bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal cut‐off value of fecal calprotectin for the evaluation of ulcerative colitis: An unsolved issue?
Authors: Jha Ashish Kumar , Chaudhary Madhur , Dayal Vishwa Mohan , Kumar Amarendra , Jha Sanjeev Kumar , Jha Praveen , Purkayastha Shubham , Ranjan Ravish 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionThere is variability in the fecal calprotectin (FCP) cut‐off level for the prediction of ulcerative colitis (UC) disease activity and differentiation from irritable bowel disease (IBS‐D). The FCP cut‐off levels vary from country to country.AimsWe aimed to assess FCP as a marker of disease activity in patients with UC. We determined the optimal FCP cut‐off value for differentiating UC and IBS‐D.MethodsIn a prospective study, we enrolled 76 UC and 30 IBS‐D patients. We studied the correlation of FCP with disease activity/extent as well as its role in differentiating UC from IBS‐D. We also reviewed literature regarding the optimal FCP cut‐off level for the prediction of disease activity and differentiation from IBS‐D patients.ResultsSensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FCP (cut‐off level, 158 μg/g) for the prediction of complete mucosal healing (using Mayo endoscopic subscore) were 90, 85, 94.7, and 73.3%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FCP (cut‐off level, 425 μg/g) for the prediction of inactive disease (Mayo Score ≤ 2) were 94.3, 88.7, 86.2, and 95.4%, respectively. We also found a FCP cut‐off value of 188 μg/g for the differentiation of UC from IBS‐D.ConclusionsThe study reveals the large quantitative differences in FCP cut‐off levels in different study populations. This study demonstrates a wide variation in FCP cut‐off levels in the initial diagnosis of UC as well as in follow‐up post‐treatment. Therefore, this test requires validation of the available test kits and finding of appropriate cut‐off levels for different study populations.
The incidence of esophageal cancer and dysplasia in a Chinese population with nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Lee Shou‐Wu , Lien Han‐Chung , Peng Yen‐Chun , Lin Ming‐Xian , Ko Chung‐Wang , Chang Chi‐Sen 
Published: August 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of dysplastic transformation of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in a Chinese population.MethodData from nondysplastic BE patients at Taichung Veterans General Hospital were collected from May 2008 to June 2017. The enrolled individuals received regular upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy during follow up. The pathological transformations, including low‐grade dysplasia (LGD), high‐grade dysplasia (HGD), or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), were collected prospectively until June 2017. Rates of progression were calculated in cases with a diagnosis of dysplasia or EAC.ResultsThere were 51 subjects who met the inclusion criteria, with a mean follow up of 3.71 years (SD, 1.61) and a total follow up of 189.1 patient‐years. Eight cases (15.7%) developed LGD, with a calculated incidence rate of 2.9% per year. The mean time to development of LGD was 3.26 years (SD, 2.68–3.84). One subject (2%) developed EAC, with a calculated incidence rate of 0.4% per year. No case with HGD was detected.ConclusionIn a Chinese population with nondysplastic BE, 15.7% of cases developed LGD, with an incidence rate of 2.9% per year, and 2% of cases developed EAC, with an incidence rate of 0.4% per year.
HIV viral suppression and longevity among a cohort of children initiating antiretroviral therapy in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A , Sogaula Nonzwakazi , Yuengling Katharine A , Wang Chunhui , Mutiti Anthony , Arpadi Stephen , Nxele Mahlubandile , Pepeta Lungile , Mogashoa Mary , Rivadeneira Emilia D , Abrams Elaine J 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionThere are limited data on viral suppression (VS) in children with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine care in low‐resource settings. We examined VS in a cohort of children initiating ART in routine HIV care in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.MethodsThe Pediatric Enhanced Surveillance Study enrolled HIV‐infected ART eligibility children zero to twelve years at five health facilities from 2012 to 2014. All children received routine HIV care and treatment services and attended quarterly study visits for up to 24 months. Time to VS among those starting treatment was measured from ART start date to first viral load (VL) result <1000 and VL <50 copies/mL using competing risk estimators (death as competing risk). Multivariable sub‐distributional hazards models examined characteristics associated with VS and VL rebound following suppression among those with a VL >30 days after the VS date.ResultsOf 397 children enrolled, 349 (87.9%) started ART: 118 (33.8%) children age <12 months, 122 (35.0%) one to five years and 109 (31.2%) six to twelve years. At study enrolment, median weight‐for‐age z‐score (WAZ) was −1.7 (interquartile range (IQR):−3.1 to −0.4) and median log VL was 5.6 (IQR: 5.0 to 6.2). Cumulative incidence of VS <1000 copies/mL at six, twelve and twenty‐four months was 57.6% (95% CI 52.1 to 62.7), 78.7% (95% CI 73.7 to 82.9) and 84.0% (95% CI 78.9 to 87.9); for VS <50 copies/mL: 40.3% (95% CI 35.0 to 45.5), 63.9% (95% CI 58.2 to 69.0) and 72.9% (95% CI 66.9 to 78.0). At 12 months only 46.6% (95% CI 36.6 to 56.0) of children <12 months had achieved VS <50 copies/mL compared to 76.9% (95% CI 67.9 to 83.7) of children six to twelve years (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, children with VL >1 million copies/mL at ART initiation were half as likely to achieve VS <50 copies/mL (adjusted sub‐distributional hazards 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71). Among children achieving VS <50 copies/mL, 37 (19.7%) had VL 50 to 1000 copies/mL and 31 (16.5%) had a VL >1000 copies/mL. Children <12 months had twofold increased risk of VL rebound to VL >1000 copies/mL (adjusted relative risk 2.03, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.74) compared with six to twelve year olds.ConclusionsWe found suboptimal VS among South African children initiating treatment and high proportions experiencing VL rebound, particularly among younger children. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that all children achieve optimal outcomes.
Equations to compensate for the temperature effect on readings from dielectric Decagon MPS‐2 and MPS‐6 water potential sensors in soils
Authors: Walthert Lorenz , Schleppi Patrick 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDielectric sensors use electrical permittivity as a proxy for water content. They determine permittivity by using sensor‐type‐specific techniques and calibration functions, and relate it to a volumetric water content. Water potential sensors then translate the water content into a potential based on the sensor‐specific moisture characteristic curve. Dielectric readings are affected by temperature, which may distort hydraulically‐induced changes in soil water content. Methods for the removal of spurious temperature effects are lacking for dielectric water potential sensors. With this study, we aimed to fill this knowledge gap for the dielectric Decagon MPS‐2 and MPS‐6 water potential sensors. We first determined the temperature effect on MPS readings with laboratory experiments in which temperature was cycled between 4 and 26°C in different soil types. We then fitted single empirical equations that compensated for the temperature effect on MPS readings. Finally, we validated temperature‐compensated MPS soil water potentials, and therefore the equations, in a multi‐year field study in two forest soils where hourly data from three sensor models were available, i.e., from MPS‐2, MPS‐6, and a heat capacity sensor (ecoTech pF‐Meter) that is not sensitive to temperature effects. The temperature fluctuation experiments showed that the strongest temperature effects on MPS readings occur under dry conditions and that the MPS sensors themselves are largely responsible for these effects. Likewise, the field‐based validation showed that the MPS readings were highly affected by temperature under dry conditions. Applying a temperature compensation to these readings, using the equations from the temperature fluctuation experiments, resulted in strong correlations near the 1:1 line between data from the MPS and pF‐Meter sensors. Therefore, we recommend using the equations to remove spurious temperature effects from MPS‐2 and MPS‐6 readings in non‐saline soils with water potentials between –100 and –2000 kPa (at 22°C) and temperatures between 4 and 26°C.
Vanillin biotechnology: the perspectives and future
Authors: Banerjee Goutam , Chattopadhyay Pritam 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe biotechnological production of fragrances is a recent trend that has expanded rapidly in the last two decades. Vanillin is the second most popular flavoring agent after saffron and is extensively used in various applications, e.g., as a food additive in food and beverages and as a masking agent in various pharmaceutical formulations. It is also considered a valuable product for other applications, such as metal plating and the production of other flavoring agents, herbicides, ripening agents, antifoaming agents, and personal and home‐use products (such as in deodorants, air fresheners, and floor‐polishing agents). In general, three types of vanillin, namely natural, biotechnological, and chemical/synthetic, are available on the market. However, only natural and nature‐identical (biotechnologically produced from ferulic acid only) vanillins are considered as food‐grade additives by most food‐safety control authorities worldwide. In the present review, we summarize recent trends in fermentation technology for vanillin production and discuss the importance of the choice of raw materials for the economically viable production of vanillin. We also describe the key enzymes used in the biotechnological production of vanillin as well as their underlying genes. Research to advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of different pathways involved in vanillin production from ferulic acid is still ongoing. The enhanced knowledge is expected to offer new opportunities for the application of metabolic engineering to optimize the production of nature‐identical vanillin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of selected emerging contaminants in freshwater invertebrates using a universal extraction technique and liquid chromatography accurate mass spectrometry
Authors: Althakafy Jalal T. , Kulsing Chadin , Grace Michael R. , Marriott Philip J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA simple sample preparation method based on a modified liquid‐phase extraction approach to extract selected pharmaceuticals and personal care products from freshwater organisms is described. Extracted samples were analysed using liquid chromatography with Q‐Exactive plus hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry, using 2.6 μm C18 media. A 0.1% v/v acetic acid/acetonitrile mobile phase was applied over a 20 min gradient. Method detection limits in full scan mode were ca. 0.04–2.38 ng of analyte per g of sample. Linearity ranged from 0.9750 to 0.9996 over the calibration range of 0.01–100 μg/L; MS mass accuracy was <2 ppm for most analytes. This method was applied to quantify six pharmaceuticals and personal care products in seven invertebrate samples. For tandem mass spectrometry analysis, selection of precursor ions was performed for each pharmaceutical, with Mass Frontier software illustrating the fragmentation mechanism. Effects of collision energy on intensities of ions was further investigated. The tandem mass spectrometry condition resulting in the highest signal of respective selected product ion was selected to confirm each pharmaceutical, which was initially observed in the full scan mode. Results indicate that pharmaceuticals and personal care products found to be present in water‐ways, may be incorporated into organisms that live in the environment of affected water streams.
Management initiatives in support of the soil quality of urban allotment gardens: Examples from Nantes (France)
Authors: Le Guern Cécile , Jean‐Soro Liliane , Béchet Béatrice , Lebeau Thierry , Bouquet Dorine 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUrban allotment gardens (UAGs) are important for the provision of foodstuffs, social cohesion, residents' well‐being, and prevention of the formation of local heat islands during summer. The soils of these gardens however may be adversely affected by pollution threats and thus create health risks. In such cases, appropriate management becomes necessary. For several gardens exhibiting soil contamination (e.g., Pb at 100–400 mg kg−1) in the city of Nantes, local actors collaborated, including scientists, the municipality's Parks and Open Space Department, elected officials, sanitary administration, and each site's gardeners' association. The soil characterization step was performed along with a sanitary risk evaluation and discussion of management options, based on both the pollution characteristics and local context. The most frequent option consisted of replacing the polluted soils with clean soils. Managing the excavated polluted soils on‐site (e.g., for ornamental purposes) limited the economic and environmental impacts associated with this solution. Alternative solutions, including a combined system of nonaccumulative cropping vegetables at the time of phytoextraction, were also employed to maintain gardening uses. In some cases, land use (gardening) was changed into, for example, an orchard, open space, or ornamental space. A combination of solutions was introduced in several gardens. The various options available for managing polluted soils, as implemented in Nantes' UAGs and based mainly on nature‐based solution, can be applied more generally in order to improve soil quality. In addition to enhancing the quality of both residents' lives and biodiversity, several solutions allow preserving or even restoring soil functions.
Incorporation of potential natural vegetation into revegetation programmes for sustainable land management
Authors: Peng Shouzhang , Li Zhi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractKnowledge of potential natural vegetation (PNV) is imperative when implementing revegetation to mitigate land degradation and promote sustainable land management. To date, however, PNV has received relatively little attention. One challenge is determining which type of PNV is the best‐fit ecosystem under investigation. The objective of this study was to develop a revegetation program and evaluate its potential efficacy at correcting existing land use patterns. The PNV pattern was generated using a physically based ecosystem model called Lund–Potsdam–Jena General Ecosystem Simulator. The Loess Plateau of China was selected as the study area because it has undergone substantial degradation and revegetation. The results showed that from 1981 to 2014, forest and steppe accounted for 29.8% and 68.2% of the entire area, respectively. Comparisons between observed and simulated land use patterns indicated that current forestland and grassland distributions must be changed. Only 55.2 ± 1.4% of the existing forestland aligned with the PNV model. A more appropriate vegetation type for the remaining forestland would be grass. It was found that 78.4 ± 1.3% of the existing grassland was consistent with the PNV whereas the remainder should be forested. Comparisons between simulated PNV and existing farmland indicated that the steeper zones could be converted to forestland or grassland. They account for 40.6% and 58.7% of the steeper farmland area, respectively. The framework developed herein and the results derived therefrom may assist other regions facing similar land degradation issues in the development of revegetation programs and the promotion of sustainable land management.
Mucosal injury following short‐term tracheal intubation: A novel animal model and composite tracheal injury score
Authors: Sinha Rishie , Correia Ricardo , Gardner David , Grau‐Roma Llorenc , de Brot Simone , Hardman Jonathan , Morgan Steve , Norris Andrew 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesPostintubation laryngotracheal injury is common. Assessment of histopathological changes currently requires animal models. We set about developing a viable, resource effective animal model to study these effects and to develop a detailed tissue injury score.MethodsSix pigs were anesthetized using a standard regimen. We intubated the tracheas using a standard endotracheal tube modified to include optical sensors. Animals were anesthetized for a duration of two to four hours, and their lungs were ventilated using a normoxic gas mixture. Following euthanasia, the tracheas were removed and underwent histological assessment by two independent veterinary pathologists. The histological lesions, including controls, were described and quantified, and two pathologists classified tissues according to a novel injury score.ResultsMean duration of tracheal intubation was 191 minutes (SD ± 41.6). In all except one animal, cuff pressures were maintained in the range of 25–45 cmH20. Histopathological findings in all study animals showed more extensive changes than previously described with short‐term intubation. Changes were seen in all mucosal layers consistent with acute, suppurative, and ulcerative tracheitis. The range of scores of the developed composite scoring system among the animals was wider than in earlier descriptions. There was a high percentage of agreement between both pathologists.ConclusionsWe have described a novel tracheal injury score to assess pathological changes following short term intubation in a viable animal model. The scoring system distinguished between the test animals as well as controls and may be appropriate for continuing study of intubation injury.Level of Evidence3
Possible role of hydrogen sulfide as an endogenous relaxation factor in the rat bladder and prostate
Authors: Zou Suo , Shimizu Takahiro , Shimizu Shogo , Higashi Youichirou , Nakamura Kumiko , Ono Hideaki , Aratake Takaaki , Saito Motoaki 
Published: August 2018

AimsTo clarify the roles of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, in the rat bladder and prostate, we investigated the distribution of enzymes related to H2S biosynthesis (cystathionine β‐synthase [CBS], cystathionine γ‐lyase [CSE], 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase [MPST], cysteine aminotransferase [CAT], and D‐amino acid oxidase [DAO]) and the content of H2S. We also investigated the effects of H2S donors (NaHS and GYY4137) on the contractility of both tissues and on micturition.MethodsThe distribution of these enzymes was investigated by real‐time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Tissue H2S content was measured by the methylene blue method. The effects of NaHS (1 × 10−9 to 3 × 10−4 M) were evaluated on carbachol (10−5 M)‐induced pre‐contracted bladder strips, and on noradrenaline (10−5 M)‐induced pre‐contracted prostate strips, which were pretreated with propranolol (10−6 M). In addition, in urethane‐anesthetized male Wistar rats, the effects of intravesically instilled GYY4137 (10−8, 10−7, and 10−6 M) on micturition were evaluated by cystometry.ResultsMPST and CAT were detected in the bladder and prostate, CBS was only detected in the prostate, while CSE and DAO were not detected in both tissues. Immunoreactivity of these enzymes was mainly detected in the urothelium and smooth muscle layer of the bladder and in the prostate glandular epithelium. H2S was detected in both tissues. NaHS dose‐dependently induced relaxation of pre‐contracted bladder and prostate strips. Intravesically instilled GYY4137 significantly prolonged intercontraction intervals.ConclusionsIt is possible that H2S can function as an endogenous relaxation factor in the rat bladder and prostate.
New directions for public service reform in developing countries
Authors: McCourt Willy 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis paper argues that recent developments in practice and theory provide a more promising basis for public service reform in developing countries than we have had since at least the turn of the century. There have been significant instances of large‐scale reform success, such as Nepal's Public Service Commission and Malaysia's delivery unit, Pemandu, and also “pockets of effectiveness” in individual agencies in many countries. They contribute to a more fruitful and diverse repertoire of reform approaches than generally realized. Policymakers can draw on all those instances and types of reform, together with relevant rich country experiences, as they improvise and tailor responses to their always unique reform problems. Proceeding in this way helps reformers to expand the “reform space” available within the political economy. Donors can help reformers if they facilitate reform in the spirit of the Busan Partnership rather than impose their preferred models. In short, the new direction which this paper identifies can be stated as creative problem solving by local actors facilitated by sympathetic donors, building on examples of reform success and drawing on a repertoire of poor and rich country reform approaches.
Diagnosis and outcome in nonhydropic fetal pleural effusions
Authors: Wellesley Diana , Howe David T. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the outcome of all pregnancies with nonhydropic fetal pleural effusions in the Wessex region.MethodData were extracted from the Wessex congenital anomaly database for the years 1994‐2015 inclusive.ResultsSixty‐two fetuses and babies were identified giving a total prevalence of 1:9500. Eight fetuses had bilateral effusions with additional, nonhydrops anomalies, and 54 had isolated effusions. Of the isolated cases, 36 presented before 24‐week gestation: 12 were unilateral and 24 bilateral. All of the unilateral effusions resolved before or soon after birth with no other diagnosis but of the bilateral cases, four (17%) had a trisomy and three (13%) a genetic or syndrome diagnosis. Eighteen isolated cases presented after 24‐week gestation, six were unilateral of which one had trisomy 21 (17%), and three (50%) Noonan's or another lymphoedema syndrome. Twelve were bilateral: One had trisomy 21, one an unbalanced translocation (17%), three had Noonan's or another lymphoedema syndrome, and two an unspecified syndrome (42%) at birth.ConclusionThese data suggest that a chromosomal microarray should be offered to all fetuses presenting with a pleural effusion in the absence of hydrops, and Noonan's syndrome testing should be considered for those that develop after 24 weeks.AimTo determine the outcome of all pregnancies with nonhydropic fetal pleural effusions in the Wessex region from 1994–2015.
Decreased rectal meconium signal on MRI in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism
Authors: Nagaraj Usha D. , Calvo‐Garcia Maria A. , Merrow Arnold C. , Zhang Bin , Kline‐Fath Beth M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism and correlate findings with postnatal exam.MethodsThis is a single‐institution Institutional Review Board‐approved Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant retrospective analysis of fetal MRIs of open spinal dysraphism from 2004 to 2016. Fetuses with diagnostic T1‐weighted images and postnatal follow‐up at our institution were included.ResultsA total of 115 fetuses (average gestational age 23.9 ± 3.6 weeks) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 80% (92/115) had T1 hyperintense rectal meconium signal. Average height of the meconium column, measured from the base of the bladder to its most inferior extent, was 9.2 ± 4.3 mm in fetuses ≥20‐week gestational age and 11.1 ± 4.4 mm in fetuses ≥23‐week gestational age (n = 110) . None had bowel dilation. One of 115 fetuses had a simple form of anorectal malformation allowing complete repair in the neonatal period, but this fetus had a normal meconium column height on fetal MRI of 22 mm. The remaining 23/115 fetuses with lack of normal rectal meconium signal were born without evidence of anorectal malformation.ConclusionDecreased or absent T1‐hyperintense rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism does not correlate with imperforate anus postnatal and may be a reflection of neurogenic bowel in this patient population.