bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The visible reflectance spectrum stability and water content resistivity of natural dye coating paint film consisting chlorophyll
Authors: Usop R. , Sulaiman L. , Mazni N.A. , Manah N.S.A. , Anuar N. , Arof A.K. , Abidin Z.H.Z.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the colour stability and water content resistivity of the green colour coating paint film (consisting of chlorophyll) during exposure to ultraviolet A (UV-A).

Design/methodology/approach

The natural green dye was prepared by immersing Cassia alata L. leaves in absolute ethanol. The extract was prepared in two batches of dye samples where one of it was a pure dye and the other was added with 3 Wt. % Cu(NO3)2 as an additive. Polymer blend as a binder was prepared by mixing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and commercial acrylic polyol. The blended polymer was mixed with the natural dye in a specific ratio and applied as coating paint film on glass panel surfaces. The visible spectrum stability (colour stability) and water content resistivity of the coating paint films during exposure to UV-A were monitored.

Findings

Addition of Cu(NO3)2 had improved the colour stability of the coating paint film. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that both coating paint films do not absorb water and are resistive to water content.

Research limitations/implications

The ability of Cu(NO3)2 as an colour stability additive to the natural green dye applied in the coating paint film.

Practical implications

The coating paint film developed in this work is suitable to be applied on glass substrates.

Originality/value

The colour stability of the coating paint film was analysed by using the reflectance spectrum.
How crisis-proof is Islamic finance?
Authors: Baber Hasnan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore Islamic finance’s resilience in times of financial crisis and considers Islamic finance’s viability as an alternative to the current financial system.

Design/methodology/approach

Established on a review of theoretical aspects underlying the notion of Islamic finance being proficient of reducing the harshness of financial crises and a latent solution to financial volatility, this paper assesses actual performance of Islamic and conventional banks during and in the repercussion of the current financial crisis. Interviews were also conducted with managers of Islamic banks.

Findings

The paper concludes that performance of Islamic banks during the global financial crisis is found to be supportive of their argued resilience and consistency. However, the latest financial crisis has brought to light a number of theoretical and realistic issues that challenge Islamic finance and its absorbing capacity against financial crises.

Originality/value

The paper is an original work which suggests about moderating risks and proposing various ways in which the Islamic finance can be made more stable and resilient.
Rapid fabrication of ion optics by selective laser melting
Authors: Sangregorio Miguel , Wang Ningfei , Xie Kan , Zhang Zun , Wang Xiaojun
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Traditional ion optics manufacturing processes are complex and costly. The purpose of this paper is to study the feasibility of using selective laser melting (SLM) to produce additively manufactured ion optics.

Design/methodology/approach

An SLM machine was used to generate Ti6Al4V screen grids. The output was separated through wire cutting from the build platform and studied through a scanning electron microscope. To increase the geometrical accuracy of the original grid, samples consisting of nine-aperture arrays were fabricated with different parameter combinations, increasing the energy density. An empirical method to correlate the energy density applied in the fabrication process with the dimensional accuracy of the hole array positioning was developed through the analysis of multiple samples.

Findings

The SLM machine generated grids with optimal microstructure, the apertures fell within the specified tolerances and tolerances of slightly less than 10 µm can be guaranteed for the hole array positioning. The grids’ upper surfaces presented good-quality surface finish, and the lower surface quality was acceptable when the wire cutting process that separated the grid from the build platform performed slowly. Regardless of the build strategy, the stresses generated in the separation process caused the warping of the ion optic, so a flattening operation was necessary in all cases.

Originality/value

This research proved that SLM is a viable solution for ion optics fabrication, faster (less than 24 h) and less expensive (order of US$300) than traditional fabrication methods (with fabrication times from 24 to more than 400 h and costs from US$500 to US$5,000, depending on the material, size and shape).
Neuregulin‐1 attenuates right ventricular diastolic stiffness in experimental pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Adão Rui , Mendes‐Ferreira Pedro , Maia‐Rocha Carolina , Santos‐Ribeiro Diana , Rodrigues Patrícia Gonçalves , Vidal‐Meireles André , Monteiro‐Pinto Cláudia , Pimentel Luís D. , Falcão‐Pires Inês , De Keulenaer Gilles W. , Leite‐Moreira Adelino F. , Brás‐Silva Carmen
Published: October 2018

We have previously shown that treatment with recombinant human neuregulin‐1 (rhNRG‐1) improves pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced animal model, by decreasing pulmonary arterial remodelling and endothelial dysfunction, as well as by restoring right ventricular (RV) function. Additionally, rhNRG‐1 treatment showed direct myocardial anti‐remodelling effects in a model of pressure loading of the RV without PAH. This work aimed to study the intrinsic cardiac effects of rhNRG‐1 on experimental PAH and RV pressure overload, and more specifically on diastolic stiffness, at both the ventricular and cardiomyocyte level. We studied the effects of chronic rhNRG‐1 treatment on ventricular passive stiffness in RV and LV samples from MCT‐induced PAH animals and in the RV from animals with compensated and decompensated RV hypertrophy, through a mild and severe pulmonary artery banding (PAB). We also measured passive tension in isolated cardiomyocytes and quantified the expression of myocardial remodelling‐associated genes and calcium handling proteins. Chronic rhNRG‐1 treatment decreased passive tension development in RV and LV isolated from animals with MCT‐induced PAH. This decrease was associated with increased phospholamban phosphorylation, and with attenuation of the expression of cardiac maladaptive remodelling markers. Finally, we showed that rhNRG‐1 therapy decreased RV remodelling and cardiomyocyte passive tension development in PAB‐induced RV hypertrophy animals, without compromising cardiac function, pointing to cardiac‐specific effects in both hypertrophy stages. In conclusion, we demonstrated that rhNRG‐1 treatment decreased RV intrinsic diastolic stiffness, through the improvement of calcium handling and cardiac remodelling signalling.
Brachial plexus block of the posterior and the lateral cord using ropivacaine 7.5 mg/mL
Authors: Musso Dario , Klaastad Øivind , Wilsgaard Tom , Ytrebø Lars M.
Published: October 2018

Background

We recently showed that the novel combination of a superficial cervical plexus block, a suprascapular nerve block, and the lateral sagittal infraclavicular brachial plexus block (LSIB) provides an alternative anaesthetic method for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. In this study, we hypothesised that the LSIB dose for this shoulder block could be significantly reduced by injecting only towards the shoulder relevant posterior and lateral cords. Our aim was to determine the minimum effective volume in 50% of the patients (MEV50) and to estimate the MEV95, when using ropivacaine 7.5 mg/mL to block these cords.

Methods

Twenty‐three adult patients scheduled for hand surgery participated in the study. Considering the artery as a clock face with 12 o'clock ventral, the designated volume was injected immediately outside the arterial wall and between 8 and 9 o´clock. The in‐plane technique was used. Block success was assessed 30 minutes after withdrawal of the needle. Successful posterior cord block was defined as anaesthesia or analgesia of the axillary nerve. Successful lateral cord block was defined as either anaesthesia or analgesia, or >50% motor block of the musculocutaneous nerve. MEV50 was determined by the staircase up‐and‐down method. Logistic regression and probit transformation were applied to estimate MEV95.

Results

MEV50 and MEV95 were 7.8 mL [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.3‐8.4] and 9.0 mL (95% CI, 7.8‐10.3), respectively.

Conclusion

For single‐deposit infraclavicular posterior and lateral cord block, the MEV95 of ropivacaine 7.5 mg/mL was estimated to 9.0 mL.
Remote Alcohol Monitoring to Facilitate Incentive‐Based Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Koffarnus Mikhail N. , Bickel Warren K. , Kablinger Anita S.
Published: October 2018

Background

The delivery of monetary incentives contingent on verified abstinence is an effective treatment for alcohol use disorder. However, technological barriers to accurate, frequent biochemical verification of alcohol abstinence have limited the dissemination of this technique.

Methods

In the present randomized parallel trial, we employed a breathalyzer that allows remote, user‐verified collection of a breath alcohol sample, text messaging, and reloadable debit cards for remote delivery of incentives to evaluate a contingency management treatment for alcohol use disorder that can be delivered with no in‐person contact. Treatment‐seeking participants with alcohol use disorder (n = 40) were recruited from the community and randomized to either a contingent or a noncontingent group (n = 20 each). The contingent group received nearly immediate monetary incentives each day they remotely provided negative breathalyzer samples. The noncontingent group received matched monetary payments each day they successfully provided samples independent of alcohol content. Groups were not masked as awareness of group contingencies was an essential intervention component.

Results

The primary outcome of the intent‐to‐treat analyses (analyzed n = 40) was percent days abstinent as measured by the remote breathalyzer samples. Abstinence rates in the contingent group were 85%, which was significantly higher than the 38% recorded in the noncontingent group, corresponding to an odds ratio of 9.4 (95% CI = 4.0 to 22.2). Breathalyzer collection adherence rates were over 95%, and participant ratings of acceptability were also high.

Conclusions

These results support the efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of this remotely deliverable abstinence reinforcement incentive intervention for the initiation and near‐term maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in adults with alcohol use disorder. Due to low provider and participant burden, this procedure has the potential for broad dissemination.
The relationship between childhood adversities and dissociation in severe mental illness: a meta‐analytic review
Authors: Rafiq S. , Campodonico C. , Varese F.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Several studies have observed that dissociative experiences are frequently reported by individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), especially amongst patients that report a history of adverse/traumatic life experiences. This review examined the magnitude and consistency of the relationship between childhood adversity (sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, natural disasters and mass violence) and dissociation across three SMI diagnostic groups: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and personality disorders.

Method

A database search (EMBASE, PubMed and PsycINFO) identified 30 eligible empirical studies, comprising of 2199 clinical participants. Effect sizes representing the relationship between exposure to childhood adversity and dissociation were examined and integrated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

The results indicated that exposure to childhood trauma was associated with heightened dissociation across SMIs. Positive significant associations were also found between specific childhood adversities and dissociation, with aggregated effect sizes in the small‐to‐moderate range.

Conclusion

These findings support calls for the routine assessment of traumatic experiences in clients with SMIs presenting with dissociative symptoms and the provision of adequate therapeutic support (e.g. trauma‐focused therapies) to manage and resolve these difficulties.
No Harm in Checking: Using Factual Manipulation Checks to Assess Attentiveness in Experiments
Authors: Kane John V. , Barabas Jason
Published: October 2018

Manipulation checks are often advisable in experimental studies, yet they rarely appear in practice. This lack of usage may stem from fears of distorting treatment effects and uncertainty regarding which type to use (e.g., instructional manipulation checks [IMCs] or assessments of whether stimuli alter a latent independent variable of interest). Here, we first categorize the main variants and argue that factual manipulation checks (FMCs)—that is, objective questions about key elements of the experiment—can identify individual‐level attentiveness to experimental information and, as a consequence, better enable researchers to diagnose experimental findings. We then find, through four replication studies, little evidence that FMC placement affects treatment effects, and that placing FMCs immediately post‐outcome does not attenuate FMC passage rates. Additionally, FMC and IMC passage rates are only weakly related, suggesting that each technique identifies different sets of attentive subjects. Thus, unlike other methods, FMCs can confirm attentiveness to experimental protocols.
Macular versus nerve fibre layer versus optic nerve head imaging for diagnosing glaucoma at different stages of the disease: Multicenter Italian Glaucoma Imaging Study
Authors: Michelessi Manuele , Riva Ivano , Martini Enrico , Figus Michele , Frezzotti Paolo , Agnifili Luca , Manni Gianluca , Quaranta Luciano , Miglior Stefano , Posarelli Chiara , Fazio Stefano , Oddone Francesco
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of minimum rim width (MRW), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and multilayered macular analysis by Spectralis SD‐OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) in discriminating perimetric glaucoma at different stages of the disease from healthy eyes.

Methods

In this multicentre, prospective, evaluation of diagnostic tests study, multilayered macular analysis and MRW and pRNFL were obtained from one eye of 197 glaucoma (76 early, 68 moderate and 53 advanced) and of 83 healthy controls from the Multicenter Italian Glaucoma Imaging Study (MIGIS). The reference standard for classifying eyes as glaucomatous and for staging the disease was the visual field. The main outcome measures were area under the ROC curve (AUC) and sensitivity at fixed specificity (95%).

Results

Average MRW and average pRNFL showed the highest and similar diagnostic accuracy in both the whole study population (AUC 0.968 and 0.939) and early glaucoma (AUC 0.956 and 0.929). Among the macular parameters, the three innermost retinal layers combined as the Ganglion Cell Complex provided the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.931) in the whole population, which was statistically similar to that of average pRNFL but inferior to that of average MRW. Compared to both average MRW and pRNFL, all macular parameters showed statistically significant lower accuracy in early glaucoma, but accuracy in moderate and advanced glaucoma showed no statistically significant differences among three protocols.

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of MRW, pRNFL and macular analysis by Spectralis SD‐OCT is overall good. MRW and pRNFL analysis performs statistically and clinically better than macular analysis to discriminate early glaucoma from healthy eyes.
Sensitivity and specificity of school nurse screening for hypermetropia and convergence insufficiency exophoria in primary schoolchildren in Denmark
Authors: Nisted Ivan , Maagaard Marianne Ledet , Welinder Lotte
Published: October 2018

Background

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of school nurse screening for hypermetropia and convergence insufficiency exophoria (CIE) in schoolchildren.

Methods

Near point of convergence and distance visual acuity with +2.00D lenses were measured in 2097 children (6–15 years) during standard school nurse screening in the municipality of Randers, Denmark. One hundred and ninety‐four children with positive screening results (near point of convergence >10 cm and/or distance visual acuity improved or maintained with +2.00D) and 182 controls with negative screening results received a full vision assessment, including cycloplegic refraction and orthoptic evaluation.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity of screening was 0.75 and 0.69 for CIE and 0.59 and 0.87 for hypermetropia (≥+2.00), respectively. While precision of screening for CIE was significantly higher for symptomatic children aged 9–15 than for younger and asymptomatic children, precision of screening for hypermetropia was independent of age and presence of visually related symptoms.

Conclusion

While precision of screening for CIE and hypermetropia (>+2.00) was low, additional vision evaluation of children older than 9 years with asthenopic symptoms identified most children with CIE with a low absolute number of false positives.
Platelet releasate promotes skeletal myogenesis by increasing muscle stem cell commitment to differentiation and accelerates muscle regeneration following acute injury
Authors: Scully David , Sfyri Peggy , Verpoorten Sandrine , Papadopoulos Petros , Muñoz‐Turrillas María Carmen , Mitchell Robert , Aburima Ahmed , Patel Ketan , Gutiérrez Laura , Naseem Khalid M. , Matsakas Antonios
Published: October 2018

Aim

The use of platelets as biomaterials has gained intense research interest. However, the mechanisms regarding platelet‐mediated skeletal myogenesis remain to be established. The aim of this study was to determine the role of platelet releasate in skeletal myogenesis and muscle stem cell fate in vitro and ex vivo respectively.

Methods

We analysed the effect of platelet releasate on proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts by means of cell proliferation assays, immunohistochemistry, gene expression and cell bioenergetics. We expanded in vitro findings on single muscle fibres by determining the effect of platelet releasate on murine skeletal muscle stem cells using protein expression profiles for key myogenic regulatory factors.

Results

TRAP6 and collagen used for releasate preparation had a more pronounced effect on myoblast proliferation vs thrombin and sonicated platelets (P < 0.05). In addition, platelet concentration positively correlated with myoblast proliferation. Platelet releasate increased myoblast and muscle stem cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner, which was mitigated by VEGFR and PDGFR inhibition. Inhibition of VEGFR and PDGFR ablated MyoD expression on proliferating muscle stem cells, compromising their commitment to differentiation in muscle fibres (P < 0.001). Platelet releasate was detrimental to myoblast fusion and affected differentiation of myoblasts in a temporal manner. Most importantly, we show that platelet releasate promotes skeletal myogenesis through the PDGF/VEGF‐Cyclin D1‐MyoD‐Scrib‐Myogenin axis and accelerates skeletal muscle regeneration after acute injury.

Conclusion

This study provides novel mechanistic insights on the role of platelet releasate in skeletal myogenesis and set the physiological basis for exploiting platelets as biomaterials in regenerative medicine.
Plasma extracellular nanovesicle (exosome)‐derived biomarkers for drug metabolism pathways: a novel approach to characterize variability in drug exposure
Authors: Rowland Andrew , Ruanglertboon Warit , van Dyk Madelé , Wijayakumara Dhilushi , Wood Linda S. , Meech Robyn , Mackenzie Peter I. , Rodrigues A. David , Marshall Jean‐Claude , Sorich Michael J.
Published: October 2018

Aims

Demonstrate the presence of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) proteins and mRNAs in isolated human plasma exosomes and evaluate the capacity for exosome‐derived biomarkers to characterize variability in CYP3A4 activity.

Methods

The presence of CYP and UGT protein and mRNA in exosomes isolated from human plasma and HepaRG cell culture medium was determined by mass spectrometry and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The concordance between exosome‐derived CYP3A4 biomarkers and midazolam apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was evaluated in a small proof‐of‐concept study involving six genotyped (CYP3A4 *1/*1 and CYP3A5 *3/*3) Caucasian males.

Results

Exosomes isolated from human plasma contained peptides and mRNA originating from CYP 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 2 J2, 3A4 and 3A5, UGT 1A1, 1A3, 1A4, 1A6, 1A9, 2B4, 2B7, 2B10 and 2B15, and NADPH‐cytochrome P450 reductase. Mean (95% confidence interval) exosome‐derived CYP3A4 protein expression pre‐ and post‐rifampicin dosing was 0.24 (0.2–0.28) and 0.42 (0.21–0.65) ng ml–1 exosome concentrate. Mean (95% confidence interval) exosome CYP3A4 mRNA expression pre‐ and post‐rifampicin dosing was 6.0 (1.1–32.7) and 48.3 (11.3–104) × 10–11 2‐ΔΔCt, respectively. R2 values for correlations of exosome‐derived CYP3A4 protein expression, CYP3A4 mRNA expression, and ex vivo CYP3A4 activity with midazolam CL/F were 0.905, 0.787 and 0.832, respectively.

Conclusions

Consistent strong concordance was observed between exosome‐derived CYP3A4 biomarkers and midazolam CL/F. The significance of these results is that CYP3A4 is the drug‐metabolizing enzyme of greatest clinical importance and variability in CYP3A4 activity is poorly described by existing precision dosing strategies.
Venous thromboembolism and women's health
Authors: Speed Victoria , Roberts Lara N. , Patel Jignesh P. , Arya Roopen
Published: October 2018

The prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) poses distinct gender‐specific challenges. Women of childbearing age are at an increased risk of VTE secondary to the transient risk factors of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) and pregnancy. Cancers specific to women are associated with a significant burden of VTE; whilst the incidence of VTE in localised breast cancer is 5 per 1000 person‐years, more cases are seen due to the prevalence of breast cancer. Treatment of VTE in women can be complicated by abnormal uterine bleeding, now increasingly reported with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as well as vitamin K antagonists. Divergence between international guidelines regarding the use of CHC following an oestrogen‐associated VTE and appropriate withdrawal of such contraception requires clarification for clinicians. Additionally, there is uncertainty as to whether to consider such events provoked or unprovoked and, consequently, the optimal duration of treatment in these women remains unclear. During pregnancy and the puerperium, the traditional anticoagulants remain the agents of choice with no further advances in DOAC safety data, and similarly in lactation. Further studies evaluating the safety and optimal treatment strategies in these women are awaited.
The effects of long‐distance migration on the evolution of moult strategies in Western‐Palearctic passerines
Authors: Kiat Yosef , Izhaki Ido , Sapir Nir
Published: October 2018

Although feathers are the unifying characteristic of all birds, our understanding of the causes, mechanisms, patterns and consequences of the feather moult process lags behind that of other major avian life‐history phenomena such as reproduction and long‐distance migration. Migration, which evolved in many species of the temperate and arctic zones, requires high energy expenditure to endure long‐distance journeys. About a third of Western‐Palearctic passerines perform long‐distance migrations of thousands of kilometres each year using various morphological, physiological, biomechanical, behavioural and life‐history adaptations. The need to include the largely non‐overlapping breeding, long‐distance migration and feather moult processes within the annual cycle imposes a substantial constraint on the time over which the moult process can take place. Here, we review four feather‐moult‐related adaptations which, likely due to time constraints, evolved among long‐distance Western‐Palearctic migrants: (i) increased moult speed; (ii) increased overlap between moult and breeding or migration; (iii) decreased extent of plumage moult; and (iv) moult of part or all of the plumage during the over‐wintering period in the tropics rather than in the breeding areas. We suggest that long‐distance migration shaped the evolution of moult strategies and increased the diversity of these strategies among migratory passerines. In contrast to this variation, all resident passerines in the Western Palearctic moult immediately after breeding by renewing the entire plumage of adults and in some species also juveniles, while in other species juvenile moult is partial. We identify important gaps in our current understanding of the moult process that should be addressed in the future. Notably, previous studies suggested that the ancestral moult strategy is a post‐breeding summer moult in the Western Palearctic breeding areas and that moult during the winter evolved due to the scheduling of long‐distance migration immediately after breeding. We offer an alternative hypothesis based on the notion of southern ancestry, proposing that the ancestral moult strategy was a complete moult during the ‘northern winter’ in the Afro‐tropical region in these species, for both adults and juveniles. An important aspect of the observed variation in moult strategies relates to their control mechanisms and we suggest that there is insufficient knowledge regarding the physiological mechanisms that are involved, and whether they are genetically fixed or shaped by environmental factors. Finally, research effort is needed on how global climate changes may influence avian annual routines by altering the scheduling of major processes such as long‐distance migration and feather moult.
Caries reporting in studies that used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System: A scoping review
Authors: ElSalhy Mohamed , Ali Ussama , Lai Hollis , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Amin Maryam
Published: October 2018

Objective

To explore how caries was reported in studies that employed the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).

Methods

A systematic database search up to August 2017 was carried out using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane library and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. Only studies that used the ICDAS for dental caries examinations were included. Studies were excluded if the examination was done only for the validation or the calibration of the ICDAS and/or if the examination was not done for the whole dentition. Measures used to report caries were considered.

Results

A total of 126 papers met the inclusion criteria. Forty‐four different synthesis measures were used to report caries. Most of the studies used a combination of multiple measures to report patient's caries level. These reporting measures cluster into four main groups: the number of individual ICDAS scores (ie, total counts of every score); the number of decayed surfaces/teeth (ie, total counts of combined caries scores for surfaces or teeth); measures of caries experience (ie, total counts of combined caries scores, filled and/or missing surfaces or teeth); and measures of central tendency and dispersion. The number of decayed surfaces and individual ICDAS scores were the most commonly used measures. Three studies used mean ICDAS score (ie, total ICDAS scores divided by the number of teeth), two used mean ICDAS score of carious teeth (ie, total ICDAS scores divided by the number of carious teeth) and two used the maximum ICDAS score (ie, highest ICDAS score recorded). The total ICDAS score was used only once. Many studies synthesized from the ICDAS the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth/surfaces (dmft/DMFT, dmfs/DMFS) as a measure of caries experience.

Conclusions

There are variations among studies in the utilization of the system to summarize caries. Most studies presented caries data using the categorical characteristics of the ICDAS.
Development of a novel risk prediction and risk stratification score for polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Deshmukh Harshal , Papageorgiou Maria , Kilpatrick Eric S. , Atkin Stephen L. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a simple phenotypic algorithm that can capture the underlying clinical and hormonal abnormalities to help in the diagnosis and risk stratification of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

The study consisted of 111 women with PCOS fulfilling the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria and 67 women without PCOS. A Firth's penalized logistic regression model was used for independent variable section. Model optimism, discrimination and calibration were assessed using bootstrapping, area under the curve (AUC) and Hosmer‐Lemeshow statistics, respectively. The prognostic index (PI) and risk score for developing PCOS were calculated using independent variables from the regression model.

Results

Firth penalized logistic regression model with backward selection identified four independent predictors of PCOS namely free androgen index [β 0.30 (0.12), P = 0.008], 17‐OHP [β = 0.20 (0.01), P = 0.026], anti‐mullerian hormone [AMH; β = 0.04 (0.01) P < 0.0001] and waist circumference [β = 0.08 (0.02), P < 0.0001]. The model estimates indicated high internal validity (minimal optimism on 1000‐fold bootstrapping), good discrimination ability (bias corrected c‐statistic = 0.90) and good calibration (Hosmer‐Lemeshow χ2 = 3.7865). PCOS women with a high‐risk score (q1 + q2 + q3 vs q4) presented with a worse metabolic profile characterized by a higher 2‐hour glucose (P = 0.01), insulin (P = 0.0003), triglycerides (P = 0.0005), C‐reactive protein (P < 0.0001) and low HDL‐cholesterol (P = 0.02) as compared to those with lower risk score for PCOS.

Conclusions

We propose a simple four‐variable model, which captures the underlying clinical and hormonal abnormalities in PCOS and can be used for diagnosis and metabolic risk stratification in women with PCOS.
The grand challenges of migration ecology that radar aeroecology can help answer
Authors: Bauer Silke , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , Nilsson Cecilia , Farnsworth Andrew , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Reynolds Don R. , Dokter Adriaan M. , Krauel Jennifer F. , Petterson Lars B. , Horton Kyle G. , Chapman Jason W.
Published: October 2018

Many migratory species have experienced substantial declines that resulted from rapid and massive expansions of human structures and activities, habitat alterations and climate change. Migrants are also recognized as an integral component of biodiversity and provide a multitude of services and disservices that are relevant to human agriculture, economy and health. The plethora of recently published studies reflects the need for better fundamental knowledge on migrations and for better management of their ecological and human‐relevant effects. Yet, where are we in providing answers to fundamental questions and societal challenges?

Engaging a broad network of researchers worldwide, we used a horizon‐scan approach to identify the most important challenges which need to be overcome in order to gain a fuller understanding of migration ecology, and which could be addressed using radar aeroecological and macroecological approaches. The top challenges include both long‐standing and novel topics, ranging from fundamental information on migration routes and phenology, orientation and navigation strategies, and the multitude of effects migrants may have on resident communities, to societal challenges, such as protecting or preventing migrant services and disservices, and the conservation of migrants in the face of environmental changes. We outline these challenges, identify the urgency of addressing them and the primary stakeholders – researchers, policy makers and practitioners, or funders of research.
On the relevance of an in vitro reconstructed human epidermis model for drug screening in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Hubaux Roland , Bastin Coralie , Salmon Michel
Published: October 2018

Recent advances in the development of human‐based in vitro models offer new tools for drug screening and mechanistic investigations of new therapeutic agents. However, there is a lack of evidence that disease models respond favourably to potential drug candidates. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a very common disease associated with an altered skin barrier and chronic inflammation. Here, we demonstrate that the AD‐like features of a reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model treated with Th2 cytokines are reversed in the presence of molecules known to have a beneficial effect on damaged skin as a result of modulating various signalling cascades including the Liver X Receptors and JAK/STAT pathways. This work shows that standardized and reproducible RHE are relevant models for therapeutic research assessing new drug candidates aiming to restore epidermal integrity in an inflammatory environment.
Dynamic analysis and simulation study of knowledge flow under the perspective of industrial transfer
Authors: Zhou Yong , Wu Haizhen
Published: October 2018

Based on the actual situation of the knowledge flow during industrial transfer, a dynamic model of knowledge flow in a complex network is built. The mechanism of the knowledge flow in the network is analysed, and an analogue simulation is conducted using the Netlogo platform to identify the effects of the network's average degree, the number of enterprises involved in the transfer, the network size, and the effective transmission rate of the knowledge on the efficiency of the knowledge flow in the network. According to the final steady state of the knowledge, the technology spillover effect of the industrial transfer is then discussed. The research results show that the average degree of the network, the number of enterprises involved in the transfer, and the effective transmission rate of the knowledge have significant influences on the efficiency of the knowledge flow in the network, and increasing the network size is beneficial to increasing the number of final knowledge owners. Thus, the final steady state of the knowledge flow plays a decisive role in the technology spillover effect of industrial transfer.
LncRNA‐PCAT1 targeting miR‐145‐5p promotes TLR4‐associated osteogenic differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Yu Lingjia , Qu Hao , Yu Yifeng , Li Wenjing , Zhao Yu , Qiu Guixing
Published: October 2018

This study was aimed to explore the differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA)‐PCAT1, miR‐145‐5p and TLR4 in osteogenic differentiation via the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signalling pathway and consequently determine the potential molecular mechanism. The mRNAs and pathways related to the osteogenic differentiation in human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) were analysed by bioinformatics. The MiRanda and TargetScan database were employed to detect the potential binding sites of miRNAs on lncRNAs and mRNAs. The differential expression of lncRNA‐PCAT1, miR‐145‐5p and TLR4 were detected by qRT‐PCR. Rrelated protein expression was analysed by Western blot. The targeted relationships between lncRNA‐PCAT1, miR‐145‐5p and TLR4 were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and ARS staining assays were used to measure the impacts exerted by lncRNA PCAT1, miR‐145‐5p and TLR4 mRNA on osteogenic differentiation. After the induction of osteoblast differentiation, the expression of lncRNA‐PCAT1 and TLR4 increased, while the expression of miR‐145‐5p decreased. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed the targeted relationship between lncRNA‐PCAT1, miR‐145‐5p, and TLR4. LncRNA‐PCAT1 negatively regulated miR‐145‐5p and positively regulated TLR4. Knockdown of lncRNA‐PCAT1 or TLR4 decreased the expression of osteogenic differentiation‐related proteins, reduced the ALP and ARS levels and the activity of the TLR signalling pathway. MiR‐145‐5p could reverse the effects of PCAT1 and TLR4 in hADSCs osteogenic differentiation. LncRNA‐PCAT1 negatively regulated miR‐145‐5p, which promoted TLR4 expression to promote osteogenic differentiation by activating the TLR signalling pathway.
Transgelin as a potential target in the reversibility of pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease
Authors: Huang Li , Li Li , Yang Tao , Li Wen , Song Li , Meng Xianmin , Gu Qing , Xiong Changming , He Jianguo
Published: October 2018

Background

The reversibility of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in congenital heart disease (CHD) is of great importance for the operability of CHD. Proteomics analysis found that transgelin was significantly up‐regulated in the lung tissue of CHD‐PAH patients, especially in the irreversible group. However, how exactly it participated in CHD‐PAH development is unknown.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot were performed for further qualitative and quantitative analysis of transgelin in the lung tissues of CHD‐PAH patients. The mechanism of transgelin in CHD‐PAH development was explored in vitro. Primary human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) were cultured and infected with TAGLN siRNA or TAGLN lentiviral vector. Cell morphologic change (Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining), proliferation (cell count and EdU assay), apoptosis (terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay and Annexin‐V flow cytometry) and migration (transwell) were evaluated following the cell treatment. The mRNA and protein expression levels were detected in real‐time PCR and Western blot.

Results

In line with the proteomic findings, transgelin was obviously expressed in PASMC of the middle pulmonary arterioles, especially in the irreversible PAH group. Also, transgelin expression showed positive relation with pathological grading. Experiment in vitro demonstrated that transgelin overexpression promoted PASMC proliferation and migration, strengthened cytoskeleton and was accompanied by increased expression of synthetic phenotype markers (osteopontin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and anti‐apoptotic protein (bcl‐2). On the other hand, suppression of transgelin expression activated PASMC apoptosis, reducing cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions

Transgelin may be a potential target in the development of irreversible CHD‐PAH through inducing PASMC phenotype change, proliferation, migration and reducing cell apoptosis.
Investigating the childhood symptom profile of community‐based individuals diagnosed with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder as adults
Authors: Taylor Mark J. , Larsson Henrik , Gillberg Christopher , Lichtenstein Paul , Lundström Sebastian
Published: October 2018

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently defined as a disorder with onset during childhood. Although ADHD occurs in adults as well as children, recent debate has focused on whether adult ADHD represents a continuation of a child‐onset disorder or if ADHD may, in at least some cases, have an adult onset. We therefore aimed to test the hypothesis of adult‐onset ADHD using a sample born relatively recently (1992–1999) in order to minimize confounding by secular changes in diagnostic practices.

Methods

We identified 74 individuals with a community diagnosis of ADHD first assigned during adulthood. We also identified individuals with childhood (N = 194) and adolescent (N = 394) community diagnoses of ADHD. These groups were compared with a comparison group (N = 14,474) on their childhood ADHD and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and rate of other psychiatric diagnoses during childhood.

Results

Having an adulthood community diagnosis of ADHD was associated with a mean increase in childhood ADHD symptoms of approximately three times that of the comparison group. Individuals with an adult community diagnosis of ADHD also displayed more autistic traits, motor problems, learning difficulties, tics, and oppositional behavior. Forty two percent of these individuals, compared with 1% of comparison cases, had a psychiatric diagnosis other than ADHD as children. In post‐hoc analyses of 21 ADHD cases showing few or no ADHD symptoms in childhood, we were unable to detect any other childhood symptomatology in only nine cases, of whom six were female.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that alternative explanations for data that appear to show adult onset ADHD, such as sex biases in diagnostic practices, need rigorous testing before adult onset ADHD can be accepted as a valid clinical construct.
Autistic social behaviors and the half‐empty, half‐full cup
Authors: Zeanah Charles H.
Published: October 2018

Unusual social behaviors have been central to our notions of autism spectrum disorders since their original descriptions. We have come to recognize that such behaviors are broadly distributed beyond the classic phenotype and may be induced by postnatal experiences involving insufficient care. Sex differences have also been noted, and a paper in the current issue by Mandy and colleagues, demonstrates different longitudinal trajectories in boys and girls in autistic social traits from middle childhood to mid‐adolescence. These and related findings are evidence of both progress in our understanding and how much we still need to learn to understand the social behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Impact of microwave drying on sesame coats quality
Authors: Khaldi Yakouta , Tounsi Leila , Balti Mohamed Amine , Kechaou Nabil
Published: October 2018

This work focused on studying the drying kinetics of sesame coat at different microwave drying levels (100, 180, 450, 700, and 850 W) and investigating its effect on physico‐chemical and functional properties. Results showed that the drying time was significantly affected by microwave power level. In fact, it decreased from 14 min at 100 W to 2 min at 850 W. Raw sesame coat, as an industrial by‐product, is characterized by a high water activity value (0.98) and fiber content (47.91 ± 3.60 g/100 g dry basis). The microwave drying had reduced significantly (p < .05) water activity to about 0.5. ANOVA test indicated that increasing microwave power level had no significant (p > .05) effect on both total phenol content and browning index. However, it had improved the functional properties (water and oil holding capacities).

Practical application

The by‐products of sesame seed (Sesamum indicum L.) processing industries are considered as an excellent source of dietary fiber and may be used as a functional ingredient in food industry. This work evaluated the impact of microwave drying, as a new trend, on sesame coats’ quality. Experimental results showed that microwave application had a shorter processing time and it enhanced the quality of final products.
What Is Known About Preventing, Detecting, and Reversing Prescribing Cascades: A Scoping Review
Authors: Brath Hana , Mehta Nishila , Savage Rachel D. , Gill Sudeep S. , Wu Wei , Bronskill Susan E. , Zhu Lynn , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: October 2018

OBJECTIVES

To systematically describe the resources available on preventing, detecting, and reversing prescribing cascades using a scoping review methodology.

MEASUREMENTS

We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Sociological Abstracts from inception until July 2017. Other searches (Google Scholar, hand searches) and expert consultations were performed for resources examining how to prevent, detect, or reverse prescribing cascades. We used these three categories along the prescribing continuum as an organizing framework to categorize and synthesize resources.

RESULTS

Of 369 resources identified, 58 met inclusion criteria; 29 of these were categorized as preventing, 20 as detecting, and 9 as reversing prescribing cascades. Resources originated from 14 countries and mostly focused on older adults. The goal of preventing resources was to educate and increase general awareness of the concept of prescribing cascades as a way to prevent inappropriate prescribing and to illustrate application of the concept to specific drugs (e.g., anticholinergics) and conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). Detecting resources included original investigations or case reports that identified prescribing cascades using health administrative data, patient cohorts, and novel sources such as social media. Reversing prescribing cascade resources focused on the medication review process and deprescribing initiatives.

CONCLUSION

Prescribing cascades are a recognized problem internationally. By learning from the range of resources to prevent, detect, and reverse prescribing cascades, this review contributes to improving drug prescribing, especially in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2079–2085, 2018.
Adaptation and Initial Validation of Minimum Data Set (MDS) Mortality Risk Index to MDS Version 3.0
Authors: Niznik Joshua D. , Zhang Song , Mor Maria K. , Zhao Xinhua , Ersek Mary , Aspinall Sherrie L. , Gellad Walid F. , Thorpe Joshua M. , Hanlon Joseph T. , Schleiden Loren J. , Springer Sydney , Thorpe Carolyn T.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive validity of an adapted version of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Mortality Risk Index—Revised (MMRI‐R) based on MDS version 3.0 assessment items (MMRI‐v3) and to compare the predictive validity of the MMRI‐v3 with that of a single MDS item indicating limited life expectancy (LLE).

Design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional study of MDS assessments. Other data sources included the Veterans Affairs (VA) Residential History File and Vital Status File.

Setting

VA nursing homes (NHs).

Participants

Veterans aged 65 and older newly admitted to VA NHs between July 1, 2012, and September 30, 2015.

Measurements

The dependent variable was death within 6 months of admission date. Independent variables included MDS items used to calculate MMRI‐v3 scores (renal failure, chronic heart failure, sex, age, dehydration, cancer, unintentional weight loss, shortness of breath, activity of daily living scale, poor appetite, acute change in mental status) and the MDS item indicating LLE.

Results

The predictive ability of the MMRI‐v3 for 6‐month mortality (c‐statistic 0.81) is as good as that of the original MMRI‐R (c‐statistic 0.76). Scores generated using the MMRI‐v3 had greater predictive ability than that of the single MDS indicator for LLE (c‐statistic 0.76); using the 2 together resulted in greater predictive ability (c‐statistic 0.86).

Conclusion

The MMRI‐v3 is a useful tool in research and clinical practice that accurately predicts 6‐month mortality in veterans residing in Veterans Affairs NHs. Identification of residents with LLE has great utility for studying palliative care interventions and may be helpful in guiding allocation of these services in clinical practice. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2353–2359, 2018.