bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of cereal food intake
Authors: Landberg Rikard , Hanhineva Kati , Tuohy Kieran , Garcia-Aloy Mar , Biskup Izabela , Llorach Rafael , Yin Xiaofei , Brennan Lorraine , Kolehmainen Marjukka 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackground/objectivesCereal foods are major contributors to the daily energy, protein, and dietary fiber intake all over the world. The role of cereals in human health is dependent on whether they are consumed as refined or whole grain and on cereal species. To unravel the underlying mechanisms of health effects attributed to specific cereal foods and to provide more precise dietary advice, there is a need for improved dietary assessment of whole-grain intake. Dietary biomarkers of specific cereals, different fractions or cereal-containing foods could offer such a possibility. The aim of this review was to summarize the current status on biomarkers of different cereals, fractions, and specific cereal foods.Subjects and methodsA literature review was conducted and putative biomarkers of different cereals and pseudo-cereals (wheat, oats, rye, barley, rice, and quinoa) as well as for different grain fractions (whole grain, refined grain, bran) and foods were summarized and discussed.ResultsSeveral putative biomarkers have been suggested for different cereals, due to their unique presence in these grains. Among the biomarkers, odd-numbered alkylresorcinols are the most well-studied and -evaluated biomarkers and reflect whole-grain wheat and rye intake. Even-numbered alkylresorcinols have been suggested to reflect quinoa intake. Recent studies have also highlighted the potential of avenanthramides and avenacosides as specific biomarkers of oat intake, and a set of biomarkers have been suggested to reflect rice bran intake. However, there are yet no specific biomarkers of refined grains. Most biomarker candidates remain to be evaluated in controlled interventions and free-living populations before applied as biomarkers of intake in food and health studies.ConclusionSeveral putative biomarkers of different cereals have been suggested and should be validated in human studies using recently developed food intake biomarker validation criteria.
Growth parameters of Liberibacter crescens suggest ammonium and phosphate as essential molecules in the Liberibacter-plant host interface
Authors: Cruz-Munoz Maritsa , Munoz-Beristain Alam , Petrone Joseph R. , Robinson Matthew A. , Triplett Eric W. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Liberibacter crescens is the closest cultured relative of four important uncultured crop pathogens. Candidatus. L. asiaticus, L. americanus, L. africanus cause citrus greening disease, while Ca. L. solanacearum causes potato Zebra chip disease. None of the pathogens grows in axenic culture. L. crescens grows in three media: a BM-7, a serum-free Hi® Grace’s Insect Medium (Hi-GI), and a chemically-defined medium called M15. To date, no optimal growth parameters of the model species L. crescens have been reported. Studying the main growth parameters of L. crescens in axenic culture will give us insights into the lifestyle of the Ca. Liberibacter pathogens.

Results
The evaluation of the growth parameters—pH, aeration, temperature, and buffering capacity—reflects the optimal living conditions of L. crescens. These variables revealed that L. crescens is an aerobic, neutrophilic bacterium, that grows optimally in broth in a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8, in a fully oxygenated environment (250 rpm), at 28 °C, and with monosodium phosphate (10 mM or 11.69 mM) as the preferred buffer for growth. The increase of pH in the external media likely results from the deamination activity within the cell, with the concomitant over-production of ammonium in the external medium.

Conclusion
L. crescens and the Ca. Liberibacter pathogens are metabolically similar and grow in similar environments—the phloem and the gut of their insect vectors. The evaluation of the growth parameters of L. crescens reveals the lifestyle of Liberibacter, elucidating ammonium and phosphate as essential molecules for colonization within the hosts. Ammonium is the main driver of pH modulation by active deamination of amino acids in the L. crescens amino acid rich media. In plants, excess ammonium induces ionic imbalances, oxidative stress, and pH disturbances across cell membranes, causing stunted root and shoot growth and chlorosis—the common symptoms of HLB-disease. Phosphate, which is also present in Ca. L. asiaticus hosts, is the preferred buffer for the growth of L. crescens. The interplay between ammonium, sucrose, potassium (K+), phosphate, nitrate (NO3−), light and other photosynthates might lead to develop better strategies for disease management.
Genomic changes and biochemical alterations of seed protein and oil content in a subset of fast neutron induced soybean mutants
Authors: Islam Nazrul , Stupar Robert M. , Qijian Song , Luthria Devanand L. , Garrett Wesley , Stec Adrian O. , Roessler Jeff , Natarajan Savithiry S. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Soybean is subjected to genetic manipulation by breeding, mutation, and transgenic approaches to produce value-added quality traits. Among those genetic approaches, mutagenesis through fast neutrons radiation is intriguing because it yields a variety of mutations, including single/multiple gene deletions and/or duplications. Characterizing the seed composition of the fast neutron mutants and its relationship with gene mutation is useful towards understanding oil and protein traits in soybean.

Results
From a large population of fast neutron mutagenized plants, we selected ten mutants based on a screening of total oil and protein content using near infra-red spectroscopy. These ten mutants were regrown, and the seeds were analyzed for oil by GC-MS, protein profiling by SDS-PAGE and gene mapping by comparative genomic hybridization. The mutant 2R29C14Cladecr233cMN15 (nicknamed in this study as L10) showed higher protein and lower oil content compared to the wild type, followed by three other lines (nicknamed in this study as L03, L05, and L06). We characterized the fatty acid methyl esters profile of the trans-esterified oil and found the presence of five major fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids) at varying proportions among the mutants. Protein profile using SDS-PAGE of the ten mutants did exhibit discernable variation between storage (glycinin and β-conglycinin) and anti-nutritional factor (trypsin inhibitor) proteins. In addition, we physically mapped the position of the gene deletions or duplications in each mutant using comparative genomic hybridization.

Conclusion
Characterization of oil and protein profile in soybean fast neutron mutants will assist scientist and breeders to develop new value-added soybeans with improved protein and oil quality traits.
Reducing inappropriate psychotropic drug use in nursing home residents with dementia: protocol for participatory action research in a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Groot Kormelinck Claudia M. , van Teunenbroek Charlotte F. , Kollen Boudewijn J. , Reitsma Margreet , Gerritsen Debby L. , Smalbrugge Martin , Zuidema Sytse U. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPsychotropic drugs are often prescribed to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home residents with dementia, despite having limited efficacy and considerable side effects. To reduce the inappropriate prescribing of these psychotropic drugs, various non-pharmacological, psychosocial, person-centered, or multidisciplinary interventions are advocated. However, existing multidisciplinary interventions have shown variable effects, with limited effectiveness often resulting from suboptimal implementation. We hypothesize that an effective intervention needs to fit the local situation of a nursing home and that support should be offered during implementation.MethodsWe will embed participatory action research within a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial to study the effects of a tailored intervention and implementation plan to reduce inappropriate psychotropic drug prescribing. Nursing homes will be provided with tailored information about the perceived problems of managing neuropsychiatric symptoms and we will offer coaching support throughout. Alongside the participatory action research, we will perform a process evaluation to examine the quality of the study, the intervention, and the implementation. Our aim is to recruit 600 residents from 16 nursing homes throughout the Netherlands, with measurements taken at baseline, 8 months, and 16 months. Nursing homes will be randomly allocated to an intervention or a deferred intervention group. During each intervention stage, we will provide information about inappropriate psychotropic drug prescribing, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and difficulties in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms through collaboration with each nursing home. After this, a tailored intervention and implementation plan will be written and implemented, guided by a coach. The primary outcome will be the reduction of inappropriate prescribing, as measured by the Appropriate Psychotropic drug use In Dementia index. Secondary outcomes will be the frequency of psychotropic drug use and neuropsychiatric symptoms, plus quality of life. A mixed methods design will be used for the process evaluation. Effects will be assessed using multilevel analyses. The project leader of the nursing home and the coach will complete questionnaires and in-depth interviews.DiscussionWe anticipate that the proposed tailored intervention with coaching will reduce inappropriate psychotropic drug prescribing for nursing home residents with neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study should also provide insights into the barriers to, and facilitators of, implementation.Trial registrationNTR5872, registered on July 2, 2016.
Daily stress as link between disadvantage and smoking: an ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Jahnel Tina , Ferguson Stuart G. , Shiffman Saul , Schüz Benjamin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is a well-established social gradient in smoking, but little is known about the underlying behavioral mechanisms. Here, we take a social-ecological perspective by examining daily stress experience as a process linking social disadvantage to smoking behavior.MethodA sample of 194 daily smokers, who were not attempting to quit, recorded their smoking and information about situational and contextual factors for three weeks using an electronic diary. We tested whether socioeconomic disadvantage (indicated by educational attainment, income and race) exerts indirect effects on smoking (cigarettes per day) via daily stress. Stress experience was assessed at the end of each day using Ecological Momentary Assessment methods. Data were analyzed using random effects regression with a lower-level (2-1-1) mediation model.ResultsOn the within-person level lower educated and African American smokers reported significantly more daily stress across the monitoring period, which in turn was associated with more smoking. This resulted in a small significant indirect effect of daily stress experience on social disadvantage and smoking when using education and race as indicator for social disadvantage. No such effects were found when for income as indicator for social disadvantage.ConclusionThese findings highlight the potential for future studies investigating behavioral mechanisms underlying smoking disparities. Such information would aid in the development and improvement of interventions to reduce social inequality in smoking rates and smoking rates in general.
Preliminary insight into horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases in the United Kingdom
Authors: Spence Kelsey L. , Cardwell Jacqueline M. , Slater Josh , Rosanowski Sarah M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The potential for an exotic disease incursion is a significant concern for the United Kingdom (UK) equine industry. Horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases can influence decisions to adopt disease preparedness strategies. The objectives of this study were to describe horse owners’ 1) perceptions of the term ‘exotic disease’, and 2) attitudes towards their risk of being affected by an exotic disease. In order to address these objectives, qualitative content analysis was undertaken on data collected using two open-ended survey questions.

Results
Horse owners (n = 423) perceived exotic diseases as 1) belonging somewhere else, and 2) a dangerous threat to their horse(s). The term ‘exotic’ was associated with being foreign, non-native, and out-of-place in the UK. Attitudes towards exotic disease risk were summarised into four categories: 1) responsible horse owners prevent disease, 2) horse owners need support to stop disease spread, 3) risk depends on proximity to the ‘risky’ horse, and 4) some risk is inevitable. A ‘responsible’ owner was aware of health hazards and took actions to protect their horse from disease. Reliance on others, including stakeholders, to uphold disease prevention in the community led to feeling vulnerable to disease threats. When evaluating risk, horse owners considered which horses were the ‘riskiest’ to their horse’s health (horses that travelled, participated in competitions, or were simply unfamiliar) and avoided situations where they could interact. Despite undertaking disease prevention measures, the perceived uncontrollable nature of exotic diseases led some owners to feel an incursion was inevitable.

Conclusions
Without accounting for horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases, recommendations to increase preparedness may be ineffective. Improved communication among stakeholders in the industry may assist in clarifying expectations for exotic disease-specific prevention measures. A collaborative approach among horse owners and stakeholders is recommended to improve disease preparedness within the industry.
Comparing the burdens of opportunistic infections among patients with systemic rheumatic diseases: a nationally representative cohort study
Authors: Hsu Chung-Yuan , Ko Chi-Hua , Wang Jiun-Ling , Hsu Tsai-Ching , Lin Chun-Yu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
To estimate and compare the burdens of opportunistic infections and herpes zoster in real-world practice among patients with various systemic rheumatic diseases.

Methods
This 13-year cohort study used national health insurance data to compare the incidence rates (IRs) of nine opportunistic infections among patients with five rheumatic diseases. The analyses were stratified according to follow-up duration using Poisson regression, and Cox models were used to compare the risk of first opportunistic infection.

Results
During 2000–2013, we identified 76,966 patients who had polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM, 2270 cases), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 15,961 cases), systemic sclerosis (SSc, 2071 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 38,355 cases), or primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS, 18,309 cases). The IR of opportunistic infections was highest for PM/DM cases (61.3/1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 56.6–66.2), followed by SLE cases (43.1/1000 person-years, 95% CI 41.7–44.5), SSc cases (31.6/1000 person-years, 95% CI 28.3–35.1), RA cases (25.0/1000 person-years, 95% CI 24.4–25.7), and pSS cases (24.1/1000 person-years, 95% CI 23.1–25.2). Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that, relative to SLE, PM/DM was associated with a significantly higher risk of opportunistic infections (hazard ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.29). The risk of opportunistic infections was highest during the first year after the diagnosis of all five rheumatic diseases.

Conclusions
The risk of opportunistic infection was highest for PM/DM, followed by SLE, SSc, RA, and pSS. Careful observation and preventive therapy for opportunistic infections may be warranted in selected PM/DM patients, especially during the first year after the diagnosis.
Prolactinaldosterone humoral system in patients with postoperative hypothyrosis and arterial hypertension
Authors: Ustinova S. Ye. , Mychka V. B. , Gerasimov G. A. 
Published: October 2019

Clarification of the possible pathogenetic relationship of hypothyroidism and arterial hypertension (AH) is relevant for the clinic in connection with two well-known observations: normalization of blood pressure in such patients on the background of thyroid hormone replacement therapy and the hypotensive effect of thyroid drugs in some patients with essential hypertension. AH, according to various authors, is detected in 10-50% of patients with hypothyroidism.
The literature discusses two possible mechanisms for the formation of hypertension in hypothyroidism: the presence of a volume factor and increased sympathetic activity. With the greatest constancy in such patients suppression of renin activity is detected, in some cases, an increased content of norepinephrine in the blood plasma and increased excretion of it in the urine are determined. Hyperprolactinemia, often observed in hypothyroidism, hyperaldosteronemia, detected in some cases in patients with hypothyroidism and hypertension, are of particular interest in connection with the known data on the inhibitory factor common to both hormones - the dopaminergic activity of the hypothalamus.
Given the general dopaminergic mechanism of regulation of prolactin (PRL) and aldosterone (A), it is logical to assume that the combined hyperproduction of both hormones may be due to a deficiency of dopaminergic activity.
According to our own preliminary observations, hypertension, which has developed or worsened due to postoperative hypothyroidism, is associated with low renin activity, hyperprolactinemia and hyperaldosteronemia, corrected by the dopaminergic receptor agonist - parlodel.
The aim of this work was to study the relationship in the PRL - A system in patients with hypertension that developed after resection of the thyroid gland.
Liberal diets in type I diabetes mellitus (Review of literature and authors’ data)
Authors: Starostina Ye. G. , Galstyan G. R. , Dedov I. I. 
Published: October 2019

The treatment options for insulin-dependent (T1DM) and insulin-independent (T2DM) diabetes mellitus are significantly different, although they have a number of common goals (eliminating the symptoms of hyperglycemia, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia, and preventing micro- and macroangiopathies). The main method for the correction of hyperglycemia in T2DM is the normalization of body weight (BW) with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. With T1DM, the genesis of which is associated not with excess BW, but with autoimmune death of p-cells and insulin deficiency, insulin replacement therapy is the main treatment method, and dietary restrictions for T1DM patients, according to modern views, are auxiliary and should be prescribed only to the extent in which their insulin therapy is different from the physiological secretion of insulin.
The fundamental principles of traditional diet therapy for T1DM have been critically reviewed in recent years. The most important requirement of traditional dietetics is the so-called "calorie balance"; hence, with an excess BW, a hypocaloric diet is usually recommended, with a deficiency of BW, a diet with a high calorie content, and with normal BW, one that guarantees the maintenance of BW. However, it has recently been proven that with normal BW, the lowest rates of morbidity and mortality are by no means always observed. In contrast, the highest expected life expectancy was found in individuals with relatively small excess BW. Based on this, patients with T1DM are unlikely to strive at all costs for a true "ideal weight". A diet with a reduced number of calories compared to a healthy person with the same physical activity cannot provide a patient with T1DM with a normal weight of sufficient physical performance. A deficiency of carbohydrates leads to an insufficient supply of energy to the body. In adults, this is manifested by a decrease in working capacity, in children - by a lag in physical development. In addition, insufficient intake of carbohydrates is accompanied by the emptying of glycogen depots in the liver and an increased risk of hypoglycemia. With a deficiency of carbohydrates, endogenous fats begin to be consumed as an energy source, which leads to acetonuria.
Comparative Review of Artificial Light Sources for Solar-Thermal Biomass Conversion Research Applications
Authors: Sobek Szymon , Werle Sebastian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn recent years solar-thermal methods of waste biomass conversion are promptly gaining on attention. For researchers working in areas that suffer from lack of natural solar power, the choice of proper solar simulator for the study is crucial. Solar simulator consist of artificial light source enclosed in proper housing with optical and cooling system, powered by dedicated power supply. Solar simulators are not only granting independence from external conditions, yet provide possibility of research expand due to tuneable output power and emissive spectrum. Over the years, solar simulators were powered by different types of lamps. Throughout the history, the solar simulators were used mainly in photovoltaic and space research, crystal growth industry, and the material testing. For mentioned purposes, the total thermal output power of simulator was playing secondary role in comparison to urgent need of spectral match, irradiance distribution and beam uniformity with terrestrial or extra-terrestrial sunlight. For thermal applications, solar simulators are facing the challenge of providing high output power, described by high radiant heat flux and high heat flux density over the specified target area. In presented paper the comparison of xenon arc, metal halide lams and tungsten halogen for thermal applications has been presented with emphasis on available thermal power, spectral match with natural sunlight and operational issues. The course of decision taken during the selection of artificial light source for construction of laboratory-scale solar pyrolytic reactor is proposed.
Post-Coagulation Sludge as an Adsorbent of Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Pieczykolan Barbara , Płonka Izabela 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The main source of usable water supply in Poland is surface water. The most frequently used methods of surface water treatment are coagulation and filtration processes. During these processes post-coagulation sludge is generated, which is the main waste produced in water treatment plants. This sludge is characterized by an amorphous structure with a strongly developed specific surface, similar to sewage sludge. Dried and crushed post-coagulation sludge was used in the studies as an adsorbent of two acid dyes: Acid Red 18 (AR 18) and Acid Green 16 (AG 16). The most favourable pH of process and contact time as well as sorption isotherm were established. For both dyes the most favourable pH value was equal 2. The tests showed that in the case of AR 18 (180 min) a longer contact time was necessary to reach the equilibrium than for AG 16 (120 min). Moreover, based on the different isotherm two-parameter models, the sorption capacity, type of sorption and energy of sorption were calculated based on linear and non-linear regression. The tests showed that in the case of dye AG 16 monolayer sorption occurred - the analysis showed better fitting the results to Langmuir model. Moreover, for both dyes, physical adsorption took place - it was indicated by the values of parameter 1/n (computed from the Freundlich model).