bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between motor competence and Functional Movement Screen scores
Authors: Silva Bruno , Rodrigues Luis Paulo , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Cancela José M. , Bezerra Pedro
Published: August 2019

Background

Motor competence (MC) is generally used to describe a person’s proficiency in a variety of motor skills and is the basis for one’s performance in sports and recreational activities. Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM) is one of the most used screening systems to provide interpretable measure of movement quality. Both FMSTM and MC constructs share three components: locomotor, manipulative and stabilizing movements. In the present study, it was hypothesized that MC scores can explain FMSTM variables. It was also predicted that better MC leads to better functional movement patterns in young adults.

Methods

A sample of 92 young adults (73.9% men) with a mean age of 21.2 years participated in this study. All participants were evaluated on anthropometric measurements, dual x-ray absorptiometry; FMSTM and MC.

Results

Men showed better MC scores and fat mass composition than women. Regarding specific tests, women scored higher in the FMSTMactive straight leg raise test, whereas men performed better in the FMSTM trunk stability push-up (TSP) test. Manipulative tasks and construct presents’ significant and positive associations with FMSTM composite score (r ≥ 0.303). The significant negative correlation were more related to FMSTM TSP and MC shuttle run and FMSTM in-line lunge and MC manipulative. The FMSTM TSP presents significant associations with all MC constructs and tasks. Meanwhile, the FMSTM composite score is associated with all components of MC Stability (p < 0.05). In young adults, and independent of gender, the FMSTMexplains fundamental movements based on motor control according to the stability construct. Moreover, the FMSTM TSP is associated with better performance in the all MC constructs and MC tasks. The FMSTM, on its own, is linked to objective MC stability measures.
Evaluation of Quality and Assurance Parameters of Mulberry Silk Waste and Viscose Blended Knitted Fabrics by Using ‘Fabric Assurance by Simple Testing’ (FAST) Technique
Authors: Bajaj Shikha , Bains Sandeep
Published: August 2019

Fabric handle is one of the influential properties for any fabric and is a guiding factor for optimum selection of textile materials for specific end uses. The paper deals with objective analysis of knitted fabrics for fabric hand. Present attempt was made on four knitted fabrics, blended in proportions of 50% mulberry silk: 50% viscose and 40% mulberry silk: 60% viscose, each in two different counts. Fabric Assurance by Simple Testing (FAST) was utilized for determination of properties which is precisely associated with apparel construction and its lastingness.  Fabric samples were subjected to tests for obtainment of dimensional stability, formability, low load extensibility, bending rigidity, compression and shear rigidity. Knitted fabric blended in proportion of 50% mulberry silk: 50% viscose in 20 Nm count was found to be most feasible to large scale production and garment construction.
Amitriptyline Induced Alterations in Liver and Kidney Functions and Structures in Male Rats
Authors: Atta Fathy A. M. , Tousson Ehab , A. Dabour Noha , A. Massoud Ahmed , F. Hasan Ahmed
Published: August 2019

Aims: Depression is a mental health issue that starts most often in early adulthood and it is a common and recurrent disorder causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is known to inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and inhibitor of mitochondrial functions and induces apoptosis in several tissues. This study aims to identify the changes in liver and kidney structure and functions after treatment of male rats with Amitriptyline drugs.

Materials and Methods: A total of 20 male albino rats were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups (G1, control group that included animals that did not receive any treatment during the experimental period. G2, Amitriptyline (Tryptizol; El Kahira Pharm And Chem Ind Co) group in which rats were injected intraperitoneally with Amitriptyline (100 mg/kg body weight/daily) for four weeks).

Results: The current results revealed that; Amitriptyline treatments significantly (P <0.05) increased the levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, sodium ions, chloride ions and liver  and kidney damages as compared to control. In contrast; a significant (P <0.05) decrease in albumin, and total protein, potassium ions and calcium ions in Amitriptyline group was reported when compared with control group.

Conclusion: Amitriptyline has many side effects on rat liver and kidney, it induced liver and kidney toxicity and tissue injury were it metabolized to nortriptyline which inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin almost equally. Amitriptyline inhibits the membrane pump mechanism responsible for uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in adrenergic and serotonergic neurons.
Comparative Studies on the Effect of Fermentation on the Nutritional Compositions and Anti-nutritional Levels of Glycine max Fermented Products: Tempeh and Soy-Iru
Authors: Omodara T. R. , Aderibigbe E. Y.
Published: August 2019

Aims: A comparative study of fungi and bacteria fermentation of soybean (Glycine max) was carried out to determine the effect of fermentation on the nutritional composition of their fermented products: tempeh and ‘soy-iru’.

Study Design: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, between August, 2017 and July 2018.

Methodology: Soybean was processed into ‘soy-iru’ (bacterial fermentation) and tempeh (fungal fermentation) and the microbial load, physico-chemical properties, proximate composition, levels of anti-nutritional components (trypsin inhibitor and phytic acid), anti-oxidants (total phenol, total flavonoid and DPPH), in-vitro protein digestibility and vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E) were analyzed.

Results: The microbial load, pH increased progressively during fermentation, while there was a decrease in the titratable acidity (TTA) of the two products. The protein(%), ash(%) and fat(%) contents of the Glycine max cotyledons increased from 29.56, 1.86 and 24.36 in unfermented substrate to 33.61, 2.21 and 26.90, respectively, after 24hrs of fermentation to produce tempeh. However, there was a reduction in the crude fibre(%) and carbohydrate(%) content from 2.94 and 41.29 in unfermented substrate to 2.53 and 32.57, respectively, after 24hrs of fermentation. Similar trends were observed during the production of ‘soy-iru’, however the change in proximate composition was not as significant as observed in tempeh. There was significant decrease in the trypsin inhibitor and phytic acid levels of the two products. The levels of anti-oxidants, vitamins B, D, E and protein digestibility increased significantly, in both bacterial and fungal-fermented products.

Conclusion: This research has therefore shown that fungal fermentation of Glycine max seeds into tempeh may be a better alternative to ‘soy-iru’ which was obtained from bacterial fermentation, because of the significant lower level anti-nutritional factors in the former.
In vitro Antioxidant Capabilities and Vitamin Levels in Beef, Chicken and Fish Homogenates
Authors: Iheanyichukwu Wopara, , Samuel K. Mobisson , Josephine A. Dike, , Awah F. M. , Amanda Ike, , Uwaezuoke C. Awarajih,
Published: August 2019

In this modern era of functional food research, there are possibilities that we could eat not only to derive nutritional values but also to get well. In this study, the antioxidant and vitamin level in fish, beef and chicken homogenates were determined using various assays. The results showed that vitamin E levels in fish homogenate (34.47 ± 1.04 µg/dL) were significantly high (p<0.05) compared with chicken homogenate (29.55 ± 4.84 µg\dL), and beef homogenate (19.16 ± 0.96 µg/dL). Also the vitamin C levels in the beef homogenates (51.12 ± 3.74) was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the chicken homogenates (28.60 ± 2.42 mg/dL) and fish homogenates (26.39 ± 1.63). However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the vitamin C levels between the fish and chicken homogenates. The fish and chicken homogenate showed significant dose-dependent DPPH radical inhibiting capacities, inhibiting  17.55 ± 3.71% and 16.61 ± 2.22%  of DPPH at a concentration of 15 mg/mL compared to the meat homogenate which inhibited 11.68 ± 1.78% at the same concentration. The IC50 of superoxide anion radical inhibition was found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) for the chicken and meat homogenate compared to the fish homogenate. From this experiment it can be postulated that fish and beef have a higher antioxidant levels compared to chicken and could be better source of functional foods.
Statistical Comparative Study of the Trend and Variation of Meteorological Parameters in Abeokuta, South-West Nigeria
Authors: Sodunke M. A. , Sulaimon M. O. , Sunmonu R. S. , Mabosanyinje A. , Lawal Y. B. , Oseni K. J. , Oni O. O.
Published: August 2019

This study focuses on the statistical comparative study of the trend and variation of meteorological parameters covering a 10 year period (2001-2010) in the capital and largest city of Ogun State, Abeokuta, southwest region of Nigeria. The analyzed meteorological parameters were: wind speed, vapour pressure, relative humidity, temperature, sunshine and rainfall covering 10 years. The calculated coefficient of variation (CV) for sunshine (22.78%), wind speed (21.55%), and rainfall (99.12%) is a proof of exceedance of variability of threshold of 10% while the CV calculated for  air temperature (5.74%), relative humidity (4.52%) and vapour pressure (5.22%) show no significant variability. Significance test of meteorological parameters’ trend reveals a notable reduction in the values of vapour pressure, air temperature and relative humidity. It is, however, difficult to argue for a well-defined change in most of the meteorological parameters based on the monthly time series analyses performed in this work. Only wind speed shows a statistically significant increasing trend during the period of observation at 1% significance level. The trend revealed by rainfall and sunshine is statistically not significant. ANOVA test of significant difference among meteorological parameters show a p-value (Sig.) of 0.000 is an indication of the significant difference in the analyzed mean monthly coefficient of variation for the meteorological parameters under study. The Tukey’s multiple pair comparisons test, however, show that there is a significant difference between the mean monthly CV of rainfall–sunshine, rainfall-vapour pressure, rainfall-wind speed, rainfall-air temperature and rainfall-relative humidity. At the significance level of 5%, the calculated mean monthly CV of rainfall is significantly different from the mean monthly CV of other climatic parameters.
Fluorinated Polyethylenimine to Enable Transmucosal Delivery of Photosensitizer‐Conjugated Catalase for Photodynamic Therapy of Orthotopic Bladder Tumors Postintravesical Instillation
Authors: Li Guangzhi , Yuan Simin , Deng Dashi , Ou Tong , Li Yuqing , Sun Rui , Lei Qifang , Wang Xisheng , Shen Wanwan , Cheng Yiyun , Liu Zhuang , Wu Song
Published: August 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) by insertion of an optical fiber into the bladder cavity has been applied in the clinic for noninvasive treatment of bladder tumors. To avoid systemic phototoxicity, bladder intravesical instillation of a photosensitizer may be an ideal approach for PDT treatment of bladder cancer, in comparison to conventional intravenous injection. However, the instillation‐based PDT for bladder cancer treatment remains to be less effective due to the poor urothelial uptake of photosensitizer, as well as the tumor hypoxia‐associated PDT resistance. Herein, it is uncovered that fluorinated polyethylenimine (F‐PEI) achieved by mixing with Chorin‐e6‐conjugated catalase (CAT‐Ce6) is able to form self‐assembled CAT‐Ce6/F‐PEI nanoparticles, which show greatly improved cross‐membrane, transmucosal, and intratumoral penetration capacities compared with CAT‐Ce6 alone or nonfluorinated CAT‐Ce6/PEI nanoparticles. Owing to the decomposition of tumor endogenous H2O2 by CAT‐Ce6/F‐PEI nanoparticles penetrating into bladder tumors, the tumor hypoxia would be effectively relieved to further favor PDT. Therefore, bladder intravesical instillation with CAT‐Ce6/F‐PEI nanoparticles could offer remarkably improved photodynamic therapeutic effect to destruct orthotopic bladder tumors with reduced systemic toxicity compared to hematoporphyrin, the first‐line photosensitizer used for bladder cancer PDT in clinic. This work presents a unique photosensitizer nanomedicine formulation, promising for clinical translation in instillation‐based PDT to treat bladder tumors.
Hochenergieeffiziente Hallenbäder
Authors: Gollwitzer Esther , Peper Søren , Grove‐Smith Jessica
Published: August 2019

In den letzten Jahren wurden die ersten Passivhaus‐Hallenbäder intensiv untersucht. Bereits bei diesen Pilotprojekten konnte der Heizwärme‐ und der Stromverbrauch in erheblichem Umfang gesenkt werden. Aufgrund dieser Erfahrungen können in zukünftigen Bädern noch weitere Potenziale genutzt werden. Dabei ist es entscheidend, die Möglichkeiten des Zusammenspiels von Architektur, Technik und Betrieb zu nutzen, um damit die Energiekosten im langjährigen Betrieb zu senken. Im aktuellen Forschungsprojekt wurden Untersuchungen (rechnerisch und messtechnisch) u. a. zu Verdunstungsraten, Energiebilanz des Beckenwassers, Schadstoffkonzentrationen und Lüftungsregelung durchgeführt. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse und Planungswerte erleichtern es, die wesentlichen Einflussfaktoren für die Planung, den Bau und den Betrieb von energieeffizienten Hallenbädern zu identifizieren und zu optimieren. Schon mit dem Entwurf (Zonierung, Lüftungszonen, Verglasungsanteil, Rohrlängen, Höhenunterschiede etc.) können die Weichen für ein kostengünstiges und gleichzeitig höchst energieeffizientes Bad gestellt werden. Als Hilfestellung für weitere Bäder (Neubau und Sanierung) bieten sich der erschienene Leitfaden mit Planungshinweisen und die Checklisten für Inbetriebnahme bzw. Betriebsoptimierung an [2].
Longitudinal analysis of pre‐ and post‐treatment measurements with equal baseline assumptions in randomized trials
Authors: Funatogawa Ikuko , Funatogawa Takashi
Published: August 2019

For continuous variables of randomized controlled trials, recently, longitudinal analysis of pre‐ and posttreatment measurements as bivariate responses is one of analytical methods to compare two treatment groups. Under random allocation, means and variances of pretreatment measurements are expected to be equal between groups, but covariances and posttreatment variances are not. Under random allocation with unequal covariances and posttreatment variances, we compared asymptotic variances of the treatment effect estimators in three longitudinal models. The data‐generating model has equal baseline means and variances, and unequal covariances and posttreatment variances. The model with equal baseline means and unequal variance–covariance matrices has a redundant parameter. In large sample sizes, these two models keep a nominal type I error rate and have high efficiency. The model with equal baseline means and equal variance–covariance matrices wrongly assumes equal covariances and posttreatment variances. Only under equal sample sizes, this model keeps a nominal type I error rate. This model has the same high efficiency with the data‐generating model under equal sample sizes. In conclusion, longitudinal analysis with equal baseline means performed well in large sample sizes. We also compared asymptotic properties of longitudinal models with those of the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and t‐test.
A hybrid model for simulating grazing herds in real time
Authors: Demšar Jure , Blewitt Will , Lebar Bajec Iztok
Published: August 2019

Computer simulations of animal groups are usually performed via individual‐based modelling, where simulated animals are designed on the level of individuals. With this approach, developers are able to capture behavioural nuances of real animals. However, modelling each individual as its own entity has the downside of having a high computational cost, meaning that individual‐based models are usually not suitable for real‐time simulations of very large groups. A common alternative approach is flow‐based modelling, where the dynamics of animal congregations are designed on the group level. This enables researchers to create real‐time simulations of massive phenomena at the cost of biological authenticity. A novel approach called hybrid modelling tries to mix the best of both worlds—precision of individual‐based models and speed of flow‐based ones. An unknown surrounding hybrid model is the question of their biological authenticity and relevance. In this study, we develop a hybrid model for the simulation of herds of grazing sheep. Through Bayesian data analysis, we show that such an approach can encompass several aspects of real‐world sheep behaviour. Our hybrid model is also extremely efficient, capable of simulating herds of more than 1,000 individuals in real time without resorting to graphics processing unit execution.
Enantiomeric separation of vilanterol trifenatate by chiral liquid chromatography
Authors: Guo Yajun , Yang Yulei , Peng Jiajuan , Zhu Xueyan , Ji Zongde
Published: August 2019

Vilanterol trifenatate is a novel chiral long‐acting β2‐agonist developed. Vilanterol combined with inhaled corticosteroids can treat COPD and asthma. A simple liquid chromatographic method is developed for the quantitative determination of R‐vilanterol and S‐vilanterol (impurity S). HPLC separation was achieved on Chiralpak ID (250 × 4.6 mm; particle size 5 μm) column using hexane‐ethanol‐ethanolamine (75:25:0.1, v/v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The resolution is greater than 3.3. Ethanolamine in the mobile phase is vital to enhance chromatographic efficiency and resolution between the isomers. The method was validated with respect to accuracy, specificity, precision, LOD, LOQ, linearity, and robustness as ICH guidelines.
Asymmetric Difluoromethylthiolation of Carbon Nucleophiles with Optically Pure Difluoromethylthiolating Reagents Derived from Camphorsultam
Authors: Zhang He , Wan Xiaolong , Shen Qilong
Published: August 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The invention of a family of optically pure electrophilic difluoromethylthiolating reagents 9a–c based on the camphorsultam skeleton was described. These reagents reacted with a variety of soft carbon nucleophiles such as oxazolone, oxindole, benzolactone and β‐ketoester in good to excellent enantioselectivities.
Obesity and breast cancer screening: Cross‐sectional survey results from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system
Authors: Miles Randy C. , Lehman Constance D. , Mercaldo Sarah F. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Dontchos Brian N. , Narayan Anand K.
Published: August 2019

Background

Postmenopausal obese women demonstrate an elevated breast cancer risk and experience increased breast cancer morbidity and mortality compared with women with a normal body mass index (BMI). However, to the authors' knowledge, prior studies have yielded inconclusive results regarding the effects of obesity on mammography screening adherence. Using national cross‐sectional survey data, the objective of the current study was to assess the current association between increasing BMI and use of mammography screening.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state‐based national telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults in the United States, was used to identify the association between mammography screening use and increasing incremental BMI categories, including normal (18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25‐29.9 kg/m2), obese class I (30‐34.9 kg/m2), obese class II (35‐39.9 kg/m2), and obese class III (>40 kg/m2), with adjustments for potential confounders. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the effect of each BMI category on self‐reported mammography use, using unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. Effect modification by race/ethnicity was determined by testing interaction terms using Wald tests.

Results

Of 116,343 survey respondents, 33.5% (38,984 respondents) had a normal BMI, 32.6% (37,969 respondents) were overweight, 19.3% (22,416 respondents) were classified as obese class I, 8.4% (9791 respondents) were classified as obese class II, and 6.2% (7183 respondents) were classified as obese class III. There was no statistically significant difference (P < .05) observed with regard to mammography use between women with a normal BMI and obese women from each obese class (classes I‐III) when compared individually. There also was no evidence of effect modification by race (P = .53).

Conclusions

In contrast to prior reports, the results of the current study demonstrated no association between obesity and adherence to screening mammography. These findings may relate to the increasing social acceptance of obesity among women from all racial/ethnic groups and the removal of weight‐related facility‐level barriers over time.
CytoLyt fixation significantly inhibits MIB1 immunoreactivity whereas alternative Ki‐67 clone 30‐9 is not susceptible to the inhibition: Critical diagnostic implications
Authors: Buonocore Darren J. , Konno Fumiko , Jungbluth Achim A. , Frosina Denise , Fayad Mariam , Edelweiss Marcia , Lin Oscar , Rekhtman Natasha
Published: August 2019

Background

The Ki‐67 proliferation marker has multiple diagnostic and prognostic applications. Although several clones to the Ki‐67 antigen are commercially available, the MIB1 clone is widely recommended in the surgical pathology literature for neuroendocrine tumors. In our cytopathology practice, we have encountered unexpectedly low MIB1 immunoreactivity in CytoLyt‐fixed cell blocks (CBs). The current study evaluated the impact of fixatives, CB processing, and immunocytochemical (ICC) procedures on Ki‐67 immunoreactivity.

Methods

Test CBs were prepared from freshly resected tumors, and multiple variables in the MIB1 ICC procedure were tested, including CytoLyt versus formalin collection media, MIB1 versus other Ki‐67 clones including 30‐9, and other variables. MIB1 versus Ki‐67 30‐9 clones were tested in parallel on CytoLyt‐fixed CBs from clinical samples of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).

Results

In the test CBs (n = 10), the mean MIB1 labeling index was 10% in CytoLyt versus 47% in formalin (P = .0116), with a mean loss of reactivity in matched CBs of 37% (up to 70%). None of the procedure modifications tested in 223 individual ICC reactions recovered MIB1 reactivity in CytoLyt except for switching to the Ki‐67 30‐9 antibody. In CytoLyt‐fixed SCLC samples (n = 14), the Ki‐67 30‐9 antibody demonstrated expected ranges of reactivity (mean, 83%; range, 60%‐100%), whereas MIB1 demonstrated markedly inhibited labeling (mean, 60%; range, 10%‐95%) (P = .0058).

Conclusions

CytoLyt fixation substantially inhibits MIB1 immunoreactivity, whereas the Ki‐67 30‐9 clone is not susceptible to inhibition. Markedly discrepant MIB1 reactivity may present a pitfall in the diagnosis of SCLC and may lead to the incorrect prognostic stratification of other tumor types. For laboratories using CytoLyt, we recommend using the Ki‐67 30‐9 antibody rather than the MIB1 antibody.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Insulin Tregopil in Relation to Premeal Dosing Time, Between Meal Interval, and Meal Composition in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Khedkar Anand , Lebovitz Harold , Fleming Alexander , Cherrington Alan , Jose Vinu , Athalye Sandeep N. , Vishweswaramurthy Ashwini
Published: August 2019

We evaluated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral insulin tregopil in relation to premeal dosing time, between‐meal interval, and meal composition type in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study consisting of 3 sequential cohorts. In Cohort 1, insulin tregopil administered 10 to 20 minutes before a meal resulted in optimal postmeal exposure and demonstrated better postprandial glucose‐lowering effect (glucose area under concentration‐time curve [AUC]) compared to the 30‐minute group. In Cohort 2, insulin tregopil pharmacokinetic exposure (plasma AUC) showed a progressive increase through 4, 5, and 6 hours of between‐meal interval. The 6‐hour between‐meal interval resulted in better absorption of insulin tregopil in comparison to 4‐ and 5‐hour intervals. However, no significant differences were observed in pharmacodynamic parameters except for higher glucose AUC0‐180min in the insulin tregopil 4‐hour group during the afternoon meal as compared to the morning meal. In Cohort 3, a high‐fiber meal had the least impact on insulin tregopil absorption and resulted in the highest reduction in plasma glucose levels in the afternoon. A high‐fat meal reduced insulin tregopil absorption in the afternoon meal; however, pharmacodynamic response was not diminished significantly. Insulin tregopil has a rapid onset of action of approximately 10 minutes and, when administered 10 to 20 minutes before a meal, demonstrated up to 13% to 18% reduction in blood glucose levels compared to baseline. A 5‐hour between‐meal interval minimizes the impact of a meal on absorption of subsequent (afternoon) insulin tregopil dose, and the pharmacodynamic response of insulin tregopil is not altered by meal composition. Insulin tregopil was well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Effect of KMnO4 on the Structure and Adsorption Behavior of Hydrous Manganese Dioxide Toward Pb(II) and Cd(II)
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Xie Fencun
Published: August 2019

Four kinds of hydrous manganese dioxide (HMO) with different morphologies are synthesized by one‐pot method in this work. The effect of KMnO4 on structure and adsorption behavior of HMO has been thoroughly investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, and zeta potential analysis. The HMOs prepared are all δ‐MnO2, and a higher concentration of KMnO4 leads to a disordered, lower crystallinity structure, and higher absolute zeta potential values of HMO in the same condition, which exhibits a better adsorption capacity of 478.2 mg g−1 for Pb(II) and 135.2 mg g−1 for Cd(II). The addition of KMnO4 after reaction can also affect structure and adsorption capacity of HMO, it is characterized by higher crystallinity, fewer lattice defects, and higher adsorption capacity. The SEM and TEM analyses indicate that the possible formation is divided into two steps, involving the nucleation and shell growth, in a higher concentration of KMnO4: the first step is the reaction of KMnO4 and Mn2+, the second is KMnO4 decomposition with H+. In contrast, there is only the nucleation step in insufficient KMnO4. The addition of KMnO4 after reaction also involves two steps.
Transcutaneous immunization with CD40 ligation boosts cytotoxic T lymphocyte mediated antitumor immunity independent of CD4 helper cells in mice
Authors: Bialojan Ariane , Sohl Julian , Rausch Johanna , Aranda Lopez Pamela , Denny Mark , Langguth Peter , Hartmann Ann‐Kathrin , Yagita Hideo , Probst Hans Christian , Schild Hansjörg , Radsak Markus P.
Published: August 2019

Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is a novel vaccination strategy that utilizes skin‐associated lymphatic tissue to induce immune responses. Employing T‐cell epitopes and the TLR7 agonist imiquimod onto intact skin mounts strong primary, but limited memory CTL responses. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel imiquimod‐containing vaccination platform (IMI‐Sol) rendering superior primary CD8+ and CD4+ T‐cell responses. However, it has been unclear whether IMI‐Sol per se is restricted in terms of memory formation and tumor protection. In our present work, we demonstrate that the combined administration of IMI‐Sol and CD40 ligation unleashes fullblown specific T‐cell responses in the priming and memory phase, strongly enhancing antitumor protection in mice. Interestingly, these effects were entirely CD4+ T cell independent, bypassing the necessity of helper T cells. Moreover, blockade of CD70 in vivo abrogated the boosting effect of CD40 ligation, indicating that the adjuvant effect of CD40 in TCI is mediated via CD70 on professional APCs. Furthermore, this work highlights the so far underappreciated importance of the CD70/CD27 interaction as a promising adjuvant target in TCI. Summing up, we demonstrate that the novel formulation IMI‐Sol represents a powerful vaccination platform when applied in combination with sufficient adjuvant thereby overcoming current limitations of TCI.
Exercise‐induced hypoalgesia in young adult females with long‐standing patellofemoral pain – A randomized crossover study
Authors: Straszek Christian L. , Rathleff Michael S. , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas , Petersen Kristian K. , Roos Ewa M. , Holden Sinead
Published: August 2019

Background

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common knee pain condition where hip and knee exercises help improve treatment outcomes. This study compared the acute effect of hip versus knee exercises on anti‐nociceptive and pro‐nociceptive mechanisms in young females with long‐standing PFP.

Methods

In this randomized cross‐over study, 29 females with PFP performed hip and knee exercises in randomized order during a single day. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed by handheld pressure algometry at the patella, the tibialis anterior muscle, and the contralateral elbow. Cuff pressure algometry at the lower legs was used to assess pain detection threshold (cPDT) and tolerance (cPTT) as well as conditioned pain modulation (CPM: change in cPDT during contralateral cuff pain conditioning) and temporal summation of pain (TSP: ten painful cuff stimulations assessed on a visual analogue scale [VAS]).

Results

PPTs at the tibialis anterior muscle but not at the patella increased compared with baseline following both exercises (p < .002). Compared with baseline, the cPDTs and cPTTs increased after both types of exercises (p < .001). The cPTTs increased more after knee compared to hip exercises (p < .007). VAS scores for TSP were increased following hip exercises (p < .001) although the rate of VAS increase over repeated stimulations was not significantly affected by exercises. The CPM‐effect was reduced after both types of exercises (p < .001).

Conclusion

A general hypoalgesic response to slowly increasing pressure stimuli was observed following both hip and knee exercises as well as decreased conditioned pain modulation, potentially indicating an attenuated ability from exercise to inhibit pain.
Fabrication and biological activity of polycaprolactone/phlorotannin endotracheal tube to prevent tracheal stenosis: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Lee Hyoung Shin , Jeong Min‐Seon , Ko Seok‐Chun , Heo Seong‐Yeong , Kang Hyun Wook , Kim Sung Won , Hwang Chi Woo , Lee Kang Dae , Oak Chulho , Jung Min Jung , Oh Junghwan , Park Won Sun , Choi Il‐Whan , Jung Won‐Kyo
Published: August 2019

Prolonged endotracheal intubation is the most common cause of tracheal stenosis, which may lead to serious airway obstruction. Development of an endotracheal tube coated with biomaterials that exhibit anti‐inflammatory or anti‐fibrogenic effects may prevent tracheal stenosis. This study demonstrates that an endotracheal tube coated with phlorotannin, which is present in extracts of the brown alga Ecklonia cava, can prevent tracheal stenosis in a rabbit model. An in vitro study shows that phlorotannin inhibits proliferation of human tracheal fibroblasts treated with transforming growth factor β1. Phlorotannin‐coated endotracheal tubes show steady release of phlorotannin for up to 7 days, and removal of the tube 1 week after insertion reveals a reduction in both fibrogenesis and thickening of tracheal submucosa. Western blot analysis of tracheal tissues after removal of the phlorotannin‐coated tube shows decreased protein expression levels of phenotypic markers of fibrosis such as collagen type I and α‐smooth muscle actin. The ability of phlorotannin‐coated endotracheal tube to prevent tracheal stenosis caused by endotracheal intubation indicates that phlorotannin may be considered as a candidate biomaterial for coating the cuff of endotracheal tubes to prevent tracheal stenosis.
Sex Differences in the Prevalence and Severity of Exercise‐Induced Bronchoconstriction in Kindergarteners in Japan
Authors: Shinohara Miwa , Ogawa Sigeto , Nakaya Takahiro , Niino Ryouji , Ito Masanori , Haro Kaoru , Ishii Eiichi
Published: August 2019

Background

Exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), a strong positive predictor of asthma, becomes progressively less frequent with age. Although asthma tends to become less common only in boys during adolescence, sex differences in EIB, especially in preschoolers, remain unclear. To find EIB for early diagnosis and intervention asthma, mass‐screening tests considering sex differences in preschoolers are needed. In this study, we investigated whether sex differences influence the prevalence and severity of EIB in prepubertal children aged 5–6 years.

Methods

Fifty‐one children aged 5–6 years who were attending a kindergarten in Matsuyama City, Ehime, Japan, were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. The children underwent a 6‐minute free‐running test in 2015. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured before exercise and 0, 3, 10, and 20 minutes after exercise. The severity of EIB was classified according to the reduction in PEFR, measured as the difference between the postexercise PEFR and the highest pre‐exercise PEFR.

Results

Of the 51 children (23 boys and 28 girls) enrolled, the prevalence of EIB defined as three criteria: a ≥15%, ≥20%, or ≥25% decrease was 54.9% (28/51), 41.2% (21/51), and 25.5% (13/51), respectively. The prevalence of EIB defined as ≥25% decrease was significantly higher in girls than in boys (39.3% vs 8.7%, P = .013). In girls, the mean percentage change in PEFR was significantly higher 20 minutes than 10 minutes postexercise (P = .043).

Conclusions

Sex difference in the prevalence and severity of EIB should be considered when evaluating EIB, even in young, prepubertal children.
Differential mitochondrial morphology in ventral striatal projection neuron subtypes
Authors: Chandra Ramesh , Calarco Cali A. , Lobo Mary Kay
Published: August 2019

The two striatal projection neuron subtypes (medium spiny neurons‐ MSNs), those enriched in dopamine receptor 1 versus 2 (D1‐MSNs and D2‐MSNs), display dichotomous properties at the level of the transcriptome, projections, morphology, and electrophysiology. Recent work illustrates dichotomous mitochondrial length in NAc MSN subtype dendrites after cocaine self‐administration, with a shift toward smaller mitochondria, due to enhanced fission, occurring in D1‐MSN dendrites and a shift toward larger mitochondria in D2‐MSN dendrites. However, to date there has been no comparison of mitochondrial morphological properties between MSN subtypes. In this study, we examine mitochondrial morphology in NAc D1‐MSNs versus D2‐MSNs. We observe an increase in the frequency of smaller length mitochondria in D2‐MSN dendrites relative to D1‐MSN dendrites, while D1‐MSN dendrites display an increase in larger length mitochondria. The differences in mitochondrial length occur in both NAc core and shell, although to a greater extent in NAc core. Finally, we demonstrate that the mitochondrial fusion molecule, Opa1, is differentially expressed in NAc MSN subtypes, with D1‐MSNs displaying higher expression of Opa1 ribosome‐associated mRNA. The difference in Opa1 levels may account for the bias toward enhanced smaller mitochondria in D2‐MSNs and enhanced larger mitochondria in D1‐MSNs. Collectively, our study demonstrates differential mitochondrial size and a potential molecular mediator of these mitochondrial differences in NAc MSN subtypes.
Glacially abraded rock flour from Greenland: Potential for macronutrient supply to plants
Authors: Gunnarsen Klara Cecilia , Jensen Lars Stoumann , Gómez-Muñoz Beatriz , Rosing Minik Thorleif , de Neergaard Andreas
Published: August 2019

Rock flour (RF) is a fine‐grained material produced naturally by glacial movement and resulting bedrock abrasion. In Greenland fluvial transported RF from the inland ice sheet sediments in riverbeds and marine outflows. This fine‐sized RF (50% < 9.8 µm) has a high reactivity and may therefore potentially be used to rejuvenate nutrient poor soils and provide nutrients to plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a RF from Greenland to supply P, K, Mg, and S to plants. A double‐pot system was used, in which ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) could take up nutrients from both a hydroponic solution and a soil‐compartment with or without RF amendment; a soil mixture or pure sand was used in the soil‐compartment to estimate RF‐soil interaction effects. Omission of single nutrients from the hydroponic solution allowed assessment of which nutrients the RF in the soil‐compartment was able to supply. Ryegrass biomass was harvested four times during 62 days. We found that RF could supply K continuously to plants grown in soil or sand, but insufficient to fully circumvent K deficiency. During 62 days 5.8% and 4.3% of the applied K from RF was accumulated in the aboveground plant tissue in soil and sand, respectively. Mg was supplied from RF to plants in sand, but no significant effects were observed in soil, possibly due to background soil Mg availability. The amounts of P and S supplied to plants were insignificant. These results indicate the potential of Greenland RF to act as a slow release K and Mg fertilizer.
Use of greenhouse‐covering films with tailored UV‐B transmission dose for growing ‘medicines’ through plants: rocket salad case
Authors: Mormile Pasquale , Rippa Massimo , Graziani Giulia , Ritieni Alberto
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

The effects of ultraviolet B (UV‐B) radiation on plants are well known and have recently attracted a great deal of attention due to the production of large quantities of secondary metabolites, which are very beneficial for human health. Recent studies have demonstrated the possibility of exploiting UV‐B radiation to induce metabolic changes in fruit, vegetables, and herbs. The role of UV‐B rays in inducing secondary plant metabolites is enhanced by new plastic films, which, as a result of their optical properties, permit the necessary dosage of UV‐B to be transmitted into the greenhouse to stimulate such metabolites without altering the harvest.

RESULTS

The main goal of the present paper is to demonstrate that, by using a greenhouse plastic film with appropriate transmittance of UV‐B for rocket salad cultivation, it is possible to increase the nutraceutical elements in comparison with the same species grown in absence of such radiation. Tests compared nutritional elements extracted from rocket salad grown under greenhouses covered with several plastic films differing in UV‐B transmittance. We found that rocket salad grown under plastic with 27% UV‐B transmittance exhibited very high luteolin and quercetin content in comparison with rocket salad cultivated under film blocking UV‐B radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental results confirm the possibility of exploiting UV‐B radiation in the correct amounts by appropriate greenhouse plastic covers, to produce natural ‘medicines’ using the plants and to satisfy increasing consumer demand for natural health‐promoting food products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Despite CCBHC extension, advocates vow more work once Congress resumes
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2019

The field is embracing the good news that congressional members have once again extended the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program. The latest move means the program will continue through Sept. 13. However, advocates and providers are hoping the initiative will extend even longer and spread to more states.
A nucleation mechanism leading to stacking of lamellar crystals in polymer thin films
Authors: Majumder Sumit , Poudel Purushottam , Zhang Hui , Xu Jun , Reiter Günter
Published: August 2019

Systematic studies based on well‐controllable model systems aim at understanding how crystallization from a melt or solution of randomly coiled polymers leads to the formation of mono‐lamellar crystals. However, besides mono‐lamellar crystals also various other morphologically simple but yet not well understood structures are found. In particular, stacks of correlated lamellar crystals have been observed since the early days of the study of polymer crystallization. Here, we demonstrate that a recently proposed mechanism of self‐induced nucleation within lamellar crystals provides a possibility to explain how in such stacks lamellar crystals can be correlated. Examining various polymer systems, we show that the probability for generating self‐induced nuclei depends on the morphology of an initiating dendritic basal lamellar crystal. In addition, we provide evidence that this self‐induced nucleation mechanism, together with a high rate of transport of molten polymer to the fold surface, may allow the formation of polymer crystals with similar size in all three dimensions, containing a large number of superposed correlated lamellae. © 2019 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A sugarcane mosaic virus vector for gene expression in maize
Authors: Mei Yu , Liu Guanjun , Zhang Chunquan , Hill John H. , Whitham Steven A.
Published: August 2019

Zea mays L. ssp. mays (maize) is an important crop plant as well as model system for genetics and plant biology. The ability to select among different virus‐based platforms for transient gene silencing or protein expression experiments is expected to facilitate studies of gene function in maize and complement experiments with stable transgenes. Here, we describe the development of a sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) vector for the purpose of protein expression in maize. An infectious SCMV cDNA clone was constructed, and heterologous genetic elements were placed between the protein 1 (P1) and helper component‐proteinase (HC‐Pro) cistrons in the SCMV genome. Recombinant SCMV clones engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP), β‐glucuronidase (GUS), or bialaphos resistance (BAR) protein were introduced into sweet corn (Golden × Bantam) plants. Documentation of developmental time courses spanning maize growth from seedling to tasseling showed that the SCMV genome tolerates insertion of foreign sequences of at least 1,809 nucleotides at the P1/HC‐Pro junction. Analysis of insert stability showed that the integrity of GFP and BAR coding sequences was maintained longer than that of the much larger GUS coding sequence. The SCMV isolate from which the expression vector is derived is able to infect several important maize inbred lines, suggesting that this SCMV vector has potential to be a valuable tool for gene functional analysis in a broad range of experimentally important maize genotypes.
Lipidomic Analysis Reveals Altered Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Liver of the Symptomatic Niemann–Pick, Type C1 Mouse Model
Authors: Pergande Melissa R. , Serna‐Perez Fidel , Mohsin Sheher Banu , Hanek Jonathon , Cologna Stephanie M.
Published: August 2019

Niemann–Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal, autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene. As a result of the genetic defect, there is accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and sphingolipids in the late endosomal/lysosomal system causing both visceral and neurological defects. These manifest clinically as hepatosplenomegaly, liver dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. While significant progress has been made to better understand NPC1, the downstream effects of cholesterol storage and the major mechanisms that drive these pathologies remains less understood. In this study, it is sought to investigate free fatty acid levels in Npc1−/− mice with focus on the polyunsaturated ω‐3 and ω‐6 fatty acids. Since fatty acids are the main constituents of numerous lipids species, a discovery based lipidomic study of liver tissue in Npc1−/− mice is also performed. To this end, alterations in fatty acid synthesis, including the ω‐3 and 6 fatty acids, are reported. Further, alterations in enzymes that regulate the synthesis of ω‐3 and 6 fatty acids are reported. Analysis of the liver lipidome reveals alterations in both storage and membrane lipids including ceramides, fatty acids, phosphatidylcholamines, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylethanolamines, sphingomyelins, and triacylglycerols in Npc1−/− mice at a late stage of disease.
Recent Progress in Strait Dynamics
Authors: BRYDEN HARRY L. , KINDER THOMAS H.
Published: August 2019

A major change in the understanding of the dynamics of flow through straits has occurred over the last few years with the development of two layer hydraulic control models and their application to new observations in the Strait of Gibraltar. Observations of the flow through the Strait of Gibraltar suggest that there are at least two locations of critical flow where the Fronde number equals one, at the sill and at the narrowest section of the Strait, as required by hydraulic theory for maximal exchange through the Strait. Predictions of the inflow and outflow transports and the salinity difference between them from hydraulic theory are in agreement with the recent observations. The physical configuration of the Strait of Gibraltar does indeed appear to control the amount of exchange between the Mediterranean and Atlantic basins.

New observational techniques utilized in the Gibraltar Experiment have dramatically portrayed the physical processes operating in the two layer exchange. Acoustic backscatter and Doppler current profiling have characterized hydraulic jumps and mixing, bore formation and propagation of internal solitary wave packets as no conventional measurements have done before. Time series current and, most importantly, salinity measurements on moorings have led to quantitative estimates of the inflow and outflow transports far superior to historical measurements. The new transports throught the Strait of Gibraltar are 30% smaller than historical estimates and, furthermore, tidal oscillations contribute nearly half of the total transport. Microstructure measurements have allowed regions of intense mixing in the Strait to be identified and the amount of mixing to be quantified. Finally the first conclusive evidence of the direct aspiration of deep water up and over a sill has been found in nearly all time series CTD stations at the Gibraltar sill.

In this progress report and review, hydraulic control theory and Gibraltar observations are discussed. Then the effects of strait flows on the circulation in the adjoining seas and results from studies of other straits are described. Following a discussion on the generation and propagation of solitary waves in straits, a brief summary and list of outstanding problems are presented, with particular emphasis on the need to develop a fully time‐dependent hydraulic theory for the exchange through a strait.