bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score to Compare Ankle-Foot Orthoses, Sensorimotor Orthoses and Barefoot Gait Pattern in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: MacFarlane Clare , Hing Wayne , Orr Robin
Published: June 2020

Gait analysis is one aspect of evaluation in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) improve gait and alignment through providing support. An alternative and under-researched orthosis are sensomotoric orthoses (SMotOs). The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) is a valid observational gait analysis scale to measure gait quality. The aim of this study was to use the EVGS to determine what effect AFOs and SMotOs have on gait in children with CP. The inclusion criteria were: mobilizing children with a CP diagnosis, no surgery in the past six weeks, and currently using SMotOs and AFOs. Eleven participants were videoed walking 5 m (any order) barefoot, in SMotOs and AFOs. Of the participants (age range 3–13 years, mean 5.5 ± 2.9), two were female and six used assistive devices. Seven could walk barefoot. Participants had spastic diplegia (4), spastic quadriplegia (6), and spastic dystonic quadriplegia (1). Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels ranged I–IV. The total score for SMotOs (7.62) and AFOs (14.18) demonstrated improved gait when wearing SMotOs (no significant differences between barefoot and AFOs). SMotOs may be a viable option to improve gait in this population. Additional study is required but SMotOs may be useful in clinical settings.
Method of the Analysis of the Connectivity of Road and Street Network in Terms of Division of the City Area
Authors: Soczówka Piotr , Żochowska Renata , Karoń Grzegorz
Published: June 2020

The transport system of a Smart City consists of many subsystems; therefore, the modeling of the transportation network, which maps its structure, requires consideration of both the connections between individual subsystems and the relationships within each of them. The road and street network is one of the most important subsystems, whose main task is to ensure access to places generating travel demand in the city. Thus, its effectiveness should be at an appropriate level of quality. Connectivity is one of the most important characteristics of a road and street network. It describes how elements of that network are connected, which translates to travel times and costs. The analysis of the connectivity of the road and street network in urban areas is often conducted with the application of topological measures. In the case of a large area of the city, such analysis requires its division into smaller parts, which may affect the computational results of these measures; therefore, the main goal of the study was to present a method of performing analysis based on the computation of numerical values of selected measures of connectivity of road and street network, for a city area divided into fields of regular shape. To achieve that goal, the analyzed area was split into a regular grid. Subsequently, numerical values of the chosen measures of connectivity were calculated for each basic field, and the results allowed us to determine whether they are influenced by the method of division of the area. Obtained results showed that the size of the basic field influences the numerical values of measures of connectivity; however that influence is different for each of the selected measures.
Broussonetia papyrifera Promotes Hair Growth Through the Regulation of β-Catenin and STAT6 Target Proteins: A Phototrichogram Analysis of Clinical Samples
Authors: Lee Young Han , Nam Gaewon , Kim Myong-Ki , Cho Seok-Cheol , Choi Bu Young
Published: June 2020

Broussonetia papyrifera (B.papyrifera), belonging to the Moraceae family, is known to elicit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anticancer, antinociceptive, and antimicrobial effects. The present study has been designed to examine the effects of B. papyrifera extract on hair growth through in vitro and clinical samples. Real-time cell growth assay, T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF), activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-6(STAT6) and STAT3 reporter gene function, and Western blotting was performed to examine whether B. papyrifera regulates the expression of target proteins implicated in the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla (hHFDP) cells. In this human trial, using a phototrichogram, the effect of B. papyrifera on hair growth was examined by reconstitution analysis after shaving the hair of the clinical subject’s dorsal skin. B. papyrifera promoted growth equally in hHFDP cells, which is comparable to that of minoxidil and tofacitinib. Treatment with B. papyrifera extract enhanced the TCF/LEF-luciferase activity and increased the level of β-catenin protein. Moreover, B. papyrifera extract significantly suppressed interleukin-4 (IL4)-induced STAT6 phosphorylation. In clinical trial, using a phototrichogram, we assessed the hair density and total hair counts at 0, 6, and 12 weeks after the use of hair tonic containing B. papyrifera extract. After using the hair tonic for 12 weeks, the total hair count was significantly increased as compared with the subjects at the start date (n = 11). B. papyrifera promotes dermal papilla cells proliferation in vitro and clinically among human volunteers through the regulation of WNT-β-catenin and STAT6 pathways.
Mineral Vesicles and Chemical Gardens from Carbonate-Rich Alkaline Brines of Lake Magadi, Kenya
Authors: Getenet Melese , García-Ruiz Juan Manuel , Verdugo-Escamilla Cristóbal , Guerra-Tschuschke Isabel
Published: June 2020

Mineral vesicles and chemical gardens are self-organized biomimetic structures that form via abiotic mineral precipitation. These membranous structures are known to catalyze prebiotic reactions but the extreme conditions required for their synthesis has cast doubts on their formation in nature. Apart from model solutions, these structures have been shown to form in serpentinization-driven natural silica-rich water and by fluid-rock interaction of model alkaline solutions with granites. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that self-assembled hollow mineral vesicles and gardens can be synthesized in natural carbonate-rich soda lake water. We have synthesized these structures by a) pouring saturated metal salt solutions, and b) by immersing metal salt pellets in brines collected from Lake Magadi (Kenya). The resulting structures are analyzed by using SEM coupled with EDX analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Our results suggest that mineral self-assembly could have been a common phenomenon in soda oceans of early Earth and Earth-like planets and moons. The composition of the obtained vesicles and gardens confirms the recent observation that carbonate minerals in soda lakes sequestrate Ca, thus leaving phosphate behind in solution available for biochemical reactions. Our results strengthens the proposal that alkaline brines could be ideal sites for “one-pot” synthesis of prebiotic organic compounds and the origin of life.
A Cooperative Coevolutionary Approach to Discretization-Based Feature Selection for High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Zhou Yu , Kang Junhao , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2020

Recent discretization-based feature selection methods show great advantages by introducing the entropy-based cut-points for features to integrate discretization and feature selection into one stage for high-dimensional data. However, current methods usually consider the individual features independently, ignoring the interaction between features with cut-points and those without cut-points, which results in information loss. In this paper, we propose a cooperative coevolutionary algorithm based on the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), which searches for the feature subsets with and without entropy-based cut-points simultaneously. For the features with cut-points, a ranking mechanism is used to control the probability of mutation and crossover in GA. In addition, a binary-coded PSO is applied to update the indices of the selected features without cut-points. Experimental results on 10 real datasets verify the effectiveness of our algorithm in classification accuracy compared with several state-of-the-art competitors.
How Does the Rate of Photovoltaic Installations and Coupled Batteries Affect Regional Energy Balancing and Self-Consumption of Residential Buildings?
Authors: Reimuth Andrea , Locherer Veronika , Danner Martin , Mauser Wolfram
Published: June 2020

The strong expansion of residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems of recent years is expected to rise further. However, it is not yet clear to which degree buildings will be equipped with decentral energy producers. This study seeks to quantify the effects of different PV and battery installation rates on the residential residual loads and grid balancing flows. A land surface model with an integrated residential energy component is applied, which maintains spatial peculiarities and allows a building-specific set-up of PV systems, batteries, and consumption loads. The study area covers 3163 residential buildings located in a municipality in the south of Germany. The obtained results show minor impacts on the residual loads for a PV installation rate of less than 10%. PV installation rates of one third of all residential buildings of the study region lead to the highest spatial balancing via the grid. The rise in self-consumption when utilizing batteries leads to declined grid balancing between the buildings. For high PV installation rates, regional balancing diminishes, whereas energy excesses rise to 60%. They can be decreased up to 10% by the utilization of battery systems. Therefore, we recommend subsidy programs adjusted to the respective PV installation rates.
Trombe Wall Thermal Behavior and Energy Efficiency of a Light Steel Frame Compartment: Experimental and Numerical Assessments
Authors: Lohmann Victor , Santos Paulo
Published: June 2020

Buildings are seeking renewable energy sources (e.g., solar) and passive devices, such as Trombe walls. However, the thermal performance of Trombe walls depends on many factors. In this work, the thermal behavior and energy efficiency of a Trombe wall in a lightweight steel frame compartment were evaluated, making use of in situ measurements and numerical simulations. Measurements were performed inside two real scale experimental identical cubic modules, exposed to natural exterior weather conditions. Simulations were made using validated advanced dynamic models. The winter Trombe wall benefits were evaluated regarding indoor air temperature increase and heating energy reduction. Moreover, a thermal behavior parametric study was performed. Several comparisons were made: (1) Sunny and cloudy winter week thermal behavior; (2) Office and residential space use heating energy; (3) Two heating set-points (20 °C and 18 °C); (4) Thickness of the Trombe wall air cavity; (5) Thickness of the thermal storage wall; (6) Dimensions of the interior upper/lower vents; (7) Material of the thermal storage wall. It was found that a Trombe wall device could significantly improve the thermal behavior and reduce heating energy consumption. However, if not well designed and controlled (e.g., to mitigate nocturnal heat losses), the Trombe wall thermal and energy benefits could be insignificant and even disadvantageous.
The Influence of High-Rise Buildings on Pedestrian-Level Wind in Surrounding Street Canyons in an Urban Renewal Project
Authors: Huang Tzu-Ling , Kuo Chien-Yuan , Tzeng Chun-Ta , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: June 2020

The pedestrian wind environment in a street canyon is affected by a multitude of factors, including the height and geometric shape of the surrounding buildings, the street width, the wind direction, and speed. Wind-tunnel tests were performed to determine the effects of constructing high buildings in an urban renewal project in New Taipei City, Taiwan on the pedestrian wind environments in the surrounding street canyons. The results show that replacing the original low-rise buildings with high-rise buildings could decrease the wind speed and natural ventilation potential in certain surrounding street canyons. The flow fields generated by approaching winds in various street canyons are highly complex in this practical case study. Thus, the pedestrian wind patterns in the street canyons cannot be interpreted in terms of channeling and shielding effects alone, as is typically reported in the literature.
Energy–Economy Coupled Simulation Approach and Simulator Based on Invididual-Based Model
Authors: Zhu Jisong , Jing Zhaoxia , Ji Tianyao , Ali Larik Nauman
Published: June 2020

An integrated energy system, referred to specifically as a heterogeneous energy system that combines cooling, heating, power, etc., is a dynamic system containing continuous as well as discrete behaviors on both technical and economic levels. Currently, the comprehensive utilization of multiple forms of energy and the implementation of the energy market have made the simulation of such a system very complicated, which is reflected in two aspects. First, the simulation model becomes complex and varied. Second, the time-varying characteristics of the models are quite diverse. Therefore, a standard and normative modeling and simulation method is urgently needed. This work aims to obtain a compatible modeling and simulation method for the energy economy coupling system. The individual-based model is widely used to describe organisms in an ecology system that are similar to the energy–economy coupled system. Inspired by this, a general simulation approach based on the individual-based model is proposed in this paper to overcome these existing problems. The standard formal expression model is built, then its structure and elements explained in detail, and multi-scale time simulation supported to model and simulate an integrated energy system that is coupled with markets. In addition, a simulator is designed and implemented based on multi-agent framework and model-view-controller architecture. Finally, a simulation case of a conceived scenario was designed and executed, and the results analysis proved the validity and versatility of the proposed approach. The proposed method has the advantages of model standardization, multi-scale time compatibility, distributed simulation capability, and privacy protection. These advantages support and strengthen each other. Through these studies, a systematic approach was formed that could improve the standardization of modeling and simulation in the energy–economy research area.
Recent Developments and Future Challenges in Designing Rechargeable Potassium-Sulfur and Potassium-Selenium Batteries
Authors: Lee Suyeong , Lee Jun , Kim Jaekook , Agostini Marco , Xiong Shizhao , Matic Aleksandar , Hwang Jang-Yeon
Published: June 2020

The use of chalcogenide elements, such as sulfur (S) and selenium (Se), as cathode materials in rechargeable lithium (Li) and sodium (Na) batteries has been extensively investigated. Similar to Li and Na systems, rechargeable potassium–sulfur (K–S) and potassium–selenium (K–Se) batteries have recently attracted substantial interest because of the abundance of K and low associated costs. However, K–S and K–Se battery technologies are in their infancy because K possesses overactive chemical properties compared to Li and Na and the electrochemical mechanisms of such batteries are not fully understood. This paper summarizes current research trends and challenges with regard to K–S and K–Se batteries and reviews the associated fundamental science, key technological developments, and scientific challenges to evaluate the potential use of these batteries and finally determine effective pathways for their practical development.
Differential Flatness Based-Control Strategy of a Two-Port Bidirectional Supercapacitor Converter for Hydrogen Mobility Applications
Authors: Thounthong Phatiphat , Phattanasak Matheepot , Guilbert Damien , Takorabet Noureddine , Pierfederici Serge , Nahid-Mobarakeh Babak , Bizon Nicu , Kumam Poom
Published: June 2020

This article is focused on an original control approach applied to a transportation system that includes a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as the main energy source and supercapacitors (SC) as the energy storage backup. To interface the SC with the DC bus of the embedded network, a two-port bidirectional DC-DC converter was used. To control the system and ensure its stability, a reduced-order mathematical model of the network was developed through a nonlinear control approach employing a differential flatness algorithm, which is an attractive and efficient solution to make the system stable by overcoming the dynamic issues generally met in the power electronics networks of transportation systems. The design and tuning of the system control were not linked with the equilibrium point at which the interactions between the PEMFC main source, the SC energy storage device, and the loads are taken into consideration by the proposed control law. Besides this, high dynamics in the load power rejection were accomplished, which is the main contribution of this article. To verify the effectiveness of the developed control law, a small-scale experimental test rig was realized in the laboratory and the control laws were implemented in a dSPACE 1103 controller board. The experimental tests were performed with a 1 kW PEMFC source and a 250 F 32 V SC module as an energy storage backup. Lastly, the performances of the proposed control strategy were validated based on real experimental results measured during driving cycles, including motoring mode, ride-though, and regenerative braking mode.
Homologous Recombination: A GRAS Yeast Genome Editing Tool
Authors: Bernardi Beatrice , Wendland Jürgen
Published: June 2020

The fermentation industry is known to be very conservative, relying on traditional yeast management. Yet, in the modern fast-paced world, change comes about in facets such as climate change altering the quality and quantity of harvests, changes due to government regulations e.g., the use of pesticides or SO2, the need to become more sustainable, and of course by changes in consumer preferences. As a silent companion of the fermentation industry, the wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has followed mankind through millennia, changing from a Kulturfolger, into a domesticated species for the production of bread, beer, and wine and further on into a platform strain for the production of biofuels, enzymes, flavors, or pharmaceuticals. This success story is based on the ‘awesome power of yeast genetics’. Central to this is the very efficient homologous recombination (HR) machinery of S. cerevisiae that allows highly-specific genome edits. This microsurgery tool is so reliable that yeast has put a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) label onto itself and entrusted to itself the life-changing decision of mating type-switching. Later, yeast became its own genome editor, interpreted as domestication events, to adapt to harsh fermentation conditions. In biotechnology, yeast HR has been used with tremendous success over the last 40 years. Here we discuss several types of yeast genome edits then focus on HR and its inherent potential for evolving novel wine yeast strains and styles relevant for changing markets.
The Effects of Surface Wind Stress and Buoyancy Flux on the Evolution of a Front in a Turbulent Thermal Wind Balance
Authors: Crowe Matthew N. , Taylor John R.
Published: June 2020

Here we consider the effects of surface buoyancy flux and wind stress on a front in turbulent thermal wind (TTW) balance using the framework of Crowe and Taylor (2018). The changes in the velocity and density profiles induced by the wind stress and buoyancy flux interact with the TTW and can qualitatively change the evolution of the front. In the absence of surface-forcing, Crowe and Taylor (2018) found that shear dispersion associated with the TTW circulation causes the frontal width to increase. In many cases, the flow induced by the surface-forcing enhances the spreading rate. However, if the wind stress drives a cross-front flow which opposes the frontal buoyancy gradient or the buoyancy flux drives an unstable stratification, it is possible to obtain an up-gradient cross-front buoyancy flux, which can act to sharpen the front. In certain conditions, an equilibrium state develops where the tendency for the TTW circulation to spread the front is balanced by the frontogenetic tendency of the surface forces. We use numerical solutions to a nonlinear diffusion equation in order to test these predictions. Finally, we describe the connection between surface-forcing and vertical mixing and discuss typical parameters for mid-ocean fronts.
Common Plant-Derived Terpenoids Present Increased Anti-Biofilm Potential against Staphylococcus Bacteria Compared to a Quaternary Ammonium Biocide
Authors: Kostoglou Dimitra , Protopappas Ioannis , Giaouris Efstathios
Published: June 2020

The antimicrobial actions of three common plant-derived terpenoids (i.e., carvacrol, thymol and eugenol) were compared to those of a typical quaternary ammonium biocide (i.e., benzalkonium chloride; BAC), against both planktonic and biofilm cells of two widespread Staphylococcus species (i.e., S. aureus and S. epidermidis). The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs, MBCs) of each compound against the planktonic cells of each species were initially determined, together with their minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs). Various concentrations of each compound were subsequently applied, for 6 min, against each type of cell, and survivors were enumerated by agar plating to calculate log reductions and determine the resistance coefficients (Rc) for each compound, as anti-biofilm effectiveness indicators. Sessile communities were always more resistant than planktonic ones, depending on the biocide and species. Although lower BAC concentrations were always needed to kill a specified population of either cell type compared to the terpenoids, for the latter, the required increases in their concentrations, to be equally effective against the biofilm cells with respect to the planktonic ones, were not as intense as those observed in the case of BAC, presenting thus significantly lower Rc. This indicates their significant anti-biofilm potential and advocate for their further promising use as anti-biofilm agents.
Hydrocolloid-Based Coatings with Nanoparticles and Transglutaminase Crosslinker as Innovative Strategy to Produce Healthier Fried Kobbah
Authors: Al-Asmar Asmaa , Giosafatto Concetta Valeria L. , Sabbah Mohammed , Mariniello Loredana
Published: June 2020

This study addresses the effect of coating solutions on fried kobbah. Coating solutions were made of pectin (PEC) and grass pea flour (GPF), treated or not with transglutaminase (TGase) and nanoparticles (NPs)—namely mesoporous silica NPs (MSN) or chitosan NPs (CH–NPs). Acrylamide content (ACR), water, oil content and color of uncoated (control) and coated kobbah were investigated. Zeta potential, Z-average and in vitro digestion experiments were carried out. Zeta potential of CH–NPs was stable from pH 2.0 to pH 6.0 around + 35 mV but decreasing at pH > 6.0. However, the Z-average of CH–NPs increased by increasing the pH. All coating solutions were prepared at pH 6.0. ACR of the coated kobbah with TGase-treated GPF in the presence nanoparticles (MSN or CH–NPs) was reduced by 41.0% and 47.5%, respectively. However, the PEC containing CH–NPs showed the higher reduction of the ACR by 78.0%. Water content was higher in kobbah coated by PEC + CH–NPs solutions, while the oil content was lower. The color analysis indicated that kobbah with lower browning index containing lower ACR. Finally, in vitro digestion studies of both coating solutions and coated kobbah, demonstrated that the coating solutions and kobbah made by means of TGase or nanoparticles were efficiently digested.
Innovative Hurdle Technologies for the Preservation of Functional Fruit Juices
Authors: Putnik Predrag , Pavlić Branimir , Šojić Branislav , Zavadlav Sandra , Žuntar Irena , Kao Leona , Kitonić Dora , Kovačević Danijela Bursać
Published: June 2020

Functional nutrition, which includes the consumption of fruit juices, has become the field of interest for those seeking a healthy lifestyle. Functional nutrition is also of great interest to the food industry, with the aims of improving human health and providing economic prosperity in a sustainable manner. The functional food sector is the most profitable part of the food industry, with a fast-growing market resulting from new sociodemographic trends (e.g., longer life expectancy, higher standard of living, better health care), which often includes sustainable concepts of food production. Therefore, the demand for hurdle technology in the food industry is growing, along with the consumption of minimally processed foods, not only because this approach inactivates microorganisms in food, but because it can also prolong the shelf life of food products. To preserve food products such as fruit juices, the hurdle technology approach often uses non-thermal methods as alternatives to pasteurization, which can cause a decrease in the nutritional value and quality of the food. Non-thermal technologies are often combined with different hurdles, such as antimicrobial additives, thermal treatment, and ultraviolet or pulsed light, to achieve synergistic effects and overall quality improvements in (functional) juices. Hence, hurdle technology could be a promising approach for the preservation of fruit juices due to its efficiency and low impact on juice quality and characteristics, although all processing parameters still require optimization.
Physical Properties and Structural Changes of Myofibrillar Protein Gels Prepared with Basil Seed Gum at Different Salt Levels and Application to Sausages
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Chin Koo Bok
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate physical properties and structural changes of myofibrillar protein gels with basil seed gum (BSG) at different salt levels and develop the low-salt sausages with BSG. Myofibrillar protein (MP) gels were prepared with or without BSG at different salt concentrations (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 M). Cooking yield (CY, %), gel strength (GS, gf), viscosity, sulfhydryl contents, protein surface hydrophobicity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of MP were measured. Pork sausages were manufactured with 1% BSG at both low-salt (1.0%) and regular-salt (1.5%) levels. pH, color, expressible moisture (EM, %), CY, textural profile analyses, FTIR, sulfhydryl group, and protein surface hydrophobicity (μg) were measured for analyzing the properties of sausages. The addition of 1% BSG to MP gels increased CY and shear stress. Among treatments with different salt concentrations, MP at 0.30 M salt level with 1% BSG had higher GS than that at 0.15 M salt level with BSG. In microstructure, swollen structures were shown in MP gels with BSG. Although CY of sausage at the low-salt concentration (1.0%) decreased, regardless of the BSG addition, hardness values of sausages with regular-salt level increased with the addition of 1% BSG was added. Protein surface hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl contents of sausages increased with the addition of 1% BSG, resulting in higher hardness and lower springiness than those without BSG. These results suggest that BSG could be used as a water-binding and gelling agent in processed meats.
Hypolipidemic and Hypoglycaemic Effect of Wholemeal Bread with Amaranth (Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.) on Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Sánchez-Urdaneta Adriana Beatriz , Montero-Quintero Keyla Carolina , González-Redondo Pedro , Molina Edgar , Bracho-Bravo Belkys , Moreno-Rojas Rafael
Published: June 2020

The effect of consuming breads made with wheat flour and Amaranth (Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.) wholemeal flour on Sprague Dawley rats with hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia induced through feeding was studied. Four diets were provided: control (CD: Ratarina®), commercial bread (CBD), bread with 100 g·kg−1 (ABD10) and 200 g·kg−1 (ABD20) amaranth flour. Zoometric and blood chemistry parameters were measured before and after consuming the diets. A completely random factorial design of 2 × 4 × 2 was used. The factors were blood lipids and glucose level (normal, N and elevated, E), diet (CD, CBD, ABD10 and ABD20) and sex (female, F and male, M). The rats consuming ABD10 and ABD20 diets presented the lowest glucose values, although with no differences (p > 0.05) between the groups of elevated blood lipids and glucose rats (E). Triglyceride concentrations decreased in ABD10 and ABD20 treatments in comparison with CD, elevated blood lipids and glucose (E) rats, while ABD10 rats showed lower total cholesterol level than normal (N) rats. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values increased in the ABD10 and ABD20 groups (p < 0.05), while it did lower for very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiac risk index (p < 0.05). In ABD10 and ABD20 treatments, the abdominal circumference decreased in both sexes (p < 0.05) between weeks 23 and 31. In conclusion, consumption of bread with amaranth improved lipid profiles of rats and could help to prevent metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
In Vitro Bioaccessibility and Functional Properties of Phenolic Compounds from Enriched Beverages Based on Cocoa Bean Shell
Authors: Cantele Carolina , Rojo-Poveda Olga , Bertolino Marta , Ghirardello Daniela , Cardenia Vladimiro , Barbosa-Pereira Letricia , Zeppa Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

The cocoa bean shell (CBS), a cocoa by-product, contains a significant number of bioactive compounds with functional properties, such as polyphenols and methylxanthines, and is used as an ingredient in beverages and foods. In this work, the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and methylxanthines after In Vitro digestion was evaluated in new flavoured beverages for at-home consumption (capsules and tea bags). In addition, the polyphenolic composition, functional properties (antiradical and α-glucosidase inhibition capacities) and consumer acceptability of these beverages were evaluated. In both capsule and tea bag beverages, the bioaccessibility of methylxanthines was 100% while that of total polyphenols exceeded 50%. The main polyphenols determined using reverse-phase liquid chromatography were type B procyanidins and epicatechin. The antiradical activity in capsule and tea bag beverages was 1.75 and 1.88 mM of Trolox equivalents, respectively, of which 59.50% and 57.09% were recovered after simulated digestion. The percentage of α-glucosidase inhibition before In Vitro digestion (51.64% and 53.82% for capsules and tea bags, respectively) was comparable to that of acarbose at 0.5 mM. All the beverages obtained a high consumer acceptability. Therefore, these results highlight that CBSs can be used as a valid source of bioactive compounds in the preparation of beverages with homemade techniques.
Effects of Essential Oils on Escherichia coli Inactivation in Cheese as Described by Meta-Regression Modelling
Authors: Nunes Silva Beatriz , Cadavez Vasco , Teixeira José António , Gonzales-Barron Ursula
Published: June 2020

The growing intention to replace chemical food preservatives with plant-based antimicrobials that pose lower risks to human health has produced numerous studies describing the bactericidal properties of biopreservatives such as essential oils (EOs) in a variety of products, including cheese. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of literature data that could summarize the inactivation of Escherichia coli in cheese achieved by added EOs; and compare its inhibitory effectiveness by application method, antimicrobial concentration, and specific antimicrobials. After a systematic review, 362 observations on log reduction data and study characteristics were extracted from 16 studies. The meta-regression model suggested that pathogenic E. coli is more resistant to EO action than the non-pathogenic type (p < 0.0001), although in both cases the higher the EO dose, the greater the mean log reduction achieved (p < 0.0001). It also showed that, among the factual application methods, EOs’ incorporation in films render a steadier inactivation (p < 0.0001) than when directly applied to milk or smeared on cheese surface. Lemon balm, sage, shallot, and anise EOs showed the best inhibitory outcomes against the pathogen. The model also revealed the inadequacy of inoculating antimicrobials in cheese purposely grated for performing challenge studies, as this non-realistic application overestimates (p < 0.0001) the inhibitory effects of EOs.
Effect of Isomixing on Grape Must Fermentations of ATF1–Overexpressing Wine Yeast Strains
Authors: van Wyk Niël , Michling Florian , Bergamo Dennis , Brezina Sylvia , Pretorius Isak S. , von Wallbrunn Christian , Wendland Jürgen
Published: June 2020

Speeding up grape must fermentation would be of great economic benefit. We subjected Saccharomyces cerevisiae VIN13 and two recombinant VIN13-strains expressing ATF1 alleles under two different promoters (either PGK1 or HXT7) to four styles of grape must fermentations; we then assessed the effect of constantly stirring a must fermentation (isomixing). The four different fermentation setups were as follows: isomixed, closed in an ANKOM Rf Gas productions system; isomixed, open in a stirred tall tube cylinder; static, closed constituting a conventional fermentation in a wine bottle equipped with an airlock and static; and static, open in a tall tube cylinder (without stirring). We report on major fermentation parameters and the volatile aroma compositions generated in the finished wines. The primary fermentations of the strains subjected to constant stirring finished after 7 days, whereas the static fermentations reached dryness after 19 days. The wines derived from isomixed fermentations produced approximately 0.7% less ethanol compared to the unstirred fermentations. The speed that the isomixed fermentation took to reach completion may provide an alternative to static fermentations in the preparation of base wines for sparkling wine production. The observed increase of volatiles of isomixed fermentations merits further investigation.
VviUCC1 Nucleotide Diversity, Linkage Disequilibrium and Association with Rachis Architecture Traits in Grapevine
Authors: Tello Javier , Torres-Pérez Rafael , Flutre Timothée , Grimplet Jérôme , Ibáñez Javier
Published: June 2020

Cluster compactness is a trait with high agronomic relevance, affecting crop yield and grape composition. Rachis architecture is a major component of cluster compactness determinism, and is a target trait toward the breeding of grapevine varieties less susceptible to pests and diseases. Although its genetic basis is scarcely understood, a preliminary result indicated a possible involvement of the VviUCC1 gene. The aim of this study was to characterize the VviUCC1 gene in grapevine and to test the association between the natural variation observed for a series of rachis architecture traits and the polymorphisms detected in the VviUCC1 sequence. This gene encodes an uclacyanin plant-specific cell-wall protein involved in fiber formation and/or lignification processes. A high nucleotide diversity in the VviUCC1 gene promoter and coding regions was observed, but no critical effects were predicted in the protein domains, indicating a high level of conservation of its function in the cultivated grapevine. After correcting statistical models for genetic stratification and linkage disequilibrium effects, marker-trait association results revealed a series of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with cluster compactness and rachis traits variation. Two of them (Y-984 and K-88) affected two common cis-transcriptional regulatory elements, suggesting an effect on phenotype via gene expression regulation. This work reinforces the interest of further studies aiming to reveal the functional effect of the detected VviUCC1 variants on grapevine rachis architecture.
Human Nasal Epithelial Organoids for Therapeutic Development in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Zhongyu , Anderson Justin D. , Deng Lily , Mackay Stephen , Bailey Johnathan , Kersh Latona , Rowe Steven M. , Guimbellot Jennifer S.
Published: June 2020

We describe a human nasal epithelial (HNE) organoid model derived directly from patient samples that is well-differentiated and recapitulates the airway epithelium, including the expression of cilia, mucins, tight junctions, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and ionocytes. This model requires few cells compared to airway epithelial monolayer cultures, with multiple outcome measurements depending on the application. A novel feature of the model is the predictive capacity of lumen formation, a marker of baseline CFTR function that correlates with short-circuit current activation of CFTR in monolayers and discriminates the cystic fibrosis (CF) phenotype from non-CF. Our HNE organoid model is amenable to automated measurements of forskolin-induced swelling (FIS), which distinguishes levels of CFTR activity. While the apical side is not easily accessible, RNA- and DNA-based therapies intended for systemic administration could be evaluated in vitro, or it could be used as an ex vivo biomarker of successful repair of a mutant gene. In conclusion, this highly differentiated airway epithelial model could serve as a surrogate biomarker to assess correction of the mutant gene in CF or other diseases, recapitulating the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of the population.
Genome-Wide Association Study Confirms Previous Findings of Major Loci Affecting Resistance to Piscine myocarditis virus in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Hillestad Borghild , H. Kristjánsson Ólafur , Makvandi-Nejad Shokouh , Moghadam Hooman K.
Published: June 2020

Cardiomyopathy syndrome is a viral disease of Atlantic salmon, mostly affecting fish during the late stages of production, resulting in significant losses to the industry. It has been shown that resistance to this disease has a strong genetic component, with quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosomes 27 (Ssa27) and Ssa12 to explain most of the additive genetic variance. Here, by analysing animals from a different year-class and a different population, we further aimed to confirm and narrow down the locations of these QTL. The data support the existence of the two QTL and suggest that the causative mutation on Ssa27 is most likely within the 10–10.5 Mbp segment of this chromosome. This region contains a cluster of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) genes with the most strongly associated marker mapped to one of these loci. On Ssa12, the data confirmed the previous finding that the location of the causative mutation is within the 61.3 to 61.7 Mbp region. This segment contains several immune-related genes, but of particular interest are genes related to MHC II. Together, these findings highlight the likely key role of MHC genes in Atlantic salmon following infection with Piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV) and their potential impact on influencing the trajectory of this disease.
Impact of Computed Tomography Scans on the Risk of Thyroid Disease in Minor Head Injury Patients: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsao Shao-Lun , Chen Yin-Yang , Yeh Liang-Tsai , Huang Jing-Yang , Li Wen-Tyng , Yang Shun-Fa , Yeh Chao-Bin
Published: June 2020

We investigated the association between head computed tomography (CT) scans and the risk of noncancer thyroid diseases in patients with minor head injury in a Taiwanese healthcare setting. For this retrospective population-based cohort study, the 2009–2013 Longitudinal Health Insurance Database was used to include patients with a minor head injury at admission or emergency visit between 2009 and 2013. Multivariate analysis with a multiple Cox regression model was applied to analyze the data. According to whether a CT scan was conducted within 14 days of admission, patients were divided into a CT scan group (n = 14,041) or a non-CT scan group (n = 34,684). No increased incidence of thyroid diseases was observed in the CT scan group regardless of the number of CT scans performed. The incidence rate ratio for one scan was 1.10 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–1.29) and for two or more scans was 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 0.93–1.28). In conclusion, this population-based cohort study showed that a head CT scan is not associated with increased risk of thyroid disease in patients with minor head injury. The short-term adverse effects on the thyroid could be mild when a regular CT scan is appropriately performed.
Pacing in World-Class Age Group Swimmers in 100 and 200 m Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly
Authors: Moser Cathia , Sousa Caio Victor , Olher Rafael Reis , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Knechtle Beat
Published: June 2020

Pacing in swimming has been investigated in pool swimming for elite-standard and age group freestyle swimmers, but little is known about pacing in age group swimmers competing at world class level in backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. The aim of this study was to investigate pacing for age group swimmers competing at world class level in 100 and 200 m in the four single disciplines (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly). Data on 18,187 unique finishers competing in four FINA Master World Championships between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. The sample included 3334 women and 14,853 men. Swimming speed decreased with increasing age (p < 0.05). Freestyle was the fastest and breaststroke the slowest (p < 0.05) stroke. Women and men were faster in 100 m (p < 0.05) than in 200 m. Backstroke was the stroke with the lowest and butterfly with the highest coefficient of variation in swimming speed. One hundred meters had a higher coefficient of variation in swimming speed than breaststroke (p < 0.05). For 100 m, swimming speed decreased for all strokes and all age groups during the second lap. For 200 m, swimming speed was the fastest for all strokes and all age groups during the first lap. In summary, the FINA World Masters Championships presented the unique characteristic that, when all competitors were considered, (i) swimming speed decreased with increasing age, (ii) women and men were faster in 100 m than in 200 m, (iii) freestyle was the fastest stroke and (iv) the largest increase in swimming time for 100 m all strokes and all age groups occurred during the second (out of two) lap and for 200 m, swimming speed was the fastest for all strokes and age groups during the first lap. These findings should help coaches to develop age- and event-tailored pacing strategies.
First-Line Managers’ Experiences of Working with a Structured Support Model for Systematic Work Environment Management
Authors: Molin Fredrik , Hellman Therese , Svartengren Magnus
Published: June 2020

Background: This paper describes the experiences of first-line managers when working with a structured support model for systematic work environment management in their work groups. First-line managers play a key part in influencing the work environment. Methods: In this study, a sample of managers implementing a structured support model, the Stamina model, in Swedish municipalities were interviewed. A total of 31 (n = 31) interviews were conducted at two time points during a one-year period. The collected data were analysed using a qualitative thematic approach. Results: The results showed that managers experienced discomfort when giving the responsibility of working with work environmental issues to employees. However, managers also experienced and were impressed by how well it worked in allowing employees to take on work environmental issues. Managers found that they balanced between being quiescent and, at the same time, actively monitoring progress in the work groups. Conclusions: The results from this study implicate that managers need to be sensitive to the needs and capacity of their work groups. The oracle in Delphi stated know yourself. We conclude: Know your group!
Delphi Method to Achieve Clinical Consensus for a BPMN Representation of the Central Venous Access Placement for Training Purposes
Authors: de la Fuente Rene , Fuentes Ricardo , Munoz-Gama Jorge , Dagnino Jorge , Sepúlveda Marcos
Published: June 2020

Proper teaching of the technical skills necessary to perform a medical procedure begins with its breakdown into its constituent steps. Currently available methodologies require substantial resources and their results may be biased. Therefore, it is difficult to generate the necessary breakdown capable of supporting a procedural curriculum. The aim of our work was to breakdown the steps required for ultrasound guided Central Venous Catheter (CVC) placement and represent this procedure graphically using the standard BPMN notation. Methods: We performed the first breakdown based on the activities defined in validated evaluation checklists, which were then graphically represented in BPMN. In order to establish clinical consensus, we used the Delphi method by conducting an online survey in which experts were asked to score the suitability of the proposed activities and eventually propose new activities. Results: Surveys were answered by 13 experts from three medical specialties and eight different institutions in two rounds. The final model included 28 activities proposed in the initial model and four new activities proposed by the experts; seven activities from the initial model were excluded. Conclusions: The proposed methodology proved to be simple and effective, generating a graphic representation to represent activities, decision points, and alternative paths. This approach is complementary to more classical representations for the development of a solid knowledge base that allows the standardization of medical procedures for teaching purposes.
Reporting Guidelines for Community-Based Participatory Research Did Not Improve the Reporting Quality of Published Studies: A Systematic Review of Studies on Smoking Cessation
Authors: Kato Daisuke , Kataoka Yuki , Suwangto Erfen Gustiawan , Kaneko Makoto , Wakabayashi Hideki , Son Daisuke , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a 2010 community-based participatory research (CBPR) reporting guideline on the quality of reporting a CBPR on smoking cessation. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases and included articles published up to December 2019 (PROSPERO: CRD42019111668). We assessed reporting quality using the 13-item checklist. Of the 80 articles identified, 42 (53%) were published after 2010. The overall reporting quality before and after 2010 was poor and did not differ significantly (mean difference: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.21 to 1.53). The total reporting scores of the studies did not differ significantly according to the effect size of the intervention (beta coefficient: −2.86, 95% CI: −5.77 to 0.04). This study demonstrates the need to improve the quality of reporting CBPRs. We recommend that journal editors endorse the CBPR reporting guideline to encourage its use by more researchers.