bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraperitoneal uterosacral suspension technique for post hysterectomy apical prolapse in 472 women: results from a longitudinal clinical study
Authors: Karmakar D , Dwyer PL , Thomas E , Schierlitz L 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the long‐term results of the extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (bilateral) technique in women with apical prolapse following hysterectomy.DesignLongitudinal clinical follow up conducted between June 2002 and December 2017.SettingTertiary urogynaecology centre in Melbourne, Australia.PopulationA total of 472 women with symptomatic vault prolapse who underwent bilateral extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (EPUSLS). Of these patients, 61% (287/472) had previously had a procedure for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).MethodsFollow up using structured, standardised questionnaires and examination by POP‐Q and Baden–Walker system pre‐ and postoperatively.Main outcome measuresFunctional and anatomical results and surgical complications.ResultsMean follow‐up duration was approximately 5 years. The objective success rate at vaginal cuff support was 89% (420/472). Only 4% needed revision surgery for vault recurrence. There was improvement in bladder, bowel, and sexual symptoms after the procedure. Mesh exposure rate was 17% (of the 138 having mesh augmentation), with the majority of cases managed conservatively or with minor interventions. The ureteric injury rate was 1% and mainly occurred in patients operated early on in the series. No women had buttock pain.ConclusionEPUSLS is an effective, suture‐based procedure for vault prolapse with few complications even on long‐term follow up. This technique avoids the need to open the peritoneum vaginally and has a low risk of ureteric injury and gluteal pain.Tweetable abstractBilateral extraperitoneal USL suspension of vault is effective with low morbidity and a high success rate.
A Multimodal Fusion Approach for Bullet Identification Systems
Authors: Bigdeli Saeed , Ebrahimi Moghaddam Mohsen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn the field of forensic science, bullet identification is based on the fact that firing the cartridge from a barrel leaves exclusive microscopic striation on the fired bullets as the fingerprint of the firearm. The bullet identification methods are categorized in 2‐D and 3‐D based on their image acquisition techniques. In this study, we focus on 2‐D optical images using a multimodal technique and propose several distinct methods as its modalities. The proposed method uses a multimodal rule‐based linear weighted fusion approach which combines the semantic level decisions from different modalities with a linear technique that its optimized modalities weights have been identified by the genetic algorithm. The proposed approach was applied on a dataset, which includes 180 2‐D bullet images fired from 90 different AK‐47 barrels. The experimentations showed that our approach attained better results compared to common methods in the field of bullet identification.
Blueberry Pectin Extraction Methods Influence Physico‐Chemical Properties
Authors: Koh Jeewon , Xu Zhimin , Wicker Louise 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPectins from highbush blueberry powder were sequentially solubilized in water, chelator, and sodium carbonate solvents and precipitated (ADF.WSF, ADF.CSF, and ADF.NSF) or not precipitated in ethanol (DF.WSF, DF.CSF, and DF.NSF) before dialysis and freeze‐drying. Alcohol precipitation more effectively removed bound anthocyanins and low molar mass pectins from water‐ and chelator soluble fractions than dialysis alone. Blueberry water soluble fractions were high methoxyl pectins, rich in neutral sugars (36 to 38 mol%), and had high molar mass (7.01 × 105 to 2.71 × 106 g/mol). Blueberry chelator soluble fractions were low methoxyl pectins and rich in uronic acids (90 to 92 mol%) which were more linear and less branched structure than other fractions or commercial citrus pectin. The molar mass ranged from 1.59 × 106 to 2.06 × 106 g/mol. Water‐ and chelator soluble fractions exhibited pseudoplastic behavior (n < 1) at 1% dispersion. Blueberry sodium carbonate soluble fractions were rich in protein (18%) and neutral sugars (42 to 28 mol%), and had low molar mass (1.08 × 105 to 1.27 × 105 g/mol). Blueberry pectins have desirable physico‐chemical properties for use as functional ingredients in food or beverages.Practical ApplicationAlcohol precipitation effectively removed anthocyanins from the pectin. The characterization data provided the benefits of blueberry pectin as a functional ingredient. This study can be used by food or product developers who are interested in pectin from blueberries or other berry products.
Tracing of Selected Viral, Bacterial, and Parasitic Agents on Vegetables and Herbs Originating from Farms and Markets
Authors: Huvarova Veronika , Kralik Petr , Vasickova Petra , Kubankova Monika , Verbikova Veronika , Slany Michal , Babak Vladimir , Moravkova Monika 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFresh vegetables and herbs are usually prepared and eaten raw without cooking or heating, which leads to a high risk of foodborne infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the contamination of raw vegetables, herbs, and the environment of food chains. Vegetable and herb samples originating both from the Czech Republic as well as from other countries were examined. The work was focused on the detection of commonly found, but also less frequently monitored foodborne pathogens, including viruses of the genus Norovirus (NoVs), hepatitis A virus (HAV), Listeria monocytogenes and Cronobacter spp. bacteria, and the parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia intestinalis. All samples were analyzed using individual RT‐qPCR/qPCR assays; bacterial pathogens were also simultaneously detected using culture methods. The prevalence of the studied microorganisms in 623 samples ranged from 0.6% to 44.3% for individual pathogens. None of the samples were positive for the presence of HAV. Analysis of 157 environmental samples from 12 farms revealed the presence of NoVs in the environment of four farms. NoVs were detected in water samples as well as on the hands and gloves of workers. Escherichia coli was detected in all farms in the environmental samples and in eight farms in water samples. However, no sample of water exceeded the level of 100 CFU/mL for E. coli. None of the samples of water were positive for the presence of the studied parasites. Vegetables and herbs available from Czech markets and farms may pose a certain risk of foodborne disease, especially in the case of NoVs and parasites.Practical ApplicationThis study provides valuable information on the microbiological quality of raw vegetables and herbs available from Czech markets and farms. Good hygienic practices aimed at reducing the incidence of pathogenic agents on fresh produce should not be neglected. Emphasis should be placed on the control of irrigation water, especially with respect to norovirus contamination. It is appropriate to combine culture methods and qPCR methods for the detection of bacterial agents.
Engineering Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5 to improve its antifungal activity and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Jing Xiaoshu , Cui Qingwen , Li Xiaochen , Yin Jia , Ravichandran Vinothkannan , Pan Deng , Fu Jun , Tu Qiang , Wang Hailong , Bian Xiaoying , Zhang Youming 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn agricultural production, sustainability is currently one of the most significant concerns. The genetic modification of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria may provide a novel way to use natural bacteria as microbial inoculants. In this study, the root‐colonizing strain Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5 was genetically modified to act as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer with biological nitrogen fixation activity. Genetic inactivation of retS enhanced the production of 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol, which contributed for the enhanced antifungal activity. Then, the entire nitrogenase island with native promoter from Pseudomonas stutzeri DSM4166 was introduced into a retS mutant strain for expression. Root colonization patterns assessed via confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that GFP‐tagged bacterial were mainly located on root surfaces and at the junctions between epidermal root cells. Moreover, under pathogen and N‐limited double treatment conditions, the fresh weights of seedlings inoculated with the recombinant retS mutant‐nif strain were increased compared with those of the control. In conclusion, this study has innovatively developed an eco‐friendly alternative to the agrochemicals that will benefit global plant production significantly.
Randomized double‐blind trial of amifostine versus placebo for radiation‐induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Lee Maverick GL , Freeman Amanda R , Roos Daniel E , Milner Alvin D , Borg Martin F 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe role of the radioprotector amifostine in ameliorating radiotherapy side effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is controversial. This trial aimed to determine whether pretreatment with amifostine reduced the incidence of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade ≥2 acute and late xerostomia in patients receiving definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy for HNSCC, without reducing tumour control or survival.MethodsBetween 14 September 2001 and 8 November 2004, 44 Royal Adelaide Hospital patients were randomized double‐blind to receive amifostine (200 mg/m2 IV) or placebo (normal saline IV) 5 days/week, prior to standard radiotherapy (60–70 Gy), each having ≥75% of the parotids treated to ≥40 Gy. Side effects were assessed weekly during treatment, at 3 and 5 months after radiotherapy, then every 6 months until disease progression or death.ResultsThe accrual target was 200 patients over 4–5 years, but the trial closed prematurely when only 44 patients had been randomized after 3 years. Of 41 evaluable patients, 80% (16/20) in the amifostine arm had grade ≥2 acute radiation salivary toxicity versus 76% (16/21) in the placebo arm (P = 1.00). The rate of grade ≥2 late radiation salivary toxicity at 12 months was 66% in the amifostine arm and 82% in the placebo arm (estimated hazard ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 0.74–3.49, P = 0.22). Other toxicities tended to be worse in the amifostine arm: acute grade 3–4 skin 35% vs 5% and mucous membrane 40% vs 5%; grade ≥2 vomiting 35% vs 5%, hypocalcaemia 25% vs 5% and fatigue 85% vs 33%, with only the latter retaining statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There were no significant differences in failure‐free (P = 0.70) or overall survival (P = 0.86), with estimated 4‐year rates of 48% vs 54% and 49% vs 59% for the amifostine vs placebo arms respectively.ConclusionThere was no clear evidence that pretreatment with amifostine made any difference to the incidence of grade ≥2 acute or late xerostomia. Other toxicity tended to be more severe with amifostine. There was no effect on failure‐free or overall survival. Acknowledging the low statistical power, these results do not support the use of IV amifostine pre‐radiotherapy in HNSCC.
Long‐term efficacy of repeated sodium hyaluronate injections in adult patients with Kashin‐Beck disease of the knee
Authors: Tang Xin , Zhou Zong‐ke , Shen Bin , Kang Peng‐de , Pei Fu‐xing , Li Jian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimTo prospectively evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of repeated sodium hyaluronate injections for the treatment of knee pain due to Kashin‐Beck disease (KBD).MethodsA total of 85 patients with KBD‐based knee pain were treated with two cycles of a 5‐week course of sodium hyaluronate and received clinical assessments with a follow‐up period of 24 months after the first cycle. The primary efficacy measure was the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. The second efficacy measure included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores; and the patients’ and physicians’ global assessments. Tolerability was evaluated based on adverse events (AEs).ResultsSeventy‐one patients (83.5%) completed the final study. The VAS was significantly reduced from 65.06 ± 12.21 mm (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) at baseline to 30.17 ± 11.92 mm at 6 months and was maintained for 24 months (35.79 ± 7.92 mm, P < 0.01 vs baseline). This finding was supported by the secondary variables (the WOMAC A, B and C scores; the total WOMAC scores; and the global assessments of the patients and their physicians at months 6, 12, 18 and 24). The overall incidence of AEs during the first and second cycles was 8 (9.4%) and 7 patients (8.2%), respectively. No serious AEs were reported.ConclusionsRepeated once yearly cycles of intra‐articular sodium hyaluronate injections may improve knee KBD symptoms during the inbetween cycle period as well as exert a significant carry‐over effect for at least 1 year after the repeated cycle. Other randomized double‐blind studies are needed to confirm the findings from our study.
Extracellular matrix remodeling effects of serum amyloid A1 in the human amnion: Implications for fetal membrane rupture
Authors: Wang Ya‐Wei , Wang Wang‐Sheng , Wang Lu‐Yao , Bao Yi‐Rong , Lu Jiang‐Wen , Lu Yi , Zhang Chu‐Yue , Li Wen‐Jiao , Sun Kang , Ying Hao 
Published: November 2018

ProblemRupture of fetal membranes is a crucial event at parturition, which is preceded by extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Our recent studies have demonstrated that the human fetal membranes are capable of de novo synthesis of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), an acute phase protein, and the abundance of SAA1 in the amnion was increased at parturition. However, the exact role of SAA1 in human parturition remains to be established.Method of studyThe effects of SAA1 on the abundance of collagenases and lysyl oxidase, the enzyme that cross‐links collagens, were investigated in culture primary human amnion fibroblasts and tissue explants with an aim to examine the involvement of SAA1 in the ECM remodeling in the amnion.ResultsSerum amyloid A1 (SAA1) time‐ and dose‐dependently increased the abundance of collagenases MMP‐1, MMP‐8, and MMP‐13, while decreased the abundance of lysyl oxidase‐like 1 (LOXL1). These effects of SAA1 were attenuated by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and its antagonist CLI‐095, but not by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of TLR2. Furthermore, the inhibitors for NF‐κB (JSH‐23) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 (SB203580) and JNK (SP600125) could also attenuate the effects of SAA1, while the inhibitor for MAPK ERK1/2 (PD 98059) could block the effects of SAA1 only on MMP‐1, MMP‐8, and LOXL1 but not on MMP‐13.ConclusionThese data highlight a possible role for SAA1 in ECM remodeling preceding membrane rupture by regulating the expression of collagenases MMP‐1, MMP‐8, MMP‐13, and LOXL1 through TLR4‐mediated activation of the NF‐κB and MAPK pathways in amnion fibroblasts.
The regulation of CIRBP by transforming growth factor beta during heat shock‐induced testicular injury
Authors: Rao M. , Ke D. , Cheng G. , Hu S. , Wu Y. , Wang Y. , Zhou F. , Liu H. , Zhu C. , Xia W. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundCold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRBP) is associated with cell stress. However, its upstream regulatory factors are still largely unknown.ObjectivesThis study investigated whether CIRBP expression was regulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) during the process of heat‐induced testicular damage.Materials and MethodsTen male adult ICR mice were allocated to heat treatment (scrotal hyperthermia at 43 °C for 30 min, n = 5) and control group (n = 5); CIRBP and TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, and TGF‐β3 expression levels in the testis in mRNA and protein were analyzed. Then, we conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to investigate the regulatory effects of TGF‐β on CIRBP. In the in vivo study, male adult ICR mice were subjected to testicular hyperthermia followed by a local testicular injection of TGF‐β antagonist (non‐selective TGF‐β I/II receptor inhibitor, 5 μg or 10 μg). In the in vitro study, GC2‐spd cells were cultured under 43 °C for 30 min or with different TGF‐β isoforms (10 ng/mL), and CIRBP expression levels in the testis and GC2‐spd cells were analyzed 24 and 48 h, respectively, after treatment.ResultsAs a result, heat treatment significantly downregulated the relative CIRBP mRNA and protein expression (p = 0.006 and 0.011), and significantly upregulated TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 expression levels (p = 0.022 and 0.04, for mRNA, and p = 0.001 for both protein levels). Local testicular injection of 10 μg TGF‐β antagonist significantly attenuated heat‐induced histological damage to the testes and CIRBP downregulation (p = 0.038). Furthermore, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 significantly downregulated CIRBP mRNA and protein expression in GC2‐spd cells (all p < 0.01), exerting a similar effect to heat treatment.Discussion and ConclusionOur in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that heat‐induced CIRBP downregulation in the testes was mediated by the upregulation of TGF‐β. Further studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes.
CD47 agonist peptide PKHB1 induces immunogenic cell death in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Uscanga‐Palomeque Ashanti Concepción , Calvillo‐Rodríguez Kenny Misael , Gómez‐Morales Luis , Lardé Eva , Denèfle Thomas , Caballero‐Hernández Diana , Merle‐Béral Hélène , Susin Santos A. , Karoyan Philippe , Martínez‐Torres Ana Carolina , Rodríguez‐Padilla Cristina 
Published: November 2018

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) has a poor prognosis derived from its genetic heterogeneity, which translates to a high chemoresistance. Recently, our workgroup designed thrombospondin‐1‐derived CD47 agonist peptides and demonstrated their ability to induce cell death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Encouraged by these promising results, we evaluated cell death induced by PKHB1 (the first‐described serum‐stable CD47‐agonist peptide) on CEM and MOLT‐4 human cell lines (T‐ALL) and on one T‐murine tumor lymphoblast cell‐line (L5178Y‐R), also assessing caspase and calcium dependency and mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, we evaluated selectivity for cancer cell lines by analyzing cell death and viability of human and murine non‐tumor cells after CD47 activation. In vivo, we determined that PKHB1‐treatment in mice bearing the L5178Y‐R cell line increased leukocyte cell count in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs while recruiting leukocytes to the tumor site. To analyze whether CD47 activation induced immunogenic cell death (ICD), we evaluated damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMP) exposure (calreticulin, CRT) and release (ATP, heat shock proteins 70 and 90, high‐mobility group box 1, CRT). Furthermore, we gave prophylactic antitumor vaccination, determining immunological memory. Our data indicate that PKHB1 induces caspase‐independent and calcium‐dependent cell death in leukemic cells while sparing non‐tumor murine and human cells. Moreover, our results show that PKHB1 can induce ICD in leukemic cells as it induces CRT exposure and DAMP release in vitro, and prophylactic vaccinations inhibit tumor establishment in vivo. Together, our results improve the knowledge of CD47 agonist peptides potential as therapeutic tools to treat leukemia.
Three cases of immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy with anti‐signal recognition particle antibodies: Extramuscular symptoms preceding progressive muscle weakness
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Nakamura Takumi , Hirohata Mie , Kawarabayashi Takeshi , Shoji Mikio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundImmune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy with an anti‐signal recognition particle antibody (anti‐SRP myopathy) is generally refractory to treatment. Anti‐SRP myopathy is characterized by muscle weakness as the main symptom, but is often complicated by extramuscular symptoms. Rarely, the extramuscular symptoms precede muscle weakness. In the present report, we describe the clinical presentation and medical history of three patients with extramuscular symptoms. Focusing on the extramuscular symptoms, anti‐SRP antibody‐positive myopathy can be diagnosed at an early stage. It might therefore be treatable before muscle weakness progresses.Case presentationPatient 1 was a 68‐year‐old woman who suffered progressive muscle weakness after a 2‐year history of creatine kinase elevation, vitiligo, 1‐year history of easy fatigability, sinus insufficiency and a 6‐month history of myalgia. She was followed up in the cardiology department. Patient 2 was a 77‐year‐old woman who showed muscle weakness and respiratory failure after a 3‐day history of malaise, loss of appetite and creatine kinase elevation. She initially visited the internal medicine department and was suspected of having heat stroke at the first visit. Patient 3 was a 48‐year‐old man who had a gastric ulcer and progressive weakness after a 1‐year history of anorexia and severe weight loss. He first visited the gastroenterology department.ConclusionsAll three patients visited the internal medicine department before the neurology department. It is important to consider anti‐SRP myopathy as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with elevated creatine kinase levels and extramuscular symptoms.
Effects of life history and reproduction on recruitment time lags in reintroductions of rare plants
Authors: Albrecht Matthew A. , Osazuwa‐Peters Oyomoare L. , Maschinski Joyce , Bell Timothy J. , Bowles Marlin L. , Brumback William E. , Duquesnel Janice , Kunz Michael , Lange Jimmy , McCue Kimberlie A. , McEachern A. Kathryn , Murray Sheila , Olwell Peggy , Pavlovic Noel B. , Peterson Cheryl L. , Possley Jennifer , Randall John L. , Wright Samuel J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractReintroductions are important components of conservation and recovery programs for rare plant species, but their long‐term success rates are poorly understood. Previous reviews of plant reintroductions focused on short‐term (e.g., ≤3 years) survival and flowering of founder individuals rather than on benchmarks of intergenerational persistence, such as seedling recruitment. However, short‐term metrics may obscure outcomes because the unique demographic properties of reintroductions, including small size and unstable stage structure, could create lags in population growth. We used time‐to‐event analysis on a database of unusually well‐monitored and long‐term (4–28 years) reintroductions of 27 rare plant species to test whether life‐history traits and population characteristics of reintroductions create time‐lagged responses in seedling recruitment (i.e., recruitment time lags [RTLs]), an important benchmark of success and indicator of persistence in reintroduced populations. Recruitment time lags were highly variable among reintroductions, ranging from <1 to 17 years after installation. Recruitment patterns matched predictions from life‐history theory with short‐lived species (fast species) exhibiting consistently shorter and less variable RTLs than long‐lived species (slow species). Long RTLs occurred in long‐lived herbs, especially in grasslands, whereas short RTLs occurred in short‐lived subtropical woody plants and annual herbs. Across plant life histories, as reproductive adult abundance increased, RTLs decreased. Highly variable RTLs were observed in species with multiple reintroduction events, suggesting local processes are just as important as life‐history strategy in determining reintroduction outcomes. Time lags in restoration outcomes highlight the need to scale success benchmarks in reintroduction monitoring programs with plant life‐history strategies and the unique demographic properties of restored populations. Drawing conclusions on the long‐term success of plant reintroduction programs is premature given that demographic processes in species with slow life‐histories take decades to unfold.