bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patch testing with alkyl glucosides: Concomitant reactions are common but not ubiquitous
Authors: Bhoyrul Bevin , Solman Lea , Kirk Stephen , Orton David , Wilkinson Mark 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundAlkyl glucosides contitute a family of mild surfactants that are increasingly being used in a wide range of cosmetics and household products. Contact allergy to alkyl glucosides may be more frequent than previously suspected, especially in atopic patients.ObjectivesTo investigate the frequency of contact allergy to alkyl glucosides, and to identify concomitant reactivity.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed all cases of suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in which patients were patch tested with either a cosmetic series that includes five alkyl glucosides (decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco glucoside, cetearyl glucoside, and caprylyl/capryl glucoside) or a specific alkyl glucoside series from November 2013 to April 2017 in two UK centres.ResultsA total of 5775 patients were patch tested across the two centres. Twenty‐nine (1.04%) of the 2796 patients tested with the cosmetic/alkyl glucoside series had a positive patch test reaction to at least one of the alkyl glucosides. Twenty‐three (79.3%) patients were sensitized to multiple alkyl glucosides; 21 patients (72.4%) were female. The mean age was 43.5 years. Twelve patients (41.4%) had a background of atopic dermatitis.ConclusionsThe prevalence of alkyl glucoside‐induced ACD is relatively high, and there are frequent concomitant reactions between different alkyl glucosides. We recommend the inclusion of alkyl glucosides in all cosmetic series.
Myrmica rubra microhabitat selection and putative ecological impact
Authors: Warren Robert J. , Mathew Abby , Reed Katelyn , Bayba Sonya , Krupp Kevin , Spiering David J. 
Published: November 2018

1. Myrmica rubra (European fire ant) has invaded northern latitude coastal areas in North America. This macroscale distribution suggests that M. rubra is moisture‐ and temperature‐limited, but the distribution of the invaded range may reflect the legacy of original introduction locations preserved by limited dispersal.2. This study examined a two‐decade population change in M. rubra (1994–2015) and the microscale abiotic (moisture and temperature), biotic (plants), anthropogenic (pesticide) and physiological (thermal tolerance) limits on the invasion at the Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo, NY (U.S.A.). Changes in the abundance of native ants and other invertebrates were also examined.3. Despite localised declines with pesticide treatments, overall M. rubra forager abundance increased 27% between 1994 and 2015. Abundance increased the most in the warmest areas (native ants were unaffected by temperature), but M. rubra colony locations were strongly linked to higher soil moisture and lower soil temperature. Myrmica rubra ants also exhibited relatively low thermal tolerances consistent with high‐latitude and high‐elevation ants.4. Where local M. rubra populations increased the most, native ant species decreased, and where local M. rubra populations declined, native ant species increased. Some arthropod species had lower abundance with M. rubra presence, but the impacts were less striking.5. Myrmica rubra population growth was promoted at the microhabitat scale where relatively higher temperatures prompted foraging, and relatively lower temperatures and high moisture supported nesting. These results suggest that macroscale M. rubra invaded‐range distributions in northern climates near coastal areas are replicated at the microscale where the ant prefers cooler, moister microsites.
Histopathological evaluation of oral membranous substance in bedridden elderly persons without oral intake in Japan
Authors: Shen Fa‐Chih , Ogasawara Tadashi , Shinotsuka Koichi , Miyahara Kohta , Isono Kazushige , Mochiduki Noriyasu , Matsumura Kouhei , Shimada Katsumitsu , Ochiai Takanaga , Kakinoki Yasuaki , Hasegawa Hiromasa 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to clarify by histopathological examination the origin of oral membranous substances deposited on the palate, tongue, buccal mucosa and teeth.BackgroundSeveral investigators have reported membranous substances deposited in the mouths of bedridden elderly persons requiring nursing care without oral intake. However, the precise nature and origin of the substances are poorly understood.MethodsSixty‐nine specimens were taken from the oral cavity of bedridden patients, that is, the palate, dorsum of the tongue, the cheek and teeth. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain, alcian‐blue and periodic acid‐Schiff stain (AB‐PAS) and antibodies for pankeratin (AE1AE3) and leukocyte common antigen (LCA).ResultsAll specimens showed a film‐like nature coloured from tan to white, accompanied by a mucous substance. Histologically, specimens of all sites had a similar feature of the combination of basophilic amorphous and eosinophilic lamellar features. The basophilic substance was positive for AB‐PAS, and PAS‐positive glycogen granules were also noted in the lamellar structure. Immunochemistry revealed various degrees of pankeratin positive substance and LCA‐positive inflammatory cell infiltration.ConclusionThe oral membranous substance was composed of keratin and mucin with inflammation. These results suggest that the deposition of the oral membranous substance is a pathological condition or oral mucositis caused by dry mouth.
A sequence conserved between CD5 and CD6 binds an FERM domain and exerts a restraint on T‐cell activation
Authors: Breuning Johannes , Brown Marion H. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryCD5 and CD6 are related surface receptors that limit and promote T‐cell responses. Co‐stimulatory effects of CD6 depend on binding a cell surface ligand, CD166, and recruitment of the intracellular adaptor proteins GADS and SLP‐76 by C‐terminal phosphotyrosines. We have continued to identify interactions of CD5 and CD6 to understand their roles in T‐cell activation. In a screen to identify binding partners for peptides containing a cytoplasmic sequence, SDSDY conserved between CD5 and CD6, we identified ezrin radixin moesin (ERM) proteins, which link plasma membrane proteins to actin. Purified radixin FERM domain bound directly to CD5 and CD6 SDSDY peptides in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner (KD = 0·5‐2 μm) at 37°. In human T‐cell blasts, mutation of the CD6 SDSDY sequence enhanced CD69 expression in response to CD3 monoclonal antibody. In this proximal readout, interactions of the SDSDY sequence were dominant compared with the C‐terminal tyrosines of CD6. In contrast, in a more downstream readout, interleukin‐2 expression, in response to immobilized CD3 and CD6 monoclonal antibodies, the C‐terminal tyrosines were dominant. The data suggest that varying functional effects of CD6 and potentially CD5 depend on interactions of different cytoplasmic regions with the cytoskeleton and alter depending on the stimuli.
The associations of lipids and lipid ratios with stroke: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Yan Ling , Xue Fuzhong 
Published: November 2018

Lipids and lipid ratios have been proven to be associated with cardiovascular disease; however, their relationships with stroke and stroke subtypes had not been fully understood. This study aims to assess the associations of lipids and lipid ratios with type‐specific stroke and compare their predictive capacities for stroke occurrence. In this prospective cohort study, a total of 42 005 Chinese participants aged 20 to 80 who were free of stroke at baseline were included and selected into subgroups of stroke subtypes (ischemic, hemorrhagic, and total). Total stroke outcome included a combination of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Over an average follow‐up of 3.6 years, 781 participants developed stroke (623 ischemic and 158 hemorrhagic). In men, the highest TC/HDL‐C quartile was significantly associated with increased ischemic stroke risk (multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14‐2.03) and total stroke risk (HR, 1.45, 95% CI, 1.12‐1.87), and TC/HDL‐C had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting ischemic (AUC, 0.868) and total stroke (AUC, 0.874). In women, the highest TG quartile was significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic (HR, 1.99, 95% CI, 1.11‐3.59) and total stroke (HR, 1.85, 95% CI, 1.07‐3.20), with AUCs of 0.850 and 0.861, respectively. No lipid variables were significantly associated with hemorrhagic stroke in both sex. In conclusion, TC/HDL‐C ratio may better predict stroke risk in men, whereas TG was more valuable in predicting stroke risk in women. TC/HDL‐C and TG may help to discriminate high stroke risk individuals and serve as potential targets for stroke prevention.
Effects of canagliflozin on body composition and hepatic fat content in type 2 diabetes patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Inoue Mitsuko , Hayashi Akinori , Taguchi Tomomi , Arai Riina , Sasaki Sayaka , Takano Koji , Inoue Yusuke , Shichiri Masayoshi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes, and constitutes an important risk factor for the development of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because there remains no effective drug therapy for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with type 2 diabetes, we evaluated the efficacy of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor.Methods and MaterialsIn the present pilot, prospective, non‐randomized, open‐label, single‐arm study, we evaluated the effect of 100 mg canagliflozin administered once daily for 12 months on serological markers, body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis method and hepatic fat fraction measured by magnetic resonance imaging in type 2 diabetes patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.ResultsCanagliflozin significantly reduced body and fat mass, and induced a slight decrease in lean body or muscle mass that did not reach significance at 6 and 12 months. Reductions in fat mass in each body segment (trunk, arms and legs) were evident, whereas those in lean body mass were not. The hepatic fat fraction was reduced from a baseline of 17.6 ± 7.5% to 12.0 ± 4.6% after 6 months and 12.1 ± 6.1% after 12 months (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.005), whereas serum liver enzymes and type IV collagen concentrations improved. From a mean baseline hemoglobin A1c of 8.7 ± 1.4%, canagliflozin significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c after 6 and 12 months to 7.3 ± 0.6% and 7.7 ± 0.7% (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.01).ConclusionsCanagliflozin reduced body mass, fat mass and hepatic fat content without significantly reducing muscle mass.
Using PSO and GWO techniques for prediction some drying properties of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.)
Authors: Karami Hamed , Kaveh Mohammad , Mirzaee‐Ghaleh Esmaeil , Taghinezhad Ebrahim 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this article, the effects of air temperature and velocity on drying characteristics of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) were investigated. The experiments were done at four temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C and three air velocities of 1, 1.5, and 2 m/s. According to the results, the drying term of tarragon reduced significantly with increasing drying air temperature. The values of effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) were ranged between 1.34 × 10−10 and 2.74 × 10−10 m2/s. Also, by increasing drying air temperature the values of specific energy consumption (SEC) were decreased. The values of SEC were between 20.50 and 66.90 MJ/kg. Also Deff and SEC values were modeled by particle swarm optimizer (PSO) and gray wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithms. Drying air velocity and air temperature were considered as input parameters for the models. Based on three statistical parameters includes R2, MSE, and MAE for predicting Deff and SEC, GWO performance was better than the PSO.Practical applicationsThe purpose of drying crops is decreasing of moisture content for providing secure storage and significant influence on the quality of dried crops. In this research, the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) and specific energy consumption (SEC) values were modeled by PSO and GWO algorithms. The procedure can be applied in postharvest processing of medicinal plants.
Ultrasound pretreatment of fermented milk containing probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum AF1: Carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant activity
Authors: Gholamhosseinpour Aliakbar , Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe effect of ultrasound (100 W, 30 kHz, 25% amplitude for 5, 10, and 15 min; US) on growth, carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant activity of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum AF1 was investigated during milk fermentation. The antioxidant activity of L. plantarum AF1 was measured by 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) (ABTS), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), inhibition of the autoxidation of ascorbate, reducing ability, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests. The results indicated that the cell membrane permeability of sonicated samples was increased 88–94% compared to control. Additionally, β‐galactosidase activity and population of Lactobacillus strain increased with increasing ultrasound treatment time during the fermentation after the treatment. However, no significant differences were observed in the final counts of the control and the sonicated samples at the end of fermentation (24 hr). Although the lactose content was decreased significantly (p ≤ .05) by extending sonication time, the amounts of glucose, galactose, and lactic acid enhanced significantly (p ≤ .05) as the time of fermentation and sonication proceeded. The antioxidant activity was also enhanced significantly (p ≤ .05) with increase in sonication time during 24 hr fermentation after the treatment. Therefore, the lowest and the highest antioxidant activities were seen in the control sample and the US‐15 min sonicated milk at the end of fermentation, respectively.Practical applicationsThe dairy industry is seeking methods to increase nutritional and quality of dairy products. Recently, the ultrasound has attracted significant attention in food processing generally because of the recent consumers’ trend toward functional foods. The present study provides an investigation about the efficiency of ultrasound to improve the metabolism and growth of Lactobacillus plantarum during fermentation of milk and therefore increase the quality and antioxidant activity of milk. The results show that ultrasound is a potential technique for improve metabolism of Lactobacillus strain and thus increase antioxidant activity and quality of fermented milk. Consequently, the use of ultrasound will increase the health promoting effects and quality of fermented dairy products. These results will assist in designing ultrasound procedures for optimizing the general quality of fermented milk.
Optimization of extrusion process parameters for preparing fiber‐rich oat flour
Authors: Sandrin Raceli , Mejía Sandra Milena Vasquez , Caon Thiago , de Francisco Alicia 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this study, the effect of extrusion temperature and screw speed on the nutritional properties of the extrudates was evaluated by using a response surface methodology. The total, soluble, insoluble dietary fiber, beta‐glucan, resistant starch, and total starch contents were evaluated through enzymatic assays. The processing parameters affected the content of all constituents of the flour mixture, except for beta‐glucan. The total starch content, insoluble dietary fiber, and resistant starch were significantly decreased with increasing temperature and screw speed (until 13, 12, and 97%, respectively). The extrusion parameters had a positive effect on total dietary fiber content (increased this parameter up to 29%) when compared with the raw material, that is, oat and rice blend, causing changes from the insoluble to soluble dietary fibers. In the electron microscopic analysis, the structure of all extrudates showed to be homogeneous and compact with irregular surfaces.Practical applicationsThe processing of oats by using extrusion‐cooking technique is challenging due to the high lipid and fiber content. For this reason, expansion agents such as rice or corn flours are commonly mixed to the oats before processing. In addition to changing rheological, physical and chemical properties of the raw materials, the extrusion operating conditions may lead to loss of food nutritional properties. In this study, we used the response surface methodology to understand which processing conditions maximize the food nutritional value. The selection of an optimum operating condition in terms of energy efficiency and thermal quality represent a relevant requirement for the current food industry. The content of β‐glucan was preserved regardless of the processing condition while the insoluble and soluble fiber ratio was significantly affected by screw speed. Once low temperatures could be used for preparing fiber‐rich oat flour, a reduction in energy consumption from the process is expected.
Short‐term application of CO2 gas: Effects on physicochemical, microbial, and sensory qualities of “Charlotte” strawberry during storage
Authors: Chandra Dulal , Lee Jung‐Soo , Hong Yoon Pyo , Park Me‐Hea , Choi Ae Jin , Kim Ji Gang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe effects of different concentrations (30, 50, and 70 kPa) and time (1 or 3 hr) of short‐term CO2 gas treatment on the quality, safety, and shelf life of “Charlotte” strawberry were evaluated during storage at 4°C. Color attributes were better maintained in CO2 treated strawberries while firmness increased significantly and maintained throughout the storage in 70 kPa CO2 treatments compared to untreated control. Total soluble solid, pH, and titratable acidity did not show remarkable changes among the treatments. Total anthocyanins accumulation was significantly (p ≤ .05) lower in fruits exposed to 70 kPa CO2 for 1 hr than that of control but insignificantly lower with other CO2 treatments at the end of storage while total phenolic content was almost unaffected by CO2 treatment. Lower number of microbial population and better maintenance of sensory qualities were found in strawberries treated with 70 kPa CO2; therefore, marketability extended by about 4 and 2 days compared to control and other CO2 treatments, respectively.Practical applicationsThese results suggest that the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory quality of strawberries were better maintained in fruits exposed to 70 kPa CO2 either for 1 or 3 hr before storage than sample stored directly. The results of this study could be useful for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of “Charlotte” strawberry during storage or export at low temperature condition.
Clinical validation of the “7 × 7” questionnaire for patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Ivashkin Vladimir , Sheptulin Arkady , Shifrin Oleg , Poluektova Elena , Pavlov Chavdar , Ivashkin Konstantin , Drozdova Alexandra , Lyashenko Olga , Korolev Alexandr 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimPhysicians use different scales and questionnaires to assess the severity of clinical symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The current study aimed to validate the “7 × 7” questionnaire for assessment of severity of the symptoms as a tool for the efficacy of treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, using the Clinical Global Impressions scale as the reference standard.MethodsFifty inpatients aged from 18 to 64 with a confirmed diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (26 patients, 52%), functional dyspepsia (15 patients, 30%), or both (9 patients, 18%) were prospectively enrolled in the study. We used both the 7 × 7 questionnaire and the Clinical Global Impressions scale before and after 28 days of stable treatment.ResultsOur study revealed a significant correlation between the 7 × 7 questionnaire and the Clinical Global Impressions scale results in assessment of severity of the clinical symptoms and their dynamics during treatment. The 7 × 7 questionnaire showed sensitivity of 74.5% and specificity of 54.1% for evaluating patients with mild to severe disease and 66.6% and 76%, respectively, for evaluating patients with moderate to severe disease. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.719. The intraclass correlation coefficient among participants in whom the condition remained the same was 0.973 (12 participants [24.5%]).ConclusionsThe 7 × 7 questionnaire is a convenient, sensitive, and reliable tool for assessing the severity of symptoms and treatment efficacy in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Impact of family history of colorectal cancer on age‐specific prevalence of colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Park Chan Hyuk , Kim Nam Hee , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il , Jung Yoon Suk 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThere are no established guidelines on screening strategies for persons with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Korea. We aimed to evaluate the age‐specific risk of colorectal neoplasia according to family history of CRC.MethodsParticipants who underwent screening colonoscopy were included. Age‐specific prevalence of non‐advanced adenoma (NAA) and advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN) was calculated according to family history of CRC.ResultsAmong 35 997 participants, 1339 (3.7%) had a family history of CRC in first‐degree relatives. A family history of CRC was an independent risk factor for NAA (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.52). In the subgroup analysis by age, family history of CRC was a risk factor for NAA in the 50–59 and ≥ 60 years groups (AOR [95% CI]: 1.42 [1.04–1.91] and 2.33 [1.34–4.09], respectively), but not in the 30–39 and 40–49 years groups. In the curve of age‐specific prevalence of NAA, the gap of the prevalence between the family history and non‐family history groups began to widen after the mid‐50s. In cases of ACRN, a family history of CRC was not a risk factor in the entire age group (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 0.75–1.70). In the curve of age‐specific prevalence of ACRN, however, the gap of the prevalence between the family history and non‐family history groups began to widen after the early 60s.ConclusionAlthough a family history of CRC is a risk factor for NAA, it may affect NAA development from the mid‐50s and ACRN development from the early 60s.