bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion assessment of the sugarcane and ethanol production in the Llanos Orientales region in Colombia
Authors: Rueda Ordoñez Diego A. , Leal Manoel R. L. V. , Bonomi Antonio , Barbosa Cortez Luis A.
Published: June 2018

The Cauca River Valley region has traditionally been the main sugarcane production area for the sugar and ethanol industries in Colombia. This area is not expected to expand its agricultural frontiers, mainly due to social, geographic, and water limitations.

This study is part of the Bioenergy Contribution of Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa to the Global Sustainable Bioenergy Initiative (LACAf) project, which assessed potential regions for the expansion of ethanol production in Colombia and Mozambique. Studies linked to the LACAf project have identified the Llanos Orientales (eastern savannas) region as the most appropriate option for sugarcane expansion in Colombia, due to its favorable climate and a significant amount of arable land available for agriculture. The main goal of this study was to assess the economic benefits and environmental impacts of several simulated ethanol biorefineries in the Llanos Orientales region. The study was performed using the Virtual Sugarcane Biorefinery, which allows the evaluation of integrated new alternatives for sugarcane and ethanol production. The results of this research showed that all the first‐ and second‐generation biorefineries assessed were profitable and attractive. Furthermore, the results of the simulations for the Lanos Orientales region have shown great potential for reducing environmental impacts compared to the current production in the Cauca River Valley. Consequently, the ethanol produced could qualify as ‘advanced’ in terms of the US Environmental Protection Agency criteria, and it meets the requirements of the European Parliament, representing a business opportunity to enter into the largest ethanol markets, and increasing biofuel production in Colombia. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The association between “Brain‐Age Score” (BAS) and traditional neuropsychological screening tools in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Beheshti Iman , Maikusa Norihide , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

Introduction

We present the Brain‐Age Score (BAS) as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based index for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We developed a fully automated framework for estimating the BAS in healthy controls (HCs) and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD, using MRI scans.

Methods

We trained the proposed framework using 385 HCs from the IXI and OASIS datasets and evaluated 146 HCs, 102 stable‐MCI (sMCI), 112 progressive‐MCI (pMCI), and 147 AD patients from the J‐ADNI dataset. We used a correlation test to determine the association between the BAS and four traditional screening tools of AD: the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Ratio (CDR), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Score (ADAS), and Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ). Furthermore, we assessed the association between BAS and anatomical MRI measurements: the normalized gray matter (nGM), normalized white matter (nWM), normalized cerebrospinal fluid (nCSF), mean cortical thickness as well as hippocampus volume.

Results

The correlation results demonstrated that the BAS is in line with traditional screening tools of AD (i.e., the MMSE, CDR, ADAS, and FAQ scores) as well as anatomical MRI measurements (i.e., nGM, nCSF, mean cortical thickness, and hippocampus volume).

Discussion

The BAS may be useful for diagnosing the brain atrophy level and can be a reliable automated index for clinical applications and neuropsychological screening tools.
Adaptive recommendation for MOOC with collaborative filtering and time series
Authors: Pang Yanxia , Liu Wenyan , Jin Yuanyuan , Peng Hongwei , Xia Tian , Wu Yonghe
Published: June 2018

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) has developed rapidly in recent years. However, the low satisfaction and the feelings of loneliness tend to cause more dropouts. A solution called Adaptive Recommendation for MOOC (ARM) is proposed aiming at the problem. Traditional MOOC recommendations are usually on the feature of interest. Among the recorded MOOC data, new recommendation features are selected for better balance on satisfaction. ARM trades off features adaptively according to the learner's requirement of satisfaction. Collaborative Filtering provides explicit information of similar learners and supports Collaborative Learning for less loneliness. ARM creatively combines Collaborative Filtering and time series to improve the recommendation accuracy. Specifically, Hawkes point process is improved to model the motivate and demotivate effect of score for future learning. Experiments with real‐world data show the accuracy of the ARM in recommendations and improvements in the dropout rate.
Traditional and improved paddy varieties: Composition, protein, pasting, and gluten‐free chapati making properties
Authors: Kaur Parmeet , Singh Narpinder , Pal Priyanka , Kaur Amritpal
Published: June 2018

Background and objectives

Physicochemical, amino acids, phenolic acids, protein profiling, and rheological characteristics of milled rice (MR) from different traditional (IC362109, IC568259, and IC548363) and improved paddy varieties (PR113, PR127, and PB1121) and its utilization for making gluten‐free chapatis using pearl millet (PM) flour were investigated.

Findings

Higher L*, antioxidant activity, protein content, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), foaming, and water absorption capacity were observed for MR from improved paddy varieties (IPV) as compared to traditional paddy varieties (TPV). The higher accumulations of gallic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and protocatechuic acid were found in MR from IPV. Histidine, iso‐leucine, lysine, methionine, phe‐alanine, valine, and threonine were higher for MR from IPV as compared to TPV. Higher accumulation of glutelins (33 and 31 kDa; 22 and 20 kDa) and prolamins (18, 16, and 15 kDa) was observed in MR from IPV. MR from IPV showed better rheological properties as compared to TPV. Rheological parameters (Gʹ, Gʹʹ, and tan δ) of dough from PM flour were increased with increasing incorporation of rice flour. The chapati made from PB1121 (IPV) showed higher consumers’ acceptability and increasing health benefits. MR from IPV showed high nutritive value and was used in food industries.

Conclusions

Milled rice from IPV showed better nutritional and rheological properties and was more useful in making gluten‐free chapatis (highly nutritious and acceptable). Chapati made from 20% MR from PB1121 (IPV) was better in appearance, taste, texture, and palatability.

Significance and novelty

The research appears to have greater potential to highlight the gluten‐free aspect and also health and nutritional benefits of the IPV for food products for the future and application in additional composite‐style products.
Discordance for placental mesenchymal dysplasia in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Gheysen Willem , Strybol David , Moerman Philippe , Steylemans An , Corveleyn Anniek , De Catte Luc , Couck Isabel , Lewi Liesbeth
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) occurs in about 1 in 5000 pregnancies. The differential diagnosis between PMD and partial mole is difficult on ultrasound scan, and karyotyping plays a key role in distinguishing PMD from partial mole. Our report is the first to report on the discordancy for PMD in a monochorionic setting.
Florid dermatopathic lymphadenopathy—A morphological mimic of Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Ravindran Aishwarya , Goyal Gaurav , Failing Jarrett J. , Go Ronald S. , Rech Karen L.
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

The histopathology of reactive florid dermatopathic lymphadenopathy shows overlap with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the lymph node, which may lead to misdiagnosis. These entities can be distinguished by recognition of the sinus‐based distribution of Langerhans cells in LCH, in contrast to the paracortical distribution of Langerhans cells, pigment‐laden histiocytes, and small lymphocytes in dermatopathic lymphadenopathy.
Warfarin‐induced spontaneous iliopsoas hematoma — An unusual complication
Authors: Kheiri Babikir , Al Salihi Mohammed , Maldonado David , Nakhleh Rasha , Bachuwa Ghassan
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Warfarin is a commonly prescribed anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic window and high potential for serious complications. Spontaneous psoas hematoma is a rare complication of warfarin which can result in significant neurological deficits.
Grafting Behavior for the Resonating Variants of Ethynylaniline on Hydrogenated Silicon (100) Surfaces under Thermal Hydrosilylation
Authors: Tung Joline , Tew Lih Shin , Coluccini Carmine , Lin Yue‐Der , Khung Yit Lung
Published: June 2018

This work reports the outcome of thermal grafting of 2‐ethynylaniline, 3‐ethynylaniline, and 4‐ethynylaniline on a hydrogenated Si(100) surface. Using high‐resolution XPS and AFM, it was found that the grafting of these compounds could be attributed to resonating structures that arise from the position of an electron‐donating NH2 group and an electron‐withdrawing acetylene group. For the ortho‐ and para‐positioned acetylene group, surface reactions were observed to proceed predominantly via the acetylene to form a Si−C bond, whereas the meta‐positioned acetylene group was found to have undergone nucleophilic grafting through the NH2 group onto the silicon surface to form a Si−N bond. Furthermore, a tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐protected derivative for a meta‐positioned ethynylaniline was synthesized to exclusively force the reaction to react with the acetylene group and subsequent analysis confirmed that unprotected 3‐ethynylaniline had indeed reacted through the nucleophilic NH2 group as hypothesized. Thus, for the first time, the interplay between resonance structures and their effects on silicon surface modifications were systematically catalogued.
Goal‐Directed Design of Metal–Organic Frameworks for HgII and PbII Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Rouhani Farzaneh , Morsali Ali
Published: June 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which are inorganic–organic hybrid porous materials prepared from metal ion/clusters and multidentate organic ligands, have evolved to be next‐generation utility materials because of their usability in diverse applications. These porous materials, with excellent chemical stability and a wide variety of functional groups, have demonstrated their utility to the area of capturing various types of hazardous metal ion pollutants. This conceptual review focuses on recent progress in reported MOFs as HgII and PbII adsorbents emphasizing the general concepts that have guided important developments in these area and their implications for future research. Also, we suggest our personal insights into future research opportunities in the area and we hope to encourage more researchers to engage in this new field of MOF‐based materials with the goal of environmental pollution management.
A Minimalist Approach to the Design of Complexity‐Enriched Bioactive Small Molecules: Discovery of Phenanthrenoid Mimics as Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Alonso Fernando , Quezada María Josefina , Gola Gabriel F. , Richmond Victoria , Cabrera Gabriela M. , Barquero Andrea A. , Ramírez Javier A.
Published: June 2018

Over the last decades, much effort has been devoted to the design of the “ideal” library for screening, the most promising strategies being those which draw inspiration from biogenic compounds, as the aim is to add biological relevance to such libraries. On the other hand, there is a growing understanding of the role that molecular complexity plays in the discovery of new bioactive small molecules. Nevertheless, the introduction of molecular complexity must be balanced with synthetic accessibility. In this work, we show that both concepts can be efficiently merged—in a minimalist way—by using very simple guidelines during the design process along with the application of multicomponent reactions as key steps in the synthetic process. Natural phenanthrenoids, a class of plant aromatic metabolites, served as inspiration for the synthesis of a library in which complexity‐enhancing features were introduced in few steps using multicomponent reactions. These resulting chemical entities were not only more complex than the parent natural products, but also interrogated an alternative region of the chemical space, which led to an outstanding hit rate in an antiproliferative assay: four out of twenty‐six compounds showed in vitro activity, one of them being more potent than the clinically useful drug 5‐fluorouracil.
Halogen Bonds in Clathrate Cages: A Real Space Perspective
Authors: Guevara‐Vela José Manuel , Ochoa‐Resendiz David , Costales Aurora , Hernández‐Lamoneda Ramón , Martín Pendás Ángel
Published: June 2018

In this paper we present real space analyses of the nature of the dihalogen‐water cage interactions in the 512and 51262clathrate cages containing chlorine and bromine, respectively. Our Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and Interacting Quantum Atoms results provide strong indications that halogen bonding is present even though the lone pairs of water molecules are already engaged in hydrogen bonding interactions.
Generating Germ‐Free Drosophila to Study Gut‐Microbe Interactions: Protocol to Rear Drosophila Under Axenic Conditions
Authors: Kietz Christa , Pollari Vilma , Meinander Annika
Published: June 2018

As several diseases have been linked to dysbiosis of the human intestinal microflora, manipulation of the microbiota has emerged as an exciting new strategy for potentially treating and preventing diseases. However, the human microbiota consists of a plethora of different species, and distinguishing the impact of a specific bacterial species on human health is challenging. In tackling this challenge, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, with its far simpler microbial composition, has emerged as a powerful model for unraveling host‐microbe interactions. To study the interplay between the resident commensal microbiome and the host, flies can be made germ‐free, or axenic. To elucidate the impact of specific bacteria, axenic flies can then be re‐introduced to specific microbial species. In this unit, we provide a step‐by‐step protocol on how to rear Drosophila melanogaster under axenic conditions and confirm the axenity of flies. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fullerene as a doxorubicin nanotransporter for targeted breast cancer therapy: Capillary electrophoresis analysis
Authors: Kepinska Marta , Kizek Rene , Milnerowicz Halina
Published: June 2018

The clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by dose‐related cardiomyopathy, which becomes more prevalent with increasing cumulative doses of the drug. Complexes of fullerene with DOX were designed and studied using biophysical methods. The ability of DOX to release from fullerene at different pHs was analyzed. It has been shown that the size of the fullerene‐DOX complexes was ∼280 nm. The zeta potential for fullerene was ‒30 mV, for DOX ‒8 mV, and for fullerene‐DOX conjugates ‒24 mV. Drug release was studied by CE with LIF detection. When fullerene‐DOX conjugates were separated in a pH 7.5 buffer, 43% of all DOX signals were derived from free DOX, with the signal increasing as pH decreased. At pH 5.25, all DOX had been released and 100% of the signal was derived from free DOX. The release of DOX from complexes with fullerene at lower pH can be used in targeted antineoplastic therapy, resulting in lower toxicity for less acidic non‐target tissue.
The current understanding of mesenchymal stem cells as potential attenuators of chemotherapy‐induced toxicity
Authors: Rühle Alexander , Huber Peter E. , Saffrich Rainer , Lopez Perez Ramon , Nicolay Nils H.
Published: June 2018

Chemotherapeutic agents are part of the standard treatment algorithms for many malignancies; however, their application and dosage are limited by their toxic effects to normal tissues. Chemotherapy‐induced toxicities can be long‐lasting and may be incompletely reversible; therefore, causative therapies for chemotherapy‐dependent side effects are needed, especially considering the increasing survival rates of treated cancer patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to exhibit regenerative abilities for various forms of tissue damage. Preclinical data suggest that MSCs may also help to alleviate tissue lesions caused by chemotherapeutic agents, mainly by establishing a protective microenvironment for functional cells. Due to the systemic administration of most anticancer agents, the effects of these drugs on the MSCs themselves are of crucial importance to use stem cell‐based approaches for the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced tissue toxicities. Here, we present a concise review of the published data regarding the influence of various classes of chemotherapeutic agents on the survival, stem cell characteristics and physiological functions of MSCs. Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects are outlined, and resulting challenges of MSC‐based treatments for chemotherapy‐induced tissue injuries are discussed.
Molecular Recognition of Spermine using Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Hayduk Matthias , Riebe Steffen , Rudolph Kevin , Schwarze Sandrina , van der Vight Felix , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Jansen Georg , Voskuhl Jens
Published: June 2018

In this communication we report the synthesis and characterisation of a novel dianionic compound with aggregation‐induced emission properties. This compound was able to recognize spermine via a multivalent electrostatic interaction leading to a restriction of intramolecular rotation enhancing the fluorescence emission. This recognition was investigated in detail using UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore the binding stoichiometry was determined via isothermal titration calorimetry. Besides that the structure of the compound was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. To proof the bivalent binding a singly negatively charged control compound was synthesized showing no specific interaction with the amines screened. Theoretical calculations were performed to get a deeper insight in the molecular structure and the electronic transitions.
Quantitative assessment of cell contractility using polarized light microscopy
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Miller Joseph P. , Pannullo Susan C. , Reinhart‐King Cynthia A. , Bordeleau Francois
Published: June 2018

Cell contractility regulates multiple cell behaviors which contribute to both normal and pathological processes. However, measuring cell contractility remains a technical challenge in complex biological samples. The current state of the art technologies employed to measure cell contractility have inherent limitations that greatly limit the experimental conditions under which they can be used. Here, we use quantitative polarization microscopy to extract information about cell contractility. We show that the optical retardance signal measured from the cell body is proportional to cell contractility in 2‐dimensional and 3‐dimensional platforms, and as such can be used as a straightforward, tractable methodology to assess cell contractility in a variety of systems. This label‐free optical method provides a novel and flexible way to assess cellular forces of single cells and monolayers in several cell types, fixed or live, in addition to cells present in situ in mouse tumor tissue samples. This easily implementable and experimentally versatile method will significantly contribute to the cell mechanics field.
Cold atmospheric plasma induces apoptosis of melanoma cells via Sestrin2‐mediated nitric oxide synthase signaling
Authors: Xia Jun , Zeng Weihui , Xia Yumin , Wang Bingchuan , Xu Dehui , Liu Dingxin , Kong Michael G. , Dong Yingying
Published: June 2018

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) represents a promising therapy for selectively cancer killing. However, the mechanism of CAP‐induced cancer cell death remains unclear. Here, we identified the tumor necrosis factor‐family members, especially Fas, and overloaded intracellular nitric oxide participated in CAP induced apoptosis in A375 and A875 melanoma cell lines, which was known as extrinsic apoptosis pathway. This progress was mediated by antagonistic protein of reactive oxygen species, Sestrin2. The over expression of Sestrin2 induced by plasma treatment resulted in phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), followed by increased expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Fas and Fas ligand. Depletion of Sestrin2 reduced iNOS and Fas expression, which was associated with reduction of plasma‐induced apoptosis. In contrast, inhibition of iNOS activity and phosphorylation of p38 did not alter Sestrin2 expression in plasma‐treated melanoma cells. Taken together, cold atmospheric plasma increases Sestrin2 expression and further activates downstream iNOS, Fas and p38 MAPK signaling to induce apoptosis of melanoma cell lines. These findings suggest a previously unrecognized mechanism in melanoma cells response to cold atmospheric plasma therapy.
Decreased Hip, Lower Leg, and Humeral Fractures but Increased Forearm Fractures in Highly Active Individuals
Authors: Stattin Karl , Hållmarker Ulf , Ärnlöv Johan , James Stefan , Michaëlsson Karl , Byberg Liisa
Published: June 2018

It is not known how physical exercise affects the risk of different types of fractures, especially in highly active individuals. To investigate this association, we studied a cohort of 118,204 men and 71,757 women who from 1991 to 2009 participated in Vasaloppet, a long-distance cross-country skiing race in Sweden, and 505,194 nonparticipants frequency-matched on sex, age, and county of residence from the Swedish population. Participants ranged from recreational exercisers to world-class skiers. Race participation, distance of race run, number of races participated in, and finishing time were used as proxies for physical exercise. Incident fractures from 1991 to 2010 were obtained from national Swedish registers. Over a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 53,175 fractures of any type, 2929 hip, 3107 proximal humerus, 11,875 lower leg, 11,733 forearm, and 2391 vertebral fractures occurred. In a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis using time-updated exposure and covariate information, participation in the race was associated with an increased risk of any type of fracture (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.05); forearm fractures had an HR, 1.11 with a 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.15. There was a lower risk of hip (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.83), proximal humerus (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.98), and lower leg fractures (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89 to 0.97), whereas the HR of vertebral fracture was 0.97 with a 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.07. Among participants, the risk of fracture was similar irrespective of race distance and number of races run. Participants close to the median finishing time had a lower risk of fracture compared with faster and slower participants. In summary, high levels of physical exercise were associated with a slightly higher risk of fractures of any type, including forearm fractures, but a lower risk of hip, proximal humerus, and lower leg fractures. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Involvement of GSK3/β‐catenin in the action of extracellular ATP on differentiation of primary cultures from rat calvaria into osteoblasts
Authors: Laiuppa Juan A. , Santillán Graciela E.
Published: June 2018

Modulation of purinergic receptors play an important role in the regulation of osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the GSK3/βcatenin signaling in the action of ATPγ‐S on osteogenic differentiation of primary cell cultures from rat calvaria. Our results indicate that the cell treatment with 10 or 100 µM ATPγ‐S for 96 h increase the cytoplasmic levels of β‐catenin and its translocation to nucleus respect to control. A similar effect was observed after cell treatment with the GSK3 inhibitor LiCl (10 mM). Cell treatments with 4‐10 mM LiCl significantly stimulated ALP activity respect to control at 4 and 7 days, suggesting that inhibition of GSK‐3 mediates osteoblastic differentiation of rat calvarial cells. Effects comparison between ATP and LiCl shown that ALP activity was significantly increased by 10 µM ATPγ‐S and decreased by 10 mM LiCl at 10 day of treatment, respect to control, suggesting that the effect of ATPγ‐S was less potent but more persistent than of LiCl in stimulating this osteogenic marker in calvarial cells. Cell culture mineralization was significantly increased by treatment with 10 µM ATPγ‐S and decreased by 10 mM LiCl, respect to control. In together, these results suggest that GSK3 inhibition is involved in ATPγ‐S action on rat calvarial cell differentiation into osteoblasts at early steadies. In addition such inhibition by LiCl appear promote osteoblasts differentiation at beginning but has a deleterious effect on its function at later steadies as the extracellular matrix mineralization.
Effect of bone morphogenetic protein 9 on osteoblast differentiation of cells grown on titanium with nanotopography
Authors: Souza Alann T.P. , Bezerra Barbara L.S. , Oliveira Fabiola S. , Freitas Gileade P. , Bighetti Trevisan Rayana L. , Oliveira Paulo T. , Rosa Adalberto L. , Beloti Marcio M.
Published: June 2018

Among bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), BMP‐9 has been described as one with higher osteogenic potential. Here, we aimed at evaluating the effect of BMP‐9 on the osteoblast differentiation of cells grown on titanium (Ti) with nanotopography, a well‐known osseoinductive surface. MC3T3‐E1 cells were grown either in absence or presence of BMP‐9 (20 nM) on Ti with nanotopography (Ti‐Nano) or machined Ti (Ti‐Machined) for up to 21 days to evaluate the gene expression of RUNX2, osterix, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, SMAD6 and SMAD4, protein expression of SMAD4, ALP activity and extracellular matrix mineralization. As expected BMP‐9 increased osteoblast differentiation irrespective of Ti surface topography; however, the cells grown on Ti‐Nano were more responsible to BMP‐9 compared with cells grown on Ti‐machined. This could be, at least in part, due to the fact that Ti‐Nano may act on both ways, by increasing the activation (SMAD4) and decreasing the inhibition (SMAD6) of the signaling pathway triggered by BMP‐9, while Ti‐Machined only decrease the inhibition (SMAD6) of this pathway. In conclusion, the combination of the osteogenic potential of BMP‐9 with the osseoinductive capacity of Ti‐Nano could be a promising strategy to favor the osseointegration of Ti implants.
From child maltreatment to ICD‐11 complex post‐traumatic stress symptoms: The role of emotion regulation and re‐victimisation
Authors: Knefel Matthias , Lueger‐Schuster Brigitte , Karatzias Thanos , Shevlin Mark , Hyland Phil
Published: June 2018

Objective

Complex post‐traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) will be introduced in ICD‐11 and comprises symptoms of PTSD and disturbances in self‐organisation (DSO). The association of trauma with PTSD and DSO is not yet fully understood. We investigated the path from child maltreatment to PTSD and DSO and examined the mediating role of emotion regulation (ER) and adult interpersonal re‐victimisation.

Method

Adult patients (N = 193) from a Scottish National Health Service clinic participated in the project. Participants completed measures of life events, ICD‐11 PTSD and CPTSD, and ER. Path analysis was used to assess possible direct and indirect effects from childhood trauma on current post‐traumatic psychopathology.

Results

Overall results indicate that the path from child maltreatment to PTSD is a direct one, while the path to DSO is indirectly mediated by ER.

Conclusions

Future research should address the potentially beneficial effect of treatment protocols for CPTSD explicitly aiming at reducing ER difficulties.
Subtyping attenuated psychotic symptoms: A cluster analytic approach
Authors: Laloyaux Julien , Larøi Frank , Nuyens Filip , Billieux Joël
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim of the present study is to examine the heterogeneity of attenuated psychotic symptoms (PS) and related personality factors using a cluster analytic approach.

Method

A large sample of participants from the general population was evaluated in terms of attenuated symptomatology (psychotic and affective) and two personality factors: encoding style and impulsivity traits.

Results

Cluster analysis emphasized the existence of five independent clusters: High Psychosis, High Positive, High Negative, High Impulsive‐Low Psychosis, and Low Psychosis. Cluster comparisons demonstrated that the personality factors and PS are differentially involved in the clusters.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that reliable and relatively distinct clusters of individuals from the general population can be identified based on established PS and related personality factors. The fact that a variety of profiles was observed contributes to a better understanding of the nature of the heterogeneity characterizing PS and has clear theoretical and clinical implications.
Abietic acid attenuates RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis and inflammation associated osteolysis by inhibiting the NF‐KB and MAPK signaling
Authors: Thummuri Dinesh , Guntuku Lalita , Challa Veerabhadra Swamy , Ramavat Ravinder Naik , Naidu Vegi Ganga Modi
Published: June 2018

Osteoporosis is a major debilitating cause of fractures and decreases the quality of life in elderly patients. Bone homeostasis is maintained by bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorpting osteoclasts. Substantial evidences have shown that targeting osteoclasts using natural products is a promising strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis. In the current study, we investigated the osteoprotective effect of Abietic acid (AA) in in vitro and in vivo models of osteolysis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, AA suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis and F‐actin ring formation in a concentration dependent manner. Mechanistically, AA abrogated RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of IKKα/β (ser 176/180), IkBα (ser 32), and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. We also found that, AA attenuated the RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of MAPKs and decreased the expression of osteoclast specific genes such as TRAP, DC‐STAMP, c‐Fos, and NFATc1. Consistent with in vitro results, in vivo Lipoploysaccharide (LPS)‐induced osteolysis model showed that AA inhibited the LPS‐induced serum surge in cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6. μ‐CT analysis showed that AA prevented the LPS‐induced osteolysis. Furthermore, histopathology and TRAP staining results suggested that AA decreased the number of osteoclasts in LPS‐injected mice. Taken together, we demonstrated that the osteoprotective action of AA is coupled with the inhibition of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling and subsequent inhibition of NFATc1 and c‐Fos activities. Hence, AA may be considered as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Integrate healthcare to provide multidisciplinary consumer‐centred medication management: report from a working group formed from the National Stakeholders’ Meeting for the Quality Use of Medicines to Optimise Ageing in Older Australians
Authors: Page Amy T. , Cross Amanda J. , Elliott Rohan A. , Pond Dimity , Dooley Michael , Beanland Christine , Etherton‐Beer Christopher D. ,   Working Group 2
Published: June 2018

A National Stakeholders’ Meeting on Quality use of Medicines to Optimise Ageing in Older Australians was held in Sydney 2015 with the aim of setting an agenda to improve the quality use of medicines for older Australians. Multidisciplinary working groups were formed to address each of the eight key challenges identified. The aim of Working Group 2 was to develop recommendations to integrate the health care of older Australians across settings and practitioners to provide multidisciplinary consumer‐centred care. A systems map was proposed to better understand the complex pathways older Australians take through health care. Working Group 2 members (consumer representatives and health professionals) met via teleconference and email, and contributed relevant literature identified during their work. They identified challenges to optimal medication management that were used to develop a systems map to illustrate the complex medication management pathways for older Australians. The working group generated 10 recommended strategies to facilitate multidisciplinary consumer‐centred care that could improve the quality use of medicines. Medication management in Australia is complex, as highlighted by the systems map. Working Group 2 identified concrete strategies to improve the quality use of medicines by older adults through systemic policy and practice‐based strategies.
Novel calcium‐chelating peptides from octopus scraps and their corresponding calcium bioavailability
Authors: Wu Jinhong , Cai Xixi , Tang Mengru , Wang Shaoyun
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

To reducing the massive marine pollution and resource waste caused by octopus scraps, we developed a novel octopus scraps protein hydrolysate (OSPH), which displays calcium‐chelating activity, and we investigated the chelating interaction and calcium bioavailability of OSPH‐Ca.

RESULTS

The structural properties of amido and carboxy groups indicated that they could be the reaction sites for chelation. The particle radius of OSPH increased by 32.25 nm after the calcium chelated with OSPH, indicating intramolecular and intermolecular folding and aggregating. The enthalpy of OSPH increased by 0.8323 after chelation, showing that bands of OSPH‐Ca needed more thermal energy to be destroyed than OSPH. Meanwhile, the chelate showed remarkable stability and absorbability under either acidic or basic conditions, which favored calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans. The calcium intake of OSPH‐Ca increased by 41% when compared with that of CaCl2. In particular, OSPH‐Ca could protect calcium ions from precipitation caused by dietary inhibitors tannic acid and phytate, while calcium uptake efficiency remained at 3.35 and 1.68 times higher than that of CaCl2.

CONCLUSION

These findings revealed the feasibility of transforming octopus scraps into a novel functional calcium chelate based on peptides, promoting environmental sustainability. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effectiveness of vegetative buffer strips at reducing runoff, soil erosion, and nitrate transport during degraded hillslope restoration in northern Iran
Authors: Kavian Ataollah , Saleh Iman , Habibnejad Mahmoud , Brevik Eric C. , Jafarian Zeinab , Rodrigo‐Comino Jesús
Published: June 2018

Soil and water conservation in natural and cultivated areas is a major concern for humankind. However, there are severe problems with degraded hillslopes due to bare soils in northern Iran, which are one of the most important factors driving land degradation processes. Subsequently, soil erosion, pollutant transport, and/or nutrient impoverishment are affecting large territories; therefore, rapid and inexpensive soil conservation measures need to be implemented. The use of vegetative buffer strips could be an effective strategy to reduce pollutant transport as well as soil erosion. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the possible efficiency of two different vegetative buffer strips composed of vetiver‐grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and native turf‐grass (Festuca arundinacea) at reducing runoff and soil losses as well as nitrate transport on a representative degraded hillslope with bare soils in Mazandaran, Iran. Twelve 10 m2 experimental plots were tested over 1 year using a runoff simulator that produced overland flow that corresponded to the 25‐ and 100‐year return period rainfall events. The plots with bare soils had the highest runoff volumes (30.5 and 55.4 L m−2), sediment concentrations (101.2 and 430.6 g L−1), and nitrate concentrations (10.4 and 37.6 mg L−1). Vetiver was the most useful tool to reduce runoff, soil loss, and nitrate concentration, with values of 13.4 and 28.6 L m−2, 13.4 and 90.9 g L−1, and 2.9 and 16.4 mg L−1, respectively. Of the treatments investigated, vetiver provided the most rapid cover and was the most efficient at preventing soil erosion and nitrate transport directly after plantation.
Spatial prediction of soil erosion susceptibility using a fuzzy analytical network process: Application of the fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory approach
Authors: Sajedi‐Hosseini Farzaneh , Choubin Bahram , Solaimani Karim , Cerdà Artemi , Kavian Ataollah
Published: June 2018

Soil erosion is a worldwide threat that results in soil degradation, agriculture abandonment, and crop yield reduction. There is a need to find methods to survey soil erosion rates in order to improve and develop sustainable land planning. The present study utilizes new approaches based on the fuzzy set both in designing the problem (through the fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory) and in prioritizing the effective factors to mitigate soil erosion (using a fuzzy analytical network process, FANP). This study is first to apply these methods to soil erosion. A set of geo‐environmental factors influencing soil erosion was characterized to evaluate the potential risk of soil erosion in the Nor‐Rood watershed in Iran. The layers of information were developed using expert knowledge, and a network structure was designed by the fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory method. Then, the weights of layers were calculated by the FANP method by considering the internal and external interaction between factors. The erosion susceptibility map was produced by combining layers based on their weights in a geographic information system platform and was validated using erosion occurrences recorded in field surveys. Results revealed that FANP model accuracy is high (83.4% accuracy) for the study area. We found that vegetation, drainage density, land use, and soil erodibility are the key parameters to explain the soil erosion rates. The soil erosion risk map developed by the FANP method provides useful information for sustainable planning and risk mitigation and can be used in a data‐poor environment.
Optimizing stand structure for trade‐offs between overstory timber production and understory plant diversity: A case‐study of a larch plantation in northwest China
Authors: Ahmad Bilal , Wang Yanhui , Hao Jia , Liu Yanhui , Bohnett Eve , Zhang Kebin
Published: June 2018

Trade‐offs are often required for an optimal and sustainable supply of competing services from forests. A study was conducted in northwest China to explore a practical trade‐off approach, for promoting the rehabilitation of service‐degraded plantation, focusing on the two main competing services of timber production and understory plant diversity conservation (expressed by understory vegetation species number [UVSN]). To describe the stand structure parameter variation with age and tree density, the logistic growth model and power function were coupled and fit with field data from 82 plots of larch (Larix principis‐rupprechetii Mayr) plantation within the estimated age range of 12–33 years. The UVSN variation with canopy density and tree density were also quantified. These models and relations developed can serve as a tool for estimating trade‐offs. The results showed that with rising tree density, the single tree timber volume decreased but the stand timber volume increased. The UVSN increased until its maximum, at the canopy density range of 0.6–0.7, and then decreased quickly. A proper tree density corresponding to the optimal canopy density of around 0.7 should be kept for maintaining higher UVSN and adequate timber production. In case of the larch plantation studied, optimal tree densities were found around 2,600, 2,000, 1,600, 1,250, and 1,000 trees/ha for the ages of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years, respectively. Although only two main services were considered, the trade‐off approach developed here can be a reference for future studies to guide the rehabilitation and multifunctional management of service‐degraded plantation.
Evaluation of estuary shoreline shift in response to climate change: A study from the central west coast of India
Authors: B. R. Rajasree , Deo M. C.
Published: June 2018

The prediction of coastal sediment transport and rate of change of shorelines into the future are traditionally done by analysis of historical satellite imageries and field observations or by empirical/numerical modeling. The modeling is traditionally done on the basis of historical data. Instead, here, we suggest the use of future conditions impacted by the climate change for this purpose and a procedure based on regional climate models. Further, considering the difficulty at some places to acquire a large amount of data of various parameters to run a numerical model, we propose the use of simple neural network as an alternative. The location studied belongs to the shoreline adjoining the estuary of River Gangavali, along the central west coast of India. Waves were simulated using a numerical wave model for past and future time periods of 36 years each, and a numerical coastal evolution model was run with this input. It was found that in future, the wave activity at this site would intensify along with certain shift in the direction of wave attack. This will push the net and gross sediment transports up by 131.7% and 114.3%, respectively, and also enhance the shoreline change rate. It was noticed that the future shifts in the wave direction could be as influential as those in the wave height and can cause more accretion of the shoreline. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the projected climate over the past one in planning a regional coastal ecosystem.
Distinct Mechanical Properties of Polymer/Polymer‐Grafting‐Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wu Lixin , Wang Jianlei
Published: June 2018

A nonequilibrium deformation technique based on the dissipative particle dynamics is employed to investigate the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites reinforced by graphene‐based nanosheets. Hierarchically packed network structure, (small‐length‐scale 2D network structure of graphene nanosheets)‐in‐(large‐length‐scale 3D network structure of homogeneously dispersed graphene nanosheets), is observed, which plays an important role in governing the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. The improvements in tensional modulus over near polymer bulk (n‐P) are about 23% and 61% for polymer/pristine‐graphene blends (P/n‐Gr) and polymer/polymer‐grafting‐graphene nanocomposites (P/g‐Gr), respectively. In addition to higher tensile strength, the P/g‐Gr also exhibit higher tensile strength and yield strength. The strain hardening behaviors at larger deformation are discovered in the polymer/polymer‐grafting‐graphene nanocomposites when the polymer length is relatively larger, which does not appear in n‐P and P/n‐Gr. It is further found that the strain hardening behaviors mainly benefit from the stretching behaviors of the polymers grafting to graphene nanosheets. The results reveal the principles of diverse mechanical properties for polymer nanocomposites reinforced by graphene‐based nanosheets and may provide useful information for preparing polymer nanocomposites with excellent performance.
Effect of Lower Versus Higher Protein Content in Infant Formula Through the First Year on Body Composition from 1 to 6 Years: Follow‐Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Totzauer Martina , Luque Veronica , Escribano Joaquin , Closa‐Monasterolo Ricardo , Verduci Elvira , ReDionigi Alice , Hoyos Joana , Langhendries Jean‐Paul , Gruszfeld Dariusz , Socha Piotr , Koletzko Berthold , Grote Veit ,   for The European Childhood Obesity Trial Study Group
Published: June 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lower protein (LP) versus higher protein (HP) content in infant formula on body composition from 3 months to 6 years.

Methods

In a multicenter, double‐blind European trial, healthy infants (N = 1,090) were randomly assigned to different protein content formulas (upper [HP] and lower [LP] limits of the European Union regulations in 2001) during the first year; breastfed infants (N = 588) were recruited for reference values.

Weight, height, and triceps and subscapular skinfold (SF) thickness were measured repeatedly (N = 650 at 6 years), and body composition was estimated (Slaughter). The 99th percentile of fat mass index reference data were used to assess excess body fat at 6 years.

Results

At 2 and 6 years, the study observed greater sum of SFs (Δ 2 years: 0.5 mm, P = 0.026, Δ 6 years: 0.6 mm, P = 0.045), fat mass index (Δ 2 years: 0.12 kg/m², P = 0.008, Δ 6 years: 0.15 kg/m², P = 0.011), and fat‐free mass index (Δ 2 years: 0.17 kg/m², P = 0.003, Δ 6 years: 0.18 kg/m², P = 0.010) in the HP group compared with the LP group. At 6 years, the HP group had a twofold higher risk than the LP group for excess body fat (adjusted odds ratio: 2.13, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Infant formula with HP levels induced greater fat mass in children from 2 to 6 years. Lowering the protein content of infant formula may result in a healthier body composition in early childhood.
Normalization of Plus Size and the Danger of Unseen Overweight and Obesity in England
Authors: Muttarak Raya
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study aimed to investigate trends and sociodemographic factors underlying weight misperception in adults with overweight and obesity in England.

Methods

This study used descriptive and logistic regression analyses based on a pooled nationally representative cross‐sectional survey, Health Survey for England, for the years 1997, 1998, 2002, 2014, and 2015 of individuals with BMI ≥ 25 (n = 23,459). The main outcomes were (1) weight misperception and (2) weight‐loss attempts as well as the associations with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and health status.

Results

The proportion of individuals with overweight and obesity misperceiving their weight status increased over time between 1997 and 2015 (37% to 40% in men; 17% to 19% in women). There were socioeconomic disparities in the misperception of weight status, with lower‐educated individuals from poorer‐income households and members of minority ethnic groups being more likely to underestimate their weight. Those underestimating their overweight and obesity status were 85% less likely to try to lose weight compared with people who accurately identified their weight status.

Conclusions

The upward trend in underassessment of overweight and obesity status in England is possibly a result of the normalization of overweight and obesity. Obesity prevention programs need to consider differential sociodemographic characteristics associated with underassessment of weight status.