bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microwave drying of quince coated with seed gum and pectin: A Taguchi optimization, techno‐functional properties, and aromatic compounds
Authors: Berktas Serap , Cam Mustafa , Salum Pelin , Erbay Zafer 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effects of coating quince slices with CaCl2 and pectin (C + P) followed by drying with microwave (MWD‐C + P) or with hot air (HAD‐C + P) were investigated to determine the physicochemical, techno‐functional, textural, and volatile components of dried quince slices. A Taguchi orthogonal experimental design was set up with 18 points (L18), and the best conditions for drying were obtained using signal/noise ratio method. Coating quince slices with C + P and then drying with microwave at 450 W displayed the higher results compared to other points in terms of color, total phenolic, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and water holding capacity. MWD‐C + P application dramatically changed the textural properties of dried quince slices in terms of hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. Moreover, MWD, lasted 12–15 min, was superior to HAD in the context of drying time. Ultrasonication as a pretreatment had no positive impact on dried products. GC–MS analyses revealed that MWD‐C + P had positive effects on dried quince slices in terms of ethyl hexanoate and octanoic acid. However, MWD‐C + P application triggered the formation of furfural in dried products.
Computed X‐ray Tomography Investigation of Porosity and Permeability of the Liujiagou Formation Sandstone Exposed to CO2‐Saturated Brine
Authors: XUE Quan , ZHANG Liwei , XU Liang , MYERS Matthew , WHITE Cameron , MEI Kaiyuan , WANG Hanwen , LI Qi , LI Xiaochun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn order to improve CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) to solve carbon emission, sandstone from the Triassic Liujiagou Formation (LF) from the Ordos Basin in China was investigated using permeability tests and computed X‐ray tomography (CT) scanning. The presence of reactive minerals within the geological CO2 sequestration target storage formation can allow reaction with injected CO2, which changes the porosity and permeability of the LF beds, affecting storage effectiveness. To investigate the effect of chemical reactions on the pore structure and permeability of sandstone cores representing the LF CO2 storage, tests were conducted to analyze the changes in porosity and permeability of sandstone cores induced by CO2‐saturated brine at different reaction times (28‐day maximum reaction period). Porosity and permeability of the sandstone increased after reaction with CO2‐saturated brine due to mineral dissolution. The sandstone exhibited an increase in porosity and permeability after 15 days of reaction with CO2‐saturated brine. Moreover, there was an increase in the volume of large pores in the sandstone after the 28‐day period. The pore network of the sandstone was established through CT results, and the porosity calculated based on the obtained pore network was close to that measured in the test, demonstrating the feasibility to use CT to study the evolution of the microstructure of sandstone after long‐time exposure to CO2‐saturated brine.
The D3‐creatine dilution method non‐invasively measures muscle mass in mice
Authors: Wimer Lauren , Goncharova Elena , Galkina Sofiya , Nyangau Edna , Shankaran Mahalakshmi , Davis Asia , Prado Leandro , Munoz Maria Castro , Epstein Sharon , Patterson Cavan , Shaum Nicholas , Hellerstein Mark , Evans William , Melov Simon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDeveloping accurate methods to quantify age‐related muscle loss (sarcopenia) could greatly accelerate development of therapies to treat muscle loss in the elderly, as current methods are inaccurate or expensive. The current gold standard method for quantifying sarcopenia is dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) but does not measure muscle directly—it is a composite measure quantifying “lean mass” (muscle) excluding fat and bone. In humans, DXA overestimates muscle mass, which has led to erroneous conclusions about the importance of skeletal muscle in human health and disease. In animal models, DXA is a popular method for measuring lean mass. However, instrumentation is expensive and is potentially limited by anesthesia concerns. Recently, the D3‐creatine (D3Cr) dilution method for quantifying muscle mass was developed in humans and rats. This method is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than DXA. Here, we demonstrate that the D3Cr method is a specific assay for muscle mass in mice, and we test associations with DXA and body weight. We evaluated the D3Cr method compared to DXA‐determined lean body mass (LBM) in aged mice and reported that DXA consistently overestimates muscle mass with age. Overall, we provide evidence that the D3Cr dilution method directly measures muscle mass in mice. Combined with its ease of use, accessibility, and non‐invasive nature, the method may prove to more quickly advance development of preclinical therapies targeting sarcopenia.
Mendelian randomization supports causality between overweight status and accelerated aging
Authors: Chen Zong , Chen Zhiyou , Jin Xiaolei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIt is reported that overweight may lead to accelerated aging. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the causal effect of overweight and aging. We collected genetic variants associated with overweight, age proxy indicators (telomere length, frailty index and facial aging), etc., from genome‐wide association studies datasets. Then we performed MR analyses to explore associations between overweight and age proxy indicators. MR analyses were primarily conducted using the inverse variance weighted method, followed by various sensitivity and validation analyses. MR analyses indicated that there were significant associations of overweight on telomere length, frailty index, and facial aging (β = −0.018, 95% CI = −0.033 to −0.003, p = 0.0162; β = 0.055, 95% CI = 0.030–0.079, p < 0.0001; β = 0.029, 95% CI = 0.013–0.046, p = 0.0005 respectively). Overweight also had a significant negative causality with longevity expectancy (90th survival percentile, β = −0.220, 95% CI = −0.323 to −0.118, p < 0.0001; 99th survival percentile, β = −0.389, 95% CI = −0.652 to −0.126, p = 0.0038). Moreover, the findings tend to favor causal links between body fat mass/body fat percentage on aging proxy indicators, but not body fat‐free mass. This study provides evidence of the causality between overweight and accelerated aging (telomere length decreased, frailty index increased, facial aging increased) and lower longevity expectancy. Accordingly, the potential significance of weight control and treatment of overweight in combating accelerated aging need to be emphasized.
The molecular characteristics of non‐small cell lung cancer in the Northern Territory's Top End
Authors: Downton Teesha Dzu Fun , Wing Kristof , Cosentino Stevie Brooke , Karanth Narayan V 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimIndigenous Australians with lung cancer have poorer survival than non‐Indigenous Australians. The reasons for the disparity are not fully understood and this study hypothesized that there may be a difference in the molecular profiles of tumors. The aim of this study, therefore, was to describe and compare the characteristics of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the Northern Territory's Top End, between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients, and describe the molecular profile of tumors in the two groups.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all adults with a new diagnosis of NSCLC in the Top End from 2017 to 2019. Patient characteristics assessed were Indigenous status, age, sex, smoking status, disease stage, and performance status. Molecular characteristics assessed were epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF), ROS proto‐oncogene 1 (ROS1), Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1). Student's t‐test and Fisher's Exact Test were used in the statistical analysis.ResultsThere were 152 patients diagnosed with NSCLC in the Top End from 2017–2019. Thirty (19.7%) were Indigenous and 122 (80.3%) were non‐Indigenous. Indigenous patients compared to non‐Indigenous patients were younger at diagnosis (median age 60.7 years versus 67.1 years, p = 0.00036) but were otherwise similar in demographics. PD‐L1 expression was similar between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients (p = 0.91). The only mutations identified among stage IV non‐squamous NSCLC patients were EGFR and KRAS but testing rates and overall numbers were too small to draw conclusions about differences in prevalence between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients.ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate the molecular characteristics of NSCLC in the Top End.
Postoperative pulmonary complications in older patients undergoing elective surgery with a supraglottic airway device or tracheal intubation
Authors: Yang L. Q. , Zhu L. , Shi X. , Miao C. H. , Yuan H. B. , Liu Z. Q. , Gu W. D. , Liu F. , Hu X. X. , Shi D. P. , Duan H. W. , Wang C. Y. , Weng H. , Huang Z. L. , Li L. Z. , He Z. Z. , Li J. , Hu Y. P. , Lin L. , Pan S. T. , Xu S. H. , Tang D. , Sessler D. I. , Liu J. , Irwin M. G. , Yu W. F. ,   the POLMA‐EP investigators
Published: June 2023

SummaryThe two most commonly used airway management techniques during general anaesthesia are supraglottic airway devices and tracheal tubes. In older patients undergoing elective non‐cardiothoracic surgery under general anaesthesia with positive pressure ventilation, we hypothesised that a composite measure of in‐hospital postoperative pulmonary complications would be less frequent when a supraglottic airway device was used compared with a tracheal tube. We studied patients aged ≥ 70 years in 17 clinical centres. Patients were allocated randomly to airway management with a supraglottic airway device or a tracheal tube. Between August 2016 and April 2020, 2900 patients were studied, of whom 2751 were included in the primary analysis (1387 with supraglottic airway device and 1364 with a tracheal tube). Pre‐operatively, 2431 (88.4%) patients were estimated to have a postoperative pulmonary complication risk index of 1–2. Postoperative pulmonary complications, mostly coughing, occurred in 270 of 1387 patients (19.5%) allocated to a supraglottic airway device and 342 of 1364 patients (25.1%) assigned to a tracheal tube (absolute difference −5.6% (95%CI −8.7 to −2.5), risk ratio 0.78 (95%CI 0.67–0.89); p < 0.001). Among otherwise healthy older patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia with intra‐operative positive pressure ventilation of their lungs, there were fewer postoperative pulmonary complications when the airway was managed with a supraglottic airway device compared with a tracheal tube.
Association between central obesity and semen quality: A cross‐sectional study in 4513 Chinese sperm donation volunteers
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Qiling , Fan Zhaoyu , Xu Ruijun , Deng Xinyi , Li Yingxin , Liang Sihan , Lv Ziquan , Huang Suli , Duan Yong‐Gang , Zhang Xinzong , Liu Yuewei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundGeneral obesity classified by body mass index has been linked to a reduction in semen quality; however, evidence on the adverse effect of central obesity on semen quality remains limited.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between central obesity and semen quality.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 4513 sperm donation volunteers in Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank during 2018–2021. Three central obesity indicators, including waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and waist‐to‐height ratio, were measured using a multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis for each subject. Semen analysis was conducted according to the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 5th edition. Linear regression models and unconditional logistic regression models were used to quantify the association between central obesity and semen parameters.ResultsWith adjustment for age, race, education level, marital status, fertility status, occupation, year of semen collection, abstinence period, ambient temperature, and relative humidity, central obesity defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm, waist‐to‐hip ratio ≥0.9, or waist‐to‐height ratio ≥0.5 was significantly associated with a 0.27 (95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.38) mL, 14.47 (3.60, 25.34) × 106, 7.06 (0.46, 13.76) × 106, and 6.80 (0.42, 13.18) × 106 reduction in semen volume, total sperm number, total motile sperm number, and total progressive motile sperm number, respectively, and a 53% (10%, 112%) increase in odds of below the World Health Organization 2010 reference value for semen volume. These associations did not significantly vary across age. Similar results were observed for central obesity defined using each of the three indicators, except that subjects with a waist circumference ≥90 cm had a slightly higher total motility (estimated change: 1.30%; 95% confidence interval: 0.27%, 2.34%) and progressive motility (estimated change: 1.27%; 95% confidence interval: 0.23%, 2.31%).Discussion and conclusionWe found that central obesity was significantly associated with a reduction in semen volume, total sperm number, total motile sperm number, and total progressive motile sperm number. Future studies are warranted to confirm our results in other regions and populations.
Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and emergency surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mac Curtain Benjamin M. , O'Mahony Aaron , Temperley Hugo C. , Ng Zi Qin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis systematic review and meta‐analysis seeks to assess the modified protocols used and patient outcomes when enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are utilized in an emergency setting.MethodsPubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were comprehensively searched until 13 March 2023. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess for bias, along with funnel plot asymmetry. We present log risk ratios for dichotomous variables and raw mean differences for continuous variables.ResultsSeven randomized trials were included, comprising 573 patients. Results of the primary outcomes when comparing ERAS to standard care are as follows; withdrawal of nasogastric tube (raw mean difference −1.87 CI: −2.386 to −1.359), time to first liquid diet (raw mean difference −2.56 CI: −3.435 to −1.669), time to first solid diet (raw mean difference −2.35 CI: −2.933 to −1.76), time to first flatus (raw mean difference −2.73 CI: −5.726 to 0.257), time to first stool passed (raw mean difference −1.83 CI: −2.307 to −1.349), time to removal of drains (raw mean difference −3.23 CI: −3.609 to −2.852), time to removal of urinary catheter (raw mean difference −1.57 CI: −3.472 to 0.334), mean pain score (raw mean difference −1.79 CI: −2.222 to −1.351) and length of hospital stay (raw mean difference −3.16 CI: −3.688 to −2.63).ConclusionsThe adoption of ERAS protocols in an emergency surgery setting was observed to enhance patient recovery, while not indicating any statistically significant increase in adverse outcomes.
Does pharyngoplasty work? Outcomes of 100 consecutive operations over 10 years
Authors: Haydon Nicholas , Semple Harriet , Ho Kevin , Boorer Catherine 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundVelopharyngeal insufficiency is a commonly encountered problem in Cleft Surgery, with pharyngoplasty being the mainstay of surgical management. In this study we aim to investigate the indications and outcomes of a single institution's experience and compare to international literature.MethodsA retrospective review was performed looking at over 100 consecutive primary pharyngoplasty operations for velopharyngeal dysfunction over a 10‐year period at a single institution. Aetiology, peri‐operative course and speech outcomes for the cohort between January 2010 through January 2020 were assessed. A comprehensive literature review was performed for comparison and analysis of the studies' data.ResultsNinety‐seven consecutive patients were included in the study on which 103 operations were performed. Average age at time of surgery was 7.25 years old. Approximately 37% of the patients had a diagnosed syndrome, sequence or chromosomal abnormality. Ninety‐seven of the 103 operations were primary pharyngoplasties, 4 were revision pharyngoplasties and 2 return to theatre procedures. Regarding speech outcomes, 51% of the patients that had formal speech assessments were found to have a significant improvement, 42% moderate improvement and 7% had no improvement. 93% of the patients that underwent pharyngoplasty in this study had significant or moderate improvement in speech outcomes. These speech outcomes and post‐operative complications such as obstructive sleep apnoea are analysed.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that pharyngoplasty is a safe procedure for velopharyngeal insufficiency with a good overall success rate. The major outcomes assessed including complications & safety, revision rate and speech outcomes are comparative to previous international studies.
Systems design thinking for social innovation: a learning perspective
Authors: Kim Bowon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe define social innovation as strategic decision making to improve social conditions and facilitate social changes in a desirable direction by dealing with crucial issues and solving fundamental societal problems. This paper proposes a framework that enables the decision maker to implement social innovation effectively. The framework consists of three influential theories or ways of thinking, that is, design thinking, systems thinking, and learning organization. This paper shows how these three approaches can be integrated to tackle a critical social problem and develop a sustainable solution. We present a case study on an actual social issue to demonstrate its practical application.
CDN1163, an activator of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, up‐regulates mitochondrial functions and protects against lipotoxicity in pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thu , Noriega Polo Carlos , Wiederkehr Andreas , Wollheim Claes B. , Park Kyu‐Sang 
Published: June 2023

Background and PurposeHigh levels of Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), established by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), are required for protein folding and cell signalling. Excessive ER Ca2+ release or decreased SERCA activity induces unfolded protein accumulation and ER stress in pancreatic β‐cells, leading to defective insulin secretion and diabetes. Here we have investigated the consequences of enhancing ER Ca2+ uptake on β‐cell survival and function.Experimental ApproachThe effects of SERCA activator, CDN1163, on Ca2+ homeostasis, protein expression, mitochondrial activities, insulin secretion, and lipotoxicity have been studied in mouse pancreatic β‐cells and MIN6 cells.Key ResultsCDN1163, increased insulin synthesis and exocytosis from islets. CDN1163 also increased the sensitivity of the cytosolic Ca2+ oscillation response to glucose and potentiated it in dispersed and sorted β‐cells. CDN1163 augmented the ER and mitochondrial Ca2+ content, the mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and ATP synthesis. CDN1163 up‐regulated expression of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors and antioxidant enzymes, and mitochondrial biogenesis, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α). Overexpression of SERCA2a or 2b replicated the effects of CDN1163, while knockdown of SERCA2 abolished the stimulatory actions of CDN1163. In palmitate‐treated β‐cells, CDN1163 prevented ER Ca2+ depletion, mitochondrial dysfunction, cytosolic and mitochondrial oxidative stress, defective insulin secretion, and apoptotic cell death.Conclusions and ImplicationsActivation of SERCA enhanced mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant capability, suppressing the cytotoxic effects of palmitate. Our results suggest that targeting SERCA could be a novel therapeutic strategy to protect β‐cells from lipotoxicity and the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Use of liothyronine (T3) in hypothyroidism: Joint British Thyroid Association/Society for endocrinology consensus statement
Authors: Ahluwalia Rupa , Baldeweg Stephanie E. , Boelaert Kristien , Chatterjee Krishna , Dayan Colin , Okosieme Onyebuchi , Priestley Julia , Taylor Peter , Vaidya Bijay , Zammitt Nicola , Pearce Simon H. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPersistent symptoms in patients treated for hypothyroidism are common. Despite more than 20 years of debate, the use of liothyronine for this indication remains controversial, as numerous randomised trials have failed to show a benefit of treatment regimens that combine liothyronine (T3) with levothyroxine over levothyroxine monotherapy. This consensus statement attempts to provide practical guidance to clinicians faced with patients who have persistent symptoms during thyroid hormone replacement therapy. It applies to non‐pregnant adults and is focussed on care delivered within the UK National Health Service, although it may be relevant in other healthcare environments.The statement emphasises several key clinical practice points for patients dissatisfied with treatment for hypothyroidism. Firstly, it is important to establish a diagnosis of overt hypothyroidism; patients with persistent symptoms during thyroid hormone replacement but with no clear biochemical evidence of overt hypothyroidism should first have a trial without thyroid hormone replacement. In those with established overt hypothyroidism, levothyroxine doses should be optimised aiming for a TSH in the 0.3–2.0 mU/L range for 3 to 6 months before a therapeutic response can be assessed. In some patients, it may be acceptable to have serum TSH below reference range (e.g. 0.1–0.3 mU/L), but not fully suppressed in the long term.We suggest that for some patients with confirmed overt hypothyroidism and persistent symptoms who have had adequate treatment with levothyroxine and in whom other comorbidities have been excluded, a trial of liothyronine/levothyroxine combined therapy may be warranted. The decision to start treatment with liothyronine should be a shared decision between patient and clinician. However, individual clinicians should not feel obliged to start liothyronine or to continue liothyronine medication provided by other health care practitioners or accessed without medical advice, if they judge this not to be in the patient's best interest.