bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orbitrap mass spectrometry for monitoring the ganglioside pattern in human cerebellum development and aging
Authors: Ica Raluca , Petrut Alina , Munteanu Cristian V.A. , Sarbu Mirela , Vukelić Željka , Petrica Ligia , Zamfir Alina D.
Published: January 2020

We have developed here a superior approach based on high‐resolution (HR) mass spectrometry (MS) for monitoring the changes occurring with development and aging in the composition and structure of cerebellar gangliosidome. The experiments were focused on the comparative screening and structural analysis of gangliosides expressed in fetal and aged cerebellum by Orbitrap MS with nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) in the negative ion mode. The employed ultrahigh‐resolution MS platform allowed the discrimination, without the need of previous separation, of 159 ions corresponding to 120 distinct species in the native ganglioside mixtures from fetal and aged cerebellar biopsies, many more than detected before, when MS platforms of lower resolution were employed. A number of gangliosides, in particular polysialylated belonging to GT, GQ, GP, and GS classes, modified by O‐fucosylation, O‐acetylation, or CH3COO− were discovered here, for the first time in human cerebellum. These components, found differently expressed in fetal and aged tissues, indicated that the ganglioside profile in cerebellum is development stage‐ and age‐specific. Following the fragmentation analysis by high‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (HCD) tandem MS (MS/MS), we have also observed that the intimate structure of certain compounds has not changed during the development and aging of the brain, an aspect which could open new directions in the investigation of ganglioside biomarkers in cerebellar tissue.
Combination of rosemary extract and buffered vinegar inhibits Pseudomonas and Shewanella growth in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Sterniša Meta , Purgatorio Chiara , Paparella Antonello , Mraz Jan , Smole Možina Sonja
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food‐production sector, and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most cultivated fish species in the world. Due to its intrinsic characteristics, fish meat is highly susceptible to microbiological spoilage. Pseudomonas and Shewanella are the primary and secondary occurring microbiota during storage of fish meat, with significant contribution to spoilage with the formation of hydrolytic enzymes (lipases and proteases).

RESULTS

With in vitro testing, we show that rosemary extract (Inolens4), buffered vinegar and their combination (SyneROX) exhibit antimicrobial effects against P. fragi, P. psychrophila, S. putrefaciens and S. xiaemensis at concentrations of 3.13 and 1.56 mg mL−1. The combination was the most effective in inhibiting growth of selected bacteria in food model, and production of lipases and proteases during 9 days at 5 °C. In situ testing of antimicrobial dip treatment of carp meat determined that aerobic mesophilic, total psychrotrophic, Pseudomonas and hydrogen sulfide producer counts were reduced in all treatments, with the most prominent influence being shown by the combination and buffered vinegar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the importance of a multilevel assessment of the antimicrobial potential of biopreservatives under conditions comparable to those of the selected food. Investigation with bacteria and food model provided coherent and consistent data for the evaluation of the antimicrobial potential for carp meat. Combination of buffered vinegar (as active antimicrobial) and rosemary extract, with well‐known and researched antioxidant properties but low in situ antimicrobial activity, represents a good potential for combined effect in preservation of fish meat. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of potato protein‐based microcapsules with an emphasis on the mechanism of interaction among the main components
Authors: Wang Chenjie , Chang Tong , Zhang Dongliang , Ma Chengye , Chen Shanfeng , Li Hongjun
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Potato protein (PP) has promising potential for utilization in food applications due to its high nutritive value and functional properties. Grapeseed oil (GO) is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant active ingredients. However, its application is limited because of low stability and high volatility. In order to overcome such problems, PP‐based microcapsules encapsulating GO were produced by complex coacervation, and characterized using optical, thermodynamic and spectroscopic analyses.

RESULTS

Results indicated that a ratio of GO/PP of 1:2 led to the best encapsulation effect with the maximum microencapsulation efficiency and yield. Intact and nearly spherical microcapsules were observed from scanning electron microscopy images. Results of thermogravimetry demonstrated that thermal resistance was increased in the microencapsulated GO, indicating that PP‐based microcapsules could be a good way to protect the thermal stability of GO. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that hydrogen bonding and covalent crosslinking might occur among wall materials, but a physical interaction between GO and wall materials.

CONCLUSIONS

PP can be successfully used to encapsulate GO when combined with chitosan, indicating that PP‐based microcapsules have potential for application in encapsulating liquid oils with functional properties. A schematic diagram of possible interactions was constructed to better understand the mechanism of formation of the microcapsules. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Fermentative and post‐fermentative oxygenation of Corvina red wine: influence on phenolic and volatile composition, colour and wine oxidative response
Authors: Picariello Luigi , Slaghenaufi Davide , Ugliano Maurizio
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

During the production of red wine, moderate uptake of oxygen in the post‐fermentative phase helps the stabilization of colour and the decrease of astringent tannins. However, the influence of oxygen uptake during the fermentative phase in must has not been completely investigated. In this study we evaluated the effect of controlled oxygen supply during fermentation–maceration of Corvina grapes on colour characteristics, tannins, volatile compounds, acetaldehyde production and oxidative stability of the finished wine.

RESULTS

Oxygen supply during fermentation improved the formations of stable pigments of Corvina wines due to the higher production of acetaldehyde. However, in wines treated with oxygen a lower production of fruity esters by yeasts was observed. Wines obtained from higher oxygen exposure during fermentation–maceration showed reduced ability to react with oxygen during storage.

CONCLUSIONS

Fermentative and post‐fermentative oxygenation should be considered as a technological approach for modifying colour composition and stability, as well as oxidative behaviour of wine during aging. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comprehensive separation of iridoid glycosides and triterpenoid saponins from Dipsacus asper with salt‐containing solvent by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography coupled with recycling mode
Authors: Yu Jinqian , Zhang Jinqiang , Sun Xiaowei , Xiao Chenghong , Wang Xiao , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2020

The roots of Dipsacus asper Wall as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine are used for tonifying liver and kidney and strengthening bones and muscles. However, an effective separation strategy for comprehensive and rapid separation of the main active compounds from the roots of D. asper is nonexistent. This investigation provided an effective separation method based on AB‐8 macroporous resin column chromatography using different ratios of ethanol in water and two different modes of high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with salt‐containing solvent system for rapid enrichment and separation from the roots of D. asper. The macroporous resin column chromatography was performed on AB‐8 resin using ethanol in water ratios of 10, 30, 40, 50, and 80% as the optimized enrichment conditions for iridoid glycosides and triterpenoid saponins with different polarities. For high‐speed countercurrent chromatography separation, the conventional and recycling modes were combined together to develop a strategy for 12 compounds (1–12) from the enriched parts of 30, 40, and 80% ethanol, including six high‐polarity iridoid glycosides (1–6) using inorganic salt‐containing solvent system and six triterpenoid saponins (7–12). Recycling high‐speed countercurrent chromatography separation was successfully applied to separate two isomers (9 and 10) after 11 cycles.
A Prospective Study of Fractionated Dual‐Wavelength Picosecond Laser in Treating Acne Scar
Authors: Yang Ching‐Sheng , Huang Yau‐Li , Cheng Chun‐Yu , Hu Sindy , Chang Shyue‐Luen , Lee Mei‐Ching
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

The picosecond (PICO) laser has been a new and promising device. But, so far, there have not been many prospective studies investigating the efficacy in acne scar treatment. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the dual‐wavelength picosecond laser in the treatment of acne scar.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A total of 20 patients with skin type III–IV were enrolled in this study. Eighteen patients completed the study. All patients completed six treatment sessions within a 1‐month interval. All patients were treated using both 532 and 1,064 nm fractionated dual‐wavelength picosecond handpieces. In evaluation, Goodman and Baron's quantitative global acne scarring grading system (GSS) was scored by two physicians. Patients also judged the results themselves by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and pain score.

Results

The average baseline score of GSS quantity and quality were 15.22 and 3.00, respectively. The final scores were 10.61 and 2.33. The average baseline of patient VAS score was 4.28. The final score was 2.00. All scores achieved statistical significance (P < 0.05). No serious long‐term side effects were recorded.

Conclusion

Acne scar treatment with the fractionated dual‐wavelength picosecond laser has shown both efficacy and safety in this study. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partition Markov model for multiple processes
Authors: Cordeiro Marcos Tadeu A. , García Jesús Enrique , González‐López Verónica Andrea , Mercado Londoño Sergio Luis
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we analyze the model proposed in García and Londoño1 in which a set of p‐independent sequences of discrete time Markov chains is considered, over a finite alphabet A and with finite order o. The model is obtained identifying the states on the state space Ao where two or more sequences share the same transition probabilities (see also García and González‐López2). This identification establishes a partition on {1,…,p}×Ao, the set of sequences, and the state space. We show that by means of the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), the partition can be estimated eventually almost surely. Also, in García and Londoño,1 it is given a notion of divergence, derived from the BIC, which serves to identify the proximity/discrepancy between elements of {1,…,p}×Ao (see also García et al3). In the present article, we prove that this notion is a metric in the space where the model is built and that it is statistically consistent to determine proximity/discrepancy between the elements of the space {1,…,p}×Ao. We apply the notions discussed here for the construction of a parsimonious model that represents the common stochastic structure of 153 complete genomic Zika sequences, coming from tropical and subtropical regions.
A compact wideband circularly polarized antenna with dual SIW cavity modes
Authors: Cheng You‐Feng , Luo Jie , Peng Fan , Liao Cheng
Published: January 2020

This letter presents an improved planar circularly polarized antenna with broad impedance and axial ratio (AR) bandwidths. Four rectangle slots backed by a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity are fed by a sequentially rotated feeding network to realize the circular polarization. Besides, TE110 and TE210 modes are excited in the SIW cavity and thus an impedance band from 5.24 to 6.44 GHz (20.6%) and an AR band of 5.29 to 6.19 GHz (15.7%) are realized. The antenna also has some other advantages, such as compact size, low profile, and easy integration with other planar circuits, which make it has the potential for some wireless systems.
Conservation and the social sciences: Beyond critique and co‐optation. A case study from orangutan conservation
Authors: Chua Liana , Harrison Mark E. , Fair Hannah , Milne Sol , Palmer Alexandra , Rubis June , Thung Paul , Wich Serge , Büscher Bram , Cheyne Susan M. , Puri Rajindra K. , Schreer Viola , Stępień Anna , Meijaard Erik
Published: January 2020

Interactions between conservation and the social sciences are frequently characterized by either critique (of conservation by social scientists) or co‐optation (of social scientific methods and insights by conservationists).

This article seeks to push beyond these two dominant positions by exploring how conservationists and social scientists can engage in mutually transformative dialogue. Jointly authored by conservation scientists and social scientists, it uses the global nexus of orangutan conservation as a lens onto current challenges and possibilities facing the conservation–social science relationship.

We begin with a cross‐disciplinary overview of recent developments in orangutan conservation—particularly those concerned with its social, political and other human dimensions.

The article then undertakes a synthetic analysis of key challenges in orangutan conservation—working across difference, juggling scales and contexts and dealing with politics and political economy—and links them to analogous concerns in the conservation–social science relationship.

Finally, we identify some ways by which orangutan conservation specifically, and the conservation–social science relationship more generally, can move forward: through careful use of proxies as bridging devices, through the creation of new, shared spaces, and through a willingness to destabilize and overhaul status quos. This demands an open‐ended, unavoidably political commitment to critical reflexivity and self‐transformation on the part of both conservationists and social scientists.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Nanowire Junction Induced High Threshold Voltage in Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Mesoscale Crystalline Thin‐Film Transistors with Significantly Enhanced Mobility
Authors: Deng Yadan , Jiang Jingzan , Sun Jun , Hu Yufeng , Cui Qiuhong , Deng Zhenbo , Lou Zhidong , Hou Yanbing , Teng Feng
Published: January 2020

Fabrication of nanowires in polymer films can dramatically enhance the mobility of thin‐film transistors (TFTs). Unlike the popular method of forming nanowires after spin‐coating films, here a water‐bath method to fabricate the micrometer‐long nanowires in the poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) solution is introduced, which is suitable for large‐area printing electronic application. The resulting transistor exhibits significantly enhanced mobility and excellent device stability. However, the threshold voltage of the device is increased, compared with the amorphous film device. The underlying mechanism of the mesoscale crystalline induced threshold voltage increase has been rarely studied. The temperature‐dependent characteristics imply that the activation energy of the device with nanowires is higher than that of the amorphous one, indicating nanowires can introduce deep traps. This suggests that the charge transport is mainly limited by the deep traps at the junctions between the nanowires considering the trap density inside the nanowires is significantly low. The deep traps introduced by the junctions can increase the threshold voltage as the device needs higher voltage to fill these traps in the channel before the device is turned on. This explains why the devices with nanowires have an increased threshold voltage while their mobilities are dramatically enhanced.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Chitosan as Stabilizer Agent: Application towards Electrocatalytical Reduction of p‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Laghrib F. , Houcini H. , Khalil F. , Liba A. , Bakasse M. , Lahrich S. , El Mhammedi M. A.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a simple chemical method is reported for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using β‐1,4 poly D‐glucosamine as stabilizer agent and their application towards electrocatalytical determination of p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP). The formation of β‐1,4 poly D‐glucosamine capped silver nanoparticles was confirmed using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the β‐1,4 poly D‐glucosamine capped silver nanoparticles modified graphite carbon electrode (β 1,4 p‐DGA‐AgNPs/GrCE) towards p‐NP was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and amperometric (i–t) studies. Typically, the obtained results were compared with those for unmodified graphite carbon. The results clearly reveal that the end prepared sensor has high electrocatalytic activity for p‐NP reduction. From the DPV results, (β 1,4 p‐DGA‐AgNPs/GrCE) was concluded as viable sensor for the electrochemical determination of p‐NP in a linear range from 1.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−4 mol L−1. The minimum calculated concentration that can be detected by the proposed electrode is 6.0×10−7 mol L−1 in terms of the detection limit ((3×σ)/P).
Superior Electrochemical Performance of WNb2O8 Nanorods Triggered by Ultra‐Efficient Li+ Diffusion
Authors: Zhou Zhuren , Lou Shuaifeng , Cheng Xinqun , Cui Binghan , Si Wei , Ding Fei , Ma Yulin , Zuo Pengjian , Du Chunyu , Wang Jiajun , Yin Geping
Published: January 2020

Advanced anode materials with high rate performance and high safety are greatly desired for power lithium ion batteries. Herein, one‐dimensional WNb2O8 is synthesized via a simple solution method with succeeding thermal calcining, and is first employed as an anode material for power lithium ion batteries. WNb2O8 nanorods with diameters of 100–200 nm reveal a reversible capacity of 229.2 mAh g−1 with high initial coulombic efficiency of 92 % at 0.2 C. WNb2O8 nanorods also possess high rate performance (150.7 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and cycling stability (keeping 85.2 % of the initial capacity after 500 cycles at 5 C). Moreover, the calculation results prove that the intercalation pseudocapacitance, which is promoted by ultrahigh lithium ion diffusion efficiency, plays a significant role in the fast charge/discharge processes.
Catalytic Performance and Characterization of Highly Efficient Composite Ni(Clx)/CeO2/η‐Al2O3/FeCrAl Wire Mesh Catalysts for Preferential CO Methanation
Authors: Konishcheva Margarita V. , Svintsitskiy Dmitry A. , Potemkin Dmitry I. , Rogozhnikov Vladimir N. , Sobyanin Vladimir A. , Snytnikov Pavel V.
Published: January 2020

Structured composite Ni(Clx)/CeO2/η‐Al2O3/FeCrAl catalysts are developed for the reaction of preferential methanation of carbon monoxide in the presence of carbon dioxide. The use of a FeCrAl alloy wire mesh as a support for Ni(Cl)/CeO2 allows preparation of a heat‐conducting catalyst that is similar in performance and physical‐chemical properties to the highly efficient catalysts in the form of micro pellets, as confirmed by catalytic tests and XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM, EDX characterization techniques. Catalytic tests are carried out in hydrogen‐rich mixture which contains (vol. %): 1 CO, 65 H2, 10 H2O, 20 CO2, He – balance; weight hourly space velocity is 29,000 cm3gcat−1h−1. The structured catalyst with highly dispersed nickel and optimal chlorine content provides CO removal to a level of <10 ppm in the temperature interval of 230–300 °C. XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX analysis confirm the presence of Ni nanoparticles and CeOCl species in the catalytic coating. XPS study of samples after reductive pretreatment (simulating CO preferential methanation reaction conditions) in the preparation chamber of the spectrometer reveals the metallic state of Ni and high concentrations of Cl and Ce3+ on the catalyst surface.
Adsorptive Degradation of Phosmet Using Hierarchically Porous Calcium Oxide : An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Nagpal Mudita , Kakkar Rita
Published: January 2020

The potential of hierarchically porous calcium oxide (Hr−CaO) as a destructive adsorbent for organophosphate pesticides has been explored in this work. Hr−CaO has been synthesized via an environment friendly precipitation method using water/ glycerol as the solvent system and gelatin as a template. As‐prepared CaO exhibits a hierarchically porous structure with a high surface area of 74.8 m2 g−1. The adsorption of phosmet on Hr−CaO obeys pseudo‐second order kinetics and is described well by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Thermodynamic studies further explain the adsorption process to be exothermic and spontaneous. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Xray diffraction (XRD) analysis of Hr−CaO after phosmet adsorption and the fragmentation pattern of phosmet obtained through mass spectrometric studies suggest chemical interaction of phosmet with Hr−CaO. Density functional theory (DFT) studies further confirm highly exothermic destructive phosmet adsorption and degradation products matching the peaks obtained in the mass spectrum.
Plasmonic Elastic Capsules as Colorimetric Reversible pH‐Microsensors
Authors: Burel Céline , Teolis Alexandre , Alsayed Ahmed , Murray Christopher B. , Donnio Bertrand , Dreyfus Rémi
Published: January 2020

There is a crucial need for effective and easily dispersible colloidal microsensors able to detect local pH changes before irreversible damages caused by demineralization, corrosion, or biofilms occur. One class of such microsensors is based on molecular dyes encapsulated or dispersed either in polymer matrices or in liquid systems exhibiting different colors upon pH variations. They are efficient but often rely on sophisticated and costly syntheses, and present significant risks of leakage and photobleaching damages, which is detrimental for mainstream applications. Another approach consists of exploiting the distance‐dependent plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles. Still, assembling nanoparticles into dispersible colloidal pH‐sensitive sensors remains a challenge. Here, it is shown how to combine optically active plasmonic gold nanoparticles and pH‐responsive thin shells into “plasmocapsules.” Upon pH change, plasmocapsules swell or shrink. Concomitantly, the distance between the gold nanoparticles embedded in the polymeric matrix varies, resulting in an unambiguous color change. Billions of micron‐size sensors can thus be easily fabricated. They are nonintrusive, reusable, and sense local pH changes. Each plasmocapsule is an independent reversible microsensor over a large pH range. Finally, their potential use for the detection of bacterial growth is demonstrated, thus proving that plasmocapsules are a new class of sensing materials.
Stable p‐type Cu:CdS1−xSex/Pt Thin‐Film Photocathodes with Fully Tunable Bandgap for Scavenger‐Free Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Ye Zi , Hu Zhuofeng , Yang Lixia , Xiao Xudong
Published: January 2020

Natural Cd‐based group II–VI semiconductors in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells are normally used as photoanodes, whose applications are hence hindered by the heavy anodic photocorrosion. Herein, a series of p‐type Cu‐doped CdS1−xSex alloy thin films as photocathodes for water splitting is reported. These alloyed films, synthesized via a simple but well‐controlled physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, are fully tunable in chemical composition, which leads to a tunable bandgap from 1.69 to 2.40 eV. Benefiting from the broadened visible light response, the Cu:CdS0.7Se0.3 photocathode with Pt nanoparticles (NPs) as cocatalysts shows a 37% higher photocurrent density and a higher Faradaic efficiency compared with previously reported Cu:CdS/Pt. More importantly, good stability of the Cu:CdS0.7Se0.3/Pt photocathode in scavenger‐free electrolyte for PEC water splitting is first achieved, with 80% remaining photocurrent and no significant change in 5 h. The released Cd2+ in the electrolyte for the p‐type Cu:CdS1−xSex/Pt photocathode is suppressed by more than three orders of magnitude as compared with a traditional n‐type CdS1−xSex/Pt photoanode. The results reveal the feasibility of Cd‐based group II–VI materials as the thin‐film photocathode for PEC water splitting. The tunable bandgap and durability of p‐type Cu:CdS1−xSex can contribute to future heterojunction structure design in PEC cells.
Mechanical properties of high strength concrete made with pyrophyllite aggregates exposed to high temperature
Authors: Demez Abdultaha , Karakoç Mehmet Burhan
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the results of an experimental research on the assessment of the residual mechanical properties of high strength concretes (HSCs) made with pyrophyllite aggregate (PA) after high temperature. In the study, HSC mixtures with varying PA ratios (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) were subjected to elevated temperature (150, 300, 450, 600, and 750°C) and then cooled in two different cooling regimes (air and water‐cooling). The properties examined included compressive strength, weight loss, effects of cooling regime, and microstructure of HSC. The results of the study show that the increase in the PA ratios leads to a decrease in the compressive strength values. The results showed that weight loss of the specimens decreased with increasing PA ratios. It was found that the compressive strength values of HSC with PA cooled in air‐cooling are higher than that cooled in water. When the compressive strength loss and the weight loss values are taken into consideration according to the control samples, the group with the highest resistance to high temperature (750°C) effect was 100% PA group. Also, the internal structures of the samples exposed to high temperature were examined using scanning electron microscope and visual observations.
Hypersonic limit of two‐dimensional steady compressible Euler flows passing a straight wedge
Authors: Qu Aifang , Yuan Hairong , Zhao Qin
Published: January 2020

We formulate a problem on hypersonic limit of two‐dimensional steady non‐isentropic compressible Euler flows passing a straight wedge. It turns out that the Mach number of the upcoming uniform supersonic flow increases to infinity may be taken as that the adiabatic exponent γ of the polytropic gas decreases to 1. We propose a form of the Euler equations which is valid if the unknowns are Radon measures and construct a measure solution containing Dirac measures supported on the surface of the wedge. It is proved that as , the sequence of solutions of the compressible Euler equations that contains a shock ahead of the wedge converges vaguely as measures to the measure solution constructed. This justifies the Newton theory of hypersonic flow passing obstacles in the case of two‐dimensional straight wedges. The result also demonstrates the necessity of considering general measure solutions in the study of boundary‐value problems of systems of hyperbolic conservation laws.
Chronic inflammation promotes proliferation in the prostatic stroma in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis: study for a novel method of inducing benign prostatic hyperplasia in a rat model
Authors: Zhang Mengyang , Luo Changcheng , Cui Kai , Xiong Tao , Chen Zhong
Published: January 2020

Objective

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of the present study was to reference the study of the pathological changes in the prostate gland of rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP), for the development of experimental models of BPH.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis was induced in rats by the intradermal injection of rat prostate antigen with immunoadjuvants. In case of the positive BPH group, BPH was induced by the subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate. At the end of the 45-day model period, prostate weights were measured, and the histopathological analysis of the prostate glands was performed. The levels of cytokines, TGF-β1/RhoA/ROCK signals, and the oxidative stress status were also examined.

Results

Rats from the EAP group had a higher histological score than those from the control group. Compared to the samples from rats in the hormone-induced group, those from the EAP group showed a more pronounced increase in the size of the stromal compartment; this was characterized by the formation of reactive stroma and the deposition of a greater amount of extracellular matrix (ECM). Significant increases in the numbers of CD3-positive cells and CD68-positive cells, as well as a significant upregulation in the cytokine levels, and an increase in the TGF-β1 levels and activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling, were observed in the samples from rats in the EAP group.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation can induce BPH in rats via EAP model method. When performing drug experiments on the stroma compartments of BPH, the use of the EAP model is a recommendation of the authors based on this study.
Hardware removal rates after surgical treatment of proximal femur fractures
Authors: Ponkilainen Ville T. , Huttunen Tuomas T. , Kannus Pekka , Mattila Ville M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Various internal fixation methods have been used to treat proximal femur fractures and occasionally the fixation material is removed. However, nationwide trends of hardware removals are not known. Thus, this study investigated the hardware removal rates after proximal femur fractures in Finland during 1997–2016.

Materials and methods

Finnish adults aged 18 years or older in 1997–2016 formed the basic study population. From the National Hospital Discharge Register patients with trochanteric femur fracture treated with an intramedullary nail (IMN) or dynamic hip screw (DHS), and patients with femoral neck fracture treated with screw fixation, were included. Hardware removal and secondary prosthesis rates were assessed.

Results

Altogether 41,253 patients underwent proximal femoral fracture fixation surgery in Finland in 1997–2016. Of these, 16,152 were DHS surgery and 15,724 IMN surgery and 8491 underwent screw operation of femoral neck fracture. The total removal rates of DHS and IMN were 5.5% and 5.4%. The total removal rate of screw fixations of the femoral neck was higher, 18.5%. The total removal rates during the first 3 years after the IMN more than halved in 1997–2013, from 7.6% to 3.7%, whereas the removal rate of the DHS or screw fixation of femoral neck fractures did not show consistent trend. The rate of secondary prosthesis operations following DHS and IMN was low (1.8% for both). This was in clear contrast to the prosthesis rate following screw fixations of the femoral neck (7.2%).

Conclusions

IMN operations largely replaced DHS operations in trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur in Finland in 1997–2016. The removal and secondary prosthesis rates of the DHS and IMN were clearly lower than the corresponding rates after screw fixations of the femoral neck fracture.

Level of evidence

III, Epidemiologic study.
Latent postharvest pathogens of pome fruit and their management: from single measures to a systems intervention approach
Authors: Wenneker Marcel , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: January 2020

Postharvest diseases of pome fruit are typically caused by a wide diversity of fungal pathogens, and the list of confirmed causal agents is still growing. There is considerable knowledge on the epidemiology of wound pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum. In contrast, knowledge on the occurrence of the different postharvest diseases caused after latent (quiescent) infections during long-term storage and their epidemiology is limited. Well-known pathogens causing postharvest losses after latent infections are Neofabraea spp. and Colletotrichum spp., but in many cases the causal agents that occur in a specific region remain unknown and their control relies on the routine use of fungicide applications. However, due to the growing concern over the use of synthetic fungicides, alternative control measures are highly desired. Over the past years the use of physical treatments, natural compounds, and biocontrol agents have been investigated as alternatives. However, no single method has emerged that can robustly and reliably control postharvest diseases of pome fruit in practice. In this review it is argued to approach latent postharvest diseases as complex problems that require multiple interventions at different stages of the disease process in a systems intervention approach for their control. Such approach requires a deep understanding of the epidemiology of the causal agents in the orchard, fruit defence mechanisms against pathogens, and the molecular biology of host-pathogen interactions in order to develop novel disease control methods in which the deployment of resistant cultivars can be a cornerstone.
Leaching and degradation of 13C2-15N-glyphosate in field lysimeters
Authors: Gros Peter , Meissner Ralph , Wirth Marisa A. , Kanwischer Marion , Rupp Holger , Schulz-Bull Detlef E. , Leinweber Peter
Published: January 2020

Glyphosate (GLYP), the globally most important herbicide, may have effects in various compartments of the environment such as soil and water. Although laboratory studies showed fast microbial degradation and a low leaching potential, it is often detected in various environmental compartments, but pathways are unknown. Therefore, the objective was to study GLYP leaching and transformations in a lysimeter field experiment over a study period of one hydrological year using non-radioactive 13C2-15N-GLYP labelling and maize cultivation. 15N and 13C were selectively measured using isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (IR-MS) in leachates, soil, and plant material. Additionally, HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used for quantitation of GLYP and its main degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in different environmental compartments (leachates and soil). Results show low recoveries for GLYP (< 3%) and AMPA (< level of detection) in soil after the study period, whereas recoveries of 15N (11–19%) and 13C (23–54%) were higher. Time independent enrichment of 15N and 13C and the absence of GLYP and AMPA in leachates indicated further degradation. 15N was enriched in all compartments of maize plants (roots, shoots, and cobs). 13C was only enriched in roots. Results confirmed rapid degradation to further degradation products, e.g., 15NH4+, which plausibly was taken up as nutrient by plants. Due to the discrepancy of low GLYP and AMPA concentrations in soil, but higher values for 15N and 13C after the study period, it cannot be excluded that non-extractable residues of GLYP remained and accumulated in soil.
Effects of non-lint material on heritability estimates of cotton fiber length parameters
Authors: Morais João Paulo S. , Kelly Brendan R. , Sayeed Abu , Hequet Eric F.
Published: January 2020

Fiber length is an important parameter to spin cotton fibers. Cotton breeders work to improve length, and research samples may be machine-harvested, resulting in variability for trash content between samples within the same experiment. There is evidence that trash may directly or indirectly affect the measurement of some fiber quality parameters like micronaire and strength. We hypothesize that the presence of trash particles in the samples may compromise the quality of the length measurement and screening decisions in breeding programs. In order to test this hypothesis, we developed an experiment to evaluate the heritability of length parameters for entries with the same genetic background and affected by the same environment with different trash content. The heritability estimates for samples with high trash content are different from the estimates for samples with native low trash content. Cleaning trashy samples with a laboratory-scale lint cleaner brings the heritability estimates closer to the calculated values for samples with native low trash content. Although the values are similar, the types of variation are not the same. These results indicate that breeders must avoid making decisions based on samples with high trash content. Breeders should base their decisions on samples with low original trash content because this type of sample provides research results closer to the native length distribution.
The phase transitions in selective laser-melted 18-NI (300-grade) maraging steel
Authors: Król Mariusz , Snopiński Przemysław , Czech Adam
Published: January 2020

Dilatometric studies in 18-Ni steel components fabricated by selective laser melting technique were carried out to determine the influence of heating rate on transitions occurring during the heating cycle. SLM components have been examined in controlled heating and cooling cycles. For analysis, heating of the analysed materials was carried out at heating rates of 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 °C min−1. During the heating process, two solid-state reactions were identified—i.e. precipitation of intermetallic phases and the reversion of martensite to austenite. A simplified procedure based on the Kissinger equation was used to determine the activation energy of individual reactions. For precipitation of intermetallic phases, the activation energy was estimated 301 kJ mol−1, while the martensite to austenite reversion was determined at the activation energy 478 kJ mol−1.
A Systematic Review of Programs to Promote Aspects of Teen Parents’ Self-sufficiency: Supporting Educational Outcomes and Healthy Birth Spacing
Authors: Harding Jessica F. , Knab Jean , Zief Susan , Kelly Kevin , McCallum Diana
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Expectant and parenting teens experience many challenges to achieving self-sufficiency and promoting their children’s healthy development. Teen parents need support to help them address these challenges, and many different types of programs aim to support them. In this systematic review, we examine the research about programs that aim to support aspects of teen parents’ self-sufficiency by promoting their educational outcomes and healthy birth spacing.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search of published and unpublished literature to identify studies of programs to support teen parents that met this review’s eligibility criteria. The quality and execution of the eligible study research designs were assessed to determine whether studies’ findings were at risk of bias. We then extracted information about study characteristics, outcomes, and program characteristics for studies considered to provide rigorous evidence.

Results

We identified 58 eligible studies. Twenty-three studies were considered to provide rigorous evidence about either education, contraceptive use, or repeat pregnancy or birth. Seventeen of these studies showed at least one favorable effect on an outcome in one of these domains, whereas the other six did not show any significant or substantial effects in these domains. These 17 studies represent 14 effective programs.

Discussion

Effective programs to support expectant and parenting teens have diverse characteristics, indicating there is no single approach for promoting teens’ education and healthy birth spacing. More rigorous studies of programs to support teen parents are needed to understand more about how to support teen fathers and the program characteristics associated with effectiveness.
Prescription of potentially inappropriate medications in elderly outpatients: a survey using 2015 Japanese Guidelines
Authors: Fujie Keiko , Kamei Risa , Araki Risa , Hashimoto Koichi
Published: January 2020

Background In recent years, rapid increase of elderly population has become a major social problem in developed countries. They tend to receive an increasing number of prescibed drugs due to multiple illnesses, which might include inappropriate medications, in turn leading to health hazards and rising healthcare cost. Objective To evaluate the current status of potentially inappropriate medications prescribed for elderly outpatients and filled by dispensing pharmacies using the recent Japanese Guidelines, and to determine factors that are related to prescribing potentially inappropriate medications. Setting A cross-sectional study of older patients (≥ 75 years) who visited dispensing pharmacies in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Method We identified patients prescribed potentially inappropriate medications using the “List of Medications that Require Particularly Careful Administration” in the Guidelines (Guideline List). We explored patient’s factors related to polypharmacy (≥ 5 medications) and prescription of inappropriate medications through multivariate analysis, and a cutoff value for predicting potentially inappropriate medications through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Main outcome measure Prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications, and patient’s factors associated with them. Results Of 8080 patients (39,252 medications) who visited pharmacies during the study period, 43.1% (3481) were prescribed ≥ 5 medications. In total, 2157 patients (26.7%) were prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medication. The most prescribed inappropriate medication class was (benzodiazepine) sedatives and hypnotics. Potentially inappropriate medications were 7.11 times (95% CI 6.29–8.03) and 1.51 times (1.34–1.71) more likely to be prescribed for patients with ≥ 5 medications and those prescribed by multiple physicians, respectively. A cutoff value for potentially inappropriate medications was found to be five for the total number of medications and four for the number of chronic medications with a systemic effect. Conclusion Prescription of potentially inappropriate medications was increased among patients with ≥ 5 medications and those chronically prescribed ≥ 4 medications with a systemic effect. The Guideline List should be actively used to screen such patients, and to carefully examine prescriptions. Particular care should be exercised when patients are visiting multiple physicians.
Care Robot Orientation: What, Who and How? Potential Users’ Perceptions
Authors: Johansson-Pajala Rose-Marie , Thommes Kirsten , Hoppe Julia A. , Tuisku Outi , Hennala Lea , Pekkarinen Satu , Melkas Helinä , Gustafsson Christine
Published: January 2020

Exploring the specific field of care robot orientation generates many questions regarding the meaning, content and how it should be conducted. The issue is important due to the general digitalisation and implementation of welfare technology and care robots. The aim of the study was to explore perceptions of care robot orientation from the potential users’ perspective. Data were collected by focus group interviews in Finland, Germany and Sweden. In all three countries, potential user groups were represented: older adults, relatives, professional caregivers and care service managers. A qualitative descriptive method was used for analysing data. The data revealed three aspects of care robot orientation: (1) What care robot orientation is, (2) Who needs it and by Whom it should be given and (3) How it should be performed. The need for care robot orientation is general in society. In the absence of knowledge about care robots, it is nearly impossible to know what to ask for or actually seek information about. Therefore, care robot orientation must be founded on agile implementation planning for care robots, with a firm basis in trustworthy knowledge and information and respecting individuals’ wishes. This also gives rise to an ethical challenge when care robots are offered to people having reduced decision-making ability (dementia, cognitive impairment), along with the issue of who then should make the decision. The mapping of the What, Who/Whom and How aspects of care robot orientation offers a foundation for the creation of orientation models, which might facilitate structured and goal-oriented care robot orientation strategies.
Expectations to data: Perspectives of service providers and users of future health and wellness services
Authors: Häikiö Juha , Yli-Kauhaluoma Sari , Pikkarainen Minna , Iivari Marika , Koivumäki Timo
Published: January 2020

The healthcare and wellness sector currently attempts to provide more proactive service models with data-driven solutions. This study examines the expectations and values related to personal data i.e. data valences from the perspective of service providers and individual users. The study is based on the analysis of extensive empirical material collected through interviews and a collaborative workshop. The data was collected in one cultural context, Finland. The results suggest that the potential service providers and users have similar expectations regarding self-evidence of data while the main differences concern the expectations of transparency. The results of the study propose some basic requirements for the development of personalised data-driven services in future. The study suggests that basic requirements for the development of future data driven services concern expectations to usable data visualisations, data as a motivator, data accuracy and data transparency. Even though there are varying expectations to personal health data and even some concerns, it can be seen that here different ecosystem actors primarily perceived the wider use of personal health and wellness data as a positive trend. It can be concluded that collaborative personal data-driven service ecosystems are an integral part of development towards proactive service models in healthcare.
Neuroprotective Effects of Necrostatin-1 Against Oxidative Stress–Induced Cell Damage: an Involvement of Cathepsin D Inhibition
Authors: Jantas Danuta , Chwastek Jakub , Grygier Beata , Lasoń Władysław
Published: January 2020

Necroptosis, a recently discovered form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death, can be implicated in many pathological conditions including neuronal cell death. Moreover, an inhibition of this process by necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) has been shown to be neuroprotective in in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia. However, the involvement of this type of cell death in oxidative stress–induced neuronal cell damage is less recognized. Therefore, we tested the effects of Nec-1, an inhibitor of necroptosis, in the model of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and murine hippocampal HT-22 cell lines. The data showed that Nec-1 (10–40 μM) attenuated the cell death induced by H2O2in undifferentiated (UN-) and neuronal differentiated (RA-) SH-SY5Y cells with a higher efficacy in the former cell type. Moreover, Nec-1 partially reduced cell damage induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in UN- and RA-SH-SY5Y cells. The protective effect of Nec-1 was of similar magnitude as the effect of a caspase-3 inhibitor in both cell phenotypes and this effect were not potentiated after combined treatment. Furthermore, the non-specific apoptosis and necroptosis inhibitor curcumin augmented the beneficial effect of Nec-1 against H2O2-evoked cell damage albeit only in RA-SH-SY5Y cells. Next, it was found that the mechanisms of neuroprotective effect of Nec-1 against H2O2-induced cell damage in SH-SY5Y cells involved the inhibition of lysosomal protease, cathepsin D, but not caspase-3 or calpain activities. In HT-22 cells, Nec-1 was protective in two models of oxidative stress (H2O2and glutamate) and that effect was blocked by a caspase inhibitor. Our data showed neuroprotective effects of the necroptosis inhibitor, Nec-1, against oxidative stress–induced cell damage and pointed to involvement of cathepsin D inhibition in the mechanism of its action. Moreover, a cell type–specific interplay between necroptosis and apoptosis has been demonstrated.