bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding how older age drives decision‐making and outcome in Immune Thrombocytopenia. A single centre study on 465 adult patients
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Catani Lucia , Auteri Giuseppe , Bartoletti Daniela , Fatica Sofia , Fusco Alessio , Bacchi Reggiani Maria L. , Cavo Michele , Vianelli Nicola
Published: November 2018

We analysed the impact of older age on the management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in 465 adult patients diagnosed between 1995 and 2017 and followed at our institution for a minimum of 12 months. Over a follow‐up of 4248 patient‐years, front‐line corticosteroids therapy was required in 334 patients (71·8%), mainly (85·3%) within 1 year from diagnosis. Need for first‐, second‐ and third‐line therapy was comparable in younger and older (age ≥65 years, n = 154) patients. Older patients presented more frequently with severe haemorrhages, started therapy with a higher platelet count and received lower dose front‐line corticosteroids; thereafter, they were preferentially treated with mild immunosuppressive therapies/thrombopoietin‐receptor agonists. Conversely, younger patients were more frequently treated with rituximab and splenectomy, achieving higher rates of complete responses. Incidence rates of ≥grade 2 complications were: 2·87 (haemorrhages), 1·55 (infections) and 0·66 (thromboses) per 100 patient‐years. Older age (P = 0·01) and active haemorrhages at diagnosis (P = 0·01) significantly predicted grade ≥2 haemorrhages during follow‐up. Older age (P = 0·01), male gender (P = 0·01), and thrombopoietin receptor agonist use (P = 0·02) were significantly associated with a higher probability of thrombosis over time. Older age is a significant driver of diagnostic/therapeutic strategy in ITP resulting in different responses and complications rates.
The Basophil Activation Test reduces the need for a food challenge test in children suspected of IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy
Authors: Ruinemans‐Koerts Janneke , Schmidt‐Hieltjes Yvonne , Jansen Ad , Savelkoul Huub F.J. , Plaisier Annejet , van Setten Petra
Published: November 2018

Background

The gold standard for the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy is the Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Food Challenge (DBPCFC) test. However, disadvantages of the DBPCFC are the potential risk of anaphylactic reactions, the time‐consuming procedure and high costs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) both for the initial diagnosis of cow's milk allergy in children and for the determination of tolerance in children with cow's milk allergy.

Methods

Ninety‐seven BATs and cow's milk‐specific IgE (sIgE) tests were performed in 86 infants/young children, suspected of (persistent) cow's milk allergy, who were qualified for an in‐hospital DBPCFC. The BAT was performed with cow's milk extract and the purified major allergens casein, α‐lactalbumin, β‐lactoglubulin. Basophil activation was determined by CD63 upregulation measured by flow cytometry. The BAT results were compared to the DBPCFC outcomes.

Results

Based on unequivocal DBPCFC and BAT result combinations (80%), the BAT had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (CI: 86%‐100% and 68%‐100%, respectively) in IgE‐sensitized children (41% of the tested children). All non‐IgE‐sensitized children (59%) had a negative DBPCFC and BAT, except for five patients. These latter showed delayed and relatively mild symptoms in the DBPCFC with a negative BAT, supporting a non‐IgE‐mediated allergy in these children.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The BAT seems reliable and cost‐effective to diagnose patients with an IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy. In IgE‐sensitized patients, a BAT might replace a DBPCFC. For non‐IgE‐sensitized patients presenting with mild symptoms, we propose to consider a (double‐blind) extended (time) challenge test at home.
HowMoroccan‐Dutch parents learn in communities of practice:Evaluating a bottom‐up parenting programme
Authors: van Beurden Spark L. , de Haan Mariette , Jongmans Marian J.
Published: November 2018

Research shows that top‐down‐designed parenting programmes do not always meet the needs of postmigration parents. Bottom‐up programmes by migrant organizations hold a promise to fill this gap; however, research about these programmes and appropriate evaluation methodologies is scarce. Drawing upon Wenger's () “communities of practice,” this paper explores an alternative perspective on parenting programme evaluation. Findings are presented from a study looking into social learning processes of postmigration parents who participated in a bottom‐up programme about raising teenagers in urban areas. Using an ethnographically inspired method combined with a preprogramme and postprogramme design, 115 Moroccan‐Dutch mothers and fathers from 15 programme groups participated. Results show that the programme provided a social learning space in which parents used themselves as resources to learn collectively about parenting. Moreover, parents consciously engaged in learning interactions across learning spaces stretched into their social networks. These analyses showed how parents' development of “learning citizenship” (Wenger,) provides us with insight in collective learning dimensions present in a bottom‐up parenting programme, which is often not included in evaluation studies. Implications for practitioners as facilitators of parents' collective learning are presented.
Child's Play? Children and Young People's Resistances to Domestic Violence and Abuse
Authors: Fellin Lisa C. , Callaghan Jane E.M. , Alexander Joanne H. , Mavrou Stavroula , Harrison‐Breed Claire
Published: November 2018

Children and young people's (CYP) space to play can be constrained in families affected by domestic violence and abuse (DVA), potentially impacting their development. Play also has the potential to strengthenCYP's capacity to resist controlling and abusive dynamics in the family. Interviews were conducted with 107CYPaged 8–18, and were analysed using interpretive interactionism. Three themes relevant to children's experiences of play were identified:Play and Coercive Control; Play Re‐makes the World and Play and Relationality. This article highlights the potential for play to enable children to retain a sense of relational connectedness and agency, despite violence and control; we argue for more opportunities for children to play away from the gaze of adults and advocate for more dedicated services for families who experienceDVA.
Receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine optimal fluid management during open colorectal surgery
Authors: Pache B. , Hübner M. , Solà J. , Hahnloser D. , Demartines N. , Grass F.
Published: November 2018

Aim

The present study aimed to analyse fluid management and to define optimal fluid‐related thresholds for elective open colorectal surgery.

Method

A retrospective analysis was made of all consecutive elective open colorectal resections performed in our tertiary centre between May 2011 and May 2017. The main outcomes were postoperative complications [overall (I–V) and severe (IIIB–V) according to the Clavien classification], respiratory complications and postoperative ileus (POI). Critical thresholds regarding perioperative fluid management and postoperative weight gain were identified by using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Independent risk factors for overall complications were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 121 patients who had open operations, 84 (69%) had some complication and 26 (21%) had severe complications. Respiratory complications and POI occurred in 15 (12%) and 46 patients (38%), respectively. The thresholds for intravenous fluids were 3.5 l at postoperative day (POD) 0 [area under ROC curve (AUROC) 0.7 for any 0.69 for respiratory complications] and 3.5 kg weight gain at POD 2 (AUROC 0.82 for respiratory complications). Multivariable analysis revealed weight gain of > 3.5 kg at POD 2 (OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.3–16.6) as a significant risk factor for overall complications. Acute kidney injury was observed in five patients (4%), three (5%) in the group with > 3.5 l at POD 0 and two (3%) in the group with < 3.5 l at POD 0 (P = 0.64). Creatinine increase was transitory and all patients regained baseline levels before discharge.

Conclusion

A weight gain of > 3.5 kg at POD 2 has been identified as the critical threshold for overall and respiratory complications and prolonged length of stay after open elective colorectal surgery.
Fungal colorants in applications – focus on Cortinarius species
Authors: Räisänen Riikka
Published: November 2018

Secondary metabolites in fungi offer an interesting source of bio‐based compounds that could be used as colorants in many applications. From a historical point of view, fungal natural dyes have been used more rarely than plant‐based dyes. This paper investigates the potential of fungal colorants, using Cortinarius species as examples. In our research, fruiting bodies of the fungi Cortinarius sanguineus and Cortinarius semisanguineus were used as sources of anthraquinone dyestuffs. From 10 kg of fresh fruiting bodies, 60 g of anthraquinone powder was obtained, 6% of the dry weight content. The most abundant compounds were emodin, dermocybin and their glucosides, which formed over 90% of the total dyestuff amount. Pure emodin and dermocybin, as well as the crude water extract, were used for the dyeing and printing of natural and synthetic fibres. Conventional mordant techniques and high‐temperature (HT) disperse dye techniques were applied, and light and washing fastness were tested according to International Organization for Standardization standards. Our experiments show that the yields of dye powders extracted from fungi are reasonable compared with the yields of, for example, madder (Rubia tinctorum). Natural anthraquinones produce strong and bright colours on several types of fibres. In particular, for HT disperse dyed polyester, the light and washing fastness properties were excellent. Anthraquinones are common in nature and there are many fungal species which produce them, so there are a variety of possibilities for growing fungi. The use of large‐scale cultures is an interesting perspective for future biocolorant production.
Extraction of polyphenolic substances from bark as natural colorants for wool dyeing
Authors: Fitz‐Binder Christa , Bechtold Thomas
Published: November 2018

In Europe, considerable amounts of bark are available from wood‐processing industries such as forestry and timber production. Polyphenolic components can be collected by hot water extraction. The extracted compounds can then be applied as colorants in textile dyeing operations. In this study, a comparative assessment of four different tree species with regard to their colouristic potential for wool dyeing was performed. Aqueous extracts from alder, ash tree, spruce and oak bark were prepared and analysed for their total phenolic content and ultraviolet (UV) absorption at 360–370 nm. The extracts were used for meta‐mordant dyeing by adding iron sulphate mordant (FeSO4 × 7H2O). For comparison, iron salt‐based dye lakes were prepared and used in dyeing experiments. For each tree species, a specific correlation between the total phenolic content of the dyebath and the colour depth in terms of K/S and CIELab coordinates was observed, both for the aqueous extracts and the dye lakes. Based on this relationship, standardisation and quality control of raw materials and dye lakes can be installed as important stages in the industrialisation of natural colorants from bark. The preparation of concentrated dye lakes permits formation of a concentrated colorant as dye product, which then can be standardised and delivered to textile dyehouses, similar to synthetic dyes. The preparation of dye lakes offers a relevant route towards achieving the commercialisation of bark extracts as natural colorants.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer by sponging miR‐193a‐3p
Authors: Yu Hong‐Mei , Wang Chen , Yuan Zhen , Chen Guang‐Liang , Ye Tao , Yang Bi‐Wei
Published: November 2018

Objectives

LncRNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) participates in the development and progression of multiple malignancies. However, the molecular mechanism by which NEAT1 contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear.

Methods

The association between lncRNA NEAT1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with CRC was analysed by TCGA RNA‐sequencing data. MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell assays and a xenograft tumour model were used to assess the functions of NEAT1. Bioinformatics and spearman correlation analysis were used to identify the NEAT1‐specific binding with miRNAs, and luciferase gene report and RIP assays were performed to confirm the interaction between miR‐193a‐3p (miR‐193a) and NEAT1 in CRC cells.

Results

Upregulation of NEAT1 expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage, poor survival and tumour recurrence in patients with CRC, and acted as an independent prognostic factor for tumour recurrence. Knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation abilities and invasive potential and induced cell apoptosis, but overexpression of NEAT1 reversed these effects. Furthermore, NEAT1 was confirmed to act as a sponge of miR‐193a, and knockdown of NEAT1 attenuated miR‐193a inhibitor‐induced tumour promoting effects and L17RD expression in CRC cells. miR‐193a harboured negative correlation with NEAT1 and IL17RD expression in CRC specimens. In vivo experiment further validated the inhibitory effects of NEAT1 knockdown on xenograft tumour growth.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that lncRNA NEAT1 acts as an oncogenic role in CRC cells by sponging miR‐193a and may represent a potential marker for CRC patients.
Deterministic fate assignment of Müller glia cells in the zebrafish retina suggests a clonal backbone during development
Authors: Rulands Steffen , Iglesias‐Gonzalez Ana Belen , Boije Henrik
Published: November 2018

The optic cup houses multipotent retinal progenitor cells that proliferate and differentiate to form the mature retina, containing five main types of neurons and a single glial cell type, the Müller cell. Progenitors of the zebrafish optic cup generate clones that vary regarding the number and types of neurons, a process we previously showed could be described by stochastic models. Here, we present data indicating that each retinal progenitor cell, in the 24 hrs post‐fertilization optic cup, is predestined to form a single Müller cell. This striking fate assignment of Müller cells reveals a dual nature of retinal lineages where stochastic mechanisms produce variable numbers of neurons while there is a strong deterministic component governing the formation of glia cells. A possible mechanism for this stereotypic fate assignment could be the maintenance of a clonal backbone during retina development, which would be similar to invertebrate and rodent cortical neurogenesis.
Behavioral, neuroendocrine and physiological indicators of the circadian biology of male and female rabbits
Authors: Aguilar‐Roblero Raúl , González‐Mariscal Gabriela
Published: November 2018

Adult rabbits show robust circadian rhythms of: nursing, food and water intake, hard faeces excretion, locomotion, body temperature, blood and intraocular pressure, corticosteroid secretion, and sleep. Control of several circadian rhythms involves a light‐entrained circadian clock and a food‐entrained oscillator. Nursing periodicity, however, relies on a suckling stimulation threshold. Brain structures regulating this activity include the paraventricular nucleus and preoptic area, as determined by lesions and quantification of cFOS‐ and PER1 clock gene‐immunoreactive proteins. Melatonin synthesis in the rabbit pineal gland shows a diurnal rhythm, with highest values at night and lowest ones during the day. In kits the main zeitgeber is milk intake, which synchronizes locomotor activity, body temperature, and corticosterone secretion. Brain regions involved in these effects include the median preoptic nucleus and several olfactory structures. As models for particular human illnesses rabbits have been valuable for studying glaucoma and cardiovascular disease. Circadian variations in intraocular pressure (main risk factor for glaucoma) have been found, with highest values at night, which depend on sympathetic innervation. Rabbits fed a high fat diet develop cholesterol plaques and high blood pressure, as do humans, and such increased fat intake directly modulates cardiovascular homeostasis and circadian patterns, independently of white adipose tissue accumulation. Rabbits have also been useful to investigate the characteristics of sleep across the day and its modulation by infections, cytokines and other endogenous humoral factors. Rabbit circadian biology warrants deeper investigation of the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in regulating most behavioral and physiological rhythms described above.
Pushing attention to one side: Force field adaptation alters neural correlates of orienting and disengagement of spatial attention
Authors: Reuter Eva‐Maria , Mattingley Jason B. , Cunnington Ross , Riek Stephan , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: November 2018

Sensorimotor adaptation to wedge prisms can alter the balance of attention between left and right space in healthy adults, and improve symptoms of spatial neglect after stroke. Here we asked whether the orienting of spatial attention to visual stimuli is affected by a different form of sensorimotor adaptation that involves physical perturbations of arm movement, rather than distortion of visual feedback. Healthy participants performed a cued discrimination task before and after they made reaching movements to a central target. A velocity‐dependent force field pushed the hand aside during each reach, and required participants to apply compensatory forces toward the opposite side. We used event‐related potentials (ERPs) to determine whether electroencephalography (EEG) responses reflecting orienting (cue‐locked N1) and disengagement (target‐locked P1) of spatial attention are affected by adaptation to force fields. After adaptation, the cue‐locked N1 was relatively larger for stimuli presented in the hemispace corresponding to the direction of compensatory hand force. P1 amplitudes evoked by invalidly cued targets presented on the opposite side were reduced. This suggests that force field adaptation boosted attentional orienting responses toward the side of hand forces, and impeded attentional disengagement from that side, mimicking previously reported effects of prism adaptation. Thus, remapping between motor commands and intended movement direction is sufficient to bias ERPs, reflecting changes in the orienting of spatial attention in the absence of visuo‐spatial distortion or visuo‐proprioceptive mismatch. Findings are relevant to theories of how sensorimotor adaptation can modulate attention, and may open new avenues for treatment of spatial neglect.
Evaluation of calibration subsetting and new chemometric methods on the spectral prediction of key soil properties in a data‐limited environment
Authors: Clingensmith C. M. , Grunwald S. , Wani S. P.
Published: November 2018

Few studies have systematically investigated the effects of subsetting strategies on soil modelling or explored the potential of emergent methods from other fields not previously applied to pedometrics. This study considers smallholder agricultural villages in southern India that have been understudied in terms of chemometric modelling intended to support soil health, fertility and management. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the application of visible near‐infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics to predict soil properties in this setting. In addition, this study evaluated the effects of methods of calibration subsetting and new parametric models on the prediction of soil properties. These novel methods were transferred from the genomics field to soil science. Three strategic subsetting methods were used to produce calibration subsets that consider the variation in the soil properties, the spectra and both together; this is in addition to standard random calibration subsetting. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) and two methods from genomics that impose variable reduction were used for modelling; the latter were sparse PLSR (SPLSR) and the heteroscedastic effects model (HEM). Soil samples were collected from two villages and analysed for texture, soil carbon and available macro‐ and micro‐nutrients. The results showed that soil texture and carbon could be predicted moderately to strongly, whereas plant nutrient properties were predicted poorly to moderately. Random subsetting and subsetting by property distribution were more appropriate when spectra varied less overall, whereas subsetting that incorporates variation in spectra and properties improved results when spectral variation increased. The SPLSR and HEM models improved results over PLSR in some cases, or at least maintained prediction strength while using fewer predictors. Subsetting methods improved prediction results in 75% of cases. This study filled an important research gap by systematically studying local subsetting behaviour under different degrees of spectral and attribute variation.

Highlights

Explored new calibration subsetting methods and chemometric models in soil spectral modelling.

Compared the methods and models for 17 soil properties in an understudied area of India.

Random subsetting was not always optimal; subsetting matters and depends on data characteristics.

Sparse models from genomics performed better in 75% of cases than a standard method.
What can we learn from visual and objective assessment of non‐lame and lame horses in straight lines, on the lunge and ridden?
Authors: Greve L. , Dyson S.
Published: November 2018

Traditionally and when using objective gait analysis, horses with and without lameness are most frequently assessed trotting in straight lines in hand. Valuable information can be gained from assessment on the lunge and ridden in walk, trot and canter. No studies have quantified lameness during all aforementioned conditions and gaits at once, despite the rapid recent development in equine gait analysis methods. Objective methodologies, previously confined to gait laboratories, are currently being expanded to field technologies using accelerometers and inertial measurement units (IMUs). This publication aims to describe normal gait and the spectrum of pain‐related gait abnormalities and other musculoskeletal adaptations to pain that can be observed in walk, trot and canter during in hand and ridden assessment in straight lines and on a circle on hard and soft surfaces. In addition, it aims to describe briefly howIMUs have been used and areas for further research in the light of what we know from subjective lameness examinations and what is possible withIMUs.
Evidence for neurogenic inflammation in lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia pathogenic mechanism
Authors: Doche Isabella , Wilcox George L. , Ericson Marna , Valente Neusa S. , Romiti Ricardo , McAdams Brian. D. , Hordinsky Maria K.
Published: November 2018

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are lymphocytic scarring alopecias affecting primarily the scalp. Although both diseases may share some clinical and histopathological features, in the last decade, FFA has become an “epidemic” particularly in Europe, North and South America with unique clinical manifestations compared to LPP, thus, raising the idea that this disease may have a different pathogenesis. Symptoms such as scalp burning, pruritus or pain are usually present in both diseases, suggesting a possible role for nerves and neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of both diseases. Based on some previous studies, neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), have been associated with lipid metabolism and many chronic inflammatory disorders. In this study, we asked if these neuropeptides are associated with LPP and FFA scalp lesions. Alteration in the expression of SP and CGRP in affected and unaffected scalp skin from patients with both diseases was found with examination of sections using immunohistochemical techniques and confocal microscopy. We then quantitatively assessed and compared SP and CGRP expression from control, LPP and FFA scalp biopsies. Although LPP and FFA share similar histopathologic findings, opposite results were found in affected and unaffected scalp in the ELISA tests, suggesting that these diseases may have different pathogenic mechanisms. We also found presence of histopathological inflammation irrespective of evident clinical lesions, which raises the possibility that both diseases may be more generalized processes affecting the scalp.
Stand basal area and solar radiation amplify white spruce climate sensitivity in interior Alaska: Evidence from carbon isotopes and tree rings
Authors: Nicklen Elizabeth Fleur , Roland Carl A. , Csank Adam Z. , Wilmking Martin , Ruess Roger W. , Muldoon Laurel Ann
Published: November 2018

The negative growth response of North American boreal forest trees to warm summers is well documented and the constraint of competition on tree growth widely reported, but the potential interaction between climate and competition in the boreal forest is not well studied. Because competition may amplify or mute tree climate‐growth responses, understanding the role current forest structure plays in tree growth responses to climate is critical in assessing and managing future forest productivity in a warming climate. Using white spruce tree ring and carbon isotope data from a long‐term vegetation monitoring program in Denali National Park and Preserve, we investigated the hypotheses that (a) competition and site moisture characteristics mediate white spruce radial growth response to climate and (b) moisture limitation is the mechanism for reduced growth. We further examined the impact of large reproductive events (mast years) on white spruce radial growth and stomatal regulation. We found that competition and site moisture characteristics mediated white spruce climate‐growth response. The negative radial growth response to warm and dry early‐ to mid‐summer and dry late summer conditions intensified in high competition stands and in areas receiving high potential solar radiation. Discrimination against 13C was reduced in warm, dry summers and further diminished on south‐facing hillslopes and in high competition stands, but was unaffected by climate in open floodplain stands, supporting the hypothesis that competition for moisture limits growth. Finally, during mast years, we found a shift in current year's carbon resources from radial growth to reproduction, reduced 13C discrimination, and increased intrinsic water‐use efficiency. Our findings highlight the importance of temporally variable and confounded factors, such as forest structure and climate, on the observed climate‐growth response of white spruce. Thus, white spruce growth trends and productivity in a warming climate will likely depend on landscape position and current forest structure.
A level‐headed approach to measuring direct oral anticoagulants: A 2‐year retrospective analysis of DOAC levels from a tertiary UK centre
Authors: Denny Nicholas D. R. , Keighley Lynne , Siganporia Zubin , Thachil Jecko , Nash Michael J.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are commonly prescribed and measuring drug levels may be useful in a number of contexts. However, data on DOAC level measurement and their clinical utility in real‐world studies are limited.

Methods

We carried out a 2‐year retrospective cohort study of DOAC levels measured at our institution.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐nine levels measured in 113 patients were included in the final analysis. Our patients had a median age of 69.9. AF was the commonest indication for anticoagulation. Median turnaround time for inpatient levels was 92 minutes. Median FXa inhibitor levels within 6 hours of last dose and following one half‐life were similar to those described previously. However, the range of levels was wider than expected. Importantly, some levels remained in an on therapy range even after 3 half‐lives. There was no correlation between dabigatran level and time from last dose. The reason for request varied with setting; 23 outpatient levels were to monitor drug efficacy, whereas 54 and 43 inpatient levels were collected in the context of bleeding and emergency surgery respectively. 60.3% of levels had an impact on clinical decision making.

Conclusion

Our real‐world study demonstrates that DOAC levels can be performed in a timely manner to influence clinical decision making. In addition, it suggests there is a wide variation in levels such that it can be difficult to predict in the real world. Overall, this supports the wider use of DOAC levels to help guide clinicians in managing patients taking these drugs.
Green tea intake and risk of incident kidney stones: Prospective cohort studies in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese individuals
Authors: Shu Xiang , Cai Hui , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Li Honglan , Lipworth Loren , Miller Nicole L , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Hsi Ryan S
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association between green tea intake and incident stones in two large prospective cohorts.

Methods

We examined self‐reported incident kidney stone risk in the Shanghai Men's Health Study (n = 58 054; baseline age 40–74 years) and the Shanghai Women's Health Study (n = 69 166; baseline age 40–70 years). Information on the stone history and tea intake was collected by in‐person surveys. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for baseline demographic variables, medical history and dietary intakes including non‐tea oxalate from a validated food frequency questionnaire.

Results

During 319 211 and 696 950 person‐years of follow up, respectively, 1202 men and 1451 women reported incident stones. Approximately two‐thirds of men and one‐quarter of women were tea drinkers at baseline, of whom green tea was the primary type consumed (95% in men, 88% in women). Tea drinkers (men: hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.88; women: hazard ratio 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.77–0.98) and specifically green tea drinkers (men: hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.88; women: hazard ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.74–0.95) had lower incident risk than never/former drinkers. Compared with never/former drinkers, a stronger dose–response trend was observed for the amount of dried tea leaf consumed/month by men (hazard ratiohighest category 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.56–0.80, Ptrend < 0.001) than by women (hazard ratiohighest category 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.70–1.08, Ptrend = 0.041).

Conclusions

Green tea intake is associated with a lower risk of incident kidney stones, and the benefit is observed more strongly among men.
Migrant Remittances as a Source of Financing for Entrepreneurship
Authors: Kakhkharov Jakhongir
Published: November 2018

The aim of this research is to analyse the likelihood of small business ownership by households receiving remittances in Uzbekistan. As such, this research has important policy implications. Small businesses are crucial for job creation and economic growth. This research shows that households receiving remittances invest in family business only when this inflow is supplemented with sufficient income or savings. Therefore, financial constraints are of paramount importance for a small business and these could be especially hard to overcome in rural areas. The article also finds evidence that remittance senders direct their funds into special business projects.
The National Laws of Myanmar: Making of Statelessness for the Rohingya
Authors: Parashar Archana , Alam Jobair
Published: November 2018

This article examines the legal status of the Rohingya in Myanmar by analysing relevant constitutional provisions (of 1947, 1974 and 2008) and other major citizenship legislations including the Citizenship Law, 1982. A doctrinal analysis demonstrates that: (i) the earlier Constitutions and laws provided citizenship for the Rohingya (where they were identified as an ethnic minority); and (ii) their status has been changed gradually under the later constitutions and legislations until recently, when they are regarded as neither minority nor citizen and rendered stateless by the law. The role of legislation in disempowering the Rohingya is thus made explicit.
PRBAM: a new tool to analyze the MHC class I and HLA‐DR anchor motifs
Authors: Mestre‐Ferrer Anna , Scholz Erika , Humet‐Alsius Jepi , Alvarez Iñaki
Published: November 2018

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are highly polymorphic, which makes each MHC molecule different regarding their peptide repertoire, so they can bind and present to T lymphocytes. The increasing importance of immunopeptidomics and its use in personalized medicine in different fields such as oncology or autoimmunity demand the correct analysis of the peptide repertoires bound to human leukocyte antigen type 1 (HLA‐I) and HLA‐II molecules. Purification of the peptide pool by affinity chromatography and individual peptide sequencing using mass spectrometry techniques is the standard protocol to define the binding motifs of the different MHC‐I and MHC‐II molecules. The identification of MHC‐I binding motifs is relatively simple, but it is more complicated for MHC‐II. There are some programs that identify the anchor motifs of MHC‐II molecules. However, these programs do not identify the anchor motif correctly for some HLA‐II molecules and some anchor motifs have been deduced using subjective interpretation of the data. Here, we present a new software, called PRBAM (Peptide Repertoire‐Based Anchor Motif) that uses a new algorithm based on the peptide–MHC interactions and, using peptide lists obtained by mass spectrometry sequencing, identifies the binding motif of MHC‐I and HLA‐DR molecules. PRBAM has an easy‐to‐use interface, and the results are presented in graphics, tables and peptide lists. Finally, the fact that PRBAM uses a new algorithm makes it complementary to other existing programs.
Hospitalization following outpatient medical care for influenza: US influenza vaccine effectiveness network, 2011‐12—2015‐16
Authors: Appiah Grace D. , Chung Jessie R. , Flannery Brendan , Havers Fiona P. , Zimmerman Richard K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Monto Arnold S. , Martin Emily T. , Gaglani Manjusha , Murthy Kempapura , Jackson Lisa A. , Jackson Michael L. , McLean Huong Q. , Belongia Edward A. , Fry Alicia M.
Published: November 2018

Over five seasons, we determined the proportion of outpatients with laboratory‐confirmed, influenza‐associated illness who were hospitalized within 30 days following the outpatient visit. Overall, 136 (1.7%) of 7813 influenza‐positive patients were hospitalized a median of 4 days after an outpatient visit. Patients aged ≥ 65 years and those with high‐risk conditions were at increased risk of hospitalization. After controlling for age and high‐risk conditions, vaccination status and infecting influenza virus type were not associated with hospitalization risk among adults.
Measurement tools and intensity of nipple pain among women with or without damaged nipples: A quantitative systematic review
Authors: Coca Kelly Pereira , Amir Lisa H. , Alves Maria dos Remédios da Silva , Barbieri Márcia , Marcacine Karla Oliveira , de Vilhena Abrão Ana Cristina Freitas
Published: November 2018

Aims

To describe and evaluate pain scales used to measure nipple pain in breastfeeding women and to identify nipple pain intensity in women with or without nipple damage.

Background

Nipple pain is one of the most common reasons given for premature cessation of breastfeeding. However, there are no agreed tools to measure pain and no previous reviews have provided summary estimates of pain scores.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS.

Review methods

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The guiding question was: How is nipple pain in breastfeeding women measured and how severe is it? We analysed articles published up to February 2018, excluded review articles and those that did not present the level of nipple pain or tools to estimate pain severity.

Results

A total of 1,023 articles were identified and 25 were included in the review after applying the exclusion criteria. The Numeric Rating Scale (nine studies) and Visual Analogue Scale (seven studies) were the most prevalent tools for measuring pain. Using a pain score between 0–10, women with nipple damage reported a weighted mean of 6.2 in the first week and 5.8 after that period; women without damage reported a weighted mean of 2.7.

Conclusion

Women with nipple damage consistently reported a higher level of pain than women without damage. To prevent premature cessation of breastfeeding, it is important to help new mothers avoid nipple damage.
Gestational age‐dependent gene expression profiling ofATP‐binding cassette transporters in the healthy human placenta
Authors: Imperio Guinever E. , Javam Mohsen , Lye Phetcharawan , Constantinof Andrea , Dunk Caroline E. , Reis Fernando M. , Lye Stephen J. , Gibb William , Matthews Stephen G. , Ortiga‐Carvalho Tania Maria , Bloise Enrrico
Published: November 2018

TheATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters control placental transfer of several nutrients, steroids, immunological factors, chemicals, and drugs at the maternal‐fetal interface. We and others have demonstrated a gestational age‐dependent expression pattern of twoABCtransporters, P‐glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein throughout pregnancy. However, no reports have comprehensively elucidated the expression pattern of all 50ABCproteins, comparing first trimester and term human placentae. We hypothesized that placentalABCtransporters are expressed in a gestational‐age dependent manner in normal human pregnancy. Using the TaqMan®HumanABCTransporter Array, we assessed themRNAexpression of all 50ABCtransporters in first (first trimester, n = 8) and third trimester (term, n = 12) human placentae and validated the resulting expression of selectedABCtransporters usingqPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. A distinct gene expression profile of 30ABCtransporters was observed comparing first trimestervs. term placentae. Using individualqPCRin selected genes, we validated the increased expression ofABCA1(P < 0.01),ABCA6(P < 0.001),ABCA9(P < 0.001) andABCC3(P < 0.001), as well as the decreased expression ofABCB11(P < 0.001) andABCG4(P < 0.01) with advancing gestation. One important lipid transporter,ABCA6, was selected to correlate protein abundance and characterize tissue localization.ABCA6 exhibited increased protein expression towards term and was predominantly localized to syncytiotrophoblast cells. In conclusion, expression patterns of placentalABCtransporters change as a function of gestational age. These changes are likely fundamental to a healthy pregnancy given the critical role that these transporters play in the regulation of steroidogenesis, immunological responses, and placental barrier function and integrity.
Exploring macrophage cell therapy on Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Guiteras Roser , Sola Anna , Flaquer Maria , Manonelles Anna , Hotter Georgina , Cruzado Josep M.
Published: November 2018

Alternatively activated macrophages (M2) have regenerative properties and shown promise as cell therapy in chronic kidney disease. However, M2 plasticity is one of the major hurdles to overcome. Our previous studies showed that genetically modified macrophages stabilized by neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were able to preserve their M2 phenotype. Nowadays, little is known about M2 macrophage effects in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of both bone marrow‐derived M2 (BM‐фM2) and ф‐NGAL macrophages in the db/db mice. Seventeen‐week‐old mice with established DKD were divided into five treatment groups with their controls: D+BM‐фM2; D+ф‐BM; D+ф‐NGAL; D+ф‐RAW; D+SHAM and non‐diabetic (ND) (db/‐ and C57bl/6J) animals. We infused 1 × 106 macrophages twice, at baseline and 2 weeks thereafter. BM‐фM2 did not show any therapeutic effect whereas ф‐NGAL significantly reduced albuminuria and renal fibrosis. The ф‐NGAL therapy increased the anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and reduced some pro‐inflammatory cytokines, reduced the proportion of M1 glomerular macrophages and podocyte loss and was associated with a significant decrease of renal TGF‐β1. Overall, our study provides evidence that ф‐NGAL macrophage cell therapy has a therapeutic effect on DKD probably by modulation of the renal inflammatory response caused by the diabetic milieu.
Preparation and characterization of Ni‐Agx/SBA‐15 and its catalytic properties on the hydrogenation of soybean oil
Authors: Du Jing , Zou Dezhi , Zhao Yue , Chen Jun , Jiang Lianzhou , Liu Tianyi , Yu Dianyu , Li Wenbin , Elfalleh Walid
Published: November 2018

Ni‐Agx/SBA‐15 catalysts with different contents of the silver (Ag) promoter were prepared by the co‐impregnation method using the support of the mesoporous material SBA‐15. The Ni‐Agx/SBA‐15 catalysts were characterized by ICP‐OES, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The activity of the catalysts on hydrogenation of soybean oil was evaluated. The results indicated that all the catalysts retained the hexagonally ordered structure of SBA‐15, the binding force between SBA‐15 and Ni was enhanced by the addition of the Ag promoter, and Ni was well loaded on the surface and the interior of the support that was beneficial to the improvement of catalyst activity. TEM images of the catalysts show that the addition of the silver can promote the dispersion of nickel particles over and inside the mesoporous channels of the SBA‐15 support, and the aggregation of metal nickel particles was decreased. The catalysts of Ra‐Ni (Raney Nickel), Ni/SBA‐15 and Ni‐Agx/SBA‐15 were used in the hydrogenation of soybean oil. The results show that Ni‐Ag0.15/SBA‐15 in hydrogenation processing has higher catalytic activity, and the obtained hydrogenated soybean oil has low trans fatty acids (TFAs) content. The use efficiency of the catalyst decreased to 60% after 8 cycles.

Practical applications

The main objective of this work was to hydrogenate soybean oil. Very encouraging results were obtained with Ni‐Ag0.15/SBA15. This preparation had a higher catalyst activity to obtain low trans fatty acid content. This finding is very valuable for fat and oil processing at the industry level.
Two‐dimensional hydrodynamic modelling for urban flood risk assessment using unmanned aerial vehicle imagery: A case study of Kirsehir, Turkey
Authors: Yalcin Emrah
Published: November 2018

This study is an assessment of flash flood risk in the downstream part of an intermittent stream which lost its natural bed due to intense human interventions, with the example of Hastane Brook in the province of Kirsehir (Turkey). The effects of flooding events with high, medium, and low probability of occurrence are investigated on a street‐by‐street basis with a two‐dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic model constructed in HEC‐RAS 5.0 software. Due to the lack of records of past flood events required for model calibration, it is aimed to utilise high‐quality data as much as possible in model development. Therefore, to more accurately simulate the movement of water and thereby to advise adequate measures for reducing the most likely flood effects, the required high‐resolution terrain and land use data are produced by processing the aerial images acquired by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights over the flood risk zone. The estimation of flood hydrographs is only based on the synthetic unit hydrograph methods due to the absence of representative stream gauging stations inside or near the region. The resultant flood hazard maps are cautionary in terms of demonstrating the effects of possible floods that are unexpected to come from such an intermittent stream basin.
Reduction in grey matter volume and its correlation with clinical symptoms in Chinese boys with low functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Li G. , Rossbach K. , Jiang W. , Zhao L. , Zhang K. , Du Y.
Published: November 2018

Background

Previous studies have reported changes within grey matter (GM) volume in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, little is known about GM volume changes and the relation with symptom severity in Chinese boys with low functioning autism spectrum disorder (LFASD).

Method

GM volume was analysed using SPM 8 and compared between 16 boys with LFASD as well as 16 typically developing (TD) boys (using REST 1.8). Additionally, the correlation between GM volume and clinical symptoms was analysed, using subscales within the Autism Behaviour Checklist (ABC).

Results

The comparison showed a reduced volume of GM in 11 clusters in the boys with LFASD (i.e., the left inferior frontal gyrus, orbital part; right superior temporal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, dorsolateral; precuneus and postcentral; bilateral rectus and middle temporal gyrus) and 1 area with increased GM volume (right caudate) compared to the TD group. Additionally, the GM volume of the left inferior frontal gyrus, orbital part was negatively correlated with the Social subscale score of the ABC (r = −0.765, P = 0.002), and the GM volume of the left Rectus was negatively associated with the Language, Body concept and Self‐care subscale scores and the total score on the ABC(r = −0.624, P = 0.023; r = −0.657, P = 0.011; r = −0.618, P = 0.025; r = −0.625, P = 0.022). Further, the GM volume of the right Caudate was negatively correlated with the Sensory subscale on the ABC (r = −0.593, P = 0.033).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current study's findings display that the GM volume was widely reduced in Chinese boys with LFASD compared to TD boys and negatively correlated with the clinical symptoms, indicating a possible pathological mechanism of LFASD.