bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational effects of nutrition on immunity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Grueber Catherine E. , Gray Lindsey J. , Morris Katrina M. , Simpson Stephen J. , Senior Alistair M.
Published: November 2017

Diet and immunity are both highly complex processes through which organisms interact with their environment and adapt to variable conditions. Parents that are able to transmit information to their offspring about prevailing environmental conditions have a selective advantage by ‘priming’ the physiology of their offspring. We used a meta‐analytic approach to test the effect of parental diet on offspring immune responses. Using the geometric framework for nutrition (a method for analysing diet compositions wherein food nutrient components are expressed as axes in a Cartesian coordinate space) to define dietary manipulations in terms of their energy and macronutrient compositions, we compiled the results of 226 experiments from 38 published papers on the intergenerational effects of diet on immunity, across a range of study species and immunological responses. We observed intergenerational impacts of parental nutrition on a number of offspring immunological processes, including expression of pro‐inflammatory biomarkers as well as decreases in anti‐inflammatory markers in response to certain parental diets. For example, across our data set as a whole (encompassing several types of dietary manipulation), dietary stress in parents was seen to significantly increase pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels measured in offspring (overall d = 0.575). All studies included in our analysis were from experiments in which the offspring were raised on a normal or control diet, so our findings suggest that a nutrition‐dependent immune state can be inherited, and that this immune state is maintained in the short term, despite offspring returning to an ‘optimal’ diet. We demonstrate how the geometric framework for nutrition can be used to disentangle the role that different forms of dietary manipulation can have on intergenerational immunity. For example, offspring B‐cell responses were significantly decreased when parents were raised on a range of different diets. Similarly, our approach allowed us to show that a parental diet elevated in protein (regardless of energy composition and relative to a control diet) can increase expression of inflammatory markers while decreasing B‐cell‐associated markers. By conducting a systematic review of the literature, we have identified important gaps that impair our understanding of the intergenerational effects of diet, such as a paucity of experimental studies involving increased protein and decreased energy, and a lack of studies directed at the whole‐organism consequences of these processes, such as immune resilience to infection. The results of our analyses inform our understanding of the effects of diet on physiological state across diverse biological fields, including biomedical sciences, maintenance of agricultural breed stock and conservation breeding programs, among others.
PRIMA‐1 induces p53‐mediated apoptosis by upregulating Noxa in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with TP53 missense mutation
Authors: Furukawa Haruna , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Tanaka Koji , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Takiguchi Shuji , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: November 2017

TP53 is associated with the resistance of cytotoxic treatment and patient prognosis, and the mutation rate of TP53 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is extraordinarily high, at over 90%. PRIMA‐1 (p53 re‐activation and induction of massive apoptosis) has recently been reported to restore the function of mutant TP53; however, its antitumor effect and mechanism in ESCC remain unclear. After evaluating the TP53 mutation status of a panel of 11 ESCC cell lines by Sanger sequencing, we assessed the in vitro effect of PRIMA‐1 administration on cells with different TP53 status by conducting cell viability and apoptosis assays. The expression levels of proteins in p53‐related pathways were examined by Western blotting, while knockdown studies were conducted to investigate the mechanism underlying PRIMA‐1's function. An ESCC xenograft model was further used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of PRIMA‐1 in vivo. PRIMA‐1 markedly inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis by upregulating Noxa expression in ESCC cell lines with TP53 missense mutations, whereas no apoptosis was induced in ESCC with wild‐type TP53 and TP53 with frameshift and nonsense mutations. Importantly, the knockdown of Noxa canceled the apoptosis induced by PRIMA treatment in ESCC cell lines with TP53 missense mutations. PRIMA‐1 administration, compared with placebo, showed a significant antitumor effect by inducing Noxa in the xenograft model of an ESCC cell line with a TP53 missense mutation. PRIMA‐1 exhibits a significant antitumor effect, inducing massive apoptosis through the upregulation of Noxa in ESCC with TP53 missense mutations.
Implications of WHO Guideline on Sugars for dental health professionals
Authors: Moynihan Paula , Makino Yuka , Petersen Poul Erik , Ogawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

The burden of oral disease is high in populations across the world. This is because of high consumption of free sugars. The WHO Guideline on Sugars Intake for Adults and Children recommended limiting free sugars to no more than 5% energy intake to protect oral health throughout the life‐course. The objectives of this paper are to consider the implications of the Guideline for dental health practice and to advocate use of the common risk factor approach when providing dietary advice. As part of a broad range of actions needed to reduce free sugars intake, improved education for dental health professionals and supporting patients to eat less free sugars are key actions for the dental profession. All dental health professionals should have the skills and confidence to provide their patients with healthier eating advice, including how to limit free sugars intake. It is therefore important that dental health professionals receive adequate education in diet and nutrition, and there is a need for dental educational regulating bodies to define the content of the dental curriculum with respect to nutrition. All patients, or their parents or carers, should receive dietary advice to reduce free sugars within the context of a healthy diet for the prevention of all NCDs. Dietary advice should: (i) focus on reducing the amount of free sugars consumed; (ii) be tailored according to the patient's body mass status (eg underweight, overweight, normal weight); (iii) encourage the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and wholegrain starch‐rich foods; (iv) discourage the consumption of foods high in saturated fat and salt; and (v) discourage the consumption of all drinks containing free sugars. The dental health professional has an opportunity to support patients to reduce their intake of free sugars—such advice and support will have positive impacts beyond the mouth.
Elevated luteinizing hormone despite normal testosterone levels in older men—natural history, risk factors and clinical features
Authors: Eendebak Robert J. A. H. , Ahern Tomas , Swiecicka Agnieszka , Pye Stephen R. , O'Neill Terence W. , Bartfai Gyorgy , Casanueva Felipe F. , Maggi Mario , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S. , Słowikowska‐Hilczer Jolanta , Lean Michael E. J. , Punab Margus , Pendleton Neil , Keevil Brian G. , Vanderschueren Dirk , Rutter Martin K. , Tampubolon Gindo , Goodacre Royston , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Wu Frederick C. W. ,   the EMAS Group
Published: November 2017

Objective

Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) with normal testosterone (T) suggests compensated dysregulation of the gonadal axis. We describe the natural history, risk factors and clinical parameters associated with the development of high LH (HLH, LH >9.4 U/L) in ageing men with normal T (T ≥ 10.5 nmol/L).

Design, Patients and Measurements

We conducted a 4.3‐year prospective observational study of 3369 community‐dwelling European men aged 40‐79 years. Participants were classified as follows: incident (i) HLH (n = 101, 5.2%); persistent (p) HLH (n = 128, 6.6%); reverted (r) HLH (n = 46, 2.4%); or persistent normal LH (pNLH, n = 1667, 85.8%). Potential predictors and changes in clinical features associated with iHLH and rHLH were analysed using regression models.

Results

Age >70 years (OR = 4.12 [2.07‐8.20]), diabetes (OR = 2.86 [1.42‐5.77]), chronic pain (OR = 2.53 [1.34‐4.77]), predegree education (OR = 1.79 [1.01‐3.20]) and low physical activity (PASE ≤ 78, OR = 2.37 [1.24‐4.50]) predicted development of HLH. Younger age (40‐49 years, OR = 8.14 [1.35‐49.13]) and nonsmoking (OR = 5.39 [1.48‐19.65]) predicted recovery from HLH. Men with iHLH developed erectile dysfunction, poor health, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer more frequently than pNLH men. In pHLH men, comorbidities, including CVD, developed more frequently, and cognitive and physical function deteriorated more, than in pNLH men. Men with HLH developed primary hypogonadism more frequently (OR = 15.97 [5.85‐43.60]) than NLH men. Men with rHLH experienced a small rise in BMI.

Conclusions

Elevation of LH with normal T is predicted by multiple factors, reverts frequently and is not associated with unequivocal evidence of androgen deficiency. High LH is a biomarker for deteriorating health in aged men who tend to develop primary hypogonadism.
Targeted next‐generation sequencing and parental genotyping in sporadic Chinese Han deaf patients
Authors: He L. , Pang X. , Liu H. , Chai Y. , Wu H. , Yang T.
Published: November 2017

The interpretation of the targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) results can be challenging for variants identified in the sporadic deaf patients. In this study, we performed targeted NGS of 143 deafness‐associated genes in 44 sporadic deaf patients and use parental genotyping to test whether the candidate pathogenic variants complied with recessive or de novo pattern. Of 29 recessive candidate variants with minor allele frequencies (MAFs) less than 0.005, 3 pairs of apparent compound heterozygous variants were inherited from the same parental allele, ruling out their pathogenic roles. In addition, non‐segregation of an OTOA p.Gln293Arg variant led to the discovery of a genomic microdeletion of OTOA on the opposite allele by copy number variation analysis. Overall, 13 pairs of recessive candidate variants were deemed causative in 13 patients. Of the 28 dominant candidate variants with MAFs less than 0.0005, none occurred de novo, suggesting that they were not disease causing. Our results revealed that targeted NGS in sporadic deaf patients may generate a significant false‐positive rate. Parental genotyping is a simple but effective step toward minimizing the false‐positive results. Our study also showed that de novo variants in dominant deafness genes may not be a common cause for sporadic deafness.
Persistence of contact allergy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Dittmar Daan , Ofenloch Robert F. , Schuttelaar Marie L. A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Studies have shown that not all positive patch test reactions are reproducible upon retesting, that is, persistent. Non‐persistent reactions might represent initial false‐positive reactions, meaning that patients might unnecessarily avoid allergens.

Objectives

To investigate the occurrence of both persistent and non‐persistent patch test reactions, to explore possible explanations, and to investigate whether allergen‐specific differences exist.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who were patch tested at least twice between 1 January 1995 and 31 October 2016, with at least one positive patch test reaction to an allergen that had been retested. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the influence of several factors on persistence.

Results

Of 274 retested positive reactions in 119 patients, 183 (66.8%) reactions remained positive. The strongest predictor for non‐persistence in both univariable and multivariable analyses was strength of the first patch test, with weak positive reactions being significantly less persistent. Regarding allergen groups, metals and fragrances were less persistent than other allergens.

Conclusion

Weak positive reactions have a low persistence rate, and the dermatologist should be conservative in advising the patient on avoidance of these allergens, especially if clinical relevance is uncertain.
Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis for Multiple Myeloma: A Quantitative Drug‐Independent Framework for Efficient Decisions in Oncology Drug Development
Authors: Teng Zhaoyang , Gupta Neeraj , Hua Zhaowei , Liu Guohui , Samnotra Vivek , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Labotka Richard
Published: November 2017

The failure rate for phase III trials in oncology is high; quantitative predictive approaches are needed. We developed a model‐based meta‐analysis (MBMA) framework to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) from overall response rates (ORR) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), using data from seven phase III trials. A Bayesian analysis was used to predict the probability of technical success (PTS) for achieving desired phase III PFS targets based on phase II ORR data. The model demonstrated a strongly correlated (R2 = 0.84) linear relationship between ORR and median PFS. As a representative application of the framework, MBMA predicted that an ORR of ∼66% would be needed in a phase II study of 50 patients to achieve a target median PFS of 13.5 months in a phase III study. This model can be used to help estimate PTS to achieve gold‐standard targets in a target product profile, thereby enabling objectively informed decision‐making.
Trends in substance references in Australian top 20 songs between 1990 and 2015
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Henriques Isla , Farrier Kaela
Published: November 2017

Introduction and Aims

This study examined references to alcohol and other drugs in top 20 songs over the last quarter of a century to explore the potential for popular music to constitute a barometer for changes occurring in youth consumption of alcohol and other substances.

Design and Methods

The online Australian Recording Industry Association charts resource was accessed to identify the top 20 songs for the period 1990 to 2015 inclusive. The lyrics of the identified songs were imported into NVivo11 for coding and analysis. Two coders analysed each song by line unit and a third coder assisted in resolving any coding discrepancies.

Results

Of the 508 discrete songs, 74 (15%) featured references to alcohol, tobacco and/or illicit drugs. Substance mentions increased over time such that the second half of the study period accounted for three‐quarters of all references. The peak period for mentions was 2008–2012, with 2010 exhibiting an especially high prevalence rate for alcohol references. There was a marked decline in alcohol mentions between 2010 and 2013. The rate at which female artists referred to alcohol increased sharply until 2010 and then decreased.

Discussion and Conclusions

Patterns in substance mentions in top 20 songs in more recent years may reflect broader social trends that influence youth substance use. As such, monitoring music lyrics may assist researchers to better understand forces underlying patterns of youth substance use.
Projecting global land use‐driven evolutionary history loss
Authors: Chaudhary Abhishek , Pourfaraj Vahab , Mooers Arne O.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Recent studies have mapped the global hotspots hosting high phylogenetic diversity (PD), but not the regions where this diversity is under threat due to human land use. This is because, to date, it is not clear how much PD is lost as species of a given taxon go extinct. The aim of this study was to identify the global regions projected to suffer the highest PD loss due to human land use in the near future.

Location

Global.

Methods

We demonstrate a novel approach combining countryside species–area relationship, species‐specific evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) scores and a newly derived strong linear relationship between the cumulative ED loss and PD loss through pruning simulations on global evolutionary trees of mammals, birds, and amphibians under random species loss, to project global land use‐driven phylogenetic diversity loss in 804 terrestrial ecoregions and 175 countries. We also allocate the total projected PD loss to different land use types (agriculture, forestry, grazing or urbanization) in each region to pinpoint the major drivers.

Results

For the three taxa combined, we project a total loss of 9,472 million years (MY) of evolutionary history due to all land uses in all countries: 1,541 MY of mammal PD is at stake, 3,336 MY of bird PD and 4,595 MY of amphibian PD. Agriculture is responsible for loss of 1,579 MY; pasture 1990 MY, forestry 5,381 and urbanization 522. Land use in Indonesia, Colombia, India, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and Philippines is projected to cause the most loss of PD.

Main conclusions

Through the integrated approach, we can now project PD loss associated with species extinctions under alternative land conversion scenarios in a region. Overall, the results on hotspots and land use drivers may inform individual nations in designing regional strategies to achieve the international biodiversity and sustainability targets.
Dispersal and alternative breeding site fidelity strategies in an amphibian
Authors: Denoël Mathieu , Dalleur Séverine , Langrand Estelle , Besnard Aurélien , Cayuela Hugo
Published: November 2017

Dispersal (i.e. movement from a natal or breeding site to another breeding site) is a central process in ecology and evolution as it affects the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of spatially structured populations. Dispersal evolution is regulated by the balance between costs and benefits, which is influenced by the individual phenotype (i.e. phenotype‐dependent dispersal) and environmental factors (i.e. condition‐dependent dispersal). Even though these processes have been extensively studied in species with simple life cycles, our knowledge about these mechanisms in organisms displaying complex life cycles remains fragmentary. In fact, little is specifically known about how the interplay between individual and environmental factors may lead to alternative dispersal strategies that, in turn, lead to the coexistence of contrasted site fidelity phenotypes. In this paper, we examined breeding dispersal in a pond‐breeding amphibian, the great crested newt Triturus cristatus, within usual walking distances for a newt. We took advantage of recent developments in multi‐event capture–recapture models and used capture–recapture data (946 newts marked) collected in a spatially structured population occupying a large pond network (73 ponds). We showed a high rate of breeding site infidelity (i.e. pond use) and the coexistence of two dispersal phenotypes, namely, a highly pond faithful phenotype and a dispersing phenotype. Individuals that were site faithful at time t – 1 were therefore more likely to remain site faithful at time t. Our results also demonstrated that the probability that individuals belong to one or the other dispersal phenotypes depended on environmental and individual factors. In particular, we highlighted the existence of a dispersal syndrome implying a covariation pattern among dispersal behavior, body size, and survival. Our work opens new research prospects in the evolution of dispersal in organisms displaying complex life cycles and raises interesting questions about the evolutionary pathways that contribute to the diversification of movement strategies in the wild.
Linking species thermal tolerance to elevational range shifts in upland dung beetles
Authors: Birkett Ali J. , Blackburn George Alan , Menéndez Rosa
Published: November 2017

Climate warming has been proposed as the main cause of the recent range shifts seen in many species. Although species' thermal tolerances are thought to play a key role in determining responses to climate change, especially in ectotherms, empirical evidence is still limited. We investigate the connection between species' thermal tolerances, elevational range and shifts in the lower elevational limit of dung beetle species (Coleoptera, Aphodiidea) in an upland region in the northwest of England. We measured thermal tolerances in the laboratory, and used current and historical distribution data to test specific hypotheses about the area's three dominant species, particularly the species most likely to suffer from warming: Agollinus lapponum. We found marked differences between species in their minimum and maximum thermal tolerance and in their elevational range and patterns of abundance. Overall, differences in thermal limits among species matched the abundance patterns along the elevation gradient expected if distributions were constrained by climate. Agollinus lapponum abundance increased with elevation and this species showed lower maximum and minimum thermal limits than Acrossus depressus, for which abundance declined with elevation. Consistent with lower tolerance to high temperature, we recorded an uphill retreat of the low elevation limit of A. lapponum (177 m over 57 yr) in line with the increase in summer temperature observed in the region over the same period. Moreover, this species has been replaced at low and mid‐elevations by the other two warm‐tolerant species (A. depressus and Agrilinus ater). Our results provide empirical evidence that species' thermal tolerance constrains elevational ranges and contributes to explain the observed responses to climate warming. A mechanistic understanding of how climate change directly affects species, such as the one presented here, will provide a robust base to inform predictions of how individual species and whole assemblages may change in the future.
A prospective multicenter phase II study of intrabone marrow transplantation of unwashed cord blood using reduced‐intensity conditioning
Authors: Okada Masaya , Tasaka Taizo , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Aotsuka Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Takeshi , Najima Yuho , Matsuhashi Yoshiko , Wada Hideho , Tokunaga Hirotoshi , Masuda Shinichi , Utsu Yoshikazu , Yoshihara Satoshi , Kaida Katsuji , Daimon Takashi , Ogawa Hiroyasu
Published: November 2017

Cord blood transplantation (CBT) is associated with delayed hematopoietic recovery and graft failure. To overcome these problems, we conducted a prospective, multicenter phase II study of intrabone marrow transplantation in which patients received reduced‐intensity conditioning without anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG). The primary endpoint was the probability of full donor engraftment. Forty patients with hematologic malignancies were enrolled. Cord blood (CB) cells were injected without washing into 4 iliac bone sites (2 at each hemipelvis), at which approximately 6 mL of CB was administered at one site with local anesthesia. Full donor engraftment rate was 86.8%. The cumulative incidence of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 86.4% and 85.5%, respectively. The median time to neutrophil (>0.5 × 109/L) and platelet (2.0 × 109/L) recovery was 17.5 and 44 days, respectively. The probability of severe acute graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) was 47.5%. The cumulative incidence of extensive chronic GVHD was 3.0%. The probability of relapse and non‐relapse mortality was 30.4% and 28.0%, respectively. The survival rate at 3 years was 45.6%, although most patients were at an advanced stage. These results suggest that our intrabone marrow‐CBT procedure without using ATG improves hematopoietic recovery and decreases the incidence of chronic GVHD, but does not decrease the incidence of acute GVHD.
Effects of observing normal and abnormal goal‐directed hand movements on somatosensory cortical activation
Authors: Cheng Chia‐Hsiung
Published: November 2017

Existing evidence indicates the importance of observing correct, normal actions on the motor cortical activities. However, the exact neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly in the somatosensory system, remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of observing normal and abnormal hand movements on the contralateral primary somatosensory (cSI), contralateral (cSII) and ipsilateral (iSII) secondary somatosensory activities. Experiment I was designed to investigate the effects of motor outputs on the somatosensory processing, in which subjects were instructed to relax or manipulate a small cube. Experiment II was tailored to examine the somatosensory responses to the observation of normal (Normal) and abnormal (Abnormal) hand movements. The subjects received electrical stimulation to right median nerve and magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings during the whole experimental period. Regional cortical activation and functional connectivity were analyzed. Compared to the resting condition, a reduction in cSI and an enhancement of SII activation was found when subjects manipulated a cube, suggesting the motor outputs have an influence on the somatosensory responses. Further investigation of the effects of observing different hand movements showed that cSII activity was significantly stronger in the Normal than Abnormal condition. Moreover, compared with Abnormal condition, a higher cortical coherence of cSI‐iSII at theta bands and cSII‐iSII at beta bands was found in Normal condition. Conclusively, the present results suggest stronger activation and enhanced functional connectivity within the somatosensory system during the observation of normal than abnormal hand movements. These findings also highlight the importance of viewing normal, correct hands movements in the stroke rehabilitation.
A comparative evaluation of a new fully automated assay for von Willebrand factor collagen binding activity to an established method
Authors: Stufano F. , Baronciani L. , Mane‐Padros D. , Cozzi G. , Faraudo S. , Peyvandi F.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Laboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) is made by the measurement of von Willebrand factor (VWF) protein level and its activities. Current VWF activity tests include ristocetin cofactor and collagen binding (VWF:CB) assays.

Aim

We have undertaken an evaluation of a new fully automated VWF:CB assay relative to an established enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Methods

The two analytical systems operate with different detection principles: a chemiluminescent method performed on ACL AcuStar Analyzer (the former) and a colorimetric ELISA by Asserachrom Stago (the latter) (type III collagen from human placenta). The HemosIL AcuStar VWF:CB assay is a chemiluminescent 2‐step immunoassay that uses magnetic particles coated with a type III collagen triple‐helical peptide. VWF:CB levels were determined in 50 healthy subjects and 100 VWD patients (22 type 1, 73 type 2 and 5 type 3).

Results

Eleven VWD samples reported VWF:CB values below the lower detection limit of one or both methods. The new method showed a good correlation with the ELISA method (r > .9, mean bias 3.85 IU/dL) in both healthy and VWD samples. One of 150 samples gave inconsistent results using the two assays, leading to an uncertain diagnosis of VWD type 1 (ELISA method) or type 2 MCB (fully automated method).

Conclusion

The new assay is rapid and simple to use, with its ready‐to‐use reagent cartridges. This VWF:CB assay, in addition to the measurement of VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo made on the same platform, gives additional information for the diagnosis of VWD in both nonspecialized and reference laboratories.
Effects of Neighborhood Inequality on the Relative Distance between Objective Position and Subjective Identification
Authors: Kim Andrew Ho , Kim Muncho , Ryu Seoungho
Published: November 2017

This article is an exploratory attempt to assess the relationship between an individual's objective class position and their subjective class identification and to understand the effects of neighborhood inequality on individual variations. It tests three theses that the relationship between objective class position and subjective identification: is based on reflection, middle‐class consciousness or variation. The degree to which neighborhood‐level variables impact on the relative distance between objective class position and subjective identification is examined in assessing the possible contextual effects of the spatial setting individuals in which individuals are located. It utilizes 2015 City Policy Index Survey data administered by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and goes through two steps in analysis. First, a correspondence analysis was performed to calculate the relative distance between individuals’ objective position and subjective identification. The relative distance calculated was used as a dependent variable in a multilevel linear model examining the possible cross‐level interaction between neighborhood inequality and individual‐level variables. The results indicate that the relationship between an individual's objective class position and subjective identification was captured in the variation thesis. Women, and people who are younger, college educated and who hold non‐manual occupations are more likely to identify with a position that is lower than their actual position. Neighborhood inequality was found to exaggerate the gap in relative distance scores by gender and occupation.
Measuring the quality of pressure ulcer prevention: A systematic mapping review of quality indicators
Authors: Kottner Jan , Hahnel Elisabeth , Lichterfeld‐Kottner Andrea , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Büscher Andreas
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic overview of available pressure ulcer prevention quality indicators and to evaluate the underlying empirical evidence. A systematic mapping review was conducted with combined searches in Embase and Medline, and websites of relevant institutions and organisations. The eligibility criteria were clear use of the term “quality indicator” regarding pressure ulcer prevention; English or German language; and all settings, populations, and types of resources, including articles, brochures, and online material. In total, n = 146 quality indicators were identified. Most indicators were published in the United States (n = 50). The majority of indicators was developed for the hospital setting (n = 102). Process indicators were the most common (n = 71), followed by outcome indicators (n = 49). Less than half of identified indicators appeared to be practically used. Evidence supporting the validity and reliability were reported for n = 25 and n = 30 indicators respectively. The high number of indicators demonstrate the importance of measuring pressure ulcer prevention quality. This is not an indicator of our ability to accurately measure and evaluate this construct. There is an urgent need to develop evidence‐based and internationally comparable indicators to help improve patient care and safety worldwide.
Biochar amendment of fluvio‐glacial temperate sandy subsoil: Effects on maize water uptake, growth and physiology
Authors: Ahmed F. , Arthur E. , Plauborg F. , Razzaghi F. , Kørup K. , Andersen M. N.
Published: November 2017

Coarse sandy soils have poor water retention capacity, which may constrain crop growth during drought. We investigated the effect of biochar amendment to subsoil on crop physiological processes and maize yield, comparing irrigated and drought conditions. A two‐year greenhouse experiment was conducted with one‐time application of straw biochar at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% (B0, B1, B2 and B3). Maize was planted twice in the same large pots one week and again 12 months after biochar application. Plants were fully irrigated until flowering; thereafter, half of them were subjected to drought. Our results indicate B2 and B3 increased soil water content at field capacity. Leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and transpiration were maintained in B2 and B3 during the drying cycle in year one and in all biochar levels in year two. In the first year, B3 induced negative root geotropism and significantly reduced vegetative biomass under both irrigation schemes. Cob biomass was significantly reduced by B1 under full irrigation. In year two, B3 significantly increased cob biomass under drought. Nitrogen uptake was significantly reduced by B2 in year one, but increased significantly in B3 in year two. In both years, P uptake was significantly increased by B2 and B3. Furthermore, K uptake was significantly increased in B2 in year one and in all biochar treatments in year two. Overall, biochar improved water content of coarse sandy soil due to decreased bulk density and increased porosity after biochar amendment, consequently, improving crop physiological processes including transpiration and photosynthesis. Significant effects on yields tended to be more negative in the first year, and neutral to positive in the second year suggesting the enhancement of biochar effects with ageing. The positive effect in the second year shows biochar's potential for improving agriculture productivity in drought‐prone regions.
What Happens in Parliament Stays in Parliament? Newspaper Coverage of National Parliaments in EU Affairs
Authors: Auel Katrin , Eisele Olga , Kinski Lucy
Published: November 2017

The role of national parliaments in EU matters has become an important subject in the debate over the democratic legitimacy of the European Union. Yet despite a remarkable increase in parliamentary involvement in EU affairs, the added value in terms of democratic legitimacy will remain limited if citizens are not aware of their activities. Given that citizens mainly experience politics through the media, the aim of the paper is therefore to explore whether and under what conditions parliamentary involvement in EU matters is visible in national newspapers. The paper draws on two quantitative datasets covering parliamentary EU activities and relevant newspaper articles in seven Member States between 2010 and 2013. Results suggest that the efforts of active parliaments pay off. In addition, conflict within government coalitions over EU issues and greater salience of EU politics in public opinion increase coverage while, surprisingly, both public and parliamentary euroscepticism do not.
Escaping Populism – Safeguarding Minority Rights: Non‐majoritarian Dynamics in European Policy‐making
Authors: Thielemann Eiko , Zaun Natascha
Published: November 2017

Contrary to earlier predictions, communitarization in the area of asylum policies has not led to an erosion of refugee rights. Instead, there is growing evidence that EU asylum harmonization has safeguarded existing standards and even enhanced the rights of asylum‐seekers and refugees in Europe. We seek to explain this by building on the insights of principal‐agent theory. We argue that delegation to supranational institutions can strengthen non‐majoritarian policy dynamics and shield EU policy‐makers from populist pressures for further immigration restrictions that national governments are often confronted with. We support this argument empirically through a systematic longitudinal analysis of the evolution of EU asylum policies. In particular, we seek to assess the motivation for and impact of greater delegation to EU institutions on rights developments for asylum‐seekers and refugees. We also explain to what extent EU policy‐making has changed with the EU's response to the ‘Syrian refugee crisis’.
Extraction of different phenolic groups from oats at a nonthermal pilot scale: Effect of solvent composition and cycles
Authors: Fontes‐Candia Cynthia , Ramos‐Sanchez Victor , Chavez‐Flores David , Salmeron Ivan , Perez‐Vega Samuel
Published: November 2017

This article explores oat's polyphenols extraction in ethanol/water and methanol/water at a nonthermal pilot scale. Alcohol % (vol/vol) and cycles were controlled by response surface methodology. Eight polyphenols were evaluated (HPLC), together with antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and total polyphenol content (TPC). Model adjusted well in the majority of the cases. Highest TPC and ORAC were obtained with ethanolic mixtures. Vanillic acid and vanillin highest yields were at 14.6% (vol/vol) and 50% (vol/vol) in both alcohols. Hydrocinnamic acids were better extracted at high alcohol concentrations (98–100%, vol/vol), where p‐coumaric acid was the most present. Avenanthramides optimum alcohol extraction composition varied from 50 to 100% (vol/vol). Hence, different polarity behavior was observed (2c > 2f > 2p). Avenanthramide 2c showed the highest yield. Cycles effect varied depending on the polyphenol evaluated, they were more necessary for the extraction of p‐coumaric acid and avenanthramide 2f. Results aid to understand solvation process for a more efficient polyphenols extraction.

Practical applications

The research fills the gap between reported laboratory work and the lack of experimental scale up data. It considers scale up aspects such as developing a simple and easy to scale process (ambient temperature and 8 bars pressure) and using food grade solvents. Extractions were run with a controlled particle size distribution rather than a specific particle size. A small solvent/solid ratio was kept, since excessive amount of solvent generates expensive downstream operations. Moreover, solvent was reused on each run until the necessary cycles were completed. The optimization here presented will allow a better understanding in the extraction of oat's polyphenols; individually, as group, and total. This will aid for a more robust polyphenols extractions from oat at the food industry.
Evaluation of cleaning methods for residual orange extract on different cookware materials using ELISA with profilin allergen indicator
Authors: Kiyota Kyohei , Sakata Junko , Satsuki‐Murakami Taro , Yoshimitsu Masato , Akutsu Kazuhiko , Ki Masami , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Kajimura Keiji , Yamano Tetsuo
Published: November 2017

Unintentional contamination of cookware with allergen residues causes unexpected allergic reactions to individuals with food allergies. Our aim was to find an efficient cleaning method for residual orange extract as a food allergen on cookware fabricated from four types of materials—polypropylene (PP), wood, stainless steel, and glass—after food preparation. To evaluate the cleaning methods, we developed a novel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay system using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against a recombinant orange profilin allergen. Using this assay system with a limit of quantification of 2,500 µg/mL, we measured the residual orange extract on the cookware surfaces using swabbing tests. Rinsing with 1 L of water showed a >95% removal efficiency for stainless steel and glass cookware, whereas half the PP and wood cookware required scrubbing with a detergent‐containing sponge for complete cleanliness. Our findings may help reduce the burden for cooks and food manufacturers in controlling fruit allergens.

Practical applications

The cleaning process is essential in preventing cross‐contamination of food allergens through the equipment surfaces of kitchens and food processing lines. There are no established standard cleaning processes for fruit allergens. The extracts often remain on cookware surfaces after food preparation because of their viscosity. Since even small amounts of allergens can elicit symptoms of food allergies, removing food allergens by cleaning the equipment surfaces is important to avoid unexpected food‐related allergic reactions and produce safe foods for those with food allergies. Here, we investigated efficient cleaning methods using laboratory scale tests for controlling orange allergens. We used orange extract as a representative fruit‐generated adhesive extract on different cookware materials—polypropylene, wood, stainless steel, and glass. Since these materials are commonly used in food processing equipment, our findings could help develop an efficient and economical allergy control method for both cooks and manufacturers of processed fruit without excessive cleaning.
Optimization of ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extraction to produce virgin avocado oil with low free fatty acids
Authors: Tan Chin Xuan , Gun Hean Chong , Hamzah Hazilawati , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd
Published: November 2017

Virgin avocado oil has been suggested to be used as functional oil due to its high nutritional value. The quality and edibility of plant oils are affected by the level of free fatty acids (FFA). As the environmental safety and health concerns arise, the use of “solvent‐free” extraction is highly warranted. Current study investigated ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extraction (UAAE) of low FFA‐virgin avocado oil. Response surface methodology with the Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the experimental variables, namely sonication time (10–30 min), sonication temperature (20–40 °C), and water‐to‐powder ratio (4–6 mL/g) on the responses of oil recovery and FFA. Best‐fitting models with backward elimination of the multiple linear regression were generated for the responses of oil recovery (R2 = 0.9092, p < .0001) and FFA (R2 = 0.9799, p < .0001). The optimum UAAE parameters to produce the highest recovery of low FFA virgin avocado oil were 6 mL/g of water‐to‐powder ratio, 30 min of sonication time, and 35 °C of sonication temperature. The oil recovery and FFA level of virgin avocado oil under these optimum conditions were 72.79 and 0.297%, respectively. Compared to Soxhlet‐extracted avocado oil, virgin avocado oil was lighter in color and contained a higher level of unsaturated fatty acids.

Practical applications

There has been an increasing research trend focusing on the application and development of virgin avocado oil as a functional product, however, the physicochemical properties of avocado oil are affected by extraction conditions. The edibility and quality of edible oil are influenced by the level of free fatty acids. This study provides an optimization of low free fatty acids virgin avocado oil using ultrasound‐assisted aqueous method. Low free fatty acid virgin avocado oil is useful in developing a diverse array of functional foods, food supplements and health care products.
Functional properties of dopamine transporter oligomers after copper linking
Authors: Zhen Juan , Reith Maarten E. A.
Published: November 2017

Although it is universally accepted that dopamine transporters (DATs) exist in monomers, dimers and tetramers (i.e. dimers of dimers), it is not known whether the oligomeric organization of DAT is a prerequisite for its ability to take up dopamine (DA), or whether each DAT protomer, the subunit of quaternary structure, functions independently in terms of DA translocation. In this study, copper phenanthroline (CuP) was used to selectively target surface DAT: increasing concentrations of CuP gradually cross‐linked natural DAT dimers in LLC‐PK1 cells stably expressing hDAT and thereby reduced DA uptake functionality until all surface DATs were inactivated. DATs that were not cross‐linked by CuP showed normal DA uptake with DA Km at ~ 0.5 μM and DA efflux with basal and amphetamine‐induced DA efflux as much as control values. The cocaine analog 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐[4‐fluorophenyl]‐tropane (CFT) was capable to bind to copper‐cross‐linked DATs, albeit with an affinity more than fivefold decreased (Kd of CFT = 109 nM after cross‐linking vs 19 nM before). A kinetic analysis is offered describing the changing amounts of dimers and monomers with increasing [CuP], allowing the estimation of dimer functional activity compared with a DAT monomer. Consonant with previous conclusions for serotonin transporter and NET that only one protomer of an oligomer is active at the time, the present data indicated a functional activity of the DAT dimer of 0.74 relative to a monomer.

image
Parental Immunisation Needs and Attitudes Survey in paediatric hospital clinics and community maternal and child health centres in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Costa‐Pinto Jessica C , Willaby Harold W , Leask Julie , Hoq Monsurul , Schuster Tibor , Ghazarian Alice , O'Keefe Jacinta , Danchin Margie H
Published: November 2017

Aim

Despite Australia's high vaccination rates, an estimated 3.3% of children are under‐vaccinated due to vaccine refusal and the proportion of parents with concerns is unclear. Amongst Australian parents, we aimed to determine the prevalence of vaccine concerns, resources and health‐care providers (HCPs) accessed and satisfaction with these resources in two different settings. We also aimed to identify relationships between the level of vaccine concern, socio‐economic status and vaccine uptake.

Methods

Parents of children under 5 years attending general paediatric clinics in a tertiary paediatric hospital (n = 301/398, 76%) and children under 19 months attending community maternal child health centres (n = 311/391, 81%) completed the survey. Vaccination status was obtained from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.

Results

Despite high support for vaccination (98%, confidence interval (CI) 97–99), 43% of parents reported vaccine concerns (CI 40–47) including the number of vaccines given in the first 2 years (25%, CI 22 to 29), vaccine ingredients (22%, CI 19–25), allergies (18%, CI 15–21), weakening of the immune system (17%, CI 14–20) and autism (11%, CI 8–13). HCPs were the most commonly accessed and trusted information source. In all, 23% of parents reported insufficient knowledge to make good vaccination decisions (CI 20–26). There was little evidence of an association between parental vaccine acceptance or socio‐economic status and vaccination status.

Conclusions

Despite high support for vaccines, nearly half of Australian parents have some concerns and a quarter lack vaccine decision‐making confidence regarding childhood vaccines. Parents frequently access and report high trust in HCPs, who are best placed to address parental vaccine concerns through provision of clear information, using effective communication strategies. Further research in more highly hesitant populations is required to determine the relationship between the level and nature of vaccination concerns and vaccine uptake.
Subjective well‐being, consumption comparisons, and optimal income taxation
Authors: Slack Sean , Ulph David
Published: November 2017

We introduce reference consumption into the standard utility function from optimal tax analysis. Individuals compare their consumption “narrowly” with those of the same productivity, or “broadly” with the average consumption across society. In both narrow and broad equilibria reference consumption is an increasing function of the tax parameters, so generating new theoretical results. Individual well‐being decreases with the net wage (net‐of‐tax) rate for low productivity workers under narrow (broad) comparisons, thus adjusting redistributive taxation considerations. Further, in both cases reference consumption distorts labor supply away from the social optimum level, giving a distortion‐correcting role for taxation.