bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of neutrophil‐activating protein conservation on diagnostic tests and vaccine design
Authors: Gonçalves Lídia MD , Almeida António J , Calado Cecília RC 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe neutrophil activating protein (NAP) is a highly immunogenic and virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori, presenting inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. Consequently, NAP has been explored as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. However, when evaluating a target protein to design diagnostic methods or vaccines, it is critical to determine the protein conservation among the bacterial population, as well the impact of alterations of amino acid residues on the protein antigenic profile.RESULTSIn the present work, NAP conservation and theoretical antigenicity were determined among 51 sequences from H. pylori isolated from patients worldwide. A high NAP conservation (83%) was observed, where 17 amino acid residues, among the 144 residues of the protein, were polymorphic. Alterations at these polymorphic sites had a theoretically low impact on predicted antigenicity, where only 5 NAPs out of 51 NAPs presented a slightly different antigenic profile in relation to the consensus sequence. According to that, it was possible to recognize in western blotting 93% of NAP from different bacteria (n = 15) using polyclonal antibodies developed against a specific NAP.CONCLUSIONSIt was predicted that when working with polyclonal antibodies or large NAP fragments for diagnostic and vaccine design, slight variation in protein sequence will have a minimal impact on NAP recognition. However, if a NAP monoclonal antibody or small NAP epitopes are considered, it is critical to select the most conserved and antigenic NAP regions, to maximize the coverage of NAP variants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on dental student's performance across disciplines during community site rotations: A comparative analysis
Authors: Shukla Anubhuti , Amrutham Bhavya Vaishnavi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic disrupted educational frameworks worldwide, particularly affecting health professions education. The impact on students varied based on local pandemic severity, public health policies, and institutional capacities. Our observational, retrospective study evaluated the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on senior dental students' performance during community rotations at Indiana University School of Dentistry.MethodologyData from student self‐assessments and faculty evaluations, collected as part of the Community‐Based Dental Education (CBDE) course between 2018 to 2022 was utilized. Five key domains of patient care: diagnosis and treatment planning, clinical skills, time management, interprofessional collaboration, and professionalism was assesed using a 5‐point Likert scale. Pre‐ and post‐pandemic comparisons of self‐reported student evaluation and faculty assessment scores were conducted using two‐sample t‐tests, with ANOVA used to analyze cohort differences.ResultsSignificant declines were observed in mean scores for diagnosis and treatment planning, clinical skills, time management, and interprofessional collaboration during the post‐COVID period compared to pre‐COVID levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, an increase in average scores related to students' professionalism was noted, although this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Class cohort‐wise analysis showed similar patterns, with all cohorts experiencing significant declines in the aforementioned areas (p < 0.05) and non‐significant increases in professionalism scores (p > 0.05).ConclusionThis study findings underscore the challenges faced by dental education in adapting to pandemic‐induced disruptions and highlight the importance of adaptive approaches and support systems to address these challenges. Moving forward, resolving disparities in assessments and comprehending the various factors influencing student performance will be crucial to preserving the adaptability and effectiveness of dentistry education in the face of adversity.
Influence of amount and delay of reward on choice and response rate: A free‐operant, multiple‐schedule analogue of a discrete‐trial procedure
Authors: Wright James E. , Reed Phil 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe current study explored a free‐operant analogue of discrete‐trial procedures to study the effects of amount and delay of reinforcement on choice and response rate. Rats responded on a multiple variable‐interval (VI) 45‐s, 45‐s schedule, with interspersed choice probe trials. Comparison of relative response rates and percentage of choice revealed some discrepancies between the free‐operant analogue and discrete‐trial procedures. Amount of reward controlled choice behavior when the ratios of delays were similar. When reward delays were more discrepant, delay length controlled choice behavior. Whereas the percentage of choice was larger for the larger magnitude reward, the relative rate of response for the larger magnitude was less than .50. In contrast, when the percentage of choice generally fell to below 50% (with large amount and large delay differences between alternatives), relative response rate indicated a preference for the larger amount alternative. This study shows the feasibility and utility of a free‐operant analogue of discrete‐choice studies that could be used to develop an analysis of preference.
A novel simplified method for assessing crystal length and crystalline content in dental ceramics
Authors: Ferraz Danilo Cassiano , Tavares Lucas Nascimento , Reis Isadora Aparecida Ribeiro , Brackett William W. , Pacheco Rafael Rocha , Raposo Luís Henrique Araújo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to introduce a novel and simple method of evaluating the crystal length and crystalline content of lithium disilicate dental ceramics using images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed with ImageJ (NIH) processing software. Three evaluators with varying experience levels assessed the average crystal length and percentage of crystalline content in four commercial lithium disilicate reinforced glass ceramic materials: IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent), Rosetta SM (Hass), T‐Lithium (Talmax), and IRIS CAD (Tianjin). The specimens, prepared from partially crystallized CAD/CAM blocks (3.0 mm3), were fully crystallized and treated with 5% hydrofluoric acid for 20 s prior to SEM analysis. After acquiring the SEM images, ImageJ software was used to evaluate the average crystal length and crystalline content on the surface of the different ceramics. An inter‐operator agreement was observed (ICC/p = 0.724), indicating that assessments by the various operators were similar across all ceramic materials tested (p < 0.001). When crystal length and crystalline content were compared, IRIS CAD exhibited significant differences compared to the other materials (p < 0.001), showing a less dense crystalline matrix based on the average length of crystals and the percentage of crystals per unit area. The use of this software facilitated the evaluation of crystalline content and average crystal lengths in dental ceramics using SEM images, and demonstrated very low variability among different operators.Research Highlights
The described method, using ImageJ open‐source software, provides precise and reliable measurements of crystal length and crystalline content in lithium disilicate ceramics, with high inter‐operator agreement.
The proposed method identified higher crystalline content in IPS e.max CAD compared to Rosetta SM CAD and T‐lithium CAD ceramics, while IRIS CAD exhibited significantly lower crystalline content and larger average crystal length.
The novel, simplified method for assessing crystal length and crystalline content presented in this study may also be useful for evaluating other dental ceramics.
Urinary extracellular vesicles as a monitoring tool for renal damage in patients not meeting criteria for chronic kidney disease
Authors: Anfaiha‐Sanchez Miriam , Santiago‐Hernandez Aranzazu , Lopez Juan Antonio , Lago‐Baameiro Nerea , Pardo Maria , Martin‐Blazquez Ariadna , Vazquez Jesus , Ruiz‐Hurtado Gema , Barderas Maria G. , Segura Julian , Ruilope Luis M. , Martin‐Lorenzo Marta , Alvarez‐Llamas Gloria 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundCurrent definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) identifies only advanced stages, but effective management demands early detection. Urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR) 30 mg/g is a cut‐off point for CKD clinical diagnosis. Patients with lower values (normoalbuminuria) and eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 are considered at no increased cardiorenal risk. However, higher incidence of renal function decline and cardiovascular events have been shown within the normoalbuminuria range. Novel subclinical indicators may help to identify higher‐risk patients. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) are sentinels of renal function non‐invasively. Here we aimed to approach the early assessment of cardiorenal risk by investigating the protein cargo of uEVs.MethodsHypertensive patients were classified in control group (C) with ACR < 10 mg/g, and high‐normal group (HN) with ACR 10–30 mg/g. Isolated uEVs were characterized by western blotting and electron microscopy and the protein cargo was analyzed by untargeted proteomics (LC‐MS/MS) in a first discovery cohort. Protein confirmation was performed in a different cohort by ExoView. Immunohistochemistry of human kidney biopsies was also performed to evaluate the potential of uEVs to reflect renal damage.ResultsHN albuminuria does not affect the uEVs concentration, size, or tetraspanin profile. Among >6200 uEVs proteins identified, 43 define a panel significantly altered in HN patients without variation in urine, mostly annotated in the tubule (39 out of 43). The tubular transporter long‐chain fatty acid transport protein 2 (SLC27A2) and the apical membrane protein amnionless (AMN) confirmed their alteration in HN patients evidencing impaired tubular reabsorption. SLC27A2 showed tubular expression and significantly reduced levels in patients with diagnostic criteria for CKD.ConclusionsAlterations in the EV‐mediated molecular profile are evident before pathological ACR levels are reached. Direct quantitation of SLC27A2 and AMN in uEVs helps identifying normoalbuminuric subjects with higher cardiorenal risk in early monitoring of CKD.
Clinical experience on switching trientine tetrahydrochloride to trientine dihydrochloride in Wilson disease patients
Authors: Mohr Isabelle , Schmitt Timo , Weber Christophe , Schall Nicolas , Leidner Viola Yuriko , Langel Andrea , Langel Jessica , Poujois Aurélia , Weiss Karl Heinz , Merle Uta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of trientine dihydrochloride (TETA 2‐HCl) in patients with Wilson disease (WD) following a switch from trientine tetrahydrochloride (TETA 4‐HCl). A total of 30 WD patients with stable copper metabolism were identified for treatment with TETA 2‐HCl (Cufence™) after prior use of TETA 4‐HCl (Cuprior™). Biochemical markers including urinary copper, non‐ceruloplasmin bound copper (NCC) and liver function were analyzed at baseline and followed up over 12 months. Safety was assessed based on reported adverse events (AEs). Urinary copper levels and NCC remained stable across all follow‐ups, indicating adequate copper metabolism control. Reported AEs during TETA 2‐HCl treatment were mostly gastrointestinal discomfort (n = 6). In two patients, progressive elevation of transaminases occurred (despite stable copper metabolism). AEs led to discontinuation of treatment in five cases. Median baseline dose per day was 10.2 mg TETA 4‐HCl/kg bodyweight, whereas median baseline dose after therapeutic switch to TETA 2‐HCl was 12.8 mg/kg bodyweight. Median daily dose at 12 months did not differ significantly from TETA 2‐HCl dose at switching timepoint, with stable biochemical markers and markers of copper metabolism in most (25/30) of the patients. Transitioning from TETA 4‐HCl to TETA 2‐HCl maintained stable copper parameters and liver function in most of analyzed patients. TETA 2‐HCl treatment was generally well tolerated, suggesting that switching medications is safe and effective. In our real‐life cohort, adjustment factor of ~1.25× for the switch of TETA 4‐HCl to TETA 2‐HCl resulted in adequate copper metabolism control.
Individual participant data meta‐analysis to examine linear or non‐linear treatment‐covariate interactions at multiple time‐points for a continuous outcome
Authors: Hattle Miriam , Ensor Joie , Scandrett Katie , van Middelkoop Marienke , van der Windt Danielle A. , Holden Melanie A. , Riley Richard D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIndividual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis projects obtain, harmonise, and synthesise original data from multiple studies. Many IPD meta‐analyses of randomised trials are initiated to identify treatment effect modifiers at the individual level, thus requiring statistical modelling of interactions between treatment effect and participant‐level covariates. Using a two‐stage approach, the interaction is estimated in each trial separately and combined in a meta‐analysis. In practice, two complications often arise with continuous outcomes: examining non‐linear relationships for continuous covariates and dealing with multiple time‐points. We propose a two‐stage multivariate IPD meta‐analysis approach that summarises non‐linear treatment‐covariate interaction functions at multiple time‐points for continuous outcomes. A set‐up phase is required to identify a small set of time‐points; relevant knot positions for a spline function, at identical locations in each trial; and a common reference group for each covariate. Crucially, the multivariate approach can include participants or trials with missing outcomes at some time‐points. In the first stage, restricted cubic spline functions are fitted and their interaction with each discrete time‐point is estimated in each trial separately. In the second stage, the parameter estimates defining these multiple interaction functions are jointly synthesised in a multivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis model accounting for within‐trial and across‐trial correlation. These meta‐analysis estimates define the summary non‐linear interactions at each time‐point, which can be displayed graphically alongside confidence intervals. The approach is illustrated using an IPD meta‐analysis examining effect modifiers for exercise interventions in osteoarthritis, which shows evidence of non‐linear relationships and small gains in precision by analysing all time‐points jointly.
Impact of hydrophobically modified cellulose nanofiber on the stability of Pickering emulsion containing insect protein
Authors: Fan Rong , Wang Wenxue , Zhang Rui , Zhu Ming , Liu Wanyi , Liu Pengtao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCellulose nanofiber (CNF) is an ideal Pickering emulsion stabilizer because of its high aspect ratio and flexibility. CNF was hydrophobically modified by dodecenyl succinic anhydride and used to stabilize the simulated food emulsion system containing insect protein. The prepared dodecenyl succinate nanofiber (D‐CNFs) was characterized by contact angle and laser particle size analyzer. The stability of the emulsion system under different conditions was characterized by zeta potential and appearance observation. Lastly, in vitro digestion simulation experiments were carried out to investigate whether the addition of D‐CNFs had an effect on the digestion and absorption of oil.RESULTSThe modification process for dodecenyl succinic anhydride to CNFs was that the system temperature was 40 °C, the system pH value was 8.5 and the reaction time was 6 h. The water contact angle of the modified CNFs increased to 83.2 ± 0.9°. D‐CNFs were introduced into the simulated food emulsion system containing insect protein. The increase in the concentration of D‐CNFs in the aqueous phase promoted the stability of the simulated emulsion system. Increasing the ratio of insect protein was not conducive to the stability of the emulsion. The final fat digestibility of the emulsion with D‐CNFs was lower than that of the emulsion without D‐CNFs.CONCLUSIONOverall, the analysis and characterization results show the potential of the modified CNF as a food simulant emulsion stabilizer containing insect protein, which can be used for the development of specific functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extract rich in betanin encapsulated in electrospun sweet potato starch nanofibers
Authors: de Lima Costa Igor Henrique , dos Santos Hackbart Helen Cristina , de Oliveira Gabriela , Pires Juliani Buchveitz , Filho Pedro José Sanches , Weber Fernanda Hart , da Silva Campelo Borges Graciele , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPitaya fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is rich in bioactive compounds such as betanin. This study aimed to extract betanin‐rich pitaya fruit and encapsulate it in electrospun nanofibers produced with sweet potato starch. The influence of different concentrations of this bioactive compound on the morphology, functional groups, hydrophilicity, load capacity, color, thermal properties, and contact angle of the electrospun nanofibers with water and milk was assessed. The potential antioxidant and stability of nanofibers during gastrointestinal digestion in vitro were demonstrated.ResultsThe nanofibers presented average diameters ranging from 134 to 204 nm and displayed homogeneous morphology. The load capacity of the extract in the nanofibers was 43% to 83%. The encapsulation increased the thermal resistance of betanins (197–297 °C). The static contact angle with water and milk showed that these materials presented greater affinity with milk. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the nanofibers with 5%, 25%, and 45% pitaya extract presented unique characteristics. They showed resistance in delivering betanins to the stomach, with 12% inhibition of the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH˙) radical. However, only the 45% concentration reached the intestine with 9.83% inhibition of the DPPH˙ radical.ConclusionsPattern recognition from multivariate analyses indicated that nanofibers containing 5%, 25%, and 45% of the extract presented distinct characteristics, with the ability to preserve betanins against thermal degradation and perform the controlled delivery of these bioactives in the stomach and intestine to produce antioxidant activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quercetin and kaempferol from saffron petals alleviated hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative damage in B16 cells
Authors: Zhang Yao , Gong Yucui , Hu Jiayun , Zhang Le , Benito María José , Usmanov Durbek , Nishanbaev Sabir Z , Song Xinjie , Zou Ligen , Wu Yuanfeng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSaffron petals are usually considered as waste after saffron harvest. However, saffron petals contain many important phytochemical components (e.g. quercetin and kaempferol), which may alleviate oxidative damage in human cells.RESULTSThe contents of flavonoids and crocin in different parts of saffron were analyzed. The protective effects of flavonoids from saffron on oxidative damage of B16 cells were investigated. Saffron stigma contained high contents of crocin and picrocrocin, whereas flavonoid content (quercetin, 4.03 ± 0.33 mg g−1 DW; kaempferol, 47.80 ± 0.60 mg g−1 DW) was higher in saffron petals than in other parts. Incubation of B16 cells with quercetin (10–30 μmol L−1) and kaempferol (20–30 μmol L−1) obtained from saffron extracts could significantly increase the total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and the activity of NADPH:dehydrogenase quinone‐1 (NQO1) to alleviate H2O2‐induced oxidative damage. Quercetin was better than kaempferol in increasing NQO1 activity and T‐AOC. Quercetin extracted from saffron petals could induce NQO1 expression through regulating kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein‐1/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor‐2 signaling pathway to protect B16 cells from oxidative damage.CONCLUSIONThe content of kaempferol‐3‐O‐sophoroside and quercetin‐3‐O‐sophoroside was higher in saffron petals than in other parts of saffron. The kaempferol and quercetin obtained from saffron petals could enhance the activity of antioxidant enzyme NQO1 and T‐AOC in B16 cells. This indicated that saffron petals, as a potential functional food, may prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Therapeutic potential of Rosa roxburghii folium extract in insomnia treatment: a comprehensive evaluation of behavioral and neurochemical effects in a PCPA‐induced mouse model
Authors: He Fengjin , Yan Yanfang , Peng Mei , Gao Ming , Zhou Lang , Chen Faju , Yang Lishou , Li Liangqun , Yang Xiaosheng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDInsomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, detrimentally affects quality of life and is often challenging to manage with conventional treatments. This study delved into identifying and quantifying the main compounds by employing ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–Q‐Exactive‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and further to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Rosa roxburghii folium (RRF) extract, with multiple pharmacological activities. Previous research had hinted at the efficacy of glycosides in influencing the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system, which plays a pivotal role in sleep regulation. Utilizing a p‐chlorophenylalanine‐induced insomnia model in BALB/C mice, this investigation aimed to unravel the effects of various dosages of RRF extract on sleep quality and elucidated its mechanism of action.RESULTSA total of 66 compounds in the RRF extract were analyzed. Behavioral assessments demonstrated notable enhancements in sleep duration and latency. Biochemical analyses further corroborated these findings, revealing modulation in neurotransmitter levels indicative of a potential mechanism through the GABAergic and serotoninergic pathways. Additionally, histological evaluations suggested anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the RRF extract.CONCLUSIONThe findings from this study underscored the therapeutic efficacy of RRF extract in combating insomnia, particularly highlighting its glycoside components’ role. The extract's significant improvement in sleep duration and latency, alongside its modulation of neurotransmitter levels, showcases its potential as a natural remedy for insomnia. Through its action on the GABAergic and serotoninergic pathways, as well as its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, RRF extract emerges as a promising candidate for insomnia treatment, offering a holistic approach to sleep disorder management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.