bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomised trial of bipolar resection vs holmium laser enucleation vs Greenlight laser vapo‐enucleation of the prostate for treatment of large benign prostate obstruction: 3‐years outcomes
Authors: Elshal Ahmed M. , Soltan Mohamed , El‐Tabey Nasr A. , Laymon Mahmoud , Nabeeh Adel
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare transurethral resection in saline (TURIS), Greenlight laser vapo‐enucleation of the prostate (GL.PVEP), and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), for controlling lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to assess non‐inferiority of 3‐year re‐treatment rates.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients with BPH (prostate size 80–150 mL) were randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups. Non‐inferiority of re‐treatment rate was evaluated using a one‐sided test at 5% level of significance.

Results

At the time of analysis, 60 GL.PVEP, 60 HoLEP and 62 TURIS procedures were included. Perioperative parameters were comparable between groups; however, the operative time was longer in GL.PVEP vs HoLEP and TURIS, at a mean (SD) of 92 (32) vs 73 (30) and 83 (28) min (P = 0.005); and was less effective with a mean (SD) removal of 1.2 (0.4) vs 1.7 (0.7) and 1.4 (0.6) g/min (P < 0.001), respectively. Perioperative complications and need for auxiliary procedures were similar in the three groups; however, there was a significantly higher rate of capsular perforation in TURIS group (five, 8%) compared to one (1.6%) in the GL.PVEP group and none in the HoLEP group (P= 0.01). There was a significantly longer hospital stay, catheter‐time and higher rate of blood transfusion in the TURIS group. There was significant but comparable improvements in the International Prostate Symptom Score in three groups at different follow‐up points. At 3 years, re‐treatment for recurrent bladder outlet obstruction was required more after GL.PVEP and TURIS. More re‐do surgeries for recurrent obstructing prostate adenoma was reported after GL.PVEP (four, 6.7%) and TURIS (six, 9.7%) than for HoLEP (none) (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The perioperative outcomes of GL.PVEP and HoLEP surpassed that of TURIS for the treatment of large prostates, but with a significantly prolonged operative time with GL.PVEP. The three techniques achieve good functional outcomes; however, 3‐year re‐treatment rates following TURIS and GL.PVEP were inferior to HoLEP.
Pancreatic stellate cells exhibit adaptation to oxidative stress evoked by hypoxia
Authors: Estaras Matias , Martinez‐Morcillo Salome , García Alfredo , Martinez Remigio , Estevez Mario , Perez‐Lopez Marcos , Miguez Maria P. , Fernandez‐Bermejo Miguel , Mateos Jose M. , Vara Daniel , Blanco Gerardo , Lopez Diego , Roncero Vicente , Salido Gines M. , Gonzalez Antonio
Published: July 2020

Background information

Pancreatic stellate cells play a key role in the fibrosis that develops in diseases such as pancreatic cancer. In the growing tumour, a hypoxia condition develops under which cancer cells are able to proliferate. The growth of fibrotic tissue contributes to hypoxia. In this study, the effect of hypoxia (1% O2) on pancreatic stellate cells physiology was investigated. Changes in intracellular free‐Ca2+ concentration, mitochondrial free‐Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential were studied by fluorescence techniques. The status of enzymes responsible for the cellular oxidative state was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, high‐performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods and by Western blotting analysis. Cell viability and proliferation were studied by crystal violet test, 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine cell proliferation test and Western blotting analysis. Finally, cell migration was studied employing the wound healing assay.

Results

Hypoxia induced an increase in intracellular and mitochondrial free‐Ca2+ concentration, whereas mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. An increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production was observed. Additionally, an increase in the oxidation of proteins and lipids was detected. Moreover, cellular total antioxidant capacity was decreased. Increases in the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 were observed and superoxide dismutase activity was augmented. Hypoxia evoked a decrease in the oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio. An increase in the phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor and in expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalytic subunit of glutamate‐cysteine ligase, catalase, NAD(P)H‐quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase‐1 were detected. The expression of cyclin A was decreased, whereas expression of cyclin D and the content of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine were increased. This was accompanied by an increase in cell viability. The phosphorylation state of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase was increased, whereas that of p44/42 and p38 was decreased. Finally, cells subjected to hypoxia maintained migration ability.

Conclusions and Significance

Hypoxia creates pro‐oxidant conditions in pancreatic stellate cells to which cells adapt and leads to increased viability and proliferation.
Randomized controlled trial of triple versus dual inhaler therapy on small airways in smoking asthmatics
Authors: Jabbal Sunny , Kuo Chris RuiWen , Lipworth Brian
Published: July 2020

Background

Smoking worsens underlying asthma inflammation and also induces resistance to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Small airways dysfunction measured by impulse oscillometry (IOS) is associated with worse control.

Objectives

We investigated the effects on small airways of adding long‐acting beta‐agonist (LABA) alone or with long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) to ICS in asthmatic smokers.

Methods

Sixteen current smokers were enrolled: mean age 44 year, FEV1 84%, FEF25‐75 47%, R5 158%, ACQ 1.69, 20 pack year . Patients were converted to a reference ICS as HFA‐BDP during initial run‐in at median dose of 800 µg/day. Open label olodaterol 5 µg od (OLO) or olodaterol 5 µg/tiotropium 5 µg od (OLO/TIO) was added to HFA‐BDP for median duration of 3 weeks in a randomized cross over design, including run‐in and washout periods on HFA‐BDP. IOS and spirometry were measured after each treatment (BDP/OLO/TIO or BDP/OLO) and at baseline after run‐in and washout (BDP).

Results

After chronic dosing, IOS outcomes at trough except for R20 were all significantly improved with OLO/TIO compared to OLO. For the primary end‐point of total airway resistance (as R5), the mean difference (95%CI) at trough was 0.06 (0.015‐0.10) kPa/l/s, peripheral airways resistance (as R5‐R20) 0.03 (0.003‐0.06) kPa/l/s, peripheral lung reactance area (as AX) 0.38 (0.08‐0.68) kPa/l and resonant frequency (as RF) 2.28 (0.45‐4.12) Hz. FEF25‐75 at trough was also better with OLO/TIO vs TIO: 0.93 (0.86 ‐ 0.95) l/s while FEV1 was not different.

Conclusions

ICS/LABA/LAMA was superior to ICS/LABA on trough small airway outcomes in asthma patients who smoke.
Sweet or salty? The origin of freshwater gastrotrichs (Gastrotricha, Chaetonotida) revealed by molecular phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Kolicka Małgorzata , Dabert Miroslawa , Olszanowski Ziemowit , Dabert Jacek
Published: July 2020

Chaetonotidae is the most diverse and widely distributed family of the order Chaetonotida (Gastrotricha) and includes both marine and freshwater species. Although the family is regarded as a sister taxon to the exclusively marine Xenotrichulidae, the type of environment, marine or freshwater, where Chaetonotidae originated is still not known. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of the family based on molecular sequence data and mapped both morphological and ecological characters to determine the ancestral environment of the first members of the family. Our results revealed that the freshwater genus Bifidochaetus is the earliest branching lineage in the paraphyletic Chaetonotidae (encompassing Dasydytidae and Neogosseidae). Moreover, we reconstructed Lepidochaetus‐Cephalionotus clade as a monophyletic sister group to the remaining chaetonotids, which supports Kisielewski's morphological based hypothesis concerning undifferentiated type of body scales as a most primary character in Chaetonotidae. We also found that reversals to marine habitats occurred independently in different Chaetonotidae lineages, thus marine species in the genera Heterolepidoderma, Halichaetonotus, Aspidiophorus and subgenera Chaetonotus (Schizochaetonotus) or Chaetonotus (Marinochaetus) should be assumed as having secondarily invaded the marine environment. Character mapping revealed a series of synapomorphies that define the clade that includes Chaetonotidae (with Dasydytidae and Neogosseidae), the most important of which may be those linked to reproduction.
Living vs deceased donor liver transplantation in cholestatic liver disease: An analysis of the OPTN database
Authors: Ziogas Ioannis A. , Alexopoulos Sophoclis P. , Matsuoka Lea K. , Geevarghese Sunil K. , Gorden Lee D. , Karp Seth J. , Perkins James D. , Montenovo Martin I.
Published: July 2020

Background

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) can expand the donor pool for cholestatic liver disease (CLD) patients. We sought to compare the outcomes of deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) vs LDLT in CLD patients.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of adult CLD recipients registered in the OPTN database who received primary LT between 2002 and 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression models with mixed effects were used to determine the impact of graft type on patient and graft survival.

Results

Five thousand, nine hundred ninety‐nine DDLT (5730 donation after brain death [DBD], 269 DCD) and 912 LDLT recipients were identified. Ten‐year patient/graft survival rates were DBD: 73.8%/67.9%, DCD: 74.7%/60.7%, and LDLT: 82.5%/73.9%. Higher rates of biliary complications as a cause of graft failure were seen in DCD (56.8%) than LDLT (30.5%) or DBD (18.7%) recipients. On multivariable analysis, graft type was not associated with patient mortality, while DCD was independently associated with graft failure (P = .046).

Conclusion

DBD, DCD, and LDLT were associated with comparable overall patient survival. No difference in the risk of graft failure could be observed between LDLT and DBD. DCD can be an acceptable alternative to DBD with equivalent patient survival, but inferior graft survival likely related to the high rate of biliary complications.
Beyond the neonatal intensive care unit: the impact of preterm birth
Authors: Lakshmanan Ashwini , Smith Beth A , Vanderbilt Douglas L
Published: July 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Saurel‐Cubizolles et al. on pages 1182–1190of this issue.
A new dimension in patent foramen ovale size estimation
Authors: Demulier Laurent , Paelinck Bernard Pierre , Coomans Ilse , Hemelsoet Dimitri , De Backer Julie , Campens Laurence , De Wolf Daniel
Published: July 2020

Background

Detailed multidimensional assessment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) size with transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) may help to determine PFO pathogenicity in cryptogenic stroke patients. We explored the potential additive value of Live xPlane and three‐dimensional (3D) TOE anatomical PFO sizing techniques.

Methods

Imaging data of 45 patients who underwent a 3D TOE‐assisted percutaneous PFO closure were studied. The two‐dimensional (2D) PFO separation distance and right‐to‐left (RL) contrast shunt magnitude were assessed on preprocedural TOE recordings. Peri‐procedural measurements of the triangular anatomical PFO opening (base, height, and area) were performed after positioning of a stiff guidewire (SW) through the PFO, using Live xPlane imaging and 3D Zoom mode.

Results

The PFO SW base appeared on average 5 times larger than the preprocedural 2D PFO separation (median difference [IQR] = 13[5] mm; P < .001). For a same PFO separation, the width of the PFO base may vary significantly. The PFO SW base was significantly larger in patients with a large versus a small‐to‐moderate PFO RL contrast shunt (18 vs 15 mm; P = .007) and in those with a spontaneous versus a provoked shunt (18 vs 14 mm; P = .003).

Conclusion

Live xPlane and 3D Zoom TOE allow peri‐procedural measurement of the largest dimension of a PFO, which is the PFO base. Patients with a large or spontaneous RL contrast shunt appear to have a larger PFO base. The anatomical PFO base dimension may be taken into account for optimization of device and patient selection strategies.
Observations of parasitoid behaviour in both no‐choice and choice tests are consistent with proposed ecological host range
Authors: Withers Toni M. , Allen Geoff R. , Todoroki Christine L. , Pugh Andrew R. , Gresham Belinda A.
Published: July 2020

The solitary larval endoparasitoid Eadya daenerys Ridenbaugh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a proposed biocontrol agent of Paropsis charybdis Stål (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae), a pest of eucalypts in New Zealand. Eadya daenerys oviposition behaviour was examined in two assay types during host range testing, with the aim of improving ecological host range prediction. No‐choice sequential and two‐choice behavioural observations were undertaken against nine closely related species of New Zealand non‐target beetle larvae, including a native beetle, introduced weed biocontrol agents, and invasive paropsine beetles. No behavioural measure was significantly different between no‐choice and two‐choice tests. In sequential no‐choice assays the order of first presentation (target–non‐target) had no significant effect on the median number of attacks or the attack rate while on the plant. Beetle species was the most important factor. Parasitoids expressed significantly lower on‐plant attack rates against non‐targets compared to target P. charybdis larvae. The median number of attacks was always higher towards target larvae than towards non‐target larvae, except for the phylogenetically closest related non‐target Trachymela sloanei (Blackburn) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae). Most non‐target larvae were disregarded upon contact, which suggests that the infrequent attack behaviour observed by two individual E. daenerys against Allocharis nr. tarsalis larvae in two‐choice tests and the frass of Chrysolina abchasica (Weise) was probably abnormal host selection behaviour. Results indicate that E. daenerys is unlikely to attack non‐target species apart from Eucalyptus‐feeding invasive paropsines (Chrysomelinae). Non‐lethal negative impacts upon less preferred non‐target larvae are possible if E. daenerys does attack them in the field; however, this is likely to be rare.
Adverse prognostic impact of regulatory T‐cells in testicular diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Pollari Marjukka , Pellinen Teijo , Karjalainen‐Lindsberg Marja‐Liisa , Kellokumpu‐Lehtinen Pirkko‐Liisa , Leivonen Suvi‐Katri , Leppä Sirpa
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Testicular diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (T‐DLBCL) is a rare and aggressive extranodal lymphoma. We have previously shown that high content of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and PD‐1 expressing TILs associate with better survival in T‐DLBCL. In this study, we have further characterized distinct TIL subtypes and their proportions in association with patient demographics and survival.

Methods

We used multiplex immunohistochemistry to characterize TIL phenotypes, including cytotoxic T‐cells (CTLs; CD8+, OX40+, Granzyme B+, Ki‐67+, LAG‐3+, TIM‐3+, PD‐1+), CD4+ T‐cells (CD3+, CD4+, TIM‐3+, LAG‐3+), regulatory T‐cells (Tregs; CD3+, CD4+, FoxP3+), and T helper 1 cells (Th1; CD3+, CD4+, T‐bet+) in 79 T‐DLBCLs, and correlated the findings with patient demographics and outcome.

Results

We observed a substantial variation in TIL phenotypes between the patients. The most prominent CD8+ TILs were Ki‐67+ and TIM‐3+ CTLs, whereas the most prominent CD4+ TILs were FoxP3+ Tregs. Despite the overall favorable prognostic impact of high TIL content, we found a subpopulation of T‐bet+FoxP3+ Tregs that had a significant adverse impact on survival. Lower content of CTLs with activated or exhausted phenotypes correlated with aggressive clinical features.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate significant variation in TIL phenotypes and emphasize the adverse prognostic impact of Tregs in T‐DLBCL.
Nature, corruption, and freedom: Stoic ethics in Kant'sReligion
Authors: Merritt Melissa
Published: July 2020

Kant's account of “the radical evil in human nature” in the 1793Religion within the Bounds of Reason Aloneis typically interpreted as a reworking of the Augustinian doctrine of original sin. But Kant does not talk about Augustine explicitly there, and if he is rehabilitating the doctrine of original sin, the result is not obviously Augustinian. Instead, Kant talks about Stoic ethics in a pair of passages on either end of his account of radical evil and leaves other clues that his argument is a reworking of an old Stoic problem. “Radical evil” refers to the idea that our moral condition is—by default and yet by our own deed—bad or corrupt; and that this corruption is the root (radix) of human badness in all its variety, ubiquity, and sheer ordinariness. Kant takes as his premise a version of the Stoic idea that nature gives us “uncorrupted starting points” (Diogenes Laertius 7.89). What sense can be made of the origin of human badness, given such a premise? Kant's account of radical evil is an answer to this old Stoic problem, which requires a conception of freedom that is not available in his Stoic sources.
Seroprevalence and evaluation of risk factors associated with seropositivity forBorrelia burgdorferiin Ontario horses
Authors: Neely Megan , Arroyo Luis G. , Jardine Claire , Moore Alison , Hazlett Murray , Clow Katie , Archer Holly , Weese J. Scott
Published: July 2020

Background

Recently, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), which is the vector ofBorrelia burgdorferi, has undergone a range expansion from the northeastern and mid‐west United States to areas of southeastern Canada, including parts of Ontario. Understanding the seroprevalence of antibodies againstB. burgdorferiin horses and risk factors for exposure is important for monitoring and preventing this emerging disease.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study of 551 horses in southern, central, and eastern Ontario, Canada.

Objectives

To assess the seroprevalence ofB. burgdorferiin horses in Ontario, Canada; to evaluate risk factors associated with seropositivity; and, to compare the performance of two diagnostic tests.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from clinically healthy horses in Ontario, Canada, along with completed questionnaires that were used for the risk factor analysis. Sera were tested with a Multiplex ELISA (Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University) and C6 ELISA (IDEXX SNAP®4Dx®Plus test, IDEXX Laboratories).

Results

The seroprevalence ofB. burgdorferion at least one test was 17% (91/551), though only 15 (16%) horses tested positive with both tests. A spatial cluster of cases was detected in Eastern Ontario. The odds of being seropositive forB. burgdorferion the C6 ELISA were significantly increased when oak trees were present by pastures (OR = 7.3 (1.8‐29.2),P = .005), while the odds were significantly decreased when regular tick checks were performed (OR = 0.1 (0.01‐0.7),P = 0.02).

Main limitations

Recruitment focused on known areas with blacklegged ticks as well as areas of higher horse density, which may have led to selection bias.

Conclusions

The expansion of blacklegged tick populations poses an ongoing risk for horses. Assessment of diagnostic testing options and risk factors is important for diagnosis and prevention, and with further investigation this information may be used to propose changes in management.
Evaluation of damage in composites by using thermoelastic stress analysis: A promising technique to assess the stiffness degradation
Authors: De Finis Rosa , Palumbo Davide , Galietti Umberto
Published: July 2020

The stiffness degradation represents one of the most interesting damage phenomena used for describing the fatigue behaviour of composites. A critical aspect of modelling the damage is represented by the simulation of the whole behaviour of the composite and by the assessment of the actual stiffness for the models validation. In this work, the stiffness degradation of quasi‐isotropic carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) obtained by automated fibre placement has been assessed by means of thermoelastic stress analysis. The amplitude of temperature signal at the mechanical frequency (thermoelastic signal) was considered as an indicator of material degradation and compared with the data provided by an extensometer. The correlation between thermoelastic and mechanical data allowed to build a new experimental model for evaluating and predicting material stiffness degradation by just using thermoelastic data. The proposed approach seems to be very promising for stiffness degradation assessment of real and complex mechanical components subjected to actual loading conditions.
Stock pledging and firm risk: Evidence from India
Authors: Chauhan Yogesh , Mishra Ajay Kumar , Spahr Ronald W.
Published: July 2020

Pledging of personally held common stock is widespread in India, where pledging often serves as lender collateral for large shareholder and promoter personal debt acquisitions. This practice is exacerbated by high ownership concentrations in India, as promoters, often firm founders, control, on average, 51% of their firms’ equity. We examine promoter stock pledging impacts on stock volatility, capital investment decisions, and firm performance, using a sample of 1,452 Indian firms. We find that pledging relatively large proportions of outstanding shares and substantial proportions of shares held by promoters exacerbates stock volatility, fosters lower risk capital investments, adversely affects firm values, and impedes longer‐term performance.
Clusters of COVID‐19 in long‐term care hospitals and facilities in Japan from 16 January to 9 May 2020
Authors: Iritani Osamu , Okuno Tazuo , Hama Daisuke , Kane Asami , Kodera Kumie , Morigaki Kozue , Terai Toshio , Maeno Norie , Morimoto Shigeto
Published: July 2020

Aim

To clarify the association of cluster number and size of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in long‐term care (LTC) hospitals/facilities, general medical/welfare facilities and non‐medical/welfare facilities with morbidity and mortality in 47 prefectures during 16 January to 9 May 2020 in Japan.

Methods

Information on COVID‐19 clusters (n ≥2), and morbidity and mortality of COVID‐19 was collected.

Results

A total of 381 clusters with 3786 infected cases were collected, accounting for 23.9% of 15 852 cumulated cases on 9 May 2020. Although the cluster number (/107 subjects) in LTC hospitals/facilities was significantly smaller compared with those in the other two groups, the cluster size in LTC hospitals/facilities was significantly larger than that in non‐medical/welfare facilities. Cluster numbers in general medical/welfare facilities and in non‐medical/welfare facilities were significantly positively correlated with morbidity (/105), indicating relatively early identification of clusters in these facilities. Unlike in these facilities, cluster size in LTC hospitals/facilities was significantly positively correlated with morbidity, indicating that clusters in LTC hospitals/facilities were finally identified after already having grown to a large size in areas where infection was prevalent. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both cluster number and cluster size only in LTC hospitals/facilities were independently associated with higher mortality (≥median 0.64/105 subjects) after adjustment.

Conclusions

Preventive efforts against COVID‐19 outbreaks even at the early phase of the epidemic are critically important in LTC hospitals/facilities, as both the larger number and size of clusters only in LTC hospitals/facilities were independently linked to higher mortality in prefectures in Japan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 715–719.
Determination of Cu, Zn, Ga, Ag, Cd, In, Sn and Tl in Geological Reference Materials and Chondrites by Isotope Dilution ICP‐MS
Authors: Braukmüller Ninja , Wombacher Frank , Bragagni Alessandro , Münker Carsten
Published: July 2020

Mass fractions of Cu, Zn, Ga, Ag, Cd, In, Sn and Tl were determined via isotope dilution quadrupole ICP‐MS in twenty‐one geological reference materials (RMs) and the carbonaceous chondrites Orgueil (CI1), Murchison (CM2) and Allende (CV3). The RMs comprise basaltic/mafic (BCR‐2, BE‐N, BHVO‐1, BHVO‐2, BIR‐1, BRP‐1, JB‐2, OKUM, W‐2, WS‐E), intermediate/felsic (AGV‐2, G‐2, JA‐2, RGM‐1), ultramafic (DTS‐2b, MUH‐1, PCC‐1, UB‐N) and sedimentary (MAG‐1, OU‐6) rocks. Pressure digestion was applied for nonbasaltic samples to ensure effective sample digestion. For basaltic RMs, hot plate digestion was found to be sufficient for a quantitative recovery of the target elements. To minimise interferences and increase ion beam intensities during isotope ratio analyses by ICP‐MS, separation of the target elements was carried out from single sample aliquots using a novel anion exchange procedure. The intermediate precision (2s) estimated from two to four replicate analyses was usually < 4% and results are in agreement with literature data, where available. Especially for Ag and Tl, the intermediate precision was compromised, likely due to low ion beam intensities and, hence, higher background and blank contributions. For ultramafic RMs, nugget effects and incomplete digestion might compromise the intermediate precision. Results for the carbonaceous chondrites Orgueil (CI1), Murchison (CM2) and Allende (CV3) agree well with previously reported data.
Telling network stories: researching migrants' changing social relations in places over time
Authors: Ryan Louise
Published: July 2020

This article is situated at the nexus of migration research and qualitative social network analysis (SNA). While migration scholars often engage with networks simply as metaphors, I go further by examining how a thorough engagement with qualitative SNA can contribute to migration research in at least three key ways. First, exploring changing relational ties over time and across different places, including transnationally, I demonstrate that qualitative SNA offers new insights into how migrants make sense of these dynamic relationships. Second, following Dahinden (2016), I examine how using networks as a data collection method can help to unsettle the a priori ethnic lens in researching migration. Moreover, building on the pioneering work of network scholars such as Mische and White, I aim to make a methodological contribution by analysing how social networks are co‐constructed as stories and pictures in research encounters.
Making sense of the ruins: The historiography of deindustrialisation and its continued relevance in neoliberal times
Authors: Lawson Christopher
Published: July 2020

The political upheavals of recent years, including Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, have increased scholarly and public interest in the impact of deindustrialisation on working‐class communities. Building upon earlier literature reviews, this historiographical study examines the continued flowering of this interdisciplinary, transnational field of research. After briefly recounting the emergence of the field in response to the structural transformations of the 1970s and 80s, and its subsequent ‘cultural turn’, this review focuses on identifying the most promising strands of contemporary English‐language research. It notes the particularly innovative attempts to identify the ‘moral economy’ of deindustrialising societies, the growing study of the long‐term cultural legacies or ‘half‐life’ of deindustrialisation, and the renewed focus on the politics of memory and heritage preservation. Finally, it considers how scholars can constructively respond to the increasing public interest in deindustrialisation, challenge racialised and exclusionary definitions of the working‐class, and unpick the historical relationship between deindustrialisation and the social and political transformations of recent times.
Addition of the tumour–stroma ratio to the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system improves survival prediction for patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mascitti Marco , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Togni Lucrezia , Caponio Vito C A , Almangush Alhadi , Balercia Paolo , Balercia Andrea , Rubini Corrado , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Santarelli Andrea , Troiano Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Aims

One of the objectives of current research is to customise the treatment of cancer patients. The achievement of this objective requires stratification of patients based on the most significant prognostic factors. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prognostic value of the tumour–stroma ratio (TSR), defined as the proportion of tumour cells relative to surrounding stroma, in patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), and to develop a prognostic nomogram based on the most significant clinicopathological features.

Methods and results

Clinicopathological data of 211 patients treated at ‘Ospedali Riuniti’ General Hospital (Ancona, Italy) for OTSCC were collected. One hundred and thirty‐nine patients were restaged according to the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Evaluation of the TSR was performed on haematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides, and correlation with survival outcomes was evaluated. In addition, with the aim of integrating the independent value of the TSR with the 8th edition AJCC staging system, a prognostic nomogram for OTSCC has been developed. OTSCC with a low TSR (i.e. a high proportion of stroma and a low proportion of tumour cells) was shown to have negative prognostic value in terms of disease‐specific survival, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.883 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.033–3.432 (P = 0.039), and overall survival (HR = 1.747, 95% CI 0.967–3.154; P = 0.044), independently of other histological and clinical parameters. For the cohort of 139 patients restaged according to the 8th edition AJCC staging system, variables correlating with a poor prognosis were: the TSR, perineural invasion, and sex. The nomogram built on these parameters showed good predictive capacity, outperforming the 8th edition AJCC staging system in stratifying disease‐specific survival in OTSCC patients.

Conclusions

Including the TSR in the predictive model could improve risk stratification of OTSCC patients and aid in making treatment decisions.
Validation of hair type diversification for recruiting shampoo panelists without losing data relevance
Authors: Tabary C. , Pouradier F. , Belkebla S. , Panhard S. , Carvalho L. , Vincenzi F.
Published: July 2020

A sensory descriptive method is used by the industries to characterize their various products under development. The sensory panelists are recruited through some general criteria suggested in International Standard Sensory Analysis – General guidelines for the selection, training and monitoring of selected assessors and expert sensory assessors [5] but for hair product evaluation, some hair criteria should also be considered, as a major challenge lied in the difficulty to recruit panelists. Such an issue led us to find practical solutions to make this recruitment easier. Among others, one possible solution was to restrict some requirements in the characteristics of hair. This study aimed at checking if a hair type diversification on either sensitization or curliness could influence the sensory perception of shampoos, and, if so, to which extent. This study demonstrates that, for a shampoo trained panel, the evaluation is impacted by the hair curliness but is not impacted by the hair sensitization level.
CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Adrian YS , Körner Heinrich
Published: July 2020

The CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) and its sole chemokine ligand, CCL20, are an intriguing pair that have been implicated in a growing number of inflammatory, autoimmune and malignant disease processes. Recent observations have also highlighted this chemokine axis in the regulation of humoral immune responses. Through this review article, we explore the emerging links of CCR6–CCL20 with an archetypal autoimmune disease of humoral dysregulation: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CCR6 is expressed prominently on several immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, such as dendritic cells and T‐helper 17 cells. CCR6's expression is correlated with disease activity and serological markers of disease severity, suggesting a possible role in disease pathogenesis. However, there are numerous holes in our understanding of the functions of CCR6 and CCL20, and future studies are required to determine if there are any diagnostic, prognostic or monitoring roles for these important molecules.
Dispersion and rheology for direct writing lead‐based piezoelectric ceramic pastes with anisotropic template particles
Authors: Walton Rebecca L. , Fanton Mark A. , Meyer Richard J. , Messing Gary L.
Published: July 2020

Controlling the rheology of direct writing pastes is essential for producing high quality printed ceramics. Ceramic pastes were formulated to explore the relation between surface chemistry and rheology of complex pastes of Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PIN‐PMN‐PT) powder, large BaTiO3 (BT) platelet particles, and a commercial poly(acrylic) acid‐based binder system. Zeta potential of the ceramic powder, the conformation of the poly(acrylic) acid, and the effect of these factors on rheology were evaluated as a function of suspension pH. Effective dispersion and amenable rheology for direct writing were achieved at mixing pH 5. Additions of 0.3 to 2.6 vol% BT tabular particles dramatically altered the rheology of the pastes due to the shear alignment of the BT particles. Powder‐organic interactions and the size and concentration of BT platelet particles can be tailored to direct write either space‐filling filaments to form dense ceramics or non‐flowing filaments to form spanning ceramic structures.
Uterine fibroids and preterm birth risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pérez‐Roncero Gonzalo R. , López‐Baena María T. , Ornat Lía , Cuerva Marcos J. , Garcia‐Casarrubios Patricia , Chedraui Peter , Pérez‐López Faustino R.
Published: July 2020

Aim

This study explored the association between the presence of uterine fibroids (UF), as determined by ultrasound, and preterm birth (PB) risk.

Methods

Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Studies reporting women with and without UF demonstrated by an ultrasound exam. The primary outcome was the risk of PB < 37 weeks of gestation in pregnancies with UF diagnosed by an obstetric ultrasound exam. Effects for dichotomous and continuous outcomes are, respectively, reported as risk ratios (RR) or mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Eighteen studies were included comprising 276 172 pregnancies to whom obstetric ultrasound assessment was performed for the presence/absence of UF. Women with UF were older (mean difference = 2.40 years, 95% CI 0.94–3.85) and were at higher risk of PB before 37 (RR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.27–1.60), 34 (RR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.32–2.42), 32 (RR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.33–2.85) and 28 (RR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.48–3.17) weeks as compared to those without UF (P < 0.01). In addition, women with UF were at higher risk of threatened preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, fetal malpresentation, placental abruption, lower gestational age and birthweight at delivery and a higher cesarean delivery rate.

Conclusion

Pregnant women with UF are at increased risk of PB and other adverse obstetric outcomes.
Liver mitochondrial DNA damage and genetic variability of Cytochrome b – a key component of the respirasome – drive the severity of fatty liver disease
Authors: Pirola C. J. , Garaycoechea M. , Flichman D. , Castaño G. O. , Sookoian S.
Published: July 2020

Background and aims

The progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into severe histological forms (steatohepatitis – NASH) is paralleled by the occurrence of complex molecular processes. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark feature of advanced disease. Mitochondrially encoded cytochrome B (cytochrome b, MT‐CYB), a member of the oxidative phosphorylation system, is a key component of the respirasome supercomplex. Here, we hypothesized that NAFLD severity is associated with liver tissue cytochrome b mutations and damaged mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Methods

We included 252 liver specimens of NAFLD patients – in whom histological disease ranged from mild to severe – which were linked to clinical and biochemical information. Tissue molecular explorations included MT‐CYB sequencing and analysis of differential mtDNA damage. Profiling of circulating Krebs cycle metabolites and global liver transcriptome was performed in a subsample of patients. Tissue levels of 4‐hydroxynonenal – a product of lipid peroxidation and 8‐hydroxy‐2’‐deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative damage – were measured.

Results

Compared to simple steatosis, NASH is associated with a higher level of MT‐CYB variance, 12.1 vs. 15.6 substitutions per 103 bp (P = 5.5e‐10). The burden of variants was associated with increased levels of 2‐hydroxyglutarate, branched‐chain amino acids, and glutamate, and changes in the global liver transcriptome. Liver mtDNA damage was associated with advanced disease and inflammation. NAFLD severity was associated with increased tissue levels of DNA oxidative adducts and lipid peroxyl radicals.

Conclusion

NASH is associated with genetic alterations of the liver cellular respirasome, including high cytochrome b variation and mtDNA damage, which may result in broad cellular effects.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with a decreased myocardial mechano‐energetic efficiency
Authors: Fiorentino T. V. , Miceli S. , Succurro E. , Sciacqua A. , Andreozzi F. , Sesti G.
Published: July 2020

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to a raised risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), although the underlying mechanisms are not completely known. A reduced myocardial mechano‐energetic efficiency (MEE) has been found to be an independent predictor of CVD.

Objective

To evaluate the association between NAFLD and a compromised MEE.

Methods

Myocardial MEE was assessed by a validated echocardiography‐derived measure in 699 nondiabetic individuals subdivided into two groups according to ultrasonography defined presence of NAFLD.

Results

Subjects with NAFLD displayed higher levels of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides, fasting and postload glucose, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), insulin resistance (IR) estimated by HOMA‐IR and liver IR index, and lower values of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) in comparison with those without NAFLD. Presence of NAFLD was associated with increased levels of myocardial oxygen demand and reduced values of MEE. MEE was negatively correlated with male sex, age, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting and postload glucose, HOMA‐IR and liver IR index, hsCRP and positively with HDL levels. In a multivariable regression analysis, presence of NAFLD was associated with MEE regardless of several cardio‐metabolic risk factors such as age, gender, waist circumference, SBP, DBP, total and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose tolerance and hsCRP (β = −0.09, P = 0.04), but not independently of IR estimates.

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐defined presence of NAFLD is associated with a decreased MEE, a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. The relationship between NAFLD and a compromised MEE is dependent of IR.
The Role of the Cerebellum in Pain Perception: A Brain SPECT Perfusion Study in Patients with Burn Injuries
Authors: Bermo Mohammed S. , Zacharias Claudia , Patterson David , Wilson Ann , Sharar Sam , Minoshima Satoshi , Hoffman Hunter , Lewis David H.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool for distraction analgesia. This study aims to compare brain perfusion patterns while patients were undergoing burn wound care in two conditions—VR distraction and control (NoVR).

METHODS

With IRB approval, four patients hospitalized for acute burn care (three males and one female) participated in the study. All patients underwent wound care on two consecutive days; 1 day with standard analgesia and adjunctive VR, and the other day with standard analgesia alone, otherwise the wound care was very similar. Tc‐99m ethyl cysteinate dimer was injected during wound care at the time of peak pain. Subjective patient reports on a 0‐10 scale of pain intensity, time spent thinking about pain, and “fun” as well as opioid equivalent usage were analyzed. Voxel by voxel subtraction analysis of brain perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) images was performed at the group level. Statistical significance threshold was defined as P < .05.

RESULTS

Mean group subjective scores (VR, NoVR, statistical significance, and P‐value) were observed for maximal pain intensity (9.0, 8.8, insignificant, and P = .809), time spent thinking about pain (5.2, 10.0, significant, and P = .015), and fun (6.0, 2.5, significant, and P = .012). Subtraction group analysis demonstrated VR‐induced modulation of brain activity with statistically significant relative suppression of cerebellar activation in the VR compared to intense cerebellar activation in the NoVR environments.

CONCLUSION

Relative decrease in cerebellar perfusion based on stringent statistical threshold in the VR environment combined with improved subjective pain experience supports the hypotheses on the role of cerebellum in perception of noxious stimuli.
Optimal annuitization with imperfect information about insolvency risk
Authors: Li Hui , Neumuller Seth , Rothschild Casey
Published: July 2020

Even the highest‐rated life‐annuity providers have a nonzero probability of becoming insolvent during an annuitant's retirement, and many potential annuitants are unaware of the state guaranty associations (SGAs) which provide insurance against the associated financial consequences. We study the theoretical implications of insolvency risk—real and perceived—for annuitization. Then, using a disciplined calibration of annuitant misperceptions in a standard life cycle model, we show that even the modest perceived risk of default associated with highly‐rated providers can—absent awareness of the SGAs—reduce annuitization and significantly reduce welfare. We further consider the implications of information frictions which prevent retirees from discerning true insolvency risk and we find that these frictions have plausibly large additional quantitative implications for annuitization and welfare. Simulations of our model further suggest that the general lack of awareness of the SGA backstop by potential annuitants can erode a sizable fraction of the potential welfare benefits thereof.
Changes in Living Conditions of People with ID: A Follow‐Up after 16 Years
Authors: Umb Carlsson Õie
Published: July 2020

Background

The Swedish disability policy has an ambition that people with disabilities should have the possibility to live like everyone else in the community. A study in 2001 described living conditions of people with ID born 1959–1974 in Uppsala County as compared to the general population in the same age group. The results showed differences between the two groups, particularly regarding employment, finances, and social life.

Specific Aims

The aim of the present study were to explore changes in living conditions of a group of people with ID in a 16‐year perspective and to compare the outcomes with changes in living conditions of the general population in corresponding age groups.

Methods

Information on the living conditions of people with ID for 40 persons who participated in the study 2001 was obtained through proxy reports at 2001 and 2017. National welfare statistics were used to obtain data on the general population. The study focus objective living conditions selected by people with ID including housing, occupation, finances, recreational and cultural activities, family and social relations, society participation, and personal safety.

Findings

The results showed clear differences in living conditions to the disadvantage of the sample of people with ID. However, no differences related to gender and level of functional limitations were identified within the study group.

Discussion

Even if the study sample is small, the study makes an important contribution to the body of existing literature because knowledge is insufficient on changes over time regarding the living conditions of people with ID in community‐based residences. Such knowledge is necessary to identify patterns of equality and inequality and illustrate to what extent people with ID share welfare benefits over time.
Pollination syndromes in the 21stcentury: where do we stand and where may we go?
Authors: Dellinger Agnes S.
Published: July 2020

Pollination syndromes, recurring suites of floral traits appearing in connection with specific functional pollinator groups, have served for decades to organise floral diversity under a functional–ecological perspective. Some potential caveats, such as over‐simplification of complex plant–animal interactions or lack of empirical observations, have been identified and discussed in recent years. Which of these caveats do indeed cause problems, which have been solved and where do future possibilities lie? I address these questions in a review of the pollination‐syndrome literature of 2010 to 2019. I show that the majority of studies was based on detailed empirical pollinator observations and could reliably predict pollinators based on a few floral traits such as colour, shape or reward. Some traits (i.e. colour) were less reliable in predicting pollinators than others (i.e. reward, corolla width), however. I stress that future studies should consider floral traits beyond those traditionally recorded to expand our understanding of mechanisms of floral evolution. I discuss statistical methods suitable for objectively analysing the interplay of system‐specific evolutionary constraints, pollinator‐mediated selection and adaptive trade‐offs at microecological and macroecological scales. I exemplify my arguments on an empirical dataset of floral traits of a neotropical plant radiation in the family Melastomataceae.
Guideline for Limb‐Salvage Treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Xu Ming , Wang Zhen , Yu Xiu‐chun , Lin Jian‐hua , Hu Yong‐cheng
Published: July 2020

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, occurring mainly in children and adolescents, and the limbs are the main affected sites. At present, limb‐salvage treatment is considered as an effective basic standard treatment for osteosarcoma of the limb. China has a vast territory, but the development of technology is not balanced,which requires sufficient theoretical coverage, strong technical guidance and the application of limb‐salvage treatment guidelines to the treatment of osteosarcoma. Therefore, to standardize and promote the development of limb‐salvage surgery technology and improve the success rate of limb‐salvage treatment, this guide systematically introduces limb‐salvage techniques for the treatment of patients with limb osteosarcoma through definition of limb‐salvage treatment, surgical methods, efficacy evaluation, postoperative treatment and prevention of complications, rehabilitation guidance, and follow‐up advice.