bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second law analysis of a fossil‐geothermal hybrid power plant with thermodynamic optimization of geothermal preheater
Authors: Nsanzubuhoro Christa N. , Bello‐Ochende Tunde , Malan Arnaud G.
Published: February 2020

There is an urgent and compelling need to develop innovative and more effective ways to integrate sustainable renewable energy solutions into the already existing systems or, better yet, create new systems that all together make use of renewable energy. This study aims to establish the optimum working conditions of a geothermal preheater in a power plant that makes use of both renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, where renewable (geothermal) energy is used to boost the power output in an environmentally sustainable way. Hence, two models, one, a simplified model of a Rankine cycle with single reheat and regeneration, and another, with a geothermal preheater substituting the low‐pressure feedwater heater (LPFWH), were compared. The Engineering Equations Solver software was used to perform an analysis of the thermodynamic performance of the two models designed. An analysis was done to evaluate the energetic and exergetic effects of replacing a LPFWH with a geothermal preheater sourcing heat from a low temperature geothermal resource (100°C‐160°C). Results from the thermodynamic analysis reveal that the hybridization boosts the power output by approximately 4% and it is superior in terms of the second law. Entropy generation minimization analysis was then employed to establish optimal working conditions of the hybrid system (ie, the geothermal preheater modeled as a downhole coaxial heat exchanger).
Understanding of changes in abortion rate following liberalization of abortion law among Brazilian residents in obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: Bento Silvana Ferreira , Pádua Karla Simônia , Faúndes Anibal , Carvalho Pacagnella Rodolfo , Fernandes Karayna Gil , Osis Maria José Duarte
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate residents’ knowledge about the evolution of abortion rates in countries where abortion has been legalized, and to assess whether such knowledge correlates with residents’ sociodemographic characteristics and experience in abortion care.

Methods

A multicenter, cross‐sectional study was conducted in 21 Brazilian hospitals with 404 medical residents in obstetrics and gynecology. Data collection occurred during February 2015 through January 2016. Data were collected through a self‐administered, anonymous questionnaire. The χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

Of residents, 60% believed that the abortion rate would increase after legalization; 82% had been involved in the care of women with incomplete abortion and 71% in the care of women admitted for legal abortion. Associations were found between knowledge of the evolution of the abortion rate after legalization and region of birth, region of medical school, and importance attached to religion. Multiple regression confirmed that studying medicine in the south/southeast of Brazil and attaching little importance to religion were associated with knowing that legalization does not lead to an increase in abortion rate.

Conclusion

Information relating to abortion in medical schools and during residency is very limited and should be improved.
Living kidney transplantation without perioperative anticoagulation therapy for a patient with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nishida Hayato , Fukuhara Hiroki , Yamagishi Atsushi , Hosoya Noriyuki , Ichiyanagi Osamu , Sakurai Toshihiko , Naito Sei , Yamanobe Takuya , Kato Tomoyuki , Tsuchiya Norihiko
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia is an antibody‐mediated acquired prothrombotic state induced by heparin exposure. The risk of thromboembolic diseases in kidney transplantation with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia without perioperative anticoagulation has not been determined.

Case presentation

A 64‐year‐old male hemodialysis patient with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia was referred to our hospital for living kidney transplantation. Anti‐heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia antibody was positive at the time of referral; however, it turned negative 4 months after heparin cessation during hemodialysis sessions. Living kidney transplantation by donation from his wife was performed using the standard technical procedure. Both heparinization and application of medical equipment containing heparin were avoided; however, no anticoagulant was administered intra‐ and postoperatively. The graft kidney functioned immediately, and no thromboembolic event related to heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia occurred.

Conclusion

Kidney transplantation without perioperative anticoagulation therapy after disappearance of anti‐heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia antibody is a well‐tolerated treatment option for patients with end‐stage kidney disease.
CHINA'S PLANS AND ACTION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ICID VISION 2030†
Authors: Gao Zhanyi
Published: February 2020

We are living in a changing world. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) launched by the United Nations highlight that water is closely linked to a number of key global challenges. Agricultural water management is vital to food security and sustainable rural development. The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) has realigned its vision and dedicated itself to a mission to support sustainable rural development by formulating and implementing the vision of ICID for 2030. As a member country of ICID, China, with the largest population and agricultural production, puts great importance on improving agricultural water management for achieving food security under water shortage and a growing demand for agricultural production. China has been working at two levels to enhance agricultural water management. At on‐farm level China has worked out plans for developing high‐standard farmland by highlighting integrated water and land management; at system level China is working on plans for the modernization of irrigation and drainage systems by upgrading systems and applying information (IT) and automation technologies. This paper summarizes the objectives, tasks and measures for developing high‐standard farmland in China. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dysregulation of miRNAs as a signature for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer and their involvement in the mechanism underlying gastric carcinogenesis and progression
Authors: Ahadi Alireza
Published: February 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second main cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. The poor prognosis and survival of GC are due to diagnosis in an advanced, noncurable stage and with a restricted response to chemotherapy. GC is usually monitored in an advanced stage; therefore, the poor prognosis and lower level of survival rate with a restricted response to chemotherapy can be detected. Valuable and sensible biomarkers are urgently needed to display screen patients with a high risk of GC that can complement endoscopic diagnosis. Such biomarkers will enable the efficient prediction of the therapeutic response and prognosis of GC patients and prefer the establishment of an advantageous treatment method for each and every patient. Noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers may additionally make a contribution to the early identification of GC and enhance medical management. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs that have displayed a strong association with GC. Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs are potential biomarkers with more than one diagnostic function for GC. Actually, miRNAs regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and metastasis via many biological pathways through the repression of target mRNAs. The current review is accordingly to spotlight the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in GC, which would provide indications for future research. Therefore, we review right here the aberrant expression of miRNAs and underlying mechanisms, consequent effects due to miRNAs dysregulation, and accountable target genes in GC. Besides, potential clinical applications are also highlighted.
Actin remodeling, the synaptic tag and the maintenance of synaptic plasticity
Authors: Pinho Júlia , Marcut Cristina , Fonseca Rosalina
Published: February 2020

Activity‐dependent plasticity of synaptic connections is a hallmark of the mammalian brain and represents a key mechanism for rewiring neural circuits during development, experience‐dependent plasticity, and brain disorders. Cellular models of memory, such as long‐term potentiation and long‐term depression, share common principles to memory consolidation. As for memory, the maintenance of synaptic plasticity is dependent on the synthesis of de novo protein synthesis. The synaptic‐tagging and capture hypothesis states that the maintenance of synaptic plasticity is dependent on the interplay between input‐specific synaptic tags and the allocation or capture of plasticity‐related proteins (PRPs) at activated synapses. The setting of the synaptic tag and the capture of PRPs are independent processes that can occur separated in time and different groups of activated synapses. How are these two processes orchestrated in time and space? Here, we discuss the synaptic‐tagging and capture hypothesis in the light of neuronal compartmentalization models and address the role of actin as a putative synaptic tag. If different groups of synapses interact by synaptic‐tagging and capture mechanisms, understanding the spatial rules of such interaction is key to define the relevant neuronal compartment. We also discuss how actin modulation can allow an input‐specific capture of PRPs and try to conciliate the temporal dynamics of synaptic actin with the maintenance of plasticity. Understanding how multiple synapses interact in time and space is fundamental to predict how neurons integrate information and ultimately how memory is acquired.
Efficient and cost‐effective 3D cellular imaging by sub‐voxel‐resolving light‐sheet add‐on microscopy
Authors: Zhao Fang , Yang Yicong , Li Yi , Jiang Hao , Xie Xinlin , Yu Tingting , Wang Xuechun , Liu Qing , Zhang Hao , Jia Haibo , Liu Sheng , Zhen Mei , Zhu Dan , Gao Shangbang , Fei Peng
Published: February 2020

Light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) allows volumetric live imaging at high‐speed and with low photo‐toxicity. Various LSFM modalities are commercially available, but their size and cost limit their access by the research community. A new method, termed sub‐voxel‐resolving (SVR) light‐sheet add‐on microscopy (SLAM), is presented to enable fast, resolution‐enhanced light‐sheet fluorescence imaging from a conventional wide‐field microscope. This method contains two components: a miniature add‐on device to regular wide‐field microscopes, which contains a horizontal laser light‐sheet illumination path to confine fluorophore excitation at the vicinity of the focal plane for optical sectioning; an off‐axis scanning strategy and a SVR algorithm that utilizes sub‐voxel spatial shifts to reconstruct the image volume that results in a twofold increase in resolution. SLAM method has been applied to observe the muscle activity change of crawling C. elegans, the heartbeat of developing zebrafish embryo, and the neural anatomy of cleared mouse brains, at high spatiotemporal resolution. It provides an efficient and cost‐effective solution to convert the vast number of in‐service microscopes for fast 3D live imaging with voxel‐super‐resolved capability.
Monensin biodegradation pathway and role of epoxide hydrolase in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia DM‐2
Authors: Li Hao , Li Jie , Wan Qiang , Wang Chuanwen , Sun Weiwei , Zhao Jiayi , Xing Yidan , Pan Baoliang
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Monensin is widely used in livestock and poultry production to promote animal growth and control coccidiosis. Most monensin is excreted as unchanged parent compounds via feces. However，monensin is very stable and difficult to degrade in the environment, and is potentially risky for the health of wildlife and humans. To date, the biodegradation process of monensin by bacteria and its mechanism is unclear. In this study, we found that a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia DM‐2 strain isolated from chicken manure could effectively degrade monensin.

RESULT

The optimum temperature and pH for DM‐2 to degrade monensin were 40 °C and pH 7.0. A potential degradation pathway of monensin was proposed based on the identification and characterization of two new monensin metabolic intermediates by liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy. In addition, an inducible monensin‐degrading activity was present in DM‐2. A soluble epoxide hydrolysis (sEH) gene highly expressed in the DM‐2 on day 3 and 6 under monensin stress, which was not observed in the DM‐2 without monensin stress. When a specific inhibitor TPPU (1‐(1‐propanoylpiperidin‐4‐yl)‐3‐[4‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]urea) of sEH was added into the cell‐free extract, the degradation of monensin was inhibited.

CONCLUSION

Strain DM‐2 can biodegrade monensin by soluble epoxy hydrolase and produce two new intermediates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the degradation of monensin by Stenotrophomonas strains. The novel metabolic pathways of monensin which we found may provide new insight into the environmental fate of monensin. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication of TiO2/high‐crystalline g‐C3N4 composite with enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic performance for tetracycline degradation
Authors: Guo Feng , Sun Haoran , Huang Xiliu , Shi Weilong , Yan Chao
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The construction of heterojunction between two‐phase semiconductors is a crucial tactic to enhance photocatalytic activity due to its efficient charge separation.

RESULT

In this work, a novel TiO2/high‐crystalline g‐C3N4 (HCCN) heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized successfully via a simply hydrothermal method, which was composed of TiO2 nanoparticles distributed on the surface of the HCCN nanosheets. The microstructure and morphology of TiO2/HCCN heterojunction were investigated by various characteristic techniques (such as X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared). The photocatalytic performance of as‐prepared photocatalysts was tested though the degradation of tetracycline (10 mg L−1) under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Significantly, the 50% TiO2/HCCN composite photocatalyst (mass fraction of TiO2 is 50%) exhibited the optimum photocatalytic activity (90%, 120 min), and the corresponding reaction rate constant was around 12 times and 54 times higher than those of pristine HCCN and TiO2, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The excellent photocatalytic performance was attributed mainly to the synergistic effect of the TiO2/HCCN heterojunction as follows: (i) enhanced light absorption capacity; (ii) improved separation and migration of electron–hole pairs; (iii) extended lifetime of photogenerated carriers. This current study extends our knowledge towards constructing other HCCN‐based nanocomposites with extraordinary photocatalytic performance for addressing environmental problems. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Stream algal biomass response to experimental phosphorus and nitrogen gradients: A case for dual nutrient management in agricultural watersheds
Authors: Taylor Jason M. , Rodman Ashley R. , Scott J. Thad
Published: February 2020

Watershed managers generally focus on P reduction strategies to combat freshwater eutrophication despite evidence that N co‐limits primary production. Our objective was to test the role of P in limiting stream periphyton biomass within the Buffalo River watershed in Arkansas by conducting a 31‐d streamside mesocosm experiment. To represent potentially different starting states, cobbles were transplanted from two different tributary streams and initially exposed to a range of P (0, 0.012, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg L−1 P) to assess benthic ash‐free dry mass (AFDM) and chlorophyll‐a (chl a) and responses during a P only enrichment period. Later, the experiment was continued under a N/P (10:1 molar ratio) enrichment gradient to examine co‐limitation. Mean AFDM was higher on Day 31 of the N+P enrichment compared with Day 17 of the P‐only enrichment (p < .001). Overall differences in AFDM and chl a were observed between cobbles from different stream sites. Phosphorus enrichment stimulated benthic chl a biomass, but enrichment effects were greater when streams were enriched with N+P (p < .001). Chlorophyll‐a increased (4.4–57.9 mg m−2) with increasing P concentrations (p < .001) after P enrichment but was threefold greater after N+P enrichment, increasing from 13.3 to 171.1 mg m−2 across the enrichment gradient. Results support the need to consider both N and P limitation in freshwater systems and demonstrate that potential increases in nutrient concentrations may influence accumulation of algae on cobble substrates from the Buffalo River watershed.
Short‐term grazing of cover crops and maize residue impacts on soil greenhouse gas fluxes in two Mollisols
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Abagandura Gandura Omar , Kumar Sandeep
Published: February 2020

An integrated crop–livestock system (ICLS), when managed properly, can help in mitigating soil surface greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). However, the impacts of an ICLS on GHG fluxes are poorly understood. The present study was conducted at two sites (northern Brookings [Brookings‐N] and northwestern Brookings [Brookings‐NW]) established in 2016 and 2017, respectively, under loamy soils in South Dakota. The specific objective was to evaluate the impact of cover crops (CCs) and grazed CCs under oat (Avena sativa L.)–CCs–maize (Zea mays L.) rotation on GHG fluxes. Study treatments included the following: (a) a legume‐dominated CC (LdC), (b) a cattle‐grazed LdC (LdC+G), (c) a grass‐dominated CC (GdC), (d) a cattle‐grazed GdC (GdC+G), and (e) one without CC or grazing (NC). Greenhouse gas monitoring occurred weekly during the growing crop seasons in 2016 and 2017 for Brookings‐N and in 2017 and 2018 for Brookings‐NW. Data showed that cumulative CO2 and N2O fluxes at Brookings‐N were lower for GdC+G (4042 kg C ha−1 for CO2 and 1499 g N ha−1 for N2O) than for LdC+G (4819 kg C ha−1 for CO2 and 2017 g N ha−1 for N2O), indicating the superiority of GdC+G over LdC+G in reducing GHG fluxes. However, no effect from grazed CC on cumulative CO2 and N2O fluxes were observed at the Brookings‐NW site. Cumulative CH4 flux was not affected by an ICLS at either site. This short‐term investigation showed that, in general, CCs and grazing of CCs and maize residue did not impact GHG fluxes.
Evaluating a genetic counseling narrative group session for people who have tested positive for the Huntington's disease expansion: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Spiers Johanna , Smith Jonathan A. , Ferrer‐Duch Mariangels , Moldovan Ramona , Roche Jay , MacLeod Rhona
Published: February 2020

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor problems, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances. Given the emotional elements of both HD itself and the testing process for it, psychological interventions may be helpful for those families impacted by HD. A stand‐alone genetic counseling narrative group has been offered by one regional genetics clinic in the north of England to support people's coping following predictive genetic testing for HD. Groups are held 4–5 times per year with patients attending a group on a single occasion. This study assessed participants’ experiences of attending a group using the qualitative method interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Telephone interviews were conducted with 12 people who had a mutation‐positive HD predictive test result and who had taken part in a genetic counseling narrative group session between November 2017 and February 2018. Participants were asked about their experiences of the group and any impact it had had on their lives. Four themes emerged: ‘The power of the group, ‘Active elements of the narrative exercise’, ‘Subsequent impact of the session’, and ‘Another voice’. Participants described the positive impact of being able to meet and empathize with others in a similar situation, the group's positive impact on their mood and future outlook, and its beneficial impact on disclosure. While most participants were positive about the session, the final theme presented the voices of two participants for whom the groups were poorly timed. Given the sessions’ generally positive impact, we recommend other centers consider offering people impacted by HD similar sessions.
A green synthesis of quinoline‐4‐carboxylic derivatives using p‐toluenesulfonic acid as an efficient organocatalyst under microwave irradiation and their docking, molecular dynamics, ADME‐Tox and biological evaluation
Authors: Patel Dhaval B. , Rajani Dhanji P. , Rajani Smita D. , Patel Hitesh D.
Published: February 2020

P‐Toluenesulfonic acid, being an efficient, nonhazardous, and fast accessible organocatalyst, was used for the preparation of quinoline‐4‐carboxylic acid derivatives via a one‐pot three‐component reaction of aromatic benzaldehyde, substituted aniline, and pyruvic acid under microwave irradiation. After completion of the reaction, the pure products were isolated by column chromatography. Here, to achieve the desired synthesis, various catalytic and solvent conditions were applied to perform a comparison study. We are using higher yield, simple work‐up process, avoiding the use of hazardous organic solvents, short reaction time and higher advantages of the present protocol in the study. Biological activities of synthesized compounds were tested against various antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, and antituberculosis strains. Compounds 4a and 4c (MIC 50 μg/mL) and compounds 4d and 4n (MIC 62.5 μg/mL) were found active against the Escherichia coli strain, compounds 4c and 4p (MIC 25 μg/mL) were found active against the Staphylococcus aureus strain, and compounds 4c and 4d were found active against the Plasmodium falciparum strain. Molecular docking revealed that ligands and proteins fitted exactly in the binding pocket and had significant correlation with the biological activity. We have also tested molecular dynamics and ADME‐Tox parameters for the synthesized compounds.
Brønsted acidic ionic liquid–catalyzed tandem trimerization of indoles: An efficient approach towards the synthesis of indole 3,3′‐trimers under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Chatterjee Rana , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath
Published: February 2020

We have observed the role of 1‐butane sulfonic acid‐3‐methylimidazolium tosylate, [BSMIM]OTs, as an organocatalyst for the tandem type trimerization of indoles to synthesize indole 3,3′‐trimers under neat conditions. Using this developed protocol synthesis of indole trimers with various substituted indoles, which are biologically important, has been reported. From the control experiments and literature, a possible mechanism has been proposed via the generation of indolinium cation in the presence of the ionic liquid catalyst. The catalyst has been recycled for several times. The significant advantages of our methodology are clean reaction with very short time, no chromatography for purification, commercially available substrates, neat reaction conditions, and in the absence of metal. Using the protocol, the MDM2‐p53 inhibitor has been synthesized in gram scale with high yield.
Three‐month efficacy of three knee braces in the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis in a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Robert‐Lachaine Xavier , Dessery Yoann , Belzile Étienne L. , Turmel Sylvie , Corbeil Philippe
Published: February 2020

Immediate biomechanical and functional effects of knee braces are often reported, however, the duration and type of knee brace treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remain unclear. The objective was to evaluate usage, comfort, pain, and knee adduction moment (KAM) of three knee braces each worn 3 months by patients. Twenty‐four patients with KOA were assigned in a randomized crossover trial a valgus three‐point bending system brace (V3P‐brace), an unloader brace with valgus and external rotation functions (VER‐brace) and a stabilizing brace used after ligament injuries (ACL‐brace). Functional questionnaires and gait assessment were carried out before and after each brace wear period of 3 months. A Friedman test was applied between brace wear diary recordings. Repeated measures analyses of variance contrasted the factors brace type (ACL, V3P, and VER), time (pre and post) and wear (without and with) on comfort, pain, function, and KAM. Brace usage was similar, but the V3P‐brace was slightly less worn. Discomfort was significantly lowered with the VER‐brace. All knee braces relieved pain and symptoms from 10% to 40%. KAM angular impulse was reduced with the three braces, but the VER‐brace obtained the lowest relative reduction of 9%. The interaction between time and wear indicated that part of the KAM reduction with brace wear was maintained post treatment. All three knee braces have great benefits for pain and function among the medial KOA population. The VER‐brace offers additional advantages on daily use, comfort and KAM, which could improve compliance to brace treatment.
Association between periodontitis and systemic medication intake: A case‐control study
Authors: Wang I‐Ching , Askar Houssam , Ghassib Iya , Wang Chin‐Wei , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2020

Background

To investigate the frequency of systemic drugs taken by elderly patients with or without periodontitis and the possible association between medication consumption and the severity of periodontitis.

Methods

A total of 1221 patients, including 608 with generalized moderate to severe periodontitis (periodontitis group) and 613 age‐ and gender‐matched individuals with healthy periodontium (healthy group) were selected. Systemic conditions, medications and periodontal status were recorded. Medication intake frequency (%) was compared using unconditional logistic regression.

Results

The top three most common medications were angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (17.9%), antidepressants (17.8%), and lipid‐lowering medications (16.5%). Both ACE inhibitors and antidepressants showed statistically higher intake frequency in the periodontitis group relative to healthy controls (21.5% versus 14.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.64), (21.1% versus 14.5%, OR = 1.57) (P < 0.01). Additionally, intake of oral hypoglycemic agents, calcium channel blockers (CCB), insulin, and diuretics were significantly higher in the periodontitis group with OR = 2.49, 2.32, 2.08 and 1.79, respectively (P < 0.05). Several medications demonstrated a disease severity‐dependent association comparing generalized severe periodontitis with moderate periodontitis and healthy group: oral hypoglycemic agents (17.4% versus 16.8% versus 8.0%), CCB (14.8% versus 14.4% versus 8.0%) and anticonvulsants (13.4% versus 7.7% versus 6.4%) with OR of 2.43, 1.99, and 2.28 (severe periodontitis versus healthy group), respectively.

Conclusion

There was a significantly higher frequency of medication intake related to cardiovascular disease and diabetes in patients with periodontitis. A disease severity‐dependence with medication intake frequency was also noted. This study provides indirect evidence for the possible relationship between systemic diseases and periodontitis.
The trnL (UAA)‐trnF (GAA) intergenic spacer is a robust marker of green pea (Pisum sativum L.) adulteration in economically valuable pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.)
Authors: Sen Fatima , Uncu Ayse Ozgur , Uncu Ali Tevfik , Erdeger Seyma Nur
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is an expensive culinary nut species; it is therefore susceptible to adulteration for economic profit. Green pea (Pisum sativum L.) kernels constitute the most common material used for adulterating chopped / ground pistachio nuts and pistachio paste. Food genomics enables the species composition of a food sample to be ascertained through DNA analysis. Accordingly, a barcode DNA genotyping approach was used to standardize a test method to identify green pea adulteration in pistachio nuts.

RESULTS

The trnL (UAA)‐trnF (GAA) intergenic spacer in the plastid genome was the target analyte in the present study. The barcode locus displayed a significant, discriminatory size difference between pistachio and pea, with amplicon sizes of 449 and 179 bp, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction‐capillary electrophoresis (PCR‐CE) analysis of the intergenic spacer resulted in the successful identification of species composition in the in‐house admixtures, which contained 5% to 30% of green pea.

CONCLUSION

The present work describes a fast and straightforward DNA test that identifies green pea adulteration in pistachio nuts without requiring a statistical data interpretation process. The plastid trnL (UAA)‐trnF (GAA) intergenic spacer length widely varies among plant taxa, so the PCR‐CE protocol that operates on the intergenic spacer holds the potential to reveal adulteration with a plethora of adulterants. The PCR‐CE assay described in the present work can be adopted readily by food‐quality laboratories in the public sector or the food industry as an easy and reliable method to analyze pistachio authenticity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Children
Authors: Basu Sonali , Sharron Matthew , Herrera Nicole , Mize Marisa , Cohen Joanna
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the ultrasound‐measured inferior vena cava distensibility index (IVCdi), inferior vena cava distensibility variability (IVCdv), and inferior vena cava–to–aorta ratio (IVC/Ao) to other common methods to assess fluid status in mechanically ventilated pediatric critically ill patients. These methods include central venous pressure (CVP), percent fluid overload by weight (%FOw), and percent fluid overload by volume (%FOv).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of a convenience sample of 50 mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. Ultrasound measurements of the inferior vena cava and aorta were obtained, and the IVCdi, IVCdv, and IVC/Ao were calculated and compared to CVP, %FOw, and %FOv.

Results

The median %FOw was 5%, and the median %FOv was 10%. The mean CVP ± SD was 8.6 ± 4 mm Hg. The CVP had no significant correlation with %FOw or %FOv. There was no significant correlation of the IVCdi with CVP (r = –0.145; P = .325) or %FOv (r = 0.119; P = .420); however, the IVCdi had a significant correlation with %FOw (P = .012). There was also no significant relationship of the IVCdv with CVP (r = –0.135; P = .36) or %FOv (r = 0.128; P = .385); however, there was a significant correlation between the IVCdv and %FOw (P = .012). There was no relationship between the IVC/Ao and any other measures of fluid status.

Conclusions

In this cohort of mechanically ventilated pediatric intensive care unit patients, many commonly used markers of fluid status showed weak correlations with each other. The IVCdi and IVCdv significantly correlated with %FOw and may have potential as markers for fluid overload in this patient population.
Comparing the quality of two traditional fried street foods from the raw material to the end product: The Beninese cowpea‐based ata and the Italian wheat‐based popizza
Authors: De Angelis Davide , Madodé Yann E. , Briffaz Aurélien , Hounhouigan Djidjoho Joseph , Pasqualone Antonella , Summo Carmine
Published: February 2020

Street food plays a recognized socioeconomic role, offering opportunities of employment particularly for women and providing cheap food to lower income people. West Africa is characterized by a great diversity of traditional foods, widely consumed but poorly investigated. Ata is a fried dough made of cowpea flour, very popular in Benin. In Southern Italy, popizza is prepared in a very similar way as ata, but using wheat flour. This work aimed at comparing the main physicochemical characteristics of ata and popizza, from the raw material to the end product. Cowpea flour showed significantly higher levels of proteins (23.25 vs. 13.48 g 100 g−1 on dry matter), total phenolic compounds (0.73 vs. 0.41 mg g−1 of ferulic acid d.m.), antioxidant activity (2.84 vs. 0.86 μmoL Trolox g−1 d.m.), as well as higher water absorption capacity (1.01 vs. 0.61 g water per gram flour) and particularly higher water solubility index (23.01 vs. 6.69 g 100 g−1) than wheat flour. The two flours showed different pasting characteristics: starch swelling occurred at a lower temperature in cowpea than in wheat flour and produced a less viscous gel. Due to absence of gluten and limited viscosity of starchy fraction, ata was less porous and more springy than popizza. Moreover, ata showed higher oil uptake than popizza (22.2 vs. 14.1 g oil 100 g−1 product) and was also characterized by a browner surface than popizza. Knowledge about the quality features of these traditional foods and their raw material could enhance their marketing, with positive effects on local economy.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)‐Based Silk Fibroin/Zinc Oxide Core–Shell Electrospun Dressing for Burn Wound Management
Authors: Hadisi Zhina , Farokhi Mehdi , Bakhsheshi‐Rad Hamid Reza , Jahanshahi Maryam , Hasanpour Sadegh , Pagan Erik , Dolatshahi‐Pirouz Alireza , Zhang Yu Shrike , Kundu Subhas C. , Akbari Mohsen
Published: February 2020

Burn injuries represent a major life‐threatening event that impacts the quality of life of patients, and places enormous demands on the global healthcare systems. This study introduces the fabrication and characterization of a novel wound dressing made of core–shell hyaluronic acid–silk fibroin/zinc oxide (ZO) nanofibers for treatment of burn injuries. The core–shell configuration enables loading ZO—an antibacterial agent—in the core of nanofibers, which in return improves the sustained release of the drug and maintains its bioactivity. Successful formation of core–shell nanofibers and loading of zinc oxide are confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray. The antibacterial activity of the dressings are examined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and it is shown that addition of ZO improves the antibacterial property of the dressing in a dose‐dependent fashion. However, in vitro cytotoxicity studies show that high concentration of ZO (>3 wt%) is toxic to the cells. In vivo studies indicate that the wound dressings loaded with ZO (3 wt%) substantially improves the wound healing procedure and significantly reduces the inflammatory response at the wound site. Overall, the dressing introduced herein holds great promise for the management of burn injuries.
“Clickable” and Antifouling Block Copolymer Brushes as a Versatile Platform for Peptide‐Specific Cell Attachment
Authors: Poręba Rafał , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Pola Robert , Jiang Siyu , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Sedláková Zdeňka , Schönherr Holger
Published: February 2020

To tailor cell–surface interactions, precise and controlled attachment of cell‐adhesive motifs is required, while any background non‐specific cell and protein adhesion has to be blocked effectively. Herein, a versatile and highly reproducible antifouling surface modification based on “clickable” groups and hierarchically structured diblock copolymer brushes for the controlled attachment of cells is reported. The polymer brush architecture combines an antifouling bottom block of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) poly(HEMA) and an ultrathin azide‐bearing top block, which can participate in well‐established “click” reactions including the highly selective copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction under mild conditions. This straightforward approach allows the rapid conjugation of a cell‐adhesive, alkyne‐bearing cyclic RGD peptide motif, enabling subsequent specific attachment of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, their extensive proliferation and confluent cell sheet formation after 48 h of incubation. The generally applicable strategy presented in this report can be employed for surface functionalization with diverse alkyne‐bearing biological moieties via CuAAC or copper‐free alkyne‐azide cycloaddition protocols, making it a versatile functionalization approach and a promising tool for tissue engineering, biomaterial implant design, and other applications that require surfaces supporting highly specific cell attachment.
Simultaneous Improvement of Ionic Conductivity and Mechanical Strength in Block Copolymer Electrolytes with Double Conductive Nanophases
Authors: Cao Xiao‐Han , Li Jun‐Huan , Yang Mu‐Jia , Yang Jia‐Liang , Wang Rui‐Yang , Zhang Xing‐Hong , Xu Jun‐Ting
Published: February 2020

The most daunting challenge of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is the development of materials with simultaneously high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. Herein, SPEs of lithium bis‐(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)‐doped poly(propylene monothiocarbonate)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PPMTC‐b‐PEO) block copolymers (BCPs) with both blocks associating with Li+ ions are prepared. It is found that the PPMTC‐b‐PEO/LiTFSI electrolytes with double conductive phases exhibit much higher ionic conductivity (2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at r.t.) than the BCP electrolytes with a single conductive phase. Concurrently, the storage moduli of PPMTCn‐b‐PEO44/LiTFSI electrolytes are ≈1–4 orders of magnitude higher than that of the neat PEO/LiTFSI electrolytes. Therefore, simultaneous improvement of ionic conductivity and mechanical properties is achieved by construction of a microphase‐separated and disordered structure with double conductive phases.
Transparent, High‐Strength, and Shape Memory Hydrogels from Thermo‐Responsive Amino Acid–Derived Vinyl Polymer Networks
Authors: Koga Tomoyuki , Tomimori Kotoha , Higashi Nobuyuki
Published: February 2020

Herein, the formation of unique shape‐memory hydrogels that are composed of thermo‐responsive amino‐acid‐derived vinyl polymer networks is reported; these are readily prepared by radical copolymerization of N‐acryloyl glycinamide with commercially available cross‐linkers, namely, methylenebis(acrylamide) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. These hydrogels are transparent (>90% transmittance at 600 nm) and are comprised of 97–70 wt% water. Furthermore, these contain both chemical and physical cross‐linkages that are based on the multiple hydrogen bonds attained via amino acid units; this composition is aimed at generating opposing stimuli‐responsive characters, namely, chemically stable and thermo‐sensitive properties. A cooperative interplay of these two networks enables the hydrogels to exhibit a decent mechanical toughness (breaking strength ≈0.3 MPa and breaking elongation >600%) and a shape fix/memory capability. The temporary shape is easily fixed by cooling at 4 °C after deformation at high temperature, and it instantly recovers its original shape through reheating. Furthermore, a multi‐shape memory effect is achieved by incorporating the pH‐responsive N‐acryloyl alanine unit into the hydrogel system as a comonomer; in this system, three distinct shapes can be fixed through temperature and pH manipulations. This facilely attainable shape memory hydrogel has significant potential in various fields, such as soft actuators, sensors, and biomedical materials.
Incorporation of Indole Significantly Improves the Transfection Efficiency of Guanidinium‐Containing Poly(Methacrylamide)s
Authors: Cokca Ceren , Zartner Leon , Tabujew Ilja , Fischer Dagmar , Peneva Kalina
Published: February 2020

A highly efficient transfection agent is reported that is based on terpolymer consisting of N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), N‐(3‐guanidinopropyl) methacrylamide (GPMA), and N‐(2‐indolethyl)methacrylamide monomers (IEMA) by analogy to the amphipathic cell‐penetrating peptides containing tryptophan and arginine residues. The incorporation of the indole‐bearing monomer leads to successful plasmid DNA condensation even at a nitrogen‐to‐phosphate (N/P) ratio of 1. The hydrodynamic diameter of polyplexes is determined to be below 200 nm for all N/P ratios. The transfection studies demonstrate a 200‐fold increase of the transgene expression in comparison to P(HPMA‐co‐GPMA) with the same guanidinium content. This study reveals the strong potential of the indole group as a side‐chain pendant group that can increase the cellular uptake of polymers and the transfection efficiency of the respective polyplexes.
Surface Modifications Induced in UHMWPE Based Nanocomposites during the Ageing in Simulated Synovial Fluid
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Barrino Federico , Scolaro Cristina , Visco Annamaria
Published: February 2020

Simulated synovial fluid (SSF) is a fluid that approximates the biological environment of a human joint because it is based on hyaluronic acid. The soaking of biomedical grade ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in SSF for longer periods results in ageing of the polymer, hardening the surface, and improving the surface roughness and wettability. This is because SSF progressively penetrates inside the polymer inducing oxidative degradation. Nanocomposite of UHMWPE reinforced with carbon nanofiller (CF) exhibits a higher resistance to the degradation of SSF compared to the control sample (pure UHMWPE).CNF, homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix, closes the pores among the grain boundaries of UHMWPE matrix, hindering the SSF insertion within it and its degrading action.
Antibacterial Properties of Sol–Gel Biomaterials with Different Percentages of PEG or PCL
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Tranquillo Elisabetta , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Naviglio Silvio , Barrino Federico
Published: February 2020

The aim of this work is the synthesis of antibacterial biomedical implants using sol–gel method. Different percentages (6, 12, 24, 50 wt%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) are embedded in the silica matrix; subsequently, high amounts of chlorogenic acid (CGA 20 wt%) are added to SiO2/PEG and SiO2/PCL sol. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to evaluate the interactions among different organic and inorganic phases in the hybrid materials. Furthermore, in order to study the potential antibacterial properties of the materials, two different bacterial strains are used and the diameter of zone of inhibition is observed. CGA is a natural product that is present in coffee beans, as well as tea leaves, grapes, and apples. This natural molecule is added to sol–gel materials due to its many health‐promoting properties.
Bioactive Titania‐Based Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Synthesized via Sol–Gel
Authors: Bollino Flavia , Ciprioti Stefano Vecchio , Catauro Michelina
Published: February 2020

In the present work, the synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid (OIH) materials for biomedical applications is described. Two types of OIH systems are prepared by means of a sol–gel process, both consisting of a titania matrix. The use of two different biocompatible thermoplastic polymers as organic component is evaluated: the poly(ε‐caprolactone) and the poly(ether‐imide). The formation of the hybrid structure is ascertained by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the identification of the interactions between the organic and the inorganic phases is obtained by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, a preliminary evaluation of the osseointegration ability of the obtained material is investigated by soaking the synthesized OIHs in a simulated body fluid to follow the ability of the materials to induce the hydroxyapatite nucleation. The results show that all OIHs are bioactive and, thus, potentially suitable for the implants’ design.
Flexible Methodology for Quality Testing with Applications in Foot Prostheses
Authors: Braun Barbu Cristian , Drugă Corneliu Nicolae , Şerban Ionel , Şişman Viorel
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a stage in the research on the development and implementation of a low cost, flexible, and efficient method for assisted testing of foot prostheses, as the case. This paper describes a method for assisted evaluation of three types of foot prostheses standpoint form deviation (hip prosthesis and two osteosynthesis plates for fibula and tibia). The key aspect of the developed method is a software application as virtual instrument programmed in this research stage. Its role is to provide as quickly and objectively as possible all necessary information on the results of testing. The main advantage of the created and applied virtual instrument is that it is flexible and user friendly, so that it can be successfully used in all orthopedic surgeries. This research stage (described) includes the software application programming and also its application to process all measured data in terms of form deviation for all three tested foot implants.
Accuracy of Polylactide Parts Made by 3D Printing
Authors: Hriţuc Adelina , Slătineanu Laurenţiu , Mihalache Andrei , Dodun Oana , Coteaţă Margareta , Nagîţ Gheorghe
Published: February 2020

One of the 3D printing processes that use polylactide (PLA) wire to generate spatial parts in a large variety of shapes and dimensions is the fused deposition modeling. Due to the action of various factors, the final 3D printed parts obtained employing the fused deposition modeling may present some differences between the desired dimensions and real obtained dimensions. To investigate such an aspect, experimental research involving the use of an L9 array following the Taguchi method principles is designed and achieved. The heights and the diameters of tubular test samples made of polylactide are considered as process output parameters. As process input factors, wall thickness, printing speed, cooling conditions, and plate temperature are used. By mathematical processing of the experimental results, empirical power models type is determined. These models show that the printing speed and plate temperature have the most significant influence on the height and diameter of the 3D printing in the case of tubular parts made of PLA.
Nonlinear Optical Surface Plasmon Resonance in Amorphous Arsenic Sulfide Films
Authors: Popescu Aurelian A. , Stafe Mihai , Savastru Dan , Baschir Laurentiu , Puscas Niculae
Published: February 2020

Four‐layer surface plasmon resonance configuration that includes a thin film from As2S3 is studied. By numerical calculations and experiment, it is established that the shape of the resonance curve is very sharp. The changes in the optical transmission are investigated and it is found that when querying the structure with 514 nm CW laser light, nonlinear changes of the optical transmission with hysteresis loop occur. Large nonlinear change of reflectivity is observed near 10–12 mW power. Such behavior can be applied for the elaboration of optoelectronic devices.
Additive Manufacturing of Plastics: An Efficient Approach for Composite Tooling
Authors: Tosto Claudio , Latteri Alberta , Pergolizzi Eugenio , Giordano Davide , Abramo Giuseppe , Catenaro Roberto , Pignotti Nazzareno , Cicala Gianluca
Published: February 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) is increasingly used in different applications ranging from prototyping to the production of functional parts. One particular case is represented by the production of tooling for composites. The choice of AM techniques can be oriented both to the production of durable and removable tooling depending on composite part geometry. The development of sacrificial removable tooling for hollow composite air ducts is the main focus of this paper. The use of AM techniques is compared to the standard production approach using autoclave molding with a stainless steel mold as production technique. The different processing approaches are compared in terms of cost, production parameters, and of the final properties of the composites obtained. The use of soluble tooling shows clearly some benefits in terms of cost savings (i.e., 30%) and production time (i.e., 25%). However, the tooling removal technique outlines some drawbacks in terms of the final glass transition temperatures of the composite materials that was reduced to about 16 °C after 6 h treatment.