bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimal residual disease monitoring in early stage follicular lymphoma can predict prognosis and drive treatment with rituximab after radiotherapy
Authors: Pulsoni Alessandro , Della Starza Irene , Cappelli Luca V. , Tosti Maria E. , Annechini Giorgia , Cavalli Marzia , De Novi Lucia A. , D’Elia Gianna M. , Grapulin Lavinia , Guarini Anna , Del Giudice Ilaria , Foà Robin
Published: August 2019

Since 2000, we have investigated 67 consecutive patients with stage I/II follicular lymphoma (FL) for the presence of BCL2/IGH rearrangements by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real time quantitative PCR (RQ‐PCR) and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). All patients were treated with involved‐field radiotherapy (IF‐RT) (24–30 Gy). From 2005, patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) after IF‐RT received rituximab (R) (375 mg/m2, 4 weekly administrations). The median follow‐up is 82 months (17–196). At diagnosis, 72% of patients were BCL2/IGH+. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was significantly better in patients with undetectable/low levels (<10−5) of circulating BCL2/IGH+ cells at diagnosis and in those who were persistently MRD− during follow‐up (P = 0·0038). IF‐RT induced an MRD− status in 50% of cases; 16/19 (84%) MRD+ patients after IF‐RT became MRD− after R treatment. A significantly longer PFS was observed in MRD+ patients treated with R compared to untreated MRD+ patients (P = 0·049). In early stage FL, both circulating levels of BCL2/IGH+ cells at diagnosis and MRD status during follow‐up bear prognostic implications. Standard IF‐RT fails to induce an MRD‐negative status in half of patients. Most patients become MRD− following treatment with R and this is associated with a significantly better PFS.
Development of a prognostic model for overall survival in multiple myeloma using the Connect® MM Patient Registry
Authors: Terebelo Howard R. , Abonour Rafat , Gasparetto Cristina J. , Toomey Kathleen , Durie Brian G. M. , Hardin James W. , Jagannath Sundar , Wagner Lynne , Narang Mohit , Flick E. Dawn , Srinivasan Shankar , Yue Lihua , Kitali Amani , Agarwal Amit , Rifkin Robert M. ,   on behalf of the CONNECT MM Registry Investigators
Published: August 2019

Median overall survival (OS) has improved for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), but prognosis varies depending on baseline patient characteristics. Current models use data from selected clinical trial populations, which prevent application to patients in an unselected community setting that reflects routine clinical practice. Using data from the Connect® MM Registry, a large, US, multicentre, prospective observational cohort study (Cohort 1: 2009–2011; Cohort 2: 2012–2016) of 3011 patients with NDMM, we identified prognostic variables for OS via the multivariable analysis of baseline patient characteristics in Cohort 1 (n = 1493) and developed a tool to examine individual outcomes. Factors associated with OS (n = 1450 treated patients; P < 0·05) were age, del(17p), triplet therapy use, EQ‐5D mobility, International Staging System stage, solitary plasmacytoma, history of diabetes, platelet count, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and serum creatinine, which were used to create survival matrices for 3‐ and 5‐year OS. The model was internally and externally validated using Connect MM Cohort 2 (Harrell's concordance index, 0·698), MM‐015 (0·649), and the phase 3 FIRST (0·647) clinical trials. This novel prognostic tool may help inform outcomes for NDMM in the era of triplet therapy use with novel agents.
Combining mixture distribution and multidimensional IRTree models for the measurement of extreme response styles
Authors: Khorramdel Lale , von Davier Matthias , Pokropek Artur
Published: August 2019

Personality constructs, attitudes and other non‐cognitive variables are often measured using rating or Likert‐type scales, which does not come without problems. Especially in low‐stakes assessments, respondents may produce biased responses due to response styles (RS) that reduce the validity and comparability of the measurement. Detecting and correcting RS is not always straightforward because not all respondents show RS and the ones who do may not do so to the same extent or in the same direction. The present study proposes the combination of a multidimensional IRTree model with a mixture distribution item response theory model and illustrates the application of the approach using data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). This joint approach allows for the differentiation between different latent classes of respondents who show different RS behaviours and respondents who show RS versus respondents who give (largely) unbiased responses. We illustrate the application of the approach by examining extreme RS and show how the resulting latent classes can be further examined using external variables and process data from computer‐based assessments to develop a better understanding of response behaviour and RS.
Supplementary granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor to chemotherapy and programmed death‐ligand 1 blockade decreases local recurrence after surgery in bladder cancer
Authors: Miyake Makito , Hori Shunta , Ohnishi Sayuri , Toritsuka Michihiro , Fujii Tomomi , Shimizu Takuto , Owari Takuya , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Itami Yoshitaka , Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2019

Despite advances and refinements in surgery and perioperative chemotherapy, there are still unmet medical needs with respect to radical cystectomy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We investigated the potential benefit of supplementary granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) to chemoimmunotherapy with programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) axis blockade and standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bladder cancer. We inoculated 2 × 105 MBT2 cells s.c. in C3H mice to create a syngeneic animal model of local recurrence (LR). When the tumor diameter reached 12 mm, the mice were allocated randomly as follows: (i) non‐treated control (vehicle only); (ii) anti‐mPD‐L1 monotherapy; (iii) mGM‐CSF monotherapy; (iv) anti‐mPD‐L1 plus mGM‐CSF; (v) gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC); (vi) GC plus anti‐mPD‐L1; (vii) GC plus mGM‐CSF; and (viii) GC plus anti‐mPD‐L1 plus mGM‐CSF. After completing 2‐week neoadjuvant therapy, tumors were resected for resection margin evaluation and immunohistochemical staining and blood was collected for flow cytometry and ELISA. Operative wounds were sutured, and the operative site was monitored to detect LR. Addition of anti‐mPD‐L1 and mGM‐CSF to neoadjuvant GC chemotherapy enhanced the antitumor effect and reduced positive resection margins (50% vs 12.5%). Combination of GC, anti‐mPD‐L1, and mGM‐CSF resulted in longer LR‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival compared to those in other groups. These effects involved an immunotherapy‐related decrease in oncological properties such as tumor invasion capacity and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. mGM‐CSF significantly decreased the accumulation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in both the blood and tumor microenvironment and blood interleukin‐6 levels. Supplementary GM‐CSF to neoadjuvant GC plus PD‐L1 blockade could decrease LR after radical surgery by immune modulation in the blood and tumor microenvironment.
Comprehensive immune characterization and T‐cell receptor repertoire heterogeneity of retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Yan Liang , Wang Zhen , Cui Can , Guan Xiaoya , Dong Bin , Zhao Min , Wu Jianhui , Tian Xiuyun , Hao Chunyi
Published: August 2019

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) is one of the most common subtypes of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas and lacks effective treatment. This study aimed to provide a thorough profile of immune characteristics of RLPS. This study included 56 RLPS patients. Multisite tumor tissues were collected from 16 patients. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to identify CD4+, CD8+, FoxP3+, CD20+, or programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1)+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and  Programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression in tumor tissues. Ultradeep sequencing of T‐cell receptor (TCR) β‐chain gene was carried out in 42 tumor samples as well as peripheral blood samples collected from 6 patients. In RLPS, TILs were distributed in 3 patterns and T cells were more prevalent than B cells. Generally, the proportion of TILs decreased and PD‐L1 expression increased with tumor progression. Patients with higher PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression tended to have poorer prognosis, whereas patients with tertiary lymphoid structure tended to have a favorable disease‐free survival. Although T‐cell clones in tumors were quite different from those in peripheral blood, TCR sequencing showed low TCR repertoire reads as well as polyclonal status within tumors, which indicated limited T cell response in the tumors. Both TILs distribution and TCR repertoires suggested spatial immune heterogeneity in RLPS. Our research described the immune landscape of RLPS, and suggested RLPS might be a kind of tumor with low T cell infiltration as well as great immune heterogeneity. Therefore, strategies that can facilitate lymphocytic infiltration and immune reactivity need to be developed in the future to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
In vivo selection reveals autophagy promotes adaptation of metastatic ovarian cancer cells to abdominal microenvironment
Authors: Kuo Chih‐Lin , Jiang Zhe‐Yu , Wang Ying‐Wen , Lin Ting‐Yu , Huang Wei‐Lin , Wu Fang‐Ju , Luo Ching‐Wei
Published: August 2019

Peritoneal dissemination is the most frequent metastatic route of ovarian cancer. However, due to the high heterogeneity in ovarian cancer, most conventional studies lack parental tumor controls relevant to metastases and, thus, it is difficult to trace the molecular changes of cancer cells along with the selection by the abdominal microenvironment. Here, we established an in vivo mouse peritoneal dissemination scheme that allowed us to select more aggressive sublines from parental ovarian cancer cells, including A2780 and SKOV‐3. Microarray and gene profiling analyses indicated that autophagy‐related genes were enriched in selected malignant sublines. Detection of LC3‐II, p62 and autophagic puncta demonstrated that these malignant variants were more sensitive to autophagic induction when exposed to diverse stress conditions, such as high cell density, starvation and drug treatment. As compared with parental A2780, the selected variant acquired the ability to grow better under high‐density stress; however, this effect was reversed by addition of autophagic inhibitors or knockdown of ATG5. When analyzing the clinical profiles of autophagy‐related genes identified to be enriched in malignant A2780 variant, 73% of them had prognostic significance for the survival of ovarian cancer patients. Taken together, our findings indicate that an increase in autophagic potency among ovarian cancer cells is crucial for selection of metastatic colonies in the abdominal microenvironment. In addition, the derived autophagic gene profile can not only predict prognosis well but can also be potentially applied to precision medicine for identifying those ovarian cancer patients suitable for taking anti–autophagy cancer drugs.
A climate‐change vulnerability and adaptation assessment for Brazil's protected areas
Authors: Lapola David M. , Silva José Maria C. da , Braga Diego R. , Carpigiani Larissa , Ogawa Fernanda , Torres Roger R. , Barbosa Luis C. F. , Ometto Jean P. H. B. , Joly Carlos A.
Published: August 2019

Brazil hosts the largest expanse of tropical ecosystems within protected areas (PAs), which shelter biodiversity and support traditional human populations. We assessed the vulnerability to climate change of 993 terrestrial and coastal‐marine Brazilian PAs by combining indicators of climatic‐change hazard with indicators of PA resilience (size, native vegetation cover, and probability of climate‐driven vegetation transition). This combination of indicators allows the identification of broad climate‐change adaptation pathways. Seventeen PAs (20,611 km2) were highly vulnerable and located mainly in the Atlantic Forest (7 PAs), Cerrado (6), and the Amazon (4). Two hundred fifty‐eight PAs (756,569 km2), located primarily in Amazonia, had a medium vulnerability. In the Amazon and western Cerrado, the projected severe climatic change and probability of climate‐driven vegetation transition drove vulnerability up, despite the generally good conservation status of PAs. Over 80% of PAs of high or moderate vulnerability are managed by indigenous populations. Hence, besides the potential risks to biodiversity, the traditional knowledge and livelihoods of the people inhabiting these PAs may be threatened. In at least 870 PAs, primarily in the Atlantic Forest and Amazon, adaptation could happen with little or no intervention due to low climate‐change hazard, high resilience status, or both. At least 20 PAs in the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Amazonia should be targeted for stronger interventions (e.g., improvement of ecological connectivity), given their low resilience status. Despite being a first attempt to link vulnerability and adaptation in Brazilian PAs, we suggest that some of the PAs identified as highly or moderately vulnerable should be prioritized for testing potential adaptation strategies in the near future.
Contact allergy to hair cosmetic allergens in Thailand
Authors: Boonchai Waranya , Winayanuwattikun Waranaree , Limphoka Pichaya , Sukakul Thanisorn
Published: August 2019

Background

Hair cosmetics such as hair dyes, bleaching, waving, and cleansing products are composed of numerous chemical ingredients. Allergic reactions to these contact allergens, other than p‐phenylenediamine, are rarely reported.

Objectives

To study the incidence of patch test reactions to hair cosmetic allergens and identify the factors associated with hair cosmetic allergy in Thailand.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the case records of patients who underwent patch testing from 2009 to 2018. Patients with at least one positive patch test reaction to a potential contact allergen associated with hair cosmetic ingredients were studied.

Results

Overall, 2842 patients were patch tested. Of the hair cosmetic allergen categories, preservatives had the highest rate of positive reactions, followed by surfactants and hair dyes. Perming agents were less problematic in comparison. The hands, head, and neck were the predominately affected sites of allergic reactions to hair cosmetic ingredients.

Conclusions

Preservatives, surfactants, and hair dyes are important contact allergens, whereas perming agents are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Hair cosmetic ingredients are regulated by national agencies, which influences their extent of exposure and rates of contact allergies. Further continuous observation of hair cosmetic allergy is needed to provide the best patient care.
Changing words: How temporal consistency in a CEO's use of language toward shareholders and stakeholders affects CEO dismissal
Authors: Shin Taekjin , You Jihae
Published: August 2019

Research Question/Issue

The present study examines how temporal consistency in the CEO's use of language in public documents affects the board's decision to dismiss the CEO.

Research Findings/Insights

Using CEOs' letters to shareholders from 304 large firms in the United States in 1998–2007, we found that CEO dismissal risk is lower when the CEO consistently uses language that signals conformity to a prevailing institutional logic: shareholder‐value orientation. In contrast, dismissal risk is greater when the CEO consistently displays language that signals stakeholder orientation, an alternative institutional logic.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The present study contributes to signaling theory by incorporating a temporal dimension into the existing literature. Our findings highlight the importance of strategic actions taken by corporate leaders, suggesting that a CEO's desire to circumvent dismissal by courting shareholders helped institutionalize the shareholder‐value logic. The findings shed light on stakeholder management research by demonstrating that a one‐time gesture is not sufficient to gain support from stakeholders who value long‐run consistency in message. Finally, the present study extends CEO dismissal research by highlighting the importance of signaling and cognitive processes in the board's decision regarding CEO dismissal.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The present study provides insights to corporate executives who communicate with various stakeholders and to board members who make decisions about CEO retention and dismissal. The findings may also be useful for policy makers who design regulations about corporate communications and disclosures.
Mitral annular disjunction: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Bennett Sadie , Thamman Ritu , Griffiths Timothy , Oxley Cheryl , Khan Jamal Nasir , Phan Thanh , Patwala Ashish , Heatlie Grant , Kwok Chun Shing
Published: August 2019

Background

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is a structural abnormality where there is a separation between the mitral valve annulus and the left atrial wall which is not well understood.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the prevalence of MAD, factors associated with MAD and clinical outcomes among patients with MAD.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included in this review, and the number of noncase report studies had between 23 and 1439 patients. The pooled rate of MAD in studies of myxomatous mitral valve patients was 66/130 (50.8%, 3 studies), and among patients with mitral valve prolapse was 95/291 (32.6%, 3 studies). One study suggests that 78% of patients with MAD had mitral valve prolapse, and another suggested it was strongly associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease (HR 5.04 95% CI 1.66–15.31). In terms of clinical significance, it has been reported that MAD with disjunction > 8.5 mm was associated with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 10 95% CI 1.28–78.1). There is also evidence that gadolinium enhancement in papillary muscle (OR 4.09 95% CI 1.28–13.05) and longitudinal MAD distance in posterolateral wall (OR 1.16 95% CI 1.02–1.33) was predictive of ventricular arrhythmia and late gadolinium enhancement in anterolateral papillary muscle was strongly associated with serious arrhythmic event (OR 7.35 95% CI 1.15–47.02).

Conclusions

Mitral annular disjunction appears to be common in myxomatous mitral valve disease and mitral valve prolapse which can be detected on cardiac imaging and may be important because of its association with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Immunomodulatory properties of selectively processed prawn protein fractions assessed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Faisal Md , Dargahi Narges , Vasiljevic Todor , Donkor Osaana N.
Published: August 2019

Prawn muscles were treated with acetic acid and high‐pressure processing (600 MPa) separately to analyse their antigenicity and immunogenicity. The protein fractions were separated and isolated using preparative HPLC, and their antigenicity was analysed using Immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA kit. Out of thirty‐nine protein fractions, only four (A10, A11, B10 and C9) were detected with antigenic potentials. The immunogenicity of these protein fractions was analysed using human PBMCs, and supernatants were collected at multiple times from 0 to 144 h. The treated fractions (B10 and C9) analysed using Immunoglobulin E (IgE) ELISA kit showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine production compared with control (A10). The allergenic fractions were characterised using an LC/MS/MS, which identified nine proteins. Among these, six proteins (tropomyosin, arginine kinase, haemocyanin, enolase, vitellogenin and 14‐3‐3 zeta) have been established as allergenic in prawn muscle and ovaries. Other three proteins (beta‐1,3‐glucan‐binding protein, translationally controlled tumour protein and farnesoic acid O‐methyltransferase short isoform protein) identified in this study need further investigation for their immunogenic properties.
Processing and properties of Bi0.98R0.02FeO3 (R = La, Sm, Y) ceramics flash sintered at ~650°C in <5 s
Authors: Gil‐González Eva , Perejón Antonio , Sánchez‐Jiménez Pedro E. , Raj Rishi , Pérez‐Maqueda Luis A.
Published: August 2019

We show that flash sintering produces single‐phase, nanograin‐sized polycrystals of isovalent‐substituted multiferroic ceramics of complex compositions. Single‐phase polycrystals of Bi0.98R0.02FeO3 (R = La, Sm, Y) were produced at a furnace temperature of ~650°C in a few seconds by the application of an electric field of 50 V cm−1, with the current limit set to 40 mA mm−2. The dielectric and insulating properties compared favorably with expected values. Impedance spectroscopy suggests electrically homogenous microstructure, except for the sample Bi0.98La0.02FeO3 that shows a small grain boundary contribution to the impedance. These results reinforce the enabling nature of flash sintering for ceramics which pose difficulties in conventional sintering because they contain low melting constituents or develop secondary phases during the sintering protocol.
Screening for hypertension using emergency department blood pressure measurements can identify patients with undiagnosed hypertension: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Armitage Laura C. , Whelan Maxine E. , Watkinson Peter J. , Farmer Andrew J.
Published: August 2019

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for death globally. A significant percentage of patients admitted to hospital have undiagnosed hypertension, yet recognition of elevated blood pressure (BP) in hospital and referral for post‐discharge assessment are poor. Physician perception that elevated inhospital BP is attributable to anxiety, pain, or white coat syndrome may underlie an expectation that BP will normalize following discharge. However, these patients frequently remain hypertensive. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate the extent to which elevated inhospital BP can predict the presence of hypertension in previously undiagnosed adults. The authors included cohort studies in which hospital patients whose BP exceeded the study threshold underwent further post‐discharge BP assessment following discharge. Twelve studies were identified as eligible for inclusion; a total of 2627 participants met review eligibility criteria, and follow‐up BP data were available for 1240 (47.2%). Median percentage of patients remaining hypertensive following discharge was 43.6% (range: 14.2‐76.5). Across 7 studies which identified people with possible hypertension using an index test threshold of 140/90, the pooled proportion subsequently identified with hypertension at follow‐up was 43.4% (95% CI: 25.1%‐61.8%). This review indicates that screening for hypertension in the emergency hospital environment consistently identifies groups of patients with undiagnosed hypertension. Unscheduled hospital attendance therefore offers an important public health opportunity to identify patients with undiagnosed hypertension.
Biomarkers of oral inflammation in perinatally HIV‐infected and perinatally HIV‐exposed, uninfected youth
Authors: Moscicki Anna‐Barbara , Yao Tzy‐Jyun , Russell Jonathan S. , Farhat Sepideh , Scott Mark , Magpantay Larry , Halec Gordana , Shiboski Caroline H. , Ryder Mark I. ,   for the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study
Published: August 2019

Aim

To examine oral biomarkers that have been associated with periodontal disease progression in HIV‐infected adults in perinatally HIV‐infected and HIV‐exposed but uninfected youth.

Material and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, multicentre substudy of youth participating in the Oral Health Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort study. Gingival crevicular fluid repository samples from participants with and without periodontal disease (using Gingival Index [GI] and Bleeding on Probing [BOP] parameters on dental examination) were tested for concentration levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Associations were assessed using Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation.

Results

For perinatal HIV youth (n = 129), the markers consistently elevated (p < .05) in sites with GI ≥2 and in sites with BOP were interleukin‐1β, 6 and 13, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α and metalloproteinase‐9. Serum tumour necrosis factor‐α and soluble CD14 were positively correlated with a summary count of elevated cytokines. No associations were seen among HIV‐uninfected subjects (n = 71).

Conclusions

The association of oral biomarkers of inflammation with clinical indicators of periodontal inflammation and systemic immune activation suggests that perinatal HIV‐infected youth may be at higher risk for developing significant periodontal disease, associated with tooth loss and HIV progression. More frequent dental care of this group is needed to prevent potential periodontal progression.
Clinicians' perceptions of rounding processes and effectiveness of clinical communication
Authors: Walton Victoria , Hogden Anne , Long Janet C. , Johnson Julie , Greenfield David
Published: August 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Ward rounds present opportunities for medical officers, nurses, allied health clinicians, and patients to interact and plan patient care. A recent literature review found eight types of rounding processes. Different purposes, varying levels of representation from clinical professions, and understanding of each others' roles revealed a complex activity. A shared understanding of rounding processes facilitates positive teamwork and improves patient care. We examined how clinicians perceive the nature of rounding processes they undertake within their practice, multidisciplinary team attendance at rounds, and the effectiveness of team communication.

Methods

We surveyed frontline professionals in two acute care and two rehabilitation wards from a metropolitan teaching hospital. There were 77 participants representing medical officers, nurses, and allied health clinicians. Participants selected the type of rounding processes undertaken on their ward from a list of six defined types, then answered questions about who participated in the rounds and their perceptions of the effectiveness of multidisciplinary communication. Survey findings were analysed using descriptive statistics and comparison.

Results

Overall, professionals were inconsistent in the identification of number and types of rounds. Participants nominated processes more consistently within individual clinical disciplines than by clinical speciality. Medical officers identified rounds most consistently, while some nurses were unable to identify any rounding processes undertaken. The perceptions clinicians had of their own attendance at rounds differed from that of their colleagues. Despite variation in perceptions about rounds, professionals reported effective multidisciplinary communication patterns overall.

Conclusion

Rounds are a common yet complex activity. Rounds are revealed to be a taken‐for‐granted organizational activity with diversity in function, attendance, and participation, yet rounding processes are perceived and experienced differently between health professions. These differences impact on multidisciplinary attendance at rounds amongst peers. Making and communicating explicit round expectations and roles for clinicians supports coordinated teamwork and care planning.
Drying characteristics and modeling of apple slices during microwave intermittent drying
Authors: Dai Jian‐Wu , Xiao Hong‐Wei , Zhang Li‐Hua , Chu Meng‐Ying , Qin Wen , Wu Zhi‐Jun , Han Dan‐Dan , Li Ying‐Lu , Liu Yao‐Wen , Yin Peng‐Fei
Published: August 2019

Drying characteristics and quality of apple slices were studied using microwave intermittent drying at different microwave power density (2.2, 3.5, 4.8, and 6.1 W/g), sample thickness (3, 5, 7, and 9 mm) and heating time in each cycle (4, 5, 6, and 7 s). Results showed that the approximate constant rate drying periods and falling rate drying periods were found in all the curves. The drying time decreased with increasing microwave power density and heating time in each cycle, while increased significantly with the growth of sample thickness. Weibull distribution model could fit the drying curves well in all conditions (R2 > 0.99) with the scale parameter values changed from 45.88 to 206.08 min and the shape parameters values varied from 1.514 to 1.69. The moisture effective diffusivity calculated by Weibull model ranged from 0.3217 × 10−9 to 1.435 × 10−9 m2·s−1. The flavor, texture and overall acceptability values displayed a decreasing tendency with the increase of microwave power density, while increased with the growth of thickness. And the shrinkage rates of apple slices showed a decline tendency with the increase of above parameters.

Practical applications

Apple is a kind of popular and important fruits with high nutrient content, and it has been widely planted in China. Due to its high moisture content, fresh apples will subject to various deteriorative reactions during storage and thus lead to serious post‐harvest losses. Microwave drying technology has been widely used in dehydration of agricultural products in China because of the significant heating efficiency. However, the continuous microwave heating may easily cause the overheating of raw materials and undesirable changes in quality. Microwave intermittent drying (MID) was proposed on the basis of conventional microwave drying and regarded as an efficient processing method by solving the above issues. Currently this technology has been successfully applied to ginkgo fruits, yam and banana slices. Analyzing the effects of drying parameters on MID kinetics and quality of apple slices will have important significance for optimizing the processing efficiency and consumer acceptability of dried products.
Rethinking Resilience Theory in African American Families: Fostering Positive Adaptations and Transformative Social Justice
Authors: Anderson Leslie A.
Published: August 2019

Many African American families in the United States deal with chronic adversity marked by systematic oppression. Families are often encouraged to demonstrate perseverance, regardless of the conditions in which they live—essentially, to model resilience. However, temporal positive adaptations displayed by African American families could be fostering greater, more damaging future vulnerabilities. The concept of rethinking resilience implores family scientists and practitioners to think critically about how processes of resilience may be imposing risk on families when they are expected continuously to adapt internally but, externally, their adverse environments remain unchanged. Family scientists and practitioners bear the responsibility of not only encouraging positive adaptations in families but also intentionally working to ameliorate conditions that necessitate resilience through acts of social justice. This article describes the potential harm that resides in shallow promotions of resilience and provides aspiring social justice allies with practical concepts to consider as they rethink resilience.
Diet Quality Is Associated With Mortality in Adults Aged 80 Years and Older: A Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Yi‐Hsuan , Gao Xiang , Mitchell Diane C. , Wood G. Craig , Still Christopher D. , Jensen Gordon L.
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

Diet quality has been associated with health outcomes and quality of life. However, the association between diet quality and mortality in older people, those aged 80 years and older, is understudied. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study to examine whether better diet quality, assessed by a validated dietary screening tool (DST), was associated with lower mortality in those aged 80 years and older.

METHODS

Our study included 1990 participants (812 men and 1178 women), with a mean age of 84.1 years at baseline (ranging from 80 to 102 years old), from the Geisinger Rural Aging Study longitudinal cohort in Pennsylvania. Baseline descriptive information was obtained in 2009, and the DST was administered via mailed survey. The DST is composed of 25 food‐ and behavior‐specific questions associated with dietary intake that generate a diet quality score ranging from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest). Death was identified using electronic medical record and the Social Security Death Index data. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across three diet quality categories were calculated by using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Over 8 years of follow‐up (October 2009‐February 2018), 931 deaths were documented. Higher diet quality was associated with lower mortality risk (P‐trend = .04). Participants with high diet quality (defined as DST scores >75) had significantly lower risk of mortality compared with those with low diet quality (defined as DST scores <60) after adjusting for potential risk factors (adjusted HR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.59‐0.97).

CONCLUSION

Diet quality, assessed by DST, is significantly associated with risk of mortality in older adults aged 80 years and older in our prospective cohort. Our results indicate that nutrition may have an important role in healthy aging, and more studies are needed to develop appropriate dietary recommendations for older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2180–2185, 2019
Actors against Ableism? Qualities of Nondisabled Allies from the Perspective of People with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Ostrove Joan M. , Kornfeld Madeleine , Ibrahim Marium
Published: August 2019

We report the results of an interview‐based study of the qualities that people with physical and sensory disabilities use to describe effective nondisabled allies. Participants (n = 16) were asked to describe a nondisabled person in their life who understood and cared about the concerns of people with disabilities. A thematic analysis of their responses suggested that they appreciated nondisabled people who offered appropriate help, were trustworthy in their understanding of disability identity, made personal connections, advocated and acted against ableism, were willing to learn, and communicated effectively. Consistent with research about White allies to people of color, participants emphasized both political and social dimensions of being an ally.
Abdominal findings on chest X‐ray
Authors: Kumar Gurinder , AlHadhrami Hanan K
Published: August 2019

See Answer
Fiscal rules in a monetary economy: Implications for growth and welfare
Authors: Ono Tetsuo
Published: August 2019

This study considers two fiscal rules, a debt rule that controls the debt‐to‐gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, and an expenditure rule that controls the expenditure‐to‐GDP ratio, in a monetary growth model with financial intermediation. Tightening of fiscal rules promotes economic growth and thus, benefits future generations. However, there could be two equilibria of the nominal interest rates, and the welfare effects of the rules on the current generation are different between the two equilibria. In particular, the effects of a decreased debt‐to‐GDP ratio depend on its initial ratio; a high (low)‐ratio country has no incentive (an incentive) to reduce the ratio further from the viewpoint of the current generation's welfare. This result provides an explanation for difficulties with fiscal reform in countries with already high debt‐to‐GDP ratios.
Assessing the cytotoxic potential of glycoalkaloidic extract in nanoparticles against bladder cancer cells
Authors: Miranda Mariza A , Marcato Priscyla D , Carvalho Ivana P S , Silva Letícia B , Ribeiro Diego L , Amaral Robson , Swiech Kamilla , Bastos Jairo K , Paschoal Jonas A R , dos Reis Rodolfo B , Bentley Maria V L B
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study proposed to use the nanotechnology to deliver glycoalkaloidic extract (AE) to bladder cancer cells, evaluating their activity in 2D and 3D models and the biological mechanism of cell death.

Methods

NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using polylactic acid (PLA) and characterized considering their size, charge, particle concentration and stability. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in 2D and 3D model, and the apoptosis and cell cycle were investigated using flow cytometry.

Key findings

NPs loading AE (NP-AE) had diameter around 125 ± 6 nm (PdI <0.1) and negative charge. The encapsulation efficiency of SM and SS was higher than 85% for both compounds. The obtained formulation showed a significant in-vitro cytotoxic effect against RT4 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 two fold lower than the free AE. The cytotoxic effect of NP-AE was mediated by apoptosis and cell cycle arrested in the S phase. RT4 cells cultured under 3D conditions exhibited a higher resistance to the treatments (IC50 ~ three fold higher than in 2D cell culture).

Conclusion

The NP-AE might be a promising nanocarrier to load and deliver glycoalkaloids against bladder cancer.
Influence of PEGylation on PLGA nanoparticle properties, hydrophobic drug release and interactions with human serum albumin
Authors: Samkange Tendai , D'Souza Sarah , Obikeze Kenechukwu , Dube Admire
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate the impact of PEG content on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NP physicochemical properties, hydrophobic drug release (rifampicin as a model drug) and human serum protein binding.

Methods

Rifampicin loaded and unloaded nanoparticles with PEG content of 0–17% (w/w) were prepared by an emulsification–evaporation technique. Nanoparticles were characterized for size, zeta potential and morphology. PEGlyation was confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). Fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering were used to determine nanoparticle-protein binding, binding constants and stability of nanoparticles in human serum, respectively. Drug loading and release were determined by UV-VIS spectroscopy and drug release data was mathematically modelled.

Key findings

A NP PEG content of 17% w/w significantly retarded release of rifampicin from PLGA NPs and altered kinetics of drug release. Stern–Volmer (Ksv) protein binding constants decreased upon PEG incorporation. A 2% w/w PEG was sufficient to significantly reduce protein binding extent to PLGA NPs and maintain particle size distributions.

Conclusion

The ability to fine tune drug release and formation of protein corona around nanoparticles is crucial to formulation scientists. This study suggests that PLGA NPs with low PEG content might be suitable for extended circulation and rapid drug release and that higher PEG content retards hydrophobic drug release.
Estimating Excess Sensitivity and Habit Persistence in Consumption Using Greenbook Forecasts
Authors: Bhatt Vipul , Kundan Kishor N. , Marfatia Hardik
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we revisit the issue of excess sensitivity of consumption to income and address the weak instrument problem that is well documented in this literature. Using quarterly data for the US economy, we first highlight the weak instrument problem by showing that the use of conventional instruments tends to overestimate the share of rule‐of‐thumb consumers. To address this weak instrument problem, we propose a new instrument for endogenous disposable income growth in the consumption function, namely, the Greenbook forecast of real disposable income growth. We show that this instrument encompasses the information contained in the conventional set of instruments, and is a superior predictor of income growth. We find that using our proposed instrument ameliorates the weak instrument problem and provides a much smaller estimate for the rule‐of‐thumb consumers. We also extend our empirical framework to allow for habit persistence and provide an estimate for this important parameter of the consumption function. Finally, we use a time‐varying specification of consumption function that allows for endogenous regressors, and document a decline in the share of rule‐of‐thumb consumers and a rise in the habit‐persistence parameter in the US over our sample period.
The utility of DNA barcoding as a tool to assess the success of ecological restoration using Hemiptera as a biological indicator
Authors: Govender Ashrenee , Willows‐Munro Sandi
Published: August 2019

DNA barcoding uses a short, standardized DNA fragment to sort individuals into species. This molecular technique has applications in fields including ecology, evolution, conservation, and biogeography. In ecological applications such as species monitoring and habitat restoration, its potential has not been fully realized and implemented. Invertebrates are excellent biological indicators, as changes in species diversity or community assemblage provide important insights into the condition of, or changes in, the environment. This information is particularly useful within the context of restoration ecology. In this study, DNA barcoding is used to assess the potential of Hemiptera as a biological indicator of restoration success for the Buffelsdraai Landfill Site Community Reforestation Project (Durban, South Africa). A total of 393 Hemiptera specimens were collected from sites reforested at distinct phases (plots reforested in 2010, 2012, and 2015) and two reference sites (natural forest and grassland). The Hemiptera species composition and assemblage were assessed by analyzing diversity indices, ordination, unweighted pair‐group average cluster analysis, and phylogenetic analysis. Hemiptera species composition varied significantly across the chronologically different reforested sites, with a higher species richness observed in the older reforested plots. This suggests that Hemiptera diversity can be used to track restoration success, even over the small temporal scale used in this study. This study highlights the utility of DNA barcoding as a taxonomic sorting tool both to monitor ecological restoration and to discover specific taxa within Hemiptera that may be useful biological indicators.
Willingness of rural communities to reforest with native tree species in central Chile
Authors: Smith‐Ramírez Cecilia , Castillo Jessica , Armesto Juan J.
Published: August 2019

Economic development of rural people is not always feasible along with concomitant forest restoration, especially when meager reforestation incentives are oriented to poor rural people who probably are not willing to plant native species in their small plots of land. Forest restoration incentives have been created by the Chilean government to engage poor rural people in reforestation using native tree species to recover degraded lands. Our objective was to compare the willingness of people from rural communities to plant native species if they had to bear the costs or if the government did, and we related the answers to environmental and socioeconomic variables. Of the 217 respondents 53.9% were interested in planting native trees if subsidies became available. Interest decreased if the respondents had to pay for the cost, but only slightly. The willingness to reforest was significantly greater at lower distance from the community to the nearest native forest for those with lower income level, and was higher when there was use of nontimber forest products or wood by the respondents. However, in spite of the positive disposition to plant native trees, only 23% of the respondents were interested in planting on their own land, which is a requirement to receive the economic incentives. Most respondents were willing to plant in open sites and on degraded hillsides that surround their communities. We conclude that despite monetary incentives, benefits cannot reach most rural inhabitants because of their lack of interest in reforesting their own land.
Prevalence and risk factors for Enterobacteriaceae in patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Villafuerte David , Aliberti Stefano , Soni Nilam J. , Faverio Paola , Marcos Pedro J. , Wunderink Richard G. , Rodriguez Alejandro , Sibila Oriol , Sanz Francisco , Martin‐Loeches Ignacio , Menzella Francesco , Reyes Luis F. , Jankovic Mateja , Spielmanns Marc , Restrepo Marcos I. ,   GLIMP Investigators
Published: August 2019

Background and objective

Enterobacteriaceae (EB) spp. family is known to include potentially multidrug‐resistant (MDR) microorganisms, and remains as an important cause of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) associated with high mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and specific risk factors associated with EB and MDR‐EB in a cohort of hospitalized adults with CAP.

Methods

We performed a multinational, point‐prevalence study of adult patients hospitalized with CAP. MDR‐EB was defined when ≥3 antimicrobial classes were identified as non‐susceptible. Risk factors assessment was also performed for patients with EB and MDR‐EB infection.

Results

Of the 3193 patients enrolled with CAP, 197 (6%) had a positive culture with EB. Fifty‐one percent (n = 100) of EB were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 19% (n = 38) had MDR‐EB. The most commonly EB identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 111, 56%) and Escherichia coli (n = 56, 28%). The risk factors that were independently associated with EB CAP were male gender, severe CAP, underweight (body mass index (BMI) < 18.5) and prior extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) infection. Additionally, prior ESBL infection, being underweight, cardiovascular diseases and hospitalization in the last 12 months were independently associated with MDR‐EB CAP.

Conclusion

This study of adults hospitalized with CAP found a prevalence of EB of 6% and MDR‐EB of 1.2%, respectively. The presence of specific risk factors, such as prior ESBL infection and being underweight, should raise the clinical suspicion for EB and MDR‐EB in patients hospitalized with CAP.
Depositional controls on a hypertidal barrier‐spit system architecture and evolution, Pointe du Banc spit, north‐western France
Authors: Fruergaard Mikkel , Tessier Bernadette , Poirier Clément , Mouazé Dominique , Weill Pierre , Noël Suzanne
Published: August 2019

Physical stratigraphy, architecture and evolution of barrier systems in hypertidal environments (tidal range above 6 m) are understudied, and depositional controls are poorly understood compared with wave‐dominated barrier systems and barrier spits in microtidal, mesotidal and macrotidal settings. Based on vibracores, ground‐penetrating radar, radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence age data, the formation and evolution of the hypertidal barrier system of Pointe du Banc, north‐western France has been reconstructed. The study shows that the barrier spit has a complex composite sedimentary architecture consisting of wave‐dominated and tide‐dominated sedimentary bodies. A morpho‐sedimentary model is presented that demonstrates how barrier‐spit progradation resulting from littoral drift was the main manner of spit elongation, whereas sediment convergence caused by landward migration of swash bars and seaward migration of tidal dunes caused the spit terminus to grow in height and width. These results suggest that long‐term accretion rates varied considerably in response to changes in sediment supply. Variations in storminess together with the large‐scale topography of the coast controlled the sediment supply and thus the evolution of the barrier system during latest Holocene. Despite architectural complexity, hypertidal barrier systems preserve records of past climate changes.