bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Modeling for Food Drying: State of the Art
Authors: Welsh Zachary , Simpson Matthew J. , Khan Md Imran H. , Karim M. A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPlant‐based food materials are mostly porous in nature and heterogeneous in structure with huge diversity in cellular orientation. Different cellular environments of plant‐based food materials, such as intercellular, intracellular, and cell wall environments, hold different proportions of water with different characteristics. Due to this structural heterogeneity, it is very difficult to understand the drying process and associated morphological changes during drying. Transport processes and morphological changes that take place during drying are mainly governed by the characteristics of and the changes in the cells. Therefore, to predict the actual heat and mass transfer process that occurs in the drying process and associated morphological changes, development of multiscale modeling is crucial. Multiscale modeling is a powerful approach with the ability to incorporate this cellular structural heterogeneity with microscale heat and mass transfer during drying. However, due to the huge complexity involved in developing such a model for plant‐based food materials, the studies regarding this issue are very limited. Therefore, we aim in this article to develop a critical conceptual understanding of multiscale modeling frameworks for heterogeneous food materials through an extensive literature review. We present a critical review on the multiscale model formulation and solution techniques with their spatial and temporal coupling options. Food structure, scale definition, and the current status of multiscale modeling are also presented, along with other key factors that are critical to understanding and developing an accurate multiscale framework. We conclude by presenting the main challenges for developing an accurate multiscale modeling framework for food drying.
Audit of Hemodialysis in Children Weighing Less than 20 kg in an African Pediatric Nephrology Unit
Authors: Keenswijk Werner , Sinclair Gina , Benetton Marian , du Plessis Mandi , Nourse Peter , Reddy Deveshni , McCulloch Mignon 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPeritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation remain the preferred choices for renal replacement therapy in young children. These options, however, are not always feasible, and hemodialysis (HD) is therefore an accepted alternative. In small children presenting with end‐stage renal disease, HD presents several challenges and is often unavailable in lower‐ and middle‐income countries. To assess these challenges and outcomes of maintenance HD in young children, we performed an audit of children below 20 kg with end‐stage renal disease, receiving HD for ≥4 weeks, from 1 January 2008 to 31 July 2016 at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. We identified 15 children weighing 6.8–18.5 kg (mean 12.9 kg ±3.5 SD) and aged 11.5–105 months (mean 52.2 months±4.2 SD) at HD initiation. Mean duration of HD was 11.8 months (range 1–61.5 months ± 16.9 SD). Seven children underwent successful transplantation, two patients died, and four currently still receive HD. Two patients, while on HD, relocated to other centers. An average of 2.6 (range 1–5) different vascular accesses was required per patient. Technical difficulties were the most common cause of central‐line removal (81%), while catheter‐associated bacteremia was 1.1/1000 catheter days. Frequent problems were intradialytic hypotension, growth stunting, and interdialytic hypertension. HD in lower‐ and middle‐income countries is feasible in small children but presents with certain challenges. Advocacy with lobbying for funding and development of “child‐friendly” dialysis equipment and specialized centers with highly skilled personnel are the cornerstones of successful pediatric HD programs in less‐resourced centers.
Effects of Mixing Ratio and pH on the Electrostatic Interactions of Hydrolyzed Alaska Pollock Protein and κ‐Carrageenan
Authors: Cui Xiao , Yu Fanqianhui , Xue Yong , Zhang Tao , Ji Lei , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn order to widen the application of Alaska Pollock salt‐soluble protein and improve the properties of κ‐carrageenan (KC), we evaluated whether the electrostatic interaction between KC and hydrolyzed protein (HP) improved the solubility of salt‐soluble proteins and assessed acid hydrolysis‐induced changes in the viscosity of KC. Moreover, we determined the effects of pH, KC, and HP mixing weight ratio (R, from 1:8 to 8:1) on the properties of mixtures. ζ‐Potential results demonstrated that there were electrostatic interactions between KC and HP. Results of solution transmission and precipitation diagram analysis demonstrated that increasing the ratio of KC in KC–HP mixtures expanded the pH range of HP water solubility and prevented HP from precipitating, even at pH values around the pI. The highest viscosity of the solution measured by rheology analysis occurred at pH 3.5, and the ratio of KC:HP (R) was 1:1. These findings suggested that Alaska Pollock protein could be modified appropriately for use in acidic solutions and semisolid foods; moreover, KC–HPs have a potential application as thickeners in acid condition.Practical ApplicationThese findings suggested that Alaska Pollock protein could be modified appropriately for use in acidic solutions and semisolid foods and that KC–HP may have applications as a new acid thickener.
Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum Swun5815 Combined by Inhibiting Cholesterol Synthesis and Increasing Bile Acid and Sterols Excretion on Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Ren Ting , You Yuming , Luo Yuanli , Wang Yuanwei , Liu Xiong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study evaluated the hypocholesterolemic effects and potential metabolism of single and combined administrations of capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum SWUN5815 in ovariectomized rats. Forty female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 5 treatment groups. One group was sham‐operated (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), and the 4 other groups were double‐ovariectomized: OVX–CON (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), OVX–CAP (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids), OVX–L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 109 cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815), and OVX–CAP + L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 109 cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815 and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids). Rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of feeding. Results showed that the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum significantly decreased the total cholesterol, triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of plasma, total cholesterol and lipid accumulation of liver in ovariectomized rats without affecting food intake. Bile acid contents in the fecal excrement and small intestines were significantly increased by the combination compared with the individual effects. However, the mRNA levels of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA R), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), ileum bile acid binding protein (IBABP), and apical sodium‐dependent bile acids transporter (ASBT) significantly decreased. Liver X receptor also remarkably increased. Therefore, these genes potentially affect cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and promoting excretion of bile acid. The protective effects of the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum SWUN5815 on the intestines were significant in ovariectomized rats.
Early life esophageal acid exposure reduces expression of NMDAR1 in the adult rat dorsal hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex: Potential relationship with hyperlocomotion
Authors: Zhang Wei Fang , Wang Xin , Wang Kun , Duan Li Ping 
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVEEarly life esophageal acid exposure causes long‐term molecular alterations in the rostral cingulate cortex; however, whether it induces behavioral changes remains unverified. Little is known about the molecular changes resulting from this event in the developing hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). This study aimed to investigate the influence of early life esophageal acid exposure on spontaneous locomotor behavior and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR), expression in these brain regions of adult rats.METHODSMale Sprague–Dawley rats were administered with an esophageal acid or saline infusion once per day (postnatal days 7–14). Some of these rats were given acute esophageal acid rechallenge in adulthood (postnatal day 60). The spontaneous locomotor behavior and expressions of esophageal epithelial caludin‐1 and NMDAR subunits in the dorsal hippocampus (DH), ventral hippocampus (VH) and mPFC of the adult rats were recorded.RESULTSNeonatal esophageal acid stimulation caused long‐term impairment of the tight junctions in the adult esophagus. Simultaneously, hyperlocomotion and reduced expression of NMDAR1 subunits in both the DH and mPFC were observed, but not in the VH regions. Adult acute acid rechallenge reversed the decreased NMDAR1 expression in the DH and mPFC. The glycine ligand to NMDAR1 subunits was also changed.CONCLUSIONSPeripheral visceral stimulation such as esophageal acid exposure during cerebral development induces increased locomotor activity, which may be related to the alteration of central sensitivity via NMDAR1 subunit reduction in the DH and mPFC. The impairment of tight junctions in the esophageal epithelium may contribute to the formation of central neuroplasticity.
Epidemiology of prediabetes and diabetes in Namibia, Africa: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Adekanmbi Victor T. , Uthman Olalekan A. , Erqou Sebhat , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B. , Harhay Meera N. , Harhay Michael O. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes is a leading cause of progressive morbidity and early mortality worldwide. Little is known about the burden of diabetes and prediabetes in Namibia, a Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) country that is undergoing a demographic transition.MethodsWe estimated the prevalence and correlates of diabetes (defined as fasting [capillary] blood glucose [FBG] ≥126 mg/dL) and prediabetes (defined by World Health Organization [WHO] and American Diabetes Association [ADA] criteria as FBG 110–125 and 100–125 mg/dL, respectively) in a random sample of 3278 participants aged 35–64 years from the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes was 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2–6.2), with no evidence of gender differences (P = 0.45). The prevalence of prediabetes was 6.8% (95% CI 5.8–8.0) using WHO criteria and 20.1% (95% CI 18.4–21.9) using ADA criteria. Male sex, older age, higher body mass index (BMI), and occupation independently increased the odds of diabetes in Namibia, whereas higher BMI was associated with a higher odds of prediabetes, and residing in a household categorized as “middle wealth index” was associated with a lower odds of prediabetes (adjusted odds ratio 0.71; 95% credible interval 0.46–0.99). There was significant clustering of prediabetes and diabetes at the community level.ConclusionsOne in five adult Namibians has prediabetes based on ADA criteria. Resources should be invested at the community level to promote efforts to prevent the progression of this disease and its complications.
Boundary strength analysis: Combining colour pattern geometry and coloured patch visual properties for use in predicting behaviour and fitness
Authors: Endler John A. , Cole Gemma L. , Kranz Alexandrea M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractColour patterns are used by many species to make decisions that ultimately affect their Darwinian fitness. Colour patterns consist of a mosaic of patches that differ in geometry and visual properties. Although traditionally pattern geometry and colour patch visual properties are analysed separately, these components are likely to work together as a functional unit. Despite this, the combined effect of patch visual properties, patch geometry, and the effects of the patch boundaries on animal visual systems, behaviour and fitness are relatively unexplored.Here, we describe boundary strength analysis (BSA), a novel way to combine the geometry of the edges (boundaries among the patch classes) with the receptor noise estimate (ΔS) of the intensity of the edges. The method is based upon known properties of vertebrate and invertebrate retinas. The mean andSDof ΔS(mΔS,sΔS) of a colour pattern can be obtained by weighting each edge class ΔSby its length, separately for chromatic and achromatic ΔS. This assumes those colour patterns, or parts of the patterns used in signalling, with largermΔSandsΔS, are more stimulating and hence more salient to the viewers.BSAcan be used to examine both colour patterns and visual backgrounds.Boundary strength analysis was successful in assessing the estimated conspicuousness of colour pattern variants in two species, guppiesPoecilia reticulataand Gouldian finchesErythrura gouldiae, both polymorphic for patch colour, luminance and geometry. The 3D representations of the ΔSof patch edges (Fort Diagrams) of both species show that there is little or negative geometric correspondence between the chromatic and achromatic edges. All individuals havemΔS > 1.5 for both chromatic and achromatic measures, indicating the high within‐pattern contrast expected for display signals. In contrast from what one would expect from sexual selection, all guppies havemΔSless than expected from random contacts between all pairs of patch colour/luminance classes. The correlation between chromatic and luminance ΔSis negative in both species but zero when correlating all possible kinds of edges between the colours of each species and morph, indicating nonrandom colour geometry.The pattern difference between chromatic and achromatic edges in both species reveals the possibility that chromatic and achromatic edges could function differently. The smaller than random expectedmΔSvalues in guppies suggests an anti‐predator function because guppies are never found without predators. Moreover,mΔScould vary with predation intensity within and among species.BSAcan be applied to any colour pattern used in intraspecific and interspecific behaviour. Seven predictions and four questions about colour patterns are presented.In species which are very convex in cross‐section, both chromatic and luminancemΔSchange with viewing angle; geometry of signalling is as important as signal geometry.
In situ and invasive melanoma in a high‐risk, New Zealand, population: A population‐based study
Authors: Elwood J Mark , Kim Stella J‐H , Ip Ken H‐K , Oakley Amanda , Rademaker Marius 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundFew population‐based studies assess both invasive and in situ melanoma. We document all patients with a first biopsied melanoma in a general population in New Zealand (NZ).MethodsAll residents in a defined area of New Zealand with a biopsy showing a new primary invasive or in situ melanoma from 2010 to 2012 were identified, 974 patients; analysis used multivariate methods.ResultsAge‐standardised incidence rates were 34.3 in females (F) and 41.4 in males (M) for invasive, 20.9 F and 27.6 M for in situ, and 55.2 F and 69.0 M for total melanoma. More in situ melanoma occurred in older patients and on the head and neck. Geometric mean Breslow thickness for invasive was 0.78 mm F and 0.85 mm M, with thicker lesions at ages over 60 and on the lower limb; there was no significant relationship with sex, distance from care or social deprivation assessed from residential address. Nodular melanomas (15%) were more frequent in older and male patients, and on the limbs, and were thicker. The estimated cumulative risk for melanoma is 4.4% F and 4.6% M by age 70. The body site distribution and sex differences were consistent with sun exposure patterns. Estimated incidence of melanoma in New Zealand in 2018 is 2500 invasive and 1700 in situ cases.ConclusionsAssessing both in situ and invasive melanoma expands the clinical picture, better estimating health care demand and costs. Results suggest that in situ disease is a more slowly growing lesion than the early phase of invasive disease. The features of thicker or nodular melanoma show priorities for prevention and early detection.
A new Luminex‐based peptide assay to identify reactivity to baked, fermented, and whole milk
Authors: Sackesen Cansin , Suárez‐Fariñas Mayte , Silva Ronaldo , Lin Jing , Schmidt Stephanie , Getts Robert , Gimenez Gustavo , Yilmaz Ebru A. , Cavkaytar Ozlem , Buyuktiryaki Betul , Soyer Ozge , Grishina Galina , Sampson Hugh A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe majority of children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) tolerate baked milk. However, reactivity to fermented milk products such as yogurt/cheese has not been previously evaluated. We sought to determine whether children with CMA could tolerate yogurt/cheese and whether a patient's IgE and IgG4‐binding pattern to milk protein epitopes could distinguish clinical reactivity.MethodsFour groups of reactivity were identified by Oral food challenge: baked milk reactive, fermented milk reactive, whole milk reactive, and outgrown. sIgE and sIgG4 binding to milk protein epitopes were assessed with a novel Luminex‐based peptide assay (LPA). Using machine learning techniques, a model was developed to predict different degrees of CMA.ResultsThe baked milk reactive patients demonstrated the highest degree of IgE epitope binding, which was followed sequentially by fermented milk reactive, whole milk reactive, and outgrown. Data were randomly divided into two groups with 75% of the data utilized for model development (n = 68) and 25% for testing (n = 21). All 68 children used for training were correctly classified with models using IgE and IgG4 epitopes. The average cross‐validation accuracy was much higher for models using IgE plus IgG4 epitopes by LPA (84.8%), twice the performance of the serum component proteins assayed by UniCAP (41.9%). The performance of the model on “unseen data” was tested using the 21 withheld patients, and the accuracy of IgE was 86% (AUC = 0.89) while of IgE+IgG4 model was 81% (AUC = 0.94).ConclusionUsing a novel high‐throughput LPA, we were able to distinguish the diversity of IgE/IgG4 binding to epitopes in the varying CMA phenotypes. LPA is a promising tool to predict correctly different degrees of CMA.
Elastin Stabilization Through Polyphenol and Ferric Chloride Combined Treatment for the Enhancement of Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Anticalcification
Authors: Jin Wanyu , Guo Gaoyang , Chen Liang , Lei Yang , Wang Yunbing 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe lifetime of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) is limited by the mechanical damage and calcification. The major components of BHVs are collagen and elastin. Collagen could be well protected by glutaraldehyde (GLUT) crosslinking, while elastin is not stabilized and has a high risk of degradation, which could lead to the calcification of BHVs. We aimed to develop methods for stabilizing elastin and decreasing calcification. We investigated the combined tannic acid (TA) or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with ferric chloride to stabilize elastin and prevent calcification. We found that the amount of TA/EGCG bound to elastin was in a time‐dependent pattern and this reaction showed better efficiency in acidic condition and ethanol‐water mixed solvents. Moreover, Fe3+ could compete with Ca2+ to bind to polyphenol, which could reduce the calcium deposition on BHVs. Cytotoxicity test showed that all extracts from different treatments had similar cell viabilities (85–100%). Through the combined treatments of polyphenol and ferric chloride, the pericardium had a better resistance to elastase degradation and more excellent anticalcification performance.
MicroRNA‐21 and microRNA‐214 play important role in reproduction regulation during porcine estrous
Authors: Tian Mi , Zhang Xu , Ye Pengfei , Tao Qiangqiang , Zhang Liang , Ding Yueyun , Chu Mingxing , Zhang Xiaodong , Yin Zongjun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNormal estrous cycle is crucial for porcine reproduction, and microRNA is closely related to regulation of estrous cycle in porcine ovaries. In this study, we found that the expression of miR‐214 in porcine ovaries was higher than in many other tissues, and miR‐21 expression in ovaries was significantly higher than in the uterus and pituitary. Meanwhile, miR‐21 was upregulated and miR‐214 was downregulated in the ovaries of high litter size (YH) pigs compared with low litter size (YL) pigs. Moreover, the lowest expression of miR‐21 and miR‐214 occurred on Days 14 and 7 of the estrous cycle and was expressed at greater levels in the granulosa cells of subordinate follicles than in dominant follicles on Day 3 of the estrous cycle. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR‐21 and miR‐214 might target several genes that involved in the mTOR signaling, apoptosis, and steroid biosynthesis pathways, and they play important roles in maintaining the porcine estrous cycle. The qPCR and western blot analysis indicated that miR‐214 inhibited the expression of SCARB1 gene in the transcriptional level, but not affected the SCARB1 gene's protein level. Our research findings indicated that miR‐21 and miR‐214 played important roles in reproduction regulation during porcine estrous.
Invasive Asclepias syriaca can have facilitative effects on native grass establishment in a water‐stressed ecosystem
Authors: Szitár Katalin , Kröel‐Dulay György , Török Katalin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractQuestionWhat is the effect of invasive common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) on the germination and early establishment of native grass species during open sand grassland vegetation recovery in old‐fields?LocationFülöpháza Sand Dune Area, Hungary.MethodsA small‐scale experiment was carried out in a sandy old‐field infested with Asclepias. We designated 36 2 m × 2 m plots in patches of Asclepias. We seeded two native grass species Festuca vaginata and Stipa borysthenica in 12 plots each (a third of the plots was left unseeded). We applied repeated mechanical removal of Asclepias shoots on half of the plots for two growing seasons. The number and above‐ground cover of the two grass seedlings were evaluated for two growing seasons.ResultsThe number and above‐ground cover of Festuca and Stipa seedlings did not increase after applying Asclepias shoot removal during the 2 years of the study. We found lower seedling number and cover of Festuca in plots with Asclepias shoot removal in the second year, when a severe summer drought occurred at the study site. The number and cover of the Stipa seedlings did not differ between plots with Asclepias shoot removal and control plots throughout the experiment.ConclusionsWe did not find any negative effects of the presence of the invasive Asclepias during open sand grassland regeneration in terms of germination and early establishment of the dominant grass species. We even detected a nurse effect of Asclepias on Festuca, where the shade of Asclepias may have mitigated the unfavourable abiotic conditions for Festuca caused by summer drought. This mitigation was not observed in the case of Stipa, which can better tolerate summer droughts. Our results suggest that Asclepias control is not required for a successful open sand grassland restoration in the early phase of vegetation recovery, and restoration efforts should focus on the mitigation of propagule limitation of native grasses. However, further information is needed about the effects of Asclepias on other elements of the biota and in later phases of secondary succession.