bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The farming environment protects mice from allergen‐induced skin contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Frossard C. P. , Lazarevic V. , Gaïa N. , Leo S. , Doras C. , Habre W. , Schrenzel J. , Burger D. , Eigenmann P. A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Being born and raised in a farm provides a long‐lasting protection for allergies. The microbial environment provided by farm animals is crucial to induce this protective effect, although underlying immune mechanisms remain elusive.

Objective

To establish a mouse model of global exposure to the farming environment and to study immunologic changes linked to protection of allergy.

Methods

Mice colonies were bred in parallel in a farm cowshed and the university animal facility (AF). Mice from both locations were subjected to a skin contact allergy model. Peripheral blood cells and cell cytokine production were assessed in both populations. In addition, the gut microbiome at various ages was characterized.

Results

Mice born in the farm were less prone to develop allergy than mice bred in the AF. Mice transfers between the AF and the farm showed a better protection when mice were moved to the farm early in life. As compared to AF‐bred mice, farm mice displayed early immune activation with higher CD4+ T cell population, in particular CD4+CD25+FoxP3− (activated cells). The cytokine profile of mice from the farm was skewed towards an IL‐17 and IL‐22 secreting cell profile accompanied by increased IL‐10 secretion. These differences were mostly seen within a specific age window between birth and 8 weeks of age. Microbiome analysis showed differences between 4 and 20 weeks old mice and between farm and AF mice with an increased number of Murine mastadenovirus B in young farm mice exclusively.

Conclusion

The farming environment provides a strong, allergy protective IL‐22 stimulus and generates activated CD4+ T cells. Exposure to the farm environment early in their life may also provide a better protection for contact skin allergy. Whether a viral trigger might decisively influence protection for allergies remains to be determined.
Obesity in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the Minnesota cohort: importance of adjusting body mass index for height‐age
Authors: Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Forlenza Gregory P. , Yaw Addo O. , Kyllo Jennifer , Lteif Aida , Hindmarsh P.C. , Petryk Anna , Gonzalez‐Bolanos Maria Teresa , Miller Bradley S. , Thomas William
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To evaluate obesity and overweight in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and associations with glucocorticoids, fludrocortisone and disease control. Adjusting body mass index‐for‐height‐age (BMIHA) percentile is proposed to correct misclassification of obese/overweight status in CAH children with advanced bone age and tall‐for‐age stature.

Design

Longitudinal.

Patients

One hundred and ninety‐four children with CAH seen from 1970 to 2013: 124 salt wasting (SW); 70 simple virilizing (SV); 102 females.

Measurements

Body mass index (BMI) end‐points were overweight (85–94 percentile) and obese (≥95 percentile).

Results

Approximately 50% of the children had at least one BMI measurement ≥95 percentile and about 70% had at least one ≥85 percentile. Using BMIHA percentiles, obesity incidence decreased slightly in SW children (47–43%) and markedly in SV children (50–33%); however, overweight status was not reduced. Only 6% of SW and 1% of SV children were persistently obese (≥3 clinic visits) when BMIHA was applied, whereas overweight status persisted in 35% of SW and 33% of SV children. Most obesity or overweight when using BMIHA occurred before age 10 and there was no association with hydrocortisone (HC) or fludrocortisone dosing. Adiposity rebound for SW children occurred by 3·3 years and in SV females by age 3·8 years, over a year earlier than the adiposity rebound for healthy children.

Conclusion

Children with CAH are at higher risk for early onset obesity and overweight with or without using BMIHA but rates of persistent obesity were lower than previously reported. Careful HC dosing during early childhood is needed to prevent increased weight gain and an early adiposity rebound.
Category‐Specific Salient View Selection via Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Seong‐heum , Tai Yu‐Wing , Lee Joon‐Young , Park Jaesik , Kweon In So
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we present a new framework to determine up front orientations and detect salient views of 3D models. The salient viewpoint to human preferences is the most informative projection with correct upright orientation. Our method utilizes two Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures to encode category‐specific information learnt from a large number of 3D shapes and 2D images on the web. Using the first CNN model with 3D voxel data, we generate a CNN shape feature to decide natural upright orientation of 3D objects. Once a 3D model is upright‐aligned, the front projection and salient views are scored by category recognition using the second CNN model. The second CNN is trained over popular photo collections from internet users. In order to model comfortable viewing angles of 3D models, a category‐dependent prior is also learnt from the users. Our approach effectively combines category‐specific scores and classical evaluations to produce a data‐driven viewpoint saliency map. The best viewpoints from the method are quantitatively and qualitatively validated with more than 100 objects from 20 categories. Our thumbnail images of 3D models are the most favoured among those from different approaches.
Review article including treatment algorithm: endoscopic treatment of luminal complications after bariatric surgery
Authors: Valli P. V. , Gubler C.
Published: February 2017

The worldwide number of performed bariatric surgeries is increasing continuously, whereas laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy are conducted most frequently. Alongside with the usual post‐operative and metabolic complications, luminal complications such as anastomotic bleeding, ulceration, leakage, fistula formation, enlargement and stenosis of the anastomosis may occur. Evolution of interventional endoscopy frequently allows endoscopic management of complications, avoiding surgical interventions in most cases. Here, we review the various luminal complications after bariatric surgery with a focus on their endoscopic management.
Interpreting beta‐diversity components over time to conserve metacommunities in highly dynamic ecosystems
Authors: Ruhí Albert , Datry Thibault , Sabo John L.
Published: February 2017

The concept of metacommunity (i.e., a set of local communities linked by dispersal) has gained great popularity among community ecologists. However, metacommunity research mostly addresses questions on spatial patterns of biodiversity at the regional scale, whereas conservation planning requires quantifying temporal variation in those metacommunities and the contributions that individual (local) sites make to regional dynamics. We propose that recent advances in diversity‐partitioning methods may allow for a better understanding of metacommunity dynamics and the identification of keystone sites. We used time series of the 2 components of beta diversity (richness and replacement) and the contributions of local sites to these components to examine which sites controlled source‐sink dynamics in a highly dynamic model system (an intermittent river). The relative importance of the richness and replacement components of beta diversity fluctuated over time, and sample aggregation led to underestimation of beta diversity by up to 35%. Our literature review revealed that research on intermittent rivers would benefit greatly from examination of beta‐diversity components over time. Adequately appraising spatiotemporal variability in community composition and identifying sites that are pivotal for maintaining biodiversity at the landscape scale are key needs for conservation prioritization and planning. Thus, our framework may be used to guide conservation actions in highly dynamic ecosystems when time‐series data describing biodiversity across sites connected by dispersal are available.
Effect of transversus abdominis plane block in combination with general anesthesia on perioperative opioid consumption, hemodynamics, and recovery in living liver donors: The prospective, double‐blinded, randomized study
Authors: Erdogan Mehmet A. , Ozgul Ulku , Uçar Muharrem , Yalin Mehmet R. , Colak Yusuf Z. , Çolak Cemil , Toprak Huseyin I.
Published: February 2017

Background

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides effective postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgeries. It can be also a useful strategy to reduce perioperative opioid consumption, support intraoperative hemodynamic stability, and promote early recovery from anesthesia. The aim of this prospective randomized double‐blind study was to assess the effect of subcostal TAP blocks on perioperative opioid consumption, hemodynamic, and recovery time in living liver donors.

Methods

The prospective, double‐blinded, randomized controlled study was conducted with 49 living liver donors, aged 18‐65 years, who were scheduled to undergo right hepatectomy. Patients who received subcostal TAP block in combination with general anesthesia were allocated into Group 1, and patients who received general anesthesia alone were allocated into Group 2. The TAP blocks were performed bilaterally by obtaining an image with real‐time ultrasound guidance using 0.5% bupivacaine diluted with saline to reach a total volume of 40 mL. The primary outcome measure in our study was perioperative remifentanil consumption. Secondary outcomes were mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), mean desflurane requirement, anesthesia recovery time, frequency of emergency vasopressor use, total morphine use, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Total remifentanil consumption and the anesthesia recovery time were significantly lower in Group 1 compared with Group 2. Postoperative total morphine use and length of hospital stay were also reduced. Changes in the MAP and HR were similar in the both groups. There were no significant differences in HR and MBP between groups at any time.

Conclusions

Combining subcostal TAP blocks with general anesthesia significantly reduced perioperative and postoperative opioid consumption, provided shorter anesthesia recovery time, and length of hospital stay in living liver donors.
Morphology Quiz: Cytopathology of a thyroid neoplasm
Authors: Nicola M. , Onorati M. , Bellone S. , Collini P. , Di Nuovo F.
Published: February 2017

Primary Biphasic Synovial Sarcoma of the thyroid gland is exceedingly rare and cytological diagnosis can be very challenging and insidious. A cytological diagnosis of Biphasic Synovial Sarcoma can be hypothesized by an experienced cytopathologist, within a well‐coordinate multidisciplinary team work.
PERSONALITY, INFORMATION ACQUISITION, AND CHOICE UNDER UNCERTAINTY: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Fréchette Guillaume R. , Schotter Andrew , Trevino Isabel
Published: February 2017

This article studies the role of personality in choice under risk and uncertainty. We explore the hypothesis that personality plays a role in decision making in situations of uncertainty but not in situations of risk. In addition to offering support for this main hypothesis, we explore the various pathways through which personality exerts its influence. What we find is that in uncertain environments, where decision makers are able to acquire information about the unknown probability distributions they face, personality variables influence the type of information people acquire, which then influences their choice. Our experimental design brings in two novel aspects of choice under uncertainty: information acquisition and advice. The findings indicate that indeed, under uncertainty, personality matters for choice in a way it does not under risk. Furthermore, the results suggest that personality can play a role at multiple levels, such as people's preferences for certain types of information and the likelihood of following advice. (JEL C90, D03, D81)
Edaravone attenuates intracerebroventricular streptozotocin‐induced cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Reeta K. H. , Singh Devendra , Gupta Yogendra K.
Published: February 2017

Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of dementia worldwide. Edaravone, a potent free radical scavenger, is reported to be neuroprotective. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of chronic edaravone administration on intracerebroventricular‐streptozotocin (ICV‐STZ) induced cognitive impairment in male Wistar rats. Cognitive impairment was developed by single ICV‐STZ (3 mg/kg) injection bilaterally on day 1. Edaravone (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, orally, once daily) was administered for 28 days. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests were used to assess cognitive functions at baseline and on days 14 and 28. ICV‐STZ caused cognitive impairment as evidenced by increased escape latency and decreased time spent in target quadrant in the Morris water maze test and reduced retention latency in the passive avoidance test. STZ caused increase in oxidative stress, cholinesterases, inflammatory cytokines and protein expression of ROCK‐II and decrease in protein expression of ChAT. Edaravone ameliorated the STZ‐induced cognitive impairment. STZ‐induced increase in oxidative stress and increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β) were mitigated by edaravone. Edaravone also prevented STZ‐induced increased protein expression of ROCK‐II. Moreover, edaravone significantly prevented STZ‐induced increased activity of cholinesterases in the cortex and hippocampus. The decreased expression of ChAT caused by STZ was brought towards normal by edaravone in the hippocampus. The results thus show that edaravone is protective against STZ‐induced cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction and altered protein expressions. This study thus suggests the potential of edaravone as an adjuvant in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Water flow in soil at small water contents: a simple approach to estimate the relative hydraulic conductivity in sandy soil
Authors: Kebre M. B. , Cherblanc F. , Ouedraogo F. , Jamin F. , Naon B. , Zougmore F. , Benet J.‐C.
Published: February 2017

Unsaturated soil hydraulic properties are key properties in the fields of soil science and civil engineering. Because of their strong dependence on water content, there are considerable experimental and numerical difficulties in their determination, specifically in the dry range. This situation is encountered regularly in arid and semi‐arid regions. The models commonly used for predicting the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function rely on pore bundle concepts that account for capillary flow only and neglect film flow. Furthermore, the assumption of a local equilibrium between liquid water and its vapour is no longer valid at small water contents. Thus, with classical approaches, the experimental identification of hydraulic characteristics can fail at small water contents. To emphasize the weakness of capillary models, soil column experiments have been carried out with two sandy soils from Burkina Faso. Special care was taken to prevent any transport processes that are not directly related to liquid transport. Data from profiles of water content were used in an inverse numerical procedure to identify the coefficients of a new relative hydraulic conductivity function. Our results show that this simple approach is suitable for the analysis of flow processes at small water contents. It provides a simple, robust and inexpensive method to identify the properties of the unsaturated conductivity function that account for capillary and film flows.

Highlights

A new kind of soil column experiment is proposed to focus on the dry range.

A new relative hydraulic conductivity function accounting for film flow is introduced.

The weaknesses of classical relative hydraulic conductivity functions are emphasized.

It provides a simple, cheap and robust method to identify the relative hydraulic conductivity.
5‐hydroxytryptamine1A receptor density in the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with disease duration
Authors: Fonseca N. C. , Joaquim H. P. G. , Talib L. L. , Vincentiis S. , Gattaz W. F. , Valente K. D.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

To date, no study has evaluated the association between serotonin receptor density and clinical variables in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐HS) using hippocampal tissue. We evaluated 5‐hydroxytryptamine1A receptor (5‐HT1AR) density in hippocampal tissue from patients with TLE‐HS.

Methods

We analyzed the hippocampal tissue of 34 patients with pharmacoresistant unilateral TLE‐HS. 5‐HT1AR density was measured using semiquantitative western blotting.

Results

There was an association between higher density of 5‐HT1AR and longer duration of epilepsy (Spearman correlation: P = 0.040; generalized linear model: P = 0.026).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that hippocampal 5‐HT1AR density is associated with epilepsy duration in patients with TLE‐HS. The authors postulate that this may represent a potential regulatory enhancement of endogenous serotonergic neurotransmission in response to prolonged and enduring epileptiform activity in the hippocampal tissue of patients with pharmacoresistant TLE‐HS.
Accuracy of claims‐based algorithms for epilepsy research: Revealing the unseen performance of claims‐based studies
Authors: Moura Lidia M. V. R. , Price Maggie , Cole Andrew J. , Hoch Daniel B. , Hsu John
Published: February 2017

Objective

To evaluate published algorithms for the identification of epilepsy cases in medical claims data using a unique linked dataset with both clinical and claims data.

Methods

Using data from a large, regional health delivery system, we identified all patients contributing biologic samples to the health system's Biobank (n = 36K). We identified all subjects with at least one diagnosis potentially consistent with epilepsy, for example, epilepsy, convulsions, syncope, or collapse, between 2014 and 2015, or who were seen at the epilepsy clinic (n = 1,217), plus a random sample of subjects with neither claims nor clinic visits (n = 435); we then performed a medical chart review in a random subsample of 1,377 to assess the epilepsy diagnosis status. Using the chart review as the reference standard, we evaluated the test characteristics of six published algorithms.

Results

The best‐performing algorithm used diagnostic and prescription drug data (sensitivity = 70%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 66–73%; specificity = 77%, 95% CI 73–81%; and area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73, 95%CI 0.71–0.76) when applied to patients age 18 years or older. Restricting the sample to adults aged 18–64 years resulted in a mild improvement in accuracy (AUC = 0.75,95%CI 0.73–0.78). Adding information about current antiepileptic drug use to the algorithm increased test performance (AUC = 0.78, 95%CI 0.76–0.80). Other algorithms varied in their included data types and performed worse.

Significance

Current approaches for identifying patients with epilepsy in insurance claims have important limitations when applied to the general population. Approaches incorporating a range of information, for example, diagnoses, treatments, and site of care/specialty of physician, improve the performance of identification and could be useful in epilepsy studies using large datasets.
Female Intrasexual Territoriality and its Potential Adaptive Significance: The Pampean Grassland Mouse as an Ecological Model Species
Authors: Bonatto Florencia , Priotto José , Coda José , Steinmann Andrea R.
Published: February 2017

Territorial behaviour in female small mammals has been proposed as a mechanism to defend limited ecological resources or their pups against conspecific infanticidal or predators. Female territorial behaviour very often is associated with reproductive activity due to the fact that frequency and intensity of aggression are exhibited mainly when females are pregnant or lactating. In vole and mice species, female territoriality would be a counterstrategy to prevent the killing of their pups by conspecific breeding females. To study whether female territoriality is a strategy for pups or nest defence against infanticidal breeding females, and whether time invested in nursing young affects aggressive response of mothers, we used the Pampean grassland mouse (Akodon azarae) as an ecological model species. We conducted resident–intruder tests between lactating females. Differences in residency time (48 vs. 72 h) of focal females in their home territory were also included in the analysis. In all cases, the pups of both resident and intruder mothers were placed with the nesting material from their reproductive cages. Resident mothers were always more aggressive than intruders and they were even more aggressive when they spent more time nursing their pups. Contrarily, intruder females exhibited the greatest values of submissive behaviours. Our results show that female territoriality of A. azarae would represent a strategy to protect pups from potentially infanticidal females. We discuss the extent of female intrasexual territoriality and its potential adaptive significance in relation to strategies which lead to increase their reproductive success.
Beyond facilitator? State roles in global value chains and global production networks
Authors: Horner Rory
Published: February 2017

Designed to break with state‐centric approaches to understanding economic development, global commodity chain, global value chain (GVC), and global production network (GPN) analyses have deepened our understanding of the corporate governance of global lead firms and associated development outcomes in an era of globalisation. Although this research field is recognised to have provided considerable insight into private governance, a rapidly emerging body of research has given greater attention to the role of the state in GVCs and GPN. Although the state playing a role as facilitator towards firms participating in GPNs has often been an emphasis, this article argues that a variety of other roles are of increasing prominence, including as regulator, producer (state‐owned enterprises), and buyer (public procurement). A major challenge for both policymakers and researchers is to understand how a range of state initiatives not just shape but also are shaped by their positioning in GVCs and GPNs.
Prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in older Portuguese adults: An EMPIRE substudy
Authors: Robalo Nunes António , Fonseca Cândida , Marques Filipa , Belo Aurora , Brilhante Dialina , Cortez José
Published: February 2017

Aim

The present study aimed to characterize the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in older Portuguese adults, and to compare it with the prevalence in younger individuals.

Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional study (EMPIRE study) enrolling a representative sample of 6267 adults aged <65 years and 1617 adults aged ≥65 years was carried out. Hemoglobin, ferritin, creatinine and C‐reactive protein levels were measured by Point‐of‐Care tests.

Results

Anemia was more prevalent (P < 0.001) in participants aged ≥80 years (31.4%) compared with participants aged <65 years (19.6%) and 65–79 years (17.3%). At a 30‐ng/mL ferritin cut‐off, iron deficiency was more prevalent in participants aged ≥80 years (42.8%) compared with participants aged <65 years (31.5%) and 65–79 years (30.2%). Alternative ferritin cut‐offs showed overall similar patterns. Anemia and iron deficiency were significantly more prevalent in older individuals who self‐reported heart failure, coronary heart disease and gastritis. Anemia was more prevalent in participants aged <65 years in the north of Portugal and participants aged ≥65 years in central Portugal, following the prevalence of iron deficiency in the regions. In all regions, anemia was more prevalent in participants aged ≥80 years (reaching 39.0% in Lisbon and Tagus Valley, and 51.0% in the south).

Conclusions

Anemia and iron deficiency are highly prevalent in older Portuguese adults, particularly among those aged ≥80 years. Better diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies should be implemented taking into account the outstanding role of iron deficiency in older Portuguese adults, the differences between regions and the intrinsic characteristics of this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1814–1822.
Association between sarcopenia and nutritional status and physical activity among community‐dwelling Chinese adults aged 60 years and older
Authors: Hai Shan , Cao Li , Wang Hui , Zhou Jianghua , Liu Ping , Yang Ying , Hao Qiukui , Dong Birong
Published: February 2017

Aim

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between sarcopenia and nutritional status and physical activity among community‐dwelling Chinese people aged 60 years and older.

Methods

This study was carried out on 836 community‐dwelling Chinese individuals aged ≥60 years to evaluate sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits were collected using a general questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment and biochemical parameters, whereas physical activity was assessed using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. In addition, univariate and multivariate analysis was used to analyze the association between sarcopenia with nutritional status and physical activity.

Results

The total prevalence rate of sarcopenia was 10.5%, 47 (11.3%) men and 41 (9.7%) women who were classified as sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was significantly lower among the participants of normal nutrition status. Compared with the participants with sarcopenia, those without sarcopenia had higher levels of prealbumin (P < 0.05) and hemoglobin (P < 0.05) for both sexes. In the multivariate model, after adjustment for all covariates, the Mini Nutritional Assessment score (adjusted OR 0.769, 95% CI 0.689–0.859, P < 0.05) was statistically significantly associated with sarcopenia, but the relationship between physical activity and sarcopenia was not significant.

Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia in the Chinese community‐dwelling population aged 60 years and older was high. There was a significant association between sarcopenia and nutritional status, but not with physical activity, based on a questionnaire. Further studies should evaluate whether maintaining a good nutritional status might be effective in lowering the risk of sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1959–1966.
Tic, Triggering, and Tearing: From CTN to SUNHA
Authors: Benoliel R. , Sharav Y. , Haviv Y. , Almoznino G.
Published: February 2017

Premise

Classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) and the short‐lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNHA) are clinically similar.

Problem

The SUNHAs include short‐lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short‐lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA). Shared clinical signs with CTN include severe, unilateral trigeminal pain that is often triggered by innocuous stimuli and accompanied by a dull persistent background pain. Recent reports on trigeminal neuralgia cases with atypical features such as autonomic signs and prolonged attack duration further blur the clinical distinction between CTN and SUNHAs.

Potential solutions

Are the similarities greater than their differences? If so, this may reflect a spectrum of disease ranging from typical CTN attacks to typical SUNHAs with a mixed phenotype in the middle. In this review they will summarize the overlap between these entities and contrast the pathophysiology and treatment approach.
Performance of zeolite powder and tubular membrane having different Si/Al ratio for removing As(III) in aqueous phase
Authors: Roy Priyanka , Pal Pameli , Sensharma Sudendu , Das Nandini , Bandyopadhyay Amitava
Published: February 2017

Three different types of zeolite having pore sizes in the range 0.26‐0.74 nm, (NaP, NaA, and NaY) powders and membranes are synthesized with different Si:Al ratio on low cost clay alumina tubular support. The results of the permeation and separation studies showed that the NaP zeolite powder and membrane removes maximum As(III) from the water solution (more than 80%) compared to other zeolites. The removal of As(III) to achieve drinking water standard, by zeolite membrane, in a single step process does not seem to have been reported before the present investigation. These are the novelty achieved.
Vulvar infections: beyond sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Cymerman Rachel M. , Kaplan Hoffmann Rachel , Rouhani Schaffer Panta , Pomeranz Miriam Keltz
Published: February 2017

The vulva is an under‐studied area of the female genitourinary tract which is prone to maceration, overgrowth of organisms, and atypical presentations of common dermatologic conditions. In current practice, dermatologists must recognize and manage vulvar infections and infestations beyond the more commonly recognized sexually transmitted infections. Herein, this article reviews the literature on a selection of under‐recognized viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic vulvar infections and infestations.
Study of the association between human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and pemphigus vulgaris in Brazilian patients
Authors: Gil Julio M. , Weber Raimar , Rosales Claudia B. , Rodrigues Helcio , Sennes Luiz U. , Kalil Jorge , Chagury Azis , Miziara Ivan D.
Published: February 2017

Background

Pemphigus vulgaris is a mucocutaneous blistering autoimmune disease that manifests as painful blisters or erosions on the skin and/or mucosal surfaces. IgG autoantibodies target desmoglein, playing a major role in disease pathogenesis. Genetic predisposal to pemphigus vulgaris, especially the HLA DR and DQ alleles, has been known since the 1980s. The unique constitution of the Brazilian population favors exploratory genetic studies.

Methods

The study group included 51 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris from a tertiary hospital in Sao Paulo city, Sao Paulo, southeast Brazil. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and HLA A, B, C, DR, and DQ typing was performed. The control group was composed of a database of 297 deceased donors from the city of São Paulo typed with the same method. The statistical significance level was adjusted using the Bonferroni correction depending on the phenotypic frequencies evaluated for HLA A, HLA B, HLA C, HLA DRB1, DQA1, and HLA DQB1.

Results

The alleles HLA‐B*57, HLA‐C*15, HLA‐DRB1*04:02, HLA‐DRB1*08:04, HLA‐DRB1*14:01, DQA1*03:01, DQB1*03:02, and DQB1*05:03 were associated with susceptibility. Alleles HLA DRB1*04:02 and HLA‐DRB1*14:01 and their respective haplotypes DRB1*04‐DQA1*03:01‐DQB1*03:02, and DRB1*14‐DQA1*01:01‐DQB1*05:03 conferred a risk of the disease.

Conclusions

The DRB1*04:02 and DQB1*05:03 alleles are associated with pemphigus vulgaris in our study as well as in various populations. The association with HLA‐DRB1*08:04 in our study was confirmed to be specific to this allele and not to linkage disequilibrium to any adjacent gene. The association between HLA‐B*57 and pemphigus vulgaris is reported for the first time in the present study.
Combined use of cocoa dietary fibre and steviol glycosides in low‐calorie muffins production
Authors: Karp Sabina , Wyrwisz Jarosław , Kurek Marcin Andrzej , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: February 2017

Today, consumers are more conscious about nutrition and food products with health benefits. In this study, partial sucrose replacement (20%) with steviol glycosides derived from Stevia Rebaudiana and total replacement of cocoa powder with cocoa fibre preparation in muffins were conducted. There were three levels of dietary fibre addition – 3%, 6% and 12%. Physical analysis of texture, colour, cooking yield and porosity was conducted. Moreover, chemical analysis of total dietary fibre and total phenol content was made as well. Sensory evaluation in two parts was also carried out. The experiment revealed the increase in firmness, porosity, TDF and TCP and the decrease in springiness, cohesiveness and lightness. The best‐ranked sample in sensory evaluation was muffin with 6% of TDF sweetened with mixture of sugar and stevia. Stevia addition enhanced cocoa and sweet taste in tested muffins.
Adoption and Outcomes of ISO 14001: A Systematic Review
Authors: Boiral Olivier , Guillaumie Laurence , Heras‐Saizarbitoria Iñaki , Tayo Tene Christian Valery
Published: February 2017

The objective of this paper is to analyze the adoption and outcomes of the ISO 14001 standard through a systematic review of the main studies on this issue published in peer‐reviewed journals between 1996 and 2015. The 94 papers analyzed make it possible to paint a comprehensive picture of the effectiveness of ISO 14001 in environmental management practices, performance in this area and social aspects such as employee awareness. The systematic review also sheds more light on the main pitfalls and success factors of the standard. Nevertheless, the similarities and even redundancies of the literature in terms of objectives, approaches and methods used tend to produce quite predictable and optimistic results, which do not reflect the complexity of the impact of ISO 14001. The paper highlights the importance of more diverse and critical approaches that might challenge the successful rhetoric of the dominant literature, which tends to focus on positive aspects and be limited to a few countries that are not representative of the wide international distribution of certification. The findings of this systematic review can also help managers in making decisions on the adoption and renewal of certification.
An in vitro investigation of pre‐treatment effects before fissure sealing
Authors: Bagheri Mahshid , Pilecki Peter , Sauro Salvatore , Sherriff Martyn , Watson Timothy F. , Hosey Marie Therese
Published: February 2017

Background

Fissure sealants prevent occlusal caries in permanent molars. Enamel preparation methods are used before fissure sealing.

Aims

To investigate effects of bioglass air‐abrasion pre‐treatment with and without an adhesive, on fissure enamel of permanent teeth, with respect to etchability, microleakage and microtensile bond strength.

Design

Half of the occlusal surfaces of 50 extracted premolars underwent bioglass air‐abrasion. Dye was applied to the entire occlusal surface. Photographs were taken to score etched surface by dye uptake. Adhesive was applied to 25 of the bioglass‐treated areas and all teeth were fissure sealed, sectioned, and evaluated using confocal microscopy. Buccal and lingual surfaces of a further eight premolars were acid‐etched and randomly received: air‐abrasion, adhesive, both, or none before sealant application for microtensile bond strength measurement in half of the samples immediately and half following 6 months of water immersion.

Results

Linear mixed models and multinomial logistic regression were used (P = 0.05). Bioglass air‐abrasion significantly improved enamel etchability and reduced microleakage. The addition of an adhesive made no difference to either microleakage or microtensile bond strength. The combination of bioglass abrasion and adhesive led to more cohesive, rather than adhesive, failure.

Conclusions

Bioglass air‐abrasion improved enamel etchability and reduced microleakage irrespective of the adhesive use but neither pre‐treatment affected the microtensile bond strength.
The effectiveness of negative pressure therapy on infected wounds: preliminary results
Authors: Lo Torto Federico , Ruggiero Marco , Parisi Paola , Borab Zachary , Sergi Manuel , Carlesimo Bruno
Published: February 2017

Vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a sophisticated system that maintains a closed, humid, sterile and isolated environment. Wound infection is considered a relative contraindication. The objective of this study is to extend the indications for VAC therapy to include infected wounds by demonstrating its ability to increase the antibiotic concentration in the damaged and infected tissues. Patients who presented with ulcers infected with daptomycin‐sensitive bacteria were eligible to be enrolled in this prospective study. They were given antibiotic therapy with daptomycin with a specific protocol. A biopsy of the lesion was carried out to detect tissue concentration of the drug at time 0. Afterwards, the patients were subjected to VAC therapy. At the end of VAC therapy, a second lesion biopsy was performed and analysed to detect tissue concentration of the drug at time 1. A control group was enrolled in which patients followed the same protocol, but they were treated with traditional dressings. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the two groups. The results highlighted a significant increase in the concentration of antibiotics in the study group tissue; the improvement was sensibly lower in the control group. Statistical differences were not found between the two groups. The preliminary analysis of the data showed an important increase of antibiotic concentration in the tissue after VAC therapy. Despite the encouraging data, it is necessary to broaden the sample of patients and perform the same study with other antibiotics.
Enteroatmospheric fistula management by endoscopic gastrostomy PEG tube
Authors: Miranda Luiz EC , Miranda Ana CG
Published: February 2017

Management of small‐bowel fistulas which are in an open abdomen and have no soft tissue overlay or a fistula tract involves many complications and challenges. Controlling the local leakage of enteric contents has a central role in the success of medical treatment. There are several methods to deal with fistula discharge but unfortunately, the technical solutions only partially address such problems and a definitive management of fistula discharge still remains an insoluble challenge. We describe a simple and cheap method to control fistula leakage by using a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube.
Dakin's solution: is there a place for it in the 21st century?
Authors: Duarte Bruno , Cabete Joana , Formiga Ana , Neves José
Published: February 2017

Dakin's solution (DS) is a time‐honoured antiseptic that still remains part of the wound care armamentarium. In spite of its cytotoxicity, some question its use in the current era. We report the case of a 52‐year‐old diabetic woman who was admitted for sepsis because of a severely infected diabetic foot. Urgent surgical drainage and debridement left a 9 × 9‐cm deep, complex, infected wound with both bone and tendon involvement. Treatment with local negative pressure was unsuccessful. DS was regularly instilled through a tube left in the wound dressing. A marked improvement was observed with this strategy as the wound bed was much cleaner and fully granulated after 6 weeks. No adverse effects were noted. This case debunks the myth that topical antiseptics necessarily impair wound healing. DS can still be considered an option for difficult‐to‐treat, complex and heavily infected wounds.
Structural bias in aggregated species‐level variables driven by repeated species co‐occurrences: a pervasive problem in community and assemblage data
Authors: Hawkins Bradford A. , Leroy Boris , Rodríguez Miguel Á. , Singer Alexander , Vilela Bruno , Villalobos Fabricio , Wang Xiangping , Zelený David
Published: February 2017

Aim

Species attributes are often used to explain diversity patterns across assemblages/communities. However, repeated species co‐occurrences can generate spatial pattern and strong statistical relationships between aggregated attributes and richness in the absence of biological information. Our aim is to increase awareness of this problem.

Location

North America.

Methods

We generated empirical species richness patterns using two data structures: (1) birds gridded from range maps and (2) tree communities from the US Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis. We analysed richness using linear regression, regression trees, generalized additive models, geographically weighted regression and simultaneous autoregression, with ‘random intrinsic variables’ as predictors generated by assigning random numbers to species and calculating averages in assemblages. We then generated simulations in which species with cohesive or patchy distributions are placed with respect to the North American temperature gradient with or without a broad‐scale richness gradient. Random intrinsic variables are again used as predictors of richness. Finally, we analysed one simulated scenario with random intrinsic variables as both response and predictor variables.

Results

The models of bird and tree richness often explained moderate to large proportions of the variance. Regression trees, geographically weighted regression and simultaneous autoregression were very sensitive to the problem; generalized additive models were moderately affected, as was multiple regression to a lesser extent. In the virtual data, the variance explained increased with increasing species co‐occurrences, but neither range cohesion, a richness gradient nor spatial autocorrelation in predictors had major impacts on the variance explained. The problem persisted when the response variable was also a random intrinsic variable.

Main conclusions

Repeated species co‐occurrences can generate strong spurious relationships between richness and aggregated species attributes. It is important to realize that models utilizing assemblage variables aggregated from species‐level values, as well as maps illustrating their spatial patterns, cannot be taken at face value.
The strain‐dependent spatial evolution of garnet in a high‐P ductile shear zone from the Western Gneiss Region (Norway): a synchrotron X‐ray microtomography study
Authors: Macente A. , Fusseis F. , Menegon L. , Xiao X. , John T.
Published: February 2017

Reaction and deformation microfabrics provide key information to understand the thermodynamic and kinetic controls of tectono‐metamorphic processes, however, they are usually analysed in two dimensions, omitting important information regarding the third spatial dimension. We applied synchrotron‐based X‐ray microtomography to document the evolution of a pristine olivine gabbro into a deformed omphacite–garnet eclogite in four dimensions, where the 4th dimension is represented by the degree of strain. In the investigated samples, which cover a strain gradient into a shear zone from the Western Gneiss Region (Norway), we focused on the spatial transformation of garnet coronas into elongated garnet clusters with increasing strain. The microtomographic data allowed quantification of garnet volume, shape and spatial arrangement evolution with increasing strain. The microtomographic observations were combined with light microscope and backscatter electron images as well as electron microprobe (EMPA) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis to correlate mineral composition and orientation data with the X‐ray absorption signal of the same mineral grains. With increasing deformation, the garnet volume almost triples. In the low‐strain domain, garnet grains form a well interconnected large garnet aggregate that develops throughout the entire sample. We also observed that garnet coronas in the gabbros never completely encapsulate olivine grains. In the most highly deformed eclogites, the oblate shapes of garnet clusters reflect a deformational origin of the microfabrics. We interpret the aligned garnet aggregates to direct synkinematic fluid flow, and consequently influence the transport of dissolved chemical components. EBSD analyses reveal that garnet shows a near‐random crystal preferred orientation that testifies no evidence for crystal plasticity. There is, however evidence for minor fracturing, neo‐nucleation and overgrowth. Microprobe chemical analysis revealed that garnet compositions progressively equilibrate to eclogite facies, becoming more almandine‐rich. We interpret these observations as pointing to a mechanical disintegration of the garnet coronas during strain localization, and their rearrangement into individual garnet clusters through a combination of garnet coalescence and overgrowth while the rock was deforming.
Gemfibrozil, food and drug administration‐approved lipid‐lowering drug, increases longevity in mouse model of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Ghosh Arunava , Rangasamy Suresh Babu , Modi Khushbu K. , Pahan Kalipada
Published: February 2017

Late Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (LINCL) is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the Cln2 gene that leads to deficiency or loss of function of the tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) enzyme. TPP1 deficiency is known to cause the accumulation of autofluoroscent lipid‐protein pigments in brain. Similar to other neurodegenerative disorders, LINCL is also associated with neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Despite investigations, no effective therapy is currently available for LINCL. Therefore, we administered gemfibrozil (gem), an food and drug administration (FDA)‐approved lipid‐lowering drug, which has been shown to stimulate lysosomal biogenesis and induce anti‐inflammation, orally, at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg body wt/day to Cln2(−/−) mice. We observed that gem‐fed Cln2(−/−) mice lived longer by more than 10 weeks and had better motor activity compared to vehicle (0.1% Methyl cellulose) treatment. Gem treatment lowered the burden of storage materials, increased anti‐inflammatory factors like SOCS3 and IL‐1Ra, up‐regulated anti‐apoptotic molecule like phospho‐Bad, and reduced neuronal apoptosis in the brain of Cln2(−/−) mice. Collectively, this study reinforces a neuroprotective role of gem that may be of therapeutic interest in improving the quality of life in LINCL patients.

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Contemporary analysis of maternal and neonatal morbidity after uterine rupture: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Vilchez Gustavo , Dai Jing , Kumar Komal , Lagos Moraima , Sokol Robert J.
Published: February 2017

Aim

Uterine rupture is a rare but feared perinatal event. Despite abundant research and changes to guidelines implemented to reduce this complication, evaluation of whether uterine rupture still engenders significant maternal/neonatal morbidity has not been conducted. We analyzed recent cases of maternal/neonatal morbidity after uterine rupture.

Methods

Deliveries complicated by uterine rupture from 2011 to 2012 in the United States were selected. Comparison cases without uterine rupture were used as controls. Measures of maternal/neonatal complications were compared with χ2 test, and relative risks were calculated. Logistic regression was used to identify the most significant complications. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

From 7 922 016 births, 1925 cases of uterine rupture and 3765 controls were identified. Regression models retained four maternal outcomes; blood transfusion was the most common (~15%) and unplanned hysterectomy had the highest odds (~97‐fold). For newborns, the model retained three measures of morbidity; neonatal intensive care unit admission was the most common (~35%) and seizures had the highest odds (~20‐fold).

Conclusions

Despite efforts to reduce complications, mothers remain at significant risk of unplanned hysterectomy and intensive care unit admission. Neonates are at sizeable risk for neonatal intensive care unit admission and seizures, recognized markers of long‐term neurobehavioral abnormality. Uterine rupture remains a major risk for mothers and babies.