bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An integrative model to assess water quality in China's Lake Taihu: Comparing single-factor and multifactor assessments
Authors: Zhu Huaqing , Lu Xiwu 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

To determine the differences between single-factor assessment (SFA) and multifactor assessment (MFA) of the water quality in Lake Taihu Basin in China, a software program was developed to perform absolute distance (AD) computations between SFAs and MFAs that refer to the Nemerow comprehensive index (NCI) and fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA). Symbolic models were established to describe the computation types and sequences that are involved in the models above. Water data that were obtained weekly from 7 monitoring sites (MSs) in the basin over 10 years were tested to generate water quality grades and ADs. Our results corroborated that the MFAs would approximate the SFA when each water quality indicator (WQI) is in its worst or best state. In addition to supporting that SFA ≥ NCI ≥ FCA, the ADs illustrated that FCA was inappropriate for process integration unless all WQIs had the same grading standards. The annual water quality grades of most MSs of Lake Taihu Basin and time could be fitted to quintic polynomials with relative average deviations (RADs) of below 5%. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:135–141. © 2018 SETAC
Retrospective study of patients with cesarean scar pregnancies treated by uterine artery chemoembolization and curettage
Authors: Li Yang , Lu Lingjia , Wang Wenxian , Sun Jin , Zhang Xinmei , Huang Xiufeng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and long‐term prognosis of uterine artery chemoembolization (UACE) combined with curettage for treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).MethodsData were retrospectively reviewed from women with CSPs treated by UACE with curettage at Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, a tertiary obstetrics and gynecologic center in China, between December 2006 and December 2016. Information on clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes was obtained from medical records and follow‐up interviews.ResultsThere were 383 patients included; 379 (99.0%) women were successfully treated. Risk factors associated with intraoperative bleeding were size of gestational mass (P=0.001), presence of fetal heart beat (P=0.002), and type of CSP (P=0.002). Among 301 women with complete medical records over a mean ± SD follow‐up of 49.8 ± 30.2 months, 164 (54.5%) women resumed normal menstruation and only 22 (7.3%) experienced a reduction in menstrual volume of more than one‐half. Among 89 women attempting to conceive, the conception rate was 69% (61/89), the positive pregnancy rate was 80% (49/61), and 35 live neonates were delivered.ConclusionUACE combined with curettage was found to be an effective fertility‐sparing treatment for CSP. Further, the approach did not seem to harm future reproductive ability.
IMPACT OF PARENTAL BINGE EATING DISORDER: EXPLORING CHILDREN'S EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS AND THE QUALITY OF PARENT–CHILD FEEDING INTERACTIONS
Authors: Cimino Silvia , Cerniglia Luca , Porreca Alessio , Ballarotto Giulia , Marzilli Eleonora , Simonelli Alessandra 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTThis study examines psychopathological problems in children of parents with binge eating disorder (BED), particularly the effect of parental diagnosis on their offspring's psychopathology and the mediating power of the quality of parent–infant feeding interactions. Two hundred parents and their offspring were administered a questionnaire for the assessment of their children's psychopathology at 18 (T1) and 36 (T2) months of age. An observational measure to evaluate feeding interactions was administered at T1. Children with both parents with BED showed the highest affective, anxiety, oppositional/defiant, and autism spectrum problems, but no influence of paternal diagnosis was found on the offspring's psychopathology. Maternal BED had an influence on children's affective and autism spectrum problems, and diagnosis of BED in both parents had an effect on infants’ affective problems. Paternal BED had an effect on oppositional/defiant problems through the quality of father–infant interactions, and maternal BED had an effect on the offspring's affective and anxiety problems through the mediation of mother–infant interactions. These results suggest the importance of intervention programs focusing both on parental psychopathology and on mother–child and father–child feeding interactions in families with parents with BED.
CULTURAL MODELS OF INFANT EMOTIONS AND NEEDS AMONG THE GAMO PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
Authors: Bader Lauren R. , Fouts Hillary N. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTHow mothers perceive their infants’ emotions and their subsequent responses are influenced by cultural values and beliefs. Mothers who live in particularly harsh environments may have perceptions about their infants’ emotions that reflect not only cultural values but also constraints of the environment. In this qualitative study, 29 Gamo mothers living in rural Ethiopia were interviewed about perceptions of their infants’ emotions, how they felt about these emotions, and what they believed their infants needed in response. Through constant comparative analysis and thematic coding, several patterns emerged in mothers’ perceptions about their infants’ emotions and what constituted appropriate responses. Mothers said that their infants’ negative emotions were possibly related to illness and that appropriate responses were focused mostly on breastfeeding, complementary food, and needing to be held. Mothers also discussed their work demands and how they conflicted with their desire to respond to their infants; however, many mothers said that they relied on their older children to help. Mothers’ responses were centered on a parenting strategy aimed at promoting infant health and survival, which is consistent with research on parents living in rural environments who subsist by farming and have relatively high risk for infant mortality.
Insights into the antibiotic resistance and inhibition mechanism of aminoglycoside phosphotransferase from Bacillus cereus: In silico and in vitro perspective
Authors: Parulekar Rishikesh Satish , Sonawane Kailas Dashrath 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBecause of the lack of structural studies on aminoglycoside phosphotransferase (APH) from prevalent volatile human pathogen Bacillus cereus, aminoglycoside resistance therapeutics research remains elusive. Hence, in this computational study, we have performed homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and principal component analysis studies on APH from B. cereus. The structure of APH was predicted by homology modeling using MODELLER 9v12 and validated for its stereochemical qualities. Sequence analysis study of the template (Protein Data Bank ID: 3TDW) and APH from B. cereus sensu lato group showed exact matching of active‐site residues. The mechanism of substrate and inhibitor binding to APH was studied using molecular docking, which identified GTP as the more preferred substrate, whereas ZINC71575479 as the most effective inhibitor. The active‐site residues, ARG41, TYR90, ASP195, and ASP215 at nucleotide triphosphate–binding cavity of APH were found to be involved in binding with substrate and inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulation study of APH in apo form and bound form confirmed the stability and effective binding of GTP and ZINC71575479 in a dynamic state. Molecular mechanics Poisson‐Boltzmann surface area calculations revealed energetic contributions of active‐site residues of APH in binding with GTP and ZINC71575479. The principal component analysis revealed the internal global motion of APH in apo and complex form. Furthermore, experimental studies on APH from B. cereus ATCC 10876 validated the in silico findings for its inhibition. Thus, this study provides more information on structure‐function relationships of APH from B. cereus and open avenues for designing effective strategies to overcome antibiotic resistance.
Proteomic analysis and microtubule dynamicity of human sperm in electromagnetic cryopreservation
Authors: Gholami Dariush , Ghaffari Seyed Mahmood , Shahverdi Abdolhossein , Sharafi Mohsen , Riazi Gholamhossein , Fathi Rouhollah , Esmaeili Vahid , Hezavehei Maryam 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe proteomic changes, microtubule dynamicity, and quality parameters of human sperm were investigated during cryopreservation in an extremely low electromagnetic field (ELEF) condition. Semen samples were obtained from 210 healthy individuals with normospermia and then were divided into three experimental groups: fresh control, frozen control, and frozen ELEF group. Shotgun proteomics was performed to assess the identification of microtubule proteins of the sperm in experimental groups. Microtubule dynamicity, secondary, and tertiary structure modifications of tubulins, characteristics of transmission electron microscopy of sperm as well as sperm quality parameters were evaluated. The expression ratios of α‐ and β‐tubulins were significantly increased after cryopreservation compared with fresh control while this ratio was not significantly different in frozen ELEF group. The expression ratio of tubulin polymerization‐promoting protein was significantly decreased after cryopreservation compared with fresh control. The length, width, and the activity of microtubule, secondary, and tertiary structures of tubulins, motility, and the viability of the sperm were decreased in frozen control as compared with fresh control. The microtubule activity, secondary, and tertiary structures of sperm tubulin in frozen ELEF group were higher than frozen control. Transmission electron microscopy of microtubules showed that the size of the width and length of the microtubules in frozen ELEF group were greater than frozen control. Motility, viability, and reactive oxygen species levels were improved in frozen ELEF group when compared with frozen control. While the microtubule dynamicity of the sperm was affected by the cryopreservation, this trait was improved during the electromagnetic cryopreservation resulted in better motility and viability.
Closed‐looped stimulation cardiac pacing for recurrent vasovagal syncope: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rattanawong Pattara , Riangwiwat Tanawan , Chongsathidkiet Pakawat , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Limpruttidham Nath , Prasitlumkum Narut , Kanjanahattakij Napatt , Kanitsoraphan Chanavuth 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundVasovagal syncope (VVS) is defined by transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous rapid recovery. Recently, a closed‐loop stimulation pacing system (CLS) has shown superior effectiveness to conventional pacing in refractory VVS. However, systematic review and meta‐analysis has not been performed. We assessed the impact of CLS implantation and reduction in recurrent VVS events by a systematic review and a meta‐analysis.MethodsWe comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to September 2017. Included studies were published prospective or retrospective cohort, randomized controlled trial, and case–control studies that compared VVS events between recurrent, severe, or refractory cardioinhibitory VVS patient implanted with CLS and conventional pacing. Data from each study were combined using the random‐effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsSix studies from November 2004 to October 2017 were included in this meta‐analysis involving 224 recurrent, severe, or refractory cardioinhibitory VVS patients implanted with CLS and 163 recurrent, severe, or refractory VVS patients implanted with conventional pacing. CLS significantly reduced recurrent VVS events compared to conventional pacing (pooled odds ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.13‐0.39, P = 0.000, I2 = 36.5%) as well as subgroup of four randomized controlled trial studies (pooled odds ratio = 0.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.17‐0.44, P = 0.000, I2 = 39.2%).ConclusionClosed‐loop stimulation significantly reduced recurrent VVS events up to 80% when compared to conventional pacing. Our study suggests that CLS is an effective tool for preventing syncope recurrences in patients with recurrent, severe, or refractory cardioinhibitory VVS.
Association of Anthropometric and Nutrition Status Indicators with Hand Grip Strength and Gait Speed in Older Adults
Authors: Mendes Joana , Afonso Cláudia , Moreira Pedro , Padrão Patrícia , Santos Alejandro , Borges Nuno , Negrão Rita , Amaral Teresa F. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundHow nutrition status indicators relate to function in older adults is an issue that needs to be explored. This study aimed to quantify the associations of anthropometric parameters and nutrition status indicators with hand grip strength (HGS) and gait speed (GS) in older adults.MethodsA cross‐sectional observational study was conducted in a population‐based sample of 1500 older adults ≥65 years old. Logistic regression models were used to explore the associations between anthropometric, nutrition, and functional measures.ResultsLower values of height, mid‐arm muscle circumference, and calf circumference, as well as higher values of waist circumference, were associated with both low GS and HGS. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for low GS was around 2‐fold higher in participants presenting risk for undernutrition or undernutrition. The adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) for low HGS was 1.54 (1.01–2.36) in women and 1.57 (0.91–2.72) in men at risk for undernutrition/undernutrition.ConclusionsIn older adults, lower values of height and calf circumference, as well as higher waist circumference, were associated with both low GS and HGS. Lower values of mid‐arm muscle circumference were also associated with low values of both functional parameters only in men. The risk for undernutrition/undernutrition was more strongly associated with low GS than with low HGS in both women and men.
Effect of sucrose on biofilm formed in situ on titanium material
Authors: Souza João G. S. , Cury Jaime A. , Ricomini Filho Antônio P. , Feres Magda , Faveri Marcelo de , Barão Valentim A. R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundBecause sucrose may change the composition of biofilms formed on dental surfaces, the aim of this study was to evaluate in situ the effect of this dietary sugar on biofilm formation on titanium surface.MethodsIn this blind, crossover, in situ study, 10 volunteers wore, in 3 phases of 7 days each, a palatal appliance containing titanium specimens. In each phase, the specimens were treated extraorally with 20% sucrose solution at a frequency of 4 or 8 times per day. As control, no treatment was rendered (0×). At the end of each phase, the biofilms were collected for biochemical analysis of biofilm wet weight (biomass), protein concentration, soluble (S‐EPS), and insoluble (I‐EPS) extracellular polysaccharides and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS), and for microbiologic analysis by checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization (for levels and proportions of 40 bacterial species). Biochemical data were analyzed by linear regression and microbiological findings by Friedman and Dunn tests (α = .05).ResultsA positive significant linear relationship was found among sucrose exposure (0×, 4×, and 8×) and biomass, S‐EPS, I‐EPS and IPS (p < 0.05). The biofilms treated with sucrose (4× and/or 8×) presented higher mean total levels of the 40 bacterial species evaluated, higher proportions of red complex species and lower proportions of the host‐compatible green complex species, in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of the present study suggest that daily sucrose exposure has a harmful effect on the composition of biofilms formed on titanium surfaces.
An Alternative Approach for Determining Critical Micelle Concentration: Dispersion of Ink in Foam
Authors: Pradhan Ambika , Bhattacharyya Amitabha 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe present work investigates the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of nonionic surfactant solutions using a new approach by monitoring the dirt dispersion (DD) defined as the amount of dirt absorbed by foam using India ink as a model dirt. DD has so far been studied qualitatively by eye estimation. Our quantification studies show that DD increases with increasing surfactant concentration and reaches a maximum. After this, it decreases and becomes very small. The concentration for which DD is maximum corresponds to the CMC, as determined from surface tension measurements. The CMC of natural surfactants obtained from plants Sapindus mukorossi, Albizia procera, Juglans regia, Zephyranthes carinata, and Acacia concinna was determined. The CMC obtained by DD are in reasonably good agreement with those obtained using the surface tension method. The DD method is easy, rapid, and inexpensive and can become an effective tool for estimating the CMC.
Study of Antioxidative Properties of Some Mono Amino‐Acid‐Type and Dipeptide‐Type Surfactants
Authors: Hossain Faisal , Ohta Akio , Yamane Yumi , Shizuka An‐na , Asakawa Hitoshi , Asakawa Tsuyoshi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSurfactants of tryptophan, tyrosine, and histidine were successfully synthesized. They were then modified to obtain dipeptide‐type surfactants with better solubility in both polar and nonpolar solvents, giving more emphasis to the development of water‐soluble amino‐acid‐type surfactants. All developed materials were designed to have functionality as antioxidants (AOX). The investigation of free radical scavenging capacity at pre‐micellar concentrations revealed greater Trolox equivalent (TE, relative scavenging capacity to Trolox) results for Trp‐type surfactants followed by Tyr‐type and His‐type. As expected, the synthesized surfactants exhibited comparable AOX properties to their parent amino acids. The AOX behavior of these surfactants was also checked in micellar concentrations, and the trend was found to be analogous: Trp‐type > Tyr‐type > His‐type surfactants. However, all of them were acting as better AOX in the micellar state than in the monomeric state. Investigating the synergistic effect found no interaction between the “amino acid–surfactant” pairs or the “surfactant–surfactant” pairs with varying ratios. They showed total AOX activity with respect to that of each material. This work opens up the door to the application of some new oil and water‐soluble amino‐acid‐type surfactants having auspicious AOX activity.
Properties of Emulsions Formed In Situ In a Heavy‐Oil Reservoir during Water Flooding: Effects of Salinity and pH
Authors: Pu Wanfen , Shen Chao , Pang Shishi , Tang Xingjian , Tian Qingtao , Song Yufei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDiffering from conventional emulsions, water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions are produced with no additional surfactants in this study. The testing results show that both interfacial tension (IFT) and dilational modulus at all salinities and pH are much higher than those of normal emulsions. A high IFT is not good for making emulsions, but a higher dilational modulus will contribute to more stable emulsions. Emulsion stability declines slightly as salinity increases and the most unstable W/O emulsion appears at pH = 7. To deeply understand the effects of salinity and pH on emulsion stability, petroleum acid is extracted and characterized using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.
Determinations of dinotefuran and metabolite levels before and after household coffee processing in coffee beans using solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Zhaojie , Song Shiming , Mao Lianying , Wei Jie , Li Yuanfu , Tan Huihua , Li Xuesheng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDCoffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. However, as daily consumables, coffee beans may contain pesticide residues that are capable of causing adverse health effects. Thus, we investigated residue dynamics in coffee beans using supervised field trials under Good Agricultural Practice conditions and determined the effects of household coffee processing on the coffee‐bean pesticide residues dinotefuran and its metabolites 1‐methyl‐3‐(tetrahydro‐3‐furylmethyl) urea (UF) and 1‐methyl‐3‐(tetrahydro‐3‐furylmethyl) guanidine (DN).RESULTSThe recovery rate of dinotefuran and its metabolites UF and DN was in the range 73.5%–106.3%, with a relative SD < 10%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for dinotefuran, UF and DN were all 0.003 and 0.01 mg kg−1, respectively. Dissipation experiments were conducted over 2015 and 2016 and showed a mean half‐life of 40.8 days. Coffee processing procedures were performed as described for traditional household coffee processing in Ethiopia. Dinotefuran contents were reduced by 44.4%–86.7% with washing of coffee beans and the roasting process reduced these contents by 62.2%–100%. DN residues were not detected in roasted coffee beans before day 21 or in brewed coffee before day 35 and UF residues were not detected in brewed coffee before day 35. Kruskal–Wallis analyses indicated large variations in the stability of pesticide residues between processing methods (P ≤ 0.05). Reductions of pesticide concentrations with washing were also significantly lower than those following roasting (P = 0.0001) and brewing processes (P = 0.002). Moreover, processing factors were less than one for all processing stages, indicating reductions of pesticides contents for all processing stages.CONCLUSIONThe cumulative effects of the three processing methods are of paramount importance with respect to an evaluation of the risks associated with the ingestion of pesticide residues, particularly those in coffee beans. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Human‐induced land degradation and biodiversity of Classical Karst landscape: On the example of enclosed karst depressions (dolines)
Authors: Breg Valjavec Mateja , Zorn Matija , Čarni Andraž 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn the karst landscape of the Kras Plateau (south‐west Slovenia), we studied the impact of historical human‐induced land degradation on biodiversity by studying the characteristics and changes in vegetation of degraded and nondegraded karst depressions (dolines). Intensive human‐induced land degradation began as a consequence of the abandonment of traditional land use; thus, many dolines have disappeared by being completely filled with waste material and overgrowth. The study is based on a chronosequence approach and assesses whether vegetation (e.g., community succession stages) can be used as a (bio)indicator of land degradation to estimate approximately the duration of degradation on the basis of the stage of succession. The locations and duration of degradation of dolines were identified in advance by analysing a time series of historical aerial photographs, topographical maps, and digital elevation models. Ecological evaluation was based on sampling the floristic composition and the topsoil. In this study, three vegetation measures were established as indicative of degradation: (a) the appearance of ruderal species, (b) hemeroby, and (c) alien and invasive species. A succession model of degraded karst landscape was produced on the basis of identified chronosequences to assess the long‐term spatial impact of doline degradation on karst biodiversity. The model is showing the tendency towards the vegetation homogenization of karst landscape.