bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time series analysis of ambient air pollution effects on dynamic stroke mortality
Authors: Luo Li , Dai Yuting , Zhang Fengyi , Chen Mei , Chen Fang , Qing Fang
Published: May 2019

This study aims to examine the correlations between air pollution and dynamic stroke mortality, which is defined as the daily real‐time number of deaths from stroke. Death data were obtained from daily medical records of 7230 incidents from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the Longquanyi District of China from 2016 to 2017. Air pollution data were obtained from environmental monitoring stations in the Longquanyi District. Time series analysis using generalized additive Poisson regression models was applied, and single‐pollutant and two‐pollutant adjusted models were utilized. Furthermore, categories based on gender, age, and meteorological factors were considered in the analysis. The results indicated that PM2.5, PM10, O3, and CO had significant effects on dynamic stroke mortality, which were stronger for older people and during the cold season. This study helps hospital managers, patients, and governments seeking to prevent and control the effects of air pollution on the risks of stroke.
Differences in the health behaviors of elderly individuals and influencing factors: Evidence from the ChineseLongitudinalHealthyLongevitySurvey
Authors: Liu Erpeng , Feng Yan , Yue Zhang , Zhang Qilin , Han Tiankuo
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Health behaviors play an important role in determining individual health status; thus, understanding differences in the health behaviors of elderly individuals and their influencing factors is a prerequisite for the formulation and implementation of health behavior promotion policies for elderly individuals. The objectives of this study were to explore differences in health behaviors among Chinese elderly people and their influencing factors.

Methods

Based on data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2014, this paper applied latent class analysis (LCA) to explore differences in the health behaviors of elderly individuals in China and employed a multinomial logit model to identify the influencing factors that cause these differences.

Results

Results showed that there are five classes of health behaviors among elderly individuals in China: passive, relatively passive, general, relatively positive, and positive, the proportions of which were 31.07%, 15.86%, 24.06%, 17.24%, and 11.76%, respectively. Community medical and health services, pension, living arrangements, and family income were the primary factors explaining differences in the health behaviors of elderly individuals. In addition, there were significant demographic differences in the health behaviors of elderly individuals in China, including gender, age, education, marital status, census register, region, and others.

Conclusion

There are significant differences in the behaviors of elderly individuals in China, and the behaviors of the majority of elderly people are not healthy. China is expected to invest more medical and health resources to tackle health prevention and management and to provide targeted education, guidance, and intervention in elderly health behaviors, urging them to control and correct risky health behaviors with a focus on elderly individuals that are the oldest, are females, have low education levels, and live in the countryside and in towns.
Optimization of Canal Water in an Irrigation Network Based on a Genetic Algorithm: A Case Study of the North China Plain Canal System
Authors: Yao Weiwei , Ma Xiaoyi , Chen Yuansheng
Published: May 2019

Maximizing the efficiency of water distribution in canals requires clear guidelines and criteria for system design and operation. Studies have shown that optimization models based on a genetic algorithm (GA) provide a reasonable arrangement of canal water allocation times and discharges, which reduces water transportation losses. In this study, a GA was developed and implemented in the North China Plain canal system, which has 24 minor canals and a command area of approximately 1800 ha. The optimization results indicated that the total seepage loss and evapotranspiration in the canal system decreased from 249 000 to 115 000 m3. Furthermore, the total water requirement decreased from 1 170 000 to 1 040 000 m3. This study suggests that revising water delivery schedules could increase water productivity, and reduce water leakage and total water requirements. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GIS‐Based Surface Irrigation Potential Assessment for Ethiopian River Basin
Authors: Birhanu Asfaw , Murlidhar Pingale Santosh , Soundharajan Bankaru‐Swamy , Singh Pratap
Published: May 2019

The suitability of the Dirma River Basin in Ethiopia for surface irrigation potential development and identification of potentially irrigable sites were the subject of the present study. The river basin area suitability was evaluated based on slope, soil and surface water resource availability using ArcGIS 10.1. Potentially suitable sites for surface irrigation development were evaluated for potato and tomato crops. The reference crop evapotranspiration, effective rainfall, net irrigation and gross irrigation water requirement were estimated using CROPWAT software. The results of the suitability model developed indicated that about 68.3% of the total river basin area falls in marginally to highly suitable categories for surface irrigation development. The water resource availability reveals that due to very high intra‐annual variability in river flows, only 6% of the mean annual flow is available for the period from January to May, and with this up to 30% of land that is suitable for surface irrigation can be irrigated. However, with suitable water storage infrastructure and deficit irrigation practices, utilization of land and water resources of the Dirma River Basin can be increased significantly. Therefore, this study will help decision makers, investors, planners and policymakers at the local, regional and national levels in better identification of profitable and sustainable irrigation investment opportunities in the region. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel method for evaluating and quantifying cell types in platelet rich fibrin and an introduction to horizontal centrifugation
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Chai Jihua , Zheng Shihang , Feng Mengge , Sculean Anton , Zhang Yufeng
Published: May 2019

Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) has been utilized clinically as a platelet concentrate capable of stimulating tissue regeneration. Interestingly, several protocols have been proposed with little data obtained regarding the final cell counts following centrifugation. The aim of the present study was to compare different commercially available centrifuges and their respective protocols utilizing a novel method to quantify cells. One millimeter blood layers following centrifugation were sequentially pipetted from the upper layer downward until all 10 mL were harvested in sequential samples. Thereafter, each sample was sent for CBC analysis to accurately quantify precisely cell numbers within each separate blood layer following centrifugation. The results from this study revealed that L‐PRF protocols (2700 rpm × 12 min) produced a clot with the majority of platelets and leukocytes concentrated within the buffy coat with relatively no cells found within the first 4 mL of L‐PRF. Slower centrifugation protocols produced using the A‐PRF protocols (1300 rpm × 8 min) produced a more evenly distributed number of platelets throughout PRF. Injectable‐PRF (i‐PRF) protocols produced the highest concentration of leukocytes/platelets, however, the total number of leukocytes and platelets were significantly lower owing to the decreased total volume collected. Horizontal centrifugation produced a significant increase in both the number and concentration of platelets and leukocytes (up to 3.5× higher for either solid/liquid PRF). When compared to either fixed or angled centrifuge (InstraSpin, Process for PRF). In conclusion, the present study revealed a novel/accurate method to quantify cells following PRF protocols. Furthermore, PRF produced via horizontal centrifugation accumulated a higher number and concentration of platelets/leukocytes when compared to either fixed‐angle centrifugation.
Combination of arsenic trioxide and cisplatin synergistically inhibits both hexokinase activity and viability of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells
Authors: Mansour Mohammed A. , Ibrahim Wafaa M. , Shalaan Eman S. , Salama Afrah F.
Published: May 2019

Hexokinase‐2 is overexpressed in several carcinomas including breast cancer to sustain energy for rapidly dividing cells and associates with chemoresistance. However, the impact of chemo drugs (alone or in combination) on hexokinase activity and autophagic cell death is unclear. In this report, we used an in vivo murine adenocarcinoma model to validate the effects of As2O3 and cisplatin on hexokinase activity and autophagic cancer cell death. We found that the two drugs inhibit hexokinase activity and induce autophagic marker, beclin 1 expression. Interestingly, combining As2O3 with cisplatin synergistically enhanced these effects and alleviated oxidative stress often encountered in As2O3 treatment. Altogether, our data provide direct evidence that inhibition of hexokinase activity and induction of autophagic cell death are mediating the antineoplastic effects of As2O3 and cisplatin. Our findings raise the potential of combining As2O3 with cisplatin as an approach to augment cisplatin‐induced cell death and combat cisplatin chemoresistance in cancer.
p53 induces miR‐199a‐3p to suppress mechanistic target of rapamycin activation in cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Yang Aicheng , Liu Fanna , Guan Baozhang , Luo Zhi , Lin Jiehua , Fang Wan , Liu Longhui , Zuo Wanli
Published: May 2019

How p53 participates in acute kidney injury (AKI) progress and what are the underlying mechanisms remain illusive. For this issue, it is important to probe into the role of p53 in cisplatin‐induced AKI. We find that p53 was upregulated in cisplatin‐induced AKI, yet, pifithrin‐α inhibites the p53 expression to attenuated renal injury and cell apoptosis both in vivo cisplatin‐induced AKI mice and in vitro HK‐2 human renal tubular epithelial cells. To knock down p53 by siRNA significantly decreased the miRNA, miR‐199a‐3p, expression in HK‐2 cells. Blockade of miR‐199a‐3p significantly reduced cisplatin‐induced cell apoptosis and inhibited caspase‐3 activity. Mechanistically, we identified that miR‐199a‐3p directly bound to mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) 3′‐untranslated region and overexpressed miR‐199a‐3p reduce the expression and phosphorylation of mTOR. Furthermore, we demonstrated that p53 inhibited mTOR activation through activating miR‐199a‐3p. In conclusion, our findings reveal that p53, upregulating the expression of miR‐199a‐3p affects the progress of cisplatin‐induced AKI, which might provide a promising therapeutic target of AKI.
The decreased lncRNA ZEB2‐AS1 in pre‐eclampsia controls the trophoblastic cell line HTR‐8/SVneo's invasive and migratory abilities via the miR‐149/PGF axis
Authors: Gao Yu , Guo Xiaohui , Li Yan , Sha Wenqiong , She Ruilian
Published: May 2019

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disease that causes maternal death and threatens the health of newborns. Accumulating evidence has revealed the essential roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of PE. The present investigation determined lncRNA ZEB2 antisense RNA 1 (ZEB2‐AS1) expression in PE and looked into the potential role of ZEB2‐AS1 in modulating trophoblastic cell functions. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction evaluated gene expression. Western blot analyzed the placental growth factor (PGF) protein level. Cell counting kit‐8 and Transwell invasion assays assessed the proliferative and invasive abilities of placental trophoblast cells, respectively. Wound healing assay determined cell migratory potentials. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay assessed the targeting relationship among ZEB2‐AS1, miR‐149, and PGF. Downregulation of lncRNA ZEB2‐AS1 was detected in placentas from patients with PE when compared with those from normal pregnancies. Moreover, ZEB2‐AS1 upregulation markedly promoted proliferative, migratory, and invasive potentials in HTR‐8/SVneo cells, while knockdown of ZEB2‐AS1 had the opposite effects. The effects on HTR‐8/SVneo cells mediated by ZEB2‐AS1 was correlated with the miR‐149/PGF axis. These findings indicate that ZEB2‐AS1 contributes to PE progression by affecting cell proliferative and invasive capacities via the miR‐149/PGF axis in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. In sum, we identified that ZEB2‐AS1 was a novel aberrantly expressed lncRNA in the placentas of PE patients and lncRNA ZEB2‐AS1 modulated trophoblastic cell line HTR‐8/SVneo's proliferative and invasive potentials via targeting the miR‐149/PGF axis.
Stereological and gene expression examinations on the combined effects of photobiomodulation and curcumin on wound healing in type one diabetic rats
Authors: Amini Abdollah , Soleimani Hasan , Abdollhifar Mohammad‐Amin , Moradi Ali , Ghoreishi Seyed Kamran , Chien Sufan , Bayat Mohammad
Published: May 2019

We examined the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) independently and combined with curcumin on stereological parameters and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) gene expressions in an excisional wound model of rats with type one diabetes mellitus (T1DM). T1DM was induced by an injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in each of the 90 male Wistar rats. One round excision was generated in the skin on the back of each of the 108 rats. The rats were divided into six groups (n = 18 per group): control (diabetic), untreated group; vehicle (diabetic) group, which received sesame oil; PBM (diabetic) group; curcumin (diabetic) group; PBM + curcumin (diabetic) group; and a healthy control group. On days 4, 7, and 15, we conducted both stereological and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses. The PBM and PBM + curcumin groups had significantly better inflammatory response modulation in terms of macrophages (P < .01), neutrophils (P < .001), and increased fibroblast values compared with the other groups at day 4 (P < .001), day 7 (P < .01), and day 15 (P < .001). PBM treatment resulted in increased bFGF gene expression on days 4 (P < .001) and 7 (P < .001), and SDF‐1α gene expression on day 4 (P < .001). The curcumin group had increased bFGF (P < .001) expression on day 4. Both the PBM and PBM + curcumin groups significantly increased wound healing by modulation of the inflammatory response, and increased fibroblast values and angiogenesis. The PBM group increased bFGF and SDF‐1α according to stereological and gene expression analyses compared with the other groups. The PBM and PBM + curcumin groups significantly increased the skin injury repair process to more rapidly reach the proliferation phase of the wound healing in T1DM rats.
Functional variants of hepatocyte growth factor identified in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Meng Yichen , Ma Jun , Lin Tao , Jiang Heng , Wang Ce , Yang Fu , Zhou Xuhui
Published: May 2019

The genetic etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains obscure. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed in four members of one family. Then, we performed a rigorous computational analysis to determine the deleterious effects of the identified variants. Furthermore, the structural differences between the native hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protein and a protein encoded by an HGF variant containing one mutation (p.T596M) were analyzed using molecular dynamic stimulation. A novel heterozygous mutation (p.T596M) within the HGF gene was identified and found to cosegregate with scoliosis phenotypes in three affected family members. Subsequent modeling and structure‐based analyses supported the theory that this mutation is functionally deleterious. Functional analyses demonstrated that the HGF p.T596 M mutation changed the ability of the HGF protein to be secreted and impaired migration and invasion in HEK293T cells. Furthermore, an HGF knockdown zebrafish model exhibited a curly tailed phenotype. Mutation in HGF is associated with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance of AIS. This finding increases our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity of AIS.
Effect of drag correlation and bubble‐induced turbulence closure on the gas hold‐up in a bubble column reactor
Authors: Kannan Veeraraghavan , Naren Parlikkad Rajan , Buwa Vivek V , Dutta Abhishek
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Gas–liquid hydrodynamics play an important role in processes across a wide range of applications in chemical technology and biotechnology. In most of these applications, gas is bubbled in the bottom of the reactor to conduct physical mixing or mixing‐induced chemical reaction. In either case, the gas bubble hydrodynamics play a critical role on the overall performance of these processes. In the present study, the gas–liquid multiphase system is simulated using a Eulerian–Eulerian two‐fluid Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model.

RESULTS

The physical model is a cylindrical bubble column contactor wherein gas is sparged into liquid through a perforated sparger with a superficial gas velocity of ≈3–40 cm s−1. The CFD model for the contactor is built using the free and open source tool OpenFOAM v.4.0 to simulate the gas–liquid system. The time‐averaged volume fraction distribution was studied at different heights in the column. The effect of drag force and bubble‐induced turbulence are studied to arrive at appropriate closures for the CFD model. The results obtained from the numerical simulations were validated against available experimental results found in literature.

CONCLUSION

The recommended models, based on the present CFD study of the bubble column reactor, are the Ishii–Zuber drag closure with the modification that the parameter p is set to 2 for superficial gas velocities ≤20 cm s−1 and is set to 4 for 40 cm s−1 superficial gas velocity) and the mixed k–ϵ model to account for drag correlation and bubble‐induced turbulence closure, respectively. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Reactor design as a critical input in the electrochemical production of peroxoacetic acid
Authors: Llanos Javier , Moraleda Inmaculada , Sáez Cristina , Rodrigo Manuel A , Cañizares Pablo
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

In the present work, the influence of the most critical inputs affecting reactor design for the simultaneous electrochemical production of peroxoacetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide are studied. Based on our previous findings, we studied the role of the ratio between the volume of the solution (related to the chemical equilibrium between PAA and hydrogen peroxide) and the intensity (related to the rate and efficiency of the electrochemical processes) for a reactor equipped with a boron‐doped diamond anode and a gas diffusion cathode (GDE reactor). Moreover, we tested the performance of a jet‐based reactor for the production of PAA.

RESULTS

According to the results, it can be stated that the production of PAA is robust and stable when working at volume:intensity ratios equal or higher than 8.12 L A−1. Moreover, it was found that current densities ≈27 A m−2 are suitable for both reactor designs. Finally, it was observed that the production rate of PAA is higher for the GDE reactor due to the higher value of the volume:intensity ratio, the higher relative cathode versus anode area and the reactor configuration (anode–cathode).

CONCLUSION

This complex scenario demonstrates the key role of the reactor design and clarifies the future research lines that have to be further developed towards the efficient electrochemical production of peroxoacetic acid. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Evaluation, and Docking Studies of Substituted Acetylphenoxymethyl‐triazolyl‐N‐phenylacetamides
Authors: Phatak Pramod S. , Sathe Bhaurao P. , Dhumal Sambhaji T. , Rehman Naziya N. M. A. , Dixit Prashant P. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Haval Kishan P.
Published: May 2019

A series of molecules containing acetylphenoxymethyl, triazole, and N‐phenylacetamide moieties were synthesized via the click chemistry approach. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities in vitro. The synthesized compounds 8a, 8b, 8m, and 8n showed better activities. We further performed exploratory docking studies to gain some insight regarding the molecular mechanism of antibacterial action of these compounds that could guide further structure‐activity relationship (SAR) studies. We examined the interaction of the most active compound with DNA gyrase (pdb id:1KZN). Based on antimicrobial and docking studies, the compounds 8a, 8b, 8m, and 8n were identified as potential antimicrobial agents.
Dynamic susceptibility MR perfusion in diagnosing recurrent brain metastases after radiotherapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kwee Robert M. , Kwee Thomas C.
Published: May 2019

Background

The diagnostic performance of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MR perfusion in discriminating treatment‐related changes from recurrence in irradiated brain metastases is currently not completely clear.

Purpose

To systematically review the accuracy of DSC MR perfusion in diagnosing recurrent brain metastases after radiotherapy.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Subjects

MEDLINE and Embase were searched for original studies investigating the accuracy of DSC MR perfusion in diagnosing recurrent brain metastases after radiotherapy. Ten studies, comprising a total of more than 271 metastases, were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T or 3.0T, DSC MR perfusion.

Assessment

Quality assessment was performed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.

Statistical Tests

Sensitivity and specificity were pooled with a bivariate random‐effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by a chi‐squared test. Potential sources for heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analyses.

Results

In seven studies the diagnostic criterion was not prespecified. In eight studies it was unclear whether the reference standard was interpreted blindly. In seven studies it was unclear whether DSC MR perfusion results influenced which reference standard was used. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 81.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70.6%, 89.1%) and 80.6% (95% CI: 64.2%, 90.6%), respectively. There was significant heterogeneity in both sensitivity (P = 0.005) and specificity (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in relative diagnostic odds ratio according to publication year, country of origin, study size, and DSC MR perfusion interpretation method (visual analysis of cerebral blood volume [CBV] map vs. relative CBV measurement) (P > 0.2). Due to insufficiently detailed reporting, it was not possible to investigate the influence of primary tumor origin on accuracy.

Data Conclusion

Our results suggest that the accuracy of DSC MR perfusion in diagnosing recurrent brain metastases after radiotherapy is fairly high. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution because of methodological quality concerns and heterogeneity between studies.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:524–534.
A Comparison of Gastric and Jejunal Feeding in Hypercatabolism Associated With Hypothalamic AMPK‐Autophagy‐POMC in Endotoxemic Rats
Authors: Cao Chun , Li Xiaohua , Yang Xiaodong , Xi Fengchan , Gao Tao , Xing Chungen , Yu Wenkui
Published: May 2019

Background

Hypercatabolism is associated with increased infectious rates and mortality in critically ill patients. Enteral nutrition (EN) is usually used to counteract hypercatabolism. However, the impact of different routes of EN on hypercatabolism remains unknown. Here, we compared the impact of gastric feeding (GF) and jejunal feeding (JF) on gastrointestinal hormones and hypercatabolism, which is associated with hypothalamic adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐autophagy‐proopiomelanocortin (POMC).

Methods

Sixty adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: Sham and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) groups fed a standard chow diet, a pair‐fed group that was a subset of saline‐treated rats pair‐fed with the LPS group, and LPS + JF and LPS + GF groups (received EN via jejunal and gastric tube, respectively, for 3 days [100 kcal/kg/d]). Hypercatabolism was measured by insulin resistance, muscle protein synthesis, and atrophy. Serum gastrointestinal hormones, hypothalamic ghrelin, growth hormone secretagogue receptor‐1α (GHS‐R1α), and AMPK‐autophagy‐POMC markers were also detected.

Results

GF increased serum total, acylated, desacylated, and hypothalamic ghrelin and decreased glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1). But no effect on pancreatic polypeptide (PYY) and hypothalamic GHS‐R1α was observed. JF showed no effect on hypothalamic ghrelin, GHS‐R1α, and serum total, acylated, and desacylated ghrelin and even further aggravated GLP‐1 and PYY. GF could effectively augment hypothalamic AMPK‐autophagy‐POMC and hypercatabolism. However, JF showed no effect on hypothalamic AMPK‐autophagy‐POMC and hypercatabolism.

Conclusions

GF could activate hypothalamic AMPK‐autophagy and suppress POMC expression via gastrointestinal hormones to ameliorate hypercatabolism compared with JF, which suggested that GF may be the preferred route of EN in endotoxemic rats.
Comprehensive comparison of multiple quantitative near‐infrared spectroscopy models for Aspergillus flavus contamination detection in peanut
Authors: Li Zhengxuan , Tang Xiuying , Shen Zhixiong , Yang Kefei , Zhao Lingjuan , Li Yanlei
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus flavus is a major pollutant in moldy peanuts, and it has a large influence on the taste of food. The secondary metabolites of Aspergillus flavus, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), are highly toxic and can expose humans to high risk. The total mold count (TMC) is an important index to determine the contamination degree and hygiene quality of peanut.

RESULTS

Quantitative calibration models were established based on full‐band wavelengths and characteristic wavelengths, combined with chemometric methods, to explore the feasibility of the use of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for rapid detection of the TMC in peanuts. The successive projection algorithm (SPA) and elimination of uninformative variables (UVE) algorithms were used to extract the characteristic wavelengths. In comparison, the model built by original spectrum, selected with the UVE algorithm, gave the best result, with a correlation coefficient in a prediction set (RP) of 0.9577, a root mean square error for the prediction set (RMSEP) of 0.2336 Log CFU/g, and a residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 3.5041.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that NIRS is a rapid, practicable method for the quantitative detection of peanut Aspergillus flavus contamination. It is a promising method for detecting moldy peanuts and increasing peanut safety. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Differences in muscle histidine‐containing dipeptides in broilers
Authors: Barbaresi Silvia , Maertens Luc , Claeys Erik , Derave Wim , De Smet Stefaan
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Poultry meat has high levels of histidine‐containing dipeptides (HCD) and consumption of meat rich in HCD may elicit certain health benefits. The aim of this work was to compare the HCD content (anserine and carnosine) in the breast and thigh muscles of two broiler strains differing in growth rate, feeding regime, and age at slaughter. A 3 (production system) × 2 (sex) × 2 (age at slaughter) full factorial arrangement was applied with fast‐growing Ross 308 chicks fed ad libitum (ROSS‐AL), slow‐growing Sasso T451 chicks fed ad libitum (SASSO‐AL), and Ross 308 chicks given limited feeding (ROSS‐LIM). At the age of 40 and 62 days, eight birds per production system × sex combination were randomly selected for sampling of the breast and thigh muscle. Muscle HCD content was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

Across treatments, levels of anserine were 2.5‐ and 1.9‐fold higher than carnosine in breast and thigh muscle respectively (P < 0.001), and levels of anserine and carnosine were 2.2‐ and 2.8‐fold higher respectively in breast versus thigh muscle (P < 0.001). In breast muscle, SASSO‐AL had higher levels of HCD than ROSS‐AL and ROSS‐LIM (P < 0.001). Considering different market meat types, breast muscle of 62‐day‐old SASSO‐AL birds had more than threefold higher content of HCD compared to thigh muscle of 40‐day‐old ROSS‐AL birds (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Large differences in muscle HCD content were found, varying according to type of muscle and broiler. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Mucor indicus and Rhizopus oryzae co‐culture to improve the flavor of Chinese turbid rice wine
Authors: Xiang Wenliang , Xu Qin , Zhang Nandi , Rao Yu , Zhu Lin , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

One of the most important species used to ferment Chinese turbid rice wine (CTRW) at an industrial‐scale level is Rhizopus oryzae, although the flavor of CTRW fermented by pure R. oryzae is inferior to that of traditional CTRW.

RESULTS

Mucor indicus was used as a cooperative species to improve the flavor of CTRW presented by R. oryzae. The flavor compounds in different fermentation stages were determined by headspace solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography. It was noted that the M. indicus and R. oryzae co‐culture changed the profiles of flavor compounds in CTRW, including esters, higher alcohols, amino acids and organic acids, and also significantly enhanced the concentration of sweet amino acids, fruity and floral esters, and higher alcohols. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that the CTRW fermented by M. indicus and R. oryzae had a more intense aroma, harmonious taste, continuation and full body mouth‐feel because of more abundant flavor compounds.

CONCLUSION

Mucor indicus is a promising species for co‐culture with R. oryzae to improve the flavor of CTRW. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization and emulsifying properties of extracts obtained by physical and enzymatic methods from an oenological yeast strain
Authors: De Iseppi Alberto , Curioni Andrea , Marangon Matteo , Vincenzi Simone , Kantureeva Gulzhan , Lomolino Giovanna
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Glycosylated compounds are one of the main fractions of the yeast cell wall. Thanks to their amphiphilic structure, they have been studied as stabilizers in food emulsions over a broad range of pH conditions with encouraging results. Nevertheless, extraction costs still represent an important limit for their application in the food industry.

RESULTS

In this research, four extraction methods were applied to yeast cells exploiting both physical (heating and sonication) and enzymatic approaches (use of three industrial enzyme preparations, namely Glucanex®, Sur Lies and Elevage). A fifth method involving a pure β‐glucanase enzyme (Zymolyase) was taken as reference. These extraction methods were applied to the oenological strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC1118, and their extraction yields and chemical properties (quantitative and qualitative determination of sugars and proteins) were studied. Emulsifying activities were determined at three different pH values (3, 5 and 7). Extractions with Physical, Glucanex and Sur Lies methods were the most successful approaches to obtain relevant amounts of yeast compounds with good emulsifying activities for 2:1 oil‐in‐water emulsions at pH 3 and 7 over 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that there is the potential for the extraction approaches here proposed to become viable tools for the recovery of yeast compounds to be used as emulsifiers in foods. This approach can be considered as the starting point to explore the possibility to exploit yeast by‐products from the fermentation processes (e.g. fermentation lees from wine and beer making) as valuable compounds for food applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Flaxseed Oil or n‐7 Fatty Acid‐Enhanced Fish Oil Supplementation Alters Fatty Acid Composition, Plasma Insulin and Serum Ceramide Concentrations, and Gene Expression in Lambs
Authors: Duckett Susan K. , Furusho‐Garcia Iraides , Rico J. Eduardo , McFadden Joseph W.
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of flaxseed (FLAX) oil or 16‐carbon n‐7 fatty acid ‐enhanced fish oil (Provinal; POA) supplementation on serum, liver and skeletal muscle fatty acid concentrations, serum ceramide and plasma insulin concentrations, and gene expression. Lambs [n = 18; 42 ± 5.6 kg body weight (BW); 7 months] were individually fed one of the three treatments: (1) control (CON), no oil supplement, (2) FLAX; at 0.1% of BW, or (3) POA at 0.1% of BW for 60 days. Daily feed intake and weight gain were decreased by 21% and 34%, respectively, for POA than FLAX. Liver and skeletal muscle concentrations of palmitoleic acid were greater by 396% and 87%, respectively, for POA than FLAX; whereas, liver and skeletal muscle α‐linolenic acid concentrations were greater by 199% and 118%, respectively, for FLAX. Supplementation with POA also had greater serum and tissue concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Serum glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were elevated with FLAX supplementation at the end of the study. Supplementation with POA altered serum ceramide concentrations compared to CON or FLAX. Oil supplementation, both FLAX and POA, downregulated expression of unesterified fatty acid receptors (FFAR) 1 and FFAR4 in the liver; however, oil supplementation upregulated expression of FFAR1 in muscle. Interleukin‐6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFA) expression were downregulated with oil supplementation in the liver; however, FLAX upregulated TNFA in muscle. These results show that oil supplementation can enhance uptake and deposition of unique fatty acids that alter ceramide concentrations and gene expression in tissues.
The electrochemical behavior of Mg–9Al–0.5Zn, Mg–9Al–0.7Zn, and Mg–9Al–1.0Zn in a NaCl solution
Authors: Zhao Xinyue , Su Jinhao , Li Guangyu , He Jinmeng , Chen Shixing , Wang Guixiang , Liu Aidong
Published: May 2019

In this study, the electrochemical behavior of Mg–9Al–0.5Zn, Mg–9Al–0.7Zn, and Mg–9Al–1.0Zn electrodes in a 0.7 mol L−1 NaCl solution is evaluated by using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and potentiostatic oxidation. The utilization efficiencies of these materials are also determined. The results show that the Mg–9Al–1.0Zn alloy has the highest corrosion resistance and that Mg–9Al–0.5Zn displays the largest discharge current in the 0.7 mol L
−1 NaCl solution at 25°C. In addition, the utilization efficiencies of the alloys decrease as follows: Mg–9Al–1.0Zn > Mg–9Al–0.7Zn > Mg–9Al–0.5Zn. This study illustrates that doping Zn into Mg‐Al electrodes increases the corrosion resistance and utilization efficiency but decreases the discharge activity of Mg–Al–Zn anodes when the Zn content is between 0.5% and 1.0%.
Dual Cross‐Linked Hydrogels with High Strength, Toughness, and Rapid Self‐Recovery Using Dynamic Metal–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Dutta Agniva , Das Rajat K.
Published: May 2019

A dual cross‐linking design principle enables access to hydrogels with high strength, toughness, fast self‐recovery, and robust fatigue resistant properties. Imidazole (IMZ) containing random poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinylimidazole) based hydrogels are synthesized in the presence of Ni2+ ions with low density of chemical cross‐linking. The IMZ‐Ni2+ metal–ligand cross‐links act as sacrificial motifs to effectively dissipate energy during mechanical loading of the hydrogel. The hydrogel mechanical properties can be tuned by varying the mol% of vinylimidazole (VIMZ) in the copolymer and by changing the VIMZ/Ni2+ ratio. The resultant metallogels under optimal conditions (15 mol% VIMZ and VIMZ/Ni2+ = 2:1) show the best mechanical properties such as high tensile strength (750 kPa) and elastic modulus (190 kPa), combined with high fracture energy (1580 J m−2) and stretchability (800–900% strain). The hydrogels are pH responsive and the extent of energy dissipation can be drastically reduced by exposure to acidic pH. These hydrogels also exhibit excellent anti‐fatigue properties (complete recovery of dissipated energy within 10 min after ten successive loading–unloading cycles at 400% strain), high compressive strength without fracture (17 MPa at 96% strain), and self‐healing capability due to the reversible dissociation and re‐association of the metal ion mediated cross‐links.
On systems of fractional differential equations with the ψ‐Caputo derivative and their applications
Authors: Almeida Ricardo , Malinowska Agnieszka B. , Odzijewicz Tatiana
Published: May 2019

Systems of fractional differential equations with a general form of fractional derivative are considered. A unique continuous solution is derived using the Banach fixed point theorem. Additionally, the dependence of the solution on the fractional order and on the initial conditions are studied. Then the stability of autonomous linear fractional differential systems with order 0<α<1 of the ψ‐Caputo derivative is investigated. Finally, an application of the theoretical results to the problem of the leader‐follower consensus for fractional multi‐agent systems is presented. Sufficient conditions are given to ensure that the tracking errors asymptotically converge to zero. The results of the paper are illustrated by some examples.
Fundamental solutions for discrete dynamical systems involving the fractional Laplacian
Authors: González‐Camus Jorge , Keyantuo Valentin , Lizama Carlos , Warma Mahamadi
Published: May 2019

We prove representation results for solutions of a time‐fractional differential equation involving the discrete fractional Laplace operator in terms of generalized Wright functions. Such equations arise in the modeling of many physical systems, for example, chain processes in chemistry and radioactivity. Our focus is in the problem
, where 0<β ≤ 2, 0<α ≤ 1,
, (−Δd)α is the discrete fractional Laplacian, and
is the Caputo fractional derivative of order β. We discuss important special cases as consequences of the representations obtained.
DCE‐MRI protocol for constraining absolute pharmacokinetic modeling errors within specific accuracy limits
Authors: Knight Silvin P. , Meaney James F. , Fagan Andrew J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To quantify the effects of DCE acquisition and pharmacokinetic modeling processing methodologies on the absolute accuracy and precision of derived pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter values using a novel anthropomorphic phantom test device in which “ground truth” values were known a priori.

Methods

Ground truth arterial input function (AIF), tumor, and healthy tissue contrast agent concentration‐time curves (CTCs) were established within the phantom and repeatedly measured on a 3T MRI scanner with varying temporal resolution (Tres = 1.22–30.6 s). Ground truth CTCs, Ktrans, ve, and kep values were directly compared to measured values as a function of Tres, with and without the application of voxel‐wise flip‐angle corrections applied to the data and PK modeling performed using linear and nonlinear forms of the standard Tofts model.

Results

Measurement of the AIF was strongly affected by the Tres used (AIF curve‐shape feature errors: 3%–222% for Tres: 1.22–30.6 s), which directly translated to errors in the derived Ktrans, ve, and kep values of 1%–24%, 2%–5%, and 1%–26% respectively across this Tres range (flip‐angle correction applied). Further appreciable improvements in accuracy and precision arising from the use of flip angle corrections and nonlinear least squares fitting were quantified and used to identify optimal acquisition and analysis methodologies for which measurement errors could be constrained below threshold levels.

Conclusion

This quantitative study provides insight into how errors in AIF measurement propagate to errors in PK parameter outputs. Absolute quantification of the accuracy and precision of MR‐measured CTCs, and resultant PK parameter values, allowed for an optimal temporal resolution to be defined commensurate with maintaining Ktrans, ve, and kep measurement errors below 5% and 10% levels. An appreciable gain in PK parameter estimation accuracy at the analysis stage was also demonstrated using flip‐angle corrections and a linear approach to PK model fitting.
Sub‐millimeter T1 mapping of rapidly relaxing compartments with gradient delay corrected spiral TAPIR and compressed sensing at 3T
Authors: Claeser Robert , Zimmermann Markus , Shah N. Jon
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The TAPIR sequence is an accurate and efficient method for T1 mapping. It combines a slice‐interleaving Look‐Locker read‐out with an acquisition of multiple k‐space lines in 1 shot. Whereas the acquisition of multiple lines per excitation increases imaging speed, the corresponding increase in TR and TE is detrimental to the T1 fitting performance. This is especially problematic for substances exhibiting rapid T2* relaxation (e.g., myelin water).

Methods

The T1 fitting performance of TAPIR is enhanced by using an interleaved spiral read‐out with shorter TE and TR. Furthermore, an improvement to a method for fast gradient delay estimation is presented. Whereas previous methods assume the gradient delay to be stationary, the presented approach corrects the spiral k‐space trajectory by using a polynomial fit of the measured gradient delays.

Results

Gradient delay artifacts are largely eliminated, requiring very little additional scanning time. The sampling efficiency of the spiral read‐out allows for a significant reduction of the acquisition time in comparison to Cartesian TAPIR. Spiral TAPIR enables the sampling of more slices and an accurate measurement of rapidly relaxing compartments. Over a wide T1 range (448–3115 ms), spiral TAPIR reduces the mean fitting error from −2.5% to −0.1%. Combining 50% undersampling with the shorter TR of spiral TAPIR, an increase in imaging speed by a factor of up to 3.3 was achieved.

Conclusion

Using a spiral read‐out trajectory, the established TAPIR sequence enables measurement of rapidly relaxing T1 compartments, while improving T1 mapping performance and imaging speed.
Water removal in MR spectroscopic imaging with L2 regularization
Authors: Lin Liangjie , Považan Michal , Berrington Adam , Chen Zhong , Barker Peter B.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

An L2‐regularization based postprocessing method is proposed and tested for removal of residual or unsuppressed water signals in proton MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data recorded from the human brain at 3T.

Methods

Water signals are removed by implementation of the L2 regularization using a synthesized water‐basis matrix that is orthogonal to metabolite signals of interest in the spectral dimension. Simulated spectra with variable water amplitude and in vivo brain MRSI datasets were used to demonstrate the proposed method. Results were compared with two commonly‐used postprocessing methods for removing water signals.

Results

The L2 method yielded metabolite signals that were close to true values for the simulated spectra. Residual/unsuppressed water signals in human brain short‐ and long‐echo time MRSI datasets were efficiently removed by the proposed method allowing good quality metabolite maps to be reconstructed with minimized contamination from water signals. Significant differences of the creatine signal were observed between brain long‐echo time MRSI without and with water saturation, attributable to the previously described magnetization transfer effect.

Conclusions

With usage of a synthesized water matrix generated based on reasonable prior knowledge about water and metabolite resonances, the L2 method is shown to be an effective way to remove water signals from MRSI of the human brain.
Do Women Know Their Prepregnancy Weight?
Authors: Thomas Diana M. , Oken Emily , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Téllez‐Rojo Martha , Just Allan , Svensson Katherine , Deierlein Andrea L , Chandler‐Laney Paula C. , Miller Richard C. , McNamara Christopher , Phelan Suzanne , Yoshitani Shaw , Butte Nancy F. , Redman Leanne M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Prepregnancy weight may not always be known to women. A model was developed to estimate prepregnancy weight from measured pregnancy weight.

Methods

The model was developed and validated using participants from two studies (Project Viva, n = 301, model development; and Fit for Delivery [FFD], n = 401, model validation). Data from the third study (Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment and Social Stressors [PROGRESS]), which included women from Mexico City, were used to demonstrate the utility of the newly developed model to objectively quantify prepregnancy weight.

Results

The model developed from the Project Viva study validated well with low bias (R2 = 0.95; y = 1.02x − 0.69; bias = 0.68 kg; 95% CI: −4.86 to 6.21). Predictions in women from FFD demonstrated good agreement (R2 = 0.96; y = 0.96x + 4.35; bias = 1.60 kg; 95% CI: −4.40 to 7.54; error range = −11.25 kg to 14.73 kg). High deviations from model predictions were observed in the Programming Research in PROGRESS (R2 = 0.81; y = 0.89x + 9.61; bias = 2.83 kg; 95% CI: −7.70 to 12.31; error range = −39.17 kg to 25.73 kg). The model was programmed into software (https://www.pbrc.edu/research-and-faculty/calculators/prepregnancy/).

Conclusions

The developed model provides an alternative to determine prepregnancy weight in populations receiving routine health care that may not have accurate knowledge of prepregnancy weight. The software can identify misreporting and classification into incorrect gestational weight gain categories.
Feasibility and efficacy of a novel technology‐based approach to harness social networks for weight loss: the NETworks pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Monroe C. M. , Geraci M. , Larsen C. A. , West D. S.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Harnessing social support from existing social ties represents a key weight control practice. This trial evaluated an intervention that provided health‐promoting technologies for leveraging the influence of existing social ties.

Methods

Volunteers (N = 36) with a body mass index between 25 and 55 kg m−2 were randomized to a 16‐week, in‐person, technology‐supported behavioural weight‐loss treatment (standard behavioural treatment) or the same programme supplemented by providing self‐selected members of participants' social networks with a digital body‐weight scale and Fitbit Zip physical activity tracker (ENHANCED).

Results

Average weight losses from baseline to 16 weeks did not significantly differ between groups (standard behavioural treatment, 5.30%, SD =3.93%; ENHANCED, 5.96%, SD = 5.19%, p = 0.63). By the 1‐year follow‐up, standard behavioural treatment had lost 5.63%, SD = 8.14% of baseline weight versus 4.73%, SD = 9.43% for ENHANCED (p = 0.82). ENHANCED reported self‐weighing on more days than did standard behavioural treatment (p = 0.03). Most participants reported high programme satisfaction. Similar improvements were observed in perceived social support for diet and exercise from baseline to 16 weeks in both groups (ps < 0.05) but regressed by 1 year (ps < 0.01).

Conclusion

Although feasible to implement, this technology‐based, social support approach failed to enhance outcomes of a face‐to‐face, group‐based behavioural weight‐loss treatment.