bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cells enhance targeted bone growth from injectable hydrogels with BMP‐2 peptides
Authors: Love Stacy A. , Gultian Kirstene A. , Jalloh Umu S. , Stevens Anna , Kim Tae Won B. , Vega Sebastián L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOsteoporosis is the most common chronic metabolic bone disease, and the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures is rapidly increasing with the aging population. While bisphosphonates can reduce bone loss and risk of fracture, these drugs are systemic, rely on long‐term use, and patient compliance is low. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) is an FDA‐approved protein that can offer a more targeted therapeutic than systemic treatments. DWIVA is a peptide sequence corresponding to the wrist epitope of BMP‐2, and DWIVA‐functionalized hydrogels feature osteoinductive propertiesin vitro and in vivo. This study reports that self‐forming DWIVA‐functionalized hydrogels injected into the intramedullary canal of rat femurs induce a local increase in trabecular bone in as little as 2 weeks. Increases in bone volume, trabecular thickness, and trabeculae count from DWIVA‐laden hydrogels persist for at least 4 weeks, and the inclusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) significantly enhances the development of mineralized bone. Histological analysis of decalcified femurs also shows that hydrogel injections containing DWIVA peptide and MSCs stimulate unmineralized bone tissue formation and induce an increased count of osteoblasts and osteoclasts at the injection site after 4 weeks. Overall, the MSC‐laden DWIVA peptide‐functionalized hydrogels presented rapidly induce targeted bone formation and have the potential to form nascent bone within bones in jeopardy of an osteoporotic fracture such as the femur.
Efficacy of lubiprostone for functional constipation treatment in adolescents and children: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elkaragy Engy S. , Shamseya Mohammed M. , Metwally Rasha H. , Mansour Eman R. , Lashen Sameh A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesAdolescent and pediatric functional constipation (FC) is a common clinical problem. Currently, data on lubiprostone for the treatment of pediatric FC are scarce. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of lubiprostone in the treatment of pediatric FC.MethodsIn a single‐blinded, randomized controlled study, we included 280 patients aged 8–18 years with FC. Patients were randomized either to a weight‐based lubiprostone dose (n = 140) or conventional laxatives (n = 140), including lactulose, bisacodyl, or sodium picosulfate, for 12 weeks, followed by 4 weeks posttreatment follow‐up.ResultsImprovement in constipation was achieved in 128 (91.4%) patients in the lubiprostone group, and in 48 (34.3%) patients of the conventional therapy group (p < 0.001) and was sustained after treatment discontinuation. One quarter of the lubiprostone group experienced the first spontaneous bowel motion within 48 h after dose initiation. A total of 75.7% of the lubiprostone group could achieve and sustain Bristol stool form of 3 or 4 during the last 4 weeks of therapy and through the 4 weeks of follow‐up versus 50 (35.7%) patients in the conventional therapy group (p < 0.001). No life‐threatening adverse drug reactions were encountered, and no treatment‐related discontinuation. Mild self‐limited colicky abdominal pain and headache were the most prevalent side effects in the lubiprostone group.ConclusionsLubiprostone is an effective and well‐tolerated pharmacotherapy for youthful age and pediatric age groups, which may alter the paradigm of pediatric FC treatment.
Immunotherapy withdrawal by step‐down to mesalamine in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Szigeti Reka , Kellermayer Richard 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveParents and pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who progressed to systemic immunotherapy are concerned about lifelong risks from such treatments. There is limited knowledge about withdrawal of such agents and step‐down (SD) to enteral 5‐aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine) before transitioning to adult care.MethodsWe studied nine pediatric cases with moderate to severe UC who after a median of 2.18 years of clinical remission on systemic immunotherapy stepped down to oral mesalamine treatment.ResultsAverage follow‐up time from SD was 3.49 years. Five patients (55.5%) had sustained remission (without any flare noted) after SD during follow‐up. Sustained clinical remission was 88.9% (8/9) at 1 year, 87.5% (7/8) at 2 years, and 66.7% (4/6) at 3 years after SD. Out of those tested (one patient was not tested), 62.5% (5/8) had fecal calprotectin <50 μg/g. Four out of six patients examined (66.6%) had mucosal healing on post‐SD colonoscopy.ConclusionWe propose that SD to mesalamine can be a reasonable therapeutic consideration for pediatric patients with UC before transitioning to adult gastroenterology care. Shared decision‐making is important before such treatment changes.
Ethanol extracts of Isochrysis zhanjiangensis alleviate acute alcoholic liver injury and modulate intestinal bacteria dysbiosis in mice
Authors: Wen Yangmin , Zhou Youcai , Tian Li , He Yongjin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) is responsible for 3.3 million deaths per annum. Efficacious therapeutic modalities or drug treatments for ALD have not yet been found, so it is urgent to seek new agents for preventing ALD and its related disease. Many experiments have indicated that modulating the gut microbiota and regulating the toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB) inflammatory pathway can provide a new target for prevention and treatment of ALD. Marine microalgae have their natural metabolic pathways to synthesize various of bioactive compounds as promising candidates for hepatoprotection. In this study, we investigated ethanol extracts from Isochrysis zhanjiangensis (EEIZ) to evaluate their ability to alleviate acute alcoholic liver injury, regulate TLR4/NF‐κB inflammatory pathway and modulate intestinal bacteria dysbiosis in mice for ALD treatment.RESULTSIn the acute ALD mouse model, EEIZ reduced levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglyceride, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein, while increasing the level of high‐density lipoprotein. Besides, TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, NF‐κB and tumor necrosis factor‐α expression levels in liver tissue were effectively downregulated by EEIZ. Furthermore, treatment with EEIZ enhanced intestinal homeostasis and significantly alleviated the damage caused by alcohol.CONCLUSIONEEIZ showed effective hepatoprotective activity against alcohol‐induced acute liver injury in mice as it could alleviate hepatocyte damage, suppress the TLR4/NF‐κB inflammatory pathway and regulate the intestinal flora structure. EEIZ could be a good candidate for preventing acute alcoholic liver injury. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Grain quality traits within the wheat (Triticum spp.) genepool: prospects for improved nutrition through de novo domestication
Authors: Zeibig Frederike , Kilian Benjamin , Özkan Hakan , Pantha Sumitra , Frei Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDWild relatives of wheat (Triticum spp.) harbor beneficial alleles for potential improvement and de novo domestication of selected genotypes with advantageous traits. We analyzed the nutrient composition in wild diploid and tetraploid wheats and their domesticated diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid relatives under field conditions in Germany and compared them with modern Triticum aestivum and Triticum durum cultivars. Grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations, phytate:mineral molar ratios, grain protein content (GPC) and antioxidant activity were analyzed across 125 genotypes.RESULTSGrain Fe and Zn concentrations in wild wheats were 72 mg kg−1 and 59 mg kg−1, respectively, with improved bioavailability indicated by Phytate:Fe and Phytate:Zn molar ratios (11.7 and 16.9, respectively) and GPC (231 g kg−1). By comparison, grain Fe and Zn concentrations in landrace taxa were 54 mg kg−1 and 55 mg kg−1, respectively, with lower Phytate:Fe and Phytate:Zn molar ratios (15.1 and 17.5, respectively) and GPC (178 g kg−1). Average grain Fe accumulation in Triticum araraticum was 73 mg kg−1, reaching 116 mg kg−1, with high Fe bioavailability (Phyt:Fe: 11.7; minimum: 7.2). Wild wheats, landraces and modern cultivars showed no differences in antioxidant activity. Triticum zhukovskyi stood out with high grain micronutrient concentrations and favorable molar ratios. It was also the only taxon with elevated antioxidant activity.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate alteration of grain quality during domestication. T. araraticum has promising genotypes with advantageous grain quality characteristics that could be selected for de novo domestication. Favorable nutritional traits in the GGAA wheat lineage (T. araraticum and T. zhukovskyi) hold promise for improving grain quality traits. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sweet potato yield and quality characteristics affected by different late‐season irrigation levels
Authors: Zhou Mingjing , Hu Susu , Wang Shaoxia , Yin Tao , Liu Qing , Li Huan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSeasonal late‐season water deficits negatively affect the yield and quality of sweet potatoes in northern China. However, the amount of late‐season irrigation to achieve high yield and consistent quality storage root remains undetermined. We assessed the yield and some qualitative traits of sweet potatoes such as size, shape, skin/flesh colour and nutritional content, as influenced by five irrigation levels (T0: unirrigated control; T1: 33% ETc; T2: 75% ETc; T3: 100% ETc; and T4: 125% ETc).RESULTSLate‐season irrigation significantly increased yield and marketable yield. Yields for T2 and T3 were significantly higher than other treatments, whereas T2 had the highest Grade A rating in a 2‐year test. The vertical length of storage roots gradually increased with an increase in irrigation level, whereas the maximum width remained unchanged. The proportion of long elliptic and elliptic storage roots also increased, whereas the proportion of ovate, obovate and round storage roots gradually decreased. The skin and flesh colours became more vivid as the level of irrigation increased, with the skin colour becoming redder and the flesh colour becoming more orange–yellow. The levels of carotenoids, vitamin C and soluble sugar were significantly higher in irrigated crops, with the highest vitamin C and soluble sugar levels in T2 and the highest carotenoid levels in T3 treatment.CONCLUSIONTaken together, these results demonstrate the potential of moderate irrigation in the late‐season to improve both yield production and quality potential. The results are of great importance for improving the market value of sweet potatoes and increasing grower profits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of a crude digestive proteases preparation to improve the ripening of marinated fillets from low‐technological value Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras L.)
Authors: Kamiński Patryk , Szymczak Mariusz , Szymczak Barbara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAs a result of climate change (reduced the oxygen content and food available in the waters) and overfishing, ever larger batches of the herring catch are classified as low‐value fish and used for feedstuff or canned food production. Fast and complete ripening of marinated fillets, especially from low‐value Baltic herring, poses a problem because of the low muscle protease activity and changes in muscle tissue proteins.RESULTSFor the first time, a crude digestive proteases preparation (CDPP) was obtained from herring viscera using a two‐stage method consisting of ethanol extraction and then salt precipitation. CDPP had a reduced hemoglobin content, with optimum activity at pH 7.5–8.8 or 60–120 g kg−1 NaCl. At pH 4–5, it still exhibited 24–68% of proteolytic activity. CDPP was used for 4–24 h of brining of fresh and frozen–thawed fillets or injection of fresh fillets before marinating. CDPP‐brining increased especially cathepsin D and carboxypeptidase A activities, whereas it decreased cathepsin B and L activities in the marinades. CDPP‐brining mitigated the negative effect of freezing–thawing on mass‐yield, protease activity, protein hydrolysis, texture profile, colour and sensory quality of the marinated fillets. CDPP‐injection was found to be the best method because it increased mass‐yield and ripeness of the marinated fillets to a greater extent than CDPP‐brining did. The marinades from the CDPP‐treated fillets had no bitter taste as a result of the presence of hemoglobin or chymotrypsin, and there were no results indicating lipid oxidation.CONCLUSIONThe application of CDPP in marinating technology is a viable approach to enable the use of low‐value herring in food production, shorten the marinating time, and improve the ripeness and sensory quality of meat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 with galactooligosaccharide synbiotics on obese individuals: an in vitro fermentation model
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhao Wen , He Jingjing , He Jian , Shi Shaoqi , Sun Meiwen , Niu Xiaokang , Zeng Zhaozhong , Zhao Yuyang , Zhang Yongxiang , Wang Pengjie , Li Yixuan , Zhang Chao , Duan Sufang , Hung Wei‐lian , Wang Ran 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of synbiotics is emerging as a promising intervention strategy for regulating the gut microbiota and for preventing or reducing obesity, in comparison with the use of probiotics or prebiotics alone. A previous in vivo study revealed that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 (L. paracasei K56) could alleviate obesity induced in high‐fat‐diet mice; however, the effect of the synbiotic combination of L. paracasei K56 and prebiotics in obese individuals has not been explored fully.RESULTSThe effect of prebiotics on the proliferation of L. paracasei K56 was determined by spectrophotometry. The results showed that polydextrose (PG), xylooligosaccharide (XOS), and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) had a greater potential to be used as substrates for L. paracasei K56 than three other prebiotics (melitose, stachyose, and mannan‐oligosaccharide). An in vitro fermentation model based on the feces of ten obese female volunteers was then established. The results revealed that K56_GOS showed a significant increase in GOS degradation rate and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, and a decrease in gas levels, compared with PG, XOS, GOS, K56_PG, and K56_XOS. Changes in these microbial biomarkers, including a significant increase in Bacteroidota, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Blautia and a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and Escherichia‐Shigella in the K56_GOS group, were associated with increased SCFA content and decreased gas levels.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates the effect of the synbiotic combination of L. paracasei K56 and GOS on obese individuals and indicates its potential therapeutic role in obesity treatment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of deep muscle invasion on nodal status and survival in patients with pT2 esophageal squamous cancer
Authors: Yan Cheng‐Yi , Gu Yi‐Min , Shi Gui‐Dong , Shang Qi‐Xin , Zhang Han‐Lu , Yang Yu‐Shang , Wang Wen‐Ping , Yuan Yong , Chen Long‐Qi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhether T2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma should be subclassified remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the impact of the depth of muscularis propria invasion on nodal status and survival outcomes.MethodsWe identified patients with pT2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent primary surgery from January 2009 to June 2017. Clinical data were extracted from prospectively maintained databases. Tumor muscularis propria invasion was stratified into superficial or deep. Binary logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for lymph node metastases. The impact of the depth of muscularis propria invasion on survival was investigated using Kaplan‒Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazard regression model.ResultsA total of 750 patients from three institutes were investigated. The depth of muscularis propria invasion (odds ratio [OR]: 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.46–6.35; p < 0.001) was correlated with lymph node metastases using logistic regression. T substage (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05–1.79; p < 0.001) and N status (HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.05–2.17; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors in multivariate Cox regression analysis. The deep muscle invasion was associated with worse overall survival (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.19–1.94; p = 0.001) than superficial, specifically in T2N0 patients (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.08–1.94; p = 0.035).ConclusionsWe found that deep muscle invasion was associated with significantly worse outcomes and recommended the substaging of pT2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in routine pathological examination.
Microalbuminuria and Functional Iron Deficiency are Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Adolescents
Authors: Han Sang‐Yoon , Kim Young Ho 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesRenal impairment and some systemic diseases are associated with hearing loss (HL) in adults. However, studies of these relationship in adolescents are rare. The objective of this study was to determine the association between HL and renal or systemic disease in adolescents.MethodsSubjects were extracted from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2012. We included adolescents aged 10–19 years old with normal tympanic membrane and those who underwent a physical and laboratory examination and pure tone audiometry. HL, high‐frequency hearing loss (HFHL), albuminuria, impaired glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity were evaluated based on the data.ResultsIndividuals with microalbuminruia (MIA) exhibited higher prevalence of HL (p = 0.003) and HFHL (p = 0.012) than those without MIA. The prevalence of HL and HFHL appeared to increase according to the severity of albuminuria. Additionally, individuals with HL or HFHL showed lower transferrin saturation (TSAT) than individuals without HL (p = 0.002) or HFHL (p = 0.001). And, HFHL was associated with lower ferritin levels (p = 0.017). HL and HFHL were related to MIA (p = 0.004 and p = 0.022, respectively) and TSAT (p = 0.005 and p = 0.011, respectively) after controlling other factors.ConclusionMIA and TSAT level were independently associated with the HL and HFHL. Since MIA can be easily detected by dipstick test and urine analysis, hearing evaluations for individuals with MIA might be helpful to identify hearing impairments earlier in adolescents.Level of Evidence3 (individual cross‐sectional study) Laryngoscope, 134:3329–3334, 2024
Aminophosphine Based Lewis Pair for the Controlled Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Cai Yin , Zhao Xiuzhen , Wang Bingqi , Shi Wei , Ge Fang , Wang Xiaowu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLewis pair polymerization (LPP) has made significant progress in recent decades as a powerful method to synthesize polymers. The matching of electronic and steric properties of Lewis base/acid plays a decisive role in the activity, controlled behavior, and initiation efficiency (I*) of the polymerization. However, exploration of aminophosphine based Lewis base for polymer synthesis has been limited. Herein, commercially available aminophosphine, namely hexamethylphosphorous triamide (HMPT) in combination with common organoaluminum for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), is presented. HMPT/iBu3Al shows controlled behavior in MMA polymerization with polymerization degree from 48 to 800, affording defined polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with molecular weight (Mn = 15.1–110.7 kg mol−1) with relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (Ð = 1.11–1.37). Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) affirmed the chain‐end fidelity of PMMA. The interaction mode between Lewis pair affects the in situ generated fraction of active species. The basicity and the cone angle of the aminophosphine determine the activity of the formed active species and I*. The successful application highlights the benefits of introducing P─N bonds into Lewis bases, thereby expanding the variety of Lewis base categories.
Synthesis of One‐Component Type II Visible‐Light‐Absorbing Chalcones Containing Fused Aromatic Rings and Investigation of Free Radical Photopolymerization Properties
Authors: Yen Shih‐Chieh , Ni Jen‐Shyang , Chen Yung‐Chung 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents four one‐component Type II visible‐light‐absorbing chalcones (CY10‐13) that containing various fused aromatic rings as its π‐conjugated moiety, that is a 2‐naphthalene moiety for CY10, 1‐naphthalene for CY11, benzofuran for CY12, and benzothiophene for CY13. The absorption region changes significantly when introducing various fused aromatic rings. However, they all exhibit good absorption properties ranging from 300 to 450 nm that can be well‐matched under ultraviolet (UV), 365 and 405 nm light irradiations. Furthermore, the structure–reactivity relationship is also studied through thermal, photochemical, electrochemical, and computation properties. Finally, all the chalcones demonstrate photoinitiating ability without additive additional hydrogen donor in their systems. Both of the CY11 and CY12 based photoinitiating formulations initiate sufficiently upon UV and light‐emitting diode (LED)@405 nm light exposures. Furthermore, triphenylamine‐substituted chalcone analogous (CY8) is added for comparison. Although CY10‐13 compounds have lower light harvesting regions than CY8, some of those new chalcones exhibit better photoreactivity. Thus, a chalcone containing fuses aromatic ring featuring straightforward synthesis as well as versatile absorption region and photoinitiating performance, has great potential in photopolymerization applications.
A Blinded Evaluation of Brain Morphometry for Differential Diagnosis of Atypical Parkinsonism
Authors: Kawabata Kazuya , Krismer Florian , Heim Beatrice , Hussl Anna , Mueller Christoph , Scherfler Christoph , Gizewski Elke R. , Seppi Klaus , Poewe Werner 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAdvanced imaging techniques have been studied for differential diagnosis between PD, MSA, and PSP.ObjectivesThis study aims to validate the utility of individual voxel‐based morphometry techniques for atypical parkinsonism in a blinded fashion.MethodsForty‐eight healthy controls (HC) T1‐WI were used to develop a referential dataset and fit a general linear model after segmentation into gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) compartments. Segmented GM and WM with PD (n = 96), MSA (n = 18), and PSP (n = 20) were transformed into z‐scores using the statistics of referential HC and individual voxel‐based z‐score maps were generated. An imaging diagnosis was assigned by two independent raters (trained and untrained) blinded to clinical information and final diagnosis. Furthermore, we developed an observer‐independent index for ROI‐based automated differentiation.ResultsThe diagnostic performance using voxel‐based z‐score maps by rater 1 and rater 2 for MSA yielded sensitivities: 0.89, 0.94 (95% CI: 0.74–1.00, 0.84–1.00), specificities: 0.94, 0.80 (0.90–0.98, 0.73–0.87); for PSP, sensitivities: 0.85, 0.90 (0.69–1.00, 0.77–1.00), specificities: 0.98, 0.94 (0.96–1.00, 0.90–0.98). Interrater agreement was good for MSA (Cohen's kappa: 0.61), and excellent for PSP (0.84). Receiver operating characteristic analysis using the ROI‐based new index showed an area under the curve (AUC): 0.89 (0.77–1.00) for MSA, and 0.99 (0.98–1.00) for PSP.ConclusionsThese evaluations provide support for the utility of this imaging technique in the differential diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism demonstrating a remarkably high differentiation accuracy for PSP, suggesting potential use in clinical settings in the future.