bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric Barrier Discharge High Voltage Cold Atmospheric Plasma: An Innovative Nonthermal Technology for Extending the Shelf‐Life of Asian Sea Bass Slices
Authors: Olatunde Oladipupo Odunayo , Benjakul Soottawat , Vongkamjan Kitiya
Published: June 2019

Impact of dielectric barrier discharge high‐voltage cold atmospheric plasma (DBD‐HVCAP) generated with the mixture of oxygen and argon (10:90) for various treatment times (2.5 to 10 min) on the qualities of Asian sea bass slices during 4 °C storage was investigated. Microbial load of slices treated with DBD‐HVCAP were lower than the control. The efficacy of bacteria reduction by DBD‐HVCAP was dependent on the treatment times (P < 0.05). Total viable bacteria count (TVBC) was more than 6.0 Log CFU/g at day 6 for the control kept in air. Slices treated with DBD‐HVCAP for all treatment times used had TVBC lower than the limit at day 12. Total volatile nitrogen base content (TVNB) as well as trimethylamine (TMA) content in slices treated with DBD‐HVCAP were lower than that of the control throughout the storage. TVNB as well as TMA contents were lower in HVCAP treated slices in a treatment time‐dependent manner. Nevertheless, lipid oxidation in samples treated with DBD‐HVCAP was higher than that of the control. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were decreased in slices treated with DBD‐HVCAP for more than 5 min after 12 days of storage. Therefore DBD‐HVCAP treatment for 5 min was demonstrated to be potential means for increasing the shelf‐life of Asian sea bass slices with minimal negative effect on chemical and sensory properties, in which they could be stored longer than 12 days at 4 °C.

Practical Application

Microbial inactivation capacity of dielectric barrier discharge high‐voltage cold atmospheric plasma (DBD‐HVCAP) has been documented with limited information on its application in extending the shelf‐life of foods. DBD‐HVCAP was demonstrated as an innovative technology for extending the shelf‐life of Asian sea bass slices, which could be implemented in seafood industries for assuring safety and extending shelf‐life of products. The shelf‐life of the slices treated with DBD‐HVCAP was extended to 12 days of storage at 4 °C as compared to the 6 days of the untreated counterpart.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Porcine Liver Hydrolysate in Meat Emulsion and Their Influence on Physico‐Chemical and Color Deterioration During Refrigeration Storage
Authors: Verma Akhilesh K. , Chatli Manish Kumar , Kumar Pavan , Mehta Nitin
Published: June 2019

Present study explored the quality changes in meat emulsion during storage at refrigerated temperature prepared with inclusion of three different levels of liver protein hydrolysate (LPH) in meat emulsion (LPH‐1: 0.03, LPH‐2: 0.06, and LPH‐3: 0.09%) and compared with control (LPH: 0.00%) and positive control (butylated hydroxytoluene: 0.02% w/w meat emulsion). Physico‐chemicals, antioxidant activities, lipid oxidation, color profile, microbial quality, and microbial challenge test (MCT) were assessed for all groups. Results indicated that all evaluated attributes were considerably improved with increase in LPH concentration. Among treated groups, LPH‐3 was maintained comparatively better for every attribute assessed during storage studying. Regarding microbial quality, LPH‐3 showed (P ≤ 0.05) lower aerobic plate count, coliforms, and yeast mold counts than others. Likewise for MCT, significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower microbial counts were recorded in LPH‐3 during storage. Results concluded that LPH can be a good alternative substance for the preservation of meat for lower oxidation activity and bacterial growth.

Practical Application

Meat emulsion is more prone to lipid oxidation and microbial contamination than fresh meat. However, for the preparation of convenient, value added meat products, better utilization of freezed meat and reduced cooking time have enhanced the demand of emulsion‐based meat products. Liver protein hydrolysate can be a good alternative substance for the preservation of emulsion‐based meat products. Treated groups better retained their physico‐chemical properties, color indices, and showed lower oxidation and microbial counts than control. It can be exploited commercially for the preparation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals.
Relevance of CRISP proteins for epididymal physiology, fertilization, and fertility
Authors: Weigel Muñoz M. , Carvajal G. , Curci L. , Gonzalez S. N. , Cuasnicu P. S.
Published: June 2019

Background

The molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition of mammalian sperm fertilizing ability are still poorly understood, reflecting the complexity of this process.

Objectives

In this review, we describe the role of Cysteine RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISP1–4) in different steps of the sperm journey to the egg as well as their relevance for fertilization and fertility.

Materials and Methods

We analyze bibliography reporting the phenotypes of CRISP KO mice models and combine this search with recent findings from our team.

Results

Generation of individual KO for CRISP proteins reveals they are key mediators in different stages of the fertilization process. However, in spite of their important functional roles, KO males for each of these proteins remain fertile, supporting the existence of compensatory mechanisms between homologous CRISP family members. The development of mice lacking epididymal CRISP1 and CRISP4 simultaneously (DKO) revealed that mutant males exhibit an impaired fertility due to deficiencies in the sperm ability to fertilize the eggs in vivo, consistent with the proposed roles of the two proteins in fertilization. Interestingly, DKO males show clear defects in both epididymal epithelium differentiation and luminal acidification known to be critical for sperm maturation and storage. Whereas in most of the cases, these epithelium defects seem to specifically affect the sperm fertilizing ability, some animals exhibit a disruption of the characteristic immune tolerance of the organ with clear signs of inflammation and sperm viability defects.

Discussion and Conclusion

Altogether, these observations confirm the relevance of CRISP proteins for male fertility and contribute to a better understanding of the fine‐tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immune tolerance within the epididymis. Moreover, considering the existence of a human epididymal protein functionally equivalent to rodent CRISP1 and CRISP4, DKO mice may represent an excellent model for studying human epididymal physiology and pathology.
Preconditioning of adipose‐derived stem cells by phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibition enhances therapeutic efficacy against diabetes‐induced erectile dysfunction
Authors: Yang J. , Yu Z. , Zhang Y. , Zang G.‐H. , Zhuan L. , Tang Z. , Liu Y. , Wang T. , Wang S.‐G. , Liu J.‐H.
Published: June 2019

Background

Adipose‐derived stem cells have been considered as a promising therapy for erectile dysfunction. However, the therapeutic efficacy of adipose‐derived stem cell‐based therapy requires improvement.

Objective

To determine whether the inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 in adipose‐derived stem cells would improve stem cell therapy for rats with diabetes‐induced erectile dysfunction.

Materials and Methods

A phosphodiesterase type 5 siRNA was incorporated into lentiviral vectors and transduced into adipose‐derived stem cells. The mRNA and protein levels of phosphodiesterase type 5 were evaluated. Three days after transduction, the adipose‐derived stem cell supernatant was collected to determinate the levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat models were established and used for comparative analysis of 1‐ and 2‐week treatment regimens with intracavernosal injection of adipose‐derived stem cells or Lv‐siPDE5‐modified adipose‐derived stem cells.

Results

Lv‐siPDE5‐ADSCs secreted more insulin‐like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in supernatants than unmodified adipose‐derived stem cells. Preconditioned Adipose‐derived stem cells‐treated diabetic rats showed consistently superior erectile function when compared with non‐preconditioned adipose‐derived stem cells after 2 weeks of treatment. Lv‐siPDE5‐ADSCs provided additional benefits in recovery of cavernous structures with rapid effects (1 week) when compared to plain adipose‐derived stem cells. These features were associated with the significantly increased levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in Lv‐siPDE5‐ADSC‐treated diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Adipose‐derived stem cell therapy could serve as an alternate approach for diabetes‐induced erectile dysfunction, albeit with a long onset period. In vitro preconditioning of adipose‐derived stem cells could accelerate the functional and structural recovery in vivo, indicating that preconditioning by inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 may improve adipose‐derived stem cells therapy following diabetes‐induced erectile dysfunction.
Residual cancerous lesion and vein tumour thrombus identified intraoperatively using a fluorescence navigation system in liver surgery
Authors: He Pan , Su Song , Fang Cheng , He Kai , Chi Chongwei , Xia Xianming , Tian Jie , Li Bo
Published: June 2019

Aim

The main aims of this study are to investigate the clinical application value of using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for ensuring complete resection of tumour tissue during hepatectomy and to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging system using indocyanine green in hepatectomy.

Methods

After undergoing liver resection at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from July 2017 to May 2018, 35 eligible patients were included in this study. The liver surface and resection margin were intraoperatively assessed by intraoperative ultrasonography and NIR fluorescence imaging, after intravenous administration of indocyanine green (0.5 mg/kg) 72–96 h prior to surgery. The intraoperative observations were compared with the pathological findings in the liver.

Results

In the 35 patients, a total of 53 lesions were found, of which 42 were malignant lesions. The analysis results showed that the sensitivity and accuracy of detection using NIR fluorescence imaging were significantly higher than with intraoperative ultrasonography (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference between contrast‐enhanced helical computed tomography and NIR fluorescence imaging in finding lesions (P > 0.05). In addition, 11 new suspicious lesions were detected only by NIR fluorescence imaging in the liver surface and resection margin during surgery, four of which were hepatocellular carcinoma. We also detected four vein tumour thrombi using the NIR fluorescence navigation system.

Conclusions

The NIR fluorescence navigation system enables the identification of small tumours, residual cancer tissues in resection margin and venous tumour embolies in real time and enhances the accuracy and integrity of liver resection.
Effect of fast freezing then thaw‐aging on meat quality attributes of lamb M. longissimus lumborum
Authors: Balan Prabhu , Kim Yuan H. Brad , Stuart Adam D. , Kemp Robert , Staincliffe Maryaan , Craigie Cameron , Farouk Mustafa M.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two different freezing rate then thaw‐aging regimens on the quality attributes of lamb loins. The loins were randomly allocated to one of five different freezing/thawing/aging regimes: fast‐(FF1A0) and slow‐(SF1A0) frozen only; fast‐(FF1A2) and slow‐(SF1A2) frozen then thaw‐aged for 14 days; aged for 14 days never frozen (A2). FF1A2 samples had a significantly higher water‐holding capacity compared to the slow frozen regardless of further aging periods. FF1A2 samples had lower (p < 0.05) shear force values than A2 and higher (p < 0.05) water‐holding capacity compared to the SF1A2. Fast freezing resulted in more intracellular cryo‐damage, whereas slow freezing resulted in extracellular cryo‐damage. FF1A0 and SF1A0 samples had lower (p < 0.05) myofibrillar proteins degradation. This study demonstrated that fast freezing then thaw‐aging can result in an improved water‐holding capacity and tenderness through the minimization of extracellular ice crystal formation, reduction in purge and drip losses, and improved proteolysis in thawed lamb.
The importance of both CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 germline variations in cyclophosphamide pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes
Authors: Helsby N.A. , Yong M. , van Kan M. , de Zoysa J.R. , Burns K.E.
Published: June 2019

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of solid and haematological malignancies and as an immunosuppressive agent. As a prodrug, it is dependent on bioactivation to the active phosphoramide mustard metabolite to elicit its therapeutic effect. This focused review will highlight the evidence for the role of germline pharmacogenetic variation in both plasma pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes. There is a substantial indication from 13 pharmacokinetic and 17 therapeutic outcome studies, in contexts as diverse as haematological malignancy, breast cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus and myeloablation, that pharmacogenetic variation in both CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 influence the bioactivation of cyclophosphamide. An additional role for pharmacogenetic variation in ALDH1A1 has also been reported. Future studies should comprehensively assess these 3 pharmacogenes and undertake appropriate statistical analysis of gene–gene interactions to confirm these findings and may allow personalised treatment regimens.
Come Fly with Me: An overview of dopamine receptors in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Karam Caline S. , Jones Sandra K. , Javitch Jonathan A.
Published: June 2019

Dopamine (DA) receptors play critical roles in a wide range of behaviours, including sensory processing, motor function, reward and arousal. As such, aberrant DA signalling is associated with numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which DA neurotransmission drives intracellular signalling pathways that modulate behaviour can provide critical insights to guide the development of targeted therapeutics. Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a powerful model with unique advantages to study the mechanisms underlying DA neurotransmission and associated behaviours in a controlled and systematic manner. Many regions in the fly brain innervated by dopaminergic neurons have been mapped and linked to specific behaviours, including associative learning and arousal. Here, we provide an overview of the homology between human and Drosophila dopaminergic systems and review the current literature on the pharmacology, molecular signalling mechanisms and behavioural outcome of DA receptor activation in the Drosophila brain.
Metformin inhibits Aβ25‐35‐induced apoptotic cell death in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Li Li‐Xia , Liu Meng‐Yu , Jiang Xue , Xia Zhen‐Hong , Wang Yu‐Xiang , An Di , Wang Hong‐Gang , Heng Bin , Liu Yan‐Qiang
Published: June 2019

Metformin, a first‐line drug for type‐2 diabetes, plays a potentially protective role in preventing Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, Aβ25‐35‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells were used as a cell model of AD to investigate the neuroprotective effect of metformin, as well as its underlying mechanisms. We found that metformin decreased the cell apoptosis rate and death, ratio of Bcl‐2/Bax, and expression of NR2A and NR2B, and increased the expression of LC3 in Aβ25‐35‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells. Metformin also reduced intracellular and extracellular Glu concentrations, as well as the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ and ROS in Aβ25‐35‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells. These findings suggest that metformin inhibits Aβ25‐35‐treated SH‐SY5Y cell death by inhibiting apoptosis, decreasing intracellular Ca2+ and ROS by reducing neurotoxicity of excitatory amino acids, and by possibly reversing autophagy disorder via regulating autophagy process.
The impact of prostate‐specific antigen persistence after radical prostatectomy on the efficacy of salvage radiotherapy in patients with primary N0 prostate cancer
Authors: Bartkowiak Detlef , Siegmann Alessandra , Böhmer Dirk , Budach Volker , Wiegel Thomas
Published: June 2019

Objective

To test whether salvage radiotherapy (SRT) in patients with lymph node negative (N0) prostate cancer is equally effective with persistent prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and PSA rising from the undetectable range (<0.1 ng/mL) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and methods

We assessed post‐SRT PSA progression‐free survival (PFS) in 555 patients with prostate cancer. The entire cohort was compared with a risk‐adjusted subgroup of 112 patient pairs with matching pre‐RP PSA level (±10 ng/mL), Gleason score (≤6 vs 7 vs ≥8), and pre‐SRT PSA level (±0.5 ng/mL).

Results

The median follow‐up was 6.1 years. After RP, PSA was undetectable in 422 and persistent in 133 patients. PSA persistence and a pre‐SRT PSA level of ≥0.5 ng/mL reduced Kaplan–Meier rates of PFS significantly. In multivariate analysis of the entire cohort and after risk adjustment, the pre‐SRT PSA level but not post‐RP PSA persistence was a significant parameter. In the matched cohort's subgroup with early SRT at a PSA level of <0.5 ng/mL, a trend towards a worse outcome with post‐RP PSA persistence was observed. Delayed SRT with a PSA level ≥0.5 ng/mL led to a PFS of <30%, irrespective of the post‐RP PSA level.

Conclusion

In patients with N0 prostate cancer with post‐RP PSA persistence, early SRT at a PSA level <0.5 ng/mL seems to be less effective than in recurrent patients with post‐RP undetectable PSA. They might benefit from intensified therapy, but larger case numbers are required to substantiate this conclusion. In patients with a PSA level ≥0.5 ng/mL and higher‐risk features associated with post‐RP PSA persistence, SRT alone is unlikely to provide long‐term freedom from further progression.
Enhanced ATP release and CD73‐mediated adenosine formation sustain adenosine A2A receptor over‐activation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Carmo Marta , Gonçalves Francisco Q. , Canas Paula M. , Oses Jean‐Pierre , Fernandes Francisco D. , Duarte Filipe V. , Palmeira Carlos M. , Tomé Angelo R. , Agostinho Paula , Andrade Geanne M. , Cunha Rodrigo A.
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Parkinson's disease (PD) involves an initial loss of striatal dopamine terminals evolving into degeneration of dopamine neurons in substantia nigra (SN), which can be modelled by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) administration. Adenosine A2A receptor blockade attenuates PD features in animal models, but the source of the adenosine causing A2A receptor over‐activation is unknown. As ATP is a stress signal, we have tested if extracellular catabolism of adenine nucleotides into adenosine (through ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase or CD73) leads to A2A receptor over‐activation in PD.

Experimental Approach

Effects of blocking CD73 with α,β‐methylene ADP (AOPCP) were assayed in 6‐OHDA‐treated rats and dopamine‐differentiated neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells.

Key Results

6‐OHDA increased ATP release and extracellular conversion into adenosine through CD73 up‐regulation in SH‐SY5Y cells. Removing extracellular adenosine with adenosine deaminase, blocking CD73 with AOPCP, or blocking A2A receptors with SCH58261 were equi‐effective in preventing 6‐OHDA‐induced damage in SH‐SY5Y cells. In vivo striatal exposure to 6‐OHDA increased ATP release and extracellular formation of adenosine from adenosine nucleotides and up‐regulated CD73 and A2A receptors in striatal synaptosomes. Intracerebroventricular administration of AOPCP phenocopied effects of SCH58261, attenuating 6‐OHDA‐induced (a) increase of contralateral rotations after apomorphine, (b) reduction of dopamine content in striatum and SN, (c) loss of TH staining in striatum and SN, (d) motor dysfunction in the cylinder test, and (e) short‐term memory impairment in the object recognition test.

Conclusion and Implications

Our data indicate that increased ATP‐derived adenosine formation is responsible for A2A receptor over‐activation in PD, suggesting CD73 as a new target to manage PD.
Intranasal administration of a stapled relaxin‐3 mimetic has anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like activity in rats
Authors: Marwari Subhi , Poulsen Anders , Shih Norrapat , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Kini R. Manjunatha , Johannes Charles William , Dymock Brian William , Dawe Gavin Stewart
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Depression and anxiety are common causes of disability, and innovative tools and potential pharmacological targets are actively sought for prevention and treatment. Therapeutic strategies targeting the relaxin‐3 peptide or its primary endogenous receptor, RXFP3, for the treatment of major depression and anxiety disorders have been limited by a lack of compounds with drug‐like properties. We proposed that a hydrocarbon‐stapled mimetic of relaxin‐3, when administered intranasally, might be uniquely applicable to the treatment of these disorders.

Experimental Approach

We designed a series of hydrocarbon‐stapled relaxin‐3 mimetics and identified the most potent compound using in vitro receptor binding and activation assays. Further, we assessed the effect of intranasal delivery of relaxin‐3 and the lead stapled mimetic in rat models of anxiety and depression.

Key Results

We developed an i,i+7 stapled relaxin‐3 mimetic that manifested a stabilized α‐helical structure, proteolytic resistance, and confirmed agonist activity in receptor binding and activation in vitro assays. The stapled peptide agonist enhanced food intake after intracerebral infusion in rats, confirming in vivo activity. We showed that intranasal delivery of the lead i,i+7 stapled peptide or relaxin‐3 had orexigenic effects in rats, indicating a potential clinically translatable route of delivery. Further, intranasal administration of the lead i,i+7 stapled peptide exerted anxiolytic and antidepressant‐like activity in anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviour paradigms.

Conclusions and Implications

Our preclinical findings demonstrate that targeting the relaxin‐3/RXFP3 receptor system via intranasal delivery of an i,i+7 stapled relaxin‐3 mimetic may represent an effective treatment approach for depression, anxiety, and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Evaluation of SHOX defects in the era of next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Funari Mariana F.A. , de Barros Juliana S. , Santana Lucas S. , Lerario Antonio M. , Freire Bruna L. , Homma Thais K. , Vasques Gabriela A. , Mendonca Berenice B. , Nishi Mirian Y. , Jorge Alexander A.L.
Published: June 2019

Short stature homeobox (SHOX) haploinsufficiency is a frequent cause of short stature. Despite advances in sequencing technologies, the identification of SHOX mutations continues to be performed using standard methods, including multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) followed by Sanger sequencing. We designed a targeted panel of genes associated with growth impairment, including SHOX genomic and enhancer regions, to improve the resolution of next‐generation sequencing for SHOX analysis. We used two software packages, CONTRA and Nexus Copy Number, in addition to visual analysis to investigate the presence of copy number variants (CNVs). We evaluated 15 patients with previously known SHOX defects, including point mutations, deletions and a duplication, and 77 patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS). The panel was able to confirm all known defects in the validation analysis. During the prospective evaluation, we identified two new partial SHOX deletions (one detected only by visual analysis), including an intragenic deletion not detected by MLPA. Additionally, we were able to determine the breakpoints in four cases. Our results show that the designed panel can be used for the molecular investigation of patients with ISS, and it may even detect CNVs in SHOX and its enhancers, which may be present in a significant fraction of patients.
Responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to septorhinoplasty by comparison with rhinomanometry and subjective instruments
Authors: Ansari Edward , Rogister Florence , Lefebvre Philippe , Tombu Sophie , Poirrier Anne‐Lise
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Nose patency measures and instruments assessing subjective health are increasingly being used in rhinology. However, there is very little evidence of comparing existing methods' responsiveness to change. We evaluated the responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to nasal valve surgery by comparison with rhinomanometry and patient‐reported outcome instruments.

Design

Prospective case‐control study.

Setting

Tertiary referral University Hospital.

Participants

Sixty consecutive patients with internal nasal valve dysfunction and 20 healthy volunteers as control group were enrolled. Prospectively collected data included acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, NOSE scale, SNOT‐23 questionnaire, visual analogue scale and demographics.

Main outcome measures

Primary endpoint was the responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to functional septorhinoplasty surgery at 3 months. Secondary endpoints were ability of acoustic rhinometry to reflect “known group” differences and correlation to subjective symptoms.

Results

Acoustic rhinometry was highly responsive to septorhinoplasty (P < 0.0001) while anterior rhinomanometry was not (P = 0.08). Based on the quartiles of the postoperative change in NOSE score, patients were classified as, respectively, non‐responders, mild, moderate and good responders to surgery. Logistic regression model showed that acoustic rhinometry was able to discriminate non‐responders to responders to surgery (P = 0.019), while anterior rhinomanometry failed (P = 0.611). Sensitivity and specificity of acoustic rhinometry were significantly higher (ROC area = 0.76) than rhinomanometry (ROC area = 0.48). Acoustic rhinometry was also superior than rhinomanometry to discriminate patients from control subjects and agreed better with patients‐based subjective questionnaires.

Conclusions

Our study confirms and quantifies the responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to nasal valve surgery, with a higher sensitivity and specificity than rhinomanometry.
Action in auctions: neural and computational mechanisms of bidding behaviour
Authors: Martinez-Saito Mario , Konovalov Rodion , Piradov Michael A. , Shestakova Anna , Gutkin Boris , Klucharev Vasily
Published: June 2019

Competition for resources is a fundamental characteristic of evolution. Auctions have been widely used to model competition of individuals for resources, and bidding behaviour plays a major role in social competition. Yet, how humans learn to bid efficiently remains an open question. We used model‐based neuroimaging to investigate the neural mechanisms of bidding behaviour under different types of competition. Twenty‐seven subjects (nine male) played a prototypical bidding game: a double action, with three “market” types, which differed in the number of competitors. We compared different computational learning models of bidding: directional learning models (DL), where the model bid is “nudged” depending on whether it was accepted or rejected, along with standard reinforcement learning models (RL). We found that DL fit the behaviour best and resulted in higher payoffs. We found the binary learning signal associated with DL to be represented by neural activity in the striatum distinctly posterior to a weaker reward prediction error signal. We posited that DL is an efficient heuristic for valuation when the action (bid) space is continuous. Indeed, we found that the posterior parietal cortex represents the continuous action space of the task, and the frontopolar prefrontal cortex distinguishes among conditions of social competition. Based on our findings, we proposed a conceptual model that accounts for a sequence of processes that are required to perform successful and flexible bidding under different types of competition.
Phylogeography and invasion history of Aedes aegypti, the Dengue and Zika mosquito vector in Cape Verde islands (West Africa)
Authors: Salgueiro Patrícia , Serrano Célia , Gomes Bruno , Alves Joana , Sousa Carla A. , Abecasis Ana , Pinto João
Published: June 2019

Aedes‐borne arboviruses have spread globally with outbreaks of vast impact on human populations and health systems. The West African archipelago of Cape Verde had its first outbreak of Dengue in 2009, at the time the largest recorded in Africa, and was one of the few African countries affected by the Zika virus epidemic. Aedes aegypti was the mosquito vector involved in both outbreaks. We performed a phylogeographic and population genetics study of A. aegypti in Cape Verde in order to infer the geographic origin and evolutionary history of this mosquito. These results are discussed with respect to the implications for vector control and prevention of future outbreaks. Mosquitoes captured before and after the Dengue outbreak on the islands of Santiago, Brava, and Fogo were analyzed with two mitochondrial genes COI and ND4, 14 microsatellite loci and five kdr mutations. Genetic variability was comparable to other African populations. Our results suggest that A. aegypti invaded Cape Verde at the beginning of the Holocene from West Africa. Given the historic importance of Cape Verde in the transatlantic trade of the 16th–17th centuries, a possible contribution to the genetic pool of the founding populations in the New World cannot be fully discarded. However, contemporary gene flow with the Americas is likely to be infrequent. No kdr mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance were detected. The implications for vector control and prevention of future outbreaks are discussed.
Film mood induction and emotion classification using physiological signals for health and wellness promotion in older adults living alone
Authors: Martínez‐Rodrigo Arturo , Fernández‐Aguilar Luz , Zangróniz Roberto , Latorre José M. , Pastor José M. , Fernández‐Caballero Antonio
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces a wearable hardware/software system specifically tailored to detect seven emotions (neutral, tenderness, amusement, anger, disgust, fear, and sadness) aimed at promoting health and wellness in older adults living alone at home. The complete software and hardware architectures acquiring and processing electrodermal activity and photoplethysmography signals are introduced. The wearable emotion detection system is trained by eliciting the desired emotions on 39 older adults through a film mood induction procedure. Seventeen features are calculated on skin conductance response and heart rate variability data, grouped into five statistical, four temporal, and eight morphological features. Then, these features are used to run emotion classification considering support vector machines, decision trees, and quadratic discriminant analysis. In line with psychological findings, the results offer a global accuracy of 82% in negative emotion (anger, disgust, fear, and sadness) classification. For positive emotions (tenderness and amusement), also in conformity with previous psychological outcomes, amusement shows the highest ratio of hits (92%) but tenderness the lowest one (66%). These results demonstrate that our wearable emotion detection system can be used by ageing adults, especially for detecting negative emotions that usually damage health and wellness and lead to social isolation.
Phytoplankton decline in the eastern North Pacific transition zone associated with atmospheric blocking
Authors: Le Chengfeng , Wu Shuyu , Hu Chuanmin , Beck Marcus W. , Yang Xuchao
Published: June 2019

Global climate change can significantly influence oceanic phytoplankton dynamics, and thus biogeochemical cycles and marine food webs. However, associative explanations based on the correlation between chlorophyll‐a concentration (Chl‐a) and climatic indices is inadequate to describe the mechanism of the connection between climate change, large‐scale atmospheric dynamics, and phytoplankton variability. Here, by analyzing multiple satellite observations of Chl‐a and atmospheric conditions from National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis datasets, we show that high‐latitude atmospheric blocking events over Alaska are the primary drivers of the recent decline of Chl‐a in the eastern North Pacific transition zone. These blocking events were associated with the persistence of large‐scale atmosphere pressure fields that decreased westerly winds and southward Ekman transport over the subarctic ocean gyre. Reduced southward Ekman transport leads to reductions in nutrient availability to phytoplankton in the transition zone. The findings describe a previously unidentified climatic factor that contributed to the recent decline of phytoplankton in this region and propose a mechanism of the top‐down teleconnection between the high‐latitude atmospheric circulation anomalies and the subtropical oceanic primary productivity. The results also highlight the importance of understanding teleconnection among atmosphere–ocean interactions as a means to anticipate future climate change impacts on oceanic primary production.
What makes for effective, sustainable youth engagement in knowledge mobilization? A perspective for health services
Authors: Canas Eugenia , Lachance Lisa , Phipps David , Birchwood Cherrilyn Che
Published: June 2019

Background

Young people who seek mental health treatment often also seek the services of non‐profit organizations to support their well‐being. Wisdom2Action (W2A) is a Canadian knowledge mobilization network that focuses on improving the mental health and well‐being of children and youth in challenging contexts by increasing the use of evaluation, evidence and engagement in the youth‐serving sector. Since 2013, W2A has engaged youth advisors (YAs) to provide input to W2A's Board, lead their own projects and co‐design W2A activities.

Objective

In fall 2017, the YAs, as well as adult Board members and W2A staff, collaborated in a participatory evaluation to better understand the experiences and impacts of youth engagement. This article describes insights derived through this process.

Design and participants

Board, YAs and staff members participated in a reflective approach to informing, analysing and sharing the findings from this process. Individual interviews and review of documents, as well as iterative cycles of group analysis and synthesis, were conducted.

Results

Both YAC members and W2A benefit from YAs’ leadership and engagement. The YAs position themselves as members of the youth‐serving sector, not merely recipients of its services; as such, their professional development aligns with the mandates of W2A and merits further investment, despite challenges in impact measurement.

Conclusion

This article identifies challenges and facilitators of implementing an effective and sustainable youth advisory council model of engagement in the context of a pan‐Canadian network. The mutual gains and areas of growth for youth, adults and the organization described can inform health services, as well as funders and advocates for youth well‐being.
Physico‐chemical and proteolytic changes during cold storage of dry‐cured pork loins with probiotic strains of LAB
Authors: Kęska Paulina , Stadnik Joanna , Wójciak Karolina Maria , Neffe‐Skocińska Katarzyna
Published: June 2019

Selected physico‐chemical and proteolysis‐related parameters were evaluated in dry‐cured loins inoculated with probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus LOCK900, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12) and potentially probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus Bauer Ł0938) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and compared with a control sample at five different storage times (28, 90, 180, 270 and 360 days). Physico‐chemical parameters of dry‐cured loins were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by treatment, storage time and the interaction between them. The count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in dry‐cured loins was in accordance with their pH. Higher intensity of proteolysis, as assessed by non‐protein nitrogen content (NPN) and proteolysis index (PI), occurred in inoculated samples. Based on the SDS‐PAGE analysis, the modifications produced during storage on the sarcoplasmic proteins were more pronounced than those exerted on the myofibrillar protein fraction. However, inoculation effect was absent from SDS‐PAGE protein patterns.
Impact of botanical source and processing conditions on physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of honey in the northern part of Thailand
Authors: Hempattarasuwan Pantira , Settachaimongkon Sarn , Duangmal Kiattisak
Published: June 2019

Phenolics, melissopalynological analysis, and selected physicochemical characteristics could differentiate floral honey origin. Botanical sources (longan, multifloral and Manuka) had more pronounced effect on honey properties than processing conditions. The conductivity was related to ash content and colour of honey. Total sugar, fructose and glucose content in all samples were not significantly different. Melissopalynological analysis was used to verify the botanical source of honey samples. Predominant pollen was identified. Results characterising antioxidant properties (DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and carbon‐centred radicals scavenging activity) were confirmed via both Electron Spinning Resonance and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). They showed that only hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity and ORAC were significantly different. Type and amount of phenolics in honey samples identified using HPLC could differentiate botanical source. Gallic acid and kaempferol were potential marker phenolics for longan honey. Multivariate statistical analysis allowed discrimination of honey from different botanical sources based on their phenolic profiles.
Adipocytokines leptin and adiponectin function as mast cell activity modulators
Authors: Żelechowska Paulina , Brzezińska‐Błaszczyk Ewa , Wiktorska Magdalena , Różalska Sylwia , Wawrocki Sebastian , Kozłowska Elżbieta , Agier Justyna
Published: June 2019

A growing body of data indicates that adipocytokines, including leptin and adiponectin, are critical components not only of metabolic regulation but also of the immune system, mainly by influencing the activity of cells participating in immunological and inflammatory processes. As mast cells (MCs) are the key players in the course of those mechanisms, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of leptin and adiponectin on some aspects of MC activity. We documented that in vivo differentiated mature tissue MCs from the rat peritoneal cavity express a receptor for leptin (OB‐R), as well as receptors for adiponectin (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). We established that leptin, but not adiponectin, stimulates MCs to release of histamine as well as to generation of cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) and chemokine CCL2. We also found that both adipocytokines affect mRNA expression of various cytokines/chemokines. Leptin and adiponectin also activate MCs to produce reactive oxygen species. Moreover, we documented that leptin significantly augments the surface expression of receptors for cysLTs, i.e. CYSLTR1, CYSLTR2, and GPR17 on MCs, while adiponectin increases only GPR17 expression, and decreases CYSLTR2. Finally, we showed that both adipocytokines serve as potent chemoattractants for MCs. In intracellular signaling in MCs activated by leptin Janus‐activated kinase 2, phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and p38 molecules play a part whereas the adiponectin‐induced activity of MCs is mediated through PI3K, p38, and ERK1/2 pathways. Our observations that leptin and adiponectin regulate MC activity might indicate that adipocytokines modulate the different processes in which MCs are involved.
One step transformation of waste polyvinyl chloride to tantalum carbide@carbon nanocomposite at low temperature
Authors: Wang Liangbiao , Zhang Feng , Dai Weicheng , Cheng Qinglin , Lu Lingjing , Zhang Kailong , Lin Mayue , Shen Mingwei , Wang Di
Published: June 2019

With the increasing use of plastic products, the environmental pollution has become more and more serious, and it also prompts us to focus on the urgent problem: how do we deal with the waste plastic? This work develops a facile procedure to convert waste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into tantalum carbide@carbon, via the chemical reaction of waste PVC, tantalum pentoxide, and metallic lithium in a stainless‐steel autoclave at 700°C. The structures, compositions, and morphologies of the as‐obtained products have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction pattern and electron microscopy. Furthermore, the effect of the reaction temperature on the composition and morphology of the as‐obtained products has been investigated. The possible formation mechanism of tantalum carbide has also been briefly discussed.
Microstructure, magnetism, and high‐frequency performance of polycrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Sm0.025HoxFe1.975−xO4 ferrites
Authors: Yang Pao , Qi Hongbin , Liu Zhiqing , Fu Xiuli , Peng Zhijian
Published: June 2019

Novel polycrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Sm0.025HoxFe1.975−xO4 (x = 0‐0.06) ferrites were fabricated by a traditional solid‐state reaction sintering method. The codoping effects of Sm and Ho on the microstructure, magnetism, and high‐frequency performance of Ni–Zn ferrites were investigated. The substitution of Sm3+ and Ho3+ ions led to an apparent increase in the lattice constants. However, further increasing the addition of both dopants introduced SmFeO3 or HoFeO3 foreign phases at the boundaries of the polycrystalline grains. As the content of Ho3+ ions increased, the relative density and average grain size of the specimens decreased accordingly. Moreover, the substitution of Sm3+ clearly decreased the saturation magnetization and complex permeability, which further decreased with the doping of Ho3+. The evolution of the Curie temperature showed an opposite trend, reaching the highest temperature of 278°C when x = 0.03. Similarly, the coercivity and resonance frequencies also displayed opposite trends compared to those of the saturation magnetization and complex permeability. The codoping of Sm3+ and Ho3+ more effectively lowered the magnetic and dielectric loss tangent of the specimens compared with the undoped or single dopant modified ferrites.
Changes in cardiovascular health and physical fitness in ethnic youth with intellectual disabilities participating in a park‐based afterschool programme for two years
Authors: Messiah Sarah E. , D'Agostino Emily M. , Patel Hersila H. , Hansen Eric , Mathew Matthew Sunil , Arheart Kristopher L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Youth with intellectual disabilities are more likely to be an unhealthy weight and less physically active than youth without intellectual disability.

Objective

The effects of Fit2Play, a park‐based afterschool programme on cardiovascular/fitness health outcomes among youth with intellectual disability, were prospectively assessed.

Methods

Youth ages 6 to 22 with intellectual disability who participated in Fit2Play for either one or two school years between 2010 and 2016 (N = 297, mean age 14.1 years, 70% Hispanic, 20% non‐Hispanic black, 72% male) were examined via a fitness battery at the beginning/end of the school year(s). Effects of length of Fit2Play participation on body mass index (BMI) %ile, skinfold thicknesses, systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) %iles, fitness tests, and health and wellness knowledge) were evaluated via two‐level repeated measures analysis adjusted for child gender, age, ethnicity and area‐level poverty.

Results

Adjusted models showed that up to two years of Fit2Play participation was significantly associated with improved BMI %ile, skinfold thicknesses, SPB/DBP %iles and PACER scores (p < 0.05 for all). One and two years of programme participation was associated with a 6% [95% CI: 0.92, 0.96] and 10% [95% CI: 0.87, 0.93] reduction in SBP%ile, respectively (p < 0.001), and a 36% [95% CI: 1.28, 1.45] and 57% [95% CI: 1.44, 1.70] increase in PACER score laps, respectively, compared to baseline.

Conclusions

Results here suggest that park‐based, structured afterschool programmes with a focus on health and wellness can be a rich resource for this nation by offering both exclusive and immersion programmes for children with intellectual disability to foster cardiovascular health in all youth.
Celiac disease and risk of sarcoidosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wijarnpreecha Karn , Panjawatanan Panadeekarn , Corral Juan E. , Lukens Frank J. , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: June 2019

Background/objectives

Several epidemiologic studies have suggested that patients with celiac disease may be at an increased risk of sarcoidosis but the results were inconsistent. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted with the aim to better characterize this risk by summarizing all available data.

Methods

A literature review was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE database from inception to February 2019. Studies that compared the risk of sarcoidosis among patients with celiac disease versus individuals without celiac disease were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effect, generic inverse variance method.

Results

Of 426 retrieved studies, four studies with 693 639 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in meta‐analysis. The risk of sarcoidosis among patients with celiac disease was higher than individuals without celiac disease with the pooled OR of 7.16 (95% CI, 1.48‐34.56). The statistical heterogeneity of this study was high (I2 = 95%).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta‐analysis found a significantly higher risk of sarcoidosis among patients with celiac disease.
The Bundled Hospital Elder Life Program—HELP and HELP in Home Care—and Its Association With Clinical Outcomes Among Older Adults Discharged to Home Healthcare
Authors: Simpson Michelle , Macias Tejada Jonny , Driscoll Amy , Singh Maharaj , Klein Matthew , Malone Michael
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

To describe the Bundled Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP and HELP in Home Care), an adaptation of HELP, and examine the association of 30‐day all‐cause unplanned hospital readmission risk among older adults discharged to home care with and without Bundled HELP.

DESIGN

Matched case‐control study.

SETTING

Two medical‐surgical units within two midwestern rural hospitals and patient homes (home health).

PARTICIPANTS

Hospitalized patients, aged 65 years and older, discharged to home healthcare with and without Bundled HELP exposure between January 1, 2015, and September 30, 2017. Each case (Bundled HELP, n = 148) was matched to a control (non‐Bundled HELP, n = 148) on Charlson Comorbidity Index, primary hospital diagnosis of orthopedic condition or injury, and cardiovascular disease using propensity score matching.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary study outcome was 30‐day all‐cause unplanned hospital readmission. Additional outcomes measured were 30‐day emergency department (ED) visit, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total number of skilled home care visits.

RESULTS

Fewer cases (16.8%) than controls (28.4%) had a 30‐day all‐cause unplanned hospital readmission. The fully adjusted model showed significantly lower risk of 30‐day hospital readmission for case (Bundled HELP) patients (0.41; 95% confidence interval = 0.22‐0.77; P < .01). The difference between case (10.8%) and control (15.5%) 30‐day ED visit was not significant (P = .23). A lower LOS for the case group was shown (P < .01), while the number of skilled home care visits was not significantly different between groups (P = .28).

CONCLUSION

HELP protocol implementation during a patient's hospital stay and as a continued component of home care among older adults at risk for cognitive and/or functional decline appears to be associated with favorable outcomes. Our initial evaluation supports continued study of the Bundled HELP. Further research is needed to confirm the initial findings and to evaluate the impact of the adapted model on functional outcomes and delirium incidence in the home. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1730–1736, 2019