bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polysome Profiling Analysis of mRNA and Associated Proteins Engaged in Translation
Authors: Pringle Eric S. , McCormick Craig , Cheng Zhenyu
Published: October 2018

Post‐transcriptional regulation is an important aspect of the control of gene expression. mRNAs are translated with variable efficiencies, and these efficiencies can change rapidly during adaptation to diverse environmental factors, including cellular stresses and microbial infections. Polysome profiling analysis utilizes ultracentrifugation to isolate complexes of mRNAs in the process of translation and corresponding proteins on the basis of density. Here we describe polysome profiling analysis using a continuous ultraviolet spectrophotometer and a gradient fractionator. We provide protocols for processing sucrose gradient fractions for isolation of RNA for RT‐qPCR analysis and isolation of protein for SDS‐PAGE and immunoblot analysis. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Opportunities and Challenges Related to the Implementation of Model‐Based Bioequivalence Criteria
Authors: Seng Yue Corinne , Ozdin Deniz , Selber‐Hnatiw Susannah , Ducharme Murray P.
Published: October 2018

The science of bioequivalence and biosimilarity has greatly evolved over the past 3 decades. Current methods for assessing bioequivalence mostly rely on noncompartmental pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses, which have proven to be reliable and robust for most products. However, the development of more complex products is forcing scientists and regulators to consider alternative approaches, including those derived from model‐based population PK analyses. This article will examine the strengths and weaknesses of standard noncompartmental methods and compare them to model‐based approaches, including a comparison of metrics associated with each method. Specific situations for which model‐based approaches could prove to be more suitable will be presented, as well as potential bioequivalence metrics that could be considered for bioequivalence comparisons. The opportunities and challenges that are associated with these novel methods will also be discussed.
Retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of the Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytology: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of published literature
Authors: Farahani Sahar J , Baloch Zubair
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) has been widely utilized in establishing the nature of salivary gland lesions and guiding the clinical management. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of FNA in detecting salivary gland neoplasms and malignancies, employing the “Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology” (MSRSGC).

Method

A systematic search was conducted. The data on FNA and histologic diagnosis were extracted and categorized based on the MSRSGC and risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated. The risk of publication bias and level of heterogeneity were evaluated. A mixed‐effects model was used to estimate FNA accuracy. Meta‐regression was conducted to assess the potential effect of different variables on FNA accuracy.

Results

Ninety‐two studies with a total of 16 456 FNA with surgical follow‐up were included. ROM was estimated as 17%, 8%, 34%, 4%, 42%, 58%, and 91%, in nondiagnostic, nonneoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance, benign neoplasm, salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant groups, respectively. High level of heterogeneity was detected (P‐value <.001). Including cases with definite FNA diagnosis of neoplasm or malignancy, summary estimates of FNA sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive and negative likelihood ratio in detecting neoplasms and malignancies were 96.9%, 95.3%, 636.8, 20.5, and 0.03, and 80.5%, 97.9%, 189.5, 37.8, and 0.2, respectively. Meta‐regression showed several variables significantly impacting FNA accuracy; however, subgroup analysis did not reduce the level of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

FNA can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool in the preoperative evaluation and management of salivary glands lesions. Concise of abstract is using Milan system for reporting salivary gland FNA could increase FNA reliability, facilitate communication, and improve patient care.
Inhibitory effect of isavuconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole on the pharmacokinetics of methadone in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Shen Leibin , Wang Jun , Yi Yongdong , Ye Chenmin , Wang Rongrong , Xia Guojun , Yu Chengyang , Tu Fuyang , Xu Jingxuan , Zheng Zhiqiang
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of orally administered isavuconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole on the pharmacokinetics of methadone in rats. Twenty Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided randomly into four groups: Group A (control), group B (5 mg/kg isavuconazole), group C (5 mg/kg ketoconazole), and group D (5 mg/kg voriconazole). A single dose of methadone was administrated half an hour later. Methadone in plasma concentrations and its metabolite EDDP in microsomes were determined by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method (UPLC–MS/MS), and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS version 3.0. The Cmax of methadone in groups C and D increased to 2.7‐fold and 5‐fold, respectively. While AUC increased in three groups and group D increased the most. Also, isavuconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole showed inhibitory effect on human and rat microsomes. The inhibition ratios of isavuconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole in rat liver microsome were 97.87%, 96.74% and 78.9%, respectively (p < 0.01), while in human liver microsome, inhibition ratios were 86.97%, 96.46%, and 53.11%, respectively. And the IC50 for inhibition activity of isavuconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole in rat microsomes were 7.76 μM, 8.33 μM, and 4.45 μM, respectively. Our study indicated that taking methadone combine with ketoconazole, isavuconazole, or voriconazole could reduce the metabolism rate of methadone and prolong the pharmacological effects in vivo and in vitro.
Hidden cost of disease in a free‐ranging ungulate: brucellosis reduces mid‐winter pregnancy in elk
Authors: Cotterill Gavin G. , Cross Paul C. , Middleton Arthur D. , Rogerson Jared D. , Scurlock Brandon M. , du Toit Johan T.
Published: October 2018

Demonstrating disease impacts on the vital rates of free‐ranging mammalian hosts typically requires intensive, long‐term study. Evidence for chronic pathogens affecting reproduction but not survival is rare, but has the potential for wide‐ranging effects. Accurately quantifying disease‐associated reductions in fecundity is important for advancing theory, generating accurate predictive models, and achieving effective management. We investigated the impacts of brucellosis (Brucella abortus) on elk (Cervus canadensis) productivity using serological data from over 6,000 captures since 1990 in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA. Over 1,000 of these records included known age and pregnancy status. Using Bayesian multilevel models, we estimated the age‐specific pregnancy probabilities of exposed and naïve elk. We then used repeat‐capture data to investigate the full effects of the disease on life history. Brucellosis exposure reduced pregnancy rates of elk captured in mid‐ and late‐winter. In an average year, we found 60% of exposed 2‐year‐old elk were pregnant compared to 91% of their naïve counterparts (a 31 percentage point reduction, 89% HPDI = 20%–42%), whereas exposed 3‐ to 9‐year‐olds were 7 percentage points less likely to be pregnant than naïve elk of their same age (89% HPDI = 2%–11%). We found these reduced rates of pregnancy to be independent from disease‐induced abortions, which afflict a portion of exposed elk. We estimate that the combination of reduced pregnancy by mid‐winter and the abortions following mid‐winter reduces the reproductive output of exposed female elk by 24%, which affects population dynamics to a similar extent as severe winters or droughts. Exposing hidden reproductive costs of disease is essential to avoid conflating them with the effects of climate and predation. Such reproductive costs cause complex population dynamics, and the magnitude of the effect we found should drive a strong selection gradient if there is heritable resistance.
Local adaptation of photoperiodic plasticity maintains life cycle variation within latitudes in a butterfly
Authors: Lindestad Olle , Wheat Christopher W. , Nylin Sören , Gotthard Karl
Published: October 2018

The seasonal cycle varies geographically and organisms are under selection to express life cycles that optimally exploit their spatiotemporal habitats. In insects, this often means producing an annual number of generations (voltinism) appropriate to the local season length. Variation in voltinism may arise from variation in environmental factors (e.g., temperature or photoperiod) acting on a single reaction norm shared across populations, but it may also result from local adaptation of reaction norms. However, such local adaptation is poorly explored at short geographic distances, especially within latitudes. Using a combination of common‐garden rearing and life cycle modeling, we have investigated the causal factors behind voltinism variation in Swedish populations of the butterflyPararge aegeria, focusing on a set of populations that lie within a single degree of latitude but nonetheless differ in season length and voltinism. Despite considerable differences in ambient temperature between populations, modeling suggested that the key determinant of local voltinism was in fact interpopulation differences in photoperiodic response. These include differences in the induction thresholds for winter diapause, as well as differences in photoperiodic regulation of larval development, a widespread but poorly studied phenomenon. Our results demonstrate previously neglected ways that photoperiodism may mediate insect phenological responses to temperature, and emphasize the importance of local adaptation in shaping phenological patterns in general, as well as for predicting the responses of populations to changes in climate.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Synthesis of Fluorinated β‐Hydroxy Diazenes
Authors: Matador Esteban , de Gracia Retamosa María , Jiménez‐Sánchez Antonio , Monge David , Fernández Rosario , Lassaletta José M.
Published: October 2018

The nucleophilic addition of formaldehyde tert‐butyl hydrazone to fluoromethyl ketones provides a valuable tool for the synthesis of highly functionalized β‐hydroxy β‐tri‐ and difluoromethyl diazenes. Excellent reactivities and moderate to good enantioselectivities (up to 90 % ee) were achieved by H‐bonding activation exerted by tert‐Leucine derived H‐bonding (squaramide or thiourea) organocatalysts. Subsequent derivatizations in one‐pot fashion provide synthetically useful intermediates for target‐oriented synthesis: tri‐ and di‐fluoromethylated azoxy compounds, β‐amino alcohols, α‐hydroxy aldoximes and derivatives thereof.
High Sensitive Detection of Prostate Specific Antigen by Using Ferrocene Cored Asymmetric PAMAM Dendrimer Interface Screen Printed Electrodes
Authors: Cevik Emre
Published: October 2018

In this study, electrochemical immunosensors were developed for the detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) using ferrocene (Fc) and polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) constructs. The biosensor fabrication was designed by modifying the screen‐printed gold electrode (Au) with ferrocene cored dendrimers (FcPAMAM) synthesized in three different generations. The self‐assembled monolayer principle was followed, to obtain sensitive, selective and disposable electrodes. Therefore, the Au electrodes were modified with cysteamine (Cys) to obtain a functional surface for FcPAMAM dendrimers to bind. Dendrimer generations were attached to this surface using a cross‐linker (glutaraldehyde) so that a suitable surface was obtained for binding of biological components. The Monoclonal PSA antibody (anti‐PSA) was immobilized on the Au electrode surface which coated with dendrimer, and (Au/Cys/FcPAMAM/anti‐PSA) biosensing electrode was obtained. The PSA detection performances of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Amperometry based immunosensors exhibited very low detection limits; 0.001 ng mL−1 and 0.1 pg mL−1, respectively. In addition, EIS and Amperometry based biosensors using Au/Cys/FcPAMAM/anti‐PSA sensing electrode were represented excellent linear ranges of 0.01 ng mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 and 0.001 ng mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1. In order to determine the applicability recovery and selectivity tests were performed using three different proteins in human serum.
Modeling crop breeding for global food security during climate change
Authors: Cowling Wallace A. , Li Li , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Banks Robert G. , Kinghorn Brian P.
Published: October 2018

Simultaneous genetic improvements in grain yield and heat stress tolerance (HST) are necessary to avoid a fall in crop yields caused by global warming during the 21st century. Future food security depends on crop breeding solutions to this challenge, especially in developing countries where the need is greatest. We stochastically model a wheat breeding program during 60 years of rapid global warming based on rapid 2‐year cycles, with selection in early generations for HST, grain yield, disease resistance, and stem strength. In each cycle, breeding values were estimated by best linear unbiased prediction using all pedigree and phenotypic information (including selfing) back to the founders. We compared two methods of selection and mating design with similar costs. The first method was truncation selection for HST to match predicted increases in land temperatures followed by selection for an economic index composed of weighted estimated breeding values for each trait, followed by random pair‐wise mating among selections. The second method was optimal contributions selection (OCS) for the economic index with an overriding constraint to increase HST in each cycle to match global warming trends, and mating prescribed by OCS. Truncation selection caused a rapid loss of genetic diversity, and HST did not keep pace with global warming. Consequently, grain yield began to decline due to heat stress before 60 years. With OCS, HST matched global warming trends, the economic index almost tripled and grain yield nearly doubled during 60 years of global warming. OCS on an economic index, with a priority to meet HST, increased grain yields and avoided a major threat to global food security caused by global warming.
Statistical study on the environmental effects on the natural variation of nutritional components in rice varieties
Authors: Oh Seon‐Woo , Lee Soyoung , Park Sooyun , Lee Sanggu , Lee Seongkon , Cho Hyunsuk , Chung Youngsoo , Park Soonki
Published: October 2018

This study was investigated to compare the natural variation of nutrients in rice variety by different environmental factors. Fifteen kinds of rices were used, which were cultivated in two locations for 2 years. All data were analyzed by the various statistical tools to identify the nutritional variations of nutrients. The results of variable importance in the prediction analysis were found to be consistent with the % variability. The nutrient compositions most affected by variety were fatty acids, and next were vitamins, proximate nutrients, minerals, and amino acids in order. The nutrient compositions most affected by location were proximate, followed by minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids. For cultivation year, vitamins were most affected and then minerals, fatty acids, proximate nutrients, and amino acids in order. These findings could explain that each kind of nutrients can be naturally varied by different environmental factors.
Optimization of cellulase production under solid‐state fermentation by a new mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Darabzadeh Nazanin , Hamidi‐Esfahani Zohreh , Hejazi Parisa
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, the use of agricultural by‐products, as the cheap substrate for the production of value‐added products, is of high interest for the researchers and practitioners. Cellulase is a relatively expensive and a very important industrial enzyme where in this study was produced form rice by‐products under solid‐state fermentation. A new mutant of Trichoderma reesei was used for cellulase production. The effective variables were initially screened by “Plackett and Burman design.” Afterward, the main variables including moisture content, P source, incubation temperature, and incubation time were optimized by “one factor at a time design.” Finally, the resulting variables including 74% for moisture content, 2 g/L for K2HPO4, 30°C of incubation temperature, and 4 days of incubation time were reported as the ultimate optimal condition for cellulase production.
Robust Remote Sensing of Trace‐Level Heavy‐Metal Contaminants in Water Using Laser Filaments
Authors: Li Helong , Zang Hongwei , Xu Huailiang , Sun Hong‐Bo , Baltuška Andrius , Polynkin Pavel
Published: October 2018

Water is the major natural resource that enables life on our planet. Rapid detection of water pollution that occurs due to both human activity and natural cataclysms is imperative for environmental protection. Analytical chemistry–based techniques are generally not suitable for rapid monitoring because they involve collection of water samples and analysis in a laboratory. Laser‐based approaches such as laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) may offer a powerful alternative, yet conventional LIBS relies on the use of tightly focused laser beams, requiring a stable air–water interface in a controlled environment. Reported here is a proof‐of‐principle, quantitative, simultaneous measurement of several representative heavy‐metal contaminants in water, at ppm‐level concentrations, using ultraintense femtosecond laser pulses propagating in air in the filamentation regime. This approach is straightforwardly extendable to kilometer‐scale standoff distances, under adverse atmospheric conditions and is insensitive to the movements of the water surface due to the topography and water waves.
Heterogeneity of the astrocytic AMPA‐receptor transcriptome
Authors: Mölders Andrea , Koch Angela , Menke Raphael , Klöcker Nikolaj
Published: October 2018

Astrocytes form the largest class of glial cells in the central nervous system. They serve plenty of diverse functions that range from supporting the formation and proper operation of synapses to controlling the blood–brain barrier. For many of them, the expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors of the AMPA subtype (AMPARs) in astrocytes is of key importance. AMPARs form as macromolecular protein complexes, whose composition of the pore‐lining GluA subunits and of an extensive set of core and peripheral complex constituents defines both their trafficking and gating behavior. Although astrocytic AMPARs have been reported to exhibit heterogeneous properties, their molecular composition is largely unknown. In this study, we sought to quantify the astrocytic AMPAR transcriptome during brain development and with respect to selected brain regions. Whereas the early postnatal pattern of AMPAR mRNA expression showed minor variation over time, it did show significant heterogeneity in different brain regions. Cerebellar astrocytes express a combination of AMPAR complex constituents that is remarkably distinct from the one in neocortical or hippocampal astrocytes. Our study provides a workflow and a first reference for future investigations into the molecular and functional diversity of glial AMPARs.
Reducing uncertainty in follow‐up foreign direct investment: Imitation by family firms
Authors: Fourné Sebastian P. L. , Zschoche Miriam
Published: October 2018

Research Summary

This paper examines to what extent family firms rely on imitation when deciding on foreign investment growth, highlighting the role of mimetic isomorphism and social categories. We propose that family firms pursue trait‐based imitation to reduce uncertainty in follow‐up foreign direct investment (FDI), and test our predictions on a large sample of German family firms. We find that family firms imitate successful peers that are also owned by a family. A family firm's tendency to imitate is strengthened during the initial years in a foreign market or when the firm is publicly listed. Performance below or above social aspiration strengthens or weakens imitation, respectively. We discuss the implications for research at the nexus of foreign investment growth, social categories, and the pursuit of imitation by family firms.

Managerial Summary

Experience in a foreign market helps firms to reduce uncertainty in follow‐up FDI. Besides experience gathered from own investments, firms might also learn from investment decision of peers in this market. By examining the foreign investment strategies of family firms over time, this study identifies mimetic behavior in follow‐up FDI. The inclination to imitate visible, family‐owned peer firms is stronger during the initial years in a foreign market, when underperforming relative to competitors, and when there are outside shareholders. Family firm managers rely less on imitation when outperforming their competitors.
Regional subcortical shape analysis in premanifest Huntington's disease
Authors: Tang Xiaoying , Ross Christopher A. , Johnson Hans , Paulsen Jane S. , Younes Laurent , Albin Roger L. , Ratnanather J. Tilak , Miller Michael I.
Published: October 2018

Huntington's disease (HD) involves preferential and progressive degeneration of striatum and other subcortical regions as well as regional cortical atrophy. It is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Huntingtin gene, and the longer the expansion the earlier the age of onset. Atrophy begins prior to manifest clinical signs and symptoms, and brain atrophy in premanifest expansion carriers can be studied. We employed a diffeomorphometric pipeline to contrast subcortical structures’ morphological properties in a control group with three disease groups representing different phases of premanifest HD (far, intermediate, and near to onset) as defined by the length of the CAG expansion and the participant's age (CAG‐Age‐Product). A total of 1,428 magnetic resonance image scans from 694 participants from the PREDICT‐HD cohort were used. We found significant region‐specific atrophies in all subcortical structures studied, with the estimated abnormality onset time varying from structure to structure. Heterogeneous shape abnormalities of caudate nuclei were present in premanifest HD participants estimated furthest from onset and putaminal shape abnormalities were present in participants intermediate to onset. Thalamic, hippocampal, and amygdalar shape abnormalities were present in participants nearest to onset. We assessed whether the estimated progression of subcortical pathology in premanifest HD tracked specific pathways. This is plausible for changes in basal ganglia circuits but probably not for changes in hippocampus and amygdala. The regional shape analyses conducted in this study provide useful insights into the effects of HD pathology in subcortical structures.
[FeFe]‐hydrogenase H‐cluster mimics mediated by mixed (S, Se) and (S, Te) bridging moieties: Insight into molecular structures and electrochemical characteristics
Authors: Abul‐Futouh Hassan , El‐khateeb Mohammad , Görls Helmar , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

Two synthetic models of the active site of [FeFe]‐hydrogenase containing mixed (S, Se) and (S, Te) bridges have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐S(CH2)4E‐μ)}] (E = Se (1), Te (2)) are obtained in moderate yields from the reaction of Fe3(CO)12 with 1,2‐thiaselenane or 1,2‐thiatellurane. They have been characterized by spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H‐, 13C{1H}‐, 77Se{1H}‐, 125Te{1H}‐NMR, and MS) and elemental analysis. The structures of [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐S(CH2)4Se‐μ)}] and [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐S(CH2)4Te‐μ)}] are determined by X‐ray structure determination and show the expected butterfly geometry. Moreover, the influence of the mixed chalcogen atoms on the redox properties and the catalytic behavior of 1 and 2 are studied using cyclic voltammetry.
Fermented dairy foods intake and risk of cancer
Authors: Zhang Kui , Dai Hao , Liang Weibo , Zhang Lin , Deng Zhenhua
Published: October 2018

Fermented dairy foods are known to be nutrient‐rich and probiotic content, which gather optimism due to their potential in prevention and management of cancer. We searched the PubMed, Embase and CNKI databases for all available studies through July 2018 on the association between fermented dairy foods intake and cancer risk. The odds ratio (OR) corresponding to the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the association using a random‐effect meta‐analysis. Finally, 61 studies met the inclusion criteria for our study, with 1,962,774 participants and 38,358 cancer cases. Overall, statistical evidence of significantly decreased cancer risk was found to be associated with fermented dairy foods intake (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.80–0.92) in cohort studies. Yogurt consumption was significantly with decreased cancer risk in the overall comparison (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80–0.95) and in the cohort studies (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.74–0.88). In terms of subgroup analyses by cancer type, fermented dairy foods intake significantly decreased bladder cancer, colorectal cancer and esophageal cancer risk. In stratified analyses, significantly decreased colorectal cancer risk was found to be associated with cheese intake. Yogurt consumption was significantly decreased bladder cancer and colorectal cancer risk. Our meta‐analysis indicated that fermented dairy foods intake was associated with an overall decrease in cancer risk.
The simultaneous disclosure of shareholder and stakeholder corporate governance practices and their antecedents
Authors: Gyapong Ernest , Afrifa Godfred Adjapong
Published: October 2018

In making corporate governance (CG)‐related disclosure, firms may solely focus on shareholders or may broaden their scope of disclosure to serve other stakeholders as well. This study examines whether there are differences in the disclosure of shareholder and stakeholder CG practices. Based on a hand‐collected dataset of 1,110 firm years in South Africa and a disclosure index using 72 CG provisions from the King III report of CG, we find that the disclosure of stakeholder CG practices is higher than that of shareholder CG practices. Our evidence suggests that foreign ownership, institutional ownership, racial diversity, and gender diversity increase total voluntary disclosure. In contrast, chief executive officer (CEO) age decreases total voluntary disclosure. Also, although foreign ownership, institutional ownership, gender diversity, and racial diversity increase both shareholder and stakeholder CG disclosures, CEO age has a negative relationship with both shareholder and stakeholder CG disclosures. Further, board size reduces shareholder disclosure but not stakeholder disclosure. Our results further indicate that, ceteris paribus, the extent of shareholder CG disclosure relative to stakeholder CG disclosure is (a) lower with board size, gender diversity, and racial diversity and (b) higher with the level of institutional ownership. Our findings are robust across a raft of econometric techniques.
Abortion as a human right: The struggle to implement the abortion law in Colombia
Authors: Stifani Bianca M. , Gil Urbano Laura , Gonzalez Velez Ana Cristina , Villarreal Velásquez Cristina
Published: October 2018

In 2006, a Colombian Constitutional Court decision legalized abortion in cases of risk to a woman's physical or mental health, fetal malformation incompatible with life, or rape or incest. This decision resulted from legal action brought by feminist groups, and frames abortion as a human right. Advocates played a key role in implementing the new law by educating providers and the public about its broad interpretations. Healthcare providers and facilities did not have an organized response to the new law. Nonprofit organizations filled this gap, and provide a majority of legal abortions throughout the country. Civil society facilitated implementation of the new law by providing legal accompaniment to women facing barriers to accessing abortions. Despite these efforts, few legal abortions are performed each year, and clandestine, often unsafe abortions continue to prevail. Lack of information about the new law, stigma, and fluctuating political will remain key barriers.
From harm reduction to legalization: The Uruguayan model for safe abortion
Authors: Stifani Bianca M. , Couto Martin , Lopez Gomez Alejandra
Published: October 2018

Advocacy by feminists and healthcare providers was essential in passing the 2012 bill legalizing abortion in Uruguay, which was primarily framed in terms of a public health imperative. Prior to legalization, a group of influential physicians had established a “harm reduction” approach consisting of pre‐ and postabortion counseling with a focus on safer abortion methods. The existence of a network of providers from this initiative facilitated the implementation of abortion services after legalization. Particularities of the Uruguayan model include a strong focus on medical abortion, and a multidisciplinary approach to patient counseling. The implementation of services was largely successful, and rates of abortion‐related morbidity and mortality have decreased. Remaining concerns include high rates of conscientious objection and insufficient human resources to staff interdisciplinary counseling teams. The focus on medical abortion has led to a lack of method choice. Finally, data collection gaps complicate monitoring and identification of barriers to access.
Label‐free optical detection of cyclosporine in biological fluids
Authors: Marzejon Marcin , Kosowska Monika , Majchrowicz Daria , Bułło‐Piontecka Barbara , Wąsowicz Michał , Jędrzejewska‐Szczerska Małgorzata
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a spectroscopic method for determination of cyclosporine concentrations in biological fluids is presented. Blood plasma and hemoglobin solutions are chosen for the experiment. For various cyclosporine concentrations in blood plasma and hemoglobin, absorbance measurements in spectra range from 600 to 1100 nm are performed. The measurement results are analyzed by the use of a dedicated algorithm. The obtained data are characterized by a high coefficient of correlation R2, which is equal to 0.9461 and 0.9808 for blood plasma and hemoglobin, respectively. The proposed method enables the selective detection of cyclosporine level and could be applied in medicine and laboratory diagnostics. The obtained result can be the base to build the point‐of‐care CsA level detection optical sensor.
Hemostasis testing and therapeutic plasma exchange: Results of a practice survey
Authors: Zantek Nicole D. , Pagano Monica B. , Rollins‐Raval Marian A. , Smith Roy E. , Schmidt Amy E. , Crane Jason E. , Boral Leonard I. , Li Yanhua , Svensson Annika M. , Yamada Chisa , Wu Yanyun , Wong Edward C. C.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Performing therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with albumin replacement decreases coagulation factor and platelet levels. No defined guidelines exist regarding laboratory testing to assess hemostasis in patients undergoing TPE.

Materials and methods

A survey to evaluate hemostasis testing with TPE was distributed using online survey software. One response per institution was analyzed based on a hierarchical algorithm, excluding membrane filtration users, resulting in a maximum of 120 respondents per question. Descriptive analysis was performed with results reported as the number and/or frequency (%) of respondents to each question.

Results

The practices represented vary by institution type, number of apheresis procedures per year, and performance of TPE on children. Prior to TPE planned with albumin replacement, many respondents obtain laboratory studies for almost all patients (54.9% outpatients and 68.7% inpatients); however, some do not routinely obtain laboratory studies (9.7% outpatients and 4.4% inpatients). Hemoglobin/hematocrit, platelet count, fibrinogen, partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and international normalized ratio (INR) are obtained prior to all TPE by 62.5%, 53.4%, 31.0%, 18.1%, and 17.7% of respondents, respectively; however, 1.0%, 8.7%, 29.0%, 38.3%, and 35.4%, respectively, do not routinely obtain these studies. Variation was observed in laboratory threshold values for action; the most common reported were hemoglobin/hematocrit <7 g/dL or 21% (31.0%), platelet count <50 × 109/L (24.1%), fibrinogen <100 mg/dL (65.3%), aPTT >reference range and >1.5 times reference range (tied, 28.1%), and INR >1.5 (20.7%).

Conclusions

Practice variation exists in hemostasis laboratory testing and threshold values for action with TPE. Further studies are needed to determine optimal hemostasis testing strategies with TPE.
NAP modulates hyperglycemic–inflammatory event of diabetic retina by counteracting outer blood retinal barrier damage
Authors: D'Amico Agata Grazia , Maugeri Grazia , Rasà Daniela , Federico Concetta , Saccone Salvatore , Lazzara Francesca , Fidilio Annamaria , Drago Filippo , Bucolo Claudio , D'Agata Velia
Published: October 2018

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. Prolonged hyperglycemia stimulates inflammatory pathway characterized by the release of some cytokines leading to the impairment of blood retinal barrier (BRB). NAP exerts a protective effect in various eye diseases, including DR. So far, the role of NAP in the modulation of inflammatory event during early phase of this pathology has not been investigated yet. In the current study, we have studied the retinal protective effect of NAP, injected into the eye, in diabetic rats. NAP treatment exerts a dual effect downregulating interleukin (IL)‐1β and its related receptors and upregulating IL‐1Ra expression. We have also tested the role of this peptide in human retinal epithelial cells (ARPE19) cultured on a semipermeable support and exposed to hyperglycemic–inflammatory insult, representing a in vitro model of diabetic macular edema, a clinical manifestation of DR. The results have shown that NAP prevents outer BRB impairment by upregulating the tight junctions. In conclusion, deepened characterization of NAP action mechanism on hyperglycemic–inflammatory damage may be useful to develop a new strategy to prevent retinal damage during DR.
Impact of sarcopenia on prognostic value of cirrhosis: going beyond the hepatic venous pressure gradient and MELD score
Authors: Kang Seong Hee , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Baik Soon Koo , Cha Seung Hwan , Kim Moon Young
Published: October 2018

Background

Sarcopenia has been reported as a prognostic factor. We evaluated the impact of sarcopenia to the conventional prognostic factors [Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG)] in cirrhosis.

Methods

Overall, 452 patients with cirrhosis were stratified by MELD score (low < 15, high ≥ 15), CTP class, and HVPG [non‐clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), 6–9 mmHg; CSPH, 10–19 mmHg; extremely severe PH, ≥20 mmHg]. L3 skeletal muscle index as marker of sarcopenia was subdivided into quartiles (47.01–52.25–58.22 cm2/m2).

Results

Among the patients, 42% (190/452) presented with sarcopenia. During a median follow‐up period of 21.2 months, sarcopenia was associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.253, P < 0.001) and specifically with compensated and early decompensated stages of cirrhosis, but not with advanced decompensated stages; low (P < 0.001) and high (P = 0.095) MELD scores; CTP classes A (P = 0.034), B (P < 0.001), and C (P = 0.205); and non‐CSPH (P = 0.018), CSPH (P < 0.001), and extremely severe PH (P = 0.846). In quartiles of sarcopenia, MELD score, CTP class, and HVPG were independent predictors of mortality in non‐sarcopenia, but not in severe sarcopenia (MELD, P = 0.182; CTP, P = 0.187; HVPG, P = 0.077).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is associated with mortality in compensated and early decompensated cirrhosis, and existing conventional prognostic factors had limited value in severe sarcopenia. Therefore, incorporating sarcopenia in the conventional prognostic factors had added value, particularly in compensated and early decompensated cirrhosis. Subclassification of prognostic factors according to sarcopenia may help to better assess the prognosis of cirrhosis.
Paediatric appendiceal ultrasound: a survey of Australasian sonographers’ opinions on examination performance and sonographic criteria
Authors: Reddan Tristan , Corness Jonathan , Harden Fiona , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The objectives of this study were to identify knowledge gaps and/or perceived limitations in the performance of paediatric appendiceal ultrasound by Australasian sonographers. We hypothesised that: sonographers’ confidence in visualising the appendix in children was poor, particularly outside predominantly paediatric practice; workplace support for prolonging examinations to improve visualisation was limited; and the sonographic criteria applied in diagnosis did not reflect contemporary literature.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of Australasian sonographers regarding paediatric appendicitis was conducted using a mixed methods approach (quantitative and qualitative data). Text responses were analysed for key themes, and quantitative data analysed using chi‐square, Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests.

Results

Of the 124 respondents, 27 (21.8%) reported a visualisation rate of less than 10%. Workplace support for extending examination time was significantly related to a higher appendix visualisation rate (χ2(2) = 16.839, P < 0.001). Text responses reported frustration locating the appendix and a desire for more time and practice to improve visualisation. Sonographers suggested a significantly lower maximum diameter cut‐off in a 5‐year‐old compared to a 13‐year‐old (Z = −6.07, P < 0.001), and considered the presence of inflamed peri‐appendiceal mesentery as the most useful sonographic criterion in diagnosing acute appendicitis.

Conclusions

Respondents had a low opinion of their ability to confidently identify the appendix. Confidence was greater in those centres where extending scanning time was encouraged. Application of echogenic mesentery as the most significant secondary sonographic criterion is supported by recent studies. Opinions of diameter cut‐offs varied, indicating potential for improved awareness of recent research.
Teams as boundaries: How intra‐team and inter‐team brokerage influence network changes in knowledge‐seeking networks
Authors: Balkundi Prasad , Wang Lei , Kishore Rajiv
Published: October 2018

What role does an ego's brokerage location—within a team (intra‐team) or outside the team (inter‐team)—play in the evolution of an instrumental knowledge‐seeking network in terms of both proximal (i.e., within the team) and distal (i.e., outside the team) tie formation and tie decay? We address this question by drawing on literature about social networks, brokerage, and teams. We use temporally separated data from 302 students embedded in 97 teams to test our hypotheses about the impacts of intra‐team and inter‐team brokerage on proximal and distal network evolution, specifically on four network changes in knowledge‐seeking networks: proximal tie formation, proximal tie decay, distal tie formation, and distal tie decay. We find that these four changes depend on individual network brokerage location even after controlling for personality and task characteristics. Specifically, inter‐team brokers change their networks both within and outside their teams, whereas intra‐team brokers curtail their network changes. We argue that these opposite effects occur because inter‐team brokers have greater autonomy than intra‐team brokers. This study adds to the ongoing dialog about network evolution in social network literature and to the conversations about brokerage and its location in the context of team‐based work.
Gold‐patterned microarray chips for ultrasensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection of ultratrace samples
Authors: Chen Si , Guo Zhinan , Sang David K. , Wang Huide , Xu Yanhua , Tang Siying , Luo Qian , Cao Rui , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Ling , Liao Jianghai , Zhang Han , Yu Xue‐Feng , Zhao Bing , Fan Dianyuan
Published: October 2018

This paper reports the fabrication of gold‐patterned microarray chips for fast and ultrasensitive surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of trace samples. By micro‐nano machining based on electron‐beam lithography, magnetron sputtering, and chemical modification, gold‐patterned microarray chips with hydrophilic and hydrophobic periodic structures are fabricated, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer is coated on the surface of the gold well, making the chips long‐term stable. The hydrophilic surface of each gold well is surrounded by a hydrophobic layer, which makes the ultratrace sample amount for SERS measurement only 0.3 μl. In the detection of malachite green (MG), 4‐mercaptopyridine (4‐MPY), rhodamine 6G (R6G), and melamine, great enhanced SERS signals with the detection limit reaching nM level can be achieved due to the enrichment effect of the periodic structures and the hot‐spots generated between the sandwich structure built on the gold wells. Such gold‐patterned microarray chip is promising in fast and ultrasensitive SERS detection of various chemical and biological species with trace amount.
Development of conventional PCR and real‐time PCR assays to discriminate the origins of Chinese pepper oil and herbal materials from Zanthoxylum
Authors: Kim Wook Jin , Yang Sungyu , Choi Goya , Park Inkyu , Noh Pureum , Seo Chang‐Seob , Moon Byeong Cheol
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

To ensure the safety, quality and therapeutic efficacy of processed foods and herbal medicines, it is important to identify and discriminate economically motivated adulterants. Zanthoxylum schinifolium is sold at a higher price than other Zanthoxylum species and is frequently adulterated with closely related Zanthoxylum species because of its high demand as a Korean food ingredient and medicinal material in markets. In addition, the pericarps of three Zanthoxylum species (Z. schinifolium, Z. bungeanum and Z. piperitum) are defined as herbal medicine Zanthoxyli Pericarpium in Korean pharmacopoeias, but not Z. piperitum in Chinese pharmacopoeias. Further confusion arises in the morphological similarity between Z. armatum (adulterant) and Z. bungeanum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker for discrimination of four Zanthoxylum species.

RESULTS

With the goal of developing rapid and reliable tools for genetic discrimination of authentic Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, we designed species‐specific SCAR markers, based on ITS2 sequences, that generate amplicons of less than 200 bp. Using these markers, we established both conventional and real‐time PCR assay methods capable of differentiating samples at the species level. We validated the ability of SCAR markers to authenticate edible oil and herbal medicine, and confirmed that some herbal medicines contaminated with Z. armatum are being distributed as Zanthoxyli Pericarpium in Korean and Chinese markets.

CONCLUSIONS

The SCAR markers and PCR methods described represent powerful tools for protecting against adulteration and ensuring standardization of processed foods and herbal medicine. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of Fluid Bolus Therapy on Extravascular Lung Water Measured by Lung Ultrasound in Children With a Presumptive Clinical Diagnosis of Sepsis
Authors: Long Elliot , O'Brien Adam , Duke Trevor , Oakley Ed , Babl Franz E. ,   on behalf of the Pediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Fluid bolus therapy for the treatment of sepsis may lead to the accumulation of extravascular lung water (EVLW) and result in respiratory dysfunction. We aimed to assess changes in EVLW using lung ultrasound (US) in children with a presumptive clinical diagnosis of sepsis after fluid bolus therapy and correlate these changes with respiratory signs.

Methods

This work was a prospective observational study set in the emergency department of the Royal Children's Hospital. Children meeting international consensus criteria for sepsis receiving fluid bolus therapy were included. Respiratory signs were recorded, and lung US examinations were performed immediately before, 5 minutes after, and 60 minutes after fluid bolus therapy. A pediatric emergency physician blinded to the participants’ identities and timing of US calculated an EVLW score from lung US.

Results—Fifty fluid boluses were recorded in 41 children. The lung US score (range, 0–8) increased over the study period: median, 1 (interquartile range, 0–2) before fluid bolus therapy, 1 (interquartile range, 0–3) 5 minutes after fluid bolus therapy, and 3 (interquartile range, 1–4) 60 minutes after fluid bolus therapy. Respiratory effort, but not the respiratory rate or the presence of rales, increased over the study period and was correlated with the lung US score (ρ = 0.33; P = .02).

Conclusions

Extravascular lung water as measured by lung US increased after fluid bolus therapy in septic children and was correlated with an increase in the respiratory distress score. The respiratory rate and the presence of rales did not change over the study period. The role of lung US for titrating fluid bolus therapy in sepsis warrants further investigation.
Goat grazing reduces diversity and leads to functional, taxonomic, and phylogenetic homogenization in an arid shrubland
Authors: Salgado‐Luarte Cristian , Escobedo Víctor M. , Stotz Gisela C. , Rios Rodrigo S. , Arancio Gina , Gianoli Ernesto
Published: October 2018

Livestock production is an important activity in drylands. However, lack of adequate regulation of ranching activities can lead to the degradation of plant communities, which in turn can impact ecosystem functioning. In the arid ecosystems of north‐central Chile, unregulated goat grazing is widespread. Because the vegetation has a relatively short evolutionary history of grazing, it is expected to be highly susceptible to this activity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of goat grazing on plant taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic community structure by comparing 39‐year‐old grazing exclusion plots and unprotected plots in an arid shrubland in north‐central Chile. By integrating analyses of the impact of goat grazing on functional and phylogenetic diversity and dispersion, we studied the mechanisms behind goat impact and the potential consequences. Loss of functional and/or phylogenetic diversity can result in important losses in ecosystem function. As a measure of functional diversity, we recorded plant growth form, life span, and life form. We also reconstructed a phylogeny of all plant species found at the study site and determined the phylogenetic structure of the plant community in ungrazed and grazed areas. We found that goat grazing affected diversity and community composition, leading to taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic biotic homogenization and causing overall community impoverishment. Goats acted as a habitat filter, increasing functional convergence and promoting the establishment of exotics plants, which can lead to further losses of biodiversity, decreased ecosystem function and overall lower ecosystem stability. Our results indicate that sustainable management strategies are necessary to prevent the further degradation of these ecosystems.