bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the added value of digital image analysis of HER2 immunohistochemistry in breast cancer in clinical practice? A study with multiple platforms
Authors: Koopman Timco , Buikema Henk J , Hollema Harry , de Bock Geertruida H , van der Vegt Bert
Published: December 2018

Aims

We aimed to compare digital image analysis (DIA) of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) in breast cancer by two platforms: (i) to validate DIA against standard diagnostics; and (ii) to evaluate the added value of DIA in clinical practice.

Methods and results

HER2 IHC and in‐situ hybridisation (ISH) were performed on 152 consecutive invasive breast carcinomas. IHC scores were determined with DIA using two independent platforms. Manual scoring was performed by two independent observers. HER2 status was considered positive in 3+ and ISH‐positive 2+ cases. HER2 status using DIA was compared to HER2 status with standard diagnostics (manual scoring with ISH in 2+ cases). Interplatform agreement of IHC scores was ‘moderate’ (linear weighted κ = 0.58), agreement between manual scoring and platform A was ‘moderate’ (κ = 0.60) and between manual scoring and platform B ‘almost perfect’ (κ = 0.85). Compared to manual scoring, DIA resulted in a reduction of 2+ cases from 17.1 to 1.3% with platform A and from 17.1 to 15.8% with platform B. However, compared to standard diagnostics, there were three false‐negative cases with DIA using platform A [81.3% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV), 97.8% negative predictive value (NPV)]. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 100% with DIA using platform B.

Conclusions

DIA of HER2 IHC is a valid tool in determining HER2 status in breast carcinoma. Algorithms in different platforms can behave differently, and optimal calibration is essential. In clinical practice, DIA offers an objective alternative to manual scoring, but a reduction in 2+ cases could result in loss of sensitivity.
The pathological challenge of establishing a precise diagnosis for pulmonary tumour thrombotic microangiopathy: identification of new diagnostic criteria
Authors: Sato Naoko , Tasaki Takashi , Noguchi Hirotsugu , Irie Koji , Nakayama Toshiyuki
Published: December 2018

Aims

Pulmonary tumour thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is a fatal disease of patients with cancer that causes progressive pulmonary hypertension (PH). Its pathology is characterised by fibrocellular intimal proliferation and thrombosis caused by tumour emboli in microscopic pulmonary arteries. However, such PTTM‐like lesions often appear incidentally. We sought to identify features that distinguished PTTM from incidental pulmonary tumour emboli, and to gain an overall picture of PTTM morphology in terms of its pathogenesis.

Methods and results

Twenty‐five PTTM cases were classified into two groups: (i) a definite group (n = 14), clinically diagnosed with PH; and (ii) a suspicious group (n = 11) with respiratory symptoms but without a clinical evidence of PH. As a control group, autopsy cases with PTTM‐like lesions lacking progressive respiratory symptoms were selected (n = 7). PTTM‐like lesions in these groups were studied and a diagnostic guide for PTTM formulated as follows: PTTM‐like lesions with >17 affected vessels observed in a 1‐cm2 area of lung specimen, and the absence of pulmonary metastatic nodules. PTTM due to gastric cancers was shown to have a significantly shorter course and larger arterial involvement than cases with non‐gastric cancers. Serial sections revealed a PTTM lesion to be a longitudinal obstruction that accumulated in microscopic pulmonary arteries and that showed a proximal extension via supernumerary arteries.

Conclusion

We suggest novel pathological diagnostic characteristics for PTTM deduced from a study of 25 autopsy cases. This includes PTTM‐like lesions with >17 affected vessels in a 1‐cm2 area of lung specimen and the absence of pulmonary metastatic nodules.
Selection in Border Areas: Profiling Immigrants or Crimmigrants?
Authors: DEKKERS TIM (T.J.M.)
Published: December 2018

Research on profiling in law enforcement focuses mostly on traffic stops and stop and searches in an Anglo‐American context. This article aims to expand this scope by studying profiling practices in migration checks in the Netherlands, aiming to see how migration officers select potential immigrants in the absence of a requirement of reasonable suspicion and how they deal with the legal complexity of the role of race and nationality in the selection process. It does so by employing an elaborate case study of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (RNLM). Findings show that officers are not looking for immigrants in general but focus on a subset of criminal immigrants based on stereotypical perceptions of specific nationalities. While these perceptions could be attributed to the discriminatory beliefs of the individual officers, the present study moves beyond that by documenting how unclear legislation and organisational factors are important to understand how these beliefs come to be and are maintained.
Diagnosis of external root resorption in teeth close and distant to zirconium implants: influence of acquisition parameters and artefacts produced during cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Freitas D. Q. , Nascimento E. H. L. , Vasconcelos T. V. , Noujeim M.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To assess the influence of artefacts, the metal artefact reduction (MAR) tool and kilovoltage (kVp) on the diagnosis of simulated external root resorption (ERR) in teeth close and distant to zirconium implants in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methodology

Cavities (0.62 mm in diameter and 0.19 mm deep) were created in the apical thirds of 12 roots on the buccal, lingual, distal or mesial surface; ten roots served as controls. The roots were randomly positioned in the first and second right and left premolar sockets of a dry human mandible, and a zirconium implant was placed in the socket of the first right molar. A ProMax 3D unit varying kVp (70, 80, or 90 kVp) and with the MAR tool activated or not was used to obtain CBCT scans. Five examiners evaluated all images to determine the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The ROC values and sensitivity were not affected by MAR or artefacts regardless of the distance to the implant (P > 0.05), whilst increasing kVp from 70 to 90 led to a significant increase in these values (P = 0.0202 and 0.0199, respectively). Specificity was not affected by the factors studied (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Amongst the factors studied, only kVp influenced the diagnosis of simulated external root resorption in CBCT images. Increasing kVp from 70 to 90 improved the accuracy in diagnosing the simulated lesions.
Effect of dentine conditioning with phytic acid or etidronic acid on growth factor release, dental pulp stem cell migration and viability
Authors: Deniz Sungur D. , Aksel H. , Ozturk S. , Yılmaz Z. , Ulubayram K.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To investigate the effect of several chelating solutions on transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) release from dentine discs and their subsequent impact on cellular behaviour.

Methodology

Human dentine discs were prepared with a standardized diameter and disinfected using 1.5% NaOCl for 5 min. The dentine discs were then exposed to 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1% phytic acid (IP6), 9% etidronic acid (HEDP) or distilled water (DW). The release of transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) was quantified using ELISA. The proliferation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on the conditioned dentine discs was analysed using an MTT assay, and the cell morphology was observed by SEM. Migration of DPSCs towards the conditioned dentine discs was measured using a Transwell assay. Data for cell proliferation and migration were analysed using two‐way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc test; a Kruskal–Wallis test was used for analysing TGF‐β release.

Results

Both HEDP and IP6 treatment triggered TGF‐β release and cell migration. The greatest TGF‐β release was observed after HEDP treatment as compared with EDTA and DW but there was no significant difference between the groups. In terms of cell migration, HEDP was more effective than EDTA (P < 0.05) whilst IP6 was similar to EDTA. Cell proliferation significantly increased with time after EDTA, DW and IP6 treatment (P < 0.05), whereas HEDP treatment did not induce cell proliferation (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

IP6 and HEDP were effective chelating agents on TGF‐β release, and cell migration was as effective as EDTA.
Two new tools for self‐care in ostomy patients and their informal caregivers: Psychosocial, clinical, and operative aspects
Authors: Villa Giulia , Vellone Ercole , Sciara Simona , Stievano Alessandro , Proietti Maria G. , Manara Duilio F. , Marzo Elisabetta , Pantaleo Giuseppe
Published: December 2018

Stoma patients and their caregivers need to be autonomous in stoma care, but there are few instruments for measuring the level of self‐care. This study aims to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Ostomy Self‐Care Index (OSCI) and the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care in Ostomy Patient Index (CC‐OSCI), from a clinical, operative and psychosocial perspective. A multicentre validation study was conducted on a convenience sample of 468 ostomy patients and 227 caregivers. The signed informed consent forms were obtained before data collection. Tool validation was performed by testing content validity, construct validity, criterion and internal consistency. Two indexes were developed, building on the self‐care theory of chronic illness. For the OSCI, 32 items were developed and grouped into four 5‐point Likert scales: maintenance, monitoring, management and confidence. For the CC‐OSCI, 22 items were developed and grouped into three 5‐point Likert scales: maintenance, monitoring and management. The content validity indexes for the OSCI and CC‐OSCI were 95% and 93%, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis showed appropriate factor loadings (OSCI: min 0.395 to max 0.852; CC‐OSCI: min 0.442 to max 0.841). Criterion validity was established through significant correlation between levels of quality of life, complications, readmissions and self‐care in patients and caregivers. Strong internal consistency was found for the overall index, and within the scales (OSCI: α = 0.975; CC‐OSCI: α = 0.972). The OSCI and CC‐OSCI are valid and reliable indexes. Further studies specifically aimed at predicting the level of self‐care are especially recommended.
Effect of an emotion management programme for patients with schizophrenia: A quasi‐experimental design
Authors: Cho Minju , Jang Sun Joo
Published: December 2018

One of the goals of psychiatric social rehabilitation treatment is to improve patients’ emotion recognition, emotional expression, and empathetic abilities. In this study, we used a quasi‐experimental, nonrandomized design to examine the effect of an emotion management programme on the emotion recognition (emotion attention and emotion clarity), emotional expression (positive expressivity, negative expressivity, and impulse strength), and quality of life (QoL) of a sample of patients with schizophrenia in South Korea. Over eight sessions, we collected data from 56 patients with schizophrenia registered in community mental rehabilitation facilities. After attending the emotion management programme, the emotion recognition, emotional expression, and QoL scores of the experimental group were found to have significantly increased, whereas those of the control group had significantly decreased. Therefore, our findings show that emotion management programmes can be used as nursing interventions to improve the QoL of people with schizophrenia.
Calcium silicate slag reduces drought stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Yang Rui , Howe Julie A. , Golden Bobby R.
Published: December 2018

Silicon has been reported to reduce drought stress on many crops, but limited studies have evaluated this effect with rice using calcium silicate slag from the phosphorus fertilizer industry as a source of Si. A greenhouse study was performed to address this issue. Four slag rates (0, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 mg/kg) and two application methods (surface application and incorporation) were evaluated under two moisture regimes (flood and 50% field capacity) for drought stress mitigation in a mineral soil that is typical for rice production. Slag application significantly elevated plant‐available Si in the soil and Si accumulation in plant tissues, and tended to improve rice shoot and root biomass relative to the untreated control under both flooding and drought stress. Increased carbon isotope discrimination (△13C) and decreased proline in rice leaves subjected to drought stress indicate that this slag may reduce drought stress in rice, which was supported by restoration of foliage density, transpiration, photosynthesis rate and sugar accumulation to at or near flooded levels following the highest slag application. This study supports the usage of calcium silicate slag in rice production as it could improve Si availability and reduce drought stress.
Influence of the organizational environment on challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities: Professionals’ views
Authors: Olivier‐Pijpers Vanessa C. , Cramm Jane M. , Nieboer Anna P.
Published: December 2018

Background

We examined the influence of the organizational environment on challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities to increase understanding of the quality of support services for people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

Twenty‐one professionals and managers from four specialized Dutch disability service organizations were interviewed. Data were analysed with a grounded theory approach, using Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory as a sensitizing frame.

Results

The organizational environment (i.e., vision, values, sufficient resources) is related via the support service (i.e., providing stability, constant awareness) to residents’ challenging behaviour and is also linked directly to challenging behaviour (e.g., living environment, values). Organizations are restricted by national regulations, negative media attention and changing societal values, which negatively influence quality of support.

Conclusions

The creation of a supportive organizational environment for staff, who in turn can provide quality support services to residents with demanding care needs, was found to prevent challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities.
Intracardiac vs transesophageal echocardiography for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Velagapudi Poonam , Turagam Mohit K. , Kolte Dhaval , Khera Sahil , Gupta Tanush , Garg Jalaj , Abbott J. Dawn , George Isaac , Khalique Omar , Vahl Torsten , Nazif Tamim , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Kodali Susheel , Sommer Robert
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is typically performed utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can be a suitable alternative to guide implantation. Given the limited data, we performed a meta‐analysis of all studies that compared ICE vs TEE for percutaneous LAAC.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and major scientific conference sessions for published abstracts and manuscripts until 1 August 2018. Studies reporting clinical outcomes comparing TEE vs ICE for endocardial LAAC in human subjects aged greater than or equal to 18 years were included. Two investigators independently extracted the data and individual quality assessment was performed. The analysis was performed using Cochrane Collaboration software, RevMan 5.3.

Results

Five eligible studies consisting of 1157 patients (ICE‐391 patients and TEE‐766 patients) were included. Four studies were retrospective and one was prospective, nonrandomized. Two studies included Watchman, two included the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug/Amulet device, and one included both devices. There was no significant difference in CHA2DS2VASC or HAS‐BLED scores between both groups. There was no significant difference in acute procedural success between ICE vs TEE (risk ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.04; P = 0.24). There was no significant difference in fluoroscopy time (mean difference [MD], 1.84 minutes; 95% CI, 0.59‐4.27; P = 0.14) and total procedure time (MD, −5.06 minutes; 95% CI, −24.6‐14.4; P = 0.61) between both groups. There was also no significant difference in complications including pericardial tamponade, device embolization, and stroke between both groups.

Conclusion

In our meta‐analysis, ICE was as effective as TEE during percutaneous LAAC.
Predictive factors for residual hypertension following aortic coarctation stenting
Authors: Iriart Xavier , Laïk Jérémy , Cremer Antoine , Martin Claire , Pillois Xavier , Jalal Zakaria , Roubertie François , Thambo Jean‐Benoît
Published: December 2018

Native coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and recoarctation (reCoA) after initial surgical repair are frequently associated with hypertension (HT). Most CoA cases are amenable to transcatheter balloon angioplasty with stent implantation; however, the impact of stenting on arterial blood pressure (BP) is variable. We carried out a retrospective study to identify the predictive factors for residual HT despite optimal endovascular treatment. Patients who had undergone stent implantation for native CoA or reCoA with a pressure gradient of >20 mm Hg between the upper and lower limbs, between 2007 and 2015, were included. The geometry and level of hypoplasia of the aortic arch were determined by non‐invasive imaging, and BP measurements were performed pre‐ and post‐procedure. Thirty consecutive patients (median age: 18.5 years; 76.7% male) were included. Twenty‐three patients had HT before the procedure and 14 (46.7%) had post‐procedural HT despite optimal endovascular treatment. Residual HT post‐stenting was associated with longer stent length and gothic arch geometry. Age and body mass index (BMI) were also associated with residual HT. The pathologic association of abnormal arch geometry and aortic stent placement may lead to a loss of aortic compliance that is further increased by high BMI and older age. Determination of a patient's aortic arch anatomy and clinical profile can assist in defining those at high risk of residual HT despite optimized isthmic stent implantation.
Modeling and thermodynamic properties of soybean cultivar BRS257 hydration
Authors: Borges Cristiane Wing Chong , de Matos Jorge Luiz Mario , Jorge Regina Maria Matos
Published: December 2018

The hydration kinetics were carried out at 30, 40, 50 and 60°C for 510 min. The maximum absorption (389%) was obtained at 50°C after 8 hr and the equilibrium moisture (62.26%) after only 3 hr. The diffusion model exhibited a good fit with to the experimental data R2 > 0.98, p < 4.94% and Def ranged from 0.71 to 2.75 × 10−9 m2/s, demonstrating the dependence of this parameter on temperature. The hydration experiments with colorants indicated a greater water absorption by diffusion at 100 min, the colorant solution reached the center of the grain at 290 min and the equilibrium moisture at 510 min. The SEM analysis showed changes in the conformation of the cells and protein networks. The thermodynamics properties demonstrated that the soybean hydration is associated with exothermic transformations, non spontaneous, temperature sensitive and does not result in a significant increase in the disorder of the system.

Practical applications

The approach presented in this paper is useful for describing the kinetics and the regime of water absorption during hydration. The mathematical modeling and the study of the mechanism of the water absorption by diffusion, shows new approaches to the development of hydration models, contributing to the development and optimization of the industrial process.
Research on the high hydrostatic pressure and microwave combined inactivation process and the application to boiled bamboo shoots
Authors: Yuan Long , Lu Li‐Xin , Koutsimanis Georgios , Ge Changfeng , Johnson Daniel P.
Published: December 2018

A new inactivation process that combined a high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) with a microwave (MV) post‐process was studied. The microbial lethal amount of HHP was increased by 2 log after post‐processed by MV. Inactivation model was then established based on the application of the combined process to bamboo shoots and gained a high accuracy. Variance analysis found that pressure holding time was less significant than other parameters and could be reduced to improve the efficiency. Optimization results showed that HHP of 378 MPa for 3 min combined with MV of 20 W/g for 35 s yielded a 4.33 log microbial reduction in bamboo shoots. Furthermore, within equivalent inactivation strength, the deteriorations of the sensory, texture, and vitamin C of samples treated by the combined process were much fewer than those of samples only treated by MV and were close to those of samples only treated by HHP. Meanwhile, the combined process took less time and had higher efficiency.

Practical applications

HHP treatment alone has limited lethal effect on pressure resistant microorganisms. Furthermore, HHP combined with thermal or chemical agents may lead to nutrient loss and discomfort the customers. Therefore, the development of novel combined processes is important for the food industry. This study shows that HPP‐MV combined process has greater inactivation ability and much higher efficiency compared to HHP or MV processes. Meanwhile, this novel inactivation process is suitable for boiled bamboo shoots with few quality damage and is potential for industrial application.
Possible applications of metal nanoparticles in antimicrobial food packaging
Authors: Dobrucka Renata , Ankiel Magdalena
Published: December 2018

Antimicrobial packaging is an important kind of active packaging that can release antimicrobial substances in order to enhance the quality and safety of food during extended storage. The development of nanotechnology opens the opportunity for innovation in many industrial sectors, including food packaging. Nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties can act as active components when added to a polymer, leading to a prolonged protective function of food packaging material. The main objective of this work was to present the possible applications of metal nanoparticles in antimicrobial food packaging. The subject matter of this work includes a very significant issue of safety of the packaging made with metal nanoparticles.

Practical applications

Metal nanoparticles have become an important part of our environment. They are applied in many areas of life, including packaging. This work presents some examples of using metal nanoparticles in antimicrobial packaging. This solution allows for preserving the quality and, consequently, safety of the packaged product. In addition, the presence of nanoparticles in polymer matrices improves the durability of packaging materials. Also, metal nanoparticles can improve properties of food packaging material.
Differences in dietary composition between infants introduced to complementary foods using Baby‐led weaning and traditional spoon feeding
Authors: Rowan H. , Lee M. , Brown A.
Published: December 2018

Background

Baby‐led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solid foods to infants, which centres around the infant self‐feeding family foods. BLW has grown in popularity over the last 10 years; however, although research is starting to build around the safety and impact of the method, research examining intake is sparse. This is important because concerns have been raised by healthcare providers regarding the nutrient and energy sufficiency of BLW. The present study aimed to invstigate exposure to different food types based on different weaning approaches.

Methods

One hundred and eighty parents completed a 24‐h recall of the foods given to their babies aged 6–12 months. Respondents were split into those following strict BLW, loose BLW and traditional spoon‐feeding. Recalls were examined to ascertain the number of times in 24 h infants were given different types of foods, including iron‐containing foods. The results were then compared between different weaning groups and age groups.

Results

Several significant differences were found between the frequency of foods eaten by different weaning and age groups: in the youngest age group, strict BLW infants were more likely to be exposed to vegetables (P = 0.000) and protein (P = 0.002) than traditionally weaned babies, whereas, at all age groups, the traditionally weaned group had the highest exposure to composite meals. However, no significant differences were found in reported exposure to iron‐containing foods between weaning groups at any age. Maternal age, education and milk feeding method were controlled for throughout the analyses.

Conclusions

The findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggest a BLW approach may be safe and sufficient.
Myeloid cells in cardiovascular organs
Authors: Nahrendorf M.
Published: December 2018

Myeloid cells assume a wide range of phenotypes, some of which are protective against injury and infection whilst others promote cardiovascular disease. This heterogeneity is partially caused by switching of cell sources from local tissue‐resident macrophage proliferation to recruitment of circulating cells, and partially due to macrophages’ phenotypic plasticity. While long‐lived tissue‐resident macrophages support development, tissue homoeostasis and cardiac conduction, monocyte‐derived cells may promote destruction of the arterial wall and the myocardium, leading to organ ischaemia and heart failure. Influencing myeloid cell flux and phenotype shifts emerges as a therapeutic opportunity in many disease areas, including atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke. However, it is currently unclear which cell subsets and drug targets are the most efficient and safest options. Here I review the neutrophil and macrophage supply chain and the cells’ emerging heterogeneity in the setting of atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease.
Melatonin prevents early pituitary dysfunction induced by sucrose‐rich diets
Authors: Mercau María Elisa , Calanni Juan Salvador , Aranda Marcos Luis , Caldareri Lilian Julia , Rosenstein Ruth Estela , Repetto Esteban Martin , Cymeryng Cora Beatriz
Published: December 2018

While physiological levels of glucocorticoids are required to ensure proper functions of the body, consistently high levels may engender several deleterious consequences. We have previously shown an increase in the activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis in rats fed sucrose‐rich diets (SRD). The main goal of this study was to analyze the processes involved in the modulation of the pituitary production of ACTH by SRD, and to test melatonin as a possible therapeutic agent for the prevention of the HPA axis dysfunction. Male Wistar rats were fed standard chow and either SRD (30% sucrose in the drinking water) or plain water for three weeks. Melatonin was administered as subcutaneous pellets. Results showed that SRD treatment induced an increase in systemic ACTH and corticosterone levels and a decrease in melatonin levels. In the pituitary gland, we also detected an increase in the expression levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) that was accompanied by increased levels of: lipoperoxides, nitro‐tyrosine modified proteins, catalase, heme oxygenase‐1, interleukin‐1β mRNA, and by an increase in the tissue number of inflammatory cells (F4/80 and Iba‐1 positive cells). Melatonin treatment prevented all these systemic and pituitary changes as well as the increase in POMC expression induced by incubation of AtT‐20 corticotrophs with conditioned media obtained from stimulated macrophages. In conclusion, stimulation of POMC/ACTH production in rats fed a SRD could involve the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pituitary gland. Melatonin treatment prevented these effects and normalized the activity of the HPA axis.
Dreams Deterred: The Collateral Consequences of Localized Immigration Policies on Undocumented Latinos in Colorado
Authors: Martinez Lisa M. , Ortega Debora M.
Published: December 2018

Recent years have seen a broadening of the scope of immigration enforcement. As a result, immigrants free of criminal convictions, once considered low priorities for enforcement, are increasingly subject to arrest, detention, and removal. At the same time, federal immigration authorities have sought the cooperation of states and localities in the enforcement of immigration laws. While there has been growing scholarly attention paid to the ways in which legal geographies can account for variation in local immigration policies, the long‐term effects of these policies on immigrants themselves are often overlooked. In this article, we use the case of Colorado, one of the first states to pass a “show‐me‐your‐papers” law in 2006, and data from two qualitative studies to highlight the collateral consequences of enhanced immigration enforcement on immigrants’ economic opportunities, emotional health and well‐being, and academic trajectories. We situate our analysis within the crimmigration literature and discuss the implications of our findings in light of the current political climate.
Multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy: Implementation considerations for integration as part of quality services in routine antenatal care. Objectives, results, and conclusions of the meeting
Authors: Garcia‐Casal Maria Nieves , Estevez Diana , De‐Regil Luz Maria
Published: December 2018

Health promotion, screening, diagnosis, and disease prevention are essential services of quality routine antenatal care for pregnant adult and adolescent women. Supplementation programmes in pregnancy, generally implemented in the context of antenatal care services, have had less than optimal results in many countries, generally attributed to limited access, low coverage, and reduced adherence to the recommended regimens and counselling. The World Health Organization Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund and Nutrition International, convened the technical consultation “Multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy: Implementation considerations for successful incorporation into existing programmes.” The objectives of the technical consultation were to (a) examine implementation experiences of micronutrient supplementation interventions in pregnant women, lessons learnt, and best practices; (b) discuss programmatic and technical considerations of interventions on multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnant women in low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries; and (c) identify implementation considerations that can be useful to scaling up efforts by national policymaker and their advisors considering multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnant women as part of existing antenatal care programmes as well as other delivery platforms. The consultation was based on presentations of background papers, case studies, and plenary discussions. Country representatives were asked to discuss the context of micronutrient supplementation for their countries and share implementation challenges they faced. This paper provides the background and rationale of the technical consultation, synopsises the presentations, and provides a summary of the main considerations and conclusions reached during plenary discussions.
Experimentally induced variation in neuroendocrine processes affects male reproductive behaviour, sperm characteristics and social interactions
Authors: Nugent Bridget M. , Stiver Kelly A. , Hofmann Hans A. , Alonzo Suzanne H.
Published: December 2018

While extensive research has focused on how social interactions evolve, the fitness consequences of the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying these interactions have rarely been documented, especially in the wild. Here, we measure how the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying male behaviour affect mating success and sperm competition in the ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus). In this species, males exhibit three alternative reproductive types. “Nesting males” provide parental care, defend territories and form cooperative associations with unrelated “satellites,” who cheat by sneaking fertilizations but help by reducing sperm competition from “sneakers” who do not cooperate or provide care. To measure the fitness consequences of the mechanisms underlying these social interactions, we used “phenotypic engineering” that involved administering an androgen receptor antagonist (flutamide) to wild, free‐living fish. Nesting males treated with flutamide shifted their aggression from sneakers to satellite males and experienced decreased submissiveness by sneaker males (which correlated with decreased nesting male mating success). The preoptic area (POA), a region controlling male reproductive behaviours, exhibited dramatic down‐regulation of androgen receptor (AR) and vasotocin 1a receptor (V1aR) mRNA following experimental manipulation of androgen signalling. We did not find a direct effect of the manipulation on male mating success, paternity or larval production. However, variation in neuroendocrine mechanisms generated by the experimental manipulation was significantly correlated with changes in behaviour and mating success: V1aR expression was negatively correlated with satellite‐directed aggression, and expression of its ligand arginine vasotocin (AVT) was positively correlated with courtship and mating success, thus revealing the potential for sexual selection on these mechanisms.
Dietary nitrate improves muscle microvascular reactivity and lowers blood pressure at rest and during isometric exercise in untreated hypertensives
Authors: Zafeiridis Andreas , Triantafyllou Areti , Papadopoulos Stavros , Koletsos Nikolaos , Touplikioti Panagiota , Zafeiridis Alexandros S. , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Dipla Konstantina , Douma Stella
Published: December 2018

Objective

This double‐blind, cross‐over study examined in drug‐naïve hypertensives the effects of a single dose of dietary nitrate (beetroot juice, BRJ) on (a) office/ambulatory BP and arterial stiffness, (b) muscle microvascular function, and (c) hemodynamic responses and cardiovagal baroreceptor sensitivity (cBRS) at rest and during isometric exercise.

Methods

Eighteen untreated hypertensives (44.0 ± 2.6 years) consumed randomly, a nitrate‐rich (8.1 mmol‐BRJnitrate) and a nitrate‐depleted (BRJplacebo) BRJ. Office BP and pulse wave velocity were assessed before/after BRJ. An occlusion‐reperfusion maneuver with continuous monitoring of muscle oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) and total hemoglobin (tHb), via NIRS, followed. Participants performed submaximal isometric handgrip with beat‐by‐beat monitoring of hemodynamics and cBRS. Ambulatory BP assessment followed.

Results

During reperfusion, following arterial occlusion, the magnitude and rate of muscle microvascular reoxygenation (O2Hb) and red blood cell content (tHb) were higher in BRJnitrate vs BRJplacebo (P < 0.05), suggesting improved microvascular reactivity. Office/ambulatory BP were lower following BRJnitrate vs BRJplacebo (P < 0.05); pulse‐wave‐velocity was not altered. During isometric handgrip, BP and peripheral resistance rise were smaller in BRJnitrate vs BRJplacebo (P < 0.01‐0.05), with no differences in cBRS.

Conclusions

In drug‐naïve hypertensives, a single dose of BRJ induces (a) short‐term reductions in resting/ambulatory BP, (b) acute improvements in muscle microvascular function, and (c) attenuation in BP and peripheral resistance responses during isometric exercise.
Persistent CD‐19 depletion by rituximab is cost‐effective in maintaining remission in calcineurin‐inhibitor dependent podocytopathy
Authors: Ramachandran Raja , Bharati Joyita , Rao Indu , Kashif Ahmed W , Nada Ritambhra , Minz Ranjana , Gupta Krishan L , Kohli Harbir S
Published: December 2018

Aim

A significant proportion of patients with minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are either steroid dependent or steroid resistant, requiring long‐term calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) use. Rituximab has more favourable safety profile. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in CNI‐dependent patients.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted from July 2014 to February 2018. Steroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome or steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (biopsy proven MCD/FSGS), who were CNI dependent were enrolled. Mean age at enrolment was 22.77 ± 7.45 years. All patients received rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2 at entry in the study. CD‐19 levels were monitored monthly and patients having CD‐19 levels >5/μL and/or > 1% received additional low‐dose (100 mg) of rituximab.

Results

A total of 24 patients were followed up for 12 months. At the end of 6 and 12 months, 87.5% and 79.16% of the patients achieved remission, respectively. Eight (33.33%) patients developed relapse. The mean dose of rituximab in the first year was 791 mg. The average cost of rituximab in the first year was 487.17$. Rituximab was well‐tolerated, with mild infusion reactions, respiratory tract infection and oral candidiasis in 5 (20.83%), 5 (20.83%) and 1 (4.17%) patient, respectively.

Conclusions

CD‐19 targeted rituximab is a safe and cost‐effective agent in remission maintenance in adults with CNI dependent. Over three‐fourths of the patients with CNI‐dependent podocytopathy maintain clinical remission with CD‐19 targeted rituximab therapy.
Changes in grain protein and amino acids composition of wheat and rice under short‐term increased [CO2] and temperature of canopy air in a paddy from East China
Authors: Wang Jianqing , Hasegawa Toshihiro , Li Lianqing , Lam Shu Kee , Zhang Xuhui , Liu Xiaoyu , Pan Genxing
Published: December 2018

Projected global climate change is a potential threat for food security. Both rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) and temperatures have significant impacts on crop productivity, but the combined effects on grain quality are not well understood.

We conducted an open‐air field experiment to determine the impacts of elevated [CO2] (E‐[CO2], up to 500 μmol mol−1) and warming (+2°C) on grain yield, protein and amino acid (AAs, acid digests) in a rice–winter wheat rotation system for 2 yr.

E‐[CO2] increased grain yield by 11.3% for wheat and 5.9% for rice, but decreased grain protein concentration by 14.9% for wheat and by 7.0% for rice, although E‐[CO2] slightly increased the ratio of essential to nonessential AAs. With a consistent decline in grain yield, warming decreased protein yield, notably in wheat, despite a smaller increase in protein concentration.

These results indicate that warming could partially negate the negative impact by E‐[CO2] on grain protein concentration at the expense of grain yield; this tradeoff could not fully offset the negative effects of climate change on crop production.
Niche divergence and limits to expansion in the high polyploid Dianthus broteri complex
Authors: López‐Jurado Javier , Mateos‐Naranjo Enrique , Balao Francisco
Published: December 2018

Niche evolution in plant polyploids remains controversial and evidence for alternative patterns has been reported. Using the autopolyploid Dianthus broteri complex (2×, 4×, 6× and 12×) as a model, we aimed to integrate three scenarios – competitive exclusion, recurrent origins of cytotypes and niche filling – into a single framework of polyploid niche evolution. We hypothesized that high polyploids would tend to evolve towards extreme niches when low ploidy cytotypes have nearly filled the niche space.

We used several ecoinformatics and phylogenetic comparative analyses to quantify differences in the ecological niche of each cytotype and to evaluate alternative models of niche evolution.

Each cytotype in this complex occupied a distinct ecological niche. The distributions were mainly constrained by soil characteristics, temperature and drought stress imposed by the Mediterranean climate. Tetraploids had the highest niche breadth and overlap due to their multiple origins, whereas the higher ploidy cytotypes were found in different, restricted, nonoverlapping niches. Niche evolution analyses suggested a scenario with one niche optimum for each ploidy, including the two independent tetraploid lineages.

Our results suggest that the fate of nascent polyploids could not be predicted without accounting for phylogenetic relatedness, recurrent origins or the niche occupied by ancestors.
Buzz pollination: studying bee vibrations on flowers
Authors: Vallejo‐Marín Mario
Published: December 2018

Approximately 6% of flowering plant species possess flowers with anthers that open through small pores or slits. Extracting pollen from this type of specialised flower is achieved most efficiently by vibrating the anthers, a behaviour that has evolved repeatedly among bees. Here I provide a brief overview of the study of vibrations produced by bees and their effects on pollen release. I discuss how bee morphology and behaviour affect the mechanical properties of vibrations, and how floral traits may influence the transmission of those vibrations from the bee to the anther, thus mediating pollen release, and ultimately bee and plant fitness. I suggest that understanding the evolution of buzz pollination requires a study of the biomechanics of bee vibrations and their transmission on flowers.
Playground equipment‐related head injuries requiring hospitalization in children
Authors: Ono Hajime , Sase Taigen , Takasuna Hiroshi , Tanaka Yuichiro
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the circumstances of playground equipment‐related head injuries in children and consider preventive measures based on the associated characteristics.

Methods

The survey period was from February 1988 to January 2017. The study participants were children <15 years of age who had been hospitalized for playground equipment‐related head injury. The following factors were investigated retrospectively: age; sex; fall height; material of the surface under the equipment; mechanism and diagnosis of the head injury; neurological signs at admission; and neurological outcome.

Results

A total of 42 children (median age, 5 years; M/F: 26/16) were treated for head injuries, which involved a slide in 20 cases (47.6%), a swing in 11 (26.2%), a jungle gym in five (11.9%), monkey bars, iron bars, and a trampoline in one each, and unspecified equipment in six (14.3%). Falls ranged from a height of 1.2 to 2.5 m. Most of the falls occurred on hard soil or concrete. Head injuries depended on the age of the child, the injury mechanisms, and the characteristics of the equipment.

Conclusions

The playground equipment‐related head injuries found in the present study involved not only skull fractures and concussions, but also intracranial hemorrhage and surgical cases. Children routinely use playground equipment, so effective strategies to reduce the occurrence of playground equipment‐related head injuries need to be formulated.
Shining Light on the Secreted Luciferases of Marine Copepods: Current Knowledge and Applications
Authors: Markova Svetlana V. , Larionova Marina D. , Vysotski Eugene S.
Published: December 2018

Copepod luciferases—a family of small secretory proteins of 18.4–24.3 kDa, including a signal peptide—are responsible for bright secreted bioluminescence of some marine copepods. The copepod luciferases use coelenterazine as a substrate to produce blue light in a simple oxidation reaction without any additional cofactors. They do not share sequence or structural similarity with other identified bioluminescent proteins including coelenterazine‐dependent Renilla and Oplophorus luciferases. The small size, strong luminescence activity and high stability, including thermostability, make secreted copepod luciferases very attractive candidates as reporter proteins which are particularly useful for nondisruptive reporter assays and for high‐throughput format. The most known and extensively investigated representatives of this family are the first cloned GpLuc and MLuc luciferases from copepods Gaussia princeps and Metridia longa, respectively. Immediately after cloning, these homologous luciferases were successfully applied as bioluminescent reporters in vivo and in vitro, and since then, the scope of their applications continues to grow. This review is an attempt to systemize and critically evaluate the data scattered through numerous articles regarding the main structural features of copepod luciferases, their luminescent and physicochemical properties. We also review the main trends of their application as bioluminescent reporters in cell and molecular biology.
Risk and Quantification: A Linguistic Study
Authors: Boholm Max
Published: December 2018

In risk analysis and research, the concept of risk is often understood quantitatively. For example, risk is commonly defined as the probability of an unwanted event or as its probability multiplied by its consequences. This article addresses (1) to what extent and (2) how the nounriskis actually used quantitatively. Uses of the nounriskare analyzed in four linguistic corpora, both Swedish and English (mostly American English). In total, over 16,000 uses of the nounriskare studied in 14 random (n = 500) or complete samples (wherenranges from 173 to 5,144) of, for example, news and magazine articles, fiction, and websites of government agencies. In contrast to the widespread definition of risk as a quantity, a main finding is that the nounriskis mostly used nonquantitatively. Furthermore, when used quantitatively, the quantification is seldom numerical, instead relying on less precise expressions of quantification, such ashigh riskandincreased risk. The relatively low frequency of quantification in a wide range of language material suggests a quantification bias in many areas of risk theory, that is, overestimation of the importance of quantification in defining the concept of risk. The findings are also discussed in relation to fuzzy‐trace theory. Findings of this study confirm, as suggested by fuzzy‐trace theory, that vague representations are prominent in quantification of risk. The application of the terminology of fuzzy‐trace theory for explaining the patterns of language use are discussed.
Adaptive Design in Surveys and Clinical Trials: Similarities, Differences and Opportunities for Cross-fertilization
Authors: Rosenblum Michael , Miller Peter , Reist Benjamin , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Thieme Michael , Louis Thomas A.
Published: December 2018

Adaptive designs involve preplanned rules for modifying an on-going study based on accruing data. We compare the goals and methods of adaptation for trials and surveys, identify similarities and differences, and make recommendations for what types of adaptive approaches from one domain have high potential to be useful in the other. For example, clinical trials could benefit from recently developed survey methods for monitoring which groups have low response rates and intervening to fix this. Clinical trials may also benefit from more formal identification of the target population, and from using paradata (contextual information collected before or during the collection of actual outcomes) to predict participant compliance and retention and then to intervene to improve these. Surveys could benefit from stopping rules based on information monitoring, applying techniques from sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial designs to improve response rates, prespecifying a formal adaptation protocol and including a data monitoring committee. We conclude with a discussion of the additional information, infrastructure and statistical analysis methods that are needed when conducting adaptive designs, as well as benefits and risks of adaptation.