bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances and challenges in targeting IRF5, a key regulator of inflammation
Authors: Almuttaqi Hannah , Udalova Irina A.
Published: September 2018

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) belongs to a family of transcription factors, originally implicated in antiviral responses and interferon production. However, studies conducted in different laboratories over the last decade have placed IRF5 as a central regulator of the inflammatory response. It has become clear that IRF5 contributes to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Given the role of IRF5 in physiology and disease, IRF5 represents a potential therapeutic target. However, despite a significant interest from the pharmaceutical industry, inhibitors that interfere with the IRF5 pathway remain elusive. Here, we review the advances made by various studies in targeting multiple steps of signalling leading to IRF5 activation with their therapeutic potential, and the possible complications of such strategies are discussed.
Neuroprotective effect of carnosine in the olfactory bulb after vanadium inhalation in a mouse model
Authors: Colín‐Barenque Laura , Bizarro‐Nevares Patricia , González Villalva Adriana , Pedraza‐Chaverri Jose , Medina‐Campos Omar Noel , Jimenez‐Martínez Ruben , Rodríguez‐Rangel Daniela S. , Reséndiz Stefanie , Fortoul Teresa I.
Published: September 2018

Carnosine (β‐alanyl‐L‐histidine) is synthesized in the olfactory system, has antioxidant activity as a scavenger of free radicals and has been reported to have neuroprotective action in diseases which have been attributed to oxidative damage. In neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, impairment of olfactory function has been described. Vanadium derivatives are environmental pollutants, and its toxicity has been associated with oxidative stress. Vanadium toxicity on the olfactory bulb was reported previously. This study investigates the neuroprotective effect of carnosine on the olfactory bulb in a mice model of vanadium inhalation. Male mice were divided into four groups: vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) [0.02 mol/L] inhalation for one hour twice a week; V2O5 inhalation plus 1 mg/kg of carnosine administered daily; carnosine only, and the control group that inhaled saline. The olfactory function was evaluated using the odorant test. Animals were sacrificed four weeks after exposure. The olfactory bulbs were dissected and processed using the rapid Golgi method; cytological and ultrastructural analysis was performed and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured. The results showed evidence of olfactory dysfunction caused by vanadium exposure and also an increase in MDA levels, loss of dendritic spines and necrotic neuronal death in the granule cells. But, in contrast, vanadium‐exposed mice treated with carnosine showed an increase in dendritic spines and a decrease in neuronal death and in MDA levels when compared with the group exposed to vanadium without carnosine. These results suggest that dendritic spine loss and ultrastructural alterations in the granule cells induced by vanadium are mediated by oxidative stress and that carnosine may modulate the neurotoxic vanadium action, improving the olfactory function.
Optical and mechanical characterization of transparent α‐alumina fabricated by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Benaissa Salim , Hamidouche Mohamed , Kolli Mostafa , Fantozzi Gilbert
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work was the analysis of the experimental results of a transparent alumina (BMA15) ceramic which was fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) from nanopowder (BMA15, Baikowski Chimie, France), at different temperatures (1200°C, 1250°C, 1300°C). With the application of a maximum uniaxial pressure of 73MPa during all the fabrication‐cycle (more than 3 hours). We sought an optimal sintering temperature combining better optical and mechanical properties of our pellets. The sintered alumina (BMA15) has a crystalline and dense microstructure. The samples sintered at 1200°C exhibit the best optical properties, in particular: good real inline transmission (RIT) and an optical gap greater than those of the samples sintered at 1250°C and 1300°C. Due to their low density, the Young modulus of alumina sintered at 1200 °C, deduced by ultrasound, has a low value which is about 385 GPa. Similarly, its small grain size gives it a better Vickers hardness ~ 21 GPa. Therefore, the value of the coefficient of friction μ stabilizes around the mean value of 0.21.
The effects of external fields in ceramic sintering
Authors: Jha Shikhar K. , Phuah Xin Li , Luo Jian , Grigoropoulos Costas P. , Wang Haiyan , García Edwin , Reeja‐Jayan B.
Published: September 2018

Field‐assisted processing techniques can enhance the kinetics of powder synthesis, accelerate sintering processes, and drive phase transformations at significantly lower temperatures compared to conventional methods. However, the exact nature of this nonthermal interaction between field and matter remains vastly speculative. A 2‐day workshop on “Electromagnetic Effects in Materials Synthesis” was organized at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, USA) in June 2017, jointly sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Office of Naval Research. This workshop gathered the scientific community working on field‐assisted techniques of materials processing. Inspired by the discussions held at the workshop, this paper summarizes the advancements to date and opens scientific questions and research opportunities in the three major field‐assisted sintering techniques (laser, microwave, and flash sintering). Significant challenges remain in (a) experimental design, measurements, and computational simulations to distinguish the nonthermal effects of the externally applied fields from conventional thermal phenomena; and (b) identifying fundamental mechanisms behind low temperature, nonthermal effects that produce phase transitions and microstructural evolution in materials under externally applied fields. We also present the recent developments in multiscale characterization techniques and the theory and modeling efforts, which aim to tackle the aforementioned grand multidisciplinary challenges facing researchers.
Haemosporidian prevalence in northern saw‐whet owls Aegolius acadicus is predicted by host age and average annual temperature at breeding grounds
Authors: Carlson Monica L. , Proudfoot Glenn A. , Gentile Kaya , Dispoto Janice , Weckstein Jason D.
Published: September 2018

Understanding factors that determine haemosporidian prevalence is critical in predicting how parasite and avian host populations will respond to environmental change. Here, we used molecular screening of blood samples from migrating northern saw‐whet owls Aegolius acadicus in eastern North America to characterize haemosporidian infections and examine parasite prevalence with respect to abundance of migrants, timing of migration, climatic conditions at the breeding grounds, and avian host age. We identified three haemosporidian genera (Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium, and Haemoproteus) and discovered a new lineage of Leucocytozoon that is thus far specific to the northern saw‐whet owl. We found no significant relationship between parasite prevalence and northern saw‐whet owl abundance or timing of migration. After‐hatch‐year birds were significantly more likely to be parasitized by Leucocytozoon than hatch‐year birds, whereas prevalence of Plasmodium was higher in hatch‐year birds. Of the three climatic variables analyzed at owl breeding grounds (temperature, precipitation, and snowpack days), lower average annual temperatures significantly increased the chance of a bird being parasitized by Leucocytozoon; no significant temperature‐dependent relationship was found for Plasmodium. This study contributes to our general understanding of the relationship between parasite prevalence and host density, host age, resource abundance, and abiotic factors such as temperature and precipitation.
Pre‐basic molt, feather quality, and modulation of the adrenocortical response to stress in two populations of rufous‐collared sparrows Zonotrichia capensis
Authors: Echeverría Valentina , Estades Cristián F. , Botero‐Delgadillo Esteban , Wingfield John C. , González‐Gómez Paulina L.
Published: September 2018

Molt is an energetically expensive process in which birds may allocate 25% or more of their body protein mass to the production of new feathers. Stressful events can interfere with feather growth via the adrenal hormone corticosterone, which is released in response to environmental stress. Corticosterone release, in turn, regulates gluconeogenesis which could directly inhibit protein synthesis and deposition during molt when feathers are growing, which potentially could reduce feather quality dramatically. Thus, many species suppress the adrenocortical stress response, and therefore maintain lower corticosterone levels during molt. In this study we assessed the relationship between plasma corticosterone levels and feather quality in rufous‐collared sparrow inhabiting the valleys of the Atacama Desert – one of the most stable and aseasonal environments in the world, and in the semiarid and seasonal Fray Jorge National Park in the north of Chile. We tested two hypotheses; 1) feather quality is positively related to the amount of corticosterone suppression during molt, relative to corticosterone levels during other life history stages; and, 2) feather quality is negatively related to the absolute levels of corticosterone. We found negative associations between corticosterone levels and feather quality. However, these effects were stronger in the Atacama Desert where birds showed minimal corticosterone suppression and overall low feather quality. Although we found better feather quality in Fray Jorge, corticosterone suppression in these birds was relatively low in comparison with other species inhabiting higher latitudes. It is possible that birds in a highly variable environment face a stronger trade‐off between feather quality and the stress‐response. Our results suggest that the strength of the trade‐off between feather quality and corticosterone levels could be dependent on energetic demands, seasonality, and unpredictable events.
Long‐term safety profile of ixekizumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: an integrated analysis from 11 clinical trials
Authors: Langley R.G. , Kimball A.B. , Nak H. , Xu W. , Pangallo B. , Osuntokun O.O. , Agada N. , Reich K.
Published: September 2018

Background

Psoriasis in many patients is a chronic and recalcitrant disease that requires long‐term treatment, reinforcing the importance of long‐term safety data. Ixekizumab, a high‐affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin (IL)‐17A, is approved for treating patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Objective

To determine long‐term safety of ixekizumab in psoriasis.

Methods

Integrated safety data are presented from 12‐week induction period, 12–60‐week maintenance period, and from all ixekizumab‐treated patients from 11 clinical studies. Exposure‐adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient‐years are reported.

Results

Overall, 5689 patients accounted for 12 061.5 patient‐years of ixekizumab exposure from 11 studies. Over 156 weeks, a total of 83.9% (n = 4775) of patients reported treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs). Most opportunistic infections (IR [95% confidence interval; CI] 1.8 [1.6, 2.1]) reported were mucocutaneous candidiasis. The IR (95% CI) for oral Candida infection was 0.9 (0.8, 1.1). There was no trend of increase in IR of AEs of special interest. Serious AEs were reported in 11.8% of patients; death occurred in 0.4% (n = 23) of patients.

Conclusion

The 3‐year, long‐term maintenance treatment with ixekizumab did not show any new safety signals in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.
Predictors of treatment success in children with difficult to treat atopic dermatitis using a personalized integrative multidisciplinary (PIM) treatment programme
Authors: Fieten K.B. , Schappin R. , Zijlstra W.T. , Rijssenbeek‐Nouwens L. , Meijer Y. , Pasmans S.G.M.A.
Published: September 2018

Background

A 6‐week personalized integrative multidisciplinary treatment programme (PIM) was developed for children with difficult to treat AD who appeared unresponsive to treatment according to current guidelines.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to identify clinical and psychosocial characteristics that predict long‐term treatment success after PIM.

Methods

Treatment was considered successful when there was a 75% reduction on the Self‐Administered Eczema Area and Severity Index and/or little impact of AD on daily life, measured with the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (score ≤ 6), 6 months after the end of PIM. PIM is a personalized, integrative, multidisciplinary treatment programme with clearly defined goals and strategies, addressing atopic, paediatric, mental health comorbidities and general well‐being, for children and adolescents aged 8‐ to 18 years. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed using a backward selection procedure. Questionnaires were used to assess psychosocial characteristics; clinical data was extracted from medical records.

Results

In total, 79 children/adolescents with difficult to treat AD completed PIM and long‐term treatment results were available for 74 children/adolescents. The majority (77%) of children/adolescents demonstrated long‐term treatment success with PIM. Predictors of long‐term treatment success (adjusted ORs) included maternal disease acceptance OR (95% CI) 1.84 (1.15–2.94). A group (23%) of mostly females OR (95% CI) 0.10 (0.02–0.54) with multiple somatic complaints OR (95% CI) 0.88(0.80–0.97), from families where the mother has anxiety for the use of topical corticosteroids OR (95% CI) 0.62(0.40–0.94), is less likely to obtain long‐term treatment success.

Conclusion

Most children and adolescents with difficult to treat AD, seemingly unresponsive to conventional treatment according to current guidelines, are able to improve with PIM. Psychosocial and family but not clinical variables, predicted long‐term treatment success after participating in PIM.
Growth and reproduction of Echeneis naucrates from the eastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Bachman Beverly A. , Kraus Richard , Peterson Cheston T. , Grubbs Ralph Dean , Peters Esther C.
Published: September 2018

This study describes growth and reproductive characteristics of a facultative elasmobranch symbiont, Echeneis naucrates. Females grew slower but achieved a larger size than males (growth coefficient, K = 0.25 and 0.38 year−1, and mean maximum size, L∞ = 603 and 477 mm, respectively). Mean relative batch fecundity was 39.5 (s.d. = 13.1). Gonadosomatic indices peaked in July and August for males and females, respectively, with histology evidence of readiness to spawn or active spawning in August. Host‐symbiont length ratios increased linearly with sharksucker length (y = 0.0402 + 0.0003x, adjusted R2 = 0.56).
First record of Pomacanthus maculosus (Perciformes, Pomacanthidae) in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Soeth Marcelo , Adelir‐Alves Johnatas , Loose Robin , Daros Felippe A. , Spach Henry L.
Published: September 2018

A single Pomacanthus maculosus was filmed during a scuba diving survey on a rocky reef from southern Brazil. The body shape and coloration pattern confirmed the species identification. The biological and ecological characteristics of P. maculosus and the long distance of Brazil from its original distribution strongly suggest of an anthropogenic pathway of dispersion.
Age, growth and reproductive biology of threatened westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi inhabiting small mountain streams
Authors: Janowicz Mariola E. , Załachowski Włodzimierz , Rybczyk Agnieszka , Dalton Sheri , Fernandes Eurielle , Fontoura Nelson F.
Published: September 2018

Age, growth and reproductive characteristics of six westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi populations were studied in the south‐western Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. Sagittal otoliths were collected from 605 fish ranging in size from 36 to 250 mm (fork length). The maximum detected age (13 years for females and 12 for males) was higher than has been reported previously in published literature; but no significant differences in age distributions between males and females were found. Length growth rates, estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth function, showed that males and females had similar growth rates. Sex ratios varied between 0.3 to 2.0 females per male. Age and size at 50% maturity were greater for females than males (4.9 years and 139 mm v. 3.7 years and 125 mm). Mature females were yearly spawners with highly variable fecundities (mean ± S.D. = 223 ± 94) and their ovaries contained both developed and undeveloped eggs. Across all populations, mean instantaneous mortality rate (Z) was estimated as 0.555, annual survival rates for 0–1 year‐old fish were 3.2 and 57.4% for older fish. An altitudinal distribution gradient was observed, with older fish occupying upper stream reaches. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of biological characteristics and structure of O. c. lewisi populations inhabiting small, mountain streams and should provide useful basic information for management policies of this threatened species in eastern drainage of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Efficacy of adjunctive low‐level laser therapy in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis: A systematic review
Authors: Mokeem Sameer
Published: September 2018

The aim of the present study was to systematically review the efficacy of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) vs SRP alone in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis (AgP). The addressed PICO (Population, Interventions, Comparisons and Outcomes) question was: Is LLLT as an adjunct to SRP effective in the treatment of AgP? Electronic databases, including MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials, and EMBASE, were searched until March 2018. Four clinical studies were included. Three studies showed significant improvement in periodontal outcomes among LLLT group compared to SRP alone, whereas only one study showed comparable periodontal outcomes between the adjunctive LLLT and SRP groups at follow up. The overall mean difference for clinical attachment level gain (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −3.46 to 0.07, P < 0.061) was not significant. However, significant difference for probing depth reduction (WMD = −0.95, 95% CI = −1.66 to 0.23, P = 0.009) was noticed between groups at follow up. Whether LLLT as an adjunct to SRP is more effective than SRP alone in the treatment of AgP remains debatable. Further randomized, clinical trials are required with long follow‐up periods and standard laser parameters to reach a strong conclusion.
Social Robots for Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Shu‐Chuan , Jones Cindy , Moyle Wendy
Published: September 2018

Purpose

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies using social robots to improve psychological well‐being. This systematic review investigates the effect of social robot interventions for depression in older adults.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) method was used to identify and select existing studies. Nine electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta‐Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. Screening, data extraction, and synthesis were performed by three reviewers. Inclusion criteria covered original quantitative studies investigating social robots for depression in older adults.

Findings

Seven studies were identified—six randomized controlled trials and one comparison study—with all classified as good quality. Social robot interventions consisted of companion, communication, and health‐monitoring robots. Three studies presented promising outcomes for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults following social robot interventions, and three studies showed decreased, but nonsignificant, trends in depression scores.

Conclusions

The results highlight the potential of social robot interventions for reducing depression in older adults. However, the evidence is not strong enough to formulate recommendations on clinical effectiveness.

Clinical Relevance

Social robots are being used with increasing frequency to potentially provide personal support to older adults living in long‐term care facilities. Social robots can be used to help alleviate depressive symptoms when used in group activities.
Re‐writing Galicia: Spelling and the construction of social space
Authors: Screti Francesco
Published: September 2018

This paper addresses societal power relations and the way they are reflected in the public space of Galicia (Spain). It reflects on the struggles concerning the presence, contestation, and erasure of language(s) within the city of A Coruña, one of the main Galician cities. The three different spellings for the city name symbolize the struggle between social agents with different backgrounds, ideologies, and aims: linguistic conflict is thus homologous with the social conflict. Each spelling indexes different glottopolitical stances and traces different boundaries for different imagined spaces and communities. I focus on the ‘war of spelling’ and its impact on the linguistic landscape, highlighting the importance of diacritics in indexing identities. In the light of these two points, I address the tensions that can be detected in the production of the new city logo, which constitutes an attempt to erase the linguistic and social conflict.
The influence of audiovisual stimuli cuing temperature, carbonation, and color on the categorization of freshness in beverages
Authors: Roque Jérémy , Lafraire Jérémie , Spence Charles , Auvray Malika
Published: September 2018

The study reported here investigated the influence of audiovisual stimuli signaling the likely temperature (the presence versus absence of ice cubes), the likely level of carbonation (the presence versus absence of bubbles), and the color of the liquid on the categorization of freshness in beverages. Participants made speeded categorization responses (“fresh” versus “not fresh”) concerning the bimodal stimuli. When the stimuli were categorized as fresh, visible ice cubes decreased the participants’ reaction times (RTs) the most, followed by the sound of ice cubes, and then the sound of carbonation. Overall, the participants categorized more the stimuli as fresh in the presence of ice cubes visible in the drink. When presented together, the targeted audiovisual perceptual features exerted an additive effect in both decreasing RTs and increasing the likelihood that beverages would be categorized of fresh. No significant effect of beverage color (manipulated between‐participants) was observed. These results are discussed in terms of the crossmodal interaction effects that might be expected to influence the multisensory experience of freshness in beverages.

Practical applications

The current appeal of consumers for a global experience of freshness in the food and beverage domain constitutes a promising lever for strategic innovation. Thus, it appears timely to investigate how some sensory cues other than the chemosensory ones (i.e., taste and smell) involved in a multisensory drink experience, namely visual and auditory cues, interact and subsequently impact consumers’ perception and behavior. We believe that the triggering of specific cognitive mechanisms, which may occur during the multisensory integration processes associated with freshness perception could help to increase beverages’ attractiveness and appreciation. The present study thus has important implications for product formulation and marketing design purposes.
Telling the truth to young children: Ethical reasons for information disclosure in paediatrics
Authors: Hudson Nicholas , Spriggs Merle , Gillam Lynn
Published: September 2018

When parents ask doctors not to disclose certain information to a child, doctors are challenged to articulate ethical reasons for giving information to children. This paper maps out the professional and legal landscape in which information‐giving to children is taking place and identifies the key ethical arguments that have been made for disclosure of information to the child patient. We focus on pre‐adolescent children, who have not reached a developmental stage that would see them regarded as ‘mature minors’. While doctors can be relatively certain that professional and legal requirements will endorse their disclosure of information to the ‘mature minor’, guidelines are not clear on information‐giving to pre‐adolescents (immature minors). We identify six ethical reasons for telling the truth to younger children. It is noteworthy that there are good reasons to tell the truth to children, which are independent of any question of the child's capacity to be involved in decision‐making.
Sleep differences in the UK between 1974 and 2015: Insights from detailed time diaries
Authors: Lamote de Grignon Pérez Juana , Gershuny Jonathan , Foster Russell , De Vos Maarten
Published: September 2018

It is often stated that sleep deprivation is on the rise, with work suggested as a main cause. However, the evidence for increasing sleep deprivation comes from surveys using habitual sleep questions. An alternative source of information regarding sleep behaviour is time‐use studies. This paper investigates changes in sleep time in the UK using the two British time‐use studies that allow measuring “time in bed not asleep” separately from “actual sleep time”. Based upon the studies presented here, people in the UK sleep today 43 min more than they did in the 1970s because they go to bed earlier (~30 min) and they wake up later (~15 min). The change in sleep duration is driven by night sleep and it is homogeneously distributed across the week. The former results apply to men and women alike, and to individuals of all ages and employment status, including employed individuals, the presumed major victims of the sleep deprivation epidemic and the 24/7 society. In fact, employed individuals have experienced a reduction in short sleeping of almost 4 percentage points, from 14.9% to 11.0%. There has also been a reduction of 15 percentage points in the amount of conflict between workers work time and their sleep time, as measured by the proportion of workers that do some work within their “ideal sleep window” (as defined by their own chronotype).
Analysis of dynamic, bidirectional associations in older adult physical activity and sleep quality
Authors: Best John R. , Falck Ryan S. , Landry Glenn J. , Liu‐Ambrose Teresa
Published: September 2018

Sleep quality and physical activity (PA) appear to be interrelated; thus, by promoting one behaviour, it may be possible to improve the other in older adults. Examination of the within‐person day‐to‐day variation in PA and sleep quality could potentially elucidate the directionality of the association of these behaviours. We measured sleep quality (i.e. fragmentation, efficiency, duration and latency) and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA using the MotionWatch8© over 14 consecutive days and nights in community‐dwelling adults (n = 152; age range 53–101 years). Multilevel modelling estimated within‐subject autoregressive and cross‐lagged effects and between‐subject associations between PA and sleep quality. On days when individuals engaged in a high amount of PA on one day (relative to their averages), they were more likely to engage in a high amount of PA on the next day (estimate, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.14, 0.24). Nights in which individuals had a long sleep latency were followed by nights in which they also had a long sleep latency (estimate, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03, 0.14). In contrast, nights in which individuals slept for a long period of time were followed by nights in which they slept relatively less than their averages (estimate, −0.09; 95% CI, −0.13, −0.04). When individuals engaged in a large amount of PA during the day, they tended to sleep longer that following night (estimate, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.001, 0.02). All other associations between PA and sleep quality were not significant. Increasing PA therefore might increase sleep duration in older adults.
An integrative salivary approach regarding palate cleansers in wine tasting
Authors: Taladrid Diego , Lorente Laura , Bartolomé Begoña , Moreno‐Arribas M. Victoria , Laguna Laura
Published: September 2018

Wine sensory sessions normally involve the tasting of several samples, to remove food residues from the mouth the use of palate cleansers (PC) is needed. Until now, there is no agreement on the best PC to use during wine tasting sessions. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between the components retained in saliva after wine tasting and the remnant sensory feeling (astringency, alcohol, and acidity). For that, different common PC (water, carbonated water, and milk) were tested and saliva samples (expectorated and scraped) from nine trained panelists were collected after wine with and without PC trials. Results showed that after palate cleansing and not cleansing, astringency, alcoholic and acidity perception were influenced by time, PC and panelist. Astringency perception showed the greatest intensity in comparison to alcoholic and acidity. Milk was the only PC which reduced quantifiable polyphenols in expectorated saliva, as well as reducing astringency feelings. Although compositions of expectorated and scraped saliva correlated between them, polyphenols accumulated in the expectorated saliva significantly more. Retained polyphenols were correlated with astringency perception, but no correlation was found with salivary proteins. These findings assessed the astringency build‐up effect during wine tasting due to polyphenols accumulation in saliva, remarking the importance of an adequate PC selection. All things considered, the present work confirmed the relationship between after‐swallow mouthfeel perception and mouth residues instrumentally quantified. Also, milk has proven to be the most effective of the three PC.

Practical applications

During tasting the accumulation of residues from previous wine samples tasted, could mislead the judgment of wine sensory qualities by oenologists. Therefore, between tasting samples it is highly important to choose the right PC. However, until now the selection of PC remains empirical, therefore in this work, we proposed to study the residues in saliva by using different PC and quantifying instrumentally, the wine residues. The methodology selected to quantify the wines residues in saliva was quick and easy to use. Furthermore, instrumental results were related with the sensory feeling of mouth cleanliness without considering individual panel member's preferences of PC. In this study, to remove astringency feeling, milk was shown to be the best cleanser in comparison with water, carbonated water or nothing, but oenologist/winemakers could use this instrumental methodology in saliva to select which one is the best among their current PC used.
How are macronutrient intake, BMI, ethnicity, age, and gender related to the composition of unstimulated saliva? A case study
Authors: Mosca Ana Carolina , Stieger Markus , Neyraud Eric , Brignot Hélène , van de Wiel Anne , Chen Jianshe
Published: September 2018

This study investigated how macronutrient intake, BMI, ethnicity, age, and gender are related to the composition of unstimulated saliva. First, two groups of Caucasian, Dutch subjects varying in daily intake of carbohydrate, fat, and protein were selected. The daily intake of macronutrients differed by two‐ to threefold between the low (n = 14) and high (n = 16) macronutrient intake groups. The same subjects were divided into two groups based on BMI: normal weight (n = 14, 22.5 ± 2.0 kg/m2) and overweight (n = 16, 28.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2). Second, one group of Caucasian, Dutch (n = 15) and one group of Asian, Chinese (n = 15) subjects were selected. Unstimulated saliva was collected from all groups. Protein concentration, amylolytic activity, lipolytic activity, and saliva flow rate were determined. None of the salivary parameters varied according to macronutrient intake and BMI. An effect of ethnicity on protein concentration was observed (p < .01; η2 = 0.142), with Asians having a 45% higher protein concentration in unstimulated saliva than Caucasians. Age had a significant effect on all salivary parameters. Protein concentration (p < .01; η2 = 0.256), amylolytic activity (p < .01; η2 = 0.234), and lipolytic activity (p < .05; η2 = 0.207) increased with age, while saliva flow rate decreased (p < .01; η2 = 0.262). Gender had a significant effect on saliva flow rate (p < .01; η2 = 0.130), with male subjects having a 32% higher flow rate than females. Age was the factor that had the greatest impact on the characteristics of unstimulated saliva. As the modulation of saliva composition according to diet has been reported previously, the extent to which macronutrient intake can affect saliva composition needs to be further investigated.

Practical applications

Saliva plays an important role in food oral processing. From the breakdown of food structures to the binding of flavor compounds and the formation of a swallowable bolus, saliva is essential for the perception and appreciation of foods. Identifying the factors that affect saliva composition is, therefore, necessary to understand the differences in eating behavior, food perception, and preference across different consumer groups. This article aims to highlight the importance of considering saliva variability when designing food products that meet the needs of specific consumer groups.
Field evaluation of GeneXpert® (Cepheid) HCV performance for RNA quantification in a genotype 1 and 6 predominant patient population in Cambodia
Authors: Iwamoto Momoko , Calzia Aurelie , Dublineau Amelie , Rouet François , Nouhin Janin , Yann Sokchea , Pin Sophorn , Sun Chhorvy , Sann Kimchamroeun , Dimanche Chhit , Lastrucci Celine , Coulborn Rebecca M. , Maman David , Dousset Jean‐Philippe , Loarec Anne
Published: September 2018

GeneXpert® (Cepheid) is the only WHO prequalified platform for hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid amplification testing that is suitable for point‐of‐care use in resource‐limited contexts. However, its application is constrained by the lack of evidence on genotype 6 (GT6) HCV. We evaluated its field performance among a patient population in Cambodia predominantly infected with GT6. Between August and September 2017, we tested plasma samples obtained from consenting patients at Médecins Sans Frontières’ HCV clinic at Preah Kossamak Hospital for HCV viral load (VL) using GeneXpert® and compared its results to those obtained using COBAS® AmpliPrep/Cobas® TaqMan® HCV Quantitative Test, v2.0 (Roche) at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. Among 769 patients, 77% of the seropositive patients (n = 454/590) had detectable and quantifiable VL using Roche and 43% (n = 195/454) were GT6. The sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert® against Roche were 100% (95% CI 99.2, 100.0) and 98.5% (95% CI 94.8, 99.8). The mean VL difference was −0.01 (95% CI −0.05, 0.02) log10 IU/mL for 454 samples quantifiable on Roche and −0.07 (95% CI −0.12, −0.02) log10 IU/mL for GT6 (n = 195). The limit of agreement (LOA) was −0.76 to 0.73 log10 IU/mL for all GTs and −0.76 to 0.62 log10 IU/mL for GT6. Twenty‐nine GeneXpert® results were outside the LOA. Frequency of error and the median turnaround time (TAT) for GeneXpert® were 1% and 0 days (4 days using Roche). We demonstrated that the GeneXpert® HCV assay has good sensitivity, specificity, quantitative agreement, and TAT in a real‐world, resource‐limited clinical setting among GT6 HCV patients.
Early emergence of opportunistic infections after starting direct‐acting antiviral drugs in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Macías Juan , Téllez Francisco , Rivero‐Juárez Antonio , Palacios Rosario , Morano Luis E. , Merino Dolores , Collado Antonio , García‐Fraile Lucio , Omar Mohamed , Pineda Juan A. ,   On behalf of the HEPAVIR, GEHEP and RIS‐HEP07 study groups
Published: September 2018

Varicella‐zoster virus and hepatitis B virus reactivations have been reported after starting interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral agent (DAA) combinations. HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients could be a high‐risk group for the reactivation of latent infections. Because of these, we report the occurrence of severe infections after starting DAA regimens in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients. Individuals included in the HEPAVIR‐DAA (NCT02057003) cohort were selected if they had received all‐oral DAA combinations. A retrospective review of clinical events registered between the start of DAAs and 12 months after SVR12 was carried out. Overall, 38 (4.5%) of 848 patients presented infections. The incidence (95% confidence interval) of infections was 4.6 (3.3‐6.3) cases per 100 person‐years. The median (Q1‐Q3) time to the infection since baseline was 23 (7.3‐33) weeks. Five (13%) of the patients with infections died; four of them had cirrhosis. The frequency of previous AIDS was 21 (54%) for patients with infections and 324 (40%) for those without infections (P = 0.084). The median (Q1‐Q3) nadir CD4 cell count of individuals with and without infections was 75 (53‐178) and 144 (67‐255) cells/μL, respectively (P = 0.047). Immunodepression‐associated infections were observed in 9 (1.1%) patients. All of them had suppressed HIV replication with antiretroviral therapy. In conclusion, severe infections are relatively common among HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients receiving all‐oral DAA combinations. Some unusual reactivations of latent infections in patients with suppressed HIV replication seem to be temporally linked with DAA use.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of Lutzomyia longipalpis and macro‐habitat characterization using satellite images in a leishmaniasis‐endemic city in Argentina
Authors: Berrozpe P. E. , Lamattina D. , Santini M. S. , Araujo A. V. , Torrusio S. E. , Salomón O. D.
Published: September 2018

The spatiotemporal population dynamics of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae) were evaluated in a city in Argentina in which visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. Over 14 sampling sessions, 5244 specimens of five species of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) were captured, of which 2458 (46.87%) specimens were L. longipalpis. Generalized linear models were constructed to evaluate the associations between L. longipalpis abundance and explanatory variables derived from satellite images. The spatial variable ‘stratum’ and the temporal variable ‘season’ were also included in the models. Three variables were found to have significant associations: the normalized difference vegetation index; land surface temperature, and low urban coverage. The last two of these were associated with L. longipalpis abundance only during summer and winter, respectively. This variation between seasons supports the development of models that include temporal variables because models of distributions of the abundance of a species may show different critical variables according to the climatic period of the year. Abundance decreased gradually towards the downtown area, which suggests that L. longipalpis responds to a meta‐population structure, in which rural–periurban source populations that persist over time may colonize adjacent areas. This information allows for a spatiotemporal stratification of risk, which provides public health authorities with a valuable tool to help optimize prevention measures against visceral leishmaniasis.
Inductive Knowledge
Authors: Bacon Andrew
Published: September 2018

This paper formulates some paradoxes of inductive knowledge. Two responses in particular are explored: According to the first sort of theory, one is able to know in advance that certain observations will not be made unless a law exists. According to the other, this sort of knowledge is not available until after the observations have been made. Certain natural assumptions, such as the idea that the observations are just as informative as each other, the idea that they are independent, and that they increase your knowledge monotonically (among others) are given precise formulations. Some surprising consequences of these assumptions are drawn, and their ramifications for the two theories examined. Finally, a simple model of inductive knowledge is offered, and independently derived from other principles concerning the interaction of knowledge and counterfactuals.
Is resilience enough? The macroprudential reform agenda and the lack of smoothing of the cycle
Authors: Thiemann Matthias
Published: September 2018

After the financial crisis, central banks were entrusted with implementing an ambitious macroprudential reform agenda. The goal was arguably twofold: to increase the resilience of the financial system and to lower the amplitudes of the financial cycle. A decade later, the implementation of the agenda is characterized by the pursuit of measures to raise the resilience of the financial system, while tools to smoothen the cycle have been rather sidelined. To explain this difference in implementation efforts, the article combines ideational scholarship with the analytical stance of reputational theory and analyses the technocratic debate over macroprudential strategy among policy‐makers of the Fed, the Bank of England (BoE) and the European Central Bank (ECB). The article identifies reputational concerns linked to the need for discretionary interventions, the uncertain scientific status of the concept of the cycle and missing metrics as causes for concern, leading most central banks to shy away from forcefully implementing this policy goal.
A re‐interpretation of the ambulacral system ofEumorphocystis(Blastozoa, Echinodermata) and its bearing on the evolution of early crinoids
Authors: Sheffield Sarah L. , Sumrall Colin D.
Published: September 2018

Recent debates over the evolutionary relationships of early echinoderms have relied heavily on morphological evidence from the feeding ambulacral system.Eumorphocystis, a Late Ordovician diploporitan, has been a focus in these debates because it bears ambulacral features that show strong morphological similarity to early crinoid arms. Undescribed and well‐preserved specimens ofEumorphocystisfrom the Bromide Formation (Oklahoma,USA) provide new data illustrating that composite arms supported by a radial plate that bear a triserial arrangement of axial and extraxial components encasing a coelomic extension can also be found in blastozoans. Previous reports have considered these arm structures to be restricted to crinoids; these combined features have not been previously observed in blastozoan echinoderms. Phylogenetic analyses suggest thatEumorphocystisand crinoids are sister taxa and that shared derived features of these taxa are homologous. The evidence from the arms ofEumorphocystissuggests that crinoid arms were derived from a specialized blastozoan ambulacral system that lost feeding brachioles and strongly suggests that crinoids are nested within blastozoans.
An international comparison of Google searches for sunscreen, sunburn, skin cancer, and melanoma: Current trends and public health implications
Authors: Hopkins Zachary H. , Secrest Aaron M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Google Trends® (GT) offers insight into public interests and behaviors and holds potential for guiding public health campaigns.

Objectives

This study explored international trends in English‐speaking countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) in searches for sunscreen, sunburn, skin cancer, and melanoma to better guide skin cancer prevention campaigns.

Methods

Google Trends® was queried for search terms from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2017. Respective national databases were queried for melanoma outcome data from 2004 to 2014 and compared with time‐matched search data. Correlations between search terms, time, and melanoma outcomes were assessed for each country. Quantitative analyses were performed to evaluate differences in search volumes between countries with varying melanoma incidence.

Results

In all countries, the strongest intra‐term correlation was between sunscreen and sunburn. Searches for sunscreen and sunburn are increasing for all countries. For all countries except the United Kingdom and New Zealand, searches for skin cancer and melanoma are decreasing for one or both terms. Correlations between search terms and melanoma outcomes were variable and specific to each country. Quantitative analysis revealed that countries with higher melanoma incidence had higher search volumes for all terms. Search volumes were especially high for skin cancer and melanoma in Australia compared with other countries. Comparisons between moderate melanoma incidence countries were less clear.

Conclusions

Online skin cancer prevention campaigns should focus on the search terms sunburn and sunscreen, especially given the declining interest between 2004 and 2016 in the terms skin cancer and melanoma seen in multiple countries. Search term interests varied with melanoma outcomes and between countries, suggesting the importance of customizing approaches based on local population interests and geographic areas.
Periodontal complications with age
Authors: Persson Goesta Rutger
Published: September 2018

The present literature review on periodontal complications in aging focuses on the diagnosis, etiology and development of periodontal complications as a complete entity. In addition, the review also focuses on some of the common systemic diseases that either may further add to periodontal complications or, as result of anti‐inflammatory treatment, limit the expression of periodontal disease. There is no evidence to suggest that clinical methods to provide periodontal therapies have been developed especially for older individuals. There is evidence that aging can be associated with periodontally healthy conditions through life and with a high level of tooth retention and function. Periodontal complications that are difficult to manage are usually associated with concurrent medical diseases and complications, or with socio‐economic factors that limit the ability to provide dental care for the aging population. Currently, some systemic medical conditions are managed with anti‐inflammatory medications with positive effects, while slowing the progression and expression of chronic periodontitis. The lack of data from clinical studies on how to manage periodontal complications in aging is obvious.
A public health perspective on personalized periodontics
Authors: Knight Ellie T. , Murray Thomson W.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we consider personalized periodontics from a public health perspective. Periodontitis is an under‐acknowledged and important public health problem, and there has long been interest in identifying and treating those who are at high risk of developing this disease. Although susceptibility/risk‐assessment tools in periodontology are currently in their early stages of development, personalized periodontics is increasingly becoming a realistic approach. At the population level, however, personalized periodontics is not an effective way of improving periodontal health because it would target only those who seek help or are able to access care. The occurrence of periodontitis in populations is socially patterned, with those of lower socio‐economic position having poorer periodontal health and being far less likely to seek care. There is the potential for social inequalities actually to worsen as a result of personalized periodontics. In most health systems, personalized periodontics is likely to be accessible only to the social strata for whom it is affordable, and those with the greatest need for such an intervention will remain the least likely to be able to get it. Thus, personalized periodontics is likely to be a niche service for a small proportion of the adult population. This is at odds with the public health approach.