bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinctive clinical and histological characteristics of atrophic and hypertrophic facial photoageing
Authors: Langton A.K. , Ayer J. , Griffiths T.W. , Rashdan E. , Naidoo K. , Caley M.P. , Birch‐Machin M.A. , O'Toole E.A. , Watson R.E.B. , Griffiths C.E.M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Photoageing describes complex cutaneous changes which occur following chronic exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Amongst White Northern Europeans, facial photoageing appears as distinct clinical phenotypes: ‘hypertrophic’ photoageing (HP) and ‘atrophic’ photoageing (AP). Deep, coarse wrinkles predominate in individuals with HP, whereas those with AP have relatively smooth, unwrinkled skin with pronounced telangiectasia. AP individuals have an increased propensity for developing keratinocyte cancers.

Objectives

To investigate whether histological differences underlie these distinct phenotypes of facial photoageing.

Methods

Facial skin biopsies were obtained from participants with AP (10 M, 10 F; mean age: 78.7 years) or HP (10 M, 10 F; mean age: 74.5 years) and were assessed histologically and by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Demographic characterization revealed 95% of AP subjects, as compared to 35% with HP, were Fitzpatrick skin type I/II; of these, 50% had a history of one or more keratinocyte cancers. There was no history of keratinocyte cancers in the HP cohort. Analysis of UVR‐induced mitochondrial DNA damage confirmed that all volunteers had received similar lifetime cumulative doses of sun exposure. Histologically, male AP had a significantly thicker epidermis than did AP females or those of either sex with HP. HP facial skin exhibited severe solar elastosis, whereas in AP facial skin, solar elastosis was apparent only in females. Loss of papillary dermal fibrillin‐rich microfibrils occurred in all HP and AP female subjects, but not in AP males. Furthermore, male AP had a significant reduction in collagen VII at the dermal–epidermal junction than did AP females or those of either sex with HP.

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence that AP and HP represent distinct clinical and histological entities. Knowledge of these two phenotypes is clinically relevant due to the increased prevalence of keratinocyte cancers in those – particularly males – with the AP phenotype.
A simple index predicting 30‐day readmissions in acutely hospitalized patients
Authors: Froom Paul , Shimoni Zvi , Benbassat Jochanan
Published: December 2020

Background

There are various models attempting to predict 30‐day readmissions of acutely admitted internal medicine patients. However, it is uncertain how to create a parsimonious index that has equivalent predictive ability and can be extrapolated to other settings.

Methods

We developed a regression equation to predict 30‐day readmissions from all acute hospitalizations in internal medicine departments in a regional hospital in 2015‐2016 and validated the model in 2019. The independent (predictor) variables were age, past hospitalizations, admission laboratory test results, length of stay in hospital and discharge diagnoses. We compared the predictive value of a logistic regression model and index that included discharge diagnoses and admission laboratory test results with one that included only age, past hospitalizations, and hospital length of stay.

Results

Readmission rates were associated with age, time since last hospitalization, number of previous hospitalizations, and length of stay, as well as with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung disease and congestive heart failure and several laboratory data. Logistic regressions of the independent variables for 30‐day readmission rates were similar in 2015‐2016 and 2019. An index was derived from number of previous admissions to hospitals, time since last admission, age, and length of stay. In 2019, for every unit of the index, the odds of readmission increased by 1.33 (95% CI‐ 1.30‐1.37), and ranged from 2.1% to 37.1%. Addition of discharge diagnoses and laboratory variables did not significantly improve the risk differentiation of the index. The c‐statistic for the final parsimonious model was 0.704.

Conclusions

An index derived from the number of previous hospital admissions, days since last admission, age, and length of stay in days differentiated between the risks of readmission within 30 days without the need for discharge diagnosis and laboratory variables.
Drivers of reef fish assemblages in an upwelling region from the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Eisele Marius H. , Madrigal‐Mora Sergio , Espinoza Mario
Published: December 2020

Reef fish assemblages are exposed to a wide range of anthropogenic threats as well as chronic natural disturbances. In upwelling regions, for example, there is a seasonal influx of cool nutrient‐rich waters that may shape the structure and composition of reef fish assemblages. Given that climate change may disrupt the natural oceanographic processes by altering the frequency and strength of natural disturbances, understanding how fish assemblages respond to upwelling events is essential to effectively manage reef ecosystems under changing ocean conditions. This study used the baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) and the traditional underwater visual census (UVC) to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of reef fish assemblages in an upwelling region in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. A total of 183 reef fish species from 60 families were recorded, of which 166 species were detected using BRUVS and 122 using UVC. Only 66% of all species were detected using both methods. This study showed that the upwelling had an important role in shaping reef fish assemblages in this region, but there was also a significant interaction between upwelling and location. In addition, other drivers such as habitat complexity and habitat composition had an effect on reef fish abundances and species. To authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the Eastern Tropical Pacific that combines BRUVS and UVC to monitor reef fish assemblages in an upwelling region, which provides more detailed information to assess the state of reef ecosystems in response to multiple threats and changing ocean conditions.
An Age‐Friendly Health System
Authors: Lundy Janice , Hayden Deborah , Pyland Stephanie , Berg‐Weger Marla , Malmstrom Theodore K. , Morley John E.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To describe a screening and intervention program for geriatric syndromes instituted at a rural healthcare system that utilizes the 4Ms of an age‐friendly health system, and to provide exercise and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) as part of an age‐friendly health program.

DESIGN

Retrospective evaluation of clinical data.

SETTING

Rural primary healthcare system.

PARTICIPANTS

Older adults aged 65 years and older in Perry County, Missouri.

MEASUREMENTS

Screening for geriatric syndromes was done using the Rapid Geriatric Assessment (RGA), which includes the FRAIL, SARC‐F, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), and Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS). Outcomes for exercise and CST included the Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS), and Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL‐AD) measures.

RESULTS

The RGA was administered to 1,326 individuals of which 36.5% were frail, 42.1% were sarcopenic, 26.1% were at risk for anorexia, and 20.8% had dementia. Of these receiving exercise therapy, both the FTSS and the TUG were improved at 3 months and 12 to 24 months. In the CST group, SLUMS, QoL‐AD, and CSDD were improved at 7 weeks and 6 to 12 months.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to introduce a screening program for geriatric syndromes and respond to the results with successful exercise and cognitive stimulation therapy programs.
Thermal structure in subducted units from continental Moho depths in a palaeo subduction zone, the Asemigawa region of the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, SW Japan
Authors: Kouketsu Yui , Sadamoto Kazushi , Umeda Hayato , Kawahara Hirokazu , Nagaya Takayoshi , Taguchi Tomoki , Mori Hiroshi , Wallis Simon , Enami Masaki
Published: December 2020

Raman CM geothermometry applied to 126 samples of pelitic schists collected over an area of 11 km × 7 km reveals the thermal structure of the Asemigawa region of the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, southwest Japan in unprecedented detail. In general, the estimated temperatures gradually increase from south to north in the range of 288–553°C. However, a temperature gap from ~380 to ~440°C is identified near the boundary between the chlorite and garnet zones. This temperature region matches the depth of the continental Moho of the Sanbagawa subduction zone. The temperature gradient in the higher‐temperature domain is higher than that in the lower‐temperature domain, and large‐scale tight folds that affect the thermal structure are developed in the high‐grade units and in the vicinity of the temperature discontinuity. These geological structures probably reflect that the exhumed slab units was dammed at the Moho depth due to the upward movement being impeded by increase in the coupling strength of the overlying rocks associated with exhumation from beneath serpentinite rocks to a shallower domain overlain by crustal rocks. Changes in the coupling strength along the subduction boundary led the strong folding at the higher‐temperature domain and the pre‐formed foliation developed at the Moho depth may have acted as the tectonic boundary, resulting in a temperature discontinuity. These results will contribute to elucidating various geological phenomena occurring in the forearc regions of modern subduction zones.
Trust in K.E. Løgstrup's Lutheran Political Ethics
Authors: Andersen Svend
Published: December 2020

This article discusses the treatment of trust by Danish theologian and philosopher K.E. Løgstrup (1905‐1981). In order to contextualize Løgstrup's position, I first present some significant analyses of trust in philosophy and the social sciences. I then outline the Lutheran character of Løgstrup's political ethics against the background of Luther's view on government. Whereas Luther regards the political order as God‐given, Løgstrup sees basic trust as a given precondition for various kinds of socio‐political trust. He thus represents a Lutheran line of thought that can contribute to contemporary political discourse.
Cyclosporine A plus low‐dose steroid treatment in COVID‐19 improves clinical outcomes in patients with moderate to severe disease: A pilot study
Authors: Gálvez‐Romero J. L. , Palmeros‐Rojas O. , Real‐Ramírez F. A. , Sánchez‐Romero S. , Tome‐Maxil R. , Ramírez‐Sandoval M. P. , Olivos‐Rodríguez R. , Flores‐Encarnación S. E. , Cabrera‐Estrada A. A. , Ávila‐Morales J. , Cortés‐Sánchez V. , Sarmiento‐Padilla G. , Tezmol‐Ramírez S. E. , Aparicio‐Hernández D. , Urbina‐Sánchez M. I. , Gómez‐Pluma M. Á. , Cisneros‐Méndez S. , Rodríguez‐Rivas D. I. , Reyes‐Inurrigarro S. , Cortés‐Díaz G. , Cruz‐Delgado C. , Navarro‐González J. , Deveaux‐Homs J. , Pedraza‐Sánchez S.
Published: December 2020

Background

COVID‐19 pandemic causes high global morbidity and mortality and better medical treatments to reduce mortality are needed.

Objective

To determine the added benefit of cyclosporine A (CsA), to low‐dose steroid treatment, in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

Open‐label, non randomized pilot study of patients with confirmed infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 hospitalized from April to May 2020 at a single centre in Puebla, Mexico. Patients were assigned to receive either steroids or CsA plus steroids. Pneumonia severity was assessed by clinical, laboratory, and lung tomography. The death rate was evaluated at 28 days.

Results

A total of 209 adult patients were studied, 105 received CsA plus steroids (age 55.3 ± 13.3; 69% men), and 104 steroids alone (age 54.06 ± 13.8; 61% men). All patients received clarithromycin, enoxaparin and methylprednisolone or prednisone up to 10 days. Patient's death was associated with hypertension (RR = 3.5) and diabetes (RR = 2.3). Mortality was 22 and 35% for CsA and control groups (P = 0.02), respectively, for all patients, and 24 and 48.5% for patients with moderate to severe disease (P = 0.001). Higher cumulative clinical improvement was seen for the CsA group (Nelson Aalen curve, P = 0.001, log‐rank test) in moderate to severe patients. The Cox proportional hazard analysis showed the highest HR improvement value of 2.15 (1.39–3.34, 95%CI, P = 0.0005) for CsA treatment in moderate to severe patients, and HR = 1.95 (1.35–2.83, 95%CI, P = 0.0003) for all patients.

Conclusion

CsA used as an adjuvant to steroid treatment for COVID‐19 patients showed to improve outcomes and reduce mortality, mainly in those with moderate to severe disease. Further investigation through controlled clinical trials is warranted.
Parasitism of Solanum torvum by Meloidogyne hapla populations from Japan
Authors: Murata Gaku , Uesugi Kenta
Published: December 2020

Solanum torvum, a wild Solanum species, is widely used as a rootstock and is known for its resistance to several pathogens and pests including root‐knot nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.). Virulence to S. torvum was observed in several Meloidogyne species such as M. hapla, but M. hapla populations isolated from Japan have not been tested for parasitism. We performed inoculation assays on S. torvum cultivars and control plants (S. melongena, eggplant; S. lycopersicum, tomato) inoculated with Japanese M. hapla populations, and we then evaluated the host suitability based on the eggmass number. The assays were carried out using nursery plants in small plastic pots. The first assay revealed that S. torvum cultivars that are commercially available in Japan were susceptible to M. hapla. In the second assay, three M. hapla populations obtained from geographically distant areas produced a number of eggmasses on S. torvum roots. The S. torvum cultivars were all resistant to M. incognita, as a control species of Meloidogyne, in both assays. Our examination of the number of eggs per eggmass of M. hapla demonstrated that the values of S. torvum under inoculation of two M. hapla populations were significantly lower than those of S. lycopersicum, implying some difference in the fecundity of M. hapla depending on the host plants. The series of experiments revealed the virulence and reproductivity of Japanese M. hapla populations to S. torvum, posing a potential risk that S. torvum cannot suppress RKN damage in agricultural fields under infestation of such Meloidogyne species.
Occurrence and pathogenicity of Jattaea algeriensis (Calosphaeriales, Calosphaeriaceae) and Biscogniauxia mediterranea on forest trees in Guilan Province (Iran)
Authors: Kazemzadeh‐Chakusary Mohammad , Mohammadi Hamid , Sohrabi Mahboobeh
Published: December 2020

In order to study fungal trunk pathogens on some forest trees, a survey was conducted from various forest areas in Guilan Province (in the north of Iran) between October 2012 and May 2015. Samples were collected from branches of diseased trees, and fungal isolations were made from necrotic wood tissues on malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with 100 mg/L streptomycin sulphate. Fungal isolations from infected branches of forest trees yielded 53 hyphomycetous fungal isolates. All 31 strains isolated from Common medlar (Mespilus germanica) and Persian iron wood (Parrotia persica) exhibited a Phialophora‐like anamorph and were identified as Jattea algeriensis based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis. All 22 strains isolated from necrotic tissues of Small‐flowered black hawthorn (Crataegus pentagyna) formed a Nodulisporium‐like anamorph and are identified as Biscogniauxia mediterranea on the basis of morphological characters and DNA sequence data. Pathogenicity tests showed that both species are pathogenic on M. germanica, P. persica wood and Small‐flowered black hawthorn shoots and B. mediterranea proved to be the most aggressive than J. algeriensis. This study is the first report of J. algeriensis on M. germanica and P. persica and also B. mediterranea on C. pentagyna in the world. In addition, J. algeriensis has not previously been reported from Iran and our work also provides the first record of this species in this country.
Melatonin improves the effect of cryopreservation on human oocytes by suppressing oxidative stress and maintaining the permeability of the oolemma
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Mu Yaoqin , Ding Ding , Zou Weiwei , Li Xinyuan , Chen Beili , Leung Peter CK , Chang Hsun‐Ming , Zhu Qi , Wang Kaijuan , Xue Rufeng , Xu Yuping , Zou Huijuan , Zhou Ping , Wei Zhaolian , Cao Yunxia
Published: December 2020

Cryopreservation causes cryoinjury to oocytes and impairs their developmental competence. Melatonin (MLT) can improve the effect of cryopreservation in animal oocytes. However, no such studies on human oocytes have been reported. In this study, collected in vitro‐matured human oocytes were randomly divided into the following groups: fresh group, MLT‐treated cryopreservation (MC) group, and no‐MLT‐treated cryopreservation (NC) group. After vitrification and warming, viable oocytes from these three groups were assessed for their mitochondrial function, ultrastructure, permeability of oolemma, early apoptosis, developmental competence, and cryotolerance‐related gene expression. First, fluorescence staining results revealed that oocytes from the 10−9 M subgroup showed the lowest intracellular reactive oxygen species and Ca2+levels and highest mitochondrial membrane potential among the MC subgroups (10−11, 10−9, 10−7, and 10−5 M). In subsequent experiments, oocytes from the 10−9 M‐MC group were observed to maintain the normal ultrastructural features and the permeability of the oolemma. Compared with those of the oocytes in the NC group, the early apoptosis rate significantly decreased (P < .01), whereas both the high‐quality cleavage embryo and blastocyst rates significantly increased (bothP < .05) in the oocytes of the 10−9 M‐MC group. Finally, single‐cell RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence results revealed that aquaporin (AQP)1/2/11gene expression and AQP1 protein expression were upregulated in the MC group. Therefore, these results suggest that MLT can improve the effect of cryopreservation on human oocytes by suppressing oxidative stress and maintaining the permeability of the oolemma.
Distribution of Physician Specialties by Rurality
Authors: Barreto Tyler , Jetty Anuradha , Eden Aimee R. , Petterson Steven , Bazemore Andrew , Peterson Lars E.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Physicians of all specialties are more likely to live and work in urban areas than in rural areas. Physician availability affects the health and economy of rural communities. This study aimed to measure and update the availability of physician specialties in rural counties.

Methods

This analysis included all counties with a Rural‐Urban Continuum Code (RUCC) between 4 and 9. Geographically identified physician data from the 2019 American Medical Association Masterfile was merged with 2019 County Health Rankings, the Census Bureau's 2010 county‐level population data, and 2010 Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing shapefiles. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the availability of physicians by specialty in rural counties.

Findings

Of the 1,947 rural counties in our sample, 1,825 had at least 1 physician. Specialties including emergency medicine, cardiology, psychiatry, diagnostic radiology, general surgery, anesthesiology, and OB/GYN were less available than primary care physicians (PCPs) in all rural counties. The probability of a rural county having a PCP was the highest in RUCC 4 (1.0) and lowest in RUCC 8 (0.93). Of all primary care specialties, family medicine was the most evenly distributed across the rural continuum, with a probability of 1.0 in RUCC 4 and 0.88 in RUCC 9.

Conclusions

Family medicine is the physician specialty most likely to be present in rural counties. Policy efforts should focus on maintaining the training and scope of practice of family physicians to serve the health care needs of rural communities where other specialties are less likely to practice.
Mothers’ and fathers’ sleep: Is there a difference between first‐time and experienced parents of 6‐month‐olds?
Authors: Kenny Samantha , Burdayron Rebecca , E. M. Lannes Émilie , Dubois‐Comtois Karine , Béliveau Marie‐Julie , Pennestri Marie‐Hélène
Published: December 2020

Sleep disruption and deprivation are highly prevalent among parents of an infant. However, most postpartum sleep studies focus solely on mothers, and few studies have investigated whether sleep differs between first‐time and experienced parents. The present study aimed to determine whether self‐reported sleep duration and quality differ between first‐time and experienced mothers and fathers during the postpartum period. A total of 111 parents (54 couples and three single mothers) of 6‐month‐old infants completed a 2‐week sleep diary to evaluate measures of sleep duration, sleep continuity, and sleep quality. An analysis of covariance model was used to compare the sleep variables of first‐time to experienced parents. Breastfeeding frequency, infant sleep location, depression, education, and work status were used as co‐variables. First‐time mothers reported a longer consecutive nocturnal sleep duration (mean [SEM] 297.34 [17.15] versus 246.01 [14.79] min, p < .05), fewer nocturnal awakenings (mean [SEM] 1.57 [0.20] versus 2.12 [0.17], p < .05), and rated their sleep quality higher (mean [SEM] score 7.07 [0.36] versus 5.97 [0.30], p < .05) than experienced mothers, while total nocturnal sleep duration did not differ. There were no differences in subjective sleep measures between first‐time and experienced fathers. The present study indicates that experienced mothers reported more fragmented sleep and perceived having worse sleep quality than first‐time mothers, but that paternal sleep did not differ as a function of parental experience. These findings have clinical implications for healthcare professionals working with families of various configurations and sizes.
Religion, Family, and Career among Graduate Students in the Sciences
Authors: Scheitle Christopher P. , Kowalski Brittany M. , Hudnall Erin B. , Dabbs Ellory
Published: December 2020

Concerns about family life push some students away from a career in science or lead them away from particular career paths within science. Religion has been shown to have an influence on individuals’ values concerning both family and work. This study uses data from a survey of U.S. graduate students in five science disciplines to estimate a structural equation model examining paths between religiosity, work and family values, and intent to pursue different careers within science. The analysis finds that religiosity is positively associated with the importance placed on family and, through this mediator, is associated with a lower intent to pursue research‐focused academic jobs and higher intent to pursue teaching‐focused academic jobs. We discuss the implications of these findings, particularly as the analysis shows that women and some racial and ethnic minority students are more religious than their male and white peers.
The impact of hepatitis flare on HBeAg loss was effective mainly in the first year of Nucleot(s)ide therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Peng Chien‐Wei , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Chien Rong‐Nan , Liaw Yun‐Fan
Published: December 2020

HBeAg loss during nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) therapy is significantly higher in patients with hepatitis flare (ALT ≥ 5‐times upper limited of normal). It is not clear whether ALT level higher above the hepatitis flare leads to greater HBeAg loss rate nor its durability. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pretherapy ALT level on HBeAg loss in each year of Nuc treatment. Entecavir or Tenofovir treated HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were recruited consecutively. Patients with prior treatment history that experienced HBeAg seroconversion and reversion were excluded. Pretherapy age, gender, cirrhosis, genotype, ALT, HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were analysed. The hazard function was calculated for the probability of HBeAg loss in each year. Of the 290 patients, the 3‐year cumulative HBeAg loss rate was 58.1%, higher in patients with hepatitis flare than those without (67.6% vs. 39.6%, P < 0.001). The HBeAg loss rate in the first year correlated positively with higher ALT levels at a stepwise fashion. The hazard function in patients with hepatitis flare was 0.74 at half year, then dropped to 0.33 by the first year and was lower thereafter to a rate closer to that of the patients without hepatitis flare. In conclusion, the impact of pretherapy ALT levels on HBeAg loss rate was not long‐lasting and was effective mainly in the first year of Nuc therapy. Strategies such as adding an immune‐modulating agent may help enhance HBeAg loss rate after the first year of Nuc therapy for those who remained HBeAg positive.

Word count: 249 (<250).
Quantification of cerebrospinal fluid flow in dogs by cardiac‐gated phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Christen Muriel A. , Schweizer‐Gorgas Daniela , Richter Henning , Joerger Fabiola B. , Dennler Matthias
Published: December 2020

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in disease has been investigated with two‐dimensional (2D) phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC‐MRI) in humans. Despite similar diseases occurring in dogs, PC‐MRI is not routinely performed and CSF flow and its association with diseases is poorly understood.

Objectives

To adapt 2D and four‐dimensional (4D) PC‐MRI to dogs and to apply them in a group of neurologically healthy dogs.

Animals

Six adult Beagle dogs of a research colony.

Methods

Prospective, experimental study. Sequences were first optimized on a phantom mimicking small CSF spaces and low velocity flow. Then, 4D PC‐MRI and 2D PC‐MRI at the level of the mesencephalic aqueduct, foramen magnum (FM), and cervical spine were performed.

Results

CSF displayed a bidirectional flow pattern on 2D PC‐MRI at each location. Mean peak velocity (and range) in cm/s was 0.92 (0.51‐2.08) within the mesencephalic aqueduct, 1.84 (0.89‐2.73) and 1.17 (0.75‐1.8) in the ventral and dorsal subarachnoid space (SAS) at the FM, and 2.03 (range 1.1‐3.0) and 1.27 (range 0.96‐1.82) within the ventral and dorsal SAS of the cervical spine. With 4D PC‐MRI, flow velocities of >3 cm/s were visualized in the phantom, but no flow data were obtained in dogs.

Conclusion

Peak flow velocities were measured with 2D PC‐MRI at all 3 locations and slower velocities were recorded in healthy Beagle dogs compared to humans. These values serve as baseline for future applications. The current technical settings did not allow measurement of CSF flow in Beagle dogs by 4D PC‐MRI.
Changes in systolic blood pressure in dogs with pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism during the first year of trilostane treatment
Authors: García San José Paula , Arenas Bermejo Carolina , Alonso‐Miguel Daniel , Clares Moral Irene , Cuesta‐Alvaro Pedro , Pérez Alenza María Dolores
Published: December 2020

Background

Systemic hypertension (SH) is common in dogs and humans with hypercortisolism and can persist after treatment.

Objectives

To evaluate changes in prevalence of SH and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) during the first year of trilostane treatment, its relationship with disease control and selected laboratory variables, and their response to antihypertensive treatment.

Animals

Fifty‐one dogs with PDH treated with trilostane Q12h.

Methods

Prospective case series study. Dogs were evaluated at diagnosis (T0) and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (T12). Dogs were classified as nonhypertensive (SBP < 160 mm Hg) or hypertensive (SBP≥160 mm Hg) and subclassified according to target organ damage (TOD) risk. Hypertensive dogs were treated with benazepril and, if control of SH was not achieved, amlodipine was added.

Results

Prevalence of SH decreased from T0 (36/51) to T12 (17/37;P= .01). Changes in SBP during the study were influenced by the risk of TOD at T0. In severely hypertensive (SBP ≥ 180 mm Hg) dogs, the decrease in SBP was more pronounced whereas in normotensive (SBP < 140 mm Hg) dogs SBP increased slightly (P= .00). Blood pressure was not associated with disease control. Antihypertensive treatment was needed in 31/51 dogs, and in 13/31 dogs additional SH control with amlodipine was required. One third of nonhypertensive dogs at T0 required treatment with benazepril because SH developed during follow‐up.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In dogs with PDH, SBP should be measured at every visit, regardless of disease control or SBP at diagnosis. More than 1 drug may be necessary to manage SH in affected dogs.
X‐linked CD40 ligand deficiency in a 1‐year‐old male Shih Tzu with secondary Pneumocystis pneumonia
Authors: Merrill Kristen , Coffey Emily , Furrow Eva , Masseau Isabelle , Rindt Hansjörg , Reinero Carol
Published: December 2020

An approximately 1‐year‐old male intact Shih Tzu dog was referred to a tertiary facility with a history of progressive tachypnea, increased respiratory effort, and weight loss over a 3‐month period that failed to improve with empirical antimicrobial treatment. Upon completion of a comprehensive respiratory evaluation, the dog was diagnosed with severe Pneumocystis pneumonia and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Clinical signs resolved and disease resolution was confirmed after completion of an 8‐week course of trimethoprim‐sulfonamide, 4‐week tapering dose of prednisone to decrease an inflammatory response secondary to acute die‐off of organisms, a 2‐week course of clopidogrel to prevent clot formation, and a 2‐week course of a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor to treat pulmonary hypertension. Immunodiagnostic testing and genetic sequencing were performed to evaluate for potential immunodeficiency as an underlying cause for the development Pneumocystis pneumonia, and identified an X‐linked CD40 ligand deficiency.
A framework for signaling throughout the life cycle of Babesia species
Authors: Elsworth Brendan , Duraisingh Manoj T.
Published: December 2020

Babesia species are tick‐borne intracellular parasites that infect the red blood cells of their mammalian host, leading to severe or fatal disease. Babesia spp. infect a wide range of mammalian species and cause a significant economic burden globally, predominantly through disease in cattle. Several Babesia spp. are increasingly being recognized as zoonotic pathogens of humans. Babesia spp. have complex life cycles involving multiple stages in the tick and the mammalian host. The parasite utilizes complex signaling pathways during replication, egress, and invasion in each of these stages. They must also rapidly respond to their environment when switching between the mammalian and tick stages. This review will focus on the signaling pathways and environmental stimuli that Babesia spp. utilize in the bloodstream and for transmission to the tick, with an emphasis on the role of phosphorylation‐ and calcium‐based signaling during egress and invasion. The expanding availability of in vitro and in vivo culture systems, genomes, transcriptomes, and transgenic systems available for a range of Babesia spp. should encourage further biological and translational studies of these ubiquitous parasites.
(1,3)‐β‐D‐glucan is able to predict therapeutic failure of patients with candidemia and not only mortality
Authors: Esteves Patrícia , Lopes Lima Soraia , Salles de Azevedo Melo Analy , Maria Beirão Elisa , Nucci Marcio , Colombo Arnaldo L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Candidemia is a major cause of bloodstream infection in tertiary hospitals worldwide and fungal biomarkers may provide early diagnosis.

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of (1‐3)‐β‐D‐glucan (BDG) in the diagnosis of candidemia and its ability to predict therapeutic failure.

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective, multi‐centre study conducted in 3 Brazilian hospitals. Clinical outcome was evaluated along 2 weeks of treatment, and therapeutic failure was defined as the occurrence of persistent candidemia, Candida deep‐seated infection or death. Baseline BDG detection was performed with the Fungitell® assay (Associates of Cape Cod, Falmouth—USA).

Results

We enrolled a total of 71 patients with candidemia and a control group with 110 healthy volunteers. The sensitivity and specificity of BDG for diagnosing candidemia were as follows: 71.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 59.7% ‐ 81.5%) and 98.2% (95% CI 92.9% ‐ 99.7%), respectively. The only predictor of therapeutic failure was a higher BDG value at diagnosis of candidemia; a value > 226 pg/mL predicted failure with sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 78%, respectively.

Conclusions

A high baseline serum BDG value was associated with therapeutic failure.
Alternation of supragingival microbiome in patients with cirrhosis of different Child‐Pugh scores
Authors: Bai Rushui , Bai Mingshan , Zhao Zijia , Chen Ningxin , Yang Yan , Tang Zhangui
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in the taxonomy and functions of oral microbiome between patients with and without cirrhosis.

Materials and methods

In this study, V4‐16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was used to compare the difference of supragingival microbiome in 42 patients and 12 healthy individuals.

Results

Overall, 3,223,529 clean reads were generated, with an average of 59,694 ± 1,548 clean reads per sample. A total of 30 phyla, 78 classes, 116 orders, 167 families, 228 genera, and 114 species were detected in the 54 samples. The differences were detected among groups at each taxonomical level. Functional prediction showed that patients with cirrhosis had a significant higher proportion of the genes associated with carbohydrate transport and metabolism, defense mechanisms, infectious diseases, membrane transport, etc. compared with healthy individuals (p < .05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, significant differences were observed in compositions and predictive functions of the supragingival microbiome between patients with cirrhosis and that in healthy people. These findings will provide a new insight into the understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cirrhosis.
Toll‐like receptor 2 mediates the degeneration of cartilage in experimental inflammatory TMJOA
Authors: Liu Xin , Feng Yaping , Liu Wen , Li Huimin , Hu Zhihui , Hu Shiyu , Ke Jin , Long Xing
Published: December 2020

Objective

Synovial inflammation and intra‐articular excessive pressure were accepted as two predominant etiologies for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) exerts roles both in certain inflammation‐ and pressure‐induced diseases. We aim to detect the role of TLR2 in the synovitis‐ or discectomy‐induced TMJOA mice.

Materials and methods

Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐ and discectomy‐induced TMJOA mice were established, and pretreated with TLR2 inhibitor CU‐CPT22. Synovial inflammation, deterioration of cartilage and subchondral bone were measured by H&E and Safranin‐O staining, as well as micro‐CT. Western blotting was utilized to quantify TLR2's effect in inflammation‐ or pressure‐stimulated chondrocytes derived from rat TMJs.

Results

Obvious synovitis occurred in CFA‐injection mice, while unapparent inflammatory change in discectomy mice. TLR2 elevated in cartilage and synovium of CFA‐injection mice, whereas no alterations in discectomy mice. TLR2 contributed to the synovitis, deterioration of cartilage and subchondral bone in CFA‐injection mice instead of discectomy mice. TLR2 induced the production of inflammatory and catabolic factors in rat chondrocytes by IL‐1β other than pressure.

Conclusion

Toll‐like receptor 2 mediates synovitis, damage of cartilage and subchondral bone in CFA‐induced TMJOA model, but not discectomy‐induced TMJOA. TLR2 could be a potential target to prevent the deterioration of early phase TMJOA.
HIF‐1α regulates osteoclast activation and mediates osteogenesis during mandibular bone repair via CT‐1
Authors: Tian Yuanye , Shao Qi , Tang Yi , Li Xinzhao , Qi Xin , Jiang Runyang , Liang Yi , Kang Feiwu
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Hypoxia is one of the characteristics of microenvironmental changes after orthognathic surgery for fractures. HIF‐1α is a main regulator of the hypoxic response and plays a crucial role in bone formation, remodelling, and homeostasis. Osteoclasts participate in bone absorption and affect osteogenesis, and osteoclasts differentiate in a path from the oxygen‐rich bone marrow to oxygen‐deficient bone lesions. Thus, we aimed to study the key functions of HIF‐1α in osteoclasts during mandibular healing after osteotomy.

Materials and Methods

The function of HIF‐1α in osteoclasts during fracture healing in osteoclast‐specific HIF‐1α‐conditional‐knockout mice was investigated in mandibular osteotomy. Primary osteoclasts were used to explore the expression of HIF‐1α and cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1) at both the mRNA and protein levels. The ability of BMSCs co‐cultured with conditioned media from osteoclast‐specific HIF‐1α‐knockout primary osteoclasts was detected using osteoclast‐mediated osteogenesis experiments.

Results

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α increased osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, and a delay in bone healing was found in osteoclast‐specific HIF‐1α‐conditional‐knockout mice compared with normal mice. HIF‐1α‐knockout primary osteoclasts inhibited bone resorption and CT‐1 expression, and HIF‐1α enhanced the osteoclast‐mediated stimulation of BMSC differentiation by secreting CT‐1.

Conclusions

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α can play a key role in the physiology and pathogenesis of bone resorption by promoting osteoclastogenesis during fracture and influencing osteogenesis through CT‐1 during bone healing.
The Effect of a PEEK Material‐Based External Fixator in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures with Non‐Transarticular External Fixation
Authors: Xie Mao , Cao Yinghao , Cai Xianyi , Shao Zengwu , Nie Ke , Xiong Liming
Published: December 2020

Objective

To explore the effect of a PEEK material‐based external fixator in the treatment of distal radius fractures with non‐transarticular external fixation.

Methods

There were 48 patients in this prospective comparative study. They were divided into two groups according to the materials used: the PEEK group and the titanium group. Wrist dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, pronation, supination, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, grip strength of the palm on the affected side, kneading force, Visual Analogue Scale/Score (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, operation time, frequency of fluoroscopy procedures, and X‐ray results were compared between the two groups. Functional recovery was evaluated at the last follow‐up according to the wrist joint evaluation criteria.

Results

The baseline data were comparable between the two groups, and no significant differences were found in age, sex, fracture types (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the results of DASH, grip strength, and recovery of pinch force and wrist function (dorsiflexion, clavicle, ulnar deviation, deviation, pronation, and supination) (P > 0.05). Normal limb function was achieved in the two groups of patients at an average of 6 weeks after surgery, and there was no significant difference in X‐ray examination radial height (10.60 ± 1.59 vs 11.00 ± 1.53, P = 0.687), radial inclination (1.11 ± 0.24 vs 1.12 ± 0.24, P = 0.798), volar tilt (10.33 ± 2.13 vs 10.00 ± 2.08, P = 0.660), ulnar variance (20.87 ± 3.00 vs 20.38 ± 3.04, P = 0.748), and step‐off persistence (1.73 ± 0.69 vs 1.68 ± 0.72, P = 0.425) between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the operation time (54.80 ± 12.20 vs 85.23 ± 15.14, P = 0.033) and number of fluoroscopy procedures (36.93 ± 6.89 vs 64.77 ± 9.74, P = 0.000) in the PEEK group were significantly reduced compared with those in the titanium group.

Conclusion

Compared with the traditional titanium external fixator, the PEEK composite external fixator has advantages, such as a shorter operation time and fewer fluoroscopy procedures when used to treat different types of distal radius fracture.
Prevalence of childhood wheeze and modified DNA methylation at 7 years of age according to maternal folate levels during pregnancy in the Hokkaido Study
Authors: Miyashita Chihiro , Araki Atsuko , Miura Ryu , Ait Bamai Yu , Kobayashi Sumitaka , Itoh Sachiko , Ito Kumiko , Tsai Meng‐Shan , Kishi Reiko
Published: December 2020

Background

A high dose of folic acid during pregnancy may increase the risk of asthma, wheezing, and respiratory disease in childhood. Folate acid can modify inflammation and immune susceptibility of offspring with some epigenetic differentiation, including DNA methylation. This study evaluated associations between maternal folate levels during pregnancy and childhood wheezing; furthermore, the study assessed whether maternal folate‐modified DNA methylation is related to asthma.

Methods

Participants in the current study were 6651 mother‐child pairs who had complete data on characteristics and who had completed at least one of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaires when the child was 1, 2, 4, and 7 years of age. Moreover, a case‐control study to assess DNA methylation at 7 years of age was conducted among 136 children who experienced wheezing and a control group of 139 children with no history of allergies.

Results

The median of maternal serum was 16.76 nmol/L, assayed by chemiluminescent immunoassay. We found significantly increased adjusted odds ratios of childhood wheezing at 2 years age according to maternal folate levels, compared with the lowest folate quartile (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = highest; 1.27 [1.03, 1.56], and second, 1.27 [1.05, 1.55]); however, no changes were observed at 1, 4, and 7 years of age. In a case‐control study, no association of maternal folate levels with DNA methylation was observed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that maternal folate did not affect persistent wheezing in school‐aged children, or DNA methylation of gasdermin B, orosomucoid‐like 3, and Ikaros family zinc finger 3 at 7 years of age.
The multilocular trait of rapeseed is ideal for high‐yield breeding
Authors: Xu Ping , Wang Xiaohua , Dai Shengjie , Cui Xiaoyu , Cao Xue , Liu Zhenning , Shen Jinxiong
Published: December 2020

The multilocular trait is generally considered as a desirable agricultural trait for the high‐yield breeding of Brassica crops and has attracted considerable attention. The siliques of multilocular plants contain more chambers and seeds than those of bilocular rapeseed varieties and, thus, have a higher yield. Furthermore, multilocular plants are precious germplasm resources for the breeding of Brassica crops. In this article, we provide a summary of researches regarding the multilocular trait in rapeseed, including its natural germplasms, silique morphology, genetic models, and regulatory mechanisms. The study will highlight the potential of multilocular rapeseed for high‐yield breeding.
Hair and skin predict cardiomyopathies: Carvajal and erythrokeratodermia cardiomyopathy syndromes
Authors: Sun Qisi , Wine Lee Lara , Hall E Kevin , Choate Keith A. , Elder Robert W.
Published: December 2020

Carvajal and erythrokeratodermia cardiomyopathy syndromes (EKC) are rare, inherited cardiocutaneous disorders with potentially fatal consequences in young children. Some patients display features of congestive heart failure and rapidly deteriorate; others exhibit no evident warning signs until sudden death reveals underlying heart disease. We present two patients to illustrate the characteristic hair, skin, teeth, and nail abnormalities, which—especially when distinct from that of other family members—should prompt cardiac evaluation and genetic analysis. In this article, we discuss established treatments as well as a promising, novel therapeutic that has led to nearly complete resolution of the cutaneous and cardiac pathology in EKC syndrome.
Optimal selection of virtual control points with planar constraints for large‐scale block adjustment of satellite imagery
Authors: Tong Xiaohua , Fu Qing , Liu Shijie , Wang Hanyu , Ye Zhen , Jin Yanmin , Chen Peng , Xu Xiong , Wang Chao , Liu Sicong , Hong Zhonghua , Luan Kuifeng
Published: December 2020

In large‐scale block adjustment of high‐resolution satellite imagery (HRSI) without ground control points (GCPs), the selection of virtual control points (VCPs) is an important factor in determining the block adjustment accuracy. The traditional VCP generation method is based on a regular grid and uses the initial rational polynomial coefficient (RPC) files but without considering topographic factors. To further improve the accuracy, this paper proposes an approach for the optimal selection of VCPs with planar constraints, which ensures that the VCPs are mostly in areas with small elevation differences and are not influenced by vegetation and buildings. A three‐step approach generates the 3D coordinates of tie points based on forward intersection, calculates their mean values and finally selects optimal VCPs using a threshold value. Experiments conducted using ZY3‐01 satellite images show the accuracy of the proposed method without GCPs outperforms the existing method.
Seasonal Differences in the UVA/UVB Ratio of Natural Sunlight Influence the Efficiency of the Photoisomerization of (6‐4) Photoproducts into their Dewar Valence Isomers
Authors: Nishimura Kazuki , Ikehata Hironobu , Douki Thierry , Cadet Jean , Sugiura Shigeki , Mori Toshio
Published: December 2020

The UVA and UVB components of sunlight can produce three classes of bipyrimidine DNA photolesions [cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6‐4PPs) and related Dewar valence isomers (DewarPPs)]. The UVA/UVB ratio of sunlight is high in winter and low in summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Since UVB radiation produces 6‐4PPs and UVA radiation converts them into DewarPPs through photoisomerization, it is expected that there may be differences in the photoisomerization of 6‐4PPs between summer and winter, although that has never been documented. To determine that, isolated DNA was exposed to natural sunlight for 8 h in late summer and in winter, and absolute levels of the three classes of photolesions were quantified using calibrated ELISAs. It was found that sunlight produces CPDs and 6‐4PPs in DNA at a ratio of about 9:1 and converts approximately 80% of 6‐4PPs into DewarPPs within 3 h. Moreover, photoisomerization is more efficient in winter than in late summer after sunlight irradiation for the same duration, at similar solar UV doses and with the same induction level of CPDs. These results demonstrate that seasonal differences in the UVA/UVB ratio influence the efficiency of the photoisomerization of 6‐4PPs into DewarPPs.
ASTER mapping of gypsum deposits of Thumrait region of southern Oman
Authors: Rajendran Sankaran , Nasir Sobhi
Published: December 2020

This study demonstrates the use of ASTER data for the mapping of gypsum deposits and associated geological formations that occurred in the Thumrait region of southern Oman. The measurement of spectra over samples of gypsum in the 1,300–2,500 nm wavelength using a PIMA spectrometer showed the presence of distinct absorptions at 1400–1600, 1750, 1940, 2,100, and 2,400 nm characteristics to OH stretching, H2O combinations, and SO bending overtones and stretching, respectively. Studying the unique spectral absorption characters of gypsum samples, we developed a false color composite (FCC) and an image by decorrelation stretch using the spectral bands 7, 3, and 2 of ASTER. The results FCC showed the regions of gypsum occurrences, and the decorrelated image discriminated the gypsum occurrences from other geological formations of the area. The study of surface mineralogy of the region using the VNIR‐SWIR bands by the spectral angle mapper method showed the presence of sulfate, carbonate, and clay minerals of the geological formations in the study area. We compared the results of ASTER with the results obtained using spectral bands 12, 8, and 4 of Sentinel‐2A processed by the same methods. The study showed that the spectral bands of ASTER can be used for mapping the gypsum and associated geological formations.