bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Activity of Wool Fabric Dyed with Natural Dyes
Authors: Ali N.F. , Mohamedy R.S.R.EL. , El- Khatib E.M.
Published: April 2016

Natural dyes extracted from Cassia fistula and onion peels are used to dye wool that is pretreated with chitosan by using tannic acid as a mordant. The effect of the mordant concentration on the color strength (K/S) is discussed. The results obtained indicated that K/S increases after treatment with chitosan. It is also noticed that K/S increases with an increasing concentration of chitosan. K/S also increases with an increase of mordant concentration until 4% and then decreases. The effect of the dye bath pH, dyeing temperature and dyeing time are also studied. The K/S and dye uptake exhibit high values. Good fastness properties of the dyed fabric are achieved. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan-treated wool fabric is tested in accordance to diffusion agents. Test organisms, such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subitilus Pseudomons aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are used and the results indicate that the samples treated with a lower concentration of chitosan exhibit a smaller inhibition zone.
Prediction of Weavability of Warp Yarns: A Critical Review
Authors: Das B.R. , Ishtiaque S.M. , Rengasamy R.S. , Hati S.
Published: April 2016

Warp yarns undergo various types of complex stress during the weaving process; namely tensile, cyclic-extension, compression, bending and abrasion. The capacity of the yarns to withstand these stresses is termed as their weavability. The prediction ofweavabilityis exploited to extract first-hand information about the expected performance of yarns in weaving. This critical review article discusses several approaches that are adopted by the researchers for the prediction of warp breakages in weaving; namely, empirical, statistical and instrumental. The recent developments in the field of prediction of warp breakage rate in weaving are summarized. The research work that is currently being pursued in the attachment of a microprocessor based shedding device in a constant tension transport (CTT) instrument for the prediction of the weavability of spun yarns is highlighted.
Static and Dynamic Tensile Behaviour of Spun Yarns: A Critical Review
Authors: Das B.R. , Ishtiaque S.M. , Rengasamy R.S.
Published: April 2016

The tensile properties of spun yarns are accepted as one of the most important parameters for the assessment of yarn quality. Tensile properties contribute to the performance of post spinning operations; warping, weaving and knitting, hence their accurate technical evaluation carries much importance in industrial applications. This article presents a novel approach of classification of tensile properties into static and dynamic, based on the disposition of yarns during tensile testing. The definition of dynamic tensile properties and instruments utilized for their assessment are briefly discussed. Several theoretical and experimental work pursued on the static and dynamic tensile properties of ring, rotor, air-jet and friction spun staple yarns are critically reviewed. The article also throws light on the significance of exploitation of spun yarn dynamic tensile properties in industrial applications. The various material, spinning and testing parameters that influence static and dynamic tensile properties are summarized. The reported empirical equivalence of static and dynamic yarn strength of spun yarns is revealed. Current research work in the thrust area of spun yarns that are subjected to dynamic conditions is introduced.
The challenges of the first migration: movement and behaviour of juvenile vs. adult white storks with insights regarding juvenile mortality
Authors: Rotics Shay , Kaatz Michael , Resheff Yehezkel S. , Turjeman Sondra Feldman , Zurell Damaris , Sapir Nir , Eggers Ute , Flack Andrea , Fiedler Wolfgang , Jeltsch Florian , Wikelski Martin , Nathan Ran
Published: April 2016

Migration conveys an immense challenge, especially for juvenile birds coping with enduring and risky journeys shortly after fledging. Accordingly, juveniles exhibit considerably lower survival rates compared to adults, particularly during migration. Juvenile white storks (Ciconia ciconia), which are known to rely on adults during their first fall migration presumably for navigational purposes, also display much lower annual survival than adults.

Using detailed GPS and body acceleration data, we examined the patterns and potential causes of age‐related differences in fall migration properties of white storks by comparing first‐year juveniles and adults. We compared juvenile and adult parameters of movement, behaviour and energy expenditure (estimated from overall dynamic body acceleration) and placed this in the context of the juveniles’ lower survival rate.

Juveniles used flapping flight vs. soaring flight 23% more than adults and were estimated to expend 14% more energy during flight. Juveniles did not compensate for their higher flight costs by increased refuelling or resting during migration. When juveniles and adults migrated together in the same flock, the juvenile flew mostly behind the adult and was left behind when they separated. Juveniles showed greater improvement in flight efficiency throughout migration compared to adults which appears crucial because juveniles exhibiting higher flight costs suffered increased mortality.

Our findings demonstrate the conflict between the juveniles’ inferior flight skills and their urge to keep up with mixed adult–juvenile flocks. We suggest that increased flight costs are an important proximate cause of juvenile mortality in white storks and likely in other soaring migrants and that natural selection is operating on juvenile variation in flight efficiency.
Methods to extend the shelf‐life of cottage cheese – a review
Authors: Ho Thao M , Howes Tony , Bhandari Bhesh R.
Published: April 2016

Under typical refrigeration conditions (4–7 °C), unopened fresh cottage cheese only lasts for approximately 3 weeks unless preservatives are added. The spoilage of cottage cheese during storage is primarily due to the growth of Gram‐negative psychrotrophic bacteria, yeasts and moulds. To extend its shelf‐life, along with a strict sanitation practice throughout the manufacturing process, an appropriate preservation approach is generally applied. Many methods to preserve cottage cheese have been reported. These can be classified into three categories, namely food‐grade chemicals, heat treatment and modified atmosphere packaging. In this review, factors responsible for the spoilage of cottage cheese during storage and the methods to extend its shelf‐life are discussed.
The Puzzle of Persistently Negative Interest‐Rate–Growth Differentials: Financial Repression or Income Catch‐Up?
Authors: Escolano Julio , Shabunina Anna , Woo Jaejoon
Published: April 2016

The interest‐rate–growth differential (IRGD) plays a critical role in determining the sustainability of government debt. Yet it is striking that IRGDs are correlated with income levels, and are generally negative in emerging and developing economies, which contradicts standard economic theory. Negative IRGDs constitute a powerful debt‐stabilising force, driving down debt ratios or keeping them stable even in the presence of persistent primary deficits. Motivated by the puzzling facts, this paper examines the IRGDs for a large panel of advanced and non‐advanced economies by utilising a newly assembled data set. The evidence shows that large negative IRGDs in emerging and developing economies are largely due to real interest rates well below market equilibrium – stemming from financial repression and captive and distorted markets – whereas the income catch‐up process plays a relatively modest role. Therefore, the IRGD in non‐advanced economies is likely to rise with financial market development and financial global integration, perhaps even before their GDP per capita converges to advanced‐economy levels.
Evaluation of TagSeq, a reliable low‐cost alternative for RNAseq
Authors: Lohman Brian K. , Weber Jesse N. , Bolnick Daniel I.
Published: April 2016

RNAseq is a relatively new tool for ecological genetics that offers researchers insight into changes in gene expression in response to a myriad of natural or experimental conditions. However, standard RNAseq methods (e.g., Illumina TruSeq® or NEBNext®) can be cost prohibitive, especially when study designs require large sample sizes. Consequently, RNAseq is often underused as a method, or is applied to small sample sizes that confer poor statistical power. Low cost RNAseq methods could therefore enable far greater and more powerful applications of transcriptomics in ecological genetics and beyond. Standard mRNAseq is costly partly because one sequences portions of the full length of all transcripts. Such whole‐mRNA data are redundant for estimates of relative gene expression. TagSeq is an alternative method that focuses sequencing effort on mRNAs’ 3’ end, reducing the necessary sequencing depth per sample, and thus cost. We present a revised TagSeq library construction procedure, and compare its performance against NEBNext®, the ‘gold‐standard’ whole mRNAseq method. We built both TagSeq and NEBNext® libraries from the same biological samples, each spiked with control RNAs. We found that TagSeq measured the control RNA distribution more accurately than NEBNext®, for a fraction of the cost per sample (~10%). The higher accuracy of TagSeq was particularly apparent for transcripts of moderate to low abundance. Technical replicates of TagSeq libraries are highly correlated, and were correlated with NEBNext® results. Overall, we show that our modified TagSeq protocol is an efficient alternative to traditional whole mRNAseq, offering researchers comparable data at greatly reduced cost.
Subsidies, Spillovers and WTO Rules in a Value‐chain World
Authors: Hoekman Bernard
Published: April 2016

As tariffs have fallen, subsidies and related policies with similar effect are being used to support local production. This raises the question of whether the existing World Trade Organization (WTO) ‘rules of the game’ are adequate. Assessing the economic effects of subsidies is complicated, given the need to consider linkages within and across supply‐chain networks. Many of the policies that affect supply‐chain operations are not considered subsidies under the WTO. There are no rules on subsidies for services or investment incentives by local governments. Conversely, some WTO rules may not be appropriate or effective given the increasing prevalence of global value chains. The widespread use of subsidies post‐2008 suggests WTO members should launch a process of deliberation to revisit the status quo set of multilateral rules on subsidies. The 2015 Nairobi WTO ministerial declaration has created the necessary window to permit interested countries to do so. A central element of this should involve a concerted effort to collect better data and to analyze how subsidies and policies with equivalent effect impact on value chains, whether negative international spillovers are created and, if so, their magnitude and incidence.
codyn: Anrpackage of community dynamics metrics
Authors: Hallett Lauren M. , Jones Sydney K. , MacDonald A. Andrew M. , Jones Matthew B. , Flynn Dan F. B. , Ripplinger Julie , Slaughter Peter , Gries Corinna , Collins Scott L.
Published: April 2016

New analytical tools applied to long‐term data demonstrate that ecological communities are highly dynamic over time. We developed anrpackage,library(“codyn”), to help ecologists easily implement these metrics and gain broader insights into ecological community dynamics.

library(“codyn”)provides temporal diversity indices and community stability metrics. All functions are designed to be easily implemented over multiple replicates.

Temporal diversity indices include species turnover, mean rank shifts and rate of community change over time. Community stability metrics calculate overall stability and patterns of species covariance and synchrony over time, and include a null‐modelling method to test significance.

Finally,library(“codyn”)contains vignettes that describe methods and reproduce figures from published papers to help users contextualize and apply functions to their own data.
Emergence of adult female Sirex nigricornis F. and Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) coincides with a decrease in daily minimum and maximum temperature
Authors: Hartshorn Jessica A. , Haavik Laurel J. , Allison Jeremy D. , Meeker James R. , Johnson Wood , Galligan Larry D. , Chase Kevin D. , Riggins John J. , Stephen Fred M.
Published: April 2016

The establishment and spread of Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), in northeastern North America necessitates reliable monitoring methods for this alien woodwasp pest of Pinus. The native congener, Sirex nigricornis F., is common across the eastern U.S.A. and has been studied as a proxy for S. noctilio. Predicting the emergence of S. noctilio is important for guiding monitoring efforts.

Degree‐day models have been developed to predict flight phenology of S. noctilio and S. nigricornis across eastern North America. These model parameters were tested against three years of S. nigricornis collections from two locations in Arkansas. Neither of the proposed models accurately predicted emergence.

The emergence of females for both S. noctilio and S. nigricornis was significantly negatively correlated with minimum and maximum temperature, indicating that emergence increases when minimum and maximum temperatures decrease. These results suggest that, as S. noctilio spreads south, where higher mean temperatures are present, it will emerge later in the season as the temperatures decline compared with the current northeastern population.

We propose that monitoring for the spread of S. noctilio in the southeastern U.S.A. should begin slightly before daily temperatures are expected to decline (i.e. mid‐September).
Identification of genes in longissimus dorsi muscle differentially expressed between Wannanhua and Yorkshire pigs using RNA‐sequencing
Authors: Li X.‐J. , Zhou J. , Liu L.‐Q. , Qian K. , Wang C.‐L.
Published: April 2016

Western commercial pig breeds have been intensively selected, resulting in a sizeable, rapid and efficient accretion of muscle but a reduction in meat quality. When compared with Western commercial pig breeds, Chinese indigenous pig breeds exhibited slower growth rates and reduced lean meat content but superior perceived meat quality. To study the factors that determine meat quality, we examined piglets of one Western commercial breed (Yorkshire) and one Chinese indigenous breed (Wannanhua) and sequenced the longissimus dorsi muscle using RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq). We analyzed their transcriptomes, focusing on identifying candidate genes that may influence porcine muscle growth, meat quality and adipose deposition. Gene Ontology functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analyses identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily associated with glycolytic metabolism, biological processes of muscle development and signaling pathways related to fatty acid metabolism, growth and carcass traits. This finding suggests that the DEGs may play important roles in determining meat quality traits. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed the differential expression of 12 selected DEG. This study identified a number of novel candidate genes for porcine meat quality and carcass traits that merit further investigation to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for muscle growth and fat deposition.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in community health center patients
Authors: O'Grady Kevin E. , Gryczynski Jan , Mitchell Shannon Gwin , Ondersma Steven J. , Schwartz Robert P.
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

To investigate the factor structure of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST).

Methods

Secondary analysis on an adult primary care sample (N = 2,599).

Results and Discussion

Factor analysis of the tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis items did not yield an acceptable oblique, three‐factor solution, due in part to floor effects and limited variability. A short form comprises three items (past‐3‐month frequency of use, urge to use, and whether others have expressed concern for use), that showed good psychometrics.

Scientific Significance

Supports the need for further investigation of the ASSIST factor structure and a short form. (Am J Addict 2016;25:259–263)
Definition, aims, and implementation of GA2LEN Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence
Authors: Maurer M. , Metz M. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Bousquet J. , Canonica G. W. , Church M. K. , Godse K. V. , Grattan C. E. , Hide M. , Kocatürk E. , Magerl M. , Makris M. , Meshkova R. , Saini S. S. , Sussman G. , Toubi E. , Zhao Z. , Zuberbier T. , Gimenez‐Arnau A.
Published: April 2016

Background

GA²LEN, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, has recently launched a program for the development, interaction, and accreditation of centers of reference and excellence in special areas of allergy embedded in its overall quality management of allergy centers of excellence. The first area chosen is urticaria. Urticaria is a common and debilitating condition and can be a challenge for both patients and treating physicians, especially when chronic. Centers of reference and excellence in urticaria (UCAREs) can help to improve the management of hard‐to‐treat conditions such as urticaria.

Aims

Here, we describe the aims, the requirements and deliverables, the application process, and the audit and accreditation protocol for GA²LEN UCAREs.

Results

The main aims of GA²LEN UCAREs are to provide excellence in urticaria management, to increase the knowledge of urticaria by research and education, and to promote the awareness of urticaria by advocacy activities. To become a certified GA²LEN UCARE, urticaria centers have to apply and fulfill 32 requirements, defined by specific deliverables that are assessed during an audit visit.

Discussion and Conclusion

The GA²LEN UCARE program will result in a strong network of urticaria specialists, promote urticaria research, and harmonize and improve urticaria management globally.
Hepatic resection of non‐colorectal non‐endocrine liver metastases
Authors: Gandy Robert C. , Bergamin Paul A. , Haghighi Koroush S.
Published: April 2016

Background

Hepatic resection is standard treatment for liver metastases from colorectal and neuroendocrine cancers as well as primary biliary and hepatic carcinomas. The role of hepatic resection in patients with non‐colorectal non‐endocrine liver metastases (NCNELM) is less defined. Overall survival in this group of patients is poor with few patients surviving beyond two years, even with modern chemotherapy.

Methods

A prospective database of all liver resections performed by a single surgeon (KSH) from January 2007 to December 2014 was maintained. Patient demographics, surgical and pathological data were collected prospectively; survival data were updated retrospectively. Patients were grouped according to pathology and analysis was performed using SPSS (version 21).

Results

A total of 48 patients underwent hepatic resection for NCNELM, of which 18 were major resections. Pathologies encountered included sarcoma in 8/48, both breast and ovarian in 6/48 each and renal cell carcinoma and melanoma, each representing 5/48. A result of 38/48 patients undertook chemotherapy prior to surgery. R0 margin was achieved in 96%. Seven patients suffered complications from surgery and one peri‐operative mortality. Overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 93%, 83% and 61%, respectively. Forty‐four percent of patients developed disease recurrence, 29% at distant sites.

Conclusion

Hepatic resection can be achieved safely for NCNELM. Patient selection is key, along with a standardized surgical and anaesthetic technique. Patients should be rigorously investigated to exclude disseminated disease and multidisciplinary discussion must take place prior to surgery. Patients with NCNELM should not routinely be excluded from liver resection and selected patients may benefit from resection.
Plasma interleukin‐10 predicts short‐term mortality of acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure
Authors: Wang N. , Fan Y.‐C. , Xia H. H.‐X. , Sun Y.‐Y. , Wang K.
Published: April 2016

Background

Interleukin (IL)‐10 is a pleiotropic cytokine with anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties in liver failure. Biomarkers are urgently needed to predict prognosis of acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF).

Aim

To investigate the potential diagnostic value of plasma IL‐10 as a biomarker for predicting the mortality of ACHBLF.

Methods

This prospective study consisted of 115 newly diagnosed ACHBLF patients from May 2009 to October 2013 as a training cohort and 54 ACHBLF patients from November 2013 to March 2015 as a validating cohort. Plasma IL‐10 level was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In the training cohort, the plasma IL‐10 level of nonsurvivals [median (centile25; centile75): 12.38 (8.76; 15.52) pg/mL] was significantly higher than that in survivals [6.55 (5.43; 7.65) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Plasma IL‐10 (hazard ratio = 1.205, 95% confidence interval: 1.145–1.267, P < 0.001) was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality of ACHBLF patients. Furthermore, plasma IL‐10 showed higher area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) than model for end‐stage liver diseases (MELD) for predicting 1‐month (0.887 vs. 0.779, P < 0.05), 2‐month (0.878 vs. 0.779, P < 0.05) and 3‐month (0.917 vs. 0.776, P < 0.001) mortality. However, we did not find significant differences in AUROC between IL‐10 and IL‐10 plus MELD for 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐month mortality. ACHBLF patients with plasma IL‐10 > 9.6 pg/mL showed poor survival time than patients with plasma IL‐10 ≤ 9.6 pg/mL at the end of 1 month in the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

Plasma IL‐10 performed better than MELD in predicting the prognosis of acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure. Furthermore, plasma IL‐10 > 9.6 pg/mL predicts a poor 1‐month mortality.
Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and safety of ticagrelor in Chinese patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Li Haiyan , Guo Jingchuan , Carlson Glenn F. , Teng Renli
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess ticagrelor's effects on inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA), P2Y12 reaction units (PRU, measure of platelet P2Y12 receptor blockade), pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and safety in Chinese patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

This was an open label, single centre, randomized study. Thirty‐six patients on low dose aspirin (75–100 mg day–1) received ticagrelor 45, 60 or 90 mg (single dose, days 1 and 7; twice daily, days 3–6). IPA (final extent), PRU and ticagrelor and AR‐C124910XX plasma concentrations were determined.

Results

On day 1, peak IPA >80% occurred 2–6 h post‐dose (all doses). PRU was markedly reduced at 1 h vs. baseline (all doses). With ticagrelor 45 and 90 mg twice daily, maximum IPA (mean, SD) was 91% (13%), and 99% (3%), and maximum PRU reduction from baseline (mean, SD) was 82% (17%) and 92% (9%), respectively. Approximate dose‐proportional increases (mean [%CV]; 45 vs. 90 mg twice daily) in ticagrelor Cmax (616 [37] vs. 1273 [43] ng ml–1) and AUC (3882 [42] vs. 8206 [51] ng ml–1 h) and AR‐C124910XX parameters were seen. Pharmacodynamic and PK differences between 45 and 60 mg were small. No safety issues were identified.

Conclusions

In Chinese patients with CAD, ticagrelor (45, 60 and 90 mg) markedly reduced platelet aggregation. The IPA and PRU magnitude increased generally with increasing doses. However, the mean pharmacodynamic differences between 45 and 60 mg doses were small. Following single and multiple doses, the mean Cmax and AUC values of ticagrelor and AR‐C124910XX increased approximately dose proportionally between 45 and 90 mg doses.
PD-1 blockade: a therapeutic option for treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Winkler J.K. , Bender C. , Kratochwil C. , Enk A. , Hassel J.C.
Published: April 2016

The immune system is extremely important in the development and progression of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Immune checkpoint blockade has recently been shown to enable efficacious treatment of a variety of tumours. We report the use of an anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) antibody for treatment of a patient with metastatic MCC. An 80-year-old patient with metastatic MCC received off-label treatment with the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab after the disease had progressed during therapy with oral etoposide. A positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography scan performed after three cycles of pembrolizumab revealed responses to therapy with reduced size of the adrenal gland metastases and less PET activity in the adrenal gland and lymph node metastases. Treatment was resumed owing to disease progression after a treatment-free interval of > 4 months. During subsequent months of treatment, the size of the metastases stabilized and uptake of nuclide by all tumour sites once again decreased. These results reveal the potential efficacy of an anti-PD-1 antibody for treatment of metastatic MCC. Thus, they contribute to currently limited data on the use of anti-PD-1 antibodies for the treatment of MCC. Moreover, this is the first report of successful resumption of treatment of metastatic MCC with an anti-PD-1 antibody. Results from ongoing trials will contribute to determination of the relevance of PD-1 blockade in metastatic MCC.
Patient–physician communication and health‐related quality of life of patients with localised prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy – a longitudinal multilevel analysis
Authors: Ernstmann Nicole , Weissbach Lothar , Herden Jan , Winter Nicola , Ansmann Lena
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To examine whether patient–physician communication is associated with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample of patients with localised prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and methods

HAROW (Hormonal therapy, Active Surveillance, Radiation, Operation, Watchful Waiting) is a prospective, observational study designed to collect data of the different treatment options for newly diagnosed patients with localised prostate cancer under real‐life conditions. At 6‐months intervals, clinical data (D'Amico risk categories, Charlson comorbidity index), aspects of patient–provider communication (standardised psychosocial‐care instrument for patients’ assessment of communication; Cologne Patient Questionnaire), and HRQoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) were assessed. Data were analysed by longitudinal multilevel analysis.

Results

Completed questionnaires for 1772 patients undergoing a RP were analysed over a 3‐year follow‐up period. Patients rated the patient‐provider communication generally high with slight variations over the course of treatment (3.2–3.8). The HRQoL of the patients varied substantial over time and between the reported subscales (global HRQoL 71.1–77.2; physical functioning 89.1–92.1; role functioning 81.0–88.1; emotional functioning 74.4–84.0; cognitive functioning 84.3–87.7; social functioning (77.7–84.0). The longitudinal multilevel models showed significant associations between patient–provider communication in terms of devotion, support and shared decision‐making, and functional aspects of HRQoL.

Conclusion

Patient–provider communication is a valuable resource to support patients with prostate cancer coping with the disease and to improve their HRQoL. Future interventions should be designed especially for urologists to enhance their awareness for the importance of communication and the relationship with their patients with prostate cancer for treatment outcomes.
Fruit selection by Andean forest birds: influence of fruit functional traits and their temporal variation
Authors: Blendinger Pedro G. , Martín Eduardo , Osinaga Acosta Oriana , Ruggera Román A. , Aráoz Ezequiel
Published: April 2016

Fruit selection, i.e., the consumption of fruits disproportionately to their availability, results from the interaction between diet preferences and ecological factors that modify them. We assessed the importance of functional fruit traits to explain fruit selection by birds in Andean subtropical forests, taking into account temporal variation in trait distribution in the assembly of available fruits. During 2 yr, we measured the abundance of ripe fruits and their consumption by birds in a 6‐ha plot during 11 bimonthly samplings, and we used 17 phenological, morphological, and nutritional traits to characterize fruits selected by four bird species. Fruit selection was pervasive year‐round, highly variable over time and across bird species. Fruit species were selected over time periods shorter than their ripening phenology, and the selection of fruits with particular traits was specific to the fruit‐eating species. Maximization in pulp reward per consumed fruit seems to be the main driving force behind fruit selection, indicating that birds select fruits with traits that directly affect net energy gain. Our results can be interpreted in a framework of a hierarchy of foraging decisions, under which the spatiotemporal context of the fruiting environment modifies the relative intake rates of a particular fruit, while the ability to discriminate fruit contents becomes increasingly important on a smaller dimension. We show that fruit‐selection properties are contingent on specific fruit traits and particular spatiotemporal conditions, which modify the structure of mutualistic interactions.
The association of incident hypertension with metabolic health and obesity status: definition of metabolic health does not matter
Authors: Kang Yu Mi , Jung Chang Hee , Jang Jung Eun , Hwang Jenie Yoonoo , Kim Eun Hee , Park Joong‐Yeol , Kim Hong‐Kyu , Lee Woo Je
Published: April 2016

Objective

Metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype refers to obese individuals with a favourable metabolic profile. Its prognostic value remains controversial and may partly depend on differences in how the phenotype is defined. We aimed to investigate whether the MHO phenotype is associated with future development of incident hypertension in a Korean population according to various definitions of metabolic health.

Subjects and Methods

The study population comprised 31 033 Koreans without hypertension. Participants were stratified into metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy nonobese (MUNO), metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) by body mass index (cut‐off value, 25·0 kg/m2) and metabolic health state, using four different definitions: Adult Treatment Panel (ATP)‐III, Wildman, Karelis and the homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) criteria.

Results

Over the median follow‐up period of 35·0 months (range, 4·5–81·4 months), 4589 of the 31 033 individuals (14·8%) developed incident hypertension. Compared with the MHNO group, the MHO group showed increased association with incident hypertension with multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios of 1·56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1·41–1·72), 1·58 (95% CI 1·42–1·75), 1·52 (95% CI 1·35–1·71) and 1·46 (95% CI 1·33–1·61), when defined by ATP‐III, Wildman, Karelis and HOMA criteria, respectively.

Conclusion

MUO individuals showed the highest association with the incident hypertension (adjusted odds ratios up to 2·00). MHO subjects showed an approximately 1·5‐fold higher association with incident hypertension than their nonobese counterpart regardless of the definition of metabolic health used. Thus, considering both metabolic health and obesity is important for the assessment of potential cardiovascular outcomes.
The influence of locally applied granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor on osteoporotic bone
Authors: Liu Xi Ling , Rao Nian Jing , Huo Lei , Hu Xiang , Lu Weijia William , Zheng Li Wu
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The compromised capacity of bone healing in osteoporotic population renders a serious concern of patients and clinicians. This study aimed to investigate the influence of G‐CSF on bone reconstruction using an osteoporotic animal model.

Materials and methods

Sixty skeletal mature female Spraque–Dawley rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and were assigned into three groups (n = 20). Three months after OVX, defects of 5 mm in cranial and 2 mm in femur were surgically created on all the animals. The defects were left unfilled, filled with gelatin sponge (GS), or filled with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) infused GS. Specimens were retrieved for histomorphometric and micro‐CT analyses at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12 after surgery.

Results

At early stage of week 1 to week 8, the histomorphometric and micro‐CT analysis demonstrated more advanced bone formation in femur in the control group; by week 12, all groups achieved cortical closure. In cranial bone, more advanced bone formation was exhibited in G‐CSF‐treated group at both early and late stages, although this observation was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The results indicated that in osteoporotic bone, G‐CSF may advance bone healing in cranial bone where spontaneous bone formation was insufficient.
Laparoscopic right colectomy vs laparoscopic‐assisted colonoscopic polypectomy for endoscopically unresectable polyps: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lascarides C. , Buscaglia J. M. , Denoya P. I. , Nagula S. , Bucobo J. C. , Bergamaschi R.
Published: April 2016

Aim

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in complication rates and length of stay (LOS) between laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) and laparoscopic‐assisted colonoscopic polypectomy (LACP) for endoscopically unresectable polyps of the right colon.

Method

A single‐centre RCT (NCT01986699) was conducted on patients with polyps of the right colon deemed by the gastroenterologist to be unresectable. Patients underwent a repeat colonoscopy with biopsy by an interventional endoscopist and were allocated to LRC or LACP. Patients with a nonlift sign, dysplasia, adenocarcinoma, inflammatory bowel disease or familial adenomatous polyposis were excluded from the trial. The study was powered to detect a 73% difference in the LOS which required 17 patients in each arm with an α error of 0.05 and a power of 95%.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were comparable for age (P = 0.919), gender (P = 0.364), body mass index (P = 0.634), American Society of Anesthesiologists class (P = 0.388) and previous abdominal surgery (P = 0.366). There was no significant difference in the preoperative morphology (P = 0.485), location (P = 0.297), size (P = 0.690) or histology of the polyps (P = 0.779). LRC patients experienced a longer operating time (180 vs 90 min; P = 0.001), required more intravenous infusion (3.1 vs 2.0 l; P = 0.025), took significantly longer to pass flatus (2.88 vs 1.44 days; P < 0.001), resumed solid food later (3.94 vs 1.69 days; P < 0.001) and had a longer postoperative LOS (4.94 vs 2.63 days; P < 0.001). Postoperative complications (P = 0.656), readmissions (P = 0.5) and reoperations (P = 0.5) did not differ. Final size (P = 0.339) and histology (P = 0.104) of the polyps did not differ. There were four cancers in the LRC arm. At follow‐up colonoscopy with biopsy of the scar in 10 patients at 15.3 months, one patient had recurrence of the polyp at the site of the previous LACP.

Conclusion

LACP and LRC had similar complication rates, but LOS was shorter after LACP.
Factors affecting the measurement of photochromic lens performance
Authors: Ouyang Liu , Huang Hongliang , Tian Yong , Peng Wei , Sun Huanbao , Jiang Weizhong
Published: April 2016

The principles, characteristics, and measurement methodology of photochromism of plastic ophthalmic lenses are briefly introduced and discussed. The factors influencing measurement variation and accuracy, including the preconditioning process, measurement device, and procedure, were investigated on ophthalmic photochromic lenses covering both photocasting and photocoating lens technologies. By design of experiment, factors affecting the measurements were studied using a photochromic measurement rig with reference to ISO 8980‐3 requirements. Experimental results prove the necessity for a lens preconditioning process prior to measurement. The excitation light source in the photochromic measurement rig has the greatest impact on measurement variation from the device perspective, while lens temperature is the key environmental factor. On the basis of the investigation, recommendations are made for reducing measurement variations and improving result accuracy.
Comparison of P75NTR‐positive and ‐negative etcomesenchymal stem cell odontogenic differentiation through epithelial–mesenchymal interaction
Authors: Xing Yongjun , Nie Xin , Chen Guoqing , Wen Xiujie , Li Gang , Zhou Xia , Tian Weidong , Liu Luchuan
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate differences of odonto‐differentiation between P75‐neurotrophin receptor (P75‐NTR)‐positive ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) and P75‐NTR‐negative ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs), and their underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Primary cranial neural crest‐derived cells (CNC) were isolated from the first branchial arches, and EMSCs and EMSCs were sorted by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Differentiation of EMSCs or EMSCs into odontoblast‐like cells was induced by dental epithelial cells in vitro or in vivo. Differential gene expression profiles between EMSCs and EMSCs were analysed by microarray assay. Smad4‐specific small interfering RNA and activator kartogenin were used to treat the cells, to evaluate effects of Smad4 in odonto‐differentiation of EMSCs or EMSCs.

Results

Under induction of dental epithelium conditioned medium, EMSCs had more mineralized node formation and higher expression of Dmp1 and Dspp compared to EMSCs. In our in vivo study, graft of EMSCs recombination with dental epithelium showed higher expression of DMP1 and DSP. Knock‐down of Smad4 in EMSCs significantly downregulated expression of DMP1 and DSP, while activation of Smad4 in EMSCs by the activator kartogenin, significantly increased DSP and DMP1 expression.

Conclusions

EMSCs showed more odonto‐differentiation potential than EMSCs both in vivo and in vitro. Smad4 played a critical role in determination of odonto‐differentiation potential of CNC‐derived EMSCs.
Fine needle aspiration cytology diagnosis of a pancreatoblastoma in an infant: case report with a summary of prior published cases
Authors: Das S. , Ghosh R. , Sen A. , Das R. N. , Saha K. , Chatterjee U.
Published: April 2016

A good review of the features of pancreatoblastoma and the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses in infancy
Intraoperative colonoscopy in patients with colorectal cancer: Review of recent developments
Authors: Kawai Kazushige , Iida Yuuki , Ishihara Soichiro , Yamaguchi Hironori , Nozawa Hiroaki , Hata Keisuke , Kiyomatsu Tomomichi , Tanaka Toshiaki , Nishikawa Takeshi , Yasuda Koji , Otani Kensuke , Murono Koji , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: April 2016

The use of intraoperative colonoscopy has increased alongside progress in the development of colonoscopy‐associated devices and techniques, including the colonoscope itself. In the present review, we focus on four circumstances in which intraoperative colonoscopy is beneficial to colorectal surgery: (i) intraoperative determination of a tumor's location; (ii) observation of the proximal colon in cases of obstructive colorectal cancer; (iii) confirmation of the integrity of anastomosis; and (iv) novel surgical techniques that combine laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. In light of the findings of our review, a combination of colonoscopy and surgery—especially laparoscopic surgery—is expected to facilitate the optimal handling of a variety of colorectal tumors, ranging from benign cases to advanced and obstructive cases.
A Scoping Study on the Ethics of Health Systems Research
Authors: Bachani Abdulgafoor M. , Rattani Abbas , Hyder Adnan A.
Published: April 2016

Currently, health systems research (HSR) is reviewed by the same ethical standards as clinical research, which has recently been argued in the literature to be an inappropriate standard of evaluation. The issues unique to HSR warrant a different review by research ethics committees (RECs), as it does not impose the same risks to study participants as other types of clinical or public health research. However, there are limited tools and supporting documents that clarify the ethical considerations. Therefore, there is a need for additional reflection around ethical review of HSR and their consideration by RECs. The purpose of this paper is to review, understand, and synthesize the current state of literature and practice to inform these deliberations and the larger discourse on ethics review guidelines for HSR. This paper presents a review of the literature on ethics of HSR in the biomedical, public health, and implementation research to identify ethical considerations specific to HSR; and to identify examples of commonly available guidance and/or tools for the ethical review of HSR studies. Fifteen articles were identified on HSR ethics issues, and forty‐two international academic institutions were contacted (of the responses (n=29), no institution had special ethical guidelines for reviewing HSR) about their HSR ethics review guidelines. There appears to be a clear gap in the current health research ethics discourse around health systems research ethics. This review serves as a first step (to better understand the current status) towards a larger dialogue on the topic.
Roles of ERα during mouse trophectoderm lineage differentiation: revealed by antagonist and agonist of ERα
Authors: Cheng Xiaoxiang , Xu Songhua , Song Chanchan , He Lin , Lian Xiuli , Liu Yue , Wei Jianen , Pang Lili , Wang Shie
Published: April 2016

During mouse early embryogenesis, blastomeres increase in number by the morula stage. Among them, the outer cells are polarized and differentiated into trophectoderm (TE), while the inner cells remain unpolarized and give rise to inner cell mass (ICM). TE provides an important liquid environment for ICM development. In spite of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying TE formation are still obscure. In order to investigate the roles of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in this course, mouse 8‐cell embryos were collected and cultured in media containing ERα specific antagonist MPP and/or agonist PPT. The results indicated that MPP treatment inhibits blastocyst formation in a dose‐dependent manner, while PPT, at proper concentration, promotes the cavitation ratio of mouse embryos. Immunofluorescence staining results showed that MPP significantly decreased the nuclear expression of CDX2 in morula, but no significant changes of OCT4 were observed. Moreover, after MPP treatment, the expression levels of the genes related to TE specification, Tead4, Gata3 and Cdx2, were significantly reduced. Overall, these results indicated that ERα might affect mouse embryo cavitation by regulating TE lineage differentiation.
Effect of parent‐delivered action observation therapy on upper limb function in unilateral cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kirkpatrick Emma , Pearse Janice , James Peter , Basu Anna
Published: April 2016

Aim

To determine whether home‐based, parent‐delivered therapy comprising action observation (AO) and repeated practice (RP) improves upper limb function more than RP alone in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP).

Method

Design: single‐blinded parallel‐group randomized controlled trial with 1:1 allocation comparing AO+RP (intervention) with RP alone (control). Randomization: computer‐generated, with allocation concealment by opaque sequentially‐numbered envelopes. Setting: northern England, August 2011 to September 2013. Participants: 70 children with UCP; mean age 5.6 years (SD 2.1), 31 female. Intervention: home‐based activities were provided, tailored to interests and abilities. Duration: 15 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 3 months. Assessments: Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA; primary outcome measure), Melbourne Assessment 2 (MA2), and ABILHAND‐Kids at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results

Outcome data was available at 3 months for 28 children in the AO+RP group and 31 controls, and at 6 months for 26 and 28 children respectively. There were no between‐group differences in AHA, MA2, or ABILHAND‐Kids at 3 or 6 months versus baseline (all p>0.05). Combined‐group improvements (p<0.001), observed in AHA and MA2 at 3 months, were maintained at 6 months. ABILHAND‐Kids also showed improvement at 3 months (p=0.003), maintained at 6 months.

Interpretation

Parent‐delivered RP (with or without AO) improves upper limb function and could supplement therapist input.
Inborn error metabolic screening in individuals with nonsyndromic autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Campistol Jaume , Díez‐Juan María , Callejón Laura , Fernandez‐De Miguel Aroa , Casado Mercedes , Garcia Cazorla Angels , Lozano Reymundo , Artuch Rafael
Published: April 2016

Aim

To perform metabolic testing on 406 patients (age range 3–22y [mean 6.71, SD 4.15], 343 males and 63 females) with nonsyndromic autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to assess the diagnostic yield. In addition, we reviewed our hospital's clinical database of 8500 patients who had undergone metabolic testing to be identified for inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), and described the characteristics of those with IEM and nonsyndromic ASD.

Method

Neuropsychological evaluation included the Social Communication Questionnaire and Child Behavior Checklist. For metabolic testing/screening, urine samples were analyzed for the diagnosis of cerebral creatine deficiency syndromes, purine and pyrimidine disorders, amino acid metabolism defects, mucopolysaccharidoses, and organic acidurias.

Results

The 406 recruited participants fulfilled the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM‐IV) criteria of ASD. No biochemical evidence of a metabolic disorder was detected in any of the 406 patients studied. Concerning the retrospective evaluation from the 8500 who had metabolic testing, 464 individuals had a diagnosis of an IEM (394 without the diagnosis of ASD and 70 with ASD diagnosis). Only one individual with IEM had a diagnosis of nonsyndromic ASD at the time of the metabolic study; the metabolic testing had revealed diagnosis of urea‐cycle disorder.

Interpretation

Metabolic testing should be considered in the work‐up of individuals with syndromic ASD, but metabolic testing is not cost‐effective for individuals with nonsyndromic ASD.
Differentiated Products, Divided Industries: Firm Preferences over Trade Liberalization
Authors: Osgood Iain
Published: April 2016

The recent focus on firms in international trade suggests two conjectures about preferences over trade policy – only the most productive firms should support freer trade, and industries can be internally divided over reciprocal liberalization. This paper clarifies the content and scope of these claims. The most productive firms are generally not the greatest beneficiaries from trade liberalization and may oppose further liberalization due to increased competition in export markets from compatriot firms. Exporting industries will feature no support for trade if foreign competition is too strong or barriers too unequal. The key analytic factor generating intra‐industry division is product differentiation, both directly, by increasing export opportunities for less efficient firms, and by inducing home market effects wherein larger countries are more competitive. The implications of these findings for the distributional effects of liberalization and the study of trade politics are discussed.