bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of chitosan–essential oil, a surface mold inhibitor, on microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of semidried fermented sausages
Authors: Küçükkaya Seren , Arslan Betül , Demirok Soncu Eda , Ertürk Duygu , Soyer Ayla 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMold growth on sausage casing during processing is an important problem in fermented sausages. In this work, sausages were dipped into 1% chitosan (C), 1% thyme essential oil in 1% chitosan (CT), 1% rosemary essential oil in 1% chitosan (CR), 20% potassium sorbate (PS) as chemical antifungal, and 1% acetic acid solution (AA) as chitosan solver, or distilled water (DW) as control after fermentation (at day 4). The changes in microbiological (total viable count, lactic acid bacteria [LAB], Micrococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and mold and yeast counts) and physicochemical attributes of the sausages during 12 days of processing were monitored. As expected, LAB were the most dominant microbiota in fermented sausages and the dipping process did not have any negative effect. Additionally, the treatment with C, CT, and CR suppressed the growth of spoilage microorganisms, which resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.01) of about 1.4 to 1.6 log CFU/g in Enterobacteriaceae counts at day 12. The C, CT, and CR similarly suppressed the growth of fungi in the interior of the sausages, and the antifungal treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the load of fungi on the casing. Throughout the study, approximately log counts of 3 and 4 in lower molds and yeasts in the casings treated with PS and CR were found, respectively, as compared to DW. Finally, the microbial quality of the end product was notably improved.Practical ApplicationProcessing conditions such as high humidity and O2 in the ripening chamber result in undesirable fungal growth on the casings of the sausages. Fermented sausages are usually treated with weak acids such as sorbic or benzoic acids or their salts to inhibit mold growth during the drying process. However, increasing consumer demand to reduce the use of chemicals encourages the applications of natural antifungals.
The impact of the managed care backlash on health care spending
Authors: Pinkovskiy Maxim L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe health spending slowdown associated with the managed care revolution in the 1990s suggests that managed care may have been successful in controlling health care spending. I exploit the passage of state regulation during the “managed care backlash” as well as geographic variation in managed care intensity to measure the impact of managed care on spending. I find that restricting managed care causes a large and significant increase in hospital spending, which cannot be explained by changes in hospital market concentration, other regulatory activity, and multiple other possible explanations. I also do not find effects of the backlash on mortality.
Long‐term changes and host plant differences in the incidence of parasitoids attacking Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in agricultural landscapes in eastern Australia
Authors: Baker Geoff H , Tann Colin R 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTransgenic (Bt) varieties have improved the control of key insect pests, Helicoverpa spp. (Noctuidae), and reduced pesticide use within Australian cotton crops. Approval to use Bt cotton varieties in Australia required assurance that they would have no significant adverse impact on non‐target invertebrates resident in cotton fields. However, little is known of any influences that Bt cotton might have on non‐target invertebrates, especially beneficial species, found elsewhere in cotton production landscapes. We collected large numbers of Helicoverpa eggs, larvae and pupae in various major crop types in several cotton production regions in eastern Australia over 26 years and reared them to determine parasitoid frequencies. In addition, more limited collections were made on minor crops, exotic weeds and native vegetation (the latter also surveyed in inland Australia). The most common parasitoids found in crops included Trichogramma spp. and Chelonus spp. (for eggs), Microplitis demolitor, Heteropelma scaposum, Chaetophthalmus sp. and Carcelia sp. (for larvae) and H. scaposum and Ichneumon promissorius (for pupae). Larval parasitoid communities on weeds were similar to those found on crops. Greater parasitoid frequencies were often found in eggs, larvae and pupae of Helicoverpa in crops surveyed after the advent of Bt cotton, compared with earlier years. Similar patterns were found for larvae on the common weed, Echium plantagineum, and native daisies (Asteraceae). No negative associations involving parasitoids and the use of Bt cotton were found.
Anatomical parameters of the body and the digestive tract ofCallithrix sp. marmosets under the influence of seasonality
Authors: Guimarães‐Lopes Vanessa de Paula , Gomes Maria Raquel Varino Sá , Kagueyama Mislene , Faria Rita de Cássia Vieira , Ribeiro Filho Oswaldo Pinto , de Melo Fabiano Rodrigues , Sartori Sirlene Souza Rodrigues 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDue to the ecological importance and given the scarcity of studies on the digestive morphology of primates, anatomical aspects of the body and digestive tract, as well as food content were analysed for marmosetsCallithrixsp. (hybrids of exotic species) captured in forest fragments in Minas Gerais ‐ Brazil, during the dry and rainy seasons, considering that seasonal variations affect the availability of food and quality of diet. Data such as body weight and length, and thoracic and abdominal perimeters were analysed, and no significant difference was found between dry and rainy seasons. In relation to the digestive tract, length, weight and diameter of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine were measured, in addition to the isolated caecum. There was a significant difference in the diameter of the ascending colon, which was larger in the animals in the dry season than in the rainy season. The difference found may be related to diet, and through analysis of the gastric and caecal contents, it was observed that gum was the main food item for the dry season marmosets, while in the rainy season the animals consumed mainly arthropods. Thus, the characteristic observed in the digestive tract of dry season marmosets is a reflection of an adaptive response to gum intake, since this food item is of low digestibility, necessitating that the food content be retained for a long time in this segment of the large intestine, helping the process of microbial fermentation and better energy utilization for these animals.
Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein contributes to tissue remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Shi Li‐Li , Ma Jin , Deng Yi‐Ke , Chen Cai‐Ling , Wang Heng , Cao Ping‐Ping , Long Xiao‐Bo , Zeng Ming , Liu Zheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundCold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) is a newly identified damage‐associated molecular pattern molecule. Its roles beyond promoting inflammation and in human diseases are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of CIRP in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).MethodsImmunohistochemistry, quantitative RT‐PCR, and ELISA were used to detect the expression of CIRP and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in sinonasal mucosal samples and nasal secretions. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) and THP‐1 cells, a human monocytic/macrophage cell line, were cultured to explore the regulation of CIRP expression and MMP expression.ResultsCytoplasmic CIRP expression in nasal epithelial cells and CD68+ macrophages in sinonasal tissues, and CIRP levels in nasal secretions were significantly increased in both patients with eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP as compared to those in control subjects. IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐10, IL‐17A, TNF‐α, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1, and lipopolysaccharide induced the production and secretion of CIRP from HNECs and macrophages differentiated from THP‐1 cells. CIRP promoted MMP2, MMP7, MMP9, MMP12, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) production from HNECs, macrophages differentiated from THP‐1 cells, and polyp tissues, which was inhibited by the blocking antibody for Toll‐like receptor 4, but not advanced glycation end products. The expression of MMPs and VEGF‐A in tissues correlated with CIRP levels in nasal secretions in patients with CRSwNP.ConclusionsThe upregulated production and release of CIRP from nasal epithelial cells and macrophages may contribute to the edema formation in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP by inducing MMP and VEGF‐A production from epithelial cells and macrophages.
CD23 expression on switched memory B cells bridges T‐B cell interaction in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Yao Yin , Wang Nan , Chen Cai‐Ling , Pan Li , Wang Zhi‐Chao , Yunis Joseph , Chen Zhi‐An , Zhang Yu , Hu Si‐Tao , Xu Xiao‐Yan , Zhu Rong‐Fei , Yu Di , Liu Zheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe contribution of B‐cell subsets and T‐B cell interaction to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to outline circulating B‐cell signature, the underlying mechanism, and its association with clinical response to AIT in patients with AR.MethodsIgD/CD27 and CD24/CD38 core gating systems were used to determine frequencies and phenotypes of B cells. Correlations between B cells, T cells, antigen‐specific IgE, and disease severity in AR patients were investigated. Switched memory B cells were co‐cultured with type 2 follicular helper T (Tfh2) cells and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells. Associations between B‐cell subsets and clinical benefits of AIT were analyzed.ResultsFrequencies and absolute numbers of circulating memory B cells were increased in AR patients. CD23 expression on CD19+CD20+CD27+IgD− switched memory B cells was significantly enhanced and positively correlated with antigen‐specific IgE levels, symptom scores, and Tfh2/Tfr cell ratio in AR patients. Compared with those from healthy controls, Tfh2 cells from AR patients had a greater capacity to induce CD23 expression on switched memory B cells via IL‐4, which was unable to be sufficiently suppressed by AR‐associated Tfr cells with defective IL‐10 expression. CD23 expression on switched memory B cells was downregulated after 12‐month AIT, which positively associated with disease remission in AR patients.ConclusionT‐B cell interaction, bridged by CD23 expression particularly on switched memory B cells, may be involved in the disease pathogenesis and mechanism of AIT in patients with AR.
Panics over Plastics: A Matter of Belonging in Kenya
Authors: Meiu George Paul 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTAnthropologists have shown how recent efforts to tell apart foreigners from autochthons have played out, often subtly disguised, in panics over objects that may seem trivial: “alien species” of fish, trees, or plants that endanger “local” nature. Little has been said about plastic's dominant position among these objects. In Samburu county, northern Kenya, “plastic boys” are unemployed men whom others despise for being unattached, “useless paupers,” who, not unlike plastic itself, have allegedly no capacity to grow roots and thrive. Analyzing this subject position against a wider background of objects and afflictions deemed “foreign”—including plastic bags, plastic rice, plastic hair, plastic smiles, and homosexuality as a “plastic pollutant”—I show how different troublesome objectifications of plastic resonate with one another and their wider context. I argue that panics over plastics and the politics of belonging shape one another, producing new, less‐obvious forms of inclusion and exclusion. [belonging, materiality, plastic, Samburu, Kenya]
Sudden death in a patient with long QT syndrome presenting with an epileptic phenotype
Authors: Sharma Esseim , Gannon Stephen , McCauley Brian , Chu Antony F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPatients with epilepsy suffer from a higher mortality rate than the general population, a portion of which is not due to epilepsy itself or comorbid conditions. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common but poorly understood cause of death in patients with intractable epilepsy and often afflicts younger patients. The pathophysiology of SUDEP is poorly defined but does not appear to be related to prolonged seizure activity or resultant injury. Interestingly, a subset of patients with confirmed long QT syndrome (LQTS) present with a seizure phenotype and may have concurrent epilepsy. In this case, we present a patient who initially presented with a seizure phenotype. Further workup captured PMVT on an outpatient event monitor, and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with LQTS1. A substantial number of patients with LQTS initially present with a seizure phenotype. These patients may represent a subset of SUDEP cases resulting from ventricular arrhythmias. Appropriate suspicion for ventricular arrhythmias is necessary for proper arrhythmia evaluation and management in patients presenting with epilepsy.
Association between sexual dysfunction and avulsion of the levator ani muscle after instrumental vaginal delivery
Authors: García‐Mejido José A. , Idoia‐Valero Irene , Aguilar‐Gálvez Isabel M. , Borrero González Carlota , Fernández‐Palacín Ana , Sainz José A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe effects of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion after instrumental delivery on the sexual function of patients are currently unknown. Therefore, the objective of our study was to use a validated questionnaire, namely, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), to compare the sexual function in patients with and without LAM avulsion after instrumental vaginal delivery.Material and methodsThis was a prospective observational study of 112 primiparous women after instrumental (vacuum or forceps) vaginal delivery. The obstetric and general characteristics of the population were studied. At 6 months postpartum, the contraceptive method used and the occurrence of LAM avulsion (using four‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound) were determined, and the FSFI was administered.ResultsA total of 100 patients (62 without avulsion and 38 with avulsion) completed the study. Thirty‐eight (38%) were diagnosed with avulsion (42.1% after Kielland forceps delivery, 57.9% after Malmström vacuum delivery; P = .837). Women with LAM avulsion had significantly lower scores for desire (2.9 ± 1.2 vs 3.4 ± 1.1; P = .049), arousal (2.8 ± 1.7 vs 3.6 ± 1.4; P = .014), lubrication (2.3 ± 1.4 vs 3.0 ± 1.2; P = .011), orgasm (2.6 ± 1.6 vs 3.3 ± 1.2; P = .006) and satisfaction (3.1 ± 1.8 vs 3.9 ± 1.5; P = .051) than did women without LAM avulsion. The overall FSFI score was lower in patients with avulsion (16.7 ± 8.9 vs 20.7 ± 6.9, P = .033). These results were obtained after controlling for confounders (delivery mode, induced labor, birthweight, perineal tears, avulsion degree, contraceptive method and group assignment for the parent study) in the multivariate analysis (F = 4.974, P = .001).ConclusionsPatients with LAM avulsion present a higher degree of sexual dysfunction compared wiith patients without avulsion at 6 months after instrumental vaginal delivery.
Parents' perspectives on dried blood spot self‐sampling from children with epilepsy: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Linder Camilla , Neideman Mirja , Gambell‐Barroso Miguel , Gustafsson Lars L. , Wide Katarina , Pohanka Anton , Bastholm‐Rahmner Pia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimChildren with epilepsy often have concomitant diagnoses. Dried blood spot samples for drug monitoring can be collected by parents at home as an alternative to traditional sampling. This mixed‐method study aimed to understand the parents' perspectives on blood self‐sampling from their children and to identify factors contributing to successful sampling.MethodParents who had collected a sample from their child during a visit to the neuropediatric clinic were asked to fill in a questionnaire. To get in‐depth information and individual perspectives, parents and nurses participated in semi‐structured interviews and analysed with thematic analysis.ResultsThe results from questionnaires (n = 64) and interviews (n = 9) were interpreted together. Watching an instruction video and practical training contributed to successful sampling. 97% of the parents managed to collect a sample, 72% thought it was easy to perform, and 80% found self‐sampling at home desirable. Factors for success were as follows: high motivation, prepared parents with pre‐understanding, a pragmatic attitude, flexible education, effective communication and willingness to take on the role as a performer. Risk factors were as follows: conflict, fear, unprepared parents, confused or worried children.ConclusionVoluntary self‐sampling at home for parents of children with epilepsy is feasible and can reduce stress factors in everyday life.
Association between 8 P‐glycoprotein (MDR1/ABCB1) gene polymorphisms and antipsychotic drug‐induced hyperprolactinaemia
Authors: Geers Lisanne M. , Pozhidaev Ivan V. , Ivanova Svetlana A. , Freidin Maxim B. , Schmidt Amand F. , Cohen Dan , Boiko Anastasiia S. , Paderina Diana Z. , Fedorenko Olga Yu , Semke Arkadiy V. , Bokhan Nikolay A. , Wilffert Bob , Kosterink Jos G.W. , Touw Daan J. , Loonen Anton J.M. 
Published: March 2020

IntroductionHyperprolactinaemia, a common adverse effect of antipsychotic drugs, is primarily linked to blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland. Certain antipsychotic drugs, such as, for example risperidone and paliperidone, are more likely to induce hyperprolactinaemia compared to others. This effect is probably caused by a relatively high blood/brain concentration ratio, a consequence of being a substrate of P‐glycoprotein. Genetic variants of P‐glycoprotein with changed functional activity might influence the potential of risperidone and paliperidone to cause hyperprolactinaemia as the altered blood/brain concentration ratio would lead to a reduced therapeutic drug level within essential brain areas making dose adaptations necessary. This increases exposure of dopamine D2 receptors within the pituitary gland.AimsTo investigate possible associations between MDR1/ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and antipsychotic drug‐induced hyperprolactinaemia in Russian patients with schizophrenia and to determine possible differences between risperidone/paliperidone and other antipsychotics.MethodsIn total, 446 patients with schizophrenia were included from 3 psychiatric hospitals in Siberia. Blood samples were obtained in a cross‐sectional study design for DNA extraction and prolactin measurement. Associations between hyperprolactinaemia and 8 MDR1/ABCB1 gene‐polymorphisms were assessed using logistic regression analysis accounting for covariates. The analysis was repeated in a patient subgroup using risperidone or paliperidone.ResultsWe did not observe an association between any of the 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the prevalence of antipsychotic‐induced hyperprolactinaemia in the total patient population. However, in the risperidone/paliperidone subgroup, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2032582 (G2677T) was found to be negatively associated with risperidone/paliperidone‐induced hyperprolactinaemia.ConclusionThis study revealed a significant association between the ABCB1 gene polymorphism rs2032582 (G2677T) and risperidone/paliperidone‐induced hyperprolactinaemia.
Neuroprotection induced by dexpramipexole delays disease progression in a mouse model of progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Buonvicino Daniela , Ranieri Giuseppe , Pratesi Sara , Gerace Elisabetta , Muzzi Mirko , Guasti Daniele , Tofani Lorenzo , Chiarugi Alberto 
Published: March 2020

Background and PurposeDrugs able to counteract progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) represent a largely unmet therapeutic need. Even though the pathogenesis of disease evolution is still obscure, accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a causative role in neurodegeneration and axonopathy in progressive MS patients. Here, we investigated the effects of dexpramipexole, a compound with a good safety profile in humans and able to sustain mitochondria functioning and energy production, in a mouse model of progressive MS.Experimental ApproachFemale non‐obese diabetic mice were immunized with MOG35–55. Functional, immune and neuropathological parameters were analysed during disease evolution in animals treated or not with dexpramipexole. The compound's effects on bioenergetics and neuroprotection were also evaluated in vitro.Key ResultsWe found that oral treatment with dexpramipexole at a dose consistent with that well tolerated in humans delayed disability progression, extended survival, counteracted reduction of spinal cord mitochondrial DNA content and reduced spinal cord axonal loss of mice. Accordingly, the drug sustained in vitro bioenergetics of mouse optic nerve and dorsal root ganglia and counteracted neurodegeneration of organotypic mouse cortical cultures exposed to the adenosine triphosphate‐depleting agents oligomycin or veratridine. Dexpramipexole, however, was unable to affect the adaptive and innate immune responses both in vivo and in vitro.Conclusion and ImplicationThe present findings corroborate the hypothesis that neuroprotective agents may be of relevance to counteract MS progression and disclose the translational potential of dexpramipexole to treatment of progressive MS patients as a stand‐alone or adjunctive therapy.
Real‐world experience with mepolizumab: Does it deliver what it has promised?
Authors: Schleich Florence , Graff Sophie , Nekoee Haleh , Moermans Catherine , Henket Monique , Sanchez Carole , Paulus Virginie , Guissard Françoise , Donneau Anne‐Françoise , Louis Renaud 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundRandomized control trials performed in selected populations of severe eosinophilic asthmatics have shown that mepolizumab, an anti‐IL5 therapy, was able to reduce exacerbations and OCS maintenance dose and in some studies, to improve asthma control and lung function.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to confirm the results of the RCTs in real‐life in a population of 116 severe eosinophilic asthmatics treated with mepolizumab and who were followed up at the asthma clinic every month for at least 18 months. Severe asthmatics underwent FENO, lung function, asthma control and quality of life questionnaires, sputum induction and gave a blood sample at baseline, after 6 months and then every year.ResultsWe found a significant reduction in exacerbations by 85% after 6 months (P < .0001), which was maintained over time. We also found a significant and maintained reduction by 50% in the dose of oral corticosteroids (P < .001). Patients improved their ACT (+5.31pts, p<0.0001) ACQ (‐1.13pts, P < .0001) and their AQLQ score (+1.24, P < .0001) at 6 months and this was maintained during follow‐up. Only 37% reached asthma control (ACQ <1.5, ACT> 20). We observed a progressive increase in post‐BD FEV1 that reached significance after 18 months (190ml or 11%, P < .01). Patients improving their FEV1had higher baseline sputum eosinophils than those not improving airway caliber. We found a significant reduction in sputum eosinophil counts by 60% after 6 months (P < .01) and a maintained reduction in blood eosinophil counts by 98% (P < .0001).ConclusionIn our real‐life study, we confirm the results published in the RCTs showing a sharp reduction in exacerbation and oral corticosteroids dose and an improvement in asthma control and quality of life. Clinical relevance: Mepolizumab is efficient in severe eosinophilic asthma in real life.