bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Variational Approach to Registration with Local Exponential Coordinates
Authors: Paman Ashish , Rangarajan Ramsharan
Published: October 2018

We identify a novel parameterization for the group of finite rotations (SO3), consisting of an atlas of exponential maps defined over local tangent planes, for the purpose of computing isometric transformations in registration problems that arise in machine vision applications. Together with a simple representation for translations, the resulting system of coordinates for rigid body motions is proper, free from singularities, is unrestricted in the magnitude of motions that can be represented and poses no difficulties in computer implementations despite their multi‐chart nature. Crucially, such a parameterization helps to admit varied types of data sets, to adopt data‐dependent error functionals for registration, seamlessly bridges correspondence and pose calculations, and inspires systematic variational procedures for computing optimal solutions. As a representative problem, we consider that of registering point clouds onto implicit surfaces without introducing any discretization of the latter. We derive coordinate‐free stationarity conditions, compute consistent linearizations, provide algorithms to compute optimal solutions and examine their performance with detailed examples. The algorithm generalizes naturally to registering curves and surfaces onto implicit manifolds, is directly adaptable to handle the familiar problem of pairwise registration of point clouds and allows for incorporating scale factors during registration.
The spatiotemporal expression and mineralization regulation of p75 neurotrophin receptor in the early tooth development
Authors: Zhao Manzhu , Wen Xiujie , Li Gang , Ju Yingxin , Wang Yingying , Zhou Zhi , Song Jinlin
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal expression and potential role of p75NTR in tooth morphogenesis and tissue mineralization.

Materials and methods

The dynamic morphology of the four stages (from the beginning of E12.5 d, then E13.5 d and E15.5 d, to the end of E18.5 d) was observed, and the expressions of p75NTR and Runx2 were traced. The ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) were harvested in vitro, and the biological characteristics were observed. Moreover, the mineralization capability of EMSCs was evaluated. The relations between p75NTR and ALP, Col‐1 and Runx2 were investigated.

Results

The morphologic results showed that the dental lamina appeared at E12.5 d, the bud stage at E13.5 d, the cap stage at E15.5 d and the bell stage at E18.5 d. p75NTR and Runx2 showed the similar expression pattern. EMSCs from the four stages showed no significant difference in proliferation. But the positive rate of p75NTR in the E12.5 d cells was significantly lower than that in the other three stages (P < 0.05). Moreover, the higher positive rate of p75NTR the cells were, the stronger mineralization capability they showed. p75NTR was well positively correlated with the mineralization‐related markers ALP, Col‐1 and Runx2, which increased gradually with the mature of dental germs.

Conclusion

p75NTR might play an important role in the regulation of tooth morphogenesis, especially dental hard tissue formation.
Statistical theory of branching morphogenesis
Authors: Hannezo Edouard , Simons Benjamin D.
Published: October 2018

Branching morphogenesis remains a subject of abiding interest. Although much is known about the gene regulatory programs and signaling pathways that operate at the cellular scale, it has remained unclear how the macroscopic features of branched organs, including their size, network topology and spatial patterning, are encoded. Lately, it has been proposed that, these features can be explained quantitatively in several organs within a single unifying framework. Based on large‐scale organ reconstructions and cell lineage tracing, it has been argued that morphogenesis follows from the collective dynamics of sublineage‐restricted self‐renewing progenitor cells, localized at ductal tips, that act cooperatively to drive a serial process of ductal elongation and stochastic tip bifurcation. By correlating differentiation or cell cycle exit with proximity to maturing ducts, this dynamic results in the specification of a complex network of defined density and statistical organization. These results suggest that, for several mammalian tissues, branched epithelial structures develop as a self‐organized process, reliant upon a strikingly simple, but generic, set of local rules, without recourse to a rigid and deterministic sequence of genetically programmed events. Here, we review the basis of these findings and discuss their implications.
Long‐term skill improvement among general dental practitioners after a short training programme in diagnosing calcified carotid artery atheromas on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Gustafsson Nils , Ahlqvist Jan , Levring Jäghagen Eva
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To study general dental practitioners (GDPs) ability to detect calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) in panoramic radiographs (PRs) and if their diagnostic accuracy in long term is improved after a short training programme.

Methods

Fourteen GDPs had their diagnostic accuracy regarding CCAA in PR assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and 1 year after training. Comparison was made with a reference standard based on consensus results from two experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists. At each session, 100 radiographs were assessed individually by the GDPs. After the baseline assessment, the GDPs participated in a 2‐hour training programme comprising a lecture and diagnostic training by calibration. The GDPs results before and after training were compared, as well as between follow‐up sessions.

Results

A significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy was observed with increased sensitivity (from 41.8% to 55.7%, P = 0.02) without a significant decrease in specificity (from 87.2% to 86.7%, P = 0.87). The Kappa values also increased (from 0.66 to 0.71, P = 0.04). At 1‐year follow‐up, the improvement compared to baseline remained significant. There were no significant changes between the 2‐week and 1‐year follow‐up assessment.

Conclusion

A short training programme can significantly and sustainable improve GDPs diagnostic accuracy regarding CCAA.
Signed distance‐based ORESTE for multicriteria group decision‐making with multigranular unbalanced hesitant fuzzy linguistic information
Authors: Tian Zhang‐peng , Nie Ru‐xin , Wang Jian‐qiang , Zhang Hong‐yu
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study is to develop an integrated approach for solving multicriteria group decision‐making problems with multigranular unbalanced hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs). Firstly, a signed distance‐based transformation function is proposed to unify multigranular unbalanced hesitant fuzzy linguistic (HFL) assessments. Secondly, a mathematical programming model based on the maximum consensus is constructed to allocate decision‐makers (DMs)' weights objectively. Thirdly, a new signed distance‐based preference score function is defined to aggregate HFL assessments and determine the weak ranking of alternatives, and a novel preference, indifference, and incomparability test framework is constructed to identify the subtle relations among alternatives. On these bases, a signed distance‐based ORESTE (Organísation, rangement et Synthèse de données relarionnelles, in French) method, in which knowledge regarding criterion values and weights are expressed as multigranular unbalanced HFLTSs, is developed to obtain the ranking of alternatives. Finally, an illustrative example, followed by sensitivity and comparative analyses, is presented to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Self‐medication Hypothesis and Family Socialization Theory: Examining Independent and Common Mechanisms Responsible for Binge Drinking
Authors: Soloski Kristy L.
Published: October 2018

For many, binge drinking behaviors start early and become a persistent pattern of use throughout the lifespan. In an effort to strengthen understanding of etiology, this study considered the mechanisms from the self‐medication hypothesis and family socialization theory. The goal was to identify whether emotional distress is a potential shared mechanism that accounts for the development of binge drinking in different developmental periods. This study used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) dataset to examine binge drinking across time for n = 9,421 participants ranging in age from 11 to 18 (M = 15.39, SD = 1.62) at Wave I and ranging from 24 to 32 (M = 28.09, SD = 1.61) at Wave IV of the study. Using an autoregressive cross‐lagged model, I examined how parent‐child closeness, depressive symptoms, and binge drinking were related over three developmental periods. In examining cross‐sectional and longitudinal relations, depressive symptoms were significantly related to binge drinking more often than parent‐child closeness; however, results indicated the self‐medication model may primarily account for concurrent drinking behaviors rather than long‐term. The family socialization theory was indicated to account for some variability above and beyond the self‐medication hypothesis. No indirect association between binge drinking and the parent‐child relationship was detected through depressive symptoms, failing to support a shared mechanism between the two theories. The results provide support for a multifaceted assessment process for substance using clients, and support the use of Multisystemic Family Therapy, Multidimensional Family Therapy, and perhaps Attachment‐Based Family Therapy.
New insights into adaptation and population structure of cork oak using genotyping by sequencing
Authors: Pina‐Martins Francisco , Baptista João , Pappas Georgios , Paulo Octávio S.
Published: October 2018

Species respond to global climatic changes in a local context. Understanding this process, including its speed and intensity, is paramount due to the pace at which such changes are currently occurring. Tree species are particularly interesting to study in this regard due to their long generation times, sedentarism, and ecological and economic importance. Quercus suber L. is an evergreen forest tree species of the Fagaceae family with an essentially Western Mediterranean distribution. Despite frequent assessments of the species’ evolutionary history, large‐scale genetic studies have mostly relied on plastidial markers, whereas nuclear markers have been used on studies with locally focused sampling strategies. In this work, “Genotyping by sequencing” is used to derive 1,996 single nucleotide polymorphism markers to assess the species’ evolutionary history from a nuclear DNA perspective, gain insights into how local adaptation is shaping the species’ genetic background, and to forecast how Q. suber may respond to global climatic changes from a genetic perspective. Results reveal (a) an essentially unstructured species, where (b) a balance between gene flow and local adaptation keeps the species’ gene pool somewhat homogeneous across its distribution, but still allowing (c) variation clines for the individuals to cope with local conditions. “Risk of Non‐Adaptedness” (RONA) analyses suggest that for the considered variables and most sampled locations, (d) the cork oak should not require large shifts in allele frequencies to survive the predicted climatic changes. Future directions include integrating these results with ecological niche modeling perspectives, improving the RONA methodology, and expanding its use to other species. With the implementation presented in this work, the RONA can now also be easily assessed for other organisms.
Evolution of the Taebaeksan Basin, Korea: I, early Paleozoic sedimentation in an epeiric sea and break‐up of the Sino‐Korean Craton from Gondwana
Authors: Choi Duck K.
Published: October 2018

The Taebaeksan Basin is located in the mid‐eastern part of the southern Korean Peninsula and tectonically belonged to the Sino‐Korean Craton (SKC). It comprises largely the lower Paleozoic Joseon Supergroup and the upper Paleozoic Pyeongan Supergroup which are separated by a disconformity representing a 140 myr−long hiatus. This paper explores the early Paleozoic paleogeographical and tectonic evolution of the Taebaeksan Basin on the basis of updated stratigraphy, trilobite faunal assemblages, and detrital zircon U–Pb ages of the Joseon Supergroup. The Joseon Supergroup is a shallow marine siliciclastic‐carbonate succession ranging in age from the Cambrian Series 2 to Middle Ordovician. The Ongnyeobong Formation is the sole Upper Ordovician volcanic succession documented in the Taebaeksan Basin. It is suggested that in the early Paleozoic the Taebaeksan Basin was a part of an epeiric sea, the Joseon Sea, in east Gondwana. The Joseon Sea was the depositional site for lower Paleozoic successions of the SKC. Early Paleozoic sedimentation in the Joseon Sea commenced during the Cambrian Stage 3 (∼ 520 Ma) and ceased by the end of the Darriwilian (∼ 460 Ma). In the early Paleozoic, the SKC was located at the margin of east Gondwana and was separated from the South China Craton by an oceanic basin with incipient oceanic ridges, the Helan Trough. The spreading oceanic ridges and associated transform faults possibly promoted the uplift of the Joseon Sea, which resulted in cessation of sedimentation and break‐up of the SKC from core Gondwana by the end of the Ordovician.
Metabolic fingerprinting of water‐stressed soybean cultivars by gas chromatography, near‐infrared and UV‐visible spectroscopy combined with chemometrics
Authors: Uarrota Virgílio G. , Segatto Cristiane , Voytena Ana Paula L. , Maraschin Marcelo , Avila Linda Vásquez , Kazama Daniele C. S. , Coelho Cileide M. M. , Souza Clovis Arruda
Published: October 2018

Aiming to assess the impact of water deficit on agronomic, photosynthetic and biochemical parameters of two soybean cultivars during reproductive stage, soybean plants were subjected to three gravimetric humidity levels. Water deficit decreased the leaf relative water content, leaf dry matter content, dried pod weight, grain weight, chlorophyll activity, linolenic acid, pentadecanoid and palmitoleic acid, and increased stearic, lauric, linoleic, myristic, oleic, palmitic and tricosanoic acids. Reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation were accompanied by the activation of antioxidant defence system. Changes in aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, methyl, methylene, aromatic amine, polysaccharides, phenolics, carotenoids, proteins, C‐H aryl group, alkyl alcohols, polyamide, amide, ethers and esters, primary amide, N‐H secondary amine were observed. Principal component analysis and network correlations revealed dried shoot weight, malondihaldeyde, phenolics, proline, guaiacol peroxidase, stearic, tricosanoic, linoleic, oleic, palmitic, myristic and lauric acids as the most important variables related to water deficit. Cultivar CV5959 was most tolerant than CV 5909. Despite the important variables found in this study, further research in data integration is needed for better understanding of the potential bio‐markers of water deficit and future development of its signalling pathways.
Reverse Ekphrasis: Teaching Poetry‐inspired Chinese Brush Painting Workshops – in English
Authors: Sui Gang
Published: October 2018

The artistic practices of ekphrasis and reverse ekphrasis – integrating poetry and painting in their unique forms – have been long‐standing conventions both in the East and in the West. This article attempts to rationalise the new functions of the age‐old concept of reverse ekphrasis (i.e. graphic representation of verbal representation) as reactivated for the purposes of today's university‐level art education, and as exemplified by the international workshops of poetry‐inspired Chinese brush painting that I taught at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), UK, from 2012 to 2016, using English not only as a convenient contact language for art education, but also as a powerful vehicle for poetic self‐reflection, intertextual adaptation and intermedial transformation. To be more concise, my teaching approaches featured CREATE – Contact (C), Reverse Ekphrasis (R, E), Adaptation (A), Transformation (T) and Enrichment (E). The international workshop participants’ creative painting outcomes proved that, as brush painters, they could draw inspiration effectively from poetry written in English and/or poetry translated into English, so as to increase their personal capacity for artistic self‐expression and intercultural communication through Chinese‐style brush painting.
“Living the life I want”: A framework for planning engagement with people with intellectual disability and complex support needs
Authors: Dew Angela , Collings Susan , Dillon Savage Isabella , Gentle Emma , Dowse Leanne
Published: October 2018

Background

Self‐determination involves autonomy, agency, choice and control. This study investigated how these aspects of self‐determination relate to engaging people with intellectual disability and complex support needs in setting goals and making plans.

Method

Body mapping was used to understand the planning experiences of 30 adults with intellectual disability and complex support needs. Each participant created two body maps using a guided group‐based process. Visual and text data were thematically analysed and a framework for planning engagement developed.

Results

The framework identifies the centrality of having a well‐developed sense of self which includes insight, motivation and agency, and which is shaped by contextual barriers and facilitators and influenced by helpful and unhelpful support.

Conclusions

A well‐developed sense of self and ability to harness resources and people is fundamental to the ability of individuals with intellectual disability and complex support needs articulating goals, identifying aspirations, and attaining valued outcomes.
5,2′‐dibromo‐2,4′,5′‐trihydroxydiphenylmethanone attenuates LPS‐induced inflammation and ROS production in EA.hy926 cells via HMBOX1 induction
Authors: Yuan Hong‐Xia , Feng Xiu‐E , Liu En‐Li , Ge Rui , Zhang Yuan‐Lin , Xiao Bao‐Guo , Li Qing‐Shan
Published: October 2018

Inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). 5,2′‐dibromo‐2,4′,5′‐trihydroxydiphenylmethanone (TDD), possess anti‐atherogenic properties; however, its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to understand the therapeutic molecular mechanism of TDD in inflammatory response and oxidative stress in EA.hy926 cells. Microarray analysis revealed that the expression of homeobox containing 1 (HMBOX1) was dramatically upregulated in TDD‐treated EA.hy926 cells. According to the gene ontology (GO) analysis of microarray data, TDD significantly influenced the response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS); it suppressed the LPS‐induced adhesion of monocytes to EA.hy926 cells. Simultaneously, TDD dose‐dependently inhibited the production or expression of IL‐6, IL‐1β, MCP‐1, TNF‐α, VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin as well as ROS in LPS‐stimulated EA.hy926 cells. HMBOX1 knockdown using RNA interference attenuated the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative effects of TDD. Furthermore, TDD inhibited LPS‐induced NF‐κB and MAPK activation in EA.hy926 cells, but this effect was abolished by HMBOX1 knockdown. Overall, these results demonstrate that TDD activates HMBOX1, which is an inducible protective mechanism that inhibits LPS‐induced inflammation and ROS production in EA.hy926 cells by the subsequent inhibition of redox‐sensitive NF‐κB and MAPK activation. Our study suggested that TDD may be a potential novel agent for treating endothelial cells dysfunction in AS.
Annual Research Review: Pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder from a neurodevelopmental network perspective
Authors: Weems Carl F. , Russell Justin D. , Neill Erin L. , McCurdy Bethany H.
Published: October 2018

Background

Experiencing traumatic stress is common and may lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a number of children and adolescents. Research using advanced imaging techniques is beginning to elucidate some of the neurobiological correlates of the traumatic stress response in youth.

Methods

This paper summarizes the emerging network perspective of PTSD symptoms and reviews brain imaging research emphasizing structural and functional connectivity studies that employ magnetic resonance imaging techniques in pediatric samples.

Results

Differences in structural connections and distributed functional networks such as the salience, default mode, and central executive networks are associated with traumatic and severe early life stress. The role of development has been relatively underappreciated in extant studies though there is evidence that critical brain regions as well as the structural and functional networks implicated undergo significant change in childhood and these typical developmental differences may be affected by traumatic stress.

Conclusions

Future research will benefit from adopting a truly developmental approach that considers children's growth as a meaningful effect (rather than simply a covariate) interacting with traumatic stress to predict disruptions in the anatomical, functional, and connective aspects of brain systems thought to underlie the network of PTSD symptoms. Linking symptom networks with neurodevelopmental network models may be a promising avenue for future work.
JAK1/3 inhibition preserves epidermal morphology in full‐thickness 3D skin models of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
Authors: Clarysse K. , Pfaff C.M. , Marquardt Y. , Huth L. , Kortekaas Krohn I. , Kluwig D. , Lüscher B. , Gutermuth J. , Baron J.
Published: October 2018

Background

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition may be a promising new treatment modality for inflammatory (skin) diseases. However, little is known about direct effects of kinase inhibitors on keratinocyte differentiation and function as well as skin barrier formation.

Objective

Our aim was to address the direct impact of kinase inhibition of the JAK1/3 pathways by tofacitinib on keratinocyte immune function and barrier formation in atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis.

Methods

3D skin equivalents of both diseases were developed and concurrently pretreated with tofacitinib. To induce AD, 3D skin equivalents were stimulated with recombinant human IL‐4 and IL‐13. Psoriasis‐like conditions were induced by incubation with IL‐17A, IL‐22 and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα). The activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT3 and STAT6 was assessed by Western blot analysis. Microarray analysis and quantitative real‐time PCR were used for gene expression analysis.

Results

Tofacitinib pretreatment preserved epidermal morphology and reduced STAT3 and STAT6 phosphorylation of AD‐like and STAT3 phosphorylation of psoriasis‐like culture conditions in 3D skin models compared to sham‐controls. Filaggrin expression was fully maintained in the AD‐like models, but only partially in psoriasis‐like conditions after pretreatment with tofacitinib. In addition, tofacitinib upregulated DSC1, FLG and KRT1. Using gene expression analysis, downregulation of POSTN and IL24 was observed in AD‐like conditions, whereas downregulation of IL20 and IL1B was observed in psoriasis‐like conditions.

Conclusion

JAK1/3 inhibition counteracted cytokine‐induced AD‐ and psoriasis‐like epidermal morphology and enhanced keratinocyte differentiation in 3D skin models. This effect was more pronounced in the AD‐like models compared to the psoriasis‐like 3D skin models.
Increased tumour cell PD‐L1 expression, macrophage and dendritic cell infiltration characterise the tumour microenvironment of ulcerated primary melanomas
Authors: Koelblinger P. , Emberger M. , Drach M. , Cheng P.F. , Lang R. , Levesque M.P. , Bauer J.W. , Dummer R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Primary melanoma ulceration is an unfavourable prognostic factor included in current staging systems. Yet, the immunological and molecular alterations responsible for this adverse outcome have not been fully elucidated.

Objectives

We aimed to identify immunological differences between ulcerated and non‐ulcerated primary melanomas concerning both innate and adaptive immunity and to correlate these with clinical outcome.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded primary melanomas from 112 patients (pts) were analysed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of various markers identifying tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells was evaluated semi‐quantitatively by three independent investigators. Tumour cell expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), transporter of antigen processing 1 and the MxA protein was also analysed.

Results

Recurrence occurred in 21/56 pts (37.5%) with ulcerated vs. 14/56 pts (25.0%) with non‐ulcerated tumours (P = 0.15). Tumour ulceration was associated with more frequent development of brain metastasis (17.6 vs. 3.6% of pts, P = 0.015). Immunohistochemistry showed an association of ulceration with the presence of intratumoural CD68+ macrophages (P = 0.028) as well as with increased numbers of intratumoural CD11c+ dendritic cells (P = 0.014) and CD163+ macrophages (P = 0.001). PD‐L1 positivity (expression in >1% of tumour cells) was more frequent in ulcerated than non‐ulcerated tumours [40 (72.7%) vs. 25 (44.6%), P = 0.003]. A positive correlation between intratumoural CD11c+ (Spearman's correlation coefficient ρ: 0.42) and CD163+ (ρ: 0.31) cell count and frequency of tumour cell PD‐L1 expression was detected.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the adverse clinical outcome associated with primary melanoma ulceration, particularly concerning the risk of recurrence and subsequent development of brain metastases. The observed immunological differences suggest a conceivable role of increased intratumoural macrophage and dendritic cell counts associated with enhanced tumour cell PD‐L1 expression potentially contributing to the immunosuppressive, growth‐promoting microenvironment of ulcerated primary melanomas.
Colours and colour vision in reef fishes: Past, present and future research directions
Authors: Marshall N. Justin , Cortesi Fabio , de Busserolles Fanny , Siebeck Uli E. , Cheney Karen L.
Published: October 2018

Many fishes, both freshwater or marine, have colour vision that may outperform humans. As a result, to understand the behavioural tasks that vision enables; including mate choice, feeding, agonistic behaviour and camouflage, we need to see the world through a fish's eye. This includes quantifying the variable light environment underwater and its various influences on vision. As well as rapid loss of light with depth, light attenuation underwater limits visual interaction to metres at most and in many instances, less than a metre. We also need to characterize visual sensitivities, fish colours and behaviours relative to both these factors. An increasingly large set of techniques over the past few years, including improved photography, submersible spectrophotometers and genetic sequencing, have taken us from intelligent guesswork to something closer to sensible hypotheses. This contribution to the special edition on the Ecology of Fish Senses under a shifting environment first reviews our knowledge of fish colour vision and visual ecology, past, present and very recent, and then goes on to examine how climate change may impinge on fish visual capability. The review is limited to mostly colour vision and to mostly reef fishes. This ignores a large body of work, both from other marine environments and freshwater systems, but the reef contains examples of many of the challenges to vision from the aquatic environment. It is also a concentrate of life, perhaps the most specious and complex on earth, suffering now catastrophically from the consequences of our lack of action on climate change. A clear course of action to prevent destruction of this habitat is the need to spend more time in it, in the study of it and sharing it with those not fortunate enough to see coral reefs first‐hand.

Sir David Attenborough on The Great Barrier Reef: “Do we really care so little about the Earth upon which we live that we don't wish to protect one of its greatest wonders from the consequences of our behaviours?”
Application of pectin‐alginate and pectin‐alginate‐laurolyl arginate ethyl coatings to eliminate Salmonella enteritidis cross contamination in egg shells
Authors: De Leo Riccardo , Quartieri Andrea , Haghighi Hossein , Gigliano Silvia , Bedin Elisa , Pulvirenti Andrea
Published: October 2018

This study highlights the potential application of pectin‐alginate blend (PA) and pectin‐alginate‐LAE blend (PAL) coatings to eliminate Salmonella enteriditis 10,118 cross‐contamination without changing the shelf‐life of fresh eggs and their physico‐chemical properties during storage at 7 °C for 42 days. Egg shells were dipped in a solution of Salmonella enteritidis 10,118 with a concentration of 7 x 106 cfu/ml to assess Salmonella cross‐contamination. PA and PAL coatings did not have a significant effect on shelf‐life based on physico‐chemical properties. The egg shells treated with PA and PAL coatings had a significantly lower microbial population compared to the uncoated egg shells. PA and PAL coatings effectively inhibited the growth of Salmonella after 1 and 7 days of storage, respectively. In addition, no outgrowth was observed up to 42 days.

Practical applications

This study highlights the results of coating applications on eggs to enhance food safety. In the food industry, the only technology applied to eggs is brushing, however, this technique does not eliminate the safety risks such as Salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria. The coating enhances the shelf‐life of eggs and their safety in terms of human consumption, by blocking the horizontal cross‐contamination. Our results can be integrated with other studies to bring this technology from the lab to the egg industry.
Single probiotic supplement suppresses colitis‐associated colorectal tumorigenesis by modulating inflammatory development and microbial homeostasis
Authors: Rong Jingjing , Liu Shuzhan , Hu Chao , Liu Chen
Published: October 2018

Background and Aim

Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to the initiation and progression of cancers. Lactobacillus helveticus NS8, which was originally separated from fermented koumiss, exhibited anti‐inflammatory functions in our prior studies. In this study, NS8 was investigated for its potential to prevent colitis‐associated colorectal cancer (CAC).

Methods

The protective effects of NS8 against CAC was explored by employing the azoxymethane plus dextran sodium sulfate‐induced carcinogenesis mouse model. The prevalences of T cells expressing specific inflammatory cytokines were measured by flow cytometry at the early stage of CAC. Inflammatory modulation by NS8 was also tested in the Caco2‐Raw264.7 cell co‐culture system. The alternations in the intestinal microbiota following the health–inflammation–cancer sequence were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing.

Results

Oral intake of NS8 lactobacilli clearly reduced tumor number and the degree of hyperplasia. The increased proliferation of enterocytes at the early stage of CAC was significantly suppressed by NS8, while the level of apoptosis was elevated. The anticancer effects of NS8 were associated with its anti‐colitis outcomes before tumor formation. NS8 significantly suppressed the activation of NF‐κB and upregulated the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Further analysis revealed the marked downregulation of IL‐17‐producing T cells by NS8. Furthermore, NS8 modulated intestinal dysbiosis by promoting beneficial commensal microbes while suppressing cancer‐associated microbes. Notably, Bacteroides acidifaciens was the most sensitive commensal bacteria to NS8 intervention.

Conclusion

These results provide insight into the protective effects of L. helveticus NS8 against colorectal cancer.
Circulating inflammation‐related markers and advanced gastric premalignant lesions
Authors: Song Minkyo , Rabkin Charles S , Torres Javier , Kemp Troy J , Zabaleta Jovanny , Pinto Ligia A , Hildesheim Allan , Sánchez‐Figueroa Luz , Guarner Jeannette , Herrera‐Goepfert Roberto , Parsonnet Julie , Camargo Maria Constanza
Published: October 2018

Background and Aim

Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection causes gastric mucosal inflammation as an important antecedent of gastric cancer. We aimed to evaluate associations of blood markers of inflammation with gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in H. pylori‐infected individuals.

Methods

We compared pre‐treatment serum levels of immune‐related and inflammation‐related markers between 99 individuals with intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia and 75 control individuals with non‐atrophic gastritis within an H. pylori eradication trial in Mexico. Serum levels of 28 markers measured with Luminex bead‐based assays were categorized in tertiles as low (T1), middle (T2), and high (T3). Logistic regression models were used to calculate age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. All statistical tests were two‐sided, and significance values were adjusted for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate methods.

Results

Five markers were nominally associated (Ptrend < 0.05) with the presence of advanced premalignant gastric lesions. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of T2 and T3 versus T1 were 4.09 (1.65–10.17) and 3.08 (1.23–7.68) for CCL3/MIP1A, 3.21 (1.33–7.75) and 2.69 (1.10–6.57) for CCL20/MIP3A levels, 1.79 (0.77–4.18) and 2.39 (1.02–5.60) for IL‐1β, 1.34 (0.56–3.19) and 3.02 (1.29–7.12) for IL‐4, and 1.07 (0.44–2.59) and 3.07 (1.32–7.14) for IL‐5, respectively. Two (IL‐4 and IL‐5) of the five markers had false discovery rate adjusted Ptrend < 0.2.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that certain Th2 and other cytokines may have a role in promoting carcinogenesis in the setting of H. pylori infection. Additional research is needed to replicate these findings, extend to pre‐diagnostic samples, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Cognition and Vitamin D in Older African‐American Women– Physical performance and Osteoporosis prevention with vitamin D in older African Americans Trial and Dementia
Authors: Owusu Jeanette E. , Islam Shahidul , Katumuluwa Subhashini S. , Stolberg Alexandra R. , Usera Gianina L. , Anwarullah Ayesha A. , Shieh Albert , Dhaliwal Ruban , Ragolia Louis , Mikhail Mageda B. , Aloia John F.
Published: October 2018

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels recommended by Endocrine Society guidelines (>30 ng/mL) on cognition in healthy older African‐American women over 3 years.

DESIGN

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Bone Mineral Research Center at New York University Winthrop Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Healthy postmenopausal African American women aged 65 and older (N=260; mean age 68.2 ± 4.9; 46% college education or higher).

INTERVENTION

Half of the women were randomized to receive vitamin D (adjusted to achieve a serum level > 30 ng/mL) with calcium (diet and supplement total of 1,200 mg), and half were randomized to receive placebo with calcium (1,200 mg).

MEASUREMENTS

Cognitive assessments every 6 months using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) to detect cognitive decline. Mean MMSE scores were calculated over time for both groups. Those with MMSE scores less than 21 at baseline were excluded.

RESULTS

The average dose of vitamin D3 was 3,490 ± 1,465 IU per day, and average serum 25(OH)D at 3 years was 46.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL in the active group and 20.7 ± 1.1 ng/mL in the placebo group. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was maintained at greater than 30 ng/mL in 90% of the active group. Over the 3‐year period, MMSE scores increased in both groups (p < .001), although change over time was not significantly different between the groups. No adverse events associated with vitamin D were observed.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in cognition over time between older African‐American women with serum concentrations of 25(OH)D of 30 ng/mL and greater than those taking placebo. There is no evidence to support vitamin D intake greater than the recommended daily allowance in this population for preventing cognitive decline. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:81–86, 2019.
Weak Grip Strength and Cognition Predict Functional Limitation in Older Europeans
Authors: Wang Tong , Wu Yili , Li Weilong , Li Suyun , Sun Yanping , Li Shuxia , Zhang Dongfeng , Tan Qihua
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To estimate the effects of baseline grip strength and cognition on the trajectory of functional limitation over time.

Design

Longitudinal study of older adults participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).

Setting

Urban and rural households in 11 European countries and Israel.

Participants

Individuals aged 50 and older from SHARE (2004–2015) (N=14,073; 52.5% female).

Measurements

Outcomes were functional limitation scores from five panel wave. Main exposure variables were grip strength and cognitive measures including memory, verbal fluency, and numeracy at baseline. Basic demographic characteristics, life habits, and health status were considered as potential confounders. Mixed‐effect linear regression models were fitted.

Results

Functional limitation increased significantly over time (follow‐up range 0.9–11.6 years) (β = 0.051, P < .001). Mixed‐effect linear regression models identified significant interactions between grip strength (β = −0.001, P < .001), numeracy (β = −0.012, P < .001), verbal fluency (β = −0.003, P < .001), word recall (β = −0.006, P < .001) and time on functional limitation.

Conclusion

Stronger baseline grip strength and better cognition predicted a slower rate of increase in functional limitation over time in older adults. Grip strength and cognitive function appeared to be useful indicators of the functional limitation process and attested to their value in monitoring functional change in European older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:93–99, 2019.
Alternative healthy eating index and risk of hip fracture: a systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Panahande B. , Sadeghi A. , Parohan M.
Published: October 2018

Background

A high adherence to healthy dietary patterns, such as an alternative healthy eating index (AHEI), has been suggested to have protective effects on bone mineral density and to decrease the incidence of fractures, although the evidence for this is not clear. We conducted a dose–response meta‐analysis of available observational studies aiming to assess the association between adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, as assessed by the AHEI score, and risk of hip fracture in the general population.

Methods

Studies published up to March 2018 were identified on the basis of a literature search in PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases using Mesh and non‐Mesh relevant keywords. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), the linear and nonlinear relationships were calculated using random‐effects models.

Results

In the meta‐analysis of five effect sizes, as obtained from four studies (265 771 participants with 6938 cases of incident hip fracture), we found that a higher AHEI score was associated with a 31% reduced risk of hip fracture (pooled RR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.52–0.91) in high versus low intake meta‐analysis. In addition, there were inverse relationships between AHEI score and risk of hip fracture, such that a five‐unit increase in the score of AHEI was associated with a reduction in the risk of hip fracture in linear (pooled RR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.95–0.99) and nonlinear (Pnonlinearity < 0.001) models, respectively.

Conclusions

Adherence to the AHEI (as an indicator of diet quality) was associated with a reduced risk of hip fracture.
Perfume and Planes: Ignorance and Imagination in Haiti's Vetiver Oil Industry
Authors: Freeman Scott
Published: October 2018

Rezime

Nan atik sa a, nou analize pwodiksyon lwil vetivè ak de lòt fenomèn nan sidwès Dayiti: mank enfòmasyon sou endistri vetivè a, ak imajinè ki fèt sou sa endistri a pwodwi. Plantè vetivè konn kiltive zèb la pou yo vann rasin nan izin ki pwodwi lwil esansyèl pou pafen ak savon. Epoutan, anpil kiltivatè vetivè sa yo pa konnen kijan moun sèvi ak lwil la. Genyen kiltivatè ki menm kwe lwil vetivè fè avyon vole, men se pa vre. Nan atik sa a, nou konstate se fason pwodiksyon an fèt ki vin bay yon mank denfómasyon ak yon imajinè komodite. Genyen moun ki konprann vetivè kòm yon komodite ekspòtasyon ki ta kapab ede moun ki nan mizè. Men nou bay agiman si nou fikse plis sou aspè non‐materyèl, n a wè pi klè yon endistri ki ekstraktif e kache. [agrikilti, klas, ekonomi ekstraktif, imaginè, Ayiti, travay, mache, pafen, vetivè]
A Test of the Modigliani‐Miller Invariance Theorem and Arbitrage in Experimental Asset Markets
Authors: CHARNESS GARY , NEUGEBAUER TIBOR
Published: October 2018

Modigliani and Miller show that the total market value of a firm is unaffected by a repackaging of asset return streams to equity and debt if pricing is arbitrage‐free. We investigate this invariance theorem in experimental asset markets, finding value‐invariance for assets of identical risks when returns are perfectly correlated. However, exploiting price discrepancies has risk when returns have the same expected value but are uncorrelated, in which case the law of one price is violated. Discrepancies shrink in consecutive markets, but persist even with experienced traders. In markets where overall trader acuity is high, assets trade closer to parity.
Assessing the Relationship between Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score and Carotid Artery Imaging Findings
Authors: Li Ying , Zhu Guangming , Ding Victoria , Huang Yonghua , Jiang Bin , Ball Robyn L. , Rodriguez Fatima , Fleischmann Dominik , Desai Manisha , Saloner David , Saba Luca , Hom Jason , Wintermark Max
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To characterize the relationship between computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging characteristics of carotid artery and the 10‐year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) score.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent a cervical CTA at our institution from January 2013 to July 2016, extracted clinical information, and calculated the 10‐year ASCVD score using the Pooled Cohort Equations from the 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines. We compared the imaging features of artery atherosclerosis derived from the CTAs between low and high risk.

RESULTS

One hundred forty‐six patients met our inclusion criteria. Patients with an ASCVD score ≥7.5% (64.4%) had significantly more arterial stenosis than patients with an ASCVD score <7.5% (35.6%, P < .001). Maximal plaque thickness was significantly higher (mean 2.33 vs. .42 mm, P < .001) and soft plaques (55.3% vs. 13.5%, P < .001) were significantly more frequent in patients with an ASCVD score ≥7.5%. However, among patients with a 10‐year ASCVD score ≥7.5%, 33 (35.1%) had no arterial stenosis, 35 (37.2%) had a maximal plaque thickness less than. 9 mm, and 42 (44.7%) had no soft plaque. Furthermore, among the patients with a 10‐year ASCVD score <7.5%, 8 (15.4%) had some arterial stenosis, 8 (15.4%) had a maximal plaque thickness more than. 9 mm, and 7 (13.5%) had soft plaque.

CONCLUSION

There is some concordance but not a perfect overlap between the 10‐year ASCVD risk scores calculated from clinical and blood assessment and carotid artery imaging findings.
Prognostic factors in dogs with presumed degenerative mitral valve disease attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mattin M. J. , Boswood A. , Church D. B. , Brodbelt D. C.
Published: October 2018

Background

Prognostic risk factors were identified for dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) monitored by veterinary cardiologists. The value of these measurements has not been determined in the wider primary care setting.

Objectives

To evaluate whether plasma cardiac biomarkers and data obtained from routine history‐taking and physical examination are predictive of survival in dogs with DMVD attending primary care practice.

Animals

Eight‐hundred and ninety‐three dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of DMVD recruited from 79 primary care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Primary care veterinary practitioners recorded clinical data. Plasma N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured at presentation. Cox regression models evaluated associations between risk factor variables and hazard of death (all‐cause mortality and cardiac‐related death). Flexible parametric models generated predicted survival probabilities for dogs with different combinations of prognostic risk factor variable values.

Results

Dogs with higher NT‐proBNP and cTnI concentrations, higher heart rates, older dogs, females, and those reported to be exercise intolerant, dyspneic, and diagnosed with selected comorbidities had an increased hazard of death due to any cause. Dogs with higher concentrations of plasma biomarkers, higher heart rates, and heart murmur intensities, those with exercise intolerance and those receiving potent diuretics had a higher hazard of cardiac‐related death.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cardiac biomarkers and key clinical findings identified in this study can help primary care veterinary practitioners identify dogs with DMVD that are at highest risk of death.
Work schedules on lowland farms in southern New Zealand from the late colonial period to the 1930s
Authors: Holland Peter , Olson Sherry , Garden Chris
Published: October 2018

Details of two‐way flows of primary products, implements, labour, information and finance drawn from runs of farm diaries, stock and station agents’ records, and newspaper articles were used to analyse work schedules on three comparable properties between 1874 and 1930, and to track the development of mixed cropping and livestock farming in southern New Zealand when draught horses were giving way to either steam or internal combustion engines as the prime source of motive power. The earliest records are for two farms in the late 19th century, and the most recent are for a third property in the 1920s.
The impact of multicomponent weight management interventions on quality of life in adolescents affected by overweight or obesity: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Murray M. , Pearson J. L. , Dordevic A. L. , Bonham M. P.
Published: October 2018

Adolescents affected by overweight or obesity report similar quality of life to adolescents with cancer. While weight management is important for physiological outcomes, it is unclear whether weight management improves quality of life in this age group. This meta‐analysis assessed the impact of multicomponent weight management interventions on quality of life in adolescents affected by overweight or obesity. Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus and CINAHL Plus databases were searched up to July 2017. Eight eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of multicomponent weight management interventions for adolescents (10 to 19 years) affected by overweight or obesity, with quality of life and weight measurements. Meta‐analyses determined a positive effect on quality of life (mean difference 0.20 [0.11, 0.29]; p < 0.01) and weight (mean difference 0.30 [0.12, 0.47]; p < 0.01) following intervention. There was no correlation between weight loss and improvements in quality of life (R2 = 0.103). Rather than weight loss, intervention factors such as parental involvement, group settings and a focus on psychosocial well‐being appeared linked to improvements in quality of life. The reduced quality of life reported by this group may be due to social consequences of obesity, rather than actual weight.