bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corneal Biomechanical Properties in High Myopia Measured by Dynamic Scheimpflug Imaging Technology
Authors: He Miao , Wang Wei , Ding Hui , Zhong Xingwu
Published: November 2017

SIGNIFICANCE

The cornea is a viscoelastic tissue with viscous and elastic properties. The information of corneal biomechanical changes in high myopia has implications for understanding the pathogenesis of high myopia and primary open angle glaucoma. However, the knowledge of corneal biomechanics in high myopia is limited.

PURPOSE

To compare the corneal biomechanical properties in high-myopia subjects and emmetropia subjects.

METHODS

Dynamic Scheimpflug imaging technology was used to measure intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and corneal biomechanical parameters, including time at the first applanation, velocity at the first applanation, length at the first applanation, deformation amplitude at the first applanation, time at the second applanation, A2V (velocity at the second applanation), length at the second applanation (A2L), deformation amplitude at the second applanation, time at the highest concavity, radius curvature at the highest concavity (HCR), maximal deformation amplitude (MDA), and peak distance.

RESULTS

This study included 40 subjects with high myopia and 61 emmetropia subjects. The high-myopia demonstrated greater MDA compared with the emmetropia (1.07 ± 0.01 vs. 1.02 ± 0.01 mm;P< .001) after adjusting for age and intraocular pressure. Pooling analysis found that the high myopia exhibited a smaller HCR, greater MDA, faster A2V and shorter A2L, with a pooled mean difference of −0.21 mm (95% confidential interval [95% CI], −0.30 to −0.13;P< .001) for HCR, 0.05 mm (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.06;P< .001) for MDA, −0.03 m/s (95% CI, −0.06 to −0.002;P= .034) for A2V, and −0.05 mm (95% CI, −0.08 to −0.02;P= .001) for A2L.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with high myopia showed a significantly smaller HCR, greater MDA, faster A2V, and shorter A2L than did those with emmetropia, which indicated that the cornea in an eye with high myopia becomes weaker and more deformable.
Contralateral Involvement of Congenital Muscular Torticollis and Clavicular Fracture
Authors: Yim Shin-Young , Chang Kihong , Ahn Ah-Reum , Park Eun Ji , Kim Jongwoo
Published: November 2017

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is known to concur with some conditions such as developmental dysplasia of the hip or brachial plexus injury, which gives us some insights for pathogenesis of CMT. Although clavicular fracture is the most common fracture in newborns, little is known about concurrence of CMT and clavicular fracture. Our clinical experience led us to realize that concurrence of CMT and clavicular fracture tended to occur on the contralateral side for each other rather than the ipsilateral side. This study aimed to verify contralateral concurrence of CMT and clavicular fracture. This is a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital, including 996 subjects with CMT. Concurrent clavicular fracture was found in 20 of 996 subjects with CMT, with the concurrence rate being 2.01%. Concurrent clavicular fracture and clavicular fracture occurred on the contralateral side for each other in 18 subjects (90%) rather than the ipsilateral side. This contralateral concurrence between side of CMT and clavicular fracture was significant (P = 0.001), with an odds ratio of 81 (P = 0.0032). Concurrent clavicular fracture and clavicular fracture seem to occur significantly more on the contralateral side for each other. Underlying mechanism for consistent contralateral concurrence needs to be verified in the near future.
Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life After Surgical Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
Authors: Oteri Giacomo , De Ponte Francesco Saverio , Runci Michele , Peditto Matteo , Marcianò Antonia , Cicciù Marco
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical outcome and the change in oral-health-related quality of life (QoL) of osteoporotic patients affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ). Forty-one patients, consecutively treated for a 10-year period, were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent a marginal osseous resective jaw surgery. A clinical 12 months postoperative evaluation has been performed and the complete mucosal healing, the absence of swelling and suppuration, and no signs of disease recurrence were defined like success parameters. Quality-of-life surveys tests like EORTC QQ-C30 and QLQ-HN35 appendices in conjunction with a perceived oral health visual analog scale (VAS) were administered before (time of diagnosis of MRONJ) and after surgery (at least 6 months) in order to record the different oral health status of the treated patients. The majority of MRONJ-diagnosed patients complained symptoms like pain, eating discomfort, and sense problems, with occasional involvement of the social dimension. There was a prevalence of troubles with social eating and social contact.

The complete mucosal healing was achieved in 100% of the patients and the administered survey tests reported a significant improvement in all the investigated spheres. Similarly, an increased mean score of perceived oral health VAS was reported.

Marginal-resective surgery of the necrotic jaw bone can be an effective treatment of osteoporotic patients affected by localized MRONJ. Quality-of-life parameters are demonstrated to be useful for recording the patient-centered outcome of MRONJ treatment.
A Novel Secretome Biotherapeutic Influences Regeneration in Critical Size Bone Defects
Authors: Burdette Alexander J. , Guda Teja , Thompson Michelle E. , Banas Richard , Sheppard Forest
Published: November 2017

Severe traumatic injuries often result in critical size bone defects, which are unable to heal without treatment. Autologous grafting is the standard of care but requires additional surgeries for graft procurement. Amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells release a secretome of biomolecules identified as integral to the process of bone regeneration and angiogenesis. This secretome is currently under development as a biotherapeutic. The efficacy of this secretome biotherapeutic was evaluated in vitro on the proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells and osteoprogenitor cells as well as in vivo using a critical size rat calvarial defect model. The secretome biotherapeutic was loaded onto a collagen scaffold and placed into the defect, which was allowed to heal for 4 and 12 weeks. The secretome biotherapeutic enhanced the proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells and proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells. Further, the secretome biotherapeutic improved new bone volume and connectivity by 12 weeks and significantly improved angiogenesis at 4 weeks and bone density at 4 and 12 weeks with no deleterious effects. The improvement in new bone volume, connectivity, and angiogenesis suggests that the secretome biotherapeutic has beneficial effects for bone healing and a higher dose of the secretome biotherapeutic may further improve regeneration.
Treatment of Maxillary Hypoplasia in Cleft Lip and Palate: Segmental Distraction Osteogenesis With Hyrax Device
Authors: Fariña Rodrigo , Diaz Alejandro , Pantoja Roberto , Bidart Carolina
Published: November 2017

The objective of this work is to describe a segmental maxillary distraction osteogenesis (SDO) with segmental Lefort I with an inexpensive device.

Four patients who presented severe class III and maxillary hypoplasia due to cleft lip and palate sequel were treated. A SDO was performed using a dental-anchored Hyrax device, achieving enlargement of the upper jaw without altering speech, with adequate and stable occlusion. Dental implants in a new formed bone were installed.

The authors can conclude that SDO is a good treatment alternative for patients with maxillary hypoplasia. It preserves velopharyngeal function and is a stable treatment, maintaining the overjet achieved with distraction osteogenesis, without changes in posterior occlusion. The open bite generated with tooth-borne devices can be solved with temporary anchorage devices and intermaxillary elastics during consolidation phase. Modified Hyrax device allows expanding and moving forward the maxillary arch, with a low cost.
Effect of Long-Term Use of Facemask With Miniplate on Maxillary Protraction in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: On Sung Woon , Baek Seung-Hak , Choi Jin-Young
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the effect of a long-term use of facemask with miniplate (FM-MP) on maxillary protraction in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. The subjects were 21 CLP patients (16 unilateral CLP and 5 bilateral CLP patients), who were treated with identical lip and palate surgical method and FM-MP therapy performed by single surgeon and single orthodontist. Lateral cephalogram was taken before (T1; mean age, 11.1 years) and after maxillary protraction (T2; mean age, 16.9 years). The mean duration of FM-MP was 68.0 months. After 17 cephalometric variables were measured, statistical analysis was performed. During T1-T2, the maxilla showed significant forward movement (ΔA-vertical reference plane, 4.8 mm, P < 0.001; ΔSNA, 1.9 degree, P < 0.001; ΔA-N perp, 1.9 mm, P < 0.05), although the mandible exhibited a forward growth (ΔSNB, 1.2 degree, P < 0.05). Despite downward movement of the posterior maxilla with counterclockwise rotation (Δpalatal plane angle, −1.5 degree, P < 0.05), the mandible did not exhibit clockwise rotation but counterclockwise rotation (ΔSN to mandibular plane angle, −1.4 degree, ΔBjork sum, −1.4 degree, Δocclusal plane to SN plane angle, −1.5 degree, ΔFMA, −1.0 degree, all P < 0.05) and showed decrease in Gonial angle (−1.2 degree, P < 0.01). Although there was labioversion of the maxillary incisor (ΔU1 to SN, 4.1 degree, P < 0.05), the mandibular incisor did not exhibit significant linguoversion (ΔIMPA, −1.3 degree, P 
> 0.05). Long-term use of FM-MP is effective on maxillary protraction in adolescent CLP patients without clockwise rotation of the mandible, the main drawback of conventional facemask with tooth-borne anchorage.
Neuro-Ophthalmology at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in India
Authors: Dhiman Rebika , Singh Digvijay , Gantayala Shiva P. , Ganesan Vaitheeswaran L. , Sharma Pradeep , Saxena Rohit
Published: November 2017

Background:

Neuro-ophthalmology as a specialty is underdeveloped in India. The aim of our study was to determine the spectrum and profile of patients presenting to a tertiary eye care center with neuro-ophthalmic disorders.

Methods:

A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted, and records of all patients seen at the neuro-ophthalmology clinic of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, over a 1-year period were retrieved and evaluated.

Results:

Of a total of 30,111 patients referred to various specialty clinics in a span of 1 year, 1597 (5%) were referred for neuro-ophthalmology evaluation. The mean patient age was 30.8 ± 19.5 years, with a male dominance (M:F = 2.02:1). Among these patients, optic nerve disorders were noted in 63.8% (n = 1,020), cranial nerve palsy in 7% (n = 114), cortical visual impairment in 6.5% (n = 105), and others (eye/optic nerve hypophasia, blepharospasm, and optic disc drusen) in 6% (n = 95). Among the patients with optic nerve disorders, optic neuropathy without disc edema/(traumatic optic neuropathy, hereditary, tumor-related, retrobulbar neuritis, toxic, and idiopathic) was noted in 42.8% (n = 685) and optic neuropathy with disc edema (ischemic optic neuropathy, papilledema, post-papilledema optic atrophy, papillitis, neuroretinitis, and inflammatory optic neuropathy) in 20.9% (n = 335). Sixteen percent of patients (n = 263) were incorrect referrals.

Conclusion:

The neuro-ophthalmic clinic constitutes a significant referral unit in a tertiary eye care center in India. Traumatic and ischemic optic neuropathies are the most common diagnoses. Neuro-ophthalmology requires further development as a subspecialty in India to better serve the nation's population.
A low-cost method for visible fluorescence imaging
Authors: Tarver Crissy L. , Pusey Marc
Published: November 2017

A wide variety of crystallization solutions are screened to establish conditions that promote the growth of a diffraction-quality crystal. Screening these conditions requires the assessment of many crystallization plates for the presence of crystals. Automated systems for screening and imaging are very expensive. A simple approach to imaging trace fluorescently labeled protein crystals in crystallization plates has been devised, and can be implemented at a cost as low as $50. The proteins β-lactoglobulin B, trypsin and purified concanavalin A (ConA) were trace fluorescently labeled using three different fluorescent probes: Cascade Yellow (CY), Carboxyrhodamine 6G (CR) and Pacific Blue (PB). A crystallization screening plate was set up using β-lactoglobulin B labeled with CR, trypsin labeled with CY, ConA labeled with each probe, and a mixture consisting of 50% PB-labeled ConA and 50% CR-labeled ConA. The wells of these plates were imaged using a commercially available macro-imaging lens attachment for smart devices that have a camera. Several types of macro lens attachments were tested with smartphones and tablets. Images with the highest quality were obtained with an iPhone 6S and an AUKEY Ora 10× macro lens. Depending upon the fluorescent probe employed and its Stokes shift, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode was used for excitation. An emission filter was used for the imaging of protein crystals labeled with CR and crystals with two-color fluorescence. This approach can also be used with microscopy systems commonly used to observe crystallization plates.
Crystal structures of two (Z)-2-(4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-2-ylidene)acetamides
Authors: Galushchinskiy Aleksei , Slepukhin Pavel , Obydennov Konstantin
Published: November 2017

The crystal structures of two (oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)acetamides, namely (Z)-2-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)-2-oxoethylidene]thiazolidin-4-one, C9H12N2O3S, (I), and (Z)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)acetamide, C12H12N2O3S, (II), are described and compared with a related structure. TheZconformation was observed for both the compounds. In (I), the morpholin-4-yl ring has a chair conformation and its mean plane is inclined to the thiazolidine ring mean plane by 37.12 (12)°. In (II), the benzene ring is inclined to the mean plane of the thiazolidine ring by 20.34 (14)°. In the crystal of (I), molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, formingC(6) chains along theb-axis direction. The edge-to-edge arrangement of the molecules results in short C—H...O and C—H...S interactions, which consolidate the chain into a ribbon-like structure. In the crystal of (II), two N—H...O hydrogen bonds result in the formation ofC(8) chains along theb-axis direction andC(6) chains along thec-axis direction. The combination of these interactions leads to the formation of layers parallel to thebcplane, enclosingR44(28) rings involving four molecules.
An orthorhombic polymorph of (E)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Naveen S. , Dileep Kumar A. , Deepa Urs M. V. , Ajay Kumar K. , Lokanath N. K. , Warad Ismail
Published: November 2017

The title compound, C16H10Cl2O3, is almost planar with a dihedral angle of 0.14 (16)° between the benzodioxole ring system and the dichlorobenzene ring that are bridged by the olefinic double bond. The corresponding value reported for the monoclinic polymorph is [5.57 (9)° (Lokeshwariet al.(2017).IUCrData,2, x170103). The carbonyl group lies almost in the plane of the olefinic double bond and is twisted slightly from the benzodioxole ring plane. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by weak C—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a chain propagating along theb-axis direction.
Quantitative chemical biosensing by bacterial chemotaxis in microfluidic chips
Authors: Roggo Clémence , Picioreanu Cristian , Richard Xavier , Mazza Christian , van Lintel Harald , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: November 2017

Whole‐cell bacterial bioreporters are proposed as alternatives to chemical analysis of, for example, pollutants in environmental compartments. Commonly based on reporter gene induction, bioreporters produce a detectable signal within 30 min to a few hours after exposure to the chemical target, which is impractical for applications aiming at a fast response. In an attempt to attain faster readout but maintain flexibility of chemical targeting, we explored the concept for quantitative chemical sensing by bacterial chemotaxis. Chemotaxis was quantified from enrichment of cells across a 600 µm‐wide chemical gradient stabilized by parallel flow in a microfluidic chip, further supported by transport and chemotaxis steady state and kinetic modelling. As proof‐of‐concept, we quantified Escherichia coli chemotaxis towards serine, aspartate and methylaspartate as a function of attractant concentration and exposure time. E. coli chemotaxis enrichment increased sharply between 0 and 10 µM serine, before saturating at 100 µM. The chemotaxis accumulation rate was maximal at 10 µM serine, leading to observable cell enrichment within 5 min. The potential application for biosensing of environmental toxicants was investigated by quantifying chemotaxis of Cupriavidus pinatubonensis JMP134 towards the herbicide 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetate. Our results show that bacterial chemotaxis can be quantified on a scale of minutes and may be used for developing faster bioreporter assays.
Metaproteomics reveals major microbial players and their metabolic activities during the blooming period of a marine dinoflagellateProrocentrum donghaiense
Authors: Li Dong‐Xu , Zhang Hao , Chen Xiao‐Huang , Xie Zhang‐Xian , Zhang Yong , Zhang Shu‐Feng , Lin Lin , Chen Feng , Wang Da‐Zhi
Published: November 2017

Interactions between bacteria and phytoplankton during bloom events are essential for both partners, which impacts their physiology, alters ambient chemistry and shapes ecosystem diversity. Here, we investigated the community structure and metabolic activities of free‐living bacterioplankton in different blooming phases of a dinoflagellateProrocentrum donghaienseusing a metaproteomic approach. TheFibrobacteres‐Chlorobi‐Bacteroidetesgroup,Rhodobacteraceae, SAR11 and SAR86 clades contributed largely to the bacterial community in the middle‐blooming phase while thePseudoalteromonadaceaeexclusively dominated in the late‐blooming phase. Transporters and membrane proteins, especially TonB‐dependent receptors were highly abundant in both blooming phases. Proteins involved in carbon metabolism, energy metabolism and stress response were frequently detected in the middle‐blooming phase while proteins participating in proteolysis and central carbon metabolism were abundant in the late‐blooming phase. Beta‐glucosidase with putative algicidal capability was identified from thePseudoalteromonadaceaeonly in the late‐blooming phase, suggesting an active role of this group in lysingP.donghaiensecells. Our results indicated that diverse substrate utilization strategies and different capabilities for environmental adaptation among bacteria shaped their distinct niches in different bloom phases, and certain bacterial species from thePseudoalteromonadaceaemight be crucial for the termination of a dinoflagellate bloom.
Prevalence, mechanisms and genetic relatedness of the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus exhibiting resistance to medical azoles in the environment of Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsuan‐Chen , Huang Jui‐Chang , Lin Yong‐Hong , Chen Yu‐Hsin , Hsieh Ming‐I , Choi Pui‐Ching , Lo Hsiu‐Jung , Liu Wei‐Lun , Hsu Ching‐Shan , Shih Hsin‐I , Wu Chi‐Jung , Chen Yee‐Chun
Published: November 2017

Emerging azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious threat to human health. This nationwide surveillance study investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of azole‐resistant A. fumigatus environmental isolates in Taiwan, an island country with increasing use of azole fungicides. Of the 2760 air and soil samples screened from 2014 to 2016, 451 A. fumigatus isolates were recovered from 266 samples and 34 isolates from 29 samples displayed resistance to medical azoles (itraconazole, voriconazole or posaconazole). The resistance prevalence was 10.9% and 7.5% in A. fumigatus‐positive samples and isolates respectively. Most (29, 85.3%) azole‐resistant isolates harboured TR34/L98H mutations, which were widely distributed, clustered genetically with clinical isolates, and had growth rates that were similar to those of the wild‐type isolates. Microsatellite genotyping revealed both the global spread of the TR34/L98H isolates and the occurrence of TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I isolates belonging to local microsatellite genotypes. AfuMDR3 and atrF, two efflux transporter genes, were constitutively upregulated in two individual resistant isolates without cyp51A mutations, highlighting their potential roles in azole resistance. These results emphasize the need for periodic environmental surveillance at the molecular level in regions in which azole fungicides are applied, and agricultural fungicide management strategies that generate less selective pressure should be investigated.
Mineral surface‐reactive metabolites secreted during fungal decomposition contribute to the formation of soil organic matter
Authors: Wang Tao , Tian Zhaomo , Bengtson Per , Tunlid Anders , Persson Per
Published: November 2017

Soil organic matter (SOM) constitutes the largest terrestrial C pool. An emerging, untested, view is that oxidation and depolymerization of SOM by microorganisms promote the formation of SOM‐mineral associations that is critical for SOM stabilization. To test this hypothesis, we performed laboratory‐scale experiments involving one ectomycorrhizal and one saprotrophic fungus that represent the two major functional groups of microbial decomposers in the boreal forest soils. Fungal decomposition enhanced the retention of SOM on goethite, partly because of oxidative modifications of organic matter (OM) by the fungi. Moreover, both fungi secreted substantial amounts (> 10% new biomass C) of aromatic metabolites that also contributed to an enhanced mineral retention of OM. Our study demonstrates that soil fungi can form mineral‐stabilized SOM not only by oxidative conversion of the SOM but also by synthesizing mineral surface‐reactive metabolites. Metabolites produced by fungal decomposers can play a yet overlooked role in the formation and stabilization of SOM.
Should Love Conquer Evidence in Policy‐Making? Challenges in Implementing Random Drug‐Testing of Welfare Recipients in Australia
Authors: Olney Sue
Published: November 2017

The Australian Government announced in its 2017 budget that it would trial random drug‐testing of recipients of the Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance in three locations from January 2018. The Prime Minister described it as a policy ‘based on love’, but that sentiment is hard to find in the policy rhetoric, which situates it in a suite of measures designed to ‘ensure taxpayers’ money is not being used to fund drug addictions which are creating significant barriers to employment'. The policy may make it harder for people to buy drugs with their welfare payments, through income management, but research suggests it will not help them overcome addiction and its costs will exceed any savings it generates in income support. Furthermore, the policy perpetuates ‘medicalisation’ of the problem of long‐term unemployment by suggesting it stems from deficiencies in individuals that can be ‘treated’, despite evidence to the contrary. Finally, the policy claims to close loopholes in enforcement of mutual obligation requirements without addressing structural weaknesses in the welfare‐to‐work model. Each of these issues will pose challenges for those charged with implementing the policy.
Tracing The Development Of AnOld Old Story: Intensificatory Repetition In English
Authors: González‐Díaz Victorina
Published: November 2017

The present paper explores the synchronic distribution and historical development of an intensificatory construction that has so far received little attention in previous literature on English; i.e. what Huddleston and Pullum (2002) label asINTENSIFICATORY REPETITION(e.g.old old story,long long way). Synchronically, the paper records the existence of two functional subtypes of repetitive intensification (affection and degree) and expands previous accounts by showing the functional versatility of the degree intensificatory subtype. At the diachronic level, the paper dates the establishment of (degree) intensificatory repetition to the Late Modern English (LModE) period. It also suggests that (a) intensificatory affection was the first repetitive (sub)type to develop in the language, and (b) that its collocational expansion from Early Modern English (EModE) onwards may have paved the way for the establishment of its degree intensification counterpart.

More generally, the paper shows that formulaic phraseology can contribute to the development of fully productive constructions and advocates the need for further study of ‘minor’ intensificatory constructions (such as the one explored here) and the way in which they may help to refine current standard descriptions of the English Noun Phrase.
Women's preference for non‐invasive prenatal DNA testing versus chromosomal microarray after screening for Down syndrome: a prospective study
Authors: Cheng YKY , Leung WC , Leung TY , Choy KW , Chiu RWK , Lo T‐K , Kwok KY , Sahota DS
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine preferences for follow‐up testing in women screened with high or intermediate risk for Down syndrome in the first or second trimester.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Three public hospitals in Hong Kong, China.

Sample

Women with pregnancies termed as high risk (≥1:250; HR) or intermediate risk (1:251–1200; IR) for Down syndrome.

Methods

Women with pregnancies screened as HR were offered the choices of: (1) an invasive test plus chromosomal microarray (CMA) to obtain more detailed fetal genetic information; (2) non‐invasive cell‐free prenatal DNA screening (NIPT) to detect trisomies 13, 18 and 21, and to avoid procedure‐related miscarriage; and (3) to decline any further testing. Women received standardised counselling informing them that the reporting times were identical, the procedure miscarriage risk was 0.1–0.2% and that there was no charge for screening. Women with IR pregnancies (1:251–1200) were offered NIPT as a secondary screening test.

Main outcome measures

Uptake rate for NIPT.

Results

Three hundred and forty‐seven women had pregnancies deemed as HR; 344 (99.1%) women opted for follow‐up testing, 216 (62.2%) of whom chose NIPT. Five hundred and seven of 614 women (82.6%) with IR risk chose NIPT. Seven (21%) of 34 women with nuchal translucency ≥3.5 mm opted for NIPT.

Conclusion

In a setting where reporting times are similar and there is no cost difference between options, approximately 60% of women with pregnancies classed as HR would opt for NIPT, offering simple but limited aneuploidy assessment, over a diagnostic procedure with comprehensive and more detailed assessment.

Tweetable abstract

60% of pregnant Chinese women prefer NIPT over CMA when screened as high risk for Down syndrome.
Oil Prices and Urban Housing Demand
Authors: Larson William D. , Zhao Weihua
Published: November 2017

We develop a model of a monocentric, oil‐exporting city. The model predicts a “twist” (rotation combined with a level shift) of the house price gradient with an oil price change due to the combined producer price and transportation cost effects. Empirical findings support the predictions, with house price changes positively linked to the price of oil in cities specialized in oil and gas‐related industries, and negatively linked in suburban areas of all cities. These results quantify the large and differential risks to house prices associated with oil price changes both within and across cities. Overall, estimates suggest a 50% change in the price of oil results in a city‐wide house price change of 15% over five years in a city specialized in the production of oil (export employment share of 50%), whereas house prices for units greater than 15 miles from the city‐center change in relative terms by −1.5% over the same period.
Development, Dissemination, and Assessment of a Food Safety Systems Management Curriculum for Agribusiness Students in Armenia
Authors: Pokharel Siroj , Marcy Joseph E. , Neilan Angela M. , Cutter Catherine N.
Published: November 2017

This study addresses the development, dissemination, and assessment of a Food Safety System Management (FSSM) curriculum offered to college‐aged, agribusiness students in Yerevan, Armenia. Prior to beginning the program, demographic data were collected and a paper‐based pretest was administered to access the food safety knowledge, behavior, and attitude of participants (n = 29). For assessment of a skill, participants’ handwashing techniques were videotaped and scored before the program commenced. Immediately after completion of the entire curriculum, a paper‐based post‐test with identical questions for food safety knowledge, behavior, and attitude was administered and handwashing skills were assessed. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to evaluate significant differences (α = 0.05) for food safety knowledge using a pretest, post‐test, and a 3‐mo follow‐up. A paired t‐test was used to evaluate handwashing skills before and after the curriculum was presented. The pretest score (44.93%, ± 2.87) for food safety knowledge (n = 29) differed significantly (P <0.0001) when compared with the post‐test score (73.21%, ± 3.28) and the 3‐mo follow‐up (n = 23) score (67.76%, ± 3.93). Participants’ (n = 9) handwashing skills prior to delivery of the FSSM curriculum differed significantly (P <0.0001), when compared to handwashing skills after completion of the curriculum. Students’ food safety attitudes and behavior assessed using a five‐point Likert scale, also improved significantly as a result of the FSSM program. The 3‐mo follow‐up survey on food safety attitude and behavior was consistent with the post‐test survey results. The information from this project may be of interest to education experts, Extension professionals, food industry personnel, or regulatory agencies, in the development and dissemination of an international food safety program.
Genistein Ameliorates Fat Accumulation Through AMPK Activation in Fatty Acid‐Induced BRL Cells
Authors: Zhong Huijia , Liu Huanhuan , Jiang Zhuoqin
Published: November 2017

Genstein is the most abundant phytoestrogen in soybean that was reported to play positive roles in menopausal syndrome and metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of genistein against progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in BRL cells treated with fatty acid mixture (oleate/palmitate, 2:1 ratio). Our data demonstrated that genistein remarkably improved fatty acid mixture‐induced hepatocelluler fat accumulation, inhibited upregulation of genes expression related to fatty acid synthesis, and derepressed those associated with fatty acid oxidation. In addition, the results displayed that genistein promoted the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) suppressed by fatty acid, which were significantly weakened by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Taken all together, genistein is capable to ameliorate fat accumulation through regulation of fatty acid metabolism mediated by AMPK activation in BRL cells. Further investigations are needed to verify the protective effects of genistein on NAFLD model in in vivo animal study or in vitro human cell lines along with absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies of genistein.

Practical Application

Genistein is able to ameliorate fat accumulation through regulation of fatty acid metabolism mediated by AMPK activation in vitro.
Fermentation Cover Brine Reformulation for Cucumber Processing with Low Salt to Reduce Bloater Defect
Authors: Zhai Y. , Pérez‐Díaz I. M.
Published: November 2017

Reformulation of calcium chloride (CaCl2) cover brine for cucumber fermentation was explored as a mean to minimize the incidence of bloater defect. This study particularly focused on cover brine supplementation with calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2), sodium chloride (NaCl), and acids to enhance buffer capacity, inhibit the indigenous carbon dioxide (CO2)‐ producing microbiota, and decrease the solubility of the gas. The influence of the cover brine formulations tested, on the cucumber fermentation microbiota, biochemistry, CO2 production, and bloating defect was studied using metagenetics, HPLC analysis, a portable gas analyzer and bloater index, respectively. Cover brine supplementation with Ca(OH)2 and acetic acid resulted in complete fermentations with final pH values 0.5 units higher than the un‐supplemented control. Lactic acid production increased by approximately 22%, possibly inducing the observed reduction in the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae by 92%. Ca(OH)2 supplementation also resulted in an increased relative abundance of Leuconostocaceae by 7%, which likely contributed to the observed increment in CO2 levels by 25%. A 50% reduction on acetic acid formation was detected when cover brines were supplemented with Ca(OH)2 and 690 mM (4%) NaCl. No significant difference was observed in bloater index as the result of Ca(OH)2 or NaCl supplementation in cover brines, given that the CO2 levels remained at above the 20 mg/100 mL needed to induce the defect. It is concluded that the modified cover brine formulation containing Ca(OH)2 and NaCl enables the complete conversion of sugars, decreases production of CO2 and levels of Enterobacteriaceae, but insignificantly reduces bloater index.

Practical Application

A cucumber fermentation cover brine containing Ca(OH)2, 0.26% CaCl2, 345 mM (2%) NaCl, and acetic acid to pH 4.7 has a functional combination of ingredients enabling a complete conversion of sugars to lactic acid with reduced production of acetic acid and CO2. It represents a process ready cover brine formulation with the potential to allow the manufacture of cucumber pickles with low salt, enhanced food safety, and reduce environmental impact and water usage. Pilot commercial scale cucumber fermentations brined with such ingredients are to reveal the efficacy of this process ready formulation in the presence of oxygen from air in tanks, as opposed to 3.8 L (1‐US gal) closed jars in the laboratory.
Optimization of Ultrasonic‐Assisted Aqueous Two‐Phase Extraction of Phloridzin from Malus Micromalus Makino with Ethanol/Ammonia Sulfate System
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liu Fang , He Caian , Yu Yueli , Wang Min
Published: November 2017

Application of an aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) coupled with ultrasonic technology for the extraction of phloridzin from Malus micromalus Makino was evaluated and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The ethanol/ammonium sulfate ATPS was selected for detailed investigation, including the phase diagram, effect of phase composition and extract conditions on the partition of phloridzin, and the recycling of ammonium sulfate. In addition, the evaluation of extraction efficiency and the identification of phloridzin were investigated. The optimal partition coefficient (6.55) and recovery (92.86%) of phloridzin were obtained in a system composed of 35% ethanol (w/w) and 16% (NH4)2SO4 (w/w), 51:1 liquid‐to‐solid ratio, and extraction temperature of 36 °C. Comparing with the traditional solvent extraction with respective 35% and 80% ethanol, ultrasonic‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction (UAATPE) strategy had significant advantages with lower ethanol consumption, less impurity of sugar and protein, and higher extracting efficiency of phloridzin. Our result indicated that UAATPE was a valuable method for the extraction and preliminary purification of phloridzin from the fruit of Malus micromalus Makino, which has great potential in the deep processing of Malus micromalus Makino industry to increase these fruits’ additional value and drive the local economic development.
Impact of Air Frying on Cholesterol and Fatty Acids Oxidation in Sardines: Protective Effects of Aromatic Herbs
Authors: Ferreira Fernanda S. , Sampaio Geni R. , Keller Laura M. , Sawaya Alexandra C.H.F. , Chávez Davy W.H. , Torres Elizabeth A.F.S. , Saldanha Tatiana
Published: November 2017

The high temperatures used to fry fish may induce thermo‐oxidation of cholesterol, forming cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). COPs have been associated to coronary heart diseases, atherosclerosis, and other chronic diseases. Air fryers are an alternative thermal process technology to fry foods without oil, and are considered a healthier cooking method. This study is the 1st to evaluate the formation of COPs and the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in air‐fried sardine fillets. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of fresh herbs added as natural antioxidants to sardines subjected to air frying. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.), and a mixture of both herbs (cheiro‐verde) were added in quantities of 0%, 2%, and 4%. Air frying significantly decreased the content of essential PUFAs, and increased the levels of COPs from 61.2 (raw) to 283 μg/g (P < 0.05) in the control samples. However, the use of herbs as natural antioxidants proved to be effective reducing such levels of COPs in most samples. The addition of 4% of cheiro‐verde in air‐fried sardines presented the best protective effect against lipid oxidation.

Practical Application

Fish is an important source of essential lipids. However, oxidized cholesterol products, which are formed during thermal processing, are potential hazards to human health. Air fryers present an alternative thermal process for frying food without oil, and this method of cooking is considered to be more convenient and healthier This study shows that the air frying increased the formation of cholesterol oxidation products and decreased the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in sardine fillets. However, the lipid oxidation is significantly reduced by adding fresh herbs, such as parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.), or a mixture of both herbs (cheiro‐verde) that are natural antioxidants.
Metabolite Profiling of Peppers of Various Colors Reveals Relationships Between Tocopherol, Carotenoid, and Phytosterol Content
Authors: Kim Tae Jin , Choi Jaehyuk , Kim Kil Won , Ahn Soon Kil , Ha Sun‐Hwa , Choi Yongsoo , Park Nam Il , Kim Jae Kwang
Published: November 2017

Peppers are widely consumed in Korea; the varietal development of peppers with increased content of beneficial plant metabolites is, therefore, of considerable interest. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic profile of pepper plants and the factors affecting this profile. To this end, we determined the content of various metabolites, such as hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids in peppers of various colors (green, red, pale green, and violet peppers) and in a high‐pungency (green) pepper. We also performed principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson's correlation analysis, and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) to determine the relationships among these metabolites in peppers. PCA results indicated no significant variances among the 3 sample replicates. The HCA showed correlations between the metabolites resulting from common or closely linked biosynthesis pathways. Our results showed that carotenoids correlated positively with tocopherols and negatively with phytosterols; our findings also indicated a close relationship between the methylerythritol 4‐phosphate and mevalonic acid biosynthesis pathways, providing evidence in favor of an earlier hypothesis regarding crosstalk across the chloroplast membrane. We, thus, demonstrate that metabolic profiling combined with multivariate analysis is a useful tool for analyzing metabolic networks.

Practical Application

A total of 71 metabolites were measured in 5 peppers of different colors. The metabolic profiling with multivariate analysis revealed that tocopherol content had a positive correlation with the carotenoid content and a negative correlation with the phytosterol content. The results of this study may help in breeding programs to produce new germplasm with enhanced nutritional quality.
Differential oxidative stress tolerance of Streptococcus mutans isolates affects competition in an ecological mixed‐species biofilm model
Authors: Liu Yuan , Palmer Sara R. , Chang Hsiaochi , Combs Ashton N. , Burne Robert A. , Koo Hyun
Published: November 2017

Streptococcus mutans strongly influences the development of pathogenic biofilms associated with dental caries. Our understanding of S. mutans behaviour in biofilms is based on a few well‐characterized laboratory strains; however, individual isolates vary widely in genome content and virulence‐associated phenotypes, such as biofilm formation and environmental stress sensitivity. Using an ecological biofilm model, we assessed the impact of co‐cultivation of several S. mutans isolates with Streptococcus oralis and Actinomyces naeslundii on biofilm composition following exposure to sucrose. The laboratory reference strain S. mutans UA159 and clinical isolates Smu44 (most aciduric), Smu56 (altered biofilm formation) and Smu81 (more sensitive to oxidative stress) were used. Our data revealed S. mutans isolates varied in their ability to compete and become dominant in the biofilm after the addition of sucrose, and this difference correlated with sensitivity to H2O2 produced by S. oralis. Smu81 was particularly sensitive to H2O2 and could not compete with S. oralis in mixed‐species biofilm, despite forming robust biofilms on its own. Thus, diminished oxidative stress tolerance in S. mutans isolates can impair their ability to compete in complex biofilms, even in the presence of sucrose, which could influence the progression of a healthy biofilm community to one capable of causing disease.
Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the dominant methanogenic pathway in neotropical tank bromeliad wetlands
Authors: Martinson Guntars O. , Pommerenke Bianca , Brandt Franziska B. , Homeier Jürgen , Burneo Juan I. , Conrad Ralf
Published: November 2017

Several thousands of tank bromeliads per hectare of neotropical forest create a unique wetland ecosystem that emits substantial amounts of CH4. Tank bromeliads growing in the forest canopy (functional type‐II tank bromeliads) were found to emit more CH4 than tank bromeliads growing on the forest floor (functional type‐I tank bromeliads) but the reasons for this difference and the underlying microbial CH4‐cycling processes have not been studied. Therefore, we characterized archaeal communities in bromeliad tanks of the two different functional types in a neotropical montane forest of southern Ecuador using terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and performed tank‐slurry incubations to measure CH4 production potential, stable carbon isotope fractionation and pathway of CH4 formation. The archaeal community composition was dominated by methanogens and differed between bromeliad functional types. Hydrogenotrophic Methanomicrobiales were the dominant methanogens and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was the dominant methanogenic pathway among all bromeliads. The relative abundance of aceticlastic Methanosaetaceae and the relative contribution of aceticlastic methanogenesis increased in type‐I tank bromeliads probably due to more oxic conditions in type‐I than in type‐II bromeliads leading to the previously observed lower in situ CH4 emissions from type‐I tank bromeliads but to higher CH4 production potentials in type‐I tank bromeliad slurries.
Prediction of bleeding and thrombosis by standard biochemical coagulation variables in haematological intensive care patients
Authors: Russell L. , Madsen M. B. , Dahl M. , Kampmann P. , Perner A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

We assessed the value of standard biochemical coagulation parameters in predicting bleeding, thrombosis and mortality in adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with haematological malignancies.

Methods

We screened all patients with acute leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome admitted to a university hospital ICU during 2008–2012. Data were obtained from the clinical chemistry laboratory database and patient files. We graded bleeding according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)‐system within 24‐h, within 5‐days and during the whole ICU stay. We analysed the predictive values of laboratory parameters using multiple logistic regression and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves. As we previously have established that platelet count at admission was associated with bleeding, we focused on International Normalised Ratio (INR), activated pro‐thrombin time (APTT), anti‐thrombin, D‐dimer and fibrinogen, and markers of infection (C‐reactive protein, pro‐calcitonin), kidney function (creatinine) and tissue damage (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)).

Results

We included 116 patients; 66 (57%) had at least one bleeding episode and 11 (9%) patients had at least one thrombotic event. The differences in coagulation values when bleeding compared to baseline values were minor. INR was the only variable we found associated with subsequent bleeding within 24 h from admission to ICU (odds ratio 2.91, 95% CI: 1.01–8.43, P = 0.048). ROC analyses did not show predictive value of any of the other variables with regards to bleeding and none of the variables were associated with thrombosis in adjusted analyses. Increased levels of LDH at admission were associated with increased 7‐day and 30‐day mortality.

Conclusions

Increased INR at admission was associated with a higher rate of bleeding in ICU patients with haematological malignancies. No other biochemical coagulation or other parameter had any association with bleeding, thrombosis or mortality except increased LDH, which at ICU admission was associated with increased 30‐day mortality.
Splenic vessel preservation versus splenic vessel resection in laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Hou Baohua , Xiong Dailan , Chen Sheng , Ma Tingting , Zhang Chuanzhao , Zhou Yu , Yin Zi
Published: November 2017

Background

Laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy for low‐grade malignant pancreas tumours was recently demonstrated and can be performed with splenic vessel preservation (SVP) or splenic vessel resection (SVR). Whether one approach is superior to another is still a matter of debate.

Methods

A systematic literature search (PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index, Springer‐Link and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) was performed. Pooled intra‐ and post‐operative outcomes were evaluated. Stratified and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity between studies and to assess the effects of the study qualities.

Results

A total of six studies were included. There was no significant difference for SVR and SVP in terms of overall post‐operative complications and the pooled odds ratio (OR) was 0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–1.38, I2 = 25%). Meta‐analysis on the pooled outcome of intraoperative operative time and blood loss favoured SVR; the mean differences were 18.64 min (95% CI 6.91–30.37 min, I2 = 21%) and 65.67 mL (95% CI 18.88–112.45 mL, I2 = 48%), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a decrease incidences in perigastric varices (OR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.03–0.18, I2 = 29%) and splenic infarction (OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08–0.32, I2 = 0%) in SVP.

Conclusion

For selected patients who underwent laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy, an increased preference for the SVP technique should be suggested considering its short‐term benefits. However, in case of large tumours that distort and compress vessel course, SVR could be applied with acceptable splenic ischaemia and perigastric varices.