bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The response of gene expression associated with intramuscular fat deposition in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Simmental × Yellow breed cattle to different energy levels of diets
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Guan Weikun
Published: February 2019

This study was designed to estimate dietary energy level on intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in Simmental × Yellow breed cattle. Results showed that ultimate weight and average daily gain in high and medium energy groups were significantly higher than low‐energy group, yet feed conversion ratio was significantly lower. IMF content was significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas longissimus muscle shear force significantly decreased. Serum‐free fatty acids, triglycerides and glucose significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas growth hormone (GH) significantly decreased. Enzyme activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT‐1) significantly diminished. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase, adipocyte‐fatty acid‐binding proteins, ACC, LPL, and FAS gene or protein expression significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas HSL, CPT‐1, and GH gene or protein expression significantly decreased. These results indicated that high dietary energy promoting IMF deposition is mainly by downregulating pituitary GH gene expression, decreasing serum GH concentration, increasing lipogenic genes levels of mRNA, enzyme activities and protein expression, and decreasing lipolytic genes levels of mRNA, enzyme activities, and protein expression.
Unpacking the relationship between religiosity and conspiracy beliefs in Australia
Authors: Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga , Jetten Jolanda
Published: February 2019

We examined the interrelation between religiosity, anti‐intellectualism, and political mistrust in predicting belief in conspiracy theories. Improving on previous psychological research on the link between religiosity and societal and political attitudes, we assessed the predictive power of religious self‐categorization and the importance attached to one's own (non)religious worldview predicting belief in conspiracy theories separately. Applying quota sampling in a study in Australia (N = 515), the sample consisted of 48.9% believers (i.e., those who self‐categorized as religious persons) and 51.1% non‐believers (i.e., those who self‐categorized as non‐religious persons). The results showed that believers and non‐believers did not differ in the belief in conspiracy theories. Unpacking this further though, we did find that the extent to which religious worldviews were endorsed predicted belief in conspiracy theories. Among believers, the importance attached to their religious worldview was directly associated with higher belief in conspiracy theories and this link was partly mediated by higher anti‐intellectualism. Political trust, in turn, served as an inhibitor of the link between religiosity and conspiracy beliefs. Among non‐believers, there was no direct association between the importance of non‐religious worldview and belief in conspiracy theories. However, we found that higher trust in political institutions accounted for the negative association between non‐religious worldview and lower belief in conspiracy theories. The results underline the importance of distinguishing religiosity as a self‐categorization and religiosity as a worldview. We find that it is not the self‐categorization as religious, but the extent to which religious worldviews are endorsed that could predict people's beliefs in conspiracy theories.
Dimethyl fumarate impairs differentiated B cells and fosters central nervous system integrity in treatment of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Traub Jan , Traffehn Sarah , Ochs Jasmin , Häusser‐Kinzel Silke , Stephan Schirin , Scannevin Robert , Brück Wolfgang , Metz Imke , Weber Martin S.
Published: February 2019

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the effect of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment is primarily attributed to its capacity to dampen pathogenic T cells. Here, we tested whether DMF also modulates B cells, which are newly recognized key players in MS, and to which extent DMF restricts ongoing loss of oligodendrocytes and axons in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, blood samples and brain tissue from DMF‐treated MS patients were analyzed by flow cytometry or histopathological examination, respectively. Complementary mechanistic studies were conducted in inflammatory as well as non‐inflammatory CNS demyelinating mouse models. In this study, DMF reduced the frequency of antigen‐experienced and memory B cells and rendered remaining B cells less prone to activation and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Dissecting the functional consequences of these alterations, we found that DMF ameliorated a B cell‐accentuated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model by diminishing the capacity of B cells to act as antigen‐presenting cells for T cells. In a non‐inflammatory model of toxic demyelination, DMF limited oligodendrocyte apoptosis, promoted maturation of oligodendrocyte precursors and reduced axonal damage. In a CNS biopsy of a DMF‐treated MS patient, we equivalently observed higher numbers of mature oligodendrocytes as well as a reduced extent of axonal damage when compared to a cohort of treatment‐naïve patients. In conclusion, we showed that besides suppressing T cells, DMF dampens pathogenic B cell functions, which probably contributes to its clinical effectiveness in relapsing MS. DMF treatment may furthermore limit chronically ongoing CNS tissue damage, which may reduce long‐term disability in MS apart from its relapse‐reducing capacity.
Loganetin protects against rhabdomyolysis‐induced acute kidney injury by modulating the toll‐like receptor 4 signalling pathway
Authors: Li Jie , Tan Yu‐jun , Wang Ming‐zhi , Sun Ying , Li Guang‐yan , Wang Qi‐long , Yao Jing‐chun , Yue Jiang , Liu Zhong , Zhang Gui‐min , Ren Yu‐shan
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rapid renal dysfunctional disease, for which no effective drugs or therapies are available to improve prognosis. Loganetin is a natural product with unknown bioactivities. Here, we identified a new protective effect and mechanism of Loganetin in a mouse model of AKI induced by rhabdomyolysis.

Experimental Approach

AKI was induced using glycerol by i.m. injection in mice models. Thirty minutes and 24 and 48 hr after injection of glycerol, the mice received 2 and 18 mg·kg−1 of Loganetin i.p. respectively. Then mice blood and kidney were collected for various biochemical and histopathological studies. Mechanistic studies on modulation of AKI by Loganetin were performed using HK‐2 cells and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) knockout mice.

Key Results

In the Loganetin treated group, kidney damage and mortality rate were declined, and blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were much lower. Loganetin prevented damage to the tubular structures induced by glycerol and decreased apoptotic cells at the corticomedullary junction. In HK‐2 cells, Loganetin could inhibit NF‐κB pathway and pro‐apoptotic genes expression. However, TLR4 was silenced by a specific shRNA, and the inhibitory effect of Loganetin in HK‐2 cells vanished. Loganetin also down‐regulated the expression of inflammation factors by suppressing TLR4 activity.

Conclusion and Implications

All the results suggested that TLR4 plays a critical role in AKI development, and Loganetin ameliorates AKI by inhibiting TLR4 activity and blocking the JNK/p38 pathway, which provides a new strategy for AKI treatment.
Surgical solutions for refractory J‐pouch inlet obstruction
Authors: Sellers M. M. , Elnekaveh B. M. , Hahn S. J. , Hirten R. P. , Greenstein A. J.
Published: February 2019

Aim

Many surgeons consider total proctectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis as the treatment of choice for patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis or ulcerative colitis with dysplasia. However, obstruction occurring at the pouch inlet or involving the afferent limb can be refractory to nonoperative or endoscopic management. Historically, these refractory obstructions have usually required resection of the pouch. There is now increasing evidence to suggest that pouch salvage surgery may be feasible in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients of a single surgical practice who underwent a neo ileal‐pouch anastomosis for J‐pouch inlet obstructions between 2000 and 2017. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative workup, intra‐operative findings, type of surgical intervention and postoperative outcomes.

Results

Surgical interventions were performed on eight patients with J‐pouch inlet obstructions. Six patients had inlet strictures or acute angulations at the inlet, which were either bypassed or resected and primarily anastomosed. Two patients had internal hernias posterior to the mesentery, with volvulus of the pouch. At a mean follow‐up of 36.5 months, all patients retained their pouches and the mean number of daily bowel movements was eight. Two major and two minor complications occurred.

Discussion

J‐pouch inlet obstructions may take years to develop. In patients with obstruction who are refractory to endoscopic or medical treatment, good functional results may be obtained with pouch salvage procedures. With increasing numbers of J‐pouches being performed, awareness of novel surgical techniques is important.
Identification and Evaluation of Clinical Substrates of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides 1B1 and 1B3
Authors: McFeely Savannah J. , Ritchie Tasha K. , Yu Jingjing , Nordmark Anna , Levy René H. , Ragueneau‐Majlessi Isabelle
Published: February 2019

Organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) 1B1 and 1B3 facilitate the uptake of drugs and endogenous compounds into the liver. In recent years, the impact of these transporters on drug–drug interactions (DDIs) has become a focus of research, and the evaluation of their role in drug disposition is recommended by regulatory agencies worldwide.1–3 Although sensitive substrates of OATP1B1/1B3 have been identified in the literature and probe drugs have been proposed by regulatory agencies, there is no general consensus on the ideal in vivo substrate for clinical DDI studies as analysis may be confounded by contribution from other metabolic and/or transport pathways.1–3 A thorough analysis of the available in vitro and in vivo data regarding OATP1B1/1B3 substrates was performed using the in vitro, clinical, and pharmacogenetic modules in the University of Washington Drug Interaction Database. A total of 34 compounds were identified and further investigated as possible clinical substrates using a novel indexing system. By analyzing the compounds for in vivo characteristics, including sensitivity to inhibition by known OATP1B1/1B3 inhibitors, selectivity for OATP1B1/1B3 compared with other transport and metabolic pathways, and safety profiles, a total of six compounds were identified as potential clinical markers of OATP1B1/1B3 activity.
Clip line traction method using locking clip technique for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Nomura Tatsuma , Kamei Akira , Sugimoto Shinya
Published: February 2019

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From understanding others' needs to prosocial action: Motor and social abilities promote infants' helping
Authors: Köster Moritz , Itakura Shoji , Omori Masaki , Kärtner Joscha
Published: February 2019

In the present study, we test the main hypothesis that infants' understanding of others' needs translates into helping behavior, when critical motor and social competencies have emerged, early in the second year. We assessed the understanding of others' needs in an eye‐tracking paradigm and the helping behavior of 10‐ (n = 41) and 16‐month‐olds (n = 37). Furthermore, we assessed the motor and social abilities of 16‐month‐olds. Critically, while infants understood others' needs already at 10 months, fine motor and social interaction skills moderated the link between infants' prosocial understanding and helping behavior at 16 months. This provides first evidence that infants' helping behavior relates to their understanding of others' needs. Furthermore, we found that fine motor, gross motor, and social interaction skills predicted early helping behavior by themselves. These findings highlight that the emergence of infants' helping behavior is the result of a developmental system that includes infants' understanding of others' needs and also their motor and social competencies. The link between infants' understanding of others' needs and their early helpful actions provide further support for the prosocial nature of early helping behavior.
Influence of FLT3‐ITD and NPM1 status on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant outcomes in patients with cytogenetically normal AML
Authors: Pasic Ivan , Da'na Waleed , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Viswabandya Auro , Kim Dennis D. , Thyagu Santhosh , Messner Hans A. , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: February 2019

Objective

In individuals with cytogenetically normal (CN) AML, disease risk is estimated using molecular features such as the status of NPM1 and FLT3‐ITD genes. However, data regarding the impact of NPM1 and FLT3‐ITD status on hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) outcomes are limited. We examined the effect of NPM1 and FLT3‐ITD status on transplant outcomes in 131 CN AML patients transplanted at Princess Margaret Hospital between 2006 and 2017.

Methods

Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) were calculated using competing risk regression.

Results

There was no difference in 3‐year OS among NPM1+/FLT3‐ITD−, NPM1−/FLT3‐ITD−, NPM1+/FLT3‐ITD+ and NPM1−/FLT3‐ITD+ patients: 56% (95% CI, 29%‐76%), 61% (95% CI, 46%‐73%), 53% (95% CI, 34%‐70%) and 52% (95% CI, 17%‐78%), respectively. CIR at 3‐years was similar among NPM1−/FLT3‐ITD−, NPM1+/FLT3‐ITD+ and NPM1−/FLT3‐ITD+ patients—14% (95% CI, 6%‐26%), 13% (95% CI, 4%‐28%) and 19% (95% CI, 4%‐41%), respectively—while there were no relapses in the NPM1+/FLT3‐ITD− group. NRM at 3 years for NPM1+/FLT3‐ITD−, NPM1−/FLT3‐ITD−, NPM1+/FLT3‐ITD+ and NPM1−/FLT3‐ITD+ patients was similar at 44% (95% CI, 19%‐67%), 38% (95% CI, 25%‐50%), 43% (95% CI, 25%‐59%) and 44% (95% CI, 14%‐71%), respectively.

Conclusion

NPM1 and FLT3‐ITD status may provide limited prognostic information about transplant outcomes in CN AML patients.
Mechanisms of circadian clock interactions with aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling
Authors: Tischkau Shelley A.
Published: February 2019

Per‐Arnt‐Sim (PAS) domain‐containing proteins are critical to homeostatic regulatory networks that mediate responsiveness to environmental change. PAS domains are multifunctional structural motifs that allow protein‐protein interactions amongst family members, typically forming heterodimeric transcription factors to affect the transcription of target genes. Prototypical PAS domain‐dependent pathways include the circadian clock network and metabolic regulation of the xenobiotic response through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Both pathways are increasingly linked to health, and alteration in their function contributes to development of disease. The AhR demonstrates promiscuity in ligand binding and selectivity during heterodimer formation, which allows varied combinations of protein‐protein interactions with other Per‐Arnt‐Sim (PAS) domain‐containing proteins and crosstalk amongst signalling pathways, including the molecular clockworks. AhR and the circadian signalling pathways are highly integrated and reciprocally regulated. AhR exhibits a rhythmic expression and time‐dependent sensitivity to activation by AhR agonists. Conversely, AhR influences amplitude and phase of rhythms in circadian clock genes, hormones, and behaviour. Understanding the molecular interactions between AhR and the clock provides insight into physiological regulation of rhythmic processes and provides an innovative approach to development of therapeutics.
Prevalence and duration of non‐motor symptoms in prodromal Parkinson's disease
Authors: Durcan R. , Wiblin L. , Lawson R. A. , Khoo T. K. , Yarnall A. J. , Duncan G. W. , Brooks D. J. , Pavese N. , Burn D. J. ,   the ICICLE‐PD Study Group
Published: February 2019

Background and purpose

The prevalence and duration of non‐motor symptoms (NMS) in prodromal Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and duration of prodromal NMS (pNMS) in a cohort of patients with recently diagnosed PD.

Methods

We evaluated the prevalence and duration of pNMS in patients with early PD (n = 154). NMS were screened for using the Non‐Motor Symptom Questionnaire (NMSQuest). We subtracted the duration of the presence of each individual NMS reported from the duration of the earliest motor symptom. NMS whose duration preceded the duration of motor symptoms were considered a pNMS. Individual pNMS were then grouped into relevant pNMS clusters based on the NMSQuest domains. Motor subtypes were defined as tremor dominant, postural instability gait difficulty (PIGD) and indeterminate type according to the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale revision.

Results

Prodromal NMS were experienced by 90.3% of patients with PD and the median number experienced was 4 (interquartile range, 2–7). A gender difference existed in the pNMS experienced, with males reporting more sexual dysfunction, forgetfulness and dream re‐enactment, whereas females reported more unexplained weight change and anxiety. There was a significant association between any prodromal gastrointestinal symptoms [odds ratio (OR), 2.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–4.89, P = 0.03] and urinary symptoms (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.19–5.35, P = 0.016) and the PIGD phenotype. Further analysis revealed that total pNMS were not significantly associated with the PIGD phenotype (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.99–1.21, P = 0.068).

Conclusions

Prodromal NMS are common and a gender difference in pNMS experienced in prodromal PD may exist. The PIGD phenotype had a higher prevalence of prodromal gastrointestinal and urinary tract symptoms.
Multiaspect‐based opinion classification model for tourist reviews
Authors: Afzaal Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Fong Alvis C.M. , Fong Simon
Published: February 2019

Tourist reviews on social media websites reflect the tourist's opinions concerning various aspects of a tourist place or service (e.g., “comfortable room” and “terrible service” in hotel reviews). Extracting these aspects from reviews is a challenging task in opinion mining. Therefore, aspect‐based opinion mining has emerged as a new area of social review mining. Existing approaches in this area focus on extracting explicit aspects and classification of opinions around these aspects. However, the implicit and coreferential aspects during aspect extraction are often neglected, and the classification of multiaspect opinions is relatively less emphasized in prior art. In this paper, we propose a model, namely, “enhanced multiaspect‐based opinion classification” that addresses existing challenges by automatically extracting both explicit and implicit aspects and classifying the multiaspect opinions. In this model, first, a probabilistic co‐occurrence‐based method is proposed that utilizes the co‐occurrence between aspects and sentiment words to identify the coreferential aspects and merge them into groups. Second, an implicit aspect extraction method is proposed that associates the sentiment words with suitable aspects to build an aspect‐sentiment hierarchy. Third, a multiaspect opinion classification approach is proposed that employs multilabel classification algorithms to classify opinions into different polarity classes. The effectiveness of the proposed model is evaluated by conducting experiments on benchmark and real‐world datasets. The experimental results revealed the supremacy of multilabel classifiers by achieving 90% accuracy per label on classification when extracting 87% domain‐relevant aspects. A state‐of‐the‐art performance comparison is conducted that also verifies the advantages of the proposed model.
Stenosis and thrombosis—unveiled complications of buttonhole cannulation
Authors: Moreira Carla Leal , Castro Ana , Silva Fernanda , Almeida Paulo , de Matos António Nórton , Sousa Clemente Neves , Almeida Rui , Cabrita António , Queirós José Alexandre
Published: February 2019

The vascular access is the mainstay of hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula has been prioritized as the first choice of long‐term vascular access for its inferior rate of complications and improved patient survival. Rope ladder and buttonhole venipuncture are the most common techniques for arteriovenous fistulae cannulation. Much of the concern regarding buttonhole cannulation is the increased risk for potentially severe systemic infections. Increased risk for stenosis and thrombosis has been addressed but not confirmed. We discuss two cases of stenosis and thrombosis related to buttonhole puncture which heralded angiography intervention, raising awareness for the demand of close surveillance of arteriovenous fistulae when using buttonhole cannulation.
Implementing screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment in a French cohort of people living with HIV: a pilot study
Authors: Jacquet J‐M , Donnadieu‐Rigole H , Peries M , Makinson A , Nagot N , Reynes J , Peyriere H ,   the MesConsos study group name
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence‐based practice used to identify, reduce and prevent problematic use and abuse of, and dependence on, tobacco, alcohol and psychoactive substances. To date, the pertinence of this practice among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is unknown. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the acceptability of SBIRT in a cohort of HIV‐infected out‐patients who were asked about their consumption of alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive substances.

Methods

A monocentric study was performed at the University Hospital of Montpellier. In a 6‐month period, 20 trained physicians screened for the consumption of alcohol [using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)], tobacco (using the Short Fagerstrom Test) and psychoactive substances [using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) V3.0] via an auto‐questionnaire and proposed a brief intervention to patients with misusage.

Results

One thousand and eighteen PLHIV completed the questionnaire, and 861 [84.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 82.2–86.7%] PLHIV returned it to the physician. Among the latter, 650 patients wished to discuss the answers with their physician (75.5%; 95% CI 72.5–78.3%), and brief interventions were realized in 405 patients (62.3%).

Conclusions

SBIRT is a simple screening and harm reduction tool that is well accepted by PLHIV in out‐patient clinics. This method could be implemented in routine HIV care to screen and manage patients systematically for harmful substance use.
Congenital erythropoietic porphyria with erythrodontia: A case report
Authors: Ciftci Volkan , Kılavuz Sebile , Bulut Fatma Derya , Mungan Halise Neslihan , Bisgin Atil , Dogan Muharrem Cem
Published: February 2019

Background

The causes for intrinsic tooth discoloration can be separated into two categories as systemic and local. Systemic causes are either genetic or drug‐induced effects. The development of dentition can also be affected by a number of systemic factors and metabolic diseases such as porphyria. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), also known as Gunther's disease, is a metabolic disease caused by a transformation in the gene that codifies uroporphyrinogen‐3 synthesis, leading to porphyrin aggregation in urine, skin, bone, and dentin.

Case Report

A 21‐month‐old girl with erythrodontia was referred to Paediatric Dentistry Department in September 2017. A physical examination revealed blisters on her face, nose, hands, and feet. Laboratory findings showed highly elevated urine total uroporphyrin and total coproporphyrin I and III levels. Next‐generation sequencing multigene panel testing for porphyria demonstrated a homozygous c.10C>T (p.L4F) mutation in the UROS gene. For curative therapy, the patient was admitted to the allogeneic bone marrow transplantation program.

Conclusion

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria most commonly presents in the first few years of life. Manifestations can include reddish‐colored urine, skin blistering, scarring, and erythrodontia. A timely diagnosis can prevent undesirable skin findings of the disease and death due to hematological involvement before a curative allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is performed.
Fluid distribution timetable on adherence to fluid restriction of patients with end‐stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis: Single‐blind, Randomized‐Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Mina Rame John L. , Lerma Maria‐Angelica B. , Litan Prince Lyncon B. , Milano Alyssa Andrea L. , Mojica April Dawn R. , Malong‐Consolacion Charito P. , Lerma Eleanore B. , Macindo John Rey B. , Torres Gian Carlo S.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To determine the effects of a fluid distribution timetable on adherence to fluid restriction of patients with end‐stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis.

Background

Fluid restriction is necessary among patients with chronic kidney disease. However, treatment adherence remains a challenge.

Design

Single‐blind, randomized‐controlled pilot study.

Methods

From September ‐ December 2016, 24 consecutively‐selected patients with end‐stage renal disease from a single dialysis clinic were randomly assigned using computer‐generated sequences of randomly permuted blocks stratified according to gender to receive the fluid distribution timetable or standard care. Adherence to fluid restriction was measured using two indicators—thirst and interdialytic weight gain– and were compared using One‐way RM‐MANOVA and MANCOVA. Secondary outcomes included baseline patient demographic and clinical characteristics and were compared according to treatment allocation. Both groups were followed‐up for 4 weeks, assessing outcome measures during the second haemodialysis session for each week.

Results

At baseline, the demographic and clinical characteristics and indicators of adherence to fluid restriction were comparable between the two groups. Thirst scores, however, were statistically lower in the treatment group than the control group on the fourth week follow‐up. There was also a remarkable decrease from baseline thirst and interdialytic weight gain scores in the treatment group, with partial eta‐squared of 0.43 and 0.39, respectively.

Conclusion

The fluid distribution timetable was an effective adjunct treatment strategy in promoting adherence to fluid restriction. However, since this is just a pilot study, further investigation must be conducted to determine the effects of fluid distribution timetable.

Trial registration

NCT03582592.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis on natural convective heating of bottled liquid food during pasteurization: Effect of container orientation
Authors: Lespinard Alejandro R. , Badin Emiliano E. , Santos María V. , Mascheroni Rodolfo H.
Published: February 2019

The aim of this work was to determine natural convective heat transfer rates in bottled liquid food pasteurized using different container orientations; conventional vertical, inverted vertical, and horizontal bottle positions. For this purpose, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was applied to predict the temperature distribution, flow pattern, and quality changes in non‐Newtonian fluid foods for three orientations. The numerically predicted temperatures were successfully validated against experimental data and the model allowed to identify the critical point during the thermal process. Results showed that the fluid flow developed in a horizontal orientation provided a better mixing of liquid food and, hence, a more rapid heating of the slowest heating zone compared to a vertical position. Moreover, the horizontal orientation achieved a 47.2% reduction of processing time and quality losses decreased (45.5–46.4%) with respect to a vertical position. These results suggest that a horizontal position could be considered as an interesting alternative for food processors since processing times can be reduced improving the final quality of the product.

Practical Applications

Pasteurization is a heat treatment process applied to a food product with the purpose of destroying disease‐producing microorganisms, inactivating spoilage‐causing enzymes, and reducing spoilage microorganisms. Overcooking causes detrimental effects in terms of the final product quality. Therefore, providing an adequate process with a desired sterility is one of the challenges to canning industry. In this work, we investigate how to improve, through container orientation modification, the natural convective heat transfer rates during pasteurization of fluid food. These results were obtained by the numerical simulation of the thermal process using CFD analysis which allowed to determine the temperature history and velocity field in the bottled liquid food. From the numerical results, the set of operating conditions that enhance the quality and the safety of the final product was determined, thus minimizing expensive and time‐consuming pilot test‐runs.
Temperature, concentration, and frequency dependent dielectric properties of pineapple juice relevant to its concentration by microwave energy
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Shrivastava Sanker Lal
Published: February 2019

Dielectric properties of pineapple juice and its concentrates between 15 and 50°Brix were measured with open‐ended coaxial‐line probe technique at 10–90°C from 300 to 3,000 MHz. The dielectric constants decreased with increasing concentration, temperature, and frequency. The loss factors decreased to the minimum value and then increased, depending on temperature, as frequency increased. The loss factors increased as concentration increased from 10.9 to 35°Brix for all frequencies and then either increased or decreased depending on frequency with increase in concentration. As temperature increased, the loss factor increased for frequency lower than 1,000 MHz and decreased for higher frequency range. Ionic conductivity influenced loss factor at lower frequency. Electrical conductivity increased with increasing temperature, whereas it increased and then decreased as concentration increased. The effects of temperature and concentration on power penetration depth were opposite to their effects on loss factor. Nonlinear predictive equations were developed for electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, and penetration depth as functions of temperature and concentration at 915 and 2,450 MHz which can be used for selecting process parameters during microwave concentration of juice.

Practical applications

Vacuum microwave evaporation is a recent development in the concentration process of fruit juices. The process assures the efficient energy use and better product quality because of the volumetric heating of juice by microwave energy and its evaporation under vacuum. The knowledge of dielectric properties of fruit juice as functions of temperature, concentration, and frequency is essential for understanding vacuum microwave evaporation process, designing vacuum microwave evaporator, and evaluating the suitability of fruit juice for vacuum microwave evaporation.
Solar drying kinetics and bioactive compounds of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
Authors: López‐Vidaña Erick C. , Pilatowsky Figueroa Isaac , Antonio Marcos Emma G. , Navarro‐Ocaña Arturo , Hernández‐Vázquez Liliana , Santiago‐Urbina Jorge A.
Published: February 2019

In this article, the effect of direct solar drying, indirect solar drying, and freeze drying on the phenolic compound contents and antioxidant capacities of blackberry fruits was investigated. The solar drying kinetics were determined and fitted to six thin layer different mathematical models. The total phenolic, anthocyanin, and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant capacity based on ABTS, DPPH, and OH• assays were determined for the dried blackberry samples. The results show that the Midilli–Kuçuk model provides the best fit to the experimental data of solar drying in both methods tested. Greater antioxidant capacities were observed in the samples dried by using direct solar drying method in all experiments, that is, the ABTS, DPPH, and OH• activities were 36,757 ± 1.27; 21.120 ± 1.33, and 47 ± 7.31 μmol TEAC/g dm, respectively. The creation of compounds during food dehydration at moderately high temperatures can enhance the antioxidant capacities and phenolic contents.

Practical applications

Rubus fruticosus is a berry with nutraceutical potential by the presence of bioactive compounds. The removal of water from a fruit extends the conservation time of the product during storage and transportation, facilitating the access to such foods when required. One of the most economical and sustainable ways to do the drying is to use solar dryers. Direct and indirect solar drying are technologies that have effects that must be taken into account according to the food that is to be dried and the final characteristics that are desired to obtain. However, the phenolic compounds present in the fruit are sensitive to the thermal process. Thus, it is important to know its consequences phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity for better use of the fruit.
Effect of Monthly High‐Dose Vitamin D on Mental Health in Older Adults: Secondary Analysis of a RCT
Authors: Gugger Alenka , Marzel Alex , Orav E. John , Willett Walter C. , Dawson‐Hughes Bess , Theiler Robert , Freystätter Gregor , Egli Andreas , Bischoff‐Ferrari Heike A.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

To test the effect of monthly high‐dose vitamin D supplementation on mental health in pre‐frail older adults.

DESIGN

Ancillary study of a 1‐year double‐blind randomized clinical trial conducted in Zurich, Switzerland.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 200 community‐dwelling adults 70 years and older with a prior fall event in the last year. Participants were randomized to receive 24 000 IU vitamin D3 (considered standard of care), 60 000 IU vitamin D3, or 24 000 IU vitamin D3 plus 300 μg calcifediol per month.

MEASURES

The primary end point was the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the SF‐36. Secondary end points were the SF‐36 Mental Health (MH) subscale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15).

RESULTS

Participants’ mean age was 78 years (67% women), and 58% were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL). Over time, primary and secondary end points did not differ significantly among the three treatment groups or in subgroups by vitamin D status at baseline. Given the lack of a true placebo group, we explored in a predefined observational analysis the change in mental health scales by achieved 25(OH)D levels at 12 months. After adjusting for confounders, participants achieving the highest 25(OH)D quartile (Q) at 12 months (44.7‐98.9 ng/mL) had the greatest improvements in MCS (Q4 = 0.79 vs Q1 = −2.9; p = .03) and MH scales (Q4 = 2.54 vs Q1 = −3.07; p = .03); these associations were strongest among participants who were vitamin D deficient at baseline. No association was found for GDS (p = .89).

CONCLUSIONS

For mental health, our study suggests no benefit of higher monthly doses of vitamin D3 compared with the standard monthly dose of 24 000 IU. However, irrespective of vitamin D treatment dose, achieving higher 25(OH)D levels at 12‐month follow‐up was associated with a small, clinically uncertain but statistically significant improvement in mental health scores.
The effect of single pretreatment with salbutamol on recovery of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in horses with suspected or confirmed severe equine asthma
Authors: Varegg Mathilde S. , Kløverød Kine M. , Austnes Malin K. , Siwinska Natalia , Slowikowska Malwina , Zak Agnieszka , Niedzwiedz Artur
Published: February 2019

Background

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a method for the recovery of respiratory secretion from the lower airways.

Objectives

To investigate if the administration of a single dose of a bronchodilatator in horses with a suspected or confirmed severe equine asthma could improve recovery of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

Animals

Twenty‐eight horses with severe equine asthma.

Methods

Horses were divided into 2 groups: group “treated” was given salbutamol before endoscopic examination and BALF collection, whereas group “not treated” was not given. BAL was performed with BAL‐catheter by instilling 350 mL of sterile saline. Amount of recovered fluid was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with a two‐tailed Student'sttest.

Results

The average fluid recovery in the horses treated with salbutamol was 52% ± 15% (mean +/− SD), compared with 38% ± 13% for the group of horses not treated with salbutamol (P = 0.013).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clinicians should consider administration of salbutamol before performing BAL on horses with asthma.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the endangered species Syringa pinnatifolia (Oleaceae)
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Jiang Zaimin , Su Hao , Zhao Han , Cai Jing
Published: February 2019

Syringa pinnatifolia is an endangered endemic species in China with important ornamental and medicinal value, and it needs urgent protection. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome structure of S. pinnatifolia and its evolution is inferred through comparative studies with related species. The S. pinnatifolia cp genome was 155 326 bp and contained a large single copy region (LSC) of 86 167 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 17 775 bp, as well as a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25 692 bp. A total of 113 unique genes were annotated, including 79 protein‐coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. The GC content of the S. pinnatifolia cp genome was 37.9%, and the corresponding values in the LSC, SSC and IR regions were 36.0, 32.1, 43.2% respectively. Repetitive sequences analysis revealed that the S. pinnatifolia cp genome contained 38 repeats. Microsatellite marker detection analysis identified 253 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), which provides opportunities for future studies of the population genetics and phylogenetic relationships of Syringa. Phylogenetic analysis of 29 selected cp genomes revealed that S. pinnatifolia is closely related to Syringa vulgaris and all 27 Lamiales species formed a clade separate from the two outgroup species. This newly characterized S. pinnatifolia chloroplast genome will provide a useful genomic resource of phylogenetic inference and the development of more genetic markers for species discrimination and population studies in the genus Syringa.
Anorectal physiology in health: A randomized trial to determine the optimum catheter for the balloon expulsion test
Authors: Mazor Yoav , Prott Gillian , Jones Mike , Kellow John , Ejova Anastasia , Malcolm Allison
Published: February 2019

Background

Anorectal manometry (ARM) and balloon expulsion test (BET) are pivotal in investigation of anorectal disorders. There is controversy, however, about normal values and optimum methodology for performing these tests. Our aims were to compare BET using three different balloons and to establish normal values for ARM and BET in health.

Methods

Forty‐four female healthy subjects (mean age 56 ± 12 years) underwent ARM, followed by BET which was performed in a private toilet using three different catheters (party balloon, Foley catheter and a commercially available catheter) in a single‐blinded randomized order. Outcome measures were time to balloon expulsion and comprehensive measures of anal sphincter function, the push maneuver and rectal sensation.

Key Results

The Foley catheter took longer to expel compared to both party and commercial balloons (both pairwise P < 0.001) with a wider distribution of results (P < 0.001). Ten of 40 healthy subjects could not expel the Foley catheter within 120 seconds. On ARM, older age was associated with lower resting anal sphincter pressure (ρ = −0.3, P = 0.05) and lower anal squeeze pressure (ρ = −0.3, P = 0.05). Having at least one vaginal delivery (compared to none) was associated with lower anal squeeze pressures (P = 0.03) and a smaller difference between cough and squeeze pressures (P = 0.03).

Conclusions & Inferences

A commercial balloon exhibited superior results in vivo compared to the Foley catheter without the concerns of latex allergy and quality control present with the use of a party balloon. Normal values for high‐resolution water‐perfused manometry have been established and an effect seen for age and parity.
Histopathologic variables differentially affect melanoma survival by age at diagnosis
Authors: Mishra Kriti , Barnhill Raymond L. , Paddock Lisa E. , Fine Judith Ann , Berwick Marianne
Published: February 2019

We evaluated clinical, phenotypic, behavioral, and histopathologic variables in relationship to melanoma‐specific survival by age at diagnosis among 650 population‐based melanoma patients in Connecticut, with 20 years of follow‐up. Only one variable, skin awareness, was significantly associated with melanoma mortality in both groups. The variables that differed between the age‐groups were anatomic site, Breslow thickness, histologic subtype, mitoses, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and solar elastosis. Head and neck melanoma, Breslow thickness, nodular melanoma, and solar elastosis were all significantly more likely to be associated with mortality among the older subjects; among the younger subjects, the presence of mitoses was associated with an increased probability of dying and TILs were associated with a reduced risk of mortality.
Non‐secretory breast carcinomas lack NTRK rearrangements and TRK protein expression
Authors: Remoué Annabelle , Conan‐Charlet Virginie , Bourhis Amélie , Flahec Glen Le , Lambros Laetitia , Marcorelles Pascale , Uguen Arnaud
Published: February 2019

Anti‐TRK targeted therapies offer opportunities to treat patients with advanced NTRK1/2/3‐rearranged cancers. Beyond NTRK‐rearranged secretory breast carcinomas, little is known about NTRK rearrangements and the expression of TRK proteins in non‐secretory breast carcinomas. We search for TRK proteins expressions using pan‐TRK immunohistochemistry and NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3 rearrangements using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) tests in a set of tissue microarray included breast carcinomas. Only 1/339 invasive breast carcinomas, the only example of secretory subtype, was positive using pan‐TRK immunohistochemistry and harboured a NTRK‐rearrangement (NTRK1 positive FISH test). According to our results, druggable NTRK rearrangements and related‐TRK proteins expression are not encountered in non‐secretory breast carcinomas.
The prevalence of infertility in American Indian/Alaska Natives and other racial/ethnic groups: National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: Craig LaTasha B. , Peck Jennifer D. , Janitz Amanda E.
Published: February 2019

Background

The prevalence of infertility in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations is unknown. The objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence of infertility and impaired fecundity in the AI/AN population and other racial and ethnic groups.

Methods

We analyzed female respondent data from the pooled National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) cycles 2002, 2006‐2010, and 2011‐2013. We used modified Poisson regression with robust error variance accounting for survey weighting to estimate prevalence proportion ratios (PPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for NSFG definitions of infertility and impaired fecundity by race and Hispanic ethnicity.

Results

The prevalence of infertility and impaired fecundity in the pooled NSFG was 6.4% (95% CI 5.7, 7.0) and 11.0% (95% CI 11.0, 12.2), respectively. Compared to whites, blacks had a 1.45 times greater adjusted prevalence of infertility (95% CI 1.15, 1.83) and AI/ANs had a 1.37 times greater prevalence of infertility (95% CI 0.91, 2.06) compared to whites. We observed a 1.30 times greater prevalence of impaired fecundity among AI/AN (95% CI 1.04, 1.62) compared to whites. We observed no differences in impaired fecundity for black or Asian/Pacific Islander women compared to whites or for Hispanic compared to non‐Hispanic women.

Conclusions

Inequalities in the burden of reproductive impairments among blacks and AI/AN women warrant further evaluation to identify opportunities for prevention and disparity reduction.
Geospatial attributes in psychogeriatric service delivery in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Rajapakshe Onali B.W. , Edirisuriya Chathura S. , Sivayogan Sivagurunadan , Kulatunga Prasadi M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Mental health is a neglected area within the healthcare systems in developing nations, including Sri Lanka. However, the rapid population aging and the resulting rise in psychological issues among the elderly are becoming major concerns within the country. Therefore, a proper assessment of distribution of mental healthcare facilities within the country is much needed in reducing the unmet need among people with psychological symptoms. In this study, the distribution of mental health services within the district of Colombo, which is the capital of the country, was assessed.

Methods

With this view, mapping of mental healthcare services within the district of Colombo was carried out using the Geographic Information System to assess service and human resource availability and physical accessibility to the elderly within the district.

Results

Certain deficiencies in availability and accessibility of the services were identified which were more significant toward eastern parts of the district.

Conclusions

Establishment of new mental healthcare facilities as well as upgrading of already available centres while ensuring availability of professional human resources to these centres is a timely need.