bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy metals concentration and target hazard quotients assessment through the consumption of fish muscle Ctenopharyngodon Idella (Cyprinidae) from markets in Ahvaz province, Iran
Authors: Bahreini Esfahani Nimah , Jafari Maryam , Moravejolahkami Amir Reza 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
Heavy metals constitute one of the most hazardous substances that could be accumulated in biota coming from human activities such as agricultural and industrial wastes. This paper aims to study the levels of some of the most common heavy metals in muscles of the fish caught in the Karun River (Ahvaz, Iran) and to assess the health risks associated with their consumption.

Design/methodology/approach
In present study, the concentrations of three heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cu) in the muscle of highly consumed fish species Ctenopharyngodon Idella (Cyprinidae) collected from three selected markets (Khoram Kooshk, Ahvaz-e Qadim and Padad Shahr; total number of samples was 45) in Ahvaz city and human health risk associated with their consumption were detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Findings
The results indicated that the highest and lowest accumulated metal concentrations were related to Cu (20.36 ± 0.84) and Cd (0.53 ± 0.02), respectively. In addition, the mean difference for Pb and Cu across two pairwise of sampling sites were significant (Ahvaz-e Qadim and Khoram Kooshk, P for Pb = 0.025, P for Cu = 0.033; Ahvaz-e Qadim and Padad Shahr, p for Pb = 0.018, p for Cu = 0.039). The estimated daily intake of all metals in muscles of fish in this study were below the legal limit, and mean differences were not statistically significant among the sampling sites, except for Cu (Ahvaz-e Qadim and Khoram Kooshk, p = 0.048; Ahvaz-e Qadim and Padad Shahr, p = 0.041). Target hazard quotient values were also all below 1.

Originality/value
It can be concluded that the fishes from Ahvaz city markets are comparatively clean and do not constitute a risk for human health.
Utilization of internal waste fluffy portion of Cucurbita maxima for extraction of ß-carotene pigment
Authors: Sharma Anshu , Dhiman Anju Kumari , Attri Surekha 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
Internal fluffy portion along with fibrous strands of ripe pumpkin is considered as waste in processing industries though it contains sufficient amount of ß-carotene pigment. The purpose of this paper is to use the leftover fluffy portion of ripe pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) after the use of its flesh for the purpose of processing.

Design/methodology/approach
The data were analyzed statistically by following a complete randomized design (CRD). All analysis were performed using the software OPSTAT.

Findings
One hour pre-enzymatic treatment before solvent extraction showed significant improvement in extraction yield in comparison to the isolation of ß-carotene pigment through solvent only. Temperature time combination was optimized as 40°C for 2 h during solvent extraction to obtain maximum yield irrespective of the type of extraction method used.

Practical implications
Extracted carotene pigment can further be used as a natural food colorant in processed food products not only to enhance the color appeal but also it improves the nutritional value of the product as ß-carotene acts as a precursor of vitamin A.

Social implications
Coloring agents of natural origin are becoming famous among society due to their health benefits. Consumers are becoming reluctant to use synthetic colors because of the undesirable allergic reactions caused by them, so carotene bio-pigment produced is a natural coloring compound with wide application in the food sector.

Originality/value
Even though few researchers have worked on the extraction of carotene pigment from pumpkin, but no researcher has reported the use of a waste fluffy portion of C. maxima for extraction of ß-carotene pigment.
Shape recovery characteristics of shape memory cyanate ester/epoxy composite reinforced with calcium sulfate whisker
Authors: Wang Yongkun , Zhang Yuting , Zhang Jinhua , Ye Junjue , Tian Wenchao 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) on the thermodynamic properties and shape memory properties of epoxy/cyanate ester shape memory composites.

Design/methodology/approach
To improve the mechanical properties of shape memory cyanate ester (CE)/epoxy polymer (EP) resin, high performance CSWs were used to reinforce the thermo-induced shape memory CE/EP composites and the shape memory CSW/CE/EP composites were prepared by molding. The effect of CSW on the mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of shape memory CE/EP composites was investigated.

Findings
After CSW filled the shape memory CE/EP composites, the bending strength of the composites is greatly improved. When the content of CSW is 5 Wt.%, the bending strength of the composite is 107 MPa and the bending strength is increased by 29 per cent compared with bulk CE/EP resin. The glass transition temperature and storage modulus of the composites were improved in CE/EP resin curing system. However, when the content of CSW is more than 10 Wt.%, clusters are easily formed between whiskers and the voids between whiskers and matrix increase, which will lead to the decrease of mechanical properties of composites. The results of shape memory test show that the shape memory recovery time of the composites decreases with the decrease of CSW content at the same temperature. In addition, the shape recovery ratio of the composites decreased slightly with the increase of the number of thermo-induced shape memory cycles.

Research limitations/implications
A simple way for fabricating thermo-activated SMP composites has been developed by using CSW.

Originality/value
The outcome of this study will help to fabricate the SMP composites with high mechanical properties and the shape memory CSW/CE/EP composites are expected to be used in space deployable structures.
Neighbourhood‐dependent root distributions and the consequences on root separation in arid ecosystems
Authors: Chen Bin J. W. , Xu Chi , Liu Mao‐Song , Huang Zheng Y. X. , Zhang Ming‐Juan , Tang Jian , Anten Niels P. R. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Interspecific root separation is an important example of spatial niche differentiation that drives species coexistence in many ecosystems. Particularly under water‐stressed conditions, it is believed to be an inevitable outcome of species interactions. However, evidence for and against this idea has been found. So far, studies aiming at reconciling the debate have mainly focused on abiotic determinants. It remains unclear if and to what extent root separation depends on the type and growth form of interacting plants.

We conducted a detailed field study in three adjacently located (with pairwise distances <500 m) arid patchy communities where a common tussock grass species Achnatherum splendens grew in association with either a tree Elaeagnus angustifolia, a shrub Nitraria tangutorum or a perennial forb species Sophora alopecuroides. In each community, roots and soils were sampled along the soil layers from five depths (0–10, 10–30, 30–60, 60–100 and 100–150 cm) in the patches and in the adjacent bare ground outside the patches.

Significant vertical interspecific root separation occurred in the species‐association patches of tree‐grass and forb‐grass communities, but not in the shrub‐grass community. As the neighbour changed going from trees to shrubs and to forbs, rooting profiles of the grass Achnatherum became progressively deeper, with progressively less roots allocated in the upmost 10 cm soil layer and more in the subsequent two layers. After controlling for the differences in soil water and nutrient conditions among the three communities, the effects of neighbour type on grass rooting profiles remained robust.

Synthesis. We found that the root distributions of plants in the dryland strongly depend on the type of neighbour plants, which can, at least partially, determine the extent of interspecific root separation at the community scale. Our work poses new questions about plasticity in root distribution and helps to better understand species interactions and coexistence under stressful conditions.
Scope of occupational therapy practice for adults with both Down syndrome and dementia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Raj Sujatha , Stanley Mandy , Mackintosh Shylie , Fryer Caroline 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionDementia in adults with Down syndrome causes a progressive decline in daily occupations impacting both persons with Down syndrome and their informal caregivers. This study aimed to explore the scope of occupational therapy practice for adults with both Down syndrome and dementia and their informal caregivers living in their homes.MethodsA survey was conducted with occupational therapists having clinical experience in providing interventions for adults with Down syndrome. A web‐based survey was developed to explore occupational therapy practice for this group of people with Down syndrome and their informal caregivers. Responses to closed‐ended questions were analysed descriptively, and inductive content analysis was used for open‐ended questions.ResultsForty‐three occupational therapists from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States of America participated in the survey. Two‐thirds were from the United Kingdom, most of whom were employed in the public sector and had at least 10 years of clinical experience. Over 90% of respondents received one or more referrals in a typical month for adults with Down syndrome having dementia, 68% of which were for a decline in activities of daily living. Home environment and activities of daily living were frequently assessed areas, and the commonest interventions were compensatory strategies and environmental modifications. Only half the respondents provided interventions for informal caregivers. Risk and safety and manual handling were frequently addressed domains for informal caregivers. Collaboration and developing clinical expertise were the two key perceived enablers for providing effective occupational therapy services. Fragmentation of services and a lack of client‐centred care were the common perceived barriers.ConclusionOccupational therapists often address decline in activities of daily living for individuals with both Down syndrome and dementia. To support participation in meaningful occupations for these people and support the needs of their informal caregivers, it is essential that services are offered in a collaborative approach.
Evaluation of reported sediment samples from 20 Ma using a molecular phylogenetic approach: comment on Liu et al. (2017)
Authors: Segawa Takahiro , Yonezawa Takahiro 
Published: January 2020

SummaryLiu et al. reported the cultivation and DNA sequencing of 69 fungal isolates (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) from ancient subseafloor sediments, suggesting that they represent living fungal populations that have persisted for over 20 million years. Because these findings could bring about a paradigm shift in our understanding of the spatial breadth of the deep subsurface biosphere as well as the longevity of ancient DNA, it is extremely important to verify that their samples represent pure ancient fungi from 20 million years ago without contamination by modern species. For this purpose, we estimated the divergence times of Dikarya (Ascomycota + Basidiomycota) and Mucoromycota fungi assuming that the fungal isolates were actually sampled from 20 Ma (mega‐annum) sediments and evaluated the validity of the sample ages. Using this approach, we estimate that the age of the last common ancestor of Dikarya and Mucoromycota fungi greatly exceeds the age of the Earth. Our finding emphasizes the importance of using reliable approaches to confirm the dating of ancient samples.
Intraclonal competitive fitness of longitudinal cystic fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa airway isolates in liquid cultures
Authors: Cramer Nina , Fischer Sebastian , Hedtfeld Silke , Dorda Marie , Tümmler Burkhard 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe metabolically versatile Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhabits biotic and abiotic environments including the niche of cystic fibrosis (CF) airways. This study investigated how the adaptation to CF lungs affects the within‐clone fitness of P. aeruginosa to grow and persist in liquid cultures in the presence of the clonal ancestors. Longitudinal clonal P. aeruginosa isolates that had been collected from 12 CF donors since the onset of colonization for up to 30 years was subjected to within‐clone competition experiments. The relative quantities of individual strains were determined by marker‐free amplicon sequencing of multiplex PCR products of strain‐specific nucleotide sequence variants, a novel method that is generally applicable to studies in evolutionary genetics and microbial ecology with real‐world strain collections. For 10 of the 12 examined patient courses, P. aeruginosa isolates of the first years of colonization grew faster in the presence of their clonal progeny than alone. Single growth of individual strains showed no temporal trend with colonization time, but in co‐culture, the early isolates out‐competed their clonal progeny. Irrespective of the genetic make‐up of the clone and its genomic microevolution in CF lungs, the early isolates expressed fitness traits to win the within‐clone competition that were absent in their progeny.
Results of the 2018 Rapid DNA Maturity Assessment
Authors: Romsos Erica L. , French Julie L. , Smith Mark , Figarelli Vincent , Harran Frederick , Vandegrift Glenn , Moreno Lilliana I. , Callaghan Thomas F. , Brocato Joanie , Vaidyanathan Janaki , Pedroso Juan C. , Amy Andrea , Stoiloff Stephanie , Morillo Victor H. , Czetyrko Karina , Johnson Elizabeth D. , de Tagyos Jessica , Murray Ashley , Vallone Peter M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThree commercially available integrated rapid DNA instruments were tested as a part of a rapid DNA maturity assessment in July of 2018. The assessment was conducted with sets of blinded single‐source reference samples provided to participants for testing on the individual rapid platforms within their laboratories. The data were returned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for review and analysis. Both FBI‐defined automated review (Rapid DNA Analysis) and manual review (Modified Rapid DNA Analysis) of the datasets were conducted to assess the success of genotyping the 20 Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core STR loci and full profiles generated by the instruments. Genotype results from the multiple platforms, participating laboratories, and STR typing chemistries were combined into a single analysis. The Rapid DNA Analysis resulted in a success rate of 80% for full profiles (85% for the 20 CODIS core loci) with automated analysis. Modified Rapid DNA Analysis resulted in a success rate of 90% for both the CODIS 20 core loci and full profiles (all attempted loci per chemistry). An analysis of the peak height ratios demonstrated that 95% of all heterozygous alleles were above 59% heterozygote balance. For base‐pair sizing precision, the precision was below the standard 0.5 bp deviation for both the ANDE 6C System and the RapidHIT 200.
Concentrations of heavy metals in muscle and edible offal of pork in Nanjing city of China and related health risks
Authors: Pei Fei , Wang Yueying , Fang Yong , Li Peng , Yang Wenjian , Ma Ning , Ma Gaoxing , Hu Qiuhui 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe concentrations of heavy metals, such as chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), in different muscles and edible offal of consumed pork from the city of Nanjing and related health risks were evaluated. The results showed that the detected Hg concentrations from 6 of 80 samples exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (GB 2762‐2017). Moreover, most of the edible offal, especially the kidneys, contained more heavy metals than the other parts, although the concentrations among the samples were significantly different (P < 0.05). In addition, the health risk evaluation revealed that the estimated daily intake of all the samples was far below the recommended limit, and all the target hazard quotients and total target hazard quotients were less than 1, which is considered safe for human health. Nevertheless, the Hg concentrations over the acceptable limit should receive sufficient attention, considering the long‐term consumption of pork.Practical ApplicationCurrently, no reports have been available on the heavy metal assessment of pork, though pork is widely consumed in many non‐Muslim communities. In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals in different muscles and edible offal of consumed pork were determined and their related health risks were evaluated. This study will provide a significant reference to understand the quality and safety of pork in China or other similar developing countries.
The gut microbiota and its interactions with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Xiang , Feng Wenke , Liu Qi , Zhou Shanshan , Liu Quan , Cai Lu 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe intestine is colonized by a considerable community of microorganisms that cohabits within the host and plays a critical role in maintaining host homeostasis. Recently, accumulating evidence has revealed that the gut microbial ecology plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, the effects of imbalances in microbe–host interactions on homeostasis can lead to the progression of CVD. Alterations in the composition of gut flora and disruptions in gut microbial metabolism are implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD. Furthermore, the gut microbiota functions like an endocrine organ that produces bioactive metabolites, including trimethylamine/trimethylamine N‐oxide, short‐chain fatty acids and bile acids, which are also involved in host health and disease via numerous pathways. Thus, the gut microbiota and its metabolic pathways have attracted growing attention as a therapeutic target for CVD treatment. The fundamental purpose of this review was to summarize recent studies that have illustrated the complex interactions between the gut microbiota, their metabolites and the development of common CVD, as well as the effects of gut dysbiosis on CVD risk factors. Moreover, we systematically discuss the normal physiology of gut microbiota and potential therapeutic strategies targeting gut microbiota to prevent and treat CVD.
Getting to the Heart of Low Sensitivity to Alcohol: Context Moderates Low Cardiovascular Response to Alcohol in Persons With a Family History of Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Bates Marsha E. , Mun Eun‐Young , Buckman Jennifer F. , Vaschillo Evgeny , Vaschillo Bronya , Lehrer Paul , Udo Tomoko , Lesnewich Laura M. 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundLow sensitivity to alcohol in persons with a family history of alcoholism (FH+), compared to those without (FH−), contributes to risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, sensitivity of FH+ cardiovascular response to alcohol is not well understood. This gap is significant because cardiovascular processes contribute to emotional regulation and stress response problems theorized to be central to the development and persistence of AUD. This study compared changes in heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) between FH groups after consuming alcohol and control beverages and examined how these changes were moderated by emotional and alcohol‐related contexts.MethodsYoung adults (N = 165) with FH+ (n = 110) or FH− (n = 55) each completed 2 sessions, separated by 1 week. They received one of 3 different beverages (alcohol, placebo, and told‐no‐alcohol) in each session. Electrocardiogram data were recorded during pre–beverage consumption and post–beverage consumption baselines, and then during 4 picture cue tasks (neutral, positive, negative, and alcohol‐related). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine differences in cardiovascular reactivity (changes in HR and HRV power at ~ 0.1 Hz) across FH groups, beverage conditions, and picture cue tasks.ResultsA significant beverage condition × cue task × FH interaction effect on HRV was observed. The FH+ group, compared to the FH− group, showed (a) significantly less HRV suppression in specific cue contexts following alcohol, (b) a mixed pattern of more and less HRV suppression across cue contexts following placebo, and (c) a similar HRV reactivity pattern in the told‐no‐alcohol condition across cue tasks. For HR, there were no significant effects involving FH.ConclusionsDiminished cardiovascular sensitivity to oral alcohol in FH+ persons varied within a given drinking episode depending on emotional and alcohol‐related features of the context, suggesting that environmental characteristics play a role in the expression of low sensitivity to alcohol among FH+ individuals.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Health Needs Assessment in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Anastácia Guimarães , de Souza Paulo Ricardo Assis , Wachholz Gabriela Elis , Fraga Lucas Rosa , Sanseverino Maria Teresa V. , Terra Anna Pires , da Silva André Anjos , Vianna Fernanda Sales Luiz , Abeche Alberto Mantovani , Larrandaburu Mariela , del Campo Miguel , Schuler‐Faccini Lavínia 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a disorder caused by alterations in embryo‐fetal development due to prenatal alcohol exposure. It is estimated that between 0.5 and 2 per 1,000 individuals are born with FAS every year. In Brazil, there are few studies addressing the extent of the problem of FAS/fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD); these studies are confined to limited geographic areas. Therefore, we decided to perform a health needs assessment for FAS/FASD in Brazil.MethodsTo estimate the prevalence of FAS and FASD in Brazil, we used information from the literature, which estimates between 0.5 and 2/1,000 births per year for FAS and 10 to 50/1,000 for FASD.ResultsWe estimated that approximately 1,500 to 6,000 children are born with FAS every year. Considering the whole population, the prevalence would be 95,377 to 380,000 affected people. However, when we consider FASD as a whole, we estimate that between 1,900,000 and 9,500,000 Brazilians might suffer the more severe consequences of alcohol exposure during pregnancy and be living with FASD.ConclusionThe results of the current study indicate that FAS and FASD are prevalent disorders in Brazil, and more policies targeting alcohol intake during pregnancy must be developed.