bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of enriched soaking water on shiitake (Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer) mushroom yield and properties
Authors: RANJBAR Mohammad Ebrahim , OLFATI Jamal Ali , AMANI Masoumeh 
Published: May 2018

Shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia. In the present research, the soaking water was targeted as the vehicle to enrich the substrate. The amount of nutrients in the substrate is severely reduced by mycelium growth and development during spawn running and browning period. Some part of this reduction can be compensated by soaking the substrate in the enriched soaking water. In this study, soaking water was enriched by some complement materials and enrichment effects on some important properties of shiitake mushroom were evaluated. The highest biological efficiency (69.88 %) was gained with soaking the blocks in wheat bran extraction suspension. The highest dry matter of mushroom was obtained by rice bran extraction suspension as the enriched soaking water. The results of this research showed that some important properties of shiitake mushroom can be improved by soaking the blocks with enriched soaking water. According to the results, wheat bran extraction suspension was the best enriched solution to increase productivity of shiitake mushrooms and rice bran extraction suspension was suitable to improve quality of mushrooms.
Evaluation of turmeric-mung bean intercrop productivity through competition functions
Authors: ISLAM Mohamaed , ALAM Mohammad , EL SABAGH Ayman , BARUTÇULAR Celaleddin , RATNASEKERA Disna , KIZILGEÇI Ferhat , ISLAM M. Sohidul 
Published: May 2018

An intercropping experiment was conducted with varying combinations of turmeric and mung bean to find out the efficacy of productivity and economic return through competition functions. Treatments were evaluated on the basis of several competition functions, such as land equivalent ratio (LER), aggressiveness, competitive ratio (CR), monetary advantage index (MAI) and system productivity index (SPI). Results showed that rhizome yields of turmeric were higher in intercropping system than in mono crop. It indicated that intercropping of mung bean did not affect the rhizome yield of turmeric. However, turmeric (100 %) + 3 row mung bean (100 %) in between turmeric lines intercropping system exhibited maximum yield of both the crops as well as turmeric equivalent yield, LER, competitive indices values, SPI and MAI (Tk. 2,44,734.46 ha-1) compared to the other intercropping combinations and the mono crops. Aggressiveness of intercrop indicated dominance of turmeric over mung bean in all the combinations except turmeric (100 %) + 1 row mung bean (33 %). Competition functions of intercroping suggested beneficial association of turmeric and mung bean crops. The study revealed that mung bean could be introduced as intercrop with turmeric without hampering rhizome yield with higher benefit additionally increasing mung bean production area.
Evaluation of the clinical implementation of a large-scale online e-learning program on venous blood specimen collection guideline practices
Authors: Willman Britta , Grankvist Kjell , Bölenius Karin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground:When performed erroneously, the venous blood specimen collection (VBSC) practice steps patient identification, test request management and test tube labeling are at high risk to jeopardize patient safety. VBSC educational programs with the intention to minimize risk of harm to patients are therefore needed. In this study, we evaluate the efficiency of a large-scale online e-learning program on personnel’s adherence to VBSC practices and their experience of the e-learning program.Methods:An interprofessional team transformed an implemented traditional VBSC education program to an online e-learning program developed to stimulate reflection with focus on the high-risk practice steps. We used questionnaires to evaluate the effect of the e-learning program on personnel’s self-reported adherence to VBSC practices compared to questionnaire surveys before and after introduction of the traditional education program. We used content analysis to evaluate the participants free text experience of the VBSC e-learning program.Results:Adherence to the VBSC guideline high-risk practice steps generally increased following the implementation of a traditional educational program followed by an e-learning program. We however found a negative trend over years regarding participation rates and the practice to always send/sign the request form following the introduction of an electronic request system. The participants were in general content with the VBSC e-learning program.Conclusions:Properly designed e-learning programs on VBSC practices supersedes traditional educational programs in usefulness and functionality. Inclusion of questionnaires in the e-learning program is necessary for follow-up of VBSC participant’s practices and educational program efficiency.
Harmonization of urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) results: a study based on an external quality assessment program in Polish laboratories
Authors: Ćwiklińska Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Hanna , Kowalski Robert , Kuchta Agnieszka , Kortas-Stempak Barbara , Fijałkowska Aleksandra , Bednarczuk Gabriela , Jankowski Maciej 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
The ratio of albumin to creatinine (ACR) is an important parameter used for detection of albuminuria in patients with early kidney damage. The aim of the study was to evaluate the harmonization of ACR results among Polish participants in an international external quality assessment (EQA) program, and to evaluate the impact of albumin and creatinine analytical performance on the harmonization of ACR results.

Methods:
We analyzed 182 results of albumin, 202 of creatinine, and 180 of ACR obtained from Polish laboratories in an EQA program organized by Labquality. The dispersion of the results in surveys and percentage differences between the results and target values were calculated. Moreover, differences between method groups were assessed.

Results:
The inter-laboratory coefficient of variation (CV) for ACR was 36%. Only 74% of results of Polish laboratories were within the target limits; for 11% of the results, an incorrect albuminuria category would have been reported. The inter-laboratory CV for albumin was 20%, 2.6-fold higher than for creatinine. Significant differences between method groups for albumin determination have been observed, even when the same measurement technique was used. The greatest difference between two groups was 23%, 2.5-fold greater in comparison to creatinine.

Conclusions:
There is an insufficient harmonization of ACR values among Polish laboratories, caused mainly by urine albumin analytical performance. Given the important role of ACR in the classification, monitoring and treatment of kidney damage, the harmonization of albumin measurements is crucial and urgently needed.
Analysis of protein glycation in human fingernail clippings with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as an alternative technique for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Monteyne Tinne , Coopman Renaat , Kishabongo Antoine S. , Himpe Jonas , Lapauw Bruno , Shadid Samyah , Van Aken Elisabeth H. , Berenson Darja , Speeckaert Marijn M. , De Beer Thomas , Delanghe Joris R. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Glycated keratin allows the monitoring of average tissue glucose exposure over previous weeks. In the present study, we wanted to explore if near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing glycation in diabetes mellitus.

Methods:
A total of 52 patients with diabetes mellitus and 107 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. A limited number (n=21) of nails of healthy subjects were glycated in vitro with 0.278 mol/L, 0.556 mol/L and 0.833 mol/L glucose solution to study the effect of glucose on the nail spectrum. Consequently, the nail clippings of the patients were analyzed using a Thermo Fisher Antaris II Near-IR Analyzer Spectrometer and near infrared (NIR) chemical imaging. Spectral classification (patients with diabetes mellitus vs. healthy subjects) was performed using partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA).

Results:

In vitro glycation resulted in peak sharpening between 4300 and 4400 cm−1 and spectral variations at 5270 cm−1 and between 6600 and 7500 cm−1. Similar regions encountered spectral deviations during analysis of the patients’ nails. Optimization of the spectral collection parameters was necessary in order to distinguish a large dataset. Spectra had to be collected at 16 cm−1, 128 scans, region 4000–7500 cm−1. Using standard normal variate, Savitsky-Golay smoothing (7 points) and first derivative preprocessing allowed for the prediction of the test set with 100% correct assignments utilizing a PLS-DA model.

Conclusions:
Analysis of protein glycation in human fingernail clippings with NIR spectroscopy could be an alternative affordable technique for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
Analysis of the hydrolysates from cured and uncured urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins with two F/U mole ratios
Authors: Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Park Byung-Dae 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Uncured and cured urea-formaldehyde (UFcured) resins prepared with formaldehyde/urea (F/U) mole ratios of 1.0 and 1.2 and at the catalyst levels of 1, 2 and 3% NH4Cl were hydrolyzed for 5, 15 and 30 min and the degradation products were evaluated using gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and liquid carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopies. The molar masses of the degradation products, their functional groups and structures were determined. An extended hydrolysis time and higher catalyst levels resulted in compounds with higher molar masses. Similar functional groups and distribution of chemical species were found by both FTIR and 13C-NMR spectroscopies in the hydrolysates of UFcured, indicating water hydrolysis of hydroxymethyl groups and then methylene linkages. Methylene linkages and mono- and tri-hydroxymethyl ureas were mainly responsible for the liberation of formaldehyde from UFcured during hydrolysis. The indicated compounds are believed to contribute to the long-term release of formaldehyde from the resins. This is the first systematic report on the composition of UFcured hydrolysates.
A Comparative Study on Fouling and Cleaning Characteristics of Soy Protein Isolate (SPI)
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Lin , Fu Nan , Mercade-Prieto Ruben , Chen Xiao Dong 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Fouling on heat exchanger surface is a severe problem in food industry. This study investigated the fouling and cleaning behaviors of soy protein isolates (SPI) in heat exchangers, using a previously established real-time monitoring laboratory system. SPI fouling deposit was formed at different surface temperatures of 80, 85 and 90 °C. For cleaning, the effect of the NaOH concentration was investigated. The fouling and cleaning behaviors of whey protein concentrate (WPC) were studied for a qualitative comparison. The two solution concentrations were kept at 6 wt%. Under the constant heat flux condition applied in the experiments, increasing the surface temperature significantly increased the fouling rate of SPI. SPI deposit was much easier to remove compared to WPC deposit. Visualization showed that the cleaning behavior of SPI was different from that of WPC in that it swelled rather quickly followed by the species seeping out from the swollen structure.
The etiologies and incidences of congenital hypothyroidism before and after neonatal TSH screening program implementation: a study in southern Thailand
Authors: Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Piriyaphan Jutarat , Saengkaew Tansit , Janjindamai Waricha , Sriplung Hutcha 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the common causes of intellectual disability which can be prevented by early detection of an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level in the newborn and by treatment with thyroxine. In Thailand, neonatal TSH screening was implemented nationwide in 2005. The objective of the study was to determine the etiologies and the estimated incidences of CH in southern Thailand before and after the implementation of a neonatal TSH screening program in 2005.

Methods:
The medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with primary CH at Songklanagarind Hospital during 1995–2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The study was divided into two time periods: study period 1 (SP1) (1995–2004) and study period 2 (SP2) (2005–2013), the time before and after TSH program implementation.

Results:
The most common form of CH during SP1 was overt permanent CH (66%), mostly caused by athyreosis or ectopic thyroid. In SP2, the most common form of CH was mild permanent CH (39%) (mostly due to dyshormonogenesis), followed by overt CH (32%) and transient CH (29%). The overall annual estimated incidence of CH per 10,000 live births in Songkhla Province was 1.69 (1:5021) in SP1, increasing to 4.77 (1:2238) in SP2; in all 14 provinces in southern Thailand, the estimated incidence was 1.24 (1:8094) in SP1 and 2.33 (1:4274) in SP2.

Conclusions:
Neonatal TSH screening has a significant impact on the increased detection of the mild form of permanent and transient CH cases, which may be important for the prevention of brain damage from less severe CH although this remains to be documented.
Current status of the congenital hypothyroidism neonatal screening program in Adana Province, Turkey
Authors: Kor Yılmaz , Kor Deniz 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common cause of mental retardation; it has a worldwide incidence ranging from 1:3000 to 1:4500 live births. Predictably, an increase in the reported incidence of primary CH occurs when the cut-off levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone are lowered. We aimed to evaluate the results of a congenital hypothyroidism screening program and current status in this study.

Methods:
Analysis results of 1300 infants who were referred to the endocrinology polyclinic because of suspected CH within the scope of the Ministry of Health National Neonatal Screening Program were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:
The diagnosis of CH and initiation of treatment were both done in 223 (18.5%) and 10 (0.8%) infants as a result of the initial evaluation and follow-up, respectively. The mean capillary and venous thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of 223 patients were 40.78 (5.5–100) μIU/mL and 67.26 (10.7–100) μIU/mL, respectively. These patients’ mean heel prick time was 8.65 (0–30, median: 7) days. The mean age of the 223 infants whose treatment was initiated as a result of the initial evaluation was 19.87 (4–51, median: 20) days, and the mean age of the infants whose treatment was started at follow-up was 43.71 (29–65) days. The duration between heel prick time and venous TSH time was 11.10 (2–28, median: 11) days and was longer than planned (3–5 days).

Conclusions:
Although the duration for the diagnosis and initiation of CH treatment were markedly reduced with the implementation of the screening program in Turkey compared to those before the implementation of the screening program, we have not yet achieved the ideal time (≤14 days).
Cardiac examination in children with Laron syndrome undergoing mecasermin therapy
Authors: Erol Nurdan , Yıldız Metin , Güven Ayla , Yıldırım Ayse 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Laron syndrome (LS), which can be defined as primary growth hormone resistance or insensitivity, is a rare genetic disease inherited by an autosomal recessive trait. Although it is undistinguishable from growth hormone deficiency, LS has high levels of growth hormone, but insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) cannot be synthesized. Mecasermin treatment is the only option for the patients who suffer from LS. This study aims to research cardiac findings of children with LS, who receive treatment with mecasermin.

Methods:
The study enrolled five children four males and one female, 4 M/1 F with LS, two of whom were siblings with a mean age of 6.3±2.1 years, a body weight of 13.36±4.74 kg, a height of 88±8.7 cm, and a body mass index (BMI) of 16.47±3.35. Their demographic data were obtained from their family and files. The children received mecasermin via subcutaneous injection at 0.04–0.12 μg/kg doses twice per day. The duration of mecasermin treatment was 8–53 months. All of them were examined clinically by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.

Results:
Their cardiac examinations were normal, except for one case, who had systolic murmur at cardiac auscultation. Arrhythmia was not observed on their electrocardiograms. The echocardiograms did not show a significant congenital cardiac anomaly. Their cardiac measure and functions were within normal ranges. The echocardiogram of the child with the murmur showed mitral and tricuspid insufficiency. The Doppler images showed pulmonary hypertension findings. These findings were proven by angiography. The vasoreactivity test results of that patient were negative. No reason could be found for the observed pulmonary hypertension. We diagnosed this finding as a primary pulmonary hypertension and Bosentan therapy was started.

Conclusions:
In this study, we showed that cardiac findings were consistent with previous studies. To the best of our knowledge, the observed pulmonary hypertension in children with LS, who received treatment with or without mecasermin, is reported for first time in the literature.
Predictors of bone maturation, growth rate and adult height in children with central precocious puberty treated with depot leuprolide acetate
Authors: Klein Karen O. , Dragnic Sanja , Soliman Ahmed M. , Bacher Peter 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Children with central precocious puberty (CPP) are treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) to suppress puberty. Optimizing treatment outcomes continues to be studied. The relationships between growth, rate of bone maturation (bone age/chronological age [ΔBA/ΔCA]), luteinizing hormone (LH), predicted adult stature (PAS), as well as variables influencing these outcomes, were studied in children treated with depot leuprolide (LA Depot)

Methods:
Subjects (64 girls, seven boys) with CPP received LA Depot every 3 months for up to 42 months. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the predictors affecting ΔBA/ΔCA, PAS and growth rate.

Results:
Ninety percent of subjects (18 of 20) were suppressed (LH levels <4 IU/L) at 42 months. Over 42 months, the mean growth rate declined 2 cm/year, the mean BA/CA ratio decreased 0.21 and PAS increased 8.90 cm for girls (n=64). PAS improved to mid-parental height (MPH) in 46.2% of children by 30 months of treatment. Regression analysis showed that only the Body Mass Index Standardized Score (BMI SDS) was significantly associated (β+0.378 and +0.367, p≤0.05) with growth rate. For PAS, significant correlations were with MPH (β+0.808 and +0.791, p<0.001) and ΔBA/ΔCA (β+0.808 and +0.791, p<0.001). For ΔBA/ΔCA, a significant association was found only with BA at onset of treatment (β−0.098 and −0.103, p≤0.05). Peak-stimulated or basal LH showed no significant influence on growth rate, ΔBA/ΔCA or PAS.

Conclusions:
Growth rate and bone maturation rate normalized on treatment with LA Depot. LH levels were not significantly correlated with growth rate, ΔBA/ΔCA or PAS, suggesting that suppression was adequate and variations in gonadotropin levels were below the threshold affecting outcomes.
Metabolic risk factors in adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Castro-Correia Cíntia , Santos-Silva Rita , Pinheiro Marta , Costa Carla , Fontoura Manuel 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
The incidence of pediatric metabolic syndrome (MS) has progressively increased. The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has also increased. Thus, some children and adolescents with T1DM exhibit MS parameters. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of MS parameters in female adolescents with T1DM based on their nutritional status.

Methods:
We evaluated 44 adolescents with T1DM (consecutive non-randomized sample) aged between 14 and 18 years, who were on intensive therapy with insulin. Patients were subdivided according to their body mass index (BMI). Variables evaluated include: age, age at diagnosis, weight, height, BMI, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), abdominal and pelvic ultrasound and lipoprotein profile. Gynecological history data were also collected.

Results:
Lipid profile changes were identified in 32% of overweight or obese girls and in 23% of those with an adequate weight. Hypertension (HT) was observed in 19% of overweight or obese girls and in 14% of those with a BMI≥85th percentile (Pc). The only statistically significant difference between the groups was the presence of abdominal adiposity. All other features, including the presence of dyslipidemia, HT, abdominal adiposity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), were present in both groups.

Conclusions:
Although being overweight and/or obese aggravates the risk of cardiovascular disease, MS is already present in many young adolescents with T1DM of normal weight. It is necessary that MS risk factors are routinely evaluated in all diabetic adolescents, including those with an adequate BMI.
Oscillation and non-oscillation of half-linear differential equations with coeffcients determined by functions having mean values
Authors: Hasil Petr , Veselý Michal 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe paper belongs to the qualitative theory of half-linear equations which are located between linear and non-linear equations and, at the same time, between ordinary and partial differential equations. We analyse the oscillation and non-oscillation of second-order half-linear differential equations whose coefficients are given by the products of functions having mean values and power functions. We prove that the studied very general equations are conditionally oscillatory. In addition, we find the critical oscillation constant.
MAPK pathway involved in epidermal terminal differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Meng Xianguang , Qiu Liyun , Song Haiyan , Dang Ningning 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in epidermal terminal differentiation.

Methods
The MAPK pathways (p38, ERK1/2, JNK) were inhibited by SB203580, PD98059, and SP600125 in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs), respectively. Western blotting assays were performed to detect expression of filaggrin and differentiation-related proteins. The mRNA expressions of differentiation-related proteins were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results
Inhibition of MAPK pathway by SB203580, PD98059, and SP600125 resulted in significant reduction of filaggrin expression in NHEKs. Inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway decreased the expression of differentiation-related proteins (cytokeratin 5, cytokeratin 14, ST14, and SPRR3), Akt, and NF-κB. Inhibition of JNK also suppressed expression of cytokeratin 14, SPRR3, Akt, and NF-κB. However, inhibition of ERK1/2 merely decreased expression of SPRR3 and Akt.

Conclusion
MAPK pathways regulates epidermal terminal differentiation in NHEKs. The p38 signaling pathway plays an especially important role.