bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Darkening of lead‐ and iron‐based pigments on late Gothic Italian wall paintings: Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence, μ‐Raman, and powder X‐ray diffraction analyses for diagnosis: Presence of β‐PbO2(plattnerite) and α‐PbO2(scrutinyite)
Authors: Costantini Ilaria , Lottici Pier Paolo , Bersani Danilo , Pontiroli Daniele , Casoli Antonella , Castro Kepa , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: January 2020

This work reports the results of an extensive study carried out on the wall paintings preserved inside the Saint Stephen's chapel in Montani (Val Venosta, Bozen, Italy), by means of μ‐Raman spectroscopy, portable X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, and powder X‐ray diffraction, in order to characterize materials and their alteration products that cause the blackening of paintings. In situ XRF analysis allowed identifying the areas of interest where the blackening appeared. The complementary analytical techniques allowed reconstructing a chromatic palette used by the artists that includes expensive pigments, such as lapis lazuli and cinnabar, indicating a wealthy client. Raman spectra at very low power recorded on blackened degraded samples showed the presence of a mixture of the two polymorphs of lead (IV) dioxide, plattnerite (β‐PbO2), and scrutinyte (α‐PbO2), as degradation products of lead‐based pigments. On these samples, no evidence of white lead was found, although a white lead conversion treatment had been applied on the paintings. The degradation of red lead (Pb3O4) into a mixture of plattnerite, scrutinyte, and anglesite (PbSO4) was demonstrated in some darkened samples. Furthermore, the degradation of haematite (Fe2O3) with the formation of magnetite (Fe3O4) and coquimbite (Fe2(SO4)3·9H2O) was also identified as responsible for the blackening of the paintings. The influence of original materials and environmental and anthropogenic factors such as the valley's orography and the presence of contaminating agents (SOx) is discussed to explain the decay phenomena.
Synthesis, Characterization, Evaluation of Interfacial Properties and Antibacterial Activities of Dicarboxylate Anacardic Acid Derivatives from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid of Anacardium occidentale L.
Authors: Koteich Khatib Sonia , Bullón Johnny , Vivas Jesús , Bahsas Ali , Rosales‐Oballos Yolima , Marquez Ronald , Forgiarini Ana , Salager Jean Louis
Published: January 2020

Anacardic acid, 2‐hydroxy‐6‐[(8Z,11Z‐pentadeca‐8,11,14‐trienyl]‐benzoic acid, extracted from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), has been structurally modified to obtain the 2‐(O‐carboxymethyl)‐6‐[(8Z,11Z)‐pentadeca‐8,11,14‐trienyl]‐benzoic acid and its disodium carboxylate salt. Our separation method allows to easily obtain anacardic acid, which has been of interest for the fabrication of green products. These methods proposed for the first time to synthesize these derivatives are short and cheap, and with a high yield. The elucidation of its structure was carried out by means of infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Interfacial rheology properties of surfactant‐air‐water and surfactant‐heptane‐water systems were determined by using a new oscillating spinning drop rheometer apparatus. Physicochemical characterization was performed with a salinity scan in a surfactant‐heptane‐brine system, obtaining a value of the surfactant characteristic parameter σ = −4.3 for the disodium salt and a critical micellar concentration (cmc) of 0.08 wt%, showing high surface activity. The biological activity of both compounds was determined and measurements of their potential antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria were performed, exhibiting high effectiveness, especially for the disodium salt against Gram‐positive bacteria.
Role of Bacillus species in biofilm persistence and emerging antibiofilm strategies in the dairy industry
Authors: Shemesh Moshe , Ostrov Ievgeniia
Published: January 2020

Biofilm‐forming Bacillus species are often involved in persistent contamination and spoilage of dairy products. They therefore present a major microbiological challenge in the field of dairy food quality and safety. Due to their substantial physiological versatility, Bacillus species can survive in various parts of dairy manufacturing plants, leading to a high risk of product spoilage and potential dissemination of foodborne diseases. Furthermore, biofilm and heat‐resistant spore formation make these bacteria challenging to eliminate. Thus, some strategies have been employed to remove, prevent, or delay the formation of Bacillus biofilms in the dairy industry, but with limited success. Lack of understanding of the Bacillus biofilm structure and behavior in conditions relevant to dairy‐associated environments could partially account for this situation. The current paper reviews dairy‐associated biofilm formation by Bacillus species, with particular attention to the role of biofilm in Bacillus species adaptation and survival in a dairy processing environment. Relevant model systems are discussed for the development of novel antimicrobial approaches to improve the quality of dairy food. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation of biogenic amine‐negative lactic acid bacteria for Chinese rice wine fermentation based on molecular marker reverse screening
Authors: Xiong Zhi‐Qiang , Cao Li‐Rui , Wang Guang‐Qiang , Xia Yong‐Jun , Yang Yi‐Jin , Bai Wei‐Dong , Ai Lian‐Zhong
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Chinese rice wine (CRW; a traditional alcoholic beverage in China with unique flavor and high nutritional value) containing high level of biogenic amines (BAs) may be deleterious to human health. The processes of rice soaking, primary fermentation and secondary fermentation were found to be the major factors for accumulation of BAs during industrial CRW production.

RESULTS

To reduce the risk of the formation of BAs in CRW production, Enterococcus durans AR315, a BA‐negative lactic acid bacterium, was isolated from CRW samples by PCR‐based molecular marker reverse screening in this work. With addition of AR315 during steeping rice phase, the level of total BAs was significantly decreased by 45.1% in comparison with the control. Moreover, the final BA concentration with the addition of AR315 was 27.6% lower than that of the control during fermentation phase.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of decreased accumulation of BAs in CRW production using a BA‐negative lactic acid bacterium. Hence, using a BA‐negative lactic acid bacterium as a starter culture could be an efficient strategy for significantly reducing the formation of BAs, which has the potential for industrial application in CRW production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of grape ripeness, carbonic maceration and pectolytic enzymes to improve the chemical and sensory quality of red sparkling wines
Authors: González‐Lázaro Miriam , Martínez‐Lapuente Leticia , Guadalupe Zenaida , Ayestaran Belén , Bueno‐Herrera Marta , López de la Cuesta Pedro , Pérez‐Magariño Silvia
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Red sparkling wines are and innovative product for the oenology market, and oenologists are looking for technologies to improve their winemaking. The present study aimed to use both carbonic maceration and pectolytic enzymes applied to premature grapes during the winemaking of red sparkling wines. Both could modify the release of polyphenols, as well as improve the foaming, aroma and sensory properties of the wines.

RESULTS

Red sparkling wines made with mature grapes showed the highest content of polyphenols, ethyl esters, alcohol acetates, total volatile acids and foam stability time. They were characterised by a high foam collar and foam area, full‐body, astringency, persistence, and olfactory intensity, and were the best evaluated with respect to global perception in the sensory analysis. Treatment with pectolytic enzymes was not effective with unripe grapes. These wines showed a high content of total ethyl esters and the highest content of lactones, producing wines with high olfactory intensity and fruity aromas. Red sparkling wines made by carbonic maceration showed the lowest content of total polyphenols, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, as well as high contents of C6 alcohols and total ethyl esters, and were characterised by vegetal aroma notes. Both treatments produced red sparkling wines with good foam characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Winemaking of red sparkling wines with premature grapes and pectinolytic enzymes or carbonic maceration did not achieve an improvement with respect to their chemical and sensory qualities. The use of mature grapes and traditional winemaking is the best option for elaborating red quality sparkling wines. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of chicken wooden breast on quality and oxidative stability of raw and cooked sausages subjected to frozen storage
Authors: Cavalcante da Rocha Thayse , de Carvalho Leila Moreira , Soares Alida Janine , Coutinho Daniella Godoy , Olegario Lary Souza , de Sousa Galvão Mércia , Estévez Mario , Madruga Marta Suely
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Considering (i) the increased incidence of wooden breast (WB) myopathy in broilers, (ii) the poor meat quality in such breasts and (iii) the lack of studies on the industrial use of WBs; the objective of this study was to investigate the quality of chicken sausages made with WB under frozen conditions. Three formulations of chicken sausage [100% normal (N) breast, 100% WB, and 50% N breast + 50% WB] were considered and raw and cooked (70 °C/10 min) sausages were frozen for 180 days and evaluated for their quality and oxidative stability.

RESULTS

WB formulations exhibited higher pH, moisture (%), and shear force (SF), associated with lower water holding capacity (WHC) and fat (%). During the freezing period, there was a decrease in WHC and redness (a*) and an increase in cooking loss (CL) and SF for all formulations. Additionally, during freezing, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances values were higher in raw sausages made with N breast than in sausage made with WB probably due to the higher fat content in the former. Results showed that the products did not reach noticeable rancid levels (<2 mg malondialdehyde/kg) and that WB sausage presented great resistance to oxidation, which suggests that WB sausage can be kept frozen at −20 °C for up to 198 days.

CONCLUSION

Using WBs for the manufacture of chicken sausages subjected to freezing is a viable option given their overall quality and resistance to oxidation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Antibacterial Activity of Hexadecynoic Acid Isomers toward Clinical Isolates of Multidrug‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sanabria‐Ríos David J. , Morales‐Guzmán Christian , Mooney Joseph , Medina Solymar , Pereles‐De‐León Tomás , Rivera‐Román Ashley , Ocasio‐Malavé Carlimar , Díaz Damarith , Chorna Nataliya , Carballeira Néstor M.
Published: January 2020

In the present study, the structural characteristics that impart antibacterial activity to C16 alkynoic fatty acids (aFA) were further investigated. The syntheses of hexadecynoic acids (HDA) containing triple bonds at C‐3, C‐6, C‐8, C‐9, C‐10, and C‐12 were carried out in four steps and with an overall yield of 34–78%. In addition, HDA analogs containing a sulfur atom at either C‐4 or C‐5 were also prepared in 69–77% overall yields, respectively. Results from this study revealed that the triple bond at C‐2 is pivotal for the antibacterial activity displayed by 2‐HDA, while the farther the position of the triple bond from the carbonyl group, the lower its bactericidal activity against gram‐positive bacteria, including clinical isolates of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CIMRSA) strains. The potential of 2‐HDA as an antibacterial agent was also assessed in five CIMRSA strains that were resistant to Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) demonstrating that 2‐HDA was the most effective treatment in inhibiting their growth when compared with either Cipro alone or equimolar combinations of Cipro and 2‐HDA. Moreover, it was proved that the inhibition of S. aureus DNA gyrase can be linked to the antibacterial activity displayed by 2‐HDA. Finally, it was determined that the ability of HDA analogs to form micelles can be linked to their decreased activity against gram‐positive bacteria, since critical micellar concentrations (CMC) between 50 and 300 μg/mL were obtained.
Regulating performance characteristics of lithium complex greases via dibasic acids
Authors: Ren Guanlin , Li Wen , Li Hao , Fan Xiaoqiang , Zhang Lin , Zhu Minhao
Published: January 2020

Thickener as an important ingredient affects the performance characteristics of lubricating grease. Here, seven lithium complex greases (LCGs) were prepared by saponification of 12‐OH stearic acid and low molecular weight dibasic acids (including adipic acid, sebacic acid, phthalic acid, dodecanedioic acid, and the combination of sebacic acid and phthalic acid in different molar ratios) with LiOH, using polyalphaolefin (PAO 40) as base oil. Physical properties and lubrication function of as‐prepared LCGs were evaluated in detail, and the friction mechanism was explored via analysis on the morphologies and composition of worn surfaces. Results illustrate that the saponification of mixed 12‐OH stearic acid and sebacic acid with LiOH provides good thickener for improving the physico‐chemical performance of LCG, while the thickener prepared by 12‐OH stearic acid and adipic acid with LiOH enhances lubrication function of LCG, mainly depending on synergy of grease film and tribo‐chemical reaction film.
Nonlinear obstacle problems with double phase in the borderline case
Authors: Byun Sun‐Sig , Cho Yumi , Oh Jehan
Published: January 2020

In this paper we study a double phase problem with an irregular obstacle. The energy functional under consideration is characterized by the fact that both ellipticity and growth switch between a type of polynomial and a type of logarithm, which can be regarded as a borderline case of the double phase functional with ‐growth. We obtain an optimal global Calderón–Zygmund type estimate for the obstacle problem with double phase in the borderline case.
Novel variants in COL2A1 causing rare spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita
Authors: Zheng Wen‐bin , Li Lu‐jiao , Zhao Di‐chen , Wang Ou , Jiang Yan , Xia Wei‐bo , Xing Xiao‐ping , Li Mei
Published: January 2020

Background

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) is an extremely rare inherited chondrodysplasia characterized by abnormal epiphyses, short stature, and flattened vertebral bodies. We investigate the phenotypes and the disease‐associated variants of SEDC in two unrelated Chinese families.

Methods

We identified disease‐associated variants in two nonconsanguineous families with SEDC using targeted next‐generation sequencing and confirmed the variants using Sanger sequencing. We investigated the phenotypes of the patients, including clinical manifestations, bone turnover biomarkers, bone mineral density and skeletal radiographic features.

Results

Two probands were diagnosed as SEDC according to the phenotypes of disproportionately short‐trunk stature, kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and adduction deformity of hips. Radiographs revealed kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, flattened vertebral bodies, compressed femoral heads and shortening of the femurs. Bone mineral density of the probands was lower than that of age‐ and gender‐matched normal children, but bone turnover biomarker levels were within normal range. Two novel heterozygous missense variants (NM_001844.5: c.1654 G>A, NP_001835.3: p.Gly552Arg; NM_001844.5: c.3518G>T, NP_001835.3: p.Gly1173Val) in collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1) were detected in the two families, which would impair the formation of stable triple‐helical type II collagen.

Conclusions

We identified two novel disease‐associated variants in COL2A1, which led to severe SEDC. Our findings expanded the gene variant spectrum and phenotypic spectrum of extremely rare type II collagenopathies.
Epigallocatechin Gallate Induces Upregulation of LDL Receptor via the 67 kDa Laminin Receptor‐Independent Pathway in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Zanka Kumiko , Kawaguchi Yuya , Okada Yudai , Nagaoka Satoshi
Published: January 2020

Scope

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an active polyphenol in green tea, exhibits various physiological effects, including activation of low‐density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). The previous studies have suggested that EGCG activates LDLR via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in HepG2 cells. However, the detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. Recently, 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR) is identified as a receptor for EGCG. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether 67LR is involved in the mechanism of LDLR activation by EGCG.

Methods and results

EGCG induces upregulation of LDLR when 67LR is knocked down in HepG2 cells. Similar effect is observed after the cells are treated with 67LR monoclonal antibody. The loss of antiallergic effect following 67LR siRNA knockdown and 67LR antibody treatment confirms the results since the antiallergic effect of EGCG is known to be mediated by 67LR.

Conclusion

EGCG activates LDLR expression via 67LR‐independent pathway in HepG2 cells.
Prediction of transient tumor enlargement using MRI tumor texture after radiosurgery on vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Langenhuizen Patrick P. J. H. , Sebregts Sander H. P. , Zinger Svetlana , Leenstra Sieger , Verheul Jeroen B. , de With Peter H. N.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are uncommon benign brain tumors, generally treated using Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). However, due to the possible adverse effect of transient tumor enlargement (TTE), large VS tumors are often surgically removed instead of treated radiosurgically. Since microsurgery is highly invasive and results in a significant increased risk of complications, GKRS is generally preferred. Therefore, prediction of TTE for large VS tumors can improve overall VS treatment and enable physicians to select the most optimal treatment strategy on an individual basis. Currently, there are no clinical factors known to be predictive for TTE. In this research, we aim at predicting TTE following GKRS using texture features extracted from MRI scans.

Methods

We analyzed clinical data of patients with VSs treated at our Gamma Knife center. The data was collected prospectively and included patient‐ and treatment‐related characteristics and MRI scans obtained at day of treatment and at follow‐up visits, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after treatment. The correlations of the patient‐ and treatment‐related characteristics to TTE were investigated using statistical tests. From the treatment scans, we extracted the following MRI image features: first‐order statistics, Minkowski functionals (MFs), and three‐dimensional gray‐level co‐occurrence matrices (GLCMs). These features were applied in a machine learning environment for classification of TTE, using support vector machines.

Results

In a clinical data set, containing 61 patients presenting obvious non‐TTE and 38 patients presenting obvious TTE, we determined that patient‐ and treatment‐related characteristics do not show any correlation to TTE. Furthermore, first‐order statistical MRI features and MFs did not significantly show prognostic values using support vector machine classification. However, utilizing a set of 4 GLCM features, we achieved a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.69, showing their prognostic value of TTE. Moreover, these results increased for larger tumor volumes obtaining a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.89 for tumors larger than 6 cm3.

Conclusions

The results found in this research clearly show that MRI tumor texture provides information that can be employed for predicting TTE. This can form a basis for individual VS treatment selection, further improving overall treatment results. Particularly in patients with large VSs, where the phenomenon of TTE is most relevant and our predictive model performs best, these findings can be implemented in a clinical workflow such that for each patient, the most optimal treatment strategy can be determined.
Quantification of regional myocardial mean intracellular water lifetime: A nonhuman primate study in myocardial stress
Authors: Sampath Smita , Parimal Annamalai Sarayu , Huang Wei , Manigbas Elaine , Gsell Willy , Chang Miko May Lee , Qiu Anqi , Jacobsen Kirsten , Evelhoch Jeffrey L. , Chin Chih‐Liang
Published: January 2020

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is typically associated with early metabolic remodeling. Noninvasive imaging biomarkers that reflect these changes will be crucial in determining responses to early drug interventions in these patients. Mean intracellular water lifetime (τi) has been shown to be partially inversely related to Na, K‐ATPase transporter activity and may thus provide insight into the metabolic status in HFpEF patients. Here, we aim to perform regional quantification of τi using dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the nonhuman primate (NHP) heart and evaluate its region‐specific variations under conditions of myocardial stress in the context of perturbed myocardial function. Cardiac stress was induced in seven naïve cynomolgus macaques using a dobutamine stepwise infusion protocol. All animals underwent 3 T cardiac dual‐bolus DCE and tagging MRI experiments. The shutter‐speed model was employed to quantify regional τi from the DCE‐MR images. Additionally, τi values were correlated with myocardial strains. During cardiac stress, there was a significant decrease in global τi (192.9 ± 76.3 ms vs 321.6 ± 70 ms at rest, P < 0.05) in the left ventricle, together with an increase in global peak circumferential strain (−15.4% ± 2.7% vs −10.1% ± 2.9% at rest, P < 0.05). Specifically, slice‐level analysis further revealed that a greater significant decrease in mean τi was observed in the apical region (ΔτI = 182.4 ms) compared with the basal (Δτi = 113.2 ms) and midventricular regions (Δτi = 108.4 ms). Regional analysis revealed that there was a greater significant decrease in mean τi in the anterior (Δτi = 243.9 ms) and antero‐lateral (Δτi = 177.2 ms) regions. In the inferior and infero‐septal regions, although a decrease in τi was observed, it was not significant. Whole heart regional quantification of τi is feasible using DCE‐MRI. τi is sensitive to regional changes in metabolic state during cardiac stress, and its value correlates with strain.
Development and outdoor characterization of a hybrid bifacial HCPV module
Authors: Martínez Juan F. , Steiner Marc , Wiesenfarth Maike , Fellmeth Tobias , Dörsam Tobias , Wiese Martin , Glunz Stefan W. , Dimroth Frank
Published: January 2020

Conversion of direct, diffuse, and albedo irradiance into electricity is demonstrated with a new kind of hybrid bifacial high‐concentration photovoltaic module named bifacial EyeCon. It consists of Fresnel lenses that concentrate the direct sunlight 321x onto III‐V triple‐junction solar cells that are mounted on the front surface of p‐PERC bifacial c‐Si cells. Thus, the Si absorbs the front and rear diffuse irradiance. Because III‐V and Si cells are electrically isolated (hence a 4‐terminal device) but thermally coupled by a dielectric adhesive, Si also acts as a heat distributing substrate. To accommodate the concentrator cells, we adapted the metallization layout and also optimized it for low intensity, ie, 200 W/m2 on the front and 100 W/m2 on the rear, using finite element network simulation. Additionally, when the concentrator cells are mounted on a bifacial Si cell instead of a metal heat distributor, their operating temperature is 16 K higher. However, we demonstrate with outdoor measurements that the power output of the bifacial EyeCon module reaches up to 326 W/m2 when the direct to global irradiance ratio is 92%. At a lower fraction of 70% the bifacial Si cells augment the power output of the III‐V string by 19%rel
Poverty and Social Policy: Perceptions Versus Reality
Authors: Malul Miki
Published: January 2020

Relieving poverty is one of the more important and complicated tasks in every society. Is the public aware of poverty‐related data? Do people know who is considered poor? Public awareness about the issue of poverty is crucial for pushing policymakers to act. Using a survey‐based experiment with a representative sample of 751 Israelis, we found significant gaps between perceptions and reality regarding several measures of poverty. In fact, in most of the poverty indicators, 80 percent of the public estimations were inaccurate. We found, however, that 60 percent of the people understand that the issue of poverty negatively affects the entire society. We showed that perceptions about poverty and the reasons for it affect people's views about the need for policy measures to reduce it.
Genetic diversity and domestication of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) in Turkey
Authors: Helmstetter Andrew J. , Oztolan‐Erol Nihal , Lucas Stuart J. , Buggs Richard J. A.
Published: January 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Hazelnut is consumed worldwide and is of critical economic importance to the rural communities of Turkey's northern coast. A new disease outbreak has drastically decreased yields across Turkey and climate change is emerging as a new threat to cultivation. Our study is the first to provide a genomic perspective on diversity in this vulnerable crop, which will prove valuable for future breeding efforts. Such research into perennial crops like hazelnut can help to improve farmer livelihoods and ensure the sustainability of crop production in a changing world.

Summary

Assessing and describing genetic diversity in crop plants is a crucial first step toward their improvement. The European hazelnut, Corylus avellana L., is one of the most economically important tree nut crops worldwide. It is primarily produced in Turkey where rural communities depend on it for their livelihoods. Despite this, we know little about its domestication history and the genetic diversity it holds.

We use double digest restriction‐site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to produce a genome‐wide dataset containing wild and domesticated hazelnut. We uncover patterns of population structure and diversity, determine levels of crop‐wild gene flow, and estimate the relationships among different genetic clusters.

We use a dataset of over 60k single nucleotide polymorphisms to find that genetic clusters of cultivars do not reflect their given names and that there is limited evidence for a reduction in genetic diversity in domesticated individuals. We find evidence that hazelnut may have been domesticated more than once and that admixture has likely occurred multiple times between wild and domesticated hazelnut.

We provide the first genomic assessment of Turkish hazelnut diversity and suggest that there has not been an extreme bottleneck during the domestication of this crop, leading to cultivars at different stages of domestication. Our study provides a platform for further research that will protect hazelnut from the threats of climate change and an emerging fungal disease.
A single‐arm, non‐randomized investigation into the short‐term effects and follow‐up of a 4‐week lower limb exercise programme on kinesiophobia in individuals with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Molyneux Jimmy , Herrrington Lee , Riley Ben , Jones Richard
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate the short‐term effects and follow‐up of a 4‐week lower limb exercise programme on kinesiophobia in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Design

Participants diagnosed with knee OA clinically against the American College of Rheumatology criteria were recruited. Participants completed a 4‐week lower limb exercise programme. Each participant completed two questionnaires, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and the Knee Injury and OA Outcome Score. Each measurement was completed at the baseline assessment, at Session 4 of the programme, at Session 8 of the programme, and 6 weeks after the exercise programme. Perceived levels of exertion rate of perceived exertion were measured after each exercise session using the modified Borg scale.

Results

Fifty‐four participants took part in the study. Kinesiophobia decreased from the baseline assessment to 6 weeks after the exercise programme. KOOS pain, symptoms, sports and recreation, quality of life and activities of daily living score increased, therefore showed improvement. Correlational analysis highlighted a moderate negative correlation between the KOOS pain and kinesiophobia at baseline and 6 weeks after the exercise programme (0.44 and 0.48 respectively).

Conclusions

Understanding baseline kinesiophobia scores could provide an important resource for health professionals who manage individuals with knee OA to improve the quality of care due to the correlation with pain changes and may improve exercise‐related outcomes for a longer duration.

Highlights

Kinesiophobia is prevalent in individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Kinesiophobia decreased in 75% of individuals with knee OA after a 4‐week exercise programme.

Correlation between pain and kinesiophobia at baseline and 6 weeks after an exercise programme.

An understanding of an individual's kinesiophobia level before an exercise programme is important for future prognosis of changes in pain.

Clinical Trial Number

NCT02734342
Quantum‐chemical models of KOH(KOBut)/DMSO superbasic systems and mechanisms of base‐promoted acetylene reactions
Authors: Vitkovskaya Nadezhda M. , Orel Vladimir B. , Kobychev Vladimir B. , Bobkov Alexander S. , Absalyamov Damir Z. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: January 2020

The mechanisms of fundamental base‐promoted acetylene reactions, namely, nucleophilic addition to the triple C ≡ C bond (vinylation) and nucleophilic addition of acetylenic carbanion to a carbonyl group (ethynylation), are addressed using three models of different complexity—pentasolvate, monosolvate, and anionic—which describe the catalytic superbasic systems MOH(OBut)/DMSO (suspensions of alkali hydroxides or tert‐butoxides in dimethyl sulfoxide). The above acetylene reactions and sequential transformations of reagents arranged by the superbasic center are modeled within the framework of the most complete pentasolvate model, in which the superbase is represented by the KOH·5DMSO (KOBut·5DMSO) complexes. We have developed approaches to the construction of simplified models (monosolvate and anionic) to describe transformations in complex systems. The mechanisms of cascade assemblies of 6,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes, cyclopentenones, and furan cycles from ketones and acetylenes in the superbasic environment are investigated using a uniform B2PLYP/6‐311+G**//B3LYP/6‐31+G* approach, and the energy profiles of these different carbo‐ and heterocycles are analyzed.
Robust feedback stabilization using high‐gain observer via event triggering
Authors: Behera Abhisek K. , Shim Hyungbo
Published: January 2020

In this article, the problem of robust output feedback stabilization of single‐input single‐output nonlinear systems is studied in the event‐triggering framework. In this work, an event‐triggered output feedback law based on a high‐gain observer is constructed, which guarantees the stability of closed‐loop system. First, the high‐gain observer with a triggering scheme is designed to estimate the plant state in the presence of external disturbances subject to any satisfactory accuracy of the estimation error. The observer‐based triggering mechanism decides the transmission of plant output to the observer by observing a certain event condition. Similarly, another triggering mechanism is designed using the estimated state of observer that triggers the control signal to be updated only when it is satisfied. Under this proposed event‐triggering framework, the stability of closed‐loop system is then analyzed. Here, we provide the simplified design technique, in which the high‐gain parameter and the triggering thresholds can be selected independently to achieve any desired bound for the plant trajectory. The results are finally demonstrated through simulation of a numerical example.
Event‐triggered cascade high‐gain observer and its application
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Jie
Published: January 2020

In this article, we consider the event‐triggered cascade high‐gain observer (ETCHGO) for a class of nonlinear systems. By cascading lower dimensional observers, we design a cascade high‐gain observer together with a Zeno‐free event‐triggered mechanism to estimate the state of the plant. We show that the ETCHGO has the same steady‐state performance as the continuous‐time cascade high‐gain observer, that is, there is a finite time after which the estimation error will not exceed the given threshold, and moreover, the finite time and the threshold can be made sufficiently small by adjusting some design parameters. We also investigate an ETCHGO with saturation, which will reduce the peaking value while maintaining the steady‐state estimation performance. Furthermore, we use the ETCHGO with saturation to solve the output feedback stabilization problem for a class of nonlinear systems. An example is given to illustrate our results.
Copeptin and mid‐regional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide in women with suspected or confirmed pre‐eclampsia: comparison with sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio
Authors: Neuman R. I. , van der Meer M. M. Alblas , Saleh L. , van den Berg S. A. A. , van den Meiracker A. H. , Danser A. H. J. , Visser W.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may contribute to the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia (PE), but their role remains to be elucidated. Our aims were to evaluate the surrogates of AVP and ANP, C‐terminal pro‐AVP (copeptin) and mid‐regional pro‐ANP (MR‐proANP), as biomarkers for the prediction of PE‐related pregnancy complications and whether they are associated with angiogenic markers and/or clinical manifestations of PE.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study that enrolled pregnant women with suspected or confirmed PE, between December 2013 and April 2016. From each patient, a blood sample was obtained at study entry and serum levels of copeptin, MR‐proANP, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured. We evaluated the ability of sFlt‐1, PlGF, sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio, copeptin and MR‐proANP, assessed either alone or combined with traditional predictors (gestational age, parity, diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria), to predict maternal complications and fetal/neonatal complications. Models were compared using concordance statistic (C‐index).

Results

A total of 526 women were evaluated in the study. Women with confirmed PE displayed elevated serum copeptin and MR‐proANP levels in comparison to those with suspected PE but no hypertensive disease of pregnancy. When combined with traditional predictors, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio displayed a higher C‐index than copeptin and MR‐proANP (0.76, 0.63 and 0.67, respectively, vs 0.60 for the traditional predictors alone) for the prediction of maternal complications. Similarly, for the prediction of fetal/neonatal complications, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio displayed a higher C‐index than copeptin and MR‐proANP when added to the traditional model (0.83, 0.79 and 0.80, respectively, vs 0.79 for the traditional predictors alone). When subdividing women according to sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio (≥ 85 vs < 85), no differences in copeptin levels were observed, while MR‐proANP level was elevated in women with sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio ≥ 85. Multiple regression analysis revealed that copeptin and MR‐proANP were independent determinants of proteinuria.

Conclusions

Copeptin and MR‐proANP have limited value in predicting PE‐related complications when compared with the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio. However, both copeptin and MR‐proANP were associated with proteinuria, with copeptin exerting this effect independently of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Transperineal ultrasound assessment of maternal pelvic floor at term and fetal head engagement
Authors: Youssef A. , Brunelli E. , Montaguti E. , Di Donna G. , Dodaro M. G. , Bianchini L. , Pilu G.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the association between pelvic floor dimensions in nulliparous women at term and fetal head engagement, as assessed by transperineal ultrasound.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of nulliparous women at term. Before the onset of labor, transperineal ultrasound was used to measure the anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the levator hiatus and the angle of progression (AoP) at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva maneuver (before and after visual feedback). We assessed the correlation between pelvic floor static and dynamic dimensions (levator hiatal APD and levator ani muscle coactivation) and AoP, which is an objective index of fetal head engagement.

Results

In total, 282 women were included in the analysis. Among these, 211 (74.8%) women had a vaginal delivery while 71 (25.2%) had a Cesarean delivery. AoP was narrower in the Cesarean‐delivery group at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva, whereas no differences in levator hiatal APD were found between the two groups. We found a negative correlation between levator hiatal APD at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva and the duration of the second stage of labor. There was a positive correlation between AoP and levator hiatal APD on maximum Valsalva maneuver after visual feedback (r = 0.15, P = 0.01). Women with levator ani muscle contraction on Valsalva maneuver (i.e. coactivation), both pre and post visual feedback, had a narrower AoP at rest and on maximum Valsalva. After visual feedback, women with levator ani muscle coactivation had a longer second stage of labor than did those without (80.8 ± 61.4 min vs 62.9 ± 43.4 min (P = 0.04)).

Conclusions

Smaller pelvic floor dimensions and levator ani muscle coactivation are associated with higher fetal head station and with a longer second stage of labor in nulliparous women at term. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
From boundary data to bound states
Authors: Kälin Gregor , Porto Rafael A.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We introduce a — somewhat holographic — dictionary between gravitational observables for scattering processes (measured at the boundary) and adiabatic invariants for bound orbits (in the bulk), to all orders in the Post-Minkowskian (PM) expansion. Our map relies on remarkable connections between the relative momentum of the two­body problem, the classical limit of the scattering amplitude and the deflection angle in hyperbolic motion. These relationships allow us to compute observables for generic orbits (such as the periastron advance ∆Φ) through analytic continuation, via a radial action depending only on boundary data. A simplified (more geometrical) map can be obtained for circular orbits, enabling us to extract the orbital frequency as a function of the (conserved) binding energy, Ω(E), directly from scattering information. As an example, using the results in Bernet al. [36, 37], we readily derive Ω(E) and ∆Φ(J, E) to two-loop orders. We also provide closed-form expressions for the orbital frequency and periastron advance at tree-level and one-loop order, respectively, which capture a series of exact terms in the Post-Newtonian expansion. We then perform a partial PM resummation, using a no-recoil approximation for the amplitude. This limit is behind the map between the scattering angle for a test-particle and the two-body dynamics to 2PM. We show that it also captures a subset of higher order terms beyond the test-particle limit. While a (rather lengthy) Hamiltonian may be derived as an intermediate step, our map applies directly between gauge invariant quantities. Our findings provide a starting point for an alternative approach to the binary problem. We conclude with future directions and some speculations on the classical double copy.
The Trichoderma viride F-00612 consortium tolerates 2-amino-3H-phenoxazin-3-one and degrades nitrated benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one
Authors: Voloshchuk Nataliya , Schütz Vadim , Laschke Laura , Gryganskyi Andrii P. , Schulz Margot
Published: January 2020

Numerous allelopathic plant secondary metabolites impact plant–microorganism interactions by injuring plant-associated beneficial bacteria and fungi. Fungi belonging to the genus Trichoderma positively influence crops, including benzoxazinone-containing maize. However, benzoxazinones and their downstream metabolites such as benzoxazolinone and phenoxazinones are often fungitoxic. Specimen Trichoderma viride F-00612 was found to be insensitive to 100-µM phenoxazinone and 500-µM benzoxazolinone. Screening of 46 additional specimens of ascomycetes revealed insensitivity to phenoxazinones among fungi that cause disease in benzoxazinone-producing cereal crops, whereas many other ascomycetes were highly sensitive. In contrast, most of the screened fungi were insensitive to benzoxazolinone. T. viride F-00612 was associated with bacteria and, thus, existed as a consortium. By contrast, Enterobacter species and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus were prominent in the original specimen, and Bacillus species predominated after antibiotic application. Prolonged cultivation of T. viride F-00612 in liquid medium and on Czapek agar in the presence of < 100 µM phenoxazinone and < 500 µM benzoxazolinone resulted in a massive loss of bacteria accompanied by impacted fungal growth in the presence of phenoxazinone. The original consortium was actively involved in implementing metabolic sequences for the degradation and detoxification of nitrated benzoxazolinone derivatives. The 2-aminophenol was rapidly converted into acetamidophenol, but benzoxazolinone, methoxylated benzoxazolinone, and picolinic acid remained unchanged. Excluding phenoxazinone, none of the tested compounds markedly impaired fungal growth in liquid culture. In conclusion, members of the T. viride F-00612 consortium may contribute to the ability to manage benzoxazinone downstream products and facilitate BOA-6-OH degradation via nitration.
Autologous monocyte-derived DC vaccination combined with cisplatin in stage III and IV melanoma patients: a prospective, randomized phase 2 trial
Authors: Boudewijns Steve , Bloemendal Martine , de Haas Nienke , Westdorp Harm , Bol Kalijn F. , Schreibelt Gerty , Aarntzen Erik H. J. G. , Lesterhuis W. Joost , Gorris Mark A. J. , Croockewit Alexandra , van der Woude Lieke L. , van Rossum Michelle M. , Welzen Marieke , de Goede Anna , Hato Stanleyson V. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Koornstra Rutger H. T. , Gerritsen Winald R. , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Autologous dendritic cell (DC) vaccines can induce tumor-specific T cells, but their effect can be counteracted by immunosuppressive mechanisms. Cisplatin has shown immunomodulatory effects in vivo which may enhance efficacy of DC vaccination.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized, open-label phase 2 study (NCT02285413) including stage III and IV melanoma patients receiving 3 biweekly vaccinations of gp100 and tyrosinase mRNA-loaded monocyte-derived DCs with or without cisplatin. Primary objectives were to study immunogenicity and feasibility, and secondary objectives were to assess toxicity and survival.

Results

Twenty-two stage III and 32 stage IV melanoma patients were analyzed. Antigen-specific CD8+T cells were found in 44% versus 67% and functional T cell responses in 28% versus 19% of skin-test infiltrating lymphocytes in patients receiving DC vaccination with and without cisplatin, respectively. Four patients stopped cisplatin because of toxicity and continued DC monotherapy. No therapy-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred due to DC monotherapy. During combination therapy, one therapy-related grade 3 adverse event, decompensated heart failure due to fluid overload, occurred. The clinical outcome parameters did not clearly suggest significant differences.

Conclusions

Combination of DC vaccination and cisplatin in melanoma patients is feasible and safe, but does not seem to result in more tumor-specific T cell responses or improved clinical outcome, when compared to DC vaccination monotherapy.
Pain, fatigue and depression symptom cluster in survivors of prostate cancer
Authors: Baden Manisha , Lu Liya , Drummond Frances J. , Gavin Anna , Sharp Linda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Pain, fatigue and depression are common sequelae of a cancer diagnosis. The extent to which these occur together in prostate cancer survivors is unknown. We (i) investigated prevalence of the pain-fatigue-depression symptom cluster and (ii) identified factors associated with experiencing the symptom cluster among prostate cancer survivors.

Methods

Men in Ireland diagnosed with prostate cancer 2–18 years previously were identified from population-based cancer registries and sent postal questionnaires. Cancer-related pain and fatigue were measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and depression using the DASS-21. Cut-offs to define ‘caseness’ were pain ≥ 25, fatigue ≥ 39 and depression ≥ 10. Associations between survivor-related factors, clinical variables and specific prostate cancer physical symptoms and the symptom cluster were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 3348 men participated (response rate = 54%). Twenty-four percent had clinically significant pain, 19.7% had clinically significant fatigue, and 14.4% had depression; 7.3% had all three symptoms. In multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with the symptom cluster were living in Northern Ireland, experiencing back pain at diagnosis and being affected by incontinence, loss of sexual desire, bowel problems, gynecomastia and hot flashes post-treatment. There was a strong association between the cluster and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

The pain-fatigue-depression symptom cluster is present in 1 in 13 prostate cancer survivors. Physical after-effects of prostate cancer treatment are associated with this cluster. More attention should be paid to identifying and supporting survivors who experience multiple symptoms; this may help health-related quality of life improve among the growing population of prostate cancer survivors.
Acidithiobacillus ferrianus sp. nov.: an ancestral extremely acidophilic and facultatively anaerobic chemolithoautotroph
Authors: Norris Paul R. , Falagán Carmen , Moya-Beltrán Ana , Castro Matías , Quatrini Raquel , Johnson D. Barrie
Published: January 2020

Strain MG, isolated from an acidic pond sediment on the island of Milos (Greece), is proposed as a novel species of ferrous iron- and sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus. Currently, four of the eight validated species of this genus oxidize ferrous iron, and strain MG shares many key characteristics with these four, including the capacities for catalyzing the oxidative dissolution of pyrite and for anaerobic growth via ferric iron respiration. Strain MG also grows aerobically on hydrogen and anaerobically on hydrogen coupled to ferric iron reduction. While the 16S rRNA genes of the iron-oxidizing Acidi-thiobacillus species (and strain MG) are located in a distinct phylogenetic clade and are closely related (98–99% 16S rRNA gene identity), genomic relatedness indexes (ANI/dDDH) revealed strong genomic divergence between strain MG and all sequenced type strains of the taxon, and placed MG as the first cultured representative of an ancestral phylotype of iron oxidizing acidithiobacilli. Strain MG is proposed as a novel species, Acidithiobacillus ferrianus sp. nov. The type strain is MGT (= DSM 107098T = JCM 33084T). Similar strains have been found as isolates or indicated by cloned 16S rRNA genes from several mineral sulfide mine sites.