bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservative potential of Tinospora cordifolia, a novel natural ingredient for improved lipid oxidative stability and storage quality of chevon sausages
Authors: Kalem Insha Kousar , Bhat Z.F. , Kumar Sunil , Jayawardena Reshan Mudiyanselage
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the preservative potential of Tinospora cordifolia as a novel natural preservative in muscle foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Chevon sausages were used as a model system and were prepared by incorporating different levels of T. cordifolia, namely, T1 (0.25 per cent), T2 (0.50 per cent) and T3 (0.75 per cent), and assessed for lipid oxidative stability and storage quality under refrigerated (4 ± 10°C) conditions.

Findings

Lipid oxidative stability showed a significant improvement as the products incorporated with T. cordifolia exhibited significantly (p = 0.001) lower thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (mg malonaldehyde/kg) in comparison to control. A significant improvement was also observed in the microbial stability as T. cordifolia-incorporated products showed significantly lower values for total plate count (log cfu/g, p = 0.001), psychrophilic count (log cfu/g, p = 0.003), yeast and mould count (log cfu/g, p = 0.02) and free fatty acid (percentage of oleic acid, p = 0.01). Significantly higher scores were observed for various sensory parameters of the treated products during storage.

Originality/value

Tinospora cordifolia successfully improved the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of the model meat product and may be commercially exploited as a novel preservative in muscle foods.
Interaction between a variant of vitamin D receptor gene and a posteriori dietary patterns on metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Shokrzadeh Fatemeh , Aslani Zahra , Rahimi-Foroushani Abbas , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether the interaction between vitamin D receptor (VDR)FokI polymorphism and dietary patterns is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 304 Iranians were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Fasting serum glucose and lipid profile were also assessed.FokI polymorphism of the VDR gene was genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Findings

Individuals in third tertile of “Unhealthy Patterns had greater odds for MetS (odds ratio: 2.9; 95 per cent CI: 1.3, 6.1;Pfor trend = 0.03) compared to those in first tertile. Significant results disappeared after controlling for covariates (p= 0.09). There was no significant relationship between adherence to ‘Healthy Pattern’ and odds of MetS (p= 0.55). There were not any interactions betweenFokI polymorphism and major dietary patterns associated with MetS.

Originality/value

No evidence found for the interaction between polymorphismFokI and major dietary patterns associated with MetS and its components in Iranian subjects. Genome-wide association techniques are needed to assess the direct effect of this polymorphism on MetS.
A complex adaptive systems governance framework for regional supply networks
Authors: Statsenko Larissa , Gorod Alex , Ireland Vernon
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an empirically grounded governance framework based on complex adaptive systems (CAS) principles to facilitate formation of well-connected regional supply chains that foster economic development, adaptability and resilience of mining regions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an exploratory case study of the South Australian (SA) mining industry that includes 38 semi-structured interviews with the key stakeholders and structural analysis of the regional supply network (RSN).

Findings

Findings demonstrate the applicability of the CAS framework as a structured approach to the governance of the mining industry regional supply chains. In particular, the findings exemplify the relationship between RSN governance, its structure and interconnectivity and their combined impact on the adaptability and resilience of mining regions.

Research limitations/implications

The data set analysed in the current study is static. Longitudinal data would permit a deeper insight into the evolution of the RSN structure and connectivity. The validity of the proposed framework could be further strengthened by being applied to other industrial domains and geographical contexts.

Practical/implications

The proposed framework offers a novel insight for regional policy-makers striving to create an environment that facilitates the formation of well-integrated regional supply chains in mining regions through more focussed policy and strategies.

Originality/value

The proposed framework is one of the first attempts to offer a holistic structured approach to governance of the regional supply chains based on CAS principles. With the current transformative changes in the global mining industry, policy-makers and supply chain practitioners have an urgent need to embrace CAS and network paradigms to remain competitive in the twenty-first century.
A palmitoyltransferase Approximated gene Bm‐app regulates wing development in Bombyx mori
Authors: Yu Ye , Liu Xiao‐Jing , Ma Xiao , Zhang Zhong‐Jie , Wang Tai‐Chu , Sun Fan , Hou Cheng‐Xiang , Li Mu‐Wang
Published: June 2018

The silkworm Bombyx mori is an important lepidopteran model insect in which many kinds of natural mutants have been identified. However, molecular mechanisms of most of these mutants remain to be explored. Here we report the identification of a gene Bm‐app is responsible for the silkworm minute wing (mw) mutation which exhibits exceedingly small wings during pupal and adult stages. Compared with the wild type silkworm, relative messenger RNA expression of Bm‐app is significantly decreased in the u11 mutant strain which shows mw phenotype. A 10 bp insertion in the putative promoter region of the Bm‐app gene in mw mutant strain was identified and the dual luciferase assay revealed that this insertion decreased Bm‐app promoter activity. Furthermore, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/RNA‐guided Cas9 nucleases‐mediated depletion of the Bm‐app induced similar wing defects which appeared in the mw mutant, demonstrating that Bm‐app controls wing development in B. mori. Bm‐app encodes a palmitoyltransferase and is responsible for the palmitoylation of selected cytoplasmic proteins, indicating that it is required for cell mitosis and growth during wing development. We also discuss the possibility that Bm‐app regulates wing development through the Hippo signaling pathway in B. mori.
Reliably discriminating stock structure with genetic markers: Mixture models with robust and fast computation
Authors: Foster Scott D. , Feutry Pierre , Grewe Peter M. , Berry Oliver , Hui Francis K. C. , Davies Campbell R.
Published: June 2018

Delineating naturally occurring and self‐sustaining subpopulations (stocks) of a species is an important task, especially for species harvested from the wild. Despite its central importance to natural resource management, analytical methods used to delineate stocks are often, and increasingly, borrowed from superficially similar analytical tasks in human genetics even though models specifically for stock identification have been previously developed. Unfortunately, the analytical tasks in resource management and human genetics are not identical—questions about humans are typically aimed at inferring ancestry (often referred to as “admixture”) rather than breeding stocks. In this article, we argue, and show through simulation experiments and an analysis of yellowfin tuna data, that ancestral analysis methods are not always appropriate for stock delineation. In this work, we advocate a variant of a previously introduced and simpler model that identifies stocks directly. We also highlight that the computational aspects of the analysis, irrespective of the model, are difficult. We introduce some alternative computational methods and quantitatively compare these methods to each other and to established methods. We also present a method for quantifying uncertainty in model parameters and in assignment probabilities. In doing so, we demonstrate that point estimates can be misleading. One of the computational strategies presented here, based on an expectation–maximization algorithm with judiciously chosen starting values, is robust and has a modest computational cost.
The Multiplicity of Performance Management Systems: Heterogeneity in Multinational Corporations and Management Sense‐Making
Authors: Cooper David J. , Ezzamel Mahmoud , Robson Keith
Published: June 2018

This field study examines the workings of multiple performance measurement systems (PMSs) used within and between a division and Headquarters (HQ) of a large European corporation. We explore how multiple PMSs arose within the multinational corporation. We first provide a first‐order analysis which explains how managers make sense of the multiplicity and show how an organization's PMSs may be subject to competing processes for control that result in varied systems, all seemingly functioning, but with different rationales and effects. We then provide a second‐order analysis based on a sense‐making perspective that highlights the importance of retrospective understandings of the organization's history and the importance of various legitimacy expectations to different parts of the multinational. Finally, we emphasize the role of social skill in sense‐making that enables the persistence of multiple systems and the absence of overt tensions and conflict within organizations.
Effects of Adrenaline on maternal and fetal fentanyl absorption in epidural analgesia: A randomized trial
Authors: Haidl F. , Rosseland L. A. , Spigset O. , Dahl V.
Published: June 2018

Background

The combination of low‐dose local anesthesia and lipophilic opioids such as fentanyl is established as a standard solution for labor epidural analgesia. Fentanyl increases efficacy, but may have negative effects on the neonate in terms of reduced neonatal neurologic and adaptive capacity scores and breast feeding. We hypothesized that addition of adrenaline 2 μg/mL to a solution of bupivacaine 1 mg/mL and fentanyl 2 μg/mL would reduce the systemic uptake of fentanyl, resulting in reduced serum fentanyl in the fetus at birth.

Methods

Forty‐one nulliparous women requesting epidural analgesia were randomized to epidural analgesia with or without adrenaline. Blood samples were drawn from the mother with regular intervals, and at delivery. An umbilical vein blood sample (used as a proxy for fetal exposure) was drawn after clamping.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in fentanyl concentrations in the umbilical vein and maternal serum at birth. There was a significantly lower mean area under the maternal serum‐concentration curve for the first 2 hours of treatment in the adrenaline group (mean difference 0.161 nmol h/L [0.034; 0.289], P = .015), implying slower systemic uptake in the adrenaline group initially. There were no significant differences in treatment duration, motor block, Apgar scores, umbilical pH and base excess, or mode of delivery.

Conclusions

The addition of adrenaline to an epidural solution containing fentanyl lowered maternal systemic serum fentanyl concentration during the first 2 hours, but did not lower serum fentanyl concentration in the umbilical vein and mother at delivery.
Length‐based body weight estimation in paediatric patients: The impact of habitus—A clinical observational trial
Authors: Schmidt A. R. , Buehler P. K. , Meyer J. , Weiss M. , Schmitz A. , Both C. P.
Published: June 2018

Background

Paediatric emergency tapes provide drug dosing based on the patient's estimated body weight. Unfortunately, published data revealed an unsatisfactory accuracy. A newly developed digital algorithm for weight estimation (CLAWAR) allowing a three‐staged habitus adaptation (normal, obese, or cachectic; CLAWAR‐3) demonstrated a higher accuracy for weight estimation compared to paediatric emergency tapes. However, the incidence of incorrectly evaluated habitus was 27%. A five‐staged habitus adaptation with figural images was suggested by Wells et al to improve habitus and weight estimation. Therefore, CLAWAR was modified with five habitus stages including figural images (CLAWAR‐5). We hypothized CLAWAR‐5 improves the accuracy of weight estimation.

Methods

After obtaining informed written parental consent patients were included in this single centre, prospective clinical observation trial. Body weight estimations by CLAWAR‐3 and CLAWAR‐5 within ±10% of the actual body weight were compared. Furthermore, the incidence of correct evaluated habitus was calculated. McNemar Tests were used for statistical analysis. Results presented as median (interquartiles), P < .003 considered significant.

Results

In total, 312 patients aged 3.3 years (0.7‐6.6), with a body length of 95.9 cm (70.0‐121.2), weighing 14.8 kg (8.1‐22.5), were included. Both CLAWAR‐3 and CLAWAR‐5 showed equivalent accuracy for weight estimation within the ±10% interval (62.2% vs 60.6%, P = .609). Despite adding figural images, the incidence of correct evaluated habitus with CLAWAR‐5 (46.8%) was worse than with CLAWAR‐3 (66.7%).

Conclusion

The five‐staged habitus‐adapted method could not improve the accuracy of weight estimation. Furthermore, the error rate of habitus classification was not reduced by the implementation of figural images.
Protective effect of skin‐derived precursors on photoaging in nude mice
Authors: Wang Siyu , Zhong Jianqiao , Li Li
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Currently, innovative methods to prevent photoaging are needed. Skin‐derived precursors (SKP) have been shown to play a crucial role in resisting UVB‐induced apoptosis in vitro. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of SKP on preventing skin photoaging in vivo.

Methods

Skin‐derived precursors from neonatal BALB/c mice were isolated, identified and intradermally transplanted with a PKH26 label to track their survival. These were then injected at different concentrations into the buttock dermis of nude mice at 2‐weekly intervals before UV irradiation. Photographs, assessment of live skin surface, histology with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the impact of SKP on wrinkles and other relevant indicators of skin photoaging.

Results

SKP exhibited a sphere‐like structure and could survive for at least 2 weeks after intradermal transplantation. A large dose of SKP transplantation (105 SKP +UV) at 2‐weekly intervals were able to ameliorate coarse UV‐induced wrinkles. Moreover, the skin smoothness value, dermal thickness and collagen percentage were significantly increased in mice that received a large dose of SKP (105 SKP +UV). UV radiation induced the mRNA expression of MMP‐13 and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of TβRII, but these effects were diminished by SKP transplantation. The transplantation of SKP could increase the mRNA of TIMP‐1.

Conclusions

We found that transplanted SKP exert a beneficial impact on preventing UV‐induced wrinkles in vivo, suggesting that SKP transplantation is a promising candidate for preventing photoaging.
Poromas with large lumens histopathologically mimicking syringocystadenoma papilliferum: Report of three cases
Authors: Arakawa Hiroki , Tanese Keiji , Miura Keiko , Ebata Satoshi , Yamada Daisuke , Masui Yuri , Tanaka Masaru , Saida Toshiaki , Ansai Shin‐ichi
Published: June 2018

We report on three patients exhibiting tumours with exophytic pedunculated structures with eroded surfaces. All cases showed the basic histopathological features of poroma accompanied by large, invaginated ductal structures lined by multiple layers of columnar or cuboidal cells. The columnar cells of invaginated ductal/cystic structures focally exhibited subtle features reminiscent of decapitation secretion along with dense infiltration of plasma cells in the surrounding stroma, mimicking syringocystadenoma papilliferum.
Japanese Financial Market Research: A Survey
Authors: Hamao Yasushi
Published: June 2018

This article provides a survey of research conducted in Japanese financial markets. Until the 1990s, the academic discipline of financial economics was almost not taught in Japanese universities. A few of the first‐generation papers were simply replicating what was done in the US, but many strong papers utilizing unique institutional differences were soon published. Japan also experienced a financial and real estate bubble in the 1980s and it took close to two decades to recover from the collapse of that bubble. Some lessons from that experience are noted in this paper.
Foley catheter silicone versus latex for term outpatient induction of labour: A randomised trial
Authors: McGee Therese M , Gidaszewski Beata , Khajehei Marjan , Tse Toni , Gibbs Emma
Published: June 2018

Background

Both silicone and latex single‐balloon Foley catheters are available for cervical ripening but no literature exists to compare them. Local experience suggested more frequent insertion‐related accidental rupture of the membranes (acROM) with silicone.

Aims

To compare the performance of silicone versus latex catheters with respect to acROM and other outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Women undergoing outpatient Foley catheter cervical ripening were randomised to a silicone or latex catheter. Data were collected on the primary outcome, acROM, and secondary outcomes including catheter insertion failure, unplanned hospital admission and patient‐reported discomfort, together with intrapartum fever and antibiotics for suspected chorioamnionitis along with general obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Results

Among 534 recruited women, acROM was significantly more common with a silicone compared to a latex catheter at 7.2% (19/265) versus 1.5% (4/269) (relative risk (RR) 4.8; 95% CI 1.7–14.0). Insertion failure was significantly less common with silicone than latex at 2.6% (7/265) versus 9.3% (25/269) (RR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1–0.6). However, when the alternative catheter was subsequently tried, the final failure rates were 1.9% silicone (5/265) versus 2.6% latex (7/269). Insertion‐related hospital admission was higher with silicone at 9.4% (25/265) than latex at 4.8% (13/269) (RR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1–4.1). All other obstetric outcomes were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

When used for cervical ripening, a silicone Foley catheter is associated with a higher rate of acROM than a latex catheter but a lower rate of insertion failure. It may, therefore, be reasonable to attempt insertion with a latex catheter initially and manage insertion failures with a silicone catheter.
Perineal trauma with vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nettle Jonathan A.S. , Mcnamara Helen C. , Du Plessis Jacobus M.
Published: June 2018

Background

There is a paucity of information regarding perineal injuries in women who achieve vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC).

Aims

To ascertain the rate of severe perineal injuries in women achieving VBAC at a major tertiary obstetric hospital, and to determine if vaginal birth is more likely to be associated with perineal injuries in women with one previous caesarean section compared with nulliparous women.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of women with singleton pregnancies at term who delivered vaginally between 2013 and 2016. We compared nulliparous women with women who had undergone one previous caesarean section. The primary outcome analysed was the rate of third and fourth degree tears in each group. Secondary outcomes were major post‐partum haemorrhage and instrumental delivery.

Results

Totals of 10 663 nulliparous women and 629 VBAC women achieved vaginal birth. Of the VBAC women, 418 achieved their first vaginal birth (first VBAC group). Overall, there was no significant difference in the rate of third and fourth degree tears in the VBAC group compared with the nulliparous group (6.0% vs 5.6%; P = 0.73). There was no significant increase in anal sphincter injuries in the first VBAC group compared with the nulliparous group (6.0% vs 7.4%; P = 0.25).

Conclusion

No overall difference in the rate of severe perineal injuries between VBAC women and nulliparous women who achieve vaginal birth was observed in this study.
Text messaging improves preoperative exercise in patients undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Lemanu Daniel P. , Singh Primal P. , Shao Robert Y. , Pollock Terina T. , MacCormick Andrew D. , Arroll Bruce , Hill Andrew G.
Published: June 2018

Background

To investigate whether a text message intervention improves adherence to preoperative exercise advice prior to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods

A single‐blinded parallel design 1:1 ratio randomized controlled trial was performed in patients undergoing LSG as a single‐stage bariatric procedure for morbid obesity. The intervention group received preoperative daily text messages. The primary outcome was adherence to preoperative exercise advice as assessed by the number of participants partaking in ≥450 metabolic equivalent minutes (METmin−1) exercise activity per week preoperatively.

Results

Eighty‐eight patients were included in the analysis with 44 allocated to each arm. Adherence and exercise activity increased significantly from baseline in the exposure group (EG) but not in the control group (CG). Adherence was significantly higher in the EG at the end of the intervention period compared to the CG. Despite increased exercise activity, there was no improvement in 6‐min walk test or surgical recovery.

Conclusion

A daily text message intervention improved adherence to preoperative exercise advice, but this did not correlate with improved surgical recovery.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of robotic versus open hepatectomy
Authors: Wong Daniel J. , Wong Michelle J. , Choi Gi Hong , Wu Yao Ming , Lai Paul B. , Goh Brian K. P.
Published: June 2018

Background

To date, there are few studies comparing the outcomes of robotic hepatectomy (RH) versus open hepatectomy (OH). We report the first systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing the outcomes of RH versus OH.

Methods

A systemic review was performed of all comparative studies of RH versus OH that reported the perioperative outcome(s) of interest.

Results

Seven retrospective cohort studies were included. There was no significant difference in patients' baseline characteristics. RH was associated with a longer operation time (mean difference (MD) 61.47 min; 95% confidence interval (CI) (7.03, 115.91); P = 0.03), shorter hospital stay (MD −2.57 days; 95% CI (−3.31, −1.82); P < 0.001), lower costs, less overall (risk ratio (RR) 0.63; 95% CI (0.46, 0.86); P = 0.004), minor (RR 0.64; 95% CI (0.43, 0.95); P = 0.03) and major (RR 0.45; 95% CI (0.22, 0.94); P = 0.03) post‐operative complications compared to OH.

Conclusion

RH had superior perioperative outcomes and was not cost prohibitive compared to OH, but had longer operation times.
Investigation of potent odorants generated during the production of whey protein hydrolysates
Authors: Nakada Hajime , Ohata Motoko , Hosaka Mari , Ochi Hiroshi , Abe Fumiaki , Arihara Keizo
Published: June 2018

Whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) were prepared from whey protein concentrate (WPC) by partial or extensive hydrolysis. WPC and two WPH types were characterized by a descriptive sensory analysis. WPC exhibited a “milky”, “sweet”, and “mild milk fat” odor, whereas extensively hydrolyzed whey protein (E‐WPH) demonstrated “cheese‐like”, “acrid odor”, and “sour” olfactory characteristics. In E‐WPH, 3‐(methylthio)‐propanal, phenylacetaldehyde, and 3‐methylbutanoic acid were specifically detected with high flavor dilution factors upon aroma extract dilution analysis. These odor‐active compounds likely contributed to the olfactory characteristics of E‐WPH, and their concentration increased together with that of their respective putative precursors: free methionine, phenylalanine, and leucine.
Dexamethasone impacts zinc levels in goats by regulating zinc transportation in the colon and the metabolism in the liver
Authors: Hua Canfeng , Geng Yali , Chen Qu , Niu Liqiong , Cai Liuping , Tao Shiyu , Ni Yingdong , Zhao Ruqian
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on zinc metabolism in goats. In this study, 10 goats were randomly divided into two groups. One group was injected with dexamethasone (Dex group) and the other group was injected with saline (Con group). Dex treatment significantly decreased hepatic zinc levels (p < .01) and increased Zn transporters 1 (ZNT‐1) expression (p < .05). The concentration of zinc in the cecal and colonic contents was significantly increased (p < .05). However, zinc levels were increased only in the colon tissues (p < .05) but not in the cecal tissues (p > .05). A dramatic increase in Zrt‐, Irt‐related proteins 14 (ZIP‐14) expression (p < .05) following Dex treatment was also observed and likely induced the elevated zinc levels in the colon, and a significant reduction in Zip‐14 methylation (p < .05) may be responsible for the observed increase in Zip‐14 expression. Together, these results indicate that Dex influences zinc homeostasis by increasing hepatic ZNT‐1 and colonic ZIP‐14 expression. Additionally, these results provide valuable information for the clinical application of Dex.
Do Accruals Earnings Management Constraints and Intellectual Capital Efficiency Trigger Asymmetric Cost Behaviour? Evidence from Australia
Authors: Yang Yiru
Published: June 2018

This study examines whether accruals earnings management constraints and intellectual capital (IC) efficiency affect asymmetric cost behaviour by analysing data for the 1990 to 2016 period on firms listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The analysis reveals that, on average, anti‐sticky cost behaviour occurs when firms have limited ability to engage in accrual earnings management to manipulate earnings in the current year. Further, IC efficiency – particularly human capital efficiency – increases the degree of cost stickiness. This study also finds that the degree of asymmetric cost behaviour is more pronounced in the post‐International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) period than in the pre‐IFRS period. The results suggest that the increased asymmetric cost behaviour in the post‐IFRS period derives from higher IC efficiency relative to the pre‐IFRS period. This study presents important implications for external stakeholders because they can consider the extent of earnings management constraints and the extent of firms’ IC efficiency as the determinants of asymmetric cost behaviour when assessing firms’ cost behaviour.
A Maturity‐level Assessment of Generalised Audit Software: Internal Audit Functions in Australia
Authors: Smidt Louis , Ahmi Aidi , Steenkamp Leandi , van der Nest D.P. , Lubbe Dave
Published: June 2018

The advancement of information technology in today's technologically driven era has had a significant impact on the way corporate organisations are conducting their business, especially in a developed country such as Australia. Consequently, it is now almost impossible to conduct effective and efficient audits without the use of technology‐based tools in control environments that are dominated by big data and increasing volumes of electronic audit evidence. Generalised Audit Software (GAS) is one of the most frequently used technology‐based tools available for the internal audit function for tests of controls purposes. The objective of this article is to explore the maturity of the use of GAS by internal audit functions in Australia. The literature review reveals that the use of GAS by internal audit functions globally is still at a relatively low level of maturity, despite the increased adoption of information technology and the generation of big data within organisations. Similarly, the empirical results also confirm the low level of maturity in the use of GAS by internal audit functions in Australia. Only 17.4% of the respondents displayed a high level of maturity with regard to the use of GAS.
Comparison of conventional radiography and computed tomography as aids in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in 11 foals
Authors: Lean NE , Perkins NR , Ahern BJ
Published: June 2018

Background

Conventional radiography is currently the most common imaging modality used by veterinarians investigating foals with suspected osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence in adult horses and humans suggests computed tomography (CT) is a superior modality for evaluation of osseous changes in general. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of CT versus conventional radiography in cases of osteomyelitis in foals.

Methods

Cases of osteomyelitis in foals under 6 months of age admitted over a 6‐year period at a single referral hospital that had both CT and conventional radiography images were retrieved. Case details and measurements of the largest area of bone lysis identified in two planes (lateromedial/sagittal and dorsopalmar/dorsal) were evaluated by three veterinarians with a range of experience.

Results

A significant difference regarding lesion size was seen on the lateromedial (LM) radiographic projections compared with the equivalent sagittal plane CT image. The LM radiographic evaluation resulted in a 37% underestimation of the area of the lesion. Additionally, use of the LM radiographic projections were 2.5‐fold more variable in the measurement area compared with CT. In general, regardless of projection, CT produced more information regarding lesion area and, in some cases, detected osseous changes that were not evident on the radiographs.

Clinical relevance

LM radiographic projections are less reliable and commonly result in an under‐appreciation of lesion size and extent. CT detected lesions that were difficult or impossible to identify on radiographs and may allow improved treatment planning.
BVDV in Australian alpacas: natural infection and clinical profiles following co‐mingling with a persistently infected heifer
Authors: Evans CA , Erregger E , Hemmatzadeh F , Cockcroft PD
Published: June 2018

Background

Although predominantly a disease of cattle, bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is known to infect other ruminant and camelid species such as sheep and alpacas. The aims of this study were to determine if BVDV‐naive alpacas would become acutely infected and seroconvert to the predominant Australian strain of BVDV following co‐mingling with a BVDV‐1c persistently infected (PI) heifer and to determine what, if any, clinical signs, haematological responses and selected biochemical changes occur with acute BVDV‐1c infections in alpacas.

Methods

A PI heifer and four alpacas co‐mingled for 2 weeks. Weekly blood samples were collected and twice weekly clinical examinations were performed on the alpacas.

Results

Serum analysis by antibody ELISA indicated that all four alpacas were positive for BVDV‐specific antibodies between 35 and 54 days after mixing with the BVDV‐1c PI heifer. Viral antigen was detected by antigen ELISA in two alpacas on days 21 and 35 after initial mixing. In general, all the physical clinical parameters measured were normal. Serum biochemical and haematological analyses in two of the alpacas revealed marginally low sodium, chloride and elevated potassium concentrations, a lymphocytosis, monocytosis and a neutrophilia at some point during the study period in either one or both of the alpacas.

Conclusion

This study showed that infection in Australian alpacas readily occurs when a BVDV‐1c PI bovine co‐mingles with naive alpacas and that acute infections are clinically mild and undetectable without serological testing.
Pleural adverse drugs reactions and protein kinase inhibitors: Identification of suspicious targets by disproportionality analysis from VigiBase
Authors: Mahé Julien , de Campaigno Emilie Patras , Chené Anne‐Laure , Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Despas Fabien , Jolliet Pascale
Published: June 2018

Aims

To evaluate the risk of pleural disorders (PD) associated with 33 protein kinase (PK) inhibitors (PKIs) through a disproportionality analysis and to identify which PKs and pathways are involved in PKI‐induced PD.

Methods

To evaluate the risk of PD, reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated for 33 PKIs through data registered in the World Health Organization safety report database (VigiBase). We undertook a literature review to identify PKs that were possibly involved in PD caused by PKIs. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between RORs and affinity data of 19 PKIs were calculated to identify the cellular target most likely to be involved in PKI‐induced PD.

Results

A total of 235 110 individual case safety reports were extracted from the database for 33 available PKIs. Among these reports, 5001 concerned PD (2.1%). Significant and positive disproportionality for PD was found for 29 of 33 PKI included in our study with top values for dasatinib [ROR = 115.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 110.1–120.8], bosutinib (ROR = 20.4; 95% CI: 15.8–26.4) and ponatinib (ROR = 12; 95% CI: 9.2–15.6). Correlation analyses between the product of dissociation constant and ROR highlighted possibly Lyn involvement in PD with PKI (r = 0.73, P = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Our study showed that 28 of the 33 tested PKIs were associated with PD. Besides, the study highlighted the role of Lyn in PD caused by PKIs through an immune‐mediated process.
Parent–offspring conflict over mate choice: An experimental study in China
Authors: Bovet Jeanne , Raiber Eva , Ren Weiwei , Wang Charlotte , Seabright Paul
Published: June 2018

Both parents and offspring have evolved mating preferences that enable them to select mates and children‐in‐law to maximize their inclusive fitness. The theory of parent–offspring conflict predicts that preferences for potential mates may differ between parents and offspring: individuals are expected to value biological quality more in their own mates than in their offspring's mates and to value investment potential more in their offspring's mates than in their own mates. We tested this hypothesis in China using a naturalistic ‘marriage market’ where parents actively search for marital partners for their offspring. Parents gather at a public park to advertise the characteristics of their adult children, looking for a potential son or daughter‐in‐law. We presented 589 parents and young adults from the city of Kunming (Yunnan, China) with hypothetical mating candidates varying in their levels of income (proxy for investment potential) and physical attractiveness (proxy for biological quality). We found some evidence of a parent–offspring conflict over mate choice, but only in the case of daughters, who evaluated physical attractiveness as more important than parents. We also found an effect of the mating candidate's sex, as physical attractiveness was deemed more valuable in a female potential mate by parents and offspring alike.
Se coordonner pour aider les sans‐abri : les visages variés du travail relationnel de première ligne
Authors: Farinas Luc
Published: June 2018

Sommaire

Des praticiens de première ligne réalisent parfois une coordination en tentant d'aider des sans‐abri montréalais. Souvent de nature interorganisationnelle et intersectorielle, elle repose sur un travail relationnel multidirectionnel et multidimensionnel qui ne va pas de soi. Cet article vise à enrichir la compréhension de cette coordination qui peut se produire pendant les relations quotidiennes, en misant sur une approche interactionniste ainsi que sur les perspectives de ces praticiens. Il expose trois de ces dernières (l'ouverture et l'engagement, le réseautage et la procédure). Cela peut éclairer la dynamique relationnelle des réseaux émergents auxquels ils participent.
EWS‐FLI1 regulates a transcriptional program in cooperation with Foxq1 in mouse Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Shimizu Rikuka , Tanaka Miwa , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Yamazaki Yukari , Homme Mizuki , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Nakamura Takuro
Published: June 2018

EWS‐FLI1 constitutes an oncogenic transcription factor that plays key roles in Ewing sarcoma development and maintenance. We have recently succeeded in generating an ex vivo mouse model for Ewing sarcoma by introducing EWS‐FLI1 into embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors. The model well recapitulates the biological characteristics, small round cell morphology, and gene expression profiles of human Ewing sarcoma. Here, we clarified the global DNA binding properties of EWS‐FLI1 in mouse Ewing sarcoma. GGAA microsatellites were found to serve as binding sites of EWS‐FLI1 albeit with less frequency than that in human Ewing sarcoma; moreover, genomic distribution was not conserved between human and mouse. Nevertheless, EWS‐FLI1 binding sites within GGAA microsatellites were frequently associated with the histone H3K27Ac enhancer mark, suggesting that EWS‐FLI1 could affect global gene expression by binding its target sites. In particular, the Fox transcription factor binding motif was frequently observed within EWS‐FLI1 peaks and Foxq1 was identified as the cooperative partner that interacts with the EWS portion of EWS‐FLI1. Trib1 and Nrg1 were demonstrated as target genes that are co‐regulated by EWS‐FLI1 and Foxq1, and are important for cell proliferation and survival of Ewing sarcoma. Collectively, our findings present novel aspects of EWS‐FLI1 function as well as the importance of GGAA microsatellites.
Profilin 1 induces drug resistance through Beclin1 complex‐mediated autophagy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Lu Yichen , Wang Ya , Xu He , Shi Chen , Jin Fengyan , Li Wei
Published: June 2018

Autophagy plays an important role in multiple myeloma (MM) for homeostasis, survival and drug resistance, but which genes participate in this process is unclear. We identified several cytoskeleton genes upregulated in MM patients by gene expression profiling (GEP) datasets; in particular, patients with high profilin 1 (PFN1) expression had poor prognosis in MM. In vitro, overexpressed PFN1 promotes proliferation and bortezomib (BTZ) resistance in MM cells. Further study indicated overexpression of PFN1 significantly promoted the process of autophagy and induced BTZ resistance in MM. Otherwise, knockdown of PFN1 blocked autophagy and sensitized MM to BTZ. Co‐immunoprecipitation in MM cells indicated that PFN1 could bind Beclin1 complex and promote the initiation of autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by blocking the formation of Beclin1 complex could reverse the phenotype of BTZ resistance in MM. Our findings suggested that PFN1 could promote autophagy through taking part in Beclin1 complex and contribute to BTZ resistance, which may become a novel molecular target in the therapy of MM.
Meta‐analysis of the effects of rice‐field abandonment on biodiversity in Japan
Authors: Koshida Chieko , Katayama Naoki
Published: June 2018

Farmland abandonment is increasing worldwide. Concurrently, some conservationists view this as an opportunity for biodiversity restoration (i.e., rewilding). Due to a lack of data, however, it remains unclear whether farmland abandonment increases biodiversity in different farmland types and surrounding environments. Information is particularly scarce for Asia, home to one‐third of identified biodiversity hotspots and where dominant farmlands (i.e., rice fields) are often viewed as substitutes for natural wetlands. We conducted the first meta‐analysis of the impacts of rice‐field abandonment on biodiversity, in which we considered multiscale factors, such as taxon surveyed, landscape context, and climate. Species richness and abundance after abandonment decreased to 56–72%. This reduced biodiversity was unlikely to recover, at least for plant species richness, even after 10–15 years. These results suggest rewilding will not necessarily be achieved by rice‐field abandonment. Moreover, there was a pronounced biodiversity decline under dry conditions (e.g., low precipitation), especially for organisms closely associated with aquatic environment, such as amphibians and fish. Biodiversity reduction was least pronounced for birds and mammals. Such context dependency may suggest that impacts of farmland abandonment can be predicted by considering biological features of organisms and their associations with human‐modified environments.
Chronic hand eczema: A prospective analysis of the Swiss CARPE registry focusing on factors associated with clinical and quality of life improvement
Authors: Cazzaniga Simone , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara K. , Gräni Nora , Spring Philippe , Bircher Andreas , Anliker Mark , Sonntag Anne‐Katharina , Piletta Pierre , Huber Caroline , Diepgen Thomas L. , Apfelbacher Christian , Naldi Luigi , Borradori Luca , Simon Dagmar
Published: June 2018

Background

Hand eczema (HE) is common and may follow a chronic disease course. So far, prospective studies investigating the risk factors for disease progression as a prerequisite for targeted prevention are scarce.

Objective

To evaluate the overall association of HE‐associated factors with clinical and quality of life (QoL) improvement during a follow‐up of 2 years.

Methods

Data of the prospective patient cohort (N = 199) followed by the Swiss chronic HE (CHE) registry on long‐term patient management (CARPE‐CH) were analysed by means of both classic regression and semantic map analyses.

Results

Both severity of HE and QoL significantly improved over the period of 2 years (P < .001). However, 20% of patients had moderate to severe HE after 2 years of follow‐up. As factors associated with an unfavourable CHE clinical course and QoL, environmental exposures, male sex, occupational skin disease, job loss or change at baseline, allergic contact dermatitis, a chronic disease course, palmar localization and widespread eczema were identified.

Conclusions

Analysis of prospective data from CARPE‐CH shows a complex pattern of associations among variables as shown by semantic map and classic statistical analyses. Factors related to occupational exposure had the highest impact on CHE.
Regulation of contact sensitivity in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice by innate immunity
Authors: Szczepanik Marian , Majewska‐Szczepanik Monika , Wong Florence S. , Kowalczyk Paulina , Pasare Chandrashekhar , Wen Li
Published: June 2018

Background

Genetic background influences allergic immune responses to environmental stimuli. Non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice are highly susceptible to environmental stimuli. Little is known about the interaction of autoimmune genetic factors with innate immunity in allergies, especially skin hypersensitivity.

Objectives

To study the interplay of innate immunity and autoimmune genetic factors in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) by using various innate immunity‐deficient NOD mice.

Methods

Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2‐deficient, TLR9‐deficient and MyD88‐deficient NOD mice were used to investigate CHS. The cellular mechanism was determined by flow cytometry in vitro and adoptive cell transfer in vivo. To investigate the role of MyD88 in dendritic cells (DCs) in CHS, we also used CD11cMyD88+ MyD88−/− NOD mice, in which MyD88 is expressed only in CD11c+ cells.

Results

We found that innate immunity negatively regulates CHS, as innate immunity‐deficient NOD mice developed exacerbated CHS accompanied by increased numbers of skin‐migrating CD11c+ DCs expressing higher levels of major histocompatibility complex II and CD80. Moreover, MyD88−/− NOD mice had increased numbers of CD11c+ CD207− CD103+ DCs and activated T effector cells in the skin‐draining lymph nodes. Strikingly, re‐expression of MyD88 in CD11c+ DCs (CD11cMyD88+ MyD88−/− NOD mice) restored hyper‐CHS to a normal level in MyD88−/− NOD mice.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the autoimmune‐prone NOD genetic background aggravates CHS regulated by innate immunity, through DCs and T effector cells.
MART‐1‐labeled melanocyte density and distribution in actinic keratosis and squamous cell cancer in situ: Pagetoid melanocytes are a potential source of misdiagnosis as melanoma in situ
Authors: Fix William C. , Yun Sook Jung , Groft MacFarlane Caroline M. , Jambusaria Anokhi , Elenitsas Rosalie , Chu Emily , Etzkorn Jeremy R. , Sobanko Joseph F. , Shin Thuzar M. , Miller Christopher J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma in‐situ (SCCIS) within or near melanoma in situ (MIS) can complicate diagnosis due to overlapping clinical and microscopic features. This study aimed to describe basilar melanocyte density and pagetoid spread in AK and SCCIS for improved diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

A total of 22 AK and 22 SCCIS biopsies containing a margin of uninvolved epidermis were immunostained with MART‐1 (melanoma antigen recognized by T‐cells 1). The basilar melanocyte:keratinocyte ratio and the number and distribution of pagetoid melanocytes were compared in AK, SCCIS, and uninvolved epidermis. An in‐vitro human skin model was created to assess the impact of keratinocyte atypia on melanocyte distribution.

Results

The median basilar melanocyte:keratinocyte ratio in SCCIS (1:11.49) was lower than in uninvolved epidermis (1:5.59, P = 0.0011), and the ratio in AK (1:6.94) was similar to uninvolved epidermis (P = 0.987). Pagetoid melanocytes were absent in perilesional skin but common in AK (21/22, P < 0.0001) and SCCIS (22/22, P < 0.0001). Pagetoid melanocytes at or above the mid‐spinous layer were more common in SCCIS (21/22) vs AK (7/22, P < 0.0001). Pagetoid melanocytes were present in the in‐vitro skin model made with neoplastic but not normal keratinocytes.

Conclusions

Pagetoid melanocytes in AK and SCCIS should be interpreted with caution to avoid overdiagnosis of MIS.
Suprabasal acantholytic dermatologic toxicities associated checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A spectrum of immune reactions from paraneoplastic pemphigus‐like to Grover‐like lesions
Authors: Chen Wei‐Shen , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Diwan Hafeez , Jahan‐Tigh Richard , Diab Adi , Nelson Kelly , Glitza Isabella C. , Kaunitz Genevieve J. , Johnson Daniel , Torres‐Cabala Carlos , Pacha Omar , Taube Janis M. , Maloney Kudakwashe , Prieto Victor G. , Curry Jonathan L.
Published: June 2018

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) restore the function of effector immunocytes to target and destroy cancer cells. Immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) are a consequence of immune reactivation, with unpredictable inflammatory response, loss of self‐tolerance, and development of autoimmunity. Adverse events from CPIs that present as dermatologic toxicities have diverse clinical and histopathologic features. CPI‐associated dermatologic toxicities may exhibit histopathologic features of lichenoid dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, and granulomatous/sarcoid‐like reactions. Suprabasal acantholytic dermatologic toxicities associated with CPIs are particularly rare but represent an emerging histopathologic pattern and include lichenoid dermatitis with suprabasal acantholysis/vesicle formation to Grover disease (transient acantholytic dermatosis). Here, we report two patients who developed suprabasal acantholytic dermatologic toxicities during CPI therapy. One patient exhibited a CPI‐associated autoimmune blistering disease with paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP)‐like features restricted to histopathology and immunofluorescence, while the other patient had Grover‐like lesions. A review of the literature revealed a spectrum of suprabasal acantholytic dermatologic toxicities associated CPIs that may present as lichenoid dermatitis with acantholysis/vesicle formation, Grover‐like eruptions, and lesions with PNP‐like features restricted to histopathology and immunofluorescence. It is important for clinicians and pathologists to recognize the types of dermatologic toxicities associated with CPIs to direct appropriate therapeutic strategies.