bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of feral horses in the Australian Alps and evidence‐based solutions
Authors: Driscoll Don A. , Worboys Graeme L. , Allan Hugh , Banks Sam C. , Beeton Nicholas J. , Cherubin Rebecca C. , Doherty Tim S. , Finlayson C. Max , Green Ken , Hartley Renée , Hope Geoffrey , Johnson Chris N. , Lintermans Mark , Mackey Brendan , Paull David J. , Pittock Jamie , Porfirio Luciana L. , Ritchie Euan G. , Sato Chloe F. , Scheele Ben C. , Slattery Deirdre A. , Venn Susanna , Watson David , Watson Maggie , Williams Richard M.
Published: January 2019

New evidence of impacts by feral horses in Australia's alpine parks systems confirms they endanger threatened species and extensively damage critically endangered bog communities that could take millennia to recover. These impacts are not confounded by effects of deer and accumulate over time, even when only a small number of feral horses (~100) are present. With protected areas representing only a small proportion of the area of the Australian states of New South Wales (9.3%) and Victoria (17%), allowing feral horses to degrade reserves is not a reasonable management compromise, is contrary to the purpose of the protected area system and conflicts with international obligations. Modelling and decades of management experience indicate that trapping alone does not control feral horse numbers. Trapping and fertility control can work in small populations, but not when there are several thousand horses in remote areas. Aerial culling is needed to cost‐effectively and humanely control feral horse populations. The relatively small amount of suffering feral horses experience during a cull is outweighed by (i) avoiding suffering and death of horses from starvation and thirst, (ii) avoiding the suffering of native animals displaced by horses and (iii) avoiding the ethical concerns of driving threatened species towards extinction. Objections to aerial culling on welfare and cultural grounds are contradicted by evidence. Improving knowledge in the general community about what is at stake is long overdue because without this knowledge, small groups with vested interests and unfounded claims have been able to dominate debate and dictate management actions. As a result of ineffective management, horse populations are now expanding and causing well‐documented damage to Australia's alpine parks, placing at risk almost $10M spent on restoration after livestock grazing ended. The costs of horse control and restoration escalate the longer large horse populations remain in the alpine parks. It is crucial that feral horse numbers are rapidly reduced to levels where ecosystems begin to recover. Aerial culling is needed as part of the toolbox to achieve that reduction.
How can the social sciences work with ecology in informing feral horse policy and management in south‐eastern Australia?
Authors: Knight Alexandra R.
Published: January 2019

Feral horse management is a complex social issue. Committed and active stakeholders hold strong beliefs regarding both the level of culling needed and humane approaches to control. Ecological evidence supporting control and expert advice on ethical culling can, in such contexts, have limited effect in policy development and application. Given this complexity, social scientists have an important role to play in developing longer term solutions. Three possible approaches are evident: the use of knowledge exchange and boundary spanning expertise; the proactive development of publicly available evidence‐informed narratives; and the development of influence and leadership at the science–policy interface. Social scientists, ecologists, managers and policymakers need to work together to develop and implement sound management decisions.
Art Culture and Environments
Authors: Armstrong Evelyn A.
Published: January 2019

This article addresses the embodied, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and socio‐political relationship that appears in visual representation and in environmental art. With a turn away from nihilistic binary barriers between representational, nonrepresentational, and narrative art, I draw upon the ethico‐aesthetic paradigm which calls for reflective thought on subjective perception and the power of first‐hand multicultural experiences. (On my use of the terms “aesthetics” and “ethics,”I wish to note that they carry notions belonging to personal emotional and critical values, including the capacity of experiencing nature and works of art from an emotional perspective. Following Felix Guattari: “the aesthetic power of feeling [is deemed] equal in principle with other powers of thinking philosophically” (Félix Guattari, Chaosmosis: An Ethico‐aesthetic Paradigm [Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University Press, 1995, 101].) This tradition also calls for respect for sentiment, imagination, and creative expression. It places high value on images, objects, and things that reflect lived experiences. To a greater degree, regardless of how bleak things appear, the ethico‐aesthetic tradition calls for getting involved in practical activities that have a future.
Nicotinamide for photoprotection and skin cancer chemoprevention: A review of efficacy and safety
Authors: Snaidr Victoria A. , Damian Diona L. , Halliday Gary M.
Published: January 2019

Nicotinamide is a water‐soluble vitamin B3 derivative that has many roles in medicine. This review examines the role of nicotinamide in dermatology and its actions in preventing photoageing and skin cancers in humans. Nicotinamide prevents ultraviolet radiation (UV) from reducing ATP levels and inhibiting glycolysis, thus preventing the UV radiation‐induced energy crisis. This enhances DNA repair and reduces UV‐induced suppression of immunity. Randomised controlled clinical trials have also shown that nicotinamide reduces transepidermal water loss and the development of new non‐melanoma skin cancers in high‐risk humans. This review also examines nicotinamide's safety profile.
3‐O‐Laurylglyceryl ascorbate improves the development of sensitive skin through the reduction of oxidative stress
Authors: Katsuyama Yushi , Taira Norihisa , Tsuboi Tatsuya , Yoshioka Masato , Okano Yuri , Masaki Hitoshi
Published: January 2019

Skin sensitivity is a serious problem for many people, and it can be induced by various factors such as UV irradiation, physical and mental stresses, air pollution, dry air and so on. Skin dryness triggered by UV and dry air is one of the most important causes inducing the development of sensitive skin, and it has been reported that oxidative stress contributes to skin dryness. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with 3‐O‐laurylglyceryl ascorbate (VC‐3LG), which is an amphipathic ascorbic acid derivative, can suppress the development of sensitive skin. The results demonstrate that VC‐3LG restores the expression levels of interleukin‐1α, nerve growth factor and matrix metalloprotease‐9 in the dry skin models of reconstructed human epidermal equivalents (RHEEs) and in H2O2‐treated keratinocytes. In addition, VC‐3LG suppresses the dendrite elongation of nerve cells induced in RHEEs by dry skin conditions and by H2O2 treatment of keratinocytes. Therefore, we consider that treatment of the skin with VC‐3LG is an effective approach to improve the development of sensitive skin.
Basic analysis of facial ageing: The relationship between the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and age
Authors: Okuda Itsuko , Yoshioka Naoki , Shirakabe Yukio , Akita Keiichi
Published: January 2019

Background

The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is an anatomical structure involved in the facial ageing process. We aimed to evaluate the SMAS laxity using multi‐detector row computed tomography (MDCT) as a diagnostic tool, and to analyse the relationship between SMAS laxity and age.

Methods

Fifty‐seven female subjects (aged 21‐57 years) were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into two age groups: one below the mean age (Group Y, 30 subjects) and one over it (Group O, 27 subjects). The Posture Change (PC)‐induced SMAS Laxity Index was measured using reconstructed CT images, and the relationship between the PC‐induced SMAS Laxity Index and age was analysed.

Results

The PC‐induced SMAS Laxity Index was significantly larger in Group O than in Group Y. As well, a strong and significant positive correlation was detected between the PC‐induced SMAS Laxity Index and age (r = 0.72; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The use of MDCT provides insight into the detailed changes associated with ageing that take place within the cheeks. This study objectively demonstrated that SMAS laxity and age are factors associated with facial ageing, as the SMAS laxity increased with age. Finally, the imaging features confirmed the dermatological and aesthetic knowledge gained from plastic surgery regarding the loss of the SMAS supporting force due to facial ageing.
Decoupled trophic responses to long‐term recovery from acidification and associated browning in lakes
Authors: Leach Taylor H. , Winslow Luke A. , Hayes Nicole M. , Rose Kevin C.
Published: January 2019

Increases in the concentration of dissolved organic matter (DOM) have been documented in many inland waters in recent decades, a process known as “browning”. Previous studies have often used space‐for‐time substitution to examine the direct consequences of increased DOM on lake ecosystems. However, browning often occurs concomitant with other ecologically important water chemistry changes that may interact with or overwhelm any potential ecological response to browning itself. Here we examine a long‐term (~20 year) dataset of 28 lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York, USA, that have undergone strong browning in response to recovery from acidification. With these data, we explored how primary producer and zooplankton consumer populations changed during this time and what physical and chemical changes best predicted these long‐term ecosystem changes. Our results indicate that changes in primary producers are likely driven by reduced water clarity due to browning, independent of changes in nutrients, counter to previously hypothesized primary producer response to browning. In contrast, declines in calcium concomitant with browning play an important role in driving long‐term declines in zooplankton biomass. Our results indicate that responses to browning at different trophic levels are decoupled from one another. Concomitant chemical changes have important implications for our understanding of the response of aquatic ecosystems to browning.
Risk–benefit point of the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score in patients waiting for deceased‐donor liver transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Iwamura Sena , Kaido Toshimi , Morita Satoshi , Miyachi Yosuke , Yao Siyuan , Shirai Hisaya , Kobayashi Atsushi , Hamaguchi Yuhei , Kamo Naoko , Yagi Shintaro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: January 2019

Aim

To clarify the risk–benefit point of the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in patients waiting for deceased‐donor liver transplantation (DDLT).

Methods

The present study retrospectively investigated 213 patients registered on the waiting list at Kyoto University (Kyoto, Japan) between 2005 and 2016. Patients were stratified by MELD score (6–9/10–14/15–20/21–30/31–40) and classified into two groups: the DDLT group (30 patients) and the waiting group (183 patients). Their post‐registration mortality risk and long‐term survival were compared.

Results

For all MELD categories, the mortality risk was lower in the DDLT group than in the waiting group. The hazard ratio of post‐registration mortality decreased in the DDLT group compared to the waiting group as the MELD score increased (0.36/0.12/0.06/0.042/0.004). Survival was significantly better among patients in the DDLT group with a MELD score of 15 or more than among patients in the waiting group.

Conclusion

For all MELD categories, DDLT reduced the mortality risk of patients on the waiting list.
Evaluation of long‐term effects of diode laser application in periodontal treatment of poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Dengizek Eltas Seydanur , Gursel Mihtikar , Eltas Abubekir , Alptekin Nilgun Ozlem , Ataoglu Tamer
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effects of diode laser (DL) in addition to non‐surgical periodontal treatment on periodontal parameters, systemic inflammatory response and serum haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic periodontitis.

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with poorly controlled T2DM and chronic periodontitis completed this study. The patients were divided into two groups. The individuals in the control group received placebo laser treatment in addition to scaling and root planing (SRP). The individuals in the study group received DL (1 watt) in addition to SRP. Clinical index measurements were performed before treatment (T0), 3 months after treatment (T1) and 6 months after treatment (T2). Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level and probing depth were measured to determine periodontal status. HbA1c and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were also analysed using blood samples.

Results

In both groups, clinical and laboratory parameters were significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Gingival index, bleeding on probing and probing depth were more significantly reduced after treatment in the SRP+DL group than in the SRP group (P < 0.05). The serum CRP and HbA1c levels were similar between the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of DL in addition to SRP in periodontal treatment of T2DM individuals makes positive contribution to the reduction of local inflammation and to periodontal healing. On the other hand, it has no beneficial effects on systemic inflammatory response and glycaemic control.
Androgens in seminal plasma: markers of the surface epithelium of the male reproductive tract
Authors: ZALATA A. , HAFEZ T. , VERDONCK L. , VERMEULEN L. , COMHAIRE FRANK
Published: January 2019

Androgens in seminal plasma have been investigated in relation to other markers of the male reproductive system. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured by radioimmunoassay after paper chromatography in 104 semen samples. Concentrations of testosterone and DHT were significantly lower in samples from patients with abnormal sperm characteristics than in men with normozoospermia. Both testosterone and DHT were correlated significantly with sperm concentration (r = 0.40, p < 0.001; r = 0.41, p < 0.001, respectively), motile sperm concentration (r = 0.35, p < 0.01; r = 0.35, p < 0.01) and ATP concentration (r = 0.59, p < 0.001; r = 0.45, p < 0.001). In addition, the total amounts of testosterone and DHT were correlated with total activity of α‐glucosidase (r = 0.49, p < 0.001; r = 0.58, p < 0.01), and γ‐glutamyltransferase (r = 0.49, p < 0.001; r = 0.48, p < 0.001) in seminal plasma. Transferrin (Tf) concentration in seminal plasma was significantly lower in samples without spermatozoa, and total Tf content was lower in oligozoospermic samples (p < 0.05). Testosterone and DHT were correlated positively with Tf levels in seminal plasma (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001; r = 0.78, p < 0.0001 respectively). Testosterone, DHT and Tf in seminal plasma were higher in the first than in the second fraction of split ejaculates, and DHT, but not testosterone, increased significantly in each of six patients treated with tamoxifen. Testosterone, DHT, and Tf in seminal plasma were not correlated with serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone or prolactin, but the DHT : T ratio in seminal plasma was correlated with serum LH (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). It is concluded that the concentration of androgens in seminal plasma is related predominantly to the activity of the seminiferous epithelium and, to a lesser extent, to the function of the accessory sex glands.
An in vitro study to investigate the interference of enoxaparin on plasma levels of direct oral factor Xa inhibitors measured by chromogenic assays
Authors: Cini Michela , Legnani Cristina , Testa Sophie , Tripodi Armando , Cosmi Benilde , Palareti Gualtiero
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Co‐administration of enoxaparin and a direct oral factor Xa inhibitor (xabans: apixaban, edoxaban, rivaroxaban) could give rise to the problem of overlapping the anti‐Xa activity when measuring direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) levels. We aimed to evaluate in vitro the degree of the interference of increasing enoxaparin concentrations on xaban plasma levels measured by different chromogenic anti‐Xa assays with drug‐specific calibrators and controls.

Methods

Seven plasma samples were spiked with apixaban, edoxaban, or rivaroxaban at fixed concentration, and enoxaparin at increasing concentrations (0, 0.125, 0.250, 0.50, 1.0, 1.50, and 2.0 IU/mL). The evaluated chromogenic assays were as follows: Biophen DiXaI and Biophen Heparin LRT (Hyphen BioMed), Berichrom Heparin and Innovance Heparin (Siemens), STA‐Liquid Anti‐Xa (Stago Diagnostics), Technochrom anti‐Xa (Technoclone), and HemosIL Liquid Anti‐Xa (Werfen).

Results

The presence of enoxaparin caused increased DOAC levels, with over‐estimation depending on the anti‐Xa assay and on the heparin concentration in the sample. The smallest over‐estimation was in the sample with enoxaparin 0.125 IU/mL and the greatest in the sample with enoxaparin 2.0 IU/mL (0%, 3.1%, and 7.4% vs 583.8%, 526.1%, and 415.2% for apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban, respectively). Biophen DiXaI showed lower interference compared to other methods (maximum over‐estimation in the presence of enoxaparin 2.0 IU/mL: 56.4% dosing rivaroxaban by Biophen DIXaI vs 583.8% dosing apixaban by Berichrom Heparin).

Conclusion

The presence of enoxaparin interferes with xabans measurement by chromogenic anti‐Xa assays causing falsely elevated DOAC levels, the over‐estimation being dependent on the anti‐Xa assay and on the heparin concentration in the sample.
The diagnosis of infection in chronic leg ulcers: A narrative review on clinical practice
Authors: Bui Ut T. , Finlayson Kathleen , Edwards Helen
Published: January 2019

This literature review aimed to provide a narrative review of evidence on validity of clinical and microbial indicators of infection and to gain insights into the diagnosis of infection in chronic leg ulcers (CLUs). A search was conducted in Cinahl, Medline, the Cochrane Library databases, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, PsycINFO, ProQuest dissertations, and Google Scholar from January 1990 to July 2017. The inclusion criteria were original studies, systematic reviews, and consensus documents focused on “infection” in CLUs, English language, clinical and community settings, and human. The reviewed studies were inconsistent in criteria for infection between investigated wound types and lack of specificity regarding wound types. There were few studies investigating the criteria for diagnosis of infection in leg ulcers. The identification of leg ulcer infection still remains problematic and relies on out‐of‐date and not uniform evidence. Literature in this area was mostly limited to level III and IV evidence based on The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Levels of Evidence, or expert opinion. This literature review showed seven clinical signs and symptoms that could be diagnostic for infection in CLUs, including: new, increased, or altered ulcer pain; malodour; increased ulcer area; wound breakdown, delayed or non‐healing; and erythema and increased local temperature, whilst the microbial indicators used to diagnose infected leg ulcers were varied and regarded as less important.
Treating a non‐healing postoperative sternal wound in a woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case report
Authors: Castiello Gianluca , Ghizzardi Greta , Dellafiore Federica , Turrini Francesca , Caruso Rosario
Published: January 2019

One of the leading causes of impaired chronic wound healing is diabetes mellitus because it involves many factors that influence the physiopathology of tissue healing. Therefore, it is strategic to analyse clinical cases of this population. We presented a clinical case report of a 51‐year‐old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus, presenting a non‐healing sternal wound after open heart surgery. Appropriate dressing and assessment contributed to the healing of the sternal wound in 5 weeks.
The spectra analysis and microwave dielectric properties of [Ca0.55(Sm1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 ceramics
Authors: Hao Shu‐Zhao , Zhou Di , Pang Li‐Xia
Published: January 2019

A series of low‐temperature firing ceramics with scheelite structure, [Ca0.55(Sm1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 (x = 0.2–0.95), were prepared via solid‐state reaction. The sintering temperature ranges from 660 to 760°C. A standard tetragonal scheelite phase was formed without secondary phase. When the x value was 0.95, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) moved to a near zero value (−2.1 ppm/°C) with a dielectric constant 13.7 and the quality factor (Qf) of 33 200 GHz. The Raman spectra shows that the more vibration modes appeared with x value, which is due to the increasing of Bi concentration and results in increase in permittivities and decrease in Qf values. The classical harmonic oscillator model is used in the infrared spectra and extrapolate to the microwave range. The [Ca0.55(Sm1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 ceramics show high‐performance microwave dielectric properties at low‐sintering temperature.
The effect of B‐site Y substitution on cubic phase stabilization in (Ba0.5Sr0.5)(Co0.8Fe0.2)O3−δ
Authors: Meffert Matthias , Unger Lana‐Simone , Störmer Heike , Sigloch Fabian , Wagner Stefan F. , Ivers‐Tiffée Ellen , Gerthsen Dagmar
Published: January 2019

The cubic phase mixed ionic‐electronic conductor (Ba0.5Sr0.5)(Co0.8Fe0.2)O3−δ (BSCF) is well‐known for its excellent oxygen ion conductivity and high catalytic activity. However, formation of secondary phases impedes oxygen ion transport and consequentially a widespread application of BSCF as oxygen transport membrane. B‐cation substitution by 1, 3 and 10 at.% Y was employed in this work for stabilization of the cubic BSCF phase. Secondary phase formation was quantified on bulk and powder samples exposed to temperatures between 640 and 1100°C with annealing time up to 44 days. The phase composition, cation valence states, and chemical composition of all samples were analyzed by high‐resolution analytical electron microscopic techniques. Y doping effectively suppresses the formation of Ban+1ConO3n+3(Co8O8) (n ≥ 2) and CoxOy phases which would otherwise act as nucleation centers for the highly undesirable hexagonal BSCF phase. This work validates for 10 at.% Y cation substitution perfect stabilization of the cubic BSCF phase at temperatures ≥800°C, while a negligible small volume fraction of the hexagonal BSCF phase was found at lower temperatures. A newly developed model describes the effect of Y doping on the formation of secondary phases and their effective suppression with increasing Y concentration.
Retracted: LncRNA LINC01305 silencing inhibits cell epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer by inhibiting TNXB‐mediated PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Yan Shu‐Ping , Chu Dan‐Xia , Qiu Hai‐Feng , Xie Ya , Wang Chun‐Fang , Zhang Jian‐Ying , Li Wen‐Cai , Guo Rui‐Xia
Published: January 2019

Cervical cancer (CC) remains one of the leading malignancies afflicting females worldwide, with its aetiology associated with long‐term papillomavirus infection. Recent studies have shifted their focus and research attention to the relationship between long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and CC therapeutic. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of lncRNA LINC01305 on the cell invasion, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CC cells via modulation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by targeting tenascin‐X B (TNXB). The expressions of LINC01305, TNXB, MMP2, MMP9, E‐cadherin, vimentin, PI3K, Akt, p‐PI3K, p‐Akt and TNXB were detected in this study. After which, the cell invasion and migration abilities of the CC cells were determined respectively. Bioinformatics and the application of a dual luciferase reporter gene assay provided verification indicating that TNXB is the target gene of lncRNA LINC01305. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot analysis methods revealed that the expressions of MMP2, MMP9, vimentin, PI3K, Akt, p‐PI3K and p‐Akt were decreased following the down‐regulation of LncRNA LINC01305 or overexpression of TNXB. LncRNA LINC01305 silencing or TNXB overexpression was noted to decrease the migration and invasion of SiHa cells. Taken together, the key findings of the current study present evidence suggesting that lncRNA LINC01305 silencing suppresses EMT, invasion and migration via repressing the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by means of targeting TNXB in CC cells, which ultimately provides novel insight and identification of potential therapeutic targets for CC.
Scutellarin inhibits proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via down‐regulation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liu Kang , Tian Tian , Zheng Yi , Zhou Linghui , Dai Cong , Wang Meng , Lin Shuai , Deng Yujiao , Hao Qian , Zhai Zhen , Dai Zhijun
Published: January 2019

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor because of high incidence of recurrence and metastasis. JAK/STAT signalling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is also considered to contribute to invasion and metastasis of epithelial malignant tumours. Scutellarin is an active component found in many traditional Chinese herbs and has been regularly used in anti‐inflammatory and antitumour medicine. This study aimed to identify the effect of scutellarin and its possible mechanism of action in HCC cells. Proliferation, colony‐forming, apoptosis and cell migration assays were used to examine the effect of scutellarin on HCC cells. Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blotting were performed to study the molecular mechanisms of action of scutellarin. Light and electron microscopy and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to study the effect of scutellarin on cellular mechanics. We show that scutellarin potentially suppresses invasiveness of HepG2 and MHCC97‐H cells in vitro by remodelling their cytoskeleton. The molecular mechanism behind it might be the inhibition of the EMT process, which could be attributed to the down‐regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. These findings may provide new clinical ideas for the treatment of liver cancer.
Cutaneous eruptions associated with haematologic malignancies: the need for a unifying nomenclature
Authors: Maglie R. , Grandi V. , Massi D. , Caproni M. , Pimpinelli N. , Antiga E.
Published: January 2019

Linked article: L. Visseaux et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: e193–e193. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15451
Continuous and intermittent microwave‐vacuum drying of apple: Drying kinetics, protein, mineral content, and color
Authors: Polat Ahmet , Taskin Onur , Izli Nazmi , Asik Baris Bulent
Published: January 2019

The effect of microwave‐vacuum drying on drying characteristics, protein, mineral content, and color of the apple was investigated in this study. Eight different drying treatments were applied with using levels of microwave power (200 and 300 W), vacuum conditions (200 and 400 mmHg), and pulse ratios (PR = 1 [Continuous] and PR = 2 [30 s ton/30 s toff]). Based on the drying settings used, increasing microwave power, vacuum treatments, and decreasing pulse ratio provided shorter drying time. The Page model gave a high fit of statistical values at all data points used to describe the drying kinetics of dried apple samples. At the 300 W–200 mmHg–PR = 2 application, the quantity of potassium was found to be the highest compared with that of the other drying conditions. The protein rate of dried apples was higher than the fresh samples because of water loss. The lowest effect on L* (lightness [78.27]), a* (green/red [10.70]), and b* (blue/yellow [32.72]) values were observed in samples dried at the 200 W–400 mmHg–PR = 2, 300 W–200 mmHg–PR = 1, and 200 W–200 mmHg–PR = 2, respectively. As a conclusion, the treatment of 300 W–400 mmHg–PR = 1 was found most effective with a shorter drying time (30 min) and high protein content (2.5%).

Practical applications

Apple (Malus domestica L.) is one of the most important fruit due to its nutritional composition and the presence of biologically active compounds that provide positive effects on human health. Therefore, apple is grown and farmed extensively in most agricultural areas around the world. Drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. Dried apple can be not only stored longer, but also used as packaged snacks and integral breakfast foods. Combining microwave and vacuum drying offers rapid and uniform drying, which can be used to dry food products on a commercial scale. In addition, application of intermittent microwave‐vacuum technology in the drying of apple can result in significant improvement in quality.
Superior clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy compared with balloon dilation in all achalasia subtypes
Authors: Kim Ga Hee , Jung Kee Wook , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Kim Min‐Ju , Na Hee Kyong , Ahn Ji Yong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug
Published: January 2019

Background and Aim

Optimal treatment modalities for each of the three subtypes of achalasia are still under debate. Differences in prognosis and long‐term outcomes between peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and balloon dilation (BD) are also unclear. We aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of BD and POEM in each subtype of achalasia by using information from the manometry database of a tertiary referral center in Korea.

Methods

Data from 5207 esophageal manometry procedures performed between 1989 and 2016 were analyzed. The medical records and results of esophagography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were also reviewed.

Results

We identified 264 patients (116 men and 148 women) with diagnosis of achalasia during the study period. POEM and BD were carried out on 64 and 177 patients, respectively. There was a significant difference in the time to relapse between the POEM group and the BD group (P = 0.002). At the 24‐month follow‐up, the clinical success rates of POEM and BD were 91.8% and 68.0%, respectively. The hazard ratio of symptom return was 6.54 for BD compared with POEM (95% confidence interval 2.12–20.22, P = 0.001). After a follow‐up period of 24 months, the success rate of POEM was significantly higher than that of BD for all subtypes of achalasia. However, only that of types I and II was statistically significant (type 1: 92.0% vs 51.1%, P = 0.004; type 2: 92.3% vs 59.8%, P = 0.007; and type3: 91.7% vs 55.6%, P = 0.051).

Conclusions

Peroral endoscopic myotomy was more effective than BD in providing mid‐long‐term remission in patients with all manometric subtypes of achalasia.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Real‐World Treatment of Older Adults with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Muchnik Eugene , Loh Kah Poh , Strawderman Myla , Magnuson Allison , Mohile Supriya G. , Estrah Vered , Maggiore Ronald J.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in older patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seen in routine clinical practice.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Single academic institution and its affiliated centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 70 years or older with advanced‐stage NSCLC seen between April 1, 2015, and April 1, 2017, and treated with ICIs.

MEASUREMENTS

Efficacy data included overall survival (OS) and time to treatment failure (TTF), stratified by age, comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI]), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS), and estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. Toxicity data included immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), need for glucocorticoids, and hospitalization. The associations of toxicity with age, CCI, and ECOG PS were evaluated using the exact χ2 test or Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

We included 75 patients (median age: 74 y; range, 70‐92 y); 53% had a CCI of 3 or higher; 49% had ECOG PS of 2 or higher. Median OS for the whole cohort was 8.2 months (ECOG PS 0‐1 vs ≥2: 13.7 vs 3.8 mo; p < .01). Median TTF was 4.2 months (ECOG PS 0‐1 vs ≥2: 5.6 vs 2.0 mo; p = .02). Overall, 37% of patients experienced irAE of any grade (a total of 37 events); 8% were grade 3 or higher (no ICI‐related deaths). Of those who discontinued ICIs (N = 64), 15% were due to irAEs. Of those who experienced irAEs, 64% required glucocorticoids. Hospitalizations during ICI treatment occurred in 72%. Toxicity generally did not differ by age, CCI, or ECOG PS.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes in our cohort were driven by ECOG PS rather than chronological age or comorbidities. The relatively high rates of ICI discontinuation, use of glucocorticoids, and hospitalization during ICI treatment in our study highlight the vulnerability of older adults with advanced NSCLC even in the immunotherapy era. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:905–912, 2019.
Polypharmacy, Gait Performance, and Falls in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults. Results from the Gait and Brain Study
Authors: Montero‐Odasso Manuel , Sarquis‐Adamson Yanina , Song Hao Yuan , Bray Nick Walter , Pieruccini‐Faria Frederico , Speechley Mark
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications, has been repeatedly linked to fall incidence, and recently it was cross‐sectionally associated with gait disturbances. Our objectives were to evaluate cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between polypharmacy and gait performance in a well‐established clinic‐based cohort study. We also assessed whether gait impairments could mediate associations between number of medications and fall incidence.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort of community‐dwelling older adults, with 5 years of follow‐up.

SETTING

Geriatric clinics in an academic hospital in London, ON, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Community‐dwelling older adults aged 65 and older (n = 249; 76.6 ± 8.6 y; 63% women).

MEASUREMENTS

Number of medications, quantitative spatiotemporal gait parameters, and fall incidence during follow‐up.

RESULTS

The number of medications was cross‐sectionally associated with poor gait performance (slow gait, speed p < .001; higher variability, p < .001; and higher stride, p < .001; step, p = .013, and double support times, p < .001). Prospectively, the number of medications was associated with overall gait decline (odds ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13‐1.33; p < .001), faster gait decline (hazard ratio = 4.62; 95%CI = 1.82‐11.73; p < .001), and higher falls incidence (p = .006). These associations remained true after adjusting for age, sex, and accounting for “confounding by indication bias” by using a comorbidity propensity score adjustment. Each additional medication taken, significantly increased gait decline risk by 12% to 16% and fall incidence risk by 5% to 7%. Mediation analyses revealed that gait impairments in stride length, step length, and step width mediated the strength of the association between medications and fall incidence.

CONCLUSION

Polypharmacy was cross‐sectionally associated with poor gait performance and longitudinally associated with gait decline and fall incidence. Despite our use of propensity matching, confounding by indication could have influenced the results. Quantitative spatial gait parameters performance mediated the strength of the association between medications and falls, suggesting a role of gait disturbances in the medication‐related falls pathway.
Changes in Older Adults' Oral Health and Disparities: 1999 to 2004 and 2011 to 2016
Authors: Griffin Susan O. , Griffin Paul M. , Li Chien‐Hsun , Bailey William D. , Brunson Diane , Jones Judith A.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVES

To examine changes in tooth loss and untreated tooth decay among older low‐income and higher‐income US adults and whether disparities have persisted.

DESIGN

Sequential cross‐sectional study using nationally representative data.

SETTING

The 1999 to 2004 and 2011 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Noninstitutionalized US adults, aged 65 years and older (N = 3539 for 1999‐2004, and N = 3514 for 2011‐2016).

MEASUREMENTS

Differences in prevalence of tooth loss (having 19 teeth or fewer, 8 teeth or fewer, and no teeth) and untreated decay and mean number of decayed and missing teeth (DMT) between low‐ and high‐income adults 65 years and older in each survey and changes between surveys. Adjusted prevalence and count outcomes were estimated with logistic and negative binomial regression models, respectively. Models controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and smoking status. Reported findings are significant at P < .05.

RESULTS

In 2011 to 2016, unadjusted prevalence of having 19 teeth or fewer, 8 teeth or fewer, no teeth, and untreated decay among low‐income adults 65 years and older was 50.6%, 42.0%, 28.6%, and 28.6%, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that although most tooth loss measures improved between surveys for both income groups, tooth loss among low‐income adults remained at almost twice that among higher‐income adults. The disparity in untreated decay prevalence in 2011 to 2016, 15.2 percentage points (26.1% vs 10.9% for low vs high income) was twice that in 1999 to 2004, 8.5 percentage points (22.9% vs 14.4% for low vs high income). DMT decreased for both groups, with lower‐income adults having about five more affected teeth in both surveys.

CONCLUSION

Tooth loss is decreasing, but differential access to restorative care by income appears to have increased.
Medication Appropriateness in Vulnerable Older Adults: Healthy Skepticism of Appropriate Polypharmacy
Authors: Fried Terri R. , Mecca Marcia C.
Published: January 2019

Older adults are prescribed a growing number of medications. Polypharmacy, commonly considered the receipt of five or more medications, is associated with a range of adverse outcomes. There is a debate about the reason(s) why. On one side is the assertion that older persons are being prescribed too many medications, with the number of medications increasing the risk of adverse events. On the other side is the observation that polypharmacy is associated both with overprescribing of inappropriate medications and underprescribing of appropriate medications. This leads to the concept of “inappropriate” vs “appropriate” polypharmacy, with the latter resulting from the prescription of many correct medications to persons with multiple chronic conditions. Few studies have examined the health outcomes associated with adding and/or removing medications to address this debate directly. The criteria used to identify underutilized medications are based on results of randomized controlled trials that may not be generalizable to older adults. Several randomized controlled trials and many more observational studies provide evidence that these criteria overestimate medication benefits and underestimate harms. In addition, evidence suggests that the marginal effects of medications added to an already complex regimen differ from their effects when considered individually. Although in selected circumstances adding medications results in benefit to patients, patients with multimorbidity and frailty/disability have susceptibilities that can decrease the likelihood of medication benefit and increase the likelihood of harms. The identification of appropriate polypharmacy requires more robust criteria to evaluate the net effects of complex medication regimens.
Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Sarcopenia: Is It Real?
Authors: Ünsal Pelin , Ayçiçek Gözde Şengül , Şendur Ayşe , Deniz Olgun , Koca Meltem , Boğa İlker , Bürkük Suna , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Yavuz Burcu Balam , Halil Meltem
Published: January 2019

See the Reply by Follis et al.
How plants grow up
Authors: McKim Sarah M
Published: January 2019

A plant's lateral structures, such as leaves, branches and flowers, literally hinge on the shoot axis, making its integrity and growth fundamental to plant form. In all plants, subapical proliferation within the shoot tip displaces cells downward to extrude the cylindrical stem. Following the transition to flowering, many plants show extensive axial elongation associated with increased subapical proliferation and expansion. However, the cereal grasses also elongate their stems, called culms, due to activity within detached intercalary meristems which displaces cells upward, elevating the grain‐bearing inflorescence. Variation in culm length within species is especially relevant to cereal crops, as demonstrated by the high‐yielding semi‐dwarfed cereals of the Green Revolution. Although previously understudied, recent renewed interest the regulation of subapical and intercalary growth suggests that control of cell division planes, boundary formation and temporal dynamics of differentiation, are likely critical mechanisms coordinating axial growth and development in plants.
EXPORTIN 1A prevents transgene silencing in Arabidopsis by modulating nucleo‐cytoplasmic partitioning of HDA6
Authors: Zhu Guohui , Chang Yanan , Xu Xuezhong , Tang Kai , Chen Chunxiang , Lei Mingguang , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Duan Cheng‐Guo
Published: January 2019

In eukaryotic cells, transport of macromolecules across the nuclear envelope is an essential process that ensures rapid exchange of cellular components, including protein and RNA molecules. Chromatin regulators involved in epigenetic control are among the molecules exported across the nuclear envelope, but the significance of this nucleo‐cytoplasmic trafficking is not well understood. Here, we use a forward screen to isolate XPO1A (a nuclear export receptor in Arabidopsis) as an anti‐silencing factor that protects transgenes from transcriptional silencing. Loss‐of‐function of XPO1A leads to locus‐specific DNA hypermethylation at transgene promoters and some endogenous loci. We found that XPO1A directly interacts with histone deacetylase HDA6 in vivo and that the xpo1a mutation causes increased nuclear retention of HDA6 protein and results in reduced histone acetylation and enhanced transgene silencing. Our results reveal a new mechanism of epigenetic regulation through the modulation of XPO1A‐dependent nucleo‐cytoplasm partitioning of a chromatin regulator.
Absence of Serological Relationship Between Several Mycoplasma‐like Organism “Strains”, Spiroplasma citri, Corn Stunt Spiroplasma and Acholeplasma laidlawii, determined by the Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Authors: DE LEEUW G. T. N. , POLAK-VOGELZANG A. A. , HAGENAARS A. M.
Published: January 2019

The ELISA technique was used to screen 25 MLO “strains” for serological relationship to S. citri, Corn stunt spiroplasma or A. laidlawii. No serological relationship to S. citri or A. laidlawii could be detected. The Corn stunt spiroplasma antiserum and antigens gave inconsistent results.
Resistance of White Lupin (Lupinus albus) Cultivars to Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lupini
Authors: SALLEH B. B. , OWEN H.
Published: January 2019

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lupini was more aggressive in summer than in autumn on all 15 white lupin cultivars tested. Race 3 was more aggressive than races 1 and 2. Cultivars Blanca, von Baer and WB1 are proposed as “primary differential hosts”. The development of race 3 in the xylem was more profuse in cultivars Astra and Neuland (susceptible) than in cv. Primorskij (resistant). There was a direct relationship between disease severity and number of colonies of race 3 recovered from the infected plants. F. oxysporum never colonized seeds internally. Amorphous gum‐like substances, not tyloses, occluded xylem vessels of infected plants. Differences in resistance are apparently not due to this occlusion.
Analysis of Plasmid‐coded Antigens of Agrobacterium radiobacter strain K84
Authors: SÜLE S. , EL-KADY EL-S.
Published: January 2019

In crossed immunoelectrophoresis two plasmid‐specific antigens were demonstrated in strain K84. One of the antigen was coded on agrocin and the other on nopalin plasmid.
Potential toxicity of cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin and bitter apricot seed in rabbits—Health status evaluation
Authors: Kovacikova Eva , Kovacik Anton , Halenar Marek , Tokarova Katarina , Chrastinova Lubica , Ondruska Lubomir , Jurcik Rastislav , Kolesar Eduard , Valuch Jozef , Kolesarova Adriana
Published: January 2019

Amygdalin is one of the most studied secondary metabolites of Prunus genus. It is a cyanogenic glycoside which was initially obtained from the bitter almonds seeds and is a major component of the seeds of plants, such as apricots, almonds, peaches, apples and other rosaceous plants. The views of scientists on the use of amygdalin have been contradictory for many years, partly because toxicokinetics and metabolism of amygdalin still have not been adequately explored. The present in vivo study was designed to reveal whether pure amygdalin intramuscularly injected or apricot seeds oral consumption induce changes in overall health status of rabbit as a biological model. A total of 60 adult rabbits were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received no amygdalin while the two experimental groups E1 and E2 received a daily intramuscular injection of amygdalin at doses 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg bw. The experimental groups E3 and E4 were fed crushed bitter apricot seeds (Prunus armeniaca L.), at doses 60 and 300 mg/kg bw, mixed with commercial feed for rabbits. Blood collection was carried out after 14 days. Biochemical, haematological and antioxidant enzymes activity analysis were performed and statistically evaluated. A short‐term amygdalin administration had negligible impact on biochemical parameters—mainly level of urea, bilirubin, cholesterol. Haematological profile of rabbits was influenced very slightly—non‐significant platelet count and platelet percentage increase, erythrocytes count and haemoglobin decrease. SOD activity of rabbits decreased significantly (p > 0.05) after apricot seeds consumption (102.3 U/ml) in comparison to control (117.4 U/ml). Differences might be connected to diverse metabolism by different administration routes and at the same time by the presence of other substances in apricot seeds (phytosterols, polyphenols, fatty acids). However, a short‐term consumption had only slight effect on health status of rabbits and at recommended doses did not represent risk for their health.
Incidence and risk factors associated with development of clinical cardiotoxicity in dogs receiving doxorubicin
Authors: Hallman Briana E. , Hauck Marlene L. , Williams Laurel E. , Hess Paul R. , Suter Steven E.
Published: January 2019

Background

Doxorubicin (DOX) can cause cumulative cardiotoxicity in dogs, but the incidence of clinical cardiotoxicity in dogs receiving DOX has not been determined.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine if the duration of DOX infusion influences the incidence of cardiotoxicity, to characterize the incidence of clinical cardiotoxicity in dogs during or after DOX chemotherapy, and to identify any risk factors associated with cardiotoxicity.

Animals

Four‐hundred ninety‐four dogs that received at least 1 dose of DOX for the treatment of cancer.

Methods

Retrospective study of dogs that received DOX from 2006 to 2015.

Results

Of 494 dogs, 20 (4.0%) developed clinical cardiotoxicity. The duration of DOX infusion was not significantly associated with clinical cardiotoxicity, whereas a higher cumulative dose of DOX, higher body weight, decreases in fractional shortening after 5 doses of DOX, and development of ventricular premature contractions were significantly associated with clinical cardiotoxicity. High‐risk breeds for developing dilated cardiomyopathy had an incidence of 15.4%, whereas low‐risk breeds had an incidence of 3.0%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although the duration of DOX infusion did not influence the incidence of cardiotoxicity, premature contractions and decreases in fractional shortening should raise concern for the development of clinical cardiotoxicity. Overall, the incidence of clinical DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity is low, but Boxers and other breeds at high risk for dilated cardiomyopathy may be at an increased risk.