bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial recovery after cardiac resynchronization therapy in left bundle branch block‐associated idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy: A NEOLITH II substudy
Authors: Wang Norman C. , Hussain Aliza , Adelstein Evan C. , Althouse Andrew D. , Sharbaugh Michael S. , Jain Sandeep K. , Shalaby Alaa A. , Voigt Andrew H. , Saba Samir
Published: September 2018

Background

Baseline predictors of myocardial recovery after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in left bundle branch block (LBBB)‐associated idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) are unknown.

Methods

A retrospective study included subjects with idiopathic NICM, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, and LBBB. Myocardial recovery was defined as post‐CRT LVEF ≥50%. Logistic regression analyses described associations between baseline characteristics and myocardial recovery. Cox regression analyses estimated the hazard ratio (HR) between myocardial recovery status and adverse clinical events.

Results

In 105 subjects (mean age 61 years, 44% male, mean initial LVEF 22.6% ± 6.6%, 81% New York Heart Association class III, and 98% CRT‐defibrillators), myocardial recovery after CRT was observed in 56 (54%) subjects. Hypertension, heart rate, and serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) had negative associations with myocardial recovery in univariable analyses. These associations persisted in multivariable analysis: hypertension (odds ratio (OR), 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–0.95; p = 0.04), heart rate (OR per 10 bpm, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48–0.997; p = 0.048), and serum BUN (OR per 1 mg/dl, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–0.99; p = 0.04). Subjects with post‐CRT LVEF ≥50%, when compared to <50%, had lower risk for adverse clinical events (heart failure hospitalization, appropriate implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator shock, appropriate anti‐tachycardia pacing therapy, ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, and death) over a median follow‐up of 75.9 months (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16–0.88; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In LBBB‐associated idiopathic NICM, myocardial recovery after CRT was associated with absence of hypertension, lower heart rate, and lower serum BUN. Those with myocardial recovery had fewer adverse clinical events.
Semiparametric Regression Analysis of Length-Biased Interval-Censored Data
Authors: Gao Fei , Chan Kwun Chuen Gary
Published: September 2018

In prevalent cohort design, subjects who have experienced an initial event but not the failure event are preferentially enrolled and the observed failure times are often length-biased. Moreover, the prospective follow-up may not be continuously monitored and failure times are subject to interval censoring. We study the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation for the proportional hazards model with length-biased interval-censored data. Direct maximization of likelihood function is intractable, thus we develop a computationally simple and stable expectation-maximization algorithm through introducing two layers of data augmentation. We establish the strong consistency, asymptotic normality and efficiency of the proposed estimator and provide an inferential procedure through profile likelihood. We assess the performance of the proposed methods through extensive simulations and apply the proposed methods to the Massachusetts Health Care Panel Study.
A Bayesian Multi-Dimensional Couple-Based Latent Risk Model with an Application to Infertility
Authors: Hwang Beom Seuk , Chen Zhen , Buck Louis Germaine M. , Albert Paul S.
Published: September 2018

Motivated by the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study that investigated the association between exposure to a large number of environmental pollutants and human reproductive outcomes, we propose a joint latent risk class modeling framework with an interaction between female and male partners of a couple. This formulation introduces a dependence structure between the chemical patterns within a couple and between the chemical patterns and the risk of infertility. The specification of an interaction enables the interplay between the female and male's chemical patterns on the risk of infertility in a parsimonious way. We took a Bayesian perspective to inference and used Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms to obtain posterior estimates of model parameters. We conducted simulations to examine the performance of the estimation approach. Using the LIFE Study dataset, we found that in addition to the effect of PCB exposures on females, the male partners’ PCB exposures play an important role in determining risk of infertility. Further, this risk is subadditive in the sense that there is likely a ceiling effect which limits the probability of infertility when both partners of the couple are at high risk.
Adaptive Elastic Net for Group Testing
Authors: Gregory Karl B. , Wang Dewei , McMahan Christopher S.
Published: September 2018

For disease screening, group (pooled) testing can be a cost-saving alternative to one-at-a-time testing, with savings realized through assaying pooled biospecimen (eg, urine, blood, saliva). In many group testing settings, practitioners are faced with the task of conducting disease surveillance. That is, it is often of interest to relate individuals’ true disease statuses to covariate information via binary regression. Several authors have developed regression methods for group testing data, which is challenging due to the effects of imperfect testing. That is, all testing outcomes (on pools and individuals) are subject to misclassification, and individuals’ true statuses are never observed. To further complicate matters, individuals may be involved in several testing outcomes. For analyzing such data, we provide a novel regression methodology which generalizes and extends the aforementioned regression techniques and which incorporates regularization. Specifically, for model fitting and variable selection, we propose an adaptive elastic net estimator under the logistic regression model which can be used to analyze data from any group testing strategy. We provide an efficient algorithm for computing the estimator along with guidance on tuning parameter selection. Moreover, we establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator and show that it possesses “oracle” properties. We evaluate the performance of the estimator through Monte Carlo studies and illustrate the methodology on a chlamydia data set from the State Hygienic Laboratory in Iowa City.
Natural reference: A phylo‐ and ontogenetic perspective on the comprehension of iconic gestures and vocalizations
Authors: Bohn Manuel , Call Josep , Tomasello Michael
Published: September 2018

The recognition of iconic correspondence between signal and referent has been argued to bootstrap the acquisition and emergence of language. Here, we study the ontogeny, and to some extent the phylogeny, of the ability to spontaneously relate iconic signals, gestures, and/or vocalizations, to previous experience. Children at 18, 24, and 36 months of age (N = 216) and great apes (N = 13) interacted with two apparatuses, each comprising a distinct action and sound. Subsequently, an experimenter mimicked either the action, the sound, or both in combination to refer to one of the apparatuses. Experiments 1 and 2 found no spontaneous comprehension in great apes and in 18‐month‐old children. At 24 months of age, children were successful with a composite vocalization‐gesture signal but not with either vocalization or gesture alone. At 36 months, children succeeded both with a composite vocalization‐gesture signal and with gesture alone, but not with vocalization alone. In general, gestures were understood better compared to vocalizations. Experiment 4 showed that gestures were understood irrespective of how children learned about the corresponding action (through observation or self‐experience). This pattern of results demonstrates that iconic signals can be a powerful way to establish reference in the absence of language, but they are not trivial for children to comprehend and not all iconic signals are created equal.
Time spent on self‐management by people with diabetes: results from the population‐based KORA survey in Germany
Authors: Icks A. , Haastert B. , Arend W. , Konein J. , Thorand B. , Holle R. , Laxy M. , Schunk M. , Neumann A. , Wasem J. , Chernyak N.
Published: September 2018

Aims

Time needed for health‐related activities in people with diabetes is assumed to be substantial, yet available data are limited. Time spent on self‐management and associated factors was analysed using cross‐sectional data from people with diagnosed diabetes enrolled in a population‐based study.

Methods

Mean total time spent on self‐management activities was estimated using a questionnaire for all participants with diagnosed diabetes in the KORA FF4 study (n = 227, 57% men, mean age 69.7, sd 9.9 years). Multiple two‐part regression models were fitted to evaluate associated factors. Multiple imputation was performed to adjust for bias due to missing values.

Results

Some 86% of participants reported spending time on self‐management activities during the past week. Over the entire sample, a mean of 149 (sd 241) min/week were spent on self‐management‐activities. People with insulin or oral anti‐hyperglycaemic drug treatment, better diabetes education, HbA1c 48 to < 58 mmol/mol (6.5% to < 7.5%) or lower quality of life, spent more time on self‐management activities. For example, people without anti‐hyperglycaemic medication invested 66 min/week in self‐management, whereas those taking insulin and oral anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs invested 269 min/week (adjusted ratio 4.34, 95% confidence interval 1.85–10.18).

Conclusions

Time spent on self‐management activities by people with diabetes was substantial and varied with an individual's characteristics. Because of the small sample size and missing values, the results should be interpreted in an explorative manner. Nevertheless, time needed for self‐management activities should be routinely considered because it may affect diabetes self‐care and quality of life.
WHEN SHOULD DRIVERS BE ENCOURAGED TO CARPOOL IN HOV LANES?
Authors: Hughes Jonathan E. , Kaffine Daniel
Published: September 2018

Policies to encourage carpooling in high‐occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes have been adopted in the United States to lower congestion and reduce air pollution. We analytically model highway congestion and other vehicle‐related externalities. Encouraging carpooling decreases total costs when congestion relief in mainline lanes outweighs increased HOV lane congestion. Importantly, entry of new drivers via induced demand can negate the benefits of increased carpooling. Using 10 years of traffic data from Los Angeles we estimate time and route‐specific marginal external costs. Because costs vary substantially across routes, hours, and days, current policies to promote carpooling will often increase social costs. (JEL R41, R48, Q53)
Seasonal decline of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, in the shifting landscape of a vegetable‐growing area
Authors: Sylla Serigne , Seydi Oumar , Diarra Karamoko , Brévault Thierry
Published: September 2018

Insect pest populations exhibit seasonal dynamics in response to changes in resource availability or other environmental factors such as climatic conditions, natural enemies, and intra‐ or interspecific competition. Understanding such dynamics is critical for developing effective integrated pest management strategies. The objective of the present study was to identify factors driving the seasonal decline of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in the shifting landscape of a vegetable‐growing area in Senegal. A set of 42 tomato fields was monitored for the number of T. absoluta adults caught in pheromone traps and for the incidence of larvae, during 5 months from June to November 2016 in the Niayes area (Senegal). The surface of solanaceous host crops, climatic conditions, and abundance of natural enemies were also monitored. A drastic decline in T. absoluta abundance was observed during the rainy season. The decrease in resource availability, especially tomato crops, in the surrounding landscape of monitored fields was the main factor affecting the population dynamics during the rainy season. However, alternative host crops such as eggplant and Ethiopian eggplant, can provide ‘reservoirs’ for residual populations of the pest. For applied purpose, it would be interesting to focus the management efforts on residual populations during the rainy season, to make more difficult the reconstitution of populations during the dry season.
Increased survival due to lower toxicity for high‐risk T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients in two consecutive pediatric‐inspired PETHEMA trials
Authors: Barba Pere , Morgades Mireia , Montesinos Pau , Gil Cristina , Fox María‐Laura , Ciudad Juana , Moreno María‐José , González‐Campos José , Genescà Eulàlia , Martínez‐Carballeira Daniel , Martino Rodrigo , Vives Susana , Guardia Ramon , Mercadal Santiago , Artola María‐Teresa , Cladera Antonia , Tormo Mar , Esteve Jordi , Bergua Juan , Vall‐Llovera Ferran , Ribera Jordi , Martínez‐Sanchez Pilar , Amigo María‐Luz , Bermúdez Arantxa , Calbacho María , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús‐Maria , Feliu Evaristo , Orfao Alberto , Ribera Josep‐María
Published: September 2018

Objective and methods

Pediatric‐inspired regimens have been adopted by several groups as the treatment strategy for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Whether subsequent modifications of these protocols have led to an improvement in the outcome of patients is uncertain, especially in T‐cell ALL. We analyzed 169 patients with high‐risk T‐cell ALL included in two consecutive trials of the PETHEMA Group (HR‐ALL03 [n = 104] and the more contemporary HR‐ALL11 [n = 65]).

Results

Patients and disease characteristics were balanced between both groups. Regarding efficacy, we observed a similar complete remission (CR) rate, relapse and disease‐free survival (DFS) between both protocols. Patients included in the HR‐ALL11 trial had better 2‐year overall survival (OS) compared with the HR‐ALL03 (65% [95% CI 51%‐79%] vs 44% [95% CI 34%‐54%],P = 0.026). Regarding toxicity, we observed a better safety profile in the HR‐11 protocol. Irrespective of the protocol, patients with good measurable residual disease (MRD) clearance had a promising outcome without allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in CR1, with 2‐year OS of 67%.

Conclusion

Patients with T‐cell ALL included in the HR‐11 trial showed better OS than patients in the HR‐03, mostly driven by a reduction of NRM.
A guide to microRNA‐mediated gene silencing
Authors: Quévillon Huberdeau Miguel , Simard Martin J.
Published: September 2018

As an important regulator of gene expression in eukaryotes, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been subject to extensive research to understand their pleiotropic roles in development and pathological processes. Here, we review strategies that have been developed to map microRNA‐target interactions and the most effective methods to attribute post‐transcriptional gene regulation through miRNA‐mediated silencing. We further discuss the importance of the biological context for silencing.
Influence of sintering temperature on the morphology of ceramic hollow fibers prepared from niobium pentoxide
Authors: Ferreira Eduardo de Paulo , Bessa Lidiane Pereira , Cardoso Vicelma Luiz , Reis Miria Hespanhol Miranda
Published: September 2018

Ceramic hollow fibers were prepared by the phase inversion and sintering method using niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) as an innovative starting material. X‐ray diffraction and Raman analyses revealed the same monoclinic crystalline phase for the ceramic material, H‐Nb2O5, at all the evaluated sintering temperatures. According to SEM images, the starting material was composed of polydisperse particles of irregular size and shape with sizes ranging from 12.5 to 89.7 μm. The increase in the sintering temperature caused particles agglomeration. In the hollow fiber precursor (without sintering), Nb2O5 grains were surrounded by the coagulated polymer. The polymeric phase was eliminated when the fibers were sintered at temperatures above 600°C. When sintered at 1350°C, the outer surface of the fiber presented elongated crystals of well‐defined shape, while agglomerated round shape grains were observed at the inner surface of the fiber. Formation of these elongated crystals was probable due to the material sintering at high temperatures (up to 1350°C) for more than 300 minutes. This study demonstrated the potential for general applicability of niobium pentoxide to fabricate ceramic hollow fiber membranes.
Phenomenological modeling of phase transitions and electrocaloric effect in Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3‐(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3
Authors: Du Bingfeng , Ma Wenhui
Published: September 2018

Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3‐x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT‐xBCT) is a promising lead‐free ferroelectric system. In this paper, we present two sets of free energy coefficients and carry out phenomenological modeling to study the phase transition and electrocaloric effect. The calculated phase diagram is in excellent quantitative agreement with experiments. Furthermore, we propose a new method based on effective internal electric field to simulate polarization in the macroscopic paraelectric state of ferroelectric relaxor. The computed composition and temperature‐dependent entropy and temperature change induced by electrocaloric effect are in good agreement with the measured data available for single crystal.
Correlates of population genetic differentiation in marine and terrestrial environments
Authors: Schiebelhut Lauren M. , Dawson Michael N
Published: September 2018

Aim

Theory predicts that differences in phylogeographic structure between species should be related to differences in life history, environment, and evolutionary time. Reviews of empirical studies suggest sometimes complex interactions and possibly a preponderance of exceptions to the predicted relationship that greater population genetic differentiation results from lower dispersal potential, as a function of life history. We apply an analytical framework, which controls for effects of environment and time, to test the hypothesis that contrasts in population genetic differentiation are proportional to contrasts in life history traits.

Location

Global.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis using contrasts of life history traits and population genetic differentiation between synchronously diverging codistributed (SDC) taxa. Because SDC taxa experienced the same environment at the same time, the effects of time and environment are effectively controlled when analysing other causes of genetic differentiation within SDC taxa. This offers the opportunity to rigorously test whether traits favouring greater dispersal potential—such as fecundity, census population size, and duration of the dispersive stage—do lead to lower population genetic differentiation.

Results

We find a strong inverse relationship between dispersal potential and population genetic differentiation, consistent with predictions. SDC species pairs with similar dispersal potential show similar population genetic differentiation; species with higher dispersal potential have lower population genetic differentiation, relative to species with lower dispersal potential.

Main conclusions

SDC comparisons provide a rigorous method for disentangling the factors driving patterns of genetic differentiation in the marine and nonmarine realms. We found broad support for the relationship that higher dispersal potential is associated with lower population genetic differentiation, the specifics of which can be influenced by place, time, and taxon. This relationship appears to be stronger on land than in the sea. However, many factors influence population genetic structure; deviations in measured versus predicted population genetic differentiation may indicate the influence of drift or selection. Too often, too many factors go unmeasured, constraining our ability to disaggregate dispersal syndromes and fully resolve the influence of specific life history characteristics on gene flow.
Antihypertensive treatment and renal protection: Is there a J‐curve relationship?
Authors: Viazzi Francesca , Leoncini Giovanna , Grassi Guido , Pontremoli Roberto
Published: September 2018

A bidirectional relationship between hypertension and kidney disease, with one exacerbating the effect of the other, is well established. Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a well‐recognized, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease as well as for development and progression of chronic kidney disease and, therefore, the identification of optimal BP target is a key issue in the management of renal patients. Recent large trials and real life cohort studies have indicated that below a definite BP value renal protection seems to plateau and too low levels may even be associated with a paradoxical increase in renal morbidity, thus reviving the debate about the so called BP ‐renal function J‐curve relationship. Existing evidence supports a systolic target around 130 mm Hg to combine both renal and CV protection and possibly lower levels in the presence of overt proteinuria.
Developmental diet irreversibly shapes male post‐copulatory traits in the neriid fly Telostylinus angusticollis
Authors: Macartney Erin L. , Nicovich Philip R. , Bonduriansky Russell , Crean Angela J.
Published: September 2018

Nutrient availability has been shown to influence investment in many fitness‐related traits, including male reproductive success. Many studies have demonstrated that a reduction in nutrient availability alters male post‐copulatory trait expression, with some studies demonstrating an effect of developmental nutrients and others, an effect of adult nutrients. However, few studies have manipulated both developmental and adult nutrients in the same experiment. Therefore, it is not clear what life‐stage has the greatest effect on post‐copulatory trait expression, and if the effects of developmental and adult nutrients can interact. Here, we investigate effects of developmental and adult nutrition on male testes and accessory gland size, sperm movement within the female reproductive tract and sperm length in the neriid fly, Telostylinus angusticollis. We found that males fed a nutrient‐poor developmental diet produced sperm with a reduced tail beat frequency and had smaller testes and accessory glands compared to males fed a nutrient‐rich developmental diet. In contrast, we found no effects of adult nutrition on any traits measured, although sperm length was correlated with body size and male age but unaffected by nutrition at any stage. Therefore, investment in adult post‐copulatory traits is determined early on by developmental nutrients in male neriid flies, and this effect is not altered by adult nutrient availability.
A study on the color distribution of natural teeth by age and gender in the Korean population with an intraoral spectrophotometer
Authors: Kim Hee‐Kyung
Published: September 2018

Objective

To investigate the distribution of natural tooth shades by age and gender in the Korean population with a spectrophotometer.

Material and Methods

A total of 674 human subjects were recruited and divided into three age groups; young (16‐30), middle (31‐59), and elderly (60‐89). Each group was then subdivided according to gender. Color was measured on the upper central incisor and CIELab color coordinates were obtained. CIEDE2000 color differences (
ΔE00) between genders within each age group and between age groups for both genders were calculated. Two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify the influence of age and gender on each color variable.

Results

The most frequent color in the Korean population was 2L1.5. L* values decreased, while b* values increased with age (P < .05). There was a significant interaction between gender and age on b* values; F (2668) = 3.489, P = .031, partial η2 = 0.010, and observed power = 0.652. Females generally have lighter and less chromatic central incisors compared to males. The
ΔE00 values between genders in elderly groups were beyond acceptability threshold.

Conclusions

The central incisors were getting darker, more yellowish, and reddish with age. Information on the chromatic range of natural teeth by age and gender could help to select colors for esthetic dental restorations.

Clinical Significance

Dentists should consider an unacceptable color mismatch between the restorations and natural dentition that can occur over time.
REF6 promotes lateral root formation through de‐repression of PIN1/3/7 genes
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Gao Jiong , Gao Shan , Li Zhongpeng , Kuai Benke , Ren Guodong
Published: September 2018

The H3K27 methyltransferase CLF inhibits lateral root (LR) formation through depositing the repressive H3K27me3 mark to the chromatin of PIN1, a key polar auxin transporter gene. Here, we show that the H3K27me3 demethylase REF6 promotes lateral root primordium initiation and LR emergence. REF6 directly binds to the chromatin of PIN1/3/7. Dysfunction in REF6 results in increased levels of H3K27me3 on PIN1/3/7 and suppressed expression of PIN genes. Genetic analysis of the clf ref6 double mutant revealed an antagonistic action between CLF and REF6, in terms of LR formation. Our findings indicate that H3K27 methylation and demethylation activities are likely coordinated to ensure proper LR organogenesis.
Datification and the Pursuit of Meaningfulness in Work
Authors: Stein Mari‐Klara , Wagner Erica L. , Tierney Pamela , Newell Sue , Galliers Robert D.
Published: September 2018

Proliferation of digital means of tracking worker activities has contributed to the rise of data‐driven approaches to managing people, with employees often required to record their activities for accountability purposes. Increased requirement for such datification work occurs at a juncture where meaningfulness is one of the most sought‐after work features. Datification work could both facilitate and hinder the pursuit of meaningfulness, yet literature provides little guidance into the nature of the connection and how it transpires. Our inductive study of academic professionals using an accountability system suggests that datification work characteristics link to meaningful work experiences in complex ways. We advance current theory on work meaningfulness by theorizing the role of a new work condition – datification – in meaningfulness experiences of professionals, outlining how system design and the institutional context become important elements influencing meaningful work experiences, and explaining how meaningfulness experiences are constructed through system appropriations.
Supply Chain Power and Real Earnings Management: Stock Market Perceptions, Financial Performance Effects, and Implications for Suppliers
Authors: Lanier Danny , Wempe William F. , Swink Morgan
Published: September 2018

This study examines supply chain power in the context of real earnings management (REM), instances in which executives execute (or forego) operations transactions for the sole purpose of meeting or beating earnings targets. We examine whether powerful major customers in supply chains exploit their positions to engage in REM to a greater degree than less powerful firms. We also examine (1) whether the stock market reacts differently to major customers’ and nonmajor customers’ REM, (2) whether any difference exists between major customers’ and nonmajor customers’ post‐REM financial performance, and (3) how suppliers are impacted by their major customers’ REM behavior. Results suggest that major customers exploit their supply chain power to engage in more REM. In contrast to the skeptical stock market reaction when other firms engage in REM, we find no evidence that major customers’ earnings are discounted when there is evidence of REM. Instead, the market appears to interpret major customers’ behavior as “legitimate” uses of power in supply chain management, rather than REM typically considered to be value‐destroying. Further, we find that in post‐REM periods, major customers that engage in REM exhibit better operating cash flow performance than nonmajor customers who do so. These findings suggest that the consequential costs of REM are lower for major customers than for nonmajor customers. Finally, we report evidence that the particular form of major customers’ REM appears to determine the impact on their suppliers. Suppliers’ financial performance deteriorates when major customers’ REM entails discretionary expense cuts. These findings offer new insights into the benefits and uses of power in supply chain relationships, in a previously unexplored context. We discuss the implications of the findings for future research.
Effect of saliva esterase activity on ester solutions and possible consequences for the in‐mouth ester release during wine intake
Authors: Pérez‐Jiménez María , Rocha‐Alcubilla Nuria , Pozo‐Bayón María Ángeles
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of saliva esterase activity on carboxylic esters typically associated with pleasant and fruity aromas in wine. For this, ex vivo experiments using the same fresh and inactivated (without enzymatic activity) human saliva with a mixture of carboxylic esters with different aliphatic chain length (ethyl butanoate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, and isoamyl acetate) were prepared. Liquid–liquid extraction with dichloromethane and GC–MS analysis were applied to the saliva systems in order to determine the reduction in ester content and the formation of their corresponding metabolic products (carboxylic acids) in the saliva systems before and after incubation at 37C. In addition, to check if there was a relationship between the susceptibility of esters to saliva hydrolysis and the amount of in‐mouth ester release during wine intake, the remaining oral amount of each ester was determined by comparing the intraoral amount immediately after spitting out the wine and 4 min later. Ex vivo experiments showed ester degradation by saliva esterase enzymes mainly acted on long chain esters (ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate), which gave rise to the formation of their corresponding carboxylic acids. Nonetheless, in spite of their higher susceptibility to saliva enzymes, in vivo experiments showed that long chain carboxylic esters remained in the oral cavity long after swallowing. This confirmed that ester hydrophobicity is closely related to the in‐mouth temporal release of these odorants and, therefore, behind wine aroma persistence. In wines, esters represent a group of aromatic compounds of great interest since they are linked to pleasant fruity aroma nuances. Today wine consumers are demanding fresh and long persistent fruity aromatic wines. The present research contributes to better understanding the relationship between ester content in the wine and oral aroma release experienced during wine tasting, considering the changes in these compounds during oral processing. This is a necessary step when trying to unravel the factors involved in wine aroma perception and in consumer preferences, and it represents a necessary knowledge in promoting winemaking practices (e.g., the use of selected microorganisms) for improving the type and amount of these aroma compounds in the wine.
Sensory and instrumental textural changes in fillets from Pacú (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fed different diets
Authors: Pavón Yanina , Cian Raúl Esteban , Campos Soldini María Andrea , Hernández David Roque , Sánchez Sebastián , Drago Silvina Rosa
Published: September 2018

The influence of two dietary treatments on quality properties, like textural parameters, sensory profile, and nutritional composition of Pacú fillets (Piaractus mesopotamicus) were studied. Pacú were fed diets based on plant‐meals containing 13 g 100 g−1 fish meal (FMD) or bovine plasma protein concentrate (BPPD) as a complete replacement of fish meal. Harvested fish were filleted, kept frozen at −20C for 7 days before analysis. Chemical composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and CIE‐Lab parameters of fillets were measured. Sensory characteristics and texture profile analysis (TPA) were conducted for cooked portions. Average values of TPA hardness, chewiness, and deformability modulus were higher in BPPD samples but there was no significant difference in cohesiveness between samples. In accordance with TPA, higher values of firmness and chewiness as well as less flaky muscle were detected in BPPD samples by sensory panel. However, there was no significant difference in the characteristics associated with higher freshness between samples. Total color difference was lower in BPPD samples. Differences in protein, lipid, ash, and moisture content of FMD or BPPD fillets were not found (p > .05). BPPD fillets showed higher basic and sulfur amino acids. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were higher in FMD fillets than BPPD. However, a significantly higher n−6/n−3 ratio for FMD fillets was observed. The higher values of textural parameters observed for BPPD cooked fillets and the lower n−6/n−3 ratio imply a better sensory and nutritional quality of fillets from fish fed with BPPD.

Practical applications

A complete study is presented on how the source of protein and lipids in feed affect both the sensory profile and the nutritional composition of fillets of Pacú (omnivorous temperate freshwater fish) cultivated in the second stage of fattening. Instrumental texture analysis of the fillets is presented, identifying the indicators that match with sensorial analysis. This analysis can help the industry of aquaculture in the evaluation of new ingredients or diets for fish feeding with impact in the quality of fillets.
Relationship between HLA‐DPA1 mRNA expression and susceptibility to hepatitis B
Authors: Ou Guojin , Liu Xiao , Yang Liu , Yu Hao , Ji Xin , Liu Fan , Xu Haixia , Qian Liqiong , Wang Jue , Liu Zhong
Published: September 2018

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is influenced by both viral and host factors. In genome‐wide association studies, the human leucocyte antigen HLA‐DPA1 and related polymorphism rs3077 were found to be associated with susceptibility to and spontaneous clearance of HBV infection. Here, we evaluated the association between HLA‐DPA1 mRNA expression and the risk of HBV infection. HLA‐DPA1 and rs3077 polymorphisms were investigated in 169 patients with chronic HBV and 217 healthy controls (HCs) from Sichuan Han blood donors using sequence‐based typing and meta‐analysis for HLA‐DPA1 alleles. HLA‐DPA1 mRNA levels were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that HLA‐DPA1 and rs3077 were associated with HBV infection in the Sichuan population. Rs3077T and DPA1*01:03 played protective roles in HBV infection, and rs3077C and DPA1*02:02 increased susceptibility to HBV infection. We found that the HLA‐DPA1 mRNA expression was decreased in the CHB group; in particular, the 3077CT, 3077TT, DPA1*01:03 and DPA1*02:01 alleles showed a significant decrease. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that expression of HLA‐DPA1 alleles and rs3077 affected the risk of HBV infection. Genotypes with lower HLA‐DPA1 expression had a greater susceptibility to HBV infection. Thus, further independent studies are needed to strengthen the associations of these polymorphisms with susceptibility to and clearance of HBV infection in Chinese populations.
Australia on track to achieve WHO HCV elimination targets following rapid initial DAA treatment uptake: A modelling study
Authors: Kwon Jisoo A. , Dore Gregory J. , Grebely Jason , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Guy Rebecca , Cunningham Evan B. , Power Cherie , Estes Chris , Razavi Homie , Gray Richard T. ,   On behalf of the HCV Estimates and Projections Reference Group
Published: September 2018

Subsidized direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment recently became available to all adults living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia. Based on rapid uptake (32 600 people initiated DAA in 2016), we estimated the impact on HCV epidemiology and mortality in Australia and determined if Australia can meet the WHO HCV elimination targets by 2030. Using a mathematical model, we simulated pessimistic, intermediate and optimistic DAA treatment scenarios in Australia over 2016‐2030. We assumed treatment and testing rates were initially higher for advanced fibrosis and the same across HCV transmission risk level sub‐populations. We also assumed constant testing rates after 2016. We compared the results to the 2015 level and a counterfactual (IFN‐based) scenario. During 2016‐2030, we estimated an intermediate DAA treatment scenario (2016, 32 600 treated; 2017, 21 370 treated; 2018 17 100 treated; 2019 and beyond, 13 680 treated each year) would avert 40 420 new HCV infections, 13 260 liver‐related deaths (15 320 in viraemic; −2060 in cured) and 10 730 HCC cases, equating to a 53%, 63% and 75% reduction, respectively, compared to the IFN‐based scenario. The model also estimated that Australia will meet the WHO targets of incidence and treatment by 2028. Time to a 65% reduction in liver‐related mortality varied considerably between HCV viraemic only cases (2026) and all cases (2047). Based on a feasible DAA treatment scenario incorporating declining uptake, Australia should meet key WHO HCV elimination targets in 10 to15 years. The pre‐DAA escalation in those with advanced liver disease makes the achievement of the liver‐related mortality target difficult.
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and risk of dyslipidaemia: A cohort study
Authors: Joo Eun‐Jeong , Chang Yoosoo , Yeom Joon‐Sup , Cho Yong Kyun , Ryu Seungho
Published: September 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been associated with a decreased prevalence of dyslipidaemia in cross‐sectional studies, but cohort studies are limited. We investigated the longitudinal effects of chronic HBV infection on the development of dyslipidaemia. We performed a cohort study of 62 287 non‐cirrhotic adult men and women free of dyslipidaemia who underwent serologic testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and were followed annually or biennially for an average of 4.46 years. A parametric proportional hazard model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident dyslipidaemia according to HBsAg seropositivity status. We identified 12 331 incident cases of hypercholesterolaemia during 278 004.4 person‐years of follow‐up (incident rate 44.4 per 1000 person‐years). In models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, year of screening exam, smoking status, alcohol intake, regular exercise and education level, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident hypercholesterolaemia, high LDL cholesterolaemia; hypertriglyceridaemia, high non‐HDL cholesterolaemia and low HDL cholesterolaemia comparing HBsAg‐positive to HBsAg‐negative participants was 0.71 (0.64‐0.79), 0.83 (0.78‐0.89), 0.61 (0.54‐0.70), 0.69 (0.63‐0.75) and 1.10 (0.98‐1.24), respectively. An inverse association between HBsAg positivity and incident high apolipoprotein B were also identified, with a corresponding a hazard ratio of 0.63 (0.55‐0.72). In a large cohort of apparently healthy Korean adults, HBsAg seropositivity was associated with lower risk of development of dyslipidaemia, suggesting a role of HBV infection in lipid metabolism.
Heidegger’s Destruktion of Theology: ‘Primordial Faith’ and ‘Recognition’ of the Messiah
Authors: Swazo Norman K.
Published: September 2018

Heidegger’s phenomenology of religious life offers important insights by engaging Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, where he distinguishes ‘Paul the Pharisee’ from ‘Paul the Christian’ in order to explicate the nature of faith in contrast to systematic theology. Neither certitude in God’s existence is primordial to Christian faith, according to Heidegger, nor is rabbinic nor theological disputation concerning God’s existence or God’s nature. Instead, what is essential to Heidegger’s phenomenology of religious life are: (1) faith as lived experience and (2) recognition of ‘the Christ’ (ho christos/ha mašíaḥ). This ‘recognition’, however, requires phenomenological clarification and not philosophy of religion as traditionally construed.
Dialysis catheter management practices in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Smyth Brendan , Kotwal Sradha , Gallagher Martin , Gray Nicholas A , Polkinghorne Kevan ,   on behalf of the REDUCCTION Partnership Project
Published: September 2018

Aim

Dialysis catheter‐associated infections (CAI) are a serious and costly burden on patients and the health‐care system. Many approaches to minimizing catheter use and infection prophylaxis are available and the practice patterns in Australia and New Zealand are not known. We aimed to describe dialysis catheter management practices in dialysis units in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

Online survey comprising 52 questions, completed by representatives from dialysis units from both countries.

Results

Of 64 contacted units, 48 (75%) responded (Australia 43, New Zealand 5), representing 79% of the dialysis population in both countries. Nephrologists (including trainees) inserted non‐tunnelled catheters at 60% and tunnelled catheters at 31% of units. Prophylactic antibiotics were given with catheter insertion at 21% of units. Heparin was the most common locking solution for both non‐tunnelled (77%) and tunnelled catheters (69%), with antimicrobial locks being predominant only in New Zealand (80%). Eight different combinations of exit site dressing were in use, with an antibiotic patch being most common (35%). All units in New Zealand and 84% of those in Australia undertook CAI surveillance. However, only 51% of those units were able to provide a figure for their most recent rate of catheter‐associated bacteraemia per 1000 catheter days.

Conclusion

There is wide variation in current dialysis catheter management practice and CAI surveillance is suboptimal. Increased attention to the scope and quality of CAI surveillance is warranted and further evidence to guide infection prevention is required.
In vivo phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity is controlled by CO2 and O2 mole fractions and represents a major flux at high photorespiration rates
Authors: Abadie Cyril , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: September 2018

Phosphenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC)‐catalysed fixation of bicarbonate to C4 acids is commonly believed to represent a rather small flux in illuminated leaves. In addition, its potential variation with O2 and CO2 is not documented and thus is usually neglected in gas‐exchange studies.

Here, we used quantitative NMR analysis of sunflower leaves labelled with 13CO2 (99% 13C) under controlled conditions and measured the amount of 13C found in the four C‐atom positions in malate, the major product of PEPC activity.

We found that amongst malate 13C‐isotopomers present after labelling, most molecules were labelled at both C‐1 and C‐4, showing the incorporation of 13C at C‐4 by PEPC fixation and subsequent redistribution to C‐1 by fumarase (malate–fumarate equilibrium). In addition, absolute quantification of 13C content showed that PEPC fixation increased at low CO2 or high O2, and represented up to 1.8 μmol m−2 s−1, that is, 40% of net assimilation measured by gas exchange under high O2/CO2 conditions.

Our results show that PEPC fixation represents a quantitatively important CO2‐fixing activity that varies with O2 and/or CO2 mole fraction and this challenges the common interpretation of net assimilation in C3 plants, where PEPC activity is often disregarded or considered to be constant at a very low rate.
Incidence of subclinical atrial fibrillation in a South Asian population
Authors: O'Neill James , Jegodzinski Lina , Tayebjee Muzahir H.
Published: September 2018

Background

South Asians have a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with Caucasians despite higher rates of conventional risk factors and a higher incidence of stroke. It is not clear whether South Asians truly experience less AF or whether this is due to underdetection of the arrhythmia. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether South Asian patients with pacemakers have a lower incidence of device‐detected subclinical episodes of AF compared with Caucasian controls.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of South Asian and Caucasian patients who underwent pacemaker implantation between 2006 and 2016. Subclinical AF episodes, detected during subsequent device clinic follow‐up visits, were identified and the occurrence of clinical AF, cerebrovascular events, and all‐cause mortality was recorded.

Results

A total of 5 648 patients underwent pacemaker implantation at the Yorkshire Heart Centre, UK, during the study period. Of these, 169 were South Asian and 72 met the eligibility criteria. The cumulative incidence of subclinical AF was significantly lower in South Asians compared with Caucasians (logrank P  =  0.002) with an annual event rate of 6.9% versus 13.9%, and South Asian ethnicity was an independent predictor of a lower incidence of subclinical AF (odds ratio =  0.43; 95% confidence interval  =  1.01‐5.38).

Conclusions

South Asians with an implanted pacemaker have a lower rate of subclinical AF compared with Caucasians.
MC1R CpG island regulates MC1R expression and is methylated in a subset of melanoma tumours
Authors: Budden Timothy , Bowden Nikola A.
Published: September 2018

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a G protein‐coupled receptor expressed in melanocytes where it plays an important role in skin pigmentation and in the UV response, and has implications in melanoma development. Here we show that methylation of a CpG island (CGI) within the MC1R gene can control expression of MC1R in melanoma. This CGI overlaps with a potential enhancer region, and is unmethylated in normal melanocytes but highly methylated in other skin cells, suggesting a melanocyte specific function. Analysis showed that MC1R was the only gene significantly differentially expressed by methylation of this region. Within several data sets, this region is methylated in a subset of melanoma tumours (55%–74% of tumours) and results in reduced MC1R expression and significantly longer overall survival.
Combination of Natural Extracts and Photobiomodulation in Keratinocytes Subjected to UVA Radiation
Authors: Silva Elineides Santos , Machado Gabriela Benedito , Lino‐dos‐Santos‐Franco Adriana , Pavani Christiane
Published: September 2018

Natural extracts (NE) with antioxidant properties can minimize the effects of photoaging. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has proven to be a useful tool for the modulation of cell metabolism. Here, we investigate the associations of antioxidants with PBM with the aim of promoting skin rejuvenation. We began with standardization of the experimental protocol. Extracts of chamomile, rosemary, blueberry, green tea, figs, pomegranate and nutwood were tested. A custom irradiation system (366 ± 10 nm) was used to simulate sun exposure. A light emitting diode system (640 ± 12.5 nm) was used for PBM. Viability assessments were performed by the (3‐(4,5‐Dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide) MTT assay method. Based on the results, radiant exposure to UVA was defined as 9 and 1 J cm−2 for PBM. Extract concentrations were established on the basis of dark toxicities, which ranged from 0.01% to 0.3%. The data show that PBM is a promising therapy to restore keratinocytes after UVA damage; however, the detailed mechanism and effects require further exploration. Moreover, although the combination of PBM with NE may be a useful strategy, the choice of a NE is challenging, since the working concentration and other properties, such as photosensitivity, may bring about unwanted results.