bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of omega‐3 fatty acid‐rich grape seed oil in yoghurt: Response surface optimization of physicochemical, textural, and sensory attributes during refrigerated storage
Authors: Kokabi Samaneh , Soltani Mostafa , Dabirian Shahriar , Kokabian Atousa , Daraei Garmakhany Amir , Jafarzadeh Shima , Aghajani Narjes
Published: November 2020

The demand for consuming low‐fat or nonfat dairy products, especially fat‐free yoghurt, has increased considerably because of the effects of high‐fat diet on human health during the two past decades. Generally, consumers prefer low‐fat products to the same high‐fat products. For this reason, manufacturers are looking for an ideal source for replacing fat substitute. In this research, the effect of grape seed oil (GSO) as a fat replacement on different quality attributes of the produced set yoghurt was determined. The effect of diverse ratios (3:0, 1.5:1.5, and 0.5:3%) of milk fat and GSO on the change in the quality attributes of the set yoghurt for up to 22 days of refrigeration period (4 ± 1°C) was investigated. Statistical analysis revealed that increase in GSO concentration leads to a significant increase (p < .05) in viscosity, acidity, and water‐holding capacity (WHC), whereas syneresis and pH value decreased during the storage time. Furthermore, increasing the proportion of fat replacement to 3% (w/w) in set yoghurt increased the samples hardness while in case of cohesiveness; negative effect was observed because of the action of fat globules within the protein system. Result of fatty acid analysis revealed that the yoghurt samples containing GSO have higher unsaturated fatty acid content than the control yoghurt sample. In conclusion, the best fat replacement concentration of GSO in producing low‐fat yoghurt was found in 1.5%, which also had the highest overall acceptance score between different yoghurt samples containing different levels of GSO.
Redox fluctuations and organic accumulation on the outer shelf of the Early Cambrian (Ages 2–3) Yangtze sea: Geochemical records on a seaward submarine sill
Authors: Zhang Gongjing , Chen Daizhao , Ding Yi , Huang Taiyu
Published: November 2020

The Early Cambrian was a critical interval marked by dramatic oceanic, geochemical, and biological changes in Earth's history. Although numerous studies have documented oceanic redox changes and revealed a heterogeneous pattern from the inner shelf to outer shelf margin in the Yangtze Block, less attention has been paid to their palaeogeographic‐specific occurrences, particularly in the deeper basinal regime during that time. To better understand marine redox variations and organic accumulation across the entire outer shelf‐basin transect, we selected a coeval organic‐rich section (i.e., Guantang section, western Hunan) deposited on a farther seaward submarine sill for a comparison. Integrated geochemical data of iron speciation, redox‐sensitive trace element [i.e., molybdenum (Mo) and uranium (U)] concentrations and total organic carbon (TOC) contents as well as P/Al and Ba/Al ratios, in combination with previously published data from the outer shelf slope‐basin, reveal an overall high TOC content on the sill and further attest to the occurrence of a fluctuating euxinic water wedge overlying the deep ferruginous water on the outer shelf slope to basin transect in the presence of oceanic upwelling system. The fluctuating euxinic watermass could be dynamically advanced upslope and retreated downslope in the pace of sea‐level rise and fall. All these signify the critical roles of palaeogeographic setting and eustatic changes in controlling the spatiotemporal productivity and redox fluctuations in the Yangtze sea during the Early Cambrian.
Mood in Parkinson's disease: From early‐ to late‐stage disease
Authors: Santos‐García Diego , De Deus Fonticoba T. , Cores Bartolome C. , Valdés Aymerich L. , Suárez Castro E. , Aneiros Ángel , Jesús Silvia , Aguilar Miquel , Pastor Pau , Planellas Lluís , Cosgaya Marina , García Caldente J. , Caballol Nuria , Legarda Inés , Hernández Vara J. , Cabo Iria , López Manzanares L. , González Aramburu I. , Ávila Rivera M. A. , José Catalán M. , Nogueira Víctor , Puente Víctor , García Moreno J. M. , Borrué Carmen , Solano Vila B. , Álvarez Sauco M. , Vela Lydia , Escalante Sonia , Cubo Esther , Carrillo Padilla F. , Martínez Castrillo J. C. , Sánchez Alonso P. , Alonso Losada M. G. , López Ariztegui N. , Gastón Itziar , Kulisevsky Jaime , Blázquez Estrada M. , Seijo Manuel , Rúiz Martínez J. , Valero Caridad , Kurtis Mónica , de Fábregues‐Boixar Oriol , González Ardura J. , Prieto Jurczynska C. , López Díaz L. , McAfee Darrian , Mir Pablo ,   COPPADIS Study Group
Published: November 2020

Background

Although depression is known to be frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD), it is unclear how mood can change and/or impact on patient's quality of life (QoL) over time. Our aim was to analyze the frequency of depression, mood related factors and the contribution of mood to a patient's QoL perception in regard to disease duration.

Methods

PD patients recruited from the COPPADIS cohort from January 2016 to November 2017 were included in this cross‐sectional study. Three groups were defined: <5 years (Group A); from 5 to <10 years (Group B); ≥10 years (Group C). Analysis with well‐planned linear regression models was conducted to determine how different factors contribute to mood (Beck Depression Inventory‐II [BDI‐II] as dependent variable), to health‐related QoL (39‐item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire [PDQ‐39SI] as dependent variable) and to global QoL (European Health Interview Survey – Quality of Life Eight‐Item Index [EUROHIS‐QOL8] as dependent variable).

Results

Six hundred and sixty‐three PD patients (62.6 ± 8.9 years old, 59.6% males) were included: Group A, 50.1% (n = 332); Group B, 33.3% (n = 221) and Group C, 16.6% (n = 110). There were no differences between the three groups in terms of the frequency of depressive symptoms nor the frequency of depression type (major vs. minor vs. subthreshold) (p = 0.729). However, the unique percent variance of PDQ‐39SI and EUROHIS‐QOL8 explained by BDI‐II total score was 2 (23.7%) and threefold (26.9%), respectively, in Group C compared to the other two groups. EUROHIS‐QOL8 total score provided the highest unique contribution to mood (16.8%).

Conclusions

Although depression‐type frequency does not appear to change over time in PD; the contribution of mood on QoL perception is greater in patients with longer disease duration.
Physical, mental, and social wellbeing and their association with death by suicide and self‐harm in older adults: a community‐based cohort study
Authors: Erlangsen Annette , Banks Emily , Joshy Grace , Calear Alison L. , Welsh Jennifer , Batterham Philip J. , Conwell Yeates , Salvador‐Carulla Luis
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess associations between physical, mental, and social well‐being and suicide and self‐harm in a community‐based sample of older adults.

Methods

Using a cohort design, questionnaire data from 102,880 individuals aged 65 years or older living in New South Wales, Australia during 2006–2009 were linked to hospital and cause‐of‐death databases until 2017. Poisson regressions obtained adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

Results

One hundred nine suicides and 191 deliberate self‐harm (DSH) events occurred. Compared to those reporting excellent/good overall health, older adults reporting fair overall health had higher suicide rates (IRR = 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.8–4.4). Also, suffering from physical limitations was associated with higher rates of suicide. A fair versus excellent/good memory was associated with higher rates of suicide (IRR = 2.0, 1.3–3.3). Male erectile dysfunction was linked to self‐harm (IRR = 2.8, 1.0–7.7). Suicide rates were elevated with baseline Kessler‐10 scores of 20–50 versus 10–15 (IRR = 5.0, 2.9–8.9); the corresponding IRR for DSH was 2.9 (1.8–4.8). Elevated rates were observed for both self‐reported depression and anxiety. Poor versus excellent/good quality of life was associated with suicide (IRR = 4.3, 1.7–10.7) and achieving less than desired to due to emotional problems was linked to self‐harm (IRR = 1.8 1.3–2.4). Rates of suicide ande DSH were lower in those with ≥5 people to depend on versus one (suicide: IRR = 0.5, 0.3–0.9; DSH: IRR = 0.5, 0.3–0.7).

Conclusions

Older adults experiencing health problems, including those relating to overall health or memory, and those with psychological distress had elevated rates of suicidal behavior. Rates of subsequent self‐harm and/or death by suicide were elevated in participants with small social networks.
Prevent breaking bad: A proof of concept study of rebalancing the brain's rumination circuit with real‐time fMRI functional connectivity neurofeedback
Authors: Tsuchiyagaito Aki , Misaki Masaya , Zoubi Obada Al ,   Tulsa 1000 Investigators, Paulus Martin , Bodurka Jerzy
Published: November 2020

Rumination, repetitively thinking about the causes, consequences, and one's negative affect, has been considered as an important factor of depression. The intrusion of ruminative thoughts is not easily controlled, and it may be useful to visualize one's neural activity related to rumination and to use that information to facilitate one's self‐control. Real‐time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI‐nf) enables one to see and regulate the fMRI signal from their own brain. This proof‐of concept study utilized connectivity‐based rtfMRI‐nf (cnf) to normalize brain functional connectivity (FC) associated with rumination. Healthy participants were instructed to brake or decrease FC between the precuneus and the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ), associated with high levels of rumination, while engaging in a self‐referential task. The cnf group (n = 14) showed a linear decrease in the precuneus‐rTPJ FC across neurofeedback training (trend [112] = −0.180, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.330 to −0.031, while the sham group (n = 14) showed a linear increase in the target FC (trend [112] = 0.151, 95% CI 0.017 to 0.299). Although the cnf group showed a greater reduction in state‐rumination compared to the sham group after neurofeedback training (p < .05), decoupled precuneus‐rTPJ FC did not predict attenuated state‐rumination. We did not find any significant aversive effects of rtfMRI‐nf in all study participants. These results suggest that cnf has the capacity to influence FC among precuneus and rTPJ of a ruminative brain circuit. This approach can be applied to mood and anxiety patients to determine the clinical benefits of reduction in maladaptive rumination.
Continuous noninvasive monitoring of arterial pressure using the vascular unloading technique in comparison to the invasive gold standard in elderly comorbid patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Klose Phil , Lorenzen Ulf , Berndt Rouven , Borzikowsky Christoph , Hill Moritz , Gruenewald Matthias , Elke Gunnar , Renner Jochen
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Elderly patients aged ≥65 years represent a growing population in the perioperative field, particularly orthopedic and vascular surgery. The higher degree of age‐related or comorbid‐dependent vascular alterations renders these patients at risk for hemodynamic complications and likely denote a possible limitation for modern, non‐invasive arterial pressure monitoring devices. The aim was to compare vascular unloading technique‐derived to invasive measurements of systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in elderly perioperative patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study included patients aged ≥65 years scheduled for orthopedic and patients ≥50 years with peripheral artery disease Fontaine stage ≥ II scheduled for vascular surgery, respectively. Invasive radial artery and non‐invasive finger‐cuff (Nexfin system) arterial pressures were recorded before and after induction of general anesthesia and during surgery. Correlation, Bland‐Altman, and concordance analyses were performed. Measurements of arterial pressure were also compared during intraoperative hypotension (MAP <70 mm Hg) and hypertension (MAP >105 mm Hg).

Results

Sixty patients with orthopedic (N = 25, mean (SD) age 77 (5) years) and vascular surgery (N = 35, age 69 [10] years) were enrolled. Seven hundred data pairs of all patients were analysed and pooled bias and percentage error were: SAP: 14.43 mm Hg, 43.79%; DAP: −2.40 mm Hg, 53.78% and MAP: 1.73 mm Hg, 45.05%. Concordance rates were 84.01% for SAP, 77.87% for DAP, and 86.47% for MAP. Predefined criteria for interchangeability of absolute and trending values could neither be reached in the overall nor in the subgroup analyses orthopedic vs vascular surgery. During hypertension, percentage error was found to be lowest for all pressure values, still not reaching predefined criteria.

Conclusion

Arterial pressure monitoring with the vascular unloading technique did not reach criteria of interchangeability for absolute and trending values. Nevertheless, the putatively beneficial use of noninvasive arterial pressure measurements should be further evaluated in the elderly perioperative patient.
Quantitative analysis of the driving factors for groundwater resource changes in arid irrigated areas
Authors: Guo Chenyu , Liu Tie , Niu Yaxuan , Liu Zhibin , Pan Xiaohui , De Maeyer Philippe
Published: November 2020

How to quantify the impact of climate change and human activities on groundwater is not only a hot topic of current research but also a key point of water resource management in arid irrigated areas. Therefore, this paper analyzes the changes in the trends of land use, climate, and groundwater extraction in the Yanqi Basin in recent years and uses the distributed hydrological model MIKE‐SHE to quantitatively analyze the impacts of these three factors on groundwater resources. The results show that: 1. The Nash coefficients of the simulated and observed groundwater levels during the verification period are 0.84, 0.79 and 0.76; the correlation coefficient between the simulated and observed soil moisture is 0.86. Although there are some uncertainties in the simulation, the results prove that the model can be used to simulate arid irrigated areas. 2. The effects of these three factors on groundwater levels are 5, 12.5 and 82.5%, respectively, and have caused the regional average groundwater level to decrease by a maximum of 0.07, 0.23 and 1.79 m, respectively. The effects of these three factors on the interactions between surface water and groundwater were 7.04, 3.63 and 89.33%. Groundwater extraction has become the main influencing factor of regional groundwater resources changes due to its more direct influence. 3. The influence of groundwater extraction has a strong spatial distribution characteristic and 10% of the study area has been greatly impacted by the groundwater extraction. Base on the above results, integrating multidisciplinary knowledge to establish the relationship between ecological environment and groundwater changes can provide strategies for the sustainable development of groundwater.
MicroRNA‐378a‐3p contributes to ovarian cancer progression through downregulating PDIA4
Authors: Chanjiao Yao , Chunyan Chen , Xiaoxin Qiu , Youjian Han
Published: November 2020

Objective

MicroRNAs, as essential players in tumorigenesis, have been demonstrated to have a revolutionary effect on human cancer research. Ovarian cancer is the primary reason of death among gynecologic malignancies. In view of this, it is significant to identify prognostic and predictive markers for treatment of ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to probe into the effects of miR‐378a‐3p and protein disulfide‐isomerase A4 (PDIA4) on the biological functions of ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

miR‐378a‐3p expression and PDIA4 messenger RNA expression in human ovarian cancer cells, normal human ovarian epithelial cells, and serum of both ovarian cancer patients and healthy people were detected by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the PDIA4 protein expression was tested by Western blot analysis. Ovarian cancer OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells were transfected or cotransfected with miR‐378a‐3p mimic or pcDNA3.1‐PDIA4 or their negative control plasmids to explore their roles in biological functions in ovarian cancer cells. Luciferase activity and RIPA assays were implemented to validate the interaction between miR‐378a‐3p and PDIA4. Western blot analysis was utilized to detect phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase/serine/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway‐related protein expression and their phosphate expression levels.

Results

miR‐378a‐3p was elevated and PDIA4 was decreased in ovarian cancer cells and serum. In addition, miR‐378a‐3p mimic induced ovarian cancer cell growth, while miR‐378a‐3p inhibitor and pcDNA3.1‐PDIA4 presented an inverse trend. pcDNA3.1‐PDIA4 partially eliminated the capabilities of miR‐378a‐3p mimic on ovarian cancer progression. Meanwhile, miR‐378a‐3p was found to negatively regulate PDIA4, and miR‐378a‐3p mimic increased the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K, while pcDNA3.1‐PDIA4 exhibited an opposite tendency. Furthermore, pcDNA3.1‐PDIA4 largely eliminated the functions of miR‐378a‐3p mimic on phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K.

Conclusion

This study provides evidences that miR‐378a‐3p activates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by modulating PDIA4 expression, thereby playing a role in promoting the growth of ovarian cancer cells. This study provides novel directions for targeted therapy of ovarian cancer.
The role of abnormal cerebroplacental ratio in predicting adverse fetal outcome in pregnancies with scheduled induction of labor
Authors: Günay Taner , Bilir Reyhan A. , Hocaoğlu Meryem , Bör Ergül D. , Özdamar Özkan , Turgut Abdulkadir
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate the role of abnormal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse fetal outcome in pregnancies with induction of labor.

Methods

This prospective observational study conducted at Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital between December 1, 2018 and October 31, 2019 enrolled women with scheduled induction of labor at or beyond 37 weeks of pregnancy. Women with singleton non‐anomalous fetuses with cephalic presentation and who had Bishop scores of 5 or less in pelvic examination were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were the presence of uterine scar history, non‐cephalic presentation, multiple pregnancy, vacuum‐ or forceps‐assisted delivery, and shoulder dystocia. Using fetal Doppler ultrasound, CPR was calculated (the ratio of umbilical artery to middle cerebral artery pulsatility index) and categorized into abnormal CPR (<1) and normal CPR (≥1). Data on maternal and delivery characteristics, fetal birth weight, and fetal complications were compared between the groups.

Results

A total of 145 women were included, 28 in the abnormal CPR group and 117 in the normal CPR group. Multivariate analysis revealed labor induction at a later week of pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 10.33, P = 0.001), lack of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (OR 13.21, P = 0.001), fetal distress (OR 8.14, P = 0.003) or meconium aspiration (OR 159.91, P = 0.001), and umbilical artery pH values greater than 7.31 (OR 17.51, P = 0.015) to be associated with an increased likelihood of having normal (≥1) CPR values. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed association of normal CPR values with later labor induction (cut‐off value of >38.3 weeks, P = 0.001), higher birth weight (cut‐off value of >2460 g, P = 0.022) and higher umbilical artery pH (cut‐off value of >7.31, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed the significant role of abnormal CPR in predicting adverse fetal outcome in singleton pregnancies with scheduled induction of labor.
Soy isoflavone genistein inhibits hsa_circ_0031250/miR‐873‐5p/FOXM1 axis to suppress non‐small‐cell lung cancer progression
Authors: Yu Yaying , Xing Yanwei , Zhang Qian , Zhang Qianqian , Huang Shuangjian , Li Xinxin , Gao Chao
Published: November 2020

The foods of plants provide the rich nutrition and have protective function in human diseases, including cancers. Genistein is a major isoflavone constituent in soybeans, which has an anti‐cancer role in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying the anti‐cancer function of genistein in NSCLC remains largely unknown. NSCLC cells (H292 and A549) were exposed to genistein. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0031250 (circ_0031250), microRNA (miR)‐873‐5p and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) abundances were examined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The function of genistein, circ_0031250, miR‐873‐5p, and FOXM1 on NSCLC progression was investigated via Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, transwell well, wound healing, flow cytometry, Western blotting and xenograft model. The target relationship was analyzed by dual‐luciferase reporter analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation. Results showed that genistein inhibited NSCLC cell viability in dose‐time‐dependent patterns. circ_0031250 abundance was elevated in NSCLC samples and cell lines, and it was reduced via genistein exposure. circ_0031250 knockdown aggravated genistein‐caused suppression of cell proliferation, migration and invasion and elevation of apoptosis. miR‐873‐5p expression was decreased in NSCLC samples and cells. miR‐873‐5p was targeted via circ_0031250, and miR‐873‐5p knockdown attenuated the influence of circ_0031250 silence on NSCLC progression in the presence of genistein. FOXM1 was regulated via circ_0031250/miR‐873‐5p axis. miR‐873‐5p constrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion and increased apoptosis via regulating FOXM1 in genistein‐treated cells. circ_0031250 knockdown enhanced the inhibitive function of genistein on NSCLC cell growth in xenograft model. Collectively, genistein repressed NSCLC progression by modulating circ_0031250/miR‐873‐5p/FOXM1 axis.
Circular RNA profiling facilitates the diagnosis and prognostic monitoring of breast cancer: A pair‐wise meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Yanqing , Niu Xiaobin , Yan Sha , Liu Yuchun , Dong Ruihua , Li Yongwei
Published: November 2020

Background

As circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to significantly involve in the onset and progression of multiple malignant tumors including breast cancer (BC), this study aims at evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic values of circRNAs in this malady.

Methods

Available databases were thoroughly searched to collect studies on the diagnosis and/or prognosis of BC using circRNA profiling. The updated Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS‐2) tool and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to assess the underlying bias of included studies. Clinical characteristics of the studies were merged by the quantitative‐weighted integral method to obtain the combined effects.

Results

Sixteen studies were included, comprising 2438 BC cases and 271 noncancerous controls. The expression signature covered 24 circRNAs (down‐regulated: circ‐VRK1, hsa_circ_0068033, hsa_circ_103110, hsa_circ_104689, and hsa_circ_104821; up‐regulated: circAGFG1, hsa_circ_0001785, hsa_circ_0108942, hsa_circ_0001785, hsa_circ_006054, hsa_circ_100219, hsa_circ_406697, circEPSTI1, circANKS1B, circGFRA1, circ_0103552, CDR1‐AS, has_circ_001569, hsa_circ_001783, circFBXL5, circ_0005230, circAGFG1, circ‐UBAP2, and circ_0006528). The sensitivity and specificity of circRNAs in distinguishing BC patients from noncancerous controls were 0.65 and 0.68, and the corresponding area under the curve was 0.66. Survival analysis revealed that patients showing highly expressed oncogenic circRNAs were associated with increased mortality risks of BC in overall survival (univariate analysis: hazard ratio [HR] = 3.30, P = .000; multivariate analysis: HR = 3.07, P = .000), and disease‐free survival (HR = 8.26, P = .000). Stratified analysis based on circRNA expression status and control type also showed robust results.

Conclusions

Circular RNA profiling presents prominent diagnostic and prognostic values in BC, and can be rated as a promising tool facilitating its early diagnosis and survival.
Neonatal carnitine concentrations in relation to gestational age and weight
Authors: Crefcoeur Loek L. , de Sain‐van der Velden Monique G. M. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Langeveld Mirjam , Maase Rose , Vaz Frédéric M. , Visser Gepke , Wanders Ronald J.A. , Wijburg Frits A. , Verschoof‐Puite Rendelien K. , Schielen Peter C. J. I.
Published: November 2020

Background

Free carnitine has been measured in the Dutch newborn screening (NBS) program since 2007 with a referral threshold of ≤5 μmol/L, regardless of gestational age or birthweight. However, several studies suggest that carnitine concentrations may depend on gestational age and birthweight. We evaluated differences in postnatal day‐to‐day carnitine concentrations in newborns based on gestational age (GA) and/or weight for GA (WfGA).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed using data from the Dutch NBS. Dried blood spot (DBS) carnitine concentrations, collected between the 3rd and 10th day of life, of nearly 2 million newborns were included. Individuals were grouped based on GA and WfGA. Median carnitine concentrations were calculated for each group. Mann‐Whitney U tests, and chi‐square tests were applied to test for significant differences between groups.

Results

Preterm, postterm, and small for GA (SGA) newborns have higher carnitine concentrations at the third day of life compared to term newborns. The median carnitine concentration of preterm newborns declines from day 3 onwards, and approximates that of term newborns at the sixth day of life, while median concentrations of postterm and SGA newborns remain elevated at least throughout the first 10 days of life. Carnitine concentrations ≤5 μmol/L were found less frequently in SGA newborns and newborns born between 32 and 37 weeks of gestation, compared to term newborns.

Conclusions

Median carnitine concentrations in NBS DBS vary with day of sampling, GA, and WfGA. It is important to take these variables into account when interpreting NBS results..
Active biopolymer films based on furcellaran, whey protein isolate and Borago officinalis extract: characterization and application in smoked pork ham production
Authors: Zając Marzena , Jamróz Ewelina , Guzik Paulina , Kulawik Piotr , Tkaczewska Joanna
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The meat industry is determined to find biodegradable packaging with properties similar to plastic. Furcellaran (FUR) and whey protein isolate (WPI) were used as a film matrix in which Borago officinalis extract (BOE) was incorporated as an antioxidant compound. The film's mechanical properties, water behavior, surface color, and antioxidant power were analyzed.Smoked hams were manufactured using two different types of film application: cured meat covered with film, smoked and cooked or hamsafter smoking, cooking and cooling. Smoked, vacuum packed ham was used as a control sample. The products were stored at 4 °C for 21 days and analyzed every 7 days.

RESULTS

The elongation at break (EAB) and tensile strength (TS) of FUR/WPI films without the extract were 6.30% and 20.59 MPa, respectively, and after incorporating BOE, the EAB and TS were 24.30% and 15.33 MPa, respectively. The films with BOE were darker and had greater antioxidant capacity. The water content and activity in the products with films decreased along with storage time while the control remained stable. The results of microbiological, oxidation product accumulation, and sensory analysis were comparable in all the products.

CONCLUSIONS

The smoking time can be reduced due to the dark color of the hams covered with BOE film. The barrier properties of those films should be increased. Other parameters were comparable to plastic packaging. The films therefore have the potential to be used instead of plastic packaging in the meat industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The fermentation properties and microbial diversity of soy sauce fermented by germinated soybean
Authors: Zhao Guozhong , Li Jingjing , Zheng Fuping , Yao Yunping
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The quality of commercial soy sauce is variable at present. Technical work is needed to improve the quality and flavor of soy sauce, especially in China. Material is a factor for influencing soy sauce characters in fermentation.

RESULTS

Germinated soybean sauce (fermented by germinated soybean) had a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration of 6.83 μg mL−1, whereas a control (a soy sauce fermented by soybean) had a GABA concentration of less than 2.42 μg mL−1. Germinated soybean sauce also contained significantly higher levels of isoflavones, total polyphenol, and amino acid nitrogen than the control soy sauce. Microbial diversity results showed that Bacillus was the dominant bacteria in germinated soy sauce compared with the control. Aldehydes, alcohols, esters, and phenols were the major flavor components of germinated soybean sauce.

CONCLUSION

A soy sauce with high levels of GABA, isoflavones, and total polyphenol was developed using germinated soybean. Stenotrophomonas, the typical pathogen found in the control, was reduced dramatically and replaced by Bacillus during fermentation with the germinated soybean. The germinated soybean sauce exhibited a better aroma and taste than the control. Soy sauce fermented by soybeans that germinated for 48 h exhibited greater advantages than soy sauce that germinated for 24 and 72 h. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical and microbial characterization for fermentation of water‐soluble cellulose acetate in human stool cultures
Authors: Yamada Hiroaki , Watabe Yuto , Suzuki Yutaka , Koike Satoshi , Shimamoto Shu , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Water‐soluble cellulose acetate (WSCA), a synthetic fiber source, was applied to human stool cultures and to pure cultures of representative Bacteroides species to characterize the fermentation properties of WSCA in the human gut, and to assess the potential availability of WSCA as a food or additive candidate.

RESULTS

All nine of the different types of WSCA tested here provided increased acetate levels in human stool cultures. Greater levels of deacetylation were observed as the degree of substitution of hydroxyl groups by acetyl groups decreased. Among the nine tested types of WSCA, CA‐0.78‐128 caused the largest shifts of the microbial community, including an increased abundance of members of the genus Bacteroides, especially Bacteroides uniformis. Of four representative human gut Bacteroides species, only B. uniformis grew in pure culture on WSCA to produce acetate actively.

CONCLUSION

Water‐soluble cellulose acetate has the potential for dietary application in human and other monogastric animals, based on the enhanced production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in particular acetate, in the hindgut. Short‐chain fatty acid production is caused by selective proliferation of specific gut bacteria belonging to the genus Bacteroides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Biogenic amines: formation, action and toxicity – a review
Authors: Wójcik Wojciech , Łukasiewicz Monika , Puppel Kamila
Published: November 2020

Biogenic amines (BA) are organic compounds commonly found in food, plants and animals, as well as microorganisms that are attributed with the production of BAs. They are formed as an effect of a chemical process: the decarboxylation of amino acids. Factors determining the formation of BAs include the availability of free amino acids and the presence of microorganisms that show activity with respect to carrying out the decarboxylation process. On the one hand, BAs are compounds that are crucial for maintaining cell viability, as well as the proper course of the organism's metabolic processes, such as protein synthesis, hormone synthesis and DNA replication. On the other hand, despite their positive effects on the functioning of the organism, an excessive content of BAs proves to be toxic (diarrhea, food poisoning, vomiting, sweating or tachycardia). Moreover, they can accelerate carcinogenesis. Amines are a natural component of plant and animal raw materials. As a result of the proven negative effects of amines on living organisms, the reduction of these compounds should be the subject of scientific research. The present review aims to synthesize and summarize the information currently available on BAs, as well as discuss the interpretation of the results. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of operating conditions on biogas production in an anaerobic digestion system of the food and beverage industry
Authors: Chen Hsinjung , Hung Jui‐Min , Hsu Kuo‐Chiang , Chuang Pei‐Ting , Chen Chin‐Shuh
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Food residuals (FR) were anaerobically biotransformed to produce biogases (e.g. methane and hydrogen), and different pre‐treatment conditions, including particle size, oil content, pH and salt content, were controlled in this study. The bio‐solids of a municipal solid waste (MSW) from a wastewater treatment plant were added to assess its effect on anaerobic transformation efficiency and gas yields.

RESULTS

The breaking of FR and the application of MSW were effective in enhancing the transformation efficiency and yield of biogases. The energy transfer efficiency value of the combined FRs used in this study was probably 23%. However, it can be very cost effective to apply arbitrary proportions to treat two types of FR in the anaerobic digestion tank of a wastewater treatment plant. It was also found that the alkalinity and pH value were two major parameters that controlled the success of the transformation. About 0.16–0.17 kg of alkalinity was needed during the anaerobic digestion of 1 kg dry FR, but this requirement was decreased by the treatment applying MSW. Olive oil had higher reducing rates when used as a substitute for heat‐oxidized oil to study the effect of oil content on methylation.

CONCLUSION

The conditions for anaerobic digestion established in this study were practical for the digestion of FR in wastewater treatment plants in Taiwan. However, we nonetheless found that it was cost effective to use arbitrary proportions for both types of FR and integrate the anaerobic digestion process used in wastewater treatment plants. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Sleeve lobectomy versus lobectomy for primary treatment of non‐small–cell lung cancer: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Zalepugas Donatas , Koryllos Aris , Stoelben Erich , Ludwig Corinna
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

It is unclear how much additional perioperative risk a sleeve lobectomy could pose in comparison to lobectomy. The objective of this analysis was to compare the complication rate, 30‐day mortality, and overall survival between lobectomy and sleeve lobectomy without prior neoadjuvant treatment in non‐small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

This is a retrospective study using our prospective database for quality assurance in our hospital. Inclusion criteria for our study was a completed lobectomy or sleeve lobectomy for primary treatment of NSCLC.

Results

In 506 patients, the tumor was treated by means of standard lobectomy. In 252 patients with central tumor localization, sleeve lobectomy was performed. Postoperative complications occurred in n:148 (29.24%) patients of the lobectomy group and in n = 76 (30.15%) of the sleeve group. The mortality rate difference between the two groups was statistically significant and favored the lobectomy group (0.78% vs. 4.76%, p = .007). Five year survival was 69.97% for the lobectomy and 65.59% for the sleeve group (p = .829).

Conclusion

Sleeve lobectomy for primary surgical treatment of NSCLC has comparable perioperative complications with lobectomy. Sleeve lobectomy does not seem to negatively influence survival. Postoperative mortality was higher in the sleeve group.
Disturbed Sleep Connects Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Somatization: A Network Analysis Approach
Authors: Astill Wright Laurence , Roberts Neil P. , Barawi Kali , Simon Natalie , Zammit Stanley , McElroy Eoin , Bisson Jonathan I.
Published: November 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health problems, particularly somatic symptom disorder, are highly comorbid. Studies have only examined this co‐occurrence at the disorder level rather than assessing the associations between specific symptoms. Using network analysis to identify symptoms that act as bridges between these disorders may allow for the development of interventions to specifically target this comorbidity. We examined the association between somatization and PTSD symptoms via network analysis. This included 349 trauma‐exposed individuals recruited through the National Centre for Mental Health PTSD cohort who completed the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐5 and the Patient Health Questionnaire–15. A total of 215 (61.6%) individuals met the DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD. An exploratory graph analysis identified four clusters of densely connected symptoms within the overall network: PTSD, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and more general somatic complaints. Sleep difficulties played a key role in bridging PTSD and somatic symptoms. Our network analysis demonstrates the distinct nature of PTSD and somatization symptoms, with this association connected by disturbed sleep.
Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Use and Monetary Outcomes in a Single‐Payer Health Care Setting
Authors: Rusiecki Daniel , Douglas Stuart L. , Bell Colin
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is a widely used diagnostic modality in the emergency physician's tool kit. The effect on health care costs is disputed. This study examined whether POCUS was associated with system‐level cost savings. Secondary objectives included adverse patient outcomes and the association between POCUS use and diagnostic costs in specific patient groups.

Methods

The Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Use and Monetary Outcomes study was a single‐center prospective observational study. A convenience sample of emergency medicine physicians working from July to October 2019 were included after using POCUS as part of their assessment. The cost of patient investigations was compared with those proposed by a control group of physicians simultaneously on shift, who were blinded to the POCUS findings. Ethical approval was obtained from the Queen's University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board.

Results

Fifty patient assessments using POCUS were included. Overall, the median investigation cost in United States dollars in the POCUS group was $102.00 (interquartile range [IQR], $39.80–$167.90) versus $122.40 (IQR, $70.96–$175.60) in controls (P = .08). When stratified by disposition, POCUS use in patients discharged home resulted in a median expenditure of $71.80 (IQR, $36.48–$116.70) versus $122.70 (IQR, $71.18–$183.20; P < .001). Significant cost savings were also found in flank pain presentations (median, $138.90; IQR, $136.60–$186.10; P = .01). There were no differences in the quantity of investigations ordered, the patient emergency department repeated presentation rate, or safety outcomes at 7 days.

Conclusions

Point‐of‐care ultrasound use was not associated with significant cost savings in our overall population. The subgroup analysis revealed significant POCUS‐associated cost savings in patients discharged home and those presenting with flank pain. Notably, POCUS was not associated with an increase in adverse patient safety outcomes.
Mood and well‐being of novice open water swimmers and controls during an introductory outdoor swimming programme: A feasibility study
Authors: Massey Heather , Kandala Ngianga , Davis Candice , Harper Mark , Gorczynski Paul , Denton Hannah
Published: November 2020

Background

Anecdotal evidence suggests that outdoor swimming can improve mood. This feasibility study examined the mood and well‐being in participants attending an outdoor swimming course.

Methods

Profile of Mood States and Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale questionnaires were completed by participants on a 10‐week introductory outdoor swimming course (61 swimmers) and 22 controls who sat on the beach. Questionnaires were completed before and after three sessions: the first session (pool based), their first outdoor swim (session 4) and their final outdoor swim (session 10).

Results

Swimmers reported acute increases in positive subscales (Esteem and Vigour, P < .001) and reductions in negative subscales (Tension, Anger, Depression, and Confusion and Total Mood Disturbance [TMD], P < .001, d = 1.1–1.7). TMD was also reduced between sessions (P < .001, d = 0.08). Well‐being also increased during the course in swimmers (P < .001, d = 3.7) and controls (P = .019, d = 0.2). Greater reductions in TMD (P < .001, d = 0.8–2.5) and increases in well‐being were observed in swimmers than controls (P = .034, r = .23).

Conclusions

Novice outdoor swimmers participating in a 10‐week introductory outdoor swimming course had acute and chronic reductions in negative mood, increases in well‐being and acute increases in positive mood. Controls mood scores fluctuated and were similar at the start and end of the course, whereas well‐being scores improved by the final session. Tension scores peaked in both swimmers and controls immediately before the first outdoor swim. Nonetheless the swimmers’ improvement in mood and well‐being scores was significantly greater than that of the controls. The nature of the study does not provide mechanistic understanding; there are likely to be a number of explanations (physiological, psychological and sociological) for the changes in mood and well‐being in swimmers and controls that can be investigated further.
Two‐sided service markets: Effects of quality differentiation on market efficiency
Authors: Widmer Tobias , Karaenke Paul , Sugumaran Vijayan
Published: November 2020

Determining the effects of quality differentiation on the efficiency of two‐sided service markets is challenging. The presence of private information on both market sides and the heterogeneity of sellers can lead to substantial economic inefficiencies. Hence, this paper investigates how quality‐differentiated sellers affect market efficiency from the perspective of mechanism design theory. First, we characterize second‐best mechanisms for matching buyers and sellers. We then propose a heuristic algorithm for approximating the welfare‐maximizing match outcomes. Based on empirical data, our simulation study suggests that an increased quality differentiation can reduce market efficiency; however, this inefficiency vanishes as the market size increases.
A novel BRCA2 splice variant identified in a young woman
Authors: Nicolussi Arianna , Belardinilli Francesca , Ottini Laura , Petroni Marialaura , Capalbo Carlo , Giannini Giuseppe , Coppa Anna
Published: November 2020

Background

BRCA1/2 VUSs represent an important clinical issue in risk assessment for the breast/ovarian cancer families (HBOC) families. Among them, some occurring within the intron‐exon boundary may lead to aberrant splicing process by altering or creating de novo splicing regulatory elements or unmasking cryptic splice site. Defining the impact of these potential splice variants at functional level is important to establish their pathogenic role.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood sample of a young woman affected with breast cancer belonging to a HBOC family and the entire coding regions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were amplified using the Ion AmpliSeq BRCA1 and BRCA2 Panel. The BRCA2 c.682‐2delA variant has been characterized by RT‐PCR analysis performed on mRNA extracted from blood and lymphoblastoid cell line.

Results

We demonstrated that a novel BRCA2 c.682‐2delA variant at the highly conserved splice consensus site in intron 8 disrupts the canonical splice acceptor site generating a truncated protein as predicted by several bioinformatics tools. Segregations analysis in the family and LOH performed on proband breast cancer tissue further confirmed its classification as pathogenic variant.

Conclusion

Combining different methodologies, we characterized this new BRCA2 variant and provided findings of clinical utility for its classification as pathogenic variant.
DYRK1A pathogenic variants in two patients with syndromic intellectual disability and a review of the literature
Authors: Meissner Laura E. , Macnamara Ellen F. , D'Souza Precilla , Yang John , Vezina Gilbert ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Ferreira Carlos R. , Zein Wadih M. , Tifft Cynthia J. , Adams David R.
Published: November 2020

Background

DYRK1A‐Related Intellectual Disability Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by intellectual disability, speech and language delays, microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, and feeding difficulties. Affected individuals represent simplex cases that result from de novo heterozygous pathogenic variants in DYRK1A (OMIM 614104), or chromosomal structural rearrangements involving the DYRK1A locus. Due to the rarity of DYRK1A‐Related Intellectual Disability Syndrome, the spectrum of symptoms associated with this disease has not been completely defined.

Methods and results

We present two unrelated cases of DYRK1A‐Related Intellectual Disability Syndrome resulting from variants in DYRK1A. Both probands presented to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with multiple dysmorphic facial features, primary microcephaly, absent or minimal speech, feeding difficulties, and cognitive impairment; features that have been previously reported in individuals with DYRK1A. During NIH evaluation, additional features of enlarged cerebral subarachnoid spaces, retinal vascular tortuosity, and bilateral anomalous large optic discs with increased cup‐to‐disc ratio were identified in the first proband and multiple ophthalmologic abnormalities and sensorineural hearing loss were identified in the second proband.

Conclusion

We recommend that the workup of future of patients include a comprehensive eye exam. Early establishment of physical, occupational, and speech therapy may help in the management of ataxia, hypertonia, and speech impairments common in these patients.
Symmetries and exact solutions of the population balance equation with growth and breakage processes, using group analysis
Authors: Lin Fubiao , Zhang Qianhong
Published: November 2020

Population balance equation which may be employed to handle a wide variety of particle processes has certainly received unprecedented attention, but the absence of explicit exact solutions necessitates the use of numerical approaches. The one‐dimensional population balance equation with time independent but size dependent growth and breakage rate is investigated. The corresponding system of equation is solved analytically by use of the Lie group analysis method. Symmetries, reduced equations, invariant solutions, explicit exact, and unphysical solutions are presented in this paper.
A compact wideband four‐arm spiral antenna with dual modes
Authors: Chang Lei , Chen Ling‐Lu , Chen Zhuang‐Zhi , Zhang Jian‐Qiang
Published: November 2020

A compact wideband four‐arm circularly polarized (CP) spiral antenna with both sum mode (1) and difference mode (2) is presented. The antenna is composed of a modified four‐arm equiangular spiral, a four‐arm z‐directional helix, a ring‐shaped absorber, and a ground plane. By using the modified equiangular spiral and the z‐directional helix, the impedance matching of mode 1 and mode 2 is improved, and the cross‐polarization discrimination of mode 2 is also improved in the low frequency band. The z‐directional helix is also applied to achieve a compact size of the antenna and an enhanced AR bandwidth of mode 2. A prototype of the four‐arm spiral antenna is fabricated and measured with a beamformer operating at 0.5 to 2 GHz. It is shown that both sum and difference radiation patterns are generated in the whole frequency band of 0.5 to 2 GHz. The overall size is 0.486λ0.5 GHz × 0.097λ0.5 GHz (diameter × height, λ0.5 GHz is the free‐space wavelength at 0.5 GHz).