bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing Criteria Affecting Performance of the Sefidroud Irrigation and Drainage Network Using TOPSIS–Entropy Theory
Authors: Aghajani Mahbobeh , Mostafazadeh‐Fard Behrouz , Navabian Maryam 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAssessing criteria affecting the performance of irrigation networks helps us understand the current situation of irrigation projects, allocate water fairly and modify cropping patterns. Criteria affecting the performance of the Sefidroud Irrigation and Drainage Network were studied using TOPSIS‐entropy theory to select appropriate sites for cultivating rice. The Sefidroud Irrigation and Drainage Network includes three sub‐networks of Foumanat, Central and Eastern with 17 irrigation sub‐sub‐networks located in the northern part of Iran. Six criteria, technical, managerial, environmental, economic, social and soil–climatic, with 34 sub‐criteria, were selected to assess the performance of the Sefidroud Irrigation and Drainage Network for three scenarios: A (including all criteria), B (all criteria except technical and managerial) and C (only soil–climate criteria). The criteria and sub‐criteria were weighted using the entropy model and coded in the TOPSIS model. Results showed the technical, economic and managerial criteria had the greatest importance and the environmental and soil‐climatic criteria had the least for ranking irrigation sub‐sub‐networks for selecting suitable sites for cultivating rice. Farm demand, income ratio and rainfall were the most important sub‐criteria for scenarios A, B and C, respectively. Fomanat sub‐network was the best site for cultivating rice. The use of the TOPSIS and entropy models to manage irrigation networks is recommended. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal alcohol consumption and altered miRNAs in the developing fetus: Context and future perspectives
Authors: Mandal Chanchal , Halder Debasish , Jung Kyoung Hwa , Chai Young Gyu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlcohol is a teratogenic agent that can cause a wide range of developmental disorders, and sometimes, the effects persist throughout an individual's lifetime. Researchers have shown the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in alcohol‐mediated disorders. Non‐coding RNAs are one of the major sources of epigenetic modifications, especially microRNAs. The association of microRNAs with alcohol consumption leads to a new focus on finding the molecular mechanisms of alcohol toxicity. It has been suggested that alcohol alters the relative expression of microRNAs and regulates target mRNA expression in both in vitro and in vivo models. Currently, we lack information regarding the relationship between altered microRNA expression and disease phenotypes in alcohol‐mediated disorders. In this review, we tried to gather all of the available information about the alcohol‐mediated dysregulation of microRNA expression in utero. We hope that our efforts will help future researchers identify major microRNAs in the field of prenatal alcohol toxicity and related therapeutics.
Prediction of Fractures and Major Cardiovascular Events in Men Using Serum Osteoprotegerin Levels: The Prospective STRAMBO Study
Authors: Szulc Pawel , Chapurlat Roland , Hofbauer Lorenz C 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Fragility fractures and cardiovascular diseases often coincide. However, data on shared risk factors and markers are scarce. Our aim was to assess the independent associations of serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels with the risk of fracture and cardiovascular outcomes (acute coronary syndrome, cardiac death) in older men. A cohort of 819 home-dwelling men aged 60 to 87 years was followed prospectively for 8 years. Serum OPG was measured at baseline by ELISA. Bone mineral density (BMD) at femoral neck and Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) were assessed by DXA. Clinical risk factors and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) were assessed. The incident events (self-reported peripheral fractures and acute coronary syndrome, cardiac death reported by a proxy) confirmed by a health professional were retained for the statistical analysis. Incident vertebral fractures were assessed on lateral DXA scans after 4 and 8 years. Hazard risk (HR) was assessed using the Cox model. After adjustment for FRAX corrected for femoral neck BMD and TBS, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and prior falls, the risk of fracture was twofold higher in the highest versus the lowest OPG quartile (HR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.35 to 4.10). The risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fracture was higher in the highest versus the lowest OPG quartile (OR 2.76 [95% CI, 1.08 to 7.05] and HR 2.46 [95% CI, 1.23 to 4.92]). The risk of major osteoporotic fracture was higher in the fourth versus the first OPG quartile (HR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.16 to 5.10). The risk of cardiovascular outcome (adjusted for confounders) was higher in the highest versus the lowest OPG quartile (HR 3.93; 95% CI, 1.54 to 10.04). The risk of fracture and cardiovascular outcome was higher in the highest OPG quartile versus the lower quartiles combined (HR 2.06 [95% CI, 1.35 to 3.14] and HR 2.98 [95% CI, 1.60 to 5.54], respectively). In conclusion, in older men, higher serum OPG levels represent an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and fracture risk. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Effect of Intentional Weight Loss on Fracture Risk in Persons With Diabetes: Results From the Look AHEAD Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Johnson Karen C , Bray George A , Cheskin Lawrence J , Clark Jeanne M , Egan Caitlin M , Foreyt John P , Garcia Katelyn R , Glasser Stephen , Greenway Frank L , Gregg Edward W , Hazuda Helen P , Hergenroeder Andrea , Hill James O , Horton Edward S , Jakicic John M , Jeffery Robert W , Kahn Steven E , Knowler William C , Lewis Cora E , Miller Marsha , Montez Maria G , Nathan David M , Patricio Jennifer L , Peters Anne L , Pi-Sunyer Xavier , Pownall Henry J , Reboussin David , Redmon J Bruce , Steinberg Helmut , Wadden Thomas A , Wagenknecht Lynne E , Wing Rena R , Womack Catherine R , Yanovski Susan Z , Zhang Ping , Schwartz Ann V ,   for the Look AHEAD Study Group
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Intentional weight loss is an important treatment option for overweight persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), but the effects on long-term fracture risk are not known. The purpose of this Look AHEAD analysis was to evaluate whether long-term intentional weight loss would increase fracture risk in overweight or obese persons with DM. Look AHEAD is a multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Recruitment began in August 2001 and follow-up continued for a median of 11.3 years at 16 academic centers. A total of 5145 persons aged 45 to 76 years with DM were randomized to either an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) with reduced calorie consumption and increased physical activity designed to achieve and maintain ≥7% weight loss or to diabetes support and education intervention (DSE). Incident fractures were ascertained every 6 months by self-report and confirmed with central adjudication of medical records. The baseline mean age of participants was 59 years, 60% were women, 63% were white, and the mean BMI was 36 kg/m2. Weight loss over the intervention period (median 9.6 years) was 6.0% in ILI and 3.5% in DSE. A total of 731 participants had a confirmed incident fracture (358 in DSE versus 373 in ILI). There were no statistically significant differences in incident total or hip fracture rates between the ILI and DSE groups. However, compared to the DSE group, the ILI group had a statistically significant 39% increased risk of a frailty fracture (HR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.89). An intensive lifestyle intervention resulting in long-term weight loss in overweight/obese adults with DM was not associated with an overall increased risk of incident fracture but may be associated with an increased risk of frailty fracture. When intentional weight loss is planned, consideration of bone preservation and fracture prevention is warranted. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Detection of peripheral embolic consolidations using contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography in patients with no evidence of pulmonary embolism on computed tomography: A pilot study
Authors: Trenker C. , Apitzsch J.C. , Pastor S. , Bartelt S. , Neesse A. , Goerg C. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate the value of B‐mode imaging and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) but no evidence of central PE on CT.MethodsBetween May 2004 and February 2015, we included in this retrospective study 19 patients with a risk profile for PE according to their Wells' score, sonographic patterns of peripheral embolic consolidations (EC) on B‐mode‐imaging and CEUS (ie, missing or inhomogeneous enhancement of the pleural lesions), and exclusion of central PE by CT within 1 week of CEUS.ResultsOn B‐mode imaging, 19 pleural defects presented as hypoechoic. The shape of EC was round in 2, wedge‐shaped in 12, polygonal in 3, and presented as atelectasis in 2 cases. On CEUS, 5 of the defects demonstrated, at the arterial and parenchymal phase, a lack of enhancement, and 14 showed an inhomogeneous (mixed) enhancement with wedge‐shaped peripheral areas of no contrast enhancement. A second radiologic evaluation of the CT scans revealed PE in two patients and lesions suspicious for malignancy in two other patients.ConclusionsDespite the lack of definite confirmation of peripheral and central PE on CT, peripheral pleural consolidations with no or inhomogeneous enhancement on CEUS, in combination with the risk profile for a PE, are highly suggestive of EC. If there is still some doubt, histologic confirmation is important to confirm EC and exclude malignancy. Thus, CEUS may close a potential diagnostic gap of small peripheral PE on CT. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:575–579, 2017
Evidence of non‐stationarity in a local climatology of rainfall extremes in northern Italy
Authors: Uboldi Francesco , Lussana Cristian 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThe stationarity of rainfall annual maxima statistics is investigated in a northern Italian area characterized by important spatial variations in orography and precipitation climatology. Climatic changes in Italian recorded temperature series are widely acknowledged. In 2016, though, there is still discussion on the stationarity of the statistics of precipitation and its extremes in Italy. By means of standard hypothesis testing techniques, it is shown, for the first time in Italy, that changes in rainfall annual maxima climatology are indeed present in the period 1950–2005, relevant with regard to global climate change. In particular, in the rainy mountainous northwestern part of Lombardy, adjacent to the Swiss and Piedmont border, the annual maxima distribution for 6 to 24‐h event durations significantly moves towards higher values when going from the first half (1950–1977) to the second half (1978–2005) of the period. It is remarkable, moreover, that for 1‐h duration the distribution significantly moves towards lower values, suggesting a possible change in the precipitation regime. After compensating for data density changes by ‘bootstrap’ resampling, a median increase for all durations has also been confirmed for the (less rainy) Alpine area in northeastern Lombardy. Such changes in climatology have practical importance, because stationarity is a customary assumption when rainfall annual maxima frequencies are estimated for civil engineering.
In vitro digestion of rice bran proteins produces peptides with potent inhibitory effects on α‐glucosidase and angiotensin I converting enzyme
Authors: Uraipong Chatchaporn , Zhao Jian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe bioactivities of peptides released from the digestion of rice bran protein under in vitro simulated human digestive conditions were investigated. Four protein fractions extracted from rice bran were digested and the hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration and anion exchange chromatography. α‐Glucosidase and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of the crude hydrolysates and their fractions were determined.RESULTSPeptides with molecular weight (MW) < 3 kDa gave markedly higher α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities than the crude digests, while the ACE inhibitory activities of the MW < 3 kDa fractions were similar to those of the crude extracts. Peptides from albumin and glutelin exhibited the greatest inhibitory effects on α‐glucosidase and ACE at 52.43 ± 2 mg acarbose equivalent and 170.13 ± 2.2 nmol captopril equivalent g−1 peptide respectively. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis identified 39 peptides in the most active fraction of the hydrolysates, and 37 of these contained peptide sequences that are known to exhibit antidiabetic or antihypertensive activities.CONCLUSIONConsumption of rice bran proteins can potentially lead to generation of bioactive peptides in the digestive tract with substantial health benefits. ACE and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of the digests of rice bran proteins, and albumin and glutelin in particular, were especially strong, comparable to that of the standard drugs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrogen release from urea with different coatings
Authors: Campos Odirley R , Mattiello Edson Marcio , Cantarutti Reinaldo Bertola , Vergütz Leonardus 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCoatings or urease inhibitors are designed to reduce losses of ammonia [NH3(g)] from urea fertilizers. However, nitrogen (N) release and its effects on soil solution have not previously been evaluated under standardized conditions in soils. In this study, the urea fertilizers were incubated in chambers filled with sandy loam soil, adapted for the collection of NH3(g)and soil solution by centrifugation.RESULTSIn the fast‐release N fertilizers, around 93% and 100% of urea‐N applied was recovered within the first hours of incubation. In contrast, in the slow‐release N fertilizers, less than 40% of urea‐N applied, was recovered at 19 days of incubation. The maximum N release from the fertilizers followed the order: UP1 (106%) ≈ UNBPT (102%) ≈ urea (93%) > USP2 (57%) ≈ USP3 (57%) > USP4 (31%) ≈ USP5 (18%). NH3(g)volatilization accounted for only 3% of the applied N in the slow‐release fertilizers, which corresponded to about 88% less than the NH3(g)loss from prilled urea.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated distinct N release patterns, which changed the N dynamics in the soil. Some coatings effectively delayed urea release from granules and reduced NH3(g)gas losses, while other were not efficient. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of eight short‐chain aliphatic amines in drug substances by HPLC with diode array detection after derivatization with halonitrobenzenes
Authors: Han Lingfei , Hou Desheng , Ma Congyu , Fu Na , Liu Jing , Feng Feng , Liu Wenyuan , Zheng Feng 
Published: July 2017

Short‐chain aliphatic amines are a class of hazardous impurities in drug substances. A simple method, involving derivatization followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, has been developed for residue determination of eight aliphatic amines simultaneously in drug substances. Different halonitrobenzenes derivatization reagents were systematically compared. As a result, 1‐fluoro‐2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzene was selected since the derivatization effectively shifted the absorption wavelength to the visible region (400–450 nm), where most drug substances, impurities and even the derivatization reagent absorb very weakly. Due to the redshift effect, interference was minimized and adequately low limits of quantitation were reached (0.24–0.80 nmol/mL). Moreover, the derivatization reaction was readily carried out in dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature for 1 h using N,N‐diisopropylethylamine as catalyst to achieve the highest yield. Without any pre‐treatment, the derivatives were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The high stability of the derivatives within 24 h at room temperature (RSD<1.04%) further facilitated the simultaneous preparation and consecutive analysis of quantities of samples. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for residue determination of eight aliphatic amines simultaneously in eight drug substance samples. This study could be helpful for the routine analysis and residue control of aliphatic amines in drug substances.
The tribological properties of the polyurea greases based on oil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Zeyun , Wu Wei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids have recently been attracted much attention. This study is to develop potentional high temperature lubricating greases based on oil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids.This lubricating grease is prepared using oil‐IL blend, which was obtained by adding 10wt% oil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids into the PAO 40 base oil as base stock. Compared with the traditional PAO 40 polyurea grease, this polyurea grease has a little lower dropping point. Corrosion test results show the polyurea grease that was prepared using phosphonium‐based ionic liquids cations connected with longer alkyl chains that are no corrosion to brass and steel. Most importantly, the polyurea greases demonstrate very promising tribological properties at 150°C, such as low friction coefficient, small wear volume, and high lubrication failure load. Surface characterization revealed the tribochemical film containing iron oxide, and Fe[PO4] was formed on the worn surface.
Gastrointestinal digestion of hazelnut allergens on molecular level: Elucidation of degradation kinetics and resistant immunoactive peptides using mass spectrometry
Authors: Korte Robin , Bräcker Julia , Brockmeyer Jens 
Published: July 2017

ScopeAllergy to hazelnut seeds ranks among the most prevalent food allergies in Europe. The aim of this study was to elucidate the gastrointestinal digestion of hazelnut allergens on molecular level.Methods and resultsHazelnut flour was digested in vitro following the Infogest consensus model. For six allergenic proteins, the time‐dependent course of digestion was monitored by SDS‐PAGE and HPLC−MS/MS, and degradation products were characterized by a bottom‐up proteomics approach. Depending on the molecular structure, a specific biochemical fate was observed for each allergen, and degradation kinetics were traced back to the peptide level. 1183 peptides were characterized, including 130 peptides that carry known IgE‐binding epitopes and may represent sensitizers for hazelnut allergy. The kinetics of peptide formation and degradation were determined by label‐free quantification and follow a complex multi‐stage mechanism.ConclusionWe present a comprehensive survey on the gastrointestinal digestion of a relevant allergenic food on level of the peptidome, including the first systematic characterization and quantification of degradation products. This provides information on the differential resistance of plant food allergens and their structural elements undergoing digestion and forms the basis for a deeper understanding of the molecular principles responsible for sensitization to food allergy.
Chromium supplementation for adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from a pooled analysis
Authors: Huang Haohai , Chen Guangzhao , Dong Yong , Zhu Yongkun , Chen Honglang 
Published: July 2017

ScopeWe conducted a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of chromium supplementation on clinically relevant metabolic biomarkers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Methods and resultsElectronic searches were conducted and the bibliographies of located articles were searched, and 28 studies were suitable for statistical pooling. Endpoints were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by using fixed‐effects or random‐effects models. Statistical heterogeneity, publication bias, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis and meta‐regression assessments were also assessed. Chromium reduced levels of fasting plasma glucose (WMD, −0.99 mmol/L; 95% CI, −1.72 to −0.25; p = 0.008), hemoglobin A1c (WMD, −0.54 %; 95% CI, −0.82 to −0.25; p = 0.0002), triglycerides (WMD, −11.71 mg/dL; 95% CI, −18.38 to −5.04; p = 0.0006). Chromium also increased levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD, 1.73 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.96; p = 0.006). These results were robust in sensitivity analysis and were not dependent on the chromium dose and duration of supplementation. Subgroup analyses indicated that these notably favorable effects were presented in T2DM subjects ingesting chromium chloride and chromium picolinate formulations.ConclusionOur pooled analysis suggested that chromium supplementation might be a candidate as an adjunct to pharmacological management in patients with T2DM.
Intestinal microbiota are involved in the immunomodulatory activities of longan polysaccharide
Authors: Zhang Jiachao , Yang Guangmei , Wen Yazhou , Liu Sixin , Li Congfa , Yang Ruili , Li Wu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIt is difficult for polysaccharides to be directly absorbed through the intestine, which implies other utilization mechanisms involved in the bioactivity performance of polysaccharide. In this study, the multi‐omics approach was applied to investigate the impacts of longan polysaccharide on mouse intestinal microbiome and the interaction between the polysaccharide‐derived microbiome and host immune system. According to the result, the longan polysaccharide showed a significant improvement in the typical intestinal immunity index of mice. Meanwhile, at the taxonomy level, the intestinal microbiota from the control group and polysaccharide group were highly distinct in organismal structure. At the functional level, a significant decline in the microbial metabolites of pyruvate, butanoate fructose and mannose in the control group was found. Additionally, a significant increase was observed in the succinic acid and the short‐chain fatty acid, including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, in the polysaccharide group. Furthermore, the multi‐omic based network analysis indicated that the intake of longan polysaccharide resulted in the changes of the intestinal microbiota as well as the gut metabolites, which led to the enhancement of host's immune function under the stress conditions. These results indicated the polysaccharide‐derived changes in intestinal microbiota were involved in the immunomodulatory activities.