bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel release from metal tools in the German hairdressing trade—A current analysis
Authors: Symanzik Cara , John Swen M. , Strunk Meike
Published: February 2019

Background

Nickel is one of the most common contact allergens. Despite EU regulations concerning the maximum permissible release of nickel from metal objects, nickel release at inappropriately high levels from metal objects has been detected in various studies.

Objectives

To screen current nickel release from metal tools in the German hairdressing trade.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty‐nine metal tools from the German hairdressing trade were tested with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test for nickel release. Additionally, an employee survey was conducted to collect data about the metal tools.

Results

The DMG test showed that 21 of 229 metal tools (9.2%) released nickel. Nickel release was detected in 8 of 45 hair clips (17.8%), 2 of 27 tail combs (7.4%), and 11 of 17 tweezers (64.7%).

Conclusion

It must be assumed that hairdressers in Germany have prolonged skin contact with nickel‐releasing metal tools. This should prompt further testing for nickel release from metal tools, and the development of regulations to eliminate nickel‐releasing metal tools in the (German) hairdressing trade.
Evaluating predictive factors for determining the presence of lateral pelvic node metastasis in rectal cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Wang P. , Zhou S. , Zhou H. , Liang J. , Zhou Z.
Published: February 2019

Aim

The need or otherwise for lateral pelvic node dissection (LPND) in rectal cancer patients with clinical lateral pelvic node metastasis (LPNM) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is controversial. This study was designed to explore the predictive factors for pathological LPNM in rectal cancer patients with clinical LPNM after nCRT.

Method

From January 2010 to February 2018, a consecutive series of patients with rectal cancer and clinical LPNM after nCRT who underwent total mesorectal excision and LPND were reviewed. Patient demographics, operative and pathological outcomes were collected and analysed.

Results

A total of 76 consecutive cases were included in this study: 53 (69.7%) patients underwent unilateral LPND and 23 (30.3%) bilateral LPND. The pathological results showed that LPNM was found in 13 (17.1%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the post‐nCRT lateral pelvic node size ≥ 5 mm (OR = 7.67, 95% CI = 1.45–40.63, P = 0.017) and mucinous/signet‐ring adenocarcinoma (OR = 4.60, 95% CI = 1.11–19.08, P = 0.035) were independent risk factors for pathological LPNM.

Conclusion

Post‐nCRT lateral pelvic node size ≥ 5 mm and mucinous/signet‐ring adenocarcinoma were independent predictive factors of pathological LPNM for rectal cancer patients with clinical LPNM after nCRT, and patients with these characteristics may benefit from LPND.
Cytology of extramedullary haematopoiesis—A rare unanticipated finding in the lymph node of an undiagnosed chronic myeloid leukaemia case
Authors: Devi Durga , Keloth Thara , Manivannan Prabhu , Gochhait Debasis , Kekade Shailesh , Gudivada Vijayalakshmi , Siddaraju Neelaiah
Published: February 2019

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare finding in a lymph node aspirate. It can be seen in various hematological conditions compromising the bone marrow milieu. Though it is a benign condition, it may be misdiagnosed as it may mimic some hematological malignancies.
Associations of physical activity and gross motor skills with executive function in preschool children from low‐income South African settings
Authors: Cook Caylee J. , Howard Steven J. , Scerif Gaia , Twine Rhian , Kahn Kathleen , Norris Shane A. , Draper Catherine E.
Published: February 2019

Executive function is foundational for cognitive development. Previous research has shown both gross motor skills and physical activity to be related to executive function. However, evidence for these relationships in the preschool years, as well as in low‐ and middle‐income countries is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between components of executive function (inhibition, shifting and working memory) and gross motor skills (locomotor skills and object control skills) in a sample of preschool children from urban and rural low‐income settings in South Africa. Results revealed that inhibition and working memory, but not shifting, were associated with gross motor skills. More specifically: inhibition was associated with both locomotor [β = 0.20, p = 0.047] and object control skills [β = 0.24, p = 0.024], whereas working memory was only associated with locomotor skills [β = 0.21, p = 0.039]. Physical activity was not associated with inhibition and shifting but was negatively associated with working memory. These results elaborate a growing evidence base linking executive function and gross motor skills in the early years, and it is the first to look at specific associations of locomotor and object control skills with executive function in the South African context (a low‐ and middle‐income country).
Pulse pressure and prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Shah Neeraj , Qian Min , Di Tullio Marco R. , Graham Susan , Mann Douglas L. , Sacco Ralph L. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Labovitz Arthur J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Lok Dirk J. , Anker Stefan D. , Teerlink John R. , Thompson John L. P. , Homma Shunichi , Freudenberger Ronald S. ,   the WARCEF Investigators
Published: February 2019

Background

A high pulse pressure (PP) is associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes; however, this relationship may be reversed in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF).

Methods

Patients from the WARCEF trial with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% were included. PP was divided into tertiles: ≤42, 42‐54 and >54 mm Hg. Age and ejection fraction adjusted Kaplan‐Meier curves were generated to evaluate the relationship between PP and outcomes [mortality, CV mortality, stroke and HF hospitalizations (HFH)]. Cox proportional hazards models were created incorporating PP as a continuous variable. The interaction of PP with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was examined. Linear and restricted cubic splines were used to study nonlinear association between PP and outcomes.

Results

We included 2,299 patients with a mean(±SD) follow‐up of 3.5 ± 1.8 years. The lowest tertile of PP (≤42 mm Hg) was associated with significantly higher CV mortality and HFH. Cox proportional hazards models showed a reduction in CV death and HFH with higher PP, with adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of 0.91 (P = 0.02) and 0.93 (P = 0.04) per 10 mm Hg increase in PP. This relationship was more pronounced in subjects with NYHA functional class III‐IV. Spline analysis showed that the association between PP and CV mortality and HFH was only seen at PP values lower than 40 mm Hg.

Conclusions

In patients with advanced HFREF, a low PP (<40 mm Hg) portends a worse prognosis, whereas a high PP (>50 mm Hg) predicts a relatively favourable prognosis.
Wood‐rotting basidiomycetes are a minor component of fungal communities associated with Acacia hybrid trees grown for sawlogs in South Vietnam
Authors: Tran Trang T. , Glen Morag , Beadle Chris , Ratkowsky David , Mohammed Caroline
Published: February 2019

Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × Acacia auriculiformis) clones are widely planted in Vietnam with a total of approximately 400,000 ha to meet the demand for pulpwood, sawn timber and wood chip exports. Silvicultural techniques such as pruning and thinning have been applied to improve productivity and sawlog quality of Acacia hybrid plantations. However, those techniques may also create opportunities for wood decay fungi to enter the Acacia hybrid stems through wounds and cause stem defects that reduce sawlog quality and the value of the plantation. The presence of fungal decay agents in Acacia hybrid trees was examined in two Vietnamese plantations. In July 2011, just prior to a second thinning, discoloured wood samples were taken from a three‐year‐old Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai for the isolation of fungi. In July 2012, approximately 18 months after pruning and thinning treatments, discoloured wood samples were taken from a three‐year‐old Acacia hybrid plantation at Nghia Trung for the isolation of fungi. DNA sequencing of the rDNA ITS identified the isolates. In May 2015, approximately 4 years after thinning and fertilizer treatments, discoloured and decayed wood samples were taken from the above (7‐year‐old) Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai for fungal identification. DNA was extracted directly from discoloured and decayed wood samples and fungal rDNA ITS amplicons sequenced on a Roche 454 sequencer. The results showed that silvicultural treatments did not affect the fungal communities associated with discoloured and decayed wood of Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai. A total of 135 fungal species or OTUs (operational taxonomic units) were identified, including 82 members of Ascomycota and 52 Basidiomycota.
Orexin A depolarises rat intergeniculate leaflet neurons through non‐selective cation channels
Authors: Palus‐Chramiec Katarzyna , Chrobok Lukasz , Kepczynski Mariusz , Lewandowski Marian Henryk
Published: February 2019

Orexins/hypocretins are hypothalamic neuropeptides that have a variety of functions, including maintenance of arousal, control over the sleep/wake cycle, reward and feeding. Accumulating evidence links orexins to the time‐keeping system with a documented action in the master clock—the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) is a thalamic structure with the well‐known function of collecting photic and non‐photic cues to adjust the rhythm of the suprachiasmatic nucleus to changing environmental conditions. TheIGLconsists ofGABAergic neurons that are intrinsically active, even in slice preparations. Our previous studies revealed the excitatory postsynaptic effects of orexins on singleIGLneurons, even though the ionic mechanism underlying this effect remained elusive. Therefore, in this study, we used patch clamp electrophysiology to identify the ions and distinct ion channels responsible for the observed depolarisations. The major finding of this article is that the orexin A‐evoked depolarisation ofIGLneurons depends on non‐selective cation channels, implicating the orexinergic tone in establishing the basal firing rate in these cells. The data presented here strengthen the mutual connections between the time‐keeping and orexinergic systems.
Conversations with Ray Guillery on albinism: linking Siamese cat visual pathway connectivity to mouse retinal development
Authors: Mason Carol , Guillery Ray
Published: February 2019

In albinism of all species, perturbed melanin biosynthesis in the eye leads to foveal hypoplasia, retinal ganglion cell misrouting, and, consequently, altered binocular vision. Here, written before he died, Ray Guillery chronicles his discovery of the aberrant circuitry from eye to brain in the Siamese cat. Ray's characterization of visual pathway anomalies in this temperature sensitive mutation of tyrosinase and thus melanin synthesis in domestic cats opened the exploration of albinism and simultaneously, a genetic approach to the organization of neural circuitry. I follow this account with a remembrance of Ray's influence on my work. Beginning with my postdoc research with Ray on the cat visual pathway, through my own work on the mechanisms of retinal axon guidance in the developing mouse, Ray and I had a continuous and rich dialogue about the albino visual pathway. I will present the questions Ray posed and clues we have to date on the still‐elusive link between eye pigment and the proper balance of ipsilateral and contralateral retinal ganglion cell projections to the brain.
Maladaptation in feral and domesticated animals
Authors: Gering Eben , Incorvaia Darren , Henriksen Rie , Wright Dominic , Getty Thomas
Published: February 2019

Selection regimes and population structures can be powerfully changed by domestication and feralization, and these changes can modulate animal fitness in both captive and natural environments. In this review, we synthesize recent studies of these two processes and consider their impacts on organismal and population fitness. Domestication and feralization offer multiple windows into the forms and mechanisms of maladaptation. Firstly, domestic and feral organisms that exhibit suboptimal traits or fitness allow us to identify their underlying causes within tractable research systems. This has facilitated significant progress in our general understandings of genotype–phenotype relationships, fitness trade‐offs, and the roles of population structure and artificial selection in shaping domestic and formerly domestic organisms. Additionally, feralization of artificially selected gene variants and organisms can reveal or produce maladaptation in other inhabitants of an invaded biotic community. In these instances, feral animals often show similar fitness advantages to other invasive species, but they are also unique in their capacities to modify natural ecosystems through introductions of artificially selected traits. We conclude with a brief consideration of how emerging technologies such as genome editing could change the tempos, trajectories, and ecological consequences of both domestication and feralization. In addition to providing basic evolutionary insights, our growing understanding of mechanisms through which artificial selection can modulate fitness has diverse and important applications—from enhancing the welfare, sustainability, and efficiency of agroindustry, to mitigating biotic invasions.
Differential expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated melanocytes from lightly and darkly pigmented skin
Authors: Tam Irena , Dzierżęga‐Lęcznar Anna , Stępień Krystyna
Published: February 2019

Increasing evidence suggests that human epidermal melanocytes play an important role in the skin immune system; however, a role of their pigmentation in immune and inflammatory responses is poorly examined. In the study, the expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by cultured normal melanocytes derived from lightly and darkly pigmented skin was investigated after cell stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The basal TLR4 mRNA level in heavily pigmented cells was higher as compared to their lightly pigmented counterparts. Melanocyte exposure to LPS upregulated the expression of TLR4 mRNA and enhanced the DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB p50 and p65. We found substantial differences in the LPS‐stimulated expression of numerous genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and chemokines between the cells with various melanin contents. In lightly pigmented melanocytes, the most significantly upregulated genes were nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT/visfatin), the chemokines CCL2 and CCL20, and IL6, while the genes for CXCL12, IL‐16 and the chemokine receptor CCR4 were the most significantly upregulated in heavily pigmented cells. Moreover, the lightly pigmented melanocytes secreted much more NAMPT, CCL2 and IL‐6. The results of our study suggest modulatory effect of melanogenesis on the immune properties of normal epidermal melanocytes.
Effects of climate warming on carbon fluxes in grasslands— A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Na , Quesada Benjamin , Xia Longlong , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Goodale Christine L. , Kiese Ralf
Published: February 2019

Climate warming will affect terrestrial ecosystems in many ways, and warming‐induced changes in terrestrial carbon (C) cycling could accelerate or slow future warming. So far, warming experiments have shown a wide range of C flux responses, across and within biome types. However, past meta‐analyses of C flux responses have lacked sufficient sample size to discern relative responses for a given biome type. For instance grasslands contribute greatly to global terrestrial C fluxes, and to date grassland warming experiments provide the opportunity to evaluate concurrent responses of both plant and soil C fluxes. Here, we compiled data from 70 sites (in total 622 observations) to evaluate the response of C fluxes to experimental warming across three grassland types (cold, temperate, and semi‐arid), warming methods, and short (≤3 years) and longer‐term (>3 years) experiment lengths. Overall, our meta‐analysis revealed that experimental warming stimulated C fluxes in grassland ecosystems with regard to both plant production (e.g., net primary productivity (NPP) 15.4%; aboveground NPP (ANPP) by 7.6%, belowground NPP (BNPP) by 11.6%) and soil respiration (Rs) (9.5%). However, the magnitude of C flux stimulation varied significantly across cold, temperate and semi‐arid grasslands, in that responses for most C fluxes were larger in cold than temperate or semi‐arid ecosystems. In semi‐arid and temperate grasslands, ecosystem respiration (Reco) was more sensitive to warming than gross primary productivity (GPP), while the opposite was observed for cold grasslands, where warming produced a net increase in whole‐ecosystem C storage. However, the stimulatory effect of warming on ANPP and Rs observed in short‐term studies (≤3 years) in both cold and temperate grasslands disappeared in longer‐term experiments (>3 years). These results highlight the importance of conducting long‐term warming experiments, and in examining responses across a wide range of climate.
Biostimulants and possibilities of their usage in grassland
Authors: Talar‐Krasa Marta , Wolski Karol , Biernacik Magdalena
Published: February 2019

Currently, in addition to a wide range of lawn fertilizers on the market, there are new biological products available called biostimulants, fostering plant growth and development. They are based on substances of natural origin, containing plant extracts, hormones or humic substances. Biostimulants exert a positive impact on grass metabolism, stimulating life processes and reducing negative effects of pathogen infestation and adverse environmental conditions like drought, salinity or temperature fluctuations. Disparities and the lack of a uniform position to recognize biostimulants as a strictly specified group pose many problems in legislative issues, with erroneous terminology used in relation to different groups of bioactive substances applied to crops. All this creates a situation when products of untested and unstable effects are placed on the market, even if they sometimes do not have any impact on plant growth despite the claims of the producer. Growth‐promoting potential of biostimulants is very significant, and previous research has shown real benefits of their use. Increasing environmental awareness and environmental regulations is an additional factor positively affecting the development of such products. However, there is still a lack of studies that would fully characterize the reaction of plant metabolic processes to biostimulants. The aim of the study was to review current knowledge of plant biostimulant usage in grassland.
Genetic interactions between Ror2 and Wnt9a, Ror1 and Wnt9a and Ror2 and Ror1: Phenotypic analysis of the limb skeleton and palate in compound mutants
Authors: Weissenböck Martina , Latham Richard , Nishita Michiru , Wolff Lena Ingeborg , Ho Hsin‐Yi Henry , Minami Yasuhiro , Hartmann Christine
Published: February 2019

Mutations in the human receptor tyrosine kinase ROR2 are associated with Robinow syndrome (RRS) and brachydactyly type B1. Amongst others, the shortened limb phenotype associated with RRS is recapitulated in Ror2−/− mutant mice. In contrast, Ror1−/− mutant mice are viable and show no limb phenotype. Ror1−/−;Ror2−/− double mutants are embryonic lethal, whereas double mutants containing a hypomorphic Ror1 allele (Ror1hyp) survive up to birth and display a more severe shortened limb phenotype. Both orphan receptors have been shown to act as possible Wnt coreceptors and to mediate the Wnt5a signal. Here, we analyzed genetic interactions between the Wnt ligand, Wnt9a, and Ror2 or Ror1, as Wnt9a has also been implicated in skeletal development. Wnt9a−/− single mutants display a mild shortening of the long bones, whereas these are severely shortened in Ror2−/− mutants. Ror2−/−;Wnt9a−/− double mutants displayed even more severely shortened long bones, and intermediate phenotypes were observed in compound Ror2;Wnt9a mutants. Long bones were also shorter in Ror1hyp/hyp;Wnt9a−/− double mutants. In addition, Ror1hyp/hyp;Wnt9a−/− double mutants displayed a secondary palate cleft phenotype, which was not present in the respective single mutants. Interestingly, 50% of compound mutant pups heterozygous for Ror2 and homozygous mutant for Ror1 also developed a secondary palate cleft phenotype.
Impact of pre‐analytical variables on deep learning accuracy in histopathology
Authors: Jones Andrew D , Graff John Paul , Darrow Morgan , Borowsky Alexander , Olson Kristin A , Gandour‐Edwards Regina , Datta Mitra Ananya , Wei Dongguang , Gao Guofeng , Durbin‐Johnson Blythe , Rashidi Hooman H
Published: February 2019

Aims

Machine learning (ML) binary classification in diagnostic histopathology is an area of intense investigation. Several assumptions, including training image quality/format and the number of training images required, appear to be similar in many studies irrespective of the paucity of supporting evidence. We empirically compared training image file type, training set size, and two common convolutional neural networks (CNNs) using transfer learning (ResNet50 and SqueezeNet).

Methods and results

Thirty haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides with carcinoma or normal tissue from three tissue types (breast, colon, and prostate) were photographed, generating 3000 partially overlapping images (1000 per tissue type). These lossless Portable Networks Graphics (PNGs) images were converted to lossy Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPG) images. Tissue type‐specific binary classification ML models were developed by the use of all PNG or JPG images, and repeated with a subset of 500, 200, 100, 50, 30 and 10 images. Eleven models were generated for each tissue type, at each quantity of training images, for each file type, and for each CNN, resulting in 924 models. Internal accuracies and generalisation accuracies were compared. There was no meaningful significant difference in accuracies between PNG and JPG models. Models trained with more images did not invariably perform better. ResNet50 typically outperformed SqueezeNet. Models were generalisable within a tissue type but not across tissue types.

Conclusions

Lossy JPG images were not inferior to lossless PNG images in our models. Large numbers of unique H&E‐stained slides were not required for training optimal ML models. This reinforces the need for an evidence‐based approach to best practices for histopathological ML.
Immunohistochemistry with a pan‐TRK antibody distinguishes secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland from acinic cell carcinoma
Authors: Hung Yin P , Jo Vickie Y , Hornick Jason L
Published: February 2019

Aims

Secretory carcinoma (previously known as mammary analogue secretory carcinoma) is characterised by ETV6 rearrangements, most often ETV6–NTRK3 fusion. Given its histological overlap with other salivary gland tumours, secretory carcinoma can be difficult to diagnose without genetic confirmation. A recently developed pan‐TRK antibody shows promise for identifying tumours with NTRK fusions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of pan‐TRK immunohistochemistry in distinguishing secretory carcinoma from mimics.

Methods and results

We examined whole‐tissue sections from 86 tumours, including 14 secretory carcinomas (12 parotid primaries and one buccal primary, and one metastasis; five with ETV6 rearrangement confirmed by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation, and one with ETV6–NTRK3 fusion and one with ETV6–RET fusion detected by targeted sequencing), 14 acinic cell carcinomas, 18 polymorphous adenocarcinomas, 20 low‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas, and 20 pleomorphic adenomas. Immunohistochemistry was performed with a pan‐TRK rabbit monoclonal antibody. Pan‐TRK staining was detected in nine (64%) secretory carcinomas, all with a nuclear pattern and four with diffuse staining (>50% of cells). Among other tumour types, pan‐TRK immunoreactivity was observed in all (100%) pleomorphic adenomas (particularly myoepithelial cell‐rich, myxoid areas), 15 (83%) polymorphous adenocarcinomas, and four (20%) low‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas, all with predominantly membranous/cytoplasmic immunoreactivity; only six cases showed focal (<10%) nuclear staining. All acinic cell carcinomas were entirely negative.

Conclusions

Although pan‐TRK expression is not entirely sensitive or specific for secretory carcinoma, nuclear staining distinguishes secretory carcinoma from mimics. Acinic cell carcinomas are negative for pan‐TRK, though membranous expression of TRK is common in other salivary gland neoplasms. The lack of pan‐TRK immunoreactivity in a subset of secretory carcinomas may suggest non‐NTRK fusion partners.
Factors affecting the chemical efficacy of 2% sodium hypochlorite against oral steady‐state dual‐species biofilms: Exposure time and volume application
Authors: Petridis X. , Busanello F. H. , So M. V. R. , Dijkstra R. J. B. , Sharma P. K. , van der Sluis L. W. M.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To study the influence of time and volume of 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on biofilm removal and to investigate the changes induced on the biofilm architecture. Steady‐state, dual‐species biofilms of standardized thickness and a realistic contact surface area between biofilms and NaOCl were used.

Methodology

Streptococcus oralis J22 and Actinomyces naeslundii T14V‐J1 biofilms were grown on saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite discs within sample holders in the Constant Depth Film Fermenter (CDFF) for 96 h. Two per cent NaOCl was statically applied for three different time intervals (60, 120 and 300 s) and in two different volumes (20 and 40 μL) over the biofilm samples. The diffusion‐driven effects of time and volume on biofilm disruption and dissolution were assessed with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Structural changes of the biofilms treated with 2% NaOCl were studied with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Low Load Compression Testing (LLCT). A two‐way analysis of variance (2‐way anova) was performed, enabling the effect of each independent variable as well as their interaction on the outcome measures.

Results

Optical coherence tomography revealed that by increasing the exposure time and volume of 2% NaOCl, both biofilm disruption and dissolution significantly increased. Analysis of the interaction between the two independent variables revealed that by increasing the volume of 2% NaOCl, significant biofilm dissolution could be achieved in less time. Examination of the architecture of the remaining biofilms corroborated the EPS‐lytic action of 2% NaOCl, especially when greater volumes were applied. The viscoelastic analysis of the 2% NaOCl‐treated biofilms revealed that the preceding application of higher volumes could impact their subsequent removal.

Conclusions

Time and volume of 2% NaOCl application should be taken into account for maximizing the anti‐biofilm efficiency of the irrigant and devising targeted disinfecting regimes against remaining biofilms.
Sintering kinetics of ZrO2 nanopowders modified by group IV elements
Authors: Lakusta Marharyta , Danilenko Igor , Volkova Galina , Loladze Larisa , Burkhovetskiy Valeriy , Doroshkevich Oleksandr , Brykhanova Irina , Popova Inna , Konstantinova Tetyana
Published: February 2019

The sintering behavior of tetragonal zirconia nanopowders modified by the group IV elements at the initial sintering stage was investigated. It was found that different additives SiO2, SnO2, and GeO2 have a significant influence on the densification kinetics of 3Y‐TZP nanopowders obtained by coprecipitation during sintering as it depends on the amount of additives (0‐5 wt%). The shrinkage of zirconia‐based specimens during the nonisothermal sintering was analyzed using the dilatometric data. The constant rate of heating technique was applied in order to determine the dominant mass transfer mechanism at the initial stage of sintering in modified zirconia nanopowders. It was found that there was a change in the mass transfer mechanism and diffusion activation energy in 3Y‐TZP as a result of the additives. The dominant sintering mechanism in 3Y‐TZP changed from the volume diffusion to the grain boundary diffusion due to the addition of SiO2 and SnO2 and the sintering activation energy increased in these cases. However, GeO2 additive activated the viscous flow mechanism in sintering process of 3Y‐TZP nanopowders which led to acceleration of the densification due to the decrease in the diffusion activation energy.
Identity, self‐concept and young women’s engagement with collaborative, sustainable fashion consumption models
Authors: McNeill Lisa , Venter Brittany
Published: February 2019

It is clear from extant theory that fashion consumption is intrinsically bound to self‐concept and social identity. As such, many individuals over consume in pursuit of ideal identities, particularly in periods of heightened awareness of identity development, such as their youth. This study thus takes one group of fashion over‐consumers, young females, and seeks to identify core motivations towards and barriers for collaborative consumption of clothing and fashion products, though the lens of self‐identity and social interaction. The study adopts a theory of planned behaviour approach, using in‐depth interviews to examine norms of behaviour in fashion consumption and develops a conceptual model for understanding of how these individuals construct a fashion identity within the social contexts of four alternative forms of consumption (renting, borrowing, swapping and purchasing second‐hand). Furthermore, the study examines perceived barriers to participation in these four alternative fashion consumption forms. The study finds that social and ethical implications of sustainable consumption behaviour are the least likely motivators towards engagement with collaborative fashion consumption models within this group, and that opportunities for individual identity expression are the most sought after benefits of such engagement. This research contributes to the literature regarding sustainability issues generally, in the context of fashion consumption, and deepens one’s understanding of young female consumers’ willingness to participate in sustainable consumption actions.
Chemical changes in almonds throughout storage: modeling the effects of common industry practices
Authors: Parrish Daniel R. , Pegg Ronald B. , Kerr William L. , Swanson Ruthann B. , Huang Guangwei , Kerrihard Adrian L.
Published: February 2019

Further investigations of almond degradation under typical industrial storage conditions from a quantitative perspective are warranted. This study modeled effects of packaging, temperature (TEMP), relative humidity (RH) and roasting on chemical attributes of almonds stored according to common industry practices throughout 16 months. Roasted samples were stored in high‐barrier bags (HBB) or polypropylene bags (PPB) at multiple combinations of TEMP and RH. Raw samples were held in unlined cardboard cartons (UC) or PPB under the same conditions. Almonds were assessed bimonthly for oxidation products, free fatty acids, moisture content and water activity. Results indicated roasting almonds improved quality preservation. Models showed HBB (rather than PPB) to provide benefits to stability comparable to reductions in storage TEMP of ~15 to 30 °C. PPB (rather than UC) showed benefits to peroxide formation of similar magnitude. Our data shows HBB to be a superior packaging choice, and UC to associate with the greatest rates of degradation.
Food uses of pineapple waste and by‐products: a review
Authors: Roda Arianna , Lambri Milena
Published: February 2019

Waste from fruits and vegetable processing industry is produced in large quantities worldwide and it contains high levels of lignocellulose, fibre, sugar, bioactive and functional compounds. Their utilisation has become one of the main important and challengeable aspects due to the generation of large quantities of by‐products including peels, seeds, leaves and unused flesh in different steps of processing chain. Many researches have validated the waste utilisation as novel, low‐cost, economical and natural sources of dietary fibre, antioxidants, pectin, enzymes, organic acids, food additives, essential oils, etc. through different methods of extractions, purifications and fermentations. Though, obtaining these by‐products from such a variable substrate requires an understanding of the composition of the polysaccharides and their associations within the overall substrate. Focus on the pineapple fruit, scientific and technological studies have already highlighted and confirmed the potential of better and more profitable markets for pineapple wastes. This review is first of all the collection of previous reports about valorisation of food processing waste, deepening the possibilities of pineapple waste utilisation and to promote the integral exploitation of the by‐products rich in bioactive compounds, even as multifunctional food ingredients. More in detail, this review aims at identifying those processes that can be implemented even in disadvantaged areas by means of technologies that allow recovering waste directly on site, thus reducing pollution and providing ingredients/food products with high nutritional values that could be integrated into the diet.
Consumer perception of d'Anjou pear classified by dry matter at harvest using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Serra Sara , Goke Alex , Diako Charles , Vixie Beata , Ross Carolyn , Musacchi Stefano
Published: February 2019

Dry matter is increasingly recognised as a reliable indicator of fruit quality and consumer acceptance for numerous commodities. To establish dry matter as an at‐harvest metric predictive of post‐storage and ripening consumer acceptance in pear, cv. d'Anjou fruits were segregated into low (<13%), moderate (13–15.99%) and high (≥16%) predicted dry matter classifications at harvest using near‐infrared spectroscopy and evaluated by untrained consumer panels following cold storage and ripening. Consumers significantly favoured higher dry matter fruits over lower dry matter fruits in terms of perceived firmness, crunchiness, juiciness, sweetness, flavour and overall liking. Consumers were willing to pay premium prices for higher dry matter fruits at an estimated $0.20/lb above average retail prices. Sorting fruit by dry matter at harvest via near‐infrared spectroscopy may overcome issues of variation in fruit maturity and quality to produce more consistent consumer experiences in pears following post‐storage ripening.
Immature granulocytes index as early marker of sepsis
Authors: Ayres Laura S. , Sgnaolin Vanessa , Munhoz Terezinha P.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Sepsis induces the recruitment of immature neutrophils into the circulation. An immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) count greater than 3% has been shown to be an indicator for the risk of sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the IG% as predictor of sepsis compared to blood culture results and sepsis diagnostic confirmation.

Methods

The study included individuals (n = 301) of both sexes aged ≥18 years who underwent Hospital São Lucas examinations between January and November 2017. For all the patients, IG%, as well as blood culture results, were evaluated. All examinations were obtained from Clinical Laboratory database. Data were analyzed through the SPSS program version 18.0.

Results

There was statistical association between blood culture and IG% results (P = 0.009) and between sepsis confirmation and IG% on Pearson chi‐square test (P < 0.001). An IG% cutoff point of 2.0% was able to exclude sepsis based on clinical diagnosis with a specificity of 90.9% and a sensitivity of 38.5%. The cutoff value in ROC analyses of IG% based on blood culture results was 0.3% and 0.4% based on clinical diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that IG% <2.0% are helpful on the exclusion of sepsis diagnosis with a very high specificity (90.9%). The IG% is a useful additional marker for sepsis diagnosis allowing the early initiation of therapy and better possibilities of recovery.
Recent surgical treatments for urinary stone disease in a Korean population: National population‐based study
Authors: Kim Jong Keun , Cho Young Sam , Park Sung Yul , Joo Kwan Joong , Min Seung Ki , Lee Young Goo , Han Jun Hyun
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To provide surgical treatment trends for urinary stone disease in Korea.

Methods

We analyzed medical service claim data of surgical treatments to urinary stone disease submitted by medical service providers from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2009 to 2016.

Results

There was a significantly increasing trend among outpatients and inpatients for urinary stone disease from 2009 to 2016 (R2 = 0.643, P = 0.017; R2 = 0.575, P = 0.029). The number of shock wave lithotripsy for treating urinary stone disease increased by 16% from 89 553 in 2009 to 104 013 in 2016 (R2 = 0.684). The number of ureteroscopic lithotripsy increased by 97% from 6106 in 2009 to 12 057 in 2016 (R2 = 0.99). The number of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy increased by 16‐fold from 219 in 2009 to 3712 in 2016 (R2 = 0.756). The number of percutaneous nephrolithotomy increased by 99.7% from 919 in 2009 to 1835 in 2016 (R2 = 0.987). The use of non‐contrast and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography in the diagnostic codes for urinary stone disease increased by 394.8% and 263.3% from 2009 to 2016, respectively (R2 = 0.83; R2 = 0.967). Conversely, the use of intravenous pyelography decreased 26.2% over the same period (R2 = 0.945).

Conclusions

Outpatient and inpatient procedures for urinary stone disease have increased over the past 8 years in Korea. Shock wave lithotripsy is the most widely used treatment modality for urinary stone disease, and endoscopic surgical procedures are rapidly being implemented. There has been a steep increase in the use of computed tomography, whereas conventional intravenous pyelography is declining.
Defecation by the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi occurs with an ultradian rhythm through a single transient anal pore
Authors: Tamm Sidney L.
Published: February 2019

Defecation in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi is a stereotyped sequence of effector responses that occur with a regular ultradian rhythm. Here I used video microscopy to describe new features and correct previous reports of the gastrovascular system during and between defecations. Contrary to the scientific literature, individuals defecated through only one of the two anal canals which possesses the only anal pore. The anal pore was not visible as a permanent structure as depicted in textbooks, but appeared at defecation and disappeared afterward. Time intervals between repeated defecations in individual animals depended on body size, ranging from ~10 min in small larvae to ~1 hr in large adults. Differential interference contrast microscopy revealed that both the opening and closing of the anal pore resembled a reversible ring of tissue fusion between apposed endodermal and ectodermal layers at the aboral end. Individuals of M. leidyi thus appear to have an intermittent anus and therefore an intermittent through‐gut that reoccur at regular intervals. The temporality of a visible anal pore in M. leidyi is novel, and may shed light on the evolution of a permanent anus and through‐gut in animals. In addition, mirror image dimorphism of the diagonal anal complex occurs in larval ctenophores but not in adults, indicating developmental flexibility in diagonal symmetry of the anal complex.
Interface evolution of a C/ZnO absorption agent annealed at elevated temperature for tunable electromagnetic properties
Authors: Li Minghang , Yin Xiaowei , Xu Hailong , Li Xinliang , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Litong
Published: February 2019

Excellent electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption agents that attenuate EM waves by mechanisms based on impedance matching, conductive loss and polarization loss instead of destructive interference are urgently needed but remain challenging. Here, an EM wave absorption agent with a tailorable heterogeneous interface is designed and prepared by the in situ growth of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres (PCHMs@ZnO) via hydrothermal synthesis followed by annealing. A controlled interface evolution associated with abundant heterogeneous interfaces plays a crucial role in optimized impedance matching and enhanced interfacial polarization loss. With this method, targeted EM wave absorption agents with an excellent absorption ability that is derived mainly from polarization loss and conductive loss rather than destructive interference are successfully obtained. When the PCHMs@ZnO annealed at 700°C were combined with paraffin, the effective absorption bandwidth of the resultant composites covers the whole X band, and the mean value of reflection loss (RL) reaches −12 dB, exceeding those of other reported ZnO‐based materials. When the thickness of the composites varies from 3.3 to 4.3 mm, the value of the RL is lower than −8 dB in the whole X band. This work provides a promising model for preparing high‐performance EM wave absorption agents.
Development, in vitro validation and human application of a novel method to identify arrhythmia mechanisms: The stochastic trajectory analysis of ranked signals mapping method
Authors: Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Hunter Ross J. , Finlay Malcolm , Ullah Waqas , Keating Emily , Tinker Andrew , Schilling Richard J.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Stochastic trajectory analysis of ranked signals (STAR) is a novel method for mapping arrhythmia. The aim was to describe its development and validation as a mapping tool.

Methods and Results

The method ranks electrodes in terms of the proportion of the time they lead relative to neighboring electrodes and ascribes a predominant direction of activation between electrodes. This was conceived with the aim of mapping atrial fibrillation (AF) drivers. Validation of this approach was performed in stages. First, in vitro simultaneous multi‐electrode array and optical mapping were performed on spontaneously fibrillating HL1 cell cultures, to determine if such a method would be able to determine early sites of activation (ESA). A clinical study acquiring unipolar electrograms using a 64‐pole basket for the purposes of STAR mapping in patients undergoing atrial tachycardia (AT) ablation. STAR maps were analyzed by physicians to see if arrhythmia mechanisms could be correctly determined. Mapping was then repeated during atrial pacing. STAR mapping of in vitro activation sequences accurately correlated to the optical maps of planar and rotational activation. Thirty‐two ATs were mapped in 25 patients. The ESA accurately identified focal/micro‐reentrant ATs and the mechanism of macro‐reentrant ATs was effectively demonstrated. STAR method accurately identified four pacing sites in all patients.

Conclusions

This novel STAR method correlated well with the gold standard of optical mapping in vitro and was able to accurately identify AT mechanisms. Further analysis is needed to determine whether the method might be of use mapping AF.
Roof‐dependent atrial flutter with an epicardial component: Role of the septopulmonary bundle
Authors: Garcia Fermin , Enriquez Andres , Arroyo Alonso , Supple Gregory , Marchlinski Francis , Saenz Luis
Published: February 2019

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation may predispose patients to the development of atypical atrial flutters (AFL). We describe two cases of roof dependent AFLs that failed to terminate despite posterior wall isolation. An epicardial breakthrough involving the septopulmonary bundle is proposed. The correlation between the electrophysiological findings and the anatomical substrate is described.
New tailored approach using a revised assessment of fragmented potentials for persistent atrial fibrillation: Early area defragmentation by modified CFAE module
Authors: Ohe Masatsugu , Haraguchi Go , Kumanomido Jun , Obuchi Aya , Hori Kensuke , Ito Shogo , Ueno Satoshi , Fukumoto Yoshihiro
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is widely performed for atrial fibrillation (AFib). However, it is insufficient to maintain sinus rhythm (SR) in persistent and long persistent atrial fibrillation (Per‐AFib). Ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) is currently classified as class IIb, However, the concept of length of potential was different between the current CFAE module of CARTO system and the definition of CFAE potential. The current CFAE module was configured in the shortest complex interval (SCI) mode, in which the meaning of length of potential was the interval of each component of fragmented potentials. That was a part of the potential. On the other hand, the meaning of the definition of CFAE potential was the length of fragmented potential itself. The purpose of this study was to essentially evaluate fragmented potentials by revisiting in interval confidence level (ICL) mode and express them on the map and prospectively investigate the efficacy and prognosis of a new tailored approach for defragmentation, which is called early area defragmentation (EADF).

Methods and Results

We acquired atrial potentials by modified CFAE module in ICL mode (K‐CFAE potential) and visualized the distribution of K‐CFAE potential (K‐CFAE map). We performed PVI, and we ablated the fragmented areas based on the K‐CFAE map. We enrolled 77 patients in this study (control group: 84 patients). After 24‐month follow‐up, 75.3% were able to maintain SR.

Conclusions

K‐CFAE mapping faithfully represented the distribution of fragmented areas. PVI, together with our new tailored approach, EADF, was successful in treating Per‐AFib.
Effect of time on tooth dehydration and rehydration
Authors: Suliman Sama , Sulaiman Taiseer A. , Olafsson Vilhelm G. , Delgado Alex J. , Donovan Terence E. , Heymann Harald O.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To estimate the time required for teeth to dehydrate and rehydrate and its relation to the accuracy of tooth shade selection.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐two participants were recruited, and color measurements were conducted using a spectrophotometer placed with a custom jig. After isolation, baseline measurements were made at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 min intervals to determine dehydration time. After mouth rinsing, measurements were made to determine rehydration time. CIEDE2000 values were obtained for color change between the baseline recordings and all intervals and compared to the 50:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. Analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey test was used for multiple comparisons.

Result

The tooth color changes were beyond the ΔE00 perceptibility threshold (0.8) within the first minute of dehydration (P > 0.0001). After the first minute, 87% of the teeth were beyond the ΔE00 perceptibility threshold (0.8), and 72% of the teeth were beyond the ΔE00 acceptability threshold (1.8). After 15 min of rehydration, 90% of the teeth were beyond the perceptibility threshold, and 65% were beyond the acceptability threshold.

Conclusions

Shade selection procedures should be carried out within the first minute and before teeth dehydrate by means of isolation. Teeth do not rehydrate within 15 min after rehydration.

Clinical Significance

Teeth dehydration has a negative impact on shade selection, which can affect the final esthetic outcome. Shade selection should be performed at the beginning of any restorative procedure.