bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cell–derived small extracellular vesicles and bone regeneration
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Thomsen Peter
Published: August 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are promising candidates for cell‐based and cell‐free regenerative medicine, respectively. By virtue of their multiple lineage differentiation capacity, MSCs have been implicated as an ideal tool for bone and cartilage regeneration. However, later observations attributed such regenerative effects to MSC‐secreted paracrine factors. Exosomes, endosomal originated sEVs carrying lipid, protein and nucleic acid cargoes, were identified as components of the MSC secretome and propagated the key regenerative and immunoregulatory characteristics of parental MSCs. Here, exosome biogenesis, the molecular composition of exosomes, sEV‐cell interactions and the effects on key bone homeostasis cells are reviewed. MSC‐derived sEVs show to promote neovascularization and bone and cartilage regeneration in preclinical disease models. The mechanisms include the transfer of molecules, including microRNAs, mRNAs and proteins, to other key cells. MSC‐derived sEVs are interesting candidates as biopharmaceuticals for drug delivery and for the engineering of biologically functionalized materials. Although major exploratory efforts have been made for therapeutic development, the secretion, distribution and biological effects of MSC‐derived sEVs in bone and cartilage regeneration are not fully understood. Moreover, techniques for high‐yield production, purity and storage need to be optimized before effective and safe MSC‐derived sEVs therapies are realized.
Lithium in drinking water and suicide prevention: The largest nationwide epidemiological study from Japan
Authors: Kugimiya Tsuyoshi , Ishii Nobuyoshi , Kohno Kentaro , Kanehisa Masayuki , Hatano Koji , Hirakawa Hirofumi , Terao Takeshi
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aims of the present study thus were (a) to further investigate the association between lithium levels in drinking water and suicide rates by adjusting relevant factors using the so far largest available dataset in Japan, (b) to confirm sex differences, (c) to estimate the effects of long‐term exposure to trace lithium, (d) to investigate the effects of drinking bottled instead of tap water, and (e) to exploratorily investigate which lithium levels may be associated with lower suicide rates.

Methods

Mean lithium levels in drinking water of all 808 cities and wards (ie, 785 cities of 46 prefectures and 23 wards of Tokyo) in Japan were examined in relation to mean suicide standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) during the 7 years from 2010 to 2016. Multiple regression analyses adjusted for the size of each population were used to investigate the association of lithium levels with suicide SMRs with adjustments for relevant factors.

Results

The adjusted model showed significant inverse associations of lithium levels with total and male SMRs, but not with female SMRs. Neither the proportion of residents who continued to live in the same city nor the consumption of bottled water changed the association between lithium levels and suicide SMRs. Finally, it was 30 μg/L or more that was associated with lower suicide SMRs.

Conclusions

The present findings reconfirm the inverse association between lithium levels in drinking water and suicide rates particularly in the male population.
6q deletion in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia negatively affects time to transformation and survival
Authors: García‐Sanz Ramón , Dogliotti Irene , Zaccaria Gian Maria , Ocio Enrique María , Rubio Araceli , Murillo Ilda , Escalante Fernando , Aguilera Carmen , García‐Mateo Aránzazu , García de Coca Alfonso , Hernández Roberto , Dávila Julio , Puig Noemí , García‐Álvarez María , Chillón María del Carmen , Alcoceba Miguel , Medina Alejandro , González de la Calle Verónica , Sarasquete María Eugenia , González Marcos , Gutiérrez Norma Carmen , Jiménez Cristina
Published: August 2020

Deletion of the long arm of chromosome 6 (del6q) is the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM), occurring in approximately 50% of patients. Its effect on patient outcome has not been completely established. We used fluorescence in situ hybridisation to analyse the prevalence of del6q in selected CD19+ bone marrow cells of 225 patients with newly diagnosed immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathies. Del6q was identified in one of 27 (4%) cases of IgM‐monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, nine of 105 (9%) of asymptomatic WM (aWM), and 28/93 (30%) of symptomatic WM (sWM), and was associated with adverse prognostic features and higher International Prognostic Scoring System for WM (IPSSWM) score. Asymptomatic patients with del6q ultimately required therapy more often and had a shorter time to transformation (TT) to symptomatic disease (median TT, 30 months vs. 199 months, respectively, P < 0·001). When treatment was required, 6q‐deleted patients had shorter progression‐free survival (median 20 vs. 47 months, P < 0·001). The presence of del6q translated into shorter overall survival (OS), irrespective of the initial diagnosis, with a median OS of 90 compared with 131 months in non‐del6q patients (P = 0·01). In summary, our study shows that del6q in IgM gammopathy is associated with symptomatic disease, need for treatment and poorer clinical outcomes.
Using an integrated social cognition model to predict COVID‐19 preventive behaviours
Authors: Lin Chung‐Ying , Imani Vida , Majd Nilofar Rajabi , Ghasemi Zahra , Griffiths Mark D. , Hamilton Kyra , Hagger Martin S. , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Rates of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infections have rapidly increased worldwide and reached pandemic proportions. A suite of preventive behaviours have been recommended to minimize risk of COVID‐19 infection in the general population. The present study utilized an integrated social cognition model to explain COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample from the Iranian general population.

Design

The study adopted a three‐wave prospective correlational design.

Methods

Members of the general public (N = 1,718, Mage = 33.34, SD = 15.77, male = 796, female = 922) agreed to participate in the study. Participants completed self‐report measures of demographic characteristics, intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and action self‐efficacy at an initial data collection occasion. One week later, participants completed self‐report measures of maintenance self‐efficacy, action planning and coping planning, and, a further week later, measures of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours. Hypothesized relationships among social cognition constructs and COVID‐19 preventive behaviours according to the proposed integrated model were estimated using structural equation modelling.

Results

The proposed model fitted the data well according to multiple goodness‐of‐fit criteria. All proposed relationships among model constructs were statistically significant. The social cognition constructs with the largest effects on COVID‐19 preventive behaviours were coping planning (β = .575, p < .001) and action planning (β = .267, p < .001).

Conclusions

Current findings may inform the development of behavioural interventions in health care contexts by identifying intervention targets. In particular, findings suggest targeting change in coping planning and action planning may be most effective in promoting participation in COVID‐19 preventive behaviours.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Curbing COVID‐19 infections globally is vital to reduce severe cases and deaths in at‐risk groups.

Preventive behaviours like handwashing and social distancing can stem contagion of the coronavirus.

Identifying modifiable correlates of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours is needed to inform intervention.

What does this study add?

An integrated model identified predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in Iranian residents.

Prominent predictors were intentions, planning, self‐efficacy, and perceived behavioural control.

Findings provide insight into potentially modifiable constructs that interventions can target.

Research should examine if targeting these factors lead to changes in COVID‐19 behaviours over time.
Anti‐inflammatory and antiviral roles of hydrogen sulfide: Rationale for considering H2S donors in COVID‐19 therapy
Authors: Citi Valentina , Martelli Alma , Brancaleone Vincenzo , Brogi Simone , Gojon Gabriel , Montanaro Rosangela , Morales Guillermo , Testai Lara , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: August 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by SARS‐Cov‐2 demands rapid, safe and effective therapeutic options. In the last decades, the endogenous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as modulator of several biological functions and its deficiency has been associated with different disorders. Therefore, many H2S‐releasing agents have been developed as potential therapeutic tools for diseases related with impaired H2S production and/or activity. Some of these compounds are in advanced clinical trials. Presently, the pivotal role of H2S in modulating the inflammatory response and pro‐inflammatory cytokine cascade is well recognized, and the usefulness of some H2S‐donors for the treatment of acute lung inflammation has been reported. Recent data is elucidating several mechanisms of action, which may account for antiviral effects of H2S. Noteworthy, some preliminary clinical results suggest an inverse relationship between endogenous H2S levels and severity of COVID‐19. Therefore, repurposing of H2S‐releasing drugs may be a potential therapeutic opportunity for treatment of COVID‐19.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Customer entrepreneurship on digital platforms: Challenges and solutions for platform business models
Authors: Park Hyunkyu , Kim Sojung , Jeong Yujin , Minshall Tim
Published: August 2020

Drawing on the mixed methods of qualitative research and agent‐based simulation, this study examines: (a) how end‐users use digital platforms to become customer–entrepreneurs undertaking commercial activities on platforms; and (b) how platform providers can convert this customer entrepreneurship into a revenue stream. Considering that end‐users have traditionally been defined as passive and uncharged actors in platform business models, an in‐depth understanding of their commercial activities and the viable revenue model to monetize this emerging customer practice is warranted. Our qualitative study reveals that customer–entrepreneurs make substantial use of platform offerings to advertise their products; communicate with end‐consumers; and accept payments. These commercial activities are largely exercised for free on platforms, even though they could otherwise serve as a source of revenue. On this point, our simulation results identify two pricing models achieving the generation of nearly identical revenues over time. First, platform providers may charge both advertising and transaction fees, which maximize the survival of professional customer–entrepreneurs. Second, platform businesses may levy advertising fees only, which maximizes the survival of informal customer–entrepreneurs operating on a micro‐scale and part‐time basis. This study offers theoretical, methodological, and managerial implications for platform studies.
Alantolactone induces apoptosis in THP‐1 cells through STAT3, survivin inhibition, and intrinsic apoptosis pathway
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Gamallat Yaser , Su Pengyu , Husain Akbar , Rehman Ata Ur , Zaky Mohamed Y. , Bakheet Ahmed Musa Hago , Tahir Naeem , Xin Yi , Liang Wang
Published: August 2020

Cancer is the second foremost cause of mortality in the world, and THP‐1 cells play an important role in cancer progression. Alantolactone (ALT), a sesquiterpene lactone compound derived from Inula helenium, has a number of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of ALT on THP‐1 cells and its underlying molecular mechanisms. THP‐1 cells were cultured and treated with ALT (20, 40 µM) for 12 hr, and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, cell morphology, live/dead, and apoptosis assays were performed. The gene expressions at the protein level were checked through Western blot. Results show that ALT decreased cell viability and increased cell death and apoptosis. We found that ALT inhibited STAT3 and survivin expression. Furthermore, ALT induced mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis through a decrease in B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) and Bcl‐xL and increase in Bax expression, resulting in the release of cytochrome c (Cyt‐c) from mitochondria. Cyt‐c release from mitochondria further increased cleaved (cl) caspase‐3 and cl‐PARP expression and led the cells to apoptosis. Therefore, ALT might be a good therapy for the progression due to THP‐1 cells.
Peri‐implant tissue conditions at implants treated with Sub‐periosteal Peri‐implant Augmented Layer technique: A retrospective case series
Authors: Trombelli Leonardo , Pramstraller Mattia , Severi Mattia , Simonelli Anna , Farina Roberto
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To assess peri‐implant tissue conditions on the short term in patients receiving the Sub‐periosteal Peri‐implant Augmented Layer (SPAL) technique and in patients with adequate thickness (≥2 mm) of the peri‐implant buccal bone plate (PBBP) at placement.

Methods

Patients where either a dehiscence defect or thin PBBP at implant placement was corrected by SPAL technique (SPALdehiscence and SPALthin groups, respectively) and patients presenting a residual PBBP thickness ≥2 mm at implant placement (control group) were retrospectively selected. The number of peri‐implant sites positive to bleeding on probing (BoP) at 6 months following prosthetic loading was the primary outcome. Also, height of keratinized mucosa, marginal soft tissue level, Plaque Index, peri‐implant probing depth, suppuration on probing, and interproximal radiographic bone level (RBL) were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (11 in the SPALdehiscence group, 11 in the SPALthin group, and 12 in the control group) were included. In each SPAL group, 10 patients (90.9%) showed peri‐implant tissue thickness ≥2 mm at the most coronal portion of the implant at uncovering. The prevalence (number) of BoP‐positive sites was 2, 1, and 0 in the SPALdehiscence, SPALthin, and control groups, respectively. RBL amounted to 0.3 mm in the SPALdehiscence group, 0.2 mm in the SPALthin group, and 0 mm in the control group.

Conclusion

After 6 months of prosthetic loading, patients treated with SPAL technique show limited peri‐implant mucosal inflammation in association with shallow PD and adequate KM. At implants receiving SPAL technique, however, interproximal RBL was found apical to its ideal position.
Let's welcome a variety of voices to invasion biology
Authors: Davis Mark A.
Published: August 2020

Article Impact Statement: Efforts by some invasion biologists to limit voices from the humanities and social sciences weaken the field.
Gastric volvulus related to upside‐down stomach that was successfully treated by endoscopic repositioning
Authors: Kishino Takaaki , Fukumoto Kohei
Published: August 2020

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Global distribution patterns provide evidence of niche shift by the introduced African dung beetleDigitonthophagus gazella
Authors: Noriega Jorge Ari , Floate Kevin D. , Génier François , Reid Chris A.M. , Kohlmann Bert , Horgan Finbarr G. , Davis Adrian L.V. , Forgie Shaun A. , Aguilar Carlos , Ibarra Mario G. , Vaz‐de‐Mello Fernando , Ziani Stefano , Lobo Jorge M.
Published: August 2020

The establishment of cattle ranches throughout the world has prompted the release of dung beetles as biological control agents that reduce pasture fouling and control dung‐breeding flies. One of these beetles,Digitonthophagus gazella(Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), that is native to southeast Africa, has been introduced into the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand. Distribution records for this species have been used to develop climate models of potential future establishment. Recent studies, however, identifyD. gazellaas a complex of seven species. Taking into account this revision, and the clear identification of the records belonging to the actualD. gazella, we developed environmental models to identify factors that have contributed to the establishment of this species across regions and habitats. We compared the environmental conditions ofD. gazellain its native range against those in the regions where the species has or has not established. Our results indicate thatD. gazellais still absent in certain parts of Central and South America and parts of Africa where it could potentially establish. We speculate that its distribution in Africa is limited by competitive exclusion. The introduction ofD. gazellain America is relatively recent, such that the full extent of its distribution has probably yet to be realized. In Australia and North America,D. gazellais present in regions not predicted according to its native environmental conditions. This discrepancy may reflect a lack of competitive exclusion, phenotypic plasticity, and/or genetic adaptation. Our analyses suggest that the species has the ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions that are extremely different from those in their native region. The species represents a useful case study to indicate that an introduced species may expand its realized niche beyond what is expected based on apparent environmental limits in the species native range.
Re‐defining the virtual reality dental simulator: Demonstrating concurrent validity of clinically relevant assessment and feedback
Authors: Dixon Jonathan , Towers Ashley , Martin Nicolas , Field James
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) dental simulators are gaining momentum as a useful tool to educate dental students. To date, no VR dental simulator exercise has been designed which is capable of reliably providing validated, meaningful clinical feedback to dental students. This study aims to measure the concurrent validity of the assessment and the provision of qualitative feedback, pertaining to cavity preparations by VR dental simulators.

Methods

A cavity preparation exercise was created on a VR dental simulator, and assessment criteria for cavity preparations were developed. The exercise was performed 10 times in order to demonstrate a range of performances, and for each, the simulator feedback was recorded. The exercises were subsequently three‐dimensionally printed, and 12 clinical teachers were asked to assess the preparations according to the same criteria. Inter‐rater reliability (IRR) between clinical teachers was measured using a free‐marginal multirater kappa value. Clinical teacher assessment responses were compared with the VR simulator responses and percentage agreements calculated.

Results

IRR values for each exercise ranged from 0.39 to 0.77 (69.39%‐88.48%). The assessment of smoothness (κfree 0.58, 78.79%) and ability to follow the outline (κfree 0.56, 77.88%) demonstrated highest agreement between clinical teachers, whilst the assessment of undercut (κfree 0.15, 57.58%) and depth (κfree 0.28, 64.09%) had the lowest agreement. The modal percentage agreement between clinical teachers and the VR simulator was, on average, 78% across all exercises.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that it is possible to provide reliable and clinically relevant qualitative feedback via a VR dental simulator. Further research should look to employ this technique across a broader range of exercises that help to develop other complex operative dental skills.
The relationship between Facebook behaviour and e‐professionalism: A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study among Greek dental students
Authors: Karveleas Ilias , Kyriakouli Athina , Koukou Melina , Koufatzidou Marianna , Kalogirou Eleni‐Marina , Tosios Konstantinos I.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The social media attitude of health science students might affect patients' opinion about the health profession and have negative impact on e‐professionalism. The aim of this study is to investigate the behaviour of Greek dental students on Facebook, focusing on potentially unprofessional posts and the online student‐patient relationship.

Materials and methods

Five hundred and twelve dental students in Greece answered an anonymous, 23‐item questionnaire including multiple‐choice questions about various topics, including Facebook profile settings and content shared by dental students, student‐patient relationship via Facebook; and students' perception about the impact of their online behaviour.

Results

93.2% of responders had a Facebook profile and 80.5% admitted that their online attitude might affect patients' opinion about dental profession. However, 71.7% posted pictures from holidays, 41.5% from nightclubs, and 26.2% photographs wearing swimwear/underwear, while 12.8% expressed online political party predilection. One quarter of students in clinical years were Facebook friends with patients and 58% and 30% of them had online discussion about topics related or not to dentistry, respectively, while 6.8% of dental students had posted defamatory comments about the dental school, faculty members or academic staff on Facebook.

Discussion

In accordance with studies in other countries, most Greek dental students had a Facebook profile and, although the majority realised the impact of Facebook behaviour on e‐professionalism, a considerable percentage posted unprofessional content.

Conclusion

Dental students might fall into pitfalls when it comes to e‐professionalism. As social media are becoming an integral part of life, there is need to include e‐professionalism in dental education curriculum.
The role of CUDC‐907, a dual phosphoinositide‐3 kinase and histone deacetylase inhibitor, in inhibiting proliferation of adult T‐cell leukemia
Authors: Ishikawa Chie , Mori Naoki
Published: August 2020

Objectives

New effective therapeutic strategies for human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1)‐driven adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) are required because of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of a dual phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, CUDC‐907.

Methods

Cell viability, cell cycle progression, and apoptotic events were examined by WST‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and Hoechst 33342 staining. Caspase activity was determined using Calorimetric Caspase Assay kits. Immunoblotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to assess the intracellular signaling cascades.

Results

The combination of PI3K inhibitor BKM120 and HDAC inhibitor LBH589 resulted in a synergistic cytotoxic effect in HTLV‐1‐infected T cells. CUDC‐907 was more efficacious than BKM120 and LBH589. It induced G1 cell cycle arrest with downregulation of cyclin D1/D2, CDK4/6, c‐Myc, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein expression. Apoptosis was induced via caspase‐3/8/9 activation along with downregulation of Bcl‐XL, Bcl‐2, XIAP, survivin, and cIAP1/2, and upregulation of Bax and Bak. Histone H3 acetylation, H2AX activation, Hsp27 phosphorylation, and Hsp70 and Hsp27 upregulation were observed after treatment. CUDC‐907 suppressed Akt, NF‐κB, and AP‐1 by downregulating phosphorylated and/or total Akt, IKKα/β, RelA, JunB, and JunD.

Conclusion

CUDC‐907 may be a potential therapeutic agent for ATL.
Inbreeding depresses altruism in a cooperative society
Authors: Wells David A. , Cant Michael A. , Hoffman Joseph I. , Nichols Hazel J.
Published: August 2020

In some animal species, individuals regularly breed with relatives, including siblings and parents. Given the high fitness costs of inbreeding, evolutionary biologists have found it challenging to understand the persistence of these inbred societies in nature. One appealing but untested explanation is that early life care may create a benign environment that offsets inbreeding depression, allowing inbred societies to evolve. We test this possibility using 21 years of data from a wild cooperatively breeding mammal, the banded mongoose, a species where almost one in ten young result from close inbreeding. We show that care provided by parents and alloparents mitigates inbreeding depression for early survival. However, as adults, inbred individuals provide less care, reducing the amount of help available to the next generation. Our results suggest that inbred cooperative societies are rare in nature partly because the protective care that enables elevated levels of inbreeding can be reduced by inbreeding depression.
Fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients with different clinical phenotypes: a clinical and magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Marchesi O. , Vizzino C. , Meani A. , Conti L. , Riccitelli G. C. , Preziosa P. , Filippi M. , Rocca M. A.
Published: August 2020

Background and purpose

The prevalence of fatigue and its relation with clinical, neuropsychological and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables in a large cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was investigated.

Method

The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and its subdomains were collected from 725 healthy controls and 366 MS patients [238 relapsing–remitting (RRMS) and 128 progressive (PMS)]. For the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale global and subdomains, MS patients were classified as fatigued (F‐MS) or non‐fatigued (NF‐MS) according to cut‐off values provided by logistic regression models with a specificity of 90% (i.e. a 10% false‐positive rate in classifying healthy controls). MS patients underwent neurological, neuropsychological and MRI evaluations. Clinical and MRI measures were compared between F‐MS and NF‐MS patients using age‐, sex‐ and phenotype‐adjusted linear models. Heterogeneities between phenotypes were tested with specific interaction terms.

Results

Global fatigue affected 174 (47.5%) MS patients, being more prevalent in PMS (PMS 64.1% vs. RRMS 38.7%, P < 0.001). For all dichotomizations, F‐MS were older (P from <0.001 to 0.012) and more depressed (P < 0.001) than NF‐MS patients. Compared to NF‐MS, cognitive F‐MS patients had lower education (P = 0.035). Compared to NF‐MS, patients with global and physical fatigue had higher Expanded Disability Status Scale only for RRMS (P < 0.001). Only RRMS patients with physical fatigue had lower brain (P = 0.05), white matter (P = 0.039) and thalamic volumes (P = 0.022) compared to NF‐MS patients.

Conclusions

In MS, fatigue is associated with older age, lower education and higher depression. Only in RRMS, fatigue is associated with Expanded Disability Status Scale and brain atrophy. A plateauing effect of disability and structural damage can explain the lack of associations in PMS.
Hiring retirement‐age CEOs
Authors: Wang Ye , Yin Sirui
Published: August 2020

More than 10% of the S&P 1500 companies have hired a CEO who starts the job near or above the conventional retirement age of 65 years old. This phenomenon exists among all industries and persists over time. Firms are more likely to hire retiring CEOs when the CEO job risk is high and when the firm is in distress. Retiring CEOs receive lower total compensation, the compensation structure puts a higher weight on nonequity‐based compensation, and have a shorter tenure. Retiring CEOs can be beneficial to shareholders when they are hired for the right purpose.
Generalized pustular psoriasis—Dawn of a new era in targeted immunotherapy
Authors: Neuhauser Ruth , Eyerich Kilian , Boehner Alexander
Published: August 2020

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent flares of pustulation accompanied by systemic symptoms. Due to its acuteness, sufficient diagnosis and treatment are essential, but often face challenges. We recently overviewed various treatment options of GPP utilizing established therapies in psoriasis vulgaris (PsO). Although there is a pathogenic relation to PsO, more and more evidence suggests a predominant involvement of the innate immune system in GPP. Recent discoveries on the genetic background of GPP with underlying mutations in IL36RN, CARD14, AP1S3 and SERPINA3 contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and provide major opportunities in the development of innovative, targeted therapies. The proposed umbrella term “autoinflammatory keratinization diseases” (AIKD) helps to categorize this heterogeneous disease. Finally, we address the problem of insufficient standardized assessment tools and propose a reproducible scoring system also capturing the systemic features of GPP. In summary, GPP is a prototype disease to demonstrate both obstacles and progress in dermatology—currently insufficient definition and diagnostic tools on the one hand side, yet major advances in dissecting disease heterogeneity, opportunities for novel diagnostic techniques and therapeutic decision‐making based on molecular events on the other side.
A hybrid MCDM model combining DANP with TODIM to evaluate the information quality of community question answering in a two‐dimensional linguistic environment
Authors: Li Ming , Li Ying , Peng Qijin , Wang Jun
Published: August 2020

Evaluating the information quality of cQA (community question‐answering) websites helps users select a cQA website with high‐quality information and improves the information quality. In this paper, an approach to evaluating the information quality of cQA based on a novel hybrid multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) model is proposed. First, the source, content, expression and usefulness criteria for evaluating the information quality of the cQA are established. Then, considering the ambiguity and inner correlations of the criteria, DANP ([DEMATEL]‐based Analytic Network Process) and TODIM (interactive and multiple attribute decision making, in Portuguese) methods are combined in a two‐dimensional linguistic environment to process linguistic evaluation information. Lastly, the proposed approach is applied to evaluate the quality of five popular cQA websites. The key criteria are identified, and the evaluation results are derived comprehensively. The key factors consist of reputation, coverage, politeness, usability, helpfulness, clarity, readability and conciseness. The websites, Know almost and Baidu knows, perform better in terms of information quality. The application, along with the sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis, shows the effectiveness of the proposed model. The proposed approach has both practical and research implications. It provides an approach for users to choose websites, and, for operators, to improve the information quality of their website. The evaluation criteria and their relations provide a reference for research on the information quality. The evaluation method considers the user's psychological information to provide a more accurate MCDM approach. The comprehensive aspects of the experiment can be used to verify the other MCDM methods.
Understanding the Parental Stress Scale With a Foster Carer Cohort
Authors: Harding Leith , Murray Kate , Shakespeare‐Finch Jane , Frey Ron
Published: August 2020

Objective

Using a cohort of foster and kin carers, the research examined the underlying factor structure of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS; Berry & Jones, 1995). A hypothesized underlying two‐dimensional theoretical model was explored.

Background

With the growing demands on the foster care system, including poor retention and recruitment of foster carers, there is an urgent need to explore the positive and negative factors that may influence carers continued engagement in the role.

Method

The factor structure of the PSS was examined in a sample of foster and kin carers in Australia (N = 324). The PSS consists of 10 statements addressing stressful aspects of parenting and eight statements addressing satisfying aspects of parenting. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) explored the underlying theoretical structure of the scale as determined by the developers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm whether four factors would sustain reduction to a two‐dimensional (satisfaction–stress) model.

Results

EFA and CFA supported a two‐dimensional moderately correlated model measuring parent stress and parent satisfaction. The Parent Stress Index IV Short Form provided concurrent validity for the PSS stress subscale and previous analyses have also identified the strength of these dimensions over time, cohorts, and contexts.

Conclusion

The current study supports using the subscale scores in research with foster carers and potentially other populations to better capture both stress and rewards and satisfaction related to their parenting role.

Implications

Application of the PSS subscales can assess interactions or moderating effects of parenting in specific cohorts, making the PSS a valuable instrument to examine the balance between stress and reward for parents, foster parents and others who are “parenting” children.
A guide to: generation and design of nanobodies
Authors: Muyldermans Serge
Published: August 2020

A nanobody (Nb) is a registered trademark of Ablynx, referring to the single antigen‐binding domain of heavy chain‐only antibodies (HCAbs) that are circulating in Camelidae. Nbs are produced recombinantly in micro‐organisms and employed as research tools or for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. They were – and still are – also named single‐domain antibodies (sdAbs) or variable domain of the heavy chain of HCAbs (VHH). A variety of methods are currently in use for the fast and efficient generation of target‐specific Nbs. Such Nbs are produced at low cost and associate with high affinity to their cognate antigen. They are robust, strictly monomeric and easy to tailor into more complex entities to meet the requirements of their application. Here, we review the various sources and different strategies that have been developed to identify rapidly, target‐specific Nbs. We further discuss a variety of engineering technologies that have been explored to broaden the application range of Nbs and summarise those applications where designed Nbs might offer a marked advantage over other affinity reagents.
Ductile tearing analyses of cracked TP304 pipes using the multiaxial fracture strain energy model and the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman model
Authors: Wang Tao , Wen Jian‐Feng , Kim Yun‐Jae , Tu Shan‐Tung
Published: August 2020

Ductile crack growth behaviours of TP304 pipes containing different circumferential defects were investigated in the study. Finite element (FE) damage analysis of the ductile fracture was carried out based on an uncoupled multiaxial fracture strain energy (MFSE) model with only two model parameters, which can be calibrated by data from tensile tests and fracture toughness tests. For the purpose of comparison, the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) model was also employed in the FE damage analysis. It is observed that the MFSE model can reproduce the ductile tearing experiments as excellently as the GTN model does. Despite its simplicity, the MFSE model can reasonably predict the magnitudes of the crack initiation load and maximum load, the load‐line displacement, the crack mouth opening displacement, the crack extension and the crack profiles in the full‐scale cracked pipe tests.
The native speaker fallacy in a U.S. university Japanese and Chinese program
Authors: Tsuchiya Shinsuke
Published: August 2020

Informed by concepts of native speakers, racial nativism, and language socialization theory, this study documented the existence of the native speaker fallacy (Phillipson, 1992,Linguistic imperialism. Oxford: Oxford University Press) in a university‐level Japanese and Chinese program in the United States. Specifically, the researcher collected survey responses from language teachers and students, conducted interviews, and observed the teacher training process, one‐on‐one teaching sessions, and classroom teaching over the course of 2 academic years. A regression analysis showed how the perception of native and non‐native speakers was significantly influenced by students’ language level, native language, and race, and by the language program itself. The cases of a dialectal speaker and biracial Japanese teachers illustrated the effects of the bifurcated categorizations on teachers who do not fit in the dichotomy. Implications derived from this study call for critical analysis of the valorization of standard dialect and investigation into ways that will make more room for diversity in the language classroom. This study also underscores the importance of debriefing meetings that allow language professionals and students to reflect their teaching and learning experiences in relation to their identities and to examine unquestioned assumptions about language and racial identities and language standardization in increasingly globalized and diverse communities.
Mineralogical associations with soil carbon in managed wetland soils
Authors: Anthony Tyler L. , Silver Whendee L.
Published: August 2020

Carbon (C)‐rich wetland soils are often drained for agriculture due to their capacity to support high net primary productivity. Increased drainage is expected this century to meet the agricultural demands of a growing population. Wetland drainage can result in large soil C losses and the concentration of residual soil minerals such as iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al). In upland soils, reactive Fe and Al minerals can contribute to soil C accumulation through sorption to poorly crystalline minerals and coprecipitation of organo‐metal complexes, as well as C loss via anaerobic respiration by Fe‐reducing bacteria. The role of these minerals in soil C dynamics is often overlooked in managed wetland soils and may be particularly important in both drained and reflooded systems with elevated mineral concentrations. Reflooding drained soils have been proposed as a means to sequester C for climate change mitigation, yet little is known about how reactive Fe and Al minerals affect C cycling in restored wetlands. We explored the interactions among soil C and reactive Fe and Al minerals in drained and reflooded wetland soils. In reflooded soils, soil C was negatively associated with reactive Fe and reduced Fe(II), a proxy for anaerobic conditions (reactive Fe:R2 = .54–.79; Fe(II):R2 = .59–.89). In drained soils, organo‐Al complexes were positively associated with soil C and Fe(II) (AlR2 = .91; Fe(II):R2 = .54–.60). Soil moisture, organo‐Al, and reactive Fe explained most of the variation observed in soil C concentrations across all sites (p < .01). Reactive Fe was negatively correlated to soil C concentrations across sites, suggesting these Fe pools may drive additional C losses in drained soils and limit C sequestration with reflooding. In contrast, reactive organo‐Al in drained soils facilitates C storage via aggregation and/or formation of anaerobic (micro)sites that protect residual soil C from oxidation and may at least partially offset C losses.
Do pre‐existing microcracks play a role in the fracture resistance of roots in a laboratory setting?
Authors: Cavalcante D. M. , Belladonna F. G. , Simões‐Carvalho M. , Carvalhal J. C. A. , Souza E. M. , Lopes R. T. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Dummer P. M. H. , De‐Deus G.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To investigate a potential cause–effect relationship between dentinal microcracks and fracture resistance of mandibular incisors that had not been endodontically treated.

Methodology

Sixty mandibular incisors with circular‐shaped canals were selected based on micro‐computed tomographic scans to create a homogeneous sample. The cross‐sectional images of the specimens were screened to identify and quantify the presence of dentinal microcracks. Then, teeth were embedded in polystyrene resin and subjected to axial compressive loading using a universal testing machine. After fracture, the roots were re‐scanned and fractography analysis was performed by inspection of 3D models to verify crack propagation. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess the correlation between the number of microcracks and force required to fracture.

Results

Dentinal microcracks were detected in 79% of the specimens (n = 44). The incidence of microcracks varied between teeth from 6% to 42% of the total slices per sample (average of 14 ± 17%). The number of microcracks per sample varied from 0 to 1605, with an average of 412 ± 484 (median = 221 and IQR 25% = 15/75% = 658). The load at failure values varied from 227 to 924 N, with an average of 560.3 ± 168.1 N (median = 561 and IQR 25% = 458/75% = 694). The Spearman correlation coefficient (rho) equalled 0.065.

Conclusions

There was no cause–effect relationship between the number of dentinal microcracks and the fracture resistance of nonendodontically treated mandibular incisors. The presence and quantity of microcracks did not make these roots more prone to fracture.
3D mesoporous bioactive glass/silk/chitosan scaffolds and their compatibility with human adipose‐derived stromal cells
Authors: Phetnin Ratiya Buapa , Suksaweang Sanong , Giannasi Chiara , Brini Anna Teresa , Niada Stefania , Srisuwan Sawitri , Rattanachan Sirirat Tubsungnoen
Published: August 2020

Human adipose‐derived stem/stromal cells (hASCs) have been popularly studied as cell‐based therapy in the field of regenerative medicine due to their ability to differentiate into several cell types. In this study, in order to improve the mechanical strength and bioactivity of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, three types of mesoporous bioactive glasses with different shapes and compositions were dispersed in the silk fibroin/chitosan (SF/CS)‐based scaffolds, which were fabricated with a combination of freezing and lyophilization. The characteristic and physical properties of these composite scaffolds were evaluated. The biocompatibility was also assessed through hASCs in vitro tests. Both Alamar Blue® and Live/Dead assay® revealed that the spherical mesoporous bioactive glass doped scaffolds enhanced cell viability and proliferation. Furthermore, the addition of spherical mesoporous bioactive glass into SF/CS scaffolds encouraged hASC osteogenic differentiation as well. These results suggested that this composite scaffold can be applicable material for bone regeneration.
Immunometabolism of Leishmania granulomas
Authors: Saunders Eleanor C , McConville Malcolm J
Published: August 2020

Leishmania are parasitic protists that cause a spectrum of diseases in humans characterized by the formation of granulomatous lesions in the skin or other tissues, such as liver and spleen. The extent to which Leishmania granulomas constrain or promote parasite growth is critically dependent on the host T‐helper type 1/T‐helper type 2 immune response and the localized functional polarization of infected and noninfected macrophages toward a classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated phenotype. Recent studies have shown that metabolic reprograming of M1 and M2 macrophages underpins the capacity of these cells to act as permissive or nonpermissive host reservoirs, respectively. In this review, we highlight the metabolic requirements of Leishmania amastigotes and the evidence that these parasites induce and/or exploit metabolic reprogramming of macrophage metabolism. We also focus on recent studies highlighting the role of key macrophage metabolic signaling pathways, such as mechanistic target of rapamycin, adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma in regulating the pathological progression of Leishmania granulomas. These studies highlight the intimate connectivity between Leishmania and host cell metabolism, the need to investigate these interactions in vivo and the potential to exploit host cell metabolic signaling pathways in developing new host‐directed therapies.
The Effect of Truckload Driver Turnover on Truckload Freight Pricing
Authors: Miller Jason W. , Muir William A. , Bolumole Yemisi , Griffis Stanley E.
Published: August 2020

High rates of truck driver turnover have long plagued the full truckload (TL) sector. While greater driver turnover raises TL carriers’ costs, no research has examined how changes in industry‐wide TL driver turnover rates affect industry‐wide prices shippers pay for TL transportation. Drawing on economic theory regarding firms’ asymmetric adjustment of prices in response to changing costs, we explain why increases in driver turnover are expected to increase the prices carriers charge for their services, whereas decreases in driver turnover are expected to have limited effect on the prices carriers charge for their services. We further explain why the positive impact of increases in industry‐wide TL driver turnover rates on prices will be more pronounced when industry employment is rising more rapidly. To test our theory, we assemble a time series data set combining proprietary driver turnover data with publicly available data regarding TL pricing, trucking employment, diesel prices, and aggregate industry activity. Results from fitting a set of time series econometric models corroborate our theorized predictions. We explain the implications of these findings for theory and practice.
Comparison of dragging ablation and point‐by‐point ablation with a laser balloon on linear lesion formation
Authors: Nagase Takahiko , Kobori Atsushi , Inaba Osamu , Sasaki Yasuhiro , Tomizawa Naoki , Asano So , Fukunaga Hiroshi , Mabuchi Kei , Inoue Kanki , Tanizaki Kohei , Murai Tatsuya , Iguchi Nobuo , Nitta Junichi , Isobe Mitsuaki
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Lesion size and continuity in dragging laser balloon (LB) ablation, which may enable fast and durable pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation, are unknown. We evaluated the differences in size and continuity of linear lesions formed by dragging ablation and conventional point‐by‐point ablation using an LB in vitro model.

Methods and Results

Chicken muscles were cauterized using the first‐generation LB in dragging and point‐by‐point fashion. Dragging ablation was manually performed with different dragging speeds (0.5–2°/s) using an overlap ratio of the beginning and last site during one application at 12 W/20 s and 8.5 W/30 s. Point‐by‐point ablation was performed with 25% and 50% overlap ratios at six energy settings (5.5 W/30 s to 12 W/20 s). Lesion depth, width, and continuity were compared. Lesion continuity was assessed by the surface and deep visible gap degree categorized from 1 (perfect) to 3 (poor). Twenty lesions were evaluated for each ablation protocol. Lesion depth and width in dragging ablation at high power (12 W) were comparable with most measurements in point‐by‐point ablation. Lesion depth and width were smaller at faster‐dragging speed and lower power (8.5 W) in dragging ablation. The surface visible gap degree was better in dragging ablation at all dragging speeds than a 25% overlapped point‐by‐point ablation (p < .001).

Conclusion

Dragging LB ablation at high power provides deep and continuous linear lesion formation comparable with that of point‐by‐point LB ablation. However, lesion depth and width depending on the dragging speed and power.