bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroseparation of Slaughterhouse By-Product: Antimicrobial Peptide Enrichment by pH Modification
Authors: Przybylski Rémi , Bazinet Laurent , Firdaous Loubna , Kouach Mostafa , Goossens Jean-François , Dhulster Pascal , Nedjar-Arroume Naïma
Published: May 2020

The fractionation of bioactive peptides from hydrolysate is a main challenge to produce efficient alternative for synthetic additives. In this work, electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membrane (EDUF) was proposed to increase the purity of one antimicrobial peptide from slaughterhouse by-product hydrolysate. This targeted-peptide, α137–141 (653 Da, TSKYR), inhibits a large spectrum of microbial growths and delays meat rancidity; therefore, if concentrated, it could be used as food antimicrobial. In this context, three pH values were investigated during EDUF treatment to increase the α137–141 purity: 4.7, 6.5, and 9. pH 9 showed the highest purity increase—75-fold compared to the initial hydrolysate. Although the whole hydrolysate contains more than 100 peptides, only six peptides were recovered at a significant concentration. In this fraction, the α137–141 peptide represented more than 50% of the recovered total peptide concentration. The EDUF α137–141-enriched fraction obtained in this optimized condition would be a promising natural preservative to substitute synthetic additives used to protect food.
Effect of Hot Isostatic Pressing on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Ti6Al4V Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Liu Changyong , Mai Zhuokeng , Yan Deng , Jiang Mingguang , Dai Yuhong , Wang Pei , Chen Zhangwei , Lao Changshi
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the effects of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM). The differences of surface morphologies, internal defects, relative density, microstructures, textures, mechanical properties and tensile fracture between the as-built and HIPed samples were observed using various characterization methods including optical metallography microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and tensile tests. It was found that the main effects of HIP on microstructures include—the increase of average grain size from 7.96 ± 1.21 μm to 11.34 ± 1.89 μm, the increase of α lamellar thickness from 0.71 ± 0.15 μm to 2.49 ± 1.29 μm and the increase of β phase ratio from 4.7% to 10.5% in terms of area fraction on the transversal section. The combinatorial effects including densification, increase of grain size, α lamellar thickness, β phase ratio, reduction of dislocation density and transformation of dislocation patterns contributed to the improvement of elongation and ductility of EBM-fabricated Ti6Al4V. Meanwhile, these effects also resulted in a slight reduction of the yield strength and UTS mainly due to the coarsening effect of HIP.
Effect of Drying Process, Encapsulation, and Storage on the Survival Rates and Gastrointestinal Resistance of L. salivarius spp. salivarius Included into a Fruit Matrix
Authors: Betoret Ester , Betoret Noelia , Calabuig-Jiménez Laura , Barrera Cristina , Dalla Rosa Marco
Published: May 2020

In a new probiotic food, besides adequate physicochemical properties, it is necessary to ensure a minimum probiotic content after processing, storage, and throughout gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. The aim of this work was to study the effect of hot air drying/freeze drying processes, encapsulation, and storage on the probiotic survival and in vitro digestion resistance of Lactobacillus salivarius spp. salivarius included into an apple matrix. The physicochemical properties of the food products developed were also evaluated. Although freeze drying processing provided samples with better texture and color, the probiotic content and its resistance to gastrointestinal digestion and storage were higher in hot air dried samples. Non-encapsulated microorganisms in hot air dried apples showed a 79.7% of survival rate versus 40% of the other samples after 28 days of storage. The resistance of encapsulated microorganisms to in vitro digestion was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in hot air dried samples, showing survival rates of 50–89% at the last stage of digestion depending on storage time. In freeze dried samples, encapsulated microorganisms showed a survival rate of 16–47% at the end of digestion. The different characteristics of the food matrix after both processes had a significant effect on the probiotic survival after the GI digestion. Documented physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in the stress response of probiotic cells would explain these results.
Genetic Markers in S. Paratyphi C Reveal Primary Adaptation to Pigs
Authors: Nair Satheesh , Fookes Maria , Corton Craig , Thomson Nicholas R. , Wain John , Langridge Gemma C.
Published: May 2020

Salmonella enterica with the identical antigenic formula 6,7:c:1,5 can be differentiated biochemically and by disease syndrome. One grouping, Salmonella Paratyphi C, is currently considered a typhoidal serovar, responsible for enteric fever in humans. The human-restricted typhoidal serovars (S. Typhi and Paratyphi A, B and C) typically display high levels of genome degradation and are cited as an example of convergent evolution for host adaptation in humans. However, S. Paratyphi C presents a different clinical picture to S. Typhi/Paratyphi A, in a patient group with predisposition, raising the possibility that its natural history is different, and that infection is invasive salmonellosis rather than enteric fever. Using whole genome sequencing and metabolic pathway analysis, we compared the genomes of 17 S. Paratyphi C strains to other members of the 6,7:c:1,5 group and to two typhoidal serovars: S. Typhi and Paratyphi A. The genome degradation observed in S. Paratyphi C was much lower than S. Typhi/Paratyphi A, but similar to the other 6,7:c:1,5 strains. Genomic and metabolic comparisons revealed little to no overlap between S. Paratyphi C and the other typhoidal serovars, arguing against convergent evolution and instead providing evidence of a primary adaptation to pigs in accordance with the 6,7:c:1.5 strains.
Evaluation of Biofilm Formation in Candida tropicalis Using a Silicone-Based Platform with Synthetic Urine Medium
Authors: Tseng Yi-Kai , Chen Yu-Chia , Hou Chien-Jui , Deng Fu-Sheng , Liang Shen-Huan , Hoo Sin Yong , Hsu Chih-Chieh , Ke Cai-Ling , Lin Ching-Hsuan
Published: May 2020

Molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in Candida tropicalis and current methods for biofilm analyses in this fungal pathogen are limited. (2) Methods: Biofilm biomass and crystal violet staining of the wild-type and each gene mutant strain of C. tropicalis were evaluated on silicone under synthetic urine culture conditions. (3) Results: Seven media were tested to compare the effects on biofilm growth with or without silicone. Results showed that biofilm cells of C. tropicalis were unable to form firm biofilms on the bottom of 12-well polystyrene plates. However, on a silicone-based platform, Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 (RPMI 1640), yeast nitrogen base (YNB) + 1% glucose, and synthetic urine media were able to induce strong biofilm growth. In particular, replacement of Spider medium with synthetic urine in the adherence step and the developmental stage is necessary to gain remarkably increased biofilms. Interestingly, unlike Candida albicans, the C. tropicalis ROB1 deletion strain but not the other five biofilm-associated mutants did not cause a significant reduction in biofilm formation, suggesting that the biofilm regulatory circuits of the two species are divergent. (4) Conclusions: This system for C. tropicalis biofilm analyses will become a useful tool to unveil the biofilm regulatory network in C. tropicalis.
Virgin Olive Oil Quality Is Affected by the Microbiota that Comprise the Biotic Fraction of the Oil
Authors: Zullo Biagi Angelo , Ciafardini Gino
Published: May 2020

This review summarizes the current knowledge on the effects of oil-borne yeasts on the physicochemical, sensorial, and health-related characteristics of virgin olive oil (VOO) during storage. Bacteria, yeasts, and molds constitute the biotic fraction of freshly produced VOO. During storage, the bacteria and molds often die after a short period, while the yeasts survive and condition the quality of VOO. To date, approximately twenty-four yeast species have been isolated from different types of olive oil and its by-products, and seven of these species have been identified as new species. The activity of some yeasts of the biotic fraction of olive oil improves the sensorial characteristics of VOO. Some yeasts can also worsen the quality of the product by allowing the appearance of defects, oxidation of polar phenols, and triacylglycerol hydrolysis. Some yeast species of VOO show in vitro beneficial health effects, such as probiotic and antioxidant activities.
Deciphering the Role of Colicins during Colonization of the Mammalian Gut by Commensal E. coli
Authors: Samuels Amanda N. , Roggiani Manuela , Smith Kathryn A. , Zhu Jun , Goulian Mark , Kohli Rahul M.
Published: May 2020

Colicins are specific and potent toxins produced by Enterobacteriaceae that result in the rapid elimination of sensitive cells. Colicin production is commonly found throughout microbial populations, suggesting its potential importance for bacterial survival in complex microbial environments. Nonetheless, as colicin biology has been predominately studied using synthetic models, it remains unclear how colicin production contributes to survival and fitness of a colicin-producing commensal strain in a natural environment. To address this gap, we took advantage of MP1, an E. coli strain that harbors a colicinogenic plasmid and is a natural colonizer of the murine gut. Using this model, we validated that MP1 is competent for colicin production and then directly interrogated the importance of colicin production and immunity for MP1 survival in the murine gut. We showed that colicin production is dispensable for sustained colonization in the unperturbed gut. A strain lacking colicin production or immunity shows minimal fitness defects and can resist displacement by colicin producers. This report extends our understanding of the role that colicin production may play for E. coli during gut colonization and suggests that colicin production is not essential for a commensal to persist in its physiologic niche in the absence of exogenous challenges.
Mycobacterium bovis: From Genotyping to Genome Sequencing
Authors: Guimaraes Ana M. S. , Zimpel Cristina K.
Published: May 2020

Mycobacterium bovis is the main pathogen of bovine, zoonotic, and wildlife tuberculosis. Despite the existence of programs for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control in many regions, the disease remains a challenge for the veterinary and public health sectors, especially in developing countries and in high-income nations with wildlife reservoirs. Current bTB control programs are mostly based on test-and-slaughter, movement restrictions, and post-mortem inspection measures. In certain settings, contact tracing and surveillance has benefited from M. bovis genotyping techniques. More recently, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has become the preferential technique to inform outbreak response through contact tracing and source identification for many infectious diseases. As the cost per genome decreases, the application of WGS to bTB control programs is inevitable moving forward. However, there are technical challenges in data analyses and interpretation that hinder the implementation of M. bovis WGS as a molecular epidemiology tool. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe M. bovis genotyping techniques and discuss current standards and challenges of the use of M. bovis WGS for transmission investigation, surveillance, and global lineages distribution. We compiled a series of associated research gaps to be explored with the ultimate goal of implementing M. bovis WGS in a standardized manner in bTB control programs.
OCTAVVS: A Graphical Toolbox for High-Throughput Preprocessing and Analysis of Vibrational Spectroscopy Imaging Data
Authors: Troein Carl , Siregar Syahril , Beeck Michiel Op De , Peterson Carsten , Tunlid Anders , Persson Per
Published: May 2020

Modern vibrational spectroscopy techniques enable the rapid collection of thousands of spectra in a single hyperspectral image, allowing researchers to study spatially heterogeneous samples at micrometer resolution. A number of algorithms have been developed to correct for effects such as atmospheric absorption, light scattering by cellular structures and varying baseline levels. After preprocessing, spectra are commonly decomposed and clustered to reveal informative patterns and subtle spectral changes. Several of these steps are slow, labor-intensive and require programming skills to make use of published algorithms and code. We here present a free and platform-independent graphical toolbox that allows rapid preprocessing of large sets of spectroscopic images, including atmospheric correction and a new algorithm for resonant Mie scattering with improved speed. The software also includes modules for decomposition into constituent spectra using the popular Multivariate Curve Resolution–Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) algorithm, augmented by region-of-interest selection, as well as clustering and cluster annotation.
Efficient Hydrolysis of Chitin in a Deep Eutectic Solvent Synergism for Production of Chitin Nanocrystals
Authors: Hong Shu , Yuan Yang , Zhang Kaitao , Lian Hailan , Liimatainen Henrikki
Published: May 2020

A deep eutectic solvent (DES) derived from ferric chloride hexahydrate and betaine chloride (molar ratio of 1:1) was used as hydrolytic media for production of chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) with a high yield (up to 88.5%). The synergistic effect of Lewis acid and released Brønsted acid from betaine hydrochloride enabled the efficient hydrolysis of chitin for production of ChNCs coupled with ultrasonication with low energy consumption. The obtained ChNCs were with an average diameter of 10 nm and length of 268 nm, and a crystallinity of 89.2% with optimal synthesis conditions (at 100 °C for 1 h with chitin-to-DES mass ratio of 1:20). The ChNCs were further investigated as efficient emulsion stabilizers, and they resulted in stable o/w emulsions even at a high oil content of 50% with a low ChNC dosage of 1 mg/g. Therefore, a potential approach based on a DES on the production of chitin-based nanoparticles as emulsifiers is introduced.
Scalable Fabrication of Modified Graphene Nanoplatelets as an Effective Additive for Engine Lubricant Oil
Authors: La Duong Duc , Truong Tuan Ngoc , Pham Thuan Q. , Vo Hoang Tung , Tran Nam The , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nadda Ashok Kumar , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Chang S. Woong , Chung W. Jin , Nguyen D. Duc
Published: May 2020

The use of nano-additives is widely recognized as a cheap and effective pathway to improve the performance of lubrication by minimizing the energy loss from friction and wear, especially in diesel engines. In this work, a simple and scalable protocol was proposed to fabricate a graphene additive to improve the engine lubricant oil. Graphene nanoplates (GNPs) were obtained by a one-step chemical exfoliation of natural graphite and were successfully modified with a surfactant and an organic compound to obtain a modified GNP additive, that can be facilely dispersed in lubricant oil. The GNPs and modified GNP additive were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The prepared GNPs had wrinkled and crumpled structures with a diameter of 10–30 µm and a thickness of less than 15 nm. After modification, the GNP surfaces were uniformly covered with the organic compound. The addition of the modified GNP additive to the engine lubricant oil significantly enhanced the friction and antiwear performance. The highest reduction of 35% was determined for the wear scar diameter with a GNP additive concentration of approximately 0.05%. The mechanism for lubrication enhancement by graphene additives was also briefly discussed.
Progressive Metabolic Dysfunction and Nutritional Variability Precedes Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Sinclair Tiffany J. , Ye Chengyin , Chen Yunliang , Zhang Dongyan , Li Tian , Ling Xuefeng Bruce , Cohen Harvey J. , Shaw Gary M. , Stevenson David K. , Chace Donald , Clark Reese H. , Sylvester Karl G.
Published: May 2020

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with prematurity, enteral feedings, and enteral dysbiosis. Accordingly, we hypothesized that along with nutritional variability, metabolic dysfunction would be associated with NEC onset. Methods: We queried a multicenter longitudinal database that included 995 preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) and included 73 cases of NEC. Dried blood spot samples were obtained on day of life 1, 7, 28, and 42. Metabolite data from each time point included 72 amino acid (AA) and acylcarnitine (AC) measures. Nutrition data were averaged at each of the same time points. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using samples obtained prior to NEC diagnosis and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Nutritional and metabolic data were plotted longitudinally to determine relationship to NEC onset. Results: Day 1 analyte levels of alanine, phenylalanine, free carnitine, C16, arginine, C14:1/C16, and citrulline/phenylalanine were associated with the subsequent development of NEC. Over time, differences in individual analyte levels associated with NEC onset shifted from predominantly AAs at birth to predominantly ACs by day 42. Subjects who developed NEC received significantly lower weight-adjusted total calories (p < 0.001) overall, a trend that emerged by day of life 7 (p = 0.020), and persisted until day of life 28 (p < 0.001) and 42 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Premature infants demonstrate metabolic differences at birth. Metabolite abnormalities progress in parallel to significant differences in nutritional delivery signifying metabolic dysfunction in premature newborns prior to NEC onset. These observations provide new insights to potential contributing pathophysiology of NEC and opportunity for clinical care-based prevention.
Food Advertising to Children in New Zealand: A Critical Review of the Performance of a Self-Regulatory Complaints System Using a Public Health Law Framework
Authors: Sing Fiona , Mackay Sally , Culpin Angela , Hughes Sally , Swinburn Boyd
Published: May 2020

New Zealand has the second highest overweight and obese child population in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This paper evaluates whether New Zealand’s self-regulatory controls on the advertising of unhealthy food and beverages to children and young people adequately protects children from the exposure to, and power of, such marketing in order to limit its impact on children’s food and beverage preferences. First, an analysis of the relevant New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Codes was conducted, including the ASA Complaints Board and Appeals Board decisions from 2017–2019 to determine the application of the Codes in practice. Second, a public health law framework was applied to the self-regulatory system. Of the 16 complaints assessed, 12 were not upheld, and only one was upheld under the Children and Young People’s Advertising Code (CYPA Code). Three complaints were upheld under the Advertising Standards Code (ASC) but not the CYPA Code. An analysis of the Codes and their interpretation by the Complaints Board found that many facets of the public health law framework were not met. The self-regulatory system does not adequately protect children from the exposure to, and power of, unhealthy food and beverage marketing, and government-led, comprehensive, and enforceable marketing restrictions are required.
Red Blood Cell Folate Likely Overestimated in Australian National Survey: Implications for Neural Tube Defect Risk
Authors: Hunt Shannon E. , Netting Merryn J. , Sullivan Thomas R. , Best Karen P. , Houghton Lisa A. , Makrides Maria , Muhlhausler Beverly S. , Green Tim J.
Published: May 2020

In 2009, the Australian government mandated the addition of folic acid to bread flour to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects (NTD)-affected pregnancies. In 2011–2012, the Australian Health Measures Survey (AHMS) reported a mean red blood cell (RBC) folate in women of reproductive age (16–44 y) of 1647 nmol/L. Over 99% of women had an RBC folate ≥ 906 nmol/L, a concentration consistent with a very low risk of NTDs if a woman became pregnant. However, RBC folate was measured using an immunoassay, which is not a recommended method due to questionable accuracy. The microbiological assay is the preferred method for RBC folate measurement. To determine whether the immunoassay method may have led to spurious conclusions about the folate status of Australian women, we collected fasting blood samples from 74 healthy non-pregnant, non-lactating women (18–44 y) and measured RBC folate using both the immunoassay and microbiological methods. Mean RBC folate (95% confidence interval) concentration measured with the immunoassay method was 1735 (1666, 1804) nmol/L compared with 942 (887, 1012) nmol/L using the microbiological method. No woman had an RBC folate < 906 nmol/L using the immunoassay method, whereas 46% of women had an RBC folate < 906 nmol/L using the microbiological method. The NTD risk was estimated to be 0.06% using the immunoassay method and 0.14% using the microbiological method. RBC folate using AHMS survey may have underestimated NTD risk in Australian women.
Child Overweight or Obesity Is Associated with Modifiable and Geographic Factors in Vietnam: Implications for Program Design and Targeting
Authors: Beal Ty , Le Tuyen Danh , Trinh Huong Thi , Burra Dharani Dhar , Béné Christophe , Huynh Tuyen Thi Thanh , Truong Mai Tuyet , Nguyen Son Duy , Tran Do Thanh , Nguyen Kien Tri , Hoang Ha Thi Thu , de Haan Stef , Jones Andrew D.
Published: May 2020

Child overweight or obesity is increasing in most countries, including Vietnam. We sought to elucidate the drivers of child overweight or obesity in Vietnam and understand how they vary geographically. We compiled nationally representative cross-sectional data from the Vietnam Nutrition Surveillance Survey collected annually between 2012–2015 and household income data from the General Statistics Office. We used a quasi-Poisson log link function to calculate relative risks (RRs) of under-five child overweight or obesity for 13 variables and stratified analyses by child age (<2 y and 2–5 y) and region. Additional analysis included log-log linear regression to assess the relationship between average provincial monthly per capita income and child overweight or obesity. The strongest associations with child overweight or obesity included birthweight >4000 g (RR: 1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48, 1.86), maternal body mass index (BMI) ≥27.5 compared with BMI <23 (RR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.47, 1.78), and living in the Southeast (RR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.84, 2.30), Mekong River Delta (RR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.77), or Central South (RR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.74) compared with the Central Highland. A 20% higher provincial average monthly per capita income was associated with a 17.4% higher prevalence in child overweight or obesity (P <0.0001, Adjusted R2 = 0.36). High birthweight and maternal BMI were strongly associated with child overweight or obesity but are not likely primary drivers in Vietnam, given their low prevalence. C-section delivery, sedentary lifestyle, high maternal education, urbanicity, and high household income affect a large proportion of the population and are, therefore, important risk factors. Policies and programs should target these factors and regions at greatest risk of overweight or obesity, particularly the Southeast and Mekong River Delta.
Effectiveness of Mediterranean Diet Implementation in Dry Eye Parameters: A Study of PREDIMED-PLUS Trial
Authors: Molina-Leyva Ignacio , Molina-Leyva Alejandro , Riquelme-Gallego Blanca , Cano-Ibáñez Naomi , García-Molina Laura , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and nuts on dry eye parameters. The participants in this study were randomized into one of the two interventional arms: (1) a standard intervention group, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and nuts; and (2) an intensive intervention group, based on a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet and an intensive lifestyle program with physical activity and weight-loss goals. In both groups, common dry eye tests were conducted at baseline and after six months: the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the Dry Eye Scoring System (DESS), tear break-up time (TBUT), the Schirmer’s test, and the Oxford staining grade. Sixty-seven eyes were examined. After six months, dry eye parameters improved in both groups; differences between groups were favorable for the intensive intervention group. The implementation of a Mediterranean diet pattern was beneficial for the selected patients with dry eye, and could be beneficial for patients with dry eye in general. Behavioral support for diet adherence and the promotion of healthy lifestyles (exercise) and weight loss (calorie restriction) have an added positive effect.
Adolescent Dietary Habit-induced Obstetric and Gynecologic Disease (ADHOGD) as a New Hypothesis—Possible Involvement of Clock System
Authors: Fujiwara Tomoko , Ono Masanori , Mieda Michihiro , Yoshikawa Hiroaki , Nakata Rieko , Daikoku Takiko , Sekizuka-Kagami Naomi , Maida Yoshiko , Ando Hitoshi , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

There are growing concerns that poor dietary behaviors at young ages will increase the future risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. We found that female college students who skipped breakfast had higher incidences of dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation, suggesting that meal skipping affects ovarian and uterine functions. Since dysmenorrhea is more prevalent in those with a past history of dieting, we proposed a novel concept that inadequate dietary habits in adolescence become a trigger for the subsequent development of organic gynecologic diseases. Since inadequate feeding that was limited during the non-active phase impaired reproductive functions in post-adolescent female rats, we hypothesize that circadian rhythm disorders due to breakfast skipping disrupts the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, impairs the reproductive rhythm, and leads to ovarian and uterine dysfunction. To explain how reproductive dysfunction is memorized from adolescence to adulthood, we hypothesize that the peripheral clock system also plays a critical role in the latent progression of reproductive diseases together with the central system, and propose naming this concept “adolescent dietary habit-induced obstetric and gynecologic disease (ADHOGD)”. This theory will contribute to analyzing the etiologies of and developing prophylaxes for female reproductive diseases from novel aspects. In this article, we describe the precise outline of the above hypotheses with the supporting evidence in the literature.
Interaction between Coffee Drinking and TRIB1 rs17321515 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism on Coronary Heart Disease in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Liu Yin-Tso , Tantoh Disline Manli , Wang Lee , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Hsu Shu-Yi , Ho Chien-Chang , Lung Chia-Chi , Chang Horng-Rong , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: May 2020

A complex interplay of several genetic and lifestyle factors influence coronary heart disease (CHD). We determined the interaction between coffee consumption and the tribbles pseudokinase 1 (TRIB1) rs17321515 variant on coronary heart disease (CHD). Data on CHD were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) while genotype data were collected from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) Database. From the linked electronic health record data, 1116 individuals were identified with CHD while 7853 were control individuals. Coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of CHD. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.84 (0.72–0.99). Association of CHD with the TRIB1 rs17321515 variant was not significant. The OR (95% CI) was 1.01 (0.72–0.99). There was an interaction between TRIB1 rs17321515 and coffee consumption on CHD risk (p for interaction = 0.0330). After stratification by rs17321515 genotypes, coffee drinking remained significantly associated with a lower risk of CHD only among participants with GG genotype (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45–0.85). In conclusion, consumption of coffee was significantly associated with a decreased risk of CHD among Taiwanese adults with the TRIB1 GG genotype.
Performance of the Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label Nutri-Score to Discriminate the Nutritional Quality of Foods Products: A Comparative Study across 8 European Countries
Authors: Dréano-Trécant Louise , Egnell Manon , Hercberg Serge , Galan Pilar , Soudon Juliette , Fialon Morgane , Touvier Mathilde , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Julia Chantal
Published: May 2020

In Europe, discussions are currently ongoing to harmonize front-of-pack nutritional labelling, while some countries have adopted or are considering implementing the Nutri-Score. However, its adaptability to multiple nutritional contexts in Europe requires further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Nutri-Score in various European countries, regarding its ability to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods and its consistency with national dietary recommendations. The European Food Information Resource (EUROFIR) nutritional composition databases from eight European countries (Finland, France, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland) were used. The distribution of foods across the Nutri-Score classes within food groups was assessed, as well as the discriminating performance of the label, and the adequacy of nutritional recommendations. The Nutri-Score demonstrated high discriminating ability for all food groups, with similar trends in the eight countries, and consistency with nutritional recommendations. For instance, fruit and vegetable products were mainly classified in the two healthiest Nutri-Score categories, while sugar and animal fat products were mainly classified in the two less healthy categories of the Nutri-Score. Our results support the fact that the Nutri-Score would be a relevant tool to discriminate the nutritional quality of products within and across relevant food groups in different European countries, with consistency with nutritional recommendations.
Baseline Survey on the Accumulation of Microdebris in the Intertidal Sediments of a Reference Estuarine System (Mira Estuary, Portugal)
Authors: Duarte Bernardo , Manjate Edite , Caçador Isabel
Published: May 2020

Microdebris are nowadays a new emerging threat to marine ecosystems. Estuarine systems are considered sinks of contaminants, retaining these in their sediments. Nevertheless, baseline studies are essential, especially in reference estuarine systems such as the Mira Estuary, in order to establish reference conditions for other ecosystem assessment studies. Microdebris were extracted by density separation with saturated NaCl from sediment samples collected at the bare intertidal area of the lower sector of the Mira Estuary. Sediment vertical profiles showed a high abundance of microdebris, dominated by spherical and fibre-like microdebris, but also presenting metallic and uncategorized items. It was possible to observe that microdebris accumulation had its maximum concentration at a depth of 10 cm, indicating a recent increase in its usage and prevalence on this estuarine system. Comparing the item density from this work with previous studies on other aquatic ecosystems, it was found that the sediments analysed here present a very high concentration of microdebris. Although the Mira Estuary has been considered as a reference condition for the classical chemical contaminant descriptors considered in the Water Framework Directive, the data here presented indicate that this concept should be revisited adding microdebris contamination.
Nonequilibrium Pion Distribution within the Zubarev Approach
Authors: Blaschke David , Röpke Gerd , Voskresensky Dmitry N. , Morozov Vladimir G.
Published: May 2020

We discuss how the non-equilibrium process of pion production within the Zubarev approach of the non-equilibrium statistical operator leads to a theoretical foundation for the appearance of a non-equilibrium pion chemical potential for the pion distribution function for which there is experimental evidence in experiments at the CERN LHC.
Genotyping, Assessment of Virulence and Antibacterial Resistance of the Rostov Strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Attributed to the Central Asia Outbreak Clade
Authors: Fursov Mikhail V. , Shitikov Egor A. , Bespyatykh Julia A. , Bogun Alexander G. , Kislichkina Angelina A. , Kombarova Tatiana I. , Rudnitskaya Tatiana I. , Grishenko Natalia S. , Ganina Elena A. , Domotenko Lubov V. , Fursova Nadezhda K. , Potapov Vasiliy D. , Dyatlov Ivan A.
Published: May 2020

The Central Asia Outbreak (CAO) clade is a growing public health problem for Central Asian countries. Members of the clade belong to the narrow branch of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype and are characterized by multidrug resistance and increased transmissibility. The Rostov strain of M. tuberculosis isolated in Russia and attributed to the CAO clade based on PCR-assay and whole genome sequencing and the laboratory strain H37Rv were selected to evaluate the virulence on C57Bl/6 mice models by intravenous injection. All mice infected with the Rostov strain succumbed to death within a 48-day period, while more than half of the mice infected by the H37Rv strain survived within a 90-day period. Mice weight analysis revealed irreversible and severe depletion of animals infected with the Rostov strain compared to H37Rv. The histological investigation of lung and liver tissues of mice on the 30th day after injection of mycobacterial bacilli showed that the pattern of pathological changes generated by two strains were different. Moreover, bacterial load in the liver and lungs was higher for the Rostov strain infection. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the drug-resistant Rostov strain exhibits a highly virulent phenotype which can be partly explained by the CAO-specific mutations.
Antiretroviral Therapy in HTLV-1 Infection: An Updated Overview
Authors: Marino-Merlo Francesca , Balestrieri Emanuela , Matteucci Claudia , Mastino Antonio , Grelli Sandro , Macchi Beatrice
Published: May 2020

The human T cell leukemic/lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), discovered several years ago, is the causative agent for a rapid progressive haematological malignancy, adult T cell leukemia (ATL), for debilitating neurological diseases and for a number of inflammatory based diseases. Although the heterogeneous features of the diseases caused by HTLV-1, a common topic concerning related therapeutic treatments relies on the use of antiretrovirals. This review will compare the different approaches and opinions in this matter, giving a concise overview of preclinical as well as clinical studies covering all the aspects of antiretrovirals in HTLV-1 infection. Studies will be grouped on the basis of the class of antiretroviral, putting together both pre-clinical and clinical results and generally following a chronological order. Analysis of the existing literature highlights that a number of preclinical studies clearly demonstrate that different classes of antiretrovirals, already utilized as anti-HIV agents, are actually capable to efficiently contrast HTLV-1 infection. Nevertheless, the results of most of the clinical studies are generally discouraging on the same point. In conclusion, the design of new antiretrovirals more specifically focused on HTLV-1 targets, and/or the establishment of early treatments with antiretrovirals could hopefully change the perspectives of diseases caused by HTLV-1.
Genetic Characterization of Porcine Circovirus 3 Strains Circulating in Sardinian Pigs and Wild Boars
Authors: Dei Giudici Silvia , Franzoni Giulia , Bonelli Piero , Angioi Pier Paolo , Zinellu Susanna , Deriu Viviana , Carta Tania , Sechi Anna Maria , Salis Francesco , Balzano Francesca , Oggiano Annalisa
Published: May 2020

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is a recently discovered member of the Circoviridae family. So far, its presence has been reported in North America, Asia, South America, and Europe. In this study, blood and tissue samples from 189 Sardinian suids (34 domestic pigs, 115 feral free ranging pigs, and 39 wild boars) were used to genetically characterize the PCV3 strains from Sardinia. PCV3 infection in the animals was confirmed by real time PCR. The detection rate in the three groups analyzed was l7.64% in domestic pigs, 77.39% in free ranging pigs, and 61.54% in wild boars. Moreover, our results showed that co-infection of PCV3 with other viruses is quite a common occurrence. Molecular characterization of Sardinian PCV3 strains was performed by sequencing 6 complete genomes and 12 complete cap genes. Our results revealed that there is a high similarity between our strains and those identified in different countries, confirming the genetic stability of PCV3 regardless of geographical origin. Haplotype network analysis revealed the presence of 6 whole genomes or 12 unique ORF2 haplotypes and a nonsynonymous mutation in ORF2 that leads to an R14K amino acid substitution. Phylogenetic analysis of whole genome and ORF2 was also conducted. The Sardinian strains were allocated in three different clusters of phylogenetic trees of both complete genome and ORF2. With this study, we have provided a snapshot of PCV3 circulation in Sardinia. Our findings might help to achieve a deeper understanding of this emerging porcine virus.
R-Shiny as an Interface for Data Visualization and Data Analysis on the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD)
Authors: Ramalho Lucca de Farias , Segundo Washington R. de Carvalho
Published: May 2020

This work presents a use case of building a data visualization interface for open-access repositories. The case in the analysis is the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD). From the almost 670,000 records of BDTD, one applies statistical methods using the language R. One of the visualization packages of R is called Shiny, which makes it easy to build interactive web applications straight from R. Through the app, a user can visualize data in a fast and customizable way. It could help to keep track of metadata and usage statistics over the repositories and also can be applied to discovering scientific information, such as bibliographic data and lists of specialists in a certain research domain. These data visualization tools can stimulate others to create open repositories and join either national, regional or international repositories networks.
A Theory on the Involvement of Religion in National Security Policy Formulation and Implementation: The Case of Israel before and after the Religionization of Its Security Environment
Authors: Bar-Maoz Moria
Published: May 2020

This article offers, for the first time, a theoretical model of religion’s influence on the formulation and execution of national security policies. To build this model, it analyses the influence of religion on Israel’s national security policymaking—before and after Israel’s security environment went through a process of religionization beginning in the 1970s. The article proposes that religion’s effect on national security policymaking is comprised of three tiers that follow one another in the decision making sequence and, yet, are independent from one another: (1) operational beliefs embedded in the state’s security thinking on the relations between religion and security; (2) opportunities and constraints on the state’s freedom of action, due to the role religion plays in global, regional and domestic politics as well as bilateral relations; and (3) governmental utilization of religion to realize national security goals. At its conclusion, the article demonstrates that the model is applicable to other countries as well, using the case of France’s policies in the 21st century.
Multivariate Collective Risk Model: Dependent Claim Numbers and Panjer’s Recursion
Authors: Rudolph Cordelia , Schmock Uwe
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we discuss a generalization of the collective risk model and of Panjer’s recursion. The model we consider consists of several business lines with dependent claim numbers. The distributions of the claim numbers are assumed to be Poisson mixture distributions. We let the claim causes have certain dependence structures and prove that Panjer’s recursion is also applicable by finding an appropriate equivalent representation of the claim numbers. These dependence structures are of a stochastic non-negative linear nature and may also produce negative correlations between the claim causes. The consideration of risk groups also includes dependence between claim sizes. Compounding the claim causes by common distributions also keeps Panjer’s recursion applicable.
Optical Fiber Sensors Based on Microstructured Optical Fibers to Detect Gases and Volatile Organic Compounds—A Review
Authors: Lopez-Torres Diego , Elosua Cesar , Arregui Francisco J.
Published: May 2020

Since the first publications related to microstructured optical fibers (MOFs), the development of optical fiber sensors (OFS) based on them has attracted the interest of many research groups because of the market niches that can take advantage of their specific features. Due to their unique structure based on a certain distribution of air holes, MOFs are especially useful for sensing applications: on one hand, the increased coupling of guided modes into the cladding or the holes enhances significantly the interaction with sensing films deposited there; on the other hand, MOF air holes enhance the direct interaction between the light and the analytes that get into in these cavities. Consequently, the sensitivity when detecting liquids, gasses or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is significantly improved. This paper is focused on the reported sensors that have been developed with MOFs which are applied to detection of gases and VOCs, highlighting the advantages that this type of fiber offers.
IGRNet: A Deep Learning Model for Non-Invasive, Real-Time Diagnosis of Prediabetes through Electrocardiograms
Authors: Wang Liyang , Mu Yao , Zhao Jing , Wang Xiaoya , Che Huilian
Published: May 2020

The clinical symptoms of prediabetes are mild and easy to overlook, but prediabetes may develop into diabetes if early intervention is not performed. In this study, a deep learning model—referred to as IGRNet—is developed to effectively detect and diagnose prediabetes in a non-invasive, real-time manner using a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) lasting 5 s. After searching for an appropriate activation function, we compared two mainstream deep neural networks (AlexNet and GoogLeNet) and three traditional machine learning algorithms to verify the superiority of our method. The diagnostic accuracy of IGRNet is 0.781, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) is 0.777 after testing on the independent test set including mixed group. Furthermore, the accuracy and AUC are 0.856 and 0.825, respectively, in the normal-weight-range test set. The experimental results indicate that IGRNet diagnoses prediabetes with high accuracy using ECGs, outperforming existing other machine learning methods; this suggests its potential for application in clinical practice as a non-invasive, prediabetes diagnosis technology.
Freeform Mirror Design for Novel Laser Warning Receivers and Laser Angle of Incidence Sensors
Authors: Wojtanowski Jacek , Jakubaszek Marcin , Zygmunt Marek
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present a novel configuration of an optical angle-of-incidence (AOI) sensor based on the application of a freeform mirror. The main challenge in designing this mirror was to provide a strictly linear transformation between AOI and the spatial position of the spot created on the linear detector array. Another two goals of this paper were to minimize stray light issues (improve the dynamic range) and create an intermediate focus and lateral shift in the detector position with respect to the plane of incidence. From an optical point of view, the designed mirror can thus be understood as the composition of three components: a high-numerical-aperture (NA) fully achromatic f-theta lens in one cross-section and a perfectly focusing lens, combined with a deviating prism in the second (orthogonal) cross-section. In comparison to the standard “shade” methods, the proposed approach allows a constant angular resolution to be maintained over the entire field of view. The mirror was designed on the basis of fundamental geometrical rules by numerically solving differential problems using an innovative scheme based on the minimization of the specific merit function. The proposed method was practically applied to design a freeform mirror for a 90°/120° field-of-view sensor, showing a satisfactory performance.
A Deep Learning-Based Model for the Automated Assessment of the Activity of a Single Worker
Authors: Patalas-Maliszewska Justyna , Halikowski Daniel
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, it is necessary to verify the accuracy of servicing work, undertaken by new employees, within a manufacturing company. A gap in the research has been observed in effective methods to automatically evaluate the work of a newly employed worker. The main purpose of the study is to build a new, deep learning model, in order to automatically assess the activity of the single worker. The proposed approach integrates the methods known as CNN, CNN + SVM, CNN + R-CNN, four new algorithms and a piece of work from a selected company, using this as an own-created dataset, in order to create a solution enabling assessment of the activity of single workers. Data were collected from an operational manufacturing cell without any guided or scripted work. The results reveal that the model developed is able to accurately detect the correctness of the work process. The model’s accuracy mostly exceeds current state-of-the-art methods for detecting work activities in manufacturing. The proposed two-stage approach, firstly, assigning the appropriate graphic instruction to a given employee’s activity using CNN and then using R-CNN to isolate the object from the reference frames, yields 94.01% and 73.15% accuracy of identification, respectively.