bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulators of the endocannabinoid system influence skin barrier repair, epidermal proliferation, differentiation and inflammation in a mouse model
Authors: Proksch Ehrhardt , Soeberdt Michael , Neumann Claudia , Kilic Ana , Abels Christoph
Published: July 2019

Endocannabinoids (ECs) are important regulators of cell signalling. Cannabinoid receptors are involved in keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation. Elevation of the endogenous cannabinoid tone leads to strong anti‐inflammatory effects. Here, we explored the influence of endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulators on skin permeability barrier repair, epidermal proliferation, differentiation and inflammation in hairless mice. We used WOBE440, a selective fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, WOL067‐531, an inhibitor of endocannabinoid reuptake with no relevant FAAH activity, which both signal via cannabinoid receptor‐1 and cannabinoid receptor‐2 (CB‐1R and CB‐2R) and compared them to WOBE15 which signals via CB‐2R. Barrier disruption and skin irritation were induced by tape stripping or by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) patch testing. Immediately after barrier disruption, 30 μL of 0.5% WOBE440, WOL067‐531 and WOBE15 solutions or the vehicle was applied topically. Barrier repair was monitored by transepidermal water loss at 1.5, 3, 5 and 7 hours. We found that barrier repair was significantly delayed by WOL067‐531. A tendency for a delay was noticed for WOBE440, whereas for WOBE15, no effect was observed. Immunohistology showed that the tape‐stripping‐induced increase in epidermal proliferation and filaggrin expression was significantly reduced by topical applications of WOL067‐531 and WOBE440, but not by WOBE15. Also, the SDS‐induced inflammation, as determined by the number of inflammatory cells, was reduced by WOL067‐531 and WOBE440. In summary, we showed that WOL067‐531 exhibits a significant effect on skin barrier repair, epidermal proliferation/differentiation and inflammation.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mti2 and Mti3 act in conjunction during mitochondrial translation initiation
Authors: Luo Ying , Su Ruyue , Wang Yirong , Xie Wanqiu , Liu Zecheng , Huang Ying
Published: July 2019

Mitochondrial DNA encodes key subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes essential for ATP production. Translation initiation in mitochondria requires two general factors, mtIF2 and mtIF3, whose counterparts in bacteria are essential for protein synthesis. In this study, we report the characterization of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe mtIF2 (Mti2) and mtIF3 (Mti3). Deletion of mti2 impairs cell growth on the respiratory medium. The growth defect of the mti2 deletion mutant can be suppressed by expressing IFM1, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog of Mti2, demonstrating functional conservation between the two proteins. Deletion of mti2 also impairs mitochondrial protein synthesis. Unlike mti2, deletion of mti3 does not affect cell growth on respiratory media and mitochondrial translation. However, deletion of mti3 exacerbates the growth defect of the Δmti2 mutant, suggesting that the two proteins have distinct, but partially overlapping functions during the process of mitochondrial translation initiation in S. pombe. Both Mti2 and Mti3 are associated with the small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome). Disruption of mti2, but not mti3, causes dissociation of the mitoribosome and also abolishes Mti3 binding to the small subunit of the mitoribosome. Our results suggest that Mti2 and Mti3 bind in a sequential manner to the small subunit of the mitoribosome and that Mti3 facilitates the function of Mti2 in mitochondrial translation initiation. Our findings also support the view that the importance of the mitochondrial translation initiation factors varies among the organisms.
Organizational design and its consequences for administrative reform: Historical lessons from the U.S. Budget and Accounting Act of 1921
Authors: Krause George A. , Jin Roger Qiyuan
Published: July 2019

The landmark U.S. Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 (BAA) instituted a series of administrative reforms that proponents claimed would improve budgetary control, stability, and coherence. We maintain that the compatibility of governance structures between agency and system levels is critical for understanding why these administrative centralization efforts were successful in achieving these aims for some federal agencies but not others. The BAA reforms impact on budgetary outcomes is evaluated using panel data on major U.S. federal agencies between 1894 and 1940. Applying semiparametric heterogeneous treatment estimation techniques, we find compelling support that administrative centralization of the federal budgetary process enhanced budget stability and coherence for executive departments while resulting in a lower caliber of budgetary performance for independent agencies. These findings imply that system‐level administrative centralization efforts may be effective only when public agencies are structurally amenable to such reforms.
Reuse of Drinking Water Treatment Waste for Remediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Groundwater
Authors: Holmes Ryan R. , Hart Megan L. , Kevern John T.
Published: July 2019

Lime softening produces an estimated 10,000 metric tons of dry drinking water treatment wastes (DWTW) per year, costing an estimated one billion dollars annually for disposal worldwide. Lime softening wastes have been investigated for reuse as internal curing agents or supplementary cementitious materials in concrete as well as a high‐capacity sorbent for heavy metal removal. Lead, cadmium, and zinc are common heavy metals in groundwater contaminated by mine tailings. Cement‐based filter media (CBFM) are a novel material‐class for heavy metal remediation in groundwater. This study investigated the incorporation of DWTW as a recycled, low‐cost additive to CBFM for the removal of lead, cadmium, and zinc. Jar testing at three different metal concentrations and breakthrough column testing using synthetic groundwater were performed to measure removal capacity and reaction kinetics. Jar testing results show as DWTW content increases at low concentrations, removal approaches 100% but at high metal concentrations removal decreases due to saturation or exhaustion of the removal mechanisms. Removal occurs through the formation of metal carbonate precipitates, surface sorption, and ion exchange with calcium according to the preferential series Pb+2 > Zn+2 > Cd2+. Removal kinetics were also measured through column testing and exceeded estimated calculations derived from batch jar testing isotherms due to the large formation of oolitic metal carbonates. Lead, cadmium, and zinc was concentrated in the column precipitates from 0.29, 0.23, and 20.0 μg/g in the influent solution to approximately 200, 130, 14,000 μg/g in the reacted DWTW‐CBFM. The control and DWTW‐CBFM columns had statically similar removal for zinc and lead. In the DWTW‐CBFM, cadmium had decreased removal of approximately 25% due to proportionately decreased hydroxide content from cement replacement with 25% DWTW. This study shows the potential for DWTW as an enhancement to CBFM, thereby valorizing an otherwise waste material. Furthermore, the concentrative abilities of CBFM through precipitate and oolitic mineral formation could provide a minable waste product and close the waste‐product cycle for DWTW.
Round‐robin exercise on the three‐ and four‐point flexural strength of thin ceramic plates for power modules
Authors: Miyazaki Hiroyuki , Hirao Kiyoshi , Hyuga Hideki
Published: July 2019

Round‐robin exercises on three‐ and four‐point flexural tests were successfully conducted to evaluate the fracture strength of Si3N4, Al2O3, and AlN thin plates for power modules. A 0.64 mm × 12 mm × 40 mm test specimen was loaded in three‐point flexure with a major span of 30 mm or was loaded in four‐point flexure with a major/minor span of 30/10 mm. For a 0.32 mm × 12 mm × 20 mm test specimen, both major and minor spans were halved. All test specimens were loaded in a fully articulated fixture provided by the test organizer. Reasonable consistencies in the resultant flexural strength were obtained between laboratories, indicating our new test condition for three‐ and four‐point bending of thin ceramic plates is satisfactory for reliable measurement of the flexural strength.
Improvement in heat resistivity of alkaline earth silicate fiber boards by Al4SiC4 coating
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Hashimoto Shinobu , Okamoto Naoyuki , Honda Sawao , Daiko Yusuke , Iwamoto Yuji
Published: July 2019

Alkaline earth silicate (AES) fiber ceramic board was immersed in a novel coating slurry consisting of Al4SiC4 particles and silica‐sol, forming a 500‐μm coating layer on the AES fiber board. Linear shrinkage of the uncoated AES fiber board was over 3.0% after heating at 1100°C or higher for 8 hours, whereas the linear shrinkage of the AES fiber board with an Al4SiC4 coating was below 2.0%. The coating layer of Al4SiC4 changed to a hard shell structure consisting of cristobalite, alumina, and mullite after heating. When AES fiber board with an Al4SiC4 coating layer was heated at 1200°C for 8 hours, the compressive strength of the board reached 0.45 MPa, 2.5 times greater than that of the original uncoated board.
Inkjet technology for ceramic products. Influence of some process variables on ink penetration
Authors: Amorós Jose Luis , Moreno Arnaldo , Blasco Encarna , Pérez Joaquin Javier , Navarro Sandra , Reverter Sandra
Published: July 2019

Inkjet technology has become very popular in recent years and is nowadays widely used for decorating ceramic products. This has led to in‐depth study of the operating principles and process variables involved. These notably influence the properties of the deposited ink layers, as do the physicochemical properties of the applied inks and of the glazes on which the inks are deposited. The problems associated with these factors are further heightened when inks with complex formulations designed to obtain special effects and specific surface properties are used. This study examines the characteristics of the interface that developed on applying an ink on a certain type of glaze, as well as the surface properties of the final product. The relationship of the amount of ink applied per unit area and the particle size distribution (PSD) of the glaze on which it was deposited to ink penetration into the glaze layer was also investigated. The resulting microstructures were observed by SEM, while the variation of glaze layer composition with distance to the surface was determined by SEM‐EDS. The results obtained were successfully correlated with the porous texture of the unfired glaze (determined by SEM and mercury porosimetry) and with unfired glaze PSD.
The evolution of the mold flux melt structure during the process of fluorine replacement by B2O3
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Wanlin , Zhai Bingyu , Sohn Il
Published: July 2019

This study presented the melt structure evolution of mold flux during the substitution of fluorine by B2O3, and a computational model for the degree of polymerization (DOP) for borosilicate structure was developed. The results showed that the reduction of fluorine content would promote the replacement of F in [SiF6]‐octahedral unit by the dissociative free oxygen ions (O2−), and release F− ions into the melt to compensate the reduction of F− ions. With the 2 mass% addition of B2O3, the original Si–O–Si bond would be disrupted, and connect with [BO3]‐trihedral to form boroxol ring structure containing [BO2O−]‐trihedral and [BO3]‐trihedral structural units. Then, the Si–O–B bond that [BO3]‐trihedral links [SiO4]‐tetrahedral in boroxol ring was destroyed with the further addition of B2O3, and then the [BO3]‐trihedral could link with the dissociative Q1(Si) and Q0(Si) structural units to transform into [BO4]‐tetrahedral and form a borosilicate long chain. Finally, with 6 mass% addition of B2O3, the borosilicate chain would combine with simple borate and borosilicate structures, and a complex borosilicate structure containing boroxol ring with certain symmetry was formed ultimately. Besides, the calculated result of DOP suggested that the DOP of the melt structure improved during the process of fluorine replacement by B2O3.
A nurse‐coordinated integrated care model to support decision‐making and self‐care in patients with atrial fibrillation: A study protocol
Authors: Li Polly W. C. , Yu Doris. S. F. , Yan Bryan B. Y.
Published: July 2019

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a nurse‐coordinated, empowerment‐based integrated care model on self‐care behaviours and psychosocial outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and to explore how this intervention affects patients’ self‐care behaviours and quality of life.

Design

This mixed‐methods study comprises a randomized controlled trial and an exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

A total of 392 community‐dwelling patients aged ≥65 years with a confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, a high stroke risk and no oral anticoagulants treatment will be recruited from the medical outpatient clinics of a university‐affiliated hospital. The patients will be randomly allocated to intervention or control groups, which will receive treatment via the nurse‐coordinated integrated care model or standard care, respectively. We hypothesize that compared with patients receiving standard care, atrial fibrillation patients exposed to the nurse‐coordinated care model will be more likely to achieve compatible patient and physician decisions regarding the use of oral anticoagulants, better changes in medication adherence, anxiety, depression and health‐related quality of life after the intervention. A subsample of 30 participants in the intervention group will also participate in a qualitative interview to provide their views and perceptions about the intervention. The ethical approval has obtained on 5 July 2018. This study is supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 29 June 2018.

Discussion

This study will uniquely adopt an empowerment‐based approach to equip patients as active agents in atrial fibrillation management through a nurse‐coordinated integrated care model that comprehensively addresses their needs.

Impact

Patients with atrial fibrillation are currently receiving inadequate guideline‐recommended care. This study will address this important evidence‐practice gap by optimizing oral anticoagulant prescription and therapeutic effects and promotes effective patient self‐care, so as to achieve worldwide reductions in atrial fibrillation‐related morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burdens.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03924739).
Need for closure effect on collective action intentions and behavior toward immigrants in Italy: The mediation of binding foundations and political conservatism
Authors: De Cristofaro Valeria , Pellegrini Valerio , Baldner Conrad , van Zomeren Martijn , Livi Stefano , Pierro Antonio
Published: July 2019

Why are people (de)motivated to mobilize in favor of immigrants? Addressing this question, we investigated the role of individuals' epistemic motivation (i.e., need for closure) in influencing the process of becoming motivated to participate in collective action in favor of immigrants in Italy. Specifically, the mediational role of binding moral foundations and political conservatism in explaining the relationship between need for closure and collective action in favor of immigrants was examined in three studies. It was hypothesized that a heightened need for closure would be indirectly and negatively associated with collective action in favor of immigrants, sequentially mediated first through binding moral foundations and then political conservatism. We found support for this prediction when either dispositional measure (Study 1 and Study 2) or an experimental induction (Study 3) of need for closure were used, and when both collective action intentions (Study 1 and Study 3) and behavior (Study 2) were assessed. The results suggest that need for closure constitutes a powerful motivational force that leads individuals to engage in uncertainty‐reducing evaluations and actions. We discuss these results regarding how they are related with previous work and their implications for research and practice.
Performance of blood pressure measurements at an initial screening visit for the diagnosis of hypertension in children
Authors: Outdili Zaïneb , Marti‐Soler Helena , Bovet Pascal , Chiolero Arnaud
Published: July 2019

Hypertension in children is defined as sustained elevated blood pressure (BP) over several visits. For the screening of hypertension, it is standard to obtain several BP readings at the initial visit. There is however no recommendation on the minimum number of readings needed. We evaluated the performance of BP readings obtained at one initial screening visit to predict the diagnosis of hypertension in children. In a school‐based study conducted in Switzerland, BP was measured three times on up to three visits in 5207 children. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of elevated BP at the initial screening visit for the identification of hypertension were estimated using the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd BP readings (R1, R2, R3), as well as (R1 + R2)/2 and (R1 + R2 + R3)/3). These performance indices were compared with the reference method (R2 + R3)/2. The ability of BP readings to discriminate children with and without hypertension was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The prevalence of systolic/diastolic hypertension was 2.2%. The greatest performance to identify children with hypertension was obtained with R2 (sensitivity: 97%; specificity: 88%; PPV: 15%; NPV: 100%) and the reference method, (R2 + R3)/2 (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 90%; PPV: 18%; NPV: 100%). The ability to discriminate using R1, R2, (R1 + R2)/2, and (R2 + R3)/2 for the identification of hypertension was strong (AUC: 0.89, 0.93, 0.92, and 0.95, respectively). Obtaining two BP readings and using only the second one at a screening visit may be sufficient as initial step for the identification of hypertension in children.
Toll‐like receptor 4: A promising therapeutic target for pneumonia caused by Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Ding Junying , Liu Qingquan
Published: July 2019

Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) emerge as important pathogens causing pulmonary infection, which can develop into sepsis due to bacterial resistance to antibiotics. GNB pneumonia poses a huge social and economic burden all over the world. During GNB infection in the lung, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) can form a complex with MD2 and CD14 after recognizing lipopolysaccharide of GNB, initiate the MyD88‐ and TRIF‐dependent signalling pathways and stimulate host non‐specific immune response. In this review, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the role of TLR4 in GNB pneumonia. The latest experimental results, especially in TLR4 knockout animals, suggest a promising potential of targeting TLR4 signalling pathway for the treatment of GNB pneumonia. Furthermore, we highlight the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine as novel candidates for the therapy of GNB pneumonia due to the modulation of TLR4 signalling pathway. Finally, we discuss the promise and challenge in the development of TLR4‐based drugs for GNB pneumonia.
Model discrimination for drying and rehydration kinetics of freeze‐dried tomatoes
Authors: Lopez‐Quiroga Estefania , Prosapio Valentina , Fryer Peter J. , Norton Ian T. , Bakalis Serafim
Published: July 2019

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of a highly interconnected porous microstructure on the quality of rehydrated tomatoes by (a) designing a freeze‐dried cycle that ensure product integrity (i.e., no collapse, no puffing) (b) characterizing both freeze‐drying and rehydration kinetics. Fresh tomatoes were first freeze‐dried and subsequently rehydrated to get generate kinetics data. Afterwards, six thin‐layer drying models and four rehydration models were fitted using regression analysis to the experimental data. The goodness‐of‐fit was evaluated according to root mean squared error, adjusted R2, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion. The most accurate representations of the system kinetics were observed using the Page model for freeze‐drying and the exponential and Weibull models for rehydration. Rehydration capacities and equilibrium moisture contents of the rehydrated samples were found to increase with temperature, and the corresponding activation energy values were calculated.

Practical applications

Freeze‐dried porous microstructures can enhance water absorption and transport, contributing to restore the fresh product functional properties and leading to higher quality rehydrated products, especially in highly heat‐sensitive food products as vegetables and fruits. The use of mathematical models to (a) design freeze‐drying cycles and (b) characterize and/or predict drying and rehydration kinetics in cellular freeze‐dried microstructures is then key for processing and optimization of convenience and ready‐to‐eat foods, which represents the main application of dried foods/powders and also a growing market. This approach to the manufacture of freeze‐dried products also presents potential to set the basis of an alternative decentralized supply scenario for high‐quality dried products, where freeze‐dried foods will be manufactured and shipped and finally rehydrated closer to the consumption point.
Addressing key features involved in bioactive extractability of vigor prickly pears submitted to high hydrostatic pressurization
Authors: Gómez‐Maqueo Andrea , Ortega‐Hernández Érika , Serrano‐Sandoval Sayra N. , Jacobo‐Velázquez Daniel A. , García‐Cayuela Tomás , Cano M. Pilar , Welti‐Chanes Jorge
Published: July 2019

Prickly pears are relevant sources of bioactive compounds with potential biological activities. However, to become bioaccessible, these compounds must be released from the food matrix. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) may contribute to bioaccessibility by promoting the liberation of bioactive constituents from their intracellular compartments. Our aim was to address key features involved in the high hydrostatic pressurization (18–34°C) of prickly pear fruits to promote bioactive extractability. We studied the effects of the come‐up time (CUT) and holding time (HT; 5 min) at low (60, 100, and 150 MPa) and high pressures (400, 500, and 600 MPa) in whole‐pressurized and sliced‐pressurized fruits. The best overall treatment was found by submitting whole prickly pears to 500 MPa during the CUT. In this treatment, 104.0, 150.8, and 100.5% retention of betalains, phenolics, and ascorbic acid were observed in peels; and 130.7, 121.4, and 128.4% retention were observed in pulps.

Practical Applications

Prickly pears are abundant in Mexico and represent potential sources for low‐cost functional foods because of their health properties. In a country constantly affected by obesity and diabetes incidence, the continuous search for nutritious and health‐promoting processed foods should not be taken lightly. The use of HHP pre‐treatments to enhance the functionality of local vegetable products as a goal, and no longer as a side effect represents a strong potential application of this non‐thermal technology. In the next years, new sustainable processes involving HHP for the manufacturing of functional foods are expected to grow and be implemented in emerging markets such as Latin America.
Caregiver Interventions for Adults Discharged from the Hospital: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Smith Toby O. , Pearson Matthew , Pfeiffer Klaus , Crotty Maria , Lamb Sarah E.
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVES

To review the evidence evaluating the effectiveness of informal caregiver interventions to facilitate the recovery of older people discharged from the hospital.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

SETTING

Hospital and community.

METHODS

Published and unpublished randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of informal caregiver interventions to support the recovery of older people discharged from the hospital were identified (to March 2019). The primary outcome was patient health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Secondary outcomes included patient function, caregiver burden, caregiver HRQOL, psychological distress, adverse events, and health resource use. Studies were critically appraised and meta‐analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults who had been admitted to the hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies were eligible (4695 participants). The indication for hospital admission was stroke in 21 trials (91%). Interventions consisted of training and/or skills‐based programs, with or without home visits/telephone follow‐up. Caregiver interventions for patients following stroke may provide no benefit for patient HRQOL at 12 months (standardized mean difference = .29; 95% confidence interval = ‐.12 to .69; low‐quality evidence). Caregiver interventions demonstrated benefit for caregiver burden and both patient and caregiver anxiety at 12 months. No consistent effect was found on functional outcomes, depression, HRQOL, adverse events, or health resource use measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Informal caregivers who receive training to facilitate the recovery of older people discharged from the hospital following stroke may have a lower burden and reduced anxiety at 12 months compared with those who do not. However, the evidence was moderate to low quality. Further study is warranted to explore whether caregiver interventions can be modified for nonstroke populations such as those with hip fracture. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1960–1969, 2019
Shear bond strengths of calcium silicate‐based sealer to dentin and calcium silicate‐impregnated gutta‐percha
Authors: Banphakarn Nonthicha , Yanpiset Kallaya , Banomyong Danuchit
Published: July 2019

Aim

To compare the shear bond strengths of a calcium silicate‐based root canal sealer (CSS), to dentin or calcium silicate‐impregnated gutta‐percha (CSGP), with the shear bond strengths of an epoxy resin‐based sealer.

Methods

For sealer/dentin testing, 40 hemisectioned roots were divided into 2 groups. Coronal root dentin discs were bonded with CSS or epoxy resin‐based sealer. For sealer/core material testing, CSGP and conventional gutta‐percha discs were bonded with a matching sealer (N = 20 per group). The shear bond strengths were tested using a universal testing machine. The failed modes were analyzed using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The CSS sealer had significantly higher shear bond strength to dentin than did epoxy resin‐based sealer (P < .01). However, shear bond strengths of the 2 sealers to core materials did not significantly differ (P = .74). The remnants of the CSS sealer adhering to dentin or calcium silicate gutta‐percha disc were observed.

Conclusions

The CSS sealer had better adhesion to dentin than did epoxy resin‐based sealer. However, the bond of the CSS sealer to impregnated gutta‐percha was not superior to the epoxy resin‐based sealer bonded to conventional gutta‐percha.
Development of an Impression Material with Antimicrobial Properties for Dental Application
Authors: de Castro Denise T. , Kreve Simone , Oliveira Viviane C. , Alves Oswaldo L. , dos Reis Andréa C.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the antimicrobial activity and physico‐mechanical properties of an irreversible hydrocolloid in which nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgVO3) was added at various concentrations (0% ‐ control, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% by weight).

Materials and Methods

The agar diffusion method (n = 10) was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect on the following species: Streptococcus mutans, Staphyloccocus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The gelation time, flow capacity and plastic deformation were verified (n = 10). The data were analyzed using the Kruskal‐Wallis test followed by the Dunn post‐test, or via one‐way ANOVA with multiple comparisons with a Bonferroni adjustment depending on the distribution (α = 0.05).

Results

All percentages of the nanomaterial were able to promote the antimicrobial activity of a hydrocolloid, with the formation of an inhibition zone (p < 0.05). In general, there was a dose‐dependent effect on antimicrobial activity: higher concentrations of the nanomaterial promoted greater action except in the cases of P. aeruginosa (p < 0.001; F = 51.74) and S. aureus (p < 0.001), where the highest inhibition was for the 2.5% group. No difference was found in the gelation time when the control was compared with the groups with AgVO3 (p > 0.05). The difference was between the 5% and 10% groups (p = 0.007), and the latter promoted an increase in time. The flow capacity of the hydrocolloid with 5% of AgVO3 was significantly lower when compared with the control (p = 0.034). The AgVO3 influenced the plastic deformation (p < 0.001) in such a way that concentrations of 5% (p = 0.010) and 10% (p < 0.001) promoted an increase in this property when compared with the control.

Conclusions

AgVO3 can be incorporated into an irreversible hydrocolloid as an antimicrobial agent without promoting adverse effects on physical‐mechanical properties when used in concentrations of 2.5%.
Are paediatric clinical practice guidelines trustworthy?
Authors: Sun Yue , Chen Ji , Shi Shu‐Zhen , Ge Long , Bu You‐Xiang , Xi Jiang‐Bo , Tian Jin‐Hui
Published: July 2019

Aim

To assess the methodological and reporting quality of paediatric clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) standard.

Methods

We identified all published CPGs through the NGC, and search records were screened in duplicate for inclusion. Two researchers evaluated the methodological and reporting quality of paediatric CPGs using the AGREE II instrument and RIGHT standard. STATA version 12.0 and SPSS version 22.0 software were used to analyse the related data.

Results

A total of 50 paediatric CPGs were included. The scores for all six domains by AGREE II instrument were presented as follows: scope and purpose (85.6 ± 9.59), stakeholder involvement (69.15 ± 19.32), rigour of development (73.19 ± 17.18), clarity of presentation (78.51 ± 14.36), applicability (54.61 ± 22.63) and editorial independence (68.42 ± 13.06). In the seven domains of the RIGHT standard, the reporting rate of the recommendation domain was the lowest (52.86%).The highest reporting rate was the other information domain, which was 68%.There was a high correlation between reporting the completeness of CPGs using the AGREE II instrument and RIGHT standard (r = 0.77, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The paediatric CPGs from NGC have good quality. There was a high correlation in the completeness of reporting for paediatric CPGs using the AGREE II instrument and RIGHT standard. It could be concluded that the CPGs of good methodological quality have good reporting quality. Maybe the researcher should effectively combine the AGREE II instrument and RIGHT standard in the development process of CPGs.
Lancemaside A from Codonopsis lanceolata prevents hypertension by inhibiting NADPH oxidase 2-mediated MAPK signalling and improving NO bioavailability in rats
Authors: Shin You Kyoung , Han A Young , Hsieh Yu Shan , Kwon Soonho , Kim Jinhye , Lee Kwang-Won , Seol Geun Hee
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study investigated whether lancemaside A (LMA) can prevent hypertension and assessed the mechanisms of action of LMA in rats.

Methods

Hypertension was induced by chronic immobilization stress and nicotine administration. Hypertensive vehicle rats were treated with LMA (1, 20, or 40 mg/kg) or nifedipine (10 mg/kg) as a positive control daily for 3 weeks.

Key findings

In hypertensive vehicle rats, LMA dose-dependently reduced systolic blood pressure. LMA doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg reduced the aortic expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)2 (both P < 0.01), and 40 mg/kg LMA reduced serum malondialdehyde (P < 0.01). Serum nitrite levels were significantly higher in LMA treated rats than in hypertensive vehicle rats, with LMA doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg reducing the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in rat aortas (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). LMA also reduced the aortic levels of nuclear factor kappa B and the activation of the three isoforms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).

Conclusions

Lancemaside A prevents hypertension in rats by inhibiting the activation of MAPK signalling and the impairment in nitric oxide bioavailability due to NOX2-mediated oxidative stress. Thus, LMA may act as a preventive agent for hypertension.
The production of short chain fatty acid and colonic development in weaning piglets
Authors: Zhou Zirui , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xianlian , Mo Shilan , Tan Xian , Wang Lixia , Li Jianzhong , Li Yali , Ding Xueqin , Liu Xianyong , Ma Xingqun , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong
Published: July 2019

Weaning process widely affects the small intestinal structure and function in piglets, while the responses of large intestine to weaning stress are still obscure. The purpose of this study was to determine the developmental changes (i.e., short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations, growth parameters, crypt‐related indices and antioxidant capacity) in colon of piglet during weaning. Forty piglets were weaned at day 21 and euthanized to collect colonic tissues and digesta samples on day 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14 post‐weaning (n = 8). Piglet growth performance was improved (p < .001) on day 7 and 14 post‐weaning. The concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and total SCFAs were higher (p < .001) during the late post‐weaning period. The mRNA abundances of SCFAs transporters were greater (p < .001) on day 7 and 14. The absolute and relative weights, absolute length and perimeter of colon were greater (p < .001) on day 7 and 14. Similarly, post‐weaning increases (p < .001) in colonic crypt depth and Ki67 positive cells numbers per crypt were observed during the same period. Colonic crypt fission indices decreased (p < .01), while total crypt numbers increased (p < .001) on day 14 after weaning. Moreover, total SCFAs concentration was significantly associated with colonic growth parameters and Ki67 cells/crypt (p < .001). In addition, catalase content was decreased on day 3, 7, and 14, whereas, the concentrations of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were higher (p < .05) on day 1 and 3 post‐weaning. These results showed that weaning process has a significant effect on colonic growth and development, which might be associated with the change of SCFAs concentrations in colon.
Exploring the potential of nuclear and mitochondrial sequencing data generated through genome‐skimming for plant phylogenetics: A case study from a clade of neotropical lianas
Authors: Fonseca Luiz Henrique M. , Lohmann Lúcia G.
Published: July 2019

Few botanical studies have explored the potential of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data obtained through genome skimming for phylogeny reconstruction. Here, we analyzed the phylogenetic information included in the nrDNA and mtDNA of 44 species of the “Adenocalymma‐Neojobertia” clade (Bignoniaceae). To deal with intraindividual polymorphisms within the nrDNA, different coding schemes were explored through the analyses of four datasets: (i) “nrDNA contig,” with base call following the majority rule; (ii) “nrDNA ambiguous,” with ambiguous base calls; (iii) “nrDNA informative,” with ambiguities converted to multistate characters; and, (iv) “mitochondrial,” with 39 mitochondrial genes. Combined analyses using the nrDNA and mtDNA data and previously published “plastid” datasets were also conducted. Trees were obtained using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian criteria. The congruence among genomes was assessed. The nrDNA datasets were shown to be highly polymorphic within individuals, while the “mitochondrial” dataset was the least informative, with 0.36% of informative bases within the ingroup. The topologies inferred using the nrDNA and mtDNA datasets were broadly congruent with the tree derived from the analyses of the “plastid” dataset. The topological differences recovered were generally poorly supported. The topology that resulted from the analyses of the “combined” dataset largely resembles the “plastid” tree. These results highlight limitations of nuclear ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial genes for phylogeny reconstruction obtained through genome skimming and the need to include more data from both genomes. The different topologies observed among genomes also highlight the importance of exploring data from various genomes in plant phylogenetics.
Fire severity and changing composition of forest understory plant communities
Authors: Stevens Jens T. , Miller Jesse E. D. , Fornwalt Paula J.
Published: July 2019

Questions

Gradients of fire severity in dry conifer forests can be associated with variation in understory floristic composition. Recent work in dry conifer forests in California, USA, has suggested that more severely burned stands contain more thermophilic taxa (those associated with warmer and drier conditions), and that forest disturbance may therefore accelerate floristic shifts already underway due to climate change. However, it remains unknown how rapidly thermophilic taxa shifts occur following disturbance, how long such shifts are likely to persist, and how different thermophilic post‐disturbance communities are from pre‐disturbance communities.

Location

Colorado Front Range, USA.

Methods

We investigated these questions using a unique 15‐year vegetation plot dataset that captures pre‐ and post‐fire understory community composition across a gradient of fire severity in dry conifer forests, classifying taxa using the biogeographic affinity concept.

Results

Thermophilization (defined here as a decrease in the ratio of cool‐mesic taxa to warm‐xeric taxa, based on biogeographic affinity of paleobotanical lineages) was observed as early as one year post‐fire for all fire severity classes, but was stronger at sites that burned at higher severity. The ratio of cool‐mesic to warm‐xeric taxa recovered to pre‐fire levels within 10 years in stands that burned at low severity, but not in stands that burned at moderate or high severity. The process of thermophilization after high‐severity fire appears to be driven primarily by the gain of warm‐xeric taxa that were absent before the fire, but losses of cool‐mesic taxa, which did not return during the duration of the study, also played a role.

Conclusions

Decreases in canopy cover appear to be a main contributor to understory thermophilization. Fine‐scale heterogeneity in post‐fire forest structure is likely an important driver of floristic diversity, creating the microclimatic variation necessary to maintain floristic refugia for species mal‐adapted to increasingly warm and dry conditions.
Using structural equation modelling to understand the contributors to anaemia among young Burkinabe children
Authors: Bliznashka Lilia , Arsenault Joanne E. , Becquey Elodie , Ruel Marie T. , Olney Deanna K.
Published: July 2019

Anaemia is a persistent problem among young Burkinabe children, yet population‐specific information on its determinants is scant. We used baseline data from an evaluation of Helen Keller International's Enhanced Homestead Food Production Program (n=1210 children) to quantify household‐, mother‐, and child‐level factors associated with anaemia in Burkinabe children aged 6‐12 months. We used structural equation modelling to assess a theoretical model, which tested four categories of factors: (a) household food security and dietary diversity, (b) household sanitation and hygiene (latrine and poultry access and bednet ownership), (c) maternal factors (anaemia, stress, cleanliness, and health, hygiene and feeding knowledge and practices), and (d) child nutrition and health (iron deficiency (ID), retinol binding protein (RBP), malaria, and inflammation). The model also included household socio‐economic status, size, and polygamy; maternal age and education; and child age and sex. Results showed that ID, malaria, and inflammation were the primary direct determinants of anaemia, contributing 15%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. Maternal knowledge directly explained improved child feeding practices and household bednet ownership. Household dietary diversity directly explained 18% of child feeding practices. Additionally, RBP, child age and sex, and maternal anaemia directly predicted child haemoglobin. Our findings suggest that program effectiveness could be increased by addressing the multiple, context‐specific contributors of child anaemia. For young Burkinabe children, anaemia control programs that include interventions to reduce ID, malaria, and inflammation should be tested. Other potential intervention entry points suggested by our model include improving maternal knowledge of optimal health, hygiene, and nutrition practices and household dietary diversity.
Insights into the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to investigate the behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Fiori Lorenzo , Martinez Emmanuelle , Bader Martin K.‐F. , Orams Mark B. , Bollard Barbara
Published: July 2019

Vertical take‐off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming invaluable data collection platforms for cetacean research. In particular, multi‐rotors can be used to measure whales and investigate their behavior. Moreover, VTOL UAVs are increasingly accessible for recreational and commercial pilots, and close encounters with whales are widely documented. Unfortunately, quantitative assessments of potential disturbance for the targeted animals are not yet published and guidelines for responsible use of UAVs around cetaceans are still under development. We conducted VTOL UAV surveys on humpback whales in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga. Interestingly, whale behaviors such as socializing and nurturing were not detected by trained observers on board the research vessel, but were evident from the UAV. Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected in diving and swim parameters between absence and presence of UAV flying at 30 m altitude. These results suggest that VTOL UAVs can be a noninvasive tool to gather morphometric and behavioral data on baleen whales. However, further research is necessary to establish whether applications that require flight altitudes lower than 30 m and targeting different species may elicit behavioral responses.
The maggot therapy supply chain: a review of the literature and practice
Authors: Stadler F.
Published: July 2019

Maggot therapy (MT) is the clinical application of living fly larvae for the treatment of non‐healing wounds and wounds that require debridement. This systematized and expanded literature review is the first study to investigate MT through the conceptual and disciplinary framework of supply chain management. The review of 491 selected academic papers was expanded to include the grey literature and online information resources to construct a first‐pass theory of the medicinal maggot supply chain. It shows that the literature to date has focused on isolated discussions of echelon‐specific issues such as diet improvement and sterilization protocols in the production echelon, and the relative effectiveness of medicinal maggot application methods in the treatment echelon. There is little knowledge in the public domain regarding the transport and distribution of medicinal maggots, but existing supply chains for vaccines, blood and pathology specimens may provide learning and supply chain integration opportunities. Maggot therapy knowledge across the treatment echelon is generally substantive but there is still insufficient knowledge regarding patients' and health care providers' attitudes toward the therapy, and their experiences of receiving and administering MT. Moreover, there is no research concerned with the humane disposal of medicinal flies during production and after treatment.
Multifocal neuropathy and treatment‐induced neuropathy of diabetes following diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Triplett James D , Yiannikas Con
Published: July 2019

Diabetes is associated with numerous neuropathies; some accompanies poor glycemic control including diabetic ketoacidosis‐associated (DKA) neuropathies, others occur following improved glycemic control including treatment‐induced neuropathies of diabetes (TIND). A 27‐year‐old poorly controlled type I diabetic female developed multifocal weakness and pains accompanied by widespread autonomic dysfunction following an episode of DKA with rapid and subsequent sustained glycemic control. Injury was thought to have occurred secondary to disruptions of the endoneurial microenvironment following rapid glycemic control.
TaD27‐B gene controls the tiller number in hexaploid wheat
Authors: Zhao Bin , Wu Ting Ting , Ma Shan Shan , Jiang Deng Ji , Bie Xiao Min , Sui Na , Zhang Xian Sheng , Wang Fang
Published: July 2019

Tillering is a significant agronomic trait in wheat which shapes plant architecture and yield. Strigolactones (SLs) function in inhibiting axillary bud outgrowth. The roles of SLs in the regulation of bud outgrowth have been described in model plant species, including rice and Arabidopsis. However, the role of SLs genes in wheat remains elusive due to the size and complexity of the wheat genomes. In this study, TaD27 genes in wheat, orthologs of rice D27 encoding an enzyme involved in SLs biosynthesis, were identified. TaD27‐RNAi wheat plants had more tillers, and TaD27‐B‐OE wheat plants had fewer tillers. Germination bioassay of Orobanche confirmed the SLs was deficient in TaD27‐RNAi and excessive in TaD27‐B‐OE wheat plants. Moreover, application of exogenous GR24 or TIS108 could mediate the axillary bud outgrowth of TaD27‐RNAi and TaD27‐B‐OE in the hydroponic culture, suggesting that TaD27‐B plays critical roles in regulating wheat tiller number by participating in SLs biosynthesis. Unlike rice D27, plant height was not affected in the transgenic wheat plants. Transcription and gene coexpression network analysis showed that a number of genes are involved in the SLs signalling pathway and axillary bud development. Our results indicate that TaD27‐B is a key factor in the regulation of tiller number in wheat.
Metal ligands in micronutrient acquisition and homeostasis
Authors: Clemens Stephan
Published: July 2019

Acquisition and homeostasis of micronutrients such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) pose specific challenges. Poor solubility and high reactivity require controlled synthesis and supply of ligands to complex these metals extracellularly and intracellularly. Cytosolic labile pools represent only a minute fraction of the total cellular content. Several low‐molecular‐weight ligands are known in plants, including sulfur ligands (cysteine and peptides), nitrogen/oxygen ligands (S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine‐derived molecules and histidine), and oxygen ligands (phenolics and organic acids). Some ligands are secreted into the extracellular space and influence the phytoavailability of metal ions. A second principal function is the intracellular buffering of micronutrients as well as the facilitation of long‐distance transport in xylem and phloem. Furthermore, low‐molecular‐weight ligands are involved in the storage of metals, predominantly in vacuoles. A detailed molecular understanding is hampered by technical limitations, in particular the difficulty to detect and quantify cellular metal–ligand complexes. More, but still too little, is known about ligand synthesis and the transport across membranes, either with or without a complexed metal. Metal ligands have an immediate impact on human well‐being. Engineering metal ligand synthesis and distribution in crops has tremendous potential to improve the nutritional quality of food and to tackle major human health risks.