bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of citric acid on physicochemical properties and protein structure of low‐salt restructured tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) meat products
Authors: Gu Zhipeng , Liu Shuhui , Duan Zhouwei , Kang Rui , Zhao Meihui , Xia Guanghua , Shen Xuanri 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe growing consumer demand for healthy products has encouraged the development of low‐salt meat products. In this study, to develop low‐salt restructured tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) meat products, citric acid was used to improve the properties of restructured tilapia products.RESULTSIn comparison with control restructured fish products (RP) and surimi products (SP), 0.2% citric acid‐treated restructured fish products (RPC) and surimi products (SPC) showed a significant decrease in expressible water and water activity and a remarkable increase in whiteness, dry matter, hardness, chewiness, gumminess, and acceptability. Mechanistic studies suggested that citric acid significantly changed the content of total protein and myofibrillar proteins and promoted degradation of heavy myosin chains. Fourier‐transform infrared and Raman spectra revealed the citric acid‐mediated alteration in the peak intensities of amide I and amide II bands, which changed the secondary structures of RPC and SPC.CONCLUSIONIt is feasible to prepare low‐salt restructured tilapia meat products using citric acid, which offers a means of using muscle by‐products and exploiting new functional products with an added commercial value. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Highly sensitive determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals in foodstuffs through magnetic solid‐phase extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Jianghua , Wu Di , Yu Yanxin , Liu Jichao , Li Guoliang , Wu Yongning 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDEndocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), proved to be potential carcinogenic threats to human health, have received great concerns in food field. It was essential to develop effective methods to detect EDCs in food samples. The present study proposed an efficient method to determine trace EDCs including estrone (E1), 17β‐estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and bisphenol A (BPA) based on magnetic solid‐phase extraction (MSPE) coupled high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) in meat samples.RESULTSFe3O4@COF(TpBD)/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized via functionalization of magnetic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, and used as absorbents of MSPE to enrich EDCs. The efficient EDCs enrichment relies on π–π stacking interaction, hydrogen bonding, and the interaction between titanium ions (IV, Ti4+) and hydroxyl groups in EDCs, which improves the selectivity and sensitivity. Under the optimized conditions, target EDCs were rapidly extracted through MSPE with 5 min. Combining Fe3O4@COF(TpBD)/TiO2 based MSPE and HPLC‐MS/MS to determine EDCs, good linearities were observed with correlation coefficient (R2) ≥ 0.9989. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.13–0.41 μg kg−1 and 0.66–1.49 μg kg−1, respectively. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied to real samples analysis.CONCLUSIONSThe established MSPE‐HPLC‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to determine EDCs in meat samples with rapidness, improved selectivity and sensitivity. It shows great prospects for EDCs detection in other complicated matrices. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Blue and UV‐A light wavelengths positively affected accumulation profiles of healthy compounds in pak‐choi
Authors: Mao Pengpeng , Duan Famin , Zheng Yinjian , Yang Qichang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecently, it become an important strategy using light to regulate plant growth and quality, especially on daily edible leafy vegetable. Pak‐choi is rich in healthy functional compounds, e.g. flavonoid and glucosinolate. Many studies have focused on the plant response to increased radiation and transformed visible light quality, however, we know less about different blue and UV‐A light wavelengths. Therefore, the goal of this study was to identify whether different blue and UV‐A light wavelengths could improve quality in two cultivars of pak‐choi and further cultivate potentially healthy functional plants.RESULTSThe different blue and UV‐A light wavelength treatments significantly increased the fresh and dry weight in two cultivars of pak‐choi. Compared with control, the content of soluble protein was higher after the different blue and UV‐A light treatments. Similarly, the contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids increased significantly under the light treatments, and the highest content presented under T430 (supplemental blue light at 430 nm) in red‐leaf pak‐choi and under T400 (supplemental UV‐A light at 400 nm) in green‐leaf pak‐choi. The total anthocyanins content and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of two pak‐choi cultivars improved positively with decreasing treatment wavelength, and other healthy compounds were affected to varying degrees under supplemental light treatments.CONCLUSIONThe growth and healthy compound contents of pak‐choi were significantly improved by supplemental blue and UV‐A light, and there were wavelength‐ and cultivar‐dependent effects. Compared with control, T430 presented the higher biomass and the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and pigment in two pak‐choi cultivars, and T380 was an efficient strategy to increase antioxidants and health‐promoting compounds of red‐leaf pak‐choi. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of patulin in apple juice by amine‐functionalized solid‐phase extraction coupled with isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Xianjiang , Ma Wen , Zhang Qinghe , Li Hongmei , Liu Huwei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPatulin is a mycotoxin that mainly contaminates apple juice, which is a typical high sugar matrix. Many different adsorbents have been utilized to develop a sample pretreatment method to minimize the matrix interference from apple juice.RESULTSA simple and reliable extraction method for the determination of patulin in apple juice has been developed. The sample preparation involves a simple one‐step cleanup procedure using amine‐functionalized polymeric solid‐phase extraction cartridges (Retain AX) that effectively remove interferences and facilitate the quantification. Isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID‐LC–MS/MS) was employed to minimize the matrix effect and ensure reliable results. The limit of detection was as low as 0.2 μg kg–1, which was satisfactory with regard to current European, US, and Chinese legislation. Matrix‐matched linearity (r2 = 0.9997) was established in the range of 1–400 μg kg–1. Recovery was performed in samples spiked at three levels, and results were between 97.2% and 100.2%.CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that, with one‐step cleanup, the matrix effect was negligible and sensitivity was satisfactory. Our work provided a simple and reliable method for patulin detection in apple juice and is also very promising in routine quality control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of Common Carotid Stiffness via Echo Tracking in Hypertensive Patients Complicated by Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Gu Wenhui , Wu Juan , Pei Yongkai , Ji Jiamei , Wu Haibo , Wu Jun 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the common carotid stiffness via echo tracking in patients with hypertension and acute aortic dissection (AD) and to investigate the independent predictors for the occurrence of AD in hypertensive (HP) patients.MethodsFifty HP patients complicated by acute AD (AD group), 50 HP patients without AD (HP group), and 50 age‐matched healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled to assess the common carotid stiffness index (β), single‐point pulsed wave velocity (PWVβ), and arterial compliance (AC) via echo tracking.ResultsThe intima‐media thickness, diameter, β and PWVβ of the common carotid artery (CCA) in the AD group were significantly higher than those in the HP and control groups, whereas AC in the AD group was significantly lower (P < .05). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the systolic blood pressure (SBP; odds ratio [OR], 2.316; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.033–2.563; P < .001), β (OR, 2.140; 95% CI, 1.931–2.367; P < .001), PWVβ (OR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.004–1.397; P = .023), and AC (OR, 0.565; 95% CI, 0.339–0.654; P < .001) were significantly related to the occurrence of AD in HP patients. The area under the curve values for the AC, SBP, β, and PWVβ were 0.822, 0.806, 0.778, and 0.741, respectively, and the area under the curve was up to 0.943 when these parameters were combined.ConclusionsThe compliance of the CCA decreased, and the stiffness of the CCA increased significantly in HP patients complicated by AD. The AC, β, and PWVβ of the CCA, together with the SBP, were independent predictors of the occurrence of AD in HP patients.
Do Carotid Plaque Ulcers Heal? Potential Detection of Carotid Artery Plaque Healing by Carotid Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Simonetto Marialaura , Dharmadhikari Sushrut , Bennett Ari , Campo Nelly , Asdaghi Negar , Romano Jose , Koch Sebastian 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesCarotid plaque ulcers confer an increased risk for stroke/ transient ischemic attacks in both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Little is known about the healing rates of ulcers or the development of new ulcers. Carotid Duplex studies are noninvasive and easily repeatable tests to monitor progression of carotid stenosis and plaque morphology. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and healing rates of ultrasound‐detected carotid plaque ulcers.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 5837 carotid Duplex studies performed in an outpatient ultrasound laboratory affiliated with the neurological department of an academic center. A total of 3215 patients underwent a first carotid ultrasound Duplex study, and 2622 follow‐up studies were done. Carotid ulcer was defined as a 2 mm deep surface indentation in a carotid plaque with a well‐defined back wall, as determined by multimodal ultrasound imaging techniques.ResultsThe prevalence of carotid plaque ulcers among the 3215 patients with a first ultrasound study was 3% (82/3215). The mean follow‐up was 42 ± 30 months, and the median number of follow‐up studies was 6. Among patients with ulcers, follow‐up studies were available in 65/82 patients. During the follow‐up period, 28/65 (43%) ulcers healed. Among all 2622 follow‐up studies, 45 patients developed a new ulcer.ConclusionsDuplex‐detected carotid plaque ulcer prevalence is low. The carotid ulcers healed in approximately half of patients during follow‐up. Factors associated with ulcer healing and development remain poorly understood.
Utility of 2‐Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography for Assessment of the Bladder Wall in Children With Acute Cystitis
Authors: Durmaz Mehmet Sedat , Yorulmaz Alaaddin , Gokgoz Durmaz Funda , Arslan Serdar 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of 2‐dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of acute cystitis (AC) in children.MethodsBetween June 2019 and March 2020, 126 children with AC and 126 healthy participants were prospectively investigated by 2D SWE and B‐mode ultrasound. Elastographic measurements were performed by drawing the contours of the posterior wall of the bladder between the ureter orifices using a free region of interest. The quantitative 2D SWE values of the patients and the healthy group were compared.ResultsThe mean 2D SWE values of the bladder wall were significantly higher in patients with AC compared to the healthy group (P = .001). On B‐mode ultrasound imaging, the bladder wall thickness of patients with AC was higher than that in the healthy group (P = .001). On 2D SWE, when the cutoff value used was 9.25 kPa, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 92.1%, 88.1%, 89.3%, and 92.6%, respectively, whereas when the cutoff value used was 1.72 m/s, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 90.5%, 88.9%, 89.1%, and 90.7%. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the 2D SWE values and wall thickness measurements (P < .001).ConclusionsTwo‐dimensional SWE is a noninvasive, fast, and effective imaging method to evaluate the bladder wall in children with AC.
Forest conversion alters the structure and functional processes of tropical forest soil microbial communities
Authors: Lan Guoyu , Wu Zhixiang , Yang Chuan , Sun Rui , Chen Bangqian , Zhang Xicai 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMany studies have been carried‐out on the effects of forest conversion on soil microbial community composition and diversity. However, impacts on soil microbial functions and how diversity changes across scales are poorly understood. To fill the research gap, we used metagenomic sequencing and 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequences to evaluate the microbial composition, diversity, and function of 260 soil samples collected from tropical rainforest and rubber plantation sites across Hainan Island, South China. The results revealed that: (a) Forest conversion resulted in shifts in microbial composition (from the Proteobacteria to Chloroflexi), archaeal composition (from Thaumarchaeota to Bathyarchaeota), and fungal composition (from Basidiomycota to Ascomycota). (b) Bacterial alpha, beta, and gamma diversity were not reduced by forest conversion. However, fungal beta diversity was lower in the plantations, resulting in a decrease in gamma diversity. Archaeal beta diversity was higher in rainforest versus rubber plantation soils, but archaeal gamma diversity showed the opposite pattern. (c) Soil functional composition and diversity did not differ with forest type; however, genes related to metabolism and degradation processes were significantly more abundant in the tropical rainforest. These changes in gene abundance could alter ecosystem processes. (d) Soil pH and environmental heterogeneity were the main drivers of microbial taxonomic composition and functional gene composition. Land use explained 13.28% of the variation in taxonomic composition but did not explain changes in functional gene composition. We concluded that land use changes can alter soil microbial community structure and have profound effects on ecosystem functions and processes.
Herbivory effects on leaf litter decomposition vary with specific leaf area in temperate mixed deciduous forest
Authors: Liu Yanchun , Liu Xiaojing , Li Guoyong , Yang Zhongling , Liu Shirong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractInsect herbivory has great impact on biogeochemical cycling in forest ecosystems, but experimental tests on the herbivory‐decomposability relationships at the interspecific level are rare. We conducted a 400‐day field decomposition experiment in a temperate mixed deciduous forest and measured mass remaining rate, decomposition constant, total loss of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) of leaf litter with/without obvious damage by chewing insects for different tree species. We found that herbivory effect on initial litter quality (C:N ratio) varied with species, leading to a substantial decrease for Morus alba (−5.78%) and an enhancement for Quercus acutissima (+5.35%). Herbivory damage increased the decomposition constant for M. alba and Liquidambar formosana with higher specific leaf area (SLA), but decreased it for Diospyros kaki and Q. acutissima with lower SLA. These contrasting effects of insect herbivory on litter decomposition could be attributed to the differential responses of litter initial quality (C:N ratio) of each species to herbivory damage. Herbivory‐induced decline of leaf C:N ratio could increase the decomposition constant of species with higher SLA. Our finding that herbivory damage showed interspecific variability in both litter quality and decomposition rate suggests that insect herbivore‐induced feedbacks to nutrient cycling and ecosystem function should be estimated at the species level in multispecies mixed deciduous forest.
Beliefs, motives and gains associated with physical activity in people with osteoarthritis
Authors: Berry Alice , McCabe Candy S. , Halls Serena , Muir Sarah , Walsh Nicola 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesOsteoarthritis (OA) affects approximately 8.75 million people in the United Kingdom. Physical activity is recommended as a core treatment, yet 44% of people with OA are inactive. Motivation and self‐efficacy for exercise are considered to be key factors contributing to sustained engagement with physical activity. The aim of this study was to explore the beliefs, motives (what an individual aims to attain through participating in physical activity) and gains (what people feel they might get from participation) associated with physical activity engagement in a group of people with OA.Design and methodThis study adopted a cross‐sectional survey research design, using two validated questionnaires: the Exercise Motives and Gains Inventory and the Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale.ResultsData were gathered from 262 people with OA between August 2015 and January 2016.Those who were most active reported higher levels of both motivation and self‐efficacy and were active for enjoyment, to avoid negative health, and for health and fitness reasons. A comparison of motives and gains revealed higher gain scores for social engagement and enjoyment, compared with associated motive scores.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the central role that motives, gains and self‐efficacy play in facilitating engagement with physical activity in this population. Future interventions should aim to foster increased self‐efficacy for physical activity and promote autonomous forms of motivation by emphasising the importance of choosing activities which are enjoyable, as well as highlighting the value of social engagement.
A feasibility randomised controlled trial of a fibromyalgia self‐management programme in a community setting with a nested qualitative study (FALCON): Study protocol
Authors: Pearson Jennifer , Coggins Jessica , Lenguerrand Erik , Derham Sandi , Russell Julie , Walsh Nicola E. , Cramp Fiona 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a complex long‐term condition associated with chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, memory and concentration difficulties and irritable bowel syndrome. Current guidelines for the treatment of FM recommend nonpharmacological interventions.The Fibromyalgia Self‐Management Programme (FSMP) is a nonpharmacological, multidisciplinary exercise and education group intervention. It aims to provide education and teach core skills, enabling those affected by FM to self‐manage. The FSMP is currently codelivered by a multidisciplinary team within a secondary care service. The aim of this feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the practicality and acceptability of delivering the FSMP in a community setting, informing a future RCT of effectiveness.MethodsThe feasibility RCT aims to recruit 70 people with FM. Participants will be randomised to either a community FSMP or control arm. All participants will be asked to complete six patient‐reported outcome measures and one health economics questionnaire on three occasions; baseline, 6 weeks (end of the intervention) and 6 months. Between 12 and 16 participants and four therapists delivering the FSMP will be invited to take part in a semi‐structured interview to explore their experiences of the FSMP. Patient participants will be purposively selected based upon key characteristics.AnalysisQuantitative data will be analysed descriptively to summarise recruitment and attendance, participant reported outcomes and health economic data. Semi‐structured interviews will be transcribed, anonymised and inductively coded. The codes will be grouped into categories and theoretically thematically analysed, comparing the results to existing literature.Trial registrationThe trial is registered with ISRCTN registry and was assigned on 29th of April 2020. The registration number is ISRCTN10824225.
Impact of an Internet‐Based Lifestyle Intervention on Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors During Postpartum Weight Loss
Authors: Bennion Kelly A. , Tate Deborah , Muñoz‐Christian Karen , Phelan Suzanne 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveThis cluster randomized trial tested whether an effective internet‐based weight‐loss intervention for low‐income, postpartum women resulted in greater improvements in targeted social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs and psychosocial outcomes.MethodsFit Moms/Mamás Activas was a 12‐month cluster randomized controlled trial of 370 postpartum women at 12 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children (WIC) clinics that were randomly assigned to intervention or standard WIC. SCT constructs (weight‐control behaviors, cognitive restraint, disinhibition, self‐efficacy, social support, body image) and psychosocial outcomes (depressive symptoms and stress) were measured at study entry and after 6 and 12 months.ResultsThe intervention versus standard WIC resulted in greater 12‐month increases in weight‐control behaviors (3.28 points [95% CI: 1.06‐5.50]), self‐monitoring of weight and eating (2.28 points [1.17‐3.40]), and cognitive restraint (1.93 points [0.78‐3.08]) (all P ≤ 0.004). The intervention effect was only modestly (ηp2 = 0.02) mediated by improvements in these factors. No significant group by time effect was observed for disinhibition, self‐efficacy, social support, body image, depressive symptoms, or stress.ConclusionsAmong low‐income postpartum women, an effective internet‐based weight‐loss program resulted in improved weight‐control behaviors and cognitive restraint but did not affect other SCT targets and psychosocial outcomes.
Increasing Community College Completion Rates Among Low‐Income Students: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of a Case‐Management Intervention
Authors: Evans William N. , Kearney Melissa S. , Perry Brendan , Sullivan James X. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCommunity college completion rates are low, especially among low‐income students. The existing policy and research attention has primarily focused on academic and financial challenges, but there is ample reason to think that non‐academic obstacles might be key drivers of dropout rates for low‐income students. This study focuses on the role of “life barriers” and investigates the effectiveness of intensive case‐management services for low‐income community college students. We evaluate the impact of the Stay the Course (STC) intensive case‐management program through a multi‐armed randomized controlled trial evaluation conducted between 2013 and 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. Analysis of administrative records indicates that STC significantly increased persistence and degree completion for women; estimates for the full sample are imprecise. The statistically significant estimates for women imply that STC tripled associate's degree receipt by 31.5 percentage points. We find no difference in outcomes between students in an emergency financial assistance (EFA) only treatment arm and the control group. Given program costs of $4,343 per person, the implied cost per additional associate's degree is $27,140. This study complements existing literature on financial and informational interventions designed to increase completion rates and is most closely related to the smaller literature examining coaching and mentoring interventions.