bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional regulation of fatty acid cis–trans isomerization in the solvent‐tolerant soil bacterium, Pseudomonas putida F1
Authors: Kondakova Tatiana , Cronan John E. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryOne key to the success of Pseudomonas spp. is their ability to reside in hostile environments. Pseudomonas spp. possess a cis–trans isomerase (Cti) an enzyme that converts the cis‐unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) of the membrane lipids to their trans‐isomers to rigidify the membrane and thereby resist stresses. Whereas the posttranslational Cti regulation has been previously reported, transcriptional cti regulation remains to be studied in more details. Here, we have studied cti transcriptional regulation in the solvent‐tolerant strain Pseudomonas putida F1. Two cti transcriptional start sites (cti‐279 and cti‐77) were identified with cti‐279 transcript being dominant. Expression of cti was found to increase with temperature increase, addition of the organic solvent, octanol and in the stationary growth phase. We found that cti expression was repressed by the cyclic‐AMP receptor protein (Crp) and repression required the cyclic‐AMP ligand of Crp. Production of trans‐unsaturated FAs was found to decrease after 24 h of growth. Although this decrease was accompanied by an increase in cyclopropane FA content, this was not at the expense of trans‐unsaturated FAs demonstrating the absence of competition between Cti and Cfa in FA modification.
Wooden‐Breast, White Striping, and Spaghetti Meat: Causes, Consequences and Consumer Perception of Emerging Broiler Meat Abnormalities
Authors: Petracci M. , Soglia F. , Madruga M. , Carvalho L. , Ida Elza , Estévez M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTen years ago, the occurrence of macroscopic defects in breasts muscles from fast‐growing broilers challenged producers and animal scientists to label and characterize myopathies wholly unknown. The distinctive white striations in breasts affected by white striping disorder, the presence of out‐bulging and pale areas of hardened consistency in the so‐called wooden breast, and the separation of the fiber bundles in breasts labelled as spaghetti meat, made these myopathies easily identified in chicken carcasses. Yet, the high incidence of these myopathies and the increasing concern by producers and retailers led to an unprecedented flood of questions on the causes and consequences of these abnormal chicken breasts. This review comprehensively collects the most relevant information from studies aimed to understand the pathological mechanisms of these myopathies, their physicochemical and histological characterization and their impact on meat quality and consumer's preferences. Today, it is known that the occurrence is linked to fast‐growth rates of the birds and their large breast muscles. The muscle hypertrophy along with an unbalanced growth of supportive connective tissue leads to a compromised blood supply and hypoxia. The occurrence of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction leads to lipidosis, fibrosis, and overall myodegeneration. Along with the altered appearance, breast muscles affected by the myopathies display poor technological properties, impaired texture properties, and reduced nutritional value. As consumer's awareness on the occurrence of these abnormalities and the concerns on animal welfare arise, efforts are made to inhibit the onset of the myopathies or alleviate the severity of the symptoms. The lack of fully effective dietary strategies leads scientists to propose whether “slow” production systems may alternatively provide with poultry meat free of these myopathies.
Hypothalamic Energy Regulatory Peptides in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Korucu Berfu , Erten Yasemin T , Yeter Haci H , Altinova Alev , Pasaoglu Ozge T , Pasaoglu Hatice , Sindel Mahmut S , Arinsoy Selim T , Yetkin Ilhan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractLoss of appetite affects one‐third of patients with CKD and is the leading cause of malnutrition in this population. Orexigenic Agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) with neuropeptide‐Y (NPY) and anorexigenic melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐α (MSH‐α) with cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) are known to regulate appetite. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of these peptides in CKD patients compared to healthy subjects and demonstrate the effects of dialysis treatment and erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) therapy. The cross‐sectional study is composed of consecutive inclusion of 20 healthy individuals, 20 predialysis CKD patients, 20 HD, and 20 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Exclusion criteria were an active infection, history of malignancy, hypo‐ or hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. Patients on dialysis had targeted Kt/Vs. Demographic features and BMIs of the four groups were similar. Levels of AgRP, NPY, AMSH, and CART were significantly different between groups. Nondialysis CKD patients had significantly lower hypothalamic hormones compared to healthy individuals, HD and PD patients (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, and P = 0.07 for AgRP; P = 0.02, P = 0.01, and P = 0.09 for NPY; P = 0.02, P = 0.02, and P = 0.03 for AMSH; P = 0.02, P = 0.005, and P = 0.030 for CART). Dialysis patients with or without ESA treatment had similar hormone levels (P = 0.13 for AgRP; P = 0.11 for NPY; P = 0.23 for AMSH, and P = 019 for CART). Predialysis CKD patients have lower orexigenic and presumably indirectly lower anorexigenic peptides compared to healthy subjects and dialysis patients. ESA treatment does not affect these hypothalamic peptides in dialysis patients.
Preparation, Optimization, and Characterization of Natural Apple Essence‐Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Sun Zhongqi , Deng Yun , Zhao Yanyun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNatural apple essence has been utilized as a flavor enhancer in food and other products, but the aroma components are highly volatile, limiting its applications. In this study, apple essence‐loaded liposomes (AEL) were prepared by an ultrasonic thin‐film evaporation method to enhance the stability of apple essence. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of cholesterol to lecithin ratio, apple essence concentration, and ultrasonic power on apple essence entrapment quantity in liposomes. The optimum AEL formula was identified as 0.2% of lecithin, 0.1237 of cholesterol to lecithin (w/w) ratio, 8.3% of apple essence, and 77 W of ultrasonic power with resulting essence encapsulation efficiency of 51.5%. The optimized AEL was characterized on particle size, morphology, and stability. The spherical AEL particles had an average diameter of 301.5 nm and displayed stable size distribution at 4 °C within 120 days. This study demonstrated that liposomes had a bright prospect for microencapsulation and stabilization of apple essence, and the stabilized AEL might provide new application opportunities in food and other industries.Practical ApplicationNatural apple essence is widely accepted as a flavor enhancer, but its application is restricted due to high volatility. Liposomes are delivery systems to encapsulate functional ingredients and to enhance their bioactivity and stability. Liposomes using lecithin and cholesterol as wall materials were prepared by ultrasonic thin‐film evaporation method and effectively encapsulated apple essence in the present study. The optimized apple essence‐loaded liposomes (AEL) possessed favorable dispersing property and storability, and might be used as a flavor enhancer or functional component for food and other products for improving organoleptic quality and increasing the value of the product.
Fatty Acid Profiles of Triacylglycerols and Phospholipids of Sea‐Cage Cultured Trachinotus blochii: A Comparative Study of Head, Viscera, Skin, Bone, and Muscle
Authors: He Chen , Cao Jun , Jiang Xin , Wen Chunyan , Bai Xinpeng , Li Chuan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTrachinotus blochii (golden pompano) is an economically important cultured marine fish that is rich in polyunsaturated fat. The fatty acid profiles of triacylglycerols and phospholipids of T. blochii tissues were analyzed. Lipid contents in tissues followed the order of viscera (28.27%) > skin (17.25%) ≈ bone (16.18%) ≈ head (15.12%) > muscle (7.38%). In triacylglycerols (TAG), saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid predominated) were preferentially esterified in the sn‐2 position, and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid predominated) were mainly distributed in the sn‐1, 3 positions. The numbers of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the sn‐2 position were significantly greater than those in positions 1 and 3, while the n‐6 PUFA were mainly found in the sn‐1, 3 positions. Muscle TAG had a higher content of EPA+DHA (3.90%) than did the other tissues. In phosphatidylethanolamines, EPA+DHA in muscle (6.76%) predominated over that in other tissues. In phosphatidylcholines, EPA+DHA in bone (6.50%) predominated. This study is a guide for the biochemical and nutritional values of the T. blochii species and can be useful for further investigation of industrial applications.Practical ApplicationThe high proportion of sn‐2‐palmitic acid (greater than 50%) is close to that of breast milk and the n‐3 PUFA, especially EPA and DHA have the preferential distribution in the sn‐2 position of triacylglycerol. Hence, golden pompano is an excellent dietary component for human nutrition and health.
Ostwald Ripening Rate of Orange Oil Emulsions: Effects of Molecular Structure of Emulsifiers and Their Oil Composition
Authors: Jang Yurim , Park Jinwook , Song Ha Youn , Choi Seung Jun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOstwald ripening, one of the frequently observed instability of flavor oil emulsions, can be easily prevented by adding triacylglycerols to the oil phase. The effect of interfacial characteristics of the emulsion droplets (particularly thickness) on the effectiveness of triacylglycerol inhibition of Ostwald ripening was evaluated in this study. The prepared emulsions were stabilized with emulsifiers with different‐size hydrophilic groups, which correlate to droplet interfacial thickness. Emulsions with an oil phase of pure orange oil were unstable due to Ostwald ripening. Modifying the oil phase by adding corn oil or medium‐chain triacylglycerol (MCT) effectively inhibited droplet growth. Thicker and less dense droplet surfaces in the emulsions required more triacylglycerol, regardless of its type, to resist Ostwald ripening. When the oil phase contained the same amounts of triacylglycerols, MCT was more effective at inhibiting Ostwald ripening than corn oil. Compared with corn oil, MCT more effectively inhibited Ostwald ripening of the emulsions containing micelles.Practical ApplicationsWhen food and beverage industries produce food products containing flavor or essential oils vulnerable to Ostwald ripening as emulsion forms, the findings in this work could provide useful information on the interfacial engineering of emulsions and on how to modify the oil compositions of emulsions using triacylglycerols to improve the stability of these emulsions against Ostwald ripening.
Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass decreases endotoxemia and inflammatory stress in association with improvements in gut permeability in obese diabetic rats
Authors: Guo Yan , Liu Chao‐Qian , Liu Guo‐Ping , Huang Zhi‐Ping , Zou Da‐Jin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative modulation of the gut microbiome has been suggested to contribute to the metabolic benefits after metabolic surgery, but the mechanisms underlying these metabolic benefits remain unknown. Previously, we reported that Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. However, theoretically, these Gram‐negative bacteria may elevate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Therefore, in this study we further investigated the potential mechanisms by which RYGB improves glucose homeostasis, endotoxemia, and inflammatory stress in ZDF rats.MethodsRats were divided into three groups: (a) an RYGB group (RY); (b) a sham‐operated group pair‐fed with the RY group; and (c) a sham‐operated group fed ad libitum. Changes in LPS, cytokine levels, intestinal permeability (evaluated using the fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran method), and intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins zona occludins (ZO)‐1, occludin, and claudin‐1 were assessed 10 weeks postoperatively.ResultsRats that underwent RYGB exhibited sustained weight loss and reduced glucose, as well as lower cytokine and LPS concentrations, than rats in the control groups. In the colonic epithelium, ZO1 and claudin‐1 (Cldn1) mRNA levels were higher in the RY than control groups. Intestinal permeability declined in the RY group and was positively correlated with LPS levels and negatively correlated with ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐1 expression.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that RYGB can reduce the extent of endotoxemia and inflammation, which is associated with improved tight junction integrity and intestinal barrier strength. These effects may explain why a low level of inflammation is maintained after RYGB and the postoperative increase in Gram‐negative bacteria.
Occupancy models for citizen‐science data
Authors: Altwegg Res , Nichols James D. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Large‐scale citizen‐science projects, such as atlases of species distribution, are an important source of data for macroecological research, for understanding the effects of climate change and other drivers on biodiversity, and for more applied conservation tasks, such as early‐warning systems for biodiversity loss.

However, citizen‐science data are challenging to analyse because the observation process has to be taken into account. Typically, the observation process leads to heterogeneous and non‐random sampling, false absences, false detections, and spatial correlations in the data. Increasingly, occupancy models are being used to analyse atlas data.

We advocate a dual approach to strengthen inference from citizen science data for the questions the programme is intended to address: (a) the survey design should be chosen with a particular set of questions and associated analysis strategy in mind and (b) the statistical methods should be tailored not only to those questions but also to the specific characteristics of the data.

We review the consequences of particular survey design choices that typically need to be made in atlas‐style citizen‐science projects. These include spatial resolution of the sampling units, allocation of effort in space, and collection of information about the observation process. On the analysis side, we review extensions of the basic occupancy models that are frequently necessary with atlas data, including methods for dealing with heterogeneity, non‐independent detections, false detections, and violation of the closure assumption.

New technologies, such as cell‐phone apps and fixed remote detection devices, are revolutionizing citizen‐science projects. There is an opportunity to maximize the usefulness of the resulting datasets if the protocols are rooted in robust statistical designs and data analysis issues are being considered. Our review provides guidelines for designing new projects and an overview of the current methods that can be used to analyse data from such projects.
Dexmedetomidine for the management of delirium in critically ill patients—A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Maagaard Mathias , Barbateskovic Marija , Perner Anders , Jakobsen Janus C. , Wetterslev Jørn 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundDelirium is a common complication in critically ill patients and carries an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Dexmedetomidine can potentially treat delirium by diminishing predisposing factors. The evidence regarding the use of dexmedetomidine in the management of delirium is conflicting. This protocol aims to identify the beneficial and harmful effects of dexmedetomidine in the management of delirium.MethodsThis protocol uses the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration, the Preferred Report Items of Systematic reviews with Meta‐Analysis Protocols, and the eight‐step assessment procedure suggested by Jakobsen and colleagues. We wish to assess in critically ill patients with delirium, if dexmedetomidine vs placebo is effective in managing delirium and improving clinical outcomes. We will include all relevant randomised clinical trials assessing the use of dexmedetomidine in treating delirium. To identify trials, we will search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Science Citation Index Expanded on Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science Journal Database, and BIOSIS. Two authors will screen the literature and extract data. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to evaluate included trials. Extracted data will be analysed using Review Manager 5 and Trial Sequential Analysis. We will create a ‘Summary of Findings’‐table in which we will present our primary and secondary outcomes. We will assess the quality of evidence using GRADE assessment.DiscussionThis systematic review can potentially aid clinicians in decision making and benefit the many critically ill patients developing delirium.
Racial discrimination and alcohol use and negative drinking consequences among Black Americans: a meta‐analytical review
Authors: Desalu Jessica M. , Goodhines Patricia A. , Park Aesoon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsFindings of the association between racial discrimination and alcohol use and related consequences are inconsistent, and the role of potential moderators in the association is largely unknown. This meta‐analysis aimed to synthesize the discrimination–alcohol literature among Black Americans, estimate the magnitude of associations and explore differences as a function of sample characteristics.MethodsEmpirical studies reporting the association of racial discrimination with alcohol‐related behaviors in an all‐black sample were identified via systematic literature search. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted using 33 effect sizes extracted from 27 studies, all of which used US samples (n = 26 894).ResultsSignificant positive associations were found for racial discrimination with alcohol consumption [k = 9, confidence interval (CI) = 0.08, 0.17, I2 = 49%, r = 0.12], heavy/binge drinking (k = 12, CI = 0.02, 0.10), I2 = 27%, r = 0.06), at‐risk drinking (k = 4, CI = 0.06, 0.23, I2 = 0%, r = 0.14) and negative drinking consequences (k = 5, CI = 0.09, 0.25, I2 = 94%, r = 0.25), but not with alcohol use disorder (k = 3, CI = −0.01, 0.20, I2 = 90%, r = 0.10). Only alcohol consumption and negative drinking consequences showed significant between‐study heterogeneity and had a sufficient quantity of studies for moderation analysis (i.e., 4 or more studies). The positive association of racial discrimination with negative drinking consequences was stronger among younger samples; the association with alcohol consumption did not differ by age or proportion of men.ConclusionsExperiences of racial discrimination are associated with diverse alcohol‐related behaviors among Black Americans, with a stronger association with problematic alcohol use, particularly among younger individuals.
Vasectomy and the risk of prostate cancer in a prospective US Cohort: Data from the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Davenport M. T. , Zhang C. A. , Leppert J. T. , Brooks J. D. , Eisenberg M. L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have linked vasectomy with the risk of prostate cancer; however, this association has been attributed to selection bias. Since vasectomy is a common and effective form of contraception, these implications are significant. Therefore, we sought to test this association in a large observational cohort.ObjectiveTo evaluate the potential association between prior vasectomy and the risk of developing prostate cancer.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study. Of the 111,914 men, prostate cancer was identified in 13,885 men and vasectomies were performed in 48,657. We used multivariate analysis to examine the relationship between prostate cancer and vasectomy. We also performed propensity score‐adjusted and propensity score‐matched analysis.ResultsMen utilizing vasectomy were more likely to be ever married, fathers, educated, white, and screened for prostate cancer. During 4,251,863 person‐years of follow‐up, there was a small association between vasectomy and incident prostate cancer with a hazard ratio of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01–1.11). However, no significant association was found when looking separately at prostate cancer by grade or stage. Conclusions were similar when using propensity adjustment and matching. Importantly, a significant interaction between vasectomy and PSA screening was identified.DiscussionEstimates of the association between vasectomy and prostate cancer are sensitive to analytic method underscoring the tenuous nature of the connection. Given the differences between men who do and do not utilize vasectomy, selection bias appears likely to explain any identified association between vasectomy and prostate cancer.ConclusionsWith over 20 years of follow‐up, no convincing relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer of any grade was identified.
The evolution and impact of sarcopenia pre‐ and post‐liver transplantation
Authors: Bhanji Rahima A. , Takahashi Naoki , Moynagh Michael R. , Narayanan Praveena , Angirekula Mounika , Mara Kristin C. , Dierkhising Ross A. , Watt Kymberly D. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundSarcopenia is associated with both increased wait‐list mortality and mortality following liver transplantation.AimsTo determine the course of sarcopenia from transplant evaluation until 1 year post‐transplant, and its implications on hospitalisation and mortality following liver transplantation.MethodsTwo hundred and ninety‐three transplant recipients from 2002 to 2006 had pre‐transplant CT scans analysed at the third lumbar region for sarcopenia, myosteatosis and abdominal visceral fat content. Half the recipients had post‐transplant CT scan for interpretation (161/293).ResultsSarcopenia was present in 146/293 (50%) of the patients pre‐transplant. There was a significant decrease in muscle mass (loss 2.0 ± 4.9 cm2/m2; P < 0.001), and an increase in myosteatosis while awaiting liver transplantation. There was no significant change in abdominal visceral fat. For every 1 cm2/m2 decrease in muscle mass there was an increase in post‐transplant length of stay by 0.36 days (P = 0.005). Post‐transplant, 98/161 (61%) of patients with CT imaging had sarcopenia (25 de novo and 73 persistent), with continued increase in myosteatosis, lower Hounsfield units (−5.0 [IQR −8.6 to 0.1]; P < 0.001) and an increase in abdominal visceral fat (4.9 [IQR −4.4 to 15.6] cm2/m2; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in 1‐year mortality in patients with de novo sarcopenia compared to patients with sarcopenia both pre‐ and post‐transplant (HR 1.88; P = 0.088).ConclusionsSarcopenia progresses up to 1 year following liver transplantation and is associated with an increase in post‐transplant length of stay.