bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QuantiFERON TB‐gold conversion rate among psoriasis patients under biologics: a 9‐year retrospective study
Authors: Megna Matteo , Ferrillo Maria , Ruggiero Angelo , Cinelli Eleonora , Gallo Lucia , Fabbrocini Gabriella 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) screening is mandatory for psoriasis biologic treatment. However, evidences regarding TB screening results during biologic treatment are conflicting.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of QuantiFERON TB Gold test (QFT) conversion in psoriasis patients during biologics over time.MethodsA 9‐year single center retrospective study was performed in order to evaluate the rate of QFT conversion in patients affected by moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis under available biological therapies (anti‐TNF‐α, IL‐12/23, IL‐17). For each patient, demographic data, age, gender, comorbidities, previous psoriasis therapy, as well as ongoing treatment type were registered. Five‐hundred twenty‐six patients (61.2% male, with a mean age of 52.6 ± 13.9 years) treated with biologics were enrolled.ResultsQFT conversion occurred in 6.5% of patients over a mean treatment duration of 3.2 years. On average, QFT conversion occurred after 34.05 months of treatment. Anti‐TNF‐α drugs, and among them, adalimumab above all (35.5% of all cases), were the most commonly involved treatment during QFT conversion, followed by anti‐IL‐12/23 (17.6%) and anti‐IL‐17 (14.7%). However, differences among biologics class or single biologics (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, golimumab, certolizumab, ustekinumab, ixekizumab, secukinumab) did not approach statistical significance.ConclusionsAnnual TB screening is important in psoriasis patients under biologic treatment in order to avoid possible latent TB infection reactivation. Indeed, our data showed that even in a low TB prevalence country like Italy, QFT may convert over time in psoriasis patients under biologics in 6.5% of the cases.
Grape skin extracts as a sustainable source of antioxidants in an oil‐in‐water emulsion: an alternate natural approach to synthetic antioxidants using principal component analysis
Authors: Sridhar Kandi , Charles Albert Linton 
Published: September 2020

SummaryGrape (Kyoho) skin, used to retard lipid oxidation in edible oil foods, was investigated to reduce lipid oxidation in an oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion during 20 day of storage. The antioxidant efficacy of Kyoho skin extracts in O/W emulsions was determined by the measurement of secondary oxidation products. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to determine similarities between emulsions treated with or without Kyoho skin extracts and standards. The data revealed that Kyoho skin extracts exhibited >93% inhibition and reported a similar p‐anisidine (4.30–20.71) and TBARS (6.08–11.15 mg MDA L−1) values over the standards during 20 day of storage. PCA (PCs 1 (51.83%) and 2 (18.85%)) demonstrated a similarity in the contribution of Kyoho skin extracts over the synthetic antioxidants in O/W emulsion. Overall, these findings highlighted the possibility of using Kyoho skin extracts as natural antioxidants to decrease oxidative rancidity in foods.
Gel texture and rheological properties of normal amylose and waxy potato starch blends with rice starches differing in amylose content
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Xiaojing , Xu Yijuan , Xu Zekun , Li Haitao , Sui Zhongquan , Corke Harold 
Published: September 2020

SummaryThis study characterised the textural and rheological behaviour of blends of rice (waxy, low‐ and high‐amylose) and potato (waxy and normal) starch. Blends of potato starch with rice starch in the ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100 were tested. Addition of rice starch (except high‐amylose rice starch) greatly increased the swelling of rice–potato starch mixtures. Addition of rice starch decreased gel firmness for most starch mixtures and increased gel adhesiveness for blends containing waxy potato starch. For rheological measurements, storage modulus was much higher than loss modulus of blends, indicating solid‐like behaviour. Starch blends with 20%/40% proportion of rice starch showed a greater thickening effect, whereas with further increase in rice starch proportion, a pseudoplastic, shear‐thinning behaviour was observed. This study may provide a basis to develop blends of potato and rice starch for potato noodle production without use of chemical additives.
Mixed‐methods systematic review: Childbearing women's views, experiences, and decision‐making related to epidural analgesia in labour
Authors: Borrelli Sara , Evans Kerry , Pallotti Phoebe , Evans Catrin , Eldridge Jeanette , Spiby Helen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsTo investigate childbearing women's views, experiences and decision‐making related to epidural analgesia in labour.DesignMixed‐methods systematic review.Data SourcesA comprehensive literature search was implemented across Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE from 2000 to September 2018. The literature search was undertaken in January 2018 and updated in September 2018. Thirty papers were selected.ResultsFour overarching synthesized findings were identified: (a) choice; (b) pain management experience; (c) lack of information; and (d) information provision and consent.Review MethodsQuality appraisal was conducted using JBI levels of evidence and other established tools. NVivo was used to independently dual code and thematically synthesize qualitative data. A narrative synthesis of the quantitative findings from the included studies was undertaken. The GRADE‐CERQual approach was used to assess confidence in the review findings based on the qualitative data. A set of integrated mixed‐methods synthesized findings was produced.ConclusionRecommendations for practice based on the systematic review findings are that midwives should dedicate time to discuss epidural with women and birth partners, ideally during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, asking women what coping strategies or pain relief they have been considering, if any. The factors which may influence the woman's choice of epidural, including pain threshold, ability to cope with pain, timing of epidural and length of labour should be continuously evaluated during labour. The midwife should remain with women after an epidural has been sited, demonstrating understanding of the woman's choice and providing an opportunity for discussion of plans for the remaining labour and birth.ImpactThe findings of this systematic review can inform both healthcare professionals and service users on various aspects of the decision‐making process about the use of epidural analgesia in labour. Data can be transferable to similar settings in high‐income countries.
A toy or a friend? Children's anthropomorphic beliefs about robots and how these relate to second‐language word learning
Authors: van den Berghe Rianne , de Haas Mirjam , Oudgenoeg‐Paz Ora , Krahmer Emiel , Verhagen Josje , Vogt Paul , Willemsen Bram , de Wit Jan , Leseman Paul 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the degree to which children anthropomorphize a robot tutor and whether this anthropomorphism relates to their vocabulary learning in a second‐language (L2) tutoring intervention. With this aim, an anthropomorphism questionnaire was administered to 5‐year‐old children (N = 104) twice: prior to and following a seven‐session L2 vocabulary training with a humanoid robot. On average, children tended to anthropomorphize the robot prior to and after the lessons to a similar degree, but many children changed their attributed anthropomorphic features. Boys anthropomorphized the robot less after the lessons than girls. Moreover, there was a weak but significant positive correlation between anthropomorphism as measured before the lessons and scores on a word‐knowledge post‐test administered the day after the last lesson. There was also a weak but significant positive correlation between the change in anthropomorphism over time and scores on a word‐knowledge post‐test administered approximately 2 weeks after the last lesson. Our results underscore the need to manage children's expectations in robot‐assisted education. Also, future research could explore adaptations to individual children's expectations in child‐robot interactions.
Inhibition of microglial receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 ameliorates neuroinflammation following cerebral ischaemic stroke
Authors: Jiao Yang , Wang Jianjian , Zhang Huixue , Cao Yuze , Qu Yang , Huang Siyu , Kong Xiaotong , Song Chang , Li Jie , Li Qian , Ma Heping , Lu Xiaoyu , Wang Lihua 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMicroglia are rapidly activated following ischaemic stroke and participate in the induction of neuroinflammation, which exacerbates the injury of ischaemic stroke. However, the mechanisms regulating ischaemic microglia remain unclear. In the present study, middle cerebral artery occlusion and oxygen and glucose deprivation models were established for in vivo and vitro monitoring of experimental stroke. We applied recombinant human thioredoxin‐1 (rhTrx‐1) and Necrostatin‐1 (Nec‐1, inhibitor of RIPK1) to examine the role of receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) in the development of inflammation in ischaemic microglia via explored the inflammatory responses and the associated mechanisms. Molecular docking results indicated that rhTrx‐1 could directly bind to RIPK1. In vivo and vitro data revealed that rhTrx‐1 reduced necroptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential damage, reactive oxygen species accumulation and NLR Family, pyrin domain‐containing 3 protein (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and regulated the microglial M1/M2 phenotypic changes by inhibiting RIPK1 expression in ischaemic microglia. Consistent with these findings, further in vivo experiments revealed that rhTrx‐1 treatment attenuated cerebral ischaemic injury by inhibiting the inflammatory response. Our data demonstrated the role of RIPK1 in microglia‐induced neuroinflammation following cerebral ischaemia. Administration of rhTrx‐1 provides neuroprotection in ischaemic stroke‐induced microglial neuroinflammation by inhibiting RIPK1 expression.
Indocyanine green‐labeled dasatinib as a new fluorescent probe for molecular imaging of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Fujimoto Shota , Muguruma Naoki , Nakao Michiyasu , Ando Hidenori , Kashihara Takanori , Miyamoto Yoshihiko , Okamoto Koichi , Sano Shigeki , Ishida Tatsuhiro , Sato Yasushi , Takayama Tetsuji 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and AimIt is difficult to differentiate gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from other subepithelial lesions under gastrointestinal endoscopy. Because most GISTs express tyrosine kinase receptor c‐KIT, fluorescence‐labeled c‐KIT‐specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors seem to be useful agents for molecular imaging of GIST. We aimed to develop a near‐infrared fluorescent imaging technology for GIST targeting c‐KIT using the novel fluorescent probe indocyanine green‐labeled dasatinib (ICG‐dasatinib) and to investigate the antitumor effect of ICG‐dasatinib on GIST cells.MethodsIndocyanine green‐labeled dasatinib was synthesized by labeling linker‐induced dasatinib with ICG derivative 3‐indocyanine‐green‐acyl‐1,3‐thiazolidine‐2‐thione. Human GIST cell lines GIST‐T1 and GIST‐882M were incubated with ICG‐dasatinib and observed by fluorescent microscopy. GIST cells were incubated with ICG‐dasatinib, unlabeled dasatinib, or imatinib, and cell viabilities were evaluated. Subcutaneous GIST model mice or orthotopic GIST model rats were intravenously injected with ICG‐dasatinib and observed using an IVIS Spectrum.ResultsStrong fluorescent signals of ICG‐dasatinib were observed in both GIST cell lines in vitro. IC50 values for ICG‐dasatinib, unlabeled dasatinib, and imatinib were 13.9, 1.17, and 16.2 nM in GIST‐T1 and 26.6, 3.63, and 47.6 nM in GIST‐882M cells, respectively. ICG‐dasatinib accumulated in subcutaneous xenografts in mice. Fluorescent signals were also observed in liver and gallbladder, indicating biliary excretion; however, fluorescence intensity of tumors was significantly higher than that of intestine after washing. Strong fluorescent signals were observed in orthotopic xenografts through the covering normal mucosa in rats.ConclusionsIndocyanine green‐labeled dasatinib could visualize GIST cells and xenografted tumors. The antitumor effect of ICG‐dasatinib was preserved to the same degree as imatinib.
Trichoscopy as an evaluation method for alopecia areata treatment: A comparative study
Authors: Fawzy Marwa M. , Abdel Hay Rania , Mohammed Faisal Nouredin , Sayed Khadiga S. , Ghanem Mona El Desoky , Ezzat Marwa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTrichoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosis and follow‐up of alopecia areata (AA) patients. Both platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and intralesional corticosteroids (ILCs) are important treatment modalities of patchy AA.AimTrichoscopic diagnosis of AA and monitoring the treatment response to PRP versus ILCs in patchy AA treatment.Patients/MethodsThis comparative study included 31 patients with patchy AA, divided into two groups: (group A) received ILCs while (group B) received PRP once monthly for 3 months. Evaluation was done by Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale (AASIS), photography, and dermoscopy.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in trichoscopic findings in both groups with regard to the number of follicular units per opening, black dots, broken hairs, and dystrophic changes. Final SALT score showed significant lower levels in both groups compared to baseline levels (P = .025 & P = .008). Final AASIS showed significant decrease in group B (P = .006) not in group A (P = .062).ConclusionTrichoscopy can help in the diagnosis, evaluation of the efficacy and safety of both modalities and might give a clue for treatment response. Both ILCs and PRP were effective in patchy AA treatment.
Presumed optic neuritis of non‐infectious origin in dogs treated with immunosuppressive medication: 28 dogs (2000‐2015)
Authors: Bedos L. , Tetas R. , Crespo V. , Shea A. 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging features, management and outcome of canine cases with presumed optic neuritis of non‐infectious origin that were presented to a UK referral centre from January 2000 to December 2015.Materials and MethodsThe clinical database was searched for optic neuritis. Dogs with acute‐onset vision impairment, systemic immunosuppressive treatment and follow‐up of ≥6 months were included. Information collected included: age; gender; breed; clinical signs and duration; physical, ophthalmic and neurological examination findings; concurrent systemic disease; and results of electroretinogram, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, polymerase chain reaction and serology testing forToxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninumand canine distemper virus, haematology and serum biochemistry profiles, abdominal ultrasound, thoracic radiography, treatment and outcome.ResultsTwenty‐eight dogs were included, with a total of 48 affected optic nerves. Age at presentation ranged from 6 months to 10.5 years. Fundoscopic evidence of optic nerve disease was present in 34 of 48 (71%) optic nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of 32 of 48 (67%) nerves and contrast enhancement of 28 of 48 (58%) nerves. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed in 25 of 28 (89%) dogs revealed pleocytosis (>5 nucleated cells/uL) in 11 of 25 (44%) and increased protein (>0.35 g/L) in 11 of 25 (44%). Immunosuppressive prednisolone was administered to all dogs. Prednisolone was used alone in 9 of 28 (32%) dogs; the remaining 19 dogs received a combination of prednisolone with cytosine arabinoside, cyclosporine and/or azathioprine. Vision was recovered in 24 eyes (50%) of 18 affected dogs.Clinical SignificanceA positive response to treatment was observed in 64% of dogs with presumptively diagnosed optic neuritis treated with immunosuppressive medication.
Diversity and genotypic analysis of tick‐borne pathogens carried by ticks infesting horses in Korea
Authors: Seo M.‐G. , Kwon O.‐D. , Kwak D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTicks account for an extensive range of health and welfare issues in horses. In addition, tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) limit global animal trading and equine sporting events. Here, we assess the prevalence, co‐infectivity and risk factors of TBPs in horse ticks in Korea. A total of 245 hard ticks, including 103 male and 142 female adults, were obtained from horses on Jeju Island during the spring to autumn seasons of 2013–2019. All collected ticks were identified as adult Haemaphysalis longicornis. We screened and analyzed each tick for the presence of several TBPs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Among the 245 ticks, we detected genes for three TBPs, Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (22.9%), Ehrlichia canis (0.4%) and Theileria luwenshuni (0.4%), while Anaplasma spp. was not detected. TBPs were most prevalent in ticks harvested during the autumn season, and more abundant in the female than male adults. This is the first report of the genera Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Theileria in horse ticks in Korea. TBPs in horse ticks are likely a reservoir for zoonotic transmission to other animals, including humans. Our findings demonstrate the need for further understanding of the prevalence and epidemiology of TBPs in wild and domestic animals.
Retinoid combined with photodynamic therapy against hyperkeratotic chromoblastomycosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lan Yu , Lu Sha , Zhang Junmin 
Published: September 2020

SummaryChromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic granulomatous fungal infection caused by melanised or brown‐pigmented fungi. It can lead to chronic persistent infections and may cause incapacity for labour in some severe clinical forms. The optimal therapy for CBM is still uncertain. Here, we reported the case of a 66‐year‐old male who has had red plaque and recurrent keratinised protrusions on his right forearm for 20 years. He was treated orally with terbinafine, itraconazole and isotretinoin. He also received carbon dioxide(CO2) laser to eradicate the keratinised protrusions and promote the penetration of photosensitiser. After the CO2 laser, 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) was adopted immediately to inhibiting the growth of fungi in subcutaneous tissue. The patient received an important improvement with a plaque and crust reduction after 4 months. For such recalcitrant case of chromoblastomycosis, the use of retinoid, CO2 laser combined with ALA‐PDT may be a new adjuvant therapy. We further reviewed the cases of chromoblastomycosis treated with laser, photodynamic therapy or retinoic acid.
Renal supportive care, palliative care and end‐of‐life care: Perceptions of similarities, differences and challenges across Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Ducharlet Kathryn , Philip Jennifer , Kiburg Katerina , Gock Hilton 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRenal supportive care (RSC) is an approach integrating nephrology and palliative care to improve quality of life for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). RSC practice varies across services; therefore, understanding clinicians' perspectives is important to the evolution and definition of RSC.AimTo understand renal clinicians' views and experiences of RSC, palliative care and end‐of‐life care.MethodA cross‐sectional online survey was undertaken across Australia and New Zealand between February and May 2018. Participants were asked about end‐of‐life care, RSC, palliative care and an ideal model of RSC.ResultsEstimated response rate 13% included 382 clinicians; doctors (32%), nurses (68%); of whom 84% access specialist palliative care and 59% RSC. A lack of agreed treatment goals (86%) and late or rushed treatment decision making (85%) was associated with challenging end‐of‐life experiences.Variable concepts of RSC were described, with RSC being considered the same as: usual care for all CKD patients (40%), conservative (30%) or palliative care (22%). The term RSC was generally distinct from (77%) and more acceptable than palliative care (80%) with preferential RSC referral for symptoms (86% vs 69%, P < .01) and complex treatment decision making (82% vs 58%, P < .01). Aspirations for RSC included improving symptoms and quality of life (89%), with an ideal model comprising: symptom management (98%), improved nephrology and community service integration (96%) and clinician education (94%).ConclusionThis study revealed challenges for renal clinicians in providing end‐of‐life care and variation of views and experiences of RSC. It represents opportunities to develop RSC aligned with clinician priorities to improve patient care.
Reproductive season and male effect on quantitative and qualitative traits of individually collected Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) semen
Authors: Łukaszewicz Ewa , Jerysz Anna , Kowalczyk Artur 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMales of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) are mainly used for mule duck production via artificial insemination of females originated from wild mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos); therefore, the quantity and quality of drake semen play a crucial role. The assessment results of male reaction to sexual stimulation by dummy female and basic semen characteristic (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and morphology) of 12 individually kept Muscovy drakes carried out during the entire reproductive season are described. The male and period of the reproductive season effect on scored semen traits are documented. In total, 792 individual semen collections and evaluations were performed. The average of positive reaction in the entire reproductive season varied from 90.6% in December and April to 50.0% in July, while for individual males, it varied between 97.1% and 29.0%. Throughout the season, the ejaculate volumes ranged from 0.05 to 2.45 ml, sperm concentration from 0.15 × 109 ml−1 to 4.44 × 109 ml−1, total number of live spermatozoa from 68.0% to 100% and live normal (properly formed, with any deformations) from 51.0% to 99.0%. Our study indicates the necessity of male breeders pre‐selection before the onset of the reproductive season, and the need to leave an appropriate number of males to ensure adequate amount of semen for female insemination, especially when using Muscovy drakes (Cairina moschata) for interspecies crossing with Anas platyrhynchos ducks.