bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of changes in histologic severity of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and changes in patient‐reported quality of life
Authors: Heath Laura , Aveyard Paul , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Cobbold Jeremy F. , Koutoukidis Dimitrios A. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a prevalent chronic disease that is associated with a spectrum of liver fibrosis and can lead to cirrhosis. Patients with NASH report lower health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) than the general population. It remains uncertain how changes in histologic severity are associated with changes in HRQoL. This is a secondary analysis of the Farnesoid X Receptor Ligand Obeticholic Acid in NASH Treatment (FLINT) and Pioglitazone, Vitamin E, or Placebo for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (PIVENS) randomized controlled trials in patients with biopsy‐proven NASH. HRQoL was assessed using short form‐36 at baseline and at follow‐up biopsy (at 72 and 96 weeks, respectively). Adjusted linear regression models were used to examine the association between changes in liver fibrosis (primary analysis), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (secondary analysis), and changes in HRQoL scores. Compared with stable fibrosis, improvement of fibrosis by at least one stage was significantly associated with improvements only in the physical function component by 1.8 points (95% confidence interval, 0.1, 3.5). Worsening of fibrosis by at least one stage was not associated with statistically significant changes in any HRQoL domain compared with stable fibrosis. Associations between HRQoL and NAFLD disease activity score in the secondary analysis were of similar magnitude. Weight loss was associated with small improvements in physical function, general health, and energy levels. Conclusion: Improvements in fibrosis stage were associated with improvements in the physical component of HRQoL, but the clinical impact was modest. As improving fibrosis may not meaningfully improve well‐being, treatment for NASH will be cost effective only if it prevents long‐term hepatic and cardiovascular disease.
The causal association between smoking, alcohol consumption and risk of bladder cancer: A univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xiong Jie , Yang Lan , Deng Yu‐Qing , Yan Si‐Yu , Gu Jia‐Min , Li Bing‐Hui , Zi Hao , Ming Dao‐Jing , Zeng Xian‐Tao , Wang Yong‐Bo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSmoking and alcohol consumption are associated with bladder cancer risk in observational studies. We conducted a two‐sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine whether those associations are causal. We used 21, 126, 360, 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables for number of cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index, smoking initiation, and drinks per week, respectively. A total of 1115 cases with bladder cancer and 174 006 noncases from FinnGen consortium and 2883 cases with bladder cancer and 417 955 noncases from UK Biobank study were obtained. Genetic predisposition to cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index and smoking initiation were positively associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in both the FinnGen and UK Biobank consortium. The summary odds ratio (OR) of bladder cancer was 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31‐2.45; P = .0002), 2.38 (95% CI, 1.45‐3.88; P = .0005) and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.46‐2.50; P = 1.59 × 10−06) for one SD increase in the number of cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index and smoking initiation, respectively. The genetically instrumented number of drinks per week was not associated with bladder cancer (OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.44‐1.10; P = .1237). Estimates were consistent in multivariable MR analyses by the adjustments of body mass index and education. Our study suggests a causal potential of the association of smoking but not alcohol consumption with bladder cancer according to current evidence.
Surfactant‐assisted extraction of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil by hydrodistillation and its application in microemulsion
Authors: Vo Thuy‐Vi , Truong Thi‐Huyen , Chen Bing‐Hung 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe surfactant‐assisted extraction of essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia foliage, also known as tea tree oil (TTO), was systematically studied with the design of experiments (DoE) aiming to improve the extraction of TTO. Specifically, the optimal parameters of hydrodistillation process were obtained with the response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD).RESULTSThe concept of enhanced TTO extraction with the renewable nonionic Triton CG‐110 surfactant was proven. An optimal extraction yield of TTO was predicted by the RSM model at 6.71 wt% under the following conditions: (i) 597 mg L−1 Triton CG‐110 as liquid extractant, (ii) a ratio of liquid extractant/desiccated leaf at 25.4 mL g−1, and (iii) 140 min for the extraction time. The presence of 650 mg L−1 Triton CG‐110 in the extractant could increase the extraction rate of TTO by 17.5%, compared to that without surfactant. The forecast of the DPPH antioxidant activity of TTO by RSM was in good accordance with the measured values. Various microemulsion formulations of TTO with Triton CG‐110 were developed and reported.CONCLUSIONThe presence of a proper surfactant in the liquid extractant can improve the extraction of essential oils, not only in the form of yield but also in the rate of extraction. No trace of surfactant could be found in the produced essential oil because of the relatively higher boiling point and the lower volatility of the surfactant. The RSM was successfully applied to obtain the optimal extraction parameters for tea tree oil by the surfactant‐enhanced hydrodistillation process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Twenty years of Colombian experience with enzymatic screening in patients with features of mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Uribe‐Ardila Alfredo , Ramirez‐Borda Johana , Ayala Adis 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of genetic alterations whose effect is the progressive intralysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Affected individuals are deficient in one or more lysosomal enzymes which, depending on the MPS, may cause coarse facial features, short stature, multiple skeletal dysplasia, joint stiffness, or developmental delay. Their diagnosis is mostly performed late or incorrectly, and it represents a challenge since it requires specialized tests only performed in major cities. This makes it difficult for patients to have access to physicians since their geographical location is distant and therefore, the use of samples collected in solid‐phase represents an advantage for the study of high‐risk populations. In addition, epidemiological information about rare diseases, especially in Latin America, is scarce or inconsistent. Our aim was to report the experience of 20 years of selective screening by assessing enzyme activity and reporting incidence values of MPS in Colombia. This study validated a group of fluorometric endpoint techniques in 8239 patients. The samples were dried blood spots (DBS) collected on filter paper and leukocyte extracts. Reference values in the Colombian population for α‐l‐iduronidase, iduronate 2‐sulfatase, α‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase, N‐acetylglucosamine‐6‐sulfate sulfatase, β‐galactosidase, arylsulfatase B, and β‐glucuronidase were established in leukocyte extracts, and patients reference ranges were updated in the case of DBS samples. Incidence values were calculated for each MPS and the distribution of cases across the country is also shown. This study offers very useful information for the health system, the scientific community, and it facilitates the diagnosis of these disorders. This is indispensable when seeking to develop new diagnostic or treatment approaches for patients.
Analysis of the fungicidal efficacy, environmental fate, and safety of the application of a mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin mixture to control mango anthracnose
Authors: Wang Siwei , Wang Xiaonan , He Qiang , Lin Haidan , Chang Hong , Liu Yanping , Sun Haibin , Song Xiaobing 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDMango anthracnose is among the most severe diseases impacting mango yields and quality. While this disease can be effectively controlled through chemical means, it is vital that appropriate field efficacy and fate determination studies be conducted when applying pesticides to crops in order to appropriately gauge the ecological and health risks associated with the use of these agents.RESULTSGAP field trials were conducted to explore the efficacy, dissipation, and terminal residues associated with the application of mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin to mango crops in six locations throughout China. These analyses revealed that three applications of mefentrifluconazole [160 mg active ingredient (a.i.) kg−1] in combination with pyraclostrobin mixture achieved satisfactory disease control efficacy. To simultaneously detect mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin residues on mangoes, a ‘quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe’ (QuEChERS) high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS)‐based approach was established. The initial mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 0.34 mg kg−1, and these two compounds exhibited respective half‐lives of 5.6 to 10.8 days and 5.5 to 9.0 days. At 21 days following foliage application, the terminal mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin residue concentrations were 0.02–0.04 and 0.01–0.04 mg kg−1, with these concentrations being below the maximum residue limit (MRL) established for pyraclostrobin. Both short‐term [acute reference dose percent (ARfD%) 0.78–2.36% and 2.0–6.08%] and chronic [acceptable daily intake percent (ADI%) 0.08–0.47% and 0.09–0.55%] dietary intake risk assessments for mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin indicated that these terminal residue concentrations are acceptable for the general population.CONCLUSIONMefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin in mango was rapidly degraded following first‐order kinetics models. The dietary risk of mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin through mango was negligible to consumers. The application of a 400 g L−1 mefentrifluconazole–pyraclostrobin suspension concentrate mixture represents a highly efficacious fungicidal approach to controlling mango anthracnose that exhibits significant potential for development as it is easily degraded and associated with low residual concentrations after application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasonography for Determining Endotracheal Tube Tip Position in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Dincer Emre , Topçuoğlu Sevilay , Karatekin Güner 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the feasibility of USG in confirming the endotracheal tube site and compare it with chest X‐rays in very low birth weight infants.MethodsA chest X‐ray and thorax ultrasonography processes are started as soon as the infant is intubated. Endotracheal tube place is evaluated with ultrasonography and noted, and with chest X‐ray and time elapsed in these two processes are noted. The correlation between these two methods was calculated.ResultsWhile endotracheal tubes are visualized with 100% success, there was a significant correlation between the measures of endotracheal tube‐carina distances (r = .979, P > .001). In addition, ultrasonography was six times faster than chest X‐ray interpretation (USG; 4.6 ± 1.8 min vs CXR; 29.6 ± 9.0 min, P < .001).ConclusionsUltrasonography is a feasible and faster method for determining endotracheal tube place in very low birth weight infants and may prevent radiation exposure in neonatal intensive care units.
Spatially Resolving Polymer Brush Conformation: Opportunities Ahead
Authors: Besford Quinn A. , Uhlmann Petra , Fery Andreas 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSurfaces that respond to local environmental stimuli offer intriguing possibilities for new surface‐based sensing concepts to emerge. An attractive concept is to push beyond the milli‐ to micrometer lateral resolution limit in sensing, toward the ultimate surface‐sensitive device; one capable of real‐time sensing of the nanoscopic, or molecular “touch.” This sensing needs an approach that is capable of spatially transducing information on nanotouch. Polymer brushes are a class of surface that provides dramatic changes in surface properties depending on stimuli that affect the conformation of end‐tethered polymer chains. However, the brush response is typically quantified by measuring changes in polymer brush “height”. That is, the ensemble average distance over which polymer density exists away from the anchoring surface (i.e., a single parameter to describe the surface). Moving beyond this conceptual paradigm of quantifying the ensemble average height in a single dimension over the entire surface under applied stimuli, developing methods for spatially resolving chain conformation has the very real potential to lead to extraordinary possibilities in the applied sciences. In this perspective, the current paradigms and methods forward for extracting rich details on polymer brush conformational dynamics that is spatially resolved, which can lead to new understandings of surface contact, are discussed and pointed out.
Role of Toll‐like receptor 4 in intravascular hemolysis‐mediated injury
Authors: Vázquez‐Carballo Cristina , Herencia Carmen , Guerrero‐Hue Melania , García‐Caballero Cristina , Rayego‐Mateos Sandra , Morgado‐Pascual José Luis , Opazo‐Rios Lucas , González‐Guerrero Cristian , Vallejo‐Mudarra Mercedes , Cortegano Isabel , Gaspar María Luisa , de Andrés Belén , Egido Jesús , Moreno Juan Antonio 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMassive intravascular hemolysis is a common characteristic of several pathologies. It is associated with the release of large quantities of heme into the circulation, promoting injury in vulnerable organs, mainly kidney, liver, and spleen. Heme activates Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), a key regulator of the inflammatory response; however, the role of TLR4 in hemolysis and whether inhibition of this receptor may protect from heme‐mediated injury are unknown. We induced intravascular hemolysis by injection of phenylhydrazine in wildtype and Tlr4‐knockout mice. In this model, we analyzed physiological parameters, histological damage, inflammation and cell death in kidney, liver, and spleen. We also evaluated whether heme‐mediated‐inflammatory effects were prevented by TLR4 inhibition with the compound TAK‐242, both in vivo and in vitro. Induction of massive hemolysis elicited acute kidney injury characterized by loss of renal function, morphological alterations of the tubular epithelium, cell death, and inflammation. These pathological effects were significantly ameliorated in the TLR4‐deficient mice and in wildtype mice treated with TAK‐242. In vitro studies showed that TAK‐242 pretreatment reduced heme‐mediated inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF‐κB (nuclear factor kappa B) axis. However, analysis in liver and spleen indicated that TLR4 deficiency did not protect against the toxic accumulation of heme in these organs. In conclusion, TLR4 is a key molecule involved in the renal inflammatory response triggered by massive intravascular hemolysis. TLR4 inhibition may be a potential therapeutic approach to prevent renal damage in patients suffering from hemolysis. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Proteomic profiling of impaired excitation–contraction coupling and abnormal calcium handling in muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dowling Paul , Gargan Stephen , Swandulla Dieter , Ohlendieck Kay 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe X‐linked inherited neuromuscular disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterised by primary abnormalities in the membrane cytoskeletal component dystrophin. The almost complete absence of the Dp427‐M isoform of dystrophin in skeletal muscles renders contractile fibres more susceptible to progressive degeneration and a leaky sarcolemma membrane. This in turn results in abnormal calcium homeostasis, enhanced proteolysis and impaired excitation–contraction coupling. Biochemical and mass spectrometry‐based proteomic studies of both patient biopsy specimens and genetic animal models of dystrophinopathy have demonstrated significant changes in the concentration and/or physiological function of essential calcium‐regulatory proteins in dystrophin‐lacking voluntary muscles. Abnormalities include dystrophinopathy‐associated changes in voltage sensing receptors, calcium release channels, calcium pumps and calcium binding proteins. This review article provides an overview of the importance of the sarcolemmal dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex and the wider dystrophin complexome in skeletal muscle and its linkage to depolarisation‐induced calcium‐release mechanisms and the excitation–contraction–relaxation cycle. Besides chronic inflammation, fat substitution and reactive myofibrosis, a major pathobiochemical hallmark of X‐linked muscular dystrophy is represented by the chronic influx of calcium ions through the damaged plasmalemma in conjunction with abnormal intracellular calcium fluxes and buffering. Impaired calcium handling proteins should therefore be included in an improved biomarker signature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Regiochemical effects for the mechanochemical activation of 9‐π‐extended anthracene‐maleimide Diels–Alder adducts
Authors: Baumann Christoph , Willis‐Fox Niamh , Campagna Davide , Rognin Etienne , Marten Paul , Daly Ronan , Göstl Robert 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe attachment point of the polymer chain to a force‐responsive molecular unit (mechanophore) is a decisive parameter determining bond scission rate and ultimately the mechanochemical reaction outcome. However, such regiochemical polymer substituent effects have not yet been investigated for 9‐π‐extended anthracene‐maleimide Diels‐Alder adducts. Here we combine three methods, namely ultrasonication, CoGEF computation, and flow activation, to understand the influence of the pulling point location on the mechanochemical reactivity of this mechanophore class. We find minor mechanochemical reactivity differences between the investigated constitutional mechanophore isomers. Concomitantly, our results highlight the capabilities and limitations of the employed experimental techniques for such delicate variances and raise the question whether these are relevant for mechanochemical applications in a material context.
Lupin causes maize to increase organic acid exudation and phosphorus concentration in intercropping
Authors: Schwerdtner Ulrike , Lacher Ulrike , Spohn Marie 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPurposeThere is a need to develop agricultural practices that mobilize sparingly soluble soil phosphorus (P) due to increasing scarcity of P fertilizer. Interactions of different plant species in the rhizosphere might increase P mobilization, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood.MethodsWe conducted a pilot study with four plant species (maize, soy, lupin, mustard) grown alone and in combination with maize (intercropping) to investigate how species interact to mobilize P from iron phosphate (FePO4). Root exudates of individual plants were collected and analyzed for low molecular weight organic acid anions (LMWOA) and pH.ResultsMaize increased its exudation of LMWOA and its biomass P concentration in intercropping, especially when grown together with lupin. This is the first study to show unequivocally that a high LMWOA concentration in the rhizosphere in intercropping is not only caused by high LMWOA release of the companion but also by an increased LMWOA exudation of the main crop. The high release of LMWOA was associated with a higher maize P concentration, indicating that enhanced LMWOA release in intercropping is beneficial for P acquisition of maize. Moreover, lupin and mustard mobilized more P from FePO4than maize and soy likely through high LMWOA exudation (lupin) and rhizosphere alkalinization (mustard).ConclusionTaken together, we reveal that intercropping with lupin increases the release of LMWOA by maize and concurrently the maize P concentration, suggesting that intercropping is useful for the mobilization of P from FePO4because it affects the exudation of maize.
Revealing and Controlling Energy Barriers and Valleys at Grain Boundaries in Ultrathin Organic Films
Authors: Walter Lisa S. , Axt Amelie , Borchert James W. , Kammerbauer Theresa , Winterer Felix , Lenz Jakob , Weber Stefan A. L. , Weitz R. Thomas 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn organic electronics, local crystalline order is of critical importance for the charge transport. Grain boundaries between molecularly ordered domains are generally known to hamper or completely suppress charge transfer and detailed knowledge of the local electronic nature is critical for future minimization of such malicious defects. However, grain boundaries are typically hidden within the bulk film and consequently escape observation or investigation. Here, a minimal model system in form of monolayer‐thin films with sub‐nm roughness of a prototypical n‐type organic semiconductor is presented. Since these films consist of large crystalline areas, the detailed energy landscape at single grain boundaries can be studied using Kelvin probe force microscopy. By controlling the charge‐carrier density in the films electrostatically, the impact of the grain boundaries on charge transport in organic devices is modeled. First, two distinct types of grain boundaries are identified, namely energetic barriers and valleys, which can coexist within the same thin film. Their absolute height is found to be especially pronounced at charge‐carrier densities below 1012 cm–2—the regime at which organic solar cells and light emitting diodes typically operate. Finally, processing conditions by which the type or energetic height of grain boundaries can be controlled are identified.
Aqueous Dispersion of Carbon Nanomaterials with Cellulose Nanocrystals: An Investigation of Molecular Interactions
Authors: Aramfard Mohammad , Kaynan Ozge , Hosseini Ehsan , Zakertabrizi Mohammad , Pérez Lisa M. , Asadi Amir 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDispersing carbon nanomaterials in solvents is effective in transferring their significant mechanical and functional properties to polymers and nanocomposites. However, poor dispersion of carbon nanomaterials impedes exploiting their full potential in nanocomposites. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are promising for dispersing and stabilizing pristine carbon nanotubes (pCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (pGnP) in protic media without functionalization. Here, the underlying mechanisms at the molecular level are investigated between CNC and pCNT/pGnP that stabilize their dispersion in polar solvents. Based on the spectroscopy and microscopy characterization of CNCpCNT/pGnP and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, an additional intermolecular mechanism is proposed between CNC and pCNT/pGnP that forms carbonoxygen covalent bonds between hydroxyl end groups of CNCs and the defected sites of pCNTs/pGnPs preventing re‐agglomeration in polar solvents. This work's findings indicate that the CNC‐assisted process enables new capabilities in harnessing nanostructures at the molecular level and tailoring the performance of nanocomposites at higher length scales.