bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro‐inflammation in functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Du L. , Chen B. , Kim J. J. , Chen X. , Dai N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground and PurposeFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder of unknown etiology. Although micro‐inflammation appears to be important in the pathogenesis, studies evaluating immune activation in FD have been inconsistent. A systematic review of literature and meta‐analysis was performed to compare immunologic cell counts and cytokine levels in the mucosa and peripheral blood of individuals with FD and healthy controls. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched. Data on immunologic cell counts and cytokines levels among individuals with FD and control groups were extracted and compared by calculating standard mean differences (SMD). Thirty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Mast cell (SMD = 0.94, 95%CI 0.26‐1.62, P = .007) and eosinophil counts (SMD = 0.36, 95%CI 0.06‐0.68, P = .03) in the stomach were increased, among individuals with FD compared to controls. Similarly, mast cell (SMD = 0.66, 95%CI 0.20‐1.13, P = 0.005) and eosinophil (SMD = 0.95, 95%CI 0.66‐1.24; P < .001) counts in the duodenum were also increased in those with FD compared to controls. In a subgroup analysis, elevated eosinophil counts in the duodenum were observed in both post‐prandial distress syndrome (SMD = 0.97, 95%CI 0.46‐1.47, P = .0002) and epigastric pain syndrome subtypes (SMD = 1.16, 95%CI 0.48‐1.83, P = .0008). No differences in mucosal intraepithelial lymphocyte, enterochromaffin cell, and neutrophil counts, as well as, peripheral interlukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐10 levels were observed among individuals with FD and controls. Micro‐inflammation in the form of local immune cell infiltration, particularly eosinophils and mast cells, characterizes the pathogenesis of FD.
Acupuncture for patients with chronic functional constipation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng H. , Liu Z.‐S. , Zhang W. , Chen M. , Zhong F. , Jing X.‐H. , Rong P.‐J. , Zhu W.‐Z. , Wang F.‐C. , Liu Z.‐B. , Tang C.‐Z. , Wang S.‐J. , Zhou M.‐Q. , Li Y. , Zhu B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAcupuncture is used to treat chronic functional constipation (CFC) in China, despite limited evidence. We aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in managing CFC.MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled trial was performed involving 684 patients with CFC; the patients were randomly allocated to receive He acupuncture (n = 172), Shu‐mu acupuncture (n = 171), He‐shu‐mu acupuncture (n = 171), or oral administration of mosapride (n = 170). Sixteen sessions of acupuncture were given in the treatment duration of 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) at week 4 (at the end of treatment) compared to baseline. The secondary outcomes included stool consistency (Bristol scale), the degree of straining during defecation, and adverse events.Key ResultsThe SBMs increased in all the four groups at week 4, and the magnitude of increase was equivalent in the four groups (He acupuncture, 2.7 [95% CI, 2.3‐3.1]; Shu‐mu acupuncture, 2.7 [95% CI, 2.3‐3.0]; He‐shu‐mu acupuncture, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.9‐2.5]; and mosapride, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.0‐2.9]; P = .226). However, the change in SBMs at week 8 was significantly smaller in mosapride group (1.4 [95% CI, 1.0‐1.8]) than the three acupuncture groups (2.4 [95% CI, 2.1‐2.7], 2.3 [95% CI, 1.9‐2.7], 2.1 [95% CI, 1.7‐2.5] in He, Shu‐mu, and He‐shu‐mu group, respectively, P = .005).Conclusions & InterferencesThe three acupuncture treatments were as effective as mosapride in improving stool frequency and stool consistency in CFC, but the magnitude of the treatment effect is unknown due to the lack of sham acupuncture control.
Biogastronomy: Factors that determine the biological response to meal ingestion
Authors: Pribic T. , Azpiroz F. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe biological response to a meal includes physiological changes, primarily related to the digestive process, and a sensory experience, involving sensations related to the homeostatic control of food consumption, eg, satiety and fullness, with a hedonic dimension, ie associated with changes in digestive well‐being and mood. The responses to a meal include a series of events before, during and after ingestion. While much attention has been paid to the events before and during ingestion, relatively little is known about the postprandial sensations, which are key to the gastronomical experience.PurposeThe aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview and to define the framework to investigate the factors that determine the postprandial experience. Based on a series of proof‐of‐concept studies and related information, we propose that the biological responses to a meal depend on the characteristics of the meal, primarily its palatability and composition, and the responsiveness of the guest, which may be influenced by multiple previous and concurrent conditioning factors. This information provides the scientific backbone to the development of personalized gastronomy.
SWEET11 and 15 as key players in seed filling in rice
Authors: Yang Jungil , Luo Dangping , Yang Bing , Frommer Wolf B. , Eom Joon‐Seob 
Published: February 2018

Summary

Despite the relevance of seed‐filling mechanisms for crop yield, we still have only a rudimentary understanding of the transport processes that supply the caryopsis with sugars. We hypothesized that SWEET sucrose transporters may play important roles in nutrient import pathways in the rice caryopsis.

We used a combination of mRNA quantification, histochemical analyses, translational promoter–reporter fusions and analysis of knockout mutants created by genomic editing to evaluate the contribution of SWEET transporters to seed filling.

In rice caryopses, SWEET11 and 15 had the highest mRNA levels and proteins localized to four key sites: all regions of the nucellus at early stages; the nucellar projection close to the dorsal vein; the nucellar epidermis that surrounds the endosperm; and the aleurone. ossweet11;15 double knockout lines accumulated starch in the pericarp, whereas caryopses did not contain a functional endosperm.

Jointly, SWEET11 and 15 show all the hallmarks of being necessary for seed filling with sucrose efflux functions at the nucellar projection and a role in transfer across the nucellar epidermis/aleurone interface, delineating two major steps for apoplasmic seed filling, observations that are discussed in relation to observations made in rice and barley regarding the relative prevalence of these two potential import routes.
CLE peptide tri‐arabinosylation and peptide domain sequence composition are essential for SUNN‐dependent autoregulation of nodulation in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Imin Nijat , Patel Neha , Corcilius Leo , Payne Richard J. , Djordjevic Michael A. 
Published: February 2018

Summary

MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 encode CLAVATA3/EMBRYO‐SURROUNDING REGION RELATED (CLE) peptides which regulate autoregulation of nodulation (AON) in Medicago through the shoot receptor, SUNN (SUPER NUMERIC NODULES). Genetics suggests RDN1 (ROOT‐DETERMINED NODULATION 1) arabinosylates MtCLE12 to enable SUNN perception. The functional structures of MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 peptides, however, remain elusive.

We combined genetic and chemical synthesis approaches to determine if glyco‐modifications of three nodule‐expressed CLE peptides are essential for AON. We also examined how root and shoot applied AON‐CLEs inhibit nodulation.

MtCLE12, MtCLE13 and MtCLE42 peptides were synthesized with hydroxylation, mono‐arabinosylation or tri‐arabinosylation (TaP) at proline 7. Only MtCLE12‐TaP and MtCLE13‐TaP peptides induced AON in wild‐type (WT) and rdn1‐1, but not in sunn‐4. The application of MtCLE13‐TaP to cotyledons 1 d before rhizobial inoculation completely inhibited both rhizobial infection and nodulation. By contrast, MtCLE12‐TaP induced significant AON without abolishing rhizobial infection.

The results indicate that key CLE domain amino acids and TaP modifications to MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 are essential for SUNN‐dependent AON. We also show evidence that RDN1 does not tri‐arabinosylate MtCLE13. Finally, MtCLE13‐TaP can induce a strong AON response in shoots that inhibits the entire symbiotic processes in roots. We present a new model for AON in Medicago.
Effects of UV Irradiation by Light Emitting Diodes on Heterotrophic Bacteria in Tap Water
Authors: Oguma Kumiko , Kanazawa Kaori , Kasuga Ikuro , Takizawa Satoshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUltraviolet light emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs) are small mercury‐free devices that can be installed at the point of use (POU) of water for disinfection. Considering that heterotrophic bacteria are of concern in drinking water systems, we applied a flow‐through UV‐LED apparatus to dechlorinated tap water, and determined the heterotrophic plate count (HPC) in samples after UV‐LED exposure (UV+) compared to samples without UV‐LED application (UV−). The UV+ and UV− samples were maintained at 20°C to track HPC profiles during storage for 7 days. It was confirmed that UV+ samples showed negative HPC or lower HPC than UV− for 5 days of storage after the flow‐through test. HPC bacteria formed colonies with different morphological characteristics, and yellow colonies were closest to Novosphingobium sp., with 99% identity, while white and pale pink colonies were closest to Methylobacterium sp., with 99–100% identity, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. White colonies became dominant in UV+, indicating that UV‐LED exposure can select UV‐resistant species such as Methylobacterium. This study shows the effects of UV‐LED application on HPC bacteria in tap water and implies that future research is required on the significance and impacts of microbial selection by UV‐LED exposure.
Up‐regulation of PR1 and less disruption of hormone and sucrose metabolism in roots is associated with lower susceptibility to ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’
Authors: Wu J. , Alférez F. M. , Johnson E. G. , Graham J. H. 
Published: February 2018

Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las), is a devastating disease of citrus trees in Florida. Previous work showed that the rootstock cultivar Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reticulata) has a higher population of Las in roots than Swingle citrumelo (C. paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata). Las reduced fibrous root biomass and sucrose content in Cleopatra mandarin more than in Swingle citrumelo. To understand the mechanisms for susceptibility to Las infection, sucrose and hormone metabolism status were evaluated in Cleopatra mandarin and Swingle citrumelo. In fibrous roots of Cleopatra mandarin, higher expression of genes related to sucrose cleavage was consistent with lower sucrose content compared to noninoculated seedlings at 5 weeks post‐root trimming (wpt). In fibrous roots of Swingle citrumelo, both sucrose content and gene expression related to sucrose cleavage were less disrupted by Las infection compared to Cleopatra mandarin at 5 wpt. Genes associated with salicylic acid (SA), ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis, and ABA signalling, phospholipases D (PLD), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were activated by Las infection at 5 wpt in Cleopatra mandarin. Expression of downstream effectors of SA, i.e. NPR1, WRKY70 and PR1, did not change in Cleopatra mandarin, suggesting inhibition of the response to SA by the elevation of ABA, ET and PLD. In contrast, the up‐regulation of PR1, lower response of sucrose metabolism genes and down‐regulation of biosynthesis of phytohormones indicates that Swingle citrumelo activates a more effective defence against this biotrophic pathogen than Cleopatra mandarin.
Toward an Application Guide for Safety Integrity Level Allocation in Railway Systems
Authors: Ouedraogo Kiswendsida Abel , Beugin Julie , El‐Koursi El‐Miloudi , Clarhaut Joffrey , Renaux Dominique , Lisiecki Frederic 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe work in the article presents the development of an application guide based on feedback and comments stemming from various railway actors on their practices of SIL allocation to railway safety‐related functions. The initial generic methodology for SIL allocation has been updated to be applied to railway rolling stock safety‐related functions in order to solve the SIL concept application issues. Various actors dealing with railway SIL allocation problems are the intended target of the methodology; its principles will be summarized in this article with a focus on modifications and precisions made in order to establish a practical guide for railway safety authorities. The methodology is based on the flowchart formalism used in CSM (common safety method) European regulation. It starts with the use of quantitative safety requirements, particularly tolerable hazard rates (THR). THR apportioning rules are applied. On the one hand, the rules are related to classical logical combinations of safety‐related functions preventing hazard occurrence. On the other hand, to take into account technical conditions (last safety weak link, functional dependencies, technological complexity, etc.), specific rules implicitly used in existing practices are defined for readjusting some THR values. SIL allocation process based on apportioned and validated THR values is finally illustrated through the example of “emergency brake” subsystems. Some specific SIL allocation rules are also defined and illustrated.
Do Women Find the Progesterone Vaginal Ring Acceptable? Findings from Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal
Authors: RamaRao Saumya , Obare Francis , Ishaku Salisu , Mané Babacar , Clark Heather , Liambila Wilson , Unumeri Godwin , Birungi Harriet , Diop Nafissatou , Rajamani Deepa , Townsend John 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) is a contraceptive designed for use by breastfeeding women in the first year postpartum. This Report presents results of an acceptability study of the PVR in Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. Women seeking postpartum family planning services were offered various contraceptive options including the PVR. Of the 174 participating women, 110 (63 percent) used one ring and 94 (54 percent) completed the study by using two rings over a six‐month period. Women were interviewed up to three times: at the time they entered the study, at 3 months (the end of the first ring cycle), and at 6 months (the end of the second ring cycle or when they exited if they had discontinued earlier). Many participants found the ring to be acceptable, with over three‐quarters reporting that it was easy to insert, remove, and reinsert. While a small proportion of women experienced ring expulsion, the majority did not. These findings suggest that even in countries with little or no use of vaginal health products, contraceptive vaginal rings offer women a new option that they are able and willing to use.
Frequency and causes of deferral amongst voluntary non‐remunerated blood donors from Pakistan – a single‐centre study
Authors: Jamal S. , Shaikh I. , Sohail S. , Ata U. , Ali A. , Saleem S. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundAmidst a system dependent on replacement donors in Pakistan, The Indus Hospital Blood Centre predominantly recruits voluntary non‐remunerated blood donors (VNRBD) to ensure provision of safe blood. Furthermore, due to unsafe practices of reuse of syringes in Pakistan, an additional criterion was added, deferring donors on recent history of therapeutic injections for medicinal purposes.MethodsDuring the study period of 37 months (Dec 2013–Dec 2016), all potential donors visiting blood drives and the donor centre underwent a screening process via a brief physical examination and an interview. Donors were either accepted for donation, temporarily deferred or permanently deferred.ResultsIn the study period, 63 582 potential donors visited, whereas 84% were VNRBD and 16% replacement donors. With an overall deferral of 24%, amidst VNRBD and replacement, the deferral rate was 25% and 18%, respectively. The major reasons for deferral were use of therapeutic injections followed by low haemoglobin. Furthermore, 54% of females and 21% of males visiting were deferred. Replacement donors, males and donors from underprivileged residential areas and factories had a comparatively higher proportion of deferral due to use of therapeutic injections.ConclusionThe high deferral rate in this study is illustrative of the increased use of therapeutic injections amongst the Pakistani population. Additionally, due to the compulsion of providing blood donors associated with replacement donation, they are more likely to hide health conditions, hence the lower comparative deferral rate. The Pakistani population needs to be educated regarding the high risks associated with injections and replacement donors.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound complements two‐dimensional ultrasonography in diagnosing gallbladder diseases in dogs
Authors: Bargellini Paolo , Orlandi Riccardo , Paloni Chiara , Rubini Giuseppe , Fonti Paolo , Righi Cecilia , Peterson Mark E. , Rishniw Mark , Boiti Cristiano 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGall‐bladder diseases are common in dogs and two‐dimensional ultrasonography is a current standard method for diagnosis and treatment planning. However, findings from this modality can be nonspecific. The aim of this retrospective, case series study was to describe conventional and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (using SonoVue®) findings in a group of dogs with histologically confirmed gall bladder disease. A total of 65 dogs were included. Branchlike, heterogeneous, and homogeneous contrast enhancement of echogenic intraluminal mass‐forming lesions was a contrast‐enhanced ultrasound characteristic of polypoid lesions due to cystic mucosal hyperplasia of the gallbladder and/or tumor, which had different wash‐in and washout characteristics. In dogs with mobile or immobile biliary sludge or mucocele, the echogenic intraluminal masses remained unenhanced. A double rim mark or enhancement defect in the gallbladder wall was a characteristic of edema or necrosis/rupture of the wall, respectively. Conventional ultrasonography correctly identified biliary sludge or mucocele in 36/37 dogs, cholecystitis/edema in 44/47 dogs, necrosis/rupture in 19/25 dogs, and gallbladder neoplasia in three of three dogs with these pathologies. It falsely identified biliary sludge or mucocele in eight of 28 dogs, cholecystitis/edema in three of 15 dogs, necrosis/rupture in 13/37 dogs, and gall‐bladder neoplasia in 20/59 dogs that did not have these pathologies. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound correctly identified cholecystitis/edema in 42/47 dogs, but falsely identified cholecystitis/edema in three of 18 dogs. It correctly identified necrosis/rupture, benign polypoid lesions, and gallbladder neoplasia in all dogs with no false‐positive results. Findings supported contrast‐enhanced ultrasound as a complement to conventional ultrasonography for dogs with suspected gallbladder pathologies such as edema, necrosis, and rupture.
An Improved Streamline Curvature Method for Centrifugal Compressor Performance
Authors: Chao-wei Zhang , Xue-zhi Dong , Xi-yang Liu , Qing Gao , Chun-qing Tan 
Published: February 2018

This paper describes an improved throughflow calculation method on S2m based on streamline curvature method for predicting the performance of centrifugal compressor. A general method of specifying the empirical data provides separate treatment of blockage, deviation and losses. The spanwise and streamwise distribution laws of losses are described. The paper describes a new aspect of method about the mixing loss. Two-zone model considering the “jet and wake” can obtain the secondary flow width. For this reason, the improved prediction method combined with two-zone model is proposed to correct the mixing loss. Due to the average static pressure at outlet unknown, the secondary flow width is obtained by iterations.
This performance prediction method is validated with experimental and CFD data of three cases, including impeller(A), impeller(B) and impeller(C). The results show that the improved throughflow calculation method predicts the performance of centrifugal compressor more accurately than conventional throughflow calculation, with increased the accuracy of total pressure ratio and isentropic efficiency by about 3.18% and 1.30%.
Development of Turbine Blade Profiles Using Iterative Inverse Design Methodology
Authors: Rajendran Nanthini , Prasad Bhamidi , Sanyasiraju Y. V. S. S. 
Published: February 2018

An iterative inverse design methodology is used to design gas turbine blades for the prescribed flow conditions. The input flow parameter considered here is the pressure distribution along the suction and pressure surfaces of the blade. The flow is regarded as inviscid. A guess blade is presumed and the flow analysis over the blade is determined using the existing commercial software. In case of mismatch of the flow parameters, the guessed profile surface is considered as a permeable membrane and the normal velocity on the blade surface is computed by conservation of momentum flux approach. The computed normal velocity is used to revise the blade geometry by mass conservation principle till the flow parameters converge. A few geometric constraints are enforced on the model to avoid quixotic blade model. The validation of the above method is being done using NACA profiles. The robustness of the method is verified by using various combinations of NACA blade profiles, where different initial guessed profiles are taken for the same prescribed pressure distribution.
This approach can be extended to three dimensional cases. To incorporate the complications attached with the three dimensional flows, three two dimensional sections can be considered on the blade geometry namely at hub, mid span and tip.