bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of high antioxidant activity flavonoid monoglucosides from citrus flavanone with immobilised α‐L‐rhamnosidase in one step
Authors: Liu Aolu , Huang Baohua , Lei Lin , Lu Yu‐Jing , Zhou Jin‐Lin , Wong Wing‐Leung
Published: May 2019

The rhamnosyl group of naringin dihydrochalcone, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, naringin and hesperidin was selectively removed by enzymatic hydrolysis using an immobilised α‐L‐rhamnosidase. Monoglycosylated products, including trilobatin, hesperetin dihydrochalcone‐7‐O‐glucoside, prunin and hesperetin‐7‐O‐glucoside, were isolated and characterised by 1H and 13C NMR and ESI‐MS. To optimise the enzymatic reaction conditions and its process costs, the hydrolysis of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone to produce trilobatin was selected as a model reaction. Using a ratio of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone: immobilised α‐L‐rhamnosidase equal to 1:0.6, the trilobatin yields was over 98%. The recycle of enzyme was also investigated, obtaining trilobatin with a yields of 80% even when the twentieth reaction cycle was conducted. Moreover, antiradical and antimicrobial activities of the obtained flavonoid monoglucosides were examined by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC methods, and compared with the efficacy of parental flavonoid glycosides and their aglycone. The results highlight that some of the obtained flavonoid monoglucosides show significant improvement in the antioxidant activity.
Anthocyanin profile and antioxidant capacity in coloured barley
Authors: Suriano Serafino , Savino Michele , Codianni Pasquale , Iannucci Anna , Caternolo Giovanni , Russo Mario , Pecchioni Nicola , Troccoli Antonio
Published: May 2019

The grain of 17 coloured barley F8 recombinant inbred lines from three backcross programs using three barley parental lines were studied. The main objectives were to characterise the anthocyanin profiles and antioxidant activities of these different lines of coloured barley grain when grown in southern Italy. HPLC and spectrophotometric analyses were performed. The overall profile of anthocyanins across the grain of these genotypes comprised 51.8% malvidin 3‐glucoside, 12.7% delphinidin 3‐glucoside, 5.0% cyanidin, ~2.5% both petunidin and peonidin 3‐glucoside, and ~1.4% both delphinidin 3‐rutinoside anthocyanidin 3‐glucoside, with the remaining 23% as unidentified anthocyanins. Principal component analysis showed that the antioxidant activities of the barley grain were significantly correlated with the levels of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the grain of some of these coloured barley RILs had the highest radical scavenging activities, which indicated their potential use in preparation of both food and nutraceuticals, for protective effects on human health, and in breeding programs.
Scripture between the Incarnate Christ and the Illuminating Spirit
Authors: Wiarda Timothy
Published: May 2019

An examination of what Scripture indicates about the revelatory mission of Christ, the nature of apostolic testimony and the way the Spirit's revelatory mission relates to that of the Son sheds important light on the debate about the extent to which the Spirit exercises hermeneutical freedom with respect to the historical sense of the Bible text. The results of such an investigation provide theological grounds for affirming the primacy of original meaning in the church's reading of the New Testament and for questioning reading practices that depart from it.
Mitigating the intrusive effects of smart home assistants by using anthropomorphic design features: A multimethod investigation
Authors: Benlian Alexander , Klumpe Johannes , Hinz Oliver
Published: May 2019

With the growing proliferation of smart home assistants (SHAs), digital services are increasingly pervading people's private households. Through their intrusive features, SHAs threaten to not only increase individual users' strain but also impair social relationships at home. However, while previous research has predominantly focused on technology features' detrimental effects on employee strain at work, there is still a lack of understanding of the adverse effects of digital devices on individuals and their social relations at home. In addition, we know little about how these deleterious effects can be mitigated by using information technology (IT) artefact‐based design features. Drawing on the person‐technology fit model, self‐regulation theory, and the literature on anthropomorphism, we used the synergistic properties of an online experiment (N = 136) and a follow‐up field survey with a representative sample of SHA users (N = 214) to show how and why SHAs' intrusive technology features cause strain and interpersonal conflicts at home. Moreover, we demonstrate how SHAs' anthropomorphic design features can attenuate the harmful effects of intrusive technology features on strain by shaping users' feelings of privacy invasion. More broadly, our study sheds light on the largely underinvestigated psychological and social consequences of the digitization of the individual at home.
A rapid colorimetric sensing unit for histamine content of mackerel using azo reagent
Authors: Lv Riqin , Huang Xingyi , Dai Chunxia , Ye Weitao , Tian Xiaoyu
Published: May 2019

Histamine is a chemical hazard widely found in fishes of Scombridae family during long time storage or at improper temperature. In this study, a novel colorimetric method is proposed for determination of histamine in fish flesh. Azo reagent was selected as the indicator based on the characteristic spectrometry of chromogenic sensing materials reacted with histamine solution and the theoretical research. The colors of homemade colorimetric sensing units changed slightly from yellow to orange red and pink while the concentration of histamine varied from low to high. The Gray values of units were chosen for statistical and quantitative analysis. The relationship between Gray values and the histamine content were established based on linear regression. The results of the regression showed a high correlation and the calibration correlation coefficient was 0.9926. The results indicated that the homemade sensing unit could be regarded as a feasible way for simple and rapid detection of histamine in aquatic products.

Practical applications

Histamine is a chemical hazard widely found in fish of Scombridae family during long time storage and under improper storage temperature. In this study, a novel colorimetric method is proposed for determination of histamine in fish flesh. This method simplifies the detection procedure of fish histamine and shortens the detection time. The results indicated that the homemade sensing unit provided a feasible way for simple and rapid detection of histamine in aquatic products. This colorimetric sensing unit could be applied to rapidly monitor aquatic products by government testing agencies and food companies.
On Complicated Dynamics in Simple Monetary Models
Authors: HE CHAO , WRIGHT RANDALL
Published: May 2019

We provide a complete characterization of stationary and nonstationary deterministic equilibria in search models of liquidity with indivisible assets. Two formulations are considered: the usual one with random search and bargaining; and a less common but arguably better one with directed search and posting. Also, we consider general meeting technologies. This is interesting because some results are easy with the particular technologies in previous studies but not in general. As is known, these models have equilibria where endogenous variables change over time as self‐fulfilling prophecies. More surprisingly, we prove there are no equilibria where they cycle in the long run.
Metacarpal trabecular bone varies with distinct hand‐positions used in hominid locomotion
Authors: Dunmore Christopher J. , Kivell Tracy L. , Bardo Ameline , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: May 2019

Trabecular bone remodels during life in response to loading and thus should, at least in part, reflect potential variation in the magnitude, frequency and direction of joint loading across different hominid species. Here we analyse the trabecular structure across all non‐pollical metacarpal distal heads (Mc2‐5) in extant great apes, expanding on previous volume of interest and whole‐epiphysis analyses that have largely focused on only the first or third metacarpal. Specifically, we employ both a univariate statistical mapping and a multivariate approach to test for both inter‐ray and interspecific differences in relative trabecular bone volume fraction (RBV/TV) and degree of anisotropy (DA) in Mc2‐5 subchondral trabecular bone. Results demonstrate that whereas DA values only separate Pongo from African apes (Pan troglodytes, Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla), RBV/TV distribution varies with the predicted loading of the metacarpophalangeal (McP) joints during locomotor behaviours in each species. Gorilla exhibits a relatively dorsal distribution of RBV/TV consistent with habitual hyper‐extension of the McP joints during knuckle‐walking, whereas Pongo has a palmar distribution consistent with flexed McP joints used to grasp arboreal substrates. Both Pan species possess a disto‐dorsal distribution of RBV/TV, compatible with multiple hand postures associated with a more varied locomotor regime. Further inter‐ray comparisons reveal RBV/TV patterns consistent with varied knuckle‐walking postures in Pan species in contrast to higher RBV/TV values toward the midline of the hand in Mc2 and Mc5 of Gorilla, consistent with habitual palm‐back knuckle‐walking. These patterns of trabecular bone distribution and structure reflect different behavioural signals that could be useful for determining the behaviours of fossil hominins.
Gender‐Equitable Parental Decision Making and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration in Bangladesh
Authors: Semenza Daniel C. , Roof Katherine A. , James‐Hawkins Laurie , Cheong Yuk Fai , Naved Ruchira T. , Yount Kathryn M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

This article examines the relationship between the exposure of men as children to gender‐equitable parental decision making and the potential for subsequent later life engagement in intimate partner violence (IPV) in Bangladesh.

Background

Although researchers have recently begun to explore multilevel influences on IPV perpetration, no studies have examined how decision making between parents at home and within the community relates to IPV perpetration in low‐income settings. Drawing on a theoretical framework of gendered social learning, gender‐equitable parental decision making may be an important protective factor against IPV.

Method

This study uses a random probability sample of 1,499 married men in Bangladesh. The main outcome is physical IPV perpetration in adulthood, whereas two exposure variables measure the equity of parental decision making in the man's childhood home and his current community. A series of two‐level negative binomial models, controlling for pertinent individual‐ and community‐level factors, are estimated.

Results

Exposure in childhood to more equitable decision making between parents is negatively associated with a man's physical IPV perpetration in adulthood. Gender‐equitable parental decision making within one's current community is not significantly associated with IPV.

Conclusion

Boys who grow up exposed to more equitable decision making between parents in the home may be less likely to engage in physical IPV perpetration as an adult.
Rno‐miR‐425‐5p targets the DLST and SLC16A1 genes to reduce liver damage caused by excessive energy mobilization under cold stress
Authors: Lang Limin , Xu Bin , Li Shi‐Ze , Guo Wenjin , Yuan Jianbin , Zang Shucheng , Chen Yan , Yang Huan‐Min , Lian Shuai
Published: May 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single‐stranded non‐coding small RNA molecules, which participate in the regulation of many physiological processes, and play a crucial role in cancer, metabolism and other processes. Rno‐miR‐425‐5p has been shown to play a role in the response to cold stress. To explore the mechanism by which rno‐miR‐425‐5p regulates the response to cold stress, we analysed the candidate target genes of rno‐miR‐425‐5p. After verification in rat hepatocyte BRL cells and in rat liver tissue, we identified several target genes that were altered in expression in response to cold stress. In rat liver tissue, the expression of rno‐miR‐425‐5p was significantly increased and the expression levels of target genes DLST and SLC16A1 were decreased under cold stress. The miRNA and mRNA levels were analysed by quantitative real‐time PCR and the protein levels were detected by Western blot analysis. Combined with the results of bioinformatic analysis, we concluded that rno‐miR‐425‐5p reduced the expression of DLST and SLC16A1, inhibiting energy release from the tricarboxylic acid cycle and preventing the liver from being injured by excessive energy mobilization.
Impact of Rurality on National Trends in Thyroid Cancer Incidence and Long‐Term Survival
Authors: McDow Alexandria D. , Zahnd Whitney E. , Angelos Peter , Mellinger John D. , Ganai Sabha
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Thyroid cancer incidence is rising, possibly secondary to increased imaging and surveillance. Based on rural access to care disparities, we hypothesized that incidence would be greater in urban compared to rural counties with no significant difference in long‐term survival.

Methods

An observational study was performed on thyroid cancer patients using Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results data (2000‐2012). Age‐adjusted incidence rates, incidence rate ratios, and survival rates were calculated across rural‐urban designations.

Findings

Incidence rates were 11.2, 9.8, and 10.1 per 100,000 for urban, rural‐adjacent, and rural‐nonadjacent counties, respectively. Statistically significantly lower incidence was noted in rural‐adjacent and rural‐nonadjacent compared to urban areas. Five‐year and 10‐year survival was significantly lower in rural‐nonadjacent counties compared to urban counties.

Conclusions

Higher incidence and increased long‐term survival for thyroid cancer were noted in urban areas compared to rural areas. It is uncertain if rural‐urban differences in long‐term survival reflect health care disparities, differences in therapy, or other origins.
Persistence of HBsAg‐specific antibodies and immune memory two to three decades after hepatitis B vaccination in adults
Authors: Van Damme Pierre , Dionne Marc , Leroux‐Roels Geert , Van Der Meeren Olivier , Di Paolo Emmanuel , Salaun Bruno , Surya Kiran Pemmaraju , Folschweiller Nicolas
Published: May 2019

The duration of protection after hepatitis B vaccination is not exactly known. This phase IV study evaluated antibody persistence and immune memory 20‐30 years after adult immunization with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (HBsAg vaccine, Engerix‐B) in routine clinical practice. Men and women 40‐60 years old, with documented evidence of vaccination with three or four HBsAg vaccine doses 20‐30 years earlier and without subsequent booster, were enrolled and received HBsAg vaccine as challenge dose. HBsAg‐specific antibodies (anti‐HBs) and frequencies of HBsAg‐specific circulating memory B cells and CD4+ T cells expressing combinations of activation markers (CD40L, IL2, IFNγ, TNFα) were measured prechallenge, 7 and 30 days postchallenge. Of 101 participants in the according‐to‐protocol cohort for immunogenicity, 90.1% had anti‐HBs concentrations ≥ 10 mIU/mL prechallenge administration; 84.2% and 100% mounted an anamnestic response 7 and 30 days postchallenge, respectively. HBsAg‐specific memory B and CD4+ T cells expressing at least two activation markers were low prechallenge and increased markedly postchallenge. These results suggest sustained immune memory and long‐term protection 20‐30 years after a complete primary HBsAg vaccination course during adulthood, in line with current recommendations that a booster is not needed in fully vaccinated immunocompetent adults.
Neoclassical growth model with two fixed delays
Authors: Guerrini Luca , Matsumoto Akio , Szidarovszky Ferenc
Published: May 2019

“Delay” has been considered as one of destabilizing factors in economic dynamics for a long time. Dynamic macroeconomics is concerned with explaining growth and fluctuations. This paper shows how various dynamics involving cyclic fluctuations can emerge in the standard neoclassical growth model when two distinct delays, a delay in production and a delay in depreciation, are explicitly taken into account. We first confirm that the production delay has a stabilizing effect and the depreciation delay has a destabilizing effect in a one‐delay model. We then determine the stability switching curve analytically in the two delay model. It is shown that cyclic fluctuations emerge via Hopf bifurcation when stability is lost. It is also found that stability loss and gain repeatedly occur. Numerical examples verify the theoretical results when the Cobb‐Douglas production function is adopted.
Slurs and register: A case study in meaning pluralism
Authors: Diaz‐Legaspe Justina , Liu Chang , Stainton Robert J.
Published: May 2019

Most theories of slurs fall into two families: Those which understand slurring terms to involve special descriptive/informational content (however conveyed), and those which understand them to encode special emotive/expressive content. Both offer essential insights, but part of what sets slurs apart is use‐theoretic content. Slurring words belong at the intersection of categories in a sociolinguistic register taxonomy, one that usually includes [+slang, +vulgar] and always includes [‐polite, +derogatory]. What distinguishes “Chinese” from “chink,” for example, is neither a peculiar sort of descriptive nor emotional content, but the fact that “chink” is lexically marked as belonging to different registers. Moreover, such facts contribute to slurring being ethically unacceptable.
Staphylococcus aureus modulates the activity of acetyl‐Coenzyme A synthetase (Acs) by sirtuin‐dependent reversible lysine acetylation
Authors: Burckhardt Rachel M. , Buckner Brandi A. , Escalante‐Semerena Jorge C.
Published: May 2019

Lysine acylation is a posttranslational modification used by cells of all domains of life to modulate cellular processes in response to metabolic stress. The paradigm for the role of lysine acylation in metabolism is the acetyl‐coenzyme A synthetase (Acs) enzyme. In prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells alike, Acs activity is downregulated by acetylation and reactivated by deacetylation. Proteins belonging to the bacterial GCN5‐related N‐acetyltransferase (bGNAT) superfamily acetylate the epsilon amino group of an active site lysine, inactivating Acs. A deacetylase can remove the acetyl group, thereby restoring activity. Here we show the Acs from Staphylococcus aureus (SaAcs) activates acetate and weakly activates propionate, but does not activate >C3 organic acids or dicarboxylic acids (e.g. butyrate, malonate and succinate). SaAcs activity is regulated by AcuA (SaAcuA); a type‐IV bGNAT. SaAcuA can acetylate or propionylate SaAcs reducing its activity by >90% and 95% respectively. SaAcuA also succinylated SaAcs, with this being the first documented case of a bacterial GNAT capable of succinylation. Inactive SaAcsAc was deacetylated (hence reactivated) by the NAD+‐dependent (class III) sirtuin protein deacetylase (hereafter SaCobB). In vivo and in vitro evidence show that SaAcuA and SaCobB modulate the level of SaAcs activity in S. aureus.
A novel CO2‐responsive systemic signaling pathway controlling plant mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Zhou Yanhong , Ge Shibei , Jin Lijuan , Yao Kaiqian , Wang Yu , Wu Xiaodan , Zhou Jie , Xia Xiaojian , Shi Kai , Foyer Christine H. , Yu Jingquan
Published: May 2019

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) concentrations promote symbiosis between roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), modifying plant nutrient acquisition and cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphate. However, the biological mechanisms by which plants transmit aerial eCO2 cues to roots, to alter the symbiotic associations remain unknown.

We used a range of interdisciplinary approaches, including gene silencing, grafting, transmission electron microscopy, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), biochemical methodologies and gene transcript analysis to explore the complexities of environmental signal transmission from the point of perception in the leaves at the apex to the roots.

Here we show that eCO2 triggers apoplastic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐dependent auxin production in tomato shoots followed by systemic signaling that results in strigolactone biosynthesis in the roots. This redox‐auxin‐strigolactone systemic signaling cascade facilitates eCO2‐induced AMF symbiosis and phosphate utilization.

Our results challenge the current paradigm of eCO2 effects on AMF and provide new insights into potential targets for manipulation of AMF symbiosis for high nutrient utilization under future climate change scenarios.
Gut microbiome and its role in obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Lee Clare J. , Sears Cynthia L. , Maruthur Nisa
Published: May 2019

Obesity is a complex metabolic disease caused, in part, by the interaction between an individual's genetics, metabolism, and environment. Emerging evidence supports the role of gut microbiota in mediating the interaction between the host and environment by extracting energy from food otherwise indigestible by the host and producing metabolites and cytokines that affect host metabolism. Furthermore, gut microbial imbalance or dysbiosis has been shown in metabolic diseases including obesity, and recent studies are beginning to unravel the mechanisms involved. The gut microbiota affects host metabolism and obesity through several pathways involving gut barrier integrity, production of metabolites affecting satiety and insulin resistance, epigenetic factors, and metabolism of bile acids and subsequent changes in metabolic signaling. While the field of gut microbiome and its role in obesity is early in its stage of development, it holds a promising future in providing us with novel therapeutic targets that may restore the gut microbiome to a healthy state and help in the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Genetic markers linked to Striga gesnerioides resistance for the improvement of Ghanaian cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cultivars
Authors: Essem Frank , Ohlson Erik W. , Asare Aaron T. , Timko Michael P.
Published: May 2019

The parasitic plant, Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke, is one of the most important constraints of cowpea production and food security in West Africa. Currently, few Striga resistant cowpea varieties have been developed that are well‐adapted to the dry savannah regions of Ghana. While genes conferring resistance to Striga races SG1, SG3 and SG5 have been mapped, the genetic locus of resistance to the race of Striga found in Ghana (SG‐GH) has not been characterized. Here, we report identification of genetic markers linked to SG‐GH resistance and define the relationship of this locus to SG3 resistance in recombinant inbred line populations generated from crosses between Striga resistant IT97K‐499‐35 and the Striga susceptible varieties Apagbaala and SARC‐LO2. The populations were genotyped with five genetic markers associated with SG3 and SG5 Striga resistance genes and a genetic map was developed. Genes conferring resistance to SG‐GH and SG3 mapped 4.2 cM from each other on chromosome Vu11. The identification of genetic markers linked to SG‐GH resistance will facilitate the marker‐assisted development of high‐quality Striga resistant cowpea varieties in Ghana.
Homemade slime: A contact dermatitis “perfect storm”
Authors: Jacob Sharon E.
Published: May 2019

This article is linked to Anderson et al. paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.13792.
Protective influence of rosiglitazone against time‐dependent deterioration of boar spermatozoa preserved at 17°C
Authors: Wang Na , Yang Kang , Guo Hai‐Tao , Wang Jing‐Ran , Sun Huan‐Huan , Wang Shun‐Wei , Sun Meng , Sun Liang‐Zheng , Yue Shun‐Li , Zhou Jia‐Bo
Published: May 2019

Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells, and energy metabolism plays an important role in modulating sperm viability and function. Rosiglitazone is an antidiabetic drug in the thiazolidinedione class that regulates metabolic flexibility and glucose uptake in various cell types, but its effects on boar sperm metabolism are unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of rosiglitazone against time‐dependent deterioration of boar spermatozoa during liquid preservation at 17°C. Freshly ejaculated semen was diluted with Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) containing different concentrations of rosiglitazone, and the motility, membrane and acrosome integrity of sperm were detected. Besides, we measured glucose uptake capacity, l‐lactate production level, mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) production of sperm after boar semen had been incubated with or without rosiglitazone, iodoacetate (glycolysis inhibitor) and rotenone (electron transport chain inhibitor) for 5 days. The addition of rosiglitazone significantly enhanced sperm quality and had a strong protective effect on the sperm membrane and acrosome integrity during storage. BTS containing 50 μM rosiglitazone maintained the total motility of liquid‐preserved sperm above 60% for 7 days. Rosiglitazone improved sperm quality by regulating energy metabolism manner of preserved sperm, protected the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced sperm ATP production and in the meanwhile reduced mROS through enhancing glycolysis but not oxidative phosphorylation. The data suggested the practical feasibility of using rosiglitazone for improving boar spermatozoa quality during semen preservation.
Oral and dental management of people with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic search and evidence‐based clinical guidance
Authors: Abed Hassan , Alhabshi Manaf , Alkhayal Zikra , Burke Mary , Nizarali Najla
Published: May 2019

Aims

To systematically search all studies that discussed dental procedures in patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and/or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to provide an evidence‐based clinical guidance on oral and dental management of people with MDS and/or AML.

Methods

The systematic search followed the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta‐analyses Protocols (PRISMA‐P) guideline. Two databases systems were used (MEDLINE and EMBASE). PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. The International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials. Level of evidence was evaluated based on the Oxford Level of Evidence. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to summarize the evidence.

Results

Only 18 articles were selected and included in data synthesis and analysis. The level of evidence and recommendation ranged from 1 to 5 and A to D, respectively.

Conclusions

All the included studies in the data synthesis (n = 18) showed no specific guidelines were followed; however, all reflected the importance of liaison with the patient's hematoncologist at all stages of MDS and/or AML therapy.

Recommendations

Oral and dental assessment is crucial prior to MDS therapy to help reduce anticipated complications. Dental treatment prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and/or active stage of MDS therapy is tricky and always required liaison with the hematoncologist. MDS can progress to AML; hence, dental care providers are in a good position to spot any changes and refer early to the hematoncologist for further assessment.
Risk factors of stress fractures due to the female athlete triad: Differences in teens and twenties
Authors: Nose‐Ogura Sayaka , Yoshino Osamu , Dohi Michiko , Kigawa Mika , Harada Miyuki , Hiraike Osamu , Onda Takashi , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki , Saito Shigeru
Published: May 2019

Background

The female athlete triad (Triad), defined by the American College of Sports Medicine as low energy availability (LEA) with or without disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD), is associated with stress fractures and athletes aged 16‐17 years are most susceptible.

Purpose

To examine whether the Triad increases the risk of stress fractures, athletes were assigned to a “teenage” group and a “20s” group.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 390 elite female athletes and was conducted from 2012 to 2016 at Japan Institute of Sports Sciences. Blood concentrations of various hormones were examined, and BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and throughout the whole body using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. LEA was defined as body weight ≤85% of the ideal body weight for teenage athletes, or BMI ≤17.5 for athletes in their 20s. Low BMD was defined as a BMD Z‐score of <−1.0 in the lumbar spine and the whole body.

Results

Among 390 athletes enrolled, 36 developed new stress fractures within 3 months of registration. The risk for stress fractures due to the Triad in teenage athletes was higher than for athletes in their 20s. In teenage female athletes, secondary amenorrhea, low BMD for the whole body, and a low ratio of actual body weight to ideal body weight increased the risk for stress fractures by 12.9 times, 4.5 times, and 1.1 times, respectively.

Conclusion

To prevent stress fractures in female athletes with the Triad, age of athletes should be taken into consideration.
Influence of E‐cadherin genetic variation in canine mammary tumour risk, clinicopathological features and prognosis
Authors: Canadas Ana , Santos Marta , Medeiros Rui , Dias‐Pereira Patrícia
Published: May 2019

E‐cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule that participates in several cellular processes that guarantee the maintenance of structural and functional integrity of epithelial tissues. E‐cadherin plays an important role in mammary carcinogenesis, and various studies have demonstrated the effect of CDH1 genetic variation in risk, progression and biological behaviour of human breast cancer. Although there are some recognized genetic variations in canine CDH1 gene, their influence in canine mammary tumour development and progression has not been previously evaluated. In this study, we aim to assess the influence of CDH1 SNPs rs850805755, rs852280880 and rs852639930 in the risk, clinicopathological features and clinical outcome of canine mammary tumours. A case‐control study was conducted involving 206 bitches with mammary tumours and 161 bitches free of mammary neoplasia. CDH1 SNPs rs850805755 and rs852280880 were associated with a decreased risk and a later onset of mammary tumour development. Furthermore, these SNPs were related to the development of small size carcinomas, of low histological grade and low nuclear pleomorphism. SNP rs852639930 was associated with the development of small size tumours with a non‐infiltrative, non‐invasive growth pattern. Data from the present investigation demonstrate that these CDH1 genetic variants could have a protective role in canine mammary tumours, by being associated with low risk of tumour development, delayed onset of the disease and less aggressive clinicopathological features.
Mixed Convection in a Cubical Cavity With Active Lateral Walls and Filled With Hybrid Graphene–Platinum Nanofluid
Authors: Hussein Ahmed Kadhim , Kolsi Lioua , Almeshaal Mohammed A. , Li Dong , Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Ahmed Israa S.
Published: May 2019

The mixed convection in a cubical cavity with active lateral walls and filled with a graphene–platinum hybrid nanofluid was investigated numerically and exclusively in the present paper. The lateral left and back sidewalls were kept at a hot temperature (Th), while the lateral right and front sidewalls were kept at a cold temperature (Tc). Both the top and bottom walls were assumed thermally insulated. The top wall of the cavity was considered moving with two different directions. The first one is in the x-direction (case I), while the second case is in the z-direction (case II). Also, the case of the fixed top wall was studied just for comparison. The solid volume fractions have been varied as 0 ≤ φ ≤ 0.1%, while the Richardson number is varied in the range of 0.01 ≤Ri ≤ 10. It was found that the maximum average Nusselt number corresponds to the case when the top wall moving in the negative x-direction. Also, the results indicated that the average Nusselt number increases with the increase in the Richardson number and the solid volume fraction.
Development of a Measurement System for Analyzing Periodic External Forces Acting on Rotating Machineries
Authors: Yabui Shota , Inoue Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2019

In this study, a measurement system is developed to analyze periodic external forces acting on a rotating machinery. The dynamics of a rotating machineries are influenced by various periodic external forces such as unbalanced forces, oil film forces at a journal bearing, and seal contact forces. The characteristics of periodic external forces are dependent on the rotating conditions, rotational speed, and rotating orbit of the rotating shaft. The proposed system employs an active magnetic bearing (AMB), which is implemented using an adaptive feed-forward cancellation (AFC). The use of AFC ensures that the proposed system can realize the desired harmonic orbit assuming actual operations under the periodic external forces. Moreover, AFC can measure the periodic external forces in real-time using an adaptive algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed system is verified experimentally. Experimental results show that the control system can control the rotating shaft to an accuracy of micrometer order using the implemented AFC. The measurement error of the periodic external forces acting on the rotating system is less than 2%.
Effect of Capped Vents on Torque Distribution of a Semicircular-Bladed Savonius Wind Rotor
Authors: Rathod Umang H. , Talukdar Parag K. , Kulkarni Vinayak , Saha Ujjwal K.
Published: May 2019

To address the problem of the imminent energy crisis, pollution from fossil fuels, and global warming, it is necessary to incorporate renewable technologies. In that context, the drag-based Savonius wind turbine has tremendous potential to extract wind energy and can be operated as a standalone system at remote areas where the conventional electricity cannot be provided. The present study primarily focuses on the performance evaluation of a conventional semicircular-bladed Savonius rotor with capped vents (CVs) or nozzle chamfered vents. The rotor blades having vent ratios of 7%, 14%, and 21% are tested in a wind tunnel, and subsequently, their performances are compared with a rotor without CVs under identical test conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have also been carried out to compliment the surprising experimental results and also to analyze the flow physics around the rotor blades. From the understanding of torque distribution, it has been noticed that the performance of the rotor with CV deteriorates compared with the conventional semicircular-bladed rotor. The vents are found to decrease the positive torque and increase the negative torque by disturbing the pressure distribution of the conventional semicircular-bladed Savonius rotor.
Fluctuations of the emission characteristics of multi-tip field cathodes
Authors: Kolosko Anatoly G. , Popov Eugeni O. , Filippov Sergey V. , Gotoh Yasuhito
Published: May 2019

This paper presents an experimental investigation and modeling of the fluctuations in the electron emission characteristics of the multi-tip field emission cathodes based on composites “disordered carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix.” A computerized experimental setup recorded the fluctuations of the current–voltage characteristics on the slope-intercept diagram and their motion in accordance with the voltage amplitude variation. Online computer processing of the “glow patterns,” acquired by the field emission projector, allowed the authors to estimate a local field enhancement factor of the microscopic emission sites. These data were used in the computer model of the adsorption–desorption process on the cathode surface. The results of the modeling showed good agreement with the experimental results. The present model has great potential for predicting the behavior of the multi-tip field cathodes.
Study of damage generation induced by focused helium ion beam in silicon
Authors: Li Rongrong , Zhu Rui , Chen Shulin , He Chao , Li Mingqiang , Zhang Jingmin , Gao Peng , Liao Zhimin , Xu Jun
Published: May 2019

Helium ion microscope (HIM) has presented an outstanding ability to image and nanofabricate thin film and two-dimensional materials with high precision. However, the concomitant damage and implantation induced by focused helium ion beam should influence the imaging quality and nanomachining efficiency inevitably, especially for bulk samples. In this work, the authors investigated the generation process of damages at nanoscales in single crystalline bulk silicon caused by ions implantation in HIM using transmission electron microscopy. The dependence of implantation and damage on ion dose, ion energy, and beam current was also discussed and analyzed. It was found that the damage should be originated from the local defects caused by ion implantation and the crystal structure could be gradually destroyed and transform into amorphous silicon with the generation and growth of subsurface nanobubbles as ion dose increased. The local concentration of implanted helium ion was found as a universal factor to impact on the damage level and the size of nanobubbles directly. These findings not only shed lights on the effective imaging and nanofabrication of HIM but also provide a further understanding in the nuclear irradiation area.
Engineering single-atom dynamics with electron irradiation
Authors: Su Cong , Tripathi Mukesh , Yan Qing-Bo , Wang Zegao , Zhang Zihan , Hofer Christoph , Wang Haozhe , Basile Leonardo , Su Gang , Dong Mingdong , Meyer Jannik C. , Kotakoski Jani , Kong Jing , Idrobo Juan-Carlos , Susi Toma , Li Ju
Published: May 2019

A vector-space formalism is developed for optimizing single-atom manipulation outcomes under focused electron irradiation.
The structure of musical harmony as an ordered phase of sound: A statistical mechanics approach to music theory
Authors: Berezovsky Jesse
Published: May 2019

A statistical mechanics approach shows how the fundamental structures of musical harmony emerge from disordered sound.
On-demand photonic entanglement synthesizer
Authors: Takeda Shuntaro , Takase Kan , Furusawa Akira
Published: May 2019

Programmable and on-demand generation of photonic entanglement is enabled by a dynamically controlled loop-based circuit.
The innate immune DNA sensor cGAS: A membrane, cytosolic, or nuclear protein?
Authors: Gekara Nelson O. , Jiang Hui
Published: May 2019

Interaction with membrane phospholipids restricts the localization of the DNA sensor cGAS and limits its activity.
Improving Education in Agricultural Biosciences through Studying Abroad in the United States
Authors: Myer Phillip R. , Ader David , Gill Tom
Published: May 2019

Studying abroad in agricultural biosciences can develop students’ cultural, academic, and communication skills and enhance employability. However, in the United States, discussions of study abroad are limited to either one-way directionality (U.S. students to other countries) or to the experiences of international students who come to the United States for degree programs. We analyzed the perspectives and experiences of studying abroad by Zamorano University (Honduras) students who completed an agricultural bioscience pasantía (four-month internship) during the final year of their undergraduate program. We used mixed methods to collect data via focus group discussions and a survey with Zamorano students who had completed a pasantía in 2017, as well as key informant interviews with Zamorano pasantía coordinators. Study-abroad experiences were compared between students who completed their pasantía in the United States (37%) and those who completed their pasantía in any of 17 other countries worldwide. Significant relationships were identified (
p
< 0.05) between: doing a pasantía in the United States (compared with going elsewhere) and improving science and theoretical knowledge; having a hands-on experience and science and theory improvement; improving communication and confidence in using scientific methods. The Zamorano pasantía model lends insights into the value of study abroad for agricultural bioscience education.
Impact of a mobile application for heart rate assessment in simulated neonatal resuscitation: a randomised controlled cross-over study
Authors: Cavallin Francesco , Binotti Marco , Ingrassia Pierluigi L , Genoni Giulia , Rizzollo Stefano , Monzani Alice , Trevisanuto Daniele
Published: May 2019

Background

Clinical assessment of newborn heart rate (HR) at birth has been reported to be inaccurate. NeoTapAdvancedSupport (NeoTapAS) is a free-of-charge mobile application that showed good accuracy in HR estimation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of NeoTapAS on timing of HR communication and resuscitation interventions.

Methods

This was a randomised controlled cross-over (AB/BA) study evaluating HR assessment using auscultation plus NeoTapAS compared with auscultation plus mental computation in a high-fidelity simulated newborn resuscitation scenario. Twenty teams each including three paediatric residents were randomly assigned to AB or BA arms. The primary outcome was the timing of the first HR communication. Secondary outcomes included the timing of the following four HR communications and the timing of resuscitation interventions (positive pressure ventilation, chest compressions, intubation and administration of first dose of epinephrine).

Results

NeoTapAS reduced the time to the first HR communication (mean difference −13 s, 95% CI −23 to −4; p=0.009), and the time of initiation of chest compressions (mean difference −68 s, 95% CI −116 to −18; p=0.01) and administration of epinephrine (mean difference −76 s, 95% CI −115 to −37; p=0.0004) compared with mental computation.

Conclusions

In a neonatal resuscitation simulated scenario, NeoTapAS reduced the time to the first HR communication and the time of initiation of chest compressions and administration of epinephrine compared with mental computation. This app can be especially useful in settings with limited availability of monitoring equipment, but further studies in clinical scenarios are warranted.

Trial registration number

NCT03730025.
P90 Neuropsychiatric disorder and Montelukast: a case report and VigiBase® analysis
Authors: Scholz I , Banholzer S , Haschke M
Published: May 2019

Learning objective

Recognize neuropsychiatric symptoms as possible adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with the leukotriene receptor antagonist Montelukast in children

Clinical Case

An 11-year-old boy suffering from asthma presented to his pediatrician with an acute onset of nervousness, restlessness and irritability. The teacher noticed a decline in school performance with a reduced attention span. The patient had been treated with Salbutamol (Ventolin®) and Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Seretide®) for the last few years. A treatment with Montelukast chewable tablets was started four months ago. The ADR was reported to the Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre (RPVC) Bern. The termination of the therapy with Montelukast lead to an amelioration of the symptoms. According to the WHO-UMC Causality Categories,1 the causality of Montelukast and the described symptoms was classified as ‘probable’. The causality of the comedication was considered ‘unlikely’ as it had been used for several years without complications. After work-up at the RPVC, the case was reported anonymously to the National Pharmacovigilance Center of the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products Swissmedic.

Discussion

Montelukast is a cysteinyl-leukotriene type 1-receptor antagonist used in the treatment of bronchial asthma in adults and children. Psychiatric disorders such as agitation, psychomotor hyperactivity (including irritability and restlessness), disorders of attention and memory impairment (and others) are listed as known ADRs of Montelukast.2 3 The WHO pharmacovigilance database VigiBase® lists a total of 20’897 ADR reports for Montelukast, of which 4’705 (22.5%) refer to nervous system disorders and 6’828 (32.7%) to psychiatric disorders. Within the group of nervous system disorders 256 (5.4%) reports of psychomotor hyperactivity, 232 (4.9%) reports of disturbance in attention and 91 (1.9%) reports of memory impairment were recorded.4 The most common symptoms in the group of psychiatric disorders are depression (1’311, 19.2%) and aggressive behavior (1’175, 17.2%). If psychiatric ADRs occur, the risks and benefits of Montelukast should be reassessed.

References

The use of the WHO-UMC system for standardised case causality assessment. Available from:https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/safety_efficacy/WHOcausality_assessment.pdf

Marchand MS, Jonville-Bera AP, Autret-Leca E, [Psychiatric disorders associated with montelukast: data from the National Pharmacovigilance Database]. Arch Pediatr 2013;20(3):269–73.

Aldea Perona A, Garcia-Saiz M, Sanz Alvarez E. Psychiatric disorders and montelukast in children: A disproportionality analysis of the vigibase((R)). Drug Saf 2016;9(1):69–78.

Disclosure(s)

Nothing to disclose
P07 Roxithromycin in early pregnancy and the risk of major congenital malformation: a register based nationwide cohort study
Authors: Olsen RH , Poulsen HE , Andersen JT
Published: May 2019

Background

Medicine use during pregnancy often causes concern for fetal harm. Roxithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is regarded as inadvisable to use during pregnancy due to lack of safety data. However, alternative macrolides have been associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy. We conducted a register-based nationwide cohort study testing the hypothesis that use of roxithromycin in the first trimester is associated with major congenital malformations.

Methods

We included all Danish women giving live birth from 1997 to 2012. Women with at least one redeemed receipt of roxithromycin during first trimester were regarded as exposed. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for maternal age, multiple birth, parity, year of conception, smoking, educational length, and household income was performed, supplemented by sensitivity analyses comparing unexposed with exposure to increasing accumulated doses of roxithromycin.

Results

The study included 966,372 pregnancies of which 2,430 children were born to an exposed mother, 78 (3.34%) of the exposed children were diagnosed with a major congenital malformation compared with 33,609 (3.49%) among children born to unexposed mothers. The odds ratio for the occurrence of a major congenital malformation after exposure to roxithromycin was 0.96 (95% CI 0.76–1.20) and multifactorially adjusted 0.94 (0.74–1.18). Sensitivity analyses comparing unexposed with exposure to increasing accumulated doses of roxithromycin showed no dose response relationship. Further, no differences in the type of major malformation according to the EUROCAT subgrouping system were seen.

Conclusions

We found no association between exposure to roxithromycin in the first trimester of pregnancy and major congenital malformations.

Disclosure(s)

Nothing to disclose