bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C24 sphingolipids play a surprising and central role in governing cholesterol and lateral organization of the live cell plasma membrane
Authors: Courtney K. C. , Pezeshkian W , Raghupathy R , Zhang C , Darbyson A , Ipsen J. H. , Ford D. A. , Khandelia H. , Presley J. F. , Zha X 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMammalian cell sphingolipids, primarily with C24 and C16 acyl chains, reside in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. Curiously, little is known how C24 sphingolipids impact cholesterol and membrane microdomains. Here, we generated giant unilamellar vesicles and live mammalian cells with C24 or C16 sphingomyelin exclusively in the outer leaflet and compared microdomain formation. In giant unilamellar vesicles, we observed that asymmetrically placed C24 sphingomyelin suppresses microdomains. Conversely, C16 sphingomyelin facilitates microdomains. Replacing endogenous sphingolipids with C24 or C16 sphingomyelin in live HeLa cells has a similar impact on microdomains, characterized by FRET between GPI-anchored proteins: C24, but not C16, sphingomyelin suppresses submicron domains in the plasma membrane. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that, when in the outer leaflet, the acyl chain of C24 sphingomyelin interdigitates into the opposing leaflet, thereby favouring cholesterol in the inner leaflet. We indeed found that cholesterol prefers the inner over the outer leaflet of asymmetric unilamellar vesicles (80/20) when C24 sphingomyelin is in the outer leaflet. However, when C16 sphingomyelin is in the outer leaflet, cholesterol is evenly partitioned between leaflets (50/50). Interestingly, when a mixture of C24/C16 sphingomyelin is in the outer leaflet of unilamellar vesicles, cholesterol still prefers the inner leaflet (80/20). Indeed, in human erythrocyte plasma membrane, where a mixture of C24 and C16 sphingolipids are naturally in the outer leaflet, cholesterol prefers the cytoplasmic leaflet (80/20). Therefore, C24 sphingomyelin uniquely interacts with cholesterol and governs the lateral organization in asymmetric membranes, including the plasma membrane, potentially by generating cholesterol asymmetry.Statement of SignificanceThe plasma membrane bilayer of mammalian cells has distinct phospholipids between the outer and inner leaflet, with sphingolipids exclusively in the outer leaflet. A large portion of mammalian sphingolipids have very long acyl chains (C24). Little is known how C24 sphingolipids function in the outer leaflet. Mutations in the ceramide synthase 2 gene is found to decrease C24. This severely perturbs homeostasis in mice and humans. Here, we investigated unilamellar vesicles and mammalian cells with C24 sphingomyelin exclusively in the outer leaflet. We provide evidence that outer leaflet C24 sphingomyelin suppresses microdomains in model membranes and live cells by partitioning cholesterol into the inner leaflet. We propose that C24 sphingolipids are critical to the function of the plasma membrane.
Hospital variation in cost of childbirth and contributing factors: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xu X , Lee HC , Lin H , Lundsberg LS , Pettker CM , Lipkind HS , Illuzzi JL 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo examine hospital variation in cost of childbirth hospitalisations and identify factors that contribute to the variation.DesignCross‐sectional analysis of linked birth certificate and hospital discharge data.SettingTwo hundred and twenty hospitals in California delivering ≥ 100 births per year.PopulationA total of 405 908 nulliparous term singleton vertex births during 2010–2012.MethodsCost of childbirth hospitalisations was compared across hospitals after accounting for differences in patient clinical risk factors. Relative contributions of patient sociodemographic, obstetric intervention, birth attendant and institutional characteristics to variation in cost were assessed by further adjusting for these factors in hierarchical generalised linear models.Main outcome measuresCost of childbirth hospitalisation.ResultsMedian risk‐standardised cost of childbirth was $7149 among the hospitals (10th–90th percentile range: $4760–$10,644). Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and type of birth attendant did not explain hospital variation in cost. Adjustment for obstetric interventions overall reduced within‐hospital variance by 15.8% (P < 0.001), while adjusting for caesarean delivery alone reduced within‐hospital variance by 14.4% (P < 0.001). However, obstetric interventions did not explain between‐hospital variation in cost. In contrast, adjustment for institutional characteristics reduced between‐hospital variance by 30.3% (P = 0.002). Hospital type of ownership, teaching/urban–rural status, neonatal care capacity and geographic region were most impactful. Risk‐standardised cost was positively correlated with risk‐standardised rate of severe newborn morbidities (correlation coefficient 0.22, P = 0.001), but not associated with risk‐standardised rate of severe maternal morbidities.ConclusionsCost of childbirth hospitalisations varied widely among hospitals in California. Institutional characteristics significantly contributed to this variation. Higher‐cost hospitals did not have better outcomes, suggesting potential opportunities to enhance value in care.Tweetable abstractHospitals vary in cost of childbirth. Institutional characteristics significantly contribute to the variation.
Nonthermal Technologies for Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Beverages: Overview and Advances
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Petruzzi Leonardo , Perricone Marianne , Speranza Barbara , Campaniello Daniela , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in the design of novel nonthermal processing systems that minimally modify sensory, nutritional, and functional properties of fruit and vegetable juices and beverages. The benefits of nonthermal treatments are strongly dependent on the food matrix. Thus, an understanding of the effects that these technologies exert on the properties of juices and beverages is important to design and optimize technological parameters to produce value‐added products. This review covers research on nonthermal electrical treatments, high pressure processing, ultrasound, radiation processing, inert gas treatments, cold plasma, and membrane processing. Advances towards optimization of processing conditions, and combined technologies approaches have been also extensively reviewed. This information could be useful to: (1) manage processing systems and optimize resources; (2) preserve nutritional value and organoleptic properties, and (3) provide processing conditions for validation of these technologies at the industrial scale.
Uniting emergency and inpatient clinicians across the ED–inpatient interface: The last frontier?
Authors: Staib Andrew , Sullivan Clair , Prins Johannes B , Burton‐Jones Andrew , Fitzgerald Gerry , Scott Ian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUnwell patients in the ED requiring inpatient admission must negotiate the interface between the ED and inpatient wards. Despite its importance and scale, this ED–inpatient interface (EDii) is poorly characterised. The aim of this paper is to clearly define the EDii and to describe its importance to (i) the patient: delays to admission and errors in communication across the EDii can increase adverse outcomes; (ii) the hospital: poor EDii function reduces hospital efficiency and effectiveness; and (iii) the healthcare system: half of all hospital inpatient admissions occur via the EDii and so EDii affects system‐wide performance. The EDii can be defined as the dynamic, transitional phase of patient care in which responsibility for, and delivery of care, is shared between ED and inpatient hospital services. The EDii is characterised by a complex interplay of patient, hospital and system factors. A clear definition of the EDii and an understanding of its importance will assist future research and interventions to improve patient outcomes.
A method for the direct detection of airborne dispersal in lichens
Authors: Eaton Sally , Zúñiga Catalina , Czyzewski Jakub , Ellis Christopher , Genney David R. , Haydon Daniel , Mirzai Nosrat , Yahr Rebecca 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study sets out a novel method to determine dispersal distances in lichens. Direct measurement of dispersal often remains difficult for lichens and other small inconspicuous species because of the need to track microscopic reproductive propagules, which even if they can be captured, cannot be identified using traditional morphological approaches. A low‐cost device (<£200) was developed to trap the reproductive propagules of lichens, capable of sampling around 0.1 m3 of air per minute. In parallel, molecular techniques were developed to enable species‐specific detection of propagules caught by the devices, with identification using novel species‐specific primers and optimization of a standard DNA extraction and nested PCR protocol. The methods were tested for both their sensitivity and specificity against a suite of lichen epiphytes, differing in their reproductive mechanisms, dispersal structures and rarity. Sensitivity tests showed that the molecular techniques could detect a single asexual propagule (soredium or isidium), or as few as 10 sexual spores. As proof of concept, propagule traps were deployed into a wooded landscape where the target epiphytes were present. Extractions from deployed propagule traps were sequenced, showing that the method was able to detect the presence of the target species in the atmosphere. As far as we are aware, this is the first attempt to use mechanized propagule traps in combination with DNA diagnostics to detect dispersal of lichens. The tests carried out here point the way for future dispersal studies of lichen epiphytes and other passively dispersed microscopic organisms including fungi or bryophytes.
Validation of loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for fast and portable sex determination across the phylogeny of birds
Authors: Centeno‐Cuadros A. , Tella J. L. , Delibes M. , Edelaar P. , Carrete M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPCR is a universal tool for the multiplication of specific DNA sequences. For example, PCR‐based sex determination is widely used, and a diversity of primer sets is available. However, this protocol requires thermal cycling and electrophoresis, so results are typically obtained in laboratories and several days after sampling. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an alternative to PCR that can take molecular ecology outside the laboratory. Although its application has been successfully probed for sex determination in three species of a single avian Family (raptors, Accipitridae), its generality remains untested and suitable primers across taxa are lacking. We designed and tested the first LAMP‐based primer set for sex determination across the modern birds (NEO‐W) based on a fragment of the gene chromo‐helicase‐DNA‐binding protein located on the female‐specific W chromosome. As nucleotide identity is expected to increase among more related taxa, taxonomically targeted primers were also developed for the Order Falconiformes and Families Psittacidae, Ciconiidae, Estrildidae and Icteridae as examples. NEO‐W successfully determined sex in a subset of 21 species within 17 Families and 10 Orders and is therefore a candidate primer for all modern birds. Primer sets designed specifically for the selected taxa correctly assigned sex to the evaluated species. A short troubleshooting guide for new LAMP users is provided to identify false negatives and optimize LAMP reactions. This study represents the crucial next step towards the use of LAMP for molecular sex determination in birds and other applications in molecular ecology.
Corneal backward scattering and higher‐order aberrations in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and normal topography
Authors: Chan Tommy C. Y. , Wong Emily S. , Chan Jason C. K. , Wang Yumeng , Yu Marco , Maeda Naoyuki , Jhanji Vishal 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the corneal backward scattering and higher‐order aberrations (HOAs) in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and normal topography.MethodsThirty‐six eyes of 22 patients with VKC and 54 eyes of 34 normal subjects were included. All participants had clear cornea, absence of dry eyes and a normal corneal tomography. Scheimpflug imaging was used to measure corneal backward scattering in zones centred on the corneal apex (central 2‐mm zone and paracentral 2‐ to 6‐mm zone), and HOAs were compared between VKC and normal control.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 12.0 ± 4.1 years in VKC group and 11.2 ± 4.1 years in control group (p = 0.339). There was no significant intergroup difference in mean keratometry, astigmatism and apex pachymetry (p ≥ 0.076). Total corneal backscatter was higher in the VKC group compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.012). Anterior and posterior cornea displayed a higher level of backward scattering in the VKC group (p < 0.001 for anterior; p ≤ 0.048 for posterior). Patients with VKC exhibited higher total HOAs and coma (p ≤ 0.036). There were significant correlations between total anterior HOAs and backward scattering measured at the central (r = 0.500; p = 0.032) and paracentral zones (r = 0.470; p = 0.024) for VKC.ConclusionThe current study showed optical quality changes in patients with clear corneas and quiescent VKC. An increase in corneal backward scattering and HOAs was noted in patients with VKC as compared to normal patients.
The RELATION study: efficacy and safety of ranibizumab combined with laser photocoagulation treatment versus laser monotherapy in NPDR and PDR patients with diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Lang Gabriele E. , Liakopoulos Sandra , Vögeler Jessica , Weiß Claudia , Spital Georg , Gamulescu Maria‐Andreea , Lohmann Chris , Wiedemann Peter 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo assess efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg plus laser (COMBI) versus laser monotherapy (LASER) in patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema (DME) in either nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and to analyse the relevance of inner versus outer retinal thickness.MethodsIn this double‐masked, multicentre phase IIIb study, patients (N = 128) were randomized (2:1) to receive COMBI (n = 85) versus LASER (n = 43). Patients received four initial monthly injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg (COMBI) or sham (LASER) followed by pro re nata (PRN) injections. In both groups, patients received laser at baseline and additional laser at 3 monthly intervals, as needed. The study was started in 2010 and was prematurely terminated due to approval of ranibizumab for DME.ResultsThe least squares (LS) mean change in mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 12 was higher in the COMBI (6.5) versus LASER (2.3) group (LS mean difference: 4.2 [95% CI 0.9; 7.4] letters, p = 0.01, primary end‐point). There was also a tendency in the same direction for the subgroup of 26 patients with PDR (LS mean difference 14.7, p = 0.11). Mean central retinal thickness decreased by 107.3 μm in the COMBI group and by 80.3 μm in the LASER group from baseline to month 12 (p = 0.28). Ranibizumab was well tolerated.ConclusionThis study showed that ranibizumab plus laser is a valuable treatment option for the management of DME. Patients with DME in PDR might also benefit from combined therapy compared to laser alone.
Oxygen venular saturation correlates with a functional loss in primary open‐angle glaucoma and normal‐tension glaucoma patients
Authors: Shimazaki Takeru , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Nakano Yuki , Nitta Eri , Ukegawa Kaori , Tsujikawa Akitaka 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether there are differences in retinal oxygen saturation in upper and lower visual field hemispheres in primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and in normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG).MethodsThis study enrolled POAG and NTG patients exhibiting differences between the upper and lower total deviation (TD) that were either more than 10 or <5 dB. Retinal oxygen saturation measurements in these patients with glaucoma were performed by a non‐invasive spectrophotometric retinal oximeter. The Student's t‐test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsEvaluations of the worse and better hemifields in the patients with POAG who exhibited differences in the upper and lower hemifield TD that was <5 dB (n = 25) showed that there were no statistically significant differences for the retinal venous saturation of oxygen (SaO2). However, there was a higher mean SaO2 in the worse (57.0 ± 7.5%) versus the better (54.3 ± 7.0%) hemifield in the patients with NTG (n = 22; p = 0.007). Evaluations of the patients with more than a 10‐dB difference in the upper and lower hemifield TD showed statistically significant differences for the retinal venous SaO2 in the venous vessels between the POAG (n = 19) and the NTG (n = 26) patients.ConclusionAlthough there was no significant difference in retinal SaO2 in the venules between the better and worse hemifield when the difference between the better and worse hemifield in the patients with POAG was <5 dB, there was a higher SaO2 in the venous vessels in the worse hemifield in the patients with NTG.
Canada’s dependence on natural capital wealth: Was Innis wrong?
Authors: Olewiler Nancy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCanada has abundant natural resources—its stock of natural capital wealth. A recurring debate in the literature is whether resource rich countries benefit in the form of higher sustained growth rates or not from the export of their natural resources. Canada's Harold Innis wrote extensively on this subject over 80 years ago and argued for the “no” side in the debate. Was he was right or wrong? I begin with the foundations of natural resource theory then turn to empirical work in recent decades. I agree with the literature that Canada overall has benefited from the export of its natural resources, but question whether that can continue given the focus on short term growth and the failure to account for the social costs of resource extraction and use—the environmental externalities that degrade and reduce stocks of natural capital. These externalities increasingly threaten our water and land resources and without more effective policy, the ability of resources to sustain growth and well‐being is questionable. Was Innis wrong? Yes in that the evidence supports the counter argument—resources have helped Canada become a developed economy with relatively high incomes and sustained growth rates. Innis was right that the uneven distribution of resources causes different impacts regionally especially during booms and busts and recognized the need to find substitutes for declining and degrading resource stocks. But Innis, like many after him, focused more on the intrinsic features of natural resources than policy to address the social costs of their development, a legacy that leaves us in a precarious position today.
Beyond Pink and Blue: The Complexity of Early Androgen Effects on Gender Development
Authors: Berenbaum Sheri A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWhy do girls and women differ from boys and men? Gender development is typically considered to result from socialization, but sex hormones present during sensitive periods of development, particularly prenatal androgens, play an important role. Data from natural experiments, especially from females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, show the complexity of the effects of androgens on behavior: Prenatal androgens apparently have large effects on interests and engagement in gendered activities; moderate effects on spatial abilities; and relatively small or no effects on gender identity, gender cognitions, and gendered peer involvement. These differential effects provide an opportunity to move beyond identifying sources of variation in behavior to understanding developmental processes. These processes include links among gendered characteristics, psychological and neural mechanisms underlying development, and the joint effects of biological predispositions and social experiences.
Randomized controlled trial of colonic stent insertion in non‐curable large bowel obstruction: a post hoc cost analysis
Authors: Young C. J. , Zahid A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimIn view of the increasing burden on the healthcare system, this study aims to perform a cost‐effectiveness analysis of the management of incurable large bowel obstruction comparing the cost of a stent vs surgery.MethodA prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at two major teaching hospitals in Australia between September 2006 and November 2011. Fifty‐six patients with malignant incurable large bowel obstruction were randomized to stent insertion or surgical decompression, of whom 52 were included in the final analysis. Data were collected at all points during the patient journey and quality of life data were obtained by patient surveys. All data points were analysed and a cost‐effectiveness study was performed to compare the costs between the two treatment groups.ResultsStenting as a procedure was significantly more expensive than surgery (A$4462.50 vs A$3251.50; P < 0.001). Post‐procedure stay for stented patients was significantly lower (median 7 vs 11 days; P = 0.03). Combined costs of stent group ward stay, multidisciplinary team discussion and complication management were significantly lower (P = 0.013). Overall cost difference between the two treatment groups was A$3902.44 (P = 0.101). European Quality of Life – 5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D) scores for the first 4 weeks gave mean area under the curve adjusted weeks of 2.411 vs 2.271 for the stent and surgery groups respectively (P = 0.603). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio between the surgery and the stent group was $22 955.53 in favour of stenting.ConclusionsTreatment with stenting is cheaper than open surgery and provides quicker discharge from hospital.
Reconstitution of T and NK cells after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation using αβ T cell–depleted grafts and the clinical implication of γδ T cells
Authors: Park Meerim , Im Ho Joon , Lee Yu‐Jin , Park Nuree , Jang Seongsoo , Kwon Seog Woon , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Choi Eun Seok , Koh Kyung Nam , Seo Jong Jin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo investigate reconstitution of T and NK cells after αβ T lymphocyte–depleted haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HHCT) and the clinical implications of γδ T cells, we analyzed 50 pediatric patients who received 55 HHCTs using αβ T cell–depleted grafts. The number of CD3+ T cells and CD8+ T cells recovered rapidly and reached donor levels at days 180 and 60, respectively. Recovery of NK cells was rapid, and the median of NK cells at day 14 was comparable to the donor level. At day 14, median percentage of γδ T lymphocytes was 70.5%. After day 14, the percentage of γδ T cells gradually decreased, while the percentage of αβ T cells gradually increased. Patients with a low percentage (≤21%) of γδ T cells at day 30 had significantly higher incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation compared to patients with a high percentage (>70%) of γδ T cells (P < .01). In patients with acute leukemia, patients with high percentage of γδ T cells at day 30 showed significantly higher relapse‐free survival compared to those with low percentage of γδ T cells (P = .02). Data suggest that early recovery of γδ T cells decreases the risk of CMV reactivation and leukemia relapse.