bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impact of inoculum dose on host immunity and morbidity to inform model-based vaccine design
Authors: Handel Andreas , Li Yan , McKay Brian , Pawelek Kasia A. , Zarnitsyna Veronika , Antia Rustom
Published: May 2018

Background

Vaccination is an effective method to protect against infectious diseases. An important consideration in any vaccine formulation is the inoculum dose, i.e., amount of antigen or live attenuated pathogen that is used. Higher levels generally lead to better stimulation of the immune response but might cause more severe side effects and allow for less population coverage in the presence of vaccine shortages. Determining the optimal amount of inoculum dose is an important component of rational vaccine design. A combination of mathematical models with experimental data can help determine the impact of the inoculum dose.

Methods

We designed mathematical models and fit them to data from influenza A virus (IAV) infection of mice and human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) of cotton rats at different inoculum doses. We used the model to predict the level of immune protection and morbidity for different inoculum doses and to explore what an optimal inoculum dose might be.

Results

We show how a framework that combines mathematical models with experimental data can be used to study the impact of inoculum dose on important outcomes such as immune protection and morbidity. We find that the impact of inoculum dose on immune protection and morbidity depends on the pathogen and both protection and morbidity do not always increase with increasing inoculum dose. An intermediate inoculum dose can provide the best balance between immune protection and morbidity, though this depends on the specific weighting of protection and morbidity.

Conclusions

Once vaccine design goals are specified with required levels of protection and acceptable levels of morbidity, our proposed framework which combines data and models can help in the rational design of vaccines and determination of the optimal amount of inoculum.
A voltage-dependent depolarization induced by low external glucose in neurons of the nucleus of the tractus solitarius of rats: interaction with KATP channels regulated by external glucose.
Authors: Murat Cahue de Bernardis , Leao Ricardo
Published: May 2018

The brainstem nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) is an integrative center for autonomic counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia, NTS neurons can also sense fluctuations in extracellular glucose levels altering their membrane potential. KATP channels links the metabolic status of the neuron to its excitability, but the role of KATP channels in controlling NTS neurons excitability and in sensing extracellular glucose changes is not clear. Here we investigated using in vitro electrophysiological recordings in brainstem slices the influence of KATP channels on the membrane potential of NTS neurons in normoglicemic and hyperglycemic external glucose concentrations, and after switching the external glucose to a hypoglycemic level. We found that in normoglicemic (5 mM) external glucose application of tolbutamide, a KATP blocker, induced a substantial depolarization of most NTS neurons, while application of diazoxide, a KATP opener, hyperpolarized the membrane of all NTS neurons. Interestingly, neurons not responsive to tolbutamide were more depolarized than responsive neurons. In a hyperglycemic solution (10 mM glucose) few neurons depolarized in response to tolbutamide. We found that these neurons were more depolarized than neurons in 5 mM glucose and only the more hyperpolarized responded to tolbutamide. The non-responsive neurons did not respond to tolbutamide even when hyperpolarized. Interestingly application of a low-gucose solution (0.5 mM) did not hyperpolarized the RMP but produced a depolarization in most neurons. This effect was voltage-dependent not seen in neurons more depolarized, but could be observed when the neurons were hyperpolarized. Depolarization by tolbutamide avoided further depolarization by low glucose, unless the membrane was hyperpolarized. Application of 0.5 mM glucose solution in neurons incubated in 10 mM glucose depolarized the membrane only in more hyperpolarized neurons, which responded to tolbutamide, or after membrane hyperpolarization. The effect of glucose was caused by activation of a cationic current with a reversal potential around the potential were the neurons were non-responsive to low glucose. We conclude that NTS neurons present KATP channels open at rest in normoglicemic conditions, and that their state is affected by extracellular glucose. Moreover, NTS neurons depolarize the membrane in response to the application of a low-glucose solution, but this effect is occluded by membrane depolarization triggered by KATP blockage. This suggests a homeostatic regulation of the membrane potential by glucose and a possible mechanism related to hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure.
Within-species phylogenetic relatedness of a common mycorrhizal fungus affects evenness in plant communities through effects on dominant species
Authors: Savary Romain , Villard Lucas , Sanders Ian R.
Published: May 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been shown to influence plant community structure and diversity. Studies based on single plant - single AMF isolate experiments show that within AMF species variation leads to large differential growth responses of different plant species. Because of these differential effects, genetic differences among isolates of an AMF species could potentially have strong effects on the structure of plant communities.

We tested the hypothesis that within species variation in the AMF R. irregularis significantly affects plant community structure and plant co-existence. We took advantage of a recent genetic characterization of several isolates using double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). This allowed us to test not only for the impact of within AMF species variation on plant community structure but also for the role of the R. irregularis phylogeny on plant community metrics. Nine isolates of R. irregularis, belonging to three different genetic groups (Gp1, Gp3 and Gp4), were used as either single inoculum or as mixed diversity inoculum. Plants in a mesocosm representing common species that naturally co-exist in European grasslands were inoculated with the different AMF treatments.

We found that within-species differences in R. irregularis did not strongly influence the performance of individual plants or the structure of the overall plant community. However, the evenness of the plant community was affected by the phylogeny of the fungal isolates, where more closely-related AMF isolates were more likely to affect plant community evenness in a similar way compared to more genetically distant isolates.

This study underlines the effect of within AMF species variability on plant community structure. While differential effects of the AMF isolates were not strong, a single AMF species had enough functional variability to change the equilibrium of a plant community in a way that is associated with the evolutionary history of the fungus.
5-Nitro-N
2,N
3-bis[(1R,2R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]isophthalamide dichloromethane hemisolvate
Authors: Kannappan Jayaraman , Mande Hemant , Khanvilkar Aditya , Bedekar Ashutosh
Published: May 2018

The asymmetric unit of the title hemisolvate, C28H39N3O4·0.5CH2Cl2 contains two isophthalamide camphor derivatives and one dichloromethane solvent molecule. In the crystal, the chiral molecules are connected into [100] stacks by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The stacks are consolidated by C—H...N and C—H...Cl as well as further C—H...O interactions.
Belowground plant functional ecology: Towards an integrated perspective
Authors: Klimešová Jitka , Martínková Jana , Ottaviani Gianluigi
Published: May 2018

In recent years, belowground plant ecology has experienced a booming interest. This has resulted in major advances towards a greater understanding of belowground plant and ecosystem functioning focused on fine roots, mycorrhizal associations and nutrient acquisition.

Despite this, other important functions (e.g., on‐spot persistence, space occupancy, resprouting after biomass removal) exerted by different belowground plant organs (e.g., roots, rhizomes, bulbs) remain largely unexplored.

Here, we propose a framework providing a comprehensive perspective on the entire set of belowground plant organs and functions. We suggest a compartment‐based approach. We identify two major belowground compartments, that is, acquisitive and nonacquisitive, associated with biomass allocation into these functions. Also, we recommend the nonacquisitive compartment to be divided into structural (e.g., functional roles carried out by rhizomes, such as sharing of resources, space occupancy) and nonstructural (e.g., functional roles exerted by carbohydrates reserve affecting resprouting ability, protection against climate adversity) subcompartments. We discuss methodological challenges—and their possible solutions—posed by changes in biomass allocation across growth forms and ontogenetic stages, and in relation to biomass partitioning and turnover.

We urge the implementation of methods and approaches considering all the belowground plant compartments. This way, we would make sure that key, yet less‐studied functions would be incorporated into the belowground plant ecology research agenda. The framework has potential to advance the understanding of belowground plant and ecosystem functioning by considering relations and trade‐offs between different plant functions and organs. At last, we identify four major areas where using the proposed compartment‐based approach would be particularly important, namely (a) biomass scaling, (b) clonality‐resource acquisition relations, (c) linkages between resprouting and changing environmental conditions and (d) carbon sequestration.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Synchrony — An emergent property of recreational fisheries
Authors: Kaemingk Mark A. , Chizinski Christopher J. , Hurley Keith L. , Pope Kevin L.
Published: May 2018

Recreational fisheries are traditionally managed at local scales, but more effective management could be achieved using a cross‐scale approach. To do this, we must first understand how local processes scale up to influence landscape patterns between anglers and resources. We highlight how population‐based synchrony methods, used in conjunction with a complex‐adaptive‐systems framework, can reveal emergent spatial properties within social‐ecological systems such as recreational fisheries.

Herein, we quantified the level of spatial synchrony in angler behaviour, defined the relationship between angler synchrony and distance among waterbodies, and highlighted social‐ecological attributes contributing to these patterns. We leveraged a 111 waterbody‐year (34 waterbodies, 5‐year collection period) recreational fisheries dataset from Nebraska, USA to address these objectives.

Intra‐annual patterns in angler behaviour were moderately synchronous across large spatial scales and predominately unrelated to distance among waterbodies. Large‐scale synchronous patterns in angler behaviour emerged from local‐scale interactions between angler heterogeneity and waterbody diversity.

Spatial synchrony in angler behaviour is an emergent property that resulted from local‐level processes that scaled up to form large‐scale patterns. We posit that angler utility in combination with waterbodies sharing these desired utility components caused spatial synchrony among anglers with similar preferences or specializations. The level of spatial synchrony in angler behaviour will therefore depend on the degree of angler heterogeneity and waterbody diversity on the landscape, with high or low levels of both leading to low and high levels of spatial synchrony respectively.

Synthesis and applications. Synchrony‐based methods proved useful for unveiling an emergent property in recreational fisheries that is beneficial for effective cross‐scale management. It may not be appropriate to extrapolate information and apply uniform management actions among local waterbodies because angler behaviour was not synchronous at small scales. Rather, anglers respond uniquely to waterbody diversity and therefore substitute waterbodies may be dispersed throughout the landscape. Creating boat access, for example could yield unintended consequences for a particular angler group and cause local and regional shifts in angler behaviour. Evaluating appropriate management options will require a cross‐scale monitoring approach that captures angler heterogeneity and waterbody diversity at multiple scales.
Root bacterial endophytes confer drought resistance and enhance expression and activity of a vacuolar H+‐pumping pyrophosphatase in pepper plants
Authors: Vigani Gianpiero , Rolli Eleonora , Marasco Ramona , Dell'Orto Marta , Michoud Grégoire , Soussi Asma , Raddadi Noura , Borin Sara , Sorlini Claudia , Zocchi Graziano , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: May 2018

It has been previously shown that the transgenic overexpression of the plant root vacuolar proton pumps H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) and H+‐PPase (V‐PPase) confer tolerance to drought. Since plant‐root endophytic bacteria can also promote drought tolerance, we hypothesize that such promotion can be associated to the enhancement of the host vacuolar proton pumps expression and activity. To test this hypothesis, we selected two endophytic bacteria endowed with an array of in vitro plant growth promoting traits. Their genome sequences confirmed the presence of traits previously shown to confer drought resistance to plants, such as the synthesis of nitric oxide and of organic volatile organic compounds. We used the two strains on pepper (Capsicuum annuum L.) because of its high sensitivity to drought. Under drought conditions, both strains stimulated a larger root system and enhanced the leaves' photosynthetic activity. By testing the expression and activity of the vacuolar proton pumps, H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) and H+‐PPase (V‐PPase), we found that bacterial colonization enhanced V‐PPase only. We conclude that the enhanced expression and activity of V‐PPase can be favoured by the colonization of drought‐tolerance‐inducing bacterial endophytes.
The place of abortion in the pregnancy decision‐making process in young adult women in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Ferrer Serret Laia , Solsona Pairó Montserrat
Published: May 2018

Induced abortion is one option to control fertility in Spain. Young adult women (25–34 years old) show a different abortion pattern compared to women in other age groups, being less likely to seek abortions than younger women and having one of the lowest proportions of unintended pregnancies. We aimed to analyse the factors involved in the pregnancy decision‐making process to better understand why young adult women seek abortions in Catalonia, Spain. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 25 nulliparous pregnant young adult women and one focus group discussion with healthcare providers were conducted in 2008/2010. We found that inconsistent contraceptive use prior to an unintended pregnancy was due to ambivalence and weighing of priorities during sex. The quality of the relationship was paramount to the abortion decision whereas other reasons (financial/employment status, fulfilling aspirations, support networks) were less important. We conclude that the motivations for the abortion decision are interrelated and based on the current life stage of women and that there is pressure on young adult women in Spain to become mothers. Induced abortion is perceived as the last resort to postpone motherhood. Our findings reinforce the unequal societal burden placed on women to take responsibility for prevention of unintended pregnancy.
Stakeholder identities in Britain's neoliberal ethical community: Polish narratives of earned citizenship in the context of the UK's EU referendum
Authors: McGhee Derek , Moreh Chris , Vlachantoni Athina
Published: May 2018

This article examines the narrative strategies through which Polish migrants in the UK challenge the formal rights of political membership and attempt to redefine the boundaries of ‘citizenship’ along notions of deservedness. The analysed qualitative data originate from an online survey conducted in the months before the 2016 EU referendum, and the narratives emerge from the open‐text answers to two survey questions concerning attitudes towards the referendum and the exclusion of resident EU nationals from the electoral process. The analysis identifies and describes three narrative strategies in reaction to the public discourses surrounding the EU referendum – namelydiscursive complicity,intergroup hostilityanddefensive assertiveness– which attempt to redefine the conditions of membership in Britain's ‘ethical community’ in respect to welfare practices. Examining these processes simultaneously ‘from below’ and ‘from outside’ the national political community, the paper argues, can reveal more of the transformation taking place in conceptions of citizenship at the sociological level, and the article aims to identify the contours of a ‘neoliberal communitarian citizenship’ as internalized by mobile EU citizens.
Ten years of medical education registrars: Value added?
Authors: Brazil Victoria , Davin Lorna
Published: May 2018

Objective

There is a paucity of any long‐term follow up of trainees’ career pathways or organisational outcomes from medical education registrar posts in emergency medicine training. We report on the experience of a selected group of medical education trainees during and subsequent to their post and reflect on the value added to emergency medical education at three institutions.

Methods

We conducted an online survey study, examining quantitative outcomes and qualitative reflections, of emergency physicians who had previously undertaken a medical education registrar post. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses to Likert items. The authors independently analysed and interpreted the reflective responses to identify key themes and sub‐themes.

Results

Nineteen of 21 surveys were completed. Most respondents were in formal educational roles, in addition to clinical practice. The thematic analysis revealed that the medical education registrar experience, and the subsequent contribution of these trainees to medical education, is significantly shaped by external factors. These include the extent of faculty support, and the value placed on medical education by hospitals/departments/leaders. Acquisition of knowledge and skills in medical education was only part of a broader developmental journey and transitioning of identity for the trainees.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that medical education trainees in emergency medicine progress to educational roles, and most respondents attribute their career progression to the medical education training experience. We recommend that medical education registrar programmes need to be valued within the clinical service, supported by faculty and a ‘community of practice’, to support trainees’ transition to clinician educator leadership roles.
Edible Gum–Phenolic–Lipid Incorporated Gluten Films for Food Packaging
Authors: Liu Rui , Cong Xu , Song Yingshi , Wu Tao , Zhang Min
Published: May 2018

The aim of this investigation was to improve the barrier and mechanical properties of gluten films and further explore their application in the packaging of seasonings. The effects of flaxseed gum (FG), oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs), and lauric acid (LA) on the water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical properties, and peroxide value (POV) were determined. FG and OPCs improved the WVP properties of the gluten films, whereas LA significantly improved the oxygen‐barrier properties. The FG/OPCs/LA/GP composite film was then optimized, and the morphological, microstructural, and thermal properties of the composite gluten film were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, surface hydrophobicity analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. The results confirmed that gluten is compatible with FG, OPCs, and LA, thereby leading to the formation of a more uniform, dense, and hydrophobic film. The changes in the preservation properties (appearance, POV, and acid value) of the composite gluten film for oil, salt, and vegetable packaging were also examined. The composite gluten film maintained some degree of seasoning packaging capacity over a 75‐day storage period, indicating its potential for uses as a packaging material for seasonings in food production.

Practical Application

The edible composite film will be produced in industry according to the data provided in our paper; the film can be used as packaging material for seasonings in food production.
Speciation of Bio‐Available Iodine in Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Hyphenated with Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry Using an In Vitro Method
Authors: Doh Han Sol , Park Hyun Jin
Published: May 2018

Abalone is one of the most valuable marine products found in East Asia because it is rich in nutritious substances including iodine. In this study, the in vitro dialyzability approach was used to assess the bio‐available iodine species in abalone. Iodide, iodate, 3‐iodo‐L‐tyrosine (MIT), and 3,5‐diiodo‐L‐tyrosine (DIT) were separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ICP‐MS). To assure the consistency, reliability, and accuracy of the data, the method was validated. Comparison of the total iodine in abalone muscle and viscera indicated that abalone muscle showed greater digestion/absorption efficiency than abalone viscera (digestion efficiency: 68.13 ± 2.59% and 47.88 ± 5.76% and absorption efficiency: 59.78 ± 2.93% and 35.12 ± 1.43% for abalone viscera and muscle, respectively). However, evaluation of the sum of the analyzed iodine species targeted in this study by HPLC‐ICP‐MS indicated that abalone muscle showed lower digestion efficiency and similar absorption efficiency compared to that of abalone viscera (digestion efficiency: 35.52 ± 5.41% and 28.84 ± 1.83%; absorption efficiency: 23.56 ± 4.38% and 27.56 ± 1.51% for abalone viscera and muscle, respectively). The main forms of iodine detected in abalone muscle were iodide and MIT, whereas iodide was the major form in abalone viscera.

Practical Application

The bio‐available iodine in abalone was quantified via an in vitro method employing HPLC‐ICP‐MS. The results of this study indicated that abalone is feasible as a new iodine source and may prospectively find application in iodine‐fortified foods.
Cysteamine‐Modified Gold Nanoparticles as a Colorimetric Sensor for the Rapid Detection of Gentamicin
Authors: Gukowsky Joshua C. , Tan Chen , Han Zexiang , He Lili
Published: May 2018

A simple, rapid, and specific colorimetric method for gentamicin detection using cysteamine‐modified gold nanoparticles (cys‐AuNPs) has been developed. The maximum residue limits of gentamicin allowed in foods are typically below 100 nM, so an effective detection method for low concentrations of the drug is required. The aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was used as the basis for this method, and adding cysteamine to the AuNPs helped to enhance their aggregative abilities. The cys‐AuNPs are capable of detecting gentamicin concentrations as low as 12.45 nM in water, which could be quantified using UV‐vis spectroscopy. Samples extracted from skim milk with a simple pretreatment showed that gentamicin concentrations down to at least 100 nM could be observed using the cys‐AuNPs. This study demonstrates the ability of the cys‐AuNPs to rapidly detect and quantify gentamicin in both simple and complex matrices.

Practical Application

This study demonstrates that cysteamine‐modified gold nanoparticles could be used as a rapid and efficient tool for gentamicin detection. This technique is cheaper, simpler, and more effective than many other methods that are currently used for detecting the antibiotic in industrial and commercial applications. It has a great potential to be practically applied as a rapid screening method for gentamicin and gentamicin‐like compounds in food and environmental samples.
Effect of Meat Type, Animal Fatty Acid Composition, and Isothermal Temperature on the Viscoelastic Properties of Meat Batters
Authors: Glorieux Seline , Steen Liselot , De Brabanter Jos , Foubert Imogen , Fraeye Ilse
Published: May 2018

The aim of this research was to simultaneously study the effect of meat type (chicken breast and leg meat), animal fatty acid composition (selected pork backfats having a low and high degree of saturation, respectively), and isothermal temperature (50, 60, 70, and 80 °C) on the viscoelastic properties of meat batters during and after application of different time–temperature profiles. Gelation of meat proteins contributed most to the viscoelastic properties of meat batters during heating, whereas crystallization of the lipids especially contributed to the viscoelastic properties during the cooling phase. Although the meat type had little effect on the final viscoelastic properties of the meat product, the fatty acid composition had a clear impact on the melting peak area (and therefore solid fat content) of lard, and subsequently on the final viscoelastic properties of meat batters prepared with different types of fats, with higher G′ (elastic modulus) values for the most saturated animal fat. The crystallization of the fat clearly transcended the effect of the meat type with regard to G′ at the end of the process. With increasing (isothermal) temperature, G′ of meat batters increased. Therefore, it could be concluded that the structural properties of heated meat batters mainly depend on the heating temperature and the fatty acid composition, rather than the meat type.

Practical Application

Quality characteristics of cooked sausages depend on multiple factors such as the meat and fat type, non‐meat ingredients and processing conditions. From this study it could be concluded that the structural properties of cooked sausage batters mainly depend on the heating temperature and the fatty acid composition, rather than the meat type. Because the fatty acid composition of different animal fats differs widely, these results may be a concern for all manufactures of cooked sausages products with regard to the product structure and final texture, keeping in mind that rendered fat was used in this study, which is not common in sausage making.
Characterization of Pectins Extracted from Different Varieties of Pink/Red and White Grapefruits [Citrus Paradisi (Macf.)] by Thermal Treatment and Thermosonication
Authors: La Cava Enzo L. , Gerbino Esteban , Sgroppo Sonia C. , Gómez‐Zavaglia Andrea
Published: May 2018

The physical and chemical properties of pectin extracts obtained from different white and pink/red varieties of grapefruit [Citrus paradisi (Macf.)], using both conventional heating (CHE) and thermosonication (TS), were investigated. The content of galacturonic acid (GalA), degree of esterification (%DM), color and antioxidant capacity were analyzed. Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) associated with multivariate analysis enabled a structural comparison among the pectin extracts, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) completed a full landscape of the investigated extracts. Pectin extracts obtained by CHE showed mostly higher GalA than those obtained by TS. All the extracts had a high antioxidant capacity, as determined by 2,2 diphenyl 1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) and 2,2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS*+) assays, and a high correlation with the GalA content. The main differences observed in the FTIR spectra occurred in the 1200 to 900 cm−1 region (differences in GalA). The glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of all extracts were above 85 °C, making them interesting as stabilizing agents for the food industry.

Practical Application

A wide database for the characterization of pectin extracts from grapefruits was obtained. The relationship between the extraction method and the source of pectins, with the physicochemical and antioxidant properties provided great support for their application in the food industry.
Spray‐Drying of Milk–Blackberry Pulp Mixture: Effect of Carrier Agent on the Physical Properties of Powder, Water Sorption, and Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Braga Matheus Boeira , Rocha Sandra Cristina dos Santos , Hubinger Miriam Dupas
Published: May 2018

Spray dryer was used to produce particles from a milk–blackberry pulp mixture (25%:75% (w/w)). Maltodextrin 10DE and 20DE and gum Arabic were used as adjuvants in order to improve powder quality. The particles were analyzed with emphasis on physical and physicochemical characteristics: moisture content, bulk density, particle size, morphology, water activity, anthocyanins retention, anthocyanins content, hygroscopicity, solubility, water sorption, and glass transition temperature. The best results were obtained for the paste composition of 25% concentrated milk‐70% blackberry pulp‐5% gum Arabic, yielding high anthocyanins retention (>87.5%), low powder moisture content of 0.0265 g H2O/g dry matter and a higher powder solubility (>71.8%) when compared with other formulations. The increase of water content led to a decrease of powder's glass transition temperature. Powder stability was evaluated and the critical values of relative humidity and moisture content were estimated based on state diagrams of glass transition combined with sorption isotherm data.

Practical Application

The growing interest in blackberries is due to the presence of anthocyanins which have shown possible application as a natural dye for food and pharmaceutical products. Drying a mixture of blackberry pulp and milk may produce particles with a broad range of intrinsic nutrients. Milk components could act as a wall material and emulsifying agent, protecting the flavonoids from blackberry. Therefore, a milk–blackberry powder becomes an alternative, which may reduce postharvesting waste and increase the shelf life of the product without significantly altering its nutritional characteristics.
Meta‐Analysis of the Association of Alcohol‐Related Social Media Use with Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol‐Related Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Curtis Brenda L. , Lookatch Samantha J. , Ramo Danielle E. , McKay James R. , Feinn Richard S. , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: May 2018

Despite the pervasive use of social media by young adults, there is comparatively little known about whether, and how, engagement in social media influences this group's drinking patterns and risk of alcohol‐related problems. We examined the relations between young adults’ alcohol‐related social media engagement (defined as the posting, liking, commenting, and viewing of alcohol‐related social media content) and their drinking behavior and problems. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies evaluating the association of alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related problems with alcohol‐related social media engagement. Summary baseline variables regarding the social media platform used (e.g., Facebook and Twitter), social media measures assessed (e.g., number of alcohol photographs posted), alcohol measures (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Timeline Follow back Interview), and the number of time points at which data were collected were extracted from each published study. We used the Q statistic to examine heterogeneity in the correlations between alcohol‐related social media engagement and both drinking behavior and alcohol‐related problems. Because there was significant heterogeneity, we used a random‐effects model to evaluate the difference from zero of the weighted aggregate correlations. We used metaregression with study characteristics as moderators to test for moderators of the observed heterogeneity. Following screening, 19 articles met inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis. The primary findings indicated a statistically significant relationship and moderate effect sizes between alcohol‐related social media engagement and both alcohol consumption (r = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.44, p < 0.001) and alcohol‐related problems (r = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.51, p < 0.001). There was significant heterogeneity among studies. Two significant predictors of heterogeneity were (i) whether there was joint measurement of alcohol‐related social media engagement and drinking behavior or these were measured on different occasions and (ii) whether measurements were taken by self‐report or observation of social media engagement. We found moderate‐sized effects across the 19 studies: Greater alcohol‐related social media engagement was correlated with both greater self‐reported drinking and alcohol‐related problems. Further research to determine the causal direction of these associations could provide opportunities for social media‐based interventions with young drinkers aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related adverse consequences.
CIS‐Acting Allele‐Specific Expression Differences Induced by Alcohol and Impacted by Sex as Well as Parental Genotype of Origin
Authors: Lo Chiao‐Ling , Lumeng Lawrence , Bell Richard L. , Liang Tiebing , Lossie Amy C. , Muir Williams M. , Zhou Feng C.
Published: May 2018

Background

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are influenced by complex interactions between the genetics of the individual and their environment. We have previously identified hundreds of polygenic genetic variants between the selectively bred high‐ and low‐alcohol drinking (HAD and LAD) rat lines. Here, we report allele‐specific expression (ASE) differences, between the HAD2 and LAD2 rat lines.

Methods

The HAD2 and LAD2 rats, which have been sequenced, were reciprocally crossed to generate 10 litters of F1 progeny. For 5 of these litters, the sire was HAD2, and for the other 5 litters, the sire was a LAD2. From these 10 litters, 2 males and 2 females were picked from each F1 litter (N = 40 total). The F1 pups were divided, balancing for sex and direction of cross, into an alcohol (15%) versus a water control group. Alcohol drinking started in the middle of adolescence (~postnatal day 35) and lasted 9 weeks. At the end of these treatments, rats were euthanized, the nucleus accumbens was dissected, and RNA was processed for RNA‐sequencing and ASE analyses.

Results

Analyses revealed that adolescent ethanol (EtOH) drinking, individual EtOH drinking levels, parentage, and sex‐of‐animal affected ASEs of about 300 genes. The identified genes included those associated with EtOH metabolism (e.g., Aldh2); neuromodulatory function (e.g., Cckbr, Slc6a7, and Slc1a1); ion channel activity (e.g., Kcnc3); and other synaptic and epigenetic functions.

Conclusions

These data indicate that EtOH drinking differentially amplified paternal versus maternal allelic contribution to the transcriptome. We hypothesize that this was due, at least in part, to EtOH‐induced changes in cis‐regulation of polymorphisms previously identified between the HAD2 and LAD2 rat lines. This report highlights the complexity of gene‐by‐environment interactions mediating a genetic predisposition for, and/or the active development of, AUDs.
The Response of Corporate Strategy to Competitive Challenges: The Predicament of Australian Mutual Insurers 1970–2000
Authors: Keneley Monica J.
Published: May 2018

The internal struggles faced by insurers as they adjusted their organisational structures to cope with new competitive challenges that emerged in the 1980s provide insights into the organisational learning process. Progression was not smooth or linear. It included a degree of experimentation and introspection. A dynamic capabilities framework is used to analyse the ability of a large long‐established insurer to adapt to the emerging financial market environment. Internal change routines were not capable of achieving the degree of reorganisation needed. The disruption to business that followed contributed to poor performance outcomes throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Quantitative care: Caring for the aggregate in US academic population health sciences
Authors: MASON KATHERINE A.
Published: May 2018

Academic quantitative population health scientists (AQPHS) in the United States care for populations with an ostensibly apolitical set of quantitative methods. This quantitative care has three interconnected components: AQPHS care about populations, they care for their data sets and models, and they care with these models’ outputs. In the process their ideals of objectivity compete with, and enable, a moral ideal of political advocacy. Slipping between knowledge and intervention, the “real” and the imagined, and individuals and populations, AQPHS produce knowledge that they hope will change public narratives about marginalized populations. In doing so they draw on ideal types, converting quantitative findings about populations into speculation about individual behavior. AQPHS’ ideal types both precede and tautologically reemerge from their science.
Jurisdictions of significance: Narrating time‐space in a Hopi‐US tribal consultation
Authors: RICHLAND JUSTIN B.
Published: May 2018

In 2013, Hopi Tribal representatives met US Forest Service officials to consult on the significance of archaeological sites in the Tonto National Forest. The meeting exemplified the “meaningful tribal consultation” process that federal law requires US agencies to undertake with Native nations. Disagreement persists about the efficacy of such consultations and about why indigenous actors continue to participate in them. In the 2013 consultations, Hopi officials’ contributions shape the interaction into a narrative exercise of juris‐diction, the enactment of normative authority through language. In this way, consultation participants implicitly negotiate which norms—those of Hopi tradition or Anglo‐American law—should govern how the significance of the archaeological sites in question are legally determined.
Mobility scores as a predictor of length of stay in general surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Carroll Georgia M. , Hampton Jacob , Carroll Rosemary , Smith Stephen R.
Published: May 2018

Background

Post‐operative length of stay (LOS) is an increasingly important clinical indicator in general surgery. Despite this, no tool has been validated to predict LOS or readiness for discharge in general surgical patients. The de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) is a functional mobility assessment tool that has been validated in rehabilitation patient populations. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to identify if trends in DEMMI scores were associated with discharge within 1 week and overall LOS in general surgical patients.

Methods

A total of 161 patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal resections were included. DEMMI scores were performed preoperatively, on days 1, 2, 3 and 30 post‐operative. Statistical analysis was performed to identify any association between DEMMI scores and discharge within 1 week and LOS.

Results

Functional recovery (measured by achieving 80% of baseline DEMMI score by post‐operative day 1) was significantly associated with discharge within 1 week. Presence of a stoma was associated with longer LOS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve using functional recovery on post‐operative day 1 as a predictor of discharge within 1 week is 0.772.

Conclusion

The DEMMI score is a fast, easy and useful tool to, on post‐operative day 1, predict discharge within 1 week. The utility of this is to act as an anticipatory trigger for more proactive and efficient discharge planning in the early post‐operative period, and there is potential to use the DEMMI as a comparator in clinical trials to assess functional recovery.
Uneven Urbanisation: Connecting Flows of Water to Flows of Labour and Capital Through Jakarta's Flood Infrastructure
Authors: Batubara Bosman , Kooy Michelle , Zwarteveen Margreet
Published: May 2018

This article analyses processes of uneven urbanisation by looking at flood infrastructure. Combining the conceptual frameworks of uneven development with the political ecology of urbanisation, we use flood infrastructure as a methodological device to trace the processes through which unevenness occurs within, but also far beyond, the city of Jakarta, Indonesia. We do this to show how the development of flood infrastructure in Jakarta is shaped by the logic of capitalism through mutually implicated tendencies of socionatural differentiation and equalisation. These processes render waters, resources and labour as similar across places and times to produce different spaces for different populations, within and beyond city boundaries. This theorisation reveals how the urban inequalities (re)produced by flood infrastructure are intimately linked to inequalities (re)produced through the urbanisation of the non‐city.
Assessment of cerebral perfusion and edema in preeclampsia with intravoxel incoherent motion MRI
Authors: Nelander Maria , Hannsberger Daniel , Sundström‐Poromaa Inger , Bergman Lina , Weis Jan , Åkerud Helena , Wikström Johan , Wikström Anna‐Karin
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Cerebral complications are the main reasons for morbidity and mortality in preeclampsia and eclampsia. As yet, we do not know whether the pathophysiology entails hypo‐ or hyperperfusion of the brain, or how and when edema emerges, due to the difficulty of examining the cerebral circulation.

Material and methods

We have used a non‐invasive diffusion weighted‐magnetic resonance imaging technique, intravoxel incoherent motion, to study cerebral perfusion on the capillary level and cerebral edema in women with preeclampsia (n = 30), normal pregnancy (n = 32), and non‐pregnant women (n = 16). Estimates of cerebral blood volume, blood flow, and edema were measured in 5 different regions. These points were chosen to represent blood supply areas of both the carotid and vertebrobasilar arteries, and to include both white and gray matter.

Results

Except for the caudate nucleus, we did not detect any differences in cerebral perfusion measures on a group level. In the caudate nucleus, we found lower cerebral blood volume and lower blood flow in preeclampsia than in either normal pregnancy (P = .01 and P = .03, respectively) or non‐pregnant women (both P = .02). No differences in edema were detected between study groups.

Conclusion

The cerebral perfusion measures were comparable between the study groups, except for a portion of the basal ganglia where hypoperfusion was detected in preeclampsia but not in normal pregnancy or non‐pregnant women.
Assessment of lactate production as a response to sustained intrapartum hypoxia in large‐for‐gestational‐age newborns
Authors: Zaigham Mehreen , Källén Karin , Olofsson Per
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Lactate concentration in umbilical cord blood is an important measure of intrapartum anaerobic metabolism. The aim of the study was to compare lactate production of large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) fetuses against appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) fetuses during hypoxia, in diabetic and non‐diabetic mothers.

Material and methods

A total of 17 358 validated paired arterial and venous umbilical cord blood samples taken at birth with a full panel of pH, glucose, and lactate were analyzed relative to LGA (n = 2789) and AGA (n = 14 569). Umbilical cord blood acidemia (pH < mean minus 2 SD) was identified in 518 cases.

Results

Diabetes, but not acidemia, was more common among LGA (5.4%) than AGA cases (2.9%) (respectively P < .0001 and P < .69). At normal pH, glucose was lower in non‐diabetes LGA cases, but not in diabetes LGA compared with corresponding AGA cases (respectively P < .0001 and P < .067). Glucose levels were higher in all groups during acidemia (P ≤ .0005), with lower values in non‐diabetes LGA but not in diabetes LGA compared with corresponding AGA cases (respectively P = .005 and P < .58). At normal pH, lactate was lower in non‐diabetes LGA but not in diabetes LGA compared with corresponding AGA cases (respectively P < .0001 and P < .98); during acidemia, lactate levels were higher in all groups (P < .0001), resulting in no significant difference between LGA and AGA in diabetes as well as in non‐diabetes cases (respectively P = .29 and P < .084).

Conclusions

Considering cord acidemia a proxy for intrapartum hypoxia, LGA fetuses showed no impaired ability to produce lactate during hypoxia. Maternal diabetes did not hamper the ability of LGA fetuses to produce lactate during hypoxia.
National survey found that managing childhood nephrotic syndrome in Nigeria varied widely and did not comply with the best evidence
Authors: Esezobor Christopher I. , Asinobi Adanze O. , Okafor Henrietta U. , Akuse Rosamund , Gbadegesin Rasheed
Published: May 2018

Aim

This study explored any variations in managing childhood nephrotic syndrome between specialist centres in Nigeria and how closely the care reflected the best available evidence.

Methods

In 2016, the heads of Nigerian paediatric nephrology units were asked to complete a study questionnaire that focused on managing nephrotic syndrome.

Results

Of the 31 clinicians we approached, 81% returned the completed questionnaire. The majority (64%) had received paediatric nephrology training and 40% had practised for at least 10 years. We found that 60% prescribed an initial daily prednisolone for four weeks before reducing the dose and 32% prescribed it for six weeks. However, more marked variations were observed with the total steroid duration for new‐onset nephrotic syndrome, with 16%, 44% and 40% prescribing prednisolone for 8, 12 and at least 16 weeks, respectively. Similarly, 56% prescribed prednisolone for less than eight weeks before diagnosing steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and 12% rarely requested a kidney biopsy for SRNS. In addition, 32% of the respondents preferred cyclophosphamide to calcineurin inhibitors for SRNS.

Conclusion

There were significant variations in the management of childhood nephrotic syndrome in Nigeria and the diagnosis and treatment of SRNS differed substantially from the best available evidence.
Pilot study demonstrates that placental histology can provide an additional tool for diagnosing early‐onset neonatal sepsis
Authors: Ykema J M A , D'Haens E J , Havenith M , van Eyck J , van Lingen R A , Hemels M A C
Published: May 2018

Aim

We explored whether placental histology could help to diagnose early‐onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), guide clinical decision‐making 48 hours after birth and reduce antibiotic use.

Methods

This study comprised 109 infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands, between January 2013 and December 2013. EONS was defined as clinical symptoms plus raised serial C‐reactive protein (CRP) >10 mg/L and a positive (proven EONS) or a negative (suspected EONS) blood culture. Placentas were studied for a histological inflammatory response and scored according to Redline's criteria.

Results

A histological inflammatory response was seen in 15/88 (17%) placentas and this occurred significantly more often in infants with a high suspicion of EONS (p < 0.05). No histological inflammatory response was seen if maternal risk factors for EONS were absent, despite a raised CRP level. Based on placental histology, the duration of antibiotic therapy was reduced from more than five days to 48 hours in 20/27 infants (74%).

Conclusion

Histological examination of the placenta helped to diagnose EONS and guide clinical decision‐making 48 hours after birth and led to a clinically relevant reduction in antibiotic use.