bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and Simple Electrochemical Analysis Kit for Quality Control of Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
Authors: de Jesus Guedes Tiago , Pio dos Santos Wallans Torres
Published: April 2018

The use of multiple‐pulse amperometry (MPA) for the determination of narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs using batch injection analysis (BIA) with carbon screen‐printed electrodes (SPE) is proposed, seeking to develop a practical and low‐cost analysis kit for application in routine quality control of these drugs. The electrochemical behaviors of aminophylline, carbamazepine, clindamycin, colchicine, minoxidil, prazosin, procainamide, theophylline, warfarin and verapamil were evaluated in different electrolytes, but just one, the 0.1 mol L−1phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, was chosen for determination of all the analytes. The amperometric detection was optimized as a function of the best oxidation potential for carbon SPE for each analyte, which was in a range from 0.7 to 1.1 V. The injection conditions were determined as a function of the velocity and the volume injected by the BIA system, which were 92.5 μL s−1and 100 μL, respectively. Under these conditions, a good repeatability (RSD<3 %), high analytical frequency (>215 determinations per hour), large linear ranges and low LOD (<0.42 μmol L−1) for all the NTI drugs were obtained. Furthermore, the proposed method provided an easy qualitative analysis of the investigated analytes using MPA detection. The addition‐recovery studies in pharmaceutical samples containing NTI drugs and the comparison with official methods showed that the proposed analysis Kit is a very fast, simple and efficient alternative for quantification of these analytes.
Performance of Amperometric Platinized‐Nafion Based Gas Phase Sensor for Determining Nitric Oxide (NO) Levels in Exhaled Human Nasal Breath
Authors: Zajda Joanna , Schmidt Nicholas J. , Zheng Zheng , Wang Xuewei , Meyerhoff Mark E.
Published: April 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) levels in exhaled breath are a non‐invasive marker that can be used to diagnose various respiratory diseases and monitor a patient's response to given therapies. A portable and inexpensive device that can enable selective NO concentration measurements in exhaled breath samples is needed. Herein, the performance of an amperometric Pt‐Nafion‐based gas phase sensor for detection of NO in exhaled human nasal breath is examined. Enhanced selectivity over carbon monoxide and ammonia is achieved via an in‐line zinc oxide‐based filter. Exhaled nasal NO levels measured in 21 human samples with the sensor are shown to correlate well with those obtained using a chemiluminescence reference method (R2=0.9836).
MR lymphography for sentinel lymph node detection in patients with oral cavity cancer: Preliminary clinical study
Authors: Bae Sohi , Lee Ho‐Joon , Nam Woong , Koh Yoon Woo , Choi Eun Chang , Kim Jinna
Published: April 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of MR lymphography with interstitial injection of a gadolinium‐based contrast agent for identifying sentinel lymph nodes in patients with oral cavity cancer and clinically negative neck.

Methods

Pretreatment MR lymphography with a differential subsampling with cartesian ordering (DISCO) sequence was performed in 26 patients with resectable oral cavity cancer and clinically negative neck, after peritumoral injection of 1‐mL diluted gadobutrol. The accuracy of sentinel lymph node identification by MR lymphography was assessed and compared with the final histopathological results.

Results

The MR lymphography consistently visualized the 44 sentinel lymph nodes in all 26 patients. In all but 1 patient with pathologically positive neck, assumed sentinel lymph nodes revealed metastatic involvement.

Conclusion

Pretreatment MR lymphography is a safe and feasible imaging technique that can help clinicians identify sentinel lymph nodes with a high risk of occult metastases in patients with oral cavity cancer, enabling focused preoperative biopsy in these high‐risk patients.
Social health insurance in Nepal: A health system departure toward the universal health coverage
Authors: Pokharel Rajani , Silwal Pushkar Raj
Published: April 2018

The World Health Organization has identified universal health coverage (UHC) as a key approach in reducing equity gaps in a country, and the social health insurance (SHI) has been recommended as an important strategy toward it. This article aims to analyze the design, expected benefits and challenges of realizing the goals of UHC through the recently launched SHI in Nepal. On top of the earlier free health‐care policy and several other vertical schemes, the SHI scheme was implemented in 2016 and has reached population coverage of 5% in the implemented districts in just within a year of implementation. However, to achieve UHC in Nepal, in addition to operationalizing the scheme, several other requirements must be dealt simultaneously such as efficient health‐care delivery system, adequate human resources for health, a strong information system, improved transparency and accountability, and a balanced mix of the preventive, health promotion, curative, and rehabilitative services including actions to address the social determinants of health. The article notes that strong political commitment and persistent efforts are the key lessons learnt from countries achieving progressive UHC through SHI.
As you like it: How the same data can support manifold views of overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening
Authors: Njor Sisse Helle , Paci Eugenio , Rebolj Matejka
Published: April 2018

Overdiagnosis estimates have varied substantially, causing confusion. The discussions have been complicated by the fact that population and study design have varied substantially between studies. To help assess the impact of study design choices on the estimates, we compared them on a single population. A cohort study from Funen County, Denmark, recently suggested little (∼1%) overdiagnosis. It followed previously screened women for up to 14 years after screening had ended. Using publically available data from Funen, we recreated the designs from five high‐estimate, highly cited studies from various countries. Selected studies estimated overdiagnosis to be 25–54%. Their designs were adapted only to the extent that they reflect the start of screening in Funen in 1993. The reanalysis of the Funen data resulted in overdiagnosis estimates that were remarkably similar to those from the original high‐estimate age‐period studies, 21–55%. In additional analyses, undertaken to elucidate the effect of the individual components of the study designs, overdiagnosis estimates were more than halved after the most likely changes in the background risk were accounted for and decreased additionally when never‐screened birth cohorts were excluded from the analysis. The same data give both low and high estimates of overdiagnosis, it all depends on the study design. This stresses the need for a careful scrutiny of the validity of the assumptions underpinning the estimates. Age‐period analyses of breast cancer overdiagnosis suggesting very high frequencies of overdiagnosis rested on unmet assumptions. This study showed that overdiagnosis estimates should in the future be requested to adequately control for the background risk and include an informative selection of the studied population to achieve valid and comparable estimates of overdiagnosis.
Out of the shadows and 6000 reasons to celebrate: An update from FIGO's fistula surgery training initiative
Authors: Slinger Gillian , Trautvetter Lilli , Browning Andrew , Rane Ajay
Published: April 2018

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury caused by unrelieved obstructed labor. Obstetric fistula leads to chronic incontinence and, in most cases, significant physical and emotional suffering. The condition continues to blight the lives of 1–2 million women in low‐resource settings, with 50 000–100 000 new cases each year adding to the backlog. A trained, skilled fistula surgeon is essential to repair an obstetric fistula; however, owing to a global shortage of these surgeons, few women are able to receive life‐restoring treatment. In 2011, to address the treatment gap, FIGO and partners released the Global Competency‐Based Fistula Surgery Training Manual, the first standardized curriculum to train fistula surgeons. To increase the number of fistula surgeons, the FIGO Fistula Surgery Training Initiative was launched in 2012, and FIGO Fellows started to enter the program to train as fistula surgeons. Following a funding boost in 2014, the initiative has grown considerably. With 52 fellows involved and a new Expert Advisory Group in place, the program is achieving major milestones, with a record‐breaking number of fistula repairs performed by FIGO Fellows in 2017, bringing the total number of repairs since the start of the project to more than 6000.
A caninein vitromodel for evaluation of marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cell‐based bone scaffolds
Authors: Gharat Tanmay P. , Diaz‐Rodriguez Patricia , Erndt‐Marino Josh D. , Jimenez Vergara Andrea Carolina , Munoz Pinto Dany J. , Bearden Robert N. , Huggins Shannon S. , Grunlan Melissa , Saunders W. Brian , Hahn Mariah S.
Published: April 2018

Tissue engineered bone grafts based on bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being actively developed for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) applications. As for all tissue engineered implants, the bone‐regenerating capacity of these MSC‐based grafts must first be evaluated in animal models prior to human trials. Canine models have traditionally resulted in improved clinical translation of CMF grafts relative to other animal models. However, the utility of canine CMF models for evaluating MSC‐based bone grafts rests on canine MSCs (cMSCs) responding in a similar manner to scaffold‐based stimuli as human MSCs (hMSCs). Herein, cMSC and hMSC responses to polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based scaffolds were therefore compared in the presence or absence of osteoinductive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Notably, the conjugation of PDMS to PEG‐based constructs resulted in increases in both cMSC and hMSC osteopontin and calcium deposition. Based on these results, cMSCs were further used to assess the efficacy of tethered bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) in enhancing PEG‐PDMS scaffold osteoinductivity. Addition of low doses of tethered BMP2 (100 ng/mL) to PEG‐PDMS systems increased cMSC expression of osterix and osteopontin compared to both PEG‐PDMS and PEG‐BMP2 controls. Furthermore, these increases were comparable to effects seen with up to five‐times higher BMP2 doses noted in literature. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2382–2393, 2018.
Prediction of taper performance using quasi static FE models: The influence of loading, taper clearance and trunnion length
Authors: Raji Halimat Y. , Shelton Julia C.
Published: April 2018

The head‐neck taper junction has been widely reported to corrode leading to adverse tissue reactions. Taper corrosion is a poorly understood phenomenon but has been associated with oxide layer damage and ingress of corrosive physiological fluids. Micromotion may damage the oxide layer; although little is understood about the prevailing stresses which cause this. The ingress of fluid around the joint space into the taper will depend on the taper contact position and the separation of the interfaces during loading. The current work reports on the effect of taper clearances and trunnion length on the taper surface stresses and the taper gap opening. These were determined for CoCr/Ti taper interfaces using FE under loading conditions including walking and stair climb as well as hip simulator load profiles. Shorter trunnions and stair climb loading were shown to generate the greatest taper gaps (82 µm) and also the largest surface stresses (1200 MPa) on the head taper. The largest taper gaps were associated with smaller taper contact areas. Clearances within ±0.1° had no effect on the taper gaps generated, as the tapers engaged over comparable lengths; the taper gap opening was dependent upon the taper engagement length rather than location (proximal or distal) of contact. The walking profile or variants applied by hip simulators, was insufficient to differentiate between taper designs and evaluate differences in the magnitudes of taper gaps. The use of more demanding activity such as stair climb during in vitro evaluations could provide better predictions of taper performance in vivo. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 138–148, 2019.
In vitro cytotoxicity of galvanically coupled magnesium‐titanium particles on human osteosarcoma SAOS2 cells: A potential cancer therapy
Authors: Kim Jua , Gilbert Jeremy L.
Published: April 2018

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer that occurs mostly in children and young adults. This study investigated the cytotoxicity of Mg and Mg‐Ti microparticles to human osteosarcoma cells. Osteosarcoma cells were killed in a dosage‐dependent manner when cells, with a cell seeding density of 30,000 cells/cm2, were cultured with 0 to 2500 µg/mL of Mg or Mg‐Ti in cell culture media for 24–72 h. Mg‐Ti killed cells more effectively, where 1250 µg/mL of Mg‐Ti killed cells completely by 24 h, while 2500 µg/mL of Mg killed nearly all cells, but not all. Killing due to particle corrosion occurred mostly during the first 24 h, and so the percent cell viability between 24 and 72 h showed not much variability. However, the measurement of live and dead cell numbers, over the timeframe of 24–72 h, showed more insight, such as cell recovery. If particle concentrations were low, the number of live cells increased after 24 h, indicating cell proliferation. If particle concentrations were high, the number of live cells either remained steady or decreased, indicating cell quiescence or continued killing, respectively. Increase in the number of dead cells also indicated killing, while plateau meant discontinued killing. In addition, repeated killing of recovered cells exhibited the same dose‐dependent killing profile as the initial experiment, implying little development of cell resistance to treatment. These results, together, show that osteosarcoma cells are susceptible to killing by way of exposure to corroding particles, showing highly effective killing using the galvanic couple of Mg‐Ti. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 178–189, 2019.
Humic acid‐derived hierarchical porous carbon preparation using vacuum freeze‐drying for electric double layer capacitors
Authors: Jia Min , Chang Pan‐pan , Wang Cheng‐yang , Chen Ming‐ming
Published: April 2018

Electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) preserve charge by reversible physisorption of electrolyte ions on the surface of porous active materials. Therefore, engineering a reasonable pore structure and reducing oxygen‐containing groups of carbon materials are efficient approaches to enable rapid ion diffusion pathways and long life span, respectively. Here, humic acid (HA)‐derived hierarchical porous carbon was fabricated by vacuum freeze‐drying, KOH activation, and subsequent annealing. The macropores were generated from the vacancies where the ice crystals in the HA–KOH gels initially occupied during vacuum‐freeze drying, while abundant micropores were created from homogeneous KOH activation. In addition, subsequent annealing further reduced the oxygen‐containing groups. When used as EDLC electrodes in 1 mol/L TEABF4/PC organic electrolyte, they could give a high capacitance of 150 F/g at 0.05 A/g and excellent rate performance of 81% (with capacitance of 121.46 F/g at 10 A/g). More importantly, the hierarchical porous carbon displays superior capacity retention of 85.6% after 10,000 cycles at 1 A/g at 2.7 V.
Contribution of adiponectin polymorphisms to the risk of coronary artery disease in a North‐African Tunisian population
Authors: Ghazouani Lakhdar , Elmufti Afoua , Baaziz Intissar , Chaabane Ibtissem , Ben Mansour Hedi
Published: April 2018

Background

Adiponectin, an adipocyte‐derived protein, is known to play a key role in the processes leading to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) through its anti‐atherogenic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti‐apoptotic properties. In the current study, we have studied the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) +45 T>G (rs2241766) and +276 G>T (rs1501299) of the adiponectin gene with coronary artery disease (CAD) on an Arab/North‐African population from Tunisia.

Methods

Subjects comprised 277 patients with angiographically demonstrated CAD and 269 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects. The adiponectin genotypes were performed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR‐RFLP). The contribution of adiponectin variants to CAD was analyzed by haplotype and regression analysis.

Results

Adiponectin +45T>G and +276G>T genotypic and allelic distributions did not show a significant difference between cases and controls. Similarly, no association with CAD was observed for the haplotype analysis. Assuming dominant model of transmission for both polymorphisms and after adjustment of a number of traditional risk factors for CAD, logistic regression analysis showed an association of SNP +45 T>G with increased risk of developing CAD [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 2.59 (1.17‐5.70); P = .01]. However, SNP + 276 G>T is associated with decreased risk of developing CAD [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.22‐0.97); P = .04].

Conclusion

There is no allelic or genotypic association of +45 T>G and +276 G>T of the adiponectin gene with CAD in the Tunisian population.
Lie, Cheat, and Steal: How Harmful Brands Motivate Consumers to Act Unethically
Authors: Rotman Jeff D. , Khamitov Mansur , Connors Scott
Published: April 2018

While brand punishment—through either individual or collective action—has received ample attention by consumer psychologists, absent from this literature is that such punishment can take the form of unethical actions that can occur even when the consumer is not personally harmed. Across three studies, we examine consumers’ propensity to act unethically towards a brand that they perceive to be harmful. We document that when consumers come to see brands as harmful—even in the absence of a direct, personal transgression—they can be motivated to seek retribution in the form of unethical intentions and behaviors. That is, consumers are more likely to lie, cheat, or steal to punish a harmful brand. Drawing on these findings, we advance implications for consumer psychologists and marketing practitioners and provide avenues for future research in the area.
Cover Image, Volume 93, Issue 5
Authors: Acosta‐Santoyo Gustavo , Herrada Rosa Alhelí , De Folter Stefan , Bustos Erika
Published: April 2018

The cover image, by Gustavo Acosta‐Santoyo et al., is based on the Research Article Stimulation of the germination and growth of different plant species using an electric field treatment with IrO2‐Ta2O5|Ti electrodes, DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5517.

image
Removal of phenolic compounds through overliming for enhanced saccharification of wheat straw
Authors: Haq Ikram , Arshad Yesra , Nawaz Ali , Aftab Muhammad , Rehman Asad , Mukhtar Hamid , Mansoor Zinnia , Syed Qurratulain
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The deactivation of cellulases by phenolics is considered to be the main bottleneck in the saccharification of agricultural by‐products for efficient bioethanol production on a large scale. The removal of these phenolic inhibitors, produced as a result of pretreatment, is essential for an efficient saccharification process. One such process is overliming that has been mostly studied for hydrolysates of agricultural by‐products. In the present study however, solid biomass was used whereby the detection of phenolic compounds and their effect on saccharification was studied.

RESULTS

The pretreated wheat straw showed 19% saccharification and total phenolic content (TPC) of 188 mg gallic acid equivalent g‐1 biomass dry weight. Detoxification of pretreated wheat straw applying different alkalis, i.e. NaOH, NH4OH and Ca(OH)2 was conducted. Overliming using Ca(OH)2 solution of pH 12, for 2 h at 80°C showed significant removal of 60% of phenolic compounds, which in turn enhanced the saccharification by 2.4‐fold. Scanning electron microscopy of pretreated and overlimed substrates also showed considerable change in structure, making it more accessible for enzymatic hydrolysis.

CONCLUSION

The elimination of phenolic compounds due to overliming has facilitated increased saccharification that in turn will help in substrate efficient biofuel production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The inter‐observer agreement in the assessment of carotid plaque neovascularization by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography: The impact of plaque thickness
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhang Yan‐Ming , Song Ze‐Zhou , Fu Yan‐Fei , Geng Yu
Published: April 2018

Background

The interobserver agreement in the assessment of the grade of carotid plaque neovascularization by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is poorly established.

Method

We examined 140 carotid plaques in 66 patients (all patients had bilateral plaques, and 8 patients had 2 plaques on one side). We performed conventional and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography to analyze the presence of carotid plaque neovascularization, which was graded by two independent observers whose interobserver agreement (κ) was evaluated according to the thickness of carotid plaque.

Results

For all carotid plaques, the mean κ was 0.689 (95% confidence interval 0.604‐0.774). It was 0.689 (0.569‐0.808), 0.637 (0.487‐0.787), and 0.740 (0.585‐0.896), respectively for carotid plaques with maximal thickness <2 mm, from 2 mm to 3 mm, and >3 mm.

Conclusion

The interobserver agreement for assessing carotid plaque neovascularization by using contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is substantial and acceptable for research purposes, regardless of the maximal thickness of the plaque.
What do clinicians need to watch for with direct‐acting antiviral therapy?
Authors: Aghemo Alessio , Piroth Lionel , Bhagani Sanjay
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The introduction of drugs targeting the virus replication cycle has revolutionized treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus. These drugs, called direct‐acting antivirals, have brought about extremely high rates of virological cure and have increased the number of patients who can receive treatment due to the lack of absolute contraindications. A combination of different classes of direct‐acting antivirals is the current standard of care. Although treatment administration and monitoring has been simplified in recent years, it is still relatively complex and mostly in the hands of specialists. Several factors must be assessed before starting treatment to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects of treatment. In this review, we describe the factors that impact on the efficacy and safety of antiviral treatment for hepatitis C and provide clear recommendations for clinicians prescribing direct‐acting antivirals.

Methods

We reviewed literature to define best practice, based on factors associated with treatment efficacy and safety data to recommend treatment options, baseline and on‐treatment assessments. The review included searches in PubMed, and the abstracts presented at the International Liver Congress TM and The Liver Meeting TM between January 2013 and September 2017.

Results

Clinical features that must be assessed before starting treatment include virological factors, such as hepatitis C virus genotype, HIV and hepatitis B coinfection and host factors, such as concomitant medications, liver disease stage and renal function.

Conclusions

Patients who start antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C require a thorough clinical evaluation. There is a need for assessing factors that impact on the treatment schedule and duration or affect the pharmacokinetics of direct‐acting antivirals.
Frontline Science: Plasma and immunoglobulin G galactosylation associate with HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Vadrevu Surya Kumari , Trbojevic-Akmacic Irena , Kossenkov Andrew V , Colomb Florent , Giron Leila B , Anzurez Alitzel , Lynn Kenneth , Mounzer Karam , Landay Alan L , Kaplan Robert C , Papasavvas Emmanouil , Montaner Luis J , Lauc Gordan , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed
Published: April 2018

Global antibody glycosylation is dynamic and plays critical roles in shaping different immunological outcomes and direct antibody functionality during HIV infection. However, the relevance of global antibody or plasma glycosylation patterns to HIV persistence after antiretroviral therapy (ART) has not been characterized. First, we compared glycomes of total plasma and isolated immunoglobulin G (IgG) from HIV+ ART-suppressed, HIV+ viremic, and HIV-negative individuals. Second, in ART-suppressed individuals, we examined the associations between glycomes and (1) levels of cell-associated HIV DNA and RNA in PBMCs and isolated CD4+ T cells, (2) CD4 count and CD4%, and (3) expression of CD4+ T-cell activation markers. HIV infection is associated with persistent alterations in the IgG glycome including decreased levels of disialylated glycans, which is associated with a lower anti-inflammatory activity, and increased levels of fucosylated glycans, which is associated with lower antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). We also show that levels of certain mono- and digalactosylated nonfucosylated glycomic traits (A2G1, A2G2, and A2BG2), which have been reported to be associated with higher ADCC and higher anti-inflammatory activities, exhibit significant negative correlations with levels of cell-associated total HIV DNA and HIV RNA in ART-suppressed individuals. Finally, levels of certain circulating anti-inflammatory glycans are associated with higher levels of CD4 T cells and lower levels of T-cell activation. Our findings represent the first proof-of-concept evidence that glycomic alterations, known to be associated with differential states of inflammation and ADCC activities, are also associated with levels of HIV persistence in the setting of ART suppression.
The New Stage of the Turkish Counseling System: Explosive Growth (2000 to the Present)
Authors: Arslan Ümüt , Sommers‐Flanagan John
Published: April 2018

The Turkish counseling system has been developing since the 1950s. Over the past 15 years, rapid and substantial changes have started to affect counseling and counselor education in Turkey. These changes have both positive and negative ramifications. Overall, the changes appear to represent a new stage of counseling that the authors refer to as explosive growth (2000 to the present). In this article, the authors describe this new stage and discuss positive and negative trends associated with it.

El sistema turco de consejería se ha estado desarrollando desde los años 50. En los últimos 15 años, cambios rápidos y sustanciales han comenzado a afectar a la consejería y la formación de consejeros en Turquía. Estos cambios tienen ramificaciones tanto positivas como negativas. En general, los cambios parecen representar una nueva etapa en la consejería a la que nosotros los autores nos referimos como de crecimiento explosivo (desde el año 2000 hasta el presente). En este artículo, los autores describen esta nueva etapa y discuten las tendencias positivas y negativas asociadas con la misma.
Estimating the contribution of surfactant replacement therapy to the alveolar pool: An in vivo study based on 13C natural abundance in rabbits
Authors: Giambelluca Sonia , Ricci Francesca , Simonato Manuela , Correani Alessio , Casiraghi Costanza , Storti Matteo , Cogo Paola , Salomone Fabrizio , Carnielli Virgilio Paolo
Published: April 2018

Variation of the isotopic abundance of selected nutrients and molecules has been used for pharmacological and kinetics studies under the premise that the administered molecule has a different isotopic enrichment from the isotopic background of the recipient subject. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of assessing the contribution of exogenous surfactant phospholipids to the endogenous alveolar pool in vivo after exogenous surfactant replacement therapy in rabbits.

The study consisted in measuring the consistency of 13C/12C ratio of disaturated‐phosphatidylcholine palmitate (DSPC‐PA) in 7 lots of poractant alfa, produced over a year, and among bronchoalveolar lavages of 20 rabbits fed with a standard chow. A pilot study was performed in a rabbit model of lavage‐induced surfactant deficiency: 7 control rabbits and 4 treated with exogenous surfactant. The contribution of exogenous surfactant to the alveolar pool was assessed after intra‐tracheal administration of 200 mg/kg of poractant alfa. The 13C content of DSPC‐PA was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

The mean DSPC‐PA 13C/12C ratio of the 7 lots of poractant alfa was −18.8‰ with a SD of 0.1‰ (range: −18.9‰; −18.6‰). The mean 13C/12C ratio of surfactant DSPC recovered from the lung lavage of 20 rabbits was −28.8 ± 1.2‰ (range: −31.7‰; −25.7‰). The contribution of exogenous surfactant to the total alveolar surfactant could be calculated in the treated rabbits, and it ranged from 83.9% to 89.6%.

This pilot study describes a novel method to measure the contribution of the exogenous surfactant to the alveolar pool. This method is based on the natural variation of 13C, and therefore it does not require the use of chemically synthetized tracers. This method could be useful in human research and especially in surfactant replacement studies in preterm infants.
Embedded ensemble encoding hypothesis: The role of the “Prepared” cell
Authors: Antic Srdjan D. , Hines Michael , Lytton William W.
Published: April 2018

We here reconsider current theories of neural ensembles in the context of recent discoveries about neuronal dendritic physiology. The key physiological observation is that the dendritic plateau potential produces sustained depolarization of the cell body (amplitude 10–20 mV, duration 200–500 ms). Our central hypothesis is that synaptically‐evoked dendritic plateau potentials lead to a prepared state of a neuron that favors spike generation. The plateau both depolarizes the cell toward spike threshold, and provides faster response to inputs through a shortened membrane time constant. As a result, the speed of synaptic‐to‐action potential (AP) transfer is faster during the plateau phase. Our hypothesis relates the changes from “resting” to “depolarized” neuronal state to changes in ensemble dynamics and in network information flow. The plateau provides the Prepared state (sustained depolarization of the cell body) with a time window of 200–500 ms. During this time, a neuron can tune into ongoing network activity and synchronize spiking with other neurons to provide a coordinated Active state (robust firing of somatic APs), which would permit “binding” of signals through coordination of neural activity across a population. The transient Active ensemble of neurons is embedded in the longer‐lasting Prepared ensemble of neurons. We hypothesize that “embedded ensemble encoding” may be an important organizing principle in networks of neurons.
Three cases of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with prolonged QT intervals including two cases of compound mutations
Authors: Saito Aki , Ohno Seiko , Nuruki Norihito , Nomura Yuichi , Horie Minoru , Yoshinaga Masao
Published: April 2018

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is one of the leading causes of sudden arrhythmic death in the young. The QT interval in CPVT patients is typically within the normal range. However, those with prolonged QT interval have often been diagnosed with mutation‐negative long QT syndrome (LQTS). We report three CPVT patients with prolonged QT interval. Case 1 and 2 were diagnosed as LQTS at first. Genetic test using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) revealed RyR2 mutations. We should consider genetic test using NGS to identify the genes responsible for CPVT in mutation‐negative LQTS.
Spatial functional data analysis for regionalizing precipitation seasonality and intensity in a sparsely monitored region: Unveiling the spatio‐temporal dependencies of precipitation in Ecuador
Authors: Ballari Daniela , Giraldo Ramón , Campozano Lenin , Samaniego Esteban
Published: April 2018

The identification of area‐wise homogeneous precipitation regions helps to unveil similar precipitation patterns and amounts, where similar atmospheric processes at diverse temporal scales are likely to occur. However, although scientifically and socially relevant, the regionalization of precipitation is challenging, specially in areas of complex orography and with sparse monitoring. This limits our understanding of complex spatio‐temporal dependencies and hinders any information‐based resource management decision‐making. Gridded satellite precipitation products are useful in this context, even though they contain bias errors. Spatial functional data analysis (sFDA) is a novel technique that considers time as well as space dependencies by means of spatial autocorrelation and complete time functions, one for each spatial point. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate sFDA as a tool to regionalize seasonality and intensity precipitation patterns, having Ecuador as a case study. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B43) satellite precipitation is used to create an exhaustive spatial delineation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a sFDA regionalization approach is performed on gridded satellite precipitation. The complex orography and heat‐driven atmospheric processes in Ecuador's latitude make it a highly non‐trivial case to test the aforementioned technique. As a result, five relevant regions of precipitation seasonality were spatially delineated and temporally characterized. Three of them were zonally oriented, and two meridional‐wise in the coast. In addition, 20 relevant intensity regions across Ecuador were identified specially in regions with sparse monitoring. The regions were related to regional climate processes. However, limitations were found in regions with important orographic precipitation and locally variability patterns, probably due to the shortcomings of TRMM precipitation quantification. After the successful application of hierarchical regionalization using sFDA in a tropical region with sparse monitoring, it is reasonable to conclude that sFDA is a robust method to detect compact and meaningful homogeneous areas.
Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning or Queer Students at Evangelical Christian Colleges as Described in Personal Blogs
Authors: Snow Kevin C.
Published: April 2018

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning or queer (LGBTQ) students at evangelical Christian colleges are a population frequently overlooked in the literature on the spiritual lives of college students. The author used qualitative content analysis within a phenomenological tradition to examine blog posts by such students, who face multiple identity challenges and official sanctions on campuses. Findings indicate these students want to be recognized as both LGBTQ and evangelical Christian by their colleges. Included are implications for counseling professionals and college administrators.
Cultural Connections: An Ethnocultural Counseling Intervention for Black Women in College
Authors: Jones Martinque K. , Sam Thomandra S
Published: April 2018

Counseling interventions that support the exploration of ethnocultural concerns are beneficial to the overall well‐being of Black women in college. The authors describe Cultural Connections, a theoretically based and culturally adapted group counseling intervention for Black women in college. Also presented are a case example demonstrating the intervention's utility and recommendations for implementation in college counseling centers.
Applying Dialectical Behavior Therapy to Self‐Harm in College‐Age Men: A Case Study
Authors: Cannon Jennifer L. , Umstead Lindsey K.
Published: April 2018

Researchers suggest an increase in self‐harm among men. Specifically, college‐age men appear to be at risk for self‐harming behaviors, and counselors often overlook these behaviors in treatment. In this article, the authors describe the issue of self‐harm and illustrate the use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT; Linehan, ) with male college students. The authors use a case study to illustrate the use of a modified form of DBT with a male college student who self‐harmed. Limitations of this approach and implications for college counselors are also addressed.
The Limits of Neuroscience in Counseling: A Humanistic Perspective and Proposed Model
Authors: WILKINSON BRETT D.
Published: April 2018

Neuroscience‐informed counselors suggest that understanding the brain can transform the field of counseling. This article addresses flaws in such arguments. Distinctions are drawn between supportive and informative empirical findings, explanatory and descriptive viewpoints, and the easy and hard problems of consciousness. The author proposes a new theoretical model to ensure working dialogues between humanists and neurocounselors.
Nutritional profiling of Eurasian woodcock meat: chemical composition and myoglobin characterization
Authors: Landi Nicola , Ragucci Sara , Di Giuseppe Antonella MA , Russo Rosita , Poerio Elia , Severino Valeria , Di Maro Antimo
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Meat from birds is a rich source of proteins for the human diet. In this framework, Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola L.), a medium–small wading bird hunted as game in many Eurasian countries, is considered one of the best meats for culinary purposes. Since the nutritional composition of Eurasian woodcock meat has not yet been reported, we decided to determine the nutritional profile of S. rusticola meat.

RESULTS

Macronutrient components (proteins, lipids and fatty acids) were determined, as well as free and total amino acids, and compared with those of the common pheasant. Eurasian woodcock meat contains high levels of proteins and essential amino acids. The levels of unsaturated fatty acids represent a great contribution to the total lipid amount. Among polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (C18:2, n‐6) is the major essential fatty acid. Finally, we report the characterization of myoglobin (Mb) from Eurasian woodcock.

CONCLUSION

The data revealed that meat from this bird could be a good source of quality raw proteins because of its amino acid composition, and it had a low lipid content. On the other hand, Mb characterization might be of benefit to the meat industry, by providing useful information for the determination of species‐specific differences in meat from birds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of alkyl silatranes as plant growth regulators: comparative substitution effect on root and shoot development of wheat and maize
Authors: Singh Gurjaspreet , Sharma Geetika , Sanchita  , Kalra Pooja , Batish Daizy R , Verma Vikas
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The present investigation reports the stimulating effects of different substituted alkyl silatranes (3a–3e) on the early seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays). Seeds of these plants were exposed to six different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 µmol L−1). The results revealed that different substitutions (3a–3e) had different effects on root and shoot elongation. Silatranes (3a–3e) were synthesized employing microwave irradiation by a solvent‐mediated transesterification reaction, thereby reducing reaction times from several hours under conventional reflux conditions to 15 min under microwave irradiation.

RESULTS

It was of interest that the effect of these silatranes did not show a dose‐dependent relationship but an optimum concentration, which was 100 µmol L−1 for maize and 200 µmol L−1 for wheat. γ‐Aminopropyl silatranes (3b and 3e) gave the best results in maize, whereas γ‐chloropropyl silatrane (3a) was most efficient for wheat at these optimum concentrations.

CONCLUSION

All the synthesized silatranes were effective in promoting root and shoot growth of wheat and maize. Furthermore, an efficient green microwave methodology was successful for the synthesis of silatranes. These observations pave the way for silatranes as efficient plant growth regulators for crops. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Peptides derived from lupin proteins confer potent protection against oxidative stress
Authors: Guo Xiaojuan , Shang Wenting , Strappe Padraig , Zhou Zhongkai , Blanchard Chris
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Lupin seeds are rich in proteins, which are utilized in the food industry. There is an increased interest in lupin research due to its association with health‐related benefits, such as reduction of hypertension and hyperglycemia. However, studies on the peptides derived from lupin proteins are rare.

RESULTS

Lupin protein hydrolysates (LPHs) were prepared by proteolysis using alcalase, trypsin and pepsin, respectively. All the hydrolysates demonstrated higher antioxidant and angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities compared to lupin proteins. The hydrolysates were fractionated into three fractions based on molecular weight (MW), and the peptides with MW < 3 kDa (LPH3) had the highest antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities compared to other fractions. Cell model study revealed that LPH3 fraction had the highest protection against the generation of reactive oxygen species in HepG2 cells, which was associated with increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase through upregulation of SOD1, GPX1, GCLM, SLC7A11 and SRXN1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of amino acid composition indicated that the peptides were characterized with high content of hydrophobic amino acids, which may be responsible for the greatest antioxidant activity. This study highlights the promising potential of lupin peptides as a functional ingredient in healthy foods. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Landscape‐level patterns in fawn survival across North America
Authors: Gingery Tess M. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Wallingford Bret D. , Rosenberry Christopher S.
Published: April 2018

A landscape‐level meta‐analysis approach to examining early survival of ungulates may elucidate patterns in survival not evident from individual studies. Despite numerous efforts, the relationship between fawn survival and habitat characteristics remains unclear and there has been no attempt to examine trends in survival across landscape types with adequate replication. In 2015–2016, we radiomarked 98 white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns in 2 study areas in Pennsylvania. By using a meta‐analysis approach, we compared fawn survival estimates from across North America using published data from 29 populations in 16 states to identify patterns in survival and cause‐specific mortality related to landscape characteristics, predator communities, and deer population density. We modeled fawn survival relative to percentage of agricultural land cover and deer density. Estimated average survival to 3–6 months of age was 0.414 ± 0.062 (SE) in contiguous forest landscapes (no agriculture) and for every 10% increase in land area in agriculture, fawn survival increased 0.049 ± 0.014. We classified cause‐specific mortality as human‐caused, natural (excluding predation), and predation according to agriculturally dominated, forested, and mixed (i.e., both agricultural and forest cover) landscapes. Predation was the greatest source of mortality in all landscapes. Landscapes with mixed forest and agricultural cover had greater proportions and rates of human‐caused mortalities, and lower proportions and rates of mortality due to predators, when compared to forested landscapes. Proportion and rate of natural deaths did not differ among landscapes. We failed to detect any relationship between fawn survival and deer density. The results highlight the need to consider multiple spatial scales when accounting for factors that influence fawn survival. Furthermore, variation in mortality sources and rates among landscapes indicate the potential for altered landscape mosaics to influence fawn survival rates. Wildlife managers can use the meta‐analysis to identify factors that will facilitate comparisons of results among studies and advance a better understanding of patterns in fawn survival. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Response of moose to a high‐density road network
Authors: Wattles David W. , Zeller Katherine A. , DeStefano Stephen
Published: April 2018

Road networks and the disturbance associated with vehicle traffic alter animal behavior, movements, and habitat selection. The response of moose (Alces americanus) to roads has been documented in relatively rural areas, but less is known about moose response to roads in more highly roaded landscapes. We examined road‐crossing frequencies and habitat use of global positioning system (GPS)‐collared moose in Massachusetts, USA, where moose home ranges have road densities approximately twice that of previous studies. We compared seasonal road‐crossing frequencies of moose with a null movement model. We estimated moose travel speeds during road‐crossing events and compared them with speeds during other home range movements. To estimate the extent of the road effect zone and determine how roads influenced moose habitat use, we fit a third‐order resource selection function. With the exception of the lowest use road class (<10 vehicles/day), we found moose crossed roads less than expected based on the null movement model and frequency decreased with increasing road size and traffic. Moose crossed roads faster than they traveled during other times. This effect increased with increasing road use intensity. Overall, roads were a major factor determining what portions of Massachusetts moose used and how they moved among habitat patches. Our results suggest that moose in Massachusetts can adapt to a high‐density road network, but the road effect is still strongly negative and, in some cases, is more pronounced than in study areas with lower road densities. Future road construction and the expansion of road networks may have a large effect on moose and other wildlife. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Pulsed dye laser treatment of rosacea using a novel 15 mm diameter treatment beam
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Schomacker Kevin , Paranjape Amit , Jones Christopher J.
Published: April 2018

Background

The pulsed‐dye laser has been used to treat facial redness and rosacea for decades. Recent advances in dye laser technology enable 50% higher output energies supporting 50% larger treatment areas, and beam‐diameters up to 15 mm with clinically‐relevant fluences. In this study, we investigate this novel pulsed‐dye laser using a 15 mm diameter beam for treatment of rosacea.

Methods

Twenty subjects with erythemato‐telangiectatic rosacea were enrolled in the study. A total of 4 monthly treatments were administered, first treating linear vessels with a 3 × 10 mm elliptical beam, then diffuse redness with a 15‐mm diameter circular beam. Blinded assessment of digital, cross‐polarized photographs taken 2 months following the last treatment was performed using an 11‐point clearance scale.

Results

Nineteen subjects completed the study. Blinded reviewers correctly identified baseline photos in 55 out of the total of 57 images (96.5%). The blinded reviewers scored 17 of the 19 subjects with an improvement greater than 40%, and 11 of the 19 subjects greater than 50%. The average improvement was 53.9%. Side effects were limited to mild edema, mild to moderate erythema, and mild to moderate bruising.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a newly designed pulsed‐dye laser having a novel 15‐mm diameter treatment beam improves the appearance of rosacea with a favorable safety profile. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:808–812, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.