bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraperitoneal uterosacral suspension technique for post hysterectomy apical prolapse in 472 women: results from a longitudinal clinical study
Authors: Karmakar D , Dwyer PL , Thomas E , Schierlitz L
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The study aims to evaluate the long‐term results of the extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (bilateral) technique in women with apical prolapse following hysterectomy.

Design

Longitudinal clinical follow up conducted between June 2002 and December 2017.

Setting

Tertiary urogynaecology centre in Melbourne, Australia.

Population

A total of 472 women with symptomatic vault prolapse who underwent bilateral extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (EPUSLS). Of these patients, 61% (287/472) had previously had a procedure for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

Follow up using structured, standardised questionnaires and examination by POP‐Q and Baden–Walker system pre‐ and postoperatively.

Main outcome measures

Functional and anatomical results and surgical complications.

Results

Mean follow‐up duration was approximately 5 years. The objective success rate at vaginal cuff support was 89% (420/472). Only 4% needed revision surgery for vault recurrence. There was improvement in bladder, bowel, and sexual symptoms after the procedure. Mesh exposure rate was 17% (of the 138 having mesh augmentation), with the majority of cases managed conservatively or with minor interventions. The ureteric injury rate was 1% and mainly occurred in patients operated early on in the series. No women had buttock pain.

Conclusion

EPUSLS is an effective, suture‐based procedure for vault prolapse with few complications even on long‐term follow up. This technique avoids the need to open the peritoneum vaginally and has a low risk of ureteric injury and gluteal pain.

Tweetable abstract

Bilateral extraperitoneal USL suspension of vault is effective with low morbidity and a high success rate.
A Multimodal Fusion Approach for Bullet Identification Systems
Authors: Bigdeli Saeed , Ebrahimi Moghaddam Mohsen
Published: November 2018

In the field of forensic science, bullet identification is based on the fact that firing the cartridge from a barrel leaves exclusive microscopic striation on the fired bullets as the fingerprint of the firearm. The bullet identification methods are categorized in 2‐D and 3‐D based on their image acquisition techniques. In this study, we focus on 2‐D optical images using a multimodal technique and propose several distinct methods as its modalities. The proposed method uses a multimodal rule‐based linear weighted fusion approach which combines the semantic level decisions from different modalities with a linear technique that its optimized modalities weights have been identified by the genetic algorithm. The proposed approach was applied on a dataset, which includes 180 2‐D bullet images fired from 90 different AK‐47 barrels. The experimentations showed that our approach attained better results compared to common methods in the field of bullet identification.
Blueberry Pectin Extraction Methods Influence Physico‐Chemical Properties
Authors: Koh Jeewon , Xu Zhimin , Wicker Louise
Published: November 2018

Pectins from highbush blueberry powder were sequentially solubilized in water, chelator, and sodium carbonate solvents and precipitated (ADF.WSF, ADF.CSF, and ADF.NSF) or not precipitated in ethanol (DF.WSF, DF.CSF, and DF.NSF) before dialysis and freeze‐drying. Alcohol precipitation more effectively removed bound anthocyanins and low molar mass pectins from water‐ and chelator soluble fractions than dialysis alone. Blueberry water soluble fractions were high methoxyl pectins, rich in neutral sugars (36 to 38 mol%), and had high molar mass (7.01 × 105 to 2.71 × 106 g/mol). Blueberry chelator soluble fractions were low methoxyl pectins and rich in uronic acids (90 to 92 mol%) which were more linear and less branched structure than other fractions or commercial citrus pectin. The molar mass ranged from 1.59 × 106 to 2.06 × 106 g/mol. Water‐ and chelator soluble fractions exhibited pseudoplastic behavior (n < 1) at 1% dispersion. Blueberry sodium carbonate soluble fractions were rich in protein (18%) and neutral sugars (42 to 28 mol%), and had low molar mass (1.08 × 105 to 1.27 × 105 g/mol). Blueberry pectins have desirable physico‐chemical properties for use as functional ingredients in food or beverages.

Practical Application

Alcohol precipitation effectively removed anthocyanins from the pectin. The characterization data provided the benefits of blueberry pectin as a functional ingredient. This study can be used by food or product developers who are interested in pectin from blueberries or other berry products.
Tracing of Selected Viral, Bacterial, and Parasitic Agents on Vegetables and Herbs Originating from Farms and Markets
Authors: Huvarova Veronika , Kralik Petr , Vasickova Petra , Kubankova Monika , Verbikova Veronika , Slany Michal , Babak Vladimir , Moravkova Monika
Published: November 2018

Fresh vegetables and herbs are usually prepared and eaten raw without cooking or heating, which leads to a high risk of foodborne infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the contamination of raw vegetables, herbs, and the environment of food chains. Vegetable and herb samples originating both from the Czech Republic as well as from other countries were examined. The work was focused on the detection of commonly found, but also less frequently monitored foodborne pathogens, including viruses of the genus Norovirus (NoVs), hepatitis A virus (HAV), Listeria monocytogenes and Cronobacter spp. bacteria, and the parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia intestinalis. All samples were analyzed using individual RT‐qPCR/qPCR assays; bacterial pathogens were also simultaneously detected using culture methods. The prevalence of the studied microorganisms in 623 samples ranged from 0.6% to 44.3% for individual pathogens. None of the samples were positive for the presence of HAV. Analysis of 157 environmental samples from 12 farms revealed the presence of NoVs in the environment of four farms. NoVs were detected in water samples as well as on the hands and gloves of workers. Escherichia coli was detected in all farms in the environmental samples and in eight farms in water samples. However, no sample of water exceeded the level of 100 CFU/mL for E. coli. None of the samples of water were positive for the presence of the studied parasites. Vegetables and herbs available from Czech markets and farms may pose a certain risk of foodborne disease, especially in the case of NoVs and parasites.

Practical Application

This study provides valuable information on the microbiological quality of raw vegetables and herbs available from Czech markets and farms. Good hygienic practices aimed at reducing the incidence of pathogenic agents on fresh produce should not be neglected. Emphasis should be placed on the control of irrigation water, especially with respect to norovirus contamination. It is appropriate to combine culture methods and qPCR methods for the detection of bacterial agents.
Engineering Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5 to improve its antifungal activity and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Jing Xiaoshu , Cui Qingwen , Li Xiaochen , Yin Jia , Ravichandran Vinothkannan , Pan Deng , Fu Jun , Tu Qiang , Wang Hailong , Bian Xiaoying , Zhang Youming
Published: November 2018

In agricultural production, sustainability is currently one of the most significant concerns. The genetic modification of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria may provide a novel way to use natural bacteria as microbial inoculants. In this study, the root‐colonizing strain Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5 was genetically modified to act as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer with biological nitrogen fixation activity. Genetic inactivation of retS enhanced the production of 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol, which contributed for the enhanced antifungal activity. Then, the entire nitrogenase island with native promoter from Pseudomonas stutzeri DSM4166 was introduced into a retS mutant strain for expression. Root colonization patterns assessed via confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that GFP‐tagged bacterial were mainly located on root surfaces and at the junctions between epidermal root cells. Moreover, under pathogen and N‐limited double treatment conditions, the fresh weights of seedlings inoculated with the recombinant retS mutant‐nif strain were increased compared with those of the control. In conclusion, this study has innovatively developed an eco‐friendly alternative to the agrochemicals that will benefit global plant production significantly.
Randomized double‐blind trial of amifostine versus placebo for radiation‐induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Lee Maverick GL , Freeman Amanda R , Roos Daniel E , Milner Alvin D , Borg Martin F
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The role of the radioprotector amifostine in ameliorating radiotherapy side effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is controversial. This trial aimed to determine whether pretreatment with amifostine reduced the incidence of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade ≥2 acute and late xerostomia in patients receiving definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy for HNSCC, without reducing tumour control or survival.

Methods

Between 14 September 2001 and 8 November 2004, 44 Royal Adelaide Hospital patients were randomized double‐blind to receive amifostine (200 mg/m2 IV) or placebo (normal saline IV) 5 days/week, prior to standard radiotherapy (60–70 Gy), each having ≥75% of the parotids treated to ≥40 Gy. Side effects were assessed weekly during treatment, at 3 and 5 months after radiotherapy, then every 6 months until disease progression or death.

Results

The accrual target was 200 patients over 4–5 years, but the trial closed prematurely when only 44 patients had been randomized after 3 years. Of 41 evaluable patients, 80% (16/20) in the amifostine arm had grade ≥2 acute radiation salivary toxicity versus 76% (16/21) in the placebo arm (P = 1.00). The rate of grade ≥2 late radiation salivary toxicity at 12 months was 66% in the amifostine arm and 82% in the placebo arm (estimated hazard ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 0.74–3.49, P = 0.22). Other toxicities tended to be worse in the amifostine arm: acute grade 3–4 skin 35% vs 5% and mucous membrane 40% vs 5%; grade ≥2 vomiting 35% vs 5%, hypocalcaemia 25% vs 5% and fatigue 85% vs 33%, with only the latter retaining statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There were no significant differences in failure‐free (P = 0.70) or overall survival (P = 0.86), with estimated 4‐year rates of 48% vs 54% and 49% vs 59% for the amifostine vs placebo arms respectively.

Conclusion

There was no clear evidence that pretreatment with amifostine made any difference to the incidence of grade ≥2 acute or late xerostomia. Other toxicity tended to be more severe with amifostine. There was no effect on failure‐free or overall survival. Acknowledging the low statistical power, these results do not support the use of IV amifostine pre‐radiotherapy in HNSCC.
Long‐term efficacy of repeated sodium hyaluronate injections in adult patients with Kashin‐Beck disease of the knee
Authors: Tang Xin , Zhou Zong‐ke , Shen Bin , Kang Peng‐de , Pei Fu‐xing , Li Jian
Published: November 2018

Aim

To prospectively evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of repeated sodium hyaluronate injections for the treatment of knee pain due to Kashin‐Beck disease (KBD).

Methods

A total of 85 patients with KBD‐based knee pain were treated with two cycles of a 5‐week course of sodium hyaluronate and received clinical assessments with a follow‐up period of 24 months after the first cycle. The primary efficacy measure was the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. The second efficacy measure included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores; and the patients’ and physicians’ global assessments. Tolerability was evaluated based on adverse events (AEs).

Results

Seventy‐one patients (83.5%) completed the final study. The VAS was significantly reduced from 65.06 ± 12.21 mm (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) at baseline to 30.17 ± 11.92 mm at 6 months and was maintained for 24 months (35.79 ± 7.92 mm, P < 0.01 vs baseline). This finding was supported by the secondary variables (the WOMAC A, B and C scores; the total WOMAC scores; and the global assessments of the patients and their physicians at months 6, 12, 18 and 24). The overall incidence of AEs during the first and second cycles was 8 (9.4%) and 7 patients (8.2%), respectively. No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusions

Repeated once yearly cycles of intra‐articular sodium hyaluronate injections may improve knee KBD symptoms during the inbetween cycle period as well as exert a significant carry‐over effect for at least 1 year after the repeated cycle. Other randomized double‐blind studies are needed to confirm the findings from our study.
Extracellular matrix remodeling effects of serum amyloid A1 in the human amnion: Implications for fetal membrane rupture
Authors: Wang Ya‐Wei , Wang Wang‐Sheng , Wang Lu‐Yao , Bao Yi‐Rong , Lu Jiang‐Wen , Lu Yi , Zhang Chu‐Yue , Li Wen‐Jiao , Sun Kang , Ying Hao
Published: November 2018

Problem

Rupture of fetal membranes is a crucial event at parturition, which is preceded by extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Our recent studies have demonstrated that the human fetal membranes are capable of de novo synthesis of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), an acute phase protein, and the abundance of SAA1 in the amnion was increased at parturition. However, the exact role of SAA1 in human parturition remains to be established.

Method of study

The effects of SAA1 on the abundance of collagenases and lysyl oxidase, the enzyme that cross‐links collagens, were investigated in culture primary human amnion fibroblasts and tissue explants with an aim to examine the involvement of SAA1 in the ECM remodeling in the amnion.

Results

Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) time‐ and dose‐dependently increased the abundance of collagenases MMP‐1, MMP‐8, and MMP‐13, while decreased the abundance of lysyl oxidase‐like 1 (LOXL1). These effects of SAA1 were attenuated by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and its antagonist CLI‐095, but not by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of TLR2. Furthermore, the inhibitors for NF‐κB (JSH‐23) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 (SB203580) and JNK (SP600125) could also attenuate the effects of SAA1, while the inhibitor for MAPK ERK1/2 (PD 98059) could block the effects of SAA1 only on MMP‐1, MMP‐8, and LOXL1 but not on MMP‐13.

Conclusion

These data highlight a possible role for SAA1 in ECM remodeling preceding membrane rupture by regulating the expression of collagenases MMP‐1, MMP‐8, MMP‐13, and LOXL1 through TLR4‐mediated activation of the NF‐κB and MAPK pathways in amnion fibroblasts.
Strange Bedfellows: Australia, Iran and the Dilemma of Torture‐Tainted Information Sharing
Authors: Baldino Daniel , Barnes Jamal
Published: November 2018

In the backdrop of a protracted global “war on terror” campaign, there has been a significant increase in the frequency and scope of informal intelligence‐sharing agreements by democratic states with non‐traditional partner regimes known to routinely employ torture. It will be argued that an international “norm vacuum” currently exists surrounding policies and practices in efforts to uphold the torture prohibition in these types of contemporary security relationships. This article will focus on the 2015 Australia‐Iran intelligence relationship as an illustrative case‐study to identify the problems, opportunities and risks related to such sharing arrangements and agreements. It will be argued that, at present, Australia appears indifferent to the risk of being passively complicit in torture. However, in applying an analytical framework of norm entrepreneurship, this article examines the role that countries like Australia could play in crafting normative standards and supporting appropriate behaviour about how global intelligence co‐operation should be considered through reinforcing accountability standards and the torture prohibition world‐wide.
The regulation of CIRBP by transforming growth factor beta during heat shock‐induced testicular injury
Authors: Rao M. , Ke D. , Cheng G. , Hu S. , Wu Y. , Wang Y. , Zhou F. , Liu H. , Zhu C. , Xia W.
Published: November 2018

Background

Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRBP) is associated with cell stress. However, its upstream regulatory factors are still largely unknown.

Objectives

This study investigated whether CIRBP expression was regulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) during the process of heat‐induced testicular damage.

Materials and Methods

Ten male adult ICR mice were allocated to heat treatment (scrotal hyperthermia at 43 °C for 30 min, n = 5) and control group (n = 5); CIRBP and TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, and TGF‐β3 expression levels in the testis in mRNA and protein were analyzed. Then, we conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to investigate the regulatory effects of TGF‐β on CIRBP. In the in vivo study, male adult ICR mice were subjected to testicular hyperthermia followed by a local testicular injection of TGF‐β antagonist (non‐selective TGF‐β I/II receptor inhibitor, 5 μg or 10 μg). In the in vitro study, GC2‐spd cells were cultured under 43 °C for 30 min or with different TGF‐β isoforms (10 ng/mL), and CIRBP expression levels in the testis and GC2‐spd cells were analyzed 24 and 48 h, respectively, after treatment.

Results

As a result, heat treatment significantly downregulated the relative CIRBP mRNA and protein expression (p = 0.006 and 0.011), and significantly upregulated TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 expression levels (p = 0.022 and 0.04, for mRNA, and p = 0.001 for both protein levels). Local testicular injection of 10 μg TGF‐β antagonist significantly attenuated heat‐induced histological damage to the testes and CIRBP downregulation (p = 0.038). Furthermore, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 significantly downregulated CIRBP mRNA and protein expression in GC2‐spd cells (all p < 0.01), exerting a similar effect to heat treatment.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that heat‐induced CIRBP downregulation in the testes was mediated by the upregulation of TGF‐β. Further studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes.
Where did inaction go? Towards a broader and more refined perspective on collective actions
Authors: Stroebe Katherine , Postmes Tom , Roos Carla A.
Published: November 2018

While injustice is widespread, collective action against it appears to be rare. This paper argues that this may be because research often focuses on a narrow range of outgroup‐oriented actions, such as demonstrating, signing petitions, that are symbolic of a collective response to injustice. The present work takes a bottom‐up approach to study a broad range of collective and individual actions that people undertake in response to collective injustice. Participants indicated actions they felt they could take (Study 1) and, via interviews, actually had taken (Study 2) in response to human‐induced earthquakes. These studies revealed a broad range of actions, many of which are collective but ingroup‐ (e.g., helping ingroup members) rather than outgroup‐oriented. Study 3 further conceptualized these collective and individual actions by including quantitative measures thereof in an assessment of responses to stressful life events that were collective or individual. Results revealed that, while traditional forms of collective action are rare, ingroup‐oriented and individual level (e.g., social support) responses form distinct dimensions in response to both individual and collective events. This work extends our understanding of responses to collective injustice and suggests the need to broaden the scope of collective action research.
CD47 agonist peptide PKHB1 induces immunogenic cell death in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Uscanga‐Palomeque Ashanti Concepción , Calvillo‐Rodríguez Kenny Misael , Gómez‐Morales Luis , Lardé Eva , Denèfle Thomas , Caballero‐Hernández Diana , Merle‐Béral Hélène , Susin Santos A. , Karoyan Philippe , Martínez‐Torres Ana Carolina , Rodríguez‐Padilla Cristina
Published: November 2018

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) has a poor prognosis derived from its genetic heterogeneity, which translates to a high chemoresistance. Recently, our workgroup designed thrombospondin‐1‐derived CD47 agonist peptides and demonstrated their ability to induce cell death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Encouraged by these promising results, we evaluated cell death induced by PKHB1 (the first‐described serum‐stable CD47‐agonist peptide) on CEM and MOLT‐4 human cell lines (T‐ALL) and on one T‐murine tumor lymphoblast cell‐line (L5178Y‐R), also assessing caspase and calcium dependency and mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, we evaluated selectivity for cancer cell lines by analyzing cell death and viability of human and murine non‐tumor cells after CD47 activation. In vivo, we determined that PKHB1‐treatment in mice bearing the L5178Y‐R cell line increased leukocyte cell count in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs while recruiting leukocytes to the tumor site. To analyze whether CD47 activation induced immunogenic cell death (ICD), we evaluated damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMP) exposure (calreticulin, CRT) and release (ATP, heat shock proteins 70 and 90, high‐mobility group box 1, CRT). Furthermore, we gave prophylactic antitumor vaccination, determining immunological memory. Our data indicate that PKHB1 induces caspase‐independent and calcium‐dependent cell death in leukemic cells while sparing non‐tumor murine and human cells. Moreover, our results show that PKHB1 can induce ICD in leukemic cells as it induces CRT exposure and DAMP release in vitro, and prophylactic vaccinations inhibit tumor establishment in vivo. Together, our results improve the knowledge of CD47 agonist peptides potential as therapeutic tools to treat leukemia.
Three cases of immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy with anti‐signal recognition particle antibodies: Extramuscular symptoms preceding progressive muscle weakness
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Nakamura Takumi , Hirohata Mie , Kawarabayashi Takeshi , Shoji Mikio
Published: November 2018

Background

Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy with an anti‐signal recognition particle antibody (anti‐SRP myopathy) is generally refractory to treatment. Anti‐SRP myopathy is characterized by muscle weakness as the main symptom, but is often complicated by extramuscular symptoms. Rarely, the extramuscular symptoms precede muscle weakness. In the present report, we describe the clinical presentation and medical history of three patients with extramuscular symptoms. Focusing on the extramuscular symptoms, anti‐SRP antibody‐positive myopathy can be diagnosed at an early stage. It might therefore be treatable before muscle weakness progresses.

Case presentation

Patient 1 was a 68‐year‐old woman who suffered progressive muscle weakness after a 2‐year history of creatine kinase elevation, vitiligo, 1‐year history of easy fatigability, sinus insufficiency and a 6‐month history of myalgia. She was followed up in the cardiology department. Patient 2 was a 77‐year‐old woman who showed muscle weakness and respiratory failure after a 3‐day history of malaise, loss of appetite and creatine kinase elevation. She initially visited the internal medicine department and was suspected of having heat stroke at the first visit. Patient 3 was a 48‐year‐old man who had a gastric ulcer and progressive weakness after a 1‐year history of anorexia and severe weight loss. He first visited the gastroenterology department.

Conclusions

All three patients visited the internal medicine department before the neurology department. It is important to consider anti‐SRP myopathy as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with elevated creatine kinase levels and extramuscular symptoms.
Effects of life history and reproduction on recruitment time lags in reintroductions of rare plants
Authors: Albrecht Matthew A. , Osazuwa‐Peters Oyomoare L. , Maschinski Joyce , Bell Timothy J. , Bowles Marlin L. , Brumback William E. , Duquesnel Janice , Kunz Michael , Lange Jimmy , McCue Kimberlie A. , McEachern A. Kathryn , Murray Sheila , Olwell Peggy , Pavlovic Noel B. , Peterson Cheryl L. , Possley Jennifer , Randall John L. , Wright Samuel J.
Published: November 2018

Reintroductions are important components of conservation and recovery programs for rare plant species, but their long‐term success rates are poorly understood. Previous reviews of plant reintroductions focused on short‐term (e.g., ≤3 years) survival and flowering of founder individuals rather than on benchmarks of intergenerational persistence, such as seedling recruitment. However, short‐term metrics may obscure outcomes because the unique demographic properties of reintroductions, including small size and unstable stage structure, could create lags in population growth. We used time‐to‐event analysis on a database of unusually well‐monitored and long‐term (4–28 years) reintroductions of 27 rare plant species to test whether life‐history traits and population characteristics of reintroductions create time‐lagged responses in seedling recruitment (i.e., recruitment time lags [RTLs]), an important benchmark of success and indicator of persistence in reintroduced populations. Recruitment time lags were highly variable among reintroductions, ranging from <1 to 17 years after installation. Recruitment patterns matched predictions from life‐history theory with short‐lived species (fast species) exhibiting consistently shorter and less variable RTLs than long‐lived species (slow species). Long RTLs occurred in long‐lived herbs, especially in grasslands, whereas short RTLs occurred in short‐lived subtropical woody plants and annual herbs. Across plant life histories, as reproductive adult abundance increased, RTLs decreased. Highly variable RTLs were observed in species with multiple reintroduction events, suggesting local processes are just as important as life‐history strategy in determining reintroduction outcomes. Time lags in restoration outcomes highlight the need to scale success benchmarks in reintroduction monitoring programs with plant life‐history strategies and the unique demographic properties of restored populations. Drawing conclusions on the long‐term success of plant reintroduction programs is premature given that demographic processes in species with slow life‐histories take decades to unfold.
Patch testing with alkyl glucosides: Concomitant reactions are common but not ubiquitous
Authors: Bhoyrul Bevin , Solman Lea , Kirk Stephen , Orton David , Wilkinson Mark
Published: November 2018

Background

Alkyl glucosides contitute a family of mild surfactants that are increasingly being used in a wide range of cosmetics and household products. Contact allergy to alkyl glucosides may be more frequent than previously suspected, especially in atopic patients.

Objectives

To investigate the frequency of contact allergy to alkyl glucosides, and to identify concomitant reactivity.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in which patients were patch tested with either a cosmetic series that includes five alkyl glucosides (decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco glucoside, cetearyl glucoside, and caprylyl/capryl glucoside) or a specific alkyl glucoside series from November 2013 to April 2017 in two UK centres.

Results

A total of 5775 patients were patch tested across the two centres. Twenty‐nine (1.04%) of the 2796 patients tested with the cosmetic/alkyl glucoside series had a positive patch test reaction to at least one of the alkyl glucosides. Twenty‐three (79.3%) patients were sensitized to multiple alkyl glucosides; 21 patients (72.4%) were female. The mean age was 43.5 years. Twelve patients (41.4%) had a background of atopic dermatitis.

Conclusions

The prevalence of alkyl glucoside‐induced ACD is relatively high, and there are frequent concomitant reactions between different alkyl glucosides. We recommend the inclusion of alkyl glucosides in all cosmetic series.
SOVEREIGN DEBT CRISIS IN A MONETARY UNION: ACCOUNTING FOR EXCESSIVE DEBT, HOUSING BUBBLES, AND THE TRANSMISSION OF CRISES
Authors: Kim Yong Jin , Lee Chul‐In
Published: November 2018

Despite vast empirical documentation of the recent sovereign debt crisis in southern Europe, there is little research accounting for the following stylized facts in a single coherent framework: continuous borrowing, high growth, housing bubbles, and current account deficits since the beginning of the European Monetary Union ending with a sudden crisis and subsequent contagion of crisis. We fill this gap by proposing a model and fitting it to the data. Using a growth model with collateral constraints of small peripheral economies in the institution of a monetary union, we analyze the multilayer moral hazards underlying excessive borrowing. Since housing bubbles can support a constant loan‐to‐value (LTV) ratio lower than LTV limits, peripheral economies can lock into a steady‐state Ponzi growth equilibrium with high growth and current account deficits, but these economies become vulnerable to crises. We identify the “self‐fulfilling crisis region” (SFCR), in which the economy grows fast with a seemingly safe LTV ratio, but with a vulnerability to crises. Moreover, a crisis in one sector propagates to other sectors by endogenously expanding their SFCRs. We derive some policy implications on LTV regulations and market psychology. Finally, our calibration exercise presents how bubbles develop and burst along with contagion across sectors, accounting for the data. (JEL E44, F34, O16)
Myrmica rubra microhabitat selection and putative ecological impact
Authors: Warren Robert J. , Mathew Abby , Reed Katelyn , Bayba Sonya , Krupp Kevin , Spiering David J.
Published: November 2018

1. Myrmica rubra (European fire ant) has invaded northern latitude coastal areas in North America. This macroscale distribution suggests that M. rubra is moisture‐ and temperature‐limited, but the distribution of the invaded range may reflect the legacy of original introduction locations preserved by limited dispersal.

2. This study examined a two‐decade population change in M. rubra (1994–2015) and the microscale abiotic (moisture and temperature), biotic (plants), anthropogenic (pesticide) and physiological (thermal tolerance) limits on the invasion at the Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo, NY (U.S.A.). Changes in the abundance of native ants and other invertebrates were also examined.

3. Despite localised declines with pesticide treatments, overall M. rubra forager abundance increased 27% between 1994 and 2015. Abundance increased the most in the warmest areas (native ants were unaffected by temperature), but M. rubra colony locations were strongly linked to higher soil moisture and lower soil temperature. Myrmica rubra ants also exhibited relatively low thermal tolerances consistent with high‐latitude and high‐elevation ants.

4. Where local M. rubra populations increased the most, native ant species decreased, and where local M. rubra populations declined, native ant species increased. Some arthropod species had lower abundance with M. rubra presence, but the impacts were less striking.

5. Myrmica rubra population growth was promoted at the microhabitat scale where relatively higher temperatures prompted foraging, and relatively lower temperatures and high moisture supported nesting. These results suggest that macroscale M. rubra invaded‐range distributions in northern climates near coastal areas are replicated at the microscale where the ant prefers cooler, moister microsites.
Histopathological evaluation of oral membranous substance in bedridden elderly persons without oral intake in Japan
Authors: Shen Fa‐Chih , Ogasawara Tadashi , Shinotsuka Koichi , Miyahara Kohta , Isono Kazushige , Mochiduki Noriyasu , Matsumura Kouhei , Shimada Katsumitsu , Ochiai Takanaga , Kakinoki Yasuaki , Hasegawa Hiromasa
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to clarify by histopathological examination the origin of oral membranous substances deposited on the palate, tongue, buccal mucosa and teeth.

Background

Several investigators have reported membranous substances deposited in the mouths of bedridden elderly persons requiring nursing care without oral intake. However, the precise nature and origin of the substances are poorly understood.

Methods

Sixty‐nine specimens were taken from the oral cavity of bedridden patients, that is, the palate, dorsum of the tongue, the cheek and teeth. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain, alcian‐blue and periodic acid‐Schiff stain (AB‐PAS) and antibodies for pankeratin (AE1AE3) and leukocyte common antigen (LCA).

Results

All specimens showed a film‐like nature coloured from tan to white, accompanied by a mucous substance. Histologically, specimens of all sites had a similar feature of the combination of basophilic amorphous and eosinophilic lamellar features. The basophilic substance was positive for AB‐PAS, and PAS‐positive glycogen granules were also noted in the lamellar structure. Immunochemistry revealed various degrees of pankeratin positive substance and LCA‐positive inflammatory cell infiltration.

Conclusion

The oral membranous substance was composed of keratin and mucin with inflammation. These results suggest that the deposition of the oral membranous substance is a pathological condition or oral mucositis caused by dry mouth.
A sequence conserved between CD5 and CD6 binds an FERM domain and exerts a restraint on T‐cell activation
Authors: Breuning Johannes , Brown Marion H.
Published: November 2018

CD5 and CD6 are related surface receptors that limit and promote T‐cell responses. Co‐stimulatory effects of CD6 depend on binding a cell surface ligand, CD166, and recruitment of the intracellular adaptor proteins GADS and SLP‐76 by C‐terminal phosphotyrosines. We have continued to identify interactions of CD5 and CD6 to understand their roles in T‐cell activation. In a screen to identify binding partners for peptides containing a cytoplasmic sequence, SDSDY conserved between CD5 and CD6, we identified ezrin radixin moesin (ERM) proteins, which link plasma membrane proteins to actin. Purified radixin FERM domain bound directly to CD5 and CD6 SDSDY peptides in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner (KD = 0·5‐2 μm) at 37°. In human T‐cell blasts, mutation of the CD6 SDSDY sequence enhanced CD69 expression in response to CD3 monoclonal antibody. In this proximal readout, interactions of the SDSDY sequence were dominant compared with the C‐terminal tyrosines of CD6. In contrast, in a more downstream readout, interleukin‐2 expression, in response to immobilized CD3 and CD6 monoclonal antibodies, the C‐terminal tyrosines were dominant. The data suggest that varying functional effects of CD6 and potentially CD5 depend on interactions of different cytoplasmic regions with the cytoskeleton and alter depending on the stimuli.
Wound‐healing effect of adipose stem cell‐derived extracellular matrix sheet on full‐thickness skin defect rat model: Histological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Lee Yoon J. , Baek Seung E. , Lee Sujin , Jeong Yeon J. , Kim Ki J. , Jun Young J. , Rhie Jong W.
Published: November 2018

The potential use of extracellular matrix (ECM) as a source of wound dressing material has recently received much attention. The ECM is an intricate network of various combinations of elastin, collagens, laminin, fibronectin, and proteoglycans that play a key role in stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation. We evaluated the efficacy of an ECM sheet derived from human adipose tissue as a wound dressing material to enhance healing. We prepared a novel porous ECM sheet dressing scaffold from human adipose tissue. in vitro analysis of the ECM sheets showed efficient decellularisation; absence of immunostimulatory components; and the presence of a wide number of angiogenic and bioactive factors, including collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans. To evaluate in vivo efficacy, full‐thickness excisional wounds were created on the dorsal skin of a rat, and the ECM sheets; secondary healing foam wound dressing, Healoderm; or a conventional dressing were applied to each wound site. Photographs were taken every other day, and the degree of reepithelialisation of the wounds was determined. Application of an ECM sheet dressing enhanced the macroscopic wound‐healing rate on days 4, 7, and 10 compared with that in the control group. Microscopic analysis indicated that the reepithelialisation rate of the wound was higher in the ECM group compared with that in the control group; the reepithelialisation rate was better than that of the secondary healing foam wound dressing. Moreover, a denser and more organised granulation tissue was formed in the ECM sheet group compared with that in the secondary healing foam wound dressing and control groups. The ECM sheet also showed the highest microvessel density compared with the secondary healing foam wound dressing and control groups. Based on these data, we suggest that a bioactive ECM sheet dressing derived from human adipose can provide therapeutic proteins for wound healing.
The associations of lipids and lipid ratios with stroke: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Yan Ling , Xue Fuzhong
Published: November 2018

Lipids and lipid ratios have been proven to be associated with cardiovascular disease; however, their relationships with stroke and stroke subtypes had not been fully understood. This study aims to assess the associations of lipids and lipid ratios with type‐specific stroke and compare their predictive capacities for stroke occurrence. In this prospective cohort study, a total of 42 005 Chinese participants aged 20 to 80 who were free of stroke at baseline were included and selected into subgroups of stroke subtypes (ischemic, hemorrhagic, and total). Total stroke outcome included a combination of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Over an average follow‐up of 3.6 years, 781 participants developed stroke (623 ischemic and 158 hemorrhagic). In men, the highest TC/HDL‐C quartile was significantly associated with increased ischemic stroke risk (multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14‐2.03) and total stroke risk (HR, 1.45, 95% CI, 1.12‐1.87), and TC/HDL‐C had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting ischemic (AUC, 0.868) and total stroke (AUC, 0.874). In women, the highest TG quartile was significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic (HR, 1.99, 95% CI, 1.11‐3.59) and total stroke (HR, 1.85, 95% CI, 1.07‐3.20), with AUCs of 0.850 and 0.861, respectively. No lipid variables were significantly associated with hemorrhagic stroke in both sex. In conclusion, TC/HDL‐C ratio may better predict stroke risk in men, whereas TG was more valuable in predicting stroke risk in women. TC/HDL‐C and TG may help to discriminate high stroke risk individuals and serve as potential targets for stroke prevention.
Effects of canagliflozin on body composition and hepatic fat content in type 2 diabetes patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Inoue Mitsuko , Hayashi Akinori , Taguchi Tomomi , Arai Riina , Sasaki Sayaka , Takano Koji , Inoue Yusuke , Shichiri Masayoshi
Published: November 2018

Aims/Introduction

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes, and constitutes an important risk factor for the development of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because there remains no effective drug therapy for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with type 2 diabetes, we evaluated the efficacy of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor.

Methods and Materials

In the present pilot, prospective, non‐randomized, open‐label, single‐arm study, we evaluated the effect of 100 mg canagliflozin administered once daily for 12 months on serological markers, body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis method and hepatic fat fraction measured by magnetic resonance imaging in type 2 diabetes patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Results

Canagliflozin significantly reduced body and fat mass, and induced a slight decrease in lean body or muscle mass that did not reach significance at 6 and 12 months. Reductions in fat mass in each body segment (trunk, arms and legs) were evident, whereas those in lean body mass were not. The hepatic fat fraction was reduced from a baseline of 17.6 ± 7.5% to 12.0 ± 4.6% after 6 months and 12.1 ± 6.1% after 12 months (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.005), whereas serum liver enzymes and type IV collagen concentrations improved. From a mean baseline hemoglobin A1c of 8.7 ± 1.4%, canagliflozin significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c after 6 and 12 months to 7.3 ± 0.6% and 7.7 ± 0.7% (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Canagliflozin reduced body mass, fat mass and hepatic fat content without significantly reducing muscle mass.
Using PSO and GWO techniques for prediction some drying properties of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.)
Authors: Karami Hamed , Kaveh Mohammad , Mirzaee‐Ghaleh Esmaeil , Taghinezhad Ebrahim
Published: November 2018

In this article, the effects of air temperature and velocity on drying characteristics of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) were investigated. The experiments were done at four temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C and three air velocities of 1, 1.5, and 2 m/s. According to the results, the drying term of tarragon reduced significantly with increasing drying air temperature. The values of effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) were ranged between 1.34 × 10−10 and 2.74 × 10−10 m2/s. Also, by increasing drying air temperature the values of specific energy consumption (SEC) were decreased. The values of SEC were between 20.50 and 66.90 MJ/kg. Also Deff and SEC values were modeled by particle swarm optimizer (PSO) and gray wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithms. Drying air velocity and air temperature were considered as input parameters for the models. Based on three statistical parameters includes R2, MSE, and MAE for predicting Deff and SEC, GWO performance was better than the PSO.

Practical applications

The purpose of drying crops is decreasing of moisture content for providing secure storage and significant influence on the quality of dried crops. In this research, the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) and specific energy consumption (SEC) values were modeled by PSO and GWO algorithms. The procedure can be applied in postharvest processing of medicinal plants.
Ultrasound pretreatment of fermented milk containing probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum AF1: Carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant activity
Authors: Gholamhosseinpour Aliakbar , Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher
Published: November 2018

The effect of ultrasound (100 W, 30 kHz, 25% amplitude for 5, 10, and 15 min; US) on growth, carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant activity of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum AF1 was investigated during milk fermentation. The antioxidant activity of L. plantarum AF1 was measured by 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) (ABTS), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), inhibition of the autoxidation of ascorbate, reducing ability, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests. The results indicated that the cell membrane permeability of sonicated samples was increased 88–94% compared to control. Additionally, β‐galactosidase activity and population of Lactobacillus strain increased with increasing ultrasound treatment time during the fermentation after the treatment. However, no significant differences were observed in the final counts of the control and the sonicated samples at the end of fermentation (24 hr). Although the lactose content was decreased significantly (p ≤ .05) by extending sonication time, the amounts of glucose, galactose, and lactic acid enhanced significantly (p ≤ .05) as the time of fermentation and sonication proceeded. The antioxidant activity was also enhanced significantly (p ≤ .05) with increase in sonication time during 24 hr fermentation after the treatment. Therefore, the lowest and the highest antioxidant activities were seen in the control sample and the US‐15 min sonicated milk at the end of fermentation, respectively.

Practical applications

The dairy industry is seeking methods to increase nutritional and quality of dairy products. Recently, the ultrasound has attracted significant attention in food processing generally because of the recent consumers’ trend toward functional foods. The present study provides an investigation about the efficiency of ultrasound to improve the metabolism and growth of Lactobacillus plantarum during fermentation of milk and therefore increase the quality and antioxidant activity of milk. The results show that ultrasound is a potential technique for improve metabolism of Lactobacillus strain and thus increase antioxidant activity and quality of fermented milk. Consequently, the use of ultrasound will increase the health promoting effects and quality of fermented dairy products. These results will assist in designing ultrasound procedures for optimizing the general quality of fermented milk.
Optimization of extrusion process parameters for preparing fiber‐rich oat flour
Authors: Sandrin Raceli , Mejía Sandra Milena Vasquez , Caon Thiago , de Francisco Alicia
Published: November 2018

In this study, the effect of extrusion temperature and screw speed on the nutritional properties of the extrudates was evaluated by using a response surface methodology. The total, soluble, insoluble dietary fiber, beta‐glucan, resistant starch, and total starch contents were evaluated through enzymatic assays. The processing parameters affected the content of all constituents of the flour mixture, except for beta‐glucan. The total starch content, insoluble dietary fiber, and resistant starch were significantly decreased with increasing temperature and screw speed (until 13, 12, and 97%, respectively). The extrusion parameters had a positive effect on total dietary fiber content (increased this parameter up to 29%) when compared with the raw material, that is, oat and rice blend, causing changes from the insoluble to soluble dietary fibers. In the electron microscopic analysis, the structure of all extrudates showed to be homogeneous and compact with irregular surfaces.

Practical applications

The processing of oats by using extrusion‐cooking technique is challenging due to the high lipid and fiber content. For this reason, expansion agents such as rice or corn flours are commonly mixed to the oats before processing. In addition to changing rheological, physical and chemical properties of the raw materials, the extrusion operating conditions may lead to loss of food nutritional properties. In this study, we used the response surface methodology to understand which processing conditions maximize the food nutritional value. The selection of an optimum operating condition in terms of energy efficiency and thermal quality represent a relevant requirement for the current food industry. The content of β‐glucan was preserved regardless of the processing condition while the insoluble and soluble fiber ratio was significantly affected by screw speed. Once low temperatures could be used for preparing fiber‐rich oat flour, a reduction in energy consumption from the process is expected.