bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer misbehavior and store managers' work‐to‐family enrichment: The moderated mediation effect of work meaningfulness and organizational affective commitment
Authors: Loi Raymond , Xu Angela J. , Chow Cheris W. C. , Kwok Jonathan M. L.
Published: October 2017

With the growing research interest in work–family enrichment, this study explores how negative workplace phenomenon affects store managers' experience of work‐to‐family enrichment. Using two‐wave survey data collected from 156 retail store managers who had frequent interactions with customers, we found that customer misbehavior had a negative effect on their work‐to‐family enrichment through work meaningfulness. Furthermore, store managers' organizational affective commitment acted as an effective buffer on such negative relationship. Our findings thus fill in one missing piece in the current work–family enrichment literature and carry important implications for organizations to help retail store managers attain work meaningfulness and enrich their family life.
Cancer as the “perfect storm”? A qualitative study of public attitudes to health conditions
Authors: Morrell Liz , Ii Suzanne Sayuri , Wordsworth Sarah , Wilson Roger , Rees Sian , Barker Richard
Published: October 2017

Aims

Our aim is to identify important attributes of major diseases that shape how they are perceived by the public.

Methods and Results

Four focus groups among members of the public were recruited, in March and October 2016, and used semistructured discussion to explore important attributes of cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia, mental illness, and infectious disease. Common themes were identified by using inductive thematic analysis.

Five themes were identified: fear, impact on family and friends, hope, detection, and prevention. Fear of cancer includes not only fear of death but also of aggressive treatments. Loss of dignity is feared in dementia, while infectious disease raises fear of uncontrollable “plague”; in contrast, people with mental illness may themselves be seen as a potential threat. The impact of cancer and its treatment on family and friends was described as intense and all‐consuming, even for those not involved directly in caring; with dementia and stroke, the family impact is taking on care, including funding, over the long term with little expectation of improvement. Hope is a major theme in cancer and stroke recovery, linked with the need to take action, often expressed in aggressive language of “fighting,” but seen as futile in dementia. Detection difficulties for “silent” cancers mean that real treatment opportunities are missed; cardiovascular and infection risk, however, are seen as easy to identify and act on, whereas mental illness and dementia are seen as poorly diagnosed and with limited treatment options. Prevention awareness is high for cardiovascular disease and infection, lower for cancer, and limited for dementia and mental health.

Conclusion

Although themes overlap across diseases, the specific concerns are different and each condition has a unique profile. Quantifying the relative importance of these themes could allow their incorporation in decision‐making, not only when they occur as a named disease but also in any relevant condition.
Modelling of the retreat process of composite riverbank in the Jingjiang Reach using the improved BSTEM
Authors: Zong Quanli , Xia Junqiang , Zhou Meirong , Deng Shanshan , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2017

Bank retreat in the Jingjiang Reach is closely related not only to the near‐bank intensity of fluvial erosion but also to the composition and mechanical properties of bank soils. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly simulate bank retreat to determine the characteristics of fluvial processes in the Jingjiang Reach. The current version of bank stability and toe erosion model (5.4) was improved to predict riverbank retreat, by inputting a dynamic water table, and calculating the approximation of the distribution of dynamic pore water pressure in the soil near the river bank face, and considering the depositional form of the failed blocks, which is assumedly based on a triangular distribution, with the slope approximately equalling the stable submerged bank slope and half of collapsed volume deposited in the bank‐toe region. The degrees of riverbank stability at Jing34 were calculated using the improved bank stability and toe erosion model. The results indicate the following trends: (a) the degrees of riverbank stability were high during the dry season and the rising stage, which led to minimal bank failure, and (b) the stability degrees were low during the flood season and the recession stage, with the events of bank collapse occurring frequently, which belonged to a stage of intensive bank erosion. Considering the effects of bank‐toe erosion, water table lag, and the depositional form of the collapsed bank soil, the bank‐retreat process was simulated at the right riverbank of Jing34. The model‐predicted results exhibit close agreement with the measured data, including the total bank‐retreat width and the collapsed bank profile. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the quantitative effects of toe erosion and water table lag on the degree of bank stability. The calculated results for toe erosion indicate that the amount of toe erosion was largest during the flood season, which was a primary reason for bank failure. The influence of water table lag on the degree of stability demonstrates that water table lag was an important cause of bank failure during the recession stage.
Coffee and green tea consumption and subsequent risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes in Japan
Authors: Ugai Tomotaka , Matsuo Keitaro , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Yamaji Taiki , Shimazu Taichi , Goto Atsushi , Inoue Manami , Kanda Yoshinobu , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study Group
Published: October 2017

Although coffee and green tea are suggested to reduce the risk of some types of cancers, only a few epidemiological studies have investigated their effect on the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Here, we investigated the association of coffee and green tea consumption and the risk of AML and MDS in a large‐scale population‐based cohort study in Japan. A total of 95,807 Japanese subjects (45,937 men and 49,870 women; age 40–69 years at baseline) were followed to the end of 2012, for an average of 18 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between coffee and green tea consumption at baseline and the risk of AML and MDS were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model with adjustment for potential confounders. During 1,751.956 person‐years, we identified 85 AML cases and 70 MDS cases. Our findings showed no significant association between coffee consumption and the risk of AML, or between green tea consumption and the risk of AML or MDS. In contrast, we observed a decreasing dose‐response relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of MDS among men (almost none: reference, 1–4 times/week: HR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.43–1.62; ≥1cups/day: HR = 0.47, 0.22–0.99, p for trend = 0.049). Stratified analysis by smoking status suggested that the observed relative risk for AML and MDS of coffee drinkers relative to non‐coffee drinkers might be due to residual confounding by smoking. These findings deserve further investigation in future studies.
Social Media Texts and Critical Inquiry in a Post‐Factual Era
Authors: Alvermann Donna E.
Published: October 2017

This department column is a venue for thoughtful discussions of contemporary issues dealing with policy and practice, remixed in ways that generate new insights into enduring dilemmas, debates, and controversies.
The Literate Body: A Review of Literacies, Learning, and the Body: Putting Theory and Research Into Pedagogical Practice
Authors: Vasudevan Lalitha , Kerr Kristine Rodriguez , Enriquez Grace , Johnson Elisabeth , Kontovourki Stavroula , Mallozzi Christine A.
Published: October 2017

This forum reviews a mix of resources (written texts, graphic novels, documentaries, and mixed‐media pieces) to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youths and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
A Novel Distal Enhancer Mediates Inflammation‐, PTH‐, and Early Onset Murine Kidney Disease‐Induced Expression of the Mouse Fgf23 Gene
Authors: Onal Melda , Carlson Alex H , Thostenson Jeff D , Benkusky Nancy A , Meyer Mark B , Lee Seong M , Pike J Wesley
Published: October 2017

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) production is regulated by both calciotropic hormones and inflammation. Consistent with this, elevated FGF23 levels are associated with inflammatory markers as well as parathyroid hormone (PTH) in various disease states, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning Fgf23 transcription in response to these regulators are largely unknown. We therefore utilized chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA sequencing (ChIP‐seq) data from an osteocyte cell line to identify potential regulatory regions of the Fgf23 gene. Based on ChIP‐seq analysis of enhancer‐associated histone modifications, including H3K4 methylation and H3K9 acetylation, we discovered several potential enhancers for Fgf23, one of which was located 16kb upstream of the gene's transcriptional start site. Deletion of this putative enhancer from the mouse genome using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology led to lower bone, thymus, and spleen expression of Fgf23 mRNA without altering circulating levels of the intact hormone, although as previously reported, only bone displayed significant basal expression. Nevertheless, lack of the −16kb enhancer blunted FGF23 upregulation in a tissue‐specific manner by the acute inflammatory inducers lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin‐1‐beta (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) in bone, non‐osseous tissues, and in circulation. Lack of the −16kb enhancer also inhibited PTH‐induced bone Fgf23 mRNA. Moreover, the absence of this Fgf23 enhancer in an oxalate diet‐induced murine CKD model prevented the early onset induction of osseous, renal, and thymic Fgf23 mRNA levels and led to a significant blunting of elevated circulating intact FGF23 levels. These results suggest that −16kb enhancer mediates the induction of Fgf23 by inflammation and PTH and facilitates the increase in FGF23 expression in a murine model of CKD. As exemplified herein, these Fgf23 enhancer‐deleted mice will provide a unique model in which to study the role of FGF23 expression in inflammatory diseases. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Molecular acidity: An accurate description with information‐theoretic approach in density functional reactivity theory
Authors: Cao Xiaofang , Rong Chunying , Zhong Aiguo , Lu Tian , Liu Shubin
Published: October 2017

Molecular acidity is one of the important physiochemical properties of a molecular system, yet its accurate calculation and prediction are still an unresolved problem in the literature. In this work, we propose to make use of the quantities from the information‐theoretic (IT) approach in density functional reactivity theory and provide an accurate description of molecular acidity from a completely new perspective. To illustrate our point, five different categories of acidic series, singly and doubly substituted benzoic acids, singly substituted benzenesulfinic acids, benzeneseleninic acids, phenols, and alkyl carboxylic acids, have been thoroughly examined. We show that using IT quantities such as Shannon entropy, Fisher information, Ghosh–Berkowitz–Parr entropy, information gain, Onicescu information energy, and relative Rényi entropy, one is able to simultaneously predict experimental pKa values of these different categories of compounds. Because of the universality of the quantities employed in this work, which are all density dependent, our approach should be general and be applicable to other systems as well. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High prevalence of candiduria due to non‐albicans Candida species among diabetic patients: A matter of concern?
Authors: Esmailzadeh Alireza , Zarrinfar Hossein , Fata AbdolMajid , Sen Tanuka
Published: October 2017

Background

Among the fungal pathogens, Candida species are the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). Some predisposing factors such as diabetes mellitus, urinary retention, urinary stasis, renal transplantation, and hospitalization can increase the risk of candiduria. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate candiduria among type 2 diabetic patients and identification of the Candida isolates.

Method

Four hundred clean‐catch midstream urine specimens were obtained from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The specimens were centrifuged and the sediments were examined by direct examination and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The plates were incubated for 2‐3 days at 35°C. The Candida colonies were counted and purified using CHROMagar Candida. The isolates were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) system.

Results

Of the 400 urine specimens, 40 (10%) had positive cultures for Candida species with a colony count of ≥1 × 103 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. The frequencies of the Candida species were as follows: C. albicans (n = 19, 47.5%), C. glabrata (n = 15, 37.5%), C. kefyer (n = 4, 10%) and C. krusei (n = 2, 5%). Seventy‐three (88%) of the patients with candiduria had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels above 7%.

Conclusion

The rate of candiduria was relatively high in type 2 diabetic patients and they were also suffering from a lack of proper blood glucose control. Although the frequency of non‐albicans Candida species had not significantly higher than C. albicans, however, they obtained more from those with symptomatic candiduria.
A 12‐week integrative exercise program improves self‐reported mindfulness and interoceptive awareness in war veterans with posttraumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Mehling Wolf E. , Chesney Margaret A. , Metzler Thomas J. , Goldstein Lizabeth A. , Maguen Shira , Geronimo Chris , Agcaoili Gary , Barnes Deborah E. , Hlavin Jennifer A. , Neylan Thomas C.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Innovative approaches to the treatment of war‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are needed. We report on secondary psychological outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of integrative exercise (IE) using aerobic and resistance exercise with mindfulness‐based principles and yoga. We expected—in parallel to observed improvements in PTSD intensity and quality of life—improvements in mindfulness, interoceptive bodily awareness, and positive states of mind.

Method

A total of 47 war veterans with PTSD were randomized to 12‐week IE versus waitlist. Changes in mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, and states of mind were assessed by self‐report standard measures.

Results

Large effect sizes for the intervention were observed on Five‐Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Non‐Reactivity (d = .85), Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Body Listening (d = .80), and Self‐Regulation (d = 1.05).

Conclusion

In a randomized controlled trial of a 12‐week IE program for war veterans with PTSD, we saw significant improvements in mindfulness, interoceptive bodily awareness, and positive states of mind compared to a waitlist.
Evaluation of Model‐Based Prediction of Pharmacokinetics in the Renal Impairment Population
Authors: Yee Ka Lai , Li Mengyao , Cabalu Tamara , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali , Lin Jian , Zhao Ping , Jadhav Pravin
Published: October 2017

Dose recommendations for specific populations are not always provided and, when available, typically rely on empirical derivation from a small fraction of the general population. In this study, a prediction/confirmation framework was applied to 2 model‐based methods, physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) and a static model, to evaluate their ability to predict clearance in mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment populations and to inform dosing recommendations in these populations. Simulated renal impairment/healthy subject AUC ratios (AUCRs) from PBPK and static models were compared with observed AUCRs from dedicated clinical studies in renal impairment subjects for 7 drugs eliminated primarily by renal clearance. Both PBPK and static model predictions were within 2‐fold of observed AUCRs for most compounds across all renal impairment categories. Predictions were generally more accurate for the mild and moderate renal impairment populations, with the majority of AUCR predictions within 80% to 125% of observed values for both methods. However, the accuracy of predictions was lower for the severe renal impairment population using the PBPK method. Given the accuracy observed, both methods may be suitable for prospective predictions for early decision‐making, but are likely not sufficient sole justification for dose recommendations. There is a need to assess a larger database of compounds to enhance the predictive power of currently available tools.
Anaerobic treatment of sugar cane vinasse: treatability and real‐scale operation
Authors: López Iván , Borzacconi Liliana , Passeggi Mauricio
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Vinasse is a wastewater from bioethanol production with a very high concentration of organic matter, usually from 40 to 80 gCOD L‐1. These features make this wastewater attractive for treatment in an anaerobic system. Anaerobic processes allow the valorisation of this highly polluting wastewater as an energy resource in an environmentally friendly way.

RESULTS

A multiscale approach was followed, using batch tests, continuous bench scale reactors, and a full‐scale upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor. Potential inhibition due to high potassium concentrations was evaluated. Using batch tests, the IC50 potassium concentration was determined to be around 6 g L‐1, but continuous reactors could adapt the biomass to this concentration level without removal efficiency decay. A load of 20 gCOD L‐1 d with chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies between 60% and 80% were reached in bench scale UASB and expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors. Finally, a 100 m3 UASB reactor located in a distillery was tested under industrial conditions. A load of 0.6 kgCOD kg‐1VSS d‐1 was achieved with a COD removal efficiency of 78%.

CONCLUSION

Although potassium was inhibitory for the inoculum, the sludge from a continuously operated reactor can be adapted to high potassium concentrations without affecting its performance. The real possibility of working with undiluted vinasse was also verified. For distilleries like the Uruguayan case, which produces 18 000 m3 of bioethanol per year, 5x10 m3 of biogas per year, with 68% methane, could be expected, representing an energy potential of about one‐third of the main fuel produced. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic factors are stressed variably by onset age‐based sample selection in psoriasis: A hint from major histocompatibility complex region‐based analysis
Authors: Ye Lei , Yang Chao , Dou Jin‐Fa , Wen Lei‐Lei , Wang Wen‐Jun , Zheng Xiao‐Dong , Zuo Xian‐Bo , Zhou Fu‐Sheng , Fan Xing , Zhang Xue‐Jun
Published: October 2017

Background

Large cohort‐based genetic association studies have been established over a decade. However, for certain diseases, different results with respect to the genome‐wide association study level have been obtained among studies, even for those conducted within the same ethnic groups. We hypothesized that onset age‐based sample variables might have a great impact on the results.

Methods

In the present study, we divided psoriasis patients into several subgroups according to the onset age bracket. We conducted genetic association analysis in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region of each patient subgroup with shared control subjects.

Results

We found decreases in the numbers of susceptible variants in each subgroup analysis as the onset age increased in the longitudinal analysis. Meanwhile, the pairwise analysis showed that younger patients exhibited greater numbers of genetic risks in the MHC region compared to elder patients, regardless of whether the cut‐off values were defined as 20 or 30 years old. Similar results were also found among 11–20‐, 21–30‐ and 31–40‐year‐old groups. Furthermore, when combining the results of both the stepwise regression analysis and the HLA‐C*06:02 conditioning analysis, different variants were found to be independently associated with each psoriasis subgroup.

Conclusions

Onset age‐based sample variables influence the results of genetic association studies, at least in MHC region‐based genetic analysis. We suggest that caution is required when selecting samples for genetic association studies to prevent confounders that might be a result of onset age.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antifungal Activity Evaluation of Some Novel Arylazothiazoles
Authors: Ouf Salama A. , Gomha Sobhi M. , Ewies Mohamed M. , Sharawy Ihab A. A.
Published: October 2017

A series of novel arylazothiazole derivatives were synthesized in good yield via coupling of thiazole derivatives with arenediazonium chloride in ethanol in the presence of sodium acetate trihydrate at 0–5°C. The structures of the newly synthesized products were elucidated via elemental analysis, spectral data, and alternative routes whenever possible. Moreover, the antidermatophtic activity screening of the products was evaluated, and the results revealed that compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, 7f, 7g, and 7i showed broad potency and induced more inhibition against the tested fungi compared to fluconazole as antifungal standard drug.
Transcranial MRI‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of essential tremor: A pilot study on the correlation between lesion size, lesion location, thermal dose, and clinical outcome
Authors: Federau Christian , Goubran Maged , Rosenberg Jarrett , Henderson Jaimie , Halpern Casey H. , Santini Veronica , Wintermark Max , Butts Pauly Kim , Ghanouni Pejman
Published: October 2017

Background

Transcranial MR‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) is a promising noninvasive method to treat medication‐refractory essential tremor.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To define the correlation between lesion size after ablation, thermal dose, and clinical outcome in tcMRgFUS treatment of essential tremor.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Subjects/Phantom/Specimen/Animal Model

Eight patients with medication‐refractory essential tremor were treated using a tcMRgFUS system at 3T.

Field Strength/Sequence

T2‐weighted images were acquired immediately and at 1 year posttreatment at 3T.

Assessment

An atlas of the thalamic nuclei and dose maps were warped to the posttreatment images. The thermal dose, the immediate posttreatment lesion volume and 1‐year final lesion volume, and the volumes confined inside the ventral division of the ventral lateral posterior thalamic nucleus (VLpv) were correlated to clinical outcome at 1 month and 1 year using Pearson's coefficient. The spatial region of treatment correlating with maximal clinical outcome was derived in a normalized space from average maps of clinical tremor score improvement at 1 year.

Statistical Tests

Statistical significance was assessed using the Wilcoxon two‐tailed rank test.

Results

The correlations between thermal dose, lesion volume posttreatment and at 1 year, and outcome at 1 year were good (r = 0.73, 0.65, 0.73, respectively), and were slightly better than at 1 month (r = 0.57, 0.49, 0.65). Reducing the measurement to include only the portion within the VLpv did not significantly modify the correlations (P = 0.09). The center of the spatial region of treatment was found in the anterior commissure – posterior commissure plane, 14.3 mm lateral from the midline, and 8.3 mm rostral to the posterior commissure.

Data Conclusion

In this pilot study a good correlation was found between the size of the lesion, the thermal dose, and the clinical outcome in patients treated for essential tremor with ablation of the VLpv with tcMRgFUS.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
Mass spectrometry characterization of endophytic bacterium Curtobacterium sp. strain ER1/6 isolated from Citrus sinensis
Authors: Araújo Francisca Diana da Silva , Santos Daiene Souza , Pagotto Carolina Clepf , de Araújo Welington Luiz , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira
Published: October 2017

The bacteria of the genus Curtobacterium are usually seen as plant pathogen, but some species have been identified as endophytes of different crops and could as such present a potential for disease control and plant growth promotion. We have therefore applied the desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI‐MSI) in the direct analysis of living Curtobacterium sp. strain ER1/6 colonies to map the surface metabolites, and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) for characterization of these compounds. Several colony‐associated metabolites were detected. The ESI‐MS/MS showed characteristic fragmentations for phospholipids including the classes of glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoglycerol, and glycerophosphoinositol as well as several fatty acids. Although a secure identification was not obtained, many other metabolites were also detected for this bacteria species. Principal component analysis showed that fatty acids were discriminatory for Curtobacterium sp. ER1/6 during inoculation on periwinkle wilt (PW) medium, whereas phospholipids characterize the bacterium when grown on the tryptic soy agar (TSA) medium.
Emergence of G9P[8] rotaviruses in children with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand, 2015‐2016
Authors: Chan‐It Wisoot , Chanta Chulapong
Published: October 2017

Human group A rotavirus is a major contagious virus causing gastroenteritis in children. Molecular epidemiological study of group A rotavirus infections in hospitalized children was performed by multiplex RT‐PCR during 2015‐2016 in Chiang Rai, Thailand. G‐ and P‐genotypes of positive rotavirus samples were further analyzed by one‐step and two‐step multiplex RT‐PCR methods. Among 270 fecal specimens tested, rotavirus was the most prevalent (33.7%), followed by norovirus GII (4.1%), adenovirus (3%), and astrovirus (1.5%). Infection was common in patients aged 12‐23 months (45.1%) and occurred mostly in children under 3 years of age (85.7%). The highest peak was in a hot month, March (64.8%). G9P[8] emerged as the most predominant (79.1%), followed by G3P[8] (13.2%), G1P[8] (3.3%), and mixed G‐types (4.4%). Interestingly, Chiang Rai G9 strains were clustered within a distinct lineage VII including G9 recently reported since 2010‐2015. G9‐VII also contained four to five unique amino acid substitutions in the VP7 proteins compared with those of the G9 candidate vaccine strain RVA/Human‐tc/IND/116E/1985/G9P[11] and the prototype RVA/Human‐wt/USA/WI61/1983/G9P[8], defining the G9‐VII as a novel variant. G3 strains were closely related to the “new G3P[8] reassortant variant” with an equine‐like VP7 gene that emerged in several countries. This study contributes to the understanding of the genetic diversity, providing scientific support for future vaccine strategies to reduce the morbidity and mortality.
Switching from tenofovir and nucleoside analogue therapy to tenofovir monotherapy in virologically suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients with antiviral resistance
Authors: Kim Dong Yun , Lee Hye Won , Song Jeong Eun , Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Seung Up , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Park Jun Yong
Published: October 2017

It is unclear whether chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with antiviral resistance, who achieve a complete virologic response (CVR) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and nucleoside analogue (NUC) combination therapy, maintain CVR if switched to TDF monotherapy. We investigated the persistence of CVR after cessation of NUC in virologically suppressed antiviral resistant CHB patients using TDF+NUC combination therapy. This study recruited 76 antiviral‐resistant CHB patients showing CVR on TDF+entecavir (ETV) (n = 52), TDF+lamivudine (LAM; n = 14), and TDF+telbivudine (LdT; n = 10) combination therapy, who were switched to TDF monotherapy as step‐down therapy. At baseline, 47 patients were male and the median age was 53.0 years (range: 30‐78 years); 72.3% cases were hepatitis B e antigen‐positive (HBeAg+) and 23.7% were of liver cirrhosis. The median duration of TDF+NUC combination therapy was 20.8 months (range: 3‐46 months). At a median follow‐up of 24.7 months (range: 12‐48 months) after switching to TDF monotherapy, all 76 patients maintained CVR, regardless of the duration of combination therapy and the type of prior NUC and antiviral resistance. Renal dysfunction was not observed during the treatment period. The step‐down strategy of switching from TDF+NUC combination therapy to TDF monotherapy in virologically suppressed CHB patients with antiviral resistance should be considered.
Hepatitis B virus infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in health facilities of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Araya Mezgebo Tadele , Niguse Selam , Gebrekidan Kahsay Atsebaha , Hailekiros Haftamu , Berhe Nega , Asmelash Dejene Tsehaye
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver disease in the world. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Northern Ethiopia using a cross‐sectional study design. A total of 328 pregnant women were included in this study. Clinical and socio‐demographic data of the pregnant women were collected using a structured questionnaire by nurses or midwives during their ANC visit. For the detection of HBsAg, 5 mL of venous blood was collected from the pregnant women; serum was separated in the health facilities from the whole blood and was transported to Tigray Public Health Research Institute for analysis using. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0. (IBM). Association of variables with HBV infection was determined with multivariate analysis and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the study participants was 25.45 ± 5.067. The overall prevalence rate of HBV infection among the pregnant women was 5.5%. A statistical association of HBV infection with risk factors was seen on participants, who were making unprotected sexual practices with multiple partners (AoR = 6.4, 95%CI, 2‐21, P = 0.03), on those who had HBV‐infected person in their family (AoR = 8, 95%CI, 1‐58, P = 0.02), and on those who had undergone surgical procedures (AoR = 6.8, 95%CI, 1‐32, P = 0.022).
Sensitivity of serum concentration of cartilage biomarkers to 21‐days of bed rest
Authors: Liphardt Anna‐Maria , Mündermann Annegret , Andriacchi Thomas P. , Achtzehn Silvia , Heer Martina , Mester Joachim
Published: October 2017

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) would decrease and serum levels of tumor‐necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) would increase in response to bed rest (BR) and that these changes are unaffected by the intake of potassium bicarbonate or whey protein. Seven and nine healthy male subjects participated in two 21‐day 6° head down tilt crossover BR‐studies with nutrition interventions. Serum samples were taken before, during, and after BR and biomarker concentrations were measured using commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. MMP‐3 during BR was significantly lower than at baseline (reduction greater 20%; p < 0.001). MMP‐3 increased significantly from 14 to 21 days of BR (+7%; p = 0.049). COMP during BR was significantly lower than at baseline (reduction greater 20%; p < 0.001). MMP‐3 and COMP returned to baseline within 1 day after BR. MMP‐9 on day 3 of BR was significantly lower than at baseline (−31%; p < 0.033) and on days 3, 5, and 14 of BR significantly lower than at the end of and after BR (reduction greater 35%; p < 0.030). The nutritional countermeasures did not affect these results. The observed changes in cartilage biomarkers may be caused by altered cartilage metabolism in response to the lack of mechanical stimulus during BR and inflammatory biomarkers may play a role in changes in biomarker levels. Clinical relevance: Immobilization independently from injury can cause altered cartilage biomarker concentration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1465–1471, 2018.
Is glomalin an appropriate indicator of forest soil reactive nitrogen status?
Authors: Rotter Pavel , Malý Stanislav , Sáňka Ondřej , Sáňka Milan , Čižmár David , Zbíral Jiří , Čechmánková Jarmila , Kalábová Tereza
Published: October 2017

In this paper we address total glomalin‐related soil protein (T‐GRSP) as a possible indicator of differences in forest soils related to reactive nitrogen and forest composition. We focused especially on the relationship between T‐GRSP (g kg−1), soil organic carbon (SOC), and reactive nitrogen (Nr) availability among different categories of temperate forests and different horizons. Our study included 105 sampling sites divided into 5 categories, which vary in elevation and tree species composition (coniferous, deciduous, mixed). We detected significantly higher T‐GRSP and SOC in the F+H horizon under conifers. We assume that this observation might be attributed to suppression of decomposition of T‐GRSP and SOC by nature of coniferous litter. The lack of significant differences in T‐GRSP/SOC among the categories and the positive correlations between T‐GRSP and SOC in most of the categories confirmed the strong relationship of T‐GRSP with SOC. We found a significantly higher content of T‐GRSP in the F+H horizon for all studied forest categories. However, the contribution of T‐GRSP to SOC is significantly higher in the A horizon, which might be caused by stabilization of glomalin by mineral fraction, including clay minerals or by the belowground origin of glomalin. We found the increase of SOC with increasing Nr in the A horizon for most categories of forest. T‐GRSP follows this trend in the case of deciduous forests (decid), mixed forest (mixed), and mountain forests (mount). On the other hand, we detected a decrease of T‐GRSP with increasing Nr in the F+H horizon of coniferous forests (conif). Moreover the T‐GRSP/SOC decreases with the increase of Nr in the A horizon of conif, mixed and mount, which points to the higher sensitivity of forest with prevalence of coniferous trees. Our observations have confirmed an ecosystem‐specific relationship between T‐GRSP, SOC and Nr. We concluded that T‐GRSP in combination with T‐GRSP/SOC has the potential to reveal qualitative changes in soil organic matter (SOM) connected with increasing Nr.
Does acidification increase the nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of bio‐based fertilizers?
Authors: Sigurnjak Ivona , Michels Evi , Crappé Sara , Buysens Saskia , Biswas Jayanta K. , Tack Filip M. G. , Neve Stefaan De , Meers Erik
Published: October 2017

Acidification of manure, digestate and their processed derivatives has been proposed as a technique to, amongst others, mitigate ammonia emissions related to application in the field. The current study investigated whether acidification of (1) pig slurry (PS), (2) liquid fraction of pig slurry (LFPS), (3) digestate (DIG), and (4) liquid fraction of digestate (LFDIG) increases their nitrogen (N) fertilizer replacement value (NFRV) as compared to non‐acidified counterparts, a synthetic N fertilizer (calcium ammonium nitrate; CAN) and an unfertilized control. Product performance was evaluated from the perspective of (1) crop development (yield, nutrient uptake, and crop quality assessment) via a pot experiment with Lactuca sativa L. and (2) soil N dynamics [net N release (Nrel,net) and net N mineralization] via a soil incubation experiment. Crop yield of pots receiving bio‐based fertilizers performed ‘on par' with CAN as compared to unfertilized control, implying that bio‐based fertilizers derived from digestate or manure could potentially play a role in replacing synthetic N fertilizers. However, our findings also suggest that acidification did not result in an increased use efficiency of applied N. NFRVs of acidified products were below those of non‐acidified products and CAN, with crop yield on average 6–13% and 11–18% lower compared to non‐acidified products and the CAN treatment, respectively. A possible explanation for lower performance as compared to non‐acidified products could be an inhibitory delay in the Nrel,net, which in our experimental design proved to be negative for crops with short production cycles. This pattern was revealed in the incubation experiments in which Nrel,net in acidified products remained below that of non‐acidified, in this study tentatively attributed to immobilization of mineral N. However, this negative effect on N availability should be reaffirmed in crops with longer production cycles. Finally, some interesting findings with regard to plant composition also warrant further in‐depth investigation, e.g., Zn uptake by lettuce in acidified treatments was significantly higher than that of non‐acidified treatments. This implies that product pre‐treatment may play a future role in biofortification and amelioration of (trace) element composition of crops (arguably for crops with longer production cycles). Improving crop nutritional value by increased uptake of micronutrients is receiving increasing attention.
The solvation inhomogeneity of sulfur dioxide in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium thiocyanate ionic liquid probed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bär Jaciara , Monezi Natália M. , Ando Rômulo A.
Published: October 2017

The different solvation states of SO2 in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium thiocyanate ionic liquid were probed by the detailed analysis of the SO2 symmetric stretching mode, νs(SO2). The band position and linewidth were monitored in function of gas molar fraction, excitation wavelength, and temperature. As expected, the decreasing of the SO2 molar fraction, XSO2, from approximately 0.8 to 0.2, leads to a gradual downshift of the νs(SO2) band, attributed to a more effective charge transfer interaction from thiocyanate anion to SO2. Interestingly, at high gas concentrations (XSO2 = 0.8), a gradual downshift of the νs(SO2) band was noticed as the Raman excitation energy increases, an unexpected behavior because the change in the excitation wavelength in Raman spectroscopy should affect only the band intensities. Such νs(SO2) Raman dispersion can be understood as a consequence of the distinct charge transfer electronic transition energies associated to different SO2 solvation states, whose relative band intensities are modulated by resonance Raman conditions. Moreover, the lowering from room temperature to 100 K showed an increasing in the Raman dispersion effect. The temperature dependence was attributed to the strengthening of the cation–anion interaction, responsible for the increasing of SO2 solvation states distribution. The vibrational spectroscopic data regarding the SO2 solvation inhomogeneity in ionic liquids are showed for the first time, and it may contribute in the understanding of why such liquids are promising solvents for SO2 capture.
Impact of nano/micron vegetable carbon black on mechanical, barrier and anti‐photooxidation properties of fish gelatin film
Authors: Ding Junsheng , Wu Xiaomeng , Qi Xiaona , Guo Heng , Liu Anjun , Wang Wenhang
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

In this paper, two kinds of commonly used vegetable carbon black (VCB, 3000 mesh; nano) at 50 g kg−1 concentration (based on dried gelatin) were added to 48 g kg−1 of fish gelatin (GEL) solutions and their effects on mechanical, barrier and anti‐photooxidation properties of GEL films were investigated.

RESULTS

From the SEM images, it was shown that compared with 3000 mesh VCB (1–2 μm), nano VCB (100–200 nm) made the microstructure of GEL film more compact and more gelatin chains were cross‐linked by nano VCB. The addition of nano VCB significantly increased gelatin film strength with the greatest tensile strength of 52.589 MPa and stiffness with the highest Young's modulus of 968.874 MPa, but led to the reduction of film elongation. Also, the VCB presence significantly improved water vapour and oxygen barrier properties of GEL film. Importantly, nano VCB increased GEL film with better UV barrier property due to its stronger UV absorption nature when compared with micron VCB. This property could help in the preservation of oil samples in the photooxidation accelerated test.

CONCLUSION

With improved properties, the nano VCB‐reinforced GEL film may have great potential for application in the edible packaging field, especially for the anti‐photooxidation property. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of egg freshness on their automatic orientation
Authors: Jiang Song , Zhu Ticao , Jia Danfeng , Yao Jun , Jiang Yiyi
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

High‐quality eggs in unified packaging are desired by egg production enterprises. Automatic orientation apparatus is frequently used to orient eggs uniformly to pointed‐end‐down position for packaging. However, such apparatus may not work accordingly if the eggs are stored under improper methods or for excessive storage time. To study the effect of egg freshness on the efficiency of automatic orientation process, the relationship between egg freshness and its orientation motions was investigated under different storage conditions.

RESULTS

The results showed that as the storage time increased, centroid position and pointed‐end‐down turnover ratio decreased; other parameters such as eggs' obliquity at stationary state, horizontal deflection angle, speed, acceleration of axial motion, side‐slip angle and rolling distance increased. However, the effects of storage time on the guiding distance of the guide rod were not apparent. In addition, the higher the storage temperature, the greater the changes of the final orientation states of eggs on the conveyor line. If the eggs were to be oriented uniformly, they should be stored for less than 25, 16, 10 and 7 days at 10 °C, 18 °C, 26 °C and 34 °C, respectively, under a relative humidity of 75%.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results presented in this paper are very useful for quality control and quality assurance in egg production enterprises. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Inclusion complexes of yellow bell pepper pigments with β‐cyclodextrin: preparation, characterisation and application as food natural colorant
Authors: Lobo Francine Albernaz TF , Silva Vitoria , Domingues Josiane , Rodrigues Silvana , Costa Valéria , Falcão Deborah , de Lima Araújo Kátia G
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

This work aimed to prepare inclusion complexes using yellow bell pepper pigments and β‐cyclodextrin by two different procedures (method A, ultrasonic homogenisation; method B, kneading), to characterise them and evaluate their colour stability in an isotonic beverage model. The extract/β‐cyclodextrin ratio was 1:2 for both inclusion methodologies evaluated. The formed extract–β‐cyclodextrin complexes and a physical mixture of extract and β‐cyclodextrin were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

RESULTS

Both methodologies resulted in good complex yield and inclusion efficiency. The colour indices L* (lightness), a* (green/red) and b* (blue/yellow) of isotonic drinks added with the complexes were measured during storage under irradiance (1400 lx) and in the absence of light at temperatures between 25 and 31 °C for 21 days.

CONCLUSION

The complex obtained by inclusion method B promoted better colour protection for the beverage compared with the use of the crude extract, showing that the molecular inclusion of yellow bell pepper carotenoids can provide good results for that purpose. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Validation of floral food resources for pollinators in agricultural landscape in SE Poland
Authors: Jachuła Jacek , Denisow Bożena , Wrzesień Małgorzata
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Proper management of bee pastures is considered an important activity for diversity of pollinators and conservation of the population size. In the present study, the floral composition and diversity, flowering spectrum and availability of food resources in natural and man‐made habitats in four rural municipalities in Lublin Upland, SE Poland were evaluated. The connection between pollinator‐friendly biotopes was also determined and some suggestions are made on creation/supplementation of bee pastures adapted to the arable land structure in eastern Poland (mean acreage 7.65 ha).

RESULTS

Forage species richness (S) differed among vegetation types: the highest S value was found in field margins, while mixed forests represented the lowest species richness (mean ± standard deviation = 37.8 ± 9.5 vs 16.5 ± 2.3). In all habitats, the most abundant flowering was recorded in May. Then the blooming abundance decreased until a complete decline at the end of summer. The mean distance between pollinator‐friendly biotopes is 2.4 ± 1.53 km, which is out of the flying range/foraging distance of most pollinators.

CONCLUSION

Shortages of nectar and pollen resources in the agricultural landscape of SE Poland are evident. Therefore it is assumed that the landscape structure requires support in terms of food niches for pollinators and creation/supplementation of bee pastures is necessary, e.g. six to nine patches of 0.025–0.3 ha each within an area of 100 ha. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and sensory properties of non‐wooded and wooded Shiraz (Vitis vinifera L.) wine as affected by vineyard row orientation and grape ripeness level
Authors: Hunter Jacobus J , Volschenk Cornelis G
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to unravel vineyard row orientation (NS, EW, NE‐SW, NW‐SE) and grape ripeness level (23, 25, 27 °Balling) implications for grape and wine composition and sensory properties/style (non‐wooded/wooded wines) of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Shiraz (rootstock 101‐14 Mgt).

RESULTS

Soluble solid/titratable acidity ratios were lowest for EW, whereas warmer canopy sides (NW, N, NE) advanced grape ripening. Skin anthocyanins and phenolics generally decreased with ripening. NW‐SE rows and S, SE, E and NE canopy sides showed highest skin total anthocyanins and phenolics. Wine total anthocyanins and phenolics increased with grape ripening; EW had lower values. Wine phenolic contents differed between canopy sides; N, NE, E and SE tended higher. Wine sensory profiles increased with grape ripening. For non‐wooded wines, NW‐SE and NE‐SW row orientations generally resulted in highest scores, followed by NS. For EW rows, the N side presented better wines. Wood addition enhanced specific sensory descriptor perceptions.

CONCLUSION

A large collection of wine styles surfaced in the same vineyard and terroir, increasing options to contribute positively to sustainable products. The study generated globally applicable, novel information vital for unlocking and valorising terroir/site potential for grape and wine chemical composition and wine sensory/style properties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry