bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Plateletpheresis on the Haemonetics and Trima Accel Cell Separators
Authors: Keklik Muzaffer , Keklik Ertugrul , Kalan Ugur , Ozer Ozerhan , Arik Ferhat , Sarikoc Murat 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe use of apheresis equipment to collect platelets has rapidly increased in recent years. We compared two apheresis instruments (Haemonetics MCS + and Trima Accel) with regard to platelet (PLT) yield and efficiency, and collection rate (CR) in a retrospective study. Overall 120 data obtained by Haemonetics and Trima systems (N = 60 for each) were randomly selected among 400 plateletpheresis procedures performed at the Apheresis Unit of Kayseri Education and Research Hospital between July 2016 and January 2017. The CR was significantly higher with the Haemonetics compared to the Trima (0.076 ± 0.016 vs. 0.065 ± 0.015 (PLT × 1011/min) respectively; P < 0.001). The PLT yield/unit was higher with the Haemonetics (4.4 ± 0.8 vs. 3.9 ± 0.8 × 1011, P = 0.001). Haemonetics and Trima Accel instruments collected platelets efficiently. We hope that these data will be a guide in selecting equipment for apheresis units.
Production, Characterization, and Stability of Orange or Eucalyptus Essential Oil/β‐Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
Authors: Kringel Dianini Hüttner , Antunes Mariana Dias , Klein Bruna , Crizel Rosane Lopes , Wagner Roger , de Oliveira Roberto Pedroso , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to produce and characterize inclusion complexes (IC) between β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and orange essential oil (OEO) or eucalyptus essential oil (EEO), and to compare these with their pure compounds and physical mixtures. The samples were evaluated by chemical composition, morphology, thermal stability, and volatile compounds by static headspace‐gas chromatography (SH‐GC). Comparing the free essential oil and physical mixture with the inclusion complex, of both essential oils (OEO and EEO), it was observed differences occurred in the chemical composition, thermal stability, and morphology. These differences show that there was the formation of the inclusion complex and demonstrate the necessity of the precipitation method used to guarantee the interaction between β‐CD and essential oils. The slow loss of the volatile compounds from both essential oils, when complexed with β‐CD, showed a higher stability when compared with their physical mixtures and free essential oils. Therefore, the results showed that the chemical composition, molecular size, and structure of the essential oils influence the characteristics of the inclusion complexes. The application of the β‐CD in the formation of inclusion complexes with essential oils can expand the potential applications in foods.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Albumin Peptides from Corn Germ Meal on Chronic Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Yu Yali , Wang Lijun , Wang Ying , Lin Dingbo , Liu Jingbo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite the fact that chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as a fatty liver disease, the addictive power of alcohol is strong worldwide. Corn germ meal albumin peptides (CGMAPs), by‐products in corn germ oil industry have often been considered as wastes disposal in food processing. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CGMAPs on chronic alcohol‐induced liver injury in a mouse model. The corn germ meal‐derived albumin was enzymatically hydrolysed, and the albumin peptides fractions (APFs) with Mw < 1 kDa (APF4) was collected. APF4 was an oligopeptide with a high Fischer's ratio (F > 3), rich in glutamic, alanine, leucine and proline. The hydrophobic Q value was 5.1, indicating the property of high enrichment in hydrophobic amino acids. Alcohol administration significantly increased the activities and levels of hepatic aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.01), and significantly reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and levels of glutathione (GSH) (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. Those changes were significantly reversed by the application of APF4 at 800 mg/kg bw. Thus, APF4 of CGMAPs had a significant protective effect against chronic alcohol‐induced liver injury through enhancement of in vivo antioxidant ability as a possible mechanism of action, which therefore suggested that APF4 might be useful as natural sources to protect liver from alcoholic damage.Practical ApplicationCorn germ meal albumin peptides (CGMAPs) of Mw < 1 kDa, a kind of bioactive peptides which could effectively improve alcohol metabolism and protect against the hepatic damage induced by alcohol, might be useful as natural sources to protect liver from alcoholic damage.
Why Policymakers Should View Carbon Capture and Storage as a Stepping‐stone to Carbon Dioxide Removal
Authors: Maher Bryan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt is increasingly clear that atmospheric carbon dioxide removal will be necessary to limit global warming to below 2 degrees. Today the primary candidate to achieve this removal is bioenergy carbon capture and storage (CCS). Similarly, energy derived from coal with sufficiently low emissions for stringent climate change mitigation (i.e. clean coal) cannot be achieved without CCS. This article argues that the prior or simultaneous establishment of coal CCS provides an important stepping stone to the future diffusion of bioenergy CCS. However, progress on coal CCS is sluggish and needs further rationale to give it impetus. With appropriate policy intervention, the impending need for bioenergy CCS can provide this impetus. Policy makers should not consider coal CCS as simply an end in itself but also as a means to an end.
Are farms in less favored areas less efficient?
Authors: Baráth Lajos , Fertő Imre , Bojnec Štefan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article investigates farm technical efficiency (TE) and the effect of heterogeneity on production among farms using the Slovenian Farm Accountancy Data Network sample of farms in the period 2007–2013. We model production technology with a random parameter model that allows us to examine both the direct effect of heterogeneity on production and the indirect effect through the interaction of unobserved heterogeneity with time and input variables. Additionally, we consider intersectoral heterogeneity among types of farming. Results confirm the importance of all these sources of heterogeneity. The second contribution of the article is that, in addition to using conventional statistical methods, we examine the differences between less favored area (LFA) and non‐LFA farms using matching techniques. Results indicate that there is only a minor and statistically nonsignificant difference in TE between these groups. However, the difference is highly significant in terms of heterogeneity and technology. In other words, results show that farms in LFAs are not more inefficient but rather use different, production–environment‐specific technologies. These findings call attention to the fact that omitting the effect of heterogeneity on production technology leads to biased TE estimates and, in turn, leads to potentially imperfect policy choices.
Precision oncology using a clinician‐directed, tailored approach to molecular profiling
Authors: Lam Michael , Tran Ben , Beck Sophie , Tie Jeanne , Herath Dishan , Whittle James , Kwan Edmond M. , Fox Stephen B. , Fellowes Andrew , Ananda Sumitra , Lipton Lara , Gibbs Peter , Rosenthal Mark A. , Desai Jayesh 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimPrecision oncology involves molecularly matching patients to targeted agents usually in early drug development (EDD) programs. Molecular profiling (MP) identifies actionable targets. Comprehensive commercial MP platforms are costly and in resource limited environments, a more practical approach to MP is necessary to support EDD and precision oncology. We adopted a clinician‐directed, tailored approach to MP to enrol patients onto molecularly targeted trials. We report the feasibility of this approach.MethodsAll patients referred to the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) EDD between September 2013 and September 2015 were identified in a prospective database. Key captured data included clinicopathological data, MP platform ordered (if any), molecular targets identified and subsequent enrolment onto clinical trials. EDD‐clinician decisions to order MP and the platform utilized was guided by patient consultation, tumor type, trial availability and requirement for molecular information.ResultsWe identified 377 patients referred to RMH EDD. A total of 216 (57%) had MP ordered. The remainder had known actionable targets (19%), or were inappropriate for clinical trials (24%). In those undergoing MP, 187 genetic aberrations were found in 113 patients with 98 considered actionable targets in 86 patients. Ninety‐eight (25%) patients were enrolled onto a clinical trial, including 40 (11%) receiving molecularly matched treatments. Median progression‐free survival was improved in patients enrolled onto molecularly matched trials compared to those on unmatched trials (3.6 months vs 1.9 months, HR 0.58 [0.38–0.89], P = 0.013).ConclusionA clinician‐directed, tailored approach to the use of MP is feasible, resulting in 11% of patients enrolled onto molecularly matched trials.
Upregulation of Tim‐3 expression at feto‐maternal interface may explain embryo survival in the CBAxDBA/2 model of abortion
Authors: Li Fanfan , Dang Jing , Jiang Min , He Mengzhou , Yang Meitao , Li Jing , Hao Haiyan , Zhou Yuan , Zuo Wei , Xie Yin , Deng Dongrui 
Published: October 2017

ProblemTo understand the mechanisms of action of Tim‐3 at the maternal‐fetal interface and explore how Tim‐3 might be involved in the pathogenesis of abortion by constructing an in vitro trophoblast‐lymphocyte system.Methods of StudyFemale CBA/J × male DBA/2 matings were used as the abortion‐prone model and CBA/J × male BALB/c matings as control. The expression of Tim‐3 at the maternal‐fetal interface and in the peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The proliferation index of lymphocytes and levels of Th1/Th2‐derived cytokines in peripheral blood and in the co‐culture system were determined using CCK‐8 assay and ELISA, respectively.ResultsThe expression level of Tim‐3 was higher in abortion‐prone matings than that of control (P < .05). A preponderance of Th1 was observed in the co‐culture system in the abortion‐prone mating group. Recombinant Tim‐3 Ig reversed the imbalance of Th1/Th2 immunity of abortion‐prone matings by suppressing the secretion of IFN‐γ and IL‐2 but had no direct effect on the generation of IL‐4.ConclusionTim‐3 might contribute to successful pregnancy by restraining Th1 bias, and the maternal immune system might develop a strategy including upregulation of Tim‐3 at the maternal‐fetal interface and in peripheral blood so as to maintain moderate inflammatory responses against miscarriage.
Clinical applications of QT/RR hysteresis assessment: A systematic review
Authors: Gravel Hugo , Jacquemet Vincent , Dahdah Nagib , Curnier Daniel 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundQT/RR hysteresis (QT‐hys) is an index of the time accommodation of ventricular repolarization to heart rate changes. This report comprehensively reviews studies addressing QT‐hys as a biomarker of medical conditions.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of data from a recent systematic review pertaining to methods of assessment of QT‐hys. Articles included in the former review were filtered in order to select original articles investigating the association of QT‐hys with medical conditions in humans.ResultsNineteen articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Given the heterogeneity of the methods and investigated conditions, no pooled analysis of data could be implemented. QT‐hys was mostly studied as a risk marker of severe arrhythmias, as a predictor of the long QT syndrome (LQTS) phenotypes and genotypes and as a marker of exercise‐induced ischemia. An increased QT‐hys appears to be implicated in arrhythmogenesis, although the evidence in this regard relies on few human studies. An augmented QT‐hys was reported in the LQTS, predominantly in the LQT2 genotype, but conflicting results were obtained between studies using different methods of assessment. In addition, QT‐hys appears to be a useful marker of stress‐induced myocardial ischemia in patients suspected of coronary artery disease.ConclusionsQT‐hys evaluation has potential clinical utility in at least some clinical conditions. Further studies of the clinical validity of QT‐hys assessment are warranted, particularly condition specific studies based on QT‐hys evaluation methods that provide separate estimates of QT‐hys and QT/RR dependency.
Environmental Justice Meets Risk‐Class: The Relational Distribution of Environmental Bads
Authors: Curran Dean 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRecent treatments of environmental justice have highlighted the need to move beyond focusing upon inequalities in the distribution of environmental risks to address other aspects of environmental injustice, including unequal participation and recognition. While acknowledging the importance of extending environmental justice to include these other dimensions of justice, this paper argues that more, not less, analytical attention needs to be devoted to the diverse logics of distribution of environmental risks. In light of continuing dilemmas associated with whether environmental inequalities can be just or, alternatively, that environmental inequality and injustice are co‐extensive, this paper proposes to untangle some key connections between environmental inequalities and injustice through a critical confrontation of environmental justice with risk‐class analysis. Focusing on the positional or relational distribution of environmental bads as analysed in risk‐class analysis, this paper argues that bringing these two bodies of knowledge together can illuminate how relational inequalities have characteristics that make them particularly illegitimate from a justice perspective, thus making an advance in identifying key connections between environmental inequality and injustice.
Are women positive for the One Step but negative for the Two Step screening tests for gestational diabetes at higher risk for adverse outcomes?
Authors: Caissutti Claudia , Khalifeh Adeeb , Saccone Gabriele , Berghella Vincenzo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate if women meeting criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by the One Step test as per International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria but not by other less strict criteria have adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with GDM‐negative controls. The primary outcome was the incidence of macrosomia, defined as birthweight > 4000 g.Material and methodsElectronic databases were searched from their inception until May 2017. All studies identifying pregnant women negative at the Two Step test, but positive at the One Step test for IADPSG criteria were included. We excluded studies that randomized women to the One Step vs. the Two Step tests; studies that compared different criteria within the same screening method; randomized studies comparing treatments for GDM; and studies comparing incidence of GDM in women doing the One Step test vs. the Two Step test.ResultsEight retrospective cohort studies, including 29 983 women, were included. Five study groups and four control groups were identified. The heterogeneity between the studies was high. Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, as well as in some analyses cesarean delivery, macrosomia and preterm birth, were significantly more frequent, and small for gestational age in some analyses significantly less frequent, in women GDM‐positive by the One Step, but not the Two Step.ConclusionWomen meeting criteria for GDM by IADPSG criteria but not by other less strict criteria have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, compared with GDM‐negative controls. Based on these findings, and evidence from other studies that treatment decreases these adverse outcomes, we suggest screening for GDM using the One Step IADPSG criteria.
POLITICAL INEQUALITY, CENTRALIZED SANCTIONING INSTITUTIONS, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC GOODS
Authors: Chang Han Il , Dawes Christopher T. , Johnson Tim 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTCentralized sanctioning institutions cultivate cooperation by eradicating the gains from free‐riding. Studies show that electing a community member to operate a centralized sanctioning institution further increases support for the public good. These studies have overlooked an all‐too‐common attribute of non‐laboratory elections: political inequality. In this paper, we replicate those studies and, then, introduce novel experimental treatments that examine how political inequality influences the cooperation‐enhancing effect of a democratic election to centralized sanctioning institutions. In our novel treatment conditions, participants receive either a random allotment of votes that they can use to elect a centralized sanctioning authority or an allocation of votes proportional to their earnings in a previously‐executed public goods game. We find that political inequalities created via the random allocation of votes do not hinder cooperation, whereas political inequalities created via past game play undermine elected authorities and diminish contributions to the public good from individuals advantaged by political inequality.
Intellectual property rights and diaspora knowledge networks: Can patent protection generate brain gain from skilled migration?
Authors: Naghavi Alireza , Strozzi Chiara 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper studies the mechanism through which intellectual property rights (IPR) protection can influence the impact of skilled migration on innovation activities in developing countries. We argue that knowledge acquired by emigrants abroad can flow back to their country of origin through diaspora networks. IPR protection in the sending country facilitates this channel by increasing returns to skills and encouraging workers to move into the innovation sector. An expansion of the innovation sector allows diaspora knowledge to be absorbed by a larger range of workers. Strong IPR enforcement therefore makes it more likely for brain drain to be transformed into brain gain.
Do patents work? Thickets, trolls and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Gallini Nancy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper connects ideas from recent literature on the economics of intellectual property (IP) to address the question: Did the strengthening and broadening of IP rights from important patent policy changes in the US promote greater innovation? The analysis rests on the theory of cumulative innovation, which shows that if IP rights on a pioneer invention extend to follow‐on research and impediments to contracting exist, then strengthening patents can actually reduce overall innovation. Recent empirical studies are consistent with the theory: patents can significantly deter follow‐on research in “complex” technology areas where contracting is difficult (computers, electronics, telecommunications) but not in drugs, chemicals and human genes. I outline remedies from court decisions and antitrust policy for addressing inefficiencies from patent trolling, patent thickets and the anti‐commons of fragmented ownership. I then apply the analysis to the antibiotics market, drawing on recent research, to examine how patent and competition policies can be used to improve incentives for drug development in the battle against antibiotic resistance. The literature provides persuasive evidence that the policy changes overreached in broadening and strengthening IP rights and reveals important patent reforms for improving the effectiveness of patent systems in the US and Canada.
Risk factors stratifying malignancy of nodules in contralateral thyroid lobe in patients with pre‐operative ultrasound indicated unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma: A retrospective analysis from single centre
Authors: Lv Tian , Zhu Changbin , Di Zhongmin 
Published: October 2017

SummaryObjectivePapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid carcinoma with a favourable clinical outcome. For unilateral PTC patients with thyroid nodules in the contralateral lobes, the necessity of total thyroidectomy (TT) is still in doubt. In this study, we aimed to define clinical factors that could be indicators for malignancy in nodules in the contralateral thyroid lobe, which could aid the clinician in selecting the appropriate operation approach.Design, Patients and MeasurementsThis is a retrospective study from January 2014 to December 2016 conducted in Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. A total of 1442 cases with unilateral PTC and ultrasonographically benign nodules in the contralateral lobe who underwent TT at a single institution were enrolled. All patients underwent pre‐operative ultrasonography (US), and all the cases were confirmed by board‐certified pathologists. Clinicopathological features such as age, gender, tumour location, tumour size, TgAb and TPOAb levels, capsular invasion, multifocality, central lymph node metastases and BRAF mutation were examined to evaluate the rate of malignancy in the contralateral thyroid nodules.ResultsIn total, 47% of patients (677 cases)were confirmed to have malignancy in the contralateral lobe. Univariant analysis indicated that capsular invasion, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multifocal loci, central lymph node metastases as well as BRAF mutation predicted a high incidence of occult contralateral carcinoma. Multivariant analysis showed capsular invasion, multifocal ipsilateral thyroid lobe, central lymph node metastases as well as BRAF mutation can serve as independent predictors for malignancy in the contralateral thyroid lobe.ConclusionsMalignancy in the contralateral lobe was found in 47% of patients. This finding was associated with multifocal primary carcinomas involvement, capsular invasion, Hashimoto's thyroiditis history, central lymph node metastases and BRAF mutation, which should therefore be taken into consideration when planning therapeutic strategy for the patients.