bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wave propagation in an initially stressed rotating thermo-diffusive medium with two-temperature and micro-concentrations
Authors: Sheoran Devender , Kumar Ramesh , Kumar Sunil , Kalkal Kapil Kumar
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the reflection of plane waves in an initially stressed rotating thermoelastic diffusive medium with micro-concentrations and two-temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional model of generalized thermoelasticity is considered. The governing equations are transformed into the non-dimensional forms using the dimensionless variables. Then, potential functions are introduced for the decoupling of the waves. Further, appropriate boundary conditions are assumed to completely solve the problem. Finally, numerical computations are performed using MATLAB.

Findings

The problem is solved analytically and it is found that there exist five coupled waves in addition to an independent micro-concentration wave in the considered medium. The amplitude ratios and energy ratios of these reflected waves have also been computed numerically for a specific material.

Originality/value

The modulus values of amplitude ratios are presented graphically to exhibit the effects of angular velocity, initial stress, two-temperature, diffusion and micro-concentration parameters. The expressions of energy ratios obtained in explicit form are also depicted graphically as functions of angle of incidence. The law of conservation of energy at the free surface during reflection phenomenon is also verified.
Consumer visual attention and behaviour of online clothing
Authors: Mo Xiaohong , Sun Enle , Yang Xian
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study online clothing consumers' behaviour and their visual attention mechanism to provide objective and quantitative evidences for the display and sales of online clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, this paper conducted a Focus Group Methodology and questionnaire survey to obtain concern factors of online clothing. Secondly, the online clothing's bottom-up visual stimulation and consumer's top-down expectations were analysed, and proposed the hypotheses about significant stimulus of clothing and consumer's emotional experience. Thirdly, the online clothing consumer's visual attention rules and related qualitative results were discussed, and proposed visual attention law for online clothing. Finally, took the company's 84th quarter clothing design practices as research projects, all the hypotheses were demonstrated through eye movement physiology experiments, online clothing trial release and node sales data.

Findings

Online clothing has unique visual display ways compared with other online products such as online advertising, brands and food packaging. Clothing patterns of unfamiliar (fresh) font shapes are more attractive than the patterns of familiar fonts. The cause of the bottom-up visual attention bias is the contrast between clothing features, not the absolute stimulus intensity of the features themselves. Clothing factors can change their emotional experience from no difference to significant difference under the influence of other clothing factors.

Originality/value

Put forward hypotheses of online clothing consumer behaviour and its visual attention mechanism, provided objective and quantitative evidences through eye tracker.
The role of perception of local government officials on climate change and resilient development: a case of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Chondol Thinles , Panda Ashish Kumar , Gupta Anil Kumar , Agrawal Nirupama , Kaur Amarjeet
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to gain insight on the perception and role of the local government officials on climate change and resilience in Uttarakhand, India. Uttarakhand, being a sensitive mountainous region in India, faces the brunt of frequent climate-related disasters and their severe impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how authorities perceive the issue of climate-related disasters and their level of commitment toward mitigation and adaptation programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review method was used for a holistic understanding of the impact of climate change and consequential disasters. A questionnaire survey method, comprising open- and closed-ended questions, was also used on officials of different departments.

Findings

Among the noteworthy findings of the study include the understanding of the perceptions of authorities and their role in decision-making on mitigating impacts of climate change-related disasters, their support or lack of it, for measures toward capacity building and spreading awareness of the intervention programs by the government. The study analyzes the perception of decision-making officials at state and district levels and infers that the variation on opinions may be attributable to multiple factors, including their past experiences of dealing with disasters.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the role of perception of local government officials concerning climate change-related disasters and alleviation of their consequences through related programs. The findings have the unique potential to serve as a guide for the government at state and district levels to assess various aspects of different disaster mitigation measures based on sectors and departments.
Networks, institutional environment and firm internationalization
Authors: Morrish Sussie C. , Earl Anna
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of network relationships and institutional environment on premium winegrowers’ internationalization process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case study approach to examine two premium wine producers engaged in internationalization. The data sources consist of semi-structured interviews, observations at three major events and secondary data sourced from industry reports and materials that are available online.

Findings

Findings illustrate that both personal and inter-firm networks help wineries to internationalize. Inter-firm networks play a significant role in gaining international legitimacy. Personal networks were found to be more important in establishing brand authenticity that facilitates wineries in their internationalization process. Gaining international legitimacy and establishing brand authenticity are crucial in the successful internationalization of premium wineries.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an explanation of how networks can be put into institutional context. Future studies could map out the formal and informal institutions within the wine industry and investigate the closer dynamics among the different actors in the whole network. A whole network is formally structured and governed, yet still built on the relationships among members, making it a very complex phenomenon. This would allow the evaluation of multilateral ties that link firms and actors within the network and how this affects the internationalization process.

Practical implications

This paper provides managers with insights on how they can capitalize on their inter-firm and personal networks to help them deal with domestic and international institutional environments when embarking on internationalization activities.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing literature on networks relationships and provides an important link between networks, institutions and internationalization.
Guidelines for open innovation success with external product development firms
Authors: Allio Michael K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The article offers an answer to the question, “When companies are caught between recessionary financial constraints and epic market discontinuity, what approaches actually deliver innovation efficiently and effectively?”

Design/methodology/approach

The article offers guidelines for enterprises seeking to implement a form of open innovation with external product development firms that offers the prospect of being more nimble than internally-managed R&D and less expensive, risky and complex than outright merger and acquisition activity.

Findings

Pick the right challenges to “outsource collaboratively” to external innovation partners. One rule of thumb: partner externally when the defined challenge is something your team cannot effectively tackle–for example, new spaces, channels, materials, processes or supply chain. Outsourcing to experienced innovators can reduce internal competition, accelerate organizational learning and counteract internal turf battles. 10;

Practical implications

Experienced innovators seek authorization to manage their initiative as a portfolio of projects: instead of isolated stabs at innovation, they create a diversified array of programs, with different risk/reward ratios and different foci.

Originality/value

The author has extensive experience working as a a corporate sponsor of open innovation projects and as a contract R&D innovation manager and his teams have had to deal with programs that meander and drift because corporate politics shift, decisions are opaque and strategic communication breaks down. The guidelines offered are designed to prevent such breakdowns.
Impact of IoT on geriatric telehealth
Authors: Graham Christian M. , Jones Nory
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of the internet of things (IoT) technology on geriatric telehealth.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study approach is used to understand the applicability of the internet of medical things in geriatric telehealth. Data was collected from several managers who analyzed rates of re-hospitalizations for patients using telehealth services compared to those not using telehealth services and observations of patient satisfaction rates with telehealth services.

Findings

Benefits from the use of IoT included significant reductions in re-hospitalization rates for older adults and patients became more engaged in maintaining their health and wellness goals while becoming more tech-savvy, empowered and satisfied with the telehealth experience.

Originality/value

The present manuscript is among the few reports on the benefits of IoT on geriatric health care.
Immunogenicity of an adalimumab biosimilar, FKB327, and its reference product in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Alten Rieke , Markland Colin , Boyce Malcolm , Kawakami Kazuki , Muniz Rafael , Genovese Mark C.
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study, FKB327‐003, is a phase 3, open‐label extension (OLE) study comparing the long‐term immunogenicity of an adalimumab biosimilar, FKB327 (F), with the reference product (RP).

Methods

In the OLE, patients completing 24 weeks of an initial randomized, double‐blind (DB) study (Period 1) with clinical response and no safety concerns were rerandomized to F or RP, so that two‐thirds of patients remained on the same treatment and one‐third switched to the alternate treatment for weeks 24 through 54 (OLE weeks 0‐30; Period 2), then all received F through week 100 (OLE week 76; Period 3). Treatment sequences were F‐F‐F (no switch), RP‐F‐F and RP‐RP‐F (single switch), and F‐RP‐F (double switch). Patients who entered the OLE study were evaluated for immunogenicity across switching sequences.

Results

The proportion of patients with positive antidrug antibody (ADA) status at the end of Period 1 was 61.7% and 60.0% for F and RP, respectively. The proportion of patients with positive ADA status did not increase throughout Period 1, and was similar for F and RP at all time points. At the end of Period 3, the proportion of patients with positive ADA status was lower in all treatment sequences, at 51.1%, 54.4%, 48.1%, and 42.5% for F‐F‐F, F‐RP‐F, RP‐F‐F, and RP‐RP‐F, respectively.

Conclusion

The RP and F showed comparable immunogenicity characteristics after long‐term administration. Development of ADAs with the RP and F was similar, and was not impacted by switching and double switching between F and RP treatment.
Immunotherapy for urothelial carcinoma: Metastatic disease and beyond
Authors: Poon Darren Ming‐Chun
Published: August 2020

For advanced and metastatic urothelial carcinomas (UCs), platinum (preferably cisplatin)‐based chemotherapy has been the standard treatment for many years. However, many patients are ineligible for cisplatin‐based chemotherapy because of poor performance status and/or other age‐related conditions. At the other end of the spectrum, patients with localized non‐muscle–invasive bladder cancer who are unresponsive to intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) treatment often face radical cystectomy as the only option. In recent years, the application of immunotherapy in the form of immune‐checkpoint inhibitors has provided viable alternatives in the second‐line postplatinum and first‐line cisplatin‐ineligible settings. Recent and ongoing clinical trials are also assessing the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy for neoadjuvant and adjuvant uses before/after cystectomy, for BCG‐unresponsive cases, and for combination treatments that include the newer indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase‐1 inhibitors and/or BCG. This review summarizes recent developments in immunotherapy for UCs.
GC‐MS‐based metabolic signatures reveal comparative steroidogenic pathways between fetal and adult mouse testes
Authors: Han Soyun , Baba Takashi , Yanai Shogo , Byun Dong Jun , Morohashi Ken‐ichirou , Kim Jae‐Hong , Choi Man Ho
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous studies on gonadal steroidogenesis have not compared metabolic pathways between fetal and adult mouse testes to date.

Objectives

To evaluate comparative metabolic signatures of testicular steroids between fetus and adult mice using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)‐based steroid profiling.

Materials and methods

GC‐MS with molecular‐specific scan modes was optimized for selective and sensitive detection of 23 androgens, 7 estrogens, 14 progestogens, and 13 corticoids from mouse testes with a quantification limit of 0.1‐5.0 ng/mL and reproducibility (coefficient of variation: 0.3%‐19.9%). Based on 26 steroids quantitatively detected in testes, comparative steroid signatures were analyzed for mouse testes of 8 fetuses on embryonic day 16.5 and 8 adults on postnatal days 56‐60.

Results

In contrast to large amounts of steroids in adult testes (P < .0002), all testicular levels per weight unit of protein were significantly increased in fetal testes (P < .002, except 6β‐hydroxytestosterone of P = .065). Both 11β‐hydroxyandrostenedione and 7α‐hydroxytestosterone were only measurable in fetal testes, and metabolic ratios of testosterone to androstenediol and androstenedione were also increased in fetal testes (P < .05 for both).

Discussion and conclusion

Testicular steroid signatures showed that both steroidogenic Δ4 and Δ5 pathways in the production of testosterone were activated more during prenatal development. Both 7α‐ and 11β‐hydroxylations were predominant, while hydroxylations at C‐6, C‐15, and C‐16 of testosterone and androstenedione were decreased in the fetus. The present GC‐MS‐based steroid profiling may facilitate understanding of the development of testicular steroidogenesis.
Effects of cord milking in late preterm infants and full‐term infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ortiz‐Esquinas Inmaculada , Rodríguez‐Almagro Julián , Gómez‐Salgado Juan , Arias‐Arias Ángel , Ballesta‐Castillejos Ana , Hernández‐Martínez Antonio
Published: August 2020

Background

Umbilical cord milking (UCM) consists of performing several milkings of the cord from the placenta to the newborn. The objective was to evaluate the effects of UCM on newborns ≥34 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials, and the clinicaltrails.gov database for randomized clinical trials (RCT), with no time or language restrictions, and for articles that compared UCM with other strategies. The main results were initial hemoglobin and hemoglobin after 6 weeks. The data were collected by two reviewers and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Manual methodology.

Results

The sample included 1845 newborns in 10 RCTs. The use of UCM in ≥34 weeks’ gestation newborns was not related to initial hemoglobin levels (pooled weighted mean difference: (PWMD = 0.40 g/L [−0.16 to 0.95]) or after 6 weeks (PWMD = 0.07 g/L [−0.29 to 0.27]). A reduction in hemoglobin levels was also observed at 6 weeks when the control group had undergone late clamping (PWDM = 0.16g/L [−0.26 to −0.06]).

Conclusions

UCM produced no differences in hematologic variables for newborns with ≥34 weeks of gestation relative to controls. However, a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels is observed at 6 weeks when the control group is made up of newborns with late clamping.
Risk for lymph node metastasis in Epstein–Barr virus‐associated gastric carcinoma with submucosal invasion
Authors: Tsuji Yosuke , Ushiku Tetsuo , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Yamashita Hiroharu , Seto Yasuyuki , Fukayama Masashi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Oda Ichiro , Katai Hitoshi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Hasatani Kenkei , Kaizaki Yasuharu , Oga Atsunori , Nishikawa Jun , Akasaka Risaburo , Endo Masaki , Sugai Tamotsu , Matsumoto Takayuki , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Epstein–Barr virus‐associated gastric cancer (EBVGC) has been reported to be associated with a low risk for lymph node metastasis (LNM). However, the curative criteria for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for submucosal EBVGC (pT1b‐EBVGC) remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the risk factors for LNM in pT1b‐EBVGC.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study at five institutes in Japan. We reviewed medical records and extracted all pT1b‐EBVGC cases that met the following criteria: (i) histologically proven submucosal gastric cancer; (ii) surgical or endoscopic resection between January 2000 and December 2016; and (iii) presence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in tumor cells verified by EBV‐encoded small RNA in situ hybridization (EBER‐ISH). The association between clinicopathological factors and LNM were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 185 pT1b‐EBVGC cases were included in the analysis. LNM was found in nine cases (4.9%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lymphatic invasion (OR 9.1; 95% CI 2.1–46.1) and submucosal invasion ≥4000 μm (OR 9.2; 95% CI 1.3–110.3) were significant risk factors for LNM. When we focused on pT1b‐EBVGC without lymphatic invasion and with submucosal invasion <2000 μm, the rate of LNM was 0% (0/96, 95% CI 0–3.8%).

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that lymphatic invasion and submucosal invasion ≥4000 μm were significant risk factors for LNM. ESD could be an appropriate option for pT1b‐EBVGC without lymphatic invasion and with submucosal invasion <2000 μm.
Jumping into the grids: mapping biodiversity hotspots in groundwater habitat types across Europe
Authors: Iannella Mattia , Fiasca Barbara , Di Lorenzo Tiziana , Biondi Maurizio , Di Cicco Mattia , Galassi Diana M. P.
Published: August 2020

Biodiversity hotspots are routinely identified by grid‐based analyses, despite grids encompassing different habitats, thus hindering the potential to assess which habitat type accounts for the conservation priority assigned to a grid. In this study, we aimed at identifying the main hotspots for the conservation of the European stygobitic Crustacea Copepoda Harpacticoida at the groundwater habitat scale. A multi‐metric approach was used, based on six biodiversity indicators: species richness, endemicity, evolutionary origin, phylogenetic rarity, taxonomic distinctness, habitat specificity. The Hot Spot Analysis, based on the statistics Getis‐Ord Gi*, was used to compare the local to the global average values of each indicator to identify hotspots of conservation. The operational units used to perform the analyses were the groundwater habitat types, in order to gather all the possible patterns of spatial occupancy in terms of habitat variability. Eight biodiversity hotspots of stygobitic Crustacea Harpacticoida were highlighted: 1) the Pyrenees (Spain and France), 2) the Jura Massif (France), 3) the Alpine arc (France, Switzerland and Italy) embracing southward the River Po alluvial plain and the Slovenian External Dinarides, 4) the Central Apennines (Italy), 5) the Carpathian and Balkan mountains in Romania and at the boundary between western Bulgaria and north‐west Macedonia, 6) the Dinaric Alps (from Croatia to Albania), 7) the Sardinia Island, 8) an area in central‐northern Europe embracing Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany. The hotspots showed a clear spatial distribution in southern Europe where they were distributed predominantly south to the 45th parallel, in line to what reiteratively observed in previous studies. Many hotspots embraced more than one habitat type. The adoption of discrete groundwater habitat types as working spatial units rather than grids provided a higher resolution of where the stygobitic harpacticoid species effectively live, with the possibility of intervening more precisely to preserve them and their habitats.
Hydrocephalus due to marked enlargement of spinal roots in a patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Iwasaki A. , Kokubun N. , Funakoshi K. , Hirata K. , Suzuki K.
Published: August 2020

Background

Hydrocephalus or papilledema has rarely been reported in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).

Methods

We report a 65‐year‐old woman with a 12‐year history of CIDP presenting with progressive dementia, hallucination and deterioration of gait.

Results

Neurological examination revealed cognitive impairment, symmetric proximal and distal weakness with areflexia and muscle atrophy in the distal four limbs. The cerebrospinal fluid examination showed marked elevation of protein concentration. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydrocephalus and marked enlarged cervical and lumbar roots and plexus. The cervical cord and cauda equina were compressed by the swollen roots. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt resulted in reduction of the ventricles size along with improvement of her cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

In our patient with CIDP, hydrocephalus was likely caused by hypertrophic nerve roots. Our findings suggest that CIDP patients with pronounced hypertrophic nerve roots require careful observation.
Bargaining power and outside options in the interbank lending market
Authors: Abbassi Puriya , Bräuning Falk , Schulze Niels
Published: August 2020

We study the role of bargaining power and outside options with respect to the pricing of over‐the‐counter interbank loans using a bilateral Nash bargaining model, and we test the model predictions with detailed transaction‐level data from the euro‐area interbank market. We find that lender banks with greater bargaining power over their borrowers charge higher interest rates, whereas the lack of alternative investment opportunities for lenders lowers bilateral interest rates. Moreover, we find that when lenders that are not eligible to earn interest on excess reserves (IOER) lend funds to borrowers with access to the IOER facility, they do so at rates that are below the IOER rate; in turn, these borrowers put the funds in their reserve accounts to earn the spread. Our findings highlight that this persistent arbitrage crucially depends on lenders’ limited bilateral bargaining power. We examine implications of these findings for the transmission of euro‐area monetary policy.
Sol‐gel assisted synthesis of TiB2‐B4C composite powder
Authors: GahremanDerakhshan Mahnaz , Nikzad Leila , Farvizi Mohammad , Ebadzadeh Touradj
Published: August 2020

Composite powders containing titanium diboride and boron carbide have been prepared by sol‐gel method at 1450°C using titanium isopropoxide (titanium precursor), boric acid (Boron precursor), sucrose (carbon source), and acetic acid (AcOH) as a solvent. The effect of boron source (trimethyl borate and boric acid) and B2O3/TiO2, C/B2O3 mole ratios of starting materials on the final phases has been studied. The progress of reactions was determined using thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA). The resultant powders were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). XRD patterns confirmed the formation of TiB2, B4C, and TiC phases after heat treatment at 1450°C at mole ratio of B2O3/TiO2 = 4.5, C/B2O3 = 2.4. With increasing the content of boron oxide, the unwanted phases such as TiC and C were reduced. TiB2 and B4C composite powders (~5 µm diameter) containing residual carbon (<4 wt%) were synthesized using the mole ratio of B2O3/TiO2 = 10 and C/B2O3 = 1.9 at low temperature of 1450°C.
ELECTROEJACULATION IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY: FIRST REPORT OF A LARGE‐SCALE EXPERIENCE FROM JAPAN
Authors: Momose Hitoshi , Hirao Yoshihiko , Yamamoto Masashi , Yamada Kaoru , Okajima Eigoro
Published: August 2020

Background

Ejaculatory dysfunction is a substantial obstacle for spinal cord‐injured men who have a desire to father their own children. Electroejaculation can potentially solve this problem. Recently, Halsted et al. reported outstanding results of the rectal probe electrostimulation (RPE) using newly developed equipment (Seager Model). In this paper, we report the first large‐scale clinical trial in Japan of RPE for spinal cord‐injured men.

Methods

RPE using the Seager Model was attempted on 328 occasions in 53 patients with an age range of 19–47 years; 1–38 years had elapsed since injury.

Results

Antegrade ejaculation was obtained in 46 patients (86.8%). Ninety‐three percent of patients with upper motor neuron lesion‐type neurogenic bladder produced antegrade ejaculation by RPE, whereas the rate in patients with lower motor neuron lesion type one was 63.6% (P < 0.05). Semen analyses revealed affected sperm motility rate as low as 17.2%. Artificial insemination from these husbands (AIH) was attempted on 54 occasions in 11 wives of the patients. On April 2, 1992, we had the first recorded birth in Japan with the assistance of RPE and AIH. On July 21, 1993, we had another successful birth.

Conclusions

These promising results will encourage Japanese researchers to use electroejaculation, although the low success rate in patients with lower motor neuron lesion‐type neurogenic bladder and the low motility of the sperm are obstacles to be overcome.
ANGIOMYOLIPOMA OF THE KIDNEY WITH EXTENSION INTO THE INFERIOR VENA CAVA
Authors: Hibi Hatsuki , Takashi Munehisa , Yamada Yukitaka , Yamamoto Masanori , Shimoji Toshio
Published: August 2020

Renal angiomyolipoma is a benign, nonaggressive hamartoma which rarely invades the vascular system. A case of angiomyolipoma of the right kidney with extension into the inferior vena cava, detected by ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT scanning), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented. This tumor was found incidentally in a 31‐year‐old female who underwent CT scanning for unrelated abdominal problems. To our knowledge, only eight cases of angiomyolipoma with caval involvement have been reported in the world medical literature.
Vaccination of pregnant cynomolgus monkeys with whole formalin‐inactivated SIVmac251
Authors: Titti F. , Borsetti A. , Geraci A. , Sernicola L. , Giuseppini L. , Turillazzi G.P. , Pace M. , Baroncelli S. , Amadori A. , Giovannetti A. , Dianzani F. , Chieco‐Bianchi L. , Rossi G.B. , Verani P.
Published: August 2020

Five pregnant (two to three and one‐half months) Macaca fascicularis seroconverted following immunization with sucrose‐gradient purified and formalin‐inactivated whole simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac251). No untoward effects on fetal maturation were observed during the immunization of the mothers. Antibodies to SIVmac251 (also those with in vitro neutralizing activity) were passively transferred to the offspring but disappeared within two to six months after birth. Antibodies to env glycoprotein (gp130) lasted longer than those against viral gag proteins (p26,p60).
A formalin inactivated whole SIVmac vaccine in Ribi adjuvant protects against homologous and heterologous SIV challenge
Authors: Putkonen Per , Thorstensson Rigmor , Cranage Martin , Nilsson Charlotta , Ghavamzadeh Lili , Albert Jan , Greenaway Peter , Biberfeld Gunnel
Published: August 2020

Eight monkeys were immunized at 0, 4, 9, and 18 weeks with a total of 2 mg of formalin inactivated SIVmac vaccine with Ribi adjuvant. Two weeks after the last booster four immunized monkeys and two controls were challenged with 10 MID50 of live homologous virus SIVmac, and the remaining four vaccinated animals along with two controls were challenged with the heterologous SIVsm strain. All eight vaccinated monkeys resisted the virus challenge, whereas all controls became infected. Three months after the first challenge the monkeys were rechallenged with the same virus strain, without further boosting. Two of four vaccinated monkeys were still resistant to the homologous SIV strain, and three of four monkeys were resistant to the heterologous SIVsm strain. This study demonstrates vaccine induced cross‐protection between SIV strains.
Variation in the CD4+ and CD8+ populations in lymph nodes does not reflect that in the blood during SIVMNE/E11S infection of macaques
Authors: Rosenberg Y.J. , Shafferman A. , White B.D. , Papermaster S.F. , Leon E. , Eddy G.A. , Benveniste R. , Burke D.S. , Lewis M.G.
Published: August 2020

The decline in the CD4% and CD4/CD8 ratios have been compared in lymph nodes and blood from SIVMNE/E11S infected rhesus macaques. The results indicate that loss from the LN CD4+ cell pool does not occur until CD4/CD8 ratios of < 0.5 is reached in blood. These changes also correlate with the ability to isolate virus from the blood and the transition of CD45RAhi to highly activated CD45RAlo CD8+ cells both of which may play a role in eliminating CD4+ cells. In end‐stage disease, CD8+ cells also decline in LN and mitogen responsiveness no longer exists in any nodes. Interestingly at this stage, the circulating CD8% increases significantly and represents the only source of functional T cells remaining in the body.
An ultrasound study of the effect of chronic lead exposure on endometrial cycle changes in the female cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Foster Warren G. , Stals Sandra I. , McMahon Avril
Published: August 2020

The effect of up to 10 years of lead (Pb) exposure (1500 μg/kg BW/day) on endometrial cycle changes in adult cynomolgus monkeys (n = 30) were examined by real‐time ultrasound. Pb exposure had no effect on peak serum estradiol (E2) or progesterone (P4) concentrations, menstrual cycle length, and endometrial response to gonadal steroids as determined by ultrasound.
The M‐N‐V‐A‐B‐D blood group system of chimpanzee and other apes: Serology and genetics
Authors: Socha Wladyslaw W. , Moor‐Jankowski J.
Published: August 2020

Poly‐ and monoclonal anti‐M and anti‐N reagents detect on the red cells of anthropoid apes the M and/or N antigens which are similar to, but not identical with human M and N. A series of V‐A‐B‐D specificities, closely related to the M‐N system, are recognized on ape red blood cells by chimpanzee immune sera. To account for the distributions of the M‐N‐V‐A‐B‐D types in man and in various apes, a genetic model is proposed that assumes the existence of two independent pairs of alleles: M/m, and N/n. In the processes of speciation, some of the alleles were lost or replaced by multiple mutations, resulting in chimpanzee in a series of codominant alleles responsible for as many as 16 M‐N‐V‐A‐B‐D phenotypes.
The R‐C‐E‐F blood group system of chimpanzees: Serology and genetics
Authors: Blancher A. , Ruffié J. , Socha W.W.
Published: August 2020

Six chimpanzee alloimmune antibodies define 20 phenotypes of the R‐C‐E‐F blood group system, the counterpart of the human Rh system. Of the several specificities of this system, the Rc constitutes the crucial link with human Rh since the reactions of some chimpanzee alloimmune anti‐Rc sera with human red cells parallel those obtained with human anti‐Rho reagents. Reciprocally, properly absorbed human anti‐Rho sera detect Rc specificity on chimpanzee red cells. Tests with large panels of human monoclonal anti‐D antibodies confirm the notion of shared epitopes between human alloantigen Rho(D) and chimpanzee alloantigen Rc.
Quantitative study of chimpanzee and gorilla counterparts of the human D antigen
Authors: Roubinet F. , Blancher A. , Socha W.W. , Ruffié J.
Published: August 2020

The reactivities of three human anti‐D monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with human, chimpanzee, and gorilla red blood cells (RBCs) were compared by quantitative radioimmunology and indirect immunofluorescence methods. The number of antigenic sites varies widely in gorillas (from 48,000‐283,000), while in chimpanzees this number is very close to that observed in human R1R2RBCs. The affinity of the anti‐D antibodies was slightly lower with ape RBCs than with D‐positive human RBCs. In chimpanzee, the D‐like epitopes recognition is enhanced by papain while the gorilla D‐like epitopes are destroyed by enzyme treatment.
Immunoglobulin Gm allotypes in apes: Comparison with man
Authors: Dugoujon J.‐M. , Blancher A. , Hazout S. , Ruffié J.
Published: August 2020

Serum samples from 245 apes (184 Pan troglodytes, five Pan paniscus, 28 Gorilla gorilla, 23 Pongo pygmaeus abelei, and five Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) were tested for G1m (1,2,3,17), G2m (23), and G3m (5,6,10,11,13,14,15,16,21,24,28) immunoglobulin allotypes by the classical method of inhibition of hemagglutination. Some phenotypes are species specific while a few are shared by man and African apes.
Moderating effects of socio‐ecological factors on the relationship between adolescent exposure to media violence and attitudes towards school bullying
Authors: Moon Hee , Lee Seonah
Published: August 2020

Aims

To examine the moderating effects of individual, family, and social factors on the relationship between adolescent exposure to media violence and attitudes towards school bullying.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 473 middle and high school students participated in a self‐reported survey between August and October 2016. Self‐reported questionnaires were used to measure perceived aggression, resilience, parental violence experience, parenting styles, satisfaction with school life, teacher attitudes towards school bullying, media violence exposure, and adolescent attitudes towards school bullying. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression.

Results

Resilience (an individual factor; β = −0.48, p = .049) and parenting styles (a family factor; β = −0.77, p = .045) moderated the negative influence of media violence exposure on adolescent attitudes towards school bullying. The findings indicated that higher individual resilience and parents with more positive parenting styles could reduce the harmful effects of media violence exposure on adolescent attitudes towards school bullying. The teachers’ attitudes towards school bullying (a school factor) contributed to predicting the adolescents’ attitudes towards school bullying. However, no moderating effect of school factors was found.

Conclusion

Resilience and parenting styles are important socio‐ecological factors influencing the relationship between adolescent exposure to media violence and attitudes towards school bullying.

Impact

Three types of intervention programmes can be suggested based on the results of this study. Reinforcing individual resilience and positive parenting styles should be considered important in developing intervention programmes targeted at eliminating the adverse effects of media violence exposure. Intervention programmes to develop parenting styles to increase the resilience of adolescents can also be considered. Lastly, programmes to screen for adverse outcomes of media violence exposure, low resilience, and poor parenting styles need to be developed.
Genome sequencing unveils mutational landscape of the familial Mediterranean fever: Potential implications of IL33/ST2 signalling
Authors: Umar Meenakshi , Megarbane Andre , Shan Jingxuan , Syed Najeeb , Chouery Eliane , Aliyev Elbay , Jithesh Puthen , Temanni Ramzi , Mansour Issam , Chouchane Lotfi , Ismail Chouchane Aouatef
Published: August 2020

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common auto‐inflammatory disease. It is transmitted as autosomal recessive trait with mutations in MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) gene. Despite a typical clinical expression, many patients have either a single or no mutation in MEFV. The current work is aimed to revisit the genetic landscape of FMF disease using high‐coverage whole genome sequencing. In atypical patients (carrying a single or no mutation in MEFV), we revealed many rare variants in genes associated with auto‐inflammatory disorders, and more interestingly, we discovered a novel variant ( a 2.1‐Kb deletion) in exon 11 of IL1RL1 gene, present only in patients. To validate and screen this patient‐specific variant, a tandem of allele‐specific PCR and quantitative real‐time PCR was performed in 184 FMF patients and 218 healthy controls and we demonstrated that the novel deletion was absent in controls and was present in more than 19% of patients. This study sheds more light on the mutational landscape of FMF. Our discovery of a disease‐specific variant in IL1RL1 gene may constitute a novel genetic marker for FMF. This finding suggesting a potential role of the IL33/ST2 signalling in the disease pathogenicity highlights a new paradigm in FMF pathophysiology.
Microwave pre‐treatment for vacuum drying of orange slices: Drying characteristics, rehydration capacity and quality properties
Authors: Özkan‐Karabacak Azime , Acoğlu Büşra , Yolci Ömeroğlu Perihan , Çopur Ömer U.
Published: August 2020

Microwave pre‐treatment for vacuum drying is a promising method in order to enhance heat and mass transfer rate. In this study, the influences of microwave pre‐treatment (90 W 30 min) on vacuum drying conducted at different combinations of drying temperature and absolute pressure (60, 70, and 80°C with 15 and 30 kPa) were investigated by evaluating the drying characteristics, rehydration capacity, and some quality attributes of orange slices. The vacuum drying treatments were carried out both with (MWVD) and without the microwave‐pretreatment (VD) at the same temperature and absolute pressure combinations. It was revealed that application of MWVD shortened the drying time of orange slices while increasing drying rate, effective moisture diffusivity and rehydration capacity. Six different semi‐theoretical mathematical models were applied, and Page, Modified Page, Logarithmic, and Lewis models were best fitted to experimental data of orange slices. It was observed that, among the different drying conditions applied in the scope of the study, VD at 80°C–15 kPa caused lowest color change (ΔE) that indicates the difference between the dried and fresh orange slices. All drying treatments caused a reduction in ascorbic acid content (AAC) (56.24–59.34%), total phenolic content (TPC) (15.92–55.79%) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (6.05–35.18%, 21.03–42.28%, and 54.76–69.07% for DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays, respectively) of orange slices. When MWVD and VD were compared, it was observed that MWVD caused less decrease in TPC and more in AAC and TAC. In conclusion, MWVD method is suggested as the more effective method providing lower drying time, faster drying rate, and better quality parameters of the product.

Practical applications

Orange including various nutrients with health beneficial effects is a perishable fruit. Therefore it is processed in to frozen, dried, canned, jam and fruit juice forms in order to increase its shelf life. Especially in seasons with overproduction, orange can be processed into dried form, and it can be turned into an alternative healthy snack with increased commercial value. In this research, drying characteristics of orange slices by microwave pre‐treated for vacuum drying were assessed with mathematical modeling. Drying conditions affected rehydration capacity, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ascorbic acid content (AAC) and color values of orange slices. Based on those outcomes, the optimum process conditions for an industrial drying application can be designed to enhance heat and mass transfer rate and to improve quality attributes of the product.
A low amyloidogenic E61K transthyretin mutation may cause familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Murakami Tatsufumi , Yokoyama Takeshi , Mizuguchi Mineyuki , Toné Shigenobu , Takaku Shizuka , Sango Kazunori , Nishimura Hirotake , Watabe Kazuhiko , Sunada Yoshihide
Published: August 2020

Patients with transthyretin (TTR)‐type familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) typically exhibit sensory dominant polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. However, the molecular pathogenesis of the neuropathy remains unclear. In this study, we characterize the features of FAP TTR the substitution of lysine for glutamic acid at position 61 (E61K). This FAP was late‐onset, with sensory dominant polyneuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and cardiac amyloidosis. Interestingly, no amyloid deposits were found in the endoneurium of the four nerve specimens examined. Therefore, we examined the amyloidogenic properties of E61K TTR in vitro. Recombinant wild‐type TTR, the substitution of methionine for valine at position 30 (V30M) TTR, and E61K TTR proteins were incubated at 37°C for 72 hr, and amyloid fibril formation was assessed using the thioflavin‐T binding assay. Amyloid fibril formation by E61K TTR was less than that by V30M TTR, and similar to that by wild‐type TTR. E61K TTR did not have an inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth from adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, but V30M TTR did. Furthermore, we studied the sural nerve of our patient by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and electron microscopy. A number of apoptotic cells were observed in the endoneurium of the nerve by transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Chromatin condensation was confirmed in the nucleus of non‐myelinating Schwann cells by electron microscopy. These findings suggest that E61K TTR is low amyloidogenic, in vitro and in vivo. However, TTR aggregates and amyloid fibrils in the DRG may cause sensory impairments in FAP because the DRG has no blood–nerve barrier. Moreover, Schwann cell apoptosis may contribute to the neurodegeneration.

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De novo combination antiviral therapy in e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus‐infected paediatric patients with advanced fibrosis
Authors: Dong Yi , Li Meina , Zhu Shishu , Gao Xue , Zhao Pan
Published: August 2020

To date, studies that focus on treatment of e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus‐infected children with advanced fibrosis are extremely limited. This puts these patients at risk of rapid disease progression. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combination antiviral therapy in this population. We prospectively enrolled treatment‐naı̈ve paediatric patients between 1 year and 12 years of age who had e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B and histologically proven advanced fibrosis. All patients received de novo combination therapy with lamivudine (LAM) and interferon‐α (IFN) for 12 months and then were clinically followed up. The main outcome measure was rate of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss at month 12 of treatment. A total of 14 paediatric patients were enrolled, including 9 boys and 5 girls. All patients achieved undetectable HBV DNA levels at month 9 of treatment. A total of 5 patients (35.7%) achieved HBsAg loss at month 12 and finally developed HBsAg seroconversion. Four patients who did not clear HBsAg underwent second liver biopsy, and histological evaluation revealed significant improvements in all of them. As a serum fibrosis marker, aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index after 12‐month treatment in the 14 patients showed a significant improvement compared with that at baseline (P = .0021). No serious adverse events were observed during the study. Combination antiviral therapy is beneficial to e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus‐infected paediatric patients with advanced fibrosis. Further studies with larger cohorts are required.
Estimating chronic hepatitis C prevalence in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada, using population‐based cohort studies
Authors: Hamadeh Abdullah , Haines Alex , Feng Zeny , Thein Hla‐Hla , Janjua Naveed Z. , Krahn Murray , Wong William W. L.
Published: August 2020

Patients identified as having chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection can be effectively and rapidly treated using direct‐acting antiviral agents. However, there remains a substantial burden of subclinical undetected infection. This study estimates the prevalence and undiagnosed proportion of CHC in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario, Canada, using a model‐based approach, informed by provincial population‐level health administrative data. A two‐step approach was used: Step 1) Two population‐based retrospective analyses of administrative health data for a cohort of British Columbians and a cohort of Ontarians with CHC were conducted to generate population‐level statistics of CHC‐related health events; Step 2) using a validated natural history model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the historical prevalence of CHC was back‐calculated from the data collected in Step 1. Our retrospective study found that, in BC and Ontario, the number of newly diagnosed CHC cases is declining yearly while the complications of the disease are increasing yearly. BC had a 2014 CHC prevalence of 1.04% (95% CI: 0.84%‐1.44%), with 33.3% (95% CI: 25.5%‐42.0%) of CHC cases undiagnosed. Ontario had a 2014 CHC prevalence of 0.91% (95% CI: 0.83%‐1.02%) with 36.0% (95% CI: 31.2%‐38.9%) of CHC cases undiagnosed. Our study offers robust estimates based on the integration of a validated natural history model with population‐level health administrative data on HCV‐related events, which can provide vital evidence for policymakers to develop appropriate policies to achieve elimination targets. Our approach can also be applied to produce robust region‐specific estimates in other countries.
HCV micro‐elimination in two prisons in Milan, Italy: A model of care
Authors: Giuliani Ruggero , Casigliani Virginia , Fornili Marco , Sebastiani Teresa , Freo Elisabetta , Arzilli Guglielmo , Scardina Giuditta , Baglietto Laura , Tavoschi Lara , Ranieri Roberto
Published: August 2020

People in prison represent a high‐risk population for HCV infection control. With the advent of new direct antiviral agents (DAAs) HCV micro‐elimination in prison setting became a feasible strategy. We assessed the impact of an intervention for HCV testing and treatment in 2017 and 2018 in a jail (San Vittore,SV) and a prison for sentenced individuals (Opera,OP). A dedicated protocol was applied and implemented over the two years. We collected data on demographics, HCV testing and treatment on all inmates present on 31 October 2017 and 2018. In the two facilities, there were 2,366 and 2,369 inmates in 2017 and 2018 respectively; the majority were men (95.6%; 96.4%) and Italians (57.0%; 61.9%) with a median age of 41 years. Prevalence of lifetime reported drug use remained high (46.5%; 44.2%). HCV screening coverage was 89% in both years, while HCV RNA test coverage increased (90.6%; 99.0%). HCV seroprevalence remained stable (10.1%; 9.2%). In 2017 among inmates with HCV chronic infection 90 (42.4%) individuals had started DAAs treatment and 106 (54.6%) in 2018; of whom 38 (17.9%) and 74 (38.1%) achieved the SVR. The viremic pool decreased significantly over time (SV,24.4%; 15.4%;OP, 16.1%; <1%). Among inmates with HCV‐positive serology in 2018, 121 (81.0%) were never linked to care before incarceration. Our study showed how a targeted and well‐implemented HCV test‐and‐treat intervention in prison was feasible and effective in achieving micro‐elimination. Viral hepatitis elimination agenda may help drawing interest onto this neglected population and bringing prison health higher up in the global public health agenda.