bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of an augmented commercial weight loss program on increasing physical activity and reducing psychological distress in women with overweight or obesity: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Breslin Gavin , Sweeney Leeanne , Shannon Stephen , Murphy Marie , Hanna Donncha , Meade Mary , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the effects of augmenting an evidence-based physical activity intervention within an existing commercial weight loss program to assess effects on increasing physical activity and reducing psychological distress.

Design/methodology/approach

The CONSORT guidelines were adopted for the study. In total, 49 women with overweight or obesity (Mage=39.5, SD:12.4;MBody Mass Index=31.02, SD: 2.10) enrolled in a six week commercial weight loss program were randomized to an intervention or a control group. Participants in the control group received care as usual; participants in the intervention group additionally received an evidence-based intervention to increase physical activity that included behavior change techniques including implementation intentions, goal-setting and self-monitoring.

Findings

Weekly steps increased in the intervention group (M=31,516.25; SD=9,310.17 toM=62,851.36; SD=13,840.4) significantly more (p<0.001,ηp2=0.32) than in the control group (M=30,207.67; SD=7,833.29) toM=46,969.33 (SD=9,470.96), along with experiencing significantly lower anxiety (p<0.001,ηp2=0.15), social dysfunction (p<0.001,ηp2=0.16) and depression symptoms (p<0.05,ηp2=0.08) at follow-up.

Research limitations/implications

This intervention warrants extension to those seeking to improve mental health through physical activity.

Originality/value

This study took a novel approach of augmenting a commercial weight loss program with a theory-based physical activity module, showing positive effects for physical activity behavior and psychological health.
CEO selection, reference setting, and postsuccession strategic change
Authors: Liu Xin , Atinc Guclu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Drawing on the literature on CEO succession research and impression management, the present study examines how the selection of CEO successors affects their motivation to initiate postsuccession strategic change. Based on the perspective of reference-dependence in prospect theory, the study also explores the impact of boards' reference-point setting on the intensity of CEO successors' inclination to change corporate strategy after assuming office.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-stage Heckman model and a spline function analysis are used to analyze data of 4,373 firm-year observations from Chinese listed companies between 2001 and 2016.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that the intensity of CEO successors' willingness to change corporate strategy is diluted by the gap between the focal firm's performance on succession and its prior performance, while it is strengthened by the gap between the focal firm's performance on succession and the industry-average level of performance

Originality/value

By establishing a theoretical model, the present study analyzes the process of CEO selection to explore the role of boards of directors in this process and its effect on CEO successors' willingness to initiate postsuccession strategic change. Significantly, this study shows that the boards of directors would adopt internal and external reference setting when evaluating CEO successors in the postsuccession phase, which would impact the intensity of successors' motivation to manage impression by initiating postsuccession strategic change.
Adaptive reuse of historic buildings: connecting the links between tourist appreciation and visitation
Authors: Ariffin Adlin Baizura , Zahari Mohd Salehuddin Mohd , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This article aims to illustrate the influence of the adaptive reuse of historic buildings on tourists’ appreciation and actual visitation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed the perception of tourists on the adaptive reuse of historic buildings activity in Kuching city, Malaysia, via the causal research design and self-administered questionnaire. Two hundred forty-two respondents participated in this survey.

Findings

This study found that the tourists highly acknowledged the practices of adaptive reuse of the historic buildings. Their positive behaviour is evident when most of the tourists perceived the adaptive reuse of the historic buildings influence their level of appreciation and subsequently translated it into their actual visitation.

Practical implications

Based on these findings, this study proposes that the adaptive reuse of historic buildings be marketed as a heritage tourism product. This promising indication from the tourists will undoubtedly draw several practical implications to the local authority policy on the practices of historic buildings adaptive reuse and how it benefits the heritage tourism development.

Originality/value

This study confirms that adaptive reuse is an excellent initiative as it is not only preserving the historical treasures for future generations but is a catalyst for tourism development and helps to generate income for the community.
Meningitis and bacteremia by nonhemolytic Group B Streptococcus strain: A whole genome analysis
Authors: Shimizu Akihiko , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Kuroda Makoto , Koizumi Aya , Fujita Masahiro , Yamada Yoshiyuki , Saruki Nobuhiro
Published: June 2020

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal infections. Most isolates are β‐hemolytic, and their activity is considered to be pivotal for GBS pathogenicity. We report a case of a neonate with meningitis caused by nonhemolytic GBS. The patient developed meningitis 3 days after birth. Genotyping was performed and the characteristics of the strain (GCMC97051) identified by whole genome sequence using next generation sequencing. GCMC97051 possesses genetic alterations such as disruption of cylA by IS1381A insertion and a frameshift mutation in cylE, resulting in a lack of hemolysis. Thus, nonhemolytic GBS can retain the potential to cause invasive infections.
Genecology and ecophysiology of the maintenance of foliar phenotypic polymorphisms of Leptospermum recurvum (Myrtaceae) under oscillating atmospheric desiccation in the tropical‐subalpine zone of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
Authors: Ando Soichi , Isagi Yuji , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: June 2020

We investigated genecology and ecophysiological mechanisms of the polymorphism of leaf trichome density of Leptospermum recurvum Hook. f. (Myrtaceae) in the deglaciated summit zone above 3,000 m a.s.l. of Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo. Various phenotypes with variable foliar trichome densities occurred sympatrically in the same population, and the composition of coexisting phenotypes varied substantially among populations. We conducted a common garden experiment by sowing seeds from multiple maternal trees of different leaf trichome densities. We found a significant relation between pubescence of maternal trees and offspring, which indicated that leaf trichome density had a genetic basis. Microsatellite analysis revealed that there was no barrier to gene flows among phenotypes or among populations, and very low neutral genetic differentiation among populations with high gene flows for both directions of phenotypes. The soils in the sites dominated by pubescent trees were significantly more desiccated than in the sites dominated by glabrous trees during a short drought. Glabrous trees had a significantly greater mortality rate than pubescent trees after an intensive El Niño drought (13.7 vs. 3.9%) in the same sites where both phenotypes occurred sympatrically. Pubescent individuals demonstrated a significantly greater photosynthetic water‐use efficiency than glabrous individuals. El Niño droughts could cause large difference in soil moisture among sites and that a greater desiccation stress removed glabrous phenotypes as one end of divergent natural selection to form pubescent populations. These results implied that the process shaping the phenotypic polymorphisms involved strong gene flows combined with ongoing divergent selection.
Microbiological and technological parameters impacting the chemical composition and sensory quality of kombucha
Authors: Tran Thierry , Grandvalet Cosette , Verdier François , Martin Antoine , Alexandre Hervé , Tourdot‐Maréchal Raphaëlle
Published: June 2020

Kombucha is a beverage made from sugared tea transformed by yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. Being originally homemade, it has become an industrially produced soft drink whose quality standards are poorly defined and whose production process is still not fully controlled. Based on current knowledge in beverages, links between kombucha's chemical composition and sensorial compounds are drawn. Macromolecules create turbidity, whereas uncharacterized tea pigments derivatives participate in the color. Residual sugars bring sweetness and organic acids produced by acetic acid bacteria form its characteristic sour taste. Acetic acid is also part of its aroma profile, although little data are available on the smell of kombucha. Carbon dioxide, potentially polyphenols, and residual ethanol are involved in the mouthfeel. In this review, after defining the key compounds that shape the characteristic sensory properties of kombucha, the impact of different production parameters is discussed. Water composition is determinant in the extraction of tea compounds along with the tea type and infusion duration and temperature. The type and amount of sweeteners play a role in the sweetness and influences the production kinetics. Similarly, the amount of inoculum and its microbial composition have an effect on the production, but the role of the vessels' geometry and temperature are also essential parameters that can be used to adjust the acidification phase's duration. Despite the amount of research carried out, further investigations of kombucha's sensory characteristics are needed. Such research could lead to a better definition of kombucha's quality and to an improved control over its production process.
Combination of Alcalase 2.4 L and CaCl2 for aqueous extraction of peanut oil
Authors: Zhou Longzheng , Chen Fusheng , Liu Kunlun , Zhu Tingwei , Jiang Lianzhou
Published: June 2020

The combined application of CaCl2 and Alcalase 2.4 L to the aqueous extraction process of peanuts was evaluated as a method to destabilize the oil body (OB) emulsion and improve the oil yield. After adding 5 mM CaCl2, the oil yield was reached to 92.0% which was similar with that obtained using Alcalase 2.4 L alone, and the required enzyme loading was decreased by approximately 60 times. In addition, the demulsification mechanism during aqueous extraction process was also investigated. Particle size and zeta‐potential measurements indicated that the stability of the peanut OB emulsion dramatically decreased when CaCl2 was added. Under these conditions, the demulsification of Alcalase 2.4 L performed was more efficiently. SDS–PAGE results showed that adding CaCl2 changed the subunit structure of the peanut OB interface proteins and promoted the cross‐linking among the arachin Ara h3 isoforms, resulting in unstable emulsions.
Cationic oxidized microporous rice starch: Preparation, characterization, and properties
Authors: Tang Hong‐bo , Lv Xiao‐li , Li Yan‐ping , Li Qian , Liu Xiao‐jun
Published: June 2020

The combination of enzymolysis of compound enzyme, oxidation of sodium hypochlorite, and cationic etherification of 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTMA) was selected for the functionalization of rice starch (RS) to better raise the performances. The results showed that the oxidation and etherification could improve the acid and alkali resistance of RS, and enhanced its thermal stability. The crystalline structure of RS was an A‐type, the enzymolysis, oxidation, and etherification did not change the structural type, while the crystallinity degree of RS derivatives was all reduced. The enzymolysis, oxidation, and etherification altered the pasting properties of RS, and could effectively decrease the setback and breakdown of RS. The oxidation of sodium hypochlorite not only damaged RS particles containing no micropores, but also destroyed the particles containing the micropores. The enzymolysis and oxidation more seriously destroyed the crystalline region than cationic etherification. The oxidation could increase the enthalpy change of RS, whereas the enzymolysis and etherification decreased its enthalpy change. In addition, the enzymolysis and oxidation could lead to the evident increase in average size of RS. The cationic etherification was able to improve the adsorption of Cu2+ on RS, whereas the low oxidation could only slightly ameliorate the adsorption of Cu2+.

Practical Application

Cationic oxidized microporous rice starch as an adsorbent, slow‐release agent, and flocculant will be well used in food, medicine, pesticide, papermaking, waste water treatment, and so on owing to its abundant micropores, anionic groups, and cationic groups as well as small particle size and narrow size range.
A study of landing behaviour by the walnut twig beetle,Pityophthorus juglandis, among host and nonhost hardwood trees in a northern California riparian forest
Authors: Audley Jackson P. , Homicz Crystal S. , Bostock Richard M. , Seybold Steven J.
Published: June 2020

The host selection behaviour of the walnut twig beetle,Pityophthorus juglandis, was assessed by monitoring the landing rates of the beetles with sticky sheet traps on the host and nonhost hardwood branches.

Sticky sheet traps were deployed for 8 weeks from 6 June to 2 August. 2017 in the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, Davis,CA. Branches from host northern California black walnut,Juglans hindsii, were paired with branches from six nonhost hardwood species.

The landing rate ofP.juglandis(412 beetles trapped/8 weeks; 389 on host branches, 23 on nonhost branches) was significantly greater on the host branches for all nonhost hardwoods exceptPopulus fremontii. Proportional comparisons of beetle presence also revealed a significant preference for the host branches compared with all but two nonhost species,Acer negundoandP.fremontii.

CapturingP.juglandiswithout the use of an aggregation pheromone was a rare event, underscoring the difficulty of studying the initial phases of host selection behaviour in bark beetles. Unbaited funnel traps adjacent to selected host trees in the experiment only captured five individuals over a 19‐week period. None were captured in traps adjacent to nonhost trees.

This study provided evidence thatP.juglandisdiscriminates between host and nonhost branches while in‐flight. This directed flight behaviour is likely informed by the recognition of both host and nonhost volatile cues.

This study established an ecological context for the development of a semiochemical‐based repellent system for protecting walnut trees from future attacks from this invasive bark beetle.
Citizen forces
Authors: AKARSU HAYAL
Published: June 2020

In the last 15 years the Turkish National Police have invested heavily in “community policing,” espousing the belief that a strong police‐public relationship will curtail authoritarian policing and police violence. Yet this reform has intensified popular desires for more policing and fostered a new type of citizen‐police subject, what I call citizen forces. The purportedly liberal tool of community policing turned the previously despised figure of the police informer into a respected practitioner of engaged, responsible, and vigilant citizenship. When functioning as ancillary police forces, citizen forces can help consolidate state power and aggravate state repression, especially against suspect Others. Emerging mostly at the neighborhood level, such forms of policing and politicization demonstrate the increasing complicity and mutual constitution of police and citizens, as well as the formation of state‐sponsored vigilantism. [police, policing, vigilantism, informing, reform, citizenship, Turkey]
Treatment of tendinous mallet finger deformity with a part of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Li Renlong , Yuan Chaoqun , Gu Jiaxiang
Published: June 2020

Background

To introduce and evaluate an updated surgical technique for the treatment of tendinous mallet finger deformity.

Methods

From April 2017 to September 2018, 13 cases of tendinous mallet finger deformity were treated. All patients had zone I extensor tendon rupture, with no residual tendon at the insertion for suture, and no avulsion fracture in the distal phalanx. Extensor tendon insertion reconstruction was realized by suturing the transferred portion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon with the proximal end of the extensor tendon via a constructed bone tunnel. The treatment efficacy of the enrolled patients was evaluated by using Dargan evaluation criteria post‐operatively.

Results

All patients were followed up with an average duration of 10.6 months. At the last follow‐up, 12 patients showed excellent function recovery and one case had unsatisfactory outcome according to the Dargan evaluation criteria.

Conclusion

Satisfactory therapeutic outcome for the treatment of tendinous mallet finger deformity can be achieved by reconstructing extensor tendon insertion using a part of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon, implying that the proposed treatment method is worthy of clinical application.
The Late Saalian Cyprina clay of northeastern Germany and the following Weichselian sedimentation and deformation history – Review and new data
Authors: Obst Karsten , Ansorge Jörg , Thiel Christine , Frenzel Peter
Published: June 2020

Glacially dislocated fossiliferous clay – hitherto called Cyprina clay– and associated Pleistocene sediments are exposed at the northeastern German coast. They were uplifted as glacial rafts from a position of about 30 m below the sea level and incorporated into glaciotectonic complexes of Dornbusch (Hiddensee), Arkona (Rügen) and Greifswalder Oie during the ice advances of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of the fossil‐bearing clay and the overlying glacifluvial/lacustrine successions give insights into Late Saalian, Eemian and Early to Middle Weichselian development of the southern Baltic Sea area. The age data especially support the observation of changing environmental conditions prior to the Eemian warm period as suggested by the fossil record. A high‐arctic brackish fauna documented in a lower reddish‐grey clay is followed by a more boreal brackish‐marine to marine fauna in the overlying olive and/or greenish‐grey clay. This implies conditions of glacial meltwater running to the northwest during the deglaciation phase of the last Saalian Warthe ice advance and inflow of cold marine water from the North Atlantic area along the margin of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet into the Skagerrak and the Kattegat. Subsequently, water with higher salinity entered the mouths and channels of large rivers crossing the southern Baltic Sea area from SE to NW comparable with those of the Oder and Vistula rivers. Eemian Cyprina clay deposits with lusitanian faunal elements are not exposed in the study area but occur in Denmark and northwestern Germany. To distinguish the different facies types and age of the clay, we introduce the stratigraphical term Vitt Formation for the Late Saalian Cyprina clay in NE Germany, comprising Roundstonia, Portlandia and Arctica members – each with characteristic microfossil species.
Long non‐coding RNAs and TGF‐β signaling in cancer
Authors: Papoutsoglou Panagiotis , Moustakas Aristidis
Published: June 2020

Cancer is driven by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and by cellular events that develop a misregulated molecular microenvironment in the growing tumor tissue. The tumor microenvironment is guided by the excessive action of specific cytokines including transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), which normally controls embryonic development and the homeostasis of young or adult tissues. As a consequence of the genetic alterations generating a given tumor, TGF‐β can preserve its homeostatic function and attempt to limit neoplastic expansion, whereas, once the tumor has progressed to an aggressive stage, TGF‐β can synergize with various oncogenic stimuli to facilitate tumor invasiveness and metastasis. TGF‐β signaling mechanisms via Smad proteins, various ubiquitin ligases, and protein kinases are relatively well understood. Such mechanisms regulate the expression of genes encoding proteins or non‐coding RNAs. Among non‐coding RNAs, much has been understood regarding the regulation and function of microRNAs, whereas the role of long non‐coding RNAs is still emerging. This article emphasizes TGF‐β signaling mechanisms leading to the regulation of non‐coding genes, the function of such non‐coding RNAs as regulators of TGF‐β signaling, and the contribution of these mechanisms in specific hallmarks of cancer.
Performance of echocardiography for detection of portopulmonary hypertension among liver transplant candidates: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Korbitz Parker M. , Gallagher John P. , Samant Hrishikesh , Singh Shailender , Jophlin Loretta , Ingviya Thammasin , Manatsathit Wuttiporn
Published: June 2020

Background

Evaluation of pulmonary arterial pressure is crucial among cirrhotic patients, considering that moderate portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a contraindication for liver transplantation. Although right heart catheterization (RHC) is the most accurate method to diagnose POPH, it is invasive.

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of echocardiography in detecting POPH in liver transplant candidates.

Methods

A Literature search was performed, and pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR, and area under the summary receiver operating curve (AUC) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on different cutoff values for echocardiography and diagnostic criteria of RHC.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, and AUC of echocardiography for detection of POPH were 0.86 (0.74, 0.94), 0.87 (0.84, 0.90), 7.17 (3.59, 14.31), 0.22 (0.13, 0.38), and 0.807 while they were 0.82 (0.74, 0.89), 0.81 (0.78, 0.84), 117.75 (16.03, 865.08), 0.28 (0.16, 0.50), and 0.876for detection of moderate POPH, respectively. Performance of echocardiography was not significantly different in the subgroup analyses of stringency of POPH criteria and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (ePASP) cutoffs.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis supports utilization of echocardiography for screening of POPH. However, RHC remains essential in highly suspicious cases. Echocardiographic data other than ePASP should be evaluated in future studies.
Enigma portal section: Lymph node fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Furtado Luan , Futata Patricia , Zanella Diogo , Saieg Mauro
Published: June 2020

A lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma metastatic to the lower limbs is described. The importance of the case described is to highlight awareness for the particular behavior of this tumor and the importance of FNA and cytology in the diagnostic workup of patients with disseminated disease.
The importance of communication classifications in cerebral palsy registers
Authors: Hidecker Mary Jo Cooley
Published: June 2020

This commentary is on the original article Kristoffersson et al. on pages 933–938 of this issue.
The Participation and Environment Measure‐Plus: a useful new tool for caregivers and professionals
Authors: Lyman Jennifer
Published: June 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Jarvis et al. on pages 954–961 of this issue.
Informed water management alternatives for an over‐allocated river: Incorporating salmon life stage effects into a decision tree process during drought
Authors: Sellheim Kirsten , Zeug Steven , Merz Joseph
Published: June 2020

Water competition in overallocated rivers is often extreme, and climate change exacerbates the challenge of balancing ecosystem and societal water needs. During a severe California drought in 2013–2014, storage in a strategic reservoir dropped to critically low levels, necessitating reduced downstream discharge during Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), incubation and rearing. In response, stakeholders developed an adaptive management process to balance competing water needs, including reservoir storage and salmon survival. This approach incorporated decision tree models, integrating salmon life stage transitions to define potential impacts. Life stage‐specific thresholds were identified and monitored to determine management triggers and actions. Flow reduction stranded up to 12% of incubating embryos and thus was used to trigger a flow pulse. Frequency of stranded fry in redds was reduced post‐pulse. Water quality did not change but remained within the species’ tolerance. High densities, poor body condition and aggressive behaviour of stranded fry triggered a second pulse three weeks later. This pulse reduced stranding and initiated downstream migration. Prescribed flow pulses supported outmigration of a keystone species while minimising water use during a critical period. This study evaluated ecological responses to management actions intended to ameliorate stressful low flow conditions and provided a decision‐making framework that can be used when resource use conflicts arise again.
An investigation into the grazing efficiency of perennial ryegrass varieties
Authors: Tubritt Tomas , Delaby Luc , Gilliland Trevor , O’Donovan Michael
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to compare the grazing efficiency of 30 perennial ryegrass varieties, differing in ploidy and heading date. Plots were grazed by lactating dairy cows and managed under a rotational grazing system with 19 grazing events occurring over two years. Pre‐grazing and post‐grazing compressed sward heights were measured with a rising plate meter. A mixed model was used to predict the post‐grazing sward height of each variety based on year, grazing event, block and pre‐grazing sward height. Residual grazed height (RGH) was derived as the difference between the actual and predicted post‐grazing sward height and was used as the measure of grazing efficiency. Negative RGH values indicated that the actual herbage removed was greater than that predicted and so indicated a superior grazing efficiency. Varieties differed in their level of grazing efficiency (p < .001), with RGH values ranging from −0.38 to +0.34 cm. Tetraploid varieties exhibited significantly greater grazing efficiency performance than diploids (p < .001), with average RGH values of −0.13 and +0.13 cm respectively. A significant difference in grazing efficiency was found among recommended perennial ryegrass varieties that are not being recorded by mechanically harvested simulated grazing protocols. A variety reappraisal that included grazing efficiency could identify varieties capable of improving on‐farm livestock productivity from grass.
Locomotive syndrome and the power spectral characteristics of body sway
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Ando Kei , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Nakashima Hiroaki , Seki Taisuke , Ishizuka Shinya , Machino Masaaki , Kanbara Shunsuke , Ito Sadayuki , Kanemura Tokumi , Ishiguro Naoki , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Imagama Shiro
Published: June 2020

Aim

In Japan, nursing care is advised for patients with locomotive syndrome (LS) because of musculoskeletal disorders. Balance tests have indicated an association between LS risk and sway size related to center of pressure (COP) movement. Here, the power spectrum represents the energy contained in each frequency of COP sway. Although balance tests are often performed during health checkups, no studies have investigated the relationship between the power spectrum and LS. This study investigated this relationship.

Methods

In total, 605 recipients of health checkups were evaluated for LS using the 25‐item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. Power spectrums were calculated by applying fast Fourier transform to COP sway time‐series data. These were classified into three sections (0.02–0.2 Hz [low‐frequency band; LFB], 0.2–2 Hz [mid‐frequency band], and 2–10 Hz [high‐frequency band; HFB]). Power spectrums were evaluated in left–right and front–back directions.

Results

LS was associated with significantly lower ratios for both the HFB (P = 0.001) in the left–right direction and LFB (P = 0.007) in the front–back direction. In addition, men had significantly lower HFB ratios in the left–right direction (P = 0.032) and LFB ratios in the front–back (P = 0.013), whereas women had significantly lower HFB ratios in the left–right direction (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

LS was associated with significantly lower ratios for both the HFB in the left–right direction and LFB in the front–back direction. This understanding of the power spectral characteristics of LS may be useful in the context of pathology and therapeutic intervention. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••–•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Crystal Chemical Characterisation of Red Beryl by ‘Standardless’ Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Single‐Crystal Refinement by X‐Ray Diffraction: An Example of Validation of an Innovative Method for the Chemical Analysis of Minerals
Authors: Tempesta Gioacchino , Bosi Ferdinando , Agrosì Giovanna
Published: June 2020

Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a valuable technique for performing qualitative and quantitative chemical determinations of all elements in one shot, including low atomic number elements such as Li and Be. This technique does not require any sample preparation to reveal the atomic species, even when present in trace amounts (< 0.01% m/m). In this study, for the first time, we provide an accurate mineral formula for a Cs‐rich red beryl by combining crystallographic data obtained using the traditional single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique and quantitative chemical data obtained with an innovative ‘standardless’ method: Calibration‐free‐LIBS (CF‐LIBS). In particular, a new LIBS prototype coupled with a petrographic microscope (CF‐μLIBS) was used to analyse chemically homogeneous areas of about 10 μm spot size, causing minimal damage to the mineral. The results showed that calibration‐free quantitative analysis is suitable for the quantification of major and minor low and high atomic number elements in beryl. The accuracy of quantification of low atomic number elements by CF‐μLIBS led to the empirical formula: [12](Cs0.006Na0.019K0.017Ca0.019)Σ0.061 [4](Be2.989Li0.011)Σ3.000 [6](Ti0.053Mn0.051Mg0.007Al1.890)Σ2.000 [4](Be0.116Fe0.024Si5.860)Σ6.000 O18. This formula is consistent with the crystal‐structure refinement data and demonstrates the validity of CF‐μLIBS for chemical analyses of minerals containing low atomic number elements.
Uncertainty in an era of transformative therapy for haemophilia: Addressing the unknowns
Authors: Pierce Glenn F.
Published: June 2020

Haemophilia is at the dawn of a new era in therapeutic management, one that can generate greater protection from bleeding and a functional cure in some individuals. Prior advances in protein engineering and monoclonal antibody technology have facilitated therapeutic options to maintain decreased risk of bleeding and less burdensome treatment. The use of gene transfer, first proposed in 1971 for monogenic diseases, is emerging as an effective long‐term treatment for a variety of diseases. Transfer of functional factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) genes has witnessed a series of advances and setbacks since the first non‐clinical experiments in animals were initiated nearly 30 years ago. More recently, multiyear therapeutic levels of FVIII and FIX activity have been achieved in human clinical trials, translated into meaningful clinical benefit and a functional cure. While clinical progress has been definitive, many questions remain unanswered as prelicensure phase 3 clinical trials are underway. These unanswered questions translate into a state of uncertainty about the known unknowns and unknown unknowns intrinsic to any new therapeutic platform. Accepting this modality as a means to functionally cure haemophilia also means accepting the uncertainty regarding the biology of viral vector‐mediated gene transfer, which remains inadequately understood. Gene therapy is a far more complex biological ‘drug’ than small molecule and protein drugs, where manufacturing processes and the drugs themselves are now well characterized. Extent of community acceptance of uncertainty and acknowledgement of the need for an uncompromising drive for answers to the unknowns will characterize the introduction of this first generation of gene therapy for haemophilia to the wider patient population in both resource‐rich and resource‐poor countries.
Tracking dynamics of glass formers and modifiers via correlation maps of molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Dongol Ruhil , Zhang Tianmu , Rajan Krishna
Published: June 2020

In this study, we describe a method to construct a correlation map that captures the evolution of species‐specific dynamic information through the spatial correlation of high‐dimensional time‐series molecular dynamics (MD) simulation dataset for a series of borosilicate glasses. The correlation is based on ‘displacement’ between a pair of atomic configurations determined by the root mean square distance (RMSD) metric. We implement the correlation map as a quantitative visualization tool that provides a compressed representation of a high‐dimensional molecular dynamics dataset to inspect various physical aspects and capture distinct atomic dynamics—from large fluctuations to small local oscillations—for high‐temperature melt, linear cooling, and low‐temperature equilibration processes during molecular dynamics simulation of glasses. We capture species‐specific dynamics using this method that show different cooling dynamics for different glass formers and modifiers, especially the onset of slow dynamics and the variation of atomic dynamics at high temperatures. Furthermore, we show that the species‐specific atomic dynamics have structural origins that depend on the composition of the simulated borosilicate glasses. The correlation map serves as a visualization tool to rapidly survey changes in atomic configurations during different simulation conditions.
Enhancing the properties of eggshell powder by cold plasma for improved calcium fortification in black coffee
Authors: Aditya Sanprit , Gnanasekaran Santhoshkumar , Stephen Jaspin , Radhakrishnan Mahendran
Published: June 2020

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of low‐pressure plasma on the physicochemical properties and solubility of eggshell powder in black coffee. The powder was exposed to dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at 1, 1.5, and 2 kV for the duration of 5, 10, and 15 min. Its physical properties, along with solubility in black coffee and water, was estimated. Effect of plasma on the surface morphology and the surface distribution of calcium was determined using a Scanning electron microscope and Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic analysis. The powder treated at 2 kV for 15 min had the solubility (218.81 mg/L) in black coffee; however, no significant change (p > .05) was noted in its chemical composition after plasma treatment. Hence, DBD plasma can be a useful technique to enhance the solubility of naturally occurring calcium in black coffee and similar beverages.

Practical Applications

Supplementing increased amounts of highly bioavailable natural calcium through black coffee as a part of the daily diet is needed to avoid deficiency diseases like osteoporosis. This work probes into the potential of cold plasma technique to alter the physicochemical properties of eggshell powder, which will, in turn, enhance the calcium fortification in black coffee. A higher amount of calcium can be incorporated in the black coffee by increasing its solubility. The determined condition (2 kV for 15 min) gives an optimum change in the required properties of the eggshell powder.
A cut‐off value for systemic immune‐inflammation index in the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of the membranes
Authors: Tanacan Atakan , Uyanik Esra , Unal Canan , Beksac Mehmet Sinan
Published: June 2020

Aim

To determine a cut‐off value for systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII)(neutrophil × platelet /lymphocyte) in the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted among singleton pregnancies with PPROM. Cases were divided into two main groups: Group 1) PPROM diagnosed at 24th–28th weeks of gestation and Group 2) PPROM diagnosed at >28th–34th weeks of gestation. Thereafter, main study groups were divided into two subgroups: Subgroup A: pregnancies with favorable neonatal outcomes and Subgroup B: pregnancies with composite adverse neonatal outcomes. Subgroups were compared in terms of demographic features, clinical characteristics, laboratory test results and SII values. Furthermore, cut‐off values of SII for the prediction of composite adverse neonatal outcomes were determined for two main groups. A Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the median values and the chi‐square test was used to compare categorical variables among the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the performance of SII value in predicting composite adverse neonatal outcomes.

Results

Significant differences were observed for median platelet and SII values between the subgroups (P < 0.001 for both in group 1 and P = 0.002 and P = 0.005, respectively, in group 2). Cut‐off values of 1695.14 109/L (83.3% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity) and 1430.90 × 109/L (71.4% sensitivity, 75.7% specificity) for composite adverse neonatal outcomes were determined, respectively in group 1 and 2 according to the ROC curve analysis.

Conclusion

SII may be used as an additional indicator for the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes in PPROM.
Comparing Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment for Rural and Urban Patients With Colorectal or Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bergin Rebecca J. , Emery Jon D. , Bollard Ruth , White Victoria
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Colorectal cancer patients living in rural areas have poorer outcomes than urban counterparts, but such disparities are not found for breast cancer. Although time to care may contribute to rural‐urban disparities, few studies examine patient experiences to understand how and why delays may occur. We compared rural and urban patient experiences of pathways to colorectal or breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 43 patients (49% colorectal; 60% rural, median 7 months postdiagnosis). A framework analysis was applied using the Model of Pathways to Treatment.

Findings

Rural and urban patients expressed similar attitudes and reasons for prolonged symptom appraisal and help‐seeking triggers. However, some rural patients reported long waiting times to see a Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) and perceived greater gatekeeping to diagnostic services. Patient perceptions of the urgency of PCP referral could impact behavior, such as waiting longer to book appointments.

Colorectal cancer patients reported more variable types of symptoms, interpretation, and coping strategies, as well as diverse presentation routes and reduced sense of urgency, compared to breast cancer patients. Waiting time for colonoscopy could be long, particularly in the public health system, but mammograms were quickly arranged.

Conclusions

Pathway variation was more evident by cancer type than residential location. However, access to primary care and diagnostic services for rural patients with colorectal cancer may be important policy targets. Future research should investigate the impact of diagnostic service accessibility on PCP referral behavior to further understand rural‐urban disparities.
Characterizing the proximal esophageal segment in patients with symptoms of esophageal dysmotility
Authors: Jehangir Asad , Tanner Samuel , Malik Zubair , Parkman Henry P.
Published: June 2020

Background

Proximal esophageal striated muscle contractility may be abnormal in patients with esophageal symptoms, but is not assessed in the Chicago Classification (CC) v3.0. We aimed to (a) determine the prevalence of abnormal proximal esophageal contractility in patients with esophageal symptoms; (b) compare proximal esophageal contractility in patients with different esophageal motility disorders; (c) assess the association of abnormal proximal esophageal contractility with esophageal symptoms.

Methods

Patients undergoing high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) from 7/2019 to 11/2019 and healthy volunteers (HVs) were studied. Measurements of the proximal esophageal segment included the vigor of contractility of the proximal esophagus (proximal contractile integral/PCI). Patients rated gastrointestinal symptoms’ severity.

Key Results

HREM was performed on 221 patients (63.8% females, mean age 57.1 ± 1.1 years) and 19 HVs. Mean PCI in HVs was 299.5 ± 30.6 (95% CI 32.3‐566.7 mm Hg.s.cm). Of all patients, 61 (27.6%) had abnormal PCI. HVs and patients with different esophageal motility disorders had significantly different PCI (P < .01). Type 1 achalasia patients had weaker PCI than patients with absent contractility (P = .02). Patients with abnormal PCI had more severe dysphagia (P = .02), nausea (P = .03), vomiting (P = .03), and lower bolus clearance (P < .01) than patients with normal PCI.

Conclusions and Inferences

Abnormal PCI was found in a fourth of patients with esophageal symptoms. PCI may be useful to distinguish some esophageal motility disorders. Patients with abnormal PCI had a higher severity of some upper gastrointestinal symptoms than patients with normal PCI. Assessing the proximal esophageal segment on HREM may be useful in characterizing patients with esophageal symptoms.
LncRNA‐ES3 inhibition by Bhlhe40 is involved in high glucose–induced calcification/senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhong Jia‐Yu , Cui Xing‐Jun , Zhan Jun‐Kun , Wang Yan‐Jiao , Li Shuang , Lin Xiao , Xiang Qun‐Yan , Ni Yu‐Qing , Liu Le , Liu You‐Shuo
Published: June 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been investigated as novel regulatory molecules involved in diverse biological processes. Our previous study demonstrated that lncRNA‐ES3 is associated with the high glucose–induced calcification/senescence of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA‐VSMCs). However, the mechanism of lncRNA‐ES3 in vascular calcification/aging remained largely unknown. Here, we report that the expression of basic helix‐loop‐helix family member e40 (Bhlhe40) was decreased significantly in HA‐VSMCs treated with high glucose, whereas the expression of basic leucine zipper transcription factor (BATF) was increased. Overexpression of Bhlhe40 and inhibition of BATF alleviated calcification/senescence of HA‐VSMCs, as confirmed by Alizarin Red S staining and the presence of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase–positive cells. Moreover, we identified that Bhlhe40 regulates lncRNA‐ES3 in HA‐VSMCs by binding to the promoter region of the lncRNA‐ES3 gene (LINC00458). Upregulation or inhibition of lncRNA‐ES3 expression significantly promoted or reduced calcification/senescence of HA‐VSMCs, respectively. Additionally, we identified that lncRNA‐ES3 functions in this process by suppressing the expression of miR‐95‐5p, miR‐6776‐5p, miR‐3620‐5p, and miR‐4747‐5p. The results demonstrate that lncRNA‐ES3 triggers gene silencing of multiple miRNAs by binding to Bhlhe40, leading to calcification/senescence of VSMCs. Our findings suggest that pharmacological interventions targeting lncRNA‐ES3 may be therapeutically beneficial in ameliorating vascular calcification/aging.
Bacterial phylogeny predicts volatile organic compound composition and olfactory response of an aphid parasitoid
Authors: Goelen Tim , Sobhy Islam S. , Vanderaa Christophe , Wäckers Felix , Rediers Hans , Wenseleers Tom , Jacquemyn Hans , Lievens Bart
Published: June 2020

There is increasing evidence that microorganisms emit a wide range of volatile compounds (mVOCs, microbial volatile organic compounds) that act as insect semiochemicals, and therefore play an important role in insect behaviour. Although it is generally believed that phylogenetically closely related microbes tend to have similar phenotypic characteristics and therefore may elicit similar responses in insects, currently little is known about whether the evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships among microorganisms have an impact on insect–microbe interactions. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that phylogenetic relationships among 40 Bacillus strains isolated from diverse environmental sources predicted mVOC composition and the olfactory response of the generalist aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani. Results revealed that phylogenetically closely related Bacillus strains emitted similar blends of mVOCs and elicited a comparable olfactory response of A. colemani in Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays, varying between attraction and repellence. Analysis of the chemical composition of the mVOC blends showed that all Bacillus strains produced a highly similar set of volatiles, but often in different concentrations and ratios. Benzaldehyde was produced in relatively high concentrations by strains that repel A. colemani, while attractive mVOC blends contained relatively higher amounts of acetoin, 2,3‐butanediol, 2,3‐butanedione, eucalyptol and isoamylamine. Overall, these results indicate that bacterial phylogeny had a strong impact on mVOC compositions and as a result on the olfactory responses of insects.
Predator‐dependent functional responses alter the coexistence and indirect effects among prey that share a predator
Authors: Coblentz Kyle E. , DeLong John P.
Published: June 2020

Predator functional responses describe predator feeding rates as a function of prey abundance and are central to predator–prey theory. Despite ample evidence that functional responses also depend on predator abundance, theory incorporating predator‐dependent functional responses has focused almost exclusively on specialist predator–prey pairs or linear food chains. This leaves a large gap in our knowledge as many predators feed on multiple prey, and in so doing, generate indirect effects among prey that can alter their coexistence. Here we investigate how predator‐dependent functional responses in a one predator–two prey model alter the coexistence among prey and their net effects on one another. We use two different functional response forms (the Beddington–DeAngelis and Crowley–Martin functional responses) and consider situations in which the prey do not directly interact and in which they directly compete with one another. We find that predator dependence can facilitate, hinder, or have no effect on prey coexistence depending on whether prey compete directly and the role of predation in mediating coexistence among the prey in the absence of predator dependence. We also show that the negative net effects of prey on one another are generally weakened by predator dependence and can become positive under the Crowley–Martin functional response. Together, these results suggest that predator dependence may have widespread effects on ecological communities by altering the coexistence among prey species and the strength and signs of the interactions among them.