bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strong overestimation of water‐use efficiency responses to rising CO2 in tree‐ring studies
Authors: Marchand William , Girardin Martin P. , Hartmann Henrik , Depardieu Claire , Isabel Nathalie , Gauthier Sylvie , Boucher Étienne , Bergeron Yves 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) in tree rings is commonly used to derive estimates of the assimilation‐to‐stomatal conductance rate of trees, that is, intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE). Recent studies have observed increased iWUE in response to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca), in many different species, genera and biomes. However, increasing rates of iWUE vary widely from one study to another, likely because numerous covarying factors are involved. Here, we quantified changes in iWUE of two widely distributed boreal conifers using tree samples from a forest inventory network that were collected across a wide range of growing conditions (assessed using the site index, SI), developmental stages and stand histories. Using tree‐ring isotopes analysis, we assessed the magnitude of increase in iWUE after accounting for the effects of tree size, stand age, nitrogen deposition, climate and SI. We also estimated how growth conditions have modulated tree physiological responses to rising Ca. We found that increases in tree size and stand age greatly influenced iWUE. The effect of Ca on iWUE was strongly reduced after accounting for these two variables. iWUE increased in response to Ca, mostly in trees growing on fertile stands, whereas iWUE remained almost unchanged on poor sites. Our results suggest that past studies could have overestimated the CO2 effect on iWUE, potentially leading to biased inferences about the future net carbon balance of the boreal forest. We also observed that this CO2 effect is weakening, which could affect the future capacity of trees to resist and recover from drought episodes.
Effect of high bicarbonate hemodialysis solution on biochemical parameters and anthropometric indices
Authors: Hefzollah Farnaz , Boushehri Saeid Najafpour , Mahmudpour Mehdi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionProtein energy wasting is an adverse consequence of renal failure, which is correlated with increased mortality and morbidity. Metabolic acidosis has a major role in the development of protein energy wasting in hemodialysis patients. Every effort that could ameliorate this catabolic state would be beneficial to stabilize body composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of high bicarbonate dialysis on anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters of nutrition.MethodsFifty‐six hemodialysis patients were randomly enrolled in two groups: an intervention group that underwent hemodialysis for 6 months with high bicarbonate dialysate concentration (36 mmol/L, N = 26) and a control group that underwent hemodialysis using a bicarbonate dialysate concentration of 30 mmol/L (N = 30). Biochemical parameters of nutrition and weight, body mass index (BMI), total body water, percent body fat, and other anthropometric indices were measured at the beginning and the end of the trial.FindingsAt the end of the 6 month evaluation period, plasma levels of albumin, phosphorus, K, calcium, and bicarbonate showed no significant changes. Body weight and BMI increased significantly in high bicarbonate arm but did not change significantly in the control group. Percent body fat in the arms and legs did not change in intervention arm, but decreased significantly in the controls.DiscussionThe results suggest that higher bicarbonate dialysis can have beneficial effects on nutritional status and might protect against loss of fat mass.
Dissolving microneedle with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density and elasticity
Authors: Jang M. , Baek S. , Kang G. , Yang H. , Kim S. , Jung H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesDissolving microneedle patches have been extensively studied in the field of cosmetics comparison with topical cosmetics focusing on the delivery of active ingredients. Nevertheless, the skin improvement effect of hyaluronic acid, which is mainly used as a backbone material for dissolving microneedle, was not analyzed. In this study, adenosine encapsulated high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid dissolving microneedle patch (Ad‐HMN and Ad‐LMN) were evaluated with respect to skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and safety in a clinical test on the crow’s feet area.MethodsClinical efficacy and safety tests were performed for 12 weeks on twenty three female subjects with wrinkles around their eyes. The Ad‐HMN and Ad‐LMN patch were applied once every 3 days, in the evening, for 8 weeks to the designated crow’s feet area. Skin wrinkling, dermal density, and elasticity were measured by using PRIMOS® premium, Dermascan®C, Cutometer® MPA580, and Corneometer® CM 825, respectively.ResultsBoth Ad‐HMN and Ad‐LMN groups showed statistically significant efficacy for almost all parameters. The Ad‐HMN patch had better effect on the mean depth of biggest wrinkles, maximum depth of biggest wrinkles, dermal density, and skin elasticity than the Ad‐LMN patch. No adverse effects were observed in either group during the test period.ConclusionIn the clinical efficacy test of four skin‐improvement parameters, the Ad‐HMN patch showed the better effect than the Ad‐LMN patch with the similar adenosine dose.
Interactions and complex stabilities of grape seed procyanidins with zein hydrolysate
Authors: Li Zi‐Zi , Lei Lei , Huo Min‐Xi , Liu Zi‐Rui , Yang Xin‐Quan , Wang Yu‐Lin , Yuan Yang 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe objective of this paper was to investigate the complex of grape seed procyanidins (GSP) with zein hydrolysate (ZH). The interaction was determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The particle size, ζ‐potential, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and stability test of the ZH‐GSP complex were measured. The results of ITC, particle size and SEM suggested that there was a hydrogen bond‐dominated interaction between GSP and ZH, and the ZH‐GSP complex presented as a spherical shape with particle size of 234 nm, polydispersity index of 0.11 and ζ‐potential of −46.4 mV. The results of the fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the fluorescence quenching effect of GSP on ZH was GSP concentration‐dependent and the quenching process was mainly static quenching. The ZH‐GSP complex had better physical stability in aqueous solution, and their solution was more stable than GSP solution under illumination and high‐temperature treatment at 75°C.
Prosopis spp. powder: influence of chemical components in water adsorption properties
Authors: Sciammaro Leonardo P. , Quintero Ruiz Natalia Andrea , Ferrero Cristina , Giacomino Silvia , Picariello Gianluca , Mamone Gianfranco , Puppo María Cecilia 
Published: May 2020

SummaryProsopis alba and Prosopis nigra powders from pods were evaluated through chemical and mineral composition and other healthy food compounds such as polyphenols and fatty acids exhibiting antioxidant activity. P. nigra presented higher content of lipids and polyphenols leading to a higher antioxidant activity than P. alba. Although P. nigra presented lower amount (%) of fibre (20.1 vs. 23.3), the amount of total soluble sugars responsible of water retention was slightly higher (PN: 57.1, PA: 56.7). Moisture content, water activity and water absorption behaviours were different between both powders due to differences in their chemical composition. P. nigra powder presented higher amounts of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and lower initial equilibrium moisture content (aw = 0.7), with a lower aw at 20 °C at the same water content, suggesting that P. nigra powder would have less possibility of deterioration during storage.
Improved solubility of proteins from white and red clover – inhibition of redox enzymes
Authors: Amer Bashar , Juul Louise , Møller Anders Hauer , Møller Hanne Søndergård , Dalsgaard Trine Kastrup 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNew alternative protein sources are needed. Clover grasses as white clover (WC) and red clover (RC) may provide a novel protein source to achieve high‐quality food protein. To prevent protein oxidation, endogenous oxidative enzymes as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidases were inhibited with sulphite. RC showed higher PPO activity than WC. Low sulphite inhibited the PPO activity in both species, but browning still occurred in RC. Sulphite did not affect the polyphenol (PP) content in WC, rather suggesting peroxidase than PPO activity. In RC juice, the PP content increased in a dose‐dependent manner with increasing sulphite. High sulphite impaired browning and increased the content of soluble rubisco in RC, mainly by increasing the content of native rubisco. In vitro digestibility of RC protein increased with increasing sulphite. In conclusion, sulphite inhibited oxidative enzymes and increased the quality of protein extracted from WC and RC.
Determinants of self‐perceived oral health in adolescents: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nascimento Michele , Cunha Soares Fernanda , Dahllöf Göran , Burgos Souto Maior Giovanna , Kvist Therese , Colares Viviane 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐perceived oral health (SPOH) is a summary of multiple determinants related to oral health and has been suggested for use in clinical practice as a health assessment tool.AimTo analyse determinants of SPOH among adolescents.DesignIn 2018, we selected 1742 participants from eight high schools in Olinda/PE, Brazil, using a multistage stratified cluster sample. The main survey item of SPOH was ‘How would you rate your oral health’. Determinants of were queried with a questionnaire and a clinical examination: socio‐demographic variables, exposure to family violence, somatic symptoms, and orofacial and general health factors. Pearson's chi‐square test and logistic regressions evaluated associations between determinants and SPOH.ResultsVery poor SPOH had a prevalence of 8.7%. Nearly half (43.5%) rated their oral health as ‘fair’. Very poor SPOH was associated with poor self‐perceived general health (OR = 2.60), anterior open bite (OR = 2.24), not cohabiting with one or both parents (OR = 2.40), caries experience (OR = 1.93), dental pain (OR = 1.91), and temporomandibular disorders (OR = 1.77).ConclusionVery poor self‐perceived oral health indicates life stress and associates with poor oral conditions. Assessments should be used to explore individual treatment needs and abilities to comply with recommendations.
Group identification and self‐efficacy associated with quality of life in emergency medical services volunteers: A cross‐sectional investigation
Authors: Caricati Luca , Panari Chiara , Melleri Marta 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVolunteering in emergency medical services (EMS) plays a fundamental role in the improvement and maintenance of collective and community health. However, this work often requires rescuers to deal with very stressful situations with consequences in terms of decreased quality of life and psychological well‐being. The aim of this work was to analyze the resources that can be positively associated with volunteers’ quality of life. In particular, based on social identity and social cure approaches, we tested the effect of self‐efficacy and identification with a volunteer category on both positive and negative aspects of the volunteers’ professional quality of life. A self‐report questionnaire was administered to 203 EMS volunteers (53.7% men) from a large nonprofit volunteer association. Results are mostly supportive of predictions from the social identity (and specifically the “social cure”) approach, and show that professional identification and self‐efficacy were differently linked to the dimensions of the volunteers’ quality of life. More precisely, professional identification was negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with compassion satisfaction, and both effects were mediated by self‐efficacy. On the contrary, self‐efficacy and volunteer identification were not associated with secondary traumatic stress. Practical implications for volunteers’ wellbeing are discussed in the light of the policies of volunteer associations to improve collective resources.
AT2R agonist NP‐6A4 mitigates aortic stiffness and proteolytic activity in mouse model of aneurysm
Authors: Sharma Neekun , Belenchia Anthony M. , Toedebusch Ryan , Pulakat Lakshmi , Hans Chetan P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractClinical and experimental studies show that angiotensin II (AngII) promotes vascular pathology via activation of AngII type 1 receptors (AT1Rs). We recently reported that NP‐6A4, a selective peptide agonist for AngII type 2 receptor (AT2R), exerts protective effects on human vascular cells subjected to serum starvation or doxorubicin exposure. In this study, we investigated whether NP‐6A4–induced AT2R activation could mitigate AngII‐induced abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA) using AngII‐treated Apoe−/− mice. Male Apoe−/− mice were infused with AngII (1 µg/kg/min) by implanting osmotic pumps subcutaneously for 28 days. A subset of mice was pre‐treated subcutaneously with NP‐6A4 (2.5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 14 days prior to AngII, and treatments were continued for 28 days. NP‐6A4 significantly reduced aortic stiffness of the abdominal aorta induced by AngII as determined by ultrasound functional analyses and histochemical analyses. NP‐6A4 also increased nitric oxide bioavailability in aortic tissues and suppressed AngII‐induced increases in monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, osteopontin and proteolytic activity of the aorta. However, NP‐6A4 did not affect maximal intraluminal aortic diameter or AAA incidences significantly. These data suggest that the effects of AT2R agonist on vascular pathologies are selective, affecting the aortic stiffness and proteolytic activity without affecting the size of AAA.
Investigating food limitations in wild fisheries: the attendance and growth responses of fish at an anthropogenic feeding station within a temperate estuary
Authors: Cook Denham G. , Jaksons Peter , Jerrett Alistair 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTo investigate whether wild fish populations are food limited, this study explored whether the provision of supplementary food had a positive effect on the abundance, condition and growth characteristics of estuarine fish assemblages in New Zealand. Feed (7690 kg) was delivered from an anthropogenic feeding station over a 60‐week period to a naturally occurring assemblage of wild fish. Yellow‐eyed mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri) of juvenile, sub‐adult and newly matured size classes were the dominant species actively foraging at the feeding station throughout its operation, whereas larger piscivorous species visited and foraged from the feed station over the summer period only. Other species were present in the wider area of Nelson Haven, but not at the feed station. No obvious changes in the condition factor of yellow‐eyed mullet were observed across the period of monitoring, and no changes in their catchability were detected – although marked seasonal variation in catch rates was observed. Results from tag‐recapture data identify that the length‐based growth rates of yellow‐eyed mullet recaptured near the feed station were higher than those of tagged individuals recaptured at a nearby comparison site, and were higher than the growth rates observed in natural populations of yellow‐eyed mullet in the wider region. Shifts in the median size of fish, as observed by acoustic observations, agreed with the tag‐recapture data. Although some of the results identified were not amenable to statistical analyses, the attendance of yellow‐eyed mullet at the feeding station, in combination with the improved estimates of growth by most of the techniques employed, indicates that yellow‐eyed mullet are food limited in their natural environment and that the growth performance of these fish can be positively affected by the increased availability of food.
Genotypic diversity, and molecular and pathogenic characterization of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida isolated from different fish species in Taiwan
Authors: Pham Trung Hieu , Cheng Ta‐Chih , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPhotobacteriosis, caused by Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp), is a serious disease in marine fish species worldwide. To date, the epidemiological characterization of this pathogen in Taiwan remains limited. In this study, we collected 39 Phdp isolates obtained from different farmed fish for phenotypic and genotypic analysis. Phenotype bioassays using API‐20E and API‐20NE systems showed that the Phdp is a homogeneous group. However, genotyping using the pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) technique revealed genetic variability among Phdp isolates when 13 and 11 different PFGE band patterns were obtained with SmaI and NotI as restriction enzymes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rDNA and the Fur gene clustered Taiwanese isolates and other species of P. damselae in the same clade. In contrast, the ToxR phylogenetic tree, a powerful discriminatory marker, separated the two subspecies. Furthermore, the virulence‐associated genes, AIP56, P55, PDP_0080, Sod and Irp1, were detected from all isolates. Virulence testing with nine representative isolates in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) showed that some were highly pathogenic with 80%–100% mortality rates. This study provides epidemiological data of Phdp infections in farmed fish in Taiwan, which is necessary to develop comprehensive prevention and control strategies for the disease.
Evaluation of the Freestyle Optium Neo H point‐of‐care device for measuring blood glucose concentrations in sick calves
Authors: Karapinar Tolga , Tumer Kenan Cagri , Buczinski Sébastien 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundData on the performance of a glucometer in calves with different diseases are currently lacking.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a point of care glucometer in calves affected by different diseases relative to a traditional bench‐top autoanalyzer.AnimalsOne hundred ninety‐six calves with different disorders in a referral hospital.MethodsProspective study. Venous blood samples were used for the determination of glucose concentrations in blood and plasma using the Freestyle Optium Neo H and autoanalyzer, respectively. Data were subjected to Passing‐Bablok regression and Bland‐Altman plots. The Freestyle Optium Neo H was the test method and the autoanalyzer was the reference method. The diagnostic performance of the glucometer relative to the autoanalyzer was assessed using 3 different plasma glucose concentrations.ResultsThe Passing‐Bablok regression for the glucometer against the reference method revealed the presence of both proportional bias (1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07‐1.18) and constant bias (−11.25; 95% CI, −16.0 to −7.70). The glucometer yielded 92.2%‐100% sensitivity and 86.4%‐96% specificity for the assessing glucose concentration based on different concentration thresholds.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe Freestyle Optium Neo H showed proportional and constant biases relative to the reference method. The glucometer showed poor performance according to criteria recommended by the International Standards Organization and the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. However, the glucometer determined hypoglycemia with high sensitivity and specificity therefore it might be used to diagnose hypoglycemia in calves with different diseases until calf‐specific POC glucometers are developed.
Effect of castration procedure on the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in goat kids
Authors: Tekeli Ibrahim Ozan , Turk Erdinc , Durna Corum Duygu , Corum Orhan , Uney Kamil 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the changes in the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in goat kids who were castrated following the administration of xylazine. Six goat kids were used for the study. The study was performed in two periods according to a longitudinal study, with a 15‐day washout period between periods. In the first period (Control group), 1 mg/kg meloxicam was administered by i.v. route to kids. In the second period (Castration group), the kids were sedated with 0.3 mg/kg xylazine and castration was performed following meloxicam administration. Plasma meloxicam concentration was analyzed using HPLC‐UV, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental model. In the control group following the administration of meloxicam, mean elimination half‐life (t1/2ʎz), area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0−∞), total body clearance (ClT), and volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vdss) were 13.50 ± 0.62 hr, 41.10 ± 2.86 hr µg/ml, 24.43 ± 1.75 ml hr−1 kg−1, and 0.45 ± 0.03 L/kg, respectively. In the castration group, the t1/2ʎz of meloxicam prolonged, AUC0−∞ increased, and ClT and Vdss decreased. In conclusion, the excretion of meloxicam from the body slowed and the t1/2ʎz was prolonged in the castrated goat kids following xylazine administration. However, there is a need to determine the pharmacodynamics of meloxicam in castrated goat kids.
The gut microbiota and Bergmann’s rule in wild house mice
Authors: Suzuki Taichi A. , Martins Felipe M. , Phifer‐Rixey Megan , Nachman Michael W. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe extent to which the gut microbiota may play a role in latitudinal clines of body mass variation (i.e., Bergmann's rule) remains largely unexplored. Here, we collected wild house mice from three latitudinal transects across North and South America and investigated the relationship between variation in the gut microbiota and host body mass by combining field observations and common garden experiments. First, we found that mice in the Americas follow Bergmann's rule, with increasing body mass at higher latitudes. Second, we found that overall differences in the gut microbiota were associated with variation in body mass controlling for the effects of latitude. Then, we identified specific microbial measurements that show repeated associations with body mass in both wild‐caught and laboratory‐reared mice. Finally, we found that mice from colder environments tend to produce greater amounts of bacteria‐driven energy sources (i.e., short‐chain fatty acids) without an increase in food consumption. Our findings provide motivation for future faecal transplant experiments directly testing the intriguing possibility that the gut microbiota may contribute to Bergmann's rule, a fundamental pattern in ecology.