bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tenderization effect of whelk meat using ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Hu Jiamiao , Ge Shenghan , Huang Chenying , Cheung Peter C. K. , Lin Luan , Zhang Yi , Zheng Baodong , Lin Shaoling , Huang Xiujuan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study was conducted to assess the potential application of ultrasonic treatment to enhance the tenderness of whelk (Buccinum undatum) meat. The optimum ultrasonic conditions for the maximum tenderization effect were determined using response surface methodology by a three‐level factorial Box–Behnken design for the optimization of three variables. The optimum conditions for the three variables found were as follows: ultrasound power at 200 W, treatment time for 9.6 min, and temperature at 45°C. The resulted tenderization effect was comparable to traditional enzymatic methods. Furthermore, disruption of muscle microstructure was observed in the ultrasonic‐treated whelk meat by scanning electron microscopy, while evaluations on physicochemical properties indicated the ultrasonic treatment has no significant undesirable effects on the quality of whelk meat including pH, water‐holding capacity, and lipid oxidation. In conclusion, this study showed the feasibility of ultrasonic treatment as a promising tenderization method for whelk meat without detrimental effects on its quality.
Effect of malting period on physicochemical properties, minerals, and phytic acid of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour varieties
Authors: Udeh Henry O. , Duodu Kwaku G. , Jideani Afam I. O. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundDeficiency of essential minerals is a widespread nutritional disorder in the world, particularly in developing economies. Poor mineral accessibility from foods is a major contributing factor to deficiency and associated health problems. This study investigated the effect of malting on minerals, phytic acid, and physicochemical properties of finger millet varieties. Sorghum was used as external reference. Mineral composition was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) and mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS).ResultsData showed that finger millet is rich in macroelements and trace elements. Malting for 24 hr reduced mineral content of the grains except sodium. Increase in the minerals was observed beyond 48 hr of malting particularly at 96 hr. Successive decrease in phytic acid of the grains was not observed with malting time. Malting did not result in any significant change in the physicochemical properties of the grains.ConclusionICP‐AES/MS showed that finger millet contain a variety of minerals in amounts that were not previously reported, and malting the grain for 72 to 96 hr positively affected the minerals. Changes in phytic acid suggest that phytate undergoes dissociation during malting rather than a degradation of phytic acid. Potential exists for utilization of finger millet as functional ingredient to augment important minerals in weaning, geriatric, and adult foods for health promotion.
Extraction and process optimization of bael fruit pectin
Authors: Maskey Bunty , Dhakal Drishya , Pradhananga Mahalaxmi , Shrestha Nabindra Kumar 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPectin was extracted at temperature of 100 and 120°C with two different pH conditions each, pH 1.5 and pH 2 along with different extraction ratios, ER1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2 respectively. Data obtained were analyzed statistically using ANOVA (no blocking) at 5% level of significance, which showed that there was significant difference (p < 0.05) between the pectin extracted at 100°C, pH 1.5 and extraction ratios of 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2, respectively, whereas there was not any significant difference between extraction at 120°C, pH 1.5 and extraction ratios of 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 respectively. Also, there was no any significant difference between pectin extracted at 100°C, pH 2, extraction ratios 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 and also at 120°C, pH 2, 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 respectively. Best yield of pectin was found at temperature 120°C, pH 1.5 and ER 1:1.5.
Enhancement of viability, acid, and bile tolerance and accelerated stability in lyophilized Weissella cibaria JW15 with protective agents
Authors: Kim Mina , Nam Dong‐Geon , Kim Sang‐Bum , Im Pureum , Choe Jeong‐Sook , Choi Ae‐Jin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDietary supplementation with lactic acid bacteria to maintain or improve intestinal health is advocated. Weissella spp. are present in different fermented vegetable‐based foods like kimchi, as well as in the normal gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans. Weissella cibaria strains have been proposed as potential probiotics. Freeze‐drying is a promising treatment method for these strains for industrial applications and to increase the accessibility of their health‐promoting benefits. Moreover, probiotic strains need to be able to survive in the host GI tract, and acid and bile are both environmental stressors that can reduce strain survival. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of the combination of protective agents on the acid and bile resistance of W. cibariaJW15 after freeze‐drying. A protective agent combination with a 1:1 ratio of 5 g + 5 g/100 ml w/v soy flour + yeast extract (SFY) retained nearly 100% viability after freeze‐drying and was resistant to artificial bile acids. Remarkably, skim milk + soy flour (SSF) was resistant to an acidic solution, and the viability of W. cibariaJW15 in artificial gastric acid was enhanced when treated with this mixture. Furthermore, SFY and SSF were found to maintain high numbers of viable cells with a low specific rate of cell death (k) after storage at 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. These results support an effective probiotic formulation system with a high number of viable cells, and its protective effects can be leveraged in the development of probiotic products with health benefits.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for frequent attenders in primary care
Authors: Strömbom Ylva , Karlsson Jan , Fredrikson Mats , Melin Lennart , Magnusson Peter 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of the study is to investigate if cognitive behavioral therapy given in a group setting affects anxiety and depression, stress, pain, coping strategies during daily life, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), among frequent attenders (FAs) in primary care.MethodsCognitive behavioral therapy was offered to 331 FAs between 18 and 65 years of age, of whom 89 accepted and 54 completed all steps in the protocol; patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 0, 6, and 12‐month waiting time. The therapy consisted of 12 sessions administered in group format. Outcome measures were Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Everyday Life Stress (ELS), Coping Strategy Questionnaire, Multidimensional Pain Inventory‐Swedish version, and Short Form‐36.ResultsMean age among patients who completed cognitive behavioral therapy was 49.9 years, with a female majority (79.6%). Anxiety and depression scores were reduced after treatment (BAI 16.7 vs 13.6; BDI 16.3 vs 15.7; HADS‐Anxiety 8.41 vs 6.05; HADS‐Depression 7.09 vs 5.69). Because waiting time itself did not affect symptoms, differences reflect treatment effects. Stress ratings were not affected by treatment. Use of nonadaptive coping strategies like praying and hoping and catastrophizing decreased. Frequent attenders experienced a higher sense of life control. Frequent attenders reported significantly lower HRQoL than general Swedish population norms in all 8 Short Form‐36 domains including mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS), and all domains were unaffected by treatment.ConclusionCognitive behavioral therapy exerts some beneficial effects in FAs. Content of treatment addressed musculoskeletal pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. This broad approach resulted in reduced anxiety, depression, and impact of pain because of enhanced life control.
LRRK1 regulation of actin assembly in osteoclasts involves serine 5 phosphorylation of L‐plastin
Authors: Si Mingjue , Goodluck Helen , Zeng Canjun , Pan Songqin , Todd Elizabeth M. , Morley Sharon Celeste , Qin Xuezhong , Mohan Subburaman , Xing Weirong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMice with disruption of Lrrk1 and patients with nonfunctional mutant Lrrk1 exhibit severe osteopetrosis phenotypes because of osteoclast cytoskeletal dysfunction. To understand how Lrrk1 regulates osteoclast function by modulating cytoskeleton rearrangement, we examined the proteins that are differentially phosphorylated in wild‐type mice and Lrrk1‐deficient osteoclasts by metal affinity purification coupled liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analyses. One of the candidates that we identified by LC/MS is L‐plastin, an actin bundling protein. We found that phosphorylation of L‐plastin at serine (Ser) residues 5 was present in wild‐type osteoclasts but not in Lrrk1‐deficient cells. Western blot analyses with antibodies specific for Ser5 phosphorylated L‐plastin confirmed the reduced L‐plastin Ser5 phosphorylation in Lrrk1 knockout (KO) osteoclasts. micro computed tomography (Micro‐CT) analyses revealed that the trabecular bone volume of the distal femur was increased by 27% in the 16 to 21‐week‐old L‐plastin KO females as compared with the wild‐type control mice. The ratio of bone volume to tissue volume and connectivity density were increased by 44% and 47% (both P < 0.05), respectively, in L‐plastin KO mice. Our data suggest that targeted disruption of L‐plastin increases trabecular bone volume, and phosphorylation of Ser5 in L‐plastin in the Lrrk1 signaling pathway may in part contribute to actin assembly in mature osteoclasts.
Experiences of First‐Year Engineering Students Working on Ill‐Structured Problems in Teams
Authors: Dringenberg Emily , Purzer Şenay 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundAs engineers solve problems that are ill‐structured and require collaboration, a common goal of engineering programs is to develop students' competencies for solving such problems in teams, often using cornerstone design experiences.PurposeWith the goal of designing effective learning environments, this study identifies qualitatively different ways that engineering students experienced ill‐structured problems while working in teams.Design/MethodThis phenomenographic study employs interview data from 27 first‐year engineering students. Iterative data analysis resulted in categories of student experiences and their logical relationships.ResultsSeven categories describing collaborative, ill‐structured problem‐solving experiences emerged: completion, transition, iteration, organization, collaboration, reasoning, and growth. These categories are organized in an outcome space along dimensions we call reaction to ambiguity and use of multiple perspectives that can be used to frame students' perspectives from less comprehensive to more comprehensive.ConclusionsFirst‐year engineering students experience team‐based, ill‐structured problem solving in a variety of ways. The resulting outcome space is of practical use to educators who teach courses involving collaborative, ill‐structured problem solving.
Clinical features and seasonal variations in the prevalence of macrolide‐resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Akashi Yusaku , Hayashi Daisuke , Suzuki Hiromichi , Shiigai Masanari , Kanemoto Koji , Notake Shigeyuki , Ishiodori Takumi , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Imai Hironori 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundMycoplasma pneumoniae is a common pathogen causing pneumonia; macrolide‐resistant strains are rapidly spreading across Japan. However, the clinical features of macrolide‐resistant M. pneumoniae pneumonia have not been well established. Here, we evaluated the clinical characteristics and seasonal variations in the prevalence of M. pneumoniae with macrolide‐resistant mutations (MRM).MethodsThe monthly prevalence of MRM in M. pneumoniae strains isolated from May 2016 to April 2017 was retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical characteristics of pneumonia cases with MRM were compared to those of cases without MRM. The M. pneumoniae isolates and point mutations at site 2063 or 2064 in domain V of 23S rRNA were evaluated by the GENECUBE system and GENECUBE Mycoplasma detection kit.ResultsMycoplasma pneumoniae infection was identified in 383 cases, including 221 cases of MRM (57.7%). The MRM prevalence was 86.3% (44/51) between May and July 2016, demonstrating an apparent decrease in September 2016, subsequently reaching 43.0% (34/79) in November 2016. Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia was diagnosed in 275 cases, including 222 pediatric and 53 adult cases. Macrolide use preceding evaluation was found to be the only feature of MRM pneumonia cases both in children (odds ratio [OR] 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.72–8.66) and in adults (OR 7.43, 95% CI: 1.67–33.1).ConclusionsThe determination rate of MRM varied widely throughout the year, and our study demonstrated the challenges in predicting M. pneumoniae with MRM based on clinical features at diagnosis. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the prevalence of MRM is warranted, which may help in selecting an effective treatment.
Risk factors for postoperative infection after gastrointestinal surgery among adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Findings from a large observational US cohort study
Authors: Liang Huifang , Jiang Baoguo , Manne Sudhakar , Lissoos Trevor , Bennett Dimitri , Dolin Paul 
Published: August 2018

Background and AimPostoperative infection (POI) is a major source of morbidity and prolongation of hospitalization in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. This large observational study was conducted to further describe risk factors and to quantify the proportion of POIs that are preventable.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of the Optum US health insurance claims database. The study population included adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) who underwent lower gastrointestinal (GI) surgery of small intestine, colon, rectum, or anus during September 2014 to September 2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify and quantify risk factors and determine the proportion of infections that are preventable.ResultsA total of 3360 adult IBD patients with lower GI surgery were included in the study. Their mean age was 51 years, 52.5% were women, and 59.5% had CD. The 30‐day POI incidence was 15.1% (95% confidence interval: 14.0–16.4%). We identified the following nonmodifiable or procedural risk factors: history of POI, open procedure, red blood cell transfusion within 6 months, preoperative hospital stay of at least 4 days, lower GI ostomy surgery, lower GI resection surgery, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Modifiable risk factors included corticosteroid use and anemia prior to surgery, but few infections were attributable to these modifiable factors.ConclusionsThis large, observational, real‐world evidence study from the US found that the majority of the observed risk factors were nonmodifiable or procedure‐related. Corticosteroid use and anemia before surgery were identified as modifiable risk factors.
Health care risk managers' consensus on the management of inappropriate behaviors among hospital staff
Authors: Zadeh Sahar Ebrahim , Haussmann Robert , Barton Craig D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMedical errors are the third‐leading cause of death in the United States. One of the problems is timely recognition and management of inappropriate health care worker behaviors that lead to intimidation and loss of staff focus, eventually leading to errors. The purpose of this qualitative modified Delphi study was to seek consensus among a panel of experts in hospital risk management practices on the practical methods for early detection of inappropriate behaviors among hospital staff, which may be used by hospital managers to considerably mitigate the risk of medical mishaps. High reliability theory guided the research process, utilizing the conceptual framework of the fair and just culture patient safety model. A single research question asked what level of consensus exists among hospital risk management experts as to the practical methods for early detection of inappropriate behavior among hospital staff, which managers may use to ultimately mitigate the risk of preventable medical mishaps. This study included nonprobability purposive sampling (n = 34) and three rounds of questionnaires. Consensus was reached on 8 factors: setting expectations, developing a culture of respect, holding staff accountable, enforcing a zero‐tolerance policy, confidentiality of reporting, communicating expected behavior, open communication, and investigating inappropriate behaviors.
Single‐step purification and characterization of antifreeze proteins from leaf and berry of a freeze‐tolerant shrub seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Authors: Sharma Bhavana , Sahoo Dinabandhu , Deswal Renu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSeabuckthorn is a freeze‐tolerant Himalayan shrub, capable of withstanding temperatures below −40°C. Antifreeze proteins prevent freezing associated damage by restricting ice crystals growth. In the present study, homogenous purification of two antifreeze proteins (41 and 39 kDa) from Hippophae rhamnoides leaf and one (41 kDa) from berry was performed using ice‐affinity chromatography. MS identification and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool search showed homology of berry antifreeze proteins with disease resistance protein while leaf antifreeze proteins showed similarity with transmembrane protein (39 kDa) and low temperature induced protein (41 kDa) suggesting their role in cold stress signalling. Hexagon shaped ice crystals (Nanoliter osmometer) and ice recrystallization inhibition assay (Splat assay) confirmed higher ice recrystallization inhibition activity of purified leaf (2.5 fold decrease in mean ice crystal size) and berry (2.1 fold decrease) antifreeze proteins. String interactome analysis showed interaction of antifreeze proteins with cold stress modulated targets including pathogenesis related proteins. This probably is the first report of antifreeze proteins purification from naturally growing seabuckthorn. Further validation of these targets may open gates for commercial utilization of this plant growing abundantly in Himalayan regions of India, for crop improvement of freeze susceptible crops or biomedical applications like cryopreservation of tissues and cells.
A simple, sensitive, and straightforward LC–MS approach for rapid analysis of three potential genotoxic impurities in rabeprazole formulations
Authors: Yenugu Veera Manohara Reddy , Ambavaram Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy , Moniruzzaman Muhammad , Madhavi Gajulapalle 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn the present study, a sensitive and fully validated liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method was developed for the quantification of three potential genotoxic impurities in rabeprazole drug substance. The separation was achieved on Symmetry C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm) using 0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B in gradient elution mode at 0.5 mL/min flow rate. Triple quadrupole mass detection with electrospray ionization was operated in selected ion recording mode for the quantification of impurities. The calibration curves were demonstrated good linearity over the concentration range of 1.0–4.5 ppm for O‐phenylenediamine, 1.8–4.5 ppm for 4‐nitrolutidine‐N‐oxide and 1.0–4.5 ppm for benzyltriethylammonium chloride with respect to 10 mg/mL of rabeprazole. The correlation coefficient obtained in each case was >0.998. The recoveries were found satisfactory over the range between 94.22 and 106.84% for all selected impurities. The method validation was carried out following International Conference on Harmonization guidelines, from which the developed method was able to quantitate the impurities at 1.0 ppm for O‐phenylenediamine, 1.8 ppm for 4‐nitrolutidine‐N‐oxide and 1.0 ppm for benzyltriethylammonium chloride. Furthermore, the proposed method was successfully evaluated for the determination of selected impurities from bulk drug and formulation samples of rabeprazole within the acceptable limits.
Placental Pulsatility: Quantitative Assessment of Placental Bed Vasculature by 2‐Dimensional Doppler Cine Imaging
Authors: Schwartz Nadav , Siegal Julia , Rourke Aaron , Sehgal Chandra M. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesVascular resistance is known to be one of the determinants of pulsatile flow. This study aimed to investigate whether quantitative 2‐dimensional Doppler ultrasound can capture and evaluate the pulsatility within the placental bed vasculature.MethodsThe placental bed vasculature was imaged by directional power Doppler ultrasound. Ten‐second cine clips were recorded by using standardized machine settings. A region of interest with a prominent Doppler signal in the uteroplacental interface was analyzed for the percentage of vascularity to generate a time‐vascularity waveform. A vascular pulsatility index representing variation over the cardiac cycle was calculated by the ratio of the systolic‐diastolic difference in vascularity to the mean vascularity. The acquisitions were repeated with 6 different pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) and 3 wall motion filter (WMF) settings to evaluate their impact on the Doppler measurements.ResultsTen sets of cine clips were analyzed for this study. The pulsatile nature of the vascularity was readily apparent in each cine clip. The measured time‐vascularity waveforms showed uniform cyclic variation in vascularity over the cardiac cycle, with systolic vascularity significantly higher than diastolic vascularity at each combination of PRF and WMF (P < .05). A gradual increase in the vascular pulsatility index was observed with an increasing PRF or WMF. Normalization of systolic‐to‐diastolic measurement provided a stable vascular assessment across the range of PRFs.ConclusionsDoppler cine clips provide a dynamic representation of the placental bed vasculature and a novel analytic approach to quantitatively evaluating the pulsatility of this critical vascular network. Further work is warranted to explore the reproducibility and clinical potential of this approach.
Experimental evidence reveals impact of drought periods on dissolved organic matter quality and ecosystem metabolism in subalpine streams
Authors: Harjung Astrid , Ejarque Elisabet , Battin Tom , Butturini Andrea , Sabater Francesc , Stadler Masumi , Schelker Jakob 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSubalpine streams are predicted to experience lower summer discharge following climate change and water extractions. In this study, we aimed to understand how drought periods impact dissolved organic matter (DOM) processing and ecosystem metabolism of subalpine streams. We mimicked a gradient of drought conditions in stream‐side flumes and evaluated implications of drought on DOM composition, gross primary production, and ecosystem respiration. Our experiment demonstrated a production and release of DOM from biofilms and leaf litter decomposition at low discharges, increasing dissolved organic carbon concentrations in stream water by up to 50%. Absorbance and fluorescence properties suggested that the released DOM was labile for microbial degradation. Dissolved organic carbon mass balances revealed a high contribution of internal processes to the carbon budget during low flow conditions. The flumes with low discharge were transient sinks of atmospheric CO2 during the first 2 weeks of drought. After this autotrophic phase, the metabolic balance of these flumes turned heterotrophic, suggesting a nutrient limitation for primary production, while respiration remained high. Overall our experimental findings suggest that droughts in subalpine streams will enhance internal carbon cycling by transiently increasing primary production and more permanently respiration as the drought persists. We propose that the duration of a drought period combined with inorganic nutrient availability are key variables that determine if more carbon is respired in situ or exported downstream.