bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of Simao pine in China revealed by SRAP markers
Authors: Wang Dawei , Shen Bingqi , Gong Hede
Published: February 2019

Background

Simao pine (Pinus kesiyaRoyle ex Gordon var.langbianensis(A. Chev.) Gaussen) is one of the most important tree species in the production of timber and resin in China. However, the genetic diversity of the natural populations has not been assessed to date. In this study, sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were used to investigate the genetic composition of natural Simao pine populations.

Method

The SRAP markers were applied and their efficiency was compared using various statistical multivariate methods, including analysis molecular of variance (AMOVA), the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), and Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA).

Results

The 11 populations revealed a high level of genetic diversity (PPB = 95.45%, H = 0.4567, I = 0.6484) at the species level. A moderately low level of genetic differentiation (Gst= 0.1701), and a slightly high level of gene flow (Nm= 2.4403) were observed among populations using AMOVA. Eleven populations of Simao pine were gathered into four distinct clusters based on molecular data, and the results of UPGMA and PCoA also illustrated that assignment of populations is not completely consistent with geographic origin. The Mantel test revealed there was no significant correlation between geographic and genetic distance (r= 0.241,p= 0.090).

Discussion

The SRAP markers were very effective in the assessment of genetic diversity in Simao pine. Simao pine populations display high levels of genetic diversity and low or moderate levels of genetic differentiation due to frequent gene exchange among populations. The low genetic differentiation among populations implied that conservation efforts should aim to preserve all remaining natural populations of this species. The information derived from this study is useful when identifying populations and categorizing their population origins, making possible the design of long term management program such as genetic improvement by selective breeding.
Feasibilitiy Study of Bioethanol Production: A Case of Spent Mushroom and Waste Paper as Potential Substrate
Authors: Stanley H. O. , Erewa A. O. , Ariole C. N.
Published: February 2019

Aims: The aim of the present study is to produce ethanol from waste paper and spent mushroom using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as enzymes for the fermentation process.

Study Design: Waste paper and spent mushroom samples were subjected to fermentation and hydrolysis by Aspergilus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce bioethanol.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between May and October 2017.

Methodology: Waste paper and spent mushrooms samples were hydrolyzed by Aspergillus niger, and the hydrolysate from each set up subjected to fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ethanol was extracted by fractional distillation, and qualitatively determined by Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry.

Results: After 8 days of fermentation, there was decrease in glucose content in waste paper hydrolysate ranging from (0.51-0.1 mg/l), and spent mushroom substrate (0.3-0.07 mg/l). Upon extraction of the bioethanol, the highest yield was recorded for waste paper hydrolysate which after characterization with GC-MS ethanol concentration was 28.01 mg/l, followed by spent mushroom hydrolysate 26.8 mg/l.

Conclusion: This study revealed that bioethanol can be obtained from fermentation of waste paper using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and ethanol can be obtained after the paper has been used in growing edible mushroom; if adopted, this could be a way to achieving environmental sustainability.
Ultrahigh‐Performance Flexible and Self‐Powered Photodetectors with Ferroelectric P(VDF‐TrFE)/Perovskite Bulk Heterojunction
Authors: Cao Fengren , Tian Wei , Meng Linxing , Wang Meng , Li Liang
Published: February 2019

Flexible and self‐powered perovskite photodetectors attract widespread research interests due to their potential applications in portable and wearable optoelectronic devices. However, the reported devices mainly adopt an independent layered structure with complex fabrication processes and high carrier recombination. Herein, an integrated ferroelectric poly(vinylidene‐fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) and perovskite bulk heterojunction film photodetector on the polyethylene naphthalate substrate is demonstrated. Under the optimum treatment conditions (the polarization voltage and time, and the concentration of P(VDF‐TrFE)), the photodetector exhibits a largely enhanced performance compared to the pristine perovskite device. The resulting device exhibits ultrahigh performance with a large detectivity (1.4 × 1013 Jones) and fast response time (92/193 µs) at the wavelength of 650 nm. The improved performance is attributed to the fact that the polarized P(VDF‐TrFE)/perovskite hybrid film provides a stronger built‐in electric field to facilitate the separation and transportation of photogenerated carriers. These findings provide a new route to design self‐powered photodetectors from the aspect of device structure and carrier transport.
Naturally Occurring Bioactive Compound‐Derived Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Saw Phei Er , Lee Soyoung , Jon Sangyong
Published: February 2019

Bioactive, small molecular compounds from a variety of plants and organisms have tremendous potential for use as treatments for cancer, microbial infections, inflammatory diseases, and other medical conditions. There have also been attempts to use naturally occurring bioactive compounds as delivery carriers. Such bioactive, natural compound‐derived nanocarriers are expected to have better biocompatibility than synthetic material‐derived drug‐delivery systems and also exhibit intrinsic therapeutic efficacy. Despite these expectations, however, research on the topic is limited and thus has been the subject of very few reviews. Here, the authors describe carriers derived from four typical naturally occurring bioactive compounds—curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (an active ingredient in green tea), and bilirubin—that have been used for biomedical applications. In this review, the pros and cons of each bioactive small molecular compound and processes for synthesizing and preparing these compound‐derived delivery carriers are discussed. A number of examples that show the potential of these delivery carriers as disease treatments are considered, and their future prospects for biomedical applications are assessed. Nanoparticles that simply encapsulate or encase such bioactive compounds are outside the scope of this review and thus are not considered.
Significant Effect of Fluorination on Simultaneously Improving Work Function and Transparency of Anode Interlayer for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lu Lili , Liao Qing , Zu Yunfei , Xu Ye , Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui
Published: February 2019

Since the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of donors in organic solar cells (OSCs) is being constantly downshifted for achieving high open‐circuit voltage (Voc), a further enhancement of the anode work function (WF) is required. Herein, an effective approach of fluorination is demonstrated to simultaneously improve the WF and transparency for anode interlayer (AIL) material. By fluorination, in combination with the dialysis treatment in LiCl solution, the WF of PCP‐2F‐Li could be significantly enhanced from 4.86 to 5.0 eV, as compared to PCP‐Na. Meanwhile, the transparency of the polymer is also improved. As a result, PCP‐2F‐Li can be used to modify efficient active layers consisting of polymer donors with deep HOMO levels, such as PBDB‐T‐2F:IT‐4F, and an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.7% is achieved in the corresponding device with a high Voc of 0.84 V. This result represents the highest efficiency for the OSCs using a solution‐processed pH‐neutral AIL, which is beneficial to the low‐cost fabrication of high‐performance OSCs with improved stability. More importantly, PCP‐2F‐Li could be processed by blade coating for making large‐area device of 1 cm2, and a PCE of 10.6% is achieved, bringing a promising prospect for the large‐area device fabrication.
Age‐related changes in the marmoset gut microbiome
Authors: Reveles Kelly R. , Patel Shrina , Forney Larry , Ross Corinna N.
Published: February 2019

The gut microbiome is known to play a significant role in human health but its role in aging remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the gut microbiome composition between young adult and geriatric non‐human primates (marmosets) as a model of human health and disease. Stool samples were collected from geriatric (8+ years) and young adult males (2–5 years). Stool 16S ribosomal RNA V4 sequences were amplified and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units and classified via Mothur's Bayesian classifier referenced against the Greengenes database. A total of 10 young adult and 10 geriatric marmosets were included. Geriatric marmosets had a lower mean Shannon diversity compared with young marmosets (3.15 vs. 3.46; p = 0.0191). Geriatric marmosets had a significantly higher mean abundance of Proteobacteria (0.22 vs. 0.09; p = 0.0233) and lower abundance of Firmicutes (0.15 vs. 0.19; p = 0.0032) compared with young marmosets. Geriatric marmosets had a significantly higher abundance of Succinivibrionaceae (0.16 vs. 0.01; p = 0.0191) and lower abundance of Porphyromonadaceae (0.07 vs. 0.11; p = 0.0494). In summary, geriatric marmosets had significantly altered microbiome diversity and composition compared with young adult marmosets. Further studies are needed to test microbiome‐targeted therapies to improve healthspan and lifespan.
Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion as a predictor of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Shah Asim , Nanjayya Vinodh , Ihle Josh
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The accurate measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) requires high‐quality images and echocardiography expertise. Critically ill patients can present challenges in obtaining good acoustic windows for ultrasound, particularly for ICU trainees early in their ultrasound learning. Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (MAPSE), a simple measurement, may be useful in this context to estimate LV systolic function.

Materials and Methods

All adult patients admitted to the Alfred ICU between August 2012 and February 2013 who were on mechanical ventilation and needed an echocardiography examination were eligible to be included in the study. An ICU trainee in their first year of echocardiography training performed MAPSE measurements. An advanced echocardiographer classified LV systolic function into normal, mild, moderate or severe categories based on the visual estimation of LVEF. The relationship between the MAPSE measurements and the range of LV systolic function was assessed.

Results

Amongst 39 patients, the mean (SD) age was 55 (18.6) years, 20 (50%) were males, 36 (90%) were in sinus rhythm, 19 (48%) were on vasopressors, 12 (30%) were on inotropes and 23 (58%) were on mandatory mode mechanical ventilation. The mean (SD) MAPSE was 12.2 (5.28) mm. 28 (70%) of the patients had normal or mildly reduced LVEF. The ROC analysis showed that a MAPSE cut‐off point of ≥12.5 mm diagnosed normal or mildly reduced LVEF with 82.14% sensitivity and 91.67% specificity. The area under ROC curve was 0.91 (95% CI 0.82–1.00).

Conclusion

MAPSE is useful as a surrogate for LVEF in mechanically ventilated patients. In early critical care echocardiography training, a novice learner can perform MAPSE easily, accurately, and find it helpful for assessment of LVEF.
The economics of numbering up a chemical process enterprise
Authors: Weber Robert S. , Snowden‐Swan Lesley J.
Published: February 2019

Chemical‐processing plants that can be numbered up by installing and operating many replicate facilities are economically and technically well suited for the conversion of geographically distributed sources of renewable or waste carbon into fuels or chemicals. Examples from the manufacture of chemicals and the installation of flue gas treatment technology suggest that the relative cost diminution should correlate through a power law (Cost/Cost1 ∝ E
−a) with E, a measure of the experience of operating those facilities and/or the number of units that are mass manufactured and installed. The exponent, a, can be related to the complexity of the process and the characteristics of the products.
Characterization and in vitro evaluation of electrospun aligned‐fiber membranes of poly(L‐co‐D,L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Leal Claudenete Vieira , dos Santos Almeida Rosemeire , Dávila José Luis , Domingues Juliana Almeida , Hausen Moema A. , Duek Eliana A. Rezende , d’Ávila Marcos Akira
Published: February 2019

poly(L‐co‐D,L‐lactic acid) (PLDLA) is a bioresorbable and biocompatible copolymer obtained from the combination of L‐lactic and D, L‐lactic monomers. PLDLA membranes formed by aligned fibers were prepared by AC/DC electrospinning. Solutions of 8 and 10 wt % of PLDLA were used and membranes were collected by a rotating cylindrical collector. The results showed a slight increase in the fiber diameter with the increase in the polymer concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed no changes in the chemical structure. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed an increase in the storage modulus and a decrease in glass‐transition temperature for the 10 wt % samples, which was corroborated by differential scanning calorimetry. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a slight variation of the peak degradation temperature. Nevertheless, the samples did not present solvent residues. The membranes were tested in vitro using adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). The ASCs proliferated after 1, 7, and 14 days of culture, maintaining a spindle‐like morphology, which evidences their potential for tissue engineering applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47657.
Design and synthesis of imidazolidinone derivatives as potent anti‐leishmanial agents by bioisosterism
Authors: Ramu Dandugudumula , Jain Ravi , Kumar Ravi R. , Sharma Veena , Garg Swati , Ayana Rajagopal , Luthra Tania , Yadav Preeti , Sen Subhabrata , Singh Shailja
Published: February 2019

Bioisosterism is a useful strategy in rational drug design to improve pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of lead compounds. Imidazolidinones have been reported as potent kinase inhibitors and antileishmanial agents. In this study, bioisosteres of imidazolidinones (compounds 1–3) were evaluated for their antileishmanial properties. The modified imidazolidinones exhibited potent antileishmanial activity against extracellular as well as intracellular Leishmania donovani parasites in nanomolar concentrations. The selectivity index of these compounds on host cells was found to be more than 1000, emphasizing their specificity toward the parasite. Using SwissTargetPrediction software, we assessed the potential targets of these compounds and found MAPK as the most probable target. To in vitro validate, we developed a novel in vitro kinase assay that mimics the in vivo nature of the functional kinome. Compounds 1–3 displayed specific inhibition of parasite kinase activity accompanied by an increase in intracellular sodium levels in the parasites. This might be the effect of kinase inhibition that regulates sodium homeostasis through Na‐ATPases. Finally, the compound‐treated parasites underwent apoptosis‐like death. This study represents bioisoterism as a novel approach for drug design to establish the structure–activity relationship, which in turn helps to improve the therapeutic activity of lead compounds.
Activation of the Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ Coactivator 1β/NFATc1 Pathway in Circulating Osteoclast Precursors Associated With Bone Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ma Jian‐Da , Jing Jun , Wang Jun‐Wei , Mo Ying‐Qian , Li Qian‐Hua , Lin Jian‐Zi , Chen Le‐Feng , Shao Lan , Miossec Pierre , Dai Lie
Published: February 2019

Objective

Activation of osteoclastogenesis at the bone site in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well established. The mechanisms by which circulating osteoclast precursors contribute are still unclear. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1β (PGC‐1β) is implicated in transcriptional regulation of osteoclastogenesis in mouse models. This study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of PGC‐1β to circulating osteoclast precursors and its link to bone destruction in RA.

Methods

PGC‐1β expression in RA peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes was increased and showed correlation with joint destruction shown on radiographs. Cells from RA patients or healthy controls were transfected with a lentivirus vector for PGC‐1β gene silencing or overexpression and cultured with macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and RANKL. Bone resorption activity, bone‐degrading enzymes, and signaling molecules were measured in these mature osteoclasts.

Results

Increased nuclear accumulation of PGC‐1β was observed in RA peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes, and these cells had stronger osteoclastogenesis than in healthy controls. PGC‐1β protein expression was positively correlated with radiographic joint destruction (r = 0.396–0.413; allP< 0.05). PGC‐1β knockdown suppressed (51–82% reduction) the expression of cathepsin K, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), as well as osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption activity. Conversely, PGC‐1β overexpression increased these markers (by 1.5–1.8‐fold) and osteoclastogenesis. VIVIT, an inhibitor of NFATc1 activation, inhibited the effect of overexpressed PGC‐1β by reducing cathepsin K, TRAP, and MMP‐9 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay showed PGC‐1β bound to NFATc1 promoter, leading to transcriptional activation.

Conclusion

Activation of the PGC‐1β/NFATc1 pathway in circulating osteoclast precursors was associated with bone destruction in RA. This may represent a new treatment target.
Forecasting the volatility of biofuel feedstock prices: the US evidence
Authors: Dutta Anupam , Junttila Juha , Uddin Gazi S.
Published: February 2019

Given that, nowadays, 40% of the US corn crop is used for biofuel production, there is a growing concern that the rise in biofuel production might lead to an increase in food prices. However, it is also obvious that significant growth in biofuel use has minimized the demand for fossil fuel and has hence reduced the volume of carbon emissions. It is therefore crucial to model corn market volatility precisely because such an estimate could play a vital role in stabilizing food and biofuel market prices. For this purpose, we consider using the information content of the corn implied volatility (CIV) index to predict the corn futures market return volatility. Using symmetric and asymmetric GARCH‐class models, we find that the CIV index provides additional information beyond what is contained in the historical volatility of the corn market returns, and the information provided by the CIV index improves volatility forecasts for the US corn market. These findings could be extremely useful for energy market participants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Simultaneous determination of eight bioactive components in rat plasma after oral administration of Yan‐Ke‐Ning‐Tablet by liquid chromatography coupled with Q‐Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xia Yu , Sun Mingyang , Li Ren , Liu Yue
Published: February 2019

A rapid, sensitive and reliable quantitative method based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q‐Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous determination of berberine, berberrubine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, baicalin, baicalein and wogonin in rat plasma after oral administration with Yan‐Ke‐Ning‐Tablet (YKNT). After precipitation with acetonitrile, the plasma samples were separated on a reverse‐phase C18 column with 1 mm ammonium acetate containing 0.2% acetic acid–acetonitrile as mobile phase. Calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.9983) over the tested concentration ranges of 0.5–200 ng/mL for berberine, berberrubine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine and columbamine, and 1–300 ng/mL for baicalin, baicalein and wogonin. The precision (relative standard deviation) at three different concentration levels was <12.15% and the accuracy (relative error) ranged from −8.24 to 10.85%. No matrix effects were observed with matrix effect value ranging from 89.23 to 107.68%. The extraction recovery was in the range of 82.34–92.31%. The validated assay was further successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of these components after oral administration of YKNT. The present study provides the pharmacokinetic profiles of major bioactive components found in YKNT, and provides valuable information regarding the chemical components that were absorbed into plasma, which will be helpful for understanding the therapeutic effects of YKNT.
Enhanced Droplet Size Control in Liquid‐Liquid Emulsions Obtained in a Wire‐Guided X‐Mixer
Authors: Bangjang Thapanee , Cherkasov Nikolay , Denissenko Petr , Jaree Attasak , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: February 2019

The droplet size in a liquid‐liquid emulsion can be controlled by placing a metal wire along the centerline of an X‐mixer. Droplets gradually form when flowing along the wire, with droplet separation occurring at the tip of the wire rather than at the channel intersection in the X‐mixer. The droplet size is now defined by the Plateau‐Rayleigh instability developing in the axisymmetric annular flow region rather than by a sophisticated and hardly predictable three‐dimensional flow at the channel intersection. The wire‐guided droplet formation allows for fine control of the droplet size by changing the wire diameter, the position of the wire tip, and the flow rates. Further control of the droplet size can be achieved by adjusting the surface tension by adding a surfactant.
Direct and Regioselective Di‐α‐fucosylation on the Secondary Rim of β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Verkhnyatskaya Stella A. , de Vries Alex H. , Douma‐de Vries Elmatine , Sneep Renze J. L. , Walvoort Marthe T. C.
Published: February 2019

A straightforward glycosylation method is described to regio‐ and stereoselectively introduce two α‐l‐fucose moieties directly to the secondary rim of β‐cyclodextrin. Using NMR and MS fragmentation studies, the nonasaccharide structure was determined, which was also visualized using molecular dynamics simulations. The reported glycosylation method proved to be robust on gram‐scale, and may be generally applied to directly glycosylate β‐cyclodextrins to make well‐defined multivalent glycoclusters.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment: So many choices, such great options
Authors: Sharma Sandhya , Rai Kanti R.
Published: February 2019

Within a period of just over a decade, managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has become more effective and yet more challenging than ever before. The important improvement in the treatment of CLL can be ascribed to the availability of many new options, mainly with the development of novel targeted therapies, such as ibrutinib, idelalisib, duvelisib and venetoclax. There are now newer tests that reliably define high‐risk patients, and treatment plans can be tailored accordingly. Overall, this indeed is a new era in the treatment of patients with CLL. However, despite this progress, CLL remains an incurable disease and continues to remain challenging. In this brief review, the authors highlight the many great choices available to clinicians who manage patients with CLL and focus on the sequencing of these choices based on the available data.
HIV infection is not associated with the initiation of curative treatment in women with cervical cancer in Botswana
Authors: Grover Surbhi , MacDuffie Emily C. , Wang Qiao , Bvochora‐Nsingo Memory , Bhatia Rohini K. , Balang Dawn , Chiyapo Sebathu P. , Luckett Rebecca , Ramogola‐Masire Doreen , Dryden‐Peterson Scott L. , Lin Lilie L. , Shin Sanghyuk S. , Zetola Nicola M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The risk of developing cancer is increased for women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is unknown which factors predict the initiation of curative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in resource‐limited settings and whether HIV is associated with initiating curative CRT in settings with a high HIV burden.

Methods

All women living with and without HIV infection who were initiating curative and noncurative CRT for locally advanced cervical cancer in Botswana were prospectively enrolled in an observational study. The factors associated with receiving CRT were evaluated in all patients and the subgroup of women living with HIV.

Results

Of 519 enrolled women, 284 (55%) initiated CRT with curative intent. The curative cohort included 200 women (70.4%) who were living with HIV and had a median CD4 count of 484.0 cells/μL (interquartile range, 342.0‐611.0 cells/μL). In the noncurative cohort, 157 of 235 women (66.8%) were living with HIV and had a median CD4 count of 476.5 cells/μL (interquartile range, 308.0‐649.5 cells/μL). HIV status was not associated with initiating curative CRT (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58‐1.56). The factors associated with receiving curative CRT treatment on multivariable analysis in all patients included baseline hemoglobin levels ≥10 g/dL (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.18‐2.74) and stage I or II versus stage III or IV disease (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 2.10‐4.75). Women aged >61 years were less likely to receive curative treatment (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24‐0.75). Among women who were living with HIV, higher CD4 cell counts were associated with higher rates of CRT initiation.

Conclusions

The initiation of CRT with curative intent does not depend on HIV status. Significant predictors of CRT initiation include baseline hemoglobin level, disease stage, and age.
Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates implicit attitudes towards food in eating disorders
Authors: Mattavelli Giulia , Gallucci Alessia , Schiena Giandomenico , D'Agostino Armando , Sassetti Teresa , Bonora Stefano , Bertelli Sara , Benetti Alberto , Tugnoli Elena , Ruggiero Giovanni Maria , Sassaroli Sandra , Romero Lauro Leonor , Gambini Orsola , Papagno Costanza
Published: February 2019

Objective

Neuromodulation of regions involved in food processing is increasingly used in studies on eating behaviors, but results are controversial. We assessed the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a‐tDCS) on food and body implicit preferences in patients with eating disorders (EDs).

Method

Thirty‐six ED patients and 36 healthy females completed three sessions with a‐tDCS applied to the medial‐prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the right extrastriate body area (rEBA) or in sham mode. Each participant then completed three Implicit Association Tests (IATs) on tasty/tasteless food, underweight/overweight body images, flowers versus insects as control. Differences in latency between incongruent and congruent blocks were calculated (D score).

Results

The tDCS by group interaction was significant for the IAT‐food D score, with patients showing weaker preference for tasty food than controls in sham, but not a‐tDCS sessions. In particular, rEBA stimulation significantly increased patients' D score compared to sham. Moreover, a‐tDCS over mPFC and rEBA selectively increased patients' reaction times in the incongruent blocks of the IAT‐food.

Discussion

A‐tDCS on frontal and occipito‐temporal cortices modulated food preferences in ED patients. The effect was specific for food images and selective in patients, but not in healthy participants. These findings suggest that neuromodulation of these regions could affect implicit food attitudes.
The hydraulic efficiency–safety trade‐off differs between lianas and trees
Authors: van der Sande Masha T. , Poorter Lourens , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J. , Markesteijn Lars
Published: February 2019

Hydraulic traits are important for woody plant functioning and distribution. Associations among hydraulic traits, other leaf and stem traits, and species’ performance are relatively well understood for trees, but remain poorly studied for lianas. We evaluated the coordination among hydraulic efficiency (i.e., maximum hydraulic conductivity), hydraulic safety (i.e., cavitation resistance), a suite of eight morphological and physiological traits, and species’ abundances for saplings of 24 liana species and 27 tree species in wet tropical forests in Panama. Trees showed a strong trade‐off between hydraulic efficiency and hydraulic safety, whereas efficiency and safety were decoupled in lianas. Hydraulic efficiency was strongly and similarly correlated with acquisitive traits for lianas and trees (e.g., positively with gas exchange rates and negatively with wood density). Hydraulic safety, however, showed no correlations with other traits in lianas, but with several in trees (e.g., positively with leaf dry matter content and wood density and negatively with gas exchange rates), indicating that in lianas hydraulic efficiency is an anchor trait because it is correlated with many other traits, while in trees both efficiency and safety are anchor traits. Traits related to shade tolerance (e.g., low specific leaf area and high wood density) were associated with high local tree sapling abundance, but not with liana abundance. Our results suggest that different, yet unknown mechanisms determine hydraulic safety and local‐scale abundance for lianas compared to trees. For trees, the trade‐off between efficiency and safety will provide less possibilities for ecological strategies. For lianas, however, the uncoupling of efficiency and safety could allow them to have high hydraulic efficiency, and hence high growth rates, without compromising resistance to cavitation under drought, thus allowing them to thrive and outperform trees under drier conditions.
Advancing knowledge of gas migration and fugitive gas from energy wells in northeast British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Cahill Aaron G. , Beckie Roger , Ladd Bethany , Sandl Elyse , Goetz Maximillian , Chao Jessie , Soares Julia , Manning Cara , Chopra Chitra , Finke Niko , Hawthorne Iain , Black Andrew , Ulrich Mayer K. , Crowe Sean , Cary Tim , Lauer Rachel , Mayer Bernhard , Allen Andrew , Kirste Dirk , Welch Laurie
Published: February 2019

Petroleum resource development is creating a global legacy of active and inactive onshore energy wells. Unfortunately, a portion of these wells will exhibit gas migration (GM), releasing fugitive gas (FG) into adjacent geologic formations and overlying soils. Once mobilized, FG may traverse the critical zone, impact groundwater, and emit to the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse‐gas emissions. Understanding of GM and FG has increased in recent years but significant gaps persist in knowledge of (1) the incidence and causes of GM, (2) subsurface baseline conditions in regions of development required to delineate GM and FG, and (3) the migration, impacts, and fate of FG. Here we provide an overview of these knowledge gaps as well as the occurrence of GM and FG as currently understood in British Columbia (BC), Canada, a petroleum‐producing region hosting significant reserves. To address the identified knowledge gaps within BC, the Energy and Environment Research Initiative (EERI) at the University of British Columbia is implementing several field‐focused research projects including: (1) statistical analyses of regulatory data to elucidate the incidence and causes of GM, (2) characterization of regional hydrogeology and shallow subsurface conditions in the Peace Region of the Montney resource play, and (3) investigation of the migration, impacts, and fate of FG in the shallow subsurface through controlled natural‐gas release. Together, the EERI investigations will advance understanding of GM and FG, provide scientific data that can inform regulations, and aid development of effective monitoring and detection methodologies for BC and beyond. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitric oxide as a messenger between neurons and satellite glial cells in dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Belzer Vitali , Hanani Menachem
Published: February 2019

Abnormal neuronal activity in sensory ganglia contributes to chronic pain. There is evidence that signals can spread between cells in these ganglia, which may contribute to this activity. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) in sensory ganglia undergo activation following peripheral injury and participate in cellular communication via gap junctions and chemical signaling. Nitric oxide (NO) is released from neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and induces cyclic GMP (cGMP) production in SCGs, but its role in SGC activation and neuronal excitability has not been explored. It was previously reported that induction of intestinal inflammation with dinitrobenzoate sulfonate (DNBS) increased gap junctional communications among SGCs, which contributed to neuronal excitability and pain. Here we show that DNBS induced SGC activation in mouse DRG, as assayed by glial fibrillary acidic protein upregulation. DNBS also upregulated cGMP level in SGCs, consistent with NO production. In vitro studies on intact ganglia from DNBS‐treated mice showed that blocking NO synthesis inhibited both SGCs activation and cGMP upregulation, indicating an ongoing NO production. Application of NO donor in vitro induced SGC activation, augmented gap junctional communications, and raised neuronal excitability, as assessed by electrical recordings. The cGMP analog 8‐Br‐cGMP mimicked these actions, confirming the role of the NO‐cGMP pathway in intraganglionic communications. NO also augmented Ca2+ waves propagation in DRG cultures. It is proposed that NO synthesis in DRG neurons increases after peripheral inflammation and that NO induces SGC activation, which in turn contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability. Thus, NO plays a major role in neuron–SGC communication.
Speech intelligibility in patients with oral cancer: An objective baseline evaluation of pretreatment function and impairment
Authors: Stelzle Florian , Oetter Nicolai , Goellner Luisa Theresa , Adler Werner , Rohde Maximilian , Maier Andreas , Matthies Levi , Kesting Marco Rainer , Knipfer Christian
Published: February 2019

Background

This study seeks to identify those factors that influence the pre‐therapeutic speech intelligibility in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Method

A group of 172 patients (125 males, 47 females, mean age = 61 ± 11 a) with different OSCC stages ranging from T1 to T4 and N0 to N2 was examined for their speech intelligibility using a computerized measuring tool, and compared to a healthy reference group (30 males, 10 females, mean age = 59 ± 12 a).

Results

It was found that the pre‐therapeutic speech intelligibility in patients with OSCC is decreased when compared to a healthy collective. Two demographic factors that influence speech intelligibility could be identified: sex and age. It was determined that the only disease‐related factor that influences speech intelligibility before therapy is the location of the tumor.

Conclusion

The results of this study reveal that a preoperative speech intelligibility impairment in patients suffering from OSCC occurs independent of tumor stage, size of the tumor and infiltration status.
Foliar and stem epidermal anatomy of the tribe Cynoglosseae (Boraginaceae) and their taxonomic significance
Authors: Attar Farideh , Esfandani‐Bozchaloyi Somayeh , Mirtadzadini Mansour , Ullah Fazal , Zaman Wajid
Published: February 2019

Foliar and stem epidermal anatomical features of the tribe Cynoglosseae have been studied in detail for the taxonomic identification using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. A comparative study was conducted on different plant parts (leaf and stem epidermal anatomy) of 25 species belonging to eight genera of the tribe Cynoglosseae (Boraginaceae) collected from different phytogeographical regions of Iran for the first time. Different qualitative and quantitative characteristics were observed in detail using LM and SEM. Results showed that although generally the stem and leaf anatomical traits were similar, but some diagnostic features were examined for distinguishing the closely related genera in the tribe. The ratio of cortex/diameter of stem and phloem/xylem, the average row number of collenchyma, palisade and spongy cells, structure of trichomes, type of indumentum and palisade arrangement were found taxonomically important. The anatomical characters were statistically analyzed using cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The study found that stem and leaf eccentrics are variable in the genus but constant within species of the same genus. Most species had typical isobilateral leaves, but some showed an incipient dorsoventrally symmetry with a layer of abaxial palisade tissue. Eglandular trichomes were observed found in all the studied species, which were recognized based on structure and function. In present study some novel characters have been observed which are of great interest to the taxonomist for the correct identification some genera delimitations. The characters studied here are of less taxonomic value and delimitating at species level.
Astrocytic pyruvate carboxylation: Status after 35 years
Authors: Schousboe Arne , Waagepetersen Helle S. , Sonnewald Ursula
Published: February 2019

The first two publications dealing with the question of the cellular localization of the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PC) which in the brain represents the most important metabolic pathway to allow anaplerosis of TCA cycle constituents were published in 1983 and 1985. Hence, 2018 marks the 35th anniversary of the notion based on the results of the publications provided above that PC‐catalyzed anaplerosis in the brain is an astrocytic process. This review will provide the background for investigating this enzymatic pathway as well as a discussion of cataplerosis, the degradation of products from anaplerosis, and the current status of the functional significance of pyruvate carboxylation in brain metabolism.
Quality, functional and sensory evaluation of pasta fortified with extracts from Opuntia ficus‐indica cladodes
Authors: Attanzio Alessandro , Diana Patrizia , Barraja Paola , Carbone Anna , Spanò Virginia , Parrino Barbara , Cascioferro Stella M , Allegra Mario , Cirrincione Girolamo , Tesoriere Luisa , Montalbano Alessandra
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The stems of Opuntia ficus‐indica, known as cladodes, are a rich source of soluble fibers, which makes them an important candidate for the production of functional foods. Tagliatelle of durum wheat fortified with Opuntia cladode extract (OCE) at different levels of addition (10–30%, v/w) was prepared on a laboratory scale and quality characteristics and sensory acceptability were assessed.

RESULTS

The main quality parameters (optimal cooking time, swelling index, cooking loss, dry matter) and sensory analysis on a nine‐point hedonic scale were comparable with those of the control pasta sample (no added OCE) when durum wheat was supplemented with OCE at up to 20% (v/w). An in vitro human simulated gastrointestinal digestion in the presence of cholesterol or its main dietary oxidized derivative, 7‐ketocholesterol, showed that OCE‐fortified pasta strongly reduced the bioaccessibility of both the sterols (the higher the incorporated OCE level, the higher the effect). Moreover the extent of starch digestion decreased with increasing levels of OCE.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that OCE‐fortified pasta comprises a food with healthy properties, such as blood cholesterol‐ and glucose‐lowering capabilities. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of berry perforation on grape drying kinetics and total phenolic compounds
Authors: Martín‐Gómez Juan , Ángeles Varo M , Mérida Julieta , Serratosa María P
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Drying is one of the traditional methods used for the conservation of fruits. In recent years, different methods have been developed to obtain higher quality products. Chamber‐drying methods with hot air at controlled temperature are reliable and easy to use. The effect of piercing the structure of grape berries on their drying time was studied experimentally during convective drying within a temperature range of 30–50 °C. Experimental moisture loss results were fitted to different mathematical models, evaluated for goodness of fit by comparing their respective R2, χ2, and root mean square error.

RESULTS

The Midilli et al. model provided a better prediction to describe the drying of whole grapes than the other models evaluated. However, punched grapes showed a better fit for the two‐term model at 30 and 40 °C, and the approximation of diffusion model at 50 °C. The values of effective moisture diffusivity fluctuated between 8.04 × 10−12 and 7.31 × 10−11 m2 s−1. Activation energy was 56.49 and 54.43 kJ mol−1 for whole and punched grapes, respectively. All the drying processes produced an increase of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in grapes, these increases being higher in whole grape drying.

CONCLUSION

The drying of punched grapes was faster and the activation energy higher than with drying of whole grapes; however, whole grapes presented more total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Surgical resectability of multisite metastatic colorectal cancer: Pushing the limits while appropriately selecting patients
Authors: Bliss Lindsay A. , Strong Erin A. , Gamblin T. Clark
Published: February 2019

Management of multisite colorectal metastases is expanding to make curative resection possible for more patients who present with advanced disease. Patient selection, tumor biology, meticulous surgical technique, and thoughtful perioperative care are essential to extending the benefit to patients previously treated with palliative goals of care.
Racial disparities in bladder management in veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders
Authors: Morin Jacqueline P , King Ashley B , Goetz Lance L , Wolfe Luke G , Klausner Adam P
Published: February 2019

Aims

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in individuals with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D). The purpose of this study was to identify specific demographic, neurologic, and urologic factors associated with different bladder management methods (BMMs) in individuals with SCI/D.

Methods

A retrospective review of BMMs at a large Veterans Affairs SCI/D center was performed to identify associated risk factors including demographics, neurologic factors, and urologic factors. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with specific BMMs. Then, a propensity‐matched racial group analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with differences in BMM.

Results

Data from 833 patients with SCI/D were reviewed and included 52.1% Caucasians and 39.6% African Americans. On bivariate analysis, current age, years since the injury, the severity of functional impairment, nonmedical mechanism of injury, and Caucasian race were associated with increased rates of indwelling catheter use. In an analysis of propensity‐matched racial groups, African‐American race was found to be an independent risk factor for not using indwelling catheters on multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.55). This finding was not related to access to care, as the rate of urodynamic testing was similar between races (
P = 0.174).

Conclusions

Caucasians were more likely to use indwelling catheters and less likely to use conservative BMMs despite proper urodynamic evaluation. The racial discrepancy suggests a need for future research aimed at identifying unknown psychosocial factors associated with the use of indwelling catheters in individuals with SCI/D.
Vesomni improves the quality of life in men with lower urinary tract symptoms in routine clinical practice in Europe
Authors: Rees Jonathan , Foley Steve , Huang Moses , Rosa Arias José , Skoumal René , Walters Carien , Yavuz Yalcin , De Wachter Stefan
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the impact of Vesomni/Urizia/Volutsa, a fixed‐dose combination tablet containing 6 mg solifenacin (antimuscarinic) and 0.4 mg tamsulosin (α‐blocker), on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in routine clinical practice.

Methods

EUROPA was a noninterventional study of men with LUTS/BPH not responding to monotherapy who were prescribed Vesomni in routine clinical practice. Data were collected retrospectively (1 year) and prospectively (1 year). Assessments were performed at baseline, weeks 4 to 8, weeks 9 to 18 (optional), weeks 19 to 39 (optional), and Weeks 40 to 52. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HRQoL, as assessed by the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB‐q) symptom bother subscale score. Change from baseline in OAB‐q total and coping, sleep, and social interaction subscale scores, treatment satisfaction‐visual analog scale (TS‐VAS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and European Quality of Life 5‐Dimension‐5‐Level (EQ‐5D‐5L) questionnaire were also evaluated.

Results

Five hundred and eighty‐nine patients were enrolled. The mean changes in adjusted mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) OAB‐q symptom bother subscale scores were −16.40 (−24.31, −8.49) at weeks 4 to 8 and −19.59 (−28.26, −10.92) at weeks 40 to 52; at weeks 40 to 52, changes were clinically meaningful in 84.6% of patients. Adjusted mean (95% CI) change from baseline to weeks 40 to 52 were 15.02 (7.35, 22.69), 19.37 (10.86, 27.89), 18.65 (7.44, 29.86), 9.85 (3.90, 15.81), and 16.09 (9.07, 23.11) for concern, coping, sleep, social interaction, and total, respectively. TS‐VAS, IPSS, and EQ‐5D‐5L all improved, and treatment persistence at weeks 40 to 52 was 77.1%. Urinary retention was reported in four (0.7%) patients.

Conclusions

Vesomni was well‐tolerated and improved HRQoL and treatment satisfaction in patients with LUTS/BPH.
Is a 10‐minute surgical scrub necessary in urologic prosthetic surgery? A randomized study of the effect of a 5‐ vs 10‐minute surgical scrub on bacterial colony counts in the genital skin
Authors: Malalasekera Ashanya , Louie‐Johnsun Mark , Wang Audrey , van Diepen Danielle C. , Gottlieb Thomas , Chan Lewis
Published: February 2019

Aims

To determine the antiseptic efficacy on bacterial colony counts of a 5‐ vs 10‐minute surgical site scrub in urologic surgery.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in 101 patients presenting for elective urological procedures. Patients were randomized to a 5‐ or 10‐minute groin scrub with Betadine (povidone‐iodine). Skin swabs were taken immediately after skin clipping and following routine painting with Betadine. A third swab was taken after the betadine skin scrub. Bacterial colony counts were reported as a number of colony‐forming units (CFUs). The primary outcome measure was a quantitative comparison of CFUs in the two arms.

Results

Fifty‐three patients were randomized to a 5‐minute scrub and 48 to a 10‐minute scrub. After Betadine painting, CFUs were present in 38% of patients in the 5‐minute group (mean, 33.5 CFU) and in 27% of the 10‐minute group (mean, 45.4 CFU). Following the surgical scrub, only 7.5% of the 5‐minute group and 8.3% of the 10‐minute group had a measurable CFU count of greater than or equal to 1, and colony counts were low in both groups (5‐ minute group: mean, 1.5 CFU; 10‐minute group: mean, 2.0 CFU). There was no significant difference in CFUs following a 5‐ or 10‐minute scrub (P = 0.28).

Conclusions

The addition of a surgical skin scrub leads to a fourfold reduction in the skin CFU count compared with Betadine painting. However, there is no difference between the antibacterial effects of a 5‐ and 10‐minute scrub. A 5‐minute scrub may be sufficient in urologic prosthetic surgery.