bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 against placental growth factor for preeclampsia in a Chinese pregnant women population
Authors: Yu Fan , Bai Qianjin , Zhang Shihong , Jiang Yongmei
Published: February 2019

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to explore the predictive effects of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) for preeclampsia.

Methods

A total of 1580 singleton pregnant women aged 18‐45 years were included in this study. Serum samples were collected and stored frozen during their regular obstetric examinations. A total of 48 women who were eventually diagnosed with preeclampsia among them were defined as the preeclampsia group, other 134 women who were matched with age and sample collecting gestational weeks and finally diagnosed without preeclampsia were selected as control. The concentration of sFlt‐1 and PlGF in prestored serum samples was examined. The optimal cut‐off of sFlt‐1, PlGF, and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in predicting preeclampsia was determined by establishing the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).

Results

Serum PlGF levels in patients with preeclampsia were significantly lower than those in normal pregnancy (P < 0.05), On the contrary, sflt‐1 levels and sflt‐1/PlGF ratios were significantly higher than those in the normal pregnant women (P < 0.05). The ROC curve study showed that using the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio to predict preeclampsia was better than using PlGF alone but no difference with sFlt‐1. When the cut‐off of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio was 26.6, the area under the ROC curve was 0.918, and high sensitivity (85.42%) and specificity (96.27%) for predicting preeclampsia were obtained.

Conclusion

The cut‐off of sflt‐1/PlGF ratio determined by ROC curve has a good predictive value for the occurrence of preeclampsia.
The induced decrease in TLR2 and TLR4 by cerebrolysin in the alcoholic liver of rats
Authors: Mahmoudi Javad , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Amirnia Mehdi , Kazemi Tohid , Chokhachi Baradaran Pooneh , Sheikh Najafi Shirin , Sadigh‐Eteghad Saeed , Farajdokht Fereshteh , Xu Huaxi , Belalzadeh Mobina , Sandoghchian Shotorbani Siamak
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are innate immunity receptors, which have an important role in modulating inflammation in disease. Cerebrolysin is a biotechnologically prepared peptide that stimulates neurotrophic regulation in the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of experimenting cerebrolysin on TLR2 and TLR4 in alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

Materials and Methods

TLR2 and TLR4 expressions were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction in rats, which have used alcohol and they were separated into five groups.

Results

The results of the present study showed that in mild dose of cerebrolysin, the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was decreased significantly than other groups. Also, the results of the western blot analysis proved the same.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that the anti‐inflammatory effect of cerebrolysin can decrease the TLR2 and TLR4 expressions through downregulating nuclear factor‐κB pathway in the ALD disease.
Exosomes are the novel players involved in the beneficial effects of exercise on type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Gaohua , Liu Hua , Ma Chunlian , Chen Yanfang , Wang Jinju , Yang Yi
Published: February 2019

Exosomes contain regulatory signals such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids which can be transferred to adjacent or remote cells to mediate cell‐to‐cell communication. Exercise is a positive lifestyle for metabolic health and a nonpharmacological treatment of insulin resistance and metabolic diseases. Moreover, exercise is a stressor that induces cellular responses including gene expression and exosome release in various types of cells. Exosomes can carry the characters of parent cells by their modified cargoes, representing novel mechanisms for the effects of exercise. Here, we present a review of exosomes as the perspective players in mediating exercise's beneficial impacts on type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Kinetic analysis of methane production from anaerobic digestion of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotesL.) with waste sludge
Authors: Güngören Madenoğlu Tülay , Jalilnejad Falizi Nasim , Kabay Nalan , Güneş Aslı , Kumar Rajeev , Pek Taylan , Yüksel Mithat
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Increasing demand on energy sources has motivated research studies on renewable energy originating from biomass. Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) as an invader lignocellulosic biomass with high crop yield can be utilized in anaerobic digestion to produce biomethane. Substrate and inoculum concentrations, and temperature are important parameters for kinetic analysis of methane production that was performed with water lettuce and waste sludge for the first time. Kinetic analysis can be used in reactor design, scale up and identification of optimum conditions.

RESULTS

In the present study, anaerobic digestion of water lettuce with waste sludge as inoculum was performed in a batch system. Substrate concentration [30, 40 and 50 g total solid (TS) L−1], waste sludge concentration (3.4 and 6.8 g TS L−1) were investigated at different digestion temperatures (35, 45, 55 and 65 °C). In the studied range, the highest biogas yield [321 mL g–1 volatile solid (VS) with 72.5% of methane content) was reached at substrate concentration of 30 g TS L−1 and waste sludge concentration of 6.8 g TS L−1 at 35 °C. The Cone model fitted well to the actual methane production compared to the modified Gompertz model. The effect of digestion temperature on methane production potential was described by the Ratkowsky model (R2 = 0.91) and optimum digestion temperature was found as 45 °C. Experimental methane yields were 81.5–232.7 mL methane g–1 VS which were 27.7–79.0% of theoretical maximum methane yield. Energy conversion efficiency was reached up to 78.4%.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that anaerobic digestion of water lettuce with waste sludge for high methane production rate was accomplished at certain substrate and inoculum concentrations and temperature. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Multilevel analysis of matching behavior
Authors: Caron Pier‐Olivier
Published: February 2019

Multilevel modeling has been considered a promising statistical tool in the field of the experimental analysis of behavior and may serve as a convenient statistical analysis for matching behavior because it structures data in groups (or levels) to account simultaneously for the within‐subject and between‐subject variances. Heretofore, researchers have sometimes pooled data erroneously from different subjects in a single analysis by using average ratios, average response and reinforcer rates, aggregation of subjects, etc. Unfortunately, this leads to loss of information and biased estimations, which can severely undermine generalization of the results. Instead, a multilevel approach is advocated to combine several subjects' matching behavior. A reanalysis of previous data on matching behavior is provided to illustrate the method and point out its advantages. It illustrates that multilevel regression leads to better estimations, is more convenient, and offers more behavioral information. We hope this paper will encourage the use of multilevel modeling in the statistical practices of behavior analysts.
Reference range determination for imaging biomarkers: Myocardial T1
Authors: Higgins David M. , Keeble Claire , Juli Christoph , Dawson Dana K. , Waterton John C.
Published: February 2019

Background

Imaging biomarkers, such as the T1 relaxation time of the myocardium using MRI, can be valuable in cardiac medicine if they are properly validated. Consensus statements recommend that for myocardial T1, each investigator should establish a reference range.

Purpose

To describe a statistically valid method for determining and reporting the reference range in each center, which simultaneously minimizes the twin risks of undersampling, leading to a uselessly uncertain range, and oversampling, which exposes volunteers to unnecessary scanning and wastes resources.

Study Type

Cohort.

Population

In all, 278 normal human subjects without cardiac disease from two cardiac MR centers.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3 T; Modified Look–Locker Inversion recovery sequence.

Assessment

The T1 relaxation time was estimated from multiple samples of tissue magnetization after inversion. A valid method for calculating a reference range was used.

Statistical Tests

Shapiro–Wilk test for normality; Tukey robust approach for identification of outliers; reference range calculation with confidence intervals.

Results

Reference ranges for measurement of myocardial T1 were calculated, with confidence intervals, enabling comparison with clinically important differences. At 3 T: 1129 to 1301 msec at site 1 (n = 21) and 1160 to 1309 msec at site 2 (n = 59), and at 1.5 T at site 2: 933 to 1020 msec (male, n = 130) and 965 to 1054 msec (female, n = 68). The 3 T reference range from site 1 was successfully benchmarked against the 3 T reference range at site 2.

Data Conclusion

Myocardial T1 reference ranges can be properly characterized, enabling clinical comparison to a valid reference range with known confidence intervals, using methodology similar to that described in this report.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:771–778.
Future changes in precipitation characteristics in China
Authors: Wu Shuang‐Ye , Wu Yanjuan , Wen Jiahong
Published: February 2019

This study examines potential future changes of precipitation in China based on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate model projections for the medium (RCP4.5) and high (RCP8.5) emission scenarios. We first evaluate the biases of climate model output and correct the biases through quantile mapping. After bias correction, we examine the changes in mean precipitation as well as shifts in its frequency distribution. We also evaluate the changes in extreme precipitation based on frequency analysis techniques. Our results show that by the end of the century, mean precipitation is going to increase by 8% (12%) under RCP4.5 (RCP8.5) scenarios, resulted from a combination of an increase in precipitation intensity and a slight decrease in precipitation frequency. Spatially, precipitation is projected to increase more in northern China than southern China, and the increase is the least in the southeast. Seasonally, precipitation is projected to increase more in fall and winter, and less in spring and summer. The precipitation intensity distribution is likely to shift towards more heavy events, with a decrease in the contribution from light events and a significant increase in contribution from heavy events. Extreme precipitation is going to increase at much higher rates than mean precipitation, and the increase is more spatially uniform. Changes in annual and seasonal precipitation are closely linked with temperature change. Total precipitation increases at 2.6% (1.9%) per degree warming under RCP4.5 (RCP8.5), but extreme precipitation has much higher sensitivities ranging 4.5–6.5% per degree warming for events of various return intervals. The percentage increase per degree is generally smaller for RCP8.5 than RCP4.5 scenarios, suggesting a reduced sensitivity at higher temperature. In addition, the precipitation increase seems to be linked with changes in the atmospheric circulations that transport moisture in different regions in China. These changes have significant implications for the management of water resources and water‐related hazards.
Effective Separation of Enantiomers Based on Novel Chiral Hierarchical Porous Metal‐Organic Gels
Authors: Ma Yu , Li Aijie , Gao Xiaonan , Huang Fang , Kuang Xuan , Yang Peng , Yue Jieyu , Tang Bo
Published: February 2019

Metal‐organic gel (MOG) matrices with tunable pore sizes ranging from micropore to macropore, derived from microporous metal‐organic coordination polymers (PCPs), has attracted great attention for their enhanced pore accessibility compared with the multifunctional PCP materials themselves. The enhanced pore accessibility of chiral MOGs is especially imperative for mass transfer applications, including enantioseparations and purifications. Here, for the first time, a novel hierarchical porous MOG‐coated SiO2, derived from a chiral metal‐organic coordination polymer, is employed as chiral stationary phase for effective high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of enantiomers. The selected enantiomers with diverse functional groups are all efficiently separated in a few minutes with significantly higher resolution.
Refining initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease after follow‐up: A 4‐year prospective clinical and magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Quattrone Aldo , Morelli Maurizio , Vescio Basilio , Nigro Salvatore , Le Piane Emilio , Sabatini Umberto , Caracciolo Manuela , Vescio Virginia , Quattrone Andrea , Barbagallo Gaetano , Stanà Carlo , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Arabia Gennarina , Nisticò Rita , Novellino Fabiana , Salsone Maria
Published: February 2019

Background

No prospective study of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) has investigated the appearance of vertical gaze abnormalities, a feature suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Objective

To identify, within a cohort of patients with an initial diagnosis of PD, those who developed vertical gaze abnormalities during a 4‐year follow‐up, and to investigate the performance of new imaging biomarkers in predicting vertical gaze abnormalities.

Methods

A total of 110 patients initially classified as PD and 74 controls were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical assessment at baseline and every year up to the end of the follow‐up. The pons/midbrain area ratio 2.0 and the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index 2.0 were calculated.

Results

After 4‐year follow‐up, 100 of 110 patients maintained the diagnosis of PD, whereas 10 PD patients (9.1%) developed vertical gaze abnormalities, suggesting an alternative diagnosis of PSP‐parkinsonism. At baseline, the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index 2.0 was the most accurate biomarker in differentiating PD patients who developed vertical gaze abnormalities from those who maintained an initial diagnosis of PD. At the end of follow‐up, both of these biomarkers accurately distinguished PSP‐parkinsonism from PD.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that a number of patients with an initial diagnosis of PD developed vertical gaze abnormalities during a 4‐year follow‐up, and the diagnosis was changed from PD to PSP‐parkinsonism. In PD patients, baseline Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index 2.0 showed the best performance in predicting the clinical evolution toward a PSP‐parkinsonism phenotype, enabling PSP‐parkinsonism patients to be identified at the earliest stage of the disease for promising disease‐modifying therapies. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Four‐year follow‐up results of magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor
Authors: Park Yong‐Sook , Jung Na Young , Na Young Cheol , Chang Jin Woo
Published: February 2019

Background

Following the emergence of magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound as a promising tool for movement disorder surgery, thalamotomy for essential tremor using this technique has become a useful tool based on its efficacy and lack of adverse effects. Here, we summarize the 4‐year results of previous reports focusing on the durability of effectiveness of magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor.

Methods

From October 2013 to August 2014, 15 patients with intractable essential tremor were enrolled. Twelve of them completed clinical assessment through 4 years of postoperative follow‐up. Tremor severity, task performance, and disability were measured using the Clinical Rating Scale of Tremor.

Results

The mean age of the 12 patients was 61.7 ± 8.1 years. Maximally delivered energy was 15,552.4 ± 6574.1 joules. The mean number of sonications was 17.3 ± 1.6. The mean postoperative lesion volume was 82.6 ± 29.023 mm3 and in 1 year was a mean of 9.667 ± 8.573 mm3. Four years postoperatively, improvement of the hand tremor score was 56%, that of the disability score was 63%, that of the postural score was 70%, and that of the action score was 63% compared with baseline; all improvements were significant and sustained over the 4‐year period after thalamotomy. There was no permanent adverse effect throughout the 4‐year follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy exhibits sustained clinical efficacy 4 years after the treatment of intractable essential tremor. Adverse events are generally transient. A large cohort of patients who have undergone magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy with longer follow‐up is needed to confirm our findings. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Study of effects of ifenprodil in patients with methamphetamine dependence: Protocol for an exploratory, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kotajima‐Murakami Hiroko , Takano Ayumi , Ogai Yasukazu , Tsukamoto Shotaro , Murakami Maki , Funada Daisuke , Tanibuchi Yuko , Tachimori Hisateru , Maruo Kazushi , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: February 2019

Aims

Pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence has not yet been developed in Japan or elsewhere in the world. Ifenprodil is a blocker of G protein‐activated inwardly rectifying potassium channels that play a key role in the mechanism of action of addictive substances. Our aim is to examine the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of ifenprodil for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

The recruitment of outpatients with methamphetamine dependence began in January 2018. The patients will be randomized into three arms: placebo, 60 mg/d ifenprodil, or 120 mg/d ifenprodil. Placebo or ifenprodil will be taken for 84 days. We will use Cerocral fine granule 4%®(ifenprodil tartrate). Follow‐up assessments will be conducted for 84 d after the drug administration period. All of the patients will be assessed by self‐administered questionnaires and urine tests. The primary outcome will be the presence or absence of methamphetamine use during the 84‐day administration period in the 120 mg/d ifenprodil and placebo groups. Secondary outcomes will include the number of days and percentage of days of abstinence from methamphetamine use, positive urine for methamphetamine, relapse risk, and drug craving.

Discussion

This study is the first clinical trial of ifenprodil treatment for methamphetamine dependence and is designed as an intervention test with off‐label drug use. The present study is expected to provide evidence of the effects of ifenprodil treatment on methamphetamine dependence.

Trial registry

This trial was registered in theUMINclinical trial registry (UMIN000030849; date of registration: January 17, 2018).
Applying Behavioral Insights to Improve Postsecondary Education Outcomes: A Review of Obama Administration Efforts and Next Steps Under the Trump Administration
Authors: Meyer Katharine , Rosinger Kelly Ochs
Published: February 2019

Amidst growing public concern in the United States over college access and affordability, federal policymakers have implemented many low‐cost, behaviorally‐informed strategies aimed at simplifying the college‐going process and reducing informational barriers. Our paper reviews recent U.S. federal policies and interventions that draw on insights from the behavioral sciences to help students navigate various stages of the college‐going process and summarizes empirical evidence of these efforts on college outcomes, highlighting variations across interventions and for various student populations. We conclude with up‐to‐date discussions of policy proposals and opportunities for behavioral science applications in postsecondary education.
A phenomenological approach for modelling force enhancement and depression in skeletal muscle tissue
Authors: Seydewitz Robert , Siebert Tobias , Böl Markus
Published: February 2019

Skeletal muscles are responsible for numerous amount of different motions in mammals such as running, jumping, and climbing. In order to fully describe the complexity of motions it is important to understand muscle contraction. Experimental investigations revealed a dependency of active forces on the contraction history of muscles, but the theory behind is not well understood. In that sense we suggest a phenomenological model to simulate history effects such as force enhancement and depression.
Higher mechanical performances of CF/PEEK composite laminates via reducing interlayer porosity based on the affinity of functional s‐PEEK
Authors: Gao Xiping , Huang Zhigao , Zhou Huamin , Li Dequn , Li Yang , Wang Yunming
Published: February 2019

Extensive application of carbon fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites has been severely limited by two essential drawbacks including poor interfacial adhesion and harmful void volume fraction between the fiber and the thermoplastic matrix. These drawbacks are due to the surface inertness and high viscosity of thermoplastic during the forming process, respectively. To address these challenges, we report a strategy in which sulfonated polyetheretherketone (s‐PEEK) with strong affinity was successfully obtained as a compatibilizer to modify the interfacial micromechanical properties of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites. Using optimum mass amount of s‐PEEK, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and tensile strength of the improved CF/PEEK composite laminates were 78.6 and 795 MPa, which had been increased more than 45.6% and 11.2% as compared with the original CF/PEEK composite laminates, respectively. The reason was that internal voids and interfacial bonding between CF and PEEK matrix were obviously improved by s‐PEEK. The affinity of s‐PEEK offered new insights to overcome the poor interfacial adhesion for fabricating structural parts with thermoplastic composites. The functionalized CF/PEEK composites have been successfully applied to fabricate a car interior ornament, well meeting the requirements of lightweight and high strength of automobiles. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3749–3757, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanoclay incorporation into soy protein/polyvinyl alcohol blends to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties
Authors: Guo Gaiping , Tian Huafeng , Wu Qiangxian
Published: February 2019

To enhance the mechanical and water barrier properties of soy protein isolate (SPI/)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blends, montmorillonite (MMT), as a layered silicate clay was incorporated and SPI/PVA/MMT composite films were successfully prepared by melt processing in this work. The results showed that the structure of the composites was highly dependent on the MMT content. MMT nanofillers could act as the heterogeneous nucleating agent for PVA, which accelerated the crystallization and increased the size distribution of the crystalline. With the increase of MMT content, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composites increased, exhibiting the fine reinforcing effect. Due to the effective restriction of the highly disordered MMT lamellae on the matrix segment, the water sensitivity of the composites decreased and at the same time, the thermal stability improved. The resulting nanocomposite films exhibited wide applications as biodegradable materials, green packaging films, etc. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3768–3776, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Diabetes and travel insurance costs: let's talk about remission
Authors: Angelopoulou Kleopatra , Leslie Wilma , McCombie Louise , Lean Mike , Hankey Catherine
Published: February 2019

The growing global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus places enormous burden on health services and affected individuals. As with other medical diagnoses, the presence of type 2 diabetes will impact on premiums for things such as travel insurance. Interventions which result in remission of what was previously viewed as a chronic progressive disease are attracting interest from health service providers and people with the disease.

We investigated the influence of type 2 diabetes status on travel insurance through obtaining quotes for a set number of scenarios from a variety of providers. It was found that at this point there is inconsistency across travel insurance providers in terms of the impact of diabetes status on premiums paid with no specific recommendations for people who meet the criteria for remission coding.

People with type 2 diabetes, including those who have achieved remission, should be advised to seek quotes from various providers in order to get the most advantageous cover for premiums paid. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons.
When a harmless procedure causes a life‐threatening problem: a case report of metformin‐associated lactic acidosis following a colonoscopy
Authors: Pessoa Ana , Quintela José , Tavares Sofia , Marques Marta , Pereira Joana , Silva Duarte , Pimentel Rodrigo , Pereira José Manuel
Published: February 2019

Metformin is the preferred initial pharmacologic agent for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although considered safe, it carries a potential life‐threatening risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin‐associated lactic acidosis is believed to be a consequence of metformin inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and has a mortality ranging between 10–50%. However, its outcome is better than lactic acidosis of other cause with similarly severe acid‐base imbalance.

In this article, we describe the case of a 72‐year‐old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, presenting to the emergency department with gastrointestinal symptoms associated with severe lactic acidosis (arterial pH 6.6 and lactate 17mmol/L) and acute kidney injury. Upon obtaining collateral history, the diagnosis of severe metformin‐associated lactic acidosis following a colonoscopy preparation was made. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for organ support, being ultimately discharged home after one month in hospital. At discharge, she had full neurologic recovery, improvement of renal dysfunction and was under glycaemic control with insulin therapy.

Metformin‐associated lactic acidosis’ mortality rate is about half that of the mortality rate seen in individuals with lactic acidosis of other cause. Despite current therapies being effective, preventive measures should always be primal. It is important to educate patients to discontinue this medication when appropriate and keep hydrated. Both upper and lower endoscopies should not be undertaken during the same day, as this further worsens dehydration. Other medications capable of impairing renal function should also be reviewed. Copyright ©
Exosomes in Inflammation and Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Chan Brandon Dow , Wong Wing‐Yan , Lee Magnolia Muk‐Lan , Cho William Chi‐Shing , Yee Benjamin K. , Kwan Yiu Wa , Tai William Chi‐Shing
Published: February 2019

Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles released by all cell types and involved in local and systemic intercellular communication. In the past decade, research into exosomes has swelled as their important role in the mediation of health and disease has been increasingly established and acknowledged. Exosomes carry a diverse range of cargo including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids derived from their parental cell that, when delivered to the recipient cell, can confer pathogenic or therapeutic effects through modulation of immunity and inflammation. In this review, the role of exosomes on mediation of immune and inflammatory responses, and their participation in diseases with a significant inflammatory component is discussed. The considerable potential for exosomes in therapy and diagnosis of inflammatory diseases is also highlighted.
Single‐breath washout and association with structural lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Yammine Sophie , Ramsey Kathryn A. , Skoric Billy , King Louise , Latzin Philipp , Rosenow Tim , Hall Graham L. , Ranganathan Sarath C. ,   AREST CF
Published: February 2019

Background

In children with cystic fibrosis (CF) lung clearance index (LCI) from multiple‐breath washout (MBW) correlates with structural lung disease. As a shorter test, single‐breath washout (SBW) represents an attractive alternative to assess the ventilation distribution, however, data for the correlation with lung imaging are lacking.

Methods

We assessed correlations between phase III slope (SIII) of double‐tracer gas SBW, nitrogen MBW indices (LCI and moment ratios for overall ventilation distribution, Scond, and Sacin for conductive and mainly acinar ventilation, respectively) and structural lung disease assessed by chest computed tomography (CT) in children with CF.

Results

In a prospective cross‐sectional study data from MBW, SBW, and chest CT were obtained in 32 children with CF with a median (range) age of 8.2 (5.2‐16.3) years. Bronchiectasis was present in 24 (75%) children and air trapping was present in 29 (91%). Median (IQR) SIII of SBW was −138.4 (150.6) mg/mol. We found no association between SIII with either the MBW outcomes or CT scores (n = 23, association with bronchiectasis extent r = 0.10, P = 0.64). LCI and Scond were associated with bronchiectasis extent (n = 23, r = 0.57, P = 0.004; r = 0.60, P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

Acinar ventilation inhomogeneity measured by SBW was not associated with structural lung disease on CT. Double‐tracer SBW added no benefit to indices measured by MBW.
Successful management of pleural infection with very low dose intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator/deoxyribonuclease regime
Authors: Hart Jodi Andrea , Badiei Arash , Lee Y C Gary
Published: February 2019

Pleural infection managed with intrapleural therapy using a combination of 10 mg of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and 5 mg of deoxyribonuclease (DNase) has been shown in randomized and open‐label studies to successfully treat >90% of patients without resorting to surgery. Potential bleeding risks, although low, and costs associated with tPA remain important concerns. No phase I studies exist for intrapleural tPA therapy and the lowest effective dose has not been established. In patients with high bleeding risks, lower doses may present a safer alternative. We report a case of a complex parapneumonic effusion in a patient with coagulopathy that was successfully treated with a very low dose tPA (1 mg) and DNase (5 mg) regime.
Conjugate of Doxorubicin to Albumin‐Binding Peptide Outperforms Aldoxorubicin
Authors: Yousefpour Parisa , Ahn Lucie , Tewksbury Joel , Saha Soumen , Costa Simone A. , Bellucci Joseph J. , Li Xinghai , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: February 2019

Short circulation time and off‐target toxicity are the main challenges faced by small‐molecule chemotherapeutics. To overcome these shortcomings, an albumin‐binding peptide conjugate of chemotherapeutics is developed that binds specifically to endogenous albumin and harnesses its favorable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for drug delivery to tumors. A protein‐G‐derived albumin‐binding domain (ABD) is conjugated with doxorubicin (Dox) via a pH‐sensitive linker. One to two Dox molecules are conjugated to ABD without loss of aqueous solubility. The albumin‐binding ABD–Dox conjugate exhibits nanomolar affinity for human and mouse albumin, and upon administration in mice, shows a plasma half‐life of 29.4 h, which is close to that of mouse albumin. Additionally, 2 h after administration, ABD–Dox exhibits an approximately 4‐fold higher concentration in the tumor than free Dox. Free Dox clears quickly from the tumor, while ABD–Dox maintains a steady concentration in the tumor for at least 72 h, so that its relative accumulation at 72 h is ≈120‐fold greater than that of free Dox. The improved pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of ABD–Dox result in enhanced therapeutic efficacy in syngeneic C26 colon carcinoma and MIA PaCa‐2 pancreatic tumor xenografts, compared with free Dox and aldoxorubicin, an albumin‐reactive Dox prodrug currently in clinical development.
Molecular phylogeny and systematics of the Ocellularia clade (Ascomycota: Ostropales: Graphidaceae)
Authors: Rivas Plata Eimy , Lücking Robert , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: February 2019

In this paper, an extended molecular phylogeny was generated for the Ocellularia clade, which includes about half of the species that were previously separated in the family Thelotremataceae. Three genes (mtSSU, nuLSU, RPB2), from a total of 270 OTUs with 136 ingroup species, were sequenced to evaluate whether the core genera, Ocellularia and Myriotrema, form monophyletic clades or split into several lineages. Further, we tested the usefulness of phenotypic characters for circumscrib ing monophyletic groups. Besides a maximum likelihood analysis, we incorporated the novel method of morphology‐based 'phylogenetic binning', which allowed us to weight the morphological characters in those taxa with molecular data available and then predict the phylogenetic classification for over 200 additional species for which no molecular data are currently available. Our results showed that the large genera Myriotrema, Ocellularia, and Stegobolus are polyphyletic. For some of the previously unrecognized lineages, older generic names are available (Rhabdodiscus, Ocellis, Stigmagora, Antrocarpum, Macropyrenium). Some previously separated genera, such as Ampliotrema and Gyrotrema, were found to be nested within a large clade currently recognized as Ocellularia s.l. For this clade, no meaningful generic subdivision could be established based on the available data, and we proposed to recognize distinct subclades at the subgenus level. One new genus, Compositrema, was also discovered, and a second new genus, Glaucotrema, is established for the Myriotrema glaucophaenum group. Further, the genus Rhabdodiscus is reinstated formally. We found a high level of homoplasy (parallel evolution) of phenotype characters previously used for classification purposes, such as excipular carbonization, columella morphology, and ascospore size, septation, and pigmentation. Secondary chemistry, on the other hand, was remarkably uniform in most clades. Some clades also exhibit a high level of disparity of ascoma morphology. Thus, the very distinctive Gyrotrema‐type apothecia occur in a clade nested within and genetically very similar to Ocellularia s.str.
Morphology, ploidy and molecular phylogenetics reveal a new diploid species from Africa in the baobab genus Adansonia (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae)
Authors: Pettigrew FRS Jack D. , Bell Karen L. , Bhagwandin Adhil , Grinan Eunice , Jillani Ngalla , Meyer Jean , Wabuyele Emily , Vickers Claudia E.
Published: February 2019

The genus Adansonia has a disjunct geographical distribution: six species are endemic in Madagascar, one in Africa, and one in Australia. The well‐known African baobab (Adansonia digitata) is an iconic tree with considerable ethnobotanical significance. In contrast to the other seven species, which are diploid, A. digitata is tetraploid. A common ancestor of A. digitata and the other diploid baobab species would be diploid; however, there are no diploid species recorded on the African mainland. Examining variation in floral and pollen characters and chromosome number in specimens from Africa identified a new diploid baobab species, Adansonia kilima sp. nov., which co‐exists with A. digitata in Africa. Adansonia kilima is restricted to moderate elevations (650–1500 m), in contrast to A. digitata, which is widespread throughout Africa but prefers elevations below 800 m. Adansonia kilima is superficially similar to A. digitata, but can be differentiated on the basis of floral morphology, pollen, and chromosome number. We used two chloroplast DNA markers and the nuclear ITS to examine phylogenetic relationships within Adansonia. Three lineages were observed: one containing the Malagasy species, one containing the Australian species, and one containing the African species. The relationships between these clades were difficult to resolve, but a link between the African and Australian clades emerged when the analysis used fewer replicate samples of individual Malagasy taxa, included indel characters and included fewer outgroup taxa. The ITS phylogeny demonstrated that A. digitata and A. kilima are genetically similar, suggesting that tetraploidy evolved relatively recently.
Resolution of the nomenclature for niu‐chang‐chih (Taiwanofungus camphoratus), an important medicinal polypore
Authors: Wu Sheng-Hua , Kirk Paul M. , Redhead Scott A. , Stalpers Joost A. , Dai Yu-Cheng , Norvell Lorelei L. , Yang Zhu-Liang , Ryvarden Leif , Su Ching-Hua , Li Yu , Zhuang Wen-Ying , Yao Yi-Jian , Chen Chee-Jen , Chen Lung-Chung , Yu Zhi-He , Wang Xin-Cun
Published: February 2019

Niu‐chang‐chih, a medicinal polypore restricted to Taiwan on the endemic tree species Cinnamomum kanehirae, currently goes by the names Antrodia cinnamomea T.T. Chang & W.N. Chou, A. camphorata (M. Zang & C.H. Su) Sheng H. Wu & al., and Taiwanofungus camphoratus (M. Zang & C.H. Su) Sheng H. Wu & al., the latter two based on Ganoderma camphoratum M. Zang & C.H. Su. The basidiocarps on the holotypes for the two basionyms Antrodia cinnamomea and Ganoderma camphoratum are of niu‐chang‐chih. The first validly published name that was applied to this species was G. camphoratum M. Zang & C.H. Su published in 1990. However, the original type of G. camphoratum consisted of mixed material, consisting chiefly of a basidiocarp of niu‐chang‐chih but also of the spores of another unrelated fungus. The two elements are represented in the original description and accompanying illustrations. Later Chang & Chou (2004) lectotypifed G. camphoratum limiting it to the spores described and illustrated by Zang and Su, the only portion of the original type that Chang and Chou believed to belong in Ganoderma, and applied the name Antrodia cinnamomea Chang & Chou (1995) to niu‐chang‐chih. Many, however, reject Chang and Chou's conclusions and continue to apply the name Ganoderma camphoratum, and combinations based on it (i.e., Antrodia camphoratum, Taiwanofungus camphoratus), to niu‐chang‐chih, relegating Antrodia cinnamomea to synonymy. Based on careful examination of the type of G. camphoratum, it is concluded that the spores upon which Chang and Chou's lectotype is based are a minor admixture with the original gathering of the niu‐chang‐chih specimen and thus cannot serve as the lectotype for the name Ganoderma camphoratum. Ganoderma camphoratum is lectotypified here so as to exclude the spores present in the original holotype that are not from niu‐chang‐chih. Furthermore, since this conclusion could be subject to challenge and the species is exceptionally important medicinally and economically, we also propose to conserve the name with a conserved type that is consistent with the lectotype effected herein. An overview of the taxonomy of niu‐chang‐chih is also provided and a new combination, Taiwanofungus salmoneus, for a related species is effected.
Impacts of feed dilution and lower solids retention time on performance of thermal hydrolysis/anaerobic digestion
Authors: Higgins Matthew J. , Beightol Steven , DeBarbidillo Christine , De Clippeleir Haydee , Pathak Bipin , Al‐Omari Ahmed , Murthy Sudhir N.
Published: February 2019

The goal of this study was to evaluate using feed dilution/solids retention time (SRT) control to manage potential ammonia inhibition in highly loaded anaerobic digesters after thermal hydrolysis. The study compared three digesters operated at the same target volatile solids (VS) loading rate of 5.5 kg VS/d‐m3, but at different feed concentrations resulting in SRTs of 10, 15, and 18 days. Lowering the feed concentration decreased the digester total ammonia nitrogen concentrations which averaged 1,580, 2,610, and 3,080 mg ‐N/L for the 10‐, 15‐, and 18‐day digesters. The VS reduction and methane yields were equivalent for the 15‐ and 18‐day digesters and about 4% lower for the 10‐day digester. Ammonia inhibition of the 18‐day digester occurred early in the study, but the system acclimated over time. Feed dilution reduced the viscosity and the potential for volume expansion due to gas holdup and foaming.

Practioner points

Feed dilution reduces digester ammonia concentrations and inhibition potential without sacrificing digester performance at lower SRTs.

Feed dilution greatly reduces digester viscosity and associated issues with digester volume expansion due to gas holdup and foaming.

Operating at the lower SRT does not impact cake solids after dewatering and substantially decreases polymer demand for conditioning.
Simplified protocol for faster transformation of (a large number of) Pichia pastoris strains
Authors: Kumar Ravinder
Published: February 2019

During the last couple of decades, the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris, has emerged as an important yeast species owing to its increasing importance both in industry and in basic research. The presently available methods for P. pastoris transformation necessitate the preparation of competent cells, which requires lots of resource, space, time, and efforts. This limits the number of transformations that can be performed by an individual in a given time. This paper is reporting a modification in the available protocols, which makes P. pastoris transformation hassle‐free. In the present, modified procedure, cells were grown in patches on YPD plate(s), and the rest of the steps were carried out in small Eppendorf tubes. This modified protocol does not require a big centrifuge and shaker. This modified procedure of P. pastoris transformation with its unique way of competent cells preparation will be helpful for those working with this yeast species.
Skill Levels as a Political Resource: Political Practices of Recent Migrants in Switzerland
Authors: Hercog Metka
Published: February 2019

This chapter seeks to answer the question of how resource differentiation influences the forms and aims of migrant engagement, that is, the political participation of recent migrants in Switzerland. More-fluid patterns of mobility highlight the need to observe different approaches to residents’ civic engagement, which are not restricted to the practices of full citizens. We expand the outlook on what counts as a political activity by including acts such as participating in petitions, demonstrations and consumer boycotts. Although these activities are largely no longer considered unconventional, they are usually not considered in research on migrants’ political involvement. Based on an analysis of varied political activities open to any resident of the state, the paper delivers new insights into migrants’ engagement linked to different resources and forms of capital. Previous works have confirmed the influence education provides on political participation of migrant and ethnic minorities. Our results show that higher level of education increases the chances of acting in non-conventional activities, but does not play a role for acting in the representative political sphere. It is rather the time spent in Switzerland and local language skills which matter most for acting in political organizations. By adding migration-specific factors, this paper makes a further contribution to debates on what counts as a political resource. Experiences of international mobility provide the necessary social esteem for migrants to act in non-regulated activities which allow for individualized and direct forms of expression. New, selective and temporary mobility therefore broaden political action repertoires.
Immigrants’ Intentions – Leaning Towards Remigration or Naturalization?
Authors: Steiner Ilka
Published: February 2019

Today’s patterns of migration move on a continuum from long-term and permanent to increasingly temporary and fluid. In this context, it is central to understand immigrants’ intentions with respect to naturalization and remigration, not least because these intentions summarize the respondent’s attitude towards the migration experience. Using data from the Migration-Mobility Survey, this chapter tests in a multinomial logistic regression the effect of four sets of factors (demographics, transnational ties, feasibility, and integration) on four types of intentions: naturalization, settlement, remigration, and naturalization and remigration in conjunction. The results show that 34% of the recently arrived migrants in Switzerland express naturalization intentions, 34% settlement intentions and 26% remigration intentions. Although the first two types are largely explained by social integration, remigration intentions are determined by a weak labour market and social integration. However, the relationship between the level of integration and immigrants’ intentions is more complex because for 6% of the sample, both remigration and naturalization present an option. Finally, the chapter emphasizes how a high educational attainment fosters the migrant’s agency to choose whatever migratory trajectory they desire to follow, despite the more restrictive migration regime that Switzerland has introduced for non-EU/EFTA nationals.
Who Are the Serial Movers? Sociodemographic Profiles and Reasons to Migrate to Switzerland Among Multiple International Migrants
Authors: Zufferey Jonathan
Published: February 2019

Previous research has deepened our understanding of the reasons that both push and pull individuals to leave a place to settle in a new country. However, little is known about individuals who have undertaken multiple international migrations. Based on the Migration-Mobility Survey data, this chapter explores both the migration trajectories and why frequent international movers have arrived in Switzerland. The chapter provides new insights about serial migrants in the European context and contributes to the literature by disentangling the relationships between multiple migrations and individual levels of qualification, origin, family composition, and aspirations to undertake a further migration. This research shows a strong association between level of education and degree of multiple migrations. It also demonstrates an important heterogeneity in migration practices between origins that can be explained not only by individual factors but also by institutional dimensions. In particular, short geographical and cultural distances contribute to reducing the number of international movements. Furthermore, non-EU migrants tend to be particularly mobile and to undertake stepwise trajectories to Switzerland.
Employment Trajectories of Recent Immigrants in Switzerland
Authors: Vidal-Coso Elena
Published: February 2019

This chapter analyses immigrants’ labour market trajectory throughout their settlement in Switzerland considering their employment situation in the country of origin and the characteristics of the family migration process. The investigation is particularly interested in analysing whether the observed inequalities by origin in the labour market integration result from differences in terms of human capital among immigrants. However, labour disadvantages existing and persisting over time for some immigrant groups, regardless of their human capital characteristics and their level of assimilation in Switzerland, would confirm segmentation and discrimination postulates. Analysis revealed lower employment probabilities for some groups of immigrants immediately after moving to Switzerland once human capital differentials are controlled for. However, results are also consistent with the assimilation hypothesis because the analysis points to an overall improvement in immigrants’ probability of being employed during the process of settlement in Switzerland. Nevertheless, significant differences have emerged by gender. In comparison with men, women are more likely to be unemployed, to be inactive or to work part-time. Finally, results corroborate that post-migration employment is lower for tied migrants and family-motivated migrants. Moreover, family-motivated migration has only temporary effects on labour insertion of male migrants, whereas it harms employment prospects for women more permanently.