bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Term Survival of Pathological Thoracolumbar Fractures Treated with Vertebroplasty: Analysis Using a Nationwide Insurance Claim Database
Authors: Huang Kuo-Yuan , Lee Shang-Chi , Liu Wen-Lung , Wang Jung-Der
Published: December 2019

Background: There are still debates on the long-term outcome of treating pathological thoracolumbar fractures, including osteoporosis and oncologic problems, using vertebroplasty. Methods: We collected 8625 patients with pathological thoracolumbar fractures (ICD-9-CM codes 733.13 combined with 805.2 or 805.4) between the years of 2003 to 2013, from the two million random samples from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Survival analysis was conducted to estimate the mortality risks of different treatments, including vertebroplasty (n = 1389), conventional open surgery (n = 1219), or conservative treatment (n = 6017). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was constructed for adjustment of age, gender, comorbidities and complications. Results: Crude incidence rate of patients with pathological thoracolumbar fractures in Taiwan gradually increased year by year. Compared with conservative treatment, conventional open surgery and vertebroplasty seemed to improve long-term survival with adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of 0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–0.93), and 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.99), respectively. The survival advantage of vertebroplasty appeared more evident for those aged over 75. However, we were unable to rule out confounding by indication. Conclusion: Although conventional open surgery would usually be the best choice for the treatment of patients with pathological thoracolumbar fractures, database information from current real-world practice appears to support vertebroplasty as a viable choice for elderly people over 75 years of age.
Quantification of Pneumocystis jirovecii: Cross-Platform Comparison of One qPCR Assay with Leading Platforms and Six Master Mixes
Authors: Dellière Sarah , Gits-Muselli Maud , White P. Lewis , Mengoli Carlo , Bretagne Stéphane , Alanio Alexandre
Published: December 2019

Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia relies on nucleic acid quantification in respiratory samples. Lack of standardization among molecular assays results in significant differences among assays/centers. To further promote standardization, we compared four thermocyclers and six master mixes for the detection of P. jirovecii. Whole nucleic acid (WNA) was extracted from broncho-alveolar lavages. Positive and negative sample extracts were pooled to get enough homogeneous materials. Three master mixes were tested to detect DNA by qPCR (D1, D2, and D3), and three to detect WNA by reverse transcriptase qPCR (W1, W2, and W3) manufactured by Roche, Eurogentec, Applied Biosystem, Invitrogen and Thermofischer Scientific. Experiments were performed on four thermocyclers (Roche LightCycler 480, Qiagen Rotor-Gene Q, Applied Biosystem ABI7500, and QuantStudio). Comparison of quantitative cycle (Cq) values between the methods targeting WNA versus DNA showed lower Cq values for WNA, independently of thermocycler and master mix. For high and low fungal loads, ∆Cq values between DNA and WNA amplification were 6.97 (±2.95) and 5.81 (±3.30), respectively (p < 0.0001). Regarding DNA detection, lower Cqs were obtained with D1 compared to D2 and D3, with median ∆Cq values of 2.6 (p = 0.015) and 2.9 (p = 0.039) respectively. Regarding WNA detection, no mix was superior to the others. PCR efficiency was not significantly different according to the qPCR platform (p = 0.14). This study confirmed the superiority of WNA over DNA detection. A calibration method (e.g., an international standard) for accurate comparative assessment of fungal load seems necessary.
V2X Communications Applied to Safety of Pedestrians and Vehicles
Authors: Arena Fabio , Pau Giovanni , Severino Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Connected cars and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication scenarios are attracting more researchers. There will be numerous possibilities offered by V2X in the future. For instance, in the case of vehicles that move in a column, they could react to the braking of those in front of it through the rapid information exchanges, and most chain collisions could be avoided. V2X will be desiderated for routes optimizations, travel time reductions, and accident rate decrease in cases such as communication with infrastructures, traffic information exchanges, functioning of traffic lights, possible situations of danger, and the presence of construction sites or traffic jams. Furthermore, there could be massive conversations between smartphones and vehicles performing real-time dialogues. It is relatively reasonable to expect a connection system in which a pedestrian can report its position to all surrounding vehicles. Regarding this, it is compelling to perceive the positive effects of the driver being aware of the presence of pedestrians when vehicles are moving on the roads. This paper introduces the concepts for the development of a solution based on V2X communications aimed at vehicle and pedestrian safety. A potential system architecture for the development of a real system, concerning the safety of vehicles and pedestrians, is suggested to draft some guidelines that could be followed in new applications.
Impacts of Online and Offline Channel Structures on Two-Period Supply Chains with Strategic Consumers
Authors: Lei Qian , He Juan , Huang Fuling
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the effects of strategic consumer behaviors have been investigated and analyzed with regard to online retailers and offline retailers in a dual-channel supply chain. Four channel structures (i.e., no-promotion, a direct online channel, a retail offline channel, and dual channels introduced in the promotion sales period) are considered. At the beginning of the paper, the original demand functions of a dual-channel supply chain incorporating the consumers’ utility has been introduced. The results indicate that despite improved consumer patience, all promotional prices do not fall as expected. When sales channels are provided by online retailers rather than offline retailers during the promotion period, offline retailers can achieve higher profits. We also find that in most cases, a dual-channel model in a single-period is more beneficial to both online and offline retailers than a dual-channel model in two periods, which is, to a certain extent, contrary to the existing literature of single sales channel.
Investigation of the Female Athlete Triad in Japanese Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players
Authors: Shimizu Yukiyo , Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Tachibana Kaori , Hotta Kazushi , Wadano Yasuyoshi
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives: Para-sports have become increasingly competitive, necessitating greater physical activity; secondary disorder prevention is therefore crucial. Among secondary disorders, the female athlete triad (FAT) is defined as low energy availability (EA), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD); although studied in able-bodied athletes, reports on female para-athletes are scarce. We retrospectively investigated the FAT in wheelchair basketball players in the Japanese national team. Materials and Methods: Thirteen female wheelchair basketball players (mean age: 28.9 ± 8.1 years) were enrolled. The medical history (underlying diseases, gynecological disorders, and stress fractures), athletic and sport-specific parameters (wheelchair basketball classification, and wheelchair usage conditions), hematological status (hemoglobin, iron, estradiol, progesterone, total P1NP, and TRACP-5b levels), nutritional status (total energy, protein, calcium, and iron intake), body composition (BMD and lean body mass (LBM)), and EA were assessed. Results: Two (15.4%) had pertinent gynecological histories and six (46.2%) had menstrual cycle disorders. Three (23.1%) experienced excessive menstrual flow and nine (69.2%) had menstrual pain. No stress fractures were reported. All laboratory data were within normal limits. Total energy and iron intakes based on age-specific requirements were 99.8% and 59.8%, respectively. Iron and hemoglobin levels correlated with menstrual flow (ρ = −0.63, p = 0.019 and ρ = −0.56, p = 0.046, respectively). The mean total BMD was 109.2%, and the mean EA (41.4 kcal/kg LBM) was lower than recommended levels. The leg BMD in spinal disorders was significantly lower than that in skeletal disorders (p = 0.003). The arm LBM was higher (150.6%) than that of age-matched controls. Conclusion: Among female wheelchair basketball players with FAT, the total BMD was comparable to that of age-matched controls; however, leg BMD in spinal disorders was significantly lower than that in skeletal disorders. Players with heavy menstrual flow had lower hemoglobin and iron levels. Further research is needed on the FAT to optimize health and sports performance among para-athletes.
Comorbidities in Mycosis Fungoides and Racial Differences in Co-Existent Lymphomatoid Papulosis: A Cross-Sectional Study of 580 Patients in an Urban Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Kaul Subuhi , Belzberg Micah , Hughes John-Douglas Matthew , Mahadevan Varun , Khanna Raveena , Bakhshi Pegah R. , Hong Michael S. , Williams Kyle A. , Grossberg Annie L. , Kwatra Shawn G. , Sweren Ronald J.
Published: December 2019

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Previous reports have suggested MF is associated with inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, increased cardiovascular risk factors as well as secondary neoplasms. Methods: A cross-sectional study of MF patients seen from 2013 to 2019 was performed. Comorbidities were selected based on the 2015 Medicare report highlighting the most common chronic medical illnesses in the United States. Lifetime comorbidity occurrence in patients with MF were compared with that in patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and patients without MF. Additional analyses were performed with patients sub-stratified by race. Results: Compared to control groups, MF was strongly associated with lymphomatoid papulosis and Hodgkin’s disease, but not significantly associated with lung, breast or colon cancer. Interestingly, the association with lymphomatoid papulosis was observed in Caucasians (CI 1062-4338; p < 0.001) and not African Americans (p = 0.9). Patients with MF had a greater association with congestive heart failure, hypertension (HT) and hyperlipidemia (HLD) compared with the general population. However, they were significantly less likely to have HT and HLD when compared with psoriasis patients (HT CI: 0.6–0.9; p < 0.001, and HLD CI: 0.05–0.07; p < 0.001). MF patients were also significantly less likely to have concomitant vitamin D deficiency compared with atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the association of MF with lymphomatoid papulosis varies by race. Compared to the general population, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were positively associated with MF, however, these were significantly less likely on comparison to psoriasis. Unlike previously described, vitamin D deficiency was found to be significantly less in patients with MF.
Tensile Behavior and Formability of Pre-Painted Steel Sheets
Authors: Forcellese Archimede , Mancia Tommaso , Simoncini Michela
Published: December 2019

The present work aims at studying the tensile behavior and formability of pre-painted steel sheets. To this purpose, uniaxial tensile and hemispherical punch tests were performed in order to analyze the deformation behavior of pre-painted sheets under uniaxial stretching and biaxial balanced stretching conditions, respectively. Tests were interrupted in order to obtain different strain levels until fracture; at each strain level reached, the occurrence of superficial damages on the paint coating was detected; thinning of the different layers of the pre-painted sheet was also measured. It was observed that the degree of damage on the paint coating depends on the loading condition; in particular, under uniaxial stretching, the paint coating is able to follow the steel sheet during deformation up to the onset of the necking, whilst, under biaxial balanced stretching, coating exhibits superficial damages before fracture of the sheet.
Simulation of Picking Up Metal Microcomponents Based on Electrochemistry
Authors: Li Dongjie , Xu Jiyong , Rong Weibin , Yang Liu
Published: December 2019

The technology of picking up microcomponents plays a decisive role in the assembly of complex systems in micro- and nanoscale. The traditional method of picking up microcomponents with a mechanical manipulation tool can easily cause irreversible damage to the object, and only one object can be manipulated at a time. Furthermore, it is difficult to release the object with this method, and the release location is not accurate. With the aim of solving the above problems, the present study proposes an electrochemistry-based method for picking up metal microcomponents. First, the effect of ambient relative humidity on pickup was analyzed, and the effect of current density and electrolyte concentration on the deposition was examined. Then, a force analysis in the process of manipulation was carried out. Through the analysis of influence factors, the ideal experimental parameters were obtained theoretically. Finally, a simulation was carried out with COMSOL Multiphysics based on the above analysis. Copper microwires with a diameter of 60 μm and lengths of 300, 500, and 700 μm were successfully picked up and released using a pipette with a nozzle diameter of 15 μm. Compared with the traditional method, this method is simple to manipulate. Furthermore, it has a high success rate, causes less damage to the object, and good releasing accuracy.
Advances in Magnetoresistive Biosensors
Authors: Su Diqing , Wu Kai , Saha Renata , Peng Chaoyi , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: December 2019

Magnetoresistance (MR) based biosensors are considered promising candidates for the detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as biomarkers and the biomagnetic fields. MR biosensors have been widely used in the detection of proteins, DNAs, as well as the mapping of cardiovascular and brain signals. In this review, we firstly introduce three different MR devices from the fundamental perspectives, followed by the fabrication and surface modification of the MR sensors. The sensitivity of the MR sensors can be improved by optimizing the sensing geometry, engineering the magnetic bioassays on the sensor surface, and integrating the sensors with magnetic flux concentrators and microfluidic channels. Different kinds of MR-based bioassays are also introduced. Subsequently, the research on MR biosensors for the detection of protein biomarkers and genotyping is reviewed. As a more recent application, brain mapping based on MR sensors is summarized in a separate section with the discussion of both the potential benefits and challenges in this new field. Finally, the integration of MR biosensors with flexible substrates is reviewed, with the emphasis on the fabrication techniques to obtain highly shapeable devices while maintaining comparable performance to their rigid counterparts.
Flow-Based Three-Dimensional Co-Culture Model for Long-Term Hepatotoxicity Prediction
Authors: Choi Yoon Young , Seok Jin-I , Kim Dong-Sik
Published: December 2019

We developed concave microwell arrays to establish a size-controllable 3-D co-culture liver model for in vitro drug toxicity testing, to predict hepatotoxicity. The interaction of hepatocytes with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was investigated by co-culturing primary 3-D hepatocyte spheroids and HSCs (heterosphere), using 3-D liver-on-a-chip. The effect of HSCs was investigated during spheroid formation; they were involved in controlling the organization of spheroidal aggregates and the formation of tight cell–cell contacts. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that co-cultured spheroids with smoother surfaces in the flow chip aggregated more tightly and rapidly, compared to mono-cultured spheroids, until 13 days. Metabolic function analysis revealed that heterospheres secreted 40% more albumin and urea than hepatospheres on day 13. Additionally, an acetaminophen (AAP) and isoniazid (INH) concentration-dependent increase in CYP3A4 expression was detected in the 3-D cultures, and an increase in Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release after AAP and INH treatment was observed. CYP1A2, Mrp1 and UGT1A5 mRNA expression levels in the heterospheres and hepatospheres were evaluated from days 3 to 13. To examine the potential for toxicity testing in the flow-conditioned culture of the heterospheres, we evaluated cytotoxicity using the endpoint LDH release in the heterospheres and hepatospheres. IC50 values for AAP and INH after 24 h of exposure were calculated from the dose–response curves of the compounds. Flow-conditioned heterosphere culture results suggest that it may be suitable for long-term culture and cytotoxicity testing. Thus, our co-culture system closely resembles the in vivo environment and allows long-term in vitro hepatotoxicity prediction.
Extensive Structure Modification on Luteolin-Cinnamic Acid Conjugates Leading to BACE1 Inhibitors with Optimal Pharmacological Properties
Authors: Sun De-Yang , Cheng Chen , Moschke Katrin , Huang Jian , Fang Wei-Shuo
Published: December 2019

BACE1 inhibitory conjugates derived from two natural products, luteolin (1) and p-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (2), were subjected to systematic structure modifications, including various positions in luteolin segment for conjugation, different linkers (length, bond variation), as well as various substitutions in cinnamic acid segment (various substituents on benzene, and replacement of benzene by heteroaromatics and cycloalkane). Optimal conjugates such as 7c and 7k were chosen on the basis of a series of bioassay data for further investigation.
Reaction-Based Amine and Alcohol Gases Detection with Triazine Ionic Liquid Materials
Authors: Li Hsin-Yi , Chu Yen-Ho
Published: December 2019

We demonstrated in this work the use of affinity ionic liquids, AIL 1 and AIL 2, for chemoselective detection of amine and alcohol gases on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). These detections of gaseous amines and alcohols were achieved by nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions with the electrophilic 1,3,5-triazine-based AIL 1 thin-coated on quartz chips. Starting with inexpensive reagents, bicyclic imidazolium ionic liquids AIL 1 and AIL 2 were readily synthesized in six and four synthetic steps with high isolated yields: 51% and 63%, respectively. The QCM platform developed in this work is readily applicable and highly sensitive to low molecular weight amine gases: for isobutylamine gas (a bacterial volatile) at 10 Hz decrease in resonance frequency (i.e., ΔF = −10 Hz), the detectability using AIL 1 was 6.3 ppb. Our preliminary investigation on detection of the much less nucleophilic alcohol gas by AIL 1 was also promising. To our knowledge, no example to date of reports based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions demonstrating sensitive gas detection in these triazine ionic liquids on a QCM has been reported.
Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Biological Evaluation of Peptide Inhibitors for Polo-Box Domain
Authors: Yan Fang , Liu Guangmei , Chen Tingting , Fu Xiaochen , Niu Miao-Miao
Published: December 2019

The polo-box domain of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1-PBD) is proved to have crucial roles in cell proliferation. Designing PLK1-PBD inhibitors is challenging due to their poor cellular penetration. In this study, we applied a virtual screening workflow based on a combination of structure-based pharmacophore modeling with molecular docking screening techniques, so as to discover potent PLK1-PBD peptide inhibitors. The resulting 9 virtual screening peptides showed affinities for PLK1-PBD in a competitive binding assay. In particular, peptide 5 exhibited an approximately 100-fold increase in inhibitory activity (IC50 = 70 nM), as compared with the control poloboxtide. Moreover, cell cycle experiments indicated that peptide 5 effectively inhibited the expression of p-Cdc25C and cell cycle regulatory proteins by affecting the function of PLK1-PBD, thereby inducing mitotic arrest at the G2/M phase. Overall, peptide 5 can serve as a potent lead for further investigation as PLK1-PBD inhibitors.
Trimethoprim: An Old Antibacterial Drug as a Template to Search for New Targets. Synthesis, Biological Activity and Molecular Modeling Study of Novel Trimethoprim Analogs
Authors: Wróbel Agnieszka , Maliszewski Dawid , Baradyn Maciej , Drozdowska Danuta
Published: December 2019

A new series of trimethoprim (TMP) analogs containing amide bonds (1–6) have been synthesized. Molecular docking, as well as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibition assay were used to confirm their affinity to bind dihydrofolate reductase enzyme. Data from the ethidium displacement test showed their DNA-binding capacity. Tests confirming the possibility of DNA binding in a minor groove as well as determination of the association constants were performed using calf thymus DNA, T4 coliphage DNA, poly (dA-dT)2 and poly (dG-dC)2. Additionally, the mechanism of action of the new compounds was studied. In conclusion, some of our new analogs inhibited DHFR activity more strongly than TMP did, which confirms, that the addition of amide bonds into the analogs of TMP increases their affinity towards DHFR.
Facile Fabrication of Flexible Electrodes and Immobilization of Silver Nanoparticles on Nanoscale Silicate Platelets to Form Highly Conductive Nanohybrid Films for Wearable Electronic Devices
Authors: Huang Peng-Yang , Chiu Chih-Wei , Huang Chen-Yang , Shen Sheng-Yen , Lee Yen-Chen , Cheng Chih-Chia , Jeng Ru-Jong , Lin Jiang-Jen
Published: December 2019

This study investigated films with remarkably high electrical conductivity after they were easily prepared from organic/inorganic nanohybrid solutions containing an organic polymeric dispersant and two-dimensional nanoscale silicate platelets as the inorganic stabilizer dispersed with silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the production of silver nanoparticles synthesized by the in situ chemical reduction of AgNO3 in an aqueous solution by N,N-dimethylformamide results in an average silver nanoparticle diameter of circa 20 nm. Thin films of silver nanoparticles were prepared on a 1-μm-thick film with a low sheet resistance of 8.24 × 10−4 Ω/sq, achieved through the surface migration of silver nanoparticles and prepared by sintering at 300 °C to form an interconnected network. This was achieved with a silver nanoparticle content of 5 wt%, using nanoscale silicate platelets/polyoxyethylene-segmented polyimide/AgNO3 at a weight ratio of 1:10:35. During sintering, the color of the hybrid film changed from gold to milky white, suggesting the migration of silver nanoparticles and the formation of an interconnected network. The results show promise for the fabrication of novel silver-based electrocardiogram electrodes and a flexible wireless electrocardiogram measurement system for wearable electronics.
Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Urchin-Like CuO: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Catalytic Performance for CO Oxidation
Authors: Dong Feng , Guo Yuan , Zhang Dongyang , Zhu Baolin , Huang Weiping , Zhang Shoumin
Published: December 2019

Gold catalysts have been studied in-depth due to their unique activities for catalytic CO oxidation. Supports have intrinsic motivation for the high activity of gold catalysts. Thermally stable urchin-like CuO microspheres, which are potential support for gold catalysts, were prepared by facile solution-method. Then gold nanoparticles were loaded on them by deposition-precipitation method. The obtained gold catalysts were characterized by SEM, XRD, TEM, BET, ICP, and XPS. Their catalytic activity for CO oxidation was also evaluated. TEM results revealed that the gold nanoparticles with small sizes were highly distributed on the CuO surface in Au1.0/CuO-300. XPS observations demonstrated that the gold species in Au1.0/CuO-300 was of metallic state. Among the as-prepared catalysts, the Au1.0/CuO-300 catalyst displayed the best performance for CO oxidation and achieved 100% CO oxidation at 80 °C. It kept 100% conversion for 20 h at a reaction temperature of 180 °C, and showed good reusability after three reaction-cycles. The possible catalytic mechanism of Au1.0/CuO-300 catalyst for CO oxidation was also briefly proposed.
A Dose-Escalation Study Demonstrates the Safety and Tolerability of Cellobiose in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Moré Margret Irmgard , Postrach Elisa , Bothe Gordana , Heinritz Sonja , Uebelhack Ralf
Published: December 2019

The disaccharide and innovative ingredient cellobiose, consisting of two β-glucose molecules linked by a β(1→4) bond is the main component of cellulose. Cellobiose can be used within a wide variety of foodstuffs and functional foods as a low-caloric bulking agent or as a substitute for lactose. For purposes of industrial large-scale production, cellobiose is produced by an enzymatic reaction in which sucrose and glucose are converted to cellobiose and fructose. The goal of this single-arm, dose-escalation study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of cellobiose and to determine the maximum tolerated dose of cellobiose in healthy subjects. Following a baseline period, consecutive cohorts of six subjects each consumed either single doses of 10, 15, 20 and 25 g, while 12 subjects each received multiple doses of 15 g or 20 g cellobiose (twice daily, 14 days). The main recorded parameters were stool consistency, gastrointestinal well-being (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale) and adverse events. In each highest single/multiple dosage group, some sensitive subjects experienced flatulence, borborygmus and/or transient diarrhoea. A 100% global tolerability rating makes 20 g cellobiose a tolerable dose for single use. For repeated consumption, we propose up to 15 g cellobiose twice daily (92.6% global tolerability rating). Cellobiose is a promising new ingredient with excellent tolerability.
Yarrow Supercritical Extract Ameliorates the Metabolic Stress in a Model of Obesity Induced by High-Fat Diet
Authors: Mouhid Lamia , Gómez de Cedrón Marta , Quijada-Freire Adriana , Fernández-Marcos Pablo J. , Reglero Guillermo , Fornari Tiziana , Ramírez de Molina Ana
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, or cancer, continue to be a health epidemic in westernized societies, and there is an increased necessity to explore anti-obesity therapies including pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds. Considerable attention has been placed on the identification of bioactive compounds from natural sources to manage the metabolic stress associated with obesity. In a previous work, we have demonstrated that a CO2 supercritical fluid extract from yarrow (Yarrow SFE), downregulates the expression of the lipogenic master regulator SREBF1 and its downstream molecular targets FASN and SCD in a tumoral context. Since obesity and diabetes are strongly considered high-risk factors for cancer development, herein, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic role of Yarrow SFE in the metabolic stress induced after a high-fat diet in mice. For this purpose, 32 C57BL/6 mice were distributed in four groups according to their diets: standard diet (SD); SD supplemented with Yarrow SFE (SD + Yarrow); high-fat diet (HFD); and HFD supplemented with Yarrow SFE (HFD + Yarrow). Fasting glycemia, insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, gene expression, and lipid content of liver and adipose tissues were analyzed after three months of treatment. Results indicate improved fasting glucose levels in plasma, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and diminished hypercholesterolemia in the HFD + Yarrow group compared to the HFD group. Mechanistically, Yarrow SFE protects liver from steatosis after the HFD challenge by augmenting the adipose tissue buffering capacity of the circulating plasma glucose.
Cellular Oxidative Stress in Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Patients Undergoing Treatment Is Associated with Protein Consumption
Authors: Raber Margaret , Wu Jimin , Donnella Hayley , Knouse Phillip , Pise Mayurika , Munsell Mark , Liu Diane , Chandra Joya
Published: December 2019

Over and under nutrition are associated with worse outcomes for children with leukemia and lymphoma; however, the molecular basis for this clinical observation is not well understood. Many chemotherapeutics used for leukemia treatment are known to generate oxidative stress in vitro; therefore, we evaluated redox status and diet in pediatric leukemia patients during therapy in order to ascertain relationships between nutrition and oxidative stress. Dietary intake and redox measures in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 32 pediatric leukemia and lymphoma patients were collected over six months during treatment. Baseline measures when patients were off chemotherapy and subsequent assessments were collected after one, two and six months. Oxidative stress increased over time in all patients, consistent with chemotherapy-induced redox effects. Older and younger children showed significantly different baseline levels of reactive oxygen species, which increased over time in all age ranges. Diet was assessed at points proximal to oxidative stress measurements and revealed a novel association with consumption of animal protein, vegetable protein, and total protein intake. Our findings demonstrate that chemotherapy increases oxidative stress in pediatric leukemia patients, and raises the possibility that dietary protein or altered protein metabolism could contribute to clinical outcomes.
Association between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Physical Fitness with Body Composition Parameters in 1717 European Adolescents: The AdolesHealth Study
Authors: Galan-Lopez Pablo , Sanchez-Oliver Antonio J. , Pihu Maret , Gísladóttír Thórdís , Domínguez Raúl , Ries Francis
Published: December 2019

Obesity, low levels of physical fitness, and unhealthy eating patterns are responsible for part of the health problems of adolescents today. The current study aimed at examining the association between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), through each answer to the items of the Adherence to the MD Questionnaire (KIDMED), and physical fitness with body composition parameters (body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, and waist circumference) in 1717 European adolescents (N = 900 boys, N = 817 girls). Data of body composition, physical fitness results, and the answers to KIDMED were analyzed by the Student’s t-test. Additionally, the effect size (ES) was calculated and a Chi-square test analyzed the proportion of participants with and without over waist circumference, overfat, and overweight in each KIDMED question. The relative risk of suffering over waist circumference, overfat and overweight in relation to the responses was calculated by Odd-Ratio. Adherence to the MD did not influence the condition of over waist circumference, overfat and overweight, although certain dietary habits were identified as risk factors for their development. Over waist circumference, overfat, and overweight boys and girls presented higher levels of body mass, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and BMI (p < 0.001; ES = 1.73–3.38), as well as lower levels of all the parameters of the physical fitness analyzed (p < 0.001; ES = 0.45–1.08), except the handgrip test. A direct relationship between fitness and over waist circumference, overfat, and overweight was found.
Late Growth and Changes in Body Composition Influence Odds of Developing Retinopathy of Prematurity among Preterm Infants
Authors: Ingolfsland Ellen C. , Haapala Jacob L. , Buckley Lauren A. , Demarath Ellen W. , Guiang Sixto F. , Ramel Sara E.
Published: December 2019

Background: While postnatal growth in the first month of life is known to impact retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) risk, the impact of growth later in hospitalization, during critical times of retinal vascularization, remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess if postnatal growth and body composition during the second half of neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization were associated with severity of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight preterm infants. Methods: Prospective observational pilot study of 83 infants born <32 weeks gestation and <1500 g, conducted at a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Body composition was measured during the second half of hospitalization. Infants were evaluated for retinopathy of prematurity. Logistic regression was performed. Results: Greater gains in fat mass, fat-free mass, and percent body fat from 32 to 37 weeks postmenstrual age and higher % body fat at term postmenstrual age were associated with decreased odds of ≥stage 2 retinopathy of prematurity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Improved growth later in neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization and increased adiposity at term may reduce odds of severe retinopathy of prematurity.
Role of Vitamin A in Mammary Gland Development and Lactation
Authors: Cabezuelo M. Teresa , Zaragozá Rosa , Barber Teresa , Viña Juan R.
Published: December 2019

Vitamin A (all-trans-retinol), its active derivatives retinal and retinoic acid, and their synthetic analogues constitute the group of retinoids. It is obtained from diet either as preformed vitamin A or as carotenoids. Retinal plays a biological role in vision, but most of the effects of vitamin A are exerted by retinoic acid, which binds to nuclear receptors and regulates gene transcription. Vitamin A deficiency is an important nutritional problem, particularly in the developing world. Retinol and carotenoids from diet during pregnancy and lactation influence their concentration in breast milk, which is important in the long term, not only for the offspring, but also for maternal health. In this study, we review the role of vitamin A in mammary gland metabolism, where retinoid signaling is required not only for morphogenesis and development of the gland and for adequate milk production, but also during the weaning process, when epithelial cell death is coupled with tissue remodeling.
Actions Targeting the Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Scoping Review
Authors: Menon Sonia , Peñalvo José L.
Published: December 2019

Background: In many developing countries, nutritional and epidemiological transitions are contributing to continuous undernutrition and escalating overnutrition, resulting in coexisting forms of malnutrition often referred as the “double burden of malnutrition” (DBM). This complex phenomenon constitutes an unprecedented challenge to global public health and has been prioritized by international health organizations, prompting governments to swift action. Specifically, five years ago the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a roadmap to tackle the DBM though so-called “double-duty actions”. The objective of this review was to synthesize the literature on interventions which address the DBM. Methods: We developed a scoping review to identify interventions addressing the DBM. We searched PUBMED for papers reporting interventions until December 2019. Articles examining interventions, government policies, or tools at the individual, household, or community level to address the DBM were included. Results: Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Three were from sub-Saharan Africa, one was from Southeast Asia, and one was from Central America. Two were modelling studies, with one covering 24 low-income countries and the other focusing on Ghana. Conclusion: Notwithstanding the pressing issue of the DBM, there is a paucity of studies examining double-duty actions despite the attention that it has garnered within the global nutrition community. Whilst nutrient deficiencies may be curbed by poverty reduction measures, for obesity prevention nutrition, education and promotion of physical activity, along with the encouragement of local food production, may be instrumental.
The Timing Effects of Soy Protein Intake on Mice Gut Microbiota
Authors: Tamura Konomi , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Shiga Kazuto , Miyakawa Hiroki , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: December 2019

Soy protein intake is known to cause microbiota changes. While there are some reports about the effect of soy protein intake on gut microbiota and lipid metabolism, effective timing of soy protein intake has not been investigated. In this study, we examined the effect of soy protein intake timing on microbiota. Mice were fed twice a day, in the morning and evening, to compare the effect of soy protein intake in the morning with that in the evening. Mice were divided into three groups: mice fed only casein protein, mice fed soy protein in the morning, and mice fed soy protein in the evening under high-fat diet conditions. They were kept under the experimental condition for two weeks and were sacrificed afterward. We measured cecal pH and collected cecal contents and feces. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from cecal contents were measured by gas chromatography. The microbiota was analyzed by sequencing 16S rRNA genes from feces. Soy protein intake whether in the morning or evening led to a greater microbiota diversity and a decrease in cecal pH resulting from SCFA production compared to casein intake. In addition, these effects were relatively stronger by morning soy protein intake. Therefore, soy protein intake in the morning may have relatively stronger effects on microbiota than that in the evening.
Dichotomy in Fatal Outcomes in a Large Cohort of People Living with HTLV-1 in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Marcusso Rosa Maria N. , Van Weyenbergh Johan , de Moura João Victor Luisi , Dahy Flávia Esper , de Moura Brasil Matos Aline , Haziot Michel E. J. , Vidal Jose E. , Fonseca Luiz Augusto M. , Smid Jerusa , Assone Tatiane , Casseb Jorge , de Oliveira Augusto César Penalva
Published: December 2019

Background: Despite its relatively low incidence of associated diseases, Human T-cell Leukemia Virus-1 (HTLV-1) infection was reported to carry a significant risk of mortality in several endemic areas. HTLV-1-associated diseases, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraperesis (HAM/TSP), as well as frequent coinfections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Strongyloides stercoralis were associated to increased morbidity and mortality of HTLV-1 infection. Objective: To determine the mortality rate and its associated variables from an open cohort started in July 1997 at the HTLV Clinic, Emilio Ribas Institute (IIER), a major infectious disease hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Since inception up to September 2018, we admitted 727 HTLV-1-infected individuals, with a rate of 30–50 new admissions per year. All patient data, including clinical and laboratory data, were regularly updated throughout the 21-year period, using a dedicated REDCap database. The Ethical Board of IIER approved the protocol. Results: During 21 years of clinical care to people living with HTLV-1 in the São Paulo region, we recruited 479 asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected individuals and 248 HAM/TSP patients, of which 632 remained under active follow-up. During a total of 3800 person-years of follow-up (maximum follow-up 21.5 years, mean follow-up 6.0 years), 27 individuals died (median age of 51.5 years), of which 12 were asymptomatic, one ATLL patient and 14 HAM/TSP patients. HAM/TSP diagnosis (but neither age nor gender) was a significant predictor of increased mortality by univariate and multivariate (hazard ratio (HR) 5.03, 95% CI [1.96–12.91], p = 0.001) Cox regression models. Coinfection with HIV/HCV was an independent predictor of increased mortality (HR 15.08; 95% CI [5.50–41.32]; p < 0.001), with AIDS-related infections as a more frequent cause of death in asymptomatics (6/13; p = 0.033). HIV/HCV-negative fatal HAM/TSP cases were all female, with urinary tract infection and decubitus ulcer-associated sepsis as the main cause of death (8/14, p = 0.002). Conclusions: All-cause mortality among people living with HTLV-1 in São Paulo differs between asymptomatic (2.9%) and HAM/TSP patients (7.3%), independent of age and gender. We observe a dichotomy in fatal cases, with HAM/TSP and HIV/HCV coinfection as independent risk factors for death. Our findings reveal an urgent need for public health actions, as the major causes of death, infections secondary to decubitus ulcers, and immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related infections, can be targeted by preventive measures.
Redox-Responsive Heparin–Chlorambucil Conjugate Polymeric Prodrug for Improved Anti-Tumor Activity
Authors: Andrgie Abegaz Tizazu , Birhan Yihenew Simegniew , Mekonnen Tefera Worku , Hanurry Endiries Yibru , Darge Haile Fentahun , Lee Rong-Ho , Chou Hsiao-Ying , Tsai Hsieh-Chih
Published: December 2019

Polymeric prodrug-based delivery systems have been extensively studied to find a better solution for the limitations of a single drug and to improve the therapeutic and pharmacodynamics properties of chemotherapeutic agents, which can lead to efficient therapy. In this study, redox-responsive disulfide bond-containing amphiphilic heparin–chlorambucil conjugated polymeric prodrugs were designed and synthesized to enhance anti-tumor activities of chlorambucil. The conjugated prodrug could be self-assembled to form spherical vesicles with 61.33% chlorambucil grafting efficiency. The cell viability test results showed that the prodrug was biocompatible with normal cells (HaCaT) and that it selectively killed tumor cells (HeLa cells). The uptake of prodrugs by HeLa cells increased with time. Therefore, the designed prodrugs can be a better alternative as delivery vehicles for the chlorambucil controlled release in cancer cells.
Nonclassical States for Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians with the Oscillator Spectrum
Authors: Zelaya Kevin , Dey Sanjib , Hussin Veronique , Rosas-Ortiz Oscar
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we show that the standard techniques that are utilized to study the classical-like properties of the pure states for Hermitian systems can be adjusted to investigate the classicality of pure states for non-Hermitian systems. The method is applied to the states of complex-valued potentials that are generated by Darboux transformations and can model both non- P T -symmetric and P T -symmetric oscillators exhibiting real spectra.
UVSQ-SAT, a Pathfinder CubeSat Mission for Observing Essential Climate Variables
Authors: Meftah Mustapha , Damé Luc , Keckhut Philippe , Bekki Slimane , Sarkissian Alain , Hauchecorne Alain , Bertran Emmanuel , Carta Jean-Paul , Rogers David , Abbaki Sadok , Dufour Christophe , Gilbert Pierre , Lapauw Laurent , Vieau André-Jean , Arrateig Xavier , Muscat Nicolas , Bove Philippe , Sandana Éric , Teherani Ferechteh , Li Tong , Pradel Gilbert , Mahé Michel , Mercier Christophe , Paskeviciute Agne , Segura Kevin , Berciano Alba Alicia , Aboulila Ahmed , Chang Loren , Chandran Amal , Dahoo Pierre-Richard , Bui Alain
Published: December 2019

The UltraViolet and infrared Sensors at high Quantum efficiency onboard a small SATellite (UVSQ-SAT) mission aims to demonstrate pioneering technologies for broadband measurement of the Earth’s radiation budget (ERB) and solar spectral irradiance (SSI) in the Herzberg continuum (200–242 nm) using high quantum efficiency ultraviolet and infrared sensors. This research and innovation mission has been initiated by the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) with the support of the International Satellite Program in Research and Education (INSPIRE). The motivation of the UVSQ-SAT mission is to experiment miniaturized remote sensing sensors that could be used in the multi-point observation of Essential Climate Variables (ECV) by a small satellite constellation. UVSQ-SAT represents the first step in this ambitious satellite constellation project which is currently under development under the responsibility of the Laboratory Atmospheres, Environments, Space Observations (LATMOS), with the UVSQ-SAT CubeSat launch planned for 2020/2021. The UVSQ-SAT scientific payload consists of twelve miniaturized thermopile-based radiation sensors for monitoring incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation, four photodiodes that benefit from the intrinsic advantages of Ga 2 O 3 alloy-based sensors made by pulsed laser deposition for measuring solar UV spectral irradiance, and a new three-axis accelerometer/gyroscope/compass for satellite attitude estimation. We present here the scientific objectives of the UVSQ-SAT mission along the concepts and properties of the CubeSat platform and its payload. We also present the results of a numerical simulation study on the spatial reconstruction of the Earth’s radiation budget, on a geographical grid of 1 ° × 1 ° degree latitude-longitude, that could be achieved with UVSQ-SAT for different observation periods.
Evaluating Different Non-Destructive Estimation Methods for Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Nitrogen Status Based on Canopy Spectrum
Authors: Li Hongjun , Zhang Yuming , Lei Yuping , Antoniuk Vita , Hu Chunsheng
Published: December 2019

Compared to conventional laboratory testing methods, crop nitrogen estimation methods based on canopy spectral characteristics have advantages in terms of timeliness, cost, and practicality. A variety of rapid and non-destructive estimation methods based on the canopy spectrum have been developed on the scale of space, sky, and ground. In order to understand the differences in estimation accuracy and applicability of these methods, as well as for the convenience of users to select the suitable technology, models for estimation of nitrogen status of winter wheat were developed and compared for three methods: drone equipped with a multispectral camera, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter, and smartphone photography. Based on the correlations between observed nitrogen status in winter wheat and related vegetation indices, green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) and visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) were selected as the sensitive vegetation indices for the drone equipped with a multispectral camera and smartphone photography methods, respectively. The correlation coefficients between GNDVI, SPAD, and VARI were 0.92 ** and 0.89 **, and that between SPAD and VARI was 0.90 **, which indicated that three vegetation indices for these three estimation methods were significantly related to each other. The determination coefficients of the 0–90 cm soil nitrate nitrogen content estimation models for the drone equipped with a multispectral camera, SPAD, and smartphone photography methods were 0.63, 0.54, and 0.81, respectively. In the estimation accuracy evaluation, the method of smartphone photography had the smallest root mean square error (RMSE = 9.80 mg/kg). The accuracy of the smartphone photography method was slightly higher than the other two methods. Due to the limitations of these models, it was found that the crop nitrogen estimation methods based on canopy spectrum were not suitable for the crops under severe phosphate deficiency. In addition, in estimation of soil nitrate nitrogen content, there were saturation responses in the estimation indicators of the three methods. In order to introduce these three methods in the precise management of nitrogen fertilizer, it is necessary to further improve their estimation models.