bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 8 promotes tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis of patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Tian Da‐Wei , Wu Zhou‐Liang , Jiang Li‐Ming , Gao Jie , Wu Chang‐Li , Hu Hai‐Long
Published: November 2018

Neddylation has been researched in many different human carcinomas. However, the roles of neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8) in bladder cancer are still unknown. Our study was the first study which systematically investigated the possible functions of NEDD8 in bladder cancer (BC) progression. We carried out immunohistochemistry to explore associations between the expression of NEDD8 in tumor tissues and clinical outcomes of patients. RT‐qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expressional levels of genes. The biological abilities of cell proliferation, migration and invasion were researched by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results were as follows: Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database showed that NEDD8 was overexpressed in BC tissues and was associated with poor patient survival. Results of immunohistochemistry found that NEDD8 was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes of BC patients. Suppression of NEDD8 could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells. Knocking down NEDD8 could induce apoptosis and G2 phase arrest of cell cycle progression. In vivo, suppression of NEDD8 restricted growth and metastasis of tumors in mice. In conclusion, NEDD8 has important roles in regulating the progression of BC cells and was associated with poor prognosis of patients; hence, it may become a potential therapeutic target of BC.
A case of primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, with cytotoxic phenotype showing multiple ulcers on the entire body
Authors: Obara Koya , Mii Sumiyuki , Amoh Yasuyuki
Published: November 2018

Primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (pcPTCL‐NOS), is a rare, aggressive, fatal type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. The clinical presentation of pcPTCL‐NOS is characterized by generalized plaques, nodules or tumors but ulcers are uncommon. We report an atypical case of pcPTCL‐NOS with cytotoxic protein expression, presenting as multiple ulcers on the entire body. A 48‐year‐old man first presented with pruritic papules on the trunk. The papules gradually increased in number and became ulcerated. We finally diagnosed pcPTCL‐NOS because of diffuse dermal infiltration of medium‐ to large‐sized pleomorphic CD4 positive lymphoid cells. Ulceration suggests infiltration of lymphoid cells expressing cytotoxic proteins, which can induce apoptosis in the epidermis and dermis. Our patient died of bacterial sepsis that invaded from the uncontrollable ulcers. A suspicion of pcPTCL‐NOS is needed when encountering clinical pictures of refractory multiple ulcers and a biopsy should always be performed, because treatment delay may lead to a very poor prognosis.
Prevalence and progression of diabetic nephropathy in South Asian, white European and African Caribbean people with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jadawji Chandni , Crasto Winston , Gillies Clare , Kar Debasish , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh , Seidu Samuel
Published: November 2018

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published observational evidence to assess the difference in the prevalence and progression of diabetic nephropathy, and the development of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in people from three different ethnic groups with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Materials and methods

Relevant studies were identified in a literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and reference lists of relevant studies published up to May 2018. We decided a priori that there were no differences in the prevalence and progression of diabetic nephropathy, and the development of ESRD in the three ethnicities with T2DM. Pooled relative risks of microalbuminuria by ethnicity were estimated by fitting three random effects meta‐analyses models. A narrative synthesis of the nephropathy progression in the studies was carried out. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018107350).

Results

Thirty‐two studies with data on 153 827 unique participants were eligible for inclusion in the review. The pooled prevalence ratio of microalbuminuria in South Asian compared with white European participants was 1.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99, 1.32; P = 0.065), while for African Caribbean vs South Asian participants the pooled prevalence ratio was 1.08 (95% CI 0.93, 1.24; P = 0.327). Results for renal decline were inconsistent, with preponderance towards a high rate of disease progression in South Asian compared with white participants. The estimated pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) for ESRD was significantly higher in African Caribbean vs white European participants: 2.75 (95% CI 2.01, 3.48; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this review did not show a significant link between ethnicity (South Asian, white European and African Caribbean) and the prevalence of microalbuminuria; however, the IRR for ESRD in African Caribbean compared with white European participants was significantly higher. Further research is needed to explore the potential non‐albuminuric pathways of progression to ESRD.
Three‐dimensional echocardiography of mechanical circulatory support devices
Authors: Nguyen Vidang P. , Qin Alex , Kirkpatrick James N.
Published: November 2018

Two‐dimensional echocardiography is a crucial component for assessing the position and function of mechanical circulatory support devices, but three‐dimensional echocardiography provides additional information to aid in management and may improve accuracy in the assessment of these devices. In this article, we review the utility of three‐dimensional echocardiography of various mechanical circulatory support devices.
New classification of geometric patterns considering left ventricular volume in patients with chronic aortic valve regurgitation: Prevalence and association with adverse cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Barbieri Andrea , Giubertoni Elisa , Bartolacelli Ylenia , Bursi Francesca , Manicardi Marcella , Boriani Giuseppe
Published: November 2018

Background

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling due to aortic regurgitation (AR) often leads to maladaptive responses. We assessed the prevalence and clinical implications of LV remodeling considering LV volume, mass, and relative wall thickness at the time of AR diagnosis.

Methods and Results

Between 2008 and 2017, 370 consecutive patients (mean age 67.3 ± 16.1 years, 56.5% males), with moderate or severe AR, were retrospectively analyzed. LV geometric patterns and clinical outcomes (cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, or aortic valve replacement) were evaluated. LV dilatation (LV end‐diastolic volume >75 mL/m2) was present in 228 patients (61.6%). Applying the new LV remodeling classification system, 40 (10.8%) patients had normal geometry, 14 (3.8%) concentric remodeling, 43 (11.6%) concentric hypertrophy (LVH), 45 (12.2%) indeterminate LVH, 38 (10.3%) mixed LVH, 93 (25.1%) dilated LVH, 54 (14.6%) eccentric LVH, and 43 (11.6%) eccentric remodeling. During a median follow‐up of 3.48 years (25th–75th percentile 0.91–5.57), 97 (26.2%) had the combined endpoint. LV dilation (P < 0.001), LVH (P < 0.001), and LV remodeling patterns were significantly associated with the combined endpoint. After multivariable adjustment for age, EF, aortic stenosis, CAD history, and moderate mitral regurgitation, dilated LVH (HR 7.61, IC 95% 1.82–31.80; P = 0.005) and eccentric LVH (HR 7.91, IC 95% 1.82–34.38; P = 0.006) were associated with adverse outcome compared to eccentric remodeling, that showed the best event‐free survival rate.

Conclusions

In a contemporary cohort of patients with AR, applying the new LV remodeling classification system, only a minority had normal geometry. Dilated LVH and eccentric LVH showed distinct outcome penalty after adjustment for confounders.
Characterization of Phytophthora cinnamomi from common walnut in Southern Europe environment
Authors: Vitale Salvatore , Scotton Michele , Vettraino Anna Maria , Vannini Andrea , Haegi Anita , Luongo Laura , Scarpari Marzia , Belisario Alessandra
Published: November 2018

Forty‐eight isolates of Phytophthora cinnamomi obtained from common walnut were analysed according to their variability in growth at different temperatures, virulence, sensitivity to metalaxyl and in genomic DNA. Isolates were obtained from commercial common walnut orchards located in northern Italy and in southern France. Inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) were analysed for the 49 isolates, 43 of which were Italian, 6 French; an isolate of the same species obtained from Viburnum spp. was used as an outgroup. ANOVA on phenotypic characters showed a significant impact of the geographic location of the orchard on isolate variability in terms of reaction to temperatures and aggressiveness. In turn, clustering obtained with UPGMA analysis on genetic data was almost exclusively dependant on isolate variability, nevertheless the 48 isolates seem to share a common variability that differentiates the group from the isolate from Viburnum spp. Correlation between phenotypic and genetic traits was not statistically significant. In conclusion, phenotypic variability like virulence seemed to be conditioned from geographic origin while the genetic variability of P. cinnamomi isolates from walnut was associated to the single genotype.
How green alternatives to chemical pesticides are environmentally friendly and more efficient
Authors: Huang Xinqi , Zhao Jun , Zhou Xing , Han Yunsong , Zhang Jinbo , Cai Zucong
Published: November 2018

Various soil management strategies that use disinfestation are important in the control of soil‐borne diseases before planting. However, only a few studies pay attention to preventing pathogen reinfestation during host plant cultivation, which is also important for the stable control of soil‐borne diseases. Here we used various pre‐planting management strategies to disinfest a field severely infested with Fusarium oxysporum, and then investigated changes in the potential pathogen and microbial communities during the 11 months of host plant cultivation. The soil microbial numbers, diversity, community structure and composition varied considerably across the soils treated by dazomet fumigation and reductive soil disinfestations (RSDs) using ethanol, bagasse and bean dregs. The Fusarium inoculum decreased to the same degree in the disinfested soils with the various methods. After the cultivation of lisianthus (Eustoma russellianum (Hook.) G. Don), microbial numbers, diversity and community structure tended to be similar and Fusarium increased markedly in these soils. Furthermore, the increase in relative abundance of Fusarium, especially in the RSD‐treated soils amended with bagasse, was significantly less than in the soils amended with non‐plant residues. Further analyses showed that the increases in microbial diversity and relative abundance of Zopfiella and Mycothermus were significantly and negatively correlated with the increase in Fusarium relative abundance. The additional sources of carbon supplied in the disinfested soil positively affected the development of the soil microbiota and prevented Fusarium reinfestation resulting from host plant cultivation, which should be considered for achieving stable disease suppression in the future.

Highlights

We studied Fusarium reinfestation resulting from host plant cultivation in various soil environments.

Plant cultivation led to uniformity in the development of different soil microbiota.

Fusarium reinfestation depended strongly on soil environment.

Increased microbial diversity and specific microbial groups prevented Fusarium reinfestation.
Tracheal rupture following general anaesthesia in a horse
Authors: Miller C. , Auckburally A.
Published: November 2018

A Dutch Warmblood, with no other underlying clinical disease, presented for surgical excision of a sarcoid tumour on the distal right pinna under general anaesthesia. At the end of the procedure, immediately before being moved to recovery, the horse became light and made repeated attempts to move whilst attached to the hoist. Anaesthesia was deepened with intravenous thiopental sodium (Thiopentone)1and the horse was moved into the recovery room. The trachea was extubated with the cuff of the endotracheal tube inadvertently left partially inflated. Recovery was smooth and the horse stood uneventfully. The following day subcutaneous emphysema was noted along the neck and tracheoscopy revealed an abnormal dorsoventrally flattened trachea and a 5 cm tear in the dorsal aspect of the trachea. Symptomatic treatment resulted in progressive healing of the lesion and the horse recovered fully with no evidence of respiratory complications.
Analytical study on the mode III stress fields due to blunt notches with cracks
Authors: Zappalorto Michele , Salviato Marco , Maragoni Lucio
Published: November 2018

This work presents an analytical study on the stress fields induced by cracks nucleated at the tip of radiused notches under antiplane shear and torsion loadings. Closed‐form solutions for both shallow and deep notches are derived leveraging a combination of proper curvilinear coordinate systems and the complex potential method for antiplane elasticity. Based on the exact stress field solutions, convenient expressions for the stress intensity factors are derived.

The accuracy of all the analytical formulations is verified by comparison with the results from a bulk of numerical analyses.
Twenty‐first‐century climate change impacts on marine animal biomass and ecosystem structure across ocean basins
Authors: Bryndum‐Buchholz Andrea , Tittensor Derek P. , Blanchard Julia L. , Cheung William W. L. , Coll Marta , Galbraith Eric D. , Jennings Simon , Maury Olivier , Lotze Heike K.
Published: November 2018

Climate change effects on marine ecosystems include impacts on primary production, ocean temperature, species distributions, and abundance at local to global scales. These changes will significantly alter marine ecosystem structure and function with associated socio‐economic impacts on ecosystem services, marine fisheries, and fishery‐dependent societies. Yet how these changes may play out among ocean basins over the 21st century remains unclear, with most projections coming from single ecosystem models that do not adequately capture the range of model uncertainty. We address this by using six marine ecosystem models within the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project (Fish‐MIP) to analyze responses of marine animal biomass in all major ocean basins to contrasting climate change scenarios. Under a high emissions scenario (RCP8.5), total marine animal biomass declined by an ensemble mean of 15%–30% (±12%–17%) in the North and South Atlantic and Pacific, and the Indian Ocean by 2100, whereas polar ocean basins experienced a 20%–80% (±35%–200%) increase. Uncertainty and model disagreement were greatest in the Arctic and smallest in the South Pacific Ocean. Projected changes were reduced under a low (RCP2.6) emissions scenario. Under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, biomass projections were highly correlated with changes in net primary production and negatively correlated with projected sea surface temperature increases across all ocean basins except the polar oceans. Ecosystem structure was projected to shift as animal biomass concentrated in different size‐classes across ocean basins and emissions scenarios. We highlight that climate change mitigation measures could moderate the impacts on marine animal biomass by reducing biomass declines in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean basins. The range of individual model projections emphasizes the importance of using an ensemble approach in assessing uncertainty of future change.
Natural Stimuli Calibration with Fining Direction Regularization in an Integrated Hydrologic Model
Authors: Berg Steven J. , Grosso Nancy R. , Sherrier Michael P. , Mudrick Kevin , Ohr Matthias , Hwang Hyoun‐Tae , Park Young‐Jin , Callaghan Michael V. , Frey Steven K. , Sudicky Edward A.
Published: November 2018

The interaction between surface water and groundwater during flood events is a complex process that has traditionally been described using simplified analytical solutions, or abstracted numerical models. To make the problem tractable, it is common to idealize the flood event, simplify river channel geometry, and ignore bank soil heterogeneity, often resulting in a model that only loosely represents the site, thus limiting its applicability to any specific river cross‐section. In this study, we calibrate a site‐specific fully‐integrated surface and subsurface HydroGeoSphere model using flood events for a cross‐section along the South River near Waynesboro, VA. The calibration approach presented in this study demonstrates the incorporation of fining direction regularization with a highly parameterized inversion driven by natural stimuli, to develop several realistic realizations of hydraulic conductivity fields that reflect the depositional history of the system. Specifically, we calibrate a model with 365 unique material zones to multiple flood events recorded in a dense well network while incorporating possible fining sequences consistent with the depositional history of the riverbank. Over 25,000 individual simulations were completed using calibration software and a cloud platform specifically designed for highly parallelized computing environments. The results of this study demonstrate the use of fining direction regularization during model calibration to generate multiple calibrated model realizations that account for the depositional environment of the system.
Histopathological diagnosis of persistent pruritic eruptions associated with adult‐onset Still's disease
Authors: Qiao Jianjun , Zhou Sha , Li Sheng , Xue Ruzeng , Pan Yunlei , Tang Shunli , Sun Qingmiao , Wu Yanyan , Wang Su , Wu Yinhua , Bai Juan , Qu Tingting , Zhang Xiuming , Sun Chuanyin , Fang Hong
Published: November 2018

Aims

Persistent pruritic eruptions (PPEs), presenting with dyskeratotic keratinocytes histologically, are characteristic skin rash in patients with adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD). The lesions may be histologically similar to other entities that present with dyskeratosis. In the present study, we compared the histopathological features between PPEs and other entities presenting with dyskeratosis.

Methods and results

To investigate whether histopathological findings can be used to discriminate among PPEs and other entities presenting with dyskeratotic keratinocytes, cutaneous histopathological changes of PPEs associated with AOSD (n = 26) were compared with those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 16), dermatomyositis (n = 19), and drug eruption (n = 16). Dyskeratosis was observed in the upper one‐third of the epidermal layer in all 26 PPEs. The rate of dyskeratosis for PPEs was higher than that for SLE (18.8%) and dermatomyositis (15.8%). In drug eruptions, the dyskeratotic cells were distributed in all levels of the epidermis. Variable densities of neutrophils were found in the dermis in all PPEs.

Conclusions

Although this was a retrospective study conducted at a single centre, presentation of dyskeratotic keratinocytes in the upper one‐third of the epidermal layer is a distinctive histopathological reactive pattern of PPEs. This pattern may be a useful histopathological marker for early diagnosis of AOSD.
High PTGS2 expression in post‐neoadjuvant chemotherapy‐treated oesophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with improved survival: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Spence Andrew D , Trainor James , McMenamin Úna , Turkington Richard C , McQuaid Stephen , Bingham Victoria , James Jacqueline , Salto‐Tellez Manuel , McManus Damian T , Johnston Brian T , Cardwell Chris R , Coleman Helen G
Published: November 2018

Aims

High prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase‐2 (PTGS2) enzyme expression in oesophageal adenocarcinoma has been shown to independently predict poor prognosis; however, the evidence is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigated the association between PTGS2 expression and prognosis in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods and results

A cohort of 135 patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery from 2004 to 2012 was identified in the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre. Tissue microarrays were created in the Northern Ireland Biobank, with triplicate cores being sampled from each tumour. Immunohistochemical PTGS2 expression was scored by two independent assessors, with intensity and proportion of tumour staining being used to calculate H‐scores for each patient. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall and cancer‐specific survival, and recurrence‐free survival by PTGS2 expression, with adjustment for potential confounders. Patients were followed up for a mean of 3.0 years (standard deviation 1.8 years). The PTGS2 expression cut‐off value was determined from the median H‐score of the cohort (270/300). High (n = 79), as compared with low (n = 56), PTGS2 expression was associated with improved cancer‐specific survival (adjusted HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.94; P = 0.03). PTGS2 expression was not significantly associated with recurrence‐free survival (adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.52–1.38; P = 0.51).

Conclusions

High PTGS2 expression in oesophageal adenocarcinoma tissue was associated with improved overall and cancer‐specific survival, in contrast to previous evidence. As this is the first study of its kind to include patients who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy, further studies are needed to clarify these associations.
The histological diagnosis of IgG4‐related disease on small biopsies: challenges and pitfalls
Authors: Arora Kshitij , Rivera Miguel , Ting David T , Deshpande Vikram
Published: November 2018

Aims

The pathological diagnosis of IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) relies on histology, IgG4‐positive cells, and an increased IgG4/IgG ratio. Small biopsies from patients with a presumptive diagnosis of IgG4‐RD often fail to meet consensus histological criteria. The aims of this study were to evaluate consecutive small biopsies from patients with a presumptive diagnosis of IgG4‐RD, and to assess the significance of the pathological findings.

Methods and results

We evaluated 55 small biopsies from patients with a presumptive diagnosis of IgG4‐RD. The retrospective cohort comprised 71 patients with IgG4‐RD and 57 mimics. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in‐situ hybridisation (ISH) for IgG4 and IgG. Twenty‐six patients from the prospective cohort met the histological criteria for IgG4‐RD (definite); 29 patients lacked one or more pathological features (borderline). Twenty biopsies (36%) lacked both storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis, and nine (16%) lacked an increase in the number of IgG4‐positive plasma cells. Ninety‐three per cent of patients showed an IgG4/total IgG ratio of >40% (>30% by ISH). There were no differences in the incidence of multiorgan disease (P = 0.9), serum IgG4 levels (P = 0.6) and response to therapy between the definite and borderline groups. A strong correlation (Pearson 0.77) between the IHC and ISH platforms was noted with regard to the IgG4/total IgG ratio.

Conclusion

Patients with a presumptive diagnosis of IgG4‐RD but lacking the characteristic pathological features of this disease appear to be clinically similar to those who meet the current pathological criteria. An elevated IgG4/total IgG ratio is the most sensitive pathological feature, and ISH provides a robust quantification platform. We recommend evaluating tumefactive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates with an increased IgG4/IgG ratio, regardless of histological features, for IgG4‐RD.
Reduced song complexity in founder populations of a widely distributed songbird
Authors: Hill Samuel D. , Pawley Matthew D.M.
Published: November 2018

Reduced vocal diversity in founder populations of songbirds is particularly well described in congeners and conspecifics introduced to remote islands but has rarely been examined in species that have been introduced to both island and mainland systems across an expansive geographical range. We examined male between‐ and within‐song complexity variations between founder and native populations of the widely distributed Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and predicted reduced complexity within individuals from founder populations. The percentage of unique songs within a repertoire and within‐song complexity were significantly lower in Mynas from founder populations. This reduced song complexity suggests that vocal founder effects may be exhibited in both island and mainland founder populations.
Larval exposure to low salinity compromises metamorphosis and growth in the colonial ascidian Botrylloides violaceus
Authors: Lambert Walter J. , Dijkstra Jennifer A. , Clark Emily , Connolly Joanne
Published: November 2018

Coastal and estuarine ecosystems exhibit extreme fluctuations in abiotic factors that influence the success and distribution of many introduced marine invertebrates. The frequency of these fluctuations may worsen under the scenario of climate change due to more intense storm events or greater precipitation. While many studies have focused on the response of adult ascidians to salinity, few have examined the response of larvae to low salinity events or post‐metamorphic asexual reproduction after larval exposure to low salinity. Here we tested the effect of low salinity on larval metamorphosis and post‐metamorphic growth of the introduced ascidian Botrylloides violaceus. We exposed tadpole larvae to salinities ranging 0–30 ppt. Tadpoles metamorphosed in salinities as low as 16 ppt and percent metamorphosis of larvae was not significantly different at salinities >20 ppt. A few tadpoles metamorphosed within 2–4 hr after release, and larval metamorphosis continued for 3–4 days, suggesting that larvae could disperse considerable distances. We then tested post‐metamorphic survival, growth, and asexual reproduction of larvae exposed (5–7 days) to varying salinities (18, 20, 25, and 30 ppt), and placed the resulting colonies in full‐salinity natural seawater; colony growth was monitored for 9 weeks post‐metamorphosis. Results indicated that colonies whose larvae were exposed to low salinity (<25 ppt) had fewer zooids than colonies from larvae exposed to seawater at 30 ppt, but total area occupied by each colony was similar among salinity treatments. Because each individual zooid within a colony filter‐feeds and reproduces through asexual budding, fewer feeding individuals within a colony will likely reduce future growth and reproduction. Due to the likelihood of more frequent heavy rain events and low‐salinity conditions for the northwest Atlantic Ocean, there is need for continued research to assess the response of ascidians to factors like salinity and to evaluate the spread of ascidians and their adaptation to estuarine and coastal habitats.
Effect of meat and water temperature and emulsion speed on the industrial process for chicken mortadella
Authors: Cenci Daniel Frigeri , Kilian Josiane , Janeczko Marcelo Urban , Manzoli Alexandra , Rigo Elisandra , Soares Mónica Beatriz Alvarado
Published: November 2018

A 23 factorial design was performed to evaluate the meat and water temperature and the emulsification speed effects in relation to the physical state of animal proteins added to the emulsion process for chicken mortadella production. The dependent variables studied were instrumental texture, pH, protein, lipid, lipid oxidation, and sensory analysis. Under study conditions, the parameter for emulsion speed and water temperature had no significant difference to chemical analyses on the process. Yet, shear force showed a significant difference between treatments in the proportion of raw meat (chilled/frozen). The pH and TBAR values presented no significant difference between treatments, but it had differences during storage period, however inside of acceptable limits. The shear force was influenced by proportions of chilled/frozen raw meat, because the increase in the amount of cooled raw material is beneficial for sensory characteristics. The treatment T9 had a higher acceptability (82.07%), with conditions of process emulsification at 700 rpm, proportion of chilled/frozen raw meat material (1,280/1,280) and added water at 32 °C, resulting in a final 1.5 °C emulsified mass temperature. The proteins, lipid values, and microbiological analysis indicated that the mortadella is found within legislation parameters and the optimized process was successful.

Practical applications

The increasing demand for food quality product by consumers has made the food industry more competitive, thus making the supply of standardized, quality, and accessible products to the market extremely important. This study provides valuable information for the food industry, especially for emulsified meat products. In the industry, frozen and chilled meat raw materials and water are used to help in mixing with other ingredient. However, attention should be taken on the proportions and temperature that raw materials are used, as these have direct influence on the stability and quality emulsion and, consequently on the final product as well. To maintain the product standard quality, the standardization of operational parameters such as emulsification speed, chilled/frozen meat proportion, and water temperature were performed. The results showed that mortadella texture could be improved by the proportions of chilled/frozen raw material, being well accepted by consumers.
Analysing a disaster management field exercise with SOL‐methodology
Authors: Jackovics Peter , Czaban Csaba
Published: November 2018

Safety through Organisational Learning methodology, as a proven tool for supporting organisational learning from safety relevant events, means that an organisation conducts systematic analyses of accidents, incidents or near misses and feeds the resulting experience back to its members using an appropriate reporting or management system. It was the first time that SOL‐methodology was used for Evaluating an International Disaster Management Field Exercise by European Project Partners. The general purpose of the project was testing SOL as a post‐evaluating procedure for this full‐scale field exercise. It was an important declared goal to provide the European Union with a comprehensive picture about the process of the field exercise. The particular purposes of the event analysis were to identify the main individual, group or organisational reasons for, and key technological factors of, the events that occurred. Analysing with SOL allows the identification of concrete alternative corrective actions/measures by which the probability that similar events occur in the future can radically be reduced. Furthermore, such measures help organisational learning, thereby contributing to the development and maintenance of a long‐term, safe organisational culture.
Degraded aflatoxin M1 in artificially contaminated fermented milk using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum affected by some bio‐physical factors
Authors: Sokoutifar Roghayeh , Razavilar Vadood , Anvar Amir Ali , Shoeiby Shahram
Published: November 2018

This study was focused on measuring the percent value of degraded aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in the industrial and traditional fermented milk product (Doogh in Persian) using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, and a combination of them at concentrations of 104 cfu/ml associated with the selected bio‐physical factors including Temperature of produced Doogh at 4, 21, and 37 °C and Time of Doogh storage (0, 48 hr, 11 days, and 30 days). These results showed that the level of AFM1 binding to L. acidophilus at concentration of 1 × 104 cfu/ml increased in a temperature‐dependent manner from the second day of the research for traditional produced Doogh (100.0 ± 0.37) compared with those of other days of the experiment. These findings were repeated for industrially produced Doogh with slight difference at 30 days of experiment (94.28 ± 0.47) with significant differences (p < .05) compared with those of the second and the 11th days (100.0 ± 0.37 and 100.0 ± 0.45, respectively). It is concluded that the use of L. acidophilus and L. plantarum can be useful for binding the AFM1 presented in fermented milk especially at long storage time and higher degrees of temperature (21 and 37 °C).

Practical applications

One of the most reasons for application the probiotics in to milk and dairy products such as fermented milk (Doogh) has been reducing the amount of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). In this study, the findings showed that lactic acid bacteria bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum have appropriate ability to bind to AFM1 in fermented milk but L. plantarum presented greater ability to degrade AFM1 particularly at long storage time (up to 11 days) and higher degrees of temperature (21 and 37 °C).
‘It's All About Justice’: Bodies, Balancing Competing Interests, and Suspicious Deaths
Authors: Jones Imogen
Published: November 2018

This article draws upon a series of interviews with Home Office Registered Forensic Pathologists to understand how they view and balance competing interests in a deceased body. The actions and professional ethos of this small group of doctors who carry out autopsies in suspicious death cases have very real consequences for both the living and dead. We need to understand the decisions that are being made about our bodies and the remains of those who matter to us, what motivates these and whether they stand up to scrutiny. It is argued that retributive justice both inspires the pathologists and justifies the distress that investigations of suspicious death can cause the bereaved. This approach aims to treat all parties humanely and with sensitivity, but without compromising the need for findings of criminal wrongdoing to be based on evidence and as the outcome of a fair legal process.
Reading Durkheim in Darkness
Authors: Greenhouse Carol J.
Published: November 2018

This article is a contribution to the occasional series dealing with major books that have influenced the authors. Previous contributors include Stewart Macaulay, John Griffith, William Twining, Carol Harlow, Geoffrey Bindman, Harry Arthurs, André‐Jean Arnaud, Alan Hunt, Michael Adler, Lawrence O. Gostin, John P. Heinz, Roger Brownsword, Roger Cotterrell, and Nicola Lacey.

I have chosen Émile Durkheim's Division of Labor in Society (1893). As for many social scientists, Division was part of my introduction to anthropology, especially for its key concepts of collective consciousness and social solidarity. A standard reading of it formulates Durkheim's idea of law as the expression of collective consciousness; however, later circumstances of rereading gave me a sense of his own doubts on this very possibility. As my ethnographic work has increasingly focused on the strategic aggrandizement of federal power in the United States, I have been surprised to find myself repeatedly reaching for Durkheim's book – particularly for its association of the value of social science with the vulnerability of modern society to democratic crisis.
Microvessels may Confound the “Swallow Tail Sign” in Normal Aged Midbrains: A Postmortem 7 T SW‐MRI Study
Authors: Kau Thomas , Hametner Simon , Endmayr Verena , Deistung Andreas , Prihoda Max , Haimburger Evelin , Menard Christian , Haider Thomas , Höftberger Romana , Robinson Simon , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , Lassmann Hans , Traxler Hannes , Trattnig Siegfried , Grabner Günther
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) plays a role in the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, but lacks widespread acceptance in clinical routine. In a descriptive pilot study, we assessed hypointense microstructures of the normal substantia nigra pars compacta at ultrahigh‐field strength for interpretation of the “swallow tail sign.”

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla was performed in five postmortem samples obtained from subjects not affected by Parkinson's disease. Susceptibility weighted images, including minimum intensity projections, were created followed by consensus assessment for microvascular confound. Histological workup in this case‐control study included iron and myelin staining. Seven Tesla SWI images from the reference cohort of nine living subjects, all of which showed a positive “swallow tail sign” in their midbrains, were assessed visually.

RESULTS

All specimens showed microvessels running through the dorsal pars compacta and along the caudolateral circumference of the red nucleus. Hypointense imaging patterns in the medial part of the “swallow tail” were due to susceptibility effects of iron deposits and microvessels. In eight out of nine control subjects, one or more microvessels were detected medial to the dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity or at least unilaterally in the medial part of the “swallow tail.” One microvessel crossing nigrosome 1 was found in two in‐vivo cases.

CONCLUSION

Both iron deposits and microvessels contribute to the hyposignal surrounding nigrosome 1 in susceptibility weighted imaging of normal aged midbrains at ultrahigh‐field strength. When assessing the substantia nigra for the presence or absence of the “swallow tail sign,” intrinsic vessels may be a sporadic confounder.
The therapeutic potential of the insect metalloproteinase inhibitor against infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Eisenhardt Michaela , Schlupp Peggy , Höfer Frank , Schmidts Thomas , Hoffmann Daniel , Czermak Peter , Pöppel Anne-Kathrin , Vilcinskas Andreas , Runkel Frank
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of the insect metalloproteinase inhibitor (IMPI) from Galleria mellonella, the only known specific inhibitor of M4 metalloproteinases.

Methods

The fusion protein IMPI-GST (glutathione-S-transferase) was produced by fermentation in Escherichia coli and was tested for its ability to inhibit the proteolytic activity of the M4 metalloproteinases thermolysin and Pseudomonas elastase (PE), the latter a key virulence factor of the wound-associated and antibiotic-resistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also tested the ability of IMPI to inhibit the secretome (Sec) of a P. aeruginosa strain obtained from a wound.

Key findings

We found that IMPI-GST inhibited thermolysin and PE in vitro and increased the viability of human keratinocytes exposed to Sec by inhibiting detachment caused by changes in cytoskeletal morphology. IMPI-GST also improved the cell migration rate in an in vitro wound assay and reduced the severity of necrosis caused by Sec in an ex vivo porcine wound model.

Conclusions

The inhibition of virulence factors is a novel therapeutic approach against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Our results indicate that IMPI is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
Spatial perspective of hexavalent chromium concentration in superficial waters of the Ciénaga de las Quintas Mangrove Swamp, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Authors: Villalobos Dámaso Blanco , Mendoza Dina del C. , Martínez Pájaro Cesar , Herrera Reynaldo Fajardo , Lambis‐Miranda Henry A.
Published: November 2018

A spatial characterization was undertaken to demonstrate the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in surface waters (maximum depth of 0.5 m) in the Ciénaga de las Quintas mangrove swamp, located in the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. This characterization was geostatistical in nature, an approach that is little used in such studies, although it offers two‐dimensional profiles of the concentration of relevant contaminants (hexavalent chromium in this case) with concentrations between 3 and 9.2 μg/L. Sampling was carried out systematically on a square grid with a cell size of one ha (100 m × 100 m). To corroborate the relationship between the sample positions and concentrations, the Euclidean distance matrices of each variable were calculated previous step for conducting the Mantel test, which indicated a positive correlation between the distance and concentration of hexavalent chromium (R = 0,1674: p value = 0.1275). The Moran Index was also calculated for Cr (VI). The experimental semivariogram (γ)was also calculated and fit to the exponential theoretical model, with a correlation coefficient of 99.4%. Using this analytical model of variance, predictions of Cr (VI) concentrations were made for unsampled locations, using the Kriging method with a new mesh side of only 10 m. This approach indicated the new mesh points exhibiting the higher concentrations coincided with locations in the swamp that receiving sewage effluents from the Bazurto public grocery market and the Chinatown neighbourhood. The Cr (VI) contamination was of anthropogenic origin because its concentration displays a gradient from the zone of human activities to the Cartagena de Indias bay.
A Capable Surgeon and a Willing Electrologist: Challenges to the Expansion of Transgender Surgical Care in the United States
Authors: Plemons Eric
Published: November 2018

Since 2014, public and private insurance coverage for transgender Americans’ surgical care has increased exponentially. Training clinicians and equipping institutions to meet the surge in demand has not been as rapid. Through ethnographic research at a surgical workshop focused on trans‐ genital reconstruction and in a U.S. hospital working to grow its transgender health program, this article shows that effects of the decades‐long insurance exclusion of trans‐ surgery are not easily remedied through the recent event of its inclusion because patient access is not the only thing that has been restricted by coverage denial. Decades of excluding coverage for trans‐ genital reconstructive surgery have limited the development and circulation of technical skills required to perform these procedures, as well as the administrative processes needed to integrate them into existing clinical workflows. One surgeon estimates that turning expanded access into realized care is “a five or six‐year problem.”
How quantitative is metabarcoding: A meta‐analytical approach
Authors: Lamb Philip D. , Hunter Ewan , Pinnegar John K. , Creer Simon , Davies Richard G. , Taylor Martin I.
Published: November 2018

Metabarcoding has been used in a range of ecological applications such as taxonomic assignment, dietary analysis and the analysis of environmental DNA. However, after a decade of use in these applications there is little consensus on the extent to which proportions of reads generated corresponds to the original proportions of species in a community. To quantify our current understanding, we conducted a structured review and meta‐analysis. The analysis suggests that a weak quantitative relationship may exist between the biomass and sequences produced (slope = 0.52 ± 0.34, p < 0.01), albeit with a large degree of uncertainty. None of the tested moderators, sequencing platform type, the number of species used in a trial or the source of DNA, were able to explain the variance. Our current understanding of the factors affecting the quantitative performance of metabarcoding is still limited: additional research is required before metabarcoding can be confidently utilized for quantitative applications. Until then, we advocate the inclusion of mock communities when metabarcoding as this facilitates direct assessment of the quantitative ability of any given study.
Kinase activity of SOBIR1 and BAK1 is required for immune signalling
Authors: van der Burgh Aranka M. , Postma Jelle , Robatzek Silke , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J.
Published: November 2018

Leucine‐rich repeat‐receptor‐like proteins (LRR‐RLPs) and LRR‐receptor‐like kinases (LRR‐RLKs) trigger immune signalling to promote plant resistance against pathogens. LRR‐RLPs lack an intracellular kinase domain, and several of these receptors have been shown to constitutively interact with the LRR‐RLK Suppressor of BIR1‐1/EVERSHED (SOBIR1/EVR) to form signalling‐competent receptor complexes. Ligand perception by LRR‐RLPs initiates recruitment of the co‐receptor BRI1‐Associated Kinase 1/Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase 3 (BAK1/SERK3) to the LRR‐RLP/SOBIR1 complex, thereby activating LRR‐RLP‐mediated immunity. We employed phosphorylation analysis of in planta‐produced proteins, live cell imaging, gene silencing and co‐immunoprecipitation to investigate the roles of SOBIR1 and BAK1 in immune signalling. We show that Arabidopsis thaliana (At) SOBIR1, which constitutively activates immune responses when overexpressed in planta, is highly phosphorylated. Moreover, in addition to the kinase activity of SOBIR1 itself, kinase‐active BAK1 is essential for AtSOBIR1‐induced constitutive immunity and for the phosphorylation of AtSOBIR1. Furthermore, the defence response triggered by the tomato LRR‐RLP Cf‐4 on perception of Avr4 from the extracellular pathogenic fungus Cladosporium fulvum is dependent on kinase‐active BAK1. We argue that, in addition to the trans‐autophosphorylation of SOBIR1, it is likely that SOBIR1 and BAK1 transphosphorylate, and thereby activate the receptor complex. The signalling‐competent cell surface receptor complex subsequently activates downstream cytoplasmic signalling partners to initiate RLP‐mediated immunity.
Non‐invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation prevents postoperative ileus and endotoxemia in mice
Authors: Hong Gun‐Soo , Zillekens Anne , Schneiker Bianca , Pantelis Dimitrios , de Jonge Wouter J. , Schaefer Nico , Kalff Joerg C. , Wehner Sven
Published: November 2018

Background

The cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway comprises the perception of peripheral inflammation by afferent sensory neurons and reflex activation of efferent vagus nerve activity to regulate inflammation. Activation of this pathway was shown to reduce the inflammatory response and improve outcome of postoperative ileus (POI) and sepsis in rodents. Herein, we tested if a non‐invasive auricular electrical transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) affects inflammation in models of POI or endotoxemia.

Methods

Mice underwent tVNS or sham stimulation before and after induction of either POI by intestinal manipulation (IM) or endotoxemia by lipopolysaccharide administration. Some animals underwent a preoperative right cervical vagotomy. Neuronal activation of the solitary tract nucleus (NTS) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) were analyzed by immunohistological detection of c‐fos+ cells. Gene and protein expression of IL‐6, MCP‐1, IL‐1β as well as leukocyte infiltration and gastrointestinal transit were analyzed at different time points after IM. IL‐6, TNFα, and IL‐1β serum levels were analyzed 3 hours after lipopolysaccharide administration.

Results

tVNS activated the NTS and DMV and reduced intestinal cytokine expression, reduced leukocyte recruitment to the manipulated intestine segment, and improved gastrointestinal transit after IM. Endotoxemia‐induced IL‐6 and TNF‐α release was also reduced by tVNS. The protective effects of tVNS on POI and endotoxemia were abrogated by vagotomy.

Conclusion

tVNS prevents intestinal and systemic inflammation. Activation of the DMV indicates an afferent to efferent central circuitry of the tVNS stimulation and the beneficial effects of tVNS depend on an intact vagus nerve. tVNS may become a non‐invasive approach for treatment of POI.
Water, water everywhere … but how does it affect the functional diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi?
Authors: Johnson David
Published: November 2018

This article is a Commentary on Barnes et al., 220: 1172–1184.
Passengers and drivers of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities at different scales
Authors: Hempel Stefan
Published: November 2018

This article is a Commentary on Neuenkamp et al., 220: 1236–1247 and Van Geel et al., 220: 1262–1272.