bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digestibility of common native starches with reference to starch granule size, shape and surface features towards guidelines for starch‐containing food products
Authors: Corgneau Magda , Gaiani Claire , Petit Jeremy , Nikolova Yoana , Banon Sylvie , Ritié‐Pertusa Léa , Le Doan Thanh Lam , Scher Joël
Published: February 2019

Influence of diverse botanical sources (wheat, maize, waxy maize, cassava, potato, rice or waxy rice) on in vitro native starch digestibility has been investigated. Physicochemical properties (chemical composition, particles size and shape, surface features) of starch granules were determined with a view to explaining digestibility differences between samples. Rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) contents were measured according to Englyst method. Potato starch was shown to be composed of large rounded granules having smooth surfaces, which explains its slow enzymatic breakdown. Potato starch displayed the highest RS (86%) content and the lowest RDS content (9.9%). Since RS positively influences health and SDS may result in cell, tissue and/or organ damages, potato starch is an ideal starch nutrient. Conversely, waxy rice starch was rich in amylopectin and displayed small diameters and angular shapes, which are both known to facilitate enzymatic starch hydrolysis. It exhibited a near‐zero RS content (0.9%) and a high RDS fraction (60%). According to this study, potato starch exhibited the best nutrient profile, followed up in this order by cassava, waxy maize, wheat, maize and waxy rice starches.
Interfacial structures of spinel crystals with borosilicate nuclear waste glasses from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Sun Wei , Du Jincheng
Published: February 2019

Spinel crystal formation presents a critical issue and glass formulation in nuclear waste glass processing. In this paper, the interfacial structures of the model borosilicate nuclear waste glasses, the international simple glass (ISG), with two types of spinel crystals, namely the MgAl2O4 and NiFe2O4, were studied using classical molecular dynamics simulations with effective partial charge potentials and recently developed composition‐dependent boron‐related parameters. The simulation results revealed the structural features of the borosilicate nuclear waste glasses and their interfaces with the two types of spinel crystals. It was found that there exist notable structural changes of glasses close to the interfacial region, affected by the adjacent crystal structures, terms of preferential segregation and ordering of cations, as well as ctaion coordination numbers. Specifically, the fraction of fourfold coordinated boron (B3) in glass near the interface decreases as compared to the bulk glass. In addition, the amount of fourfold coordinated Al decreases while fivefold Al increases in the glass region close to the glass‐crystal interface, which suggests indication of initial stage of crystal growth as Al adopts higher (sixfold) coordination like in the crystal as compared to majority of fourfold coordination in the glass. These interfacial structure changes obtained from MD simulations provide evidence of the influence of the precipitated crystals on the surrounding melt and glass and the initial stage of crystal growth.
Soil microbes alter plant fitness under competition and drought
Authors: Fitzpatrick Connor R. , Mustafa Zainab , Viliunas Joani
Published: February 2019

Plants exist across varying biotic and abiotic environments, including variation in the composition of soil microbial communities. The ecological effects of soil microbes on plant communities are well known, whereas less is known about their importance for plant evolutionary processes. In particular, the net effects of soil microbes on plant fitness may vary across environmental contexts and among plant genotypes, setting the stage for microbially mediated plant evolution. Here, we assess the effects of soil microbes on plant fitness and natural selection on flowering time in different environments. We performed two experiments in which we grew Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes replicated in either live or sterilized soil microbial treatments, and across varying levels of either competition (isolation, intraspecific competition or interspecific competition) or watering (well‐watered or drought). We found large effects of competition and watering on plant fitness as well as the expression and natural selection of flowering time. Soil microbes increased average plant fitness under interspecific competition and drought and shaped the response of individual plant genotypes to drought. Finally, plant tolerance to either competition or drought was uncorrelated between soil microbial treatments suggesting that the plant traits favoured under environmental stress may depend on the presence of soil microbes. In summary, our experiments demonstrate that soil microbes can have large effects on plant fitness, which depend on both the environment and individual plant genotype. Future work in natural systems is needed for a complete understanding of the evolutionary importance of interactions between plants and soil microorganisms.
Association between geographic tongue and psoriasis: A systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: González‐Álvarez Laura , García‐Martín José M. , García‐Pola María José
Published: February 2019

Geographic tongue (GT) has been described as a predictor of psoriasis. The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence of GT in psoriatic and non‐psoriatic patients. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search and selection process was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) criteria. Only case‐control studies were selected, and the prevalence of GT in both groups was compared. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria, and the frequency of GT was statistically associated with psoriasis in ten studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 3.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.56‐4.86). There were no significant differences between the presence of GT and the clinical form. However, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was statistically higher in patients affected by GT in three of four studies. Psoriatic patients with GT also exhibited less improvement in the PASI score after treatment. One study found an association between GT and a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Nevertheless, age, gender, toxic habits, psoriasis onset and duration of the disease were not clearly associated. The results support the concept of GT as a manifestation of psoriasis. Future research should focus on the repercussions of GT in psoriatic patients, due to the negative consequences on severity and treatment response.
Chronic hepatitis B: The interplay between intrahepatic lymphocyte population and viral antigens in relation to liver damage
Authors: Giadans Cecilia G. , Ríos Daniela A. , Ameigeiras Beatriz , Pietrantonio Adriana M. , Lucatelli Néstor L. , Haddad Leila , Mullen Eduardo , Heinrich Fabiana , De Matteo Elena , Flichman Diego , Valva Pamela , Preciado María V.
Published: February 2019

In Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, virus and immune response interplay is thought to be responsible for pathogenesis. Yet, the impact of each immune cell population and viral protein expression in liver damage is still unknown. Our aim was to study the interplay between intrahepatic immune response and viral activity in relation to CHB liver damage. Immunostaining was performed in 29 liver biopsies from untreated CHB patients to characterize liver infiltrate [Th (CD4+), CTL (CD8+), Treg (FoxP3+), Th17 (IL‐17A+) and Th1 (T‐bet+)] and viral antigen expression (HBsAg and HBcAg). Inflammatory activity and fibrosis were assessed using the HAI and METAVIR scoring system. All studied populations were identified in the portal‐periportal (P‐P) areas with a CD4+ lymphocyte predominance, while only CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells were observed in the intralobular area. Both P‐P CD4+ and intralobular CD8+ cell frequencies were increased among severe hepatitis cases. Concerning HBsAg and HBcAg expression, a mutually exclusive pattern was observed. HBcAg was mainly detected among HBeAg‐positive patients and was associated with hepatitis severity and higher frequency of P‐P FoxP3+, intralobular CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells. HBsAg was identified among HBeAg‐negative cases with less severe hepatitis grade and lower frequency of P‐P CD4+ and intralobular FoxP3+ lymphocytes. In conclusion, the HBV antigen profile expression seen during CHB infection may be reflecting different stages of viral replication which impacts the host immune response and liver damage process. While HBcAg might be an inducer of a regulatory microenvironment, the intralobular CTL population seemed to have a key role in hepatitis severity.
Efficacy and safety of ruzasvir 60 mg and uprifosbuvir 450 mg for 12 weeks in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 infection
Authors: Lawitz Eric , Poordad Fred , Anderson Leah J. , Vesay Michelle , Kelly Michelle M. , Liu Hong , Gao Wei , Fernsler Doreen , Asante‐Appiah Ernest , Robertson Michael N. , Hanna George J. , Barr Eliav , Butterton Joan , Kowdley Kris V. , Hassanein Tarek , Sahota Amandeep , Gordon Stuart C. , Yeh Wendy W.
Published: February 2019

In clinical trials, the three‐drug regimen of ruzasvir (RZR) 60 mg, uprifosbuvir (UPR) 450 mg and grazoprevir 100 mg, with or without ribavirin, has demonstrated promising efficacy and excellent tolerability across a wide range of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected individuals. The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of the two‐drug combination of RZR 60 mg plus UPR 450 mg administered for 12 weeks in participants with HCV genotype (GT) 1‐6 infection. In this open‐label clinical trial, treatment‐naive or ‐experienced and cirrhotic or noncirrhotic participants with chronic HCV GT1‐6 infection received RZR 60 mg plus UPR 450 mg orally once daily for 12 weeks (NCT02759315/protocol PN035). The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy (SVR12). One hundred and sixty participants were enrolled. SVR12 rates were 96% (52 of 54) in participants with GT1a infection; 100% (15 of 15) in those with GT1b infection; 97% (28 of 29) in those with GT2 infection; 77% (30 of 39) in those with GT3 infection; 90% (18 of 20) in those with GT4 infection; and 67% (2 of 3) in those with GT6 infection. Drug‐related adverse events (AEs) reported by >5% of participants were fatigue (n = 10, 6.3%) and diarrhoea (n = 9, 5.6%). Five participants reported a total of 11 serious AEs, none considered drug‐related. One participant experienced on‐treatment alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase elevations that resolved without intervention. Data from the present study indicate that the combination of RZR 60 mg plus UPR 450 mg once daily for 12 weeks was well tolerated overall but was effective only for certain genotypes.
Real‐world safety and effectiveness of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin in hepatitis C virus genotype 1‐ and 4‐infected patients with diverse comorbidities and comedications: A pooled analysis of post‐marketing observational studies from 13 countries
Authors: Ferenci Peter , Bourgeois Stefan , Buggisch Peter , Norris Suzanne , Curescu Manuela , Larrey Dominique , Marra Fiona , Kleine Henning , Dorr Patrick , Charafeddine Mariem , Crown Eric , Bondin Mark , Back David , Flisiak Robert
Published: February 2019

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV) regimens show high efficacy and good tolerability in clinical trials for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) 1 or 4. To evaluate whether these results translate to clinical practice, data were pooled from observational studies across 13 countries. Treatment‐naïve or ‐experienced patients, with or without cirrhosis, received OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV according to approved local labels and clinical practice. Sustained virologic response at post‐treatment Week 12 (SVR12), adverse events (AEs) and comedication management were assessed for patients initiating treatment before 1 June 2017. The safety population included 3850 patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug. The core population (N = 3808) further excluded patients with unknown GT or cirrhosis status, or who received off‐label treatment. Patients had HCV GT1a (n = 732; 19%), GT1b (n = 2619; 69%) or GT4 (n = 457; 12%). In 3546 patients with sufficient follow‐up data at post‐treatment Week 12, the SVR12 rate was 96% (n/N = 3401/3546 [95% CI 95.2‐96.5]). In patients with or without cirrhosis, SVR12 was comparable (96%). In patients with HCV GT1a, GT1b or GT4, SVR12 rates were 93%, 97% and 94%. In GT1b‐infected patients with planned treatment for 8 weeks, SVR12 was 96%. In patients with ≥1 comorbidity (67%), SVR12 was 95%. 58% of patients received ≥1 comedication, and there was minimal impact on SVR12 rates using comedications for peptic ulcers and gastro‐esophageal reflux disease, statins, antipsychotics or antiepileptics. Most comedications were maintained during treatment although 58% of patients changed their statin medication. AEs and serious AEs occurred in 26% and 3% of patients. Post‐baseline Grade 3‐4 laboratory abnormalities were rare (<3%), and discontinuation rates were low (<4%). Real‐world evidence confirms the effectiveness of OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV in patients with HCV GT1 or GT4, regardless of common comorbidities or comedications, and is consistent with clinical trial results. Adverse safety outcomes may be limited by underreporting in the real‐world setting.
Collagen type IV remodelling gender‐specifically predicts mortality in decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Lehmann Jennifer , Praktiknjo Michael , Nielsen Mette Juul , Schierwagen Robert , Meyer Carsten , Thomas Daniel , Violi Francesco , Strassburg Christian P. , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren , Krag Aleksander , Karsdal Morten Asser , Leeming Diana Julie , Trebicka Jonel
Published: February 2019

Background & Aims

Remodelling of extracellular matrix is crucial in progressive liver fibrosis. Collagen type III desposition has been shown in acute decompensation. Extratracellular matrix is compiled of deposition of various components. The role of basement membrane collagen type IV in advanced cirrhosis and acute decompensation is unclear and investigated in this study.

Methods

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis from the prospective NEPTUN cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03628807), who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure were included. Clinical and laboratory parameters, PRO‐C4 and C4M levels were measured in blood samples from portal and hepatic veins just before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

Results

Levels of C4M and PRO‐C4 are significantly lower in patients with massive ascites and impaired renal sodium excretion. C4M and PRO‐C4 show gender‐specific profiles with significantly lower levels in females compared to males. Females with higher C4M levels show higher mortality. By contrast, males with higher C4M levels show lower mortality. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, C4M is an independent predictor of survival in female patients.

Conclusion

This study shows that markers of collagen type IV remodelling do not accumulate in severe renal dysfunction. Although collagen type IV degradation markers derive from the liver, portal venous C4M levels are relevant for survival. Moreover, it demonstrates that circulating C4M shows gender‐specific profiles, which can independently predict survival in female patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Emotional Distress Correlates Among Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Hierarchical Linear Regression Analysis
Authors: Du Shizheng , Hu Yan , Bai Yamei , Hu Lingli , Dong Jianshu , Jin Shengji , Zhang Heng
Published: February 2019

Background

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) has become a worldwide health concern, and emotional distress is an important issue for CLBP management. However, it remains poorly understood how emotional distress happens and develops. This study aimed to systematically explore the correlates of emotional distress in patients with CLBP.

Methods

The study was a multisite, cross‐sectional survey with a sample of 252 patients with CLBP in urban communities. A battery of questionnaires was used to collect data. Univariate analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical linear regression analysis were performed.

Results

The mean score of emotional distress among 252 patients with CLBP was 13.85 ± 6.50. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the demographic factors, psychobehavioral factors, and social support of patients with CLBP were associated with their emotional distress, uniquely explaining 16.5%, 18.4%, and 6.2% of the variance, respectively. Five factors were found to be associated with patients’ emotional distress: pain intensity (β = 0.257, P < 0.001), passive coping (β = 0.297, P < 0.001), active coping (β = −0.254, P < 0.001), self‐efficacy (β = −0.155, P = 0.005), and social support (β = −0.268, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with CLBP suffered from clinically significant emotional distress. Patients’ demographics, psychobehavioral factors, and social support were all related to emotional distress. The findings help us to identify the characteristics of patients with CLBP at high risk for emotional distress and to formulate corresponding countermeasures.

Lay Summary

This study aimed to explored the correlates of emotional distress of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) by hierarchical linear regression analysis. The study found that patients’ demographic factors, psycho‐behavioral factors, and social support were associated with their emotional distress, uniquely explaining 16.5%, 18.4%, and 6.2% of the variance, respectively. Pain intensity, passive coping, active coping, self‐efficacy, and social support were detected as significant correlates.
New‐generation fish oil and olive oil lipid for prevention of oxidative damage in preterm infants: Single center clinical trial at university hospital in Turkey
Authors: Ozkan Hilal , Koksal Nilgun , Dorum Bayram Ali , Kocael Fatma , Ozarda Yesim , Bozyigit Cengiz , Dogan Pelin , Guney Varal Ipek , Bagci Onur
Published: February 2019

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) has been widely used in preterm infants. The lipid solutions used for PN, however, are associated with oxidative stress and morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a new‐generation lipid emulsion (SMOFLipid) and olive‐oil based lipid emulsion for prevention of PN‐associated oxidative damage.

Methods

Preterm infants < 32 weeks of gestational age were included in this prospective randomized study. All infants were randomized to SMOFlipid or olive‐oil based lipid emulsion (ClinOleic). Lipid peroxidation products were evaluated in all infants. In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were studied at days 0, 7 and 14.

Results

A total of 89 infants (SMOFlipid, n = 42; ClinOleic, n = 47) were enrolled. TAC was higher in the SMOFlipid group compared with the ClinOleic group at all time points, and the difference on day 7 was statistically significant. Although the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 was higher in the SMOFlipid group, this difference was not significant. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was lower in the SMOFlipid group (14.1%) than in the ClinOleic group (31.2%), but this finding was non‐significant p > 0.05. The rate of severe BPD was significantly lower in the SMOFlipid group.

Conclusion

To our best of knowledge, this is the first study to suggest that SMOFlipid might decrease oxidative damage and oxidative‐stress‐associated morbidity compared with olive oil‐based emulsion in preterm infants.
Site‐specific variations in cutaneous autofluorescence revealed by excitation‐emission matrix spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Kalia Sunil , Zeng Haishan , Lui Harvey
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Although cutaneous autofluorescence has been utilized for evaluation of skin conditions, there is a paucity of data on normal human skin autofluorescence and its dependence on anatomical site. The objective of this study is to use excitation‐emission matrix spectroscopy to quantify and characterize skin autofluorescence at different body sites.

Methods

Ten anatomical sites from 30 healthy volunteers were measured with a double‐grating excitation‐emission matrix spectrofluorometer.

Results

For the 10 body sites evaluated, there were four overall patterns of autofluorescence: skin from the head and neck exhibits high superficial and low bilayer fluorescence; the dorsal forearm and dorsal hand have both low superficial and bilayer fluorescence; the upper inner arm and back have high superficial and intermediate bilayer fluorescence; while the palm and thumbnail have both high superficial and bilayer fluorescence. The corresponding fluorescence excitation‐emission peaks for these patterns were as follows: head and neck, 3 peaks at 290‐300/330‐350, 360‐380/460‐485, and 380‐420/610‐630 nm; dorsal forearm and dorsal hand, 2 peaks around 295‐300/345‐360 and 385‐395/460‐485 nm; upper inner arm and back, 3 peaks around 295‐300/335‐355, 335‐340/390‐410, and 375‐390/455‐480 nm; palm and thumbnail, 3 peaks around 285‐300/345‐355, 335‐345/390‐410, and 365‐390/450‐480 nm.

Conclusion

Cutaneous fluorescence varies in distinct patterns according to anatomical site, due to the component fluorophores present, skin thickness, and the degree of melanization and long term sun exposure. These EEM patterns for normal skin should be accounted for when interpreting fluorescence signals from disease states and can also be used to guide the selection of optimal wavebands when applying this optical modality.
Shoulder and thorax kinematics contribute to increased power output of competitive handcyclists
Authors: Stone Benjamin , Mason Barry S. , Warner Martin B. , Goosey‐Tolfrey Victoria L.
Published: February 2019

Current knowledge of recumbent handbike configuration and handcycling technique is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the upper limb kinematics and handbike configurations of recreational and competitive recumbent handcyclists, during sport‐specific intensities. Thirteen handcyclists were divided into two significantly different groups based on peak aerobic power output (POpeak) and race experience; competitive (n = 7; 5 H3 and 2 H4 classes; POpeak: 247 ± 20 W) and recreational (n = 6; 4 H3 and 2 H4 classes; POpeak: 198 ± 21 W). Participants performed bouts of exercise at training (50% POpeak), competition (70% POpeak), and sprint intensity while three‐dimensional kinematic data (thorax, scapula, shoulder, elbow, and wrist) were collected. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the kinematics of competitive and recreational handcyclists. Handbike configurations were determined from additional markers on the handbike. Competitive handcyclists flexed their thorax (~5°, P < 0.05), extended their shoulder (~10°, P < 0.01), and posteriorly tilted their scapular (~15°, P < 0.05) more than recreational handcyclists. Differences in scapular motion occurred only at training intensity while differences in shoulder extension and thorax flexion occurred both at training and competition intensities. No differences were observed during sprinting. No significant differences in handbike configuration were identified. This study is the first to compare the upper limb kinematics of competitive recreational handcyclists at sport‐specific intensities. Competitive handcyclists employed significantly different propulsion strategies at training and competition intensities. Since no differences in handbike configuration were identified, these kinematic differences could be due to technical training adaptations potentially optimizing muscle recruitment or force generation of the arm.
Impact of tillage intensity on clay loam soil structure
Authors: Daraghmeh Omar A. , Petersen Carsten Tilbæk , Munkholm Lars J. , Znova Liubava , Obour Peter Bilson , Nielsen Søren Kirkegaard , Green Ole
Published: February 2019

Soil structure and structural stability are key parameters in sustainable soil management and optimum cropping practices. This study aimed to improve the knowledge of potential precision tillage practices by characterizing the effect of varied tillage intensities on structural properties of a clay loam soil. An experiment with seedbed preparation was conducted using a power take‐off‐driven rotovator equipped to measure torque and angular velocity and with operational speed (OS) and rotational speed (RS) as main factors. Effects of soil coverage prior to tillage and wheeling directly after tillage were measured at one combination of OS and RS. The soil was sampled at 0–80 mm depth. Under slow OS (2.9 km hr−1) compared with fast OS (6.3 km hr−1), specific energy input was greater (116 and 52 J kg−1 on average, respectively), and it increased with RS. Wheeling resulted in larger aggregate diameter right after tillage (at T1; 56 mm as geometric mean compared with 9 mm), with 42 times smaller geometric mean of air permeability 45 days after tillage (at T2) and with greater soil dispersibility at T2. Highly significant correlations were observed between soil dispersibility and energy input, specific surface area of aggregates, fractions of small (<4 mm) and medium (8–16 mm) aggregates, and geometric mean diameter. Slow OS combined with fast RS showed significantly greater air permeability than all other treatments. The results suggest that there is a potential for controlling soil structure in seedbed preparation by minimizing compaction from traffic and adapting site‐specific control of rotovation intensity.
Changes in disclosure, adherence and healthcare interactions after the introduction of immediate ART initiation: an analysis of patient experiences in Swaziland
Authors: Molemans Marjan , Vernooij Eva , Dlamini Njabuliso , Shabalala Fortunate S. , Khan Shaukat , van Leth Frank , Gomez Gabriela B. , Reis Ria
Published: February 2019

Introduction

There are concerns that immediate ART initiation (regardless of CD4 count) negatively affects HIV status disclosure, ART adherence and healthcare interactions. We assessed changes in these factors after the ‘Early access to ART for all’ intervention, a universal test‐and‐treat study in Swaziland.

Methods

We recruited two samples of participants between 2014 and 2017. The first group was interviewed before the intervention (control); the second group at the implementation and 6 months thereafter (intervention).

Results

High levels of disclosure to partners (controls and intervention: 94%) and family members (controls: 78%, intervention: 79%) were reported, and high levels of adherence (85% did not miss a dose among the controls, 84% in the intervention group). There were no changes in patients reporting feeling pressured to initiate ART (controls: 10%, intervention: 11%). The quality of interaction with healthcare workers improved after the intervention; healthcare workers explained more often the choice of ART initiation (controls: 88%, intervention: 93%) and the meaning of both CD4 and viral load test results (controls: 15%, intervention: 47%). More patients in the intervention group reported receiving test results (controls: 13%, intervention: 46%). We observed no changes in disclosure, adherence or patient experiences 6 months into the intervention compared to its start.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that both reported adherence and disclosure levels remain high after the introduction of immediate ART in Swaziland. We observed an improvement in the healthcare interactions, possibly due to training at participating facilities, which will be an important element for a successful roll‐out of immediate ART.
Evolutionary dynamics of lincRNA transcription in nine citrus species
Authors: Ke Lili , Zhou Zhiwei , Xu Xi‐Wen , Wang Xia , Liu Yuanlong , Xu Yuantao , Huang Yue , Wang Shuting , Deng Xiuxin , Chen Ling‐Ling , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2019

Long intergenic non‐coding RNAs (lincRNAs) play important roles in various biological processes in plants. However, little information is known about the evolutionary characteristics of lincRNAs among closely related plant species. Here, we present a large‐scale comparative study of lincRNA transcription patterns in nine citrus species. By strand‐specific RNA‐sequencing, we identified 18 075 lincRNAs (14 575 lincRNA loci) from 34 tissue samples. The results indicated that the evolution of lincRNA transcription is more rapid than that of mRNAs. In total, 82.8–97.6% of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) lincRNA genes were shown to have homologous sequences in other citrus genomes. However, only 15.5–28.8% of these genes had transcribed homologous lincRNAs in these citrus species, presenting a strong contrast to the high conservation of mRNA transcription (81.6–84.7%). Moreover, primitive and modern citrus lincRNAs were preferentially expressed in reproductive and vegetative organs, respectively. Evolutionarily conserved lincRNAs showed higher expression levels and lower tissue specificity than species‐specific lincRNAs. Notably, we observed a similar tissue expression pattern of homologous lincRNAs in sweet orange and pummelo (Citrus grandis), suggesting that these lincRNAs may be functionally conserved and selectively maintained. We also identified and validated a lincRNA with the highest expression in fruit that acts as an endogenous target mimic (eTM) of csi‐miR166c, and two lincRNAs that act as a precursor and target of csi‐miR166c, respectively. These lincRNAs together with csi‐miR166c could form an eTM166‐miR166c‐targeted lincRNA regulatory network that possibly affects citrus fruit development.
Investigations on the G Family with Baseline Burr XII Cumulative Sigmoid
Authors: Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Iliev Anton Iliev , Rahnev Asen
Published: February 2019

In this paper we study the one--sided Hausdorff approximation of the shifted Heaviside step function by a class of the Zubair-G family of cumulative lifetime distribution with baseline Burr XII c.d.f. The estimates of the value of the best Hausdorff approximation obtained in this article can be used in practice as one possible additional criterion in ''saturation'' study.As an illustrative example we consider the fitting the new model against experimental oil palm data.Numerical examples, illustrating our results are presented using programming environment.
Quantification of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in Anhydrous Cosmetics Using 1H NMR
Authors: Weber Sandra , Schmidt Tamina , Schumacher Paul , Kuballa Thomas , Mildau Gerd , Walch Stephan G. , Hartwig Andrea , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: February 2019

In cosmetic products, hydrocarbons from mineral oil origin are used as ingredients in a wide variety of consistency, from liquid oil to solid wax. Refined mineral oil hydrocarbons consist of MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) and a low proportion of MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons). MOSH and MOAH comprise a variety of chemically similar single substances with straight or branched chains. In the context of precautionary consumer protection, it is crucial to determine hydrocarbons from mineral oil origin of inferior quality quickly and efficiently. This publication presents a rapid method for quantifying MOAH by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H qNMR) in anhydrous cosmetics such as lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm. A sample clean-up using solid-phase extraction (SPE) was developed for the complete removal of interfering aromatic substances to improve the robustness of the method for analysing compounded cosmetics. In preliminary trials using silica gel thin-layer chromatography, the retention behaviour of 21 common aromatic compounds was tested in eluents with different solvent strength including EtOAc, MeOH, cyclohexane, and dichloromethane. Based on these results, the SPE sample cleanup with silica gel and cyclohexane as an eluent was suggested as best suitable for the purpose. The SPE cleanup was successfully achieved for all tested potentially interfering aromatic cosmetic ingredients except for butylated hydroxytoluene. The recovery for lipophilic cosmetics is more than 80% based on naphthalene as calculation equivalent. Furthermore, a specific sample preparation for the examination of lipsticks was implemented. The SPE cleanup was validated, and the robustness of the method was tested on 57 samples from the retail trade. The 1H qNMR method is a good complement to the LC-GC-FID method, which is predominantly used for the determination of MOSH and MOAH. Chromatographic problems such as migration of MOSH into the MOAH fraction during LC-GC-FID can be avoided.
Research on Indentation Rolling Resistance Based on Viscoelasticity of Cover Rubber under a Conveyor Belt
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxia , Meng Wenjun , Zhou Lidong
Published: February 2019

Minimizing the power consumption of the belt conveyor is the common wish of all enterprises and even countries. Among all the resistances generated by the belt conveyor during the operation, the indentation rolling resistance accounts for the largest proportion and the power consumed is the largest. Therefore, accurately predicting and reducing the rolling resistance of indentation is the focus of current research. Firstly, based on the three‐element Maxwell solid model, the dynamic loading experiments of cylindrical rubber made of conveyor belt cover material were carried out at different temperatures. The identification models of elastic moduli E2 and E3 and viscosity coefficient η2 in the three‐element Maxwell model were obtained, and then the fitting functions of the three parameters were gotten, which can intuitively reflect the influence of temperature. Secondly, the mathematical model of the indentation rolling resistance was derived. The mathematical model is characterized by the direct parameters such as belt speed v, thickness of backing material h, the idler radius R, and the rubber viscoelastic parameters E2, E3, and η2 and the indirect parameters such as normal force P and temperature T. Afterwards, the effects of belt speed, normal force, temperature, idler radius, and thickness of underlay on the indentation rolling resistance were studied under different working conditions. After that, experimental testing and analysis were fulfilled using test equipment and compared with theoretical analysis results. The results prove that the theoretical results are basically consistent with the experimental results, in line with the actual engineering rules. Finally, the application of the results in practical engineering was analyzed superficially.
A New Functional Model for Prediction of Chaperone Activity of the Recombinant M. tb Acr (α-Crystallin) Using Insulin as Substrate
Authors: Krishnan Gautam , Roy Utpal
Published: February 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Acr is an important protein expressed in latent tuberculosis which is active as an oligomer in preventing misfolding of cellular proteins. In this study, Mycobacterium alpha crystallin (acr) gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant Acr protein was purified by Nickel-NTA resin. The oligomeric state of Acr was confirmed by gel filtration chromatography using Sephacryl S-200 and Native-PAGE. Studies of chaperone activity were performed with insulin as a substrate at different mole ratios of Acr with 2 types of samples, His tag elutes (H) and His tag elutes with gel filtration (G). It was observed that the ratio of different sizes of oligomers (9 to 24 mers) had a significant effect on chaperone activity. Using the mole ratio of Acr for both (H) and (G) samples to insulin B chain and ratio of oligomers, we determined the number of Acr molecules binding to insulin as a model substrate. We found that if 1.5% of the insulin B chains are covered completely by the (G) samples, aggregation is completely inhibited as compared to 6% with (H) samples. Pre-heat treatment studies were carried out at 37°C, 60°C, and 70°C. Far-ultraviolet Circular Dichroism (UV-CD) analysis provided fresh insights into the role of β-sheets and α-helices in chaperone activity, particularly in (H) samples suggesting a reversible conformational transition from helices to sheets. This enabled us to formulate a functional model for binding of Acr to insulin B chains which incorporated 4 types of secondary structure molecules. This might be a useful tool for analyzing in vitro preparations of recombinant Acr and build more consensuses on the structure-activity relationship especially in terms of oligomeric ratios.
Simultaneous GC-FID Quantification of Main Components of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Lavandula dentata Essential Oils in Polymeric Nanocapsules for Antioxidant Application
Authors: Silva-Flores Perla Giovanna , Pérez-López Luis Alejandro , Rivas-Galindo Verónica Mayela , Paniagua-Vega David , Galindo-Rodríguez Sergio Arturo , Álvarez-Román Rocío
Published: February 2019

The essential oils (EO) of R. officinalis and L. dentata have been widely used due to their antioxidant activity. However, due to their high volatility, the loading of EO into polymeric nanocapsules (NC) represents an efficient way of retaining their effect in future topical administration. In this way, the quantitative determination of EO incorporated into NC is necessary for simultaneous monitoring of the main components of the EO during the nanoencapsulation process as well as for precise and exact dosing of the components used during the performance of in vitro and in vivo biological tests. In this study, EO were isolated by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses. The major constituents of EO-R. officinalis were camphor (39.46%) and 1,8-cineole (14.63%), and for EO-L. dentata were 1,8-cineole (68.59%) and β-pinene (11.53%). A new analytical method based on GC-FID for quantification of free and encapsulated EO was developed and validated according to ICH. Linearity, limit of detection and quantification, and intra- and interday precision parameters were determined. The methods were linear and precise for the quantification of the main components of EO. The EO were encapsulated by nanoprecipitation and were analyzed by the GC-FID method validated for their direct quantification. The NC size was 200 nm with homogeneous size distribution. The quantification of the incorporated EO within a NC is an important step in NC characterization. In this way, an encapsulation efficiency of at least 59.03% and 41.15% of total EO-R. officinalis and EO-L. dentata, respectively, was obtained. Simple, repeatable, and reproducible methods were developed as an analytical tool for the simultaneous quantification of the main components of EO loaded in polymeric nanocapsules as well as their monitoring in biological assays.
A Fuzzy‐Based Analytic Hierarchy Process for Mechanical Noise Source Identification of a Diesel Engine
Authors: Zhang Junhong , Zhou Qidi , Lin Jiewei , Li Weidong , Tang Zhoujie , Duan Chaoyang
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a novel fuzzy‐based analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is proposed for identifying noise sources of diesel engine and sorting their contributions. The hierarchy tree consists of 5 levels including the component level, the frequency band level, the test point level, the operating condition level, and the overall noise level. The variational mode decomposition (VMD) is employed to decompose the overall noise into several frequency bands. The factor weights between levels are determined by the partial coherence analysis (PCA) to consider the correlation of component vibration and radiated noise in different frequency bands. A fuzzy consistency matrix is then constructed to order the corresponding factors level by level that can avoid the consistence problem of the traditional AHP. Based on the rig test of a diesel engine, the proposed approach is implemented to weight the noise sources identified. It is shown the overall weighting order of the six major noise sources is (in descending order) the oil pan, the left block, the valve cover, the flywheel housing, and the right block.
Alphalipoic Acid Prevents Oxidative Stress and Peripheral Neuropathy in Nab-Paclitaxel-Treated Rats through the Nrf2 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Sun Hong , Guo Xi , Wang Ziteng , Wang Peipei , Zhang Zhe , Dong Jihong , Zhuang Rongyuan , Zhou Yuhong , Ma Guo , Cai Weimin
Published: February 2019

Peripheral neuropathy is the major dose-limiting side effect of paclitaxel (PTX), affecting both the quality of life and the survival of cancer patients. Nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX) was developed to provide additional clinical benefits and overcome the safety drawbacks of solvent-based PTX. However, the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy induced by nab-PTX was reported higher than that induced by solvent-based PTX. Upon investigation, oxidative stress plays a major role in the toxicity of nab-PTX. In order to assess if the antioxidant alphalipoic acid (α-LA) could prevent the nab-PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with three doses of α-LA (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg in normal saline, i.p., q.d. (days 1-30)) and/or nab-PTX (7.4 mg/kg in normal saline, i.v., q.w. (days 8, 15, and 22)). Body weight and peripheral neuropathy were measured and assessed regularly during the study. The assessment of peripheral neuropathy was performed by the von Frey and acetone tests. A tumor xenograft model of pancreatic cancer was used to assess the impact of α-LA on the antitumor effect of nab-PTX. Results showed that α-LA significantly ameliorated the peripheral neuropathy induced by nab-PTX (p<0.05) without promoting tumor growth or reducing the chemotherapeutic effect of nab-PTX in a tumor xenograft model. Moreover, α-LA might significantly reverse the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels altered by nab-PTX in the serum and the spinal cord of rats. Furthermore, α-LA could reverse the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and three Nrf2-responsive genes (HO-1, γ-GCLC, and NQO1) altered by nab-PTX in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats. In conclusion, our study suggests that α-LA could prevent oxidative stress and peripheral neuropathy in nab-PTX-treated rats through the Nrf2 signalling pathway without diminishing chemotherapeutic effect.
Safe Administration of anti-PD-L1 Atezolizumab in a Patient with Metastatic Urothelial Cell Carcinoma and End-Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis
Authors: Parisi Alessandro , Cortellini Alessio , Cannita Katia , Bersanelli Melissa , Ficorella Corrado
Published: February 2019

Anti-PD-L1 (programmed cell death-ligand 1) agents, such as atezolizumab, have been approved for the treatment of different advanced cancers. However, no study enrolled end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and to our knowledge, there are no significant published data about safety and efficacy of PD-L1 inhibitors in this population. Here, we report the first case of a male patient with metastatic urothelial cell carcinoma and ESRD on dialysis, safely treated with atezolizumab.
Investigation of Key Genes and Pathways in Inhibition of Oxycodone on Vincristine-Induced Microglia Activation by Using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Ye Jishi , Yan Hong
Published: February 2019

Introduction. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying the chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain are only partially understood. Among them, microglia activation was identified as the key component of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways associated with vincristine-induced neuropathic pain by using bioinformatics analysis and observe the effects of oxycodone on these DEG expressions in a vincristine-induced microglia activation model. Methods. Based on microarray profile GSE53897, we identified DEGs between vincristine-induced neuropathic pain rats and the control group. Using the ToppGene database, the prioritization DEGs were screened and performed by gene ontology (GO) and signaling pathway enrichment. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to explore the relationship among DEGs. Then, we built the vincristine-induced microglia activation model and detected several DEG expressions by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting. Meanwhile, the effects of different concentrations of oxycodone on inflammatory response in primary microglia induced by vincristine were observed. Results. A total of 38 genes were differentially expressed between normal and vincristine-treated rats. GO and pathway enrichment analysis showed that prioritization DEGs are involved in cAMP metabolic process, inflammatory response, regulation of cell proliferation, and chemokine pathway. The in vitro studies showed that vincristine had dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in microglia. Compared to the control group, vincristine (0.001 μg/ml) could lead to inflammation in primary microglia induced by vincristine and upregulated the CXCL10, CXCL9, SFRP2, and PF4 mRNA and made an obvious reduction in IRF7 mRNA. At protein levels, oxycodone (50, 100 ng/ml) decreased the expression of CXCL10 and CXCL9 in activated microglia. Conclusion. Our study obtained several DEG expressions and signaling pathways in the vincristine-induced neuropathic pain rat model by bioinformatics analysis. Oxycodone could alleviate the vincristine-induced inflammatory signaling in primary microglia and downregulate some DEGs. Further molecular mechanisms need to be explored in the future.
Compressed Sensing MRI Reconstruction with Multiple Sparsity Constraints on Radial Sampling
Authors: Huang Jianping , Wang Lihui , Zhu Yuemin
Published: February 2019

Compressed Sensing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CS‐MRI) is a promising technique for accelerating MRI acquisitions by using fewer k‐space data. Exploiting more sparsity is an important approach to improving the CS‐MRI reconstruction quality. We propose a novel CS‐MRI framework based on multiple sparse priors to increase reconstruction accuracy. The wavelet sparsity, wavelet tree structured sparsity, and nonlocal total variation (NLTV) regularizations were integrated in the CS‐MRI framework, and the optimization problem was solved using a fast composite splitting algorithm (FCSA). The proposed method was evaluated on different types of MR images with different radial sampling schemes and different sampling ratios and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art CS‐MRI reconstruction methods in terms of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), feature similarity (FSIM), relative l2 norm error (RLNE), and mean structural similarity (MSSIM). The results demonstrated that the proposed method outperforms the traditional CS‐MRI algorithms in both visual and quantitative comparisons.
Error Detection and Correction On-Board Nanosatellites Using Hamming Codes
Authors: Hillier Caleb , Balyan Vipin
Published: February 2019

The field of nanosatellites is constantly evolving and growing at a very fast speed. This creates a growing demand for more advanced and reliable EDAC systems that are capable of protecting all memory aspects of satellites. The Hamming code was identified as a suitable EDAC scheme for the prevention of single event effects on-board a nanosatellite in LEO. In this paper, three variations of Hamming codes are tested both in Matlab and VHDL. The most effective version was Hamming [16, 11, 4]2. This code guarantees single-error correction and double-error detection. All developed Hamming codes are suited for FPGA implementation, for which they are tested thoroughly using simulation software and optimized.