bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Hip Fracture Incidence in Older Men and Women: The CHANCES Project
Authors: Benetou Vassiliki , Orfanos Philippos , Feskanich Diane , Michaëlsson Karl , Pettersson-Kymmer Ulrika , Eriksson Sture , Grodstein Francine , Wolk Alicja , Bellavia Andrea , Ahmed Luai A , Boffeta Paolo , Trichopoulou Antonia
Published: April 2016

The role of fruit and vegetable intake in relation to fracture prevention during adulthood and beyond is not adequately understood. We investigated the potential association between fruit and vegetable intake and hip fracture incidence in a large sample of older adults from Europe and the United States. A total of 142,018 individuals (116,509 women) aged ≥60 years, from five cohorts, were followed up prospectively for 1,911,482 person-years, accumulating 5552 hip fractures. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed by validated, cohort-specific, food-frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Ηip fractures were ascertained through national patient registers or telephone interviews/questionnaires. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) derived by Cox proportional hazards regression were estimated for each cohort and subsequently pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Intake of ≤1 serving/day of fruit and vegetables combined was associated with 39% higher hip fracture risk (pooled adjusted HR, 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 1.58) in comparison with moderate intake (>3 and ≤5 servings/day) (pfor heterogeneity = 0.505), whereas higher intakes (>5 servings/day) were not associated with lower risk in comparison with the same reference. Associations were more evident among women. We concluded that a daily intake of 1 or <1 servings of fruits and vegetables was associated with increased hip fracture risk in relation to moderate daily intakes. Older adults with such low fruit and vegetable consumption may benefit from raising their intakes to moderate amounts in order to reduce their hip fracture risk. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comprehensive DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Profiling in Differentiating Human Adipocytes
Authors: van den Dungen Myrthe W. , Murk Albertinka J. , Kok Dieuwertje E. , Steegenga Wilma T.
Published: April 2016

Insight into the processes controlling adipogenesis is important in the battle against the obesity epidemic and its related disorders. The transcriptional regulatory cascade involved in adipocyte differentiation has been extensively studied, however, the mechanisms driving the transcription activation are still poorly understood. In this study, we explored the involvement of DNA methylation in transcriptional regulation during adipocyte differentiation of primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genome‐wide changes in DNA methylation were measured using the Illumina 450K BeadChip. In addition, expression of 84 adipogenic genes was determined, of which 43 genes showed significant expression changes during the differentiation process. Among these 43 differentially expressed genes, differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected in only three genes. By comparing genome‐wide DNA methylation profiles in undifferentiated and differentiated adipocytes 793 significant DMRs were detected. Pathway analysis revealed the adipogenesis pathway as the most statistically significant, although only a small number of genes were differentially methylated. Genome‐wide DNA methylation changes for single probes were most often located in intergenic regions, and underrepresented close to the transcription start site. In conclusion, DNA methylation remained relatively stable during adipocyte differentiation, implying that changes in DNA methylation are not the underlying mechanism regulating gene expression during adipocyte differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2707–2718, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparations of Saturated N‐P‐N Type Secondary Phosphine Oxides and their Applications in Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chang , Liang Ya‐Han , Hong Fung‐E
Published: April 2016

A series of cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (3a–3d) and benzene‐1,2‐diamine derivatives (3e–3h) were pre‐ pared. Followed by hydrolysis, the reaction of 3a–3c with PCl3 successfully led to the formation of cor‐ responding metastable saturated heteroatom‐substituted secondary phosphine oxides (HASPO 4a–4c), a tautomer of the saturated heteroatom‐substituted phosphinous acid (HAPA). Whereas ambient‐stable diamine‐coordinated palladium complexes were obtained, HAPA‐coordinated palladium complexes were not successfully synthesized. The molecular structures of HASPO 4c, Pd(OAc)2(3a), PdBr2(3b) and Pd(OAc)2(3c) and [Cu(NO3)(3d)+][NO3−] were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method. Catalysis of in‐situ Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions for aryl bromides and phenylboronic acid using diamine 3a as ancillary ligand showed that the optimized reaction condition at 60 °C is the combination of 2 mmol % 3a/3.0 mmol KOH/1.0 mL 1,4‐dioxane/1 mmol % Pd(OAc)2. Moreover, moderate reactivity was observed when using aryl chlorides as substrates (supporting infor‐ mation). When diamine 3d was employed in Heck reaction, good tolerance of functional groups of aryl bromides were observed while using 4‐bromoanisole and styrene as substrates. The optimized condi‐ tion for Heck reaction at 100 °C is 3 mmol % 3d/3.0 mmol CsF/1.0 mL toluene/3 mmol % Pd(OAc)2. In general, cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine derivatives exhibited better catalytic properties than those of benzene‐1,2‐diamines.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of High Crystalline Cerium Hexaboride Nanoparticles from CeO2‐B2O3‐Mg Ternary System
Authors: Torabi Omid , Naghibi Sanaz , Golabgir Mohammad‐Hossein , Jamshidi Amin
Published: April 2016

High crystalline cerium hexaboride (CeB6) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using mixture of mag‐ nesium (Mg), cerium oxide (CeO2) and boron oxide (B2O3) via the mechanochemical process at room tem‐ perature. Based on the results, magnesiothermic reduction of B2O3 occurred after about 2 h of milling in a mechanically induced self‐sustaining reaction (MSR). The significant amount of heat produced by the reduction reaction resulted in CeO2 reduction to elemental Ce which finally reacted with elemental B and formed CeB6 compound. According to XRD analyses, the degree of crystallinity and lattice parameter of the product was calculated about 93 % and 4.1458 Å, respectively. The morphology observations revealed that the synthesized CeB6 had semi‐cubic shape with the range of size 25–60 nm. The synthesis of CeB6 during the thermal treatment was studied by simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) technique. It was found that the reduction of B2O3 took place after melting of Mg meanwhile, no CeB6 phase achieved even up to 1100 °C.
One‐pot and Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of New Spiroindolones Using Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes as Powerful Catalyst
Authors: Rashidi Alimorad , Tavakoli Ziba , Tarak Yaser , Khodabakhshi Saeed , Abbasabadi Masoud Khaleghi
Published: April 2016

Multiwall carbon nanotubes were functionalized and then used as powerful nanocatalyst for the one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of new spiroindolones. Functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) showed a good catalytic ability and recyclability in the current reaction. The present strategy offers some interesting advantages such as simplicity, high yields of products, and non‐toxic nature.
Predictors of Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Severity in Undergraduates Reporting Potentially Traumatic Events
Authors: Owens Gina P.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Individuals often struggle to understand traumatic events. For some not yet able to successfully process the trauma, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) may result, while others may report posttraumatic growth (PTG). The present study examined personality characteristics, attachment, and meaning made as predictors of PTG and PTS symptom severity.

Method

Undergraduates reporting potentially traumatic events (N = 229) completed measures through an online survey. Over half of participants (64%) were female, with a mean age of 19 years.

Results

Higher extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness and lower meaning made and attachment avoidance significantly predicted higher PTG. Lower neuroticism and attachment anxiety and higher meaning made significantly predicted lower PTS severity. The Meaning Made x Attachment Anxiety interaction significantly predicted PTS severity.

Conclusion

Different facets of personality and attachment style affect PTG and PTS symptom severity. Meaning made seems especially relevant to PTS severity. These constructs may be important for clinicians working with trauma survivors to help lower distress and promote growth.
Pharmacokinetic Variability of Mycophenolic Acid in Pediatric and Adult Patients With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Daping , Renbarger Jamie L. , Chow Diana S‐L.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic variations of mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), in both pediatric and adult patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Twenty pediatric patients with a median age of 3 years (range 0.2‐12 years) and 13 adult patients with a median age of 54 years (range 18‐63 years) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 30 after allogeneic HSCT. Total and free (unbound) MPA as well as MPA 7‐O‐glucuronide (MPAG) were quantified using a validated LC‐MS/MS assay. The plasma protein binding of MPA and MPAG did not change significantly in pediatric patients over the 1‐month sampling period post‐HSCT. However, it increased in adult patients from day 7 to day 30 post‐HSCT, from 97.3 ± 0.8% to 98.3 ± 0.6% for MPA (P < .05), and 74.6 ± 9.4% to 82.9 ± 8.1% for MPAG (P < .05). The plasma protein binding of MPA was significantly higher in males compared to females in both pediatric (98.3 ± 1.1% vs 97.4 ± 1.1%) and adult (98.1 ± 0.7% vs 97.4 ± 1.2%) patients (P < .05). The MPAG/MPA ratios on a milligram‐per‐kilogram dose basis in adult patients were significantly higher than those in pediatric patients (4.3 ± 3.4 vs 2.4 ± 2.6; P < .05). Time‐dependent plasma protein binding and age‐related differences in MPA metabolism at least in part impact the reported large intra‐ and interindividual variability in MPA pharmacokinetics. These patient and pharmacologic factors, if incorporated into MMF regimen design and modification, may contribute to the rational dose selection of MMF in HSCT patients.
Microfluidic synthesis of monodisperse pectin hydrogel microspheres based on in situ gelation and settling collection
Authors: Kim Chaeyeon , Park Ki‐Su , Kim Jongmin , Jeong Seong‐Geun , Lee Chang‐Soo
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Generation of monodisperse hydrogel microspheres is needed to make exquisite microenvironments, provide effective delivery system, and obtain reliable results. In this work, we present a simple microfluidic approach for the preparation of monodisperse pectin hydrogel microspheres because of efficient collection and shape of hydrogel.

RESULTS

Based on the mechanism of in situ gelation and efficient collection, aqueous droplets of pectin polysaccharides are continuously generated in an immiscible continuous phase dissolving divalent metal ions, such as calcium. Under in situ gelation conditions, calcium ions are diffused into the interface between the continuous phase and the aqueous droplets, which triggers gelation of the pectin polysaccharides. The settling collection method, which involves dropping consecutive hydrogels from the outlet hole, is able to maintain the shape of the soft pectin hydrogels. Thus, pectin microspheres produced show high monodispersity (a coefficient of variation of 3.5%). In addition, the stiffness of the pectin hydrogels produced can be manipulated by a simple change of the concentration of pectin in the aqueous phase. The control of the mechanical properties can also be confirmed by measurement of the deformation of the pectin hydrogels using the micropipette aspiration method. Furthermore, the versatility of this approach enables the preparation of monodisperse pectin hydrogels with the capability to encapsulate or release nanoparticles on demand under mild conditions. The pectin microspheres are freely manipulated by the control of magnetic fields.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the in situ microfluidic synthesis method combined with settling collection provides an efficient approach for the preparation of soft, monodisperse hydrogel microspheres. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel process for immobilizing an enzyme on a bacterial cellulose membrane through repeated absorption
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Chi , Wu Sian‐Ming , Su Feng‐Min
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

In enzyme immobilization, one crucial step is carrier selection; the immobilization efficiency is a major factor. It should be improved since enzyme is one of the expensive components in the procedure. Most carriers need to be activated before immobilization and the immobilized efficiency is low, especially using bacterial cellulose (BC). In this study, the immobilized efficiency of BC was improved by the special physical property, high water capacity.

RESULTS

Lipase was used as a model enzyme for immobilizing BC membranes. After investigating different immobilization procedures, a two‐step absorption method consisting of activation in the first step and enzyme attachment in the second step was determined to be the most favorable. The immobilized enzyme exhibits 93.5% high activity compared with the free enzyme. The activity performance at various pH values and temperatures was similar for the immobilized and free enzymes. Therefore, the environment created using immobilization in BC membranes is similar to the reaction solution of the free enzyme. Regarding the reuse stability, the immobilized lipase retained 60% of the original activity after 15 repeated usages.

CONCLUSION

The two‐step absorption method on BC membranes is potentially effective for preparing immobilized lipase. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Querying the Questions: Student Responses and Reasoning in an Active Learning Class
Authors: Koretsky Milo D. , Brooks Bill J. , White Rachel M. , Bowen Alec S.
Published: April 2016

Background

We investigated student responses to multiple‐choice concept questions during active learning activities where students write justifications for their answer choices.

Purpose

We selected two questions that asked students to apply the same concept in the same way but that have different surface features. We characterized students' responses to reveal how question attributes influence student thinking.

Design/Method

In Study 1, we compared responses from students who wrote justifications with those who did not. In Study 2, we modified one of the questions so the cues of the two questions better align. Data included the students' answers and their written justifications. We applied open coding to the written justifications to develop hierarchical categories common to both questions.

Results

For the Expanding Piston question, students who wrote justifications chose the correct answer more often; in the Balloon Rising question, less often. Analyses of justifications indicate that in the latter question, students activated more sophisticated reasoning processes, but did not choose the correct answer. We attribute half the difference between percentage correct in Study 1 to question cues and the remaining difference to an unfamiliar context.

Conclusions

We encourage instructors to solicit written justifications to multiple‐choice concept questions and to look for cases where students choose the correct answer using incorrect reasoning, ask students to construct graphics as they respond to text‐only concept questions, and seek ways to help students recognize how core concepts apply to a broad range of contexts.
Measuring Undergraduate Students' Engineering Self‐Efficacy: A Validation Study
Authors: Mamaril Natasha A. , Usher Ellen L. , Li Caihong R. , Economy D. Ross , Kennedy Marian S.
Published: April 2016

Background

Self‐efficacy has been shown to be positively related to undergraduate engineering students' achievement. Designing self‐efficacy measures to assess the multifaceted skills required of engineers could improve the predictive relationship between efficacy beliefs and performance.

Purpose

This study evaluates the factor structure, validity, and reliability of general and skill‐specific engineering self‐efficacy measures created for use with undergraduate engineering students.

Design/Method

Self‐efficacy items used for the measures were created and adapted from those used previously. Survey responses were collected from engineering students attending two southeastern universities. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine factor structure. Multiple regression analyses examined the relationship between engineering self‐efficacy and academic achievement and intent to persist in engineering, both uniquely and when considering other motivation variables.

Results

Factor analysis results suggested two self‐efficacy scales. The General Engineering Self‐Efficacy Scale is unidimensional; the Engineering Skills Self‐Efficacy Scale is multidimensional with three factors representing experimental skills, tinkering skills, and design. General engineering self‐efficacy predicted academic achievement, even when prior achievement was controlled. Students' intrinsic value in engineering predicted their intentions to persist in the engineering profession.

Conclusions

We found evidence for the reliability, validity, and predictive utility of the engineering self‐efficacy scales. These scales can be used to assess undergraduate students' beliefs in their capabilities to perform tasks in their coursework and future roles as engineers and to investigate the association between self‐efficacy and academic outcomes of interest.
Long‐term outcomes of elders discharged on antipsychotics
Authors: Loh Kah Poh , Ramdass Sheryl , Garb Jane L. , Thim Monica , Brennan Maura J. , Lindenauer Peter K. , Lagu Tara
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Despite limited evidence of efficacy, antipsychotics (APs) are commonly used to treat delirium. There has been little research on the long‐term outcomes of patients who are started on APs in the hospital.

METHODS

Using a previously described retrospective cohort of 300 elders (≥65 years old) who were newly prescribed APs while hospitalized between October 1, 2012 and September 31, 2013, we examined the 1‐year outcomes of patients alive at the time of discharge. We examined number of readmissions, reasons for readmission, duration of AP therapy, use of other sedating medications, and incidence of readmission. We used the National Death Index to describe 1‐year mortality and then created a multivariable model to identify predictors of 1‐year mortality.

RESULTS

The 260 patients discharged alive from their index admissions had a 1‐year mortality rate of 29% (75/260). Of the 146/260 patients discharged on APs, 60 (41%) patients experienced at least 1 readmission. At the time of first readmission, 65% of patients were still taking the same APs on which they had been discharged. Eighteen patients received new APs during the readmission hospitalizations. Predictors of death at 1 year included discharge to postacute facilities after index admission (odds ratio [OR]: 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10‐4.73, P = 0.03) and QT interval prolongation >500 ms during index admission (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.34‐8.67, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Initiating an AP in the hospital is likely to result in long‐term use of these medications. Patients who received an AP during a hospitalization were at high risk of death in the following year. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:550–555. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Synthesis of a doxycycline‐[13CD3] standard
Authors: Bupp James E. , Tanga Mary J.
Published: April 2016

A stable isotope labelled mass spectrometry internal standard of the antibiotic doxycycline was prepared to assist in pharmacokinetic analyses. Our approach was to first N‐demethylate doxycycline using a non‐classical Polonovski reaction and then re‐methylate using methyl‐[13CD3] iodide, which gave doxycycline‐[13CD3] with an isotopic purity of 99%.
Antioxidant enzymes expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to UV‐C radiation
Authors: Salma Kloula Ben Ghorbal , Lobna Maalej , Sana Khefacha , Kalthoum Chourabi , Imene Ouzari , Abdelwaheb Chatti
Published: April 2016

It was well known that, UV‐C irradiation increase considerably the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. In the enzymatic ROS‐scavenging pathways, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) were developed to deal with oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of UV‐C radiations on antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidases) expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidases activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Isozymes of superoxide dismutase were revealed by native gel activity staining method. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde formation. Our results showed that superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities exhibited a gradual increase during the exposure time (30 min). However, the superoxide dismutase activity was maximized at 15 min. Native gel activity staining assays showed the presence of three superoxide dismutase isozymes. The iron‐cofactored isoform activity was altered after exposure to UV‐C stress. These finding suggest that catalase and peroxidase enzymes have the same importance toward UV‐C rays at shorter and longer exposure times and this may confer additional protection to superoxide dismutase from damage caused by lipid peroxidation. Moreover, our data demonstrate the significant role of the antioxidant system in the resistance of this important human pathogen.
Muscle architectural changes after massive human rotator cuff tear
Authors: Gibbons Michael C. , Sato Eugene J. , Bachasson Damien , Cheng Timothy , Azimi Hassan , Schenk Simon , Engler Adam J. , Singh Anshuman , Ward Samuel R.
Published: April 2016

Rotator cuff (RC) tendon tears lead to negative structural and functional changes in the associated musculature. The structural features of muscle that predict function are termed “muscle architecture.” Although the architectural features of “normal” rotator cuff muscles are known, they are poorly understood in the context of cuff pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tear and repair on RC muscle architecture. To this end thirty cadaveric shoulders were grouped into one of four categories based on tear magnitude: Intact, Full‐thickness tear (FTT), Massive tear (MT), or Intervention if sutures or hardware were present, and key parameters of muscle architecture were measured. We found that muscle mass and fiber length decreased proportionally with tear size, with significant differences between all groups. Conversely, sarcomere number was reduced in both FTT and MT with no significant difference between these two groups, in large part because sarcomere length was significantly reduced in MT but not FTT. The loss of muscle mass in FTT is due, in part, to subtraction of serial sarcomeres, which may help preserve sarcomere length. This indicates that function in FTT may be impaired, but there is some remaining mechanical loading to maintain “normal” sarcomere length‐tension relationships. However, the changes resulting from MT suggest more severe limitations in force‐generating capacity because sarcomere length‐tension relationships are no longer normal. The architectural deficits observed in MT muscles may indicate deeper deficiencies in muscle adaptability to length change, which could negatively impact RC function despite successful anatomical repair. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2089–2095, 2016.
Immune modulation with primed mesenchymal stem cells delivered via biodegradable scaffold to repair an Achilles tendon segmental defect
Authors: Aktas Erdem , Chamberlain Connie S. , Saether Erin E. , Duenwald‐Kuehl Sarah E. , Kondratko‐Mittnacht Jaclyn , Stitgen Michael , Lee Jae Sung , Clements Anna E. , Murphy William L. , Vanderby Ray
Published: April 2016

Tendon healing is a complex coordinated series of events resulting in protracted recovery, limited regeneration, and scar formation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has shown promise as a new technology to enhance soft tissue and bone healing. A challenge with MSC therapy involves the ability to consistently control the inflammatory response and subsequent healing. Previous studies suggest that preconditioning MSCs with inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β may accelerate cutaneous wound closure. The objective of this study was to therefore elucidate these effects in tendon. That is, the in vivo healing effects of TNF‐α primed MSCs were studied using a rat Achilles segmental defect model. Rat Achilles tendons were subjected to a unilateral 3 mm segmental defect and repaired with either a PLG scaffold alone, MSC‐seeded PLG scaffold, or TNF‐α‐primed MSC‐seeded PLG scaffold. Achilles tendons were analyzed at 2 and 4 weeks post‐injury. In vivo, MSCs, regardless of priming, increased IL‐10 production and reduced the inflammatory factor, IL‐1α. Primed MSCs reduced IL‐12 production and the number of M1 macrophages, as well as increased the percent of M2 macrophages, and synthesis of the anti‐inflammatory factor IL‐4. Primed MSC treatment also increased the concentration of type I procollagen in the healing tissue and increased failure stress of the tendon 4 weeks post‐injury. Taken together delivery of TNF‐α primed MSCs via 3D PLG scaffold modulated macrophage polarization and cytokine production to further accentuate the more regenerative MSC‐induced healing response. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:269–280, 2017.
Phosphorus speciation and high‐affinity transporters are influenced by humic substances
Authors: Jindo Keiji , Soares Tatiane Sanches , Peres Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira , Azevedo Inga Golçalvez , Aguiar Natália Oliveira , Mazzei Pierluigi , Spaccini Riccardo , Piccolo Alessandro , Olivares Fábio Lopes , Canellas Luciano Pasqualoto
Published: April 2016

Phosphorus (P) is a limiting factor for plant growth, especially in highly weathered tropical soils. Plants have several mechanisms to overcome low P availability in soil, such as humic substances, that reduce phosphate (Pi) adsorption on oxide surfaces and enhance soil P availability. However, the direct influence of humic substances on Pi transporters in root cells or the distribution of P species in leaves remains unclear. Tomato seedlings were grown in a sand–vermiculite mixture with low or high P concentrations (10 or 100 mg kg−1 KH2PO4, respectively) and humic acids (0 or 48 mg C L−1) isolated from vermicompost. Plant responses were evaluated in the fifth week by measuring root and shoot weights and P concentration, and differential expression in the roots of the high‐affinity Pi transporter genes LePT1 and LePT2. In addition, the distribution of P species in the leaves was assessed using 31P‐NMR. Humic acids increased the root biomass and changed the distribution of P species in the leaves. Inorganic phosphate was the major compound in plants supplied with a high P concentration, whereas in plants supplied with a low P concentration, Pi was only identified in plants not treated with humic acids. Glycerophosphodiester and phosphorylcholine accumulated in plants treated with humic acid, indicating a modified metabolic pathway for economical P consumption at low P concentrations. High transcript accumulation of LePT2 was observed in roots treated with humic acids at both P concentrations. Our results show that humic substances are strategically involved in plant adaptation to P availability.
Factors influencing the adoption of soil conservation techniques in Northern Rwanda
Authors: Nahayo Alphonse , Pan Genxing , Joseph Stephen
Published: April 2016

Inadequate land management in the highlands of Rwanda has led to soil erosion which caused soil fertility decline. Farmers adopted the soil conservation techniques in order to mitigate the effects of soil erosion. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that influence the adoption of soil conservation (SC) techniques in Gatebe sector located in N Rwanda. A survey was used for data collection among farmers. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. Results indicated that about 50% of farmers were aware of the causes of soil erosion such as cultivation on steep slope, frequent and intense rainfall and inadequate soil erosion control practices. In spite of the adoption of SC techniques such as agroforestry (90%), vegetative strips (80%), infiltration ditches, fence, and hedge rows (60%), the soil erosion persists because of over‐cultivation on small farmlands with steep slope, insufficient SC techniques, limited financial capacity, and inadequate practical training to maintain existing SC techniques. There was a significant positive influence of land acquisition means on the adoption of SC techniques. In fact, farmers who inherited or bought the land were 1.55 times more likely to adopt the SC techniques than those who borrowed or rented, because farmers who felt to have long‐ term use rights were more likely to invest in durable SC techniques. However, farmers who joined the land consolidation were 0.14 times likely not to adopt the SC techniques because there was a change of existing farming systems. Policymakers should focus on the improvement of farmers' awareness on soil erosion and efficient SC techniques through enhanced training, extension services and bottom‐up based support programs.
Repeated monitoring of organic carbon stocks after eight years reveals carbon losses from intensively managed agricultural soils in Western Germany
Authors: Steinmann Thomas , Welp Gerhard , Wolf Andreas , Holbeck Britta , Große‐Rüschkamp Thomas , Amelung Wulf
Published: April 2016

Past land‐use changes, intensive cropping with large proportions of root crops, and preferred use of mineral fertilizer have been made responsible for proceeding losses of soil organic C (SOC) in the plough layer. We hypothesized that in intensive agriculturally managed regions changes in SOC stocks would be detectable within a decade. To test this hypothesis, we tracked the temporal development of the concentrations and stocks of SOC in 268 arable sites, sampled by horizon down to 60 cm in the Cologne‐Bonn region, W Germany, in 2005 and in 2013. We then related these changes to soil management data and humus balances obtained from farmers' surveys. As we expected that changes in SOC concentrations might at least in part be minor, we fractionated soils from 38 representative sites according to particle size in order to obtain C pools of different stability.

We found that SOC concentrations had increased significantly in the topsoil (from 9.4 g kg−1 in 2005 to 9.8 g kg−1 in 2013), but had decreased significantly in the subsoil (from 4.1 g kg−1 in 2005 to 3.5 g kg−­1 in 2013). Intriguingly, these changes were due to changes in mineral‐bound SOC rather than to changes in sand‐sized organic matter pools. As bulk density decreased, the overall SOC stocks in the upper 60 cm exhibited a SOC loss of nearly 0.6 t C (ha · y)−1 after correction by the equivalent soil mass method. This loss was most pronounced for sandy soils [−0.73 t SOC (ha · y)−1], and less pronounced for loamy soils [−0.64 t SOC (ha · y)−1]; silty soils revealed the smallest reduction in SOC [−0.3 t SOC (ha · y)−1]. Losses of SOC occurred even with the overall humus balances having increased positively from about 20 kg C (ha · y)−1 (2003–2005) to about 133 kg C (ha · y)−1 (2005–2013) due to an improved organic fertilization and intercropping. We conclude that current management may fail to raise overall SOC stocks. In our study area SOC stocks even continued to decline, despite humus conservation practice, likely because past land use conversions (before 2005) still affect SOC dynamics.
A vibrational and conformational characterization of arginine at different pH values investigated using Raman spectroscopy combined with DFT calculations
Authors: Bhunia Snehasis , Srivastava Sunil K. , Materny Arnulf , Ojha Animesh K.
Published: April 2016

In the present study, the Raman spectra of an aqueous solution of arginine (Arg) at three different pH values (2.0, 9.0, and 10.5) were recorded in the spectral range 500–1800 cm−1 by using an excitation wavelength of 514 nm. The wavenumber position and intensity of the Raman bands lying in the spectral range 1000–1500 cm−1 changed with pH. The change in the peak parameters with pH was mainly attributed to the change of the molecular structure to zwitterionic (ZW), cationic zwitterionic (CATZW), or protonated (PRO) form. The presence of these conformers at a particular pH value is investigated by analyzing the experimental and theoretical Raman spectra. The structural, spectroscopic, and thermodynamical features of ZW, CATZW, and PRO conformers of Arg in the gas phase and the aqueous solution phase were investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) and M062X/6‐31 + G(d,p) levels of theory. The spectroscopic changes observed for the Arg–(water)10 complex in the gas phase (explicit model) and in the bulk solvent water environment (implicit model) are explained in terms of the role that water molecules play in the stabilization or destabilization of the active sites of Arg. The structure of the most stable conformer of the ZW, CATZW, and PRO forms of Arg at the pH values of 2.0, 9.0, and 10.5 was determined by comparing the experimental and theoretical spectral features and performing a Boltzmann population analysis. The most stable conformer of Arg at a particular pH, as obtained by spectral analysis, is also well supported by the results obtained from a thermodynamical analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disconnected by design: analytic approach in treatment networks having no common comparator
Authors: Goring S. M. , Gustafson P. , Liu Y. , Saab S. , Cline S. K. , Platt R. W.
Published: April 2016

In a network meta‐analysis, comparators of interest are ideally connected either directly or via one or more common comparators. However, in some therapeutic areas, the evidence base can produce networks that are disconnected, in which there is neither direct evidence nor an indirect route for comparing certain treatments within the network. Disconnected networks may occur when there is no accepted standard of care, when there has been a major paradigm shift in treatment, when use of a standard of care or placebo is debated, when a product receives orphan drug designation, or when there is a large number of available treatments and many accepted standards of care. These networks pose a challenge to decision makers and clinicians who want to estimate the relative efficacy and safety of newly available agents against alternatives. A currently recommended approach is to insert a distribution for the unknown treatment effect(s) into a network meta‐analysis model of treatment effect. In this paper, we describe this approach along with two alternative Bayesian models that can accommodate disconnected networks. Additionally, we present a theoretical framework to guide the choice between modeling approaches. This paper presents researchers with the tools and framework for selecting appropriate models for indirect comparison of treatment efficacies when challenged with a disconnected framework. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of spontaneous tumor rupture on prognosis of patients with T4 hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chan Wen‐Hui , Hung Chien‐Fu , Pan Kuang‐Tse , Lui Kar‐Wai , Huang Yu‐Ting , Lin Shen‐Yen , Lin Yang‐Yu , Wu Tsung‐Han , Yu Ming‐Chin
Published: April 2016

Background and objectives

Compare the outcomes of three groups of patients with T4 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): tumor rupture with shock (RS group), tumor rupture without shock (R group), and no tumor rupture (NR group).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 221 patients with T4 HCC from 2010 to 2012. The clinical background and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

Overall in‐hospital mortality rate was 18.1%; overall median survival time was 4 months. The NR group were more likely to have multiple and infiltrative tumors (P < 0.001). Relative to the NR group, the R + RS group had better survival rates at 6 months (49.2% vs. 32.2%), 1 year (35.3% vs. 21.0%), 3 years (22.5% vs. 11.0%), and 5 years (17.7% vs. 5.5%) (P = 0.010). Patients in the RS group had a higher in‐hospital mortality rate, but significantly better long‐term survival than the NR and R group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that Child‐Pugh class B or C, presence of portal venous thrombosis, and absence of shock were significantly associated with poor survival.

Conclusion

Patients with tumor rupture and shock had worse in‐hospital survival. However, patients without decompensated liver cirrhosis and portal venous thrombosis, and eligible for curative treatment had favorable long‐term outcome. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:789–795. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Surgical Oncology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐speed countercurrent chromatography isolation of flavans from Ixeris chinensis and their identification by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Qing‐hu , Bao Bai‐yin‐mu‐qi‐er , Han Jing‐jing , Wu Rong‐jun
Published: April 2016

High‐speed countercurrent chromatography, combined with macroporous resin chromatography were applied to the separation and purification of flavans from Ixeris chinensis. Four flavans, namely, 5‐methoxy‐7,4′‐dihydroxyflavan‐3‐ol (1), 5,7‐dimethoxy‐4′‐hydroxyflavan‐3‐ol (2), 5,7‐dimethoxy‐4′‐hydroxyflavan (3), and 5,7‐dimethoxy‐8‐methyl‐4′‐hydroxyflavan (4), were obtained from I. chinensis for the first time. Their chemical structural identification was carried out by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Amounts of 13.2 mg of compound 1, 6.4 mg of compound 2, 5.8 mg of compound 3, and 14.5 mg of compound 4 were separated from 120 mg 75% ethanol fraction. The purities of 1–4 were 99.1, 99.2, 97.3, and 98.6 %, respectively.
QuEChERS method for the simultaneous quantification of phorate and its metabolites in porcine and chicken muscle and table eggs using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Rahman Md. Musfiqur , Kim Sung‐Woo , Na Tae Woong , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Lee Young‐Jun , Park Joon‐Seong , Ramadan Amer , Lee Han Sol , Chung Hyung Suk , Choi Jeong‐Heui , Shin Ho‐Chul , Shim Jae‐Han
Published: April 2016

An analytical method to detect phorate and its metabolites, including phorate sulfone, phorate sulfoxide, phoratoxon, phoratoxon sulfone, and phoratoxon sulfoxide, in porcine and chicken muscles and table eggs was developed and validated. Extraction was performed using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method and analysis was conducted using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Matrix‐matched calibrations were linear over the tested concentrations, with determination coefficient ≥ 0.995 for all tested analytes in the different matrices. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.001 and 0.004 mg/kg, respectively. The calculated recovery rates at three fortification levels were satisfactory, with values between 74.22 and 119.89% and relative standard deviations < 10%. The method was applied successfully to commercial samples collected from locations throughout the Korean Peninsula, and none of them showed any traces of the tested analytes. Overall, the developed method is simple and versatile, and can be used for monitoring phorate and its metabolites in animal products rich in protein and fat.
The impact of delayed surgical drainage of deep neck abscesses in adult and pediatric populations
Authors: Cramer John D. , Purkey Matthew R. , Smith Stephanie Shintani , Schroeder James W.
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The conventional treatment for deep neck abscesses in adults is antibiotic therapy with surgical drainage, whereas in children there is debate about the role of surgical drainage versus conservative therapy. It is presently unclear if delayed surgical drainage negatively affects outcomes.

Study Design

We performed a multicenter, prospective, risk‐adjusted cohort study of adult and pediatric patients with deep neck abscess who received incision and drainage within 7 days of admission in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013 (adults) and from 2012 to 2013 (pediatrics).

Methods

Patients were compared based on age (≤ 18 years, > 18 years), timing of surgical drainage (day 0, day 1–2, or day 3–7), and complication rates (specifically, abscess‐specific morbidity and mortality [M&M]). Multivariate regression was performed to control for preoperative differences.

Results

A total of 1,012 cases of deep neck abscess were identified (347 adult, 665 pediatric). In adults, delay in surgical drainage was associated with increased abscess‐specific M&M, from 11.5% (day 0) to 17.3% (day 1–2) to 25.0% (day 3–7) (P = 0.02). On multivariate regression, delay in drainage of ≥ 3 days in adults was associated with a 2.38‐fold increase in M&M (95% confidence interval 1.01–5.59, P = 0.019). In pediatrics, there was no association between surgical delay and increased abscess‐specific M&M, with rates of 5.0% (day 0), 4.0% (day 1–2), and 4.8% (day 3–7) (P = 0.68).

Conclusion

In adults, delay in surgical drainage of deep neck abscess is associated with increased M&M. There is no association between timing of drainage and M&M in children.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 126:1753–1760, 2016
Two‐year mortality, complications, and healthcare use in children with medicaid following tracheostomy
Authors: Watters Karen , O'Neill Margaret , Zhu Hannah , Graham Robert J. , Hall Matthew , Berry Jay
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess patient characteristics associated with adverse outcomes in the first 2 years following tracheostomy, and to report healthcare utilization and cost of caring for these children.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Children (0–16 years) in Medicaid from 10 states undergoing tracheostomy in 2009, identified with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes and followed through 2011, were selected using the Truven Health Medicaid Marketscan Database (Truven Health Analytics, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI). Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed with likelihood of death and tracheostomy complication using chi‐square tests and logistic regression. Healthcare use and spending across the care continuum (hospital, outpatient, community, and home) were reported.

Results

A total of 502 children underwent tracheostomy in 2009, with 34.1% eligible for Medicaid because of disability. Median age at tracheostomy was 8 years (interquartile range 1–16 years), and 62.7% had a complex chronic condition. Two‐year rates of in‐hospital mortality and tracheostomy complication were 8.9% and 38.8%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the highest likelihood of mortality occurred in children age < 1 year compared with 13+ years (odds ratio [OR] 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2–17.1); the highest likelihood of tracheostomy complication was in children with a complex chronic condition versus those without a complex chronic condition (OR 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1–9.9). Total healthcare spending in the 2 years following tracheostomy was $53.3 million, with hospital, home, and primary care constituting 64.4%, 9.4%, and 0.5% of total spending, respectively.

Conclusion

Mortality and morbidity are high, and spending on primary and home care is small following tracheostomy in children with Medicaid. Future studies should assess whether improved outpatient and community care might improve their health outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:2611–2617, 2016
Soil CO2–C Emissions and Correlations with Soil Properties in Degraded and Managed Pastures in Southern Brazil
Authors: Figueiredo Eduardo Barretto de , Panosso Alan Rodrigo , Bordonal Ricardo de Oliveira , Teixeira Daniel De Bortoli , Berchielli Telma Teresinha , La Scala Newton
Published: April 2016

Land degradation has been a global environmental issue, and its cause includes poorly managed grazing. Quantitative information is needed to support policy actions for food and water security and development. The objective of this study was to assess and characterize CO2–C emissions in degraded (DP) and managed pasture (MP) areas located close to one another, describing their spatial–temporal variability and any correlation with possible controlling factors. A grid of 100 × 100 m with 102 sample points in each area was set up. Measurements of CO2–C emission (FCO2), soil temperature (Tsoil), soil water content (WCsoil), soil physical (i.e. soil texture, soil bulk density, macro‐porosity, micro‐porosity, air‐filled pore space and total pore volume) and chemical (i.e. pH, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and cation exchange capacity) analysis were conducted at each sample point. Total emissions calculated from the area below the FCO2 graphs were 640.7 and 440.0 kg CO2–C ha−1 in the DP and MP, respectively. Soil temperature in the MP was lower (t‐test, p < 0.01) throughout the experimental period when compared with the DP. This study found that the degraded pasture area released significantly more CO2–C compared with the well‐managed pasture. Therefore, the introduction of best management practices in pasture areas is an important strategy to reduce soil CO2–C losses and promote soil C accumulation. The MP presented lower FCO2 despite its higher soil C stock, indicating a more stable soil C condition when compared with the DP area. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil Restoration after seven Years of Exclosure Management in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuria Wolde , Langan Simon , Noble Andrew , Johnston Robyn
Published: April 2016

Ecological restoration through exclosure establishment has become an increasingly important approach to reversing degraded ecosystems in rangelands worldwide. The present study was conducted in northwestern Ethiopia where policy programs are aiming to restore degraded lands. Changes in soil properties following establishing exclosures on communal grazing lands were investigated. A space‐for‐time substitution approach was used to monitor changes in soil properties after conversion of communal grazing lands to exclosures with ages of establishment ranging from 1 to 7 years. Significant differences in soil pH, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, soil moisture content and bulk density were observed within exclosures and between exclosures and communal grazing land. Communal grazing land displayed significantly higher soil total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compared with exclosures. Exclosures did not display significantly higher soil organic matter content when compared with the communal grazing land. The results confirm that more than 7 years after the establishment of exclosures is required to detect significant improvements in most of the investigated soil properties. Prohibition of the practice of grass harvesting during the first 3 to 5 years following the establishment of exclosure, and decreasing the amount of grass harvest with exclosure age could support to increase easily decomposable organic inputs to the soil and improve soil properties in relatively short period of time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.