bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of oxidative stress‐induced annulus fibrosus cell and nucleus pulposus cell ferroptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration pathogenesis
Authors: Yang Run‐Ze , Xu Wen‐Ning , Zheng Huo‐Liang , Zheng Xin‐Feng , Li Bo , Jiang Lei‐Sheng , Jiang Sheng‐Dan
Published: September 2020

Ferroptosis is a necrotic form of regulated cell death that was associated with lipid peroxidation and free iron‐mediated Fenton reactions. It has been reported that iron deficiency had been implicated in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) by activating apoptosis. However, the role of ferroptosis in the process of IVDD has not been illuminated. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of ferroptosis in IVDD pathogenesis. Our in vitro models show the changes in protein levels of ferroptosis marker and enhanced lipid peroxidation level during oxidative stress. Safranin O staining, hematoxylin‐eosin staining, and immunohistochemical were used to assess the IVDD after 8 weeks of surgical procedure in vivo. Treatment with ferrostatin‐1, deferoxamine, and RSL3 demonstrate the role of ferroptosis in tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)‐treated annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Ferritinophagy, nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)‐mediated ferritin selective autophagy, is originated during the process of ferroptosis in response to TBHP treatment. Knockdown and overexpression NCOA4 further prove TBHP may induce ferroptosis of AFCs and NPCs in an autophagy‐dependent way. These findings support a role for oxidative stress‐induced ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of IVDD.
Reasons For Both Pessimism And Optimism: A Response To The Commentaries
Authors: Acquisti Alessandro , Brandimarte Laura , Loewenstein George
Published: September 2020

This article is part of a Research Dialogue:

Krishna (2020): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1186

Acquisti et al. (2020): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1191

Oyserman & Schwarz (2020): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1189

Mulligan et al. (2020): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1190

Jagadish (2020): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1188
Synergistic enhancement of toughness and antibacterial properties of plant cellulose/glycerin/chitosan degradable composite membranes
Authors: Yin Longfei , Yin Fengwei , Huang Dan , Zheng Weilong , Li Lan , Fu Yongqian
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUD

With the development of modern industry, the task of replacing ordinary plastic products with environmentally friendly antibacterial materials is a high priority. In this study, natural cellulose from sugarcane was compounded with glycerin and chitosan to prepare a cellulose/glycerin/chitosan (CGC) degradable composite membrane with antibacterial properties. The physical and chemical structure of the CGC composite film was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical testing. Then antibacterial properties of CGC composite membranes were measured.

RESULTS

The data showed that the raw materials used in the composite film had interacted showing the compatibility of the three components. The addition of chitosan and glycerin can improve the toughness of cellulose‐based membranes. The samples CGC‐5/2, CGC‐10/2 and CGC‐15/2 showed four‐, three‐ and 2.7‐fold greater elongation at break, respectively, than with the cellulose membrane. Hygroscopic and water solubility test showed that the higher the chitosan content, the greater the water absorption of the composite membrane and the weaker the water solubility. However, the higher the glycerin content, the weaker the hygroscopicity of the CGC composite membrane and the greater its water solubility. Additionally, the antibacterial performance of the CGC composite membrane was significantly improved and the glycerin:chitosan ratio affects its antibacterial ability against different bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

This research provides a low‐cost and green method for preparing antibacterial film, which can be applied to environmentally friendly packaging films, medical films and electronic product encapsulation films. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Semi‐quantitative and quantitative detection of ochratoxin A in agricultural by‐products using a self‐assembling immunochromatographic strip
Authors: Mao Yuhao , Sun Mingna , Hong Xia , Chakraborty Sagnik , Duan Jinsheng , Li Ming , Du Daolin
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The toxicity and health risks of mycotoxins have encouraged increased awareness and strict monitoring of these contaminants in agricultural by‐products. In this paper, we developed and tested a sensitive, selective, and self‐assembling immunochromatographic (IC) strip for on‐site detection of ochratoxin A (OTA). We were able to demonstrate semi‐quantitative and quantitative detection of OTA in agricultural by‐product samples.

RESULTS

The optimized IC strip had a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 ng mL−1 OTA using the naked eye for semi‐quantitative detection. When a digitized strip reader was used to achieve quantitative results, the LOD for OTA was reduced to 0.1 ng mL−1 with a linear detection range of 0.1–10 ng mL−1. We also evaluated the specificity, stability, accuracy, and precision of the IC strip and demonstrated high performance in all of these areas. We then confirmed the ability of the IC strip to visually detect OTA contamination in authentic agricultural by‐product samples from the markets in China. Furthermore, quantitative detection of OTA using the IC strip showed that the concentration of OTA ranged from 1.7 to 101.3 ng g−1 in the positive agricultural by‐product samples, correlating well with the measurements obtained via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that this proposed IC strip was capable of sensitive, semi‐quantitative, quantitative, and on‐site detection of OTA contamination in agricultural by‐product samples. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Tracing Lactobacillus plantarum within the intestinal tract of mice: green fluorescent protein‐based fluorescent tagging
Authors: Cui Shumao , Chen Cailing , Gu Jiayu , Mao Bingyong , Zhang Hao , Zhao Jianxin , Chen Wei
Published: September 2020

Background

Lactobacillus plantarum is an important probiotic with a variety of physiologic functions. Studies have focused on the effects of L. plantarum on host physiology and microbiota, but studies of the fate of strains after they enter the intestine are lacking. In this study, L. plantarum ST‐III was genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP). Mice were administered ST‐III‐GFP, and fluorescence imaging was used to study the distribution, location and quantity of strains within 8 h after entry into the intestine.

Results

The results indicated that genetic modification did not affect the growth of ST‐III, tolerance to simulated gastric juice and intestinal fluid or tolerance to antibiotics (with the exception of chloramphenicol). Fluorescence imaging and colony counting indicated that ST‐III‐GFP can be detected in the small intestine 5 min after oral gavage. After 30 min, nearly all ST‐III‐GFP was located in the small intestine. After 1.5 h, ST‐III‐GFP was detected in both the cecum and large intestine. After 4 and 8 h, ST‐III‐GFP was mainly concentrated in the cecum and large intestine. Compared to the initial amount ingested, the survival rate of ST‐III‐GFP within the intestine of mice was 10% after 8 h. In addition, a strong linear relationship was found between the fluorescence intensity and the viable count of ST‐III‐GFP.

Conclusions

The obtained data indicate that the amount of ST‐III‐GFP can be estimated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of this novel strain within the intestinal tract. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A 2‐year study of the impact of reduced nitrogen application combined with double inhibitors on soil nitrogen transformation and wheat productivity under drip irrigation
Authors: Tao Rui , Li Jun , Hu Baowei , Shah Jawad Ali , Chu Guixin
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) and urease inhibitors (UIs) can decrease the risk of nitrogen (N) loss and extend N uptake by plants. However, there are few case studies about reduced N application combined with double inhibitors (DIs, NI plus UI), especially under drip irrigation systems. A 2‐year field experiment was therefore conducted to explore the effect of 80% N application rate combined with NI or DIs on soil N transformation, wheat productivity and N use efficiency (NUE) in a drip‐irrigated field. The four treatments included a no‐fertilizer control, 100% urea, 80% urea + NI (nitrapyrin) and 80% urea + DIs (nitrapyrin and N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphorictriamide (NBPT)).

RESULTS

Our results showed that the 80% urea + DIs treatment significantly increased the ratio of NH4+ to NO3− and N content (urea‐N, NH4+‐N and NO3−‐N) in soil at 0–20 cm depth (P < 0.05) at the heading stage and the filling stage of wheat in both 2013 and 2014, relative to the 100% urea treatment. A total of 80% urea + NI treatment decreased wheat N uptake and wheat productivity (plant biomass and yield) compared to 100% urea treatments (P < 0.05). However, application of 80% urea combined with DIs achieved equivalent wheat productivity with 100% urea treatment. Moreover, the greatest NUE (43.6%) was recorded with the application of DIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutting the N application rate by 20% combined with NBPT and nitrapyrin could provide a sustainable fertilization strategy for wheat production under drip irrigation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of segmentation on whole‐lung functional MRI quantification: Repeatability and reproducibility from multiple human observers and an artificial neural network
Authors: Willers Corin , Bauman Grzegorz , Andermatt Simon , Santini Francesco , Sandkühler Robin , Ramsey Kathryn A. , Cattin Philippe C. , Bieri Oliver , Pusterla Orso , Latzin Philipp
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of lung segmentation and their impact on the quantitative outcomes from functional pulmonary MRI. Additionally, to validate an artificial neural network (ANN) to accelerate whole‐lung quantification.

Method

Ten healthy children and 25 children with cystic fibrosis underwent matrix pencil decomposition MRI (MP‐MRI). Impaired relative fractional ventilation (RFV) and relative perfusion (RQ) from MP‐MRI were compared using whole‐lung segmentation performed by a physician at two time‐points (At1 and At2), by an MRI technician (B), and by an ANN (C). Repeatability and reproducibility were assess with Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), paired t‐test and Intraclass‐correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The repeatability within an observer (At1 vs At2) resulted in a DSC of 0.94 ± 0.01 (mean ± SD) and an unsystematic difference of −0.01% for RFV (P = .92) and +0.1% for RQ (P = .21). The reproducibility between human observers (At1 vs B) resulted in a DSC of 0.88 ± 0.02, and a systematic absolute difference of −0.81% (P < .001) for RFV and −0.38% (P = .037) for RQ. The reproducibility between human and the ANN (At1 vs C) resulted in a DSC of 0.89 ± 0.03 and a systematic absolute difference of −0.36% for RFV (P = .017) and −0.35% for RQ (P = .002). The ICC was >0.98 for all variables and comparisons.

Conclusions

Despite high overall agreement, there were systematic differences in lung segmentation between observers. This needs to be considered for longitudinal studies and could be overcome by using an ANN, which performs as good as human observers and fully automatizes MP‐MRI post‐processing.
Species Distribution Models for a Native Imperiled Minnow and a Nonnative Sport Fish in a Western Ohio River
Authors: Oswald Kenneth J. , Beery Sophia , Rossiter Kalyn , Wang Yong , Kibbey Marc R.
Published: September 2020

Sport fisheries are frequent drivers of nonnative fish introductions throughout the inland waters of North America. These fisheries often value aggressive, large-bodied predators, and although they satiate angling demand they are also potentially problematic in systems that support imperiled species. The Tonguetied Minnow Exoglossum laurae is a rare species that maintains a disjunct distribution across small portions of four watersheds in the eastern and Midwestern United States, all of which are stocked with nonnative Brown Trout Salmo trutta for sportfishing. This study estimated habitat preferences for Tonguetied Minnow and Brown Trout in the Great Miami River, the westernmost drainage within the Tonguetied Minnow’s range. Model data were based on eight water quality variables and seven stream habitat variables. Negative binomial regressions identified gradient, maximum water temperature, substrate, pool/glide habitat, total dissolved solids, and specific conductance as important predictors of the distribution of Tonguetied Minnow, whereas maximum water temperature and substrate were identified for Brown Trout. These reduced numbers of variables then served as input into maximum entropy species distribution models for Tonguetied Minnow and Brown Trout. Only gradient (model contribution [MC] = 46.9%; permutation importance [PI] = 11.6%) and maximum water temperature (MC = 44.2%; PI = 79.8%) contributed substantially to the species distribution model for Tonguetied Minnow, while maximum water temperature (MC = 63.4%; PI = 76.2%) and substrate (MC = 36.6%; PI = 23.8%) were important contributors for Brown Trout. Water temperature appears to exert the principal influence on the distributions of both species and supports the premise that these species share similar habitat preferences within the Great Miami River. Therefore, the Tonguetied Minnow is likely unable to avoid interspecific interactions, such as predation, posed by Brown Trout that are introduced for sportfishing, thus raising concerns about the conservation of this isolated and highly imperiled population.
Secretion dynamics of soyasaponins in soybean roots and effects to modify the bacterial composition
Authors: Fujimatsu Teruhisa , Endo Keiji , Yazaki Kazufumi , Sugiyama Akifumi
Published: September 2020

Soyasaponins are triterpenoid saponins widely found in legume plants. These compounds have drawn considerable attention because they have various activities beneficial for human health, and their biosynthesis has been actively studied. In our previous study, we found that legume plants including soybean secrete soyasaponins from the roots in hydroponic culture throughout the growth period, but the physiological roles of soyasaponins in the rhizosphere and their fate in soil after exudation have remained unknown. This study demonstrates that soyasaponins are secreted from the roots of field‐grown soybean, and soyasaponin Bb is the major soyasaponin detected in the rhizosphere. In vitro analysis of the distribution coefficient suggested that soyasaponin Bb can diffuse over longer distances in the soil in comparison with daidzein, which is a typical isoflavone secreted from soybean roots. The degradation rate of soyasaponin Bb in soil was slightly faster than that of daidzein, whereas no soyasaponin Bb degradation was observed in autoclaved soil, suggesting that microbes utilize soyasaponins in the rhizosphere. Bacterial community composition was clearly influenced by soyasaponin Bb, and potential plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria such as Novosphingobium were significantly enriched in both soyasaponin Bb–treated soil and the soybean rhizosphere. These results strongly suggest that soyasaponin Bb plays an important role in the enrichment of certain microbes in the soybean rhizosphere.
Living with Learning Difficulties: Two Case Studies Exploring the Relationship Between Emotion and Performance in Students with Learning Difficulties
Authors: Siouli Styliani , Makris Stylianos , Romanopoulou Evangelia , Bamidis Panagiotis P. D.
Published: September 2020

Research demonstrates that positive emotions contribute to students’ greater engagement with the learning experience, while negative emotions may detract from the learning experience. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a computer-based training program on the emotional status and its effect on the performance of two students with learning difficulties: a second-grade student of a primary school with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome and a fourth-grade student of a primary school with learning difficulties. For the purpose of this study, the “BrainHQ” web-based cognitive training software and the mobile app “AffectLecture” were used. The former was used for measuring the affective state of the students before and after each intervention. The latter was used for improving students’ cognitive development, in order to evaluate the possible improvement of their initial emotional status after the intervention with “BrainHQ” program, the possible effect of positive/negative emotional status on their performance, as well as the possible effect of high/poor performance on their emotional status. The results of the study demonstrate that there is a positive effect of emotion on performance and vice versa and the positive effect of performance on the emotional status and vice versa. These findings suggest that the affective state of students should be taken into account by educators, scholars and policymakers.
Applying Instructional Design Principles on Augmented Reality Cards for Computer Science Education
Authors: Buchner Josef , Kerres Michael
Published: September 2020

In this article we describe Augmented Reality (AR) cards for computer science education that were created in the PCBuildAR project. From a technological point of view, we use marker-based AR for the cards so that students can learn and practice at any time with their smartphones. The instructional approach is based on the components content, construction and communication (3C model). The content ensures the acquisition of knowledge, which then is applied via problem-based learning activities (construction). Communication not only takes place between learners, but also with teachers.

All materials will be available as open educational resources after the project is completed.
Designing an Online Self-assessment for Informed Study Decisions: The User Perspective
Authors: Delnoij L. E. C. , Janssen J. P. W. , Dirkx K. J. H. , Martens R. L.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the results of a study, carried out as part of the design-based development of an online self-assessment for prospective students in higher online education. The self-assessment consists of a set of tests – predictive of completion – and is meant to improve informed decision making prior to enrolment. The rationale being that better decision making will help to address the ongoing concern of non-completion in higher online education. A prototypical design of the self-assessment was created based on an extensive literature review and correlational research, aimed at investigating validity evidence concerning the predictive value of the tests. The present study focused on investigating validity evidence regarding the content of the self-assessment (including the feedback it provides) from a user perspective. Results from a survey among prospective students (N = 66) indicated that predictive validity and content validity of the self-assessment are somewhat at odds: three out of the five tests included in the current prototype were considered relevant by prospective students. Moreover, students rated eleven additionally suggested tests – currently not included – as relevant concerning their study decision. Expectations regarding the feedback to be provided in connection with the tests include an explanation of the measurement and advice for further preparation. A comparison of the obtained scores to a reference group (i.e., other test-takers or successful students) is not expected. Implications for further development and evaluation of the self-assessment are discussed.
Are the rib fracture score and different computed tomography measures of obesity predictors for mortality in patients with rib fractures? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jentzsch Thorsten , Neuhaus Valentin , Seifert Burkhardt , Moos Rudolf M. , Simmen Hans-Peter , Schmitz Christoph E. W. , Werner Clément M. L.
Published: September 2020

Background

There is missing knowledge about the association of obesity and mortality in patients with rib fractures. Since the global measure of obesity (body mass index [BMI]) is often unknown in trauma patients, it would be convenient to use local computed tomography (CT)-based measures (e.g., umbilical outer abdominal fat) as a surrogate. The purpose of this study was to assess (1) whether local measures of obesity and rib fractures are associated with mortality and abdominal injuries and to evaluate (2) the correlation between local and global measures of obesity.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study included all inpatients with rib fractures in 2013. The main exposure variable was the rib fracture score (RFS) (number of rib fractures, uni- or bilateral, age). Other exposure variables were CT-based measures of obesity and BMI. The primary outcome (endpoint) was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome consisted of abdominal injuries. Sex and comorbidities were adjusted for with logistic regression.

Results

Two hundred and fifty-nine patients (median age 55.0 [IQR 44.0–72.0] years) were analyzed. Mortality was 8.5%. RFS > 4 was associated with 490% increased mortality (ORadjusted = 5.9, 95% CI 1.9–16.6, p = 0.002). CT-based measures and BMI were not associated with mortality, rib fractures or injury of the liver. CT-based measures of obesity showed moderate correlations with BMI (e.g., umbilical outer abdominal fat: r = 0.59, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

RFS > 4 was an independent risk factors for increased mortality. Local and global measures of obesity were not associated with mortality, rib fractures or liver injuries. If the BMI is not available in trauma patients, CT-based measures of obesity may be considered as a surrogate.
Ixazomib-based frontline therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in real-life practice showed comparable efficacy and safety profile with those reported in clinical trial: a multi-center study
Authors: Li Jing , Bao Li , Xia Zhongjun , Wang Sili , Zhou Xin , Ding Kaiyang , Zhang Wenhao , Yang Wei , Li Bingzong , Fu Chengcheng , Chen Bing , Hua Luoming , Wang Liang , Luo Jun , Yang Yang , Xu Tianhong , Wang Weida , Huang Yun , Wu Guolin , Liu Peng
Published: September 2020

The induction therapy containing ixazomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, has shown favorable efficacy and safety in clinical trials, but its experience in real-life remains limited. In routine practice, few patients received ixazomib-based induction therapy due to reasons including (1) patients’ preference on oral regimens, (2) concerns on adverse events (AEs) of other intravenous/subcutaneous regimens, (3) requirements for less center visits, and (4) fears of COVID-19 and other infectious disease exposures. With the aim of assessing the real-life effectiveness and safety of ixazomib-based induction therapy, we performed this multi-center, observational study on 85 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients from 14 medical centers. Ixazomib-based regimens included ixazomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (IRd) in 44.7% of patients, ixazomib-dexamethasone (Id) in 29.4%, and Id plus another agent (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, or daratumumab) in 25.9%. Different ixazomib-based therapies were applied due to (1) financial burdens or limitations on local health insurance coverage, (2) concerns on treatment tolerance, and (3) drug accessibility issue. Ten patients received ixazomib maintenance. The median age was 67 years; 43.5% had ISS stage III disease; 48.2% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score ≥ 2; and 17.6% with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities. Overall response rate for all 85 patients was 95.3%, including 65.9% very good partial response or better and 29.5% complete responses. The median time to response was 30 days. The response rate was similar across different ixazomib-based regimens. Median progression-free survival was not reached. Severe AEs (≥ grade 3) were reported in 29.4% of patients. No grade 3/4 peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurred. Patients received a median of 6 (range 1–20) cycles of ixazomib treatment; 56.6% remained on treatment at data cutoff; 15.3% discontinued treatment due to intolerable AEs. These results support that the ixazomib-based frontline therapy was highly effective with acceptable toxicity in routine practice and the ixazomib oral regimens could be good alternative options for NDMM patients.
Plant cell cultures as food—aspects of sustainability and safety
Authors: Häkkinen Suvi T. , Nygren Heli , Nohynek Liisa , Puupponen-Pimiä Riitta , Heiniö Raija-Liisa , Maiorova Natalia , Rischer Heiko , Ritala Anneli
Published: September 2020

Key message

Sustainability and safety aspects of plant cell cultures as food are presented. Applicability of dairy side streams as carbon source and use of natural growth enhancers in cultivation are shown.

Biotechnologically produced cellular products are currently emerging to replace and add into the portfolio of agriculturally derived commodities. Plant cell cultures used for food could supplement current food production. However, still many aspects need to be resolved before this new food concept can enter the market. Issues related to sustainability and safety for human consumption are relevant for both consumers and regulators. In this study, two plant cell cultures, deriving from arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus) and birch (Betula pendula), were cultivated using lactose-rich dairy side streams as alternative carbon sources to replace sucrose. Biomasses were comparable to those of original plant cell culture media when up to 83% and 75% of the original sucrose was replaced by these side streams for arctic bramble and birch cell cultures, respectively. Furthermore, nutritional composition or sensory properties were not compromised. Synthetic plant growth regulators were replaced by natural components, such as coconut water and IAA for several subculture cycles. Finally, it was shown that only trace amounts of free growth regulators are present in the cells at the harvesting point and assessment by freshwater crustaceans assay indicated that toxicity of the cells was not exceeding that of traditionally consumed bilberry fruit.
Leaving and staying with the employer—Changes in work, health, and work ability among older workers
Authors: Garthe Nina , Hasselhorn Hans Martin
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to examine employer changes among older workers and to relate them to psychosocial work factors, health, and work ability. Four groups of employees as elaborated by Hom et al. (2012) were distinguished: Enthusiastic leavers (EL), reluctant leavers (RL), enthusiastic stayers (ES), and reluctant stayers (RS).

Methods

Repeated Measures ANOVA analyses were based on data from the second and third waves (2014, 2018) of the German lidA Cohort Study, a representative study of employees born in 1959 or 1965.

Results

The largest proportion of participants was ES (73.3%), 13.2% stayed with their employer although they would have preferred to leave (RS). 7.1% changed employer between 2014 and 2018 voluntarily (EL), 6.4% involuntarily (RL). Analyses confirmed that the four groups already differed in 2014 in terms of health, work ability, and psychosocial work factors and that these outcomes change in different characteristic patterns over time. Most outcomes improved substantially following the change among EL. RS already reported poor outcomes in 2014 and exhibited a further deterioration while staying at the undesired workplace.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that an employer change is followed by improvements of work, health, and work ability. We conclude that an inclusive labor market policy for older workers allowing for high job mobility may have the potential to contribute to considerable improvements of workers’ individual working conditions, health, and work ability, thereby increasing the work participation. Also, the considerable group of RL requires increased political and scientific attention.
Basic psychological need satisfaction across the retirement transition: Changes and longitudinal associations with depressive symptoms
Authors: Stenling Andreas , Henning Georg , Bjälkebring Pär , Tafvelin Susanne , Kivi Marie , Johansson Boo , Lindwall Magnus
Published: September 2020

Drawing on self-determination theory, the present study examined how satisfaction of the basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) changes across the retirement transition and how need satisfaction was related to depressive symptoms across the retirement transition. Participants (N = 2655) were drawn from the HEalth, Ageing and Retirement Transitions in Sweden (HEARTS) study. Latent growth curve modeling showed that autonomy need satisfaction increased across the retirement transition, whereas competence and relatedness remained relatively stable. Higher need satisfaction was related to less depressive symptoms at baseline, however, pre-retirement need satisfaction was not a statistically significant predictor of subsequent changes in depressive symptoms (or vice versa) across the retirement transition. At the within-person level, higher than usual need satisfaction at a specific time point was related to less than usual depressive symptoms. Need satisfaction may be an important factor to consider across the retirement transition and need satisfying activities prior, during, and after the transition may ease peoples’ adjustment to retirement.
Acacetin improves endothelial dysfunction and aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats by estrogen receptors
Authors: Wei Yaxin , Yuan Peipei , Zhang Qi , Fu Yang , Hou Ying , Gao Liyuan , Zheng Xiaoke , Feng Weisheng
Published: September 2020

The aim of the work was to investigate the effects of acacetin on endothelial dysfunction and aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats and explore its mechanism. Seven-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were selected to establish a rat model of hypertension with insulin resistance induced by 10% fructose. The nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) and Collagen I were observed by Immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence was used to observe estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor-beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). Western blotting was used to detect interleukin (IL-1β), Arginase 2 (ARG2), Nostrin, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), TGF-β, Smad3, ERK pathway proteins such as p-c-Raf, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK, ERK, p-P90RSK and p-MSK1. We found that acacetin did have an improvement on endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis. Meanwhile, it was also found to have a significant effect on the level of estrogen in this model by accident. Then, the experiment of uterine weight gain in mice confirmed that acacetin had a certain estrogen-like effect in vivo and played its role through the estrogen receptors pathway. In vitro experience HUVEC cells were stimulated with 30 mM/L glucose and 100 mM/L NaCl for 24 h to establish the endothelial cell injury model. HUVEC cells were treated with 1 μM/L estrogen receptors antagonist (ICI 182780) for 30 min before administration. Cell experiments showed that acacetin could reduce the apoptosis of HUVEC cells, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of TGF-β, Collagen I and Smad3 in endothelial cell injury model. After treatment with ICI 182780, the improvement of acacetin was significantly reversed. The results showed that acacetin relieved endothelial dysfunction and reduced the aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats by reducing the release of inflammatory factors and improving vasodilatory function through estrogen signaling pathway.
Human segmentation in surveillance video with deep learning
Authors: Gruosso Monica , Capece Nicola , Erra Ugo
Published: September 2020

Advanced intelligent surveillance systems are able to automatically analyze video of surveillance data without human intervention. These systems allow high accuracy of human activity recognition and then a high-level activity evaluation. To provide such features, an intelligent surveillance system requires a background subtraction scheme for human segmentation that captures a sequence of images containing moving humans from the reference background image. This paper proposes an alternative approach for human segmentation in videos through the use of a deep convolutional neural network. Two specific datasets were created to train our network, using the shapes of 35 different moving actors arranged on background images related to the area where the camera is located, allowing the network to take advantage of the entire site chosen for video surveillance. To assess the proposed approach, we compare our results with an Adobe Photoshop tool called Select Subject, the conditional generative adversarial network Pix2Pix, and the fully-convolutional model for real-time instance segmentation Yolact. The results show that the main benefit of our method is the possibility to automatically recognize and segment people in videos without constraints on camera and people movements in the scene (Video, code and datasets are available at http://graphics.unibas.it/www/HumanSegmentation/index.md.html).
The role of the comprehensive complication index for the prediction of survival after liver transplantation
Authors: Lai Quirino , Melandro Fabio , Nowak Greg , Nicolini Daniele , Iesari Samuele , Fasolo Elisa , Mennini Gianluca , Romano Antonio , Mocchegiani Federico , Ackenine Kevin , Polacco Marina , Marinelli Laura , Ciccarelli Olga , Zanus Giacomo , Vivarelli Marco , Cillo Umberto , Rossi Massimo , Ericzon Bo-Göran , Lerut Jan
Published: September 2020

In the last years, several scoring systems based on pre- and post-transplant parameters have been developed to predict early post-LT graft function. However, some of them showed poor diagnostic abilities. This study aims to evaluate the role of the comprehensive complication index (CCI) as a useful scoring system for accurately predicting 90-day and 1-year graft loss after liver transplantation. A training set (n = 1262) and a validation set (n = 520) were obtained. The study was registered at https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03723317). CCI exhibited the best diagnostic performance for 90 days in the training (AUC = 0.94; p < 0.001) and Validation Sets (AUC = 0.77; p < 0.001) when compared to the BAR, D-MELD, MELD, and EAD scores. The cut-off value of 47.3 (third quartile) showed a diagnostic odds ratio of 48.3 and 7.0 in the two sets, respectively. As for 1-year graft loss, CCI showed good performances in the training (AUC = 0.88; p < 0.001) and validation sets (AUC = 0.75; p < 0.001). The threshold of 47.3 showed a diagnostic odds ratio of 21.0 and 5.4 in the two sets, respectively. All the other tested scores always showed AUCs < 0.70 in both the sets. CCI showed a good stratification ability in terms of graft loss rates in both the sets (log-rank p < 0.001). In the patients exceeding the CCI ninth decile, 1-year graft survival rates were only 0.7% and 23.1% in training and validation sets, respectively. CCI shows a very good diagnostic power for 90-day and 1-year graft loss in different sets of patients, indicating better accuracy with respect to other pre- and post-LT scores.

Clinical Trial Notification: NCT03723317.
Confronting hidden COVID-19 burden: a telemedical solution for elective urological outpatient clinics
Authors: Westhofen Thilo , Magistro Giuseppe , Lennartz Simon , Casuscelli Jozefina , Stief Christian , Rodler Severin
Published: September 2020

Maintaining high-quality care for urological patients is a challenge during and after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We observe an increasing volume of postponed elective visits at our tertiary care hospital, holding the risk for deterioration of non-emergency disease conditions. As it is unclear for how long the pandemic will last, we propose to implement telehealth as a solution to provide regular symptom monitoring compatible with social distancing guidelines during the pandemic and beyond. Telemedical assessment and prioritizing of high-risk patients for individual consults at outpatient services will have to be aligned with available outpatient capacity and local outbreak severity.
Breakage behavior of biomass pellets: an experimental and numerical study
Authors: Gilvari Hamid , de Jong Wiebren , Schott Dingena L.
Published: September 2020

The presence and generation of fines and dust in the bulk of biomass pellets have inflicted several problems in the supply chain during transportation and storage, and the breakage behavior of pellets has been scarcely studied so far. Fines and dust are the consequences of impact and abrasive forces through the whole supply chain; however, the breakage happens at the particle level. Therefore, to study the fines generation, first, the breakage behavior of individual pellets should be understood, and then, the behavior of the bulk materials in operational conditions can be investigated. This paper aims to investigate the breakage behavior of individual pellets under experimental compression tests and to introduce a calibrated numerical model using discrete element method (DEM) in order to pave the way for further studies on pellet breakage. For that purpose, seven different types of biomass pellets were studied experimentally, and then, a calibrated model was introduced via the Timoshenko–Ehrenfest beam theory using DEM. Results show that the model could reasonably predict the breakage behavior of pellets under uniaxial and diametrical compressions. The findings could help to develop a new design of the equipment for transportation and handling of biomass pellets with the aim to reduce the amount of generating fines and dust.
Cardiometabolic health, visceral fat and circulating irisin levels: results from a real-world weight loss study
Authors: Miazgowski T. , Kaczmarkiewicz A. , Miazgowski B. , Kopeć J.
Published: September 2020

Background

The aim of this pragmatic intervention study was to investigate changes in cardiometabolic outcomes, irisin plasma concentration, and body composition during a 4-month intervention in unselected obese individuals.

Materials and methods

In 111 obese women aged 36.73 ± 7.2 years, we measured changes in weight, lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR), uric acid, aminotransferases, and irisin. Body composition including lean mass (LM) and total (TF), gynoid (GF), android (AF), and visceral fat (VF) was assessed using densitometry. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The participants received tailored written advice targeting lifestyle according to current guidelines. At follow-up, patients rated their adherence in the self-administered questionnaire.

Results

Mean weight loss in the whole group was 3.12 kg (− 3.3%); 26% of the women achieved the desired target of weight loss (> 5% of the initial weight), whereas weight decreased moderately in 50% and increased in 14%. In 86 women with weight loss, there were significant changes in HOMA-IR (− 13.8%), insulin (− 11.2%), alanine aminotransferase (− 8.0%), VF (− 7.0%), AF (− 5.4%), TF (− 4.7%), GF (− 2.8%) and LM (− 1.5%), whereas irisin and HDL-C levels and the mean IPAQ score did not change.

Conclusions

In this real-world evidence study, a successful weight loss achieved only 26% of patients, with overall much better adherence to diet restriction than to exercise. However, even mild to moderate weight loss resulted in significant improvements in cardiometabolic health. Weight loss was associated with a modest LM decrease but did not influence plasma irisin.
A new theory on the cause of anal fissure – impaction theory
Authors: Chen Shaoming , Yu Qinghuan
Published: September 2020

The internal hemorrhoid, rectal tumor, hypertrophic anal papilla, and secret fecal mass are regarded as the blocks embedded in the rectum. The above blocks hinder defecation, which will inevitably lead to excessive opening of the anal caliber. Once the limit is exceeded, the skin of the anal canal will tear and form anal fissure. Based on the study of historical evolution, hypothesis reasoning, clinical verification and comparison with other theories, a new concept of anal fissure etiology–impaction theory is proposed. The so-called impaction theory refers to the impaction (various primary lesions) in anorectum, which hinders defecation. When defecating, the anal canal expands beyond the limit, and the whole layer of anal canal skin splits, that is to say, anal fissure is formed.
The Vulvodynia Experience Questionnaire: Qualitative Development of a New Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Vulvodynia
Authors: Goldstein Andrew T. , Diez Pedro M. Quintana , Kapanadze Sofia , Cala Mary Lynn , Evans Christopher J. , Whyte Julie L. , Christoph Annette
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Vulvodynia is defined as vulvar pain of at least 3 months duration without a clear identifiable cause. There are currently no validated questionnaires that assess the experience of women with localized vulvodynia of the vestibule (vestibulodynia, previously known as vulvar vestibulitis) that meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration's Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) Guidance.

Aim

To develop a new content-valid PRO assessment in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration's PRO guidance to assess the symptoms and impacts of localized vulvodynia.

Material and Methods

Participants were recruited for concept elicitation interviews (ie, interviews with open-ended questions with the goal of eliciting volunteered data about the symptoms and impacts of vulvodynia). Participants were identified as having localized vulvodynia by clinicians who were experts in treating vulvar disorders. Eligibility was confirmed by the recruiting clinician, and informed consent was obtained; participants were then scheduled for in-person interviews. 25 participants were interviewed from United States (US). After concept elicitation interviews, the draft Vulvodynia Experience Questionnaire (VEQ) was developed based on the results. Cognitive interviews were conducted with 20 participants from US sites to assess the content validity of the VEQ (eg, interpretation and clarity of the items, relevance of concepts). The VEQ was further revised after cognitive interviews. All interviews were conducted face-to-face, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using a qualitative data analysis software program.

Results

17 unique symptoms and 32 unique impacts were reported during concept elicitation interviews. Pain (n = 25, 100%) and burning (n = 24, 96%) were the most frequently reported symptoms of localized vulvodynia, and negative impact on emotional well-being (n = 25, 100%) was the most frequently reported impact. After analysis, item generation, and cognitive interviews, the resulting VEQ v2.0 contains 3 parts (part 1, pain; part 2, associated symptoms; part 3, impacts) with a total of 25 items that measure the most frequently reported symptoms and impacts of localized vulvodynia.

Strength and Limitations

The VEQ is a multidimensional assessment of the core symptoms and impacts of localized vulvodynia that, after additional psychometric testing including the ability to detect change, may be used in clinical trials to characterize the benefits of novel treatments. The VEQ requires additional testing to establish its cultural relevance and linguistic validity in other countries.

Conclusion

The VEQ is a novel method of collecting information on localized vulvodynia symptoms and impacts that may be suitable for use in clinical trials after psychometric testing.
AlN MEMS filters with extremely high bandwidth widening capability
Authors: Gao Anming , Liu Kangfu , Liang Junrui , Wu Tao
Published: September 2020

This paper presents radio frequency (RF) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) filters with extremely high bandwidth widening capability. The proposed filtering topologies include hybrid configurations consisting of piezoelectric MEMS resonators and surface-mounted lumped elements. The MEMS resonators set the center frequency and provide electromechanical coupling to construct the filters, while the lumped-element-based matching networks help widen the bandwidth (BW) and enhance the out-of-band rejection. Aluminum nitride (AlN) S0 Lamb wave resonators are then applied to the proposed filtering topologies. AlN S0 first- and second-order wideband filters are studied and have shown prominent performance. Finally, the AlN S0 first-order wideband filter is experimentally implemented and characterized. The demonstrated first-order filter shows a large fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 5.6% (achieved with a resonator coupling of 0.94%) and a low insertion loss (IL) of 1.84 dB. The extracted bandwidth widening factor (BWF) is 6, which is approximately 12 times higher than those of the current ladder or lattice filtering topologies. This impressive bandwidth widening capability holds great potential for satisfying the stringent BW requirements of bands n77, n78, and n79 of 5G new radio (NR) and will overcome an outstanding technology hurdle in placing 5G NR into the marketplace.
Electrochemical measurement of serotonin by Au-CNT electrodes fabricated on microporous cell culture membranes
Authors: Chapin Ashley A. , Rajasekaran Pradeep R. , Quan David N. , Hu Liangbing , Herberholz Jens , Bentley William E. , Ghodssi Reza
Published: September 2020

Gut–brain axis (GBA) communication relies on serotonin (5-HT) signaling between the gut epithelium and the peripheral nervous system, where 5-HT release patterns from the basolateral (i.e., bottom) side of the epithelium activate nerve afferents. There have been few quantitative studies of this gut-neuron signaling due to a lack of real-time measurement tools that can access the basolateral gut epithelium. In vitro platforms allow quantitative studies of cultured gut tissue, but they mainly employ offline and endpoint assays that cannot resolve dynamic molecular-release patterns. Here, we present the modification of a microporous cell culture membrane with carbon nanotube-coated gold (Au-CNT) electrodes capable of continuous, label-free, and direct detection of 5-HT at physiological concentrations. Electrochemical characterization of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-coated Au electrodes shows increased electroactive surface area, 5-HT specificity, sensitivity, and saturation time, which are correlated with the CNT film drop-cast volume. Two microliters of CNT films, with a 10-min saturation time, 0.6 μA/μM 5-HT sensitivity, and reliable detection within a linear range of 500 nM–10 μM 5-HT, can be targeted for high-concentration, high-time-resolution 5-HT monitoring. CNT films (12.5 μL) with a 2-h saturation time, 4.5 μA/μM 5-HT sensitivity, and quantitative detection in the linear range of 100 nM–1 μM can target low concentrations with low time resolution. These electrodes achieved continuous detection of dynamic diffusion across the porous membrane, mimicking basolateral 5-HT release from cells, and detection of cell-released 5-HT from separately cultured RIN14B cell supernatant. Electrode-integrated cell culture systems such as this can improve in vitro molecular detection mechanisms and aid in quantitative GBA signaling studies.