bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Resting Energy Expenditure Using Predictive Equations in Critically Ill Children: Results of a Systematic Review
Authors: Jotterand Chaparro Corinne , Moullet Clémence , Taffé Patrick , Laure Depeyre Jocelyne , Perez Marie‐Hélène , Longchamp David , Cotting Jacques
Published: March 2018

Provision of adequate energy intake to critically ill children is associated with improved prognosis, but resting energy expenditure (REE) is rarely determined by indirect calorimetry (IC) due to practical constraints. Some studies have tested the validity of various predictive equations that are routinely used for this purpose, but no systematic evaluation has been made. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of the literature to assess predictive equations of REE in critically ill children. We systematically searched the literature for eligible studies, and then we extracted data and assigned a quality grade to each article according to guidelines of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Accuracy was defined as the percentage of predicted REE values to fall within ±10% or ±15% of the measured energy expenditure (MEE) values, computed based on individual participant data. Of the 993 identified studies, 22 studies testing 21 equations using 2326 IC measurements in 1102 children were included in this review. Only 6 equations were evaluated by at least 3 studies in critically ill children. No equation predicted REE within ±10% of MEE in >50% of observations. The Harris–Benedict equation overestimated REE in two‐thirds of patients, whereas the Schofield equations and Talbot tables predicted REE within ±15% of MEE in approximately 50% of observations. In summary, the Schofield equations and Talbot tables were the least inaccurate of the predictive equations. We conclude that a new validated indirect calorimeter is urgently needed in the critically ill pediatric population.)
Long‐Term Therapy With Teduglutide in Parenteral Support–Dependent Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Ukleja Andrew , To Chau , Alvarez Alicia , Lara Luis F.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To review all cases of parenteral support (PS)–dependent patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) treated with teduglutide (Gattex, Shire) and to evaluate its efficacy and adverse effects.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive cohort of SBS patients treated with teduglutide. Demographics, bowel length, primary diagnosis, PS volume/duration, teduglutide dose, and side effects were collected prospectively.

Results

Six SBS patients (4 females, 2 males) received teduglutide. Mean age was 46.3 years (range 26–71). SBS etiology was vascular (n = 3), multiple resections (n = 2), and strangulation (n = 1). Length of residual small bowel was between 30–120 cm. The bowel anatomy was colon present (n = 3) and stoma n = 3 (ileostomy, 2; colostomy, 1). PS duration was 1.5–14 years. Weekly PS volume was mean 7.7 liters/week (1–14). Number of PS days per week ranged 1–7 days. Mean duration of teduglutide therapy was 31 months (24–36). All patients achieved ≥20% reduction in PS weekly volume within 6 months. PS was weaned in all patients. Adverse effects included abdominal bloat/discomfort (n = 3), stoma enlargement (n = 3), bowel obstruction (n = 1), and congestive heart failure (n = 1).

Conclusions

All PS‐dependent SBS patients treated with teduglutide were weaned off PS. Patients with colon in continuity and lower PS weekly volume requirements were weaned off PS sooner than those with end‐stomas and higher PS volume requirements. Teduglutide was well tolerated. Additional clinical studies of teduglutide in SBS patients with marginal PS requirements are needed.
Source and Quality of Enteral Nutrition Influences Oxidative Stress in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fusch Gerhard , Mitra Souvik , Topp Heinrich , Agarwal Arnav , Yiu So Hon , Bruhs Josefin , Rochow Niels , Lange Anja , Heckmann Matthias , Fusch Christoph
Published: March 2018

Background

Preterm infants are at risk of oxidative stress from neonatal intensive care interventions. 8‐Oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxodG), generated by oxygen radical attack on DNA, is a potential marker of oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of quality and source of enteral nutrition (EN) on renal excretion of 8‐oxodG in preterm infants.

Methods

Spontaneous urine samples were collected on postnatal days 26–31 in 33 preterm infants. Infants were fed either breast milk (BM), formula (FM), or BM/FM mixtures. Daily iron (Fe) supplementation was started day 28 ± 1 postnatally. 8‐oxodG was determined by highperformance liquid chromatography‐electrochemical detection (HPLC‐EC).

Results

The 8‐oxodG/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in infants fed FM vs FM/BM (38.7 ± 28.7 vs 16.7 ± 12.2 nmol 8‐oxodG/mmol creatinine, P < 0.0001) or BM (11.6 ± 10.4 nmol 8‐oxodG/mmol creatinine, P < 0.0001). There was no significant effect of Fe supplementation (P = 0.547). 8‐OxodG excretion showed significant interindividual variation but was similar within pairs of twins.

Conclusion

Quality and source of EN seem to influence oxidative stress in preterm infants. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is unclear and needs further investigation. It may be speculated that other mechanisms than Fe supplementation contribute to oxidative stress, such as cow's milk protein‐mediated up‐regulation of the intestinal inflammatory cascade.
Insights Into the Different Effects of Food on Intestinal Secretion Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wilkinson‐Smith Victoria C. , Major Giles , Ashleigh Lucy , Murray Kathryn , Hoad Caroline L. , Marciani Luca , Gowland Penny A. , Spiller Robin C. ,   Nottingham GI MRI Research Group
Published: March 2018

Background

Plant foods may stimulate intestinal secretion through chemicals designed to deter herbivores, including lactucins in lettuce and rhein in rhubarb. This may increase ileostomy output and induce diarrhoea in people with intact bowels.

Objective

We aimed to determine the effect of food on intestinal water content using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Design

A three period crossover trial of isocaloric meals in adults without bowel disorders. Meals: 2 slices white bread with 10 g butter; 300 g rhubarb with 60 mL lactose free cream; 300 g lettuce with 30 mL mayonnaise. Primary outcome: Area under curve (AUC) small bowel water content (SBWC) using MRI. Secondary outcomes: ascending colon water content; T1 relaxation time of ascending colon (T1AC); gastric volume; visual analogue scales of bloating and satiety (0–100). MRI analysts were blinded. Scanned fasting and hourly to 180 min postprandial. Symptoms scored half‐hourly.

Results

9 female and 6 male subjects completed the study. AUC SBWC fell after bread but rose after lettuce and even more after rhubarb, difference from baseline being (Bread AUC −5662 (1209) ml.min vs Lettuce 3194 (1574) ml.min and Rhubarb 10586 (1629) ml.min (P < 0.01). Rhubarb induced a rise in T1AC but differences at 3 hours were not significant (P = 0.06). Gastric volume at T = 0 significantly was higher for both lettuce and rhubarb (571 ± 92 and 558 ± 89 mls) respectively compared to bread (314 ± 108 mls) (p < 0.0001). Symptom scores were higher for lettuce > rhubarb > bread.

Conclusion

Lettuce and rhubarb meals increased intestinal water content, demonstrating how different foods can alter ileal flow and stool consistency.
Holocene relative sea level history and Storegga tsunami run‐up in Lyngen, northern Norway
Authors: Rasmussen Henrik , Bondevik Stein , Corner Geoffrey D.
Published: March 2018

We re‐investigated three isolation basins in Lyngen in Troms, Norway, that contained a mixed facies of terrestrial and marine origin. Here we show that the mixed facies was deposited by the Storegga tsunami. We reconstruct the run‐up of the tsunami to 6–7 m above mean sea level of that time, in agreement with numerical modelling. In addition, our new cores revealed a layer of lake‐gyttja below marine deposits, and radiocarbon ages of plant fragments extracted from that gyttja date the sea level lowstand to 9400 cal a BP. These ages, and our new understanding of the mixed facies as Storegga tsunami deposits, improve the previously published sea‐level curve. The radiocarbon age of a sea urchin, assumed to have been killed in the Storegga tsunami event, shows that the reservoir age of the coastal waters in Troms was 400 years (ΔR = 45 ± 41) at that time − similar to the present‐day value.
Moisture variations in arid central Asia and its out‐of‐phase relationship with the Asian Monsoon during MIS 5: evidence from loess records
Authors: Jia Jia , Fuyuan Gao , Dunsheng Xia , Wei Huang , Fahu Chen
Published: March 2018

An out‐of‐phase relationship between moisture variations in arid central Asia (ACA) and Monsoon Asia is revealed in various Holocene sedimentary records. To determine whether this relationship also occurred during previous warm intervals, we reconstructed the history of moisture variations during Marine Isotope Stage 5 (MIS 5) recorded in a loess profile from the Yili valley in the Tienshan Mountains, in ACA, and compared it with the record from the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). Three humid episodes in the Yili valley are recorded, at 72–79.5, 93.5–101 and 113.5–125.5 ka; in addition, intervals of fine grain size, indicating a low incidence of dust storms, and thus low ice volume in the Northern Hemisphere, occurred during 76–83.5, 97–106 and 117.5–130 ka. Our findings indicate that during MIS 5, variations in humidity in ACA lagged (by ∼3–5 ka) variations in the Asian Monsoon recorded by magnetic and grain‐size proxies from the CLP. Furthermore, we propose that precipitation variations in ACA were negatively correlated with the intensity of the Asian Monsoon because of corresponding movements in pressure and rain belts, and were positively correlated with sea surface temperature variations in the North Atlantic.
Constraining the geometry and volume of the Barents Sea Ice Sheet
Authors: Kachuck Samuel B. , Cathles Lawrence M.
Published: March 2018

The ice load configuration of the Barents Sea Ice Sheet (BSIS) over the last glacial cycle is in dispute. The traditional reconstruction, motivated by the observation that paleo‐shoreline emergence increases towards the center of the Barents Sea, places a single dome in the center of the Barents Sea at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) that collapses to island‐centered loads during deglaciation. Observations that suggest that ice flowed from the islands into the Barents even at the LGM motivate another reconstruction that places the ice loads over the islands with minimal marine ice. We analyze an ensemble of ice loads that are consistent with the geophysical observations and show that current relative sea level, GPS and gravity measurements do not and cannot distinguish a central dome from an island‐centered BSIS. What is needed are constraints in the central Barents. Improving the gravity data sufficiently will be difficult. However, obtaining even a single GPS uplift rate measurement in the central Barents would resolve the central dome versus island‐centered BSIS geometry question. Uncertainty in the Barents Sea ice load geometry provides a good illustration of statistical methods that we believe will be useful in other areas of glaciology.
Evolution of the Galicia Interior Basin over the last 60 ka: sedimentary processes and palaeoceanographic implications
Authors: Mena Anxo , Francés Guillermo , Pérez‐Arlucea Marta , Hanebuth Till J. J. , Bender Vera B. , Nombela Miguel A.
Published: March 2018

The Galicia Interior Basin (GIB; NW Iberian Peninsula) is located near a critical transition between the subtropical (temperate) and subpolar (cold) gyres of the North Atlantic. It therefore witnesses oceanographic changes driven by global climatic events. This study reports on the recent (latest Pleistocene) sedimentary, palaeoceanographic and palaeoclimatic history of the basin. We integrated analysis of deep‐sea sediment cores retrieved from an E–W transect across the GIB. The analysis indicated three types of sedimentary processes recording glacial (Marine Isotope Stage 2–4) and deglacial events: along‐slope bottom currents (forming contourite deposits), pelagic and hemipelagic sedimentation, and gravitational dislocation. Variation in depositional patterns and sedimentation rates indicate distinctive transport (along‐slope and down‐slope) and depositional processes. These in turn reflect climatic and oceanographic drivers. We interpret changes in sea level from core evidence showing changes in sediment supply. The cores exhibited conspicuous sedimentary evidence of Heinrich events (HEs). The stratigraphic intervals associated with HEs showed significant lateral variation. We suggest that the lateral variation may result from the development of an oceanographic boundary between surface water masses with different temperature and salinity parameters or changes in surface currents which may have introduced relatively warmer water into the GIB during the last glacial period.
Optimization of ultrasound‐assisted extraction of grape‐seed oil to enhance process yield and minimize free radical formation
Authors: Böger Bruna R , Salviato Aroldo , Valezi Daniel F , Di Mauro Eduardo , Georgetti Sandra R , Kurozawa Louise E
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Grape seeds are a relatively abundant source of oil and bioactive compounds. To use this byproduct, the current work aimed to optimize the ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) of grape‐seed oil to obtain greater process yield and minimize free radical formation in the oil.

RESULTS

The optimal condition was 15 °C with an ultrasonic wave amplitude of 42 µm, leading to a process yield of 82.9% and content of free radicals of 14.7 × 1017 kg−1 and 3.4 × 1018 kg−1 for samples stored for 7 and 30 days, respectively. No significant differences in fatty acid composition and acidity and iodine values were observed between samples. The oil obtained by ultrasound had greater phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity by ferric reduction than the control sample (without ultrasound application). However, higher content of free radicals and peroxide value was observed.

CONCLUSION

Sonication improved extraction yield when compared to the process without ultrasound application. Moreover, UAE favored the extraction of phenolic compounds. As it enhanced process yield with the minimum formation of free radicals, UAE is a promising oil‐extraction technology. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Suitability of unmalted quinoa for beer production
Authors: Kordialik‐Bogacka Edyta , Bogdan Paulina , Pielech‐Przybylska Katarzyna , Michałowska Dorota
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

This study provides the first detailed investigation into the effect of partially substituting barley malt with quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) on the characteristics of wort and beer. Quinoa seeds and flakes were compared in terms of their suitability for brewing. The benefits of applying a commercial enzyme mixture during beer production with quinoa were also investigated.

RESULTS

These findings show that quinoa is a good starchy raw material for brewing. Even without exogenous enzymes, it is possible to substitute barley malt with up to 30% quinoa. The form in which quinoa is used has a negligible influence on the quality of the wort and beer. The foam stability of beer made with quinoa was better than that of all‐malt beer, despite there being a lower level of soluble nitrogen in quinoa beer in comparison with all‐malt beer and more than twice the amount of fat in quinoa in comparison to barley malt.

CONCLUSION

The addition of unmalted quinoa does not give unpleasant characteristics to the beer and was even found to have a positive effect on its overall sensory quality. This offers brewers an opportunity to develop good beers with new sensory characteristics. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The aroma volatile repertoire in strawberry fruit: a review
Authors: Yan Jia‐wei , Ban Zhao‐jun , Lu Hong‐yan , Li Dong , Poverenov Elena , Luo Zi‐sheng , Li Li
Published: March 2018

Aroma significantly contributes to flavor, which directly affects the commercial quality of strawberries. The strawberry aroma is complex as many kinds of volatile compounds are found in strawberries. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of the constituents and of the biosynthesis of strawberry volatile compounds, and the effect of postharvest treatments on aroma profiles. The characteristic strawberry volatile compounds consist of furanones, such as 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)‐furanone and 4‐methoxy‐2,5‐dimethyl‐3(2H)‐furanone; esters, including ethyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, methyl butanoate, and methyl hexanoate; sulfur compounds such as methanethiol, and terpenoids including linalool and nerolidol. As for postharvest treatment, the present review discusses the overview of aroma volatiles in response to temperature, atmosphere, and exogenous hormones, as well as other treatments including ozone, edible coating, and ultraviolet radiation. The future prospects for strawberry volatile biosynthesis and metabolism are also presented. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of postharvest application of ethylene on the profile of phenolic acids and anthocyanins in three blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Authors: Costa Daniela VTA , Almeida Domingos PF , Pintado Manuela
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The blueberry is a fruit that has been studied extensively for its health benefits, mainly due to its high antioxidant activity. There is a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and total anthocyanin and phenolic compound content. Postharvest treatment using ethylene may be a factor affecting the anthocyanin content. The objective of this work was to analyze postharvest treatment using ethylene on the anthocyanin profile during the storage of blueberries and phytochemical composition of ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Goldtraube,’ and ‘Ozarkblue.’ Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity; the treatment was carried out with 1000 µL L−1 of ethylene for 24 h followed by storage at 4 °C under normal atmosphere for 56 days.

RESULTS

One day after treatment with ethylene, this increased the proportion of seven (more than 45%) and four (more than 65%) of the nine anthocyanins identified in the Bluecrop and Goldtraube cultivars respectively, and decreased five of the seven anthocyanins identified in ‘Ozarkblue’. For ‘Bluecrop,’ however, this increase reduced until the end of storage but in ‘Goldtraube’ seven anthocyanins had increased.

CONCLUSION

The effect of ethylene on anthocyanin composition of blueberries appeared to depend on the cultivar. ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Goldtraube’ responded positively with an increase in total anthocyanins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in the content of immunostimulating components of colostrum obtained from dairy cows at different levels of production
Authors: Wąsowska Edyta , Puppel Kamila
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Recent data indicate that almost 60% of colostrum samples do not have enough antibodies to provide adequate protection for the calf. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of the level of production of cows on the content of immunostimulating components of protein fraction of colostrum. The observations were conducted on two farms that keep dairy cows. One of the farms was selected to represent a typical performance level for the mass population of dairy cows in Poland, about 5500 kg of milk per cow per year (LI) and the second one was characterized by a higher level of production, about 8000 kg (HI).

RESULTS

Based on the data obtained, 100% of the samples collected from LI had an immunoglobulin G (IgG) content >50 gL−1, in the first collection. In the case of HI, 63% of the samples had an IgG content >50 gL−1, with a distribution in the range of 10.7 to 72.7 gL−1. The colostrum of LI cows was characterized by a higher content of lactoferrin, lysozyme, α‐lactalbumin, and β‐lactoglobulin compared to the milk of HI cows.

CONCLUSIONS

The immunostimulating components of colostrum declined rapidly in subsequent milkings or with the increased productivity of the cows. The concentration of IgG was negatively correlated with the performance level of cows, which means that high‐producing cows had colostrum with a low concentration of IgG. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
New methods for high‐accuracy insect chitin measurement
Authors: Hahn Thomas , Roth Aileen , Febel Eva , Fijalkowska Malgorzata , Schmitt Eric , Arsiwalla Tarique , Zibek Susanne
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

There is a growing interest in the use of insects in poultry, swine and aquaculture feed, as well as pet food applications. All insects produce chitin‐based exoskeletons. With regard to chitin content, a precise determination in agricultural applications is crucial because it has favorable functional properties, although it is also difficult to digest for some species of livestock. Three measurement methods were compared to determine the most reliable method of chitin content determination in different insects and selected Hermetia illucens products: acid detergent fiber (ADF) provides the fiber content and the acid detergent lignin (ADL) additionally considers the catecholic compounds. Acetyl group measurement relates the acetate content to the chitin content.

RESULTS

Comparing different insect species, the highest chitin value via ADF measurement was determined for the Tenebrio molitor larvae (155 g kg−1). Chitin values higher than 200 g kg−1 revealed that H. illucens residues are a much better valuable source of chitin. For the larval exoskeletons, a chitin content for all measurement methods of more than 350 g kg−1 was determined. In general, the ADF measurement is approximately 5% higher than the ADF‐ADL and acetyl measurements. ADF‐ADL and acetyl group determinations are approximately equivalent measurement methods.

CONCLUSION

According to statistical analysis, ADF‐ADL represents a compromise between accuracy and equipment demand and is a suitable method for determining the chitin content of both insects and their residues. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Endogenous microbial contamination of melons (Cucumis melo) from international trade: an underestimated risk for the consumer?
Authors: Esteban‐Cuesta Irene , Drees Nathalie , Ulrich Sebastian , Stauch Peter , Sperner Brigitte , Schwaiger Karin , Gareis Manfred , Gottschalk Christoph
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Fruits and vegetables have increasingly been related to foodborne outbreaks. Besides surface contamination, a possible internalization of microorganisms into edible parts of plants during growth has already been observed. To examine an actual risk for the consumer, microbial contamination of the rind and pulp of 147 muskmelons from international trade was assessed using cultural and biochemical methods, polymerase chain reaction and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

One hundred percent of the rind samples [3.69–8.92 log colony forming units (CFU) g−1] and 89.8% of the pulp samples (maximum load 3.66 log CFU g−1) were microbiologically contaminated. Among the 432 pulp isolates, opportunistic and potentially pathogenic bacteria were identified, mainly Staphylococcus spp. (48.9%), Clostridium spp. (42.9%) and Enterobacteriaceae (27.9%). Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and isolates of the Bacillus cereus group were found on the rind (1.4%, 0.7% and 42.9%, respectively) and in the pulp (0.7%, 1.4% and 4.7%). Clostridium perfringens was isolated from the rind of seven melons.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed a regularly occurring internal contamination of melons. Possible health risks for consumers because of an occurrence of microorganisms in melon pulp should be considered in future food safety assessments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Reactive oxygen species metabolism and phenylpropanoid pathway involved in disease resistance against Penicillium expansum in apple fruit induced by ϵ‐poly‐l‐lysine
Authors: Ge Yonghong , Wei Meilin , Li Canying , Chen Yanru , Lv Jingyi , Meng Kun , Wang Wenhui , Li Jianrong
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Blue mould caused by Penicillium expansum comprises a notable disease of apple fruit during storage. ϵ‐Poly‐l‐lysine (PL) consists of ϵ‐amino and α‐hydroxyl and has been used in food preservation. In the present study, apple fruits (cv. Fuji) were used to investigate the effects of PL dipping treatment, at different concentrations of PL, on the lesion diameter of fruit inoculated with P. expansum, aiming to screen the optimal concentration for controlling blue mould. The effects of PL at the optimal concentration on reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and the phenylpropanoid pathway were also investigated.

RESULTS

The results indicated that 25, 50, 100 and 200 µL L−1 PL treatment significantly decreased the lesion diameter in apple fruit inoculated with P. expansum and the smallest lesion diameter was determined for 50 µL L−1 PL‐treated fruits. The results also indicated that 50 µL L−1 PL treatment increased the hydrogen peroxide content and the activities of enzymes involved in ROS metabolism, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and peroxidase in apple fruit. The activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and the contents of lignin, total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were also enhanced by PL treatment.

CONCLUSION

The disease resistance to P. expansum in apple fruits enhanced by PL treatment is related to activating ROS metabolism and the phenylpropanoid pathway and the accumulation of antifungal compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of exogenous phytase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and phosphorous bioavailability in Rambouillet sheep
Authors: Vallejo Laura Haydee , Buendía German , Elghandour Mona MMY , Menezes‐Blackburn Daniel , Greiner Ralf , Salem Abdelfattah ZM
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of phytase supplementation with respect to a high sorghum grain diet on sheep voluntary feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, phosphorus (P) excretion and blood serum P concentration was evaluated.

RESULTS

Phytase supplementation significantly decreased fecal P excretion (P = 0.003), resulting in a 26% decrease in relation to the phytase free diet. Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal butyrate and serum P were not (P > 0.10) affected by the phytase level. Neutral detergent digestibility showed a tendency to increase linearly (P = 0.10) with increasing phytase levels. Ruminal pH was lower for phytase supplemented sheep, with a significant decrease (P = 0.007) at 9 h post feeding, whereas ruminal ammonia‐N at 3 h post feeding was lower (P = 0.004) for the phytase treatment groups, resulting in a decreasing linear response (P = 0.001) with an increasing phytase dose. Duodenal pH was significantly reduced at 6 h post feeding. Propionate tended (P = 0.051) to be increased linearly as the phytase supplementation level increased.

CONCLUSION

Exogenous phytase supplementation of high sorghum grain diets significantly decreased fecal P excretion in Rambouillet rams. Phytase supplementation appears to affect neutral detergent fiber digestibility, duodenal and ruminal pH, ammonia and propionate. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification and characterization of a novel carboxylesterase from Phaseolus vulgaris for detection of organophosphate and carbamates pesticides
Authors: Yang Xiao , Dai Juan , Zhao Sujuan , Li Rong , Goulette Tim , Chen Xianggui , Xiao Hang
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Organophosphate and carbamate pesticide residues in food and the environment pose a great threat to human health and have made the easy and rapid detection of these pesticide residues an important task. Discovering new enzyme sources from plants can help reduce the cost of large‐scale applications of rapid pesticide detection via enzyme inhibition.

RESULTS

Plant esterase from kidney beans was purified. Kidney bean esterase is identified as a carboxylesterase by substrate and inhibitor specificity tests and mass spectrometry identification. The kidney bean esterase demonstrates optimal catalytic activity at 40 °C, pH 6.5 and an enzyme concentration of 0.30 µg mL−1. The kidney bean esterase can be inhibited by organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, which can be substituted for acetylcholinesterase. The limit of detection of the purified kidney bean esterase was two‐ to 20‐fold higher than that of the crude one. The method detection limit meets the detection requirement for the maximum residue limits (MRL) in actual samples.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study provide a new source of enzymes for pesticides detection by enzyme inhibition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation and determination of the enantiomers of lactic acid and 2‐hydroxyglutaric acid by chiral derivatization combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Ding Xuemei , Lin Shuhai , Weng Hongbo , Liang Jianying
Published: March 2018

Lactic acid and 2‐hydroxyglutaric acid are chiral metabolites that have two distinct d‐ and l‐enantiomers with distinct biochemical properties. Perturbations of a single enantiomeric form have been found to be closely related to certain diseases. Therefore, the ability to differentiate the d and l enantiomers is important for these disease studies. Herein, we describe a method for the separation and determination of lactic acid and 2‐hydroxyglutaric acid enantiomers by chiral derivatization (with l‐menthol and acetyl chloride) combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The two pairs of above‐mentioned enantiomers exhibited linear calibration curves with a correlation coefficient (R2) exceeding 0.99. The measured data were accurate in the acceptable recovery range of 88.17–102.30% with inter‐ and intraday precisions (relative standard deviations) in the range of 4.23–17.26%. The limits of detection for d‐lactic acid, l‐lactic acid, d‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acid, and l‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acid were 0.13, 0.11, 1.12, and 1.16 μM, respectively. This method was successfully applied to analyze mouse plasma. The d‐lactic acid levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus mouse plasma were observed to be significantly higher (P < 0.05, t‐test) than those of normal mice, suggesting that d‐lactic acid may serve as an indicator for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Development of a systematic strategy for the global identification and classification of the chemical constituents and metabolites of Kai‐Xin‐San based on liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with multiple data‐processing approaches
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Liu Jing , Yang Xiaomei , Zhang Qian , Zhang Yiwen , Li Qing , Bi Kaishun
Published: March 2018

To rapidly identify and classify complicated components and metabolites for traditional Chinese medicines, a liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method combined with multiple data‐processing approaches was established. In this process, Kai‐Xin‐San, a widely used classic traditional Chinese medicine preparation, was chosen as a model prescription. Initially, the fragmentation patterns, diagnostic product ions and neutral loss of each category of compounds were summarized by collision‐induced dissociation analysis of representative standards. In vitro, the multiple product ions filtering technique was utilized to identify the chemical constituents for globally covering trace components. With this strategy, 108 constituents were identified, and compounds database was successfully established. In vivo, the prototype compounds were extracted based on the established database, and the neutral loss filtering technique combined with the drug metabolism reaction rules was employed to identify metabolites. Overall, 69 constituents including prototype and metabolites were characterized in rat plasma and nine constituents were firstly characterized in rat brain, which may be the potential active constituents resulting in curative effects by synergistic interaction. In conclusion, this study provides a generally applicable strategy to global metabolite identification for the complicated components in complex matrix and a chemical basis for further pharmacological research of Kai‐Xin‐San.
Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate based monolithic capillary columns for the analysis of polar small solutes by capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Vergara‐Barberán María , Mompó‐Roselló Óscar , Herrero‐Martínez José Manuel , Simó‐Alfonso Ernesto Francisco
Published: March 2018

Monolithic stationary phases based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylates for capillary electrochromatography were developed. Several poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylates (Mn 250, 575, and 700) were used as single monomers and the resulting columns were carefully compared. Methanol and ethyl ether were selected as porogenic solvents, and in all cases ultraviolet radiation was selected as initiation method to prepare polymeric monoliths. The influence of the monomer chain length and ratio monomer/porogen on the morphological and electrochromatographic properties of the resulting monoliths was investigated. Several families of compounds with different polarity (alkyl benzenes, organophosphorous pesticides, benzoic acid derivatives, and sulfonamides) were selected to evaluate the performance of the fabricated monolithic columns. The best results were obtained for poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate 700 monoliths affording efficiencies of 144 000 plates/m for retained polar aromatic small molecules and excellent reproducibility in column preparation (RSD values below 2.5%).
Measuring Aggregated and Specific Combat Exposures: Associations Between Combat Exposure Measures and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Alcohol‐Related Problems
Authors: Porter Ben , Hoge Charles W. , Tobin Laura E. , Donoho Carrie J. , Castro Carl A. , Luxton David D. , Faix Dennis
Published: March 2018

Research has shown combat exposure to be associated with negative mental health outcomes. Different combat exposure measures are not composed of the same combat experiences, and few combat exposure measures have been directly compared to another measure. Furthermore, research about the unique associations between specific combat experiences and mental health is lacking. We investigated associations between new‐onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new‐onset depression, and alcohol‐related problems and two commonly used measures of combat among a sample of 20,719 recently deployed U.S. military personnel. A 13‐item measure assessed both direct and indirect combat exposures, and a 5‐item measure assessed only indirect exposures. Both combat measures were associated with all outcomes in the same direction (e.g., PTSD, odds ratio [OR] = 2.97 vs. 4.01; depression, OR = 2.03 vs. 2.42; alcohol‐related problems, OR = 1.41 vs. 1.62, respectively, for the 5‐ and 13‐item measures). The 13‐item measure had a stronger association with some outcomes, particularly PTSD. Each specific item had significant bivariate associations with all outcomes, ORs = 1.43–4.92. After adjusting for other combat exposures, items assessing witnessing abuse, feeling in danger, and knowing someone injured or killed remained associated with all outcomes, ORs = 1.18–2.72. After this adjustment, several items had unexpected protective associations with some mental health outcomes. Results indicated these two combat exposure measures were approximately equally effective for determining risk for negative mental health outcomes in a deployed population, despite having different content. Additional research is needed to replicate and understand how specific combat exposures affect health.
Well‐Being and Posttraumatic Growth Among Syrian Refugees in Jordan
Authors: Rizkalla Niveen , Segal Steven P.
Published: March 2018

The Syrian War has created a mass exodus of Syrian citizens to neighboring countries and exposed them to many atrocities. We explored factors affecting well‐being and posttraumatic growth (PTG) of refugees residing in Jordan. Participants (N = 250) were surveyed via nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Outcome criteria included a global well‐being rating and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Trauma exposure assessment included The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and The War Events Questionnaire. Ordinary least squares regression examined associations between potential contributors to refugee well‐being and PTG, including work, age, sex, income, education, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity, physical pain, health, NGO assistance, psychotic/affective mental disorder, and length of residence in Jordan. Mean participant score on the PTSD‐HTQ scale was 2.37 (SD = 0.63; range: 1 [no symptoms] to 3.88 [extremely severe symptoms]). Additionally, 74.6% of participants received NGO assistance and 92.7% experienced war events. Univariate and multivariate results indicated enhancement of well‐being was associated with income, r = .34, β = .26, p < .001; health, r = .35, β = .26, p = .001; and absence of affective disorder, r = −.31, β = −.18, p = .012; and that PTG increased in association with income, r = .28, β = .20, p = .007; NGO assistance, r = .07, β = .14, p = .045; and absence of psychosis, r = −.12, β = −.17, p = .013, and affective disorder, r = −.26; β = −.16, p = .033. Findings suggest sufficient income and humanitarian assistance can contribute to Syrian refugees’ mental health.
A New Model for Birth Weight Prediction Using 2‐ and 3‐Dimensional Ultrasonography by Principal Component Analysis: A Chinese Population Study
Authors: Liao Shuxin , Wang Yunfang , Xiao Shufang , Deng Xujie , Fang Bimei , Yang Fang
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To establish a new model for birth weight prediction using 2‐ and 3‐dimensional ultrasonography (US) by principal component analysis (PCA).

Methods

Two‐ and 3‐dimensional US was prospectively performed in women with normal singleton pregnancies within 7 days before delivery (37–41 weeks' gestation). The participants were divided into a development group (n = 600) and a validation group (n = 597). Principal component analysis and stepwise linear regression analysis were used to develop a new prediction model. The new model's accuracy in predicting fetal birth weight was confirmed by the validation group through comparisons with previously published formulas.

Results

A total of 1197 cases were recruited in this study. All interclass and intraclass correlation coefficients of US measurements were greater than 0.75. Two principal components (PCs) were considered primary in determining estimated fetal birth weight, which were derived from 9 US measurements. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed a positive association between birth weight and PC1 and PC2. In the development group, our model had a small mean percentage error (mean ± SD, 3.661% ± 3.161%). At least a 47.558% decrease in the mean percentage error and a 57.421% decrease in the standard deviation of the new model compared with previously published formulas were noted. The results were similar to those in the validation group, and the new model covered 100% of birth weights within 10% of actual birth weights.

Conclusions

The birth weight prediction model based on 2‐ and 3‐dimensional US by PCA could help improve the precision of estimated fetal birth weight.
Spatial Configuration of the Uterine Artery Cervical Segment in 3‐Dimensional Reconstruction at 11 to 14 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Nemescu Dragos , Navolan Dan Bogdan , Veduta Alina
Published: March 2018

Uterine artery blood flow measurement is an important component of preeclampsia screening in the first trimester. Transabdominal measurement of the uterine artery pulsatility index has been reported to have relatively low interobserver reproducibility, mainly because the uterine artery is not sampled in the same place every time. We assessed the uterine artery pathway using 3‐dimensional power Doppler reconstruction. We found that the artery always forms a loop at the level of the uterine cervix, with anterior descending and posterior ascending segments. The loop spatial position and the appearance of its segments vary according to the parity. In nullipara, the loop is most times regular, with some variations in orientation. It has an anteroposterior position above or at the level of the internal os, and it represents the most inferior point of the uterine artery at this level. In multipara, the loop is almost always rotated; its segments are tortuous and more elongated. The loop is often not the most inferior point of the uterine artery, and its anterior afferent segment sometimes descends below to the level of the loop. Three‐dimensional reconstruction can clearly show the appearance of the uterine artery at the level of the cervix. Understanding the spatial arrangement of the uterine artery could enhance the performance of pulsatility index measurement.
Assessment of vessel disturbance to gray whales to inform sustainable ecotourism
Authors: Sullivan Florence A. , Torres Leigh G.
Published: March 2018

Ecotourism is a movement that seeks to sustain local communities by uniting conservation, travel, and education. To minimize effects on animal behavior, ecotourism operations must be carefully managed. Local management efforts that can be tailored to the specific area and animals may be more successful than broad‐scale efforts that may be unknown to users of the environment, or inappropriate for the species. A profitable and growing whale‐watch industry exists in Oregon, USA, but prior to this project, no state guidelines existed to protect animals and maintain sustainability of the industry. This project integrated research and outreach regarding gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) behavioral response to vessels, and translated results into community‐developed vessel operation guidelines. We tracked whales and vessels in summer 2015 using non‐invasive, shore‐based theodolite and photo identification techniques. We monitored 2 sites along the Oregon coast with differing levels of vessel traffic for 4 weeks each. We analyzed tracks of whales using Markov chains to assess behavior state changes relative to location, individual, vessel presence, vessel type, and distance between whale and vessel. We documented significant differences in gray whale activity budgets between control and impact conditions, and between study sites. We did not observe significant differences in individual responses to vessel disturbance. Researchers and stakeholders collaboratively applied these results to create scientifically informed vessel operation guidelines that aim to balance the economic and educational gains of a whale‐watch industry with adequate protection of the exploited whale population to enhance sustainability. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Urban soils as hot spots of anthropogenic carbon accumulation: Review of stocks, mechanisms and driving factors
Authors: Vasenev Viacheslav , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: March 2018

Urban soils and cultural layers may accumulate C over centuries and consequently large C stocks may be sequestered beneath cities. Processes and mechanisms leading to high C accumulation in urban soils remain unknown. Data on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil inorganic carbon (SIC), black (pyrogenic) carbon (BC), and nitrogen contents and stocks in urban soils were collected from 100 peer‐reviewed papers. The database (770 data points for SOC, SIC, and BC stocks from 116 cities worldwide) was analysed considering the effects of climate and urban‐specific factors (city size, age, and functional zoning) on C stocks. The processes of C accumulation specific for urban soils were analysed, and C sequestration rates were assessed. For the wide range of climatic conditions, total C content in urban soils was 1.5–3 times higher, and C accumulation was much deeper compared with natural soils, resulting in 3–5 times larger total C stocks. Urban SOC stocks increased with latitude, whereas SIC stocks were less affected by climate. City size and age were the main factors explaining intercity differences in C stocks. The intracity variability of C and N stocks was dominated by functional zoning: Large SOC and N stocks in residential areas and large SIC and BC stocks in industrial zones and roadsides were consistent across all climates and for cities of various sizes and ages. Substantial amounts of SOC, SIC, and N are sequestered in the subsoils, cultural layers, and sealed soils, underlining the importance of these hidden stocks for C assessments. Long‐term С input from outside the cities and associated C accumulation coincided with upward soil growth of ~50 cm per century, and continuous accumulation of 15–30 kg C/m2 per century in urban soils and cultural layers. We conclude that, despite the relatively small area of cities, urban soils are hot spots of long‐term soil C sequestration worldwide, and the importance of urban soils will increase in future with global urbanization.
Legacy issues in post‐pine (Pinus pinaster) restoration environments: Weeds compromise seedling growth and function more than edaphic factors
Authors: Stanbury Kate E. , Stevens Jason C. , Ritchie Alison L.
Published: March 2018

Restoration of commercial pine plantations to native ecosystems is increasing globally. This study investigated the abiotic and biotic factors in a postpine (Pinus pinaster) ecosystem that could potentially limit successful restoration of highly biodiverse Banksia woodlands. Soil abiotic conditions were analysed across a 7‐year postpine chronosequence and compared with a reference Banksia woodland soil to assess soil legacy issues. Ten native species were grown in postpine soils and monitored for germination and growth responses. Three species were selected and grown in the presence of an invasive species, Ehrharta calycina, to assess biotic impacts on seedling emergence, establishment, physiology, and drought response. Analysis revealed no differences in soil abiotic conditions along the chronosequence in comparison with the reference soil, apart from increasing organic carbon along the chronosequence (p = .003). Germination was not impeded in postpine soils, but seedling growth responses varied among species and soils. Seedling emergence was not affected by the presence of E. calycina; however, seedling growth measurements were significantly reduced (20%–78% decline). Physiological function (stomatal conductance) of native seedlings prior to drought treatment was not impeded, though when grown with E. calycina under drought 2 species, Banksia menziesii and Corymbia calophylla, exhibited a more rapid loss of physiological function. This case study examines abiotic and biotic limitations to Banksia woodland restoration success in postpine environments, suggesting postpine soils are not a barrier to restoration, and highlight the importance of preventing E. calycina from becoming established.