bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of diffusion‐weighted imaging in the discrimination of purulent intrasinusal content: A retrospective study
Authors: Radulesco Thomas , Scemama Ugo , Mancini Julien , Moulin Guy , Dessi Patrick , Michel Justin , Varoquaux Arthur
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study was to analyse MRI with morphological (T1, T2) and diffusion sequences (DWI, b1000) in patients presenting non‐aggressive patterns of sinus opacity and operated on by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

Diffusion imaging in paranasal sinus pathology remains little known. To date, no imaging system is capable of determining the purulent content of a non‐enhanced sinus filling.

Participants

We included consecutive patients having undergone FESS in whom MRI of the paranasal sinuses was performed. Subjects were allocated to Case (pus) or Control (no pus) groups depending on sinus content found intraoperatively. FESS was performed for bacterial acute rhinosinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis, non‐purulent sinusitis, naso‐sinusal polyposis, antrochoanal polyp, isolated polyp, angiomatous polyp and eosinophilic fungal sinusitis. Tumours, mucoceles and fungus balls were excluded.

Main outcome measures

We analysed T1, T2, b1000 and MRI sequences and ADC map.

Results

On univariate analysis, intermediate signal in T2 and high signal in b1000 were associated with Cases (P < 0.001) as were low ADC values (P < 0.001). The difference in mean ADC values between Cases and Controls was statistically significant (respectively, 0.518 vs 2.041 × 10−3 mm2/sec, P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, MRI with ADC < 0.725 × 10−3 mm2/sec and b1000_SI > brain was significantly associated with the case group. MRI with b1000_SI < brain and ADC > 1.450 × 10−3 mm2/sec was significantly associated with the control group.

Conclusions

Diffusion MRI offers extremely promising results regarding content characterisation of infectious sinus diseases.
Function and regulation of transforming growth factor β1 signalling in antler chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Ma Li , Yang Zhan‐Qing , Ding Jun‐Li , Liu Shu , Guo Bin , Yue Zhan‐Peng
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation are crucial for endochondral ossification, but their regulatory mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the physiological function of TGFβ1 signalling in the proliferation and differentiation of antler chondrocytes and explore its relationship with Notch, Shh signalling and Foxa.

Materials and methods

Immunofluorescence, Western blot, MTS assay, flow cytometry, RNA interference and real‐time PCR were used to analyse the function and regulatory mechanisms of TGFβ1 signalling in antler chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation.

Results

TGFβ1, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 were highly expressed in antler cartilage. TGFβ1 promoted chondrocyte proliferation, increased the proportion of S‐phase cells and induced the expression of hypertrophic chondrocyte markers Col X, Runx2 and Alpl. However, this induction was weakened by TGFβ receptor inhibitor SB431542 and Smad3 inhibitor SIS3. Simultaneously, TGFβ1 activated Notch and Shh signalling whose blockage attenuated the above effects of rTGFβ1, whereas addition of rShh rescued the defects in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation elicited by SB431542 and SIS3. Further analysis revealed that inhibition of Notch signalling impeded TGFβ1 activation of the Shh pathway. Knockdown of Foxa1, Foxa2 and Foxa3 abrogated the effects of TGFβ1 on chondrocyte differentiation. Notch and Shh signalling mediated the regulation of Foxa transcription factors by TGFβ1.

Conclusions

TGFβ1 signalling could induce the proliferation and differentiation of antler chondrocytes through Notch‐Shh‐Foxa pathway.
Logging roads as surrogates for elephant trails: Facilitating social signaling by small forest ungulates despite increasing risks
Authors: Naude Vincent N. , Becker François S. , Mayberry Jillian L. , Vieira Wilson F. , du Toit Johan T.
Published: June 2019

With global elephant populations in decline, a grave consideration is the loss of their ecological engineering effects that benefit other species, such as the maintenance of extensive trails through tropical forests. Anthropogenic roads can serve as surrogates for elephant trails despite exposing users to higher risk from bushmeat harvest. We explored the use of forest management roads by Weyns's duiker (Cephalophus weynsi) in Kibale Forest, Uganda. Faecal latrines were located on the road, clustered, and frequently revisited and replaced, with no latrines found in the surrounding forest or trails. Latrines occurred most frequently at road/trail intersections, at the road center, and where canopy and ground vegetation cover were lowest. Latrine decay in the forest was significantly higher than on the road and an exclusion treatment indicated coprophagous beetles as the primary agents of dung removal. Our findings demonstrate the dependence of a forest ungulate on roads for social signaling through dung, which is a behavior common to cryptic forest mammals that coevolved with trail‐forging megaherbivores. While logging roads pose multiple threats to forest biodiversity, the catastrophic decline of elephant populations means that forest managers must consider weighing these costs against the benefits of conserving at least some roads as surrogates for elephant trails.
Combining data from field surveys and archaeological records to predict the distribution of culturally important trees
Authors: Benner Jordan , Knudby Anders , Nielsen Julie , Krawchuk Meg , Lertzman Ken
Published: June 2019

Aim

Indigenous communities involved in conservation planning require spatial datasets depicting the distribution of culturally important species. However, accessing datasets on the location of these species can be challenging, particularly when the current distribution no longer reflects areas with the full range of suitable growing conditions because of past logging. We test whether using occurrence data from community‐based field surveys and archaeological records in species distribution models can help predict the distribution of monumental western redcedar trees (Thuja plicata)—large, high‐quality trees suitable for cultural purposes such as carving dug‐out canoes, totem poles and traditional houses. This species is critically important to indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest of North America, but trees suitable for traditional carving and building are diminishing in abundance due to logging.

Location

Our analysis covers the spatial extent of the traditional territory of the Heiltsuk First Nation, which encompasses a portion of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada.

Methods

We built and compared species distribution models using the machine learning program, Maxent, based on occurrence data from field surveys and archaeological records of culturally modified trees.

Results

Our findings highlight similarities and differences between the predictions from these species distribution models. When validating these models against occurrences from an independent dataset, the archaeological record model performs better than the field survey model. These findings may arise because the independent dataset was collected on an unlogged island—an environment that aligns more closely with the historic forest conditions revealed by the archaeological records than the current distribution revealed by the field surveys.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate and discuss the utility of using archaeological data in species distribution modelling and conservation planning when the target species is associated with shifting environmental baselines, data limitations and an important cultural resource.
Paternity and egg cannibalism in the ringlegged earwig Euborellia annulipes (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae)
Authors: Jacobs Anne C. , Stigall Tyler
Published: June 2019

Cannibalism is a common occurrence in nature, and many cannibals prey on relatively small and defenseless life stages, such as eggs or young juveniles. Such behavior provides many benefits to the cannibal, but cannibalistic individuals also face risks, including the cost of decreasing their inclusive fitness by eating close relatives such as siblings or offspring. This risk can be mitigated if cannibals can recognize and avoid preying on kin. Here, we tested whether male ringlegged earwigs Euborellia annulipes avoid cannibalizing eggs that they had sired. In this species, females care for their own eggs, but males provide no care and frequently prey upon eggs. We found that when presented with an unguarded clutch of eggs, male earwigs nearly always cannibalized some eggs, but that the proportion of eggs eaten was smaller if the male had sired the clutch. This suggests that males can distinguish between their own offspring and unrelated offspring and that they avoid harming their kin.
Income Inequality and the Well‐Being of American Families
Authors: Duncan Greg , Magnuson Katherine , Murnane Richard , Votruba‐Drzal Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

Income inequality has increased steadily over the past 40 years. We briefly review the nature and causes of this increase and show that income‐based gaps in children's academic achievement and attainment grew as well. To probe whether the increasing income gaps may have played a role in producing the growing achievement and attainment gaps, we summarize the evidence for the effect of family income on children, paying particular attention to the strength of the evidence and the timing of economic deprivation. We show that, in contrast to the nearly universal associations between poverty and children's outcomes as reported in the correlational literature, evidence from social experiments and quasi experiments shows impacts on some domains of child functioning but not others. At the same time, we have no experimental evidence on how economic deprivation affects children in the first several years of life in the United States. Family environments are all important in the first several years of a child's life, when they are developing most rapidly and have limited autonomy from family, yet family incomes tend to be the lowest in these early years of family development. We describe an ongoing experimental study of income effects on infants and toddlers.
Pylera® plus ranitidine vs Pylera® plus esomeprazole in first‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Two pilot studies
Authors: Ciccaglione Antonio Francesco , Cellini Luigina , Marzio Leonardo
Published: June 2019

Background

Several studies have shown that Pylera® (three‐in‐one capsules containing 140 mg bismuth potassium subcitrate, 125 metronidazole, and tetracycline 125 mg) in association with omeprazole or esomeprazole is a good option in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. In particular, the adjunction of a PPI to Pylera® may be useful to overcome metronidazole resistance. However, omeprazole and its derivatives can promote greater bismuth absorption and enhance its toxicity. The H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) ranitidine seems to induce less bismuth absorption and as a consequence less systemic toxicity.

Aim

To evaluate whether Pylera® in combination with esomeprazole or with ranitidine is equally effective in the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Material and Methods

Two separate groups of patients were treated simultaneously. One group was treated with Pylera® three capsules qid plus esomeprazole 40 mg bid for 10 days (group A), and the other group was treated with Pylera® three capsules qid plus ranitidine 300 mg bid for 10 days (group B). H. pylori eradication was defined as a negative result in 13C urea breath test performed at least 8 weeks after the end of treatment with a delta‐over‐baseline value less than 5.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were recruited for group A and thirty‐three patients in group B. Eradication rates were 93.7% (30/32) and 90.9% (30/33), respectively, at intention‐to‐treat analysis, and 96.6% (29/30) and 93.3% (28/30), respectively, at per‐protocol analysis. Adverse events occurred in 26 patients and led to the suspension of treatment in one patient in group A and in one patient in group B.

Conclusion

The results showed that Pylera® plus a PPI or ranitidine were equally effective in the population studied. The high cure rates of bismuth triple therapy (without an antisecretory drug) and the lack of susceptibility testing make it impossible to exclude the possibility that the results would have been similar if neither the PPI nor the ranitidine were given.
Health workforce planning in Namibia: assessing a pilot workforce survey of pharmacists
Authors: Rennie Timothy , Nangombe Vulika , Mangombe Tafadzwa , Kibuule Dan , Hunter Christian J
Published: June 2019

Background

Southern Africa lacks resources necessary to combat presenting health challenges. This crisis will likely be remedied through the in-country training of healthcare professionals, for example, in Namibia. Monitoring the workforce will be essential to inform planning in health services and training. A national pilot workforce survey in Namibia using a multi-modal sampling approach aimed to test methodology for describing the pharmacy workforce and quantifying preferences towards further training.

Methods

The survey tool included questions relating to socio-demographics, professional and practice aspects. A conjoint analysis approach was utilised to quantify preferences around study programme, modality of study and cost.

Key findings

Respondents (N = 135; ~20% response) represented a diverse range of individuals in various pharmacy sectors in Namibia. The majority of respondents reported female gender, private sector working, studying outside Namibia and societal group membership. Societal membership and pharmacy ownership – indicators of professional engagement – were associated with higher age; ownership was also associated with study outside Namibia and practice in community pharmacy. Regarding further study preferences, respondents placed more importance on study programme and modality over cost with the most preferred scenario being a 2-year full-time Masters programme in pharmaceutical industry/regulation by distance learning at the highest cost bracket.

Conclusions

This national survey sampled the population of pharmacists in Namibia exploring the composition of the profession and preferences towards training. Further work will validate the findings and provide ongoing monitoring of the pharmacy workforce that can be expanded to other professional groups over a larger geographical area.
Effect of palladium on the microstructure and grain boundary complexions in SiC
Authors: Navarro‐Solís David J. , Cancino‐Trejo Félix , López‐Honorato Eddie
Published: June 2019

One of the main challenges in the study of TRISO (Tristructural Isotropic) coated fuel particles is the understanding of the diffusion of fission products through SiC. Among the elements produced inside the uranium kernel, it has been suggested that Pd might enhance the diffusion of other fission products. In this work, we have studied the interaction between Pd and SiC. We have observed that as Pd diffuses it can change the chemical composition and microstructure of SiC. Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) analysis showed that Pd increased the amount of high angle grain boundaries from 47% to 59%. Furthermore, we have observed that as Pd diffused, it changed the composition of SiC by leaving a trail of excess carbon at the grain boundary. This change in localized chemical composition and microstructure suggests a grain boundary complexion transition induced by Pd and a new way in which Pd can lead to faster diffusion routes for other fission products.
The mechanochemical route of vaterite synthesis using sodium hexametaphosphate as an inorganic additive
Authors: Hu Chengpei , Chen Chuanjie , Wu Yue , Li Jian , Hu Yuancong , Wei Ligeng , Jiang Jiuxin
Published: June 2019

Vaterite is a metastable phase of CaCO3 and was prepared mechanochemically for the first time with the assistance of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). First, CaCO3 was prepared without SHMP and was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to study the effect of milling times and speeds on the polymorphs of product. The results indicate that the reaction is complete at 60 minutes producing only calcite. Additionally, amorphous CaCO3 (ACC) was obtained at a milling speed of 300 rpm, while calcite was obtained at 600 and 1000 rpm. Then, the effect of SHMP concentration on the fraction of vaterite was investigated, and the vaterite fraction increased with increasing SHMP amount. Subsequently, the effect of milling speed in the presence of 0.8 g of SHMP was studied, and the vaterite fraction increased with decreasing milling speed. Finally, gentler manual milling was employed, and the effect of the amount of added SHMP on vaterite formation was evaluated. The results confirmed that vaterite increased with increasing amounts of SHMP, and that vaterite formed more readily via manual milling than via mechanical milling. Observations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that calcite and vaterite particles formed by mechanical milling were irregular agglomerates composed of primary nanoparticles while calcite particles formed by manual milling were irregular microparticles. Moreover, vaterite readily aggregated into spherical particles as the amount of SHMP increased. To investigate the reaction process and mechanism, the ethanol‐washed product was characterized using XRD, SEM/EDS and TEM/SAED. The results demonstrate that ACC and calcite were concomitant during the milling process, and ACC transformed into vaterite during subsequent water washing.
Control of electrical leakage in magneto‐electric gallium ferrite via aliovalent substitution
Authors: Singh Vijay , Brajesh Kumar , Sahu Sandeep , Garg Ashish , Gupta Rajeev
Published: June 2019

One of the challenges with magnetoelectric multiferroic gallium ferrite (GaFeO3 or GFO) is its high electrical leakage whose control is essential for realizing any prospect of its practical applications. In this manuscript, we report on the effect of aliovalent doping at Fe site in magnetoelectric gallium ferrite in controlling its electrical leakage via tuning of its grain and grain‐boundary characteristics. Polycrystalline pure as well as zinc (Zn2+) and zirconium (Zr4+)‐doped gallium ferrite samples were synthesized by conventional solid‐state reaction method. Contrary to defect chemistry predictions, Zn2+ substituted samples show marked reduction in the electrical leakage with 10% Zn2+ substituted samples showing two orders of magnitude lower leakage current while Zr4+‐doped samples exhibit increased electrical leakage. This is supported by higher activation energy for conduction in the low frequency regime for Zn2+‐doped samples while nearly temperature independent conduction for Zr4+‐doped GFO samples. The results suggest that while Zn2+ doping leads to increase in resistance of the grain boundaries leading to lower conductivity, Zr4+ doping leads to opposite effect.
Added predictive value of high uric acid for cardiovascular events in the Ambulatory Blood Pressure International Study
Authors: Reboldi Gianpaolo , Verdecchia Paolo , Saladini Francesca , Pane Marina , Beilin Lawrence J. , Eguchi Kazuo , Imai Yutaka , Kario Kazuomi , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Pierdomenico Sante D. , Schwartz Joseph E. , Wing Lindon , Palatini Paolo
Published: June 2019

The prognostic value of uric acid (UA) for cardiovascular events (CVE) is still debated. Our purpose was to investigate the association between UA and CVE in 5243 participants of the ABP‐International study with the main aim of identifying optimal sex‐specific cut‐points. In multivariable Cox analyses, the relationship between CVE and UA as a continuous variable was modeled by including both linear and nonlinear terms. Survival models were also estimated with UA as a categorical variable. Optimal UA cut‐points were determined using an outcome‐oriented approach. During a median follow‐up of 5.9 years, there were 423 CVE (93 fatal). In age‐ and sex‐adjusted Cox models, UA as a continuous variable was a significant predictor of CVE in all individuals and in men and women considered separately. The relationship between UA and CVE was linear (P‐value for nonlinearity 0.54 and 0.80 for men and women, respectively). For each 1 mg/dL increase in UA, the relative hazard increase was 16% in men and 19% in women. In fully adjusted models, UA remained a significant predictor of CVE in the whole study cohort. The optimal cut‐point best separating patients at low and high risk of CVE was 6.3 mg/dL for men and 4.4 mg/dL for women. Subjects with high UA had a 38% greater risk of CVE. In a sex‐specific analysis, the association remained significant only in men (hazard ratio, 1.47; P < 0.01). In conclusion, high UA is an independent predictor for subsequent CVE and significantly improves risk discrimination and reclassification over the baseline multivariable model.
Dulaglutide‐combined basal plus correction insulin therapy contributes to ideal glycemic control in non‐critical hospitalized patients
Authors: Fushimi Nobutoshi , Shibuya Takashi , Yoshida Yohei , Ito Shun , Hachiya Hiroki , Mori Akihiro
Published: June 2019

Aims/Introduction

We investigated whether dulaglutide (DU)‐combined conventional insulin therapy is beneficial for glycemic control in non‐critically ill hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This study was a prospective, randomized controlled pilot study. Participants were randomized to either basal‐plus (BP) therapy, where basal insulin and corrective doses of regular insulin were administered before meals, or BP + DU therapy, where BP therapy was combined with DU. Blood glucose (BG) levels before and after every meal were measured for 7 days after assignment to groups. Because we consider the ideal BG during hospitalization to be within 100–180 mg/dL, we defined this range as the hospitalized ideal glucose range (hIGR). We compared the percentage of BG measurements within the hIGR among all BG measurements (%hIGR), mean BG, glucose variability and insulin dose between the two groups.

Results

Of 54 patients, 27 were assigned to the BP group and 27 to the BP + DU group. The %hIGR was significantly higher (44% vs 56%, P < 0.001), and the frequency of BG >240 mg/dL and BG <70 mg/dL was significantly lower in the BP + DU group than in the BP group (both P < 0.001). The mean BG (183 ± 29 vs 162 ± 30 mg/dL, P < 0.05), standard deviation (P < 0.01), coefficient of variation (P < 0.01) and total regular insulin dose (P < 0.05) in the BP + DU group were significantly lower than those in the BP group. No significant side‐effects were observed in either group.

Conclusions

BP + DU therapy reduced the frequency of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and resulted in a lower glucose variability.
Inter‐individual variation in colour patterns in noctuid moths characterizes long‐distance dispersers and agricultural pests
Authors: Betzholtz Per‐Eric , Forsman Anders , Franzén Markus
Published: June 2019

A high capacity for long‐distance dispersal is a key to success for species confronted with environmental heterogeneity, habitat modification, fragmentation and loss. However, dispersal capacity is difficult to quantify and therefore poorly known in most taxa. Here, we report on a test for an association of variation in dispersal capacity with variable colouration of noctuid moths. First, using data from 12 experienced lepidopterologists, we showed that despite variation among experts in average assessments, different species are consistently classified as having non‐variable, variable or highly variable colour patterns when assessed by different experts. We then compared the incidence of non‐resident species with high inter‐individual variation in colour patterns recorded on the isolated island Utklippan (n = 47), with that in a species pool of potential long‐distance dispersers from the nearest mainland (n = 295). Species with high inter‐individual colour pattern variation were over‐represented on the island compared with species having non‐variable colouration. This finding constitutes rare evidence from the wild of long‐distance dispersal, measured on a spatial scale relevant for moths when tracking habitats in fragmented and changing landscapes or when keeping pace with environmental challenges associated with climate change. Finally, we showed that Swedish noctuid moths classified as agricultural pests (n = 28) had more variable colour patterns compared with non‐pests (n = 368). The majority of agricultural pests were also recorded on the isolated island, an outcome that is indicative of pest species having high dispersal capacity. Data on colour pattern variation may thus offer a simple and cost‐effective proxy to estimate dispersal capacity and can also help identify potential pest species. Our findings are potentially useful when modelling and predicting population and range dynamics of species in spatiotemporally heterogeneous environments, with direct implications for conservation biology and pest management.
Changes in temperament over time in young children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays: a follow‐up comparison study
Authors: Reyes N. , Walsh C. , Soke N. , Hepburn S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Although in the last decade some research has emerged on temperament in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this research has primarily focused on the differences between children with ASD and their typically developing peers rather than the stability or change in temperament in this population. Thus, the goal of this study was to examine temperament over time in children with ASD, developmental delays (DD) and typical development (TD). Temperament differences were also compared among the three groups.

Methods

To accomplish this, parents rated children's temperament at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2) using the Carey Temperament Scales (CTS).

Results

Results from the study showed that at T1, parents of children with ASD rated their children as more withdrawn (i.e. approach), and emotionally negative (i.e. mood), and less distractible and adaptable than parents of children with TD and DD. Also, children with ASD were rated as more intense and children with DD as less distractible than their TD peers. Similarly, at T2, children with ASD were rated more withdrawn, and emotionally negative, and less persistent, rhythmic, adaptable and distractible than children with TD and DD. Also, children with ASD were rated as more active than their DD peers. Regarding stability, parent ratings of temperament appeared stable over time in the TD group, but ratings varied substantially in the ASD or DD groups. That is, for the ASD group, activity and approach at T1 were significantly associated with their corresponding dimensions at T2. However, for the TD group, rhythmicity, approach, intensity and mood at T1 were significantly associated with those dimensions at T2. No associations were found in the DD group. Regarding change, parents reported change in rhythmicity, persistence and threshold between T1 and T2 in the ASD group. Similarly, parents reported change in rhythmicity, approach and threshold between T1 and T2 in the DD group. Lastly, parents of TD children reported change in adaptability, persistence and distractibility between T1 and T2.

Conclusions

These findings are novel in that children with ASD appear to have less stable temperament profile and different change patterns than children with TD or DD. Similar to previous research, children with ASD were described by their parents as experiencing more temperamental difficulties.
Novel cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion for enhanced antihepatotoxicity in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice
Authors: Adu-Frimpong Michael , Qiuyu Wei , Firempong Caleb Kesse , Mukhtar Yusif Mohammed , Yang Qiuxuan , Omari-Siaw Emmanuel , Lijun Zhen , Xu Ximing , Yu Jiangnan
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion (CuA-SEN) was prepared and optimised to improve its oral bioavailability and antihepatotoxicity.

Methods

Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion was developed through the self-nanoemulsification method using Box–Behnken Design (BBD) tool while appropriate physicochemical indices were evaluated. The optimised CuA-SEN was characterised via droplet size (DS), morphology, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency, in-vitro release, and pharmacokinetic studies while its antihepatotoxicity was evaluated.

Key findings

Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion with acceptable characteristics (mean DS-48.83 ± 1.06 nm; PDI-0.232 ± 0.140; ZP-29.92 ± 1.66 mV; EE-91.51 ± 0.44%; and drug-loading capacity (DL)-9.77 ± 0.75%) was formulated. In-vitro drug release of CuA-SEN significantly increased with an oral relative bioavailability of 171.02%. Oral administration of CuA-SEN to CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity mice markedly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase in serum. Also, CuA-SEN reduced the levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in both serum and liver tissues while aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and malonaldehyde levels were significantly decreased.

Conclusions

These findings showed that the improved bioavailability of cuminaldehyde via SEN provided an effective approach for enhancing antioxidation, anti-inflammation and antihepatotoxicity of the drug.
Hit and Run? Income Shocks and School Dropouts in Latin America
Authors: Cerutti Paula , Crivellaro Elena , Reyes Germán , Sousa Liliana D.
Published: June 2019

How do labor income shocks affect household investment in upper secondary and tertiary schooling? Using longitudinal data from 2005 to 2015 for Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, this paper explores the effect of a negative household income shock on the enrollment status of youth ages 15–25. The findings suggest that negative income shocks significantly increase the relative risk of students exiting upper secondary and tertiary education in Argentina and Brazil, but not in Mexico. For the three countries, the analysis finds evidence that youth who exit school due to a household income shock have worse employment outcomes than similar youth who exit without a household income shock. Differences in labor markets and safety net programs likely play an important role in the decision to exit school as well as the employment outcomes of those who exit across these three countries.
Serum coding and non‐coding RNAs as biomarkers of NAFLD and fibrosis severity
Authors: Di Mauro Stefania , Scamporrino Alessandra , Petta Salvatore , Urbano Francesca , Filippello Agnese , Ragusa Marco , Di Martino Maria T. , Scionti Francesca , Grimaudo Stefania , Pipitone Rosaria M. , Privitera Graziella , Di Pino Antonino , Scicali Roberto , Valenti Luca , Dongiovanni Paola , Fracanzani Anna , Rabuazzo Agata M. , Craxì Antonio , Purrello Michele , Purrello Francesco , Piro Salvatore
Published: June 2019

Background & Aims

In patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver biopsy is the gold standard to detect non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and stage liver fibrosis. We aimed to identify differentially expressed mRNAs and non‐coding RNAs in serum samples of biopsy‐diagnosed mild and severe NAFLD patients with respect to controls and to each other.

Methods

We first performed a whole transcriptome analysis through microarray (n = 12: four Control: CTRL; four mild NAFLD: NAS ≤ 4 F0; four severe NAFLD NAS ≥ 5 F3), followed by validation of selected transcripts through real‐time PCRs in an independent internal cohort of 88 subjects (63 NAFLD, 25 CTRL) and in an external cohort of 50 NAFLD patients. A similar analysis was also performed on liver biopsies and HepG2 cells exposed to oleate:palmitate or only palmitate (cellular model of NAFL/NASH) at intracellular/extracellular levels. Transcript correlation with histological/clinical data was also analysed.

Results

We identified several differentially expressed coding/non‐coding RNAs in each group of the study cohort. We validated the up‐regulation of UBE2V1, BNIP3L mRNAs, RP11‐128N14.5 lncRNA, TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 coding/lncRNA in patients with NAS ≥ 5 (vs NAS ≤ 4) and the up‐regulation of HBA2 mRNA, TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 coding/lncRNA in patients with Fibrosis stages = 3‐4 (vs F = 0‐2). In in vitro models: UBE2V1, RP11‐128N14.5 and TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 had an increasing expression trend ranging from CTRL to oleate:palmitate or only palmitate‐treated cells both at intracellular and extracellular level, while BNIP3L was up‐regulated only at extracellular level. UBE2V1, RP11‐128N14.5, TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 and HBA2 up‐regulation was also observed at histological level. UBE2V1, RP11‐128N14.5, BNIP3L and TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 correlated with histological/biochemical data. Combinations of TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 + Fibrosis Index based on the four factors (FIB‐4) showed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.891 (P = 3.00E‐06) or TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 + Fibroscan (AUC = 0.892, P = 2.00E‐06) improved the detection of F = 3‐4 with respect to F = 0‐2 fibrosis stages.

Conclusions

We identified specific serum coding/non‐coding RNA profiles in severe and mild NAFLD patients that possibly mirror the molecular mechanisms underlying NAFLD progression towards NASH/fibrosis. TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 detection improves FIB‐4/Fibroscan diagnostic performance for advanced fibrosis discrimination.
Re‐acquisition of the brittle rachis trait via a transposon insertion in domestication gene Q during wheat de‐domestication
Authors: Jiang Yun‐Feng , Chen Qing , Wang Yan , Guo Zhen‐Ru , Xu Bin‐Jie , Zhu Jing , Zhang Ya‐Zhou , Gong Xi , Luo Cui‐Hua , Wu Wang , Liu Cai‐Hong , Kong Li , Deng Mei , Jiang Qian‐Tao , Lan Xiu‐Jin , Wang Ji‐Rui , Chen Guo‐Yue , Zheng You‐Liang , Wei Yu‐Ming , Qi Peng‐Fei
Published: June 2019

De‐domestication is a unique evolutionary process during which crops re‐acquire wild‐like traits to survive and persist in agricultural fields without the need for human cultivation. The re‐acquisition of seed dispersal mechanisms is crucial for crop de‐domestication. Common wheat is an important cereal crop worldwide. Tibetan semi‐wild wheat is a potential de‐domesticated common wheat subspecies. However, the crucial genes responsible for its brittle rachis trait have not been identified.

Genetic mapping, functional analyses and phylogenetic analyses were completed to identify the gene associated with Qbr.sau‐5A, which is a major locus for the brittle rachis trait of Tibetan semi‐wild wheat.

The cloned Qbr.sau‐5A gene is a new Q allele (Qt) with a 161‐bp transposon insertion in exon 5. Although Qt is expressed normally, its encoded peptide lacks some key features of the APETALA2 family. The abnormal functions of Qt in developing wheat spikes result in brittle rachises. Phylogenetic and genotyping analyses confirmed that Qt originated from Q in common wheat and is naturally distributed only in Tibetan semi‐wild wheat populations.

The identification of Qt provides new evidence regarding the origin of Tibetan semi‐wild wheat, and new insights into the re‐acquisition of wild traits during crop de‐domestication.
A scoping review and systematic mapping of health promotion interventions associated with obesity in Islamic religious settings in the UK
Authors: Rai Kiran K. , Dogra Sufyan Abid , Barber Sally , Adab Peymane , Summerbell Carolyn ,   on behalf of the “Childhood Obesity Prevention in Islamic Religious Settings' Programme Management Group”
Published: June 2019

Islamic religious settings (IRS) may be useful places to implement obesity interventions for Muslims. However, little is known about the level and nature of such activity in these settings. We searched bibliographic databases and grey literature, and requested grey information from Muslim organizations, local councils, and mosques in 13 selected areas in the United Kingdom. Thirty‐five interventions were identified; most were poorly described and not evaluated. Twenty‐seven interventions focused on physical activity behaviours, four on diet behaviours, one on both behaviours, and seven addressed long‐term conditions associated with obesity. Most interventions were led by volunteers from the congregation/faith leaders and were funded through donations from congregants or charity organizations. The evidence suggests that health promotion interventions in IRS have a relatively high reach. Obesity interventions are commonly delivered in UK IRS. Most target physical activity behaviours, are instigated and led by volunteers from the congregation or faith leaders, receive no public funding, and are only recorded in people's memories. High‐quality evaluations of well‐specified interventions in this context are needed. We suggest that the methods used in this review, including the learning around positionality of researchers, could be adopted by other researchers as a way to locate opportunities for effective community‐level interventions.
Risk factors associated with allograft failure in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Koh Lee Jin , Martz Karen , Blydt‐Hansen Tom David ,   the NAPRTCS Registry Investigators
Published: June 2019

Background

With improved outcomes for children transplanted with FSGS since previous NAPRTCS registry reports, this study re‐evaluates the association of living donation, immunosuppression, and DGF on graft survival.

Setting

Patients transplanted between 2002 and 2016, comparing FSGS diagnosis vs other glomerular diseases.

Methods

Primary outcomes were allograft survival and FSGS recurrent‐free graft survival. Potential risk factors were obtained at the time of transplant and up to 30 days post‐transplantation. Analysis considered a priori that DGF may be a proxy for severe FSGS recurrence. Multivariable survival models for outcome were tested for sensitivity without/with DGF to determine features independent of recurrence.

Results

From the larger cohort of 3010 patients, 5‐year graft survival in children with FSGS (n = 455) was worse (74.3%) compared with other glomerular diseases (87.1%, n = 690) (HR 1.45, P = 0.033). Modeling all glomerular diseases, survival risk was associated with deceased donor (HR 1.83, P = 0.002), re‐transplantation (HR 1.58, P = 0.013), and recipient age (HR 1.06/y, P = 0.002). The living donor advantage was not confirmed in a FSGS model (HR 1.51 for deceased, P = 0.12). DGF was highly associated with graft failure (HR 4.39, P < 0.001) and independent of re‐transplant history but not FSGS diagnosis. Induction agents or primary immunosuppression choices were not associated with survival.

Conclusion

Graft survival rates have improved since the previous report. Living donor did not predict graft failure, but there remains no survival advantage. DGF was the primary independent predictor for graft loss secondary to FSGS recurrence, consistent with DGF being a proxy for severe recurrent disease.
Kapitan on Indexicals and Indexical Thought: A Retrospective
Authors: Babb Matthew
Published: June 2019

My aim in this essay is to look back on and critically examine Tomis Kapitan’s (1949–2016) views of indexical language and indexical thought. Despite the novelty and insightfulness of Kapitan’s writings on these topics, his work has largely gone ignored. I believe this to be a tragic oversight, especially given the renewed interest in whether any of our thoughts might be essentially indexical. To be sure, there may be a reason for this oversight. In particular, Kapitan’s views are complex and his writing often dense. So my hope is to do justice to his work on indexicality not only by making it more accessible but also by examining it in such a way as to demonstrate its strength and plausibility.
Morality is Not Like Mathematics: The Weakness of the Math‐Moral Analogy
Authors: Gill Michael B.
Published: June 2019

In both the early modern period and in contemporary debates, philosophers have argued that there are analogies between mathematics and morality that imply that the ontology and epistemology of morality are crucially similar to the ontology and epistemology of mathematics. I describe arguments for the math‐moral analogy in four early modern philosophers (Locke, Cudworth, Clarke, and Balguy) and in three contemporary philosophers (Clarke‐Doane, Peacocke, and Roberts). I argue that these arguments fail to establish important ontological and epistemological similarities between morality and mathematics. There are analogies between the two areas, but the disanalogies are more significant, undermining the attempt to confer on morality the same ontological and epistemological status that mathematics possesses.
Kant’s Regulative Metaphysics of God and the Systematic Lawfulness of Nature
Authors: Hoffer Noam
Published: June 2019

In the “Appendix to the Transcendental Dialectic” of the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant contends that the idea of God has a positive regulative role in the systematization of empirical knowledge. But why is this regulative role assigned to this specific idea? Kant's account is rather opaque, and this question has also not received much attention in the literature. In this article, I argue that an adequate understanding of the regulative role of the idea of God depends on the specific metaphysical content Kant attributes to it in the Critique and other writings. I show that neither a heuristic principle of conceptual systematicity, nor conceiving God as a hypothesis of an intelligent designer, can satisfy the demands of reason to make the unity and necessity of the laws of nature intelligible. Regarding the positive account about the metaphysical content of the idea of God, I support my argument by referring to Kant's precritical discussion of the usefulness of the conception of God for the project of science, and by expounding Kant's critical account of the necessity of the laws of nature. Thus, my account sheds light on the continuity of Kant's conception of God and his appropriation of his own rationalistic metaphysics.
Unifying Three Notions of Concepts
Authors: Zalta Edward N.
Published: June 2019

Three different notions of concepts are discussed: Frege’s notion of Begriffe, Leibniz’s notion in his calculus of concepts, and Frege’s notion of sense. Each notion of a concept is formally analysed within the theory of abstract objects. The resulting analysis unifies the three different notions of concepts.
Optimal titer of anti‐HBs in blood components derived from donors with anti‐HBc
Authors: Hoshi Yuji , Hasegawa Takashi , Yamagishi Naoji , Mizokami Masashi , Sugiyama Masaya , Matsubayashi Keiji , Uchida Shigeharu , Nagai Tadashi , Satake Masahiro
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The ultimate strategy to cope with transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection caused by transfusion of blood from donors with historical HBV infection is to reject all donors having anti‐HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc). However, this strategy would result in a huge loss of blood donors and subsequent blood inventory collapse. On the other hand, anti‐HBc–positive blood is reportedly not infectious when containing more than 100 mIU/mL of anti‐HBV surface antigen (anti‐HBs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In Japan, anti‐HBc–positive blood has been used for transfusion if it contained 200 mIU/mL or more of anti‐HBs. First, to verify the screening policy, clinical outcomes for transfusion of such blood were analyzed for the 2008–2012 period. Second, human hepatocyte‐repopulated severe combined immunodeficiency mice were inoculated with HBV preincubated with varying doses of anti‐HBs, then viremic status was followed. The effects of anti‐HBs across different HBV genotypes were also investigated.

RESULTS

Twenty‐three transfusion‐transmitted HBV infections related to anti‐HBc‐positive blood components were identified. None of the blood responsible for these cases contained 200 mIU/mL or more of anti‐HBs. When 100 μL of plasma containing 104 copies of HBV and 20 mIU of anti‐HBs was injected into severe combined immunodeficiency mice, no viremia was detected within 13 weeks. Genotype C anti‐HBs was capable of total inhibition of genotype A HBV replication, whereas genotype A anti‐HBs inhibited genotype C HBV to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSION

Anti‐HBc–positive blood containing 200 mIU/mL or more of anti‐HBs appears safe as a transfusion component. HBV vaccination seems effective between HBV genotypes A and C.
Use of an amikacin‐infused collagen sponge concurrent with implant removal for treatment of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgical site infection in 31 cases
Authors: Lee Sylvia J. , Frederick Steven W. , Cross Alan R.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To report the use and long‐term outcome of dogs with surgical site infection (SSI) after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPO), treated with an amikacin‐infused collagen sponge and implant removal.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Thirty‐one client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for dogs with SSI after a TPLO that were treated with surgical implant removal and concurrent implantation of an amikacin‐infused collagen sponge. Relevant clinical and surgical data were recorded. The TPLO implants were routinely removed; the surgical site was swabbed for culture. The sponge was aseptically infused with amikacin prior to implantation. Postprocedure examinations consisted of visual inspection of the incision by the surgeon and lameness scoring.

Results

Thirty‐one dogs met all inclusion criteria. Median follow‐up time was 687 days. Short‐term examination after implant removal and sponge implantation revealed uneventful incisional healing in 24 dogs. Six (19.4%) dogs exhibited inflamed incision sites a median of 4 days (range, 3–9) postoperatively that resolved without additional treatment. One (3.2%) dog required empirical antibiotic treatment 7 days postoperatively but was lost to long‐term follow‐up. Long‐term follow‐up examination revealed no clinical evidence of SSI recurrence and no lameness in the remaining 30 cases.

Conclusion

Surgical implant removal and implantation of an absorbable collagen sponge infused with amikacin alone was an effective treatment for postoperative TPLO SSI.

Clinical significance

This procedure had a 96.8% long‐term resolution of SSI. It should be considered as a treatment option for TPLO SSI.
Self-organization of stem cells into embryos: A window on early mammalian development
Authors: Shahbazi Marta N. , Siggia Eric D. , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena
Published: June 2019

Embryonic development is orchestrated by robust and complex regulatory mechanisms acting at different scales of organization. In vivo studies are particularly challenging for mammals after implantation, owing to the small size and inaccessibility of the embryo. The generation of stem cell models of the embryo represents a powerful system with which to dissect this complexity. Control of geometry, modulation of the physical environment, and priming with chemical signals reveal the intrinsic capacity of embryonic stem cells to make patterns. Adding the stem cells for the extraembryonic lineages generates three-dimensional models that are more autonomous from the environment and recapitulate many features of the pre- and postimplantation mouse embryo, including gastrulation. Here, we review the principles of self-organization and how they set cells in motion to create an embryo.
Stable Casimir equilibria and quantum trapping
Authors: Zhao Rongkuo , Li Lin , Yang Sui , Bao Wei , Xia Yang , Ashby Paul , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiang
Published: June 2019

Something repulsive in the Casimir effect

Two uncharged objects (metal plates for instance) will experience an attractive force between them, the magnitude of which increases as they are brought closer together. This force, or Casimir effect, is caused by vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. Effectively, more modes outside than between the objects results in the objects being pushed together. Zhao
et al.
show that the extent of the electromagnetic fluctuations can be controlled by coating one of the objects with a dielectric (Teflon), which changes the Casimir effect to a repulsive force at small distances. This then cancels out the force between plates and produces a point of stable equilibrium.

Science
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