bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moisture Adsorption Isotherm and Storability of Hazelnut Inshells and Kernels Produced in Oregon, USA
Authors: Jung Jooyeoun , Wang Wenjie , McGorrin Robert J. , Zhao Yanyun
Published: January 2018

Moisture adsorption isotherms and storability of dried hazelnut inshells and kernels produced in Oregon were evaluated and compared among cultivars, including Barcelona, Yamhill, and Jefferson. Experimental moisture adsorption data fitted to Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model, showing less hygroscopic properties in Yamhill than other cultivars of inshells and kernels due to lower content of carbohydrate and protein, but higher content of fat. The safe levels of moisture content (MC, dry basis) of dried inshells and kernels for reaching kernel water activity (aw) ≤0.65 were estimated using the GAB model as 11.3% and 5.0% for Barcelona, 9.4% and 4.2% for Yamhill, and 10.7% and 4.9% for Jefferson, respectively. Storage conditions (2 °C at 85% to 95% relative humidity [RH], 10 °C at 65% to 75% RH, and 27 °C at 35% to 45% RH), times (0, 4, 8, or 12 mo), and packaging methods (atmosphere vs. vacuum) affected MC, aw, bioactive compounds, lipid oxidation, and enzyme activity of dried hazelnut inshells or kernels. For inshells packaged at woven polypropylene bag, MC and aw of inshells and kernels (inside shells) increased at 2 and 10 °C, but decreased at 27 °C during storage. For kernels, lipid oxidation and polyphenol oxidase activity also increased with extended storage time (P < 0.05), and MC and aw of vacuum packaged samples were more stable during storage than those atmospherically packaged ones. Principal component analysis showed correlation of kernel qualities with storage condition, time, and packaging method. This study demonstrated that the ideal storage condition or packaging method varied among cultivars due to their different moisture adsorption and physicochemical and enzymatic stability during storage.

Practical Application

Moisture adsorption isotherm of hazelnut inshells and kernels is useful for predicting the storability of nuts. This study found that water adsorption and storability varied among the different cultivars of nuts, in which Yamhill was less hygroscopic than Barcelona and Jefferson, thus more stable during storage. For ensuring food safety and quality of nuts during storage, each cultivar of kernels should be dried to a certain level of MC. Lipid oxidation and enzyme activity of kernel could be increased with extended storage time. Vacuum packaging was recommended to kernels for reducing moisture adsorption during storage.
The Function of Emulsions on the Biogenic Amine Formation and their Indices of Sea Bass Fillets (Dicentrarchus Labrax) Stored in Vacuum Packaging
Authors: Ozogul Yesim , Durmus Mustafa , Kuley Boga Esmeray , Uçar Yılmaz , Ozogul Fatih
Published: January 2018

The impacts of emulsions based on commercial oils on the biogenic amine formation and their indices of vacuumed packed sea bass fillets were investigated. The results showed that among biogenic amines, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine, serotonin, dopamine, and agmatine were predominant amines in sea bass fillets stored under vacuum packaging. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in biogenic amines concentrations of vacuumed packed sea bass treated with emulsions were observed. All groups contained histamine lower than 5.0 mg/100 g, regarded as the allowable limit by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Polyamine levels were not affected by application of emulsion. Quality index (QI) showed an increase and after 14 d of storage it decreased in all groups. The control generally seemed to higher QI value than those of treatment groups except at 14 and 18 days while soybean and corn gave lower QI among treatment groups. Only biogenic amine index correlated with sensory acceptability of vacuumed packed sea bass, indicating that this index can be used for determination of the degree of spoilage of vacuumed packed sea bass. Emulsions extended the shelf‐life (approximately 2 to 4 d) of vacuumed packed sea bass fillets by inhibiting microbial growth compared to the control.

Practical Application

Emulsions have become popular since they are regarded as ideal carrier for the delivery of lipophilic substances due to the ease of preparation, small particle size, their enhanced bioavailability, and long term kinetic stability. They have been proven to be self‐preserving antimicrobials due to bound water in their structure and thus no available water to microorganisms. Antimicrobial emulsions have potential applications in many fields because they are inexpensive, stable, and nontoxic agents.
Consumer Acceptance Comparison Between Seasoned and Unseasoned Vegetables
Authors: Feng Yiming , Albiol Tapia Marta , Okada Kyle , Castaneda Lazo Nuria Blanca , Chapman‐Novakofski Karen , Phillips Carter , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: January 2018

Recent findings show that approximately 87% of the U.S. population fail to meet the vegetable intake recommendations, with unpleasant taste of vegetables being listed as the primary reason for this shortfall. In this study, spice and herb seasoning was used to enhance palatability of vegetables, in order to increase consumer acceptance. In total, 749 panelists were screened and recruited as specific vegetable likers of the vegetable being tested or general vegetable likers. Four sessions were designed to evaluate the effect of seasoning within each type of vegetable, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, and green bean. Each panelist was only allowed to participate in one test session to evaluate only one vegetable type, so as to mitigate potential learning effect. Overall, the results showed that seasoned vegetables were significantly preferred over unseasoned vegetables (P < 0.001), indicating the sensory properties were significantly improved with seasoning. When general vegetable likers and specific vegetable likers were compared in terms of their preference between seasoned and unseasoned vegetables, the pattern varied across different vegetables; however, general trend of seasoned vegetable being preferred remained. The findings from this study demonstrate the effect of seasoning in enhancing consumer liking of vegetables, which may lead to increased consumption to be assessed in future studies.

Practical Application

To improve the sensory properties of vegetables, masking the bitter taste of vegetables using spice and herb seasoning are gaining increasing attention. Our findings suggest that the overall liking of vegetables could be improved by incorporating spice and herb seasonings that are specifically formulated for each vegetable. Ultimately, developing and commercializing spice and herb seasonings may aid to increase vegetable consumption, as well as expanding the vegetable seasoning market.
Selection of Yeast Strains for Tequila Fermentation Based on Growth Dynamics in Combined Fructose and Ethanol Media
Authors: Aldrete‐Tapia J. A. , Miranda‐Castilleja D. E. , Arvizu‐Medrano S. M. , Hernández‐Iturriaga M.
Published: January 2018

The high concentration of fructose in agave juice has been associated with reduced ethanol tolerance of commercial yeasts used for tequila production and low fermentation yields. The selection of autochthonous strains, which are better adapted to agave juice, could improve the process. In this study, a 2‐step selection process of yeasts isolated from spontaneous fermentations for tequila production was carried out based on analysis of the growth dynamics in combined conditions of high fructose and ethanol. First, yeast isolates (605) were screened to identify strains tolerant to high fructose (20%) and to ethanol (10%), yielding 89 isolates able to grow in both conditions. From the 89 isolates, the growth curves under 8 treatments of combined fructose (from 20% to 5%) and ethanol (from 0% to 10%) were obtained, and the kinetic parameters were analyzed with principal component analysis and k‐means clustering. The resulting yeast strain groups corresponded to the fast, medium and slow growers. A second clustering of only the fast growers led to the selection of 3 Saccharomyces strains (199, 230, 231) that were able to grow rapidly in 4 out of the 8 conditions evaluated. This methodology differentiated strains phenotypically and could be further used for strain selection in other processes.

Practical Application

A method to select yeast strains for fermentation taking into account the natural differences of yeast isolates. This methodology is based on the cell exposition to combinations of sugar and ethanol, which are the most important stress factors in fermentation. This strategy will help to identify the most tolerant strain that could improve ethanol yield and reduce fermentation time.
Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) Tocotrienols During Frying and in Fried Tortilla Chips
Authors: Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Bakota Erica L. , Hwang Hong‐Sik
Published: January 2018

Annatto tocotrienols (AnT3), which contain approximately 90% δ‐tocotrienol (δ‐T3), were added to mid‐oleic sunflower oil used for frying tortilla chips over 3 d. The objectives were to evaluate their stability during frying, absorption by the fried food, and activity as antioxidants in frying oil and in tortilla chips during storage. AnT3 did not significantly affect the stability of the oil during frying or the sensory profiles of freshly fried chips. The naturally present α‐tocopherol (α‐T) in the oil degraded at a lower rate in the presence of AnT3, resulting in significantly higher α‐T by the end of the frying study. Levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols in the chips mirrored oil levels. AnT3 did not affect the sensory profile of the chips after 1 wk of storage at 50 °C, but after 3 wk of storage, the control chips had higher levels of painty and rancid flavors compared to chips with AnT3. Headspace hexanal was also significantly higher in the control chips compared to the chips with AnT3 after 3 wk of storage.

Practical Application

Annatto tocotrienols, containing primarily delta‐ and gamma‐tocotrienols, were added to mid‐oleic sunflower oil used for frying tortilla chips. The tocotrienols were absorbed by the chips along with the oil. They slowed the degradation of α tocopherol during frying, and reduced levels of painty and rancid flavor scores as well as headspace hexanal in chips that were stored for 3 wk at elevated temperatures. The results indicated that fried snack foods such as tortilla chips may be a suitable and convenient vehicle for enriching tocotrienols in the diet, and that tocotrienols may also enhance the shelf‐life of fried foods.
Senescence chips for ultrahigh‐throughput isolation and removal of senescent cells
Authors: Chen Yuchao , Mao Pan , Snijders Antoine M. , Wang Daojing
Published: January 2018

Cellular senescence plays an important role in organismal aging and age‐related diseases. However, it is challenging to isolate low numbers of senescent cells from small volumes of biofluids for downstream analysis. Furthermore, there is no technology that could selectively remove senescent cells in a high‐throughput manner. In this work, we developed a novel microfluidic chip platform, termed senescence chip, for ultrahigh‐throughput isolation and removal of senescent cells. The core component of our senescence chip is a slanted and tunable 3D micropillar array with a variety of shutters in the vertical direction for rapid cell sieving, taking advantage of the characteristic cell size increase during cellular senescence. The 3D configuration achieves high throughput, high recovery rate, and device robustness with minimum clogging. We demonstrated proof‐of‐principle applications in isolation and enumeration of senescent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from undiluted human whole blood, and senescent cells from mouse bone marrow after total body irradiation, with the single‐cell resolution. After scale‐up to a multilayer and multichannel structure, our senescence chip achieved ultrahigh‐throughput removal of senescent cells from human whole blood with an efficiency of over 70% at a flow rate of 300 ml/hr. Sensitivity and specificity of our senescence chips could be augmented with implementation of multiscale size separation, and identification of background white blood cells using their cell surface markers such as CD45. With the advantages of high throughput, robustness, and simplicity, our senescence chips may find wide applications and contribute to diagnosis and therapeutic targeting of cellular senescence.
Neonatal Ethanol Exposure Causes Behavioral Deficits in Young Mice
Authors: Xu Wenhua , Hawkey Andrew B. , Li Hui , Dai Lu , Brim Howard H. , Frank Jacqueline A. , Luo Jia , Barron Susan , Chen Gang
Published: January 2018

Background

Fetal ethanol (EtOH) exposure can damage the developing central nervous system and lead to cognitive and behavioral deficits, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). EtOH exposure to mouse pups during early neonatal development was used as a model of EtOH exposure that overlaps the human third‐trimester “brain growth spurt”—a model that has been widely used to study FASD in rats.

Methods

C57BL/6 male and female mice were exposed to EtOH (4 g/kg/d) on postnatal days (PD) 4 to 10 by oral intubation. Intubated and nontreated controls were also included. Behavioral testing of the offspring, including open field, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze, was performed on PD 20 to 45.

Results

EtOH exposure during PD 4 to 10 resulted in hyperactivity and deficits in learning and memory in young mice with no apparent sex differences.

Conclusions

Based on these data, this neonatal intubation mouse model may be useful for future mechanistic and genetic studies of FASD and for screening of novel therapeutic agents.
Donepezil Reverses Dendritic Spine Morphology Adaptations and Fmr1 Epigenetic Modifications in Hippocampus of Adult Rats After Adolescent Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Mulholland Patrick J. , Teppen Tara L. , Miller Kelsey M. , Sexton Hannah G. , Pandey Subhash C. , Swartzwelder H. Scott
Published: January 2018

Background

Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure produces persistent impairments in cholinergic and epigenetic signaling and alters markers of synapses in the hippocampal formation, effects that are thought to drive hippocampal dysfunction in adult rodents. Donepezil (Aricept), a cholinesterase inhibitor, is used clinically to ameliorate memory‐related cognitive deficits. Given that donepezil also prevents morphological impairment in preclinical models of neuropsychiatric disorders, we investigated the ability of donepezil to reverse morphological and epigenetic adaptations in the hippocampus of adult rats exposed to AIE. Because of the known relationship between dendritic spine density and morphology with the fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene, we also assessed Fmr1 expression and its epigenetic regulation in hippocampus after AIE and donepezil pretreatment.

Methods

Adolescent rats were administered intermittent ethanol for 16 days starting on postnatal day 30. Rats were treated with donepezil (2.5 mg/kg) once a day for 4 days starting 20 days after the completion of AIE exposure. Brains were dissected out after the fourth donepezil dose, and spine analysis was completed in dentate gyrus granule neurons. A separate cohort of rats, treated identically, was used for molecular studies.

Results

AIE exposure significantly reduced dendritic spine density and altered morphological characteristics of subclasses of dendritic spines. AIE exposure also increased mRNA levels and H3‐K27 acetylation occupancy of the Fmr1 gene in hippocampus. Treatment of AIE‐exposed adult rats with donepezil reversed both the dendritic spine adaptations and epigenetic modifications and expression of Fmr1.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that AIE produces long‐lasting decreases in dendritic spine density and changes in Fmr1 gene expression in the hippocampal formation, suggesting morphological and epigenetic mechanisms underlying previously reported behavioral deficits after AIE. The reversal of these effects by subchronic, post‐AIE donepezil treatment indicates that these AIE effects can be reversed by up‐regulating cholinergic function.
Increasing the knowledge, identification and treatment of osteoporosis through education and shared decision‐making with residents living in a retirement village community
Authors: Anderson‐Wurf Jane , Harding Catherine , Seal Alexa
Published: January 2018

Objective

This pilot study explored whether individual goal setting in a retirement village setting could improve strategies to strengthen bones in an ageing population and help prevent osteoporosis.

Methods

A two‐phased osteoporosis prevention program was developed, piloted and evaluated involving a group education session followed by the development of individualised Bone Plans based upon personal understanding of individual fracture risk and lifestyle factors.

Results

A significant improvement in knowledge and understanding of factors to prevent and manage osteoporosis was achieved, and changes in lifestyle behaviours were sustained at six months.

Conclusion

Success was due to education by specialist medical and health personnel, flexibility of goal setting, use of group sessions and location of the program within the retirement community setting. The ‘Mind Your Bones’ program is a feasible and acceptable way to translate preventative bone health messages to a large number of people via the retirement village network.
Response to: Yazdani A. Surgery or in vitro fertilisation: The simplicity of this question belies its complexity. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail
Authors: Abbott Jason
Published: January 2018

This is perhaps the most apt mantra of IVF (in vitro fertilisation) as a treatment in Australasia in this day and age. It is also important to note the truth in the identification of IVF being low skill‐based, largely independent of the practitioner, but more importantly costly, and with few exceptions, only available in the private sector. Such revelations really require a rethink of the entire reproductive endocrinology and infertility (CREI) subspecialty. In fact, if there is only one solution to all fertility problems – that of the ‘effective IVF procedure’ – why not do away completely with the clinician and simply have nurse practitioners who oversee the identified issue of an individual or couple wanting a pregnancy? This in conjunction with the outstanding scientific advances that led to the initiation and promulgation of IVF really would reduce costs by cutting out the unnecessary clinician middle‐person who is unimportant in the equation. It may be that such cost reduction, the disbandment of the irrelevant subspecialty and protocol‐driven, high‐quality fertility checklists would allow this to be a publically accessible service for all, not just those who can afford it.
The EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis and management of urticaria
Authors: Zuberbier T. , Aberer W. , Asero R. , Abdul Latiff A. H. , Baker D. , Ballmer‐Weber B. , Bernstein J. A. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Brzoza Z. , Buense Bedrikow R. , Canonica G. W. , Church M. K. , Craig T. , Danilycheva I. V. , Dressler C. , Ensina L. F. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Godse K. , Gonçalo M. , Grattan C. , Hebert J. , Hide M. , Kaplan A. , Kapp A. , Katelaris C. H. , Kocatürk E. , Kulthanan K. , Larenas‐Linnemann D. , Leslie T. A. , Magerl M. , Mathelier‐Fusade P. , Meshkova R. Y. , Metz M. , Nast A. , Nettis E. , Oude‐Elberink H. , Rosumeck S. , Saini S. S. , Sánchez‐Borges M. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Staubach P. , Sussman G. , Toubi E. , Vena G. A. , Vestergaard C. , Wedi B. , Werner R. N. , Zhao Z. , Maurer M. ,   Endorsed by the following societies: AAAAI, AAD, AAIITO, ACAAI, AEDV, APAAACI, ASBAI, ASCIA, BAD, BSACI, CDA, CMICA, CSACI, DDG, DDS, DGAKI, DSA, DST, EAACI, EIAS, EDF, EMBRN, ESCD, GA²LEN, IAACI, IADVL, JDA, NVvA, MSAI, ÖGDV, PSA, RAACI, SBD, SFD, SGAI, SGDV, SIAAIC, SIDeMaST, SPDV, TSD, UNBB, UNEV and WAO
Published: January 2018

This evidence‐ and consensus‐based guideline was developed following the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. The conference was held on 1 December 2016. It is a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU‐founded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO) with the participation of 48 delegates of 42 national and international societies. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell‐driven disease, presenting with wheals, angioedema, or both. The lifetime prevalence for acute urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous urticaria and other chronic forms of urticaria are disabling, impair quality of life and affect performance at work and school. This guideline covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying its causes, eliciting factors and pathomechanisms. In addition, it outlines evidence‐based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria.
Choroidal thickness and myopia in relation to physical activity – theCHAMPSEye Study
Authors: Lundberg Kristian , Vestergaard Anders Højslet , Jacobsen Nina , Suhr Thykjær Anne , Søgaard Hansen Rasmus , Goldschmidt Ernst , Peto Tunde , Halekoh Ulrich , Wedderkopp Niels , Grauslund Jakob
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To describe the relationship between choroidal thickness (CT) and myopia in relation to physical activity (PA) in a population‐based child cohort.

Methods

In a prospective study of 307 children from theCHAMPSStudy Denmark, we used objective data from GT3X accelerometer worn at four periods between 2009 and 2015 to determine the amount and intensity ofPA. Intensity was estimated as counts/minutes, and cut‐off points were defined at four intensity levels. Eye examinations were performed in 2015 and included autorefraction in cycloplegia, axial length (AL) by biometric and fovea‐centred enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. By a semi‐automated method, we measured theCTat 17 targets per eye representing anatomically different locations (subfoveal, 1 and 3 millimetre in each direction of fovea).

Results

Mean age at the eye examination was 15.4 ± 0.7 years. The meanALwas 23.5 ± 0.9 mm, and the mean subfovealCTwas 369 ± 87 μm. Choroidal thickness (CT) was 331 ± 68 μm for the overall macula, 355 ± 78 μm for the 1‐mm zone and 304 ± 60 μm for the 3‐mm zone. AllCTmeasurements were thinner in myopic eyes (p < 0.0001) and in boys (p < 0.05). We found no association between totalPAand theCTby either mixed model analysis (p = 0.074) or linear regression by any intensity levels (p = 0.22, p = 0.15 and p = 0.43).

Conclusion

Among adolescents aged 14–17 years, there was no association between objective PA exposures and the CT, AL or refractive error.
Statin use and vitreoretinal surgery: Findings from a Finnish population‐based cohort study
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Sahanne Sari , Takala Annika , Haukka Jari
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Vitreoretinal (VR) surgery is the third most common intraocular surgery after refractive and cataract surgery. The impact of statin therapy on VR surgery outcomes remains unclear, despite a potentially beneficial effect. We explored the association of preoperative statin therapy and the need for revitrectomy after primary vitrectomy.

Methods

Our historical, population‐based, register‐based, VR surgery cohort consisted of 5709 patients operated in a tertiary, academic referral hospital in Finland, during 2008–2014, covering 6.5 years.

Subgroup analysis was performed as follows: eyes operated due to (i) rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), (ii) VR interface diseases (macular pucker/hole), (iii) diabetic maculopathy or proliferative retinopathy, (iv) vitreous haemorrhage, (v) lens subluxation, (vi) vitreous opacities or (vii) other VR indication.

The primary end‐point event was revitrectomy during a postoperative follow‐up period of 1 year due to retinal redetachment, vitreous rehaemorrhage, postoperative endophthalmitis, recurrent pucker or unclosed macular hole.

Results

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) was the second most frequent indication of VR surgery, including 1916 patients, with 305 re‐operations with rate 0.20 (95% CI 0.18–0.23) per person‐year. Statin treatment in time of operation was associated with lower risk of re‐operation according to relative scale (incidence rate ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.97), but not in absolute scale (incidence rate difference −0.58, 95% CI −4.30 to 3.15 for 100 person‐years). No association with statin therapy and vitrectomy outcome was observed in the other VR subgroups.

Conclusion

Use of statin treatment was associated with a 28% lower risk of revitrectomy in patients operated due to RRD. Further randomized clinical trials are highly warranted.
Physical exercise and glaucoma: a review on the roles of physical exercise on intraocular pressure control, ocular blood flow regulation, neuroprotection and glaucoma‐related mental health
Authors: Zhu Ming Ming , Lai Jimmy Shiu Ming , Choy Bonnie Nga Kwan , Shum Jennifer Wei Huen , Lo Amy Cheuk Yin , Ng Alex Lap Ki , Chan Jonathan Cheuk Hung , So Kwok Fai
Published: January 2018

The benefits of physical exercise on health and well‐being have been studied in a wide range of systemic and ocular diseases, including glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by accelerated apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and insufficient ocular perfusion have been postulated to be the two main theories in glaucoma development and progression. The effects of exercise in these two aspects have been demonstrated by numerous researches. A review in 2009 focusing on these two theories concluded that exercise results in transient IOP reduction but an inconsistent elevation in ocular perfusion. However, the majority of the studies had been conducted in healthy subjects. Over the past decade, technological advancement has brought forth new and more detailed evidence regarding the effects of exercise. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect of exercise by upregulation of neurotrophin and enhancement of mitochondrial function has been a focus of interest. Apart from visual impairment, the mental health issues in patients with glaucoma, which include anxiety and depression, should also be addressed. In this review, we mainly focus on publications from the recent years, so as to provide a comprehensive review on the impact of physical exercise on IOP, ocular perfusion, neuroprotection and mental health in patients with glaucoma.
Tumour thickness, diameter, area or volume? The prognostic significance of conventional versus digital image analysis‐based size estimation methods in uveal melanoma
Authors: Arnljots Thorsteinn Snaebjörnsson , Al‐Sharbaty Zaid , Lardner Emma , All‐Eriksson Charlotta , Seregard Stefan , Stålhammar Gustav
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare conventional and novel size estimation methods’ ability to predict survival in uveal melanoma (UM).

Methods

The study was designed as a retrospective consecutive chart review of patients with UM, enucleated between the years 1984 and 1993. Area and volume were estimated based on the largest histopathological cross‐section, the second centroid theorem of Pappus and digital image analysis, correlated to overall and relative survival.

Results

Of 168 patients analysed, 20 (12%) of tumours were categorized as T1, 47 (28%) as T2, 67 (40%) as T3 and 19 (11%) as T4 (15 N/a). A total of 91 tumours with complete survival and measurement data were included and recategorized into small, medium and large volume groups. Increased separation of overall survival was seen compared with current American Joint Committee on Cancer T categories. Difference between the large and small volume groups was 8.6 years (p = 0.001), compared to a difference of 5.6 years (p = 0.091) between T1 and T4. Hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality in the large versus small volume group was 2.6 compared to 1.9 for T4 versus T1. Relative survival rates for small, medium and large volumes were 62, 44 and 31% at 10 years, versus 50, 45, 56 and 0% for T1, T2, T3 and T4.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that a novel UM volume estimation method might offer a practical and cost‐efficient alternative to improve the prognostic value intrinsic to a tumour's size.
Retinal oximetry is affected in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Einarsdottir Anna Bryndis , Olafsdottir Olof Birna , Hjaltason Haukur , Hardarson Sveinn Hakon
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Structural and physiological abnormalities have been reported in the retina in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Retinal oximetry has recently detected changes in retinal oxygen metabolism in Alzheimer′s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Our goal was to determine whether oxygen saturation in retinal blood vessels of patients with patients is different from that of a healthy population.

Methods

Oxygen saturation of haemoglobin was measured in retinal blood vessels, using imaging with spectrophotometric noninvasive retinal oximeter. EightMSpatients with history of optic neuritis were measured and compared to 22 healthy individuals matched in age and gender.

Results

Venular oxygen saturation was increased in patients withMScompared to healthy individuals (70.7 ± 3.4% versus 66.2 ± 4.7; p = 0.021, mean ± SD). The arteriovenous (AV) difference was lower in patients withMScompared to healthy (26.6 ± 3.6% versus 30.5 ± 4.8%; p = 0.049). There was no difference measured in arterioles when patients withMS(97.3 ± 1.7%) and healthy individuals (96.7 ± 2.8%) were compared.

Conclusion

Increased venular oxygen saturation and lower AV difference in patients withMSmay indicate reduced oxygen uptake. This may be due to less oxygen demand following atrophy and may be a useful objective biomarker forMS. Further studies are needed to confirm and expand these findings.
Rhabdomyolysis after co‐administration of a statin and fusidic acid: an analysis of the literature and of the WHO database of adverse drug reactions
Authors: Deljehier Thomas , Pariente Antoine , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Haramburu Françoise , Nguyen Linh , Rubin Sébastien , Rigothier Claire , Théophile Hélène
Published: January 2018

Following a severe case of rhabdomyolysis in our University Hospital after a co‐administration of atorvastatin and fusidic acid, we describe this interaction as this combination is not clearly contraindicated in some countries, particularly for long‐term treatment by fusidic acid. All cases of rhabdomyolysis during a co‐administration of a statin and fusidic acid were identified in the literature and in the World and Health Organization database, VigiBase®. In the literature, 29 cases of rhabdomyolysis were identified; mean age was 66 years, median duration of co‐administration before rhabdomyolysis occurrence was 21 days, 28% of cases were fatal. In the VigiBase®, 182 cases were retrieved; mean age was 68 years, median duration of co‐administration before rhabdomyolysis was 31 days and 24% of cases were fatal. Owing to the high fatality associated with this co‐administration and the long duration of treatment before rhabdomyolysis occurrence, fusidic acid should be used if there is no appropriate alternative, as long as statin therapy is interrupted for the duration of fusidic acid therapy, and perhaps a week longer. Rarely will interruption of this sort have adverse consequences for the patient.
Symptoms of social anxiety, depression, and stress in parents of children with social anxiety disorder
Authors: Halldorsson Brynjar , Draisey Jenny , Cooper Peter , Creswell Cathy
Published: January 2018

Objectives

It has been suggested that elevated maternal social anxiety may play a disorder‐specific role in maintaining childhood social anxiety disorder (SAD), but few studies have examined whether mothers of children with SAD are more socially anxious than mothers of children with other anxiety disorders (ANX). This study set out to examine whether symptoms of social anxiety were more severe amongst mothers of 7–12 year old children presenting for treatment with SAD (n = 260) compared to those presenting with ANX (n = 138). In addition, we examined whether there were differences between these two groups in terms of maternal and paternal general anxiety, depression, and stress.

Method

Parents of 7–12 year old children referred for treatment of SAD or ANX completed self‐report questionnaire measures of emotional symptoms.

Results

Compared to mothers of children with ANX, mothers of children with SAD reported significantly higher levels of social anxiety, general anxiety, and depression. In addition, fathers of children with SAD reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression than fathers of children with ANX.

Conclusions

This study is one of the few existing studies that have examined mothers’ and fathers’ psychopathology across different childhood anxiety disorders. Compared to parents of children with ANX, parents of children with SAD may have poorer mental health which may inhibit optimum child treatment outcomes for children with SAD. Thus, targeting parental psychopathology may be particularly important in the treatment of childhood SAD.

Practitioner points

Consideration of parental psychopathology may be particularly important in the treatment of childhood social anxiety disorder.

Mothers of children with social anxiety disorder are more socially anxious than mothers of children with other anxiety disorders

Fathers of children with social anxiety disorder are more anxious and depressed than fathers of children with other anxiety disorders

Participants were predominantly of high socioeconomic status.

Parental diagnostic information was not obtained.
The unique role of executive function skills in predicting Hong Kong kindergarteners’ reading comprehension
Authors: Liu Yingyi , Sun Huilin , Lin Dan , Li Hong , Yeung Susanna Siu‐sze , Wong Terry Tin‐Yau
Published: January 2018

Background

Word reading and linguistic comprehension skills are two crucial components in reading comprehension, according to the Simple View of Reading (SVR). Some researchers have posited that a third component should be involved in reading and understanding texts, namely executive function (EF) skills.

Aim

This study was novel in two ways. Not only did we tested EF skills as a predictor of reading comprehension in a non‐alphabetic language (i.e., Chinese) to extend the theoretical model of SVR, we also examined reading comprehension further in kindergarten children (age 5) in Hong Kong, in the attempt to reveal possible early precursors of reading comprehension.

Sample(s)

A group of 170 K3 kindergarteners was recruited in Hong Kong.

Methods

Children's word reading was assessed. Their linguistic comprehension was assessed with phonological awareness, verbal short‐term memory, and vocabulary knowledge. Using a structured observation task, Head‐Toes‐Knees‐Shoulders (HTKS), we measured their composite scores for EF skills.

Results

Head‐Toes‐Knees‐Shoulders performance predicted unique variance in children's Chinese reading comprehension concurrently beyond word reading and a set of linguistic comprehension skills.

Conclusions

The results highlight the important role of EF skills in beginning readers’ reading comprehension.
Exposure to violence, teacher support, and school delay amongst adolescents in South Africa
Authors: Herrero Romero Rocio , Hall James , Cluver Lucie
Published: January 2018

Background

Many adolescents in South Africa are exposed to multiple types of violence, socio‐economic disadvantage, and low‐quality education: all risk factors for educational outcomes including school delay (grade enrolment below that which is age‐appropriate). Supportive teacher–student relationships are known to be associated with improved academic outcomes in high‐income contexts.

Aims

To investigate whether the academic and emotional support provided by teachers can protect against school delay for adolescents exposed to multiple types of violence and socio‐economic disadvantage in South Africa.

Sample

High‐risk sample of 503 adolescents aged 10–18 exposed to multiple types of violence and socio‐economic disadvantage at home, in school, and in their communities.

Methods

Multilevel aggregated structural equation modelling was applied to pre/post‐RCT data. This investigated whether associations between adolescent exposure to violence and school delay could be lessened by having teachers who were academically and/or emotionally supportive.

Results

More frequent exposure to ‘poly‐violence’ and receiving more emotional support from teachers were independently associated with greater school delay. On the contrary, higher academic support from teachers was associated with lower school delay. Neither academic nor emotional teacher support was found to moderate the relationship between more frequent exposure to ‘poly‐violence’ and an increased risk of adolescent school delay.

Conclusion

Adolescents’ academic support from teachers is low in poorly resourced school contexts in South Africa. School‐based secondary prevention programmes assisting teachers with more training and academic support in deprived contexts have potential to reduce the impact of violence and socio‐economic disadvantage on adolescents’ school delay.
Liver kinase B1/AMP‐activated protein kinase‐mediated regulation by gentiopicroside ameliorates P2X7 receptor‐dependent alcoholic hepatosteatosis
Authors: Li Xia , Zhang Yu , Jin Quan , Xia Kai‐Li , Jiang Min , Cui Ben‐Wen , Wu Yan‐Ling , Song Shun‐Zong , Lian Li‐Hua , Nan Ji‐Xing
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose

Regulating P2X7 receptor‐mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes could be a therapeutic strategy to treat alcoholic hepatosteatosis. We investigated whether this process was modulated by gentiopicroside, the main active secoiridoid glycoside from Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa.

Experimental Approach

In vivo models of acute and chronic alcoholic hepatosteatosis were established by intragastrically administered ethanol or using chronic plus binge ethanol feeding of Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diet to male C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, HepG2 cells were treated with ethanol. RAW 264.7 macrophages and murine bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stimulated with LPS and ATP.

Key Results

In both the acute and chronic alcohol‐induced mouse hepatosteatosis models, gentiopicroside decreased serum aminotransferases and triglyceride accumulation. Up‐regulated SREBP1, down‐regulated PPARα and phosphorylated acetyl‐CoA carboxylase caused by acute and chronic alcohol feeding were modulated by gentiopicroside, through the elevation of LKB1 and AMPK. Suppression of P2X7 receptor‐NLRP3 activation by gentiopicroside inhibited IL‐1β production. In ethanol‐exposed HepG2 cells, gentiopicroside reduced lipogenesis and promoted lipid oxidation via activation of P2X7 receptor‐NLRP3 inflammasomes. Genetic or pharmacological blockade of P2X7 receptors enhanced AMPK activity and reduced SREBP1 expression in ethanol‐treated HepG2 cells. Gentiopicroside down‐regulated P2X7 receptor‐mediated inflammatory responses in LPS/ATP‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and BMDMs. IL‐1β from macrophages accelerated lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Depleting macrophages by clodronate liposomes ameliorated alcoholic hepatosteatosis, and it was further alleviated by gentiopicroside.

Conclusions and Implications

Activation of LKB1/AMPK signalling by gentiopicroside was mediated by the P2X7 receptor‐NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting the therapeutic value of blocking P2X7 receptors in the treatment of alcoholic hepatosteatosis.
Insight into the inhibitor discrimination by FLT3 F691L
Authors: Verma Sharad , Singh Aditi , Kumari Anchala , Pandey Bharati , Jamal Salma , Goyal Sukriti , Sinha Siddharth , Grover Abhinav
Published: January 2018

Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase family and expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells. FLT3 gene mutations are reported in ~30% of acute myeloid leukemia cases. FLT3 kinase domain mutation F691L is one of the common causes of acquired resistance to the FLT3 inhibitors including quizartinib. MZH29 and crenolanib were previously reported to inhibit FLT3 F691L. However, crenolanib was reported for the moderate inhibition. We found that Glu661and Asp829 were the most significant residues to target the FLT3 F691L which contribute most significantly to the binding energy with MZH29 and crenolanib. These interactions were found absent with quizartinib. Further free energy landscape analysis revealed that FLT3 F691L bound to MZH29 and crenolanib was more stable as compared to quizartinib.
Youth's Conceptions of Adolescence Predict Longitudinal Changes in Prefrontal Cortex Activation and Risk Taking During Adolescence
Authors: Qu Yang , Pomerantz Eva M. , McCormick Ethan , Telzer Eva H.
Published: January 2018

The development of cognitive control during adolescence is paralleled by changes in the function of the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). Using a three‐wave longitudinal neuroimaging design (N = 22, Mage = 13.08 years at Wave 1), this study examined if youth's stereotypes about teens modulate changes in their neural activation during cognitive control. Participants holding stereotypes of teens as irresponsible in the family context (i.e., ignoring family obligations) in middle school showed increases in bilateral ventrolateral PFC activation during cognitive control over the transition to high school, which was associated with increases in risk taking. These findings provide preliminary evidence that youth's conceptions of adolescence play a role in neural plasticity over this phase of development.
Bridging Evolutionary Biology and Developmental Psychology: Toward An Enduring Theoretical Infrastructure
Authors: Frankenhuis Willem E. , Tiokhin Leonid
Published: January 2018

Bjorklund synthesizes promising research directions in developmental psychology using an evolutionary framework. In general terms, we agree with Bjorklund: Evolutionary theory has the potential to serve as a metatheory for developmental psychology. However, as currently used in psychology, evolutionary theory is far from reaching this potential. In evolutionary biology, formal mathematical models are the norm. In developmental psychology, verbal models are the norm. In order to reach its potential, evolutionary developmental psychology needs to embrace formal modeling.
Sketching in Gestalt Space: Interactive Shape Abstraction through Perceptual Reasoning
Authors: Kratt J. , Niese T. , Hu R. , Huang H. , Pirk S. , Sharf A. , Cohen‐Or D. , Deussen O.
Published: January 2018

We present an interactive method that allows users to easily abstract complex 3D models with only a few strokes. The key idea is to employ well‐known Gestalt principles to help generalizing user inputs into a full model abstraction while accounting for form, perceptual patterns and semantics of the model. Using these principles, we alleviate the user's need to explicitly define shape abstractions. We utilize structural characteristics such as repetitions, regularity and similarity to transform user strokes into full 3D abstractions. As the user sketches over shape elements, we identify Gestalt groups and later abstract them to maintain their structural meaning. Unlike previous approaches, we operate directly on the geometric elements, in a sense applying Gestalt principles in 3D. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach with a series of experiments, including a variety of complex models and two extensive user studies to evaluate our framework.
Coping and Helping to Cope: Perspectives of Children of Palestinian Political Detainees
Authors: Rabaia Yoke , Kassis Samar , Amro Zeina , Giacaman Rita , Reis Ria
Published: January 2018

This qualitative study investigates how children of Palestinian political detainees in Israeli detention cope with their fathers' absences. Researchers conducted 16 semi‐structured interviews with children, mostly aged 15 and older in the West Bank. Three themes are discussed that emerged from the interview data: how children cope with their sadness; the children's perspectives on community support; and older children's support to siblings and parents. Practitioners can support children by providing counselling to mothers and organising interventions, which give children the opportunity to connect. It is important that the agency of the older children is taken into account and built upon.
Nucleolar and spindle‐associated protein 1 is a tumor grade correlated prognosis marker for glioma patients
Authors: Zhu Tao , Xie Pan , Gao Yuan‐Feng , Huang Ma‐Sha , Li Xi , Zhang Wei , Zhou Hong‐Hao , Liu Zhao‐Qian
Published: January 2018

Aims

Despite therapeutic advances in glioma management including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the improvement of patient outcome is far from satisfactory. Nucleolar and spindle‐associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) is an important functional protein during mitosis, and its abnormal expression is implicated in progression of different types of tumors. However, the role of NUSAP1 in gliomas remains unclear.

Methods

NUSAP1 expression in gliomas with different grades was investigated based on GEO glioma datasets. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate its prognostic significance. In vitro assays were also performed to evaluate effects of NUSAP1 on malignant phenotypes of glioma cells by silencing NUSAP1.

Results

NUSAP1 expression was correlated not only with glioma grade but also with prognosis of glioma patients. NUSAP1 depletion suppressed proliferation of U251 cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis. NUSAP1 depletion rendered U251 cells impaired migratory ability as well.

Conclusion

NUSAP1 is a potential prognosis marker for glioma patients and therapeutic strategies targeting NUSAP1 might hold promise in improving glioma treatment.
Descent with modification: Critical use of historical evidence for conservation
Authors: Pooley Simon
Published: January 2018

The clear evidence of the accumulating impacts of anthropogenic actions on the Earth system is driving researchers to look to historical data as a resource for understanding the present and predicting the future. In the conservation science literature, using historical sources usually refers to data mining “the past” using the scientific methods of historical ecology. This article considers the often overlooked methodological challenges of sourcing and interpreting historical data. A schema is provided for conservation scientists, summarizing the kinds of questions and metadata required to work rigorously with historical data. This will improve the accuracy of the data we use to construct trends to inform our understanding of the conservation status of particular species and ecosystems. It will also deepen our understanding of the interplays of factors influencing policy and management in particular social‐ecological contexts.