bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of exercise‐induced diastolic dysfunction: A systematic review
Authors: Sud Karan , Bhatia Kirtipal Singh , Vogel Birgit , Bohra Chandrashekar , Argulian Edgar
Published: September 2020

Background

Recent guidelines recommend diastolic stress testing among patients with unexplained dyspnea. Previous studies have reported exercise related change in diastolic parameters as a prognostic marker for worse outcomes. However, the role of exercise‐induced diastolic dysfunction (DD) in predicting adverse outcomes has not been fully established.

Method

We conducted a meta‐analysis to explore the prognostic significance of exercise‐induced DD. PUBMED/EMBASE/SCOPUS databases were searched for studies reporting adverse outcomes in patients undergoing exercise echocardiography based on diastolic response during exercise. Exercise‐induced DD was defined as an increase in E/e′ or E/A ratio with stress. Outcomes of interest were cardiovascular mortality or hospitalizations.

Results

A total of 8 studies were identified, including 4,462 patients who underwent exercise stress echocardiography. The follow‐up ranged from 13 months to 5 years. The major indication for stress testing was exertional dyspnea. All studies reported cardiac mortality and hospitalization in the composite outcome. Meta‐analysis conducted using random‐effects model showed that exercise‐induced DD was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization (HR = 1.32, P < .05). Significant heterogeneity was noted among the studies.

Conclusions

Exercise‐induced DD is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Changes in echocardiographic parameters such as e′ with exercise might be useful for risk stratification and identification of high‐risk patients.
A comparison of cardiac structure and function between female powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls
Authors: Radovanović Dragan , Stoičkov Viktor , Ignjatović Aleksandar , Scanlan Aaron T. , Jakovljević Vladimir , Stojanović Emilija
Published: September 2020

Aim

To compare echocardiographic parameters between female powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls.

Methods

A between‐subject, cross‐sectional experimental design was adopted. Echocardiographic parameters were measured in female powerlifters (n = 10; progressive overload 60%–95% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]), fitness‐oriented athletes (n = 10; 50%–70% of 1‐RM), and sedentary control subjects (n = 10). Comparisons were made with Kruskal‐Wallis tests, one‐way analyses of variance, and eta‐squared (η2) interpreted as small = 0.01–0.06, moderate = 0.061‐0.14, and large >0.14.

Results

Large differences (P > .05) were observed between resistance‐trained groups and sedentary controls, whereby relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular (LV) index were greater in powerlifters (RWT: 0.40 ± 0.05, η2 = 0.15; LV index: 95.6 ± 13.6 g/m2, η2 = 0.15) and fitness‐oriented athletes (RWT: 0.40 ± 0.05, η2 = 0.15; LV index: 97.9 ± 14.2 g/m2, η2 = 0.20) compared to sedentary controls (RWT: 0.36 ± 0.05; LV index: 85.9 ± 10.3 g/m2). Large differences were observed in intra‐ventricular septal wall thickness (ISWT) and late diastolic velocity (a') between groups, whereby powerlifters exhibited lower a' (8.6 ± 1.2 cm/s) compared to fitness‐oriented athletes (9.9 ± 0.9 cm/s, η2 = 0.26, P = .04) and sedentary controls (9.6 ± 0.9 cm/s, η2 = 0.19, P > .05), while fitness‐oriented athletes exhibited greater ISWT (10.1 ± 0.7 mm) compared to sedentary controls (9.4 ± 1.0 mm, η2 = 0.16, P > .05).

Conclusions

Differences in cardiac structure between powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls suggest specific cardiac remodeling may occur in response to resistance training, without impairment of cardiac function.
Cholesterol‐containing lipid nanodiscs promote an α‐synuclein binding mode that accelerates oligomerization
Authors: Jakubec Martin , Bariås Espen , Furse Samuel , Govasli Morten L. , George Vinnit , Turcu Diana , Iashchishyn Igor A. , Morozova‐Roche Ludmilla A. , Halskau Øyvind
Published: September 2020

Dysregulation of the biosynthesis of cholesterol and other lipids has been implicated in many neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease. Misfolding of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn), the main actor in Parkinson's disease, is associated with changes in a lipid environment. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying cholesterol effect on α‐Syn binding to lipids as well as α‐Syn oligomerization and fibrillation remain elusive, as does the relative importance of cholesterol compared to other factors. We probed the interactions and fibrillation behaviour of α‐Syn using styrene–maleic acid nanodiscs, containing zwitterionic and anionic lipid model systems with and without cholesterol. Surface plasmon resonance and thioflavin T fluorescence assays were employed to monitor α‐Syn binding, as well as fibrillation in the absence and presence of membrane models.1H‐15N‐correlated NMR was used to monitor the fold of α‐Syn in response to nanodisc binding, determining individual residue apparent affinities for the nanodisc‐contained bilayers. The addition of cholesterol inhibited α‐Syn interaction with lipid bilayers and, however, significantly promoted α‐Syn fibrillation, with a more than a 20‐fold reduction of lag times before fibrillation onset. When α‐Syn bilayer interactions were analysed at an individual residue level by solution‐state NMR, we observed two different effects of cholesterol. In nanodiscs made of DOPC, the addition of cholesterol modulated the NAC part of α‐Syn, leading to stronger interaction of this region with the lipid bilayer. In contrast, in the nanodiscs comprising DOPC, DOPE and DOPG, the NAC part was mostly unaffected by the presence of cholesterol, while the binding of the N and the C termini was both inhibited.
National registry of haemophilia and other coagulopathies: A multisector initiative in the Colombian Health System
Authors: Alvis Luisa Fernanda , Sánchez Patricia , Acuña Lizbeth , Escobar Germán , Linares Adriana , Solano María Helena , Robledo Sergio
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Haemophilia is an orphan and high‐cost disease worldwide and, especially in middle‐income countries as Colombia. Given its burden of disease, in 2014, a national administrative registry was created to centralize demographic, clinical and economic information regarding to haemophilia and other coagulopathies.

Objective

To describe the building and implementation processes of the Colombian registry of haemophilia and other coagulopathies.

Methods

The 'consensus conference' methodology was used to design the registry. It was a multisector process, which included different actors of the health system (healthcare payers and providers, government institutions, academic and scientific organizations and patients).

Results

Colombia's national registry includes 95 variables, grouped in four sections: (1) sociodemographic data, (2) clinical condition, (3) economic costs, and (4) administrative updates. According to a resolution, stated by the Ministry of Health, payers and providers of healthcare must report annually to the registry the information of new and existing patients with coagulopathies.

Conclusions

A national registry serves as an organized and interactive system for monitoring morbidity and mortality, assessing healthcare access and its impact on disease complications, as well as associated costs to medical assistance. Furthermore, registry information can guide a rational making decision process to use economic resources efficiently. On the other hand, data about orphan diseases can encourage health research and evidence‐based care to improve quality of life and reduce associated disability.
Respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis in people with and without HIV infection
Authors: Sabin CA , Kunisaki KM , Bagkeris E , Post FA , Sachikonye M , Boffito M , Anderson J , Mallon PWG , Williams I , Vera JH , Johnson M , Babalis D , Winston A
Published: September 2020

Objectives

High rates of respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis (CB) are reported in people with HIV infection (PWH). We investigated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and CB in PWH and HIV‐negative people in the Pharmacokinetic and clinical Observations in PeoPle over fiftY (POPPY) study.

Methods

Assessment of respiratory symptoms and CB was undertaken using the modified form of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Univariate (χ2 tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and Spearman’s rank correlation) and multivariable (linear and logistic regression) analyses were performed to consider associations of respiratory symptoms with demographic, lifestyle and HIV‐related parameters, and with depressive symptoms and quality of life.

Results

Among the 619 participants, respiratory Symptom scores were higher in older and younger PWH compared to older HIV‐negative people, with median (interquartile range) scores of 17.7 (6.2, 39.5), 17.5 (0.9, 30.0) and 9.0 (0.9, 17.5), respectively (P = 0.0001); these differences remained significant after confounder adjustment. Sixty‐three participants (10.2%) met the criteria for CB [44 (14.0%) older PWH, 14 (9.2%) younger PWH, and five (3.3%) older HIV‐negative people; P = 0.002], with these differences also remaining after adjustment for confounding variables, particularly smoking status [older vs. younger PWH: odds ratio (OR) 4.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64, 12.30); P = 0.004; older PWH vs. HIV‐negative people: OR 4.53 (95% CI 1.12, 18.28); P = 0.03]. Respiratory symptoms and CB were both associated with greater depressive symptom scores and poorer quality of life. No strong associations were reported between CB and immune function, HIV RNA or previous diagnosis of any AIDS event.

Conclusions

Respiratory symptoms and CB are more common in PWH than in demographically and lifestyle‐similar HIV‐negative people and are associated with poorer mental health and quality of life.
Evaluation of COVID‐19 coagulopathy; laboratory characterization using thrombin generation and nonconventional haemostasis assays
Authors: White Danielle , MacDonald Stephen , Edwards Tara , Bridgeman Chris , Hayman Megan , Sharp Megan , Cox‐Morton Sally , Duff Emily , Mahajan Swati , Moore Chloe , Kirk Melissa , Williams Richard , Besser Martin , Thomas Will
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Patients with COVID‐19 are known to have a coagulopathy with a thrombosis risk. It is unknown whether this is due to a generalized humoral prothrombotic state or endothelial factors such as inflammation and dysfunction. The aim was to further characterize thrombin generation using a novel analyser (ST Genesia, Diagnostica Stago, Asnières, France) and a panel of haematological analytes in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

Platelet poor plasma of 34 patients with noncritical COVID‐19 was compared with 75 patients with critical COVID‐19 (as defined by WHO criteria) in a retrospective study by calibrated automated thrombography and ELISA. Patients were matched for baseline characteristics of age and gender.

Results

Critical patients had significantly increased fibrinogen, CRP, interleukin‐6 and D‐dimer compared to noncritical patients. Thrombin generation, in critical patients, was right shifted without significant differences in peak, velocity index or endogenous thrombin potential. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly increased in the critical versus noncritical patients. Critically ill patients were on haemodiafiltration (31%; heparin used in the circuit) or often received escalated prophylactic low‐molecular weight heparin.

Conclusion

These results confirm increased fibrinogen and D‐dimer in critical COVID‐19‐infected patients. Importantly, disease severity did not increase thrombin generation (including thrombin‐antithrombin complexes and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2) when comparing both cohorts; counter‐intuitively critical patients were hypocoaguable. tPA, TFPI and VEGF were increased in critical patients, which are hypothesized to reflect endothelial dysfunction and/or contribution of heparin (which may cause endothelial TFPI/tPA release).
Supporting immigrant cultural rights: The roles of deprovincialization and identity continuity
Authors: Velthuis Evi , Verkuyten Maykel , Smeekes Anouk
Published: September 2020

This research examines the role of deprovincialization, conceptualized in terms of a nuanced perspective on one’s in‐group culture, for majority members’ support for immigrants’ cultural practices and expressive rights. In three studies using data from samples drawn from nationally representative panels in the Netherlands (additionally analyzed in an internal meta‐analysis of N = 1,791), it was found that deprovincialization is a unique and robust predictor of support for immigrant rights, above and beyond prejudicial feelings, political orientation, level of education, gender, age, and religious affiliation. Furthermore, deprovincialization was found to be independent of national identification, which in previous research has been used as a proxy for deprovincialization. Additionally and in trying to conceptually replicate the pattern of findings (Studies 2 and 3), two different measures of perceived concern about the continuity of the in‐group culture and identity were found to weaken the deprovincialization‐support association. The findings go beyond existing research by focusing on the cultural openness understanding of deprovincialization and demonstrating the robust importance of how majority members understand their in‐group for their support of immigrants’ practices and rights.
Montane regions shape patterns of diversification in small mammals and reptiles from Madagascar’s moist evergreen forest
Authors: Everson Kathryn M. , Jansa Sharon A. , Goodman Steven M. , Olson Link E.
Published: September 2020

Aim

Madagascar is renowned for its exceptional species diversity and endemism. The island's mountainous regions are thought to have played a role in lineage and species diversification, but this has yet to be explored across taxonomic groups and a temporal context has not yet been identified. We tested whether montane regions have promoted population divergence in Madagascar's vertebrate fauna and, if so, whether these divergence events were contemporaneous.

Location

Moist evergreen forests of Madagascar.

Taxa

Small mammals and reptiles.

Methods

We analysed mitochondrial DNA data from 20 small‐mammal and five reptile species widely distributed across Madagascar's moist evergreen forests. We used phylogenetic and population genetic analyses to identify major phylogeographic patterns, then used linear regression to determine if the strength of phylogeographic structure is related to taxon, body size or elevation. Finally, we tested whether or not divergence across highlands occurred synchronously in multiple species, and used simulations to assess the power of these analyses to accurately estimate divergence times.

Results

We observed a shared phylogeographic pattern across multiple species that suggests Madagascar's northern, central and southern highlands have served as important regions of diversification on Madagascar. This pattern was recovered across taxa with varying body sizes and elevational distributions. We also identified four pulses of divergence between the northern and central highlands since the late Miocene, although simulations suggest that our empirical data cannot recover the number or timing of divergence events with high certainty. Finally, we observed several instances of deep intraspecific genetic splits, suggesting that several of the species we evaluated may represent cryptic species complexes.

Main Conclusions

We identified a highland‐driven phylogeographic pattern plus several cases of cryptic endemism and recent speciation, which have important evolutionary and conservation implications. This work presents a new phylogeographic hypothesis for recent diversification on Madagascar, reaffirms the urgent need for continued collection of voucher specimens and illuminates areas of particular importance for safeguarding genetic diversity in one of the world's foremost and threatened biodiversity hotspots.
Objective masticatory efficiency and subjective quality of masticatory function among patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Barbe Anna Greta , Javadian Simin , Rott Thea , Scharfenberg Isabel , Deutscher Helena Caterina Deborah , Noack Michael Johannes , Derman Sonja Henny Maria
Published: September 2020

Aims

To examine patient‐centred clinical outcomes for objective masticatory efficiency (OME) and subjective quality of masticatory function (QMF) among periodontitis patients using test methods easily applicable in daily practice.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional investigation of patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy (n = 224). Outcomes included OME and QMF related to periodontitis characteristics.

Results

OME and QMF were associated (x2 = 0.252, p = 0.037) and showed highest values in stage 4 according to the new classification of periodontal disease. There were correlations particularly in stage 2 between OME and number of teeth (x2 = −0.317, p < 0.001), Quigley–Hein Index (x2 = 0.152, p = 0.031), attachment level (x2 = 0.268, p < 0.001), probing depths (x2 = 0.185, p = 0.006), tooth mobility (x2 = 0.147, p = 0.031) and functional occlusal units (x2 = −0.423, p < 0.001) but not bleeding on probing. A trend existed between QMF and number of teeth (x2 = −0.237, p = 0.050) and functional occlusal units (x2 = 0.238, p = 0.058), but not other periodontal findings.

Conclusions

OME and QMF values represent each other and are highest in stage 4. Periodontitis findings influence masticatory efficiency particularly in stage 2, but gingival inflammation does not. Number of teeth and functional occlusal units are associated with QMF, while periodontitis findings have less impact. An assessment of mastication should be routinely included in the diagnosis of periodontitis patients in all stages.
Morphological, ecological and physiological characteristics of downstream‐migrating and non‐migrating Pacific bicolor eels Anguilla bicolorpacifica
Authors: Hagihara Seishi , Aoyama Jun , Limbong Daniel , Tsukamoto Katsumi
Published: September 2020

This is the first study describing the morphological, ecological and physiological characteristics of two downstream‐migrating and two non‐migrating female Pacific bicolor eels, Anguilla bicolor pacifica. The total length and age of the downstream‐migrating eels were 1005 mm and 10 years and 1110 mm and 11 years old, respectively, and those of the non‐migrating eels were 892 mm and 8 years and 805 mm and 9 years, respectively. Silvering‐related characteristics (silvering index, eye index, pectoral‐fin index, gut‐somatic index and swimbladder‐somatic index) and reproductive physiological characteristics (gonado‐somatic index, follicle diameter, oocyte stage, transcription of gonadotropins and concentration of sex steroids) of the migrating eels were more advanced than those of the non‐migrating eels.
Endocast structures are reliable proxies for the sizes of corresponding regions of the brain in extant birds
Authors: Early Catherine M. , Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Ridgely Ryan C. , Witmer Lawrence M.
Published: September 2020

Endocasts are increasingly relied upon to examine avian brain evolution because they can be used across extant and extinct species. The endocasts of birds appear to be relatively faithful representatives of the external morphology of their brains, but it is unclear how well the size of a surface feature visible on endocasts reflects the volume of the underlying brain region. The optic lobe and the Wulst are two endocast structures that are clearly visible on the external surface of avian endocasts. As they overlie two major visual regions of the brain, the optic tectum and hyperpallium, the surface areas of the optic lobe and Wulst, respectively, are often used to infer visual abilities. To determine whether the surface area of these features reflects the volume of the underlying brain regions, we compared the surface areas of the optic lobes and Wulsts from digital endocasts with the volumes of the optic tecta and hyperpallia from the literature or measured from histological series of brains of the same species. Regression analyses revealed strong, statistically significant correlations between the volumes of the brain regions and the surface areas of the overlying endocast structures. In other words, the size of the hyperpallium and optic tectum can be reliably inferred from the surface areas of the Wulst and optic lobe, respectively. This validation opens the possibility of estimating brain‐region volumes for extinct species in order to gain better insights in their visual ecology. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting a quantitative approach to the analysis of endocasts in the study of brain evolution.
The shifting preferences of patients and physicians in nonsurgical hair loss treatment
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Quinlan Emma M. , Williams Ken L.
Published: September 2020

Background

There are multiple etiologies for hair thinning and loss, including genetic, hormonal, immune, scaring, and infectious. Hair loss treatment involves both surgical intervention and nonsurgical therapies such as pharmaceuticals, haircare products, vitamins, and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT). While pharmaceuticals have been extensively researched, the efficacy of other therapies remains inconclusive. With so many available treatments, consumers often research their options using search engines such as Google and/or seek help from hair restoration physicians.

Aims

To identify and analyze changing trends in international consumer and physician interest in nonsurgical hair loss therapies.

Methods

Worldwide trends in Google searches of hair loss products (2004‐2020) were compared with product prescription frequency surveys from members of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (2004‐2019, ~29% response rate).

Results

Minoxidil and finasteride were the most prescribed hair loss treatments, while “minoxidil” was the most “Googled” term. Generic products were searched more often than their brand counterparts. Nutritionals and haircare prescriptions increased over time. LLLT was also increasingly prescribed, with Internet searches increasing following government regulation announcements. The COVID‐19 pandemic initially negatively affected hair loss treatment searches, which have since returned to, and surpassed, pre‐pandemic levels.

Conclusion

Regulations and social media have influence on consumer interest in hair loss products. A weak economy and coronavirus fears may persuade consumers to turn to cheaper hair loss treatment alternatives. Hair restoration specialists need to keep abreast of online trends to communicate effectively with their patients. Patients should be cognizant of the safety and efficacy of hair restoration treatments.
Linguistic Natures: Method, Media, and Language Reclamation in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Ennis Georgia
Published: September 2020

In Napo, Ecuador, many speakers experience the use of the standardized variety Kichwa Unificado in formal education and other forms of institutional language revitalization to be a serious imposition upon their regional varieties of Kichwa. This article explores the assumptions about the nature of language—or what have been called ontologies of language (Hauck and Heurich 2018; Ferguson 2019)—that shape responses to language revitalization in Napo. At stake in debates over language standardization are fundamental assumptions of the nature of language and its connection to personhood. Grassroots Amazonian Kichwa media focused on “listening” and “remembering,” reveal the importance of not only ideological clarification (Kroskrity 2009), but also ontological clarification in language revitalization and advocacy.
Updates in staging and pathologic evaluation of esophageal carcinoma following neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Zhang Xuchen , Jain Dhanpat
Published: September 2020

Esophageal carcinoma comprises two major subtypes—squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, the incidences of which vary widely across the world and also depend on the location within the esophagus. The staging of esophageal cancer (EC) also remains unique among various gastrointestinal carcinomas, as it takes into account the location, histologic type, and grade. Its management has been evolving over the years and the recent American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system has been updated to reflect the changing practice and new data. It is clear that preoperative neoadjuvant therapy is increasingly being used for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinomas, followed by surgical resection that improves survival. A variety of histologic changes can be seen after neoadjuvant therapy, which can be challenging for the pathologists. The presence of residual tumor in the surgically resected specimen and lymph node following neoadjuvant therapy is associated with poor prognosis. Hence, a thorough pathologic assessment of tumor regression grade and accurate tumor staging is required by pathologists to provide valuable prognostic information to guide further management. Tumor regression grading in ECs needs to be improved and standardized.
Transient receptor potential channels in pulmonary chemical injuries and as countermeasure targets
Authors: Achanta Satyanarayana , Jordt Sven‐Eric
Published: September 2020

The lung is highly sensitive to chemical injuries caused by exposure to threat agents in industrial or transportation accidents, occupational exposures, or deliberate use as weapons of mass destruction (WMD). There are no antidotes for the majority of the chemical threat agents and toxic inhalation hazards despite their use as WMDs for more than a century. Among several putative targets, evidence for transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels as mediators of injury by various inhalational chemical threat agents is emerging. TRP channels are expressed in the respiratory system and are essential for homeostasis. Among TRP channels, the body of literature supporting essential roles for TRPA1, TRPV1, and TRPV4 in pulmonary chemical injuries is abundant. TRP channels mediate their function through sensory neuronal and nonneuronal pathways. TRP channels play a crucial role in complex pulmonary pathophysiologic events including, but not limited to, increased intracellular calcium levels, signal transduction, recruitment of proinflammatory cells, neurogenic inflammatory pathways, cough reflex, hampered mucus clearance, disruption of the integrity of the epithelia, pulmonary edema, and fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the role of TRP channels in chemical threat agents–induced pulmonary injuries and how these channels may serve as medical countermeasure targets for broader indications.
Variance Decomposition Analysis for Nonlinear Economic Models1
Authors: Isakin Maksim , Ngo Phuong V.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we propose a new method called the total variance method and algorithms to compute and analyse variance decomposition for nonlinear economic models. We provide theoretical and empirical examples to compare our method with the only existing method called generalized forecast error variance decomposition (GFEVD). We find that the results from the two methods are different when shocks are multiplicative or interacted in nonlinear models. We recommend that when working with nonlinear models researchers should use the total variance method in order to see the importance of indirect variance contributions and to quantify correctly the relative variance contribution of each structural shock.
Imputing Top‐Coded Income Data in Longitudinal Surveys*
Authors: Tan Li
Published: September 2020

The incomes of top earners are typically top‐coded in survey data. I show that the accuracy of imputed income values for top earners in longitudinal surveys can be improved significantly by incorporating information from multiple time periods into the imputation process in a simple way. Moreover, I introduce an innovative, nonparametric empirical Bayes imputation method that further improves imputation quality. I show that the empirical Bayes imputation method reduces the RMSE of imputed income values by 19–51% relative to standard approaches in the literature. I also illustrate the benefits of the empirical Bayes method for investigating multi‐year income inequality.
Hidradenitis suppurativa and Down syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lam Megan , Lai Charis , Almuhanna Nouf , Alhusayen Raed
Published: September 2020

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), characterized by inflammatory nodules, sinus tracts, and abscesses, has been linked to several factors, including immune dysfunction and obesity, which are thought to contribute to its development. Several follicular disorders have also been associated with Down syndrome (DS), a common chromosomal disorder, including HS, although studies on this topic are limited.

Objectives

To characterize HS in Down syndrome patients and to further examine the association between HS and DS compared to HS patients without DS.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL electronic databases from their dates of conception to February 2020. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed analyzing (a) HS characteristics between DS and non‐DS participants, and (b) prevalence or association between HS and DS compared to non‐DS individuals.

Results

Twelve studies were included in this systematic review, with a total of 358 participants presenting with both HS and DS. Pooled analysis of mean differences between DS and non‐DS participants presenting with HS found a significantly younger age of HS symptom onset for DS patients (−6.24; 95% CI, −10.01‐−2.24). A meta‐analysis examining the association between HS and DS found a significantly increased likelihood of HS in DS patients (OR 9.61; 95% CI, 5.70‐16.20).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest an association between HS and DS, with DS patients suffering from an earlier onset of HS symptoms compared to non‐DS patients.
A novel mutation in LMX1B gene in a newborn with nail‐patella syndrome: Clinical and dermoscopic findings
Authors: Tognetti Linda , Baldassarri Margherita , Fava Francesca , Provvidenziale Luca , Cinotti Elisa , Renieri Alessandra , Rubegni Pietro
Published: September 2020

We report on a 3‐month‐old female patient presenting with bilateral anonychia of the thumbnails and hyponychia of the index nails. Clinico‐dermoscopic examination revealed triangular lunulae in all fingernails. Sequence analysis of LMX1B gene identified a novel heterozygous de novo mutation within exon 2, pathogenetic for a nail‐patella syndrome.
A unique variant of juvenile papular‐purpuric gloves and socks syndrome
Authors: Zhao Zijun , Wallace Matthew M. , Zwerner Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2020

Parvovirus B19 is the most common causative agent of papular‐purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS), an often‐underreported condition in the pediatric population. Classically, PPGSS presents with a papular‐purpuric and at times petechial eruption of the hands and feet. (Dermatology. 1994;188:85; Int J Dermatol. 1996;35:626) We report a unique variant of juvenile PPGSS with prominent involvement of the flexural and extensor elbows, wrists, and knees.
Corticosteroid wraps as monotherapy in a child with extensive idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Chateau Antoinette , Makhubele Jabulile , Dlova Ncoza
Published: September 2020

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis that may present with limited to severe disease, posing a therapeutic challenge. A 7‐year‐old African female who presented with extensive PG showed a remarkable response to corticosteroid wrap monotherapy.
Differentially expressed genes in canola (Brassica napus) during infection by virulent and avirulentPlasmodiophora brassicaepathotypes
Authors: Jiang Junye , Fredua‐Agyeman Rudolph , Hwang Sheau‐Fang , Strelkov Stephen E.
Published: September 2020

Gene expression profiling offers a means of understanding pathogenesis in clubroot of crucifers caused by the biotrophic pathogenPlasmodiophora brassicae. In this study, a canola (Brassica napus) cultivar 45H29 was inoculated withP.brassicaepathotypes 5I (P5I) and 5X (P5X), and the pathogen:plant DNA biomass ratio in roots was determined at 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation (dai) by quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. The P5X:plant biomass ratio increased across the time course, while the P5I:plant biomass ratio decreased. To investigate genes differentially expressed during the infection process, the expression of 205P.brassicaegenes encoding putative secreted proteins was analysed from the inoculated samples at 14 dai. One of the 205 genes was expressed at a higher level in P5X than in P5I, while 15 genes were expressed at a higher level in P5I than in P5X. Of these 16, 13 genes encoded proteins with high cysteine content, while three genes encoded proteins with an RXLR motif. The expression of the 16 genes was analysed further in the 7‐ and 21‐dai samples. No transcripts of the 16 genes were detected from either pathotype at 7 dai. In contrast, 11 genes were differentially expressed between the two pathotypes at 21 dai, with nine being more highly expressed in P5X and two in P5I. One gene showed homology toPbSUNK2found inP.brassicae‐infectedArabidopsis thalianaroot tissues. These 16 genes may offer important information to improve the current understanding of canola–P.brassicaeinteractions.
Early cytomegalovirus DNAemia and antiviral dose adjustment in high vs intermediate risk kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Schaenman Joanna , Phonphok Korntip , Spanuchart Ittikorn , Duong Tin , Sievers Theodore M. , Lum Erik , Reed Elaine F. , Bunnapradist Suphamai
Published: September 2020

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection continues to negatively affect outcomes for solid organ transplant recipients, despite the advent of strategies for preemptive surveillance and prophylaxis. The impact is especially great for CMV seronegative recipients of donor seropositive organs, who typically lack the ability to control CMV infection at the time of transplantation.

Methods

We reviewed episodes of CMV DNAemia in a modern cohort of kidney transplant recipients over a 3‐year period at a high‐volume transplant center to investigate the frequency of DNAemia during antiviral prophylaxis.

Results

Despite receipt of antiviral prophylaxis per current guidelines, 75 cases of CMV DNAemia were observed in the first 100 days after transplantation. For high risk patients, median time to DNAemia was 75 days after transplantation, and the majority of patients had experienced dose‐reduction of valganciclovir due to renal insufficiency. Review of CMV seropositive intermediate risk patients demonstrated DNAemia occurring earlier after transplantation compared with high risk patients with a median time of 64 days (P = .029). The impact of valganciclovir dose adjustment was less notable in the intermediate risk group.

Conclusions

Guidelines recommend beginning routine surveillance for CMV after the completion of antiviral prophylaxis. Our findings suggest that closer monitoring may be beneficial, especially for high risk patients at risk for DNAemia. Patients requiring dose adjustment of valganciclovir due to renal insufficiency may be at increased risk for CMV DNAemia. Improved methods for CMV prophylaxis and evaluation of immunologic risk for CMV DNAemia and disease are needed to improve patient outcomes after kidney transplantation.
Effects of the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans‐pacific partnership
Authors: Li Chunding , Whalley John
Published: September 2020

This paper uses a numerical multi‐country and multi‐sector general equilibrium model with endogenous trade imbalance and trade cost to simulate the effects of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‐Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and its future member expansion. Simulation results show that most member countries will benefit from trade integration and that most non‐member countries will lose due to the exclusion effects of the regional trade agreement, but effects for specific countries differ. The entry of the US, China, India and the EU to the CPTPP will significantly increase member countries’ benefits, and their entry will decrease the losses of non‐member countries. The US withdrawal from the CPTPP has a negative effect on the US, which will increase as more countries join. The world as a whole will gain from the trade deal.
A micro‐founded approach to exploring gains from trade integration: Evidence from 27 EU countries
Authors: Imbruno Michele
Published: September 2020

This paper studies how trade integration of both final output and intermediate input markets affected aggregate efficiency and welfare in the European Union (EU) during the period 2004–2012. The results suggest that aggregate efficiency gains from trade mainly occur through input switching effects within firms and output reallocation effects across firms. Moreover, welfare gains from trade are relatively smaller than aggregate efficiency gains, due to a decrease in domestic final varieties.
The fiat money illusion: On the cost‐efficiency of modern central banking
Authors: Israel Karl‐Friedrich
Published: September 2020

The traditional argument for unbacked fiat money stresses its potential benefits in terms of production costs. While there is an undeniable grain of truth in the traditional cost‐saving argument, actual fiat money regimes around the world are belying it. The Eurosystem, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve System all operate under relatively high costs. In fact, their operating expenses exceed the estimated costs of a generic fractional‐reserve gold standard. Even when the reserve ratio of the estimated gold standard is increased up to 100% on M1, the operating expenses of these modern central bank systems remain in a similar range. Hence, the cost‐saving argument is illusory in these cases. These results suggest that a return to a money that is at least partially backed by gold might be more efficient even from the vantage point of the production costs of money. The Eurosystem and the Bank of Japan are particularly expensive institutions. Their annual operating expenses as a fraction of nominal GDP are more than twice as high as those of the Federal Reserve System and the Bank of England.
Immunosuppressive and metabolic agents that influence allo‐ and xenograft survival by in vivo expansion of T regulatory cells
Authors: Zhao Yanli , Hu Wenjun , Chen Pengfei , Cao Mengtao , Zhang Yingwei , Zeng Changchun , Hara Hidetaka , Cooper David K. C. , Mou Lisha , Luan Shaodong , Gao Hanchao
Published: September 2020

The transplanted organs or cells survive if the recipient receives adequate long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressive therapy combined with cell‐based strategies (eg, regulatory T cell [Treg]‐based therapy) promotes graft survival. A combination of Treg‐based therapy and minimal or no immunosuppressive drug therapy would have the potential to minimize the risks of the complications and side effects of these drugs. Fortunately, some immunosuppressive and other agents not only impede the effector T cell response, but also help generate new CD4+ Tregs from conventional effector T cells. These agents include IL‐2, TGF‐β, agents that block the CD40/CD40L costimulation pathway, mTOR inhibitors, and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Consequently, a state of relative unresponsiveness to the transplanted organ may be induced through the expansion of Tregs. We here review the effect of these various agents on expansion of CD4+ Tregs in allo‐ and xenotransplantation. The expansion of Tregs might allow a dose reduction of the standard immunosuppressive drugs.
Factors Influencing Supply of Affordable Housing in Nigerian Cities Using Confirmatory Factors Analysis
Authors: David Taiwo Olugbenga , Misnan Siti Hajar
Published: September 2020

Despite the Nigerian government's efforts to provide affordable housing to the country's low and medium-income groups, the efforts have not yielded the desired results. These have led individuals, families, and organisations to supply housing either on their own or on a rental basis. Although several scholars have attempted to investigate the problem, none has found a realistic solution. Only a few scholars have also used the confirmatory factor analysis to investigate and isolate and the critical factors influencing housing production and supply to the low and medium-income groups in the country. This research attempts to bridge this gap. Ekiti, Lagos and Oyo States were used as case study for the research. Two hundred and ten (210) survey questionnaires were administered on real estate developers using the purposive sampling technique. The data was analysed in SPSS. The study revealed that land accessibility, funding and demographics were found to be the significant factors influencing the supply of low and medium-income housing in the study area. The study recommends direct government intervention in housing supply in favour of an enabling environment for the housing sector in the country
Investigating the Impact of Spatial Configuration on Users' Behaviour in Shopping Malls Case of Bab-Ezzouar Shopping Mall in Algiers
Authors: Fezzai Soufiane , Fares Rima Beya , Boutouata Fatima Ezzahra , Benachi Noussaiba
Published: September 2020

Recently, Shopping malls are introduced in Algerian cities as new commercial structures instead of traditional markets; they become a part of the daily life allowing people to have a new shopping experience. This paper aims to explore the influence of visual accessibility and spatial configuration on the navigation of individuals in a shopping mall through the analysis of Bab-Ezzouar shopping centre. The analysis of spatial and visual patterns adopts space syntax techniques and methods, a survey analysis based on people tracking and a questionnaire is applied to collect data on the shopping centre visitors’ behaviour. The results show that the perception of shopping spaces differs from familiar to unfamiliar visitors, familiar visitors are guided by their shopping habit more than spatial patterns and unfamiliar visitors are influenced by visual patterns of space more than accessibility. Visitors tend to choose the most open spaces that offer maximum visual accessibility more than physical accessibility, they also prefer walking in a straight-line avoiding change of direction. These features can guide designers in their process for better understanding of shopping space.
Property Price Attributable to Subdivision Neighbourhood Designs: Hedonic Pricing Model Approach in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand
Authors: Rinchumphu Damrongsak , Kridakorn Na Ayutthaya Thidarat , Yunus Riduan
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the property price is caused by the subdivision neighbourhood designs in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), Thailand. A total price model is developed during the analysis process. The model provides a greater understanding of the significance of the subdivision neighbourhood designs that are related to property pricing. This paper is based on data collection from 50 subdivisions across the BMR area. The hedonic pricing approach is used to develop the models. The semi-log models are developed on 1,182 samples of property sales located in eight zones of the BMR. The independent variables include general bundles of property characteristics and the subdivision neighbourhood design items. There are two major findings in this study. First, this study provides a suitable property price model for subdivision development in the BMR. The model presents the high level of R2 at 0.948. The model confirms that all classical hedonic variables are statistically significant to the property price. Furthermore, the additional alternative variables for the subdivision neighbourhood design items can improve the level of variation explained by the model. Second, this study finds that the average property price attributable to the subdivision neighbourhood design is about 20.24 % of the total property price. The components of the subdivision neighbourhood design items consist of project characteristics, recreation features, social facilities, and transportation system design. The model should support knowledge of the design’s impact on the property price for the Government or policy makers on making appropriate policies for urban and environmental management. The model provides a guideline for developers on appropriate property selling-prices for subdivision development in the BMR. The new understanding of the property price attributable to the subdivision neighbourhood designs support suitable decision making on new subdivision development in the BMR
The Consumption of Tradition and Heritage Areas in the Grebeg Sudiro Event in Surakarta
Authors: Ratunar Rahmatulloh Ogif , Purwani Ofita , Rahayu Paramita
Published: September 2020

Cultural heritage cannot be separated from the traditions and identity of a society. However, heritage and tradition have become commodities for tourist consumption. They become interesting for tourists who look for ‘authentic’ experiences. Some of the so-called traditions commodified for tourism are intentionally made for a specific purpose. In this case it fits Hobsbawm’s concept of ‘invented tradition’. This paper focuses on the Grebeg Sudiro event, carried out by the Sudiroprajan community, in the city of Surakarta. This invented tradition has been held every Lunar New Year since 2008 in the Pasar Gede heritage area. The relationships between an invented tradition, tourism consumption, and place identity in a heritage area will be examined in this article. This article will highlight how heritage area as the venue for this event plays role in Grebeg Sudiro and how tourists can consume this tradition along with the heritage place as the venue. This research uses qualitative case study approach. Interviews conducted purposively and direct observations during the event were conducted to note and record the use of cultural heritage areas in the Grebeg Sudiro event, as well as to see how consumption of tradition takes place. Pasar Gede as a place of activity is considered as an interesting object and is considered to represent the identity of Sudiroprajan community. It can be said that invented traditions, cultural heritage identity, and tourism consumption are closely interrelated and complementary.