bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of drying methods and maltodextrin on vitamin C and quality of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit powder, an emerging Australian functional food ingredient
Authors: Phan Anh Dao Thi , Adiamo Oladipupo , Akter Saleha , Netzel Michael E , Cozzolino Daniel , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Terminalia ferdinandiana, common name Kakadu plum (KP), fruit is a valuable source of vitamin C, and its concentration can be used as a quality index of KP products, such as dried fruit powder. The present study investigated the effects of two drying methods (freeze‐drying and oven‐drying) and the addition of maltodextrin (0–25%) on vitamin C, Maillard products, and overall quality of KP fruit powder.

RESULTS

Freeze‐drying was a better dehydration technique than oven‐drying in retaining vitamin C, reducing the formation of non‐enzymatic browning and oxidation products, and improving powder colour (P < 0.05). Non‐enzymatic browning products (furfural and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural) were generated in the oven‐dried samples as a function of heating and high water activity. Maltodextrin acted as a vitamin C stabilizer in protecting vitamin C from oxidation, and significantly improved the colour attributes of the final dry products. Incorporation of 10–15% maltodextrin could reduce the percentage loss of vitamin C from 8.1% to 3.4% and 18.9% to 11.4% (compared with the control) during freeze‐drying and oven‐drying, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs revealed differences in the microstructures of the KP powder processed by the two drying methods with different levels of maltodextrin. Multivariate data analysis (principal component analysis) showed separation between the oven‐dried and freeze‐dried samples, and also suggested that addition of maltodextrin of 7.5–10% and 10–15% are effective for preserving vitamin C and other quality properties of the freeze‑ and oven‐dried KP powder samples, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained are important for the KP industry, including Indigenous enterprises, in selecting the most appropriate drying method for KP fruit in terms of quality and sustainability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Analytic and chemometric assessments of the native probiotic bacteria and inulin effects on bioremediation of lead salts
Authors: Mirza Alizadeh Adel , Hosseini Hedayat , Mohseni Mehran , Eskandari Soheyl , Sohrabvandi Sara , Hosseini Mir‐Jamal , Tajabadi‐Ebrahimi Maryam , Mohammadi‐Kamrood Maryam , Nahavandi Saeedeh
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb2+) is one of the most toxic heavy metals and can be found in various quantities in the environment. The five native probiotic bacteria and inulin were used to assess in vitro lead nitrate and lead acetate binding capacities, as well as removal potentials.

RESULTS

The highest decrease in media pH was seen for samples containing a combination of Lactobacillus paracasei IRBC‐M 10784, lead nitrate and inulin (5.30 ± 0.012). The presence of inulin in the environment accelerated decreases in the pH of all samples with no significance. In all groups, lead nitrate‐containing samples included maximum pH decreases. From the highest to the lowest, the ability of lead removal was linked to Lactobacillus acidophilus PTCC‐1932 (88.48%), Bifidobacterium bifidum BIA‐7 (85.32%), Bifidobacterium lactis BIA‐6 (85.24%), Lactobacillus rhamnosus IBRC‐M 10782 (83.18%) and L. paracasei IRBC‐M 10784 (80.66%). Most species included the highest decrease in lead nitrate. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that various functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxylic, carbonyl, amino and amide binds) on the bacterial cell wall were involved in lead ion binding during incubation. Principal component analysis of the FTIR results showed differences with respect to treated groups and control groups.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study reveal that the simultaneous use of native probiotics and inulin can be an effective and safe approach for removing various toxic substances, especially Pb. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The study of citrus‐derived flavonoids as effective bitter taste inhibitors
Authors: Huang Jiali , Lu Yu‐Jing , Guo Chenglong , Zuo Shanshan , Zhou Jin‐Lin , Wong Wing‐Leung , Huang Baohua
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The pericarp of citrus in rutaceae is rich in flavonoids that may possess diverse biological activities. Some citrus flavonoids have been used as natural bitterness inhibitors; however, many citrus flavonoid analogues that possess merit taste amelioration functions have not been reported with respect to utilization in food industry.

RESULTS

The effects of 12 citrus flavonoids on the inhibition of the bitter taste of naringin, quinine hydrochloride and stevioside were evaluated both by a sensory panel and electronic tongue analysis. Among the flavonoid compounds evaluated, both neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) and neodiosmin were identified to show an excellent bitterness inhibition effect on all three bitterness vehicles tested. The results of the electronic tongue evaluation also showed that the addition of neodiosmin, NHDC or hesperidin dihydrochalcone‐7‐o‐glucoside (HDC‐7‐G) was able to reduce significantly the bitterness response value of quinine hydrochloride, which is consistent with the sensory panel evaluation. Structure–activity relationship analysis found that the 7‐linked neohesperidosyloxy group in the A‐ring of the citrus flavonoid skeleton has the best bitterness inhibition effect. In addition, a ternary mixture of NHDC, neodiosmin and naringin, and neodiosmin/β‐cyclodextrin was formulated and it demonstrated, for the first time in the flavor improvement of citrus fruit wine, an enhancement of sweetness and a reduction of bitter taste.

CONCLUSION

Twelve citrus flavonoids were found to inhibit the bitter taste of naringin, quinine hydrochloride and stevioside. With respect to the structure–activity relationship analysis, it was found that the 7‐linked neohesperidosyloxy group in the A‐ring of the citrus flavonoid skeleton possessed the best bitterness inhibition effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Discoloration investigations of freeze‐dried carrot cylinders from physical structure and color‐related chemical compositions
Authors: Lyu Ying , Bi Jinfeng , Chen Qinqin , Li Xuan , Wu Xinye , Hou Haonan , Zhang Xing
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

High carotenoid content always lead to a yellower/redder color in carrots, while a puzzling phenomenon still exists that freeze‐dried carrots (FDC) have a higher carotenoid content but a lighter color compared with thermal‐dried carrots. It seems that carotenoid is not the only main factor affecting sample color. Hence the discoloration characteristics of freeze‐dried carrots were comprehensively analyzed from physical structure and color‐related chemical composition profile.

RESULTS

Outcomes of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy showed that sublimation of immobilized water preserved the intact porous structure of FDC, which kept the volume shrinkage below 30% and led to less accumulations of color‐related compositions. Besides, results of correlation and principal component analysis‐X model proved that lutein and caffeic acid mainly affected a* value (r = 0.917) and b* value (r = 0.836) of FDC, respectively. Moreover, lipoxygenase indirectly affected sample color by degrading carotenoids, and the lutein content loss for fresh and blanching FDC was 41.56% and 47.14%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The discoloration of FDC was significantly affected by both physical structure and color‐related chemical compositions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Immunotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Lumish Melissa A. , Cercek Andrea
Published: February 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has transformed the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with mismatch‐repair deficiency (dMMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI‐H), though this constitutes on average less than 5% of mCRC, and ICI is ineffective in preserved MMR/microsatellite stable disease (pMMR/MSS). Here we review the efficacy of ICI in dMMR/MSI‐H mCRC, poor response to ICI in pMMR/MSS mCRC, role for ICI in locally advanced disease, biomarkers of response, novel immunotherapies, and future directions in targeting resistance mechanisms.
Technical Performance of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging for Measuring Renal Parenchymal Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hwang Jisun , Kim Hae Won , Kim Pyeong Hwa , Suh Chong Hyun , Yoon Hee Mang
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To estimate the technical performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging (two‐dimensional shear wave elastography [2D‐SWE] and point shear wave elastography [p‐SWE]) for measuring renal parenchymal stiffness.

Methods

EMBASE and PubMed databases were searched for studies reporting technical performance of ARFI imaging in terms of technical failure, interobserver agreement, and/or intraobserver agreement. The proportion of technical failure and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for interobserver and intraobserver agreement was pooled. The pooled estimates of native and transplanted kidneys were obtained separately. Meta‐regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty‐four studies (2993 patients) were included. The pooled proportions of technical failure were 4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–8.5%) and 6.6% (95% CI 4.0–10.7%) in native and transplanted kidneys, respectively. The pooled ICCs of interobserver agreement were 0.70 (95% CI 0.68–0.83) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.68–0.89), indicating moderate and good agreement in native and transplanted kidneys, respectively. The pooled ICC showed good (0.77; 95% CI 0.49–0.91) intraobserver agreement in native kidneys. Regarding interobserver agreement in transplanted kidneys, ROI location (mid pole only versus others) was a significant factor of heterogeneity (P = .04).

Conclusions

The ARFI‐based SWE techniques show good technical performance for measuring renal parenchymal stiffness. The wide range of SWE protocols necessitates development of standardized guidelines on the use of renal ARFI imaging.
Recent advances in faba bean genetic and genomic tools for crop improvement
Authors: Khazaei Hamid , O'Sullivan Donal M. , Stoddard Frederick L. , Adhikari Kedar N. , Paull Jeffrey G. , Schulman Alan H. , Andersen Stig U. , Vandenberg Albert
Published: February 2021

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a member of the Fabaceae family, is one of the important food legumes cultivated in cool temperate regions. It holds great importance for human consumption and livestock feed because of its high protein content, dietary fibre, and nutritional value. Major faba bean breeding challenges include its mixed breeding system, unknown wild progenitor, and genome size of ~13 Gb, which is the largest among diploid field crops. The key breeding objectives in faba bean include improved resistance to biotic and abiotic stress and enhanced seed quality traits. Regarding quality traits, major progress on reduction of vicine‐convicine and seed coat tannins, the main anti‐nutritional factors limiting faba bean seed usage, have been recently achieved through gene discovery. Genomic resources are relatively less advanced compared with other grain legume species, but significant improvements are underway due to a recent increase in research activities. A number of bi‐parental populations have been constructed and mapped for targeted traits in the last decade. Faba bean now benefits from saturated synteny‐based genetic maps, along with next‐generation sequencing and high‐throughput genotyping technologies that are paving the way for marker‐assisted selection. Developing a reference genome, and ultimately a pan‐genome, will provide a foundational resource for molecular breeding. In this review, we cover the recent development and deployment of genomic tools for faba bean breeding.
Plasto‐elastohydrodynamic lubrication performance of greased ellipsoid contact
Authors: Zheng Yong , Wang Changqing , Pu Chao , Gong Jiayu , Meng Fanming
Published: February 2021

The plasto‐elastohydrodynamic lubrication (PEHL) model of the greased ellipsoid contact is established and solved numerically. In doing so, the increment theory of the plastic surface is adopted to solve the residual deformation, and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) method is employed to accelerate the deformation and stress calculations. Meanwhile, the effeteness of the PEHL model is verified through the residual stress experiment and finite element method. It is found that the plastic behaviour results in a reduction in the maximum grease film pressure. Under heavy load conditions, the grease with large rheology index, large tangential modulus or high entrainment speed of the lubricant is helpful to reducing the maximum residual deformation and maximum residual stress of the greased ellipsoid contact.
Novel multiplex TaqMan assay for differentiation of the four major pathogenic Brachyspira species in swine
Authors: Scherrer Simone , Stephan Roger
Published: February 2021

A novel TaqMan 5‐plex real‐time PCR using a combination of locked nucleic acid‐modified (LNA)‐ and minor groove binding (MGB)‐conjugated DNA probes was developed for identification and differentiation between the four main pathogenic Brachyspira species in swine. B. hyodysenteriae, B. pilosicoli, and B. suanatina are identified using three hydrolysis probes targeting cpn60, while B. hampsonii is recognized by another nox specific probe. The assay also includes an exogenous internal control simultaneously verifying the PCR competency of the DNA samples. Validation of the novel assay was performed using DNA samples from 18 Brachyspira reference strains and 477 clinical samples obtained from porcine rectal swabs by comparing them with different PCR‐based methods targeting nox, 16S rDNA, and 23S rDNA. The specificity of the assay was 100% without cross‐reactivity or detection of different pathogens. Depending on the Brachyspira species, the limit of detection was between 10 and 20 genome equivalents with a cut‐off threshold cycle (Ct) value of 37. The developed highly sensitive and specific 5‐plex real‐time PCR assay is easy to implement in routine veterinary diagnostic laboratories and enables rapid differentiation between the main four pathogenic Brachyspira species recognized in pigs using a single‐tube approach.
Gender spillovers from supervisory boards to management boards
Authors: Bozhinov Viktor , Joecks Jasmin , Scharfenkamp Katrin
Published: February 2021

This study investigates gender spillovers from women on supervisory boards to women on management boards in a two‐tier system with employee codetermination. The supervisory board consists of a nominating committee mainly responsible for the appointment of directors in the management board. By combining similarity attraction theory with power theory, we predict that only female shareholder representatives who serve on the nominating committee drive the positive effect on the presence of women on management boards. The results of the correlated random effects models in a sample of 95 German codetermined and publicly listed companies (2009–2016) confirm the predicted relationship.
Randomized Trial of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia — The SPASTOX Trial
Authors: Diniz de Lima Fabricio , Faber Ingrid , Servelhere Katiane R. , Bittar Maria Fernanda R. , Martinez Alberto R.M. , Piovesana Luiza G. , Martins Melina P. , Martins Carlos Roberto , Benaglia Tatiana , de Sá Carvalho Benilton , Nucci Anamarli , França Marcondes C.
Published: February 2021

Background

Hereditary spastic paraplegia presents spasticity as the main clinical manifestation, reducing gait quality and producing incapacity. Management with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) is not well elucidated. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BoNT‐A in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Each participant was randomly assigned to receive 1 injection session of either BoNT‐A (100 IU/2 mL of Prosigne in each adductor magnus and each triceps surae) or saline 0.9% (2 mL). The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in maximal gait velocity, and secondary outcome measures included changes in gait at self‐selected velocity, spasticity, muscle strength, Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale, pain, fatigue, and subjective perception of improvement. We also looked at adverse events reported by the patients.

Results

We enrolled 55 patients, 36 of whom were men and 41 with the pure phenotype. Mean age was 43 ± 13.4 years (range, 19–72 years), mean age of onset waws 27 ± 13.1 years (range, <1 to 55 yars), and mean disease duration was 17 ± 12.7 years (range, 1–62 years). Compared with baseline, we did not find significant differences between groups in primary and secondary outcomes, except for reduction in adductor tone (P = 0.01). The adverse events were transient and tolerable, and their incidence did not significantly differ between treatments (P = 0.17).

Conclusions

BoNT‐A was safe in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias and reduced the adductor tone, but it was not able to produce functional improvement considering the doses, injection protocol, measures, and instruments used. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Exploring and exploiting plant cyclic peptides for drug discovery and development
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yuan Jimin , Li Zhijie , Fu Chunjin , Xu Menglong , Yang Jing , Jiang Xin , Zhou Boping , Ye Xiufeng , Xu Chengchao
Published: February 2021

Ever since the discovery of insulin, natural peptides have become an important resource for therapeutic development. Decades of research has led to the discovery of a long list of peptide drugs with broad applications in clinics, from antibiotics to hypertension treatment to pain management. Many of these US FDA‐approved peptide drugs are derived from microorganisms and animals. By contrast, the great potential of plant cyclic peptides as therapeutics remains largely unexplored. These macrocyclic peptides typically have rigid structures, good bioavailability and membrane permeability, making them appealing candidates for drug development and engineering. In this review, we introduce the three major classes of plant cyclic peptides and summarize their potential medical applications. We discuss how we can leverage the genome information of many different plants to quickly search for new cyclic peptides and how we can take advantage of the insights gained from their biosynthetic pathways to transform the process of production and drug development. These recent developments have provided a new angle for exploring and exploiting plant cyclic peptides, and we believe that many more peptide drugs derived from plants are about to come.
Controllability of PDEs model for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Umer , Aslam Muhammad , Akgül Ali , Farman Muhammad , Bibi Rabia
Published: February 2021

Type 1 diabetes is the worldwide issue nowadays. Partial differential equations (PDEs) models are used to control the disease with different techniques. Efforts are being made to find the controllability of the model for designing the feedback loop control. The concept of controllability and observability is used for the purpose to control the human glucose insulin systems by designing a feedback loop control if the system is controllable and observable. Return method is used to find controllability of the model. This technique is more reliable in case of PDE model to design the fully automatic artificial pancreas to control the diseases.
A unified multi‐activation (UMA) model of cell survival curves over the entire dose range for calculating equivalent doses in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
Authors: Li Shidong , Miyamoto Curtis , Wang Bin , Giaddui Tawfik , Micaily Bizhan , Hollander Andrew , Weiss Stephanie E. , Weaver Michael
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Application of linear‐quadratic (LQ) model to large fractional dose treatments is inconsistent with observed cell survival curves having a straight portion at high doses. We have proposed a unified multi‐activation (UMA) model to fit cell survival curves over the entire dose range that allows us to calculate EQD2 for hypofractionated SBRT, SRT, SRS, and HDRB.

Methods

A unified formula of cell survival using only the extrapolation number of n and the dose slope of Do was derived. Coefficient of determination, R2, relative residuals, r, and relative experimental errors, e, normalized to survival fraction at each dose point, were calculated to quantify the goodness in modeling of a survival curve. Analytical solutions for α and β, the coefficients respectively describe the linear and quadratic parts of the survival curve, as well as the α/β ratio for the LQ model and EQD2 at any fractional doses were derived for tumor cells undertaking any fractionated radiation therapy.

Results

Our proposed model fits survival curves of in‐vivo and in‐vitro tumor cells with R2 > 0.97 and r < e. The predicted α, β, and α/β ratio are significantly different from their values in the LQ model. Average EQD2 of 20‐Gy SRS of glioblastomas and melanomas metastatic to the brain, 10‐Gy × 5 SBRT of the lung cancer, and 7‐Gy × 5 HDRB of endometrial and cervical carcinomas are 36.7 (24.3–48.5), 114.1 (86.6–173.1),, and 45.5 (35–52.6) Gy, different from the LQ model estimates of 50.0, 90.0, and 49.6 Gy, respectively.

Conclusion

Our UMA model validated through many tumor cell lines can fit cell survival curves over the entire dose range within their experimental errors. The unified formula theoretically indicates a common mechanism of cell inactivation and can estimate EQD2 at all dose levels.
In vivo characterization of physiological and metabolic changes related to isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation expcression by multiparametric MRI and MRS in a rat model with orthotopically grafted human‐derived glioblastoma cell lines
Authors: Clément Alexandra , Doyen Matthieu , Fauvelle Florence , Hossu Gabriela , Chen Bailiang , Barberi‐Heyob Muriel , Hirtz Alex , Stupar Vasile , Lamiral Zohra , Pouget Celso , Gauchotte Guillaume , Karcher Gilles , Beaumont Marine , Verger Antoine , Lemasson Benjamin
Published: February 2021

The physiological mechanism induced by the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation, associated with better treatment response in gliomas, remains unknown. The aim of this preclinical study was to characterize the IDH1 mutation through in vivo multiparametric MRI and MRS. Multiparametric MRI, including the measurement of blood flow, vascularity, oxygenation, permeability, and in vivo MRS, was performed on a 4.7 T animal MRI system in rat brains grafted with human‐derived glioblastoma U87 cell lines expressing or not the IDH1 mutation by the CRISPR/Cas9 method, and secondarily characterized with additional ex vivo HR‐MAS and histological analyses. In univariate analyses, compared with IDH1−, IDH1+ tumors exhibited higher vascular density (p < 0.01) and better perfusion (p = 0.02 for cerebral blood flow), but lower vessel permeability (p < 0.01 for time to peak (TTP), p = 0.04 for contrast enhancement) and decreased T1 map values (p = 0.02). Using linear discriminant analysis, vascular density and TTP values were found to be independent MRI parameters for characterizing the IDH1 mutation (p < 0.01). In vivo MRS and ex vivo HR‐MAS analysis showed lower metabolites of tumor aggressiveness for IDH1+ tumors (p < 0.01). Overall, the IDH1 mutation exhibited a higher vascularity on MRI, a lower permeability, and a less aggressive metabolic profile. These MRI features may prove helpful to better pinpoint the physiological mechanisms induced by this mutation.
The positive effect of social support on psychological distress among Chinese lung cancer patients: The mediating role of self‐esteem
Authors: Tian Xu , Jin Yanfei , Chen Hui , Tang Ling , Jiménez‐Herrera Maria F.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To investigate the effect of social support on psychological distress among Chinese lung cancer patients and clarify the mediating role of self‐esteem.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive correlational survey of 441 Chinese lung cancer patients was designed.

Methods

Self‐esteem was supposed to play a mediating role in the association between social support and psychological distress. We collected demographic information, the Distress Thermometer, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale.

Results

Our revised model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data (χ2 = 37.489, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.965, Tucker‐Lewis index (TLI) = 0.926, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.099). Social support had a direct effect on self‐esteem and psychological distress, and self‐esteem had also a direct effect on psychological distress. Meanwhile, self‐esteem also partially mediated the relationship between social support and psychological distress among Chinese lung cancer patients.
Inhibition of PAI‐1 Promotes Lipolysis and Enhances Weight Loss in Obese Mice
Authors: Levine Joshua A. , Olivares Shantel , Miyata Toshio , Vaughan Douglas E. , Henkel Anne S.
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a small molecule inhibitor of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), TM5441, in reversing diet‐induced obesity in mice.

Methods

Wild‐type C57BL/6J mice were fed a high‐fat high‐sugar (HFHS) diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity. After the first 8 weeks, TM5441 was added to the diet for an additional 8 weeks. In order to determine the efficacy of PAI‐1 inhibition in conjunction with dietary modification, mice were fed an HFHS diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity and were then switched to a low‐fat diet with or without TM5441 for an additional 2 to 8 weeks.

Results

Obese mice showed weight reduction and significant improvement in hepatic steatosis when TM5441 was added to the HFHS diet. Obese mice that were treated with TM5441 in conjunction with dietary modification showed enhanced weight loss and a more rapid reversal of hepatic steatosis compared with obese mice treated with dietary modification alone. The enhanced weight loss among mice treated with TM5441 was associated with increased adipose tissue expression of adipose triglyceride lipase, phosphorylated hormone‐sensitive lipase, and phosphorylated perilipin‐1 as well as induction of adipose tissue lipolysis.

Conclusions

Pharmacologic PAI‐1 inhibition stimulates adipose tissue lipolysis and enhances weight loss in obese mice.
Waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio and BMI percentiles in children aged 5 to 19 years in India: A population‐based study
Authors: Sarna Avina , Porwal Akash , Acharya Rajib , Ashraf Sana , Ramesh Sowmya , Khan Nizamuddin , Sinha Sikha , Sachdev Harshpal Singh
Published: February 2021

Objective

Nationally representative percentiles for waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐height‐ratio (WHtR), and body mass index (BMI) are not available for children and adolescents in India.

Methods

Using LMS method, age‐ and gender‐specific reference growth charts were constructed for WC (n = 68,261), WHtR (n = 68,261), and BMI (n = 67,741) from children/adolescents aged 5–19 years who participated in a nationally representative survey. General obesity, indicating overall obesity, was defined as age–sex‐specific BMI z‐scores ≥ 95th percentile. Central obesity was defined in three ways: WC ≥ 90th percentile, WHtR ≥ 0.5, and both WC ≥ 90th percentile and WHtR ≥ 0.5.

Findings

WC and BMI percentiles for boys and girls are lower than those previously reported from India and several other countries. The BMI percentiles are lower than the WHO 2007 reference population. The prevalence of general obesity using India specific BMI centiles was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.6–3.2). The prevalence of central obesity was 6.1% (95% CI: 5.7–6.6) using WC ≥ 90th percentile, 5.3% (95% CI: 5.0–5.7) using WHtR ≥ 0.5, and 3.6% using both criteria. Three‐fourth of children with general obesity also had central obesity based on WC ≥ 90th.

Conclusions

Indian children are thinner than Caucasian and other Asian children, and the global WHO reference population. Using India specific reference, the prevalence of central obesity is higher than general obesity with a significant overlap between the two.
Impact of COVID‐19 on portfolio allocation decisions of individual investors
Authors: Himanshu  , Ritika  , Mushir Nikhat , Suryavanshi Ratan
Published: February 2021

Covid‐19 has impacted the financial markets dramatically. The risk and return expectations of investors have changed, leading them to reallocate their portfolios. This paper aims to analyse the impact of Covid‐19 on the portfolio allocation decisions of individual investors. The study examines the perceptions of investors about various investment avenues before and during the period of extreme uncertainty caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic. The data were collected from individual investors residing in Delhi and Mumbai. AHP is used to rank the investment preferences of the respondents. The results show that due to the present financial crisis pertaining to COVID‐19, investors have started reallocating their portfolios. Since the returns on risky assets are not as expected, investors are moving towards a conservative portfolio. However, the case of transition from risky to risk‐free assets is not the same in the case of all investors.
Altering the characterization of nanofibers by changing the electrospinning parameters and their application in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and gene delivery systems
Authors: Ghaderpour Amir , Hoseinkhani Zohreh , Yarani Reza , Mohammadiani Sina , Amiri Farshid , Mansouri Kamran
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, nanofibers have various applications in the field of medical biology including drug delivery systems (DDSs) and tissue engineering. Many methods have been developed to produce drug release polymers; the most important and applicable of which is known as electrospinning. In this method, the nanoscale and microscale fibers are used as the functional polymers in the DDSs. A variety of electrospinning methods can be used for delivery systems and tissue engineering. The nanofibers loaded with anticancer drugs have attracted a lot of attention in the last decade. Electrospun parameters include voltage, feed rate, rotary collector, pipette or needle hole diameter, the distance between nozzle tip to collector plate, viscosity and molecular weight of the polymer, surface tension, solubility of polymer, soluble electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and evaporability of the solution; all could be manipulated to regulate the drug release rate in order via changing the diameter of the nanofibers. In addition to directly loading the drug on nanofibers, the nanoparticles are also used to improve the drug efficacy and reduce the required dose, especially in the case of harmful drugs. Depending on the need, various nanoparticles and nanocarriers are being applied along with the drug. Nanocarriers such as viruses, micelles, and liposomes function highly specific since they carry specific ligands on their surface. Magnetic nanoparticles also have a great therapeutic effect on cancer cells when exposed to heat and magnetic fields. Carbon nanoparticles, such as graphene and graphene oxide, due to their layering, can pass through the cell membrane and deliver the drug to the intracellular space.
Interpolyelectrolyte complexes based on Carbopol and oppositely charged polymer as new carriers for oral controlled diclofenac delivery
Authors: Timergalieva Venera R. , Gennari Chiara G. M. , Cilurzo Francesco , Moustafine Rouslan I.
Published: February 2021

Carbopol polymers are polymers of acrylic acid and crosslinking agents; there is the prospect of penetration of linear macromolecules between the mesh size of crosslinked Carbopol microgels for a certain period of time. Interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) samples between Carbopol and linear polycations (Eudragit EPO—EPO) were obtained at different interpolyelectrolyte reaction (IPER) times (1, 3, and 7 days). Confirmation of the IPEC structures was proved by FTIR and mDSC. Moreover, according to the results of elemental analysis and mDSC, an increase in the duration of IPER time did not lead to a significant increase in the fraction of the incorporated EPO (CS), since its amount in polycomplex samples remains almost unchanged and the Tgs varies slightly and it depends from the Carbopol grade used. Analysis of the particle size and zeta potential of polycomplex gels showed that the obtained IPEC samples are nanosized, and the particle charge depends on the presence of free ionized carboxyl groups Carbopol (Noveon) or positively charged dimethylamino groups of EPO on their surfaces. After increasing the duration of IPER up to 3 days, a decrease in zeta potential values was observed. In the case of 7 days, an increase in particle size was observed due to their aggregation (C2020/EPO, C10/EPO, NAA‐1/EPO). Mathematical modeling of diclofenac sodium release according to the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation showed that all IPEC samples were characterized by the Super Case‐II transport mechanism, except for C10/EPO sample, which was characterized by Anomalous transport.
Discrimination between Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum and carbonised ginger by colour measurement and fingerprint analysis
Authors: Deng Chang , Xue Rong , Wang Jing , Cheng Ming , Zhu Guangfei , Zhang Kewei , Lu Tulin , Mao Chunqin
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR) has been used as a traditional Chinese herb and culinary food for thousands of years. Its two processed products, Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum (ZRP) and carbonised ginger (CG), possess different therapeutic effects.

Objectives

To establish an objective and comprehensive method to differentiate ZRP from CG and to evaluate their qualities.

Methodology

Colour values of ZRP and CG were tested to establish the colour models by spectrophotometry. Moreover, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for fingerprint and quantitative analysis, and chemometric approaches were applied to discriminate between ZRP and CG. Finally, Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the colour values and the peak areas of the common chemical compositions.

Results

Colour reference ranges of colour parameters and mathematical functions were built to distinguish ZRP from CG. In fingerprint analysis, 26 common peaks were detected in these two processed products, among which 6‐gingerol, 8‐gingerol, 6‐shogaol, 10‐gingerol, 8‐shogaol and 10‐shogaol were identified. Meanwhile, ZRP could be differentiated from CG by chemometrics analysis. In addition, the correlation between colour parameters and common peak areas was found and the contents of 6‐gingerol, 8‐gingerol, 6‐shogaol, 10‐gingerol, and 8‐shogaol were determined simultaneously.

Conclusions

An objective approach of colour measurement, HPLC fingerprint coupled with chemometrics analysis and quantitative assessment could be applied to discriminate ZRP from CG and evaluate the qualities of ZRP and CG rapidly.
Ziconotide (ω‐conotoxin MVIIA)—Efficient solid‐phase synthesis of a linear precursor peptide and its strategic native folding
Authors: Aridoss Gopalakrishnan , Kim Dong‐Min , Kim Jae Il , Kang Jae Eun
Published: February 2021

To develop an efficient synthesis for target peptide 1, systematic optimization studies were performed on solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) of precursor peptide 2 (linear 25‐mer) and its aqueous phase folding process. A combination of DIC/HOBt (16‐25‐mer) and HBTU/NMM (1‐15‐mer) in DMF proved the best coupling strategy to deliver linear precursor peptide 2 with enhanced purity in crude (81.3%) and purified (99.4%) forms, in addition to improved yield (35.5%). For precursor 2, a modified cystine‐cysteine redox system with short‐chain organic co‐solvents such as 20% EtOH or MeOH promoted native folding, whereas surfactants, chaotropic agents, and other additives were not obligatory. Notably, folding efficiency was dramatically elevated at a concentration of 1 mg/20 mL (18.9 μM) over a period of 24 hours. However, prolonging the reaction time did not further improve the isomerization of misfolded products to their precisely folded counterparts. Adopting the amended oxidative conditions, scale‐up studies were successfully carried out. Purification by preparative HPLC and lyophilization afforded a spongy white solid with 98.3% purity. Solution state structural information derived from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was consistent with literature reports, and confirmed that our synthetically derived Ziconotide (1) possesses the correct disulfide connectivity and three‐dimensional conformation.
The soybean (Glycine max L.) cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase multigene family; Identification of natural variations for altered cytokinin content and seed yield
Authors: Nguyen Hai Ngoc , Kambhampati Shrikaar , Kisiala Anna , Seegobin Mark , Emery Robert Joseph Neil
Published: February 2021

Cytokinins (CKs) play a fundamental role in regulating dynamics of organ source/sink relationships during plant development, including flowering and seed formation stages. As a result, CKs are key drivers of seed yield. The cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) is one of the critical enzymes responsible for regulating plant CK levels by causing their irreversible degradation. Variation of CKX activity is significantly correlated with seed yield in many crop species while in soybean (Glycine max L.), the possible associations between CKX gene family members (GFMs) and yield parameters have not yet been assessed. In this study, 17 GmCKX GFMs were identified, and natural variations among GmCKX genes were probed among soybean cultivars with varying yield characteristics. The key CKX genes responsible for regulating CK content during seed filling stages of reproductive development were highlighted using comparative phylogenetics, gene expression analysis and CK metabolite profiling. Five of the seventeen identified GmCKX GFMs, showed natural variations in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The gene GmCKX7‐1, with high expression during critical seed filling stages, was found to have a non‐synonymous mutation (H105Q), on one of the active site residues, Histidine 105, previously reported to be essential for co‐factor binding to maintain structural integrity of the enzyme. Soybean lines with this mutation had higher CK content and desired yield characteristics. The potential for marker‐assisted selection based on the identified natural variation within GmCKX7‐1, is discussed in the context of hormonal control that can result in higher soybean yield.
Size‐exclusion chromatography allows the isolation of EVs from the filamentous fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov)
Authors: Garcia‐Ceron Donovan , Dawson Charlotte S. , Faou Pierre , Bleackley Mark R. , Anderson Marilyn A.
Published: February 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano‐sized compartments involved in cell communication and macromolecule transport that are well characterized in mammalian organisms. Fungal EVs transport virulence‐related cargo and modulate the host immune response, but most work has been focused on human yeast pathogens. Additionally, the study of EVs from filamentous fungi has been hindered by the lack of protein markers and efficient isolation methods. In this study we performed the isolation and proteomic characterization of EVs from the filamentous cotton pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov). EVs were recovered from two different growth media, Czapek Dox and Saboraud's dextrose broth, and purified by size‐exclusion chromatography. Our results show that the EV proteome changes depending on the growth medium but EV production remains constant. EVs contained proteins involved in polyketide synthesis, cell wall modifications, proteases and potential effectors. These results support a role in modulation of host‐pathogen interactions for Fov EVs.
The impact of school bullying on adolescent migration expectations in Iceland
Authors: Bjarnason Thoroddur , Haartsen Tialda , Arnarsson Arsaell M. , Sigurgeirsdottir Vanda
Published: February 2021

Adolescent migration expectations are shaped by various background characteristics, social relations, and lifestyle considerations. However, the impact of negative social experiences in adolescent society on migration expectations received limited attention. Research on the social consequences of school bullying has nevertheless demonstrated that bullying often leads to social withdrawal and place avoidance. In this study, we examine the potential effects of being bullied in school on adolescent migration expectations in rural, exurban, and urban communities in Iceland. We find adolescents who are regularly bullied to be about twice as likely to expect to move within the country or abroad. Interestingly, there are no significant differences across the rural–urban continuum in this respect. The results are discussed in the context of prior research on migration intentions and the social consequences of bullying.
Understanding internal migration trends in OECD countries
Authors: Alvarez Maximiliano , Bernard Aude , Lieske Scott N.
Published: February 2021

Although the decline in the level of internal migration has been the focus of growing scholarly attention, little attention has been paid to countries with increasing or stable intensities. As a result, it is not clear why internal migration is declining in some countries but not in others. This paper seeks to address this gap by establishing variations in internal migration trends in 18 OECD countries and determining the economic, demographic and social factors underpinning them. We assemble a time series of annual interregional migration intensities from 1996 to 2018. We find that all non‐European countries report a downward trend, whereas in Europe, eight countries exhibit an upward trend, four do not display a significant trend in either direction, and Poland shows a modest decline. We use a country fixed‐effect dynamic panel data model to distinguish long‐ and short‐term associations. The results show that a reduction in the proportion of young adults and regional inequalities decreases interregional migration whereas a rise in information technologies and net international migration increases interregional migration in the long term. Only regional income inequalities affect the intensity of migration in both the short and the long term. Although the different paces at which these factors evolve explain some of the heterogeneity in internal migration trends, they do not fully account for the downward trend in non‐European countries. Panel time series are valuable for understanding internal migration trends and effort should be geared towards the inclusion of more countries, extended periods and additional explanatory variables.
Electric Fields and Surface Fermi Level in Undoped GaN/AlN Two‐Dimensional Hole Gas Heterostructures
Authors: Janicki Łukasz , Chaudhuri Reet , Bader Samuel James , Xing Huili Grace , Jena Debdeep , Kudrawiec Robert
Published: February 2021

Undoped GaN/AlN heterostructures with a high‐density 2D hole gas (2DHG) have recently been reported, demonstrating that holes can be generated in GaN without magnesium (Mg) doping. The presence of the high‐density 2DHG in these GaN/AlN heterostructures is expected to result from huge internal polarization fields. Herein, modulation spectroscopy is applied to analyze the built‐in electric fields in the top GaN layer of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)‐grown GaN/AlN heterostructures with a buried 2DHG using contactless electroreflectance (CER). Experimentally obtained electric field values are compared with self‐consistent Schrödinger–Poisson energy band calculations of the GaN/AlN structures. This coupled experimental and theoretical analysis determines that the Fermi level at the GaN surface is located at ≈1.9 above the valence band (i.e., roughly in the middle of the bandgap)—for structures with undoped and Mg‐doped GaN. Finally, the comparison of calculated 2DHG concentrations in the structures under study with values determined from Hall effect measurements shows excellent agreement further strengthening the result.
A robust permutation test for the concordance correlation coefficient
Authors: Hutson Alan D. , Yu Han
Published: February 2021

In this work, we developed a robust permutation test for the concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) for testing the general hypothesis H0 : ρc = ρc(0). The proposed test is based on an appropriately studentized statistic. Theoretically, the test is proven to be asymptotically valid in the general setting when two paired variables are uncorrelated but dependent. This desired property was demonstrated across a range of distributional assumptions and sample sizes in simulation studies, where the test exhibits robust type I error control in all settings tested, even when the sample size is small. We demonstrated the application of this test in two real world examples across cardiac output measurements and endocardiographic imaging.
Piper nigrum extract attenuates food allergy by decreasing Th2 cell response and regulating the Th17/Treg balance
Authors: Wang Lei , Jia Xiaoxiao , Yu Qing , Shen Sijia , Gao Yuyan , Lin Xixi , Zhang Weixi
Published: February 2021

Piper nigrum is extensively utilized because of its antioxidation, antiallergic, antitumor, antiinflammatory, antidiarrhea, and gastrointestinal protection. We attempted to indicate whether the Piper nigrum extract (PNE) could alleviate ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced food allergy, and to explore its potential mechanism. An OVA‐induced food allergy mouse model was established, and different concentrations of PNE were administrated. Symptoms of food allergy, levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), mucosal mast cell protease‐1 (mMCP‐1), and intestine pathological changes were assessed. Additionally, the expressions of T helper (Th) 2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg)‐associated cytokines and the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells in CD4+ T cells were measured. We found PNE attenuated symptoms of food allergy and decreased the levels of IgE and mMCP‐1. In PNE group, the infiltration degree of inflammatory cells was ameliorated and the villi of small intestine were more complete. Moreover, the expressions of Th2 and Th17 cell‐associated cytokines were down‐regulated by PNE pretreatment, while the levels of Treg cell‐associated cytokines were up‐regulated. PNE decreased the number of Th17 cells, while increased the Tregs cells. PNE treatment dose‐dependently improved the Th17/Treg balance. PNE plays a protective role in OVA‐induced food allergy through inhibiting Th2 cell response and regulating the Th17/Treg balance.