bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of isoflavone‐rich red clover extract on blood glucose level: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Masuda Takamasa , Ino Yoshinaka , Hirai Akiko , Okamura Akiko , Ishikawa Hirohito , Yokoyama Shin‐ichiro , Osawa Toshihiko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHigh blood glucose is associated with increased risk of various diseases. Red clover (RC; Trifolium pratense L.) is an edible legume whose sprout is rich in isoflavones such as formononetin and biochanin A. We examined the effects of RC extract on postprandial and fasting blood glucose level, using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with 36 participants, aged 25 to 64 years, who were randomly assigned to receive either 1.91 g of RC extract (containing 8 mg formononetin and 1.8 mg biochanin A) or placebo. Each participant ingested the assigned test food daily for 8 weeks, and at the oral maltose tolerance test (OMTT). Initially, the two groups did not significantly differ in OMTT results. However, fasting insulin levels at 8 weeks were significantly lower in the RC group (4.76 μIU/ml at Week 0 to 4.01 μIU/ml at Week 8) with a significant interaction (P = 0.046). Subgroup analysis showed that change in blood glucose level (blood glucose ΔC) tended to decrease late in the trial period during OMTT in the ≤50‐year‐old RC group, as did fasting blood glucose and insulin levels at 8 weeks; hemoglobin A1c was also significantly reduced in this subgroup (5.36% at Week 0 to 5.28% at Week 8) with a significant interaction (P = 0.040). These results suggest that the daily intake of RC could reduce blood glucose, particularly for those ≤50 years old. Formononetin—an α‐glucosidase inhibitor—is considered to be the major functional molecule for these effects. Therefore, intake of RC that contains formononetin might help blood glucose control.
Discrimination of goat, buffalo, and yak milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation using microelement contents
Authors: Guo Xiaoqing , Liu Hongyan , Zhao Qingyu , Qin Yuchang , Zhang Junmin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study aims at investigating whether the livestock, lactation stage, or geographical origin of specialty milk in China could be classified by the elemental contents. Samples of goat, buffalo, and yak milk were collected from main production provinces in China and the contents of nine elements in milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation stages were determined. Statistical analysis indicated that the contents of Mn, Cu, As, Se, Cs, and Mo in mature milk were significantly different between the three livestock (p < 0.05). The trends of Mn and Cs contents of the goat milk and buffalo milk increased first and then decreased gradually during lactation. The contents of Se, Cs, Ba, and Mo in mature milk of three livestock were significantly different between the three regions (p < 0.05). The result of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS‐DA) showed that the total correct classification rates in different livestock for mature milk reached 86.7 and 90%. For goat milk, the total correct classification rates of different lactations and regions reached 88.9 and 77.8% for LDA (100 and 87.5% for PLS‐DA), and followed by yak milk of different regions which achieved 88.9% for LDA (88.9% for PLS‐DA). In summary, the microelements in milk showed a significant correlation with livestock, region, and lactation of goat, buffalo, and yak milk. The elemental fingerprints combined with the LDA could be potential for classifying the livestock, lactation stage, and geographical origin of milk.Practical ApplicationAccording to study the contents of miroelements in milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation stages, provide evidence and support for classifying the livestock, lactation stage, and geographical origin of milk.
Geochemical Characteristics and Migration Pathways of Ordovician Carbonate Oil Reservoirs in the Tuoputai Area, Tarim Basin, Northwestern China
Authors: LIU Hua , WANG Shen , CHENG Bin , CAO Zicheng , JIANG Ziyue 
Published: March 2021

AbstractExploration potential is huge and the oil resources are rich in the Ordovician reservoirs of the Tarim Basin. However, the mechanism of hydrocarbon accumulation is complex and not yet fully understood. In the Tuoputai area, the hydrocarbon migration pathways and characteristics of deep hydrocarbon accumulation are revealed through analyses of the physical data of rich oil and gas, the geochemical parameters of oil, and fluid inclusions. The results show that the Ordovician oils in the Tuoputai area have the same geochemical characteristics as the mixed oil from the Lower Cambrian source rock and the Middle–Upper Ordovician source rock. The Ordovician reservoirs have been charged three times: in the late Caledonian, late Hercynian, and Himalayan stages. Oil charging occurred in the Hercynian stage, in particular, as it is the main filling period of hydrocarbon. The north‐northeast (NNE)‐trending TP12CX major fault, active in in these times and is dominant migration channel of hydrocarbon, but there is segmentation affected by the difference of activities. Oil maturity is higher in the south than in the north and is abnormally high near the major fault. Parameters related to migration indicate that oil migrated northeastward along the NNE‐trending TP12CX major fault and adjusted laterally along the secondary faults and weathering crust, forming the present characteristics of oil and gas distribution.
Geothermal‐type Lithium Resources in Southern Xizang, China
Authors: WANG Chenguang , ZHENG Mianping , ZHANG Xuefei , WU Qian , LIU Xifang , REN Jianhong , CHEN Shuangshuang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHigh‐temperature geothermal water has abundant lithium (Li) resources, and research on the development and utilization of geothermal‐type lithium resources around the world are increasing. The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau contains huge geothermal resources; especially, Li‐rich geothermal resources in southern Xizang, southwestern China, are widely developed. The Li‐rich geothermal spots in Xizang are mainly distributed on both sides and to the south of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone. Such resources are often found in the intensely active high‐temperature Li‐rich geothermal fields and, compared with other Li‐rich geothermal fields around the world, the Li‐rich geothermal fluid in the Xizang Plateau, southern Xizang is characterized by good quality: the highest reported Li concentration is up to 239 mg/L; the Mg/Li ratio is extremely low and ranges from 0.03 to 1.48 for most of the Li‐rich geothermal fluid; the Li/TDS value is relatively high and ranges from 0.25–1.14% compared to Zhabuye Li‐rich salt lake (0.19%) and Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) (0.08–0.31%). Continuous discharge has been stable for at least several decades, and some of them reach industrial grades of salt lake brine (32.74 mg/L). In addition, elements such as boron (B), caesium (Cs), and rubidium (Rb) are rich and can be comprehensively utilized. Based on still‐incomplete statistics, there are at least 16 large‐scale Li‐rich hot springs with lithium concentration of 20 mg/L or more. The total discharge of lithium metal is about 4300 tons per year, equivalent to 25,686 tons of lithium carbonate. Drilling data has shown that the depth is promising and there is a lack of volcanism (non‐volcanic geothermal system). With a background of the partial‐melting lower crust caused by the collision of the Indo‐Asia continent and based on a comprehensive analysis of the tectonic background of southern Xizang and previous geological, geophysical, and geothermal research, deep molten magma seems to provide a stable heat source for the high‐temperature Li‐rich geothermal field. The Li‐rich parent geothermal fluid rushes to the surface to form hot springs along the extensively developed tectonic fault zones in southern Xizang; some of the Li‐rich fluid flows in to form Li‐rich salt lakes. However, most of the Li‐rich geothermal fluid is remitted to seasonal rivers and has not been effectively exploited, resulting in great waste. With the continuous advance of lithium extraction technologies in Li‐rich geothermal fluid, the lithium resource in geothermal water is promising as a new geothermal type of mineral deposit, which can be effectively exploited. This is the first study to undertake a longitudinal analysis on the characteristics, distribution and scale, origin and utilization prospects of Li‐rich geothermal resources in southern Xizang, research that will contribute to a deeper understanding of Li‐rich geothermal resources in the area and attract attention to these resources in China.
Quantitative Gas‐in‐place Comparison of Original and Bitumen‐free Lacustrine Shale
Authors: LI Jing , ZHOU Shixin , FU Deliang , CHEN Kefei , ZHANG Chen , SUN Zexiang , LI Pengpeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractResidual bitumen in organic‐rich shale of oil windows exists widely, and its effect on the gas storage capacity of shale could be two‐fold. Bitumen could occupy and block the nanopores of shale, thereby reducing the gas storage capacity. On the other hand, gas could be dissolved in bitumen in shale gas reservoirs, leading to enhanced gas storage capacity. To quantify the effect of bitumen on the gas‐in‐place (GIP) estimation of lacustrine organic‐rich shale, the micropore characteristics and methane sorption capacity of original and bitumen‐free shale from the Triassic Yangchang Formation of the Ordos Basin, combined with the methane dissolution capacity for the isolated bitumen, were analyzed and compared. GIP for the original and bitumen‐free shale in the depth range of 500–2500 m was evaluated. The results show that micropores in the shale samples were mainly related to organic matter. Clay mineral‐hosted pores contributed slightly to microporosity. Bitumen significantly reduced the micropore surface area and volume of the original shale, with average percentages of 28.09% and 51.26%, respectively. The methane sorption capacity decreased after bitumen removal. When normalized to the original shale mass, the sum of the methane sorption capacity for bitumen‐free shale and the methane dissolution capacity for isolated bitumen was similar to the methane sorption capacity of the original shale, indicating that the lack of methane absorbed on bitumen is the main reason for the decrease in methane sorption capacity after bitumen removal. The contribution of absorbed methane on bitumen to sorbed methane in shale could be higher than 36.23%. Dual effects of bitumen on shale GIP were observed. A high content of bitumen (1.12%) increased the GIP of the shale samples, with an average percentage of 23.5% in the depth range of 500–2500 m, while a low content of bitumen (0.06%) decreased the GIP, with an average percentage of 13.6%.
Oxygen Isotopic Compositions in a Plagioclase‐Olivine Inclusion from Ningqiang Similar to Those in Al‐rich Chondrules
Authors: DAI Deqiu , BAO Haimei , LIU Shuang , YIN Feng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report the petrology and oxygen isotopic composition, using a Cameca NanoSIMS 50L ion microprobe, of a plagioclase–olivine inclusion, C#1, found in the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite. In addition to major phases (plagioclase, spinel and olivine), C#1 is also surrounded by a pyroxene rim (64 vol % Ca‐rich and 36 vol % Ca‐poor pyroxenes). On a three‐isotope oxygen diagram, δ17O vs. δ18O, the compositions of individual minerals analyzed in C#1 fall along the carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral line (CCAM), and oxygen isotopic compositions in C#1 show significant variability in δ18O and δ17O. The oxygen isotopic compositions of the pyroxene rim minerals are similar to those of the other host minerals, which suggests that the rim likely formed from the same melting process as the host. The rim is considered to have formed as a result of interaction between an 16O‐poor gas and a melt. Some spinel grains are typically 16O‐rich and likely of relict origin, which is similar to 16O‐rich Ca‐, Al‐rich inclusions, which are probably a precursor of C#1. The inclusion then likely melted in an 16O‐poor region where chondrules form, accompanied by oxygen isotope exchange with an 16O‐poor gas. Some anorthite, pyroxene and spinel might have undergone fluid‐assisted thermal metamorphism on the Ningqiang chondrite parent body. The oxygen isotope data and evolution of the C#1 plagioclase–olivine inclusion are similar with those of Al‐chondrules in chondrites.
Repetitive blast mild traumatic brain injury increases ethanol sensitivity in male mice and risky drinking behavior in male combat veterans
Authors: Schindler Abigail G. , Baskin Britahny , Juarez Barbara , Janet Lee Suhjung , Hendrickson Rebecca , Pagulayan Kathleen , Zweifel Larry S. , Raskind Murray A. , Phillips Paul E.M. , Peskind Elaine R. , Cook David G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common in civilians and highly prevalent among military service members. mTBI can increase health risk behaviors (e.g., sensation seeking, impulsivity) and addiction risk (e.g., for alcohol use disorder (AUD)), but how mTBI and substance use might interact to promote addiction risk remains poorly understood. Likewise, potential differences in single vs. repetitive mTBI in relation to alcohol use/abuse have not been previously examined.MethodsHere, we examined how a history of single (1×) or repetitive (3×) blast exposure (blast‐mTBI) affects ethanol (EtOH)‐induced behavioral and physiological outcomes using an established mouse model of blast‐mTBI. To investigate potential translational relevance, we also examined self‐report responses to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption questions (AUDIT‐C), a widely used measure to identify potential hazardous drinking and AUD, and used a novel unsupervised machine learning approach to investigate whether a history of blast‐mTBI affected drinking behaviors in Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans.ResultsBoth single and repetitive blast‐mTBI in mice increased the sedative properties of EtOH (with no change in tolerance or metabolism), but only repetitive blast potentiated EtOH‐induced locomotor stimulation and shifted EtOH intake patterns. Specifically, mice exposed to repetitive blasts showed increased consumption “front‐loading” (e.g., a higher rate of consumption during an initial 2‐h acute phase of a 24‐h alcohol access period and decreased total daily intake) during an intermittent 2‐bottle choice condition. Examination of AUDIT‐C scores in Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans revealed an optimal 3‐cluster solution: “low” (low intake and low frequency), “frequent” (low intake and high frequency), and “risky” (high intake and high frequency), where Veterans with a history of blast‐mTBI displayed a shift in cluster assignment from “frequent” to “risky,” as compared to Veterans who were deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan but had no lifetime history of TBI.ConclusionsTogether, these results offer new insight into how blast‐mTBI may give increase AUD risk and highlight the increased potential for adverse health risk behaviors following repetitive blast‐mTBI.
Preventing early births in a regional tertiary maternity unit: Evaluating preterm and early term birth rates before and after implementation of the Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative in the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Orefice Roberto , Smythe Julia , Doherty Dorota A. , Lim Boon 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundA multifaceted preterm birth (PTB) prevention initiative was launched in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in 2019. The aim of this initiative was to safely lower the rate of early births across the ACT and the surrounding areas in New South Wales. Modelled on the Western Australian PTB Prevention Initiative, the program included new clinical guidelines and a new PTB prevention clinic at the main tertiary hospital.AimTo evaluate the initiative and its effects on preterm and early term birth rates at the main tertiary hospital after 16 months of implementation.Materials and MethodsA before and after intervention study was conducted. Rates of preterm and early term birth before (previous five years) and after 16 months of implementation of the ACT PTB Prevention Initiative were evaluated.ResultsAt the main tertiary hospital in The Canberra Hospital, the rate of PTB was significantly reduced by 10% after 16 months of implementation of the initiative. Rates of PTB were lower than any of the preceding five years and resulted in 45 averted or delayed PTBs. The number of planned early term births with no medical indication was significantly reduced by 34.5% and resulted in 77 averted or delayed early term births.ConclusionsThe multifaceted PTB Prevention Initiative safely lowered the rates of early birth in the ACT context. These results highlight the importance of prioritising early birth prevention, education, research and expanding the initiative nationwide.
Is the East Asia quadrilateral sustainable?
Authors: Rao Anand 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn 2003, scholar Robyn Lim argued that the United States had tenaciously committed itself since the early twentieth century to maintaining a “quadrilateral” balance of power in East Asia that included itself, China, Japan, and Russia. In the years since, however, the devastating material and psychological impacts of the Iraq War have combined with the neo‐isolationist sentiments of President Donald Trump to call into question America's commitment to maintaining the East Asia quadrilateral. The arrangement has been put under further pressure by the inexorable and almost unbelievable rise of China to the status of economic superpower since the year 2000. Given these circumstances, it is imperative to consider what East Asia will look like if Washington chooses to retrench from the region in the coming decades.
The organizational relationship–based political connection and debt financing: Evidence from Chinese private firms
Authors: Zhang Nan , Liang Qiaozhuan , Li Huiying , Wang Xiao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGiven the existing literatures of political connection's effect on debt financing that mainly focus on the interpersonal relationship–based political connection, this study investigated how organizational relationship–based political connection (OPC, established by corporate party organization) influence private firms’ debt financing in China. With 11,061 firm‐year observations of China's A‐shared listed private firms between 2010 and 2017, we found that OPC has a significantly positive effect on private firms’ debt financing. Moreover, this effect is weakened in regions with better developed institutional environments, whereas strengthened when the firms are supported by the industrial policy. This study advances our understanding of the connotation of political connections and provides a new perspective for investigating determinants of private firms’ debt financing in the context of an emerging economy.
The role and mechanisms of polycomb repressive complex 2 on the regulation of osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation of stem cells
Authors: Cao Yangyang , Li Le , Fan Zhipeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts or neurocytes is the key process for treatment of bone‐ or neural tissue‐related diseases which is caused by ageing, fracture, injury, inflammation, etc Polycomb group complexes (PcGs), especially the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), act as pivotal epigenetic regulators by modifying key developmental regulatory genes during stem cells differentiation. In this review, we summarize the core subunits, the variants and the potential functions of PRC2. We also highlight the underlying mechanisms of PRC2 associated with the osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation of stem cells, including its interaction with non‐coding RNAs, histone acetyltransferases, histone demethylase, DNA methyltransferase and polycomb repressive complex 1. This review provided a substantial information of epigenetic regulation mediated by PRC2 which leads to the osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation of stem cells.
Prognostic role of KL‐6 in SSc‐ILD patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: d’Alessandro Miriana , Bellisai Francesca , Bergantini Laura , Cameli Paolo , D’Alessandro Roberto , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Gentili Francesco , Conticini Edoardo , Selvi Enrico , Frediani Bruno , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Bargagli Elena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundKrebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) is a high‐molecular‐weight (200kDa) glycoprotein proposed as a diagnostic biomarker for differentiating interstitial lung disease (ILD). Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare immune‐mediated disorder, and ILD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) has been described to have a poor prognosis in SSc‐ILD patients. This study undertook to compare serial changes in KL‐6 in SSc‐ILD patients with and without PPFE, to verify its prognostic value as a disease biomarker.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐five SSc‐ILD patients (median IQR, 62 (56‐58); 20% males) were retrospectively enrolled. 12 SSc‐ILD patients (48%) had also a radiological diagnosis of PPFE. Serum KL‐6 concentrations were measured by KL‐6 reagent assay (Fujirebio Europe, Ghent, Belgium).ResultsSerum KL‐6 measurements were increased in SSc‐ILD patients with and without PPFE compared with healthy controls (P < .0001). Comparative analysis of the rate of variation of KL‐6 over the 6 years of follow‐up was performed by serial two‐yearly KL‐6 measurements: Δ1(t1‐t0), Δ2(t2‐t1) and Δ3(t3‐t2). In SSc‐ILD patients with PPFE pattern, Δ3 was significantly different than those without PPFE pattern (P = .0020). Serum KL‐6 levels were significantly different (P = .0455) either at Δ2 and Δ3 in the PPFE group. In SSc‐ILD patients with PPFE, at t3 serum KL‐6 concentrations were inversely correlated with FEV1 (r = −.76; P = .037) and FVC percentages (r = −.79; P = .028).ConclusionThese results suggest that serial measurements of KL‐6 in the follow‐up of these patients may help to monitor disease progression. In real life, in SSc‐ILD patients PPFE should be always evaluated at CT and when present should suggest a tight follow‐up to monitor its evolution.
‘If he feels better I'll feel better’ relationships with individuals at high‐risk of developing psychosis
Authors: Izon Emma , Berry Katherine , Law Heather , French Paul 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimA large proportion of individuals with an at‐risk mental state (ARMS) live at home and are supported by their families. Recommended treatment includes family intervention (FI), and therefore, understanding relationships between individuals with an ARMS and their family members is key. This study aimed to provide a more holistic exploration of relationships within families of individuals with an ARMS by reporting the perceived impact of the condition on other family members including sibling and romantic relationships.MethodFourteen semi‐structured interviews with family members were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParents wanted to maintain a safe family environment for all family members. This can result in spending less time with siblings who impacted on siblings' relationships with the service user and other family members. Romantic relationships were negatively impacted when there was unclear communication between the couple, as well as the partner's response and understanding of the ARMS condition. Clear communication across sibling and romantic relationships facilitated helpful family/carer's behaviour and understanding of the individuals' mental distress.ConclusionFI should explore and support families with changes in sibling and romantic relationships. More research is needed to understand siblings' perspectives in families with individuals experiencing an ARMS and to develop resources to support partners and families in changes within their sexual and romantic relationships.