bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria in the Nuclei of Rat Myocardial Cells
Authors: Eldarov Chupalav M. , Vangely Irina M. , Vays Valeriya B. , Sheval Eugene V. , Holtze Susanne , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Kolosova Natalia G. , Popkov Vasily A. , Plotnikov Egor Y. , Zorov Dmitry B. , Bakeeva Lora E. , Skulachev Vladimir P.
Published: March 2020

Electron microscopic study of cardiomyocytes taken from healthy Wistar and OXYS rats and naked mole rats (Heterocephalus glaber) revealed mitochondria in nuclei that lacked part of the nuclear envelope. The direct interaction of mitochondria with nucleoplasm is shown. The statistical analysis of the occurrence of mitochondria in cardiomyocyte nuclei showed that the percentage of nuclei with mitochondria was roughly around 1%, and did not show age and species dependency. Confocal microscopy of normal rat cardiac myocytes revealed a branched mitochondrial network in the vicinity of nuclei with an organization different than that of interfibrillar mitochondria. This mitochondrial network was energetically functional because it carried the membrane potential that responded by oscillatory mode after photodynamic challenge. We suggest that the presence of functional mitochondria in the nucleus is not only a consequence of certain pathologies but rather represents a normal biological phenomenon involved in mitochondrial/nuclear interactions.
Glycogen Metabolism Supports Early Glycolytic Reprogramming and Activation in Dendritic Cells in Response to Both TLR and Syk-Dependent CLR Agonists
Authors: Curtis Kylie D. , Smith Portia R. , Despres Hannah W. , Snyder Julia P. , Hogan Tyler C. , Rodriguez Princess D. , Amiel Eyal
Published: March 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) increase their metabolic dependence on glucose and glycolysis to support their maturation, activation-associated cytokine production, and T-cell stimulatory capacity. We have previously shown that this increase in glucose metabolism can be initiated by both Toll-like receptor (TLR) and C-type lectin receptor (CLR) agonists. In addition, we have shown that the TLR-dependent demand for glucose is partially satisfied by intracellular glycogen stores. However, the role of glycogen metabolism in supporting CLR-dependent DC glycolytic demand has not been formally demonstrated. In this work, we have shown that DCs activated with fungal-associated β-glucan ligands exhibit acute glycolysis induction that is dependent on glycogen metabolism. Furthermore, glycogen metabolism supports DC maturation, inflammatory cytokine production, and priming of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in response to both TLR- and CLR-mediated activation. These data support a model in which different classes of innate immune receptors functionally converge in their requirement for glycogen-dependent glycolysis to metabolically support early DC activation. These studies provide new insight into how DC immune effector function is metabolically regulated in response to diverse inflammatory stimuli.
Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma Present Specific RNA Profiles in Serum and Urine Extracellular Vesicles Mirroring the Tumor Expression: Novel Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers for Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Lapitz Ainhoa , Arbelaiz Ander , O’Rourke Colm J. , Lavin Jose L. , Casta Adelaida La , Ibarra Cesar , Jimeno Juan P. , Santos-Laso Alvaro , Izquierdo-Sanchez Laura , Krawczyk Marcin , Perugorria Maria J. , Jimenez-Aguero Raul , Sanchez-Campos Alberto , Riaño Ioana , Gónzalez Esperanza , Lammert Frank , Marzioni Marco , Macias Rocio I.R. , Marin Jose J. G. , Karlsen Tom H. , Bujanda Luis , Falcón-Pérez Juan M. , Andersen Jesper B. , Aransay Ana M. , Rodrigues Pedro M. , Banales Jesus M.
Published: March 2020

: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) comprises a group of heterogeneous biliary cancers with dismal prognosis. The etiologies of most CCAs are unknown, but primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a risk factor. Non-invasive diagnosis of CCA is challenging and accurate biomarkers are lacking. We aimed to characterize the transcriptomic profile of serum and urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) from patients with CCA, PSC, ulcerative colitis (UC), and healthy individuals. Serum and urine EVs were isolated by serial ultracentrifugations and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and immunoblotting. EVs transcriptome was determined by Illumina gene expression array [messenger RNAs (mRNA) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)]. Differential RNA profiles were found in serum and urine EVs from patients with CCA compared to control groups (disease and healthy), showing high diagnostic capacity. The comparison of the mRNA profiles of serum or urine EVs from patients with CCA with the transcriptome of tumor tissues from two cohorts of patients, CCA cells in vitro, and CCA cells-derived EVs, identified 105 and 39 commonly-altered transcripts, respectively. Gene ontology analysis indicated that most commonly-altered mRNAs participate in carcinogenic steps. Overall, patients with CCA present specific RNA profiles in EVs mirroring the tumor, and constituting novel promising liquid biopsy biomarkers.
STAT3 Inhibitor ODZ10117 Suppresses Glioblastoma Malignancy and Prolongs Survival in a Glioblastoma Xenograft Model
Authors: Kim Byung-Hak , Lee Haeri , Park Cheol Gyu , Jeong Ae Jin , Lee Song-Hee , Noh Kum Hee , Park Jong Bae , Lee Chung-Gi , Paek Sun Ha , Kim Hyunggee , Ye Sang-Kyu
Published: March 2020

Constitutively activated STAT3 plays an essential role in the initiation, progression, maintenance, malignancy, and drug resistance of cancer, including glioblastoma, suggesting that STAT3 is a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy. We recently identified ODZ10117 as a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3 and suggested that it may have an effective therapeutic utility for the STAT3-targeted cancer therapy. Here, we demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of ODZ10117 in glioblastoma by targeting STAT3. ODZ10117 inhibited migration and invasion and induced apoptotic cell death by targeting STAT3 in glioblastoma cells and patient-derived primary glioblastoma cells. In addition, ODZ10117 suppressed stem cell properties in glioma stem cells (GSCs). Finally, the administration of ODZ10117 showed significant therapeutic efficacy in mouse xenograft models of GSCs and glioblastoma cells. Collectively, ODZ10117 is a promising therapeutic candidate for glioblastoma by targeting STAT3.
SIRT1 Alleviates LPS-Induced IL-1β Production by Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and ROS Production in Trophoblasts
Authors: Park Sumi , Shin Jiha , Bae Jeongyun , Han Daewon , Park Seok-Rae , Shin Jongdae , Lee Sung Ki , Park Hwan-Woo
Published: March 2020

Emerging evidence indicates that aberrant maternal inflammation is associated with several pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase, is involved in the regulation of various physiopathological processes including cellular inflammation and metabolism. However, the effect of SIRT1 on the placental proinflammatory environment remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of SIRT1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its underlying mechanisms in human first-trimester trophoblasts (Sw.71 and HTR-8/SVneo cells). Treatment with LPS elevated SIRT1 expression and induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse placental tissues and human trophoblasts. Knockdown of SIRT1 enhanced LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflammatory signaling, and subsequent interleukin (IL)-1β secretion. Furthermore, knockdown of NLRP3 considerably attenuated the increase of IL-1β secretion in SIRT1-knockdown cells treated with LPS. Moreover, SIRT1 inhibited LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation by reducing oxidative stress. This study revealed a novel mechanism via which SIRT1 exerts anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that SIRT1 is a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of inflammation-associated pregnancy-related complications.
Human Peripheral Blood Gamma Delta T Cells: Report on a Series of Healthy Caucasian Portuguese Adults and Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Fonseca Sónia , Pereira Vanessa , Lau Catarina , Teixeira Maria dos Anjos , Bini-Antunes Marika , Lima Margarida
Published: March 2020

Gamma delta T cells (Tc) are divided according to the type of Vδ and Vγ chains they express, with two major γδ Tc subsets being recognized in humans: Vδ2Vγ9 and Vδ1. Despite many studies in pathological conditions, only a few have quantified the γδ Tc subsets in healthy adults, and a comprehensive review of the factors influencing its representation in the blood is missing. Here we quantified the total γδ Tc and the Vδ2/Vγ9 and Vδ1 Tc subsets in the blood from 30 healthy, Caucasian, Portuguese adults, we characterized their immunophenotype by 8-color flow cytometry, focusing in a few relevant Tc markers (CD3/TCR-γδ, CD5, CD8), and costimulatory (CD28), cytotoxic (CD16) and adhesion (CD56) molecules, and we examined the impacts of age and gender. Additionally, we reviewed the literature on the influences of race/ethnicity, age, gender, special periods of life, past infections, diet, medications and concomitant diseases on γδ Tc and their subsets. Given the multitude of factors influencing the γδ Tc repertoire and immunophenotype and the high variation observed, caution should be taken in interpreting “abnormal” γδ Tc values and repertoire deviations, and the clinical significance of small populations of “phenotypically abnormal” γδ Tc in the blood.
Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly Towards Neural Stem Cells Using a Feasible and Repeatable Protocol
Authors: Kruminis-Kaszkiel Ewa , Osowski Adam , Bejer-Oleńska Ewa , Dziekoński Mariusz , Wojtkiewicz Joanna
Published: March 2020

The transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) capable of regenerating to the cells of the central nervous system (CNS) is a promising strategy in the treatment of CNS diseases and injury. As previous studies have highlighted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a source of NSCs, this study aimed to develop a feasible, efficient, and reproducible method for the neural induction of MSCs isolated from Wharton’s jelly (hWJ-MSCs). We induced neural differentiation in a monolayer culture using epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, N2, and B27 supplements. This resulted in a homogenous population of proliferating cells that expressed certain neural markers at both the protein and mRNA levels. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry confirmed the expression of neural markers: nestin, sex-determining region Y (SRY) box 1 and 2 (SOX1 and SOX2), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The qRT-PCR analysis revealed significantly enhanced expression of nestin and MAP2 in differentiated cells. This study confirms that it is possible to generate NSCs-like cells from hWJ-MSCs in a 2D culture using a practical method. However, the therapeutic effectiveness of such differentiated cells should be extended to confirm the terminal differentiation ability and electrophysiological properties of neurons derived from them.
Linear Cryptanalysis of Reduced-Round Simon Using Super Rounds
Authors: Almukhlifi Reham , Vora Poorvi L.
Published: March 2020

We present attacks on 21-rounds of Simon 32/64, 21-rounds of Simon 48/96, 25-rounds of Simon 64/128, 35-rounds of Simon 96/144 and 43-rounds of Simon 128/256, often with direct recovery of the full master key without repeating the attack over multiple rounds. These attacks result from the observation that, after four rounds of encryption, one bit of the left half of the state of 32/64 Simon depends on only 17 key bits (19 key bits for the other variants of Simon). Further, linear cryptanalysis requires the guessing of only 16 bits, the size of a single round key of Simon 32/64. We partition the key into smaller strings by focusing on one bit of state at a time, decreasing the cost of the exhaustive search of linear cryptanalysis to 16 bits at a time for Simon 32/64. We also present other example linear cryptanalysis, experimentally verified on 8, 10 and 12 rounds for Simon 32/64.
Pharmaceutical Cocrystal Development of TAK-020 with Enhanced Oral Absorption
Authors: Kimoto Kouya , Yamamoto Mitsuo , Karashima Masatoshi , Hohokabe Miyuki , Takeda Junpei , Yamamoto Katsuhiko , Ikeda Yukihiro
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs by pharmaceutical cocrystal engineering techniques and select the best pharmaceutical forms with high solubility and solubilized formulations for progress from the early discovery stage toward the clinical stage. Several pharmaceutical cocrystals of TAK-020, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, were newly discovered in the screening based on the solid grinding method and the slurry method, considering thermodynamic factors that dominate cocrystal formation. TAK-020/gentisic acid cocrystal (TAK-020/GA CC) was selected based on a physicochemical property of enhanced dissolution rate. TAK-020/GA CC was proven to be a reliable cocrystal formation with a definitive stoichiometric ratio by a variety of analytical techniques—pKa calculation, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and single X-ray structure analysis from the view of regulation. Furthermore, its absorption was remarkable and beyond those achieved in currently existing solubilized formulation techniques, such as nanocrystal, amorphous solid dispersion, and lipid-based formulation, in dog pharmacokinetic studies. TAK-020/GA CC was the best drug form, which might lead to good pharmacological effects with regard to enhanced absorption and development by physicochemical characterization. Through the trials of solid-state optimization from early drug discovery to pharmaceutical drug development, the cocrystals can be an effective option for achieving solubilization applicable in the pharmaceutical industry.
Citizen Science Confirms the Rarity of Fruit Bat Pollination of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Flowers in Southern Africa
Authors: Taylor Peter J. , Vise Catherine , Krishnamoorthy Macy A. , Kingston Tigga , Venter Sarah
Published: March 2020

The iconic African baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) has “chiropterophilous” flowers that are adapted for pollination by fruit bats. Although bat pollination of baobabs has been documented in east and west Africa, it has not been confirmed in southern Africa where it has been suggested that hawk moths (Nephele comma) may also be involved in baobab pollination. We used a citizen science approach to monitor baobab tree and flower visitors from dusk till midnight at 23 individual baobab trees over 27 nights during the flowering seasons (November–December) of 2016 and 2017 in northern South Africa and southern Zimbabwe (about 1650 visitors). Insect visitors frequently visited baobab flowers, including hawk moths, but, with one exception in southeastern Zimbabwe, no fruit bats visited flowers. Citizen science enabled us to substantiate preliminary conclusions about the relative importance of moth versus bat pollination of baobabs in southern Africa, with important implications for resource management.
A Note on Wavelet-Based Estimator of the Hurst Parameter
Authors: Wu Liang
Published: March 2020

The signals in numerous fields usually have scaling behaviors (long-range dependence and self-similarity) which is characterized by the Hurst parameter H. Fractal Brownian motion (FBM) plays an important role in modeling signals with self-similarity and long-range dependence. Wavelet analysis is a common method for signal processing, and has been used for estimation of Hurst parameter. This paper conducts a detailed numerical simulation study in the case of FBM on the selection of parameters and the empirical bias in the wavelet-based estimator which have not been studied comprehensively in previous studies, especially for the empirical bias. The results show that the empirical bias is due to the initialization errors caused by discrete sampling, and is not related to simulation methods. When choosing an appropriate orthogonal compact supported wavelet, the empirical bias is almost not related to the inaccurate bias correction caused by correlations of wavelet coefficients. The latter two causes are studied via comparison of estimators and comparison of simulation methods. These results could be a reference for future studies and applications in the scaling behavior of signals. Some preliminary results of this study have provided a reference for my previous studies.
A 12-Bit 200 MS/s Pipelined-SAR ADC Using Back-Ground Calibration for Inter-Stage Gain
Authors: Wu Junjie , Wu Jianhui
Published: March 2020

A 12-bit 200 MS/s pipelined successive-approximation-register (SAR) analogue-to-digital-converter (ADC) implemented in 40 nm CMOS is presented. Such an ADC consists of two asynchronous SAR ADCs and a dynamic amplifier, which consumes a static power of 1.2 mW (the total power is 8 mW) and occupies an area of 0.046 mm2. The inter-stage gain is affected by the parasitic capacitance in SAR ADCs as well as the gain of the dynamic amplifier, which is variable with respect to process-voltage-temperature (PVT). A background calibration of the inter-stage gain is proposed to adjust the inter-stage gain and to track the PVT variables. The measurement results show that, with calibration, the spurious-free-dynamic-range (SFDR) and signal-to-noise-and-distortion-ratio (SINAD) can be improved from 68 dB and 61 dB to 78 dB and 63 dB, respectively. The dynamic performance was stable under different VT conditions.
Experimental Performance of a Solar Air Collector with a Perforated Back Plate in New Zealand
Authors: Wang Yu , Boulic Mikael , Phipps Robyn , Plagmann Manfred , Cunningham Chris
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the thermal efficiency of a solar air heater (SAH), when it was mounted on a custom-made support frame, and was operated under different air mass flow rate. This SAH is composed of a transparent polycarbonate cover plate, a felt absorber layer, a perforated aluminium back plate and an aluminium frame. The ambient inlet air of this SAH is heated as it passes through the perforated back plate and over the felt absorber layer. The heated air is blown out through the outlet. Studies of SAHs with a similar design to this SAH were not found in the literature. The experiment was carried out at Massey University, Auckland campus, NZ (36.7° S, 174.7° E). The global horizontal solar irradiance, the ambient temperature and the wind speed were recorded using an on-site weather station. Temperature and velocity of the air at the outlet were measured using a hot wire anemometer. During the experiment, the air mass flow rate was between 0.022 ± 0.001 kg/s and 0.056 ± 0.005 kg/s. Results showed that when the SAH was operated at the airflow between 0.0054 kg/s and 0.0058 kg/s, the inlet air temperature and the wind speed (between 0 and 6.0 m/s) did not impact the temperature difference between the outlet air and the inlet air. The thermal efficiency of the SAH increased from 34 ± 5% at the airflow between 0.021 kg/s and 0.023 kg/s, to 47 ± 6% at the airflow ranging from 0.032 kg/s to 0.038 kg/s, to 71 ± 4% at the airflow of 0.056 ± 0.005 kg/s. The maximum thermal efficiency of 75% was obtained at the airflow of 0.057 kg/s. The effective efficiency of the SAH was 32 ± 5% at the airflow between 0.021 kg/s and 0.023 kg/s, 42 ± 6% at the airflow ranging from 0.032 kg/s to 0.038 kg/s, and 46 ± 11% at the airflow of 0.056 ± 0.005 kg/s.
Disturbance-State Modeling and Oscillation Analysis of Modular Multilevel Converters under P/Q Control Mode
Authors: Xing Facai , Xu Zheng , Zhang Zheren , Xiao Huanqing
Published: March 2020

To investigate the oscillation problems in power systems with modular multilevel converters (MMCs), a disturbance-state model of the MMC under P/Q control mode is established based on the harmonic state-space (HSS) method. Firstly, the basic structure of the MMC with P/Q control is presented, including the circuit structure and the controller structure. Next, the dynamic characteristics of each module in the MMC are described with the time-domain state-space model or the s-domain transfer function. The complete controller structure is considered, including the P/Q outer-loop controller, the inner-loop control, the phase-locked loop (PLL), the circulating current suppression control (CCSC) and the control delay. On the basis, the disturbance-state HSS model of the MMC and its corresponding steady-state condition are established by the HSS method. Lastly, the case studies are performed to verify the accuracy of the proposed model, based on an MMC based test system in PSCAD/EMTDC. Moreover, one oscillation phenomenon in test system is illustrated by analyzing the AC-side impedance characteristics based on the proposed model. The results indicate that the MMC system under P/Q control mode has certain oscillation risk due to its negative resistance effect and the proposed model could be applied to its oscillation analysis.
Considering Local Air Pollution in the Benefit Assessment and Cost Allocation of Cross Border Transmission Projects
Authors: Sun Deniz , Olmos Luis , Rivier Michel
Published: March 2020

Developing a regional power system to achieve a high level of integration of national systems requires sufficient development of the regional transmission grid. This is possible only with appropriate schemes for the complete cost–benefit analyses, and cost allocation of these transmission investments, which plays a critical role in the selection of the most efficient network investment and the proper assignment of their cost to the national systems. Network reinforcements affect the operation of power systems and, therefore, the externalities of power generation. This paper examines the impacts of integrating local air pollution damage from power production within the benefit assessment and cost allocation of transmission investments. The paper describes the methodology followed and illustrates its application in a real-life case study where a simplified version of a European network is considered. Within this case study, we have assessed the impact of considering the reduction in air pollution damage achieved through a particular HVDC project between France and Spain on the benefits, and benefit-driven cost allocation, computed for this project. In this case study, local pollution related benefits are a relevant fraction of the overall benefits of the considered transmission project. However, considering the local air pollution benefits of the project does not affect the net positive benefits of each country significantly, resulting in a limited change in the cost allocation of the project.
Evaluation of Forest Edge Structure and Stability in Peri-Urban Forests
Authors: Hladnik David , Kobler Andrej , Pirnat Janez
Published: March 2020

In the presented research, we studied the forest edge structure of urban and peri-urban forests on the outskirts of Ljubljana (Slovenia) consisting of a number of patches covering the collective surface of 1884 ha. They differ from each other according to the degree of fragmentation and by the share of the interior forest area. On the basis of LiDAR data, we conducted an analysis of the edges of the persistent forest patches and estimated them with regard to the land use they bordered on. The horizontal estimation of forest edges and the changes of forest edges, in the last decades, were estimated using digital orthophoto images of cyclic aerial surveys of Slovenia, from 1975 to 2018. The data, provided by LiDAR, were used to obtain an accurate estimate of forest edges and the metrics of their vertical canopy structure. On the basis of the canopy height model (CHM), we determined the height classes, the heights of the tallest trees, and indices of canopy height diversity (CHD) as variables subjected to a k-means cluster analysis. To determine the forest edge and trees stability, their heights and diameters at breast height (DBH) were measured and their canopy length and h/d (height/diameter) dimension ratios were estimated. In the study area of the Golovec forest patch, more than half of the forest edge segments (56%) border on residential buildings. After the construction of buildings, 54% of the newly formed forest edges developed a high and steep structure. Unfavorable h/d dimension ratio was estimated for 16% of trees, more among the coniferous than among the deciduous trees. Similar characteristics of newly formed forest edges bordering on built-up areas were determined in other sub-urban forest patches, despite the smaller share of such forest edges (19% and 10%, respectively). Tools and methods presented in the research enable the implementation of concrete silvicultural practices in a realistic time period and extend to ensure that adequate forestry measures are taken to minimize possible disturbances.
Feeding of Plankton in a Turbulent Environment: A Comparison of Analytical and Observational Results Covering Also Strong Turbulence
Authors: Pécseli Hans L. , Trulsen Jan K. , Stiansen Jan Erik , Sundby Svein
Published: March 2020

The present studies address feeding of plankton in turbulent environments, discussed by a comparison of analytical results and field data. Various models for predator-prey encounters and capture probabilities are reviewed. Generalized forms for encounter rates and capture probabilities in turbulent environments are proposed. The analysis emphasizes ambush predators, exemplified by cod larvae Gadus morhua L. in the start-feeding phase (stage 7 larvae) collected in shallow waters near Lofoten, Norway. During this campaign, data were obtained at four sites with strongly turbulent conditions induced by tidal currents and long-wave swells, and one site where the turbulence had a lower level in comparison. The guts of the selected cod larvae were examined in order to determine the number of nauplii ingested. Analytically obtained probability densities for the gut content were compared with observations and the results used for estimating the rate of capture of the nauplii. This capture rate was then compared with analytical results using also data for the surroundings, such as measured prey densities and turbulence conditions, as quantified by the specific energy dissipation rate. Different from earlier studies, the presented data include conditions where the turbulence exceeds the level for optimal larval encounter-capture rates.
Mesopelagic Species and Their Potential Contribution to Food and Feed Security—A Case Study from Norway
Authors: Alvheim Anita R. , Kjellevold Marian , Strand Espen , Sanden Monica , Wiech Martin
Published: March 2020

The projected increase in global population will demand a major increase in global food production. There is a need for more biomass from the ocean as future food and feed, preferentially from lower trophic levels. In this study, we estimated the mesopelagic biomass in three Norwegian fjords. We analyzed the nutrient composition in six of the most abundant mesopelagic species and evaluated their potential contribution to food and feed security. The six species make up a large part of the mesopelagic biomass in deep Norwegian fjords. Several of the analyzed mesopelagic species, especially the fish species Benthosema glaciale and Maurolicus muelleri, were nutrient dense, containing a high level of vitamin A1, calcium, selenium, iodine, eicopentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and cetoleic acid. We were able to show that mesopelagic species, whose genus or family are found to be widespread and numerous around the globe, are nutrient dense sources of micronutrients and marine-based ingredients and may contribute significantly to global food and feed security.
Food Authentication: Techniques, Trends and Emerging Approaches
Authors: González-Domínguez Raúl
Published: March 2020

Multiple factors can directly influence the chemical composition of foods and, consequently, their organoleptic, nutritional and bioactive properties, including the geographical origin, the variety or breed, as well as the conditions of cultivation, breeding and/or feeding, among others [...]
Sensory Improvement of a Pea Protein-Based Product Using Microbial Co-Cultures of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts
Authors: El Youssef Cynthia , Bonnarme Pascal , Fraud Sébastien , Péron Anne-Claire , Helinck Sandra , Landaud Sophie
Published: March 2020

Consumer demands for plant-based products have increased in recent years. However, their consumption is still limited due to the presence of off-flavor compounds, primarily beany and green notes, which are mainly associated with the presence of aldehydes, ketones, furans, and alcohols. To overcome this problem, fermentation is used as a lever to reduce off-flavors. A starter culture of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was tested in a 4% pea protein solution with one of the following yeasts: Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, or Torulaspora delbrueckii. The fermented samples were evaluated by a sensory panel. Non-fermented and fermented matrices were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to identify and quantify the volatile compounds. The sensory evaluation showed a significant reduction in the green/leguminous attributes of pea proteins and the generation of new descriptors in the presence of yeasts. Compared to the non-fermented matrix, fermentations with LAB or LAB and yeasts led to the degradation of many off-flavor compounds. Moreover, the presence of yeasts triggered the generation of esters. Thus, fermentation by a co-culture of LAB and yeasts can be used as a powerful tool for the improvement of the sensory perception of a pea protein-based product.
Heat Stress Impairs the Physiological Responses and Regulates Genes Coding for Extracellular Exosomal Proteins in Rat
Authors: Dou Jinhuan , Khan Adnan , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Mi Siyuan , Wang Yajing , Yu Ying , Wang Yachun
Published: March 2020

Heat stress (HS) is challenging in humans and animals as it is a complicated regulatory mechanism. This prompted us to characterize the physiological and molecular responses of a HS-animal model. In this study, a rat model system was developed by using three temperature treatments (40 ℃, 42 ℃, and 43 ℃) and sixteen biochemical indicators in blood at 42 ℃ for 30 min (H30), 60 min (H60), and 120 min (H120). In addition, transcriptomic profiling was carried out in H120-rats’ blood, liver, and adrenal gland samples for detection of the genes of interest. Our findings demonstrated that the adrenocorticotropic hormone, catalase, prolactin, growth hormone, and lactic acid have significant spatiotemporal variation in the H120-rats as compared with the control. Furthermore, through transcriptomic screening, we documented a high ratio of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in adrenal glands, liver, and blood, respectively. Among them, Nup153, Plxnb2, Stx7, Hspa9, Chordc1, Pde4d, Gm2α, and Rnf125 were associated with the regulation of HS and immune response processes. Notably, 36 and 314 of DEGs in blood and adrenal glands were detected in the composition of the extracellular exosome, respectively. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between gene transcripts and biochemical indicator levels identified the Lgals3, S1006, Fn1, F2, and Kng1l1 as key candidate genes for HS encoding extracellular exosomal proteins. On the basis of our results, it was concluded that the current rat model provides a molecular basis for future research in HS resistance in humans and livestock.
Evaluating and Predicting the Effects of Land Use Changes on Hydrology in Wami River Basin, Tanzania
Authors: Twisa Sekela , Kazumba Shija , Kurian Mathew , Buchroithner Manfred F.
Published: March 2020

Understanding the variation in the hydrological response of a basin associated with land use changes is essential for developing management strategies for water resources. The impact of hydrological changes caused by expected land use changes may be severe for the Wami river system, given its role as a crucial area for water, providing food and livelihoods. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of land use changes on various elements of the hydrological processes of the basin. Hybrid classification, which includes unsupervised and supervised classification techniques, is used to process the images (2000 and 2016), while CA–Markov chain analysis is used to forecast and simulate the 2032 land use state. In the current study, a combined approach—including a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR)—is used to explore the influences of individual land use classes on fluctuations in the hydrological components. From the study, it is evident that land use has changed across the basin since 2000 (which is expected to continue in 2032), as well as that the hydrological effects caused by land use changes were observed. It has been found that the major land use changes that affected hydrology components in the basin were expansion of cultivation land, built-up area and grassland, and decline in natural forests and woodland during the study period. These findings provide baseline information for decision-makers and stakeholders concerning land and water resources for better planning and management decisions in the basin resources’ use.
Concurrent and Convergent Validity of a Single, Brief Question for Physical Activity Assessment
Authors: Moreno-Llamas Antonio , García-Mayor Jesús , De la Cruz-Sánchez Ernesto
Published: March 2020

An extensive number of self-reported methods for physical activity (PA) measurement are available, including short and long recall questionnaires ranging from a few to tens of questions. Due to the fact that simple, time-saving methods could be more practical and desirable for use in a busy clinical context, as well as in public health surveys, we evaluated how a single-item question might be a useful and cost-effective method for assessing compliance with PA guidelines. Using multiple receiver operating characteristics (ROC), we assessed the classification performance of a single brief question, employing the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as criterion instrument, in a total of 55,950 people (30,601 women and 25,349 men). Both those who practice PA almost daily and a few times a week presented an upper threshold (1042.5 metabolic equivalent minutes (MET) minutes/week) to the established compliance PA guidelines (600 MET minutes/week) with high specificity and sensitivity, using a sedentary group as reference. Otherwise, the occasionally physically active group did not reach the minimum (349.5 MET minutes/week) and obtained a poorer classification performance. A single brief question is a pragmatic and alternative method for assessment of compliance with PA guidelines.
Bus Workers’ Experiences with and Perceptions of a Health Promotion Program: A Qualitative Study Using a Focus Group Discussion
Authors: Pyo Jeehee , Lee Mina , Ock Minsu , Park Gwiok , Yang Dongseok , Park Jungsun , Kim Yangho
Published: March 2020

We conducted a focus group discussion with bus workers to evaluate their experiences and perceptions, as well as their reasons for participating in a program for vulnerable workers. The study also sought to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program. A total of nine bus workers participated in the focus group discussion. The focus group discussion was conducted based on a semi-structured guide, which was developed from discussions among the researchers and a review of major preliminary studies. The verbatim transcriptions were analyzed using content analysis. The sole existence of a health promotion program for vulnerable workers in Ulsan was sufficient to attract participants who had not been involved in other health management programs. Participants reported that participation in the program mitigated some of their musculoskeletal symptoms, which are often faced by bus workers. The findings of this study may contribute to the expansion of the health promotion program targeting workers in vulnerable working environments in Ulsan and other places. In order to increase users’ satisfaction and the sustainability of the program, it is necessary to develop a strategy to increase the accessibility of the program and enhance the self-efficacy of participants.
Serological Evidence of West Nile and Usutu Viruses Circulation in Domestic and Wild Birds in Wetlands of Mali and Madagascar in 2008
Authors: Chevalier Véronique , Marsot Maud , Molia Sophie , Rasamoelina Harena , Rakotondravao René , Pedrono Miguel , Lowenski Steeve , Durand Benoit , Lecollinet Sylvie , Beck Cécile
Published: March 2020

The geographical distribution and impact on animal and human health of both West Nile and Usutu viruses, two flaviviruses of the Japanese encephalitis complex, have been increasing during the past two decades. Both viruses circulate in Europe and Africa within a natural cycle between wild birds and mosquitoes, mainly from the Culex genus. We retrospectively analyzed sera from domestic and wild birds sampled in 2008 in two wetlands, namely the Inner Niger Delta, Mali, and the Lake Alaotra area, Madagascar. Sera were first tested using a commercial ID Screen West Nile Competition Multi-species ELISA kit. Then, positive sera and sera with insufficient volume for testing with ELISA were tested with a Microneutralization Test. In Mali, the observed seroprevalence in domestic birds was 28.5% [24.5; 32.8] 95%CI, 3.1 % [1.8; 5.2] 95%CI, 6.2% [3.4; 10.2] 95%CI and 9.8 % [7.3; 12.8] 95%CI, for West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), undetermined flavivirus, and WNV/USUV respectively. Regarding domestic birds of Madagascar, the observed seroprevalence was 4.4 % [2.1; 7.9]95%CI for WNV, 0.9% [0.1; 3.1] 95%CI for USUV, 1.3% [0.5; 2.8] 95%CI for undetermined flavivirus, and null for WNV/USUV. Among the 150 wild birds sampled in Madagascar, two fulvous whistling-ducks (Dendrocygna bicolor) were positive for WNV and two for an undetermined flavivirus. One white-faced whistling-duck (Dendrocygna viduata) and one Hottentot teal (Spatula hottentota) were tested positive for USUV. African and European wetlands are linked by wild bird migrations. This first detection of USUV—as well as the confirmed circulation of WNV in domestic birds of two wetlands of Mali and Madagascar—emphasizes the need to improve the surveillance, knowledge of epidemiological patterns, and phylogenetic characteristics of flavivirus in Africa, particularly in areas prone to sustained, intense flavivirus transmission such as wetlands.
Active Travel of Czech and Polish Adolescents in Relation to Their Well-Being: Support for Physical Activity and Health
Authors: Frömel Karel , Groffik Dorota , Mitáš Josef , Dygrýn Jan , Valach Petr , Šafář Michal
Published: March 2020

The adoption of active travel (AT) habits in adolescence, supported by positive emotions, increases the chances of a lifelong positive attitude towards AT. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between active travel and well-being (WB), and to estimate the share of AT in weekly physical activity (PA) and its contribution to meeting the weekly PA recommendations in adolescents. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire—long form and the WHO-5 questionnaire were used to assess the level of AT, weekly PA and well-being of 2805 adolescents from 36 Czech and 39 Polish schools. A higher rate of AT is only significantly associated with higher well-being in girls. However, meeting AT recommendations in combination with higher WB increased the likelihood of meeting the weekly PA recommendations in both girls and boys. AT accounts for 22.5% of weekly PA of Czech (Polish 24.2%) boys. Concerning girls, it accounts for 24.9% of weekly PA in the Czech Republic and 24.5% in Poland. Meeting AT recommendations should be part of comprehensive school-based PA programs. State, school and municipal policies in the Central European region should pay more attention to the improvement of WB and the built environment for AT in secondary school adolescents.
Suicide in Rural Australia: Are Farming-Related Suicides Different?
Authors: Kennedy Alison , Adams Jessie , Dwyer Jeremy , Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Brumby Susan
Published: March 2020

Rural Australians experience a range of health inequities—including higher rates of suicide—when compared to the general population. This retrospective cohort study compares demographic characteristics and suicide death circumstances of farming- and non-farming-related suicides in rural Victoria with the aim of: (a) exploring the contributing factors to farming-related suicide in Australia’s largest agricultural producing state; and (b) examining whether farming-related suicides differ from suicide in rural communities. Farming-related suicide deaths were more likely to: (a) be employed at the time of death (52.6% vs. 37.7%, OR = 1.84, 95% CIs 1.28–2.64); and, (b) have died through use of a firearm (30.1% vs. 8.7%, OR = 4.51, 95% CIs 2.97–6.92). However, farming-related suicides were less likely to (a) have a diagnosed mental illness (36.1% vs. 46.1%, OR=0.66, 95% CIs 0.46–0.96) and, (b) have received mental health support more than six weeks prior to death (39.8% vs. 50.0%, OR = 0.66, 95% CIs 0.46–0.95). A range of suicide prevention strategies need adopting across all segments of the rural population irrespective of farming status. However, data from farming-related suicides highlight the need for targeted firearm-related suicide prevention measures and appropriate, tailored and accessible support services to support health, well-being and safety for members of farming communities.
A Literature Review on Psychosocial Support for Disaster Responders: Qualitative Synthesis with Recommended Actions for Protecting and Promoting the Mental Health of Responders
Authors: Umeda Maki , Chiba Rie , Sasaki Mie , Agustini Eni Nuraini , Mashino Sonoe
Published: March 2020

Little scientific evidence exists on ways to decrease the psychological stress experienced by disaster responders, or how to maintain and improve their mental health. In an effort to grasp the current state of research, we examined research papers, agency reports, the manuals of aid organisations, and educational materials, in both English and Japanese. Using MEDLINE, Ichushi-Web (Japanese search engine), Google Scholar, websites of the United Nations agencies, and the database of the Grants System for Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, 71 pertinent materials were identified, 49 of which were analysed. As a result, 55 actions were extracted that could potentially protect and improve the mental health of disaster responders, leading to specific recommendations. These include (1) during the pre-activity phase, enabling responders to anticipate stressful situations at a disaster site and preparing them to monitor their stress level; (2) during the activity phase, engaging in preventive measures against on-site stress; (3) using external professional support when the level of stress is excessive; and (4) after the disaster response, getting back to routines, sharing of experiences, and long-term follow-up. Our results highlighted the need to offer psychological support to disaster responders throughout the various phases of their duties.
Integer Versus Fractional Order SEIR Deterministic and Stochastic Models of Measles
Authors: Islam Md Rafiul , Peace Angela , Medina Daniel , Oraby Tamer
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we compare the performance between systems of ordinary and (Caputo) fractional differential equations depicting the susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) models of diseases. In order to understand the origins of both approaches as mean-field approximations of integer and fractional stochastic processes, we introduce the fractional differential equations (FDEs) as approximations of some type of fractional nonlinear birth and death processes. Then, we examine validity of the two approaches against empirical courses of epidemics; we fit both of them to case counts of three measles epidemics that occurred during the pre-vaccination era in three different locations. While ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are commonly used to model epidemics, FDEs are more flexible in fitting empirical data and theoretically offer improved model predictions. The question arises whether, in practice, the benefits of using FDEs over ODEs outweigh the added computational complexities. While important differences in transient dynamics were observed, the FDE only outperformed the ODE in one of out three data sets. In general, FDE modeling approaches may be worth it in situations with large refined data sets and good numerical algorithms.
High Variability in Sepsis Guidelines in UK: Why Does It Matter?
Authors: Bray Alison , Kampouraki Emmanouela , Winter Amanda , Jesuthasan Aaron , Messer Ben , Graziadio Sara
Published: March 2020

It is recommended that developers of Point Of Care Tests (POCTs) assess the care pathway of the patient population of interest in order to understand if the POCT fits within the pathway and has the potential to improve it. If the variation of the pathway across potential hospitals is large, then it is likely that the evaluation of effectiveness is harder and the route towards large-scale takes adoption longer. Evaluating care pathways can be a time-consuming activity when conducted through clinical audits or interviews with healthcare professionals. We have developed a more rapid methodology which extrapolates the care pathway from local hospital guidelines and assesses their variation. Sepsis kills 46,000 people per year in the UK with societal costs of up to £10 billion. Therefore, there is a clinical need for an optimized pathway. By applying our method in this field, we were able to assess the variation in current hospital guidelines for sepsis and infer the potential impact this may have on the evidence development on innovations in this applications. We obtained 15 local sepsis guidelines. Two independent reviewers extracted: use of the national early warning score (NEWS), signs and risk factors informing the decision to prescribe antibiotics, and the number of decisional steps up to this point. Considerable variation was observed in all the variables, which is likely to have an impact on future clinical and economic evaluations and adoption of POCT for the identification of patients with sepsis.