bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two-dimensional half-space problem in an initially stressed rotating medium with microtemperatures
Authors: Deswal Sunita , Sheoran Devender , Kalkal Kapil Kumar
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a model of two-dimensional half-space problem of linear, isotropic, homogeneous, initially stressed, rotating thermoelastic medium with microtemperatures. The expressions for different physical variables such as displacement distribution, stress distribution, temperature field and microtemperatures are obtained in the physical domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Normal mode analysis technique is adopted to procure the exact solution of the problem.

Findings

Numerical computations have been carried out with the help of MATLAB programming, and the results are illustrated graphically. Comparisons are made to show the effects of rotation, time and microtemperatures on the resulting quantities. The graphical results indicate that the effects of rotation, microtemperatures and time are very pronounced on the field variables.

Originality/value

In the present work, we have investigated the effects of rotation, time and microtemperature in an initially stressed thermoelastic medium. Although various investigations do exist to observe the disturbances in a thermoelastic medium under the effects of different parameters, the work in its present form, i.e. the disturbances in a thermoelastic medium in the presence of angular velocity, initial stress and microtemperature have not been studied till now. The present work is useful and valuable for analysis of problems involving coupled thermal shock, rotation parameter, microtemperatures and elastic deformation.
Analyses of competent and non‐competent subpopulations of Bacillus subtilis reveal yhfW, yhxC and ncRNAs as novel players in competence
Authors: Boonstra Mirjam , Schaffer Marc , Sousa Joana , Morawska Luiza , Holsappel Siger , Hildebrandt Petra , Sappa Praveen Kumar , Rath Hermann , de Jong Anne , Lalk Michael , Mäder Ulrike , Völker Uwe , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: April 2020

Upon competence‐inducing nutrient‐limited conditions, only part of the Bacillus subtilis population becomes competent. Here, we separated the two subpopulations by fluorescence‐assisted cell sorting (FACS). Using RNA‐seq, we confirmed the previously described ComK regulon. We also found for the first time significantly downregulated genes in the competent subpopulation. The downregulated genes are not under direct control by ComK but have higher levels of corresponding antisense RNAs in the competent subpopulation. During competence, cell division and replication are halted. By investigating the proteome during competence, we found higher levels of the regulators of cell division, MinD and Noc. The exonucleases SbcC and SbcD were also primarily regulated at the post‐transcriptional level. In the competent subpopulation, yhfW was newly identified as being highly upregulated. Its absence reduces the expression of comG, and has a modest, but statistically significant effect on the expression of comK. Although expression of yhfW is higher in the competent subpopulation, no ComK‐binding site is present in its promoter region. Mutants of yhfW have a small but significant defect in transformation. Metabolomic analyses revealed significant reductions in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites and several amino acids in a ΔyhfW mutant. RNA‐seq analysis of ΔyhfW revealed higher expression of the NAD synthesis genes nadA, nadB and nadC.
Diversity and potential biogeochemical impacts of viruses in bulk and rhizosphere soils
Authors: Bi Li , Yu Dan‐Ting , Du Shuai , Zhang Li‐Mei , Zhang Li‐Yu , Wu Chuan‐Fa , Xiong Chao , Han Li‐Li , He Ji‐Zheng
Published: April 2020

Viruses can affect microbial dynamics, metabolism and biogeochemical cycles in aquatic ecosystems. However, viral diversity and functions in agricultural soils are poorly known, especially in the rhizosphere. We used virome analysis of eight rhizosphere and bulk soils to study viral diversity and potential biogeochemical impacts in an agro‐ecosystem. The order Caudovirales was the predominant viral type in agricultural soils, with Siphoviridae being the most abundant family. Phylogenetic analysis of the terminase large subunit of Caudovirales identified high viral diversity and three novel groups. Viral community composition differed significantly between bulk and rhizosphere soils. Soil pH was the main environmental driver of the viral community structure. Remarkably, abundant auxiliary carbohydrate‐active enzyme (CAZyme) genes were detected in viromes, including glycoside hydrolases, carbohydrate esterases and carbohydrate‐binding modules. These results demonstrate that virus‐encoded putative auxiliary metabolic genes or metabolic genes that may change bacterial metabolism and indirectly contribute to biogeochemical cycling, especially carbon cycling, in agricultural soil.
Emergency Medicine Advanced Ultrasound Service: A new paradigm
Authors: Bogseth Michael C , Gawthrope Ian C , Rippey James C
Published: April 2020

Objective

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is now ubiquitous in emergency medicine. Increased accessibility does not, however, ensure expertise in its use. We present a unique model of an Emergency Medicine Advanced Ultrasound Service (EMAUS). In our model specialist emergency physicians with advanced ultrasound (US) qualifications (emergency sonologists), provide images and reports for the entire department. The service is considered an extension of the traditional radiology model. It is consultative, diagnostic and procedural, and includes full US examinations as well as POCUS examinations.

Methods

A 4‐month prospective descriptive observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital during which data was recorded about emergency medicine US use and its outcomes.

Results

A total of 1336 US scans were recorded. Emergency sonologists conducted the majority of examinations, 69.8%. Half the consultative USs demonstrated positive findings. Follow‐up computed tomography (CT) was recommended in 8.8% of consultative US studies and 12.4% of POCUS studies. Concerning incidental findings requiring further investigation (usually CT/magnetic resonance imaging) were infrequent at 1.6%.

Conclusion

Globally POCUS has proliferated with varying expertise and data to support its use. The EMAUS provides a trusted and accountable service with the advantages of simultaneously integrating consultative US into the clinical context by an emergency physician. A diverse range of indications, scan types and pathology was recorded over the period demonstrating the utility of combining the roles of senior clinician, sonographer and radiologist and the benefits of advanced training and credentialing.
Extraction for profiling free and bound phenolic compounds in tea seed oil by deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Jia Wencong , Lai Guoyin , Wang Lijuan , del Mar Contreras María , Yang Daomao
Published: April 2020

Bound phenolic compounds have rarely been reported in vegetable oils and this may be due to little research about the extraction. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), recently applied in the extraction of phenolic compounds as alternatives to organic solvents, were adopted in the extraction of free and bound phenolic compounds from tea seed oil in this work. First, the phenolic compounds were analyzed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight and triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS) for characterization and UHPLC‐QqQ‐MS/MS for quantification and 25 phenolic compounds were found to exist in both free and bound forms. Then, DESs were screened for extraction of free and bound phenolic compounds from tea seed oil as the pretreatment for analysis and the results showed that hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) and temperature significantly affected the extraction efficiency of DESs. Finally, free phenolic compounds (83.91 µg/g) and bound phenolic compounds (25.71 µg/g), extracted by the DES with glycerol as HBD at 50 °C, were 51.0% and 93.2% higher than those extracted by methanol/water (60%, v/v), respectively. This work not only advanced the basic data of phenolic compounds in tea seed oil but also explored an efficient extraction method for scientific analysis of free and bound phenolic compounds.
Effect of fruit maturity on volatiles and sensory descriptors of four mandarin hybrids
Authors: Hijaz Faraj , Gmitter Fred G. , Bai Jinhe , Baldwin Elizabeth , Biotteau Alice , Leclair Clotilde , McCollum T. Greg , Plotto Anne
Published: April 2020

Mandarins (or tangerines) are mainly consumed as fresh fruits due to the ease of peeling and desirable flavor. Sweetness, acidity, and flavor of mandarin are the most important criteria for consumer preference. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of harvest date on sensory and chemical components of four mandarin cultivars (Murcott, 411, Temple, and ‘LB8‐9' Sugar Belle®). Volatiles were extracted from the headspace of juice samples with solid phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The optimum harvest window for eating quality of 411 was late January to mid‐February (soluble solids content [SSC]/titratable acidity [TA]: 11.3 to 14.0), Sugar Belle® fruits were best tasted when harvested from mid‐ to end of January (SSC/TA: 14.1 to 16.1), and February was the best month for harvesting Murcott (SSC/TA: 13.10 to 18.0) and Temple (SSC/TA:10.3 to 12.50). Sensory perception of sweetness, ripeness, and juiciness increased as SSC/TA increased while sourness and bitterness decreased. Pumpkin flavor, an indicator of overripe fruit, was mainly noticed late in the season. Tangerine flavor tended to decrease, whereas fruity‐noncitrus flavor tended to increase with fruit maturity. Monoterpenes were the most abundant volatiles and tended to decrease with fruit maturity, whereas alcohols, esters, and aldehydes increase. Aldehydes, esters, and alcohols were positively correlated with sweetness, ripeness, juiciness, and fruity characteristics, and negatively with sourness and bitterness. On the other hand, monoterpenes were positively correlated with bitterness and tangerine flavor, and negatively correlated with sweetness and fruity‐noncitrus flavor. The highest number of esters was found in Temple, whereas Murcott and 411 were high in aldehydes.
Inadequate laser coagulation is an important cause of treatment failure in Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Spandau Ulrich , Larsson Eva , Holmström Gerd
Published: April 2020

Purpose of the study

To examine the cause of treatment failures in Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Patients and Methods

The medical charts of all infants with disease persistence after laser treatment at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, during a 10‐year period (2009–2019) were reviewed. RetCam photography and angiography were used to document the retinal appearance before and after retreatment.

Results

Ten infants (18 eyes), of whom nine were referred from other hospitals, had persistence of Type 1 ROP in zone I or zone II despite previous laser treatment. Their mean gestational age was 24 weeks and their mean birth weight was 618 g. Seven eyes were diagnosed as stage 3 plus, eight eyes as stage 4A and three eyes as stage 4B. In eight infants (14 eyes), inadequate laser coagulation was suspected to be the cause for persistence of type 1 disease. Two infants (four eyes) were appreciated to have persistence of plus disease because of presence of zone I disease. For persistence of Type 1 ROP, five infants (seven eyes) were treated with vitrectomy, two infants (three eyes) with laser photocoagulation and anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), two infants (four eyes) with anti‐VEGF alone and finally two infants (four eyes) with laser photocoagulation alone. The anatomical outcome was good in 14 eyes and poor in four eyes (three infants).

Conclusions

Inadequate laser coagulation is an important cause of treatment failure of ROP Type 1. Another cause is laser coagulation in zone I. To minimize remaining visual disability, some kind of centralization of the ROP treatment is suggested.
Adaptive treatment and robust control
Authors: Clairon Q. , Henderson R. , Young N. J. , Wilson E. D. , Taylor C. J.
Published: April 2020

A control theory perspective on determination of optimal dynamic treatment regimes is considered. The aim is to adapt statistical methodology that has been developed for medical or other biostatistical applications to incorporate powerful control techniques that have been designed for engineering or other technological problems. Data tend to be sparse and noisy in the biostatistical area and interest has tended to be in statistical inference for treatment effects. In engineering fields, experimental data can be more easily obtained and reproduced and interest is more often in performance and stability of proposed controllers rather than modeling and inference per se. We propose that modeling and estimation should be based on standard statistical techniques but subsequent treatment policy should be obtained from robust control. To bring focus, we concentrate on A‐learning methodology as developed in the biostatistical literature and ‐synthesis from control theory. Simulations and two applications demonstrate robustness of the strategy compared to standard A‐learning in the presence of model misspecification or measurement error.
Influence of vertical soft tissue thickness on occurrence of peri‐implantitis in patients with periodontitis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Shi Dong , Meng Huanxin , Han Jie , Zhang Li , Li Wenjing
Published: April 2020

Background

The influence of vertical soft tissue thickness on health of peri‐implant tissue has been addressed in few studies; thus, further research is needed.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of vertical soft tissue thickness on the risk of peri‐implantitis and peri‐implant condition in patients with a history of periodontitis.

Design/Methods

A total of 92 patients with a history of periodontitis were included in this study. During the implant placement, the distance from palatal soft tissue edge to the alveolar crest, which was defined as vertical soft tissue thickness, was measured. The characteristics of patients and implants were recorded at baseline (T1). After more than 2 years follow‐up period, 65 patients with 159 implants finally came back for T2 evaluation, and parameters of peri‐implant tissue were recorded. The associations of vertical soft tissue thickness with peri‐implant parameter and occurrence of peri‐implantitis were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation accompanying linear regression and logistic regression. In addition to conventional multivariate analysis, a propensity score for adjustment was used to reduce confounding bias.

Results

At follow‐up examination (T2), survival rate at implant‐level was 98.8%. The peri‐implant parameters, including peri‐implant probing depth and marginal bone loss, increased significantly with the increasing of soft tissue thickness (P < 0.05) after adjusting for a propensity score. In multivariate analysis adjusted for different confounding factors and propensity score, the odd ratios were all approximately 2.5, which meant that the risk of peri‐implantitis increased 1.5 times for 1 mm increase of soft tissue thickness.

Conclusions

The excessive vertical soft tissue thickness around implants in patients with history of periodontitis has an adverse influence on health of the peri‐implant tissue. This observation raises an important question on the association between vertical soft tissue thickness during implant surgery and history of periodontitis. Effective approaches to prevent the adverse effect of excessive soft tissue thickness on peri‐implant tissue are necessary to be further investigated.
Optimal Financing Models Offered by Manufacturers with Risk Aversion and Market Competition Considerations
Authors: Li Yongjian , Liu Lu , Feng Lipan , Wang Wen , Xu Fangchao
Published: April 2020

Trade credit finance (TCF), retailer independent finance (RIF), and partial credit guarantee (PCG) finance are all important financing tools for capital‐constrained retailers. Risk aversion has a significant impact on financing, but it is difficult to measure. This research investigates the manufacturer's financing provision strategies considering risk aversion and capital market competition. First, an ordinary least squares method with conditional value at risk criteria is proposed to measure the risk attitude of decision‐makers. Second, the equilibrium mode of financing provision and impacts of risk aversion and the retailer's initial capital are analyzed. Third, a laboratory experiment and numerical analysis are conducted to verify the risk aversion estimation method and other theoretical results. We draw the following conclusions. First, the equilibrium financing provision mode changes with the degree of risk aversion and retailer's initial capital. Although the manufacturer prefers TCF and PCG to RIF, the retailer chooses the RIF mode when its initial capital is low. A variable parameter guarantee mechanism is proposed to encourage more retailers to choose PCG instead of RIF. Second, the risk‐averse financing system realizes super‐centralization (i.e., utility in the decentralized system is larger than that in the centralized system) when the manufacturer is less risk averse than the other participants. A Pareto‐optimality mechanism is designed to realize super‐centralization and coordinate the decentralized financing system. This research provides financing providers with practical guidance on the efficient implementation of supply chain financing.
Comparison of endoscopic bilateral metal stent drainage with plastic stents in the palliation of unresectable hilar biliary malignant strictures: Large multicenter study
Authors: Xia Ming‐Xing , Pan Yang‐Lin , Cai Xiao‐Bo , Wu Jun , Gao Dao‐Jian , Ye Xin , Wang Tian‐Tian , Hu Bing
Published: April 2020

Background

Endoscopic stenting to manage malignant hilar biliary obstruction has no consensus regarding the optimal stenting strategy. In this multicenter study, we compared transpapillary parallel‐style bilateral metal stenting with bilateral plastic stenting, and evaluated short‐ and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

We recruited 262 consecutive patients (Bismuth classification types II–IV) who underwent either bilateral metal or plastic stenting as primary therapy at four tertiary centers. To overcome selection bias, we performed 1:1 propensity score matching. Our primary outcome was overall survival.

Results

After propensity score matching, each group comprised 96 patients, with no significant differences in any baseline characteristics. The median survival was significantly longer in the metal stenting group than in the plastic stenting group (7.2 months [95% CI 6.0–8.5] vs. 4.1 months [95% CI 2.9–5.3]; P = 0.015). The clinical success rates were significantly higher in the metal stenting group than in the plastic stenting group (99.0% vs. 71.9%, respectively; P < 0.001), and lower post‐procedure cholangitis incidence (7.3% vs. 26.0%; P < 0.001), longer median symptom‐free stent patency (9.2 months [95% CI 7.6–10.6] vs. 4.8 months [95% CI 4.2–5.3]; P < 0.001), and fewer total interventions (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.0 ± 1.4; P < 0.001). In multivariate Cox analysis of the overall survival, metal stenting (HR 0.589, P = 0.002), hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HR 0.419, P = 0.009), and adjuvant treatment (HR 0.596, P = 0.006) were independent predictors of death.

Conclusions

Endoscopic therapy using bilateral metal stenting is superior to bilateral plastic stenting, with prolonged overall survival, higher clinical success, and longer stent patency in patients with advanced hilar biliary malignancies.
Transparency in real‐world evidence (RWE) studies to build confidence for decision‐making: Reporting RWE research in diabetes
Authors: Patorno Elisabetta , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Wang Shirley V.
Published: April 2020

Transparency of real‐world evidence (RWE) studies is critical to understanding how findings of a specific study were derived and is a necessary foundation to assessing validity and determination of whether decisions should be informed by the findings. In the present paper, we lay out strategies to improve clarity in the reporting of comparative effectiveness studies using real‐world data that were generated by the routine operation of a healthcare system. This may include claims data, electronic health records, wearable devices, patient‐reported outcomes or patient registries. These recommendations were discussed with multiple stakeholders, including regulators, payers, academics and journal editors, and endorsed by two professional societies that focus on RWE. We remind readers interested in diabetes research of the utility of conceptualizing a target trial that is then emulated by a RWE study when planning and communicating about RWE study implementation. We recommend the use of a graphical representation showcasing temporality of key longitudinal study design choices. We highlight study elements that should be reported to provide the clarity necessary to make a study reproducible. Finally, we suggest registering study protocols to increase process transparency. With these tools the readership of diabetes RWE studies will be able to more efficiently understand each study and be more able to assess a study's validity with reasonably high confidence before making decisions based on its findings.
Feeding behavior of Brevicoryne brassicae in resistant and susceptible collard greens genotypes: interactions among morphological and chemical factors
Authors: Canassa V.F. , Baldin E.L.L. , Lourenção A.L. , Barros D.R.P. , Lopes N.P. , Sartori M.M.P.
Published: April 2020

The cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The main crops attacked by B. brassicae are cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. To survive the attack of pest insects, plants have evolved various resistance mechanisms that may affect pest feeding behavior. The use of electronic monitoring through EPG (electrical penetration graph) can help characterize and distinguish the resistance mechanisms involved. This study evaluated the feeding behavior of B. brassicae in eight genotypes of collard greens, Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala (Brassicaceae), exhibiting antixenosis and/or antibiosis resistance to this insect. Possible correlations were established between the glucosinolate levels, the hardness, and the epicuticular wax on the leaves vs. aphid feeding behavior. On the genotypes 22V, 5E, and 27VA, for which many ‘potential drop’ waves were performed, aphid development was slower, indicating antixenosis as resistance type. Aphids on the genotypes 22V and 24X required more time until accessing the phloem, also suggesting antixenosis as resistance category. Genotypes 22V and PE had hard leaves, which also points at antixenosis. Genotypes 20T and HS had higher total wax and wax mg−1. Feeding parameters on ARI and 24X were similar to those observed on HS; antibiosis is likely to be the predominant resistance category of this germplasm. Because HS was considered as a susceptible standard genotype in this study, a higher gluconapin amount indicates that this compound does not influence cabbage aphid feeding behavior. The present study confirms that analysis of the physical and chemical aspects of collard greens genotypes by the EPG technique can provide a useful approach for the study of plant resistance to cabbage aphids.
Evolution of new enzymes by gene duplication and divergence
Authors: Copley Shelley D.
Published: April 2020

Thousands of new metabolic and regulatory enzymes have evolved by gene duplication and divergence since the dawn of life. New enzyme activities often originate from promiscuous secondary activities that have become important for fitness due to a change in the environment or a mutation. Mutations that make a promiscuous activity physiologically relevant can occur in the gene encoding the promiscuous enzyme itself, but can also occur elsewhere, resulting in increased expression of the enzyme or decreased competition between the native and novel substrates for the active site. If a newly useful activity is inefficient, gene duplication/amplification will set the stage for divergence of a new enzyme. Even a few mutations can increase the efficiency of a new activity by orders of magnitude. As efficiency increases, amplified gene arrays will shrink to provide two alleles, one encoding the original enzyme and one encoding the new enzyme. Ultimately, genomic rearrangements eliminate co‐amplified genes and move newly evolved paralogs to a distant region of the genome.
Effects of emicizumab on APTT, one‐stage and chromogenic assays of factor VIII in artificially spiked plasma and in samples from haemophilia A patients with inhibitors
Authors: Bowyer Annette , Kitchen Steve , Maclean Rhona
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Emicizumab (Hemlibra, Roche‐Chugai) is a recombinant humanized bispecific IgG4 antibody which mimics some of the actions of activated factor VIII (FVIIIa) by binding to factor X (FX) and activated factor IX (FIXa) to activate FX.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of emicizumab on the APTT, standard one‐stage APTT‐based FVIII activity assay (sOSA) using plasma calibrators, modified OSA (mOSA) using r2 Diagnostics emicizumab specific calibrator and chromogenic FVIII assays. Tests were performed on plasma artificially spiked with emicizumab and from four severe haemophilia A (SHA) patients treated with emicizumab.

Method

APTT in spiked plasma was performed with 13 APTT reagents and in SHA patients with 5 reagents. OSA in spiked plasma was performed with 9 APTT reagents, 7 APTT reagents were used for OSA in SHA patients and six chromogenic substrate assays (CSA) were performed.

Results

In SHA, APTTs normalized after the first dose of emicizumab. At weeks 32/36 of treatment, the mean sOSA FVIII:C ranged from 2.47 IU/mL (Synthasil) to greater than 7.00 IU/mL with all other reagents. mOSA ranged from 59.8 µg/mL (Synthasil) to 74.5 µg/mL (APTT SP). Bovine CSA did not recover any FVIII:C activity. Hyphen Biomed human CSA, demonstrated FVIII activity when calibrated against a plasma calibrator.

Conclusion

The APTT was significantly shortened in the presence of emicizumab. sOSA FVIII:C levels were erroneously high, and it is not recommended that these be performed. Quantification of emicizumab concentration was possible by mOSA. Human CSA was sensitive to emicizumab and surrogate FVIII:C activity could be determined. Bovine CSA were insensitive to emicizumab and could not be used to quantify emicizumab concentration.
3D‐Printed Franz cells – update on optimization of manufacture and evaluation
Authors: Sil B. C. , Belgrave R. G. , Alvarez M. P. , Luo L. , Cristofoli M. , Penny M. R. , Moore D. J. , Hadgraft J. , Hilton S. T. , Lane M. E.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Laboratory in vitro permeation processes require the use of modified Franz type diffusion cells which are conventionally fabricated from glass. Fragility and high cost are frequently associated with this type of laboratory apparatus. The purpose of our present research was to develop a simple, economical and versatile approach to manufacture Franz type cells using additive manufacturing (AM).

Methods

Graphical Franz diffusion cell designs were reproduced with a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer and assessed over a minimum period of 24 h. The surface morphology of AM printouts was analysed before and after compatibility studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparative permeation studies in both glass and AM Franz type diffusion cells were conducted using a caffeine solution (1.5 mg mL‑1), applied to a model silicone membrane.

Results

Testing of the 3D printed scaffolds confirmed similar recovery of the permeant when compared to glass cells: 1.49 ± 0.01 and 1.50 ± 0.01 mg mL‑1, respectively, after 72 h. No significant differences were visible from the SEM micrographs demonstrating consistent, smooth and non‐porous surfaces of the AM Franz cells’ core structure. Permeation studies using transparent 3D printed constructs resulted in 12.85 ± 0.53 µg cm‑2 caffeine recovery in the receptor solution after 180 min with comparable permeant recovery, 11.49 ± 1.04 µg cm‑2, for the glass homologues.

Conclusion

AM constructs can be considered as viable alternatives to the use of conventional glass apparatus offering a simple, reproducible and cost‐effective method of replicating specialised laboratory glassware. A wider range of permeants will be investigated in future studies with these novel 3D printed Franz diffusion cells.
Preparation of selected spice microparticles and their potential application as nitrite scavenging agents in cured Tilapia muscle
Authors: Wu Tingting , Zhao Jingyun , Ding Mengzhen , Zhang Ting , Tao Ningping , Wang Xichang , Zhong Jian
Published: April 2020

The development of nitrite scavenging agents for application in curing products has attracted much attention. In this work, we developed eight types of spice microparticles (myrcia, aniseed, cinnamon, chili, Sichuan pepper, nutmeg, clove, and cumin) using a high‐speed disintegrator method and explored their potential application as nitrite scavenging agents. The results demonstrate spice microparticles can efficiently reduce nitrite in sodium nitrite solutions (nitrite scavenging percentages: 36–100%) and high nitrite Tilapia muscle models (nitrite scavenging percentages: 11–42%). Moreover, the nitrite scavenging ability is dependent on spice types and spice microparticle sizes. These results suggest spice microparticles have another potential role (nitrite scavenging) besides flavor adding when they are applied in the curing process of fish and meat. This work can potentially expand the application of spice microparticles in food industry and provide useful information to understand the role of spice microparticles in cured fish, seafood and meats.
The role of B cells in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gharibi Tohid , Babaloo Zohreh , Hosseini Arezoo , Marofi Faroogh , Ebrahimi‐kalan Abbas , Jahandideh Saeed , Baradaran Behzad
Published: April 2020

There is ongoing debate on how B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The success of B‐cell targeting therapies in MS highlighted the role of B cells, particularly the antibody‐independent functions of these cells such as antigen presentation to T cells and modulation of the function of T cells and myeloid cells by secreting pathogenic and/or protective cytokines in the central nervous system. Here, we discuss the role of different antibody‐dependent and antibody‐independent functions of B cells in MS disease activity and progression proposing new therapeutic strategies for the optimization of B‐cell targeting treatments.
The Potential for Collectively Produced Architectural Narratives: from the Market to Education in the Design Studio
Authors: Büyüktopcu Erenalp , Bayrakçı Zeliha
Published: April 2020

Individual vendors and their market booths constitute a collective atmosphere in the marketplace by getting together with spatial arrangements, operational collaborations and event‐based dynamics. The base of study is how these dynamic interactions in a marketplace can find a place within the education process and representations of the architectural design studio. The workshop which was organised in this context consists of personal representations (drawings are produced for each individual market booth and represent all movements and time‐varying conditions on market booths by superposed layers) and collectively produced narratives (which emerged by gathering personal representations together in the studio). In this study, collective and generative potentials of education in a design studio will be discussed thanks to the transfers from the marketplace.
Association between pulse pressure and aortic calcification: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013‐2014
Authors: Heffernan Kevin S. , Barreira Tiago V.
Published: April 2020

Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a low‐cost, minimal radiation technique commonly used to assess bone density and body composition that can also provide a measure of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). We examined the association between pulse pressure (PP) and DXA‐derived AAC in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Analyses were performed in 2,478 adults from the 2013‐2014 NHANES cycle. AAC scores were calculated using a validated 24‐point scale from thoraco‐lumbar spine images (scored 1‐6 across four vertebral heights from L1‐L4 for both anterior and posterior aortic walls). We examined PP as a predictor of both the presence (dichotomous) and magnitude (continuous) of AAC in age‐stratified analyses (<60 years of age and ≥60 years of age) adjusting for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, sex, mean arterial pressure and additionally for age and antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of AAC was 25.5%. PP was a predictor of the presence of AAC in fully adjusted models in adults <60 years of age (OR 1.31, P < .05) and ≥60 years of age (OR 1.33, P < .05). PP was also associated with the magnitude of AAC in the overall sample but did not retain significance after separating by age‐groups and additionally adjusting for antihypertensive medication. In conclusion, PP is associated with the presence of AAC as measured by DXA in a nationally representative sample of US adults.
Circular RNA PVT1 promotes metastasis via regulating of miR‐526b/FOXC2 signals in OS cells
Authors: Yan Ming , Gao Hang , Lv Zhenshan , Liu Ying , Zhao Song , Gong Weiquan , Liu Wei
Published: April 2020

As a class of covalently closed non‐coding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators in various malignancies including osteosarcoma (OS). In the present study, we found that circular RNA PVT1 (circPVT1) was up‐regulated in OS and correlated with poor prognosis of patients with OS. Functionally, we showed that knockdown of circPVT1 suppressed OS cells metastasis. In addition, we found that (forkhead box C2) FOXC2 was a downstream gene in circPVT1‐mediated metastasis in OS cells. We demonstrated that circPVT1 promoted OS cells metastasis via post‐transcriptionally regulating of FOXC2. Furthermore, we revealed that microRNA 526b (miR‐526b) was a key bridge which connected circPVT1 and FOXC2. We showed that miR‐526b was down‐regulated in OS tissue and cell lines. Through a transwell assay, we found that miR‐526b suppressed OS cells metastasis by targeting of FOXC2. We also showed that miR‐526b targeted circPVT1 via similar mircoRNA response elements (MREs) as it did for FOXC2. Finally, we proved that circPVT1 decoyed miR‐526b to promote FOXC2‐mediated metastasis in OS cells. In brief, our current study demonstrated that circPVT1, functioning as an oncogene, promotes OS cells metastasis via regulation of FOXC2 by acting as a ceRNA of miR‐526b. CircPVT1/miR‐526b/FOXC2 axis might be a novel target in molecular treatment of OS.
Pentatricopeptide repeat protein PHOTOSYSTEM I BIOGENESIS FACTOR2 is required for splicing of ycf3
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Yang Zhipan , Zhang Yi , Zhou Wen , Zhang Aihong , Lu Congming
Published: April 2020

To gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of photosystem I (PSI) biogenesis, we characterized the Arabidopsis thaliana photosystem I biogenesis factor 2 (pbf2) mutant, which lacks PSI complex. PBF2 encodes a P‐class pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein. In the pbf2 mutants, we observed a striking decrease in the transcript level of only one gene, the chloroplast gene ycf3, which is essential for PSI assembly. Further analysis of ycf3 transcripts showed that PBF2 is specifically required for the splicing of ycf3 intron 1. Computational prediction of binding sequences and electrophoretic mobility shift assays reveal that PBF2 specifically binds to a sequence in ycf3 intron 1. Moreover, we found that PBF2 interacted with two general factors for group II intron splicing CHLOROPLAST RNA SPLICING2‐ASSOCIATED FACTOR1 (CAF1) and CAF2, and facilitated the association of these two factors with ycf3 intron 1. Our results suggest that PBF2 is specifically required for the splicing of ycf3 intron 1 through cooperating with CAF1 and CAF2. Our results also suggest that additional proteins are required to contribute to the specificity of CAF‐dependent group II intron splicing.
Two is better than one: The combined effects of glycolic acid and salicylic acid on acne‐related disorders
Authors: Wiegmann David , Haddad Lori
Published: April 2020

Background

Many companies capitalized on treatable skin conditions by providing expensive prescription medications or high‐end over‐the‐counter cosmetics. However, patients have become more apprehensive toward these medications in lieu of their often‐detrimental side effect profile and reactivity with sensitive skin.

Aims

We developed a serum was created to counteract this budding problem. Our goal was to bring an alternative prescription acne medication that was superior in controlling acne when compared to several OTC and prescription‐strength medications. We created a new formulary comprising primarily of all natural glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

Patients/Methods

We designed a prospective study to assess the efficacy of our serum composed of glycolic and salicylic acid for patients suffering from mild to moderate inflammatory and cystic acne, rosacea, folliculitis, and keratosis pilaris. Sixty‐six patients were selected ranging in age from 17 to 46. They were asked to apply the wake‐up serum at night for 2 weeks. At the follow‐up appointment, the patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding the changes they have noticed with their skin.

Results

Over 90% of the patients reported they had significant overall improvement in acne with decrease in comedonal and cystic acne. 70%‐80% of the patients stated decrease in oiliness, even texture, and smoother looking skin. Physical examination findings were consistent with patient‐reported assessment.

Conclusion

A glycolic and salicylic acid combination serum may be considered an alternative treatment method for patients who wish to opt out of the typical prescription medication treatment.
Family planning trends among community‐dwelling African refugee women
Authors: Agbemenu Kafuli , Auerbach Samantha , Ely Gretchen E. , Aduloji‐Ajijola Natasha , Wang Hua (Helen)
Published: April 2020

Purpose

From 2009 to 2019, more than 175,000 refugees were admitted into the United States from African countries. What is known about sexual and reproductive health in this population is focused on perinatal outcomes; beliefs and attitudes towards family planning and related behaviors, which can impact perinatal health, have not been explored. Understanding these beliefs and attitudes can guide future work with this population.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional, convenience survey of 100 community‐dwelling African refugee women was conducted.

Results

The following research questions guided analysis: What are African refugee women's family planning attitudes (pregnancy intention, desired timing, perceived fecundity)? What are African refugee women's family planning behaviors (use vs. non‐use of methods, type of methods used)? and What socio‐demographic factors and family planning attitudes are related to family panning behaviors (use or non‐use of methods)? Almost 49% of participants reported ever using a method of family planning and 35% reported current use. Reasons for non‐use included desire for more children (28.8%), infrequent intercourse (22.0%), and fear of side effects (16.9%). Nearly two thirds expressed a desire for a future pregnancy (63.4%), but the majority reported wanting to become pregnant in two or more years (25.7%) or “when God wants” (24.8%). No significant relationship was found between family planning method use and future pregnancy intention, desired timing of future pregnancy, perceived fecundity, marital status, religious affiliation, number of years in the US. Having had any formal schooling decreased the likelihood of using a family planning method.

Implications for Practice and Research

Low family planning method use rates among African refugee women are not completely explained by desires for future pregnancy, perceived fecundity, marital status, or other sociodemographic factors. Concern for future fertility and fear of side effects were identified as potentially modifiable reasons appropriate for community based culturally congruent educational interventions on family planning use.
Camel nanobodies: Promising molecular tools against leishmaniasis
Authors: Abu Alshamat Enas , Kweider Mahmoud , Abbady Abdul Qader
Published: April 2020

Aim

To characterize several anti‐Leishmania tropica nanobodies and to investigate their effect on Leishmania infection.

Methods

Several immunological tests were implied to characterize five different (as confirmed by sequencing) anti‐L tropica nanobodies (NbLt05, NbLt06, NbLt14, NbLt24 and NbLt36) against parasite lysates or intact cells from different stages, promastigotes and amastigotes. Direct inhibitory effect of these nanobodies on parasite infection cycle on macrophages was tested in cell culture.

Results

All the five nanobodies (with distinguished characteristics) were more specific to L tropica than to L major, but could equally recognize the lysate and the outer surface of the intact cells from the two main stages of the parasite. Nanobodies recognized several leishmania antigens (majorly between 75 and 63 kDa), and their proteinaceous nature was confirmed. Because of its role in leishmania life cycle, gp63 was considered a potential antigen candidate for nanobodies, and bioinformatics predicted such interaction. All nanobodies have a negative effect on the infectivity of L tropica, as they decreased the number of infected macrophages and the amastigotes inside those macrophages.

Conclusion

Such anti‐leishmania nanobodies, with outstanding characteristics and important target, can be of great use in the development of promising treatment strategies against leishmaniasis.
Pregnancy intention and phthalate metabolites among pregnant women in The Infant Development and Environment Study cohort
Authors: Lyden Grace R. , Barrett Emily S. , Sathyanarayana Sheela , Bush Nicole R. , Swan Shanna H. , Nguyen Ruby H. N.
Published: April 2020

Background

Preconception life style and health play a pivotal role in positively impacting the health of a pregnancy, and this includes the reduction of exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals such as phthalates. We have previously demonstrated that women planning a pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (ART) have lower phthalate metabolite concentrations than their non–ART‐using counterparts.

Objective

To determine whether women who intended to become pregnant had lower phthalate metabolite concentrations than those who had an unintended pregnancy, or whether change in phthalate exposure across pregnancy differed between these two groups.

Methods

A total of 721 women enrolled in The Infant Development and Environment Study (TIDES), a multicentre US prospective pregnancy cohort; 513 (71%) indicated their pregnancy was planned. Urine samples from first‐ and third‐trimester visits were analysed for 10 specific‐gravity‐adjusted, natural‐log‐transformed phthalate metabolites. Simple and multivariable linear regression, adjusting for centre, race, age, income, marital status, and parity, were employed to determine whether phthalate metabolite concentrations differed by pregnancy intention.

Results

In bivariate analyses, the geometric mean concentrations of all first‐trimester and most third‐trimester phthalates were higher in women with unplanned pregnancies. However, after covariate adjustment, only first‐trimester monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP) remained associated with pregnancy intention, and the association changed direction such that unplanned pregnancies had lower MiBP concentrations (ß −0.18, 95% CI −0.35, −0.02).

Conclusions

We did not find evidence of a difference in phthalate exposure between pregnancy planners and non‐planners.
Elder abuse and its predictors: a cross‐sectional study in a rural area of West Bengal, eastern part of India
Authors: Sembiah Sembagamuthu , Dasgupta Aparajita , Taklikar Chandrashekhar S. , Paul Bobby , Bandyopadhyay Lina , Burman Jayeeta
Published: April 2020

Background

Elder abuse is an important public health problem hidden from public view in spite of its detrimental effect on physical and mental health. In the last three decades, there is responsiveness toward abuse of children and spouses worldwide but even today abuse and neglect of aged people seem to be the matter of least concern. This study aims to reveal the magnitude of elder abuse and its predictors.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study carried out in a community setting among elderly people (60 years and older) from October 2015 to September 2017 in a rural area of West Bengal, eastern part of India. Elder abuse was elicited by questions adapted from the Actual Abuse Tool. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 16.0). Logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal the factors associated with elder abuse.

Results

The study found that 25.6% of the respondents had experienced abuse, psychological abuse being the commonest type. Disability was the most common perceived risk for abuse. Univariate logistic regression showed higher age (70 years and older), female gender, who were Scheduled caste, living in a nuclear family, having more than three children, financially and functionally dependent, who was suffering from depression and multimorbidity had increased odds of being abused. In multivariable logistic regression, people aged above 70 years, living in a nuclear family and dependent for instrumental activities of daily living remained significant predictors of abuse.

Conclusion

Around one in four of the respondents was abused in a 1 year duration which implies the urgent need for action. Routine screening for elder abuse at ground level and abuse prevention campaigns can be an important measure to alleviate this hidden problem. Also, there is a need to explore culturally specific forms of elder abuse to provide an age‐friendly environment.