bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and In Silico Analysis of Anti Inflammation and Anti Oxidant Potentials of Polyphenol Compounds in Methanol Extract of Tamarindus indica Seeds
Authors: Narwanto Muhammad Ihwan , Rahayu Masruroh , Soeharto Setyawati , Nurdiana Nurdiana , Widodo Moch. Aris
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT

Indonesia has abundant stock of Tamarindus indica seeds, but it is not yet utilized maximally, especially in medical field. Tamarindus indica seeds have high content of polyphenols compound. No reseacrh is supported by in silico data on polyphenol compound in Tamarindus indica seeds extract.  Polyphenols compound can be utilized as a neuroprotective agent. This research aims to measure polyphenols concentration in methanol Tamarindus indica seeds extract and determine the anti inflammation and antioxidant potential of each polyphenol compound in methanol Tamarindus indica seeds extract by in silico method. The extraction of Tamarindus seeds used maceration method and methanol as solvent. Identification and measurement of polyphenols compound applied HLPC-MS. PyMol and Pyrx tools were used for in silico analysis. Extract recidu was obtained from methanol Tamarindus indica seeds as much as 12%w/v. HPLC-MS anaysis mentioned that levels of procyanidin B2, myricentin and caffeic acid were respectively 38.850 mg/kg, 5.845 mg/kg and 260 mg/kg. The highest anti inflammatory potential was owned by myricentin than caffeic acid, while the lowest potential in procyanidin B2. Furthermore, the highest antioxidant potential  was sequentially in myricentin, procyanidin B2 and caffeic acid. It is very possible to utilize methanol Tamarindus indica seeds extract for preventing neurodegenerative diseases since its pathogenesis involves inflammatory and stress oxidative process.

Keywords : Tamarindus indica, myricetin, procyanidin B2, caffeic acid, anti inflammatory, antioxidant
Effect of Soyflour (Glycine max L.) Hepatoprotector Activity on Liver MDA Level in Male Wistar Rat Induced by Diazinon
Authors: Himah Sofi Aliyatul , Wisudanti Desie Dwi , Fatmawati Heni
Published: February 2019

Diazinon is metabolized in liver becomes diazoxon, an active metabolite form that can cause free radical raisingthat leads to lipid peroxidation. The result of lipid peroxidation is MDA. Soyflour has higher isoflavones than theother processed food of Glycine max L.This isoflavones donate its electron and hydrogen atom in lipidperoxidation so it can block the lipid peroxidation. The aim of this experiment is to investigate the effect of soyflour on MDA hepar level increase of male wistar rat induced by diazinon. The sample are divided into 5 groupswhich are Kn, K(-) group induced by diazinon 40mg/kgBW, K1, K2, K3 group given with soy flour 10%, 15%, and20% orally, then induced by diazinon 40 mg/kgBW. MDA liver measured on the day 34th with MDA-TBAmethode which has pink colour and measured by spectrofotometer. Average of liver MDA levels is Kn 6,35μg/mL; K(-) 9,23 μg/mL; K1 8,85 μg/mL; K2 7,88 μg/mL; K3 7,04 μg/mL. One way ANOVA and Post hoc LSDshowed significantly different (p<0,05). Pearson correlation showed strong negative correlation.

Keywords: Diazinon, Diazoxon, MDA, Soyflour, Glycine max L., antioxidant
Corticospinal Excitability to the Biceps Brachii Is not Different when Arm Cycling at a Self-Selected or Fixed Cadence
Authors: Lockyer Evan J. , Nippard Anna P. , Kean Kaitlyn , Hollohan Nicole , Button Duane C. , Power Kevin E.
Published: February 2019

Background: The present study compared corticospinal excitability to the biceps brachii muscle during arm cycling at a self-selected and a fixed cadence (SSC and FC, respectively). We hypothesized that corticospinal excitability would not be different between the two conditions. Methods: The SSC was initially performed and the cycling cadence was recorded every 5 seconds for one minute. The average cadence of the SSC cycling trial was then used as a target for FC of cycling that the participants were instructed to maintain. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex were recorded from the biceps brachii during each trial of SSC and FC arm cycling. Results: Corticospinal excitability as assessed via normalized MEP amplitudes (MEPs were made relative to a maximal compound muscle action potential) were not different between groups. Conclusions: Focusing on maintaining a FC cadence during arm cycling does not influence corticospinal excitability as assessed via TMS-evoked MEPs.
On Sliced Spaces: Global Hyperbolicity Revisited
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos , Kurt Nazli , Papadopoulos Basil K.
Published: February 2019

We give a topological condition for a generic sliced space to be globally hyperbolic, without any hypothesis on the lapse function, shift function and spatial metric.
The PYY/Y2R-Deficient Mouse Responds Normally to High-Fat Diet and Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Boland Brandon , Mumphrey Michael B. , Hao Zheng , Gill Benji , Townsend R. Leigh , Yu Sangho , Munzberg Heike , Morrison Christopher D. , Trevaskis James L. , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf
Published: February 2019

Background/Goals: The gut hormone PYY secreted from intestinal L-cells has been implicated in the mechanisms of satiation via Y2-receptor (Y2R) signaling in the brain and periphery and is a major candidate for mediating the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery on appetite and body weight. Methods: Here we assessed the role of Y2R signaling in the response to low- and high-fat diets and its role in the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on body weight, body composition, food intake, energy expenditure and glucose handling, in global Y2R-deficient (Y2RKO) and wildtype mice made obese on high-fat diet. Results: Both male and female Y2RKO mice responded normally to low- and high-fat diet in terms of body weight, body composition, fasting levels of glucose and insulin, as well as glucose and insulin tolerance for up to 30 weeks of age. Contrary to expectations, obese Y2RKO mice also responded similarly to RYGB compared to WT mice for up to 20 weeks after surgery, with initial hypophagia, sustained body weight loss, and significant improvements in fasting insulin, glucose tolerance, HOMA-IR, and liver weight compared to sham-operated mice. Furthermore, non-surgical Y2RKO mice weight-matched to RYGB showed the same improvements in glycemic control as Y2RKO mice with RYGB that were similar to WT mice. Conclusions: PYY signaling through Y2R is not required for the normal appetite-suppressing and body weight-lowering effects of RYGB in this global knockout mouse model. Potential compensatory adaptations of PYY signaling through other receptor subtypes or other gut satiety hormones such as GLP-1 remain to be investigated.
A Novel Interactive Fusion Method with Images and Point Clouds for 3D Object Detection
Authors: Xu Kai , Yang Zhile , Xu Yangjie , Feng Liangbing
Published: February 2019

This paper aims at tackling with the task of fusion feature from images and its corresponding point clouds for 3D object detection in autonomous driving scenarios basing on AVOD, an Aggregate View Object Detection network. The proposed fusion algorithms fuse features targeted from Bird’s Eye View (BEV) LIDAR point clouds and its corresponding RGB images. Differs in existing fusion methods, which are simply the adoptions of concatenation module, element-wise sum module or element-wise mean module, our proposed fusion algorithms enhance the interaction between BEV feature maps and its corresponding images feature maps by designing a novel structure, where single level feature maps and another utilizes multilevel feature maps. Experiments show that our proposed fusion algorithm produces better results on 3D mAP and AHS with less speed loss comparing to existing fusion method used on the KITTI 3D object detection benchmark.
Cooperated Routing Problem for Ground Vehicle and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: The Application on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Missions
Authors: Liu Yao , Luo Zhihao , Liu Zhong , Shi Jianmai , Cheng Guangquan
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we present a novel Two-Echelon Ground Vehicle and Its Mounted Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Cooperated Routing Problem (2E-GUCRP). The 2E-GUCRP arises in the field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Routing Problem such as those encountered in the context of city logistics. In a typical cooperated system, the UAV is launched from the Ground Vehicle (GV) and automatically flies to the designated target. Meanwhile, acting as a mobile base station, the GV can charge or change the UAV’s battery on the designated landing points to enable the UAV to continue its mission. The objective is to design efficient GV and UAV routes to minimize the total mission time while meeting the operational constraints. A Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model, which could be solved by commercial software, is constructed to describe this problem. In order to quickly solve the medium-scale problems, two existing heuristics to solve 2E-VRP are improved. The computational experiments are set up to compare our model with the 2E-VRP. The results indicate that the 2E-GUCRP obtains a better efficiency. Further discussion of the practical instance points out that the increase in efficiency is related to the speed relationship between the GV and the UAV.
Scattering Parameters Measurements with the Microwave Transmittance Technique Using a Microstrip Patch Antennas, as Non-Invasive Tool for Determination of Soil Moisture
Authors: de Paula Herrmann Paulo Sergio , Marques Porto Felipe Nieves , Sydoruk Viktor
Published: February 2019

Interactions of soil moisture with plant root systems are very important for plant growth. For non-invasive determination of volumetric soil moisture in a rhizobox, a microwave system based on transmittance of electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range was developed using microstrip patch antennas. Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) were used to measure the S-parameters at frequency ranges close to 5 GHz. A transmission system with microstrip patch antennas was developed. The result of this attenuation is in the frequency domain. The antennae were designed as resonant microstrip antennae. The antennae were placed on both sides of a rhizobox, which allowed non-invasive measuring soil moisture in the box. The attenuation (S21(dB)) was used to measure the effect of temperature, and different types of soil; as well as sensitivity, reproducibility and repeatability of the system. In this work we present quantitative results of soil moisture in rhizobox. The microwave technique, using microstrip patch antennas, is a reliable and accurate system, and showed very promising potential applications for rhizobox-based investigations of root performance.
Validating the National Violent Death Reporting System as a Source of Data on Fatal Shootings of Civilians by Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Conner Andrew , Azrael Deborah , Lyons Vivian H. , Barber Catherine , Miller Matthew
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To evaluate the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) as a surveillance system for fatal shootings of civilians by law enforcement in the United States.

Methods. We cross-linked individual-level mortality data from the 2015 NVDRS and 5 open-source data sets ( FatalEncounters.org , Mapping Police Violence, the Guardian’s “The Counted,” Gun Violence Archive, and The Washington Post’s “Fatal Force Database”). Using the comprehensive cross-linked data set, we assessed the proportion of study-identified fatal police shootings that were captured by NVDRS, overall and by state, and by each open-source data set.

Results. There were 404 unique study-identified fatal shootings by law enforcement in the 27 states for which data were available from NVDRS, 393 (97%) of which were captured in NVDRS. The proportion of shootings captured by NVDRS varied only slightly by state.

Conclusions. The NVDRS provides a comprehensive count of fatal police shootings.

Public Health Implications. Expanding NVDRS to all 50 states would provide comprehensive counts of fatal police shootings and detailed circumstantial information about these deaths at the national level. Open-source data can continue to provide real-time data collection as well as more complete information about nonfirearm officer-involved deaths.
A Brief History of the Prevention and Public Health Fund: Implications for Public Health Advocates
Authors: Fraser Michael R.
Published: February 2019

The nation’s first broad-based, mandatory investment in public health and prevention, the Prevention and Public Health Fund (the Fund), has had a brief and controversial history.

Advocates for the Fund have had to defend it from both Democratic and Republican threats, including being used as an offset for administration priorities, and from congressional efforts to repeal and replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Lessons learned from efforts to sustain the Fund are instructive in addressing current and future challenges faced by advocates for public health programs and prevention policies.
Impact of a Municipal Policy Restricting Trans Fatty Acid Use in New York City Restaurants on Serum Trans Fatty Acid Levels in Adults
Authors: Wright Melecia , McKelvey Wendy , Curtis Christine Johnson , Thorpe Lorna E. , Vesper Hubert W. , Kuiper Heather C. , Angell Sonia Y.
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To estimate the impact of the 2006 policy restricting use of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in New York City restaurants on change in serum TFA concentrations in New York City adults.

Methods. Two cross-sectional population-based New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 2004 (n = 212) and 2013–2014 (n = 247) provided estimates of serum TFA exposure and average frequency of weekly restaurant meals. We estimated the geometric mean of the sum of serum TFAs by year and restaurant meal frequency by using linear regression.

Results. Among those who ate less than 1 restaurant meal per week, geometric mean of the sum of serum TFAs declined 51.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 42.7, 58.3)—from 44.6 (95% CI = 39.7, 50.1) to 21.8 (95% CI = 19.3, 24.5) micromoles per liter. The decline in the geometric mean was greater (P for interaction = .04) among those who ate 4 or more restaurant meals per week: 61.6% (95% CI = 55.8, 66.7) or from 54.6 (95% CI = 49.3, 60.5) to 21.0 (95% CI = 18.9, 23.3) micromoles per liter.

Conclusions. New York City adult serum TFA concentrations declined between 2004 and 2014. The indication of greater decline in serum TFAs among those eating restaurant meals more frequently suggests that the municipal restriction on TFA use was effective in reducing TFA exposure.

Public Health Implications. Local policies focused on restaurants can promote nutritional improvements.
Private Insurance Coverage for Diabetes Before and After Enactment of the Preexisting Condition Mandate of the Affordable Care Act, 2005–2016
Authors: Rogers Mary A. M. , Kim Catherine , Lee Joyce M. , Basu Tanima , Tipirneni Renuka
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To examine private insurance coverage for persons with diabetes before and after enactment of the preexisting condition mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States.

Methods. We conducted a nationwide study in adults aged 20 to 59 years with private health insurance with the Clinformatics Data Mart Database (2005–2016). We used fixed-effects negative binomial regression to evaluate differences in pre–post mandate trends.

Results. There was a 4% decline in prevalence rates of type 1 diabetes in adults with private health insurance before the mandate and an 11% increase afterward (P < .001). Coverage increased to the greatest extent (–6% before, +20% after) in those aged 50 to 59 years (P < .001). For type 2 diabetes, there was a significant decline in prevalence before the mandate, which increased afterward in those aged 40 to 49 years (–4% before, 3% after; P = .031) and 50 to 59 years (–6% before, 15% after; P < .001).

Conclusions. Adults with diabetes may have benefited in obtaining private health insurance after implementation of the preexisting condition mandate of the ACA.

Public Health Implications. Efforts to limit enforcement of these protections are likely to contribute to setbacks in access to care.
Effects of dexamethasone on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium in adults following general anesthesia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Li-Qin , Wang Cong , Fang Mei-Dan , Xu Hong-Yu , Lu Hong-Liu , Zhang Hou-Zhong
Published: February 2019

Background Several studies have investigated the effects of dexamethasone on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) or postoperative delirium (POD); however, their conclusions have not been consistent. So we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of dexamethasone on POCD/POD in adults following general anesthesia. Methods Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2018, Issue 11 of 12) in the Cochrane Library (searched November 17, 2018); MEDLINE OvidSP (1946 to November 16, 2018); and Embase OvidSP (1974 to November 16, 2018) were searched for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the incidence of POCD/POD following dexamethasone administration, in adults (age ≥18 years) under general anesthesia. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework to assess the quality of evidence. Results Five studies were included (three studies/1393 participants for the incidence of POCD, and two studies/809 participants for the incidence of POD). There was no significant difference between the dexamethasone group and the placebo group in terms of the incidence of POCD in 30 days after surgery (RR 1.00; 95% CI [0.51, 1.96], P = 1.00, I2 = 77%) or in the incidence of POD (RR 0.95; 95% CI [0.60, 1.50], P = 0.81, I2 = 0%). However, both analyses had some limitations, and we considered the quality of the evidence for the postoperative incidence of POCD and POD to be very low. Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed that prophylactic dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of POCD and POD. However, additional large high-quality trials are still needed to determine the effects of dexamethasone on the incidence of POCD/POD in patients undergoing surgery.
Premedication with Oral Paracetamol for Reduction of Propofol Injection Pain: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Nimmaanrat Sasikaan , Jongjidpranitarn Manasanun , Prathep Sumidtra , Oofuvong Maliwan
Published: February 2019

Background

To compare premedication with 2 doses of oral paracetamol on the incidence and severity of propofol injection pain.

Methods

The 324 patients (18-65 years old) were randomly allocated into 3 groups. The groups Pb, P500 and P1000, participants were premedicated 1 hour prior to transferal to the operation with oral placebo, 500 or 1000 mg of paracetamol, respectively. Propofol (2 mg/kg) was injected at a rate of 600 ml/hr. After 1/4 of the calculated dose, the syringe pump was temporarily paused, and patients were asked to rate pain at the injection site using a verbal numerical rating score (VNRS) from 0-10.

Results

The incidence of pain was less in the P1000 group (70.4%) compared with the P500 (86.1%) and the Pb groups (99.1%) (P<0.001). Same as the median VNRS, 2 (0-3), 4 (2-5), and 8 (7-10) (P<0.001), respectively. The incidences of mild (VNRS of 1-3), moderate (VNRS of 4-6) and severe pain (VNRS of 7-10) were also in the same manner, 47.2%, 23.2%, and 0% (P1000), 28.7%, 50%, and 7.4% (P500) and 0%, 22.2%, and 76.9% (Pb) (P<0.001). No significant complications were found in any group.

Conclusions

Premedication with oral paracetamol, on a dose-dependent basis, can reduce propofol injection pain without causing any complications. As propofol injection pain is common and remains a concern for the comfort of the patients, and oral paracetamol is well-tolerated, available and economic, the results of this study provide the basis for continuing or changing practice with a positive impact on patient care.
Corneal reconstruction in chemically damaged cornea using temperature sensitive surface assisted mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in rabbits
Authors: Singh Nirbhai , Sharma Jyoti , Gupta Pankaj , Sharma Ravi Kumar , Gupta Nalini
Published: February 2019

Background: The study aims to assess the potential of corneal reconstruction using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation using temperature sensitive membranes as carriers and compare with fibrin glue method in chemically damaged rabbit cornea. Methods: MSCs were cultured from rabbit’s bone marrow and transplanted over rabbit’s cornea, using either temperature sensitive membranes or fibrin glue method. Endogenous levels of MSCs were assessed to decide the optimal time point for transplanting cells. MSC transplanted corneas were harvested 15, 30 and 60 days post transplantation. Corneal repair markers were evaluated using histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real time PCR. The quality of cornea reconstructed was evaluated using corneal opacity scoring and IHC. Results: Endogenous levels of MSCs were significantly higher 48 hours post corneal injury. Transplantation of MSCs using temperature sensitive method resulted in uniform and homogenous spread of MSCs over the damaged surface. Corneal transparency improved 7 days onward in rabbit chemical injured cornea after MSC transplantation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of damaged cornea showed complete absence of corneal epithelium as seen by CK3 expression, while re-epithelialization was observed after MSC transplantation. Histopathology showed complete re-epithelialization 15 days of transplantation. Evaluation of corneal quality using epithelial and stromal markers showing restoration of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen levels in MSC transplanted cornea compared to damaged corneas. CK3 expression showed differentiation of MSC into corneal epithelial cells. MSC transplanted corneal clarity seemed a little better with temperature sensitive method compared to fibrin glue method. No toxic effects of MSC transplantation were observed on other organs or on resident corneal cells. Conclusions: Temperature sensitive surface MSC transplantation method results in uniform and homogenous delivery of cells on corneal surface and a transparent clear cornea. Epithelial and stromal markers showing restoration of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen levels in MSC transplanted cornea compared to chemically damaged corneas. Our data also show the differentiation of MSC into corneal epithelial cells on corneal surface. Overall temperature surface MSC transplantation is an easy and safe alternative method to fibrin glue for exploring corneal reconstruction.
Social group and health care provider interventions to increase the demand for malaria rapid diagnostic test among community members in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Omale Ugwu Innocent , Azuogu Ndubueze B. , Alo Chihurumnanya , Madubueze Ugochukwu C. , Oka Onyinyechukwu U. , Okeke Chijioke K. , Okafor Ifeyinwa M. , Utulu Rowland , Akpan Uduak E. , Iloke Chijioke V. , Nnubia Ogechukwu A. , Eze Ifeyinwa I. , Anene Ogechukwu C. , Nnabu Chukwuka R. , Ibemesi Desi O.
Published: February 2019

Background The World Health Organization in 2010 recommended universal testing for suspected malaria cases due to some fundamental changes in malaria trend such as the declining malaria incidence in high burden countries, the emergence of parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs especially artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and the increased availability of diagnostic testing such as malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT). The Nigerian government has long adopted this recommendation and has scaled up the availability of MRDT with the support of foreign partners. However, the MRDT test rate in the communities is still far short of the recommendation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of social group and social group/provider interventions in increasing the demand (use and/or request) for MRDT among community members with fever or malaria-like illness in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Methods A three-arm, parallel, stratified cluster randomized design will be used to evaluate the effect of two interventions compared to control: control involves the usual practice of provision of MRDT services by public primary health care providers and patent medicine vendors; social group intervention involves the sensitization/education of social groups about MRDT; social group/provider intervention involves social group treatment plus the training of health care providers in health communication with clients about MRDT. The first primary outcome is the proportion of under-5 children with fever/malaria-like illness in the preceding two weeks to a household survey that received MRDT. The second primary outcome is the proportion of 5 years and above children and adults (excluding pregnant women) with fever/malaria-like illness in the preceding two weeks to a household survey that received MRDT. The primary outcomes will be assessed through household surveys at baseline and end-line. Discussion The pragmatic and behavioural nature of the interventions which are delivered to groupings of individuals and the need to minimize contamination informed the use of a cluster randomized design by this study in investigating whether the social group and social group/provider interventions will increase the demand for MRDT among community members. Trial Registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN14046444. Registered 14 August 2018, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14046444
High-intensity exercise to promote accelerated improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (HI-PACE): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McGee Joshua E. , Barefoot Savanna G. , Gniewek Nicole R. , Brophy Patricia M. , Clark Angela , Dubis Gabriel S. , Ryan Terence E. , Houmard Joseph A. , Vos Paul , Raedeke Thomas D. , Swift Damon L.
Published: February 2019

Background African Americans have a disproportionate prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes compared to Caucasians. Recent evidence indicates low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level, an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, is also more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians. Numerous studies in Caucasian populations suggest vigorous exercise intensity may promote greater improvements in CRF and other type 2 diabetes risk factors (e.g. reduction of glucose/insulin levels, pulse wave velocity, body fat, etc.) than moderate intensity. However, current evidence comparing health benefits of different aerobic exercise intensities on type 2 diabetes risk factors in African Americans is negligible. This is clinically important as African Americans have a greater risk for type 2 diabetes and are less likely to meet public health recommendations for physical activity than Caucasians. The purpose of the High-Intensity exercise to Promote Accelerated improvements in CardiorEspiratory fitness (HI-PACE) study is to evaluate whether high-intensity aerobic exercise elicits greater improvements in CRF, insulin action, and arterial stiffness than moderate-intensity exercise in African Americans. Methods/Design­ A randomized controlled trial will be performed on overweight and obese (body mass index: 25-45 kg/m2) African Americans (35-65 years) (n=60). Participants will be randomized to moderate-intensity (MOD-INT) or high-intensity (HIGH-INT) aerobic exercise training, or a non-exercise control group (CON) for 24 weeks. Supervised exercise will be performed at a heart rate associated with 45-55% and 70-80% of VO2 max in the MOD-INT and the HIGH-INT groups, respectively, for an exercise dose of 600 MET-minutes/week (consistent with public health recommendations). The primary outcome is change in CRF. Secondary outcomes include change in insulin sensitivity (measured via an intravenous glucose tolerance test), skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity (via near infrared spectroscopy), skeletal muscle measurements (i.e. citrate synthase, COX IV, GLUT-4, CPT-1, PGC1-α), arterial stiffness (via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity), body fat, C-reactive protein, and psychological outcomes (quality of life/exercise enjoyment). Discussion The anticipated results of the HI-PACE study will provide vital information on the health effects of high-intensity exercise in African Americans. This study will advance health disparity research and has the potential to influence future public health guidelines for physical activity. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02892331. Registered on 8 September 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02892331
Contributions of Vitamin D in the management of depressive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Porto Catarina Magalhaes , Silva Tatiana de Paula Santana da , Sougey Everton Botelho
Published: February 2019

Background

Depression, the leading cause of chronic disability worldwide, comprises an important cardiovascular risk factor, increasing the relative risk of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Concomitant with the higher prevalence of depression, there is also a reduction in exposure to sunlight, with increased urbanization and industrialization and the use of sunscreens leading to a decrease in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In this sense, this essay intends to evaluate the action supplementation with vitamin D in the management of depressive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors, increasing the limited evidence on the potential effects of supplementation in situations related to mood regulation.

Methods

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, built in accordance with SPIRIT, involving 224 adults aged 18-59 years with depression on antidepressants, no history of vitamin D supplementation, psychiatric comorbidities, chronic kidney disease, hypercalcemia, and neoplasms, attended at the psychiatric outpatient clinics of two universities in northeastern Brazil. Consent and eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention groups (n = 112) who will receive vitamin D supplementation, 50,000 IU weekly for six months, and control (n = 112) who will use weekly placebo for six months. Measurements for the monitoring of depressive symptoms, clinical trials, and laboratory tests to assess cardiovascular risk factors and serum vitamin D levels will be performed at the beginning, during and after the intervention period.

Discussion

This is the first trial to test the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing cardiovascular risk and as adjuvant to antidepressant therapy over a long period (six months). The obtained results will support the understanding of the therapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation in the management of mood disorders, as well as corroborate in the direction of public policies aimed at vitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular risk.
Increased serum IL-36β and IL-36γ levels in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Association with disease activity
Authors: Yang Chun-Sheng , Zhang Qiu xia , Deng Yu , Zhou Bing jie , Zhang Lin jie , Li Li min , Qi Yuan , Wang Jing , Yang Li , Shi Fu-Dong
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: Interleukin 36 (IL-36) cytokines belong to the IL-1 family and play an important role in some autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between IL-36 and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) remains unclear.
Methods: We determined serum IL-36α, IL-36β and IL-36γ levels and assessed correlations with clinical characteristics in 50 NMOSD patients and 30 healthy controls (HC).
Results: The concentrations of serum IL-36β and IL-36γ were significantly higher in patients with NMOSD than in HCs and decreased during remission. Serum IL-36β levels were positively correlated with the annual relapse rate (ARR), spinal cord lesion length and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.
Conclusions: Serum IL-36β and IL-36γ levels were related to disease activity in NMOSD patients and may be important biomarkers of NMOSD.
Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Viral Anterior Uveitis in Southern Taiwan—Diagnosis with Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ting , Kuo Ming-Tse , Chiang Wei-Yu , Chao Tsai-Ling , Kuo Hsi-Kung
Published: February 2019

Background

To report the epidemiology and clinical features of viral anterior uveitis in patients in southern Taiwan.

Methods

A retrospective, case series study. HLA-B27 negative anterior uveitis patients with increased intraocular pressure or corneal edema seen at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2018 had their aqueous sent for polymerase chain reaction analysis. Their records were reviewed for demographic data, ocular findings, and laboratory results.

Results

In the aqueous samples obtained from 102 eligible eyes, 42 eyes were herpesviridae-positive, which included 9 with herpes simplex virus (8.8%), 5 with varicella-zoster virus (4.9%), 27 with cytomegalovirus (26.5%), and 1 with Epstein-Barr virus (1%). Herpesviridae-positive patients were more likely to be male, and have glaucoma. Glaucoma and pseudophakic eyes were significantly associated with CMV-positive eyes.

Conclusion

PCR analysis of the anterior chamber fluid is important for the confirmation of the diagnosis of viral anterior uveitis. Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis is not uncommon in patients in southern Taiwan, and it may follow an uneventful cataract extraction in immunocompetent patients.
Organic Amendments Improve Wheat Root Growth and Yield through Regulating Soil Properties
Authors: Zhao Lili , Li Lusheng , Cai Huanjie , Fan Junliang , Chau Henry Wai , Malone Robert W. , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Organic amendments improved soil fertility and soil structure.

Root density was quadratic correlated with water stable aggregates and macroporosity.

Application of wheat straw yielded the best soil environment and crop productivity.

Organic amendments prevent soil degradation and sustain crop production, but their effects on root growth and its functional responses to variations in soil properties have not been fully understood. A two‐year field experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of organic amendments on soil properties, root growth, and grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum durumDesf.) in the Guanzhong Plain (GZP), China. The five treatments were: application of mineral fertilizer alone (control, CO) and along with 20 Mg ha−1of wheat straw (MWS), wheat husk (MWH), farmyard soil (MFS), and bioorganic fertilizer (MBF). Organic amendments increased soil organic matter (SOM, 7–15%) and total soil nitrogen (TSN, 5–15%) in the 0‐ to 40‐cm depth compared to the CO treatment. Meanwhile, organic amendments improved soil structure by increasing water stable aggregates (WSA, 5–16%) and macroporosity (ε10, 27–47%). Compared to the CO treatment, organic amendments significantly increased the root length density (RLD) and root mass density (RMD) in the 20‐cm depth of soil at the flowering stage. The significantly higher RLD and RMD were also exhibited in the MWH and MFS treatments in the 20‐ to 100‐cm depth. Additionally, the responses of RLD and RMD to WSA andε10were well‐described by quadratic equations based on all treatments. Importantly, the MWS treatment had the greatest grain yield among all five treatments with better soil fertility and structure. We suggested that the MWS treatment is an effective method for improving soil properties and crop productivity in the GZP.
Managing Ecosystem Services with Cover Crop Mixtures on Organic Farms
Authors: Blesh Jennifer , VanDusen Beth M. , Brainard Daniel C.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Mixtures provided BNF while maintaining non‐BNF services equivalent to cereal rye.

Winter pea in mixture with a brassica provided the same N input as sole‐planted pea.

Crimson clover fixed more N than red clover in the overwintering cover crop period.

Brassica mixtures matched or exceeded rye N retention and weed suppression in fall.

Participants supported use of cover crop mixtures on diversified vegetable farms.

Cover crops are central to an ecological approach to nutrient management that could reduce N losses from agroecosystems. Mixed‐species cover crops that include multiple functional groups, such as legumes and non‐legumes, may improve sustainability by supplying an organic N source to fields while providing other ecosystem services, such as N retention and weed suppression. This on‐farm experiment determined the contributions of two‐ and three‐species cover crop mixtures, which combined legumes, brassicas, and cool‐season grasses, to management‐relevant ecosystem services. In August 2015, we planted mixture treatments of interest with participating farmers on nine Michigan vegetable farms. We also included a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) monoculture treatment, which is the most common overwintering cover crop in the region. In fall 2015 and spring 2016, we measured aboveground biomass production, biological N fixation (BNF), N assimilation and N retention in aboveground biomass, and weed suppression and compared the results with a no–cover crop control. Overall, we did not find consistent benefits of cover crop mixtures compared with cereal rye for individual services other than BNF. However, several mixtures that included legume species provided BNF while maintaining the same level of weed suppression and N retention as sole‐planted cereal rye. Farmers indicated support for the use of cover crop mixtures on diversified vegetable farms, although some expressed concerns about legume seed costs and disease risk with brassica cover crops. On‐farm experimentation allowed us to address ecological questions of direct relevance to farmers within actual social and environmental contexts.
Crop–Livestock Interaction Effect on Soil Quality and Maize Yield in Northern Ghana
Authors: Rahman N. Abdul , Larbi A. , Opoku A. , Tetteh F.M. , Hoeschle‐Zeledon I.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Soil chemical and biological sub‐indices increased with sheep and goats corralling.

Soil physical sub‐quality index declined with sheep and goats corralling.

Sheep and goats corralling increased soil quality index of fallow arable lands.

Interactions of sheep and goats corralling, plant density and nitrogen fertilizer increased maize yield in northern Ghana.

Keeping livestock overnight on fallow arable lands (Corralling) is a traditional method of soil fertility amendment in West Africa. However, there is limited quantitative data on the interaction effects of stocking density of sheep and goats corralling (SDSG), maize plant density (MPD) and nitrogen fertilizer rate (NFR) on soil quality and yield of maize. A 2‐yr study was conducted to determine the interaction effects of three SDSG (0, 70, and 140 head ha−1), three MPD (66,667, 100,000, and 133,333 plants ha−1) and three NFR (0, 60, and 90 kg ha−1N) on soil quality index (SQI) and maize yield in northern Ghana. The study was conducted using a split‐split plot experiment replicated on eight farms. An adult sheep or goat was corralled in an area of 4 m2and 1 m2for the 70 and 140 head ha−1SDSG respectively for five nights during the dry seasons of 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. Principal component and correlation matrix analysis were used to select minimum data set for SQI. The SQI for sheep and goats corralling increased by 51% compared with the control. The SDSG×MPD, SDSG×NFR and MPD×NFR interactions were significant on maize grain and biomass yields. The results suggest that, small‐scale maize‐livestock farmers could use either SDSG of 70 head ha−1with 90 kg ha−1NFR or SDSG of 140 head ha−1with 60 kg ha−1NFR and MPD at 133,333 plants ha−1to increase grain yield on Ferric lixisols in northern Ghana and similar ecologies in West Africa.
Duckweed as an Agricultural Amendment: Nitrogen Mineralization, Leaching, and Sorghum Uptake
Authors: Kreider Andrew N. , Fernandez Pulido Carlos R. , Bruns Mary Ann , Brennan Rachel A.
Published: February 2019

Excessive N and P in surface waters can promote eutrophication (algae‐dominated, low‐O2waters), which decreases water quality and aquatic life. Duckweed (Lemnaceae), a floating aquatic plant, rapidly absorbs N and P from water and its composition shows strong potential as a soil amendment. Therefore, it may be used to transfer N and P from eutrophic water bodies to agricultural fields. In this work, dried duckweed was incorporated into agricultural soil in microcosm, column, and field tests to evaluate biological N cycling, nutrient retention, and crop yield compared with compost, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and an amendment‐free control. In microcosm tests, 25 ± 13% of duckweed N was mineralized, providing on average less mineral N than DAP (107 ± 21%), but more than compost (11 ± 12%). In columns, duckweed treatments leached only 2% of the N added, significantly less than DAP, which leached 60% of its N. Compared with the control, DAP leached significantly more phosphate (78%), whereas duckweed and compost treatments leached less (56 and 27%, respectively). Crop yield, as well as runoff N and P, were measured in field tests growing forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench.]. Although less total N was applied to duckweed plots than to DAP plots (75 vs. 130 kg ha−1, respectively), duckweed was found to retain 30% more total mineral N in a tilled agricultural field than DAP, while supporting a comparable yield. These tests indicate that duckweed may provide a sustainable source of N and P for agriculture.

Core Ideas

In microcosm tests, 25% of organic N in duckweed was mineralized within 5 d.

In 22‐d column tests, duckweed leached only 2% of the N applied from its biomass.

In 22‐d column tests, duckweed leached 56% less phosphate than the control.

In field tests, duckweed reduced inorganic N runoff by 30% compared with mineral fertilizer.

In field tests, sorghum yield was comparable for duckweed and mineral fertilizer treatments.
NAPPN: Who We Are, Where We Are Going, and Why You Should Join Us!
Authors: Carroll April Agee , Clarke Jennifer , Fahlgren Noah , Gehan Malia A. , Lawrence‐Dill Carolyn J. , Lorence Argelia
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

NAPPN is the North American Plant Phenotyping Network.

We are a scientific community focused on high‐throughput plant phenomics.

We promote cross‐disciplinary communication among the many fields that contribute to phenomics research.

The area of high‐throughput plant phenomics focuses on developing and deploying hardware and software, including sensors, analysis techniques, and computational methods, with the requisite expertise to rapidly discover and measure a wide array of plant traits. From there, scientists in many disciplines are employed to generate the knowledge to develop plants and plant products that support humanity with reduced environmental impacts. To advance in an area that requires expertise from fields such as biology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, and statistics, reaching out across disciplines is a must and training in new areas can help. Here we report on how the North American Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) was founded, describe its mission to bridge disciplinary and national boundaries, and outline future plans for its expansion. To get involved with NAPPN and join as a member at no cost, visit the organization's website at http://nappn.plant‐phenotyping.org/.
Measurement of Soil Salinity: Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids
Authors: Corwin Dennis L. , Yemoto Kevin
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Methods are presented for measuring soil salinity in soil volumes < 200 m3.

Focus is given to lab measurements of electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids from soil extracts.

Discussion is also given to the use of suction cup extractors, porous matrix/salinity sensors, electrical resistivity, and electromagnetic induction to measure salinity in soil lysimeter columns and small field plots.

In this summary, we provide a brief overview of the chapter entitled “Soil Salinity: Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids”, recently published in the Methods of Soil Analysis (vol. 2) series.
Mapping Soil Spatial Variability with Apparent Soil Electrical Conductivity (ECa) Directed Soil Sampling
Authors: Corwin Dennis L. , Scudiero Elia
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Protocols and guidelines are presented for measuring and mapping the spatial variability of soil properties using apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa).

The protocols focus on ECa–directed soil sampling.

Mobile ECa equipment, protocols, guidelines, special considerations, data reliability, and strengths and limitations of ECa–directed soil sampling are presented.

In this summary, we provide a brief overview of the chapter entitled “Field‐Scale Soil Electrical Conductivity”, recently published in the Methods of Soil Analysis (vol. 1) series.
Influence of Stone Content on Soil Hydraulic Properties: Experimental Investigation and Test of Existing Model Concepts
Authors: Naseri Mahyar , Iden Sascha C. , Richter Niels , Durner Wolfgang
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of stony soils was determined in medium moisture range.

Evaporation method works for stony soils, even if stone contents are high.

Theoretical scaling models showed a good agreement with measurements for moderate stone contents.

Model results and measurements differ markedly for soils with high stone contents.

Studying the role of gravel, stones, or rock fragments on effective soil hydraulic properties (SHPs) is crucial for understanding and predicting soil water processes such as evaporation, redistribution, and water and solute transport through soils containing significant amounts of coarse inclusions. We conducted a laboratory study in which we investigated the effect of stones on the water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity curves of soil–stone mixtures. Stony soils were created by packing predefined masses of soil particles (sand and sandy loam) with diameters <2 mm and crushed basalt (2–5 and 7–15 mm). The resulting mixtures ranged from 0 to 40% (v/v) stone content. The SHPs were determined with the simplified evaporation method. The measurements yielded plausible water retention and hydraulic conductivity curves across a wide moisture range. Results qualitatively showed the expected dependencies of SHPs on volumetric stone content, characterized by a reduction of soil water content and hydraulic conductivity across the whole pressure head range. Measured data suggested that coarse inclusions in soil tend to widen the effective pore‐size distribution. Prediction of SHPs of the stony soils, performed by fitting a flexible SHP model to the data of the background soil and scaling it with approaches from the literature, worked well for low stone contents. However, for volumetric stone contents of 25 and 40%, measured SHPs differed substantially from the properties predicted by simple scaling models.