bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Lipid Quality Indexes in Freshwater Fish from Lakes of Warmia and Mazury Region, Poland
Authors: Łuczyńska Joanna , Paszczyk Beata
Published: October 2019

The objectives of study were to determine heavy metals content (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and Hg) and fatty acids in selected organs of roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.); bream, Abramis brama (L.); pike, Esox lucius (L.); Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis (L.) collected from reservoirs of Warmia and Mazury region (northeastern Poland). Heavy metals were determined with atomic absorption spectrometry AAS. The fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. In a few cases, differences in the content of heavy metals and fatty acids were not significant between species. The muscles of fish characterized significantly higher values of mercury than other organs (p ≤ 0.05), except for bream. The reverse regularity was observed in the case of content of Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe. Fatty acids having a desirable dietary effect in humans (DFA-Hypocholesterolaemic fatty acids) (74.00–74.84) were more than OFA (hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids), i.e., those undesirable (24.03–24.79). The lipid quality indexes AI (index of atherogenicity) (0.40–0.44) and TI (index of thrombogenicity) (0.18–0.24) in muscles of fish were low, which means that the meat of the fish may be recommended for human health. THQ (target hazard quotient) and HI (hazard index) as individual foodstuff were below 1, whereas HI for a specific receptor/pathway combination exceeded 1. This may suggest that eating meat from a given species is safe from a health point of view.
Kinetic Analysis of Water Fitness Exercises: Contributions for Strength Development
Authors: Santos Catarina C. , Rama Luís M. , Marinho Daniel A. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Costa Mário J.
Published: October 2019

The evaluation of propulsive forces in water allows the selection of the most appropriate strategies to develop strength during water fitness sessions. The aim of this study was threefold: (i) to analyze the rate of force production; (ii) to analyze the rate of force variation; and (iii) to compare limbs’ symmetry in two water fitness exercises. Twenty-two young health subjects (age: 21.23 ± 1.51 years old, body mass: 67.04 ± 9.31 kg, and height: 166.36 ± 8.01 cm) performed incremental protocols of horizontal adduction (HA) and rocking horse (RHadd), from 105 until 150 b·min−1. Data acquisition required an isokinetic dynamometer and a differential pressure system that allowed the assessment of (a) isometric peak force of dominant upper limb (IsometricFD); (b) propulsive peak force of dominant upper limb (PropulsiveFD); and (c) propulsive peak force of nondominant upper limb (PropulsiveFND). Significant differences were found in the rate of force production (RateFD) between the majority cadences in both exercises. The RateFD reached ~68% of the force in dry-land conditions, and lower cadences promoted a higher rate of force variation (ΔForce). Most actions were asymmetric, except for the HA at 135 b·min−1. In conclusion, the musical cadence of 135 b·min−1 seems to elicit a desired rate of force production with a symmetric motion in both exercises.
Facebook Groups on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Social Media Content Analysis
Authors: Apperson Avery , Stellefson Michael , Paige Samantha , Chaney Beth , Chaney J. , Wang Min , Mohan Arjun
Published: October 2019

Facebook Groups facilitate information exchange and engagement for patients with chronic conditions, including those living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); however, little is known about how knowledge is diffused throughout these communities. This study aimed to evaluate the content that is available on COPD-related Facebook Groups, as well as the communication (self-disclosures, social support) and engagement (agreement, emotional reaction) strategies used by members to facilitate these resources. Two researchers independently searched the “Groups” category using the terms “COPD”, “emphysema”, and “chronic bronchitis”. Twenty-six closed (n = 23) and public (n = 3) COPD Facebook Groups were identified with 87,082 total members. The vast majority of Group members belonged to closed (n = 84,684; 97.25%) as compared to open (n = 2398; 2.75%) groups. Medications were the most commonly addressed self-management topic (n = 48; 26.7%). While overall engagement with wall posts was low, the number of “likes” (an indicator of agreement) was significantly greater for wall posts that demonstrated social support as compared to posts that did not (p < 0.001). Findings from this study showed that COPD Facebook group members share specific disease-related experiences and request information about select self-management topics. This information can be used to improve the quality of self-management support provided to members of popular COPD Facebook groups.
The Effect of Social Communication on Life Satisfaction among the Rural Elderly: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Chen Yashuo , Yang Chunjiang , Feng Shangjun
Published: October 2019

Life satisfaction of the rural elderly has increasingly become an important issue for society. Based on the social support theory and Cha Xu Ge Ju (pattern of difference sequence), this study investigates the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions that explain the relationship between social communication and life satisfaction among the rural elderly. Specifically, it explores the mediating role of psychological well-being in the relationship between social communication and life satisfaction. In addition, it examines whether emotional support moderates the effect of social communication on psychological well-being. Data from 658 rural elderly in China were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results show that psychological well-being mediates the relationship between social communication and life satisfaction. Additionally, the relationship between social communication on psychological well-being was negatively moderated by emotional support. Finally, implications for management theory and practice are discussed.
Bacterial Community Shifts Driven by Nitrogen Pollution in River Sediments of a Highly Urbanized City
Authors: Lin Xianbiao , Gao Dengzhou , Lu Kaijun , Li Xiaofei
Published: October 2019

Effects of nitrogen pollution on bacterial community shifts in river sediments remain barely understood. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities in sediments of urban and suburban rivers in a highly urbanized city, Shanghai. Sediment nitrate (NO3−) and ammonia (NH4+) were highly accumulated in urban river. Operation Taxonomic Units (OTUs), Abundance-based Coverage Estimators (ACEs) and Chao 1 estimator in urban rivers were slightly lower than those in suburban rivers, while Shannon and Simpson indices were higher in urban rivers than those in suburban rivers. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant bacterial phylum communities, accounting for 68.5–84.9% of all communities. In particular, the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Nitrospirae were significantly higher in suburban rivers than in urban rivers, while relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Spirochaetes were significantly lower in suburban rivers than in urban rivers. NH4+ was significantly and negatively correlated with abundances of Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, and Actinobacteria. Importantly, the significant and negative effects of sediment NH4+ on bacterial richness and diversity suggested that nitrogen pollution likely contribute to the decrease in the bacterial richness and diversity. The results highlight that nitrogen enrichment could drive the shifts of bacterial abundance and diversity in the urban river sediments where are strongly influenced by human activities under the rapid urbanization stress.
Intersectoral Cost of Treating Pulmonary Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterial Disease (NTM-PD) in Germany—A Change of Perspective in Disease Management
Authors: Diel Roland , Mertsch Pontus
Published: October 2019

Background: In line with its increasing prevalence, pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease (MAC-PD) gives rise to substantial healthcare costs. However, there is only limited information on the costs of intersectoral reimbursement. Objectives: Inpatient and outpatient costs for diagnosing and treating pulmonary MAC-PD in Germany in accordance with standard international guidelines were calculated and their potential effects on MAC disease management in Germany were determined. Methods: Hospitalization costs were calculated by using the German diagnosis related group (G-DRG) browser, with and without inclusion of the diseases most often associated with M. avium. Separated by drug macrolide susceptibility and severity of MAC-PD, the direct medical costs of suitable therapies in the outpatient setting were determined by Monte-Carlo simulation, including all conceivable options. Results: According to our simulation, the weighted mean cost of outpatient treatment over 14 or 18 months, in either case followed by a post-treatment monitoring over 12 months, amounts to €8675.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] €8616.17 to €8734.27). Of that amount, the revenue for outpatient doctors´ services, dependent on treatment duration, is low, ranging between €894.79 (10.3%) and €979.42 (11.3%), accordingly. Mean drug costs for MAC-PD patients amount to €6130.25 [95% CI €6073.52 to €6186.98], i.e., more than two third (70.7%) of the total outpatient costs. In contrast, the non-surgical reimbursement for a hospital stay of up to 14 days is €3321.64. Hospital reimbursement does not increase in cases of complications (a higher number and/or challenging type of associated diseases), but it is fully paid even in cases that require as few as 2 days of hospitalization. Conclusion: The imbalance between well-rewarded hospital care and the low reimbursement for long-term treatment of MAC-PD outpatients may induce inappropriate disease management. In order to arrive at properly integrated care of MAC-PD patients in Germany, measures such as better incentives for physicians in the outpatient setting and a targeted use of resources in hospitals are required. Reimbursed, periodic case conferences between outpatient physicians and experts in hospitals as well as preventive short-term checks of MAC-PD patients in specialty clinics may promote cross-sector cooperation and improve overall treatment quality. Nationwide pilot studies are required to gain evidence on the effectiveness of the new approach.
Factors Influencing the Age of Complementary Feeding—A Cross-Sectional Study from Two European Countries
Authors: Zielinska Monika A. , Rust Petra , Masztalerz-Kozubek Daria , Bichler Jacqueline , Hamułka Jadwiga
Published: October 2019

The timing of introducing complementary feeding affects nutritional status and children’s health. The aim of this study was to determine sociodemographic and birth-related factors associated with the age of introducing complementary foods. This cross-sectional study investigated parents (n = 5815) of children aged 12–36 months from Poland (n = 4065) and Austria (n = 1750) using a single online questionnaire. During the study, detailed data about sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to pregnancy, and early feeding practices were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with the introduction of complementary feeding before 4 completed months, between 4 and 6 months, and after 6 completed months separately for both countries. Complementary foods were introduced before 4 months in 3.0% of infants (2.4% in Poland and 4.3% in Austria), between 4 and 6 months in 65.0% (60.5% in Poland and 75.3% in Austria), and after 6 completed months in 32.1% of infants (37.1% in Poland and 20.4% in Austria). The factors related to earlier introduction of complementary feeding were lower maternal age (in Austria 25–29 years: aOR 2.21 (95% CI 1.06–4.65)) and education level (in Poland and Austria primary and vocational: aOR 14.49 (95% CI 3.73–56.35), aOR 2.13 (95% CI 1.10–4.11), respectively), preterm birth (in Poland and Austria: aOR 10.21 (95% CI 5.73–18.20); aOR 4.45 (95% CI 2.42–8.18), respectively), never breastfeeding (Poland: aOR 2.73 (95% CI 1.29 – 5.76)) and receiving an infant formula after hospital discharge (in both countries: aOR 3.73 (95% CI 2.06–6.75); aOR 3.65 (95% CI 1.87–7.12), respectively). These factors should be taken into account by health professionals in identifying mothers who are least likely to follow nutritional recommendations.
Association between Sense of Coherence and Mental Health in Caregivers of Older Adults
Authors: López-Martínez Catalina , Serrano-Ortega Natalia , Moreno-Cámara Sara , del-Pino-Casado Rafael
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to analyze association between sense of coherence and perceived burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in caregivers of older adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a probabilistic sample of 132 caregivers of older relatives from the regions of Jaén, Spain. The measures assessed were sense of coherence (Life Orientation Questionnaire), subjective burden (Caregiver Strain Index of Robinson), anxiety and depression (Goldberg Scale), and quality of life (Health Questionnaire SF-12). The main analyses included bivariate analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis through canonical correlation analysis. Our findings show that the sense of coherence explained 50.8% of the variance shared between subjective burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. We highlighted manageability as the variable within the dimensions of the sense of coherence with the greatest participation in the model. The sense of coherence may be an important protective factor for the mental health of the caregiver of dependent elderly relatives.
PIEZO1 and TRPV4, which Are Distinct Mechano-Sensors in the Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells, Modify Cell-Proliferation
Authors: Yoneda Maki , Suzuki Hiroka , Hatano Noriyuki , Nakano Sayumi , Muraki Yukiko , Miyazawa Ken , Goto Shigemi , Muraki Katsuhiko
Published: October 2019

Mechanical-loading and unloading can modify osteoblast functioning. Ca2+ signaling is one of the earliest events in osteoblasts to induce a mechanical stimulus, thereby demonstrating the importance of the underlying mechanical sensors for the sensation. Here, we examined the mechano-sensitive channels PIEZO1 and TRPV4 were involved in the process of mechano-sensation in the osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The analysis of mRNA expression revealed a high expression of Piezo1 and Trpv4 in these cells. We also found that a PIEZO1 agonist, Yoda1, induced Ca2+ response and activated cationic currents in these cells. Ca2+ response was elicited when mechanical stimulation (MS), with shear stress, was induced by fluid flow in the MC3T3-E1 cells. Gene knockdown of Piezo1 in the MC3T3-E1 cells, by transfection with siPiezo1, inhibited the Yoda1-induced response, but failed to inhibit the MS-induced response. When MC3T3-E1 cells were transfected with siTrpv4, the MS-induced response was abolished and Yoda1 response was attenuated. Moreover, the MS-induced response was inhibited by a TRPV4 antagonist HC-067047 (HC). Yoda1 response was also inhibited by HC in MC3T3-E1 cells and HEK cells, expressing both PIEZO1 and TRPV4. Meanwhile, the activation of PIEZO1 and TRPV4 reduced the proliferation of MC3T3-E1, which was reversed by knockdown of PIEZO1, and TRPV4, respectively. In conclusion, TRPV4 and PIEZO1 are distinct mechano-sensors in the MC3T3-E1 cells. However, PIEZO1 and TRPV4 modify the proliferation of these cells, implying that PIEZO1 and TRPV4 may be functional in the osteoblastic mechano-transduction. Notably, it is also found that Yoda1 can induce TRPV4-dependent Ca2+ response, when both PIEZO1 and TRPV4 are highly expressed.
Sucrose Synthase Enhances Hull Size and Grain Weight by Regulating Cell Division and Starch Accumulation in Transgenic Rice
Authors: Fan Chunfen , Wang Guangya , Wang Youmei , Zhang Ran , Wang Yanting , Feng Shengqiu , Luo Keming , Peng Liangcai
Published: October 2019

Grain size and weight are two important determinants of grain yield in rice. Although overexpression of sucrose synthase (SUS) genes has led to several improvements on cellulose and starch-based traits in transgenic crops, little is reported about SUS enhancement of hull size and grain weight in rice. In this study, we selected transgenic rice plants that overexpressed OsSUS1-6 genes driven with the maize Ubi promoter. Compared to the controls (wild type and empty vector line), all independent OsSUS homozygous transgenic lines exhibited considerably increased grain yield and grain weights. Using the representative OsSUS3 overexpressed transgenic plants, four independent homozygous lines showed much raised cell numbers for larger hull sizes, consistent with their enhanced primary cell wall cellulose biosynthesis and postponed secondary wall synthesis. Accordingly, the OsSUS3 transgenic lines contained much larger endosperm volume and higher starch levels than those of the controls in the mature grains, leading to increased brown grain weights by 15–19%. Hence, the results have demonstrated that OsSUS overexpression could significantly improve hull size and grain weight by dynamically regulating cell division and starch accumulation in the transgenic rice.
In Silico Insights towards the Identification of NLRP3 Druggable Hot Spots
Authors: Mekni Nedra , De Rosa Maria , Cipollina Chiara , Gulotta Maria Rita , De Simone Giada , Lombino Jessica , Padova Alessandro , Perricone Ugo
Published: October 2019

NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3) activation has been linked to several chronic pathologies, including atherosclerosis, type-II diabetes, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, NLRP3 represents an appealing target for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. A few companies are currently working on the discovery of selective modulators of NLRP3 inflammasome. Unfortunately, limited structural data are available for this target. To date, MCC950 represents one of the most promising noncovalent NLRP3 inhibitors. Recently, a possible region for the binding of MCC950 to the NLRP3 protein was described but no details were disclosed regarding the key interactions. In this communication, we present an in silico multiple approach as an insight useful for the design of novel NLRP3 inhibitors. In detail, combining different computational techniques, we propose consensus-retrieved protein residues that seem to be essential for the binding process and for the stabilization of the protein–ligand complex.
Assessment of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) Models of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ng Xiulin , Sadeghian Mona , Heales Simon , Hargreaves Iain P.
Published: October 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that involves the autoreactive T-cell attack on axonal myelin sheath. Lesions or plaques formed as a result of repeated damage and repair mechanisms lead to impaired relay of electrical impulses along the nerve, manifesting as clinical symptoms of MS. Evidence from studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models of MS strongly suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction presents at the onset of disease and throughout the disease course. The aim of this study was to determine if mitochondrial dysfunction occurs before clinical symptoms arise, and whether this is confined to the CNS. EAE was induced in C57B/L6 mice, and citrate synthase and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complex I–IV activities were assayed at presymptomatic (3 or 10 days post first immunisation (3 or 10 DPI)) and asymptomatic (17 days post first immunisation (17 DPI) time-points in central nervous system (CNS; spinal cord) and peripheral (liver and jaw muscle) tissues. Samples from animals immunised with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) as EAE models were compared with control animals immunised with adjuvant (ADJ) only. Significant changes in MOG compared to control ADJ animals in MRC complex I activity occurred only at presymptomatic stages, with an increase in the spinal cord at 10 DPI (87.9%), an increase at 3 DPI (25.6%) and decrease at 10 DPI (22.3%) in the jaw muscle, and an increase in the liver at 10 DPI (71.5%). MRC complex II/III activity changes occurred at presymptomatic and the asymptomatic stages of the disease, with a decrease occurring in the spinal cord at 3 DPI (87.6%) and an increase at 17 DPI (36.7%), increase in the jaw muscle at 10 DPI (25.4%), and an increase at 3 DPI (75.2%) and decrease at 17 DPI (95.7%) in the liver. Citrate synthase activity was also significantly decreased at 10 DPI (27.3%) in the liver. No significant changes were observed in complex IV across all three tissues assayed. Our findings reveal evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is present at the asymptomatic stages in the EAE model of MS, and that the changes in MRC enzyme activities are tissue-specific and are not confined to the CNS.
Glucosinolate-Degradation Products as Co-Adjuvant Therapy on Prostate Cancer in Vitro
Authors: Núñez-Iglesias María Jesús , Novío Silvia , García Carlota , Pérez-Muñuzuri Elena , Soengas Pilar , Cartea Elena , Velasco Pablo , Freire-Garabal Manuel
Published: October 2019

Glucosinolate-degradation products (GS-degradation products) are believed to be responsible for the anticancer effects of cruciferous vegetables. Furthermore, they could improve the efficacy and reduce side-effects of chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of GS-degradation products on androgen-insensitive human prostate cancer (AIPC) PC-3 and DU 145 cells and investigate their ability to sensitize such cells to chemotherapeutic drug Docetaxel (DOCE). Cells were cultured under growing concentrations of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), sulforaphane (SFN), 4-pentenyl-isothiocyanate (4PI), iberin (IB), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), or phenethyl-isothiocyanate (PEITC) in absence or presence of DOCE. The anti-tumor effects of these compounds were analyzed using the trypan blue exclusion, apoptosis, invasion and RT-qPCR assays and confocal microscopy. We observed that AITC, SFN, IB, and/or PEITC induced a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on PC-3 and DU 145 cells, which was mediated, at least, by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Likewise, we showed that these GS-degradation products sensitized both cell lines to DOCE by synergic mechanisms. Taken together, our results indicate that GS-degradation products can be promising compounds as co-adjuvant therapy in prostate cancer.
A Diet Rich in Fish Oil and Leucine Ameliorates Hypercalcemia in Tumour-Induced Cachectic Mice
Authors: Plas Rogier , Poland Mieke , Faber Joyce , Argilès Josep , van Dijk Miriam , Laviano Alessandro , Meijerink Jocelijn , Witkamp Renger , van Helvoort Ardy , van Norren Klaske
Published: October 2019

Background: Dietary supplementation with leucine and fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has previously been shown to reduce cachexia-related outcomes in C26 tumour-bearing mice. To further explore associated processes and mechanisms we investigated changes in plasma Ca2+ levels, the involvement of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), and its possible interactions with cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Methods: CD2F1 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with C26 adenocarcinoma cells or sham treated and divided in: (1) controls, (2) tumour-bearing controls, and (3) tumour-bearing receiving experimental diets. After 20 days, body and organ masses and total plasma Ca2+ levels were determined. Furthermore, effects of DHA, EPA and leucine on production of PTHrP were studied in cultured C26 cells. Results: The combination of leucine and fish oil reduced tumour-associated hypercalcemia. Plasma Ca2+ levels negatively correlated with carcass mass and multiple organ masses. DHA was able to reduce PTHrP production by C26 cells in vitro. Results indicate that this effect occurred independently of COX-2 inhibition. Conclusion: Our results suggest that cancer-related hypercalcemia may be ameliorated by a nutritional intervention rich in leucine and fish oil. The effect of fish oil possibly relates to a DHA-induced reduction of PTHrP excretion by the tumour.
Identification of c.1531C>T Pathogenic Variant in the CDH1 Gene as a Novel Germline Mutation of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer
Authors: Norero Enrique , Alarcon M. Alejandra , Hakkaart Christopher , de Mayo Tomas , Mellado Cecilia , Garrido Marcelo , Aguayo Gloria , Lagos Marcela , Torres Javiera , Calvo Alfonso , Guilford Parry , Corvalan Alejandro H.
Published: October 2019

Germline pathogenic variants in the CDH1 gene are a well-established cause of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) syndrome. The aim of this study was to characterize CDH1 mutations associated with HDGC from Chile, a country with one of the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world for gastric cancer (GC). Here, we prospectively include probands with family history/early onset of diffuse-type of GC. The whole coding sequence of the CDH1 gene was sequenced from genomic DNA in all patients, and a multidisciplinary team managed each family member with a pathogenic sequence variant. Thirty-six cases were included (median age 44 years/male 50%). Twenty-seven (75%) patients had diffuse-type GC at ≤50 years of age and 19 (53%) had first or second-degree family members with a history of HDGC. Two cases (5.5%) carried a non-synonymous germline sequence variant in the CDH1 gene: (a) The c.88C>A missense variant was found in a family with three diffuse-type GC cases; and (b) c.1531C>T a nonsense pathogenic variant was identified in a 22-year-old proband with no previous family history of HDGC. Of note, six family members carry the same nonsense pathogenic variant. Prophylactic gastrectomy in the proband’s sister revealed stage I signet-ring cell carcinoma. The finding of 1531C>T pathogenic variant in the CDH1 in proband with no previous family history of HDGC warrants further study to uncover familial clustering of disease in CDH1 negative patients. This finding may be particularly relevant in high incidence countries, such as the case in this report.
Optimisation and Benchmarking of Targeted Amplicon Sequencing for Mycobiome Analysis of Respiratory Specimens
Authors: Ali Nur A’tikah Binte Mohamed , Mac Aogáin Micheál , Morales Raika Francesca , Tiew Pei Yee , Chotirmall Sanjay H.
Published: October 2019

(1) Background: Firm consensus has yet to be established in relation to taxonomic classification and primer choice in targeted amplicon sequencing of the mycobiome. While the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region are recognized as the formal fungal taxonomic barcode, appraisal of different ITS sub-regions and the influence of DNA extraction methods have not been comprehensively undertaken using human respiratory specimens. (2) Methods: We performed ITS analysis of respiratory (sputum) samples by assessing (a) the effect of alternate DNA extraction techniques and (b) an evaluation of four different ITS primer pairs (ITS1F and ITS2; ITS1-30F and ITS1-217R; gITS7ngs and ITS4ng; and Fseq and Rseq) on the mycobiome profiles generated for mock fungal communities and their respective clinical (airway) specimens. (3) Results: Primer pairs varied in their resulting ITS mycobiome profiles, suggesting that particular pairs may be more relevant for analysis of respiratory samples compared to others. Assessment of DNA extraction methods highlighted lower final DNA concentrations achieved by mechanical disruption compared to enzymatic lysis. However, despite lower yields, DNA liberated by mechanical lysis more readily yielded ITS bands with highest success in combination with the Fseq and Rseq primers. (4) Conclusion: Choice of extraction method, primers used, and sequencing approach are all important considerations in sequencing the mycobiome and should be tailored to sample type. A standardization of approach to mycobiome studies using respiratory specimens will permit more reliable comparisons between studies and improve our understanding of the role of fungi in the human airway.
GLABRA2, a Common Regulator for Epidermal Cell Fate Determination and Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Siyu , Wang Shucai
Published: October 2019

Epidermal cell fate determination—including trichome initiation, root hair formation, and flavonoid and mucilage biosynthesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)—are controlled by a similar transcriptional regulatory network. In the network, it has been proposed that the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) activator complexes formed by an R2R3 MYB transcription factor, a bHLH transcription factor and the WD40-repeat protein TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1) regulate the expression of downstream genes required for cell fate determination, flavonoid or mucilage biosynthesis, respectively. In epidermal cell fate determination and mucilage biosynthesis, the MBW activator complexes activate the expression of GLABRA2 (GL2). GL2 is a homeodomain transcription factor that promotes trichome initiation in shoots, mucilage biosynthesis in seeds, and inhibits root hair formation in roots. The MBW activator complexes also activate several R3 MYB genes. The R3 MYB proteins, in turn, competing with the R2R3 MYBs for binding bHLH transcription factors, therefore inhibiting the formation of the MBW activator complexes, lead to the inhibition of trichome initiation in shoots, and promotion of root hair formation in roots. In flavonoid biosynthesis, the MBW activator complexes activate the expression of the late biosynthesis genes in the flavonoid pathway, resulting in the production of anthocyanins or proanthocyanidins. Research progress in recent years suggests that the transcriptional regulatory network that controls epidermal cell fate determination and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis is far more complicated than previously thought. In particular, more regulators of GL2 have been identified, and GL2 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. This review focuses on the research progress on the regulation of GL2 expression, and the roles of GL2 in the regulation of epidermal cell fate determination and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.
Association among Executive Function, Physical Activity, and Weight Status in Youth
Authors: Borkertienė Vaida , Stasiulis Arvydas , Zacharienė Birutė , Kyguolienė Laura , Bacevičienė Rasa
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives: Executive function (EF) is an umbrella term that encompasses the set of higher-order processes. Core EFs are inhibition, interference control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. The aim of the study was to compare the EF between normal weight (NW) and inactive overweight (OW), NW and sport trained (ST), ST and OW 16–19-year-old youths. In addition, the relationship between EF and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was evaluated. Materials and Methods: 10 NW, 14 ST, and 10 OW youths participated in this study. EF was evaluated using the ANAM4 battery. VO2peak was measured during an increasing walking exercise (modified Balke test). Results: The NW youths demonstrated better visual tracking and attention (94.28% ± 3.11%/90.23% ± 2.01%), response inhibition (95.65% ± 1.83%/92.48% ± 1.05%), speed of processing, and alternating attention with a motor speed component (95.5% ± 3.51%/89.01% ± 4.09%) than the OW youths (p < 0.05). The ST youths demonstrated better visual tracking and attention (96.76% ± 1.85%/90.23% ± 2.01%), response inhibition (97.58% ± 0.94%/92.48% ± 1.05%), speed of processing, and alternating attention with a motor speed component (98.35% ± 1.35%/89.01% ± 4.09%) than the OW youths (p < 0.05). The ST youths demonstrated better EF results than NW youths (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The ST 16–19-year-old youths demonstrated better EF than their OW and NW peers. The NW youths demonstrated better EF than their OW peers. There was a significant correlation between VO2peak and EF indicators in all groups of participants.
Reinforced Olive Pâté as a Source of Antioxidants with Positive Effects on Young Smokers
Authors: Cavallo Pierpaolo , Vinale Francesco , Sepe Immacolata , Galasso Gennaro , Fedele Francesca Luisa , Sicari Andrea , Zito Loredana , Lorito Matteo
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives: Olive pâté (OP) is an olive-derived product with potentially beneficial effects on human health due to the presence of natural antioxidants. The present dietary supplementation study aimed to evaluate the effects on blood antioxidant levels of an olive pâté reinforced with natural antioxidants (ROP) recovered from olive mill waste. Materials and methods: Ninety-eight healthy volunteers (M = 54, 55%, age 18–25) were divided into two groups: A (n = 49), practicing three or more days of physical activity a week, and B (n = 49), practicing less than two. Each group was split into two subgroups, receiving dietary supplementation with OP or ROP. The status of smoker was also recorded, and a biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test was performed on each subject. Results: The BAP values increased with both OP (n = 30) and ROP (n = 68) but ROP supplementation showed higher increments (736.9 μmol/L) than OP (339.6). The increment was significantly higher for smokers (n = 15), 1122.9 vs. non-smokers (n = 53), 635.7, with values in percent of baseline, respectively, 34.6% and 16.2% (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The ROP nutritional supplementation appears useful to increase antioxidant activity, with better effect in smokers; further studies should confirm the finding and investigate its biological bases.
Synthesis and Properties of a Bay-Annulated-Indigo Tetramer Based on Low-Cost Spiro[Fluorene-9,9′-Xanthene] Core
Authors: Ren Bao-Yi , Tan Yan-Mei , Sun Chang-Liang , Sheng Yong-Gang
Published: October 2019

A three-dimensional bay-annulated-indigo (BAI) tetramer has been prepared by appending BAI units onto a low-cost spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene] (SFX) core. The target compound 4BAI-SFX exhibits strong and broad absorption in the visible region covering the range of 450~700 nm. The electrochemical measurement illuminates the characteristics of a deep lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level and multiple redox states of 4BAI-SFX. These results suggest that 4BAI-SFX should be a selectable electron-transporting material for eco-friendly organic semiconductors.
Peptidomic Approach for the Identification of Peptides with Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Hyperthensive Effects Derived From Asparagus By-Products
Authors: Montone Carmela Maria , Zenezini Chiozzi Riccardo , Marchetti Nicola , Cerrato Andrea , Antonelli Michela , Capriotti Anna Laura , Cavaliere Chiara , Piovesana Susy , Laganà Aldo
Published: October 2019

Asparagus waste represents products of great interest since many compounds with high biological value are located in the lower portion of the spears. The extraction of bioactive compounds from asparagus by-products is therefore crucial for the purpose of adding value to these by-products. In this paper, bioactive peptides from asparagus waste were extracted, digested, purified and identified. In particular, Alcalase® was chosen as the enzyme to use to obtain protein hydrolysate due to its low cost and, consequently, the possibility of implementing the method on a large scale. In order to simplify the peptide extract to reach better identification, the hydrolysate was fractionated by reversed-phase chromatography in 10 fractions. Two tests were carried out for antioxidant activity (ABTS-DPPH) and one for antihypertensive activity (ACE). Fractions with a higher bioactivity score were identified by peptidomics technologies and screened for bioactivity with the use of bioinformatics. For ACE-inhibitor activity, two peptides were synthetized, PDWFLLL and ASQSIWLPGWL, which provided an EC50 value of 1.76 µmol L−1 and 4.02 µmol L−1, respectively. For the antioxidant activity, by DPPH assay, MLLFPM exhibited the lowest EC50 value at 4.14 µmol L−1, followed by FIARNFLLGW and FAPVPFDF with EC50 values of 6.76 µmol L−1 and 10.01 µmol L−1, respectively. A validation of the five identified peptides was also carried out. The obtained results showed that peptides obtained from asparagus by-products are of interest for their biological activity and are suitable for being used as functional ingredients.
Level of Biogenic Amines in Red and White Wines, Dietary Exposure, and Histamine-Mediated Symptoms upon Wine Ingestion
Authors: Esposito Francesco , Montuori Paolo , Schettino Mario , Velotto Salvatore , Stasi Tommaso , Romano Raffaele , Cirillo Teresa
Published: October 2019

Biogenic amines (BAs) are involved in physiological processes. Foods where typically high levels of BAs occur are fermented food and beverage. This work set out to evaluate the occurrence of BAs in red and white wines, and to also ascertain the dietary exposure to BAs among consumers. Besides, a case report of a probable histamine intoxication upon ingestion of contaminated wine was described. The samples were analyzed through derivatization with dansyl chloride and HPLC-UV detection. Red wines showed higher levels of BAs, especially putrescine (PUT) and histamine (HIS), than white wines (median concentrations of 7.30 and 2.45 mg/L, respectively). However, results of our investigation showed that the dietary exposure to BAs through the consumption of wine (red and white) were lower than the recommended maximum levels for the acute exposure to HIS and tyramine (TYR). In contrast, the levels of BAs in wine on tap were much higher than in bottled wine and close to recommended values. The levels of HIS, TYR, and PUT in tap wine of 9.97, 8.23, and 13.01 mg/L, respectively, were associated with histamine-mediated symptoms in six young individuals after consumption of about three glasses of wine. The overall results and multivariate analysis confirm that red wine shows a higher concentration of BAs than white wine, especially putrescine and histamine. This finding is attributable to the malolactic fermentation that is common for most red wine production. It is also evident that incorrect preservation processes can lead to an increase in BA levels, probably due to the action of bacteria with high decarboxylase activity. The exposure values, although below the toxicity thresholds, could lead to histamine-mediated symptoms in susceptible individuals, also according to the case report discussed in this study.
Voriconazole-Based Salts Are Active against Multidrug-Resistant Human Pathogenic Yeasts
Authors: Szepiński Emil , Martynow Dorota , Szweda Piotr , Milewska Maria J. , Milewski Sławomir
Published: October 2019

Voriconazole (VOR) hydrochloride is unequivocally converted into VOR lactates and valinates upon reaction with silver salts of organic acids. This study found that the anticandidal in vitro activity of these compounds was comparable or slightly better than that of VOR. The Candida albicans clinical isolate overexpressing CaCDR1/CaCDR2 genes, highly resistant to VOR, was apparently more susceptible to VOR salts. On the other hand, the susceptibility of another C. albicans clinical isolate (demonstrating multidrug resistance due to the overexpression of CaMDR1) to VOR salts was comparable to that to VOR. Comparative studies on the influence of VOR and its salts on Rhodamine 6G efflux from susceptible and multidrug-resistant C. albicans cells revealed that VOR salts are poorer substrates for the CaCdr1p drug efflux pump than VOR.
Gum Kondagoagu/Reduced Graphene Oxide Framed Platinum Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Role
Authors: Venkateshaiah Abhilash , Silvestri Daniele , Ramakrishnan Rohith K. , Wacławek Stanislaw , Padil Vinod V. T. , Černík Miroslav , Varma Rajender S.
Published: October 2019

This study investigates an environmentally benign approach to generate platinum nanoparticles (Pt NP) supported on the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by non-edible gum waste of gum kondagogu (GK). The reaction adheres to the green chemistry approach by using an aqueous medium and a nontoxic natural reductant—GK—whose abundant hydroxyl groups facilitate in the reduction process of platinum salt and helps as well in the homogenous distribution of ensued Pt NP on RGO sheets. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of kondagogu gum/reduced graphene oxide framed spherical platinum nanoparticles (RGO-Pt) with an average particle size of 3.3 ± 0.6 nm, as affirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). X-ray Diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the Pt NPs formed are crystalline with a face-centered cubic structure, while morphological analysis by XRD and Raman spectroscopy revealed a simultaneous reduction of GO and Pt. The hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol could be accomplished in the superior catalytic performance of RGO-Pt. The current strategy emphasizes a simple, fast and environmentally benign technique to generate low-cost gum waste supported nanoparticles with a commendable catalytic activity that can be exploited in environmental applications.
Flood Mapping with Convolutional Neural Networks Using Spatio-Contextual Pixel Information
Authors: Sarker Chandrama , Mejias Luis , Maire Frederic , Woodley Alan
Published: October 2019

Remote sensing technology in recent years has been regarded the most important source to provide substantial information for delineating the flooding extent to the disaster management authority. There have been numerous studies proposing mathematical or statistical classification models for flood mapping. However, conventional pixel-wise classifications methods rely on the exact match of the spectral signature to label the target pixel. In this study, we propose a fully convolutional neural networks (F-CNNs) classification model to map the flooding extent from Landsat satellite images. We utilised the spatial information from the neighbouring area of target pixel in classification. A total of 64 different models were generated and trained with a variable neighbourhood size of training samples and number of learnable filters. The training results revealed that the model trained with 3 × 3 neighbourhood sized training samples and with 32 convolutional filters achieved the best performance out of the experiments. A new set of different Landsat images covering flooded areas across Australia were used to evaluate the classification performance of the model. A comparison of our proposed classification model to the conventional support vector machines (SVM) classification model shows that the F-CNNs model was able to detect flooded areas more efficiently than the SVM classification model. For example, the F-CNNs model achieved a maximum precision rate (true positives) of 76.7% compared to 45.27% for SVM classification.
Weighted Double-Logistic Function Fitting Method for Reconstructing the High-Quality Sentinel-2 NDVI Time Series Data Set
Authors: Yang Yingpin , Luo Jiancheng , Huang Qiting , Wu Wei , Sun Yingwei
Published: October 2019

The time series (TS) of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has been widely used to trace the temporal and spatial variability of terrestrial vegetation. However, many factors such as atmospheric noise and radiometric correction residuals conceal the actual variation in the land surface, and thus hamper the TS information extraction. To minimize the negative effects of these noise factors, we propose a new method to produce a synthetic gap-free NDVI TS from the original contaminated observation. First, the key temporal points are identified from the NDVI time profiles based on a generally used rule-based strategy, making the TS segmented into several adjacent segments. Then, the observed data points in each segment are fitted with a weighted double-logistic function. The proposed dynamic weight reassignment process effectively emphasizes cloud-free points and deemphasizes cloud-contaminated points. Finally, the proposed method is evaluated on more than 3,000 test points from three selected Sentinel-2 tiles, and is compared with the generally used Savitzky-Golay (S-G) and harmonic analysis of time series (HANTS) methods from qualitative and quantitative aspects. The results indicate that the proposed method has a higher capability of retaining cloud-free data points and identifying outliers than the others, and can generate a gap-free NDVI time profile derived from a medium-resolution satellite sensor.
Improved Optical Waveguide Microcantilever for Integrated Nanomechanical Sensor
Authors: Jing Yachao , Fan Guofang , Wang Rongwei , Zhang Zeping , Cai Xiaoyu , Wei Jiasi , Chen Xin , Li Hongyu , Li Yuan
Published: October 2019

This paper reports on an improved optical waveguide microcantilever sensor with high sensitivity. To improve the sensitivity, a buffer was introduced into the connection of the input waveguide and optical waveguide cantilever by extending the input waveguide to reduce the coupling loss of the junction. The buffer-associated optical losses were examined for different cantilever thicknesses. The optimum length of the buffer was found to be 0.97 μm for a cantilever thickness of 300 nm. With this configuration, the optical loss was reduced to about 40%, and the maximum sensitivity was more than twice that of the conventional structure.
An Interoperable Component-Based Architecture for Data-Driven IoT System
Authors: Lo Sin Kit , Liew Chee Sun , Tey Kok Soon , Mekhilef Saad
Published: October 2019

The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) as a solution in diverse application domains has nurtured the expansion in the number of devices and data volume. Multiple platforms and protocols have been introduced and resulted in high device ubiquity and heterogeneity. However, currently available IoT architectures face challenges to accommodate the diversity in IoT devices or services operating under different operating systems and protocols. In this paper, we propose a new IoT architecture that utilizes the component-based design approach to create and define the loosely-coupled, standalone but interoperable service components for IoT systems. Furthermore, a data-driven feedback function is included as a key feature of the proposed architecture to enable a greater degree of system automation and to reduce the dependency on mankind for data analysis and decision-making. The proposed architecture aims to tackle device interoperability, system reusability and the lack of data-driven functionality issues. Using a real-world use case on a proof-of-concept prototype, we examined the viability and usability of the proposed architecture.
Quantitative Analysis of Soil Total Nitrogen Using Hyperspectral Imaging Technology with Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Li Hongyang , Jia Shengyao , Le Zichun
Published: October 2019

Soil nutrient detection is important for precise fertilization. A total of 150 soil samples were picked from Lishui City. In this work, the total nitrogen (TN) content in soil samples was detected in the spectral range of 900–1700 nm using a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system. Characteristic wavelengths were extracted using uninformative variable elimination (UVE) and the successive projections algorithm (SPA), separately. Partial least squares (PLS) and extreme learning machine (ELM) were used to establish the calibration models with full spectra and characteristic wavelengths, respectively. The results indicated that the prediction effect of the nonlinear ELM model was superior to the linear PLS model. In addition, the models using the characteristic wavelengths could also achieve good results, and the UVE–ELM model performed better, having a correlation coefficient of prediction (rp), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), and residual prediction deviation (RPD) of 0.9408, 0.0075, and 2.97, respectively. The UVE–ELM model was then used to estimate the TN content in the soil sample and obtain a distribution map. The research results indicate that HSI can be used for the detection and visualization of the distribution of TN content in soil, providing a basis for future large-scale monitoring of soil nutrient distribution and rational fertilization.