bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of the pectin hydrogels and inflammation response to their subcutaneous implantation
Authors: Markov Pavel A. , Khramova Darya S. , Shumikhin Konstantin V. , Nikitina Ida R. , Beloserov Vladislav S. , Martinson Ekaterina A. , Litvinets Sergey G. , Popov Sergey V.
Published: May 2019

We studied the influence of the mechanical properties of pectin hydrogels on acute inflammation and tissue repair after subcutaneous implantation. We used hard and soft pectin hydrogels. The results of histology and the analysis of serum‐level cytokines demonstrated that the intensity of acute inflammation increased with increasing hardness of the pectin hydrogels. We also showed that the pectin hydrogels did not inhibit tissue repair. The results of the morphometric and texture analysis of the pectin hydrogels showed that the in vivo biodegradation kinetics of hard hydrogels were greater than those of soft pectin hydrogels. We also observed that on the surface of the hard and soft pectin hydrogels, a network of collagen fibers was formed. The surface of the pectin hydrogel was shown to prevent the adhesion of infiltrating inflammatory cells. The results of the in vitro experiments demonstrated that pectin hydrogels inhibited the functional activity of macrophages and minimally activated the complement system. Therefore, we showed that soft pectin hydrogels have low proinflammatory potential and can be used in surgery as a barrier material as prevention of adhesions in the abdominal cavity. The hard pectin hydrogel can be used in tissue engineering. The hard pectin hydrogels can be used in the reconstruction of skin because are overpopulated with collagen fibers and contribute to the formation of new connective tissue, their elasticity is comparable to the skin and can be adjusted. They are biodegradable, and no additional manipulation is required to remove them.
In‐vitro dissolution characteristics and human adipose stem cell response to novel borophosphate glasses
Authors: Mishra Ayush , Ojansivu Miina , Autio Reija , Vanhatupa Sari , Miettinen Susanna , Massera Jonathan
Published: May 2019

The main drawbacks of traditional silicate bioactive glasses are their narrow hot forming domain and noncongruent dissolution. In this article, we report on new borophosphate glasses [xMnOm + (100 − x) (47.5P2O5 + 2.5B2O3 + 10Na2O + 20CaO + 20SrO)], MnOmbeing CuO, Ag2O, and CeO2, having high thermal processability, hence suitable for fiber drawing and sintering into scaffolds. Furthermore, the glasses dissolve congruently in simulated body fluid (SBF) and TRIS buffer solution, eventually leading to the precipitation of a reactive layer. Human adipose stem cells (hASC) were cultured in media enriched with glass extract at different dilutions, to investigate the optimal ion concentration for cell survival. Cells grew in all the extracts, except in the undiluted Cu‐doped glass extract. At dilution 1:10, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and cell proliferation were comparable to the control, while at 1:100, the cells proliferated faster than the control. Thus, the reference (undoped), Ag and Ce‐doped glasses were found to be suitable for cell viability and proliferation. Cytotoxicity assessments using the LDH assay indeed revealed the high cytotoxicity of the Cu extract. This raises questions about the use of Cu in bioactive glasses and its optimal concentration as a dopant.
Melatonin as a potential inhibitor of colorectal cancer: Molecular mechanisms
Authors: Shafabakhsh Rana , Reiter Russel J. , Davoodabadi Abdoulhossein , Asemi Zatollah
Published: May 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent disease and a major cause of mortality in the world. Several factors including population aging, poor dietary habits, obesity, insufficient physical activity, and smoking can explain its increased prevalence. CRC is a heterogeneous disease both histopathologically and in term of its molecular and genetic aspects. Melatonin a derivative of tryptophan, is synthesized and released from pineal gland but it is also found in numerous extrapineal tissues including retina, testes, lymphocytes, Harderian gland, gastrointestinal tract, etc. This molecule has several tasks which enhance physiological functions such as antioxidant, antiaging, immunomodulatory, and tumor inhibition. Multiple immunocytochemical studies reported melatonin in the intestinal mucosa where its concentration is greater than in the blood. These findings suggest that melatonin may have a potential inhibitory role in CRC progression. The purpose of this review is to examine the effects of melatonin in molecular pathogenesis and signaling pathways of CRC.
Evaluation of testis hormonal and histopathological alterations in type I and type II diabetic rats
Authors: Barsiah Saber , Behnam‐Rassouli Morteza , Shahabipour Fahimeh , Rostami Sareh , Sabbaghi Mohammad A. , Momeni Zeinab , Tavassoli Amin , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2019

Background

Diabetes is a devastating metabolic disease that causes long‐term damage to various organs. An important leading complication of diabetes is a degenerative effect on the reproductive system including infertility and gonadal dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of experimental type I and II diabetes on the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four separate groups: (1) type I diabetes (T1DM), (2) type II diabetes (T2DM), (3) cetrorelix acetate‐treated nondiabetic control group, and (4) normal untreated group (n = 6). T1DM was experimentally induced by a single injection of alloxan (135 mg/kg) while T2DM was induced by feeding the animals with drinking water enriched with fructose (10%). Cetrorelix acetate (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal for 1 week) treatment group was used as a positive control. All rats were killed and blood and testes were collected after 8 weeks of the study. The effects of induced diabetes on the levels of blood glucose and insulin were assessed. The levels of sex hormones and insulin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Histological staining was used to check abnormal patterns of testicular morphology, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, testicular diameter, and germinal layer thickness.

Results

A significant reduction in the testosterone, FSH, and LH levels were observed in T1DM, T2DM, and also in cetrorelix acetate‐treated groups. Analysis of testicular histology sections revealed significantly reduced thickness of cell layer in T1DM and cetrorelix acetate‐treated groups compared with the T2DM group. In T2DM, the cell numbers, the thickness of cell layer, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and weight of testicles were slightly increased. In contrast, total tubules of empty seminiferous increased significantly in T1D and cetrorelix treated groups compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Overall, diabetes can induce hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonad axis dysfunction, affects hormonal secretion, and causes histological damage to testes, collectively leading to deleterious effects on male fertility.
Superconductivity of light‐metal hydrides
Authors: Lv Hai‐Yan , Chen Ming , Feng Ye , Li Wen‐Jie , Zhong Guo‐Hua , Yang Chun‐Lei
Published: May 2019

Hydrogen‐rich materials are potential high‐temperature superconductors at pressures lower than metal hydrogen, mainly because hydrogen atoms can provide strong electron–phonon coupling and high phonon frequencies in hydrogen‐rich materials. This review provides a systematic overview of the crystal type, stability, pressure‐induced transition, metallization and superconductivity of binary light‐metal hydrides under high pressure.
Immunoassay of plasmonic gold‐nanoparticle clusters: Plasmon coupling effects for Parkinson biomarker detection
Authors: Ko Wen‐Yin , Chang Chia‐Yu , Chiang Yun‐Ting , Huang Li‐Ting , Huang Lih‐Wen , Lin Kuan‐Jiuh
Published: May 2019

A simple signal‐on plasmonic optical assay for the detection of the Parkinson biomarker using gold‐nanoparticle clusters (AuNCs) for signal amplification is presented. This approach is based on the improvement of the optical density (OD) change of the plasmonic band of a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) Au nanoparticle (AuNP) sensor interface using Au NCs conjugated antibodies. The amplification results in a 260‐fold improvement in concentration detection, from 1,000 ng/mL (unlabeled antibody) to 3.8 ng/mL (antibody‐conjugated AuNCs). The sensitivity enhancement can be ascribed to the further plasmonic coupling between the antibody‐conjugated AuNCs and the AuNPs on the LSPR interface and the enhanced amount of target molecule bound to the bioassay. This AuNCs‐assisted signal amplification strategy allows for improving the sensitivity of the plasmon‐based bioassays and can be extended to other optical‐based diagnostic technologies. Importantly, the simple detecting procedure and protocol assembly make it competitive with other existing sensing technologies such as ELISA, allowing for practical usage in clinical diagnostics.
Anode interlayer in organic photovoltaics: Narrow bandgap small molecular materials as exciton‐blocking layer
Authors: Golder Jan , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Chen Chin‐Ti
Published: May 2019

Six materials were used as an interlayer at the anode side (anode interlayer [AIL]) of an archetypical planar heterojunction organic solar cell (OSC). In addition to two conventional wide bandgap hole transport materials (HTMs), tris(4‐carbazol‐9‐ylphenyl)amine (TCTA) and trans‐4,4′‐bis[N‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐N‐phenylamino]stilbene (NPAE), we explore four narrow bandgap materials, bis(biphenylaminospiro)‐fumaronitrile (PhSPFN), bis(N‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐N‐phenylamino)anthraquinone (NPAAnQ), bis‐(di(2‐fluorophenyl)aminospiro)‐fumaronitrile (FPhSPFN), and bis[4‐(N‐(pyren‐1‐yl)‐N‐phenylamino)phenyl]fumaronitrile (PyPAFN), the energy levels of which essentially align with the ones of SubPc, the active light‐absorbing material of the OSC study herein. By using a narrow bandgap AIL, universally enhanced short‐circuit current density and power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) have been achieved. In addition, one of these materials, FPhSPFN, results in a PCE of 5.13%, which is the highest reported value for SubPc solar cells with a similar architecture. This is ascribed to the formation of an otherwise passive exciton‐blocking interface. Furthermore, this demonstrates that charge selectivity by way of a high‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level is not a prerequisite for successful AIL design. As such, in terms of energy level alignment and bandgap energies, we establish a viable alternative approach toward interface and interlayer material design.
Acetaminophen Protein Adducts in Hospitalized Children Receiving Multiple Doses of Acetaminophen
Authors: Jiang Sibo , Vozmediano Valvanera , Abdel‐Rahman Susan M. , Schmidt Stephan , James Laura P.
Published: May 2019

Previous reports have questioned the safety of multiple doses of acetaminophen administered to ill children. Acetaminophen protein adducts (adducts) are a biomarker of acetaminophen‐induced liver injury and reflect the oxidative metabolism of acetaminophen, a known mechanism in acetaminophen toxicity. In this prospective observational study, we analyzed adduct concentrations in 1034 blood samples obtained from 181 hospitalized children (1 to 18 years inclusive) who received 2 or more doses of acetaminophen. Linear regression analysis showed that serum adduct concentrations increased as a function of the cumulative acetaminophen dose, which could be attributed, in part, to a long half‐life of adducts (2.17 ± 1.04 days [mean ± standard deviation]) in children. However, few patients (2%) were found to have adduct concentrations higher than 1.0 nmol/mL, a previously identified toxicity cut point for the diagnosis of acetaminophen‐induced liver injury in patients with alanine aminotransferase values exceeding 1000 IU/L. A small cohort of patients with suspected infection was noted to show higher adduct concentrations. In addition, adduct concentrations showed a stronger correlation with cumulative acetaminophen doses in adolescents compared with children (R2 = 0.41 vs 0.26). No other covariates (body weight, body mass index z score, sex, race, or surgery) remarkably correlated with adduct elevation. In summary, low levels of adducts can be detected in hospitalized children receiving multiple doses of acetaminophen, and adduct levels correlate with cumulative acetaminophen dose.
Bicuspid aortic valve with right‐sided aortic arch aneurysm and Kommerell's diverticulum
Authors: Zhao Cuiting , Sun Yang , Wang Yonghuai , Li Guangyuan , Meng Pingping , Liu Shuang , Yang Jun , Ma Chunyan
Published: May 2019

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital cardiac malformation, frequently combined with ascending aorta dilation. However, isolated abnormalities of the aortic arch are less frequent in BAV patients. Here, we present a rare case of BAV combined with right‐sided aortic arch aneurysm, aberrant left subclavian artery, and Kommerell's diverticulum, diagnosed by echocardiography and computed tomography angiography. The patient was followed‐up regularly because of the life‐threatening risks of aortic arch aneurysms.
Taxonomic importance of spore morphology in Thelypteridaceae from Northern Pakistan
Authors: Shah Syed N. , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Ullah Fazal , Zaman Wajid , Malik Khafsa , Rashid Neelam , Gul Saba
Published: May 2019

Spore morphology of Thelypteridaceae species growing in Malakand Division, Northern Pakistan, was studied using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The taxa are Christella dentata and Glaphyropteridopsis erubescens in the subfamily Thelypteridoideae, and Phegopteris connectilis, Pseudophegopteris pyrrhorhachis, and Pseudophegopteris levingei in the subfamily Phegopteridoideae. The studied species exhibit differences in spore size, exospore thickness, color, and ornamentation. Spores of the studied species are monolete and medium‐sized, and shape is ellipsoidal in both polar and equatorial views. The average measurement of the polar diameter ranges from 27 μm to 31 μm, whereas in the equatorial direction it varied from 20 μm to 40 μm. The exospore thickness ranges from 1.2 μm to 2.4 μm. Reticulate, laevigate with microgranules, cristate, and coarsely echinate surface ornamentation are observed among the species. Multivariate analysis including unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean and principal component analysis was used for the grouping and discrimination of species and genera.
Morphological description of smell glands in Cyclopes didactylus
Authors: de Sousa Diego F. , Branco Érika , Giese Elane G. , da Silva Leila M. , Santos Juliana T. , Mesquita Ellen Y. E. , de Lima Ana R.
Published: May 2019

A macroscopic and microscopic study of the mandibular organ of the silky anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) was carried out. The organ extends from below the zygomatic bone line to the middle of the mandible body, between the skin and the masseter muscle, on both sides of the animal. It has an average length of 11.7 mm and a width of 6.3 mm. In the mesoscopic analysis, it was observed that the organ presents in yellowish color due to the high amount of sebaceous content. In the histological analysis, the mandibular organ was observed to be composed of innumerable alveoli of the specialized sebaceous gland, surrounded by a layer of adventitia tunica. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed an apparent alveolar division with what appeared to be a sulcus at its center. The information here presented regarding the constitution and location of this structure has not been previously explored for other species and differs with respect to other descriptions for anteaters. Based on the present study, it is suggested that the mandibular organ is involved in social interaction in this species.
Building primary care in Japan: Literature review
Authors: Kato Daisuke , Ryu Hikohaku , Matsumoto Tomoki , Abe Kazuhiro , Kaneko Makoto , Ko Mezhen , Irving Greg , Ramsay Robin , Kondo Masatoshi
Published: May 2019

Japan's health system is well known for achieving one of the world's highest life expectancy with universal health coverage. However, the country now faces challenges of a rapidly aging population and changes in patterns and burden of disease. Primary care is an important component of a well‐functioning health system. In Japan, primary care services are provided in both the community and hospital settings. The distinction between primary and secondary care may not always be clear. This review is based on the framework from the 2015 WHO publication on primary care systems in Europe. Our aim is to describe the journey of primary care in Japan, with its past, present, and future as a valuable addition to the academic English literature. We also hope that this article would inspire readers outside of Japan who might face similar issues in their respective countries.
Risk Aversion and Diversification Strategies
Authors: Krause Brooke L.
Published: May 2019

Diversifying agricultural assets and income sources is a critical strategy employed by the poor to meet their critical needs, mitigate risks and respond to shocks. Relative to non‐poor households, poor households are more likely to face constraints to asset ownership, which may impact their ability to improve their welfare. This paper uses primary data collected from the Guatemalan Highlands, including an experiment to elicit risk preferences, to describe the association between risk preferences and a household's agricultural assets and income diversification using a model that controls for fixed effects at the community level. The findings suggest limited evidence that higher risk aversion is positively related to asset ownership. While one might expect risk averse individuals to diversify their household's sources of income, the results from this study suggest only limited evidence of this occurring in Highland Guatemala. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interfaces between microbes and membranes of host epithelial cells in hemipteran midguts
Authors: Nardi James B. , Miller Lou Ann , Bee Charles Mark
Published: May 2019

Certain families of plant‐feeding insects in the order Hemiptera (infraorder Pentatomomorpha) have established symbiotic relationships with microbes that inhabit specific pouches (caeca) of their midgut epithelium. The placement of these caeca in a well‐delineated region at the most posterior end of the midgut bordering the hindgut is conserved in these families; in situ the convoluted midgut is predictably folded so that this caecal region lies adjacent to the anterior‐most region of the midgut. Depending on the hemipteran family, caeca vary in their number and configuration at a given anterior–posterior location. At the host‐microbe interface, epithelial plasma membranes of midgut epithelial cells interact with nonself antigens of microbial surfaces. In the different hemipteran species examined, a continuum of interactions is observed between microbes and host membranes. Bacteria can exist as free living cells within the midgut lumen without contacting host membranes while other host cells physically interact extensively with microbial surfaces by extending numerous processes that interdigitate with microbes; and, in many instances, processes completely envelope the microbes. The host cells can embrace the foreign microbes, completely enveloping each with a single host membrane or sometimes enveloping each with the two additional host membranes of a phagosome.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and risk of ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rujirachun Pongprueth , Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Winijkul Arjbordin , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: May 2019

Background

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) has been traditionally considered as a benign rhythm disorder. However, recent studies have suggested that patients with PSVT may have a higher risk of ischemic stroke although the data are limited and inconclusive. The current systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted with the aims to identify all available studies and summarize their results together to better characterize the risk of ischemic stroke among patients with PSVT.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted by searching for published articles indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception through November 11, 2018 to identify all observational studies that compared the risk of ischemic stroke between patients with PSVT and individuals without PSVT. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird.

Results

A total 5 studies (4 cohort studies and 1 case‐control study) with 4 886 977 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included into the meta‐analysis. The risk of ischemic stroke among patients with PSVT was significantly higher than individuals without PSVT with the pooled RR of 2.03 (95% CI, 1.22‐3.38, I2 = 89%).

Conclusion

This study found that PSVT is associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Whether this association is causal and how it should be addressed in clinical practice require further investigations.
Cold‐tolerant endoglucanase producing ability of Mrakia robertii A2‐3 isolated from cryoconites, Hamtha glacier, Himalaya
Authors: Dhume Gandhali M. , Maharana Abhas K. , Tsuji Masaharu , Srivastava Alok K. , Singh Shiv M.
Published: May 2019

A psychrotolerant yeast strain Mrakia robertii A2‐3 isolated from cryoconites of Hamtah glacier, Himalaya, India was investigated for the production of cold‐tolerant endoglucanase. Optimum endoglucanase production was found at 15°C with an initial pH of 5.5, and potent inducers were 1% wt/vol of xylose and KNO3 and 0.1% wt/vol of NaCl. Under optimum conditions, the enzyme production was 1.81‐fold higher than the unoptimized conditions. Crude enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by dialysis. The enzyme was purified to 2.53‐fold and the yield was 6.03% with specific activity of 17.38 U/mg and molecular weight ~57 kDa. The Km and Vmax values of the partially purified enzyme were found to be 1.57 mg/ml and 142.85 U/mg, respectively. The characterization study revealed that the best temperature was 15°C for activity and stability. Furthermore, the enzyme showed the highest activity at pH 11.0 and was stable at pH 6.0. Fe2+, Mn2+, Na2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ca2+ proved to be activators of endoglucanase. Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid showed very low effect on the enzyme activity whereas it was active with Tween‐80 and sodium deoxycholate. The present study successfully produced a cold‐active endoglucanase with novel properties making it promising as a biocatalyst for industrial processes.
Climatology and change of extreme precipitation events in Taiwan based on weather types
Authors: Wu Yi‐chao , Wang S.‐Y. Simon , Yu Yi‐Chiang , Kung Chu‐Ying , Wang An‐Hsiang , Los Sebastian A. , Huang Wan‐Ru
Published: May 2019

Taiwan's most significant natural hazards are caused by hydrological extremes resulting from excessive precipitation. The threat of extreme precipitation is posed by several different types of weather patterns that affect Taiwan. This study examined the bi‐decadal changes in rainfall by defining an extreme precipitation occurrence (EPO) for a range of event durations from 1 to 24 hr. Three major weather types affecting EPO in Taiwan were identified from 1993 to 2015: the front type consisting of either a frontal zone or convective systems developing with an apparent Meiyu cloudband, diurnal rainfall events when no apparent synoptic features are present, and a tropical cyclone (TC) type according to the maximum sustained wind radius of a TC. Results show that TC‐type events have the greatest overall contribution to EPO at longer (>6 hr) durations. Diurnal/afternoon convection events contribute most to the shorter (<3 hr) duration EPO, while frontal/Meiyu systems prevail in the medium (3–6 hr) duration. EPO of almost all durations have experienced an increase, with the 3‐ and 12‐hr EPO having increased by 4.6 days each over the 23 years. However, apparent decadal‐scale variability exists in these EPO associated with the decreasing tendency of EPO after the mid‐2000s, particularly the longer duration (>6 hr) EPO associated with the TC‐type events in summer. The distinction between EPO trends for the entire island of Taiwan and for the Taipei metropolitan area alone (northern Taiwan, population of 7 million) were compared, and an intriguing interannual variation is reported in the TC‐type EPO associated with the TC season 1 year to a year and half just before an El Niño–Southern Oscillation event. The analysis here provides refined statistical distributions of extreme rainfall, and these can contribute to the revision of governmental definitions for weather disasters that are used in mitigation and response strategies.
Space–time variability of drought over Vietnam
Authors: Le Phong V. V. , Phan‐Van Tan , Mai Khiem V. , Tran Duc Q.
Published: May 2019

Drought may have severe societal, economic, and environmental consequences. However, the space–time characteristics of drought over Vietnam remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the spatio‐temporal variability of drought using the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) over mainland Vietnam for the 1980–2014 period. Through data analysis at 131 stations, we identified the main characteristics, historical trends, and dominant variability of drought across seven climatic sub‐regions in Vietnam. The results show regional patterns of drought duration, inter‐arrival time, frequency, and severity, but no consistent trend of drought variation during the study period. Based on the supply and demand concepts of water balance, PDSI captures well the large frequency and severity of drought in some sub‐regions that are related to soil moisture deficit associated with high temperature and low rainfall during summer. Moreover, drought over Vietnam was predominantly controlled by climate seasonality. The linkages between drought in Vietnam and large‐scale drivers are quite different among areas, suggesting a possibility of early prediction for drought at some sub‐regions using ENSO.
Best practice guidelines for abstract screening large‐evidence systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Polanin Joshua R. , Pigott Terri D. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Grotpeter Jennifer K.
Published: May 2019

Abstract screening is one important aspect of conducting a high‐quality and comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis. Abstract screening allows the review team to conduct the tedious but vital first step to synthesize the extant literature: winnowing down the overwhelming amalgamation of citations discovered through research databases to the citations that should be “full‐text” screened and eventually included in the review. Although it is a critical process, few guidelines have been put forth since the publications of seminal systematic review textbooks. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to provide a practical set of best practice guidelines to help future review teams and managers. Each of the 10 proposed guidelines is explained using real‐world examples or illustrations from applications. We also delineate recent experiences where a team of abstract screeners double‐screened 14 923 abstracts in 89 days.
Effect of variety, soil fertility status and agronomic treatments on carrot mineral and phytochemical composition and consumer liking of flavor traits
Authors: Stefanson Amanda L , Tsao Rong , Liu Ronghua , Duizer Lisa , Bakovic Marica , Martin Ralph C
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of variety (Nantes and Imperator), soil fertility status (high and low) and agronomic treatments on yield and quality traits of carrot composition and sensory factors. The treatments compared synthetic nitrogen at conventionally recommended amounts with compost‐sourced nitrogen (high and low rates) and a range of amendments (compost, compost tea, micronutrients and foliar treatments). Additionally, we intended to identify factors affecting polyacetylene accumulation in carrots, owing to the growing interest in their health effects and paucity of agronomic information on their bioaccumulation in carrots.

RESULTS

Imperator accumulated more minerals, produced more phytochemicals and had higher antioxidant capacity than Nantes, which had more carotenoids. However, consumers preferred the flavor of Nantes over Imperator. High‐fertility soil produced carrots of superior nutritional quality than did low‐fertility soil, regardless of year‐of‐application amendments, the effects of which were often variety‐dependent. High soil biological activity was able to overcome low fertility status and stimulate greater yield. Carrot phosphorus was correlated with falcarindiol biosynthesis. Chlorogenic acid and falcarindiol were correlated with antioxidant capacity, but not falcarinol or total phenolic compounds.

CONCLUSION

Carrots were not strongly affected by agronomic treatments in terms of yield or phytochemical status; however, soil biological activity overcame a soil nutrient deficit in terms of yield. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant status were generally higher in the high‐fertility site, whereas polyacetylenes were variety‐dependent. Chlorogenic acid and falcarindiol were associated with antioxidant capacity, but not total phenolic compounds and carotenoids. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evolution of volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of edible green seaweed (Ulva rigida) during storage at different temperatures
Authors: Sánchez‐García Fini , Mirzayeva Aytan , Roldán Ana , Castro Remedios , Palacios Victor , García‐Barroso Carmelo , Durán‐Guerrero Enrique
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Edible seaweeds are one of the most important resources that currently exist for their multiple uses and applications. Like other food types, during their storage there are significant changes in sensory characteristics associated with loss of freshness and with production and/or degradation of their volatile compounds. In this study, multiple headspace sorptive extraction (MHSSE) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) detection has been applied to an edible green seaweed (Ulva rigida) in order to determine the evolution of volatile compounds during storage for 12 days at 4 or 16 °C.

RESULTS

The existing analytical methodology has been updated and validated for 18 additional compounds. At the end, 41 volatile compounds from different chemical families were quantified. Aldehydes, carboxylic acids and esters were the main classes found in U. rigida. Analytical and sensory data were submitted for statistical analysis. During storage, most volatile compounds were only affected by the number of storage days (P < 0.05), with significant decreases as storage time increased. Sensory analysis revealed significant changes in the samples stored for longer times (8, 10 and 12 days), with a clear influence of the boiled vegetable descriptor.

CONCLUSION

In order to get a successful preservation of seaweeds and to maintain their marine character during storage, both temperature and time should be carefully controlled. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Voltage‐gated sodium channel 1.7 expression decreases in dorsal root ganglia in a spinal nerve ligation neuropathic pain model
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Shao‐Jin , Yang Lin , Fang Xiao‐Lei , Hu Hao‐Fan , Zhao Ming‐Yue , Li Lei , Guo Yan‐Yan , Shao Jin‐Ping
Published: May 2019

The role of the voltage‐gated sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) is unclear in models of neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury. In the present study, we measured expression levels of Nav1.7 in two distinct neuropathic pain models: spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and chronic constriction injury (CCI). In the SNL model, both mRNA and protein levels of Nav1.7 were markedly lower in the L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) but were significantly higher in the L4 DRG. Nav1.7 protein levels were notably higher in both L4 and L5 DRGs under CCI conditions. We found that excessive damage of L5 nerves such as SNL reduced expression levels of Nav1.7 in the injured L5 DRG and activated the adjacent uninjured DRG, resulting in Nav1.7 level increases in the adjacent L4 DRG. We confirmed again that Nav1.7 was closely related to neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury. More importantly, our results suggest that tracing the molecular changes exclusively in the L5 DRG in SNL model may not completely explain the pain mechanism; it is necessary to study the adjacent uninjured L4 DRG.
Auditory comprehension outcomes in children who receive a cochlear implant before 12 months of age
Authors: Mitchell Ryan M. , Christianson Erin , Ramirez Rebecca , Onchiri Frankline M. , Horn David L. , Pontis Lauren , Miller Craig , Norton Susan , Sie Kathleen C.Y.
Published: May 2019

Objective

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for cochlear implantation (CI) include age greater than 12 months. Studies have suggested that implantation in children younger than 12 months with congenital deafness may be associated with better spoken language outcomes.

Compare auditory comprehension (AC) outcomes for children with congenital deafness who received CI less than 12 months of age to those implanted at 12 to 24 months of age.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data in consecutively implanted patients under 2 years of age who received CI and had post‐CI Preschool Language Scale (PLS)‐AC scores. Receptive language was assessed with the AC subtest of the PLS. Patients without pre‐CI PLS‐AC scores were excluded. The association between age at implantation and post‐CI PLS‐AC scores up to 2 years after CI surgery was modeled using a linear mixed‐effects model. Time from CI surgery, number of implants, risk factors for language delay, pre‐CI PLS‐AC score, and sex were included in the model. Patients implanted less than 12 months of age were compared to those implanted between 12 and 24 months.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients who had CI surgery by 12 months and 82 who had CI surgery between 12 and 24 months were included in the analysis. Younger age at implantation and better pre‐CI PLS‐AC scores were significantly associated with better post‐CI PLS‐AC scores.

Conclusion

Cochlear implantation in children with congenital deafness less than 12 months of age was associated with better PLS‐AC than in children implanted over 12 months of age up to 2 years after implantation.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:776–781, 2020
Low‐risk assessment of swallowing impairment using flexible endoscopy without food or liquid
Authors: Imaizumi Mitsuyoshi , Suzuki Toshihiko , Matsuzuka Takashi , Murono Shigeyuki , Omori Koichi
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a relatively safe procedure to determine the safety of oral feeding, and consists of the introduction of food and liquid as well as a sensitivity test. However, the introduction of food and liquid can cause pneumonia or suffocation secondary to aspiration. To solve this problem, we investigated the possibility of performing FEES without introduction of food or liquid (referred to hereafter as FEES screen) to assess swallowing impairment severity.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 106 subjects with swallowing impairment underwent conventional FEES, and both their salivary pooling degree and larynx sensitivity were analyzed to detect swallowing impairment without the introduction of food or liquid. The subjects were divided into two groups: an undetectable swallowing impairment (USI) group and a detectable swallowing impairment (DSI) group. The general characteristics, functional impairment status, and clinical assistance requirements of the two groups were investigated and compared.

Results

The numbers of subjects in the USI and DSI groups were 64 and 42, respectively. The DSI group showed a significantly higher prevalence of aspiration during FEES, and their required levels of care were also significantly higher. Additionally, their levels of consciousness, oral intake ability, and activities of daily living were significantly low compared to the USI group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of FEES screen for assessment of swallowing impairment severity. Using our low‐risk assessment, we were able to identify subjects with low oral intake ability as well as those who required intervention.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:2249–2252, 2019
Evaluation of a Rapid Assessment Questionnaire Using a Biomarker for Dietary Intake of n‐3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Angelotti Austin , Cole Rachel M. , Schnell Patrick M. , Raatz Susan K. , Belury Martha A.
Published: May 2019

While there is considerable evidence supporting health benefits of consuming diets high in omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids, there is no quick and effective tool to measure n‐3 intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a rapid assessment questionnaire (the Omega‐3 Checklist) used to quantify intake of n‐3 fatty acids. This was done by comparing n‐3 intakes to blood biomarkers of n‐3 exposure in a population of healthy men and women. In addition, a separate analysis was run including covariates age, sex, and weight, which have been shown to affect n‐3 biomarker levels. Reported intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docoshexaenoic acid (DHA), and EPA + DHA was correlated with erythrocyte EPA (Spearman’s rank correlation rs = 0.51, p < 0.001), DHA (rs = 0.54, p < 0.001), and the Omega‐3 Index (rs = 0.57, p < 0.001). These associations remained significant when controlling for age, sex, and weight. Therefore, the Omega‐3 Checklist can be a useful, rapid assessment tool to estimate individuals’ EPA and DHA intake.
Famine Exposure during the Fetal Period Increased the Risk of Dyslipidemia in Female Adults
Authors: Yao Huihui , Li Li
Published: May 2019

Chronic diseases are gradually becoming public health challenges around the world. This study was designed to explore the relationship between early life exposure to famine in China and the risk of dyslipidemia during adulthood. A total of 604 subjects born from 1955 to 1965 received a health checkup and completed a questionnaire survey at the health management center of the tertiary hospital in Hefei, China, in 2013. A logistic regression model was used to assess dyslipidemia in famine‐exposed and nonexposed individuals. Overall, exposure to famine during the fetal (OR 1.37; 95% CI: 0.90–2.10; and p = 0.14) and childhood (OR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.67–1.41; and p = 0.89) periods did not significantly increase the risk of dyslipidemia in adulthood compared with no exposure group. For females, exposure to famine during the fetal period (OR 2.00; 95% CI: 1.03–3.86; and p = 0.04) significantly increased the risk of dyslipidemia in adulthood compared to no exposure; however, this difference was not found in males. Exposure to famine in early life leads to altered lipid distribution in adulthood, and the risk of dyslipidemia significantly increased in adult women who were exposed to famine during the fetal period. Our study further validated the relationship between famine exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of dyslipidemia in female adult offspring. This study provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of abnormal blood lipid levels in adults.
Reduced water motion enhances organic carbon stocks in temperate eelgrass meadows
Authors: Prentice Carolyn , Hessing‐Lewis Margot , Sanders‐Smith Rhea , Salomon Anne K.
Published: May 2019

Organic carbon (OC) storage in coastal vegetated ecosystems is increasingly being considered in carbon financing and climate change mitigation strategies. However, spatial heterogeneity in these “blue carbon” stocks among and within habitats has only recently been examined, despite its considerable implications. Seagrass meadows have potential to store significant amounts of carbon in their sediments, yet studies comparing sediment OC content at regional and meadow scales remain sparse. Here, we collected sediment cores from six temperate eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows on the coast of British Columbia, Canada, to quantify sediment OC stocks, accumulation rates, and sources, and to examine local and regional drivers of variability. Sediment OC content was highly variable—across all sites, stocks in the top 0–5 cm ranged from 83 to 1089 g OC m−2, while the 15–20 cm stocks exhibited a 24‐fold difference, from 59 to 1407 g OC m−2. Carbon accumulation rates ranged from 4 to 33 g OC m−2 yr−1. Isotopic mixing models revealed that sediment OC was primarily terrestrial carbon (41.3%) and canopy‐forming kelps (33.3%), with a smaller contribution of eelgrass (25.3%). Here, we show that regional variability in OC content exceeds meadow‐scale variability. This result is likely driven by landscape factors, most notably relative water motion, representing a more dominant control on seagrass OC accumulation than meadow‐scale factors such as canopy complexity. These findings elicit caution when scaling up seagrass meadow OC content and demonstrate that measures of the hydrodynamic environment could improve estimates of carbon storage in temperate soft sediment habitats.
3D Printing of Tough Gels Having Tunable Elastic Modulus from the Same Pre‐Gel Solution
Authors: Ota Takafumi , Saito Azusa , Tase Taishi , Sato Kei , Tanaka Masanobu , Yoshida Kazunari , Takamatsu Kyuuichiro , Kawakami Masaru , Furukawa Hidemitsu
Published: May 2019

A gel forming method with sections with different elastic modulus is developed. Gels with hardness distribution are formed from one base gel material by adjusting the crosslinking density of the polymer network using a 3D gel printer. It is confirmed that hardness is arranged as designed by using mixing rules of composite materials. Furthermore, as a prototype of a practical gel application, a gel finger model having a soft‐fleshy part and a hard‐bony part is printed. 3D printing of an organ model that reproduces a realistic feel that takes not only the shape of the organ but also the distribution of hardness into consideration may become possible.
Phenotypic features of a microdeletion in chromosome band 20p13: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fang Hung‐Hsiang , Liu Shih‐Yao , Wang Ying‐Fu , Chiang Che‐Ming , Liu Chiung‐Chen , Lin Chien‐Ming
Published: May 2019

Background

20p13 microdeletion syndrome has been reported to be associated with developmental delays, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and unspecific dysmorphic characteristics. However, only a few cases of 20p13 microdeletion have been described, and therefore its typical features and precise pathogenesis remain elusive.

Methods and Results

In this article, we report the case of a 9‐month‐old infant who presented with a large fontanelle, facial dysmorphism, and failure to thrive. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis confirmed a 2.01‐Mb microdeletion in chromosome band 20p13 that involved SOX12 and NRSN2, both of which are considered paramount causative genes in patients with 20p13 microdeletion. To elucidate the typical features of 20p13 microdeletion, we further reviewed these previously reported cases and found that motor delay (90%) was the most common manifestation, followed by language delay (60%), abnormal digits (60%), mental retardation (50%), large fontanelle (50%), electroencephalography abnormalities (50%), and seizure (40%).

Conclusion

This report highlights the potential of aCGH as a practical and powerful tool with which to detect submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities in individuals presenting with a wide spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from facial dysmorphism to failure to thrive. Additionally, the literature review casts new light on the clinical features of 20p13 microdeletion.
Biotransformation of Myricetin: A Novel Metabolic Pathway to Produce Aminated Products in Mice
Authors: Zhang Shuwei , Wang Ronghui , Zhao Yantao , Tareq Fakir Shahidullah , Sang Shengmin
Published: May 2019

Scope

In this study, whether amination is a novel metabolic pathway of myricetin, one of the major dietary flavonoids found in fruits, vegetables, and tea, and whether the aminated metabolite of myricetin remains bioactive, are investigated.

Methods and results

It is found that myricetin with a vic‐trihydroxyl group on the B ring can chemically react with ammonia via the formation of myricetin quinone to generate the aminated product in vitro. As expected, the amination occurs on position 4´ of the B‐ring of myricetin. The structure of this new product is confirmed by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and is named 4´‐NH2‐myricetin. Using the synthetic 4´‐NH2‐myricetin as a standard, the presence of this compound is searched for in fecal samples collected from myricetin‐treated mice using LC–MS, and 4´‐NH2‐myricetin is confirmed as the metabolite of myricetin in mice for the first time. Furthermore, two metabolites of myricetin, the mono‐methylated myricetin and the microbial‐derived metabolite 3,4,5‐trihydroxyphenylacetic acid, are confirmed to be aminated in vivo based on LC–MS data analysis. After administration of different doses of myricetin through oral gavage, the amination of myricetin shows a dose‐dependent response in feces. A similar trend is observed for the amination of the mono‐methylated myricetin, but not for the microbial‐derived metabolite 3,4,5‐trihydroxyphenylacetic acid. In plasma, the trend of a dose‐dependent response for the amination of myricetin and its mono methylated metabolite is observed, and the plasma concentration of the aminated 3,4,5‐trihydroxyphenylacetic acid at 200 mg kg–1 dose is significantly higher than those at the 100 and 400 mg kg–1 doses. Interestingly, it is observed that the aminated myricetin retains the anti‐inflammatory activity of myricetin.

Conclusion

This result demonstrates that amination is a novel biotransformation mechanism of myricetin to produce aminated metabolites.