF‐β/Smad3 and NF‐κB signalling
Authors: You Yong‐Ke , Luo Qi , Wu Wei‐Feng , Zhang Jiao‐Jiao , Zhu Hong‐Jian , Lao Lixing , Lan Hui Y. , Chen Hai‐Yong , Cheng Yong‐Xian 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObstructive nephropathy is the end result of a variety of diseases that block drainage from the kidney(s). Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)/Smad3‐driven renal fibrosis is the common pathogenesis of obstructive nephropathy. In this study, we identified petchiether A (petA), a novel small‐molecule meroterpenoid from Ganoderma, as a potential inhibitor of TGF‐β1‐induced Smad3 phosphorylation. The obstructive nephropathy was induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. Mice received an intraperitoneal injection of petA/vehicle before and after UUO or sham operation. An in vivo study revealed that petA protected against renal inflammation and fibrosis by reducing the infiltration of macrophages, inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α) and reducing extracellular matrix deposition (α‐smooth muscle actin, collagen I and fibronectin) in the obstructed kidney of UUO mice; these changes were associated with suppression of Smad3 and NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation. Petchiether A inhibited Smad3 phosphorylation in vitro and down‐regulated the expression of the fibrotic marker collagen I in TGF‐β1‐treated renal epithelial cells. Further, we found that petA dose‐dependently suppressed Smad3‐responsive promoter activity, indicating that petA inhibits gene expression downstream of the TGF‐β/Smad3 signalling pathway. In conclusion, our findings suggest that petA protects against renal inflammation and fibrosis by selectively inhibiting TGF‐β/Smad3 signalling.
Spontaneous colitis in IL‐10‐deficient mice was ameliorated via inhibiting glutaminase1
Authors: Li Jing , Zuo Lugen , Tian Yun , He Yifan , Zhang Zhichao , Guo Pu , Ge Yuanyuan , Hu Jianguo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractImmunity imbalance and barrier damage in the intestinal mucosa are the main pathogenic factors of Crohn's disease (CD). Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide (BPTES) is a glutaminase 1 (Gls1) inhibitor with the dual functions of increasing glutamine levels and immune regulation. In this study, we focused on the role of BPTES in CD‐like enteritis and the possible mechanisms. We found that Gls1 expression was significantly increased in CD intestinal tissue compared with control tissue. Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide treatment significantly ameliorated chronic colitis in the IL‐10−/−, as manifested by decreased disease activity index, body weight change, histological inflammatory degree and inflammatory cytokine expression. Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide treatment exerted protective effects on CD that were associated with the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and the Th/Treg balance. Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide treatment may act in part through TCR‐mediated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling activation. In conclusion, inhibition of Gls1 expression attenuated chronic colitis by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and the Th/Treg balance, thereby ameliorating CD‐like colitis.
State‐of‐the‐art CRISPR/Cas9 Technology for Genome Editing in Trypanosomatids
Authors: Lander Noelia , Chiurillo Miguel A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized biology. This prokaryotic defense system against foreign DNA has been repurposed for genome editing in a broad range of cell tissues and organisms. Trypanosomatids are flagellated protozoa belonging to the order Kinetoplastida. Some of its most representative members cause important human diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, such as Chagas disease, sleeping sickness and different forms of leishmaniases. Trypanosomatid infections represent an enormous burden for public health and there are no effective treatments for most of the diseases they cause. Since the emergence of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the genetic manipulation of these parasites has notably improved. As a consequence, genome editing is now playing a key role in the functional study of proteins, in the characterization of metabolic pathways, in the validation of alternative targets for antiparasitic interventions, and in the study of parasite biology and pathogenesis. In this work we review the different strategies that have been used to adapt the CRISPR/Cas9 system to Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leishmania spp., as well as the research progress achieved using these approaches. Thereby, we will present the state‐of‐the‐art molecular tools available for genome editing in trypanosomatids to finally point out the future perspectives in the field.
Single motor units from the medial pterygoid muscle can be active during isometric horizontal and vertical forces
Authors: Nozad Mojaver Yalda , Tawadros Paul B. , Moura Ferreira Polyana , Whittle Terry , Murray Greg M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo determine (a) whether the medial pterygoid muscle is active in an isometric vertical force task and in isometric horizontal force tasks in the contralateral, protrusion and ipsilateral directions; (b) whether the same single motor units (SMUs) could be active across different directions of isometric force generation; and (c) whether different regions of the medial pterygoid muscle exhibit different patterns of SMU activation during the generation of any one direction of isometric force.MethodsIntramuscular electromyographic (EMG) recordings were made from the right medial pterygoid muscle in 15 healthy participants during isometric force tasks: vertical and horizontal contralateral, protrusion and ipsilateral. A computed tomography scan divided the EMG recording site into a medial or lateral part in each participant. Single motor units were discriminated in each task.ResultsMedial pterygoid SMU activity was recorded in 100% of participants for the vertical biting tasks, 86% of participants for the horizontal contralateral and horizontal protrusion tasks and 57% of the horizontal ipsilateral tasks. Of the 72 SMUs that were discriminated, 36% were active in all tasks; 18% were active only in the vertical tasks and 17% were active in the vertical, horizontal contralateral and horizontal protrusion tasks. The proportion of SMUs that was active in at least 1 horizontal task in the lateral part (33/39) was significantly higher than the proportion (21/33) in the medial part (Chi‐Square, P < 0.05).ConclusionThe data are consistent with a stabilisation role for the medial pterygoid muscle in isometric jaw forces in the vertical and horizontal planes.