bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic reliability of nested PCR depends on the primer design and threshold abundance ofHelicobacter pyloriin biopsy, stool, and saliva samples
Authors: Šeligová Barbora , Lukáč Ľudovít , Bábelová Michaela , Vávrová Silvia , Sulo Pavol 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this work was to find a reliable nested PCR for the detection ofHelicobacter pyloriin biopsy, stool, and saliva specimens.Materials and MethodsNovel nested PCR was elaborated and validated on 81 clinical biopsy, stool, and saliva samples from the same individual and compared to availableH pyloriassays: histology, rapid urease test (RUT), stool antigen test (SAT),13C‐urea breath test (UBT).ResultsThe efficiency and selectivity of 17 published nested polymerase chain reactions (PCR) available forHelicobacter pyloridetection were re‐evaluated. Most of them had serious limitations and mistakes in primer design. Hence, we elaborated a nested PCR for the unambiguous identification ofH pyloriin biopsy, stool, and saliva, using primers targeted to variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Moreover, we determined the detection limit by adding a known number of cells. This number was as low as 0.5 cells in a PCR vial, but due to the DNA isolation procedures, it required 1‐5 × 103cells/g or ml of specimen. The sensitivity for nested PCR from stomach biopsies was on the same scale as13C‐UBT (93.8%), but it was much lower in amplifications from stool (31.3%). Sequencing of all obtained PCR products exclusively confirmedH pylori‐specific DNA sequences.ConclusionsElaborated nested PCR assay can serve as an auxiliary method for controversial samples (patients with bleeding or taking proton‐pump inhibitor) in laboratories with basic equipment. The sensitivity and specificity for the amplification from gastric biopsies was almost like13C‐UBT. Despite the good sensitivity, the threshold occurrence and the ability to survive in the oral cavity aside from and independent of the stomach is the reason whyH pyloriDNA cannot be reliably detected in saliva, stool, and some biopsy samples.
In situ synthesis of fluorapatite‐ZnO nanocomposite powder via mechanical alloying for biomedical applications
Authors: Salehi Shadi , Kharaziha Mahshid , Salehi Mehdi , Saidi Vahideh 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis research aimed to synthesize of fluorapatite(FA)–ZnO (FAZ) nanocomposite powder using a one‐step mechanical alloying process without any post‐calcification process. Furthermore, the role of various concentrations of ZnO (0, 4, 8, 11, and 15 wt.%) on the chemical and biological characteristics of FA was examined. Our research confirmed the successful synthesize of FAZ nanopowders with irregular‐shaped particles and particle size of 38‐52 nm. The crystallinity, crystallite size, and c‐axes parameter of FA decreased with increasing ZnO content. Moreover, while all FAZ powders revealed superior bioactivity than FA, FA‐8 wt.% ZnO nanopowder significantly enhanced MG63 cell proliferation. Besides, between various samples, FA‐11 wt.% ZnO nanopowder revealed drastically greater antibacterial activity. It could be concluded that the in‐situ synthesis of FAZ powder meaningfully improved the biological activity of FA making it a promising coating for orthopedic and dental implants.
Photosynthetic and respiratory response of potato leaves of different ages during and after an episode of high temperature
Authors: Obiero Charles Otieno , Milroy Stephen Paul , Bell Richard W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLittle is known about net photosynthetic rates (Pn) of potato during and after the end of a high‐temperature episode. We investigated Pn of potato leaves exposed to a high‐temperature episode. Plants were grown in the greenhouse at 22°C. Shortly after tuber initiation, plants were transferred to 30°C for 9 days and then returned to 22°C. High temperatures reduced Pn of older leaves but not of the youngest leaves. Effects were transitory; Pn of leaf 7 initially fell, but then increased to be higher than the control plants. High temperature increased respiration per unit area during the night and morning relative to the control plants. Leaves that emerged during the 30°C episode had higher Pn than the control plants when returned to 22°C. Results emphasise that it is not possible to use single‐leaf measurements to infer effects on photosynthesis throughout the canopy. Similarly, the diurnal variation in effects on respiration means that Pn measurements made only at midday are inadequate. Finally, the dynamic response of Pn to the high temperature and the persistent effects after the end of the episode mean that the impact of high‐temperature episodes cannot be extrapolated from experiments using constant temperature treatments.
Relevance of local scale factors in winter host‐plant selection by the rice pest Tibraca limbativentris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Fuentes‐Rodríguez Daniela , Gervazoni Paula , López Gabriela , Franceschini Celeste 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTibraca limbativentris is a major stink bug pest in paddies of the Neotropics. In Argentina, its populations overwinter in twelve host‐plant species that occur inside rice fields. However, it's unknown if there are local scale variations in the abundance of T. limbativentris. Likewise, the role of host‐plant community composition (HpCC) as a factor involved in the winter host‐plant selection by the insects is poorly understood. The aims of this work were (a) to assess variations at local scale on the abundance of T. limbativentris in the context of winter HpCC and incidence of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) and (b) to assess the abundance of T. limbativentris considering the relationship between the height of plants of rice cultivars present in target sites during summer, and the height of the hosts selected by T. limbativentris during winter in grassland adjoining rice plots. Sampling was carried out during summer–winter in different commercial rice fields, to assess winter abundance of T. limbativentris, HpCC in grasslands adjacent to rice plots and incidence of EPFs. Height measurements of winter hosts and summer rice plants in target plots were taken. Our results show that HpCC differed at the local scale, with significant differences in stink bug abundance between winter hosts in each site. Also, we found differences in the action of EPFs species recorded on the insects and variations in plant height between host species. A positive correlation was obtained between the height of the different rice cultivars used during spring–summer in target sites and the height of the hosts selected by T. limbativentris near to these plots during winter. This shows that the height of the rice cultivar could be a factor related to the local selection of winter hosts by T. limbativentris. These results serve as a framework for future research, contributing to integrated pest management for target sites.
Rheological and physico‐chemical properties of a reduced‐sugar sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.) jam processed under high‐hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Shinwari Kaunsar J. , Rao Pavuluri S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA huge loss of bioactive compounds occurs during thermal processing of food products mainly jam and jellies because of the long cooking process. Moreover, the original color and aroma of the fruit are also lost, which necessitate the external addition of coloring and flavoring compounds. Therefore, high pressure processing (HPP) was used to prepare jam and the target was to reduce its sugar content. Since there is no possibility for water evaporation in this process, a fruit with high fiber content, to hold extra water, was selected, that is, sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), which is also an antioxidant‐rich fruit with a short shelf life. The formulation with 45% total soluble solids (TSS), 4% pectin, and 1% acid content was similar to a full calorie (>65% TSS) jam in terms of rheological and functional properties. In addition, the HPP jam showed better retention of bioactive compounds and stability as compared to thermal‐processed jam.Practical applicationsThe conventionally processed jam is generally added with external coloring and flavoring agents as the original fruit color and flavor are destroyed during thermal processing of jam because of the longer duration. Moreover, antioxidants are also lost during jam processing. However, high pressure processing preserves the original fruit quality in jam. Usually, a pretreatment is applied for high pressure processed jam, as reported in the literature, to remove extra water. The pretreatment was avoided in this study by using a fiber‐rich fruit since fiber has a good water‐holding capacity. Also, the sugar content was reduced by about 25% from the normal concentration used in full‐calorie jam. The results from this study can be employed to develop new HPP products rich in fiber and low in calories.
Combinatorial treatment for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Poletti Angelo , Fischbeck Kenneth H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe autosomal recessive motor neuron disease caused by the loss of SMN1, which encodes a protein essential for motor neuron survival. SMA patients have one or more copies of an alternate SMN gene, SMN2, which is nearly identical to SMN1. SMN2 differs at a single nucleotide from SMN1 which results in the skipping of exon 7 in the mRNA and produces an unstable protein (SMNΔ7). Therapeutic approaches that have been undertaken include (1) replacement of SMN1 by gene delivery mediated by adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) (Zolgensma), (2) correction of the aberrant SMN2 splicing using an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) or small molecule (nusinersin, risdiplam), and (3) increased expression of SMN2 mediated by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Two of these three approaches have given rise to successful treatments for SMA, but they are very expensive, and their long‐term safety is not well known. In addition, the ability of ASOs and viral vectors to reach their targets in the CNS with peripheral administration is limited. Small molecules may cross the brain–blood barrier when orally delivered and can be discontinued if needed to mitigate adverse effects. This Editorial highlights this study by Pagliarni et al. in which they used combined treatment of cell models of SMA with an ASO and an orally delivered HDAC inhibitor (panobinostat) to overcome the limitations of a single‐therapeutic approach. Panobinostat enhanced the expression of SMN2, increasing the amount of SMN2 mRNA available for splicing correction mediated by the ASO. In addition, panobinostat increased exon 7 retention in the SMN2 mRNA. This combinatorial treatment might allow lower or less frequent ASO doses, reducing the need for repeated intrathecal administration. The combined effects of panobinostat and nusinersen can now be tested in SMA animal models to determine whether this approach will be translatable to patients.
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Evodiamine attenuates adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by inhibiting synovial inflammation and restoring the Th17/Treg balance
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yin Li , Lu Ming , Wang Jun , Li Ye-tian , Gao Wei Lu , Yin Zong-sheng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Evodiamine (Evo) possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we determine the antiarthritic effect of Evo.

Methods
Evo was administered to rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA). We evaluated arthritis symptoms & histopathological changes and measured inflammatory cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and Th17 & Treg percentages in arthritic rats.

Key findings
Evo significantly improved the clinical signs of AA in rats, including decreases in paw swelling, the polyarthritis index and the number of swollen paw joints. Based on the histopathological analysis, Evo improved synovial inflammation and bone injury by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration, synoviocyte proliferation, pannus formation and cartilage erosion. Furthermore, the numbers of synovial CD3+ or CD68+ inflammatory cells were reduced, and the elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 were restored to control levels by the Evo treatment. In addition, Evo therapy regulated the abnormal differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells, decreasing IL-17 production and increasing IL-10 levels. Finally, Evo inhibited Stat3 phosphorylation and induced Stat5 phosphorylation in rats with AA.

Conclusions
Based on our results, Evo is a promising antiarthritic agent, potentially due to its inhibitory effect on synovial inflammation and regulatory effects on Treg and Th17 differentiation.
Amiodarone‐Induced Neuropathy with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy‐like presentation
Authors: Okhovat Ali Asghar , Saffar Hiva , Fatehi Farzad 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLong‐term administration of amiodarone may have various neurological complications and systemic involvement. Herein, we report a 46‐year‐old male patient who was admitted as a result of paresthesia and progressive four‐limb weakness started six months before. Spiral chest CT scan showed bilateral hyper‐dense consolidations predominately seen in peripheral and lower lobes. We checked the serum level of amiodarone that was 3.1 mg/L (therapeutic range: 1.5 and 2.5 µg/mL). According to the characteristic pulmonary findings in lung CT scan, demyelinating polyneuropathy, and lack of response to treatment, with the suspicion of amiodarone toxicity, CT‐guided percutaneous core needle biopsy was performed. The pathological assessment revealed chronic interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and exudation of macrophages with finely cytoplasmic vacuolization associated with hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes in alveoli with necrosis. These findings are consistent with amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity. Chronic use of amiodarone may present as a CIDP‐like presentation, which may be overlooked if clinical suspicion is not high upon presentation.
The multicomponent medication Spascupreel attenuates stress‐induced gut dysfunction in rats
Authors: Theodorou Vassilia , Beaufrand Catherine , Yvon Sophie , Laforge Guylaine , Burmeister Yvonne , Müller Andrea , Seilheimer Bernd , Bueno Lionel , Eutamene Helene 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder worldwide. It is characterized by abdominal pain/discomfort and changes in bowel habits. Due to the multifactorial pathophysiology and the heterogeneity of IBS patients, appropriate treatment of IBS is still a challenge. Spascupreel (SP‐11), as a multicomponent medication, has the potential to modulate multiple pathophysiological pathways simultaneously. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of oral SP‐11 treatment on stress‐induced changes of peripheral and central functions in a rat model mimicking human IBS.MethodsNaïve Wistar rats were treated with SP‐11 (0.9 tab/kg) or NaCl 0.9% by oral gavage for 4 days before 2‐hour partial restraint stress (PRS) procedure. Twenty minutes after PRS, central and peripheral stress‐induced changes affecting IBS were assessed. These include the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis response through plasma ACTH and corticosterone measurements, visceral pain in response to colorectal distension, gut permeability, colonic mast cell number, and sensitization as well as gut transit time.ResultsTreatment with SP‐11 reduced the HPA axis activation in response to PRS. At the gut level, a reduction in colonic hypersensitivity to colorectal distension, a normalization of gut transit time acceleration, a reduced mast cell sensitization, and a trend toward reduced gut hyperpermeability were observed.ConclusionsThese data suggest that stress‐induced IBS signs can be reduced using SP‐11 in rats. The observed effects and the good tolerability of the drug make SP‐11 an innovative candidate in the management of IBS.
Social Influence, Risk and Benefit Perceptions, and the Acceptability of Risky Energy Technologies: An Explanatory Model of Nuclear Power Versus Shale Gas
Authors: de Groot Judith I. M. , Schweiger Elisa , Schubert Iljana 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRisky energy technologies are often controversial and debates around them are polarized; in such debates public acceptability is key. Research on public acceptability has emphasized the importance of intrapersonal factors but has largely neglected the influence of interpersonal factors. In an online survey (N = 948) with a representative sample of the United Kingdom, we therefore integrate interpersonal factors (i.e., social influence as measured by social networks) with two risky energy technologies that differ in familiarity (nuclear power vs. shale gas) to examine how these factors explain risk and benefit perceptions and public acceptability. Findings show that benefit perceptions are key in explaining acceptability judgments. However, risk perceptions are more important when people are less familiar with the energy technology. Social network factors affect perceived risks and benefits associated with risky energy technology, hereby indirectly helping to form one's acceptability judgment toward the technology. This effect seems to be present regardless of the perceived familiarity with the energy technology. By integrating interpersonal with intrapersonal factors in an explanatory model, we show how the current “risk–benefit acceptability” model used in risk research can be further developed to advance the current understanding of acceptability formation.
Shape-Morphing Using Bistable Triangles With Dwell-Enhanced Stability
Authors: Alfattani Rami , Lusk Craig 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a new design concept for a morphing triangle-shaped compliant mechanism. The novel design is a bistable mechanism that has one changeable side. These morphing triangles may be arrayed to create shape-morphing structures. The mechanism design was based on a six-bar dwell mechanism that can fit in a triangle shape and has stable positions at the motion-limit (dead-center) positions. An example of the triangle-shaped compliant mechanism was designed and prototyped: an isosceles triangle with a vertex that changes from 120 deg to 90 deg and vice versa. Three of these in the 120-deg configuration lie flat and when actuated to the 90-deg configuration become a cube corner. This design may be of use for folding and packaging assistance. The mechanism was designed using geometric constraint programming. Force and potential energy analyses characterize the triangle mechanism’s stability. Because of its dead-center motion limits, the vertex angle of the triangle cannot be extended past the range of 90–120 deg, in spite of the mechanism’s compliant joints. Furthermore, because it is a dwell mechanism, the vertex angle is almost immobile near its stable configurations, although other links in the mechanism move. This makes the stable positions of the vertex angle robust against stress relaxation and manufacturing errors. We believe this is the first demonstration of this kind of robustness in bistable mechanisms.
Psychological, social and contextual factors across recovery stages following a sport-related knee injury: a scoping review
Authors: Truong Linda K , Mosewich Amber D , Holt Christopher J , Le Christina Y , Miciak Maxi , Whittaker Jackie L 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo explore the role of psychological, social and contextual factors across the recovery stages (ie, acute, rehabilitation or return to sport (RTS)) following a traumatic time-loss sport-related knee injury.Material and methodsThis review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews and Arksey and O’Malley framework. Six databases were searched using predetermined search terms. Included studies consisted of original data written in English that identified or described a psychological, social or contextual factor related to recovery after a traumatic time-loss sport-related knee injury. Two authors independently conducted title–abstract and full-text reviews. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was undertaken.ResultsOf 7289 records, 77 studies representing 5540 participants (37% women, 84% anterior cruciate ligament tears, aged 14–60 years) were included. Psychological factors were investigated across all studies, while social and contextual factors were assessed in 39% and 21% of included studies, respectively. A cross-cutting concept of individualisation was present across four psychological (barriers to progress, active coping, independence and recovery expectations), two social (social support and engagement in care) and two contextual (environmental influences and sport culture) themes. Athletes report multiple barriers to recovery and valued their autonomy, having an active role in their recovery and diverse social support.ConclusionDiverse psychological, social and contextual factors are present and influence all stages of recovery following a traumatic sport-related knee injury. A better understanding of these factors at the time of injury and throughout rehabilitation could assist with optimising injury management, promoting RTS, and long-term health-related quality-of-life.
Maintenance motives for physical activity among older adults: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huffman Mary Katherine , Reed Jason Brian , Carpenter Theresa , Amireault Steve 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionPhysical activity (PA) is an important aspect for health and well-being, yet many older adults do not maintain their PA long term. The identification of key factors that are associated with, and likely causally related to, older adults’ PA maintenance is a crucial first step towards developing programmes that are effective at promoting long-term PA behaviour change. The purpose of this protocol is to outline a systematic review that will examine the relationship between four motives (ie, satisfaction, enjoyment, self-determination and identity) and older adults’ PA maintenance.Methods and analysisStudies that investigated PA maintenance with a sample mean age ≥55 years will be included. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) were searched on 6 April 2018 with no publication date limit (ie, from inception). One reviewer screened 100% of titles and abstracts (k=21 470) while a random subsample (20%) was screened independently by two reviewers. An update of the search was run on 1 October 2019. All studies for which the full text was retrieved will be independently screened by two reviewers. Data pertaining to study sample, design, motives, PA (eg, measurement validity evidence, study definition of maintenance) and essential bias domains (eg, bias due to missing data) will be extracted. Study-level effect sizes will be calculated, and if the number of studies is ≥5, a random-effects meta-analysis will be performed using inverse-variance methods; a narrative synthesis will be performed otherwise.Ethics and disseminationThe university’s Human Research Protection Program determined that the proposed study qualifies as exempt from the Institutional Review Board review under Exemption Category 4 (PROPEL #: 80047007). Results will be published in a peer-review journal, and the findings will help inform future interventions with older adults.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018088161.