bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal neural functions associated with motor inhibition deficits in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Van Voorhis Abraham C. , Kent Jerillyn S. , Kang Seung Suk , Goghari Vina M. , MacDonald Angus W. , Sponheim Scott R.
Published: August 2019

Deficits in response inhibition have been observed in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; however, the neural origins of the abnormalities and their relevance to genetic liability for psychosis are unknown. We used a stop‐signal task to examine motor inhibition and associated neural processes in schizophrenia patients (n = 57), bipolar disorder patients (n = 21), first‐degree biological relatives of patients with schizophrenia (n = 34), and healthy controls (n = 56). Schizophrenia patients demonstrated motor control deficits reflected in longer stop‐signal reaction times and elongated reaction times. With the possibility of needing to inhibit a button press, both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients showed diminished reductions of the P300 brain response and only the healthy controls demonstrated adjustments in response execution time, as measured by response‐locked lateralized readiness potentials. Schizotypal traits in the biological relatives were associated with less P300 modulation consistent with the motor‐related anomalies being associated with subtle schizophrenia‐spectrum symptomatology in family members. The two patient groups had elongated response selection processes as manifest in the delayed onset of the stimulus‐locked lateralized readiness potential. The bipolar disorder group was unique in showing significantly diminished neural responses to the stop‐signal to inhibit a response. Antipsychotic medication dosage was related to worse motor inhibition, thus motor inhibition deficits in schizophrenia may be partially explained by the effect of pharmacological agents. Failed modulation of brain processes in relation to response inhibition probability and the lengthening of motor response selection appear to be transdiagnostic abnormalities spanning schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Cost‐effectiveness in transient hypocalcemia post‐thyroidectomy
Authors: Mercante Giuseppe , Anelli Andrea , Giannarelli Diana , Giordano Davide , Sinopoli Ilenia , Ferreli Fabio , Digiesi Giovanna , Appetecchia Maria L. , Barnabei Agnese , Cristalli Giovanni , Conti Laura , Pellini Raul , Piazza Fabio , Lombardi Davide , De Virgilio Armando , Spriano Giuseppe
Published: August 2019

Background

Three different strategies to manage transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy were compared to evaluate cost‐effectiveness. The reliability of total serum calcium (TSCa), ionized calcium (ICa), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were investigated to achieve this goal.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective randomized study was carried out with 169 patients. The strategies were “preventive” (oral calcium + vitamin D supplementation), “reactive” (therapy in hypocalcemia), and “predictive” (therapy if iPTH <10 pg/mL).

Results

TSCa had higher accuracy in identifying patients who developed hypocalcemia‐related symptoms than ICa (84.6% vs 50.0%). TSCa 24 h after surgery showed 24.8% of patients with hypocalcemia, whereas TSCa 48 h after surgery identified a further 10.6% with hypocalcemia (only in the “reactive” and “predictive” groups). iPTH showed low sensitivity as a predictor of hypocalcemia. Between the 3 groups, there was no significant difference in hospitalization time or number of symptomatic hypocalcemic patients. Interestingly, the cost‐per‐patient was significantly different among the groups.

Conclusions

None of the discussed strategies allowed for early discharge of patients without any risk of transient hypocalcemia. The “preventive” strategy was the most cost‐effective, despite overtreatment.
A comprehensive knowledge base of synaptic electrophysiology in the rodent hippocampal formation
Authors: Moradi Keivan , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: August 2019

The cellular and synaptic architecture of the rodent hippocampus has been described in thousands of peer‐reviewed publications. However, no human‐ or machine‐readable public catalog of synaptic electrophysiology data exists for this or any other neural system. Harnessing state‐of‐the‐art information technology, we have developed a cloud‐based toolset for identifying empirical evidence from the scientific literature pertaining to synaptic electrophysiology, for extracting the experimental data of interest, and for linking each entry to relevant text or figure excerpts. Mining more than 1,200 published journal articles, we have identified eight different signal modalities quantified by 90 different methods to measure synaptic amplitude, kinetics, and plasticity in hippocampal neurons. We have designed a data structure that both reflects the differences and maintains the existing relations among experimental modalities. Moreover, we mapped every annotated experiment to identified potential connections, that is, specific pairs of presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron types. To this aim, we leveraged Hippocampome.org, an open‐access knowledge base of morphologically, electrophysiologically, and molecularly characterized neuron types in the rodent hippocampal formation. Specifically, we have implemented a computational pipeline to systematically translate neuron type properties into formal queries in order to find all compatible potential connections. With this system, we have collected nearly 40,000 synaptic data entities covering 88% of the 3,120 potential connections in Hippocampome.org. Correcting membrane potentials with respect to liquid junction potentials significantly reduced the difference between theoretical and experimental reversal potentials, thereby enabling the accurate conversion of all synaptic amplitudes to conductance. This data set allows for large‐scale hypothesis testing of the general rules governing synaptic signals. To illustrate these applications, we confirmed several expected correlations between synaptic measurements and their covariates while suggesting previously unreported ones. We release all data open‐source at Hippocampome.org in order to further research across disciplines.
Characterizing memory loss in patients with autoimmune limbic encephalitis hippocampal lesions
Authors: Lad Meher , Mullally Sinéad L. , Houston Alexandra L. , Kelly Tom , Griffiths Timothy D.
Published: August 2019

Since the publication of Scoville and Milner's (1957) seminal paper, the precise functional role played by the hippocampus in support of human memory has been fiercely debated. For instance, the single question of whether the hippocampus plays a time‐limited or an indelible role in the recollection of personal memories led to a deep and tenacious schism within the field. Similar polarizations arose between those who debated the precise nature of the role played by the hippocampus in support of semantic relative to episodic memories and in recall/recollection relative to familiarity‐based recognition. At the epicenter of these divisions lies conflicting neuropsychological findings. These differences likely arise due to the consistent use of heterogeneous patient populations to adjudicate between these positions. Here we utilized traditional neuropsychological measures in a homogenous patient population with a highly discrete hippocampal lesion (i.e., VGKCC‐Ab related autoimmune limbic encephalitis patients). We observed consistent impairment of recent episodic memories, a present but less striking impairment of remote episodic memories, preservation of personal semantic memory, and recall but not recognition memory deficits. We conclude that this increasingly well‐characterized patient group may represent an important homogeneous population in which the functional role played by the hippocampus may be more precisely delineated.
Influence of homogeneous‐heterogeneous reactions and induced magnetic field on the nonlinear thermal convective radiative Jeffrey liquid flow with heat source/sink
Authors: Raju Adigoppula , Ojjela Odelu
Published: August 2019

An analysis has been carried out to investigate the effect of homogeneous‐heterogeneous reactions and induced magnetic field on the unsteady two‐dimensional incompressible nonlinear thermal convective velocity slip flow of a Jeffrey fluid in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation and heat source/sink. We assumed that the flow is generated due to injection at the lower plate and suction at the upper plate. We obtained a numerical solution for the reduced nonlinear governing system of equations via the shooting technique with fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta integration. We plotted the graphs for various nondimensional parameters, like Deborah number, heat source/sink parameter, nonlinear convection parameter, nonlinear radiation parameter, magnetic Reynolds number, Strommer's number, velocity slip parameter, strengths of homogeneous, heterogeneous reaction parameters and skin friction over the nondimensional flow, temperature, concentration profiles and magnetic diffusivity fields. Also, we calculated the numerical values of boundary properties, such as the skin friction and heat transfer rate. We noticed that the temperature of the fluid is enhanced with the radiation parameter, whereas the concentration decreases with increase of the magnetic Reynolds number. The present results have good agreement with published work for the Newtonian case.
A chirality‐dependent action of vitamin C in suppressing Kirsten rat sarcoma mutant tumor growth by the oxidative combination: Rationale for cancer therapeutics
Authors: Wu Xinggang , Park Mikyung , Sarbassova Dilara A. , Ying Haoqiang , Lee Min Gyu , Bhattacharya Rajat , Ellis Lee , Peterson Christine B. , Hung Mien‐Chie , Lin Hui‐Kuan , Bersimbaev Rakhmetkazhi I. , Song Min Sup , Sarbassov Dos D.
Published: August 2019

Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutant cancers, which constitute the vast majority of pancreatic tumors, are characterized by their resistance to established therapies and high mortality rates. Here, we developed a novel and extremely effective combinational therapeutic approach to target KRAS mutant tumors through the generation of a cytotoxic oxidative stress. At high concentrations, vitamin C (VC) is known to provoke oxidative stress and selectively kill KRAS mutant cancer cells, although its effects are limited when it is given as monotherapy. We found that the combination of VC and the oxidizing drug arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective therapeutic treatment modality. Remarkably, its efficiency is dependent on chirality of VC as its enantiomer d‐optical isomer of VC (d‐VC) is significantly more potent than the natural l‐optical isomer of VC. Thus, our results demonstrate that the oxidizing combination of ATO and d‐VC is a promising approach for the treatment of KRAS mutant human cancers.
Associations between calcium and magnesium intake and the risk of incident gastric cancer: A prospective cohort analysis of the National Institutes of Health‐American Association of Retired Persons (NIH‐AARP) Diet and Health Study
Authors: Shah Shailja C. , Dai Qi , Zhu Xiangzhu , Peek Richard M. , Smalley Walter , Roumie Christianne , Shrubsole Martha J.
Published: August 2019

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality. Identifying dietary and other modifiable disease determinants has important implications for risk attenuation in susceptible individuals. Our primary aim was to estimate the association between dietary and supplemental intakes of calcium and magnesium and the risk of incident gastric cancer. We conducted a prospective cohort analysis of the National Institutes of Health‐American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study. We used Cox proportional hazard modeling to estimate the association between calcium and magnesium intakes with risk of incident gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) overall and by anatomic location, noncardia GA (NCGA) and cardia GA (CGA). A total of 536,403 respondents (59% males, 41% females) were included for analysis, among whom 1,518 incident GAs (797 NCGA and 721 CGA) occurred. Increasing calcium intake was associated with lower risk of GA overall (p‐trend = 0.05), driven primarily by the association with NCGA, where the above median calcium intakes were associated with a 23% reduction in risk compared to the lowest quartile (p‐trend = 0.05). This magnitude of NCGA risk reduction was greater among nonwhite ethnic group and Hispanics (hazard ratio [HR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24–1.07, p‐trend = 0.04), current/former smokers (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.41–0.81), obese individuals (HR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31–0.96) and those with high NCGA risk scores (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31–0.80). Among men only, increasing magnesium intake was associated with 22–27% reduced risk of NCGA (p‐trend = 0.05), while for the cohort, dietary magnesium intake in the highest vs. lowest quartile was associated with a 34% reduced risk of NCGA (HR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.90). These findings have important implications for risk factor modification. Future investigations are needed not only to confirm our results, but to define mechanisms underlying these associations.
Exploring gender and partner communication: Theory of planned behavior predictors for condom use among urban youth in Zambia
Authors: Chowdhuri Rachna Nag , Pinchoff Jessie , Boyer Christopher B. , Ngo Thoai D.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To understand how knowledge and perceptions of condoms and partner communication influence use of condoms in a highHIVprevalence setting and gender‐specific differences.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Zambia from 2015 to 2016. The survey included questions on demographics, sexual behavior, contraceptive perceptions, and behaviors. We constructed multivariate regression models using the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine associations between knowledge, perceptions, and perceived control with intended, communicated, and reported use of condoms by gender.

Results

The participants were 2388 sexually active urban residents aged 18–24 years. In the sample, 1646 (69%) were female, 841 (35%) married, and 1894 (61%) unemployed. Partner communication was the predictor most associated with use of condoms. Among women, partner communication was associated with over three times higher odds of condom use (odds ratio [OR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.65–4.65) but being married reduced the odds of condom use by 76% (OR0.24, 95%CI0.17–0.33). For men, a network of friends that was supportive of the use of contraception was associated with increased odds of 55% for use of condoms (OR1.55, 95%CI1.10–2.18).

Conclusion

Public health programs aimed at increasing safer sexual behavior and use of condoms must consider improving gender equity and partner communication, as knowledge of contraceptives and positive perceptions are not enough to ensure their use.
Acute gravid uterus torsion: A rare and dangerous obstetric emergency
Authors: Zeng Guihong , Guo Fang , Gao Qingcui , Liu Changdi , Yang Zhi , Zhu Yuanfang
Published: August 2019

Our case suggests that uterus torsion should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of women presenting with acute abdominal pain in pregnancy.
Bioactive glass ions for in vitro osteogenesis and microvascularization in gellan gum‐collagen hydrogels
Authors: Vuornos Kaisa , Huhtala Heini , Kääriäinen Minna , Kuismanen Kirsi , Hupa Leena , Kellomäki Minna , Miettinen Susanna
Published: August 2019

Lack of bone grafts appeals for bone augmentation solutions. We aimed at osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and microvascularization in coculture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) embedded in three‐dimensional (3D) gellan gum (GG) and collagen type I (COL) hydrogel mixture. We compared endothelial growth medium‐2 (EGM‐2) and bioactive glass extract‐based endothelial and osteogenic medium (BaG EM‐OM) for vascularized bone‐like graft development in vitro. Cell viability, cell number, and osteogenic and endothelial gene expression were analyzed. Mineralized hydroxyapatite residues, immunocytochemical staining of endothelial marker CD31 production and late osteogenic marker osteocalcin were imaged. With both media, good cell viability was observed within 3D hydrogel. EGM‐2 condition induced significantly higher cell number compared to BaG EM‐OM condition at both 7 and 14 days. Interestingly, both media supported osteogenic as well as endothelial marker gene expression. Moreover, formation of reticulated cellular structures was observed in both EGM‐2 and BaG EM‐OM conditions. However, hydroxyapatite mineralization and strong osteocalcin staining were detected only in BaG EM‐OM condition. Importantly, strong production of CD31 and elongated tube‐like structures were apparent in EGM‐2 culture alone. In conclusion, we demonstrated efficient hASC osteogenic differentiation and microvessel‐like network formation in coculture with HUVECs.
Bone augmentation using small molecules with biodegradable calcium sulfate particles in a vertical onlay graft model in the rabbit calvarium
Authors: Kim Doo H. , Cha Jae‐Kook , Song Young W. , Woo Kyung M. , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: August 2019

Small molecules including sodium butyrate (SB) and dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) can promote bone regeneration via inhibitive effects eliciting cellular responses through signaling cascades. The purpose of this study was to determine the synergistic effects of SB and DMOG loaded on calcium sulfate (CaS) on bone regeneration in the challenging vertical augmentation model in the rabbit calvarium. Four plastic cylinders screwed on the calvarium of each of 10 rabbits were randomly grafted with CaS, CaS/SB, CaS/DMOG, or CaS/DMOG/SB. All specimens were assessed by radiographic, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses. In the radiographic analysis, three different layers (new bone, degraded CaS, and pristine CaS layers) could be distinguished within the cylinder in all groups at 2 weeks. Newly formed bone grew up from basal bone, and CaS in contact with newly formed bone was degraded into small particles to form a different layer. At 8 weeks, most of the pristine CaS had been absorbed and hardly seen within the cylinder. In the histomorphometric analysis, all groups showed comparable new bone areas and heights at 2 and 8 weeks. The DMOG group showed a significant increase in new bone area at 8 weeks compared with 2 weeks, but there was no significant difference among the groups at 8 weeks. The DMOG group showed significantly lower values for the residual material area than the control group at 2 weeks. Within the limitations of this study, SB and DMOG seem to exert smaller synergistic effects on bone regeneration compared to CaS alone in vertical bone augmentation.
Theoretical study of methane adsorption and C─H bond activation over Fe‐embedded graphene: Effect of external electric field
Authors: Ketrat Sombat , Maihom Thana , Treesukul Piti , Boekfa Bundet , Limtrakul Jumras
Published: August 2019

The effect of an external electric field (EF) on the methane adsorption and its activation on iron‐embedded graphene (Fe‐GPs) are investigated by using the M06‐L density functional method. The EF is applied in the perpendicular direction to the graphene in the range of −0.015 to +0.015 a.u. with the interval of 0.005 a.u. The effects of EF on the adsorption, transition state and product complexes of the methane activation reaction are revealed. The binding energies of methane on Fe site in Fe‐GPs are increased from −12.9 to −15.3, −18.1 and −21.5 kcal/mol for the negative EF of −0.005, −0.010 and −0.015, respectively. By applying positive EF, the activation barriers for methane activation are reduced in range of 3–8 kcal/mol (around 12–31%) and the reaction energies are more exothermic. The positive EF kinetically favors the reaction compared to the system without EF. The adsorption and activation of methane on Fe‐GPs can be easily tuned by adjusting the external electric field for various applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of trace element contamination usingArmadillo officinalisDuméril, 1816 (Crustacea, Isopoda) as a tool: An ultrastructural study
Authors: Khemaissia Hajer , Jelassi Raja , Ghemari Chedliya , Raimond Maryline , Souty‐Grosset Catherine , Nasri‐Ammar Karima
Published: August 2019

To estimate trace element bioaccumulation inArmadillo officinalis, specimens were collected from Ghar El Melh lagoon then exposed for 3 weeks in contaminated sediments with copper, zinc, and cadmium. From the first week until the end of the experiment, a decrease inA. officinalisgrowth related to the increase of Cd concentration in the sediment was recorded. However, a mass gain was highlighted under Cu and Zn exposures. At the end of experiment, body metal concentrations were measured using flame atomic emission spectrometry. Results of the bioaccumulation factor showed that the species could be considered as a macroconcentrator of copper (BAF > 2) and a deconcentrator of zinc (BAF < 2). Microscopy observations of hepatopancreas cells showed morphological and histological changes even at the lowest concentration. They consisted in the microvillus border destruction, lipid droplets modifications, trace element accumulation, and the condensation of the majority of cellular organelles. The degree of these alterations was found to be dose‐dependent. Through these results, the isopodA. officinaliscould be used as relevant monitor organisms for soil metal contamination.
Clinical performance of the HPV DNA Array genotyping assay in detection of CIN2+ lesions with BS GP5+/6+ MPG Luminex tested cervical samples
Authors: Pesic Aleksandra , Krings Amrei , Hempel Matthias , Preyer Rosemarie , Kaufmann Andreas M.
Published: August 2019

Human papillomavirus (HPV) detection is used for screening of cervical cancer and genotype‐specific persistence has shown to be mandatory for dysplasia development. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of HPV DNA Array for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+)  lesion detection. HPV DNA Array is a polymerase chain reaction‐based assay that targets E1 sequences of 29 HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 82, 85, and 97). The clinical evaluation was performed against the reference assay, BS‐GP5+/6+ multiplex genotyping (MPG)‐Luminex, with 600 cervical smear samples of a referral population. HPV DNA Array detected CIN2+  lesions with a sensitivity of 90.2%, identical to that of MPG‐Luminex. Detection of CIN3+  lesions was with a sensitivity of 90.3%, as compared with 88.7% of MPG‐Luminex. It demonstrated very good agreement for HPV detection, irrespective of type, of 91.5% (κ  =  0.832). HPV DNA Array is a simple and robust assay, with a short protocol of 4 hours hands‐on time and automated readout by ELISpot AiDot software. It permits testing of up to 96 samples in one run and may be considered for use in organized screening programs and low resource settings.
Observed and simulated changes in precipitation seasonality in Argentina
Authors: Doyle Moira E.
Published: August 2019

Seasonality in Argentina is examined using precipitation observations from 56 weather stations north of 42°S and CRU gridded precipitation. The Walsh and Lawler Seasonality Index (SI) and Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) are calculated to determine the different seasonality regimes. The main characteristic is an eastwest gradient, where precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed throughout the different months of the year in the east while rainfall in the west is concentrated in 3 months or less. High replicability values indicate that the wettest month generally occurs during a same period of months in central and northern Argentina. Several stations in eastern humid Argentina have significant positive changes in the mean of seasonality indices between 1961 and 1985 and 1986 and 2010, and increasing trend. In most cases this leads to a change in the regime from rather seasonal with a short dry season to a seasonal regime. Through a PAM Clustering technique a new regionalization of precipitation seasonality is obtained. The mean series in each cluster show a tendency towards more seasonal and highly seasonal regimes in all regions. The SI and PCI indices were calculated using the precipitation outputs of 18 global climate models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to examine the ability of these models to represent seasonality spatial distribution and changes in Argentina. To some extent the spatial distribution of seasonality is captured by models; however, there are considerable discrepancies in the location and extension of the eastwest gradient. The sign and location of trends and changes in the mean SI and PCI are adequately reproduced in only a few models. The low ability of GCMs to represent seasonality and its changes is a consequence of the difficulties GCMs have simulating precipitation characteristics in Argentina reported by different authors.
High glucose disrupts autophagy lysosomal pathway in gingival epithelial cells via ATP6V0C
Authors: Huang Xin , Kuang Shuhong , Shen Zongshan , Liang Min , Lin Zhengmei
Published: August 2019

Background

Hyperglycemic micro‐environment induced by diabetes could regulate the response of periodontal tissues to pathogenic microorganisms in which disruption of autophagy lysosomal pathway (ALP) may participate. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying how high glucose (HG) regulates ALP in gingival epithelial cells (GECs).

Methods

Human gingival tissues in healthy group (C), periodontitis group (P), diabetes group (DM), and diabetes + periodontitis group (DP) were collected and were applied to observe the fusion of autophagy and lysosome. Diabetic mouse model with periodontitis was established and RNA‐seq was applied to investigate the expression of ALP‐associated genes in gingival epithelium. To explore the key role of ATPase transmembrane v0 domain, subunit c (ATP6V0C) in the disruption of ALP by HG, human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) were cultured in 5.5 mM/25 mM glucose medium for 48 hours and followed by Porphyromonas gingivalis stimulation for 0, 6, and 12 hours. HBLV‐h‐ATP6V0C was transfected in HGECs that were stimulated by 25 mM HG condition.

Results

Immunofluorescence double staining exhibited the disruption of ALP in human gingival epithelium in diabetes groups and HGECs under 25 mM glucose condition, accompanied with significantly downregulated lysosomal acidity. RNA‐seq of mouse gingival epithelium screened out Atp6v0c. Compared with HGECs in normal culture medium, ATP6V0C expression and LC3‐II/I expression ratio were significantly downregulated, with an upregulated expression of P62, IL‐1β in HGECs under HG condition. Over‐expression of ATP6V0C rescued HG‐induced disruption of ALP in HBLV‐h‐ATP6V0C transfected HGECs, with significantly upregulation of LC3‐II/I and downregulation of P62, IL‐1β.

Conclusion

ATP6V0C mediates HG‐induced ALP disruption in HGECs, eventually exacerbates periodontal inflammation.
The use of nanotechnology to increase quality and yield of fruit crops
Authors: Zahedi Seyed Morteza , Karimi Mahdieh , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A
Published: August 2019

Nanotechnology is currently being widely employed in agriculture and horticulture. The most widely investigated and developed factor related to fruit trees is nanofertilizers (NFs), which play very important roles in increasing vegetative growth, improving reproductive growth and flowering, thereby increasing productivity, product quality and ultimately increasing shelf‐life and decreasing fruit waste. These nanomaterials, which are generally sprayed at low concentrations on trees at different time intervals and in frequent sessions, are also considered as growth stimulants. Macro‐ and micro‐scale NFs such as zinc, boron, chitosan, and fertilizer nanocomposites such as ZnFeMnB (zinc, iron, manganese, boron), NPKMg (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium), and calcite have been shown to significantly improve the vegetative and reproductive traits of fruit trees such as pomegranate, strawberry, mango, date, coffee and grape. Knowledge on the effects of NFs on fruit trees and biological reasons for their effects on different traits is incomplete and there is an urgent need for extensive research on these topics. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydroxycinnamic acids and human health: recent advances
Authors: Coman Vasile , Vodnar Dan C
Published: August 2019

There is an urgent need to improve human diet globally. Compelling evidence gathered over the past several decades suggests that a suboptimal diet is associated with many chronic diseases and may be responsible for more deaths than any other risks worldwide. The main components in our diet that need higher intake are whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and nuts and seeds; all of these are important sources of dietary fiber and polyphenols. The health benefits of dietary fiber and polyphenols are also supported by several decades of valuable research. However, the conclusions drawn from interventional human trials are not straightforward and the action mechanisms in improving human health are not fully understood. Moreover, there is a great inter‐individual variation caused by different individual capabilities of processing, absorbing and using these compounds effectively. Data on the bioavailability and bioefficacy of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are limited when compared to other classes of polyphenols (e.g. anthocyanins). This review aims to summarize the latest research advances related to HCA bioavailability and their biological effects revealed by epidemiological data, pre‐clinical and clinical studies. Moreover, we aim to review the effects of HCAs on gut microbiota diversity and function and its respective influence on host health. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the feasibility of short‐term electrodialysis for separating naturally occurring fluoride from instant brick tea infusion
Authors: Peng Chuan‐yi , Liu Hai‐feng , Qiao Huan‐huan , Luo Jing , Liu Xi‐min , Hou Ru‐yan , Wan Xiao‐chun , Cai Hui‐mei
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Removing excessive naturally occurring fluoride from tea and/or infusions is difficult because the process has low efficiency and causes secondary pollution. In this study, a novel electrodialysis (ED) technology was developed. We examined the effect of crucial parameters (electrolyte concentration, operation voltage, ED duration and initial concentration of the tea infusion) on defluoridation performance using a highly efficient ion‐exchange membrane with five‐compartment cells.

RESULTS

The most effective ED system results were obtained at an electrolyte concentration of 10 g kg−1 and operating voltage of 20 V. Moreover, the fluoride removal capacity (10.70–66.93%) was highly dependent on the ED duration (1–15 min) and initial concentration of the tea infusion (0.5–10 g kg−1). The longer the ED duration and the lower the initial concentration, the higher was the defluoridation performance. During ED, limited loss of the main inclusions (total polyphenols, catechins, caffeine and selected ions) was observed. Furthermore, the D201 anion resin‐filled ED stack (0.5–5 g) and improvement of concentrate compartment electrolyte (≥5 times the dilute compartment electrolyte) in the ED system enhanced the defluoridation rate significantly.

CONCLUSION

ED is a potentially effective method that can be used for defluoridation in the deep processing of tea products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality characteristics of bean paste as a confectionery ingredient and recent breeding efforts of common beans in Japan
Authors: Sadohara Rie
Published: August 2019

Bean paste is a confectionery ingredient originating in Asia made from cooked beans and sugar. In Japan, bean paste‐containing products play an important role in the traditional confectionery industry. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are used for making white bean paste, and the tebou market class is dedicated to white paste production. Bean paste qualities include paste yield, color, stickiness, smoothness, aroma and flavor. High paste yield, whiteness and smoothness are preferred. The ideal stickiness depends on the final product to be made using bean paste. In terms of aroma and flavor, high sweetness and low beaniness are generally desired. Most of the paste qualities can only be measured by preparing bean paste, which is labor intensive and low throughput. Yuki and Kinu tebou bean varieties were developed in this manner because the highest end‐use quality is indispensable to domestic varieties. Tebou bean breeding in Japan is at the stage where more research is necessary to develop faster screening methods to predict important paste quality attributes. This review summarizes the literature on research on white bean paste quality and common bean breeding efforts conducted so far written either in English or Japanese, covering: (1) bean paste production and ingredient sources, (2) the selection criteria and methods used by Japanese breeders and (3) the resulting varieties developed for bean paste. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Cooperative effects of slight acidic electrolyzed water combined with calcium sources on tissue calcium content, quality attributes, and bioactive compounds of 'Jiancui' jujube
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Zhi Huanhuan , Li Meng , Liu Qiqi , Xu Juan , Dong Yu
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Slight acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) has been widely used in cleaning systems of fruit and vegetables. It strongly reduces microbial contamination. However, no information is available on whether SAEW offers the potential for fresh jujube cleaning. The purposes of this study were, first, to compare the effectiveness of SAEW with commercial sanitizers (i.e. sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2)) on 'Jiancui' jujube; second, to determine the response of fruit decay, tissue calcium (Ca) content, and quality attributes to dip application of calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) by concentration; and third, to investigate the effects of SAEW combined with Ca(NO3)2 or calcium acetate (Ca(OAc)2)) on fruit Ca uptake, quality attributes, and bioactive compounds.

RESULTS

Fruits washed with NaClO, Ca(ClO)2, or an SAEW solution showed no difference in reduction of decay incidence. In contrast to NaClO treatment, SAEW or Ca(ClO)2 significantly retarded losses in fruit firmness (FF), green color (hue angle), and skin lightness (L*), and maintained intact pericarp tissue structure during storage at 1 °C. Application of Ca(NO3)2 at 5–10 g L−1 effectively promoted Ca2+ uptake and minimized declines in FF and L* value but had no effect on decay development. Adding 10 g L−1 Ca(NO3)2 or Ca(OAc)2 to SAEW provided an additional benefit in increasing decay resistance, increasing Ca2+ into fruit and increasing levels of bioactive compounds in jujube fruit.

CONCLUSION

SAEW in combination with Ca(NO3)2 or Ca(OAc)2 has commercial potential for fresh jujube disinfection and improving storage quality as a result of the cleaning processes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Polytetrafluoroethylene granuloma‐associated facial palsy following microvascular decompression
Authors: Derakhshan Adeeb , Greene Jacqueline J. , Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Chen Jenny X. , Jowett Nate , Hadlock Tessa A.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Microvascular decompression (MVD) may be employed in the management of hemifacial spasm (HFS), wherein a pledget of polytetrafluoroethylene (i.e., Teflon, Chemours, Wilmington DE) is sometimes introduced to separate an offending vessel from the cisternal segment of facial nerve. Rarely, Teflon may cause a granulomatous reaction resulting in nerve palsy. We here present the first case series of facial palsy thought to be secondary to Teflon granuloma following MVD for HFS.

Methods

A data repository of 1,312 patients with facial palsy was reviewed to identify individuals who had previously undergone MVD for HFS. Data collected include age at time of MVD, age at onset of facial weakness and at presentation, House‐Brackmann scores, clinician‐graded facial function using the Electronic Facial Paralysis Assessment scale, imaging findings, and therapeutic interventions and outcomes.

Results

Six patients meeting criteria were identified. Average time between MVD with Teflon placement and onset of facial weakness was 16.1 (±4.9) years (range 9.3–23.3 years). Initial House‐Brackmann scores were as follows: four patients with V/VI and one each with III/VI and IV/VI. Interventions included eyelid weight placement (n = 3), chemodenervation (n = 2), static suspension with tensor fascia latae (n = 2), dynamic reanimation with cranial nerves V to VII transfer (n = 1), and temporalis muscle transfer (n = 1).

Conclusion

Teflon granuloma should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with new onset facial weakness with a previous history of MVD for HFS. It remains unknown whether early granuloma extirpation is effective. Prompt diagnosis allows consideration of time‐sensitive nerve transfer procedures to reanimate facial function.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1422–1427, 2020
Seedling and ramet recruitment at the community level on recent landslide scars on the hilly and gullied Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Hu Shu , Jiao Juying , Li Yujin , Deng Na , Wu Duoyang , Zhang Yifeng
Published: August 2019

In this study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into seedling and ramet recruitment at the community level on recent landslide scars (i.e., the sliding surfaces regarded as the most difficult zones of landslides to restore), which may cast new light on landslide ecology and enhance theoretical support for interventions on landslide restoration. Through seedling and ramet monitoring and adult surveying on 12 three‐year‐old landslide scars on the hilly and gullied Loess Plateau, China, we characterized seedling and ramet recruitment in terms of their trade‐offs, processes and amounts, and we also assessed compositional correspondence between the adult and young (all seedlings and ramets combined) layers. We found that when seedling recruitment was employed in tandem with ramet recruitment, which might maximize colonists' fitness. Moreover, seedlings and ramets emerged constantly and were followed by low mortality rates. However, there were problems of emergence limitation and constant death, and, as a result, seedlings and ramets remained at low densities. Therefore, there appeared to be a slow and limited recruitment process of plant colonists on the scars. In addition, there was a high degree of compositional uncoupling between the adult and young layers, implying future potential changes of plant communities driven by Poa sphondylodes Trin., Stipa bungeana Trin., Ixeridium sonchifolium (Maxim.) Shih, Astragalus discolor Bunge ex Maxim. and Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. on shady scars and I. sonchifolium (Maxim.) Shih on sunny scars. We also proposed that the first three species can be used to restore landslide scars in the study area.
Vegetation type and plant diversity affected soil carbon accumulation in a postmining area in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Yan Meifang , Cui Feifei , Liu Yang , Zhang Zeyu , Zhang Jianbiao , Ren Hongrui , Li Zhiping
Published: August 2019

Coal mining causes severe land degradation, which poses a great damage to carbon (C) sequestration function of the original ecosystem. Vegetation restoration in postmining areas plays an important role in rebuilding soil C pool and improving soil quality. In this study, soil C sequestration and soil properties of different vegetation types were investigated along restoration chronosequences in a postmining area in the eastern Loess Plateau. The results showed that soil properties improved substantially through artificial restoration by plantingRhus typhina(exotic species) andPlatycladus orientalis(indigenous species) and through natural restoration. Soil C stock (0–20 cm depth) increased significantly with restoration duration in all of the vegetation types and was positively correlated to plant diversity except inR. typhina. After 12–20 years from restoration, accumulation rates of soil C varied significantly with vegetation type, with the maximum inP. orientalis(0.60 Mg ha−1yr−1) and the minimum in naturally restored grassland (0.21 Mg ha−1year−1). The optimum performance ofP. orientalisplantation could be attributed mainly to high plant diversity and associated high fine root biomass (1.72 Mg ha−1). A sharp decrease of plant diversity (39.0%) inR. typhina12 years after restoration implied that soil C accumulation might not be sustainable in the long term. Our results suggest thatP. orientalisas an indigenous species adaptable to harsh environment may facilitate the succession of a diverse ecosystem and promote soil C accumulation in degraded lands of postmining areas.
Hepcidin and its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Qian Zhong‐Ming , Ke Ya
Published: August 2019

Abnormally high brain iron, resulting from the disrupted expression or function of proteins involved in iron metabolism in the brain, is an initial cause of neuronal death in neuroferritinopathy and aceruloplasminemia, and also plays a causative role in at least some of the other neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Friedreich's ataxia. As such, iron is believed to be a novel target for pharmacological intervention in these disorders. Reducing iron toward normal levels or hampering the increases in iron associated with age in the brain is a promising therapeutic strategy for all iron‐related neurodegenerative disorders. Hepcidin is a crucial regulator of iron homeostasis in the brain. Recent studies have suggested that upregulating brain hepcidin levels can significantly reduce brain iron content through the regulation of iron transport protein expression in the blood‐brain barrier and in neurons and astrocytes. In this review, we focus on the discussion of the therapeutic potential of hepcidin in iron‐associated neurodegenerative diseases and also provide a systematic overview of recent research progress on how misregulated brain iron metabolism is involved in the development of multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
A fast and novel method for determining working volume in the reverberation chamber: Position of Tx antenna affect
Authors: Urul Bülent , Tütüncü Bilal , Helhel Selcuk
Published: August 2019

Reverberation chambers (RCs) are cheaper alternatives to anechoic chambers (ACs), and they are mainly made up of metal (ideally perfect and smooth) covered rooms. Their designs are not sophisticated as in AC, and EMC tests at precompliance level can be applied within a certain interval of error. For applying EMC tests to any equipment under test (EUT), the electric field uniformity in the room must be satisfied within a certain error. The volume having a uniform electric field is called as working volume (WV) where EUT for being subjected to EMC tests will be placed in. Positions and dimensions of scatterer such as Tx antenna that must be in the room determine the dimension of WV. Classically, position of transmitting antenna is changed continuously and randomly till obtaining WV and this process ends at any time within 3 days. Industry is always hurried and wants to know when to start testing. In this study, a fast and novel method with data mining has been proposed for overcoming this problem, and it achieves a success rate of 96% in 4‐5 hours. The model was tested for 10 different angles of rotation of the stirrer and 97% accuracy was achieved.
Multiple‐input‐multiple‐output/diversity antenna with dual band‐notched characteristics for ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Lee Gwan H. , Kim Dong H. , Mohyuddin Wahab , Choi Hyun C. , Kim Kang W.
Published: August 2019

Design and implementation of a four‐port ultra‐wideband (UWB) multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO)/diversity antenna with dual band‐notched characteristics are presented. The proposed diversity antenna is composed of four identical rhombic‐shaped monopole radiators arranged orthogonally to achieve better interelement isolation and polarization diversity. At each port, the MIMO antenna shows an impedance bandwidth (S11 ≤ –10 dB) of 10.5 GHz (2.8‐13.3 GHz) and an interelement isolation larger than 18 dB. Furthermore, in order to eliminate 3.5 GHz (Wi‐MAX) and 5.5 GHz (WLAN) bands from the UWB range, the antenna radiators are loaded with elliptical complementary split ring resonator structures. The MIMO performance metrics such as isolation, envelope correlation coefficient, and apparent diversity gain are calculated and presented. The MIMO/diversity antenna prototype is fabricated, and experimental results are verified with simulated results.
Sunflower shaped fractal filtenna for WLAN and ARN application
Authors: Hosain Md. Maqubool , Kumari Sumana , Tiwary Anjini Kumar
Published: August 2019

This manuscript proposes a triple band filtering antenna operating in the frequency range of 2.4 to 2.484 GHz, 4.2 to 4.5 GHz, and 5.15 to 5.825 GHz for possible application in WLAN and aeronautical radio navigation. Initially, a conventional square shaped monopole antenna is designed at 4 GHz, in which staircases are introduced at the edges to enhance bandwidth. Later, a triangle shape is carved out of square patch and cascaded at the junction to generate the proposed sunflower shaped fractal filtenna. Also, the ground plane is modified to further enlarge the bandwidth. By inserting C shaped complimentary split ring resonator slot on the feed line, a stop band is created at 3.5 GHz. Within the proposed frequency band of operation, the filtenna depicts omni‐directional radiation pattern, good selectivity, and low insertion loss. Also, the VSWR observed is less than 2 and peak antenna gain is 3.5 dBi. A good uniformity is achieved between the simulation and the experimental.
Harmonic interference suppression within a multiple‐antenna system using integrated slender magnetic metamaterials
Authors: Yang Pan , Wang Jia‐Fu , Han Ya‐Juan , Fan Ya , Li Yong‐Feng , Zhang Jie‐Qiu , Qu Shao‐Bo
Published: August 2019

In a multiple‐antenna system, harmonics of lower‐frequency antennas will interfere with higher‐frequency antennas, especially when the latter operates around the harmonic frequencies of the former. In this communication, we propose to suppress harmonic interferences in multiple‐antenna systems using integrated magnetic metamaterials (MM). To this end, we firstly designed a slender MM suitable for integration. Interdigital capacitor is adopted to make the MM slender enough to accommodate itself within the narrow gap between antennas. When magnetic field lines thread through the MM, negative permeability can be achieved due to strong magnetic resonance, which will block harmonic magnetic fields of an antenna penetrating into its neighbors. As an example, we investigated a dual patch‐antenna system, where the smaller one operates at the second‐harmonic frequency of the larger one and the MM is integrated in the gap between them. By adjusting structural parameters, the second‐harmonic magnetic fields of the larger antenna are blocked from penetrating into the smaller antenna. In this way, harmonic interferences within the antenna system can be suppressed. A prototype, together with a reference sample, was fabricated and measured. Both the measured and simulated results verify that with the MM, the harmonic coupling is reduced down to below −20 dB even when the gap between the two antennas is only about 0.06λ. Compared with the reference sample, the harmonic coupling is reduced by more than 7 dB. This work provides an alternative method of reducing harmonic interferences within multiple‐antenna systems to enhance the electromagnetic compatibility.