bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermochemical Energy Storage using LiNO3‐Doped Mg(OH)2: A Dehydration Study
Authors: Shkatulov Alexandr I. , Aristov Yuri
Published: March 2018

The development of advanced materials with high energy density for thermochemical energy storage (TCES) may contribute to the utilization of waste heat from industries. Here, magnesium hydroxide doped with lithium nitrate is investigated as a candidate material for TCES. The doping with LiNO3 depresses the dehydration start temperature by 76 °C while the dehydration heat is reduced only slightly. Kinetics of the dehydration of the doped material are studied for various salt contents and temperatures. The effect of the salt on dehydration is investigated using a series of complementary physicochemical methods (powder X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption) and a thermodynamic model of the effect is discussed.
Exchange rate forecasting and the performance of currency portfolios
Authors: Crespo Cuaresma Jesus , Fortin Ines , Hlouskova Jaroslava
Published: March 2018

We examine the potential gains of using exchange rate forecast models and forecast combination methods in the management of currency portfolios for three exchange rates: the euro versus the US dollar, the British pound, and the Japanese yen. We use a battery of econometric specifications to evaluate whether optimal currency portfolios implied by trading strategies based on exchange rate forecasts outperform single currencies and the equally weighted portfolio. We assess the differences in profitability of optimal currency portfolios for different types of investor preferences, two trading strategies, mean squared error‐based composite forecasts, and different forecast horizons. Our results indicate that there are clear benefits of integrating exchange rate forecasts from state‐of‐the‐art econometric models in currency portfolios. These benefits vary across investor preferences and prediction horizons but are rather similar across trading strategies.
Leea macrophylla Roxb. leaf extract potentially helps normalize islet of β‐cells damaged in STZ‐induced albino rats
Authors: Rahman Md. Atiar , Chowdhury J. M. Kamirul Hasan , Aklima Jannatul , Azadi Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2018

This research aims to investigate the protective effects Leea macrophylla Roxb polyphenols on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Polyphenolic assays were undertaken through established methods. To conduct animal intervention study, forty Wistar albino male rats (average body weight 188.42 ± 7.13 g) of different groups were diabetized by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) only in the animals of diabetic control (DC) and L. macrophylla extract (LM) groups. At the end of 4 weeks of intervention, serum was analyzed for insulin, liver and cardiac enzymes, lipid profiles, uric acid, and creatinine using ELISA method. In vitro α‐amylase inhibition of LM was evaluated and compared with reference drug acarbose. Pancreatic tissues were undertaken for histopathological screening. Food and fluid intake, weekly blood glucose level, liver glycogen, aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK‐MB), cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly decreased, whereas oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) ability, serum insulin concentration, and pancreatic islets morphology were significantly improved in the LM300 treatment group compared to the DC group. Alpha‐amylase inhibition was not found to be very promising for guiding the α‐amylase inhibition pathway. Results suggest that L. macrophylla can exert a potential effort to restore pancreatic β‐cell damaged by streptozotocin induction.
Comparison Between the Constant Dummy Load and Step Load Shut‐Down Strategy for PEMFCs
Authors: Lin R. , Xia S. , Zhang Q. , Dutruel B.
Published: March 2018

Carbon corrosion of catalyst layer (CL) caused by start‐up/shut‐down (SU/SD) conditions in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) decreases the durability of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). It is reported that the dummy load shut‐down strategy helps alleviating the carbon corrosion. In this paper, constant load strategy and step load strategy are applied during 900 SU/SD cycles each, to investigate the effects of different dummy load forms on the durability of PEMFC. Reversal current is observed during the last phase of 5 A constant loading process, while there is no reversal current during the step load strategy. The results obtained through polarization curves, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) technologies, prove the step load strategy more efficient to alleviate the performance decay. Therefore, the step load strategy can improve the durability of PEMFC.
Subduction contribution to the magma source of the Okinawa Trough—Evidence from boron isotopes
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhai Shikui , Yu Zenghui , Guo Kun , Wang Shujie
Published: March 2018

Boron (B) has been an excellent geochemical tracer for the investigation of magmatism in arcs and back‐arc basins, due to its high fluid mobility and distinct isotope compositions in the mantle wedge and subducting slabs. In this study, B isotope compositions of the volcanic rocks collected from the northern, middle, and southern Okinawa Trough were determined to discuss the sources of B in the magma and assess the contribution of subduction components to the magma source. The results show that B in the volcanic rocks from the Okinawa Trough are mainly from the underlying mantle wedge but influenced by the fluids derived from the subducted slab. Compared with volcanic rocks from the middle Okinawa Trough, samples from the southern Okinawa Trough are generated from the source with larger proportion of subduction components. For the volcanic rocks from the northern Okinawa Trough, the influence of the subduction components is the most significant and the proportion of slab‐derived B in the magma reaches up to 30%. It is estimated that the subduction components are composed of altered oceanic crust/serpentinite fluid and sediment fluid with the proportion of 94:6. The B‐rich fluid, loaded by cold and fast dipping slab, released into overlying mantle wedge resulting in partial melting of mantle is the genetic mechanism of B‐rich volcanic rocks in the Okinawa Trough.
Transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery via the tri‐vestibular approach with a hybrid space‐maintaining method: A preliminary report
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Ziyi , Zhao Qunzi , Xie Qiuping , Yan Haichao , Yu Xing , Xiang Cheng , Zhang Maolin , Wang Ping
Published: March 2018

Background

Transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery has been introduced in a few institutions. The purpose of this study was to present an innovative hybrid space‐maintaining method for the tri‐vestibular approach.

Methods

Eighteen consecutive patients underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy. Three incisions were made in the vestibule. The surgical space was maintained with CO2 insufflation along with a suspension device. Thyroidectomy and central neck dissection (CND) were performed safely and effectively.

Results

The mean operation time was 124 minutes for a simple lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, and isthmectomy in 8 patients, 172 minutes for hemithyroidectomy with ipsilateral CND in 8 patients, and 205 minutes for total thyroidectomy with ipsilateral CND in 7 patients. Transient superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injury occurred in 3 patients and transient mental nerve injury was found in 1 patient. No evidence of recurrence or metastasis was found at follow‐up.

Conclusion

This approach brings satisfactory cosmetic effect along with minimal invasion. Further study is needed to verify its validity.
Indeterminate pediatric acute liver failure is uniquely characterized by a CD103+CD8+ T‐cell infiltrate
Authors: Chapin Catherine A. , Burn Thomas , Meijome Tomas , Loomes Kathleen M. , Melin‐Aldana Hector , Kreiger Portia A , Whitington Peter F. , Behrens Edward M. , Alonso Estella M.
Published: March 2018

The cause of pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is unknown in up to 40% of cases. Evidence suggests that aberrant immune system activation may play a role. We hypothesized that indeterminate PALF cases would exhibit a unique pattern of hepatic inflammation. This was a retrospective and prospective study of PALF cases due to indeterminate (iPALF), autoimmune hepatitis, or known diagnosis (dPALF) etiology. Liver tissue sections were stained with immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic T‐cells (cluster of differentiation 8 [CD8]), perforin, and tissue resident memory T‐cells (CD103) and scored as minimal, moderate, or dense. Lymphocytes were isolated from liver tissue for T‐cell receptor beta sequencing and flow‐cytometric studies. Thirty‐three iPALF, 9 autoimmune hepatitis, and 14 dPALF cases were included. Dense hepatic infiltrates of CD8+ T‐cells were found in 27 (82%) iPALF cases compared to 1 (7%) dPALF case (P < 0.0001). Perforin staining was dense or moderate in 19 (73%) of 26 iPALF cases compared to minimal in all 7 dPALF cases (P = 0.004); 16 (62%) of 26 iPALF cases had dense CD103 staining compared to none of the 6 dPALF cases (P = 0.001). T‐cell receptor beta sequencing of iPALF cases demonstrated increased clonality compared to dPALF and control cases. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry revealed that iPALF intrahepatic leukocytes were predominantly tissue resident memory CD8+ T‐cells. Conclusion: Indeterminate PALF is characterized by a dense CD8+ T‐cell hepatic infiltrate consistent with expansion of a tissue resident memory T‐cell phenotype; CD8+ T‐cells are a biomarker of immune dysregulation in iPALF and may be used to better identify and define this group. (Hepatology 2018).
Hepatocyte microvesicle levels improve prediction of mortality in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Payancé Audrey , Silva‐Junior Gilberto , Bissonnette Julien , Tanguy Marion , Pasquet Blandine , Levi Cristina , Roux Olivier , Nekachtali Ouardia , Baiges Anna , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , Laouénan Cédric , Lebrec Didier , Albuquerque Miguel , Paradis Valérie , Moreau Richard , Valla Dominique , Durand François , Boulanger Chantal M. , Garcia‐Pagan Juan‐Carlos , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

Microvesicles (MVs) are extracellular vesicles released by cells following activation or apoptosis. Some MV subpopulations augment with cirrhosis severity and contribute to portal hypertension. This study aimed at determining if plasma MV levels can estimate the presence of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥10 mm Hg and predict mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. All patients with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis undergoing liver catheterization between 2013 and 2015 at two centers were prospectively included. We measured circulating levels of annexin V+, platelet, leukocyte, endothelial, and hepatocyte MVs. The test cohort included 139 patients. Hepatocyte MV levels were 4.0‐fold and 2.2‐fold higher in patients with Child‐Pugh C than in those with Child‐Pugh A or B liver disease, respectively. Levels of other MV subpopulations were not influenced by liver disease severity. Hepatocyte MV levels correlated with HVPG but could not identify patients with HVPG ≥10 mm Hg. Hepatocyte MV level >65 U/L predicted 6‐month mortality independently of Child‐Pugh score and of Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD). Patients with hepatocyte MV levels >65 U/L and MELD >15 had a higher 6‐month mortality than other patients (23% versus 3%; P = 0.001). These findings were confirmed in a validation cohort including 103 patients. Conclusion: Circulating MV levels cannot identify patients with HVPG ≥10 mm Hg; by contrast, hepatocyte MV levels strongly improve prediction of 6‐month mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease; therapies associated with decreased levels of circulating hepatocyte MV might be attractive strategies in patients with severe cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2018).
Biliary Atresia: Clinical and Research Challenges for the Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Bezerra Jorge A. , Wells Rebecca G. , Mack Cara L. , Karpen Saul J. , Hoofnagle Jay H. , Doo Edward , Sokol Ronald J.
Published: March 2018

Biliary atresia (BA) is a fibroinflammatory disease of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree. Surgical hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE) may restore bile drainage, but progression of the intrahepatic disease results in complications of portal hypertension and advanced cirrhosis in most children. Recognizing that further progress in the field is unlikely without a better understanding of the underlying cause(s) and pathogenesis of the disease, the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) sponsored a research workshop focused on innovative and promising approaches and on identifying future areas of research. Investigators discussed recent advances using gestational ultrasound and results of newborn BA screening with serum direct (conjugated) bilirubin that support a prenatal onset of biliary injury. Experimental and human studies implicate the toxic properties of environmental toxins (e.g., biliatresone) and of viruses (e.g., cytomegalovirus) to the biliary system. Among host factors, sequence variants in genes related to biliary development and ciliopathies, a notable lack of a cholangiocyte glycocalyx and of submucosal collagen bundles in the neonatal extrahepatic bile ducts, and an innate proinflammatory bias of the neonatal immune system contribute to an increased susceptibility to damage and obstruction following epithelial injury. These advances form the foundation for a future research agenda focused on identifying the environmental and host factor(s) that cause BA, the potential use of population screening, studies of the mechanisms of prominent fibrosis in young infants, determinations of clinical surrogates of disease progression, and the design of clinical trials that target subgroups of patients with initial drainage following HPE. (Hepatology 2018; 00:000‐000).
Reframing the approach to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Longitudinal assessment with hazard associated with liver transplantation for HCC (HALTHCC) improves ablate and wait strategy
Authors: Firl Daniel J. , Kimura Shoko , McVey John , Hashimoto Koji , Yeh Heidi , Miller Charles M. , Markmann James F. , Sasaki Kazunari , Aucejo Federico N.
Published: March 2018

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are screened at presentation for appropriateness of liver transplantation (LT) using morphometric criteria, which poorly specifies risk. Morphology is the crux of measuring tumor response to locoregional therapy (LRT) using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). This study investigated the utility of following a continuous risk score (hazard associated with liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma; HALTHCC) to longitudinally assess risk. This multicenter, retrospective study from 2002 to 2014 enrolled 419 patients listed for LT for HCC. One cohort had LRT while waiting (n = 351), compared to the control group (n = 68) without LRT. Imaging studies (n = 2,085) were collated to laboratory data to calculate HALTHCC, MORAL, Metroticket 2.0, and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) score longitudinally. Cox proportional hazards evaluated associations of HALTHCC and peri‐LRT changes with intention‐to‐treat (ITT) survival (considering dropout or post‐LT mortality), and utility was assessed with Harrell's C‐index. HALTHCC better predicted ITT outcome (LT = 309; dropout = 110) when assessed closer to delisting (P < 0.0001), maximally just before delisting (C‐index, 0.742 [0.643‐0.790]). Delta‐HALTHCC post‐LRT was more sensitive to changes in risk than mRECIST. HALTHCC score and peri‐LRT percentage change were independently associated with ITT mortality (hazard ratio = 1.105 [1.045‐1.169] per point and 1.014 [1.004‐1.024] per percent, respectively). Conclusions: HALTHCC is superior in assessing tumor risk in candidates awaiting LT, and its utility increases over time. Peri‐LRT relative change in HALTHCC outperforms mRECIST in stratifying risk of dropout, mortality, and recurrence post‐LT. With improving estimates of post‐LT outcomes, it is reasonable to consider allocation using HALTHCC and not just waiting time. Furthermore, this study supports a shift in perspective, from listing to allocation, to better utilize precious donor organs. (Hepatology 2018).
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in a cohort of adults with rheumatologic conditions
Authors: Calip Gregory S. , Patel Pritesh R. , Adimadhyam Sruthi , Xing Shan , Wu Zhaoju , Sweiss Karen , Schumock Glen T. , Lee Todd A. , Chiu Brian C.‐H.
Published: March 2018

Based on limited evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning for the use of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors (TNFIs) and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Our objective was to determine the risk of NHL associated with TNFI use by duration and type of anti‐TNF agent. We performed a nested case‐control study within a retrospective cohort of adults with rheumatologic conditions from a U.S. commercial health insurance database between 2009 and 2015. Use of TNFIs (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab and certolizumab pegol) and conventional‐synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) was identified, and conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of NHL. From a retrospective cohort of 55,446 adult patients, 101 NHL cases and 984 controls matched on age, gender and rheumatologic indication were included. Compared to controls, NHL cases had greater TNFI use (33%vs. 20%) but were similar in csDMARD use (70%vs. 71%). TNFI ever‐use was associated with nearly two‐fold increased risk of NHL (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.16–3.20) with suggestion of increasing risk with duration (P‐trend = 0.05). TNF fusion protein (etanercept) was associated with increased NHL risk (OR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.40–5.33), whereas risk with anti‐TNF monoclonal antibodies was not statistically significant (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 0.87–3.58). In sensitivity analyses evaluating confounding by rheumatologic disease severity, channeling bias was not likely to account for our results. Our findings support the FDA black box warning for NHL. Continued surveillance and awareness of this rare but serious adverse outcome are warranted with new TNFIs and biosimilar products forthcoming.
Time from breast cancer diagnosis to therapeutic surgery and breast cancer prognosis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Eriksson Louise , Bergh Jonas , Humphreys Keith , Wärnberg Fredrik , Törnberg Sven , Czene Kamila
Published: March 2018

Theoretically, time from breast cancer diagnosis to therapeutic surgery should affect survival. However, it is unclear whether this holds true in a modern healthcare setting in which breast cancer surgery is carried out within weeks to months of diagnosis. This is a population‐ and register‐based study of all women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the Stockholm‐Gotland healthcare region in Sweden, 2001–2008, and who were initially operated. Follow‐up of vital status ended 2014. 7,017 women were included in analysis. Our main outcome was overall survival. Main analyses were carried out using Cox proportional hazards models. We adjusted for likely confounders and stratified on mode of detection, tumor size and lymph node metastasis. We found that a longer interval between date of morphological diagnosis and therapeutic surgery was associated with a poorer prognosis. Assuming a linear association, the hazard rate of death from all causes increased by 1.011 (95% CI 1.006–1.017) per day. Comparing, for example, surgery 6 weeks after diagnosis to surgery 3 weeks after diagnosis, thereby confers a 1.26‐fold increased hazard rate. The increase in hazard rate associated with surgical delay was strongest in women with largest tumors. Whilst there was a clear association between delays and survival in women without lymph node metastasis, the association may be attenuated in subgroups with increasing number of lymph node metastases. We found no evidence of an interaction between time to surgery and mode of detection. In conclusion, unwarranted delays to primary treatment of breast cancer should be avoided.
A Comparative Analysis of Yield Gaps and Water Productivity on Smallholder Farms in Ethiopia, South Africa and Tunisia
Authors: Jovanovic Nebo , Musvoto Constansia , De Clercq Willem , Pienaar Cou , Petja Brilliant , Zairi Abdelaziz , Hanafi Salia , Ajmi Tarek , Mailhol Jean Claude , Cheviron Bruno , Albasha Rami , Habtu Solomon , Yazew Eyasu , Kifle Muluberhan , Fissahaye Degol , Aregay Gebremeskel , Habtegebreal Kiros , Gebrekiros Abreha , Woldu Yirga , Froebrich Jochen
Published: March 2018

Agriculture in developing countries will have to transform and increase production by an estimated 70% in order to meet demands by 2050. Although well‐managed commercial farms offer little manoeuvring space for increasing agricultural water productivity, smallholder farms usually operate at low input costs and therefore provide ample opportunities to reduce the potential yield gap through agricultural intensification. The aim of this paper is to analyse and compare yields and water productivities obtained in field and modelling experiments in Ethiopia (maize, garlic, onion), South Africa (tomato) and Tunisia (tomato, potato, wheat). Innovative agricultural practices were introduced on smallholder farms: irrigation scheduling and NPS Zn fertilization in Ethiopia; high‐yielding cultivar, drip irrigation, mulching and organic amendments in South Africa; and crop water modelling in Tunisia. In general, crop yields increased up to eight times with innovative practices compared to current conventional farming practices. Crop water productivities were fairly stable within the same experiments, but increased with innovations, indicating that intensive farming can be more environmentally sustainable than conventional farming. Intensive farming systems in a resource‐rich environment (high radiation levels, relatively fertile, deep and well‐drained soils), combined with technology transfer and capacity building could be seen as viable strategies to secure food for smallholders and communities in African rural areas, as well as to improve water utilization in water‐scarce catchments. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Media communications in Internet of things wireless sensor networks
Authors: Herrero Rolando
Published: March 2018

Real Time Communications involve several technologies and protocols that have been instrumental to the establishment of media sessions over packet switching networks. Well‐known legacy protocols like Session Initialization Protocol and Real Time Protocol are the preferred mechanisms to accomplish this goal; however, in Internet of Things (IoT) environments where computational resources are limited, their use becomes a challenge. Because several applications in Wireless Sensor Networks require image transmission, in this paper we introduce a mechanism that provides media packetization relying on IoT‐based transport protocols. Specifically, sensors that already include the Constrained Application Protocol protocol can reuse it to provide media transport. In this scenario, the performance of image transmission is compared against that of traditional real‐time transport from both the theoretical and the experimental perspectives.
The protective effects of sciadopitysin against methylglyoxal‐induced cytotoxicity in cultured pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Suh Kwang Sik , Chon Suk , Choi Eun Mi
Published: March 2018

Increased glycation of macromolecules via the reactive dicarbonyl and α‐oxoaldehyde methylglyoxal (MG) has shown an association with diabetes and its complications. In the present study, the protective effects of sciadopitysin against MG‐induced oxidative cell damage were investigated in the insulin‐producing pancreatic β‐cell line, RIN‐m5F cells. When exposed to MG for 48 hours, RIN‐m5F cells experienced significant loss of viability and impaired insulin secretion; however, treatment with sciadopitysin protected RIN‐m5F cells against MG‐induced cell death and decreased insulin secretion. Treatment of RIN‐m5F cells with sciadopitysin prevented MG‐induced production of interleukin‐1β, intracellular reactive oxygen species and cardiolipin peroxidation. Furthermore, sciadopitysin increased adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation of RIN‐m5F cells. Treatment of cells with sciadopitysin increased the activity of glyoxalase I and decreased the levels of MG‐protein adducts, indicating that sciadopitysin protects against MG‐induced protein glycation by increasing MG detoxification. Taken together, the results indicated the potential utility of sciadopitysin as an intervention against MG‐induced cell damage in pancreatic β‐cells.
Monitoring of blood oxygenation in brain by resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Brazhe Nadezda A. , Thomsen Kirsten , Lønstrup Micael , Brazhe Alexey R. , Nikelshparg Evelina I. , Maksimov Georgy V. , Lauritzen Martin , Sosnovtseva Olga
Published: March 2018

Blood oxygenation in cerebral vessels is an essential parameter to evaluate brain function and to investigate the coupling between local blood flow and neuronal activity. We apply resonance Raman spectroscopy in vivo to study hemoglobin oxygenation in cortex vessels of anesthetized ventilated mice. We demonstrate that the pairs of Raman peaks at 1355 and1375 cm−1 (symmetric vibrations of pyrrol half‐rings in the heme molecule), 1552 and 1585 cm−1 and 1602 and 1638 cm−1 (vibrations of methine bridges in heme molecule) are reliable markers for quantitative estimation of the relative amount of oxyhemoglobin in venules, arterioles, and capillaries. in vivo measurements of blood oxygenation in the cortex of mice ventilated with inspiratory gas mixtures containing different amounts of oxygen—normoxia, hyperoxia and hypoxia—validate the proposed approach. Our method allows to visualize blood saturation with O2 in different microvascular networks.
Ex and in vivo characterization of the wavelength‐dependent 3‐photon action cross‐sections of red fluorescent proteins covering the 1700‐nm window
Authors: Liu Hongji , Wang Jiaqi , Peng Xiao , Zhuang Ziwei , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: March 2018

Multiphoton action cross‐sections are the prerequisite for excitation light selection. At the 1700‐nm window suitable for deep‐tissue imaging, wavelength‐dependent 3‐photon action cross‐sections ησ3 for RFPs are unknown, preventing wavelength selection. Here we demonstrate: (1) ex vivo measurement of wavelength‐dependent ησ3 for purified RFPs; (2) a multiphoton imaging guided measurement system for in vivo measurement; and (3) in vivo measurement of wavelength‐dependent ησ3 in RFP labeled cells. These fundamental results will provide guidelines for excitation wavelength selection for 3‐photon fluorescence imaging of RFPs at the 1700‐nm window, and augment the existing database of multiphoton action cross‐sections for fluorophores.
Approaches based on passive and active antibacterial coating on titanium to achieve antibacterial activity
Authors: Qin Sheng , Xu Kaihang , Nie Binen , Ji Fang , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2018

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely applied as orthopedic implants for hip and knee prosthesis, fixation, and dental implants. However, Ti and its alloys are bioinert and susceptible to bacteria and biofilm formation. Strategies for improving the antibacterial properties of Ti can be divided into two approaches, namely, passive coating and active coating on the Ti surface. Passive coating on Ti mainly kills the bacteria in contact but does not kill plankton or bacteria dwell in the bone tissue around the Ti implant. Active coating mainly involves the release of antibacterial agents to kill the bacteria, but this may result in the development of bacterial resistance. Both strategies include advantages and disadvantages. This article reviews the current and potential future approaches for improving antibacterial activity on Ti. We mainly focus on current approaches for fabricating antibacterial Ti and its limitations and countermeasures, and provide direction for further studies of biofunctionalization of Ti with antibacterial properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2531–2539, 2018.
Bone Health After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Gagnon Claudia , Schafer Anne L
Published: March 2018

Bariatric surgery results in long‐term weight loss and improvement or resolution in obesity‐related comorbidities. However, mounting evidence indicates that it adversely affects bone health. This review summarizes clinical research findings about the impact of bariatric surgery on skeletal outcomes. The literature is the largest and strongest for the Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure, as RYGB was the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide until it was very recently overtaken by the sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Because SG is a newer procedure, its skeletal effects have not yet been well defined. Epidemiologic studies have now demonstrated an increased risk of fracture after RYGB and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, both of which include a malabsorptive component. As these epidemiologic data have emerged, patient‐oriented studies have elucidated the bone tissue‐level changes that may account for the heightened skeletal fragility. Bariatric surgery induces early and dramatic increases in biochemical markers of bone turnover. A notable feature of recent patient‐oriented clinical studies is the application of advanced skeletal imaging modalities; studies address the limitations of dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) by using quantitative computed tomography (QCT)‐based modalities to examine volumetric bone mineral density and compartment‐specific density and microstructure. RYGB results in pronounced declines in bone mass at the axial skeleton demonstrated by DXA and QCT, as well as at the appendicular skeleton demonstrated by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT). RYGB has detrimental effects on trabecular and cortical microarchitecture and estimated bone strength. Skeletal changes after RYGB appear early and continue even after weight loss plateaus and weight stabilizes. The skeletal effects of bariatric surgery are presumably multifactorial, and mechanisms may involve nutritional factors, mechanical unloading, hormonal factors, and changes in body composition and bone marrow fat. Clinical guidelines address bone health and may mitigate the negative skeletal effects of surgery, although more research is needed to direct and support such guidelines. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CYP2E1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms, environmental factors, and the susceptibility to lung cancer
Authors: He Qingfang , Wang Lixin , Zhang Jie , Lu Feng , Gong Weiwei , Pan Jin , Zhong Jieming , Hu Ruying , Yu Min
Published: March 2018

Objective

To investigate the relationships between the CYP2E1 RsaI polymorphism, GSTM1 polymorphism, and the susceptibility to lung cancer, along with the interactions between environmental factors and these genes.

Methods

A case‐control study was carried out to explore the independent effect of gene polymorphisms on risk of lung cancer, and the combined effects of gene loci. The stratification analysis of age, sex, smoking, and drinking combined with positive loci was also analyzed, and any interaction was identified.

Results

The logistic regression analysis showed that there were statistical relationships between the CYP2E1 RsaI TT genotype and lung cancer, GSTM1 (−) and lung cancer. The combined effect's analysis of these 2 loci showed that, with an increase in the number of risk alleles, the risk of lung cancer also increased (supposing 0 risk allele as the reference group). Subjects carrying 3 risk alleles had the highest risk of developing lung cancer with an adjusted OR = 10.38 (95% CI 2.10‐51.35). Stratified analysis showed that, in women, nonsmoking subjects, or nondrinking subjects, the combined effects could increase the risk of lung cancer; no heterogeneity was found between these layers except sex. The interaction analysis showed that, supposing the male, GSTM1 (+) genotype as the reference, the female, GSTM1 (−) genotype had a significantly increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 2.17 [1.01‐4.70]); when the non‐smoking, GSTM1 (+) genotype subjects was the reference group, smoking, GSTM1 (+) genotype subjects and smoking, GSTM1 (‐) genotype subjects had significantly higher risk of lung cancer (OR = 2.00 [1.01‐3.96], OR = 2.89 [1.28‐6.54]).

Conclusion

CYP2E1 RsaI TT genotype was a protective factor against the development of lung cancer, while GSTM1 (−) genotype was a risk factor for lung cancer. Increases in the number of the risk alleles also increased lung cancer risk. GSTM1 (−) genotype, sex, and smoking status might interact in the incidence of lung cancer.
Age‐specific pediatric reference ranges for immunoglobulins and complement proteins on the Optilite™ automated turbidimetric analyzer
Authors: Garcia‐Prat Marina , Vila‐Pijoan Gemma , Martos Gutierrez Susana , Gala Yerga Guadalupe , García Guantes Esther , Martínez‐Gallo Mónica , Martín‐Nalda Andrea , Soler‐Palacín Pere , Hernández‐González Manuel
Published: March 2018

Background

Measurement of immunoglobulins and complement proteins are frontline tests used in the assessment of immune system integrity, and reference values can vary with age. Their measurement provides an insight into the function of the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Methods

We generated pediatric reference ranges for IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, the IgG and IgA subclasses, and C3 and C4 using the Optilite™ turbidimetric analyzer.

Results

The concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgD showed an increase with age, as expected, while IgM remained stable between the age groups. For the IgG subclasses, no significant differences were observed in IgG1 or IgG3, while IgG2 and IgG4 concentrations increased steadily with age. The concentration of IgG2 plateaued at 15‐18 years, while IgG4 plateaued at 10‐14 years. The trend of concentrations across all groups was IgG1 > IgG2 > IgG3 > IgG4. For both IgA1 and IgA2, concentrations increased significantly with age, plateauing at 15‐18 years. The median IgA1 concentration was greater than IgA2 across all groups. There was a good correlation between the total IgG or IgA concentration and summation of their subclasses (R2 = 0.89, P < .0001, slope y = 0.98x + 14.51 mg/dL and R2 = 0.91, P < .0001, slope y = 1.35x‐3.28 mg/dL, respectively). The concentration of C3 and C4 remained stable across the groups, with no significant differences observed.

Conclusion

We have generated age‐specific reference ranges in healthy children for C3, C4, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and the IgG and IgA subclasses using the Optilite™ turbidimetric analyzer. These ranges will help identify individuals with abnormal concentrations, thus will aid in the diagnosis of both primary and secondary immunological disorders.
Performance evaluation of a chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay for CK‐MB
Authors: Lin Zhi‐yuan , Fang Yi‐zhen , Jin Hong‐wei , Lin Hua‐yue , Dai Zhang , Luo Qing , Li Hong‐wei , Lin Yan‐ling , Huang Shui‐zhen , Gao Lei , Xu Fei‐hai , Zhang Zhong‐ying
Published: March 2018

Background

To verify and evaluate the performance characteristics of a creatine kinase phosphokinase isoenzymes MB (CK‐MB) assay kit, which produced by Xiamen Innodx Biotech Co. Ltd.

Methods

Evaluation was carried out according to “Guidelines for principle of analysis performance evaluation of in vitro diagnostic reagent.” The performance parameters included detection limit, linearity range, reportable range, recovery test, precision verification, interference test, cross‐reactivity, matrix effect, and method comparison.

Results

The detection limit was 0.1 ng/mL. The assay had clinical linearity over range of 0.1 ng/mL‐500 ng/mL. Reportable range was from 0.1 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL. The average percent of recovery was 99.66%. The coefficient of variation (CV) for within‐run and between‐run of low CK‐MB sample was 5.55% and 6.16%, respectively. As for high‐level sample, it was 7.88% and 7.80%. In medical decision level, the relative deviation (Bias) of all interference tests was lower than 15%. When the sample had mild‐hemolysis; hemoglobin ≤15 g/L; triglyceride ≤17 mmol/L; bilirubin ≤427.5 μmol/L; rheumatoid factor ≤206U/mL, there was no significant interference to be found. Moreover, assay kit had no cross‐reaction with CK‐MM and CK‐BB. At last, total diagnostic accuracy of kit was 93.24%, when compared with refer kit.

Conclusion

Overall the results of the verification study indicated the performance of kit is met the requirements of the clinical test.
Evaluation of complete blood count parameters to predict endometrial cancer
Authors: Yayla Abide Cigdem , Bostanci Ergen Evrim , Cogendez Ebru , Kilicci Cetin , Uzun Faik , Ozkaya Enis , Karateke Ates
Published: March 2018

Background

Complete blood count parameters have been introduced to be diagnostic biomarkers for many cancer‐related diseases associated with inflammatory process. The aim of our study was to detect whether there is any relationship between benign or malignant endometrial pathologies and complete blood count parameters.

Methods

Four hundred and sixteen patients with a complaint of abnormal uterine bleeding who admitted to Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research hospital between 2013 and 2016 and undergoing endometrial biopsy were included in the study. The patients were evaluated in three groups as follows: endometrial carcinoma (n: 97), endometrial hyperplasia (n: 135), and healthy control (n: 184) groups. All patients had a complete blood count on the day of biopsy or within the week of the biopsy, and the presence of a relationship between complete blood count parameters and benign or malignant endometrial disease was investigated.

Results

Mean corpuscular volume measurements were found to be significantly higher in endometrial carcinoma (P = .018) and endometrial hyperplasia (P = .001) groups compared to the control group. While red cell distribution width measurements were found to be significantly lower in patients with endometrial carcinoma group compared to other groups (P < .01); the area under curve obtained for MPV is 58.7% to determine endometrial carcinoma.

Conclusion

Mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width are bio‐markers that we can use as the predictive marker in patients with endometrial carcinoma and which are cheap, repeatable, and readily obtainable from complete blood count panels and promising.
Lipoprotein(a) level associates with coronary artery disease rather than carotid lesions in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Sun Di , Zhou Bing‐Yang , Zhao Xi , Li Sha , Zhu Cheng‐Gang , Guo Yuan‐Lin , Gao Ying , Wu Na‐Qiong , Liu Geng , Dong Qian , Li Jian‐Jun
Published: March 2018

Background

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level is a novel risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), while its impact on the different sites of arteries remains undetermined. We aim to examine the associations of Lp(a) levels with coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with heterozygous FH (HeFH).

Methods

A total of 148 patients with HeFH who have received carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography due to chest pain were enrolled. Plasma Lp(a) was measured using immunoturbidimetric method. Finally, the associations between Lp(a) and coronary as well as carotid lesions were evaluated.

Results

Patients with Lp(a) ≥ 300 mg/L had similar carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT, 0.782 ± 0.16 mm vs 0.798 ± 0.18 mm, P = .579) and plaque prevalence (66.7% vs 65%, P = .833) compared to those with Lp(a) < 300 mg/L, but had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD, 69.7% vs 50.0%, P = .016) and higher Gensini score (GS, median 27 vs 3, P = .006). Moreover, no correlations were found between carotid mean IMT with either Lp(a) level or Lp(a) year score, while positive relation of Lp(a) with GS did. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Lp(a), Lp(a) year score, and Lp(a) ≥ 300 g/L were all independent predictors for the presence of CAD (OR = 4.99, P = .007; OR = 4.73, P = .009; OR = 4.46, P = .006, respectively) but not for carotid plaques.

Conclusions

This study suggested that Lp(a) level was associated with the presence and severity of CAD but not with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with HeFH.
Loss Aversion, Intellectual Inertia, and a Call for a More Contrarian Science: A Reply to Simonson & Kivetz and Higgins & Liberman
Authors: Gal David , Rucker Derek D.
Published: March 2018

Higgins and Liberman (2018) and Simonson and Kivetz (2018) offer scholarly and stimulating perspectives on loss aversion and the implications for the sociology of science of its acceptance as a virtual law of nature. In our view, Higgins and Liberman (2018) largely complement our conclusion that the empirical evidence does not support loss aversion. Moreover, in alignment with our call for a contextualized perspective, they provide an excellent discourse on how a more nuanced view of reference points and consumers’ regulatory focus enriches our understanding of the psychological impact of losses and gains. Simonson and Kivetz (2018) approached our perspective with skepticism, and, while they retain some skepticism, they express agreement on the larger point that loss aversion has been accepted too uncritically. Both commentaries point to a need for a critical reevaluation of prevailing paradigms. Here, we build on these perspectives, as well as our experience working on the topic of loss aversion, to call for structural changes to facilitate scholarly debate on science's status quo.
The Loss of Loss Aversion: Paying Attention to Reference Points
Authors: Higgins E. Tory , Liberman Nira
Published: March 2018

We agree with Gal and Rucker (, in press) that loss aversion is not as firmly established as typically assumed. We affirm, however, the more general principle put forward within Prospect Theory (D. Kahneman & A. Tversky, 1979), which is that reference points increase people's sensitivity to objective changes in value. We show how the literatures on counterfactual thought, social comparison, and goal pursuit are consistent with the notion that reference points increase sensitivity to change in value, while not being consistent with loss aversion. We then examine, within the framework of Regulatory Focus theory (E. T. Higgins, 1997, 1998), how different reference points combine with characteristics of the actor and the situation to give rise to loss aversion (more sensitivity to negative outcomes than to positive outcomes) as well as to the reverse pattern (more sensitivity to positive outcomes than to negative outcomes). Our review suggests that the status quo, even when used as a reference point, is not necessarily neutral. It also suggests that anchor points other than the status quo may serve as reference points and that people may use more than one reference point simultaneously. More generally, we call for a critical examination of the “bad is stronger than good” principle.
Bringing (Contingent) Loss Aversion Down to Earth — A Comment on Gal & Rucker's Rejection of “Losses Loom Larger Than Gains”
Authors: Simonson Itamar , Kivetz Ran
Published: March 2018

Although we disagree with some of Gal and Rucker's (2018 – this issue) specific evidence and with their overstated conclusion regarding loss aversion, their overarching message makes a worthwhile contribution. In particular, loss aversion is less robust and universal than has been assumed while its most prominent empirical support — the endowment effect and the status quo bias — is susceptible to multiple alternative explanations. Instead of accepting loss aversion as true unless proven otherwise, we should treat it like other decision properties and psychological accounts that are contingent on various moderators and call for an analysis of psychological mechanisms. In this commentary, we suggest that gatekeepers, such as reviewers, tend to favor loss aversion and other widely accepted tendencies, while demanding a much higher support‐threshold for alternative or newer accounts. Although building on prior theories and concepts is of course important, the bias in favor of incumbent assumptions can impede scientific progress, bar new ideas from the literature, and reinforce well‐established but contingent notions that may apply under some conditions but not others.
Immobilization of alcohol dehydrogenase on ceramic silicon carbide membranes for enzymatic CH3OH production
Authors: Zeuner Birgitte , Ma Nicolaj , Berendt Kasper , Meyer Anne S , Andric Pavle , Jørgensen Jan Hoffmann , Pinelo Manuel
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH; EC 1.1.1.1) catalyzes oxidation of CH3OH to CHOH during NAD+ reduction to NADH. ADH can also accelerate the reverse reaction, which is studied as part of cascadic enzymatic conversion of CO2 to CH3OH. In the present study, immobilization of ADH onto macroporous membranes of silicon carbide (SiC) was investigated for CHOH to CH3OH conversion.

RESULTS

Immobilization techniques included physical adsorption directly to the membrane and functionalization of the membrane with polyethylenimine (PEI) or (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) followed by glutaraldehyde (GA) cross‐linking. Enzyme loadings, flux, NADH conversion, and overall ADH reusability were assessed. Enzyme loadings were similar, but substrate conversion was approximately 2 and 2.5 times higher for APTES‐GA and PEI‐GA, respectively, and the relative activity retention was better than for physical adsorption. Membrane surface treatment with NaOH prior to APTES‐GA immobilization resulted in significant improvement in enzyme loading and a doubling of ADH activity as well as higher activity during recycling as the ADH destabilization rate was unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provided proof‐of‐concept for the use of NaOH‐treated SiC membranes for covalent enzyme immobilization and biocatalytic efficiency improvement of ADH during multiple reaction cycles. These data have implications for the development of robust extended enzymatic reactions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Penguin colony attendance under artificial lights for ecotourism
Authors: Rodríguez Airam , Holmberg Ross , Dann Peter , Chiaradia André
Published: March 2018

Wildlife watching is an emerging ecotourism activity around the world. In Australia and New Zealand, night viewing of little penguins attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. As penguins start coming ashore after sunset, artificial lighting is essential to allow visitors to view them in the dark. This alteration of the nightscape warrants investigation for any potential effects of artificial lighting on penguin behavior. We experimentally tested how penguins respond to different light wavelengths (colors) and intensities to examine effects on the colony attendance behavior at two sites on Phillip Island, Australia. At one site, nocturnal artificial illumination has been used for penguin viewing for decades, whereas at the other site, the only light is from the natural night sky. Light intensity did not affect colony attendance behaviors of penguins at the artificially lit site, probably due to penguin habituation to lights. At the not previously lit site, penguins preferred lit paths over dark paths to reach their nests. Thus, artificial light might enhance penguin vision at night and consequently it might reduce predation risk and energetic costs of locomotion through obstacle and path detection. Although penguins are faithful to their path, they can be drawn to artificial lights at small spatial scale, so light pollution could attract penguins to undesirable lit areas. When artificial lighting is required, we recommend keeping lighting as dim and time‐restricted as possible to mitigate any negative effects on the behavior of penguins and their natural habitat.