bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of bath and probe sonication on the physicochemical and microstructural properties of wheat starch
Authors: Jamalabadi Maryam , Saremnezhad Solmaz , Bahrami Akbar , Jafari Seid Mahdi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractUltrasound has been rapidly applied successfully in diverse food technological aspects including improvement of functional properties of food ingredients such as starch. This work was carried out to compare the influence of two types of sonication, bath and probe, on several physicochemical and microstructural properties of wheat starch. Two sonication probes (200 and 400 W) and a sonication bath (690 W) were applied to treat wheat starch suspensions at 15 and 30 min. Sonication time in 400 W probe was intermittent while for the other treatments, it was continuous. Swelling capacity (SC), solubility (SB), turbidity (TB), and oil absorption (OA) parameters were investigated for native (control) and sonicated wheat starch. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to determine the influence of sonication treatments on the morphology of wheat starch granules. The highest level of SB and OA, as well as the lowest SC, was obtained for starch samples treated with 200 W sonication probe, while no significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between two sonication times (15 and 30 min). The SEM images showed significant and nonuniform impact of ultrasound on the structure of starch granules in which some granules remained almost smooth, but some showed high irregular surfaces or even in some cases structure collapse. The highest disintegration of granules was obtained in probe 200 W treatments.
Effects of Clamping Pressure on Cold Start Behavior of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Dafalla A. M. , Wei L. , Liao Z. H. , Jiang F. M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the cold start process of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is crucial to the development of an advanced PEFC of good cold start performance or to the design of advanced cold start strategies. In this study, a three‐dimensional cold start model has been adapted and further developed to numerically investigate the cold start behavior under the applied clamping pressure, which was not considered in previous cold start modeling and simulation work. The PEFC cold start performance is studied under various assembly pressures in terms of polarization curves, ice formation, water content profile, and current density distribution, etc. The results indicate that, using a large clamping pressure leads to a significant decline on the cold start performance; therefore, using an optimum clamping pressure is important to obtain a better cold start performance. It is found that increasing the clamping pressure not only increases the ice accumulation in cathode catalyst layer, but also causes the dehydration of membrane and decreases the cold start performance. The proposed model can be used as a powerful tool to study the realistic cold start performance of PEFC and to assist the development of more advanced PEFC cold start strategies.
Cloning, overexpression, purification, and modeling of a lectin (Rhinocelectin) with antiproliferative activity from Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus
Authors: Cheong P.C.H. , Yong Y.S. , Fatima A. , Ng S.T. , Tan C.S. , Kong B.H. , Tan N.H. , Rajarajeswaran J. , Fung S.Y. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA lectin gene from the Tiger Milk Mushroom Lignosus rhinocerus TM02® was successfully cloned and expressed via vector pET28a in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant lectin, Rhinocelectin, with a predicted molecular mass of 22.8 kDa, was overexpressed in water‐soluble form without signal peptide and purified via native affinity chromatography Ni‐NTA agarose. Blast protein analysis indicated the lectin to be homologous to jacalin‐related plant lectin. In its native form, Rhinocelectin exists as a homo‐tetramer predicted with four chains of identical proteins consisting of 11 beta‐sheet structures with only one alpha‐helix structure. The antiproliferative activity of the Rhinocelectin against human cancer cell lines was concentration dependent and selective. The IC50 values against triple negative breast cancer cell lines MDA‐MB‐231 and breast cancer MCF‐7 are 36.52 ± 13.55 μg mL−1 and 53.11 ± 22.30 μg mL−1, respectively. Rhinocelectin is only mildly cytotoxic against the corresponding human nontumorigenic breast cell line 184B5 with IC50 value at 142.19 ± 36.34 μg mL−1. The IC50 against human lung cancer cell line A549 cells is 46.14 ± 7.42 μg mL−1 while against nontumorigenic lung cell line NL20 is 41.33 ± 7.43 μg mL−1. The standard anticancer drug, Doxorubicin exhibited IC50 values mostly below 1 μg mL−1 for the cell lines tested. Flow cytometry analysis showed the treated breast cancer cells were arrested at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis induced. Rhinocelectin agglutinated rat and rabbit erythrocytes at a minimal concentration of 3.125 μg mL−1 and 6.250 μg mL−1, respectively.
Growth Hormone Increases Bone Toughness and Decreases Muscle Inflammation in Glucocorticoid-Treated Mdx Mice, Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Yoon Sung-Hee , Grynpas Marc D , Mitchell Jane 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
The absence of functional dystrophin with mutations of the dystrophin-encoding gene in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results in muscle inflammation and degeneration, as well as bone fragility. Long-term glucocorticoid therapy delays the muscular disease progression but suppresses growth hormone secretion, resulting in short stature and further deleterious effects on bone strength. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of daily growth hormone therapy in growing mdx mice as a model of DMD. Growth hormone treatment on its own or in combination with glucocorticoids significantly improved muscle histology and function and decreased markers of inflammation in mdx mice. Glucocorticoid treatment thinned cortical bone and decreased bone strength and toughness. Despite the minimal effects of growth hormone on bone microarchitecture, it significantly improved biomechanical properties of femurs and vertebrae, even in the presence of glucocorticoid treatment. Together these studies suggest that the use of growth hormone in DMD should be considered for improvements to muscle and bone health. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
RNA sequencing reveals the circular RNA expression profiles of osteoarthritic synovium
Authors: Xiang Shuai , Li Zeng , Bian Yanyan , Weng Xisheng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in regulating cartilage homeostasis in osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported. However, the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in OA synovium remains basically unidentified. The current study intended to divulge the expression profile of circRNAs in OA synovium and investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in synovitis in OA through an integrated bioinformatics analysis. A total of 35 synovium samples were collected, including 17 from patients with knee OA and 18 from controls. circRNA sequencing was then carried out on five OA synovium samples as well as five controls to explore the expression pattern of the circRNAs. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was done to confirm the manifestation levels of six differentially expressed circRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were done for differentially expressed circRNAs using the DAVID database to annotate the functions. The circRNA‐miRNA coexpression network was then created to estimate the probable molecular regulatory mechanisms of specifically expressed circRNAs in OA synovium. Total of 122 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in OA synovium through RNA sequencing. The expressions of five downregulated circRNAs as well as an upregulated circRNA were confirmed through the use of qRT‐PCR. The circRNA‐miRNA network was created to annotate the probable molecular regulatory mechanisms of specifically expressed circRNAs. Our outcomes revealed that circRNAs might be incorporated in the initiation as well as development of OA synovitis and might have prospective importance in OA diagnosis and therapy.
Selenium as an adjuvant for modification of radiation response
Authors: Farhood Bagher , Mortezaee Keywan , Motevaseli Elahe , Mirtavoos‐Mahyari Hanifeh , Shabeeb Dheyauldeen , Eleojo Musa Ahmed , Sanikhani Nafiseh Sadat , Najafi Masoud , Ahmadi Amirhossein 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIonizing radiation plays a central role in several medical and industrial purposes. In spite of the beneficial effects of ionizing radiation, there are some concerns related to accidental exposure that could pose a threat to the lives of exposed people. This issue is also very critical for triage of injured people in a possible terror event or nuclear disaster. The most common side effects of ionizing radiation are experienced in cancer patients who had undergone radiotherapy. For complete eradication of tumors, there is a need for high doses of ionizing radiation. However, these high doses lead to severe toxicities in adjacent organs. Management of normal tissue toxicity may be achieved via modulation of radiation responses in both normal and malignant cells. It has been suggested that treatment of patients with some adjuvant agents may be useful for amelioration of radiation toxicity or sensitization of tumor cells. However, there are always some concerns for possible severe toxicities and protection of tumor cells, which in turn affect radiotherapy outcomes. Selenium is a trace element in the body that has shown potent antioxidant and radioprotective effects for many years. Selenium can potently stimulate antioxidant defense of cells, especially via upregulation of glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione peroxidase activity. Some studies in recent years have shown that selenium is able to mitigate radiation toxicity when administered after exposure. These studies suggest that selenium may be a useful radiomitigator for an accidental radiation event. Molecular and cellular studies have revealed that selenium protects different normal cells against radiation, while it may sensitize tumor cells. These differential effects of selenium have also been revealed in some clinical studies. In the present study, we aimed to review the radiomitigative and radioprotective effects of selenium on normal cells/tissues, as well as its radiosensitive effect on cancer cells.
Type 2 diabetes‐induced hyposalivation of the submandibular gland through PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy
Authors: Xiang Ruo‐Lan , Huang Yan , Zhang Yan , Cong Xin , Zhang Zhe‐Jing , Wu Li‐Ling , Yu Guang‐Yan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDiabetes is often accompanied by dysfunction of salivary glands. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The mechanisms that underlie diabetic hyposalivation were studied by db/db mice and SMG‐C6 cells. We found morphological changes and decreased stimulated salivary flow rates of the submandibular gland (SMG) in diabetic mice. We observed structural changes and dysfunction of mitochondria. More mitophagosomes and higher expression of autophagy‐related proteins were detected. Increased levels of proteins PINK1 and Parkin indicate that PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy was activated in diabetic SMG. Consistently, high glucose (HG) induced mitochondrial dysfunction and PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy in cultivated SMG‐C6 cells. HG also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lessened activation of antioxidants in SMG‐C6 cells. In addition, HG lowered ERK1/2 phosphorylation and HG‐induced mitophagy was decreased after ERK1/2 was activated by LM22B‐10. Altogether, these data suggest that ROS played a crucial role in diabetes‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy and ERK1/2 was required in HG‐induced mitophagy in SMG.
Morphological variation of the female reproductive organs of the bat Artibeus lituratus during its different reproductive phases
Authors: Rodrigues Alderrosy F. , Santiago Cornélio S. , Morielle‐Versute Eliana , Taboga Sebastião R. , Beguelini Mateus R. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractArtibeus lituratus is one of the most recognized bat species in the neotropics, probably due to its high abundance in urban areas. Despite its wide distribution, the morphology and physiology of its reproductive organs remain unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the morphology and histology of the female reproductive organs of this species, and evaluate morphological variations during its different reproductive phases (nonreproductive, pregnant, lactating, etc.). Thirty adult females were collected, divided into six (6) sample groups, according to the reproductive status, and submitted to anatomical and histological analyses. We show that the ovaries of A. lituratus are polarized, present a low number of interstitial glands, have large and well‐developed Graafian follicles and a persistent corpus luteum, and may present a functional everted corpus luteum. Ovulation is simple, unilateral and nonpreferential, possibly alternated in successive ovulations, and may be sequential, with the occurrence of postpartum estrus. The uterus is simplex, the implantation is fundic and interstitial and the placenta is chorioallantoic, discoidal, and hemochorial. The female reproductive organs of A. lituratus share similarities with the pattern observed in human, which indicates that A. lituratus may be an interesting animal model in reproductive studies.
The endoscopic endonasal approach for sinonasal and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Kashiwazaki Ryota , Turner Meghan T. , Geltzeiler Mathew , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. , Gardner Paul A. , Snyderman Carl H. , Wang Eric W. 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveTo determine factors affecting outcomes for patients with sinonasal and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (SNACC) treated using the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) with preservation of key structures followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT).MethodRetrospective case series of 30 patients treated at the University of Pittsburgh between 2000 and 2014. Hospital records were reviewed for clinical and pathologic data. Outcome measures included overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) rates.ResultsThe majority of patients had T4a and T4b disease (23.3%, and 63.3%). Microscopically positive margins were present in 21 patients (63.6%). Positive margins were present in nine patients (30.0%). The mean and median follow‐up were 3.97 and 3.29 years. Five‐year OS, DFS, LRFS, and DMFS were 62.66%, 58.45%, 87.54%, and 65.26%. High‐/intermediate‐grade tumors had worse DFS (P = .023), and LRFS (P = .026) (HR = 4.837, 95% CI, 1.181–19.812). No factors were associated with significantly worse DMFS. No patient suffered CSF leak, optic nerve, or internal carotid injury. The mean and median length of hospital stay was 4.1 days and 2.0 days (range: 0–32 days).ConclusionOrgan‐preserving EEA with adjuvant RT for low‐grade SNACC offers 5‐year survival similar to that reported by other studies, which include radical, open skull base surgery. Patients with high‐grade disease do poorly and may benefit from novel treatment strategies. For low‐grade disease, organ‐preserving EEA with RT may be the best option, offering a balance of survival, quality of life, and decreased morbidity for patients with this difficult‐to‐cure disease.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:1414–1421, 2020
Eustachian tube dysfunction in children with cleft palate: A tympanometric time‐to‐event analysis
Authors: Funamura Jamie L. , Said Mena , Lin Sharon J. , McKinney Samantha , Tollefson Travis T. 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesTo characterize the duration of Eustachian tube dysfunction in children with cleft palate compared to those without cleft palate by performing time‐to‐event analysis on tympanometric data.To determine predictive characteristics of earlier achievement of normal tympanograms in children with cleft palate.MethodsLongitudinal tympanometric data from a minimum of 10 years at a single center were reviewed for children with cleft palate born in the years 2003 through 2007. Children with cleft lip without cleft palate born in the same years were used as a reference group to compare children with similar length of follow‐up. The association between time to sustained normal (type A) tympanograms with patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and otologic history was evaluated using time‐to‐event analysis and compared with log rank tests. Adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsThe median age of achieving a type A tympanogram in children with cleft palate was 9.9 years for one and 12.1 years for both ears, compared to 7.1 and 7.4 years in children with cleft lip only (P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, clinical characteristics such as the severity of palatal clefting or the presence of a cleft‐associated syndrome/sequence were not predictors of a longer time to a type A tympanogram.ConclusionOur results help characterize the observation that there is delayed time to normal Eustachian tube function in children with cleft palate, which is not associated with the degree of palatal clefting.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 130:1044–1050, 2020
Vagal stimulation and laryngeal electromyography for recurrent laryngeal reinnervation in children
Authors: Caloway Christen L. , Diercks Gillian R. , Randolph Gregory , Hartnick Christopher J. 
Published: June 2019

Ansa‐to‐recurrent laryngeal nerve (ANSA‐RLN) reinnervation procedures are now often first‐line treatments for some children with unilateral vocal fold immobility. Although many describe that children with prolonged denervation and true vocal fold atrophy should not undergo this procedure, there has been no gold‐standard means of identifying true denervation. Here, we describe a novel technique using evoked vagal electromyography to predict degree of chronic nerve injury prior to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation in children. This is a simple, readily available technique that may play an important role in predicting likelihood of success with pediatric ANSA‐RLN reinnervation.Laryngoscope, 130:747–751, 2020
A novel mutation of the PAX3 gene in a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome type I
Authors: Ma Jing , Lin Ken , Jiang Hong‐chao , Yang Yanli , Zhang Yu , Yang Guilian , Sun Hao , Ming Cheng , Bi Xianyun , Zhang Tiesong , Ruan Biao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo analyze the clinical phenotypes and genetic variants of a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome (WS) and to explore the possible molecular pathogenesis of WS.MethodsThe clinical data from a patient and his family were collected. The genomic DNA of the patient and his family was purified from their peripheral blood. All exons and flanking sequences of the MITF, PAX3, SOX10, SNAI2, END3, and EDNRB genes were investigated through high‐throughput sequencing. Based on the results of high‐throughput sequencing, genetic variants in the patient and his family were verified and analyzed by Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe patient was diagnosed with typical WS1 that manifested in hearing impairment, inner canthus ectopia and heterochromic iris. Sanger sequencing revealed the pathogenic heterozygous c.420‐424de1CGCGGinsTTAC mutation in the PAX3 gene in the proband, which is a frameshift mutation that changed the amino acid sequence of the PAX3 protein from AVCDRNTVPSV to YSVIETPCRQ* (* refers to a stop codon) from amino acids 141–151. The stop codon induced by this mutation resulted in the truncation of the PAX3 protein. The same mutation sites were also found in the mother and younger sister of the proband. No previous report of this mutation was found in the Human Gene Mutation Database.ConclusionThe novel heterozygous c.420‐424de1CGCGGinsTTAC mutation is the molecular pathological cause for WS1 in our patient. The clinical and genetic characterization of this family with WS1 elucidated the genetic heterogeneity of PAX3 in WS1. Moreover, the mutation detected in this case has expanded the database of PAX3 mutations.
Patient participation in municipal elderly care from the perspective of nurses and occupational therapists
Authors: Holmqvist Kajsa Lidström , James Inger 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe how nurses and occupational therapists in municipal care of older people define and implement patient participation in their daily work.DesignThis study had a cross‐sectional design. Data were collected using an online questionnaire.MethodsThe questionnaire had both closed and open‐ended questions. One‐hundred and fourteen nurses and occupational therapists responded. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.ResultsTwo main themes were identified as follows: “The professionals’ perspective at the centre – Patient participation to enhance compliance” and “The patients’ perspective at the centre – Patient participation as an ongoing process.” The themes covered a continuum. On one extreme, patient participation was equated with making the patient comply with what the professionals wanted to do. On the other extreme, all power was transferred to the patient. The first theme was restricted to the decision‐making process. The second theme covered the entire care or, rehabilitation, process.
Fluorescent Probes from Aromatic Polycyclic Nitrile Oxides: Isoxazoles versus Dihydro‐1λ3,3,2λ4‐Oxazaborinines
Authors: Moiola Mattia , Bova Antonio , Crespi Stefano , Memeo Misal G. , Mella Mariella , Overkleeft Herman S. , Florea Bogdan I. , Quadrelli Paolo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAnthracenenitrile oxide undergoes 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction with propargyl bromide affording the expected isoxazole as single regioisomer, suitably synthetically elaborated and functionalized with a protected triple bond. The introduction of a bromine atom at the position C10 of the anthracene moiety allows for inserting a variety of aromatic and heterocyclic substituents through Suzuki coupling. A two‐way synthetic route can lead to simple isoxazole derivatives or, after N−O bond reductive cleavage and BF3 complexation, enamino ketone boron complexes. The photophysical properties of both the substituted isoxazoles and the corresponding boron complexes were investigated to show the potentialities for the employment as fluorescent tags in imaging techniques. The quite good quantum yield values confirm the suitability of these compounds in the cellular environment. Scope and limitations of the methodology are discussed.