bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online information for parents caring for their premature baby at home: A focus group study and systematic web search
Authors: Alderdice Fiona , Gargan Phyl , McCall Emma , Franck Linda
Published: January 2018

Background

Online resources are a source of information for parents of premature babies when their baby is discharged from hospital.

Objectives

To explore what topics parents deemed important after returning home from hospital with their premature baby and to evaluate the quality of existing websites that provide information for parents post‐discharge.

Methods

In stage 1, 23 parents living in Northern Ireland participated in three focus groups and shared their information and support needs following the discharge of their infant(s). In stage 2, a World Wide Web (WWW) search was conducted using Google, Yahoo and Bing search engines. Websites meeting pre‐specified inclusion criteria were reviewed using two website assessment tools and by calculating a readability score. Website content was compared to the topics identified by parents in the focus groups.

Results

Five overarching topics were identified across the three focus groups: life at home after neonatal care, taking care of our family, taking care of our premature baby, baby's growth and development and help with getting support and advice. Twenty‐nine sites were identified that met the systematic web search inclusion criteria. Fifteen (52%) covered all five topics identified by parents to some extent and 9 (31%) provided current, accurate and relevant information based on the assessment criteria.

Conclusion

Parents reported the need for information and support post‐discharge from hospital. This was not always available to them, and relevant online resources were of varying quality. Listening to parents needs and preferences can facilitate the development of high‐quality, evidence‐based, parent‐centred resources.
Immunohistochemical assessment of the diagnostic utility of PD‐L1: a preliminary analysis of anti‐PD‐L1 antibody (SP142) for lymphoproliferative diseases with tumour and non‐malignant Hodgkin–Reed‐Sternberg (HRS)‐like cells
Authors: Sakakibara Ayako , Kohno Kei , Eladl Ahmed E , Klaisuwan Teerada , Ishikawa Eri , Suzuki Yuka , Shimada Satoko , Nakaguro Masato , Shimoyama Yoshie , Takahara Taishi , Kato Seiichi , Asano Naoko , Nakamura Shigeo , Satou Akira
Published: January 2018

Aims

The programmed death 1 (PD1)/PD1 ligand (PD‐L1) axis plays an important role in tumour cells escape from immune control. PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry is a useful predictor of immunotherapy response, but is still not used widely in the diagnostic setting. Here we describe results using PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry during routine diagnostics in lymphoma.

Methods and results

Ninety‐one lymphoproliferative disease cases sharing tumour and non‐malignant Hodgkin–Reed‐Sternberg (HRS)‐like cells with and without Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) association were investigated by immunohistochemistry for PD‐L1 (clone SP142). PD‐L1 expression was present in more than 5% of tumour or non‐malignant HRS‐like cells in 100% of EBV+ classical (C) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (n = 10) and EBV‐negative nodular sclerosis CHL (n = 8); 40% of EBV+ diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL–NOS) (n = 20); and 4% of nodal peripheral T cell lymphoma of follicular helper T cell type (PTCL‐TFH) (n = 22). In contrast, nodular lymphocyte‐predominant HL (n = 4), lymphocyte‐rich CHL (n = 6), EBV+ hyperplasia (n = 8), plasmablastic lymphoma (n = 3) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (n = 5) seldom exhibited PD‐L1 in their large cells. Assessing PD‐L1 positivity in tumour and non‐malignant large cells was helpful in differentiating between CHL versus nodal PTCL–TFH (P < 0.0001) or EBV+ DLBCL–NOS (P = 0.0052) and between EBV+ DLBCL–NOS versus nodal PTCL‐TFH (P = 0.0052), with PD‐L1 expression indicating the first diagnosis in each of those sets.

Conclusion

Immunohistochemical evaluation of PD‐L1 expression in tumour and non‐malignant HRS‐like large cells may be useful for assessing either immune escape or immunodeficiency in their pathogenesis.
The treatment outcomes and dose de‐escalation of desloratadine up‐dosing in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Choonhakarn Charoen , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn , Julanon Narachai
Published: January 2018

Background

An increase in dosages up to fourfold of second generation antihistamines is recommended for recalcitrant chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). No regimen guidelines about dose de‐escalation, however, are mentioned once the disease is controlled.

Objective

To demonstrate the treatment outcomes and dose reduction in desloratadine assessed using the urticarial activity score over 7 consecutive days.

Methods

Medical records of all patients with CSU treated with desloratadine were collected retrospectively during a period from January 2010 to December 2013.

Results

Sixty‐seven (94.4%) patients had remission of the disease with variable doses of desloratadine. The patients who had CSU concomitant with antithyroid antibodies or high erythrocyte sedimentation rates had a greater tendency not to respond to the standard dose. Once the disease was completely controlled, 67 patients finished the treatment, but 63 (94%) patients had recurrent symptoms. Sixty‐three patients took the same dose that induced the response for a further 4 weeks before stopping or reducing the dose, 41/63 (65.1%), however developed urticaria again. Forty‐one patients took the same dose for a further 8 weeks; only 2/41 (4.9%) patients developed the rash again. The mean follow‐up period after the disease was controlled was 7.5 months.

Conclusion

Most patients need higher than the standard doses to obtain remission. Once the disease is completely controlled, however, maintenance of the same dosage for at least 8 weeks before dose reduction is suggested in order to avoid recurrence of the symptoms.
Grappa quality from the Chianti and Montepulciano areas (Tuscany, Italy): monitoring the leaching of copper from distillation columns
Authors: Tamasi Gabriella , Donati Alessandro , Leone Gemma , Magnani Agnese , Cini Renzo , Macchia Eugenio , Rossi Claudio , Bonechi Claudia
Published: January 2018

The main aim of this work was to evaluate the leaching of copper in grappa from distillation plant that treats Cabernet and Sangiovese marcs (Montepulciano and Chianti, Tuscany). Copper content (determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, AAS) was 1.05 ± 0.03 mg L−1 in industrial distillates (Cabernet marc, 82.3% alcohol, v/v), and 3.7 ± 0.2 μg L−1 in artificial grappa (62.0%, Cabernet) obtained by distilling marc in a laboratory‐scale glassware plant. The artificial grappa distillate was refluxed over copper shavings, and copper content, CCu, was analysed in relation to reflux time and wear of the copper bell. The results showed that CCu trend was almost linear with increasing alcohol concentration and constant reflux time, and vice versa. The ratios of selected volatile components were not influenced by reflux on the shavings.
The influence of agents differentiating HL‐60 cells toward granulocyte‐like cells on their ability to release neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Manda‐Handzlik Aneta , Bystrzycka Weronika , Wachowska Małgorzata , Sieczkowska Sandra , Stelmaszczyk‐Emmel Anna , Demkow Urszula , Ciepiela Olga
Published: January 2018

Studies on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are challenging as neutrophils live shortly and easily become activated. Thus, availability of a cell line model closely resembling the functions of peripheral blood neutrophils would be advantageous. Our purpose was to find a compound that most effectively differentiates human promyelocytic leukemia (HL‐60) cells toward granulocyte‐like cells able to release NETs. HL‐60 cells were differentiated with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF) and stimulated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or calcium ionophore A23187 (CI). Cell differentiation, phagocytosis and calcium influx were analyzed by flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species production and NETs release were measured fluorometrically and analyzed microscopically. LC3‐II accumulation and histone 3 citrullination were analyzed by western blot. ATRA most effectively differentiated HL‐60 cells toward granulocyte‐like cells. ATRA‐dHL‐60 cells released NETs only upon PMA stimulation, DMSO‐dHL‐60 cells only post CI stimulation, while DMF‐dHL‐60 cells formed NETs in response to both stimuli. Oxidative burst was induced in ATRA‐, DMSO‐ and DMF‐dHL‐60 cells post PMA stimulation and only in DMF‐dHL‐60 cells post CI stimulation. Increased histone 3 citrullination was observed in stimulated DMSO‐ and DMF‐, but not in ATRA‐dHL‐60 cells. The calcium influx was diminished in ATRA‐dHL‐60 cells. Significant increase in autophagosomes formation was observed only in PMA‐stimulated DMF‐dHL‐60 cells. Phagocytic index was higher in ATRA‐dHL‐60 cells than in control, DMSO‐ and DMF‐dHL‐60 cells. We conclude that ATRA, DMSO and DMF differentiate HL‐60 in different mechanisms. DMF is the best stimulus for HL‐60 cell differentiation for NETs studies.
Money Following Trust: Evidence from China’s High‐Value Payment System
Authors: Qian Xianhang , Zhang Guangli , Cao Tingqiu
Published: January 2018

This study enriches the economic consequence of trust from the perspective of cash flow. It analyzes the impact of trust on interprovincial cash flow using matching data pertaining to Chinese provincial trust and the high‐value payment system in 2006–2010. It further investigates trust’s effect in different legal protection scenarios to explore the interactive role of formal and informal institutions. The results indicate that trust can significantly promote interprovincial cash flow and it persists after addressing endogeneity concerns and across different methods. However, this effect is only significant or much larger in provinces with less legal protection, indicating the alternative roles played by trust and formal institutions.
Brief report: Exploring the benefits of a peer‐tutored physical education programme among high school students with intellectual disability
Authors: Gobbi Erica , Greguol Márcia , Carraro Attilio
Published: January 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to explore possible benefits of a peer‐tutored physical education programme (PTPE) in comparison with school physical education (SPE) in high school students with intellectual disability.

Method

Nineteen students with intellectual disabilities (15 boys, mean age 17.4 ± 1.7 years) were monitored during three PTPE and three SPE classes. A factorial RM‐ANOVA was used to test differences on objective measured physical activity (PA), enjoyment and exertion during the two conditions, considering participants’ weight condition as independent factor.

Results

During PTPE, participants reported higher light intensity PA, enjoyment and exertion than during SPE. Participants with overweight showed less inactive time and higher light intensity PA during PTPE than during SPE.

Conclusions

The peer‐tutored programme was beneficial for adolescents with intellectual disability, particularly for those in overweight condition. The higher enjoyment found during PTPE may encourage exercise participation of students with intellectual disability.
Maternal sensitivity to distress, attachment and the development of callous‐unemotional traits in young children
Authors: Wright Nicola , Hill Jonathan , Sharp Helen , Pickles Andrew
Published: January 2018

Background

Callous‐unemotional (CU) traits are characterized by a lack of responsiveness to the emotions of others, particularly negative emotions. A parenting environment where the child's own distress emotions are sensitively responded to may help foster the child's ability to respond to the emotions of others. We tested whether maternal sensitivity to distress, and other parenting characteristics, were associated with CU traits over the preschool period, and examined whether this was mediated via infant attachment status.

Method

In an epidemiological cohort, CU traits were assessed at age 2.5, 3.5, and 5.0 years by mother report. Dimensions of parenting were assessed in free play at age 29 weeks in a stratified subsample of 272, and attachment status at 14 months (n = 265). Structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation was used to examine predictions from parenting dimensions and attachment status.

Results

A parenting factor comprised of sensitivity to distress (n = 207), sensitivity to non‐distress, positive regard toward the infant (or warmth), and intrusiveness, predicted child CU traits (p = .023). This effect was accounted for mainly by sensitivity to distress (p = .008) and positive regard (p = .023) which showed a synergistic effect as evidenced by a significant interaction (p = .01). This arose because the combination of low sensitivity to distress and low positive regard created the risk for elevated CU traits. Although sensitivity and positive regard predicted attachment security and disorganization, there were no associations between attachment status and CU traits.

Conclusions

The finding of contributions from both sensitivity to distress and positive regard to reduced CU traits suggests that children's responsiveness to others’ emotions may be increased by their own mothers’ responsiveness to them and their mothers’ warmth. There was no evidence that this was mediated via attachment status. Implications for intervention and future directions are discussed.
Corneal confocal microscopy detects severe small fiber neuropathy in diabetic patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy
Authors: Khan Adnan , Petropoulos Ioannis N , Ponirakis Georgios , Menzies Robert A , Chidiac Omar , Pasquier Jennifer , Abi Khalil Charbel , Talal Talal K , Malik Rayaz A
Published: January 2018

Aims/Introduction

The aim of the present study was to identify the extent of small fiber neuropathy in diabetic patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN).

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 patients with CN were compared with 20 age‐ and diabetes duration‐matched patients with type 2 diabetes and 20 age‐matched control participants. All patients underwent corneal confocal microscopy with quantification of corneal nerve morphology and assessment for vibration perception threshold, and a subset of patients with CN underwent assessment of sudomotor function and neuropathic pain.

Results

In patients with CN compared with type 2 diabetes patients and control participants, there was a significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (14.94 ± 8.23 vs 23.86 ± 7.71, P = 0.004 vs 34.84 ± 9.13, P < 0.001), corneal nerve branch density (18.61 ± 16.7 vs 41.62 ± 22.67, P = 0.032 vs 76.47 ± 38.44, P < 0.001) and corneal nerve fiber length (8.40 ± 4.83 vs 14.87 ± 4.76, P = 0.001 vs 21.24 ± 6.48, P < 0.001), electrochemical skin conductance on the feet (20.57 ± 13.99 vs 61.50 ± 22.26, P < 0.001 vs 76.23 ± 12.01, P < 0.001) and hands (30.86 ± 18.10 vs 61.13 ± 19.14, P = 0.001 vs 68.31 ± 11.96, P < 0.001), and a significant increase in the vibration perception threshold in the feet (38.46 ± 15.10 vs 14.15 ± 10.25, P < 0.001 vs 7.75 ± 4.01, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with diabetes and CN have severe large and particularly small fiber neuropathy.
Development and validation of risk models to predict the 7‐year risk of type 2 diabetes: The Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study
Authors: Hu Huanhuan , Nakagawa Tohru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Honda Toru , Okazaki Hiroko , Uehara Akihiko , Yamamoto Makoto , Miyamoto Toshiaki , Kochi Takeshi , Eguchi Masafumi , Murakami Taizo , Shimizu Makiko , Tomita Kentaro , Nagahama Satsue , Imai Teppei , Nishihara Akiko , Sasaki Naoko , Ogasawara Takayuki , Hori Ai , Nanri Akiko , Akter Shamima , Kuwahara Keisuke , Kashino Ikuko , Kabe Isamu , Mizoue Tetsuya , Sone Tomofumi , Dohi Seitaro ,   the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study Group
Published: January 2018

Aims/Introduction

We previously developed a 3‐year diabetes risk score in the working population. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate flexible risk models that can predict the risk of diabetes for any arbitrary time‐point during 7 years.

Materials and Methods

The participants were 46,198 Japanese employees aged 30–59 years, without diabetes at baseline and with a maximum follow‐up period of 8 years. Incident diabetes was defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. With routine health checkup data (age, sex, abdominal obesity, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension status, dyslipidemia, glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose), we developed non‐invasive and invasive risk models based on the Cox proportional hazards regression model among a random two‐thirds of the participants, and used another one‐third for validation.

Results

The range of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased from 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.72–0.74) for the non‐invasive prediction model to 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.89–0.90) for the invasive prediction model containing dyslipidemia, glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose. The invasive models showed improved integrated discrimination and reclassification performance, as compared with the non‐invasive model. Calibration appeared good between the predicted and observed risks. These models performed well in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The present non‐invasive and invasive models for the prediction of diabetes risk up to 7 years showed fair and excellent performance, respectively. The invasive models can be used to identify high‐risk individuals, who would benefit greatly from lifestyle modification for the prevention or delay of diabetes.
Thinking about complexity in health: A systematic review of the key systems thinking and complexity ideas in health
Authors: Rusoja Evan , Haynie Deson , Sievers Jessica , Mustafee Navonil , Nelson Fred , Reynolds Martin , Sarriot Eric , Swanson Robert Chad , Williams Bob
Published: January 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

As the Sustainable Development Goals are rolled out worldwide, development leaders will be looking to the experiences of the past to improve implementation in the future. Systems thinking and complexity science (ST/CS) propose that health and the health system are composed of dynamic actors constantly evolving in response to each other and their context. While offering practical guidance for steering the next development agenda, there is no consensus as to how these important ideas are discussed in relation to health. This systematic review sought to identify and describe some of the key terms, concepts, and methods in recent ST/CS literature.

Method

Using the search terms “systems thinkin * AND health OR complexity theor* AND health OR complex adaptive system* AND health,” we identified 516 relevant full texts out of 3982 titles across the search period (2002‐2015).

Results

The peak number of articles were published in 2014 (83) with journals specifically focused on medicine/healthcare (265) and particularly the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice (37) representing the largest number by volume. Dynamic/dynamical systems (n = 332), emergence (n = 294), complex adaptive system(s) (n = 270), and interdependent/interconnected (n = 263) were the most common terms with systems dynamic modelling (58) and agent‐based modelling (43) as the most common methods.

Conclusions

The review offered several important conclusions. First, while there was no core ST/CS “canon,” certain terms appeared frequently across the reviewed texts. Second, even as these ideas are gaining traction in academic and practitioner communities, most are concentrated in a few journals. Finally, articles on ST/CS remain largely theoretical illustrating the need for further study and practical application. Given the challenge posed by the next phase of development, gaining a better understanding of ST/CS ideas and their use may lead to improvements in the implementation and practice of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Evaluation of enumeration and MPN prediction methods for Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hait Jennifer , Tallent Sandra , Ferguson Martine
Published: January 2018

Staphylococcal food poisoning is among the most prevalent causes of foodborne intoxication. To monitor the safety and quality of food, rapid and reliable enumeration procedures for Staphylococcus aureus are essential. Here, we assess culture‐based methods for the isolation and enumeration of S. aureus, testing different pre‐enrichment broths, plated media, and the automated TEMPO instrument. We evaluated enumeration of S. aureus in seven different food commodities, including two naturally contaminated foods, at levels ranging between 100 and 1,500 cfu/g of inoculated target and nontarget organisms. Sixty‐four food samples were analyzed. Duplicate test portions of 25 g each were homogenized with 225 ml of Butterfield's phosphate buffer (1:10). Five tube most probable number (MPN) predictions comparing two pre‐enrichment broths, tryptic soy broth containing 10% NaCl and 1% sodium pyruvate (PTSBS) and modified Giolitti and Cantoni (GC) were assessed alongside the TEMPO STA card and the direct plate count method. The direct plate count method using Baird Parker agar and BP with Rabbit Plasma Fibrinogen versus TEMPO STA demonstrated the highest proportion of agreement at 89.19%. The two different pre‐enrichment broths assessed, PTSBS versus GC exhibited the lowest proportion of agreement at 47.5%. The TEMPO STA yielded results in 24 hr versus the current 4‐day PTSBS MPN method for S. aureus, with an 84.62% agreement.

Practical applications

Overall food quality, recalls, and other regulatory decisions are often contingent upon enumeration results. A prompt turnaround time can assist in expediting the release of unadulterated foods, and the swift removal of adulterated foods out of the food supply chain. This is paramount to the microbiology and food safety community who must consider which methods will provide more accurate and timely assessments of food contamination.
Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin with or without peginterferon for the treatment of hepatitis C virus: Results from a phase 3b study in China
Authors: Wei Lai , Xie Qing , Hou Jin Lin , Jia Jidong , Li Wu , Xu Min , Li Jun , Wu Shanming , Cheng Jun , Jiang Jianning , Wang Guiqiang , Yang Yongfeng , Mou Zhuangbo , Gao Zhi Liang , Gong Guozhong , Niu Jun Qi , Hu Peng , Tang Hong , Lin Feng , Dou Xiaoguang , Li Lanjuan , Zhang Lun Li , Nan Yuemin , Massetto Benedetta , Yang Jenny C , Knox Steven J , Kersey Kathryn , German Polina , Mo Hongmei , Jiang Deyuan , Brainard Diana M , Jiang Jiaji , Ning Qin , Duan Zhongping
Published: January 2018

Background and Aim

Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide analog inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B RNA polymerase with pangenotypic potency. This phase 3b study evaluated the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir + ribavirin ± peginterferon in Chinese patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, or 6.

Methods

Patients with genotype 1 or 6 received sofosbuvir + peginterferon/ribavirin for 12 weeks or sofosbuvir + ribavirin for 24 weeks, depending on prior treatment and interferon eligibility. Patients with genotype 2 or 3 received sofosbuvir + ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks, respectively. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12).

Results

Of 389 patients, 42% had genotype 1, 16% genotype 2, 32% genotype 3, and 9% genotype 6. Half were male, 58% were treatment‐naïve, and 15% had cirrhosis. SVR12 rates for patients receiving 12 weeks of sofosbuvir + peginterferon/ribavirin were 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87–98%) for HCV genotype 1 and 97% (95% CI, 84–100%) for genotype 6. SVR12 rates for those receiving sofosbuvir + ribavirin for 24 weeks were 95% (95% CI, 87–99%) for genotype 1, 100% (95% CI, 40–100%) for genotype 6, and 95% (95% CI, 90–98%) for genotype 3. For genotype 2 patients receiving sofosbuvir + ribavirin for 12 weeks, the SVR12 rate was 92% (95% CI, 83–97%). Twenty patients (5%) relapsed. Ten (3%) experienced serious adverse events. Three (< 1%) discontinued treatment because of adverse events, of whom one died because of treatment‐unrelated adverse events.

Conclusions

Sofosbuvir‐based regimens were highly effective and safe in Chinese patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, or 6, suggesting sofosbuvir could serve as the backbone for HCV treatment in China irrespective of genotype.
Non‐invasive assessments for liver fibrosis: The crystal ball we long for
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung
Published: January 2018

Non‐invasive assessment of liver fibrosis has been one of the most rapidly advancing fields in hepatology in the last decade. Progressive liver fibrosis results in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and various liver‐related complications in essentially all chronic liver diseases. Assessment of liver fibrosis allows clinicians to determine the prognosis, need of treatment, disease progression, and response to treatment in patients with chronic liver disease. Liver biopsy has been the gold standard in last few decades and most adopted diagnostic tool in clinical trials. Nonetheless, it is impractical to apply the test in a large number of patients or to do it serially. Hence, various non‐invasive assessments have been developed and adopted in some international management guidelines. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) with transient elastography is one of the most widely validated non‐invasive assessments for liver fibrosis. It is an accurate and reproducible method to predict advanced fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. Using transient elastography, it is possible to perform repeated liver fibrosis assessments on a large number of asymptomatic patients. The key challenge of his tool is the confounding effect of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, such that decrease in LSM may only reflect ALT normalization, hence not accurate enough to indicate regression of liver fibrosis. This may be partially handled by combining LSM with a serum‐based formula, which is independent of ALT such as the Forns index and enhanced liver fibrosis test. An LSM‐based HCC risk score is useful to prioritize patients for HCC surveillance.
Life Cycle Assessment of Aerogel Manufacture on Small and Large Scales: Weighing the Use of Advanced Materials in Oil Spill Remediation
Authors: Karatum Osman , Bhuiya Md Mainul H. , Carroll Mary K. , Anderson Ann M. , Plata Desiree L.
Published: January 2018

Recent studies demonstrated that advanced aerogel composites (Aspen Aerogels® Spaceloft® [SL]) have the potential to transform oil remediation via high oil uptake capacity and selectivity, excellent reusability, and high mechanical strength. Understanding the life cycle environmental impacts of advanced aerogels can enable a more holistic decision‐making process when considering oil recovery technologies following a spill. Here, we perform a cradle‐to‐grave streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 2006 for SL weighed against the conventional oil sorbent material, polyurethane foam. The model included alternative use and disposal scenarios, such as single or multiple uses, and landfill, incinerator, and waste‐to‐energy (WTE) approaches for cleaning 1 cubic meter (m3) of light crude oil. Results showed that the ideal case for SL application was comprised of multiple use and WTE incineration (68% reduction in material use, approximately 7 × 103 megajoules [MJ] of energy recovery from WTE), but SL offered energy and materials savings even when used once and disposed of via traditional means (i.e., landfill). In addition to evaluating these already‐scaled processes, we performed an anticipatory LCA for the laboratory‐scaled aerogel fabrication process that might inform the sustainable design of next‐generation aerogels. In particular, the model compared rapid supercritical extraction (RSCE) with two conventional supercritical extraction methods—alcohol and carbon dioxide supercritical extraction (ASCE and CSCE, respectively)—for silica aerogel monoliths. Our results showed that RSCE yielded a cumulative energy savings of more than 76 × 103 and 100 × 103 MJ for 1 m3 of monolithic silica aerogel manufacturing compared to ASCE and CSCE, respectively.
Molecular genetic identification of isolates of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) from monkeys at Adler Primate Center
Authors: Dogadov Dmitriy I. , Korzaya Lydia I. , Karlsen Anastasia A. , Kyuregyan Karen K.
Published: January 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and genetic variability of hepatitis A virus (HAV) isolates in monkeys born and kept at Adler Primate Center, as well as in imported animals.

Methods

The fecal samples from various species of monkeys (n = 119) were studied using reverse transcription seminested PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

HAV RNA was detected in 2 Macaca mulatta and 1 Macaca fascicularis (3.8%) kept at Adler Primate Center (n = 79) and in 11 (27.5%) Chlorocebus pygerythrus (n = 40) imported from Tanzania. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all HAV strains belonged to simian genotype V, but differed from the prototype genotype V strain (AGM‐27) by 5.4%‐5.5%. Sequences isolated in this study differed by only 0.1%, suggesting a common source of infection.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the asymptomatic circulation of HAV genotype V among the monkeys at Adler Primate Center, and it indicated the significant genetic diversity within this HAV genotype.
Clinical and genetic features of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease 2F and hereditary motor neuropathy 2B in Japan
Authors: Tanabe Hajime , Higuchi Yujiro , Yuan Jun‐Hui , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Yoshimura Akiko , Ishihara Satoshi , Nozuma Satoshi , Okamoto Yuji , Matsuura Eiji , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Mitsui Jun , Takashima Ryotaro , Kokubun Norito , Maeda Kengo , Asano Yuri , Sunami Yoko , Kono Yu , Ishigaki Yasunori , Yanamoto Shosaburo , Fukae Jiro , Kida Hiroshi , Morita Mitsuya , Tsuji Shoji , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Mutations in small heat shock protein beta‐1 (HspB1) have been linked to Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease type 2F and distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 2B. Only four cases with HSPB1 mutations have been reported to date in Japan. In this study between April 2007 and October 2014, we conducted gene panel sequencing in a case series of 1,030 patients with inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPNs) using DNA microarray, targeted resequencing, and whole‐exome sequencing. We identified HSPB1 variants in 1.3% (13 of 1,030) of the patients with IPNs, who exhibited a male predominance. Based on neurological and electrophysiological findings, seven patients were diagnosed with CMT disease type 2F, whereas the remaining six patients were diagnosed with distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 2B. P39L, R127W, S135C, R140G, K141Q, T151I, and P182A mutations identified in 12 patients were described previously, whereas a novel K123* variant with unknown significance was found in 1 patient. Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were detected in 6 of the 13 patients. Our findings suggest that HSPB1 mutations result in two phenotypes of inherited neuropathies and extend the phenotypic spectrum of HSPB1‐related disorders.
The 100 most cited articles on oral cancer
Authors: Pena‐Cristóbal Maite , Diniz‐Freitas Márcio , Monteiro Luis , Diz Dios Pedro , Warnakulasuriya Saman
Published: January 2018

Background

Citations analysis is one of the most widely used bibliometric tools to evaluate the academic importance of a study in a specific area of knowledge. The objective of this study was to identify the 100 most cited articles on oral cancer and to analyse their principal characteristics.

Methods

We performed a literature search in the Web of Science database using the Science Citation Index Expanded tool to determine the number of citations of all articles on oral cancer identified up to 10 August 2017. The 100 most referenced articles were then selected, and the following information was gathered: ranking based on the number of citations; citation density; citations in Scopus; number and names of the authors; language and year of publication; country and institution of origin; financial support; journal of publication, with its impact factor, category and quartile; type of research; evidence level; and area of study.

Results

The number of citations of the 100 articles varied from 1959 to 165, and the number of authors varied from a single author to 23. The oldest article was from 1948, and the most recent was from 2013. All the studies were published in English, the majority (56%) was from the United States, and 80% were published in journals in the first quartile.

Conclusions

The majority of articles were of studies that had received financial support, were published in journals with a high impact factor and were focussed on the aetiology and pathogenesis of oral cancer.
Type‐specific persistence and clearance rates of HPV genotypes in the oral and oropharyngeal mucosa in an HIV/AIDS cohort
Authors: Castillejos‐García Itzel , Ramírez‐Amador Velia A. , Carrillo‐García Adela , García‐Carrancá Alejandro , Lizano Marcela , Anaya‐Saavedra Gabriela
Published: January 2018

Background

Oral high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infections are frequent and persistent among the HIV‐positive population and are associated with an increased risk for head and neck cancer (HNC). In this study, we sought to determine the incidence, persistence and clearance of HPV infections in oral and oropharyngeal samples from HIV/AIDS subjects.

Methods

A longitudinal, observational and analytical study was performed with an ongoing cohort of HIV/AIDS subjects in Mexico City (September 2013‐February 2015). The study was approved by institutional committees, and demographic and clinical data were registered. At the baseline and three‐month visits, oral examinations and cytobrush samples were obtained. DNA was purified, quantified and used to detect an HPV‐L1 gene fragment by nested PCR, using MY09/MY11 and GP5 + /GP6 + primers. HPV DNA products were purified, sequenced and typed according to HPV databases. Risk factors were assessed, and a multivariate modelling approach was used to determine independent effects.

Results

This study included 97 HIV/AIDS individuals (91% men [86.4% of which are men who have sex with men], median age: 36 years, 72.2% under HAART). From the baseline visit, HPV was observed in 55.7% (HR‐HPV: 26.8%; HPV‐18: 24.1%), with a higher HPV‐positive samples for smokers (61.1 vs 32.6%, P = .005). The three‐month overall HPV incidence was 33.9%; type‐specific HPV persistence was 33.3% (HR‐HPV: 13.3%); and 13 of the 33 (39.4%) baseline HPV‐positive individuals cleared the infection (HR‐HPV: 53.8%).

Conclusions

Although HR‐HPV persistence was low, and clearance of the infection was observed in most cases, a close follow‐up is necessary, given the increase in HNC among HIV‐subjects, particularly HPV‐related cancer.
Longitudinal Assessment of Denture Maintenance Needs in an Overdenture Population
Authors: Ettinger Ronald L. , Qian Fang
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the longitudinal denture maintenance needs of a tooth‐supported overdenture population.

Materials and Methods

This prospective cohort study was composed of patients who had received tooth‐supported overdentures from 1974 to 1994 in the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa. There were 272 persons with 662 abutments who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. To simplify analysis and reduce the number of confounding variables, only those participants wearing complete maxillary dentures and opposing complete mandibular overdentures supported by teeth #22 and #27 were included in this analysis. The denture maintenance needs of these participants were identified and related to age, gender, length of time wearing overdentures, number of medications, and denture‐wearing habits. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used for the statistical analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

Of the 91 participants (mean age = 59.5 ± 10.1 years; 63.7% male) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria at baseline, 48.4% took 1 to 3 medications daily, and 84.6% wore their dentures day and night. The percentages of participants who needed one or more of the following denture treatments were: 91.2% denture base adjustments, 76.9% laboratory processed relines, 61.5% denture remakes, 33% laboratory remount and occlusal adjustment, 22% repaired bases, and 19.8% needed denture teeth replaced. Bivariate analyses indicated that participants who were 65 years and older needed more denture adjustments than patients younger than 65 years (p = 0.0343). Participants who had worn overdentures for more than 5 years were more likely to require denture remakes (p = 0.0304). Participants who wore their dentures only during the day were less likely to require repairs (p = 0.0403). Participants who did not take any medications were significantly less likely to require denture base repairs (p = 0.0258). For the 35 participants who returned for recalls at all 4 time points, males were more likely to need denture teeth repaired or replaced (p = 0.0335) and those aged 50 to 64 were more likely to need 2 or more adjustments (p = 0.0311). No overdenture abutments were lost by the participants in this study.

Conclusions

According to the results of this study, age, medication usage, denture‐wearing habits, and age of the overdentures were significant factors associated with denture maintenance needs. Persons wearing overdentures need regular recalls, because they have continuing maintenance needs.
Role of l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/KATP channel signalling pathway in antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol in mice
Authors: Safaripour Sara , Nemati Yasaman , Parvardeh Siavash , Ghafghazi Shiva , Fouladzadeh Anahita , Moghimi Mahsa
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway in analgesic effects of α-terpineol in mice.

Methods

Male NMRI mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with NO precursor (l-arginine, 100 mg/kg), NO synthase inhibitor (l-NAME, 30 mg/kg), NO donor (SNAP, 1 mg/kg), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (methylene blue, 20 mg/kg), PDE inhibitor (sildenafil, 0.5 mg/kg), KATP channel blocker (glibenclamide, 10 mg/kg) and naloxone (2 mg/kg) 20 min before the administration of α-terpineol. The formalin test was performed 20 min after the administration of α-terpineol, and nociceptive responses of mice were recorded during 30 min.

Key findings

A significant and dose-dependent antinociception was produced by α-terpineol (40 and 80 mg/kg) in both the phases of formalin test. The antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol was significantly potentiated by l-arginine in the second phase while significantly antagonized by l-NAME in both phases of formalin test. Also, SNAP and sildenafil non-significantly enhanced—while methylene blue significantly diminished—the antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol in both phases of formalin test. Glibenclamide significantly reversed the α-terpineol-induced antinociception, indicating the involvement of KATP channels in antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol is mediated through l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway.
Effects of S-1-propenylcysteine, a sulfur compound in aged garlic extract, on blood pressure and peripheral circulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Ushijima Mitsuyasu , Takashima Miyuki , Kunimura Kayo , Kodera Yukihiro , Morihara Naoaki , Tamura Koichi
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the antihypertensive effect of S-1-propenylcysteine, a characteristic sulfur compound in aged garlic extract, using a hypertensive rat model.

Methods

The blood pressure and tail blood flow of both spontaneously hypertensive rats and control Wistar Kyoto rats were measured by the tail-cuff method and the noncontact laser Doppler method, respectively, at various times after single oral administration of a test compound for 24 h.

Key findings

Treatment with S-1-propenylcysteine (6.5 mg/kg BW) significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rat approximately 10% at 3 h after administration, and thereafter, the systolic blood pressure gradually returned to the baseline level in 24 h. The effect of S-1-propenylcysteine was dose-dependent and was maximal at the dose of 6.5 mg/kg BW at 3 h. However, the other compounds such as S-allylcysteine and S-allylmercaptocysteine in aged garlic extract were ineffective. In addition, S-1-propenylcysteine had no effect on systolic blood pressure of control Wistar Kyoto rats. Furthermore, S-1-propenylcysteine significantly increased the blood flow at 3 h after administration at the dose of 6.5 mg/kg BW.

Conclusions

S-1-propenylcysteine is a key constituent of aged garlic extract responsible for its antihypertensive effect, and the effect of S-1-propenylcysteine involves the improvement in peripheral circulation.
High-throughput oxidation screen of antibody–drug conjugates by analytical protein A chromatography following IdeS digest
Authors: Buecheler Jakob W , Winzer Matthias , Weber Christian , Gieseler Henning
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Oxidation of protein therapeutics is a major chemical degradation pathway which may impact bioactivity, serum half-life and stability. Therefore, oxidation is a relevant parameter which has to be monitored throughout formulation development. Methods such as HIC, RPLC and LC/MS achieve a separation of oxidized and non-oxidized species by differences in hydrophobicity. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) although are highly more complex due to the heterogeneity in linker, drug, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) and conjugation site. The analytical protein A chromatography can provide a simple and fast alternative to these common methods.

Methods

A miniature analytical protein A chromatography method in combination with an IdeS digest was developed to analyse ADCs. The IdeS digest efficiency of an IgG1 was monitored using SEC-HPLC and non-reducing SDS-PAGE. An antibody-fluorescent dye conjugate was conjugated at different dye-to-antibody ratios as model construct to mimic an ADC.

Key findings

With IdeS, an almost complete digest of a model IgG1 can be achieved (digested protein amount >98%). This enables subsequent analytical protein A chromatography, which consequently eliminates any interference of payload with the stationary phase.

Conclusion

A novel high-throughput method for an interchain cysteine-linked ADC oxidation screens during formulation development was developed.
Development, current applications and future roles of biorelevant two-stage in vitro testing in drug development
Authors: Fiolka Tom , Dressman Jennifer
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Various types of two stage in vitro testing have been used in a number of experimental settings. In addition to its application in quality control and for regulatory purposes, two-stage in vitro testing has also been shown to be a valuable technique to evaluate the supersaturation and precipitation behavior of poorly soluble drugs during drug development.

Key findings

The so-called ‘transfer model’, which is an example of two-stage testing, has provided valuable information about the in vivo performance of poorly soluble, weakly basic drugs by simulating the gastrointestinal drug transit from the stomach into the small intestine with a peristaltic pump. The evolution of the transfer model has resulted in various modifications of the experimental model set-up. Concomitantly, various research groups have developed simplified approaches to two-stage testing to investigate the supersaturation and precipitation behavior of weakly basic drugs without the necessity of using a transfer pump.

Given the diversity among the various two-stage test methods available today, a more harmonized approach needs to be taken to optimize the use of two stage testing at different stages of drug development.
Rapid evolution of a bacterial iron acquisition system
Authors: Chatterjee Anushila , O'Brian Mark R.
Published: January 2018

Under iron limitation, bacteria scavenge ferric (Fe3+) iron bound to siderophores or other chelates from the environment to fulfill their nutritional requirement. In gram‐negative bacteria, the siderophore uptake system prototype consists of an outer membrane transporter, a periplasmic binding protein and a cytoplasmic membrane transporter, each specific for a single ferric siderophore or siderophore family. Here, we show that spontaneous single gain‐of‐function missense mutations in outer membrane transporter genes of Bradyrhizobium japonicum were sufficient to confer on cells the ability to use synthetic or natural iron siderophores, suggesting that selectivity is limited primarily to the outer membrane and can be readily modified. Moreover, growth on natural or synthetic chelators required the cytoplasmic membrane ferrous (Fe2+) iron transporter FeoB, suggesting that iron is both dissociated from the chelate and reduced to the ferrous form within the periplasm prior to cytoplasmic entry. The data suggest rapid adaptation to environmental iron by facile mutation of selective outer membrane transporter genes and by non‐selective uptake components that do not require mutation to accommodate new iron sources.
Warming reduces the cover, richness and evenness of lichen‐dominated biocrusts but promotes moss growth: insights from an 8 yr experiment
Authors: Ladrón de Guevara Mónica , Gozalo Beatriz , Raggio José , Lafuente Angela , Prieto María , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: January 2018

Despite the important role that biocrust communities play in maintaining ecosystem structure and functioning in drylands world‐wide, few studies have evaluated how climate change will affect them.

Using data from an 8‐yr‐old manipulative field experiment located in central Spain, we evaluated how warming, rainfall exclusion and their combination affected the dynamics of biocrust communities in areas that initially had low (< 20%, LIBC plots) and high (> 50%, HIBC plots) biocrust cover.

Warming reduced the richness (35 ± 6%), diversity (25 ± 8%) and cover (82 ± 5%) of biocrusts in HIBC plots. The presence and abundance of mosses increased with warming through time in these plots, although their growth rate was much lower than the rate of lichen death, resulting in a net loss of biocrust cover. On average, warming caused a decrease in the abundance (64 ± 7%) and presence (38 ± 24%) of species in the HIBC plots. Over time, lichens and mosses colonized the LIBC plots, but this process was hampered by warming in the case of lichens.

The observed reductions in the cover and diversity of lichen‐dominated biocrusts with warming will lessen the capacity of drylands such as that studied here to sequester atmospheric CO2 and to provide other key ecosystem services associated to these communities.