bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible role of epiregulin from dermal fibroblasts in the keratinocyte hyperproliferation of psoriasis
Authors: Iwata Hiroaki , Haga Naoya , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: June 2021

Psoriasis, an immune‐mediated inflammatory disease, is characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐23, and IL‐17A play critical roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. IL‐17A secreted by T‐helper 17 acts more directly against keratinocytes than TNF‐α or IL‐23 do. Regarding the receptors of cytokines, fibroblasts also express receptors against IL‐17A and TNF‐α, and induce the production of growth factors. Epiregulin (EREG), an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, is produced by both keratinocytes and fibroblasts. EREG enhances keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. We hypothesized that fibroblasts stimulated with IL‐17A and/or TNF‐α may play a role in epidermal hyperproliferation through the production of epidermal growth factors in psoriasis. The mRNA expression of EREG was found to be significantly upregulated by co‐stimulation with IL‐17A and TNF‐α (mean, 49.2‐fold). Furthermore, the stimulation with TNF‐α alone, but not IL‐17A alone, induced significant increases. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that the protein expression level of EREG was also increased in fibroblasts stimulated with these cytokines. Stimulation with EREG significantly enhanced keratinocyte proliferation in vitro. In human psoriatic patients’ skin, immunofluorescence staining of EREG showed significantly high intensity in the dermis of lesional skin. In conclusion, cytokine stimulation with TNF‐α and IL‐17A induces the overexpression of EREG from dermal fibroblasts in the lesional skin of psoriasis, and plays a role in epidermal hyperproliferation.
Investigation of patterns and dynamics of substance users: A long‐term toxicology study on a sample of the Greek population between 2005 and 2019
Authors: Karakasi Maria‐Valeria , Kevrekidis Dimitrios‐Phaedon , Voultsos Polichronis , Trypsiannis Grigorios , Manolopoulos Vangelis G. , Raikos Nikolaos , Pavlidis Pavlos
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the present study is to investigate dynamics underlying drug abuse and identify statistical correlations/patterns of forensic findings and sociodemographic factors in a population of illicit substance users. The following long‐term studies were conducted: (a) a retrospective autopsy cohort study on autopsy incidents with available toxicological screening results (N = 482) in investigation of any possible forensic associations of exposure to illicit drugs; and (b) a cross‐sectional study on a sample of arrested drug law offenders with available toxicological screening results (N = 195) as well as cluster analysis in order to possibly identify user profiles. Although outside the scope of the present study, ethanol was generally considered to be the main substance of abuse, as more than half of the premature deaths reported tested positive on the ethanol toxicology screen. Cannabis and opioid use was associated with unintentional causes of death, while an association of deliberate self‐harm was noted with opioid and benzodiazepine use. Both cannabis and opioid use correlated with significantly younger ages (more than a decade) of premature death. Most frequently, an onset of substance use was reported in the early 20s with cannabis use. Although 65.3% of the subjects were diagnosed as dependent and unable to eliminate substance use on their own, only 7.7% of the subjects in the users’ population had ever accessed appropriate support through rehabilitation programs.
Improving dialysis adequacy and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis with twice a week range of motion exercise
Authors: Rochmawati Erna , Utomo Endrat Kartiko , Makiyah Sri Nabawati Nurul
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to determine the effects of giving range of motion (ROM) twice a week as a form intradialytic exercise on patients' dialysis adequacy and quality of life. A total of 48 eligible participants were recruited and completed this study. The intervention group (n = 24) received twice a week ROM exercise over a 4 weeks period. The outcomes were assessed at pretest and at the end of the intervention. The study shows that ROM exercise was effective in improving dialyis adequacy that include ureum retention ratio (p= 0.027) and Kt/V (p= 0.017). Quality of life improved significantly particularly in the domains of symptom and effect of kidney disease. Integrating ROM into dialysis care shows as a potential intervention to improve dialysis adequacy and quality of life for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Future research should evaluate its efficacy using a randomized clinical trial design and larger sample of patients.
Mothers on Mute: A Silent Pandemic
Authors: Griffith Lauren Miller
Published: June 2021

My experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and trying to write through it, has been profoundly shaped by my identity as a mother. Like me, many women—mothers in particular—have had their voices muted by the demands of domestic labor. Trying to find a way to continue telling the stories that matter to me during these times has made me see how important it is for mothers to unmute and claim a space for our voices, even if our voices must change in order to be heard.
Were we stressed or was it just me – and does it even matter? Efforts to disentangle individual and collective resilience within real and imagined stressors
Authors: Molenaar Carin , Blessin Manpreet , Erfurth Luise M. , Imhoff Roland
Published: June 2021

Although resilience is a multi‐level process, research largely focuses on the individual and little is known about how resilience may distinctly present at the group level. Even less is known about subjective conceptualizations of resilience at either level. Therefore, two studies sought to better understand how individuals conceptualize resilience both as an individual and as a group. Study 1 (N = 123) experimentally manipulated whether participants reported on either individual or group‐based responses to real stressors and analysed their qualitative responses. For individual responses, subjective resilience featured active coping most prominently, whereas social support was the focus for group‐based responses. As these differences might be attributable to the different stressors people remembered in either condition, Study 2 (N = 171) held a hypothetical stressor (i.e., natural disaster) constant. As expected, resilience at the group level emphasized maintaining group cohesion. Surprisingly, the group condition also reported increased likelihood to engage in blame, denial, and behavioural disengagement. Contrary to expectations, participants in the individual condition reported stronger desire to seek out new groups. The combined findings are discussed within the framework of resilience and social identity and highlight the necessity of accounting for multiple levels and subjective conceptualizations of resilience.
Holocene environmental change on the Atlantic coast of NW Iberia as inferred from the Ponzos wetland sequence
Authors: Gómez‐Orellana Luis , Ramil‐Rego Pablo , Ferreiro da Costa Javier , Muñoz Sobrino Castor
Published: June 2021

The intertidal environment of the Ponzos beach (NW Iberian Peninsula) hosts a sedimentary sequence (including large wood fragments) deposited during the first half of the Holocene in a hygrophilous continental wetland. Pollen and macrofossil data alongside radiocarbon dating allow reconstruction of the changes that occurred during the Early and Middle Holocene in the landscape of the NW Iberia coastal lowlands, as well as the local wetland plant communities, in response to the climate variations and the eustatic sea‐level oscillations. The sequence represents the evolution of a coastal wetland from its initial phases as a hygrophilous wetland towards the subsequent installation of a freshwater lagoon. Pollen data show the dominant role of Atlantic (mainly deciduous) woody taxa, the scarcity of conifers and the lack of Mediterranean elements in the coastal landscapes around the Ponzos site. The presence and abundance of some taxa such as deciduous Quercus, Castanea, Fagus, Tilia and Ulmus during the Early Holocene provides further support for the occurrence of glacial refuges in the Cantabrian‐Atlantic area during the Last Glaciation. The diverse vegetation that characterizes the modern landscapes in this territory established later, spreading from these glacial reservoirs of biodiversity. In this sense, the notable and early presence of Fagus at the beginning of the Holocene, a tree also previously recorded during several phases of the Last Glacial Cycle on the NW Iberia coasts, is noteworthy. In addition, during the Early and Middle Holocene are recorded other trees that are currently extirpated as natural taxa in the area, such as Pinus, Tilia and Carpinus.
Thromboinflammation in coronavirus disease 2019: The clot thickens
Authors: Iffah Raayma , Gavins Felicity N. E.
Published: June 2021

Since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, a disease that has become one of the world's greatest global health challenges, the role of the immune system has been at the forefront of scientific studies. The pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is complex, which is evident in those at higher risk for poor outcome. Multiple systems contribute to thrombosis and inflammation seen in COVID‐19 patients, including neutrophil and platelet activation, and endothelial dysfunction. Understanding how the immune system functions in different patient cohorts (particularly given recent emerging events with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine) is vital to understanding the pathophysiology of this devastating disease and for the subsequent development of novel therapeutic targets and to facilitate possible drug repurposing strategies that could benefit society on a global scale.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on The second wave: are we any closer to efficacious pharmacotherapy for COVID 19? (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.10/issuetoc
Geographic variation in Culex oviposition habitat selection responses to a predator, Notonecta irrorata
Authors: Pintar Matthew R. , Bohenek Jason R. , Resetarits William J.
Published: June 2021

1. Predators have effects on prey populations through both consumptive and non‐consumptive effects. Predator's presence is expected to drive variation in prey oviposition habitat selection behaviour, but differences in biotic and abiotic characteristics of habitats, or trait variation, may produce geographic variation in species interactions.

2. We conducted a series of experiments in two geographic locations, Mississippi and Missouri, USA, to assess oviposition responses of Culex mosquitoes (prey) to the presence of Notonecta irrorata (predator). We first tested whether mosquitoes in each location respond to the presence of N. irrorata, with follow‐up experiments to determine whether mosquitoes respond to variation in N. irrorata density, whether N. irrorata from each location generate different responses by the same Culex population, and whether diet and consumption of conspecifics affect oviposition.

3. We found that Culex restuans in Missouri had reduced oviposition when N. irrorata were present. In Mississippi, C. restuans did not respond to the presence of N. irrorata from either Mississippi or Missouri, to the variation in density of N. irrorata, or to N. irrorata that had been fed larval mosquitoes.

4. Our study documents the first instance of geographic variation in oviposition response of a prey species to a predator species.
Wariness to colour patterns: birds versus European red‐and‐black insects
Authors: Soukupová Tereza , Veselý Petr , Fuchs Roman
Published: June 2021

1. A mimetic complex of red‐and‐black insects is proposed to occur in Central Europe.

2. In our study, we tested in isolation the importance of a colour pattern as the main factor responsible for the predator avoidance of the members of this putative mimetic complex by transferring the patterns of seven European red‐and‐black insects onto a palatable prey using paper stickers. Wild‐caught adult great tits (Parus major) were used as the predators.

3. In general, the response of the tested birds to palatable prey carrying a conspicuous pattern differed from their responses to the real insect species demonstrated in previous studies.

4. The birds avoided the pattern of Pyrrhocoris apterus most often, putatively because of their rich individual experience with the real insect from the wild, since it is the most common amongst our chosen species. Other patterns were attacked similarly to the control, inconspicuous roach pattern. Obviously, these patterns did not discourage the birds from making a closer inspection of the offered prey and revealing the edible cockroach hidden underneath the coloured paper sticker.

5. We show that the method of transferring aposematic colour patterns to edible prey has substantial limitations when testing how predators generalise colour patterns within the mimetic complex.
Retrospective study of treatment patterns and outcomes post‐lenalidomide for multiple myeloma in Canada
Authors: Reece Donna E. , Masih‐Khan Esther , Atenafu Ehetu G. , Jimenez‐Zepeda Victor H. , McCurdy Arleigh , Song Kevin , LeBlanc Richard , Sebag Michael , White Darrell , Cherniawsky Hannah , Reiman Anthony , Stakiw Julie , Louzada Martha L. , Kotb Rami , Aslam Muhammad , Gul Engin , Venner Christopher P.
Published: June 2021

Lenalidomide is an important component of initial therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, either as maintenance therapy post‐autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or as first‐line therapy with dexamethasone for patients’ ineligible for ASCT (non‐ASCT). This retrospective study investigated treatment patterns and outcomes for ASCT‐eligible and ‐ineligible patients who relapsed after lenalidomide as part of first‐line therapy, based on data from the Canadian Myeloma Research Group Database for patients treated between January 2007 and April 2019. Among 256 patients who progressed on lenalidomide maintenance therapy, 28.5% received further immunomodulatory derivative‐based (IMiD‐based) therapy (lenalidomide/pomalidomide) without a proteasome inhibitor (PI) (bortezomib/carfilzomib/ixazomib), 26.2% received PI‐based therapy without an IMiD, 19.5% received both an IMiD plus PI, 13.5% received daratumumab‐based regimens, and 12.1% underwent salvage ASCT. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was longest for daratumumab‐based therapy (22.7 months) and salvage ASCT (23.4 months) and ranged from 6.6 to 7.3 months for the other treatments (P < .0001). Median overall survival (OS) was also longest for daratumumab and salvage ASCT. A total of 87 non‐ASCT patients received subsequent therapy, with 66.7% receiving bortezomib‐based therapy and 13.8% receiving other PI‐based therapy. Median PFS was 15.4 and 24.8 months for bortezomib‐based and other PI‐based therapy, respectively (P = .404). During most of the study period, daratumumab was not funded; in this setting, switching to a different therapeutic class following relapse on lenalidomide produced the longest remissions for non‐ASCT patients. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine optimum treatment following relapse on lenalidomide, especially in the light of increased access to daratumumab.
Use of the MODFLOW 6 Water Mover Package to Represent Natural and Managed Hydrologic Connections
Authors: Morway Eric D. , Langevin Christian D. , Hughes Joseph D.
Published: June 2021

The latest release of MODFLOW 6, the current core version of the MODFLOW groundwater modeling software, debuted a new package dubbed the “mover” (MVR). Using a generalized approach, MVR facilitates the transfer of water among any arbitrary combination of simulated features (i.e., pumping wells, stream, drains, lakes, etc.) within a MODFLOW 6 simulation. Four “rules” controlling the amount of water transferred from a providing feature to a receiving feature are currently available. In this way, MVR can represent natural connections between features, for example, streams entering or exiting lakes, and perhaps more interestingly, it also can transfer water among simulated features to more accurately simulate water management. An example model representative of an agricultural setting demonstrates some of the available MVR connections. For example, an irrigation event that transfers surface water from an irrigation delivery ditch to multiple cropped areas demonstrates a “one‐to‐many” connection that is possible within MVR. Conversely, irrigation or precipitation runoff from multiple fields may be routed to a particular stream segment using “many‐to‐one” MVR connections. MVR supports many additional connection types, several of which are demonstrated by the included example problem.
Evaluation of thermal resistance for metalized ceramic substrates using a microheater chip
Authors: Hirao Kiyoshi , Zhou You , Hyuga Hideki , Nagao Shijo , Suganuma Katsuaki , Wakasugi Naoki
Published: June 2021

Thermal dissipation performance is one of the key technologies in designing power modules because their output power and power density have been increasing year by year. Metalized ceramic substrates are generally used as an insulating material in high output power modules. Designing a proper module structure requires not only each material property but also understanding of the heat transfer in a module structure. An accurate measurement method of precise thermal properties for such metallized ceramic substrates is currently still missing. We had developed a new and simple measurement method for evaluating the heat releasing performance of metallized ceramic substrates in a mounted state. In this investigation, the thermal resistance of several kinds of Cu‐metalized ceramic substrates bearing an SiC microheater chip was evaluated. Si3N4 with thermal conductivity, k, of 90 W/(m·K), AlN with k of 180 W/(m·K), and Al2O3 with k of 30 W/(m·K) were employed. In all cases, the measured thermal resistance had an excellent accuracy within an error range of a few percent. In addition, it was revealed that the measured values had good agreement with the estimated values by finite element method (FEM) analyses.
Treatment for grade 4 peripheral intravenous infiltration with type 3 skin tears: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Man‐Man , Zhou Le‐Peng , Xie Ri‐Hua , Pakhale Smita , Krewski Daniel , Wen Shi Wu
Published: June 2021

Grade 4 peripheral intravenous infiltration with skin tears has seldom been reported. On 4 August 2020, a 35‐year‐old female patient was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital because of postprandial abdominal pain for 2 hours. She was diagnosed with a severe acute pancreatitis with type II diabetes mellitus. On 7 August, a vein detained needle was inserted into the dorsal vein of her right foot to infuse drugs. On 9 August, a grade 4 infiltration, discoloured and bruised skin with a swollen area of 11 cm × 9 cm around the infusion part of her right foot, was discovered. The infusion was stopped immediately and the residual drug was aspirated at the infusion site. When removing the vein detained needle, the skin surrounding the infusion site on the right foot was torn by the adhesive dressing. The size of the skin tears was 6 cm × 3 cm (type 3). The patient was provided with appropriate dressing, manual lymphatic drainage, and surgical intervention. Two months later, she was fully recovered with no functional impairment of the affected foot. Timely local wound interventions could lead to a satisfactory outcome for severe peripheral intravenous infiltration with skin tears.
Systematic review: Incidence and prevalence of mucous membrane pressure injury in adults admitted to acute hospital settings
Authors: Fulbrook Paul , Lovegrove Josephine , Miles Sandra , Isaqi Ban
Published: June 2021

Mucous membrane pressure injury (MMPI) is associated with a history of medical device use at the site of injury. The current international guideline recommends they should be reported in incidence and prevalence studies. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the incidence and prevalence of hospital‐acquired MMPI in adults admitted to acute hospital settings. Database searches (EBSCO CINAHL Complete, EBSCO Medline Complete, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science) were undertaken between October 2019 and February 2021, using search terms related to hospital‐acquired, mucosal and device‐related pressure injury/ulcer incidence and prevalence. Searches were limited to the English language. Articles published between 2008 and 2020, reporting incidence or prevalence of mucous membrane or medical device‐related pressure injury in non‐interventional samples were selected. Two authors assessed study bias and extracted data, with a third reviewer as arbitrator. Twenty‐one studies met inclusion criteria; most provided incidence data. No studies were found that specifically reported MMPI incidence or prevalence. It was possible to calculate incidence or prevalence from four studies; all were in intensive care settings. MMPI incidence of 0.8% and 30.4%, and prevalence of 1.7% and 3.7% were found. One study provided data that enabled calculation of prevalence of 0.1% in a non‐intensive care sample. Only one other study provided specific data about MMPI. It is concluded that there is insufficient evidence available to enable estimation of MMPI incidence or prevalence in either acute hospital or intensive care settings.
Novel imaging methods reveal positive impact of topical negative pressure application on tissue perfusion in an in vivo skin model
Authors: Müller‐Seubert Wibke , Roth Sascha , Hauck Theresa , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E. , Ludolph Ingo
Published: June 2021

The influence of topical negative pressure application (TNPA) on tissue perfusion still remains controversial. TNPA was applied for 30 minutes on intact skin of 21 healthy participants. Measurements of tissue oxygen saturation and tissue temperature as signs of tissue perfusion were performed before application of the TNPA, directly after removal of the TNPA and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after removal of the dressing using the near infrared imaging (NIRI) and a thermal imaging camera. Tissue oxygen saturation showed an increase from 67.7% before applying the TNPA to 76.1% directly after removal of TNPA, followed by a decrease of oxygen saturation 30 minutes after removal of TNPA. The measured temperature of the treated skin area increased from 32.1°C to 36.1°C after removal of TNPA with a consecutive decrease of the temperature 30 minutes after removal. TNPA resulted in both a higher tissue oxygen saturation and a higher skin temperature after 30 minutes compared to the beginning. TNPA increases both tissue oxygen saturation and skin temperature as sign of an increase of tissue perfusion. NIRI and thermal imaging proved to be useful for measuring changes in tissue perfusion.
Ionic conductivity of Li2O–P2O5 glasses from thermodynamic modeling of their chemical structure
Authors: López‐Grande Alberto , Dagupati Rajesh , Galán del Sastre Pedro , Muñoz Francisco
Published: June 2021

Modeling the transport properties of glasses, and ionic conductivity in particular, has been a recurrent issue motivated for their high interest in the rapid developing field of energy conversion and storage devices for a wide range of applications such as in lithium rechargeable batteries. Despite the absolute conductivity of phosphate‐based glasses is not among the highest, their ease of preparation and ability to host transition metals and secondary anions has contributed to foster their research from which good examples are the LiPON electrolytes or the LATP‐based glass ceramics. In this work, the structure and ionic conductivity of lithium phosphate glasses with nominal composition Li2O⋅()P2O5, and x between 46 and 58 mol%, have been studied through the thermodynamic approach of the associated solutions model that was introduced by Shakhmatkin and Vedishcheva in glasses. The weak electrolyte model and the Anderson and Stuart model have also been employed herein in order to calculate the activation energy of the conduction of lithium ions within the glass matrix. Experimental ionic conductivity and activation energy data have been determined and were compared with the ones calculated using the models mentioned above. The structural units of the network have also been obtained by means of the thermodynamic approach and compared with those determined by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. All of them showed that the glass network structure can be reliably represented by a solution of chemical species and whose properties can then be derived from the respective weights in the system.
Cardioprotective effects of melatonin against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury: Activation of AMPK/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Xu Chennian , Wang Jian , Fan Zhenge , Zhang Shuang , Qiao Rui , Liu Yu , Yang Jian , Yang Lifang , Wang Huishan
Published: June 2021

Although reperfusion is the most effective therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction, reperfusion injury limits the therapeutic effects of early reperfusion. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Melatonin, a circulating hormone, is well‐known as an antioxidant in cardiovascular diseases. In this short communication, we show that melatonin significantly improves post‐ischaemic cardiac function, reduces infarct size and decreases oxidative stress. Furthermore, melatonin markedly increases AMPK activation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Nevertheless, these melatonin‐induced changes are abrogated by compound C. In addition, ML‐385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, also withdraws the antioxidative effects of melatonin but has little effect on AMPK activation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that melatonin alleviates myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting oxidative stress via the AMPK/Nrf2 signalling pathway.
Sex‐specific differences in blood lipids and lipid ratios in type 2 diabetic foot patients
Authors: Yin Shuming , Zhao Puqing , Ai Zisheng , Deng Bing , Jia Wei , Wang Huan , Zheng Jiaqi
Published: June 2021

Aims/Introduction

Few people have reported whether there are sex differences in blood lipids and lipid ratios in type 2 diabetic foot (T2DF) patients in China. This study attempts to identify the contribution to sex‐specific differences in blood lipids and lipid ratios in these patients.

Materials and Methods

In this case–control study, we explore 306 patients with T2DF as the study group and 306 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as the control group. Patients were diagnosed according to the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes–2014 (American Diabetes Association). Blood lipid and lipid ratios were determined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

Results

We studied male patients with T2DF who were aged 68.00 years (18.00 years) and females who were aged 73.50 years (19.00 years); 61.76% of the patients were men. Men had higher body mass index and glycated hemoglobin levels than women. Compared with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, T2DF patients had significant differences in total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL‐C and apolipoprotein (apo)B/apoA‐I ratios. HDL‐C, triglyceride, apoA‐I and apoB/apoA‐I ratio showed cardiovascular disease risk in men, whereas total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apoB, and the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL‐C and total cholesterol/HDL‐C ratios were better predictors in women. The apoB/apoA‐I ratio odds ratio values were 2.18 (95% confidence interval 1.17–4.41) and 2.14 (95% confidence interval 1.14–4.00) in male patients with T2DF before and after adjusting for age, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

T2DF patients present sex‐specific differences in their blood lipid and lipid ratios, especially in the apoB/apoA‐I ratio, which could be a better indicator for cardiovascular disease risk.
Drying kinetics, heat quantities, and physiochemical characteristics of strawberry puree by Refractance Window drying system
Authors: Shrivastav Shivmurti , Ganorkar Pravin M. , Prajapati Krupal M. , Patel Devansh B.
Published: June 2021

Attempts were made to understand the drying kinetics, different heats involved, and change in physiochemical properties during Refractance Window (RW) drying of strawberry puree on an in‐house fabricated RW drier. RW drying of puree was conducted at 75°C water temperature with 1.5 mm thickness. The drying was carried out from initial moisture content 614% (db) to 5.1% (db) with1.2 m/s exhaust air velocity. RW drying took place only in the falling rate period. The sensible heat of strawberry puree, convective heat loss from puree surface to air, and convective heat loss from the bottom surface (hot water to air) of the dryer were 70, 205, and 61.96 W, respectively. The evaporative capacity of 5.28 kg m−2 hr−1 was calculated at experimental parameters. This confirms that the drying system is advantageous. RW dried strawberry puree was rehydrated as exact of fresh strawberry puree considering total solids. Total phenolic content and ascorbic acid were significantly (p < .05) reduced from 246.33 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) (fresh strawberry puree) to 204.67 mg GAE per 100 g (reconstituted RW dried strawberry puree); 33.31–28.54 mg/100 g, respectively. Color characterization through L*, a*, b*, darkness factor (b*/a*), chroma (C), and hue angle (h*) revealed that reconstituted RW dried puree sample was darker compared with fresh puree.

Practical Applications

Among various drying methods of fruit purees, hot air drying is the most widely used. It results in an unpleasurable taste and color. During the falling rate drying period, the less thermal conductivity of fruit puree restricts heat transfer in conventional drying. Refractance Window (RW) drying adopts low‐temperature drying for less time, which leads to advantages like effective and economical drying. RW drying technology can be promising at the commercial level in product quality and much‐reduced production cost.
Review of the role of gastrointestinal multiplex polymerase chain reaction in the management of diarrheal illness
Authors: Teh Readon , Tee Wei De , Tan Eunice , Fan Kristie , Koh Calvin Jianyi , Tambyah Paul Ananth , Oon Jolene , Tee Nancy , Soh Alex Yu Sen , Siah Kewin Tien Ho
Published: June 2021

Acute and chronic diarrheal illness secondary to gastrointestinal infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. A cornerstone of management includes prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of culprit pathogens. Timely diagnosis can improve patient care, assist in infection control, and prevent disease outbreaks. Historical methods of diagnosis include traditional culture methods and stool analysis. These are limited by long turnaround time and inability to simultaneously assess multiple pathogens. The advent of multiplexed nucleic acid amplification tests first began with the Food and Drug Administration‐approved respiratory virus multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel in 2009, followed by gastrointestinal infections in 2013, and neurological infections in 2014. We conducted a review of current literature pertaining to the clinical utility of a gastrointestinal multiplex PCR in management of acute and chronic diarrhea in patients. To date, seven platforms approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are used in detection of various bacterial, viral, and parasitic causative organisms for diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections. The sensitivity and specificity of each assay vary depending on the tested organism. Interpretation of a positive result has to be tailored to the clinical context. Further studies are required to establish the utility of gastrointestinal multiplex PCR from a cost‐based perspective, whether specific enteropathogens such as Clostridioides difficile are better assessed with toxin gene detection and whether new parameters such as cycle threshold values can improve clinical application of test results.
Complex interactions with nutrients and sediment alter the effects of predation on a reef‐building coral
Authors: Rice Mallory M. , Baldwin Daniel G. , Fischer Janine N. , Fuchs Corinne , Burkepile Deron E.
Published: June 2021

Framework‐building corals create the three‐dimensional structure of coral reefs and are subject to predation from fishes, echinoderms, and gastropods. Anthropogenic stressors can magnify the effects of such top‐down pressure on foundation species. The gastropodCoralliophilaviolacea(Kiener, 1836) depletes coral energy reserves via predation, potentially increasing coral susceptibility to land‐based pollution (i.e., sediment accumulation and nutrient pollution). We hypothesized that sedimentation would worsen coral mortality, while nutrient enrichment would mitigate the harmful effects of sediment and predation on coral mortality by increasing the densities of algal symbionts. To test these hypotheses, we conducted in situ surveys of the fringing reefs in Mo'orea, French Polynesia to explore the relationships among massivePoritesspp. cover,C. violaceadensities, and sediment accumulation on coral colonies across low and high nutrient sites. We also conducted a factorial field experiment to test the interactions among these stressors on coral tissue mortality, symbiont densities, and chlorophyll. MassivePoritescolonies at higher nutrient sites hadC. violaceadensities 13 times higher than at low nutrient sites but there was no difference in the amount of live tissue on coral colonies with or without snails among these sites. In our experiment, there were interactions between predation and nutrients as well as nutrients and sediment that impacted coral mortality. Sedimentation and predation byC. violaceaincreased coral tissue mortality independently by ~20%. Nutrient enrichment reduced this effect in corals under sedimentation or predation pressure by lowering coral tissue mortality by 18% and increasing algal symbiont densities by ~28%. Our results indicate that sediment does not magnify top‐down pressure on this coral, and that moderate nutrient enrichment may interact with predation in complex, unexpected ways to alter the responses of corals to top‐down pressure.
Genetic diversity and geographic distribution of parasitic flies of the Philornis torquans complex in Argentina
Authors: Percara A. , Quiroga M. A. , Beldomenico P. M. , Monje L. D.
Published: June 2021

Philornis Meinert 1890 (Diptera: Muscidae) is a genus of flies that parasitize birds in the Neotropical region. The characteristics of the host–parasite interactions and its consequences may depend on the Philornis species involved, and thus precise identification of these parasites is crucial for the interpretation of ecological and epidemiological studies. However, morphological identification of Argentine Philornis species is elusive while molecular evidence points towards the existence of a complex of cryptic species or lineages undergoing a speciation process, which were named the ‘Philornis torquans complex’. Herein the authors extended the current knowledge on the systematics and biogeography of parasitic Philornis flies from Argentina, analysing samples collected in several ecoregions, including the Atlantic Forest, Iberá Wetlands, Open Fields and Grasslands, Espinal, Pampa, Dry Chaco, Humid Chaco, Delta and Paraná River Islands, Monte of Plains and Plateaus. The results of the present study strengthen the evidence on previously described Philornis genotypes using four genetic markers (ITS2, COI, ND6, 12S rRNA). The authors report new patterns of occurrence and describe the presence of a novel genotype of subcutaneous Philornis. In addition, the present study unveils ecological niche differences among genotypes of the Philornis torquans complex in southern South America.
DArTseq physical mapping of QTLs linked to Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica) resistance in two historical wheat populations
Authors: Emebiri Livinus , Singh Sukhwinder , Tan Mui‐Keng
Published: June 2021

Karnal bunt, a disease of wheat, durum, rye, and triticale, is subject to strict quarantine restrictions worldwide. The disease is considered a major threat to food security, due to its use as a non‐tariff trade barrier by several wheat‐importing countries. In this paper, we analysed seven years of phenotypic data to search for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with resistance in common wheat, validated the QTLs using an independent population, and assessed the potential of genomic selection as a tool for pre‐emptive breeding. The QTL study used phenotypic data collected from artificially inoculated field experiments involving two historical Karnal bunt resistance populations: WH542 × HD29 and WH542 × W485. QTL analyses detected four significant (p < 0.001) QTLs on chromosomes 1A, 3A, 4B, and 6B, which explained between 13.7% and 15.7% of the phenotypic variation. A panel of 130 cultivars was used to validate QTL effects. These were genotyped with the same DArTseq protocol, and two of the four QTLs were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with Karnal bunt resistance in the validation panel. The potential of genomic selection was investigated by comparing accuracies of a model trained with all available markers and a model based solely on validated QTL information from the biparental populations. Genomic prediction accuracy, based on the two scenarios, averaged 0.43 and 0.33, respectively, suggesting that even in situations where phenotyping is difficult due to quarantine restrictions, the prospects for pre‐emptive breeding against Karnal bunt are encouraging, and resources are now available that will reduce the cost burden.
Theorizing notions of the participation of people in poverty in social policymaking: Policing, politics and subjectification
Authors: Degerickx Heidi , Van Beveren Laura , Debaene Raf , Van Gorp Angelo , Roose Rudi , Roets Griet
Published: June 2021

Since the 1990s, a paradigm of participation has gained prominence and become a dominant policy rhetoric in anti‐poverty policymaking in Europe, embracing the key idea that people in poverty should participate as equal citizens in political decision‐making processes. Based on a historical case study of the production process of a Belgian white paper, the General Report on Poverty (1994), we investigate who participated in the GRP production process, and whether the underlying participatory and democratic mechanisms produced a shift in power and might have led to a more socially just and equal society. We rely on a central set of ideas of the French philosopher Jacques Rancière to theorize different notions of participation, and tease out whether the processing of equality had the capacity to move from policing towards politics through subjectification. Our research study demonstrates how social change and a reconfiguration of the democratic order can appear as a moment of democracy, yet inevitably leads to a new police.
Association of vaping with decreased vascular endothelial growth factor expression and decreased microvessel density in cutaneous wound healing tissue in rats
Authors: Jaleel Zaroug , Blasberg Elizabeth , Troiano Chelsea , Montanaro Paige , Mazzilli Sarah , Gertje Hans Peter , Crossland Nicholas A. , Platt Michael , Spiegel Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Vaping is suggested to be a risk factor for poor wound healing akin to smoking. However, the molecular and histologic mechanisms underlying this postulation remain unknown. Our study sought to compare molecular and histologic changes in cutaneous flap and non‐flap tissue between vaping, smoking and control cohorts. Animal study of 15 male Sprague–Dawley rats was randomized to three cohorts: negative control (n = 5), e‐cigarette (n = 5) and cigarette (n = 5) and exposed to their respective treatments with serum cotinine monitoring. After 30 days, random pattern flaps were raised and healed for 2 weeks after which skin punch biopsies of flap and non‐flap tissues were collected for quantitative‐reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction of three selected wound healing genes (transforming growth factor β [TGF‐β], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], matrix metalloproteinase‐1 [MMP‐1]); then, immunohistochemistry for CD68 expression, α‐smooth muscle actin looking at microvessel density (MVD) and in situ hybridization to localize VEGF production were undertaken. In flap tissue, vaping (mean[SEM]) (0.61[0.07]) and smoking (0.70[0.04]) were associated with decreased fold change of VEGF expression compared with controls (0.91[0.03]) (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). In non‐flap tissue, only vaping was associated with decreased VEGF expression (mean[SEM]) (0.81[0.07]), compared with controls (1.17[0.10]) (p < 0.05) with expression primarily localized to basal keratinocytes and dermal capillaries. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased MVD in smoking (0.27[0.06]) and vaping (0.26[0.04]) flap tissue compared to matched controls (0.65[0.14]) (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively) and decreased areas of fibrosis compared with controls on gross histology. Vaping and smoking were similarly associated with decreased VEGF expression, MVD and fibrotic changes in flap tissue. The results suggest attenuated angiogenesis via decreased VEGF expression as a mechanism for poor wound healing in vaping‐exposed rats.
The epidemiology of bacterial zoonoses in pastoral and dairy cattle in Cameroon, Central Africa
Authors: Kelly Robert F. , Jennings Amy , Hunt Jennifer , Hamman Saidou M. , Mazeri Stella , Nkongho Egbe F. , Ngwa Victor N. , Tanya Vincent , Sander Melissa , Ndip Lucy , Bessell Paul R. , Morgan Kenton L. , Handel Ian G. , Muwonge Adrian , Bronsvoort Barend M. de C.
Published: June 2021

Previous work identified that bacterial zoonoses (Brucella species, Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira hardjo) were present in Cameroonian pastoral cattle. To assess the characteristics of this zoonotic risk, we analyse seroprevalence of each pathogen and the associated management, herd and environmental factors in Cameroonian pastoral and dairy cattle. Cross‐sectional samples included pastoralist herds in the Northwest Region (NWR n = 750) and Vina Division (VD n = 748) and small holder dairy herds in the NWR (n = 60). Exposure to Brucella spp., C. burnetii and L. hardjo were screened for using commercial ELISAs and population adjusted estimates made. In addition, individual, herd and ecological metadata were collected and used to identify risk factors associated with animal‐level seropositivity. In the pastoral cattle, seroprevalence to Brucella spp. was relatively low but was higher in the NWR (4.2%, CI: 2.5%–7.0%) than the VD (1.1%: CI 0.5%–2.4%), while L. hardjo seroprevalence was much higher though similar in the NWR (30.7%, CI 26.3%–35.5%) and VD (35.9%, CI 31.3%–40.7%). No differences were noted in C. burnetii seroprevalence between the two study sites (NWR: 14.6%, CI 11.8%–18.0%. VD: 12.4%, 9.6%–15.9%). Compared to pastoral, dairy cattle had lower seroprevalences for L. hardjo (1.7%, CI: 0.0%–4.9%), C. burnetii (0.0%, CI 0.0%–6.0%) but similar for Brucella spp. (5.0%, CI 0.0%–10.6%). Increased odds of Brucella spp. seropositivity were associated with owning sheep or rearing sheep and fencing cattle in at night. Adult cattle had increased odds of being seropositive for both C. burnetii and L. hardjo. Additionally, exposure to C. burnetii was associated with local ecological conditions and L. hardjo was negatively associated with cattle undertaking transhumance. This work highlights that exposure to these 3 important production diseases and occupational zoonoses are widespread in Cameroonian cattle. Further work is required to understand transmission dynamics between humans and livestock to inform implementation of effective control measures.
On the Nature of Equilibrium Points in the Axisymmetric Five-Body Problem
Authors: Muhammad Shah , Duraihem Faisal Zaid , Chen Wei , Zotos Euaggelos E.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work is to numerically investigate the nature of the equilibrium points of the axisymmetric five-body problem. Specifically, we consider two cases regarding the convex or concave configuration of the four primary bodies. The specific configuration of the primaries depends on two angle parameters. Combining numerical methods with systematic and rigorous analysis, we reveal how the angle parameters affect not only the relative positions of the equilibrium points but also their linear stability. Our computations reveal that linearly stable equilibria exist in all possible central configurations of the primaries, thus improving and also correcting the findings of previous similar works.
Design and Experimental Validation of a Process Chain for Thin Components Manufacturing by Micro Injection Molding Process
Authors: Bellantone Vincenzo , Lavecchia Fulvio , Surace Rossella , Spadavecchia Onofrio , Modica Francesco , Guerra Maria Grazia , Fassi Irene , Galantucci Luigi Maria
Published: June 2021

Micro-applications, especially in biomedical and optical sectors, require the fabrication of thin polymeric parts which can be commonly realized by micro-injection molding process. However, this process is characterized by a relevant constraint regarding the tooling. Indeed, the design and manufacturing of molds could be a very time-consuming step and so, a significant limitation for the rapid development of new products. Moreover, if the design displays challenging microfeatures, their realization could involve the use of more than one mold for the fabrication of a single thin part. Therefore, proper integration of different manufacturing microtechnologies may represent an advantageous method to realize such polymeric thin microfeatures. In this work, a micromanufacturing process chain including stereolithography, micromilling, and micro-injection molding is reported. The mold for the micro-injection molding process was fabricated by means of stereolithography and micromilling, which allowed us to produce low-cost reconfigurable modular mold, composed of insert support and a removable insert. The assessment of the proposed process chain was carried out by evaluating the dimensions and the surface finishing and texturing of the milled mold cavities and molded components. Finally, a brief economic analysis compares three process chains for fabricating the micromold showing that the proposed one reduces the manufacturing cost by almost 61% with the same production time.
Feasibility of Molten Salt Reactor Heat Exchanger Online Monitoring
Authors: Glass S.W. , Good M.S. , Forsi E.L. , Montgomery R.O.
Published: June 2021

Online structural health corrosion monitoring in advanced molten salt reactor heat exchangers is desirable for detecting tube degradation prior to leaks that would either cause mixing of heat exchanger fluids or release of radiologically contaminated fluids beyond the design containment boundary. This program seeks to demonstrate the feasibility for a torsional wave mode sensor to attach to the outside of a long (30-m) heat exchanger tube in the stagnant flow area where the tube joins the heat exchanger plenum and where it is possible to protect a sensor cable from high-force flow connecting through a heat exchanger shell to a monitoring instrument. The envisioned sensor and cable management approach will be impractical to implement on existing heat exchangers; rather, sensors must be installed in conjunction with the heat exchanger fabrication. Initially, flaw surrogates of interest (50% notch and 50% flat-bottom hole) have been detected in a 3-m tube using low-temperature PZT piezoelectric crystals. The transducer consisted of multiple shear elements placed circumferentially around a tube. The program will continue to investigate higher temperature piezoelectric ceramics, long-term performance of high-temperature adhesives, and flaw sensitivity on long (30-m +) tubes.