bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refined Expected Value Decision Rules under Orthopair Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Xue Yige , Deng Yong
Published: March 2020

Refined expected value decision rules can refine the calculation of the expected value and make decisions by estimating the expected values of different alternatives, which use many theories, such as Choquet integral, PM function, measure and so on. However, the refined expected value decision rules have not been applied to the orthopair fuzzy environment yet. To address this issue, in this paper we propose the refined expected value decision rules under the orthopair fuzzy environment, which can apply the refined expected value decision rules on the issues of decision making that is described in the orthopair fuzzy environment. Numerical examples were applied to verify the availability and flexibility of the new refined expected value decision rules model. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can apply refined expected value decision rules in the orthopair fuzzy environment and solve the decision making issues with the orthopair fuzzy environment successfully.
A Note on Surfaces in Space Forms with Pythagorean Fundamental Forms
Authors: Aydin Muhittin Evren , Mihai Adela
Published: March 2020

In the present note we introduce a Pythagorean-like formula for surfaces immersed into 3-dimensional space forms M 3 ( c ) of constant sectional curvature c = − 1 , 0 , 1 . More precisely, we consider a surface immersed into M 3 c satisfying I 2 + II 2 = III 2 , where I , II and III are the matrices corresponding to the first, second and third fundamental forms of the surface, respectively. We prove that such a surface is a totally umbilical round sphere with Gauss curvature φ + c , where φ is the Golden ratio.
Graph-Theoretic Problems and Their New Applications
Authors: Werner Frank
Published: March 2020

Graph theory is an important area of Applied Mathematics with a broad spectrum of applications in many fields [...]
Anatomical Morphology Analysis of Internal Jugular Veins and Factors Affecting Internal Jugular Vein Size
Authors: Jeon Jae Cheon , Choi Woo Ik , Lee Jae Ho , Lee Sang Hun
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives: There is a paucity of research on the shape of internal jugular vein (IJV) and their association with an individual’s morphology and various chronic diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the anatomy of the IJV across various patients and to relate the differences in anatomy to basic patient characteristics. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 313 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography between January 2017 and December 2018. The circumferences of the right and left IJVs were measured at three locations (hyoid bone, cricoid cartilage, and first thoracic vertebra) and parameters affecting the size of the IJV were analyzed. Results: The right IJV was significantly larger than the left IJV at each position (p < 0.001), and the area of the lumen was the largest at the cricoid cartilage level (p < 0.001). After dividing the right IJV data into two groups (above and below the median area), multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio (OR) 1.040; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.022–1.058, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI, OR 1.080; 95% CI 1.011–1.154, p = 0.0.23) affected size. Conclusions: The right IJV is larger than the left and has a rhomboid morphology. Age and BMI are significant factors affecting the IJV size.
Investigation of the Effect of Written and Visual Information on Anxiety Measured Before Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Which Method is Most Effective?
Authors: Yakar Burkay , Pirinçci Edibe
Published: March 2020

Background and objective: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) causes severe anxiety in some patients. Anxiety during MRI leads to prolongation of the procedure and deterioration of image quality, resulting in loss of labor and cost increase. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of written and visual information on state anxiety in patients undergoing MRI. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 294 participants. The study was carried out between January 2019 and March 2019 at the Radiology Clinic of the tertiary university hospital. The participants were divided into 3 groups as group 1 (control group), group 2 (written information) and group 3 (visual information). The trait anxiety and state anxiety of the participants were measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) inventory, which can measure both anxiety status. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between demographic characteristics and trait anxiety scores (p = 0.20) of all three groups. The state anxiety scores of group 3 were statistically lower than the group 2 (p < 0.001) and control group (p < 0.001). The state anxiety scores of group 2 were statistically lower than control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: MRI anxiety can be reduced by visual and written information. Visual information may be more effective in reducing MRI anxiety than written information.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Stem Cells: An Overview of Clinical Trials, the Current Treatments and Future Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Schepici Giovanni , Silvestro Serena , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: March 2020

Traumatic brain injury represents physical damage to the brain tissue that induces transitory or permanent neurological disabilities. The traumatic injury activates an important inflammatory response, followed by a cascade of events that lead to neuronal loss and further brain damage. Maintaining proper ventilation, a normal level of oxygenation, and adequate blood pressure are the main therapeutic strategies performed after injury. Surgery is often necessary for patients with more serious injuries. However, to date, there are no therapies that completely resolve the brain damage suffered following the trauma. Stem cells, due to their capacity to differentiate into neuronal cells and through releasing neurotrophic factors, seem to be a valid strategy to use in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of clinical trials, aimed to evaluate the use of stem cell-based therapy in traumatic brain injury. These studies aim to assess the safety and efficacy of stem cells in this disease. The results available so far are few; therefore, future studies need in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplantation in traumatic brain injury.
Simulation on the Effect of Porosity in the Elastic Modulus of SiC Particle Reinforced Al Matrix Composites
Authors: Rivera-Salinas Jorge E. , Gregorio-Jáuregui Karla M. , Romero-Serrano José A. , Cruz-Ramírez Alejandro , Hernández-Hernández Ernesto , Miranda-Pérez Argelia , Gutierréz-Pérez Víctor H.
Published: March 2020

Although the porosity in Al-SiC metal matrix composites (MMC) can be diminished; its existence is unavoidable. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of porosity on Young’s modulus of SiC reinforced aluminum matrix composites. Finite element analysis is performed based on the unit cell and the representative volume element approaches. The reliability of the models is validated by comparing the numerical predictions against several experimental data ranging in low- and high-volume fractions and good agreement is found. It is found that despite the stress transfer from the soft matrix to the reinforcement remains effective in the presence of pores, there is a drop in the stress gathering capability of the particles and thus, the resulting effective elastic modulus of composite decreases. The elastic property of the composite is more sensitive to pores away the reinforcement. It is confirmed, qualitatively, that the experimentally reported in the literature decrease in the elastic modulus is caused by the presence of pores.
Effects of Processing Parameters on the Corrosion Performance of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Grown Oxide on Commercially Pure Aluminum
Authors: Mengesha Getinet Asrat , Chu Jinn P. , Lou Bih-Show , Lee Jyh-Wei
Published: March 2020

The plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) process has been considered an environmentally friendly surface engineering method for improving the corrosion resistance of light weight metals. In this work, the corrosion resistance of commercially pure Al and PEO treated Al substrates were studied. The PEO layers were grown on commercially pure aluminum substrates using two different alkaline electrolytes with different addition concentrations of Si3N4 nanoparticles (0, 0.5 and 1.5 gL−1) and different duty cycles (25%, 50%, and 80%) at a fixed frequency. The corrosion properties of PEO coatings were investigated by the potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solutions. It showed that the weight gains, layer thickness and surface roughness of the PEO grown oxide layer increased with increasing concentrations of Si3N4 nanoparticles. The layer thickness, surface roughness, pore size, and porosity of the PEO oxide layer decreased with decreasing duty cycle. The layer thickness and weight gain of PEO coating followed a linear relationship. The PEO layer grown using the Na2B4O7∙10H2O contained electrolyte showed an excellent corrosion resistance and low surface roughness than other PEO coatings with Si3N4 nanoparticle additives. It is noticed that the corrosion performance of PEO coatings were not improved by the addition of Si3N4 nanoparticle in the electrolytic solutions, possibly due to its detrimental effect to the formation of a dense microstructure.
Compound Characterization and Metabolic Profile Elucidation after In Vitro Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Biotransformation of an Herniaria hirsuta Extract Using Unbiased Dynamic Metabolomic Data Analysis
Authors: Peeters Laura , Van der Auwera Anastasia , Beirnaert Charlie , Bijttebier Sebastiaan , Laukens Kris , Pieters Luc , Hermans Nina , Foubert Kenn
Published: March 2020

Herniaria hirsuta L. (Caryophyllaceae) is used for treatment of urinary stones and as a diuretic. Little is known about the active compounds and the mechanism of action. The phytochemical composition of H. hirsuta was comprehensively characterized using UHPLC-UV-HRMS (Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry) data. An in vitro gastrointestinal model was used to simulate biotransformation, which allowed the monitoring of the relative abundances of individual compounds over time. To analyze the longitudinal multiclass LC–MS data, XCMS, a platform that enables online metabolomics data processing and interpretation, and EDGE, a statistical method for time series data, were used to extract significant differential profiles from the raw data. An interactive Shiny app in R was used to rate the quality of the resulting features. These ratings were used to train a random forest model. The most abundant aglycone after gastrointestinal biotransformation was subjected to hepatic biotransformation using human S9 fractions. A diversity of compounds was detected, mainly saponins and flavonoids. Besides the known saponins, 15 new saponins were tentatively identified as glycosides of medicagenic acid, acetylated medicagenic acid and zanhic acid. It is suggested that metabolites of phytochemicals present in H. hirsuta, most likely saponins, are responsible for the pharmaceutical effects. It was observed that the relative abundance of saponin aglycones increased, indicating loss of sugar moieties during colonic biotransformation, with medicagenic acid as the most abundant aglycone. Hepatic biotransformation of this aglycone resulted in different metabolites formed by phase I and II reactions.
Discrimination of Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) Geographical Origin by Targeted and Non-Targeted Metabolite Profiling with Gas Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Tae Jin , Park Jeong Gon , Ahn Soon Kil , Kim Kil Won , Choi Jaehyuk , Kim Hyun Young , Ha Sun-Hwa , Seo Woo Duck , Kim Jae Kwang
Published: March 2020

As international food trade increases, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in food safety and authenticity, which are linked to geographical origin. Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) are cultivated worldwide, but there are no tools for accurately discriminating their geographical origin. Thus, our study aims to develop a method for discriminating the geographical origin of adzuki beans through targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling with gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analysis. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis showed clear discrimination between adzuki beans cultivated in Korea and China. Non-targeted metabolite profiling showed better separation than targeted profiling. Furthermore, citric acid and malic acid were the most notable metabolites for discriminating adzuki beans cultivated in Korea and China. The geographical discrimination method combining non-targeted metabolite profiling and pareto-scaling showed excellent predictability (Q2 = 0.812). Therefore, it is a suitable prediction tool for the discrimination of geographical origin and is expected to be applicable to the geographical authentication of adzuki beans.
Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomic Profiling of Australian Indigenous Fruits
Authors: Lim Vuanghao , Gorji Sara Ghorbani , Daygon Venea Dara , Fitzgerald Melissa
Published: March 2020

Selected Australian native fruits such as Davidson’s plum, finger lime and native pepperberry have been reported to demonstrate potent antioxidant activity. However, comprehensive metabolite profiling of these fruits is limited, therefore the compounds responsible are unknown, and further, the compounds of nutritional value in these native fruits are yet to be described. In this study, untargeted and targeted metabolomics were conducted using the three fruits, together with assays to determine their antioxidant activities. The results demonstrate that targeted free and hydrolysed protein amino acids exhibited high amounts of essential amino acids. Similarly, important minerals like potassium were detected in the fruit samples. In antioxidant activity, Davidson’s plum reported the highest activity in ferric reducing power (FRAP), finger lime in antioxidant capacity (ABTS), and native pepperberry in free radical scavenging (DPPH) and phosphomolybdenum assay. The compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity were tentatively identified using untargeted GC×GC-TOFMS and UHPLC-QqQ-TOF-MS/MS metabolomics. A clear discrimination into three clusters of fruits was observed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) analysis. The correlation study identified a number of compounds that provide the antioxidant activities. GC×GC-TOFMS detected potent aroma compounds of limonene, furfural, and 1-R-α-pinene. Based on the untargeted and targeted metabolomics, and antioxidant assays, the nutritional potential of these Australian bush fruits is considerable and supports these indigenous fruits in the nutraceutical industry as well as functional ingredients for the food industry, with such outcomes benefiting Indigenous Australian communities.
Novel Fabrication Process for Integration of Microwave Sensors in Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Bao Juncheng , Markovic Tomislav , Brancato Luigi , Kil Dries , Ocket Ilja , Puers Robert , Nauwelaers Bart
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a novel fabrication process that allows integration of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic channels and metal electrodes on a wafer with a micrometer-range alignment accuracy. This high level of alignment accuracy enables integration of microwave and microfluidic technologies, and furthermore accurate microwave dielectric characterization of biological liquids and chemical compounds on a nanoliter scale. The microfluidic interface between the pump feed lines and the fluidic channels was obtained using magnets fluidic connection. The tube-channel interference and the fluidic channel-wafer adhesion was evaluated, and up to a pressure of 700 mBar no leakage was observed. The developed manufacturing process was tested on a design of a microwave-microfluidic capacitive sensor. An interdigital capacitor (IDC) and a microfluidic channel were manufactured with an alignment accuracy of 2.5 μm. The manufactured IDC sensor was used to demonstrate microwave dielectric sensing on deionized water and saline solutions with concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2.5 M.
Deep Insights into Gut Microbiota in Four Carnivorous Coral Reef Fishes from the South China Sea
Authors: Gao Yu-Miao , Zou Ke-Shu , Zhou Lei , Huang Xian-De , Li Yi-Yang , Gao Xiang-Yang , Chen Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Yong
Published: March 2020

Investigations of gut microbial diversity among fish to provide baseline data for wild marine fish, especially the carnivorous coral reef fishes of the South China Sea, are lacking. The present study investigated the gut microbiota of four carnivorous coral reef fishes, including Oxycheilinus unifasciatus, Cephalopholis urodeta, Lutjanus kasmira, and Gnathodentex aurolineatus, from the South China Sea for the first time using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes constituted 98% of the gut microbiota of the four fishes, and 20 of the gut microbial genera recovered in this study represent new reports from marine fishes. Comparative analysis indicated that the four fishes shared a similar microbial community, suggesting that diet type (carnivorous) might play a more important role in shaping the gut microbiota of coral reef fishes than the species of fish. Furthermore, the genera Psychrobacter, Escherichia-Shigella, and Vibrio constituted the core microbial community of the four fishes, accounting for 61–91% of the total sequences in each fish. The lack of the genus Epulopiscium in the four fishes was in sharp contrast to what has been found in coral reef fishes from the Red Sea, in which Epulopiscium was shown to be the most dominant gut microbial genus in seven herbivorous coral reef fishes. In addition, while unique gut microbial genera accounted for a small proportion (8–13%) of the total sequences, many such genera were distributed in each coral reef fish species, including several genera (Endozoicomonas, Clostridium, and Staphylococcus) that are frequently found in marine fishes and 11 new reports of gut microbes in marine fishes. The present study expands our knowledge of the diversity and specificity of gut microbes associated with coral reef fishes.
Dietary Carbohydrate Constituents Related to Gut Dysbiosis and Health
Authors: Seo Ye Seul , Lee Hye-Bin , Kim Yoonsook , Park Ho-Young
Published: March 2020

Recent studies report that microbiota in the human intestine play an important role in host health and that both long- and short-term diets influence gut microbiota. These findings have fueled interest in the potential of food to promote health by shaping the intestinal microbiota. Despite the fact that large populations in Asia consume high quantities of carbohydrates, such diets have been ignored in comparison to the attention received by Western diets containing high quantities of fat and animal protein. We gathered data that suggest an association between imbalanced high-carbohydrate intake and gut microbiota and host health. In this review, we identify not only the effect of total carbohydrates on the intestinal microbiota specifically and the health of their hosts in general, but also how specific types of carbohydrates influence both factors.
Optimised Production and Extraction of Astaxanthin from the Yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Authors: Harith Zuharlida Tuan , de Andrade Lima Micael , Charalampopoulos Dimitris , Chatzifragkou Afroditi
Published: March 2020

Currently, astaxanthin demand is fulfilled by chemical synthesis using petroleum-based feedstocks. As such, alternative pathways of natural astaxanthin production attracts much research interest. This study aimed at optimising bioreactor operation parameters for astaxanthin production and evaluating strategies for its subsequent extraction. The effect of pH and agitation was evident, as a significant reduction in both biomass and astaxanthin production was observed when the culture pH was not controlled and a low agitation speed was applied. At controlled pH conditions and a high agitation speed, a significant increase in biomass (16.4 g/L) and astaxanthin production (3.6 mg/L) was obtained. Enzymatic yeast cell lysis using two commercial enzymes (Accellerase 1500 and Glucanex) was optimised using the central composite design of experiment (DoE). Accellerase 1500 led to mild cell disruption and only 9% (w/w) astaxanthin extraction. However, Glucanex treatment resulted in complete astaxanthin extractability, compared to standard extraction method (DMSO/acetone). When supercritical CO2 was employed as an extraction solvent in Accellerase-pre-treated Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous cells, astaxanthin extraction increased 2.5-fold. Overall, the study showed that extraction conditions can be tailored towards targeted pigments present in complex mixtures, such as in microbial cells.
The Obesity-Related Gut Bacterial and Viral Dysbiosis Can Impact the Risk of Colon Cancer Development
Authors: Campisciano Giuseppina , de Manzini Nicolò , Delbue Serena , Cason Carolina , Cosola Davide , Basile Giuseppe , Ferrante Pasquale , Comar Manola , Palmisano Silvia
Published: March 2020

An incorrect food regimen from childhood is suggested to negatively impact the gut microbiome composition leading to obesity and perhaps to colon rectal cancer (CRC) in adults. In this study, we show that the obesity and cancer gut microbiota share a characteristic microbial profile with a high colonization by mucin degraders species, such as Hafnia alvei and Akkermansia muciniphila. In addition, the species Clostridium bolteae, a bacterium associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation, has been associated with the presence of oncogenic Human Polyomaviruses (HPyVs). Merkel cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) and BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) were the most frequently oncogenic viruses recovered in the gut of both obese and tumor patients. Considering the high seroprevalence of HPyVs in childhood, their association with specific bacterial species deserve to be further investigated. Data from the present study highlight the presence of a similar microbiome pattern in CRC and obese subjects, suggesting that obese microbiome may represent an opportunity for tumorigenic/driver bacteria and viruses to trigger cell transformation.
Gravimetric Separation of Heavy Minerals in Sediments and Rocks
Authors: Andò Sergio
Published: March 2020

The potential of heavy minerals studies in provenance analysis can be enhanced conspicuously by using a state-of-the-art protocol for sample preparation in the laboratory, which represents the first fundamental step of any geological research. The classical method of gravimetric separation is based on the properties of detrital minerals, principally their grain size and density, and its efficiency depends on the procedure followed and on the technical skills of the operator. Heavy-mineral studies in the past have been traditionally focused on the sand fraction, generally choosing a narrow grain-size window for analysis, an approach that is bound to introduce a serious bias by neglecting a large, and sometimes very large, part of the heavy-mineral spectrum present in the sample. In order to minimize bias, not only the largest possible size range in each sample should be considered, but also, the same quantitative analytical methods should be applied to the largest possible grain-size range occurring in the sediment system down to 5 μm or less, thus including suspended load in rivers, loess deposits, and shallow to deep-marine muds. Wherever the bulk sample cannot be used for practical reasons, we need to routinely analyze the medium silt to medium sand range (15–500 μm) for sand and the fine silt to sand range (5–63 or > 63 μm) for silt. This article is conceived as a practical handbook dedicated specifically to Master and PhD students at the beginning of their heavy-mineral apprenticeship, as to more expert operators from the industry and academy to help improving the quality of heavy-mineral separation for any possible field of application.
Solar Cell Applications of Solution-Processed AgInGaSe2 Thin Films and Improved Properties by Sodium Doping
Authors: Zhang Xianfeng , Sun Qingxuan , Zheng Maoxi , Duan Zhuohua , Wang Yuehui
Published: March 2020

Binary nanoparticle inks comprising Ag2Se, In2Se3, and Ga2Se3 were fabricated via a wet ball-milling method and were further used to fabricate AgInGaSe2 (AIGS) precursors by sequentially spraying the inks onto a Mo-coated substrate. AIGS precursors were annealed under a Se atmosphere for 1 h at 570 °C. Na2Se thin layers of varying thicknesses (0, 5, 10, and 20 nm) were vacuum-evaporated onto the Mo layer prior to the AIGS precursors being fabricated to investigate the influence on AIGS solar cells. Sodium plays a critical role in improving the material properties and performance of AIGS thin-film solar cells. The grain size of the AIGS films was significantly improved by sodium doping. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy illustrated slight surficial sodium segregation and heavy sodium segregation at the AIGS/Mo interface. Double-graded band profiles were observed in the AIGS films. With the increase in Na2Se thickness, the basic photovoltaic characteristics of the AIGS solar cells were significantly improved. The highest solar cell conversion efficiency of 6.6% (open-circuit voltage: 775.6 mV, short-circuit current: 15.5 mA/cm2, fill factor: 54.9%, area: 0.2 cm2) was obtained when the Na2Se thickness was 20 nm.
Quality of Life: Psychological Symptoms—Effects of a 2-Month Healthy Diet and Nutraceutical Intervention; A Randomized, Open-Label Intervention Trial (RISTOMED)
Authors: Bourdel-Marchasson Isabelle , Ostan Rita , Regueme Sophie C , Pinto Alessandro , Pryen Florence , Charrouf Zoubida , d’Alessio Patrizia A , Roubaud Baudron Claire , Guerville Florent , Durrieu Jessica , Donini Lorenzo M , Franceschi Claudio , Valentini Luzia
Published: March 2020

Depression symptoms and lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are associated with inflammation. This multicenter dietary intervention was shown to reduce inflammation in older people. This was the main outcome. Here, we describe the effects on HRQoL, anxiety, and depressive symptoms according to inflammation status. Overall, 125 healthy older subjects (65–80 year) were recruited (Italy, France, and Germany) and randomized into four arms (A, Healthy diet (HD); B, HD plus De Simone Formulation probiotic blend; C, HD plus AISA d-Limonene; D, HD plus Argan oil). The HD was weight maintaining, rich in antioxidant vitamins, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6: n3 ratio = 3:1), and fiber. Data on inflammatory parameters, mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summaries of HRQoL (SF−36), anxiety symptoms (STAI state), and depressive symptoms (CES-D) were collected before and after 56 days of intervention. Body fat mass proportion (BFM) was considered a co-variable. A decrease of CES-D score was seen in the four arms (A: −40.0%, p = 0.001; B: −32.5%, p = 0.023; C: −42.8%, p = 0.004; and D: −33.3%, p = 0.21). Within the subgroups of subjects with medium/high inflammation a similar decrease in CES-D score occurred in all groups (A: −44.8%, p = 0.021; B, −46.7%, p = 0.024; C, −52.2%, p = 0.039; D, −43.8%, p = 0.037). The effect of interventions on CES-D was not related to baseline inflammation. MCS-HRQoL improved in A and C. There was no change in anxiety or PCS-HRQoL. In this trial with no control group, a decrease in depressive symptoms in healthy older volunteers was observed after a 2-month healthy diet intervention, independently of inflammation but with possible limitations due to participation.
The Role of Post-Ingestive Feedback in the Development of an Enhanced Appetite for the Orosensory Properties of Glucose over Fructose in Rats
Authors: Myers Kevin P. , Summers Megan Y. , Geyer-Roberts Elizabeth , Schier Lindsey A.
Published: March 2020

The simple sugars glucose and fructose share a common “sweet” taste quality mediated by the T1R2+T1R3 taste receptor. However, when given the opportunity to consume each sugar, rats learn to affectively discriminate between glucose and fructose on the basis of cephalic chemosensory cues. It has been proposed that glucose has a unique sensory property that becomes more hedonically positive through learning about the relatively more rewarding post-ingestive effects that are associated with glucose as compared to fructose. We tested this theory using intragastric (IG) infusions to manipulate the post-ingestive consequences of glucose and fructose consumption. Food-deprived rats with IG catheters repeatedly consumed multiple concentrations of glucose and fructose in separate sessions. For rats in the “Matched” group, each sugar was accompanied by IG infusion of the same sugar. For the “Mismatched” group, glucose consumption was accompanied by IG fructose, and vice versa. This condition gave rats orosensory experience with each sugar but precluded the differential post-ingestive consequences. Following training, avidity for each sugar was assessed in brief access and licking microstructure tests. The Matched group displayed more positive evaluation of glucose relative to fructose than the Mismatched group. A second experiment used a different concentration range and compared responses of the Matched and Mismatched groups to a control group kept naïve to the orosensory properties of sugar. Consistent with results from the first experiment, the Matched group, but not the Mismatched or Control group, displayed elevated licking responses to glucose. These experiments yield additional evidence that glucose and fructose have discriminable sensory properties and directly demonstrate that their different post-ingestive effects are responsible for the experience-dependent changes in the motivation for glucose versus fructose.
Comparison of Structured Nutrition Therapy for Ramadan with Standard Care in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Mohd Yusof Barakatun-Nisak , Wan Zukiman Wan Zul Haikal Hafiz , Abu Zaid Zalina , Omar Noraida , Mukhtar Firdaus , Yahya Nor Farahain , Mohd Shahar Aainaa Syarfa , Hasbullah Farah Yasmin , Liu Xin Yi Rachel , Marczewska Agnieszka , Hamdy Osama
Published: March 2020

(1) Background: Structured nutrition therapy (NT) is essential for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the optimal delivery during Ramadan fasting remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of structured NT program versus standard care in patients with T2D during Ramadan. (2) Methods: The present study was an 8-week, parallel, non-randomized study with patients’ preference design involving 64 patients with T2D. The participants were asked to choose their preferred group, i.e., structured NT (Structured Ramadan NT, sRNT) or standard care (SC). The participants in the sRNT group received a Ramadan-focused nutrition plan, including a diabetes-specific formula throughout the study, whereas the patients in the SC group received standard nutrition care. Study outcomes included clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL). Data was analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and linear mixed-effects model. (3) Results: More than half of the participants (n = 38, 63%) chose sRNT as their preferred group. Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. After 8-weeks of the respective intervention, participants in the sRNT group had lower levels of fasting plasma glucose (−0.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L vs. 0.2 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p < 0.05), triglycerides (−0.21 ± 0.08 mmol/L vs. 0.20 ± 0.17 mmol/L, p < 0.05), and self-monitoring glucose at pre-dawn (6.9 mmol/L vs. 7.8 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and pre-bedtime (7.6 mmol/L vs. 8.6 mmol/L, p < 0.05) than participants in the SC group. Although not different between groups, HbA1c levels decreased significantly in the sRNT (−0.72 ± 0.16%, p < 0.001) but not in the SC group (−0.35 ± 0.24%, p = 0.155). QoL and satisfaction scores improved significantly in sRNT group, but not in SC group. (4) Conclusions: The structured NT regimen for Ramadan is a feasible and beneficial program for T2D patients observing Ramadan fasting as it showed an improvement in clinical outcomes and QoL.
Erratum: Eating Jet Lag: A Marker of the Variability in Meal Timing and its Association with Body Mass Index
Authors: Zerón-Rugerio María Fernanda , Hernáez Álvaro , Porras-Loaiza Armida Patricia , Cambras Trinitat , Izquierdo-Pulido Maria
Published: March 2020

The Nutrients Editorial Office would like to update the error in the original published version[1] [...]
Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Juice, Artificially-Sweetened Soda and Bottled Water: An Australian Population Study
Authors: Miller Caroline , Ettridge Kerry , Wakefield Melanie , Pettigrew Simone , Coveney John , Roder David , Durkin Sarah , Wittert Gary , Martin Jane , Dono Joanne
Published: March 2020

Reducing consumption of free sugars, such as those found in high concentrations in manufactured products such as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and 100% fruit juices, is a global public health priority. This study aimed to measure prevalence of widely available pre-packaged non-alcoholic water-based beverages (carbonated sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, artificially-sweetened sodas, fruit juices (any type), and bottled water) and to comprehensively examine behavioral, environmental, current health, and demographic correlates of consumption. A cross-sectional, nationally-representative population survey of 3430 Australian adults (18+ years) was conducted using computer-assisted telephone (mobile and landline) interviewing. Past week prevalence of pre-packaged drinks containing free sugar was 47.3%; daily prevalence was 13.6%. Of all the pre-packaged drinks assessed, consumption of fruit juices (any type) was the most prevalent (38.8%), followed by bottled water (37.4%), soda (28.9%), artificially-sweetened soda (18.1%), sports drinks (8.1%), and energy drinks (4.2%). Higher soda consumption was associated with males, younger age, socio-economic disadvantage, frequent takeaway food consumption, availability of soda in the home, obesity, and a diagnosis of heart disease or depression. A diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes was associated with increased likelihood of consuming artificially-sweetened sodas and decreased likelihood of consuming sugar-sweetened soda. SSB consumption is prevalent in Australia, especially among young adults and males, foreshadowing continued population weight gain and high burdens of chronic disease. To reduce consumption, Australia must take a comprehensive approach, incorporating policy reform, effective community education, and active promotion of water.
Molecular Diagnostics and Pathogenesis of Fungal Pathogens on Bast Fiber Crops
Authors: Cheng Yi , Tang Xiaoyu , Gao Chunsheng , Li Zhimin , Chen Jia , Guo Litao , Wang Tuhong , Xu Jianping
Published: March 2020

Bast fibers and products derived from them are undergoing a resurgence in demand in the global market. However, fungal diseases have become an important factor limiting their yield and quality, causing devastating consequences for the production of bast fiber crops in many parts of the world. Thus, there is a high demand for effective control and prevention strategies against fungal pathogens. Having rapid, specific, sensitive, and cost-effective tests that can be used for early and accurate diagnosis of disease agents is an essential step of such strategies. The objective of this study was to review the current status of research on molecular diagnosis of fungal pathogens on bast fiber crops. Our search of PubMed identified nearly 20 genera of fungal pathogens on bast fiber crops, among which the five most common genera were Colletotrichum, Pythium, Verticillium, Fusarium, and Golovinomyces. The gene regions that have been used for molecular identifications of these fungi include internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (EF-1α), ß-tubulin, calmodulin (CAL), histone subunit 3 (H3), glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), etc. We summarize the molecular assays that have been used to identify these fungi and discuss potential areas of future development for fast, specific, and accurate diagnosis of fungal pathogens on bast fiber crops.
High Human Papillomavirus DNA loads in Inflammatory Middle Ear Diseases
Authors: Malagutti Nicola , Rotondo John Charles , Cerritelli Luca , Melchiorri Claudio , De Mattei Monica , Selvatici Rita , Oton-Gonzalez Lucia , Stomeo Francesco , Mazzoli Manuela , Borin Michela , Mores Beatrice , Ciorba Andrea , Tognon Mauro , Pelucchi Stefano , Martini Fernanda
Published: March 2020

Background. Previous studies reported human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in middle ear tumors, whereas these viruses have been poorly investigated in chronic inflammatory middle ear diseases. We investigated HPVs in non-tumor middle ear diseases, including chronic otitis media (COM). Methods. COM specimens (n = 52), including chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) (n =38) and cholesteatoma (COMC) (n = 14), as well as normal middle ear (NME) specimens (n = 56) were analyzed. HPV sequences and DNA loads were analyzed by quantitative-PCR. HPV genotyping was performed by direct sequencing. Results. HPV DNA was detected in 23% (12/52) of COM and in 30.4% (17/56) of NME (p > 0.05). Specifically, HPV DNA sequences were found in 26.3% (10/38) of CSOM and in 14.3% (2/14) of COMC (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the HPV DNA load was higher in COMC (mean 7.47 copy/cell) than in CSOM (mean 1.02 copy/cell) and NME (mean 1.18 copy/cell) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.017 versus CSOM and NME, respectively). HPV16 and HPV18 were the main genotypes detected in COMC, CSOM and NME. Conclusions. These data suggest that HPV may infect the middle ear mucosa, whereas HPV-positive COMCs are associated with higher viral DNA loads as compared to NME.
Compost Amendments Based on Vinegar Residue Promote Tomato Growth and Suppress Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia Solanacearum
Authors: He Mingming , Shah Jahan Mohammad , Wang Yu , Sun Jin , Shu Sheng , Guo Shirong
Published: March 2020

Tomato bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) is one of the most devastating soil-borne diseases, and compost is to be considered as a resource-saving and environment-friendly measure to control the disease. Herein, a pot experiment was implemented to explore the effects of vinegar residue matrix amendments on the growth performances of tomato seedlings and to examine the suppression ability against bacterial wilt under vinegar residue substrate (VRS), and peat substrate (Peat) with RS inoculation. The results revealed that VRS effectively suppressed the disease incidence of bacterial wilt, increased the number of bacteria and actinomycetes, decreased fungi populations, promoted soil microbial populations and microbial activities, enhanced the growths of tomato seedlings, and modulated defense mechanism. In addition, VRS efficiently inhibited the oxidative damage in RS inoculated leaves via the regulation of excess reactive oxide species (O2•− and H2O2) production, lessening of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and causing less membrane injury; resulting in enhancements of antioxidants enzymes activities accompanying with modulating their encoding gene expression. The transcription levels of NPR1, PIN2, PR1b, ACO1, EDS1, PR1B, MAPK3, PIN2, and RRS1 were also modulated with the pathogens inoculated in tomato leaves both in VRS and Peat treatments, which indicated that systemic-acquired resistance possesses cross-talk between salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and the ethylene-dependent signaling pathway. Besides, the RS inoculation significantly inhibited the growth of tomato seedlings, and all growth indices of plants grown in VRS were considerably higher than those produced in Peat. Taken together, VRS represents a new strategy to control tomato bacterial wilt through boosting the soil microbial populations and microbial activities. Furthermore, VRS promotes the plant immune response to provide a better growth environment for plants surviving in disease conditions.
Commensal Neisseria Are Shared between Sexual Partners: Implications for Gonococcal and Meningococcal Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Van Dijck Christophe , Laumen Jolein G. E. , Manoharan-Basil Sheeba S. , Kenyon Chris
Published: March 2020

Antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic Neisseria parallels reduced antimicrobial susceptibility in commensal Neisseria in certain populations, like men who have sex with men (MSM). Although this reduced susceptibility can be a consequence of frequent antimicrobial exposure at the individual level, we hypothesized that commensal Neisseria are transmitted between sexual partners. We used data from a 2014 microbiome study in which saliva and tongue swabs were taken from 21 couples (42 individuals). Samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We compared intimate partners with unrelated individuals and found that the oral Neisseria communities of intimate partners were more similar than those of unrelated individuals (average Morisita–Horn dissimilarity index for saliva samples: 0.54 versus 0.71, respectively (p = 0.005); and for tongue swabs: 0.42 versus 0.63, respectively (p = 0.006)). This similarity presumably results from transmission of oral Neisseria through intimate kissing. This finding suggests that intensive gonorrhea screening in MSM may, via increased antimicrobial exposure, promote, rather than prevent, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria. Non-antibiotic strategies such as vaccines and oral antiseptics could prove more sustainable options to reduce gonococcal prevalence.
Liposomes for Enhanced Bioavailability of Water-Insoluble Drugs: In Vivo Evidence and Recent Approaches
Authors: Lee Mi-Kyung
Published: March 2020

It has been known that a considerable number of drugs in clinical use or under development are water-insoluble drugs with poor bioavailability (BA). The liposomal delivery system has drawn attention as one of the noteworthy approaches to increase dissolution and subsequently absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract because of its biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate hydrophobic molecules in the lipid domain. However, there have been several drawbacks, such as structural instability in the GI tract and poor permeability across intestinal epithelia because of its relatively large size. In addition, there have been no liposomal formulations approved for oral use to date, despite the success of parenteral liposomes. Nevertheless, liposomal oral delivery has resurged with the rapid increase of published studies in the last decade. However, it is discouraging that most of this research has been in vitro studies only and there have not been many water-insoluble drugs with in vivo data. The present review focused on the in vivo evidence for the improved BA of water-insoluble drugs using liposomes to resolve doubts raised concerning liposomal oral delivery and attempted to provide insight by highlighting the approaches used for in vivo achievements.
Predicting Pharmaceutical Particle Size Distributions Using Kernel Mean Embedding
Authors: Van Hauwermeiren Daan , Stock Michiel , De Beer Thomas , Nopens Ingmar
Published: March 2020

In the pharmaceutical industry, the transition to continuous manufacturing of solid dosage forms is adopted by more and more companies. For these continuous processes, high-quality process models are needed. In pharmaceutical wet granulation, a unit operation in the ConsiGma TM -25 continuous powder-to-tablet system (GEA Pharma systems, Collette, Wommelgem, Belgium), the product under study presents itself as a collection of particles that differ in shape and size. The measurement of this collection results in a particle size distribution. However, the theoretical basis to describe the physical phenomena leading to changes in this particle size distribution is lacking. It is essential to understand how the particle size distribution changes as a function of the unit operation’s process settings, as it has a profound effect on the behavior of the fluid bed dryer. Therefore, we suggest a data-driven modeling framework that links the machine settings of the wet granulation unit operation and the output distribution of granules. We do this without making any assumptions on the nature of the distributions under study. A simulation of the granule size distribution could act as a soft sensor when in-line measurements are challenging to perform. The method of this work is a two-step procedure: first, the measured distributions are transformed into a high-dimensional feature space, where the relation between the machine settings and the distributions can be learnt. Second, the inverse transformation is performed, allowing an interpretation of the results in the original measurement space. Further, a comparison is made with previous work, which employs a more mechanistic framework for describing the granules. A reliable prediction of the granule size is vital in the assurance of quality in the production line, and is needed in the assessment of upstream (feeding) and downstream (drying, milling, and tableting) issues. Now that a validated data-driven framework for predicting pharmaceutical particle size distributions is available, it can be applied in settings such as model-based experimental design and, due to its fast computation, there is potential in real-time model predictive control.
piggyBac-Based Non-Viral In Vivo Gene Delivery Useful for Production of Genetically Modified Animals and Organs
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Inada Emi , Saitoh Issei , Watanabe Satoshi , Nakamura Shingo
Published: March 2020

In vivo gene delivery involves direct injection of nucleic acids (NAs) into tissues, organs, or tail-veins. It has been recognized as a useful tool for evaluating the function of a gene of interest (GOI), creating models for human disease and basic research targeting gene therapy. Cargo frequently used for gene delivery are largely divided into viral and non-viral vectors. Viral vectors have strong infectious activity and do not require the use of instruments or reagents helpful for gene delivery but bear immunological and tumorigenic problems. In contrast, non-viral vectors strictly require instruments (i.e., electroporator) or reagents (i.e., liposomes) for enhanced uptake of NAs by cells and are often accompanied by weak transfection activity, with less immunological and tumorigenic problems. Chromosomal integration of GOI-bearing transgenes would be ideal for achieving long-term expression of GOI. piggyBac (PB), one of three transposons (PB, Sleeping Beauty (SB), and Tol2) found thus far, has been used for efficient transfection of GOI in various mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we outline recent achievements of PB-based production of genetically modified animals and organs and will provide some experimental concepts using this system.