bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical, fiscal and environmental benefits of a specialist‐led virtual ureteric colic clinic: a prospective study
Authors: Connor Martin J. , Miah Saiful , Edison Marie Alexandra , Brittain James , Smith Mitra Kondjin , Hanna Milad , El‐Husseiny Tamer , Dasgupta Ranan
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical, fiscal and environmental impact of a specialist‐led acute ureteric colic virtual clinic (VC) pathway.

Patients and Methods

All patients with uncomplicated acute ureteric colic, referred to a single tertiary centre, were prospectively entered into the study over a 4‐year period (January 2015–December 2018). Inclusion criteria were: low‐dose non‐contrast computed tomography of kidneys, ureters and bladder; white blood cell count <16 × 109/L; pain controlled; normal renal function; and no clinical concern. Primary outcomes were: time (days) from referral to VC outcome; VC outcome (discharge, further VC, face‐to‐face [FTF] clinic, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy [ESWL], ureterorenoscopy [URS], percutaneous nephrolithotomy [PCNL]); and adverse events (sepsis or obstruction). Secondary outcomes were patient and stone demographics, cost and environmental analysis. The minimum follow‐up was 3 months.

Results

A total of 1008 patients entered the study, of whom 91.5% (n = 922) were of working age. The median (interquartile range) time from presentation to VC outcome was 2 (4) days. VC outcomes were as follows: 16.3% of patients (n = 164) were discharged; 18.2% (n = 183) were discharged after further VC; 17.2% (n = 173) underwent an intervention; and 48.4% (n = 488) were referred to an FTF clinic. Interventions comprised: PCNL 0.5% (n = 5); ESWL 7.7% (n = 78); and URS 8.9% (n = 90). Stone demographics were as follows: 570 patients (56.5%) had lower, 157 (15.6%) had upper, 96 (9.5%) had mid‐ureteric and 163 (16.2%) had renal calculi, and in 22 patients (2.2%) the stones had recently passed. The mean (sd) stone size was 3.5  (2.3) mm. Two adverse events (0.2%) were reported. Introducing a VC saved £145,152 for Clinical Commissioning Groups, the equivalent NHS tariff payment of performing 106 URS procedures or 211 ureteric stent insertions. Overall, 15,085 patient journey kilometres were avoided, equal to 0.70–2.93 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent production and the need to plant 14.7 trees to achieve carbon balance.

Conclusion

A specialist‐led acute ureteric colic VC reduced time to treatment decision to a median of 2 days. This creates additional clinic capacity and reduces the fiscal burden of traditional clinics and their associated carbon footprint.
Impact of hospital nephrectomy volume on intermediate‐ to long‐term survival in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hsu Ray C. J. , Barclay Matthew , Loughran Molly A. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Gnanapragasam Vincent J. , Armitage James N.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between hospital volume and intermediate‐ and long‐term patient survival for patients undergoing nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Patients and Methods

Adult patients with RCC treated with nephrectomy between 2000 and 2010 were identified from the English Hospital Episode Statistics database and National Cancer Data Repository. Patients with nodal or metastatic disease were excluded. Hospitals were categorised into low‐ (LV; <20 cases/year), medium‐ (20–39 cases/year) and high‐volume (HV; ≥40 cases/year), based on annual cases of RCC nephrectomy. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause mortality by hospital volume, adjusting for patient, tumour and surgical characteristics. We assessed conditional survival over three follow‐up periods: short (30 days to 1 year), intermediate (1–3 years) and long (3–5 years). We additionally explored whether associations between volume and outcomes varied by tumour stage.

Results

A total of 12 912 patients were included. Patients in HV hospitals had a 34% reduction in mortality risks up to 1 year compared to those in LV hospitals (HR 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.53–0.83; P < 0.01). Assuming causality, treatment in HV hospitals was associated with one fewer death in every 71 patients treated. Benefit of nephrectomy centralisation did not change with higher T stage (P = 0.17). No significant association between hospital volume and survival was observed beyond the first year.

Conclusions

Nephrectomy for RCC in HV hospitals was associated with improved survival for up to 1 year after treatment. Our results contribute new insights regarding the value of nephrectomy centralisation.
Effect of tadalafil 5 mg on post‐micturition dribble in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Yang Dae Yul , Jeong Hyun Cheol , Ko Kyungtae , Lee Seong Ho , Lee Sang Kon , Shin Tae Young , Cho Jin Seon , Lee Won Ki
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To compare the effects of taking tadalafil 5 mg and placebo once daily on post‐micturition dribble (PMD) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Patients and Methods

Our prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre trial enrolled 102 men with PMD and other LUTS. PMD was assessed using the Hallym Post‐Micturition Dribble Questionnaire (HPMDQ) and according to PMD volume. Over a 12‐week period, patients took either tadalafil 5 mg (n = 51) or placebo (n = 51) once daily and their HPMDQ and PMD volume results were evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) were also reported.

Results

Over the course of 12 weeks, total HPMDQscores and PMD volumes improved significantly more in the tadalafil group than in the placebo group (reduction of total HPMDQ score of ≥2 points in the tadalafil and placebo group in 68.8% and 31.9% of patients (P < 0.001) and decreased mean PMD volume in the tadalafil and placebo group at 0.48 mL and 0.22  mL, respectively (P = 0.046). Specifically, PMD frequency decreased and quality of life increased significantly more in the tadalafil group than in the placebo group (P = 0.029 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, 66.7% of the tadalafil group reported moderate and significant PMD improvement, whereas only 4.2% reported that tadalafil was ineffective. Treatment‐emergent AEs did not significantly differ between the groups (all P > 0.05), and no serious AEs were observed.

Conclusion

Taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily reduced PMD symptom severity and PMD volume in men with PMD, without inducing serious AEs, more effectively than placebo, suggesting that taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily may be an effective and well‐tolerated PMD treatment.
Buried Late Weichselian thermokarst landscape discovered in the Czech Republic, central Europe
Authors: Hošek Jan , Prach Jindřich , Křížek Marek , Šída Petr , Moska Piotr , Pokorný Petr
Published: June 2019

Pronounced climatic warming associated with the Late Weichselian Pleniglacial‐to‐Lateglacial transition caused considerable environmental changes throughout the former periglacial zones (in Europe ~53°–46°N). During permafrost degradation and subsequent ground subsidence (i.e. thermokarst processes), the landscape changed rapidly. In this study we investigated a flat mid‐altitude area in south Bohemia, Czech Republic, lying close to the southern limit of the Weichselian permafrost. We discovered palaeo‐lake basins with sedimentary infillings up to 11 m in depth. According to radiocarbon and palynostratigraphical dating, these basins were formed at the onset of the Late Pleniglacial‐to‐Lateglacial transition, whereas the smaller depressions were formed later. We suggest that the basins resulted from thermal and fluvio‐thermal erosion of the former permafrost and represent remnants of discontinuous gullies and possibly collapsed frost mounds (pingo/lithalsa scars). The formation of this a fossil thermokarst landscape was climatically driven and multiple phased, with the major phase during the climatic warming and wetting at the onset of GI‐1e (Bølling) and the minor phase during GI‐1c (Allerød). This study enhances knowledge of the palaeogeography of the former European periglacial zone by showing that Late Pleistocene thermokarst activity could have had a significant impact on the evolution of the landscape of at least some regions of central Europe along the southern limit of the continuous permafrost zone. The research also points to a similar history for the physical transformation of the landscape of the former European periglacial zone and current thermokarst landscapes and could be a valuable source of information with respect to the future transformation of the Arctic under conditions of ongoing global warming.
Reduced expression of apolipoprotein E and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 proteins in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Kuot Abraham , Ronci Maurizio , Mills Richard , Klebe Sonja , Snibson Grant , Wiffen Steven , Loh Raymond , Corbett Mark , Zhou Tiger , Chataway Tim , Burdon Kathryn P. , Craig Jamie E. , Urbani Andrea , Sharma Shiwani
Published: June 2019

Background

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive and potentially a sight threatening disease, and a common indication for corneal grafting in the elderly. Aberrant thickening of Descemet's membrane, formation of microscopic excrescences (guttae) and gradual loss of corneal endothelial cells are the hallmarks of the disease. The aim of this study was to identify differentially abundant proteins between FECD‐affected and unaffected Descemet's membrane.

Methods

Label‐free quantitative proteomics using nanoscale ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (nUPLC‐MSE) was employed on affected and unaffected Descemet's membrane extracts, and interesting findings were further investigated using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical techniques.

Results

Quantitative proteomics revealed significantly lower abundance of apolipoprotein E (APOE) and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 protein (IGHG1) in affected Descemet's membrane. The difference in the distribution of APOE between affected and unaffected Descemet's membrane and of IGHG1 detected by immunohistochemistry support their down‐regulation in the disease. Comparative gene expression analysis showed significantly lower APOE mRNA levels in FECD‐affected than unaffected corneal endothelium. IGHG1 gene is expressed at extremely low levels in the corneal endothelium, precluding relative expression analysis.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report comparative proteomics of Descemet's membrane tissue, and implicates dysregulation of APOE and IGHG1 proteins in the pathogenesis of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.
Development and preliminary evaluation of ilearnKAS: An animated video about kidney allocation to support transplant decision‐making
Authors: Kayler Liise K. , Keller Maria M. , Crenesse‐Cozien Natalia , Dolph Beth , Cadzow Renee , Feeley Thomas H.
Published: June 2019

Background

We aimed to develop and feasibility test an educational video culturally targeted to African American (AA) patients regarding kidney allocation.

Methods

We iteratively refined an animated video for AAs with multiple stakeholder input and conducted a one‐group, pre–post study with 50 kidney transplant candidates to assess video feasibility and acceptability. A mixed population was chosen to obtain race‐specific acceptability data and efficacy estimates for a larger study.

Results

Median participant age was 56 years, and 50% were AA. Comparing pre–post video scores, large knowledge effect sizes were found for the cohort (r = 0.7) and in the context of AA race (r = 0.8), low health literacy (r = 0.6), low educational achievement (r = 0.7), age >55 years (r = 0.6), dialysis vintage ≥1 year (r = 0.8), low income (r = 0.7) and low technology access (r = 0.8). Over 87% of participants provided positive ratings on each of the seven acceptability items. The frequency of positive responses increased pre–post video for kidney allocation understanding (78% vs 94%, P = 0.008), decisional self‐efficacy (64% vs 88%, P < 0.001) and belief in fairness (76% vs 90%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In collaboration with key stakeholders, a culturally targeted educational video was developed that was well received. Results are promising to impact kidney allocation knowledge among AA and non‐AA kidney transplant candidates.
A randomized, open‐label pharmacokinetic trial of tacrolimus extended‐release dosing in obese de novo kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Jasiak‐Panek Natalia M. , Wenzler Eric , Patel Shree , Thielke James J. , Progar Kristin , Patel Shitalben , Brandt Shane , Huang Yi‐jen , Benedetti Enrico , West‐Thielke Patricia M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Tacrolimus extended‐release (TAC‐ER; Astagraf XL®) is utilized in many immunosuppressive regimens post‐renal transplantation. Current dosing recommendation for the TAC‐ER in renal transplant is 0.15‐0.2 mg/kg/day administered once daily. The purpose of this study was to determine the best method of dosing TAC‐ER in obese renal transplant recipients.

Methods

De novo obese kidney transplant recipients were randomized to receive TAC‐ER 0.15 mg/kg/day based on either adjusted body weight (aBW) or ideal body weight (IBW). Post‐transplant patients underwent three pharmacokinetic assessments over 14 days. The primary endpoint was the difference in TAC‐ER exposure (AUC0‐24) in obese patients dosed using aBW compared with IBW.

Results

A total of 20 obese renal transplant recipients were randomized to participate in the study (10 aBW and 10 IBW). Results of the primary outcome (AUC0‐24) on Study Day 1, 7, and 14 were not statistically different between the two groups. There was no difference in the number of days to therapeutic trough concentration between the two dosing weights (aBW = 5.1, IBW = 4.9, days; P = 0.90).

Conclusion

In a population of obese renal transplant recipients, comparable trough concentrations and overall exposure in both groups indicate that IBW may be preferred, as less initial drug was needed to attain adequate exposure.
Impact of intentional weight loss on diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Holland John A. , Martin William P. , Docherty Neil G. , le Roux Carel W.
Published: June 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity constitute interwoven pandemics challenging healthcare systems in developed countries, where diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of end‐stage renal disease. Obesity accelerates renal functional decline in people with T2DM. Intentional weight loss (IWL) strategies in this population hold promise as a means of arresting DKD progression. In the present paper, we summarize the impact of IWL strategies (stratified by lifestyle intervention, medications, and metabolic surgery) on renal outcomes in obese people with DKD. We reviewed the Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for relevant randomized control trials and observational studies published between August 1, 2018 and April 15, 2019. We found that IWL improves renal outcomes in the setting of DKD and obesity. Rate of progression of DKD slows with IWL, but varying outcome measures among studies makes direct comparison difficult. Furthermore, established means of estimating renal function are imperfect owing to loss of lean muscle mass with IWL strategies. The choice of optimal IWL strategy needs to be individualized; future work should establish the comparative efficacy of IWL strategies in obese people with DKD to better inform such decisions.
Do health system reforms stand a chance?
Authors: Zweifel Peter
Published: June 2019

While most major reforms of health systems fail, those that succeed are motivated by politicians' quest for reducing the health burden on their budget in response to a shift in voters' preferences away from public health. An Edgeworth box is used to depict their preferences, in addition to those of (potential) patients and health‐care providers. Politicians are found to severely constrain the area of mutual advantage, suggesting that only minor reforms are possible unless they promise to lower health‐care expenditure. An efficiency‐enhancing change that would enlarge the box and hence the area of mutual advantage would be to suppress the requirement imposed on health insurers to purchase domestically, rather than being free to directly import health‐care services and drugs.
Is entrepreneurship a virtue?
Authors: Miller Robert C B
Published: June 2019

Entrepreneurship is rarely (if ever) discussed by virtue ethicists. And economists analysing entrepreneurship have rarely described it as a virtue. Entrepreneurship is indeed a virtue and the entrepreneur can be seen as the creative counterpart of Aristotle's ‘Magnificent Man’, the virtuous possessor of wealth. But entrepreneurship is also a virtue for anyone who is economically active. By reviewing analyses of entrepreneurship by economists such as Cantillon, Schumpeter, Knight, Baumol, Kirzner and Casson, particular features of entrepreneurial practice are identified from which characteristic virtues (and vices) are isolated and analysed. The characteristic features of the vicious Entrepreneur (or crooked businessman) are also described.
Epilepsy in nonhuman primates
Authors: Croll Leah , Szabo Charles A. , Abou‐Madi Noha , Devinsky Orrin
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are model organisms for understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy in humans, while data from human patients informs the diagnosis and treatment ofNHPwith seizures and epilepsy. We reviewed the literature and surveyed veterinarians at zoos andNHPresearch centers to (a) better define the range of seizures and epilepsy inNHP, (b) understand howNHPs can inform our knowledge of the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy in humans, and (c) identify gaps of knowledge and develop more effective guidelines to treat seizures and epilepsy inNHP.

Methods

We searched PrimateLit, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies on experimental models of epilepsy inNHPsand on naturally occurring seizures and epilepsy inNHPsin captivity. In addition, we created a survey to assess methods to diagnose and treat epilepsy inNHPs. This survey was sent to 41 veterinarians at major international zoos and research facilities withNHPpopulations to study seizure phenomenology, diagnostic criteria for seizures and epilepsy, etiology, and antiseizure therapies inNHPs.

Results

We summarize the data from experimental and natural models of epilepsy inNHPsand case reports of epilepsy of unknown origin in captive primates. In addition, we present survey data collected from veterinarians at eight zoos and one research facility. Experimental data fromNHPepilepsy models is abundant, whereas data from primates who develop epilepsy in the wild or in zoos is very limited, constraining our ability to advance evidence‐based medicine.

Significance

Characterization of seizure or epilepsy models inNHPswill provide insights into mechanisms and new therapies that cannot be addressed by other animal models.NHPresearch will better inform species‐specific diagnoses and outcomes.
ARC 118925XX stimulates cation influx in bEND.3 endothelial cells
Authors: Wu King‐Chuen , Cheng Ka‐Shun , Wong Kar‐Lok , Shiao Lian‐Ru , Leung Yuk‐Man , Chang Li‐Yun
Published: June 2019

In a previous publication when we studied the purinergic receptor with which ATP interacted in mouse brain bEND.3 endothelial cells, we observed addition of 3 μm ARC 118925XX (ARC; selective P2Y2 antagonist) strongly suppressed ATP‐triggered Ca2+ release, suggesting the response was mediated via P2Y2 receptors. We here report ARC unexpectedly promoted substantial Ca2+ influx even when ATP‐triggered Ca2+ release was largely inhibited. Since this large Ca2+ influx may have important pharmacological significance, we proceeded to investigate its mechanism. ARC did not trigger intracellular Ca2+ release thus suggesting Ca2+ influx triggered by ARC was not store‐operated. ARC‐triggered Ca2+ influx could be blocked by 1 mm Ni2+, a general Ca2+ channel blocker, but not by SK&F 96365, a nonselective TRP channel blocker. Unexpectedly, ARC promoted influx of Na+ and La3+, but not Mn2+. This is a surprising finding, since Mn2+ is conventionally used as a Ca2+ surrogate ion (as it permeates Ca2+ channel), and La3+ is classically used as a potent Ca2+ channel antagonist. Electrophysiological examination showed ARC did not stimulate any cation currents. Therefore, ARC opened, rather than a cation channel pore, an unidentified Ca2+ influx pathway which was Na+‐ and La3+‐permeable but Mn2+‐impermeable.
Exploring achievement goal theory, ACTFL's 5 Cs, and the L2 classroom: What goals do students set?
Authors: Miller Alyssia M.
Published: June 2019

This study used achievement goal theory (AGT) in the Spanish second language (L2) classroom to determine what students' self‐selected goals are and how those goals relate to the ACTFL World‐Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (National Standards Collaborative Board, 2015). AGT is built on the concept of goal orientation, which is the natural tendency toward achievement‐seeking behavior. The four goal orientations are mastery approach, mastery avoidance, performance approach, and performance avoidance. The results of this mixed‐methods study show that the majority of students have mastery approach goals, but all four goal orientations were present across the sample population (N = 165). Results also indicate that 67.1% of students said that a top goal was communication and speaking, and 41.8% of students stated that grammar was a main goal. The findings that Communication (67.1%) and Cultures (2%) were the only two standards of the ACTFL 5 Cs (National Standards Collaborative Board, 2015) that were mentioned in students' goal statements and that Connections, Comparisons, and Communities were not mentioned at all indicate a disparity between what language learning entails and L2 learners' perceptions. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Sedimentological and petrochemical studies of Jurassic clastic rocks, Habo Dome Basin, Kachchh Mainland, Northwest India: Implications for depositional environment, provenance, and tectonic setting
Authors: Irshad Roohi , Khan Mohammad S. , Ahmad Abul H. M.
Published: June 2019

Mesozoic rocks are extensively and excellently preserved in the western Indian shield in several basins. The Kachchh Mainland Basin (KMB), comprising six small sub‐basins, is the main repository of these sediments. Habo Dome Basin, situated in the easternmost part of KMB and largest among the six basins, hosts clastics of the Chari Formation of Jurassic age. The fluctuating transgressive–regressive facies cycle, developed during the Callovian and Late Early Oxfordian in the Habo Dome Basin, was mainly controlled by local tectonics and not by global eustatic fluctuations. Near magmatic relationships are displayed by various elements of the clastic rocks of Habo Dome Basin. Two litho‐chemical groups have been identified in Habo Dome Basin, which are cyclically repeated over entire lithostratigraphic sequence, indicating alternate pulses of sediment inputs from two different sources under palpitating tectonic conditions. Provenance indicator elements and their ratios coupled with source modeling indicate predominantly felsic source with basic and alkalic components. Integrated analysis of petrograhic and geochemical characteristics suggests two source terranes for these rocks: a granitoid source with significant basic volcanics (Banded Gneissic Complex) and a granite–gneissic source with minor alkaline volcanics (Nagarparkar Massif) lying to northeast and NNW respectively. The petrochemistry of Habo Dome clastics suggests their deposition in a fault controlled sink which was influenced by sea level changes. Drifting of the Indian plate resulted in the opening of series of rifted basins in the Kachchh Mainland during Late Triassic/Early Jurassic, which were closed later during collision of Indian plate with Eurasia at early Eocene. The Habo Dome Basin which opened up as a half graben in response to the initial stress regime, remained tectonically unstable until the cessation of pre and post collisional stress regimes.
Evidence that Kenyan House Sparrows Passer domesticus invaded from multiple sites
Authors: Schrey Aaron W. , Ragsdale Alexandria K. , Adams Kyle L. , Ingebretsen Nicholas , Lee Jacob D. , Frederick Bridget M. , Liebl Andrea L. , Martin Lynn B.
Published: June 2019

Here we characterize genetic patterns across the range of House Sparrows in Kenya using six microsatellite markers. We screened House Sparrows from two remote locations in northern Kenya, Marsabit (n = 24) and Wajir (n = 27), which are separated from other colonized areas in Kenya by minimally developed, arid habitat, and then compared these birds with House Sparrows in 10 more central and longer established Kenyan cities (n = 233) in this range. House Sparrows from Marsabit and Wajir originated from a separate source, probably Somalia and/or Ethiopia, from other Kenyan House Sparrows, probably Mombasa. Furthermore, the genetic characteristics of northern and southern populations indicate that they have not yet mixed, supporting a hypothesis that the large, minimally (human) developed, arid landscape spanning nearly all of northern Kenya, including the 100 000 km2 Chalbi Desert, is a barrier to dispersal for House Sparrows.
Conservation of the voltage‐sensitive sodium channel protein within the Insecta
Authors: Silva Juan J. , Scott Jeffrey G.
Published: June 2019

The voltage‐sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) is essential for the generation and propagation of action potentials. VSSC kinetics can be modified by producing different splice variants. The functionality of VSSC depends on features such as the voltage sensors, the selectivity filter and the inactivation loop. Mutations in Vssc conferring resistance to pyrethroid insecticides are known as knockdown resistance (kdr). We analysed the conservation of VSSC in both a broad scope and a narrow scope by three approaches: (1) we compared conservation of sequences and of differential exon use across orders of the Insecta; (2) we determined which kdr mutations were possible with a single nucleotide mutation in nine populations of Aedes aegypti; and (3) we examined the individual VSSC variation that exists within a population of Drosophila melanogaster. There is an increasing amount of transcript diversity possible from Diplura towards Diptera. The residues of the voltage sensors, selectivity filter and inactivation loop are highly conserved. The majority of exon sequences were >88.6% similar. Strain‐specific differences in codon constraints exist for kdr mutations in nine strains of A. aegypti. Three Vssc mutations were found in one population of D. melanogaster. This study shows that, overall, Vssc is highly conserved across Insecta and within a population of an insect, but that important differences do exist.
Prenatal risk and physical aggression during the first years of life: The gender‐specific role of inhibitory control
Authors: van Adrichem Dide S. , Huijbregts Stephan C. J. , Van der Heijden Kristiaan B. , van Goozen Stephanie H. M. , Swaab Hanna
Published: June 2019

Prenatal risk and a lack of inhibitory control have consistently been related to the development of physical aggression in older children. This study examined whether inhibitory control mediated the relation between prenatal risk and aggression in infants and toddlers. The role of gender in this mediation model was also examined. The sample consisted of 161 mother–child dyads (83 boys). A prenatal cumulative risk score was created from a number of well‐established risk factors including maternal psychopathology, substance use, and social and socioeconomic disadvantages. At 12 months, children performed an inhibitory control task. Physical aggression was assessed through maternal reports at 12 and 20 months of age. Results showed that higher prenatal risk was associated with more physical aggression. Inhibitory control mediated this association at both 12 and 20 months: higher prenatal risk was related to lower inhibitory control, which in turn led to higher aggression. At 20 months, gender moderated the mediation effect: the mediating role of inhibitory control was only found for girls. These results suggest that even before 2 years of age, inhibitory control is an important construct involved in the relation between prenatal risk and physical aggression.
Novel cyan‐emitting KBaScSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphors with ultrahigh quantum efficiency and excellent thermal stability for WLEDs
Authors: Zhong Jiasong , Li Junni , Liu Meijiao , Wang Keyuan , Zhu Yiwen , Li Xinyue , Ji Zhenguo , Chen Daqin
Published: June 2019

Owing to the conventional phosphor‐converted white LEDs (pc‐WLEDs) generally suffer from blue‐green cavity, thus, developing an appropriate phosphors covering both the blue and green regions in their emission spectra are very urgent. Herein, a novel Sc silicate phosphor, KBaScSi2O7:Eu2+ (KBSS:Eu2+), has been successfully designed and prepared via a solid‐state reaction. The crystal structure, luminescent properties, thermal quenching, quantum efficiency as well as its application in UV‐pumped WLEDs have been investigated systematically. The KBSS:Eu2+ phosphor exhibits a strong and broad excitation band ranging from 290 to 450 nm, and gives a sufficient cyan emission of 488 nm with a full‐width half‐maximum (FWHM) of 70 nm, which filled the blue‐green cavity. Importantly, the optimized KBSS:Eu2+ phosphor possesses an ultrahigh quantum efficiency (QE) up to 91.3% and an excellent thermal stability retaining 90% at 423 K with respect to that measured at room temperature. Finally, the as‐fabricated UV‐based WLEDs device, with only coupled the mixture of KBSS:Eu2+ cyan phosphor and CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ red ones to a commercial 365nm UV chip, exhibits a satisfactory color‐rendering index (Ra = 88.6), correlated color temperature (CCT = 3770K), and luminous efficiency (LE = 21 lm/W).
Quality of web pages about second‐trimester medical abortion: A cross‐sectional study of readability, comprehensiveness, and transparency
Authors: Georgsson Susanne , van der Spoel Linde , Ferm Johanna , Carlsson Tommy
Published: June 2019

Aims

To investigate the readability, comprehensiveness and transparency of web pages about medical abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study of Swedish web pages.

Methods

Six systematic searches were performed in Google during January 2017. The first 10 hits of each search were screened, resulting in 46 included Swedish web pages. The web pages were analyzed with readability index (LIX) to investigate readability, inductive manifest content analysis to investigate comprehensiveness, and Journal of the Medical Association benchmarks to investigate transparency.

Results

Median LIX was 29.0 and the largest proportion had LIX 31–40 (N = 17), indicating moderate readability. Visual components were observed in 13 websites. Content analysis resulted in 12 categories illustrating comprehensiveness, but eight of these were only included in ≤50% web pages. With regard to transparency, 29 (63%) adhered to no benchmark, 15 (33%) adhered to one benchmark, and 2 (4%) adhered to two benchmarks. Most web pages were written or reviewed by laypersons (N = 25) and health professionals (N = 11).

Conclusion

The results indicate that web pages about medical abortion have moderate readability, varied comprehensiveness and poor transparency.

Impact

Health professionals need to acknowledge the risk of contact with web‐based information about poor quality. There is a need for research that aims to increase the chances that patients encounter high‐quality web‐based information about medical abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Combined approaches to identify genomic regions involved in phenotypic differentiation between low divergent breeds: Application in Sardinian sheep populations
Authors: Mastrangelo Salvatore , Ben Jemaa Slim , Sottile Gianluca , Casu Sara , Portolano Baldassare , Ciani Elena , Pilla Fabio
Published: June 2019

Selective breeding has led to modifications in the genome of many livestock breeds. In this study, we identified the genomic regions that may explain some of the phenotypic differences between two closely related breeds from Sardinia. A total of 44 animals, 20 Sardinian Ancestral Black (SAB) and 24 Sardinian White (SW), were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine 50K array. A total of 68, 38 and 15 significant markers were identified using the case–control genome‐wide association study (GWAS), the Bayesian population differentiation analysis (FST) and the Rsb metric, respectively. Comparisons among the approaches revealed a total of 22 overlapping markers between GWAS and FST and one marker between GWAS and Rsb. Three markers detected by Rsb were also located near (<2 Mb) to highly significant regions identified by GWAS and FST analyses. Moreover, one candidate marker identified by GWAS and FST approaches was located in a run of homozygosity island that was shared by both breeds. We identified several genes involved in many phenotypic differences (such as stature and growth, reproduction, ear size, coat colour, behaviour) between the two analysed breeds. This study shows that combining several genome‐wide approaches could improve discovery of regions involved in the variability of breeding traits and responsible for the phenotypic diversity even between closely related breeds. Overall, the combination of such genome‐wide methods can be extended to other livestock breeds that share between them a similar genetic background, to understand the process that shapes the patterns of genetic variability between closely related populations.
MicroRNA‐301b‐3p contributes to tumour growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing vestigial like family member 4
Authors: Guo Yang , Yao Bowen , Zhu Qiaojuan , Xiao Zunqiang , Hu Linjun , Liu Xin , Li Lijie , Wang Jiahui , Xu Qiuran , Yang Liu , Huang Dongsheng
Published: June 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in the tumour growth and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increasing evidence suggests that miR‐301b‐3p functions as a driver in various types of human cancer. However, the expression pattern of miR‐301b‐3p and its functional role as well as underlying molecular mechanism in HCC remain poorly known. Our study found that miR‐301b‐3p expression was significantly up‐regulated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent non‐tumour tissues. Clinical association analysis revealed that the high level of miR‐301b‐3p closely correlated with large tumour size and advanced tumour‐node‐metastasis stages. Importantly, the high miR‐301b‐3p level predicted a prominent poorer overall survival of HCC patients. Knockdown of miR‐301b‐3p suppressed cell proliferation, led to cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis of Huh7 and Hep3B cells. Furthermore, miR‐301b‐3p knockdown suppressed tumour growth of HCC in mice. Mechanistically, miR‐301b‐3p directly bond to 3′UTR of vestigial like family member 4 (VGLL4) and negatively regulated its expression. The expression of VGLL4 mRNA was down‐regulated and inversely correlated with miR‐301b‐3p level in HCC tissues. Notably, VGLL4 knockdown markedly repressed cell proliferation, resulted in G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. Accordingly, VGLL4 silencing rescued miR‐301b‐3p knockdown attenuated HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance. Collectively, our results suggest that miR‐301b‐3p is highly expressed in HCC. miR‐301b‐3p facilitates cell proliferation, promotes cell cycle progression and inhibits apoptosis of HCC cells by repressing VGLL4.
Save your gut save your age: The role of the microbiome in stem cell ageing
Authors: Tan Yi , Wei Zongke , Chen Jiaoliu , An Junli , Li Manling , Zhou Liuyun , Men Yanhua , Zhao Shan
Published: June 2019

The tremendous importance of microbiota in microbial homoeostasis, alterations in metabolism and both innate and adaptive immune systems has been well established. A growing body of evidence support that dysbiosis or compositional changes in gut microbiota is linked to the ageing of stem cells in terms of dysregulations of metabolism, aberrant activation of the immune system as well as promoting epigenetic instability of stem cell. In this concise review, we elucidate recent emerging topics on microbiotic alterations and underlying mechanisms in stem cell ageing.
Paeoniflorin protects spiral ganglion neurons from cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity: Possible relation to PINK1/BAD pathway
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Man Rongjun , Li Yanan , Yang Qianqian , Li Hongrui , Yang Huiming , Bai Xiaohui , Yin Haiyan , Li Jianfeng , Wang Haibo
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to elucidate whether paeoniflorin (PF) exerted an effect on cisplatin‐induced spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) damage, with special attention given to the role of PINK1/BAD pathway in this process. Middle cochlear turn culture and C57BL/6 mice were utilized to identify the character of PF in vitro and in vivo. We found that cisplatin treatment led to SGN damage, in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation increased, PINK1 expression decreased, BAD accumulation on mitochondria raised and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activated. Conversely, we demonstrated that PF pre‐treatment obviously mitigated cisplatin‐induced SGN damage. Mechanistic studies showed that PF could reduce ROS levels, increase PINK1 expression, decrease the BAD accumulation on mitochondria and, thus, alleviate the activated mitochondrial apoptosis in SGNs caused by cisplatin. Overall, the findings from this work reveal the important role of PF and provide another strategy against cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity.
Computation fluid dynamics design of a plate fin heat exchanger with different transverse vortex generators for food processing
Authors: Rinaldi Massimiliano , Malavasi Matteo , Cordioli Matteo , Barbanti Davide
Published: June 2019

In this work, the performance of a plate heat exchanger with rectangular, rhombus, and elliptical vortex generators with 3, 5, and 7 mm width and 3, 6, and 9 mm height were investigated by means of computation fluid dynamics (CFD). Moreover, seven flow rates (from 0.01 to 1 ms−1) were tested and 196 CFD models were obtained. Heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, Colburn j, and Fanning f factor were considered to evaluate the performance of the heat exchanger. The best heat exchange was obtained for rhombus wings and the highest Colburn j factor was obtained for 7 mm width and 6 mm height. The lowest pressure drop was obtained for 3 mm width and 3 mm height elliptical wings. Regarding surface reduction, the best result for all the geometries was with 5 mm width and 9 mm height, allowing a possible reduction of 25, 26, and 23% for rectangular, rhombus, and elliptical geometry.

Practical applications

Plate heat exchangers are extensively used for continuous thermal processing of liquid foods without particles in suspension and with low viscosity. In the last decades, due to the increasing demand of high quality foods and energy saving, increasing the overall heat transfer performances of food processes became crucial for the sector. Computation fluid dynamics (CFD) technique can contribute to understanding food fluid flows inside heat exchangers and in supporting equipment design. Product and process quality can be improved with minimum cost and time investment. In this work CFD was used for studying the performances of a plate heat exchanger with different passive vortex generators presenting different shapes and dimensions. The simulated data allowed identifying the best geometry with the best balance between heat performance improvements and pressure losses. The proposed approach successfully applied to Newtonian fluid could be extended also to non‐Newtonian liquid foods and to different plate heat exchanger design.
Process analytical technology for bakery industry: A review
Authors: Jerome Rifna E. , Singh Sushil K. , Dwivedi Madhuresh
Published: June 2019

Bakery products are appreciably consumed by the populace of all age groups globally, owing to their flavor and easily digestible nature. The availability of diversified products like bread, cookies, biscuits, muffins, cakes, tortillas, rolls, wafers, and pies has further facilitated their consumption. However, variation in processing parameters and raw material quality triggers many biochemical changes, complex reactions, and physical modifications which are intricate and least understood in the food industry till date. Many operational and product failures have been discovered owing to this poor assimilation of controls in the baking process. In this scenario, bakery manufacturers are increasingly considering the adoption of process analytical technology initiated by the United States Food and Drug Administration to facilitate the production of bakery products with increased safety, product quality, and process efficacy. Studies on the applications of process analytical technology for the bakery industry are outlined and reviewed through this article.

Practical Applications

Process analytical techniques are suitable in monitoring various unit operations within a bakery industry that requires process optimization and are sensitive to process extremities of time and temperature. Applications of process analytical technology (PAT) in the bakery unit varies from ingredient metering to optimizing mixing parameters, monitoring baking process and quality analysis of the final product. It possesses fast, reliable, real‐time, and nondestructive evaluation, which makes it a process of choice. Moreover, the need for the development of calibration models, sensors, and chemometrics restrict the adoption of PAT in the bakery industry. Therefore, future research aiding to the progress of PAT technique equipped with strong data tools that enhance understanding of critical points in the process and product line is warranted.
Hydrodynamic cavitation and its application in food and beverage industry: A review
Authors: Asaithambi Niveditha , Singha Poonam , Dwivedi Madhuresh , Singh Sushil K.
Published: June 2019

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is a process in which high energy is released in a flowing liquid upon bubble implosion due to decrease and subsequent increase in local pressure. While cavitation has been a serious problem in a hydraulic system, its energy can be harnessed for various physical and chemical processes. Food and beverage industries have been utilizing the principle of HC as a tool to homogenize, pasteurize, break, or mix food macromolecules. In this review article, the principle, design aspects, and different application of hydrodynamic cavitators in food and beverage processing are described in details. Advantages over acoustic cavitation, comparative studies, and future prospects of HC in food and beverage industries are also discussed.

Practical Applications

In this fast‐developing world, food industries are thriving to adopt energy efficient advanced technologies. Hydrodynamic cavitators are popular in dairy research facilities and industries. Hydrodynamic cavitation has the advantages in lowering the capital cost, reducing production time, enhancing production efficiency, and food safety while preserving the quality of the food product. Hydrodynamic cavitators can be utilized for the purpose of extraction, emulsification, sterilization, and homogenization. Large‐scale application of hydrodynamic cavitators is still not common and there is scope for its applications in different food and beverage industries.
Effect of high pressure processing on fibrinolytic activity of fruit bromelain in vivo
Authors: Zhi Nan‐Nan , Zong Kai , Jia Xiao‐Yi , Wang Lin , Liang Juan
Published: June 2019

Aiming at exploring how high pressure processing (HPP) affects the fibrinolytic activity of fruit bromelain (FB) in vivo, the obtained FB was subjected to HPP treatment (300 MPa, 20°C for 20 min) before advanced structure was determined; then six groups of rats were fed with various dosages of enzymes (0.5–1.5 mL/kg·bw) and six target parameters of blood plasma were analyzed. Structural measurements revealed that, by comparison with FB, HPP treated FB (HPP‐FB) showed an increase (7.67%) in α‐helix and its fluorescence intensities were increased by 42.5%, 78.7% at the excitation wavelength of 295 nm, 280 nm, respectively. As to the fibrinolytic activity, compared with the blank control, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) of Group 8 (highest HPP‐FB dosage) were markedly increased (p < .05) by 18.40%, 16.57%, and 10.68% separately, while fibrinogen (FIB) was significantly decreased (p < .05) by 13.88%. Besides, compared with the positive control, the highest HPP‐FB dosage performed almost the same function as aspirin. The results indicated that, compared with FB, the fibrinolytic activity of HPP‐FB was obviously increased which might be attributed to the increase of α‐helix and the exposure of tryptophan residues and tyrosine residues.

Practical applications

The results in this research suggested that HPP treatment could effectively enhance the fibrinolytic activity of fruit bromelain in vivo and increase the added‐value as well as market competitiveness of pineapple‐derived products. HPP‐FB could potentially be used in the development of a new functional food that can prevent thrombosis.
Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 and M1 by Lactobacillus acidophilus and prebiotics in whole cow's milk
Authors: Wochner Katia F. , Moreira Maria C. C. , Kalschne Daneysa L. , Colla Eliane , Drunkler Deisy A.
Published: June 2019

The detoxification ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and prebiotics was evaluated by a Plackett‐Burman Design to examine the reduction of concentration and bioaccessibility of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and M1 (AFM1) in artificially contaminated whole cow's milk. Six variables were evaluated: AFB1 (3.25–6.0 μg L−1) or AFM1 (1.0–2.0 μg L−1) concentration; incubation time (0–6 h); and inulin, oligofructose, β‐glucan, and polydextrose concentrations (each between 0.00 and 0.75%). All runs achieved reductions of AFB1 (13.53–35.53%) and AFM1 (17.65–71.52%). Comparing with the positive control, the AFB1 bioaccessibility ranged from 23.68 to 72.67% and for AFM1 was 0%. The probiotic, isolated or combined with prebiotics, was efficient in mycotoxin reduction, while the combination of the two reduced the mycotoxin bioaccessibility. The best experimental condition was the highest concentration of AFB1 (6.5 μg L−1) and AFM1 (2.0 μg L−1), incubation time of 0 h and the addition of probiotic and inulin (0.75%).