bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attraction of the cerambycid beetlesTetropium gabrieli,T. castaneumandT. fuscumto pheromones and host tree volatiles
Authors: Schroeder Martin , Cocoş Dragoş , Johansson Helena , Sweeney Jon
Published: October 2020

Tetropium gabrieliis native to the European Alps where it breeds in European larch and may be an important pest during drought periods by killing trees. It has spread to larch plantations in several European countries including Sweden.

In trapping studies conducted in Sweden, we tested whetherT. gabrieliwas attracted toE‐fuscumol,E,Z‐fuscumol,E,Z‐fuscumol acetate and the host volatile combination of α‐pinene plus ethanol. We also compared its response with those of the native congeners,T. fuscumandT. castaneum.

All threeTetropiumspecies were caught in significantly higher numbers in traps baited withE‐fuscumol plus host volatiles than in traps baited with host volatiles alone or in unbaited traps.

There was no difference in catch of anyTetropiumspecies between traps baited withE‐fuscumol plus host volatiles versus traps baited withE,Z‐fuscumol plus host volatiles, but the latter treatment caught moreT. fuscumandT. castaneumthan didE,Z‐fuscumol acetate plus host volatiles.

The addition ofE‐fuscumol to host volatile‐baited traps significantly reduced mean catch ofT. gabrieli,significantly increased mean catch ofT. castaneum,and had no significant effect on catch ofT. fuscum.Mean catch of all three species was significantly greater in traps baited withE‐fuscumol alone than in traps baited with host volatiles alone.

All three species were caught from May to August. The median date of captures was about 2 weeks earlier forT. fuscumcompared with the other two species.
Overexpression of LINC00852 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis
Authors: Yi Shengming , Li Guiyuan , Sun Biaofeng
Published: October 2020

Aim

Long noncoding RNAs play a key role in the development and progression of various human cancers. Recently, LINC00852 has been reported to be associated with spinal metastasis lung adenocarcinoma. However, the role and potential mechanisms of LINC00852 in prostate cancer cells remain largely unknown.

Methods

LINC00852 expression in prostate cancer cells was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect protein expressions in prostate cancer cells. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometric analysis. Cell proliferation was measured by cck‐8 assay. The migration and invasion capabilities were determined using transwell assays.

Results

In this study, we found that LINC00852 was highly expressed in prostate cancer tissues based on the TCGA database. Overexpression of LINC00852 mediated by lentivirus significantly reinforced the proliferation and colony formation abilities of prostate cancer cell linePC3. The migration and invasion capabilities were also augmented by overexpression of LINC00852. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that LINC00852 overexpression resulted in a decrease of cells in G0/G1 phase. Moreover, overexpression of LINC00852 affected the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐related proteins.

Conclusions

Our data collectively demonstrate that LINC00852 contributes to prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis, indicating that LINC00852is a new promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for treatment of prostate cancer.
Noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques for the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases
Authors: Baumann Ralf , Untersmayr Eva , Zissler Ulrich M. , Eyerich Stefanie , Adcock Ian M. , Brockow Knut , Biedermann Tilo , Ollert Markus , Chaker Adam M. , Pfaar Oliver , Garn Holger , Thwaites Ryan S. , Togias Alkis , Kowalski Marek L. , Hansel Trevor T. , Jakwerth Constanze A. , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B.
Published: October 2020

Allergic diseases of the (upper and lower) airways, the skin and the gastrointestinal tract, are on the rise, resulting in impaired quality of life, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs. As allergic diseases are mostly tissue‐specific, local sampling methods for respective biomarkers offer the potential for increased sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, local sampling using noninvasive or minimally invasive methods can be cost‐effective and well tolerated, which may even be suitable for primary or home care sampling. Non‐ or minimally invasive local sampling and diagnostics may enable a more thorough endotyping, may help to avoid under‐ or overdiagnosis, and may provide the possibility to approach precision prevention, due to early diagnosis of these local diseases even before they get systemically manifested and detectable. At the same time, dried blood samples may help to facilitate minimal‐invasive primary or home care sampling for classical systemic diagnostic approaches. This EAACI position paper contains a thorough review of the various technologies in allergy diagnosis available on the market, which analytes or biomarkers are employed, and which samples or matrices can be used. Based on this assessment, EAACI position is to drive these developments to efficiently identify allergy and possibly later also viral epidemics and take advantage of comprehensive knowledge to initiate preventions and treatments.
Immunological imprint of COVID‐19 on human peripheral blood leukocyte populations
Authors: Kratzer Bernhard , Trapin Doris , Ettel Paul , Körmöczi Ulrike , Rottal Arno , Tuppy Friedrich , Feichter Melanie , Gattinger Pia , Borochova Kristina , Dorofeeva Yulia , Tulaeva Inna , Weber Milena , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Tauber Peter A. , Gerdov Marika , Mühl Bernhard , Perkmann Thomas , Fae Ingrid , Wenda Sabine , Führer Harald , Henning Rainer , Valenta Rudolf , Pickl Winfried F.
Published: October 2020

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2 has triggered a pandemic that is now claiming many lives. Several studies have investigated cellular immune responses in COVID‐19‐infected patients during disease but little is known regarding a possible protracted impact of COVID‐19 on the adaptive and innate immune system in COVID‐19 convalescent patients.

Methods

We used multiparametric flow cytometry to analyze whole peripheral blood samples and determined SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibody levels against the S‐protein, its RBD‐subunit, and viral nucleocapsid in a cohort of COVID‐19 convalescent patients who had mild disease ~10 weeks after infection (n = 109) and healthy control subjects (n = 98). Furthermore, we correlated immunological changes with clinical and demographic parameters.

Results

Even ten weeks after disease COVID‐19 convalescent patients had fewer neutrophils, while their cytotoxic CD8+ T cells were activated, reflected as higher HLA‐DR and CD38 expression. Multiparametric regression analyses showed that in COVID‐19‐infected patients both CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ effector memory cells were higher, while CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells were lower. In addition, both transitional B cell and plasmablast levels were significantly elevated in COVID‐19‐infected patients. Fever (duration, level) correlated with numbers of central memory CD4+ T cells and anti‐S and anti‐RBD, but not anti‐NC antibody levels. Moreover, a “young immunological age” as determined by numbers of CD3+CD45RA+CD62L+CD31+ recent thymic emigrants was associated with a loss of sense of taste and/or smell.

Conclusion

Acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection leaves protracted beneficial (ie, activation of T cells) and potentially harmful (ie, reduction of neutrophils) imprints in the cellular immune system in addition to induction of specific antibody responses.
Association between ureteric stent dwell time and urinary tract infection
Authors: Hanna Bishoy , Zhuo Kevin , Chalasani Venu , Vass Justin , Rasiah Krishan , Wines Michael , Vaux Kenneth , Chung Amanda
Published: November 2020

Background

Ureteric stone obstruction commonly presents to the emergency department, with definitive management often involving ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. Insertion of a ureteric stent prior to staged lithotripsy is commonly performed in the public healthcare system. Foreign bodies in the urinary tract are also known to increase urinary tract infection (UTI) risk. This study aims to evaluate the association between stent dwell time and UTI prior to lithotripsy.

Methods

The medical records of all patients who were treated for ureteric stones with initial stent insertion and staged lithotripsy, from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2019 at a single tertiary centre, by eight urologists were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, disease factors and urine culture data were collected and analysed.

Results

Of the 172 patients (median age 56.7 years) identified, one‐third had a positive pre‐stent urine culture. Twenty‐three percent had a positive pre‐lithotripsy urine culture with 38% of females compared with 15% of males having a positive culture (P = 0.001). Only 4.3% of patients had a pre‐lithotripsy UTI when the stent dwell time was less than 1 month compared with 26.2% when ureteric stents were in situ for longer than 1 month (P = 0.021). The correlation between ureteric stent dwell time and pre‐lithotripsy UTI was not linear. Patient comorbidities, stone size, burden and location were not statistically correlated to pre‐lithotripsy UTI.

Conclusion

In delayed two‐staged surgical management of acute urolithiasis, optimal ureteric stent dwell time is less than 1 month to reduce pre‐lithotripsy UTI. Female gender is an independent risk factor for pre‐lithotripsy UTI.
Diagnostic and perinatal outcomes in consanguineous couples with a structural fetal anomaly: A cohort study
Authors: Mone Fionnuala , Doyle Samantha , Ahmad Asfa , Abu Subieh Hala , Hamilton Susan , Allen Stephanie , Marton Tamas , Williams Denise , Kilby Mark D.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Consanguineous unions occur when a couple are related outside marriage and is associated with adverse genetic and perinatal outcomes for affected offspring. The objectives of this study were to evaluate: (i) background characteristics, (ii) uptake of prenatal and postnatal investigation and (iii) diagnostic outcomes of UK consanguineous couples presenting with a fetal structural anomaly.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective and partly prospective cohort study comparing consanguineous (n = 62) and non‐consanguineous (n = 218) pregnancies with current or previous fetal structural anomalies reviewed in a UK prenatal genetic clinic from 2008 to 2019. Outcomes were compared using odds ratios (OR).

Results

Most consanguineous couples were of Pakistani ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 13‐62) and required use of an interpreter [OR 9, 95% CI 4‐20). In the consanguineous group, the uptake of prenatal invasive testing was lower (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2‐0.7) and the number declining follow up was greater (OR 10, 95% CI 3‐34) than in the non‐consanguineous group. This likely explained the lower proportion of consanguineous couples where a final definitive unifying diagnosis to explain the fetal structural anomalies was reached (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2‐0.6). When a diagnosis was obtained in this group, it was always postnatal and most often using genomic sequencing technologies (OR 6, 95% CI 1‐27). The risk of perinatal death was greater (OR 3, 95% CI 1‐6) in the consanguineous group, as was the risk of fetal structural anomaly recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy (OR 4, 95% CI 1‐13). There was no difference in the uptake of perinatal autopsy or termination of pregnancy between groups.

Conclusions

Consanguineous couples are a vulnerable group in the prenatal setting. Although adverse perinatal outcomes in this group are more common secondary to congenital anomalies, despite the evolution of genomic sequencing technologies, due to a lower uptake of prenatal testing it is less likely that a unifying diagnosis is obtained and recurrence can occur. There is a need for proactive genetic counseling and education from the multidisciplinary team, addressing language barriers as well as religious and cultural beliefs in an attempt to optimize reproductive options.
The divergent evolution of East Asian welfare states: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore
Authors: Nam Yunmin
Published: October 2020

Existing regime approaches characterize East Asian welfare states as possessing low levels of government intervention and investment in social welfare. However, democratization in the 1980s changed the socioeconomic structures of East Asian countries––leading them to rethink their welfare commitments. The late 1990s financial crisis and globalization also accelerated the reorganization of their welfare systems. Using the cases of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, this article examines the diverse pathways of welfare development in this region. East Asian countries adopted more inclusive and redistributive welfare systems during periods of intense inter‐party political competition. On the other hand, amid less political competition, they either retained minimal welfare provisions or retrenched welfare.
Serum concentrations of estriol vary widely after application of vaginal oestriol cream
Authors: te West Nèvine , Day Richard , Graham Garry , Wright Michael , White Christopher , Popovic Gordana , Moore Kate Hilda
Published: October 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to establish the pharmacokinetic profile of serum oestriol (E3) concentrations over 24 h following application of vaginal E3in chronic users (>12 weeks of E3use). The interindividual and intraindividual differences before and after E3were examined.

Methods

Ten women participated. Vaginal cream was omitted for ≥36 h prior to the study days. Blood sampling was performed for E3, oestradiol and oestrone concentrations prior to cream application and at 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 24 h afterwards. In five women, all samples were repeated on a separate day.

Results

E3was absorbed rapidly in most women. Peak serum E3concentration occurred around 2 h (range 1–5 h). The decline in E3concentrations was also rapid: falling <100 pmol L−1in six out of ten women within 8 h and returning to ≤ 10 pmol L−1at 24 h in nine out of the ten patients. Interindividual variability for peak concentrations was considerable (mean 546 pmol L−1; 95% CI 349–743). Area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) values over a dosage interval also varied widely: mean 2145 pmol.h L−1; 95% CI 1422–3233. However, repeated measurements in the same woman were highly (peaks: ρ = 0.94) or moderately (AUC:P= 0.74) correlated.

Conclusions

Postmenopausal E3concentrations are negligible. Serum E3concentrations of chronic users of E3cream varied greatly; however, concentrations declined rapidly within 8 h, generally reaching ‘postmenopausal’ levels by 24 h. The basis for the variation between subjects needs further elucidation. Additional research is required to establish the safety of topical E3.
Sulpiride intoxication: Case report of a rare intoxication
Authors: Zonneveld Svenja , Gawi Adina , Wilms Erik B. , van Vliet Peter , Westerman Elsbeth M
Published: October 2020

Intoxications with sulpiride, an antipsychotic, are rare, and only limited literature is available. We describe a successful treatment of a sulpiride intoxication. A 67‐year‐old female, with a history of intentional suicide attempt, was admitted to the emergency department (ED) because of a suspected out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. At presentation, she was haemodynamically unstable, with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3 and slight prolongation of QTc time. History taken from her husband raised suspicion of a suicide attempt with medication. Consultation of the on‐call pharmacist and performance of a toxicology screening accelerated the diagnosis of a sulpiride intoxication. The patient was intubated because of respiratory insufficiency, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and treated with activated charcoal, laxatives and sodium bicarbonate. The following day, she was extubated with stable haemodynamics and a normalized ECG.

Treatment of sulpiride intoxications is mainly symptomatic and consists of supportive care. An important note is the avoidance of antiarrhythmic drugs, except for lidocaine, epinephrine and dopamine, as they might worsen arrhythmia and hypotension.
Isoform‐specific upregulation of FynT kinase expression is associated with tauopathy and glial activation in Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementias
Authors: Low Clara Y. B. , Lee Jasinda H. , Lim Frances T. W. , Lee Chingli , Ballard Clive , Francis Paul T. , Lai Mitchell K. P. , Tan Michelle G. K.
Published: October 2020

Cumulative data suggest the involvement of Fyn tyrosine kinase in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previously, our group has shown increased immunoreactivities of the FynT isoform in AD neocortex (with no change in the alternatively spliced FynB isoform) which associated with neurofibrillary degeneration and reactive astrogliosis. Since both the aforementioned neuropathological features are also variably found in Lewy Body dementias (LBD), we investigated potential perturbations of Fyn expression in the post‐mortem neocortex of patients with AD, as well as those diagnosed as having one of the two main subgroups of LBD: Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We found selective upregulation of FynT expression in AD, PDD, and DLB which also correlated with cognitive impairment. Furthermore, increased FynT expression correlated with hallmark neuropathological lesions, soluble β‐amyloid, and phosphorylated tau, as well as markers of microglia and astrocyte activation. In line with the human post‐mortem studies, cortical FynT expression in aged mice transgenic for human P301S tau was upregulated and further correlated with accumulation of aggregated phosphorylated tau as well as with microglial and astrocytic markers. Our findings provide further evidence for the involvement of FynT in neurodegenerative dementias, likely via effects on tauopathy and neuroinflammation.
Wolbachiahost shifts: routes, mechanisms, constraints and evolutionary consequences
Authors: Sanaei Ehsan , Charlat Sylvain , Engelstädter Jan
Published: October 2020

Wolbachiais one of the most abundant endosymbionts on earth, with a wide distribution especially in arthropods. Effective maternal transmission and the induction of various phenotypes in their hosts are two key features of this bacterium. Here, we review our current understanding of another central aspect ofWolbachia's success: their ability to switch from one host species to another. We build on the proposal thatWolbachiahost shifts occur in four main steps: (i) physical transfer to a new species; (ii) proliferation within that host; (iii) successful maternal transmission; and (iv) spread within the host species. Host shift can fail at each of these steps, and the likelihood of ultimate success is influenced by many factors. Some stem from traits ofWolbachia(different strains have different abilities for host switching), others on host features such as genetic resemblance (e.g. host shifting is likely to be easier between closely related species), ecological connections (the donor and recipient host need to interact), or the resident microbiota. Host shifts have enabledWolbachiato reach its enormous current incidence and global distribution among arthropods in an epidemiological process shaped by loss and acquisition events across host species. The ability ofWolbachiato transfer between species also forms the basis of ongoing endeavours to control pests and disease vectors, following artificial introduction into uninfected hosts such as mosquitoes. Throughout, we emphasise the many knowledge gaps in our understanding ofWolbachiahost shifts, and question the effectiveness of current methodology to detect these events. We conclude by discussing an apparent paradox: how canWolbachiamaintain its ability to undergo host shifts given that its biology seems dominated by vertical transmission?
Primate life history, social dynamics, ecology, and conservation: Contributions from long‐term research in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Authors: Melin Amanda D. , Hogan Jeremy D. , Campos Fernando A. , Wikberg Eva , King‐Bailey Gillian , Webb Shasta , Kalbitzer Urs , Asensio Norberto , Murillo‐Chacon Evin , Cheves Hernandez Saul , Guadamuz Chavarria Adrian , Schaffner Colleen M. , Kawamura Shoji , Aureli Filippo , Fedigan Linda , Jack Katharine M.
Published: October 2020

Research on non‐human primates in the endangered tropical dry forest of Sector Santa Rosa (SSR), Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), was launched in 1983 and is now one of the longest running studies of primates globally. Such continuous study provides a rare opportunity to ask questions that are only answerable through decades‐long monitoring of these long‐lived monkeys. In turn, the mounting data generated by long‐term study, including knowledge of lifetime reproductive success, familial relatedness, comprehensive behavioral and dietary repertoires, and patterns of inter‐ and intra‐annual variation in forest productivity, provide diverse opportunities to researchers, and facilitate studies that are of shorter duration. Here, we review some of the contributions of our longitudinal research on white‐faced capuchins and Geoffroy's spider monkeys, together with newer studies on mantled howler monkeys. We begin by synthesizing findings from our research on demography, dispersal, social relationships, and reproduction. These life history and social traits interact with their foraging and sensory ecology, which we review next. We end by highlighting how the longitudinal study of primates in Sector Santa Rosa has made direct and indirect contributions to the conservation of the critically endangered dry forest biome and its inhabitants, as well as to education, community, and forest restoration initiatives. In particular, we focus our review on how long‐term research is uniquely positioned to make key contributions spanning different topical areas.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Adolescents’ Prosocial Behaviors Through a Multidimensional and Multicultural Lens
Authors: Carlo Gustavo , Padilla‐Walker Laura
Published: October 2020

The study of prosocial behaviors—actions that benefit others—continues to evolve in sophisticated ways. Such actions are important for understanding moral development, as well as health and behavioral well‐being, and have implications for addressing societal and global challenges (e.g., hate crimes, cooperation, peace). In this article, we briefly summarize research on prosocial behaviors during adolescence, a period of age‐related changes in these actions that is considered important in the development of moral identity. We review work that conceptualizes these behaviors as global and unidimensional, and present the limits of these early conceptions. We also present a heuristic model that supports a multidimensional approach integrating target, context, motives, culture, and development, and we summarize evidence for the model (with a focus on U.S. Latino/a youth). We assert that a more nuanced approach to the study of prosocial behaviors positions scholars to understand prosocial development more thoroughly and develop effective intervention efforts designed to foster such desirable qualities.
Th22 response induced byMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains is closely related to severity of pulmonary lesions and bacillary load in patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Imperiale B R , García A , Minotti A , González Montaner P , Moracho L , Morcillo N S , Palmero D J , del Carmen Sasiain M , de la Barrera S
Published: October 2020

The role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in the pathogenesis or tissue repair in human tuberculosis (TB) remains to be established. Here, we aimed to explore the ex-vivo and in-vitro T helper 22 (Th22) response in TB patients and healthy donors (HD) induced by different local multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Mvcobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from drug-susceptible (S-TB) MDR-TB patients and HD were stimulated with local MDR strains and the laboratory strain H37Rv. IL-22 and IL-17 expression and senescent status were assessed in CD4+ and CD8+ cells by flow cytometry, while IL-22 amount was measured in plasma and culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found lower IL-22 amounts in plasma from TB patients than HD, together with a decrease in the number of circulating T cells expressing IL-22. In a similar manner, all Mtb strains enhanced IL-22 secretion and expanded IL-22+ cells within CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, being the highest levels detected in S-TB patients. In MDR-TB, low systemic and Mtb-induced Th22 responses associated with high sputum bacillary load and bilateralism of lung lesions, suggesting that Th22 response could be influencing the ability of MDR-TB patients to control bacillary growth and tissue damage. In addition, in MDR-TB patients we observed that the higher the percentage of IL-22+ cells, the lower the proportion of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ or CD57+ T cells. Furthermore, the highest proportion of senescent T cells was associated with severe lung lesions and bacillary load. Thus, T cell senescence would markedly influence Th22 response mounted by MDR-TB patients.
A survey of the young person’s experience of Graves’ disease and its management
Authors: Lane Laura Claire , Rankin Judith , Cheetham Tim
Published: October 2020

Objective

A suboptimal quality of life (QoL) has been reported in patients with Graves’ disease treated in adult life, but long‐term QoL in those treated in childhood and adolescence is unclear. We wanted to understand how Graves’ disease and its management impact on the physical, psychological and social well‐being of young people and their longer‐term QoL.

Design, patients and measurements

Two questionnaires were used to assess QoL and patient experience of Graves’ disease; PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales and a Graves’ disease questionnaire devised for this project. The anonymized questionnaires were sent to young people (<30 years) diagnosed with Graves’ disease in childhood and adolescence and managed at a tertiary paediatric endocrine unit in the North of England. Respondent QoL scores were compared with a healthy UK cohort.

Results

Questionnaires were sent to 51 young people, and 26 responded (51%). Graves’ patients reported a lower total QoL score compared with the healthy cohort (p = .003). This was particularly apparent in the psychosocial domain (p = .0016). No patient regretted having definitive treatment (surgery/radioiodine), and all said they would recommend it to others. Half of those who had received definitive treatment still did not feel recovered. There was no difference in the long‐term QoL in those who did/did not receive definitive treatment (p = .40).

Conclusions

This study highlights short‐ and long‐term impacts on the QoL and general well‐being of young people with Graves’ disease. There were no regrets regarding the choice of definitive treatment. This information will help inform the counselling of patients and their families.
Children in dual‐residence arrangements: Exploring discourses of fairness and children's best interest in Norway
Authors: Kitterød Ragni Hege , Lidén Hilde
Published: October 2020

In many countries, dual residence is increasingly common for children when parents separate. This works well for many children, but opinions differ on whether or not it should be the norm. In analysing interviews with 35 nine‐ to 19‐year‐olds with dual‐residence experience in Norway, undertaken in 2018, we find clear traces of prevailing discourses in society. Claims of equality and fairness and claims of children's rights both emerge, the latter being particularly visible in the participants' recommendations to other children. Children value spending much time with both parents, but may still want more flexibility than their parents realise.
Impact of sex hormones dysregulation and adiposity on the outcome of postmenopausal breast cancer patients
Authors: Coradini Danila , Oriana Saro
Published: November 2020

Epidemiological studies demonstrated that, in postmenopausal women, high circulating levels of testosterone, especially when associated with weight gain, positively correlated with an increased risk of breast cancer because of the augmented production of oestrogen via testosterone aromatization in the adipose tissue. Besides, growing evidence suggests that sulfatase can increase the tissue concentration of bioactive estradiol through the reconversion of estrone sulfate, thus providing a favourable milieu for epithelial cells expressing the oestrogen receptor. In this review, we will discuss how the “obesity‐insulin‐testosterone” connection and the abnormal production of bioactive oestrogen ‐ as a result of the conversion of the androgens by aromatase and the estrone reconversion by sulfatase−, may affect the response to hormone therapy and the outcome of postmenopausal breast cancer patients, and how a combined therapy including metformin, anti‐inflammatory drugs, and aromatase/sulfatase inhibitors could successfully improve patient's outcome.
Assessment of arrhythmias and cardiac autonomic tone at a relatively young age patients with obesity class III
Authors: Bienias Piotr , Rymarczyk Zuzanna , Domienik‐Karłowicz Justyna , Lisik Wojciech , Sobieraj Piotr , Pruszczyk Piotr , Ciurzyński Michał
Published: October 2020

There is no sufficient data on arrhythmias occurrence in obesity class III. The influence of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance on arrhythmias and cardiac autonomic tone is also of ongoing interest in these subjects. We prospectively studied 81 selected patients with body mass index >40 kg/m2, aged 34 (18‐65) years. Among other examinations all subjects underwent electrocardiography and Holter monitoring with heart rate variability (HRV) and turbulence (HRT) evaluation. Controls consisted of 45 healthy, sex‐ and aged‐matched lean volunteers. In patients median BMI was 44.5 kg/m2 (40.1‐58.1), benign arterial hypertension was present in 43.2% and dysglycemia in 27.2% of cases. In the group with obesity longer PR interval (P < .001) and corrected QT interval (P < .001) were observed, while in Holter monitoring no significant differences in supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias and also bradyarrhythmias prevalence were observed in comparison to controls. In individuals with obesity HRV indices associated with sympathetic tone were significantly impaired and also abnormal HRT values (21.9 vs 0%, P = .04) were more frequently observed. There were no significant correlations between anthropometric obesity parameters and fasting insulin concentration, insulin resistance index and also HRV/HRT parameters in studied individuals. Univariate regression analysis revealed that only age influenced abnormal HRT occurrence (OR 1.69, 95%CI 1.08‐2.98, P = .04). In conclusions, patients with obesity class III at a relatively young age who reported they felt healthy, do not present increased prevalence of arrhythmias, including life‐threatening ones. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction is observed in these patients, however it has not been shown to be associated with anthropometric measurements.
Inhibition of deubiquitination by PR‐619 induces apoptosis and autophagy via ubi‐protein aggregation‐activated ER stress in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Longhao , Li Miaomiao , Sha Beibei , Hu Xuanyu , Sun Yaxin , Zhu Mingda , Xu Yan , Li Pingping , Wang Yating , Guo Yanyan , Li Jiangfeng , Shi Jianxiang , Li Pei , Hu Tao , Chen Ping
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Targeting the deubiquitinases (DUBs) has become a promising avenue for anti‐cancer drug development. However, the effect and mechanism of pan‐DUB inhibitor, PR‐619, on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells remain to be investigated.

Materials and Methods

The effect of PR‐619 on ESCC cell growth and cell cycle was evaluated by CCK‐8 and PI staining. Annexin V‐FITC/PI double staining was performed to detect apoptosis. LC3 immunofluorescence and acridine orange staining were applied to examine autophagy. Intercellular Ca2+ concentration was monitored by Fluo‐3AM fluorescence. The accumulation of ubi‐proteins and the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐related protein and CaMKKβ‐AMPK signalling were determined by immunoblotting.

Results

PR‐619 could inhibit ESCC cell growth and induce G2/M cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin B1 and upregulating p21. Meanwhile, PR‐619 led to the accumulation of ubiquitylated proteins, induced ER stress and triggered apoptosis by the ATF4‐Noxa axis. Moreover, the ER stress increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ and then stimulated autophagy through Ca2+‐CaMKKβ‐AMPK signalling pathway. Ubiquitin E1 inhibitor, PYR‐41, could reduce the accumulation of ubi‐proteins and alleviate ER stress, G2/M cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy in PR‐619‐treated ESCC cells. Furthermore, blocking autophagy by chloroquine or bafilomycin A1 enhanced the cell growth inhibition effect and apoptosis induced by PR‐619.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal an unrecognized mechanism for the cytotoxic effects of general DUBs inhibitor (PR‐619) and imply that targeting DUBs may be a potential anti‐ESCC strategy.
Expanding donor pool by utilizing deceased donors with snake envenoming
Authors: Meshram Hari Shankar , Kute Vivek , Patel Himanshu , Chauhan Sanshriti , Desai Sudeep
Published: October 2020

In India, the deceased kidney transplant program is still in its preliminary stage, and accepting deceased donors with snakebite is just a forward step to expand the donor pool. We report here the outcome of 8 successful renal transplantations from brain‐dead donors who died from a neurotoxic snakebite. We accepted them as donors as they had no evidence of hemotoxic snakebite. 7 recipients did well. 1 died due to sepsis with a functioning graft. 1 required renal biopsy that showed acute tubular necrosis. 1 required re‐exploration due to graft collection due to a surgical issue. Patient and graft survival in follow‐up were similar to other matched deceased donors in our center. According to our experience, utilizing brain‐dead donors who died from a neurotoxic snakebite is safe and may dramatically expand the donor pool especially in countries where death due to snakebite is high in numbers.
Histopathologic findings of idiopathic trachyonychia: An analysis of 30 adult patients
Authors: Hur Keunyoung , Han Byeol , Lim Sophie Soyeon , Mun Je‐Ho
Published: October 2020

Background

Trachyonychia, a rare inflammatory disease of the nail matrix, has a more chronic course in adults compared with that in children. However, the histopathologic features of the disease have not been sufficiently reported in the literature.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the pathologic features of idiopathic trachyonychia in adult cases at our center.

Results

A total of 30 cases were included. The median age was 55.5 years (range, 27‐77 years). Median disease duration was 84 months (range, 8‐384 months). Histopathologic analysis showed upper dermal lymphocytic infiltrates (93.3%), acanthosis (86.7%), exocytosis (63.3%), spongiosis (63.3%), parakeratosis (46.7%), psoriasiform hyperplasia (40%), eosinophilic infiltrates (33.3%), vacuolar degeneration (33.3%), lichenoid pattern (13.3%), Civatte body (6.7%), and collection of neutrophils in the stratum corneum (3.3%). Statistical analysis among pathologic parameters revealed associations of spongiosis with exocytosis (P < 0.001) and lichenoid infiltration with vacuolar degeneration (P = 0.008). Three patients (10%) showed fungal co‐infection.

Conclusion

The majority of cases revealed inflammatory cell infiltration with epidermal changes. Given the inflammation and chronic course of idiopathic trachyonychia in adulthood, active treatment with anti‐inflammatory agents should be considered. Additionally, mycological tests should be considered during initial evaluation as there are cases with fungal coinfection.
Socioeconomic deprivation, technology use, C‐peptide, smoking and other predictors of glycaemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dover Anna R. , Strachan Mark W. J. , McKnight John A. , Stimson Roland H. , Mackenzie Scott D. , Lyall Marcus J. , Wright Rohana J. , Forbes Shareen , Gibb Fraser W.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Intensive glycaemic control is associated with substantial health benefits in people with type 1 diabetes. We sought to examine clinical and demographic factors associated with meeting glycaemic targets in type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of 4594 individuals with type 1 diabetes. The primary outcome of the study was assessing factors associated with meeting HbA1c targets. Secondary endpoints included factors associated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) use and persistent C‐peptide secretion.

Results

Socioeconomic deprivation was strongly associated with a lower likelihood of achieving an HbA1c <58 mmol/mol (7.5%) (20% in the most deprived quintile vs. 40% in the least deprived, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, absence of smoking history (OR 3.06, p < 0.001), flash monitoring (OR 1.49, p < 0.001), CSII (1.43, p = 0.022) and longer diabetes duration (OR 1.02 per year, p = 0.004) were independently associated with achieving HbA1c <58 mmol/mol (7.5%), whereas increasing age (OR 0.99 per year, p = 0.004) and C‐peptide <50 pM (OR 0.58, p < 0.001) were associated with a lower likelihood of meeting this target. Low C‐peptide (<50 pM) was less likely in men (OR 0.55, p < 0.001) and never smokers (0.44, p < 0.001) in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Lower levels of deprivation, non‐smoking, higher C‐peptide, technology use, lower BMI and male gender were all associated with a higher likelihood of meeting HbA1c targets. Access to proven diabetes treatments is lower in the most deprived individuals. Urgent efforts are required to provide treatments which are effective across the socioeconomic gradient.
Prognostic value of cystatin C in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Ying , Lu Qing , Cheng Biao , Tao Xuefei
Published: October 2020

Background

Circulating cystatin C has been considered as an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in the general population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline circulating cystatin C levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) through meta‐analysis.

Methods

Prospective studies about the relationship between the level of cystatin C and the prognosis of ACS patients were searched on PubMed, Web of science, Cochrane Library and Embase databases from the establishment of the databases to July 2020. The prognostic values included in this analysis covered all‐cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and recurrent myocardial infarction. The effect index between cystatin C level and ACS risk was carried out by hazard ratio (HR). Stata 15.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The quality of the included literature was evaluated according to Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

A total of 10 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The results showed that high cystatin C levels significantly predicted the all‐cause mortality of ACS, HR = 2.53 (95%CI: 1.72 ~ 3.72). High cystatin C level significantly predicted MACE of patients with ACS, HR = 3.24 (95%CI: 1.30 ~ 8.07). However, it had no significant predictive significance for recurrent myocardial infarction, HR = 1.71 (95%CI:0.99 ~ 2.97).

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis showed that high cystatin C levels were significantly associated with the death risk and MACE in ACS patients. Therefore, cystatin C can be included in the risk stratification model to guide the treatment of high‐risk ACS patients.
War, inequality, and taxation
Authors: Dorr Dalton C. , Shin Adrian J.
Published: October 2020

Existing studies highlight the importance of the compensatory demand among the conscripted poor to explain why wars lead to income and inheritance tax hikes for the rich. We propose a more nuanced argument that war mobilization leads to a class conflict in which the poor want the rich to pay more taxes in exchange for conscription while the rich seek lower taxes because they expect war‐related losses of their wealth. Mass warfare imposes higher tax burdens on the rich only when elites lack economic resources to prevent such policies. Using a panel analysis of up to 18 countries from the late nineteenth century to the 2010s as well as a subnational analysis of Senate roll call votes on tax bills introduced between 1913 and 2008, we corroborate our argument that elites' share of national income conditions how war mobilization shapes the trajectories of tax regimes.
The association between traumatic dental and brain injuries in American children
Authors: Azadani Ehsan N. , Townsend Janice , Peng Jin , Wheeler Krista , Xiang Henry
Published: October 2020

Background/Aim

It is crucial that dentists who treat traumatic dental injuries rule out concomitant brain injuries. Despite anatomic proximity, controversy exists regarding association between facial trauma and head injury. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dento‐alveolar trauma (DAT) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) using a national dataset of emergency department (ED) visits.

Material and Methods

Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) data, one of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) datasets, were analyzed. Encounters of patients age 0‐18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes associated with DAT and TBI in the 2010‐2014 NEDS were identified. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square test, and logistic regression models to investigate the association between DAT and TBI and factors associated with TBI in DAT‐positive patients.

Results

During the study period, 6 281 658 ED visits were associated with traumatic injuries. DAT was recorded in 93 408 (1.5%) and TBI was recorded in 996 334 (15.9%) of these traumatic injury visits. Within the group of DAT‐positive encounters, 7035 (7.5%) had codes associated with TBI. Of trauma encounters where a DAT was not involved (6 188 250 encounters), 989 299 (16%) had an associated TBI code. Patients with DAT had 0.20 odds of having TBI (95% CI, 0.19‐0.20, P < .0001) compared with patients who did not have DAT when all other confounding variables were kept constant. Having multiple injuries, being involved in motor vehicle crashes, and injuries due to assault were associated with higher odds of concomitant TBI in patients who sustained DAT.

Conclusions

There was an inverse association between DAT and TBI in this study population.
Cannibalism and potential predation in larval drosophilids
Authors: Kakeya Yuika , Takahashi Kazuo H.
Published: October 2020

1. Although yeast encompasses the major food source of Drosophila melanogaster, a recent study demonstrated that D. melanogaster larvae can complete their development on an exclusively cannibalistic diet. If cannibalism is an adaptive behaviour under nutritional stress, not only conspecific larvae but also allospecific larvae could be the target of predation. Under natural conditions, stings of parasitoids can cause a larval injury that attracts cannibalistic larvae, however, the effect of parasitism on larval cannibalism has never been investigated in drosophillids.

2. Here, we investigated the cannibalistic and predatory behaviour of four frugivorous Drosophila species (Drosophila simulans, D. melanogaster, Drosophila auraria, Drosophila triauraria) towards the conspecific or allospecific source of attraction (SOA) larvae. We also investigated their attraction to parasitised conspecific SOA larvae.

3. The present study demonstrates that the cannibalism observed previously could be potentially extended to predation in D. simulans and D. melanogaster, leading to intra‐guild predation that has not been previously observed. Although D. auraria and D. triauraria were not significantly attracted to conspecific SOA, some level of attraction was suggested for allospecific SOA. In agreement with this, larvae of these species did not complete their development to adulthood when reared on an exclusively cannibalistic diet. The injury inflicted by parasitoid wasps was shown to attract cannibals in some cases.

4. The current results indicate that cannibalistic behaviour might not be a general feature in drosophilids. The environmental conditions or selective pressure that drives the evolution of cannibalism within this group should be a target of future studies.
Single stimulus location for two inputs: A combined brain–computer interface based on Steady‐State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP)
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Zhenhao , Han Dan , Zhang Zhijun , Liu Zhifang , Liu Wei
Published: October 2020

Brain–computer interfaces (BCI) help severely paralyzed people communicate with the outside world. One type of BCI depends on eye movements and has high information transfer (ITR) but is tiring for users and not applicable to people with eye dyskinesia. Conversely, independent BCIs enable attention shifts across visual stimuli without eye movement, but at the cost of a lower ITR. Steady‐state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) is an oscillatory brain response and typically used as BCI signal sources because of high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Considering the effect of attentional modulation on the SSVEP, we proposed the novel concept of one‐to‐two BCI to optimize existing problems, wherein the target and other stimuli shared the same location. Specifically, two spatially overlapping stimuli were displayed in the center‐of‐view field, as in the independent BCI, and participants were required to divide their attention between the right and left visual fields, as in the dependent BCI. Using three different design schemes in two experiments, we aimed to provide a new framework for BCI design by exploring the feasibility of a combined BCI that can realize a single stimulus location for two inputs. The results strongly demonstrated that, even when the targets and distractors overlapped spatially, the former evoked stronger SSVEP responses. Notably, the BCI scheme based on the object‐based attention could achieve a recognition rate as high as 83.2% and an ITR of 12.5 bits per minute. The feasibility of a one‐to‐two BCI design, which simplified the keyboard layout, reduced the attention shift, and relieved user fatigue, was established.