bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Detection of Melamine in Tap Water and Milk Using Conjugated “One‐Step” Molecularly Imprinted Polymers‐Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Sensor
Authors: Hu Yaxi , Lu Xiaonan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAn innovative “one‐step” sensor conjugating molecularly imprinted polymers and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic‐active substrate (MIPs‐SERS) was investigated for simultaneous extraction and determination of melamine in tap water and milk. This sensor was fabricated by integrating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with MIPs synthesized by bulk polymerization of melamine (template), methacrylic acid (functional monomer), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (cross‐linking agent), and 2,2’‐azobisisobutyronitrile (initiator). Static and kinetic adsorption tests validated the specific affinity of MIPs‐AgNPs to melamine and the rapid adsorption equilibration rate. Principal component analysis segregated SERS spectral features of tap water and milk samples with different melamine concentrations. Partial least squares regression models correlated melamine concentrations in tap water and skim milk with SERS spectral features. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of melamine in tap water were determined as 0.0019 and 0.0064 mmol/L, while the LOD and LOQ were 0.0165 and 0.055 mmol/L for the determination of melamine in skim milk. However, this sensor is not ideal to quantify melamine in tap water and skim milk. By conjugating MIPs with SERS‐active substrate (that is, AgNPs), reproducibility of SERS spectral features was increased, resulting in more accurate detection. The time required to determine melamine in tap water and milk were 6 and 25 min, respectively. The low LOD, LOQ, and rapid detection confirm the potential of applying this sensor for accurate and high‐throughput detection of melamine in tap water and milk.
The diagnostic utility of combined diffusion‐weighted imaging and conventional magnetic resonance imaging for detection and localization of non palpable undescended testes
Authors: Emad‐Eldin Sally , Abo‐Elnagaa Nashwa , Hanna Sameh AZ , Abdel‐Satar Ayman H 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionWe aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of combined diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including fat‐suppression T2WI for identification and localization of non palpable undescended testes (UDTs).MethodsThis prospective study included 40 consecutive patients, with 47 non‐palpable undescended testes (unilateral in 33 cases and bilateral in seven cases). Their age ranged from 5 months to 18 years, mean = 7.5 ± 5.9 years. MRI examinations included T1WI, T2WI, fat‐suppression T2WI and DWI at b value of 50, 400 and 800 s/mm2. All patients underwent laparoscopic exploration.ResultsAccording to the laparoscopy findings, the final diagnoses of the location of UDTs were: intra‐canalicular (n = 18, 38%), low intra‐abdominal (n = 6, 13%), high intra‐abdominal (n = 5, 11%). Absent or vanishing testes were detected in 18 cases (38%). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of combined DWI and conventional MRI were 95.7%, 93.5% and 100% respectively.ConclusionCombined DWI and MRI showed a greater performance compared to conventional MRI alone for identification of non‐palpable UDTs. Based on our findings, we can obviate the need for diagnostic laparoscopy in patients who had preoperative detection of inguinal testes or nubbins. However, laparoscopy is still needed to confirm an absent rather than undetected non‐viable abdominal testes.
The ecologist's field guide to sequence‐based identification of biodiversity
Authors: Creer Simon , Deiner Kristy , Frey Serita , Porazinska Dorota , Taberlet Pierre , Thomas W. Kelley , Potter Caitlin , Bik Holly M. 
Published: April 2016

Summary

The past 100 years of ecological research has seen substantial progress in understanding the natural world and likely effects of change, whether natural or anthropogenic. Traditional ecological approaches underpin such advances, but would additionally benefit from recent developments in the sequence‐based quantification of biodiversity from the fields of molecular ecology and genomics. By building on a long and rich history of molecular taxonomy and taking advantage of the new generation of DNA sequencing technologies, we are gaining previously impossible insights into alpha and beta diversity from all domains of life, irrespective of body size. While a number of complementary reviews are available in specialist journals, our aim here is to succinctly describe the different technologies available within the omics toolbox and showcase the opportunities available to contemporary ecologists to advance our understanding of biodiversity and its potential roles in ecosystems.

Starting in the field, we walk the reader through sampling and preservation of genomic material, including typical taxonomy marker genes used for species identification. Moving on to the laboratory, we cover nucleic acid extraction approaches and highlight the principal features of using marker gene assessment, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, single‐cell genomics and targeted genome sequencing as complementary approaches to assess the taxonomic and functional characteristics of biodiversity. We additionally provide clear guidance on the forms of DNA found in the environmental samples (e.g. environmental vs. ancient DNA) and highlight a selection of case studies, including the investigation of trophic relationships/food webs. Given the maturity of sequence‐based identification of prokaryotes and microbial eukaryotes, more exposure is given to macrobial communities. We additionally illustrate current approaches to genomic data analysis and highlight the exciting prospects of the publicly available data underpinning published sequence‐based studies.

Given that ecology ‘has to count’, we identify the impact that molecular genetic analyses have had on stakeholders and end‐users and predict future developments for the fields of biomonitoring. Furthermore, we conclude by highlighting future opportunities in the field of systems ecology afforded by effective engagement between the fields of traditional and molecular ecology.
Rice mountain: assessment of the Thai rice pledging program
Authors: Permani Risti , Vanzetti David 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Thai Government introduced a generous price support program for paddy rice in 2011. The policy terminated in mid 2014 with the dismissal of the democratically elected Prime Minister, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra. There is an interest in understanding the welfare effects of the policy given the ongoing civil suit put against the former Prime Minister and the large stocks that remain. This study therefore analyses the welfare effects of various Thai rice policy options using a 10‐region, dynamic, stochastic, partial equilibrium model of world rice trade. It finds that while the Thai policy was effective in supporting the incomes of rice producers in the short run, the burden imposed on taxpayers and consumers seems difficult to justify.
Quadrate lobe: a reliable landmark for bile duct anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Rajkomar Kheman , Bowman Matthew , Rodgers Michael , Koea Jonathan B. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThis investigation was undertaken to determine whether the shape of the inferior surface quadrate lobe (segment IV) can assist in defining a safe starting point for dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.MethodsPatients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively audited. Intraoperative cholangiograms and photographs of the quadrate lobe were reviewed measuring the angle between the cystic duct and common bile duct and its relationship to quadrate shape.ResultsThe results of 56 patients were included. The shape of the inferior surface of the quadrate lobe was rectangular in 35, pyramidal in 13 and square in eight patients. The median cystic/bile duct angle was 43°, 37° and 26° for square, rectangular and pyramidal quadrate shapes, respectively. The angle for pyramidal‐shaped lobes was narrower than that for rectangular or square lobes (P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between the shape ratio and the cystic/bile duct angle (P = 0.015).ConclusionThis investigation confirms a relationship between the shape of the inferior surface of the quadrate lobe and the cystic/bile duct angle and suggests that the anatomy of the inferior surface of the quadrate lobe can be used to define an optimal starting point for dissection of the biliary cystic triangle.
Cell death pattern in lens epithelium of cataract patients
Authors: Osnes‐Ringen Øyvind , Berg Kristiane Haug , Moe Morten C. , Zetterström Charlotta , Røger Magnus , Nicolaissen Bjørn 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeApoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is observed in various types of cataract and in cultured lens epithelium subjected to oxidative damage. We have recently described oxidative DNA base damage in epithelium in age‐related cataract and cultured cells, and we here aimed to examine such epithelium for markers for proliferation, initiation of apoptosis and morphological patterns of cell damage.MethodsSamples (n = 75) were analysed by light microscopy/electron microscopy (LM/EM); immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PCNA and Ki67 (DNA synthesis/proliferation); TUNEL assay (DNA fragmentation/apoptosis); and protein/gene expression of Caspase‐3 (apoptotic effector molecule) and BAX/Bcl2 (pro‐/anti‐apoptotic marker) in fresh/cultured epithelium by IHC and qRT‐PCR.ResultsIn fresh samples, the majority of cells were Ki67−/PCNA+. BAX/BCL−2‐ratio was approximately 1, and Caspase‐3 levels were low. TUNEL stained scattered nuclei/nuclear fragments (9/6302 cells). Main morphological signs of cell damage included rupture of cell membranes and hydration of cytoplasm and nuclei. Cultivation increased levels of BAX and Bcl2 by IHC and qRT‐PCR (approximately 10‐fold upregulation). Caspase‐3 levels remained low by IHC with similar expression in fresh and cultured samples by qRT‐PCR.ConclusionGenomic stress and DNA repair may explain the contrasting expression of Ki67/PCNA in fresh epithelium. Despite low levels of Caspase‐3 and similar expression of BAX/Bcl‐2, a low incidence of apoptosis may be detected in epithelium in age‐related corticonuclear cataract. Epithelium may be transferred to culture without an increase in expression of Caspase‐3, one of the central mediators of apoptosis.
Functional characterization of eight rare missense CYP1B1 variants involved in congenital glaucoma and their association with null genotypes
Authors: Medina‐Trillo Cristina , Ferre‐Fernández Jesús‐José , Aroca‐Aguilar José‐Daniel , Bonet‐Fernández Juan‐Manuel , Escribano Julio 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the function of eight missense CYP1B1 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) previously identified in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).MethodsThe eight variants were obtained by site‐directed mutagenesis and transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293‐T (HEK‐293T) cells. The catalytic activity, protein stability and subcellular localization of the different recombinant CYP1B1 variants were assessed in this cell line.ResultsSix of the mutant CYP1B1 proteins (p.L89P, p.A106D, p.R390S, p.P437L, p.C470Y and S485F) showed catalytic activity values ranging from 0% to 4% of those of the wild‐type protein and were considered null variants. The activity values of the two remaining variants (p.F123L and p.A237E) were close to 20% of that of the wild‐type enzyme and were classified as hypomorphic variants. Reduced protein stability contributed partially to the decreased catalytic activity of two of the mutant enzymes (p.L89P and p.A106D). None of the CYP1B1 variants showed intracellular aggregation and they all displayed a normal subcellular localization in the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that they had folded into a wild‐type‐like structure. The enzymatic activity associated with the different genotypes in which these CYP1B1 variants were present was estimated to range from 0% to 10% of that of the wild‐type genotype.ConclusionThese results confirm the pathogenicity of the analysed missense CYP1B1 variants and further support the concept that either absent or very low CYP1B1 activity levels are the primary molecular defect involved in PCG pathogenesis.
The macrophage activation marker sCD163 combined with markers of the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score predicts clinically significant portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Sandahl T. D. , McGrail R. , Møller H. J. , Reverter E. , Møller S. , Turon F. , Hernández‐Gea V. , Bendtsen F. , Vilstrup H. , Garcia‐Pagan J. C. , Grønbæk H. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundNoninvasive identification of significant portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis is needed in hepatology practice.AimTo investigate whether the combination of sCD163 as a hepatic inflammation marker and the fibrosis markers of the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF) can predict portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsWe measured sCD163 and the ELF components (hyaluronic acid, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 and procollagen‐III aminopeptide) in two separate cohorts of cirrhosis patients that underwent hepatic vein catheterisation. To test the predictive accuracy we developed a CD163‐fibrosis portal hypertension score in an estimation cohort (n = 80) and validated the score in an independent cohort (n = 80). A HVPG ≥10 mmHg was considered clinically significant.ResultsBoth sCD163 and the ELF components increased in a stepwise manner with the patients' Child–Pugh score (P < 0.001, all), and also with increasing HVPG (P < 0.001). receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analyses showed that each one of the individual components predicted a HVPG >10 mmHg with AUROC′s of approximately 0.80. The combined score optimised by logistic regression analyses improved the AUROC to 0.91 in the estimation cohort and 0.90 in the validation cohort. Furthermore, a high value of the combined score was associated with a high short‐term mortality.ConclusionsThe combination of the macrophage activation marker sCD163 and the fibrosis markers predicted significant portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. This score may prove useful for screening purposes and highlights the importance of both the inflammatory and the fibrotic components of cirrhotic portal hypertension.
Pharmacokinetics of the novel oral prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag in subjects with hepatic or renal impairment
Authors: Kaufmann Priska , Cruz Hans G. , Krause Andreas , Ulč Ivan , Halabi Atef , Dingemanse Jasper 
Published: April 2016

AimThe aim of the present study was to explore the effect of hepatic or renal dysfunction on the pharmacokinetics (PK), tolerability and safety of selexipag, an orally active prostacyclin receptor agonist.MethodsTwo prospective, open‐label studies evaluated the PK of selexipag and its active metabolite ACT‐333679 in healthy subjects and in subjects with mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment or severe renal function impairment (SRFI). A single dose of 200 μg or 400 μg was administered. The PK parameters were derived from plasma concentration–time profiles.ResultsExposure increased with the severity of hepatic impairment. Geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals of the area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0–∞) for selexipag and ACT‐333679 increased 2.1‐fold (1.7–2.6) and 1.2‐fold (0.9–1.6) in subjects with mild hepatic impairment, and 4.5‐fold (3.4–5.8) and 2.2‐fold (1.7–2.8) in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment when compared with healthy subjects. The two subjects with severe hepatic impairment showed similar dose‐normalized exposure to that of subjects with moderate hepatic impairment. A 1.7‐fold increase in the AUC0–∞ of selexipag and ACT‐333679 was observed with SRFI compared with healthy subjects. Although exposure to selexipag and/or ACT‐333679 was higher in subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or SRFI vs. healthy subjects, no safety concerns were raised in these groups.ConclusionsBased on these observations, the PK data suggest that the clinically used starting dose needs no adjustments in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or SRFI. However, doses should be up‐titrated with caution in these patients. The small number of subjects limits the interpretation of selexipag PK in subjects with severe hepatic impairment.
Oracle Estimation of Parametric Models Under Boundary Constraints
Authors: Wong Kin Yau , Goldberg Yair , Fine Jason P. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIn many classical estimation problems, the parameter space has a boundary. In most cases, the standard asymptotic properties of the estimator do not hold when some of the underlying true parameters lie on the boundary. However, without knowledge of the true parameter values, confidence intervals constructed assuming that the parameters lie in the interior are generally over-conservative. A penalized estimation method is proposed in this article to address this issue. An adaptive lasso procedure is employed to shrink the parameters to the boundary, yielding oracle inference which adapt to whether or not the true parameters are on the boundary. When the true parameters are on the boundary, the inference is equivalent to that which would be achieved with a priori knowledge of the boundary, while if the converse is true, the inference is equivalent to that which is obtained in the interior of the parameter space. The method is demonstrated under two practical scenarios, namely the frailty survival model and linear regression with order-restricted parameters. Simulation studies and real data analyses show that the method performs well with realistic sample sizes and exhibits certain advantages over standard methods.
Moment Reconstruction and Moment-Adjusted Imputation When Exposure Is Generated by a Complex, Nonlinear Random Effects Modeling Process
Authors: Potgieter Cornelis J. , Wei Rubin , Kipnis Victor , Freedman Laurence S. , Carroll Raymond J. 
Published: April 2016

Summary
For the classical, homoscedastic measurement error model, moment reconstruction (Freedman et al., 2004, 2008) and moment-adjusted imputation (Thomas et al., 2011) are appealing, computationally simple imputation-like methods for general model fitting. Like classical regression calibration, the idea is to replace the unobserved variable subject to measurement error with a proxy that can be used in a variety of analyses. Moment reconstruction and moment-adjusted imputation differ from regression calibration in that they attempt to match multiple features of the latent variable, and also to match some of the latent variable's relationships with the response and additional covariates. In this note, we consider a problem where true exposure is generated by a complex, nonlinear random effects modeling process, and develop analogues of moment reconstruction and moment-adjusted imputation for this case. This general model includes classical measurement errors, Berkson measurement errors, mixtures of Berkson and classical errors and problems that are not measurement error problems, but also cases where the data-generating process for true exposure is a complex, nonlinear random effects modeling process. The methods are illustrated using the National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study where the latent variable is a dietary pattern score called the Healthy Eating Index-2005. We also show how our general model includes methods used in radiation epidemiology as a special case. Simulations are used to illustrate the methods.
Pregnancy loss and risk of ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction
Authors: Maino Alberto , Siegerink Bob , Algra Ale , Martinelli Ida , Peyvandi Flora , Rosendaal Frits R. 
Published: April 2016

We investigated whether pregnancy loss increases the risk of arterial thrombosis in young women. Women (age 18–50 years) with ischaemic stroke (IS) or myocardial infarction (MI) and at least one pregnancy were compared for pregnancy loss in a control group. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for matching variables, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular family history and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, were calculated for the number of pregnancy losses as well as the type of unsuccessful pregnancy (early miscarriage, late miscarriage and stillbirth). 165 IS cases, 218 MI cases and 743 controls were included. Women with multiple (≥3) pregnancy loss had a doubled risk of arterial thrombosis (OR 2·37, 95%CI 0·99–5·70) compared with women without pregnancy loss, similarly to women who experienced stillbirth (OR 1·68, 95%CI 0·79–3·55). Both relative risks were higher for IS (OR 3·51, 95%CI 1·08–11·35 and 2·06, 95%CI 0·81–5·23, respectively) than for MI (OR 2·04, 95%CI 0·71–5·86 and 1·04, 95%CI 0·39–2·79). Adjustment for antiphospholipid antibodies did not affect the estimates. Multiple pregnancy loss and stillbirth increases the risk of IS and, to a lesser extent, of MI, even when other cardiovascular risk factors and antiphospholipid antibodies are accounted for.
Incidence and patient survival of myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms in the United States, 2001–12
Authors: Srour Samer A. , Devesa Susan S. , Morton Lindsay M. , Check David P. , Curtis Rochelle E. , Linet Martha S. , Dores Graça M. 
Published: April 2016

Descriptive epidemiological information on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic (MDS)/MPNs is largely derived from single institution and European population‐based studies. Data obtained following adoption of the World Health Organization classification of haematopoietic neoplasms and JAK2 V617F mutation testing are sparse. Using population‐based data, we comprehensively assessed subtype‐specific MPN and MDS/MPN incidence rates (IRs), IR ratios (IRRs) and relative survival (RS) in the United States (2001–12). IRs were highest for polycythaemia vera (PV) (IR = 10·9) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET) (IR = 9·6). Except for ET and mastocytosis, overall IRs were significantly higher among males (IRRs = 1·4–2·3). All evaluable MPNs were associated with lower IRs among Hispanic whites than non‐Hispanic whites (NHWs), with the exception of BCR‐ABL1‐positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia. Except for CEL, Asians/Pacific Islanders had significantly lower MPN IRs than NHWs. ET, MPN‐unclassifiable and CEL IRs were 18%, 19% and 60% higher, respectively, among blacks than NHWs. Five‐year RS was more favourable for younger (<60 years) than older individuals and for women compared with men, except for PV at older ages. RS was highest (>90%) for younger PV and ET patients and lowest (<20%) for older chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and atypical BCR‐ABL1‐negative CML patients. Varying MPN and MDS/MPN incidence patterns by subtype support distinct aetiologies and/or susceptible populations. Decreased survival rates as compared to that expected in the general population were associated with every MPN subtype, highlighting the need for new treatments, particularly among older individuals.