bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Ability of a Soil Moisture‐based Index for Agricultural Drought Monitoring by Incorporating Root Distribution
Authors: Zhou Hongkui , Wu Jianjun , Geng Guangpo , Li Xiaohan , Wang Qianfeng , Lei Tianjie , Mo Xinyu , Liu Leizhen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAgricultural drought differs from meteorological, hydrological, and socioeconomic drought, being closely related to soil water availability in the root zone, specifically for crop and crop growth stage. In previous studies, several soil moisture indices (e.g., the soil moisture index, soil water deficit index) based on soil water availability have been developed for agricultural drought monitoring. However, when developing these indices, it was generally assumed that soil water availability to crops was equal throughout the root zone, and the effects of root distribution and crop growth stage on soil water uptake were ignored. This article aims to incorporate root distribution into a soil moisture‐based index and to evaluate the performance of the improved soil moisture index for agricultural drought monitoring. The Huang‐Huai‐Hai Plain of China was used as the study area. Overall, soil moisture indices were significantly correlated with the crop moisture index (CMI), and the improved root‐weighted soil moisture index (RSMI) was more closely related to the CMI than averaged soil moisture indices. The RSMI correctly identified most of the observed drought events and performed well in the detection of drought levels. Furthermore, the RSMI had a better performance than averaged soil moisture indices when compared to crop yield. In conclusion, soil moisture indices could improve agricultural drought monitoring by incorporating root distribution.
Analgesic efficacy of local infiltration analgesia vs. femoral nerve block after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kirkham K. R. , Grape S. , Martin R. , Albrecht E. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryMany published reports consider blockade of the femoral nerve distribution the best available analgesic treatment after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, some argue that an alternative approach of infiltrating local anaesthetic into the surgical site has similar efficacy. The objectives of this meta‐analysis were to compare the analgesic and functional outcomes of both treatments following anterior ligament reconstruction. The primary outcomes were pain scores at rest (analogue scale, 0–10) in the early (0–2 postoperative hours), intermediate (3–12 hours) and late postoperative periods (13–24 hours). Secondary outcomes included range of motion, quadriceps muscle strength and complication rates (neurological problems, cardiovascular events, falls and knee infections). Eleven trials, including 628 patients, were identified. Pain scores in the early, intermediate and late postoperative periods were significantly lower in patients who received a femoral nerve block, with mean differences (95%CI) of 1.6 (0.2–2.9), p = 0.02; 1.2 (0.4–1.5), p = 0.002; and 0.7 (0.1–1.4), p = 0.03 respectively. The quality of evidence for our primary outcomes was moderate to high. Regarding functional outcomes, only one trial reported a similar range of motion between groups at 48 postoperative hours. No trial sought to record complications. In conclusion, femoral nerve block provides superior postoperative analgesia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to local infiltration analgesia. The impact of improved analgesia on function remains unclear due to the lack of reporting of functional outcomes in the existing literature.
Testosterone therapy preserves muscle strength and power in aging men with type 2 diabetes—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Magnussen L. V. , Hvid L. G. , Hermann A. P. , Hougaard D. M. , Gram B. , Caserotti P. , Andersen M. S. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe purpose of the study was to evaluate whether testosterone replacement therapy improves muscle mechanical and physical function in addition to increasing lean leg mass and total lean body mass in aging men with type 2 diabetes and lowered bio‐available testosterone (BioT) levels. Thirty‐nine men aged 50–70 years with type 2 diabetes and BioT levels <7.3 nmol/L were included from an academic tertiary‐care medical center. Patients were randomized to testosterone gel (testosterone replacement therapy, n = 20) or placebo (n = 19) for 24 weeks, applying a double‐blinded design. Muscle mechanical function was assessed by Nottingham Leg Rig (leg extension power) and isokinetic dynamometry (knee extensor maximal isometric contraction, rate of force development (RFD100), maximal dynamic contraction (Dyn180)). Physical function was assessed by gait speed. Body composition was assessed by whole body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (total lean body mass, lean leg mass, total fat mass, leg fat mass). Levels of total testosterone (TotalT), BioT, free testosterone (FreeT), and sex hormone‐binding globulin were measured from fasting blood samples. Coefficients (b) represent the placebo‐controlled mean effect of intervention. Maximal isometric contraction (b = 18.4 Nm, p = 0.039), RFD100 (b = 195.0 Nm/s, p = 0.017) and Dyn180 (b = 10.2 Nm, p = 0.019) increased during testosterone replacement therapy compared with placebo. No changes were observed in leg power or gait speed. Total lean body mass (b = 1.9 kg, p = 0.001) and lean leg mass (b = 0.5 kg, p < 0.001) increased, while total fat mass (b = −1.3 kg, p = 0.009) and leg fat mass (b = −0.7 kg, p = 0.025) decreased during testosterone replacement therapy compared with placebo. Total T (b = 14.5 nmol/L, p = 0.056), BioT (b = 7.6 nmol/L, p = 0.046), and FreeT (b = 0.32 nmol/L, p = 0.046) increased during testosterone replacement therapy compared with placebo, while sex hormone‐binding globulin (n = −2 nmol/L, p = 0.030) decreased. Knee extensor muscle mechanical function was preserved, and body composition improved substantially during testosterone replacement therapy for 24 weeks compared with placebo, whereas physical function (gait speed) was unchanged in aging men with type 2 diabetes and lowered BioT levels.
Andrology of male‐to‐female transsexuals: influence of cross‐sex hormone therapy on testicular function
Authors: Schneider F. , Kliesch S. , Schlatt S. , Neuhaus N. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryPatients with gender dysphoria are offered cross‐sex hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery to achieve the transition between the sex assigned at birth and gender identity. According to international guidelines, cross‐sex hormone therapy in trans‐women should lead to a psychologically and physiologically healthy body with feminized serum hormone levels, resulting in suppression of spermatogenesis. However, in a recently published multi‐center study, we discovered a high proportion of patients with male serum hormone levels and qualitatively intact spermatogenesis on the day of sex reassignment surgery. The objective of this study was to review the content of 11 publications that focus on the influence of cross‐sex hormone therapy on testicular morphology. These publications were identified based on a PubMed search for the key words transgender/transsexual/gender dysphoria in male‐to‐female persons, cross‐sex hormone therapy, and testicular tissues. Whereas three publications described a marked reduction of the spermatogenic level in all patients examined, eight publications reported inconsistent results. Histological analyses showed highly variable outcomes from qualitatively normal spermatogenesis and undisturbed Leydig/Sertoli cell morphology to full testicular regression with severe cellular damage and hyalinization. Explanations for these heterogeneous findings include insufficient cross‐sex hormone therapy regarding dosage or duration. As complete spermatogenesis is associated with virilized serum hormone levels, these patients may face challenges especially after sex reassignment surgery in adjusting to the abruptly established hypogonadal state following removal of the testes. These findings also suggest that contraception should be discussed, and fertility preservation should be offered during/prior to cross‐sex hormone therapy. There is a need for more individualized and better‐controlled cross‐sex hormone therapy and post‐treatment regimens. Evidence‐based guidelines for attending clinicians need to be established in order to deliver the most appropriate care.
Risk factors for thiopurine‐induced myelosuppression and infections in inflammatory bowel disease patients with a normal TPMT genotype
Authors: Broekman M. M. T. J. , Coenen M. J. H. , Wanten G. J. , van Marrewijk C. J. , Klungel O. H. , Verbeek A. L. M. , Hooymans P. M. , Guchelaar H.‐J. , Scheffer H. , Derijks L. J. J. , Wong D. R. , de Jong D. J. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundLeucopenia is a common side effect in patients treated with thiopurines. Variants in the thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT) gene are the best‐known risk factor, but only explain up to 25% of leucopenia cases.AimTo identify the clinical risk factors for thiopurine‐induced leucopenia in patients without a common TPMT variant, and explore if these patients are at increased risk for infections.MethodsPost hoc analysis of the Thiopurine response Optimisation by Pharmacogenetic testing in Inflammatory bowel disease Clinics (TOPIC) trial. For this analysis, patients without a variant in TPMT (*2, *3A or*3C) were included. Uni‐ and multivariate Cox‐proportional hazard models were used to identify risk factors for leucopenia and infections. Leucopenia was defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count <3.0 × 109/L and infections were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.ResultsSixty hundred and ninety‐five patients (90.6%) included in the TOPIC‐trial had no variant in TPMT, of which 45 (6.5%) developed leucopenia. Median time to leucopenia was 56 (29‐112) days. Multivariate analysis showed that use of mercaptopurine compared to azathioprine was associated with leucopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 2.61 [95% CIs, 1.39‐4.88; P < .01]) and a higher baseline WBC count was protective (HR 0.80 [95% CIs, 0.71‐0.89; P < .01]). Risk factors for infections were older age (per 10 year; HR 2.07 [95% CIs, 1.18‐3.63; P = .01]) and concomitant use of biologic drugs (HR 2.15 [95% CIs, 1.14‐4.07; P = .02]).ConclusionsLow baseline WBC count and mercaptopurine, due to a relatively higher dose, were risk factors for thiopurine‐induced leucopenia in patients without a TPMT variant.
Changes in frontal and posterior cortical activity underlie the early emergence of executive function
Authors: Buss Aaron T. , Spencer John P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractExecutive function (EF) is a key cognitive process that emerges in early childhood and facilitates children's ability to control their own behavior. Individual differences in EF skills early in life are predictive of quality‐of‐life outcomes 30 years later (Moffitt et al., 2011). What changes in the brain give rise to this critical cognitive ability? Traditionally, frontal cortex growth is thought to underlie changes in cognitive control (Bunge & Zelazo, 2006; Moriguchi & Hiraki, 2009). However, more recent data highlight the importance of long‐range cortical interactions between frontal and posterior brain regions. Here, we test the hypothesis that developmental changes in EF skills reflect changes in how posterior and frontal brain regions work together. Results show that children who fail a “hard” version of an EF task and who are thought to have an immature frontal cortex, show robust frontal activity in an “easy” version of the task. We show how this effect can arise via posterior brain regions that provide on‐the‐job training for the frontal cortex, effectively teaching the frontal cortex adaptive patterns of brain activity on “easy” EF tasks. In this case, frontal cortex activation can be seen as both the cause and the consequence of rule switching. Results also show that older children have differential posterior cortical activation on “easy” and “hard” tasks that reflects continued refinement of brain networks even in skilled children. These data set the stage for new training programs to foster the development of EF skills in at‐risk children.
The discourse of security in development policies: A genealogical approach to “Security Sector Reform”
Authors: Larzillière Pénélope 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSecurity is one of the objectives that has become associated with development policies. This article offers a genealogical perspective on this shift, focusing on the introduction of “Security Sector Reform” (SSR) into development policy as an apparatus with a two‐fold normative process. The first point of note is the securitization of development policy. This pertains both to the discourse elements of the apparatus—here, the effects of the use of security semantics—and to its political technologies, with an SSR apparatus which can function as a new label for military co‐operation. This has led to new approaches in societies where this has taken place, with threat a key focus. There has also been a process of depoliticization in the wake of technical, standardized approaches. This has sidelined debate on the norms and political choices involved, albeit implicitly. Secondly, one can observe structural ambivalences in the field, chiefly on the issue of the state and the normative contradictions of a policy to strengthen “fragile states” that relies on external intervention in national politics. The case study of Lebanon complements this analysis, highlighting the structural tensions between the various aims of SSR, and how this affects local ownership: both the perception and reception of SSR are marked by power relationships which translate into hegemonic and counter‐hegemonic labelling.
Enological tannins affect acetaldehyde evolution, colour stability and tannin reactivity during forced oxidation of red wine
Authors: Picariello Luigi , Gambuti Angelita , Petracca Francesca , Rinaldi Alessandra , Moio Luigi 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe addition of enological tannins is a practice admitted and widely used to improve wine phenolic compositions. Although wine ageing is an oxidative process involving phenolic compounds and acetaldehyde production and consumption, the effect of enological tannins on the acetaldehyde and chromatic and phenolic changes of a red wine during oxidation is still not known. In this study, three enological tannins preparations containing gallotannins GT, ellagitannins ET and condensed tannins CT were added to a young commercial Lambrusco red wine in order to obtain wines with three different phenolic compositions. Samples were then treated with hydrogen peroxide to trigger oxidation. All added tannins have determined a production of acetaldehyde greater than control. Acetaldehyde was then consumed in 30 days. The samples treated with CT and ET showed, after oxidation, an increase in colour intensity, determined as the sum of 420, 520 and 620 nm absorbances. A simultaneously increase in polymeric pigments was detected. No significant variation of the Saliva Precipitation Index (SPI), an index useful to give an indirect measure of wine astringency, was observed after 30 days of treatment of CT and ET samples. Results highlight that the addition of CT and ET can help to stabilise colour without affecting wine reactivity towards salivary proteins. A significant role of acetaldehyde has been even detected. These are the first data showing the effect of different enological tannins on the production and consumption of acetaldehyde formation during an oxidation process.
Inhibitory activities of kaempferol, galangin, carnosic acid and polydatin against glycation and α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes
Authors: Sheng Zhanwu , Ai Binling , Zheng Lili , Zheng Xiaoyan , Xu Zhimin , Shen Yixiao , Jin Zhiqiang 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe activities of four natural phenolics, kaempferol, galangin, carnosic acid and polydatin in scavenging free radicals, inhibiting advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) formation, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase and trapping methylglyoxal (MGO), were evaluated in this study. Carnosic acid and galangin had the highest activity in scavenging free radicals. Kaempferol and galangin had the greatest activity in preventing bovine serum albumin (BSA) against glycation and reducing glycated proteins. Polydatin had the greatest performance in trapping MGO to reduce glycation reaction. However, there was no significant difference for kaempferol, galangin and carnosic acid in inhibiting AGE formation by BSA‐MGO reaction. Kaempferol, galangin and carnosic acid were the competitive inhibitors for α‐amylase, while kaempferol and carnosic acid were noncompetitive inhibitors for α‐glucosidase. However, polydatin showed as a mixed noncompetitive inhibitor for both α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. The results indicated that the four natural phenolics have potential in inhibiting AGE production and the digestive enzymatic activity with different mechanisms.
Addition of acid whey improves organic dry‐fermented sausage without nitrite production and its nutritional value
Authors: Karwowska Małgorzata , Kononiuk Anna 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIn this study, the effect of acid whey on the physicochemical properties and nutritional value of non‐nitrite organic fermented sausage made from beef and tallow was investigated. Fermented sausage was prepared in three formulations: C (cured), S (salted) and SAW (salted with liquid acid whey). Each sample was analysed during the ripening process: at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days of ripening in a temperature of 16 °C. The obtained results indicated that the addition of acid whey improves physicochemical properties of organic dry‐fermented sausage without nitrite and its nutritional value. The application of acid whey resulted in a significantly lower pH and a higher lactic acid bacteria content in organic fermented sausage without nitrite than in the sample with curing salt (respectively, by 0.12 units and 0.66 log CFU g−1). Acid whey successfully protected against haem iron loss in salted sausage during ripening. The salted sample with acid whey addition was characterised by a higher PUFA content (6.41%) at the end of ripening as compared to the cured sample (4.91%) and salted sample (5.58%). The addition of acid whey improves organic dry‐fermented sausage without nitrite production and its nutritional value.
Use of low‐voltage direct current electricity treatment to increase phenolics content of postharvest okra: effects of some treatment parameters
Authors: Saetung Thunyarat , Devahastin Sakamon , Chiewchan Naphaporn 
Published: September 2017

SummaryLow‐voltage direct current electricity was applied to increase phenolics content of postharvest okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) at different values of current (0.10–0.50 A) and application time (900–3600 s). Use of different electrolytes, namely tap water as well as 0.10‐ and 0.15‐mol L−1 brine, was also investigated. Calcium‐dependent protein kinase was quantified to indicate responses of okra to the treatment. Free and bound phenolics contents were measured and the results used to confirm whether the increased phenolics was due to the applied electricity; initial contents of total, bound and free phenolics were noted to be 6.19, 1.73 and 4.46 g kg−1, respectively. Total phenolics content (8.12–8.38 g kg−1) significantly increased when using a current of 0.30 A, application time of 900–3600 s, with brine as the electrolytes. Use of current of 0.30 A and 0.10‐mol L−1 brine for 900 s is suggested as the appropriate treatment condition.
Elderly living donor kidney transplantation allows worthwhile outcomes: The Japan Academic Consortium of Kidney Transplantation study
Authors: Okumi Masayoshi , Unagami Kohei , Kakuta Yoichi , Ochi Atsuhiko , Takagi Toshio , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari ,   the Japan Academic Consortium of Kidney Transplantation (JACK)
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo compare transplant outcomes among elderly (aged ≥60 years) and non‐elderly recipients, and to evaluate the acceptability of elderly living donor kidney transplantation in practice after consideration of living donor type.MethodsWe included 830 adult patients with living donor kidney transplantation between 2000 and 2011 in this retrospective cohort study. We compared death‐censored graft survival, patient survival, biopsy‐proven rejection, complications, and renal function in elderly (n = 119) and non‐elderly recipients (n = 278).ResultsThere was no significant difference in 10‐year death‐censored graft survival (P = 0.980). Corresponding patient survival rates in the elderly and non‐elderly groups were 84.1% and 98.1%, respectively (hazard ratio 6.15, 95% confidence interval 2.12–17.82, P < 0.001). Elderly patients had more complications and chronic T‐cell‐mediated rejection. Factors associated with death in elderly recipients with functioning grafts were residual advanced recipient age (hazard ratio 1.39), decreased hemoglobin (hazard ratio 4.10), hepatitis B virus (hazard ratio 7.89), hepatitis C virus (hazard ratio 13.12) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (hazard ratio 1.13).ConclusionsElderly living donor kidney transplantation seems to provide adequate acceptable outcomes. However, physicians should be cautious when evaluating elderly patients with hepatitis, and further studies are required to improve long‐term outcomes.
PERSISTENT NEPHROTIC SYNDROME : A RENAL BIOPSY STUDY
Authors: MCGOVERN V. J. 
Published: September 2017

SUMMARYA survey of renal biopsies of Si patients with the nephrotic syndrome not due to lupus erythematosus, renal amyloidosis, diabetic glomerulosclerosis or one of the congestive renal states shows that there are five main categories.The first category is that of subsiding acute diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis, which may follow streptococcal sore throat, and in which the prognosis is good. In the second category are patients who develop the nephrotic syndrome after acute diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis, and who, on renal biopsy, are found to have progressive membrano‐proliferative glomerulonephritis in which there is a steady progression to diffuse glomerular sclerosis and renal failure. The third category is that in which, by light microscopy, there are only minimal glomerular changes. Some patients with continuous nephrotic syndrome in this category have been shown to have no alteration of glomerular structure in periods, between biopsies, of more than six years, while others have developed foci of hyaline sclerosis within a few months. This focal sclerosing glomerulonephritis seemed in most cases to be slowly progressive over a period of years, but in seven fatal cases the course of the disorder was accelerated by the complication of interstitial nephritis, so that renal insufficiency supervened much earlier than could be explained by the glomerular lesions alone. Nine patients whose renal biopsies were initially classified as illustrating the “ minimal lesion ”, subsequently developed focal glomerular sclerosis ; six of these have already died. The fourth category comprises seven other patients who already exhibited focal glomerular sclerosis when first subjected to biopsy ; of these, two have since died. The fifth category is that in which the nephrotic syndrome is due to diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis. None of the patients had an antecedent attack of acute diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis, and no ætiological or precipitating agent could be incriminated. In no cases has the “ minimal lesion ” ever been demonstrated to have evolved into diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis.Each category of glomerulonephritis has a recognizable pattern, but in many cases this pattern cannot be discerned without the aid of renal biopsy.