bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) flour addition combined with high‐pressure homogenization on the acidification kinetics, physicochemical, functional, and rheological properties of kefir
Authors: Gül Latife Betül , Bekbay Saya , Akgün Abdullah , Gül Osman 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effects of peeled oleaster flour (OF) addition (0.5% and 1%) with high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) at 100 MPa on acidification kinetics, physicochemical, functional, and rheological properties of kefir made from bovine whole milk were investigated. The fermentation kinetic parameters such as Vmax and Tf decreased by 23.63% and 20%, respectively, with 1% OF and application of HPH. The combined use of two treatments had a positive effect on Lactobacillus and Lactococcus counts, reaching a maximum of 9.63 and 9.31 log cfu/mL, respectively. Also, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity reached maximum values of 85.31 mg GAE/g and 17.22%, respectively. The ΔE value was more limited with HPH. The maximum firmness and water‐holding capacity values were determined in the sample produced with 1% OF and application of HPH. Rheological analysis revealed that all kefirs exhibited shear thinning behavior, and the Ostwald–de‐Waele (R2 > .99) model was suitable to describe the rheological behavior of all kefir samples. The highest viscosity (0.049 Pa.s, at 50/s shear rate) and consistency index (1.115 Pa.sn) were observed in kefir with 1% OF and application of HPH. Kefir samples were characterized as weak gel behavior because storage modulus (G') was much greater than loss modulus (G") and the power‐law model was used to characterize the viscoelasticity. The overall quality assessment indicated that the improvement of the fermentation process and the enhancement of textural and functional properties of kefir samples could be achieved with the addition of 1% OF and application of HPH.
Characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment practices of lichen planus in Northern Finland: A register‐based study among 619 subjects
Authors: Anttonen Veera , Pöykkö Elia , Kiviniemi Eetu , Jokelainen Jari , Huilaja Laura , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsLichen planus (LP) is a common itching skin disease where lesions appear on the skin and mucous membranes. However, the epidemiology of LP is not yet sufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to retrospectively map out the characteristics, comorbidities and treatments of patients diagnosed with LP.MethodsThis is a retrospective hospital patient registry‐based study performed between 2009 and 2021 in a secondary care hospital (Oulu University Hospital) in Northern Finland. All patients with recorded diagnosis of LP were included in the study. Characteristics, comorbidities, and treatments of LP patients were studied.ResultsIn total, 619 patients were verified from the hospital health records. The mean age of patients was 54.2 years and the majority were female (58.3%). Most of the patients had symptoms in more than two skin areas (mean 2.7 skin areas), lower limbs being the most common site (74.0%). A third of patients (34.7%) had oral LP lesions. Nearly fifth (19.4%) of the subjects had a history of previous LP. Of comorbidities found among LP subjects, obesity (22.5%), malignancies (19.4%), depression (12.8%), and thyroiditis (12.4%) were seen more often than in general Finnish population. The most used form of treatment was topical corticosteroids (97.6%), followed by phototherapy 26.8%. Systemic treatments such as prednisolone and methotrexate had been used in 7.6% and 1.1% of the patients, respectively.ConclusionLP patients had a heightened risk for several comorbidities, which should be considered when managing patients with LP.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/bioactive glass composite electrospun fibers for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Piatti Elisa , Miola Marta , Liverani Liliana , Verné Enrica , Boccaccini Aldo R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this work, composite electrospun fibers containing innovative bioactive glass nanoparticles were produced and characterized. Poly(ε‐caprolactone), benign solvents, and sol–gel B‐ and Cu‐doped bioactive glass powders were used to fabricate fibrous scaffolds. The retention of bioactive glass nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, the electrospinnability of this novel solution and the obtained electrospun composites were extensively characterized. As a result, composite electrospun fibers characterized by biocompatibility, bioactivity, and exhibiting overall properties adequate for both hard and soft tissue engineering applications, have been produced. The addition of these bioactive glass nanoparticles was, indeed, able to impart bioactive properties to the fibers. Cell culture studies show promising results, demonstrating proliferation and growth of cells on the composite fibers. Wettability, degradation rate, and mechanical performance were also tested and are in line with previous results.
Ursolic acid‐downregulated long noncoding RNA ASMTL‐AS1 inhibits renal cell carcinoma growth via binding to HuR and reducing vascular endothelial growth factor expression
Authors: Cai Chengkuan , Zhi Yunlai , Xie Cheng , Geng Shen , Sun Fanghu , Ji Zhengshuai , Zhang Pengcheng , Wang Hui , Tang Jingyuan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIt has been reported ursolic acid (UA), one of the naturally abundant pentacyclic triterpenes, possesses a wide range of biological activities including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐atherosclerotic, and anticancer properties. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a severe malignancy due to its asymptomatically spreading ability. Our study aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of UA in RCC. RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were assessed using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, Transwell, and tube formation assays. Xenograft tumor models were established to confirm the role of UA and long noncoding RNA ASMTL antisense RNA 1 (ASMTL‐AS1) in vivo. Expression levels of ASMTL‐AS1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The interaction probabilities of ASMTL‐AS1 or VEGF with RNA‐binding protein human antigen R (HuR) were verified by RNA immunoprecipitation experiment. The half‐life period of messenger RNA (mRNA) was determined using actinomycin D. UA inhibited RCC cell growth in vivo and tumorigenesis in vitro. ASMTL‐AS1 was highly expressed in RCC cell lines. Of note, UA downregulated ASMTL‐AS1 expression, and overexpressed ASMTL‐AS1 reversed the UA‐induced suppression on RCC cell migration, invasion, and tube formation. Additionally, ASMTL‐AS1 bound to HuR to maintain the stability of VEGF mRNA. Rescue experiments showed that the suppressed malignancy of RCC cells mediated by ASMTL‐AS1 knockdown was counteracted by overexpression of VEGF. Moreover, silenced ASMTL‐AS1 inhibited RCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. The obtained data suggest UA as a promising therapeutic agent to attenuate the development of RCC via regulation of the targeted molecules.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure–Response Analysis of Tremelimumab 300 mg Single Dose Combined with Durvalumab 1500 mg Q4W (STRIDE) in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lim KyoungSoo , Abegesah Aburough , Fan Chunling , He Jimmy Zhijian , Song Xuyang , Chen Cecil , Negro Alejandra , Makowsky Mallory , Gupta Charu , Ren Song , Phipps Alex , Gibbs Megan , Zhou Diansong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA novel single‐dose regimen of 300 mg tremelimumab in combination with durvalumab (STRIDE) has demonstrated a favorable benefit–risk profile in the phase 1/2 Study 22 trial (in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, uHCC) and in the phase 3 HIMALAYA study. The current analysis evaluated the population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) of tremelimumab and durvalumab, and the exposure–response (ER) relationship for efficacy and safety of STRIDE in patients with uHCC. Previous PopPK models for tremelimumab and durvalumab were updated using data from previous studies in various cancers combined with data from Study 22 and HIMALAYA. Typical population mean parameters and associated inter‐ and intra‐individual variability were assessed, as was the influence of covariates. Individual exposure metrics were derived from the individual empirical Bayes estimates as drivers for ER analysis related to efficacy and safety from HIMALAYA. The observed pharmacokinetics of tremelimumab in uHCC were well described by a 2‐compartment model with both linear and time‐dependent clearance. All identified covariates changed tremelimumab PK parameters by <25%, and thus had minimal clinical relevance; similar results were obtained from durvalumab PopPK analysis. None of tremelimumab or durvalumab exposure metrics were significantly associated with overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), or adverse events. Baseline aspartate aminotransferase and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were associated with OS (P < .001) by the Cox proportional hazards model. No covariate was identified as a significant factor for PFS. No dose adjustment for tremelimumab or durvalumab is needed based on PopPK covariate analyses or ER analyses. Our findings support the novel STRIDE dosing regimen in patients with uHCC.
Natural sources and controlling factors of urea–nitrogen concentrations in agricultural drainage ditches
Authors: Klick Sabrina A. , Pitula Joseph S. , Bryant Ray B. , Collick Amy S. , May Eric B. , Pisani Oliva 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAgricultural drainage ditches accumulate high urea–nitrogen (N) concentrations even in the absence of urea fertilizer applications to adjacent crop fields. The accumulated urea, and other bioavailable forms of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), can be flushed downstream during substantial rainfall events altering downstream water quality and phytoplankton communities. Sources of urea–N supporting its accumulation in agricultural drainage ditches are poorly understood. A ditch flooding event was simulated using mesocosms with N treatment solutions and monitored for changes in N concentrations, physicochemical properties, dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition, and N cycling enzymes. N concentrations were also monitored in field ditches after two rainfall events. Urea–N concentrations were higher with DON enrichment, but the treatment effects were temporary. The DOM released from the mesocosm sediments was dominated by terrestrial‐derived, high molecular weight material. The lack of microbial‐derived DOM and evidence from the bacterial gene abundances in the mesocosms suggests that urea–N accumulation after rainfall may not be associated with fresh biological inputs. The urea–N concentrations after spring rainfall and flooding with DON substrates indicated the urea from fertilizers may only temporarily affect urea–N concentrations in drainage ditches. Because urea–N concentrations increased with a high degree of DOM humification, sources of urea may derive from the slow decomposition of complex DOM structures. This study provides further insights of sources contributing to high urea–N concentrations and the types of DOM released from drainage ditches to nearby surface waters after hydrological events.
International genetic counseling: What do genetic counselors actually do?
Authors: Ormond Kelly E. , Hayward Laura , Wessels Tina‐Marié , Patch Christine , Weil Jon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe conducted an exploratory survey of genetic counselors internationally to assess similarities and differences in reported practice activities. Between November 2018 and January 2020 we conducted a mass emailing to an estimated 5600 genetic counselors in different countries and regions. We obtained 189 useable responses representing 22 countries, which are included in an aggregate manner. Data from countries with 10 or more responses, comprising 82% of the total (N = 156), are the primary focus of this report: Australia (13), Canada (26), USA (59), UK (17), France (12), Japan (19) and India (10). Twenty activities were identified as common (≥74%) across these countries, encompassing most subcategories of genetic counseling activity. Activities with most frequent endorsement include: reviewing referrals and medical records and identifying genetic testing options as part of case preparation; taking family and medical histories; performing and sharing risk assessment; and educating clients about basic genetic information, test options, outcomes and implications, including management recommendations on the basis of the test results. Genetic counselors also consistently establish rapport, tailor the educational process, facilitate informed decision making and recognize factors that may impact the counseling interaction. The least endorsed activities were in the Medical History category. Notable differences between countries were observed in the endorsement of 33 activities, primarily in the Contracting and Establishing Rapport, Family History, Medical History, Assessing Patients Psychosocially and Providing Psychosocial Support categories. Generalizations about international practice patterns are limited by the low response rate. However, this study is, to our knowledge, the first to systematically compare the clinical practice and specific activities of genetic counselors working in different countries.
Single current follower differential input transconductance amplifier based grounded lossy capacitance multiplier with large multiplication factor
Authors: Shrivastava Meghana , Kumar Pragati , Raj Ajishek , Bhaskar D. R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this paper, a new lossy capacitance multiplier (CM) circuit using a single current follower differential input transconductance amplifier (CFDITA), one resistor and one capacitor (virtually grounded) is presented. The proposed circuit does not require any passive component matching constraints and has independently controllable equivalent capacitance with a multiplication factor up to 7102. Both ideal and non‐ideal analyses of the proposed CM circuit are carried out and compared. The performance of the proposed CM circuit is validated using a CMOS CFDITA and its validity is supported by various analyses including frequency analysis, transient analysis, Monte‐Carlo analysis and temperature analysis. The workability of the proposed circuit is also tested using layout design, and its pre and post‐simulated results are appended. The results are further confirmed with experimental results using the AD844 and LM13700 ICs with CFDITA implementation.
Added value of an atmospheric circulation pattern‐based statistical downscaling approach for daily precipitation distributions in complex terrain
Authors: Böker Brian , Laux Patrick , Olschewski Patrick , Kunstmann Harald 
Published: June 2023

AbstractReliable prediction of heavy precipitation events causing floods in a world of changing climate is crucial for the development of appropriate adaption strategies. Many attempts to provide such predictions have already been conducted but there is still much potential for improvement left. This is particularly true for statistical downscaling of heavy precipitation due to changes present in the corresponding atmospheric drivers. In this study, a circulation pattern (CP) conditional downscaling to the station level is proposed which considers occurring frequency changes of CPs. Following a strict circulation‐to‐environment approach we use atmospheric predictors to derive CPs. Subsequently, precipitation observations are used to derive CP conditional cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of daily precipitation. Raw precipitation time series are sampled from these CDFs. Bias correction is applied to the sampled time series with quantile mapping (QM) and parametric transfer functions (PTFs) as methods being tested. The added value of this CP conditional downscaling approach is evaluated against the corresponding common non‐CP conditional approach. The performance evaluation is conducted by using Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) metrics. In both cases the applied bias correction is identical. Potential added value can therefore only be attributed to the CP conditioning. It can be shown that the proposed CP conditional downscaling approach is capable of yielding more reliable and accurate downscaled daily precipitation time series in comparison to a non‐CP conditional approach. This can be seen in particular for the extreme parts of the distribution. Above the 95th percentile, an average performance gain of +0.24 and a maximum gain of +0.6 in terms of KGE is observed. These findings support the assumption of conserving and utilizing atmospheric information through CPs can be beneficial for more reliable statistical precipitation downscaling. Due to the availability of these atmospheric predictors in climate model output, the presented method is potentially suitable for downscaling precipitation projections.
Novel 3D printed lattice structure titanium cages evaluated in an ovine model of interbody fusion
Authors: Johnson James W. , Gadomski Ben , Labus Kevin , Stewart Holly , Nelson Brad , Seim Howie , Regan Dan , von Stade Devin , Kelly Cambre , Horne Phillip , Gall Ken , Easley Jeremiah 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe use of intervertebral cages within the interbody fusion setting is ubiquitous. Synthetic cages are predominantly manufactured using materials such as Ti and PEEK. With the advent of additive manufacturing techniques, it is now possible to spatially vary complex 3D geometric features within interbody devices, enabling the devices to match the stiffness of native tissue and better promote bony integration. To date, the impact of surface porosity of additively manufactured Ti interbody cages on fusion outcomes has not been investigated. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the effect of implant endplate surface and implant body architecture of additive manufactured lattice structure titanium interbody cages on bony fusion.MethodsBiomechanical, microcomputed tomography, static and dynamic histomorphometry, and histopathology analyses were performed on twelve functional spine units obtained from six sheep randomly allocated to body lattice or surface lattice groups.ResultsNondestructive kinematic testing, microcomputed tomography analysis, and histomorphometry analyses of the functional spine units revealed positive fusion outcomes in both groups. These data revealed similar results in both groups, with the exception of bone‐in‐contact analysis, which revealed significantly improved bone‐in‐contact values in the body lattice group compared to the surface lattice group.ConclusionBoth additively manufactured porous titanium cage designs resulted in increased fusion outcomes as compared to PEEK interbody cage designs as illustrated by the nondestructive kinematic motion testing, static and dynamic histomorphometry, microcomputed tomography, and histopathology analyses. While both cages provided for similar functional outcomes, these data suggest boney contact with an interbody cage may be impacted by the nature of implant porosity adjacent to the vertebral endplates.
Hyperbranched Polymer‐Based Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Guo Yunqi , Shen Mingwu , Wang Yong , Shi Xiangyang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRecently, several immunotherapeutic strategies are extensively studied and entered clinical investigation, suggesting their potential to lead a new generation of cancer therapy. Particularly, a cancer vaccine that combines tumor‐associated antigens and immune adjuvants with a nanocarrier holds huge promise for inducing specific antitumor immune responses. Hyperbranched polymers, such as dendrimers and branched polyethylenimine (PEI) possessing abundant positively charged amine groups and inherent proton sponge effect are ideal carriers of antigens. Much effort is devoted to design dendrimer/branched PEI‐based cancer vaccines. Herein, the recent advances in the design of dendrimer/branched PEI‐based cancer vaccines for immunotherapy are reviewed. The future perspectives with regard to the development of dendrimer/branched PEI‐based cancer vaccines are also briefly discussed.
Recording sensory nerve action potential using different electrode types
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Barkhaus Paul E. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSwitching between different types of electrodes during motor and sensory nerve conduction studies adds time to a study. We investigated the use of disposable disc electrodes (DDE) used for motor nerve conduction studies to record the antidromic sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) in median, ulnar and radial sensory nerve conduction studies.MethodsThe SNAP was recorded using four different electrode types: reusable ring, reusable bar, disposable ring, and DDE in a random rotating order. Studies were performed in healthy subjects. Other than being an adult with no history of neuromuscular disease, there were no exclusion criteria.ResultsWe studied 20 subjects (11 females, 9 males; age 41.1 ± 15.7 y). The SNAP waveforms recorded by all four electrode types were similar. There was no statistically significant difference in the onset latency, peak latency (PL), negative peak amplitude (NPA), peak to peak amplitude, or conduction velocity. In individual nerve recordings, the absolute PL difference between reusable ring electrodes (our current standard) and DDE was less than 0.2 ms in 58 of 60 (97%) nerves. The mean absolute NPA difference was 3.1 μV (standard deviation = 2.85 μV). Recordings with NPA difference >5 μV also had high NPA and/or had large artifacts.DiscussionDDE may be used for performing motor and sensory nerve conduction studies. This can reduce the time required for electrodiagnostic testing.
Validation and Comparison of Age Estimates for Smallmouth Buffalo in Oklahoma Based on Otoliths, Pectoral Fin Rays, and Opercula
Authors: Long James M. , Snow Richard A. , Shoup Daniel E. , Bartnicki Jory B. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
With an increased interest in nongame fishes such as buffalofishes (Catostomidae, Ictiobus), there is a need for better foundational data on their life history. Bigmouth Buffalo I. cyprinellus, for example, have been found to live for more than a century. Age estimates for other sucker species have similarly suggested long life spans, but validation studies as reference points are often lacking. We conducted a 3-year study on Smallmouth Buffalo I. bubalus in Oklahoma to validate annual increments on three hard part structures (otoliths [lapilli], pectoral fin rays, and opercula) typically used for age estimation. We marked wild fish with oxytetracycline (OTC) injection and stocked those fish into a hatchery pond to create a population of fish with known times since marking. Furthermore, reproduction in the pond allowed us to validate annulus formation in young fish. We analyzed 117 fish and found that otoliths were more reliable, precise, and accurate than the other two structures for detecting OTC marks and counting annuli. Age estimates, from 1 to 61 years, were greatest when otoliths were used, with 99% of estimates corresponding to known time since marking or known age. Otoliths appear to be the only reliable structure for accurately estimating the age of Smallmouth Buffalo within 1 year of actual age, and their use indicates that this species can live for more than six decades in Oklahoma.