bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adzuki Bean Water Extract Attenuates Obesity by Modulating M2/M1 Macrophage Polarization and Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors: Lee Pei‐Sheng , Teng Chia‐Yi , Hsieh Kun‐Feng , Chiou Yi‐Shiou , Wu Jia‐Ching , Lu Ting‐Jang , Pan Min‐Hsiung 
Published: October 2019

ScopeObesity is a chronic condition resulting in excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissues. Adipose tissue is now considered as an immune organ, at the crossroads between metabolism and immunity. Thus, this study investigates the effects of adzuki beans on obesity and gut microbiota in high fat diet‐induced mice.Methods and results
In this study, adzuki bean hot water extract (AWE) is determined to have the most significant anti‐adipogenic effect; it is able to inhibit lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and reduces body weight and adipose tissue weight in a dose‐dependent manner. AWE treatment also decreases M1‐polarized adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) while inducing M2‐polarized ATMs. The number and size of fat vacuoles in liver lesions are significantly reduced, indicating that AWE could ameliorate steatosis in high fat diet‐induced mice. The results also demonstrate that AWE‐treated groups inhibit adipogenesis via activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and reduce peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins α expression. Moreover, the studies confirm that AWE decreases obesity through modulating gut microbiota.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that AWE supplementation ameliorates high fat diet‐induced obesity and gut microbiota composition and suggests that AWE may have the potential to be developed into a functional food to improve metabolic disorders.
A differential class‐E power amplifier with dynamic body bias technique
Authors: Du Jian‐Chang , Wang Zhi‐Gong , Xu Jian , Chen Xi , Qin Tang‐Zhen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA fully differential class‐E power amplifier (PA) for wireless body area network applications is presented in this article. A novel dynamic self‐adapting body bias (DSBB) technique is introduced to improve the switch‐on transition and on‐resistance characteristics of MOS transistors. The proposed circuit is fabricated in the TSMC 0.18‐μm RF CMOS process. Measurement results show that the DSBB PA achieves a power‐added efficiency (PAE) of 46.9% with an output power of 13.1 dBm at 900 MHz. Compared to the conventional body‐ground connection PA, PAE and output power are improved more than 6.6% and 4.2 mW, respectively.
Physical and chemical reaction sensing in a mixed aqueous solution via metal‐organic framework thin‐film coated optical fiber
Authors: Nazari Marziyeh , Amini Abbas , Hill Matthew R. , Cheng Chun , Samali Bijan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA metal‐organic framework thin‐film (UiO‐66) optical fiber platform is built up as a data processing sensory system to detect water contaminations. A simple scale‐up approach is utilized to design a water‐stable UiO‐66 sensor at the tip (end face) of a conventional single mode optical fiber (SMF‐28) for detecting rhodamine‐B and methyl viologen in a mixed aqueous solution. The optical detection method was based on Fabry–Perot Interferometry, and the interference signal was analyzed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique. Combining two contaminants in water produces a complex physical and chemical phenomena, and the FFT clearly showed it as a particular frequency related to a specific analyte type.
Mental disorders, attrition at follow‐up, and questionnaire non‐completion in epidemiologic research. Illustrations from the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study
Authors: Dupuis Marc , Strippoli Marie‐Pierre F. , Gholam‐Rezaee Mehdi , Preisig Martin , Vandeleur Caroline L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the associations between mental disorders recorded at baseline and participation in the subsequent follow‐up interview (vs. attrition) or baseline questionnaire completion (vs. non‐response) within the psychiatric arm of a population‐based study.MethodsParticipants of a physical health survey were initially invited to also participate in a semi‐structured interview covering mental disorders and were reassessed approximately 5.5 years later. They were also asked to complete self‐rating questionnaires at baseline. Associations between the presence of lifetime mental disorders assessed at baseline and attrition at follow‐up as well as non‐completion of self‐rating questionnaires at baseline were established.ResultsAfter controlling for sociodemographic variables, a significant negative association was found between anxiety disorders at baseline and attrition at follow‐up (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–1.00) and a positive association between major depressive disorders (MDD) and non‐response to the self‐rating questionnaires at baseline (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.05–1.45).ConclusionsThe associations of anxiety disorders during lifetime with a higher participation rate in interviews at follow‐up and of MDD during lifetime with the non‐completion of self‐rating questionnaires are potential sources of bias and should be taken into account in future longitudinal research.
Transition to the ovulatory season in mares: An investigation of antral follicle receptor gene expression in vivo
Authors: Ishak Ghassan M. A. , Dutra Gabriel A. , Gastal Gustavo D. A. , Gastal Melba O. , Feugang Jean M. , Gastal Eduardo L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall layers without removing the ovaries or sacrificing the animals has limited more in‐depth studies on folliculogenesis. In this study, a novel ultrasound‐guided follicle wall biopsy (FWB) technique was used to obtain in vivo follicle wall layers and follicular fluid samples of growing antral follicles. The expression of proliferative, hormonal, angiogenic, and pro‐/antiapoptotic receptors and proteins in the follicular wall among three follicle classes were compared during the spring transitional anovulatory (SAN) and spring ovulatory (SOV) seasons in mares. The main findings observed in the granulosa, theca interna, and/or all follicle layers during the SOV season compared with the SAN season were (a) small‐sized follicles (10–14 mm) had greater epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Bcl‐2 expression; (b) medium‐sized follicles during the expected deviation/selection diameter (20–24 mm) had greater expression of EGFR, Ki‐67, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and Bcl‐2; and (c) dominant follicles (30–34 mm) had greater EGFR, Ki‐67, vascular endothelial growth factor, LHR, and Bcl‐2 expression. Estradiol related receptor alpha expression and intrafollicular estradiol concentration increased, along with an increase in follicle diameter in both seasons. In this study, the application of the FWB technique allowed a direct comparison of different receptors’ expression among follicles in different stages of development and between two seasons using the same individuals, without jeopardizing their ovarian function. The successful utilization of the FWB technique and the mare as an experimental animal offer a great combination for future folliculogenesis studies on mechanisms of follicle selection, development, and ovulation in different species, including women.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A chemical shift reference for 1H MRS of human brain
Authors: Kaiser Lana G. , Russell David , Maschmeyer Tristan , Redfern Richard L. , Inglis Ben A. 
Published: October 2019

PurposeWe investigate the potential of a common dietary supplement, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), to act as a chemical shift reference for in vivo 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS). The scope of the investigation is 2‐fold: (1) We use high‐resolution nuclear MR (NMR) measurements of the chemical shift values of MSM to establish the stability of MSM resonance across the ranges of pH and temperature, and (2) we demonstrate MR properties of MSM in the healthy human brain.MethodsThe relationship of chemical shift with temperature and pH is examined using high‐resolution 1H NMR (14.1T) spectra of MSM in aqueous solution. MSM concentration in human brain tissue was measured as a function of time, together with the relaxation properties in the brain using 1H MRS at 3T.ResultsThe chemical shift of MSM remains stable in the range of the biologically relevant temperatures and pH values. The chemical shift at pH = 7.2 and 37°C was measured to be 3.142 ppm (relative to DSS, a common water‐soluble NMR reference compound). Time course in the brain tissue in vivo confirmed an observable MSM signal 10 minutes after oral intake and a stable signal intensity within a ~3‐hour window.ConclusionThe chemical and biological properties of MSM—rapid crossing of the blood–brain barrier, water solubility, a singlet resonance resolved from metabolite resonances, chemical shift stability with respect to pH/temperature, and stable temporal presence in the brain—lead us to propose its use as a frequency reference for MRS.
Severity and depression can impact quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Alanazy Mohammed H. , Binabbad Rahaf S. , Alromaih Norah I. , Almansour Raghad A. , Alanazi Shahad N. , Alhamdi Malak F. , Alazwary Naael , Muayqil Taim 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe revised 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Quality of Life Questionnaire (MGQoL15R) is a validated scale of quality of life in patients with MG. We aimed to study the factors causing the variability within the Arabic version of the MGQoL15R (MGQoL15R‐A).MethodA standardized questionnaire was completed by 118 patients. Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of sociodemographic variables, clinical factors, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ9‐A), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD7‐A) to the variability in the MGQoL15R‐A.ResultsThe MGQoL15R‐A was highly correlated with PHQ9‐A (r = 0.76), and moderately correlated with GAD7‐A (r = 0.52). Clinical factors and PHQ9‐A independently explained 30.4% and 34.5% of the variability, respectively. Among the clinical factors, uncontrolled MG status, relapse within the past year, and a higher number of current MG therapies were significantly associated with a higher MGQoL15R‐A score.ConclusionsMG severity and depressive symptoms (measured by PHQ9‐A) can affect the MGQoL15R‐A score.
Plastik von Brunei bis Vietnam
Authors: Bulmahn Maren 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDie Kunststoffindustrie in südostasiatischen Ländern wächst. Umweltbelastungen lassen sich dabei nur klein halten, wenn sich Plastikhandhabung und ‐konsum ändern. Kreislaufwirtschaft nach westlichem Vorbild soll dabei helfen, sich aber den Gegebenheiten vor Ort anpassen.
Guidelines for the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus: An integrative literature review
Authors: Mensah Gwendolyn Patience , ten Ham‐Baloyi Wilma , van Rooyen Dalena (R.M.) , Jardien‐Baboo Sihaam 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesAn integrative literature review searched for, selected, appraised, extracted and synthesized data from existing available guidelines on the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus as no such analysis has been found.BackgroundEarly screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus are important to prevent or reduce complications during and postpregnancy for both mother and child. A variety of guidelines exists, which assist nurses and midwives in the screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus.DesignAn integrative literature review.MethodsThe review was conducted in June 2018 following an extensive search of available guidelines according to an adaptation of the stages reported by Whittemore and Knafl (2005, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 546). Thus, a five‐step process was used, namely formulation of the review question, literature search, critical appraisal of guidelines identified, data extraction and data analysis. All relevant guidelines were subsequently appraised for rigour and quality by two independent reviewers using the AGREE II tool. Content analysis was used analysing the extracted data.ResultsFollowing extraction and analysis of data, two major themes were identified from eighteen (N = 18) guidelines. These were the need for early screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and for nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus (during pregnancy, intra‐ and postpartum management). Various guidelines on the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus were found; however, guidelines were not always comprehensive, sometimes differed in their recommended practices and did not consider a variety of contextual barriers to the implementation of the recommendations.ConclusionCritically, scrutiny of the guidelines is required, both in terms of the best evidence used in their development and in terms of the feasibility of implementation for its context.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study provides a summary of best practices regarding the diagnosis, screening and nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus that provide guidance for nurse–midwives on maternal and postpartum follow‐up care for women at risk or diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Koreans Do Not Have Higher Percent Body Fat than Australians: Implication for the Diagnosis of Obesity in Asians
Authors: Pham Duong Duc , Lee Seung Ku , Shin Chol , Kim Nan Hee , Eisman John A. , Center Jacqueline R. , Nguyen Tuan V. , Leem Chae Hun 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveIt has been assumed that, for a given BMI, Asians have higher percent body fat (PBF) than Caucasians. As a result, it has been suggested that the BMI threshold for diagnosing obesity in Asians be lowered to less than  30 kg/m2. This study sought to compare PBF between Koreans and Australians.MethodsWhole‐body fat mass and PBF were measured in 1,211 Koreans and 1,006 Australians using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (Lunar Prodigy; GE Healthcare, Madison, Wisconsin). The two groups were then matched for age and BMI by the propensity score method.ResultsFor a given age and BMI, Koreans had lower PBF than Australians, and the difference was statistically significant in women (mean difference: −2.13%; 95% CI: −2.61% to −1.65%) but not in men (difference: −0.54%; 95% CI: −1.22% to 0.14%). Matched‐pair analysis (423 pairs of women and 208 pairs of men) also showed that Korean women had statistically lower PBF than their Australian counterparts (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn individuals aged 60 years and older, Koreans do not have higher PBF than Australians after adjusting for BMI. These results suggest that there is no evidence for lowering the BMI threshold for the diagnosis of obesity in elderly Koreans.
Intention of preserving forest remnants among landowners in the Atlantic Forest: The role of the ecological context via ecosystem services
Authors: Campos Tisovec‐Dufner Karina , Teixeira Lucas , Marin Gabriela de Lima , Coudel Emilie , Morsello Carla , Pardini Renata 
Published: October 2019

AbstractUnravelling the psychological processes determining landowners’ support towards forest conservation is crucial, particularly in rural areas of the tropics, where most forest remnants are within private lands. As human–nature connections are known to shape pro‐environmental behaviours, the intention of preserving forest remnants should ultimately be determined by the ecological context people live in.Here, we investigate the pathways through which the ecological context (forest cover), via direct contact with forests and ecosystem services and disservices, influence the psychological antecedents of conservation behaviour (beliefs, attitude and intention of preserving forest remnants). We conceptualized a model based on the Reasoned Action Approach, using the ecological context and these three forest experiences as background factors, and tested the model using Piecewise Structural Equation Modelling. Data were collected through an interview‐based protocol applied to 106 landowners across 13 landscapes varying in forest cover in a consolidated rural region in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.Our results indicate that: (a) ecosystem services are more important than disservices for shaping intention of preserving forests, particularly non‐provisioning services; (b) contact with forest has an indirect effect on intention, by positively influencing the frequency of receiving ecosystem services; (c) people living in more forested ecological contexts have more contact with forests, receive ecosystem services more frequently and, ultimately, have stronger intention of preserving forests.Hence, our study suggests a dangerous positive feedback loop between deforestation, the extinction of forest experiences and impairment of human–nature connections. Local demands across the full range of ecosystem services, the balance between services and disservices and the ecological context people live in should be considered when developing conservation initiatives in tropical rural areas.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Synthesis and characterization of modified properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Zidan T. A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/organoclay nanocomposites are prepared and their modified thermal and dielectric properties are studied. First, 2‐methacryloyloxyethyloctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (MEODAB) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized MEODAB was used as organomodifier to modify clay to form organoclay. After that PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ solution polymerization method where methyl methacrylate was polymerized in presence of different proportions of organoclay ranging from 1 to 10 wt%. The prepared nanocomposites are characterized by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The thermal stability of PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites is studied by means of thermal gravimetric analysis and its derivative. Dielectric properties are also investigated in which the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of different PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites are determined and discussed in the frequency range of (42 Hz‐5 MHz).
Synthesis of polymethacrylate‐bearing benzocyclobutene structure and extension to networked polymer based on thermal isomerization
Authors: Komeda Masahiro , Nagayama Shintaro , Yoshida Yoshiaki , Endo Takeshi 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT1‐Benzocyclobutenyl methacrylate‐bearing methacrylate (BCBMA) backbone has been synthesized, and radical polymerization of the monomer was performed by utilizing 2, 2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator to result poly‐BCBMA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement of the derived poly‐BCBMA revealed the lowering of thermal isomerization temperature from that of nonsubstituted benzocyclobutene. The thermal decomposition temperature of BCBMA before and after thermal treatment was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of the TGA observation did not show significant difference in both 5% and 10% weight loss temperature (Td5 and Td10). This result suggests that the thermal conversion of the poly‐BCBMA to the networked polymer take place without thermal decomposition of the main chain based on the methacrylate framework. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2175–2180
Efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in cystic fibrosis children with mild to moderate lung disease
Authors: Reisi Mohsen , Modaresi Mohammad R. , Aghaii Zahra , Mirlohi Seyed H. , Rafiemanesh Hosein , Azizi Gholamreza , Sayedi Seyed J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAirway inflammation due to chronic infection is the leading cause of respiratory failure and death in most of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). There is some evidence about anti‐inflammatory activity of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in adult patients with CF. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sildenafil (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor drug) in children with CF.MethodThis uncontrolled before‐after study was conducted on 20 children with CF (mean age 14 ± 2.8 years, 50% male) with mild to moderate lung disease who were referred to CF clinic of Imam Hossein hospital in Isfahan, Iran. The patients received oral sildenafil (1 mg/kg p.o tid for 3 months). Changes in spirometric values, maximal exercise capacity, and patient‐reported health by using the cystic fibrosis questionnaire‐revised (CFQ‐R) were evaluated before and after treatment.ResultCFQ‐R (69.54 ± 4.6 vs 76.90 ± 5.4; P < .001) and exercise duration (401 ± 45.6 vs 497 ± 60.1 second; P < .01) increased following sildenafil therapy. In contrast, the forced expiratory value (FEV1; 84.60 ± 13.67 vs 78.40 ± 12.95; P < .001) and FEF25‐75 (77.80 ± 27.33 vs 69.20 ± 21.91; P = .004) showed significant decreases. However, the mean of FEV1/forced vital capacity did not change significantly during the study (P = .682).ConclusionsAlthough sildenafil can improve the quality of life and exercise capacities in CF children, it significantly decreases lung function. So, administration of this drug for CF children should be reconsidered.
Association between maternal psychological adversity and lung function in South African infants: A birth cohort study
Authors: Kariuki Symon M. , Gray Diane M. , Newton Charles R. J. C. , Vanker Aneesa , MacGinty Rae P. , Koen Nastassja , Barnett Whitney , Chibnik Lori , Koenen Karestan C. , Stein Dan J. , Zar Heather J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe association of perinatal psychological adversity (ie, stressors and distress) with infant lung function (ILF) and development is not well studied in Africa and elsewhere. We determined the association between maternal perinatal psychological adversity and ILF in African infants.DesignProspective longitudinal follow up of the Drakenstein Child Health Study birth cohort.ParticipantsSeven hundred and sixty‐two infants aged 6 to 10 weeks and 485 infants who had data for both maternal perinatal psychological adversity and ILF (measured at 6 to 10 weeks and 12 months).MethodsThe main analyses were based on cross‐sectional measures of ILF at each assessment (6 to 10 weeks or 12 months), using generalized linear models, and then on the panel‐data of both longitudinal ILF assessments, using generalised estimating equations, that allowed specification of the within‐group correlation structure.ResultsPrenatal intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure was associated with reduced respiratory resistance at 6 to 10 weeks (beta coefficient [β] = −.131, P = .023); postnatal IPV with reduced ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow over total expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) at 12 months (β = −.206, P = .016); and prenatal depression with lower respiratory rate at 6 to 10 weeks (β = −.044, P = .032) and at 12 months (β = −.053, P = .021). Longitudinal analysis found an association of prenatal IPV with reduced tPTEF/tE (β = −.052, P < .0001); postnatal IPV with decreased functional residual capacity (FRC; β = −.086, P < .0001); prenatal posttraumatic stress disorder with increased FRC (β = .017, P < .0001); prenatal depression with increased FRC (β = .026, P < .0001) and postnatal depression with increased FRC (β = .021, P < .0001).ConclusionScreening for psychological adversity and understanding the mechanisms involved may help identify children at risk of altered lung development and inform approaches to treatment.