bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour promotes beneficial effects on adipose tissue but not on glycaemic profile of diet‐induced obesity in mice
Authors: Carnier June , Silva Fernanda Pinheiro , de Miranda Danielle Araújo , Santamarina Aline Boveto , Mennitti Laís Vales , Moreira Renata Guimarães , do Nascimento Claudia Maria Oller , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi , Oyama Lila Missae 
Published: June 2017

This study evaluated effects of integral chia flour (Salvia hispanica L.) associated with high‐fat diet on glucose metabolism, fatty acid profile, and inflammatory mediators in epididymal adipose and liver tissue using experimental obesity models induced by high‐calorie and ‐fat diets. Forty‐eight mice were divided into four experimental groups: control diet (C); control diet + chia flour (CCh); high‐fat and ‐calorie diet (H), and high‐fat and ‐calorie diet + chia flour (HCh). Tissue cytokines, fatty acid profile, and glycaemic profile were measured. In oral glucose tolerance testing, HCh presented higher glycaemia than H at 15, 30, and 120 min. In epididymal adipose tissue, CCh showed higher accumulation of alpha‐linolenic fatty acid (α‐LNA) than C, while HCh showed higher accumulation of α‐LNA and lower concentrations of C20:4n6 fatty acid than H. In liver tissue, CCh presented higher accumulation of α‐LNA and lower concentrations of C20:4n6 fatty acid than C. We believe that 12 g of chia flour per kg of food for 10 wk is essential for prevention and treatment of obesity; however, it may be necessary to adjust chia amounts and treatment times to improve glycaemic profiles. This study provides pioneering results on the effects of chia in mice.Practical applications: With the hope of losing weight and becoming healthier, many people adopt radical diets that can be harmful to their health. Accordingly, dietary guidelines must be carefully planned by qualified health professionals, especially considering the comorbidities of diabetes and cardiovascular disease that accompany obesity. In addition, the adequate treatment of obesity increases the chances of the patients maintaining their diet and lifestyle changes, thus, allowing for greater control of their obesity. Consequently, knowledge of the appropriate dosages and effects of chia is important for the development of new tools for composing dietary guidelines for healthy individuals, especially for the treatment of obese patients.Effects of chia flour (Salvia hispanica L.) on liver tissue fatty acid (A) and epididymal adipose tissue fatty acid (B) of all groups after treatment. Data are expressed as mean ± S.E. *, statistical difference of C group; #, statistical difference of CCh group; ο, statistical difference of H group (p < 0.05).
Nonenzymatic H2O2 Electrochemical Sensor Based on SnO2‐NPs Coated Polyethylenimine Functionalized Graphene
Authors: Liu Yongqin , Wang Lu , Yang Lingxi , Zhan Yi , Zou Lina , Ye Baoxian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper demonstrated using polyethylenimine (PEI)‐functionalized graphene (Gr) incorporating tin oxide (SnO2) hybrid nanocomposite as a platform for nonenzymatic H2O2 electrochemical sensor. The results of UV‐vis spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the simultaneous formation of tin oxide (SnO2) nanocomposite and reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed a uniform distribution of nanometer‐sized tin oxide nanoparticles on the grapheme sheets, which could be achieved using stannous chloride (SnCl2) complex instead of tin oxide as precursor. The electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric performance (I‐t), showed that the PEI‐functionalized Gr supported SnO2 (SnO2‐PEI‐Gr) exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the H2O2. The corresponding calibration curve of the current response showed a linear detection range of 9×10−6∼1.64×10−3 mol L−1, while the limit of detection was estimated to be 1×10−6 mol L−1. Electrochemical studies indicated that SnO2 and functionalized Gr worked synergistically for the detection of H2O2.
Protein and pathway engineering for the biosynthesis of 5‐hydroxytryptophan in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mora‐Villalobos José‐Aníbal , Zeng An‐Ping 
Published: June 2017

The hydroxylation of tryptophan is an important reaction in the biosynthesis of natural products. 5‐Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) is not only an important compound for its pharmaceutical value but also because it is the precursor of other molecules, such as serotonin. In this study, we have extended the metabolism of an E. coli strain to produce 5HTP. Aromatic amino acid hydroxylase from Cupriavidus taiwanensis (CtAAAH) was selected using an in silico structure‐based approach. We have predicted and selected several substrate‐determining residues using sequence, phylogenetic and functional divergence analyses; we also did rational design on CtAAAH to shift the enzyme preference from phenylalanine to tryptophan. Whole cell bioconversion assays were used to show the effect of predicted sites. In general, all of them decreased the preference toward phenylalanine and increased the tryptophan synthesis activity. The best performer, CtAAAH‐W192F, was transformed into a strain that had the tryptophanase gene disrupted and carried a human tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) regeneration pathway. The resulting strain was capable of synthesizing 2.5 mM 5HTP after 24 hours. This work demonstrates the application of computational approaches for protein engineering and further coupling with the bacterial metabolism.
An Information‐Correction Method for Testlet‐Based Test Analysis: From the Perspectives of Item Response Theory and Generalizability Theory
Authors: Li Feifei 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAn information‐correction method for testlet‐based tests is introduced. This method takes advantage of both generalizability theory (GT) and item response theory (IRT). The measurement error for the examinee proficiency parameter is often underestimated when a unidimensional conditional‐independence IRT model is specified for a testlet dataset. By using a design effect ratio composed of random variances that can be easily derived from GT analysis, it becomes possible to adjust the underestimated measurement error from the unidimensional IRT models to a more appropriate level. In this paper, it is demonstrated how the information‐correction method can be implemented in the context of a testlet design. Also, through the simulation study, it is shown that the underestimated measurement errors from IRT estimates can be adjusted to the appropriate level despite the varying magnitudes of local item dependence (LID), testlet length, balance of testlet length, and number of item parameters in the model. The real data example provides more details about when and how the information‐correction method should be used in a test analysis. Estimation by the information‐correction method should be adequate for practical work, given the robustness of the variance ratio.
CSF biomarkers in delirium: a systematic review
Authors: Hall Roanna J. , Watne Leiv Otto , Cunningham Emma , Zetterberg Henrik , Shenkin Susan D. , Wyller Torgeir Bruun , MacLullich Alasdair M.J. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveIn recent years, there has been a blossoming of studies examining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a method of studying the pathophysiology of delirium. We systematically reviewed the literature for CSF studies in delirium and provide here a summary of the implications for our understanding of delirium pathophysiology. We also summarise the methods used for CSF analysis and discuss challenges and implications for future studies.MethodsIn this systematic review, we screened MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed and the Cochrane Library for articles on CSF biomarkers in delirium, published on 3 September 2016. Studies were required to use Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Classification of Diseases criteria for delirium or a validated tool. We excluded case reports. There were no other restrictions on study type.ResultsWe identified 3280 articles from our initial search, and 22 articles were included in this review. All studies were prospective, including over 400 patients with delirium and 700 controls. More than 70 different biomarkers were studied. Studies could not be compared with each other for meta‐analysis because of their heterogeneity and varied widely in their risk of bias and quality assessments.ConclusionsThe 22 studies identified in this review reveal a small but growing literature, in which many of the important hypotheses in delirium pathogenesis have been examined, but from which few firm conclusions can currently be drawn. Nevertheless, the overall interpretation of the literature supports the vulnerable brain concept, that is, that biomarker evidence of, for example, Alzheimer's disease pathology and/or neuroinflammation, is associated with delirium.
Genotoxic effects of old landfill leachate on HepG2 cells after nitration/ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis membrane treatment process
Authors: Cheng Rong , Zhao Ling , Yin Pinghe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractToxicity assessment of nitration/ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis (nitration/UF/RO) project, which has recently been widely used as an efficient process with applications in practical leachate treatment, was very limited. In the present study, DNA damage of leachates was investigated before and after the nitration/UF/RO process by a battery of assays with human hepatoma cells. Methyletrazolium assay showed a high cytotoxicity of 97.1% after being exposed to the highest concentration of raw leachate for 24 h, and a cytotoxicity of 26% in effluent at a concentration of 30% (v/v). Both comet assay (24 h) and γH2AX flow cytometer assay (3 h) showed increased levels of DNA damage in cells exposed to raw leachate and after nitration/UF‐treated leachate followed by a significant increase of 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase activity. However, the effluent after nitration/UF/RO treatment showed no significant difference compared to negative control for γH2AX flow cytometer assay but slight DNA damage at concentrations of 20% and 30% (v/v) as well as increase of 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase. Analysis showed that nitration/UF/RO process exhibited high removal of physicochemical indexes and significant reduction of toxic and genotoxic effects of leachate, but still demands an improvement to reduce all possible negative risks to the environment and humans. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of station density on climate data homogenization
Authors: Gubler S. , Hunziker S. , Begert M. , Croci‐Maspoli M. , Konzelmann T. , Brönnimann S. , Schwierz C. , Oria C. , Rosas G. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTRelative homogenization methods assume that measurements of nearby stations experience similar climate signals and rely therefore on dense station networks with high‐temporal correlations. In developing countries such as Peru, however, networks often suffer from low‐station density. The aim of this study is to quantify the influence of network density on homogenization. To this end, the homogenization method HOMER was applied to an artificially thinned Swiss network.Four homogenization experiments, reflecting different homogenization approaches, were examined. Such approaches include diverse levels of interaction of the homogenization operators with HOMER, and different application of metadata. To evaluate the performance of HOMER in the sparse networks, a reference series was built by applying HOMER under the best possible conditions.Applied in completely automatic mode, HOMER decreases the reliability of temperature records. Therefore, automatic use of HOMER is not recommended. If HOMER is applied in interactive mode, the reliability of temperature and precipitation data may be increased in sparse networks. However, breakpoints must be inserted conservatively. Information from metadata should be used only to determine the exact timing of statistically detected breaks. Insertion of additional breakpoints based solely on metadata may lead to harmful corrections due to the high noise in sparse networks.
Different responses of ash and beech on nitrate versus ammonium leaf labeling
Authors: Sommer Janine , Dippold Michaela , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe effects of tree species on the N cycle in forest systems are still under debate. However, contradicting results of different 15N labeling techniques of trees and N tracers in the individual studies hamper a generalized mechanistic view. Therefore, we compared Ca(15NO3)2 and 15NH4Cl leaf‐labeling method to investigate: (1) N allocation patterns from aboveground to belowground, (2) the cycles of N in soil‐plant systems, and (3) to allow the production of highly 15N enriched litter for subsequent decomposition studies.20 beeches (Fagus sylvatica) and 20 ashes (Fraxinus excelsior) were 15N pulse labeled from aboveground with Ca(15NO3)2 and 40 beeches and 40 ashes were 15N pulse labeled from aboveground with 15NH4Cl. 15N was quantified in tree compartments (leaves, stem, roots) and in soil after 8 d.Beech and ash incorporated generally more 15N from the applied 15NH4Cl compared to Ca(15NO3)2 in all measured compartments, except for ash leaves. Ash had highest 15N incorporation [45% of the applied with Ca(15NO3)2] in its leaves. Both tree species kept over 90% of all fixed 15N from Ca(15NO3) in their leaves, whereas only 50% of the 15N from the 15NH4Cl tracer remained in the leaves and 50% were allocated to stem, roots, and soil. There was no damage of the leaves by both salts, and thus both 15N tracers enable long‐term labeling in situ field studies on N rhizodeposition and allocation in soils. Nonetheless, the 15N incorporation by both salts was species specific: the leaf labeling with 15NH4Cl results in a more homogenous distribution between the tree compartments in both tree species and, therefore, 15NH4Cl is more appropriate for allocation studies. The leaf labeling with Ca(15NO3)2 is a suitable tool to produce highly enriched 15N leaf litter for further long term in situ decomposition and turnover studies.
Arabinoxylan activates lipid catabolism and alleviates liver damage in rats induced by high‐fat diet
Authors: Chen Hong , Fu Yuanfang , Jiang Xiujuan , Li Dongmei , qin Wen , Zhang Qing , Lin Derong , Liu Yaowen , Tan Cui , Huang Zhiqing , Liu Yuntao , Chen Daiwen 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDArabinoxylan was thought to have the potential to change lipid metabolism and redox homeostasis in human and animal. However, the effect of arabinoxylan on the liver damage induced by high‐fat diet needs further exploiting.RESULTSSix‐weeks‐old 30 male Sprague–Dawley Rats were assigned randomly to three groups (n = 10 per group), i.e. a control diet (CON) group, a high‐fat diet (HF) group and a high‐fat diet supplemented with arabinoxylan (6% AX, HF‐AX) group. Results showed that final body weight and liver weight were similar in CON group and HF‐AX group, but higher in the HF group. In serum, the HF‐AX group showed lower triglyceride concentrations than did the HF group. In liver, higher lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, total lipase, and acyl‐CoA oxidase activities and lower triglyceride and cholesterol level were observed in the HF‐AX group than in the HF group. For the redox homeostasis, arabinoxylan supplemented in HF increased T‐SOD activity and GSH‐PX activity and reduced MDA + 4‐HNE level in liver and/or compared with those in the HF group. Lipid droplets and liver cell damage were observed in the HF group compared with the CON and HF‐AX groups.CONCLUSIONArabinoxylan could improve lipid metabolic disorder and alleviate liver damage in rats induced by high‐fat diet via activating lipid catabolism and suppressing lipid peroxidation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparing Trauma Exposure, Mental Health Needs, and Service Utilization Across Clinical Samples of Refugee, Immigrant, and U.S.‐Origin Children
Authors: Betancourt Theresa S. , Newnham Elizabeth A. , Birman Dina , Lee Robert , Ellis B. Heidi , Layne Christopher M. 
Published: June 2017

Most mental health services for trauma‐exposed children and adolescents were not originally developed for refugees. Information is needed to help clinicians design services to address the consequences of trauma in refugee populations. We compared trauma exposure, psychological distress, and mental health service utilization among children and adolescents of refugee‐origin, immigrant‐origin, and U.S.‐origin referred for assessment and treatment by U.S. providers in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). We used propensity score matching to compare trauma profiles, mental health needs, and service use across three groups. Our sample comprised refugee‐origin youth (n = 60, 48.3% female, mean age = 13.07 years) and propensity‐matched samples of immigrant‐origin youth (n = 143, 60.8% female, mean age = 13.26 years), and U.S.‐origin youth (n = 140, 56.1% female, mean age = 12.11 years). On average, there were significantly more types of trauma exposure among refugee youth than either U.S.‐origin youth (p < .001) or immigrant youth (p ≤ .001). Compared with U.S.‐origin youth, refugee youth had higher rates of community violence exposure, dissociative symptoms, traumatic grief, somatization, and phobic disorder. In contrast, the refugee group had comparably lower rates of substance abuse and oppositional defiant disorder (ps ranging from .030 to < .001).This clinic‐referred sample of refugee‐origin youth presented with distinct patterns of trauma exposure, distress symptoms, and service needs that merit consideration in services planning.
Patient‐centered drug development and the Learning Health System
Authors: Crawford Laura S. , Matczak Gerald J. , Moore Erin M. , Haydar Rita A. , Coderre Pauline T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPatient‐centered drug development (PCDD) is a shift in the way that drugs are developed, systematically incorporating patient participation in all stages of medicines development. The more the research sector understands the needs and values of patients, the more effective and efficient it can be in bringing meaningful drugs and evidence to patients and providers. In this paper, we describe PCDD, provide examples of PCDD work across the phases of drug development, and discuss the challenges to making PCDD systematic. We describe how the developing Learning Health System will enable PCCD: we believe that the Learning Health System will address PCDD barriers by connecting stakeholders, enabling the more efficient flow of data, information, and evidence in the health ecosystem, and by providing governance for the connected ecosystem.
New Method for Sex Prediction Using the Human Non‐Adult Auricular Surface of the Ilium in the Collection of Identified Skeletons of the University of Coimbra
Authors: Luna L. H. , Aranda C. M. , Santos A. L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSex estimation in non‐adult skeletons is crucial in bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. It was not extensively considered in the past, mainly because it was stated that the dimorphic osteological features were difficult to identify before adulthood. Over the past few years, this statement was disproved, and the study of numerous dimorphic non‐adult skeletal traits was approached. This paper presents a new methodology that evaluates the auricular surface of the non‐adult ilia. Several morphological and continuous variables were recorded for 34 individuals (21 females and 13 males) aged between 7 and 18 from the Coimbra Identified Skeletons Collection (University of Coimbra, Portugal).The results show low intra and inter‐observer errors for all the variables, which renders the methodology replicable. Two ratios related to the shape of the anterior area of the auricular surface offer the most dimorphic data (proportions of cases correctly assigned: 0.82 and 0.88; sexual allocation probabilities: 0.85 for both variables). A discriminant function and a logistic regression were developed, which correctly classified the 82.35 and the 88.23% of the individuals, respectively. Moreover, two qualitative variables, referred to as the overall morphology and the apex morphology, also show statistically significant differences between males and females (proportions of correct assignation: 0.82 and 0.76; sexual allocation probabilities: 0.79 and 0.76).These variables can be incorporated in a multifactorial approach together with other indicators already available in the specialised literature in order to help improve the accuracy of the results obtained. This methodological procedure has to be applied with other identified samples, including younger individuals, so as to test whether the trends presented in this context are maintained and are useful in populations from a different geographical provenience. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Preferred Applicant Random Assignment (PARA) to Reduce Randomization Bias in Randomized Trials of Discretionary Programs
Authors: Olsen Robert B. , Bell Stephen H. , Nichols Austin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRandomization bias occurs when the random assignment used to estimate program effects influences the types of individuals that participate in a program. This paper focuses on a form of randomization bias called “applicant inclusion bias,” which can occur in evaluations of discretionary programs that normally choose which of the eligible applicants to serve. If this nonrandom selection process is replaced by a process that randomly assigns eligible applicants to receive the intervention or not, the types of individuals served by the program—and thus its average impact on program participants—could be affected. To estimate the impact of discretionary programs for the individuals that they normally serve, we propose an experimental design called Preferred Applicant Random Assignment (PARA). Prior to random assignment, program staff would identify their “preferred applicants,” those that they would have chosen to serve. All eligible applicants are randomly assigned, but the probability of assignment to the program is set higher for preferred applicants than for the remaining applicants. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of the method, the cost in terms of increased sample size requirements, and the benefit in terms of improved generalizability to the population normally served by the program.