bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of multifunctionality through a pleiotropic substitution in the innate immune protein S100A9
Authors: Harman Joseph L. , Loes Andrea N. , Warren Gus D. , Heaphy Maureen C. , Lampi Kirsten J. , Harms Michael J.
Published: December 2019

Multifunctional proteins are evolutionary puzzles: how do proteins evolve to satisfy multiple functional constraints? S100A9 is one such multifunctional protein. It potently amplifies inflammation via Toll-like receptor 4 and is antimicrobial as part of a heterocomplex with S100A8. These two functions are seemingly regulated by proteolysis: S100A9 is readily degraded, while S100A8/S100A9 is resistant. We take an evolutionary biochemical approach to show that S100A9 evolved both functions and lost proteolytic resistance from a weakly proinflammatory, proteolytically resistant amniote ancestor. We identify a historical substitution that has pleiotropic effects on S100A9 proinflammatory activity and proteolytic resistance but has little effect on S100A8/S100A9 antimicrobial activity. We thus propose that mammals evolved S100A8/S100A9 antimicrobial and S100A9 proinflammatory activities concomitantly with a proteolytic “timer” to selectively regulate S100A9. This highlights how the same mutation can have pleiotropic effects on one functional state of a protein but not another, thus facilitating the evolution of multifunctionality.
Fork pausing complex engages topoisomerases at the replisome
Authors: Shyian Maksym , Albert Benjamin , Zupan Andreja Moset , Ivanitsa Vitalii , Charbonnet Gabriel , Dilg Daniel , Shore David
Published: December 2019

Replication forks temporarily or terminally pause at hundreds of hard-to-replicate regions around the genome. A conserved pair of budding yeast replisome components Tof1–Csm3 (fission yeast Swi1–Swi3 and human TIMELESS–TIPIN) act as a “molecular brake” and promote fork slowdown at proteinaceous replication fork barriers (RFBs), while the accessory helicase Rrm3 assists the replisome in removing protein obstacles. Here we show that the Tof1–Csm3 complex promotes fork pausing independently of Rrm3 helicase by recruiting topoisomerase I (Top1) to the replisome. Topoisomerase II (Top2) partially compensates for the pausing decrease in cells when Top1 is lost from the replisome. The C terminus of Tof1 is specifically required for Top1 recruitment to the replisome and fork pausing but not for DNA replication checkpoint (DRC) activation. We propose that forks pause at proteinaceous RFBs through a “sTOP” mechanism (“slowing down with topoisomerases I–II”), which we show also contributes to protecting cells from topoisomerase-blocking agents.
Gender in service quality expectations in hospitals
Authors: Abu-Salim Taghreed , Mustafa Nermeen , Onyia Okey Peter , Watson Alastair William
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Despite evidence largely confirming gender-based differences in service quality perceptions in healthcare, little research has considered patients’ expectations. This study aims to examine the gender-based differences in both the affective and cognitive components of customers’ service quality expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through random sampling from three outpatient hospitals in the UAE. Hypothesized relationships between the cognitive and affective components (moderated by gender) were tested by means of CFA and ANOVA.

Findings

The results indicate that the differences between male and female expectations of overall service quality as a singular construct were not statistically significant, except for the empathy dimension. However, when measured as affective and cognitive, the results confirm that significant differences do exist between male and female patients.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to the UAE. However, identifying gender differences in patients’ expectations would enable healthcare providers to engage and manage patients’ expectations.

Originality/value

This paper provides theoretical and practical implications on how the male and female are different in the cognitive and affective components of service quality expectations.
International students in professional placements: supervision strategies for positive learning experiences
Authors: Attrill Stacie , Lincoln Michelle , McAllister Sue
Published: December 2019

Background

Professional placements are critical elements of speech–language pathology qualifying programmes that can be complex learning environments for international students. Students are supported by placement educators who facilitate their developing skills and competencies for professional practice in these placements. However, strategies that facilitate international students’ learning in placements have not been identified.

Aims

To identify strategies that are reported by speech–language pathology international students and placement educators to facilitate positive learning experiences and competency development in practice placements.

Methods & Procedures

This study used an exploratory research design to gather data from four focus groups with international students and five focus groups with placement educators. Thematic analysis was used to identify strategies, and these were interpreted using two theories of learning.

Outcomes & Results

Four themes were identified that described international students’ placement experiences and learning. For each theme, strategies were identified that placement educators can practically and responsively implement with international students to enable positive placement learning experiences.

Conclusions & Implications

These strategies support international students to manage acculturative adjustments for the cultural and learning requirements of placements that may facilitate their successful participation, and provide structure to reduce their cognitive load. However, strategies to develop communication skills for practice were less feasible. Through fostering positive placement experiences, these strategies may also facilitate opportunities for educators and international students to share intercultural skills and knowledge that may be transferable to practice.
Is Moderate Drinking Protective Against Heart Disease? The Science, Politics and History of a Public Health Conundrum
Authors: OPPENHEIMER GERALD M. , BAYER RONALD
Published: December 2019

Policy Points

For more than 40 years, most research by epidemiologists, social scientists, and alcohol policy experts found that moderate alcohol consumption was cardioprotective.

In the early 2000s, that consensus was shaken by new critics who subjected the previous research to vigorous methodological and empirical analysis, precipitating a bitter controversy, seemingly unresolvable despite numerous observational epidemiological studies.

The effort to finally put that debate to rest through a large, multiyear randomized controlled trial under the aegis of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, generated external criticism and adverse newspaper coverage, particularly because the trial was largely funded by the alcohol industry, forcing National Institutes of Health leadership to abruptly terminate the study shortly after it started.

In the absence of definitive evidence and given the contentious debate over the risks and benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, those who formulate health policy have a responsibility to clearly acknowledge to the public the existence of evidentiary uncertainty when making recommendations.
Simultaneous determination of 22 residual steroid hormones in milk by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: He Shenghua , Wang Rongchun , Wei Wei , Liu Haiyan , Ma Ying
Published: December 2019

Food safety and consumers’ health are paramount; therefore, it is essential to establish a novel method to determine hormone content in milk. Herein, a novel method was developed that can simultaneously determine 22 residual steroid hormones in milk. To obtain the maximum detection sensitivity, the preparation method of sample, mass spectrometer parameters and liquid chromatography conditions were optimised. The samples were concentrated using Oasis HLB solid‐phase extraction cartridge, followed by quantification via liquid chromatography (C18 column)–tandem mass spectrometer (LC‐MS). Determination of oestrogens and glucocorticoids was conducted in negative mode, whereas androgens and progesterone were in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the target compounds were 0.10–1.20 μg/kg and 0.33–3.96 μg/kg, respectively. The average extraction recoveries of 22 steroid hormones were generally high (82.6–95.3%). The proposed method can be an effective alternative to measure hormonal compounds in milk.
Does public reporting of the detection of fetal growth restriction improve clinical outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Selvaratnam RJ , Davey M‐A , Anil S , McDonald SJ , Farrell T , Wallace EM
Published: December 2019

Objective

To assess the impact of publicly reporting a statewide fetal growth restriction (FGR) performance indicator.

Design

Retrospective cohort study from 2000 to 2017.

Setting

All maternity services in Victoria, Australia.

Population

A total of 1 231 415 singleton births at ≥32 weeks of gestation.

Methods

We performed an interrupted time‐series analysis to assess the impact of publicly reporting an FGR performance indicator on the rate of detection for severe cases of small for gestational age (SGA). Rates of perinatal mortality and morbidity and obstetric intervention were assessed for severe SGA pregnancies and pregnancies delivered for suspected SGA.

Main outcome measures

Gestation at delivery, obstetric management and perinatal outcome.

Results

The public reporting of a statewide FGR performance indicator was associated with a steeper reduction per quarter in the percentage of severe SGA undelivered by 40 weeks of gestation, from 0.13 to 0.51% (P = 0.001), and a decrease in the stillbirth rate by 3.3 per 1000 births among those babies (P = 0.01). Of babies delivered for suspected SGA, the percentage with birthweights ≥ 10th centile increased from 41.4% (n = 307) in 2000 to 53.3% (n = 1597) in 2017 (P < 0.001). Admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit for babies delivered for suspected SGA but with a birthweight ≥ 10th centile increased from 0.8 to 2.0% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The public reporting of an FGR performance indicator has been associated with the improved detection of severe SGA and a decrease in the rate of stillbirth among those babies, but with an increase in the rate of iatrogenic birth for babies with normal growth.

Tweetable abstract

The public reporting of hospital performance is associated with a reduction in stillbirth, but also with unintended interventions.
The influence of the CEO's value perception towards auditing on audit demand in private firms
Authors: Corten Maarten , Steijvers Tensie , Lybaert Nadine
Published: December 2019

Audit demand is generally considered to be a direct reflection of the level of agency conflicts. This study examines the CEO's value perception towards auditing as additional driver for both auditor reputation demand (appointing a Big 4 auditor or not) and audit effort demand in private firms. Examining the CEO's value perception in a multidimensional way, the regression results indicate that the CEO's functional value perception towards auditing positively affects the demand for audit effort, while the CEO's social value perception towards auditing negatively affects the demand for audit effort but positively affects the demand for auditor reputation.
The role of institutional quality on the performance in the export of coconut products
Authors: Lin Jessie , Flachsbarth Insa , von Cramon‐Taubadel Stephan
Published: December 2019

The literature that addresses the role of institutions in bilateral trade is extensive. However, research that links institutional quality to specific products and their different levels of value addition is lacking. In this study, we look into institutional quality, based on three indicators from the World Bank's world governance indicators, and its indicator‐specific effects on bilateral coconut trade. In particular, we study coconut products with varying degrees of value addition. We use structural gravity models to measure how institutions affect the trade performance of the top 26 coconut producing countries to the top 15 importing economies over the years 1996–2016. Our results suggest that increased government effectiveness enhances trade of high‐value products, whereas better voice and accountability scores decrease trade of coconut products with both levels of value addition. No clear trade effect is observed when two countries are more similar in each of the three indicators. We conclude that each indicator has different trade effects on each of the coconut product categories. We end by giving recommendations that will help to improve the coconut export performance in their respective countries and for future research.
When compared to plasma‐based detection, osimertinib‐treated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tissue rebiopsy‐confirmed acquired T790M mutation is associated with better survival
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Ho James Chung Man , Lam David Chi Leung , Lui Macy Mei Sze , Ip Mary Sau Man , Tam Terence Chi Chun
Published: December 2019

Background

Osimertinib has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States (US) for the treatment of progressive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has acquired T790M mutation during treatment with first‐line epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKI). We compared the progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients whose T790M mutation was identified by tissue rebiopsy with those by plasma‐based biopsy.

Methods

This is a retrospective single‐center cohort study conducted in Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong S.A.R. that included 118 Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC who had disease progression after treatment with a first‐line EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and received osimertinib upon detection of T790M mutation, either by tissue rebiopsy or plasma‐based biopsy (by identification of circulating tumor DNA in the peripheral circulation). The primary endpoint is PFS.

Results

Patients with T790M mutation detected by tissue rebiopsy (n = 22) had significantly better PFS than those by plasma‐based biopsy (n = 96) (median PFS: 415 vs 224 days, P = .018) Hazard ratio for PFS, in favor of the tissue rebiopsy group, was 0.496 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.277‐0.889).

Conclusions

For patients who have NSCLC that progressed after first‐line EGFR‐TKI, rebiopsy by peripheral blood liquid biopsy and tissue rebiopsy for T790M mutation may have prognostic implication in terms of differences in PFS.
Mutation status and burden can improve prognostic prediction of patients with lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Jiang Lingxu , Luo Yingwan , Zhu Shuanghong , Wang Lu , Ma Liya , Zhang Hua , Shen Chuying , Yang Wenli , Ren Yanling , Zhou Xinping , Mei Chen , Ye Li , Xu Weilai , Yang Haiyang , Lu Chenxi , Jin Jie , Tong Hongyan
Published: December 2019

Patients with lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR‐MDS) as defined by the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) have more favorable prognosis in general, but significant inter‐individual heterogeneity exists. In this study, we examined the molecular profile of 15 MDS‐relevant genes in 159 patients with LR‐MDS using next‐generation sequencing. In univariate COX regression, shorter overall survival (OS) was associated with mutation status of ASXL1 (P = .001), RUNX1 (P = .031), EZH2 (P = .049), TP53 (P = .016), SRSF2 (P = .046), JAK2 (P = .040), and IDH2 (P = .035). We also found significantly shorter OS in patients with an adjusted TET2 variant allele frequency (VAF) ≥18% versus those with either an adjusted TET2 VAF <18% or without TET2 mutations (median: 20.4 vs 47.8 months; P = .020; HR = 2.183, 95%CI: 1.129‐4.224). After adjustment for IPSS, shorter OS was associated with mutation status of ASXL1 (P < .001; HR = 4.306, 95% CI: 2.144‐8.650), TP53 (P = .004; HR = 4.863, 95% CI: 1.662‐14.230) and JAK2 (P = .002; HR = 5.466, 95%CI: 1.848‐16.169), as well as adjusted TET2 VAF ≥18% (P = .008; HR = 2.492, 95% CI: 1.273‐4.876). Also, OS was increasingly shorter as the number of mutational factors increased (P < .001). A novel prognostic scoring system incorporating the presence/absence of the four independent mutational factors into the IPSS further stratified LR‐MDS patients into three prognostically different groups (P < .001). The newly developed scoring system redefined 10.1% (16/159) of patients as a higher‐risk group, who could not be predicted by the currently prognostic models. In conclusion, integration of the IPSS with mutation status/burden of certain MDS‐relevant genes may improve the prognostication of patients with LR‐MDS and could help identify those with worse‐than‐expected prognosis for more aggressive treatment.
Biodiversity means business: Reframing global biodiversity goals for the private sector
Authors: Smith Thomas , Beagley Lucy , Bull Joseph , Milner‐Gulland E. J. , Smith Matt , Vorhies Francis , Addison Prue F. E.
Published: December 2019

The Convention on Biological Diversity strategic goals direct the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity from global to local scales. Yet business’ role in meeting the strategic goals and being accountable for their impacts and dependencies on biodiversity are still not fully and coherently outlined. We demonstrate how business actions can contribute to the strategic goals using 10 publicly available case studies, covering businesses of various sizes, from multiple sectors, operating in different contexts. The case studies show some businesses already contribute to meeting biodiversity goals, often without realizing. We consider the drivers of business engagement with biodiversity; problems in interpreting the scale of impacts through corporate reporting; the implications for changing the way businesses engage with biodiversity goals; and how businesses could contribute more under the post‐2020 framework for biodiversity. We call for increased business accountability for nature and that all in conservation—policymakers, practitioners, researchers, communities—do more to connect businesses with the strategic goals. Clearer business roles and responsibilities within international targets form a critical step toward the fundamental systems‐level change required to reverse biodiversity loss.
From dusk till dawn: camera traps reveal the diel patterns of flower feeding by hawkmoths
Authors: Johnson Steven D. , Balducci Marco G. , Bijl Alison , Castañeda‐Zárate Miguel , Cozien Ruth J. , Ortmann Carmen R. , van der Niet Timotheüs
Published: December 2019

1. Diel rhythms of foraging activity by animal flower visitors can reflect niche partitioning and are considered an important component of selection on floral traits. However, it has been notoriously difficult to obtain objective information on the patterns of flower visitation by crepuscular and nocturnal insects.

2. Motion‐activated cameras were used for field‐based studies of hawkmoth foraging behaviour on six African plant species.

3. The results showed that short‐tongued hawkmoth species forage mainly around dusk and then sporadically throughout the night, whereas long‐tongued hawkmoth species feed consistently throughout the night, with a peak shortly before midnight.

4. These results provide the first quantitative estimates of diel patterns of interactions between multiple hawkmoth and plant species and, when combined with qualitative reports from other studies, suggest that differences in diel activity between the two main hawkmoth functional groups (short‐ and long‐tongued) are consistent across the Old and New Worlds.
Pathogenicity of Thekopsora areolata from seed orchards in Finland on Prunus spp. and Picea abies
Authors: Kaitera Juha , Kauppila Tuomas , Hantula Jarkko
Published: December 2019

Pathogenicity of cherry‐spruce rust, Thekopsora areolata, was investigated by inoculations with aeciospores from seven Norway spruce, Picea abies, seed orchards that had suffered from successive severe rust epidemics in the 2000s in Finland. Detached leaves of Prunus spp. were inoculated in the laboratory using aeciospores from cones of various ages. In the greenhouse, live Prunus padus plants were inoculated, and possible autoecism of the rust was tested by inoculations of Picea abies seedlings. Thirty‐five spore sources from the seed orchards formed uredinia on Prunus spp. in the laboratory 2 weeks after incubation, but no telia developed. In the greenhouse, uredinia developed on live P. padus, but no rust symptoms, cankers or sporulation were detected on Picea abies. Thus, no evidence of autoecism was observed among the T. areolata populations and therefore all populations, suggesting all those tested from the Finnish seed orchards were heteroecious.
Activity in orbitofrontal neuronal ensembles reflects inhibitory control
Authors: Balasubramani Pragathi Priyadharsini , Pesce Meghan C. , Hayden Benjamin Y.
Published: December 2019

Stopping, or inhibition, is a form of self‐control that is a core element of flexible and adaptive behavior. Its neural origins remain unclear. Some views hold that inhibition decisions reflect the aggregation of widespread and diverse pieces of information, including information arising in ostensible core reward regions (i.e., outside the canonical executive system). We recorded activity of single neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of macaques, a region associated with economic decisions, and whose role in inhibition is debated. Subjects performed a classic inhibition task known as the stop signal task. Ensemble decoding analyses reveal a clear firing rate pattern that distinguishes successful from failed inhibition and that begins after the stop signal and before the stop signal reaction time (SSRT). We also found a different and orthogonal ensemble pattern that distinguishes successful from failed stopping before the beginning of the trial. These signals were distinct from, and orthogonal to, value encoding, which was also observed in these neurons. The timing of the early and late signals was, respectively, consistent with the idea that neuronal activity in OFC encodes inhibition both proactively and reactively.
Effects of a propriety oiled mixed hay feeding system on lung function, neutrophilic airway inflammation and oxidative stress in severe asthmatic horses
Authors: Jochmans‐Lemoine Alexandra , Picotte Khristine , Beauchamp Guy , Vargas Amandine , Lavoie Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2019

Background

Hay feeding is considered the main triggering factor for airway obstruction and inflammation in severe equine asthma (SEA). Finding alternate strategies allowing hay feeding while controlling clinical signs of SEA is of importance. The Nutri‐Foin Système is believed to decrease inhaled dust by incorporating soybean oil to mechanically processed hay.

Objectives

We compared airflow obstruction and airway inflammation in horses with SEA fed oiled hay or alfalfa pellet regimen.

Study design

Controlled trial in asthmatic research horses.

Methods

Twelve horses in exacerbation of SEA from a research herd were studied. Horses were fed either oiled treated hay (n = 6) or alfalfa pelleted hay (n = 6) for 3 months while being stabled. Lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology and serum antioxidant enzyme kinetics were sequentially evaluated.

Results

Pelleted hay and the hay treated with the Nutri‐Foin Système similarly improved lung function, airway neutrophilia and serum antioxidant enzyme kinetics over time.

Main limitations

The small number of horses in each group.

Conclusions

We conclude from this study that Nutri‐Foin Système is an appropriate alternative to pelleted hay for the control of the airway obstruction in horses with SEA.
Pharmacological evaluation underlying the antinociceptive activity of two new hybrids NSAIDs tetrahydropyran derivatives
Authors: Oliveira Poliana de Araujo , Capim Saulo Luis , Gonçalves Gabriela Mastrangelo , Laureano‐Melo Roberto , Côrtes Wellington da Silva , Vasconcellos Mário Luiz Araujo de Almeida , Marinho Bruno Guimarães
Published: December 2019

The development of analgesic drugs is still a necessity due to the inefficiency of the current treatments for some pathological conditions and also due to the adverse effects produced by these drugs. The aim of this study was to deepen the pharmacological study of two new hybrids NSAIDs tetrahydropyran derivatives, regarding their antinociceptive effects on acute pain in mice. Male swiss mice were evaluated in the acetic acid‐induced abdominal writhing, formalin, tail‐flick, open‐field, glutamate‐ and capsaicin‐induced paw licking tests, and in vitro Cox inhibition assay, besides the acute toxicological evaluation. The compounds had an effect on the acetic acid‐induced abdominal writhing, formalin (both phases), and tail‐flick tests. In the study of the mechanism of action was observed reversion of the antinociceptive effect of the compounds from the previous administration of naloxone, L‐NAME (L‐nitro‐arginine methyl ester), ODQ (1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one), glibenclamide, and nor‐binaltorphimine, by the intrathecal and intraperitoneal routes. The prior administration of MK‐801 suggests that the modulation of NMDA receptor contributes to the antinociceptive effect of compounds. In summary, hybrid compounds presented central antinociceptive effect, demonstrating participation of the NO‐cGMP‐K+ ATP pathway, κ‐opioid, and NMDA receptors. In addition, the compounds showed inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase enzymes and adverse effects were not observed with dose 300 times greater than the dose used experimentally.
Climate change undermines the global functioning of marine food webs
Authors: du Pontavice Hubert , Gascuel Didier , Reygondeau Gabriel , Maureaud Aurore , Cheung William W. L.
Published: December 2019

Sea water temperature affects all biological and ecological processes that ultimately impact ecosystem functioning. In this study, we examine the influence of temperature on global biomass transfers from marine secondary production to fish stocks. By combining fisheries catches in all coastal ocean areas and life‐history traits of exploited marine species, we provide global estimates of two trophic transfer parameters which determine biomass flows in coastal marine food web: the trophic transfer efficiency (TTE) and the biomass residence time (BRT) in the food web. We find that biomass transfers in tropical ecosystems are less efficient and faster than in areas with cooler waters. In contrast, biomass transfers through the food web became faster and more efficient between 1950 and 2010. Using simulated changes in sea water temperature from three Earth system models, we project that the mean TTE in coastal waters would decrease from 7.7% to 7.2% between 2010 and 2100 under the ‘no effective mitigation’ representative concentration pathway (RCP8.5), while BRT between trophic levels 2 and 4 is projected to decrease from 2.7 to 2.3 years on average. Beyond the global trends, we show that the TTEs and BRTs may vary substantially among ecosystem types and that the polar ecosystems may be the most impacted ecosystems. The detected and projected changes in mean TTE and BRT will undermine food web functioning. Our study provides quantitative understanding of temperature effects on trophodynamic of marine ecosystems under climate change.
Intestinal parasites in hemodialysis patients from developing countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Taghipour Ali , Olfatifar Meysam , Rostami Ali , Foroutan Masoud , Vasigala VeneelaKrishnaRekha , Norouzi Mojtaba
Published: December 2019

Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) is the main cause of gastrointestinal complications in hemodialysis patients due to their impaired immune systems. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of IPIs in this population. Relevant eligible studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google scholar databases up to January 30, 2019. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, OR, and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Twenty‐two studies, from Turkey, Iran, Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Malaysia met eligibility criteria for analysis, and included 11 using a case–control design (980 patients and 893 controls) and 11 studies using a cross‐sectional design (a total of 1455 participants). Cross‐sectional studies suggested that the pooled prevalence of IPIs in hemodialysis patients was 24% (95% CI, 14–36%; 307/1455). In studies using a case–control design, the pooled prevalence of IPIs in hemodialysis patients (30%, 330/980) was found to be significantly higher than controls (10%, 115/893) (OR, 3.40; 95%CI, 2.37–4.87). With respect to the parasites, Cryptosporidium spp. (OR, 4.49; 95%CI, 2.64–7.64) and Blastocystis sp. (OR, 4.03; 95%CI, 1.20–13.51) were significantly higher in hemodialysis patients compared to the controls. The current study revealed a high prevalence of IPIs in hemodialysis patients from countries in which the baseline prevalence of parasitic infection is high. We recommend that periodic screenings for IPIs in such countries should be incorporated into the routine clinical care of hemodialysis patients.
Significance of TC9 and TH9 in Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastritis
Authors: Shamsdin Seyedeh Azra , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Ghaderi Abbas , Lankrani Kamran B. , Pouladfar Gholam reza
Published: December 2019

Background

H pylori plays a critical role in the development of stomach cancer, especially in people affected by the bacteria at an early stage of life. Th9 cells and IL‐9 play major roles in immune responses against various infections. IL‐9 is influential in chronic or acute inflammation of the mucosa.

Aim

This study seeks to investigate the possible functions of Tc9, Th9 cells, and IL‐9 level in patients with inflammation due to H pylori infection.

Methods

Eighty‐three patients with dyspepsia symptoms and twenty normal subjects with no sign and symptoms of dyspepsia were recruited. Frequencies of T‐cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines IL‐9 family in the sera and supernatants of antigen‐activated PBMCs patients were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry.

Results

The participants included 56 females and 47 males with a mean age of 39.2 ± 15.3 years. We assigned the infected group into peptic ulcer and gastritis (chronic active and chronic). Frequencies of Tc9, Th17, Tc17, Th17/9, and Tc17/9 increased significantly in the peptic ulcer, chronic active, and chronic gastritis, compared with the uninfected and healthy control groups. A significant increase was seen in IL‐9, IL‐4, and IL‐23 in the chronic active gastritis. Further observed was a significant increase in IL‐21 and a decrease in IL‐10 in the infected groups.

Conclusion

The results revealed that increased Tc9, Th17/9, and Tc17/9 cells appear to be influential in the progression and severity of H pylori infection. Also, increased IL‐9 and IL‐4 levels and Tc9, Tc17/9, and Th17/9 were seen in chronic active gastritis patients. These findings may provide useful information for a therapeutic targeting of chronic active H pylori infections.
Orthodontic treatment recommendation and expected adverse reactions in patients with a history of dental trauma: A survey among general dentists, paediatric dentists, and orthodontic specialists
Authors: Van Gorp Gertrude , Bormans Naomi , Vanham Ingrid , Willems Guy , Declerck Dominique
Published: December 2019

Background

Trauma‐induced adverse reactions may trigger complications when moving teeth orthodontically.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of dental practitioners about this topic.

Design

A questionnaire survey was organized among general dentists, paediatric dentists, and orthodontists in Flanders (Belgium). Three clinical cases describing trauma‐induced tooth damage (tooth ankylosis, apical root resorption, and pulp/root canal obliteration) were presented, followed by a set of questions.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 121 general dentists (GD), 47 paediatric dentists (PD), and 99 orthodontic specialists (OS). In the case with ankylosis, impossibility to move the tooth orthodontically was reported as most frequent adverse reaction (82.8% of GD, 95.7% of PD, and 100.0% of OS) (P < .001). In the situation of apical root resorption, the most frequently reported adverse event was progressive apical root resorption (78.9%, 85.7%, and 88.8% respectively; P = .265). Most frequently mentioned adverse reaction in the case with pulp and root canal obliteration was tooth discoloration (64.1%, 57.1%, and 78.3%; P = .055), followed by apical root resorption (57.4%, 56.8%, and 68.7%; P = .283). Orthodontic treatment recommendation differed among specific clinical situations but also among groups of dental practitioners.

Conclusions

Important knowledge gaps exist regarding the orthodontic managment of traumatized teeth. This topic requires more attention in undergraduate training, specialist training, and continuing education.
Financial advisor titles: Informational complexity and the role of regulatory simplification
Authors: Macfarlan Alex W. , Zick Cathleen D.
Published: December 2019

Today's complex financial markets require high levels of financial literacy that most consumers do not possess. Consumers may choose to mitigate their information disadvantage by hiring a financial professional. In searching for such a professional, however, consumers will find a multitude of financial advising titles that may or may not signal competence, education, and professionalism. Various regulatory bodies, and piecemeal regulation over the past 80 years, have resulted in an incoherent code of law. Two narrow protections for senior citizens specifically address financial credentials, however. These model regulations were drafted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) in 2008. This commentary explores why some states have adopted these regulations while others have not and notes the need for research to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of such regulations.
Resident Bid Preference, Affiliation, and Procurement Competition: Evidence from New Mexico
Authors: Rosa Benjamin V.
Published: December 2019

In public procurement auctions, governments routinely offer preferences to qualified firms in the form of bid discounts. Previous studies on bid discounting do not account for affiliation – a form of cost dependence between bidders that is likely to occur in a public procurement environment. Utilizing data from the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Resident Preference Program, I develop and estimate an empirical model of firm bidding and entry that allows for affiliation in firms’ project costs. I find evidence of affiliation and show how it changes preference auction outcomes.
The prompt use of rituximab could decrease adverse effects in patient with pemphigus vulgaris: A preliminary evaluation
Authors: Arduino Paolo G. , Broccoletti Roberto , Carbone Mario , Conrotto Davide , Sciannameo Veronica , Gambino Alessio , Cabras Marco , Carrozzo Marco , Baldovino Simone
Published: December 2019

Background

The systemic use of corticosteroid is the treatment of choice for patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV), but adverse effects are frequent. To date, the use of rituximab (RTX) for PV patients is usually indicated when they failed first‐line immunosuppressive therapies. The early use of RTX could theoretically lessen adverse effects.

Methods

We performed a single‐center study on patients with predominantly oral PV, treated with systemic corticosteroid and the prompt use of 1000 mg of intravenous RTX two weeks apart. We evaluated the clinical response and the reported adverse effect during a period of 24 months, comparing those with a previously published series.

Results

The study group comprised 11 patients, while the control group comprised 98 patients. The average time to achieve complete clinical remission was 3.2 ± 2.72 months. Study group took steroids for a mean time of 11.09 ± 2.02 months, and they are all actually disease‐free with no medication. Only three patients (27.3%) developed plain side effects. The effect of the length of the corticosteroid therapy on the side effects (also adjusted by sex, age, and clinical oral involvement) was statistically different in the two groups: the prompt use of RTX reduced of 94% the chance to have adverse effects (P = .001).

Conclusions

This is the first report of the use of RTX as first line of therapy for PV patients with predominantly oral involvement. With the proposed regimen, the adverse effects have been minimized compared with classic systemic corticosteroid‐centered therapy. Multi‐center randomized controlled trail is however necessary.
Vitamin D metabolism in dogs and cats and its relation to diseases not associated with bone metabolism
Authors: Zafalon Rafael V. A. , Risolia Larissa W. , Pedrinelli Vivian , Vendramini Thiago H. A. , Rodrigues Roberta B. A. , Amaral Andressa R. , Kogika Marcia M. , Brunetto Marcio A.
Published: December 2019

Due to the presence of receptors in the cells of numerous body tissues, vitamin D is associated with several physiological functions that go beyond calcium and phosphorus homoeostasis and control of bone metabolism in the body. In humans, several studies have associated lower vitamin D concentrations with numerous diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases, and also with an increase in the total mortality rate of the population. Recently, this nutrient started to gain importance in veterinary medicine, and several articles have shown a correlation between low vitamin D status and diseases unrelated to bone metabolism. The present review aims to highlight the recent publications that investigated this relationship, bringing the evidence that exists so far in dogs and cats.
Effects of chlorogenic acid‐enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf on growth performance and quality and oxidative status of meat in finishing pigs fed diets containing fresh or oxidized corn oil
Authors: Li Hegang , Zhao Jinshan , Deng Wen , Li Ke , Liu Huawei
Published: December 2019

To investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid‐enriched extract (CGAE) from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf on growth performance and quality and oxidative status of meat in pigs fed diets containing fresh or oxidized corn oil, a total of 180 barrows (initial body weight: 81.6 ± 2.08 kg) were randomly allocated into 6 diet treatments (5 replicate pens per treatment and 6 barrows per pen) in a 2 × 3 factorial design with corn oil (fresh or oxidized corn oil at 5% inclusion of diet) and CGAE (0, 500 or 1,000 mg/kg of diet containing fresh or oxidized corn oil) as main factors. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Dietary oxidized oil reduced average daily gain (ADG, p < .05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, p < .01) of pigs and pH24 (p < .05), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC, p < .01), glutathione peroxidase (GPx, p < .05) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA, p < .05) activities in meat and increased drip loss (p < .01), cooking loss (p < .05), malondialdehyde (p < .01) and carbonyl (p < .01) contents and mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1, p < .05) in meat. Dietary CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg increased (p < .05) ADG and ADFI of pigs and pH24, T‐AOC, T‐SOD, GPx and SERCA activities and mRNA expression of SOD1 in meat and reduced (p < .05) drip loss, cooking loss, carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents in meat. No interaction effects between oxidized corn oil and CGAE were found in pigs. Overall, dietary CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg improved growth performance and quality and oxidative status of meat in pigs subjected or not to oxidative stress induced by dietary oxidized oil.
A systematic review of the Australian food retail environment: Characteristics, variation by geographic area, socioeconomic position and associations with diet and obesity
Authors: Needham Cindy , Sacks Gary , Orellana Liliana , Robinson Ella , Allender Steven , Strugnell Claudia
Published: December 2019

There is strong support across multiple sectors for the implementation of policies to create healthier food environments as part of comprehensive strategies to address obesity and improve population diets. The existing evidence base describing food retail environments and their relationship with health outcomes is limited in several respects. This systematic review examines the current evidence regarding food retail environments in Australia, including associations with diet and people with obesity, and socioeconomic and geographic disparities. Three databases were searched and independently screened. Studies were included if they were undertaken in Australia and objectively measured the food retail environment. Sixty papers were included. The broad range of methodological approaches used across studies limited the ability to synthesize the evidence and draw conclusions. Results indicated that there is some evidence that disparities exist in food retail environments across measures of socioeconomic position and geographic area in parts of Australia. Overall, there were inconsistent findings regarding the association between the healthiness of food retail environments and diet or people with obesity. Findings support previous calls for standardized tools and measures for monitoring the healthiness of food retail environments. This is imperative to inform evidence‐based policy and evaluation in this critical component of recommended obesity prevention strategies.
Biodiversity‐mediated effects on ecosystem functioning depend on the type and intensity of environmental disturbances
Authors: Dib Viviane , Pires Aliny P. F. , Casa Nova Clarice , Bozelli Reinaldo L. , Farjalla Vinicius F.
Published: December 2019

Environmental disturbances affect ecosystem functioning through changes in organisms’ metabolism (direct effect) and biodiversity loss (indirect or biodiversity‐mediated effect). It is still a challenge to separate direct and biodiversity‐mediated effects of environmental changes on ecosystem functioning due to the difficulties in isolating ‘true’ biodiversity loss effects. Furthermore, it is still unclear whether biodiversity‐mediated effects are as important as direct effects. In this study, we performed an experiment in artificial microcosms to disentangle biodiversity‐mediated and direct effects of two major environmental disturbances on the functioning of aquatic ecosystems: increases in temperature and salinity. The ecosystem function analyzed was the microalgae predation by the zooplankton community (zooplankton grazing rates). Temperature and salinity increases affected the zooplankton grazing rates due to changes in community composition and abundance, as well as organism performance. The impact of salinity changes on community structure was higher than that of temperature; however, the importance of biodiversity‐mediated and direct effects was similar to regulating the ecosystem functioning, albeit they have presented different directions and magnitude across the treatments. At a moderate level of temperature increase, we observed that the biodiversity‐mediated effect was more relevant than the direct effect, with negative effects on the overall grazing rates. Our results suggest that disturbances can affect the functioning of aquatic environments through a set of complex biological mechanisms that balance direct and biodiversity‐mediated effects. We concluded that the relative importance of biodiversity‐mediated effects depends on the type and intensity of the disturbance.
Funding conditions and insurance stock returns: Do insurance stocks really benefit from rising interest rate regimes?
Authors: Jensen Tyler K. , Johnson Robert R. , McNamara Michael J.
Published: December 2019

We examine funding conditions and U.S. insurance company stock returns. Although constrained funding conditions, signaled by restrictive Federal Reserve monetary policy, correspond with increases in the future payouts of fixed‐income securities held by insurance firms and potentially provide value through the liability side of insurer balance sheets, they also decrease the values of securities currently held in insurer portfolios. Prior research finds that restrictive policy has a negative effect on equity returns in general. Our results suggest the negative impacts of constrained funding environments outweigh the potential positives, as insurance company stock returns are significantly lower during periods of constrained funding. This effect varies within a given funding state and also across insurer type. The effect is strongest during the first 3 months of a constrained funding environment and for life and health insurers—insurer types with longer portfolio durations. For property and liability (P&L) insurers, lower stock return performance only exists in the first 3 months of a constrained funding environment. In the subsequent months, P&L insurers actually have higher stock returns during constrained periods, consistent with their typically shorter duration asset portfolios, which are more quickly rolled over into new higher‐yielding securities.
Admissions Constraints and the Decision to Delay University*
Authors: Foley Kelly , Groes Fane
Published: December 2019

We investigate whether delaying entrance into university is affected by restrictions on admissions into competitive programs. Using Danish administrative data, we estimate a dynamic discrete choice model, in which students choose, if admitted, either to enter one of 30 programs or to delay. We use the model to examine delaying choices under different simulated admissions policies. Our experiments suggest that only 28 percent of students who delay do so because of admissions restrictions. Furthermore, although students respond to admissions incentives, our results imply that such policies are unlikely to substantially change the overall distribution of delay.
Reflectance confocal microscopy for noninvasive examination of nonmelanocytic tumors and virus‐associated skin lesions in organ transplant recipients
Authors: Rueter Lena , Ramadori Pierluigi , Ulrich Martina , Jung Sora , Kardorff Bernd , Lademann Juergen
Published: December 2019

Background

Drug‐induced immunosuppression is necessary to prevent rejection of the foreign organ in transplanted patients, but neoplastic and virus‐associated skin diseases are frequent complications. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) recently emerged as a promising tool for the early diagnosis of skin lesions.

Materials and methods

A total of 61 skin lesions, among them 20 basal cell carcinomas, six Bowen's diseases, 23 actinic keratoses, and 12 verrucae, were analyzed. All lesions were clinically evaluated followed by RCM evaluation by two independent dermatologists and histological examination.

Results

For the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, a sensitivity of 100% by both investigators (INV I + II) and a specificity of 100% by INV I and 80% by INV II were achieved. The sensitivity average rate for RCM features reached by both investigators ranged between 60% and 100%, and the specificity between 55% and 90%. For the diagnosis of actinic keratosis, a concordant sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 80% (INV I) and 60% (INV II) were detected. The sensitivity average rate of specific RCM criteria ranged between 72.3% and 97.2%, whereas specificity ranged between 20% and 90%. Regarding verrucae, RCM confirmed the histological diagnosis with a sensitivity of 85.7% (INV I) and 100% (INV II), while specificity was 100% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusion

Reflectance confocal microscopy resulted to be a reliable tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of neoplastic and virus‐associated skin changes in organ transplant recipients. Nevertheless, given the frequency and diagnostic complexity of the hyperkeratotic lesions occurring post‐transplantation, larger cohorts of patients are required to confirm and consolidate these findings.