bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophilic interaction chromatography: A promising alternative to reversed‐phase liquid chromatography systems for the purification of small protonated bases
Authors: Gritti Fabrice , Guiochon Georges
Published: March 2015

The overloaded band profiles of the protonated species of propranolol and amitriptyline were recorded under acidic conditions on four classes of stationary phases including a conventional silica/organic hybrid material in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography mode (BEH‐C18), an electrostatic repulsion reversed‐phase liquid chromatography C18 column (BEH‐C18+), a poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) monolithic column, and a hydrophilic interaction chromatography stationary phase (underivatized BEH). The same amounts of protonated bases per unit volume of stationary phase were injected in each column (16, 47, and 141 μg/cm3). The performance of the propranolol/amitriptyline purification was assessed on the basis of the asymmetry of the recorded band profiles and on the selectivity factor achieved. The results show that the separation performed under reversed‐phase liquid chromatography like conditions (with BEH‐C18, BEH‐C18+, and polymer monolith materials) provide the largest selectivity factors due to the difference in the hydrophobic character of the two compounds. However, they also provide the most distorted overloaded band profiles due to a too small loading capacity. Remarkably, symmetric band profiles were observed with the hydrophilic interaction chromatography column. The larger loading capacity of the hydrophilic interaction chromatography column is due to the accumulation of the protonated bases into the diffuse water layer formed at the surface of the polar adsorbent. This work encourages purifying ionizable compounds on hydrophilic interaction chromatography columns rather than on reversed‐phase liquid chromatography columns.
Simultaneous enantioselective determination of isocarbophos and its main metabolite isocarbophos oxon in rice, soil, and water by chiral liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yao Zhoulin , Lin Mei , Xu Mingfei , Wang Tianyu , Ping Xinliang , Wu Shaohui , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hu
Published: March 2015

An efficient enantioselective method for the simultaneous determination of isocarbophos and its main metabolite isocarbophos oxon in rice, soil, and water was developed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The enantioseparation was performed on a Chiralpak AD‐3R column at 30°C using gradient elution. Target compounds were extracted from soil and rice using acetonitrile with omission of a clean‐up procedure, while a C18 solid‐phase extraction column was used for water samples. Quantification was achieved using matrix‐matched calibration. The overall mean recoveries for isocarbophos and isocarbophos oxon enantiomers from the five matrices were 89.7–103 and 90.1–98.7%, with relative standard deviations of 2.1–5.4 and 2.5–4.7%, respectively. Moreover, the absolute configurations of isocarbophos oxon enantiomers were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry through incubation of each isocarbophos enantiomer in soil, the first eluting enantiomer being confirmed as (R)‐(−)‐isocarbophos oxon. The proposed method was applied to real soil samples and satisfactory results were obtained.
Luminescent Difluoroboron β‐Diketonate PEG‐PLA Oxygen Nanosensors for Tumor Imaging
Authors: Samonina‐Kosicka Jelena , Weitzel Douglas H. , Hofmann Christina L. , Hendargo Hansford , Hanna Gabi , Dewhirst Mark W. , Palmer Gregory M. , Fraser Cassandra L.
Published: March 2015

Surface modification of nanoparticles and biosensors is a dynamic, expanding area of research for targeted delivery in vivo. For more efficient delivery, surfaces are PEGylated to impart stealth properties, long circulation, and enable enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) in tumor tissues. Previously, BF2dbm(I)PLA was proven to be a good oxygen nanosensor material for tumor hypoxia imaging in vivo, though particles were applied directly to the tumor and surrounding region. Further surface modification is needed for this dual‐emissive oxygen sensitive material for effective intravenous (IV) administration and passive and active delivery to tumors. In this paper, an efficient synthesis of a new dual‐emissive material BF2dbm(I)PLA‐mPEG is presented and in vitro stability studies are conducted. It is found that fabricated nanoparticles are stable for 24 weeks as a suspension, while after 25 weeks the nanoparticles swell and both dye and polymer degradation escalates. Preliminary studies show BF2dbm(I)PLA‐mPEG nanoparticle accumulation in a window chamber mammary tumor 24 h after IV injection into mice (C57Bl/6 strain) enabling tumor oxygen imaging.

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Inhibitory effect of dietary capsaicin on liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Bitencourt Shanna , Stradiot Leslie , Verhulst Stefaan , Thoen Lien , Mannaerts Inge , van Grunsven Leo A.
Published: March 2015

Scope

Virtually all chronic liver injuries result in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In their activated state, these cells are the main collagen‐producing cells implicated in liver fibrosis. Capsaicin (CPS), the active compound of chili peppers, can modulate the activation and migration of HSCs in vitro. Here, we evaluated the potential protective and prophylactic effects of CPS related to cholestatic and hepatotoxic‐induced liver fibrosis and its possible underlying mechanism of action.

Methods and results

Male Balb/c mice received dietary CPS after 3 days of bile duct ligation (BDL) or before and during carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injections. Mice receiving dietary CPS after BDL had a significant improvement of liver fibrosis accompanied by a decrease in collagen deposition and downregulation of activation markers in isolated HSCs. In the CCl4 model, dietary CPS inhibited the upregulation of profibrogenic markers. However, CPS could not attenuate the CCl4‐induced fibrosis when it was already established. Furthermore, in vitro CPS treatment inhibited the autophagic process during HSC activation.

Conclusion

Dietary CPS has potential benefits in the therapy of cholestatic liver fibrosis and in the prophylaxis of hepatotoxic‐induced liver injury.
A Case of Early Childhood Caries from Late Roman Ancaster, England
Authors: Bonsall L. , Ogden A. R. , Mays S.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a differential diagnosis of pathological changes observed in the deciduous dentition of a child aged 3–4 years, recovered from a Late Roman (c. ad 270–410) cemetery at Ancaster, England. The entire maxillary dentition exhibited areas of missing enamel and erosion of the underlying dentine, which was most pronounced at the lingual surfaces of the anterior teeth, and lingual and occlusal surfaces of the molars. Additionally, the mandibular second molars and mandibular right first molar displayed superficial enamel erosion of the buccal surfaces. Radiography indicated normal enamel density, and no further dental pathology was identified. Conditions considered in a differential diagnosis included amelogenesis imperfecta, fluorosis, perimolysis, xerostomia‐related caries and early childhood caries (ECC). The nature and distribution of lesions implicates ECC – also known as ‘nursing caries’ or ‘baby‐bottle caries’ – as the most probable diagnosis. The potential significance of the findings for studies of infant health and feeding practices in past populations is discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutrition labels influence value computation of food products in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Enax Laura , Hu Yang , Trautner Peter , Weber Bernd
Published: March 2015

Objective

Prevalence of obesity is high in most industrialized nations, and therefore, it is crucial to understand contextual factors underlying food choice. Nutrition labels are public policy interventions designed to adequately inform consumers about nutritional value and overall healthiness of food products. The present study examines how different nutrition labels, namely a purely information‐based label (guideline daily amount, GDA) and a more explicit traffic light (TL) label, influence product valuation and choice in a functional MRI setting.

Methods

Thirty‐five healthy participants across different BMIs were instructed to valuate healthy and unhealthy food products in combination with one of the two labels and to state their willingness to pay (WTP) for the product.

Results

The labeling methods significantly influenced participants' WTP. Red TL signaling activated parts of the left inferior frontal gyrus/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region implicated in self‐control in food choice. This region, in the case of red signaling, and the posterior cingulate cortex, in the case of green signaling, showed increased coupling to the valuation system in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that explicitly directing attention toward nutritional values using salient nutrition labels triggers neurobiological processes that resemble those utilized by successful dieters choosing healthier products.
Aven‐mediated checkpoint kinase control regulates proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy in conventional osteosarcoma
Authors: Baranski Zuzanna , Booij Tijmen H , Cleton‐Jansen Anne‐Marie , Price Leo S , van de Water Bob , Bovée Judith VMG , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Danen Erik HJ
Published: March 2015

Conventional high‐grade osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone sarcoma, with relatively high incidence in young people. In this study we found that expression of Aven correlates inversely with metastasis‐free survival in osteosarcoma patients and is increased in metastases compared to primary tumours. Aven is an adaptor protein that has been implicated in anti‐apoptotic signalling and serves as an oncoprotein in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In osteosarcoma cells, silencing Aven triggered G2 cell‐cycle arrest; Chk1 protein levels were attenuated and ATR–Chk1 DNA damage response signalling in response to chemotherapy was abolished in Aven‐depleted osteosarcoma cells, while ATM, Chk2 and p53 activation remained intact. Osteosarcoma is notoriously difficult to treat with standard chemotherapy, and we examined whether pharmacological inhibition of the Aven‐controlled ATR–Chk1 response could sensitize osteosarcoma cells to genotoxic compounds. Indeed, pharmacological inhibitors targeting Chk1/Chk2 or those selective for Chk1 synergized with standard chemotherapy in 2D cultures. Likewise, in 3D extracellular matrix‐embedded cultures, Chk1 inhibition led to effective sensitization to chemotherapy. Together, these findings implicate Aven in ATR–Chk1 signalling and point towards Chk1 inhibition as a strategy to sensitize human osteosarcomas to chemotherapy. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobilisation of haematopoietic stem cells in paediatric patients, prior to autologous transplantation following administration of plerixafor and G‐CSF
Authors: Patel Bhumik , Pearson Helen , Zacharoulis Stergios
Published: March 2015

Previous chemotherapy and radiation exposure can make adequate stem cell mobilisation prior to autologous transplant extremely difficult in paediatrics. Plerixafor, a selective reversible CXCR4 antagonist interferes with CXCR4 interaction with Stromal cell‐derived factor 1 alpha (SDF‐1). Combination with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) amplifies G‐CSF affects in mobilising haematopoietic stem cells. Whilst licensed for use with G‐CSF for enhancement of mobilisation of haematopoietic stem cells in adults, paediatric data for use of plerixafor remain limited. We present a retrospective review of outcomes seen with plerixafor and G‐CSF to mobilise stem cells heavily pre‐treated paediatric patients with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1477–1480. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality of life among pediatric patients with cancer: Contributions of time since diagnosis and parental chronic stress
Authors: Hamner Taralee , Latzman Robert D. , Latzman Natasha E. , Elkin T. David , Majumdar Suvankar
Published: March 2015

Background

Pediatric cancer is associated with a host of negative psychosocial consequences; however, outcomes vary extensively suggesting a need to better understand this variation. Empirical research suggests a positive association between time since diagnosis (TSD) and Quality of Life (QoL). In addition to TSD, family stressors have been found to be particularly important in predicting QoL among children. The current study examined parental chronic stress beyond TSD in explanation of QoL functioning among a sample of pediatric patients with cancer.

Procedure

Participants included 43 pediatric patients aged 5–18 years (Mage = 10.2 ± 3.6) who were undergoing oncological treatment. Parents reported on TSD, child's QoL, and their own chronic stress.

Results

TSD was associated with greater physical functioning (r = 0.30, P < 0.05). Parental chronic stress was associated with poorer emotional (r = −0.54, P < 0.01), physical (r = −0.41, P < 0.01), and social functioning (r = −0.44, P < 0.01). Further, hierarchal linear regression analyzes indicated parental chronic stress contributed incrementally beyond TSD in the explanation of physical (β = −0.37, t = −2.58, P < 0.01), emotional (β = −0.47, t = −3.51, P < 0.00), and social functioning (β = −0.38, t = −2.67, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Parental chronic stress is associated with reduced levels of emotional, physical, and social functioning among pediatric patients. Future research is needed to further investigate the process by which chronic stress within the family interferes with adaptive coping among pediatric patients. In addition, clinical services may benefit from increased consideration of family factors, such as parental chronic stress, during oncological treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1232–1236. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does prenatal MRI enhance fetal diagnosis of intra‐abdominal cysts?
Authors: Hugele Florence , Dumont Coralie , Boulot Pierre , Couture Alain , Prodhomme Olivier
Published: March 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ultrasound (US) in the prenatal diagnosis of intra‐abdominal cystic masses, correlated with the postnatal diagnosis.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, prenatal MRI and US diagnoses were compared with postnatal diagnoses. MRI was performed in 56 fetuses with intra‐abdominal cyst diagnosed by US between 2004 and 2013. Final diagnosis, revealed by postnatal evaluation, was obtained for 49 of them and was taken as the reference. MRI was evaluated as superior, equal, or inferior to US.

Results

An accurate diagnosis was provided by US in 25 cases (51%) and by MRI in 36 out of the 49 cases (73.4%). MRI corrected the US diagnosis in 13 cases (26.5%) by providing a more precise localization or additional etiologic information. In two cases (4%), MRI wrongly changed the diagnosis correctly made by US.

Conclusion

Prenatal MRI better characterized the nature of abdominal cystic lesions previously diagnosed by US in 13 cases. This enhanced postnatal therapeutic planning and so improved parental counseling and pregnancy management. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infant pulmonary function testing in chronic pneumonitis of infancy due to surfactant protein C mutation
Authors: Hevroni Avigdor , Goldman Aliza , Springer Chaim
Published: March 2015

Pulmonary function testing is a vital tool in evaluation and management of adult ILD patients and is rarely overlooked during workup. However, there is paucity of data regarding its usefulness in management of infants with suspected interstitial lung disease. In this paper, we present the contribution of infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT) to the management of two infants with biopsy confirmed chronic pneumonitis of infancy due to surfactant protein C mutation. We have productively and safely used serial iPFT for decision making both during diagnosis and follow‐up of these infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:E17–E23. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular structure of an N‐formyltransferase from Providencia alcalifaciensO30
Authors: Genthe Nicholas A. , Thoden James B. , Benning Matthew M. , Holden Hazel M.
Published: March 2015

The existence of N‐formylated sugars in the O‐antigens of Gram‐negative bacteria has been known since the middle 1980s, but only recently have the biosynthetic pathways for their production been reported. In these pathways, glucose‐1‐phosphate is first activated by attachment to a dTMP moiety. This step is followed by a dehydration reaction and an amination. The last step in these pathways is catalyzed by N‐formyltransferases that utilize N10‐formyltetrahydrofolate as the carbon source. Here we describe the three‐dimensional structure of one of these N‐formyltransferases, namely VioF from Providencia alcalifaciens O30. Specifically, this enzyme catalyzes the conversion of dTDP‐4‐amino‐4,6‐dideoxyglucose (dTDP‐Qui4N) to dTDP‐4,6‐dideoxy‐4‐formamido‐d‐glucose (dTDP‐Qui4NFo). For this analysis, the structure of VioF was solved to 1.9 Å resolution in both its apoform and in complex with tetrahydrofolate and dTDP‐Qui4N. The crystals used in the investigation belonged to the space group R32 and demonstrated reticular merohedral twinning. The overall catalytic core of the VioF subunit is characterized by a six stranded mixed β‐sheet flanked on one side by three α‐helices and on the other side by mostly random coil. This N‐terminal domain is followed by an α‐helix and a β‐hairpin that form the subunit:subunit interface. The active site of the enzyme is shallow and solvent‐exposed. Notably, the pyranosyl moiety of dTDP‐Qui4N is positioned into the active site by only one hydrogen bond provided by Lys 77. Comparison of the VioF model to that of a previously determined N‐formyltransferase suggests that substrate specificity is determined by interactions between the protein and the pyrophosphoryl group of the dTDP‐sugar substrate.
Chemical cross‐linking and mass spectrometry to determine the subunit interaction network in a recombinant human SAGA HAT subcomplex
Authors: Nguyen‐Huynh Nha‐Thi , Sharov Grigory , Potel Clément , Fichter Pélagie , Trowitzsch Simon , Berger Imre , Lamour Valérie , Schultz Patrick , Potier Noëlle , Leize‐Wagner Emmanuelle
Published: March 2015

Understanding the way how proteins interact with each other to form transient or stable protein complexes is a key aspect in structural biology. In this study, we combined chemical cross‐linking with mass spectrometry to determine the binding stoichiometry and map the protein–protein interaction network of a human SAGA HAT subcomplex. MALDI‐MS equipped with high mass detection was used to follow the cross‐linking reaction using bis[sulfosuccinimidyl] suberate (BS3) and confirm the heterotetrameric stoichiometry of the specific stabilized subcomplex. Cross‐linking with isotopically labeled BS3 d0‐d4 followed by trypsin digestion allowed the identification of intra‐ and intercross‐linked peptides using two dedicated search engines: pLink and xQuest. The identified interlinked peptides suggest a strong network of interaction between GCN5, ADA2B and ADA3 subunits; SGF29 is interacting with GCN5 and ADA3 but not with ADA2B. These restraint data were combined to molecular modeling and a low‐resolution interacting model for the human SAGA HAT subcomplex could be proposed, illustrating the potential of an integrative strategy using cross‐linking and mass spectrometry for addressing the structural architecture of multiprotein complexes.
The relationship between prostate‐specific antigen and TNM classification or Gleason score in prostate cancer patients with low prostate‐specific antigen levels
Authors: Izumi Kouji , Ikeda Hiroko , Maolake Aerken , Machioka Kazuaki , Nohara Takahiro , Narimoto Kazutaka , Ueno Satoru , Kadono Yoshifumi , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Konaka Hiroyuki , Mizokami Atsushi , Namiki Mikio
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is a useful biomarker for risk classification in patients with prostate cancer. However, it is unclear whether a correlation exists between low PSA levels (<10 ng/ml) at diagnosis and prognosis.

METHODS

Of the 642 Japanese patients who underwent prostate biopsy and were diagnosed with prostate cancer at Kanazawa University Hospital from 2000 to 2010, 406 patients with a PSA level <20 ng/ml were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

PSA levels in 275 (68%) patients were <10 ng/ml. Although the percentage of Gleason score 8–10 in patients with a PSA level of <3.5 ng/ml was higher than that in patients with a PSA level between 3.5 and 10 ng/ml, it was not statistically significant. On the other hand, the percentage of higher stage (T3 and T4) patients with a PSA level <3.5 ng/ml was significantly greater than that in patients with a PSA level between 3.5 and 10 ng/ml (P < 0.0001). The percentage of metastases (N1 and M1) in patients with a PSA level <3.5 ng/ml was also significantly higher than that in patients with a PSA level between 3.5 and 10 ng/ml (P = 0.0112).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with prostate cancer with a PSA level <3.5 ng/ml at diagnosis had a more advanced stage of cancer compared with those with a PSA level between 3.5 and 10 ng/ml. Therefore, risk classification using PSA levels at diagnosis may need to take into consideration this specific PSA range in order to better predict survival. Prostate 75:1034–1042, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An introduction to insulin pump therapy
Authors: Nicholls Adam , Partridge Helen
Published: March 2015

Insulin pump therapy currently seems to be reserved for the few, yet many more type 1 diabetes patients could benefit from this delivery system. This review outlines the evidence for insulin pumps including patient selection and suggests more could be done to initiate their use.
Striverdi Respimat: once‐daily LABA for COPD
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: March 2015

Olodaterol (Striverdi) is a new once‐daily LABA formulated as a solution for use in the Respimat inhaler and is licensed as maintenance in COPD. Here, we present the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events and comment on its place in therapy.
Modeling the Effect of Asymmetric Rolling on Mechanical Properties of Al–Mg Alloys
Authors: de Almeida Grácio José Joaquim , Vincze Gabriela , Yoon Jeong Whan , Cardoso Rui Pedro Ramos , Rauch Edgar Fernand , Barlat Frédéric Gérard
Published: March 2015

The mechanical behavior under uniaxial tension of Al–Mg alloy 5182 pre‐deformed in conventional rolling (CR), asymmetric rolling‐continuous (ASRC), and asymmetric rolling‐reversed (ASRR) was investigated and modeled with a rate dependent crystal plasticity finite element method and VPSC (Visco‐Plastic Self Consistent) model. M–K theory combined with Yld2000 model by Barlat et al. (Int. J. Plasticity 2003, 19, 1297) was used to predict the strain‐based and stress‐based formability for AA 5182 material. It was concluded that the new ASRR process has very compatible formability with improved strength compared to CR process. These merits can be directly applied for clam‐shell resistant design in rigid‐packaging industry.
Basal Joint Arthroplasty Decreases Carpal Tunnel Pressure
Authors: Lutsky Kevin , Ilyas Asif , Kim Nayoung , Beredjiklian Pedro
Published: March 2015

Background

There is a well-documented association between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, and these conditions commonly coexist. We have observed that patients who have previously undergone thumb basal joint arthroplasty (BJA) seem rarely to present subsequently with CTS. Our hypothesis is that BJA decreases the pressure within the carpal tunnel.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients (6 with coexistent CTS) undergoing BJA were enrolled in the study. The pressure within the carpal tunnel immediately before and after BJA was measured using a commercially available pressure monitor device (Stryker STIC; Kalamazoo, MI). In patients with concomitant CTS undergoing both BJA and carpal tunnel release (CTR), the pressure was measured after BJA but prior to release of the transverse carpal ligament.

Results

The pressure within the carpal tunnel decreased after BJA in all patients. There were 3 patients with stage II arthritis, 15 patients with stage III arthritis, and 10 patients with stage IV arthritis. The mean pressure prior to BJA among all patients was 23.9 mmHg and decreased to 11.0 mmHg after BJA. Patients with concomitant CTS had a mean pre-BJA pressure of 26.5 mmHg, which decreased to 7.3 mmHg after BJA.

Conclusions

BJA decompresses the carpal tunnel and decreases the pressure within. In patients with concomitant CTS, the BJA alone (without additional release of the transverse carpal ligament) decreases the carpal tunnel pressure. Further study is warranted to determine the need for discrete release of the transverse carpal ligament in patients with CTS who are undergoing BJA.

Level of Evidence

Level II, diagnostic.
The Relationship between E-Lifestyle and Internet Advertising Avoidance
Authors: Abedini Koshksaray Amir , Franklin Drew , Heidarzadeh Hanzaee Kambiz
Published: March 2015

This study provides insights into e-lifestyle of Internet users and their avoidance of Internet advertising. Determining the type of avoidance of each e-lifestyle aids the development of strategies for designing and publishing advertisements on the Internet, so that their effectiveness is enhanced and the negative trend of clicks on Internet advertisements is reduced. A survey was conducted with a group of 412 participants. The data were analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM) and multiple regression analysis both before and after adjusting the data by introducing the effect of average hours of Internet use on participant responses. The results obtained by analysing the main data reveal that e-lifestyle does not have a significant effect on Internet advertising avoidance (IAA). However, analysis of the modified data does indicate a significant effect. Also, in the analysis of the main and modified data, the type of avoidance from Internet advertising (cognitive, affective, and behavioural) varies according to each e-lifestyle. To the authors’ belief the present study is the first reporting an investigation of the effect of e-lifestyle on avoidance of Internet advertising adjusted by average hours spent online.
Racial variation in the number of spontaneous abortions before a first successful pregnancy, and effects on subsequent pregnancies
Authors: Oliver‐Williams Clare T. , Steer Philip J.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To assess the relationship between race and spontaneous abortion, whether the relationship varies by risk factors, and the effect of spontaneous abortions on subsequent pregnancies.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken using data collected in London, UK, between 1988 and 2000. Logistic regression evaluated histories of spontaneous abortion and associations with small‐for‐gestational‐age and preterm births in black African, black Caribbean, and South Asian women relative to white European women. Interactions with risk factors were assessed.

Results

Overall, 196 040 women were included. Compared with white Europeans, the odds of a previous spontaneous abortion were increased in black African (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.29) and black Caribbean women (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.21–1.41). The strength of the association with black African race increased with age (P = 0.002), and the association with South Asian race increased with age and body mass index (P < 0.001 for both). Spontaneous abortion was associated with preterm birth in all races, but was strongest in black African women (aOR 1.47; 95% CI 1.29–1.67).

Conclusion

The greater incidence of spontaneous abortion in black African and black Caribbean women should prompt further study of risk factors in relation to race. The interaction with age in black African and South Asian women could be important for counseling in relation to timing of pregnancy.
Postcrania of juvenilePinacosaurus grangeri(Ornithischia: Ankylosauria) from the Upper Cretaceous Alagteeg Formation, Alag Teeg, Mongolia: implications for ontogenetic allometry in ankylosaurs
Authors: Burns Michael E. , Tumanova Tatiana A. , Currie Philip J.
Published: March 2015

The ankylosaurinePinacosaurusis one of the best known ankylosaur to date in terms of the number and preservational quality of specimens. Juvenile to sub-adult postcrania collected by the Soviet-Mongolian Paleontological Expedition from the Upper Cretaceous Alagteeg Formation at Alag Teeg, Mongolia can be assigned toPinacosaurus grangeribased on discrete cranial characters. One individual is significantly larger than the others and demonstrates delayed fusion of postcranial elements with the earliest occurring between dorsal ribs and vertebrae. The robustness of forelimb elements is positively allometric with respect to their length, indicating weight-bearing relationship. Such length-dependent correlations are not seen in the hind limbs. Finally, incipient cervical half rings suggest a developmental pathway of outgrowths from the underlying band combined with fusion of overlying osteoderms.
Wenlock and Pridoli (Silurian) crinoids from Saaremaa, western Estonia (Phylum Echinodermata)
Authors: Ausich William I. , Wilson Mark A. , Vinn Olev
Published: March 2015

Study of new collections of the Wenlock and Pridoli, Silurian, crinoids from Saaremaa, western Estonia, result in taxonomic revision, expanded ranges, and new taxa. Eucalyptocrinites regularis and Periechocrinus laevis are recognized outside of Sweden for the first time. Desmidocrinus laevigatus Ausich et al., 2012 is reassigned to Methabocrinus. Because the type species of Methabocrinus was previously known only from glacial sediments, the age and provenance of this genus are constrained for the first time. A new crotalocrinitid, Velocrinus coniculus new genus and species, is described. Although the Pridoli faunas of western Estonia contain only twelve species-level taxa assigned to nine genera, this fauna is one of the four richest Pridoli faunas known.
Maternal PUFA status and offspring allergic diseases up to the age of 18 months
Authors: Yu Ya-Mei , Chan Yiong-Huak , Calder Philip C. , Hardjojo Antony , Soh Shu-E , Lim Ai Lin , Fisk Helena L. , Teoh Oon Hoe , Goh Anne , Saw Seang-Mei , Kwek Kenneth , Gluckman Peter D. , Godfrey Keith M. , Chong Yap-Seng , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Pan An , Chong Mary Foong Fong , van Bever Hugo P. S.
Published: March 2015

Studies have suggested that maternal PUFA status during pregnancy may influence early childhood allergic diseases, although findings are inconsistent. We examined the relationship between maternal PUFA status and risk of allergic diseases in early childhood in an Asian cohort. Maternal plasma samples from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes mother–offspring cohort were assayed at 26–28 weeks of gestation for relative abundance of PUFA. Offspring (n 960) were followed up from 3 weeks to 18 months of age, and clinical outcomes of potential allergic diseases (rhinitis, eczema and wheezing) were assessed by repeated questionnaires. Skin prick testing (SPT) was also performed at the age of 18 months. Any allergic disease with positive SPT was defined as having any one of the clinical outcomes plus a positive SPT. The prevalence of a positive SPT, rhinitis, eczema, wheezing and any allergic disease with positive SPT was 14·1 % (103/728), 26·5 % (214/808), 17·6 % (147/833), 10·9 % (94/859) and 9·4 % (62/657), respectively. After adjustment for confounders, maternal total n-3, n-6 PUFA status and the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio were not significantly associated with offspring rhinitis, eczema, wheezing, a positive SPT and having any allergic disease with positive SPT in the offspring (P>0·01 for all). A weak trend of higher maternal n-3 PUFA being associated with higher risk of allergic diseases with positive SPT in offspring was observed. These findings do not support the hypothesis that the risk of early childhood allergic diseases is modified by variation in maternal n-3 and n-6 PUFA status during pregnancy in an Asian population.
Unequal Access to College in China: How Far Have Poor, Rural Students Been Left Behind?
Authors: Li Hongbin , Loyalka Prashant , Rozelle Scott , Wu Binzhen , Xie Jieyu
Published: March 2015

In the 1990s, rural youth from poor counties in China had limited access to college. After mass college expansion started in 1998, however, it was unclear whether rural youth from poor counties would gain greater access. The aim of this paper is to examine the gap in college and elite college access between rural youth from poor counties and other students after expansion. We estimate the gaps in access by using data on all students who took the college entrance exam in 2003. Our results show that gaps in access remained high even after expansion. Rural youth from poor counties were seven and 11 times less likely to access any college and elite Project 211 colleges than urban youth, respectively. Much larger gaps existed for disadvantaged subgroups (female or ethnic minority) of rural youth from poor counties. We also find that the gaps in college access were mainly driven by rural–urban differences rather than differences between poor and non-poor counties within rural or urban areas.
A Brief Political History of South Australian Agriculture
Authors: FIELKE SIMON J. , BARDSLEY DOUGLAS K.
Published: March 2015

This paper aims to explain why South Australian agricultural land use is focused on continually increasing productivity, when the majority of produce is exported, at the long-term expense of agriculturally-based communities and the environment. A historical analysis of literature relevant to the agricultural development of South Australia is used chronologically to report aspects of the industry that continue to cause concerns in the present day. The historically dominant capitalist socio-economic system and ‘anthropocentric’ world views of farmers, politicians, and key stakeholders have resulted in detrimental social, environmental and political outcomes. Although recognition of the environmental impacts of agricultural land use has increased dramatically since the 1980s, conventional productivist, export oriented farming still dominates the South Australian landscape. A combination of market oriented initiatives and concerned producers are, however, contributing to increasing the recognition of the environmental and social outcomes of agricultural practice and it is argued here that South Australia has the opportunity to value multifunctional land use more explicitly via innovative policy.
The Wolf in the Landscape: Antonio Cesena and Attitudes to Wolves in Sixteenth-Century Liguria
Authors: HEARN ROBERT , BALZARETTI ROSS , WATKINS CHARLES
Published: March 2015

The recent reappearance of wolves in many areas of Europe has stimulated an interest in the past relationships between the species and humans in various different geographical locations and historical epochs. The image of wolves approaching and entering human settlements is a potent image of the wild, ‘natural’ world encroaching on that of the domestic and ‘cultural’. This paper examines the existence of the wolf in the psychological and physical landscape through a micro-historical analysis of a vernacular manuscript from the mid sixteenth century in north-west Italy. The paper demonstrates that the wolf existed both as a ‘mythological beast’ and as a ‘biological animal’ that was a normal, frequently encountered component of the Ligurian faunal assemblage.
Neuropsychological underpinnings of the dynamics of bipolar disorder
Authors: Wessa M. , Perlini C. , Brambilla P.
Published: March 2015

Although we have gained enormous insights into neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of bipolar disorder (BD) symptoms, our knowledge concerning pathogenic mechanisms initiating recurrent affective episodes is still fragmentary. Previous research has highlighted the role of significant life events and social rhythm in recurrent episodes of mania and depression. However, most studies share the drawback of retrospective self-report data, which are prone to recall biases and limited introspective abilities. Therefore, more objective data, such as neuropsychological and neurobiological measures are needed to further unravel the pathogenic mechanisms of the dynamics of bipolar disorder. Previous research has highlighted disturbed emotional reactivity as well as impaired emotion regulation and impulse control as major behavioural characteristics of BD and aberrancies in prefrontal–limbic–striatal networks that have been proposed to be the correlates of these behavioural alterations. However, longitudinal studies assessing these neural and behavioural alterations are rare. Future research should therefore adopt prospective study designs including behavioural and neuroimaging measures underlying cognitive, emotional and motivational deficits in bipolar disorder. Particularly, these measures should be collected continuously at multiple time points as implemented in modern ambulatory assessment tools.
Reading out a spatiotemporal population code by imaging neighbouring parallel fibre axons in vivo
Authors: Wilms Christian D. , Häusser Michael
Published: March 2015

The spatiotemporal pattern of synaptic inputs to the dendritic tree is crucial for synaptic integration and plasticity. However, it is not known if input patterns driven by sensory stimuli are structured or random. Here we investigate the spatial patterning of synaptic inputs by directly monitoring presynaptic activity in the intact mouse brain on the micron scale. Using in vivo calcium imaging of multiple neighbouring cerebellar parallel fibre axons, we find evidence for clustered patterns of axonal activity during sensory processing. The clustered parallel fibre input we observe is ideally suited for driving dendritic spikes, postsynaptic calcium signalling, and synaptic plasticity in downstream Purkinje cells, and is thus likely to be a major feature of cerebellar function during sensory processing.
High dissolved organic carbon release by benthic cyanobacterial mats in a Caribbean reef ecosystem
Authors: Brocke Hannah J. , Wenzhoefer Frank , de Beer Dirk , Mueller Benjamin , van Duyl Fleur C. , Nugues Maggy M.
Published: March 2015

Benthic cyanobacterial mats (BCMs) are increasing in abundance on coral reefs worldwide. However, their impacts on biogeochemical cycling in the surrounding water and sediment are virtually unknown. By measuring chemical fluxes in benthic chambers placed over sediment covered by BCMs and sediment with BCMs removed on coral reefs in Curaçao, Southern Caribbean, we found that sediment covered by BCMs released 1.4 and 3.5 mmol C m−2 h−1 of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during day and night, respectively. Conversely, sediment with BCMs removed took up DOC, with day and night uptake rates of 0.9 and 0.6 mmol C m−2 h−1. DOC release by BCMs was higher than reported rates for benthic algae (turf and macroalgae) and was estimated to represent 79% of the total DOC released over a 24 h diel cycle at our study site. The high nocturnal release of DOC by BCMs is most likely the result of anaerobic metabolism and degradation processes, as shown by high respiration rates at the mat surface during nighttime. We conclude that BCMs are significant sources of DOC. Their increased abundance on coral reefs will lead to increased DOC release into the water column, which is likely to have negative implications for reef health.
Src inhibitor reduces permeability without disturbing vascularization and prevents bone destruction in steroid-associated osteonecrotic lesions in rabbits
Authors: He Yi-Xin , Liu Jin , Guo Baosheng , Wang Yi-Xiang , Pan Xiaohua , Li Defang , Tang Tao , Chen Yang , Peng Songlin , Bian Zhaoxiang , Liang Zicai , Zhang Bao-Ting , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge
Published: March 2015

To examine the therapeutic effect of Src inhibitor on the VEGF mediating vascular hyperpermeability and bone destruction within steroid-associated osteonecrotic lesions in rabbits. Rabbits with high risk for progress to destructive repair in steroid-associated osteonecrosis were selected according to our published protocol. The selected rabbits were systemically administrated with either Anti-VEGF antibody (Anti-VEGF Group) or Src inhibitor (Src-Inhibition Group) or VEGF (VEGF-Supplement Group) or a combination of VEGF and Src inhibitor (Supplement & Inhibition Group) or control vehicle (Control Group) for 4 weeks. At 0, 2 and 4 weeks after administration, in vivo dynamic MRI, micro-CT based-angiography, histomorphometry and immunoblotting were employed to evaluate the vascular and skeletal events in different groups. The incidence of the destructive repair in the Anti-VEGF Group, Src-Inhibition Group and Supplement & Inhibition Group was all significantly lower than that in the Control Group. The angiogenesis was promoted in VEGF-Supplement Group, Src-Inhibition Group and Supplement & Inhibition Group, while the hyperpermeability was inhibited in Anti-VEGF Group, Src-Inhibition Group and Supplement & Inhibition Group. The trabecular structure was improved in Src-Inhibition Group and Supplement & Inhibition Group. Src inhibitor could reduce permeability without disturbing vascularization and prevent destructive repair in steroid-associated osteonecrosis.
Does toxicity of aromatic pollutants increase under remote atmospheric conditions?
Authors: Kroflič Ana , Grilc Miha , Grgić Irena
Published: March 2015

Aromatic compounds contribute significantly to the budget of atmospheric pollutants and represent considerable hazard to living organisms. However, they are only rarely included into atmospheric models which deviate substantially from field measurements. A powerful experimental-simulation tool for the assessment of the impact of low- and semi-volatile aromatic pollutants on the environment due to their atmospheric aqueous phase aging has been developed and introduced for the first time. The case study herein reveals that remote biotopes might be the most damaged by wet urban guaiacol-containing biomass burning aerosols. It is shown that only after the primary pollutant guaiacol has been consumed, its probably most toxic nitroaromatic product is largely formed. Revising the recent understanding of atmospheric aqueous phase chemistry, which is mostly concerned with the radical nitration mechanisms, the observed phenomenon is mainly attributed to the electrophilic nitrogen-containing reactive species. Here, their intriguing role is closely inspected and discussed from the ecological perspective.
High incubation temperatures enhance mitochondrial energy metabolism in reptile embryos
Authors: Sun Bao-Jun , Li Teng , Gao Jing , Ma Liang , Du Wei-Guo
Published: March 2015

Developmental rate increases exponentially with increasing temperature in ectothermic animals, but the biochemical basis underlying this thermal dependence is largely unexplored. We measured mitochondrial respiration and metabolic enzyme activities of turtle embryos (Pelodiscus sinensis) incubated at different temperatures to identify the metabolic basis of the rapid development occurring at high temperatures in reptile embryos. Developmental rate increased with increasing incubation temperatures in the embryos ofP. sinensis. Correspondingly, in addition to the thermal dependence of mitochondrial respiration and metabolic enzyme activities, high-temperature incubation further enhanced mitochondrial respiration and COX activities in the embryos. This suggests that embryos may adjust mitochondrial respiration and metabolic enzyme activities in response to developmental temperature to achieve high developmental rates at high temperatures. Our study highlights the importance of biochemical investigations in understanding the proximate mechanisms by which temperature affects embryonic development.
Extinction during memory reconsolidation blocks recovery of fear in adolescents
Authors: Johnson D. C. , Casey B. J.
Published: March 2015

Adolescence is a time of intensified emotional experiences, during which anxiety and stress-related disorders peak. The most effective behavioral therapies for treating these disorders share exposure-based techniques as a core component. Exposure-based therapies build on the principles of fear extinction learning and involve desensitizing the individual to cues that trigger anxiety. Yet, recent evidence shows an adolescent-specific diminished capacity to extinguish fear responses, suggesting that adolescents may respond less well to exposure-based therapies than other age groups. Here we demonstrate an alternative method for blocking the recall of fear memories in adolescents, building on principles of memory reconsolidation in adults. During memory reconsolidation, a memory that is recalled becomes labile during which time it can be updated. Prior research has shown that extinction training during memory reconsolidation attenuates the recovery of fear memory in human adults and in rodents. Using this method, we show attenuation of fear memory in adolescent humans. These findings have significant implications for treating one of the most vulnerable populations to anxiety and stress related disorders - adolescents - by optimizing exposure therapy based on principles of memory reconsolidation.
A Dual-Reporter System for Real-Time Monitoring and High-throughput CRISPR/Cas9 Library Screening of the Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Ren Qingpeng , Li Chan , Yuan Pengfei , Cai Changzu , Zhang Linqi , Luo Guangxiang George , Wei Wensheng
Published: March 2015

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas and infects approximately 170 million people worldwide. Although several reporter systems have been developed, many shortcomings limit their use in the assessment of HCV infections. Here, we report a real-time live-cell reporter, termed the NIrD (NS3-4A Inducible rtTA-mediated Dual-reporter) system, which provides an on-off switch specifically in response to an HCV infection. Using the NIrD system and a focused CRISPR/Cas9 library, we identified CLDN1, OCLN and CD81 as essential genes for both the cell-free entry and the cell-to-cell transmission of HCV. The combination of this ultra-sensitive reporter system and the CRISPR knockout screening provides a powerful and high-throughput strategy for the identification of critical host components for HCV infections.
Development of Bipolar All-solid-state Lithium Battery Based on Quasi-solid-state Electrolyte Containing Tetraglyme-LiTFSA Equimolar Complex
Authors: Gambe Yoshiyuki , Sun Yan , Honma Itaru
Published: March 2015

The development of high energy–density lithium-ion secondary batteries as storage batteries in vehicles is attracting increasing attention. In this study, high-voltage bipolar stacked batteries with a quasi-solid-state electrolyte containing a Li-Glyme complex were prepared and the performance of the device was evaluated. Via the successful production of double-layered and triple-layered high-voltage devices, it was confirmed that these stacked batteries operated properly without any internal short-circuits of a single cell within the package: Their plateau potentials (6.7 and 10.0 V, respectively) were two and three times that (3.4 V) of the single-layered device, respectively. Further, the double-layered device showed a capacity retention of 99% on the 200th cycle at 0.5 C, which is an indication of good cycling properties. These results suggest that bipolar stacked batteries with a quasi-solid-state electrolyte containing a Li-Glyme complex could readily produce a high voltage of 10 V.