bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver Iron Content Determination Using a Volumetric Breath‐Hold Gradient‐Echo Sequence With In‐Line R2* Calculation
Authors: Wunderlich Arthur P. , Schmidt Stefan A. , Mauro Valeria , Kneller Lena , Kannengießer Stephan , Beer Meinrad , Cario Holger 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundLiver iron overload is a serious condition occurring in patients requiring blood transfusions (eg, in thalassemia and different forms of anemia) or with dysfunctional iron resorption, since there is no physiological mechanism to excrete iron. Above a certain level of iron concentration, chelation therapy is indicated. To monitor therapy success, liver iron content should be assessed regularly. A noninvasive method is important for patient management. Existing MRI methods suffer from long acquisition times and cost.PurposeTo study the correlation of liver iron content (LIC) reference values to liver R2* determined using a 3D breath‐hold multigradient echo (GRE) MRI sequence, employing accelerated acquisition by parallel imaging and in‐line R2* calculation.Study typeProspective.PopulationIn all, 117 patients (22.1 ± 14.1 years, 66 men) suspected of iron overload.SequenceGRE.Field Strength1.5T.AssessmentFor comparison, a regulatory‐approved method with a considerably longer scan time was used, providing LIC reference values. Participants were divided into a calibration group (65 participants), analyzed independently by two observers, and a validation group (52 participants).Statistical TestsLinear correlation parameters were evaluated for R2* values with LIC reference values, and for LIC determined from R2* for validation group participants with LIC reference values. Sensitivity/specificity for clinical relevant LIC thresholds were analyzed. Interobserver variability was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsInterobserver agreement was excellent, with an ICC of 0.99, P < 0.001. Good correlation (R2 = 0.89) and congruence of LIC values obtained with our method to LIC reference values was found, and almost identical diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity/specificity were 0.98/0.67 for the diagnostic relevant LIC threshold of 4.5 mg/g and 1.0/0.95 for the threshold of 7 mg/g.Data ConclusionMRI acquisition times for determination of LIC can be significantly reduced by the use of comprehensive in‐line R2* map generation without compromising diagnostic accuracy.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage2
Phosphorus speciation in cultivated organic soils revealed by P K‐edge XANES spectroscopy
Authors: Schmieder Frank , Gustafsson Jon Petter , Klysubun Wantana , Zehetner Franz , Riddle Matthew , Kirchmann Holger , Bergström Lars 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCultivated organic soils make a significant contribution to phosphorus (P) leaching losses from agricultural land, despite occupying a small proportion of cultivated area. However, less is known about P mobilisation processes and the P forms present in peat soils compared with mineral soils. In this study, P forms and their distribution with depth were investigated in two cultivated Histosol profiles, using a combination of wet chemical extraction and P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy.Both profiles had elevated P content in the topsoil, amounting to around 40 mmol kg−1, and P speciation in both profiles was strongly dominated by organic P. Topsoils were particularly rich in organic P (P‐org), with relative proportions of up to 80%. Inorganic P in the profiles was almost exclusively adsorbed to surface reactive aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) minerals. In one of the pro‐files, small contributions of Ca‐phosphates were detected.A commonly used P saturation index (PSI) based on ammonium‐oxalate extraction indicated a low to moderate risk of P leaching from both profiles. However, the capacity of soil Al and Fe to retain P in organic soils could be reduced by high competition from organic compounds for sorption sites. This is not directly accounted for in PSI and similar indices.Accumulation of P‐org in the topsoil may be attributable by microbial peat decomposition and transformation of mineral fertiliser P by both microbiota and crops. Moreover, high carbon–phosphorus ratio in the surface peat material in both profiles suggests reduced net mineralisation of P‐org in the two soils. However, advancing microbial peat decomposition will eventually lead to complete loss of peat horizons and to mineralisation of P‐org. Hence, P‐org in both profiles represents a huge potentially mobilised P pool.
Extraction Separation of Rhamnolipids by n‐Hexane via Forming Reverse Micelles
Authors: Zhou Chaojun , Sha Ruyi , Long Xuwei , Meng Qin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRhamnolipids (RL) have been regarded to be insoluble in n‐hexane. Unexpectedly, we have noticed that RL could be extracted together with vegetable oil by n‐hexane at analyzing oil content of fermentation broth. This paradoxic phenomenon was assumed to be due to the formation of reverse micelles. As found in this paper, the micelle size as well as conductivity increased due to water solubilization, illustrating the formation of reverse micelles of RL in n‐hexane. In this reverse micellar system, the maximal water solubility was detected to be 6.26 mol H2O/mol RL while the reverse critical micelle concentration of RL was around 3% (w/w). Hence, it seems that the presence of water could increase the dissolution of RL in n‐hexane via forming the reverse micelles of RL/n‐hexane/water. Lastly, the formation of reverse micelles was further applied for extraction of RL by n‐hexane. Using this method, over 99.0% of RL was extracted under the appropriate pH of 4.5. This extraction separation using n‐hexane instead of chloroform proposed a much cleaner and safer strategy in RL manufacture. Moreover, the capability of RL in forming reverse micelle system could benefit the future application on improving enzymatic reactions, stabilizing nanoparticles, environmental treatment, and protein folding, etc.
Effects of faba bean extrusion and phytase supplementation on performance, phosphorus and nitrogen retention, and gut microbiota activity in broilers
Authors: Konieczka Paweł , Kaczmarek Sebastian Andrzej , Hejdysz Marcin , Kinsner Misza , Szkopek Dominika , Smulikowska Stefania 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDFaba bean (FB) can be used in poultry diets as a protein source alternative to soybean meal. This study evaluated the effect of extrusion of low‐tannin FB and phytase supplementation on performance, phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) retention, and gut microbiota activity in broiler chickens. Raw or extruded FB meal was included in broiler diet at 300 g kg−1. The experimental treatments additionally differed in nutrient level (adequate, or calcium, P, and protein reduced) and phytase supplementation.RESULTSBroiler performance was not affected by the dietary treatments. Extrusion and a reduced nutrient content did not affect P and N retention coefficients, but they increased when the reduced diets were supplemented with phytase. In the ileal digesta, FB extrusion increased the activities of bacterial α‑ and β‐glucosidase, β‐galactosidase, and β‐glucuronidase, but acetate and total short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations were higher only in birds fed extruded FB supplemented with phytase. In the cecal digesta, FB extrusion increased the activities of bacterial α‑ and β‐glucosidase, α‐galactosidase and β‐glucuronidase, and phytase supplementation decreased β‐glucosidase and β‐glucuronidase activities, but acetate, butyrate and valerate and total SCFA concentrations were lower in birds fed extruded FB.CONCLUSIONGood performance of broilers could be obtained using diets containing 300 g kg−1 raw FB. The extrusion process does not improve FB nutritive value and may negatively affect the activity of cecal microbiota. Phytase supplementation allows lowering calcium, inorganic P, and protein level in diets with FB, and reduces P and N excreted in droppings, with a positive effect on the environment. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis of elemental composition of herbal infusions and teas
Authors: Winkler Aleksandra , Rauwolf Mirjam , Sterba Johannes H , Wobrauschek Peter , Streli Christina , Turyanskaya Anna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe elemental composition of herbal infusions and teas has not been sufficiently investigated. It could potentially be used for defining fingerprints for individual herbal / tea infusions, differentiation of botanical families, detecting the influence of packaging, and other purposes. The objective of this study was to determine the elemental composition, including the trace element content, of various herbal infusions and teas by means of total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF), with a chemometrics approach using principal component analysis (PCA).RESULTSThis study determined the elemental composition of various herbal infusions and teas, including trace elements, using total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF). The methodology for the sample preparation was established, including the multiple‐steepings procedure for the two tea samples (Oolong and Pu‐erh). Data from 29 samples were collected. We hypothesized that the elemental content of infusions could reflect certain features, such as the influence of processing and the type of tea.CONCLUSIONA chemometric approach (PCA) was applied, and differences between teas and herbal infusions were found. This was further corroborated by explicit differentiation of one botanical family, Theaceae. The influence of packaging (tea bags) on herbal material was identified. The three types of tea (Camellia sinensis) appeared to be separated with PCA, and elemental concentrations in Pu‐erh changed with multiple steepings.
Ionic strength and pH stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions prepared with acid‐hydrolyzed insoluble proteins from Chlorella protothecoides
Authors: Dai Laixin , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDChlorella protothecoides is one of the most widely commercialized and studied microalgae species. Recent research reported improved emulsifying properties of the insoluble protein fraction from C. protothecoides after thermal–acid treatment.RESULTSIn this research, we studied the influence of ionic strength (sodium chloride 50–500 mmol L−1 or calcium chloride 5–50 m mol L−1) and pH (2–9) on the stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions prepared by 3% (w/w) of the untreated insoluble microalgae protein fraction or hydrolysates obtained after treatment with hydrochloric acid at 65 °C (Hydrolysates 65) or 85 °C (Hydrolysates 85) for 4 h. The emulsions were prepared by mixing 10% (w/w) oil and homogenized at 68.9 MPa. The ionic strength and pH were, subsequently, adjusted. The mean particle diameter of emulsions remained constant despite extensive variations in ionic strength or pH. Emulsion droplets stabilized by Hydrolysates 85 were stable against coalescence at all ionic strengths or pH values tested.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate a high potential to use acid‐hydrolyzed insoluble microalgae protein fractions for the formulation of various emulsion‐based food systems. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparative effect of a previous 150‐MPa treatment on the quality loss of frozen hake stored at different temperatures
Authors: Carrera Mónica , Fidalgo Liliana G , Vázquez Manuel , Saraiva Jorge A , Aubourg Santiago P 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study addresses the quality loss of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) during frozen storage. Its objective was to comparatively analyse the effect of a previous high‐pressure processing (HPP) (150 MPa for 2 min) when different storage temperatures (−10, −18 and −30 °C) were employed.RESULTSMost chemical quality indices (trimethylamine, TMA; dimethylamine, DMA, formaldehyde, FA; free fatty acids, FFAs) provided a marked content increase with freezing and frozen storage time, values being higher by increasing the storage temperature. Previous HPP led to an inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect on the TMA, DMA, FA and FFA formation in frozen fish kept at −10 and −18 °C, the preservative effect being higher at the highest temperature tested; however, in agreement to the low damage development, no effect could be proved on samples stored at −30 °C. Concerning lipid oxidation, peroxides formation was found low, although a slight increasing effect (P < 0.05) was implied in fish corresponding to all temperatures as a result of the previous HPP; furthermore, an inhibitory effect (P < 0.05) on fluorescent compounds formation (tertiary lipid oxidation) was evident after freezing and at month 9 for −10 °C samples.CONCLUSIONIt is concluded that a 150‐MPa high‐pressure treatment may inhibit the formation of degradative molecules such as DMA, FA, TMA and FFAs during the frozen storage at −18 °C (maximum recommended) and −10 °C. However, results have indicated that lowering the storage temperature showed to be more effective than the current HPP (150 MPa for 2 min). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Camellia nitidissima Chi flower extract alleviates obesity and related complications and modulates gut microbiota composition in rats with high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Zhang Hai‐long , Wu Qing‐xiao , Qin Xiao‐ming 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti‐obesity effects of Camellia nitidissima Chi flower extract (Cnfe) by examining its effects in terms of the regulation of lipid levels and modulation of gut microbiota in rats with high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity.RESULTSOur results demonstrated that Cnfe significantly decreased weight gain by reducing appetite and decreasing high‐fat food intake. Further, Cnfe restored normal lipid metabolism and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in rats fed a high‐fat diet. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot results showed that Cnfe significantly decreased the expression of genes and proteins involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis, and upregulated the expression of lipolysis genes. 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of feces showed that Cnfe dramatically reversed dysbacteriosis in rats with high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity by decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes and increasing that of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia at the phylum level.CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrate that Cnfe is a potential anti‐obesity prebiotic nutrient that can prevent weight gain, ameliorate obesity‐related dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, inhibit liver fat accumulation, and modulate gut microbiota. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Composition and quality traits of vegetables grown in a low‐tech aquaponic system at different fish stocking densities
Authors: Maucieri Carmelo , Nicoletto Carlo , Zanin Giampaolo , Xiccato Gerolamo , Borin Maurizio , Sambo Paolo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAquaponics is considered a sustainable system for the production of fish and vegetables. However, little is known about the effects of different system variables on vegetable quality. Hence, the aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of aquaponics on the composition and quality traits of three vegetable species in relation to stocking density of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), in comparison with those of plants grown in hydroponics.RESULTSThe highest cumulative vegetable marketable yield was obtained in low‐density aquaponics (APL), followed by hydroponics (HP) and high‐density aquaponics (APH). Vegetable quality traits showed species‐specific responses. In general, phosphorus concentration was higher in plants grown in APH and lower in those grown in HP, while the opposite was observed for nitrate concentration. In lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), sugar content was the highest in APH, whereas for Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris Cicla group), the aquaponics treatments increased only glucose content. No differences in sugar content were observed in Catalogna (Cichorium intybus L. Catalogna group). The lowest and highest phenolic acid concentrations in the aboveground biomass of Catalogna and lettuce were observed in HP and APH treatments, respectively. For Swiss chard, APH treatment resulted in the highest caffeic acid content, whereas ferulic acid was the highest in HP.CONCLUSIONSAquaponics at low stocking density increased plant yield, compared to HP, without compromising vegetable quality, whereas aquaponics at high stocking density improved vegetable quality, but at the expense of yield. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Generation of an in vitro model of the outer annulus fibrosus‐cartilage interface
Authors: Chong Jasmine E. , Santerre J. Paul , Kandel Rita A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCurrent treatments for degenerative disc disease do not restore full biological functionality of the intervertebral disc (IVD). As a result, regenerative medicine approaches are being developed to generate a biological replacement that when implanted will restore form and function of the degenerated IVD. Tissue‐engineered models to date have focused on the generation of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus IVD components. However, these tissues need to be integrated with a cartilage endplate in order for successful implantation to occur. The purpose of this study was to generate an in vitro annulus fibrosus‐cartilage interface model which would enable us to better understand the biological and biomechanical implications of such interfaces. It was hypothesized that in vitro‐formed outer annulus fibrosus (OAF) and cartilage tissues would integrate in direct‐contact coculture to yield an interface containing extracellular matrix with aspects resembling the native OAF‐CEP interface. In vitro‐formed tissues were generated using bovine OAF cell‐seeded angle‐ply, multi‐lamellated polycarbonate urethane scaffolds and articular chondrocytes, which were then placed in direct‐contact coculture. 2‐week old OAF tissues integrated with 3‐day old cartilage by 1 week of coculture. Immunohistochemical staining of 2‐week interfaces showed that distributions of collagen type I, collagen type II, and aggrecan were similar to the native bovine interface. The apparent tensile strength of the in vitro interface increased significantly between 2 and 4 weeks of coculture. In summary, an annulus fibrosus‐cartilage interface model can be formed in vitro which will facilitate the identification of conditions required to generate an entire tissue‐engineered disc replacement suitable for clinical use.
Imaging of the Fetal Zygomatic Bone
Authors: Gilboa Yinon , Achiron Reuven , Kivilevitch Zvi , Hochberg Alyssa , Bardin Ron , Zalel Yaron , Perlman Sharon 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesFirst arch syndromes are congenital defects caused by failure of neural crest cells to migrate into the first branchial arch. First arch syndrome is classified into 2 main clinical manifestations: Treacher Collins syndrome, characterized by bilateral underdevelopment of the zygomatic bones; and Pierre Robin sequence. The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility of visualization of the fetal zygomatic bone and assess its application in cases referred for features suggestive of first arch syndrome.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted. The feasibility of visualization of the zygomatic bone was performed in 50 sequential fetuses with a normal anatomic scan between 12 and 24 weeks' gestation using 3‐dimensional sonography. Following this, cases referred for targeted scans for suspected first branchial arch syndrome were assessed for the presence or absence of the zygomatic bones.ResultsVisualization of the fetal zygomatic bone was feasible in all low‐risk cases. Cases referred for targeted scans included 11 isolated cases of micrognathia or retrognathia, 3 cases of microtia, and 3 cases of auricular or facial vestiges. Within this group, the zygomatic bones were visualized in all but 2 cases. No associated extrafacial malformations were detected; therefore, this phenotype was consistent with Treacher Collins syndrome.ConclusionsPrenatal imaging of the zygomatic bones offers a clinically based sonographic approach to cases referred for features suggestive of first arch syndrome and enables differentiation between the 2 main clinical manifestations: Treacher Collins syndrome and Pierre Robin sequence.
Calculation of strong‐collision dissociation rate constants from NASA thermodynamic polynomials
Authors: Smirnov Vladimir N. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA new method for calculating low‐pressure strong‐collision rate constants of dissociation and recombination reactions was proposed. The method is based on determining the density of states of the internal degrees of freedom of the reactant molecule by applying the inverse Laplace transform to the respective partition function, which, in turn, is calculated from the thermodynamic properties in the form of NASA polynomials. The proposed model is universal in the sense that the required NASA polynomials can be calculated using molecular properties obtained by various methods, both theoretical and experimental or a combination thereof. In the present study, the NASA polynomials were taken from the available databases or calculated from thermodynamic functions, either tabulated or determined by statistical mechanics in the rigid‐rotor harmonic‐oscillator approximation, with a simple anharmonicity correction introduced when necessary. In addition, a model for calculating the rotational factor is developed and tested. It is based on determination of the centrifugal barrier as a function of the dissociating bond length at a given rotational energy through calculating the principal moments of inertia of the molecule at each step of elongation of the bond. The proposed approach is exemplified for the dissociation of the H2O, HO2, and H2O2 molecules and the corresponding reverse reactions. A comparison with the available experimental data made it possible to estimate the weak‐collision efficiency. At high temperatures, for all the reactions studied, the weak collision efficiency appears to be quite reasonable, whereas, at low temperatures, the situation is unsatisfactory, except perhaps for H2O dissociation. Given that the energy threshold E0 of dissociation reactions is typically well known, the calculated and measured dissociation rate constants are represented and handled in terms of the preexponential factor A(T) in the expression k(T) = A(T)exp(−E0/RT). A new formula for fitting A(T) was proposed: log A(T) = a + b(1000/T) + c(1000/T)p, which turned out to be a good approximation for the preexponential factors of not only the rate constants but also the equilibrium constants.