bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Alkali‐Activated Slag‐Fly Ash‐Metakaolin Hydroceramics for Immobilizing Simulated Sodium‐Bearing Waste
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Junxia , Huang Yi , Zhang Kuibao , Li Yuxiang , Wu Xiuling 
Published: January 2015

The radioactive sodium‐bearing waste (SBW), which is mainly generated from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing activities, requires to be stabilized into a solid form for geological disposal. In this study, the alkali‐activated slag–fly ash–metakaolin hydroceramic (ASFMH) waste form for solidifying simulated SBW (S‐SBW) was prepared by hydrothermal process. The mineralogy, morphology, composition, compressive strength, and chemical durability of ASFMH waste form were investigated. It is shown that crystalline analcime phase was formed in the hydration products of ASFMH waste form after alkaline activation and hydrothermal process. The introducing of S‐SBW not only contributed to forming crystalline zeolite phase but also reduced the temperature and time for forming zeolite phase. Importantly, the cations including simulated radionuclides Sr2+ and Cs+ in S‐SBW could be immobilized as cationic components in the channels or voids of zeolitic structure during the formation of analcime phase. Moreover, when the loading content of S‐SBW in ASFMH waste form was 37.5 wt%, ASFMH waste form still exhibited superior mechanical strength, which was higher than 24 MPa. The product consistency test leaching results showed that ASFMH waste form possessed superior chemical durability after leaching test carried out for 7 d. It is suggested that ASFMH waste form is a promising candidate for application in immobilizing SBW.
Chelate Bonding Mechanism in a Novel Magnesium Phosphate Bone Cement
Authors: Christel Theresa , Christ Susanne , Barralet Jake E. , Groll Jürgen , Gbureck Uwe 
Published: January 2015

A novel approach to harden magnesium phosphate cements was tested using phytic acid (C6H18O24P6) solutions as chelation agent. In addition to complex formation, a cementitious dissolution and precipitation reaction led to the formation of newberyite (MgHPO4·3H2O) as the hydrated form of the farringtonite [Mg3(PO4)2] raw powder. The set cements showed good mechanical properties (up to 65 MPa in compression) displaying a doubling of the compressive strength of conventional newberyite forming cements despite of a significantly lower degree of cement conversion. An increasing phytic acid concentration from 10% to 30% had a retarding effect on the setting time (11–16 min), decreased the pH close to acidic conditions (pH = 5–4) and increased the maximum setting temperature (26°C–31°C), but none of these factors reached critical values. The presented strategy was successful in fabricating a good workable, novel mineral biocement with promising characteristics for biomedical applications.
Durability of Pulmonary Vein Isolation with Cryoballoon Ablation: Results from the Sustained PV Isolation with Arctic Front Advance (SUPIR) Study
Authors: REDDY VIVEK Y. , SEDIVA LUCIE , PETRU JAN , SKODA JAN , CHOVANEC MILAN , CHITOVOVA ZITA , DI STEFANO PAOLA , RUBIN ETHEL , DUKKIPATI SRINIVAS , NEUZIL PETR 
Published: January 2015

Durability of Pulmonary Vein Isolation with Cryoballoon AblationIntroductionPulmonary vein (PV) reconnection remains the most important cause of AF recurrence after AF ablation. The second‐generation cryoballoon catheter's ability to achieve durable PV isolation was assessed in a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial.Methods and ResultsPV isolation was performed by 4‐minute ablations. Following verification of electrical isolation by a multielectrode mapping catheter, 1 additional lesion per PV was applied. Esophageal temperatures were monitored and all patients underwent postprocedure esophageal endoscopy. All patients underwent a second PV remapping procedure at ∼3 months to assess for PVI durability. Eighty‐four (100%) veins were acutely isolated using only the 28 mm cryoballoon in 21 consecutive PAF patients with 2.2 ± 0.6 cryoapplications per vein, with the majority (83%) occurring after a single freeze. One patient presented with hematemesis and an esophageal ulceration that was treated conservatively; there were no episodes of esophageal fistula or phrenic nerve palsy. At 3.4 (2.9–4.1) months postablation, 68/75 veins (91%) remained electrically isolated; all PVs remained durably isolated in 79% of patients. Two patients accounted for 5 of 7 reconducting veins. The most common site for reconnection was the inferior aspect of the RIPV (3/7 reconnections). Reconnected veins had poorer occlusion at the index ablation procedure than veins that maintained chronic isolation (occlusion grade 2.9 ± 0.7 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.001). Clinical AF recurrence was detected in 2 patients (11%) at follow‐up.ConclusionsThe improved thermodynamic characteristics of the second‐generation cryoballoon led to a high rate of both single‐shot PVI and chronic lesion durability. This high rate of durable PV isolation is anticipated to translate to improved clinical outcome.
Evaluation of a topical herbal patch for soft tissue wound healing: an animal study
Authors: Chaushu Liat , Weinreb Miron , Beitlitum Ilan , Moses Ofer , Nemcovsky Carlos E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThis study evaluated the effects of a topical herbal patch (PerioPatch®) for gingival wound healing in a rat model.Materials and MethodsA mid‐crestal incision was performed on each side of the edentulous anterior maxilla in 48, 6‐month‐old, Wistar rats. Full‐thickness flaps were raised, repositioned and sutured. Four experimental groups were established: herbal patch, placebo patch, no patch and no patch and no surgery. Patches were placed immediately after surgery and replaced every 12 h for the following 3 days. Half of the animals were killed after 5 and the remaining ones after 12 days. Tissue blocks were retrieved and processed for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Epithelial gap, collagen contents, amount of macrophages, cellular proliferation and vascular contents were evaluated in the central incision area. Statistical analysis consisted of two‐way anova.ResultsThe herbal patch group presented the smallest epithelial gap at 12 days, the highest collagen content both at 5 and 12 days, a larger number of proliferating cells at day 5 and more numerous blood vessels at day 12. Macrophage number was similar in all groups.ConclusionHerbal patch improved wound healing in this animal model.
Effect of Natural Antioxidants and Lipid Model System on Lipid Oxidation
Authors: Schevey Christian T. , Brewer M. Susan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAntioxidant effects of natural antioxidants were evaluated by direct analysis and three high‐lipid model systems. The direct analysis assays compared three antioxidant extracts (pomegranate, grape seed and selenium), a synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxyanisole) and three natural antioxidant controls (d,l‐α‐tocopherol, ascorbic acid and gallic acid). Evaluation compared reducing power determined by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and ferricyanide method, free radical scavenging of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Results indicated that pomegranate and grape seed extracts had better antioxidant efficacy than the synthetic antioxidant. Model systems were constructed in triplicate of three commercial lipid (canola oil, lard and ground beef); samples were subject to an antioxidant treatment (pomegranate extract, grape seed extract, dietary selenium from yeast, butylated hydroxyanisole or no treatment) and chemically evaluated (thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and diene conjugation) over 9 days. Butylated hydroxyanisole was the most potent antioxidant. The canola oil matrix found no difference in antioxidant treatment under descriptive analysis by a trained panel.Practical ApplicationsAntioxidant food additives are of great importance to the food industry, with many consumers showing a preference for “natural” food additives in the ingredient line. Phenolic compounds, such as those found in pomegranates and grapes, may be particularly useful in the food industry through retarding lipid oxidation. The use of ground beef, lard and oil model systems to study lipid oxidation (or antioxidant capacity by retarding lipid oxidation) is common, but time consuming. Direct analysis and chemical assays that measure oxidative end products can be fast, reliable and less costly that descriptive analysis panels. However, Qualitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) is commonly used to denote the complete experience that consumer may undergo. Furthermore, evaluating antioxidant efficacy on sight and smell is integral when dealing with products that contain a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as consumers interact with both aspects during point of purchase.
Rationales that Providers and Family Members Cited for the Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
Authors: Bonner Alice F. , Field Terry S. , Lemay Celeste A. , Mazor Kathleen M. , Andersen Daniel A. , Compher Christina J. , Tjia Jennifer , Gurwitz Jerry H. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the rationales that providers and family members cite for the use of antipsychotic medications in people with dementia living in nursing homes (NHs).DesignQualitative, descriptive study.SettingTwenty‐six medium‐sized and large facilities in five Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regions.ParticipantsIndividuals diagnosed with dementia who received an antipsychotic medication.MeasurementsData were collected from medical record abstraction and interviews with prescribers, administrators, direct care providers, and family members. Textual data from medical record abstraction and responses to open‐ended interview questions were analyzed using directed content analysis techniques. A coding scheme was developed, and coded reasons for antipsychotic prescribing were summarized across all sources.ResultsMajor categories of reasons for use of antipsychotic medications in the 204 NH residents in the study sample were behavioral (n = 171), psychiatric (n = 159), emotional states (n = 105), and cognitive diagnoses or symptoms (n = 114). The most common behavioral reasons identified were verbal (n = 91) and physical (n = 85) aggression. For the psychiatric category, psychosis (n = 95) was most frequently described. Anger (n = 93) and sadness (n = 20) were the most common emotional states cited.ConclusionThe rationale for use of antipsychotic drug therapy frequently relates to a wide variety of indications for which these drugs are not approved and for which evidence of efficacy is lacking. These findings have implications for clinical practice and policy.
Testing the Initial Efficacy of a Mailed Screening and Brief Feedback Intervention to Reduce At‐Risk Drinking in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: The Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Study
Authors: Kuerbis Alexis N. , Yuan Stanley E. , Borok Jenna , LeFevre Peter M. , Kim Gloria S. , Lum Daryl , Ramirez Karina D. , Liao Diana H. , Moore Alison A. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the initial efficacy of a mailed screening and brief intervention to reduce at‐risk drinking in persons aged 50 and older.DesignPilot randomized controlled trial.SettingUniversity of California at Los Angeles Department of Medicine Community Offices and Primary Care Network.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 50 and older who were identified as at‐risk drinkers according to the Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Tool (CARET) (N = 86).InterventionParticipants were assigned randomly to receive personalized mailed feedback outlining their specific risks associated with alcohol use, an educational booklet on alcohol and aging, and the National Institutes of Health Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health booklet (intervention group) or nothing (control group).MeasurementsAlcohol‐related assessments at baseline and 3 months; CARET‐assessed at‐risk drinking, number of risks, and types of risks.ResultsAt 3 months, fewer intervention group participants than controls were at‐risk drinkers (66% vs 88%), binge drinking (45% vs 68%), using alcohol with a medical or psychiatric condition (3% vs 17%), or having symptoms of such a condition (29% vs 49%).ConclusionA brief mailed intervention may be an effective approach to intervening with at‐risk drinkers aged 50 and older.
Respiratory Symptoms, Spirometric Respiratory Impairment, and Respiratory Disease in Middle‐Aged and Older Persons
Authors: Marcus Brian S. , McAvay Gail , Gill Thomas M. , Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a novel definition of spirometric respiratory impairment from the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) is strongly associated with respiratory symptoms and, in turn, frequently establishes symptomatic respiratory disease.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingThird National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling individuals aged 40 to 80 (N = 7,115).MeasurementsGLI‐defined spirometric respiratory impairment (airflow obstruction and restrictive pattern), dyspnea on exertion (DOE), chronic bronchitis (CB), and wheezing.ResultsPrevalence rates were 12.7% for airflow obstruction, 6.2% for restrictive pattern, 28.6% for DOE, 12.6% for CB, and 12.9% for wheezing. Airflow obstruction was associated with DOE (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42–2.02), CB (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.62–2.29), and wheezing (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI = 2.08–3.00), and restrictive pattern was associated with DOE (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.36–2.25), CB (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.08–1.78), and wheezing (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.15–2.04). Nonetheless, among participants who had airflow obstruction and restrictive pattern, only a minority had DOE (38.6% and 45.5%), CB (23.3% and 15.9%), and wheezing (24.4% and 19.1%), yielding a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 53% for any respiratory symptom in the setting of any spirometric respiratory impairment. In addition, most participants who had DOE (73.0%), CB (67.8%), and wheezing (66.8%) did not have airflow obstruction or restrictive pattern, yielding a PPV of only 26% for any spirometric respiratory impairment in the setting of any respiratory symptom. The results differed only modestly when stratified according to age (40–64 vs 65–80).ConclusionGLI‐defined spirometric respiratory impairment increased the likelihood of respiratory symptoms but was nonetheless a poor predictor of respiratory symptoms. Similarly, respiratory symptoms were poor predictors of GLI‐defined spirometric respiratory impairment. Hence, a comprehensive assessment is needed when evaluating respiratory symptoms, even in the presence of spirometric respiratory impairment.
Characterization and molecular cloning of a serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (OsSHM1) in rice
Authors: Wang Dekai , Liu Heqin , Li Sujuan , Zhai Guowei , Shao Jianfeng , Tao Yuezhi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSerine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is important for one carbon metabolism and photorespiration in higher plants for its participation in plant growth and development, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. A rice serine hydroxymethyltransferase gene, OsSHM1, an ortholog of Arabidopsis SHM1, was isolated using map‐based cloning. The osshm1 mutant had chlorotic lesions and a considerably smaller, lethal phenotype under natural ambient CO2 concentrations, but could be restored to wild type with normal growth under elevated CO2 levels (0.5% CO2), showing a typical photorespiratory phenotype. The data from antioxidant enzymes activity measurement suggested that osshm1 was subjected to significant oxidative stress. Also, OsSHM1 was expressed in all organs tested (root, culm, leaf, and young panicle) but predominantly in leaves. OsSHM1 protein is localized to the mitochondria. Our study suggested that molecular function of the OsSHM1 gene is conserved in rice and Arabidopsis.
A general method for assaying homo‐ and hetero‐transglycanase activities that act on plant cell‐wall polysaccharides
Authors: Franková Lenka , Fry Stephen C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTransglycanases (endotransglycosylases) cleave a polysaccharide (donor‐substrate) in mid‐chain, and then transfer a portion onto another poly‐ or oligosaccharide (acceptor‐substrate). Such enzymes contribute to plant cell‐wall assembly and/or re‐structuring. We sought a general method for revealing novel homo‐ and hetero‐transglycanases, applicable to diverse polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, separating transglycanase‐generated 3H‐polysaccharides from unreacted 3H‐oligosaccharides—the former immobilized (on filter‐paper, silica‐gel or glass‐fiber), the latter eluted. On filter‐paper, certain polysaccharides [e.g. (1→3, 1→4)‐β‐d‐glucans] remained satisfactorily adsorbed when water‐washed; others (e.g. pectins) were partially lost. Many oligosaccharides (e.g. arabinan‐, galactan‐, xyloglucan‐based) were successfully eluted in appropriate solvents, but others (e.g. [3H]xylohexaitol, [3H]mannohexaitol [3H]cellohexaitol) remained immobile. On silica‐gel, all 3H‐oligosaccharides left an immobile ‘ghost’ spot (contaminating any 3H‐polysaccharides), which was diminished but not prevented by additives e.g. sucrose or Triton X‐100. The best stratum was glass‐fiber (GF), onto which the reaction‐mixture was dried then washed in 75% ethanol. Washing led to minimal loss or lateral migration of 3H‐polysaccharides if conducted by slow percolation of acidified ethanol. The effectiveness of GF‐blotting was well demonstrated for Chara vulgaris trans‐β‐mannanase. In conclusion, our novel GF‐blotting technique efficiently frees transglycanase‐generated 3H‐polysaccharides from unreacted 3H‐oligosaccharides, enabling high‐throughput screening of multiple postulated transglycanase activities utilising chemically diverse donor‐ and acceptor‐substrates.
White matter changes in familial Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li X. , Westman E. , Ståhlbom A. K. , Thordardottir S. , Almkvist O. , Blennow K. , Wahlund L.‐O. , Graff C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundFamilial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) resulting from gene mutations in PSEN1, PSEN2 and APP is associated with changes in the brain.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in grey matter (GM), white matter (WM) and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in FAD.SubjectsTen mutation carriers (MCs) with three different mutations in PSEN1 and APP and 20 noncarriers (NCs) were included in the study. Three MCs were symptomatic and seven were presymptomatic (pre‐MCs).MethodsWhole‐brain GM volume as well as fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) using voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics analyses, respectively, were compared between MCs and NCs. FA and MD maps were obtained from diffusion tensor imaging.ResultsA significant increase in MD was found in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus in pre‐MCs compared with NCs. After inclusion of the three symptomatic MCs in the analysis, the regions became wider. The mean MD of these regions showed significant negative correlation with the CSF level of Aβ42, and positive correlations with P‐tau181p and T‐tau. No differences were observed in GM volume and FA between the groups.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that FAD gene mutations affect WM diffusivity before changes in GM volume can be detected. The WM changes observed were related to changes in the CSF, with similar patterns previously observed in sporadic Alzheimer's disease.
Evaluation of the association of polymorphisms in EYA1, environmental factors, and non‐syndromic orofacial clefts in Western Han Chinese
Authors: Zeng Ni , Wu Jun , Zhu Wen‐Chao , Shi Bing , Jia Zhong‐Lin 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundNon‐syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOCs) are complex disease involving genetic triggers, environmental factors, and their interplay. Recent studies demonstrated that EYA1, a member of eye absent gene family, might contribute to NSOCs.MethodsWe investigated three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and eight environmental factors (multivitamin, folic acid and calcium supplementation history, maternal alcohol consumption, common cold history, maternal smoking and environmental tobacco smoke in the first trimester, and paternal smoking in the 3 months before pregnancy) among 294 case–parent trios and 183 individual controls in western Han Chinese to evaluate the relationship between EYA1, environmental factors, and NSOCs. To be better known the gene's role in the etiology of NSOCs, we performed statistical analysis in different aspects including the linkage disequilibrium test, transmission disequilibrium test, haplotype analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and conditional logistic regression analysis.ResultsAllele C at rs3779748 showed an over‐transmission in NSCL/P trios (P = 0.03), and genotype A/A at rs10094908 was under‐transmitted among NSCL/P trios (P = 0.03), whereas over‐transmitted among NSCPO trios (P = 0.02). The haplotype GC of rs10094908–rs3779748 was over‐transmitted among NSCL/P trios (P = 0.05) and NSCPO trios (P = 0.05), respectively. Maternal common cold history, environmental tobacco smoke, and maternal alcohol consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy were risk factors for NSOCs, while calcium supplementation during the first trimester showed a protective effect. No evidence of interactions between EYA1 and environmental factors was found.ConclusionsThese results revealed an association between EYA1, some environmental factors, and NSOCs in western Han Chinese.
Sensory Lexicon of Pomelo Fruit over Various Cultivars and Fresh‐Cut Storage
Authors: Rosales Czarina Kristine , Suwonsichon Suntaree 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA lexicon consisting of 30 sensory attributes was developed by a highly trained descriptive panel to describe aroma, flavor and texture characteristics of pomelo cultivars popularly cultivated and consumed in Thailand. Pomelo samples were precut, placed on styrofoam trays, overwrapped with polyethylene film and stored at 5C and 85% relative humidity for up to 7 days. Results showed that the attributes were able to describe great variation in aroma, flavor and texture characteristics among pomelo samples. Principal component analysis grouped the attributes into five key dimensions that explained 77.5% of total variability. Attributes such as citrus identity, pomelo identity, viney, floral, overall sweet, overall sour, hardness, firmness, moisture release, chewiness and fibrous explained differences among cultivars as well as changes occurring during fresh‐cut storage of some cultivars. While attributes such as orange peel, bitter, astringent and particles differentiated cultivars among each other.Practical ApplicationsConsumption market for fresh‐cut pomelo is steadily expanding, especially in European countries. There are a number of pomelo cultivars and those cultivars vary greatly in aroma, flavor and texture. This research provided information on how sensory characteristics differed among pomelo cultivars and how those characteristics changed during fresh‐cut storage. This information could be useful for pomelo exporters in selecting cultivars that will be successful in their target markets. It is also useful for retailers in knowing the approximate storage duration of the precut pomelo fruits without detrimental quality changes. These results are the first to define sensory characteristics of pomelos and the lexicon could be used for future research on pomelo.