bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha lipoic acid inhibits oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis by modulating of Nrf2 signalling pathway after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Xia Dayong , Zhai Xiaofu , Wang Honglian , Chen Zhiyong , Fu Chuanjing , Zhu Meihua
Published: April 2019

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant which has been widely used in the treatment of different system diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. But, there are few studies that refer to protective effects and potential mechanisms on traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study was carried out to investigate the neuroprotective effect following TBI and illuminate the underlying mechanism. Weight drop‐injured model in rats was induced by weight‐drop. ALA was administrated via intraperitoneal injection after TBI. Neurologic scores were examined following several tests. Neurological score was performed to measure behavioural outcomes. Nissl staining and TUNEL were performed to evaluate the neuronal apoptosis. Western blotting was engaged to analyse the protein content of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream protein factors, including hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and quinine oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1). ALA treatment alleviated TBI‐induced neuron cell apoptosis and improved neurobehavioural function by up‐regulation of Nrf2 expression and its downstream protein factors after TBI. This study presents new perspective of the mechanisms responsible for the neuronal apoptosis of ALA, with possible involvement of Nrf2 pathway.
What Has Nonviolence Got To Do With The EU?
Authors: Baldoli Roberto , Radaelli Claudio M.
Published: April 2019

Nonviolence has an established tradition in several disciplines, including political theory, international relations and political science. But its potential for the European Union (EU) has not been appraised yet. Thus, we set out to explore nonviolence as an analytical and normative framework for the study of the EU. At the outset, we introduce nonviolence and define our approach to this concept. We then apply our analytical and normative framework to three critical issues concerning the nature of EU power, the democratic deficit and the narrative of integration. We find that nonviolence re‐defines the core dimensions of power and democracy, and imagines the EU in non‐state‐morphic ways, situating praxis at the roots of the integration process and its narrative.
Fluid platelet‐rich fibrin stimulates greater dermal skin fibroblast cell migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis when compared to platelet‐rich plasma
Authors: Wang Xuzhu , Yang Yang , Zhang Yufeng , Miron Richard J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Regenerative therapies in the field of facial aesthetics have become a growing field of interest with many recent advancements made over the past decade to meet the growing worldwide demand. While first versions of platelet‐derived concentrates were formulated with anticoagulants (PRP), recent modifications to centrifugation speeds and times have permitted the development of a liquid platelet‐rich fibrin (fluid‐PRF) without use of anticoagulants.

Objective

To compare this entirely natural platelet concentrate (fluid‐PRF) to formally utilized PRP on skin cell behavior and regeneration.

Methods

Dermal skin fibroblast was cultivated with either fluid‐PRF or PRP and investigated for their ability to promote/influence cell viability, migration, spreading, proliferation, and mRNA levels of known mediators of dermal biology including PDGF, TGF‐beta, and fibronectin.

Results

All platelet concentrates were nontoxic to cells demonstrating high cell survival. Skin fibroblasts migrated over 350% more in fluid‐PRF when compared to control and PRP (200% increase). Fluid‐PRF also significantly induced greater cell proliferation at 5 days. While both PRP and fluid‐PRF induced significantly elevated cell mRNA levels of PDGF, it was observed that TGF‐beta, collagen 1, and fibronectin mRNA levels were all significantly highest in the fluid‐PRF group. Lastly, fluid‐PRF demonstrated a significantly greater ability to induce collagen matrix synthesis when compared to PRP.

Conclusion

The findings from the present study demonstrate greater regenerative potential of fluid‐PRF on human skin fibroblasts. Future clinical use of fluid‐PRF in the field of facial aesthetics is necessary to further evaluate the potential advantages of anticoagulant removal from platelet concentrates.
Chlorogenic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in A498 human kidney cancer cells via inactivating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaokang , Liu Jianghong , Xie Zhanxiong , Rao Jiaoyu , Xu Gengrui , Huang Kaiyuan , Li Wenyan , Yin Zijun
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Kidney cancer is a highly lethal cancer, of which the most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The targeted drugs used in treating RCC clinically have a lot of side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find out effective agents with little toxic effects.

Methods

The antiproliferation effect of chlorogenic acid (CA) was performed using the CCK-8 assay. Then, we adopted colony formation assay, Annexin V/PI staining assay and JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay to explore the mechanism of anticancer effect of CA. We also conducted qPCR and Western blot to determine the pathway involved.

Key findings

We identified that CA selectively suppressed proliferation of human RCC cell line A498 but not the human embryonic kidney cell HEK293. Mechanistic studies showed that CA significantly induced apoptosis, as indicated by activation of caspase protein and increased ratio of pro-apoptotic protein Bax to anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway is involved in the inhibitory effect of CA on A498 cells. Activation of this pathway increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of A498 cells, exhibiting antagonism function against CA.

Conclusion

Our research firstly reports the efficacy of CA against RCC cells and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings indicate that CA is a potential agent for treating RCC.
Evaluation of a sensitive cardiac troponin I assay as a screening test for the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats
Authors: Hertzsch S. , Roos A. , Wess G.
Published: April 2019

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in cats. However, most cats are not diagnosed until they develop congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism (ATE), or sudden cardiac death. Thus, an affordable screening test for early detection of HCM is desirable.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Evaluation of a sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay as a screening test for HCM in cats and determination of a cutoff for its early detection.

Animals

One hundred sixty‐six client‐owned cats (male, n = 97) of various breeds were evaluated and classified using echocardiography as being healthy (n = 87), equivocal (n = 15), or having HCM (mild, n = 16; moderate, n = 10; severe, n = 34) or ATE (n = 4).

Methods

All cats were prospectively evaluated by echocardiography, and serum cTnI concentration was determined using the currently most sensitive assay (Siemens ADVIA Centaur TnI‐Ultra).

Results

The median cTnI concentration was significantly different between study groups (P < .000001). A cutoff of 0.06 ng/mL provided good discrimination between healthy cats and cats with HCM (sensitivity, 91.7%; specificity, 95.4%; area under the curve [AUC], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.899‐0.978). Even for asymptomatic cats with HCM, sensitivity and specificity for a cutoff of >0.06 ng/mL remained high at 87.8% and 95.4%, respectively (AUC, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.864‐0.964).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Cardiac troponin I can be used as a sensitive and specific screening test for the diagnosis of HCM in otherwise healthy cats (cutoff, >0.06 ng/mL). However, echocardiography is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
On the formation of diaplectic glass: Shock and thermal experiments with plagioclase of different chemical compositions
Authors: Fritz Jörg , Assis Fernandes Vera , Greshake Ansgar , Holzwarth Andreas , Böttger Ute
Published: April 2019

This contribution addresses the role of chemical composition, pressure, temperature, and time during the shock transformation of plagioclase into diaplectic glass—i.e., maskelynite. Plagioclase of An50‐57 and An94 was recovered as almost fully isotropic maskelynite from room temperature shock experiments at 28 and 24 GPa. The refractive index (RI) decreased to values of a quenched mineral glass for An50‐57 plagioclase shocked to 45 GPa and shows a maximum in An94 plagioclase shocked to 41.5 GPa. The An94 plagioclase experiments can serve as shock thermobarometer for lunar highland rocks and howardite, eucrite, and diogenite meteorites. Shock experiments at 28, 32, 36, and 45 GPa and initial temperatures of 77 and 293 K on plagioclase (An50‐57) produced materials with identical optical and Raman spectroscopic properties. In the low temperature (<540 K) region, the formation of maskelynite is entirely controlled by shock pressure. The RI of maskelynite decreased in heating experiments of 5 min at temperatures of >770 K, thus, providing a conservative upper limit for the postshock temperature history of the rock. Although shock recovery experiments and static pressure experiments differ by nine orders of magnitude in typical time scale (microseconds versus hours), the amorphization of plagioclase occurs at similar pressure and temperature conditions with both methods. The experimental shock calibration of plagioclase can, together with other minerals, be used as shock thermobarometer for naturally shocked rocks.
Association between anthropometric‐based and food‐based nutritional failure among children in India, 2015
Authors: Joe William , Rajpal Sunil , Kim Rockli , Laxmaiah Avula , Harikumar Rachakulla , Arlappa Nimmathota , Meshram Indrapal , Balakrishna Nagalla , Radhika Madhari , Swaminathan Soumya , Subramanian S.V.
Published: April 2019

Inadequate dietary intake is a critical underlying determinant of child undernutrition. This study examined the association between anthropometric‐based and food‐based nutritional failure among children in India. We used the 2015–2016 National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau data where anthropometric outcomes and food intake were both measured for each child. We followed the World Health Organization child growth reference standards to define anthropometric failures (i.e., height‐for‐age z score < −2 SD for stunting, weight‐for‐age z score < −2 SD for underweight, and weight‐for‐height z score < −2 SD for wasting), and the Indian Council of Medical Research recommended dietary allowance (RDA) to define adequacy in intake of calorie, protein, and fat. We used descriptive and regression‐based assessments to test the association between the two indicators of nutritional failure and also computed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 28.6%, 24.3%, and 12.8%, respectively, whereas 78.2%, 27.4%, and 50.8% of the children had below RDA norms consumption of calorie, protein, and fat, respectively. We found weak‐to‐null correlation between anthropometric failures and food failures (Pearson correlation ranging from −0.013 to 0.147) and poor discriminatory accuracy (AUC < 0.62), suggesting that in the Indian context, anthropometric failures are not directly associated with food intake. This finding highlights the need for improving adequate intake of macronutrients and draws attention toward adopting a multifactorial approach to improve child nutrition in India. Poor food intake itself merits exclusive policy focus as it is an important nutrition and health concern.
Identification of a novel SGCA missense mutation in a case of limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2D with the absence of four sarcoglycan proteins
Authors: Lu Yanpeng , Song Xueqin , Ji Guang , Wu Hongran , Li Duan , Sun Shuyan
Published: April 2019

Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2D (LGMD2D) is caused by mutations in the α‐sarcoglycan gene (SGCA). Due to lack of specificity, it is impossible to identify LGMD2D only by clinical symptoms and conventional immunohistochemical staining. The loss of any protein (α‐, β‐, γ‐, δ‐sarcoglycan) that represent sarcoglycanopathy may cause reduction or absence of the other three proteins. Here, we report a patient with a complete loss of all the four proteins. Next generation sequencing (NGS) results showed a missense mutation (C.218 C > T) and a partial heterozygous deletion containing exons 7 and 8 of SGCA, which led to the final diagnosis of the patient. The discovery of this new mutation could broaden the spectrum of SGCA mutations, which may be associated with putative LGMD2D, especially when all the four proteins are completely missing.
Rice acclimation to soil flooding: Low concentrations of organic acids can trigger a barrier to radial oxygen loss in roots
Authors: Colmer Timothy David , Kotula Lukasz , Malik Al Imran , Takahashi Hirokazu , Konnerup Dennis , Nakazono Mikio , Pedersen Ole
Published: April 2019

Waterlogged soils contain monocarboxylic acids produced by anaerobic microorganisms. These “organic acids” can accumulate to phytotoxic levels and promote development of a barrier to radial O2 loss (ROL) in roots of some wetland species. Environmental cues triggering root ROL barrier induction, a feature that together with tissue gas‐filled porosity facilitates internal aeration, are important to elucidate for knowledge of plant stress physiology. We tested the hypothesis that comparatively low, non‐toxic, concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric, and/or hexanoic acids might induce root ROL barrier formation in rice. Each organic acid, individually, triggered the ROL barrier in roots but with no effect (acetic or butyric acids) or with only slight effects (propionic or hexanoic acids) on root extension. Transcripts of four genes related to suberin biosynthesis were increased by some of the organic acid treatments. Respiration in root tissues was not, or moderately, inhibited. Beyond a narrow concentration range, however, respiration declined exponentially and the order (least to greatest) for EC50 (effective concentration for 50% inhibition) was butyric, propionic, acetic, then hexanoic acid. An understanding of the environmental cue for root ROL barrier induction should enhance future work to elucidate the molecular regulation of this root trait contributing to plant flooding tolerance.
Prediction of steroid demand in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis by immunohistochemical analysis of the mucosal microenvironment and immune checkpoint: role of macrophages and regulatory markers in disease severity
Authors: Tsuda Shingo , Carreras Joaquim , Kikuti Yara Y , Nakae Hirohiko , Dekiden‐Monma Makiko , Imai Jin , Tsuruya Kota , Nakamura Jun , Tsukune Yoko , Uchida Tetsufumi , Matsushima Masashi , Roncador Giovanna , Suzuki Takayoshi , Nakamura Naoya , Mine Tetsuya
Published: April 2019

We aimed to characterize the mucosal immune microenvironment and immune checkpoint of Ulcerative colitis (UC) by immunohistochemistry with correlation to prognosis: requirement of second‐line steroid‐therapy within the 2‐years after diagnosis (SR). A series of 72 cases included 56 UC, 43 non‐SR (with first‐line treatment 5‐ASA) and 13 SR, 11 infectious colitis and 5 normal colonic biopsies. Normal mucosa was characterized by low infiltrates but high BTLA and TNFRSF14. Compared to normal, UC had increased pan‐immune‐markers of CD3, CD8, FOXP3, PD‐1, CD68, CD16, CD163, PTX3 and CD11C but had decreased BTLA (P < 0.05); by GSEA analysis comparable results were found in an independent UC gene‐expression‐data set (GSE38713). Compared to infectious, UC had higher CD4, CD8, PTX3 and CD11C but lower BTLA (P < 0.05). Compared to non‐SR, SR had lower FOXP3 + Tregs (Odds‐Ratio = 0.114, P = 0.002), PD‐1 (OR = 0.176, P = 0.002) and CD163/CD68 M2‐ratio (OR, 0.019, P = 0.019) but higher CD68 + pan‐macrophages (OR = 6.034, P = 0.002). Higher Baron endoscopic and Geboes histologic disease activity scores also correlated with SR. In summary, UC was characterized by increased pan‐immune‐markers, normal TNFRSF14 and low BTLA. SR had increased CD68 + pan‐macrophages but lower immune inhibitors of FOXP3 + Tregs, PD‐1 and CD163/CD68 M2‐macrophage ratio. In conclusion, alterations of the immune homeostasis mechanisms are relevant in the UC pathogenesis and steroid‐requiring situation.
Oral rehabilitation of a case with regional odontodysplasia using a regenerative approach—A case report and a review of literature
Authors: Abdel‐Kader Mohamed Ahmed , Abdelazeem Ahmad Farouk , Ahmed Nermeen El‐moataz Bellah , Khalil Yasmin Mohamed , Mostafa Mostafa Ibrahim
Published: April 2019

Aim

to investigate for the first time whether the regenerative approach can be used to rehabilitate a case with regional odontodysplasia (ROD). ROD is a rare, localized developmental anomaly of the dental tissues. Moreover, we review the various treatment protocols for ROD and compare them to the suggested regenerative protocol.

Case Report

A 22‐year‐old female patient diagnosed with ROD in the upper left quadrant was presented to our clinic. Initially, the affected teeth were extracted and three implants were inserted. A combination of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) seeded on a collagen sponge, nanohydroxyapatite, and autologous platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) was used to enhance bone regeneration in the defective area and around the inserted implants. After 9 months, bone regeneration and successful osteointegration around the inserted implants were achieved, permitting the insertion of a fourth implant. After an additional six months, a final fixed restoration was constructed.

Conclusion

The suggested regenerative approach provides a better treatment option for ROD patients to regenerate the lost bone, rehabilitate aesthetics, and restore normal function.
“Is There Anybody Out There?”: Communication of Natural Hazard Warnings at Home and Away
Authors: Wehde Wesley , Pudlo Jason M. , Robinson Scott E.
Published: April 2019

Objective

This article examines various determinants of communication behaviors related to natural hazards and how those determinants vary for those at home or those away from home. We use the context of a series of storms that provoked communication to determine differences across media platforms, location during the event, sending versus receiving communication, and certain demographic characteristics.

Methods

We use a survey of Oklahoma residents fielded in the Spring of 2016 following a series of storms to examine self‐reported communication behaviors.

Results

Our findings suggest that individuals are more likely to communicate when away from home, across all media for both sending and receiving behaviors. We find that warning reception methods differ importantly across location; those at home rely on authority‐to‐citizen communication, while others rely on citizen‐to‐citizen communication. Demographics and socioeconomic status also influence communication patterns.

Conclusion

Concerned individuals and emergency managers should use a diverse set of media to communicate, especially under increased risk or hazard, to reach relevant populations across demographics and place‐based locations. These strategies must be sensitive to time of day and the availability of media platforms to affected residents.
EFFECT OF OHMIC HEATING AS A PRE-TREATMENT METHOD FOR BIODIESEL EXTRACTION FROM MICROALGAE
Authors: Sofi'i Imam , Sumarlan Sumardi Hadi , Wignyanto Wignyanto , Susilo Bambang
Published: April 2019

Microalgae are single cell organisms that have the potential to be developed as feedstock for biodiesel oil. One of the problems of using microalgae as feedstock for biodiesel is in the extraction process. Microalgae extraction requires considerable cost. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ohmic heating as a method of pretreatment in microalgae oil extraction. The raw materials used were microalgae paste diluted in two levels cell density, 20 g/L, and 30 g/L. The pretreatment using alternating current (AC) electric with two voltage levels (55 V and 110 V), and the duration of pretreatment was 30 seconds and 60 seconds. The next step was drying and extracting microalgae by solvent extraction method of n-hexane. The results showed that the highest oil yields (14.88%) were obtained by cell density treatment 20 g/L, done for 60 seconds of pretreatment and 110 V voltage. This result was higher than without pretreatment, so the use of pretreatment by ohmic heating can improve extracted oil yield than without pretreatment.
DEVELOPMENT OF AEROBIC GRANULES IN SEQUENCING BATCH REACTOR SYSTEM FOR TREATING HIGH TEMPERATURE DOMESTIC WASTEWATER
Authors: Ab Halim Mohd Hakim , Nor Anuar Aznah , Chelliapan Shreeshivadasan , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza , Basri Hazlami Fikri , Ujang Zaini , M. Bob Mustafa
Published: April 2019

The application of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in treating real domestic wastewater at high temperature is still lacking. In this study, the microstructure and morphology of the granules, as well as bioreactor performance, were investigated during the treatment of real domestic wastewater at high temperature (50 °C). The experiment was executed in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with a complete cycle time of 3 hours for the treatment of low-strength domestic wastewater at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.6 kg COD m−3 d−1. Stable mature granules with average diameters between 2.0 and 5.0 mm, and good biomass concentration of 5.8 g L−1 were observed in the bioreactor. AGS achieved promising results in the treatment of domestic wastewater with good removal rates of 84.4 %, 99.6 % and 81.7 % for chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3−N), and total phosphorus (TP), respectively. The study demonstrated the formation capabilities of AGS in a single, high and slender column type-bioreactor at high temperature which is suitable to be applied in hot climate condition areas especially countries with tropical and desert-like climates.
CHARACTERISTICS AND ADSORPTION PERFORMANCE OF FORMULATED TRIKOTAC FILTER AIDS
Authors: Masdiana N. , Rashid M. , Hajar S. , Ammar M. R.
Published: April 2019

TrikotAC filter aids is a combination of a pre-coating material PreKot™ with two adsorbents; activated carbon and lime and their characteristics were investigated in this study. TrikotAC was formulated into three different weight ratios of 5:1:94, 10:1:89 and 10:5:85, respectively. The relationship between adsorption properties and characteristics of the formulated materials particle size distribution, particle density, bulk density, and BET surface area were investigated. The results showed that the adsorption capacity for TrikotAC 10:5:85 (11.88 mg/g) was higher than for the other formulated filter aids samples, and the formulated filter aids material TrikotAC showed promising characteristic as a filter aids and adsorbent for organic compound in fabric filtration system.
INCORPORATION OF IMPRINTED-ZEOLITE TO POLYETHERSULFONE/CELLULOSE ACETATE MEMBRANE FOR CREATININE REMOVAL IN HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT
Authors: Raharjo Yanuardi , Fahmi Mochamad Zakki , Wafiroh Siti , Widati Alfa Akustia , Amanda Eviomitta Rizki , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Santoso Djoko
Published: April 2019

Polyethersulfon (PES) membrane has been widely used in the biomedical field especially in hemodialysis application. Many modifications of membranes have been applied into hemodialysis such as diffusion, adsorption, and mixed-matrix membrane. The main problem of those membranes is less selectivity to attract the uremic toxins. In this study, we report the modification of PES mixed with cellulose acetate (PES/CA) membrane as mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) using imprinted-zeolite (PES/CA/IZC) in order to increase the selectivity for targeted analyte. The hollow fibre membranes (HFM) were fabricated by dry-wet spinning technique. The successful zeolite A synthesised and was characterised by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The mixed-matrix membranes were characterised in terms of morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle (WCA), pure water flux (PWF), clearance of creatinine (CC), and BSA adsorption. In accordance with the results of characterisation, the synthesis of zeolite A, and imprinted-zeolite creatinine was successfully fabricated. The SEM results showed that the PES/CA/IZC membrane has uniform pores and fingerlike structure. The same result was obtained for PES/CA membrane, but not for PES/CA/ZA membrane. The WCA of the PES/CA; PES/CA/ZA; and PES/CA/IZC were 85.63; 84.98; and 77.53 (o), respectively. While the PWF were 22.84; 27.57, and 40.52 (Lm-2h-1), respectively. The addition of imprinted-zeolite into the membrane improved creatinine removal up to 74.99%. It showed that PES/CA/IZC has succeeded in increasing the selectivity of membranes to attract the creatinine as target analyte. Compared to the PES/CA, the creatinine clearance of membranes improved and increased up to 5.2%. For protein rejection, the PES/CA/IZC rejected 79.05% of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Based on these results, it can be concluded that PES/CA/IZC can be considered as hemodialysis membranes.
EFFECT OF HIGH-PRESSURE PROCESSING (HPP) ON ANTIOXIDANT, DIASTASE ACTIVITY AND COLOUR FOR KELULUT (STINGLESS BEE) HONEY
Authors: Razali Muhammad Faiz , Mohd Fauzi Noor Akhmazillah , Sulaiman Alifdalino , A Rahman Nur Atikah
Published: April 2019

The quality of Kelulut honey is heavily affected by conventional thermal processing due to the existence of thermolabile compounds. Hence, high-pressure processing (HPP) was employed as an alternative method to minimize any quality deterioration during processing.  HPP was carried out at two different pressures (200 and 600 MPa) with two holding times (5 and 10 minutes) respectively. Thermal processing was also carried out (60 and 90 °C for 10 and 30 minutes) for comparison. After treatment, the changes in antioxidant activity, diastase activity and colour were determined. Increment of antioxidant activity by 3 % was recorded by HPP-treated (600 MPa/10 minutes) compared to thermally-treated. Diastase activity which was used as freshness indicator showed non-significant changes (p>0.05), whereas colour evaluated based on total colour different (TCD) and browning index (BI) showed decrement after HPP. Fortunately, the TCD recorded for HPP was below the range noticeable by human eyes, ranging from 1.5 to 3.0. In conclusion, HPP is better than conventional thermal processing in producing minimally-processed Kelulut honey as evident by the retention of diastase activity, antioxidant activity with increment at 600 MPa/ 10 minutes, and unnoticeable changes in colour. This hence has an implication on post-harvest processing of Kelulut honey.
INFLUENCE OF ELEVATED CO2 ON THE GROWTH AND PHENOLIC CONSTITUENTS PRODUCTION IN HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA VAR. UKMR-2
Authors: Mohd Ali Siti Aishah , Che Mohd Zain Che Radziah , Latip Jalifah
Published: April 2019

The impact of global climate change on plants which has been widely reported can exhibit significant changes on the growth, yield and metabolite production. Studies on the impact of elevated carbon dioxide concentration, [CO2] on plant growth and production of phenolic constituents in Hibiscus sabdariffa var. UKMR-2 has not been reported in any previous studies. This study investigated the growth quality and production of phenolic constituents of UKMR-2 under different [CO2]. The cultivation was subjected to two atmospheric [CO2]; ambient (400 µmol/mol), and elevated (800 µmol/mol). Selected parameters for growth performance were recorded throughout the plant development. UKMR-2 calyx extract was analysed for total phenolic, total anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and evaluated based on HPLC-PDA method. The results revealed that UKMR-2 responded differently to the [CO2] treatments. The results clearly showed that exposure to elevated [CO2] increased calyx yields, production of phenolic constituents, and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, different [CO2] had significant interaction on the production of phenolic constituents, and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05), except for plant growth. The HPLC-PDA showed the presence of delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Therefore, increased [CO2] may have significant effects on UKMR-2 to not only produce higher production yields, but also on the production of phenolic constituents with potential physiological impact to human health.
Application of collocation and orthogonality-based techniques to satisfy junction conditions in an arbitrary segmented waveguide
Authors: Ginsberg Jerry H.
Published: April 2019

The pressure field within adjacent sections of a waveguide are related by junction conditions, which require that the pressure and particle velocity normal to the shared part of the junction be continuous. The formulation is general, limited only by the requirement that prior analysis of each segment has identified a set of transverse mode functions. The derivation begins with consideration of a generic boundary condition. It is proven that a collocation procedure is the same as a numerical approximation of the integrals in an analysis that uses modal orthogonality to minimize the junction condition errors. The collocation concept is used to derive algebraic equations relating the propagation functions for the connected waveguide segments. A wide range of configurations that can be analyzed with the collocation formulation are shown to not fit the requirements for an orthogonality-based analysis. An observation that Euler's equation requires that the particle velocity tangent to the junction be continuous leads to a recommendation that this property should be used to verify any analysis.
In Vitro
Activity of Cefepime-Enmetazobactam against Gram-Negative Isolates Collected from U.S. and European Hospitals during 2014–2015
Authors: Morrissey Ian , Magnet Sophie , Hawser Stephen , Shapiro Stuart , Knechtle Philipp
Published: April 2019

Enmetazobactam, formerly AAI101, is a novel penicillanic acid sulfone extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) inhibitor. The combination of enmetazobactam with cefepime has entered clinical trials to assess safety and efficacy in patients with complicated urinary tract infections.
Reduced Folate Carrier: an Entry Receptor for a Novel Feline Leukemia Virus Variant
Authors: Miyake Ariko , Kawasaki Junna , Ngo Ha , Makundi Isaac , Muto Yutaro , Khan Arshad H. , Smith Desmond J. , Nishigaki Kazuo
Published: April 2019

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a member of the genus
Gammaretrovirus
, which causes malignant diseases in cats. The most prevalent FeLV among cats is FeLV subgroup A (FeLV-A), and specific binding of FeLV-A Env to its viral receptor, thiamine transporter feTHTR1, is the first step of infection. In infected cats, novel variants of FeLV with altered receptor specificity for viral entry have emerged by mutation or recombination of the
env
gene. A novel FeLV variant arose from a subtle mutation of FeLV-A Env, which altered the specific interaction of the virus with its receptor. RFC, a folate transporter, is a potential receptor for the novel FeLV variant. The perturbation of specific retrovirus-receptor interactions under selective pressure by the host results in the emergence of novel viruses.
Analysis of the
In Vivo
Transcriptome of Bordetella pertussis during Infection of Mice
Authors: Wong Ting Y. , Hall Jesse M. , Nowak Evan S. , Boehm Dylan T. , Gonyar Laura A. , Hewlett Erik L. , Eby Joshua C. , Barbier Mariette , Damron F. Heath
Published: April 2019

In vitro
growth conditions for bacteria do not fully recapitulate the host environment. RNA sequencing transcriptome analysis allows for the characterization of the infection gene expression profiles of pathogens in complex environments. Isolation of the pathogen from infected tissues is critical because of the large amounts of host RNA present in crude lysates of infected organs. A filtration method was developed that enabled enrichment of the pathogen RNA for RNA-seq analysis. The resulting data describe the “infection transcriptome” of
B. pertussis
in the murine lung. This strategy can be utilized for pathogens in other hosts and, thus, expand our knowledge of what bacteria express during infection.
High resolution linkage of channel-coastal plain and shallow marine facies belts, Desert Member to Lower Castlegate Sandstone stratigraphic interval, Book Cliffs, Utah-Colorado, USA
Authors: Pattison Simon A.J.
Published: April 2019

The Campanian Desert Member and Lower Castlegate Sandstone in the Book Cliffs of east-central Utah to western Colorado, USA, has served as a foundational data set in the development of sequence stratigraphy. Contrary to previous work, no third-order sequence boundaries are recognized. These were originally thought to partition the neighboring coastal plain and shallow marine facies belts into separate systems tracts, unlinked in time or space. In contrast, adjoining channel-coastal plain and shallow marine facies belts are genetically-, temporally-, and spatially-related. Evidence includes the (i) synchronous, strongly progradational stacking patterns within each facies belt, (ii) gradational and conformable transitions between adjoining facies belts, accentuated by the ubiquity of flat-topped, rooted foreshore sandstones passing upwards into carbonaceous-rich-mudstone-dominated coastal plain, (iii) parasequence-scale interfingering of coastal plain-channel and foreshore-shoreface deposits, with channels, white caps and coals embedded within stacked shoreface parasequences, (iv) regional correlation of coals and flooding surfaces, and (v) near orthogonal paleocurrent relationship between channels and shorelines. Terminal channels incise into proximal foreshore-shoreface sandstones in most Desert-Castlegate parasequences. Incisions are generally confined to the parasequence in which the channels are nested, rarely cutting deeper. These shoreface-incised channels are cut and filled at a parasequence-scale, and are bounded above by the same flooding surface that caps each foreshore-shoreface package. The ubiquity of ascending regressive shoreface trajectories and near absence of descending regressive trajectories that intersect depositional slope argues against any significant sea level fall. Increased rates of sediment supply, driven by autogenic and/or allogenic processes, likely generated the strongly progradational Desert-Castlegate great tongue of sandstone.
U-Pb monazite ages of the Kabanga mafic-ultramafic intrusions and contact aureoles, central Africa: Geochronological and tectonic implications
Authors: Zi Jian-Wei , Rasmussen Birger , Muhling Janet R. , Maier Wolfgang D. , Fletcher Ian R.
Published: April 2019

Mafic-ultramafic rocks of the Kabanga-Musongati alignment in the East African nickel belt occur as Bushveld-type layered intrusions emplaced in metasedimentary sequences. The age of the mafic-ultramafic intrusions remains poorly constrained, though they are regarded to be part of ca. 1375 Ma bimodal magmatism dominated by voluminous S-type granites. In this study, we investigated igneous monazite and zircon from a differentiated layered intrusion and metamorphic monazite from the contact aureole. The monazite shows contrasting crystal morphology, chemical composition, and U-Pb ages. Monazite that formed by contact metamorphism in response to emplacement of mafic-ultramafic melts is characterized by extremely high Th and U and yielded a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 1402 ± 9 Ma, which is in agreement with dates from the igneous monazite and zircon. The ages indicate that the intrusion of ultramafic melts was substantially earlier (by ∼25 m.y., 95% confidence) than the prevailing S-type granites, calling for a reappraisal of the previously suggested model of coeval, bimodal magmatism. Monazite in the metapelitic rocks also records two younger growth events at ca. 1375 Ma and ca. 990 Ma, coeval with metamorphism during emplacement of S-type granites and tin-bearing granites, respectively. In conjunction with available geologic evidence, we propose that the Kabanga-Musongati mafic-ultramafic intrusions likely heralded a structurally controlled thermal anomaly related to Nuna breakup, which culminated during the ca. 1375 Ma Kibaran event, manifested as extensive intracrustal melting in the adjoining Karagwe-Ankole belt, producing voluminous S-type granites. The Grenvillian-aged (ca. 990 Ma) tin-bearing granite and related Sn mineralization appear to be the far-field record of tectonothermal events associated with collision along the Irumide belt during Rodinia assembly. Since monazite is a ubiquitous trace phase in pelitic sedimentary rocks, in contact aureoles of mafic-ultramafic intrusions, and in regional metamorphic belts, our study highlights the potential of using metamorphic monazite to determine ages of mafic-ultramafic intrusions, and to reconstruct postemplacement metamorphic history of the host terranes.
Mycobacterium fortuitumas a cause of acute CNS infection in an immune-competent girl undergoing repeated VP shunt surgeries
Authors: Xess Ashit Bhusan , Bala Kiran , Panigrahy Aashirwad , Singh Urvashi
Published: April 2019

We present the case of a 14-year-old immune-competent girl with ventriculoperitoneal shunt who was repeatedly hospitalised with meningeal signs despite repeated shunt revision surgeries. EventuallyMycobacterium fortuitumwas isolated and the patient improved after specific treatment.M. fortuitumis a rapidly growing, non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). NTMs are associated with postsurgical, post-trauma and device-related infections. Most of the present-day surgical equipment, catheters, prostheses and indwelling devices comprised silicone, stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonate, on which NTMs have the tendency to form biofilms. Central nervous system infection caused by NTM carries a high mortality rate (ranging from 35% to 70%), especially in immune-compromised patients. Indwelling device removal along with prolonged treatment with a combination regimen is recommended in such cases.
Peritoneal encapsulation: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction
Authors: Renko Abagayle E , Mirkin Katelin A , Cooper Amanda B
Published: April 2019

Peritoneal encapsulation syndrome (PES) is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients with no prior history of abdominal surgery. First described by Cleland in 1868, PES is a congenital condition characterised by small bowel encasement in an accessory, but otherwise normal peritoneal membrane.1 2A result of abnormal rotation of the midgut during early development, the condition causes fibrous encapsulation of the intestines, thus preventing bowel distention.3While preoperative diagnosis is difficult, several case reports have described clinical and imaging signs that can help clinicians with not only recognising the condition but also preparing appropriately for perioperative discovery of anatomical variants.3 4
C-reactive protein and neutrophil count laboratory test requests from primary care: what is the demand and would substitution by point-of-care technology be viable?
Authors: Ordóñez-Mena José M , Fanshawe Thomas R , McCartney David , Shine Brian , Van den Bruel Ann , Lasserson Daniel , Hayward Gail
Published: April 2019

Aims 

C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil count (NC) are important diagnostic indicators of inflammation. Point-of-care (POC) technologies for these markers are available but rarely used in community settings in the UK. To inform the potential for POC tests, it is necessary to understand the demand for testing. We aimed to describe the frequency of CRP and NC test requests from primary care to central laboratory services, describe variability between practices and assess the relationship between the tests.

Methods

We described the number of patients with either or both laboratory tests, and the volume of testing per individual and per practice, in a retrospective cohort of all adults in general practices in Oxfordshire, 2014–2016.

Results

372 017 CRP and 776 581 NC tests in 160 883 and 275 093 patients, respectively, were requested from 69 practices. CRP was tested mainly in combination with NC, while the latter was more often tested alone. The median (IQR) of CRP and NC tests/person tested was 1 (1–2) and 2 (1–3), respectively. The median (IQR) tests/practice/week was 36 (22–52) and 72 (50–108), and per 1000 persons registered/practice/week was 4 (3–5) and 8 (7–9), respectively. The median (IQR) CRP and NC concentrations were 2.7 (0.9–7.9) mg/dL and 4.1 (3.1–5.5)×109/L, respectively.

Conclusions

The high demand for CRP and NC testing in the community, and the range of results falling within the reportable range for current POC technologies highlight the opportunity for laboratory testing to be supplemented by POC testing in general practice.
Machine learning algorithms for the detection of spurious white blood cell differentials due to erythrocyte lysis resistance
Authors: Bigorra Laura , Larriba Iciar , Gutiérrez-Gallego Ricardo
Published: April 2019

Aims

Red blood cell (RBC) lysis resistance interferes with white blood cell (WBC) count and differential; still, its detection relies on the identification of an abnormal scattergram, and this is not clearly adverted by specific flags in the Beckman-Coulter DXH-800. The aims were to analyse precisely the effect of RBC lysis resistance interference in WBC counts, differentials and cell population data (CPD) and then to design, develop and implement a novel diagnostic machine learning (ML) model to optimise the detection of samples presenting this phenomenon.

Methods

WBC counts, differentials and CPD from 232 patients (anaemia or liver disease) were compared with 100 healthy controls (HC) using analysis of variance. The data were analysed after a corrective action, and the analyser differentials were also compared with the digital leucocyte differentials. The ML support vector machine (SVM) algorithm was trained with 70% of the samples (n=233) and the 30% remaining (n=99) were employed exclusively during the validation phase.

Results

We identified that impedance WBC was not affected by the RBC lysis resistance interference while the DXH-800 differentials overestimated lymphoid subpopulations (17.6%), sometimes even yielding spurious lymphocytosis, and the latter were corrected when sample dilution was performed. The ML-SVM algorithm allowed the classification of the pathological groups when compared with HC with validation accuracies corresponding to 97.98%, 100% and 88.78% for the global, anaemia and liver disease groups, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm has an impressive discriminatory potential and its application would be a valuable support system to detect spurious results due to RBC lysis resistance.
Encephalitis on deployment in Kenya: think beyond the infections
Authors: Thompson Daniel Cameron , Bailey M S , Bowley D , Jacob S
Published: April 2019

A 34-year-old female soldier presented with fever and behavioural changes while deployed in Kenya and was diagnosed with encephalitis. The patient underwent urgent aeromedical evacuation to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further management. Microbiology tests excluded common infectious causes that are endemic in the East Africa region. However, an autoantibody screen was positive for antibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Full body imaging confirmed the presence of limbic encephalitis and an ovarian mass suggestive of a teratoma. The patient was diagnosed with ovarian teratoma-associated anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a potentially fatal disease. The patient underwent surgery to remove the teratoma and commenced immunotherapy with steroids, plasma exchange and rituximab. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of fever with behavioural changes in military personnel deployed in a tropical environment.
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for craniocerebral wounds in severely injured patients: technical note of a damage control procedure
Authors: Joubert Christophe , Sellier A , Morvan J-B , Beucler N , Bordes J , Dagain A
Published: April 2019

The management of a craniocerebral wound (CCW) remains challenging, particularly in a severely injured patient. Considering the complexity of the multilayer insult and damage control care in an unstable patient, every procedure performed should promptly benefit the patient. We report an illustrative case of a patient with a gunshot wound to the head that resulted in a CCW for which we applied vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy according to damage control principles. We describe the technical approach and discuss the indications, results and technique by considering the literature available. VAC can be used for CCWs, particularly for large defects in selected patients according to clinical and CT evaluations following immediate resuscitation. In severely injured and unstable patients, VAC aims to delay definitive reconstructive and time-consuming treatment. Interestingly, it appears to be a safe treatment based on the previously described—but not exclusively trauma—cases with no secondary cerebrospinal fluid leakage encountered.
Gatekeeping hormone replacement therapy for transgender patients is dehumanising
Authors: Ashley Florence
Published: April 2019

Although informed consent models for prescribing hormone replacement therapy are becoming increasingly prevalent, many physicians continue to require an assessment and referral letter from a mental health professional prior to prescription. Drawing on personal and communal experience, the author argues that assessment and referral requirements are dehumanising and unethical, foregrounding the ways in which these requirements evidence a mistrust of trans people, suppress the diversity of their experiences and sustain an unjustified double standard in contrast to other forms of clinical care. Physicians should abandon this unethical requirement in favour of an informed consent approach to transgender care.
Genetic variation of rs7958311 inP2X7Rgene is associated with the susceptibility and disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Pan Zhipeng , Zhang Xu , Ma Yubo , Xu Shengqian , Shuai Zongwen , Pan Faming , Sun Guoping
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To describe association between the genetic variation of inflammation-associated gene, P2X7R, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility.

Methods

Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of P2X7R gene were genotyped in 673 patients with AS and 687 healthy controls. Allele and genotype frequencies and different genetic models were performed to calculate ORs and 95% CIs, the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were recorded. The data analyses were also conducted by sex.

Results

Compared with controls, genetic variation in rs7958311 but not the other three SNPs was statistically significant in female patients (χ2=6.907, p=0.032). Specifically, the P2X7R gene rs7958311 polymorphism A allele showed a protective effect in AS susceptibility (OR=0.704, p=0.049, pFDR=0.061). In addition, female individuals with GA and/or AA genotypes had a lower risk of having AS compared with those with GG genotype (GA vs GG: OR=0.446, p=0.012, pFDR=0.030; AA vs GG: OR=0.440, p=0.039, pFDR=0.061; GA/AA vs GG: OR=0.445, p=0.009, pFDR=0.030). Furthermore, individuals with A allele (ie, GA/AA vs GG) had a higher disease activity, including Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (overall: Z=− 2.630, p=0.014; male: Z=− 2.243, p=0.025), Schober test (overall: Z=− 3.041, p<0.001; male: Z=− 2.243, p=0.025) and chest expansion (overall: Z=− 3.895, p=0.004; male: Z=− 2.403, p=0.016).

Conclusion

The allelic variation of rs7958311 SNP in P2X7R gene may have a protective effect on AS susceptibility in females and is associated with disease activity in male patients.